Performance characteristics of a composite multivariate quality control system.

We present the results of an evaluation of the performance characteristics of a composite multivariate quality control (CMQC) system that incorporates quality control rules for univariate, multivariate, and correlation conditions. The CMQC system evaluated is designed to help analysts detect unacceptable trends and systematic error in one or more variables, unacceptable random error in one or more variables, and unacceptable changes in the correlation structure of any pair of variables. It is also designed to be tolerant of missing data, to allow analysts to reject as few as one or as many as all variables in a run, and to provide analysts with control statistics and graphics that logically relate to sources of analytical error. We show that the various components of the CMQC system have adequate statistical power to detect systematic errors, random errors, and correlation changes under the conditions likely to be encountered with multivariate analytical measurement systems: (1) a single variable with increased systematic or random error; (2) all variables or a subgroup of variables affected by a common problem that increases systematic or random error; and (3) missing data for one or more variables in a run. We also show that the power of the multivariate component of the CMQC system to detect systematic and random errors is higher than the power of an alternative multivariate test criterion.     

Accelerated aging of extruded dielectric power cables. I. Controland monitoring methodology

An improved accelerated cable life test is described. Through the use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), very precise and consistent control of the accelerated aging process has been achieved. A computer has been utilized to make continuous real-time acquisition and storage of key operating parameters possible. This precise control and monitoring methodology has permitted the study of the synergistic effects of voltage and temperature on the accelerated aging of full-sized cables in the laboratory     

A STUDY OF SUPERIMPOSED FRACTURE MODES I, II AND III ON PMMA

A test apparatus has been developed to study the fracture behaviour of engineering materials subjected to superimposed tensile and shear (Mode I and II) loads using a single edge notch specimen. Stress intensity factors were calculated using finite element analysis. Test results for PMMA are reported. Results from circumferentially notched round bar specimens, subjected to combined tension and torsion (Mode I and III) loading are also reported. The Mode I/II results are consistent with the mixed mode fracture response of a wide range of brittle materials, although there is some evidence of non-linear behaviour. The fracture behaviour for superimposed Modes I and III indicates the strong influence of non-linear deformation which causes the mixed mode toughness to be dependent on the sequence and type of loading.     

ACAT inhibitors derived from hetero-Diels-Alder cycloadducts of thioaldehydes

Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) is the enzyme largely responsible for intracellular cholesterol esterification. A systemic inhibitor of ACAT is believed to be able to slow or even reverse the atherosclerotic process. Towards that goal, a series of cyclic sulfides, derived from the hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of thioaldehydes with 1,3-dienes, and bearing carboxamide substituents, were prepared and evaluated for in vitro (in several tissues and species) and ex vivo ACAT inhibition. Minor changes in subsequent structure were found to have a significant effect in optimization of the biological activity of this series of compounds.     

The concept of an endurance limit for adhesive joints

The effect of cyclic stressing on the strength of single lap adhesive joints has been studied and a considerable reduction in strength observed when the maximum stress exceeds about 40% of the ultimate tensile strength, but whether or not a true endurance limit exists is not proven. Fallacies are shown in some of the techniques which have been proposed for studying the fatigue behaviour of adhesive joints.     

The use of Schottky barrier diodes for the detection of surface contamination and damage in the fabrication of GaAs MESFETS

The gates of GaAs MESFETS rely on the formation of a Schottky diode between the semiconductor surface and a deposited metal and so are extremely sensitive to the nature of this interface. For this reason an investigation of surface damage and contamination by the various processing stages involved in IC fabrication has been undertaken. This paper outlines the results obtained from processes involved in activation of ion implantation through annealing with a dielectric encapsulant, wet chemical etching, and metallization. Methods for removing or minimizing the effects of processing damage or contamination are also investigated.     

Perceived risk for influenza in veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

Objective: Guided by the extended parallel process model (EPPM), the objective was to assess control processes dominant in influenza behavior decisions. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Results: Response rate was 31% (n=968). Regarding influenza risk, 59% were in danger control. Those in fear control were more likely to report influenza infection (p=.000). In the nonvaccinated, those in fear control were more likely to indicate not knowing where to get the vaccine (p=.016) and that it was unavailable (p=.027), and those in danger control believed they did not need it (p=.023). Zero critical values were more likely to indicate that no health provider recommended the shot (p=.002). Conclusions: Most perceived efficacy to be stronger than threat related to influenza; according to the EPPM, they are aware of their risk but recognize their ability to avert it. For those in danger control, messages should focus on increasing perceptions of severity and susceptibility to positively affect behavior change. For those in fear control, messages should focus on efficacy only. With a critical value of zero, no threat is induced, and a high-threat/high-efficacy approach should be taken. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Organochlorine Contaminants of Wintering Ducks Foraging on Detroit River Sediments

Organochlorine analysis was performed on carcasses of 13 diving ducks from a 1981 wintering population that foraged on contaminated sediments in the lower Detroit River. Mean total PCB concentrations were 10 mg/kg for seven lesser scaups (Aythya affinis), 11 mg/kg for three greater scaups (A. marila), and 7.6 mg/kg for three goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula). Highest mean levels of other residues were measured for hexachlorobenzene (1.7 mg/kg) in goldeneyes, and transnonachlor (0.33 mg/kg) and 4,4’-DDE (1.3 mg/kg) in greater scaup. Quantitative analysis of 72 PCB congeners also was applied to water, seston, sediment, benthie oligochaetes, and carp from the same site. Principal congeners in most of the samples included some of the more toxic and persistent PCBs. Results of a multivariate analysis indicated that ratios of more conservative to less conservative PCBs did not vary significantly among ducks (α = .05), but differed from those in carp, oligochaetes, and sediment. For the February through March period of fat mobilization, concentrations of total PCB in lipid were inversely correlated with percent lipid (r = 0.76) in ducks. The percentage of conservative PCBs increased slightly. The distribution and partitioning of organochlorines, including toxic PCB congeners, varied considerably within this water column-sediment-fauna ecosystem. Estimates of toxic exposure based on total PCB values may be unreliable.