bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Stimulation Modifies Canopy Architecture and Improves Volume Utilization Efficiency in Bell Pepper: Implications for Bioregenerative Life-support and Vertical Farming
Authors: Graham Thomas , Wheeler Raymond 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMechanical stimuli or stress has been shown to induce characteristic morphogenic responses (thigmomorphogenesis) in a range of crop species. The typical mechanically stimulated phenotype is shorter and more compact than non-mechanically stimulated plants. This dwarfing effect can be employed to help conform crop plants to the constraints of spaceflight and vertical agriculture crop production systems. Capsicum annum (cv. California Wonder) plants were grown in controlled environment chambers and subjected to mechanical stimulation in the form of firm but gentle daily rubbing of internode tissue with a tightly wrapped cotton swab. Two studies were conducted, the first being a vegetative growth phase study in which plants were mechanically stimulated until anthesis. The second study carried the mechanical stimulation through to fruit set. The response during the vegetative growth experiment was consistent with other results in the literature, with a general reduction in all plant growth metrics and an increase in relative chlorophyll (SPAD) content under mechanical stimulation. In the fruiting phase study, only height and stem thickness differed from the control plants. Using the data from the fruiting study, a rudimentary calculation of volume use efficiency (VUE) improvements was conducted. Results suggest that VUE can be improved, particularly in terrestrial vertical agriculture systems that can take advantage of moderate height reductions by exploiting much greater vertical capacity in the production system. Mechanical stimulation can also improve VUE in spaceflight applications by reducing vertical system requirements or by expanding the species range that can be grown in a fixed production volume. Mechanical stimulation is also discussed as a microgravity countermeasure for crop plants.
“The thick and black clouds of Obloquie”:
Modality and Point of View in Abiezer
Coppe’s ‘A Remonstrance’
Authors: Borgogni Daniele 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This article discusses the interaction between modality, point of view and ideology in Abiezer
Coppe’s A Remonstrance (1651), a letter of protestation written in prison by one of the most infamous
radical thinkers of England in the 1650’s. Point of view is one the most fruitful topics of stylistic enquiry,
in particular in its interaction with modality as carrier of ideological effects, but, as recent studies amply
demonstrate, it is advisable to adopt a heuristic methodology integrating a code-driven approach with
a use-driven model in order to account for a wider variety of expressive means for the realisation of
modality. As this article tries to show, in Coppe’s text this modal function is mainly performed by periodic
sentences and digressions, which act as modalizing structures in the text and, together with the creation
of weak implicatures, introduce a destabilizing element with clear ideological implications. The stylistic
analysis of A Remonstrance shows how this apparently sincere protestation of innocence is in fact a
layered, polysemous text that problematizes the idea itself of sincerity, uses a varied set of modalizing
elements to convey an alternative point of view, and produces interstitial (even subversive) reading
possibilities.
Natural rubber/tetra-needle-like zinc oxide whisker composites: their preparation and characterization
Authors: Chen Xi , Hu Zhibiao , Zhang Fuquan , Zhang Zhusen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTetra-needle-like zinc oxide whiskers (T-ZnOw) were modified by Si69, and natural rubber (NR)/Si69-T-ZnOw composites were developed by latex-compounding techniques. The mechanical properties, morphology, cross-link density, and thermogravimetry of the composites were investigated. The results show that the tetra-needles of T-ZnOw tightly insert into the rubber matrix. T-ZnOw, which have a special four-dimensional structure, act as a skeleton in the rubber matrix. In comparison with the host NR, the mechanical properties, cross-link density, and thermostability of the resulting composites were significantly improved at Si69-T-ZnOw loadings of 4 wt%. During the thermal decomposition, various characteristic temperatures of the NR/Si69-T-ZnOw composites increase 5–9°C over those of the pure NR. The NR/Si69-T-ZnOw composites have great potential to manufacture medical protective products with high performances.
Biogenetic and morphofunctional heterogeneity of mitochondria: the case of synaptic mitochondria
Authors: Fedorovich Sergei V. , Waseem Tatyana V. , Puchkova Ludmila V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe mitochondria of different cells are different in their morphological and biochemical properties. These organelles generate free radicals during activity, leading inevitably to mitochondrial DNA damage. It is not clear how this problem is addressed in long-lived cells, such as neurons. We propose the hypothesis that mitochondria within the same cell also differ in lifespan and ability to divide. According to our suggestion, cells have a pool of ‘stem’ mitochondria with low metabolic activity and a pool of ‘differentiated’ mitochondria with significantly shorter lifespans and high metabolic activity. We consider synaptic mitochondria as a possible example of ‘differentiated’ mitochondria. They are significantly smaller than mitochondria from the cell body, and they are different in key enzyme activity levels, proteome, and lipidome. Synaptic mitochondria are more sensitive to different damaging factors. It has been established that neurons have a sorting mechanism that sends mitochondria with high membrane potential to presynaptic endings. This review describes the properties of synaptic mitochondria and their role in the regulation of synaptic transmission.
Biochemical changes in the leaves of mungbean (Vigna radiata) plants infected by phytoplasma
Authors: Hameed Sidra , Akhtar Khalid Pervaiz , Hameed Amjad , Gulzar Tehsen , Kiran Shumaila , Yousaf Sumaira , Abbas Ghulam , Asghar Muhammad Jawad , Sarwar Nighat 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Objective
Phyllody disease caused by phytoplasma is an emerging problem in mungbean worldwide. However, the alterations in the host physiology and its associated biochemical components induced by the infection with phytoplasma in mungbean plant remain unknown. Hence the present study was performed with the diseased plants in order to determine the patho-physiological changes that take place.

Methods
Under present study, the changes in total phenolic compounds, total soluble proteins, peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll were studied in leaves of phytoplasma-infected and healthy plants of six mungbean genotypes.

Results
Total phenols were decreased significantly in four but increased in one genotype. Protein contents were increased significantly in two genotypes, POD in four, PPO in one and PAL in two genotypes. However, activity of CAT and amount of Chl a, Chl b and total Chl were decreased significantly in all genotypes.

Conclusion
These results suggest that phytoplasma can interfere with host metabolism and photosynthesis to induce disease. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the mungbean response to phytoplasma infection.
OD- and non-OD-polytypism of 9-(3-chloropyridin-4-yl)-9H-carbazole
Authors: Kader Thomas , Kautny Paul , Stöger Berthold , Fröhlich Johannes 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
9-(3-Chloropyridin-4-yl)-9H-carbazole (1) crystallizes as polytypes made up of layers of one kind with P(c)21
b symmetry, in which layer contacts are geometrically non-equivalent (non-OD polytypes). In both polytypes adjacent layers are related by a glide reflection with a plane parallel to (100). In polytype I (Ic2a), the intrinsic translation vector of the glide reflection is b/2. In polytype II (P21), the intrinsic translation vector is s
c/2 with s=0.771. It is a polytype with a maximum degree of order (MDO) of a family of OD structures. Fragments of the second MDO polytype lead to systematic twinning by reflection at (100). For crystals of both polytypes the absolute structure was determined [Flack parameters −0.03(5) and −0.05(5)]. Despite being of the non-OD type, the formalism of OD theory is applied to achieve a unified description of the symmetry of both polytypes.
Performance of Micro- and Nano-Modified Asphalt Mixtures Through Flow Number and Moisture Susceptibility Evaluations
Authors: Yao H. , You Z. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The objective of this study was to utilize micro- and nano-materials to improve the overall performance of asphalt mixtures through flow number and moisture susceptibility evaluations. The materials included non-modified nanoclay and polymer modified nanoclay, carbon microfiber, nanomer material, and nanosilica. These materials were mixed with the control asphalt to prepare the modified asphalt, and then, the modified asphalt was mixed with the aggregates to compact the modified asphalt mixtures. The Superpave performance tests were employed to evaluate the resistance to permanent deformation and moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures, including the flow number and indirect tensile strength tests. The microstructures of modified asphalt were examined by the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and the images helped to understand the modification mechanism. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the levels of impact of these modifiers on the improvement in performance. Based on the results of test data processing, (1) the flow number values of modified asphalt mixtures improved significantly, and it indicated that the rutting performance of modified mixtures was enhanced after the addition of these modifiers; the statistical analysis data revealed that all modifiers had a significant influence on the improvement in performance; (2) the dry and wet tensile strengths increased in most of the modified mixtures, and the statistical analysis results implied that most of the modifiers can greatly impact the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures.
Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Shrinkage Strain Development at Early Ages and Potential for Cracking
Authors: Yoo D.-Y. , Banthia N. , Yoon Y.-S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of the concrete-ring thickness and steel fiber on the restrained shrinkage behavior of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) using the ring test. To do this, three different concrete-ring thicknesses (tc = 20, 30, and 40 mm) and two different fiber contents (Vf = 0 % and 2 %) were considered. The test results indicated that the ring specimen without fiber exhibited shrinkage cracking after nearly 1.4 days because of its low tensile strength, whereas no shrinkage cracking was observed for the ring specimens with fibers during testing. A thicker concrete ring provided lower residual stress, relaxed stress, degree of restraint, and cracking potential. Therefore, it was concluded that using steel fiber and increasing the concrete thickness perpendicular to the tensile stress direction can improve the shrinkage cracking resistance of UHPFRC.
Interface Bond Strength of Ultra-Thin Whitetopping (UTW) and Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Composites by Direct Shear
Authors: Suresha S. N. , Satish D. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Whitetopping is a portland cement concrete (PCC) overlay that is constructed on the top of existing bituminous or hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement. The design and construction of UTW over HMA enables the composite to act as a monolithic layer. This article presents the findings of a laboratory study performed on interface shear strengths of UTW and HMA composites by direct shear approach. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the main effects of (i) different interface treatments, (ii) variation in the design binder content of HMA, and (iii) temperature conditioning and moisture conditioning on the interface shear strength. Based on the results of interface shear strength tests, the range of bond strength of UTW-HMA was found to be 0.22–1.29 MPa. Other factors like age of UTW, temperature conditioning, and moisture conditioning also had significant effects on the interface shear strengths of UTW-HMA composites.
Preliminary Study on the Durability Properties of High-Volume Fly Ash Mortar Composites
Authors: Aydin E. , Balkis A. P. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The use of fly ash, a common industrial byproduct waste, is gaining popularity, especially in developing countries, in addressing environmental concerns surrounding the construction industry, such as reducing waste and CO2 emissions. However, the full potential of fly ash usage is yet to be exploited. The physical, mechanical, and durability properties of fly ash in concrete are well documented; in contrast, its durability properties in mortar require further investigations. The present study investigated the durability properties of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) mortar composites. Specifically, varying proportions of sand were replaced with cement and fly ash to examine the effects on the durability properties of the resulting mortar composites by studying the porosity, weight loss upon sodium sulfate attack, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). Specimens with a diameter of 50 mm and height of 100 mm were examined. The results showed that UPVmortar &gt; UPVpastes. Increasing the amount of cement led to a decrease in weight loss for the 50-, 150-, and 250-mm slumps. The maximum weight loss (15 %) was recorded for the HVFA mortar composites comprising 80 % sand. Furthermore, all prepared samples displayed adequate resistance to sulfate (weight loss was below 16 %). Based on the dry unit weight values, all the final products, aside from that comprising 20 wt. % fly ash and 80 wt. % cement, can be considered as a lightweight material, at ∼12.58 kN/m3, and can satisfactorily be used in the manufacture of lightweight aggregates and semi-isolating materials.
Evaluating the Performance of Physical Fitness by Statistical Inference of Physical Fitness Index
Authors: Lin Yun-Tsan , Chang Tsang-Chuan , Chen Kuen-Suan 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Improving fitness levels is a key area of preventive medicine and plays an essential role in health promotion. Most organizations, constrained by time, manpower, and cost, conduct fitness tests on a random sample of the population in order to gain an understanding of overall fitness levels. However, a great degree of uncertainty may be introduced into performance assessments owing to sampling errors. Therefore, it is important to take sampling errors into account. For this reason, this article proposes a physical fitness index (PFI) based on 5 components: (1) cardiorespiratory endurance, (2) muscular endurance, (3) muscular strength, (4) flexibility, and (5body composition. Using statistical inference, we further develop a testing model of PFI to evaluate the performance of physical fitness. We hope that the results of our research contribute to the accurate determination of the overall fitness levels of the population and help provide a valuable reference for improving fitness levels. Finally, we present an example to illustrate the applicability of the proposed PFI in practice.
Analysis of the Textured Surface of Tangential Turn-Milling
Authors: Karpuschewski B. , Döbberthin C. , Risse K. , Deters L. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Surface texturing is significant for the influence on the functional behavior of contacting parts. Different manufacturing processes like hard-turning, grinding, or honing offer the possibility of accurate surface finishing. Turn-milling seems to be an alternative to apply functional structures on workpieces due to the positive effect of the simultaneous rotary movement of workpiece and tool. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the impact of the process parameters during tangential turn-milling on friction and wear behavior in cylindrical roller bearings in interest of the technical community. Thus, an alternative production sequence with improved tribological performance and reduced resource input was drawn.
Improved Tribological Behavior of Grey Cast Iron Under Low and High Viscous Lubricants by Laser Surface Texturing
Authors: Tripathi K. , Gyawali G. , Joshi B. , Amanov A. , Wohn S. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The main objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of laser surface texturing (LST) on the friction and wear behavior of gray cast iron in lubricated conditions. The dimples with a diameter of 54 μm and depth of about 10 μm were produced with various dimple densities in the range from 5 to 35 %. Ball-on-disc friction tests were carried out for all the specimens in low and high viscous oils. The friction coefficient was reduced by about 35 % after the LST compared with the untextured specimen at a load of 5 N and speed of 5 cm/s. The textured specimen with a dimple density of 10 % possessed the lowest friction coefficient of all the dimpled specimens in both low and high viscous oils. However, the high viscous oil was found to be more effective to achieve a lower friction coefficient compared to the low viscous oil. The friction coefficient reduced by about 46 % in high viscous oil compared to the low viscous oil. Similarly, the lower wear was noticed for the specimen with a dimple density of 10 % and 5 % among all the specimens in both low and high viscous oils. The resistance to wear of the specimens was also found to be enhanced in high viscous oil compared to those in low viscous oil.
Effect of Homogenization and Microstructural Refining on the High Temperature Deformation of a Cast Al-Si-Mg Alloy
Authors: Espinosa L. A. , Pérez-González F. A. , Garza-Montes-de-Oca N. F. , Haro S. , Rossainz R. E. , Marín I. , Colás R. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
A series of studies were conducted to evaluate the effect that microstructural refining and homogenization exerts on the deformation of a heat treatable Al-Si-Mg alloy compressed at high temperature. These studies were carried out in samples that solidified and cooled down to room-temperature at different rates, and that exhibited microstructural components of various size and shape. Some samples were homogenized to evaluate the effect that such treatment exerts on intermetallic particles. Cylindrical samples were machined from different positions within the ingots to compress them at 450°C in a universal testing machine. The samples were tested in the as-cast and homogenized conditions to the same reduction in height. It was found that the as-cast samples were susceptible to the development of cracks at the lateral surface of the samples, in comparison to those ones that were treated, and that the incidence of cracking increased as the cooling rate during solidification was reduced. Analyses of the compressed samples showed that the cracks developed at the surface of the sample and grew along the path of intermetallic inclusions.
Study of Scale Formation on Al2O3-Scale Forming Alloys by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF–SIMS)
Authors: Abbasi K. , Zahiri M. Azar , Heuer A. H. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Al2O3-scale formation on high temperature Ni-base and Fe-base structural alloys is a subject of significant technological and scientific interest. Such scale formation involves either (or both) inward oxygen grain boundary diffusion and new oxide growth at the scale/metal interface, or outward aluminum grain boundary diffusion and new oxide growth at the scale/gas interface. The details of scale growth have been studied using a commercial Kanthal A1 alloy and so-called double oxidation experiments—growth of an Al2O3 scale in 16O2, followed by further oxidation for twice the 16O2 duration in 18O2—at temperatures between 1000 and 1400°C. A time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer (TOF-SIMS) with isotopic imaging resolution of ≈100 nm was used for determination of the 16O and 18O distributions in the scale. A focused primary Ga+ ion beam was used for imaging the oxygen isotopes in the negative polarity mode, and a de-focused Xe+ beam was used for sputtering. One novel aspect of this work was the use of taper sections to compensate for the sub-micrometer scale thickness of this oxidation-resistant alloy.
Evolution of Gene Expression Balance Among Homeologs of Natural Polyploids
Authors: Mutti Jasdeep S , Bhullar Ramanjot K , Gill Kulvinder S 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPolyploidy is a major evolutionary process in eukaryotes, yet the expression balance of homeologs in natural polyploids is largely unknown. To study this expression balance, the expression patterns of 2180 structurally well-characterized genes of wheat were studied, of which 813 had the expected three copies and 375 had less than three. Copy numbers of the remaining 992 ranged from 4 to 14, including homeologs, orthologs, and paralogs. Of the genes with three structural copies corresponding to homeologs, 55% expressed from all three, 38% from two, and the remaining 7% expressed from only one of the three copies. Homeologs of 76–87% of the genes showed differential expression patterns in different tissues, thus have evolved different gene expression controls, possibly resulting in novel functions. Homeologs of 55% of the genes showed tissue-specific expression, with the largest percentage (14%) in the anthers and the smallest (7%) in the pistils. The highest number (1.72/3) of homeologs/gene expression was in the roots and the lowest (1.03/3) in the anthers. As the expression of homeologs changed with changes in structural copy number, about 30% of the genes showed dosage dependence. Chromosomal location also impacted expression pattern as a significantly higher proportion of genes in the proximal regions showed expression from all three copies compared to that present in the distal regions.
Violência contra pessoa idosa a partir da análise de boletins de ocorrência
Authors: Crippa Anelise , Rohde Karen Letícia Canedo , Schwanke Carla Helena Augustin , Feijó Anamaria Gonçalves dos Santos 
Published: February 2017

Buscou-se descrever frequência dos tipos de violência contra o idoso, perfil sócio-demográfico dos envolvidos e associação violência/sexo. Foram avaliados boletins de ocorrência (BO) da Delegacia de Proteção ao Idoso de Porto Alegre/RS. Para análise utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher. O nível de significância foi P≤0,05. Foram analisados 1996 BO - 2011. A violência mais frequente foi ameaça e o menos, abandono. A maioria que sofreu violência foi mulher, baixa escolaridade, cor branca, aposentada e sem relacionamento estável. Quanto aos comunicantes, a maioria era mulher, com pouca escolaridade e cor branca. A maioria dos acusados era homem, com maior escolaridade, cor branca e com atividade remunerada. Abandono e negligência foram mais cometidos por mulheres e ameaça por homens. Faz-se necessário a conscientização em relação à vulnerabilidade biopsicossocial dos idosos e a busca por medidas protetivas e políticas públicas de apoio a esta crescente parcela da população brasileira.
A criminologia crítica para além da crise: um estudo sobre a suposta crise da criminologia e suas transformações no período neoliberal
Authors: Leal Jackson Da Silva , Vechi Fernando 
Published: February 2017

O presente artigo tem como foco central o que se postulou como sendo a crise da criminologia crítica na década de 80 do século XX. Analisa-se em que contexto se insere essa suposta crise, e o debate travado entre importantes teóricos como Massimo Pavarini e Alessandro Baratta, tendo-se ainda a contribuição de Elena Larrauri. Tem-se como objetivo o aprofundamento teórico e reflexão sobre as funções que desempenha a criminologia em meio a sociedade da virada do século XX para o XXI e suas transformações sociais. Trabalha-se com o marco teórico proporcionado pelas últimas décadas de desenvolvimento analítico e empírico da criminologia crítica, tendo-se como ponto de partida uma visão desde a região latino-americana.