bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baculovirus‐mediated gene transfer is attenuated by sodium bicarbonate
Authors: Shen Heng‐Chun , Lee Hsiao‐Ping , Lo Wen‐Hsin , Yang Ding‐Gang , Hu Yu‐Chen
Published: April 2007

Background

Baculovirus transduction of cultured mammalian cells is typically performed by incubating the cells with virus using culture medium (e.g. Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)) as the surrounding solution. However, we previously uncovered that DMEM hinders the baculovirus‐mediated gene transfer.

Methods

In this study, we systematically explored the influences of promoter and medium constituents on the transduction efficiency by using different recombinant viruses and surrounding solutions for transduction, followed by flow cytometric analyses. Whether the key medium component impeded baculovirus binding to the cells and subsequent virus entry was investigated by immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR).

Results

We demonstrated that the poorer transduction by using DMEM as the surrounding solution is independent of the promoter. Examination of the medium constituents group by group revealed that the balanced salt solution suppresses the baculovirus transduction. By omitting individual salt species in the balanced salt solution, we surprisingly uncovered that NaHCO3, a common buffering agent, exerts the inhibitory effects in a concentration‐dependent manner. Intriguingly, NaHCO3 did not debilitate the baculovirus, nor did it inhibit virus binding to the cells. Instead, NaHCO3 inhibited baculovirus transduction by reducing the intracellular virus number.

Conclusions

To our best knowledge, this is the first report unraveling the significance of NaHCO3 in gene transfer. Our finding suggests that baculovirus‐mediated gene transfer can be readily enhanced by omitting NaHCO3 from the medium during the transduction period. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quercetin content in stored onions (Allium cepa L.): effects of storage conditions, cultivar, lifting time and nitrogen fertiliser level
Authors: Mogren Lars M , Olsson Marie E , Gertsson Ulla E
Published: April 2007

Storage experiments with commercial cultivars of onion (Allium cepa L.) were performed at low constant temperature (1°C) and at higher variable temperature (∼8°C). Cultivar differences in quercetin glucoside content were significant, but neither nitrogen fertiliser level nor lifting time had more than minor effects at start of storage or after 3 or 5 months of storage. The role of onion size for quercetin glucoside content and composition was inconsistent but seemed to be of minor importance. Irrespective of storage conditions, the content of quercetin glucosides only showed minor reduction and the composition was unchanged. After 5 months of storage, onion sprouting was recorded during a shelf‐life period of 9 weeks at room temperature. Early lifting resulted in onions with low sprouting and good storage abilities without negative effects on quercetin glucoside content. The results suggest that it may be possible to minimise nitrogen fertiliser levels without negative effects on onion yield, quercetin glucoside content or storage capacity. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
An approximate solution to the integral radiative transfer equation in an optically thick slab
Authors: Amosov Andrey , Panasenko Grigory
Published: April 2007

We consider the problem of solving the integral form of the radiative transfer equation in an atmosphere with optical thickness τ0≫1. We propose two methods transforming this problem to a finite set of the independent problems of the same type set in an atmosphere with optical thickness much less then τ0. The error estimates are derived. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Why Me?”: An Attributional Analysis of a Major Illness
Authors: Ducette Joseph , Keane Anne
Published: April 2007

The applicability of attribution theory in general, and Weiner's model in particular, to a medical setting was investigated. Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were interviewed before and after surgery to ascertain why they thought they had the disease and why they were recovering at an adequate or inadequate rate from the surgery. These data were analyzed to answer two primary questions. First, to what extent can Weiner's academically‐based attribution model be applied to a medical setting? Secondly, do the attributions that patients make about the cause of their disease affect their ability to recover from it? The results indicated that Weiner's theory can be applied to this situation, although a modification in one major dimension of the theory (the Locus dimension) seems warranted. In addition, the causal attributions that patients made about their disease correlated with recovery, although the pattern of attributions for successful patients was complex and theoretically ambiguous. Suggestions for modifying Weiner's model to make the theory more applicable to a medical setting are presented.
Occupational Commitment and the Quality of Maternal Infant Interaction
Authors: Riesch Susan K.
Published: April 2007

A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between a woman's degree of occupational commitment measured at 34 weeks gestation and the quality of interaction with her infant measured soon after delivery in a sample of 50 married, white, college‐educated women and their healthy term infants. This finding did not occur at 6‐weeks postpartum, however. Specific characteristics which influenced the quality of the interaction between mother and infant included mothers' of the subjects work histories, infant gender, attendance at prenatal classes, intention of returning to work, and method of infant feeding. With respect to occupational commitment, influencing characteristics included income and subjects' mothers' work histories. The findings are discussed within the perspective of current literature.
Prediction of Birthweight by the Use of Extrauterine Measurements During Labor
Authors: Engstrom Janet L. , Chen Edwin H.
Published: April 2007

Maternal height, pregravid weight, weight gain during pregnancy, fundal height, McDonald's measurement, uterine width, uterine height, abdominal girth, and station of the fetal head were measured in 44 laboring, nulliparous women and were used to construct a regression model for the prediction of infant birthweight during labor. A model constructed from maternal height, weight gain during pregnancy, fundal height, abdominal girth, and station accounted for 69.6% of the variance in birthweight. The use of this regression equation resulted in predictions that were within 100, 250, and 500 gm of the actual birthweights in 34.1%, 79.5%, and 97.7% of the 44 cases, respectively. In all 44 cases, the weights of the infants also were estimated by palpation of the maternal abdomen during labor. These estimates were within 100, 250, and 500 gm of the actual birthweights in 31.8%, 61.4%, and 88.6% of the cases, respectively.
Attitudes of patients with schizophrenia toward taking medication
Authors: Davidhizar Ruth Elaine , Austin Joan Kessner , McBride Angela Barron
Published: April 2007

The attitude of 50 hospitalized persons with schizophrenia toward taking their medication was examined. Both open‐ended and fixed‐response estimates of attitude were made. Insight also was measured, and the relationships between insight and attitude and between hallucinations and insight were analyzed. Patients were able to provide information about beliefs and feelings about taking medication and about insight toward illness and treatment. Attitudes varied, and both strongly positive and strongly negative beliefs about taking medication were held simultaneously. Some of the implications for nursing are explained.
Color vision tests to identify elevated digoxin levels
Authors: Lesage Joan M. , Chuman Mary A.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of color vision screening in identifying patients with elevated digoxin levels ( 2.0 ng/ml). Test‐retest color vision measurements were obtained on 56 subjects with elevated digoxin levels and 93 nondigoxin subjects. Two tests, the Ishihara and Sahlgren's Saturation Test (SST), identified digoxin levels of 2.9 ng/ml or more. These tests also yielded a high percentage of improved retest scores among subjects with elevated digoxin levels ( 2.7 ng/ml) of more than 4‐days duration and a low percentage of improved retest scores among the nondigoxin group. The Ishihara, SST, and other bedside color vision tests may prove useful in the routine monitoring of patients on digoxin therapy, especially those with a high risk for toxicity.
Frequency of nasoenteral tube displacement and associated risk factors
Authors: Metheny Norma A. , Spies Martha , Eisenberg Patricia
Published: April 2007

A pilot study was conducted to describe the frequency with which spontaneous tube displacement occurred in 105 tube‐fed patients followed on a prospective basis. In addition, risk factors thought to be associated with tube displacement were studied. Since only about one‐third of the tubes were monitored by followup radiographs, the actual occurrence of tube displacement is unknown. On those days when tube position was documented, a comparison of risk factors for spontaneous tube displacement was made with chi‐square statistics. Two risk factors, coughing and decreased level of consciousness, were found to occur with significantly greater frequency in patients with displaced weighted nasogastric tubes, while coughing, tracheal suctioning, and upper airway intubation were significant in the dislodgement of unweighted nasointestinal tubes. None of the risk factors were significant in patients with weighted nasointestinal tubes.
Job stress and health: The role of social support at work
Authors: Browner C. H.
Published: April 2007

Data are presented on the use of social resources to reduce the negative effects of perceived job stress on the health of 26 psychiatric technicians who cared for severely and profoundly retarded residents of a state institution. Data were collected by participant observation, semistructured interviews, and the self‐administered Cornell Medical Index. Sources of job stress were found to stem not from problems associated with the care of the retarded but rather from staff members' inability to control other critical aspects of their work. Staff with supportive work‐based social networks reported significantly better health (as measured by the Cornell Medical Index) than those without such networks.
Measures of mother‐child interaction: A comparison of three methods
Authors: Flick Louise H. , McSweeney Maryellen
Published: April 2007

Three methods of recording mother‐child interaction were compared in a sample of 136 adolescent mothers with children ranging in age from 8 to 27 months. Mother‐child interaction was rated during in‐home observations using Barnard's Teaching Scale, Schaefer's Attachment Inventory, and Clarke‐Stewart's Rating Scales. The results indicate that each measure complements the other two, and that their interrelationships support the validity of the dimensions each describes. Yet, analyses indicate that they do not share common underlying factors. The findings suggest that each measure contributes to a more complete description of mother‐child interaction.
Accuracy of references in nursing journals
Authors: Foreman Marquis D. , Kirchhoff Karin T.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to quantify and classify errors in reference lists of randomly selected, recently published issues of nursing journals (n = 17) and to assess whether these errors prevented retrieval of the cited documents. Randomly selected references, 65 from clinical journals and 47 from non‐clinical journals, were compared to the original sources for accuracy. Errors were classified as minor (not preventing retrieval) and major (preventing retrieval). Errors occurred more frequently in references in clinical journals, 38.4% of those reviewed, as compared to 21.3% in of non‐clinical journals. Additionally, 4.6% of the clinical references contained major errors, but no major errors were located in references from the non‐clinical journals. These findings have implications for all readers.
Nurses' Attributions about Rape Victims
Authors: Damrosch Shirley P. , Gallo Bonnie , Kulak Deborah , Whitaker Cheryl Mador
Published: April 2007

In an evaluation experiment, 80 registered nurses (64% of whom had cared for at least one rape victim) read an account of a rape involving a woman who drove to a drugstore on her way home from work. By random assignment, the nurses read one of four versions of the rape which varied in terms of whether or not the victim locked her car door (carelessness manipulation) and time of attack (5:00 p.m. or midnight). Subjects evaluated the victim on a series of 0 to 9 bipolar adjective scales. MANOVA showed a significant main effect for the locked/unlocked conditions: Nurses who read the unlocked version, as compared to those reading the locked version, showed differences in terms of more negative ratings of the victim on such variables as less liking for her, less identification with her, and assigning greater responsibility for the rape to her (p ≤ 0.005). Time of attack and the interaction were not significant.
Confusion in the hospitalized elderly: Incidence, onset, and associated factors
Authors: Foreman Marquis D.
Published: April 2007

Seventy‐one non‐surgical patients over age 60 years were studied to obtain information about the incidence, onset and variables associated with the onset of confusion. The incidence of confusion was 38%; 27 of the 71 subjects developed confusion during hospitalization. Nineteen of the 27 patients developed confusion by the second day of hospitalization; no new cases of confusion were detected after the sixth day of hospitalization. An examination of the psychophysiologic variables associated with the onset of confusion produced a profile of the confused elderly patient. Confused patients were: hypernatremic, hypokalemic, hyperglycemic, hypotensive, had elevated blood levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen, received more medications, were more frequently perceived by nurses as confused, had more orienting objects in their immediate environment, and fewer interactions with significant others. Recommendations for the continued investigation and care of confused patients are offered.
Aberrant eating behavior in elderly parkinsonian patients with and without dementia: Analysis of video‐recorded meals
Authors: Athlin Elsy , Norberg Astrid , Axelsson Karin , Möller Agnetha , Nordströ Göran
Published: April 2007

Aberrant eating behavior among 14 elderly, non‐demented and 10 demented patients with Parkinson's disease was studied by means of video‐recordings. The findings revealed problems in handling food on the plate, transporting food into the mouth, manipulating food in the mouth, and swallowing. Interpretations were performed based on impairments of autonomic processes, perception, cognition, emotion, and motor performance that occur in the disease.
Ego defensiveness and its relationship to attitudes of registered nurses toward older people
Authors: McCabe Barbara Wharton
Published: April 2007

This study was designed to simultaneously examine the relationship between select independent variables and attitudes of registered nurses toward older people. Emphasis was placed on exploring the relationship between ego defensiveness and attitudes. Data analysis was based on the responses of 255 registered nurses. The following variables were found to be significantly related to attitudes: ego defensiveness, age, highest level of education, position, close personal relationship with an older person and perception of a relationship with an older person. The findings serve as a cautionary signal that attitudes of registered nurses toward older people may not be as positive as recent literature has indicated.
Employed mothers' concerns about separation from the first‐ and second‐born child
Authors: Pitzer Martha S. , Hock Ellen
Published: April 2007

The effect of birth order on mothers' anxiety about separation from their infants was examined. Forty employed mothers were assessed in 1982 when their first‐borns were 7 months old and again when their second‐borns were 7 months old. Assessment included two measures: an Interview‐Based Rating Scale (IBRS) and the Maternal Separation Anxiety Scale (MSAS). Findings revealed that mothers felt less guilt and anxiety about separation from their second‐borns than they had from their first‐borns at a similar age. They were more positive about the effects of separation on the child; however, their concerns about employment‐related separation did not change.
Preference for information and involvement, information seeking and emotional responses of women undergoing colposcopy
Authors: Barsevick Andrea M. , Johnson Jean E.
Published: April 2007

The relationship of individual differences in preference for information and involvement, information‐seeking behaviors, and emotional reponses was examined in 36 women undergoing colposcopy, a stressful medical procedure. The findings revealed that individual differences in preference for information and behavioral involvement in health care influenced women's information seeking about colposcopy. Women who asked more questions during their clinic visits reported higher preferences for information. Women who sought an information sheet about colposcopy reported higher preference for behavioral involvement in their health care. The findings also revealed that information seeking was associated with the positive emotional response confidence but not with fear or anger/depression.
Factors that contribute to pressure sores in surgical patients
Authors: Kemp Mildred G. , Keithley Joyce K. , Smith David W. , Morreale Barbara
Published: April 2007

In this prospective study examination was made of whether (a) time on the operating table, (b) proportion of intraoperative diastolic hypotensive episodes, (c) age, (d) preoperative serum albumin, (e) preoperative total protein levels, and (f) preoperative Braden scores could identify those patients who do and do not develop pressure sores during elective surgery. The stratified sample consisted of 125 adult patients. Fifteen patients (12%) developed a total of 23 pressure sores. A discriminant function using time on the operating table, extracorporeal circulation, and age emerged as the best predictor correctly classifying 12 of 15 patients who developed pressure sores and 83 of 110 patients who remained pressure sore free.
A validity study of four empathy instruments
Authors: Layton Janice M. , Wykle May H.
Published: April 2007

The construct validity of four empathy instruments was evaluated through examining group differences and correlations between tests. Subjects were 18 registered nurses (RNs) and 32 nursing assistants (NAs). Instruments used were the Empathy Test (Layton, 1979), the Carkhuff (1969a, 1969b) Empathic Understanding in Interpersonal Processes Scale, the empathy subtest of the Barrett‐Lennard (1962) Relationship Inventory, and LaMonica's (1981) Empathy Construct Rating Scale (ECRS). The first hypothesis, that RNs would score significantly higher than NAs on all empathy measures, was confirmed (p <.0003 to p < .027). The second hypothesis, that the various empathy measures would be positively related, was partially confirmed. The Carkhuff scale was significantly correlated with the ECRS (r=.25, p < .05). The ECRS and the Barrett‐Lennard also were correlated (r=.78, p < .001). Results are interpreted using Barrett‐Lennard's (1981) theory of empathy.
Effect of fabrication temperature on strain‐sensing capacity of polypyrrole‐coated conductive fabrics
Authors: Tsang Joanna , Leung Sarah , Tao Xiao‐ming , Yuen Marcus Chun‐wah , Xue Pu
Published: April 2007

Textile strain sensors were made from polypyrrole‐coated stretchable fabrics by a method of screen printing with chemical vapor deposition. The effect of polymerization temperature on the sensing performances was studied. It was found that polymerization at low temperature significantly improved the electrical conductivity, strain sensitivity and environmental stability of the fabric sensors. The conductive fabrics were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, contact angle measurements, particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. Powders of pure polypyrrole prepared by the same fabrication method were characterized for a better understanding of the polypyrrole coating. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Temperature‐responsive polymers with LCST in the physiological range and their applications in textiles
Authors: Crespy Daniel , Rossi René M
Published: April 2007

Current academic and industrial research sustains large efforts to synthesize and develop environmentally responsive smart materials. The temperature‐responsive materials with a trigger temperature in the physiological range attract much attention due to their potential biomedical applications. We describe their chemistry and the way to synthesize them, focusing on applications for smart clothing fabrication. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Frontiers in Glycomics; Bioinformatics and Biomarkers in Disease September 11‐13, 2006 Natcher Conference Center, NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD, USA
Authors: Taniguchi Naoyuki , Paulson James C.
Published: April 2007

This is a short summary of a meeting entitled “The Frontiers in Glycomics; Bioinformatics and Biomarkers in Disease” which was jointly organized by the NIH Consortium for Functional Glycomics (CFG), Human Disease Glycomics/Proteome Initiative (HGPI), National Cancer Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and National Center for Research Resources held at the NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD, Natcher Conference Center in September 11‐13, 2006.
Transition without status: The experience of youth leaving care without Canadian citizenship
Authors: Hare Francis G.
Published: April 2007

Youth without citizenship or permanent resident status who age out of care are vulnerable to exploitation and deportation. This chapter explores the dimensions of this issue and ways to address it.
Evaluation of angiogenesis in normal and lichen planus skin by CD34 protein immunohistochemistry: Preliminary findings
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud R.
Published: April 2007

Angiogenesis is a critical component of both neoplastic and chronic inflammatory disorders, but whether angiogenesis also occurs in inflammatory skin diseases (such as lichen planus) has yet to be established. This study tests the hypothesis that the development of cutaneous lichen planus is associated with alterations of dermal vascularization (microvessel density, MVD). Thirty cases of cutaneous lichen planus and 40 cases of normal skin were studied. Dermal microvessels were immunostained for CD34 and counted in 10 areas with the highest numbers of microvessels; the mean value represented the final MVD. Compared with normal skin, dermal microvessel density was increased in cutaneous lichen planus [mean, 2.50 (SEM, 0.09) versus 1.39 (SEM, 0.12)]. The microvessel number was higher in the dermal inflammatory infiltrate (intralichenoid infiltrate) and at dermoepidermal junction (below Max‐Josef space) compared with adventitial dermis [mean, 2.50 (SEM, 0.09) versus 1.6 (SEM, 0.10)]. The higher MVD values in cutaneous lichen planus suggest a possible link between angiogenesis, and development of these cutaneous lesions. These results provide a morphological evidence of potent angiogenic activity in cutaneous lichen planus, indicating that the local microvasculature may undergo an intense process of inflammation‐dependent angiogenesis.
IN TERROREM APPEALS TO THE CROWN COURT
Authors: Saifee F. A.
Published: April 2007

Magistrates' Courts are designed to provide more economical and expeditious adjudications than may be possible in the Crown Courts. It is the summary nature of Magistrates' Courts' determinations that justifies the defendant's statutory right to a rehearing in a Crown Court if he is dissatisfied with the result of his first trial. However the powers of a Crown Court on disposing of an appeal can deter defendants from lodging what they consider to be meritorious appeals. This article assesses the nature and legitimacy of those powers, which work in terrorem of appeals.
Dietary Calcium and Body Mass Index in a Mediterranean Population
Authors: García-Lorda  , Salas-Salvadó  , Fernàndez Ballart  , Murphy  , Bulló  , Arija
Published: April 2007

This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between daily calcium intake and body mass index (BMI) in 647 subjects from Reus, Spain. 261 men and 313 women, aged 18 to 70 years, were randomly selected from the population census. Food intake was quantified by the 24-hour recall method, for three non-consecutive days including one holiday. Weight and height were measured. The study sample was divided into quartiles of calcium intake adjusted for age, energy, and total fat and fiber intake in both men and women. Average calcium intake was low (557.6 ± 234.0 mg/day). Calcium intake was significantly (p < 0.0001) and positively associated with energy intake (r = 0.50 for men; r = 0.49 for women; p < 0.0001) and dietary fiber consumption (r = 0.27 for men; r = 0.25 for women; p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, energy intake, fat intake, and dietary fiber, the odds ratio of being in the highest quartile of BMI was significantly reduced in the highest quartile of calcium intake [men: 0.63 (0.30–1.29); women: 0.36 (0.17–0.79)] compared to the lowest quartile in both sexes. We conclude that our study showed a negative relationship between calcium intake and BMI in a Mediterranean community.
Mesoscale modeling of aeolian dust emission during the BoDEx 2005 experiment
Authors: Bouet Christel , Cautenet Guy , Washington Richard , Todd Martin C. , Laurent Benoit , Marticorena Béatrice , Bergametti Gilles
Published: April 2007

The Bodélé depression (Northern Chad) is believed to be the single largest source for the Saharan dust transported over the Atlantic Ocean, especially that emerging in the Gulf of Guinea in boreal winter. During the Bodélé Dust Experiment 2005 (BoDEx 2005), which was performed in February–March 2005, a severe dust event was observed and some of its main characteristics (surface wind, dust concentrations, radiation) were recorded. This paper tests the capability of a mesoscale model coupled online with a dust production model (DPM) to reproduce the small scale features associated to this dust event. These simulations clearly show that a spatial resolution of 10 km × 10 km is required to reproduce satisfactorily the observed surface winds and the main characteristics of the dust plume.
The mechanism by which molecules containing the HIV gp41 core-binding motif HXXNPF inhibit HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-mediated syncytium formation
Authors: Huang Jing-He , Yang Heng-Wen , Liu Shuwen , Li Jing , Jiang Shibo , Chen Ying-Hua
Published: April 2007

The HIV-1 gp41 (glycoprotein 41) core plays a critical role in fusion between the viral and target cell membranes. We previously identified a gp41 core-binding motif, HXXNPF, by screening the phage display peptide libraries. In the present study, we elucidated the mechanism of action of HXXNPF motif-containing molecules of different sizes, including the phage clone L7.8 (a selected positive phage clone), L7.8-g3p* (a 10–kDa fragment of the gene 3 protein) and JCH-4 (a peptide containing 13 residues of L7.8-g3p*), regarding their respective binding abilities to the six-helix bundle and inhibition on syncytium formation at different temperatures. We found that all of the HXXNPF motif-containing molecules could bind to the gp41 core, and that their binding sites may be located in the N-helix domain. L7.8-g3p* and JCH-4 effectively inhibited HIV-1 Env (envelope glycoprotein)-mediated syncytium formation at 37 °C, while the phage clone L7.8 showed no inhibition under the same conditions. However, at suboptimal temperature (31.5 °C), all of these HXXNPF motif-containing molecules were capable of inhibiting syncytium formation. These results suggest that these HXXNPF motif-containing molecules mainly bind to the gp41 core and stop the fusion process mediated by the fusion-active core, resulting in inhibition of HIV-1 fusion and entry. The HXXNPF motif-containing molecules may be used as probes for studying the role of the HIV-1 gp41 core in the late stage of the membrane-fusion process.
Highly photostable solid-state dye lasers based on silicon-modified organic matrices
Authors: Costela A. , García-Moreno I. , del Agua D. , García O. , Sastre R.
Published: April 2007

We report on the synthesis, characterization, and physical properties of modified polymeric matrices incorporating silicon atoms in their structure and doped with laser dyes. When the silicon-modified organic matrices incorporated pyrromethene 567 (PM567) and pyrromethene 597 (PM597) dyes as actual solid solutions, highly photostable laser operation with reasonable, nonoptimized efficiencies was obtained under transversal pumping at 532nm. At a pump repetition rate of 10Hz, the intensity of the laser emission remained at the level or above the initial lasing intensity after 100 000 pump pulses in the same position of the sample, corresponding to an estimated accumulated pump energy absorbed by the system of 518 and 1295GJ∕mol for PM567 and PM597, respectively. When the pump repetition rate was increased to 30Hz, the laser emission of dye PM567 decreased steadily and the output energy fell to one-half its initial value after an accumulated pump energy of 989 GJ/mol. Dye PM597 demonstrated a remarkable photostability, and under 30Hz pumping the laser emission from some samples remained stable after 700 000 pump pulses in the same position of the sample, corresponding to an accumulated pump energy of 17300GJ∕mol. Narrow linewidth operation with tuning ranges of up to 31nm was obtained with both pyrromethene dyes when some of the samples were incorporated into a grazing-incidence grating oscillator.
Electrically driven integrated photonic crystal nanocavity coupled surface emitting laser
Authors: Huang Shih-Chieh , Yang Tsung-Hua , Lee Chien-Ping , Lin Sheng-Di
Published: April 2007

Single mode surface emitting lasers with photonic crystal nanocavities integrated with electrically driven strained quantum well laser diodes are demonstrated. The photonic crystal serves as an end mirror for the laser cavity, while the nanocavities serve as wavelength selective high Q surface emitters. The laser emission from the nanocavities had excellent temperature stability. The wavelength shift versus temperature was about five times better than that of regular quantum well lasers. Dual wavelength emission from two side by side slightly different cavities was also demonstrated. Laser emission with two wavelengths of Δλ=0.8nm was obtained.
Spatial variations of doping and lifetime in epitaxial laterally overgrown GaN
Authors: Yakimov E. B. , Vergeles P. S. , Polyakov A. Y. , Smirnov N. B. , Govorkov A. V. , Lee In-Hwan , Lee Cheul Ro , Pearton S. J.
Published: April 2007

Spatial variations of donor concentration and diffusion length/lifetime were studied for epitaxial laterally overgrown undoped n-GaN samples by electron beam induced current (EBIC) and microcathodoluminescence (MCL). The dependence of the EBIC signal collection efficiency on the probing beam accelerating voltage shows that the local electron concentration is three times lower and the local lifetime about twice as high in the laterally overgrown regions compared to the regions grown in the SiO2 mask windows. Band edge MCL profiling shows that the lifetime difference could be an order of magnitude higher. EBIC scans along the SiO2 stripes in the low dislocation density overgrown regions show long propagation distances of holes in the quasineutral part of the structure, explained by the existence of a potential profile forming a trough for transport of holes while spatially separating nonequilibrium carriers.
Full field phase imaging using a harmonically matched diffraction grating pair based homodyne quadrature interferometer
Authors: Wu Jigang , Yaqoob Zahid , Heng Xin , Lee Lap Man , Cui Xiquan , Yang Changhuei
Published: April 2007

In this letter, the authors present a novel quadrature interferometry method based on the use of a harmonically matched shallow grating pair. Unlike a simple beam splitter or single shallow grating, the grating pair can confer a nontrivial interference phase shift (other than 0° or 180°) between the output ports of the interferometer. Using the grating pair as the beam splitter/combiner, the authors implement a homodyne quadrature full field phase interferometer and demonstrate the system’s capability to acquire phase and amplitude images.
Effects of body condition and diet in late gestation on the subsequent health and performance of dairy cows
Authors: Stockdale C. R.
Published: April 2007

The objective of the experiment reported here was to compare the effects of a total mixed ration (TMR) with a pasture hay diet on the healthy transition from late gestation to early lactation of dairy cows with different body condition scores [BCS; 4.2 (thin) and 5.8 (fat) units on an 8-point scale]. It was hypothesised that providing the dietary cation-anion differences (DCAD) of the two diets were similar, more clinical and subclinical hypocalcaemia would be recorded in fat cows than in thin cows, and that this would not be affected by type of diet. The design of the experiment included 72 cows in a 2 × 2 factorial (two BCS × two types of diet fed for the 4 weeks before expected calving date) where cows were fed individually indoors before calving, and grazed pasture and fed concentrates after calving.
The calculated DCAD of the two diets were similar (22.1 v. 18.4 meq/100 g DM for the hay and TMR diets) as were the precalving urine pH levels (7.73 and 7.74) of the cows. Intakes of hay and TMR during late gestation were on average 8.8 and 9.3 kg DM/cow.day, respectively, but the patterns of intake varied, with hay intake declining over the 3 weeks before calving and that of TMR remaining relatively constant until just before parturition. Cows fed hay had higher (P < 0.05) non-esterified fatty acid (0.90 v. 0.64 mmol/L), β-hydroxybutyrate (0.61 v. 0.43 mmol/L) and calcium (2.50 v. 2.24 mmol/L) concentrations, and lower (P < 0.05) glucose (3.03 v. 3.21 mmol/L) concentrations, than the cows fed the TMR before calving. Immediately after calving, most of these differences had disappeared. Average blood serum calcium concentrations within 12 h of calving were similar (P > 0.05) in cows fed each diet (1.94 and 1.79 mmol/L for hay and TMR, respectively). At calving, concentrations of serum calcium and urea were greater (P < 0.05) in the thin cows than the fat cows. Only fat cows had clinical hypocalcaemia (serum calcium concentrations <1.40 mmol/L) or needed to be treated for milk fever either at calving or in the week following calving, whereas there tended to be more thin cows with subclinical hypocalcaemia (serum calcium concentrations of 1.40–2.00 mmol/L). Subclinical ketosis (serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations of 1.00–3.00 mmol/L) was more prevalent in fat cows than in thin cows; otherwise health disorders were evenly spread across treatments. In the first 5 weeks of lactation, there were no significant (P > 0.05) effects of late gestation diet on any aspect of production. In contrast, there were positive (P < 0.05) effects of BCS on milk yield and concentrations of fat and protein in milk. The hypothesis concerning the amount and severity of hypocalcaemia in fat cows was only partially supported by the results, but type of diet had no effects on cow health or subsequent production.
Aerospace research activities at Thyssen Umformtechnik Turbinenkomponenten
Authors: Kirner P.K. , Janschek P. , Schubart D. , Borgschulte K.
Published: April 2007

Thyssen Umformtechnik Turbinenkomponenten (TUT) in Remscheid is a supplier of turbine components for landbase turbines and for aero‐engines. Customers in the aerospace and landbase turbine business strive for reductions in costs and weight as well as for the improvement of operating temperatures in order to increase the efficiency of their engines. Next to short‐term activities like continuous improvement for cost reduction, TUT carries out research work as a long‐term investment. The research activities at TUT are numerous and range from the simulation of forging operations to the qualification of advanced materials. Various examples are presented.
Advances in the testing of high integrity aerospace steels at British Steel Engineering Steels
Authors: Mellor Frank
Published: April 2007

The improvements in quality of advanced aerospace steels have brought new challenges for the materials testing and inspection teams. Looks at the advances of this type of testing at British Steel Engineering Steels. Details non‐destructive testing of aerospace steels and the ultrasonic immersion tank. Finally looks at Engineering Steels’ recent investments in automation.
Ground zero zero: flying into the next millennium with embedded systems
Authors: Shaw Roger
Published: April 2007

This paper discusses the year 2000 problem. After briefly introducing why there is a problem the paper investigates its origins and consequences. Key to resolving the problem of compliance is the need to define what compliance means; this issue is touched on. Attention is then given to the problem of embedded systems and how they are affected by the year 2000 problem. As many avionics applications are supported by such systems this is an important and relevant topic. The paper then goes on to identify potential avionics applications that may be impacted by the problem. The last part of the paper briefly discusses how the problem may be addressed and resolved.
Civil integrated modular avionics – a longer‐term view
Authors: Moore J.F.
Published: April 2007

Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) in many sectors of the air transport industry has largely become the assumed way forward for the implementation of future avionics. Progress has already been demonstrated with first generation civil IMA systems such as ELMS and AIMS on the B777. These are quite different implementations, having been optimised for their specific systems domains, and therefore appear to go only some way towards meeting the ultimate goals anticipated by the industry. The promised benefits from the establishment of a suite of standard hardware modules and software interfaces applied commonly across the avionics spectrum, and the expectation of reusing the investment over a number of programmes, appear large and give powerful motivation to fully apply IMA on the next generation of aircraft. However the development and standardisation process still has a long way to go and most of the thrust continues to come from the technical community. There are a number of wider issues and other factors remaining largely undebated but which have important bearing on the extent to which the IMA concept and its promised benefits can be fully realised. The purpose of this paper is to increase awareness of these issues and to promote discussion within the industry, i.e. on what may be achieved in practice, and the longer‐term view.
Corrosion inhibition by phosphonic acid –Zn2+ systems for mild steel in chloride medium
Authors: Rajendran S. , Apparao B.V. , Palaniswamy N.
Published: April 2007

The inhibition efficiencies of 2‐carboxyethyl phosphonic acid (2 CEPA) – Zn2+ system and ethyl phosphonic acid (EPA) – Zn2+ system in controlling corrosion of mild steel in a neutral aqueous environment containing 60ppm CI– have been compared. Polarization study reveals that both the systems function as mixed inhibitors. The inhibition efficiencies of these systems decrease with period of immersion due to the dissolution of the protective film as the period of immersion increases. The 2 CEPA – Zn2+ system has a better inhibition efficiency than the EPA–Zn2+ system. This is due to the fact that the amount of Fe2+– 2 CEPA complex present on the metal surface is higher than that of Fe2+– EPA complex, as revealed by fluorescence spectra. The molecular size of the iron phosphonate complex exercises a greater influence than the electronic (inductive) effect of the substituent in controlling corrosion of mild steel in chloride environment.
Corrosion control assessment for Indonesian ageing aircraft
Authors: Suyitno Budhi M. , Sutarmadji B.
Published: April 2007

Many Indonesian operators generally have a tendency to keep their aircraft in service up to or even beyond their economic design goal life (EDGL). The problem that should be solved by the operators is how to operate those ageing aircraft safely and economically. The combination of fatigue and corrosion phenomena needs vigorously corrective action to meet airworthiness requirements, though it increases costs in maintenance. Since corrosion is a never‐ending problem, the aviation community such as designer, manufacturer, operator and the regulatory authority has an obligation to be more concerned and proactive in ensuring continuous airworthiness of the ageing aircraft. Aims to assess issues on corrosion prevention and control activities conducted by Indonesian operators, discusses all the facts and possible corrective actions and provides recommendations to maintain and ensure safe operation of ageing aircraft by controlling and preventing corrosion as well as metal fatigue.
Chromium‐free pre‐treatments prior to painting
Authors: Brown Kevin
Published: April 2007

Discusses the various applications of chromium in pre‐paint metal treatments and the restrictions being placed on their use. Gives details on equivalent non‐chromium products.
Improvement of anti‐corrosion protection properties of polymeric materials
Authors: Figovsky Oleg L. , Romm Freddy A.
Published: April 2007

This study considers the problem of preventing the penetration of corrosion‐active components into the protective coating of various materials. It is shown that inhibitors involved into micropores and various coating defects seriously reduce the rate of penetration. The mass‐transfer aspects of the inhibition of acid diffusion into coatings were analyzed. It is shown that the effectiveness of inhibition cannot be easily related to the chemical composition of inhibitors.
Tin‐zinc plating
Authors: Budman Edward , Stevens David
Published: April 2007

There is a continuing desire to obtain sacrificial plated coatings that provide ever higher standards of protection. This paper looks at alternatives to cadmium dye to its toxic and carcinogenic characteristics. Alloy combinations with zinc are considered. It concludes that tin‐zinc alloy plating gives excellent corrosion resistance and solderability.
Effect of heat treatment on the corrosion performance of electrodeposited zinc alloy coatings
Authors: Siluvai Michael M. , Radhakrishna S.
Published: April 2007

The corrosion performance of zinc deposits when alloyed with d‐metals like nickel and cobalt was evaluated with special reference to heat treatment effects by conventional electrochemical methods such as potential‐time measurement and EIS. Immersion tests were also performed to substantiate the above results. The sacrificial ability of heat treated alloy deposits was examined in the context of protecting steel structures by galvanic coupling. The corrosion performance of the alloy deposits, obtained from the newly developed citrate‐based sulphate bath, was investigated in the neutral medium for instance, 3.5 per cent NaCl solution. XRD technique was employed to ascertain the desired phase formation of the alloy structure and the elemental analysis was performed by means of EDAX analyser in order to substantiate the XRD findings. Light microscopic examination was carried out on the deposits with and without heat treatment in order to study the surface character of these deposits. The microstructure of the alloy deposits was also examined by SEM.
TWI: corrosion, welds and pipelines
Authors: Bond Stuart
Published: April 2007

TWI was established in 1946 as the BWRA, later The Welding Institute, and from its very outset was focused on the study of joining technology and its impact on the performance and structural integrity of components. With a staff of some 450, TWI represents a unique multidisciplinary resource, which provides expertise to over 3,000 companies worldwide. Welding can influence various factors in the performance of plant and equipment; naturally, therefore, corrosion behaviour has been a major technology for both research and consultancy at TWI for more than five decades. This article reviews some of the issues and areas of current research at TWI appropriate to pipelines.
Tesco’s adaptation to the Irish market
Authors: Vignali Claudio
Published: April 2007

Examines the debate on internationalisation versus globalisation with specific reference to Tesco UK’s expansion into Ireland. First, Tesco UK and Tesco Ireland are introduced in their respective markets. Following this, an analysis of the relevant elements of the marketing mix is presented. The degree of consistency between the companies’ strategies and tactics is then examined with the help of the MIXMAP model. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the extent to which Tesco UK has had to adapt its marketing strategies to the sensitive Irish consumer.
UK food industry initiatives
Authors: Brown Caroline
Published: April 2007

Describes the work of the Advisory Working Group in Biotechnology established by the Institute of Grocery Distribution. This brought together representatives from a range of interests in the food chain to identify problems in relation to public acceptability of foods which involve the use of biotechnology and how they may be overcome.
Food biotechnology ‐ views of farmers and growers
Authors: Gosling Clare
Published: April 2007

Presents the views of farmers and growers on the use of biotechnology in the production of food. Identifies many significant benefits for consumers and producers. However, the National Farmers’ Union has a number of concerns about the technology, and recognizes that farmers and growers will have a key role to play in the responsible use of the technology.
Skills and competency management
Authors: Homer Mark
Published: April 2007

Many leading companies are looking at ways to link skills development to strategic objectives as well as to demonstrate compliance with industry regulations. The greatest cost of learning is the time people are not working at their jobs. The solution is to minimise the time spent in training and focus people specifically on just the skills they need. It is important, therefore, to identify the skill gaps of employees in terms of the organisation’s specific business goals and strategies. Competency management is now recognised as a key process to ensure that the individual and organisation training plans are linked to business goals. This article will illustrate how skills and competency management systems can help organisations improve the effectiveness of their training.