The effect of cell size and channel density on neuronal information encoding and energy efficiency

Identifying the determinants of neuronal energy consumption and their relationship to information coding is critical to understanding neuronal function and evolution. Three of the main determinants are cell size, ion channel density, and stimulus statistics. Here we investigate their impact on neuronal energy consumption and information coding by comparing single-compartment spiking neuron models of different sizes with different densities of stochastic voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels and different statistics of synaptic inputs. The largest compartments have the highest information rates but the lowest energy efficiency for a given voltage-gated ion channel density, and the highest signaling efficiency (bits spike(-1)) for a given firing rate. For a given cell size, our models revealed that the ion channel density that maximizes energy efficiency is lower than that maximizing information rate. Low rates of small synaptic inputs improve energy efficiency but the highest information rates occur with higher rates and larger inputs. These relationships produce a Law of Diminishing Returns that penalizes costly excess information coding capacity, promoting the reduction of cell size, channel density, and input stimuli to the minimum possible, suggesting that the trade-off between energy and information has influenced all aspects of neuronal anatomy and physiology.

Aluminium coated carbon nanotube film for wavelength-selective surface

We report selective optical reflectance in an aluminium (Al) coated flexible carbon nanotube (CNT) thin film over a wide range of wavelengths (500-2500 nm). Selective-wavelength surface is achieved by coating CNT surfaces with Al thin film that presented a maximum optical reflectivity of similar to 65% in the infrared region. However, CNT film alone showed a reflectance of 15-20% over a larger range of wavelengths without any structural modification, which has not been realized so far. Moreover, a tailorable reflectance in CNT is shown to be achieved by tuning various parameters, namely, the porosity of the material, angle of an incident light, and refractive index of the materials. Owing to higher infrared reflectivity and thermal diffusivity, Al coated CNT presents a potential for a high efficiency solar collector. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

Observation of trap-assisted space charge limited conductivity in short channel MoS2 transistor

We present temperature dependent I-V measurements of short channel MoS2 field effect devices at high source-drain bias. We find that, although the I-V characteristics are ohmic at low bias, the conduction becomes space charge limited at high V-DS, and existence of an exponential distribution of trap states was observed. The temperature independent critical drain-source voltage (V-c) was also determined. The density of trap states was quantitatively calculated from V-c. The possible origin of exponential trap distribution in these devices is also discussed. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

Engineered spin-valve type magnetoresistance in Fe3O4-CoFe2O4 core-shell nanoparticles

Naturally occurring spin-valve-type magnetoresistance (SVMR), recently observed in Sr2FeMoO6 samples, suggests the possibility of decoupling the maximal resistance from the coercivity of the sample. Here we present the evidence that SVMR can be engineered in specifically designed and fabricated core-shell nanoparticle systems, realized here in terms of soft magnetic Fe3O4 as the core and hard magnetic insulator CoFe2O4 as the shell materials. We show that this provides a magnetically switchable tunnel barrier that controls the magnetoresistance of the system, instead of the magnetic properties of the magnetic grain material, Fe3O4, and thus establishing the feasibility of engineered SVMR structures. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

Image reconstruction enables high resolution imaging at large penetration depths in fluorescence microscopy

Imaging thick specimen at a large penetration depth is a challenge in biophysics and material science. Refractive index mismatch results in spherical aberration that is responsible for streaking artifacts, while Poissonian nature of photon emission and scattering introduces noise in the acquired three-dimensional image. To overcome these unwanted artifacts, we introduced a two-fold approach: first, point-spread function modeling with correction for spherical aberration and second, employing maximum-likelihood reconstruction technique to eliminate noise. Experimental results on fluorescent nano-beads and fluorescently coated yeast cells (encaged in Agarose gel) shows substantial minimization of artifacts. The noise is substantially suppressed, whereas the side-lobes (generated by streaking effect) drops by 48.6% as compared to raw data at a depth of 150 mu m. Proposed imaging technique can be integrated to sophisticated fluorescence imaging techniques for rendering high resolution beyond 150 mu m mark. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

Predictability of nonstationary time series using wavelet and EMD based ARMA models

Research has been undertaken to ascertain the predictability of non-stationary time series using wavelet and Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) based time series models. Methods have been developed in the past to decompose a time series into components. Forecasting of these components combined with random component could yield predictions. Using this ideology, wavelet and EMD analyses have been incorporated separately which decomposes a time series into independent orthogonal components with both time and frequency localizations. The component series are fit with specific auto-regressive models to obtain forecasts which are later combined to obtain the actual predictions. Four non-stationary streamflow sites (USGS data resources) of monthly total volumes and two non-stationary gridded rainfall sites (IMD) of monthly total rainfall are considered for the study. The predictability is checked for six and twelve months ahead forecasts across both the methodologies. Based on performance measures, it is observed that wavelet based method has better prediction capabilities over EMD based method despite some of the limitations of time series methods and the manner in which decomposition takes place. Finally, the study concludes that the wavelet based time series algorithm can be used to model events such as droughts with reasonable accuracy. Also, some modifications that can be made in the model have been discussed that could extend the scope of applicability to other areas in the field of hydrology. (C) 2013 Elesvier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation on non-exchange spring behaviour and exchange spring behaviour: A first order reversal curve analysis

The First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) method has been utilised to understand the magnetization reversal and the extent of the irreversible magnetization of the soft CoFe2O4-hard SrFe12O19 nanocomposite in the nonexchange spring and the exchange spring regime. The single peak switching behaviour in the FORC distribution of the exchange spring composite confirms the coherent reversal of the soft and hard phases. The onset of the nucleation field and the magnetization reversal by domain wall movement are also evident from the FORC measurements. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

An early in-situ stress signature of the AlN-Si pre-growth interface for successful integration of nitrides with (111) Si

The integration of Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) grown group III-A nitride device stacks on Si (111) substrates is critically dependent on the quality of the first AlN buffer layer grown. A Si surface that is both oxide-free and smooth is a primary requirement for nucleating such layers. A single parameter, the AlN layer growth stress, is shown to be an early (within 50 nm), clear (<0.5 GPa versus > 1GPa), and fail-safe indicator of the pre-growth surface, and the AlN quality required for successful epitaxy. Grain coalescence model for stress generation is used to correlate growth stress, the AlN-Si interface, and crystal quality. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

Excellent Performance of Few-Layer Borocarbonitrides as Anode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Borocarbonitrides (BxCyNz) with a graphene-like structure exhibit a remarkable high lithium cyclability and current rate capability. The electrochemical performance of the BxCyNz materials, synthesized by using a simple solid-state synthesis route based on urea, was strongly dependent on the composition and surface area. Among the three compositions studied, the carbon-rich compound B0.15C0.73N0.12 with the highest surface area showed an exceptional stability (over 100cycles) and rate capability over widely varying current density values (0.05-1Ag(-1)). B0.15C0.73N0.12 has a very high specific capacity of 710mAhg(-1) at 0.05Ag(-1). With the inclusion of a suitable additive in the electrolyte, the specific capacity improved drastically, recording an impressive value of nearly 900mAhg(-1) at 0.05Ag(-1). It is believed that the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer at the interface of BxCyNz and electrolyte also plays a crucial role in the performance of the BxCyNz .

Electric field activated nonlinear anisotropic charge transport in doped polypyrrole

Electric field activated nonlinear transport is investigated in polypyrrole thin film in both in-plane and out-of-plane geometries down to 5 K and strong anisotropy is observed. A morphological model is suggested to explain the anisotropy through inter-chain and intra-chain transport. The deviation from the variable range hopping at low temperature is accounted by fluctuation assisted transport. From Zabrodaskii plots, it is found that electric field can tune the transport from insulating to metallic regime. Glazman-Matveev model is used to describe the nonlinear conduction. Field scaling analysis shows that conductance data at different temperature falls on to a single curve. Nonlinearity exponent, m(T) and characteristic length, L-E are estimated to characterize the transport in both the geometries. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

Macromolecular Crystallography in India in the Global Context

The most spectacular applications of crystallography are currently concerned with biological macromolecules like proteins and their assemblies. Macromolecular crystallography originated in England in the thirties of the last century, but definitive results began to appear only around 1960. Since then macromolecular crystallography has grown to become central to modern biology. India has a long tradition in crystallography starting with the work of K. Banerjee in the thirties. In addition to their contributions to crystallography, G.N. Ramachandran and his colleagues gave a head start to India in computational biology, molecular modeling and what we now call bioinformatics. However, attempts to initiate macromolecular crystallography in India started only in the seventies. The work took off the ground after the Department of Science and Technology handsomely supported the group at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1983. The Bangalore group was also recognized as a national nucleus for the development of the area in the country. Since then macromolecular crystallography, practiced in more than 30 institutions in the country, has grown to become an important component of scientific research in India. The articles in this issue provide a flavor of activities in the area in the country. The area is still in an expanding phase and is poised to scale greater heights.

Autocatalytic duplex Ni-P/Ni-W-P coatings on AZ31B magnesium alloy

Autocatalytic duplex Ni-P/Ni-W-P coatings were deposited on AZ31B magnesium alloy using stabilizer free nickel carbonate bath. Some of the coated specimens were passivated in chromate solution with and without heat treatment. Plain Ni-P coatings were also prepared for comparison. Coatings were characterized for their surface morphology, composition and corrosion resistance. Energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDX) showed that the phosphorous content in the Ni-P coating is 6 wt.% and for Ni-W-P it reduced to 3 wt.% due to the codeposition of tungsten in the Ni-P coating. Marginal increase in P and W contents was observed on passivated coupons along with Cr (0.18 wt.%) and O (2.8 wt.%) contents. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) examination of these coating surfaces exhibited the nodular morphology. Chromate passivated surfaces showed the presence of uniformly distributed bright Ni particles along with nodules. Potenfiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies were carried out in deaerated 0.15 M NaCI solution to find out the corrosion resistance of the coatings. Among the coatings developed, duplex-heat treated-passivated (duplex-HIP) coatings showed lower corrosion current density (i(corr)) and higher polarization resistance (R-p) indicating the improved corrosion resistance. The charge transfer resistance (R-ct) value obtained for the duplex-HIP was about 170 times higher compared to that for Ni P coating. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Azide/thiocyanate incorporated cobalt(III)-Schiff base complexes: Characterizations and catalytic activity in aerobic epoxidation of olefins

Reaction of cobalt(II) perchlorate hexahydrate with a potentially tetradentate Schiff base ligand, HL (2-methoxy-6-(2-diethylaminoethylimino)methyl]phenol) in presence of sodium azide and sodium thiocyanate yields two complexes Co( L)( HL)(N-3)]center dot ClO4 ( 1) and Co( L)( HL)(NCS)] center dot ClO4 ( 2); both being characterized by different physicochemical methods. Crystal structure of 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction while that of 2 was reported earlier. In 1, the central cobalt(III) adopts slightly distorted octahedral geometry with same donor set to that of 2. Catalytic efficacy of the complexes towards epoxidation of different alkenes under aerobic condition were investigated in homogeneous medium which reveals that 1 is better catalyst than 2 with respect to alkene oxidation, reflected from the turn over frequencies (TOF) measured at an optimum temperature of 60 degrees C in acetonitrile. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of ultrasonic treatment on surface crystallization of calcium bismuth borate glasses

Transparent glasses in CaO-Bi2O3-B2O3 system were fabricated via the conventional melt-quenching technique. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) carried out on the as-quenched samples confirmed their amorphous and glassy nature respectively. The surface crystallization behaviour of these glasses with and without ultrasonic surface treatment (UST) was monitored using XRD, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The volume fraction, depth of crystallization and the (001) orientation factor for the heat treated samples with and without UST were compared. The ultrasonically-treated samples on subsequent heat treatment were found to crystallize at lower temperatures associated with the highest degree of orientation factor (0.95) in contrast with those of non-UST samples. These surface crystallized glasses were found to exhibit nonlinear optical behaviour emitting green light (532 nm) when they were exposed to the infrared radiation (1064 nm) using Nd:YAG laser.

Ranking of global climate models for India using multicriterion analysis

Eleven GCMs (BCCR-BCCM2.0, INGV-ECHAM4, GFDL2.0, GFDL2.1, GISS, IPSL-CM4, MIROC3, MRI-CGCM2, NCAR-PCMI, UKMO-HADCM3 and UKMO-HADGEM1) were evaluated for India (covering 73 grid points of 2.5 degrees x 2.5 degrees) for the climate variable `precipitation rate' using 5 performance indicators. Performance indicators used were the correlation coefficient, normalised root mean square error, absolute normalised mean bias error, average absolute relative error and skill score. We used a nested bias correction methodology to remove the systematic biases in GCM simulations. The Entropy method was employed to obtain weights of these 5 indicators. Ranks of the 11 GCMs were obtained through a multicriterion decision-making outranking method, PROMETHEE-2 (Preference Ranking Organisation Method of Enrichment Evaluation). An equal weight scenario (assigning 0.2 weight for each indicator) was also used to rank the GCMs. An effort was also made to rank GCMs for 4 river basins (Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi and Cauvery) in peninsular India. The upper Malaprabha catchment in Karnataka, India, was chosen to demonstrate the Entropy and PROMETHEE-2 methods. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was employed to assess the association between the ranking patterns. Our results suggest that the ensemble of GFDL2.0, MIROC3, BCCR-BCCM2.0, UKMO-HADCM3, MPIECHAM4 and UKMO-HADGEM1 is suitable for India. The methodology proposed can be extended to rank GCMs for any selected region.