Low‐dielectric‐constant (low‐κ) materials are a critical requirement for future generations of computer microprocessors. As a unique class of porous silicas, pure silica zeolites (PSZs) have been shown to be a promising low‐κ material with excellent mechanical strength (e.g., elastic modulus of 16–18 GPa) due to their crystalline nature. In the present study, we show for the first time that higher crystallinity of spin‐on PSZ MFI films leads to lower κ values and less moisture sensitivity—two critical properties of a porous low‐κ material. We have also advanced the two‐stage synthesis method to produce zeolite nanoparticles with high yield (77 %) and a small diameter (< 80 nm). A κ value of 1.6 is obtained from the silylated highly crystalline PSZ MFI film and the κ value only increases by 12.5 % after exposure to ambient conditions for a period of 24 h.
In leaves of A. thaliana, there exists an intricate network of epidermal surface layer cells responsible for anatomical stability and vigor of flexibility to the entire leaf. Rho GTPases direct this organization of cell polarity, but full understanding of the underlying mechanisms demands further inquiry. We conduct two experiments: (1) a novel procedure is proposed that could be used in other life and plant science studies to quantify microtubule orientation, and (2) shape analysis. We hypothesize ARK2 as a putative interactor in cell polarity maintenance through stabilization of microtubule ordering. We are the first to automate pavement cell phenotype analysis for cell polarity and microtubule orientation. Breakthroughs in the signaling network regulating leaf cell polarity and development will lead science into the frontier of genetically modifying leaves to dramatically increase Earth's plant biomass; impending food shortages in the 21st century will be well served by such research.
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