bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Geometric Properties to Evaluate Possible Integration of Authoritative and Volunteered Geographic Information
Authors: Fairbairn David , Al-Bakri Maythm
Published: April 2013

The assessment of data quality from different sources can be considered as a key challenge in supporting effective geospatial data integration and promoting collaboration in mapping projects. This paper presents a methodology for assessing positional and shape quality for authoritative large-scale data, such as Ordnance Survey (OS) UK data and General Directorate for Survey (GDS) Iraq data, and Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI), such as OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, with the intention of assessing possible integration. It is based on the measurement of discrepancies among the datasets, addressing positional accuracy and shape fidelity, using standard procedures and also directional statistics. Line feature comparison has been undertaken using buffering techniques and statistics, whilst shape metrics, including moments invariant, have been applied to assess polygon matching. The analyses are presented with a user-friendly interface which eases data input, computation and output of results, and assists in interpretation of the comparison. The results show that a comparison of positional and shape characteristics of OS data or GDS data, with those of OSM data, indicates that their integration for large scale mapping applications is not viable.
Structural Basis of Membrane Trafficking by Rab Family Small G Protein
Authors: Park Hyun
Published: April 2013

The Ras-superfamily of small G proteins is a family of GTP hydrolases that is regulated by GTP/GDP binding states. One member of the Ras-superfamily, Rab, is involved in the regulation of vesicle trafficking, which is critical to endocytosis, biosynthesis, secretion, cell differentiation and cell growth. The active form of the Rab proteins, which contains GTP, can recruit specific binding partners, such as sorting adaptors, tethering factors, kinases, phosphatases and motor proteins, thereby influencing vesicle formation, transport, and tethering. Many Rab proteins share the same interacting partners and perform unique roles in specific locations. Because functional loss of the Rab pathways has been implicated in a variety of diseases, the Rab GTPase family has been extensively investigated. In this review, we summarize Rab GTPase- mediated membrane trafficking while focusing on the structures of Rab protein and Rab-effector complexes. This review provides detailed information that helps explain how the Rab GTPase family is involved in membrane trafficking.
New Radioligands for Describing the Molecular Pharmacology of MT1 and MT2 Melatonin Receptors
Authors: Legros Céline , Matthey Ulrich , Grelak Teresa , Pedragona-Moreau Sandrine , Hassler Werner , Yous Saïd , Thomas Emmanuel , Suzenet Franck , Folleas Benoît , Lefoulon François , Berthelot Pascal , Caignard Daniel-Henri , Guillaumet Gérald , Delagrange Philippe , Brayer Jean-Louis , Nosjean Olivier , Boutin Jean
Published: April 2013

Melatonin receptors have been studied for several decades. The low expression of the receptors in tissues led the scientific community to find a substitute for the natural hormone melatonin, the agonist 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin. Using the agonist, several hundreds of studies were conducted, including the discovery of agonists and antagonists for the receptors and minute details about their molecular behavior. Recently, we attempted to expand the panel of radioligands available for studying the melatonin receptors by using the newly discovered compounds SD6, DIV880, and S70254. These compounds were characterized for their affinities to the hMT1 and hMT2 recombinant receptors and their functionality in the classical GTPS system. SD6 is a full agonist, equilibrated between the receptor isoforms, whereas S70254 and DIV880 are only partial MT2 agonists, with Ki in the low nanomolar range while they have no affinity to MT1 receptors. These new tools will hopefully allow for additions to the current body of information on the native localization of the receptor isoforms in tissues.
Ribonucleoprotein Complexes That Control Circadian Clocks
Authors: Wang Dongni , Liang Xiaodi , Chen Xianyun , Guo Jinhu
Published: April 2013

Circadian clocks are internal molecular time-keeping mechanisms that enable organisms to adjust their physiology and behavior to the daily surroundings. Misalignment of circadian clocks leads to both physiological and health impairment. Post-transcriptional regulation and translational regulation of circadian clocks have been extensively investigated. In addition, accumulating evidence has shed new light on the involvement of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) in the post-transcriptional regulation of circadian clocks. Numerous RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNPs have been implicated in the post-transcriptional modification of circadian clock proteins in different model organisms. Herein, we summarize the advances in the current knowledge on the role of RNP complexes in circadian clock regulation.
Role of Melatonin in Schizophrenia
Authors: Morera-Fumero Armando , Abreu-Gonzalez Pedro
Published: April 2013

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease that disturbs several cognitive functions, such as memory, thought, perception and volition. Schizophrenia’s biological etiology is multifactorial and is still under investigation. Melatonin has been involved in schizophrenia since the first decades of the twentieth century. Research into melatonin regarding schizophrenia has followed two different approaches. The first approach is related to the use of melatonin as a biological marker. The second approach deals with the clinical applications of melatonin as a drug treatment. In this paper, both aspects of melatonin application are reviewed. Its clinical use in schizophrenia is emphasized.
IGF-1 Antibody Prolongs the Effective Duration Time of Botulinum Toxin in Decreasing Muscle Strength
Authors: Jin Lingjing , Pan Lizhen , Liu Wuchao , Guo Yan , Zheng Yuguo , Guan Qiang , Nie Zhiyu
Published: April 2013

Botulinum toxin type-A (Btx-A), a powerful therapeutic tool in various medical specialties, requires repeated injections to maintain its effect. Therefore, novel methods to prolong the effective duration time of Btx-A are highly needed. Rats were assigned to three major groups: control group (n = 30), Btx-A group (n = 30), and IGF-1 Ab groups. IGF-1 Ab groups were composed by sub-groups A1–A5 (each has 25 rats) for the subsequent IGF-1Ab dose-effect study. Muscle strength was determined by a survey system for rat lower limbs nerve and muscle function. Muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK), Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP5), and growth-associated protein, 43-kDa (GAP43) were determined by real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and Western blot. We found that Btx-A decreased the muscle strength, with a paralysis maintained for 70 days. IGF-1Ab prolonged the effective duration time of Btx-A. Real-time PCRs and Western blot showed that IGF-1Ab delayed the increase of MuSK and IGFBP5 after Btx-A injection, without affecting GAP43. These results indicate that IGF-1Ab might prolong the effective duration time of Btx-A on muscle strength through delaying the increase of MuSK. It would be interesting to determine whether IGF-1Ab can be used as an auxiliary measure to the Btx-A treatment in the future.
Flexible PZT Thin Film Tactile Sensor for Biomedical Monitoring
Authors: Tseng Hong-Jie , Tian Wei-Cheng , Wu Wen-Jong
Published: April 2013

This paper presents the development of tactile sensors using the sol-gel process to deposit a PZT thin-film from 250 nm to 1 μm on a flexible stainless steel substrate. The PZT thin-film tactile sensor can be used to measure human pulses from several areas, including carotid, brachial, finger, ankle, radial artery, and the apical region. Flexible PZT tactile sensors can overcome the diverse topology of various human regions and sense the corresponding signals from human bodies. The measured arterial pulse waveform can be used to diagnose hypertension and cardiac failure in patients. The proposed sensors have several advantages, such as flexibility, reliability, high strain, low cost, simple fabrication, and low temperature processing. The PZT thin-film deposition process includes a pyrolysis process at 150 °C/500 °C for 10/5 min, followed by an annealing process at 650 °C for 10 min. Finally, the consistent pulse wave velocity (PWV) was demonstrated based on human pulse measurements from apical to radial, brachial to radial, and radial to ankle. It is characterized that the sensitivity of our PZT-based tactile sensor was approximately 0.798 mV/g.
Coping with Change: A Closer Look at the Underlying Attributes of Change and the Individual Response to Unstable Environments
Authors: Langenhof Minke B. , Komdeur Jan
Published: April 2013

Although the study of environmental change has long been of academic interest, the effects of change have become a much more pressing concern in the past few decades due to the often disruptive effect of human expansion and innovation. Researchers from many fields contribute to understanding our footprint on the natural world, problems we cause, and strategies we can employ to protect key species and ecosystems. Unfortunately, environmental change and its consequences are often studied without an awareness of the inherent attributes of the changes. As a result, the relevance of new advances in this field may be easily missed or misunderstood, and existing knowledge is not optimally applied. In this paper, we aim to facilitate the multi-disciplinary comparison of studies on environmental change, by offering a meta-level perspective on the process of change from the point of view of the individual animal. We propose an inclusive definition of change that can be applied across contexts, in which we take our understanding of “change” from an event to an interaction between a physical occurrence and an individual’s state. Furthermore, we discuss key event- and individual-based attributes of change, their relevance in today’s changing world, and how they relate to animals’ available behavioural, physiological and cross-generational responses. We hope that by uncovering the underlying fundamental (or structure) of change, fellow scientists may better share their experience and knowledge gained from years of studying individual species and situations.
Microbial Community Structure of a Leachfield Soil: Response to Intermittent Aeration and Tetracycline Addition
Authors: Atoyan Janet , Staroscik Andrew , Nelson David , Patenaude Erika , Potts David , Amador José
Published: April 2013

Soil-based wastewater treatment systems, or leachfields, rely on microbial processes for improving the quality of wastewater before it reaches the groundwater. These processes are affected by physicochemical system properties, such as O2 availability, and disturbances, such as the presence of antimicrobial compounds in wastewater. We examined the microbial community structure of leachfield mesocosms containing native soil and receiving domestic wastewater under intermittently-aerated (AIR) and unaerated (LEACH) conditions before and after dosing with tetracycline (TET). Community structure was assessed using phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), analysis of dominant phylotypes using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR–DGGE), and cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Prior to dosing, the same PLFA biomarkers were found in soil from AIR and LEACH treatments, although AIR soil had a larger active microbial population and higher concentrations for nine of 32 PLFA markers found. AIR soil also had a larger number of dominant phylotypes, most of them unique to this treatment. Dosing of mesocosms with TET had a more marked effect on AIR than LEACH soil, reducing the size of the microbial population and the number and concentration of PLFA markers. Dominant phylotypes decreased by ~15% in response to TET in both treatments, although the AIR treatment retained a higher number of phylotypes than the LEACH treatment. Fewer than 10% of clones were common to both OPEN ACCESS Water 2013, 5 506 AIR and LEACH soil, and fewer than 25% of the clones from either treatment were homologous with isolates of known genus and species. These included human pathogens, as well as bacteria involved in biogeochemical transformations of C, N, S and metals, and biodegradation of various organic contaminants. Our results show that intermittent aeration has a marked effect on the size and structure of the microbial community that develops in a native leachfield soil. In addition, there is a differential response of the microbial communities of AIR and LEACH soil to tetracycline addition which may be linked to changes in function.
Direct alkenylation of indolin-2-ones by 6-aryl-4-methylthio-2H-pyran-2-one-3-carbonitriles: a novel approach
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Pratap Ramendra , Kumar Abhinav , Kumar Brijesh , Tandon Vishnu K , Ram Vishnu Ji
Published: April 2013

A direct one-pot base-induced alkenylation of indolin-2-ones has been developed by using 6-aryl-4-methylthio-2H-pyran-2-one-3-carbonitriles. Different bases such as MeONa, NaH andt-BuONa have been used to optimize the reaction conditions to obtain the desired product. NaH in THF was found to be the most suitable for the alkenylation of indolin-2-ones. Reaction in the presence of other bases led to the formation of 1-aryl-3-methoxy/methylthio-5H-dibenzo[d,f][1,3]diazepin-6(7H)-ones. Quantum chemical calculations have been performed to explain the nature of the weak noncovalent interactions operating in the supramolecular architectures of alkenylated indoline-2-ones and to explain the relative stability of one of the tautomers with respect to the others.
La « quarantaine » des coûts standard chez Saint-Gobain : 1920-1960
Authors: Zimnovitch Henri
Published: April 2013

La méthode des coûts standard, conçue aux États-Unis dans les deux premières décennies du xx e siècle, se répandit dans la littérature et les entreprises outre-Atlantique durant l’entre-deux-guerres. Chez Saint-Gobain, elle sera mise en place vers 1960. Cet article cherche à rendre compte de la durée (une quarantaine d’années) qui sépare la disponibilité d’une technique américaine et son application dans une entreprise française exemplaire. Le délai dont la profession comptable en France eut besoin pour s’approprier cette technique est mis en avant comme cause majeure mais non exclusive.
La réforme du système comptable dans les entreprises chinoises
Authors: Gervais Michel
Published: April 2013

L’article fait le point sur la réforme du système comptable en Chine. Il présente les organismes qui sont chargés de l’élaborer, le processus de réforme proprement dit, et les problèmes que pose sa mise en œuvre (environnement juridique incomplet, système économique mixte, introduction de concepts comptables nouveaux, traitement des fonds spécifiques du système antérieur, détermination de la valeur de l’entreprise).
Political Legitimation of the Union: the Core of Franco-German Relationship
Authors: Nourry Chrystelle
Published: April 2013

Les enjeux bilatéraux et européens changent, les présidents et les chanceliers se succèdent, mais inéluctablement la coopération diplomatique se construit dans le temps et s’actualise à partir d’une trame qui coordonne l’ensemble. L’objet de cette contribution vise à comprendre pourquoi l’amitié franco-allemande constitue un élément de légitimation essentiel des institutions et du système politique de l’Union. Notre questionnement consiste à interroger la coopération bilatérale sous l’angle des relations entre les représentants des gouvernements et les citoyens. Cette perspective théorique permet de mieux comprendre son caractère fondamental. L’ordonnancement des sommets présente un ensemble de dispositifs qui qualifie les rencontres par rapport à l’UE. Le contenu des discussions bilatérales s’est au cours du temps concentré sur les enjeux européens. Ces analyses permettent de saisir avec précision comment l’amitié franco-allemande peut apporter une signification consistante à l’UE – et de rappeler aux observateurs et aux dirigeants européens: pourquoi fait-on l’Europe?
Les États-Unis naguère, l'Europe aujourd'hui
Authors: Sargent Thomas J. , Le Cacheux Jacques
Published: April 2013

Selon les Articles de la Confédération, le gouvernement central des États-Unis avait un pouvoir limité de lever l’impôt. De ce fait, les importantes dettes publiques accumulées pendant la Guerre d’indépendance américaine s’échangeaient avec une décote considérable. Cet état de fait explique la crise budgétaire américaine des années 1780. Une révolution politique – c’est bien ce que fut le sabordage des Articles de la Confédération au profit de la Constitution des États-Unis d’Amérique – résolut la crise budgétaire en transférant des états au gouvernement fédéral le pouvoir de prélever les droits de douane. La Constitution et les actes législatifs adoptés par le Premier Congrès des États-Unis en août 1790 ont conféré au Congrès le pouvoir de lever des recettes suffisantes pour assurer le service d’une dette publique considérable. En 1790, le Congrès opéra un renflouement complet des dettes des états fédérés, dans le cadre d’un grand marchandage qui aboutit à faire des créanciers des états les avocats d’une taxation fédérale de grande ampleur. Ce renflouement engendra des anticipations sur de possibles sauvetages futurs par le gouvernement fédéral qu’un épisode douloureux au début des années 1840 allait démentir.
Les réseaux sociaux d'aujourd'hui
Authors: Forsé Michel
Published: April 2013

Dans une expérimentation devenue un classique, Stanley Milgram avait montré en 1969 qu’il suffisait en moyenne de 6 liaisons (transitant donc par 5 intermédiaires) pour relier deux inconnus aux États-Unis. Ces six degrés de séparation avaient été confirmés par d’autres études mais portant elles aussi sur des petits effectifs. L’avènement des réseaux sociaux sur l’Internet a récemment permis de se demander ce qu’il en était cette fois à très grande échelle. Or les études portant sur la messagerie instantanée de Microsoft , Twitter ou Facebook ont vérifié et même amplifié l’hypothèse du petit monde. Ainsi, en analysant les 69 milliards de liens entre les 721 millions d’individus s’étant connectés à  Facebook en mai 2011, il apparaît qu’en moyenne la distance (ou nombre de degrés) séparant deux utilisateurs choisis au hasard sur la planète vaut 4,7. Différentes explications du petit monde sont examinées dans cet article (liens faibles entre clusters , présence de hubs selon une structure libre d’échelle) et apparaissent en fin de compte plutôt complémentaires.
Les représentations de la cohésion sociale dans cinq pays européens
Authors: Guibet Lafaye Caroline , Kieffer Annick
Published: April 2013

En nous appuyant sur la quatrième édition de l’ European Social Survey (2008), nous avons mis en évidence des représentations typiques de la cohésion sociale analogues dans cinq pays européens (Espagne, France, Grande-Bretagne, Pologne et Suisse). Nous montrons comment ces représentations caractéristiques de la cohésion façonnent les attitudes individuelles ainsi que les représentations morales des individus concernant la société dans son ensemble ainsi que des dimensions comme le mérite, la justice sociale, les fonctions de l’État. Nous procédons en justifiant, dans un premier temps, le choix de ces pays et le cadre théorique dans lequel s’inscrit notre recherche. Nous esquissons ensuite ces représentations typologiques de la cohésion pour finalement identifier les différences nationales affectant ces représentations. L’analyse permet notamment de montrer que les préoccupations des citoyens relatives à la cohésion sociale et à sa permanence sont largement partagées en Europe, y compris dans des pays de tradition sociale variée et entrés dans l’Union européenne à des dates fort différentes.
L'Eurosystème : un mécanisme de transferts en faveur des pays déficitaires ?
Authors: Grjebine André
Published: April 2013

À l’initiative de plusieurs économistes, en premier lieu du Professeur Hans-Werner Sinn, président de l’Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (Ifo) de Munich, un vif débat s’est engagé sur la signification véritable et les risques inhérents au système de compensation qui fonctionne au sein de la zone euro, TARGET2 (Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer). Trois critiques sont principalement émises. La première affirme que le système TARGET2 est, en fait, l’instrument privilégié et inavoué utilisé par l’Eurosystème pour renflouer des États européens en difficulté au détriment d’autres États de la zone euro, en premier lieu de l’Allemagne. La deuxième critique consiste à dire que les crédits accordés dans le cadre de TARGET2 à un pays déficitaire le sont au détriment des autres pays de la zone euro. De ce fait, les pays déficitaires occupent une place prépondérante dans la création monétaire de la zone euro. La troisième annonce que les difficultés des débiteurs vont se transmettre aux créanciers de TARGET2 et mettre ceux-ci, à leur tour, en difficulté. De nombreux auteurs ont contesté ces critiques. Ils montrent les risques de blocage de la zone euro qu’induirait une limitation drastique du système de compensation qu’assure TARGET2. Ceci dit, si ce système a sans doute puissamment contribué à ce que la zone euro surmonte temporairement les déséquilibres commerciaux et financiers qui risquaient d’entraîner son explosion, ce n’est qu’en s’attaquant aux déséquilibres structurels entre les pays membres que la pérennité de celle-ci pourra être assurée.
Primary Intraocular Malignant Extrarenal Rhabdoid Tumor: A Clinicopathological Correlation
Authors: Shah Sneha J. , Ali Mohammad Javed , Mulay Kaustubh , Honavar Santosh G. , Reddy Vijay Anand
Published: April 2013

Malignant extrarenal rhabdoid tumor is a rare and highly aggressive tumor of childhood. Intraocular involvement by malignant extrarenal rhabdoid tumor has only been described once as a metastasis. No report exists in published literature describing a primary intraocular malignant extrarenal rhabdoid tumor. The authors report the first such case along with its clinico-radiological features and histopathologic and electron microscopic characteristics.
[J Pediatr Ophthalmology Strabismus 2013;50:e18–e20.]
Risks and Strategies for a Build-Own-Operate International Airport Project in India
Authors: Paulose Daly
Published: April 2013

This is a retrospective case study of applying risk management in a well-known successful build-own-operate (BOO) mega-project. The participants were the project team of the Cochin International Airport facility which was developed in India. This project is a world class monument of strategic vision and exemplary risk management, orchestrated as a public-private-partnership (PPP). The novelty is that this is the first time a large risky international airport BOO mega-project has been successful and then published in the literature. The project was delivered at a total cost of about Indian National Rupees (INR) 283,00,00,000 (with all phases included), while other airports built later on the same PPP model, namely those at Bangalore and Hyderabad, cost over INR 2000,00,00,000 (almost 10 times more).
Investigation on the Structural and Optical Properties of Nanocrystalline TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Ranjitha Arumugam , Muthukumarasamy Natarajan , Agilan Santhanam , Thambidurai Mariyappan , Balasundraprabhu Rangasamy , Chitrakala Arumugam
Published: April 2013

Nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films were prepared by sol-gel dip coating method. The structural investigations were carried out using x-ray diffraction technique. Anatase TiO2 thin films with tetragonal phase were obtained and the grain size was observed to lie in the range of 21-25 nm. Analysis on the surface topography of prepared films have been carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The band gap energy is calculated from the absorption spectra of TiO2 films and is found to lie in the range 3.3 to 3.7 eV.
Structural and Optical Characterization of Chemically Deposited Cuprous Oxide (Cu2O) Thin Film
Authors: Usha Rajalakshmi P. , Rachel Oommen
Published: April 2013

Thin films of cuprous oxide are grown on microscope glass slides by chemical bath deposition technique. Molar solutions of copper nitrate, hydrazine and TEA constituted the chemical bath. The depositions are made by optimizing the concentration of precursor solution. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the phase formation in the oxide films. The optical characteristics of Cu2O films are analyzed by means of UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The effect of annealing on the structural and optical properties of the film is investigated. The calculated direct optical band gap of the films is in the range of 2.4-1.8 eV.
Structural Properties of PbS Nanoparticles Prepared by Photo Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Kanimozhi S. , Vishnushankar Dhandapani , Veeravazhuthi V.
Published: April 2013

Lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles have been synthesized by photo chemical method and also in the dark ambient at room temperature. The pH of the solution is maintained by adding NaOH. The as-prepared PbS nanoparticles have been characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive Analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). XRD studies reveal the crystalline nature of the particles. Grain size values are calculated using Scherrer’s formula and compared with the standard values. SEM picture shows a flower like structure in the sample synthesized at dark ambient, whereas the samples synthesized in light reveals the presence of varied nanostructures like nanorods, nanowires and nanoparticles. Size of the photo chemically synthesized PbS particles observed from TEM lies between 30nm to 60nm. From EDAX we conclude that the composition is nearly stoichiometric.
Deposition of CdSe Films by Pulsed Galvanostatic Electrodeposition and their Properties
Authors: Ananthi Kalimuthu , Dhanpandian Swaminathan , Muthukumarasamy Natarajan , Thilagavathy Kaliannan , Chitra Venkatapathy
Published: April 2013

Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) thin films were pulse electrodeposited at room temperature and at different duty cycles in the range of 6 – 50 % at a current density of 100 mA cm-2. XRD patterns of films deposited at different duty cycles exhibit the cubic structure. The peak widths decreased with increase of duty cycle. The crystallite size increased from 8 to 20 nm. Microstructural parameters like dislocation density and strain were calculated. The transmission spectra exhibit interference fringes. Refractive index calculated by the envelope method varied in the range of 2.5 to 3.3.The optical band gap increased from 1.84 eV to 2.06 eV with increase of duty cycle.
Deposition and Characterization of Nanocrystalline Al2O3 Thin Films by DC Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Prasanna Sankaran , Biji P. , Mohan Rao G. , Kannan M.D. , Jayakumar S.
Published: April 2013

Abstract: Alumina (Al2O3) thin films were deposited over glass and Si substrates by DC reactive magnetron sputtering at an oxygen partial pressure of 0.03 Pa. The presence of aluminium and oxygen was confirmed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the films were found to be nearly stoichiometric or oxygen rich at a sputtering power of 70 W and 60 W, respectively. The as-deposited films were found to be amorphous. Subsequent annealing experiments in vacuum revealed that crystallisation started at 550oC and increased thereafter at higher annealing temperatures for those films deposited at a sputtering power of 70 W. The topography of the as-deposited and annealed films was analyzed by Atomic force microscopy and a progressive increase in the rms roughness of the films was observed with increase in the annealing temperature and the results are discussed
Structural and Optical Characteristics of Ni Doped ZnS Nanoparticles
Authors: Murali G. , Amaranatha Reddy D. , Vijayalakshmi R.P. , Venugopal R.
Published: April 2013

Nanocrystalline ZnS and Ni doped ZnS powders were synthesized by a simple chemical co-precipitation method at room temperature using sodium sulfide and acetates of Zinc and Nickel. 2-Mercapto ethanol is used as a capping agent. Structural and optical properties of as prepared samples were characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Analysis using X-rays (EDAX) and Photoluminescence studies (PL). EDAX measurements confirmed the presence of Zn, Ni and S in the prepared samples. XRD analysis reveals that the Zn1-xNixS (x= 0.00 and 0.01) nanoparticles crystallized in zincblende structure. The average particle sizes of the nanoparticles are in the range of 2-3 nm. Shifting of photo luminescence peak to higher wavelength along with intensity quenching is observed for doped ZnS nanocrystals (NCs).
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Annealed Cr Doped ZnS Nanoparticles
Authors: Amaranatha Reddy D. , Murali G. , Madhusudhana Rao N. , Vijayalakshmi R.P. , Reddy B.K.
Published: April 2013

Undoped and Cr doped ZnS nanoparticles with Cr concentrations of 3.0 at.% were prepared by a chemical co-precipitation method for the fist time, using 2-Mercaptoethanol as the capping agent and annealed the synthesized particles at 600°C for 3h in air. The effect of annealing on morphological, structural and optical properties of ZnS and ZnS:Cr have been studied and compared with as prepared samples. EDAX measurements confirmed the presence of Cr in the ZnS lattice and it also confirms the conversion of ZnS into ZnO after annealed at 600 0C/3h. Surface morphologies of all samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD spectra of as synthesized nanoparticles of ZnS and ZnS:Cr exhibited cubic phase. After annealing, the cubic phase is transformed into hexagonal phase. The particle sizes of the ZnS:Cr powders were increased from 5 to 30 nm when the powders were annealed at 600°C. A stable blue emission peak at 445 nm is observed from the as prepared samples (pure ZnS and Cr doped ZnS) but annealed at 600 0C the PL peaked at 500 nm for pure ZnS and Cr doped ZnS nanoparticles exhibited PL peak at 500 nm as well as 654 nm. The emission intensity decreased in annealed particles compared to as synthesized samples.
On the Debye-Waller Factor and Debye Temperature of Dendrite-Shaped PbTe
Authors: Karunamoorthi R. , Indra Devi P. , Ramachandran K.
Published: April 2013

In this study, the phonon dispersion curve of dendrite-shaped lead telluride (PbTe), a nano structured material is obtained by shell model and the thermal parameters are calculated and compared with experimental results.
Crystallographic & Electrical Properties of Pr Substituted Gd-123 Nanometre Sized High Temperature Superconductors
Authors: Huse Vishnu R. , Mote Vishwanath D. , Purushotham Yadav , Dhar Sudesh K. , Shah Suresh S. , Dole Babasaheb N.
Published: April 2013

The samples of Gd1-xPrxBa2Cu3O7-δ with compositions x = 0.0, 0.1 & 0.3 were prepared by ceramic route. The XRD study of all samples is carried out. The XRD studies of the samples prepared by ceramic route show GdPr-123 system have an orthorhombic pervoskite structure. The lattice parameters, oxygen content, volume of unit cell, orthorhombic distortion, hole concentration in CuO2 plane and charge on Cu-O plane were evaluated using XRD data. It is found that the lattice parameters, volume of unit cell increase while oxygen content orthorhombic distortion, hole concentration (Psh) and average charge (p) decrease as doping percentage of Pr increases. The resistivity measurement shows the transition temperature decreases while transition width increases with increasing Pr concentration. The suppression of superconductivity may be due to reduction in hole concentration or magnetic pair breaking. We report such qualitative results of Pr substituted Gd-123 in this paper quantitatively.
Desorption Studies on Hydrogenated Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes Functionalized with Borane (BH3)
Authors: Silambarasan Duraisamy , Surya Velappa Jayaraman , Vasu Veerapandy , Iyakutti Kombiah
Published: April 2013

In this work, desorption of hydrogen from hydrogenated single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) functionalized with borane is discussed. A hydrogen storage medium based on SWCNTs functionalized with borane is designed. The SWCNTs are functionalized with borane (BH3) using LiBH4 as the precursor by solution cast method. The functionalized samples are hydrogenated. A storage capacity of 1.5 wt.% is obtained just above room temperature (50°C). The hydrogenated and dehydrogenated samples are characterized using FTIR and Raman studies. The thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) results reveal that the entire amount of (1.5 wt.%) stored hydrogen is released in the temperature range 100 - 150°C. This temperature range is suitable for hydrogen fuel cells used for vehicular applications.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Coinage Metal-Cadmium Sulfide Nanorod Composites under Sun Light Irradiation
Authors: Rohit Singh  , Bonamali Pal
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The effect of Au, Ag & Cu (1 wt%) photodeposition onto CdS nanorod (length ~ 116 nm, aspect ratio = 21, surface area = 81 m2/gm) has been studied by photocatalytic degradation of 0.5 mM salicylic acid both under direct sunlight and UV (125 W Hg arc lamp, 10.4 mW/cm2) irradiation. The bare CdS nanorod (NR) exhibited higher photoactivity as compared to low activity of bare CdS (~10 nm) nanosphere (NS) and Au & Ag photodeposition highly improved the CdS nanorod photoactivity compared with Cu deposition. The fluorescence emission of CdS nanorod at 479 nm is also quenched due to metals deposition. It is observed that Au-CdS (20 mg) nanorod composites completely degrade 0.5 mM (20 ml) salicylic acid within 2 h sun light exposure. The significant effect of Au-CdS photocatalytic activity on the various sizes (3.5 & 2 nm) of Au deposits has been observed during salicylic acid photodegradation.
Optical and Structural Properties of ZnO Nanorods Prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition Method
Authors: Deenathayalan Jagadeesh , Saroja Manickam , Venkatachalam Muthusamy , Gowthaman Periyasamy , Muthukumarasamy N. , Senthil T.S. , Shankar S.
Published: April 2013

Abstract The Chemical bath deposition method was used for the preparation of ZnO nanorods and their optical and structural properties were studied. ZnO seed layer thin films were prepared by chemical bath deposition technique on to well cleaned glass substrates. ZnO seed-coated glass substrates were immersed in aqueous solution of zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) on 1:10 molar concentration at 90°C for 4 hours and annealed at different temperatures. The effect of annealing temperatures on the surface morphology and optical properties of the films was studied. The structure of the ZnO nano rod was studied by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy. The optical property was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Experimental results have shown that prepared ZnO nanorods by this method have higher photoluminescence
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanowires
Authors: Sugapriya Subbaiyan , Sriram Rangarajalu , Lakshmi Sriram
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT Silver nanowires have been synthesized by polyol process with ethylene glycol as solvent and PVP as capping agent. The silver nanowires have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. The prepared silver nanowires were found to exhibit face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. The diameter of the prepared silver nanowires have been found to lie in the range of 60 - 80 nm and the length of the wires have been observed to be in the range of 10-20 µm. The I-V characteristics have been carried out to study the conducting behavior of the prepared silver nanowires.
Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Micro-Tubes
Authors: Ranjith Kugalur Shanmugam , Kruthika B.S. , Rajendrakumar Ramasamy Thangavelu
Published: April 2013

ZnO microtubes were synthesized by two step process, (i) synthesis of ZnO microrods and (ii) etching the microrods to form microtubes. The ZnO microrods are synthesized by the simple solution growth method using the zinc chloride and hexamine as a precursors at around 95 °C. Using the KOH as the etchant the ZnO microrods have etched into ZnO microtubes. ZnO micro-tube formation was studied as a function of KOH concentration and etching time. At low KOH concentration the tubes were not completely etched whereas at higher concentration the tube walls were damaged. ZnO tubes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis spectrophotometer and room temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurement. From the UV absorption spectra and PL spectra reveals the presence (Oxygen vacancies related) of defect states due to KOH etching. The as-synthesized Zinc Oxide micro tubes have a diameter of ~600 nm, wall thickness of 30–40 nm, and length of ~7 μm. ZnO microtubes were tested as the catalyst for the photo degradation of the methylene blue (MB) dye. The result shows the photo degradation efficiency of the tubes are twice faster compared to that of rods, this is due to high surface area associated with the tubes.
ZnO Nanorods by a Simple Two Step Process
Authors: Bhagath  Singh W. , Aleyamma Alexander  , Joana May C.X. , Pricilla Mary  , Thiyagarajan K. , Dhayal Raj Alphonse , Suresh R. , Vasanth Kumar S.
Published: April 2013

Low-dimension materials such as nanobelts, nanowires and nanorods are being investigated for their superior properties and numerous applications. Among them, one-dimensional semiconductor ZnO, representing one of the most important low dimensional materials, finds its applications in many different fields such as sensors, solar cells, IR detectors, microelectronics, etc. Synthesis of nanostructures without any catalytic template, or using the self-catalytic behavior of the material would be of interest. In this work, ZnO nanorods have been synthesized by simple two step process without using any catalyst. This method provides an easy way to produce nanostructured metal oxides under normal conditions. The prepared samples were characterized by studying their structural, optical and morphological properties using X-Ray Diffraction, Photoluminescence and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The diameter of the prepared nanorods were around 20-30 nm¬. The room temperature Photoluminescence spectra of the ZnO nanorods shows a broad visible emission around 450–530 nm.
Effect of PEG on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Mn Doped ZnO Nanocrystals
Authors: Mote Vishwanath D. , Dole Babasaheb N.
Published: April 2013

Nanosized Mn doped ZnO samples were synthesized by co-precipitation method using Polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a capping agent. X- ray diffraction patterns confirm that the pure and Mn doped ZnO nanocrystals have wurtzite structure without any seconadary phases. Lattice parameters of pure and Mn doped ZnO nanocrystals increase slightly with increasing Mn concentration. The average crystalline size of pure and Mn doped ZnO nanocrystals are in the range of 14-18 nm. The X-ray density for pure and Mn doped ZnO sample is calculated using lattice parameters. It is found that almost static for Mn doped ZnO samples. In the Zn1-xMnx samples, room temperature magnetic hysteresis is observed and the saturation magnetization increases with increasing Mn content. However, these samples show room temperature ferromagnetic in nature. Result of the present investigation compared without PEG.
Electrochemical Synthesis and Characterization of Nano Poly(o-anisidine-co-ethyl 4-aminobenzoate)
Authors: Sasikumar Raman , Manisankar Paramasivam
Published: April 2013

Electroactive copolymer of o-anisidine and ethyl 4-aminobenzoate were synthesized in 1 M HClO4 using cyclic voltammetry on glassy carbon electrode. The copolymer was characterized by FT-IR spectral data. The surface morphology was studied using SEM analysis. The grain size of the copolymer was measured using XRD studies and was found to be 70 nm. The electrical conductivity of the copolymer was 3.14 ×10−3 S cm−1, as determined using a four-probe conductivity meter.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Nanosize Polypyrrole in Presence of Aqueous Surfactant Solutions
Authors: Anandha Raj Jayaraman , Sasikumar Raman , Sethupathy Malaisamy , Vedhi Chinnapiyan , Manisankar Paramasivam
Published: April 2013

Nano size Polypyrrole (PPY) was synthesized electrochemically in presence of three different surfactants namely CTAB, CSA and TTX-100. Cyclic voltammetric studies showed an irreversible oxidation of pyrrole in the presence of surfactants. The currents of the broad peak were 4.26mA, 5.3mA and 8.6mA for PPY/CTAB, PPY/CSA and PPY/TTY-100 respectively. The FT IR spectra of electrochemically synthesized PPY in presence and absence of surfactants were analyzed and the prominent peaks were assigned properly. The presence of N-H group in both cases suggests the presence of pyrrole units in the polymer. From the XRD results the particle sizes of all the four PPYs were determined and the values are as follows: PPY (34 nm), PPY/CSA (31 nm), PPY/CTAB (30nm), PPY/TTX-100 (29 nm). The PPY/TTX-100 exhibited highest electrical conductivity (2.04 ×10−3 S/cm) among other PPY synthesized (PPY/CTAB - 1.13 ×10−3 S/cm, PPY/CSA - 1.09×10−3 S/cm and PPY - 1.27 ×10−3 S/cm). SEM images of PPY/CSA showed agglomerated small polymeric fragments whereas PPY/CTAB showed large sized polymeric plates. Interestingly PPY/TTX–100 showed uniform hollow structure. The presence of surfactants has resulted in uniform polymer formation.
Structural, Thermal and Optical Properties of PVP Capped ZnO Films
Authors: Pandiyarajan Thangaraj , Karthikeyan B.
Published: April 2013

In the present work we report, synthesis, structural, thermal and optical properties of ZnO incorporated PVP films. To prepare Polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) capped ZnO films, simple room temperature sol gel method was adopted. Prepared PVP capped ZnO films were annealed at 800 C for 15 min and 30 min. X ray diffraction pattern shows prepared particles are in hexagonal wurtzite structure. Optical absorption measurements show an exciton absorption peak around ~ 370 nm. Emission spectra shows strong peaks around 329 and 333 nm are attributed to the band edge emission and broad peak found at 432 nm is attributed to the defect related emission. Thermal properties of the prepared films were studied by thermo gravimetric analysis. Interaction between the ZnO nanoparticles and PVP were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), it shows band at 441 cm-1 is attributed to Zn-O bond.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Studies of TiO2 – Pani Nanocomposite
Authors: Rajakani Paramasivam , Vedhi Chinnapiyan
Published: April 2013

Aniline was polymerized with TiO2 by chemical oxidation method using Potassium perdisulphate. The solubility of the chemically prepared polymer–ceramic nanocomposite was ascertained and it showed good solubility in DMSO and DMF. The Pani–TiO2 nanocomposite was characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR spectral studies. Amine vibration observed at 1593 cm-1 was shifted to lower wave numbers when the polymer–ceramic nanocomposites were formed. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed the formation of nano sized (26 nm) crystalline polymer. SEM analysis showed mixed granular nature of the polymer–ceramic nanocomposite. EDAX analysis shows the presence of Ti, C and N. Cyclic Voltammetric studies exhibit good adherent behaviour on electrode surface at pH 1.0. It showed the presence of oxidation peaks at 0.271V and 0.623V and reduction peaks at 0.832 and 0.493V. CV, Chronoamperometric and chronocoulometric studies were also carried out at inert as well as oxidation atmosphere.
Preparation and Characterization of Copper Dendrite Like Structure by Chemical Method
Authors: Senthil Kumaran Chinna Kannaiyan , Agilan Santhanam , Dhayalan Velauthapillai  , Muthukumarasamy Natarajan , Thambidurai Mariyappan , Ranjitha Arumugam , Balasundaraprabhu Rangasamy , Senthil Thottipalayam Subramaniyan
Published: April 2013

Abstract Copper particles are prepared at room temperature using a simple chemical method. The method used is capable of giving high yields. In this method sodium borohydride is used as a reducing agent and poly vinly pyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping reagent. The prepared copper particles are characterized by X-ray diffraction method and Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show the formation of dendrite like structures. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies also conform the formation of dendrite structures.
Efficient Delivery of Dexibuprofen Using Nanocrystals
Authors: Subramanian Natesan , Abimanyu Sugumanran , Chandra Sekar P. , Sivakumar Murugan , Yachamaneni Varun  , Vinoth Jeevanesan
Published: April 2013

The main aim of present study is to develop the nanocrystals as a viable drug delivery strategy for the improvement of dissolution rate and bioavailability of dexibuprofen. Dexibuprofen nanocrystals were prepared by the combination of precipitation and high shear homogenization method. Particle size and morphology of produced nanocrystals were compared with that of the pure drug. Particle size of nanocrystals is in the range of 95 to 117 nm were as 2.43µm for pure drug. Photomicrographs of phase contrast microscopy and the TEM showed the spherical shape of the nanocrystals. In-vitro drug release of dexibuprofen nanocrystals formulations was studied by dialysis bag method and observed the drug release of 92 to 100% within 6 hrs. Hence we conclude that the formulated nanocrystals may offer exciting opportunities for oral and other formulations.
Preparation and Characterization of Tungsten Trioxide (WO3) Thin Films
Authors: Lavanya Raveendran , Saroja Gandhimathinathan , Vasu Veerapandy
Published: April 2013

The thin films of WO3were prepared on cleaned microscopic glass substrates by the electron beam evaporation technique. The films were coated at room temperature using pure WO3pellets as source. The prepared films were further post heat treated at different temperatures (100°C to 350°C) for about 1hr in air. The optical properties of WO3 thin films were studied in detail. The increase in the density of the film as the annealing temperature increases have been confirmed by the transmittance spectra. The film annealed at 250°C shows a strong photoluminescence peak. The peak intensity is found to be less for all other temperature. The observed results were discussed in terms of crystalline nature of WO3.
Effect of Surface Morphology on the Performance of Natural Dye Sensitized TiO2 Thin Film Solar Cell
Authors: Senthil Thottipalayam Subramaniyan , Muthukumarasamy Natarajan , Agilan Santhanam , Balasundaraprabhu Rangasamy , Senthil Kumaran Chinna Kannaiyan
Published: April 2013

Nanocrystalline and flower like structured TiO2 thin films are prepared by sol-gel spin coating method. The prepared films are annealed at 450°C. Natural dyes are prepared from delonix regia flower and eugenia Jambolana fruit. The prepared natural dyes were sensitized into both nanocrystalline and flower like structured TiO2 thin films. The prepared solar cell was characterized by SEM, Uv-Vis spectroscopy and J-V characteristics. Conversion of solar light into electricity was successfully accomplished with both natural dye based solar cells. The best solar energy conversion efficiency (ƞ= 0.2%) was obtained for eugenia Jambolana dye sensitized flower like structured TiO2 thin film solar cell.