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Localized heating of droplets on an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) chip has been implemented and shown to accelerate trypsin digestion reaction rates, sample drying, and matrix crystallization for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Achieving this involved extending the functionality of previous EWOD droplet-based techniques by developing a multifunctional electrode with closed-loop temperature control, while minimizing overall system complexity and addressing challenges associated with rapid evaporation. For the EWOD chip design, we discuss the performance of multifunctional surface electrodes for actuation, localized Joule heating, and thermistic temperature sensing. Furthermore, a hydrophilic pattern is formed in the multifunctional electrode to control the location of an evaporating droplet on the electrode. To demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of this technique, we performed three experiments and measured the results using MALDI-MS: (i) insulin disulfide reductions in dithiothreitol (DTT) over a range of heater temperatures (22-70 °C) to show how reaction rates can be affected by thermal control, (ii) insulin disulfide reductions at 130 °C in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to demonstrate a reaction in a high boiling point solvent, and (iii) tryptic digestions of cytochrome c at 22 and 40 °C to show that heated droplets can yield reasonably higher peptide sequence coverage than unheated droplets. Although they do not decouple the effects of changing temperatures and concentrations, these experiments verified that thermal cycling by EWOD electrodes accelerates reaction rates in liquid droplets in air.

Accurate and rapid diagnosis of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus (H1N1 2009) infection is important for the prevention and control of influenza epidemics and the timely initiation of antiviral treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of several diagnostic tools for the detection of H1N1 2009. Flocked nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 254 outpatients of suspected H1N1 2009 during October 2009. This study analyzed the performances of RealTime ready Inf A/H1N1 Detection Set (Roche), Influenza A (H1N1) Real-Time Detection Kit (Bionote), Seeplex Influenza A/B OneStep Typing set (Seeplex reverse transcriptase PCR [RT-PCR]), BinaxNow Influenza A & B test kit (Binax rapid antigen test [RAT]) and SD BIOLINE Influenza Ag kit (SD RAT). Roche and Bionote real-time RT-PCR showed identical results for the H1N1 2009 hemagglutinin gene. Compared with real-time RT-PCR, the sensitivities and specificities were 83.7% and 100% for Seeplex RT-PCR, 64.5% and 94.7% for Binax RAT, and 69.5% and 100% for SD RAT. The sensitivities of Seeplex RT-PCR, Binax RAT and SD RAT in patients aged over 21 years were 73.7%, 47.4% and 57.9%, respectively. The sensitivities of Seeplex RT-PCR, Binax RAT and SD RAT on the day of initial symptoms were mostly lower (68.8%, 56.3% and 31.3%, respectively). In conclusion, multiplex RT-PCR and RAT for the detection of H1N1 2009 were significantly less sensitive than real-time RT-PCR. Also, a negative RAT may require more sensitive confirmatory assays, because it cannot be ruled out from influenza infection.

A Gram-staining-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and moderately halophilic actinobacterium, designated YIM 93306T, was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain YIM 93306T grew in the presence of 2–16 % (w/v) NaCl and did not grow without NaCl. The peptidoglycan type was A4α with an l-Lys–l-Glu interpeptide bridge. The whole-cell sugars were glucosamine, arabinose, mannose and two unknown sugars. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, one unknown phosphoglycolipid and one unknown phospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 68.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 93306T fell within the radius of the suborder Micrococcineae. Its closest phylogenetic neighbour was the type strain of Ruania albidiflava (AS 4.3142T; 96.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), the sole recognized species of the genus Ruania. Sequence similarities between strain YIM 93306T and members of other genera of the suborder Micrococcineae were Haloactinobacterium album gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the species is YIM 93306T (=DSM 21368T =KCTC 19413T =CCTCC AB 208069T). Based on phylogenetic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene signature nucleotide patterns, the genera Ruania and Haloactinobacterium gen. nov. are proposed to belong to a novel family, Ruaniaceae fam. nov.

Studies of development and change in partisan fortunes in the US emphasize epochs of partisan stability, separated by critical events or turning points. In this paper we study partisan electoral changes in the US Congress using the method of Markov switching. Our estimates are based on election changes from 1854, roughly the date of the establishment of the modern incarnation of the two-party system, to the present. For the Senate, we estimate partisan balance both from 1856 and from 1914, the period of direct elections. Our discrete-state method performs better than one based on smooth cycles, and is more consistent with the existing theory. We use the Markov switching method to estimate an underlying unobserved state parameter, ‘partisan regime’. The method allows the direct estimation of critical transition points between Republican and Democratic partisan coalitions. Republican regimes characterized House elections during three periods: 1860 through 1872, 1894 through 1906, and 1918 through 1928. Senate results were roughly similar. Every recession caused a realignment prior to 1932, but since then none has. For the Senate, the two-state model does not fit adequately. We estimate a three-state model in which a Republican regime dominated from 1914 through 1928; a Democratic regime characterized the period 1930–1934, and a Democratic-leaning regime characterized the period 1938 to the present (1936 is a transition year). The driver for historical realignments up to 1930 seems to have been economic distress, at least for the House. Each recession before 1930 is associated with a realignment, but after 1930, no recession produced a realignment. Since then, however, economic downturns have not led to realignments. We speculate that better economic management since World War II, resulting in shallower recessions, is the cause. For the Senate, however, we detect only one fundamental regime shift: that during the Great Depression.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic actinomycete, strain YIM 60513T, was isolated from the stem of Gloriosa superba L. collected from tropical rainforest at Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, south-west China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain YIM 60513T belonged to the genus Saccharopolyspora and was closely related to Saccharopolyspora gregorii NCIB 12823T (99.1 % similarity) and Saccharopolyspora cebuensis SPE 10-1T (97.3 % similarity). Data for the predominant quinone [MK-9(H4)], major fatty acids (iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and C17 : 1 cis9) and G+C content of the genomic DNA (71.6 mol%) were similar to those for members of the genus Saccharopolyspora. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain YIM 60513T and S. gregorii NCIB 12823T was 43 %. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic differences, chemotaxonomic characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data supported the view that strain YIM 60513T should be distinguished from S. gregorii NCIB 12823T and S. cebuensis SPE 10-1T. Strain YIM 60513T therefore represents a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora gloriosae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 60513T (=KCTC 19243T =CCTCC AA 207006T).

Thin-film thermoelectric devices have potentially greater efficiency than bulk devices because of quantum and classical size effects involving electrons and phonons. We discuss criteria for the design of thin-film thermoelectric microcoolers to achieve high performance. The devices considered are membrane structures based on electron transport along the film plane. A model is developed to include the effects of heat loss and leg shape. The design is optimized based on the modeling results and used to guide microcooler fabrication.

During the course of our research on new actinobacterial sources, a novel actinomycete strain YIM 67013(T) was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. collected from Yunnan province, south-west China. The strain formed well-differentiated aerial and substrate mycelia, grew in the presence of up to 15% NaCl (optimum, 0-3% NaCl). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 67013(T) belongs to the genus Pseudonocardia, with highest similarity to Pseudonocardia thermophila DSM 43832(T) (97.6%). Sequence similarities between strain YIM 67013(T) and the other Pseudonocardia species ranged from 96.6 to 93.2%. Key morphological and physiological characteristics as well as chemotaxonomic features of strain YIM 67013(T) were congruent with the description of the genus Pseudonocardia. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.7 mol%. Based on comparative analysis of physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic data, including low DNA-DNA hybridization results, it is proposed that strain YIM 67013(T) represents a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia, named Pseudonocardia rhizophila sp. nov. The type strain is YIM 67013(T) (= CCTCC AA 209043(T) = DSM 45381(T)).

A strictly aerobic Gram-positive, moderately halophilic spore forming bacterium, designated strain SL6-1(T), was isolated from a salt lake in Xin-jiang province, China. Growth of strain SL6-1(T) was observed at NaCl concentrations of 0 approximately 20% (w/v) (the optimum being 5 approximately 7%, w/v). The peptidoglycan type of strain SL6-1(T) was Algamma-meso-diaminopimelic acid and its major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(14:0) and iso-C(16:0) and ante-iso-C(15:0). The major respiratory isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 44.5 mol%. The major cellular phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SL6-1(T) formed a phylogenetic lineage within the genus Virgibacillus. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the strain was most closely related to Virgibacillus olivae E(30)8(T), Virgibacillus kekensis YIM kkny16(T), Virgibacillus marismortui DSM 12325(T) with 97.1%, 97.1%, and 97.0% gene sequence similarities, respectively and the sequence similarities to other related taxa were less than 96.7%. The DNA relatedness values between strain SL6-1(T) and V. olivae E(30)8(T), V. kekensis YIM kkny16(T), V. marismortui DSM 12325(T) were 16.7%, 51.0%, and 22.8%, respectively. On the basis of physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic properties, strain SL6-1(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Virgibacillus xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SL6-1(T) (=KCTC 13128(T) =DSM 19031(T)).

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and testing of a liquid-metal (LM) droplet-based radio-frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) shunt switch with dc-40 GHz performance. The switch demonstrates better than 0.3 dB insertion loss and 20 dB isolation up to 40 GHz, achieving significant improvements over previous LM-based RF MEMS switches. The improvement is attributed to use of electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) as a new actuation mechanism, which allows design optimized for RF switching. A two-droplet design is devised to solve the biasing problem of the actuation electrode that would otherwise limit the performance of a single-droplet design. The switch design uses a microframe structure to accurately position the liquid-solid contact line while also absorbing variations in deposited LM volumes. By sliding the liquid-solid contact line electrostatically through EWOD, the switch demonstrates bounceless switching, low switch-on time (60 mus), and low power consumption (10 nJ per cycle).

As an alternative or supplement to small batteries, the much-anticipated micro-direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) faces several key technical issues such as methanol crossover, reactant delivery, and byproduct release. This paper addresses two of the issues, removal of CO 2 bubbles and delivery of methanol fuel, in a non-prohibitive way for system miniaturization. A recently reported bubble-driven pumping mechanism is applied to develop active μDMFCs free of an ancillary pump or a gas separator. The intrinsically generated CO 2 bubbles in the anodic microchannels are used to pump and circulate the liquid fuel before being promptly removed as a part of the pumping mechanism. Without a discrete liquid pump or gas separator, the widely known packaging penalty incurred within many micro-fuel-cell systems can be alleviated so that the system's power/energy density does not decrease dramatically as a result of miniaturization. Since the power required for pumping is provided by the byproduct of the fuel cell reaction, the parasitic power loss due to an external pump is also eliminated. The fuel circulation is visually confirmed, and the effectiveness for fuel cell applications is verified during continuous operation of a μDMFC for over 70 min with 1.2 mL of 2 M methanol. The same device was shown to operate for only 5 min if the pumping mechanism is disabled by blocking the gas venting membrane. Methanol consumption while utilizing the reported self-circulation mechanism is estimated to be 46%. Different from common pump-free fuel delivery approaches, the reported mechanism delivers the fuel actively and is independent of gravity.

Teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, is composed of five main components, denoted T-A2-1 to T-A2-5. We investigated the use of glycerol as a carbon source affecting the teicoplanin components and its acyl moieties. As a result, we show the change of teicoplanin components, as well as an increase of total teicoplanin yields, caused by the addition of glycerol to the production medium. Analysis of the total cell lipids upon the addition of glycerol also showed a corresponding change in the proportion of teicoplanin, suggesting that glycerol strongly affects a change of teicoplanin branched acyl moieties.

A Gram-positive actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 90716(T), was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from Ganjiahu Suosuo Forest National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang Province, north-west China. The new isolate contained lysine, glutamic acid and alanine with peptidoglycan type Lys-Ala(3) (variation A3alpha). The major phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant menaqinone was MK-7(H(2)). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 90716(T) was 68.0 mol%. Chemotaxonomic properties supported the affiliation of strain YIM 90716(T) to the genus Kocuria. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was related most closely to Kocuria kristinae DSM 20032(T) (96.8 % similarity) and showed lower levels of 16S rRNA gene similarity (

A thin-film encapsulation process, featuring low-temperature steps, hermetic sealing (preliminary), and RF-compatible shell, is reported. Uniquely attractive as compared with the existing MEMS packaging approaches is its capability to monolithically package metal microstructures inside a microcavity on chip in one continuous surface-micromachining process. The key for this process is a technique to fabricate a large freestanding porous membrane on chip by postdeposition anodization of thin-film aluminum at room temperature. The porous-alumina membrane allows for the diffusion of gas or liquid etchants through the nanopores to etch away the sacrificial material underneath, freeing the movable microstructures encapsulated inside the cavity. To seal the package, a thin film is deposited over the alumina shell whose nanoscale pores of a high aspect ratio (> 30) do not allow any detectable penetration of the sealing material. The low-temperature (

This paper describes a technique to increase the efficiency of magnetic concentration on an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD)-based droplet (digital) microfluidic platform operated in air, i.e., on dry surface. Key differences in the force scenario for droplet microfluidics vis-a-vis the conventional continuous microfluidic systems are identified to explain the rationale behind the proposed idea. In particular, the weakness of the magnetic force relative to the bead-substrate adhesion and the liquid-air interfacial tension is highlighted, and a new technique to achieve high-efficiency magnetic collection with the assistance of the interfacial force is proposed. An improvement in collection efficiency (e.g., from ~ 73% to ~ 99%) is observed with the new technique of ldquomeniscus-assisted magnetic bead collectionrdquo. In addition, isolation of the magnetic species from a mixed sample of magnetic and nonmagnetic beads is demonstrated. Comparison with other related reports is also presented.

A pneumatically operated four-fingered micromanipulator (a ldquomicrohandrdquo) with a fiber-based internal visual system is developed using microelectromechanical systems fabrication techniques. This ldquoseeingrdquo microhand transfers images generated by the optical system equipped at the palm of the microhand to an operator via an optical fiber bundle to provide the shape and distal information of objects of interest. The use of illuminating fibers along with the optical bundle enables the microhand's operation even in light-deficient environments. Such visual information informs the accurate relative location of the device and the status of manipulation to the operator in real time, who will take subsequent actions accordingly with an increased accuracy and efficiency. Embedding the fiber-based optical system inside the manipulator, instead of using an external camera setup for overall system monitoring, greatly reduces the size of the manipulator and helps increase maneuverability, particularly when operating in a space-limited work area. Tests have been conducted to verify the performance of the visually aided microhand to manipulate millimeter-sized objects in real time. Building on the ability of the UCLA microhand to gently handle irregular-shaped objects, this vision-enabled microhand is expected to provide more accurate manipulations and widen the window of applications.

To test the feasibility of retinal manipulations using a new micromanipulator (Microhand) for ocular robotic microsurgery. Pneumatically actuated four-finger microhands were developed at UCLA with micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to mimic a human hand for small object manipulation. Microhands with four 4 mm finger lengths were used for this study to lift caliper weights and fresh retinal tissue of porcine cadaver eyes to find the maximum force at a given pressure and feasibility of the microhands for retinal manipulation in real surgery. A full closure of the microhand used for caliper weight lifting was achieved under 65 psi (448 kPa) of air pressure. The four-fingered microhand was able to develop about 20 mN of total lifting force and 5 mN per finger at 80 psi (551 kPa), and was strong enough to displace and lift the retina of pig eyes. The microhand is able to apply calibrated forces to ocular tissues and is suitable for ocular microsurgical procedures. This new tool would be useful in the development of robotic microsurgery.

We report the contact line dynamics of sessile water droplets, 1.1-1.6 mm in radius, spread by electrowetting in air. Coplanar electrodes patterned on the substrate allow a true sessile condition with no wire into the droplet. The frequency response of the droplets is studied using 25 VAC ranging from 10 to 205 Hz. The effect of contact angle hysteresis is seen in form of stick-slip motion. A model developed provides a good match to the experimental result. Step response is studied with voltages in the range of 20-80 VDC. Two regimes of motion are observed. In the first regime, local flows cause the contact line speed to increase and reach a maximum while the contact angle is still changing. Global flows in the second regime cause the contact line to move with a reduced speed and attain the spherical shape pertaining to the new equilibrium contact angle. A model is used to describe the motion.

A Streptomyces gulbargensis newly isolated, thermotolerant feather-degrading bacterial strain was investigated for its ability to produce keratinase enzyme. Maximum keratinolytic activity was observed at 45 degrees C and pH 9.0 at 120 h of incubation. Activity was completely stable (100%) between 30 and 45 degrees C and pH 7.0-9.0, respectively. Addition of starch to the growth medium affects the activity by means of increase in keratinase secretion. After seven days of cultivation, 10-fold increase (14.3 U ml(-1)) in keratinase activity was observed in the presence of 3g starch (per liter) of the medium. The enzyme was monomeric and had a molecular mass of 46 kDa. The enzyme activity was significantly inhibited by CaCl(2) and partly inhibited by EDTA, whereas, Na(2)SO(3) enhance the enzyme activity by 2.9 times more. In addition, native chicken feather was completely degraded at 96 h of incubation. The results obtained showed that newly isolated strain S. gulbargensis could be a useful in biotechnology in terms of valorization of keratin-containing wastes or in the leather industry.

We report a case of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the uterine body with involvement of bilateral ovaries. A 67-year-old woman had explolaparotomy under the provisional diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma. Enlargements of the uterine body as a leiomyoma and bilateral ovaries were noted in the operation field. The frozen section diagnosis of the uterine wall mass was malignant lymphoma. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was carried out. The pathologic study with immunohistochemical stains confirmed primary NHL of the diffuse large B-cell type of the myometrium with involvement of bilateral ovaries. To the best of our knowledge, the primary lymphoma of the myometrium with involvement of bilateral ovaries has not been reported previously in the literature.

Liquid-metal (LM) droplet-based MEMS switches have mostly been restricted to slow applications until now due to the following reasons: (1) a relatively large switching gap (distance) needed to accommodate imprecise volumes and locations of droplets on the device and (2) lack of high-speed actuation to move the droplets quickly across the switching gap. To combat these problems, we explore switching by sliding the solid-LM-gas triple contact line rather than the entire droplet. This new approach allows us to use a microframe, which not only consistently positions the LM droplet but also makes the switching gap less sensitive to the errors in the deposited-droplet volume, allowing us to design microswitches with very small switching gaps (e.g., 10 mum for 600 mum-diameter droplets). Furthermore, a study of electrowetting-on-dielectric identifies a regime of fast contact-line sliding at the onset of droplet spreading. By moving the contact line fast across a small switching distance, we demonstrate a low-latency LM switch with 60 mus switch-on latency ( ~ 20 times better than other LM-switch technologies) and better than 5 mus signal rise/fall time, while boasting no contact bounce, as expected from an LM switch. High power-handling capability and long-term reliability are also discussed.

A strictly aerobic, motile, short-rod-shaped, Gram-positive-staining actinomycete strain, designated MSL-01(T), was isolated from a sediment sample from Bigeum Island of Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolate MSL-01(T) belonged to the genus Nocardioides, with the highest sequence similarity to Nocardioides terrigena DS-17(T) (98.54 %), but the DNA-DNA relatedness to this type strain was 34 %. The physiological properties of strain MSL-01(T) differ from those of Nocardioides terrigena DS-17(T) and other species of Nocardioides. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain MSL-01(T) is ll-diaminopimelic acid, the major menaquinone is MK-8(H(4)) and iso-C(16 : 0) is the major fatty acid component. The name Nocardioides sediminis sp. nov. is proposed for the novel species, with the type strain MSL-01(T) (=DSM 19263(T) =KCTC 19271(T)).

A Gram-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain B519T, was isolated from a desert sand sample of Gansu Province, China. Strain B519T was strictly aerobic and cells were motile by means of peritrichous flagella. The strain grew optimally at 32-35 degrees C and pH 6.5-7.0. Chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of the new isolate to the genus Paenibacillus, including menaquinone-7 (MK-7) as the major isoprenoid quinone, DNA G+C content of 49.9 mol%, cell-wall type A1gamma (meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid) and anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0) as the major fatty acids. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain B519T was most closely related to Paenibacillus alkaliterrae KSL-134T (98.0 % similarity). DNA-DNA relatedness between strain B519T and P. alkaliterrae KSL-134T was about 12.3 %. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and molecular properties, strain B519T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus harenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B519T (=KCTC 3951T =DSM 16969T).

This paper proposes a two-step maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) procedure to deal with the problem of endogeneity in Markov-switching regression models. A joint estimation procedure provides us with an asymptotically most efficient estimator, but it is not always feasible, due to the ‘curse of dimensionality’ in the matrix of transition probabilities. A two-step estimation procedure, which ignores potential correlation between the latent state variables, suffers less from the ‘curse of dimensionality’, and it provides a reasonable alternative to the joint estimation procedure. In addition, our Monte Carlo experiments show that the two-step estimation procedure can be more efficient than the joint estimation procedure in finite samples, when there is zero or low correlation between the latent state variables.

In the course of in vitro and in vivo screening for bioherbicidal agents, a hyphomycete fungus, Myrothecium sp. F0252 was selected as a candidate for the biocontrol of weeds. The isolate was identified as Myrothecium roridum Tode ex. Fries based on the morphological characteristics and 18S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis and registered as Myrothecium roridum F0252. In order to evaluate the in vitro effect of M. roridum F0252 on germination of ladino clover and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) seeds, spore solution of the fungus was employed in two concentrations, 6.5×10 and 2.5× 10 spores per mL and then inoculated to the seeds. The fungal spores inhibited the seed germination, infected the seedlings, and caused an abnormal withering and inhibition of seedling growth. In addition, when the herbicidal activity of crude ethyl acetate extract from the liquid culture was assessed on a mini-plant, duckweed (Lemna paucicostata (L.) Hegelm.), the extract showed high inhibitory effect at the level of 12.5 µg per mL. On the other hand, in vivo herbicidal activity of M. roridum F0252 was evaluated by a whole plant spray method. M. roridum F0252 exhibited strong and broadspectrum herbicidal activity. The herbicidal values ranged from 95-100% against 7 weeds, including Abutilon avicennae and Xanthium strumarium, and 70-80% against Digitaria sanguinalis and Sagittaria pygmaea. When the nutritional utilization (95 carbon sources) pattern of M. roridum F0252 was investigated, it varied with water activity (a ) and temperature conditions, supplying good, basic information in regard to nutritional utilization for proper cultivation and formulation. Our results showed that M. roridum F0252 might be used as a potential biocontrol agent against weedy plants.

This study was conducted to select endophytic actinomycetes as biocontrol agents against Chinese cabbage clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. A total of 81 endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from surface-sterilized roots of Chinese cabbage that was grown on paddy field and upland soils collected from various locations in Korea. By using 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene sequencing, they were classified to 8 actinobacterial genera. The genus Microbispora (67%) was most frequently isolated, followed by Streptomyces (12%) and Micromonospora (11%). Three of the 81 isolates, when inoculated in germinated Chinese cabbage seeds and then transplanted to pots, effectively suppressed the occurrence of a post-inoculated strain of P. brassicae in the pots. They showed control values of 58% for strain A004, 33% for strain A004, and 42% for strain A018. Based on cell wall components, morphological characteristics, and phylogenetic analyses, the three antagonistic isolates were identified as Microbispora rosea subsp. rosea (A004 and A011) and Streptomyces olivochromogenes (A018). Further researches on the field efficacy and action modes of the three actinomycetes are in progress.

A Gram-positive, alkaliphilic bacterium, designated strain BA288(T), was isolated from sandy soil. Cells were facultatively anaerobic, endospore-forming rods that were motile by means of peritrichous flagella. The strain grew at 15-40 degrees C and pH 7.0-11.0 (optimally at 30 degrees C and pH 9.0-9.5) and at salinities of 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BA288(T) belonged to the genus Bacillus and that Bacillus herbersteinensis D-1,5a(T), Bacillus humi LMG 22167(T), Bacillus cohnii DSM 6307(T) and Bacillus litoralis SW-211(T) were the closest neighbours (96.2, 96.0, 96.0 and 95.9 % sequence similarity, respectively). The genomic DNA G+C content was 37.9 mol% and the predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0) and iso-C(14 : 0). The peptidoglycan type was A1gamma (meso-diaminopimelic acid). Therefore, on the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, strain BA288(T) represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus alkalitelluris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BA288(T) (=KCTC 3947(T) =DSM 16976(T)).

A novel yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, slightly halophilic, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, obligately aerobic bacterium, designated strain YIM-C338(T), was isolated from saline soil from the Qaidam Basin in north-west China. Cells were non-sporulating, non-motile, short rods, predominantly occurring singly. Coccoid bodies and slightly curved rod-shaped cells of varying length developed in older cultures. Growth occurred with 0.5-8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally with 1-3 %, w/v), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimally at pH 7.0) and at 4-37 degrees C (optimally at 28 degrees C). The major cellular fatty acids were C(16 : 0), C(18 : 0), C(16 : 1)omega7c, C(18 : 1)omega7c, iso-C(13 : 0) 3-OH and iso-C(15 : 1). MK-6 was the only respiratory quinone. Non-diffusible carotenoid pigments were produced. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM-C338(T) was a member of the genus Salinimicrobium, having sequence similarities of 97.3 and 94.0 % with respect to Salinimicrobium xinjiangense BH206(T) and Salinimicrobium catena HY1(T). The combination of the phylogenetic data, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic differences supported the view that strain YIM-C338(T) represents a novel species of the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM-C338(T) (=DSM 17865(T) =CGMCC 1.6308(T)). An emended description of the genus Salinimicrobium is also provided.

We show that, for a class of univariate and multivariate Markov-switching models, exact calculation of the Beveridge–Nelson (BN) trend/cycle components is possible. The key to exact BN trend/cycle decomposition is to recognize that the latent first-order Markov-switching process in the model has an AR(1) representation, and that the model can be cast into a state-space form. Given the state-space representation, we show that impulse-response function analysis can be processed with respect to either an asymmetric discrete shock or to a symmetric continuous shock. The method presented is applied to Kim, Morley, Piger’s [Kim, C.-J., Morley, J., Piger, J., 2005. Nonlinearity and the permanent effects of recessions. Journal of Applied Econometrics 20, 291–309] univariate Markov-switching model of real GDP with a post-recession ‘bounce-back’ effect and Cochrane’s [Cochrane, J.H., 1994. Permanent and transitory components of GNP and stock prices. Quarterly Journal of Economics 109, 241–263] vector error correction model of real GDP and real consumption extended to incorporate Markov-switching. The parameter estimates, the BN trend/cycle components, and the impulse-response function analysis for each of these empirical models suggest that the persistence of US real GDP has increased since the mid-1980’s.

An actinomycete strain, designated MSL-03(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Bigeum Island in the Republic of Korea. The coccoid cells of the organism were Gram-positive and non-motile and did not form endospores. The colonies were yellow, small, circular with entire margins and contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the peptidoglycan. The major menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0), C(17 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0), 10-methyl C(17 : 0), iso-C(14 : 0) and C(17 : 1)omega8c. The DNA G+C content was 73.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence positioned strain MSL-03(T) in a clade comprising Phycicoccus jejuensis KSW2-15(T) and Phycicoccus dokdonensis DS-8(T). The organism showed the highest level of sequence similarity with respect to P. dokdonensis DS-8(T) (99.58 % over 1424 nt), with differences in 64 positions out of 1488. The levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with its closest neighbours (

Three Gram-positive, coccoid to rod-shaped actinobacteria, designated strains MSL-09(T), MSL-19(T) and MSL-28(T), were isolated from a soil sample collected from Bigeum Island in Korea, and were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. All three isolates grew optimally at pH 7.5-9.0 and 28-30 degrees C. 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that all three strains belonged to the genus Nocardioides, with strains MSL-09(T), MSL-19(T) and MSL-28(T) respectively showing the highest sequence similarity to Nocardioides aquaticus DSM 11439(T) (96.25 %), Nocardioides aquiterrae GW-9(T) (95.75 %) and Nocardioides terrigena DS-17(T) (95.61 %). Chemotaxonomically, they contain LL-2,6-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, MK-8(H(4)) as the predominant menaquinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and some unknown lipids as the polar lipids found in the cell wall. iso-C(16 : 0) is a major fatty acid. The G+C content of the DNA was respectively 69.9, 69.3 and 69.4 mol% for strains MSL-09(T), MSL-19(T) and MSL-28(T). Based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characters presented in this study, the three strains represent novel species of the genus Nocardioides. The names Nocardioides koreensis sp. nov. (type strain MSL-09(T) =KCTC 19272(T) =DSM 19266(T)), Nocardioides bigeumensis sp. nov. (type strain MSL-19(T) =KCTC 19290(T) =DSM 19320(T)) and Nocardioides agariphilus sp. nov. (type strain MSL-28(T) =KCTC 19276(T) =DSM 19323(T)) are proposed.

Multiple proteases were produced and partially purified from an alkali-thermotolerant novel species of Streptomyces (i.e., Streptomyces gulbargensis DAS 131) after 48 h of growth at 45 degrees C. The enzyme preparation exhibited activity over a broad range of pH (4-12) and temperature (27-55 degrees C). Optimum activity was observed at a pH of 9.0 and a temperature of 45 degrees C. Starch and protease peptone was found to be a good source of carbon and nitrogen to enhance the enzyme activity. Two active zones in the range of 19 to 35 kDa were detected on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain BH113T, was isolated from a salt lake located in Xinjiang Province, China. Cells of the strain were aerobic, spore-forming, motile rods with flagella. The organism grew optimally at 37 degrees C and pH 8.0 in the presence of 10 % (w/v) NaCl. A phylogenetic analysis based on comparisons of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a clade with the type strains of the genus Lentibacillus. The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain BH113T and Lentibacillus lacisalsi KCTC 3915T, Lentibacillus juripiscarius JCM 12147T and Lentibacillus kapialis JCM 12580T were 96.7, 96.3 and 96.1 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 46.2 mol% and the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The peptidoglycan type was A1gamma (meso-diaminopimelic acid) and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C17:0. Therefore, on the basis of physiological, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain BH113T represents a novel species within the genus Lentibacillus, for which the name Lentibacillus salis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BH113T (=KCTC 3936T =DSM 16817T).

A Gram-positive, motile, mesophilic bacterium that formed yellowish-white, circular, convex, glistening colonies, strain MSL-27T, was isolated from a soil sample from Bigeum Island, Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain MSL-27T are non-spore-forming, irregular rods, usually fragmenting into shorter rods or coccoid elements. The growth temperature and pH ranges are 20-37 degrees C and pH 6.0-12.0, with optimum growth at 28 degrees C and pH 8.0. MK-11 is the major menaquinone and dl-2,4-diaminobutyric acid is found in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major fatty acids are i-C16:0 (39 %), ai-C15:0 (36 %), ai-C17:0 (18 %) and i-C15:0 (2 %). The G+C content is 69.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain MSL-27T should be placed in the genus Leifsonia. Levels of similarity between the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MSL-27T and those of the type strains of the other members of the genus Leifsonia ranged from 95.8 to 96.7 %. Based on phenotypic characteristics, biochemical properties and chemotaxonomic features, strain MSL-27T (=KCTC 19268T =DSM 19322T) represents the type strain of a novel species of Leifsonia, for which the name Leifsonia bigeumensis sp. nov. is proposed.

A pink- to light-reddish-pigmented, aerobic, pointed, budding, mesophilic strain designated MSL-20T was isolated from soil from Bigeum island, Korea. The isolate was Gram-negative. Cells were motile rods without flagella. The temperature and pH for growth were 20-37 degrees C (optimum 28 degrees C) and pH 7.0-11.0 (optimum pH 7.0+/-0.2). Q-10 was the predominant respiratory ubiquinone. The major fatty acids were C16:0 (37 %), C18: 1 omega7c (36 %) and 11-methyl C18:1 omega7c (12 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that Rubellimicrobium thermophilum DSM 16684T was its closest neighbour (95.2 % similarity); the isolate had less than 97.0 % similarity to all species with validly published names. Chemotaxonomic data were determined for this isolate, including peptidoglycan type, diagnostic sugar composition, fatty acid profiles, ubiquinones and polar lipids; the results supported the affiliation of strain MSL-20T to the genus Rubellimicrobium. The DNA G+C content was 72.3 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain MSL-20(T) represents a novel species of the genus Rubellimicrobium, for which the name Rubellimicrobium mesophilum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSL-20T (=KCTC 22012T =DSM 19309T).

This paper investigates whether the choice of exchange rate regimes influences the sensitivity of domestic interest rates to international interest rates. We empirically analyse this issue in the context of East Asian economies by employing a regime switching model. We find that the sensitivity of local interest rates to international interest rates declined in Korea and Thailand after they adopted floating exchange rate regimes. We also find that Japan, with a floating exchange regime, has greater independence in monetary policy than a pegged economy such as Hong Kong. These empirical findings suggest that exchange rate flexibility provides greater monetary independence.

Digital (i.e. droplet-based) microfluidics, by the electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) mechanism, has shown great potential for a wide range of applications, such as lab-on-a-chip. While most reported EWOD chips use a series of electrode pads essentially in one-dimensional line pattern designed for specific tasks, the desired universal chips allowing user-reconfigurable paths would require the electrode pads in two-dimensional pattern. However, to electrically access the electrode pads independently, conductive lines need to be fabricated underneath the pads in multiple layers, raising a cost issue especially for disposable chip applications. In this article, we report the building of digital microfluidic plates based on a printed-circuit-board (PCB), in which multilayer electrical access lines were created inexpensively using mature PCB technology. However, due to its surface topography and roughness and resulting high resistance against droplet movement, as-fabricated PCB surfaces require unacceptably high (~500 V) voltages unless coated with or immersed in oil. Our goal is EWOD operations of aqueous droplets not only on oil-covered but also on dry surfaces. To meet varying levels of performances, three types of gradually complex post-PCB microfabrication processes are developed and evaluated. By introducing land-grid-array (LGA) sockets in the packaging, a scalable digital microfluidics system with reconfigurable and low-cost chip is also demonstrated.

Following Hamilton [1989. A new approach to the economic analysis of nonstationary time series and the business cycle. Econometrica 57, 357–384], estimation of Markov regime-switching regressions typically relies on the assumption that the latent state variable controlling regime change is exogenous. We relax this assumption and develop a parsimonious model of endogenous Markov regime-switching. Inference via maximum likelihood estimation is possible with relatively minor modifications to existing recursive filters. The model nests the exogenous switching model, yielding straightforward tests for endogeneity. In Monte Carlo experiments, maximum likelihood estimates of the endogenous switching model parameters were quite accurate, even in the presence of certain model misspecifications. As an application, we extend the volatility feedback model of equity returns given in Turner et al. [1989. A Markov model of heteroskedasticity, risk, and learning in the stock market. Journal of Financial Economics 25, 3–22] to allow for endogenous switching.

A short coccoid-rod-shaped, nonmotile actinobacteria strain MSL-11T was isolated from soil in Bigeum Island, Korea. A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic position of this strain. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain MSL-11T forms an evolutionary lineage within the radiation of the genus Nocardioides. The cell wall peptidoglycan of strain MSL-11T contained LL-diaminopimelic acid, indicating wall chemotype I. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). Strain MSL-11T had a cellular fatty acid profile containing straight-chain, branched, unsaturated, and 10-methyl fatty acids, with iso-C16:0 as a major fatty acid component detected. The DNA G + C content of the strain was 71.8 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the strains constituted a distinct subclade within the genus Nocardioides, displaying a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of about 95.68% with Nocardioides jensenii DSM 20641T. On the basis of both phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, the strain is separated from previously described Nocardioides species and should be assigned to represent a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides dilutes sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain MSL-11T (= KCTC 19288T = DSM 19318T).

A Gram-positive, moderately halophilic actinomycete strain, designated YIM 90502(T), was isolated from a sample of muddy soil collected from Gulbarga, Karnataka Province, India, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomical analysis. The isolate grew optimally at 28 degrees C and in the presence of 10 % (w/v) NaCl. The isolate was characterized chemotaxonomically as having meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and galactose and arabinose as whole-cell sugars. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H(4)), while MK-8(H(4)) was found in smaller amounts. The phospholipids were phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0) (49.2 %) and C(17 : 1)omega6c (9.1 %). The DNA G+C content of the isolate was 71.8 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate fell within the evolutionary radiation encompassed by the genus Saccharomonospora. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain YIM 90502(T) and the type strains of Saccharomonospora species ranged from 92.42 % (with Saccharomonospora xinjiangensis CCTCC AA 97021(T)) to 97.45 % (with Saccharomonospora azurea KCTC 9693(T)). Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain YIM 90502(T) and S. azurea KCTC 9693(T), Saccharomonospora halophila DSM 44411(T) and Saccharomonospora paurometabolica DSM 44619(T) were 46.0, 41.0 and 42.5 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain YIM 90502(T) was classified in the genus Saccharomonospora as a member of a novel species, for which the name Saccharomonospora saliphila sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM 90502(T) (=KCTC 19234(T) =DSM 45087(T)) as the type strain.

A Gram-negative, non-motile and moderately halophilic rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain BH206(T), was isolated from a saline lake of Xinjiang province in China. The isolate showed catalase-positive and oxidase-negative reactions and did not reduce nitrate. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate was most closely related to [Salegentibacter] catena HY1(T) with 95.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, and formed a tight phyletic group with [Salegentibacter] catena HY1(T) with a bootstrap value of 99 % within the family Flavobacteriaceae. However, strain BH206(T) and [Salegentibacter] catena HY1(T) formed a phyletic lineage distinct from other Salegentibacter species. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of strain BH206(T) with other related type species were lower than 94.6 %. On the basis of physiological and molecular properties, it is clear that [Salegentibacter] catena should be reclassified in the new genus Salinimicrobium as Salinimicrobium catena gen. nov., comb. nov. (type strain HY1(T)=CGMCC 1.6101(T)=JCM 14015(T)) and that strain BH206(T) represents a novel species within the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium xinjiangense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Salinimicrobium xinjiangense is BH206(T) (=KCTC 12883(T)=DSM 19287(T)).

We use counterfactual experiments to investigate the sources of the large volatility reduction in US real GDP growth in the 1980s. Contrary to an existing literature that conducts counterfactual experiments based on classical estimation and point estimates, we consider Bayesian analysis that provides a straightforward measure of estimation uncertainty for the counterfactual quantity of interest. Using Blanchard and Quah's (1989) structural VAR model of output growth and the unemployment rate, we find strong statistical support for the idea that a counterfactual change in the size of structural shocks alone, with no corresponding change in the propagation of these shocks, would have produced the same overall volatility reduction as what actually occurred. Looking deeper, we find evidence that a counterfactual change in the size of aggregate supply shocks alone would have generated a larger volatility reduction than a counterfactual change in the size of aggregate demand shocks alone. We show that these results are consistent with a standard monetary VAR, for which counterfactual analysis also suggests the importance of shocks in generating the volatility reduction, but with the counterfactual change in monetary shocks alone generating a small reduction in volatility. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A moderately halophilic Gram-negative bacterium, strain DS2(T), was isolated from seawater from the East Sea in Korea. Strain DS2(T) grew at salinities of 0-14% (w/v) NaCl and at temperatures in the range 10-38 degrees C. The cells were non-motile short rods (1.0-1.4 microm in width and 1.6-2.6 microm in length) and the major fatty acids were C(18:1)omega7c and 11-methyl C(18:1)omega7c. The genomic DNA G+C content was 72.0 mol% and the predominant lipoquinone was Q-10. The major cellular phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain DS2(T) formed a distinct phyletic line from the genus Rubrimonas within the Alphaproteobacteria. The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to the type strains of related genera were below 94%. On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic properties, strain DS2(T) represents a novel genus and species of the Alphaproteobacteria, for which the name Albimonas donghaensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DS2(T) (=KCTC 12586(T)=DSM 17890(T)).

A novel actinobacterium designated as MSL-26(T) was isolated from soil in Bigeum Island Korea. A polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic position of isolate MSL-26(T). Strain MSL-26(T) was found to have chemical and morphological characteristics similar to Nocardioides. The strain grew optimally at pH 7.5 and 28 degrees C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MSL-26(T) forms a distinct line of descent within the radiation enclosed by the genus Nocardioides. The cell wall of strain MSL-26(T) contained LL-2, 6-diaminopimelic acid. The principal menaquinone was MK-8 (H(4)). The phospholipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and some unidentified lipids. C(18:1) w7c (50.38%) was the major fatty acid. The DNA G + C content of strain MSL-26(T) was 71.4 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MSL-26(T) shares the highest sequence similarity with Nocardioides kribbensis KCTC 19038(T) (95.78%) and Nocardioides aquaticus DSM 11439(T) (95.52%). Based on the morphological, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomical data presented in this study, strain MSL-26(T) should be classified as a novel species, for which the name Nocardioides islandiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSL-26(T) (=KCTC 19275(T)=DSM 19321(T)).

As a byproduct, gas is constantly generated from the electrochemical reactions of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In the anodic channel of a DMFC, the gas forms bubbles, which leads to bubble clogging and pressure buildup if the device is miniaturized. Bubble clogging increases the flow resistance in microchannels, calling for excessive power consumption for fuel delivery. Pressure buildup aggravates the undesired crossover of methanol. In order to solve those problems, this paper introduces a gas-venting microchannel that directly removes gas bubbles from the two-phase flows of gas and methanol solution without leakage. By employing a hydrophobic nanoporous membrane, successful venting is achieved for both water and methanol fuel with a concentration of as high as 10 M. The fuel is contained without leakage under overpressures of as high as 200 kPa for both water and 10-M methanol, fulfilling the requirement of the current- as well as next-generation microdirect methanol fuel cells. A 1-D venting rate model is developed and experimentally verified for elongated bubbles. The reported bubble removal approach is also useful for other microfluidic devices, in which the accidental introduction of gas bubbles is prevalent.

A mesophilic strain, designated A 9500T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Sobaek Mountain, South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The novel strain grew well on different ISP media and no diffusible pigments were produced. The optimum temperature for growth was 32 °C. The aerial mycelium was well developed, but not fragmented. The strain was Gram-positive, non-motile and formed endospores on vegetative and aerial hyphae with a spiny surface. Cell walls of strain A 9500T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic amino acid, but no characteristic sugars or other amino acids were found (chemotype-III). The major menaquinone was MK-9(H4) and the minor menaquinone was MK-10(H4) and they were detected at a ratio of 7 : 3. Phosphatidylethanolamine was the diagnostic phospholipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39.4 mol%. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (43.34 %), iso-C16 : 0 (14.23 %) and C16 : 0 (7.90 %), a composition that differed from members of related genera of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae. The novel strain formed a distinct clade in a phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. On the basis of a range of phenotypic and genotypic data and on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (88.35–90.38 %), it is suggested that strain A 9500T represents a novel species in a new genus with the name Shimazuella kribbensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of the type species is A 9500T (=KCTC 9933T=DSM 45090T).

Electrowetting has recently been explored as a mechanism for moving small amounts of fluids in confined spaces. We propose a diffuse-interface model for drop motion, due to electrowetting, in a Hele-Shaw geometry. In the limit of small interface thickness, asymptotic analysis shows that the model is equivalent to Hele-Shaw flow with a voltage-modified Young–Laplace boundary condition on the free surface. We show that details of the contact angle significantly affect the time scale of motion in the model. We measure receding and advancing contact angles in the experiments and derive their influence through a reduced-order model. These measurements suggest a range of time scales in the Hele-Shaw model which include those observed in the experiment. The shape dynamics and topology changes in the model agree well with the experiment, down to the length scale of the diffuse-interface thickness.