bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact‐induced Damage in Ceramic Coatings on Compliant Substrates: Fracture Mechanics and Design
Authors: Rhee Young‐Woo , Kim Hae‐Won , Deng Yan , Lawn Brian R.
Published: January 2009

Simple explicit relations are presented for the onset of competing fracture modes in ceramic coatings on compliant substrates from Hertzian‐like contacts. Special attention is given to a deleterious mode of radial cracking that initiates at the lower coating surface beneath the contact, in addition to traditional cone cracking and quasiplasticity in the near‐contact area. The critical load relations are expressed in terms of well‐documented material parameters (elastic modulus, toughness, hardness, and strength) and geometrical parameters (coating thickness and sphere radius). Data from selected glass, Al2O3 and ZrO2 coating materials on polycarbonate substrates are used to demonstrate the validity of the relations. The formulation provides a basis for designing ceramic coatings with optimum damage resistance.
Titanium Incorporation in Zn2TiO4 Spinel Ceramics
Authors: Kim Hyo Tae , Kim Yoonho , Valant Matjaz , Suvorov Danilo
Published: January 2009

Compositions in the Zn2TiO4+xTiO2 system (x= 0–0.43) were synthesized via the solid‐state reaction route, using high‐purity (≥99.99%) metal‐oxide powders. The incorporation of titanium, in the form of TiO2, in Zn2TiO4 spinel ceramics was investigated by analyzing the crystal structure and measuring the dielectric properties. The results of the crystal structure analyses suggested that TiO2 levels of x≤ 0.33 could be incorporated into the Zn2TiO4 spinel at temperatures of T > 945°C, whereas the solid solubility of titanium in Zn2TiO4 decreased for T < 945°C. When x≥ 0.28, the Zn2Ti3O8 phase formed in the Zn2TiO4 grain interior while cooling after heat treatment. Measurement of the microwave dielectric properties also supported the conclusion that the solubility limit of titanium in Zn2TiO4 was close to x= 0.33, as determined through analysis of the crystal structure.
Interactions between Clay Bodies and Lead Glazes
Authors: Molera Judit , Pradell Trinitat , Salvadó Nati , Vendrell‐Saz Màrius
Published: January 2009

A set of laboratory experiments has been developed to determine the nature and importance of the interaction between clay bodies and lead glazes during firing following different thermal paths (firing time and temperature, cooling rates) and using different glaze compositions and different bodies (illitic, kaolinitic, and calcareous clays). It is shown that the interaction consists of a digestion/diffusion process. This process involves (i) decomposition of the phases forming the clay body (digestion), (ii) chemical diffusion of elements between clay body and glaze, and (iii) formation of a layer (interface between clay and glaze) of small K‐Pb feldspar crystallites.
Ink‐Jet Printing of Wax‐Based Alumina Suspensions
Authors: Seerden Kitty A. M. , Reis Nuno , Evans Julian R. G. , Grant Patrick S. , Halloran John W. , Derby Brian
Published: January 2009

Suspensions of fine alumina powder in a paraffin wax have been successfully formulated with viscosity values sufficiently low to allow ink‐jet printing using a commercial printer. A commercial‐grade paraffin wax, with stearylamine and a polyester, were used as the dispersant system. Suspensions with powder loadings up to 40 vol% were passed through the ink‐jet printer head. Unfired ceramic bodies with a feature size of <100 μm have been successfully fabricated with waxes that had a powder loading of 30 vol%. The influence of suspension fluid properties on the ink‐jet printing process has been studied, and the importance of the acoustic resonance within the ink‐jet printing apparatus has been demonstrated.
Oxygen Transport in Silica at High Temperatures: Implications of Oxidation Kinetics
Authors: Ramberg C. Eric , Worrell Wayne L.
Published: January 2009

The apparent change in activation energy describing the parabolic rate constant for the passive oxidation of SiC is examined. New data are combined with reevaluated previous results to determine the influences of crystallinity, impurity contamination, and multiple flux mechanisms. The results suggest that the high‐temperature transition from interstitial‐dominant to network‐dominant oxygen transport is a property of amorphous SiO2 scales and does not exist for cristobalite. Highly crystalline scales do not show this transition. Agreement among various studies also suggests that, for high‐purity SiO2 scales, there is no difference between the rates of interstitial oxygen transport in amorphous SiO2 and in β‐cristobalite.
Computer Simulations of Diffraction Effects due to Stacking Faults in β‐SiC: II, Experimental Verification
Authors: Pujar Vijay V. , Cawley James D.
Published: January 2009

Earlier results from computer simulation studies suggest a correlation between the spatial distribution of stacking errors in the β‐SiC structure and features observed in XRD patterns of the material. Reported here are experimental results obtained from two types of nominally β‐SiC specimens, which yield distinct XRD data. These samples were analyzed using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and the stacking error distribution was directly determined. The HRTEM results compare well to those deduced by matching the XRD data with simulated spectra, confirming the hypothesis that the XRD data are indicative not only of the presence and density of stacking errors, but also that it can yield information regarding their distribution. Moreover, the stacking error population in both specimens is related to their synthesis conditions, and is similar to the relation developed by others to explain the formation of the corresponding polytypes.
Sol–Gel Synthesis of Silica‐Based Oxyfluoride Glass‐Ceramic Thin Films: Incorporation of Eu3+ Activators into Crystallites
Authors: Fujihara Shinobu , Kato Takayoshi , Kimura Toshio
Published: January 2009

Transparent oxyfluoride glass‐ceramic thin films were prepared using a sol–gel method starting from rare‐earth trifluoroacetate/silicon alkoxide solutions. SiO2–LaF3 and SiO2–LaOF glass‐ceramics were formed by heating at temperatures of 300°–500°C and 600°–900°C, respectively. Eu3+ activators were successfully incorporated into oxyfluoride crystals, as evidenced by their luminescent properties, such as capability of a charge‐transfer (O2––Eu3+) excitation, suppression of a multiphonon relaxation, and occurrence of a cross‐relaxation at low Eu3+ concentrations. As a result, the films exhibited strong red emission by ultraviolet excitation. The incorporation supposedly originated from decomposition of the (La,Eu)‐trifluoroacetates in the silica‐gel matrix.
Microwave‐Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Zirconia Powders
Authors: Bondioli Federica , Ferrari Anna Maria , Leonelli Cristina , Siligardi Cristina , Pellacani Gian Carlo
Published: January 2009

Nanosized zirconium oxide (ZrO2) powders were prepared by adding NaOH to a zirconyl chloride aqueous solution under microwave‐hydrothermal conditions. The obtained results showed that the tetragonal polymorph increased with increasing NaOH concentration in the starting solution and reached the maximum value by using 1MZrOCl2. The microwave‐assisted hydrothermal synthesis is expected to be able to process continuously, and may lead to energy savings because of rapid heating to temperature and increased kinetics of crystallization. This method is very simple and can lead to powders with desirable characteristics such as very fine size, narrow size distribution, and good chemical homogeneity.
Low‐Temperature Aging of Zirconia Ferrules for Optical Connectors
Authors: Lance Michael J. , Vogel Eva M. , Reith Leslie A. , Cannon W. Roger
Published: January 2009

Zirconia ferrules for optical connectors were examined after aging at 85°C and 95% relative humidity. Two degradation mechanisms were the roughening and the deformation of the zirconia ferrule surface. Raman microscopy revealed that this relatively low‐temperature degradation of zirconia ferrules is caused by the tetragonal to monoclinic transformation of zirconia, and is accelerated by stress relief during polishing. The surface upheavals associated with low‐temperature aging may significantly degrade the performance of optical connectors over time.
Efficient differentiation of insulin‐producing cells from skin‐derived stem cells
Authors: Guo W. , Miao C. , Liu S. , Qiu Z. , Li J. , Duan E.
Published: January 2009

Objectives:   Type 1 diabetes mellitus, characterized by loss of pancreatic β‐cells, can be ameliorated by islet transplantation, but this treatment is restricted by the scarcity of islet tissue and by allograft rejection.

Materials and Methods:   We isolated and characterized skin‐derived precursors (SKPs) – an abundant source of autologous cells – and developed an experimental strategy to convert them into insulin‐producing cells (IPCs) in vitro within a short period of time, through extracellular factor modification and analyses of IPCs by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:   SKPs could self‐assemble to form three‐dimensional islet cell‐like clusters (dithizone‐positive) and co‐express insulin and C‐peptide. In addition, they expressed multiple genes related to pancreatic β‐cell development and function (e.g. insulin 1, insulin 2, islet‐1, Pdx‐1, NeuroD/beta2, glut‐2 and Nkx6.1), but not other pancreas‐specific hormones and enzymes (e.g. glucagon, somatostatin and amylase). Moreover, when stimulated with glucose, these cells synthesized and secreted insulin in a glucose‐regulated manner.

Conclusions:   The findings of this study indicate that SKPs can differentiate into functional IPCs and can provide an abundant source of autologous cells for transplantation. This study also provides strategies to derive autologous islet‐replacement tissues from human skin stem cells.
Reg IV enhances peritoneal metastasis in gastric carcinomas
Authors: Kuniyasu H. , Oue N. , Sasahira T. , Yi L. , Moriwaka Y. , Shimomoto T. , Fujii K. , Ohmori H. , Yasui W.
Published: January 2009

Objectives: The role of Regenerating (Reg) IV on peritoneal metastasis was examined in gastric cancer using.

Material and methods: Reg IV‐transfected human gastric cancer cells (MKN28‐R1, MKN28‐R2, TMK1‐R1), control transfectants (MKN28‐R0, TMK1‐R0), and REG4‐knocked down MKN45 cells were examined in in vitro and in nude mice peritoneal metastasis models.

Results and Discussion: Increase of expression and secretion of Reg IV, and levels of BCL‐2, BCL‐XL,survivin, phosphorylated AKT, and phosphorylated EGFR, and decrease of nitric oxide‐induced apoptosis were found in Reg IV‐transfectants, whereas those were abrogated in the knockdown cells. In mice models, increased number and size of peritoneal tumors and decreased apoptosis were found in Reg IV‐transfectants, whereas those were abrogated by the knockdown cells. Mice survivals were worsened in Reg IV‐transfectants‐inoculated mice, but were improved in Reg IV‐knockdown cell‐inoculated mice. Levels of Reg IV protein in peritoneal lavage fluids increased in Reg IV‐transfectants inoculated mice, but decreased in Reg IV‐knockdown cell inoculated mice. In metastasized human gastric cancers, Reg IV positivity in peritoneum‐metastasis cases was higher than those in negative cases. Reg IV was detected in peritoneal lavage fluids from human gastric cancer patients, in whose lavages keratin mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Collectively, Reg IV might accelerate peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer. Reg IV in lavage fluids might be a good marker for peritoneal metastasis.
The identification of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha‐independent effects of oleoylethanolamide on intestinal transit in mice
Authors: Cluny N. L. , Keenan C. M. , Lutz B. , Piomelli D. , Sharkey K. A.
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endogenous lipid produced in the intestine that mediates satiety by activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα). OEA inhibits gastric emptying and intestinal motility, but the mechanism of action remains to be determined. We investigated whether OEA inhibits intestinal motility by activation of PPARα. PPARα immunoreactivity was examined in whole mount preparations of mouse gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The effect of OEA on motility was assessed in wildtype, PPARα, cannabinoid CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor gene‐deficient mice and in a model of accelerated GI transit. In addition, the effect of OEA on motility was assessed in mice injected with the PPARα antagonist GW6471, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonist SB366791 or the glucagon‐like peptide 1 antagonist exendin‐3(9‐39) amide. PPARα immunoreactivity was present in neurons in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses throughout the GI tract. OEA inhibited upper GI transit in a dose‐dependent manner, but was devoid of an effect on whole gut transit or colonic propulsion. OEA‐induced inhibition of motility was still present in PPARα, CB1 and CB2 receptor gene‐deficient mice and in the presence of GW6471, SB366791 and exendin‐3(9‐39) amide, suggesting neither PPARα nor the cannabinoids and other likely receptors are involved in mediating the effects of OEA. OEA blocked stress‐induced accelerated upper GI transit at a dose that had no effect on physiological transit. We show that PPARα is found in the enteric nervous system, but our results suggest that PPARα is not involved in the suppression of motility by OEA.
Arabidopsis dynamin‐related proteins DRP3A and DRP3B are functionally redundant in mitochondrial fission, but have distinct roles in peroxisomal fission
Authors: Fujimoto Masaru , Arimura Shin‐ichi , Mano Shoji , Kondo Maki , Saito Chieko , Ueda Takashi , Nakazono Mikio , Nakano Akihiko , Nishimura Mikio , Tsutsumi Nobuhiro
Published: January 2009

Two similar Arabidopsis dynamin‐related proteins, DRP3A and DRP3B, are thought to be key factors in both mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission. However, the functional and genetic relationships between DRP3A and DRP3B have not been fully investigated. In a yeast two‐hybrid assay, DRP3A and DRP3B interacted with themselves and with each other. DRP3A and DRP3B localized to mitochondria and peroxisomes, and co‐localized with each other in leaf epidermal cells. In two T‐DNA insertion mutants, drp3a and drp3b, the mitochondria are a little longer and fewer in number than those in the wild‐type cells. In the double mutant, drp3a/drp3b, mitochondria are connected to each other, resulting in massive elongation. Overexpression of either DRP3A or DRP3B in drp3a/drp3b restored the particle shape of mitochondria, suggesting that DRP3A and DRP3B are functionally redundant in mitochondrial fission. In the case of peroxisomal fission, DRP3A and DRP3B appear to have different functions: peroxisomes in drp3a were larger and fewer in number than those in the wild type, whereas peroxisomes in drp3b were as large and as numerous as those in the wild type, and peroxisomes in drp3a/drp3b were as large and as numerous as those in drp3a. Although overexpression of DRP3A in drp3a/drp3b restored the shape and number of peroxisomes, overexpression of DRP3B did not restore the phenotypes, and often caused elongation instead. These results suggest that DRP3B and DRP3A have redundant molecular functions in mitochondrial fission, whereas DRP3B has a minor role in peroxisomal fission that is distinct from that of DRP3A.
A novel real‐time PCR method for KIR genotyping
Authors: Alves L. G. T. , Rajalingam R. , Canavez F.
Published: January 2009

Genes encoding killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) are variable among individuals. Sequence‐specific primer‐directed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification (PCR‐SSP) and sequence‐specific oligonucleotide hybridization of the PCR‐amplified products (PCR‐SSO) are the methods currently used to characterize the diversity of KIR gene content. Both these methods include time‐consuming post‐PCR analyses. Here, we developed a real‐time PCR method that identifies the presence or absence of 16 KIR genes during PCR and avoids post‐PCR analyses. This method is specific, sensitive, shortens the turnaround time compared with the conventional PCR‐SSP and PCR‐SSO methods, and it can be easily adapted for automation.
Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of three pilomyxoid astrocytomas: Comparative study with 11 pilocytic astrocytomas
Authors: Amatya Vishwa J. , Akazawa Ryota , Sumimoto Yoji , Takeshima Yukio , Inai Kouki
Published: January 2009

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma, first described by Tihan et al., was recently included as an established variant of pilocytic astrocytoma in the World Health Organization classification of CNS tumors. Histologically, it much resembles pilocytic astrocytoma, but monomorphic myxoid tumor of pilocytic cells with prominent angiocentric growth pattern without Rosenthal fibers or eosinophilic granular bodies is characteristic of pilomyxoid astrocytoma. Pilomyxoid astrocytoma is thought to be more aggressive with more frequent local recurrence as well as cerebrospinal spread. The authors recently encountered a case of pilomyxoid astrocytoma, therefore the purpose of the present study was undertake a retrospective review of pilocytic astrocytomas previously diagnosed during the past 10 years. Consequently, two of them were found to have histological features suggestive of pilomyxoid astrocytoma and both involved multiple recurrence, suggesting aggressive behavior in comparison to pilocytic astrocytoma. Therefore, knowledge of this entity is essential to surgical pathologists and clinicians for patient management.
Pancreatic serous microcystic adenoma with extensive oncocytic change
Authors: Akiyama Takashi , Sadahira Yoshito , Irei Isao , Nishimura Hirotake , Hida Akira I. , Notohara Kenji , Hamazaki Shuji
Published: January 2009

Herein is reported a case of pancreatic serous microcystic adenoma with extensive oncocytic change in a 73‐year‐old woman. Histologically the tumor consisted of numerous small cysts, separated by thin or broad fibrous septa. These cysts were lined with uniform cells having abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, which was negatively or weakly stained with PAS. Immunohistochemically, the cyst‐lining cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK19, MUC1, MUC6, α‐inhibin, and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and negative for CK8, CK20, MUC2, and MUC5AC; these immunoprofiles coincide with those of serous microcystic adenoma. Immunostaining with anti‐mitochondrial antibody showed dense granular positivity in the cytoplasm, which suggested an oncocytic phenotype. Thus, this case is considered a variant of serous microcystic adenoma characterized by extensive oncocytic change. To the authors' knowledge no similar case has been reported in the literature. It may pose problems in the differential diagnosis of the cystic pancreatic tumors with oncocytic change, but can be diagnosed on histology and immunohistochemistry.
The global distribution of frugivory in birds
Authors: Daniel Kissling W. , Böhning–Gaese Katrin , Jetz Walter
Published: January 2009

Aim  To examine patterns of avian frugivory across clades, geography and environments.

Location  Global, including all six major biogeographical realms (Afrotropics, Australasia, Indo‐Malaya, Nearctic, Neotropics and Palaearctic).

Methods  First, we examine the taxonomic distribution of avian frugivory within orders and families. Second we evaluate, with traditional and spatial regression approaches, the geographical patterns of frugivore species richness and proportion. Third, we test the potential of contemporary climate (water–energy, productivity, seasonality), habitat heterogeneity (topography, habitat diversity) and biogeographical history (captured by realm membership) to explain geographical patterns of avian frugivory.

Results  Most frugivorous birds (50%) are found within the perching birds (Passeriformes), but the woodpeckers and allies (Piciformes), parrots (Psittaciformes) and pigeons (Columbiformes) also contain a significant number of frugivorous species (9–15%). Frugivore richness is highest in the Neotropics, but peaks in overall bird diversity in the Himalayan foothills, the East African mountains and in some areas of Brazil and Bolivia are not reflected by frugivores. Current climate explains more variance in species richness and proportion of frugivores than of non‐frugivores whereas it is the opposite for habitat heterogeneity. Actual evapotranspiration (AET) emerges as the best single climatic predictor variable of avian frugivory. Significant differences in frugivore richness and proportion between select biogeographical regions remain after differences in environment (i.e. AET) are accounted for.

Main conclusions  We present evidence that both environmental and historical constraints influence global patterns of avian frugivory. Whereas water–energy dynamics possibly constrain frugivore distribution via indirect effects on food plants, regional differences in avian frugivory most likely reflect historical contingencies related to the evolutionary history of fleshy fruited plant taxa, niche conservatism and past climate change. Overall our results support an important role of co‐diversification and environmental constraints on regional assembly over macroevolutionary time‐scales.
Geographical and taxonomic influences on cranial variation in red colobus monkeys (Primates, Colobinae): introducing a new approach to ‘morph’ monkeys
Authors: Cardini Andrea , Elton Sarah
Published: January 2009

Aim  To provide accurate but parsimonious quantitative descriptions of clines in cranial form of red colobus, to partition morphological variance into geographical, taxonomic and structured taxonomic components, and to visually summarize clines in multivariate shape data using a method which produces results directly comparable to both univariate studies of geographical variation and standard geometric morphometric visualization of shape differences along vectors.

Location  Equatorial Africa.

Methods  Sixty‐four three‐dimensional cranial landmarks were measured on 276 adult red colobus monkeys sampled over their entire distribution. Geometric morphometric methods were applied, and size and shape variables regressed onto geographical coordinates using linear and curvilinear models. Model selection was done using the second‐order Akaike information criterion. Components of variation related to geography, taxon or their combined effect were partitioned using partial regresssion. Multivariate trends in clinal shape were summarized using principal components of predictions from regressions, plotting vector scores on maps as for univariate size, and visualizing differences along main axes of clinal shape variation using surface rendering.

Results  Significant clinal variation was found in size and shape. Clines were similar in females and males. Trend surface analysis tended to be more accurate and parsimonious than alternative models in predicting morphology based on geography. Cranial form was relatively paedomorphic in East Africa and peramorphic in central Africa. Most taxonomic variation was geographically structured. However, taxonomic differences alone accounted for a larger proportion of total explained variance in shape (up to 40%) than in size (≤ 20%).

Main conclusions  A strong cline explained most of the observed size variation and a significant part of the shape differences of red colobus crania. The pattern of geographical variation was largely similar to that previously reported in vervets, despite different habitat preferences (arboreal versus terrestrial) and a long period since divergence (c. 14–15 Myr). This suggests that some aspects of morphological divergence in both groups may have been influenced by similar environmental, geographical and historical factors. Cranial size is likely to be evolutionarily more labile and thus better reflects the influence of recent environmental changes. Cranial shape could be more resilient to change and thus better reflects phylogenetically informative differences.
A Straight Look at Skew Distributions
Authors: Bedwell Michael
Published: January 2009

This article argues that the Normal distribution is often not a good model for anthropomorphic data.
Internet Approach versus Lecture and Lab‐Based Approach for Teaching an Introductory Statistical Methods Course: Students’ Opinions
Authors: Johnson H. Dean , Dasgupta Nairanjana , Zhang Hao , Evans Marc A.
Published: January 2009

The use of the Internet as a teaching tool continues to grow in popularity at colleges and universities. We consider, from the students’ perspective, the use of an Internet approach compared to a lecture and lab‐based approach for teaching an introductory course in statistical methods. We conducted a survey of introductory statistics students. Contradictory to what was hypothesized by the authors, they favoured keeping the lecture and lab‐based approach for teaching the class.
Using mobile phone geolocalisation for ‘socio‐geographical’ analysis of co‐ordination, urban mobilities, and social integration patterns
Authors: LICOPPE CHRISTIAN , DIMINESCU DANA , SMOREDA ZBIGNIEW , ZIEMLICKI CEZARY
Published: January 2009

We report here on research aiming to reconstruct urban mobilities and communication practices through mobile phone base data. We have developed a software probe that can be implemented on a user's mobile phone, and which allows the joint recording and collection of the successive locations experienced by the user (through the identification of the cell in which the mobile phone is located) and all types of communicative acts performed through the mobile phone. This has been combined to indepth interviews with subjects over one week of their mobility and mobile communication behaviour. The method has been tested over a sample of 24 adults living in Paris, all in the 30–45 age range, half male and half female, with varying histories of mobility and professional flexibility constraints, in order to reconstruct their mobility and their communication‐based activity spaces. We show how such a method enables the construction of a long time perspective on mobilities, and particularly on the articulation of displacements and mobile communication, which is an important issue in the ‘new mobilities paradigm’. We show how, over longer periods, mobility and communication practices combine into patterns marking social integration (or disintegration). We also show how our method allows us to construct new types of indicators, such as the propensity to communicate from a given type of place per unit of time, that reveal underlying patterns such as a higher propensity to call in mobile situations and transitory locations. This type of approach may be particularly relevant to the ongoing convergence of transport and communication studies, and to bridge the gap between communication research and mobility studies.
A TYPOLOGY OF PERI‐URBAN AREAS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: HORNIS WILLEMIEKE , VAN ECK JAN RITSEMA
Published: January 2009

‘Ommeland’ is an old Dutch word that refers to the land around a town or city: a peri‐urban area. It is an important spatial category: the peri‐urban areas of the 24 most central cities in the Netherlands, excluding the cities themselves, house almost 40 per cent of the national population. In Dutch spatial policy, however, the peri‐urban area as the intermediate category between city and rural area has often been ignored. The concept of urban networks seems to contribute to the neglect of peri‐urban areas in spatial policy. However, at the same time the urban network theory that states that the hierarchy between places is disappearing raises new questions about the position of peri‐urban areas. Therefore, in this paper we investigate the position of peri‐urban areas in the Netherlands by looking at travel patterns to and from peri‐urban areas. By doing so, we obtain better insight into the relations between peri‐urban and other areas and into the position of peri‐urban areas in the Netherlands. We found different types of peri‐urban areas. In general, peri‐urban areas are still subordinate to the central city, but in some peri‐urban areas relation patterns are more diversified, both to and from other central cities and to other places in the peri‐urban areas. These peri‐urban areas can be seen as part of the urban network.
REFORM CREATING REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: APPLICATIONS FOR EAST ASIA
Authors: Park Innwon , Park Soonchan
Published: January 2009

Abstract.  We estimate the investment creation and diversion effects of RTAs by using an extended gravity equation focusing on domestic reform as a commitment device for RTA membership. As a case study, we estimate the impact of proposed East Asian RTAs on inward FDI. We find that: (i) reform creating RTA membership, larger market size, better skilled labour and lower trade costs all contribute positively and significantly to inward FDI; and (ii) most of the proposed East Asian RTAs promote intra‐bloc FDI. In particular, both South–North and North–North RTAs prove to be more preferable membership combinations to South–South RTAs in East Asia.
Image analysis of skin colour using independent component analysis and its application to melanin pigmentation analysis
Authors: Ojima Nobutoshi
Published: January 2009

Skin colour has conventionally been analyzed by using colorimetric values such as CIE 1976 L*a*b*. Recently, several researchers have reported on extraction techniques of melanin and hemoglobin components from skin colour information. One of our recent studies on a practical skin colour analysis technique is introduced for evaluating melanin pigmentation, such as freckles. The skin colour image is analyzed and separated into hemoglobin, melanin and shading components using the independent component analysis. We propose practical measurement systems and describe the results on the seasonal changes and age‐related changes of pigmentations, as well as the changes after use of whitening essence.
Development of quantitative analysis for the micro‐relief of the skin surface using a video microscope and its application to examination of skin surface texture
Authors: Arakawa Naomi , Ohnishi Hiroyuki , Masuda Yuji
Published: January 2009

We developed a new analyzing method for characterizing a skin surface morphology image obtained easily by a video microscope. For the numerical analysis of various characteristics of the skin surface morphology, three parameters were invented; ‘the width of the skin furrows,’‘the fineness of the skin ridges,’ and ‘the size of the skin pores.’ The width of the skin furrows was calculated as mean width of the skin furrows. The fineness of the skin ridges was calculated as number of the skin ridges. The size of the skin pores was calculated as total area of skin pores. The analyzed parameters were compared with the clinical scores evaluated by trained experts, resulting in a high correlation (r = 0.54–0.72). Upon the age related changes in the parameters described above, the number of the skin ridges decreased at around the age of 20, and the size of the skin pores became large with aging during the teens through 40's. In the analysis of seasonal changes, the ridge parameter was high in summer, and the furrow parameter was high in winter. Upon the relationship between the images (the skin surface patterns) and the skin physiological parameters, the skin with a low barrier function (high TEWL) or that with high sebum content gave a low density of the skin ridges. From these results it seems that the image analysis of skin surface morphology using a video microscope is quite useful for an easy and simple evaluation of skin condition.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 1–14 (January/February 2008) Determination of optimal dead sea salt content in a cosmetic emulsion using rheology and stability measurements
Authors: Abu‐Jdayil B. , Mohameed H. A. , Bsoul A.
Published: January 2009

Synopsis

Dead Sea mud and salts are known for their therapeutic and cosmetic properties. The presence of Dead Sea (DS) salts in different types of cosmetics has affected the stability and the flow properties of the finished products. In this study, an attempt was made to find the optimum Dead Sea salt content in a cosmetic emulsion (model of body cream) using both rheology and stability measurements. The rheological properties were tested during a four‐month storage period at three different storage temperatures: 8°C, room temperature, and 45°C. In addition to rheological measurements and centrifuge tests, the conductivities of the emulsion samples were also determined. The centrifuge tests showed that the cream samples containing more than 0.25 wt% of DS salt showed phase separation. The addition of DS salt to the cosmetic emulsion led to two maxima in the emulsion viscosity at salt contents of 0.07 wt% and 0.15 wt%. However, the emulsion samples containing 0.15% of DS salt was considered the optimum sample since it contained the maximum amount of salt and exhibited the maximum viscosity at all tested conditions. It was found that the viscosity of the emulsion is increased with storage time and storage temperature. This behavior was accompanied by a decrease in conductivity. This behavior was explained by water evaporation from the emulsion. However, it has been shown that the presence of DS salt in the cosmetic emulsion significantly reduces the rate of water evaporation. The conductivity measurements reflect the rate of water evaporation, and the presence of DS salt reduces the rate of conductivity. Conductivity is observed to decrease with storage time and temperature.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 41–58 (January/February 2008) Evaluation of the effect of Thai breadfruit's heartwood extract on melanogenesis‐inhibitory and antioxidation activities
Authors: Donsing P. , Limpeanchob N. , Viyoch J.
Published: January 2009

Synopsis

The aim of this study was to clarify the melanogenesis‐inhibitory and antioxidant activity of Thai breadfruit's heartwood extract for application as a skin‐lightening agent. The heartwood of breadfruit (Artocarpus incisus) grown in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, was extracted by using diethyl ether or methanol. The amount of artocarpin, a major component of A. incisus extract, was determined by using the HPLC method. The artocarpin content found in ether ex tract was 45.19 ± 0.45% w/w, whereas that in methanol extract was 19.61 ± 0.05% w/w. The ether extract was then evaluated for tyrosinase‐inhibitory, melanogenesis‐inhibitory, and antioxidant activities. The tyrosinase‐inhibitory activity was tested in vitro by monitoring the inhibition of the extract against the formation of DOPAchrome by tyrosinase enzyme. The results showed that the tyrosinase‐inhibitory activity of the extract was in a dose‐dependent manner. The obtained IC50 value was 10.26 ± 3.04 μg mL‐1, while kojic acid, a well‐known tyrosinase inhibitor, provided an IC50 of 7.89 ± 0.18 μg mL‐1. Melanocyte B16F1 melanoma cells (ATCC No. CRL‐6323) were then used for determination of the melanogenesis‐inhibitory activity of the extract, comparing it to hydroquinone, kojic acid, and purified artocarpin. The amount of melanin produced by the cells was monitored by measuring an absorbence at 490 nm. The obtained results indicated that A. incisus extract at a concentration of 2 to 25 μg mL‐1 was able to decrease the melanin production of the melanocyte B16F1 cells. The obtained micrograph also confirmed that the extract did not change the cell morphology but reduced the melanin content by inhibiting melanin synthesis, whereas the purified artocarpin at a concentration of 4.5 μg mL‐1 caused changes in cell morphology. Additionally, the extract exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose‐dependent manner at an EC50 of 169.53 ± 9.73 μg mL‐1, according to DPPH assay. The obtained results indicated that the ether extract of A. incisus's heartwood has the potential of acting as a skin‐lightening agent for application in cosmetics.
Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment
Authors: Ruamrak C. , Lourith N. , Natakankitkul S.
Published: January 2009

Synopsis

Acne vulgaris impairs the appearance of an individual and causes psychological irritation. Inflammatory acne lesion is caused by multifactor incorporates in each step of acne pathogenesis. In an attempt to archive inflammatory lesion treatment with the promise of prevention of acne vulgaris, randomized and double‐blind studies on the comparison of the efficacies of topical formulations containing 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) and 0.2% retinol, separately as well as in combination application, were conducted. The resulting data showed that SAP reduced the inflammatory lesion by 20.14% and 48.82% within 4 and 8 weeks respectively. Application of the formulation containing retinol slightly improved the treatment efficacy as the lesion reduced by 21.79% and 49.50% after 4 and 8 weeks respectively. The combination treatment significantly reduced the inflammatory lesion by 29.28% after 4 weeks and 63.10% after 8 weeks of application. The most effective treatment was by using the combination of 5% SAP and 0.2% retinol, which incorporated the synergistic effects on lipid peroxidation and sebaceous gland function in addition to the enhancement of SAP permeability by the desquamation of stratum corneum influenced by retinol, keratin plug removal and anti‐inflammatory effect of retinol. This study promises for the development of cosmetic products to overcome aesthetic and psychological problems caused by acne vulgaris.
Using the Osteoporosis Self‐Assessment Tool for Referring Older Men for Bone Densitometry: A Decision Analysis
Authors: Ito Kouta , Hollenberg James P. , Charlson Mary E.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To compare health benefits and costs associated with performing bone densitometry for all men with those of risk‐stratifying using the Osteoporosis Self‐Assessment Tool (OST) and performing bone densitometry only for a high‐risk group.

DESIGN: A decision analytical model was developed using a Markov process. Three strategies were compared: no bone densitometry, selective bone densitometry using the OST, and universal bone densitometry. Data sources were U.S. epidemiological studies and healthcare cost figures.

SETTING: Hypothetical cohort.

PARTICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling 70‐year‐old U.S. white men with no history of clinical osteoporotic fractures.

INTERVENTION: Five years of alendronate therapy for those diagnosed with osteoporosis.

MEASUREMENTS: Life years, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), costs, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios.

RESULTS: Selective bone densitometry using the OST would cost $100,700 per additional life year gained compared to the no bone densitometry strategy. Universal bone densitometry would cost $483,500 for additional life year gained compared to selective bone densitometry. When quality of life was considered, both strategies became approximately 15% more cost‐effective. Compared with the no bone densitometry strategy, selective bone densitometry would be cost saving for those aged 84 and older, with a reduction of alendronate price (≤$110 per year), or with a higher efficacy of alendronate (a relative risk reduction of nonvertebral fracture ≥82%).

CONCLUSION: Universal bone densitometry for 70‐year‐old men is not a good investment for society. It is reasonably cost‐effective to risk‐stratify with the OST, perform bone densitometry only for high‐risk group, and then give men diagnosed with osteoporosis generic alendronate.
Low Diastolic Ambulatory Blood Pressure Is Associated with Greater All‐Cause Mortality in Older Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Ungar Andrea , Pepe Giuseppe , Lambertucci Lorella , Fedeli Angela , Monami Matteo , Mannucci Edoardo , Gabbani Luciano , Masotti Giulio , Marchionni Niccolò , Di Bari Mauro
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between office and ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) and total mortality in elderly patients with hypertension.

DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Hypertension outpatient clinic in a geriatric academic hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight hundred five older (≥60) subjects with hypertension underwent office and ambulatory BP measurement. Mortality was assessed after a mean follow‐up of 3.8 years.

RESULTS: In a total of 3,090 person‐years of follow‐up, 107 participants died (average mortality rate 3.5% per year). With bivariate analysis, participants who died had higher SBP and PP and lower DBP, with office and ambulatory measurements. Mortality rates were greater with higher SBP and lower with higher DBP. As a combined effect of these trends, PP was associated with the widest death rate gradients, from 12 to 66, 13 to 63, and 9 to 70 per 1,000 person‐years across office, 24‐hour, daytime, and nighttime PP quartiles, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed these trends; the adjusted hazard of death increased linearly with increasing ambulatory SBP and PP, whereas it decreased significantly with increasing ambulatory DBP. A five times greater risk of death was detected when comparing night‐time PP quartile 4 (median PP value 78 mmHg) with quartile 1 (median PP value 46 mmHg).

CONCLUSION: In older patients with hypertension, low DBP and high PP, particularly when measured using ambulatory BP monitoring, are associated with greater risk of death. The achievement of an SBP treatment goal should not be obtained at the expense of an excessive DBP reduction.
Epicardial Macro‐Reentrant Ventricular Tachycardia Exhibiting an Endocardial Centrifugal Activation Pattern in a Case with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: YAMADA TAKUMI , PLUMB VANCE J. , TABEREAUX PAUL B. , KAY G. NEAL
Published: January 2009

A 55‐year‐old man with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy underwent catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) with left bundle branch block and left superior axis QRS morphology with an early precordial transition. Endocardial mapping during the VT revealed a focal activation pattern from a small region of low voltage in the left ventricular (LV) septum. Despite earliest endocardial activation in the LV septum, epicardial mapping demonstrated a macro‐reentrant circuit with successful catheter ablation at an inferior peritricuspid annular site. Activation from the reentrant circuit propagated through the scar area in the epicardial right ventricle to the remote endocardial LV breakout site.
Pacing Features That Mimic Malfunction: A Review of Current Programmable and Automated Device Functions That Cause Confusion in the Clinical Setting
Authors: LLOYD MICHAEL S. , EL CHAMI MIKHAEL F. , LANGBERG JONATHAN J.
Published: January 2009

Modern implantable devices capable of pacing are armed with a multitude of programmable and automated features. While some features represent important advances in device safety and performance, many can also mimic device malfunction. This article discusses these features in terms of the confusion they may cause and highlights important clinical clues that aid in their recognition.
Structure of Na2O–CaO–P2O5–SiO2 Glass–Ceramics with Multimodal Porosity
Authors: Brentrup Gregory J. , Moawad Hassan M. M. , Santos Luis F. , Almeida Rui M. , Jain Himanshu
Published: January 2009

We have investigated the evolution of the structure of nano–macro porous CaO–Na2O–P2O5–SiO2 bioactive glass–ceramics by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). A controlled devitrification, followed by a chemical leaching treatment is used to produce a multimodal distribution of nano/macro pores that are expected to improve cell attachment. Data show that the leaching process removes the sodium‐ and calcium‐containing crystalline phases that are formed during the ceramming heat treatment. The primary Si–O peaks in the infrared spectra blue shift with leaching, indicating that the sample becomes SiO2 rich. In parallel, the fraction of nonbridging oxygen decreases. These results suggest a restructuring of the glass network far below the glass transition temperature. The stresses from leaching, capillary forces, and subsequent restructuring develop and grow, eventually producing cracks in the sample.
FROM FIELD TO OFFICE: THE POLITICS OF CORPORATE ETHNOGRAPHY
Authors: THOMAS XUEMING LANG SUZANNE L.
Published: January 2009

Critical corporate ethnography does not stop at the field or our reports but extends into our day‐to‐day work in the office. Using the example of internal research conducted for next generation internet Café (Cafe) product development in the PRC, we will argue that corporate ethnographers must go beyond self‐reflexive fieldwork to tackle the organizational and cultural politics of our domain expertise. In this latter context, we become conflated with “the field” and, indeed, our corporate value is equated with the veracity of our field representations. The situation becomes eminently more complex in MNCs where in‐depth ethnographic research is analyzed and acted on in multinational teams and where internal cultural differences and professional disagreements parade as divergent corporate interests.
ICT4D ⇒ ICT4X: MITIGATING THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE HEURISTICS & BIASES IN ETHNOGRAPHIC BUSINESS PRACTICE
Authors: SALVADOR TONY , SHERRY JOHN W. , AGATSTEIN L. WILTON , ILAHIANE HSAIN
Published: January 2009

With more than five billion people, large corporations have expressed non‐trivial interest in “emerging markets” as potential future sources of revenue. We in this community of ethnographic praxis, are privileged to move with some ease between corporate board rooms and people's living rooms around the world Yet, our messages and meanings that might lead to positive action are hampered by both our own language — that of development — and the ways in which people hear our language through specific cognitive heuristics and biases. In this paper, we specifically unpack the prevalent business interest concerning the “digital divide”. We discuss how that particular framing, i.e., digital, divide, essentializes upwards of 85–90% of the global population as simply poor and living in developing countries limiting business engagement. We argue that these predilections are further magnified by specific cognitive heuristics and biases we all posses but which are especially powerful amongst the business elite and which must be overcome to be effective. In response, we introduce an alternative scaffolding based on exchange rather than development, a view grounded in Simmel's simple and powerful notion of “exchange”. In the example of development, which we use in this paper, we argue to reposition ICT4D (ICT for Development) to ICT4X (ICT for Exchange). We suggest this repositioning reshapes the possible actions for business possibilities and opportunities, shifting the conversation from hand‐outs to business ventures, an otherwise well understood construct.