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The article offers information on several engineering tools including the Earthmine mapping tool from Atkins Global, the aerospace products Kalrez Aerosol and Vespel ASB-0670 from DuPont, and the Nitron Flight multi-layer coatings from Wallwork Group.

The article focuses on the discussion on resource security during the launch of the Resource Dashboard by the British Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It states that the issue of securing the materials supply in Great Britain was unlikely to be solved with a simple solution. It adds that the event was participated by individuals including Catherine Joce, Jonathon Tilson, and James Walker.

The article explores developments in microscopy and analysis equipment as of August 2013. Olympus has developed a three-dimensional scanning microscope capable of making single images from several captures. Ultrafine Technologies has manufactured ultrabright light emitting diodes that can be utilized in producing white light illumination for microscopy applications. Hiden Analytical also has unveiled secondary mass spectrometry systems for surface analysis and surface depth profiling.

The article announces the winners in the 2013 Design Innovation in Plastics Award held at the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in London, England including the reusable hypodermic syringe by Royal College of Art student Chris Natt, the Zebro emergency leg splint, and the biodegradable disaster casket.

The article focuses on some developments in thermal processing. It provides a short information on research on laser technology that could help reduce waste by identifying micro-surface imperfections before steel has been cooled. It also cites the launch of the SinTerra Metallisation Firing Furnace for the electronics and alternative energy manufacturing markets by thermal processing equipment supplier BTU International which features fast ramp times and improved thermal performance.

The article highlights some of the quality testing products on the market. Swiss company Proceq has introduced testing products to ensure quality and safety in the construction sector, including the pull-off test. The AutoX 750 Automatic Contracting Extensometer from Instron allegedly offers quicker and more accurate materials testing routines. Meanwhile, Oxford Instruments' PMI-MASTER Compact is said to offer quick material verification.

The article focuses on the processes that may help improve the performance of materials. The Wallwork Group has created multi-layer coatings based on titanium and carbon/metal carbide to be applied to landing gear, engine bearings and engine compressor sections. A collaborative project by Alloy Heat Treatment and Thales attempts to improve the properties of mounting parts used for Sea King's early warning radar equipment.

The article focuses on a lecture given by Serena Best, co-director of the Cambridge Centre for Medical Materials, concerning the struggle facing those who suffer with degenerative bone disease. Osteoporosis lead to the gradual deterioration of bones, thereby reducing the skeleton's mechanical properties. Best's team tried to produce bone grafts closer in composition to bone material to improve functionality.

The article explores the developments in sensor technology and how it is helping engineers meet the demands for safer and more economic systems. Among these developments are the expanded use of self-powered sensors to provide new and improved autonomous systems for monitoring and control, use of inclination sensors in renewable energy applications, and its use in the monitoring of liquids within pipes. The developments are said to deliver benefits to engineers and manufacturers.

The article discusses the growing use of mass spectrometry in materials analysis, particularly in the mining exploration and production sectors. It cites the benchtop reflectance probe device from Spectral Evolution that could be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis on-site. The probe could be used to identify minerals like iron oxide.

The article looks at some of the improved oven technologies advancing the effectiveness of heat treatment. Grieve Corp. has created ovens that are improving heat treatment for a range of applications. DME Co.'s Zenith Valve Gate Hot Runner System can be used to create a perfectly flat thermal profile. Heat treatment of components and machinery parts are expected to become more efficient, improving their functionality.

The article focuses on the developments in the microscope technology such as the Titan G2 80-200 scanning transmission electron microscope installed at the University of Manchester, the TrueSurface microscopy software from WITec and the LEXT 0LS4000 microscope from Olympus Corp.

The article previews nanotechnology energy efficiency products including the TPC600B thermal fluid heating system from Babcock Wanson, PYRAMAX dual-lane reflow ovens from BTU International, and Safire firing furnace from Despatch.

The article highlights several equipment used in nanotechnology development. Used for nanoscale tests, the Malvern Zetasizer Nano Series makes use of light scattering techniques and is utilized to characterize a range of materials. The NanoSight NTA System, also a nanoscale testing equipment, allows complex suspension of nanomaterials so that it could be characterized by size, charge and elemental composition. The ASD FieldSpec 4 is used in analyzing paint layers on works of art.

Background: Cancer and its treatment can cause persistent psychosocial consequences for patients. Although distress among the general cancer population has been well studied, many patients who report high distress do not receive specialty, follow-up care. We know little about the distress needs of those who attend appointments with support services. Improved knowledge of this subpopulation of patients with cancer may improve supportive care service delivery., Methods: This is a descriptive chart review that examines results from a cancer distress tool in an outpatient supportive care clinic and explores factors associated with distress among patients who attend an appointment for support beyond usual oncologic care. All adult patients with a cancer diagnosis presenting to the supportive care clinic during a 120-day period for an initial intake completed a self-report needs assessment tool. A review of medical records was then conducted. Primarily descriptive statistics, mean comparison, and correlational analysis summarized the data., Results: Nearly 48% of individuals rated very severe distress in at least one area of functioning. Areas with the highest average distress ratings included pain, fatigue, sleep, and anxiety. No significant associations were found between total distress scores and demographic or illness-related variables. Anxiety and depression were higher among those scheduled to see a behavioral health specialist than a palliative provider., Conclusions: Patient and illness factors were not associated with needs among those who attended appointments with support providers. Study results suggest that a biopsychosocial approach from interdisciplinary providers is warranted to manage the needs of patients referred for additional supportive care.