bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-level ab initio predictions for the ionization energy, bond dissociation energies, and heats of formation of cobalt carbide (CoC) and its cation (CoC+)
Authors: Lau Kai-Chung , Pan Yi , Lam Chow-Shing , Huang Huang , Chang Yih-Chung , Luo Zhihong , Shi Xiaoyu , Ng C. Y.
Published: March 2013

The ionization energy (IE) of CoC and the 0 K bond dissociation energies (D0) and the heats of formation at 0 K (ΔH°f0) and 298 K (ΔH°f298) for CoC and CoC+ are predicted by the wavefunction based coupled-cluster theory with single, double, triple and quadruple excitations (CCSDTQ) and complete basis set (CBS) approach. The CCSDTQ/CBS calculations presented here involve the approximation to the CBS limit at the coupled cluster level up to full quadruple excitations along with the zero-point vibrational energy, high-order correlation, core-valence (CV) electronic, spin-orbit coupling, and scalar relativistic effect corrections. The present calculations provide the correct symmetry, 1Σ+, for the ground state of CoC+. The CCSDTQ/CBS IE(CoC) = 7.740 eV is found in good agreement with the experimental IE value of 7.73467 ± 0.00007 eV, determined in a two-color laser photoion and pulsed field ionization-photoelectron study. This work together with the previous experimental and theoretical investigations support the conclusion that the CCSDTQ/CBS method is capable of providing reliable IE predictions for 3d-transition metal carbides, such as FeC, CoC, and NiC. Among the single-reference based coupled-cluster methods and multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) approach, the CCSDTQ and MRCI methods give the best predictions to the harmonic frequencies ωe (ωe+) = 956 (992) and 976 (1004) cm−1 and the bond lengths re (re+) = 1.560 (1.528) and 1.550 (1.522) Å, respectively, for CoC (CoC+) in comparison with the experimental values. The CCSDTQ/CBS calculations give the prediction of D0(Co+–C) − D0(Co–C) = 0.175 eV, which is also consistent with the experimental determination of 0.14630 ± 0.00014 eV. The theoretical results show that the CV and valence-valence electronic correlations beyond CCSD(T) wavefunction and the relativistic effect make significant contributions to the calculated thermochemical properties of CoC/CoC+. For the experimental D0 and ΔHof0 values of CoC/CoC+, which are not known experimentally, we recommend the following CCSDTQ/CBS predictions: ΔHof0(CoC) = 775.7 kJ/mol and ΔHof0(CoC+) = 1522.5 kJ/mol, ΔHof298(CoC) = 779.2 kJ/mol and ΔHo298(CoC+) = 1526.0 kJ/mol.
How fast does water flow in carbon nanotubes?
Authors: Kannam Sridhar Kumar , Todd B. D. , Hansen J. S. , Daivis Peter J.
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, we review the existing literature on flow rates of water in carbon nanotubes. Data for the slip length which characterizes the flow rate are scattered over 5 orders of magnitude for nanotubes of diameter 0.81–10 nm. Second, we precisely compute the slip length using equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations, from which the interfacial friction between water and carbon nanotubes can be found, and also via external field driven non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations (NEMD). We discuss some of the issues in simulation studies which may be reasons for the large disagreements reported. By using the EMD method friction coefficient to determine the slip length, we overcome the limitations of NEMD simulations. In NEMD simulations, for each tube we apply a range of external fields to check the linear response of the fluid to the field and reliably extrapolate the results for the slip length to values of the field corresponding to experimentally accessible pressure gradients. Finally, we comment on several issues concerning water flow rates in carbon nanotubes which may lead to some future research directions in this area.
Charged particle velocity map image reconstruction with one-dimensional projections of spherical functions
Authors: Gerber Thomas , Liu Yuzhu , Knopp Gregor , Hemberger Patrick , Bodi Andras , Radi Peter , Sych Yaroslav
Published: March 2013

Velocity map imaging (VMI) is used in mass spectrometry and in angle resolved photo-electron spectroscopy to determine the lateral momentum distributions of charged particles accelerated towards a detector. VM-images are composed of projected Newton spheres with a common centre. The 2D images are usually evaluated by a decomposition into base vectors each representing the 2D projection of a set of particles starting from a centre with a specific velocity distribution. We propose to evaluate 1D projections of VM-images in terms of 1D projections of spherical functions, instead. The proposed evaluation algorithm shows that all distribution information can be retrieved from an adequately chosen set of 1D projections, alleviating the numerical effort for the interpretation of VM-images considerably. The obtained results produce directly the coefficients of the involved spherical functions, making the reconstruction of sliced Newton spheres obsolete.
Morphological characterization of plastic solar cells using polarized neutron reflectivity
Authors: Guralnick B. W. , Kirby B. J. , Majkrzak C. F. , Mackay M. E.
Published: March 2013

Thermal annealing is known to significantly improve the photovoltaic performance of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) bulk heterojunction solar cells. We have used polarized neutron reflectometry to compare the PCBM depth profiles of the same P3HT:PCBM film before and after annealing at conditions know to improve the photovoltaic efficiencies of similarly prepared devices. Contrary to previous findings, annealing is shown to have little effect on the vertical PCBM concentration profile. We attribute the improved efficiency from thermal annealing to increased P3HT crystallinity and/or change in crystal orientation, which inhibits exciton recombination.
Stabilization of the in-plane vortex state in two-dimensional circular nanorings
Authors: Mamica S.
Published: March 2013

We study two-dimensional circular nanorings composed of elementary magnetic moments arranged in sites of a square lattice. Using a microscopic approach that takes into account the dipolar and nearest-neighbor exchange interactions, we calculate the spin-wave frequencies and profiles to draw conclusions regarding the stability of the assumed magnetic configuration. We show that, in contrast to square rings, in circular rings the exchange-driven reorientation is sensitive to both the external and internal sizes of the ring. We associate this behavior with the delocalized character of the lowest spin-wave excitation, and show that, consequently, the in-plane vortex state can be stabilized even in the case of strong exchange interactions.
Tunnel transport model in nitrogen doped disordered carbon superstructures
Authors: Katkov Mikhail V. , McIntosh Ross , Bhattacharyya Somnath
Published: March 2013

This study illuminates the specific role of the nitrogen potential in relation to the Fermi level (EF) in nitrogen incorporated amorphous carbon (a–CN) superlattice structures. In a–CN systems, the variation of conductivity with nitrogen percentage has been found to be strongly non-linear due to the change of disorder level. Here, we investigate the effect of correlated carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) disorder in conjunction with the nitrogen potential through the analysis of transmission spectra, calculated using a tight binding Hamiltonian, which show two broad peaks related to these species. The characteristic time of transmission through N centers can be controlled through a combination of the N potential and correlated disorder. In particular, by controlling the arrangement of the nitrogen sites within the sp2−C clusters as well as their energetic position compared to EF, a crossover of the pronounced transmission peaks of N and C sites can be achieved. Furthermore, N incorporated as a potential barrier can also enhance the transmission in the a–CN superlattice structures. The strong non-linear variation of resistance and the characteristic time of the structures can explain the transport features observed experimentally in a–CN films. These results will find application in the design of new a–CN fast-switching devices, whose characteristics can be tuned by the nitrogen potential and associated structural disorder.
Diffuse discharge produced by repetitive nanosecond pulses in open air, nitrogen, and helium
Authors: Shao Tao , Tarasenko Victor F. , Zhang Cheng , Baksht Evgeni Kh. , Zhang Dongdong , Erofeev Mikhail V. , Ren Chengyan , Shutko Yuliya V. , Yan Ping
Published: March 2013

Atmospheric-pressure gas discharge driven by high voltage pulses with fast rise-time and short duration has attracted significant attention for various plasma applications. In this paper, discharges were generated in a highly non-uniform electric field by point-plane gaps in open air by four repetitive nanosecond-pulse generators with repetition rate up to 1 kHz. The rise time of generators was 25 (generator #1), 15 (generator #2), 3 (generator #3), and 0.2 ns (generator #4) and a full width at half maximum was 40, 30-40, 5, and 1 ns, respectively. The experimental results show that there were typical discharge fashions, i.e., corona, diffuse, spark, or arc modes. The variables affecting the discharge characteristics, including the gap spacing and applied pulse parameters, were investigated. Especially, the diffuse discharges were investigated and discussed. With generator #1 at voltage 70-120 kV, characteristics of measured x-rays on the discharge modes were studied, and it indicates that counts of x-rays in a diffuse discharge are up to a peak value under the experimental conditions. With amplitude of voltage pulses in incident wave up to 18 (generator #3) and 12.5 kV (generator #4), runaway electron beam in low pressure helium, nitrogen, and air in a pulse-periodic mode of discharge with repetition rate up to 1 kHz was obtained. Electron beam was registered behind a thin foil in a pressure range from several to tens of Torr. X-ray radiation was obtained in a wide range of pressures, as well as at atmospheric pressure of helium, nitrogen, and air. Voltage pulses of positive and negative polarities were used. Generation of runaway electrons with pulses of positive polarity appeared because of reflected voltage pulses of reverse polarity.
A case study on the scaling of 1/f noise: La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 Thin films
Authors: Kazakov Kirill A.
Published: March 2013

The problem of anomalous scaling of the 1/f noise in thin manganite samples is revisited. It is demonstrated that the dependence of Hooge's constant on the sample width, observed by L. Méchin and co-workers [J. Appl. Phys. 103, 083709 (2008)], is naturally explained by the quantum theory of fundamental flicker noise. The true scaling of 1/f noise with the sample size is different from the inverse volume dependence, and the apparent dependence of the Hooge's constant on the sample width is the result of inadequate normalization of the voltage noise spectra. Detailed comparison of the theoretical predictions with the experimental data is given.
Band alignment effects at the metal electrode interface of poly(3-hexylthiophene):zinc oxide hybrid photovoltaics
Authors: Han Seung Jin , Adikaari A. A. D. T. , Jayawardena K. D. G. I. , Nismy N. A. , Hak Kim Yoon , Won Kim Jeong , Hahn Yoon-Bong , Silva S. R. P.
Published: March 2013

Photoelectron spectroscopy is used to investigate the role of titanium oxide as an interfacial layer between a hybrid regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene):zinc oxide photoactive layer and the Al back contact. The inspection of chemical bonds through X-ray photoemission spectroscopy core peaks indicates that the inner structure of the rr-P3HT:ZnO photo-active layer is preserved, subsequent to the deposition of the TiOx layer. Furthermore, the band alignment of rr-P3HT:ZnO/TiOx and TiOx/Al interfaces gives rise to the enhancement in device efficiency from 1.08% to 1.22% upon incorporating the TiOx layer, which is associated with the additional open circuit voltage obtained in the interface of P3HT:ZnO/TiOx.
Determining the Gilbert damping in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/AlOx films
Authors: Schellekens A. J. , Deen L. , Wang D. , Kohlhepp J. T. , Swagten H. J. M. , Koopmans B.
Published: March 2013

The Gilbert damping in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/AlOx films is studied by means of the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect. The Gilbert damping constant is observed to depend strongly on the AlOx layer thickness and the applied magnetic field. The magnetic field dependence is explained by extrinsic contributions to the damping due to inhomogeinities in the thin films. The intrinsic Gilbert damping is found to vary between 0.11 and 0.28 as a function of the AlOx thickness, which can be attributed to spin pumping from Co into the adjacent Pt film.
Fluorescent eco-particles for surface flow physics analysis
Authors: Tauro F. , Porfiri M. , Grimaldi S.
Published: March 2013

In this letter, we describe a novel methodology for fabricating inexpensive environmentally-friendly fluorescent microparticles for quantitative surface flow visualization. Particles are synthesized from natural white beeswax and a highly diluted solution of a nontoxic fluorescent red dye. Bead fluorescence exhibits a long lifetime in adverse conditions, such as exposure to weathering agents, and is enhanced by Ultra Violet radiation. The fluorescent eco-particles are integrated in a particle image velocimetry study of circular hydraulic jump to demonstrate their feasibility in tracing complex surface flows.
Iowa lab gets critical materials research center
Authors: Kramer David
Published: February 2013

The DOE hub is set to be the largest R&D effort toward alleviating the global shortage of rare-earth metals.
1932, a watershed year in nuclear physics
Authors: Reader Joseph , Clark Charles W.
Published: February 2013

The consequences, for good and ill, of that annus mirabilis of discovery and invention are still very much with us.
Exotic physics with slow neutrons
Authors: Snow W. Michael
Published: February 2013

Sensitive experiments with low-energy neutrons are helping to unravel mysteries of cosmology, gravitation, and the standard model of particle physics.
Beyond minerals: broadening ‘economies of violence’ in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Laudati Ann
Published: March 2013

This paper expands current understandings on resource wars by arguing for a comprehensive ‘economies of violence’ that considers the wider range of activities that rebel groups are engaged in beyond minerals. Using evidence from fieldwork in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo together with recent scholarship, this paper draws on six secondary economies to construct a broader political economy of Congo's divergent natural-resource wealth. It then considers how the engagement of armed groups in these activities creates opportunities, alternative livelihoods and governance structures, as well as new forms of conflict, and what these processes may hold for the future of the region.

[Au-delà des minéraux : l'extension des ‘économies de violence’ dans l'est de la République Démocratique du Congo]. Cette étude développe les recherches actuelles sur les guerres des ressources en argumentant en faveur d'une prise en compte des 'économies de violence' qui comprennent la plus large gamme d'activités dans lesquelles les groupes de rebelles se sont engagés, au-delà de l'extraction des minéraux. En utilisant les résultats des recherches sur le terrain dans l'est de la RDC et les recherches récentes, cette étude décrit six économies secondaires pour représenter une économie politique plus large de la richesse divergente des ressources minérales du Congo. Cette étude examine ensuite comment l'engagement des groupes armés dans ces activités crée des opportunités, des modes de subsistance alternatifs et des structures de gouvernance, ainsi que de nouvelles formes de conflits et ce que ces processus peuvent impliquer pour l'avenir de la région.

Mots-clés : guerres des ressources ; République Démocratique du Congo ; économies parallèles ; économies de violence ; malédiction des ressources naturelles
Is boundary extension emotionally selective?
Authors: Ménétrier Emmanuelle , Didierjean André , Vieillard Sandrine
Published: February 2013

When they have to memorize a picture, people usually build a memory trace including more extensive boundaries than the original picture, a phenomenon known as boundary extension or BE. This article looks at whether the emotion category expressed (i.e., happiness, pleasure, irritation, or anger) by actors in short films could have an influence on the BE effect. The results showed that positively valenced emotions (happiness, pleasure) led to an extension effect, while the negatively valenced ones (anger, irritation) did not produce any significant memory distortion. The arousal dimension of emotions had no significant effect on BE. The current results were discussed in the light of previous studies on the links between BE and emotions.
The Spatial Representation of Numerical and Non-Numerical Ordered Sequences: Insights from a Random Generation Task
Authors: Di Bono Maria Grazia , Zorzi Marco
Published: March 2013

It is widely believed that numbers are spatially represented from left to right on the mental number line. Whether this spatial format of representation is specific to numbers or is shared by non-numerical ordered sequences remains controversial. When healthy participants are asked to randomly generate digits they show a systematic small-number bias that has been interpreted in terms of “pseudoneglect in number space”. Here we used a random generation task to compare numerical and non-numerical order. Participants performed the task at three different pacing rates and with three types of stimuli (numbers, letters, and months). In addition to a small-number bias for numbers, we observed a bias towards “early” items for letters and no bias for months. The spatial biases for numbers and letters were rate independent and similar in size, but they did not correlate across participants. Moreover, letter generation was qualified by a systematic forward direction along the sequence, suggesting that the ordinal dimension was more salient for letters than for numbers in a task that did not require its explicit processing. The dissociation between numerical and non-numerical orders is consistent with electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies and suggests that they rely on at least partially different mechanisms.
An auxiliary, membrane-based mechanism for nuclear migration in budding yeast
Authors: Kirchenbauer Marisa , Liakopoulos Dimitris
Published: February 2013

How nuclear shape correlates with nuclear movements during the cell cycle is poorly understood. We investigated changes in nuclear morphology during nuclear migration in budding yeast. In preanaphase cells, nuclear protrusions (nucleopodia [NP]) extend into the bud, preceding insertion of chromosomes into the bud neck. Surprisingly, formation of nucleopodia did not depend on the established nuclear migration pathways. We show that generation and maintenance of NP requires nuclear membrane expansion, actin, and the exocyst complex. Exocyst mutations cause nuclear positioning defects and display genetic interactions with mutations that deactivate astral microtubule-dependent nuclear migration. Cells that cannot perform DNA replication also fail to form nucleopodia. We propose that nuclear membrane expansion, DNA replication, and exocyst-dependent anchoring of the nuclear envelope to the bud affect nuclear morphology and facilitate correct positioning of nucleus and chromosomes relative to the cleavage apparatus.
Further evidence for the accretion disc origination of the double-peaked broad Hα of 3C 390.3
Authors: Zhang Xue-Guang
Published: March 2013

In this Letter, under the widely accepted theoretical accretion disc model for the double-peaked emitter 3C 390.3, the extended disc-like broad-line region can be well split into 10 rings, and then the time lags between the lines from the rings and the continuum emission are estimated, based on the observed spectra around 1995. We can find one very strong correlation between the determined time lags (in units of light-day) and the flux-weighted radii (in units of RG) of the rings, which is well consistent with the expected results through the theoretical accretion disc model. Moreover, through the strong correlation, the black hole masses of 3C 390.3 are independently estimated as ∼109 M⊙, the same as the reported black hole masses in the literature. The consistencies provide further evidence to strongly support the accretion disc origination of the double-peaked broad Balmer lines of 3C 390.3.
The pathophysiology of elevated vitamin B12 in clinical practice
Authors: Andrès E. , Serraj K. , Zhu J. , Vermorken A.J.M.
Published: February 2013

Hypercobalaminemia (high serum vitamin B12 levels) is a frequent and underestimated anomaly. Clinically, it can be paradoxically accompanied by signs of deficiency, reflecting a functional deficiency linked to qualitative abnormalities, which are related to defects in tissue uptake and action of vitamin B12. The aetiological profile of high serum cobalamin predominantly encompasses severe disease entities for which early diagnosis is critical for prognosis. These entities are essentially comprised of solid neoplasms, haematological malignancies and liver and kidney diseases. This review reflects the potential importance of the vitamin B12 assay as an early diagnostic marker of these diseases. A codified approach is needed to determine the potential indications of a search for high serum cobalamin and the practical clinical strategy to adopt upon discovery of elevated cobalamin levels. While low serum cobalamin levels do not necessarily imply deficiency, an abnormally high serum cobalamin level forms a warning sign requiring exclusion of a number of serious underlying pathologies. Functional cobalamin deficiency can thus occur at any serum level.
Skeletal Muscle Ryanodine Receptor Mutations Associated with Malignant Hyperthermia Showed Enhanced Intensity and Sensitivity to Triggering Drugs when Expressed in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells
Authors: Sato Keisaku , Roesl Cornelia , Pollock Neil , Stowell Kathryn M.
Published: March 2013

Background:

Mutations within the gene encoding the skeletal muscle calcium channel ryanodine receptor can result in malignant hyperthermia. Although it is important to characterize the functional effects of candidate mutations to establish a genetic test for diagnosis, ex vivo methods are limited because of the low incidence of the disorder and sample unavailability. More than 250 candidate mutations have been identified, but only a few mutations have been functionally characterized.

Methods:

The human skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor complementary DNA was cloned with or without a disease-related variant. Wild-type and mutant calcium channel proteins were transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney-293 cells expressing the large T-antigen of simian virus 40, and functional analysis was carried out using calcium imaging with fura-2 AM. Six human malignant hyperthermia-related mutants such as R44C, R163C, R401C, R533C, R533H, and H4833Y were analyzed. Cells were stimulated with a specific ryanodine receptor agonist 4-chloro-m-cresol, and intracellular calcium mobility was analyzed to determine the functional aspects of mutant channels.

Results:

Mutant proteins that contained a variant linked to malignant hyperthermia showed higher sensitivity to the agonist. Compared with the wild type (EC50 = 453.2 µm, n = 18), all six mutants showed a lower EC50 (21.2–170.4 µm, n = 12–23), indicating susceptibility against triggering agents.

Conclusions:

These six mutations cause functional abnormality of the calcium channel, leading to higher sensitivity to a specific agonist, and therefore could be considered potentially causative of malignant hyperthermia reactions.
Variation in Infliximab Administration Practices in the Treatment of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Adler Jeremy , Sandberg Kelly C. , Shpeen Benjamin H. , Eder Sally J. , Dhanani Muhammad , Clark Sarah J. , Freed Gary L.
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

Infliximab is used increasingly to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Infliximab is supplied in 100‐mg vials. Doses that are typically calculated as 5 mg · kg−1 · dose−1 are commonly rounded up or down to the nearest 100 mg. Variation in dosing practices is unknown. Underdosing based on weight may increase the risk for disease exacerbation, whereas overimmune suppression could increase the risk of infection. Children may be at greater risk from dosage rounding. We aimed to characterize infliximab dosing practices, the use of corticosteroid premedication, and duration of infusions among pediatric practitioners participating in the ImproveCareNow Network, a national collaboration to improve IBD care and outcomes.

Methods:

A national survey of infliximab dosing practices was sent to 279 pediatric IBD practitioners from March to December 2011. Double data reconciliation, t test, and χ2 analyses were performed.

Results:

The response rate was 74% (N = 207). Thirty‐eight percent (78/207) indicated that their practice has no uniform approach to the rounding of doses. Of 114 respondents indicating a uniform approach to rounding doses, 43% always round up to the nearest 100 mg, 33% always round up or down to the nearest 100 mg, and 14% never round doses. In addition, 28% of respondents always premedicate with corticosteroids and 12% never premedicate. Of respondents indicating “it depends,” 95% premedicate if there has been a previous infusion reaction, 46% if there has been a prolonged lapse between treatment doses, 40% if antibodies to infliximab are present, and 11% if giving infliximab monotherapy. The duration of infusions is most often 2 hours, but varies between 1 and 4 hours.

Conclusions:

Wide variation exists in the practice of infliximab administration in pediatric IBD. The effect of these variations on outcomes is unknown.
Yeast-based automated high-throughput screens to identify anti-parasitic lead compounds
Authors: Bilsland Elizabeth , Sparkes Andrew , Williams Kevin , Moss Harry J. , de Clare Michaela , Pir Pınar , Rowland Jem , Aubrey Wayne , Pateman Ron , Young Mike , Carrington Mark , King Ross D. , Oliver Stephen G.
Published: February 2013

We have developed a robust, fully automated anti-parasitic drug-screening method that selects compounds specifically targeting parasite enzymes and not their host counterparts, thus allowing the early elimination of compounds with potential side effects. Our yeast system permits multiple parasite targets to be assayed in parallel owing to the strains’ expression of different fluorescent proteins. A strain expressing the human target is included in the multiplexed screen to exclude compounds that do not discriminate between host and parasite enzymes. This form of assay has the advantages of using known targets and not requiring the
in vitro
culture of parasites. We performed automated screens for inhibitors of parasite dihydrofolate reductases,
N
-myristoyltransferases and phosphoglycerate kinases, finding specific inhibitors of parasite targets. We found that our ‘hits’ have significant structural similarities to compounds with
in vitro
anti-parasitic activity, validating our screens and suggesting targets for hits identified in parasite-based assays. Finally, we demonstrate a 60 per cent success rate for our hit compounds in killing or severely inhibiting the growth of
Trypanosoma brucei
, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness.
Acoustic–vorticity coupling in linearly varying shear flows using the WKB method
Authors: Favraud Gael , Pagneux Vincent
Published: February 2013

The evolution of acoustic and vorticity perturbations in a two-dimensional incompressible linear flow is investigated. A weighted decomposition of the flow into a hyperbolic part and a rotation part allows continuous spanning of all linear flows such as hyperbolic flow, plane Couette flow and rigid rotation for instance. Using the Kelvin non-modal approach, the equations governing the time evolution of plane wave perturbations are reduced into a system of three first-order ordinary differential equations. This system is analysed using a WKB method where the small parameter
ε
is the ratio of the shear rate of the flow over the typical frequency of the perturbations. With this method, a basis of three modes naturally appears: two acoustic modes and one vorticity mode. At finite but small
ε
, couplings between the modes appear when the length of the wavenumber is minimal. For hyperbolic flow, incident vorticity mode generates the two acoustic modes, and an incident acoustic mode generates the other acoustic mode. More generally, for all flows, the hyperbolic part of the flow is responsible of the coupling between acoustic and vorticity modes, but also of the coupling between the two acoustic modes. These phenomena are illustrated by displaying wavepacket evolutions.
Staphylococcus jettensis sp. nov., a coagulase-negative staphylococcal species isolated from human clinical specimens
Authors: De Bel Annelies , Van Hoorde Koenraad , Wybo Ingrid , Vandoorslaer Kristof , Echahidi Fedoua , De Brandt Evie , Schumann Peter , Ieven Margareta , Soetens Oriane , Piérard Denis , Vandamme Peter
Published: March 2013

Eight coagulase-negative, novobiocin-susceptible staphylococcal strains were isolated from human clinical specimens at two different Belgian medical facilities. All strains were non-motile, Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive cocci. DNA G+C content, peptidoglycan type, menaquinone pattern, the presence of teichoic acid and cellular fatty acid composition were in agreement with the characteristics of species of the genusStaphylococcus. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and four housekeeping genes (dnaJ,tuf,gapandrpoB) demonstrated that these strains constitute a separate taxon within the genusStaphylococcus. Less than 41 % DNA–DNA hybridization with the most closely related species of the genusStaphylococcus(Staphylococcus haemolyticus,Staphylococcus hominisandStaphlococcus lugdunensis) was observed. Key biochemical characteristics that allowed these bacteria to be distinguished from their nearest phylogenetic neighbours are arginine dihydrolase positivity, ornithine decarboxylase negativity and inability to produce acid aerobically fromd-mannose, α-lactose and turanose. Acid is produced aerobically from trehalose. Based on these results, a novel species of the genusStaphylococcusis described and namedStaphylococcusjettensissp. nov. The type strain is SEQ110T( = LMG 26879T = CCUG 62657T = DSM 26618T).
Flavobacterium

hauense sp. nov., isolated from soil and emended descriptions of

Flavobacterium subsaxonicum

,

Flavobacterium beibuense

and

Flavobacterium rivuli
Authors: Dong Kun , Xu Biao , Zhu Fengqiu , Wang Gejiao
Published: March 2013

A strictly aerobic, Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated BX12T, was isolated from soil collected from the peak area of Wudang Mountain in the city of Shiyan, Hubei province, China. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BX12T was most closely related to

Flavobacterium subsaxonicum

WB 4.1-42T (95.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by

Flavobacterium beibuense

F44-8T (95.6 %) and

Flavobacterium rivuli

WB 3.3-2T (94.1 %). The major fatty acids (≥5 %) of strain BX12T were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, and C16 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine, and the major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The genomic DNA G+C content was 43.9 mol%. On the basis of a high number of phenotypic differentiating properties and phylogenetic uniqueness, strain BX12T represents a novel species of the genus

Flavobacterium

for which the name

Flavobacterium

hauense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BX12T ( = CCTCC AB 2012197T = KCTC 32147T). Emended descriptions of

Flavobacterium subsaxonicum

,

Flavobacterium beibuense

and

Flavobacterium rivuli

are also proposed.
A framework to review Performance Prism
Authors: Najmi Manoochehr , Etebari Mohammad , Emami Samin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an exclusive review framework for the Performance Prism.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature survey on performance measurement is used to identify the main aspects of the review in such systems. Various dimensions related to the characteristics of Performance Prism are explored. All the findings are then rationally put together to develop the proposed conceptual framework.

Findings

The paper presents a conceptual model to review performance measurement systems (PMS) which are designed based on Performance Prism. The presented framework categorizes review processes and tools into two main categories; Business Performance Review (BPRw) and Performance Measurement System Review (PMSR). In BPRw, a loop is presented in three levels – with regards to the five facets of Performance Prism – which indicates the performance management process. PMSR deals with reviewing the efficiency and effectiveness of the design and implementation of the PMS itself. Several methods and tools have been gathered from the literature (e.g. relevance test, measures profile, etc) in this section to examine the relevance of measures, and some have been introduced (including a method to determine inconsistencies in organization's performance trends between stakeholder, strategic and operational level) to study and challenge the validity of strategic assumptions and strategies, and appropriateness of infrastructure. Implications of various factors such as organizational culture, change management, and characteristics of the measures (level of the measure, managers who receive reports including the measure, and supporting infrastructure) are highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

In contrast to PMS design and implementation, research on PMS review is limited. This is more evident in the literature concerning Performance Prism. The empirical evidence of usefulness is beyond the scope of this article.

Practical implications

The framework provides a procedural action for reviewing both business performance and PMS performance when applying the Performance Prism in practice and provides a foundation for further empirical research.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the body of literature, by proposing a comprehensive review framework to be used in Performance Prism.
Investigating the impact of e‐business applications on supply chain collaboration in the German automotive industry
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Humphreys Paul , McKittrick Alan , Fynes Brian
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The internet and web‐based technologies have enabled the integration of information systems across organisational boundaries in ways that were hitherto impossible. The measurement of e‐business (EB) value has been traditionally considered as a single construct. However, the desire to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impact of EB applications from a theoretical perspective has resulted in the modelling of multiple EB constructs. The impact of EB enabled collaboration on operational performance was also investigated. The purpose of this paper is to explore the enabling role of multiple dimensions of EB investigating if all EB applications impact directly and positively on supply chain collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based survey was carried out to collect data within the German automotive industry. Structural equation modelling was conducted to test the measurement and structural model.

Findings

The results provide justification for the modelling of EB in multiple dimensions. Furthermore, some EB applications impacted positively on supply chain collaboration whilst some did not. The results also proved that EB enabled collaboration impacted directly and positively on the multiple dimensions of operational performance tested.

Practical implications

EB applications cannot be viewed by practising managers as being universally beneficial in improving collaboration across a buyer‐supplier boundary. However, the results reveal that, by carefully selecting the most appropriate EB applications, operations improvement benefits can be realised across a range of operational metrics due to enhanced supply chain collaboration.

Originality/value

The deconstruction of EB into multiple constructs will enable the measurement of EB value to be more accurately assessed. Furthermore, the direct impact of EB‐enabled collaboration to facilitate interaction and integration and its impact on operational performance adds to the body of knowledge within the larger research field of supply chain collaboration.
Total quality beyond North America
Authors: Boulter Louise , Bendell Tony , Dahlgaard Jens
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the implementation of a total quality management (TQM) approach positively affects the financial performance of European companies. This paper tests whether North American results showing the relative out‐performance of companies that have successfully implemented TQM approaches are replicated in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses the same methodology as the seminal work of Hendricks and Singhal. The winning of a Quality Award is used as a proxy for the sound implementation of TQM. Publicly available share price and accounting data is analysed over a ten year period. Changes in the performance of award winning companies relative to non‐award winning companies are tested using a matched‐pair comparison approach.

Findings

The results confirm that, despite evident and marked differences in company structures and institutional environments between North America and Europe, stronger performance is again achieved by the TQM‐oriented award winning companies.

Originality/value

There is little empirical research establishing the link between TQM and improved financial performance within Europe, with most existing studies presenting findings only based on perception data. The findings presented in this paper close some of the limitations of previous European studies and use rigorous research methods to estimate the financial and business impact of TQM on company performance in Europe. Furthermore, extending Hendricks and Singhal's seminal study to include Europe, has been an objective of those in the European TQM practitioner community ever since the early results were published.
Marketing a memory of the world: Magna Carta and the experiential servicescape
Authors: Ardley Barry , Taylor Nick , McLintock Emily , Martin Frankii , Leonard Gavin
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse visitor perceptions of the Lincoln Magna Carta exhibition, in the context of an experiential servicescape perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Data come from a questionnaire carried out with visitors to the Magna Carta exhibition in Lincoln Castle, UK. The approach was framed by the student as producer perspective, that is about re‐engineering the relationship between academics and undergraduate students.

Findings

It is found that three main problems exist in terms of the servicescape. These are guidance signage, the small, dark inauspicious surroundings of the exhibition itself and the level of visitor interactivity present.

Research limitations/implications

This is only a small‐scale project of one Magna Carta exhibition. Research with more visitors would help to further validate the findings and conclusions of this paper and also assist in other representations of the document in other sites.

Practical implications

Suggestions are made for improvement to a number of experiential servicescape elements. These improved representations also need to be planned for adequately in the new staging of the document, when Lincoln Castle receives planned additional funds from the Heritage Lottery.

Social implications

This paper draws attention to the fact that the Magna Carta is a shared part of a global cultural identity, where the marketing of the document represents a great privilege.

Originality/value

In this paper, the experiential servicescape framework is used in an original way to critique aspects of the current exhibition and to propose new ideas for representing the Magna Carta. The paper is based on original data that makes a novel contribution to the debate regarding research and learning in higher education.
A strategic supply chain approach: consortium marketing in the Italian leatherwear industry
Authors: Guercini Simone , Woodside Arch G.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe inter‐firm marketing cooperation as a strategy by small and medium enterprise (SME) players in local systems of fashion firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study research focuses on Italian leatherwear manufacturers that join together to create an interfirm consortium which acts as a sole manufacturer‐marketing player.

Findings

The case study observes marketing policy orientations toward the final consumers while remaining consistent with the aim of preserving cooperation with the big international retail buyers. The comprehensive description provides propositions relevant for advancing a theory of interfirm cooperation and marketing behavior. The paper reports on implementing consortium marketing through the integration of marketing activities among the SMEs in the Italian fashion leatherwear industry.

Research limitations/implications

Consortium marketing (CM) organizations represent one structure among several for the coordination of activities by independent firms in a supply chain; CM usually includes planned collaboration in innovation processes in creating and adopting superior technologies, designing products highly desired by customers, and manufacturing to meet the demands greater than the production capability of any one member are common characteristics of CM organizations.

Practical implications

“Consortium marketing” has special strengths that this paper describes and explains. Creating inter‐firm structures to achieve marketing synergies is the core objective of CM. CM can be a very powerful structure for supply chains for achieving multiple synergies in innovating, designing, manufacturing, promoting, and/or delivering of products and services to their immediate customers and downstream customers.

Originality/value

Inter‐firm design and relationships need not be a given; firms participating in CM can innovate their inter‐firm relationships to achieve synergies that may be impossible to achieve otherwise. This paper is the first to offer this conclusion and describe its applicability within the high‐fashion Italian leatherwear industry.
Software reliability estimation using Bayesian approach
Authors: Vasanthi Thankappan , Arulmozhi Ganapathy
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use Bayesian probability theory to analyze the software reliability model with multiple types of faults. The probability that all faults are detected and corrected after a series of independent software tests and correction cycles is presented. This in turn has a number of applications, such as how long to test a software, estimating the cost of testing, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of Bayesian probabilistic models, when compared to traditional point forecast estimation models, provides tools for risk estimation and allows decision makers to combine historical data with subjective expert estimates. Probability evaluation is done both prior to and after observing the number of faults detected in each cycle. The conditions under which these two measures, the conditional and unconditional probabilities, are the same is also shown. Expressions are derived to evaluate the probability that, after a series of sequential independent reviews have been completed, no class of fault remains in the software system by assuming the prior distribution as Poisson and binomial.

Findings

From results in Sections 4 and 5 it can be observed that the conditional and unconditional probabilities are the same if the prior probability distribution is Poisson and binomial. In these cases the confidence that all faults are deleted is not a function of the number of faults observed during the successive reviews but it is a function of the number of reviews, the detection probabilities and the mean of the prior distribution. This is a remarkable result because it gives a circumstance in which the statistical confidence from a Bayesian analysis is actually independent of all observed data. From the result in Section 4 it can be seen that exponential formula could be used to evaluate the probability that no fault remains when a Poisson prior distribution is combined with a multinomial detection process in each review cycle.

Originality/value

The paper is part of research work for a PhD degree.
Choice of subcontractor in markets with asymmetric information: reputation and price effects
Authors: Biong Harald
Published: March 2013

Purpose

– Buyers assessing bids from suppliers of experience services face both an adverse selection and a potential moral hazard problem. The purpose of this study is to examine the relative importance of various signals of supplier reputation conveying information about unobserved supplier quality, which is important for identifying the best tender; and whether price is contingent on supplier reputation and on buyer's quality sensitiveness in a competitive bidding situation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study builds on a conjoint experiment where 19 contractors consider alternative scenarios representing tenders from subcontractors of plumbing services. In the scenarios the subcontractors differ on their reputation and price variables, while the contractors differ in their quality sensitiveness. Multiple regressions analyzes the contingent price effects.

Findings

– Although low price is generally important for subcontractor selection, quality-sensitive buyers are willing to pay subcontractors a price premium to prevent quality debasement. On the other hand, despite the combined significance of supplier reputation on choice, buyers are not willing to pay price premiums to suppliers with a quality reputation.

Research limitations/implications

– Conjoint studies produce multiple cases but the underlying sample is limited. Therefore, this study should be regarded as preliminary and a basis for further validation on larger samples.

Practical implications

– In competitive bidding situations, suppliers with strong quality reputations may benefit most by low price offers. Thus, suppliers with a strong reputation should achieve profitability through a volume premium rather than a price premium effect. Suppliers opting for price premiums should target the quality sensitive segment of the market.

Originality/value

– In contrast to previous findings in B2B brand equity studies, but in line with findings in information economics, this study suggests that suppliers with a reputation for quality will not receive price premiums. The results indicate that in bidding contexts in B2B markets, the reputation variables may enhance rather than reduce buyers' price sensitivity, because supplier reputation increases low price credibility.