The interrogation and multiplexing of long period grating curvature sensors using a Bragg grating based, derivative spectroscopy technique

A long period grating is interrogated with a fibre Bragg grating using a derivative spectroscopy technique. A quasi-linear relationship between the output of the sensing scheme and the curvature experienced by the long period grating is demonstrated, with a sensitivity of 5.05 m and with an average curvature resolution of 2.9 × 10-2 m-1. In addition, the feasibility of multiplexing an in-line series of long period gratings with this interrogation scheme is demonstrated with two pairs of fibre Bragg gratings and long period gratings. With this arrangement the cross-talk error between channels was less than ± 2.4 × 10-3 m-1.

The nitric oxide-donating pravastatin derivative, NCX 6550 [(1S-[1α(βS*, δS*), 2α, 6α, 8β-(R*), 8aα]]-1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-β, δ, 6-trihydroxy-2-methyl-8-(2-methyl-1-oxobutoxy)-1-naphtalene-heptanoic acid 4-(nitrooxy)butyl ester)], reduces splenocyte adhesion and reactive oxygen species generation in normal and atherosclerotic mice

Statins possess anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to their ability to slow atherogenesis, whereas nitric oxide (NO) also influences inflammatory cell adhesion. This study aimed to determine whether a novel NO-donating pravastatin derivative, NCX 6550 [(1S-[1∝(ßS*,dS*),2∝,6a∝,8ß-(R*),8a∝]]-1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-ß,δ,6-trihydroxy-2-methyl-8-(2-methyl-1-oxobutoxy)-1-naphthalene-heptanoic acid 4-(nitrooxy)butyl ester)], has greater anti-inflammatory properties compared with pravastatin in normal and atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E receptor knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. C57BL/6 and ApoE-/- mice were administered pravastatin (40 mg/kg), NCX 6550 (48.5 mg/kg), or vehicle orally for 5 days. Ex vivo studies assessed splenocyte adhesion to arterial segments and splenocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. NCX 6550 significantly reduced splenocyte adhesion to artery segments in both C57BL/6 (8.8 ± 1.9% versus 16.6 ± 6.7% adhesion; P < 0.05) and ApoE-/- mice (9.3 ± 2.9% versus 23.4 ± 4.6% adhesion; P < 0.05) concomitant with an inhibition of endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. NCX 6550 also significantly reduced phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced ROS production that was enhanced in isolated ApoE-/- splenocytes. Conversely, pravastatin had no significant effects on adhesion in normal or ApoE-/- mice but reduced the enhanced ROS production from ApoE-/- splenocytes. In separate groups of ApoE-/- mice, NCX 6550 significantly enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxation to carbachol in aortic segments precon-tracted with phenylephrine (-logEC50, 6.37 ± 0.37) compared with both vehicle-treated (-logEC50, 5.81 ± 0.15; P < 0.001) and pravastatin-treated (-logEC50, 5.57 ± 0.45; P < 0.05) mice. NCX 6550 also significantly reduced plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels (648.8 pg/ml) compared with both vehicle (1191.1 pg/ml; P < 0.001) and pravastatin (847 ± 71.0 pg/ml; P < 0.05) treatment. These data show that NCX 6550 exerts superior anti-inflammatory actions compared with pravastatin, possibly through NO-related mechanisms.

Thermal degradation of a brominated bisphenol a derivative

The thermal degradation of 2,6,2',6'-tetrabromo-4,4-pm-isoproylidene-di phenol (tetrabromobisphenol A) (TBBPA) has been investigated and a mechanism for its thermal degradation is suggested. TBBPA is a comonomer widely used in epoxy and in unsaturated polyester resins to impart fire retardance. These resins find a common use in electric and electronic equipment. The presence of bromine atoms is the key factor in fire retardant activity, while on the other hand it represents an ecological problem when pyrolytic recycling is programmed at the end of the useful life of such items. However, pyrolysis is the more advantageous recycling system for thermosetting resins and thus efforts should be made to control the pyrolysis in order to avoid or minimize the development of toxics. Homolytic scission of the aromatic bromine and condensation of aromatic bromine with phenolic hydroxyl are the main processes occuring in the range 270-340°C. A large amount of charred residue is left as a consequence of condensation reactions. HBr and brominated phenols and bisphenols are the main volatile products formed. Brominated dibenzodioxins structures are included in the charred residue and not evolved in the volatile phases.

Vector Combinatorial Problems in a Space of Combinations with Linear Fractional Functions of Criteria

The paper considers vector discrete optimization problem with linear fractional functions of criteria on a feasible set that has combinatorial properties of combinations. Structural properties of a feasible solution domain and of Pareto–optimal (efficient), weakly efficient, strictly efficient solution sets are examined. A relation between vector optimization problems on a combinatorial set of combinations and on a continuous feasible set is determined. One possible approach is proposed in order to solve a multicriteria combinatorial problem with linear- fractional functions of criteria on a set of combinations.

An Algorithm for Fresnel Diffraction Computing Based on Fractional Fourier Transform

The fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) is used for the solution of the diffraction integral in optics. A scanning approach is proposed for finding the optimal FrFT order. In this way, the process of diffraction computing is speeded up. The basic algorithm and the intermediate results at each stage are demonstrated.

Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for Partial Differential-Functional Equations of the First Order with Deviating Argument of the Derivative of Unknown Function

We consider the existence and uniqueness problem for partial differential-functional equations of the first order with the initial condition for which the right-hand side depends on the derivative of unknown function with deviating argument.

Suggestion from the Past?

Mathematics Subject Classification: 26A33 (main), 35A22, 78A25, 93A30

Weighted Theorems on Fractional Integrals in the Generalized Hölder Spaces via Indices mω and Mω

Mathematics Subject Classification: 26A16, 26A33, 46E15.

Linear Fractional PDE, Uniqueness of Global Solutions

Mathematics Subject Classification: 26A33, 47A60, 30C15.

On Multi-Dimensional Random Walk Models Approximating Symmetric Space-Fractional Diffusion Processes

Mathematics Subject Classification: 26A33, 47B06, 47G30, 60G50, 60G52, 60G60.

Fractional Derivatives and Fractional Powers as Tools in Understanding Wentzell Boundary Value Problems for Pseudo-Differential Operators Generating Markov Processes

Mathematics Subject Classification: 26A33, 31C25, 35S99, 47D07.

Certain Properties of Fractional Calculus Operators Associated with Generalized Mittag-Leffler Function

Mathematics Subject Classification: 26A33, 33E12, 33C20.

LP → LQ - Estimates for the Fractional Acoustic Potentials and some Related Operators

Mathematics Subject Classification: 47B38, 31B10, 42B20, 42B15.