Transitions in geometric minimum spanning trees

We study some combinatorial and algorithmic problems associated with an arbitrary motion of input points in space. The motivation for such an investigation comes from two different sources:computer modeling andsensitivity analysis. In modeling, the dynamics enters the picture since geometric objects often model physical entities whose positions can change over time. In sensitivity analysis, the motion of the input points might represent uncertainties in the precise location of objects. The main results of the paper deal with state transitions in the minimum spanning tree when one or more of the input points move arbitrarily in space. In particular, questions of the following form are addressed: (i) How many different minimum spanning trees can arise if one point moves while the others remain fixed? (ii) When does the minimum spanning tree change its topology if all points are allowed to move arbitrarily?     

Implementation of sensitivity calculations on a monte carlo experiment

A new approach to the optimization of discrete-event dynamic systems has recently been developed (Refs. 1–4). The implementation of this approach requires answering the following question: given an observed value of the outcome of a random variable, what would have been the outcome if the parameters of the random variable had been different? The answer to this question would traditionally involve the value of an outcome in an underlying sample space. However, this underlying value cannot normally be observed. In this note, we give a framework for answering this question, in terms of the observed value alone. This point had not been considered rigorously in the new approach of Refs. 1–4, and our note derives a basic equation required for that approach.     

Two-, three-, and four-component magnetic multilayer onion nanoparticles based on iron oxides and manganese oxides

Magnetic multilayered, onion-like, heterostructured nanoparticles are interesting model systems for studying magnetic exchange coupling phenomena. In this work, we synthesized heterostructured magnetic nanoparticles composed of two, three, or four components using iron oxide seeds for the subsequent deposition of manganese oxide. The MnO layer was allowed either to passivate fully in air to form an outer layer of Mn(3)O(4) or to oxidize partially to form MnO|Mn(3)O(4) double layers. Through control of the degree of passivation of the seeds, particles with up to four different magnetic layers can be obtained (i.e., FeO|Fe(3)O(4)|MnO|Mn(3)O(4)). Magnetic characterization of the samples confirmed the presence of the different magnetic layers.     

Rapid extraction and quantitative detection of the herbicide diuron in surface water by a hapten-functionalized carbon nanotubes based electrochemical analyzer

A solid phase extraction micro-cartridge containing a non-polar polystyrene absorbent matrix was coupled with an electrochemical immunoassay analyzer (EIA) and used for the ultra-sensitive detection of the phenyl urea herbicide diuron in real samples. The EIA was fabricated by using carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with a hapten molecule (an amine functionalized diuron derivative). Screen printed electrodes (SPE) were modified with these haptenized CNTs and specific in-house generated anti diuron antibodies were used for bio-interface development. The immunodetection was realized in a competitive electrochemical immunoassay format using alkaline phosphatase labeled secondary anti-IgG antibody. The addition of 1-naphthyl phosphate substrate resulted in the production of an electrochemically active product, 1-naphthol, which was monitored by using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The assay exhibited excellent sensitivity and specificity having a dynamic response range of 0.01 pg mL(-1) to 10 μg mL(-1) for diuron with a limit of detection of around 0.1 pg mL(-1) (n = 3) in standard water samples. The micro-cartridge coupled hapten-CNTs modified SPE provided an effective and efficient electrochemical immunoassay for the real-time monitoring of pesticides samples with a very high degree of sensitivity.     

A synthetic entry into tetracyclo (4.2.0.02,4.03,8) octane system

Novel ceric ion oxidation of homocubanone provides a facile entry into tetracyclo(4.2.0.0^2,4.0^3,8)octane and tricyclo (3.3.0.0^2,7)octane ring systems.     

Design and synthesis of hyaluronan-mimetic gemini disaccharides

An efficient strategy has been designed for the preparation of synthetic mimics of hyaluronan (HA, 1) and its dimerized (Gemini) disaccharides (2a,b) via n-pentenyl glycoside formation. Construction of the target molecules was achieved through a combination of protection/deprotection protocols, imidate glycosylation methodology followed by ozonolysis, and reductive amination. These tailored synthetic mimics could act as versatile building blocks with therapeutic applications in tissue engineering, treatment of cancer and as drug delivery agents.     

Application of phase-titrations for estimation of adulteration of gasoline and high-speed diesel with kerosene

A simple, cheap and quick routine method based on phase-titration has been developed for the estimation of adulteration of gasoline and high-speed diesel with kerosene. Since no instrumentation is required, the method can be used as a field method for analysis at filling stations. Adulteration of gasoline with kerosene can be determined to +/-1%, and of diesel with kerosene to +/-2%. Even non-technical personnel with a few day's training can analyse fuel samples by this method.     

Mixed finite element methods for the approximation of time-dependent problems

A given elliptic boundary problem can, in general, be approximated by several different mixed finite element methods, depending on what physical unknowns are most desired. The use of certain mixed methods for time-dependent problems has been proposed by Johnson and Thomee [5]. We analyze here some additional mixed methods for the time-dependent case which can be used to obtain direct approximations to alternate physical quantities of interest.     

Freezing temperatures of aqueous solutions of hexamethylenetetramine with polyols,amides, and ethers

Freezing temperatures of dilute aqueous solutions of hexamethylenetetramine and mixtures of hexamethylenetetramine with myo-inositol, d-mannitol, cyclohexanol, formamide, acetamide, 1,4-dioxane, and 1,3,5-trioxane have been measured. These data yield pairwise molecular Gibbs energies of interaction between the molecules in an aqueous solution. Using the additivity principle, the results also yield the pairwise functional group Gibbs energies of interaction in an aqueous solution for the amine nitrogen with itself and with the hydroxyl, amide, ether, and methylene groups.