Barzilai–Borwein method with variable sample size for stochastic linear complementarity problems

A smoothing method for solving stochastic linear complementarity problems is proposed. The expected residual minimization reformulation of the problem is considered, and it is approximated by the sample average approximation (SAA). The proposed method is based on sequential solving of a sequence of smoothing problems where each of the smoothing problems is defined with its own sample average approximation. A nonmonotone line search with a variant of the Barzilai–Borwein (BB) gradient direction is used for solving each of the smoothing problems. The BB search direction is efficient and low cost, particularly suitable for nonmonotone line search procedure. The variable sample size scheme allows the sample size to vary across the iterations and the method tends to use smaller sample size far away from the solution. The key point of this strategy is a good balance between the variable sample size strategy, the smoothing sequence and nonmonotonicity. Eventually, the maximal sample size is used and the SAA problem is solved. Presented numerical results indicate that the proposed strategy reduces the overall computational cost.     

Solvent Effects on the Structure-Activity Relationship of Phenytoin-like Anticonvulsant Drugs

The absorption spectra of nine compounds structurally related to phenytoin (5,5-diphenylhydantoin) were recorded in twelve solvents over the range of 200 to 400 nm. The effects of solvent dipolarity/polarizability and solvent/solute hydrogen bonding interactions were analyzed by means of the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) concept proposed by Kamlet and Taft. The lipophilic activity of the investigated hydantoins was estimated by calculation of their log ₁₀ P values. The calculated values of log ₁₀ P were correlated with the ratio of the contributions of specific and non-specific solute/solvent interactions. The correlation equations were combined with the corresponding ED₅₀ values to generate new equations that demonstrate exact relationship between solute/solvent interactions and the structure-activity parameters.     

Author index

The thermal decomposition of N₂H₅Nd(SO₄)₂·H₂O has been studied by simultaneous TG and DSC and by isothermal weight change determination. The final product and the intermediate phases have been identified by chemical analysis, X-ray powder patterns and infrared spectroscopy. The solid phases in the decomposition sequence are: N₂H₅Nd(SO₄)₂· H₂O → N₂H₅Nd(SO₄)₂ → NH₄Nd(SO₄)₂ → Nd₂(SO₄)₃. The reactions overlap under dynamicconditions, isothermally, however, NH₄Nd(SO₄)₂ can be obtained by 200°C.     

Kinetic Determination of Microquantities of Rutin by Perturbation of the Bray-Liebhafsky Oscillatory Reaction in an Open System

A kinetic method is described for the microquantitative (microconcentration/microvolume) determination of rutin based on potentiometric monitoring of the concentration perturbations of the Bray-Liebhafsky (BL) oscillatory reaction being in a non-equilibrium stationary state close to a bifurcation point. The experiments are carried out in an open reactor. The response of the matrix system to perturbations by different concentrations of rutin ethanolic solutions is followed by a Pt-electrode. In the concentration range between 7.8×10^–8moldm^–3 and 9.1×10^–6mol dm^–3, we found a linear dependence of the maximal potential shift, E_m, on the logarithm of the rutin concentrations. The unknown concentrations can be determined from the calibration curve up to an accuracy of ±5%. The detection limit is 3.6×10^–8mol dm^–3. The amount of required sample can be as small as 10µL.     

A survey of isotopic composition (2H, 3H, 18O) of groundwater from Vojvodina

Isotopes of hydrogen (³H, ²H) and oxygen (¹⁸O) are perfect candidates for groundwater tracers. A survey of isotopic composition of 34 groundwater samples and one Lake from Vojvodina region (Serbia) is presented here. Tritium activity concentration and stable isotope composition (δ²H, δ¹⁸O), as well as deuterium excess, were determined. The groundwater samples lie on the groundwater regression line. Minor deviations and a few lower deuterium excess values indicate waters recharged in a different climate regime and subjected to evaporation, respectively. According to the obtained results, most of the analyzed groundwater can be characterized as modern waters, recharged mostly from precipitation.

     

Qualitative interpretation of physico-chemical and isotopic parameters in the Krka River (Croatia) assessed by multivariate statistical analysis

Multivariate statistical analyses were applied on the measured physico-chemical (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca, O₂, alkalinity, temperature, pH, SAS, DOC and DIC) and isotopic parameters (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) to estimate and distinguish anthropogenic from natural influences to the water system of the Krka River. Analyses were conducted on the data collected during six years from twelve sampling sites. On the basis of orientation, positioning and grouping of parameters arranged by biplots, four main hypotheses were defined and finally statistically confirmed. Thereof, two main and distinct processes occurring in the Krka River could be highlighted: (i) upstream pollution, caused by the inflow of untreated waste-waters of city of Knin and (ii) downstream self-purification, caused by the sedimentation and/or co-precipitation of pollutants coupled by the inflow of clean subterranean water (groundwater recharge). Grouping of (i) hydrological and carbon cycle connected parameters, and (ii) anthropogenically influenced correlated parameters were proposed as a result of statistical analysis. Regarding the pH, it is shown that a stream section influenced by the subterranean inflow of Zrmanja River is statistically significantly different for all sampling campaigns during six years, being lower for about 0.5 pH unit.     

Synthesis and characterisation of TlLn(SO4)2·xH2O (Ln=La-Tb)

The compounds TlLn(SO₄)₂·2H₂OLn=La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Tl[Ln(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₃]·H₂OLn=Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb have been isolated from aqueous solutions of the corresponding sulfates. The dihydrates are all isomorphous and crystallize monoclinic, space groupP2₁/n,Z=4. The compounds which belong to the second type are also isomorphous and crystallize in monoclinic space groupP 2₁/c withZ=4.The dehydration has been studied by thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and isothermal weight change determination. The dihydrates dehydrate in a single step. For the tetrahydrates the reaction is more complex, however no intermediate phases could be isolated.The unit cell parameters, the dehydration temperatures and the dehydration enthalpies are correlated to the ionic radii ofLn ³⁺.

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Synthese und Charakterisierung von TlLn(SO₄)₂·xH₂O (Ln=La-Tb)

Zusammenfassung Die Verbindungen TlLn(SO₄)₂·2H₂OLn=La, Ce, Pr, Nd und Tl[Ln(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₃]·H₂OLn=Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb wurden aus wäßrigen Lösungen der entsprechenden Sulfate isoliert. Die Dihydrate sind alle isomorph und kristallisieren monoklin, RaumgruppeP 2₁/n,Z=4. Die Verbindungen des zweiten Typs sind auch isomorph und kristallisieren in der monoklinen RaumgruppeP 2₁/c mitZ=4.Die Dehydration wurde mit TG, DSC und dem isothermalen Gewichtsverlust untersucht. Die Entwässerung der Dihydrate verläuft in einer Stufe, die von Tetrahydraten aber in mehreren Stufen mit keiner isolierbaren Zwischenphase.Die Gitterkonstanten, die Dehydratations-Temperaturen und -Enthalpien wurden mit den Ionenradien vonLn ³⁺ korreliert.

     

Spectroscopy vs. Electrochemistry: Catalyst Layer Thickness Effects on Operando/In Situ Measurements

In recent years, operando/in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has become an important tool in the electrocatalysis community. However, the high catalyst loadings often required to acquire XA-spectra with a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio frequently imply the use of thick catalyst layers (CLs) with large ion- and mass-transport limitations. To shed light on the impact of this variable on the spectro-electrochemical results, in this study we investigate Pd-hydride formation in carbon-supported Pd-nanoparticles (Pd/C) and an unsupported Pd-aerogel with similar Pd surface areas but drastically different morphologies and electrode packing densities. Our in situ XAS and rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements with different loadings unveil that the CL-thickness largely determines the hydride formation trends inferred from spectro-electrochemical experiments, therewith calling for the minimization of the CL-thickness in such experiments and the use of complementary thin-film control measurements.     

Spectral,thermal and biological characterization of complexes with a Schiff base bearing triazole moiety as potential antimicrobial species

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - A novel series of complexes ML(ClO4)·nH2O (M: Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; HL: 2-[(E)-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylimino)methyl]phenol) have been synthesized and...