bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Treatment of Titanate Derivatives Synthesized by Ion‐Exchange Reaction
Authors: Um Myeong‐Heon , Lee Chul‐Tae , Kumazawa Hidehiro
Published: January 2009

TiO2 fibers were formed by thermal treatment of layered H2Ti4O9 (hydrous titanium dioxide) and KHTi4O9 synthesized by ion‐exchange reactions. The calcination of the former at 900° and 1050°C for 3 h yielded TiO2 fibers with anatase and rutile phases, whose length and diameter were 15–20 and 2–5 μm and 10–15 and 3–5 μm, respectively. The thermal treatment of the latter at temperatures of 250° to 500°C yielded pure K2Ti8O17, which tended to decompose to K2Ti6O13 and TiO2 at temperatures >600°C. At 1050°C, K2Ti6O13 phase was formed with rutile TiO2 fibers, whose length and diameter were 10–20 and 1–3 μm, respectively.
Sintering Behavior and Surface Microstructure of PbO‐Rich PbNi1/3Nb2/3O3–PbTiO3–PbZrO3 Ceramics
Authors: Kondo Masao , Kurihara Kazuaki
Published: January 2009

The sintering behavior and surface microstructure of PbNi1/3Nb2/3O3–PbTiO3–PbZrO3 (PNiNb‐PT‐PZ) ceramics were investigated. The PNiNb‐PT‐PZ ceramics with the stoichiometric composition and the addition of excess lead oxide (PbO‐rich ceramics) were sintered by liquid‐phase sintering in accordance with the solution‐reprecipitation mechanism at temperatures below the melting point of PbO. The temperature at which the liquid phase forms fell to near the eutectic point of the PbO–Nb2O5 and the PbO–TiO2 system (868°C) with the addition of 5 mol% PbO. As the calcination temperature influenced the sinterability of the stoichiometric PNiNb‐PT‐PZ ceramic, unreacted PbO was considered to be the source of the liquid phase in the sintering of the stoichiometric powder. The secondary phase was observed at the surface of PbO‐rich ceramics and was suggested to be a liquid phase expelled from inside the ceramic. A sintering scheme of PNiNb‐PT‐PZ ceramics was proposed, and the high sinterability of PNiNb‐PT‐PZ ceramics was attributed to the low formation temperature of the liquid phase.
Green State Joining of SiC without Applied Pressure
Authors: Zheng Jing , Akinc Mufit
Published: January 2009

External pressure (uniaxial or isostatic) is usually necessary to form a thin and defect‐free joint in green state joining of SiC ceramics. A successful method of joining SiC in the green state using a liquid polymer precursor, allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS), without applied pressure, is described. The thermal decomposition behavior of the polymer was examined, and defect formation during joint evolution was investigated by interrupting the heat treatment at various stages. Cracks and pores were observed in the joints formed by pure AHPCS during the pyrolysis of the polymer precursor. Adding SiC powder to the joining paste eliminated defect formation. Optimum SiC loading in the paste was determined to be in the range of 25–35 vol%. Joints formed by AHPCS + (SiC + 5 wt% B) paste were essentially indistinguishable from the matrix and had an average strength of 323 MPa, comparable to that of the control sample.
Aqueous Processing of Titanium Carbide Green Sheets
Authors: Zhang Jing‐Xian , Jiang Dong‐Liang , Tan Shou‐Hong , Gui Lin‐Hua , Ruan Mei‐Ling
Published: January 2009

TiC sheets were prepared by an aqueous tape‐casting process. The zeta potential measurement showed that the isoelectric point for TiC powders in the absence of dispersant had a pH value of ∼3.3. According to the surface properties of TiC powders, a cationic polymer PEI was selected as dispersant. In the presence of dispersant, the isoelectric point increased to a pH value of ∼10.4. The slip stability was determined by visual observation of the fluidity of the slip as well as the settling of the powders. Results showed that the amount of dispersant required to achieve a minimum of viscosity for 50 vol% suspensions was equal to 1.2 wt%. In the absence and presence of dispersant, stable slips could be obtained in the pH ranges 7–9 and 11–12, respectively. The rheological measurements showed that with PEI as dispersant, TiC suspensions exhibited a small time dependent behavior. With polyvinyl alcohol as binder and glycerol as plasticizer, suspensions showed a thixotropic feature. As‐cast tapes were dried in air at room temperature. The results showed that it was possible to fabricate homogeneous green tapes with smooth surfaces from these suspensions.
Crystallization of Lead Niobate Glass by Mechanical Activation
Authors: Xue Junmin , Wang John
Published: January 2009

Mechanical activation‐triggered crystallization in PbNb2O6‐based glass was dependent on the initial presence of nuclei. The crystallization cannot be initiated by mechanical activation in a highly amorphous glass composition quenched from 1350°C where PbNb2O6 nuclei did not exist. The steady growth of nanocrystallites of PbNb2O6 was observed with an increasing degree of mechanical activation in the glass quenched from 1300°C, where a density of PbNb2O6 nuclei existed before mechanical activation. The inability to nucleate in the highly amorphous oxide glass by mechanical activation is consistent with the much higher structural stability as compared with that of metallic glasses, such as Fe‐Si‐B. The mechanical activation‐grown PbNb2O6 nanocrystals were 10–15 nm in size as observed using HRTEM and their crystallinities were further improved by thermal aging at an elevated temperature in the range of 550° to 650°C.
In Situ Processing of a Porous Calcium Zirconate/Magnesia Composite with Platinum Nanodispersion and Its Influence on Nitric Oxide Decomposition
Authors: Suzuki Yoshikazu , Hwang Hae Jin , Kondo Naoki , Ohji Tatsuki
Published: January 2009

A porous CaZrO3/MgO composite with ∼1% nanodispersed platinum was synthesized in air using several in situ reactions, including the pyrolysis of PtO2. The composite had a uniformly open, three‐dimensional pore structure (porosity of 56%), with a narrow pore‐size distribution. Catalytic NO decomposition to N2 and O2 and NO reduction by C2H4 were investigated up to 900°C. In the absence of oxygen, the NO conversion rate reached ∼52% for the direct decomposition and ∼100% for the reduction by C2H4. The results suggested the possibility of the porous composite as a multifunctional filter for simultaneous filtering of hot gas and removal of NOx.
Effect of Tangential Loading on Critical Conditions for Radial Cracking in Brittle Coatings
Authors: Lee Chul‐Seung , Lawn Brian R. , Kim Do Kyung
Published: January 2009

Results of Hertzian contact tests investigating the effects of superposed tangential loads on the critical conditions for radial cracking at the undersurfaces of brittle coatings on compliant substrates are reported. It is demonstrated that these effects are secondary, so that conventional normal indentation remains an appropriate test procedure for characterizing this highly deleterious mode of coating fracture under a wide range of complex loading conditions.
Incidence and factors related to flare‐ups in a graduate endodontic programme
Authors: Iqbal M , Kurtz E , Kohli M
Published: January 2009

Aim  To investigate the incidence and factors related to endodontic flare‐ups in nonsurgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) cases completed by graduate endodontic residents at University of Pennsylvania, USA.

Methodology  Residents at University of Pennsylvania enter all clinical patient records into an electronic database called PennEndo database. Analysis of records of 6580 patients treated from September 2000 to July 2005 revealed a total of 26 patients with flare‐ups (0.39%). Patients were categorized to have undergone flare‐up when they attended for an unscheduled visit and active treatment, and when they suffered from severe pain and or swelling after initiation or continuation of NSRCT. SAS software was used to develop a logistic regression model with flare‐up as a dependent variable. Independent variables included in the model were: history of previous pain, one vs. two visit NSRCT, periapical diagnosis, tooth type, rotary versus hand instrumentation, and lateral versus vertical compaction of gutta‐percha.

Results  The odds for developing a flare‐up in teeth with a periapical radiolucency were 9.64 times greater than teeth without a periapical radiolucency (P = 0.0090). There was no statistically significant difference in flare‐ups between one and two visits NSRCT. The odds of developing a flare‐up increased 40 fold when NSRCT was completed in three or more visits. However, this result may have been confounded by addition of an unscheduled visit in patients suffering from flare‐ups. Other independent variables did not have any statistically significant correlations.

Conclusions  A low percentage of patients experienced flare‐ups during NSRCT procedures. The presence of a periapical lesion was the single most important predictor of flare‐ups during NSRCT.
The management of mucosal fenestration: a report of two cases
Authors: Chen G. , Fang C. T. , Tong C.
Published: January 2009

Aim  To report on the management of two patients with mucosal fenestration of root apices.

Summary  Two cases of mucosal fenestration of root apices were treated by a combination of nonsurgical root canal treatment and surgery. Root‐end resection was performed to bring the root apices within the alveolus before root‐end filling and packing of the bony defects with demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft. The areas were then covered with connective tissue grafts taken from the hard palate before repositioning the mucogingival flap. At 1 year follow‐up, the mucosal fenestrations were completely healed by soft tissue graft coverage, and radiographs revealed bony healing.

Key learning points  • Connective tissue grafts can be used to manage mucosal fenestration.

• Periradicular surgery and connective tissue grafts can be used in combination.
Atrial fibrillation in fracture patients treated with oral bisphosphonates
Authors: Abrahamsen B. , Eiken P. , Brixen K.
Published: January 2009

Objectives.  To determine if patients receiving oral bisphosphonates are at excess risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke and myocardial infarction.

Design.  Register‐based restricted cohort study.

Setting.  National Hospital Discharge Register and National Prescriptions Database (1995–2005).

Subjects.  Fracture patients beginning bisphosphonates (n = 15 795) were matched with unexposed fracture patients of the same age, sex and fracture type (n = 31 590).

Results.  Incidence rates of AF were 16.5/1000 person years in untreated fracture patients and 20.6/1000 person years in bisphosphonate users. An age‐ and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.29 (1.17–1.41) was found for probable AF by Cox proportional hazards analysis. The effect size was reduced to HR of 1.18 (1.08–1.29) by adjustment for co‐medications and comorbidity. Selective prescribing was suggested by the observation that (i) risks were increased even in patients who stopped therapy after the first packet and (ii) risks were not increased by high adherence. Bisphosphonate‐exposed patients were at increased risk of hospital‐treated AF [adjusted HR: 1.13 (1.01–1.26)], but the risk amongst bisphosphonate users was inversely proportional to adherence. There was no increased risk of ischaemic stroke and an increased risk of myocardial infarction was not significant after adjustment for comorbidity.

Conclusions.  The increased occurrence of AF in fracture patients who are users of oral bisphosphonates should be attributed to targeting of bisphosphonates to patients who are already at increased risk of cardiovascular events.
A novel sphingomyelinase‐like enzyme in Ixodes scapularis tick saliva drives host CD4+ T cells to express IL‐4
Authors: ALARCON‐CHAIDEZ F.J. , BOPPANA V.D. , HAGYMASI A.T. , ADLER A.J. , WIKEL S.K.
Published: January 2009

Tick feeding modulates host immune responses. Tick‐induced skewing of host CD4+ T cells towards a Th2 cytokine profile facilitates transmission of tick‐borne pathogens that would otherwise be neutralized by Th1 cytokines. Tick‐derived factors that drive this Th2 response have not previously been characterized. In the current study, we examined an I. scapularis cDNA library prepared at 18–24 h of feeding and identified and expressed a tick gene with homology to Loxosceles spider venom proteins with sphingomyelinase activity. This I. scapularis sphingomyelinase‐like (IsSMase) protein is a Mg2+‐dependent, neutral (pH 7·4) form of sphingomyelinase. Significantly, in an in vivo TCR transgenic adoptive transfer assay IsSMase programmed host CD4+ T cells to express the hallmark Th2 effector cytokine IL‐4. IsSMase appears to directly programme host CD4 T cell IL‐4 expression (as opposed to its metabolic by‐products) because induced IL‐4 expression was not altered when enzymatic activity was neutralized. TCR transgenic CD4 T cell proliferation (CFSE‐dilution) was also significantly increased by IsSMase. Furthermore, a Th2 response is superimposed onto a virally primed Th1 response by IsSMase. Thus, IsSMase is the first identified tick molecule capable of programming host CD4+ T cells to express IL‐4.
Transcriptional Profiles in Urine During Acute Rejection, Bacteriuria, CMV Infection and Stable Graft Function After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Øzbay A. , Tørring C. , Olsen R. , Carstens J.
Published: January 2009

Acute rejection remains an important cause of renal allograft dysfunction and the need for accurate diagnosis is essential to treat transplant recipients successfully. Molecular markers in urine may serve as a diagnostic tool in acute rejection, but controversy still exists regarding the uniqueness of these biomarkers. We measured mRNA of perforin (PRF), granzyme B (GZMB) and granulysin (GNLY) normalized to cyclophilin B in urine specimens from 24 renal allograft recipients with acute rejection, 12 with bacteriuria, 11 with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and 17 controls with stable graft function. Measurements were performed using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. mRNA levels (means [95% CI]) for all three markers were significantly higher in recipients with acute rejection compared with controls: PRF (0.23 [0.12–0.42] versus 0.04 [0.02–0.07]P < 0.001), GZMB (0.14 [0.09–0.23] versus 0.05 [0.03–0.08]P = 0.003), GNLY (0.24 [0.14–0.41] versus 0.06 [0.03–0.11]P = 0.001). GZMB and GNLY levels during acute rejection were significantly higher when compared with bacteriuria (P = 0.011 andP = 0.005 respectively), and PRF level during acute rejection was significantly elevated compared with CMV infection (P = 0.015). No significant difference was found when comparing marker levels during bacteriuria and CMV infection to controls. Urinary mRNA levels of PRF, GZMB and GNLY are significantly elevated during acute rejection but not during bacteriuria or CMV infections when compared with recipients with stable graft function. The ability to differentiate acute rejection from bacteriuria and CMV infections was only present for some of the markers, that is why careful consideration should be given before applying this technique to clinical practice.
The N‐terminal pro region mediates retention of unprocessed type‐I PME in the Golgi apparatus
Authors: Wolf Sebastian , Rausch Thomas , Greiner Steffen
Published: January 2009

The pectin matrix of the cell wall, a complex and dynamic network, impacts on cell growth, cell shape and signaling processes. A hallmark of pectin structure is the methylesterification status of its major component, homogalacturonan (HGA), which affects the biophysical properties and enzymatic turnover of pectin. The pectin methylesterases (PMEs), responsible for de‐esterification, encompass a protein family of more than 60 isoforms in the Arabidopsis genome. The pivotal role of PME in the regulation of pectin properties also requires tight control at the post‐translational level. Type‐I PMEs are characterized by an N‐terminal pro region, which exhibits homology with pectin methylesterase inhibitors (PMEIs). Here, we demonstrate that the proteolytic removal of the N‐terminal pro region depends on conserved basic tetrad motifs, occurs in the early secretory pathway, and is required for the subsequent export of the PME core domain to the cell wall. In addition, we demonstrate the involvement of AtS1P, a subtilisin‐like protease, in Arabidopsis PME processing. Our results indicate that the pro region operates as an effective retention mechanism, keeping unprocessed PME in the Golgi apparatus. Consequently, pro‐protein processing could constitute a post‐translational mechanism regulating PME activity.
Transposition of a bacterial insertion sequence in chloroplasts
Authors: Kohl Stefan , Bock Ralph
Published: January 2009

Bacterial transposable elements (IS elements, transposons) represent an important determinant of genome structure and dynamics, and are a major force driving genome evolution. Here, we have tested whether bacterial insertion sequences (IS elements) can transpose in a prokaryotic compartment of the plant cell, the plastid (chloroplast). Using plastid transformation, we have integrated different versions of the Escherichia coli IS element IS150 into the plastid genome of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. We show that IS150 is faithfully mobilized inside the chloroplast, and that enormous quantities of transposition intermediates accumulate. As synthesis of the IS150 transposase is dependent upon programmed ribosomal frame shifting, our data indicate that this process also occurs in chloroplasts. Interestingly, all insertion events detected affect a single site in the plastid genome, suggesting that the integration of IS150 is highly sequence dependent. In contrast, the initiation of the transposition process was found to be independent of the sequence context. Finally, our data also demonstrate that plastids lack the capacity to repair double‐strand breaks in their genomes by non‐homologous end joining, a finding that has important implications for genome stability, and which may explain the peculiar immunity of the plastid to invading promiscuous DNA sequences of nuclear and mitochondrial origin.
A study of natural killer cell lectin‐like receptor K1 gene (KLRK1/NKG2D) region polymorphisms in a European population sample
Authors: Ucisik‐Akkaya E. , Dorak M. T.
Published: January 2009

Recent evidence has reinforced the belief in immunosurveillance as a powerful mechanism against cancer development. The natural killer (NK) cell has been recognized as a potent agent of cancer immunosurveillance. A Japanese cohort study correlated natural cytotoxic activity levels with subsequent cancer development and identified NK cell lectin‐like receptor K1 gene (KLRK1/NKG2D) polymorphisms as genetic markers of cancer predisposition. In the present study, we genotyped 82 reference cell lines and 388 newborn samples at 10 KLRK1 region variants by TaqMan® allelic discrimination assays and showed that the same polymorphisms occur at similar frequencies in Europeans. The same haplotype block that has been associated with lower natural cytotoxic activity also occurred with the highest frequency in our sample. We further detected evidence suggestive of natural selection at some of the loci analyzed and more importantly, sex specificity of this selection. It appeared that heterozygosity at loci forming a haplotype block was unfavorable for boys. Given the relevance of NK cells in fetal survival, this finding has potential implications in the study of genetics of maternofetal recognition. Our preliminary findings are of marginal statistical significance and should be replicated in a larger sample. We believe that our results will increase awareness of the involvement of KLRK1 in cancer immunosurveillance and possibly in prenatal selection.
Transplanted human embryonic neural stem cells survive, migrate, differentiate and increase endogenous nestin expression in adult rat cortical peri‐infarction zone
Authors: Zhang Pengbo , Li Jie , Liu Yong , Chen Xinlin , Kang Qianyan
Published: January 2009

Transplantation of stem cells is a potential therapeutic strategy for stroke damage. The survival, migration, and differentiation of transplanted human embryonic neural stem cells in the acute post‐ischemic environment were characterized and endogenous nestin expression after transplantation was investigated. Human embryonic neural stem cells obtained from the temporal lobe cortex were cultured and labeled with fluorescent 1,1′‐dioctadecy‐6,6′‐di (4‐sulfopheyl)‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylindocarbocyanin (DiI) in vitro. Labeled cells were transplanted into cortical peri‐infarction zones of adult rats 24 h after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Survival, migration, and differentiation of grafted cells were quantified in immunofluorescence‐stained sections from rats sacrificed at 7, 14, and 28 days after transplantation. Endogenous nestin‐positive cells in the cortical peri‐infarction zone were counted at serial time points. The cells transplanted into the cortical peri‐infarction zone displayed the morphology of living cells and became widely located around the ischemic area. Moreover, some of the transplanted cells expressed nestin, GFAP, or NeuN in the peri‐infarction zone. Furthermore, compared with the control group, endogenous nestin‐positive cells in the peri‐infarction zone had increased significantly 7 days after cell transplantation. These results confirm the survival, migration, and differentiation of transplanted cells in the acute post‐ischemic environment and enhanced endogenous nestin expression within a brief time window. These findings indicate that transplantation of neural stem cells into the peri‐infarction zone may be performed as early as 24 h after ischemia.
Sodium/iodide symporter expression in primary lung cancer and comparison with glucose transporter 1 expression
Authors: Kang Do Y. , Lee Hyoun W. , Choi Phil J. , Lee Kyung E. , Roh Mee S.
Published: January 2009

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) and glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) in 139 primary lung cancers on immunohistochemistry, and to determine the diagnostic utility of NIS as an imaging reporter. Immunoreactivity for NIS and Glut1 was noted in 75 (54.0%) and 72 (51.8%) of the 139 cases, respectively. Analysis of NIS expression on Western blot confirmed the immunohistochemistry. NIS expression was significantly higher in the adenocarcinomas than in the other carcinomas, and Glut1 expression was significantly higher in the squamous cell carcinomas than in the other carcinomas (each P < 0.0001). The frequency of NIS expression in those carcinomas lacking Glut1 expression was significantly higher than in those with Glut1 expression (P = 0.012). Among 64 adenocarcinomas, the frequency of the NIS(+)/Glut1(−) phenotype was 61.0%, which was the most frequent expression pattern. By studying the expression pattern of NIS in lung cancer, the present paper provides a helpful foundation for examining the potential utility of NIS‐mediated radioiodide as an alternative diagnostic modality, especially for the management of patients with lung adenocarcinoma lacking Glut1 expression.
Histogenesis of metaplastic breast carcinoma and axillary nodal metastases
Authors: Osako Tomo , Horii Rie , Ogiya Akiko , Iijima Kotaro , Iwase Takuji , Akiyama Futoshi
Published: January 2009

A 40‐year‐old breast‐feeding woman presented with left breast swelling. On physical examination a 7 cm mass was found in the breast. Because biopsy demonstrated malignant tissue, mastectomy with axillary nodal dissection was performed. Pathological findings were consistent with metaplastic breast carcinoma with nodal metastases. The primary tumor consisted of three types of invasion: ductal, squamous, and sarcomatous. Furthermore, three morphological transitions were observed: ductal–squamous, ductal–sarcomatous, and squamous–sarcomatous. Ductal–squamous (12/18 microscopy slides) and squamous–sarcomatous transitions (10/18) were more commonly observed than ductal–sarcomatous transition (3/18). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed loss of epithelial marker (cytokeratin) and acquisition of mesenchymal markers (vimentin and α‐smooth muscle actin) in the sarcomatous component. These findings suggested that epithelial–mesenchymal transition had occurred in the tumor and that two pathways, ductal–squamous–sarcomatous and ductal–sarcomatous transition, were involved in progression of metaplastic breast carcinoma. The main pathway appeared to be ductal–squamous–sarcomatous transition. Regarding the nodal metastases, of 13 positive nodes, ductal, squamous, and sarcomatous components were observed in 13, seven, and two nodes, respectively. Moreover, as in the primary tumor, ductal–squamous and squamous–sarcomatous transitions were observed. This suggested that the ductal component metastasized to the nodes and that epithelial–mesenchymal transition subsequently occurred within the nodes.
Using an adapted reflecting team approach to learn about mental health and illness with general nursing students: An Australian example
Authors: Morrison Paul A.
Published: January 2009

This paper describes how a reflecting team informed by outsider‐witness practices was used in a classroom with a small group of Australian general nursing students to explore their understandings of mental illness and people with mental illness. The reflecting team process helped students to go beyond the media stereotypes of mental illness and the people who suffer from mental illness. It helped them develop new understandings of the lives of people who experience mental illness. The process also enabled students to learn more about stigma and its debilitating effects, to speak about it and to monitor their own language use, and to identify and explore their preferred interpersonal approaches in future practice settings when dealing with people showing signs of mental distress.
VIRTUAL MOBILITY, TIME USE AND THE PLACE OF THE HOME
Authors: VILHELMSON BERTIL , THULIN EVA
Published: January 2009

The virtual access offered by information and communications technology (ICT) has entered homes to an unprecedented degree – with disputed socio–spatial consequences. This paper explores whether people's use of time and space has changed with increasing access to ICT, and it considers the role of the home and the displacement of mobile and stationary activities. Data from the Swedish Time Use Surveys for 1990–1991 and 2000–2001 reveal structural tendencies, while a panel study of urban youth details ongoing change processes. Findings indicate that from 1991 to 2001, the Swedish population spent over 80 per cent more time on virtual mobility; physical travel and media consumption also increased, albeit slightly. The total time spent at home remained stable, though certain groups, young men particularly, significantly increased both time spent at home and ICT use. The panel study found that individuals who substantially increased in‐home computer use spent more time alone at home and less time socialising; they also spent less time travelling and watching television. The amount of ICT use adapted to the available free time.
MARKET COMPETITION BEFORE AND AFTER BANK MERGER WAVE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KOREA AND JAPAN
Authors: Lee Min Hwan , Nagano Mamoru
Published: January 2009

Abstract.   Reflecting recent merger trends in the banking industry of Korea and Japan, this paper examines the degree of competition before and after the bank merger wave. Two major implications are derived from empirical analyses. First, high levels of banking market competitiveness are detected after mergers in both the Korean and Japanese metropolitan areas. Second, although the level of market competition remains low throughout Japanese local cities, it is competitive compared with the metropolitan area of Korea. This paper concludes that market concentration brought about by bank mergers does not always result in low competitiveness.
‘A Biography of the Soul’: Oswald Spengler's Biographical Method and the Morphology of History
Authors: Kroll Joe Paul
Published: January 2009

This paper will explore the correspondences between Oswald Spengler's approaches to history and biography. In Der Untergang des Abendlandes, Spengler poses the rhetorical question, ‘do common biographical archetypes (‘Urformen’) underlie everything historical?’ The recent publication of Spengler's autobiographical fragments, known under the heading Eis heauton (‘to himself’) gives an opportunity to explore the claim that Spengler's work draws parallels between personal history and that of cultures, and illuminates the identification of his own experience with history. Following a brief outline of Spengler's philosophy of history with particular regard to the core concepts of ‘organicism’ and ‘analogy’, and the duality of being (‘Dasein’) and wakefulness (‘Wachsein’), the paper will address the concept of ‘awakening’ as a precondition of Spengler's own historical consciousness. It will remain to show how this moment is located both in the childhood of cultures and in that of Spengler himself. The twin aspects of awakening as fear and cognition will then be examined in relation to Spengler's creative difficulties, the literary challenge posed by the perceived impossibility of conveying historical experience in prose. In short, the paper's hypothesis is that Spengler's account of the development of historical consciousness, in both its ontogenetic and phylogenetic forms, can be traced to his own experience and also determines the idiosyncrasies of his historiographic method.
Vol. 42, No. 1, pp.16‐21, 2008 Decrease in the skin transparency induced by protein carbonylation in the stratum corneum
Authors: Iwai I. , Kuwahara T. , Hirao T.
Published: January 2009

It has been reported in recent years that the carbonyl modification of protein plays a part in various diseases. The existence of the protein carbonylation in the stratum corneum also came to be known in the last few years, but the effect on the properties of the stratum corneum including the skin appearance was not clarified. In this study, we examined the influence of protein carbonylation in the stratum corneum to provide helpful information for skin care products focusing on transparency of the stratum corneum. Firstly, we developed a method to assess the protein carbonylation level numerically by the image analysis of tape‐stripped stratum corneum reacted with a fluorescent hydrazide. The level of stratum corneum carbonylation of the sun‐exposed site (face) was higher than that of unexposed site (upper arm), and the surface part of the stratum corneum showed a higher level of carbonylation compared with the deeper layer. Stratum corneum carbonylation was induced by in vitro UV irradiation. In addition, it was shown that the skin transparency score was significantly low in the woman with high level of protein carbonylation in the stratum corneum of the cheek. An experimentally carbonylated stratum corneum sheet in vitro became opaque. Among the amino acids investigated, L‐lysine was the most effective to prevent carbonylation of the stratum corneum ex vivo. Moreover, L‐lysine inhibited the decrease in the skin transparency caused by experimental carbonylation of the stratum corneum in the human skin. These results suggest that preventing the carbonylation of the stratum corneum due to adverse effects from the environment by l‐lysine could improve the skin transparency.

Keywords: stratum corneum, protein carbonylation, appearance, skin transparency, l‐lysine, amino acids, fluorescent hydrazide, tape‐stripping
Formulation effects of topical emulsions on transdermal and dermal delivery
Authors: Otto A. , Du Plessis J. , Wiechers J. W.
Published: January 2009

Synopsis

It has been recognized that the vehicle in which a permeant is applied to the skin has a distinctive effect on the dermal and transdermal delivery of active ingredients. The cutaneous and percutaneous absorptions can be enhanced, e.g. by an increase in thermodynamic activity, supersaturation and penetration modifiers. Furthermore, dermal and transdermal delivery can be influenced by the interactions that may occur between the vehicle and the skin on the one hand, and interactions between the active ingredient and the skin on the other hand. Emulsions are widely used as cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations because of their excellent solubilizing capacities for lipophilic and hydrophilic active ingredients and application acceptability. This review focuses, in particular, on the effect of emulsions on the dermal and transdermal delivery of active ingredients. It is shown that the type of emulsion (w/o vs. o/w emulsion), the droplet size, the emollient, the emulsifier as well as the surfactant organization (micelles, lyotropic liquid crystals) in the emulsion may affect the cutaneous and percutaneous absorption. Examples substantiate the fact that emulsion constituents such as emollients and emulsifiers should be selected carefully for optimal efficiency of the formulation. Moreover, to understand the influence of emulsion on dermal and transdermal delivery, the physicochemical properties of the formulation after application are considered.
Microwave Dielectric Properties and Low‐Temperature Sintering of Cerium Oxide for LTCC Applications
Authors: Anjana Prabhakaran Sreekumari , Sebastian Mailadil Thomas
Published: January 2009

The effect of glass additives on the microstructure, densification, and microwave dielectric properties of cerium oxide for low‐temperature co‐fired applications was investigated. Different weight percentages of quenched glass such as B2O3, B2O3–SiO2, Al2O3–SiO2, ZnO–B2O3, BaO–B2O3–SiO2, MgO–B2O3–SiO2, PbO–B2O3–SiO2, ZnO–B2O3–SiO2, 2MgO–Al2O3–5SiO2, LiO–B2O3–SiO2, Bi2O3–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2, and LiO–MgO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2 were added to CeO2 powder. The crystal structure of the ceramic–glass composites was studied by X‐ray diffraction, microstructure by scanning electron microscopy, and phase composition using the energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis technique. The microwave dielectric properties such as relative permittivity (ɛr), quality factor (Quxf), and coefficient of temperature variation of resonant frequency (τf) of the ceramics have been measured in the frequency range 4–6 GHz. Addition of B2O3 and Bi2O3–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2 lowered the sintering temperature of ceria to about 900°C. The 20 wt% B2O3 and 10 wt% Bi2O3–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2‐added CeO2 and sintered at 900° and 950°C showed: Quxf=24 200 and 12 000 GHz, ɛr= 13.2 and 22.4, and τf=−46 and –57.2 ppm/°C, respectively.
Nanobelt Structure in Perovskite–Spinel Composite Thin Films
Authors: Yan Li , Bai Feiming , Li Jiefang , Viehland D.
Published: January 2009

We report a nanobelt structure along the 〈110〉 direction in perovskite–spinel (BiFeO3–CoFe2O4 or BFO–CFO) composite epitaxial thin films deposited on SrTiO3 (STO) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The results reveal the nucleation and growth mechanism of a nanostructure: first nucleation of perovskite phase regions on STO, followed by segregation of spinel out of the perovskite phase, and finally by evolution of spinel nanobelts that are elongated along the 〈110〉. The reason for control of the nanostructure evolution is a ledge growth mechanism of spinel along the 〈110〉 direction.
Oxygen Potentials of (Am0.5Np0.5)O2−x
Authors: Otobe Haruyoshi , Akabori Mitsuo , Arai Yasuo , Minato Kazuo
Published: January 2009

The oxygen potentials of the oxygen‐deficient fluorite‐type oxide (Am0.5Np0.5)O2−x were measured by the electrochemical method using a zirconia solid electrolyte. Coulomb titration has been performed for the sample at 1333 K over 0.021≤x≤0.25. The oxygen potentials were −93.63 and −440.18 kJ/mol for x=0.021 and 0.25 at 1333 K, respectively. The temperature dependence of the oxygen potentials was also measured between 1000 and 1333 K over the x range of 0.021≤x≤0.243. The temperature dependence was almost linear over the x and temperature ranges concerned.
Dielectric Properties of Pb0.97La0.02(Zr0.87−xSnxTi0.13)O3Thin Films with Compositions near the Morphotropic Phase Boundary
Authors: Hao Xihong , Zhai Jiwei , Yao Xi
Published: January 2009

Pb0.97La0.02(Zr0.87−xSnxTi0.13)O3(PLZST,x=0.27, 0.17, 0.07)) thin films with the compositions in ferroelectric rhombohedral (FER) region, near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), were deposited on the Pt‐electroded silicon (PtSi) substrates by the sol–gel process. The phase structure and surface morphology of PLZST thin films were analyzed by XRD and SEM, respectively. The dc electric field and temperature‐dependent dielectric properties of the PLZST thin films were investigated in detail. The results indicated that the dielectric constant, remnant polarization, and the Curie temperature (Tc) of PLZST films were elevated with the decrease of Sn content. Hence, the larger dielectric tunability (τ) was obtained for PLZST thin films withx=0.07, and the maximum τ value was 78.1%.
Changing Diabetes Care for Good
Authors: BROK‐KRISTENSEN MIKKEL
Published: January 2009

The current approach to diabetes management is flawed. Providers' use of the concepts of self‐management and compliance disguises a system in which the perceptions and everyday life of the individual patient is discredited and disregarded The result is the loss of both patients' life quality and the wasting of billions of reimbursers' dollars. This paper proposes a new direction in which providers move to change practice and acknowledge the equal importance of patients' non‐biomedical perception of diabetes in regards to cause, etiology and treatment initiatives. The paper argues that this change can potentially lead to a great improvement in the life expectancy and life quality of people with diabetes. It presents the outline of a practical model intended to assist providers in taking the first steps towards this crucial evolution in practice.
The Local Ingenuity: Maximizing Livelihood through Improvising Current Communication Access Technology
Authors: WONG ANDREW
Published: January 2009

This paper presents what it means for the low income, non user segment to have ‘technological voices’ and in turn ‘be heard’ socially and economically. It argues that the ICT liberates low income people to explore ways in which technology might help to support their livelihood. We draw on recent ethnographic research conducted in Bangladesh on the low income, non user segment. Some of the questions this paper seeks to answer are as follows: What constraints do people have when using communication access technology? How do they modify communication access technology to better suit their lifestyle and livelihood? As the provider of service, how can we be constantly aware of the need to modify features and make the necessary modifications?
Water coolant supply in relation to different ultrasonic scaler systems, tips and coolant settings
Authors: Koster Tom J. G. , Timmerman Mark F. , Feilzer Albert J. , Van der Velden Ubele , Van der Weijden Fridus A.
Published: January 2009

Objective: This study evaluated “in vitro” the consistency of the water coolant supply for five ultrasonic scaler systems in relation to the tip type and different coolant settings.

Material and Methods: The systems were: EMS PM‐400, EMS PM‐600, Satelec P‐max, Dürr Vector and Dentsply Cavitron. For each system, three units were used and on each unit various tips were tested. The tips were run unloaded for 1 min. at full and medium water supply setting.

Results: At full water coolant setting, the PM‐400, PM‐600 and Cavitron supplied on average >45 ml/min. of water coolant (51.5, 46.3 and 46.9 ml/min., respectively). The P‐max supplied 25 ml/min. and the Vector supplied 4.9 ml/min. At medium setting, the PM‐400 and PM‐600 supplied approximately 50% of the volume given at the full coolant setting (25.0 and 26.3 ml/min., respectively). The Cavitron supplied approximately 40% at medium setting (18.2 ml/min.) and the P‐max supplied approximately 25% (5.7 ml/min.).

Conclusion: The coolant control system of the different units did not provide a reliable indication of the water flow. Also, some perio tips gave less water coolant as compared with other tips of the same brand. Consequently, a change of tips during treatment may require adjustment of the water coolant supply.
Kinetic analysis of voltage‐dependent potentiation and block of the glycine α3 receptor by a neuroactive steroid analogue
Authors: Jin Xiaochun , Covey Douglas F. , Steinbach Joe Henry
Published: January 2009

We examined the actions of a carboxylated analogue of pregnanolone ((3α,5β)‐20‐oxopregnane‐3‐carboxylic acid; 3αCOOH5βP) on receptors composed of glycine receptor α3 subunits, expressed inXenopusoocytes. This analogue both inhibits and potentiates this receptor; potentiation increases with more negative membrane potentials while block increases with less negative membrane potentials. We used a second analogue ((3α,5β)‐3‐hydroxymethylpregnan‐20‐one; 3αCH2OH5βP) to examine the mechanism for voltage‐dependent potentiation. This analogue potentiates but does not block the glycine α3 receptor. Steady‐state responses and current relaxations following voltage jumps support the idea that the voltage dependence of potentiation indirectly arises from a voltage dependence for channel activation by glycine, rather than an intrinsic voltage dependence for potentiation. Potentiation results from a slowing of the channel deactivation rate. In the absence of steroid, at a low [glycine] current relaxations after a voltage jump show two exponential components, with a weighted average time constant of ∼425 ms (−50 mV, 22°C). The rate for channel deactivation increases at more negative potentials (e‐fold per 170 mV) whereas activation decreases (e‐fold per 230 mV). The probability a channel is active at a high [glycine] is greater than 0.9. The addition of 10 μm3αCH2OH5βP decreases the deactivation rate by 6.3‐fold (−50 mV). Voltage‐dependent block by 3αCOOH5βP is consistent with simple open‐channel block, with voltage dependence reflecting interactions of the charge on the analogue with the electrical field. Block and unblock have equal but opposite dependence on membrane potential, and the charge on 3αCOOH5βP senses ∼70% of the membrane field at the blocking site. The apparent forward rate for block, however, is very slow (2 × 105m−1s−1).
Involvement of ERK phosphorylation in brainstem neurons in modulation of swallowing reflex in rats
Authors: Tsujimura Takanori , Kondo Masahiro , Kitagawa Junichi , Tsuboi Yoshiyuki , Saito Kimiko , Tohara Haruka , Ueda Koichiro , Sessle Barry J. , Iwata Koichi
Published: January 2009

In order to evaluate the neuronal mechanisms underlying functional abnormalities of swallowing in orofacial pain patients, this study investigated the effects of noxious orofacial stimulation on the swallowing reflex, phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunohistochemical features in brainstem neurons, and also analysed the effects of brainstem lesioning and of microinjection of GABA receptor agonist or antagonist into the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) on the swallowing reflex in anaesthetized rats. The swallowing reflex elicited by topical administration of distilled water to the pharyngolaryngeal region was inhibited after capsaicin injection into the facial (whisker pad) skin or lingual muscle. The capsaicin‐induced inhibitory effect on the swallowing reflex was itself depressed after the intrathecal administration of MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor. No change in the capsaicin‐induced inhibitory effect was observed after trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis lesioning, but the inhibitory effect was diminished by paratrigeminal nucleus (Pa5) lesioning. Many pERK‐like immunoreactive neurons in the NTS showed GABA immunoreactivity. The local microinjection of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol into the NTS produced a significant reduction in swallowing reflex, and the capsaicin‐induced depression of the swallowing reflex was abolished by microinjection of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline into the NTS. The present findings suggest that facial skin–NTS, lingual muscle–NTS and lingual muscle–Pa5–NTS pathways are involved in the modulation of swallowing reflex by facial and lingual pain, respectively, and that the activation of GABAergic NTS neurons is involved in the inhibition of the swallowing reflex following noxious stimulation of facial and intraoral structures.
Coatings on Bed Particles From FB-Combustion of Different Biomasses
Authors: Nuutinen Laura H. , Tiainen Minna S. , Virtanen Mika E. , Laitinen Risto S.
Published: January 2009

The FB-combustion of several biomass fuels (bark, wood in different forms, biosludge, chicken litter, REF and forest residue) with different bed materials (quartz, natural sand, and recently introduced GR Granule) has been studied in this work. The bed samples have been collected during the laboratory, pilot, and full scale tests. The chemical composition of the coating layers and agglomerates were characterized by SEM-EDX. Line scans, point analyses, and X-ray maps were used to characterize the coating layers further. It was observed that the chemical composition of the coating of the bed particles depends both on the fuel type and on the bed material. The thickness of coating layers was also dependent on fuel and combustion history. The coatings were often seen to contain several superimposed layers. The innermost layer mainly contained alkali silicates, whereas the outermost layer was calcium-rich or magnesium-rich. In some cases the coating layers seem to protect the bed particles from agglomeration.
Three-Dimensional Modeling and Model Validation of Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion
Authors: Myo¨ha¨nen Kari , Hyppa¨nen Timo , Miettinen Jouni , Parkkonen Riku
Published: January 2009

This paper presents a three-dimensional, steady state combustion model for a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) furnace and several calculation cases which have been used for the validation of the model. The model includes essential submodels to describe the complex combustion process in a circulating fluidized bed boiler. These include the hydrodynamics of the bed, devolatilization of fuel, combustion of char, combustion of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, calcination and sulfation, fragmentation and attrition of solids, heat transfer, overall mass balance of the furnace, and three-dimensional balance equations based on the finite volume method. The code was initially developed in 1989, and it has been updated and improved over the years as new methods and new information have become available. The model is used for increasing process knowledge and for studying such phenomena inside the furnace which are often difficult or impossible to study by direct measurements. The knowledge obtained is then applied to optimize boiler design and process performance in terms of efficiency, economy and environmental issues. Reliable experiments and measurements in commercial boilers are used for the validation of the model and for tuning the model parameters. For the validation of a three-dimensional model, extensive profile measurements of the various parts of the furnace are required. This paper presents validation studies for an 80 MWth hot water boiler burning bituminous coal and for a 235 MWe subcritical boiler burning lignite. The measurements with these units included profile measurements of heat flux, pressure, temperature and gas composition under different process conditions. The model was tuned according to the measurements and used for the prediction of the heat flux profile of a large scale supercritical CFB boiler.