RESUMEN
At the onset of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it was clear that we needed to support public education on the science of vaccines. This project was born of that need and led to the development of comprehensive educational materials that addressed the process of science, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 biology, vaccine development, and science communication and outreach. Called the "Online Vaccine Science Resources for COVID-19 Education," the materials generated were designed to be implemented by educators and community groups in various contexts. They took the form of four modules and general audience informational videos available on a YouTube channel. Each module was assembled as a toolkit with instructional videos, assessments, discussion questions, assignments, synthesis activities, and guides for constructing infographics and dual poster (science and general public audience) presentations. The materials were piloted and tested in various educational settings, including 2-year and 4-year colleges. Data gathered from surveys of faculty and student participants suggested that exposure to the materials promoted student trust in vaccination and the scientific process of vaccine development, and increased the likelihood of their getting a freely available vaccine. Assessment data indicated that the materials were successful in helping students achieve the learning objectives for the modules. Our results underscored the continued need for science education strategies that address the critical problem of vaccine hesitancy as we continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESUMEN
Reaction of the bis-9-BBN adduct of several dienes with 1,3-dibromobenzene via Suzuki coupling leads to a series of [n]metacyclophanes ranging in size from 10 to 17 atom members. In each case, two carbon-carbon bonds are formed in one reaction vessel. However, when the bis-9-BBN adduct of 1,5-hexadiene is coupled with a variety of aryl dihalides, larger [n.n]cyclophanes were formed in preference to the [n]cyclophanes. Four carbon-carbon bonds are formed in this instance. Single-crystal X-ray analyses of these [n.n]cyclophanes reveal interestingly shaped molecules with large cavities.
RESUMEN
The hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene macrocycles 1a,b are observed to bind Sc(3+), Lu(3+), Y(3+), and La(3+) more strongly than alkali or alkaline earth metal ions. Binding constants have been determined for the trivalent metal ions using an NMR titration method and are observed to increase with increasing charge-to-radius ratio for the metal ion (Na(+), Li(+), Ca(2+) < Mg(2+) < La(3+) << Y(3+) < Lu(3+) << Sc(3+)) and increasing macrocycle acidity [p-tert-butyloxacalix[3]arene (1a) < p-chlorooxacalix[3]arene (1b)]. Macrocycle 1b is observed to transport Sc(3+) across a liquid membrane without any detectable transport of Li(+) or Mg(2+).