On Estimation of the Intensity Function of a Point Process

In this paper we review techniques for estimating the intensity function of a spatial point process. We present a unified framework of mass preserving general weight function estimators that encompasses both kernel and tessellation based estimators. We give explicit expressions for the first two moments of these estimators in terms of their product densities, and pay special attention to Poisson processes.     

Milch und Milchprodukte

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

New magnetic copper(II) coordination polymers with the polynitrile ligand (C[C(CN)2]3)2- and N-donor co-ligands

Reactions between CuCl2 and K2tcpd (tcpd2- = [C10N6]2- = (C[C(CN)2]3)2-) in the presence of neutral co-ligands (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine, and tn = 1,3-diaminopropane) in aqueous solution yield the new compounds [Cu2(bpym)(tcpd)2(H2O)4] x 2H2O (1), [Cu(tn)(tcpd)] (2), and [Cu(tn)2(tcpd)] x H2O (3), which are characterized by X-ray crystallography and magnetic measurements. Compound 1 displays a one-dimensional structure in which the bpym ligand, acting with a bis-chelating coordination mode, leads to [Cu2(bpym)]4+ dinuclear units which are connected by two mu2-tcpd2- bridging ligands. Compound 2 consists of a three-dimensional structure generated by [Cu(tn)]2+ units connected by a mu4-tcpd2- ligand. The structure of 3 is made up of centrosymmetric planar [Cu(tn)]2+ units connected by a mu2-tcpd2- ligand leading to infinite zigzag chains. In compounds 1 and 3, the bridging coordination mode of the tcpd2- unit involves only two nitrogen atoms of one C(CN)2 wing, while in 2, this ligand acts via four nitrogen atoms of two C(CN)2 wings. Despite this difference, the structural features of the tcpd2- units in 1-3 are essentially similar. Magnetic measurements for compound 1 exhibit a maximum in the chi(m) vs T plot (at approximately 150 K) which is characteristic of strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Cu(II) metal ions dominated by the magnetic exchange through the bis-chelating bpym. The fit of the magnetic data to a dimer model gives J and g values of -90.0 cm(-1) and 2.12, respectively. For compounds 2 and 3 the thermal variations of the magnetic susceptibility show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) metal ions that can be well reproduced with an antiferromagnetic regular S = 1/2 chain model that gives J values of -0.07(2) and -0.18(1) cm(-1) with g values of 2.12(1) and 2.13(1) for compounds 2 and 3, respectively (the Hamiltonian is written in all the cases as H = -2JS(a)S(b)).     

Direct patterning of molecularly imprinted microdot arrays for sensors and biochips

We have used fountain pen microlithography to deposit arrays of molecularly imprinted polymer microdots on flat substrates. We visualize analyte binding to the dots by fluorescence microscopy with the aid of fluorescein as a model analyte. Elution and readsorption of the analyte to the MIP dots were possible if the porosity of the dots was improved by a sacrificial polymeric porogen. The imprinting effect was confirmed by using compounds structurally related to fluorescein. In addition, we show with another MIP specific to 2,4-D that, apart from the direct measurement of the binding of fluorescent compounds, a competitive immunoassay-type format can also be used to transduce the binding. We believe that this technique has a strong potential for the fabrication of biomimetic microchips and other types of integrated biosensors.     

Stress-induced large-area lift-off of crystalline Si films

A new implantation-free lift-off process is presented. We deposit a layer with mismatched thermal expansion coefficient with respect to the substrate. Upon cooling, the differential contraction induces a large stress field which is released by the initiation and the propagation of a crack parallel to the surface. The principle is demonstrated on both single and multi-crystalline silicon. Films with an area of 25 cm² and a thickness of 30–50 μm have been obtained. Some Si layers were further processed into solar cells. An energy conversion efficiency of 9.9% was reached on a 1 cm² sample. PACS 62.20.Mk; 68.55.Jk; 68.60.Bs; 84.60.Jt     

Untersuchung von Butter und Margarine

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Influence de la conformation des polyions sur la fixation de colorants—III. Etude de la fixation de l'auramine o sur des polyacides synthetiques par equilibres de dialyse

The binding of auramine O (AuO), a cationic dye which does not dimerize, to poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) has been measured by dialysis experiments. The effects of ionization, ionic strength and polymer to dye ratio (P/D) have been systematically investigated. At low ionization and P/D = 100, the bound fraction (q) of AuO is distinctly higher with PMA than with PAA at all ionic strength; this difference can be attributed to non-electrostatic interactions. Increase of ionic strength leads to displacement of the bound dye; on the other hand, high P/D ratio favours binding. We were able to describe the binding isotherms by an ion-exchange process at constant ionization and ionic strength. Water-methanol mixtures, known to destroy the coiled conformations of PMA, lead to a decrease in q; the same is observed in unionized acidic PMA solutions where ionic interactions are suppressed. These results indicate a strong binding due to the insertion of the dye into the polyion compact core and also a weak electrostatic one; they agree with the observations of spectrofluorescence; it must be emphasized that the bound fraction of dye is not, in itself, a significant parameter of conformational states.