Periodic schedules for linear precedence constraints

We consider the computation of periodic cyclic schedules for linear precedence constraints graphs: a linear precedence constraint is defined between two tasks and induces an infinite set of usual precedence constraints between their executions such that the difference of iterations is a linear function. The objective function is the minimization of the maximal period of a task.We recall first that this problem may be modelled using linear programming. A polynomial algorithm is then developed to solve it for a particular class of linear precedence graphs called unitary graphs. We also show that a periodic schedule may not exist for unitary graphs. In the general case, a decomposition of the linear precedence graph into unitary components is computed and we assume that a periodic schedule exists for each of these components. Lower bounds on the periods are exhibited and we show that an optimal periodic schedule may not achieve them. The notion of quasi-periodic schedule is then introduced and we prove that this new class of schedules always reaches these bounds.     

Microfluidic multi-analyte gradient generator

A microfluidic device was developed to produce temporal concentration gradients of multiple analytes. Four on-chip pumps delivered pulses of three analytes and buffer to a 14-cm channel where the pulses were mixed to homogeneity. The final concentration of each analyte was dependent on the temporal density of the pulses from each pump. The concentration of each analyte was varied by changing the number of pump cycles from each reservoir while maintaining the total number of pump cycles per unit time to ensure a constant total flow rate in the device. To gauge the independent nature of each pump, sinusoidal waves of fluorescein concentration were produced from each pump with independent frequencies and amplitudes. The resulting fluorescence intensity was compared with a theoretical summation of the waves and the experimental data matched the theoretical waves within 1%, indicating that the pumps were operating independently and outputting the correct frequency and amplitude. The device was used to demonstrate the role of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K⁺ channels in glucose-stimulated increases in intracellular [Ca²⁺] in islets of Langerhans. Perfusion of single islets of Langerhans with combinations of glucose, diazoxide, and K⁺ resulted in intracellular Ca²⁺ patterns similar to what has been observed using conventional perfusion devices. The system will be useful in other studies with islets of Langerhans, as well as other assays that require the modulation of multiple analytes in time.     

Overcompleteness in the theory of chemisorption

The overcompleteness of the basis states when Anderson's Hamiltonian is applied to chemisorption is allowed for by using a pseudopotential to describe the atom-metal coupling. Some calculations for hydrogen on free-electron Al are reported.     

Reverse phase thin-layer chromatographic separation of bromodiphenhydramine and diphenhydramine.

A thin-layer chromatographic system is described for the separation of diphenhydramine and bromodiphenhydramine which is based on a reverse phase paper chromatographic system developed by J. Vecerková (2,3) in 1962. Chromatographic systems for this separation described in the literature and several systems attempted in this laboratory using normal chromatography have not proven successful. The method using reverse phase thin-layer chromatography involves a stationary phase of mineral oil on silica gel G and a mobile phase of ethanol:water:ammonium hydroxide, 28% NH3, (55:43:2). A 10-cm length of run requires about three hours and provides an excellent separation of the two compounds for identification-differentiation purposes.     

General theoretical study of the stepwise coupling methods:: Part I. Determination of the generalised valence force field in the n-order cases and the matrix polynomial expansion of the eigenvector method

In the n-order general cases the Eigenvector Method of Becher and Mattes is shown to have an equivalent form: The Matrix Polynomial Expansion Method which is much simpler for computational procedures and has none of the inconvenience of the previous stepwise coupling methods (e.g., the Fadini's methods, the Eigenvector Method and the Logarithmic Steps Method of Wendling and Mahmoudi). It is also shown that the Eigenvector Method and the Matrix Polynomial Expansion Method correspond to the “closest solution” to the complete uncoupled initial solution, thereby justifying the method and giving application limits.     

Self-assembly of fullerene-rich nanostructures with a stannoxane core

Fullerene derivatives bearing a carboxylic acid function undergo self-assembly with n-butylstannonic acid (nBuSn(O)OH) to produce fullerene-rich nanostructures with a stannoxane core in almost quantitative yields.     

Strong ion-exchange centrifugal partition chromatography as an efficient method for the large-scale purification of glucosinolates

The glucosinolates sinalbin and glucoraphanin were purified by strong ion-exchange displacement centrifugal partition chromatography (SIXCPC). The optimized conditions involved the biphasic solvent system ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water (3:2:5, v/v), the lipophilic anion-exchanger Aliquat 336 (trioctylmethylammonium chloride, 160 and 408 mM) and a sodium iodide solution (80 and 272 mM) as displacer. Amounts as high as 2.4 g of sinalbin and 2.6g of glucoraphanin were obtained in one step in 2.5 and 3.5h respectively, starting from 12 and 25 g of mustard and broccoli seed aqueous extracts, using a laboratory scale CPC column (200 mL inner volume).     

ScIII‐Doped Zeolites as New Heterogeneous Catalysts: Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction

Sc^III‐doped solids based on zeolite materials have been investigated for the first time as catalysts in organic synthesis. Sc^III–USY zeolite proved to be a novel and very efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the Mukaiyama aldol reaction. This easy‐to‐prepare catalyst exhibited wide scope and compatibility with functional groups and is very simple to use, easy to remove (by simple filtration), and is recyclable (up to three times without loss of activity).     

CVD diamond films: from growth to applications

The present review provides an up-to-date report on the main potential of CVD diamond films for industrial applications as well as on recent basic research which seeks to understand diamond deposition microwave plasma reactors. This review includes firstly an overview of diamond film applications. Elements which explain variations in diamond film characteristics as a function of synthesis conditions are given. Also experimental results are reported which show variations in diamond characteristics (quality, microstructure, growth rate, growth mechanisms) as four plasma variables (pressure, power, percentage of methane, substrate temperature) are systematically changed. In the second part, we discuss the effects of these variables on local parameters such as electron temperature, gas temperature, carbon-containing species and H-atom densities. Finally, based on these results, relationships between key local parameters and diamond characteristics are established and discussed.