On the geometric prequantization of Poisson manifolds

The geometric prequantization of Poisson manifolds is described using the Weinstein theory of local symplectic groupoids.     

Stereochemie und1H-NMR-Spektren einiger vom Pentaerythrit abgeleiteten Spiro-1,3-dioxane

Summary Mono- and trispiro-1,3-dioxanes with mobile, fixed and semimobile structures were obtained by the condensation reaction of pentaerythritol with aldehydes and symmetrical or unsymmetrical ketones. The conformational analysis of the obtained compounds was undertaken by means of¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The spiro-1,3-dioxanes obtained with aldehydes or nonsymmetrical ketones represent fixed (anancomeric) structures. Ketalisation with 4-t-butyl-cyclohexanone leads to a semimobile structure of a trispiro-1,3-dioxane in which the two marginal cyclohexanic rings are fixed, while the two middle ones are mobile, continuously flipping at room temperature. The solvent effect on the NMR spectra is also discussed. Utilisation of benzene-d ₆ makes it possible to interpret some of the complex spectra with superposed signals on the basis of the aromatic solvent induced shift (ASIS).

     

Isoreticular Linker Substitution in Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks with Through-Space Transport Pathways

The extension of reticular chemistry concepts to electrically conductive three-dimensional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been challenging, particularly for cases in which strong interactions between electroactive linkers create the charge transport pathways. Here, we report the successful replacement of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) with a nickel glyoximate core in a family of isostructural conductive MOFs with Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺. Different coordination environments of the framework metals lead to variations in the linker stacking geometries and optical properties. Single-crystal conductivity data are consistent with charge transport along the linker stacking direction, with conductivity values only slightly lower than those reported for the analogous TTF materials. These results serve as a case study demonstrating how reticular chemistry design principles can be extended to conductive frameworks with significant intermolecular contacts.     

Bank productivity and performance groups: A decomposition approach based upon the Luenberger productivity indicator

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, in the framework of the strategic groups’ literature, it analyZes changes in productivity and efficiency of Spanish private and savings banks over an eight-year period (1998-2006). Second, by adapting the decomposition of the Malmquist productivity indices suggested by Färe et al. (1994), it proposes similar components decomposing the Luenberger productivity indicator. Initially, productivity is decomposed into technological and efficiency changes. Thereafter, this efficiency change is decomposed into pure efficiency, scale and congestion changes. Empirical results demonstrate that productivity improvements are partially due to technological innovation. Furthermore, it is shown how the competition between private and savings banks develops in terms of the analyzed productivity and efficiency components. While private banks enjoy better efficiency change, savings banks contribute more to technological progress. Consequently, the Luenberger components are used as cluster analysis inputs. Thus, economic interpretations of the resulting performance groups are made via key differences in productivity components. Finally, following the strategic groups’ literature, supplementary insights are gained by linking these performance groups with banking ratios.     

Analysis of lumped models with contact and friction

We consider two mathematical models that describe the vibrations of spring-mass-damper systems with contact and friction. In the first model, both the contact and frictional boundary conditions are described with subdifferentials of nonconvex functions. In the second model, the contact is modeled with a Lipschitz continuous function, and the restitution force is described by a differential equation involving a Volterra integral term. The two models lead to second-order differential inclusions with and without an integral term, in which the unknowns are the positions of the masses. For each model, we prove the existence of a solution by using an abstract result for first-order differential inclusions in finite dimensional spaces. For the second model, in addition, we prove the uniqueness of the solution by using a fixed point argument. Finally, we provide examples of systems with contact and friction conditions for which our results are valid.     

Evaluation of the renal calculi compositions

Thermal analysis and infrared (IR) spectroscopy are modern physical–chemical methods suitable for the investigation of the kidney stones composition. The applications of these methods in our work were anticipated by performing the standard thermal analysis and standard infrared spectra on pure compounds: oxalates, phosphate, carbonate, and uric acid. This work reveals a logical algorithm for correlating the experimental data regarding urolithiasis types and compositions by thermal analysis methods, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and second derivative FT-IR spectra. The limits and performance of each analysis method have been highlighted, and by correlating the results of both methods we have obtained comprehensive information for the identification and/or determination of the main components as well as of organic and/or inert impurities in calculi composition. The data regarding the urinary calculi composition are important for the clinical guideline in the prophilaxy and methaphylaxy of urolithiasis.     

Influence of the Crystallinity of Silver Nanoparticles on Their Magnetic Properties

The magnetic properties of noble-metal nanoparticles are a puzzling phenomenon, tentatively often explained as a size effect or a ligand effect. Many experimental studies performed to date have attempted to vary these readily available parameters without reaching a definitive conclusion. In an attempt at better understanding the role of core crystallinity on these magnetic properties, we have compared the behavior of silver nanoparticles, which were either single-crystalline or multi-twinned, of almost identical sizes and with the same ligand coating. Our results indicate that single-crystalline nanoparticles tend to behave as classical paramagnetic materials, whereas multi-twinned ones exhibit a combination of para- and ferro-magnetic behaviors. Our hypothesis is that lattice defects within the core bear magnetic moments which couple through conduction electrons, with dipolar interactions also playing a local and macroscopic role.     

Semiconductor disk lasers for the generation of visible and ultraviolet radiation

Recent developments in semiconductor disk lasers (SDLs) generating visible or ultraviolet light are reviewed. After an introduction on potential applications, we discuss how the combination of vertical‐emitting semiconductor GaAs‐based structures and intra‐cavity nonlinear conversion techniques can be successfully exploited to uniquely meet demands for continuous‐wave radiation in the visible and ultraviolet spectral range. To do so, an overview of the device operating principles and performance is presented highlighting the underlying material considerations, semiconductor structural designs, thermal management techniques and suitable cavity configurations. This summary is completed by a presentation of new developments in the field, with a particular focus on the trends towards miniaturization.