On a posterior evaluation of a simple greedy method for set packing

We consider an approach for ex post evaluation of approximate solutions obtained by a well known simple greedy method for set packing. A performance bound is derived that is a function of the highest average reward per item over subsets as well as the number of allocated subsets and ground items. This a posterior bound can enable much revelation of optimality when the solution is near optimal. One of the advantages of the ex post analysis is that it does not require computing the optimal solution to the LP relaxation. The ex post bound will not be guaranteed to reveal substantial levels of optimality for all problem instances but can be a useful tool that is complementary to other traditional methods for ex post evaluation for the set packing problem.     

Design of a Resonant-Cavity-Enhanced p-i-n GaN/AlxGa1-xN Photodetector

A resonant-cavity-enhanced p-i-n photodetector has been designed and analyzed to operate at a wavelength of 360 nm based on the Al_xGa_1-xN material system. The novel approach has been adopted of using epitaxial AlN/Al_xGa_1-xN quarter-wave stacks as the distributed Bragg reflector that serves as the front mirror. An Al_xGa_1-xN absorptive filter layer is incorporated to suppress all but one resonant mode to ensure single, narrow-band operation. This device structure is projected to achieve wavelength selective, high speed, and high quantum efficiency operation in the ultraviolet. MOCVD-grown 6 1/2-pair AlN/Al_xGa_1-x     

Applications of a multi-state risk factor/mortality model in life insurance

Mortality rates are known to depend on socio-economic and behavioral risk factors, and actuarial calculations for life insurance policies usually reflect this. It is typically assumed, however, that these risk factors are observed only at policy issue, and the impact of changes that occur later is not considered. In this paper, we present a discrete-time, multi-state model for risk factor changes and mortality. It allows one to more accurately describe mortality dynamics and quantify variability in mortality. This model is extended to reflect health status and then used to analyze the impact of selective lapsation of life insurance policies and to predict mortality under reentry term insurance.     

A novel method for separating Cs<Superscript>+</Superscript> from liquid radioactive waste using ionic liquids and a selective extractant

Selective separation of Cs ⁺ from liquid radioactive waste by “precipitation” was observed in a hydrophobic ionic liquid containing the Cs ⁺ -selective extractant dicyclohexano-18-crown-6. The precipitate was formed by the cation exchange mechanism, which simplified the treatment of Cs ⁺ after extraction. Solid–liquid extraction is a more economical extraction system than liquid–liquid extraction because it uses smaller quantities of ionic liquids. This work showed the possibility of developing a new method for removing Cs ⁺ from liquid radioactive waste using solid–liquid phase separation instead of the conventional liquid–liquid separation in an ionic liquid extraction system.     

Is the Cassie-Baxter formula relevant?

The utility of the Cassie-Baxter formula to predict the apparent contact angle of a drop on rough hydrophobic surfaces has been questioned recently. To resolve this issue, experimental and numerical data for advancing and receding contact angles are reported. In all cases considered it is seen that contact angles follow the overall trend of the Cassie-Baxter formula, except for the advancing front on pillar type roughness. It is shown that deviations from the Cassie-Baxter angle have a one-to-one correlation with microscopic distortions of the contact line with respect to its configuration in the Cassie-Baxter state.     

Excess energy in the electroexplosive nanopowders

Research on Chemical Intermediates - The electroexplosive route for nanopowders production is a rapidly occurring nonequilibrium process under the action of high power density energy. The...     

Efficient Olefin Epoxidation by Robust Re4 Cluster‐Supported MnIII Complexes with Peracids: Evidence of Simultaneous Operation of Multiple Active Oxidant Species,MnVO,MnIVO,and MnIII?OOC(O)R

Two new tetranuclear chalcocyanide cluster complexes, [{Mn(saloph)H₂O}₄Re₄Q₄(CN)₁₂]?4 CH₃OH? 8 H₂O (saloph=N,N′‐o‐phenylenebis(salicylidenaminato), Q=Se ( 1 ‐Se), Te ( 2 ‐Te)), have been synthesized by the diffusion of a methanolic solution of [PPh₄]₄[Re₄Q₄(CN)₁₂] into a methanolic solution of [Mn(saloph)]⁺. The structure of 2 ‐Te has been determined by X‐ray crystallography. These rhenium cluster‐supported [Mn^III(saloph)] complexes have been found to efficiently catalyze a wide range of olefin epoxidations under mild experimental conditions in the presence of meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). Olefin epoxidation by these catalysts is proposed to involve the multiple active oxidants Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OOC(O)R. Evidence in support of this interpretation has been derived from reactivity and Hammett studies, H₂¹⁸O‐exchange experiments, and the use of peroxyphenylacetic acid as a mechanistic probe. Moreover, it has been observed that the participation of Mn^V?O, Mn^IV?O, and Mn^III? OOC(O)R can be controlled by changing the substrate concentration. This mechanism provides the greatest congruity with related oxidation reactions that employ certain Mn complexes as catalysts.     

Selective inhibitory effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

In order to prevent restenosis after angioplasty or stenting, one of the most popular targets is suppression of the abnormal growth and excess migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with drugs. However, the drugs also adversely affect vascular endothelial cells (VECs), leading to the induction of late thrombosis. We have investigated the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the proliferation and migration of VECs and VSMCs. Both cells showed dose-dependent decrease of viability in response to EGCG while they have different IC(50) values of EGCG (VECs, 150 mM and VSMCs, 1050 mM). Incubating both cells with EGCG resulted in significant reduction in cell proliferation irrespective of cell type. The proliferation of VECs were greater affected than that of VSMCs at the same concentrations of EGCG. EGCG exerted differential migration-inhibitory activity in VECs vs. VSMCs. The migration of VECs was not attenuated by 200 mM EGCG, but that of VSMCs was significantly inhibited at the same concentration of EGCG. It is suggested that that EGCG can be effectively used as an efficient drug for vascular diseases or stents due to its selective activity, completely suppressing the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, but not adversely affecting VECs migration in blood vessels.