bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of experimental clutch enlargement in a High Arctic single-egg layer, the Little Auk (Alle alle)
Authors: Jakubas D. , Wojczulanis-Jakubas K.
Published: May 2014

Initial reproductive investments in birds are energy-demanding. Amount of energy allocated to egg production and incubation may have an important role in determining parental fitness and evolution of clutch size. Here, we investigated whether the Little Auk (Alle alle (L., 1758)), a small alcid with one-egg clutch but two brood patches (probably remnant of the original two-egg clutch), is capable of incubating two eggs and rearing two chicks. We performed an experiment with removing the egg from 20 nests and transferring it to 20 experimental nests (EN). In 25% of EN, both eggs failed to hatch; in 75% of EN, only one egg hatched successfully. Hatching success in EN was 2.5 times lower than in control nests (CN). In EN, chicks hatched only from eggs warmed during >90% of inspections. Owing to the prolonged incubation, the chicks in EN hatched 2 days later than in CN. However, due to the shorter period spent in the nest in EN, fledging dates in both types of nests were similar. The similar body mass and survival of chicks from EN and CN suggest that these traits were influenced mainly by the rearing conditions. Our study emphasize the importance of the incubation phase as a constraint on clutch size.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN ESTABLISHED JAPANESE FIRMS: WILL THE OLYMPUS SCANDAL HAPPEN AGAIN?
Authors: TETSUHIRO KISHITA
Published: May 2014

After the Second World War, manufacturing establishments in Japan experienced vigorous growth from the 1960s through 1970s, and they achieved international success in the 1980s, during which they developed their own way of running firms, called Japanese style management, and a unique corporate governance system called the insider-type of corporate governance. Under this system, the main banks monitor and check the behaviors of corporate executives, who have usually had a long career in the companies. The Japanese style of management and the insider-type of corporate governance system stopped working well in the 1990s, however, when Japanese businesses experienced the collapse of the asset-inflated economy in the domestic market, began to receive a large number of foreign investors in their stock market, and found that they had to be involved in global competition. The country, therefore, from the late 1990s, shifted its strategies, restructured organizations, and tried to change its management style and corporate governance system to ones better fitted to the new business environment. A key to the Japanese manufacturers' resurgence is an entrepreneurial challenge to promote innovation in modular-technology-core industries, as well as maintenance and strengthening of their traditional competitive advantage in integral-technology-core industries. The challenge imperatively requires a more transparent and nimble governance system for global financing and agile decision making. However, despite efforts to restructure, the core structure of the traditional governance system still remains intact, as was demonstrated by the Olympus scandal of 2011. The reason that large Japanese firms cannot change their creaky governance system is not because it still shows efficiency or effectiveness, but because Japanese business society still holds to orthodox views regarding the large, established companies. As long as the people concerned hold to orthodox views of large traditional firms, big banks, and bureaucracy, the traditional insider-type of corporate governance will survive, and another corporate scandal is liable to happen in the near future.
Criteria for p-ordinarity of families of elliptic curves over infinitely many number fields
Authors: Freitas Nuno , Tsaknias Panagiotis
Published: May 2014

Let Ki be a number field for all i ∈ ℤ>0 and let ℰ be a family of elliptic curves containing infinitely many members defined over Ki for all i. Fix a rational prime p. We give sufficient conditions for the existence of an integer i0 such that, for all i > i0 and all elliptic curve E ∈ ℰ having good reduction at all 𝔭 | p in Ki, we have that E has good ordinary reduction at all primes 𝔭 | p. We illustrate our criteria by applying it to certain Frey curves in [Recipes to Fermat-type equations of the form xr + yr = Czp, to appear in Math. Z.; http://arXiv.org/abs/1203.3371 ] attached to Fermat-type equations of signature (r, r, p).
Prepared and Characteristics of ZnO:YAG/Silicon Nanostructure Diodes Prepared by Ultrasonic Spraying
Authors: Hsu Chih-Hung , Chen Lung-Chien , Wu Jia-Ren
Published: May 2014

This work presents a novel white light source. An yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) phosphor incorporated zinc oxide (ZnO) (ZnO:YAG) film is deposited on a silicon substrate by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis to form a nanostructure diode. A nanoflower consisting of a hexagonal nanopetal is formed on the surfaces of the silicon substrate. A white broad band at the room temperature photoluminescence ranging from 420 to 650 nm for the ZnO:YAG/silicon nanostructure diode was observed. The white broad band consists of the emissions of defect level transition of the ZnO film and the5D4level to the7F6and7F5level transitions of Ce3+ions.
Efficient and Provable Secure Pairing-Free Security-Mediated Identity-Based Identification Schemes
Authors: Chin Ji-Jian , Tan Syh-Yuan , Heng Swee-Huay , Phan Raphael C.-W.
Published: May 2014

Security-mediated cryptography was first introduced by Boneh et al. in 2001. The main motivation behind security-mediated cryptography was the capability to allow instant revocation of a user’s secret key by necessitating the cooperation of a security mediator in any given transaction. Subsequently in 2003, Boneh et al. showed how to convert a RSA-based security-mediated encryption scheme from a traditional public key setting to an identity-based one, where certificates would no longer be required. Following these two pioneering papers, other cryptographic primitives that utilize a security-mediated approach began to surface. However, the security-mediated identity-based identification scheme (SM-IBI) was not introduced until Chin et al. in 2013 with a scheme built on bilinear pairings. In this paper, we improve on the efficiency results for SM-IBI schemes by proposing two schemes that are pairing-free and are based on well-studied complexity assumptions: the RSA and discrete logarithm assumptions.
Spectroscopic Identification of Neurotoxin Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS) Captured by Supramolecular Receptor β‐Cyclodextrin Immobilized on Nanostructured Gold Surfaces
Authors: Dernaika H. , Chong S. V. , Artur C. G. , Tallon J. L.
Published: May 2014

We report on the spectroscopic identification of tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS), a deadly neurotoxic rodenticide, captured on plasmonic substrates using supramolecular guest‐host functionality. Commercial nanopatterned surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active substrates were self‐assembled with host β‐cyclodextrin (CD) and the captured TETS was readily identified by X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) and infrared spectroscopy, but not with Raman. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was carried out to determine the Raman scattering cross section of TETS to gauge its Raman scattering efficiency in the preresonant 633 nm excitation region. This was found to be lower than 10−29 cm2/sr, much lower than that of a dye molecule commonly used in SERS experiment. We explain the nondetection of TETS by Raman based on a combined intrinsically weak Raman scattering cross section and their low surface concentration, where XPS only shows a surface coverage of less than 0.02 monolayer with respect to the total number of gold sites. Comparing this to our own CD‐decorated 10 nm gold nanoparticles (NPs) surface, we found that the inherently greater surface area provided by the NPs increases the amount of CD present (per unit area), giving our surface the capability to detect both the receptor and TETS via attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR.
Biochemical and Neurotransmitters Changes Associated with Tramadol in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Ezzeldin Essam , Souror Wafaa A. H. , El-Nahhas Toqa , Soudi Abdel Nasser M. M. , Shahat Abdelaaty A.
Published: May 2014

The incidence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Chronic neuropathic pain occurs in approximately 25% of diabetic patients. Tramadol, an atypical analgesic with a unique dual mechanism of action, is used in the management of painful diabetic neuropathy. It acts on monoamine transporters to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), and dopamine (DA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of diabetes on the brain neurotransmitter alterations induced by tramadol in rats, and to study the hepatic and renal toxicities of the drug. Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into two sets: the normal set and the diabetic set. Diabetes was induced in rats. Tramadol was administered orally once daily for 28 days. The levels of DA, NE, and 5-HT in cerebral cortex, thalamus/hypothalamus, midbrain, and brainstem were evaluated in rats. In addition, the renal toxicity and histopathological effects of the drug were assessed. The induction of diabetes altered neurotransmitter levels. Oral administration of tramadol significantly decreased the neurotransmitter levels. Diabetes significantly altered the effects of tramadol in all brain regions. Tramadol affected function and histology of the liver and kidney. The clinical effects of tramadol in diabetic patients should be stressed.
Scheduling Jobs with Variable Job Processing Times on Unrelated Parallel Machines
Authors: Zhang Guang-Qian , Wang Jian-Jun , Liu Ya-Jing
Published: May 2014

munrelated parallel machines scheduling problems with variable job processing times are considered, where the processing time of a job is a function of its position in a sequence, its starting time, and its resource allocation. The objective is to determine the optimal resource allocation and the optimal schedule to minimize a total cost function that dependents on the total completion (waiting) time, the total machine load, the total absolute differences in completion (waiting) times on all machines, and total resource cost. If the number of machines is a given constant number, we propose a polynomial time algorithm to solve the problem.
Management of Superficial Abscesses: Scope for Day Case Surgery
Authors: Nixon Martha , Akoh Jacob A.
Published: May 2014

Background.Patients presenting with superficial abscesses are often regarded as low priority and given a less efficient service.Aim.The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of emergency treatment of superficial abscesses and to identify areas for service improvement.Method.A retrospective case review of patients admitted to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, over a four-month period.Results.Ninety-seven patients were included in the study. Seventy two (74%) arrived between 08.00 and 16.00 hours. Overall, 75 patients (77%) were referred on weekdays with 22 patients (23%) during weekends. Seventy-two patients (74%) had treatment under a general anaesthetic. Sixty-three percent of operations occurred within the working day. The time interval between admission and surgery ranged from 52 minutes to 38 hours (mean ± SD 16 ± 9.15). The length of admission ranged from 5.3 hours to 11 days (mean 36 hours). Of the one hundred overnight beds used by the 97 patients, 30 nights were spent awaiting surgery and 70 following surgery and awaiting discharge.Conclusion.Eighty-nine percent of the patients would have been suitable for treatment as day cases. This review shows that a simple service redesign has the potential of reducing inpatient bed occupancy and improving the patient’s journey.
A Novel Power Electronic Inverter Circuit for Transformerless Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Hai-Yan Cao
Published: May 2014

Capacitive leakage current is one of the most important issues for transformerless photovoltaic systems. In order to deal with the capacitive leakage current, a new power electronic inverter circuit is proposed in this paper. The inverter circuit consists of six switches and operates with constant common mode voltage. Theoretical analysis is conducted to clarify the circuit operation principle and the common mode characteristic. The performance evaluation test is carried out, and test results demonstrate that the capacitive leakage current can be significantly minimized with the proposed power electronic inverter circuit.
A Study of Inverse Problems Based on Two Kinds of Special Matrix Equations in Euclidean Space
Authors: Huang Rui , Wu Xiaodong , Wang Ruihe , Li Hui
Published: May 2014

Two special classes of symmetric coefficient matrices were defined based on characteristics matrix; meanwhile, the expressions of the solution to inverse problems are given and the conditions for the solvability of these problems are studied relying on researching. Finally, the optimal approximation solution of these problems is provided.
Elastic Behavior of Borate Glasses Containing Lead and Bismuth Oxides
Authors: Khanisanij Mehrdad , Sidek Haji Abdul Aziz
Published: May 2014

PbO and Bi2O3binary borate glasses with different compositions, (MO)X(B2O3)1−X(M = Pb, Bi), have been characterized and ultrasonic velocity as well as density is taken into account. In addition, the results have been compared with those of Ag, K, and Li oxide borate glasses from others. The ultrasonic velocities (both longitudinal and transverse) and density for (PbO)X(B2O3)1−Xand (Bi2O3)X(B2O3)1−Xhave been measured accurately and elastic moduli as well as hardness and Poisson’s ratio was determined. It has been demonstrated that density and ultrasonic velocities are enhanced by increasing PbO and Bi2O3molar fraction with different values for each borate glass composition. However, the enhancement of ultrasonic velocities did not carry on continuously and after reaching a maximum point, they fell down dramatically. Both PbO and Bi2O3showed almost similar glass improvement in case of density, ultrasonic velocity, and elastic moduli.
Prognostic Significance of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prognostic Studies
Authors: Sadeghi Ramin , Adinehpoor Zohreh , Maleki Masoud , Fallahi Babak , Giovanella Luca , Treglia Giorgio
Published: May 2014

Aim.To assess through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature the prognostic implication of sentinel lymph node mapping in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).Materials and Methods.PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched by using “Merkel AND sentinel” as keywords. All studies with prognostic information regarding SLN mapping in cN0 MCC patients were included. Hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) was used as effect size.Results.SLN biopsy predicted better DFS and OS as compared to the nodal observation in cN0 MCC patients (pooled HR for DFS: 1.61 (95% CI: 1.05–2.46),P=0.028; pooled HR for OS: 1.08 (95% CI: 0.55–2.10),P=0.8). Pathologically negative SLN (SLN−) patients had better OS (pooled HR: 4.42 (95% CI: 1.82–10.7),P=0.0009) and DFS (pooled HR: 2.58 (95% CI: 1.78–3.73)) as compared to SLN+ patients.Conclusion.SLN mapping can provide strong prognostic information regarding OS and DFS in cN0 MCC patients. More importantly, SLN mapping can improve DFS and possibly OS in cN0 MCC patients as compared to nodal observation. As MCC is a rare tumor, large multicenter prospective studies are still needed to validate the survival benefit of SLN mapping.
Alternative Expression Pattern of MALT1-A20-NF-κB in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhu Lihua , Liao Ziwei , Zhang Fan , Xu Ling , Xu Yan , Chen Shaohua , Yang Lijian , Zhou Yi , Li Yangqiu
Published: May 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder; abnormal T cell immunity plays a critical role in the development of RA. Recently, A20 was identified as a key negative regulator for T cell activation and inflammatory signaling and may be involved in RA pathogenesis. In this study, we analyzed the expression level of A20, NF-κB, and A20 regulatory factor mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation gene 1 (MALT1) in patients with RA. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression level of MALT1, MALT-V1, A20, and NF-κB genes in RA and healthy individuals (HI). Significantly lower A20 expression was found in RA patients compared with those in the healthy group, while NF-κB overexpression could be detected in patients with RA. Moreover, the MALT1 and MALT1-V1 expression level was downregulated in RA patients. A positive correlation between MALT1 and A20 and MALT1-V1 and A20 was found in patients with RA, and a tendency towards a negative correlation was found between MALT1 and NF-κB, MALT1-V1 and NF-κB, and A20 and NF-κB. In conclusion, we first characterized the alternative expression pattern of MALT1, A20, and NF-κB in RA, which may be related to abnormal T cell activation.
Effects of Adenotonsillectomy on Neurocognitive Function in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Horiuchi Fumie , Oka Yasunori , Komori Kenjiro , Tokui Yasumasa , Matsumoto Teruhisa , Kawabe Kentaro , Ueno Shu-ichi
Published: May 2014

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children does not only present with symptoms of sleep disturbances but also with associated symptoms such as growth failure, enuresis, academic learning difficulties, and behavioral problems, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder- (ADHD-) like symptoms. We evaluated neurocognitive functions before and after adenotonsillectomy in a patient with OSAS. An 11-year-old boy suspected of having ADHD with nocturnal enuresis was referred for evaluation. He was found to have adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Presence of snoring was evident only after detailed medical interview. Polysomnography confirmed the diagnosis of OSAS, which was subsequently treated by adenotonsillectomy. The apnea/hypopnea index decreased from 21.9 at baseline to 1.8 after surgery, and the frequency of enuresis fell from almost nightly to 2-3 times per month. Neurocognitive and behavioral assessment after the treatment of OSAS showed significant improvement in cognitive functions, especially attention capacity and considerable amelioration of behavioral problems including ADHD-like symptoms. As the most common cause of pediatric OSAS is adenotonsillar hypertrophy, medical interview and oropharyngeal examination should always be performed in children suspected of having ADHD. The necessity of sleep evaluation for children with ADHD-like symptoms was also emphasized.
Electrophysiological Studies in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Retrospective Investigation
Authors: Bandorski Dirk , Schmitt Jörn , Kurzlechner Claudia , Erkapic Damir , Hamm Christian W. , Seeger Werner , Ghofrani Ardeschir , Höltgen Reinhard , Gall Henning
Published: May 2014

Few studies have investigated patients with pulmonary hypertension and arrhythmias. Data on electrophysiological studies in these patients are rare. In a retrospective dual-centre design, we analysed data from patients with indications for electrophysiological study. Fifty-five patients with pulmonary hypertension were included (Dana Point Classification: group 1: 14, group 2: 23, group 3: 4, group 4: 8, group 5: 2, and 4 patients with exercised-induced pulmonary hypertension). Clinical data, 6-minute walk distance, laboratory values, and echocardiography were collected/performed. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was the most frequent indication (n=15) for an electrophysiological study, followed by atrial flutter (n=14). In summary 36 ablations were performed and 25 of them were successful (atrial flutter 12 of 14 and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia 4 of 4). Fluoroscopy time was 16±14.4 minutes. Electrophysiological studies in patients with pulmonary hypertension are feasible and safe. Ablation procedures are as effective in these patients as in non-PAH patients with atrial flutter and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and should be performed likewise. The prognostic relevance of ventricular stimulations and inducible ventricular tachycardias in these patients is still unclear and requires further investigation.
An Overview of Neovaginal Reconstruction Options in Male to Female Transsexuals
Authors: Bizic Marta , Kojovic Vladimir , Duisin Dragana , Stanojevic Dusan , Vujovic Svetlana , Milosevic Aleksandar , Korac Gradimir , Djordjevic Miroslav L.
Published: May 2014

Transsexualism is a complex condition in which the person experiences the inconsistency between the desired gender and their biological gender. Absence of the vagina is devastating in male to female transsexuals. Creation of the neovagina is the main surgical problem in these patients. Historically, beginnings of the neovaginal creation have their roots in the treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky syndrome and conditions such as cloacal anomalies, certain intersex disorders, vaginal malignancies, or severe vaginal trauma, but have more recently found great purpose in male to female sex reassignment surgery. Many operative procedures have been described but none is ideal. Therefore, the search for new, improved solutions continues. In neovaginoplasty reconstruction of the vulvovaginal complex is performed in its entity. The gold standard in neovaginal reconstruction in male to female sex reassignment surgery is penile skin inversion technique with or without scrotal flaps, which enables adequate sensation of the neovagina, good neovaginal depth, good erotic sensitivity of the neclitoris, and esthetically acceptable labia minora and maiora.
Solvability of a Third-Order Singular Generalized Left Focal Problem in Banach Spaces
Authors: Zhang Youwei
Published: May 2014

We consider the existence of positive solution for a third-order singular generalized left focal boundary value problem with full derivatives in Banach spaces. Green’s function and its
properties, explicit a priori, estimates will be presented. By means of the theories of the fixed point in cones,
we establish some new and general results on the existence of single and multiple positive solutions to the
third-order singular generalized left focal boundary value problem. Our results are generalizations and
extensions of the results of the focal boundary value problem. An example is included to illustrate the
results obtained.
Increased Stem Cell Marker Expressions during the Peri-Implantation Period in the Rat Endometrium: Constructive Role of Exogenous Zinc and/or Progesterone
Authors: Sahin Cagdas , Yilmaz Dilsiz Ozlem , Bakti Demiray Sirin , Yeniel Ozgur , Ergenoglu Mete , Demirel Sezer Ebru , Oktem Gulperi , Tavmergen Goker Ege Nazan , Tavmergen Erol
Published: May 2014

Background. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of zinc and/or progesterone via the expression ofαvβ5 integrins and Vitronectins and embryonic stem cell markers during the peri-implantation period.Methods. Four experimental groups were organized. All subjects were mated with males of the same strain to induce pregnancy; after 5 days, zinc and/or progesterone were administered. Blood levels of zinc and progesterone were determined on the sixth day and endometrial tissues were obtained in order to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of integrins and embryonic stem cell markers.Results. Theαvβ5 integrin and vitronectin expression increased in the zinc group compared with the control group and no difference in the progesterone group and zinc + progesterone group. Expression of Klf-4, Sox-2, and c-Myc was found to be increased in the zinc group compared to controls, while no difference was determined between the progesterone, zinc + progesterone, and control groups. Distinctively, expression of the embryonic stem cell marker Oct-4 was increased in all of the experimental groups.Conclusions. Expression ofαvβ5 integrin, vitronectin, and embryonic stem cell markers might be increased by the administration of zinc. Our results suggest that zinc could be useful in the induction of implantation rates.
The Fabrication and Properties Characterization of Wood‐Based Flame Retardant Composites
Authors: He Xia , Li Xianjun , Zhong Zhu , Yan Yongli , Mou Qunying , Yao Chunhua , Wang Chun
Published: May 2014

Wood‐based flame retardant composites were fabricated based on vacuum‐pressure impregnating method after high intensive microwave pretreatment. The effects of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and modified nano‐zinc borate (nZB) addition on flame‐retardation and smoke‐suppression properties of wood were investigated by cone calorimeter method (CONE) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the heat release rate (HRR), peak heat release rate (pk‐HRR), and total heat release (THR) of APP‐treated woods decreased greatly with increasing concentration of APP. However, mean yield of CO (Mean COY) of APP‐treated wood was much higher (3.5 times) than that of untreated wood. Compared with wood treated with APP at a concentration of 15%, the total smoke product (TSP), Mean COY, and pk‐HRR decreased by 78.4%, 71.43%, and 31.23%, when wood was treated with APP and nZB (both concentrations were at 15%). APP and nZB have synergistic effects of flame‐retardation and smoke‐suppression. Nano‐zinc borate combined with APP would be used in wood‐based composites to efficiently retard flame, reduce fire intensity, and decrease noxious (CO)/smoke release.
Challenges in Diagnosis of Pseudo Vasa Previa
Authors: Kajimoto Etsuko , Matsuzaki Shinya , Matsuzaki Satoko , Tanaka Yusuke , Kinugasa-Taniguchi Yukiko , Mimura Kazuya , Kanagawa Takeshi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: May 2014

Vasa previa is a rare but clinically important obstetrical complication that can be associated with a low-lying placenta or placenta previa. We aim to convey the challenges in diagnosing this condition by presenting 2 cases of pseudo vasa previa diagnosed antenatally as vasa previa using standard and color Doppler ultrasonography. Both patients were falsely diagnosed; only a low-lying placenta was revealed after delivery. These reports emphasize that accurate identification of vasa previa on cervical imaging is important for determining an appropriate treatment strategy.
Propeller Flaps: A Review of Indications, Technique, and Results
Authors: D'Arpa Salvatore , Toia Francesca , Pirrello Roberto , Moschella Francesco , Cordova Adriana
Published: May 2014

In the last years, propeller flaps have become an appealing option for coverage of a large range of defects. Besides having a more reliable vascular pedicle than traditional flap, propeller flaps allow for great freedom in design and for wide mobilization that extend the possibility of reconstructing difficult wounds with local tissues and minimal donor-site morbidity. They also allow one-stage reconstruction of defects that usually require multiple procedures. Harvesting of a propeller flap requires accurate patient selection, preoperative planning, and dissection technique. Complication rate can be kept low, provided that potential problems are prevented, promptly recognized, and adequately treated. This paper reviews current knowledge on propeller flaps. Definition, classification, and indications in the different body regions are discussed based on a review of the literature and on the authors’ experience. Details about surgical technique are provided, together with tips to avoid and manage complications.
Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Crosspolymers as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Becker Lillian C. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: May 2014

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the safety of 62 dimethicone crosspolymer ingredients as used in cosmetics. These ingredients function mostly as absorbents, bulking agents, film formers, hair-conditioning agents, emollient skin-conditioning agents, slip modifiers, surface modifiers, and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agents. The Panel reviewed available animal and human data related to these polymers and addressed the issue of residual monomers. The Panel concluded that these dimethicone crosspolymer ingredients are safe in the practices of use and concentration as given in this safety assessment.
Similar matrix alterations in alveolar and small airway walls of COPD patients
Authors: Eurlings Irene MJ , Dentener Mieke A , Cleutjens Jack PM , Peutz Carine J , Rohde Gernot GU , Wouters Emiel FM , Reynaert Niki L
Published: May 2014

Background

Remodelling in COPD has at least two dimensions: small airway wall thickening and destruction of alveolar walls. Recent studies indicate that there is some similarity between alveolar and small airway wall matrix remodelling. The aim of this study was to characterise and assess similarities in alveolar and small airway wall matrix remodelling, and TGF-β signalling in COPD patients of different GOLD stages.

Methods

Lung tissue sections of 14 smoking controls, 16 GOLD II and 19 GOLD IV patients were included and stained for elastin and collagens as well as hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan matrix component and pSMAD2.

Results

Elastin was significantly decreased in COPD patients not only in alveolar, but also in small airway walls. Interestingly, both collagen and hyaluronan were increased in alveolar as well as small airway walls. The matrix changes were highly comparable between GOLD stages, with collagen content in the alveolar wall increasing further in GOLD IV. A calculated remodelling index, defined as elastin divided over collagen and hyaluronan, was decreased significantly in GOLD II and further lowered in GOLD IV patients, suggesting that matrix component alterations are involved in progressive airflow limitation. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation present between the alveolar and small airway wall stainings of the matrix components, as well as for pSMAD2. No differences in pSMAD2 staining between controls and COPD patients were found.

Conclusions

In conclusion, remodelling in the alveolar and small airway wall in COPD is markedly similar and already present in moderate COPD. Notably, alveolar collagen and a remodelling index relate to lung function.
Schemata as the primary modelling system of culture: Prospects for the study of nonverbal communication
Authors: Chien Jui-Pi
Published: May 2014

The art historian Ernst Gombrich asserted that both artists and viewers are constrained by specific cultural mental sets within which they operate: he used “schemata” to refer to both actual sketches and our mental sets. In mapping the mechanism of culture, Juri Lotman situated both language and the “schematized image” at the centre of semiospheres: they function to introduce unity and eliminate contradictions. Schemata have obviously served as both the cause and the result of human knowledge, some loosely constructed yet highly condensed forms of art in different domains. Theorizing at a time of a hypertrophy of scientific and linguistic models, Lotman and Gombrich appear to have converged on theorizing our means of connecting people across cultures. They each put forward their own perspectives concerning the interplay between culture, art and pictorial representation. This paper serves to: (1) examine how Lotman and Gombrich interpreted Jakobson’s scheme of communication; (2) reveal the paradox of schemata and nonverbal communication latent in their writings; (3) soften the paradox by drawing on Lotman’s conceptulization of play as an emotional structure. It is argued that the kind of emotive potential defined from the perspective of beholders or addressees is crucial to our survival in the global village.
Communicating the ideas and attitudes of spying in film music: A social semiotic approach
Authors: Griffith Frank , Machin David
Published: May 2014

Taking the example of two 1960s popular spy films this paper explores how social semiotics can make a contribution to the analysis of film music. Following other scholars who have sought to create inventories of sound meanings to help us break down the way that music communicates, this paper explores how we can draw on the principles of Hallidayan functional grammar to present an inventory of meaning potentials in sound. This provides one useful way to describe the semiotic resources available to composers to allow them to communicate quite specific ideas, attitudes and identities through combinations of different sounds and sound qualities, by presenting them as systems of meaning rather than as lists of connotations. Here we apply this to the different uses of music and sound in Dr No and The Ipcress Files which allows us to show how we can reveal different ideologies of spying.
A methodological framework for projecting brand equity: Putting back the imaginary into brand knowledge structures
Authors: Rossolatos George
Published: May 2014

The aim of this paper is to outline a methodological framework for brand equity planning with structuralist rhetorical semiotics. By drawing on the connectionist conceptual model of the brand generative trajectory of signification it will be displayed in a stepwise fashion how a set of nuclear semes and classemes or an intended semic structure that underlies manifest discursive structures may be projected by its internal stakeholders (i.e., a brand management team, an account planning team or a marketing research team) with view to attaining differential brand associations. The suggested methodological framework focuses on the strength and uniqueness of brand associations as integral aspects of a brand’s equity structure and comprises a set of calculi that aim at addressing from a brand textuality point of view how associations may be systematically linked to their key sources with an emphasis on the ad filmic text. The propounded methodology is exemplified by recourse to a corpus of ad filmic texts from the major brand players in the UK cereals market. The argumentative thrust is intent on demonstrating that structuralist rhetorical semiotics is not only useful for analysing/interpreting brand texts, but, moreover, for constructing and for managing them over time. This demonstration is deployed by adopting a synchronic/diachronic and intra-(ad)-filmic/inter-(ad)-filmic approach to the formation of brand associations that make up a projected brand equity structure, in the context of embedded product category dynamics.
Meaning and meaning fields: A non-dualist approach by Martin Staude
Authors: Tinits Peeter
Published: May 2014

Review of Meaning in Communication, Cognition, and Reality: Outline of a Theory from Semiotics, Philosophy, and Sociology, by Martin Staude. Exeter: Imprint Academic, 2012.
“Professional Risk” Concept in International and National Practice
Authors: Федорец  , Fedorets Aleksandr
Published: May 2014

The author analyzes the term "professional risk" applied in the Labor Code of the Russian Federation and in national

system of insurance against accidents and occupational diseases. It has been shown that in the system of insurance against

accidents and occupational diseases the "professional risk" level, in fact, means an insurer’s professional (insurance) risk

level. This risk has no any relation to "professional risk" of this or that worker or professional group of economic activity

type. A new, scientifically reasonable interpretation of "professional risk" concept as the risk which owner is the worker

himself, as an owner of profession and professional competences, has been offered.
Results of Experimental Researches of Solid Household Waste Structure in Arkhangelsk City
Authors: Волкодаева  , Volkodaeva M. , Федина  , Fedina Zh.
Published: May 2014

Results of quality assessment of Arkhangelsk city’s solid household waste structure are presented. Actual data of waste’s morphological

(component) and fractional structure for three groups of research objects: housing stock, housing stock with public objects, public

objects were defined. The received results allow draw a conclusion on prospects of waste’s sorting and secondary processing.
Speaker identification based on artificial neural networks. Case study: the Polish vowel (pilot study)
Authors: Salapa Kinga , Trawińska Agata , Roterman Irena , Tadeusiewicz Ryszard
Published: May 2014

Current statistical methods and technologies used for speaker identification via dynamic formant frequency often involve classic multivariate analyses that must meet a number of criteria in order to be considered trustworthy. The authors propose more advanced classification techniques, including artificial neural networks. Owing to iterative learning algorithms, neural networks can be trained to detect highly complex, nonlinear relations hidden in input data. This study specifically considers feed-forward multilayer perceptron and radial basic function network models. The investigation involves an analysis of the Polish vowel (stressed or unstressed) in selected contexts described by the four lowest formant frequencies. Results indicate high accuracy of neural networks as a speaker identification tool reaching up to 100%. In addition, the authors have determined that the accuracy of classification is similar when based on a single context to when input data are aggregated over several different contexts.
Corrosion behavior of metallic materials in biomedical applications. I. Ti and its alloys
Authors: Pound Bruce G.
Published: May 2014

The use of metallic materials for implantable medical devices has prompted numerous studies aimed at characterizing the corrosion susceptibility of these materials and understanding their electrochemical behavior in simulated and actual physiological liquids. This review focuses on the forms of corrosion that are of principal interest for Ti and its alloysin vivo: general corrosion, pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and fretting corrosion. It also addresses environmentally assisted cracking in the form of hydrogen embrittlement. Of particular interest is the susceptibility of Ti and its alloys to the different forms of corrosion with regard to both solution chemistry, especially the effect of organic species, and surface characteristics such as oxide composition, surface inclusions, and wear/fretting.
Moral Portability–Some Insights from Cultural Semiotics
Authors: Leone Massimo
Published: May 2014

Global communication today is strictly connected to the dominant social reproduction system which is regulated by dominant ideology and official discourse. These are grounded in the logic of identity, therefore the logic of roles with their limited responsibilities and alibis, ultimately the logic of self-interest. Human behaviour is sign behaviour and ideological behaviour, in other words, it is never neutral, but, on the contrary, is permeated with values and regulated by social programs. Global semiotics and semioethics contribute towards a critical understanding of communication today, of semiosis, in a globalized world. Dialogism and listening are the condition for a new form of humanism based on the logic of otherness rather than on the logic of identity.
Application of Dynamic Semiotics: Semiotic and Memetic Approach to the Fusion and Unification of Individualistic and Collectivistic Concepts
Authors: Jiazu Gu
Published: May 2014

The author of this paper gives a detailed semiotic analysis to the dynamic change of individualism and collectivism, the main cultural concepts shared by Westerners and Easterners respectively. The author believes that the rise of memetics has contributed immensely to dynamic semiotics and dynamic semiotic analysis, in turn, is made more applicable to many branches of learning in general and to intercultural communication in particular. The author ventures that individualism and collectivism seem opposed to each other, they can be unified and fused as a result of memetic movement including memetic spreading, selection and memetic quality variation. Intercultural communicators can possess at the same time both desirable individualistic and collectivistic concepts in the process of intercultural communication as a result of semiotic production. Such tendency is justified by the existence of androgyny in human character. The author, in the meantime, gives a semiotic analysis to intercultural communicators' cultural structure. The author concludes that interculture is the nature of the cultural structure of intercultural communicators, a semiotic mixture which is different from their home culture or the target culture.
Between Praxeological and Axiological Semiotics in the Cultural Sphere of Intersubjective Meanings
Authors: Wąsik Zdzistew
Published: May 2014

The subject matter of the following paper constitutes the inquiry into the essence of meaning realized in the behavior and products of cultural subjects as participants of intersubjective communication. Accordingly, several philosophical and linguistic approaches to the object-related concepts of sign and meaning will be juxtaposed with the subject-related concepts of meaning-creation-and-utilization occurring in the realm of man as a living organism. A special attention will be paid, in the first case, to the instrumental functions of task-oriented meaning-bearers and, in the second, to the utilitarian values of need-oriented practices of meaning-creators and meaning-utilizers being engaged in changeable processes of solipsistic interpretation and collective understanding.
Interpretation of Arbitrariness of the Linguistic Sign from the Perspective of Language Production Model
Authors: Yongxiang Wang
Published: May 2014

Saussure (1980) gave an incisive exposition on the arbitrariness of the linguistic sign in Course in General Linguistics. During the recent years, however, many scholars have aired challenging viewpoints concerning the principle of arbitrariness from the perspective of motivation or iconicity and have even made attempts to negate the arbitrariness of the linguistic sign. Taking the basic concepts of sign, signifier, signified, etc. as the point of departure, the present study clarifies what Saussure means by arbitrariness, analyses the relationship between arbitrariness and value system, expatiates the distinction between absolute arbitrariness and relative arbitrariness, and constructs a model of language production in order to expound and further confirm arbitrariness, the principle of the linguistic sign.
Esthetic Interpretants: Pragmaticism, Semiotics, and the Meaning of Art
Authors: Pietarinen Ahti-Veikko
Published: May 2014

This paper studies Charles Peirce's theory of esthetics from the point of view of his pragmaticism and the theory of signs. Esthetics is shown to be a theory of habits of feeling, which requires the notion of an esthetic interpretant. An argument is presented which establishes that, beginning with Peirce's theory of signs, pragmaticism supplies esthetic meaning to the works of art.
Semiotics as the Semantic Organizer of Global Human Sciences –Semiotic Theory: Western Philosophy-centered Approach Vs. Global Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Li Youzheng
Published: May 2014

There are two identities of semiotics: reality and ideal. We semioticians should keep the double identity in our mind to get rid of the limitation of the existing professional semiotic operation. Theoretical semiotics should at first more deeply learn from philosophy and secondly further tum to the interdisciplinary theoretical creation. Only a more effective semiotic theoretical baste could make semiotics stronger to guide the epistemological modernization of the global human sciences in the New Century. The postmodernist trends, however, tend to make semiotics be the mere intellectual games leading to losing its original scientific power. Originated by Sausäure, Pierce, Husseri, semiotics should defend its traditional rationalism against the scientific-dogmatist and the artistic-commercialized fashions alike. Globalization of semiotics will strongly promote its healthy development along the line of a global multiple-rationalization.
The Process of Intercultural Communication: A Semiotic Perspective
Authors: Shen Juming
Published: May 2014

Intercultural communication has been a popular topic both in and outside academic studies, yet most researches in this field have been conducted with the methodology of comparative anthropology while the studies on the dynamic process of intercultural communication have been limited, which serves as the primary motivation to write this paper. The thorniest obstacle to conduct the study is to find a feasible and applicable methodology for the analysis of the process of intercultural communication, which deflated and even impaired the author's confidence to do the study from time to time. Fortunately, months of meditation finally saw the enlightenments from semiotics, a profound science that can provide insights into various humanity and social sciences. A thorough introduction to semiotics is impossible in an MA paper; therefore, only the related theories helpful to study intercultural communication are presented, including the dichotomy theory by Saussure, trichotomy theory by Peirce, theory of cultural semiotics by Lotman, and the semiotic concept of code by scholars such as Eco and Barthes. With this semiotic theoretical framework, the present paper elaborates the definitions of culture and communication and explains their semiotic features from different perspectives. Culture is semiotic in that it refers to not only the metaphysical existence but also the psychological traces, both of which are related with sign. The semiotic feature of communication is explained by identifying the sign as the carrier of information and semiosis as the realization of meaning. In this sense, intercultural communication as a subject based on culture and communication should be understood via semiotics as well. Limited by the size of the present paper, this study focuses exclusively on the process of intercultural communication. The ingredients involved in the process are figured and their roles are identified to the semiotics theories, based on which a semiotic model of intercultural communication is established. This model as the core of the present paper is described in detail and the mechanism of intercultural communication revealed by the model is explained accordingly. The relationship between the semiospheres, the nature of representamen, and the psychological processes as interpretant, are three most significant factors affecting intercultural communication. The findings of this paper explain the humanity subject of intercultural communication in a scientific view, which provides new understandings as well as indicates new research methods.
On the Theory of General Semiotics
Authors: Sokxnonick Abraham
Published: May 2014

Since I began studying the problems of semiotics in 1990, I have published eight books on the subject (seven in Russian and one in English), as well as many publications in print and in electronic sources. (See a short bibliography of English publications at the end of this paper.) All of these writings were devoted to the problems of general

semiotics. In them, I considered a variety of different issues, and dealt with many of them in an original and innovative way that had not been applied before. In this paper, I will elaborate on some of the themes I presented in my other papers. I will focus on those topics that seem to me to be the most important, and will try to discuss them clearly and concisely.