A clustering approach for scenario tree reduction: an application to a stochastic programming portfolio optimization problem

This paper deals with the problem of scenario tree reduction for stochastic programming problems. In particular, a reduction method based on cluster analysis is proposed and tested on a portfolio optimization problem. Extensive computational experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, both in terms of computational efficiency and efficacy. The analysis of the results shows that the clustering approach exhibits good performance also when compared with other reduction approaches.     

Singular solutions for second-order non-divergence type elliptic inequalities in punctured balls

We study the existence and non-existence of positive singular solutions of second-order non-divergence type elliptic inequalities of the form $\sum\limits_{i,j = 1}^N {a_{ij} (x)\frac{{\partial ^2 u}} {{\partial x_i \partial x_j }}} + \sum\limits_{i = 1}^N {b_i (x)\frac{{\partial u}} {{\partial x_i }} \geqslant K(x)u^p ,} - \infty < p - \infty , $ with measurable coefficients in a punctured ball B _R \{0} of ? ^N , N ≥ 1. We prove the existence of a critical value p* which separates the existence region from the non-existence region. We show that in the critical case p = p*, the existence of a singular solution depends on the rate at which the coefficients (a _{i j} ) and (b _i ) stabilize at zero, and we provide some optimal conditions in this setting.     

Chemo-enzymatic approach to the synthesis of the antithrombotic clopidogrel

The (S)-2-chlorophenylglycine moiety is well recognized in the structure of (S)-clopidogrel, a known antithrombotic drug. We prepared an enantiomerically pure chiral building block via an enzyme-catalyzed resolution of (RS)-N-Boc-2-chlorophenylglycine methylester. The best results were obtained by means of an immobilized subtilisin, the cross-linked enzyme aggregate (Alcalase-CLEA®). The high enantiomeric excess of the synthon obtained remained the same over the course of clopidogrel synthesis; the simplicity of the process makes this pathway suitable for large-scale preparation.     

Reduction of Ozonides by Means of Polymeric Triphenylphosphine: Simplified Synthesis of Carbonyl Compounds from Alkenes

A classical system for the preparation of carbonyl compounds from alkenes relies upon ozonolysis of the double bond, followed by reductive cleavage of the ozonide so formed. Among the reagents of choice for such a reduction, triphenylphosphine certainly has enjoyed a widespread use.¹ However, in spite of the simplicity of the method, often one can face problems in the purification of the carbonyl compound from unreacted triphenylphosphine, especially if the polarities of both products are very similar. We have encountered such a problem during the preparation of the (20 S)-6β -ethoxy-3 α, 5-cyclo-5α -pregnane-20-carbaldehyde 4 from the suitably protected stigmasterol3². In this case, when triphenylphosphine was used for reduction of ozonide we never could isolate the aldehyde 2 uncontaninated by tripherylphosphine.     

Genotoxic potential of TiO2 on bottlenose dolphin leukocytes

Titanium dioxide is extensively used in a variety of products, including industrial materials and cosmetics. Studies mainly performed on human cell lines and in vivo exposure on experimental animals have raised concern about the toxic effects of ultrafine titanium dioxide; however, scarce information is available about its impact on aquatic life. The aim of this article was to assess the genotoxic potential of TiO₂ (anatase and rutile) on bottlenose dolphin leukocytes. Blood samples were obtained from four male and one female specimens reared at the Adriatic SeaWorld “Oltremare” (Riccione, Italy). Leukocytes were isolated by the lyses procedure and in vitro exposed to TiO₂ in RPMI. Experimental solutions were sonicated immediately before dosing the cells. Three exposure times (4, 24 and 48 h) and three doses (20, 50 and 100 μg/ml) were tested. Genotoxicity was detected by the single-cell gel electrophoresis (or comet assay) at pH ≥ 13, assessing single/double-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites. Cytotoxicity was also detected by the Trypan blue exclusion method. Results showed that both the crystalline forms of TiO₂ were genotoxic for bottlenose dolphin leukocytes, with a statistically significant increase of DNA fragmentation after exposure to 50 and 100 μg/ml for 24 and 48 h. Although preliminary, these are the first data regarding the genetic susceptibility of toothed cetaceans toward an “emerging” pollutant, such as TiO₂ particles.     

Multienzymatic preparation of 3-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]benzoic acid and (2S)-hydroxy(phenyl)ethanoic acid

The use of two oxidoreductases (an aldoketo reductase from Escherichia coli JM109 and an alcohol dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus brevis) has demonstrated that it is possible to prepare enatiomerically pure diols in a one-pot operation. The reactions were applied to the synthesis of (1R)-1-[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]ethanol and (1S)-1-phenylethane-1,2-diol, using a two-step procedure. The yield is nearly quantitative and the enantiomeric purity is greater than 95%. A third step has been introduced by adding a cell biocatalyst showing dihydrodiol dehydrogenase activity from Pseudomonas fluorescens N3. This allows for the preparation of 3-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]benzoic acid and (2S)-hydroxy(phenyl)ethanoic acid.     

Synthesis, structure and redox properties of new cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes with 6-ferrocenyl-2,2′-bipyridyl

New ionic complexes [ML₂(MeCN)₂]?2Otf (M = Co or Ni; L = 6-ferrocenyl-2,2′-bipyridyl) were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammograms of the compounds [ML₂(MeCN)₂]?2Otf in CH₂Cl₂ show good cycle stability over 100 cycles in the quasi-reversible oxidation potential range (from −0.25 to 0.5 V).     

Dissipative effects on internal gravity waves in geophysical fluids

Summary In the present paper we develop a systematic analysis of the dispersion and dissipation effects on internal gravity waves in fluids of geophysical interest. Dissipation induces a cut-off in the short wavelengths, leading to an admissible range of waves. Defining a suitable criterion for detection of waves, an observable wave range results, in which the frequency dispersion is nearly the same as for the inviscid case, whereas the amplitude is damped. The peculiar behaviour displayed by the dispersion relationship for Prandtl number equal to one is discussed.