bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affective Dynamics of Colonial Reform and Modernisation in Antigua, 1815–1835
Authors: Thomas Sue
Published: July 2013

In 1815, two benevolent organizations commenced operation in Antigua, the Female Refuge Society based in English Harbour and the Distressed Females’ Friend Society based in St John's. The driving force behind the establishment of the Female Refuge Society, on which the Distressed Females’ Friend Society was modelled, was Anne Hart Gilbert (1768–1834), the earliest known published African-Caribbean woman writer, the agent of the Female Refuge Society. The organizations were run on principle by women and the executive committees were multi-racial. They accepted female subscribers only, but donations from women and men. For Gilbert, an affective poetics of life story and writing is crucial to the formation of an ethical community that she situates as an emerging and modernizing counter-culture to plantation slavery. Her civic ethic of caring centres on development and engagement of the ‘finer sensibilities’ in creating ‘bands of amity and love that are the ornament and glory of our nature’ (Female Refuge Society, 1822: 12). The annual reports of the Female Refuge Society had a profound impact on the direction of female anti-slavery activism in Britain. In this essay, I analyse the inscription of affect in extant letters, annual reports and published material about the work of the Female Refuge Society and Distressed Females’ Friend Society. I am interested in how the women in the Creole organizations and their male supporters represent their affective relations to the objects of their benevolence and appeals for funding, and how these relations are racialized, gendered and classed in the grounding of activism. I draw out the local and British affective reception of these relations. In the field of affect studies, the essay might be compared with projects that address ‘the cultural and historical contingency of emotions, and … emotions and emotion cultures as contingent technologies of subjects’ (Koivunen, 2010: 19).
Graphite fountain: Modeling of growth on transition metals under a thermal gradient
Authors: Ye Jongpil , Ruoff Rodney S.
Published: July 2013

We show by modeling that it should be possible to synthesize graphite as a continuous growth in solid metal cylinders under a thermal gradient through the interstitial transport and surface segregation of carbon atoms. Finite-difference-approximation-based calculations show that graphite can continuously grow at the cold end of a 1-cm long cobalt cylinder because of the high interstitial diffusivity and the positive heat of transport of carbon atoms in cobalt. The calculated growth rate can be increased to a few tens of micrometers per minute by varying the carbon concentration and the steady-state temperature profile along the length of the cylinder while maintaining a constant temperature of 1273 K at the hot end of the cylinder.
The water supercooled regime as described by four common water models
Authors: Malaspina David C. , di Lorenzo Aleida J. Bermúdez , Pereyra Rodolfo G. , Szleifer Igal , Carignano Marcelo A.
Published: July 2013

The temperature scale of simple water models in general does not coincide with the natural one. Therefore, in order to make a meaningful evaluation of different water models, a temperature rescaling is necessary. In this paper, we introduce a rescaling using the melting temperature and the temperature corresponding to the maximum of the heat capacity to evaluate four common water models (TIP4P-Ew, TIP4P-2005, TIP5P-Ew and Six-Sites) in the supercooled regime. Although all the models show the same general qualitative behavior, the TIP5P-Ew appears as the best representation of the supercooled regime when the rescaled temperature is used. We also analyze, using thermodynamic arguments, the critical nucleus size for ice growth. Finally, we speculate on the possible reasons why atomistic models do not usually crystalize while the coarse grained mW model do crystallize.
A combined theoretical-experimental investigation of paramagnetic centres in chemically exfoliated graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Akbari-Sharbaf Arash , Cottam Michael G. , Fanchini Giovanni
Published: July 2013

A combined experimental and theoretical study of the origin of paramagnetic centres in graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) is presented. GNRs were prepared from multi-wall carbon nanotubes by an oxidative method at various temperatures. Increasing the oxidation temperature led to GNRs of shorter length with no noticeable effect on the width. Electron spin resonance showed that the ribbon sizes influence both the spin density and type of paramagnetism, with longer ribbons being more prone to form localized paramagnetic centres and shorter ribbons exhibiting a significant paramagnetic contribution from extended states. The density of states for GNRs was calculated with varying dimensions and chiralities using a Hückel tight-binding method. The formation energies of zigzag edges and vacancies, which are expected to be responsible for paramagnetic centres, were evaluated. Our results indicate that longer GNRs favour formation of vacancies while shorter structures favour zigzag edges. This analysis explains the existence of localized paramagnetic centres in longer GNRs and paramagnetism due to electronic states delocalized along zigzag edges in shorter GNRs.
Atomistic structure of (Ba,Sr)TiO3: Comparing molecular-dynamics simulations with structural measurements
Authors: Noordhoek M. J. , Krayzman V. , Chernatynskiy A. , Phillpot S. R. , Levin I.
Published: July 2013

Atomistic structures of Ba1−xSrxTiO3 (x ≤ 0.5) determined by molecular-dynamics simulations are compared with five types of experimental structural data and with the results of multiple-technique Reverse Monte Carlo refinements. The simulations and experimental studies agree on many fundamental aspects of the local atomic displacements; in some cases, this agreement is quantitative, in others only semi-quantitative. Key local-structure characteristics of the solid solutions are identified along with a possible mechanism of dielectric relaxation.
A first principles study of novel one-dimensional organic half-metal vanadium-cyclooctatetraene wire
Authors: Zhu Sicong , Fu Huahua , Gao Guoying , Wang Shuling , Ni Yun , Yao Kailun
Published: July 2013

The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of one-dimensional vanadium-cyclooctatetraene[(V-COT)]∞ wire and sandwich clusters are investigated by means of density functional theory. It is found that the (V-COT)∞ SMW is half-metallic. Through the spin transportation calculations, the system for V-COT clusters coupled to gold electrodes performs nearly perfect spin filters. In addition, the I-V curve shows obviously negative differential resistance effects. These results suggest the potential applications of (V-COT)∞ in spintronics.
Direct imaging of optical diffraction in photoemission electron microscopy
Authors: Word Robert C. , Fitzgerald J. P. S. , Könenkamp Rolf
Published: July 2013

We report the visualization of optical diffraction at the boundaries of semiconductor and metal nanostructures in non-linear photoemission electron microscopy. We observe light diffracting into photonic and plasmonic modes of planar samples, and into photonic vacuum modes above sample surfaces. In either case, the electron photoemission rate from the sample material is spatially modulated resulting in photoemission images with information on the electric field distribution at the sample/vacuum interface. The resolution in these images is typically ∼30 nm, i.e., significantly below the wavelengths of the exciting light. Optical phase shifts and absorption losses for the diffracted modes can be determined.
Sample preconcentration inside sessile droplets using electrowetting
Authors: Mampallil Dileep , Tiwari Dhirendra , van den Ende Dirk , Mugele Frieder
Published: July 2013

Electrowetting with alternate voltage (AC) creates azimuthal flow vortices inside sessile droplets. These flow vortices can be controlled by introducing pinning sites at the contact line. When the frequency of the applied AC voltage is gradually ramped from a few hundreds of hertz to a few tens of kilohertz the azimuthal flow vortices contract and move towards the contact line near the pinning site. Dispersed particles in the liquid are collected in the center of these vortices leading to an increase in the local particle concentration by up to more than one order of magnitude. We provide a qualitative explanation for symmetry of the flow patterns within the drops and discuss possible scenarios explaining the particle collection and preconcentration.
Creating the Right ‘Vibe’: Emotional Labour and Musical Performance in the Recording Studio
Authors: Watson Allan , Ward Jenna
Published: July 2013

Recording studios are distinctive spaces in which artists are encouraged to expose their emotional selves in intimate moments of musical creativity and performance. In this paper we focus on how music producers and recording engineers perform emotional labour as part of the performative engineering of this musical creativity and performance. Through emotional labour performances, producers and engineers create recording studios as emotional spaces, characterised by trust and tolerance. This is often referred to, by recording studio staff and musicians, as creating the right ‘vibe’. We highlight two forms of emotional labour as particularly pertinent to ‘creating the right vibe’: Emotional neutrality and empathetic emotional labour. Emotional labour performances help to reconstruct the recording studio as a space free of the social and feeling rules that otherwise shape our emotional landscape, and allow musicians to produce their desired musical performance.
A dynamic model of tomato fruit growth integrating cell division, cell growth and endoreduplication
Authors: Fanwoua Julienne , de Visser Pieter H. B. , Heuvelink Ep , Yin Xinyou , Struik Paul C. , Marcelis Leo F. M.
Published: July 2013

In this study, we developed a model of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit growth integrating cell division, cell growth and endoreduplication. The fruit was considered as a population of cells grouped in cell classes differing in their initial cell age and cell mass. The model describes fruit growth from anthesis until maturation and covers the stages of cell division, endoreduplication and cell growth. The transition from one stage to the next was determined by predefined cell ages expressed in thermal time. Cell growth is the consequence of sugar import from a common pool of assimilates according to the source–sink concept. During most parts of fruit growth, potential cell growth rate increases with increasing cell ploidy and follows the Richards growth function. Cell division or endoreduplication occurs when cells exceed a critical threshold cell mass : ploidy ratio. The model was parameterised and calibrated for low fruit load conditions and was validated for high fruit load and various temperature conditions. Model sensitivity analysis showed that variations in final fruit size are associated with variations in parameters involved in the dynamics of cell growth and cell division. The model was able to accurately predict final cell number, cell mass and pericarp mass under various contrasting fruit load and most of the temperature conditions. The framework developed in this model opens the perspective to integrate information on molecular control of fruit cellular processes into the fruit model and to analyse gene-by-environment interaction effects on fruit growth.
Vegetation changes through the eyes of the locals: the ‘artificial wilderness’ in the mulga country of south-west Queensland
Authors: Witt G. B.
Published: July 2013

In Australia, since the late 1990s the issue of vegetation ‘thickening’ has become controversial. The semi-arid mulga lands of eastern Australia typify the debate. One view held by landholders, and some researchers, is that woody vegetation thickening is, at least partially, anthropogenic and leads to productivity loss and biodiversity decline. An alternative argument is that a narrative of vegetation thickening is unsubstantiated and is used by some landholders to justify management practices of clearing, thinning or burning. Absent in the literature has been research into the local knowledge of those who obtain their livelihoods from the region. This study presents an analysis of landholder responses to a survey about vegetation change in the mulga lands of south-west Queensland. Local knowledge is dominated by a view that woody vegetation thickening has occurred and is ongoing, and that it is driven by three interacting factors: (1) climate, especially decadal and multi-decadal extreme variations of both very wet and very dry conditions; (2) fire, particularly the absence of fire; and (3) total grazing pressure, including domestic stock and harder to control feral and native herbivores. Decline in pasture quality and quantity is also noted as an outcome of those same three factors but that it is ultimately linked to greater competition between the increased densities of woody species and the herbaceous layer. Most of the respondents to this survey had three or more generations of accumulated knowledge in the region. The value of local knowledge in land management and policy, although considered of value in many contexts, has received relatively little formal attention in vegetation management. In summary, the landholders view the dense woody component of the vegetation as an unnatural and undesirable ‘artificial wilderness’, which those from outside the region may consider natural and therefore worthy of preservation in its current state.
Identification of an overprinting gene in Merkel cell polyomavirus provides evolutionary insight into the birth of viral genes
Authors: Carter Joseph J. , Daugherty Matthew D. , Qi Xiaojie , Bheda-Malge Anjali , Wipf Gregory C. , Robinson Kristin , Roman Ann , Malik Harmit S. , Galloway Denise A.
Published: July 2013

Many viruses use overprinting (alternate reading frame utilization) as a means to increase protein diversity in genomes severely constrained by size. However, the evolutionary steps that facilitate the de novo generation of a novel protein within an ancestral ORF have remained poorly characterized. Here, we describe the identification of an overprinting gene, expressed from an Alternate frame of the Large T Open reading frame (ALTO) in the early region of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), the causative agent of most Merkel cell carcinomas. ALTO is expressed during, but not required for, replication of the MCPyV genome. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that ALTO is evolutionarily related to the middle T antigen of murine polyomavirus despite almost no sequence similarity. ALTO/MT arose de novo by overprinting of the second exon of T antigen in the common ancestor of a large clade of mammalian polyomaviruses. Taking advantage of the low evolutionary divergence and diverse sampling of polyomaviruses, we propose evolutionary transitions that likely gave birth to this protein. We suggest that two highly constrained regions of the large T antigen ORF provided a start codon and C-terminal hydrophobic motif necessary for cellular localization of ALTO. These two key features, together with stochastic erasure of intervening stop codons, resulted in a unique protein-coding capacity that has been preserved ever since its birth. Our study not only reveals a previously undefined protein encoded by several polyomaviruses including MCPyV, but also provides insight into de novo protein evolution.
Uncovering archaeological landscapes at Angkor using lidar
Authors: Evans Damian H. , Fletcher Roland J. , Pottier Christophe , Chevance Jean-Baptiste , Soutif Dominique , Tan Boun Suy , Im Sokrithy , Ea Darith , Tin Tina , Kim Samnang , Cromarty Christopher , De Greef Stéphane , Hanus Kasper , Bâty Pierre , Kuszinger Robert , Shimoda Ichita , Boornazian Glenn
Published: July 2013

Previous archaeological mapping work on the successive medieval capitals of the Khmer Empire located at Angkor, in northwest Cambodia (∼9th to 15th centuries in the Common Era, C.E.), has identified it as the largest settlement complex of the preindustrial world, and yet crucial areas have remained unmapped, in particular the ceremonial centers and their surroundings, where dense forest obscures the traces of the civilization that typically remain in evidence in surface topography. Here we describe the use of airborne laser scanning (lidar) technology to create high-precision digital elevation models of the ground surface beneath the vegetation cover. We identify an entire, previously undocumented, formally planned urban landscape into which the major temples such as Angkor Wat were integrated. Beyond these newly identified urban landscapes, the lidar data reveal anthropogenic changes to the landscape on a vast scale and lend further weight to an emerging consensus that infrastructural complexity, unsustainable modes of subsistence, and climate variation were crucial factors in the decline of the classical Khmer civilization.
Joint CO
2
and CH
4
accountability for global warming
Authors: Smith Kirk R. , Desai Manish A. , Rogers Jamesine V. , Houghton Richard A.
Published: July 2013

Significance

We develop a transparent climate debt index, termed international natural debt, which combines historical emissions of CO
2
from fossil sources and land use/forestry as well as CH
4
. It covers 205 countries and is a function of emissions, lifetimes, and radiative forcings. This index can be used to assess the implications of choosing between CO
2
and CH
4
control measures and facilitates more accurate international comparisons of a range of climate-change-related phenomena, as illustrated by imposed versus experienced health impacts. Including the two most important greenhouse gases in one index shifts the basic international narrative about differential accountability for climate change.
Detection of Mixed Populations ofClostridium difficilefrom Symptomatic Patients Using Capillary-Based Polymerase Chain Reaction Ribotyping
Authors: Behroozian Adam A. , Chludzinski Jeffrey P. , Lo Eugene S. , Ewing Sarah A. , Waslawski Sheila , Newton Duane W. , Young Vincent B. , Aronoff David M. , Walk Seth T.
Published: July 2013

Objective.

To investigate the simultaneous occurrence of more than 1Clostridium difficileribotype in patients' stool samples at the time of diagnostic testing.

Methods.

Stool samples submitted for diagnostic testing for the presence of toxigenicC. difficilewere obtained for 102 unique patients. A total of 95 single colonies ofC. difficileper stool sample were isolated on selective media, subcultured alongside negative (uninoculated) controls, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotyped using capillary gel electrophoresis.

Results.

Capillary-based PCR ribotyping was successful for 9,335C. difficileisolates, yielding a median of 93 characterized isolates per stool sample (range, 69-95). More than 1 C.difficileribotype was present in 16 of 102 (16%)C. difficileinfection (CDI) cases; 2 of the 16 mixtures were composed of at least 3 ribotypes, while the remaining 14 were composed of at least 2.

Conclusions.

Deep sampling of patient stool samples coupled with capillary-based PCR ribotyping identified a high rate of mixed CDI cases compared with previous estimates. Studies seeking to quantify the clinical significance of particular C.difficileribotypes should account for mixed cases of disease.
Phosphorylated silica nanotubes: preparation and characterization
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Xu Yan , Lu Yiren , Zhao Lili , Song Lixin
Published: July 2013

Recently, the strategy of doping inorganic particles into polymer membranes to modify them has been studied intensively. However, these inorganic particles have a disadvantage without being in good compatibility with the polymers. To enhance the compatibility between inorganic particles and polymers, phosphorylated silica nanotubes (PSNTs) with specific high ratios of length to diameter are prepared. Silica nanotubes (SNTs) are prepared through the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate in a mixture of aqueous ammonia and dl-tartaric acid, then PSNTs are obtained by silylation and phosphorylation modifications. The optimum synthesis conditions of PSNTs are explored; in addition, the as-prepared PSNTs are characterized by Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscope, BET, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that the ratio of length to diameter of the PSNTs is approximately 20, the thickness of the tube wall is 20 nm, the specific surface area of the PSNTs is 460.2 m2 g−1, the inner diameter of the PSNTs is 76 nm, many mesopores are distributed in the tube walls of the PSNTs, and the PSNTs have numerous hydroxyl active sites along their length direction. Therefore, PSNTs are desirable as suitable fillers of polymer membranes.
Inference of alternative splicing from RNA-Seq data with probabilistic splice graphs
Authors: LeGault Laura H. , Dewey Colin N.
Published: July 2013

Motivation: Alternative splicing and other processes that allow for different transcripts to be derived from the same gene are significant forces in the eukaryotic cell. RNA-Seq is a promising technology for analyzing alternative transcripts, as it does not require prior knowledge of transcript structures or genome sequences. However, analysis of RNA-Seq data in the presence of genes with large numbers of alternative transcripts is currently challenging due to efficiency, identifiability and representation issues.

Results: We present RNA-Seq models and associated inference algorithms based on the concept of probabilistic splice graphs, which alleviate these issues. We prove that our models are often identifiable and demonstrate that our inference methods for quantification and differential processing detection are efficient and accurate.

Availability: Software implementing our methods is available at http://deweylab.biostat.wisc.edu/psginfer.

Contact:  cdewey@biostat.wisc.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
CoDNaS: a database of conformational diversity in the native state of proteins
Authors: Monzon Alexander Miguel , Juritz Ezequiel , Fornasari María Silvina , Parisi Gustavo
Published: July 2013

Motivation: Conformational diversity is a key concept in the understanding of different issues related with protein function such as the study of catalytic processes in enzymes, protein-protein recognition, protein evolution and the origins of new biological functions. Here, we present a database of proteins with different degrees of conformational diversity. Conformational Diversity of Native State (CoDNaS) is a redundant collection of three-dimensional structures for the same protein derived from protein data bank. Structures for the same protein obtained under different crystallographic conditions have been associated with snapshots of protein dynamism and consequently could characterize protein conformers. CoDNaS allows the user to explore global and local structural differences among conformers as a function of different parameters such as presence of ligand, post-translational modifications, changes in oligomeric states and differences in pH and temperature. Additionally, CoDNaS contains information about protein taxonomy and function, disorder level and structural classification offering useful information to explore the underlying mechanism of conformational diversity and its close relationship with protein function. Currently, CoDNaS has 122 122 structures integrating 12 684 entries, with an average of 9.63 conformers per protein.

Availability: The database is freely available at http://www.codnas.com.ar/.

Contact:  gusparisi@gmail.com
Biomarkers of heart failure with normal ejection fraction: a systematic review
Authors: Cheng Jin M. , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , Battes Linda C. , van Vark Laura C. , Hillege Hans L. , Paulus Walter J. , Boersma Eric , Kardys Isabella
Published: July 2013

Aims

Heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) is a major and growing public health problem, currently representing half of the heart failure burden. Although many studies have investigated the diagnostic and prognostic value of new biomarkers in heart failure, limited data are available on biomarkers other than natriuretic peptides in HFNEF. We performed a systematic review of epidemiological studies on the associations of biomarkers with the occurrence of HFNEF and with the prognosis of HFNEF patients.

Methods and results

Biomarkers examined most extensively in HFNEF include biomarkers of myocyte stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodelling. Some biomarkers have been shown to be increased to a different extent in HFNEF compared with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF). Several biomarkers, including biomarkers of myocyte stress, inflammation, extracellular matrix remodelling, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15), cystatin C, resistin, and galectin‐3, were associated with development of HFNEF and with clinical outcomes of HFNEF patients in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion

Several biomarkers, including biomarkers of myocyte stress, inflammation, extracellular matrix remodelling, GDF‐15, cystatin C, resistin, and galectin‐3, appeared to be promising diagnostic and prognostic tools in patients with HFNEF. Investigation of the incremental diagnostic and prognostic value of these biomarkers, or a combination thereof, over established clinical covariates and imaging techniques in large, prospective studies is warranted.
Haemoconcentration, renal function, and post‐discharge outcomes among patients hospitalized for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: insights from the EVEREST trial
Authors: Greene Stephen J. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Mentz Robert J. , Subacius Haris , Maggioni Aldo P. , Nodari Savina , Konstam Marvin A. , Butler Javed , Filippatos Gerasimos ,   on behalf of the EVEREST Trial investigators
Published: July 2013

Aims

Haemoconcentration has been studied as a marker of decongestion in patients with hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). We describe the relationship between haemoconcentration, worsening renal function, post‐discharge outcomes, and clinical and laboratory markers of congestion in a large multinational cohort of patients with HHF.

Methods and results

In 1684 patients with HHF with ejection fraction (EF) ≤40% assigned to the placebo arm of the Efficacy of Vasopressin Antagonism in Heart Failure Outcome Study with Tolvaptan (EVEREST) trial, absolute in‐hospital haematocrit change was calculated as the change between baseline and discharge or day 7 (whichever occurred first). Patient characteristics, changes in renal function, and outcomes over a median follow‐up of 9.9 months were compared by in‐hospital haematocrit change. Overall, 26% of patients had evidence of haemoconcentration (i.e. ≥3% absolute increase in haematocrit). Patients with greater increases in haematocrit tended to have better baseline renal function. Haemoconcentration correlated with greater risk of in‐hospital worsening renal function, but renal parameters generally returned to baseline within 4 weeks post‐discharge. Patients with haemoconcentration were less likely to have clinical congestion at discharge, and experienced greater in‐hospital decreases in body weight and natriuretic peptide levels. After adjustment for baseline clinical risk factors, every 5% increase of in‐hospital haematocrit change was associated with a decreased risk of all‐cause death [hazard ratio (HR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–0.95]. Haematocrit change was also associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality or heart failure (HF) hospitalization at ≤100 days post‐randomization (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.71–0.76).

Conclusion

In this large cohort of patients with HHF with reduced EF, haemoconcentration was associated with greater improvements in congestion and decreased mortality and HF re‐hospitalization despite an increased risk of in‐hospital worsening renal function.
Skin cancer prevention
Authors: Hussain Nazia A.
Published: July 2013

There are two main types of skin cancer: malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). More than 100 000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year. The major cause of skin cancers is overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Prevention strategies are important in reducing the occurrence of skin cancers. They include environmental measures as well as public education campaigns about sun safety and early detection.
The Winding Road to Understanding the Neonatal Origins of Inflammatory Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Mezoff Ethan A. , Aly Hany
Published: July 2013

Beginning with the observation that birth weight correlates with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the concept of neonatal programming, that the environmental influence on fetal and neonatal development results in modification of the risk profile for adult disease, has begun to emerge as an important component to understanding the origin of chronic diseases of many different organ systems. Until recently, the gastrointestinal system has not been considered. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of many intestinal inflammatory disorders is still incomplete; however, a brief review of what is known reveals several opportunities for the early intraluminal environment to affect the development of the intestinal immune system. Early clinical observations such as the increased risk of celiac disease observed in those born by cesarean section and the protective effect of breast‐feeding against inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease support the role of neonatal programming in the development of chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease. Additional, more robust clinical studies are needed to confirm this role. Furthermore, examination of the possible mechanisms of immune phenotype modification is necessary.
Alcanivorax marinus sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea water
Authors: Lai Qiliang , Wang Jianning , Gu Li , Zheng Tianling , Shao Zongze
Published: July 2013

A taxonomic study was carried out on strain R8-12T, which was isolated from deep-sea water of the Indian Ocean during the screening of oil-degrading bacteria. The isolate was Gram-stain-negative, oxidase and catalase-positive. Growth was observed at salinities from 0.5 to 15 % (optimum 3 %), at pH from 6–10 (optimum 7–8) and at temperatures from 10 to 42 °C (optimum 28 °C). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain R8-12T was shown to belong to the genus

Alcanivorax

and to be related to

Alcanivorax venustensis

DSM 13974T (97.2 %),

A. dieselolei

B-5T (95.0 %),

A. balearicus

MACL04T (94.6 %),

A. hongdengensis

A-11-3T (94.3 %),

A. jadensis

T9T (93.8 %),

A. borkumensis

SK2T (93.7 %) and

A. pacificus

W11-5T (93.7 %). The gyrB sequence similarities between R8-12T and other species of the genus

Alcanivorax

ranged from 77.9 % to 86.9 %. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 (31.8 %), C18 : 1ω7c (20.3 %), C19 : 0ω8c cyclo (15.8 %) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) (8.9 %). The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two aminolipids (AL1–AL2) and two phospholipids (PL1–PL2). Three alkane hydroxylase (alkB) genes were identified in the genome. The G+C content of the chromosomal DNA was 66.1 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization showed that strain R8-12T and

A. venustensis

DSM 13974T had a DNA–DNA relatedness of 63±3 %. According to its phenotypic features and fatty acid composition as well as the 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences, the novel strain represents a member of the genus

Alcanivorax

, but could be easily distinguished from all other known species of the genus

Alcanivorax

described to date. The name Alcanivorax marinus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain R8-12T ( = MCCC 1A00382T = LMG 24621T = CCTCC AB 208234T).
Pseudomonas guariconensis sp. nov., isolated from rhizospheric soil
Authors: Toro Marcia , Ramírez-Bahena Martha-Helena , Cuesta Maria José , Velázquez Encarna , Peix Alvaro
Published: July 2013

We isolated a bacterial strain designated PCAVU11Tin the course of a study of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria occurring in rhizospheric soil ofVigna unguiculata(L.) Walp. in Guárico state, Venezuela. The 16S rRNA gene sequence had 99.2 % sequence similarity with respect to the most closely related species,Pseudomonas taiwanensis, and 99.1 % with respect toPseudomonas entomophila,Pseudomonas plecoglossicidaandPseudomonas monteilii, on the basis of which PCAVU11Twas classified as representing a member of the genusPseudomonas. Analysis of the housekeeping genesrpoB,rpoDandgyrBconfirmed the phylogenetic affiliation and showed sequence similarities lower than 95 % in all cases with respect to the above-mentioned closest relatives. Strain PCAVU11Tshowed two polar flagella. The respiratory quinone was Q9. The major fatty acids were 16 : 0 (25.7 %), 18 : 1ω7c(20.4 %), 17 : 0 cyclo (11.5 %) and 16 : 1ω7c/15 : 0 iso 2-OH in summed feature 3 (10.8 %). The strain was oxidase-, catalase- and urease-positive, the arginine dihydrolase system was present but nitrate reduction, β-galactosidase production and aesculin hydrolysis were negative. Strain PCAVU11Tgrew at 44 °C and at pH 10. The DNA G+C content was 61.5 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization results showed values lower than 56 % relatedness with respect to the type strains of the four most closely related species. Therefore, the results of genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses support the classification of strain PCAVU11Tas representing a novel species of the genusPseudomonas, which we propose to namePseudomonas guariconensissp. nov. The type strain is PCAVU11T( = LMG 27394T = CECT 8262T).
Description of Streptomonospora sediminis sp. nov. and Streptomonospora nanhaiensis sp. nov., and reclassification of Nocardiopsis arabia Hozzein & Goodfellow 2008 as Streptomonospora arabica comb. nov. and emended description of the genus Streptomonospora
Authors: Zhang Dao-Feng , Pan Hua-Qi , He Jie , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Zhang Yong-Guang , Klenk Hans-Peter , Hu Jiang-Chun , Li Wen-Jun
Published: July 2013

Two actinomycete strains isolated from marine sediment samples, designated YIM M11335T(from the Indian Ocean) and 12A09T(from the South China Sea), were obtained and examined by a polyphasic approach. The two Gram-staining-positive, aerobic strains produced branched substrate mycelia and aerial hyphae that were not fragmented, and no diffusible pigment was produced on the media tested. At maturity, spore chains and single spores were formed on aerial hyphae and substrate mycelium, respectively. Whole-organism hydrolysates of both strains containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid and the diagnostic sugars glucose and galactose. Their predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H4), MK-10(H6), MK-11(H4), MK-11(H6) and MK-11(H8) for strain YIM 11335Tand MK-10(H4), MK-10(H6), MK-11(H4), MK-11(H6) and MK-11(H8) for strain 12A09T. The polar lipids detected in the two strains were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylcholine, an unknown phosphoglycolipid and several unknown glycolipids, phospholipids and polar lipids. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C16 : 0and C16 : 0for strain YIM 11335Tand iso-C16 : 0for strain 12A09T. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains YIM 11335Tand 12A09Twere 70.7 % and 74.4 %, respectively. DNA–DNA hybridization relatedness values of these two isolates with the type strainsNocardiopsis arabiaDSM 45083TandStreptomonospora halophilaYIM 91355Tsupported the hypothesis they are representatives of two different species. Based on phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic and genotypic data, it is concluded that the two isolates belong to the genusStreptomonosporaof the familyNocardiopsaceaeand that the type strain ofN. arabiashould be reclassified as a representative ofStreptomonospora arabicacomb. nov. The names proposed for the two novel species areStreptomonospora sediminissp. nov. (type strain YIM M11335T = DSM 45723T = CCTCC AB 2012051T) andStreptomonospora nanhaiensissp. nov. (type strain 12A09T = KCTC 29145T = CCTCC AB 2013140T), respectively. An emended description of the genusStreptomonosporais also proposed in the light of the new data.
Poly[μ7-sulfanediyldiacetato-disilver(I)]
Authors: Hao Xiao-Min , Chen Gang , Gu Chang-Sheng , Liu Ji-Wei
Published: July 2013

In the title coordination polymer, [Ag2(C4H4O4S)], each AgIcation is four-coordinated by three of the four carboxylate O atoms and the S atom from symmetry-related sulfanediyldiacetate ligands, thus defining a distorted tetrahedral geometry at the metal centre. The AgIcations are bridged by sulfanediyldiacetate groups, leading to a two-dimensional layer structure. These layers are interconnectedviaAg—S bonds to form a three-dimensional coordination polymer network overall.
Positional and compositional disorder in a ruthenium(II) piano-stool complex
Authors: Guzei Ilia A. , Dolinar Brian S. , Khumalo Nozipho , Darkwa James
Published: July 2013

In (η6-p-cymene)(difluorophosphinato-κO){2-[(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl-κN2]pyridine-κN}ruthenium(II) 0.85-hexafluorophosphate 0.15-tetrafluoroborate, [Ru(PO2F2)(C10H14)(C9H9N3)](PF6)0.85(BF4)0.15, (I), the [PO2F2]−ligand exhibits positional disorder due to one F atom and one O atom sharing the same two positions related by a mirror reflection across the O—P—F plane. The correct composition of this coordinated anion was successfully determined to be [PO2F2]−by refining the complex with various tetrahedral anions in which terminal atoms have similar atomic form factors. The noncoordinated counter-ion is compositionally disordered between [PF6]−and [BF4]−. The difficulty in determining the correct composition of this anion illustrates the importance of a crystallographer remaining impartial and open to encountering unexpected moieties in the process of elucidating a structure.
Combined measurement of X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and diffracted X-ray tracking using pink beam X-rays
Authors: Shinohara Yuya , Watanabe Akira , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Amemiya Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2013

Combined X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) and diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT) measurements of carbon-black nanocrystals embedded in styrene–butadiene rubber were performed. From the intensity fluctuation of speckle patterns in a small-angle scattering region (XPCS), dynamical information relating to the translational motion can be obtained, and the rotational motion is observed through the changes in the positions of DXT diffraction spots. Graphitized carbon-black nanocrystals in unvulcanized styrene–butadiene rubber showed an apparent discrepancy between their translational and rotational motions; this result seems to support a stress-relaxation model for the origin of super-diffusive particle motion that is widely observed in nanocolloidal systems. Combined measurements using these two techniques will give new insights into nanoscopic dynamics, and will be useful as a microrheology technique.
Unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory tracking algorithm comparison
Authors: Wilburn Brenton K. , Perhinschi Mario G. , Moncayo Hever , Karas Ondrej , Wilburn Jennifer N.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the performance of several different UAV trajectory tracking algorithms in normal and abnormal flight conditions to investigate the fault‐tolerant capabilities of a novel immunity‐based adaptive mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation of these algorithms is performed using the West Virginia University (WVU) UAV simulation environment. Three types of fixed‐parameter algorithms are considered as well as their adaptive versions obtained by adding an immunity‐based mechanism. The types of control laws investigated are: position proportional, integral, and derivative control, outer‐loop nonlinear dynamic inversion (NLDI), and extended NLDI. Actuator failures on the three channels and increased turbulence conditions are considered for several different flight paths. Specific and global performance metrics are defined based on trajectory tracking errors and control surface activity.

Findings

The performance of all of the adaptive controllers proves to be better than their fixed parameter counterparts during the presence of a failure in all cases considered.

Research limitations/implications

The immunity inspired adaptation mechanism has promising potential to enhance the fault‐tolerant capabilities of autonomous flight control algorithms and the extension of its use at all levels within the control laws considered and in conjunction with other control architectures is worth investigating.

Practical implications

The WVU UAV simulation environment has been proved to be a valuable tool for autonomous flight algorithm development, testing, and evaluation in normal and abnormal flight conditions.

Originality/value

A novel adaptation mechanism is investigated for UAV control algorithms with fault‐tolerant capabilities. The issue of fault tolerance of UAV control laws has only been addressed in a limited manner in the literature, although it becomes critical in the context of imminent integration of UAVs within the commercial airspace.
Understanding and advancing campus sustainability using a systems framework
Authors: Posner Stephen M. , Stuart Ralph
Published: July 2013

Purpose

University campuses behave as complex systems, and sustainability in higher education is best seen as an emergent quality that arises from interactions both within an institution and between the institution and the environmental and social contexts in which it operates. A framework for strategically prioritizing campus sustainability work is needed. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a conceptual model is developed for understanding institutions of higher education as systems. Second, a leverage points framework is applied to experiences at the University of Vermont in order to evaluate campus sustainability efforts. Finally, real‐world examples are used to analyze and prioritize campus sustainability leverage points for advancing organizational change.

Findings

This systems thinking approach identifies key leverage points for actions to improve sustainability on campus. The leverage points framework is found to be valuable for: evaluating the potential of individual programs or actions to produce system‐wide change; coordinating individual programs into a strategic effort to improve the system; and making connections between campus and the surrounding social and environmental contexts. Advancing campus sustainability is found to be strengthened by particular ways of thinking and an organizational culture committed to continuous improvements and learning improved ways of doing business based on environmental and social, as well as institutional, benefits.

Originality/value

Campus sustainability workers must develop a prioritization process for evaluating which ideas to move forward on first. Systems thinking can cultivate our ability to consciously redesign and work with the systems that are in place, to intentionally pursue organizational improvements, and to plan and coordinate sustainability programs with potential for big changes.
Creating a sustainable university and community through a Common Experience
Authors: López Omar S.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This article aims to provide an overview of Texas State University's Common Experience, an innovative initiative that engaged tens of thousands of people in shared consideration of sustainability as a single topic during academic year 2010‐2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The discourse begins with an overview of the Common Experience from a pedagogical perspective based on five principles of effective instructional practice identified by the National Research Council (NRC) in their synthesis of the research from the fields of cognitive, developmental and educational psychology, and brain research on how people learn. Based on a case study research design, the article next provides detailed descriptions of course‐based and non‐course Common Experience activities, including examples from the year‐long initiative. The discourse then focuses on important elements organizers should consider when planning non‐course activities, followed by a description of the planning process needed to replicate the initiative at other institutions.

Findings

Based on five principles of instructional practice, the Common Experience is a pedagogical innovation designed to cultivate a common intellectual conversation across the campus, to enhance students' participation in the intellectual life of the campus, and to foster a sense of community across the campus and extended community. In so doing, the Common Experience in sustainability inspired people on campus and in the community to change behavior and social policy, build scientific understanding, connect local environmental issues to global themes, and reshape values – components crucial to sustainability education.

Originality/value

The Common Experience is more likely to yield progress toward finding solutions to sustainability problems because it promotes engagement and input from all stakeholders within the campus and surrounding community through shared vision and face‐to‐face dialogue in a variety of contexts.
Leaders of school technology innovation
Authors: Liu Feng , Ritzhaupt Albert , Cavanaugh Cathy
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a construct validation study of the Change Facilitator Style Questionnaire (CFSQ), an instrument designed to measure the leadership style of school principals as change facilitators.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included 614 K‐12 teachers across the state of Florida involved in the Enhancing Education Through Technology competitive grant program. Teachers completed the CFSQ to assess their overall perceptions of their principals in supporting a technology integration initiative. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed and carried out to verify the instrument factor structure. Five models were developed based on theory and practice, and were tested using CFA.

Findings

The results showed the evidence of the CFSQ's reliability and validity.

Research limitations/implications

Further research was recommended based on the results and limitations of this study.

Originality/value

Little research has connected principal style to classroom technology adoption. The researchers conducted the reliability and validity testing on the CFSQ, an instrument designed to measure the leadership style of the school principal as a change facilitator. This study provides important validity evidence for the broader implementation of the CFSQ in future research studies. It could shed light on the design and development of a rigorous instrument in educational research. It can promote more research on technology‐supported education and student learning outcomes considering the need for more reliable and valid instruments in this field.