bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the STAT3 gene influence AITD susceptibility, thyroid autoantibody levels, and IL6 and IL17 secretion
Authors: Kotkowska Agnieszka , Sewerynek Ewa , Domańska Daria , Pastuszak-Lewandoska Dorota , Brzeziańska Ewa 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSTAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) is an important cellular effector in the Jak/STAT signaling pathway, which plays a pivotal role in human immune system regulation, mediating the effect of different cytokines. In the present study, we assessed the correlation between STAT3 polymorphisms (rs3816769 C>T and rs744166 A>G) and risk of the autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD) in the Polish population. Moreover, we evaluated the association of polymorphisms with the thyroid autoantibody levels (TPOAb, TgAb, TRAb) and the correlation between circulating proinflammatory IL6 and IL17 cytokines and thyroid autoantibody levels. The study included 71 AITD patients with HT (n = 39) or GD (n = 32) and a control group (n = 40). DNA SNP genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes. Serum levels of thyroid autoantibodies, IL6 and IL17 were measured according to enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) assay. Allele A of STAT3 SNP rs744166 A>G was significantly more frequent in both HT and GD patients, while allele G was significantly more frequent in the control group. Similarly, allele C and CC genotype of STAT3 SNP rs3816769 C>T were significantly more frequent in the control group in comparison to HT and GD patients. Significantly higher TgAb median values were associated with CT rs3816769 genotype in HT patients. Serum levels of IL6 and IL17 positively correlated with TPOAb in the HT group. Serum level of IL6 positively correlated with TPOAb in the AITD group. Both studied polymorphisms seem to play a significant role in susceptibility to AITD (HT and GD). STAT3 SNPs may influence TAb level in AITD patients.
A hygrothermo-mechanical model for wood: Part B. Parametric studies and application to wood welding
Authors: Abbasion Saeed , Moonen Peter , Carmeliet Jan , Derome Dominique 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The correct prediction of the behavior of wood components undergoing environmental loading or industrial process requires that the hygric, thermal and mechanical (HTM) behavior of wood are considered in a coupled manner. A fully coupled poromechanical approach has been used to perform a parametric study on wood HTM behavior, and the results have been validated with neutron imaging measurements on a moist wood specimen exposed to high temperature. Further, HTM behavior of wood during welding has been simulated by the model. For such a simulation, proper material properties are needed, as some of them, for example thermal conductivity, have a significant influence on the local and temporal behavior of the material.
Biogenesis of mitochondrial outer membrane proteins, problems and diseases
Authors: Ellenrieder Lars , Mårtensson Christoph U. , Becker Thomas 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Proteins of the mitochondrial outer membrane are synthesized as precursors on cytosolic ribosomes and sorted via internal targeting sequences to mitochondria. Two different types of integral outer membrane proteins exist: proteins with a transmembrane β-barrel and proteins embedded by a single or multiple α-helices. The import pathways of these two types of membrane proteins differ fundamentally. Precursors of β-barrel proteins are first imported across the outer membrane via the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex). The TOM complex is coupled to the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM complex), which catalyzes folding and membrane insertion of these precursors. The mitochondrial import machinery (MIM complex) promotes import of proteins with multiple α-helical membrane spans. Depending on the topology precursors of proteins with a single α-helical membrane anchor are imported via several distinct routes. We summarize current models and open questions of biogenesis of mitochondrial outer membrane proteins and discuss the impact of malfunctions of protein sorting on the development of diseases.
Ribbentrop und die deutsche Außenpolitik 1934–1936
Authors: Wolz Alexander 
Published: May 2015

Zusammenfassung
Joachim von Ribbentrop, Reichsaußenminister 1938–1945, verkörperte alle Eigenschaften, die für den „Verfall der Diplomatie“ im „Dritten Reich“ verantwortlich waren: sein tiefer Hass gegenüber England, der jede Möglichkeit des friedlichen Ausgleichs verschüttete; die blinde Ergebenheit gegenüber dem „Führer“, die alle Alternativen zu Hitlers halsbrecherischen Kurs unterband; und schließlich die Anwendung von Drohung und Erpressung als wesentliche Elemente einer Außenpolitik, die ab Sommer 1938 bewusst auf den großen Krieg zusteuerte.
Doch der Einfluss Ribbentrops auf die deutsche Politik reicht bis in das Jahr 1934 zurück, als er als inoffizieller Abgesandter zwischen Berlin und London zu vermitteln suchte. Eine Untersuchung dieser Zeit muss eine Neubewertung von Ribbentrops Konzeptionen zur Folge haben. Es wird deutlich, dass Ribbentrop intensiv an einem deutsch-britischen Ausgleich arbeitete, der Rüstungs- und Sicherheitsfragen gleichermaßen klären sollte. Ribbentrops Vorstellungen einer zweiseitigen Rüstungsvereinbarung, mit der Berlin und London ihre Land-, See- und Luftstreitkräfte begrenzten, sollte die Grundlage für Hitlers Bündnistraum bilden; Ribbentrops Bereitschaft, einen Garantiepakt für Belgien und weitere Sicherheitsverträge wie einen Ostpakt abzuschließen, trug den Sorgen des Auswärtigen Amtes Rechnung, Deutschland nicht ohne einen „vertraglichen Zustand“ dastehen zu lassen.
Damit bildete Ribbentrops Programm von 1935 eine Diagonale zwischen dem ideologischen „Programm“ Hitlers und den Konzeptionen der Diplomaten in der Wilhelmstraße. Aber schon damals zeichnete sich sein Scheitern ab, weil Ribbentrop unfähig war, die Grundpfeiler der britischen Festlandspolitik in seine politischen Planspiele einzubeziehen.
A study on the effect of flat plate friction resistance on speed performance prediction of full scale
Authors: Park Dong-Woo 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTFlat plate friction lines hare been used in the process to estimate speed performance of full-scale ships in model tests. The results of the previous studies showed considerable differences in determining form factors depending on changes in plate friction lines and Reynolds numbers. These differences had a great influence on estimation of speed performance of full-scale ships. This study- was conducted in two parts. In the first part, the scale effect of the form factor depending on change in the Reynolds number was studied based on CFD, in connection with three kinds of friction resistance curves: the ITTC-1957, the curve proposed by Grigson (1993; 1996), and the curve developed by Katsui et al (2005). In the second part, change in the form factor by three kinds offriction resistance curves was investigated based on model tests, and then the brake power and the revolution that were finally determined by expansion processes of full-scale ships. When three kinds of friction resistance curves were applied to each kind of ships, these were investigated: differences between resistance and self-propulsion components induced in the expansion processes of full-scale ships, correlation of effects between these components, and tendency of each kind of ships. Finally, what friction resistance curve was well consistent with results of test operation was examined per each kind of ships.
A Graphical Approximation to Generalization: Definitions and Diagrams
Authors: García Fernando Martel , Wantchekon Leonard 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe fundamental problem of external validity is not to generalize from one experiment, so much as to experimentally test generalizable theories. That is, theories that explain the systematic variation of causal effects across contexts. Here we show how the graphical language of causal diagrams can be used in this endeavour. Specifically we show how generalization is a causal problem, how a causal approach is more robust than a purely predictive one, and how causal diagrams can be adapted to convey partial parametric information about interactions.
Predictive factors for preterm delivery under rural conditions in post-tsunami Banda Aceh
Authors: Schwab Fabienne D. , Zettler Eva K. , Moh Andala , Schötzau Andreas , Gross Uwe , Günthert Andreas R. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTo assess the risk for preterm deliveries <37 week of gestation and associated prevalence of vaginal infection in a rural setting after the tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.Wet mount microscopy, vaginal pH and vaginal swabs for microbiological culture were collected in pregnant women during the 2One hundred and fifty-nine pregnant patients were screened. Sixty-two could be followed up until delivery. Thirty-nine (62.9%) delivered at term and 23 (37.1%) delivered prematurely. Significant risk factors for preterm delivery were a history of preterm delivery and group B streptococcus infection. Increased vaginal pH alone had no significant influence on preterm delivery, although there was a trend.The rate of preterm delivery was high in this cohort. We suggest risk stratification for preterm delivery in rural conditions by performing a vaginal pH and wet mount microscopy. If either is suspect we suggest collecting a vaginal swab for microbiological culture for targeted treatment. Patients with a history of preterm delivery are at increased risk and should be monitored closely.
Referential Indeterminacy with an Ontic Source? – A Criticism of Williams’s Defense of Vague Objects
Authors: Akiba Ken 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
J. Robert G. Williams argues that referential indeterminacy may arise as a result of ontic indeterminacy, and that lambda-abstraction is not applicable to indeterminate identity statements, i.e., statements of the form, ‘it is indeterminate whether

a

$$a$$

is identical with

b

$$b$$

,’ if they involve such ontically induced referential indeterminacy; so Evans’s

r
e
d
u
c
t
i
o

$$reductio$$

argument against vague objects does not work. This paper finds fault with Williams’s defense of vague objects and shows that there is much reason to doubt that the idea of ontically induced referential indeterminacy plays any significant role in a proper defense of vague objects against Evans’s argument.
Die Entwicklung von Public Health in Westdeutschland seit dem 2. Weltkrieg
Authors: Michel Brigitte 
Published: May 2015

Einleitung
Die Disziplin Public Health und ihre Vorläuferin, die Sozialhygiene, haben in Deutschland eine sehr lange und wechselvolle Geschichte, die bis ins 19. Jh. zurückgeht. Nach der Zäsur durch den Nationalsozialismus war es in den Nachkriegsjahren in Westdeutschland jedoch nicht gelungen, an diese alten sozialen Traditionen anzuknüpfen und es brauchte eine mehrere Jahrzehnte dauernde Entwicklung, bis Public Health sich als wissenschaftliche Disziplin nach internationalen Standards etablieren konnte.
Adipositas als Ausdruck sozialer Ungleichheit
Authors: von Lengerke Thomas 
Published: May 2015

Einleitung
Niedriger Sozialstatus gilt als eine Ursache der Adipositas, und auch manche Adipositasfolgen, wie Einschränkungen in der gesundheitsbezogenen körperlichen Lebensqualität, sind sozial ungleich verteilt. Der Beitrag stellt diese Ungleichheiten dar und diskutiert ihre Implikationen für Public Health. Adipositasbezogene Forschung und Interventionen sollten noch stärker berücksichtigen, dass Verhalten eine Funktion des Erlebens und der Umwelt von Menschen ist – und deren Wechselwirkungen modellieren.
Herausforderungen und Empfehlungen an Deutschland aus der Sicht der WHO
Authors: Jakubowski Elke , Kluge Hans 
Published: May 2015

Zusammenfassung
Trotz der Zunahme der Krankheitslast von chronischen Erkrankungen, die vermeidbar sind beziehungsweise sich zeitlich herauszögern lassen, schöpft Deutschland das Potenzial für die Gesundheitsförderung und die Prävention von Erkrankungen nur unzureichend aus. Das deutsche Gesundheitswesen konzentriert sich aufgrund der bestehenden Anreize auf die Versorgung durch Ärzte, Spezialisten und auf die Behandlung von Erkrankungen. Weniger als fünf Prozent der Gesamtausgaben für Gesundheit fließen in die Gesundheitsförderung und die Prävention von Erkrankungen. Kurzfristig sollten mehr kosteneffektive Leistungen der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention solidarisch finanziert, und der bezirklich organisierte öffentliche Gesundheitsdienst in Deutschland gestärkt werden. Da die Bevölkerung weiter altern wird, und die Prävalenz von chronischen Erkrankungen und körperlichen und mentalen Einschränkungen weiter ansteigen werden, braucht Deutschland langfristig eine stärker interdisziplinär angelegte Versorgungsstruktur, in der nicht-ärztliche Berufsgruppen wie Pflegekräfte, Psychologen und Sozialarbeiter vermehrt in die gemeindenahe Prävention und das Management von Erkrankungen eingebunden werden.
Consciousness, awareness of insight and neural mechanisms of schizophrenia
Authors: Touskova Tereza , Bob Petr 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAccording to recent research, disturbances of self-awareness and conscious experience have a critical role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and in this context, schizophrenia is currently understood as a disorder characterized by distortions of acts of awareness, self-consciousness, and self-monitoring. Together, these studies suggest that the processes of disrupted awareness and conscious disintegration in schizophrenia might be related and represented by similar disruptions on the brain level, which, in principle, could be explained by various levels of disturbed connectivity and information disintegration that may negatively affect usual patterns of synchronous activity constituting adaptive integrative functions of consciousness. On the other hand, mental integration based on self-awareness and insight may significantly increase information integration and directly influence neural mechanisms underlying basic pathophysiological processes in schizophrenia.
Micro-XCT-based finite element method for predicting the elastic modulus of needle carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Gao Xiguang , Luo Piaoyang , Fang Guangwu , Zhang Sheng , Song Yingdong 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this study, a finite element method was developed based on X-ray computer tomography to predict the elastic modulus of needle carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites with voids randomly existing in the material. In these pictures, every pixel point contains all of the information of the components that we need, including voids. Using this information, the mechanical properties of components can be obtained, then a finite element model with voids was built and the predicted results fit well with the experiments. In addition, a volume average method was developed to determine the proper representative volume element size to reduce the computing time without losing the accuracy.
The grinding surface characteristics and evaluation of particle-reinforced aluminum silicon carbide
Authors: Liang Guiqiang , Zhou Xiaoqin , Zhao Feifei 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The changes in grinding parameters have direct influences on the characteristics of surface morphology of workpieces during grinding. On the basis of the application of particle-reinforced aluminum silicon carbide (SiCp/Al), this paper analyzes the surface morphology of SiCp/Al after being ground by an electroplated diamond-grinding wheel by integrating studies on grinding processes. The typical morphology of grinding surfaces of SiCp/Al is elaborated, and the general principles of evaluating the grinding surfaces of particle-reinforced SiCp/Al are summarized by considering the surface morphology and formation mechanism. Comparison is made on the surface morphology between ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding and traditional grinding. It indicates that the surface morphology can be evaluated in terms of the root mean square deviation of three-dimensional profiles, crushing ratio, and fractal dimension. Studies show that the surface morphology of workpieces after ultrasonic-assisted vibration grinding is better than that of the traditional machining.
A comparative analysis of evolutionary algorithms in the design of laminated composite structures
Authors: Tabakov Pavel Y. , Moyo Sibusiso 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The increased use of composite materials and structures in many engineering applications led to the need for a more accurate analysis and design optimization. While methods of stress-strain analysis developed faster, optimization techniques have been lagging behind. As a result, many designed structures do not fulfill their full potential. The present study demonstrates the major achievements in recent years in an application of evolutionary algorithms to the design optimization of fiber-reinforced laminated composite structures. Such structures are of much interest due to high structural design sensitivity to fiber orientations as well as complex multidimensional discrete optimization problems. Using an anisotropic multilayered cylindrical pressure vessel and an exact elasticity solution as an example, we show how the optimum, or near–optimum, solution can be found in a more efficient way.
Reliability Detection of Process-Induced Metallization Defects in GaAs Devices
Authors: Kilgore Steve H. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTProcess-induced defects in electroplated Au interconnect metallization on GaAs devices were detected during the course of reliability testing. Abnormally high lognormal sigma values (σ > 0.7) indicated the existence of a bi-modal failure mechanism. A distinct early lifetime failure mode was observed along with the intrinsic electromigration metallization wear-out failure mode. Physical characterization of the electroplated Au film revealed as-deposited nanoscale voids. Elimination of these voids through process improvement as well as suggested mechanisms for the early failures are discussed.
Molecular Disorder in Prestrained Nanocomposites: Effects of Processing on Durability of Thermally-Active Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate | PyChol | Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Winter Allen D. , Jaye Cherno , Fischer Daniel , Omastová Maria , Campo Eva M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn situ temperature-resolved Near-edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) measurements were performed on thermo-active ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) – multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites 12 months following synthesis, and compared with spectra acquired shortly after synthesis to examine aging effects on non-covalent interactions. Room temperature spectra revealed no difference between unstrained and strained composites, suggesting relaxation. Further, energy shifts in π* C=C resonances indicated a change in π–π interactions between MWCNT walls and chemical dispersant, supported also by AFM phase imaging. Temperature-resolved NEXAFS analysis showed a lack of interaction between nanotubes and polymeric chains, suggesting the chemical dispersant unlatched from MWCNT walls. The extent of this effect is finally quantified through a comparative study of spectral trends.
Self-catalyzed InP Nanowires on Patterned Si Substrates
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenichi , Sudo Hisao , Matsuda Manabu , Takemoto Kazuya , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Arakawa Yasuhiko 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTSelf-catalyzed growth of position-defined InP nanowires (NWs) was investigated on SiO2-mask-pattered Si substrates using metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy. Using low growth temperatures and high group-III flow rates, pyramidal InP NWs were formed vertically on the mask openings. The diameter and tapering of the InP NWs were successfully controlled by the introduction of HCl and H2S gases during the NW growth. In addition, crystal growth of radial InP/InAsP/InP quantum wells on the sidewall of the InP NWs was performed on Si substrates.
Cationic Cellulose Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxicity Studies
Authors: Sunasee Rajesh , Hemraz Usha D. , Ckless Karina , Burdick James S. , Boluk Yaman 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have emerged as a new class of renewable material for various applications due to their remarkable properties and commercialization prospect. The relative low density, expected low cost, non-toxic character, uniform nanosize distribution, high aspect ratios, high surface area, thermal properties and high modulus of elasticity make CNCs attractive nanomaterials that recently prompted the industrial production of CNCs in North America. Surface functionalization of CNCs continues to be an exciting area of research for the design of novel CNC-based materials. In this work, we report the synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity studies of novel cationic surface modified CNC derivatives. The negative surface of CNC was rendered positive after grafting with cationic polymers via surface-initiated living radical polymerization method. The modified CNCs were characterized by both spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Their cytotoxicity effects were evaluated using MTT assay in two cell lines such as mouse macrophages (J774.A1) and human breast cancer (MCF7). Preliminary studies indicated that only one of the modified CNCs caused significant decrease in J774.A1 cell viability (50%), at the highest concentration tested (100 µg/mL). However this concentration is well above of what would be applicable for biomedical purposes. MCF7 cells were not affected by any of the cationic CNCs at any concentration. A detailed cytotoxicity study is currently underway to fully understand the interaction of these cationic CNCs with the biological systems for possible bio-inspired applications.
Study of Growth and Characterization of Fe-Catalyzed β-Ga2O3 Nanowires
Authors: Kumar Sudheer , Tessarek C. , Hähnel A. , Christiansen S. , Singh R. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTIn the present study, Fe as a catalyst was used to grow single crystalline monoclinic gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) nanowires using chemical-vapor-deposition method. The morphology, structure and luminescence properties of the as-grown β-Ga2O3 nanowires were investigated using various characterization techniques. The diameter of the as-grown nanowires was in the range of 50 to 100 nm, and the lengths up to tens of micrometers. The structural investigation of the nanowires was carried out using X-ray diffraction that showed monoclinic phase of Ga2O3. Further, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) investigations along with selected area diffraction pattern revealing single crystalline nature of the nanowires. The as-grown β-Ga2O3 nanowires had preferred orientation along [1-1-1] direction. The high resolution TEM image showed regular arrangement of atoms and the lattice spacing between (1-1-1) planes was around 0.266 nm. The luminescence properties of the as-grown nanowires were measured using cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy. The CL measurements of β-Ga2O3 nanowires revealed a strong broad UV-blue emission band and a weak red emission band.
Angle-Dependent Polarized Raman Spectroscopy of TIPS Pentacene Single-Crystalline Domains Deposited on Au-Striped Substrates
Authors: Onojima Norio , Nakamura Ayato , Saito Hiroki , Daicho Norihiro 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS pentacene) was deposited on SiO2/Si substrates with Au stripes using electrostatic spray deposition (ESD). We observed that crystalline domains on the substrates were preferentially oriented. To elucidate this phenomenon, the correlation between the orientation direction and stripe direction was investigated by angle-dependent polarized Raman spectroscopy. Since the acene planes in TIPS pentacene take an edge-on orientation on the substrates, C-C ring stretch modes can be used to probe the in-plane orientation. We found that the long molecular axis of acene planes is inclined at about 50° or 110° from the stripe direction. This result suggests that the molecular orientation of the crystalline domains can be controlled by the stripes.