Comments on "Particle Markov chain Monte Carlo" by C. Andrieu, A. Doucet, and R. Hollenstein

This is the compilation of our comments submitted to the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B, to be published within the discussion of the Read Paper of Andrieu, Doucet and Hollenstein.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure

AFM imaging and plasmonic detection of organic thin-films deposited on nanoantenna arrays

In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging has been used to reveal the preferential deposition of organic thin-films on patterned nanoantenna array surfaces - identifying the localised formation of both monolayer and multilayer films of octadecanethiol (ODT) molecules, depending on the concentration of the solutions used. Reliable identification of this selective deposition process has been demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge. Organic thin-films, in particular films of ODT molecules, were deposited on plasmonic resonator surfaces through a chemi-sorption process - using different solution concentrations and immersion times. The nanoantennas based on gold asymmetric-split ring resonator (A-SRR) geometries were fabricated on zinc selenide (ZnSe) substrates using electron-beam lithography and the lift-off technique. Use of the plasmonic resonant-coupling technique has enabled the detection of ODT molecules deposited from a dilute, micromolar (1 M) solution concentration - with attomole sensitivity of deposited material per A-SRR – a value that is three orders of magnitude lower in concentration than previously reported. Additionally, on resonance, the amplitude of the molecular vibrational resonance peaks is typically an order of magnitude larger than that for the non-resonant coupling. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy shows molecule specific spectral responses – with magnitudes corresponding to the different film thicknesses deposited on the resonator surfaces. The experimental results are supported by numerical simulation

Deposition of Organic Molecules on Gold Nanoantennas for Sensing

The deposition of organic molecules on gold nanoantennas is reported through chemisorption for sensing in the midinfrared (mid-IR) spectral range. The specific nanostructures are gold asymmetric-split ring resonators (A-SRRs) based on circular-geometry with two different ‘arc’ lengths. The plasmonic resonant coupling technique was used to match the vibrational responses of the targeted molecules for their enhanced detection. Gold nanostructures are functionalised through chemisorption of octadecanethiol (ODT) in ethanol solution. The molecular vibrational responses were measured using a microscope coupled Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The experimental findings are closely supported using FDTD simulation. The modified nanoantennas surfaces are capable of supporting wide range of organic-sensing applications

Reform of Education Tax Credit Provisions: Policy Considerations to Improve and Simply Benefits

This paper examines current law on the existing federal education tax credits and deductions used to pay post-secondary education costs as well as some of these reform proposals, including the 2005 Advisory Panel and 2010 National Commission’s recommendations as they relate to post-secondary education costs, as a basis for preparing tax reform recommendations to simplify the various education tax benefits. In addition, the authors propose a tax refund application that will assist taxpayers in repaying their federal student loans

Dual polarization operation of nanostructure arrays in the MIR region

In this paper, we report on arrays of asymmetric split H-shape nanostructures tuned to produce two distinct resonances at wavelengths that range from 3 μm to 7 μm. The electric-field of the incident wave has been both polarized parallel to the vertical asymmetric dipole arms and polarized across the 50 nm gap in the asymmetric horizontal bar. We have produced resonance quality factors as large as 26 in the mid-infrared region

Negative index fishnet with nanopillars formed by direct nano-imprint lithography

In this paper we demonstrate the ability to fabricate fishnets by nanoimprinting directly into a pre-deposited three layer metal–dielectric–metal stack, enabling us to pattern large areas in two minutes. We have designed and fabricated two different fishnet structures of varying dimensions using this method and measured their resonant wavelengths in the near-infrared at 1.45 μm and 1.88 μm. An important by-product of directly imprinting into the metal–dielectric stack, without separation from the substrate, is the formation of rectangular nanopillars that sit within the rectangular apertures between the fishnet slabs. Simulations complement our measurements and suggest a negative refractive index real part with a magnitude of 1.6. Further simulations suggest that if the fishnet were to be detached from the supporting substrate a refractive index real part of 5 and FOM of 2.74 could be obtained

Study of contamination sensors. Volume I - Executive summary report

Design criteria for automatic remotely indicating fluid contamination sensors, monitors, counters, and recorders and for sampling equipment and technique

Classroom Conversations About Race, Poverty and Social Status in the Aftermath of Katrina

This article addresses dialogue regarding issues of race, poverty and social inequalities in the wake of the New Orleans hurricane Katrina. Conversations were conducted in law school classrooms at Howard Law School and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law regarding the intersection of law and race, class, and poverty. The objective was not to have an abstract dialogue, but to help students develop a personal understanding of each student’s connection or lack of connection to the issues of race, class and poverty and their own choices about becoming a lawyer as it might relate to those issues. The goal was to create pathways for each student to engage in deeper discussion throughout his or her legal training and practice of law, as well as to contribute to a more tolerant and sensitive school environment

Computer case analysis from optometric data

Computer case analysis from optometric dat