bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light Propagation in Proton-Exchanged LiNbO3 Waveguides
Authors: Čtyroký J.
Published: November 2016

Light propagation in X-cut LiNbO3 waveguides fabricated by proton exchange is analyzed theoretically. Simple formulae are given for both (real) effective refractive indices and leaky mode loss of guided and leaky modes. An example of dispersion and loss curves for a typical proton-exchanged waveguide is presented. The similarities and differences with respect to titanium-indiffused and out-diffused LiNbO3 waveguides are pointed out.
Wavelength Stabilization of a GaAlAs Semiconductor Laser by Use of an Integrated-Optic Fabry-Perot-Interferometer
Authors: Strobel O.
Published: November 2016

The wavelength of a GaAlAs semiconductor laser has been locked for the first time to an integrated-optic LiNbO3 Fabry-Perot-Interferometer. By use of a feedback loop to the injection current, the laser wavelength was stabilized to within a value of the order of 10-9 by an integration time of 30 ms.
Intensity-Independent Frequency Stabilization of Semiconductor Lasers Using a Fiber Optic Fabry-Perot Resonator
Authors: Wölfeischneider H. , Kist R.
Published: November 2016

A frequency stabilization system for semiconductor lasers is described which makes use of a Fiber-Fabry-Perot (FFP) as frequency reference element. The FFP is fabricated from a 3 cm length piece of monomode fiber thus allowing for a compact “all fiber” packaging of the optical part of the system. The electronics includes laser diode and FFP temperature stabilization (± 1 mK) as well as a laser current modulation technique with phase sensitive detection and current control in order to stabilize the laser wavelength to the peak of the FFP transmission curve. Stability of 500 kHz (peak to peak) with respect to the FFP reference is demonstrated as well as insensitivity of this stabilization against substantial variations of the optical intensity coupled into the system.
Theory. Bandwidth Calculation in Actual Multimode Fibers
Authors: Bernoux F. , Parriaux O.
Published: November 2016

A numerical technique based on finite differences is used for solving the vectorial wave equation in circular multimode fibers presenting an arbitrary index profile. This method provides fast and accurate results on the fiber bandwidth in analysis as well as in synthesis of optimum index profiles.
Measurements. Bandwidth Reproducibility of Spliced-Fiber Links Measured in Frequency Domain
Authors: Diaz de la Iglesia R.
Published: November 2016

This article reports the dependence of baseband response amplitude of spliced-fiber links, as far as the baseband response of individual fibers included in each particular link is concerned. The measurements are made in frequency domain and the bandwidth reproducibilities are evaluated from the amplitude response measurements. As a main conclusion, it seems not to be necessary to measure the baseband response characteristics of spliced fiber links in the field, if measurements are previously carried out on individual fibers.
Systems. An Analog High-Performance Transfer-Stabilized Fiber-Optic Transmission System for Baseband Video Signals
Authors: Jong L. P. de , Nordholt E. H.
Published: November 2016

A low-cost video baseband transmission system using analog light-intensity modulation with an 850 nm LED compensated for nonlinearity is presented. A very low- noise current amplifier at the input of the receiver and a high-dynamic range automatic gain control provide a transmission system that can accomodate more than a 20 dB difference in optical losses without any adjustment. At the receiver input, a 100 nW (- 40 dBm) optical signal is required for surveillance transmission quality. The transmitter delivers an optical signal power of - 18 dBm to a 50 pm graded-index fiber. The differential gain and phase of the system lie below 2% and 1°, respectively.
Integrated Optics. Modulation Behaviour of Integrated Optical Directional Couplers
Authors: Schlaak H. F.
Published: November 2016

The modulation characteristics of integrated optical directional couplers have been analyzed theoretically and supported by experiments. Two new effects influencing the modulation behaviour arc presented: the intrinsic mismatch Δβ0 due to unequal waveguides and Δκ-effect, i.e. the electrooptic variation of the coupling coefficient κ. Couplers with special modulation characteristics can be designed by combining all modulation effects.
Integrated Optics. An Optical Arbiter Module
Authors: Shimizu Nobuo , Kawashima Nobuo
Published: November 2016

ATTL driving optical arbiter module which consists of a hybrid combination of optical devices has been fabricated to demonstrate the performance of a parallel data processing arbiter. The optical arbiter module is assembled by a ten-port guided-wave optical arbiter circuit, fiber-connected laser diodes and fiber-connected avalanche photo diodes. Optical arbitration is shown through connecting ten processors to this module. It is confirmed that priority is decided by the connected input terminal position when many processors request common resource use simultaneously. Applying feasibility for parallel signal processing systems is verified by using this prototype optical arbiter module.
Modal Noise. Modal Noise in Multimode Fiber Links with Distributed Mode-Selective Losses
Authors: Koonen A. M. J.
Published: November 2016

Distributed mode-selective losses in a multimode fiber transmission link cause an accumulation of modal noise. A theory has been developed which gives an approximation of the signal-to-noise ratio at the end of the link due to the accumulated modal noise; it shows how this ratio is improved by mode-coupling in the fiber.
Feedforward Equalizers for MDM–WDM in Multimode Fiber Interconnects
Authors: Masunda Tendai , Amphawan Angela
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we present new tap configurations of a feedforward equalizer to mitigate mode coupling in a 60-Gbps 18-channel mode-wavelength division multiplexing system in a 2.5-km-long multimode fiber. The performance of the equalization is measured through analyses on eye diagrams, power coupling coefficients and bit-error rates.
Sustained Benefits of Growth Hormone on Body Composition, Fat Utilization, Physical Strength and Agility, and Growth in Prader-Willi Syndrome are Dose-Dependent
Authors: Carrel Aaron L. , Myers Susan E. , Whitman Barbara Y. , Allen David B.
Published: November 2016

Background: Obesity and hypotonia in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are accompanied by abnormal body composition resembling a growth hormone (GH) deficient state. Hypothalamic dysfunction in PWS includes decreased GH secretion, suggesting a possible therapeutic role for GH treatment. While recent studies have demonstrated short-term benefits of treatment with GH, a critical question is whether beneficial changes persist or wane with prolonged therapy, and whether these effects on body composition are dose-dependent as seen in adult GH deficiency.

Objectives and Methods: After 24 months of GH theapy at a dose of 1 mg/m2/day (“standard dose”), the effects of 12 additional months of GH treatment at varying doses (0.3-1.5 mg/m2/day) on growth, body composition, strength and agility, pulmonary function, resting energy expenditure (REE), and fat utilization were assessed in 46 children with PWS. Percent body fat, lean muscle mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Indirect calorimetry was used to determine REE and to calculate respiratory quotient (RQ).

Results: During months 24-36 of GH therapy, further changes in body composition (decrease in fat mass, and increase in lean body mass), growth velocity, and REE occurred with standard and higher-dose GH therapy (1.5 mg/m2/day), but not with lower dose GH (0.3 mg/m2/day). Prior improvements in BMD, and strength and agility, which occurred during the initial 24 months, were sustained during the additional 12 months (to 36 months) regardless of dose.

Conclusions: Salutary and sustained . GH- induced changes in growth, body composition, and physical function in children with PWS require GH doses of >0.3 mg/m2/day. Conversely, BMD increased during the additional 12 months of therapy regardless of GH dose. Lower doses of GH, effective in improving body composition in adults with GHD, do not appear to be effective in children with PWS.
Insufficient Adrenarche in Patients with Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency Caused by a PROP A Gene Defect
Authors: Voutetakis A. , Livadas S. , Sertedaki A. , Maniati-Christidi M. , Dacou-Voutetakis C.
Published: November 2016

Adrenarche was evaluated in five patients, aged 17.4 ± 3 years, with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), caused by a PROP-1 gene defect. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were determined prior to and following the administration of corticotropinreleasing hormone (CRH) in four of the five patients, while only basal values of ACTH, cortisol and DHEAS were determined in the fifth. In the four patients in whom a CRH test was carried out, the mean basal values of cortisol, ACTH and DHEAS were 289 ±140 nmol/1, 4.5 ±1.7 μmol/1 and 0.26 ± 0.36 μmol/1, respectively. The corresponding post-CRH peak values were 584 ± 204 μmol/1, 12.7 ± 3.9 μmol/1 and 0.43 ± 0.41 μmol/1. In the fifth patient, basal ACTH, cortisol and DHEAS values? were 4 μmol/1, 411 μmol/1, and 2.33 μmol/1, respectively. Thus the basal and post CRH values of DHEAS (a marker of adrenarche) were low for age, while basal and post-CRH cortisol and ACTH values were within normal limits. For the interpretation of these findings two hypotheses can be proposed: 1) The PROP-1 gene is only expressed in the pituitary, and the role of PROP-1 is related to the maturation of the cells which synthesize the presumed adrenal androgen stimulating hormone (AASH). 2) The PROP-1 gene is also expressed in the adrenal cortex and, when defective, the zona reticularis does not function appropriately. Regardless of the interpretation involved, patients with CPHD caused by a PROP-1 gene defect also have insufficient adrenarche. This finding has possible important pathophysiological implications.
Syndrome of Congenital Adrenocortical Unresponsiveness to ACTH. Report of Six Patients
Authors: Berberoglu Merih , Aycan Zehra , Öcal Gönül , Begeot Martine , Naville Danielle , Akar Nejat , Adiyaman Pelin , Evliyaoglu Olcay , Penhoat Armelle
Published: November 2016

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) or unresponsiveness to ACTH at the receptor level is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary syndrome characterized by a low cortisol level despite high serum ACTH concentration. Aldosterone levels are normal. The clinical entity generally presents in the first year of life with skin hyperpigmentation and hypoglycemic convulsions. Cortisol response to exogenous ACTH is also absent. Unresponsiveness to ACTH may be due to a mutation in the ACTH receptor; sometimes no mutation is found. We discuss the clinical and laboratory findings and genetic studies in six patients with a diagnosis of FGD. A homozygous V142L mutation was detected in three of the patients and a homozygous D103N mutation was detected in two patients.
Maternal and Fetal Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I), IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3), Leptin Levels and Early Postnatal Growth in Infants Born Asymmetrically Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Orbak Zerrin , Darcan Şükran , Çoker Mahmut , Gökşen Damla
Published: November 2016

This study was planned to investigate the relationship between birth weight and insulinlike growth factor-I (IGF-I),IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and leptin levels in neonates with normal growth (appropriate for gestational age: AGA) and retarded growth (small for gestational age: SGA); and to evaluate these growth factors’ effects in early postnatal growth. All newborns were full-term: gestational age 38-41 weeks. Of 50 neonates, 25 were SGA. IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels were measured in maternal serum and venous cord blood at birth and at 15 days of life of neonates using specific RIAs. Maternal serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher than cord blood leptin concentrations (p <0.001). Maternal serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels did not show correlations with birth weight. In contrast, there were significantly positive correlations between birth weight and venous cord blood IGF- I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels (p <0.001). In the SGA group, the newborns with a slow postnatal growth pattern had lower umbilical cord serum IGF-I levels compared with newborns with a normal growth pattern. A similar result was also found in the AGA group. Similar results were not found for serum leptin and IGFBP-3.

In conclusion, cord blood IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels play an important role in the regulation of fetal and neonatal growth. It is likely that IGF-I has a more important role than the other factors in early postnatal growth.
Recombinant Growth Hormone Treatment in Short Patients with Thalassemia Major: Results after 24 and 36 Months
Authors: Cavallo L. , Acquafredda A. , Zecchino C. , De Sanctis V. , Cistemino M. , Nicoletti M. Caruso , Galati M. , Massolo F.
Published: November 2016

Treatment with recombinant growth hormone (rhGH), 0.6 IU/kg/week s.c., previously successfully conducted for one year, was continued in 15 (Group A) and 8 (Group B) short thalassemia major patients with reduced GH reserve, for two and three years, respectively. In Group A, height for chronological: age (Ht SDSca) increased significantly (p = 0.021) from the start of treatment, but the positive effect was only apparent because of the concomitant slight worsening of height for bone age (Ht SDSba). Median AHt SDScA/AHt SDSba was <1.0 with respect to both the start (0.87) and the end of the first year of rhGH therapy (0.89). IGF-I levels increased significantly (p = 0.043) compared with values both at the start and at the end of the first year of rhGH therapy. In Group B neither Ht SDSca : nor Ht SDSba differed statistically from starting values, the former having a positive trend and the latter a negative one. Median AHt SDScA/AHt SDSba was 0.92 with respect to the start, and 0.94 with respect to the end of the second year. IGF-I levels increased significantly (p = 0.043) with respect to starting values. Our data show that the encouraging results described from the first year of rhGH treatment did not persist during the second and third years, and we conclude that this is because increase in bone age with continued treatment is equal to, or slightly greater than the height age increase. We propose that patients with thalassemia major with short stature should receive rhGH treatment for only one year, and that more prolonged treatment should be reserved for selected adolescents who have psychological problems due to shortness; for these patients growth acceleration could represent the main goal, even if this leads to a substantially unchanged or slightly decreased final height.
Profiles of Obese Children Presenting for Metabolic Evaluation
Authors: Anavian Jack , Brenner Dennis J. , Fort Pavel , Speiser Phyllis W.
Published: November 2016

Background: Obesity, increasingly prevalent among children, causes major morbidities, among which is earlier onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: We reviewed charts of children aged 3 to 18 years (n=106). The population was divided into four age groups. Anthropomorphic measurements, family history, diet and exercise patterns, and selected endocrine/metabolic measurements were recorded, and descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results: Obesity in one or both parents correlated with a higher percent of ideal body weight (IBW) (p=0.01). Fifty-eight percent of the children had first- or second-degree relatives with a history of type 2 DM; 9% had relatives with type 1 DM. Fifty-four percent had dieted and exercised regularly. Mean onset of obesity was at 4.2 ± 0.9 years. Mean cholesterol was elevated at 176 mg/dl. Average BMI was 26.6 in the youngest children (Group 1; normal mean for this age ~15.5), and increased to 37.8 in adolescents (Group 4; normal mean ~21). Elevated TSH was present in <1% of the population. The number of patients with an abnormal insulin: glucose ratio (>1:4) increased with age.

Conclusions: Childhood obesity in children is correlated with family histories of obesity and DM. Thyroid dysfunction is seldom found, although mild hypercholesterolemia and insulin insensitivity are prevalent, especially among adolescents.
Neonatal Goiter Caused by Expectorant Usage
Authors: Bostancı Ilknur , Sanoglu Akile , Ergin Hacer , Akşit Arif , Cinbiş Mine , Aklın Necdet
Published: November 2016

A female newborn was admitted with the symptoms of mild respiratory distress, protruding tongue, hypotonicity, cutis marmorata, sclerema, myxedema, abdominal distension, and feeding problems on the first day of life. She had a huge neck mass, a large anterior and posterior fontanel, and hoarse cry. She had no umbilical hernia or jaundice. A history of maternal potassium iodine (expectorant) usage without doctor’s advice was obtained; the mother had not attended a clinic throughout the pregnancy. On ultrasonographic examination, the thyroid right lobe was 53x31 mm and the left lobe was 34x31 mm. The results of thyroid hormone tests on the first day were as follows: T3 20 ng/dl (normal: 32-216 ng/dl), T4 0.9 μg/dl (11.8-22.6 μg/dl), TSH 120 mIU/1 (2.5-13.3 mIU/1). This patient is presented to emphasize the role of hypothyroidism in drug-induced neonatal goiter and to discuss the possibility of a life-threatening effect of congenital goiter, i.e. respiratory tract obstruction.
Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Pasquino A.M. , Albanese A. , Bozzola M. , Butler G.E. , Buzi F. , Cherubini V. , Chiarelli F. , Cavallo L. , Drop S.L.S. , Stanhope R. , Kelnar C.J.H.
Published: November 2016

Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is a term used to describe the status of children with short stature that cannot be attributed to a specific cause. Many children diagnosed as having ISS have partial GH insensitivity, which can result from disturbances at various points of the GH-IGF-I axis. Several clinical studies on spontaneous growth in ISS showed that adult height was almost in the range of target height. GH treatment led to adult height not significantly higher than the pretreatment predicted adult height in most reports. No metabolic side effects have been observed, even when the dose was higher than in GH deficiency. Manipulation of puberty with gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues reported by a few authors in a small number of children has shown conflicting results. Long-term psychological benefits of GH therapy for short normal children have not been demonstrated to date.
Current Concepts in Tall Stature and Overgrowth Syndromes
Authors: Drop S.L.S. , Greggio N. , Cappa M. , Bernasconi S.
Published: November 2016

In this overview an update is given on the pathogenesis, classification and differential diagnosis of overgrowth syndromes. In addition, height prognosis and therapeutic modalities available for managing mainly constitutional tall stature are discussed. Constitutional tall stature comprises normal variants in which one or both parents are tall. Primary disorders may have a prenatal onset and may be of chromosomal or genetic origin. Secondary overgrowth syndromes are most often the result of hormonal disturbances. Height prediction plays a key role in the management of tall children. Prediction equation models have been developed based on the growth data of healthy tall children. There is general agreement that a favourable effect on reducing ultimate height is obtained using high doses of sex steroids (girls 100-300 μg ethinyl- oestradiol; boys testosterone (T) ester depot preparations 250-1000 mg/month), the height reduction being greater when the treatment is started at a lower chronological and/or bone age. An alternative is the induction of puberty with low doses of sex steroids (girls 5-50 μg ethinyloestradiol; boys T esters 25-50 mg/m2/3 wk). In addition orthopaedic procedures have been suggested, but there is limited experience. Although psychosocial factors constitute the main reason for treating tall stature, extensive psychological investigations before or during height limiting therapy are lacking. Moreover, there are no objective data indicating lifelong psychosocial damage resulting from being tall.
Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Argente J. , Abusrewil S.A.S. , Bona G. , Chiarelli F. , Kelnar C.J.H. , Skordis N.
Published: November 2016

Although it is difficult to reach international agreement on the definition of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children and adolescents, great efforts to do so have been made during the last two decades. A somewhat limited definition of GHD is: a combination of auxological, clinical, biochemical and metabolic abnormalities caused by lack or insufficiency of GH secretion that results in a decrease in the production of GH-dependent hormones and growth factors. Its aetiology is very complex. Therefore, specific studies must be performed during different periods of childhood (neonatal, prepubertal and pubertal periods). Auxological parameters, particularly growth velocity (GV), are still considered the best clinical measures for analysing human growth. The spectacular advances in our understanding of molecular biology during the past twenty years have allowed, and will continue to allow, a more and more precise diagnosis of the molecular anomalies of human growth. This will, in turn, allow changes caused by genetic lesions to be more efficiently distinguished from those due to nutritional, organic, tumoural, psychological or traumatic causes. Our knowledge of the molecular bases of undergrowth due to a deficiency in GH has developed as a result of the localisation and characterisation of human genes which code for proteins implicated in the hormonal regulation of growth. These genes include pituitary GH (GH1), pituitary transcription factor 1 (Pit-1), the prophet of Pit-1 (PROP-1), the pituitary; transcription factor LHX3, the transcription factor HESX1 and the GH-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHr). In addition, magnetic resonance imaging is the best available imaging method for the evaluation of size and structure of the pituitary and the parasellar region.
Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency: Management of Puberty for Optimal Auxological Results
Authors: Stanhope R. , De Luca F. , Delemarre-Van de Waal H.A. , Liotta A. , Noijavaara E. , Salvatoni A. , Wu F.
Published: November 2016

The overview in this paper focuses on ways of achieving optimal auxological results in puberty, principally in idiopathic and congenital multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD), suggested by the co-authors. We agreed that diagnosing gonadotrophin insufficiency/deficiency is difficult in young children and should be repeated in late prepuberty, but a firm diagnosis of MPHD helps avoid endocrine re-testing at the end of growth. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis must be reassessed periodically in evolving endocrinopathies, though current practice varies widely. Optimum age to induce puberty is 11-12 years in girls and 13-14 boys, and sex steroids are the preferred agents. Short-course testosterone to increase micropenis size is advantageous, but inducing early testicular maturation is not known to improve later fertility. There is also little evidence for increasing the dose of GH during puberty, though therapy should continue to final height, and possibly until peak bone mass is achieved. Delaying puberty is an option in septo-optic dysplasia, and minimising the dose of hydrocortisone is crucial in treating ACTH/ cortisol insufficiency. Many unresolved questions remain in this difficult area.
The prominence of spoken language elements in a sign language
Authors: Bank Richard , Crasborn Onno , van Hout Roeland
Published: November 2016

Code-blendsin sign languages consist of simultaneously articulated manual signs and spoken language words. These “mouthings” (typically silent articulations) have been observed for many different sign languages. The present study aims to investigate the extent of such bimodal code-mixing in sign languages by investigating the frequency of mouthings produced by deaf users of Sign Language of the Netherlands (NGT), their co-occurrence with pointing signs, and whether any differences can be explained by sociolinguistic variables such as regional origin and age of the signer. We investigated over 10,000 mouth actions from 70 signers, and found that the mouth and the hands are equally active during signing. Moreover, around 80 % of all mouth actions are mouthings, while the remaining 20 % are unrelated to Dutch. We found frequency differences between individual signers and a small effect for level of education, but not for other sociolinguistic variables. Our results provide genuine evidence that mouthings form an inextricable component of signed interaction. Rather than displaying effects of competition between languages or spoken language suppression, NGT signers demonstrate the potential of the visual modality to conjoin parallel information streams.
Differential equations associated with generalized Bell polynomials and their zeros
Authors: Ryoo Seoung Cheon
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we study differential equations arising from the generating functions of the generalized Bell polynomials.We give explicit identities for the generalized Bell polynomials. Finally, we investigate the zeros of the generalized Bell polynomials by using numerical simulations.
Concept of experimental preparation for treating dentin hypersensitivity
Authors: Tanasiewicz Marta , Gibas Mirosław , Skucha-Nowak Małgorzata , Twardawa Henryk , Machorowska-Pieniążek Agnieszka
Published: November 2016

Background

Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a diagnostic and therapeutic problem that is now appearing more frequently in modern dentistry. The aim of this work was to elaborate formulation of a new, original desensitizing preparation with prolonged action based on the knowledge of similar commercializations and to compare their performance in vitro.

Methodology

The analyses were performed with the aid of NMR spectroscopy. The experimental and commercial preparations were examined in vitro after thermocycling on human teeth by optical microscopy. The presence of the material on tooth tissue, its ability to penetrate into the tooth structure and its layer thickness were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

A detailed knowledge on composition of commercial material was achieved from spectroscopic measurements. A new adhesive monomer was synthesized and incorporated into an experimental desensitizing formulation. The new monomer appeared to have comparable performance to the commercial one when regarding the affinity to tooth tissue and resistance to thermocycling.

Conclusions

The experimental formulation comprising a new adhesive monomer seems to be promising and could be applied in dental practice providing that biocompatibility is satisfactory.
Growth and characterization studies of a novel luminescent acetate-bridged barium(II) complex: poly[(μ-diacetato)(tetraphthalato)pentabarium(II)]
Authors: Soumya Mol Ushakumari S. , Nair Remya M. , Drisya Ravikumar , Satheesh Chandran Prasanna R. , Sudarsanakumar Malieyeckal R. , Ng Seik Weng , Prathapachandra Kurup Malieyeckal R.
Published: November 2016

A novel coordination polymer, poly[(μ-diacetato)(tetraphthalato)pentabarium(II)], with acetate bridged moiety has been successfully grown by gel diffusion technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the compound crystallizes in triclinic space group
Harvesting the loss: surface plasmon-based hot electron photodetection
Authors: Li Wei , Valentine Jason G.
Published: November 2016

Although the nonradiative decay of surface plasmons was once thought to be only a parasitic process within the plasmonic and metamaterial communities, hot carriers generated from nonradiative plasmon decay offer new opportunities for harnessing absorption loss. Hot carriers can be harnessed for applications ranging from chemical catalysis, photothermal heating, photovoltaics, and photodetection. Here, we present a review on the recent developments concerning photodetection based on hot electrons. The basic principles and recent progress on hot electron photodetectors are summarized. The challenges and potential future directions are also discussed.
Crystal structure of poly-[triaqua-(μ4-5′-carboxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,3,3′-tricarboxylate-κ6
O
1,O
2:O
3,O
4:O
5:O
6)praseodymium(III), C16H13O11Pr
Authors: Li Rong Fang , Liu Xin Fang , Feng Xun
Published: November 2016

C16H13O11Pr, triclinic, P1̅, a = 6.915(3) Å, b = 10.895(4) Å, c = 11.644(4) Å, α = 94.137(5)°, β = 101.152(5)°, γ = 96.831°, V = 850.61(5) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0352, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0737, T = 293(2)K.
Crystal structure of bis(μ-nitrato-κ2
O:O)-bis[1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane-κ2
P,P′]disilver(I) dicloromethane monosolvate, C54H64B20Cl4O6P4Ag2
Authors: Yanfei Wang , Xin Wang , Qianqian Gao , Liguo Yang
Published: November 2016

C54H64B20Cl4O6P4Ag2, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 10.1200(10) Å, b = 11.9101(11) Å, c = 14.4999(15) Å, α = 86.432(2)°, β = 80.670(1)°, γ = 84.031(2)°, V = 1713.4(3)Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0535, wRref(F2) = 0.1544, T = 298 K.
Crystal structure of N,N-diethyl-5-bromo-3,4-dihydro-2,4-dioxopyrimidine-1(2H)-carboxamide, C9H12BrN3O3
Authors: Wu Guang-Hui , Shi Xian-Bo , Lian Yu-Feng , Xiang Hua-Bin , Xiong Jing
Published: November 2016

C9H12BrN3O3, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 12.0359(15) Å, b = 5.4815(6) Å, c = 20.1931(18) Å, β = 120.780(5)°, V = 1144.6(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0234, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0984, T = 298(2) K.
Crystal structure of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylthiourea, C9H11ClN2S
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Smith Keith , Alshammari Mohammed B. , Hegazy Amany S. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: November 2016

C9H11ClN2S, monoclinic, Pc (no. 7), a = 14.8440(4) Å, b = 7.2002(2) Å, c = 10.0920(2) Å, β = 99.733(2)°, V = 1063.10(5) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0399, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1099, T = 296(2) K.
Solution of time fractional Black-Scholes European option pricing equation arising in financial market
Authors: Ravi Kanth A.S.V. , Aruna K.
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we present fractional differential transform method (FDTM) and modified fractional differential transform method (MFDTM) for the solution of time fractional Black-Scholes European option pricing equation. The method finds the solution without any discretization, transformation, or restrictive assumptions with the use of appropriate initial or boundary conditions. The efficiency and exactitude of the proposed methods are tested by means of three examples.
Effect of equilibration time on the properties of reheat blown 2L pet bottles
Authors: Kim S.L.
Published: November 2016

Thermal gradients in the walls of polyester parisons play a major role in determining the morphology and superstructure in the walls of the stretch blow molded bottles. This is associated with both the variation in material characteristics with temperature and the greater stretch ratios on the inner surface of the bottle. The influence of thermal equilibration time following a constant preheating period on bottle appearance, void content, oxygen permeability and other bottle characteristics was studied.
Dynamics, heat transfer and structure development in tubular film extrusion of polymer melts: a mathematical model and predictions
Authors: Kanai Toshitaka , White James L.
Published: November 2016

A theoretical model of the dynamics, heat transfer and crystallization processes in tubular film extrusion is presented. It is presumed that the polymer melts flow behavior is dominated by the temperature dependence of its rheological properties, as opposed to the specific rheological model used to represent it. Specifically we presume the melt is a Newtonian fluid with a temperature dependent viscosity, characterized by an activation energy of viscous flow E. The shape of the bubble and radius and film thickness profiles are primarily influenced by E. Crystallization makes a second order correction. Detailed comparisons are made to experimental investigations for low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene and generally good agreement is found.
A Stochastic Dynamics Simulation of Viscoelastic Properties of Polymer Blends: Intermolecular Interaction Effects
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Choi Kyoungsei , Ho Jo Won
Published: November 2016

Stochastic dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the viscoelastic properties of polymer blends. In this simulation, three model systems with different intermolecular interactions are used to examine the effect of intermolecular interaction on the viscoelastic properties of polymer blends. Structural information such as the radius of gyration, orientation factor and radial distribution function of polymers is calculated from computer simulations as a function of shear rate and then is related to simulated viscoelastic properties of polymer blends. The effect of intermolecular interaction on the viscosity becomes different depending upon the magnitude of shear rate. At lower shear rate regions, more attractive intermolecular interaction results in lower viscosity due to chain stretching. But, at higher shear rate regions, more attractive interaction results in higher viscosity due to more dense packing of chains induced by the intermolecular attraction.
Structure-Property Relationships of Poly(Butylene Terephthalate)/Polyolefin Blends
Authors: Lee D.S. , Doo J.K. , Kim B. , Kim J.
Published: November 2016

Structure-property relationships of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) / polyolefin (PO) (80/20) blends modified by a reactive compatibilizer, ethylene-acrylic ester-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (BAG), were investigated as part of studies on toughening of PBT. POs used for the study were ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), whose deformabilities were different at room temperature. It was observed that the particle size of PO in the discrete phase was the smallest when the EAG content was 8~12 wL%. Shear viscosity of the blends increased as the particle size was decreased. It seems that the morphology and rheological properties of the blends were affected by graft copolymers formed in situ from EAG and PBT during melt mixing. Brittle-tough transition of impact strength of the PBT/EPR/EAG blends was observed when the EAG content was increased from 0 to 4 wt% at room temperature. However, blends of PBT/LDPE/EAG and PBT/HDPE/EAG showed brittle-tough transition with increasing the EAG content from 8 wt% to 12 wt%. It is postulated that toughening of the PBT depends on the deformability of the discrete PO particle as well as its size.
Friction and Wear of Rubber Compounds Containing Powdered Polynorbornene Vulcanizate
Authors: Kaang Shinyoung , Cho Jaepyoung , Kim Seungjai , Nah Changwoon , Cho Choon Tack
Published: November 2016

An investigation on the frictional performance of a natural rubber compound containing polynorbomene (PN) vulcanizate powder was carried out at various temperatures between -20°C and 60°C. The glass transition temperature, Tg, of the PN vulcanizate was 15°C. At temperatures below its Tg, the frictional coefficient of the composite significantly increased to the extent of 10% with a 10 phr addition of PN vulcanizate powder, while the wear rates were not greatly affected. The wear behavior of the composite was strongly dependent on the frictional work input.
Properties of Flame-Retarding Blends of Polycarbonate and Poly(Acrylonitrile-butadiene-Styrene)
Authors: Jung Hyun Chul , Kim Woo Nyon , Lee Chang Ryong , Suh Kwang S. , Kim Sung-Ryong
Published: November 2016

Limiting oxygen index (LOI) value, glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal degradation profile, morphology, and tensile strength and elongation at break of the flame-retarding polycarbonate (PC)-poly(acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene) (ABS) (7/3) blends were studied. The flame retardants used were huntite-hydromagnetite compounds (HHM), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), zinc stannate, and antimony trioxide. The LOI values were increased with the increase of TPP content, but they did not change significantly when the HHM was used as a flame retardant Glass transition temperatures of the flame-retarding PC-ABS (7/3) blends were decreased significantly when TPP was added to the blends. This is mainly due to the plasticizing effect of the TPP on the PC-ABS (7/3) blends. In the flame-retarding PC-ABS (7/3) blends, the LOI value, tensile strength, and elongation at break were measured and found to be 24.6 - 31.6%, 41.4 - 50.3 MPa, and 2.16 - 33.7%, respectively. These LOI values and mechanical properties were achieved when the TPP, zinc stannate, and antimony trioxide were used as flame retardants, and when dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt and dimethylsulfone were used as additives into the PC-ABS (7/3) blends.
Flame-Retarding Properties of a New Phosphorus- Containing Monomer Used as Hardener in an Epoxy System
Authors: La Rosa A.D. , Failla S. , Finocchiaro P. , Recca A. , Siracusa V. , Carter J.T. , McGrail P.T.
Published: November 2016

A new ortho-hydroxy-aryl-phosphonate additive was used to improve the flame resistance of an epoxy/anhydride system. Thermal, rheological, L.O.l. and SEM experiments were carried out to show that the P-additive acts not only as a flame retardant but also as a curing agent.
On the Flow of a Polymer Melt Passing Over a Transverse Slot
Authors: Wu G.H. , Chen C.K. , Ju S.H.
Published: November 2016

The phenomenon of hole pressure occurs whenever a polymeric or viscoelastic liquid flows over a depression in a conduit wall. Numerical simulations undertaken for the flow of an aqueous polyacrylamide melt passing over a transverse slot arc considered here. The fluid model used for this study is a White-Metzner constitutive equation describing the non-Newtonian behavior of the melt. The results were computed by an elastic-viscous split-stress finite clement method (EVSS-FEM). a mixed finite clement method incorporating the non-consistent streamline upwind scheme. For verification, the numerical algorithm was first applied to compute the corresponding flow of the upper-convected Maxwell fluid model, a special case of the Whitc-Metzner model characterized by constant viscosity and relation time. The resulting hole pressure (Ph) was evaluated for various Deborah numbers (De) and compared with the analytical prediction derived from the Higashitani-Pritchard (HP) theory. The agreement was found to be satisfactory for creeping flow in the low De range, for which the HP theory is valid. Subsequently, the hole pressure of this flow problem was predicted. The streamlines and pressure distribution along the channel walls arc also presented. Furthermore, the effects of fluid elasticity, shear thinning, the exponent in the viscosity function and the relaxation-time function, and slot geometry on the hole pressure were investigated.
Recent Advances of the Asymmetric Bisazo Derivatives of Arsenazo and Phosphonazo as Chromogenic Reagents in Analytical Chemistry
Authors: Pan Jiao-Mai , Hsu Chung-Gin , Ou Zhong-Ping
Published: November 2016

The asymmetric bisazo derivatives of Arsenazo and Phosphonazo have been widely used as chromogenic reagents in spectrophotometric determination of thorium, uranium, rare earth elements and other heavy metals. They exhibit advantages over the symmetric reagents such as Arsenazo m and Chlorophosphonazo III both in sensitivity and selectivity. The following is a brief introduction and short review on these reagents concerning their structures, analytical characteristics, synthesis, purification and application. 182 references mainly published in the past decade are presented.
Complex effects of apoplexy secondary to pituitary adenoma
Authors: Zhang Rui-Cheng , Mu Ying-Feng , Dong Jing , Lin Xiao-Qian , Geng De-Qin
Published: November 2016

Pituitary adenoma apoplexy is a well-known clinical syndrome induced by insulin infusion, cardiac surgery, trauma, and hypothalamic releasing factors. Pituitary apoplexy can cause secondary cerebral infarct and internal carotid artery occlusion. With blockade of tumor perfusion, apoplexy triggers a sudden onset of headache, visual impairment, cranial nerve palsy, disturbances of consciousness, eyelid ptosis, and hemiparesis. However, pituitary adenoma cells with high metabolic demand cannot survive with deficient blood supply and glucose concentrations. Moreover, a number of case reports have shown that spontaneous remission of syndromes, such as acromegaly, may be caused by pituitary adenoma after apoplexy. Therefore, understanding mechanism that underlies the balance between pituitary adenoma apoplexy and subsequent spontaneous remission of syndromes may suggest new approaches for treatment of pituitary adenoma apoplexy.
Sprachökonomie und Natürlichkeit im Bereich der Morphologie
Authors: Werner Otmar
Published: November 2016

The concept of linguistic “naturalness” and “natural change” has its origin in phonology: there it now not only involves the simplification of “difficult” sounds, but also phonotactic reductions which then in turn can produce highly marked units. In the ‘Eighties’, the theory of “morphological naturalness” was then put forward, with the initial postulate that all natural morphological change aims at 1 : 1 agglutination and iconic representation of the contents. Inflection which is fused and opaque on the surface is considered to be the result of disrupting sound change. Following this view, phonological naturalness and morphological naturalness stand in permanent conflict with one another. Later revisions of these proposals tried to close the gap between theory and real morphological change but continued to assume that simplicity and uniformity of the system were the aim. Arguing against these approaches, 1 propose that a good morphological theory should be able to account for increases and reductions in morphological complexity, diversity and irregularity in its own terms. This can he achieved by using conceptions of sign-theory and language economy based on both the language system and its usage with its different and changing frequencies. These are crucial in deciding whether a word-stem and its inflection are to be more condensed and therefore more irregular (up to root inflection and suppletion) or more expanded and regular (up to agglutination or syntactic; chains). A theory which upholds these principles of economy and thus more closely reflects the realities of morphological change would to my mind - if we want to use the term at all - better deserve the epithet “natural”.
The Hermeneutic Principles of Linguistics from the Viewpoint, of Linear Phonology
Authors: Bennett W. A.
Published: November 2016

There is in general an accord between linguists as to the major principles used for the analysis of language. These are the compass, consistency, and economy of analyses. It can he shown that linear phonology encompasses more of its own units, phonemes, than match the speaker’s use; economises more in rules than speakers do in each style of speech; and are caused by the linguist’s ideal of economy to violate the principle of consistency by using “near-minimal” contrast where there is no minimal pair.

The principles for linguists must be defined on the human being and not simply on data functioning at a single linguistic level.
L’emploi de l’article dans le syntagme préposition + nom dans les langues roumaine et albanaise
Authors: Vătășescu Cătălina
Published: November 2016

Der Beitrag bringt eine vergleichende Darstellung über den Gebrauch des Substantivs mit bestimmtem Artikel oder ohne Artikel nach Akkusativpräpositionen im Rumänischen und Albanischen.

In Anbetracht der das Rumänische betreffenden Forschungsergebnisse wird auch für das Albanische eine mögliche Systematisierung im Gebrauch der Substantivformen mit oder ohne Artikel nach vorangehender Präposition vorgeschlagen.

Unter Rücksichtnahme auf den weiteren Kontext der präpositionalen Wortgruppe wird auf folgende Elemente eingegangen : die syntaktische Funktion des präpositionalen Syntagmas, der allgemeine oder absolute Wert des Substantivs, der Sinn des durch das präpositionale Syntagma bestimmten Elements.
Erklärung und Prognose von Sprachwandel
Authors: Keller Rudi
Published: November 2016

Roger Lass (1980) holds that at present there are no intellectually satisfying concepts for explaining linguistic change. In this article Lass’ hypothesis and his arguments are discussed and a type of explanation for language change is outlined t hat meets the requirements for a satisfying theory and that is not invalidated by Lass’ arguments against explanations of linguistic change: the ‘invisible hand’ model.

As an example the disappearance of German englisch in the sense of angelic is analysed in terms of the invisible hand model and it. is shown

(i) that this is an explanation in the strict sense of “explanation”,

(ii) that language change is not predictable in a strict sense, and

(iii) that nevertheless this is no contradiction to Lass’ correct statement that explanation implies prediction.
Zur Situation der deutschen Sprache heute
Authors: Fleischer Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

Mit dem Blick auf die über die Germanistik hinausreichende Bedeutung der dynamischen Funktionsweise der deutschen Sprache in Staaten mit unterschiedlicher Gesellschaftsordnung wird dein Konzept der ‘nationalen Varietäten’, das von dem Konzept der ‘nationalen Varianten’ abgehoben wird, unter Betonung der Einheit des Diasystems der Gesamtsprache der Vorzug gegeben. Die ‘plurizentrische’ Entfaltung des Deutschen wird insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Anpassung an die Bedürfnisse der sozialistischen Gesellschaft als Bereicherung betrachtet. In bezug auf die sprachlichen Beziehungen zwischen den deutschsprachigen Staaten wird eine Wechselwirkung von Innovations- und Beharrungstendenzen, von Differenzierungs- und Ausgleichsprozessen, von Ausstrahlung und Übernahme konstatiert.
Aktuelle Probleme der Beschreibung politischer Wortbedeutungen
Authors: Schäffner Christina , Fischer Eberhard , Herting Beate
Published: November 2016

Research on political vocabulary has a long tradition in GDR linguistics. Early works, however, could not provide a convincing explanation, due mainly to the stage of development of lexicon theory. From a textual and discursive perspective two topical questions are dismissed: (i) the question of „ideological naming polarities“ in the present time, and (ii) the role of intertextuality for understanding the specific use of a word. Consequences for describing political word meanings are presented. They are taken as temporary semantic consolidations. Text word-token, text word-type and lexicon-word are distinguished as three types of meaning, i.e. as differently enriched representations of knowledge which are closely interrelated.
Thomas Müntzer und die deutsche Sprache
Authors: Schildt Joachim
Published: November 2016

Thomas Müntzer’s language work, particularly effective from 1523 to 1525, is dealt with from two aspects. On the one hand, it is integrated into tendencies of language development of his time; it can be shown that Müntzer-whether consciously or not - contributed to the process of levelling and selection of the various literary languages of that time - the prerequisite to the development of a national literary language. On the other hand, it is described how Müntzer-like other personalities powerful of expression in the time of the Reformation and the Peasants’ War-used specific language means to make himself understood by the broad masses of the people in his revolutionary ideas based on the Bible. Trained in ancient rhetoric, he fell back upon means of spoken language and thus gave his language a “popular” character in the true sense of the word.