Approximate minimum-cost multicommodity flows in\tilde O(ɛ −2 KNM) timetime

We show that an ε-approximate solution of the cost-constrainedK-commodity flow problem on anN-nodeM-arc network,G can be computed by sequentially solving O(K(? ^?2+logGK) logGM log (G? ^?1 GK)) single-commodity minimum-cost flow problems on the same network. In particular, an approximate minimum-cost multicommodity flow can be computed in $\tilde O$ (G? ^?2 GKNM) running time, where the notation Õ(·) means “up to logarithmic factors”. This result improves the time bound mentioned by Grigoriadis and Khachiyan [4] by a factor ofM/N and that developed more recently by Karger and Plotkin [8] by a factor of? ^?1. We also provide a simple $\tilde O$ (NM)-time algorithm for single-commodity budget-constrained minimum-cost flows which is $\tilde O$ (? ^?3) times faster than the algorithm developed in the latter paper.     

Pulsed NMRON oscillatory free induction decay signals in the angular distribution of gamma radiation from plated60CoFe

Results for an inhomogeneously broadened⁶⁰CoFe NMRON sample have been obtained for gamma detected single pulse (nutation) and two pulse (free induction decay) experiments in the region of intermediate-to-lowR(=₁/). Here ₁ is the angular frequency measure of the strength of the ferromagnetically enhanced RF field at the nucleus and is the HWHM of the inhomogeneously broadened line. Comparisons of the oscillatory FID signals obtained are made with the theoretical predictions of the following paper [6].     

The Drell-Hearn-Gerasimov sum rule and the constituent quark model

The helicity structure function of the nucleon has been calculated for the constituent quark model and compared to the prediction of the Drell-Hearn-Gerasimov sum rule. The multipole decomposition of the sum rule shows large cancellations between different resonances. The small isoscalar-isovector contribution is related to the admixture of aD-state (bag deformation) in the nucleon's wave function. The calculations indicate a relatively slow saturation of this part of the sum rule with excitation energy.Work supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare     

The level structure of92Ru up to high spin values

The level structure of⁹²Ru has been studied by means of γ-ray spectroscopy. The nucleus was produced by the⁵⁸Ni(⁴⁰Ca, α2p)⁹²Ru reaction at beam energies of 147 and 187 MeV. The NORDBALL detector system including particle selection was used. A large number of new levels with excitation energies up to 11.3 MeV and spin values up to 22 or 23 units of angular momentum have been established. The level scheme is compared with recent shell model calculations using¹⁰⁰Sn as a core. Some systematics of the g ₉ ^2/?2 configuration is discussed and a strong correlation between the levels in⁹⁰Mo and⁹²Ru is found.     

HPLC determination of pyroglutamic acid as a degradation product in parenteral amino acid formulations

Summary The aminoacid glutamine in aqueous solution and in conditions of high temperature and long term storage is partly transformed into pyroglutamic acid which exhibits potential neurotoxic effects.Commercially available aminoacid mixtures supplemented with glutamine are heat-sterilized and some losses of glutamine and formation of pyroglutamic acid may occur.The aim of the work was to set up an easy and reliable HPLC method which allows the determination of pyroglutamic acid as a degradation product of glutamine. The column was a 5 m Hypersil ODS (100×4.6 mm) and the mobile phase 100% 0.007 M phosphate buffer pH 3.5.Stability studies in different conditions of temperature and time of storage were performed on aminoacid mixture available in the commerce.     

Determination of platinum and palladium in strongly acid solution by means of flow injection analysis

Microamounts of Pt(II/IV) (0.25–800 μg/ml) and Pd(II) (5–600 μg/ml) in> 0.5 M hydrochloric acid can readily be determined by means of a simple FIA method based on the selective reaction of tin(II)chloride with these metals. The FIA method has a high linear dynamic range, and is relatively free from interferences of many transition metals, with the exception of Au and Rh; small amounts of other PGMs can be tolerated. Determination of Pt on a hydrogenation catalyst by this method compares well with that found by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. By monitoring at two or more wavelengths, Pt and Pd can be determined in mixtures by this means, to yield a simple, cost-effective FIA method for possible on-line determinations and quality control of, in particular, Pt containing acidic refinery and other process streams.     

Determination and statistical analysis of trace element and active constituent concentrations in the medicinal plant Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh (E. rostratus Schlecht)

In the leaves of the medicinal plant Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh (E. rostratus Schlecht) collected from different sampling areas of Greece the trace elements antimony, cesium, chromium, cobalt, iron, europium, rubidium, scandium, strontium, thorium and zinc were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. In the same samples, the essential oil was determined by steam distillation and the percent relative composition of the essential oil in 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, -pinene by gas liquid chromatography. Also the refractive index of the essential oil was determined by a refractometer. Statistical analysis included the calculation of the correlation coefficient. Multiple correlation and cluster analysis was applied to all analytical data. The results showed that the trace elements iron, chromium, cobalt and zinc are correlated with the variation of the concentration of essential oil in the examined plant. These four elements along with rubidium and essential oil content could be used for the separation of the samples into groups related to the sampling areas. Statistically significant correlation between active constituents and some trace elements and a linear negative correlation between 1,8-cineole and refractive index were found.     

Characterisation of chlorinated hydrocarbons in a third generation candidate fish reference material (Limanda limanda) prepared under cryogenic conditions

Summary This paper describes the cryogenic preparation of 50 individual specimens of dab (Limanda limanda) from the Baltic Sea to produce a homogeneous fish material. 950 subsamples (8 g each) are stored in the gaseous phase over liquid nitrogen. Five series of analyses were randomly selected out of store. The results show that the obtained precision of 8 to 9% could be used as an indication unit for the deviation of the mean values of CHC concentrations from true values. If the analytical variability is 5%, the maximum inhomogeneity in the subsamples is 3–4%. It may be concluded that the subsamples of the candidate fish reference material (RM) are homogeneous enough for analytical purposes. Thus ESB (German Environmental Specimen Bank) material prepared in accordance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) [1] are valuable and appropriate reference materials. The prepared fish RM is suitable for the analysis of chlorinated hydrocarbons in fat containing marine samples.     

Variable step size destabilizes the Störmer/leapfrog/verlet method

For fixed step-sizeh the Störmer method is stable for the standard test equationÿ= ² y,>0, if and only ifh<2. We show that for variable step sizeh _n there does not exist a (positive) limit onh which ensures stability. Nor can we guarantee stability if, in addition, we limit the step size ratioh _n/h _n–1.This work was supported in part by National Science Foundation Grant DMS 90 15533.     

The permutational power of a priority queue

A priority queue transforms an input permutation of some set of sizen into an output permutation. It is shown that the number of such pairs (, ) is (n + 1) ^n–1. Some related enumerative and algorithmic questions are also considered.Supported by the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada under Grant A4219.