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.     

A trajectory-following method for unconstrained optimization

A trajectory-following method with interesting properties is considered for solving unconstrained nonlinear programming problems. The trajectory is defined by a special system of ordinary differential equations. This system uses only the gradient of the objective function. Numerical examples are given.The work of the second author was supported by the DFG Schwerpunkt Anwendungs-bezogene Optimierung and Steuerung.     

MCM-41-supported bidentate phosphine palladium(0) complex: a highly active and recyclable catalyst for the Sonogashira reaction of aryl iodides

The first MCM-41-supported bidentate phosphine palladium(0) complex has been prepared. This complex is a highly efficient catalyst for Sonogashira reaction and can be reused at least 10 times without any decrease in activity.     

Theory of oscillatory experiments with a coaxial cylinder viscometer

Equations are derived for the coaxial cylinder system in the combined oscillatory and steady-state shear mode. The limitations of the use of the various equations are presented. If the usual linear equations are used, the main limitation, in the case of oscillatory shear only, is that the frequency of measurement should be below 0.016 | ^*|/(r ₂ –r ₁ )². Here | ^*| is the modulus of the complex viscosity, is the density of the liquid andr ₁ andr ₂ are the radii of the cylinders. Furthermore it is shown that there is a small error in the numerical factor of the usually applied equations. The calculations are set up in such a way that extension to higher harmonics follows in a natural way. An experimental example illustrates the use of the derived equations.     

Consistency of a linear system of inequalities

We show that a consistency check of a linear system of inequalitiesAxb reduces to check whetherQb0 for a certain matrixQ. It is a direct consequence of the Farkas-Minkowski theorem. Thus, when one has to check consistency for different values ofb, one need not run a numerical algorithm for eachb.On leave at the Electronics Research Laboratory of the University of California at Berkeley in a CNRS/NSF Exchange Program.     

Extremality and the global Markov property II: The global markov property for non-FKG maximal Gibbs measures

We give a condition on a Gibbs measure for an attractive Markov specification, which assures extremality and the global Markov property. As an example of application we consider the class of attractive Markov specifications defined on a compact configuration space over a two-dimensional lattice by the interaction Hamiltonians (assumed to have a finite set of periodic ground configurations) satisfying Peierl's condition. We prove that each extremal Gibbs measure for such a specification, at sufficiently low temperature, has the global Markov property.On leave of absence from the Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Wrocaw, Poland.     

锰（Ⅱ）—邻菲口罗啉配合物极谱吸附波及其应用

在ｐＨ９．５ＮＨ３ＮＨ４Ｃｌ缓冲溶液中，Ｍｎ（Ⅱ）与邻菲口罗啉形成的配合物在－１．３６Ｖ（ｖｓ．ＳＣＥ）处产生一灵敏的吸附波，一阶导数峰电流与Ｍｎ（Ⅱ）浓度在５×１０－８５×１０－６ｍｏｌ／Ｌ范围内呈线性关系，检出限为２×１０－８ｍｏｌ／Ｌ对极谱性质及反应机理进行了研究，用该法测定了大豆和茶叶中的微量锰，结果满意     

Volume and compressibility changes of complex formation between 18-Crown-6 and NaCl,KCl, and CsCl in water

The apparent molal volumes and compressibilities of NaCl, KCl, and CsCl in mixtures of 18-Crown-6 and water have been calculated from density and speed-of-sound measurements at 25°C. The partial molal volumes and compressibilities of the salts when all cations have formed complexes with 18-Crown-6 molecules have been evaluated. The sign and magnitude of the volume and compressibility changes of complex formation strongly suggest that the charge of the cation becomes very effectively screened by the crown ether.     

四元缔合物体系薄层树脂相分离与光度法联用测定痕量钴

提出了在酸性条件下 (pH=5.0),利用阳离子交换树脂-丁二酮肟-碘-钴四元体系,通过薄层树脂相光度法测定钴的新方法。本法灵敏度高 (e454=1.7105L/molcm),比水相光度法提高14倍,精密度理想 (测定2.0礸/ml Co(II) 6次,RSD=1.3%),选择性好。实测药品VB12及天然水中钴,线性范围0.024~2.0礸/ml (定容50ml),检出限10.4ng/ml。     

Polynuclear manganese grids and clusters—A magnetic perspective

High nuclearity paramagnetic, spin-coupled transition metal clusters and grids are fascinating chemists and physicists partly because of their structural beauty, and the challenge of creating them, but also because of their novel physical properties. Magnetic interactions between the spin centers are a primary focus. This review will examine a selection of Mn(II) polynuclear grids and clusters, with nuclearities in the range Mn₄ to Mn₉. Theoretical treatments of the magnetic properties are discussed, and approaches to solving the exchange problem for ‘large’ spin systems related to computational difficulties. A freely available software package (MAGMUN4.1) is presented as a means of dealing simply with spin-coupled clusters in general, and symmetry reduction methods are discussed briefly as a means of dealing with ‘large’ spin systems.