bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unions and cyber‐activism in South Africa
Authors: Lewis Charley
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to present a historical overview of the use of information communications technology (ICT) tools and platforms, particularly e‐mail and the internet, as tools of cyber‐activism by the labour movement in South Africa. The paper also aims to give some consideration to constraints and challenges facing unions in the South Africa in the effective deployment of such cyber tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the experience of a participant observer, incorporating analysis of historical examples of the application of the key ICT tools, and supported by reference to relevant documentation and related literature. The use by unions in South Africa of e‐mail and the internet as tools of organisation and mobilisation is examined against the background of both access barriers and organisation constraints, and in relation to union strategies to address such challenges.

Findings

Despite recognition by the South Africa labour movement of the possibilities of e‐mail, the internet and other tools of cyber‐activism, the ability of unions to exploit these tools has been limited, characterised by both successes and failures.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has a relatively narrow focus on the experiences of specific unions in a single country, leading to conclusions which are not necessarily susceptible to generalisation. The lack of availability of both relevant primary documentation and secondary analysis makes it difficult to assess the accuracy of observations and conclusions.

Practical implications

The paper suggests the possibilities and opportunities for unions in similar environments to exploit ICT tools, as well as the barriers and constraints facing their deployment.

Originality/value

The paper presents the analysis and reflections of a uniquely placed participant observer regarding how unions in South Africa have been able to exploit e‐mail and the internet as tools of cyber‐activism. The analysis reveals both possibilities and limitations of cyber‐activism in South Africa.
Dialectics of something and nothing: critical reflections on Ritzer's globalization analysis
Authors: Kellner Douglas
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Seeks to provide critical reflections on George Ritzer's globalization analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws on a critical reading of Ritzer's work, in particular, his most recent bookThe Globalization of Nothing.

Findings

Highlights Ritzer's neglect of the dialectic of production and consumption, a dialectic that the author views as central to globalization.

Originality/value

The contributions and limitations of Ritzer's book are identified and discussed.
Whatever happened to the revolution?
Authors: Kingsnorth Paul
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to discuss counter‐movements to the recent G8 summit of 2005, held at Gleneagles, Scotland, place them into a broader social and historical context, and assess their long‐term impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws upon personal interpretation of recent meetings of the G8 and WTO, in terms of both the impact of the meetings themselves on the global and on local economies, and the impact and effectiveness of counter‐movements. Critically compares previous events with the recent G8 meeting.

Findings

It is argued that, whilst high profile resistance to the G8/WTO has become less radical and elements of the resistance have been usurped by political leaders in order to neuter this resistance, grass roots resistance is alive and thriving across the world.

Originality/value

Discusses issues of contemporary relevance, and places them into a broader social/historical context.
A stochastic approach to modelling the USD/AUD exchange rate
Authors: Ellis Craig , Wilson Patrick
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To develop an integrated approach to forecasting spot foreign exchange rates by incorporating some principles underlying long‐term dependence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises the random‐walk framework to develop a stochastic forecast model wherein the sign (positive or negative) and magnitude (strong or weak) of dependence can be separately controlled. The integrated model demonstrates superior forecast performance over a conventional random walk.

Findings

Using spot log prices and log price changes (returns) for the USD/AUD exchange rate, the initial outcomes of the study suggest that a priori knowledge of the underlying sign and magnitude of long‐term dependence yields out‐of‐sample forecasts superior to those of a random walk model.

Research limitations/implications

Independent assessment of the contribution to forecast accuracy of controlling for the sign of dependence between successive price changes only shows little additional improvement in out‐of‐sample forecast performance over the random walk null.

Practical implications

The findings of the study have important ramifications for managerial finance as they provide important insights on expected future currency returns with potential advantages in currency hedging and/or timing of international capital flows.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is to develop an original forecast model explicitly incorporating the conceptual and theoretical characteristics of long‐term dependent time series. By separating the key characteristics and modelling each individually, the contribution of each to forecast accuracy can be evaluated.
Personal taxes, shareholder valuation of riskless corporate taxable cash flows, and management investment decisions
Authors: Winsen Joseph K.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To analyse the net present value (NPV) rule for corporate investments incorporating shareholder personal taxes, under the classical system of taxing corporate profits.

Design/methodology/approach

The after‐tax payoffs to shareholders are calculated, comparing immediate distribution as dividends of corporate funds available for investment with future after‐tax dividend distributions if corporate funds are invested.

Findings

Shareholders will disagree on the optimal corporate NPV rule. If, as in widely held public companies, corporate management are unaware of the marginal personal tax rate of shareholders, then the only rule which will accept investment projects that no shareholder would want the company to reject, is the rule which discounts after‐corporate‐tax cash flows at a before‐tax discount rate.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is based on the classical system of taxing corporate profits. A number of countries have adopted an integrated system of corporate taxation. The analysis may or may not extend to such alternative systems.

Practical implications

Simplifies the choice of NPV rules for corporate management, under a classical tax system.

Originality/value

The widely held view that after‐corporate‐tax discount rates should be used in discounting after‐corporate‐tax cash flows is shown to be inadequate.
Corporate investment and financial slack: international evidence
Authors: Cleary Sean
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To address the empirical aspect of corporate investment patterns by providing evidence in an international setting regarding the critical factors affecting firm investment policy, focusing on the relevance of financial factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines international company‐level data for capital expenditures over the period 1987‐1997 using fixed effects regression analysis.

Findings

The capital expenditures of firms that are financially constrained are much less sensitive to the availability of internal funds than unconstrained firms. The evidence is particularly strong when firms are classified according to financial health, but is also prevalent for groups formed according to dividend behavior and firm size. The results provide strong support for the generality of the results of Kaplan and Zingales and Cleary. A major reason for the weak investment‐cash flow sensitivity displayed by unhealthy firms is that they appear to be busy building up financial slack, which has long‐term value, as postulated by Myers and Majluf.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions in this study relate to the investment behavior of firms operating in well‐developed economies, which may not necessarily hold for firms operating in distinctly different environments. Given the critical importance of stimulating investment in developing economies, an interesting topic for future research would be to extend the analysis to firms operating in developing country environments to see whether the results herein also apply in these environments.

Originality/value

The results extend empirical evidence to an international setting, providing support for previous US results that had contributed to a debate in the literature. The results also demonstrate that a major reason for the weak investment‐cash flow sensitivity displayed by unhealthy firms is that they are reluctant to invest when debt levels increase, irrespective of the availability of internal funds. This represents an original contribution to the empirical literature.
Capital asset management process: the case of Hose & Fittings Corporation
Authors: Bae Sung C. , Park Bell J.C. , Wagner Tracy
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To develop a more effective, long‐term‐oriented capital asset management process for capital project evaluation

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on a cash study format, the weaknesses of the traditional capital budgeting process are examined. The proposed capital asset management process is contrasted with the traditional process with respect to several aspects of long‐term resource management. Flow‐charts and evaluation matrices are presented.

Findings

The capital asset management process offers significant improvements over the traditional process. First, it links various functions that trigger capital requirements. Through an actual versus plan measurement, capital plans become more accurate and predictable. Forecasting beyond one year also enhances the planning and management of resources. Second, the process promotes a more accurate evaluation of costs and benefits of capital projects. The suggested evaluation techniques include detailed qualitative analysis, real option and EVA analyses, and applying project/division costs of capital in place of a company cost of capital.

Practical implications

The capital asset management process provides guidelines to justify and manage capital expenditures in a systematic manner for divisions and product lines within a company. For an effective application, the process should be established across all corporate levels so that top management and project managers have a clear understanding of the process and its importance with respect to a capital proposal's linkage to long‐term strategic goals.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional capital budgeting process based on an actual company case and presents key drives and evaluation techniques in the capital asset management process to effectively manage firms' long‐term capital assets.
Management accounting and organisational change: an institutional perspective
Authors: Kamal Hassan* Mostafa
Published: January 2007

Purpose – The paper aims at understanding the potential role of management accounting during a public hospital organisational change within a developing country in transition, Egypt. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on in‐depth interviews, an analysis of documents, and direct observations. It uses a framework informed by institutional theory together with Giddens' (1990) notion of ‘elements of system contradiction’ to analyse the empirical findings. The paper draws on both DiMaggio and Powell's (1983) notion of coercive, mimic and normative isomorphic mechanisms to link a changing hospital to the changes in the wider social and institutional context wherein public hospitals operate, while exploring the interlinkages between these changes and the hospital's processes of accounting change and institutionalisation (Burns and Scapens, 2000); and Giddens' (1990) notion of ‘elements of system contradiction’ in order to evaluate the role of management accounting. Findings – The paper concludes that both the institutional change and reform around management accounting together with the changes in accounting systems are entrepreneurial processes in order to trigger a public hospital to change. Research limitations/implications – Although the empirical findings suggest resistance to management accounting change within the case study, a full investigation and explanation of such a resistance is an area of future research. Originality/value – In contrast to the technical role of accounting, the paper shows how management accounting is acted upon to disrupt the hospital's micro institutions and routines, challenge physicians' professional and bureaucratic power and therefore engendering the public hospital to change.
Australian corporate environmental reporting: a comparative analysis of disclosure practices across voluntary and mandatory disclosure systems
Authors: Cowan Stacey , Gadenne* David
Published: January 2007

Purpose– This paper extends the literature in the environmental disclosure area by examining annual report disclosure practices of Australian companies within the combined voluntary and mandatory environmental disclosure system.Design/methodology/approach– Content analysis was used to investigate the environmental disclosures over three consecutive years in the annual reports of companies that would be subject to environmental regulation and/or perceived to be environmentally sensitive.Findings– The study finds that Australian listed companies have a propensity to disclose higher levels of positive environmental disclosures in the voluntary sections of the annual report than in the statutory sections of the annual report.Research limitations/implications– These results suggest that regulatory authorities may need to acknowledge the usefulness of mandatory disclosure requirements as a potential means of counter‐balancing the voluntary disclosure system. It has been argued that the annual report is not the sole disclosure medium used by companies Further research may not only investigate these issues but also add weight to arguments for more environmental accountability.Practical implications– The results suggest that companies adopt different disclosure approaches when the disclosures are potentially under surveillance or increased scrutiny via legislated environmental disclosure requirements.Originality value– This research provides evidence that companies continue to use greater levels of self‐puffery within a voluntary reporting environment than within a mandatory reporting environment, and suggests that stakeholders may be more likely to receive information that is less favourable to the corporation (and potentially more decision‐useful to stakeholders) within a legislated disclosure environment.
Carbothermal Synthesis of Boron Nitride Coatings on Silicon Carbide
Authors: Chen Linlin , Ye Haihui , Gogotsi Yury , McNallan Michael J.
Published: January 2007

Pure BN coatings have been synthesized on the surface of SiC powders and fibers by a novel carbothermal nitridation method. Three stages are involved in the process: first, formation of a carbon layer on the SiC by the extraction of Si with chlorine; second, infiltration of the resulting nanoporous carbide‐derived carbon (CDC) coating by a saturated boric acid solution; and finally, nitridation in ammonia at atmospheric pressure to produce the pure BN coating. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) were used to characterize the phase, elemental composition, and surface morphology of the coatings. The intermediate carbon layer acts as a template for BN growth, facilitates the formation of BN, and prevents the degradation of SiC fibers during nitridation. The whole process is simple, cost‐effective, and less toxic due to the use of H3BO3 and NH3 as precursors at atmospheric pressure compared with most commonly used chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. Uniform BN coatings obtained by this method prevent the bridging of fibers in the tow. The coating of powders is possible, which cannot be achieved by conventional CVD methods.
Chemically Bonded Phosphate Ceramics: III, Reduction Mechanism and Its Application to Iron Phosphate Ceramics
Authors: Wagh Arun S. , Jeong Seung Y.
Published: January 2007

In this, the last of a series of three papers, we discuss a method of forming iron phosphate ceramics by a reduction process. We report the formation of iron oxide ceramics by reducing hematite with iron in a phosphoric acid solution. The reaction results in a rapid‐setting ceramic (at room temperature) with a compressive strength of 3700 psi and a density of 1.7 g/cm3. Although the exact mineral form of the binder is difficult to determine because it is mostly amorphous and hence is not amenable to X‐ray diffraction analyses, this material is expected to consist of iron hydrophosphates. The reduction process is very useful in recycling several industrial wastes that are rich in hematite, including iron mine tailings, red mud (a caustic waste from the alumina industry), and machining swarfs. Formation of ceramics with red mud and swarfs is also discussed.
Direct Current‐Voltage Failure of Lead‐Based Relaxor Ferroelectrics with Silver Doping
Authors: Cao Jiang Li , Wang Xiao Hui , Zhang Ning Xin , Li Long Tu
Published: January 2007

The effect of silver doping on the DC‐voltage resistance failure of lead‐based relaxor ferroelectrics was investigated via temperature‐humidity‐bias (THB) testing, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and electrical measurements. The failure rate of silver‐doped specimens was found to increase significantly with the doping level during the THB test. However, some degraded specimens can partially recover their electrical properties after a few days of storing in natural conditions. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that silver could be incorporated into the perovskite lattice in the range of silver contents studied. The presence of an inner‐bias field in the degraded ceramics was first demonstrated through hysteresis property measurement. Based on these results, it was inferred that the accumulation of oxygen vacancies under DC‐voltage should be responsible for the inner‐bias field, which consequently resulted in the increase of electronic defects in the ceramics.
Influence of Cation Order on the Dielectric Properties of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3 (PMN‐PSN) Relaxor Ferroelectrics
Authors: Farber Leon , Davies Peter
Published: January 2007

The effect of the B‐site cation chemistry and ordering on the dielectric properties of solid solutions in the (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3 (PMN‐PSN) perovskite system was examined in samples with 0.1 ≤x≤ 0.9. Thermal annealing treatments were effective in inducing long‐range B‐site order in the samples within this compositional range. The well‐ordered, large chemical domain ceramics exhibit relaxor behavior up to x=∼0.5; for higher values of x, normal ferroelectric behavior was observed. For x≤ 0.5 reductions in the chemical domain, size had no significant effect on the weak‐field dielectric properties, but induced a transition to relaxor behavior for x > ∼0.6. The disordered PSN‐rich samples undergo a spontaneous zero‐field relaxor to ferroelectric transition similar to that reported previously for PSN. The field‐dependent properties of compositions lying closest to the relaxor to ferroelectric crossover exhibited the highest sensitivity to alterations in the chemical order. The properties of this system are consistent with a “random site” description of the 1:1 ordered Pb(β′1/2β1/2)O3 structure with β′= (Mg(2−2x)/3Nb(1−x)/3Scx) and β″= Nb.
Optical Properties and London Dispersion Forces of Amorphous Silica Determined by Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Tan Guo‐Long , Lemon Michael F. , French Roger H.
Published: January 2007

Precise and accurate knowledge of the optical properties of amorphous silica is important because of the increasing application of SiO2 in optical and electrooptical devices, including photolithography masks for semiconductor fabrication, recently as a potential 157 nm mask substrate. The optical properties in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region have been investigated, because they convey detailed information on the electronic structure and interatomic bonding of the material. In this work, we have combined spectroscopic ellipsometry and VUV spectroscopy to directly determine the optical functions of SiO2 in this range, thereby reducing the uncertainty in the low‐energy extrapolation of the data, essential for Kramers–Kronig analysis of VUV reflectance. We report the complex optical properties of SiO2, over the range of 1.5 to 42 eV, showing improved agreement with theory when contrasted with earlier results. In addition to the features previously reported at 10.4, 11.6, 14.03, and 17.10 eV, new interband transitions have been observed at 21.3 eV along with O 2s transitions at 32 eV. We found the bulk plasma peak to be 23.7 eV in the energy loss function spectrum. Based on the magnitude of these new results, the Hamaker constant for SiO2|Vacuum|SiO2 is 71.6 zJ, which is larger than the previously reported value of 66 zJ.
Surface Energy Anisotropy of SrTiO3 at 1400°C in Air
Authors: Sano Tomoko , Saylor David M. , Rohrer Gregory S.
Published: January 2007

Geometric and crystallographic measurements of grain‐boundary thermal grooves and surface faceting behavior as a function of orientation have been used to determine the surface energy anisotropy of SrTiO3 at 1400°C in air. Under these conditions, thermal grooves are formed by surface diffusion. The surface energy anisotropy was determined using the capillarity vector reconstruction method under the assumption that Herring's local equilibrium condition holds at the groove root. The results indicate that the (100) surface has the minimum energy. For surfaces inclined between 0° and 30° from (100), the energy increases with the inclination angle. Orientations inclined by more than 30° from (100) are all about 10% higher in energy and, within experimental uncertainty, energetically equivalent. A procedure for estimating the uncertainties in the reconstructed energies is also introduced. Taken together, the orientation dependence of the surface‐facet formation and the measured energy anisotropy lead to the conclusion that the equilibrium crystal shape is dominated by {100}, but also includes {110} and {111} facets. Complex planes within about 15° of {100} and 5° of {110} are also part of the equilibrium shape.
Thermodynamic Assessment of the Miscibility Gaps and the Metastable Liquidi in the B2O3–RO Systems (R = Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba)
Authors: Kim Sung S. , Sanders Thomas H.
Published: January 2007

In an attempt to understand the liquid–liquid phase separation in the B2O3–MgO, B2O3–CaO, B2O3–SrO, and B2O3–BaO systems, the liquid miscibility gaps were calculated using the optimized interaction parameters of liquid phases. The Gibbs energies of liquid phases were derived in the form of a subregular solution from an optimization procedure based on phase diagram data. In addition, metastable liquidus boundaries and spinodal curves were also assessed by using the Gibbs energies of liquid phases. The present results were compared and discussed with other experimental and assessed data available in the literature.
Evidence of Bilevel Solubility in the Bimodal Microstructure of TiO2‐Doped Alumina
Authors: Chi Miaofang , Gu Hui , Wang Xin , Wang Peiling
Published: January 2007

A phenomenon of bilevel solubility was observed in a TiO2‐doped (2.0 wt%) alumina with bimodal microstructure sintered in N2. Surface contributions to dopant signals in individual grains were identified and removed, using a spatially resolved energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Two levels of solubility, 1.005 ± 0.166 and 0.504 ± 0.082 mol% of TiO2 in Al2O3, were obtained for anisotropic and equiaxed grains, respectively. No grain size dependence of solubility was found, but segregation of SiO2 to boundaries with the anisotropic grains was observed. This phenomenon was explained by the incorporation of Ti3+ into the Al2O3 lattice during the abnormal grain growth caused by SiO2 liquid under a reducing atmosphere.
First–Principles Calculations of Microdomain Models for β–Sialon Si5AlON7
Authors: Fang Chang Ming , Metselaar Rudi
Published: January 2007

The experimentally observed preferential distribution of O and N atoms in β–sialon can be obtained from a first–principles calculation if it is assumed that microdomains are formed, in accordance with NMR observations.
Sol–Gel Synthesis of λ–Na2O·xAl2O3 Films
Authors: Martucci Alessandro , Sartori Sabrina , Muffato Alessandro , Armelao Lidia , Di Bartolomeo Elisabetta , Traversa Enrico , Guglielmi Massimo
Published: January 2007

Na2O·x Al2O3 (x= 9, 11)films have been obtained by sol–gel method. Crystallization processes during heat treatments have been investigated by X–ray diffraction analysis. A metastable phase with the mullite structure, λ–Na2O·xAl2O3, has been observed starting from 800°C. Films remained stable after a heat treatment at 1000°C for 250 h. Impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the films of λ‐Na2O·x Al2O3 possess a large three–dimensional ionic conductivity at 400°C.
Microtransfer Molding of Gelcasting Suspensions to Fabricate Barrier Ribs for Plasma Display Panel
Authors: Moon Jooho , Kang Chiwon , Cho Seughyun
Published: January 2007

We have developed a new fabrication technique for the barrier ribs of a plasma display panel (PDP). The rib structure was formed on a glass plate by microtransfer molding a gelcasting suspension with a flexible soft mold. A well–dispersed gelcasting suspension of the glass frit was placed on the photolithographically patterned mold, followed by gelation and drying while pressed with a top glass plate. The rib structure replicated by micromolding was significantly influenced by the gelation kinetics, the green strength of the gelled body, and the mold release process. It was demonstrated that the box–type array of 1176 wells in the patterned area of 6.5 cm × 6.5 cm could be produced using the current method.
Formation of Titania Submicrometer Patterns by the Combination of Synthesis from an Aqueous Solution and Transcription of a Resist Pattern
Authors: Ozawa Naoshi , Yabe Hiroki , Yao Takeshi
Published: January 2007

A CrN–coated silicon wafer printed with a resist pattern was used as a substrate, and a novel method for forming titania (TiO2) patterns was investigated. A TiO2 thin film formed over the whole surface of the substrate by soaking in a mixed solution of (NH4)2TiF6 and B2O3 at room temperature. The resist material then was dissolved off, using acetone, together with the TiO2 formed on it. A minute pattern of the TiO2 thin film, transcribing the resist pattern, formed. The minimum line width of the TiO2 thin film was 300 nm, which was also the minimum line width of the resist pattern.
Variable‐Temperature Ion‐Exchanged Engineered Stress Profile (ESP) Glasses
Authors: Shen Junwu , Green David J.
Published: January 2007

A variable–temperature ion–exchange process was developed to produce strengthened glasses with decreased strength variability. By introducing a high–temperature step into the normal ion–exchange process, the strength variability was greatly decreased (∼60%) with only about 10% loss in the average strength. The surface damage resistance was also studied using indentation strength tests, and, again, there was a significant improvement compared with the traditional ion–exchange (isothermal) process. Stress profiles in isothermal and variable–temperature ion–exchanged glasses were measured using an optical method. The strength and strength variability of ion–exchanged glass predicted from the measured stress profiles agreed with the experimental strength data.
Preparation of Nanostructured Hexagonal Boron Nitride Powder
Authors: Gao Lian , Li Jingguo
Published: January 2007

In this communication, we describe an inexpensive and feasible method for the preparation of hexagonal boron nitride (h–BN) nanorods in the absence of metal catalyst. Tertiary calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) and ammonium biborate hydrate (NH4HB4O7·3H2O) were selected as starting materials where calcium phosphate was used as a diluting agent to prevent the formation of bulk B2O3 during the thermolysis of ammonium biborate hydrate. The mixture was nitrided at 900°C in the flowing ammonia and was transformed into h–BN nanorods after subsequent crystallization. After crystallization at 1650°C for 2 h, the unique microstructure of h–BN nanorods was observed.
Infrared Spectroscopic Investigations in Ordered Barium Magnesium Niobate Ceramics
Authors: Dias Anderson , Paschoal Carlos William A. , Moreira Roberto Luiz
Published: January 2007

Highly ordered Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics from hydrothermal powders were investigated for the first time using infrared spectroscopy. The experimental data were analyzed in view of the 16 predicted modes of the trigonal structure and adjusted by a four–parameter semiquantum model. The obtained phonon parameters allowed us to calculate the real part of the dielectric permittivity and losses in all infrared regions, and also to estimate the quality factor (Q) for this material in the microwave region. The values obtained for the dielectric permittivity (ɛ′= 19) and Q (12 800 at 10 GHz) showed that hydrothermal Ba(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics are good materials for passive components in microwave circuits.
Preparation of a Translucent, Conductive, Porous Nanocomposite
Authors: Lin Hong , Jin Tetsuro , Dmytruk Andriy , Yazawa Tetsuo
Published: January 2007

A translucent, conductive, porous nanocomposite was designed and prepared by depositing SnO2 on the inner surfaces of the pores of a porous glass plate and on its outer surface using a chemical vapor deposition method. The porous nanocomposite almost maintained its large surface area and pore volume because the pores remained open after they were deposited with SnO2. Conductivity between the two outer surfaces of the nanocomposite plate was confirmed for the first time.
Expression patterns of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in trichloroacetic acid peeled skin
Authors: YAMAMOTO Yuki , UEDE Koji , YONEI Nozomi , FURUKAWA Fukumi
Published: January 2007

This study was designed to investigate whether trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling induces cellular proliferation in human skin using an immunohistochemical method. A 40% TCA peel resulted in a greater number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐immunopositive cells in the whole epidermis as compared with 60% TCA or phenol peels. This finding suggests that long‐term and frequent TCA peelings of low concentration would require special attention for unexpected cutaneous lesions such as skin tumors.
Successful treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus in a child with low‐concentration topical tacrolimus ointment
Authors: MATSUMOTO Yuka , YAMAMOTO Toshiyuki , ISOBE Tamaki , KUSUNOKI Toshio , TSUBOI Ryoji
Published: January 2007

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that has a predilection for the anogenital area. Topical corticosteroid is occasionally effective; however, continuous treatment is often required and recurrence after its stoppage is frequent. Herein, we report a case of vulvar lichen sclerosus in a 5‐year‐old girl, which was refractory to topical corticosteroids. After 14 weeks of treatment with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment once daily, the lesions completely resolved without side‐effects. Of interest, the number of milia within the plaque of lichen sclerosus was reduced in tandem with the improvement of lichen sclerosus. This is the first report of topical low‐concentration tacrolimus treatment showing a dramatic effect in the treatment of childhood vulvar lichen sclerosus.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis associated with a human parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: OFUJI Satoshi , YAMAMOTO Osamu
Published: January 2007

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a reaction pattern with characteristic clinical features. AGEP typically presents with at least dozens of non‐follicular sterile pustules in addition to fever and elevated blood neutrophils. The onset is acute and pustules tend to resolve spontaneously. We herein report the findings of a 33‐year‐old female who presented with erythema on her elbows and dorsal thighs. Before onset, she did not receive any medications. She had no history of psoriasis, had not touched mercury, did not use tampons and was not pregnant. On the third eruptive day, she developed more than 100 non‐follicular pustules in diffuse edematous erythema on her trunk and extremities, predominantly involving the intertriginous areas and she also demonstrated high fever. Her temperature returned to within the normal limits on the fourth eruptive day and the pustules thereafter dramatically vanished until the fifth eruption day. Enzyme immunoassays (EI) were performed for anti‐virus antibodies and revealed a seroconversion of antihuman parvovirus B19‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies, thus indicating a primary human parvovirus B19 infection. The most frequent causes of AGEP seem to be a drug reaction and enterovirus infection. However, AGEP has not yet been reported to be associated with human parvovirus B19. We speculated that human parvovirus B19 may therefore be one of the causative agents of AGEP.
Case of Cowden syndrome associated with eccrine angiomatous hamartoma
Authors: OH Ji Goo , YOON Chang Ho , LEE Chang Woo
Published: January 2007

Cowden syndrome, also known as multiple hamartoma syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple hamartomatous tumors of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origin. A 47‐year‐old woman had a skin‐colored plaque on the left foot. She had total abdominal hysterectomy due to uterine leiomyoma at the age of 35, and had modified radical mastectomy due to right breast cancer at 38. Thyroid adenoma was diagnosed at age 46. Physical examinations revealed macrocephaly, multiple papules of the buccal mucosa, skin tags of the neck and multiple keratotic papules of both hands. Multiple gastrointestinal polyps were detected on gastrofiberoscopy and colonoscopy. Histological examination of the skin lesion on the left foot showed an increased numbers of eccrine sweat glands and blood vessels, which are characteristic histological findings of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH), a rare benign tumor. We present a case of Cowden syndrome with an associated EAH, which has not been described in the English literatures.
Solitary eccrine syringofibroadenoma with prominent plasma cell infiltration
Authors: KIM Ji Yeon , KIM You Chan , LEE Eun‐So
Published: January 2007

Eccrine syringofibroadenoma (ESFA) is a rare, benign, adnexal neoplasm thought to be eccrine ductal differentiation displaying variable clinical findings and characteristic histological features. It usually occurs as a solitary nodule on the extremities of an elderly person. Histological findings typically show a proliferation of anastomosing strands, cords, and columns of monomorphous epithelial cells that harbor eccrine duct formations embedded in a fibrovascular stroma. Acrosyringial nevus, though usually regarded as an identical lesion, is sometimes regarded as a different entity showing prominent plasma cell infiltration. We report two cases of solitary ESFA with prominent plasma cell infiltration. Clinicopathological features of both cases suggest that acrosyringeal nevus and ESFA may be of the same disease entity. Prominent plasma cell infiltration may be just one of the common histological features of ESFA.
Beta‐diversity of geometrid moths from northern Borneo: effects of habitat, time and space
Authors: BECK JAN , VUN KHEN CHEY
Published: January 2007

Spatial patterns of beta‐diversity, an important property of species communities, are less well‐studied than those of local species richness, particularly in insects from tropical rainforests.

We use geometrid moth samples from northern Borneo to quantify ensemble turnover across distances of > 700 km, consider habitat‐ and sampling‐related impacts on their composition, and evaluate remaining spatial patterns in the data.

Geometrid moth ensembles from Borneo are shaped by environmental parameters such as elevation and habitat disturbance, by temporal factors acting at small (mediated by weather) and large scales (i.e. changes over decades), and by methodological differences of sampling (related to the nightly flight times of species).

These parameters explain a large portion of the spatial structure of ensemble composition, but residual variation still contains a pattern that is tentatively best explained by geographical distance, particularly at distances < 20 km.

Patterns of species turnover indicate no evidence for biotic homogenization due to human‐caused degradation of habitats. Beta‐diversity plays a crucial part in mediating the regional diversity of geometrids on Borneo.
Effects of functional constraints and opportunism on the functional structure of a vertebrate predator assemblage
Authors: FARIAS ARIEL A. , JAKSIC FABIAN M.
Published: January 2007

Within mainstream ecological literature, functional structure has been viewed as resulting from the interplay of species interactions, resource levels and environmental variability. Classical models state that interspecific competition generates species segregation and guild formation in stable saturated environments, whereas opportunism causes species aggregation on abundant resources in variable unsaturated situations.

Nevertheless, intrinsic functional constraints may result in species‐specific differences in resource‐use capabilities. This could force some degree of functional structure without assuming other putative causes. However, the influence of such constraints has rarely been tested, and their relative contribution to observed patterns has not been quantified.

We used a multiple null‐model approach to quantify the magnitude and direction (non‐random aggregation or divergence) of the functional structure of a vertebrate predator assemblage exposed to variable prey abundance over an 18‐year period. Observed trends were contrasted with predictions from null‐models designed in an orthogonal fashion to account independently for the effects of functional constraints and opportunism. Subsequently, the unexplained variation was regressed against environmental variables to search for evidence of interspecific competition.

Overall, null‐models accounting for functional constraints showed the best fit to the observed data, and suggested an effect of this factor in modulating predator opportunistic responses. However, regression models on residual variation indicated that such an effect was dependent on both total and relative abundance of principal (small mammals) and alternative (arthropods, birds, reptiles) prey categories.

In addition, no clear evidence for interspecific competition was found, but differential delays in predator functional responses could explain some of the unaccounted variation. Thus, we call for caution when interpreting empirical data in the context of classical models assuming synchronous responses of consumers to resource levels.
Strong habitat preference of a tropical rain forest tree does not imply large differences in population dynamics across habitats
Authors: YAMADA TOSHIHIRO , ZUIDEMA PIETER A. , ITOH AKIRA , YAMAKURA TAKUO , OHKUBO TATSUHIRO , KANZAKI MAMORU , TAN SYLVESTER , ASHTON PETER S.
Published: January 2007

Many tropical forest tree species show habitat preference, commonly revealed by differences in abundance among habitats. Very little is known about differences in individual performance and population dynamics across habitats.

We analysed habitat‐specific performance and demography of Scaphium borneense, a tropical rain forest tree with strong habitat preference in a 52‐ha plot at Lambir Hills, Malaysia. This species occurs at high densities on ridges with sandy soils (‘preferred habitat’), at low densities in valleys on loamy soils (‘non‐preferred habitat’) and at intermediate densities on slopes. We used 10‐year demographic data to compare tree performance across habitats and constructed population matrix models to analyse population dynamics.

Tree performance was rather similar across habitats. Some vital rates (mortality) did not differ among habitats, while others were modestly (juvenile tree growth) to substantially higher (recruitment) in the non‐preferred valley habitat, probably due to higher canopy openness.

Matrix models projected population sizes to remain stable in all habitats, thus maintaining abundance differences across habitats. This suggests that habitat preference of Scaphium is generated by (a)biotic differences among habitats and not by chance processes or disturbance history.

Population dynamics were also very similar among habitats. The distribution of elasticity values over categories and vital rates was almost equal for the three habitats. Life table response experiment (LTRE) analysis showed that habitat differences in vital rates had little effect on λ. Thus, Scaphium populations in the three habitats are maintained in a very similar way, despite differences in (a)biotic conditions and abundance.

We hypothesize that habitat preference of Scaphium is maintained because of a better performance in its preferred habitat relative to other species in that habitat, while the reverse may be true in non‐preferred habitats. We suggest that such differences in performance may become apparent during periods of drought, creating windows of opportunity for maintaining density differences.

Strong habitat preference of rain forest tree species does not necessarily imply strong differences in tree performance, demography or population growth across habitats. The mechanisms that generate density differences across habitats remain to be unravelled.
Response to soy: T‐cell‐like reactivity in the intestine of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Bakke‐McKellep A M , Frøystad M K , Lilleeng E , Dapra F , Refstie S , Krogdahl Å , Landsverk T
Published: January 2007

T‐cell‐mediated hypersensitivity could be central in soybean meal (SBM)‐induced intestinal changes in salmon. However, tools for immunohistochemical detection of T cells have been lacking in teleosts, including Atlantic salmon. Application of a specific histochemical protocol allowed demonstration of T‐cell‐like reactivities in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues using an antibody reacting to a conserved region of human CD3ɛ (Dako A0452). Characteristic staining was observed in cells of the thymus as well as distal intestine, skin, gills and spleen. These cells were negative for immunoglobulin M (IgM). Intestinal intraepithelial leucocytes were CD3ɛ positive. During the SBM‐induced enteropathy, the mixed inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria of the distal intestine included many lymphocytes with a T‐cell‐like reactivity. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed significantly increased expression of a complex polypeptide (CD3pp), CD4 and CD8β (P < 0.05) in the distal intestine of SBM‐fed fish compared to fish meal‐fed reference fish. Increased reactivity for extracellular IgM in the lamina propria and a positive material between the epithelial cells at the tips of the folds was observed, possibly due to leakage of IgM through an abrogated epithelial barrier. In conclusion, a T‐cell‐like response appears to be involved in this example of a food‐sensitive enteropathy.
Effect of substrate on progression and healing of skin erosions and epidermal papillomas of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.)
Authors: Ottesen O H , Noga E J , Sandaa W
Published: January 2007

Juvenile Atlantic halibut cultured on a smooth substrate often develop skin lesions on the blind (abocular) side, significantly reducing carcass value and causing economic losses. We discovered that fish not only developed skin erosions, but also extensive epidermal papillomas when held on a smooth substrate for 39 months. This is the first time that epidermal papillomas have been reported in Atlantic halibut. To determine whether substrate type affected the progression or healing of these lesions, fish with papillomas and skin erosions were moved to identical rearing units having either an irregular (sand, gravel or Netlon®) substrate, or a smooth (gel‐coated fibreglass) substrate. After 62 days, 42–50% of fish held on any of the three irregular substrates had a skin erosion area (SEA) that had either diminished or appeared to be completely healed via gross examination. In contrast, none of the fish held on the smooth substrate showed improvement and 75–100% had a more severe SEA. Changes in the papilloma area (PA) were less dramatic: none of the fish held on an irregular substrate had any clear change in PA, although there was a suggestion that the PA in some fish might becoming less severe. Similarly, none of the fish held on the smooth substrate had a change in PA, although there was a suggestion that the PA in some fish was becoming more severe. After 97 days, there was also a suggestion that specific growth rates were higher in fish held on an irregular substrate when compared with those held on the smooth substrate. Overall, these data further substantiate previous studies suggesting that an irregular substrate, including the commercially used Netlon®, is best for rearing Atlantic halibut. While there was a clear relationship between substrate type and whether skin erosions or papillomas progressed or healed, the exact cause(s) of these two responses is uncertain. Future studies should focus on risk factors such as stress, burrowing behaviour and the microenvironment of the substrate.
Phalaris minor seedbank studies: longevity, seedling emergence and seed production as affected by tillage regime
Authors: FRANKE A C , SINGH S , MCROBERTS N , NEHRA A S , GODARA S , MALIK R K , MARSHALL G
Published: January 2007

Studies were conducted to investigate seed longevity, seedling emergence and seed production of the weed Phalaris minor in wheat in northern India. The longevity of P. minor seeds buried in bags in the field was often limited to less than 1 year, although many seeds buried at 30 cm depth in a rice–wheat rotation remained viable for longer. The application of direct seeding in wheat reduced the seedling emergence rate of P. minor, when compared with conventional ploughing and sowing. However, a larger P. minor seedbank in the upper soil layer in plots under direct seeding partly reversed this positive effect in one of the two studies. Besides differences in relative distribution of weed seeds through the soil profile, it was likely that other factors such as reduced soil disturbance and soil characteristics associated with the application of direct seeding were also involved in regulating the emergence rate. Mature P. minor plants in wheat were found to invest a stable part (27%) of their aboveground biomass in seed, so that total seed weight was strongly linearly correlated with the aboveground biomass of the mother plant. Individual seed weight, however, was little affected by the weight of the mother plant.