bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
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.
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

AbstractInconsistent 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractEvidence 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

SummaryVery 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.
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

AbstractSignal 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

ABSTRACTThermoplastic 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

ABSTRACTThe 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

ABSTRACTBlend 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractHPA‐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

AbstractBereits 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

AbstractSeit 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 AmericaFor 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

AbstractSowohl 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 recalculationsDue 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.