Chromatic adaptation and color constancy: A possible dichotomy

Differences between chromatic adaptation and color constancy are discussed, in order to call into question the commonly held view that chromatic adaptation is the mechanism of color constancy. Whereas chromatic adaptation requires many seconds of time and occurs for simple visual scenes, color constancy asserts itself immediately and is most powerful in complex visual scenes. Furthermore, models of chromatic adaptation are not so illuminant invariant as other models of color vision. Therefore, a new operational foundation for color constancy is proposed, and existing non-adaptation models of color constancy are enumerated for future tests.     

Probleme des abbaus an folienbildenden thermoplastischen hochpolymeren

The mass-produced thermoplastics, PVC, polystyrene and polyolefins, have increasingly gained ground in fields of application where, during and after use, they are subjected as thin layers, e.g. in the form of films, to normal environmental influences. Degradation reactions on thin layers caused by heat and light in the presence of oxygen are gaining importance as much as a “controlled autoxidation” might open up new fields of application. Initiation and acceleration of autoxidation by ?potential sensitizers”? in the presence of oxygen and beams of light are critically evaluated with a view towards desired degradability.     

Anwendung des quantitativen Fernsehmikroskopes und der Elektronenstrahlmikrosonde für die Untersuchung des Systems Eisen—Kohlenstoff—Phosphor bei 900 bis 1000°C

Neue Wege, mit geringem Aufwand an Legierungen metallische Mehrstoffsysteme im festen Zustand zu untersuchen: 1. durch Mengenmessung der Phasen mit dem quantitativen Fernsehmikroskop und Errechnung der Sättigungskonzentrationen, 2. durch Ermittlung der Phasenzusammensetzung mit der Elektronenstrahlmikrosonde. Vergleich der herkömmlichen und neuen Verfahren. Untersuchung der Eisenecke des Systems Eisen–Phosphor–Kohlenstoff bei 900, 950 und 1000°C.     

Measurement of charge distribution in polymer electrets by a new pressure-pulse method

Summary The charge distribution in the thickness direction of 10 to 100 m thick polymer electrets can be determined with a new method utilizing a <1 ns laser pulse to launch a pressure pulse in the sample. Propagation of the pressure pulse through the film causes electrode currents which yield the charge distribution. The method has been applied to electron-beam charged PETP and FEP samples.     

Fungal aerobic reductive dechlorination of ethyl 2-chloroacetoacetate by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: mechanism of a novel type of microbial dehalogenation

Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduces the beta-keto ester ethyl 2-chloroacetoacetate to the respective chiral cis- and trans-beta-hydroxy esters. In the course of chiral reduction, competing dehalogenation of the xenobiotic substrate to ethyl acetoacetate occurs, in a reaction mediated by cytosolic glutathione (GSH). Mechanistically, the dechlorination is a novel type of glutathione-dependent dehalogenation catalysed by an as yet unidentified glutathione-dependent dehalogenase. The first step consists of a nucleophilic replacement of the chloride substituent by glutathione. In the subsequent enzyme-catalysed step, a second glutathione molecule liberates the dehalogenation product by thiolytic attack at the thioether bridge, resulting in a net transfer of two electrons to the substrate and in the formation of glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Being effective under aerobic conditions and catalysed by a fungus, this reductive dechlorination of an aliphatic substrate is an outstanding example of a novel, glutathione-mediated microbial dehalogenation.     

Comparison of SeaWiFS measurements of the Moon with the U.S. Geological Survey lunar model

The Sea-Viewing Wide-Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) has made monthly observations of the Moon since 1997. Using 66 monthly measurements, the SeaWiFS calibration team has developed a correction for the instrument's on-orbit response changes. Concurrently, a lunar irradiance model has been developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) from extensive Earth-based observations of the Moon. The lunar irradiances measured by SeaWiFS are compared with the USGS model. The comparison shows essentially identical response histories for SeaWiFS, with differences from the model of less than 0.05% per thousand days in the long-term trends. From the SeaWiFS experience we have learned that it is important to view the entire lunar image at a constant phase angle from measurement to measurement and to understand, as best as possible, the size of each lunar image. However, a constant phase angle is not required for using the USGS model. With a long-term satellite lunar data set it is possible to determine instrument changes at a quality level approximating that from the USGS lunar model. However, early in a mission, when the dependence on factors such as phase and libration cannot be adequately determined from satellite measurements alone, the USGS model is critical to an understanding of trends in instruments that use the Moon for calibration. This is the case for SeaWiFS.     

Assessment and evaluation of the radiological situation in the late phase of a nuclear accident

An overview of existing approaches on assessing and evaluating the radiological situation in the late phase of a nuclear accident is given in this paper. Special attention is paid to the weak points of existing approaches and to problems to be solved in the future. Assessment of the radiological situation can be based on both monitoring data and model predictions. Approaches have been developed for many years in both categories and have meanwhile reached some kind of maturity and also operational applicability. Nevertheless, some areas exist where significant improvements could be achieved in the near future, e.g. by combining monitoring data and model predictions, by improving the modelling of urban areas or by improving existing radioecological models.     

Unter welchen Voraussetzungen bewähren sich Korrosionsschutzauskleidungen aus Fluorkunststoff-Folien

Under what conditions are anticorrosion liners made from fluorinated plastic film effective ? Equipment lined with fluorinated plastics is nowadays making a major contribution to the solution of difficult materials problems. If such equipment is to be used successfully, it is essential that its manufacturer is familiar with the specific properties of the lining materials and takes them into account in the design and production of the equipment. However, it is just as important for the operator to adjust to the material when operating the plant. On the basis of many years of experience, the most important problems associated with loose liners made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – viz. leakproofness and permeability of the liner, flange system, dimensional stability towards vacuum, handling, and installation – are indicated and possible solutions stated.