Composite-two-phase wavelength reservation scheme for dynamic optical networks

An enhanced hybrid scheme of wavelength reservation for dynamic wavelength routed optical networks is proposed. The performance of a newly introduced composite-two-phase reservation protocol (C2P-RP) is evaluated and compared with the existing hybrid reservation protocol. By offering connection requests an enhanced scope of finding an end-to-end available wavelength, the C2P-RP scheme shows improved connection-request blocking performance.     

Effect of deposition time on optical and luminescence properties of ZnS thin films prepared by photo assisted chemical deposition technique

Photo assisted chemical deposition method (PCD) is a new procedure for the deposition of compound semiconducting materials which is less explored. In this method the deposition is carried out with the irradiation of UV light on the reaction bath. PCD scores advantages for its low cost, use of flexible substrates and capability of large area deposition compared to other chemical methods like chemical bath deposition (CBD), electro chemical deposition (ECD), etc. Zinc sulfide films have been deposited on glass substrate by aqueous alkaline solution comprised of zinc nitrate, hydrazine hydrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonia and thiourea. The samples were prepared under UV illumination for different durations and characterized. The thickness of the samples increases with the deposition time. XRD patterns revealed the crystalline nature of samples with more number of dips. Optical study showed a low absorbance and constant transparency throughout the visible region disclosing the stiochiometric nature of the film. Obtained band gap energies were in good agreement with the theoretical value. Photoluminescence spectra showed two blue emission bands around 450 and 470 nm, and the intensity was found to depend on the thickness of the films.     

Preparation of activated graphene and effect of activation parameters on electrochemical capacitance

Activation parameters such as temperature and the amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH) were varied during the synthesis of activated microwave-exfoliated graphite oxide (a-MEGO) and the effects of these parameters on the specific surface area of a-MEGO and electrochemical capacitance of a-MEGO electrodes were investigated. At 800 °C and a KOH/MEGO mass ratio of 6.5, a maximum specific surface area of 3100 m²/g was obtained and a high specific capacitance of 172 F/g (at 1 A/g constant current and 3.5 V maximal voltage) was measured in a two-electrode cell with a-MEGO electrodes in an organic electrolyte.     

Experimental investigations on high temperature transition of asphalt

Asphalt exhibits Newtonian, non-Newtonian and viscoelastic behavior as the temperature is varied. This investigation reports the temperature at which asphalt exhibits non-Newtonian to Newtonian transition. Air blown, blended asphalt and petroleum pitch were tested at different aging conditions. The temperature at which the material exhibited shear rate independent viscosity was taken as the transition temperature. The transition temperature varied with processing method and aging conditions. It was seen that blended asphalt exhibited greater increase in apparent viscosity during aging when compared to air blown asphalt, whereas air blown asphalt showed greater shift in transition temperature for the same aging conditions.     

A test of independence based on a generalized correlation function

In this paper, we propose a novel test of independence based on the concept of correntropy. We explore correntropy from a statistical perspective and discuss its properties in the context of testing independence. We introduce the novel concept of parametric correntropy and design a test of independence based on it. We further discuss how the proposed test relaxes the assumption of Gaussianity. Finally, we discuss some computational issues related to the proposed method and compare it with state-of-the-art techniques.     

Electrodeposition and properties of nanocrystalline ZnO films prepared in the presence of anionic surfactant SDS and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate

ZnO thin films were potentiostatically electrodeposited on transparent tin oxide conducting glass substrates at ?1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in the presence of anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and hydrophobic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate [bmim][CH₃SO₄]. X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation confirm the formation of nanocrystalline and stoichiometric ZnO thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results reveal that the grain size of the deposited ZnO film is reduced from 85 to 28 nm when small amount of ionic liquid is added to the deposition bath. Photoluminescence study at room temperature shows a clear absorption edge in the ultra violet (UV) region confirming the high quality, nanocrystalline and stoichiometric nature of the deposited ZnO films.     

Chemical bath deposition of different phases of copper selenide thin films by controlling bath parameters

In the preparation of copper selenide thin films using chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique, it is observed that the pH of the final reacting mixture is the major factor controlling the composition of the film. Thin films of cubic Cu_2−xSe and tetragonal Cu₃Se₂, of band gaps 2.20 and 2.83 eV, respectively, have been prepared using the CBD technique by adjusting the bath parameters like pH, temperature and the ratio between copper and selenium atoms in the reaction bath. X-ray diffraction analysis is used as the major tool for identification of these phases. The results have been confirmed using XPS, ICP and absorption studies.     

Structural analysis of p185c-neu and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases: oligomerization of kinase domains

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p185c-neu proteins associate as dimers to create an efficient signaling assembly. Overexpression of these receptors together enhances their intrinsic kinase activity and concomitantly results in oncogenic cellular transformation. The ectodomain is able to stabilize the dimer, whereas the kinase domain mediates biological activity. Here we analyze potential interactions of the cytoplasmic kinase domains of the EGFR and p185c-neu tyrosine kinases by homology molecular modeling. This analysis indicates that kinase domains can associate as dimers and, based on intermolecular interaction calculations, that heterodimer formation is favored over homodimers. The study also predicts that the self-autophosphorylation sites located within the kinase domains are not likely to interfere with tyrosine kinase activity, but may regulate the selection of substrates, thereby modulating signal transduction. In addition, the models suggest that the kinase domains of EGFR and p185c-neu can undergo higher order aggregation such as the formation of tetramers. Formation of tetrameric complexes may explain some of the experimentally observed features of their ligand affinity and hetero-receptor internalization.     

Characteristics of brush plated ZnTe thin films

Zinc telluride thin films were deposited by the brush plating technique at a potential of −0.90 V (SCE) on conducting glass and titanium substrates at different temperatures in the range 30–90°C. The films were polycrystalline in nature with peaks corresponding to the cubic phase. Direct band gap of 2.30 eV was observed. XPS studiers indicated the formation of ZnTe. Depth profiling studies indicated a uniform distribution of Zn and Te throughout the entire thickness. EDAX measurements were made on the films and it was found that there was a slight excess of Te.     

Aloe vera incorporated biomimetic nanofibrous scaffold: a regenerative approach for skin tissue engineering

Aloe vera (AV) is one of the medicinal herbs with a well-established spectrum of wound healing, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory property. AV-mediated therapeutics present significant tissue regenerative activity by modulating the inflammatory and proliferative phases of wound healing. The purpose of the present work was to combine the biological properties of AV and the advantages of electrospun meshes to prepare a potent transdermal biomaterial. The polycaprolactone (PCL) containing 5 and 10 wt % of lyophilized powder of AV was studied for electrospinning into nanoscale fiber mats and compared with PCL/Collagen blend for dermal substitutes. SEM revealed the average diameters of PCL, PCL-AV 5 %, PCL-AV 10 % and PCL/Collagen nanofiber scaffolds in the range of 519 ± 28, 264 ± 46, 215 ± 63 and 249 ± 52 nm, respectively. PCL-AV 10 % nanofiber scaffolds showed finer fiber morphology with improved hydrophilic properties and higher tensile strength of 6.28 MPa with a Young’s modulus of 16.11 MPa desirable for skin tissue engineering. The nanofibers were then used to investigate differences in biological responses in terms of proliferation and cell morphology of mice dermal fibroblasts. It was found that PCL-AV 10 % nanofibrous matrix favored cell proliferation compared to other scaffolds which almost increased linearly by (p ≤ 0.01) 17.79 % and (p ≤ 0.01) 21.28 % compared to PCL on sixth and ninth day. CMFDA dye expression, secretion of collagen and F-actin expression were significantly increased in PCL-AV 10 % scaffolds compared to other nanofibrous scaffolds. The obtained results proved that the PCL-AV 10 % nanofibrous scaffold is a potential biomaterial for skin tissue regeneration.