Humidity sensor based on a single-mode hetero-core fiber structure

Using a small-core single-mode fiber (SCSMF), a novel relative humidity (RH) sensor based on an SMF28-SCSMF-SMF28 fiber structure was proposed in this paper. By depositing a humidity sensitive material, such as poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) on the bare SCSMF fiber, the proposed structure can act as an RH sensor with high sensitivity. Experiments demonstrated that the proposed RH sensor with PEO coating can achieve a sensitivity of 430 nm per relative humidity unit (RHU) in the RH range from 80% to 83% RH and a sensitivity of 50 nm per RHU in the RH range from 83% to 95% RH.     

Boundary noncrossings of additive Wiener fields∗

Let {W _i (t), t ∈ ?₊}, i = 1, 2, be two Wiener processes, and let W ₃ = {W ₃(t), t ∈ ? ₊ ² } be a two-parameter Brownian sheet, all three processes being mutually independent. We derive upper and lower bounds for the boundary noncrossing probability P _f = P{W ₁(t ₁) + W ₂(t ₂) + W ₃(t) + f(t) ≤ u(t), t ∈ ? ₊ ² }, where f, u : ? ₊ ² → ? are two general measurable functions. We further show that, for large trend functions γf > 0, asymptotically, as γ → ∞, P _γf is equivalent to \( {P}_{\gamma}\underset{\bar{\mkern6mu}}{{}_f} \) , where \( \underset{\bar{\mkern6mu}}{f} \) is the projection of f onto some closed convex set of the reproducing kernel Hilbert space of the field W(t) = W ₁(t ₁) + W ₂(t ₂) + W ₃(t). It turns out that our approach is also applicable for the additive Brownian pillow.     

Asymptotic multiphase Σ-solutions to the singularly perturbed Korteweg–de Vries equation with variable coefficients

The paper deals with constructing the asymptotic solution to the singularly perturbed Korteweg–de Vries equation with variable coefficients. The notion of an asymptotic multiphase Σ-solution is proposed, and an algorithm of its construction in a neighborhood of the point t = 0 is given. Some theorems concerning the exactness, with which such local asymptotic solution satisfies the equation under study are proved.     

Parallel computations in drilling process

Methods for decision-making formalization at all stages of drilling process have been developed. They include methods for efficient use of drilling fluids with grounded technological parameters, prediction of troubles during drilling process and construction of optimal well profiles. Software implementing them makes it possible to optimize drilling parameters, improve tailing-in quality and in general to increase technical and economic indices of drilling. Use of parallel computations allows reducing time of computations and increasing their accuracy.     

Fiber refractometer based on a fiber Bragg grating and single-mode-multimode-single-mode fiber structure

A refractive index (RI) sensor based on a novel fiber structure that consists of a single-mode-multimode-single-mode (SMS) fiber structure followed by a fiber Bragg grating was demonstrated. The multimode fiber in the SMS structure excites cladding modes within output single-mode fiber (SMF) and recouple the reflected cladding Bragg wavelength to the input SMF core. By measuring the relative Bragg wavelength shift between core and cladding Bragg wavelengths, the RI can be determined. Experimentally we have achieved a maximum sensitivity of 7.33 nm/RIU (RI unit) at RI range from 1.324 to 1.439.     

Self-sorting dimerization of tetraurea calix[4]arenes

Calix[4]arenes substituted by four urea functions are self-complementary molecules that spontaneously combine in apolar solvents in the presence of an ammonium salt to form dimeric capsules held together by a belt of hydrogen bonds. In the presence of tetraethylammonium salts, the Et4N+ cation is included as a guest. The sorting between dimeric capsules formed in a mixture of calix[4]arenes directly depends on the steric crowding of the substituents grafted on the urea groups whether aromatic derivatives or aliphatic chains linking urea functions in mono-, di-, or tetraloop structures. Simple rules allow one to anticipate which capsules will be exclusively formed when calix[4]arenes are mixed in different proportions. The stabilization of the dimeric structures by hydrogen bonds is thwarted by the overlaps of aliphatic loops and/or by bulky groups that cannot pass through these loops. Despite the structural similarity of the calixarenes, the exclusive formation of dimers of well-defined compositions and clear titration breaks are observed by electrospray mass spectrometry. This technique yields reliable information on stoichiometries and composition despite measurements in the gas phase rather than in solution and it does not suffer from excessive peak overlaps in contrast with NMR.     

Determination of montelukast sodium by capillary electrophoresis

This work verifies the potential of CE in the analysis of significant impurities of montelukast sodium - an active ingredient for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Using 20 mM borate buffer pH 9.2 with 10 mM SDS and 10 mM (2-hydroxypropyl)-gamma-CD (2HP-gamma-CD) it was possible to separate montelukast and several impurities, including its cis-isomer, after exposure to light and oxygen. The obtained method surpasses a chromatographic method for montelukast sodium in terms of time of analysis (9 min of CE analysis vs. 35 min HPLC) and efficiency (CE offered over 900 000 theoretical plates for montelukast). Good repeatability of the method was supported by the low % RSD for the migration time of montelukast (0.53%). For the first time, the capillary electrophoretic method was employed for temporal study of the degradation of montelukast. The results showed that degradation of montelukast and the formation of the cis-isomer mainly occurred during the first 2 days of exposure, and occurred to a higher degree when there was no contact with the air (oxygen) in the exposed sample.     

Diastereoselective cycloaddition of (S)-N-(1-phenylethylimino)trifluoropropionate and trifluoroethylphosphonate with diazomethane

The cycloaddition reaction of (S)-(α-phenylethylimino)trifluoropropionate with diazomethane leads to a diastereomeric mixture (4.5:1) of 5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3-triazoline-5-carboxylates. Enantiopure diastereomers were isolated by column chromatography and converted into their respective non-racemic 2-trifluoromethyl-aziridine-2-carboxylates and carboxylic acids. The absolute configuration of newly formed stereogenic centers was determined by XRD analysis. The stereoselective reaction between (S)-N-(α-phenylethyl)trifluoroacetimidoylphosphonate and diazomethane produces a diastereomeric mixture (2.5:1) of 5-trifluoromethyltriazoline-5-phosphonates readily separated by column chromatography in diastereomerically pure forms.