Synthesis,Electronic Properties and WOLED Devices of Planar Phosphorus‐Containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

We describe the synthesis and the physical properties of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) containing a phosphorus atom at the edge. In particular, the impact of the successive addition of aromatic rings on the electronic properties was investigated by experimental (UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry) and theoretical studies (DFT). The physical properties recorded in solution and in the solid state showed that the P‐containing PAHs exhibit properties expected for an emitter in white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs).     

Non-Trivial t-Intersection in the Function Lattice

The function lattice, or generalized Boolean algebra, is the set of ℓ-tuples with the ith coordinate an integer between 0 and a bound n_i. Two ℓ-tuples t-intersect if they have at least t common nonzero coordinates. We prove a Hilton–Milner type theorem for systems of t-intersecting ℓ-tuples.Received September 29, 2004     

A Pilot Survey of Vocal Health in Young Singers

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of vocal problems in young choir singers and to correlate vocal problems with demographic and behavioral information. A questionnaire addressing vocal habits and hygiene was offered to 571 young choir singers, up to 25 years of age, who sing at least weekly; 129 (22.6%) responded. More than one-half of the respondents had experienced vocal difficulty, particularly older adolescents. Detrimental behaviors and circumstances surveyed were not reflective of the incidence of vocal difficulty, except for morning hoarseness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and female gender after puberty. Voice care professionals should be aware that self-reported voice difficulties are common among young choral singers, especially postpubescent girls, and children with symptoms consistent with reflux (morning hoarseness) and emotional stress (insomnia). Laryngologists should communicate with choral conductors and singing teachers to enhance early identification and treatment of children with voice complaints, and to develop choral educational strategies that help decrease their incidence.     

Optical Spectroscopy and Theoretical Studies in Calixarene Chemistry

This review summarizes different applications of optical spectroscopic methods in calixarene chemistry including UV/Vis spectrometry, vibrational spectroscopic techniques (FTIR and Raman spectroscopy), luminescence spectroscopy (including fluorescence and phosphorescence), ellipsometry and various optical microscopic methods. Moreover, the results of theoretical studies (AM1, PM3, DFT, ab initio, etc.) are summarized based on selected papers in the field of conformational studies, thermodynamics and complexation features. About 300 references are processed systematically from the results reported mainly in the recent years with emphasis on the potential of practical application of these molecules.     

Multiscale variety in complex systems

The Law of Requisite Variety is a mathematical theorem relating the number of control states of a system to the number of variations in control that is necessary for effective response. The Law of Requisite Variety does not consider the components of a system and how they must act together to respond effectively. Here we consider the additional requirement of scale of response and the effect of coordinated versus uncoordinated response as a key attribute of complex systems. The components of a system perform a task, with a number of such components needed to act in concert to perform subtasks. We apply the resulting generalization—a Multiscale Law of Requisite Variety—to understanding effective function of complex biological and social systems. This allows us to formalize an understanding of the limitations of hierarchical control structures and the inadequacy of central control and planning in the solution of many complex social problems and the functioning of complex social organizations, e.g., the military, healthcare, and education systems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 9: 37–45, 2004     

Sample preparation procedure for the determination of sulphur and trace metals in oil products by the ICP with a minitorch using emulsions

A quick sample preparation method was used for the determination of sulphur and trace metals in oil and oily products by the ICP with a minitorch. Stable aqueous emulsions of oils and oil products were made by using two kinds of emulsifiers (one with low sulphur content, the other sulfonated). Aqueous standard solutions can be used for the preparation of calibration solutions. The contents of S, Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni and Pb in aqueous emulsions were determined and the results were in good agreement with the composition of oil standard solutions used for control analysis procedure.