An XPS and thermogravimetric study of oxidized AlN and AlN–Si3N4 layers deposited by liquid-phase chemical vapour deposition

The results of a comparative study of the resistance to oxidation of AlN and a codeposit of AlN–Si3N4 are presented. The oxidation of both types of layer was performed at 1200°C in an oxygen gas flow (pO2∼1 atm). A thermogravimetric analysis was made, recording the weight gain throughout the oxidation process, and revealed a dramatic improvement in the resistance to oxidation of the codeposit layer when compared with the aluminium nitride layer. An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth-profile analysis was made by performing a series of successive abrasive polishes on the oxidized layers. After each abrasive polish the sample surface was cleaned by ionic bombardment under ultrahigh vacuum and the photoemission spectra recorded. This process of polishing, etching and analysis was continued until the oxygen content decreased to a level comparable with that observed in the layers before oxidation. The changes in chemical bonding throughout the various depth profiles were examined by deconvolution of the Al 2p and Si 2p photoelectron peaks and by analysis of the Auger K L L lines. It was concluded that the slower rate of oxidation of the codeposit could be attributed to either the formation of silica or a mixed oxide phase of the mullite type (3 Al2O3–2SiO2). This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

ANALYSIS OF WATER-SOLUBLE PROTEINS FROM BARLEY BY ION-EXCHANGE HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

The water-soluble proteins (WSP) from 13 varieties of barley were analysed by ion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography (IE-HPLC) on a non-porous anion-exchange column. The method was rapid, allowing detection of 5 or more major protein peaks in less than 10 minutes. The combination of retention times and peak areas of the five main peaks could be used to identify barley varieties. The WSP content increased with increasing total nitrogen content. However, the amount of WSP in different barley varieties varied greatly. Malting and feed barleys did not show consistent differences in total WSP but the shape of the profile was significantly different for malting and feed varieties. Analysis of water soluble proteins could have value in research associated with crop improvement programmes and in industry variety assessment. The method is quicker and simpler than those used for the analysis of alcohol-soluble proteins.     

ALIENATION, ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND WORKER RESPONSES.

DATA GATHERED FROM 1900 MALE WORKERS LOCATED IN 21 PLANTS IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES ARE PRESENTED AND ANALYZED TO DETERMINE THE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS PRESUMED TO INDEX FEELINGS OF ALIENATION FROM MIDDLE-CLASS NORMS. PREDICTIONS WERE MADE THAT WORKERS IN COMMUNITIES WHICH SHOULD FOSTER INTEGRATION WITH MIDDLE-CLASS NORMS WOULD STRUCTURE THEIR JOBS DIFFERENTLY AND WOULD RESPOND DIFFERENTLY THAN ALIENATED WORKERS. WORKERS IN COMMUNITIES FOSTERING INTEGRATION WITH MIDDLE-CLASS NORMS SHOULD REPORT HIGHER SATISFACTION ON HIGHLY SKILLED JOBS. THEY SHOULD VALUE RETIREMENT AND SHOULD PLAN FOR IT WHILE WORKING. ALIENATED WORKERS SHOULD REPORT LOWER SATISFACTION ON HIGHLY SKILLED JOBS. PAY SHOULD HAVE A STRONGER EFFECT ON THE SATISFACTION OF ALIENATED WORKERS, AND THESE WORKERS WOULD BE MORE LIKELY TO LOOK FOR OTHER WORK AFTER RETIREMENT. THE PREDICTIONS WERE REGARDED AS CONFIRMED FOR BLUE-COLLAR WORKERS. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THESE FINDINGS FOR STRIVING NEED-THEORETIC MODELS OF HUMAN MOTIVATION ARE DISCUSSED. (23 REF.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Synthesis of Rhenium Ditelluride

A single phase, ReTe₂, formed between 450° and 935°C in sealed, evacuated fused silica tubes. The compound may be indexed on a triclinic unit cell, but an unequivocal unit cell cannot be chosen without single-crystal X-ray data. The compound dissociates at 935°± 5°C in sealed tubes to solid rhenium and liquid tellurium with a high vapor pressure. No ternary compounds are found in the system Re-Pb-Te.