bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial Infarction in a Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery (MINOCA): A Ten-Year Makati Medical Center Experience
Authors: Javier Saturnino P , Adea Jose-Ernesto B
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is defined as cases of acute myocardial infarction (MI) without angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of MINOCA is poorly understood and it is also unclear whether these patients have the same clinical outcomes as those with coronary obstruction. Currently, there are no published reports on the prevalence of MINOCA in the Philippines. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MINOCA in patients admitted at the Makati Medical Center from 2007 to 2017 and to elucidate its most common causes.

METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at the Makati Medical Center, which screened all patient charts and records of admitted patients with STEMI who had a coronary angiogram from November 01, 2007 to October 31, 2017. Sample size was computed, and simple random sampling using a computer-generated random list was performed to generate the list of final study participants. After ensuring completeness and accuracy, demographic and clinical data from these patients were collected; no direct patient contact occurred during the study. The prevalence of MINOCA was determined, and data were statistically analyzed using STATA 15.

RESULTS: From 6,632 patients, admitted from 2007 to 2017, who had coronary angiogram, 576 had an emergency procedure. From these patients, 363 patients were chosen by random sampling and were identified as study participants. MINOCA had a prevalence of 8%, with 92% of cases presenting as CAD. MINOCA tended to affect younger patients (47 years vs 57 years, p <0.001), was more common in females (38% vs 15%, p=0.0002) and was less likely to present with hypertension (21% vs 68%, p<0.0001). No significant difference was found between the MINOCA group and CAD group with regard to traditional comorbidities and risk factors, pharmacologic management and in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that MINOCA is not uncommon in patients with ST elevation MI over the ten-year period. It should be recognized that MINOCA is a heterogeneous entity with diverse underlying pathophysiologic causes, and more research is needed to identify diagnostic modalities to explain its underlying mechanism and to provide appropriate treatment.
Description of Understanding Student Mathematical Concepts Based on APOS Theory in Online Lectures Derivative Material
Authors: Fitria Mia , Yanti Williza , Hidayat Farid
Published: July 2024

Lectures conducted online still require students to be able to understand concepts with all existing limitations. The description of students' conceptual understanding carried out in this research uses Apos theory, namely action, process, object and scheme. The results of this research are expected to provide an overview or description of students' understanding of concepts based on APOS theory in derivative material. This research is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The main instrument in this research is the researcher himself and the supporting instruments are test questions on derivative material and interview guidelines. The research subjects were students taking Mathematics courses from the Hospital Administration Study Program at STIKES Intan Martapura. The results of this research are that students who fulfill all APOS stages are in the high ability group of three people. None of the process and object stages were fulfilled by the low ability group. None of the scheme stages were fulfilled by the medium and low ability groups.
Analisis Keputusan Memilih Bermain I ZONE di Tebing Tinggi Ditinjau Dari Harga dan Promosi
Authors: Fitrianingsih Fitrianingsih , Nublah Zulpianda , Puspitasari Devy Mawarnie
Published: July 2024

The aim of this research are to analyze the effect of priceand promotion on the decision to choose.This research is quatitative with a research sample of 96 parents of consumers who choose to play at I Zone. Collecting data using a questionnaire with data analysis using SPSS. The results of the anakysis show that the price has no significant effect on the decision to choose, promotion has significant effect on the decision to choose, and the price and promotion simultaneously have a significant effect  on the decision to choose.
Planning in Poland and Slovenia – Introduction to Comparative Analysis of Spatial Planning Systems at the Local Level
Authors: Čok Gregor , Foški Mojca , Zavodnik Lamovšek Alma , Mrak Gašper , Jopek Dorota , Kochel Laura , Szlenk-Dziubek Dorota
Published: July 2024

The paper aims to compare the existing spatial planning system in both countries, their spatial planning laws, documents and planning approaches. It focuses on the level of land use and urban planning instruments at the local level. It addresses the administrative and procedural characteristics of the two countries as well as experiences and examples of best practices that can be shared in the future. The results presented show that the countries are quite similar in terms of both the planning system and the typology of spatial planning acts. There are clearer differences in the planning approaches at the local level and in the current challenges regarding the stakeholders' participation in the planning processes.
Editorial Introduction to Issue 39: Managing Complexity and Knowledge in Enterprise Projects
Authors:   University Babeș-Bolyai, str. T. Mihali 58-60, Cluj Napoca, 400591, Romania, Ghiran Ana-Maria , Buchmann Robert Andrei ,   University Babeș-Bolyai, str. T. Mihali 58-60, Cluj Napoca, 400591, Romania
Published: July 2024

This issue of CSIMQ includes five articles selected on the topics of complexity management and knowledge management in enterprises from various perspectives and towards diverse goals: the economic and societal perspective seeking strategy fulfillment with the help of enterprise architecture management, the operational performance perspective, which requires grounding management decisions on data insights, and the human aspect perspective to facilitate collaboration, creativity and innovation. Methodologically, the issue reports a mix of conceptual modeling and analytics approaches, suggesting an emerging requirement to balance or alternate, in complexity management, abstraction-based analysis, and data-oriented analytics.
In search of the role of punishment from the EU criminal law perspective
Authors: Banach-Gutierrez Joanna
Published: July 2024

This paper deals with punishment in the context of EU criminal law. Its aim is to search for the role of punishment in the area of European criminal justice, focussing on EU legislation and the case law of the Luxembourg and Strasbourg Courts. The methods used are analysis, synthesis and comparative research. The findings lead to the conclusion that, first of all, the priority behind punishment should be the rehabilitation of an offender, followed by their reintegration into society, and not the severity of imposing a long prison sentence itself. Additionally, a life sentence seems unacceptable without the possibility of conditional release or clemency, as it would be contrary to the European standards of protecting human rights. The role of punishment within the EU is therefore strongly influenced by a human rights-based approach in line with the provisions of the CFR and the ECHR.
Amphibian mast cells serve as barriers to chytrid fungus infections
Authors: Hauser Kelsey A , Garvey Christina N , Crow Ryley S , Hossainey Muhammad RH , Howard Dustin T , Ranganathan Netra , Gentry Lindsey K , Yaparla Amulya , Kalia Namarta , Zelle Mira , Jones Elizabeth J , Duttargi Anju N , Rollins-Smith Louise A , Muletz-Wolz Carly R , Grayfer Leon
Published: July 2024

Global amphibian declines are compounded by deadly disease outbreaks caused by the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Much has been learned about the roles of amphibian skin-produced antimicrobial components and microbiomes in controlling Bd, yet almost nothing is known about the roles of skin-resident immune cells in anti-Bd defenses. Mammalian mast cells reside within and serve as key immune sentinels in barrier tissues like skin. Accordingly, we investigated the roles of Xenopus laevis frog mast cells during Bd infections. Our findings indicate that enrichment of X. laevis skin mast cells confers anti-Bd protection and ameliorates the inflammation-associated skin damage caused by Bd infection. This includes a significant reduction in infiltration of Bd-infected skin by neutrophils, promoting mucin content within cutaneous mucus glands, and preventing Bd-mediated changes to skin microbiomes. Mammalian mast cells are known for their production of the pleiotropic interleukin-4 (IL4) cytokine and our findings suggest that the X. laevis IL4 plays a key role in manifesting the effects seen following cutaneous mast cell enrichment. Together, this work underscores the importance of amphibian skin-resident immune cells in anti-Bd defenses and illuminates a novel avenue for investigating amphibian host–chytrid pathogen interactions.
Evaluation of the Combination Effects of Extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata on Clinical Fungal Isolates
Authors: Udoh Iniekong , Emenuga Veronica , Eleazar Clara , Maduakor Uzoamaka , Achukwu Ngozika , Ezeah Patience
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The proliferation of fake drugs and the multiple resistance seen in conventional fungicidal drugs has led to the use of medicinal plants to treat fungal infections. There are claims that Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata have fungicidal potentials, hence this study.
Aim: To evaluate the combination effects of the extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata on clinical fungal isolates.
Study Design: Randomized sampling of the plants was done by harvesting the plants from different farm in Nsukka Enugu State.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Enugu State, South East of Nigeria, from November 2023 to March 2024.
Methodology:  Phytochemical screening was done on the two plants. The methanolic and aqueous (cold and hot) extracts of these plants bark and stem were assessed for their antifungal activities against six fungal isolates using agar diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were done according to standard methods.
Results: The plants contain alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannin, glycoside and phenol. The hot water extracts of J. tanjorensis stem gave higher zones of inhibition diameter (IZD) than the methanolic extracts and the methanolic extracts of A. digitata bark gave higher IZD than the aqueous extracts. The combination of these two potent extracts showed greatest inhibition on Aspergillus niger, Candida albican and then least inhibition on Trichophyton shoenleinii, this was found to be statistically significant at (P<.05), the P value was (P=0.001). The lowest (MIC) and (MFC) were recorded in A. niger and Candida albican at (1.5625mg/ml) while the highest (MIC) and (MFC) were recorded in T. shoenleinii, at (25mg/ml).
Conclusion: This study revealed that the combined plant extracts were more effective against opportunistic fungi than the dermatophytes.
Effect of Liquid Organic Inputs on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) and Soil Properties
Authors: Pansuriya Bansi J. , Kumari Kiran
Published: July 2024

This experiment was carried out to investigate the Effect of Liquid Organic Inputs on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) and Soil Properties. The experiment was carried out during 2022-23 and laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with fourteen treatments including different combinations of concentrations, methods, and intervals of application of Jeevamrut and Panchagavya and control (only recommended dose of FYM 15 t/ha). Among the treatments, maximum growth and vegetative attributes viz., plant height at 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days after transplanting (29.47 cm, 42.33 cm, 50.83 cm, 54.80 cm and 56.53 cm, respectively), number of branches at full bloom stage (8.27) and average plant spread (27.22 cm) was recorded with 500 l/ha Jeevamrut drenching and 8 % Panchagavya foliar application alternatively at fifteen days interval. Earliness in flowering attributes viz., first bud initiation (63.20 days), first flower opening (84.53 days) and full blooming (99.13 days) were observed in the same treatment. Alternate application of 500 l/ha Jeevamrut as soil drenching and 8% Panchagavya as foliar application at 15 days interval also resulted in a number of flowers per plant (35.52), flower yield per plant (141.39 g), flower diameter (6.32 cm) and weight of individual flower (4.11 g). While, treatment consisting of only 500 l/ha Jeevamrut soil drenching at fifteen days interval resulted in maximum available nitrogen (196.52 kg/ha) and viable bacterial count (94.78 × 105 cfu/g of soil) in the soil.
Recycling Selected Wetlands’ Sediments for a Vegetable Crop Cultivation in Terrestrial Ecosystem of a Humid Region
Authors: Hossain Md. Shahadat , Kashem Md. Abul , Jahan Israt , Begum Kazi Sanjida
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the selected wetlands' sediments regarding physicochemical attributes including heavy metals (HMs), and their potentiality to be used in crop cultivation with or without mixing with different generic farmers' field soils in the upland. Forty geo-referenced sediment samples were collected from each study site (n=3), and mixed to get three separate composite samples for mineral nutrients, HMs analyses and experimentation. Two pot experiments were conducted following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates using farmers’ field soils (FFS) Gleysols and Cambisols to grow amaranth. The treatments were: T0: FFS; T1: FFS + wetland sediment of hilly area I (1:1); T2: FFS + wetland sediment of hilly area II (1:1); T3: FFS + wetland sediment of a floodplain area (1:1); T4: wetland sediment of hilly area I; T5: wetland sediment of hilly area II; T6: wetland sediment of a floodplain area. Regarding nutrient elements, exchangeable K, extractable P, Ca, and Zn were observed higher in wetland sediment of hilly area II except organic carbon (OC). Only Cd, Pb, and Ni were individually found higher than the maximum permissible addition for all wetland sediments, but all HMs collectively posed no “ecological risk”. The highest values of the plant growth index of amaranth were  observed for T5 treatment. Moreover, the highest total fresh and dry biomasses were found in T5 treatment. The highest nutrient uptake was observed in T5 treatment for the most of nutrients. Studied wetlands’ soil materials, OC, and nutrients could be used to benefit upland crop cultivation.
Effect of Liquid Nano Urea Fertilizer on Periodical Growth and Yield of Sugarcane
Authors: Patel K. K. , Zinzala V. J. , Chaudhari N. M. , Chaudhary B. J. , Chudasama S. D. , Shiyal V. N. , Gamit M. K.
Published: July 2024

A field experiment was carried out during rabi of 2021-22 as plant crop and 2022-23 as ratoon crop, at Navsari, Gujarat. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design including treatment comprising of nitrogen levels for soil application with foliar spray of nano urea and urea in both plant-ratoon system of sugarcane. The results recorded in respect to the periodical plant height and dry matter yield (DMY) from 90 to 180 days after planting (DAP) of plant crop and days after ratooning (DAR) of ratoon crop were significantly higher with the application of 100 % RDN (T2) which was at par with treatments T3 and T4. However, at 210 DAP of plant crop and DAR of ratoon crop as well as at harvest plant height and DMY were recorded significantly higher with the application of 75% RDN + 2 spray of liquid nano urea at 90 and 180 DAP which was at par with T2 and T4. In case of No. of tillers/hill at 180 DAP of plant and DAR of ratoon crop was significantly higher when with 75% RDN + 2 spray of liquid nano urea at 90 and 180 DAP which was at par with T2 and T4. In plant crop and ratoon crop of sugarcane, millable cane yield and green top yield were found to be significant highest with the application of 75% RDN + 2 spray of liquid nano urea at 90 and 180 DAP which was at par with T2 and T4. Based on the results, it concluded that for achieving higher growth and yield in sugarcane plant-ratoon cultivation should be fertilized with 100 % of recommended P2O5 and K2O + 75 % RDN + two sprays of either liquid nano urea @ 4 ml/L or 2 % urea at 90 and 180 DAP of plant crop and DAR of ratoon crop. This application effectively replaces the 25% of recommended dose of nitrogen while matching the performance of the 100% RDN treatment.
Untangling inconsistent magnetic polarity records through an integrated rock magnetic analysis: A case study on Neogene sections in East Timor
Authors: Aben F. M. , Dekkers M. J. , Bakker R. R. , van Hinsbergen D. J. J. , Zachariasse W. J. , Tate G. W. , McQuarrie N. , Harris R. , Duffy B.
Published: June 2014

Inconsistent polarity patterns in sediments are a common problem in magnetostratigraphic and paleomagnetic research. Multiple magnetic mineral generations result in such remanence “haystacks.” Here we test whether end‐member modeling of isothermal remanent magnetization acquisition curves as a basis for an integrated rock magnetic and microscopic analysis is capable of isolating original magnetic polarity patterns. Uppermost Miocene‐Pliocene deep‐marine siliciclastics and limestones in East Timor, originally sampled to constrain the uplift history of the young Timor orogeny, serve as case study. An apparently straightforward polarity record was obtained that, however, proved impossible to reconcile with the associated biostratigraphy. Our analysis distinguished two magnetic end‐members for each section, which result from various greigite suites and a detrital magnetite suite. The latter yields largely viscous remanence signals and is deemed unsuited. The greigite suites are late diagenetic in the Cailaco River section and early diagenetic, thus reliable, in the Viqueque Type section. By selecting reliable sample levels based on a quality index, a revised polarity pattern of the latter section is obtained: consistent with the biostratigraphy and unequivocally correlatable to the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale. Although the Cailaco River section lacks a reliable magnetostratigraphy, it does record a significant postremagnetization tectonic rotation. Our results shows that the application of well‐designed rock magnetic research, based on the end‐member model and integrated with microscopy and paleomagnetic data, can unravel complex and seemingly inconsistent polarity patterns. We recommend this approach to assess the veracity of the polarity of strata with complex magnetic mineralogy.
Trace element mass balance in hydrous adiabatic mantle melting: The Hydrous Adiabatic Mantle Melting Simulator version 1 (HAMMS1)
Authors: Kimura Jun‐Ichi , Kawabata Hiroshi
Published: June 2014

A numerical mass balance calculation model for the adiabatic melting of a dry to hydrous peridotite has been programmed in order to simulate the trace element compositions of basalts from mid‐ocean ridges, back‐arc basins, ocean islands, and large igneous provinces. The Excel spreadsheet‐based calculator, Hydrous Adiabatic Mantle Melting Simulator version 1 (HAMMS1) uses (1) a thermodynamic model of fractional adiabatic melting of mantle peridotite, with (2) the parameterized experimental melting relationships of primitive to depleted mantle sources in terms of pressure, temperature, water content, and degree of partial melting. The trace element composition of the model basalt is calculated from the accumulated incremental melts within the adiabatic melting regime, with consideration for source depletion. The mineralogic mode in the primitive to depleted source mantle in adiabat is calculated using parameterized experimental results. Partition coefficients of the trace elements of mantle minerals are parameterized to melt temperature mostly from a lattice strain model and are tested using the latest compilations of experimental results. The parameters that control the composition of trace elements in the model are as follows: (1) mantle potential temperature, (2) water content in the source mantle, (3) depth of termination of adiabatic melting, and (4) source mantle depletion. HAMMS1 enables us to obtain the above controlling parameters using Monte Carlo fitting calculations and by comparing the calculated basalt compositions to primary basalt compositions. Additionally, HAMMS1 compares melting parameters with a major element model, which uses petrogenetic grids formulated from experimental results, thus providing better constraints on the source conditions.
Control of the glacial carbon budget by topographically induced mixing
Authors: De Boer Agatha M. , Hogg Andrew McC.
Published: June 2014

Evidence for the oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO2 during glaciations suggests that there was less production of southern origin deep water but, paradoxically, a larger volume of southern origin water than today. Here we demonstrate, using a theoretical box model, that the inverse relationship between volume and production rate of this water mass can be explained by invoking mixing rates in the deep ocean that are proportional to topographic outcropping area scaled with ocean floor slope. Furthermore, we show that the resulting profile, of a near‐linear decrease in mixing intensity away from the bottom, generates a positive feedback on CO2 uptake that can initiate a glacial cycle. The results point to the importance of using topography‐dependent mixing when studying the large‐scale ocean circulation, especially in the paleo‐intercomparison models that have failed to produce the weaker and more voluminous bottom water of the Last Glacial Maximum.
Examining the Relationship Between Conspiracy Theories, Paranormal Beliefs, and Pseudoscience Acceptance Among a University Population
Authors: Lobato Emilio , Mendoza Jorge , Sims Valerie , Chin Matthew
Published: June 2014

Very little research has investigated whether believing in paranormal, conspiracy, and pseudoscientific claims are related, even though they share the property of having no epistemic warrant. The present study investigated the association between these categories of epistemically unwarranted beliefs. Results revealed moderate to strong positive correlations between the three categories of epistemically unwarranted beliefs, suggesting that believers in one type tended to also endorse other types. In addition, one individual difference measure, looking at differences in endorsing ontological confusions, was found to be predictive of both paranormal and conspiracy beliefs. Understanding the relationship between peoples' beliefs in these types of claims has theoretical implications for research into why individuals believe empirically unsubstantiated claims. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ADHD pharmacogenetics across the life cycle: New findings and perspectives
Authors: Bruxel Estela Maria , Akutagava‐Martins Glaucia Chiyoko , Salatino‐Oliveira Angelica , Contini Verônica , Kieling Christian , Hutz Mara Helena , Rohde Luis Augusto
Published: June 2014

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, affecting individuals across the life cycle. Although its etiology is not yet completely understood, genetics plays a substantial role. Pharmacological treatment is considered effective and safe for children and adults, but there is considerable inter‐individual variability among patients regarding response to medication, required doses, and adverse events. We present here a systematic review of the literature on ADHD pharmacogenetics to provide a critical discussion of the existent findings, new approaches, limitations, and recommendations for future research. Our main findings are: first, the number of studies continues to grow, making ADHD one of the mental health areas with more pharmacogenetic studies. Second, there has been a focus shift on ADHD pharmacogenetic studies in the last years. There is an increasing number of studies assessing gene–gene and gene–environment interactions, using genome‐wide association approaches, neuroimaging, and assessing pharmacokinetic properties. Third and most importantly, the heterogeneity in methodological strategies employed by different studies remains impressive. The question whether pharmacogenetics studies of ADHD will improve clinical management by shifting from trial‐and‐error approach to a pharmacological regimen that takes into account the individual variability remains unanswered. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Signal Propagation in Multi‐Layer DNAzyme Cascades Using Structured Chimeric Substrates
Authors: Brown Carl W. , Lakin Matthew R. , Horwitz Eli K. , Fanning M. Leigh , West Hannah E. , Stefanovic Darko , Graves Steven W.
Published: June 2014

Signal propagation through enzyme cascades is a critical component of information processing in cellular systems. Although such systems have potential as biomolecular computing tools, rational design of synthetic protein networks remains infeasible. DNA strands with catalytic activity (DNAzymes) are an attractive alternative, enabling rational cascade design through predictable base‐pair hybridization principles. Multi‐layered DNAzyme signaling and logic cascades are now reported. Signaling between DNAzymes was achieved using a structured chimeric substrate (SCS) that releases a downstream activator after cleavage by an upstream DNAzyme. The SCS can be activated by various upstream DNAzymes, can be coupled to DNA strand‐displacement devices, and is highly resistant to interference from background DNA. This work enables the rational design of synthetic DNAzyme regulatory networks, with potential applications in biomolecular computing, biodetection, and autonomous theranostics.
Dynamically vulcanized acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer/nitrile butadiene rubber blends compatibilized by chlorinated polyethylene
Authors: Wei Dongya , Hua Jing , Wang Zhaobo
Published: June 2014

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends were prepared by dynamic vulcanization and then compatibilized by chlorinated polyethylene (CM). The effects of CM compatibilizer on the mechanical properties, Mullins effect, and morphological and dynamic mechanical properties of the TPVs were investigated systematically. Experimental results indicated that CM had an excellent compatibilization effect on the dynamically vulcanized ABS/NBR TPVs. Mullins effect results showed that the compatibilized ABS/NBR TPV had relatively lower internal friction loss than the ABS/NBR TPV, indicating the improvement of elasticity. Morphology studies showed that the fracture surfaces of ABS/CM/NBR TPVs were relatively smoother, indicating the improved elastic reversibility. DMA studies showed that the glass to rubber transition temperatures of ABS and NBR phases were slightly shifted toward each other with the incorporation of CM compatibilizer, which indicates the improvement of the compatibility. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40986.
Effect of poly(vinylidene fluoride) polymorphic structures on the crystallization behavior of poly(butylene succinate)
Authors: Hou Kai , Ye Hai‐Mu , Song Yun‐Yang , Zhou Qiong
Published: June 2014

The detail information of both α and β form poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) crystal effect on the crystallization behavior of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were systematically studied. The results show that β form PVDF can obviously improve the melt‐crystallization temperature of PBS during the nonisothermal crystallization process. Both crystallization time span and spherulitic size of PBS decrease with the increasing amount of β form PVDF, which enhances the primary nucleation of PBS. But α form PVDF shows no nucleating effect on PBS crystallization, exhibiting as almost unchanged Tc values for α form PVDF‐blended PBS samples. The intrinsic mechanism for the nucleating effect of β form PVDF on PBS was proposed to be the epitaxial crystallization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40991.
Tailored ferroelectric responses and enhanced energy density in PVDF‐based homopolymer/terpolymer blends
Authors: Gao Lei , He Jinliang , Hu Jun , Li Yang
Published: June 2014

Blend of polymers is an effective way to tailor the ferroelectric responses and improve the energy storage properties of polymers. In this work, the microstructure and dielectric responses of the blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene‐chlorofluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE)] have been studied. It is found that the addition of PVDF disturbs the crystallization process of P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE), leading to lower crystallinity and smaller crystalline size. The aforementioned microstructure changes result in tailored ferroelectric responses. Dielectric responses show that the blend with 10 wt % PVDF achieves larger polarization response under high electric field (above 300 MV/m) due to the interfacial polarization. Because of the tailoring effect and the interfacial polarization, the blend with 10 wt % PVDF exhibits higher energy density and efficiency. Moreover, the breakdown strength (Eb) is also improved by adding a small amount of PVDF into the terpolymer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40994.
Characterization of molecular structure of acrylic copolymers prepared via emulsion polymerization using A4F‐MALS technique
Authors: Podzimek Stepan , Machotova Jana , Snuparek Jaromir , Vecera Miroslav , Prokupek Lubos
Published: June 2014

The study is primarily focused on the possibility to utilize organic asymmetric flow field‐flow fractionation (A4F) coupled to a multi‐angle light scattering (MALS) detector for the characterization of copolymers of methyl methacrylate with various acrylates prepared by emulsion polymerization. The effects of acrylate monomer type and content on the molar mass distribution and degree of branching of acrylic copolymers have been studied by A4F‐MALS using tetrahydrofuran as a carrier solvent. It has been found that the growing amount of acrylate results in the increase of molar mass, polydispersity, and branching degree as a result of chain transfer to polymer. Highly branched compact macromolecules with ultra‐high molar mass were identified in all copolymers containing a high level of acrylate. In contrast to size traditionally used exclusion chromatography, organic A4F‐MALS has been proved as a very efficient technique for the characterization of high molar mass acrylic emulsion copolymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40995.
Facile Synthesis of the CERT Inhibitor HPA‐12 and Some Novel Derivatives
Authors: Saied Essa M. , Diederich Stephanie , Arenz Christoph
Published: June 2014

HPA‐12 is an inhibitor of CERT‐mediated non‐vesicular transport of ceramide from the ER membranes to the Golgi apparatus. The inhibitor effectively blocks the synthesis of the membrane lipid sphingomyelin and may represent a novel drug prototype. Previous syntheses relied on non‐commercial catalysts or specialized chemistries. Here we present a straightforward and effective method to synthesize HPA‐12 from commercially available protected L‐serinol in four steps. Some new analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their CERT‐binding activity.
Stahlbetonfachwerke – ein ungenutztes Potenzial?
Authors: Busse Daniel , Empelmann Martin
Published: June 2014

Bereits zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts werden von der jungen “Eisenbetonbauweise” die Fachwerkkonstruktionen des Holz‐ und Stahlbaus adaptiert. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt die daraufhin einsetzende Entwicklung des Betonfachwerkbaus über nun mehr als 100 Jahre. Von den großen Ortbetonkonstruktionen der Stahlbetonpioniere über die vorgefertigten, typisierten Strukturen der 1950er‐ und 1960er‐Jahre bis hin zu aktuellen Ansätzen zur modularen Gestaltung von Stahlbetonfachwerken werden anhand ausgewählter Beispiele entscheidende Entwicklungsschritte dargestellt. Obwohl die Anwendung der Stahlbetonfachwerke, vor allem aufgrund der ausführungstechnischen Schwierigkeiten, bis heute nur in Einzelfällen erfolgt, zeigt die Betrachtung der historischen sowie der aktuellen Entwicklungen das erhebliche Potenzial dieser Konstruktionen.

Concrete truss structures – an untapped potential?

At the beginning of the 20th Century wooden and steel trusses had been adapted by the young concrete architecture. This paper shows the following development of concrete truss structures until today. Starting with the major truss structures made up by the pioneers of concrete constructions, looking at the prefabricated, standardised truss structures of the 1950s and 60s and finally the current modular approaches, crucial steps in development are illustrated by selected examples. Although concrete truss structures, mainly due to technical difficulties, are still only used in individual cases, the historical as well as the current developments show the significant potential of these constructions.
Brasilien – zwei Brücken für São Paulo
Authors: Wolf Helmut , Gausmann Andreas , Kotz Peter , Martins Tomás Mendes , Stark Matthias
Published: June 2014

Seit mehr als zehn Jahren glänzt Brasilien mit starkem Wachstum und enormer Investitionskraft. Der Nachholbedarf gerade an funktionsfähiger Infrastruktur, sei es Straße, Bahn, Hafen oder Flughafen, ist enorm. Gute Chancen für gute Ingenieure.

SSF Ingenieure ist seit knapp vier Jahren in Brasilien engagiert und seit rund einem Jahr mit einer eigenen Auslandstochter vor Ort präsent.

Die beiden nachfolgenden Brückenbeispiele, die in den Verkehrsraum einer der Hauptverkehrsadern der Mega‐City São Paulo einzubinden waren, zeigen die Aufgaben und Besonderheiten, spezielle, genau an schwierige Randbedingungen angepasste Lösungen in bautechnischer und ästhetischer Hinsicht zu finden:

– Herstellung einer fly‐over‐Brücke mit einem sehr geringen horizontalen Krümmungsradius, starker Kuppenausrundung und großer Querneigung inmitten einer elfspurigen Stadtautobahn

– Querung dieser Stadtautobahn und zweier parallel verlaufender S‐Bahnlinien mit einer Radwegbrücke großer Stützweite bei minimaler Beeinträchtigung des Verkehrs und mit Implementierung einer für Brasilien neuen Bauweise, der VFT®‐Bauweise.

Die komplexen Geometrien, die komplizierten Verkehrsbeziehungen mit sehr beengten Verhältnissen und der hohe Gestaltungsanspruch erforderten ein hohes Maß an Planungsarbeit, Detaillierung und bautechnischer Arbeitsvorbereitung.

Brazil – Two Bridges for São Paulo – German Engineers in South America

For more than ten years Brazil has been shining with strong growth and massive investment power. The need to catch up, especially with functioning infrastructure, whether it is road, railway, port or airport, is still enormous. Good opportunities for good engineers.

SSF Ingenieure has been engaged in Brazil for almost four years and since one year it is present there with its own overseas subsidiary.

The two following examples of bridges that had to be integrated into the infrastructure area of one of the main traffic axes of the mega city São Paulo, demonstrate the tasks and particularities of finding solutions specially and exactly adapted to boundary conditions in view of construction technology and aesthetics:

Construction of a flyover bridge with a very low horizontal curvature radius, strong crest curve and large transversal incline in the middle of an 11‐lane city highway, the crossing of this highway and of two parallel metro lines by a bicycle bridge of large span widths with minimum influence on traffic, and implementation of a construction technology, the VFT® method, new for Brazil.

Complex geometries, complicated traffic relations in very confined conditions and the high design demands required comprehensive design work, detailing and preparation of construction works.
Mit Aufbeton verstärkte Durchstanzplatte
Authors: Amsler Michael , Thoma Karel , Heinzmann Daniel
Published: June 2014

Sowohl restriktivere Anforderungen an den Durchstanzwiderstand [5, 8, 9] als auch höhere Einwirkungen erfordern bei punktgestützten Flachdecken oft deren Verstärkungen. In diesem Beitrag wird eine Verstärkung mit Aufbeton und zusätzlicher Querkraftbewehrung diskutiert. Dazu wird ein an der Hochschule Luzern – Technik & Architektur durchgeführter Durchstanzversuch mit Aufbeton [4] vorgestellt. Bei diesem Versuch wurde eine unverstärkte Durchstanzplatte vorbelastet und nach einer teilweisen Entlastung mit einem bewehrten Aufbeton und nachträglich eingebauter Querkraftbewehrung verstärkt und bis zum Bruch belastet. Nach der Beschreibung des Bauteilversuchs werden die Messresultate dargestellt und die Bruchlast mit den Berechnungsergebnissen ausgewählter Theorien zur Berechnung des Durchstanzwiderstands verglichen. Dabei wird untersucht, wie sich die Wahl der statischen Nutzhöhe der verstärkten Platte auf das Last‐Verformungs‐Verhalten resp. den Durchstanzwiderstand der Platte auswirkt. Zum Abschluss wird aufgezeigt, in welchen Bereichen weiterer Forschungsbedarf besteht.

Punching slab strengthened with an additional concrete layer – Test and recalculations

Due to more restrictive requirements for the punching resistance [5, 8, 9] as well as increased loads, point supported flat slabs often need strengthening. In this paper, a strengthening method consisting of an additional concrete layer and additional shear reinforcement is discussed. Thereto a punching test with an additional concrete layer [4] carried out at the Department of Engineering and Architecture of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is presented. In this test a non‐strengthened punching slab is preloaded, partially unloaded, reinforced with an additional concrete layer and shear reinforcement and then loaded to failure. After a description of the structural member test, the measurements are presented and the failure load is compared to the punching resistances calculated with selected theoretical models. Within this context it is analysed how the chosen effective depth of the strengthened slab influences the load and deformation behaviour as well as the punching resistance of the slab. Finally, areas requiring further research are pointed out.
Instandhaltungskonzepte für Parkbauten als Ergebnis der Bedarfsplanung
Authors: Bastert Heinrich , Meyer Lars
Published: June 2014

Bei der Planung sowohl neuer Betonbauwerke als auch für Instandsetzungen bestehender Objekte sind die Aspekte Wartung und Instandhaltung gemäß einschlägigen Normen und Regelwerken von Anfang an zu berücksichtigen. Dies ist sowohl für den Erhalt von Stand‐ und Verkehrssicherheit der Baukonstruktion als auch im Sinne der uneingeschränkten Gebrauchstauglichkeit des Bauwerks unabdingbar. Der Umfang planmäßig erforderlicher Instandhaltungsmaßnahmen hängt dabei wesentlich von der gewählten Baukonstruktion ab. Insbesondere bei Parkbauten in Betonbauweise beeinflusst die gewählte Ausführungsvariante wesentlich die erforderlichen Inspektions‐ und Wartungsmaßnahmen. Diese führen über den Lebenszyklus, neben den daraus unmittelbar entstehenden Kosten, zu unterschiedlichen Nutzungseinschränkungen und damit möglicherweise zu Einnahmeausfällen. Hieraus ergibt sich, dass bereits bei der Konzeption von Parkbauten die diesbezüglichen Erwartungen und Bedürfnisse des Bauherrn bzw. Betreibers berücksichtigt werden sollten. Zu deren systematischer Erfassung bietet sich ein methodisches Vorgehen im Rahmen einer Bedarfsplanung für Parkbauten an, die sich darüber hinaus zur umfassenden Dokumentation der Planungsziele auf Basis definierter Bauherrenwünsche eignet.

Maintenance concepts for parking facilities as results of a design brief

Structural design of new concrete constructions as well as repair of existing buildings from the very beginning have to follow the relevant standards and guidelines concerning maintenance and repair. This is also necessary to preserve stability, traffic safety, and usability of the building. The designed and required measurements basically depend on the selected construction method or design option. Especially in case of parking facilities built in reinforced concrete the selected design option requires certain inspection and maintenance activities that also concern the commercial viability. The brief for building design or identification of needs is a recommended tool that is appropriate for parking facilities to systematically capture the needs of the client/user and to document them in a design brief.
Mechanische Modelle für mehraxiales Festigkeits‐ und Ermüdungsversagen von Stahlbeton
Authors: Grünberg Jürgen , Göhlmann Joachim , Marx Steffen
Published: June 2014

Räumliche Beanspruchungssituationen haben erhebliche Auswirkungen auf die Betonfestigkeit. Das gilt sowohl für monoton steigende als auch für zyklische Belastung. Ausgehend von zwei geeigneten mehraxialen Festigkeitsmodellen werden mechanische Modelle für das Ermüdungsversagen von Normalbeton sowie von hochfestem und ultrahochfestem Beton entwickelt. Für Normalbeton werden in das Fünfparametermodell nach WILLAM/WARNKE zwei Schädigungsvariablen eingeführt, welche über einen energetischen Ansatz die Erfassung der Schädigung aus zyklischer Beanspruchung erlauben. Mit dem darauf aufbauenden schädigungsabhängigen Verlauf der Verzerrungsentwicklung können in numerischen Simulationen von Tragstrukturen Spannungsumlagerungen realitätsnah abgebildet werden. Für die Beschreibung des Ermüdungsversagens von hochfestem und ultrahochfestem Beton ist das Dreiphasenmodell nach GRÜNBERG wesentlich besser geeignet als das Fünfparametermodell. Verschiedene Bereiche des Modells wurden anhand mehraxialer Laborversuche kalibriert. Zur vollständigen Validierung sind weitere Versuche erforderlich, besonders im Bereich hoher Lastwechselzahlen.

Mechanical Models for concrete failure under monotonically increasing as well as cyclic multiaxial loading

Triaxial stress states have a considerable effect on the material strength of concrete in case of both, monotonically increasing as well as cyclic loads. Based on two suitable multiaxial strength models mechanical models for the fatigue failure of normal strength concrete respectively high‐performance and ultra‐high‐performance concrete are developed. The five parameter model by WILLAM/WARNKE is used for normal strength concrete. Two energy based damage variables were introduced into the model, which allow the mathematical description of damage from cyclic loading. Using this model in numerical simulations of structures the evolution of strains and the damage‐depending redistribution of stresses can be displayed realistically. For the description of the fatigue failure of high‐performance and ultra‐high‐performance concrete, the three‐phases model by GRÜNBERG is more appropriate than the five‐parameter model. Several areas of the model were calibrated using triaxial laboratory tests. To fully validate the model, further tests are required, especially in the range of high numbers of load cycles.
Combined multispectroscopic and molecular docking investigation on the interaction between delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and bovine serum albumin
Authors: Zuo Huijun , Tang Lin , Li Shu , Huang Junwei
Published: June 2014

Anthocyanin is one of the flavonoid phytopigments with specific health benefits. The interaction between delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (D3G) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular modeling. D3G effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA via static quenching. The number of binding sites and binding constant Ka were determined, and the hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces played major roles in stabilizing the D3G–BSA complex. The distance r between donor and acceptor was obtained as 2.81 nm according to Förster's theory. In addition, the effects of pH and metal ions on the binding constants were discussed. The results studied by synchronous fluorescence, three‐dimensional fluorescence and circular dichroism experiments indicated that the secondary structures of the protein has been changed by the addition of D3G and the α‐helix content of BSA decreased (from 56.1% to 52.4%). Furthermore, the study of site marker competitive experiments and molecular modeling indicated that D3G could bind to site I of BSA, which was in the large hydrophobic cavity of subdomain IIA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining an optimal stromal derived factor‐1 presentation for effective recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells in 3D
Authors: Iannone Maria , Ventre Maurizio , Pagano Gemma , Giannoni Paolo , Quarto Rodolfo , Netti Paolo Antonio
Published: June 2014

In “situ” tissue engineering is a promising approach in regenerative medicine, envisaging to potentiate the physiological tissue repair processes by recruiting the host's own cellular progenitors at the lesion site by means of bioactive materials. Despite numerous works focused the attention in characterizing novel chemoattractant molecules, only few studied the optimal way to present signal in the microenvironment, in order to recruit cells more effectively. In this work, we have analyzed the effects of gradients of stromal derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) on the migratory behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We have characterized the expression of the chemokine‐associated receptor, CXCR4, using cytofluorimetric and real‐time PCR analyses. Gradients of SDF‐1 were created in 3D collagen gels in a chemotaxis chamber. Migration parameters were evaluated using different chemoattractant concentrations. Our results show that cell motion is strongly affected by the spatio‐temporal features of SDF‐1 gradients. In particular, we demonstrated that the presence of SDF‐1 not only influences cell motility but alters the cell state in terms of SDF‐1 receptor expression and productions, thus modifying the way cells perceive the signal itself. Our observations highlight the importance of a correct stimulation of MSCs by means of SDF‐1 in order to implement on effective cell recruitment. Our results could be useful for the creation of a “cell instructive material” that is capable to communicate with the cells and control and direct tissue regeneration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2303–2316. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.