Network ensemble clustering using latent roles

We present a clustering method for collections of graphs based on the assumptions that graphs in the same cluster have a similar role structure and that the respective roles can be founded on implicit vertex types. Given a network ensemble (a collection of attributed graphs with some substantive commonality), we start by partitioning the set of all vertices based on attribute similarity. Projection of each graph onto the resulting vertex types yields feature vectors of equal dimensionality, irrespective of the original graph sizes. These feature vectors are then subjected to standard clustering methods. This approach is motivated by social network concepts, and we demonstrate its utility on an ensemble of personal networks of migrants, where we extract structurally similar groups and show their resemblance to predicted acculturation strategies.     

Transversality conditions for infinite horizon variational problems on time scales

We consider problems of the calculus of variations on unbounded time scales. We prove the validity of the Euler–Lagrange equation on time scales for infinite horizon problems, and a new transversality condition.     

In vitro evaluation of cytotoxic and inflammatory properties of silica nanoparticles of different sizes in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages

The biological response to four well-characterized amorphous silica nanoparticles was investigated in RAW 264.7 macrophages in view of their potential application as drug carriers to sites of inflammation. All silica nanoparticles-induced cell membrane damage, reduced metabolic activity, generated ROS and released various cytokines, but to different extents. Two silica nanoparticles of 34 nm (A and B) with different zetapotentials were more cytotoxic than (aggregated) 11 and 248 nm nanoparticles, while cytokines were mostly induced by the (aggregated) 11 nm and only one of the 34 nm nanoparticles (34A). The results indicate that specific silica nanoparticles may have counterproductive effects, for example when used as carriers of anti-inflammatory drugs. The physicochemical properties determining the response of nanoparticles vary for different responses, implying that a screening approach for the safe development of nanoparticles needs to consider the role of combinations of (dynamic) physicochemical properties and needs to include multiple toxicity endpoints.     

Search for direct photons from S-Au collisions at 200 GeV/nucleon

The CERES experiment has measured inclusive photon production in S-Au collisions of 200 GeV/nucleon at the CERN SPS. No evidence for direct emission of photons was found. For the kinematic region 2.1<y<2.65 and 0.4 GeV/c<p??<2.0 GeV/c the yield andp??-dependence of the observed photons are well reproduced by hadron decays. Furthermore, their production rate is found to be proportional to the charged particle density. The systematic errors comparing the measured and expected photon yield result in an upper limit of 14% for the emission of direct photons in central S-Au collisions. For a photon source with a yield depending quadratically on the charged particle density the limit can be reduced to 7%.     

Bi-directional terahertz emission from gold-coated nanogratings by excitation via femtosecond laser pulses

We report on the investigation of terahertz (THz) emission from gold-coated nanogratings (500 nm grating constant) upon femtosecond laser irradiation (785?nm, 150?fs, 1?kHz, ??1?mJ/pulse). Unlike common assumptions, THz emission is not only observed in case of rear side irradiation (through substrate (Welsh et al. in Phys. Rev. Lett. 98:026803, 2007; Welsh and Wynne in Opt. Express 17:2470?C2480, 2009)) of the nanograting, but also in case of front side excitation (through air). Furthermore in both cases, THz emission propagates in the direction of laser beam propagation and reverse. Based on these findings, we suggest a new approach to describe the newly observed phenomena. Using a highly sensitive and fast superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) as calorimeter, it was possible to directly measure the absolute energy of the emitted THz pulses in a defined spectral and spatial range, enabling for the first time a quantitative analysis of the THz emission process.     

Highly dynamic and versatile pulsed fiber amplifier seeded?by?a?superluminescence diode

We propose and investigate a high power superluminescence diode (SLD) as a pulsed seed source for a highly dynamic and versatile pulse fiber amplifier system. The SLD provides, contrary to conventional Fabry?CPérot laser diodes, a smooth and broad output spectrum which is independent of the input pulse parameters. The output pulses from the SLD are as short as 10?ns with up to 150?mW peak power. Moreover, the pulses can be directly shaped by modulating the injection current of the SLD. Pulse shaping in an amplifier configuration is demonstrated without the observation of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) due to the provided spectral bandwidth of 10?nm FWHM. Further spectral shaping was realized with a band pass filter in the amplifier chain.     

Electrolyte based on fluorinated cyclic quaternary ammonium ionic liquids

Ionic liquids, ILs, based on fluorinated pyrrolidinium and piperidinium ammonium cations and imide anion were prepared and characterized. The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of these ILs including melting point, glass transition and degradation temperatures, viscosity, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability were determined and compared to alkyl pyrrolidinium and piperidinium ILs. The incorporation of a CF₃ group instead of a CH₃ induces an increase of the IL viscosity, thus a conductivity decrease. However, good ionic conductivity is obtained with fluorinated pyrrolidinium IL. Cyclic amine ILs with propyl alkyl chain or fluorinated ammonium exhibit very high electrochemical stability toward oxidation. The effect of the addition of LiTFSI on the IL properties was studied with the same methodology.