Effects of applied potential on the mass of non-conducting poly(ortho-phenylenediamine) electro-deposited on EQCM electrodes: comparison with biosensor selectivity parameters

An electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance (EQCM) was used to determine the mass of poly-(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) layers electro-deposited at different applied potentials in neutral buffered monomer solution, conditions that produce the insulating form of the polymer used as a permselective membrane in biosensor applications. There was a systematic increase in the total, steady state PoPD mass deposited for fixed applied potentials from 0.05 to 0.6 V vs. SCE, followed by a plateau up to 0.8 V. Comparison of PoPD mass and permselectivity parameters indicates that the ability of the passivating form of PoPD to block interference species in biosensor applications is not related in a simple way to the mass of material deposited on the surface. Instead, effects of the applied electropolymerisation potential in driving the electro-oxidation of oPD dimers and oligomers formed during the electro-deposition process are likely to have a more direct impact on the selectivity characteristics of the PoPD layer. The results highlight the usefulness of apparent permeabilities, especially of ascorbic acid, in revealing differences between PoPD layers electro-deposited under different conditions.     

Synthesis of 1,3-diamino-7,8,9,10-tetrahydropyrido[3,2-f]-quinazolines. Inhibitors of Candida albicans dihydrofolate reductase as potential antifungal agents

A series of novel 1,3-diamino-7,8,9,10-tetrahydropyrido[3,2-f]quinazolines were synthesized starting from 6-amino-5-cyanoquinoline (4). These compounds inhibited Candida albicans dihydrofolate reductase with K_i values of ≤0.60 aM. One analogue exhibited moderate in vivo efficacy in a C. albicans-infected mouse model.     

Multimodal Interfaces for Cell Phones and Mobile Technology

By modeling users' natural spoken and multimodal communication patterns, more powerful and highly reliable interfaces can be designed that support emerging mobile technology. In this paper, we highlight three different examples of research that is advancing state-of-the-art mobile technology. The first is the development of fusion-based multimodal systems, such as ones that combine speech and pen or touch input, which are substantially improving the robustness and stability of system recognition. The second is modeling of multimodal communication patterns to establish open-microphone engagement techniques that work in challenging multi-person mobile settings. The third is new approaches to adaptive processing, which are able to transparently guide user input to match system processing capabilities. All three research directions are contributing to the design of more reliable, usable, and commercially promising mobile systems of the future.     

Superconductivity and possible overdoping in Lu1−x Ca x Ba2Cu3O7−δ

Structural and superconducting properties of the system Lu_1?x Ca _x Ba₂ Cu₃O_7?δ, both in bulk as well as thin film form, have been investigated. Presence of large Ca-ions at the Lu-sites is responsible for phase stability (in 1–2–3 phase) in bulk. In argon annealed tetragonal samples (δ:1) superconductivity is reinstated as in these samples, presence of Ca-ions lead to the generation of holes in the Cu?O planes. In oxygen annealed bulk samples and thin films, there is a large depression ofT _c due to divalent Ca-ions present in concentrationx<0.2. Our data indicate that this depression ofT _c is likely due to overdoping effect.     

Science Teacher Supply in the United States

The purpose of this study was to describe the supply and potential shortages of science teachers in the United States. Ninety-six percent of the State Science Consultants of the 50 State Boards of Education responded to a 1992 survey to assess the supply of science teachers. This survey was modeled after Howe and Gerlovich's 1982 study to provide an assessment of changes in science teacher supply over the last 10 years. Although there were improvements in the supply of science teachers, shortages were reported in all science subjects and were particularly critical in physics, chemistry, and earth science. In addition to providing a needed update on science teacher supply, this study analyzed 45 previous studies of science teacher supply and found convincing evidence to support the hypothesis that there is a persistent but fluctuating long term shortage of science teachers. This shortage is attributed to competition with business and industry. To alleviate critical shortages of science teachers, it is recommended that salaries be raised to be more competitive with industry and a national database be established to facilitate monitoring the supply of science teachers.     

Interaction and rearrangement of trimethylsilyloxy functional groups. The structural significance of the m/e 147 ion in the mass spectra of trimethylsil steroidal ethers

Requirements for trimethylsilyloxy group interaction and rearrangement are discussed. It is evident that formation of the m/e 147 ion is a function of the stereochemistry, steric hindrance and separation of the trimethylsilyloxy groups and reflects the stereochemistry of the steroid itself. It is postulated that ring cleavage is not necessarily a prerequisite for the formation of this ion. The occurrence of the m/e 147 ion can be structurally informative in trimethylsilyl derivatives of steroidal alcohols.     

Photon consciousness: Fact or fancy?

An experiment designed to test the highly speculative hypothesis of photon consciousness was executed. It was found that, within the accuracy attainable with the apparatus, there is no empirical justification for the hypothesis.     

Phase diagrams of self-assembled mono-tethered nanospheres from molecular simulation and comparison to surfactants

We perform Brownian dynamics simulations on model 3-D systems of mono-tethered nanospheres (TNS) to study the equilibrium morphologies formed by their self-assembly in a selective solvent. We predict that in contrast to flexible amphiphiles the nanospheres are locally ordered and there is an increase in the local order with an increase in concentration or relative nanoparticle diameter. We present the temperature vs concentration phase diagram for a system of TNS and propose a dimensionless scaling factor F(v) (headgroup volume/tether volume) that allows a comparison between the morphologies formed from TNS and traditional surfactants.