bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glass‐Ceramics with Embedded Gallium/Aluminum Nanoalloys Formed by Heat Treatment and Femtosecond Laser Irradiation
Authors: Lin Geng , Pan Huaihai , Luo Fangfang , Chen Qingxi , Chen Danping , Qiu Jianrong , Zhao Quanzhong
Published: December 2011

We report on the preparation of Ga/Al nanoalloys embedded glass‐ceramic by heat treatment as well as femtosecond laser irradiation. The Ga/Al nanoalloys embedded glass‐ceramic exhibits intense extinction in the visible region, as well as superior optical nonlinearities. The third‐order nonlinear optical properties of the glass‐ceramics were investigated by employing Z‐scan technique. The maximum nonlinear extinction coefficient β and nonlinear refraction γ value reached 1.14 × 10−11 m/W and 2.01 × 10−17 m2/W, respectively. Three‐dimensional Ga/Al nanoalloys embedded structures were also achieved in glass by scanning the focused femtosecond laser beam. These results may find applications for the fabrication of ultrafast optical switches and diffractive optical elements.
Meta‐analysis on anxiety and depression in adult celiac disease
Authors: Smith D. F. , Gerdes L. U.
Published: December 2011

Smith DF, Gerdes LU. Meta‐analysis on anxiety and depression in adult celiac disease.

Objective:  We used meta‐analysis to test hypotheses concerning whether adult celiac disease is reliably linked with anxiety and/or depression.

Method:  We examined published reports on anxiety and depression in adult celiac disease.

Results:  Eighteen studies on depression and eleven studies on anxiety in adult celiac disease met selection criteria. They show that depression is reliably more common and/or more severe in adults with celiac disease than in healthy adults (overall meta‐analysis effect size: 0.97). The fail‐safe margin of unpublished reports that would be required to negate the finding exceeds 8000. Adults with celiac disease do not, however, differ reliably in terms of depression from adults with other physical illnesses, nor do they differ reliably from healthy adults or adults with other physical illnesses in terms of anxiety.

Conclusion:  Depression is common in adult celiac disease and resembles the condition in other physical illnesses. We view the findings as support for the notion that non‐specific mechanisms mediate emotional disorders in adult celiac disease.
Historical perspectives on theories of periodontal disease etiology
Authors: Hujoel Philippe , Zina Lívia Guimarães , Cunha‐Cruz Joana , Lopez Rodrigo
Published: December 2011

Our understanding of the causes of periodontal disease have two major competing paradigms: one that focuses on ‘local’ etiologic factors and one that focuses on remote ‘host‐level’ factors. We provide a historical overview of local and remote cause hypotheses and discuss some key reasons why the local cause hypothesis has become dominant.
Perceived deficiencies in the provision of climate and weather information for tourism: A New Zealand media analysis
Authors: Wilson Jude , Becken Susanne
Published: December 2011

Climate and weather are important for tourism and leisure as they impact on destination attractiveness and subsequent visitation. Through an archive analysis of media articles and a content analysis of Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) websites, this paper explores perceived deficiencies in the currently available climate and weather information for tourists in New Zealand. While media reports focused on concern by many RTOs over the poor regional images generated by inaccurate and poorly presented climate and weather data, the RTO websites were found to contain limited climate and weather information. There is considerable potential for RTOs to improve in this respect.
Liberating learning: Thinking beyond ‘the grade’ in field‐based approaches to teaching
Authors: Malam Linda , Grundy‐Warr Carl
Published: December 2011

This paper is positioned within current debates on education development and the value of fieldwork as a pathway to fostering a nuanced, sophisticated and empathetic world view among students. Here, we focus on one form of field‐based teaching within geography, that is, intensive field studies courses taught abroad. We draw on our experience as cofacilitators of a six‐week intensive field course conducted in various parts of Thailand. The course we discuss in this paper was focused on teaching students both applied research skills (critical engagement, ethnographic research methods and ethical research practice) and substantive content (the social, cultural, political and economic aspects of Thailand from a geographer's perspective). We argue that the value of field studies lies in the ability of such a course to help students enhance and deepen broad, generalisable skills such as problem solving; ethical research practice; critical engagement with complex social issues; and independent research skills.
Primary immune deficiency disorders in the South Pacific: the clinical utility of a customized genetic testing program in New Zealand
Authors: Ameratunga Rohan , Woon See‐Tarn , Brewerton Maia , Koopmans Wikke , Jordan Anthony , Brothers Shannon , Singh Ranjeeta
Published: December 2011

Primary immune deficiency disorders (PIDs) are a group of diseases associated with a genetic susceptibility to recurrent infections, malignancy, autoimmunity, and allergy. The molecular basis of many of these disorders has been identified in the last two decades. Most are inherited as single gene defects. As discussed in this paper, identifying the underlying genetic defect plays a critical role in many areas—including patient management, diagnosis, identifying atypical presentations, family studies, providing prognostic information, prenatal diagnosis, and defining new diseases. New Zealand is a geographically isolated, developed country in the South Pacific. We have introduced a dedicated customized genetic testing service for PID patients in New Zealand. This accredited diagnostic program offers rapid turnaround times for genetic tests and minimizes the risk of laboratory errors. Here we review the clinical indications for genetic testing for PIDs based on cases referred to the molecular immunology diagnostic service at Auckland City Hospital.
Avoiding bio‐perversity from carbon sequestration solutions
Authors: Lindenmayer David B. , Hulvey Kristin B. , Hobbs Richard J. , Colyvan Mark , Felton Adam , Possingham Hugh , Steffen Will , Wilson Kerrie , Youngentob Kara , Gibbons Philip
Published: December 2011

The development of a new carbon economy has the potential to offer win–win outcomes for environments and economies. Large‐scale tree plantations are expected to play a major role in carbon economies but could have negative ecological and economic consequences when key environmental values such as biodiversity conservation are not considered. We discuss three potential “bio‐perversities”—negative outcomes for biodiversity—that could result from inappropriate plantation tree programs aimed solely at reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigating rapid climate change effects. These are: (1) clearing native vegetation to establish tree plantations, (2) planting trees that become invasive taxa, and (3) tree plantations negatively affecting key ecosystem processes such as fire and hydrological regimes. These bio‐perversities may result from common mistakes in environmental management: (1) too narrow a focus on a single environmental value, (2) failing to adequately quantify ecological uncertainty, and (3) failing to anticipate how different groups of people respond to an environmental problem. We highlight ways to prevent possible bio‐perverse outcomes in large‐scale plantation programs. These include requiring that risk assessments precede project establishment, full carbon accounting is undertaken, incentives used to stimulate tree plantation establishment are rigorously examined, and rigorous compliance and ecological monitoring is undertaken.
Admissible Evidence in the Court of Development Evaluation? The Impact of CARE's SHOUHARDO Project on Child Stunting in Bangladesh
Authors: Smith Lisa C. , Kahn Faheem , Frankenberger Timothy R. , Wadud Abdul
Published: December 2011

Along with the rise of the development effectiveness movement of the last few decades, experimental impact evaluation methods – randomised controlled trials and quasi‐experimental techniques – have emerged as a dominant force. While the increased use of these methods has contributed to improved understanding of what works and whether specific projects have been successful, their ‘gold standard’ status threatens to exclude a large body of evidence from the development effectiveness dialogue.

In this paper we conduct an evaluation of the impact on child stunting of CARE's SHOUHARDO project in Bangladesh, the first large‐scale project to use the rights‐based, livelihoods approach to address malnutrition. In line with calls for a more balanced view of what constitutes rigor and scientific evidence, and for the use of more diversified and holistic methods in impact evaluations, we employ a mixed‐methods approach. The results from multiple data sources and methods, including both non‐experimental and quasi‐experimental, are triangulated to arrive at the conclusions. We find that the project had an extraordinarily large impact on stunting among children 6–24 months old – on the order of a 4.5 percentage point reduction per year. We demonstrate that one reason the project reduced stunting by so much was because, consistent with the rights‐based, livelihoods approach, it relied on both direct nutrition interventions and those that addressed underlying structural causes including poor sanitation, poverty, and deeply‐entrenched inequalities in power between women and men. These findings have important policy implications given the slow progress in reducing malnutrition globally and that the widely‐supported Scaling Up Nutrition initiative aimed at stepping up efforts to do so is in urgent need of guidance on how to integrate structural cause interventions with the direct nutrition interventions that are the initiative's main focus. The evaluation also adds to the evidence that targeting the poor, rather than employing universal coverage, can help to accelerate reductions in child malnutrition. The paper concludes that, given the valuable policy lessons generated, the experience of the SHOUHARDO project merits solid standing in the knowledge bank of development effectiveness. More broadly, it illustrates how rigorous and informative evaluation of complex, multi‐intervention projects can be undertaken even in the absence of the randomisation, non‐project control groups and/or panel data required by the experimental methods.
Understanding the ‘guide’ in guided self‐help for disordered eating: A qualitative process study
Authors: Traviss Gemma D. , Heywood‐Everett Suzanne , Hill Andrew J.
Published: December 2011

Objectives. This study aimed to explore how guidance contributes to the outcome of self‐help for disordered eating.

Method. A sample of guides and clients with a range of disordered eating was interviewed on completion of a randomized control trial and analysed using thematic framework analysis.

Results. Four themes emerged; the necessity of having a guide as a facilitator, features of the therapeutic relationship in clients with positive outcomes, features of the therapeutic relationship in clients with poor outcomes, and client suitability.

Conclusions. These findings have implications for the delivery of guided self‐help interventions for disordered eating. They suggest the value of assessing clients’ readiness to change, working with clients with less severe and complex conditions, and the importance of guide qualities and skills.

Practitioner Points

Guidance is a necessary adjunct to self‐help approaches for the effective treatment of a range of disordered eating and can be delivered by trained non‐eating disorder specialists.

Guided self‐help appears most appropriate for less severe, binge‐related eating disorders, including eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), further work is needed for use with anorexic‐type presentations.

While it is important to establish and maintain a strong, open, and collaborative therapeutic relationship, client ‘readiness’ appears fundamental in the relationship and consequent treatment outcome.
Deflections of A Multipass Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Bolted Joint Subjected to Nonaxisymmetric Thermal Loading
Authors: Petrova Natalia , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim
Published: December 2011

Despite the fact that multipass shell-and-tube heat exchangers operating at high temperature are subject to frequent problems related to flange sealing, there is neither detailed explanations for the reasons of the failures nor an adequate solution to this problem. Specific geometry of multipass heat exchangers and the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet fluids is responsible for the existence of a thermal circumferential gradient at the shell-to-channel bolted joint. However, existing flange design methods do not address nonaxisymmetrical temperature loading of the flanged joint assembly. The circumferential thermal gradient, as the cause of frequent failures to seal the flanged joints, is ignored. This paper outlines the analytical modeling of a flanged joint with a tube sheet of a multipass heat exchanger subjected to a nonaxisymmetrical thermal loading. A shell-and-tube heat exchanger of 51 in. diameter with cocurrent flow was used for analysis. The main steps of the theoretical analysis used for the determination of the circumferential temperature profiles and the thermal expansion displacements and distortions of the bolted joint components are given. The results from the proposed analytical model are compared with those obtained from finite element models.
Nonlinear Coupled Hydrostatics of Arctic Conical Platforms
Authors: Dalane Oddgeir , Faye Knudsen Finn , Løset Sveinung
Published: December 2011

The increased exploration of deeper Arctic waters motivates the designs of new floating structures to operate under harsh Arctic conditions. Based on several model tests and investigations, structures with conical sections at the waterline have been shown to be a good design for waters where drifting ice is present, because the approaching ice fails in bending, which induces smaller loads than a crushing failure of ice. However, in most Arctic waters ice features are only present during part of the year and a large portion of the operation time of these structures will be in open water. Therefore, the floating structures must perform well in both conditions.Conical sections at the waterline will induce nonlinear coupling in the hydrostatic restoring forces and moments. It is important to understand how this affects the behavior in both ice and open water conditions. In order to investigate the nonlinear coupled hydrostatic restoring forces, an exact analytic expression for the metacentric height of a regular cone is presented. This is further used to develop an exact analytic expression for the hydrostatic restoring forces and moments for any body whose waterline intersects the frustum of a cone. A platform of the shallow draft-type, the platform type for which exact hydrostatics is most important, is used as a basis for the discussion and the effect of the coupled nonlinear restoring forces is illustrated by comparison to a model test performed in both open water and ice conditions.
Compensation of Time-Varying Input and State Delays for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Bekiaris-Liberis Nikolaos , Krstic Miroslav
Published: December 2011

We consider general nonlinear systems with time-varying input and state delays for which we design predictor-based feedback controllers. Based on a time-varying infinite-dimensional backstepping transformation that we introduce, our controller achieves global asymptotic stability in the presence of a time-varying input delay, which is proved with the aid of a strict Lyapunov function that we construct. Then, we “backstep” one time-varying integrator and we design a globally stabilizing controller for nonlinear strict-feedback systems with time-varying delays on the virtual inputs. The main challenge in this case is the construction of the backstepping transformations since the predictors for different states use different prediction windows. Our designs are illustrated by three numerical examples, including unicycle stabilization.
Voyagers of Discovery
Authors: Linsky Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2011

Observations by the Voyager spacecraft are providing a clear view of the hydrogen emission of the Milky Way.
Specialized Face Learning Is Associated with Individual Recognition in Paper Wasps
Authors: Sheehan Michael J. , Tibbetts Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2011

Social wasps that can discriminate faces are specialized for facial learning, whereas other closely related species are not.
Reproducible Research in Computational Science
Authors: Peng Roger D.
Published: December 2011

Computational science has led to exciting new developments, but the nature of the work has exposed limitations in our ability to evaluate published findings. Reproducibility has the potential to serve as a minimum standard for judging scientific claims when full independent replication of a study is not possible.
Mathematical Dances with Wolves
Authors: Schreiber Sebastian J.
Published: December 2011

Data and modeling of Yellowstone wolf populations illustrate the complex interrelated ecological and evolutionary responses to environmental change.
Testing the Right Target and Right Drug at the Right Stage
Authors: Sperling Reisa A. , Jack Clifford R. , Aisen Paul S.
Published: December 2011

Drugs aimed at the initial stages of the Alzheimer’s disease pathology should be tested a decade before the onset of dementia.
The PDL1-PD1 Axis Converts Human T
H
1 Cells into Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Amarnath Shoba , Mangus Courtney W. , Wang James C. M. , Wei Fang , He Alice , Kapoor Veena , Foley Jason E. , Massey Paul R. , Felizardo Tania C. , Riley James L. , Levine Bruce L. , June Carl H. , Medin Jeffrey A. , Fowler Daniel H.
Published: December 2011

The inhibitory ligand PDL1 transforms immune cells from attackers into regulators.
Escorted for Efficacy
Authors: Rytting Erik
Published: December 2011

Nanoparticles targeting macrophage folate receptors can increase the efficacy of methotrexate therapy for arthritis.
A Sound Treatment
Authors: Tridandapani Srini
Published: December 2011

Researchers block bleeding of dilated veins with ultrasound, microbubbles, fibrinogen, and a proinflammatory agent.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Carriage and Invasive Disease Isolates of Neisseria meningitidis in Finland
Authors: Jounio Ulla , Saukkoriipi Annika , Bratcher Holly B. , Bloigu Aini , Juvonen Raija , Silvennoinen-Kassinen Sylvi , Peitso Ari , Harju Terttu , Vainio Olli , Kuusi Markku , Maiden Martin C. J. , Leinonen Maija , Käyhty Helena , Toropainen Maija
Published: December 2011

The relationship between carriage and the development of invasive meningococcal disease is not fully understood. We investigated the changes in meningococcal carriage in 892 military recruits in Finland during a nonepidemic period (July 2004 to January 2006) and characterized all of the oropharyngeal meningococcal isolates obtained (
n
= 215) by using phenotypic (serogrouping and serotyping) and genotypic (
porA
typing and multilocus sequence typing) methods. For comparison, 84 invasive meningococcal disease strains isolated in Finland between January 2004 and February 2006 were also analyzed. The rate of meningococcal carriage was significantly higher at the end of military service than on arrival (18% versus 2.2%;
P
< 0.001). Seventy-four percent of serogroupable carriage isolates belonged to serogroup B, and 24% belonged to serogroup Y. Most carriage isolates belonged to the carriage-associated ST-60 clonal complex. However, 21.5% belonged to the hyperinvasive ST-41/44 clonal complex. Isolates belonging to the ST-23 clonal complex were cultured more often from oropharyngeal samples taken during the acute phase of respiratory infection than from samples taken at health examinations at the beginning and end of military service (odds ratio [OR], 6.7; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.7 to 16.4). The ST-32 clonal complex was associated with meningococcal disease (OR, 17.8; 95% CI, 3.8 to 81.2), while the ST-60 clonal complex was associated with carriage (OR, 10.7; 95% CI, 3.3 to 35.2). These findings point to the importance of meningococcal vaccination for military recruits and also to the need for an efficacious vaccine against serogroup B isolates.
Is Vancomycin MIC “Creep” Method Dependent? Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Susceptibility Trends in Blood Isolates from North East Scotland from 2006 to 2010
Authors: Edwards B. , Milne K. , Lawes T. , Cook I. , Robb A. , Gould I. M.
Published: December 2011

This study investigated “creep” in vancomycin and daptomycin MICs among methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates from blood cultures over a 5-year period in a hospital in the United Kingdom, using different susceptibility testing methods. Trends in vancomycin and daptomycin susceptibility were evaluated by using Etest performed prospectively on isolates in routine clinical practice from December 2007 to December 2010 (
n
= 102). Comparison was made to results from prospective testing of subcultures at the Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory, using an automated system (Vitek 2) and retrospective testing (Etest and CLSI reference broth microdilution [BMD] method) of stored isolates from 2006 to 2010 (
n
= 208). Spearman's rank correlations revealed a significant increase in vancomycin MIC (
P
= 0.012) and a significant decrease in daptomycin MIC (
P
= 0.03) by year of study for Etest results from the time of isolation. However, neither trend was replicated in MICs from automated or retrospective testing. The Friedman test revealed a significant difference between vancomycin MICs obtained from the same samples by different testing methods (χ
2
[3 degrees of freedom] = 97;
P
< 0.001). MICs from automated testing and Etest analysis of stored isolates were significantly lower than those from Etest analysis at the time of isolation for both antibiotics (
P
< 0.001). Effects of storage on the MIC appeared within the first 6 months of storage. Inconsistent evidence on vancomycin MIC creep and the relevance of the MIC to clinical outcome may arise from differences in susceptibility testing methods, including storage of isolates. There is a need to standardize and streamline susceptibility testing of vancomycin against MRSA.
The Insulator Protein CTCF Binding Sites in the
orf73
/LANA Promoter Region of Herpesvirus Saimiri Are Involved in Conferring Episomal Stability in Latently Infected Human T Cells
Authors: Zielke Katrin , Full Florian , Teufert Natascha , Schmidt Monika , Müller-Fleckenstein Ingrid , Alberter Barbara , Ensser Armin
Published: December 2011

Herpesviruses establish latency in suitable cells of the host organism after a primary lytic infection. Subgroup C strains of herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), a primate gamma-2 herpesvirus, are able to transform human and other primate T lymphocytes to stable growth
in vitro
. The viral genomes persist as nonintegrated, circular, and histone-associated episomes in the nuclei of those latently infected T cells. Epigenetic modifications of episomes are essential to restrict the transcription during latency to selected viral genes, such as the viral oncogenes
stpC/tip
and the
orf73
/LANA. In this study, we describe a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip (ChIP-on-chip) analysis to profile the occupancy of CTCF on the latent HVS genome. We then focused on two distinct, conserved CTCF binding sites (CBS) within the
orf73
/LANA promoter region. Analysis of recombinant viruses harboring deletions or mutations within the CBS indicated that the lytic replication of such viruses is not substantially influenced by CTCF. However, T cells latently infected with CBS mutants were impaired in their proliferation abilities and showed a significantly reduced episomal maintenance. We detected a reduced transcription of the
orf73
/LANA gene in the T cells, corresponding to the reduced viral genomes; this might contribute to the loss of HVS episomes, as LANA is central in the maintenance of viral episomes in the dividing T cell populations. These data demonstrate that the episomal stability of HVS genomes in latently infected human T cells is dependent on CTCF.
Exercise is an effective treatment modality for reducing cancer-related fatigue and improving physical capacity in cancer patients and survivors: a meta-analysis
Authors: McMillan Elliott M. , Newhouse Ian J.
Published: December 2011

The use of exercise interventions to manage cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a rapidly developing field of study. However, results are inconsistent and difficult to interpret across the literature, making it difficult to draw accurate conclusions regarding the true effectiveness of exercise interventions for CRF management. The aims of this study were to apply a meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the effects of exercise intervention strategies on CRF, and to elucidate appropriate exercise prescription guidelines. A systematic search of electronic databases and relevant journals and articles was conducted. Studies were eligible if subjects were over the age of 18 years, if they had been given a diagnosis of or had been treated for cancer, if exercise was used to treat CRF as a primary or secondary endpoint, and if the effects of the intervention were evaluated quantitatively and presented adequate statistical data for analysis. A total of 16 studies, representing 1426 participants (exercise, 759; control, 667) were included in a meta-analysis using a fixed-effects model. The standardized mean difference effect size (SMD) was used to test the effect of exercise on CRF between experimental and control groups. The results indicate a small but significant effect size in favour of the use of exercise interventions for reducing CRF (SMD 0.26, p < 0.001). Furthermore, aerobic exercise programs caused a significant reduction in CRF (SMD 0.21, p < 0.001) and overall, exercise was able to significantly improve aerobic and musculoskeletal fitness compared with control groups (p < 0.01). Further investigation is still required to determine the effects of exercise on potential underlying mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of CRF.
Gender differences in the effects of methylphenidate on energy intake in young adults: a preliminary study
Authors: Goldfield Gary S. , Lorello Claudio , Cameron Jameason , Chaput Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2011

The present study examined gender differences in response to methylphenidate (MPH) on energy intake and macronutrient preference. Twelve adults (6 men, 6 women) were given placebo or short-acting MPH (0.5 mg/kg) in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover fashion. One hour after drug administration, appetite sensations and the relative reinforcing value of energy-dense snack food were measured, followed immediately by energy intake and macronutrient preference during a buffet lunch. Relative to placebo, men exhibited a significantly greater reduction in energy intake, fat intake, and carbohydrate intake after MPH administration compared with women. Future research is needed to verify these initial findings.
THE COMPLEXITY OF REGULAR(-LIKE) EXPRESSIONS
Authors: HOLZER MARKUS , KUTRIB MARTIN
Published: December 2011

We summarize results on the complexity of regular(-like) expressions and tour a fragment of the literature. In particular we focus on the descriptional complexity of the conversion of regular expressions to equivalent finite automata and vice versa, to the computational complexity of problems on regular-like expressions such as, e.g., membership, inequivalence, and non-emptiness of complement, and finally on the operation problem measuring the required size for transforming expressions with additional language operations (built-in or not) into equivalent ordinary regular expressions.
EARLIEST NORMAL FORM AND MINIMIZATION FOR BOTTOM-UP TREE TRANSDUCERS
Authors: FRIESE SYLVIA , SEIDL HELMUT , MANETH SEBASTIAN
Published: December 2011

We show that for every deterministic bottom-up tree transducer, a unique equivalent transducer can be constructed which is minimal. The construction is based on a sequence of normalizing transformations which, among others, guarantee that non-trivial output is produced as early as possible. For a deterministic bottom-up transducer where every state produces either none or infinitely many outputs, the minimal transducer can be constructed in polynomial time.
COMPUTING WITH LIGHT: TOWARD PARALLEL BOOLEAN ALGEBRA
Authors: HEAD TOM
Published: December 2011

We design and implement highly parallel algorithms that use light as the tool of computation. Our computational laboratory consists of an ordinary xerox machine supplied with a box of transparencies. Our most basic operation is the evaluation of a Boolean function at arbitrarily many truth settings simultaneously. We find the maximum in a list of n-bit numbers of arbitrary length using at most n xerox copying steps. We count the number of elements in a list of arbitrary length of subsets of a given n-element set simultaneously in O(n2) copying steps. We decide, for any graph having n vertices and m edges, whether a 3-coloring exists in at most 2n + 4m copying steps. For large instances of problems such as the 3-color problem, this solution method may require the production of transparencies that display challengingly high densities of information. Our ultimate purpose here is to give hand tested 'ultra-parallel' algorithmic procedures that may provide useful suggestions for future technologies using light.
THE S2-ENSEMBLE FUSION ALGORITHM
Authors: BARUQUE BRUNO , CORCHADO EMILIO , YIN HUJUN
Published: December 2011

This paper presents a novel model for performing classification and visualization of high-dimensional data by means of combining two enhancing techniques. The first is a semi-supervised learning, an extension of the supervised learning used to incorporate unlabeled information to the learning process. The second is an ensemble learning to replicate the analysis performed, followed by a fusion mechanism that yields as a combined result of previously performed analysis in order to improve the result of a single model. The proposed learning schema, termed S 2-Ensemble, is applied to several unsupervised learning algorithms within the family of topology maps, such as the Self-Organizing Maps and the Neural Gas. This study also includes a thorough research of the characteristics of these novel schemes, by means quality measures, which allow a complete analysis of the resultant classifiers from the viewpoint of various perspectives over the different ways that these classifiers are used. The study conducts empirical evaluations and comparisons on various real-world datasets from the UCI repository, which exhibit different characteristics, so to enable an extensive selection of situations where the presented new algorithms can be applied.
STRUCTURAL AND MAGNETIC STUDY OF Co-DOPED ZnO NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED BY AUTO COMBUSTION METHOD
Authors: AHMED FAHEEM , KUMAR SHALENDRA , ARSHI NISHAT , ANWAR M. S. , KOO BON HEUN , LEE CHAN GYU
Published: December 2011

In the present work, we have synthesized Zn 1-x Co x O (x = 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) nanoparticles by an auto-combustion method using C2H5NO2 (glycine) as a fuel. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Photo-luminescence (PL) and magnetization measurements. XRD and TEM results demonstrated that Co -doped ZnO have a single phase nature with wurtzite structure and Co2+ ions were successfully incorporated into the lattice position of Zn2+ ions in ZnO matrix. PL spectra show two emission bands in visible region. Magnetic studies showed that Co -doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibit room temperature ferromagnetism.
THE INFLUENCE OF NANOMETRIC SIZE ON VARIOUS PROPERTIES OF NANOCRYSTALLINE Zn0.9Ni0.1O DILUTED MAGNETIC SEMICONDUCTORS
Authors: SRINIVAS K. , REDDY P. VENUGOPAL
Published: December 2011

With a view to understand the influence of nanometric size on various properties of nanocrystalline Zn0.9Ni0.1O diluted magnetic semiconductors, a systematic investigation has been undertaken. Samples were prepared for the first time by hydrazine assisted polyol method and are post annealed in air at different temperatures to vary the crystallite size. From the Rietveld refinement of XRD data, the isotropic crystallite size values are found to be in the range, 15–42 nm. Further, the phase analysis of Rietveld refined XRD data, FT-IR and optical absorbance spectral studies revealed that all the samples are having hexagonal wurzite structure without any detectable impurity phases. From AFM topography studies, it has been found that the surface condition of the grains and their distributions clearly depend on the nano size of the materials. From the PL measurements, the local defects of the materials were explored. From magnetization studies which were carried out by using VSM and MFM techniques, it has been found that all the samples are found to exhibit a clear ferromagnetic hysteresis behavior at room temperature without any magnetic clusters. Finally, electrical properties were also undertaken at room temperature to understand the variation of magnetic behavior as a function of nanometric size of these materials.
COMPARISON OF MAGNETIC BEHAVIOR OF Sr-HEXAFERRITE SYNTHESIZED BY CO-PRECIPITATION, SOL–GEL AND MICROWAVE COMBUSTION TECHNIQUES
Authors: VITTA SATISH , KHARE ANKITA
Published: December 2011

Single phase Sr -hexaferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized by three different techniques, co-precipitation, sol–gel combustion and microwave combustion. The structure of the powders indicates that heat treatment at 900°C is sufficient to form SrO · 6Fe2O3 single phase in all the three cases. The nanoparticles with typical dimensions of 10 nm × 50 nm × 200 nm are plate shaped and do not show any preferential alignment. The nanoparticles in all the cases exhibit a hard magnetic behavior at room temperature. The coercivity of microwave combustion synthesized Sr -hexaferrite particles is the largest, 5112 Oe while that of co-precipitation synthesized particles is 2668 Oe. The microwave combustion synthesized particles exhibit highest magnetization of 70.5 emu g-1 at room temperature in a field of 2.0 T.
PHOTOLUMINESCENCE QUENCHING TECHNIQUE: A SENSITIVE PROBE FOR DETECTING ORGANIC VAPORS AT LOW PPM
Authors: DHANEKAR SAAKSHI , ISLAM S. S. , ISLAM T. , HARSH
Published: December 2011

Crucial sensor parameters like sensitivity, response time and recovery time at low ppm were studied and analysed by photoluminescence (PL) quenching technique. A comparison was drawn from various porous silicon samples prepared under different electrochemical anodization conditions. Porosity dependent sensing results were analysed and it was observed that samples turned more sensitive with an increase in porosity. Samples were tested in the presence of linear aliphatic alcohols (methanol to n-octanol) and water in the range of 10–100 ppm. Trifling response was shown for water, while a discernible change in sensitivity was observed when samples were tested with alcohols. The morphological changes in porous structure and the chemical nature of organic adsorbates were ascertained to be the primary reasons for sensing by porous silicon.
NANOPOROUS SILICON MEMBRANE FOR BIOMOLECULAR SEPARATION
Authors: ACHAR H. V. BALACHANDRA , BHATTACHARYA ENAKSHI
Published: December 2011

Separation of biomolecules based on their size and charge is an important procedure employed in biomolecular analysis. Nanosieve comprising of a semi-permeable membrane with nanometer-sized pores is used for this purpose. Described here is the fabrication of ultra thin nanoporous silicon membrane, which can be used as nanosieve, making use of standard microelectronics fabrication techniques. Lithography and bulk silicon etching is used to initially create a 10 μm thick sacrificial membrane in the center of a 200 μm thick silicon substrate. A three-layer stack of SiO2 , amorphous silicon ( a-Si ) and SiO2 is then deposited using chemical vapor deposition technique. The sample is subjected to rapid thermal annealing during which pores are formed in the a-Si layer. Finally, the 15 nm thick nanoporous silicon membrane is released using reactive ion etching of the sacrificial membrane. The formation of the pores is confirmed by transmission and scanning electron microscope images. At present the pore formation is random; our future work will focus on controlled nucleation of silicon nanocrystals so as to get pores at desired locations.
ANTIFUNGAL STUDIES ON BIOCOMPATIBLE POLYMER ENCAPSULATED SILVER NANOPARTICLES
Authors: ANITHA R. , KARTHIKEYAN B. , PANDIYARAJAN T. , VIGNESH S. , JAMES R. ARTHUR , VISHWANATHAN K. , MURARI B. M.
Published: December 2011

Silver nanoparticles are known to have inhibitory antimicrobial properties. In this letter, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using biocompatible, water soluble polymer through polyol method. Optical absorption spectrum of the prepared particles shows an absorption peak around 433 nm which is because of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of silver nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies were done to identify the interaction of the nanoparticle and polymer. Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) studies confirm that the prepared particles are ~ 100 nm in size. Antifungal activity was studied through standard disk diffusion method. Studies show the prepared particles are potential candidates for the antifungal activity.
QUANTUM SIZE EFFECT ON THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF RF MAGNETRON SPUTTERED NANOCRYSTALLINE CADMIUM OXIDE THIN FILMS
Authors: SAHA B. , THAPA R. , DAS N. S. , CHATTOPADHYAY K. K.
Published: December 2011

CdO thin film with different thickness and different particle size are prepared through radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique. Quantum confinement effect causes the significant changes in their optical properties showing significant changes in the optical band gap. The CdO films are very highly conducting and transparent. Transparent and conducting thin films of CdO with effectively increased optical band gap are very useful for different device applications like solar cell, optoelectronic devices.
EXCITON–PLASMON INTERACTION IN MONOLAYERS OF METAL-SEMICONDUCTOR NANOSTRUCTURES
Authors: HARIDAS M. , TRIPATHI L. N. , BASU J. K.
Published: December 2011

Effect of shape and density on the energy transfer between metallic nanoparticles and semi conducting nanostructures was studied by observing the photoluminescence spectra using near field scanning optical microscope. The monolayers of gold nanoparticles, CdSe nanorods and composite with different number ratios were prepared using Langmuir Blodgett method. The spectra collected from the films with different number ratios of CdSe and gold shows a systematic variation of peak position and intensity as a function of number density of CdSe . The photoluminescence spectra collected from composite monolayer is blue shifted compared to the spectra from CdSe nanorods monolayer. Further we observed a blue shift in peak position and reduction emission intensity with respect to increase in the fraction of gold nanoparticles and surface density. We have provided explanation for the observed behavior in terms of strong exciton–plasmon interactions in the compact hybrid monolayers.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT FOR SYNTHESIS OF MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: ROBINSON IAN , THANH NGUYEN T. K.
Published: December 2011

An update is presented on some recent syntheses of magnetic nanoparticles developed in our group for potential use in biomedical applications. Particular attention is paid to (i) the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles that are readily dispersed in aqueous solution (ii) the synthesis of alloy magnetic nanoparticles and (iii) novel synthesis methods used to control the physical properties of the nanoparticles.
AN INSIGHT INTO FIBER–SOLVENT MEDIATED MODULATION OF NANO-FIBRILLAR ORGANOGELS
Authors: SAMANTA SUMAN K. , PAL ASISH , BHATTACHARYA SANTANU
Published: December 2011

The effect of gelation and the modulation of their properties with the variation of aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, e.g., n-decane and n-dodecane have been presented for a homologous series of amides of L-alanine with fatty acids. The gelation properties of these compounds were studied by a number of physical methods including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, rheology etc. It was found that the gelation properties vary with the chain length of the host aliphatic hydrocarbons. Scanning electron microscopic images showed modulation of the fiber diameters upon changing the solvent from n-decane to n-dodecane and this has been confirmed by the results obtained from small angle X-ray scattering studies independently. Thermal properties were observed under the differential scanning calorimetric studies which showed an increase in the sol–gel transition temperatures upon increase in the chain length of the hydrocarbon solvent. The mechanical behavior of such assemblies has been observed under rheological experiments which showed a more viscoelastic response for the gels in n-decane compared to n-dodecane.
IN SITU TEMPLATE SYNTHESIS OF PoPD–TiO2 NANOCOMPOSITES FOR ACTIVE ANTI-CORROSIVE COATINGS ON 316L SS
Authors: MUTHIRULAN P. , RAJENDRAN N.
Published: December 2011

Corrosion is one of the major destruction processes involved in material loss, and its prevention is paramount in protecting investments. The present work shows a new contribution to the design of a new protective system based on poly(orthophenylenediamine) (PoPD)–nano- TiO2 composites. The structure and properties of PoPD– TiO2 nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Cyclicvoltammetry (CV), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Thermal stability of the composite was studied by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The anti-corrosion behavior of PoPD– TiO2 nanocomposites has been investigated in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) measurements. Corrosion studies revealed that PoPD– TiO2 nanocomposites coating exhibited excellent anti-corrosive properties compared with PoPD coated and uncoated 316L SS.
ARSENIC REMEDIATION USING SURFACE FUNCTIONALIZED ULTRAFINE NANOPARTICLES
Authors: GOSWAMI R. , DEB P. , THAKUR R. , SARMA K. P. , BASUMALLICK A.
Published: December 2011

Ultrafine nanoparticles owing to their increased surface to volume ratio, coupled with the ability to tune their surface properties through molecular modification have made them ideal for their detection and remediation of broad range of environmental contaminants. Arsenic contamination has become a worldwide epidemic and remediation of this problem needs the development of technology with improved materials and systems with high efficiency. In the present study, we have demonstrated a simple and efficient method using surface functionalized ultrafine iron oxide nanoparticles for absolute removal of arsenic from arsenic treated water with low contact time period and low adsorbent dose. The efficiency of arsenic removal has been drastically improved by considering nanoparticles of size 10 nm and subsequent surface engineering of the nanoparticles resulting more adsorption sites being exposed to arsenic. The mechanism for adsorption was identified through electron microscopic and spectroscopic studies. The adsorption equilibrium data were well fitted to Freundlich isotherm.
Chapter 17 The Kaigas and Numees formations, Port Nolloth Group, in South Africa and Namibia
Authors: Frimmel Hartwig E.
Published: December 2011

The Port Nolloth Group makes up the eastern, external part of the Pan-African Gariep Belt (Port Nolloth Zone) in southern Namibia and western South Africa. It contains two glaciogenic diamictite units, the older Kaigas Formation and the younger Numees Formation, with intercalated and overlying carbonate-dominated units. Available chemostratigraphic information include O, C and Sr isotope data. Micropalaeontological and geochronological data point to an early Cryogenian age (
c
. 750 Ma) of the Kaigas Formation and possibly a middle Ediacaran age (
c
. 580 Ma) for the Numees Formation. The former was deposited in an evolving, but eventually failed, continental rift on the western flank of the Kalahari Craton, probably at low latitude. The Numees Formation is a laterally continuous, up to 600-m-thick glaciomarine deposit for which a passive continental margin setting has been suggested. Alternatively, based on more recent data, the depositional setting might have been a back-arc basin. The eroded remnants of the corresponding arc are present in the Dom Feliciano Belt.
Chapter 24 The Neoproterozoic glacial formations of the North and Middle Urals
Authors: Chumakov Nickolay M.
Published: December 2011

In the North and Middle Urals, four Neoproterozoic diamictite-dominating units are known: the Churochnaya, Tany and Koyva formations and Lower Starye Pechi Subformation. A glacial origin for the diamictites is indicated by a number of characteristic features such as erratic stones, striated and faceted clasts, shales with dropstones, preferential orientation of elongated stones, the wide distribution and confinement to certain stratigraphic levels of the deposits, and the association with distinct post-glacial dolostones. Most diamictites were deposited in a glaciomarine environment and sourced from an ice sheet on the East European craton. The Churochnaya Formation also contains subordinate terrestrial and probably seasonal sea ice deposits. This formation accumulated on a glaciated continental shelf, while the Tany, Koyva and Starye Pechi formations were deposited on the outer shelf and continental slope of the eastern margin of the East European Craton. The Middle Ural sections contain the White Sea (Ediacaran) Metazoa assemblage, typical late Neoproterozoic microfossils, stromatolite associations, and radiometric dates obtained from volcanic tuffs, granosyenites, trachytes and trachyandesites. The combined data suggest that the Lower Starye Pechi Subformation was deposited in the middle of the Ediacaran Period (Early Vendian). The Churochnaya Formation of the North Urals and the Tany and Koyva formations of the Middle Urals were likely deposited in the late Cryogenian period (Early Vendian).
Chapter 27 The glaciogenic Bol'shoy Patom Formation, Lena River, central Siberia
Authors: Chumakov Nickolay M. , Pokrovsky Boris G. , Melezhik Victor A.
Published: December 2011

The Bol'shoy Patom Formation (Fm.) is part of the Upper Precambrian Patom Supergroup, which comprises a siliciclastic and carbonate succession divided into (from base to top) the Ballaganakh, Dal'nyaya Tayga and Zhuya Groups (Gr.). The supergroup was deposited within the bay-like passive margins of the Siberian craton. The Bol'shoy Patom Fm. is the lower unit of the Dal'nyaya Tayga Gr. Massive and stratified diamictites with subordinate sandstones, mudstones, siltstones, conglomerates and conglo-breccias form the Bol'shoy Patom Fm. New biostratigraphic (microfossils of Pertatataka type, Ediacaran fossils) and chemostratigraphic data (
87
Sr/
86
Sr, δ
13
C) point to a Vendian (Late Cryogenian and Ediacaran) age for the Dal'nyaya Tayga and Zhuya Groups. Unsorted diamictite matrix, a very wide range of size and roundness of dispersed erratic clasts, the presence of glacial grooves on boulders, dropstones and till pellets in laminated mudstones and siltstones are all evidence for intense ice rafting and ice-shelf sedimentation in the northeastern part of the Patom basin during deposition of the Bol'shoy Patom Fm.