bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the dielectric and optical properties of surface-anchored metal-organic frameworks: A study on epitaxially grown thin films
Authors: Redel Engelbert , Wang Zhengbang , Walheim Stefan , Liu Jinxuan , Gliemann Hartmut , Wöll Christof
Published: September 2013

We determine the optical constants of two highly porous, crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Since it is problematic to determine the optical constants for the standard powder modification of these porous solids, we instead use surface-anchored metal-organic frameworks (SURMOFs). These MOF thin films are grown using liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) on modified silicon substrates. The produced SURMOF thin films exhibit good optical properties; these porous coatings are smooth as well as crack-free, they do not scatter visible light, and they have a homogenous interference color over the entire sample. Therefore, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) can be used in a straightforward fashion to determine the corresponding SURMOF optical properties. After careful removal of the solvent molecules used in the fabrication process as well as the residual water adsorbed in the voids of this highly porous solid, we determine an optical constant of n = 1.39 at a wavelength of 750 nm for HKUST-1 (stands for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology-1; and was first discovered there) or [Cu3(BTC)2]. After exposing these SURMOF thin films to moisture/EtOH atmosphere, the refractive index (n) increases to n = 1.55–1.6. This dependence of the optical properties on water/EtOH adsorption demonstrates the potential of such SURMOF materials for optical sensing.
Design and fabrication of an electrical injection metallic bowtie plasmonic structure integrated with semiconductor gain medium
Authors: Ding Kang , Wang Hua , Hill Martin T. , Ning C. Z.
Published: September 2013

We propose and demonstrate a design and fabrication of an electrical injection metallic bowtie (MB) structure integrated with semiconductor gain medium. Our integrated bowtie-semiconductor structure takes the advantage of selective wet chemical etching of InGaAsP, allowing the formation of a bowtie shaped gain structure by a single step etching. The subsequent metal deposition allows the nature integration of gain medium between two bowtie tips. Electroluminescence was observed from fabricated structures at 78 K. Such gain embedded MB structures open the potential for large scale fabrication of plasmonic structures for various applications such as nanolasers and plasmonic generation under electrical injection.
Electromagnetic diode based on nonlinear electromagnetically induced transparency in metamaterials
Authors: Sun Yong , Tong Yuan-wei , Xue Chun-hua , Ding Ya-qiong , Li Yun-hui , Jiang Haitao , Chen Hong
Published: September 2013

We propose a scheme for subwavelength electromagnetic diode by employing the nonreciprocal electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in metamaterials. One-way response, with 17.36 dB transmission contrast and −4.4 dBm operating power, is conceptually demonstrated in a microwave waveguide system with asymmetric absorption and a varactor as the nonlinear medium inclusion. Such low-threshold and high-contrast transmission diode action comes from the EIT mechanism, which possesses narrower and sharper features than the Lorentz resonance. This mechanism will be useful for all-optical signal processing with advanced materials.
Plastic relaxation and coherency limit in uncapped multi-faceted InAs/GaAs(001) nanoislands
Authors: Ye Han , Yu Zhongyuan , Lu Pengfei , Liu Yumin , Han Lihong
Published: September 2013

Plastic relaxation and coherency limit in realistic uncapped InAs/GaAs(001) pyramid and dome nanoislands are investigated in depth. Due to geometrical symmetry determined by {1 3 7} facets, typical 60° straight dislocations, along [−1 1 0] and [−1 −1 0], are considered separately. We adopt both P-K approach and full finite element method (FEM) model to predict the equilibrium position of misfit dislocation in pure InAs nanoislands. Consistent results are obtained: the positions of two dislocations for maximum strain relaxation are different in pyramid while the positions are same in dome. Based on the full FEM model, the critical dimensions of coherency are evaluated by comparing total energy stored in coherent and dislocated nanoislands. The results indicate that misfit dislocation along [−1 1 0] should generate first in pyramid, while almost identical critical volumes of dome shapes can be expected for both dislocation configurations. Moreover, the critical volume of dome nanoisland rises as the aspect ratio increases.
The binding energy and structure of biexcitons in quantum wires
Authors: Zhai Li-Xue , Wang Yan , Miao Wen-Dan , Liu Jian-Jun
Published: September 2013

This paper describes the use of the finite difference method to study the binding energy and the structure of a biexciton in a model parabolic quantum wire (QWR). The biexciton binding energies calculated for different QWR widths are compared with recent experimental data and reasonable agreement is obtained. The conditional wave function of the biexciton has been investigated, and the structure of a biexciton in a QWR has been found to be similar to that of the H2 molecule. The pair correlation functions for particles in bound biexcitons have also been calculated, and a clear picture for the particle configuration in a biexciton is established. Through the study of the average interparticle distance in a biexciton, we find that the individual excitons may retain their identity in bound biexcitons.
Tunneling magnetoresistance and indirect measurement of the magnetocaloric effect in lanthanum deficient manganite La0.8Ag0.1MnO3
Authors: Gamzatov A. G. , Kamilov I. K.
Published: September 2013

The experimental results of the resistivity, magnetoresistance, and indirect measurement of the magnetocaloric effect in lanthanum deficient manganite La0.8Ag0.1MnO3 are presented. The results from the quantitative analysis of the temperature dependence of the tunneling magnetoresistance are presented. The magnetocaloric effect has been obtained from the data of the magnetoresistance. The entropy change as a result of the magnetocaloric effect varies between 2.4 and 2.8 J/kg K in a magnetic field of 11 kOe in the studied samples.
Role of rare earth on the Mn3+ spin reorientation in multiferroic Ho1-xLuxMnO3
Authors: Magesh J. , Murugavel P. , Mangalam R. V. K. , Singh K. , Simon Ch. , Prellier W.
Published: September 2013

The role of rare earth ion R3+ in spin reorientation and magneto dielectric response is investigated by substitution of non-magnetic smaller ionic radii Lu3+ in multiferroic hexagonal HoMnO3. The XRD analysis suggests that the dopant may preferably goes to C3V site up to 1/3rd of the composition in order to reduce the lattice distortion. We suggest that the R3+ ion at C3 site could play a strong role in spin reorientation than the C3V site. The observation of TSR even in LuMnO3 precludes the role of rare earth magnetic moment in driving the spin reorientation. Surprisingly, the magneto dielectric response of HoMnO3 is dominated by the rare earth RO8 dipoles. The oppositely oriented RO8 dipole at the C3V and C3 determines the magneto dielectric response in various magnetic phases reaffirming the site specific substitution. Thus, site specific doping could be a way to enhance the magnetoelectric coupling strength.
Minority anion substitution by Ni in ZnO
Authors: Pereira L. M. C. , Wahl U. , Correia J. G. , Amorim L. M. , Silva D. J. , Bosne E. , Decoster S. , da Silva M. R. , Temst K. , Vantomme A.
Published: September 2013

We report on the lattice location of implanted Ni in ZnO using the β− emission channeling technique. In addition to the majority substituting for the cation (Zn), a significant fraction of the Ni atoms occupy anion (O) sites. Since Ni is chemically more similar to Zn than it is to O, the observed O substitution is rather puzzling. We discuss these findings with respect to the general understanding of lattice location of dopants in compound semiconductors. In particular, we discuss potential implications on the magnetic behavior of transition metal doped dilute magnetic semiconductors.
Experimental results from wave tank trials of a multi-axis wave energy converter
Authors: Zhang Dahai , Aggidis George , Wang Yifei , Mccabe Andy , Li Wei
Published: September 2013

A 1/64th scale prototype of multi-axis wave energy converter (WEC) has been tested in the wave tank and the overall concept has been verified. It is shown that when multiple directions of motion are involved, the multi-axis WEC proves to be able to supply more power generation than a single axis one. Results demonstrated that the optimal resonant frequency for maximum power output under different damping values does not vary with wave climate. It is also shown that large overload capability of the system is critical, and indicated that, electric power system is essential to reduce power fluctuations.
Copper(II) Complexes of a Tripyridyl Ligand: Anion-Dependent Metallosupramolecular Structures
Authors: Lewis James E. M. , Crowley James D.
Published: September 2013

A series of copper(ii) complexes of the ligand 2,6-bis(pyridin-3-ylethynyl)pyridine have been synthesised and characterised by 1H and DOSY NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In solution these systems display almost identical spectroscopic properties, however the solid state structures are shown to vary widely, depending upon the choice of anion. The tetrafluoroborate salt was revealed to be a discrete Cu2L4 cage-like helicate. The tosylate salt, whilst of the same Cu2L4 stoichiometry, was shown to be a coordination polymer. Finally the nitrate salt structure was observed to be a discrete Cu2L2 metallocycle.
John Bulwer (1606–1656) and Some British and French Contemporaries
Authors: Wollock Jeffrey
Published: September 2013

John Bulwer’s (1606–1656) work was unknown in 17th–18th century France. In 1827, when Joseph-Marie Degérando (1772–1842) became curious about the relation between the methods respectively of Bulwer and John Wallis (1616–1703), the pioneer oral instructor of the deaf in Britain, he had to query Charles Orpen, M. D. (1791–1856) in Dublin because no copy of Bulwer’sPhilocophus(1648) could be found in Paris. In fact, Theodore Haak (1605–1690) had sent a copy of this book from London to Père Marin Mersenne (1588–1648) in Paris in July 1648, but none of Mersenne’s circle could read English, and Mersenne died several weeks later. In that context, this paper presents a comparison of Bulwer’s views with those of the Cartesians and Port-Royalists. Wallis claimed he knew of no work on speech for the deaf prior to his own, but he must have known about thePhilocophusfrom the time of its publication, five years before hisDe Loquela(1653) and nearly 14 years before he began teaching the deaf.
Otto Jespersen and “The Woman”, then and now
Authors: Thomas Margaret
Published: September 2013

Danish linguist Otto Jespersen’s (1860–1943) Language, its Nature, Development, and Origin was published more than 90 years ago, in 1922. This article focuses on Jespersen’s often-cited Chapter 13, entitled “The Woman”, a text that has served since the 1970s as a touchstone for feminist narratives of the history of discussion of language and gender. The author of the present article shows that modern treatment of the chapter sometimes misconstrues Jespersen in casting him into the role of mouthpiece for ideas about women and language that contemporary scholars have discredited. She suggests instead that “The Woman” deserves a new reading, which neither apologizes for Jespersen’s views, nor diminishes his importance to the history of feminist linguistics, but rather recognizes the intricacies of this text and seeks to better understand its position in relation to present-day scholarship on language and gender.
Exploring Conflict- and Target-Related Movement of Visual Attention
Authors: Wendt Mike , Garling Marco , Luna-Rodriguez Aquiles , Jacobsen Thomas
Published: September 2013

Intermixing trials of a visual search task with trials of a modified flanker task, the authors investigated whether the presentation of conflicting distractors at only one side (left or right) of a target stimulus triggers shifts of visual attention towards the contralateral side. Search time patterns provided evidence for lateral attention shifts only when participants performed the flanker task under an instruction assumed to widen the focus of attention, demonstrating that instruction-based control settings of an otherwise identical task can impact performance in an unrelated task. Contrasting conditions with response-related and response-unrelated distractors showed that shifting attention does not depend on response conflict and may be explained as stimulus-conflict-related withdrawal or target-related deployment of attention.
Retinoic acid controls the homeostasis of pre-cDC–derived splenic and intestinal dendritic cells
Authors: Klebanoff Christopher A. , Spencer Sean P. , Torabi-Parizi Parizad , Grainger John R. , Roychoudhuri Rahul , Ji Yun , Sukumar Madhusudhanan , Muranski Pawel , Scott Christopher D. , Hall Jason A. , Ferreyra Gabriela A. , Leonardi Anthony J. , Borman Zachary A. , Wang Jinshan , Palmer Douglas C. , Wilhelm Christoph , Cai Rongman , Sun Junfeng , Napoli Joseph L. , Danner Robert L. , Gattinoni Luca , Belkaid Yasmine , Restifo Nicholas P.
Published: September 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise distinct populations with specialized immune-regulatory functions. However, the environmental factors that determine the differentiation of these subsets remain poorly defined. Here, we report that retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A derivative, controls the homeostasis of pre-DC (precursor of DC)–derived splenic CD11b+CD8α−Esamhigh DCs and the developmentally related CD11b+CD103+ subset within the gut. Whereas mice deprived of RA signaling significantly lost both of these populations, neither pre-DC–derived CD11b−CD8α+ and CD11b−CD103+ nor monocyte-derived CD11b+CD8α−Esamlow or CD11b+CD103− DC populations were deficient. In fate-tracking experiments, transfer of pre-DCs into RA-supplemented hosts resulted in near complete conversion of these cells into the CD11b+CD8α− subset, whereas transfer into vitamin A–deficient (VAD) hosts caused diversion to the CD11b−CD8α+ lineage. As vitamin A is an essential nutrient, we evaluated retinoid levels in mice and humans after radiation-induced mucosal injury and found this conditioning led to an acute VAD state. Consequently, radiation led to a selective loss of both RA-dependent DC subsets and impaired class II–restricted auto and antitumor immunity that could be rescued by supplemental RA. These findings establish a critical role for RA in regulating the homeostasis of pre-DC–derived DC subsets and have implications for the management of patients with immune deficiencies resulting from malnutrition and irradiation.
Scepticism
Authors: Matilal Bimal Krishna
Published: September 2013

Uncompromising empiricism leads to scepticism. One can stop short of the sceptical route by making some sort of a compromise. But compromises need not always be degrading or scandalous. The question arises, on the other hand, whether scepticism itself is a coherent position. Would not the sceptic himself run into some dilemma of his own? It may be claimed that even the ‘uncompromising’ sceptic eventually makes a compromise of a sort. This chapter pursues the question here, after presenting the arguments of the Indian sceptics, those who reject altogether the pramana doctrine along with its emphasis upon the empirical foundation of knowledge, while tentatively accepting the empiricist stance of their opponents. The last part of this chapter considers whether radical scepticism really is feasible.
Perception as Inference
Authors: Matilal Bimal Krishna
Published: September 2013

The first section of this chapter describes seeing and inferring. One perceives and misperceives them as well. This fact of misperception is used as an argument in favour of the inferentiality of perception. The second section examines the Vaíṣsika atomism. The third section explores the whole–part controversy. The fourth section reconstructs the Nyāya argument against representationalism. The fifth section explores the Nyāya argument against sense-datum. The last section discusses memory and hallucination.
Corrigendum of ‘High throughput analysis of epistasis in genome-wide association studies with BiForce’
Authors: Gyenesei Attila , Semple Colin A.M. , Haley Chris S. , Wei Wen-Hua
Published: September 2013

Contact: Wenhua.Wei@igmm.ed.ac.uk
Antisense transcripts enhanced by camptothecin at divergent CpG-island promoters associated with bursts of topoisomerase I-DNA cleavage complex and R-loop formation
Authors: Marinello Jessica , Chillemi Giovanni , Bueno Susana , Manzo Stefano G. , Capranico Giovanni
Published: September 2013

DNA Topoisomerase I (Top1) is required to relax DNA supercoils generated by RNA polymerases (RNAPs). Top1 is inhibited with high specificity by camptothecin (CPT), an effective anticancer agent, and by oxidative base damage and ribonucleotides in DNA strands, resulting into Top1-DNA cleavage complexes (Top1ccs). To understand how Top1ccs affect genome stability, we have investigated the global transcriptional response to CPT-induced Top1ccs. Top1ccs trigger an accumulation of antisense RNAPII transcripts specifically at active divergent CpG-island promoters in a replication-independent and Top1-dependent manner. As CPT increases antisense transcript levels in the presence of 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, a transcription inhibitor, Top1ccs likely impair antisense RNA degradation. Time-course data showed a burst of Top1ccs increased by CPT at promoter sites and along transcribed regions, causing a transient block of RNAPII at the promoter. Moreover, cell immunofluorescence analyses showed that Top1ccs induce a transient increase of R-loops specifically at highly transcribed regions such as nucleoli in a Top1-dependent manner. Thus, a specific and highly dynamic transcriptional response to Top1ccs occurs at divergent active CpG-island promoters, which may include a transient stabilization of R-loops. The results clarify molecular features of a response pathway leading to transcription-dependent genome instability and altered transcription regulation.
Bioinformatic analysis reveals an evolutional selection for DNA:RNA hybrid G-quadruplex structures as putative transcription regulatory elements in warm-blooded animals
Authors: Xiao Shan , Zhang Jia-yu , Zheng Ke-wei , Hao Yu-hua , Tan Zheng
Published: September 2013

Recently, we reported the co-transcriptional formation of DNA:RNA hybrid G-quadruplex (HQ) structure by the non-template DNA strand and nascent RNA transcript, which in turn modulates transcription under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Here we present bioinformatic analysis on putative HQ-forming sequences (PHQS) in the genomes of eukaryotic organisms. Starting from amphibian, PHQS motifs are concentrated in the immediate 1000-nt region downstream of transcription start sites, implying their potential role in transcription regulation. Moreover, their occurrence shows a strong bias toward the non-template versus the template strand. PHQS has become constitutional in genes in warm-blooded animals, and the magnitude of the strand bias correlates with the ability of PHQS to form HQ, suggesting a selection based on HQ formation. This strand bias is reversed in lower species, implying that the selection of PHQS/HQ depended on the living temperature of the organisms. In comparison with the putative intramolecular G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS), PHQS motifs are far more prevalent and abundant in the transcribed regions, making them the dominant candidates in the formation of G-quadruplexes in transcription. Collectively, these results suggest that the HQ structures are evolutionally selected to function in transcription and other transcription-mediated processes that involve guanine-rich non-template strand.
Bioactive Cytokinins Are Selectively Secreted by Sinorhizobium meliloti Nodulating and Nonnodulating Strains
Authors: Kisiala Anna , Laffont Carole , Emery R. J. Neil , Frugier Florian
Published: September 2013

Bacteria present in the rhizosphere of plants often synthesize phytohormones, and these signals can consequently affect root system development. In legumes, plants adapt to nitrogen starvation by forming lateral roots as well as a new organ, the root nodule, following a symbiotic interaction with bacteria collectively referred to as rhizobia. As cytokinin (CK) phytohormones were shown to be necessary and sufficient to induce root nodule organogenesis, the relevance of CK production by symbiotic rhizobia was questioned. In this study, we analyzed quantitatively, by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the production of 25 forms of CK in nine rhizobia strains belonging to four different species. All bacterial strains were able to synthesize a mix of CK, and bioactive forms of CK, such as iP, were notably found to be secreted in bacterial culture supernatants. Use of a mutant affected in extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production revealed a negative correlation of EPS production with the ability to secrete CK. In addition, analysis of a nonnodulating Sinorhizobium meliloti strain revealed a similar pattern of CK production and secretion when compared with a related nodulating strain. This indicates that bacterially produced CK are not sufficient to induce symbiotic nodulation.
Two-dimensional self-assemblies of telechelic organic compounds: structure and surface host–guest chemistry
Authors: Yan Hui-Juan , Liu Jia , Wang Dong , Wan Li-Jun
Published: September 2013

Guiding the self-assembly of different types of functional molecules into well-defined structures on surfaces is beneficial for both fundamental surface and interface study and emerging application fields, especially molecular and organic electronics. This review focuses on understanding the two-dimensional self-assembly process of telechelic organics, which feature alkoxylene chains terminated with carboxyl groups. With the combined flexibility of alkyl chains and directionality of carboxyl groups, telechelic organics show unique assembly behaviour on two-dimensional surfaces. By increasing the length of the alkoxylene chains, the cavities in the nanoporous networks of telechelic trimesic acid (1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid) derivatives change from hexagonal cavities to irregular cavities on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface. The nanoporous networks provide a flexible host template for host–guest supramolecular chemistry because the cavities framed by the flexible alkoxylene chains can be changed in accordance with the sizes/shapes of the guest molecules. Furthermore, the terminal carboxylic group can form a hydrogen bond with another hydrogen bond partner, leading to multi-component structural motifs and hierarchical assemblies. The unique assembly behaviour of telechelic organics makes them promising structures as important building blocks for the design and construction of complex self-assembled nanoarchitectures.
Macromolecular self-assembly and nanotechnology in China
Authors: Xu Huaping , Chen Daoyong , Wang Shu , Zhou Yongfeng , Sun Junqi , Zhang Wenke , Zhang Xi
Published: September 2013

Macromolecular self-assembly refers to the assembly of synthetic polymers, biomacromolecules and supra-molecular polymers. Through macromolecular self-assembly, the fabrication of ordered structures at different scales, the control of the dynamic assembly process and the integrations of advanced functions can be realized. Macromolecular self-assembly and nanotechnology research in China has developed rapidly, from the early periods of follow-up at low to high level and progress into a stage of innovation and creation. This review selects some representative progresses achieved recently, aiming to reflect the current status of macromolecular self-assembly and nanotechnology research in China.
Targeted synthesis of electroactive porous organic frameworks containing triphenyl phosphine moieties
Authors: Pei Cuiying , Ben Teng , Guo Han , Xu Jun , Deng Feng , Xiang Zhonghua , Cao Dapeng , Qiu Shilun
Published: September 2013

A novel electroactive porous aromatic framework (JUC-Z4-Cl) was designed and synthesized via Yamamoto-type Ullmann cross-coupling reaction with the monomer tris(4-chlorophenyl)phosphine. By simple redox chemical reactions, stable, reductive, porous polytri(
p
-phenyl)phosphine (JUC-Z4) and polytri(
p
-phenyl)phosphine oxide (JUC-Z5) could be obtained as off-white powders. The structures of JUC-Z4 and JUC-Z5 were confirmed using magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, etc. The microporous architectures exhibit high stability (471°C for JUC-Z4 and 484°C for JUC-Z5) and large surface area (793 and 648 m
2
 g
−1
for JUC-Z4 and JUC-Z5, respectively). JUC-Z4 also exhibits efficient recognition ability of greenhouse gases from dry air.
Nanofabrication, effects and sensors based on micro-electro-mechanical systems technology
Authors: Wang Yuelin , Li Tie , Yang Heng
Published: September 2013

In this paper, our investigation of nanofabrication, effects and sensors based on the traditional micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology has been reviewed. Thanks to high selectivity in anisotropic etching and sacrificial layer processes, nanostructures such as nanobeams and nanowires have been fabricated in top-down batch process, in which beams with thickness of only 20 nm and nanowires whose width and thickness is only 20 nm were achieved. With the help of MEMS chip, the scale effect of Young's modulus in silicon has been studied and confirmed directly in a tensile experiment using electron microscopy. Because of their high surface-to-volume ratio and small size, silicon nanowire (SiNW)-based field-effect transistors (FETs) have been shown as one of the most promising electronic devices and ultrasensitive detectors in biological applications. We demonstrated that an SiNW–FET sensor can reveal ultrahigh sensitivity for rapid and reliable detection of 0.1 fM of target DNA with high specificity. All these indicate that the MEMS technology can pave the way to nanoapplications with its advantages of batch production, low cost and high performance.
Chinese translation of the introduction to the theme issue on ‘Molecular nanostructure and nanotechnology’
Authors: Bai Chunli , Wang Chen
Published: September 2013

Chinese translation of the introduction to the theme issue on ‘Molecular nanostructure and nanotechnology’. (Available in PDF form.)
List of new names and new combinations previously effectively, but not validly, published
Authors: Oren Aharon , Garrity George M.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this announcement is to effect the valid publication of the following effectively published new names and new combinations under the procedure described in the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision). Authors and other individuals wishing to have new names and/or combinations included in future lists should send three copies of the pertinent reprint or photocopies thereof, or an electronic copy of the published paper to the IJSEM Editorial Office for confirmation that all of the other requirements for valid publication have been met. It is also a requirement of IJSEM and the ICSP that authors of new species, new subspecies and new combinations provide evidence that types are deposited in two recognized culture collections in two different countries. It should be noted that the date of valid publication of these new names and combinations is the date of publication of this list, not the date of the original publication of the names and combinations. The authors of the new names and combinations are as given below. Inclusion of a name on these lists validates the publication of the name and thereby makes it available in the nomenclature of prokaryotes. The inclusion of a name on this list is not to be construed as taxonomic acceptance of the taxon to which the name is applied. Indeed, some of these names may, in time, be shown to be synonyms, or the organisms may be transferred to another genus, thus necessitating the creation of a new combination.
A misleading urethral smear with polymorphonuclear leucocytes and intracellular diplococci; case report of urethritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Genders R. E. , Spitaels D. , Jansen C. L. , van den Akker Th. W. , Quint K. D.
Published: September 2013

The primary pathogens found in men with urethritis are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Rapid diagnosis of N. gonorrhoeae infection can be made based on a Gram- or methylene blue-stained urethral smear. We describe a case of a man with purulent penile discharge, in which microscopic examination led to the presumptive diagnosis of gonorrhoea. A nucleic acid amplification test was negative for N. gonorrhoeae but positive for C. trachomatis. Culture showed Gram-negative diplococci which were identified as Neisseria meningitidis. N. meningitidis can be sporadically pathogenic in the genito-urinary tract and mimicks gonococcal urethritis, and appears identical by microscopy. When a gonococcal urethritis is suspected based on clinical signs and microscopic examination, but investigatory tests cannot confirm the diagnosis, a N. meningitidis infection should be considered.
Molecular characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing isolates in southern Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Vanessa Bley , Andrade Leonardo Neves , Linhares Adriano Rostirolla , Barin Juliana , Darini Ana Lúcia da Costa , Zavascki Alexandre P. , Barth Afonso Luis
Published: September 2013

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have been frequently reported worldwide. They represent a serious concern because of the limited therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular epidemiology of 14 Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) producers among 345 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems recovered from 11 separate hospitals in southern Brazil. The bla
KPC-2 gene was detected in 14 isolates (4 %): six Enterobacter
cloacae, five K. pneumoniae and three Serratia marcescens. Most of these isolates exhibited high-level resistance against β-lactams and ciprofloxacin, while the most active drugs were polymyxin B and amikacin. Genetic environment analysis, based on the classical Tn4401 structure, revealed six distinct platforms. Plasmids carrying bla
KPC-2 were not typable and most were approximately 20 kb. Only KPC carbapenemases were found among the isolates studied, highlighting the local relevance of these enzymes in acquired resistance to carbapenems in Enterobacteriaceae. Our results contribute to the understanding of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae and to the molecular characterization of KPC-2-producing isolates in Brazil.
Complex interactions of Klebsiella pneumoniae with the host immune system in a Galleria mellonella infection model
Authors: Wand Matthew E. , McCowen James W. I. , Nugent Philip G. , Sutton J. Mark
Published: September 2013

Worldwide, Klebsiella pneumoniae is an increasingly problematic opportunistic pathogen, with the emergence of carbapenem-resistant isolates of special importance. The mechanisms of virulence are poorly understood, and the current study utilized the invertebrate model Galleria mellonella to investigate facets of the virulence process. A range of UK clinical isolates and reference strains was assessed in Galleria by measuring survival as an end point. The clinical strains showed a range of virulence, with the majority of strains (68 %) causing greater than 50 % mortality at a challenge dose of 1×105 c.f.u. Three additional intermediate read-outs were developed to allow the mechanisms of virulence of Klebsiella to be dissected further. The release of lactate dehydrogenase as a marker of cell damage was the best predictor of virulence. Melanization as a marker of the insect innate immune system and ability to proliferate within Galleria as a marker of immune evasion also broadly correlated with survival but with some notable exceptions. No direct correlation was observed between virulence and either K1 or other defined capsular types, the carriage of defined virulence factors or particular functional phenotypes. Overall, the study showed that Galleria can provide significant insights into the mechanisms of virulence, and that this can be applied to the study of opportunistic human pathogens.
Purification of Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cells from Mouse Cortices by Immunopanning
Authors: Emery Ben , Dugas Jason C.
Published: September 2013

Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells of the vertebrate central nervous system, responsible for generating the myelin sheath necessary for saltatory conduction. The use of increasingly sophisticated genetic tools, particularly in mice, has vastly increased our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate development of the oligodendrocyte lineage. This increased reliance on the mouse as a genetic model has led to a need for the development of culture methods to allow the use of mouse cells in vitro as well as in vivo. Here, we present a protocol for the isolation of different stages of the oligodendrocyte lineage, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and/or postmitotic oligodendrocytes, from the postnatal mouse cortex using immunopanning. This protocol allows for the subsequent culture or biochemical analysis of these cells.
Monitoring Tectal Neuronal Activities and Motor Behavior in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Sumbre Germán , Poo Mu-Ming
Published: September 2013

To understand how visuomotor behaviors are controlled by the nervous system, it is necessary to monitor the activity of large populations of neurons with single-cell resolution over a large area of the brain in a relatively simple, behaving organism. The zebrafish larva, a small lower vertebrate with transparent skin, serves as an excellent model for this purpose. Immediately after the larva hatches, it needs to catch prey and avoid predators. This strong evolutionary pressure leads to the rapid development of functional sensory systems, particularly vision. By 5 d postfertilization (dpf), tectal cells show distinct visually evoked patterns of activation, and the larvae are able to perform a variety of visuomotor behaviors. During the early larval stage, zebrafish breathe mainly through the skin and can be restrained under the microscope using a drop of low-melting-point agarose, without the use of anesthetics. Moreover, the transparency of the skin, the small diameter of the neurons (4–5 µm), and the high-neuronal density enable the use of in vivo noninvasive imaging techniques to monitor neuronal activities of up to ∼500 cells within the central nervous system, still with single-cell resolution. This article describes a method for simultaneously monitoring spontaneous and visually evoked activities of large populations of neurons in the optic tectum of the zebrafish larva, using a synthetic calcium dye (Oregon Green BAPTA-1 AM) and a conventional confocal or two-photon scanning fluorescence microscope, together with a method for measuring the tail motor behavior of the head-immobilized zebrafish larva.
Toeprinting
Authors: Nilsen Timothy W.
Published: September 2013

Toeprinting is a technique that was developed in the translation field to measure precisely the position of ribosomes (or ribosomal subunits) on mRNAs. It relies on the fact that reverse transcriptase is “stopped” when it encounters a blocking complex (ribonucleoprotein or protein) on the RNA. The length of the primer extension product produced when the RNA is occupied by such a complex compared to the full-length primer extension product indicates the 3′ position of the complex of interest. Although primarily used in measuring ribosome occupancy and position, toeprinting can be used in a variety of other contexts. The procedure described here was developed to measure the position (and presence) of the exon junction complex deposited on mRNAs as a consequence of splicing. Toeprinting can, in principle, be used whenever the complex of interest is bound stably enough to withstand displacement of transcribing reverse transcriptase.
Social marketing transformed
Authors: Dibb Sally , Carrigan Marylyn
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of the editorial is to accompany this special issue on “Social marketing: social change”.

Design/methodology/approach

– The editorial presents three invited reflections by Philip Kotler, Michael Polonsky and Gerard Hastings. It also discusses the articles in this special issue.

Findings

– Overall, the contributed papers demonstrate that there are many layers to social marketing.

Originality/value

– The articles featured in this special issue help to advance social marketing theory as well as offer valuable implications and recommendations for managers, practitioners and policymakers.
Ethical evaluation of audience segmentation in social marketing
Authors: D. Newton Joshua , J. Newton Fiona , Turk Tahir , T. Ewing Michael
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The ethicality of using audience segmentation in social marketing contexts has typically been framed within either a consequentialist or non-consequentialist perspective, leading to a hitherto intractable debate. This paper seeks to shed new light on this debate using two alternative ethical frameworks: the theory of just health care (TJHC) and integrative social contracts theory (ISCT).

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses cross-sectional survey data from a Kenyan social marketing campaign that aimed to increase awareness and support for the use of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), a class of drugs that inhibit the development of HIV.

Findings

– Application of the TJHC and ISCT to the Kenyan social marketing campaign revealed the use of audience segmentation to be ethically justified. Moreover, the TJHC provided a useful framework for guiding decisions about the selection of target audience(s) in health-related contexts.

Practical implications

– In situations where there are known asymmetries in exposure to mass media channels, adopting a non-segmented mass-media approach may unintentionally entrench pre-existing disparities in health knowledge.

Originality/value

– The application of the TJHC and ISCT to health-related social marketing contexts offers a means of resolving the longstanding debate about the ethicality of audience segmentation. The ethical principles underpinning the TJHC also provide a decision-making framework to guide discussions about whether audience segmentation should be based on cost-effectiveness (consequentialism) or need (non-consequentialism). This is particularly relevant in social marketing settings, where the resources available for conducting campaigns are often limited and segmentation decisions about the groups that are targeted or excluded can have important health-related implications.
Changing behaviour through business-nonprofit collaboration?
Authors: Vock Marlene , van Dolen Willemijn , Kolk Ans
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore consumers' responses to social alliances, a specific type of corporate social marketing in which companies cooperate with non-profit organizations. This paper extends previous studies that suggested that a social marketing effort may be a “double-edged sword” with regard to companies' marketing objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses a 2 (social value orientation: prosocials/ proselfs) × 3 (company-cause fit: high/low fit/control group) between-subjects experimental design.

Findings

– The findings suggest that while prosocials reward companies for social marketing alliances with high fit, proselfs punish the company. This effect can be explained by differences in prosocials' and proselfs' perceptions of the company's corporate abilities, which are influenced by the level of fit.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research could give more attention to low-fit alliances, and whether specific fit dimensions play a role. It could also identify ways to overcome negative responses by proselfs in case of high fit.

Practical implications

– Companies should be cautious in selecting a social marketing alliance partner as high fit is received favourably by some consumers, but unfavourably by others. While high fit has other benefits for companies, increasing consumers' awareness of strong corporate abilities is important.

Originality/value

– Previous studies suggested that different consumer types and a link between the company and the cause may impact the effectiveness of social marketing initiatives. Unlike extant studies, this paper explores the combined and hence moderating influence of both factors, and adds perceived corporate abilities as a mediating factor.
Is social norms marketing effective?
Authors: Harries Tim , Rettie Ruth , Studley Matthew , Burchell Kevin , Chambers Simon
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present details of a large-scale experiment that evaluated the impact of communicating two types of feedback to householders regarding their domestic electricity consumption: feedback on their own consumption and feedback of both their own consumption and that of others in their locality.

Design/methodology/approach

– Digital technologies were used to automatically measure and communicate the electricity consumption of 316 UK residents for a period of 16 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: one involving no feedback; one involving feedback about a household's own usage, and one involving a household's own usage plus social norms feedback (the average consumption of others in the locality). At the end of the study, a selection of participants took part in interviews or focus groups.

Findings

– Both types of feedback (individual and individual-plus-social-norms) led to reductions in consumption of about 3 per cent. Those receiving social norms feedback were significantly more likely to engage with the information provided. However, the social norms information had no additional impact on consumption. Survey and interview data confirmed that participants from both conditions had been encouraged to adopt new energy-saving practices. The study concludes that near real-time individual feedback can be sufficient for usage reduction if it is provided in a historical format. It also suggests that the impact of social norms information may previously have been confounded with that of individual feedback.

Originality/value

– This is the first time that a controlled experiment in the field of domestic electricity consumption has compared the impact of real-time social norm information with that of information that only contains individual household usage.
Feedback provision and use in teaching and learning: a case study
Authors: Laryea Samuel
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The information a student receives after they have completed a piece of work is often known as “feedback” and this can be provided in a range of formats. Despite its importance, results of the National Students Survey in the UK consistently suggest that feedback is an area where significant improvements are needed across the higher education sector. The purpose here was to explore and advance a better understanding of the way feedback is given by lecturers as part of teaching and how students perceive and use it in their learning.

Design/methology/approach

In all, three methods were used for data collection in 2010‐2011. First, semi‐structured interviews with 52 students helped to acquire a preliminary understanding of their feedback experiences. Second, a questionnaire completed by lecturers helped to identify their feedback provision methods. Third, a questionnaire completed by 194 students across all year groups helped to obtain their views about the usefulness of various methods of feedback provision.

Findings

A content analysis of the data shows the main methods used in Part 1 to provide feedback on assignments are verbal 1:1 and generic feedback in the classroom. The main methods used in Part 2 to provide feedback on assignments are comments written on the submission or a separate sheet. In Part 3, the main methods used to provide feedback are generic feedback given in the classroom; verbal 1:1; a standard template; and comments written on the submission or a separate sheet. However, a majority of students responding to this research prefer one‐on‐one and personal feedback which can clearly be time‐consuming for lecturers.

Originality/value

The originality here lies in the use of multiple methods to ascertain feedback practices from both the perspective of its provision by lecturers and its use by students.
Evaluation for the conservation of historic buildings
Authors: Yung Esther H.K. , Chan Edwin H.W.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether there are significant differences between laymen's, professionals' and policy makers' evaluations of the conservation of historic buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The research began with interview surveys using a sample of laymen and professionals in the built environment and it examined their evaluation standards of a sample of 25 historic buildings in Hong Kong. The research also used the controversial Queen's Pier case to examine the extent to which different preferences of conservation between laymen and professionals and policy makers has led to its conservation campaign.

Findings

The results indicate that laymen and professional groups evaluate historic buildings based on slightly different criteria. The research also reveals that their preference for what is worth conserving is different from policy makers. The debate over the conservation of the Queen's Pier illustrates a wide range of issues other than differences of preference that may have stimulated the campaign.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size of the respondents and the sample buildings are limited due to manpower resource and funding. Further study can expand the sampling size.

Originality/value

The study is original research which illustrates the differences between laymen's, professionals' and policy makers' evaluation criteria and assessment of historic buildings. It recommends a greater understanding of all stakeholders' interests in heritage conservation and the incorporation of the public's view into legislative and administrative procedures in designating and listing historic buildings.
Melting heat transfer in a boundary layer flow of a second grade fluid under Soret and Dufour effects
Authors: Hayat T. , Hussain M. , Awais M. , Obaidat S.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The boundary layer flow and heat transfer of second grade fluid in a region of the stagnation point over a stretching surface has been examined. Thermal-diffusion (Dufour) and diffusion-thermo (Soret) effects combined with melting heat transfer are also considered. Suitable transformations are employed to convert the partial differential equations representing the conservation of mass, momentum, energy and diffusion into the system of ordinary differential equations. The series solutions for the flow quantities of interest are presented. Interpretation to velocity, temperature and concentration is assigned. Numerical values of the local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers have been computed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Analytic approach homotopy analysis method (HAM) is used to find the convergent solution of melting heat transfer in a boundary layer flow of a second grade fluid under Soret and Dufour effects.

Findings

– In this article the main findings are as second grade fluid; melting heat transfer; Soret and Dufour effects; mass transfer; stretching sheet. It is noted that melting heat transfer enhances the flow. Moreover, the effects of Soret and Dufour parameters have opposite effects on the temperature and concentration fields.

Originality/value

– The performed computations show that the behaviors of Prandtl number Pr and Schmidt number Sc on the dimensionless temperature and concentration fields are similar in a qualitative sense.