bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Entwicklung der Beschäftigten in der Chemischen Industrie der Schweiz von 1985 bis 1998 Die Entwicklung der Beschäftigten in der Chemischen Industrie der Schweiz von 1985 bis 1998
Authors: Neier Reinhard
Published: June 2006

A graphical representation of the number of people employed by the chemical industry in Switzerland is presented. The number of production sites and the number of persons employed by the chemical industry is relatively small compared to the total number of people in paid employment
in Switzerland, however the importance of chemical industry for the Swiss economy is extremely large. Two additional maps show the trends in these figures for 1985–1991 and 1991–1998. To obtain these data the Swiss Federal Statistical Office has included people working part-time
and calculated the full-time equivalents based on the figures obtained by evaluating the number of production sites. This procedure allows numbers to be obtained that are reliable and significant. The geographical distribution is no surprise and shows that the major center of activity is the
region of Basel, which is responsible for almost one third of the work places. In addition to the 'Regio Basiliensis' the central part of Switzerland between the Lake Constance and Lake Geneva has a relatively high density of chemical industry that is almost evenly distributed. A concentration
of chemical industry is also found around the big cities Geneva, Lausanne, and Zürich. In the alpine region there are several major centers of chemical production especially in the cantons Valais and Grisons. The development of the figures of the number of fulltime equivalents between
1985 and 1991 shows some increase in the numbers, whereas between 1991 and 1998 a decrease has occurred. The changes in the chemical industry are in accordance with the general observation of the employment figures for the whole of Switzerland, which reflects the development of the economy
during this period. The largest fluctuations are clearly seen in the region of Basel. However one has to take into account that the procedure of counting of production sites attributes one major activity to each independent site and all the employees of one site are then counted as employees
of this category. Outsourcing and splitting of activities into different societies may have influenced the results of this evaluation.
Experimental Determination of Safety Parameters of Chemicals Détermination Expérimentale des Paramètres de Sécurité des Produits Chimiques
Authors: Pythoud Serge R.
Published: June 2006

Chemicals – as all other products – can present two hazards: in condensed form, thermal decomposition by external heating or by internal heat accumulation, in scattered form, explosion. These hazards, common for all materials, each have specific characteristics and must
be evaluated or measured. For this evaluation, scientists have elaborated tests, initially qualitative, which have allowed, using a large safety margin and a good know-how, the safe production and storage of chemicals for many years. Later, with the improvement of measurement techniques, we
could use new quantitative tests, with better accuracy, and some computing methods. In fact, using the new available software, we can solve nearly all safety problems in relation with the chemical behavior, reducing the uncertainty margin and the safety margin, and meeting current economic
requirements.
Process for the Continuous Production of Fatty Acid Esters via Reactive Distillation
Authors: Von Scala Claudia , Moritz Peter , Fässler Peter
Published: June 2006

Sulzer Chemtech develops chemical processes in close collaboration with its customers that lead to lower operating and investment costs as well as reduced environmental impact, while at the same time increasing the yield. In this context, innovative technologies and collaboration in
global teams play an important role. This is exemplified by the continuous production of fatty acid esters using reactive distillation.
N-Sulfonyl Amino Acid Amides, a Novel Class of Compounds with Fungicidal Activity [1]
Authors: Cederbaum Fredrik , De Mesmaeker Alain , Jeanguenat André , Kempf Hans-Joachim , Lamberth Clemens , Schnyder Anita , Zeller Martin , Zeun Ronald
Published: June 2006

Novel types of oomycete fungicides have been designed and prepared. The synthetic approach to these N-sulfonyl amino acid amides is outlined. Bioassays demonstrate their high efficacy against important plant diseases like Phytophthora infestans (tomato and potato late blight)
and Plasmopara viticola (grape downy mildew). Structure–activity relationship studies are discussed.
Azine Derivatives as a New Generation of Insect Growth Regulators
Authors: Eberle Martin , Farooq Saleem , Jeanguenat André , Mousset Deborah , Steiger Arthur , Trah Stephan , Zambach Werner , Rindlisbacher Alfred
Published: June 2006

A new generation of insect-growth-regulator insecticides, the azines, are presented. They inhibit the chitin biosynthesis process and are active against lepidopteran pests. Their synthesis and a structure–activity relationship will be discussed.
Azido-Neonicotinoids as Candidate Photoaffinity Probes for Insect Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors [1]
Authors: Maienfisch Peter , Haettenschwiler Joerg , Rindlisbacher Alfred , Decock Arnaud , Wellmann Henning , Kayser Hartmut
Published: June 2006

The neonicotinoids are the most successful chemical class of insecticides reaching sales of more than 630 Mio $ in 2001, mainly due to the excellent market performance of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. The insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the targets for
these compounds, which are highly effective against a variety of sucking and chewing insects. Compared with the other neonicotinoid sales products, thiamethoxam binds in a different way, possibly to a different site of nAChRs in aphids. To gain further insight into the different modes of binding,
a research program applying the photoaffinity labeling technique was started. A series of novel candidate photoaffinity probes containing a 5-azido-6-chloropyridin-3-ylmethyl group were prepared from 5-azido-6-chloropyridin-3-ylmethyl chloride, which was obtained in three steps from 6-chloropyridin-3-ylmethyl
chloride. These probes showed good to excellent contact/feeding and systemic activity against Myzus persicae, however, they were at least 4- to 16-fold less effective against Aphis craccivora, Nilaparvata lugens, Spodoptera littoralis, and Diabrotica balteata than the
neonicotinoid sales products. In general, the introduction of an azide group at C(5) of the 6-chloropyridin-3-ylmethyl substituent resulted in reduced potency as well as in a narrower pest spectrum. In competition binding assays with [3H]imidacloprid, analogues of imidacloprid,
clothianidin, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam containing a 5-azido-6-chloropyridin-3-ylmethyl group showed high displacing potency with nAChRs from Aphis and Myzus (Ki values: 2 to 27 nM) suggesting that these compounds are valuable candidate photoaffinity probes.
Taking into account the biological screening activity as well as the receptor binding potency, 1-(5-azido-6-chloropyridin-3-ylmethyl)-2-nitroimino-imidazolidine, N-(5-azido-6-chloropyridin-3-ylmethyl)-N?-methyl-N?-nitroguanidine and 3-(5-azido-6-chloropyridin-3-ylmethyl)-2-cyanoimino-thiazolidine
were identified as the preferred candidate neonicotinoid photoaffinity probes to study the imidacloprid binding site.
Signer's Gift – Rudolf Signer and DNA
Authors: Meili Matthias
Published: June 2006

In early May 1950, Bern chemistry professor Rudolf Signer traveled to a meeting of the Faraday Society in London with a few grams of DNA to report on his success in the isolation of nucleic acids from calf thymus glands. After the meeting, he distributed his DNA samples to interested
parties amongst those present. One of the recipients was Maurice Wilkins, who worked intensively with nucleic acids at King's College in London. The outstanding quality of Signer's DNA – unique at that time – enabled Maurice Wilkins' colleague Rosalind Franklin to make the famous
X-ray fiber diagrams that were a decisive pre-requisite for the discovery of the DNA double helix by James Watson and Francis Crick in the year 1953. Rudolf Signer, however, had already measured the physical characteristics of native DNA in the late thirties. In an oft-quoted work which he
published in Nature in 1938, he described the thymonucleic acid as a long, thread-like molecule with a molecular weight of 500,000 to 1,000,000, in which the base rings lie in planes perpendicular to the long axis of the molecule. Signer's achievements and contributions to DNA research have,
however, been forgotten even in Switzerland.
Quinazolin-4-ones, Thienopyrimidin-4-ones and Related Compounds: New Highly Active Powdery Mildewicides [1]
Authors: Walter Harald , Zeun Ronald
Published: June 2006

In this short review, new quinazolinones and thieno-pyrimidinones with outstanding powdery mildew activity are introduced. The most important inventions of two major players in this field, DuPont and Syngenta, are presented and interesting strategies for the synthesis of 2-alkoxy-3-alkylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones
and related compounds are discussed in detail. The biological activities of selected compounds including the highlights, 6-bromo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4-one and 6-chloro-2-propoxy-3-propylthieno[2,3-d]-pyrimidin-4-one are compared and discussed.
Physical and Molecular Properties of Agrochemicals: An Analysis of Screen Inputs, Hits, Leads, and Products
Authors: Clarke Eric D. , Delaney John S.
Published: June 2006

This work provides a comprehensive overview of agrochemical properties in terms of the way they change during progression from screen hit to product and in terms of their limits as expressed in modern commercial products. Most herbicides and fungicides readily meet the Lipinski 'rule
of five' criteria for drug-like compounds with many meeting the more constrained limits reported for pharmaceutical leads.
The Crocacins: Novel Natural Products as Leads for Agricultural Fungicides
Authors: Crowley Patrick J. , Worthington Paul A. , Swanborough Joe , Sageot Olivia-Anabelle , Munns Gordon R. , Devillers Ingrid M. , Godfrey Christopher R.A. , Gillen Kevin , Aspinall Ian H. , Williams John
Published: June 2006

A short route to the synthesis of analogues of the antifungal but unstable natural product crocacin D was developed. A wide range of compounds were made in which the complex side chain was replaced by simple aromatic units, and many of them showed high activity in a mitochondrial beef
heart respiration assay. Some of these compounds were active against plant pathogenic fungi of agricultural importance in glasshouse tests. In order to find compounds with greater stability than the natural crocacins, the photolabile (Z)-enamide was replaced with many different moieties,
but none gave rise to useful fungicidal activity.
Phenol Adsorption from Dilute Aqueous Solutions by Carbons
Authors: Fernandez Elena , Gotovac Suzana , Hugi-Cleary Deirdre , López-Ramón Victoria , Stoeckli Fritz
Published: June 2006

The adsorption of phenol from dilute aqueous solutions by seven activated carbons and one non-porous carbon black is reported. It is confirmed that the equilibrium can be described by a modified Dubinin-Radushkevich-Kaganer equation, with exponent n = 4 and Es = (1.03 ±
0.18)Eo. At low equilibrium concentrations, phenol and its derivatives are adsorbed as monolayers by both non-porous and porous carbons. However, water is preferentially adsorbed on the oxygen-containing surface complexes, which reduces the area available to phenol and its derivatives
by 71 m2 per mmol of surface oxygen.
Covalently Bound Plasticized PVC Membranes for Solid State Ion-Selective Devices
Authors: Van der Wal Peter D. , Zielinska-Paciorek Renata , De Rooij Nicolaas F.
Published: June 2006

A method is described that makes it possible to covalently link plasticized PVC membranes to glass and other oxide surfaces. It involves the addition of an amine-group containing silane coupling agent and a heating step. Using this method, ion-sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs)
were modified with ion-selective plasticized PVC-membranes. The ion-selective properties of these devices were similar to those of devices prepared without linking the membrane to the surface, while the adhesion was dramatically improved.
The NCCR Plant Survival at the University of Neuchâtel – The Role of Chemistry in an Interdisciplinary Swiss Research Network
Authors: Vogelgsang Susanne , Abou-Mansour Eliane , Guerin Patrick , Hoballah Maria Elena , Turlings Ted , Tabacchi Raffaele
Published: June 2006

The survival of plants is of fundamental importance to guarantee the biodiversity in natural areas and a sustainable agriculture. The National Centre of Competence in Research 'Plant Survival in Natural and Agricultural Ecosystems' devotes its research efforts to the understanding of
mechanisms of plant survival. The mechanisms that plants employ to adapt to their biotic and abiotic environment and to cope with important stress factors are investigated. This is achieved by interdisciplinary interaction of disciplines within the NCCR. The particular role played by natural
products and analytical chemistry in seven different projects is summarized.
The Characterization of Non-Porous Surfaces by a Combination of the BET and the Dubinin-Radushkevich-Kaganer (DRK) Theories
Authors: Hugi-Cleary Deirdre , Wermeille Sandra , Stoeckli Fritz
Published: June 2006

The characterization of non-porous surfaces by the BET and the DRK techniques should be complementary. However, the monolayer capacities Nam obtained by these techniques may be different, with trends for the adsorption of simple molecules on a given surface. Assuming that
the BET monolayer is correct, its use in the DRK equation leads to exponents n different from the standard value n = 2. This exponent is directly related to the width of ?(?), the distribution of the gas–solid adsorption energy ? for a given system. Therefore, the analysis
based on an extended DRK equation leads to information on the heterogeneity of the surface. For example, the data for adsorption of simple molecules physisorbed on a non-porous silica, on the (111) face of rhombic sulphur and on graphitised carbon blacks lead to average exponents of 1.2, 2.0
and 2.2 respectively, with specific scaling factors ?. In the case of nitrogen adsorbed on SiO2, the value n = 1.8 suggests the presence of specific interactions.
Efficient Expression and Mutation of Avidin and Streptavidin as Host Proteins for Enantioselective Catalysis
Authors: Zocchi Andrea , Humbert Nicolas , Berta Temugin , Ward Thomas R.
Published: June 2006

Avidin and structurally related streptavidin are attractive host proteins for the creation of artificial metalloenzymes displaying features reminiscent both of homogeneous catalysts and enzymes. The main advantages are that both proteins have been cloned and expressed in several organisms
and possess a deep hydrophobic binding pocket capable of hosting biotinylated catalyst precursors. An optimized artificial avidin gene in Pichia pastoris is expressed. The high level of active protein produced in the extracellular medium is suitable for the performance of high-throughput
screening in 96-well plate format. Biologically active recombinant streptavidin is expressed in E. coli. Mutations have been introduced both in avidin and streptavidin genes and both wild type and mutated proteins have been utilized to explore the role of the second coordination sphere
in enantioselective catalysis.
Sorting Activities in Plant Cells
Authors: Kessler Felix , Neuhaus J.-M.
Published: June 2006

Eucaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi, etc.) are subdivided in membrane-bound compartments (organelles), such as the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, vacuoles, etc. Most organellar proteins are encoded in the nucleus and synthesized in the cytoplasm. Proper sorting
of proteins is required to establish and maintain organellar identity. Molecular machineries at the organelle surfaces specifically recognize targeting sequences of their cognate proteins and mediate their translocation across membranes. Proteins destined for the vacuoles are first translocated
across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, packaged into vesicles, transported to the Golgi, where they are sorted into specific vesicles and subsequently carried to the different types of vacuoles. Though plant cells share many features with animal and yeast cells, chloroplasts and distinct
lytic and storage vacuoles are unique to plants. Here, we discuss import of proteins into the chloroplast as well as selective sorting of proteins to either the lytic or the storage vacuole.
Non-Linear Effects in Asymmetric Reactions: Negative and Positive Stereoselectivity in the Formation of Homoleptic 1:2 Metal to Ligand Complexes of Chiral 1,9-Disubstituted Semicorrin Ligands
Authors: Guicher Nathalie , Stoeckli-Evans Helen , Bernauer Klaus
Published: June 2006

The stereoselectivity of the formation of bis-chelates with the 1,9-disubstituted chiral semicorrin ligands (1S,9S)-dimethyl 5-cyanosemicorrin-1,9-dicarboxylate (1) for Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Pd2+ and with its (1S,9S)-diethyl
analogue 2 for Co2+ and Cu2+ have been measured by the method of continuous variation of enantiomers, and with 1 for Zn2+ by NMR. Positive selectivities were found for Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ complexes, whereas very
high negative selectivities prevail in the complexes of Cu2+ and Pd2+. These results are rationalised by X-ray structural determinations of some of the corresponding complexes. The optically active Cu2+ and Pd2+ complexes show distorted square planar
structures with chirality predetermined by the chirality of the ligand. Ni2+ complexes are five or hexacoordinated and exhibit a distorted tetrahedral arrangement of the four coordinated nitrogen atoms. In the optically active compound the ester moiety is coordinated by the oxygen
atom of the alkoxy group and the arrangement of the two N-N chelate rings shows ?-(S,S) chirality. Interestingly, with the racemic ligand, it is not the more stable heterochiral, but the racemic complex containing the two homochiral enantiomers which is obtained. The coordination
of the ester groups occurs by the carbonyl oxygen and the chirality is opposite to the optically active compound, e.g ?(S,S)/?-(R,R). The structure of the optically active zinc compound shows very weak interaction with the alkoxy group of one
ester moiety of each ligand molecule and the chirality of the N-N-chelate rings is ?-(S,S). Again, the compound obtained with the racemic ligand contains the enantiomers of the homochiral complex, the chirality of which is ?-(R,R)/?-(S,S).
The results are discussed with respect to the possibility to perform asymmetric amplifications of the 1:1 complexes of semicorrin ligands as enantioselective catalysts.
BENEFRI - Small Molecule Crystallography Service
Authors: Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: June 2006

BENEFRI is a convention involving the Universities of Bern, Neuchâtel and Fribourg. It was established in 1993 and the branch convention in chemistry was signed in 1994. The objective is to promote co-operation between the Institutes of Chemistry of the three universities. In
this way it is hoped to economize on equipment and to establish joint teaching and research projects. The BENEFRI – Small Molecule Crystallography Service – was established in 1997 with this view in mind.
In situ Spectroscopy of Catalytic Solid–Liquid Interfaces and Chiral Surfaces
Authors: Bürgi Thomas
Published: June 2006

This contribution gives an overview of our recent effort to probe catalytic solid–liquid interfaces in situ and to investigate recognition processes at chiral surfaces. Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy in a dedicated low volume flow-through cell is used
to investigate the working catalytic interface. The latter technique is combined with modulation spectroscopy, which relies on the perturbation of the system under investigation by a periodically varying external parameter. A digital phase-sensitive detection results in high quality spectra.
The method furthermore yields kinetic information and helps disentangle complex spectra. The described tool is therefore ideally suited for the investigation of complex systems. Applications in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis and recognition at chiral solid–liquid interfaces are
presented. Our aim is a better molecular level understanding of these processes and, based on this knowledge, a rational design of better catalyst materials.
Stereoselective Bioreduction to a Chiral Building Block on a Kilogram Scale
Authors: Jablonski-Lorin Christelle , Melillo Vito , Hungerbühler Ernst
Published: June 2006

The highly stereoselective bioreduction of ethyl cyclohexanone-2-carboxylate (1) on a kilogram scale is described. Ethyl(1S,2S)-trans-2-hydroxycyclohexane carboxylate (2) was prepared in 56% yield with a diastereomeric ratio (dr) of 99:1 and an enantiomeric
ratio (er) of 99.5:0.5 after rectification. The cell growth and the biotransformation were performed in a large wave bioreactor equipped with a 200 l cell bag at Novartis Pharma AG, while the different purification steps were performed at the FHBB (Muttenz). The fourth semester chemistry students
at the FHBB were actively involved in the preparation and optimization of the entire process.
Application of Multidimensional (Heart-Cut) Gas Chromatography to the Analysis of Complex Mixtures of Organic Pollutants in Environmental Samples
Authors: De Alencastro Luiz Felippe , Grandjean Dominique , Tarradellas Joseph
Published: June 2006

This contribution presents some applications developed in our laboratory of multidimensional (heart-cut) gas chromatography (MDGC) applied to the analysis of complex mixtures of pollutants in environmental samples. Practical aspects of this technique as well as qualitative and quantitative
examples are discussed. Determination of trace levels of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) with MDGC-ECD/ECD and MDGC-ECD/MS in fish, mussels, or sewage sludge is presented.
On the Global Distribution of Persistent Organic Pollutants
Authors: Fernández Pilar , Grimalt Joan O.
Published: June 2006

The global distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has become one of the main environmental problems in the last decade. This article gives an overview of the main contributions to the knowledge of the atmospheric transport and accumulation mechanisms of POPs in remote
areas, based on their analysis in selected environmental compartments from high altitude mountain regions of Europe. The studies indicated that transport and deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are mainly linked to atmospheric particles. Consequently, wet and dry deposition are
the main removal processes of these compounds from the atmosphere, resulting in a significant influence of regional sources. In contrast, gas exchange seems to be the main input mechanism of organochlorine compounds (OCs) from the atmosphere to terrestrial and aquatic systems. For these compounds,
an altitude dependence of their accumulation in fish muscle and sediments was detected, with a major retention of the less volatile compounds (vapor pressure ? 10?2.5 Pa) in the locations situated at higher altitude, those of lower annual average temperature, whereas no
relationship was observed for more volatile OCs. The results represent a new aspect in the Global Distillation Effect theory as proposed for semivolatile persistent pollutants, indicating that this transport mechanism not only involves transfer from low to high latitudes, but also preferential
accumulation of the less volatile compounds in high altitude regions of mid-latitude areas.
Micropollutants in the Sediment of the SaiGon–DongNai River: Situation and Ecological Risks
Authors: Anh Mai Tuan , Do Hong Lan Chi , Nguyen Ngoc Vinh , Thi Cam Loan Tu , Minh Triet Lam , Slooten Kristin Becker-Van , Tarradellas Joseph
Published: June 2006

This study is dedicated to the monitoring of environmental pollution in the SaiGon–DongNai (SGDN) river basin using ecotoxicological tests recently developed by the Institute for Environment and Resources (IER-CEFINEA). This paper presents the results of the analysis of micropollutants
(pesticides and heavy metals); it also considers the effects of such pollutants on ecosystems. Results show that SGDN river sediments are contaminated by industrial and agricultural effluents. Although the pollution level does not exceed the probable effect level (PEL) value, SGDN sediments
appear to have reached a toxicity level that should be monitored.
Approaches for Quantifying the Attenuation of Wastewater-Derived Contaminants in the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Sedlak David L. , Pinkston Karen E. , Gray James L. , Kolodziej Edward P.
Published: June 2006

The effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants contains trace concentrations of a variety of organic compounds. To assess the removal of these compounds in full-scale treatment systems and effluent-receiving waters, approaches are needed for quantifying removal rates and mechanisms.
For processes that result in near complete removal of wastewater-derived contaminants, it is reasonable to measure concentrations entering and leaving the treatment system. However, for those compounds that are not completely removed, alternative methods are needed. This paper describes several
examples of approaches that combine laboratory and field studies to assess the attenuation of wastewater-derived contaminants.
Occurrence and Fate of Antibiotics as Trace Contaminants in Wastewaters, Sewage Sludges, and Surface Waters
Authors: Giger Walter , Alder Alfredo C. , Golet Eva M. , Kohler Hans-Peter E. , McArdell Christa S. , Molnar Eva , Siegrist Hansrudolf , Suter Marc J.-F.
Published: June 2006

Environmental analytical studies show that trace concentrations of antibacterial agents (antibiotics) occur in hospital and municipal wastewaters and in the aquatic environment. Fluoroquinolones and macrolides, two important human-use antibiotic classes, were studied in detail. The
results are discussed regarding input sources and behavior in wastewater treatment and rivers. The fluoroquinolones ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin are substantially eliminated in wastewater treatment (80–90%) by sorption transfer to sewage sludge. In digested sludges the fluoroquinolones
occur at mg/kg levels. Ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin are further removed in the Glatt river by 66 and 48%, respectively. The most abundant macrolide clarithromycin was detected at 57 to 330 ng/l concentrations in treated wastewater effluents. Different compositions of the macrolides (clarithromycin
and erythromycin-H2O) determined in treated effluents of three wastewater treatment plants can be explained by distinct consumption patterns, in one case due to an international airport located in the catchment area. Residual levels of clarithromycin in the Glatt river were up to
75 ng/l with no apparent removal in the river. These results provide important information on environmental exposures, which can be incorporated into environmental risk assessments of the particular chemicals.
SENSORIX AG: Development, Optimization, and Control of Biotechnological Processes Through Continuous Online Analytics with Chemical Sensors and Biosensors
Authors: Rothmaier Markus
Published: June 2006

The four-year-old ETH Zürich spinoff company SENSORIX develops, produces and sells analytical instrumentation for process development, optimization and control in biotechnology. SENSORIX successfully launched its first products for fermentation and cell culture applications last
year. Based on a flexible and modular platform for biosensors and chemical sensors they can be tailored to match the changing needs of the customer quickly and easily. All the instruments are connected online to the bioprocess and deliver a continuous measurement signal.
TECHNOPARK® Zürich – The First Decade: A Success Story
Authors: De Senarclens Marina
Published: June 2006

TECHNOPARK® Zurich opened its doors ten years ago with the ambitious goal of providing the facilities and support for technology transfer from the academic institutions to industry. Since then the Technopark concept has proven itself convincingly with almost full occupancy
of the building with tenants from ETH and University of Applied Sciences Zürich institutes and new and established startup and spinoff companies. The success of the Technopark has also contributed to a revival of the immediate neighbourhood and the concept is now being repeated in Winterthur
and Lucerne. The recent Jubilee celebrations were marked by speeches by local dignitaries and the award of the TECHNOPARK® Zurich Foundation Prize to innovation wood (iwood AG).
ergonomie & technologie (e&t) GmbH: Ease of Use as an Important Factor for Safe, Reliable, and Efficient Processes
Authors: Müller Christopher H. , Felix Daniel
Published: June 2006

ergonomie & technologie (e&t) GmbH is a spinoff company of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zürich. Since 1993 ergonomie & technologie has supported numerous research and industrial development projects. Established shortly after the opening of Technopark
Zürich, ergonomie & technologie's usability-lab is the first and the most experienced in Switzerland. User-centered design, quality of use and user satisfaction take center stage in daily business. The main asset of ergonomie & technologie is its team of six usability-engineers,
behavioral scientists, psychologists, linguists and communication scientists. The team's know-how is based not only on the science and research background but also on the experience gained in many projects over the years.
Messinger Membrane Systems AG: MMS in Brief
Authors: Messinger Alain
Published: June 2006

In the design of bioseparation processes, it is necessary to harmonize the results of laboratory and pilot development work with engineering aspects at a very early stage of development. The early work of such process development defines the overall economics of a manufacturing process.
A biochemically oriented development of downstream processing must – from the beginning – be linked to industrial reality. Industrial reality means that the plant engineer is limited to predesigned devices such as pumps, valves, piping diameters, etc., whereas the process
designer can optimize the process within a much broader range of parameters. Problems arise when a multistep serial operation, such as downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals, is calculated by single laboratory and pilot scale tests but then, often too late, translated or integrated into
a continuous operated system. MMS offers equipment and techniques to develop novel multistep processes at the molecular level for industrial dimensions.
C-CIT AG: Providing Innovative Solutions in Chemical Sensor and Bioassay Technology
Authors: Abou-Hamdan Amira , Spichiger Stefan , Zhylyak Gleb
Published: June 2006

We herein present an overview of the history, goals and activities of C-CIT AG, a spinoff company from the ETHZ. C-CIT's mission statement is to be the world's leading provider of innovative sensor technology solutions and service excellence for the benefit of our customers. The common
concept our products share is the 'State of the Art Lab Comes to the Sample'. Our unique role remains our focus on developing innovative and value-added services and products in chemical sensor and bioassay technology.
Nobel Laureate Richard R. Ernst: Accepting Responsibility in a World Lacking Long-Term Objectives
Authors: De Senarclens Marina
Published: June 2006

Nobel Laureate Richard R. Ernst gave a keynote lecture on the occasion of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the TECHNOPARK® Zurich. He took advantage of the opportunity not only to congratulate the management on the very successful implementation of a promising concept,
but also to express his concerns regarding the current developments in society, economy, and politics.
Ten Years of TECHNOPARK® Zurich: An Enjoyable Milestone!
Authors: Von Waldkirch Thomas
Published: June 2006

The TECHNOPARK® Zurich was created ten years ago from the desire to facilitate technology transfer from science (ETH Zürich) to the market thus enabling the ETH to concentrate on its core competence of basic research. Careful selection of innovative startups and
spinoffs followed by support in networking and coaching have led to a much lower failure rate than average for such companies and the creation of more than 1000 jobs with the associated generation of tax revenue. Comparisons with similar projects in other countries such as the US have yielded
concrete points for improvement in Switzerland but also the recognition that the TECHNOPARK® concept works for Switzerland and will continue to grow and thrive in the future.
new MBR Multiple Bioreactors and Sterile Plant AG: Experienced, Traditional Swiss-Quality, Custom-made, Innovative Bioreactor (Fermentation) Plants
Authors: Berner Urs , Heller Willi , Brigatti Renato
Published: June 2006

The facilities of the new MBR Multiple Bioreactors and Sterile Plant AG are a state of the art, high Swiss-quality biotechnology plant building in a 150 m2 engineering office at Zürich-Oerlikon, a 500 m2 stainless-steel workshop and a 100 m2
clean assembly room at the Technopark Zürich. The engineering is executed by skilled and experienced engineers on several CAD computer stations. The workers at the workshops are highly skilled craftsmen, who work according to the CAD plans (isometric piping drawings, etc.) to manufacture
and assemble our state of the art, high Swiss-quality bioreactor plants. The shops are equipped with state of the art fabrication equipment and machines, such as Orbital welding machines, etc. to attain high Swiss-quality, and to guarantee this high quality we have all the necessary
state of the art inspection equipment such as a Boroscope (internal pipe inspection from eye or photo-camera or video-camera), ferrite measurements, surface roughness measurement device, etc. Before leaving the workshop all equipment is subjected to a FAT (factory acceptance test) under
supervision of the customers' inspectors, during which the equipment is tested with clean steam (clean steam generator, from purified water), clean water (from a purified water column), clean filtered air (air compressor) for all customer-specified functions.
Size Doesn't Matter: Scaffold Diversity, Shape Diversity and Biological Activity of Combinatorial Libraries
Authors: Sauer Wolfgang H.B. , Schwarz Matthias K.
Published: June 2006

Among questions of significant interest to the pharmaceutical industry are the relative merits of screening numerous libraries of moderate size (100,000 members)
of a limited selection of chemotypes. Using a newly developed computational method to assess the diversity in molecular shape associated with different compound sets, we have shown that single-scaffold libraries, irrespective of their size, are restricted to a limited range of molecular shapes,
whereas collections of several small libraries around distinct chemical scaffolds can produce a higher degree of shape diversity. A comparison of the molecular shape distribution patterns associated with different MDDR (MDL® Drug Data Report) subsets of known biological activities
corroborates the intuitive notion that molecular shape is intimately linked to biological activity, and that a high degree of shape (hence scaffold) diversity in screening collections will increase the odds of addressing a broad range of biological targets. In order to cope with the challenge
of assembling a portfolio of small libraries around various central scaffolds in a reasonable amount of time, the combinatorial chemist must now, more than ever, seek to optimize the synthetic outcome with respect to the efforts in terms of chemistry set-up and validation.
Automated Equipment for High-Throughput Experimentation
Authors: Brändli Christof , Maiwald Peter , Schröer Josef
Published: June 2006

Parallel automated equipment in compound handling has emerged from solely liquid transfer systems to integrated tools for sample preparation, chemical synthesis, work-up, purification, analysis, and finally screening. Nowadays, liquids as well as solids can be handled on the very same
robotic equipment. Selected examples from the field of organic synthesis, catalysis, and material science show the wide range of applications for high-throughput experimentation. The possibilities for process optimization and process development within the parallel approach are emphasized.
Applications of Parallel Synthesis to Lead Optimization
Authors: Altorfer Michael , Pitterna Thomas , Obrecht Jean-Pierre , Parkes Kevin E.B. , Merrett John H. , Martin Joseph A. , Maienfisch Peter , Klumpp Klaus , Jeanguenat André , Hillesheim Elke , Farooq Saleem , Fässler Jürg , Ermert Philipp , Obrecht Daniel
Published: June 2006

Parallel synthesis of focused compound libraries for hit confirmation and lead optimization are certainly important drivers for shortening the lead discovery phase in the pharmaceutical and crop protection industries. In this article we show with permission of Roche and Syngenta three
real case studies where Polyphor synthesized focused libraries for lead validation and optimization using high-throughput parallel synthesis and purification techniques. The three examples differ significantly in the synthetic strategies which were employed as well as in the chemical complexity
of the final products. A multigeneration approach towards insecticidal triazines, the application of a sequential three-component reaction towards insecticidal and fungicidal thiazoles and finally a multistep synthesis approach of advanced building blocks followed by a two-step final derivatization
towards novel antiviral N-hydroxy-indolin-2-ones are presented. In all cases 100–200 analogues were synthesized using parallel synthesis in solution followed by purification of the final products by parallel flash or high-throughput (unattended) HPLC (coupled to MS) within four months.
Promising biological results were obtained in all three cases.
The Department of Chemistry of the School of Engineering and Architecture, Fribourg, Defines its Development Strategy Le département de chimie de l'école d'ingénieurs et d'architectes de Fribourg affine sa stratégie
Authors: Rohrbasser Claude
Published: June 2006

The department of chemistry at the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg has defined, after its integration into the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland (HES-SO) two branches of development namely Computational and Industrial Chemistry (CIC) and Applied
Chemistry (AC, regrouping analytical, organic and physical chemistry). Both of them fit well into the strategy of the HES-SO and respond to the requirements defined by the federal law on the Universities of Applied Sciences. In this article the development strategies for both branches are
outlined and the human resources as well as the technical infrastructure required to implement these strategies are described.
Peptide Receptors – From Selective Molecular Recognition Towards Catalytic Activity
Authors: Wennemers Helma
Published: June 2006

The development of diketopiperazine receptors, a class of two-armed receptors that bind peptides with high selectivity, has been achieved by a combination of on-bead combinatorial binding assays and conformational analysis using X-ray crystal structure analysis and NMR spectroscopy.
Furthermore, a general method for the discovery of catalysts within split-and-mix libraries has been developed that is based on the co-immobilization of the potential catalyst and one reactant on the same bead.
Tetrahydroisoquinolines as Orexin Receptor Antagonists: Strategies for Lead Optimization by Solution-Phase Chemistry
Authors: Koberstein Ralf , Treiber Alexander , Sifferlen Thierry , Nayler Oliver , Mueller Celia , Jenck François , Fischli Walter , Clozel Martine , Bur Daniel , Aissaoui Hamed , Weller Thomas
Published: June 2006

Different techniques can be applied for the automated production of small and large compound collections. Large libraries that are often generated and tested during the lead-finding stage of a project are typically produced by solid-phase chemistry. Libraries that are significantly
smaller in size are often synthesized in solution. Chemistry in solution is rather versatile, offers numerous advantages and is therefore often the method of choice for generating small libraries during a lead optimization process. Fast and reliable purification procedures are required to
yield compounds of high quality that can be immediately used in biological as well as pharmacological assays. Solution-phase chemistry combined with automated purification was applied to optimize initial lead inhibitors for the two human orexin receptors OX1 and OX2. Starting from a submicro-molar
OX1 selective lead compound, low nanomolar analogues with improved physico-chemical properties were synthesized that antagonize either one or both orexin receptors.
Molecular Spectra, Reaction Dynamics, Symmetries and Life
Authors: Quack Martin
Published: June 2006

We provide a short review of the work of the group for molecular kinetics and spectroscopy at the Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of ETH Zürich contributing to our understanding of the fundamental physical-chemical primary processes in chemical reactions. After a brief historical
introduction, we present a selection of recent progress and thinking in three areas:1. Experiments in high resolution molecular spectroscopy leading us from an elucidation and unraveling of molecular infrared spectra to the understanding of the molecular reaction dynamics and fast intramolecular
processes from the nanosecond (1 ns = 10?9 s) to the femtosecond (1 fs = 10?15 s) and even sub-fs or attosecond (1 as = 10?18 s) domain.2. Theory of fundamental symmetries of physics and their violations in molecular spectra and dynamics
of chiral molecules with a discussion of possible consequences for the role of chirality in the origin of life.3. Speculative considerations on the relationship of spectra and dynamics of chiral molecules with the CPT theorem of physics and with the origin of matter and chiral life, and
on the relationship of time reversal symmetry violation with the molecular origin of irreversibility and with the possible molecular origin of thought.
Synthesis of Macrocyclic Ketones by Repeatable Two-Carbon Ring Expansion Reactions
Authors: Nagel Matthias , Fráter Georg , Hansen Hans-Jürgen
Published: June 2006

A novel and short method for the synthesis of macrocyclic alkanones has been developed: medium- and large-ring 1-vinylcycloalkanols can be transformed directly and efficiently into the isomeric, ring-expanded bishomologous macrocyclic ketones by a thermal 1,3-C shift rearrangement reaction
in the gas phase, carried out under dynamic conditions in a flow reactor system at high temperatures. This two-carbon ring enlargement protocol involves only two steps and is easily repeatable, since the obtained cyclic ketones can directly be used as starting materials for the subsequent
analogous two-carbon ring insertion reactions. Alkyl substituents at the vinylic side chain are transferred to the ring-expanded ketone as corresponding ?- and ?-substituents, respectively. Therefore, this thermo-isomerization process provides not only a short route to cycloalkanones
but also to many alkyl-substituted macrocyclic ketones, such as, e.g. the musk odorant (±)-muscone. A reaction mechanism via alkyl hydroxyallyl biradical intermediates is proposed.
Non-Covalent Inhibitors of the 20S Proteasome
Authors: García-Echeverría Carlos , Imbach Patricia , Roesel Johannes , Fuerst Peter , Lang Marc , Guagnano Vito , Noorani Maria , Zimmermann Johann , Furet Pascal
Published: June 2006

Peptidomimetics have been commonly used as lead compounds to design inhibitors with high affinity and specificity for a particular enzyme. The discovery that a 2-aminobenzylstatine derivative originally designed to target an aspartyl protease was able to inhibit specifically and non-covalently
the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome represented a unique starting point for our medicinal chemistry endeavor for this target. Utilizing a structure-based design approach, we have been able to improve the potency of this new class of proteasome inhibitors without affecting
its in vitro selectivity profile.
Covalent Labeling of Fusion Proteins with Chemical Probes in Living Cells
Authors: Gendreizig Susanne , Keppler Antje , Juillerat Alexandre , Gronemeyer Thomas , Pick Horst , Vogel Horst , Johnsson Kai
Published: June 2006

A general method for the specific and covalent labeling of fusion proteins in vivo is described. The approach is based on the unusual mechanism of the human DNA repair protein O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyl-transferase, which irreversibly transfers an alkyl group from O6-alkylguanine-DNA
to one of its cysteine residues. Labeling is possible in bacterial as well as eukaryotic cells and is independent of the nature of the label, thereby opening up new ways to study proteins in vivo.
An Effective Tool for Column Evaluation in the Analysis of Basic Compounds
Authors: Stella Cinzia , Seuret Patrick , Rudaz Serge , Carrupt Pierre-Alain , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Lanteri Pierre , Veuthey Jean-Luc
Published: June 2006

A chromatographic test is described for the evaluation of base-deactivated stationary phases. Seven test basic compounds, selected on their physico-chemical properties, were injected with two different mobile phases (one at pH 7.0 and the other at pH 3.0), on 45 chromatographic supports.
Thanks to the measured chromatographic parameters (k and As), it was possible to evaluate both silanol activity and hydrophobic character of the base-deactivated columns. In addition, the validity of this chromatographic test was assessed by measuring the fundamental properties of the
same supports with a general test protocol, issued from the literature.
Polycyclic Phosphiranes: Synthesis of C-Substituted BABAR-Phos Compounds
Authors: Läng Florian B. , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: June 2006

BABAR-Phos is a very stable polycyclic phosphirane which is easily synthesized in few steps from dibenzosuberenone. BABAR-Phos is remarkably stable and is not oxygenated with O2 nor does it react with sulfur in boiling toluene. BABAR-Phos can be used as a ligand in homogenous
catalysis. Substituents at the carbon of the PC2 heterocycle can be introduced and asymmetric BABAR-Phos were prepared. The coordination chemistry of rhodium complexes containing these as ligands was investigated.
Density Functional Study of a Helical Organic Cation
Authors: Bas Delphine , Morgantini Pierre-Yves , Weber Jacques , Wesolowski Tomasz A.
Published: June 2006

We report on the first stage of our theoretical study of the quino[2,3,4-kl]acridinium,1,13-dimethoxy-5,9-dipropyl-cation. This molecule, involved in the synthesis of novel triazaangulenium dyes of high chemical stability, is a chiral [4]-helicenium. The structure and the IR spectrum
of the quino[2,3,4-kl]acridinium,1,13-dimethoxy-5,9-dimethyl-cation derived from theoretical calculations which use various density functional theory methods, are compared with the geometry derived from X-ray diffraction measurements and the experimental IR spectrum. Our study shows that the
chosen variant of DFT methods (Becke88 for exchange, P86 for correlation, 3-21G** basis set) reproduces the experimental geometry within 0.004 Å and the IR frequencies within 15 cm?1.
The AgCl Photoanode for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Schürch David , Currao Antonio
Published: June 2006

Solar energy is the greatest potential source of renewable energy known to human kind and is still largely untapped. The quest to find an efficient means of converting it to a clean and storable fuel remains elusive and is the goal of artificial photosynthesis: the solar splitting of
water in O2 and H2 in a man-made system. Our approach to water splitting is based on a photoelectrochemical cell with two semiconductor-liquid junctions, where AgCl acts as the photoanode for O2 production along with the photocathodic materials p-GaInP2
and a silicon solar cell for H2 production. We report light-assisted water splitting with this system, under UV/Vis illumination from aqueous solution, at good yields and without degradation of the photocatalysts.