On the number of conjugacy classes of a finite solvable group II

We prove that a finite solvable group G has at least (49p+1)/60 conjugacy classes whenever p is a prime such that p² divides the order of G. We also construct an infinite family of finite solvable groups, where this bound is attained.     

Formula 1 – A Mathematical Microworld with CAS: Analysis of Learning Opportunities and Experiences with Students

In this article we describe a mathematical microworld for investigating car motion on a racing course and its use with a group of grade 12 students. The microworld is concerned with the mathematical construction of courses and functions which describe car motion. It is implemented in the computer algebra system, Maple^®, which provides the means to represent courses and functions symbolically and graphically. We describe the learning opportunities offered by the microworld in relation to the research literature on functions. Various facets and layers of the function concept are addressed in the microworld, and we suggest how work in the microworld might help in overcoming some well-known misconceptions.This revised version was published online in September 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Approaches to sharing knowledge in group problem structuring

Problem-structuring techniques are an integral aspect of ‘Soft-OR’. SSM, SAST, Strategic Choice, and JOURNEY Making, all depend for their success on a group developing a shared view of a problem through some form of explicit modelling. The negotiated problem structure becomes the basis for problem resolution. Implicit to this process is an assumption that members of the group share and build their knowledge about the problem domain. This paper explores the extent to which this assumption is reasonable. The research is based on detailed records from the use of JOURNEY Making, where it has used special purpose Group Support software to aid the group problem structuring. This software continuously tracks the contributions of each member of the group and thus the extent to which they appear to be ‘connecting’ and augmenting their own knowledge with that of other members of the group. Software records of problem resolution in real organisational settings are used to explore the sharing of knowledge among senior managers. These explorations suggest a typology of knowledge sharing. The implications of this typology for problem structuring and an agenda for future research are considered.     

Stereoselective Michael Addition of Carbonyl Compounds to ( E )-β-Nitrostyrene Catalysed by N -Toluensulfonyl-l -proline Amide in Ionic Liquids

Summary. N-Toluensulfonyl-l-prolin amide was tested as catalyst in the enantioselective Michael addition of carbonyl compounds to (E)-β-nitrostyrene in nine ionic liquids under different reaction conditions. The reaction rates and enantioselectivities were strongly dependent on the ionic liquids. Change of enantioselectivity was observed too and it is attributed to both the cation and the anion of ionic liquid. The best yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivity (70% ee) of product were obtained in a basic ionic liquid [bmim]BF₄ at room temperature.     

Fluorinated tellurium(IV) azides and their precursors

The perfluoroaryl tellurolates C₆F₅TeLi (1) and 4-CF₃C₆F₄TeLi (2) were prepared. These intermediates were identified by NMR spectroscopy and may form, depending on the reaction conditions, either the corresponding ditellanes C₆F₅TeTeC₆F₅ (3) and CF₃C₆F₄TeTeC₆F₄CF₃ (4) by subsequent oxidation, or in the case of 1, a telluranthrene (C₆F₄Te)₂ (5) by reaction with itself. The halogenation products of 5, ( C₆F₄Te)₂F₄ (6), (C₆F₄Te)₂Cl₄ (7), (C₆F₄Te)₂Br₄ (8), as well as the azidation product (C₆F₄Te)₂(N₃)₄ (9) were synthesized. Furthermore, in pursuit of our recent work on tellurium azides, the syntheses and properties of R₂Te(N₃)₂ (R=CF₃ (10), C₆F₂H₃ (11)) and RTe(N₃)₃ (R=CF₃ (12) and C₆F₅ (13)) are reported. The crystal structures of CF₃C₆F₄TeTeC₆F₄CF₃ (4), (C₆F₄Te)₂Br₄ (8), and (C₆F₂H₃)₂Te(N₃)₂ (11) were determined.     

Synthesis and peptide-binding properties of a luminescent pyrimidine zinc(II) complex

The synthesis and peptide-binding properties of a Zn(II)nitrilotriacetate complex substituted with pyrimidine hydrazine amides are reported. The metal complex provides millimolar binding affinity in aqueous buffer to peptides bearing N-terminal His. The pyrimidine heterocycles intermolecularly interact with the bound peptide and quench the emission of nearby Trp residues by energy transfer.