Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus to evaluate at least one specimen for a predetermined purpose. The method comprises establishing at least one category that includes a plurality of criteria with which to evaluate the at least one specimen and receiving at least one scoring parameter that weights the at least one category. The method further comprises presenting at least some of the plurality of criteria to the user and calculating, based upon the scoring parameter as well as data entered by the user and associated with the presented criteria, a score for the at least one specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are derivatives of 4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5'6'-bimethylenedioxy 2,2'-dimethoxycarbonyl biphenyl (DDB) which were synthesized and found to have anti-HIV activity. Of the compounds studied, 3,3'-dibromo DDB and 3-bromo-DDB initially exhibited the greatest anti-HIV activity.