A Framework for Monitoring Progress and Planning Teaching Towards the Effective Use of Computer Algebra Systems

This article suggests a framework to organise a cluster of variables that are associated with students' effective use of computer algebra systems (CAS) in mathematics learning. Based on a review of the literature and from the authors' own teaching experience, the framework identifies the main characteristics of students' interactions with CAS technology and how these may be used to monitor students' developing use of CAS; from this, the framework may be used to plan teaching in order to gain greater benefit from the availability of CAS. Four case studies describing students' development over a semester are reported. These demonstrate a variety of combinations of technical competencies and personal attributes. They indicate the importance of both the technical and personal aspects but suggest that negative attitudes rather than technical difficulties can limit the effective use of CAS. Finally practical suggestions are given for teaching strategies which may promote effective use of CAS.This revised version was published online in September 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Straightforward synthesis of sphinganines via a serine-derived Weinreb amide

Sphinganines can be synthesized in just three steps from easily prepared serine-derived Weinreb amide 4. Pre-deprotonation of the acidic (N-H and O-H) protons of 4 allows for its efficient conversion to amino ketones 5. Such ketones can be selectively reduced to either erythro- or threo-sphinganines. Partially protected sphinganines 11 are also readily accessible in five steps from 4. Thus, Weinreb amide 4 represents one of the most versatile templates described to date for sphinganine synthesis.     

Ruminant pregastric lipases: experimental evidence of their potential as industrial catalysts in food technology

The historical importance of pregastric enzymes in cheese-making is reviewed and the potential for extending their use is discussed in terms of requiring an understanding of their physicochemical parameters. Commericial extracts from the tongues and epiglotti of suckling lambs and calves and adult goats have been processed to yield partially purified samples of the primary pregastric lipase (PGL). The N-terminal sequence and molecular weight of lamb PGL have been determined.

The activity of lamb and goat PGLs against tributyrin has been determined over a range of pH and temperature values. Optimum conditions were pH 6.4, 43°C, and pH 6.0, 52°C, for lamb and goat PGL respectively. The possible influence of the development of a ruminant multi-chambered stomach on the difference in optimal temperature is discussed. A lengthening of the carboxylic acid chain of homoacid triglycerides causes a decrease in hydrolytic activity of lamb PGL but in all cases only a single free fatty acid was released. Against a series of 4-nitrophenylalkanoate esters, maximum activity was observed against the decanoate ester but, in contrast to hydrolysis of the acetate ester which exhibited full Michaelis-Menten kinetics with increasing substrate concentration, activity against the decanoate ester was restricted to the monomeric substrate. Taurocholate inhibits the activity of lamb PGL at concentrations >8 mM. Values of pK₂ equal to 6.69 and 7.92 respectively have been determined for lamb PGL.

Attempts to interesterify coconut oil and cocoa butter, and tributyrin and tricaprylin, catalysed by calf PGL were unsuccessful, although positive results obtained using Candida cylindracea encourage further investigation of alternative methods for immobilizing the PGL. Finally, anhydrous milk fat has been hydrolysed by calf, lamb and goat PGLs and the differences in relative amounts of released free fatty acids have been used to explain the differences in taste which arise when Parmesan cheese is produced using different sources of PGL.     

Metal-directed synthesis and photophysical studies of trinuclear v-shaped and pentanuclear x-shaped ruthenium and osmium metallorods and metallostars based upon 4'-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine divergent units

A new series of V-shaped trinuclear metallorods and X-shaped pentanuclear metallostars has been prepared by the reaction of metal complexes bearing pendant phenolic functionalities with complexes containing electrophilic ligands. Specifically, {M(tpy)2} motifs (M=Ru or Os; tpy=2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) bearing one or two pendant 3,5-dihydroxyphenyl substituents at the 4-position of the central ring of the tpy have been reacted with the complexes [Ru(tpy)(Xtpy)]2+ (X=Cl or Br) to form new ether-linked species. The energy transfer from ruthenium to osmium in these complexes has been investigated in detail and the efficiency of transfer shown to be highly temperature dependent; the energy transfer is highly efficient at low temperature, whereas at room temperature nonradiative and nontransfer deactivation of the excited {Ru(tpy)2}* domains is most significant.     

Conducting polymers containing in-chain metal centers: electropolymerization of oligothienyl-substituted {M(tpy)2} complexes and in situ conductivity studies, M = Os(II), Ru(II)

The electropolymerization of a series of Ru and Os bis-terpyridine complexes that form rodlike polymers with bithienyl, quaterthienyl, or hexathienyl bridges has been studied. Absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry have been used to characterize the monomers and resulting polymer films. The absolute dc conductivity of the quaterthienyl-bridged {Ru(tpy)2} and {Os(tpy)2} polymers is unusually large and independent of the identity of the metal center at 1.6 x 10(-3) S cm(-1). The maximum conductivity occurs at the formal potential of each redox process, which typically is observed for systems where redox conduction is the dominant charge transport mechanism. Significantly, the dc conductivity of the metal-based redox couple observed in these polymers is 2 orders of magnitude higher thanthat of a comparable nonconjugated system.     

Conversion of ketones into vinyl-oxiranes

A range of 1-(2-propenyl) alcohols was transformed in good yields into vinyl-oxiranes via the allylic bromide.     

Sun Exposure over a Lifetime in Australian Adults from Latitudinally Diverse Regions

Spatio‐temporal patterns in sun exposure underlie variations in skin cancer incidence and vitamin D deficiency, indicate effectiveness of sun protection programs and provide insights into future health risks. From 558 adults across four regions of Australia (Brisbane (27°S), Newcastle (33°S), Geelong and the Western Districts of Victoria (37°S) and Tasmania (43°S)), we collected: self‐report data on time‐in‐the‐sun from age 6 years; natural skin color and ethnicity; silicone skin casts (for cumulative skin damage); and serum for vitamin D status. Ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at the location of residence, with time‐in‐the‐sun, was used to calculate a “UVR dose” for each year of life. Individuals maintained their ranking compared to their peers for time‐in‐the‐sun in summer compared to winter and across ages (Spearman rho 0.24–0.84, all P < 0.001). Time‐in‐the‐sun decreased with age in all birth cohorts, and over calendar time. Summer time‐in‐the‐sun increased with increasing latitude (P < 0.001). Seasonal variation in vitamin D status had greater amplitude and vitamin D deficiency increased with increasing latitude. Temporal patterns are consistent with effectiveness of sun protection programs. Higher relative time‐in‐the‐sun persists from childhood through adulthood. Lower summer time‐in‐the‐sun in the warmest location may have implications for predictions of UVR‐related health risks of climate change.     

A guide for the meaningful surface analysis of wood by XPS and ToF-SIMS

The surface analysis of wood and wood products is becoming increasingly important for reasons ranging from the investigation of molecular constituents through to the optimization of industrial processes. As with any natural product, wood analysis is not straightforward, and this review aims to provide guidance for the successful surface analysis of wood by XPS and ToF-SIMS. Through example experiments, three themes are addressed relevant to obtaining meaningful results: considerations related to heterogeneity in the composition of wood (e.g., growth rings); the impact of the chemical removal of minor wood components known as extractives, and whether such a process is necessary; and the potential for misleading or erroneous results as a result of contamination occurring during sample preparation. In addition to discussing successful sample preparation approaches, the important role to be played by MVA in surface analysis is emphasized, particularly in the analysis of ToF-SIMS data. Examples of ToF-SIMS/MVA are provided that highlight the identification of contamination in sample preparation, the quantification of wood composition in terms of cellulose and lignin, and the indication of age of softwood samples. Through consideration of the complexities that influence wood surface analysis, the design and interpretation of consequential experiments become easier and more accurate.     

FeIII in a high-spin state in bis(5-bromosalicylaldehyde 4-ethylthiosemicarbazonato-κ3O,N1,S)ferrate(III) nitrate monohydrate,the first example of such a cationic FeIII complex unit

The synthesis and crystal structure (100 K) of the title compound, [Fe(C₁₀H₁₁BrN₃OS)₂]NO₃·H₂O, is reported. The asymmetric unit consists of an octahedral [Fe^III(HL)₂]⁺ cation, where HL^? is H-5-Br-thsa-Et or 5-bromosalicylaldehyde 4-ethylthiosemicarbazonate(1?) {systematic name: 4-bromo-2-[(4-ethylthiosemicarbazidoidene)methyl]phenolate}, a nitrate anion and a noncoordinated water molecule. Each HL^? ligand binds via the thione S, the imine N and the phenolate O atom, resulting in an Fe^IIIS₂N₂O₂ chromophore. The ligands are orientated in two perpendicular planes, with the O and S atoms in cis and the N atoms in trans positions. This [Fe(HL)₂](anion)·H₂O compound contains the first known cationic Fe^III entity containing two salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives. The Fe^III ion is in the high-spin state at 100 K. In addition, a comparative IR spectroscopic study of the free ligand and the ferric complex is presented, demonstrating that such an analysis provides a quick identification of the degree of deprotonation and the coordination mode of the ligand in this class of metal compounds. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (5–320 K) are consistent with the presence of a high-spin Fe^III ion with a zero-field splitting D = 0.439 (1) cm^?1.