Bidendriform bialgebras, trees, and free quasi-symmetric functions

We introduce bidendriform bialgebras, which are bialgebras such that both product and coproduct can be split into two parts satisfying good compatibilities. For example, the Malvenuto-Reutenauer Hopf algebra and the non-commutative Connes-Kreimer Hopf algebras of planar decorated rooted trees are bidendriform bialgebras. We prove that all connected bidendriform bialgebras are generated by their primitive elements as a dendriform algebra (bidendriform Milnor-Moore theorem) and then is isomorphic to a Connes-Kreimer Hopf algebra. As a corollary, the Hopf algebra of Malvenuto-Reutenauer is isomorphic to the Connes-Kreimer Hopf algebra of planar rooted trees decorated by a certain set. We deduce that the Lie algebra of its primitive elements is free in characteristic zero (G. Duchamp, F. Hivert and J.-Y. Thibon conjecture).     

Properties of (InGa)As/GaAs QW (λ ≈ 1.2 µm) facet-coated edge emitting diode laser

In this paper, we report on the design and optical properties of laser diodes with an emission wave-length of ～1170 nm based on an (InGa)As/GaAs double quantum well active layer. The back and front facet of the laser diodes were coated with SiO_x dielectric films that influence the output optical power by enhancing or lowering the facet reflectivity. The measurements show improvement of the facet-coated laser diode properties in the threshold-current-density reduction along with light output power enhancement. Furthermore, a narrow far field pattern and high side mode suppression have been observed.     

Preparation and evaluation of oral dosage form using acylglycerols. II. Effect of food ingestion on dissolution and absorption of aspirin from the granules prepared by acylglycerols in human subjects.

The dissolution behavior of the aspirin enteric granule prepared using acylglycerols, glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and glyceryl trilaurate (GTL), was investigated in vitro and in human subjects in a fasting or non-fasting state. Aspirin was slowly released from the granule in vitro at pH 1.2. No acceleration of the aspirin dissolution rate in the medium without lipase and cholic acid was observed when the pH level of the medium increased to a neutral region (pH 6.4). However, the dissolution of aspirin was significantly increased by increasing the concentrations of lipase and cholic acid in the medium. Lipase appears to play an essential role in the dissolution process of aspirin granules. In human subjects, the average levels of the cumulative amount of total salicylate excreted in a urine-time curve, and the mean residence time (MRT) obtained after oral administration of a granule in the fasting state were markedly delayed in comparison with the results observed using an aqueous solution and a crystalline form of aspirin. In comparing the fasting condition with the non-fasting condition (after food ingestion), no significant difference was recognized in the total amount of salicylate excreted in urine to an infinite time (Ae(infinity)), whether the MRT was obtained by granule, crystalline form or aqueous solution. It can be concluded that aspirin granule prepared by GMS and GTL has a property of pancreatic lipase-sensitive dissolution, and its bioavailability is unaffected by food intake.     

Fracture strength of class II slot cavities restored with polymerizable restorative materials

This study compared the fracture strength of Class II slot cavities restored with polymerizable restorative materials. Sixty, caries-free, posterior teeth were divided into five groups of 12 teeth. The Class II slot cavities were prepared. The teeth were restored with two packable composites (Filtek P60, Surefil), a microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250)and two ormocer (Definite, Admira). The restorations were then subjected to fracture resistance tests. The marginal ridges of the restorations were loaded at an angle of 13.5° to the long axis of the tooth in an Universal Testing Machine until failure. Analysis of mean forces indicated that, Filtek P60, Surefil and Filtek Z250 exhibited better performance than Definite and Admira. The tested resin composites differed in their mechanical properties. This study suggested that fracture behavior were highly influenced by the filler system. Overall, Filtek P60, Surefil, Filtek Z250, demonstrated good fracture resistance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantitative assessment of solid oxide electrochemical doping

Quantitative analysis of metal cation doping by solid oxide electrochemical doping (SOED) has been performed under galvanostatic doping conditions. A M–β″-Al₂O₃ (M=Ag, Na) microelectrode (contact radius: about 10 μm) was used as cation source to attain a homogeneous solid–solid contact between the β″-Al₂O₃ and doping target. In Ag doping into alkali borate glass, the measured dopant amount closely matched the theoretical value. High Faraday efficiencies of above 90% were obtained. This suggests that the dopant amount can be precisely controlled on a micromole scale by the electric charge during electrolysis. On the other hand, current efficiencies of Na doping into Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_y (BSCCO) ceramics depended on the applied constant current. Efficiencies of above 80% were achieved at a constant current of 10 μA (1.6 A cm⁻²). The relatively low efficiencies were explained by the saturation of BSCCO grain boundaries with Na. By contrast, excess Na was detected on the anodic surface of ceramics at a constant current of 100 μA (16 A cm⁻²). In the present study, we demonstrate that SOED enables micromole-scale control over dopant amount.