PCE-based fast path control in multi-domain photonic networks

We discuss issues for controlling an optical path in large-scale photonic networks, and introduce an inter-domain path control system based on Path Computation Elements (PCEs). In the system, maximum flow information enables the load balancing of traffic, and Path Key scheme preserve the confidentiality of internal topology information among carrier networks. Based on the experimental results, we show the path setup in the introduced system is significantly faster than the manual path setup among domains in current carriers' networks. For the additional reduction of the path setup time, we propose the domain-wise paralleled signaling method. We also show that decreasing the number of nodes per domain makes path setup faster in the introduced system with deployment of the proposed signaling method.     

Enhanced Development of Azoxymethane-Induced Colonic Preneoplastic Lesions in Hypertensive Rats

Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This study investigated the impact of hypertension, a component of metabolic syndrome, on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal carcinogenesis using SHRSP/Izm (SHRSP) non-diabetic/hypertensive rats and SHRSP.Z-Lepr^fa/IzmDmcr (SHRSP-ZF) diabetic/hypertensive rats. Male 6-week-old SHRSP, SHRSP-ZF, and control non-diabetic/normotensive Wister Kyoto/Izm (WKY) rats were given 2 weekly intraperitoneal injections of AOM (20 mg/kg body weight). Two weeks after the last injection of AOM, the SHRSP and SHRSP-ZF rats became hypertensive compared to the control WKY rats. Serum levels of angiotensin-II, the active product of the renin-angiotensin system, were elevated in both SHRSP and SHRSP-ZF rats, but only the SHRSP-ZF rats developed insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hyperleptinemia and exhibited an increase in adipose tissue. The development of AOM-induced colonic preneoplastic lesions and aberrant crypts foci, was significantly accelerated in both SHRSP and SHRSP-ZF hypertensive rats, compared to WKY normotensive rats. Furthermore, induction of oxidative stress and exacerbation of inflammation were observed in the colonic mucosa and systemically in SHRSP and SHRSP-ZF rats. Our findings suggest that hypertension plays a role in the early stage of colorectal carcinogenesis by inducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which might be associated with activation of the renin-angiotensin system.     

Studies on Effective Utilization of SOFC Exhaust Heat Using Thermoelectric Power Generation Technology

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are being researched around the world. In Japan, a compact SOFC system with rated alternative current (AC) power of 700 W has become available on the market, since the base load electricity demand for a standard home is said to be less than 700 W AC. To improve the generating efficiency of SOFC systems in the 700-W class, we focused on thermoelectric generation (TEG) technology, since there are a lot of temperature gradients in the system. Analysis based on simulations indicated the possibility of introducing thermoelectric generation at the air preheater, steam generator, and exhaust outlet. Among these options, incorporating a TEG heat exchanger comprising multiple CoSb₃/SiGe-based TEG modules into the air preheater had potential to produce additional output of 37.5 W and an improvement in generating efficiency from 46% to 48.5%. Furthermore, by introducing thermoelectric generation at the other two locations, an increase in maximum output of more than 50 W and generating efficiency of 50% can be anticipated.     

Ideal-Gas Heat Capacity for 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) Determined from Speed-of-Sound Measurements

The isobaric ideal-gas heat capacity for HFO-1234yf, which is expected to be one of the best alternative refrigerants for HFC-134a, was determined on the basis of speed-of-sound measurements in the gaseous phase. The speed of sound was measured by means of the acoustic resonance method using a spherical cavity. The resonance frequency in the spherical cavity containing the sample gas was measured to determine the speed of sound. After correcting for some effects such as the thermal boundary layer and deformation of the cavity on the resonance frequency, the speed of sound was obtained with a relative uncertainty of 0.01 %. Using the measured speed-of-sound data, the acoustic-virial equation was formulated and the isobaric ideal-gas heat capacity was determined with a relative uncertainty of 0.1 %. A temperature correlation function of the isobaric ideal-gas heat capacity for HFO-1234yf was also developed.     

Precursor Cat-CVD a-Si films for the formation of high-quality poly-Si films on glass substrates by flash lamp annealing

Amorphous Si (a-Si) films with lower hydrogen contents show better adhesion to glass during flash lamp annealing (FLA). The 2.0 µm-thick a-Si films deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), containing 10% hydrogen, start to peel off even at a lamp irradiance lower than that required for crystallization, whereas a-Si films deposited by catalytic CVD (Cat-CVD) partially adhere even after crystallization. Dehydrogenated Cat-CVD a-Si films show much better adhesion to glass, and are converted to polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) without serious peeling, but are accompanied by the generation of crack-like structures. These facts demonstrate the superiority of as-deposited Cat-CVD a-Si films as a precursor material for micrometer-thick poly-Si formed by FLA.     

Effect of electro-chemical properties of sodium salts of various anions on their diffusional parameters in symmetrical cellulose acetate membranes

A relation was obtained between electro-chemical properties of sodium salts (NaCl, NaBr, and Na₂SO₄), and the thermodynamic property of permeability in symmetrical cellulose acetate membranes, the distribution coefficient K and the kinetic property, the overall diffusion coefficients D. K and D were obtained by the method we proposed using measured unsteady- and steady-state dialysis data. The K values increase with the increase of water content and are in the range of 10⁻² for sodium halides and 10⁻³ for Na₂SO₄. D is found to increase with the increase of the solute concentration, and the extrapolated values of D to zero concentration D⁽⁰⁾ are obtained as 0.015–0.03 μm²/s and increase with the increase of water content in the membrane. D can be divided into the concentration independent diffusion coefficients in the dense part of the membrane D_d and in the porous D_p, applying a two-part (perfect or dense and imperfect or porous) model of the membrane. Contrary to D_d, D_p increases with the increase of W_w and can be correlated as D_p,c = _d exp (γ × W_w). It is shown that the averaged D_d, _D increases with the increase of the quantity of the ionic mobility u of the solutes at infinite dilution divided by valence, and that the parameter γ increases with the increase of the ionic mobility u. The value of K increases slightly with the increase of water content and decreases with the increase of the Flory—Huggins parameter χ. The Flory—Huggins parameter χ is calculated from the measured values of distribution coefficients and data obtained from the literature. And it was found that the gradient of linear decrease of χ (λ_cation) depends on equivalent ionic conductivity of anion of salt, λ_an.     

Highly dispersed Ni catalysts on carbon from thermal decomposition of cellulose-hydrous nickel gel membrane

Ultra fine particles were impregnated by using a finely porous cellulose gel membrane. The impregnated gel membrane is a green transparent one and looks like a solid solution. Highly dispersed Ni catalysts on carbon were obtained from thermal decomposition of these gel membranes. The particle size is in the range of several nm to a few ten nm. They show interesting catalytic properties for hydrogenation of olefins such as cyclooctadiene.     

Management of nonacoustic cranial nerve neuromata

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the authors' experience with diagnosis and management of nonacoustic neuroma of the cerebellopontine angle and skull base. In addition, management strategies for each type of tumor are suggested. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of the charts of patients at the authors' institutions who underwent surgery for neuroma of the fifth through twelfth cranial nerves, between the years 1980-1996, was undertaken. Presenting symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and treatment are discussed for each type of lesion. PATIENTS: Four individuals with trigeminal neuroma, 1 individual with abducens neuroma, 40 individuals with facial neuroma, 3 individuals with glossopharyngeal neuroma, 21 individuals with vagal neuroma, 1 individual with accessory neuroma, and 4 individuals with hypoglossal neuroma participated. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical resection versus observation was examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Freedom from recurrence or complication was measured. RESULTS: Surgical resection achieved in all patients, aside from the patient with abducens neuroma who is being observed, was measured. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative diagnosis of nonacoustic lower cranial nerve neuroma is fairly common at the authors' institutions. Each type of neuroma requires its own tailored surgical approach once a decision has been made to resect the tumor.     

The Crystal Quality and Surface Wettability of Various Tellurium-Based Chalcopyrite Layers Grown by the Closed Space Sublimation

AgGaTe₂, AgAlTe₂, CuGaTe₂, and Ag(Ga,Al)Te₂ layers were deposited by the close spaced sublimation method. The surface morphology and crystal quality of these Te-based chalcopyrite layers were systematically evaluated. Controlling the stoichiometry of these layers grown by the closed space sublimation was very difficult because Te preferentially detached from the source materials during the sublimation process and then Te vapor leaked out from the reactor. To solve this problem, the gap between the lid and reactor boat was minimized, and the vapor was encapsulated. As a result, the crystal quality of the AgGaTe₂ and AgAlTe₂ was improved. However, the controlling stoichiometry of CuGaTe₂ remained difficult even after the Te vapor leakage was minimized. This behavior was attributed to the large vapor pressure difference between Cu and Te. The surface morphology of the grown AgGaTe₂ and CuGaTe₂ layers exhibited scattered grain structure, while that of AgAlTe₂ possessed a continuous film structure. These different surface structures contributed to differing wettability between the chalcopyrite materials and substrates. It was found that AgAlTe₂ exhibited a high wettability against a sapphire substrate, which promoted continuous film formation.