Sensitivity analysis incorporating fuzzy evaluation for scaling constants of multiattribute utility functions

A multiattribute utility function can be represented by a function of single-attribute utility functions if the decision maker’s preference satisfies additive independence or mutually utility independence. Additive independence is a preference condition stronger than mutually utility independence, and the multiattribute utility function is in the additive form if the former condition is satisfied, otherwise it is in the multiplicative form. In this paper, we propose a method for sensitivity analysis of multiattribute utility functions in multiplicative form, taking into account the imprecision of the decision maker’s judgment in the procedures for determining scaling constants (attribute weights).     

光折变法制备的As2S8条形波导的光阻断效应

实验研究了As2S8薄膜光折变现象.提出并采用紫外光激励的方法试制了As2S8条形波导,导模激励显示该波导具有良好的导波特性.在此基础上,考察了As2S8条波导的光阻断效应,实现了光-光效应的开关功能.     

Revisiting the extrapolation of correlation energies to complete basis set limit

The extrapolation scheme of correlation energy is revisited to evaluate the complete basis set limit from double‐zeta (DZ) and triple‐zeta levels of calculations. The DZ level results are adjusted to the standard asymptotic behavior with respect to the cardinal number, observed at the higher levels of basis sets. Two types of adjusting schemes with effective scaling factors, which recover errors in extrapolations with the DZ level basis set, are examined. The first scheme scales the cardinal number for the DZ level energy, while the second scheme scales the prefactor of the extrapolation function. Systematic assessments on the Gaussian‐3X and Gaussian‐2 test sets reveal that these calibration schemes successfully and drastically reduce errors without additional computational efforts. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Synergic Catalysis of PdCu Alloy Nanoparticles within a Macroreticular Basic Resin for Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid

Highly dispersed PdCu alloy nanoparticles have been successfully prepared within a macroreticular basic resin bearing ?N(CH₃)₂ functional groups. This previously unappreciated combination of alloy is first proven to be responsible for the efficient production of high‐purity H₂ from formic acid (HCOOH) dehydrogenation for chemical hydrogen storage. By the addition of Cu, the electronically promoted Pd sites show significantly higher catalytic activity as well as a better tolerance towards CO poisoning as compared to their monometallic Pd counterparts. Experimental and DFT calculation studies revealed not only the synergic alloying effect but also cooperative action by the ?N(CH₃)₂ groups within the resin play crucial roles in achieving exceptional catalytic performances. In addition to the advantages such as, facile preparation method, free of additives, recyclable without leaching of active component, and suppression of unfavorable CO formation less than 3 ppm, the present catalytic system is cost‐effective because of the superior catalytic activity compared with that of well‐established precious PdAg or PdAu catalysts. The present catalytic system is particularly desirable for an ideal hydrogen vector in terms of potential industrial application for fuel cells.     

Acid-induced conformational alteration of cis-preferential aromatic amides bearing N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl) moiety

A series of cis-preferential aromatic N-methyl amides was designed and synthesized, and acid-induced conformational alteration of these compounds was investigated by means of NMR measurements in solution and X-ray crystal structure analysis. Compounds with a terminal N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl) amide unit showed acid-induced conformational change from cis to trans, while those with a terminal N-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxamide unit showed a change of the carbonyl orientation from anti to syn with retention of cis conformation.     

Synthesis of the C22-C37 segment of prorocentin

The synthesis of the C22-C37 segment of prorocentin, isolated from the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima, was achieved. Because the relative stereochemical relationship between C26 and other stereocenters (C28/C31/C32 established as R*/R*/R*) in the C22-C37 region of natural prorocentin has not yet been determined, both epimers at C26 of the C22-C37 segment were selectively constructed. The synthesis was based on a 5-exo epoxide ring opening reaction to form an oxolane (E-ring), Brown asymmetric methallylation to install the C26-stereocenter, acryloylation of the resulting alcohol, and ring-closing olefin metathesis to establish the Z-olefin at C23/C24.     

Anti-biofouling properties of an amphoteric polymer brush constructed on a glass substrate

An amphoteric copolymer brush of methacrylic acid (MA) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization using both a free chain transfer agent (n-butylsulfanylthiocarbonylsulfanyl-2-methyl propionic acid) and a radical initiator (4,4'-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid)) covalently fixed to a glass substrate. An aqueous solution of the copolymer, Poly(MA-r-DMAEMA), which was simultaneously obtained in liquid phase, had a sufficiently small polydispersity in its molecular weight. The copolymer brush showed effective suppression of non-specific adsorption of bovine serum albumin and egg white lysozyme to the brush. In contrast, both negatively charged PolyMA and positively charged PolyDMAEMA brushes significantly adsorbed the proteins irrespective of their net charges. Upon ion beam irradiation, furthermore, a hollow space with a designed shape could be made on the glass substrate, and both HEK293 and HepG2 cells non-specifically adhered to the space, forming aggregates, while no adhesion to the non-treated area on the brush was observed. These results suggest that the amphoteric polymer brushes will be useful materials for biomedical applications.