Discusses reactions and characteristics of fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectroscopy in which samples are ionized in a condensed state by bombardment with xenon or argon atoms, yielding positive/negative secondary ions. Includes applications of FAB to structural problems and considers future developments using the technique. (Author/JN)

New technologies have been developed to diagnose such disorders as cancer, heart disease, and defects of the newborn in presymptomatic stages. Several technologies, including amniocentesis, radioimmunoassay, enzyme immunoassay, multichannel analysis and others are discussed. Development of these technologies and issues related to their use are…

Topics addressed in this discussion of toxicology and chemical safety include routes of exposure, dose/response relationships, action of toxic substances, and effects of exposure to chemicals. Specific examples are used to illustrate the principles discussed. Suggests prudence in handling any chemicals, whether or not toxicity is known. (JN)

Reports results of experiments favoring use of 0.5 percent nitric acid with an oxidant (potassium dichromate or potassium permanganate) to preserve samples in polyethylene containers for mercury analysis. Includes procedures used and statistical data obtained from the experiments. (JN)

Preparation of cis and trans isomers of the kinetically labile bis glycinato copper (II) has a number of advantages including its facility, economy, ready theoretical interpretation, and biological relevance. Background information, laboratory procedures, results/discussion are provided for this experiment which can be completed in a single,…

A research and testing process at Xerox Learning Systems identifies steps for developing an effective skill-based supervisory training program. (Author/SSH)

This experiment presents one direct titration for water soluble base and an indirect titration after dissolving a sample (oak ashes) in a known excess of acid. A titer method of calculation is given to allow use by students without knowledge of molarity-volume-mole calculations. (Author/JN)

Describes how a sulfate-iodide "clock reaction" experiment can be used to emphasize the importance of observations and hypotheses in revealing cause-effect relationships. Investigative steps, theory, experimental principle, procedure, and the experiment report are discussed. (CS)

Procedures are provided for separating the principal metalloproteins (albumin, ceruloplasmin, and transferrin) from plasma using column chromatographic techniques. The experiment can be completed in two separate three-hour laboratory periods during which column chromatography is illustrated and the effect of pH on charge and affinity of a protein…

A hydrodynamic modulation voltammetry (HMV) experiment involving use of simple hydrodynamic modulation procedures is described. Competing with time/equipment restrictions of most teaching laboratories (stopped-stirring and stopped-flow volumetry), students perform both batch and flow analyses and are introduced to analytical flow systems and the…

Use of phase transfer agents to facilitate/accelerate chemical reactions has become an established practice, particularly in organic chemistry. Describes an undergraduate laboratory procedure demonstrating the principles involved in the use of said agents. Includes student results from phase transfer assisted permanganate oxidations. (Author/JN)

Durations of children's alpha bursts and alpha blocking were measured by EEG with eyes closed or open in the dark and with feedback visual stimulation. Alpha durations decreased across conditions. Older children had longer no-alpha durations and showed greater responsiveness to conditions. The alpha-blocking response changes during childhood.…

The learning center is a cost-effective and popular way to introduce hearing impaired students and their teachers to microcomputers. (A brief listing of software companies and computer periodicals is included.) The use of the Apple microcomputer in a learning center in a school for the deaf is discussed. (CL)

Describes experiments using dye solutions in liquid crystals in which polar molecules are oriented in an electrical field and devices are constructed to change their color in response to an electric signal. (CS)

The author offers laboratory procedures for experiments using the bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which causes crown gall disease in a large number of plants. Three different approaches to growing a culture are given. (SA)