Development of a high‐resolution RGBW flexible display using a white organic light‐emitting diode with microcavity structure and that of a side‐roll touch panel

In this study, white organic electroluminescent devices with microcavity structures were developed. A flexible high‐resolution active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode display with low power consumption using red, green, blue, and white sub‐pixels formed by a color‐filter method was fabricated. In addition, a side‐roll touch display was developed in combination with a capacitive flexible touch screen.     

Extracellular breakdown of collagen by mice decidual cells. A cytochemical and ultrastructural study.

The interaction of antimesometrial decidual cells and collagen fibrils was studied by light microscopy and ultrastructural cytochemistry in fed and acutely fasted mice on days 9-11 of pregnancy. Fibrillar elements in the extracellular space consisted of collagen fibrils and filamentous aggregates (disintegrating collagen fibrils). Intracellular vacuoles exhibited typical collagen immersed in electron-translucent material (clear vacuoles) and faint cross-banded collagen immersed in electron-opaque material (dark vacuoles). Fibrillar elements showed extracellular acid phosphatase activity which was stronger in the region of mature decidua than in predecidual cells region in all animals; it was conspicuous in mature decidua of fasted animals. Intracellular acid phosphatase activity was observed in dark vacuoles and lysosomes, and was absent in clear vacuoles in all cells studied. Since acid phosphatase activity reflects the presence of lysosomal hydrolases in general, the results indicate that breakdown of extracellular collagen occurs by release of lysosomal enzymes by decidual cells and also by internalization of collagen for intracellular degradation in fed and fasted mice. Collagen breakdown may be part of the process of tissue remodeling in mature and predecidual regions, however, in mature decidua, collagen breakdown is enhanced and may therefore contribute to nutrition of the fetus, specially in acutely fasted mice.     

NSOM the fourth dimension: Integrating nanometric spatial and femtosecond time resolution

Photonic devices are becoming the cornerstone of next generation systems for computing and information processing. This paper reports on the first steps in the development of methods to understand these devices with nanometric (10^?7 cm) spatial and femtosecond (10^?15 s) time resolution. The basis of this achievement is the dramatic developments that have occurred in the past few years in a new area of optics called near-field optics. Near-field optics is a form of lensless optics with a resolution that is subwavelength and which is independent of the wavelength of the light being employed. We report in this paper the transmission of pulses with tens of femtosecond duration through subwavelength, near-field optical elements. We also report on a femtosecond near-field optical light source with cross-correlating capabilities and on the growth of GaAs in the tip of micropipettes for use as an ultra-fast electro-optical switch which can cross-correlate optical, electrical, and electro-optical effects. These developments are especially relevant in the investigation of photonic devices since such devices can alter their characteristics as a function of size in the mesoscopic regime from just below lens-based optical resolutions to dimensions that approach atomic scales of ～1 nm (10^?7 cm). In view of the fact that these devices and the processes that govern them also exhibit ultrafast speeds, the combination of state of the art femtosecond laser spectroscopy with the unique features of near-field optics is a critical step in advancing our next generation understandings of such materials and structures so that their full potential in information processing can be achieved.     

Ionic conduction in polyether-based lithium arylfluorosulfonimide ionic melt electrolytes

We report synthesis, characterization and ion transport in polyether-based ionic melt electrolytes consisting of Li salts of low-basicity anions covalently attached to polyether oligomers. Purity of the materials was investigated by HPLC analysis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The highest ionic conductivity of 7.1 × 10⁻⁶ S/cm at 30 °C was obtained for the sample consisting of a lithium salt of an arylfluorosulfonimide anion attached to a polyether oligomer with an ethyleneoxide (EO) to lithium ratio of 12. The conductivity order of various ionic melts having different polyether chain lengths suggests that at higher EO:Li ratios the conductivity of the electrolytes at room temperature is determined in part by the amount of crystallization of the polyether portion of the ionic melt.     

Endemic goiter in school children of Salta Province, Argentina

The Province of Salta, located in the northwest of Argentina, showed severe endemic goiter-cretinism. The purpose of our work, therefore, was to evaluate the results of the iodized salt prophylaxis measure implemented since 1963. In 1980-1981 the prevalence of goiter was determined in 16,935 school children whose ages ranged from four to 15 years. The urinary iodine/creatinine index was also determined in a subsample of 401 children. Findings revealed that the goiter prevalence in the Province was 16.1%. In 10 Departments of the Province, those with greater socioeconomic development and denser population, the prevalences found were below 10%, limit established as endemic. In the remaining 13 Departments, especially in those less developed--where mountainous regions make their access difficult and hence, their populations consume non-iodized salt obtained from natural salt basins--values exceeded this limit. The average ioduria was 104.0 micrograms I/g Cr, with 4.5% presenting values below 25 micrograms. After 20 years of prophylaxis, endemic goiter has therefore been partially eradicated. It is suggested, however, that consumption of iodized salt and, even the supply of iodized oil in those areas where prevalence is high, be recommended.     

Pilot scale isolation of proteins from field peas (Pisum sativum L.) for use as food ingredients

Summary The protein and starch fractions of field pea ( Pisum sativum L.) are potentially a source of novel ingredients for food processing. As part of research to elucidate the functional properties of field pea proteins, the pilot scale extraction of proteins has been undertaken. Two different approaches have been used and the recoveries of protein compared. The first involved extraction with a salt solution followed by decanting and clarification to remove solids. The solution was then further concentrated and salt removed by ultrafiltration and diafiltration. The second procedure was based upon alkaline extraction followed by decanting and recovery by isoelectric precipitation and neutralisation. Both spray drying and freeze drying methods were employed. The protein isolates have been compared and characterised with respect to solubility, chemical composition and to electrophoretic patterns. Overall, the proteins extracted with salt exhibited better physical properties than proteins extracted with alkali, in terms of colour and particle size. The solubilities showed little variation and the electrophoretic patterns were similar. Freeze drying resulted in isolates with darker colour compared with spray drying.     

Service aged 69 and 115 kV XLPE cables

Five 69 kV XLPE cables, 6 to 23 years in service and two old vintage cables from storage plus a 115 kV XLPE cable from service together with a spare cable from the same production, kept in storage, were evaluated. All components of the cables were found to show little signs of deterioration except for AC breakdown. The 69 kV XLPE cable from service has breakdown levels ranging from 10.2 to 18.2 kV/mm, the spare cable 15.0 to 17.7 kV/mm compared to 27.2 kV/mm, the only previously reported value for a new cable. The 115 kV XLPE cable had a breakdown level of 16 kV/mm and the spare 10 kV/mm. The above cables are low-stress cables. Most modern cables operate at higher voltage stresses, taking advantage of cleaner insulations with smoother shields and moisture barriers. Caution is advised in using older, low-stress cables placed in storage