bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate communication, ethics, and operational identity: a case study of Benetton
Authors: Borgerson Janet L. , Schroeder Jonathan E. , Escudero Magnusson Martin , Magnusson Frank
Published: June 2009

This article investigates conceptual and strategic relationships between corporate identity, organizational identity and ethics, utilizing the Benetton Corporation as an illustrative case study. Although much attention has been given to visual aspects of Benetton's renowned ethical brand building efforts, few studies have looked at how Benetton's employees, retail environments and trade events express ethical aspects of their well‐known corporate identity. A multi‐method case study, including interviews at retail outlets and trade events, sheds light on several important yet under‐studied components of corporate identity, including stakeholders such as retail managers and contract employees. Analysis of Benetton's operations revealed disconnection and inconsistency, as well as a failure to communicate ethical values and socially responsible attributes throughout organizational identity. Operational identity emerged as a useful complement to models of corporate identity. We demonstrate the way in which organizations may fail to capitalize on positive aspects of their organizational identity by neglecting their operational identity.
Data mining: proprietary rights, people and proposals
Authors: Payne Dinah , Trumbach Cherie Courseault
Published: June 2009

This article focuses on the issue of data mining as it relates to the consumer and to the issue of whether the consumer's private information has any proprietary status. A brief review of data mining is provided as a background for a better understanding of the purposes and uses of data mining. Also examined are several issues of the ethics of data mining, including a review of stakeholders, who they are and which may be most seriously affected by unethical data mining practices. Several suggestions for the improvement of data mining as it relates to the consumer are further presented: suggestions that would allow for data mining that would be beneficial to both the business community and the consumer.
A cross‐cultural construct of the ethos of the corporate codes of ethics: Australia, Canada and Sweden
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg , Singh Jang , Callaghan Michael
Published: June 2009

The objective of this paper is to develop and describe a construct of the ethos of the corporate codes of ethics (i.e. an ECCE construct) across three countries, namely Australia, Canada and Sweden. The introduced construct is rather unique as it is based on a cross‐cultural sample seldom seen in the literature. While the outcome of statistical analyses indicated a satisfactory factor solution and acceptable estimates of reliability measures, some research limitations have been stressed. They provide a foundation for further research in the field and testing of the ECCE construct in other cultural and corporate settings. We believe that the ECCE construct makes a contribution to theory and practice in the field as it outlines a theoretical construct for the benefit of other researchers. It is also of managerial interest as it provides a grounded framework of areas to be considered in the implementation in organizations of corporate codes of ethics.
Beyond compliance – below expectations? CSR in the context of international development
Authors: Barkemeyer Ralf
Published: June 2009

In this paper, the results of an empirical analysis of a set of 416 descriptive case studies published by corporate members of the UN Global Compact are presented. Although these cases cannot be viewed as representative of the Compact itself or of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and development in general, they can illustrate which kinds of projects are deemed appropriate as best practice examples among Compact members, and therefore indicate the direction, in which predominantly voluntary and business‐led CSR might at best be evolving. To help contextualize the analysis, the paper starts with a brief overview of recent academic work on the strengths and limitations of CSR in the light of international development, followed by the empirical analysis of Compact case studies. The results raise doubts regarding the general suitability of contemporary CSR initiatives to tackle some of the most pressing developmental challenges. Instead, only certain topics are commonly addressed, while a number of issues such as anti‐corruption measures or labour rights are underrepresented in the case study sample. Regarding the target regions of the best practice examples, the majority is reported on activities based in OECD countries and a small number of emerging markets such as South Africa, India or China, while neglecting other regions such as sub‐Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa). From a European Union policy perspective, these results indicate that there is a role to play for the state in order to create a better fit between CSR agendas and the actual developmental needs in the South.
Institutional investor activism on socially responsible investment: effects and expectations
Authors: Wen Shuangge
Published: June 2009

Concentrated attention on institutional investors' activism has been perceived in the last few decades and further intensified in the post‐Enron era. A new area of particular significance that has emerged is institutional investors' growing awareness and practice of socially responsible investment (SRI). This article starts by reviewing the importance of institutional investor activism and the historical implication of SRI. Significantly, various elements that give rise to the growth of SRI in the modern business world are considered in detail. It is recognized that, although current empirical evidence suggests ambiguous effects of SRI, the positive impact of institutional investors' activism on SRI is likely to have been undermined due to the underdevelopment of evaluation systems, and SRI should stand out as a good investment option for its joint financial and societal concerns. Nevertheless, obstructions still exist in the exercise of investor activism and the pursuit of SRI strategy, which implies that, at least in the near future, SRI strategy will remain as a minor investment trend for institutional investors in Anglo‐American countries. Additional regulatory methods and awarding schemes are, therefore, expected to motivate institutional investors' activism on SRI, and subsequently to promote global sustainability.
A Knowledge Formalization and Aggregation‐Based Method for the Assessment of Dam Performance
Authors: Curt Corinne , Peyras Laurent , Boissier Daniel
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  A computational methodology dedicated to embankment dam performance assessment has been designed and implemented. The model's inputs are the whole set of available information and data: visual observations, monitoring measurements, calculated data, and documents related to design and construction processes. First, a formal grid is proposed to structure the inputs. It is composed of six fields: name, definition, scale, references as anchorage points on the scale, and spatial and temporal characteristics. Structured inputs are called indicators. Second, an indicator aggregation method is proposed that allows obtaining not only the dam performance but also the assessment of its design and construction practices. The methodology is illustrated mainly with the internal erosion mechanism through the embankment, but results concerning other failure modes are also provided. An application of the method for monitoring dams through time is given.
Optimal Long‐Term Infrastructure Maintenance Planning Accounting for Traffic Dynamics
Authors: Ng ManWo , Lin Dung Ying , Waller S. Travis
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Periodic infrastructure maintenance is crucial for a safe and efficient transportation system. Numerous decision models for the maintenance planning problem have been proposed in the literature. However, to the best of our knowledge, no model exists that simultaneously accounts for traffic dynamics and is intended for long‐term planning purposes. This article addresses this gap in the literature. A mixed‐integer bi‐level program is introduced that minimizes the long‐term maintenance cost as well as the total system travel time. For the solution approach we utilize a genetic algorithm in conjunction with mesoscopic traffic simulation. The model is illustrated via a numerical example.
Transfer and Scaffolding of Perceptual Grouping Occurs Across Organizing Principles in 3- to 7-Month-Old Infants
Authors: Quinn Paul C. , Bhatt Ramesh S.
Published: June 2009

Previous research has demonstrated that organizational principles become functional over different time courses of development: Lightness similarity is available at 3 months of age, but form similarity is not readily in evidence until 6 months of age. We investigated whether organization would transfer across principles and whether perceptual scaffolding can occur from an already functional principle to a not-yet-operational principle. Six- to 7-month-old infants (Experiment 1) and 3- to 4-month-old infants (Experiment 2) who were familiarized with arrays of elements organized by lightness similarity displayed a subsequent visual preference for a novel organization defined by form similarity. Results with the older infants demonstrate transfer in perceptual grouping: The organization defined by one grouping principle can direct a visual preference for a novel organization defined by a different grouping principle. Findings with the younger infants suggest that learning based on an already functional organizational process enables an organizational process that is not yet functional through perceptual scaffolding.
Common Ground and Cultural Prominence
Authors: Fast Nathanael J. , Heath Chip , Wu George
Published: June 2009

Why do well-known ideas, practices, and people maintain their cultural prominence in the presence of equally good or better alternatives? This article suggests that a social-psychological process whereby people seek to establish common ground with their conversation partners causes familiar elements of culture to increase in prominence, independently of performance or quality. Two studies tested this hypothesis in the context of professional baseball, showing that common ground predicted the cultural prominence of baseball players better than their performance, even though clear performance metrics are available in this domain. Regardless of performance, familiar players, who represented common ground, were discussed more often than lesser-known players, both in a dyadic experiment (Study 1) and in natural discussions on the Internet (Study 2). Moreover, these conversations mediated the positive link between familiarity and a more institutionalized measure of prominence: All-Star votes (Study 2). Implications for research on the psychological foundations of culture are discussed.
Risk Management Lessons from the Credit Crisis
Authors: Jorion Philippe
Published: June 2009

Risk management, even if flawlessly executed, does not guarantee that big losses will not occur. Big losses can occur because of business decisions and bad luck. Even so, the events of 2007 and 2008 have highlighted serious deficiencies in risk models. For some firms, risk models failed because of known unknowns. These include model risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk. In 2008, risk models largely failed due to unknown unknowns, which include regulatory and structural changes in capital markets. Risk management systems need to be improved and place a greater emphasis on stress tests and scenario analysis. In practice, this can only be based on position‐based risk measures that are the basis for modern risk measurement architecture. Overall, this crisis has reinforced the importance of risk management.
Downward Wage Rigidity in Europe: A New Flexible Parametric Approach and Empirical Results
Authors: Behr Andreas , Pötter Ulrich
Published: June 2009

We suggest a new parametric approach to estimate the extent of downward nominal wage rigidity in ten European countries between 1995 and 2001. The database used throughout is the User Data Base of the European Community Household Panel (ECHP). The proposed approach is based on the generalized hyperbolic distribution, which allows to model wage change distributions characterized by thick tales, skewness and leptokurtosis. Significant downward nominal wage rigidity is found in all countries under analysis, but the extent varies considerably across countries. Yearly estimates reveal increasing rigidity in Italy, Greece and Portugal, while rigidity is declining in Denmark and Belgium. The results imply that the costs of price stability differ substantially across Europe.
Going Multinational: What are the Effects on Home-Market Performance?
Authors: Jäckle Robert , Wamser Georg
Published: June 2009

This paper compares the home-market performance of German multinational enterprises (MNEs) and national firms, both before and after switching from national to multinational activities. Regarding the former case, our results show that future multinationals outperform domestic firms. When assessing the ex post performance of multinationals, selectivity issues must be taken into account. Applying an endogenous treatment model, it turns out that after switching, both productivity and wage growth are higher at newly founded MNEs. While capital intensities increase compared with those of national firms, employment growth rates are negatively related to switching, suggesting that home and foreign employment are substitutes.
The consumer stuck between a rock of victimhood and a hard place called responsibility: political discourses on the ‘consumer’ in Finnish and German governmental policy documents
Authors: Wahlen Stefan
Published: June 2009

Executive governmental authorities contribute a discourse, making‐up, outlining and configuring the consumer. The objective of this paper is to elaborate on the discursive construction of the consumer provided by governmental institutions. Exemplified by Finnish and German policy documents, this paper tries to provide an insight on the consumer as the subject that is governed by politics. Thus, a discourse analytic approach reveals according to what rationale the consumer is discursively constructed on a dichotomous sovereignty‐vulnerability‐continuum. Hence, this paper provides actors and institutions that are involved in consumer policy deliberate basic principles for the understanding of consumers.
The use of small instant loans among young adults – a gateway to a consumer insolvency?
Authors: Autio Minna , Wilska Terhi‐Anna , Kaartinen Risto , Lähteenmaa Jaana
Published: June 2009

The aim of this paper is to study 18‐ to 29‐year‐old Finnish consumers' use of instant small loans (i.e. SMS loan) and other consumer credit services that have increased notably in the past few years. We examine what kind of expenditures instant credit is used for and focus also on young consumers' financial situation and their perceptions of themselves as money handlers. The research method is quantitative, and data are derived from an open online survey (n = 1610). Our results reveal that consumer credit is used by young people in all income brackets and employment positions. However, there is a clear connection between certain life‐course stages (young, single parent), financial positions (low income), employment situations (marginal) and the propensity to take instant loans and consumer credit. The young people who take an instant loan once are likely to do it again. Typical purposes of use included buying alcohol, cigarettes and partying. For some consumers, the use of small loans is part of controlled and economical use of money. However, particularly in the low‐income brackets, it is also common to buy food and to repay credit or interest. Young people, who use instant loans recognize flaws in their money management and see themselves as ‘wasteful’ consumers more often than those who do not use instant loans. On the basis of this empirical study, it is unquestioned that young people's consumer education needs to be strengthened. In Finland, this need has already been recognized in both consumer policy and teacher education.
POST‐COLONIZATION INTERACTION BETWEEN VANUATU AND FIJI RECONSIDERED: THE RE‐ANALYSIS OF OBSIDIAN FROM LAKEBA ISLAND, FIJI*
Authors: REEPMEYER C. , CLARK G.
Published: June 2009

PIXE–PIGME analysis of 19 obsidian artefacts from Lakeba Island in east Fiji identified contact with northern Vanuatu in the post‐colonization period (c. 2500–1000 bp) of Fiji. The Lakeba obsidian is the only physical evidence for interaction across the 850 km water gap separating the archipelagos of Vanuatu and Fiji in the first millennium ad. New research on the Vanuatu obsidian sources with laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) casts serious doubt on the validity of a long‐distance inter‐archipelago connection in the post‐Lapita era. This paper presents the re‐analysis of 18 obsidian artefacts from Lakeba using LA–ICP–MS and radiogenic isotope results that demonstrate that the Lakeba obsidian is not from Vanuatu, and it most likely derives from the Fiji–Tonga region. Geochemical evidence for long‐distance interaction and migration between the West and Central Pacific in the post‐Lapita era has yet to be identified.
SHAFT‐HOLE AXES FROM SLOVENIA AND NORTH‐WESTERN CROATIA: A FIRST ARCHAEOMETRIC STUDY ON ARTEFACTS MANUFACTURED FROM META‐DOLERITES*
Authors: BERNARDINI F. , DE MIN A. , DEMARCHI G. , MONTAGNARI KOKELJ E. , VELUŠČEK A. , KOMŠO D.
Published: June 2009

A group of Copper Age shaft‐hole axes from Caput Adriae (northeastern Italy, western Slovenia and northwestern Croatia) manufactured using meta‐dolerite have been analysed for major and trace elements. All the samples show magmatic textures and well recognizable relicts of primary mineralogical phases. Petrographic observations suggest an ophiolitic provenance of the protolithic source(s) while geochemical data indicate that the original magmas originated in a fore arc or pre arc tectonic setting. Strong similarity has been found with several lithotypes from the Banija Ophiolite Complex (Croatia), here indicated as the most probable source area. Considering the available archaeometric data about shaft‐hole axes found in northern Italy and Caput Adriae in comparison to those of axe blades discovered in the same area, it emerges that there is a utilization of different rock types, the source of which appears to be quite close to the discovery sites. In the investigated area the shaft‐hole axes are largely made from ophiolitic‐related rocks which are associated with copper deposits. Consequently there may have been a relation between the localization of the geological sources of shaft‐hole axes and the development of metallurgical activities.
Focal liver necrosis appears early after partial hepatectomy and is dependent on T cells and antigen delivery from the gut
Authors: Rudich Noam , Zamir Gideon , Pappo Orit , Shlomai Zipora , Faroja Muhamad , Weiss Ido D. , Wald Hanna , Galun Eithan , Peled Amnon , Wald Ori
Published: June 2009

Introduction: Progressive liver failure may develop following removal of a large part of the liver or transplantation of a small for size liver graft. The pathophysiology of this clinical syndrome is only partially understood.

Methods: We assessed liver damage and hepatocyte 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation following partial hepatectomy (PH) in C57BL/6, BALB/C and immune‐deficient mice. Hepatic lymphocyte subpopulations were characterized. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and bowel decontamination determined the role of gut antigens.

Results: Discrete, round necrotic lesions were observed as early as 2 h following 70%, but not 30% PH. In immune competent mice the extent of hepatocyte necrosis inversely correlated with BrdU incorporation. T, natural killer and natural killer T cells were recruited to the liver early after PH; however, only T‐cell depletion abrogated hepatic necrosis. Hepatic injury was significantly reduced in non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice undergoing PH, while BrdU incorporation was not affected. Liver injury was augmented by LPS injection and reduced by gut decontamination.

Conclusions: A distinct pattern of early focal hepatic necrosis is observed following extensive PH in mice. T cells infiltrating the liver immediately after PH and gut‐derived antigens are indispensable for the observed liver necrosis and may thus provide therapeutic targets to ameliorate liver damage following PH.
Investigation of the Sintering of Heterogeneous Powder Systems by Synchrotron Microtomography and Discrete Element Simulation
Authors: Olmos Luis , Martin Christophe L. , Bouvard Didier , Bellet Daniel , Di Michiel Marco
Published: June 2009

Collective particle behavior such as interparticle coordination and particle rearrangement plays a significant role in the sintering of heterogeneous powder systems. Those phenomena have been investigated by in situ X‐ray microtomography and discrete element simulation (DEM). In situ 3D images of sintering copper‐based systems have been obtained at the European Synchrotron Research Facilities. The sintered systems comprise a dense packing of atomized copper powder with a size range of 0–63 μm and the same powder including artificial pores. Quantitative analysis of these images provided valuable data on local strain, coordination number, and particle movement. The sintering of the same systems has been simulated with the discrete element code dp3D. From this set of information, the importance of collective behavior on densification and microstructural evolution is assessed and the relevance of DEM to describe it is discussed.
Monolithic Ceramic Foams for Ultrafast Photocatalytic Inactivation of Bacteria
Authors: Wu Pinggui , Xie Rongcai , Imlay Kari , Shang Jian Ku
Published: June 2009

Palladium‐modified nitrogen‐doped titanium dioxide (TiON/PdO) foams were synthesized by a sol–gel process on a polyurethane foam template. The TiON/PdO foam was tested for microbial killing usingEscherichia colicells as a target. Under visible‐light illumination, the TiON/PdO foam displayed a strong antimicrobial effect on the bacteria cells in water. The antimicrobial effect was found to be dependent on the palladium content and the calcination temperature. In a flow‐through dynamic photoreactor, the new photocatalyst efficiently inactivatedE. coliwithin a short contact time (<1 min), the shortest ever reported for the photocatalytic killing of bacteria. The strong antimicrobial functions of the TiON/PdO foam were related to charge trapping by PdO and the high contact efficiency of the foam structure.
A Potential Red‐Emitting Phosphor BaGd2(MoO4)4:Eu3+ for Near‐UV White LED
Authors: Guo Chongfeng , Yang Hyun‐Kyoung , Fu Zuoling , Li Ling , Choi Byung‐Chun , Jeong Jung‐Hyun
Published: June 2009

Red‐emitting phosphor BaGd2−xEux(MoO4)4 has been successfully synthesized by a simple sol–gel method. The process of phosphor formation is characterized by thermogravimetric‐differential thermal analysis and X‐ray diffraction. Field‐emission scanning electronic microscopy is used to characterize the size and the shape of the phosphor particles. Photo‐luminescent property of the phosphor is also performed at the room temperature. The effects of firing temperature and Eu3+ activator concentration on the photoluminescence (PL) properties are elaborated in detail. PL characterization reveals that the sample with the firing temperature at 800°C and the concentration of Eu3+ at 0.7 shows the most intense emission, and its intensity is about three times stronger than that of phosphor prepared by solid‐state method with the same composition and firing temperature. The new red‐emitting phosphor shows an intense absorption at 396 nm, which matches well with commercial near‐UV light‐emitting diode (LED) chips, therefore, it is a good candidate of red phosphor used for near‐UV white LEDs.
Reduced Dielectric Loss of Modified ZnNb2O6 Ceramics by Substituting Nb5+ with Ta5+
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Liang , Chen Jhih‐Yong
Published: June 2009

The effects of substituting Nb5+ with Ta5+ on the microwave dielectric properties of the ZnNb2O6 ceramics were investigated in this study. The forming of Zn(Nb1−xTax)2O6 (x=0–0.09) solid solution was confirmed by the measured lattice parameters and the EDX analysis. By increasing x, not only could the Q×f of the Zn(Nb1−xTax)2O6 (x=0–0.09) solid solution be tremendously boosted from 83 600 GHz at x=0 to a maximum 152 000 GHz at x=0.05, the highest ɛr∼24.6 could also be achieved simultaneously. It was mainly due to the uniform grain morphology and the highest relative density of the specimen. A fine combination of microwave dielectric properties (ɛr∼24.6, Q×f∼152 000 GHz at 8.83 GHz, τf∼–71.1 ppm/°C) was achieved for Zn(Nb0.95Ta0.05)2O6 solid solution sintered at 1175°C for 2 h.
Dissolution of Alumina, Sintering, and Crystallization in Glass Ceramic Composites for LTCC
Authors: Müller Ralf , Meszaros Robert , Peplinski Burkhard , Reinsch Stefan , Eberstein Markus , Schiller Wolfgang A. , Deubener Joachim
Published: June 2009

Sintering and microstructure evolution of alkali‐free calcium–alumo–borosilicate glass/α‐Al2O3 composites (mean particle size ca. 2 μm) for low‐temperature cofired ceramics were studied during heating at 5 K/min by heating microscopy, thermal analysis (DTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy (SEM). Composites fully densify at ≈830°C, not essentially influenced by the dissolution of alumina and glass crystallization. Thus wollastonite, as first crystalline phase, was detectable at 840°C. Above 900°C, a pronounced crystallization of anorthite is evident, reaching 60 wt% at 1050°C. Rietveld analyses of XRD data revealed that anorthite precipitates at the expenses of alumina, which declines from ≈33 to <10 wt%, and wollastonite, which fully declines from its maximum of ≈19 wt%. Based on XRD, we discuss the evolution of crystal mass fractions, the residual glass composition, the glass viscosity, and the effective shear viscosity of the composites under study during heating.
Effects of Temperature, Pressure, and Metal Promoter on the Recrystallized Structure and Optical Transmission of Chemical Vapor Deposited Zinc Sulfide
Authors: McCloy John. S. , Korenstein Ralph , Zelinski Brian
Published: June 2009

Structural changes from processing in polytype‐rich zinc sulfide (ZnS) are complex and poorly understood. In this study, recrystallization was induced in chemical vapor deposited ZnS by annealing and hot isostatic pressing (HIPping). Samples were characterized using optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, electron diffraction, polycrystalline and powder X‐ray diffraction, and transmission spectroscopy. Recrystallization was found to reduce the hexagonality and increase the {111} texture of as‐deposited ZnS. Changes in hexagonality and texture can occur independently of each other. HIPped ZnS with superior transmission exhibits both a change in texture and a reduction in hexagonal content. Reduction in hexagonality, alone, was not sufficient to improve optical transmission from the visible to the infrared. For the first time, the effects of pressure, temperature, and the presence of platinum on recrystallization during commercial ZnS HIPping are separated and identified. Platinum was found to actively promote recrystallization and silver demonstrated a similar effect. Several theories focusing on the unique polytypic nature of ZnS are offered to explain the changes in structure and properties occurring during recrystallization. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the nature of order–disorder and martensitic phase transformations in ceramic materials.
Aqueous Corrosion of the GeSe4 Chalcogenide Glass: Surface Properties and Corrosion Mechanism
Authors: Niu Yi‐Fan , Guin Jean‐Pierre , Rouxel Tanguy , Abdelouas Abdesselam , Troles Johann , Smektala Frederic
Published: June 2009

The aqueous corrosion behavior of the GeSe4 glass composition has been studied over time under various conditions (temperature and pH). The evolution of the surface topography by atomic force microscopy and properties such as surface hardness and reduced modulus, as well as the optical transmission in the 1–16 μm window, have been measured as a function of time spent in the corrosive solution. It was found that even if the glass reacts at room temperature, its optical transparency was barely affected. Nevertheless, the durability of GeSe4 was found to be drastically affected by an increase of both temperature and pH. Furthermore, pure selenium nanoparticles were formed during the corrosion process, and the nature of these nanoparticles—amorphous or crystallized (hexagonal phase)—depends on temperature. A reaction mechanism was proposed, and the activation energy of the reaction of corrosion in deionized water (47 kJ/mol) was determined from an original technique that relies on the temporal optical loss variation of a GeSe4 optical fiber placed in water at different temperatures.
Oxidation Behavior of Zirconium Diboride Silicon Carbide Produced by the Spark Plasma Sintering Method
Authors: Carney Carmen M. , Mogilvesky Pavel , Parthasarathy Triplicane A.
Published: June 2009

Dense samples of ZrB2–20 vol% SiC were successfully fabricated by spark plasma sintering without the use of sintering aids. Oxidation behavior of these samples was characterized by exposing them to 1400°, 1500°, and 1600°C in an ambient atmosphere for 150 min, and by measuring the weight gains of the sample and crucible, as well as the thickness of the oxide scale and the glassy outer layer. The effects of gravity on the viscous outer layer are shown to result in significant heterogeneity within a sample. The oxidation scales were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. The oxide scale was found to be composed of three layers: (1) a SiO2‐rich glassy outer layer, (2) an intermediate layer of a ZrO2 matrix with interpenetrating SiO2, and (3) a layer containing a ZrO2 matrix enclosing partially oxidized ZrB2 with Si–C–B–O glass inclusions.
Hydrothermal Growth of Vertical ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Lee Yiling , Zhang Yu , Ng Serene Lay Geok , Kartawidjaja Fransiska Cecilia , Wang John
Published: June 2009

Vertically aligned, single crystalline ZnO nanorods with a high packing density and diameter of ∼60 nm have been successfully synthesized via a low‐temperature hydrothermal route on glass substrates pre‐deposited with a ZnO seeding layer. The seeding layer exhibits an epitaxial effect on the growth and alignment of the ZnO nanorods. This epitaxial effect can arise from two considerations, namely the crystalline orientation and surface roughness of the seeding layer, which can be controlled by the curing temperature. The ZnO seeding layer that was cured at 350°C exhibited a preferred (0002) crystalline orientation of wurtzite hexagonal structure and a low surface roughness. It was demonstrated to promote the vertical growth of ZnO nanorods. The ZnO nanorods grew in an almost linear relationship with hydrothermal time up to 8 h, but thereafter started to dissolve as the reaction time extended beyond 8 h, due to competition from the homogeneous nucleation of ZnO microparticles in the solution.
Correlation Between Thermal and Mechanical Relaxation in Chalcogenide Glass Fibers
Authors: Lucas Pierre , King Ellyn A. , Gueguen Yann , Sangleboeuf Jean‐Christophe , Keryvin Vincent , Erdmann Robert G. , Delaizir Gaelle , Boussard‐Pledel Catherine , Bureau Bruno , Zhang Xiang‐Hua , Rouxel Tanguy
Published: June 2009

Enthalpy relaxation processes in chalcogenide fibers at room temperature are investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and compared with bending‐stress relaxation measurements obtained by rolling fibers on a mandrel and recording the viscoelastic relaxation parameters. While the kinetics of the two processes is very different, several qualitative correlations are demonstrated between the enthalpy state and the mechanical properties of chalcogenide glass fibers. It is observed that the ability to undergo stress relaxation is dependent upon the fictive temperature of the glass. Stress relaxation in a glass far from thermodynamic equilibrium is contingent upon its ability to undergo enthalpy relaxation and is minimal in glasses that have already relaxed enthalpy or in which relaxation time is overwhelmingly large.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Dense La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.115Co0.085O3−δ Electrolyte Films from Single‐Phase Powders for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Bozza Francesco , Polini Riccardo , Traversa Enrico
Published: June 2009

La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.115Co0.085O3−δ (LSGMC) powders were prepared by polymeric precursor synthesis, using either polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or citric acid (CA) as complexing agents. The powders were synthesized using different ratios between the complexing agent and the cations dissolved in solution. The obtained polymer gel precursors were dried and calcined at temperatures between 1000° and 1450°C. Single‐phase LSGMC powders were obtained at a firing temperature of 1450°C, using PVA and a molar ratio between the hydroxylic groups and the total cations of 3:1. Phase‐pure LSGMC powders were used to sinter (1490°C, 2 h) thick pellets. The functional properties of LSGMC pellets were assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity values and the apparent activation energies in different transport regimes were in agreement with literature data. The same LSGMC powders were deposited by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on a green membrane containing lanthanum‐doped ceria (La0.4Ce0.6O2−x, LDC), a binder, and carbon powders. The LSGMC/LDC bi‐layer obtained by EPD was cofired at 1490°C for 2 h. A dense and crack‐free 8‐μm‐thick LSGMC film supported on a porous skeleton of LDC was obtained. The combined use of proper powder synthesis and film processing routes has thus proven to be a viable way for manufacturing anode‐supported LSGMC films.
BiNbO4‐Based Glass–Ceramic Composites for Microwave Applications
Authors: Zalinska Beata , Mirsaneh Mehdi , Reaney Ian M.
Published: June 2009

The effect of a bespoke glass sintering aid, 0.3Bi2O3–0.3Nb2O5–0.3B2O3–0.1SiO2 (BN1), developed from the base ceramic composition, BiNbO4 (BN), on the sinterability, microstructure, and microwave (MW) dielectric properties of BN ceramics has been investigated. Densities >97% theoretical could be achieved at 1020°C for samples with up to 15% BN1 additions. The resulting microstructure was composed of BN laths surrounded by a residual glass phase that contained small fibrous crystals. Some evidence of dissolution of BN crystals was observed. Optimum properties were exhibited for samples with 15 wt% of glass addition sintered for 4 h at 1020°C with a relative permittivity ɛr=38, a MW quality factor Q×f0=17 353 at 5.6 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf=−10 ppm/°C. The high Q×f0, ɛr, and low τf, coupled with a relatively low sintering temperature, suggest that the use of bespoke glass sintering aids of this type may have great potential for the fabrication of MW ceramics.
Langerhans cells are critical in the development of atopic dermatitis‐like inflammation and symptoms in mice
Authors: Elentner Andreas , Finke Daniela , Schmuth Matthias , Chappaz Stéphane , Ebner Susanne , Malissen Bernard , Kissenpfennig Adrien , Romani Nikolaus , Dubrac Sandrine
Published: June 2009

Genetic or vitamin D3‐induced overexpression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) by keratinocytes results in an atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like inflammatory phenotype in mice echoing the discovery of high TSLP expression in epidermis from AD patients. Although skin dendritic cells (DC) are suspected to be involved in AD, direct evidence of a pathogenetic role for skin DC in TSLP‐induced skin inflammation has not yet been demonstrated. In a mouse model of AD, i.e. mice treated with the low‐calcemic vitamin D3 analogue, MC903, we show that epidermal Langerhans cells (LC)‐depleted mice treated with MC903 do neither develop AD‐like inflammation nor increased serum IgE as compared to vitamin D3 analogue‐treated control mice. Accordingly, we show that, in mice treated with MC903 or in K14‐TSLP transgenic mice, expression of maturation markers by LC is increased whereas maturation of dermal DC is not altered. Moreover, only LC are responsible for the polarization of naïve CD4+ T cells to a Th2 phenotype, i.e. decrease in interferon‐γ and increase in interleukin (IL)‐13 production by CD4+ T cells. This effect of LC on T‐lymphocytes does not require OX40‐L/CD134 and is mediated by a concomitant down‐regulation of IL‐12 and CD70. Although it was previously stated that TSLP up‐regulates the production of thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC)/chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 17 (CCL17) and macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC)/CCL22 by human LC in vitro, our work shows that production of these Th2‐ cell attracting chemokines is increased only in keratinocytes in response to TSLP overexpression. These results demonstrate that LC are required for the development of AD in mouse models of AD involving epidermal TSLP overexpression.
Methylglyoxal modulates immune responses: relevance to diabetes
Authors: Price Claire L. , Hassi Hafid O. S. Al , English Nicholas R. , Blakemore Alexandra I. F. , Stagg Andrew J. , Knight Stella C.
Published: June 2009

Increased methylglyoxal (MG) concentrations and formation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) are major pathways of glycaemic damage in diabetes, leading to vascular and neuronal complications. Diabetes patients also suffer increased susceptibility to many common infections, the underlying causes of which remain elusive. We hypothesized that immune glycation damage may account for this increased susceptibility. We previously showed that the reaction mixture (RM) for MG glycation of peptide blocks up regulation of CD83 in myeloid cells and inhibits primary stimulation of T cells. Here, we continue to investigate immune glycation damage, assessing surface and intracellular cytokine protein expression by flow cytometry, T‐cell proliferation using a carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester assay, and mRNA levels by RT‐PCR. We show that the immunomodulatory component of this RM was MG itself, with MG alone causing equivalent block of CD83 and loss of primary stimulation. Block of CD83 expression could be reversed by MG scavenger N‐acetyl cysteine. Further, MG within RM inhibited stimulated production of interleukin (IL)‐10 protein from myeloid cells plus interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α from T cells. Loss of IL‐10 and IFN‐γ was confirmed by RT‐PCR analysis of mRNA, while TNF‐α message was raised. Loss of TNF‐α protein was also shown by ELISA of culture supernatants. In addition, MG reduced major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression on the surface of myeloid cells and increased their propensity to apoptose. We conclude that MG is a potent suppressor of myeloid and T‐cell immune function and may be a major player in diabetes‐associated susceptibility to infection.
A clinically relevant model of osteoinduction: a process requiring calcium phosphate and BMP/Wnt signalling
Authors: Eyckmans J. , Roberts S. J. , Schrooten J. , Luyten F. P.
Published: June 2009

In this study, we investigated a clinically relevant model of in vivo ectopic bone formation utilizing human periosteum derived cells (HPDCs) seeded in a Collagraft™ carrier and explored the mechanisms by which this process is driven. Bone formation occurred after eight weeks when a minimum of one million HPDCs was loaded on Collagraft™ carriers and implanted subcutaneously in NMRI nu/nu mice. De novo bone matrix, mainly secreted by the HPDCs, was found juxta‐proximal of the calcium phosphate (CaP) granules suggesting that CaP may have triggered the ‘osteoinductive program’. Indeed, removal of the CaP granules by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid decalcification prior to cell seeding and implantation resulted in loss of bone formation. In addition, inhibition of endogenous bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt signalling by overexpression of the secreted antagonists Noggin and Frzb, respectively, also abrogated osteoinduction. Proliferation of the engrafted HPDCs was strongly reduced in the decalcified scaffolds or when seeded with adenovirus‐Noggin/Frzb transduced HPDCs indicating that cell division of the engrafted HPDCs is required for the direct bone formation cascade. These data suggest that this model of bone formation is similar to that observed during physiological intramembranous bone development and may be of importance when investigating tissue engineering strategies.
Spermidine is indispensable in differentiation of 3T3‐L1 fibroblasts to adipocytes
Authors: Vuohelainen Susanna , Pirinen Eija , Cerrada‐Gimenez Marc , Keinänen Tuomo A. , Uimari Anne , Pietilä Marko , Khomutov Alex R. , Jänne Juhani , Alhonen Leena
Published: June 2009

Impaired adipogenesis has been shown to predispose to disturbed adipocyte function and development of metabolic abnormalities. Previous studies indicate that polyamines are essential in the adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 fibroblasts. However, the specific roles of individual polyamines during adipogenesis have remained ambiguous as the natural polyamines are readily interconvertible inside the cells. Here, we have defined the roles of spermidine and spermine in adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 cells by using (S’)‐ and (R’)‐ isomers of α‐methylspermidine and (S,S’)‐, (R,S)‐ and (R,R’)‐diastereomers of α,ω‐bismethylspermine. Polyamine depletion caused by α‐difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, prevented adipocyte differentiation by suppressing the expression of its key regulators, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α. Adipogenesis was restored by supplementation of methylspermidine isomers but not of bismethylspermine diastereomers. Although both spermidine analogues supported adipocyte differentiation only (S)‐methylspermidine was able to fully support cell growth after extended treatment with α‐DFMO. The distinction between the spermidine analogues in maintaining growth was found to be in their different capability to maintain functional hypusine synthesis. However, the differential ability of spermidine analogues to support hypusine synthesis did not correlate with their ability to support differentiation. Our results show that spermidine, but not spermine, is essential for adipogenesis and that the requirement of spermidine for adipogenesis is not strictly associated with hypusine modification. The involvement of polyamines in the regulation of adipogenesis may offer a potential application for the treatment of dysfunctional adipocytes in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Cognitive impairment in the Tg6590 transgenic rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kloskowska Ewa , Pham Therese M. , Nilsson Tatjana , Zhu Shunwei , Öberg Johanna , Codita Alina , Pedersen Lars Ø. , Pedersen Jan T. , Malkiewicz Katarzyna , Winblad Bengt , Folkesson Ronnie , Benedikz Eirikur
Published: June 2009

Recently, interest in the rat as an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been growing. We have previously described the Tg6590 transgenic rat line expressing the amyloid precursor protein containing the Swedish AD mutation (K670M/N671L) that shows early stages of Aβ deposition, predominantly in cerebrovascular blood vessels, after 15 months of age. Here we show that by the age of 9 months, that is long before the appearance of Aβ deposits, the Tg6590 rats exhibit deficits in the Morris water maze spatial navigation task and altered spontaneous behaviour in the open‐field test. The levels of soluble Aβ were elevated both in the hippocampus and cortex of transgenic animals. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no major changes in the brains of transgenic animals, although they tended to have enlarged lateral ventricles when compared to control animals. The Tg6590 transgenic rat line should prove a suitable model of early AD for advanced studies including serial cerebrospinal fluid sampling, electrophysiology, neuroimaging or complex behavioural testing.
Leukocyte – endothelial interactions in inflammation
Authors: Langer Harald F. , Chavakis Triantafyllos
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Adhesion molecules

Leukocyte margination, capture and cell rolling

Activation and adhesion of leukocytes

Transmigration

Endogenous inhibitors of leukocyte adhesion

Platelet–leukocyte crosstalk

Conclusions

At sites of inflammation, infection or vascular injury local proinflammatory or pathogen‐derived stimuli render the luminal vascular endothelial surface attractive for leukocytes. This innate immunity response consists of a well‐defined and regulated multi‐step cascade involving consecutive steps of adhesive interactions between the leukocytes and the endothelium. During the initial contact with the activated endothelium leukocytes roll along the endothelium via a loose bond which is mediated by selectins. Subsequently, leukocytes are activated by chemokines presented on the luminal endothelial surface, which results in the activation of leukocyte integrins and the firm leukocyte arrest on the endothelium. After their firm adhesion, leukocytes make use of two transmigration processes to pass the endothelial barrier, the transcellular route through the endothelial cell body or the paracellular route through the endothelial junctions. In addition, further circulating cells, such as platelets arrive early at sites of inflammation contributing to both coagulation and to the immune response in parts by facilitating leukocyte–endothelial interactions. Platelets have thereby been implicated in several inflammatory pathologies. This review summarizes the major mechanisms and molecules involved in leukocyte–endothelial and leukocyte‐platelet interactions in inflammation.
Reciprocal regulation of transcription factors and PLC isozyme gene expression in adult cardiomyocytes
Authors: Singal Tushi , Dhalla Naranjan S. , Tappia Paramjit S.
Published: June 2009

By employing a pharmacological approach, we have shown that phospholipase C (PLC) activity is involved in the regulation of gene expression of transcription factors such as c‐Fos and c‐Jun in cardiomyocytes in response to norepinephrine (NE). However, there is no information available regarding the identity of specific PLC isozymes involved in the regulation of c‐Fos and c‐Jun or on the involvement of these transcription factors in PLC isozyme gene expression in adult cardiomyocytes. In this study, transfection of cardiomyocytes with PLC isozyme specific siRNA was found to prevent the NE‐mediated increases in the corresponding PLC isozyme gene expression, protein content and activity. Unlike PLC γ1gene, silencing of PLC β1, β3and δ1genes with si RNA prevented the increases in c‐Fos and c‐Jun gene expression in response to NE. On the other hand, transfection with c‐Jun si RNA suppressed the NE‐induced increase in c‐Jun as well as PLC β1, β3and δ1gene expression, but had no effect on PLC γ1gene expression. Although transfection of cardiomyocytes with c‐Fos si RNA prevented NE‐induced expression of c‐Fos, PLC β1and PLC β3genes, it did not affect the increases in PLC δ1and PLC γ1gene expression. Silencing of either c‐Fos or c‐Jun also depressed the NE‐mediated increases in PLC β1, β3and γ1protein content and activity in an isozyme specific manner. Furthermore, silencing of all PLC isozymes as well as of c‐Fos and c‐Jun resulted in prevention of the NE‐mediated increase in atrial natriuretic factor gene expression. These findings, by employing gene silencing techniques, demonstrate that there occurs a reciprocal regulation of transcription factors and specific PLC isozyme gene expression in cardiomyocytes.