Precision cosmology and the density of baryons in the universe

Big-bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) and cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy measurements give independent, accurate measurements of the baryon density and can test the framework of the standard cosmology. Early CMB data are consistent with the long-standing conclusion from BBN that baryons constitute a small fraction of matter in the Universe, but may indicate a slightly higher value for the baryon density. We clarify precisely what the two methods determine and point out that differing values for the baryon density can indicate either an inconsistency or physics beyond the standard models of cosmology and particle physics. We discuss other signatures of the new physics in CMB anisotropy.     

BRDF reference standards for the infrared

A comparison between various recommended reference standards of diffuse reflectance in the IR is presented. It is shown that at a wavelength of 10.6 μm sulfur is the most Lambertian of the tested samples, although its powdery consistence makes it less suitable for use as a standard. Flame sprayed aluminum, with or without gold coating, also approaches a Lambertian surface and is suitable for use as a standard for BRDF measurements at 10.6 μm. Results for the BRDF of sulfur, gold-coated sandpaper, a commercial diffuse gold surface (by Labsphere) and flame sprayed aluminum are presented.     

One-Pot Synthesis of Chiral N-Arylamines by Combining Biocatalytic Aminations with Buchwald–Hartwig N-Arylation

The combination of biocatalysis and chemo-catalysis increasingly offers chemists access to more diverse chemical architectures. Here, we describe the combination of a toolbox of chiral-amine-producing biocatalysts with a Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling reaction, affording a variety of α-chiral aniline derivatives. The use of a surfactant allowed reactions to be performed sequentially in the same flask, preventing the palladium catalyst from being inhibited by the high concentrations of ammonia, salts, or buffers present in the aqueous media in most cases. The methodology was further extended by combining with a dual-enzyme biocatalytic hydrogen-borrowing cascade in one pot to allow for the conversion of a racemic alcohol to a chiral aniline.     

Pure-tone increment detection in harmonic and inharmonic backgrounds

The present study investigated the effect of increasing the number and frequency range of background components upon the detection of an increment to the intensity of the center component. Previous studies [e.g., Green et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 75, 1163-1167 (1984)] have demonstrated that, for background stimuli consisting of logarithmically spaced pure-tone components, as the number of background components is increased, the threshold for detection of an increment to the center component is decreased. The present study investigated this effect using harmonically spaced, as well as logarithmically spaced, backgrounds, because many natural sounds, including voiced speech sounds, consist of harmonically spaced components. Two conditions were employed for both types of backgrounds, fixed-level and roving-level within a trial. Group results revealed a small decrease in threshold with increasing number of components only for the fixed-level, logarithmically spaced backgrounds. No decrease in threshold was observed for the other three conditions, including the roving-level, logarithmically spaced backgrounds which were the same as those used by Green et al. (1984). The present results suggest that the decrease in signal threshold with increasing number of background components exists only under limited conditions and that it is a highly individual phenomenon. The present results also suggest that the effect does not occur for harmonically spaced complexes such as most natural sounds including voiced speech.     

Inclusive Science Education: Classroom Teacher and Science Educator Experiences in CLASS Workshops

Inclusion is the meaningful participation of students with disabilities in general education classrooms. The CLASS project (Creating Laboratory Access for Science Students) is a unique initiative offering training and resources to help educators provide students with a variety of physical, sensory and learning disabilities equal access in the science laboratory or field. To determine whether participants believed a 2‐week residential workshop sponsored by CLASS raised disability awareness and provided teacher training in inclusive science teaching practice, a multipoint Likert scale survey and questionnaire was completed by all participants (N= 20) in four workshops. Participants reported large gains in their preparedness to teach science to students with disabilities. Participants also reported gains in their familiarity with instructional strategies, curricula, and resources and their ability to design, select, and modify activities for students with disabilities. Finally, shifts in attitudes about teaching science to students with disabilities were noted.     

Submicron streptavidin patterns for protein assembly

Micron and submicron-scale features of aldehyde functionality were fabricated in polymer films by photolithography to develop a platform for protein immobilization and assembly at a biologically relevant scale. Films containing the pH-reactive polymer poly(3,3'-diethoxypropyl methacrylate) and a photoacid generator (PAG) were patterned from 500 nm to 40 mum by exposure to 365 nm (i-line) light. Upon PAG activation and hydrolysis of acetals, aldehyde groups formed. After the films were incubated with a biotinylated aldehyde reactive probe, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results were consistent with biotin being attached to the surface. The background was subsequently passivated by flood exposure and incubation with an aminooxy-terminated poly(ethylene glycol), resulting in a 98% reduction in nonspecific protein adsorption. Protein patterning and assembly was demonstrated using streptavidin, biotinylated anthrax toxin receptor-1, and the protective antigen moiety of anthrax toxin and confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM demonstrated that 500 nm protein features were achieved. Because of the abundance of biotinylated proteins, this methodology provides a platform for protein immobilization and assembly for various applications in biotechnology.     

Solid phase approaches to N-heterocycles using a sulfur linker cleaved by SmI2

A sulfur HASC (alpha-hetero-atom substituted carbonyl) linker has been utilized in solid-phase approaches to oxindoles and tetrahydroquinolones. The route to oxindoles employs the first Pummerer cyclizations on solid phase, whereas the route to tetrahydroquinolones involves a microwave-assisted Heck reaction followed by a Michael cyclization. In both cases, the linker is cleaved in a traceless fashion by electron transfer from samarium(II) iodide. The routes illustrate the compatibility of the linker system with a number of reaction types and its utility for library synthesis.     

Enantiomerically enriched atropisomeric N,N′-diaryl ureas by oxidative kinetic resolution of their 2-sulfanyl derivatives

Atropisomeric N-methyl-N,N′-diaryl ureas may be obtained in enantiomerically enriched form by oxidative kinetic resolution of their sulfide derivatives. The atropisomeric sulfides may be obtained in up to 97:3 er and display high stability to racemisation (half-lives at 25 °C of up to 500 years). Unlike related fully alkylated ureas, the product sulfoxides exhibit relatively weak thermodynamic conformational selectivity.