Resistance of Thin Films

Precise understanding of the resistivity of metals is an important factor in the optimization of circuit designs and electrical systems. We studied the fabrication of, and measurement of electrical properties of thin films of copper, gold, and nickel. Resistivity measurements of these films were made using 4-°©‐point probes designed and built at Dixie State University (DSU). The making of the films at DSU used thermal deposition and sputtering deposition. The making of the films at Utah Valley University (UVU) used RF sputtering deposition. Analysis of the smoothness of the films was verified with atomic force microscopy (AFM) at UVU. Thicknesses were measured using ellipsometry at BYU and with a stylus profilometer at NIST in Boulder, Colorado. Scanning electron microscopy was also used in the analysis of the films. Resistances similar to bulk properties of the films was seen in thicker films. Thinner films showed an increase in the resistance of each film

Small-molecule agonists for the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor

The peptide hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 has important actions resulting in glucose lowering along with weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. As a peptide hormone, GLP-1 has to be administered by injection. Only a few small-molecule agonists to peptide hormone receptors have been described and none in the B family of the G protein coupled receptors to which the GLP-1 receptor belongs. We have discovered a series of small molecules known as ago-allosteric modulators selective for the human GLP-1 receptor. These compounds act as both allosteric activators of the receptor and independent agonists. Potency of GLP-1 was not changed by the allosteric agonists, but affinity of GLP-1 for the receptor was increased. The most potent compound identified stimulates glucose-dependent insulin release from normal mouse islets but, importantly, not from GLP-1 receptor knockout mice. Also, the compound stimulates insulin release from perfused rat pancreas in a manner additive with GLP-1 itself. These compounds may lead to the identification or design of orally active GLP-1 agonists