Sample-path optimization of convex stochastic performance functions

In this paper we propose a method for optimizing convex performance functions in stochastic systems. These functions can include expected performance in static systems and steady-state performance in discrete-event dynamic systems; they may be nonsmooth. The method is closely related to retrospective simulation optimization; it appears to overcome some limitations of stochastic approximation, which is often applied to such problems. We explain the method and give computational results for two classes of problems: tandem production lines with up to 50 machines, and stochastic PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) problems with up to 70 nodes and 110 arcs. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation under grant number CCR-9109345, by the Air Force Systems Command, USAF, under grant numbers F49620-93-1-0068 and F49620-95-1-0222, by the U.S. Army Research Office under grant number DAAL03-92-G-0408, and by the U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command under contract number DASG60-91-C-0144. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this material, and is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation thereon. Sponsored by a Wisconsin/Hilldale Research Award, by the U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command under contract number DASG60-91-C-0144, and the Air Force Systems Command, USAF, under grant number F49620-93-1-0068. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation under grant number DDM-9201813.     

Investigation of the reaction products of 5-amino-1,3-disubstituted-pyrazoles with aromatic aldehydes. synthesis of new fluorinated 1,3,4-trisubstituted-4H-pyrazolo[3,4-e][1,4]thiazepin-7-ones

The condensation products of 5-amino-1,3-disubstituted-pyrazoles with aromatic aldehydes were identified as 2,4-dihydro-2,5-diphenyl-4-(phenylmethylene)-3H-pyrazol-5-imine derivatives Treatment of these products with mercaptoacetic acid gave new fluorine containing 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-e][1,4]thiazepin-7-ones.     

Synthesis of 1-(5-phenyl-2H-tetrazol-2-ylacetyl)-4-substituted thiosemicarbazides as possible antiinflammatory agents

A series of 1-(5-phenyl-2H-tetrazol-2-ylacetyl)-4-substituted thiosemicarbazids were prepared as possible antiinflammatory agents. Their antiproteolytic activity was reported.     

A new spot test for cerium(IV)

Summary A new colour reaction for the detection of cerram(IV) which can be carried out both in a test tube and on a spot plate has been described. The test solution is treated with methylene blue in nitric acid solution (11) to form a rose-red colour. This simple procedure has an advantage over the existing tests in that it is applicable in the presence of oxidising agents like chromium(VI), vanadium(V), nitrate, perchlorate and of coloured ions like copper(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), chromium(III), iron(III), vanadium(IV), uranium(VI).

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Zusammenfassung Eine neue, sowohl in der Eprouvette wie auf der Tüpfelplatte ausführbare Farbreaktion zum Nachweis von Cer(IV) wurde angegeben. Die Probelösung wird mit salpetersaurer Methylenblaulösung behandelt und gibt eine rosarote Färbung. Die Reaktion hat gegenüber bekannten Tests den Vorteil, in Gegenwart von Oxydationsmitteln wie Cr(VI), V(V), NO₃ ^–, ClO₄ ^– bzw. in Anwesenheit gefärbter Ionen wie Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), V(IV) oder U(VI) anwendbar zu sein.

     

Electroweak tests with τ leptons at LEP

We report on two sensitive tests of lepton universality carried out by the 4 LEP experiments at the Z⁰ pole. From measurements of the τ polarization in e⁺ e^?→τ ⁺ τ ^?, the ratios of the vector and axial vector coupling constants of the electron and the tau lepton to the weak neutral current are obtained to beg _{v e} /g _{a e} =0.066±0.015 andg _{V τ} /g _{A τ} =0.070±0.009 respectively. From measurement of the τ lifetime and the τ leptonic branching ratios, the ratio of the coupling constants describing weak leptonic decays of the τ and the μ is measured to beG _τ /G _μ =0.996±0.008.     

Titrimetric determination of vanadium(V) and chromium(VI) alone and in mixtures with hydrazine sulphate in phosphoric acid media

Hydrazine sulphate is proposed as a primary standard reagent for the direct titrimetric determination of vanadium(V) and chromium(VI) alone and in mixtures with potentiometric and photometric end-points, in 9–12 M phosphoric acid medium. The methods proposed possess advantages over those currently available. The use of phosphoric acid as a reaction medium not only accelerates the hydrazine-vanadium(V) reaction very much but also makes it follow an accurate stoichiometric path.     

Amperometric determination of calcium as selenite

Summary An amperometric titration of calcium with selenite is described. Barium, strontium, and other cations forming insoluble selenites interfere, but magnesium does not. The method is rapid and suitable for routine analysis, the error being less than 10 parts per 1000 over the range 50 to 70 mg of calcium.

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Zusammenfassung Ein amperometrisches Titrationsverfahren für Calcium mit Selenit wurde beschrieben. Barium, Strontium und andere Kationen, die unlösliche Selenite bilden, stören, nur Magnesium nicht. Das Verfahren ist rasch und für Routineanalysen geeignet. Im Bereich zwischen 50 und 70 mg Calcium ist der Fehler geringer als 1% relativ.

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Résumé On décrit un titrage ampérométrique du calcium par l'ion sélénite. Le baryum, le strontium et les autres cations formant des sélénites insolubles interfèrent, excepté le magnésium. La méthode est rapide et convient à l'analyse en série, l'erreur étant inférieure à 10 parties pour 1000 dans le domaine de 50–70 mg de calcium.

     

Nickel nitrosyl complexes with the diphenylphosphinoethane ligand

Summary Four-coordinate nickel nitrosyl complexes of the general formula Ni(NO)X(Dppe) (Dppe=Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) have been prepared byin situ formation of Ni(NO₂)X(Dppe), (X= Cl, Br, I or SCN) followed by reduction with triphenylphosphine, or carbon monoxide, and/or DMF. Oxygenation of the nitrosyl complexes gives the corresponding nitro products and as indicated by u.v.-vis spectroscopy involves formation of an intermediate. The oxygenation rate increases markedly in the presence of light or of a catalytic amount of benzoyl peroxide and a tentative explanation is offered for these observations. Ionic adducts are formed in reactions between the nitrosyl complexes and donor molecules.Paper presented in part at the XXth ICCC Conference.     

Electron impact induced fragmentation of some 1,2,4-triazole derivatives

The mass spectra of eight 1,2,4-triazole derivaties have been recorded and found tao reveal extensive hydrogen and skeletal migrations. The structures of the fragments have been confirmed by deuterium labelling and exact mass measurement. The compounds revealed striking differences in their spectra depending on the nature of the substituents.