An approach to triquinane synthesis using the Pauson-Khand reaction

Tricyclic skeletons have been generated from acyclic enyne precursors by using an intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction in combination with aldol, Michael and alkylation reactions.     

A Language for Teaching Discrete-event Simulation

Courses which teach discrete-event simulation are based on many different simulation languages. The requirements for a language to support teaching simulation are discussed. In particular, it is recommended that such languages separate into distinct modules those aspects of simulation which are taught as separate topics. Implementation of the separation is discussed. The SEESIM language, developed as a teaching aid, is described, and examples of its use are given. Straightforward use of SEESIM can be learned quickly, yet the language provides facilities for a staged introduction to advanced concepts of simulation.     

On Congruence of Complex Matrices

For each of a standard set of normal forms for (n × n) complex matrices under the relation of congruence, explicit matrices are exhibited which transform, via congruence, the normal form to its transpose.     

Mathematical modelling of the oxidation of nickel titanium alloys

A one-dimensional bulk reaction model for the oxidation of nickeltitanium is formulated, with preferential oxidation of titaniumbeing included. The modelling is directed at the better understandingof the dominant mechanisms involved in the oxidation processand their significance for the biocompatibility of the alloy.Two different regimes for the relative diffusivities of oxygenand the metals are investigated. By assuming fast bulk reactions,different asymptotic structures emerge in different parameterregimes and the resulting models take the form of moving boundaryproblems. Different profiles of nickel concentration are obtained:in particular a nickel-rich layer (observed in practice) ispresent below the oxide/metal interface for the case when oxygenand the metals diffuse at comparable rates.     

Reduction of Entrained Hydroxy Species in Ormosil Films for Integrated Optics

Organically modified silicates (ormosils) have been viewed as possible materials for optical signal processing devices for communications networks. One significant problem obstructing their use in this application is the absorption of infrared light by hydroxy species (present for example in silanol groups (SiOH) and water) around the communications wavelengths (1310 and 1550 nm). We have investigated several ormosil compositions, synthesised via an aqueous sol-gel method, to determine if residual hydroxy groups can be removed more effectively via reducing the connectivity of the material by increasing the number of organic groups (such as Si—CH₃). Furthermore, we have investigated the effect of different inert atmospheres on the drying process. It was found that reducing the connectivity does promote the removal of hydroxy absorption, mainly via the condensation of residual silanol groups, but also by removal of residual water, depending on the other precursors in the system. It was also found that the drying atmosphere used (nitrogen or helium) had no effect on the drying process.     

A Faster Deterministic Maximum Flow Algorithm

Cheriyan and Hagerup developed a randomized algorithm to compute the maximum flow in a graph with n nodes and m edges in O(mn + n² log²n) expected time. The randomization is used to efficiently play a certain combinatorial game that arises during the computation. We give a version of their algorithm where a general version of their game arises. Then we give a strategy for the game that yields a deterministic algorithm for computing the maximum flow in a directed graph with n nodes and m edges that runs in time O(mn(log_{m/n log n}n)). Our algorithm gives an O(mn) deterministic algorithm for all m/n = Ω(n^ε) for any positive constant ε, and is currently the fastest deterministic algorithm for computing maximum flow as long as m/n = ω(log n).     

Optimized prefactored compact schemes

The numerical simulation of aeroacoustic phenomena requires high-order accurate numerical schemes with low dispersion and dissipation errors. In this paper we describe a strategy for developing high-order accurate prefactored compact schemes, requiring very small stencil support. These schemes require fewer boundary stencils and offer simpler boundary condition implementation than existing compact schemes. The prefactorization strategy splits the central implicit schemes into forward and backward biased operators. Using Fourier analysis, we show it is possible to select the coefficients of the biased operators such that their dispersion characteristics match those of the original central compact scheme and their numerical wavenumbers have equal and opposite imaginary components. This ensures that when the forward and backward stencils are added, the original central compact scheme is recovered. To extend the resolution characteristic of the schemes, an optimization strategy is employed in which formal order of accuracy is sacrificed in preference to enhanced resolution characteristics across the range of wavenumbers realizable on a given mesh. The resulting optimized schemes yield improved dispersion characteristics compared to the standard sixth- and eighth-order compact schemes making them more suitable for high-resolution numerical simulations in gas dynamics and computational aeroacoustics. The efficiency, accuracy and convergence characteristics of the new optimized prefactored compact schemes are demonstrated by their application to several test problems.     

Advancing Mathematical Activity: A Practice-Oriented View of Advanced Mathematical Thinking

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the dialogue about the notion of advanced mathematical thinking by offering an alternative characterization for this idea, namely advancing mathematical activity. We use the term advancing (versus advanced) because we emphasize the progression and evolution of students' reasoning in relation to their previous activity. We also use the term activity, rather than thinking. This shift in language reflects our characterization of progression in mathematical thinking as acts of participation in a variety of different socially or culturally situated mathematical practices. For these practices, we emphasize the changing nature of students' mathematical activity and frame the process of progression in terms of multiple layers of horizontal and vertical mathematizing.