Electron attachment in binary mixtures of electronegative and buffer gases

The ratio of the electron attachment coefficient eta to the gas pressure p (reduced to 0 degrees C) evaluated from the Townsend current growth curves in binary mixtures of electronegative gases (SF6, CCl2F2, CO2) and buffer gases (N2, Ar, air) clearly indicate that the eta /p ratios do not scale as the partial pressure of electronegative gas in the mixture. Extensive calculations carried out using data experimentally obtained have shown that the attachment coefficient of the mixture eta mix can be expressed as eta mix= eta (1-exp- beta F/(100-F)) where eta is the attachment coefficient of the 100% electronegative gas, F is the percentage of the electronegative gas in the mixture and beta is a constant. The results of this analysis explain to a high degree of accuracy the data obtained in various mixtures and are in very good agreement with the data deduced by Itoh and co-workers (1980) using the Boltzmann equation method.

Analysis of laminated shells with laminated stiffeners using rectangular shell finite elementsstar

A finite element analysis of laminated shells reinforced with laminated stiffeners is described in this paper. A rectangular laminated anisotropic shallow thin shell finite element of 48 d.o.f. is used in conjunction with a laminated anisotropic curved beam and shell stiffening finite element having 16 d.o.f. Compatibility between the shell and the stiffener is maintained all along their junction line. Some problems of symmetrically stiffened isotropic plates and shells have been solved to evaluate the performance of the present method. Behaviour of an eccentrically stiffened laminated cantilever cylindrical shell has been predicted to show the ability of the present program. General shells amenable to rectangular meshes can also be solved in a similar manner.

Genetic control of wheat quality: interactions between chromosomal regions determining protein content and composition, dough rheology, and sponge and dough baking properties

While the genetic control of wheat processing characteristics such as dough rheology is well understood, limited information is available concerning the genetic control of baking parameters, particularly sponge and dough (S&D) baking. In this study, a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed using a population of doubled haploid lines derived from a cross between Australian cultivars Kukri x Janz grown at sites across different Australian wheat production zones (Queensland in 2001 and 2002 and Southern and Northern New South Wales in 2003) in order to examine the genetic control of protein content, protein expression, dough rheology and sponge and dough baking performance. The study highlighted the inconsistent genetic control of protein content across the test sites, with only two loci (3A and 7A) showing QTL at three of the five sites. Dough rheology QTL were highly consistent across the 5 sites, with major effects associated with the Glu-B1 and Glu-D1 loci. The Glu-D1 5 + 10 allele had consistent effects on S&D properties across sites; however, there was no evidence for a positive effect of the high dough strength Glu-B1-al allele at Glu-B1. A second locus on 5D had positive effects on S&D baking at three of five sites. This study demonstrated that dough rheology measurements were poor predictors of S&D quality. In the absence of robust predictive tests, high heritability values for S&D demonstrate that direct selection is the current best option for achieving genetic gain in this product category.

Firing characteristics of a simple coaxial triggeredva cuum gap

The firing and delay characteristics of a simple coaxial type of triggered vacuum gap (TVG) are described and compared with the planar type. The designs are new and differ from those reported earlier. By analogy with gaseous breakdown the statistical and formative time lags have been determined.

Pressure effect on the phase transition of trissarcosine calcium chloride

The dielectric measurement of ferroelectric trissarcosine calcium chloride (TSCC) was made under various pressures up to 6 kbar. A striking decrease in the peak value of the permittivity, epsilon r, at the transition temperature, Tc, was observed with increasing pressure. The value of Tc increases linearly with a pressure coefficient dTc/dp=11.1K kbar-1 at low pressures. This increase in Tc supports the suggestion that the ferroelectric transition is of the pure order-disorder type. It is suggested on the basis of the behaviour of epsilon r with pressure that the order of the ferroelectric transition changes from second to first order on application of pressure.

Temperature and Salinity Tolerances of the Tropical Spiny Lobster, Panulirus ornatus

Interest in the development of aquaculture of the tropical spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus, has increased markedly over the past 10 yr because of strong market demand and high prices. In Australia, economic conditions will necessitate that a semi-intensive approach be taken, possibly involving managed environmental conditions. Identification of optimal temperature and salinity levels will be necessary, and therefore two experiments were performed to examine these two parameters. Juvenile lobsters were grown in tanks at five temperatures (19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 C). Growth was significantly affected by temperature (P < 0.01), and maximal growth occurred at 25-31 C. Examination of the temperature effect on molt increment and intermolt period indicated that 27 C was the optimal temperature, at which molt increment was greatest and intermolt period the least. Temperature also had a significant (P < 0.01) positive effect on apparent feed intake (AFI). Juvenile lobsters were also exposed to four different salinities (20, 25, 30 and 35 ppt) over a period of 91 d. Significant differences (P < 0.01) were apparent for both survival and growth. Lowest survival occurred at 35 ppt which may be attributable to higher cannibalism at that salinity. Growth was highest at 35 ppt and progressively less at lower salinities. Although full marine salinity (35 ppt) will generate best performance of P. ornatus, its capacity to tolerate reduced salinity will provide greater opportunity to develop commercial aquaculture.

Complexes of lanthanide perchlorates with two new O,N,O ligands derived from antipyraldehyde and acetic and benzoic acid hydrazides

Antipyrine is a well known ligand for lanthanides (I). A forage through the organic literature of pyrazolones reveals that the 4-position of antipyrine is amenable to a wide variety of organic reactions. It should thus be possible to introduce suitable functional groups at this position and design new multidentate ligands for metal ions. It is also found that the coordination chemistry of lanthanides is much less well developed and far fewer ligands have been used for complexation with lanthanide ions compared to that of the d-transition metal ions. Keeping these points in view we have reported earlier, complexes of lanthanides with a bidentate ligand N,N-diethyl-antipyrine-4-carboxamide (2). In this communication we report the synthesis of two new ligands from Schiff base condensation of antipyraldehyde and the hydrazides of acetic and benzoic acids and the complexes formed by these hydrazones with lanthanide perchlorates.

Cinnamate toxicity expression on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, germination and growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativis) seedlings

Cinnamate is the product of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL). This compound, a precursor of phenolics in plants, has been shown to be phytotoxic. Cinnamate inhibits PAL activity in cucumber seedlings. DL-phenylalanine has the same effect on the enzyme but does not affect growth. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide are phytotoxic and inhibit PAL. Production of a double-peg has been noticed in the seedlings, grown in the presence of actinomycin D. Light stimulates PAL activity in the seedling.

Complexes of lanthanide perchlorates with two new " O,N,O " ligands derived from antipyraldehyde and acetic and benzoic acid hydrazides

Antipyrlne is a well known llgand for lanthanldes (i). A forage through the organic literature of pyrazolones reveals that the 4-position of antipyrlne is amenable to a wide variety of organic reactions. It should thus be possible to introduce suitable functional groups at this position and design new multidentate ligands for metal ions. It is also found that the coordination chemistry of lanthanides is much less well developed and far fewer ligands have been used for complexation with lanthanide ions compared to that of the d-transition metal ions.

ESR studies of phase transitions in double propionates

Detailed ESR investigations of Mn2+ substituting for Ca2+ in Ca2Sr(C2H5COO)6 (DSP), Ca2Pb(C2H5COO)6 (DLP) and Ca2Ba(C2H5COO)6 (DBP), in single crystals and powders, over the temperature range from 200°C to -180°C have been carried out to study the successive phase transitions in these compounds. (DSP: [Tetragonal] ← 8.5°C → [tetragonal, ferroelectric] [tetragonal] ← -169°C → [monoclinic, ferroelectric]; DLP : [tetragonal] ← 60°C → [tetragonal, ferroelectric] ← -71.5°C → [monoclinic, ferroelectric]; [Cubic] ← -6°C → [orthorhombic] ← -75°C → [?]). Spectra have been analysed in terms of axial spin Hamiltonians and the temperature dependences of the parameters studied. In DSP and DLP across the I ↔ II transition, new physically and chemically inequivalent sites appear indicating the disappearance of the diad axes on which the propionate groups are located, bringing out the connection between the motional states of the propionate groups and the occurence of ferroelectricity. The II ↔ III transition also causes chemically inequivalent sites to develop, indicating that the transitions may not be isomorphous as believed previously. In DBP, the -6°C transition leads to (i) a doubling of both physically and chemically inequivalent sites (ii) a small (150 G at -6°C to 170 G at -8°C), but abrupt change in the magnitude of the zero-field splitting tensor D, and (iii) displacements of the orientations of the D tensors. Results are interpreted in terms of alternate rotations of the oxygen octahedra, showing participation of the carboxyl oxygens in the transition. No drastic changes in the parameters occur across the -75°C transition consistent with its second order nature. Similarities and dissimilarities of the ESR spectra of the three compounds in relation to the phase transitions, are discussed.

Delay time of a vacuum gap triggered by an exploding wire

The experimental results of delay time of a vacuum gap triggered by an exploding wire plasma have been reported. It consists of explosion delay time and propagation delay time. The explosion delay time has been found to be dependent on the parameters of the exploding wire and the exploding wire circuit and is independent of vacuum gap configuration. The propagation delay time depends on the properties of the exploding wire plasma and vacuum gap parameters such as the number of injection slots, gap spacing, gap polarity, etc. In the absence of prebreakdown current in the vacuum gap, the breakdown can be initiated only after the plasma completely bridges the gap spacing. Under this specific condition, it has been shown that the delay time data can be used to calculate the plasma velocity.

Trial of the Jews of Trent manuscript

Handwritten pagination includes 508, 508a, 508b and then later skips from page 574 to page 577.

Reducing the incidence of under-skin browning in 'Honey Gold' mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit

'Honey Gold' mango is a relatively new cultivar in Australia, with an appealing skin colour and a sweet fibre-free flesh. However, fruit can develop 'under-skin browning' (USB), which appears several days after packing as a distinct 'bruise'-like discolouration under the epidermis and can affect large areas of the fruit surface. We investigated the anatomy of USB and the impact of post-harvest fruit handling conditions on the disorder. Starch accumulated around the resin canals and discoloured cells in the affected area, with no visible change to the cuticle or epidermis. Delays of 1 d at ambient temperature (27 degrees - 35 degrees C) before packing, and 2 d at 18 degrees - 20 degrees C (after packing), before placing fruit at 12 degrees - 14 degrees C and road transportation, reduced the incidence of USB by 83% compared to placing fruit at 12 degrees - 14 degrees C within 13 h of picking. The incidence of USB was 88 100% higher in fruit that were cooled to 12 degrees - 14 degrees C within 13 h of picking, then commercially road-freighted for 4 d at 12 degrees - 14 degrees C, than in fruit held under similar temperature conditions, but not road-freighted. Wrapping each fruit in bubble-wrap to minimise direct contact with other fruit, with the plastic insert, or with the cardboard tray, reduced the incidence of USB by 84% after road-freight compared to not using bubble-wrap. These results suggest that USB is a unique disorder of mango skin associated with a rapid post-harvest reduction in temperature, from high ambient temperatures to 12 degrees - 14 degrees C, and with physical damage during road-freight.

Nutrition and Nutritional Care of Elderly People in Finnish Nursing Homes and Hospitals

Background: Malnutrition is a common problem for residents of nursing homes and long-term care hospitals. It has a negative influence on elderly residents and patients health and quality of life. Nutritional care seems to have a positive effect on elderly individuals nutritional status and well-being. Studies of Finnish elderly people s nutrition and nutritional care in institutions are scarce. Objectives: The primary aim was to investigate the nutritional status and its associated factors of elderly nursing home residents and long-term care patients in Finland. In particular, to find out, if the nursing or nutritional care factors are associated with the nutritional status, and how do carers and nurses recognize malnutrition. A further aim was to assess the energy and nutrient intake of the residents of dementia wards. A final objective was to find out, if the nutrition training of professionals leads to changes in their knowledge and further translate into better nutrition for the aged residents of dementia wards. Subjects and methods: The residents (n=2114) and patients (n=1043) nutritional status was assessed in all studies using the Mini Nutritional Assessment test (MNA). Information was gathered in a questionnaire on residents and patients daily routines providing nutritional care. Residents energy and nutrient intake (n=23; n=21) in dementia wards were determined over three days by the precise weighing method. Constructive learning theory was the basis for educating the professionals (n=28). A half-structured questionnaire was used to assess professionals learning. Studies I-IV were cross-sectional studies whereas study V was an intervention study. Results: Malnutrition was common among elderly residents and patients living in nursing homes and hospitals in Finland. According to the MNA, 11% to 57% of the studied elderly people suffered from malnutrition, and 40-89% were at risk of malnutrition, whereas only 0-16% had a good nutritional status. Resident- and patient-related factors such as dementia, impaired ADL (Activities of Daily Living), swallowing difficulties and constipation mainly explained the malnutrition, but also some nutritional care related factors, such as eating less than half of the offered food portion and not receiving snacks were also related to malnutrition. The intake of energy and some nutrients by the residents of dementia wards were lower than those recommended, although the offered food contained enough energy and nutrients. The proportion of residents receiving vitamin D supplementation was low, although there is a recommendation and known benefits for the adequate intake of vitamin D. Nurses recognized malnutrition poorly, only one in four (26.7%) of the actual cases. Keeping and analysing food diaries and reflecting on nutritional issues in small group discussions were effective training methods for professionals. The nutrition education of professionals had a positive impact on the energy and protein intake, BMIs, and the MNA scores of some residents in dementia wards. Conclusions: Malnutrition was common among elderly residents and patients living in nursing homes and hospitals in Finland. Although residents- and patient related factors mainly explained malnutrition, nurses recognized malnutrition poorly and nutritional care possibilities were in minor use. Professionals nutrition education had a positive impact on the nutrition of elderly residents. Further studies describing successful nutritional care and nutrition education of professionals are needed.

The white-rot fungi Phlebia radiata and Dichomitus squalens in wood-based cultures: expression of laccases, lignin peroxidases, and oxalate decarboxylase

Basidiomycetous white-rot fungi are the only organisms that can efficiently decompose all the components of wood. Moreover, white-rot fungi possess the ability to mineralize recalcitrant lignin polymer with their extracellular, oxidative lignin-modifying enzymes (LMEs), i.e. laccase, lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and versatile peroxidase (VP). Within one white-rot fungal species LMEs are typically present as several isozymes encoded by multiple genes. This study focused on two effi cient lignin-degrading white-rot fungal species, Phlebia radiata and Dichomitus squalens. Molecular level knowledge of the LMEs of the Finnish isolate P. radiata FBCC43 (79, ATCC 64658) was complemented with cloning and characterization of a new laccase (Pr-lac2), two new LiP-encoding genes (Pr-lip1, Pr-lip4), and Pr-lip3 gene that has been previously described only at cDNAlevel. Also, two laccase-encoding genes (Ds-lac3, Ds-lac4) of D. squalens were cloned and characterized for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close evolutionary relationships between the P. radiata LiP isozymes. Distinct protein phylogeny for both P. radiata and D. squalens laccases suggested different physiological functions for the corresponding enzymes. Supplementation of P. radiata liquid culture medium with excess Cu2+ notably increased laccase activity and good fungal growth was achieved in complex medium rich with organic nitrogen. Wood is the natural substrate of lignin-degrading white-rot fungi, supporting production of enzymes and metabolites needed for fungal growth and the breakdown of lignocellulose. In this work, emphasis was on solid-state wood or wood-containing cultures that mimic the natural growth conditions of white-rot fungi. Transcript analyses showed that wood promoted expression of all the presently known LME-encoding genes of P. radiata and laccase-encoding genes of D. squalens. Expression of the studied individual LME-encoding genes of P. radiata and D. squalens was unequal in transcript quantities and apparently time-dependent, thus suggesting the importance of several distinct LMEs within one fungal species. In addition to LMEs, white-rot fungi secrete other compounds that are important in decomposition of wood and lignin. One of these compounds is oxalic acid, which is a common metabolite of wood-rotting fungi. Fungi produce also oxalic-acid degrading enzymes of which the most widespread is oxalate decarboxylase (ODC). However, the role of ODC in fungi is still ambiguous with propositions from regulation of intra and extracellular oxalic acid levels to a function in primary growth and concomitant production of ATP. In this study, intracellular ODC activity was detected in four white-rot fungal species, and D. squalens showed the highest ODC activity upon exposure to oxalic acid. Oxalic acid was the most common organic acid secreted by the ODC-positive white-rot fungi and the only organic acid detected in wood cultures. The ODC-encoding gene Ds-odc was cloned from two strains of D. squalens showing the first characterization of an odc-gene from a white-rot polypore species. Biochemical properties of the D. squalens ODC resembled those described for other basidiomycete ODCs. However, the translated amino acid sequence of Ds-odc has a novel N-terminal primary structure with a repetitive Ala-Ser-rich region of ca 60 amino acid residues in length. Expression of the Ds-odc transcripts suggested a constitutive metabolic role for the corresponding ODC enzyme. According to the results, it is proposed that ODC may have an essential implication for the growth and basic metabolism of wood-decaying fungi.