A primal-dual aggregation algorithm for minimizing conditional value-at-risk in linear programs

Recent years have seen growing interest in coherent risk measures, especially in Conditional Value-at-Risk ( \(\mathrm {CVaR}\) ). Since \(\mathrm {CVaR}\) is a convex function, it is suitable as an objective for optimization problems when we desire to minimize risk. In the case that the underlying distribution has discrete support, this problem can be formulated as a linear programming (LP) problem. Over more general distributions, recent techniques, such as the sample average approximation method, allow to approximate the solution by solving a series of sampled problems, although the latter approach may require a large number of samples when the risk measures concentrate on the tail of the underlying distributions. In this paper we propose an automatic primal-dual aggregation scheme to exactly solve these special structured LPs with a very large number of scenarios. The algorithm aggregates scenarios and constraints in order to solve a smaller problem, which is automatically disaggregated using the information of its dual variables. We compare this algorithm with other common approaches found in related literature, such as an improved formulation of the full problem, cut-generation schemes and other problem-specific approaches available in commercial software. Extensive computational experiments are performed on portfolio and general LP instances.     

Experimental test of the compatibility of the definitions of the electromagnetic energy density and the Poynting vector

It is shown that the generally accepted definition of the Poynting vector and the energy flux vector defined by means of the energy density of the electromagnetic field (Umov vector) lead to the prediction of the different results touching electromagnetic energy flux. The experiment shows that within the framework of the mentioned generally accepted definitions the Poynting vector adequately describes the electromagnetic energy flux unlike the Umov vector. Therefore one can conclude that a generally accepted definitions of the electromagnetic energy density and the Poynting vector, in general, are not always compatible.     

Photodynamic parameters in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) bioassay for topically applied photosensitizers

The relative efficacy of Photofrin-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been compared with that of the second-generation photosensitizers 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), sulfonated chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPcSn), benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA), and lutetium texaphyrin (Lutex). PDT-induced vascular damage in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is measured following topical application of the photosensitizers. In order to make meaningful comparisons, care is taken to keep treatment variables the same. These include light dose (5 and 10 J/cm2), power density (33 and 100 mW/cm2), and drug uptake time (30 and 90 min). The drug dose ranges from 0.1 microgram/cm2 for BPD to 5000 micrograms/cm2 for ALA. Results are also analyzed statistically according to CAM vessel type (arterioles versus venules), vessel diameter, and vessel development (embryonic age). For each photosensitizer, the order of importance for the various PDT parameters is found to be unique. The differences between the sensitizers are most likely due to variation in biophysical and biochemical characteristics, biodistribution, and uptake kinetics.     

Application of thermoluminescence measurements to detect low dose gamma-irradiated table grapes

A major factor hampering the introduction of ionizing radiation as an alternative quarantine treatment to chemical fumigation for fruit and vegetables is the lack of reliable, simple and inexpensive post-treatment methods to confirm this low dose irradiation treatment. Considering this purpose, thermoluminescence (TL) measurements of the wind blown dust naturally adhered to the surface of table grapes, was surveyed. Two doses, 0.5 and 1.0 kGy, were studied, applied to the main Chilean table grape export varieties: Thompson Seedless and Flame Seedless.

TL measurements were carried out over 78 days for Thompson Seedless and 62 days for Flame Seedless varieties, both stored at 1 ± 1°C (usual handling of this fruit). TL response fading of dust samples stored at room temperature was also followed over 125 days. The TL response values obtained from the irradiated samples exceeded at least 3 times the highest ones obtained from the unirradiated counterparts. The treatment, even for the lower γ-radiation dose applied, could be properly detected well above the shipping and marketing time for this Chilean export fruit (2–8 weeks). This method also has the advantage of using relatively inexpensive equipment.     

Studies on quinones. Part 40: Synthesis and cytotoxicity evaluation of anthraquinone epoxides and isomerization products

Aerobic oxidation of 1,4,4a,10a-tetrahydro-1,4-alkano-5,10-anthraquinones and thiophene-analogues in dichloromethane-DBU yielded the corresponding dihydroalkanoquinones which, depending on their structures, react with in situ generated hydroperoxide anion to give quinone epoxides and/or hydroperoxides. The calcium hydroxide-induced rearrangement of quinone epoxides yielded furan-containing angular quinones. The cytotoxic activities of quinone epoxides and their isomerization products were evaluated in vitro against normal human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and human cancer gastric epithelial cells (AGS).     

Scars of periodic orbits in the stadium action billiard

Compact billiards in phase space, or action billiards, are constructed by truncating the classical Hamiltonian in the action variables. The corresponding quantum mechanical system has a finite Hamiltonian matrix. In previous papers we defined the compact analog of common billiards, i.e., straight motion in phase space followed by specular reflections at the boundaries. Computation of their quantum energy spectra establishes that their properties are exactly those of common billiards: the short-range statistics follow the known universality classes depending on the regular or chaotic nature of the motion, while the long-range fluctuations are determined by the periodic orbits. In this work we show that the eigenfunctions also follow qualitatively the general characteristics of common billiards. In particular, we show that the low-lying levels can be classified according to their nodal lines as usual and that the high excited states present scars of several short periodic orbits. Moreover, since all the eigenstates of action billiards can be computed with great accuracy, Bogomolny's semiclassical formula for the scars can also be tested successfully.     

含铁磁耦合Ni3单元的均苯三甲酸桥联双层镍(II)配合物

使用均苯三甲酸与碳酸镍在水热条件下反应得到了一例新的二维双层Ni(II)配位聚合物Ni3(BTC)2(μ-H2O)26H2O。二维层包含syn-syn羧酸桥和水桥连接的三核Ni3单元,进一步用均苯三甲酸上的苯环连接成二维层状结构。磁性研究表明,相邻Ni2+离子间存在弱的铁磁耦合作用。水桥连镍离子的桥联键角为122.8(3)deg,所以通过该水桥镍离子间应该呈现反铁磁耦合。因此,实验结果证明了syn-syn羧酸桥传递铁磁耦合,而且铁磁耦合大于反铁磁作用,最终配合物呈弱的铁磁耦合。基于本工作和文献报道的含syn-syn 羧酸混合桥联镍配合物的磁性,我们总结出下面结论：Ni–O–C–O–Ni的共面性与否决定了配合物的磁性。共面性好的Ni–O–C–O–Ni导致中等强度的反铁磁耦合,而共面性差会消弱反铁磁作用,甚至出现由反铁磁变为铁磁耦合。标题配合物中羧酸桥所传递的铁磁性可能就归因于Ni–O–C–O–Ni的不共平面性。因此,与含羧酸桥的混合桥联双核铜(II)配合物类似,轨道补偿效应(the orbital complementary effect (OCE))对于解释水/羧酸混合桥联镍(II)配合物的磁性也同样适用。     

Characterization of Micro‐ and Nanoscale LuPO4:Pr3+,Nd3+ with Strong UV‐C Emission to Reduce X‐Ray Doses in Radiation Therapy

UV‐C emitting nanoscale scintillators can be used to sensitize cancer cells selectively against X‐rays during radiation therapy, due to the lethal DNA lesions caused by UV‐C photons. Unfortunately, nanoscale particles (NPs) show decreased UV‐C emission intensity. In this paper, the influence of different Nd³⁺ concentrations on the UV‐C emission of micro‐ and nanoscale LuPO₄:Pr³⁺ is investigated upon X‐ray irradiation and vacuum UV excitation (160 nm). Co‐doped LuPO₄ results in increased UV‐C emission independent of excitation source due to energy transfer from Nd³⁺ to Pr³⁺. The highest UV‐C emission intensity is observed for LuPO₄:Pr³⁺,Nd³⁺(1%,2.5%) upon X‐ray irradiation. Finally, LuPO₄ NPs co‐doped with different dopant concentrations are synthesized, and the biological efficacy of the combined approach (X‐rays and UV‐C) is assessed using the colony formation assay. Cell culture experiments confirm increased cell death compared to X‐rays alone due to the formation of UV‐specific DNA damages, supporting the feasibility of this approach.     

Coherent Dynamics of Direct-Current-Driven Quantum-Dot-Array with Two Time-Dependent Embedded Impurities

The coherent dynamics of dc-driven quantum-dot array with two embedded time-dependent impurities is investigated, the exact crossings and avoided crossings in the quasienergies are associated with the evolution dynamics of the electron by the introduction of the envelope lines of the site＇s maximum returning probability. Through a perturbative scheme, the time-dependent Hamiltonian is replaced by an equivalent static one, whose structure reveals the new quantum tunnelling mechanism in the time-periodic driving system and sheds light on the alternative interpretation of dynamic localization and delocalization.