A decoupled whole-building simulation engine for rapid exhaustive search of low-carbon and low-energy building refurbishment options

This paper presents the development of a new building physics and energy supply systems simulation platform. It has been adapted from both existing commercial models and empirical works, but designed to provide expedient exhaustive simulation of all salient types of energy- and carbon-reducing retrofit options. These options may include any combination of behavioural measures, building fabric and equipment upgrades, improved HVAC control strategies, or novel low-carbon energy supply technologies. We provide a methodological description of the proposed model, followed by two illustrative case studies of the tool when used to investigate retrofit options of a mixed-use office building and primary school in the UK. It is not the intention of this paper, nor would it be feasible, to provide a complete engineering decomposition of the proposed model, describing all calculation processes in detail. Instead, this paper concentrates on presenting the particular engineering aspects of the model which steer away from conventional practise. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd

Immunogold labelling of beet necrotic yellow vein virus particles inside its fungal vector, Polymyxa betae K

Many aspects of the association of Polymyxa betae with beet necrotic yellow vein virus during transmission have not been elucidated. In order to study the specificity of virus acquisition by the vector and its transmission to the host, thin sections were made through sugar beet roots infected both by the virus and the fungus. Immunogold labelled virus was identified at different stages of the fungus (plasmodia, zoosporangia and mature zoospores). However, specifically labelled clusters of virions have not yet been observed in mature resting spores.Marquage à l'or colloïdal du virus des nervures jaunes et nécrotiques de la betterave dans le champignon vecteur Polymyxa betae K. De nombreuses questions relatives à l'association entre Polymyxa betae et le virus de la rhizomanie qu'il transmet restent sans réponse. Dans le but de mieux appréhender la spécificité de l'acquisition du virus par son vecteur ainsi que sa transmission à la plante hôte, des coupes ultrafines ont été réalisées dans des radicelles de betterave sucrière infectées à la fois par le virus et le champignon, puis soumises au marquage immunocytochimique. Du virus marqué à l'or colloïdal a été détecté dans différents stades du champignon (plasmodes, zoosporanges, zoospores bien différenciées). Cependant, des amas caractéristiques de BNYVV n'ont pu être mis en évidence dans les cystosores et les spores de repos, probablement en raison de la difficulté de pénétration des résines dans de tels tissus