Approximation algorithms for dynamic resource allocation

We consider a problem of allocating limited quantities of M types of resources among N independent activities that evolve over T epochs. In each epoch, we assign to each activity a task which consumes resources, generates utility, and determines the subsequent state of the activity. We study the complexity of, and approximation algorithms for, maximizing average utility.     

Scheduling data transfers in a network and the set scheduling problem

In this paper we consider the online ftp problem. The goal is to service a sequence of file transfer requests given bandwidth constraints of the underlying communication network. The main result of the paper is a technique that leads to algorithms that optimize several natural metrics, such as max-stretch, total flow time, max flow time, and total completion time. In particular, we show how to achieve optimum total flow time and optimum max-stretch if we increase the capacity of the underlying network by a logarithmic factor. We show that the resource augmentation is necessary by proving polynomial lower bounds on the max-stretch and total flow time for the case where online and offline algorithms are using same-capacity edges. Moreover, we also give polylogarithmic lower bounds on the resource augmentation factor necessary in order to keep the total flow time and max-stretch within a constant factor of optimum.     

Dislocation unpinning model of acoustic emission from alkali halide crystals

The present paper reports the dislocation unpinning model of acoustic emission (AE) from alkali halide crystals. Equations are derived for the strain dependence of the transient AE pulse rate, peak value of the AE pulse rate and the total number of AE pulse emitted. It is found that the AE pulse rate should be maximum for a particular strain of the crystals. The peak value of the AE pulse rate should depend on the volume and strain rate of the crystals, and also on the pinning time of dislocations. Since the pinning time of dislocations decreases with increasing strain rate, the AE pulse rate should be weakly dependent on the strain rate of the crystals. The total number of AE should increase linearly with deformation and then it should attain a saturation value for the large deformation. By measuring the strain dependence of the AE pulse rate at a fixed strain rate, the time constantτ _s for surface annihilation of dislocations and the pinning timeτ _p of the dislocations can be determined. A good agreement is found between the theoretical and experimental results related to the AE from alkali halide crystals.     

Stability of a deflagration front in compressible media

A two-dimensional linear analysis of the planar flame front stability for a compressible fluid is presented. The analysis shows that there are two types of perturbations. The first type, corresponding to waves in incompressible media, has already been studied by Landau. It predicts absolute instability of the flame front. The second type of perturbations is due to fluid compressibility and the dependence on upstream flow parameters of the flame front velocity. Three different regimes for these perturbations are possible: stable, acoustically unstable, and absolutely unstable. The instability results in a pronounced pressure wave generation.A one-dimensional analysis of the interaction of the flame front with flow boundaries is performed. Under some circumstances, this interaction is shown to cause exponential growth of the perturbations.     

Asymmetric synthesis of 6-(2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-pentafluorophenyl)-δ-lactones via “allyl”boranes: application for the synthesis of fluorinated analog of key pharmacophore of statin drugs

Asymmetric “allyl”boration of pentafluorobenzaldehyde with various α-pinene based “allyl”boranes provides homoallylic alcohols in high de and ee; the alcohols have been converted into δ-lactones via acryloylation, ring-closing metathesis and hydrogenation. Pentafluorophenyl analog of key pharmacophore of statin drugs has been synthesized using diastereoselective epoxidation and regioselective reduction as key steps.     

Newby shift ofK=0 rotational bands in odd-odd rare-earths

A data set of 29 experimentally determined Newby shifts in rare-earth nuclei is examined for the reliability of each values. Using this data set, Newby shifts are obtained which are free from the Coriolis and the particle-particle coupling effects. These new empirical values help resolve the failure of a recently proposed rule for the sign of the Newby shift in the {5/2[413]p − 5/2[642]n} configuration of¹⁶⁰Tb and the {5/2[402]p − 5/2[512]n} configuration of¹⁷⁴Lu. Also the Newby shifts are significantly modified in two other cases namely the {1/2[411]p − 1/2[521]n} configuration in¹⁶⁸Tm and the {1/2[541]p − 1/2[521]n} configuration in¹⁷²Lu. Only marginal changes are seen in the rest of the cases in the rare-earth nuclei.     

Radiation induced synthesis and swelling characterization of thermo-responsive N-isopropylacrylamide-co-ionic hydrogels

Two-component thermo-responsive hydrogels poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (NIPA-co-VBT) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-p-sodium styrene sulphonate (NIPA-co-SSS) were prepared by using high energy gamma radiation. The gels were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sol-gel analysis. The presence of ionic monomers in NIPA leads to lower gel content. Introduction of ionic components in the matrix enhanced swelling extent but caused slower volume transition. The swelling studies in alcohol indicated that swelling extent was function of polarity of the swelling medium and all gels followed the order water > methanol > ethanol > iso-propanol. In mixed co-solvents (water-alcohol), they exhibit complex reentrant behavior. The co-polymer gels containing VBT swelled faster and to higher extent than those containing SSS. The dynamic swelling studies indicated that diffusion of water in PNIPA gel shifts from Fickian for PNIPA to anomalous for NIPA-co-ionic gels also the mean swelling time (MST) decreases for gels containing ionic monomers.     

Stabilization of platinum(II) hydrides by tri-t-butylarsine; facile syntheses of stable trans-PtH2[As(t-Bu)3]2 and trans-PtHX[As(t-Bu)3]2 complexes

trans-PtH₂[As(t-Bu)₃]₂ was prepared in very good yield by afacile reaction of K₂PtC1₄ with As(t-Bu)₃ in alkaline ethanol. Treatment of trans-PtH₂[As(t-Bu)₃]₂ with CF₃CO₂H or HCI afforded trans-PtH(O₂CCF₃)[As(t-Bu)₃]₂ or trans-PtHCl[As(t-Bu)₃]₂. respectively, in almost quantitative yield.     

Some chemistry of mixed ligand complexes of platinum

Simple synthetic routes to the mixed ligand complexes PtLL'X₂ and PtLL'XY (L' = PEt₃; L = phosphine, arsine, etc.; X = Cl and Y = Cl, H or Me) are described; unexpectedly, these display an extensive chemistry without disproportionation, although in some cases ligand scrambling does occur.