SciFinder
Updated guide (spring 2011) to using the new features of SciFinder Web:
http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/C9B32DF4B4BA434382B55FEADABC6F83/sfwhatsnew_spring2011.pdf
SciFinder Web, MAC OS X Lion (version 10.7) and Safari 5.1 - 27.7.11
The following notification has been received from Tony Machosky at CAS:
"On July 20, 2011, Apple Inc. released new versions of their desktop operating system, Mac OS X Lion (version 10.7), and their Internet browser, Safari (version 5.1). Currently, Safari 5.1 is unable to run Java-based applications like the SciFinder structure drawing editor. This problem is not restricted to SciFinder.
Customers who have upgraded to Safari 5.1 and wish to draw and search structures or reactions in SciFinder should either use Firefox or a previous Safari version until this browser problem is addressed by Apple.
Mac OS X Lion is the first Apple OS upgrade to ship without a built-in Java runtime extension (JRE). SciFinder users who have upgraded to Mac OS X Lion can download the latest Java JRE from the Apple website at http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1421. Users can validate their Java installation by checking this website: http://javatester.org/version.html."
Transition to web-only access to SciFinder - 31 August 2011
In preparation for the discontinuation of the SciFinder client version on 31 August 2011 and our transition to web-only access one more seat has been moved from client to web version. There is now 1 SEAT ONLY for the client version.
If you have not yet registered for the web version you are restricting your access to SciFinder.
Before using SciFinder web for the FIRST time register here:
http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/electronicresources/scifinder/
Then connect to SciFinder here:
https://scifinder.cas.org/scifinder/
These pages are also linked from the Chemistry Library website menu: http://www-library.ch.cam.ac.uk/ (registration link on 'Scifi help' page)
Full information about web version system requirements and recommendations here:
http://www.cas.org/support/scifi/sysreqs.html
Information on what's new in SciFinder web version here:
http://www.cas.org/support/scifi/new.html
Training tools are available.
Online self-training:
https://cas.csod.com/client/cas/default.aspx
First set up an account and create your own tailored training programme.
'How to...' guides in pdf format:
Explore by Research Topic: http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/0458578E55064800AA128755070D1108/research.pdf
Explore by Chemical Structure: http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/C35B12E65F9E490797514F40123FBE44/chemical.pdf
Explore by Substructure: http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/13C4AA63EB1B46939198315C1947C16A/substructure.pdf
Explore Reactions: http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/B7B4257B00DC4208960F28AA803AB420/reactions.pdf
It is possible to convert existing client-saved .sfr files to .akx files using the SciFinder file conversion tool here:
https://scifinder.cas.org/utils/sfr2akx/
Also, a reminder that a MOBILE version of SciFinder is available for use with smart phones.
More information here: http://www.cas.org/products/scifindr/sfmobile/
and supported platforms here: http://www.cas.org/products/scifindr/sfmobile/platforms.html
There is no IP restriction and it does not affect concurrent use of the full version.
SciFinder training IDs valid 28th and 29th October 2010
20 additional webs seats - https://scifinder.cas.org/scifinder/
ID / Password:
SFSWEB765 / 026C556
SFSWEB764 / 026C540
SFSWEB763 / 026C523
SFSWEB762 / 026C507
SFSWEB761 / 026C491
SFSWEB760 / 026C474
SFSWEB759 / 026C450
SFSWEB758 / 026C433
SFSWEB757 / 026C417
SFSWEB756 / 026C400
SFSWEB755 / 026C384
SFSWEB754 / 026C368
SFSWEB753 / 026C343
SFSWEB752 / 026C327
SFSWEB751 / 026C310
SFSWEB750 / 026C294
SFSWEB749 / 026C277
SFSWEB748 / 026C261
SFSWEB747 / 026C236
SFSWEB746 / 026C220
Short SciFinder e-learning modules available 26.10.10
Search for references by research topic:
http://www.cas.org/support/scifi/etrain/topic.html
Retrieve references by document identifier:
http://www.cas.org/support/scifi/etrain/identifier.html
Find patent references by Markush search:
http://www.cas.org/support/scifi/etrain/markush.html
A Markush search extends beyond the sub-structure search to find references that match a generic compound structure and will retrieve patent documents that match the search query. Markush searches explore the MARPAT database. Select 'Explore substances' -> Markush.
Link to all on-line SciFinder training opportunities - tutorials from CAS:
http://www.cas.org/support/scifi/tutorials.html
Hints for successful access for all 15.10.10
Enable access to SciFinder web and client versions. Our seats are pre-allocated to either web or client version based on usage reports. They are not instantly allocated at moment of demand.
Avoid peak times if possible. Usage statistics show busiest days & times for access are Monday to Friday between 11.00 am and 4:00 pm.
Don't leave connection idle - log off rather than waiting for SciFinder to time out.
SciFinder help 11.10.10
View tutorials here: http://www.cas.org/support/scifi/tutorials.html
and "How to..." guides here: http://www.cas.org/support/scifi/htguides.html
How to use the new SciFinder functions - Summer 2010 (30.9.10)
- find patent documents using generic Markush structures
- search by digital object identifier (DOI)
- one-time preference setting for removal of MEDLINE duplicates
- set a keep-me-posted profile for periodic alerts
http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/9A6CA8FFB83C479FA4B4FBB5FAEA9F29/sfwhatsnew810.pdf
SciFinder web enhancements March 2010
In this enhancement, SciFinder performs faster and is more integrated with your workflow.
The new features will allow you to:
Draw structures more efficiently:
- Paste structures drawn in ChemDraw into the structure drawing editor.
- Draw structures using industry standard features such as shortcut keys for atom labels.
Create more precise reaction searches:
- Locate more than 13.6 million synthetic preparations and relevant references using the Find Additional Reactions feature.
- Focus reaction searches by limiting or refining by Non-participating Functional Groups or classes.
Access chemical supplier information more directly:
- Assign priorities for preferred or non-preferred chemical suppliers.
- Organize supplier information with improved commercial source record display.
- Obtain commercial sources with a new visual indicator.
Work more easily with combined answers sets:
- Combine your active answer set with a saved answer set without having to save it first.
Perform better post-processing of results:
- Export information into reference managers in .ris format.
- Select multiple full-text documents at once.
Visit scifinder.cas.org to explore the new features. Training and support resources are available at http://www.cas.org.
March update on SciFinder access via the web
Thanks for all feedback on the SciFinder seat distribution and the proposal to move to all web access. In view of current preferences the seat allocation will remain at 3 client and 3 web until further notice.
28.1.09 SciFinder access via the web
Our seat allocation for access to SciFinder is currently split between the web and the client versions. (That is, the allocation is made in advance and seats are not available according to demand for web or client until they are all in use.) Daily usage reports have shown that this is not the most efficient use of our seats as users seem to either favour the web or client version and do not hop between the two versions according to seat availability.
Therefore, THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE PROPOSES THAT WE DISCONTINUE CLIENT ACCESS AND CHANGE TO SCIFINDER WEB VERSION ONLY FROM MARCH 1ST 2010.
Current client users are requested to start using the web version as soon as possible so that any problems may be addressed and resolved before the changeover.
The web version requires no software download or site prf files. Only a web browser and Java software are required.
Java information here:
http://www.cas.org/misc/downloads/jreplugin.html
Before using the web version for the first time it is necessary to register here:
http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/electronicresources/scifinder/
Then log in to SciFinder here:
https://scifinder.cas.org/scifinder/
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) is developing the web rather than the client version and since September 2009 new features for searching, analysis and collaboration have been available:
Functions unique to the web version include:
'Get similar reactions'
'Limit reactions by solvents'
'Export [substance] properties to microsoft excel'
Using tags for grouping references
Searching by 'tag'
An alerting service is available via a 'keep me posted' function.
Collaboration opportunities:
It is possible to share information with colleagues site-wide within University of Cambridge via the 'My Connections' feature.
Scifinder users must 'invite' or 'be invited' to share information and shared information is not available to any person outside this agreed arrangement.
A .pdf explaining how to use the new features in SciFinder Sept 09 is available here:
http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/88B542FC19B544C99BB77930C89B5998/whatsnew.pdf
Future funding of SciFinder is under discussion. There is no guarantee that this subscription will be renewed when the 2009-10 subscription expires at end September 2010. A financial commitment will be required by August 2010.
If access to SciFinder is important to you please make your Sector Head aware of this.
Please send all feedback to library@ch.cam.ac.uk
19.11.09 Web version performance enhancements from 17.11.09.
Improved navigation and search speed for faster retrieval of answers.
Increased ease-of-use when switching between reaction and substance structure search types within the drawing editor.
Improved access to the drawing editor, via Java 1.5 or earlier versions*.
- Java versions prior to 1.6 are no longer supported by Sun Microsystems and CAS.
30.10.09 SciFinder training seats allocated for yesterday's training are still active today.
5 additional client seats. (no ID and password required)
20 additional webs seats - https://scifinder.cas.org/scifinder/
ID / passwords for WEB version as follows:
SFSWEB808 / 048Z809
SFSWEB809 / 048Z825
SFSWEB810 / 048Z850
SFSWEB811 / 048Z866
SFSWEB812 / 048Z891
SFSWEB813 / 048Z907
SFSWEB814 / 048Z932
SFSWEB815 / 048Z948
SFSWEB816 / 048Z973
SFSWEB817 / 048Z989
SFSWEB818 / 048Z014
SFSWEB819 / 048Z039
SFSWEB820 / 048Z055
SFSWEB821 / 048Z080
SFSWEB822 / 048Z096
SFSWEB824 / 176G060
SFSWEB825 / 378P866
SFSWEB826 / 076D605
SFSWEB827 / 530U921
SFSWEB828 / 252K541
Please note links to full text subscriptions will not work with the web training IDs.
6.10.09 New interactive training calendar
SciFinder users can quickly view the dates, times and descriptions of the various types of training that SciFinder has to offer, now in one location. Visit http://sfcalendar.cas.org/ to view and register for SciFinder training. Click on 'event' for more information and to select local time scheduling.
25.9.09 Hightlighting SciFinder web new feature: My connections
It is now possible to establish a connection to share tags and comments with colleagues.
My Connections lets you establish connections and collaborate with other SciFinder users within your organization by sharing comments and tags that you have associated with SciFinder references.
Connecting to others also allows you to view your colleagues' comments and tags.
To establish a connection, click Invite Colleagues To Connect, locate a colleague of interest, and send them an invitation. If the colleague accepts your invitation, the two of you become connected and will begin sharing all of your comments and tags.
You can remove a connection with a colleague at any point. This removes your access to view each other's comments and tags.
15.9.09 SciFinder web enhancements
The web version of SciFinder has been enhanced with new features and new content.
These enhancements, available from 14 September 2009, include new search, analytical, and collaboration tools.
Some of the new features include:
Get similar reactions
Limit reaction searches by select solvents
Sort reaction answer sets (e.g., by number of steps, percentage yield, publication year, or similarity)
Export physical property data to Microsoft Excel
Tag references with helpful descriptive user-defined terms
Add comments to references for sharing information and insights with colleagues
Link to other SciFinder users within your research site to share both research comments and tagged references
Some features from the client version:
Variable number of answers per page
Variable number of columns per page – structure scale
Customizable abstract display
Combine Keep Me Posted results
Next/Previous detail
New content enhancements include:
View 13C-NMR Predicted Spectra for 25 million substances
In addition, several performance and usability improvements have been included in the enhancement. Training and support resources are available at http://www.cas.org.
More information:
http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/88B542FC19B544C99BB77930C89B5998/whatsnew.pdf
27.7.09 List of core journals indexed in CAplus
http://www.cas.org/expertise/cascontent/caplus/corejournals.html
List includes journal abbreviation, CODEN, and frequency. Bibliographic information is added within 7 days of publication.
6.5.09 SciFinder and Internet Explorer 8
SciFinder is now operational with the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Internet Explorer 8. Those using Internet Explorer 8 will no longer have to use the built-in Compatibility View setting to explore SciFinder.
However, there may still be a print issue when printing detailed reference answers. Some of the content may be missing from the page. CAS recommends that you export your answer as a PDF or an .rtf file and then print the exported files. CAS hopes to have this issue resolved later this year when full Internet Explorer 8 support will be offered.
If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact CAS Customer Care at help@cas.org.
Seat allocation change
From May 1, 2009 - seats (concurrent use) as follows:
Web version: 2
Client version: 4
CAS SciFinder webex seminars
To participate you need to set up Event Manager on your computer.
Select 'new user' from menu.
here
Index of SciFinder seminars 3.2.09-11.11.09. Select 'SciFinder' from menu.
Note all times in US Eastern Standard time - add 5 hours to convert to GMT.
Enrollment and password required.
Enriched content of CAS databases
CAS databases now include information from Wiley reaction collections:
Organic syntheses and Organic reactions (recent)
Encyclopedia of reagents for organic synthesis (EROS) (since September 2008).
For more information visit www.cas.org
28.1.09 SciFinder 2006 client to be discontinued
The 2006 client version of SciFinder will be withdrawn by Chemical Abstracts Service on January 30, 2009. If you are still using this version it is essential to install the 2007 version for uninterrupted access. Instructions for this available here:
http://www-library.ch.cam.ac.uk/scifinder/ (Raven protected)
A new release of client version 2007 for Macs (v2007a) which eliminates the need to use the Rosetta emulator is also now available.
Connect to the web version of SciFinder here: https://scifinder.cas.org/scifinder
It is necessary to register before using the web version for the first time: http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/electronicresources/scifinder
Seat allocation is currently 5 for client and 1 for web.
7.1.08 SciFinder message of the day: SciFinder: Part of the Chemical Synthesis Process - a special focus on synthesis - now available.
A new paper is available from CAS that shows how SciFinder allows you to tap into a wealth of chemical synthesis information with its rich content and powerful tools. This special focus on synthesis includes examples that begin by exploring:
• Research topics
• Chemical names or structures
• Reaction structure drawings
• Functional group transformations
The paper also shows how you can quickly move among references, substances, reactions, and supplier information to spark and energize your search and discovery process.
http://www.cas.org/ASSETS/DB0D3AD423644A22874D00CCDBBF3D83/sfsynth.pdf
SciFinder podcasts available at http://www.videogateway.tv/cas/index.php?SectionID=5
The web version of SciFinder is now available. Some current issues regarding web access for MAC users are under investigation. 2 seats have been allocated to the web version and 4 to the desk-top client version. More information here.
Please feed back on your preferred method of access.
23.10.08 - 24.10.08 Extra seats for training opportunities.
20 extra client seats and 5 web seats are available for 2 days.
The following training login IDs and passwords should be used for the web version:
SFSWEB206 042U153
SFSWEB209 042U169
SFSWEB210 042U186
SFSWEB211 042U202
SFSWEB212 042U218