A new efficient algorithm based on DC programming and DCA for clustering

In this paper, a version of K-median problem, one of the most popular and best studied clustering measures, is discussed. The model using squared Euclidean distances terms to which the K-means algorithm has been successfully applied is considered. A fast and robust algorithm based on DC (Difference of Convex functions) programming and DC Algorithms (DCA) is investigated. Preliminary numerical solutions on real-world databases show the efficiency and the superiority of the appropriate DCA with respect to the standard K-means algorithm.      

A green one-pot three-component cascade reaction: the synthesis of 2-amino-5,8-dihydro-3H-pyrido[2,3-D]pyrimidin-4-ones in aqueous medium

A one-pot three-component cascade reaction for the green synthesis of a new class of 2-amino-5,8-dihydro-3H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones was developed from the condensation of aromatic aldehydes with 2,6-diaminopyrimidin-4(3H)-one and acetophenone derivatives or various cyclic ketones in the presence of a catalytic amount of sodium carbonate in a mixture of water and ethanol at 60  \({^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\). This reaction led to the construction of two carbon–carbon bonds and one carbon–nitrogen bond in a single synthetic step.     

Polymer inclusion membranes: The concept of fixed sites membrane revised

The mechanism of facilitated transport of metal ions across polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) is revised on the basis of transport flux measurements and of new data brought by techniques sensitive to local inter-molecular interactions and molecular diffusion. Cellulose triacetate (CTA) membranes built with two types of inclusion carriers: a liquid one Aliquat 336 and a crystalline one Lasalocid A, both able to carry metal ions across PIMs and supported liquid membranes (SLMs) made of the same components, have been compared. Both PIM systems show similar effects for what concern the need of a carrier threshold concentration for the occurrence of a transport flux across PIM as revealed by flux and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measurements, and the dependence of the chemical nature of plasticizers on the metal ion flux. These systems also present similar Raman and far IR signatures of structural evolution of PIMs with the increase of the carrier concentration within the CTA matrix.

All the presented data are interpreted as concern PIMs, according to an evolution of chemical interactions between components of the polymeric membrane able to lead to a phase transition. This phase transition type of the carrier-plasticized polymer system is induced by the increase of carrier concentration in the polymer chains. The PIM progressively organizes itself like a liquid SLM because of the enhancement of preferential solvent interactions between the carrier and the plasticizer.

The main conclusion of this study is that the classically adopted “hopping” transport mechanism between fixed carrier sites in a PIM does not apply to such carrier chemically unbound to polymer membrane systems.     

A specific slit die rheometer for extruded starchy products. Design,validation and application to maize starch

A novel in-line rheometer, called Rheopac, has been designed and built in order to study the rheological behaviour of starchy products or, more generally, of products sensitive to a thermomechanical treatment. It is based on the principle of a twin channel, using a balance of feed rate between each of them, in order to make local shear rate vary in the measuring section without changing the flow conditions into the extruder. A wide range of shear rate could be reached and measurements were performed more swiftly than with a classical slit die. The viscous behaviour of maize starch was studied by taking into account the influence of the thermomechanical history, which modified the starch degradation and thus led to important variations in the viscosity. Experimental results were satisfactorily compared to previously published models.Nomenclature E activation energy (J · mol^–1) - h channel depth (m) - h ₁ depth under the piston valve in channel 1 (m) - h ₂ depth under the piston valve in channel 2 (m) - K consistency (Pa·s ⁿ ) - K ₀ reference consistency (Pa·s ⁿ ) - L total channel length (m) - L _p length of the piston valve (m) - MC moisture content (wet basis) - n power law index - N screw rotation speed (rpm) - P ₀ entrance pressure (Pa) - P _e pressure at the entry of the piston valve (Pa) - Q ₁ flow rate in channel 1 (m3 · s^–1) - Q ₂ flow rate in channel 2 m³·s^–1) - Q _T total flow rate (m3 · s^–1) - R constant of perfect gas (8.314 J·mol^–1·K^–1) - SME specific mechanical energy (kWh · t^–1) - T temperature (°C) - T _a absolute temperature (K) - T _b barrel temperature (°C) - T _d die temperature (°C) - T _p product temperature (°C) - w channel width (m) - W energetical term (J·m^–3) - viscosity (Pa · s) - [gh ₀] intrinsic viscosity of native starch (ml·g^–1) - [] intrinsic viscosity (ml·g^–1) - shear rate (s^–1) - shear rate in measuring section (s^–1) - maximum shear rate (s^–1)     

Electrodeposition iron target for the cyclotron production of 55Co in labeling proteins

Natural iron electrodeposition on copper substrate was studied with the aim of production of cobalt-55 radionuclide. ⁵⁵Co seems well suited for PET imaging due to its high abundance of positron decay (I _β+ = 76%), its relatively long half-life (T _1/2 = 17.5 h) and its mean positron energy (E _avg = 570 keV). The electrodeposition experiments were carried out by chloride bath. Operating parameters such as pH, temperature, current density and amount of the electrolyte components are also optimized. The optimum conditions of the iron electrodeposition were follows: 8 g/L FeCl₂, 2 g/L CaCl₂, pH = 1, DC current density of 21.3 A/dm² with a bath temperature of 75 °C temperature and 20% current efficiency. SEM photomicrographs demonstrated fine-grained structure of the deposit obtained from the optimum bath. The electroplated iron-target was irradiated with 29.5 MeV protons at current of 100 μA for 1 h and yields of about 31.25 MBq/μAh were experimentally obtained.     

Evaluation of interferences on measurements of 90Sr/90Y by TDCR Cherenkov counting technique

A study to evaluate conditions affecting the determination of ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y activities in liquid samples by the triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) Cherenkov counting technique was conducted. The Cherenkov radiation produced by the ⁹⁰Y beta decay was determined using a commercially available Hidex 300 SL liquid scintillation counter. The interferences of sample geometry, including sample counting vial type and volume composition, and sample colour on the TDCR were investigated. The effects of potentially interfering beta and mixed beta–gamma emitters on the TDCR Cherenkov counting of ⁹⁰Sr/⁹⁰Y activities were also examined. The TDCR values were used to quantify counting efficiencies of ⁹⁰Y under different experimental conditions. The results demonstrated that the Cherenkov counting efficiency of ⁹⁰Y is independent of sample volume and counting vial size. The effect of colour quenching was examined using yellow and brown food-grade dyes. The TDCR correction for colour quenching was found to be effective. An evaluation of counting efficiency of different beta-emitting radionuclides demonstrated that strong gamma emissions can contribute to the Cherenkov counting efficiency. Overall, measured radioactivity values deviated from reference values by ≤7.5 %, which is acceptable for screening applications in emergency situations.     

Azaarene cis-dihydrodiol-derived 2,2'-bipyridine ligands for asymmetric allylic oxidation and cyclopropanation

Biphenyl dioxygenase-catalysed cis-dihydroxylation of 2-chloroquinoline, 2-chloro-3-methylquinoline and 2-chloro-6-phenylpyridine substrates yielded the corresponding enantiopure cis-dihydrodiols; enantiopure 2,2'-bipyridines, synthesised in four steps from 2-chloroquinoline, proved to be efficient chiral ligands in catalytic asymmetric allylic oxidation and cyclopropanation reactions of alkenes.     

Homogenized Diffusion Limit of a Vlasov–Poisson–Fokker–Planck Model

The approximation by diffusion and homogenization of the initial-boundary value problem of the Vlasov–Poisson–Fokker–Planck model is studied for a given velocity field with spatial macroscopic and microscopic variations. The L¹-contraction property of the Fokker–Planck operator and a two-scale Hybrid-Hilbert expansion are used to prove the convergence towards a homogenized Drift–Diffusion equation and to exhibit a rate of convergence.