bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Critical Assessment of the Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol Supplements for Treating Mitochondrial Disorders
Authors: De Paepe Boel , Van Coster Rudy
Published: September 2017

In human cells, mitochondria provide the largest part of cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate generated by the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Impaired OXPHOS activity leads to a heterogeneous group of inherited diseases for which therapeutic options today remain very limited. Potential innovative strategies aim to ameliorate mitochondrial function by increasing the total mitochondrial load of tissues and/or to scavenge the excess of reactive oxygen species generated by OXPHOS malfunctioning. In this respect, resveratrol, a compound that conveniently combines mitogenetic with antioxidant activities and, as a bonus, possesses anti-apoptotic properties, has come forward as a promising nutraceutical. We review the scientific evidence gathered so far through experiments in both in vitro and in vivo systems, evaluating the therapeutic effect that resveratrol is expected to generate in mitochondrial patients. The obtained results are encouraging, but clearly show that achieving normalization of OXPHOS function with this strategy alone could prove to be an unattainable goal.
Combination of Hypertension Along with a High Fat and Cholesterol Diet Induces Severe Hepatic Inflammation in Rats via a Signaling Network Comprising NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2 Pathways
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Naito Hisao , Jia Xiaofang , Kitamori Kazuya , Nakajima Tamie
Published: September 2017

Populations with essential hypertension have a high risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we investigated the mechanism that underlies the progression of hypertension-associated NASH by comparing differences in the development of high fat and cholesterol (HFC) diet-induced NASH among three strains of rats, i.e., two hypertensive strains comprising spontaneously hypertensive rats and the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive 5/Dmcr, and the original Wistar Kyoto rats as the normotensive control. We investigated histopathological changes and molecular signals related to inflammation in the liver after feeding with the HFC diet for 8 weeks. The diet induced severe lobular inflammation and fibrosis in the livers of the hypertensive rats, whereas it only caused mild steatohepatitis in the normotensive rats. An increased activation of proinflammatory signaling (transforming growth factor-β1/mitogen-activated protein kinases pathway) was observed in the hypertensive strains fed with the HFC diet. In addition, the HFC diet suppressed the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway in the hypertensive rats and led to lower increases in the hepatic expression of heme oxygenase-1, which has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In conclusion, these signaling pathways might play crucial roles in the development of hypertension-associated NASH.
Antibacterial Properties of Flavonoids from Kino of the Eucalypt Tree, Corymbia torelliana
Authors: Nobakht Motahareh , Trueman Stephen , Wallace Helen , Brooks Peter , Streeter Klrissa , Katouli Mohammad
Published: September 2017

Traditional medicine and ecological cues can both help to reveal bioactive natural compounds. Indigenous Australians have long used kino from trunks of the eucalypt tree, Corymbia citriodora, in traditional medicine. A closely related eucalypt, C. torelliana, produces a fruit resin with antimicrobial properties that is highly attractive to stingless bees. We tested the antimicrobial activity of extracts from kino of C. citriodora, C. torelliana × C. citriodora, and C. torelliana against three Gram-negative and two Gram-positive bacteria and the unicellular fungus, Candida albicans. All extracts were active against all microbes, with the highest activity observed against P. aeruginosa. We tested the activity of seven flavonoids from the kino of C. torelliana against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. All flavonoids were active against P. aeruginosa, and one compound, (+)-(2S)-4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methylflavanone, was active against S. aureus. Another compound, 4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethylflavanone, greatly increased biofilm formation by both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The presence or absence of methyl groups at positions 6 and 8 in the flavonoid A ring determined their anti-Staphylococcus and biofilm-stimulating activity. One of the most abundant and active compounds, 3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavanone, was tested further against P. aeruginosa and was found to be bacteriostatic at its minimum inhibitory concentration of 200 µg/mL. This flavanonol reduced adhesion of P. aeruginosa cells while inducing no cytotoxic effects in Vero cells. This study demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of flavonoids in eucalypt kino and highlighted that traditional medicinal knowledge and ecological cues can reveal valuable natural compounds.
Polyphilic Interactions as Structural Driving Force Investigated by Molecular Dynamics Simulation (Project 7)
Authors: Peschel Christopher , Brehm Martin , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: September 2017

We investigated the effect of fluorinated molecules on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers by force-field molecular dynamics simulations. In the first step, we developed all-atom force-field parameters for additive molecules in membranes to enable an accurate description of those systems. On the basis of this force field, we performed extensive simulations of various bilayer systems containing different additives. The additive molecules were chosen to be of different size and shape, and they included small molecules such as perfluorinated alcohols, but also more complex molecules. From these simulations, we investigated the structural and dynamic effects of the additives on the membrane properties, as well as the behavior of the additive molecules themselves. Our results are in good agreement with other theoretical and experimental studies, and they contribute to a microscopic understanding of interactions, which might be used to specifically tune membrane properties by additives in the future.
Effects of Graphene Oxide and Chemically-Reduced Graphene Oxide on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Amine Composites
Authors: Monteserín Cristina , Blanco Miren , Aranzabe Estibaliz , Aranzabe Ana , Laza Jose Manuel , Larrañaga-Varga Aitor , Vilas Jose Luis
Published: September 2017

Composites based on epoxy/graphene oxide (GO) and epoxy/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were investigated for thermal-mechanical performance focusing on the effects of the chemical groups present on nanoadditive-enhanced surfaces. GO and rGO obtained in the present study have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) demonstrating that materials with different oxidation degrees have been obtained. Thereafter, GO/epoxy and rGO/epoxy nanocomposites were successfully prepared and thoroughly characterized by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A significant increase in the glass transition temperature was found in comparison with the neat epoxy. The presence of functional groups on the graphene surface leads to chemical interactions between these functional groups on GO and rGO surfaces with the epoxy, contributing to the possible formation of covalent bonds between GO and rGO with the matrix. The presence of oxidation groups on GO also contributes to an improved exfoliation, intercalation, and distribution of the GO sheets in the composites with respect to the rGO based composites.
Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) Measurements of Landfill Methane Emissions
Authors: Innocenti Fabrizio , Robinson Rod , Gardiner Tom , Finlayson Andrew , Connor Andy
Published: September 2017

Methane is one of the most important gaseous hydrocarbon species for both industrial and environmental reasons. Understanding and quantifying methane emissions to atmosphere is therefore an important element of climate change research. Range-resolved infrared differential absorption Lidar (DIAL) measurements provide the means to map and quantify a wide range of different methane sources. This paper describes the DIAL measurement technique and reports the application of an infrared DIAL system to field measurements of methane emissions from active and closed landfill sites. This paper shows how the capability of the DIAL to measure the spatial distribution of methane plumes enables DIAL vertical scans to spatially separate and independently quantify emissions from different sources. It also allows DIAL horizontal scans carried out above the surface to identify emission hot-spots. An overview of the landfill emission surveys carried out over the last decade by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) DIAL system is presented. These surveys were part of research projects and commercial works aimed to validate the method and to provide reliable information on the methane emissions measuring the total site and area-specific emissions from active areas, capped areas, and gas engine stacks. This work showed that methane emissions are significantly higher for active sites than closed sites due to the methane emitted directly to air from the uncapped active areas. On active sites, the operational tipping areas generally have higher emission levels than the capped areas, although there is considerably variation in the emission from different capped areas. The information obtained with DIAL measurements allow site operators to identify significant fugitive emission sources and validate emissions estimates, and they allow the regulators to revise and update the emission inventories. Operators’ remediation actions driven by DIAL measurements have also been shown to considerably decreased total site methane emission.
Active Nonlinear Acoustic Sensing of an Object with Sum or Difference Frequency Fields
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Liu Yuming , Ratilal Purnima , Cho Byunggu , Makris Nicholas
Published: September 2017

A number of nonlinear acoustic sensing methods exist or are being developed for diverse areas ranging from oceanic sensing of ecosystems, gas bubbles, and submerged objects to medical sensing of the human body. Our approach is to use primary frequency incident waves to generate second order nonlinear sum or difference frequency fields that carry information about an object to be sensed. Here we show that in general nonlinear sensing of an object, many complicated and potentially unexpected mechanisms can lead to sum or difference frequency fields. Some may contain desired information about the object, others may not, even when the intention is simply to probe an object by linear scattering of sum and difference frequency incident waves generated by a parametric array. Practical examples illustrating this in ocean, medical, air and solid earth sensing are given. To demonstrate this, a general and complete second-order theory of nonlinear acoustics in the presence of an object is derived and shown to be consistent with experimental measurements. The total second-order field occurs at sum or difference frequencies of the primary fields and naturally breaks into (A) nonlinear waves generated by wave-wave interactions, and (B) second order waves from scattering of incident wave-wave fields, boundary advection, and wave-force-induced centroidal motion. Wave-wave interactions are analytically shown to always dominate the total second-order field at sufficiently large range and carry only primary frequency response information about the object. As range decreases, the dominant mechanism is shown to vary with object size, object composition, and frequencies making it possible for sum or difference frequency response information about the object to be measured from second-order fields in many practical scenarios. It is also shown by analytic proof that there is no scattering of sound by sound outside the region of compact support intersection of finite-duration plane waves at sum or difference frequencies, to second-order. Analytic expressions for second-order fields due to combinations of planar and far-field wave-wave interactions are also derived as are conditions for when wave-wave interactions will dominate the second order field.
Field Validation of Remote Sensing Methane Emission Measurements
Authors: Gardiner Tom , Helmore Jon , Innocenti Fabrizio , Robinson Rod
Published: September 2017

Area sources are a key contributor to overall greenhouse gas emissions but present a particular challenge to emission measurement techniques due to the heterogeneous nature of the sources. A new Controlled Release Facility (CRF) has been developed that is able to recreate in the field both the distribution and rate of emissions seen in actual industrial applications. The results of a series of field validation experiments involving this facility and an infrared differential absorption Lidar (DIAL) facility are presented, which have demonstrated the capability of the CRF to generate controlled methane emissions from 1.8 kg/h to 11 kg/h with a typical expanded (k = 2) uncertainty of ~0.3 kg/h, and established that any underlying systematic uncertainty in the DIAL measurements across this range of methane emissions is less than 4% (or 0.2 kg/h).
Underlying Physics of Conductive Polymer Composites and Force Sensing Resistors (FSRs) under Static Loading Conditions
Authors: Paredes-Madrid Leonel , Palacio Carlos , Matute Arnaldo , Parra Vargas Carlos
Published: September 2017

Conductive polymer composites are manufactured by randomly dispersing conductive particles along an insulating polymer matrix. Several authors have attempted to model the piezoresistive response of conductive polymer composites. However, all the proposed models rely upon experimental measurements of the electrical resistance at rest state. Similarly, the models available in literature assume a voltage-independent resistance and a stress-independent area for tunneling conduction. With the aim of developing and validating a more comprehensive model, a test bench capable of exerting controlled forces has been developed. Commercially available sensors—which are manufactured from conductive polymer composites—have been tested at different voltages and stresses, and a model has been derived on the basis of equations for the quantum tunneling conduction through thin insulating film layers. The resistance contribution from the contact resistance has been included in the model together with the resistance contribution from the conductive particles. The proposed model embraces a voltage-dependent behavior for the composite resistance, and a stress-dependent behavior for the tunneling conduction area. The proposed model is capable of predicting sensor current based upon information from the sourcing voltage and the applied stress. This study uses a physical (non-phenomenological) approach for all the phenomena discussed here.
An Embedded Multi-Agent Systems Based Industrial Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Taboun Mohammed , Brennan Robert
Published: September 2017

With the emergence of cyber-physical systems, there has been a growing interest in network-connected devices. One of the key requirements of a cyber-physical device is the ability to sense its environment. Wireless sensor networks are a widely-accepted solution for this requirement. In this study, an embedded multi-agent systems-managed wireless sensor network is presented. A novel architecture is proposed, along with a novel wireless sensor network architecture. Active and passive wireless sensor node types are defined, along with their communication protocols, and two application-specific examples are presented. A series of three experiments is conducted to evaluate the performance of the agent-embedded wireless sensor network.
Surface Profiling and Core Evaluation of Aluminum Honeycomb Sandwich Aircraft Panels Using Multi-Frequency Eddy Current Testing
Authors: Reyno Tyler , Underhill P. , Krause Thomas , Marsden Catharine , Wowk Diane
Published: September 2017

Surface damage on honeycomb aircraft panels is often measured manually, and is therefore subject to variation based on inspection personnel. Eddy current testing (ECT) is sensitive to variations in probe-to-specimen spacing, or lift-off, and is thus promising for high-resolution profiling of surface damage on aluminum panels. Lower frequency testing also allows inspection through the face sheet, an advantage over optical 3D scanning methods. This paper presents results from the ECT inspection of surface damage on an approximately flat aluminum honeycomb aircraft panel, and compares the measurements to those taken using optical 3D scanning technology. An ECT C-Scan of the dented panel surface was obtained by attaching the probe to a robotic scanning apparatus. Data was taken simultaneously at four frequencies of 25, 100, 400 and 1600 kHz. A reference surface was then defined that approximated the original, undamaged panel surface, which also compensated for the effects of specimen tilt and thermal drift within the ECT instrument. Data was converted to lift-off using height calibration curves developed for each probe frequency. A damage region of 22,550 mm2 area with dents ranging in depth from 0.13–1.01 mm was analyzed. The method was accurate at 1600 kHz to within 0.05 mm (2σ) when compared with 231 measurements taken via optical 3D scanning. Testing at 25 kHz revealed a 3.2 mm cell size within the honeycomb core, which was confirmed via destructive evaluation. As a result, ECT demonstrates potential for implementation as a method for rapid in-field aircraft panel surface damage assessment.
Ultra-Sensitive NT-proBNP Quantification for Early Detection of Risk Factors Leading to Heart Failure
Authors: Song Keum-Soo , Nimse Satish , Sonawane Mukesh , Warkad Shrikant , Kim Taisun
Published: September 2017

Cardiovascular diseases such as acute myocardial infarction and heart failure accounted for the death of 17.5 million people (31% of all global deaths) in 2015. Monitoring the level of circulating N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) is crucial for the detection of people at risk of heart failure. In this article, we describe a novel ultra-sensitive NT-proBNP test (us-NT-proBNP) that allows the quantification of circulating NT-proBNP in 30 min at 25 °C in the linear detection range of 7.0–600 pg/mL. It is a first report on the application of a fluorescence bead labeled detection antibody, DNA-guided detection method, and glass fiber membrane platform for the quantification of NT-proBNP in clinical samples. Limit of blank, limit of detection, and limit of quantification were 2.0 pg/mL, 3.7 pg/mL, and 7 pg/mL, respectively. The coefficient of variation was found to be less than 10% in the entire detection range of 7–600 pg/mL. The test demonstrated specificity for NT-proBNP without interferences from bilirubin, intra-lipid, biotin, and hemoglobin. The serial dilution test for plasma samples containing various NT-proBNP levels showed the linear decrement in concentration with the regression coefficient of 0.980–0.998. These results indicate that us-NT-proBNP test does not suffer from the interference of the plasma components for the measurement of NT-proBNP in clinical samples.
Assessing the Effect of Eco-City Practices on Urban Sustainability Using an Extended Ecological Footprint Model: A Case Study in Xi’an, China
Authors: Wang Fuyuan , Wang Kaiyong
Published: September 2017

Planning and construction are well-known practical topics; however, eco-city developments and their sustainable effects on the city are less known. Xi’an is a typical city that has a target to become an eco-city. This city is selected in this case study with the aims of (1) framing eco-practices to enhance the understanding of an eco-city development and (2) evaluating the effect of eco-practices to reveal whether they truly enhance urban sustainability. For the first objective, the framework was constructed in accordance with ecological footprint (EF) theory. For the second objective, environmental pollution was added to an extended EF model. The EF of Xi’an from 1999 to 2014 was calculated and analyzed. The results are as follows: (1) Water pollution control and water area development are core issues in the Xi’an eco-city development. Air pollution control and forest land development also play important roles in the eco-city development; (2) Eco-city practices contribute to the decreases of per capita EF and per capita ecological deficit because of the reduction in the EFs of water area, forest land, and arable land, thereby enhancing urban sustainability; (3) The effect of eco-city practices on the improvement of per capita ecological capacity (EC), the ECs of arable land, water area, pasture land, and forest land are not significant. Based on these results, this study provides practical implications for the promotion of urban sustainability through eco-city development.
Comparison and Screening of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Options in View of Sustainable Performance and Waste Management
Authors: Schwenk-Ferrero Aleksandra , Andrianov Andrei
Published: September 2017

Is it true that a nuclear technology approach to generate electric energy offers a clean, safe, reliable and affordable, i.e., sustainable option? In principle yes, however a technology impact on the environment strongly depends on the actual implementation bearing residual risks due to technical failures, human factors, or natural catastrophes. A full response is thus difficult and can be given first when the wicked multi-disciplinary issues get well formulated and “resolved”. These problems are lying at the interface between: the necessary R&D effort, the industrial deployment and the technology impact in view of the environmental sustainability including the management of produced hazardous waste. As such, this problem is clearly of multi-dimensional nature. This enormous complexity indicates that just a description of the problem might cause a dilemma. The paper proposes a novel holistic approach applying Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to assess the potential of nuclear energy systems with respect to a sustainable performance. It shows how to establish a multi-level criteria structure tree and examines the trading-off techniques for scoring and ranking of options. The presented framework allows multi-criteria and multi-group treatment. The methodology can be applied to support any pre-decisional process launched in a country to find the best nuclear and/or non-nuclear option according to national preferences and priorities. The approach addresses major aspects of the environmental footprint of nuclear energy systems. As a case study, advanced nuclear fuel cycles are analyzed, which were previously investigated by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA/OECD) expert group WASTEMAN. Sustainability facets of waste management, resource utilization and economics are in focus.
LaVegMod v2: Modeling Coastal Vegetation Dynamics in Response to Proposed Coastal Restoration and Protection Projects in Louisiana, USA
Authors: Visser Jenneke , Duke-Sylvester Scott
Published: September 2017

We have developed a computer model of plant community dynamics for Louisiana’s coastal wetland ecosystems. The model was improved as a part of the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan of 2017 and is one of several linked models used to evaluate the potential effects of climate change and sea levels rise as well as the potential effects of alternative approaches to managing the region’s natural resources to mitigate the effects of sea level rise. The model we describe here incorporates a number of improvements over the previous version of the model developed for the 2012 Master Plan, including an expansion of the number of species and habitat types represented, the inclusion of bottomland forests and barrier islands, and the incorporation of additional ecological processes such as dispersal. Here, we present results from the model used to evaluate large scale ecosystem restoration projects, as well as three alternative management scenarios to illustrate the utility of the model and the ability of current management plans to address the threats that sea level rise pose to Louisiana’s coastal wetland ecosystems.
M2M Security Technology of CPS Based on Blockchains
Authors: Yin Shiyong , Bao Jinsong , Zhang Yiming , Huang Xiaodi
Published: September 2017

As the core of intelligent manufacturing, cyber-physical systems (CPS) have serious security issues, especially for the communication security of their terminal machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. In this paper, blockchain technology is introduced to address such a security problem of communications between different types of machines in the CPS. According to the principles of blockchain technology, we designed a blockchain for secure M2M communications. As a communication system, M2M consists of public network areas, device areas, and private areas, and we designed a sophisticated blockchain structure between the public area and private area. For validating our design, we took cotton spinning production as a case study to demonstrate our solution to M2M communication problems under the CPS framework. We have demonstrated that the blockchain technology can effectively solve the safety of expansion of machines in the production process and the communication data between the machines cannot be tampered with.
Effect of AQM-Based RLC Buffer Management on the eNB Scheduling Algorithm in LTE Network
Authors: Paul Anup , Kawakami Hidehiko , Tachibana Atsuo , Hasegawa Teruyuki
Published: September 2017

With the advancement of the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network and smart-phones, most of today’s internet content is delivered via cellular links. Due to the nature of wireless signal propagation, the capacity of the last hop link can vary within a short period of time. Unfortunately, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) does not perform well in such scenarios, potentially leading to poor Quality of Service (QoS) (e.g., end-to-end throughput and delay) for the end user. In this work, we have studied the effect of Active Queue Management (AQM) based congestion control and intra LTE handover on the performance of different Medium Access Control (MAC) schedulers with TCP traffic by ns3 simulation. A proper AQM design in the Radio Link Control (RLC) buffer of eNB in the LTE network leads to the avoidance of forced drops and link under-utilization along with robustness to a variety of network traffic-loads. We first demonstrate that the original Random Early Detection (RED) linear dropping function cannot cope well with different traffic-load scenarios. Then, we establish a heuristic approach in which different non-linear functions are proposed with one parameter free to define. In our simulations, we demonstrate that the performance of different schedulers can be enhanced via proper dropping function.
Identification of a Novel Inhibitor against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: Sun Yaping , Zhang Huaidong , Shi Jian , Zhang Zhe , Gong Rui
Published: September 2017

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first isolated in 2012, and circulated worldwide with high mortality. The continual outbreaks of MERS-CoV highlight the importance of developing antiviral therapeutics. Here, we rationally designed a novel fusion inhibitor named MERS-five-helix bundle (MERS-5HB) derived from the six-helix bundle (MERS-6HB) which was formed by the process of membrane fusion. MERS-5HB consists of three copies of heptad repeat 1 (HR1) and two copies of heptad repeat 2 (HR2) while MERS-6HB includes three copies each of HR1 and HR2. As it lacks one HR2, MERS-5HB was expected to interact with viral HR2 to interrupt the fusion step. What we found was that MERS-5HB could bind to HR2P, a peptide derived from HR2, with a strong affinity value (KD) of up to 0.24 nM. Subsequent assays indicated that MERS-5HB could inhibit pseudotyped MERS-CoV entry effectively with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of about 1 μM. In addition, MERS-5HB significantly inhibited spike (S) glycoprotein-mediated syncytial formation in a dose-dependent manner. Further biophysical characterization showed that MERS-5HB was a thermo-stable α-helical secondary structure. The inhibitory potency of MERS-5HB may provide an attractive basis for identification of a novel inhibitor against MERS-CoV, as a potential antiviral agent.
Engineered Disease Resistance in Cotton Using RNA-Interference to Knock down Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus-Burewala and Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite Expression
Authors: Ahmad Aftab , Zia-Ur-Rehman Muhammad , Hameed Usman , Qayyum Rao Abdul , Ahad Ammara , Yasmeen Aneela , Akram Faheem , Bajwa Kamran , Scheffler Jodi , Nasir Idrees , Shahid Ahmad , Iqbal Muhammad , Husnain Tayyab , Haider Muhammad , Brown Judith
Published: September 2017

Cotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuD) is caused by a suite of whitefly-transmitted begomovirus species and strains, resulting in extensive losses annually in India and Pakistan. RNA-interference (RNAi) is a proven technology used for knockdown of gene expression in higher organisms and viruses. In this study, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) construct was designed to target the AC1 gene of Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus-Burewala (CLCuKoV-Bu) and the βC1 gene and satellite conserved region of the Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB). The AC1 gene and CLCuMB coding and non-coding regions function in replication initiation and suppression of the plant host defense pathway, respectively. The construct, Vβ, was transformed into cotton plants using the Agrobacterium-mediated embryo shoot apex cut method. Results from fluorescence in situ hybridization and karyotyping assays indicated that six of the 11 T1 plants harbored a single copy of the Vβ transgene. Transgenic cotton plants and non-transgenic (susceptible) test plants included as the positive control were challenge-inoculated using the viruliferous whitefly vector to transmit the CLCuKoV-Bu/CLCuMB complex. Among the test plants, plant Vβ-6 was asymptomatic, had the lowest amount of detectable virus, and harbored a single copy of the transgene on chromosome six. Absence of characteristic leaf curl symptom development in transgenic Vβ-6 cotton plants, and significantly reduced begomoviral-betasatellite accumulation based on real-time polymerase chain reaction, indicated the successful knockdown of CLCuKoV-Bu and CLCuMB expression, resulting in leaf curl resistant plants.
Modelling Extreme Wave Overtopping at Aberystwyth Promenade
Authors: Thompson Daniel , Karunarathna Harshinie , Reeve Dominic
Published: September 2017

The work presents a methodology to assess the coastal impacts during a storm event which caused significant damage along the promenade at Aberystwyth, Wales on the 3 January 2014. Overtopping was analysed in detail for a section of promenade by downscaling offshore wave conditions to force a surf zone hydrodynamic model, NEWRANS. Overtopping discharges are computed and were in qualitative agreement with published discharges for the level of damage observed along the promenade. Peak storm conditions were observed to arrive just before and during high tide at Aberystwyth, which in addition to a storm surge and wave-setup, contributed to the damage observed. A high frequency of overtopping occurs during peak high tide, with overtopping also occurring in the hour leading up to and following high tide. Finally, comparisons to design methods for the estimation of overtopping discharge were made. Current empirical formulae underestimated the peak overtopping event at high tide. The methodology applied is generic and applicable to any location.
Effects on Infiltration and Evaporation When Adding Rapeseed-Oil Residue or Wheat Straw to a Loam Soil
Authors: Xing Xuguang , Li Yibo , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: September 2017

The application of additives (e.g., wheat straw (WS) or rapeseed-oil residue (RR)) to soils is a common agronomic practice, used for improving soil water retention. Through a laboratory investigation, this study examined the effects of RR and WS on infiltration, evaporation, water distribution, and water retention. The results indicated that the migration rate of the wetting front, as well as the accumulative infiltration and evaporation, decreased with the amount of applied additives. RR was more effective than WS for infiltration and evaporation suppression. Furthermore, in the Kostiakov model, the value of a decreased with an increasing amount of additive, becoming smaller than the corresponding control treatment (CK) value; by contrast, the value of n decreased with increasing amount of applied additive, remaining larger than the CK value. In the Rose model, the values of A for the soils mixed with additives were smaller than those of the CK, and decreased with increasing amount of additive. Moreover, compared with the CK, the maximum water content for the RR-applied soils increased by 17.84% after infiltration and by 47.66% after evaporation. In addition, the water retention coefficients (calculated as the soil moisture after evaporation divided by that after infiltration) for soils mixed with RR were the highest, indicating that RR is more effective than WS for improving the water retention of the soil layer.
Hemp Fibre Reinforced Composites
Authors: Schwarzova Ivana , Stevulova Nadezda , Melichar Tomas
Published: September 2017

The conventional homogeneous materials can no longer effectively satisfy the growing demands on product capabilities
and performance, due to the advancement in products design and materials engineering. Therefore, the fibre reinforced
composites with better properties and desirable applications emerged.
Natural fibres have high strength to low weight ratios and have good sound and thermal insulation properties. Combination of
organic filler and inorganic matrix creates high-quality products such as fibre boards and composites. The great importance is
attached to industrial hemp as source of the rapidly renewable fibres and as non-waste material. Industrial hemp fibre has great
potential in composite materials reinforcement. However, improving interfacial bonding between fibres and matrix is an important
factor for its using in composites.
This paper deals with hemp fibre reinforced composites in civil engineering as component part of sustainable construction.
Prepared lightweight composites based on original and pre-treated hemp hurds are characterized by selected physical and mechanical
properties (density, thermal conductivity, water absorbability, compressive and tensile strength) in dependence on
used inorganic binder (traditional Portland cement and alternative MgO-cement).
Molecular Gas Feeding the Circumnuclear Disk of the Galactic Center
Authors: Hsieh Pei-Ying , Koch Patrick M. , Ho Paul T. P. , Kim Woong-Tae , Tang Ya-Wen , Wang Hsiang-Hsu , Yen Hsi-Wei , Hwang Chorng-Yuan
Published: September 2017

The interaction between a supermassive black hole (SMBH) and the surrounding material is of primary importance in modern astrophysics. The detection of the molecular 2 pc circumnuclear disk (CND) immediately around the Milky Way SMBH, SgrA*, provides a unique opportunity to study SMBH accretion at subparsec scales. Our new wide-field CS(J = 2 − 1) map toward the Galactic center (GC) reveals multiple dense molecular streamers that originated from the ambient clouds 20 pc further out, and that are connected to the central 2 pc of the CND. These dense gas streamers appear to carry gas directly toward the nuclear region and might be captured by the central potential. Our phase-plot analysis indicates that these streamers show a signature of rotation and inward radial motion with progressively higher velocities as the gas approaches the CND and finally ends up corotating with the CND. Our results might suggest a possible mechanism of gas feeding the CND from 20 pc around 2 pc in the GC. In this paper, we discuss the morphology and the kinematics of these streamers. As the nearest observable Galactic nucleus, this feeding process may have implications for understanding the processes in extragalactic nuclei.
FUV Irradiation and the Heat Signature of Accretion in Protoplanetary Disk Atmospheres
Authors: R. Najita Joan , Ádámkovics Máté
Published: September 2017

Although stars accrete mass throughout the first few million years of their lives, the physical mechanism that drives disk accretion in the T Tauri phase is uncertain, and diagnostics that probe the nature of disk accretion have been elusive, particularly in the planet formation region of the disk. Here we explore whether an accretion process such as the magnetorotational instability (MRI) could be detected through its “heat signature,” the energy it deposits in the disk atmosphere. To examine this possibility, we investigate the impact of accretion-related mechanical heating and energetic stellar irradiation (FUV and X-rays) on the thermal-chemical properties of disk atmospheres at planet formation distances. We find that stellar FUV irradiation (

and continuum), through its role in heating and photodissociation, affects much of the upper warm (400–2000 K) molecular layer of the atmosphere, and the properties of the layer are generally in good agreement with the observed molecular emission features of disks at UV, near-infrared, and mid-infrared wavelengths. At the same time, the effect of FUV irradiation is restricted to the upper molecular layer of the disk, even when irradiation by

is included. The region immediately below the FUV-heated layer is potentially dominated by accretion-related mechanical heating. As cooler (90–400 K) CO, water, and other molecules are potential diagnostics of the mechanically heated layer, emission line studies of these diagnostics might be used to search for evidence of the MRI in action.
Thick Disks in the Hubble Space Telescope Frontier Fields
Authors: Elmegreen Bruce G. , Elmegreen Debra Meloy , Tompkins Brittany , Jenks Leah G.
Published: September 2017

Thick disk evolution is studied using edge-on galaxies in two Hubble Space Telescope Frontier Field Parallels. The galaxies were separated into 72 clumpy types and 35 spiral types with bulges. Perpendicular light profiles in F435W, F606W, and F814W (B, V, and I) passbands were measured at 1 pixel intervals along the major axes and fitted to sech2 functions convolved with the instrument line spread function (LSF). The LSF was determined from the average point spread function of ∼20 stars in each passband and field, convolved with a line of uniform brightness to simulate disk blurring. A spread function for a clumpy disk was also used for comparison. The resulting scale heights were found to be proportional to galactic mass, with the average height for a 1010±0.5
M
⊙ galaxy at z = 2 ± 0.5 equal to 0.63 ± 0.24 kpc. This value is probably the result of a blend between thin and thick disk components that cannot be resolved. Evidence for such two-component structure is present in an inverse correlation between height and midplane surface brightness. Models suggest that the thick disk is observed best between the clumps, and there the average scale height is 1.06 ± 0.43 kpc for the same mass and redshift. A 0.63 ± 0.68 mag V − I color differential with height is also evidence for a mixture of thin and thick components.
Des colonies russes à L’Amérique noire... et retour. Lénine et Langston Hughes
Authors: Renault Matthieu
Published: September 2017

Les essais de Lénine sur l’autodétermination nationale et les luttes anticoloniales sont bien connus. Beaucoup moins le sont ses écrits plus précoces, dans lesquels les « nations opprimées » brillent par leur absence, sur le processus de colonisation intérieure des « terres libres » des périphéries de l’Empire russe. Trouvant leur prolongement dans des réflexions croisées sur le devenir du servage en Russie et de l’esclavage aux États-Unis, ces textes nous enjoignent à jeter un regard nouveau sur l’identification opérée plus tard entre la condition des peuples d’Asie et d’Afrique ployant sous le joug de l’impérialisme européen et celle des Noirs américains se définissant eux-mêmes comme des colonisés de l’intérieur. Le récit de voyage du poète africain-américain Langston Hughes en Asie centrale soviétique au début des années 1930 offre enfin une perspective privilégiée pour réinterroger l’émancipation des peuples « de couleur » de l’Empire après 1917, et ses limites.
Labor history, tournant de « l’histoire globale » et marxismes
Authors: van der Linden Marcel , Ducange Jean-Numa , Bidet Jacques
Published: September 2017

Dans cet entretien, Marcel Van der Linden revient d’abord sur sa trajectoire d’historien des mouvements ouvriers, de son engagement à l’extrême-gauche jusqu’à la direction de l’Institut international d’histoire sociale. Il présente notamment le tournant de l’histoire globale qui a permis de renouveler récemment l’histoire des mouvements sociaux, notamment des solidarités ouvrières. Il revient également sur les interprétations marxistes du régime soviétique auxquelles il a consacré un ouvrage spécifique. Il propose enfin, à partir de ces connaissances d’historiens, une lecture des évolutions des mouvements sociaux contemporains.
La création d’un orchestre rom à partir d’un squat de migrants : quels usages de l’« authenticité identitaire » ?
Authors: Clavé-Mercier Alexandra
Published: September 2017

Cet article entend questionner les discours sur l’« authenticité identitaire » et les enjeux qui leur sont sous-jacents à travers l’analyse de la construction de la musique « rom » comme objet patrimonial. Dans une agglomération française, un orchestre réunissant des migrants roms bulgares a été mis en place par deux acteurs de la société civile. Les membres de l’orchestre étant présentés dans la presse comme des Roms vivant en squat et jouant une musique « traditionnelle des plus authentiques », il est intéressant d’analyser les discours sur ce dispositif en lien avec l’identité ethnique « rom ». Sont également interrogées les motivations des différents acteurs participant à cette construction d’objet culturel, en soulignant l’importance des contextes migratoire et sociopolitique et notamment la fortement présente « injonction à l’intégration ». Les effets de cette construction culturelle et les changements qu’elle entraîne pour les membres du groupe sont ensuite analysés. L’article montre in fine que la création de l’orchestre cristallise les ambiguïtés entre une assignation identitaire et les stratégies d’acteurs qui s’en saisissent à leur façon.
Une patrimonialisation des migrations en tension entre le local et le transnational. L’exemple d’un projet « d’écomusée peul » dans la région de Matam (Sénégal)
Authors: Garnier Julie , Leblon Anaïs
Published: September 2017

Dans cet article, nous proposons d’explorer les rapports qui lient la fabrique « d’un patrimoine culturel » à l’expérience de la migration, celle-ci apparaissant comme un élément déclencheur de la patrimonialisation. Nous prendrons appui pour cela sur l’étude d’un projet d’« écomusée peul » dans la région de Matam au Sénégal, porté par un collectif de migrants ouest-africains en France : quels enjeux de signification recouvrent ces mobilisations qui émergent au nom de la culture en contexte migratoire ? Que nous disent-elles sur les collectifs et les réseaux qui s’y construisent ? Que nous apprennent-elles de l’articulation entre les échelles locales d’investissement des migrants et les circulations transnationales à l’œuvre, sur les difficultés à patrimonialiser en migration ?
Alumbrando la muerte. Profesionales de la vida gestionando el duelo
Authors: Hernández Garre José Manuel , Sánchez Sánchez Francisca Carmen , Echevarría Pérez Paloma
Published: September 2017

El objetivo del artículo ha sido investigar las principales representaciones, experiencias y modelos de afrontamiento que desarrollan los profesionales sanitarios implicados en la atención al duelo perinatal. Se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo y fenomenológico realizando una serie de entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesionales de distintas categorías de las áreas obstétricas de tres hospitales públicos de la región de Murcia. Los relatos hablan de profesionales entrenados para la vida que han de enfrentarse a la muerte, de una falta de formación institucional ante la que los profesionales reaccionan recurriendo a la experiencia, la empatía o la formación autodidacta. Hablan de situaciones dolorosas que son vividas con tintes de tragedia, de cuidados dirigidos a la gestión psicológica del duelo, del tránsito desde modelos asistenciales de afrontamiento de los duelos basados en la evitación y el distanciamiento emocional hacia otros centrados en la verbalización de la experiencia y el contacto con el mortinato.
Determination of the Material Properties of Recycled Rubber for Explicit FEM Simulation
Authors: Manas Pavel , Vrana Radek , Hejmal Zdenek , Dubec Branislav
Published: September 2017

Recycled rubber materials are one of cheap and suitable materials for energy absorbers in protective structures. Standard tests of elastomers in uniaxial or biaxial tension is not suitable and efficient for energy absorbers made of recycled car tires. Simple compression test and simple impact test are described material properties from those tests are determined and compared with simulation in ANSYS/AUTODYN.
MM-ALE Modelling Technique for Blast Response Analysis of Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV) According to AEP-55 Standard: Pros and Cons
Authors: Trajkovski Jovan
Published: September 2017

A precise, simple and efficient blast response numerical analysis of Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) as well as other structures is of great importance in the early design stages of prototype development in order to reduce the final cost. One of the most commonly used modelling techniques for blast response analyses of structures is the Multi-Material Arbitrary-Language-Euler (MM-ALE) method. However, the method is quite demanding for use, especially when complicated geometries such as LAV designs are involved. This paper presents a review of the pros and cons of the MM-ALE modelling technique for blast response analysis of LAV according to the testing procedures required by the AEP-55 standard.
Smart Systems for the Protection of Individuals
Authors: Tokody Daniel , Flammini Francesco
Published: September 2017

Many Smart System technologies for Safety Critical Systems have advanced and have been sophisticated to such an extent that they can readily be applied to numerous practical safety applications. In the future, it is anticipated that Smart Systems will play an increasingly important role in technology development for Safety Critical Systems.
Limit Depth of Rock Mine Shafts for Underground Shelters
Authors: Kravcov Alexander N. , Svoboda Pavel , Pospíchal Vaclav , Morozov Dmitry V. , Ivanov Pavel N.
Published: September 2017

Today, especially after the several technical accidents, the last one in France Flamanville power station near Cherbour in January 2017 risks of the nuclear hazards due to technical, terrorist or military accidents continually rising. In this situation is of a great importance to start with a retrofit those of underground spaces that was decommissioned in last years and to start thinking about reuse of mining shafts as a fallout shelters for protection of civil population. And the first step is to start with selection of the identify spaces with a mathematical models for selection of the rocks massifs that can be useful for porpoise of the underground shelters.
The need to utilise specific geological data, which project organisations usually do not have available. The physical-mathematical properties of rocks are not sufficiently portrayed in these methodologies, which complicates execution of calculations and reduces the credibility of these calculations. The methodology for calculating the stability of rocks around a mine works proposed in the article enables resolution of the task complexly for the conditions of individual deposits, utilising the generalised values of rock property indicators.