bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Tundish Gunning Materials on the Steel Cleanliness
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Guangqiang , Wang Li , Zhang Zhao 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo clarify the interaction mechanism between distinct tundish gunning materials (GM) and liquid steel, two kinds of gunning materials, namely MgO, Al2O3 GM, were tested. SEM, EDS, XRD and chemical analysis were carried out for steel and GM to investigate the change of chemical composition of steel in contact with GM and the interface microstructure between steel and GM after high temperature holding experiments. The steel cleanliness in terms of inclusion number density, size and size distribution was evaluated. It was found that the reducible component, low-melting-point phases and the pores in GM were passageway for steel penetration. The Al2O3 GM was less prone to steel penetration due to its poor wetting and the dense transition layer. MgO GM provided more oxygen and showed a stronger oxidizing capacity due to its higher content of reducible oxides (10.5 wt.% SiO2+2 wt.% Fe2O3). The use of Al2O3 GM resulted in an improved steel cleanliness and consequently could be a promising refractory in the tundish lining.
Effects of water extract of Curcuma longa (L.) roots on immunity and telomerase function
Authors: Pan Min–Hsiung , Wu Jia–Ching , Ho Chi–Tang , Badmaev Vladimir 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
Immunity and Longevity

Methods
A water extract of Curcuma longa (L.) [vern. Turmeric] roots (TurmericImmune™) standardized for a minimum 20 % of turmeric polysaccharides ukonan A, B, C and D was evaluated for its biological properties in in vitro tissue culture studies.

Results
The water extract of turmeric (TurP) exhibited induced-nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages. These results suggested the immunomodulatory effects of TurP. In addition, the polysaccharides up-regulated function of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) equally to the phenolic compound from turmeric, curcumin.

Conclusions
The ukonan family of polysaccharides may assist in promoting cellular immune responses, tissue repair and lifespan by enhancing immune response and telomere function.
Conforming shear-locking-free four-node rectangular finite element of moderately thick plate
Authors: Senjanović Ivo , Tomić Marko , Rudan Smiljko , Hadžić Neven 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAn outline of the modified Mindlin plate theory, which deals with bending deflection as a single variable, is presented. Shear deflection and cross-section rotation angles are functions of bending deflection. A new four-node rectangular finite element of moderately thick plate is formulated by utilizing the modified Mindlin theory. Shape functions of total (bending+shear) deflections are defined as a product of the Timshenko beam shape functions in the plate longitudinal and transversal direction. The bending and shear stiffness matrices, and translational and rotary mass matrices are specified. In this way conforming and shear-locking-free finite element is obtained. Numerical examples of plate vibration analysis, performed for various combinations of boundary conditions, show high level of accuracy and monotonic convergence of natural frequencies to analytical values. The new finite element is superior to some sophisticated finite elements incorporated in commercial software.
Neuronale Vielfalt in der Netzhaut
Authors: Berens Philipp , Euler Thomas 
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung
Die Netzhaut im Auge führt bereits komplexe Berechnungen aus, um nur verhaltensrelevante Informationen aus unserer Umgebung an das Gehirn weiterzuleiten. Diese Berechnungen werden von zahlreichen Zelltypen durchgeführt, die sich zu komplexen Schaltkreisen zusammenschließen. Neue experimentelle und statistische Methoden erlauben es, die neuronale Vielfalt in der Netzhaut detailliert zu erfassen und zu verstehen – das Ziel, eine vollständige Liste der Zelltypen und damit der „Bauteile“ der Netzhaut zu erstellen, rückt nun in greifbare Nähe. In diesem Artikel geben wir einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand dieses Unterfangens und zeigen mögliche zukünftige Forschungsrichtungen auf.
Neuronal Diversity In The Retina
Authors: Berens Philipp , Euler Thomas 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The retina in the eye performs complex computations, to transmit only behaviourally relevant information about our visual environment to the brain. These computations are implemented by numerous different cell types that form complex circuits. New experimental and computational methods make it possible to study the cellular diversity of the retina in detail – the goal of obtaining a complete list of all the cell types in the retina and, thus, its “building blocks”, is within reach. We review the current state of this endeavour and highlight possible directions for future research.
Solar photovoltaic applications: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Hussin Farihahusnah , Issabayeva Gulnaziya , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe heavy reliance on fossil fuels, given their inevitable depletion and serious negative impact on the environment, has led to intensive scientific research to produce solutions which will ensure sustainable supply of energy based on renewable sources. Solar radiation is one of the major sources of clean and renewable energy with the potential to provide ample power for the growing human population in the long term. The current energy crisis is aggravated by the escalating concerns over the water quality especially in developing countries. There is great potential for utilisation of solar energy through solar photovoltaic systems throughout the world for electricity generation as well as water and wastewater treatment. Innovations in this area have opened new prospects to improve the quality of life for people as a whole. Hence, the focus of this review paper is to provide the reader with a brief history of solar photovoltaic systems, the various types of solar photovoltaic materials available and the solar cell efficiencies attained with the current solar photovoltaic technologies. Furthermore, applications of photovoltaic systems are discussed in terms of their societal economic and environmental effects.
Development of an automatic system for the
on-site pH measurement of soil samples
Authors: Decker Manfred , Bause Susanne , Teichmann Petra , Schneider Martin , Vonau Winfried 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
An automatic
pH-measurement directly on-site on
the farmland requires robust and reliable sensor
systems. The massive antimony oxide electrode offers the
possibility to determine the acidity in freshly sampled soils within the
required range of pH 4 to pH 7 in a short time and without elaborate
preparation steps. Some essential steps of the
development of an antimony oxide sensor system applicable for the
on-site measuring are presented in
detail. The introduced set-up is
a promising fundament for the establishment of a rapid
pH-determination direct on the
field.
Urothelial Tight Junction Barrier Dysfunction Sensitizes Bladder Afferents
Authors: Montalbetti Nicolas , Rued Anna C. , Taiclet Stefanie N. , Birder Lori A. , Kullmann F. Aura , Carattino Marcelo D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInterstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic voiding disorder that presents with pain in the urinary bladder and surrounding pelvic region. A growing body of evidence suggests that an increase in the permeability of the urothelium, the epithelial barrier that lines the interior of the bladder, contributes to the symptoms of IC/BPS. To examine the consequence of increased urothelial permeability on pelvic pain and afferent excitability, we overexpressed in the urothelium claudin 2 (Cldn2), a tight junction (TJ)-associated protein whose message is significantly upregulated in biopsies of IC/BPS patients. Consistent with the presence of bladder-derived pain, rats overexpressing Cldn2 showed hypersensitivity to von Frey filaments applied to the pelvic region. Overexpression of Cldn2 increased the expression of c-Fos and promoted the activation of ERK1/2 in spinal cord segments receiving bladder input, which we conceive is the result of noxious stimulation of afferent pathways. To determine whether the mechanical allodynia observed in rats with reduced urothelial barrier function results from altered afferent activity, we examined the firing of acutely isolated bladder sensory neurons. In patch-clamp recordings, about 30% of the bladder sensory neurons from rats transduced with Cldn2, but not controls transduced with GFP, displayed spontaneous activity. Furthermore, bladder sensory neurons with tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) action potentials from rats transduced with Cldn2 showed hyperexcitability in response to suprathreshold electrical stimulation. These findings suggest that as a result of a leaky urothelium, the diffusion of urinary solutes through the urothelial barrier sensitizes bladders afferents, promoting voiding at low filling volumes and pain.
Auctoritas, non veritas, facit legem!
Authors: Schotte Dietrich 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In the last few years it has become fashionable to 'rethink' the heritage of the western secularist modernity and claim that it is, basically, Christian. One possibility of proving this thesis is to show that the founding fathers of secularism themselves argued from an - at least implicitly - Christian point of view, above all when setting up the normative standards for politics. One such deliberately secular founding father is Thomas Hobbes, and contrary to Christian or religious interpretations of his political philosophy two things can be shown: firstly his political philosophy doesn't depend upon religion or religious commitments and, furthermore, the underlying systematic arguments in favour of a political theology are not plausible, let alone effective.
Willensfreiheit
Authors: Keil Geert 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The article is a reply to three reviews of my book
Willensfreiheit
(Berlin/New York 2007) which were published in a previous issue of this journal. In the book, I develop a libertarian account of free will that invokes neither uncaused events nor mind-body dualism nor agent causality. Against Bettina Walde's criticism, I argue that a well-balanced libertarianism can evade the luck objection and that it should not be portrayed as positing tiny causal gaps in an otherwise deterministic world. Against Marcus Willaschek's Moorean compatibilism, I argue that our ordinary notion of agency commits us to genuine two-way abilities, i. e. to abilities to do otherwise given the same past and laws of nature. Against Christoph Jäger's defence of van Inwagen's consequence argument, I insist that this argument for incompatibilism is seriously flawed and that libertarians are well-advised not to base their position upon it.
Pachydermoperiostosis: a rare mimicker of acromegaly
Authors: Abdullah Noor Rafhati Adyani , Jason Wong Lok Chin , Nasruddin Azraai Bahari 
Published: May 2017

Summary
Pachydermoperiostosis is a very rare osteoarthrodermopathic disorder whose clinical and radiographic presentations may mimic those of acromegaly. In the evaluation of patients with acromegaloid appearances, pachydermoperiostosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis. In this article, we report a 17-year-old boy who presented with 2-year history of acral enlargement and facial appearance changes associated with joint pain and excessive sweating. He had been investigated extensively for acromegaly, and the final diagnosis was pachydermoperiostosis.

Learning points

There is a broad range of differential diagnosis for acromegaloid features such as acromegaly, pseudoacromegaly with severe insulin resistance, Marfan’s syndrome, McCune–Albright and a rare condition called pachydermoperiostosis.

Once a patient is suspected to have acromegaly, the first step is biochemical testing to confirm the clinical diagnosis, followed by radiologic testing to determine the cause of the excess growth hormone (GH) secretion. The cause is a somatotroph adenoma of the pituitary in over 95 percent of cases.

The first step is measurement of a serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). A normal serum IGF1 concentration is strong evidence that the patient does not have acromegaly.

If the serum IGF1 concentration is high (or equivocal), serum GH should be measured after oral glucose administration. Inadequate suppression of GH after a glucose load confirms the diagnosis of acromegaly.

Once the presence of excess GH secretion is confirmed, the next step is pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Atypical presentation warrants revision of the diagnosis. This patient presented with clubbing with no gigantism, which is expected in adolescent acromegalics as the growth spurt and epiphyseal plate closure have not taken place yet.
Audio Description of Theatrical Performances: History, Peculiarities and the Guidelines of Audio Introduction
Authors: Niedzviegienė Laura 
Published: May 2017

The article discusses the peculiarities, development and prevalence of the audio description methodology of theatrical performances in different countries. Special attention is paid to the review and analysis of emerging traditions of the methodology of audio description of theatrical performances in Lithuania, since any scientific articles discussing this subject in detail have not yet been published in our country. The article examines the audio introduction (AI) text of Panevėžys Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre performance Vyšnia šokolade (directed by Linas Marijus Zaikauskas). The AI text is based on the AI guidelines defined in foreign countries and drawn by the 3rd year Bachelor’s Degree students of Audiovisual Translation (Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities) under the supervision of lecturer Dr. Laura Niedzviegienė.The issues of the preparation of the AI text are discussed and possible solutions are proposed. Furthermore, the author of the article provides general guidance on preparing the audio introductions of theatrical performances for visually impaired people living in Lithuania.
Masonería y educación en la España contemporánea. Entre la tolerancia y el dogmatismo
Authors: Cruz Orozco José Ignacio 
Published: May 2017

En este trabajo vamos a centrarnos casi en exclusiva en las iniciativas planteadas por diversas entidades masónicas, ya sean potencias, logias regionales o talleres, más que en personas exponiendo solamente algunas de las experiencias más relevantes y que ejemplifican mejor las intervenciones y actuaciones de la masonería española en relación con los enfoques descritos. La visibilidad que han alcanzado otras parcelas e interpretaciones del comportamiento, de los masones en particular y de las iniciativas de la masonería como institución, no nos deben ocultar la faceta desarrollada en torno a la educación. ¿Qué importancia tuvo el proceso formativo llevado a cabo en los talleres masónicos a sus integrantes? ¿Qué lugar ocupó la masonería en el desarrollo educativo español?
Markraumbolzung bei Metakarpal- und Metatarsalfrakturen des Hundes
Authors: Matis Ulrike , Kornmayer Matthias 
Published: May 2017

ZusammenfassungGegenstand: Ziel dieser Studie war, detaillierte Informationen über die Markraumbolzung von Metakarpal(Mc)- und Metatarsal(Mt)-Frakturen des Hundes anhand einer Fallserie zu präsentieren. Material und Methoden: Die Auswertung umfasste die Befunde von 13 Hunden, deren Rekonvaleszenz mindestens 5 Monate verfolgt und sowohl klinisch als auch röntgenologisch dokumentiert werden konnte. Analysiert wurden die Anzahl der frakturierten bzw. operativ versorgten Mc-/Mt-Strahlen, das Repositionsergebnis sowie die Lage und Dimension der Implantate in Relation zur Knochenlänge. Komplikationen im Heilungsverlauf und das Endergebnis wurden mit der Fraktur und dem Osteosyntheseverfahren korreliert. Ergebnisse: Die Hunde (Durchschnittsalter 2,9 Jahre, Durchschnittsgewicht 9,9 kg) hatten überwiegend geschlossene Brüche von drei oder vier Strahlen. Mit Ausnahme von fünf Frakturen handelte es sich um glatte Querbrüche und alle Frakturen betrafen den Schaft. Der Durchmesser der implantierten Kirschner-Bohrdrähte reichte von 0,8 mm bis 2,0 mm, die Bohrdrahtlänge betrug 39–91% der Knochenlänge. Abgesehen von den offenen Metatarsalfrakturen eines Hundes, bei denen a priori keine Indikation für eine Markraumosteosynthese bestand, konnte das Repositionsergebnis der operativ versorgten Knochen bei unveränderter Implantatlage aufrechterhalten werden. Bei diesem Hund mit falscher Indikationsstellung war die Osteosynthese überdies fehlerhaft ausgeführt worden: Die Bohrdrähte hatten die Kortikalis der proximalen Fragmente perforiert, wodurch die Implantate wanderten, die Frakturen in Fehlstellung konsolidierten und der Patient dauerhaft lahmte. Bei den anderen Hunden heilten die Frakturen ohne funktionelle Einschränkung, obgleich in sieben von 13 Fällen röntgenologisch Synostosen nachweisbar waren. Klinische Relevanz: Mit der Einschränkung einer kleinen Fallzahl erwies sich die Markraumbolzung bei Metakarpal- und Metatarsalfrakturen des Hundes in unserer Studie als effektiv. In zukünftigen Untersuchungen sollte die für die Heilung erforderliche Dauer der postoperativen Verbandsbehandlung geklärt werden.
Analysis of Fatigue Failure of Francis Turbine Runner at Derbendikhan Hydropower Station
Authors: Saeed Raza 
Published: May 2017

Fatigue failures in Francis turbine runner are frequently occurred in hydropower plants, causing unexpected plant downtime and considerable financial loss. Decades of operational experience have shown that turbine runners develop fatigue cracks in areas, where stress concentrations and material defects coincide. In Francis turbine runners, cracks tend to propagate from the transition of the welded T-joint between the blade and the band or crown. This type of turbine runner, which operate under a wide range of heads and outputs, are subjected to considerable dynamic forces which can lead to fatigue cracking. The magnitude of these forces is a function of the hydraulic pressure, the water velocity and the geometry of the stationary parts guiding the water into the runner.
This paper presents the water pressure and bending stresses for different operational conditions in a Francis runner of a Derbendikhan hydropower station. At the first step, the dynamic fluid calculation is used to determine the fluctuating water pressure on the blade of the runner. At the second step, for a period of operational nominal bending stress due to the fluctuating water pressure are determined. The result indicates that the hydropower plant was operated with the high fluctuating water pressure which is responsible for inducing bending stress response. The high bending stress on the blade is a probable reason for fatigue failure. Furthermore, the paper discusses the fatigue analysis of the runner. Typical results are presented and discussed.
The Myth of the Positive Impact of Asymetric Economic Interdependence on National Security. The Case of the Sino-Japanese Conflict
Authors: Poufinas Thomas , Pistikou Victoria 
Published: May 2017

<p>In this paper, the aim is to show that the impact of asymmetric economic interdependence on national security is more a myth than a reality. In order to contribute to the discussion we focus on interstate conflicts with territorial disputes. So far, this debate has been highlighted by Liberals, whose argument was that trade promotes peace. However, ourargument is built on the theoretical basis of Realism. We argue that the positive impact of economic interdependence is actually a myth, since it does not raise the levels of national security of the threatened state, therefore it cannot be considered as a power-balancing factor. In order to support our argument wedeveloped an analytical framework, which consists of variables representing economic interdependence and national security.Trade, FDI, energy supply, economic agreements and membership in common economic or monetary organizations are variables that show the level of economic interdependence.Military expenditures, number of violations, possession of nuclear weapons and membership in military alliances are variables that show the level of national security respectively. First, we determine, through objective and subjective factors, which of the two rivals is the threatened state. Second, comparing indicators of economic power, we define the asymmetry in economic interdependence. Third, we analyze the indicators of economic interdependence between the rivals and we examine their impact on the national security of the threatened state. To support our opinion that asymmetric economic interdependence has no impact on national security in this paper we examine the territorial conflict in Senkaku/Diaoyu islands between Japan and the People's Republic of China. We conclude that asymmetric economic interdependence is not a power-balancing factor and it has no positive effects on the national security of the threatened state. </p>
Does a Venture Capital Market Exist in the Countries of Former Yugoslavia?
Authors: Simic Saric Marija 
Published: May 2017

<p>Venture capital investments spread all over the world during the last few decades. Until then, they were considered only as an American phenomenon. Countries worldwide are interested in attracting venture capital investments because of their undisputable effects on the economy. The effects of the investments are visible through the impact on innovation, creation of new companies, jobs, economic growth, corporate governance and etc.</p><p>Venture capital is a subset of Private equity focused on start-up companies and companies having difficulties in attracting necessary capital. It represents an equity investment made for the launch, early development, or expansion of a business.</p><p>The countries of former Yugoslavia (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - FYROM, Montenegro, Slovenia and Serbia) are part of the Central and Eastern Europe countries and represent relatively a new market for venture capitalists. They moved from the planned economies to a free market system in the 90s of 20 century. As well as other countries in the World, these countries are also interested in attracting venture capital because of the proven impact on economic growth. Despite the presence of Venture capital and Private equity funds in this region for more than twenty years, the venture capital and private equity market in the countries of former Yugoslavia is underdeveloped compared to other countries of CEE. Indeed, the venture capital investments are so small for some countries of former Yugoslavia that the data about venture capital investment are published jointly.</p><p> </p><p>The objective of this paper is to examine and analyze the development of Venture Capital market in countries o former Yugoslavia. The research is both qualitative and quantitative, and involves an identification, analysis and comparison of PE/VC investments data for selected countries. The time frame for this research is between 2007 and 2014. The total volume of venture capital investments per year, the number of companies invested and the ratio of PE investments to the gross domestic product (GDP) will be used to demonstrate the existence of the venture capital market in countries of former Yugoslavia. The data necessary for the current research were taken from the yearbook of EVCA/PEREP Analytics for 2014 for Baltics and Ex-Y. „PEREP Analytics” is a centralized, non-commercial pan-European private equity database. The „PEREP Analytics” statistics platform monitors the development of private equity and venture capital in 25 European countries.</p>