IRIS: Efficient Visualization, Data Analysis and Experiment Management for Wireless Sensor Networks

The design of ubiquitous computing environments is challenging, mainly due to the unforeseeable impact of real-world environments on the system performance. A crucial step to validate the behavior of these systems is to perform in-field experiments under various conditions. We introduce IRIS, an experiment management and data processing tool allowing the definition of arbitrary complex data analysis applications. While focusing on Wireless Sensor Networks, IRIS supports the seamless integration of heterogeneous data gathering technologies. The resulting flexibility and extensibility enable the definition of various services, from experiment management and performance evaluation to user-specific applications and visualization. IRIS demonstrated its effectiveness in three real-life use cases, offering a valuable support for in-field experimentation and development of customized applications for interfacing the end user with the system

Structural and magnetic characterization of batch-fabricated nickel encapsulated multi-walled carbon nanotubes

We report on the growth and fabrication of Ni-filled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni-MWNTs) with an average diameter of 115 nm and variable length of 400 nm-1μm. The Ni-MWNTs were grown using template-assisted electrodeposition and low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) techniques. Anodized alumina oxide (AAO) templates were fabricated on Si using a current controlled process. This was followed by the electrodeposition of Ni nanowires (NWs) using galvanostatic pulsed current (PC) electrodeposition. Ni NWs served as the catalyst to grow Ni-MWNTs in an atmosphere of H2/C2H2 at a temperature of 700º C. Time dependent depositions were carried out to understand the diffusion and growth mechanism of Ni-MWNTs. Characterization was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) milling, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). TEM analysis revealed that the Ni nanowires possess a fcc structure. To understand the effects of the electrodeposition parameters, and also the effects of the high temperatures encountered during MWNT growth on the magnetic properties of the Ni-MWNTs, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements were performed. The template-based fabrication method is repeatable, efficient, enables batch fabrication and provides good control on the dimensions of the Ni-MWNT

High-Resolution Genome-Wide Dissection of the Two Rules of Speciation in Drosophila

Postzygotic reproductive isolation is characterized by two striking empirical patterns. The first is Haldane's rule—the preferential inviability or sterility of species hybrids of the heterogametic (XY) sex. The second is the so-called large X effect—substitution of one species's X chromosome for another's has a disproportionately large effect on hybrid fitness compared to similar substitution of an autosome. Although the first rule has been well-established, the second rule remains controversial. Here, we dissect the genetic causes of these two rules using a genome-wide introgression analysis of Drosophila mauritiana chromosome segments in an otherwise D. sechellia genetic background. We find that recessive hybrid incompatibilities outnumber dominant ones and that hybrid male steriles outnumber all other types of incompatibility, consistent with the dominance and faster-male theories of Haldane's rule, respectively. We also find that, although X-linked and autosomal introgressions are of similar size, most X-linked introgressions cause hybrid male sterility (60%) whereas few autosomal introgressions do (18%). Our results thus confirm the large X effect and identify its proximate cause: incompatibilities causing hybrid male sterility have a higher density on the X chromosome than on the autosomes. We evaluate several hypotheses for the evolutionary cause of this excess of X-linked hybrid male sterility

X-ray diffraction and electron parametric resonance investigations on the fluorite material Y0.25Ti0.15Zr0.6O2-x

The compound Y0.25Ti0.15Zr0.6O2-x, to be used as an anode material in solid oxide fuel cells, was synthesized by coprecipitation. X-ray diffraction after sintering at different temperatures revealed no single-phase material up to 1500 degreesC but indicated two fluorites with different lattice parameters. The inhomogeneity of the material arose from a cation demixing process around 1100-1200 degreesC, leading to an intermediate fraction of a pyrochlore phase. After reduction in Ar/4% H-2 at 1000 degreesC, a small decrease (about 0.1%) in the lattice parameter was observed. The electron paramagnetic resonance measurements on reduced samples showed the occurrence of Ti3+ ions in at least two sites. Possible reasons for the decrease of the lattice parameter after reduction are discussed

MULTICHANNEL QUANTUM DEFECT THEORY OF THE FORMYL RADICAL

Author Institution: Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta State University; Department of Chemistry, Purdue University; Department of Chemistry, National University of Ireland; Laboratoire de Photophysique Molecular du CNRS, Universite Paris SudThe high Rydberg states of the formyl radical (HCO) have been examined in great detail by means of double-resonance spectroscopy of vibrationally autoionizing states. Simulations utilizing the Rydberg formula have described these states in terms of a phenomological quantum defect ($\delta$). We have used these assignments as a guide in applying the multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT) to HCO. The current calculations include intensity as well as energy considerations, and will serve as a further guide toward the development of a complete polyatomic MQDT formalism

The transition probabilities from the ground state to the excited J 0 1Sigma u levels of H2 Measurements and ab initio quantum defect study

Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich. - This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively

The transition probabilities from the ground state to the excited J = 0 ^1Σu^+ levels of H_2

Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich. - This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively