Solving MIN UR problem by triangle evolution algorithm with archiving and niche techniques

In this paper, as an extension of minimum unsatisfied linear relations problem (MIN ULR), the minimum unsatisfied relations (MIN UR) problem is investigated. A triangle evolution algorithm with archiving and niche techniques is proposed for MIN UR problem. Different with algorithms in literature, it solves MIN problem directly, rather than transforming it into many sub-problems. The proposed algorithm is also applicable for the special case of MIN UR, in which it involves some mandatory relations. Numerical results show that the algorithm is effective for MIN UR problem and it outperforms Sadegh's algorithm in sense of the resulted minimum inconsistency number, even though the test problems are linear.

Investigation of ion-atom collision dynamics through imaging techniques

The principle and technique details of recoil ion momentum imaging are discussed and summarized. The recoil ion momentum spectroscopy built at the Institute of Modern Physics (Lanzhou) is presented. The first results obtained at the setup are analyzed. For 30 keV He2+ on He collision, it is found that the capture of single electron occurs dominantly into the first excited states, and the related scattering angle results show that the ground state capture occurs at large impact parameters, while the capture into excited states occurs at small impact parameters. The results manifest the collision dynamics for the sub-femto-second process can be studied through the techniques uniquely. Finally, the future possibilities of applications of the recoil ion momentum spectroscopy in other fields are outlined.

The mechanism studies of ethanol oxidation on PdO catalysts by TPSR techniques

The paper studies the direct oxidation of ethanol and CO on PdO/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 and Ce(0.75)Zr(0.2)5O(2) catalysts. Characterization of catalysts is carried out by temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR) techniques to correlate with catalytic properties and the effect of supports on PdO. The simple Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 is in less active for ethanol and CO oxidation. After loaded with PdO, the catalytic activity enhances effectively. Combined the ethanol and CO oxidation activity with CO-TPD and ethanol-TPSR profiles, we can find the more intensive of CO2 desorption peaks, the higher it is for the oxidation of CO and ethanol. Conversion versus yield plot shows the acetaldehyde is the primary product, the secondary products are acetic acid, ethyl acetate and ethylene, and the final product is CO2. A simplified reaction scheme (not surface mechanism) is suggested that ethanol is first oxidized to form intermediate of acetaldehyde, then acetic acid, ethyl acetate and ethylene formed going with the formation of acetaldehyde, acetic acid, ethyl acetate; finally these byproducts are further oxidized to produce CO2. PdO/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalyst has much higher catalytic activity not only for the oxidation of ethanol but also for CO oxidation. Thus the CO poison effect on PdO/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalysts can be decreased and they have the feasibility for application in direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC) with high efficiency.

Microspheres and microcapsules, a survey of manufacturing techniques: Part III: Solvent evaporation

A methodological survey of microsphere formation and microencapsulation techniques based on solvent extraction/evaporation techniques is presented. Thus, basic features of solvent extraction and solvent evaporation processes, including droplet formation, droplet/particle stabilization, and solvent removal, are outlined. Preparation of a wide range of microspherical and microcapsular products based on biodegradable polyesters, polysaccharides, and nonbiodegradable polymers are discussed. Dependence of microcapsule characteristics on manufacturing parameters, as well as performance evaluation of microspherical and microcapsular products, are also briefly covered.

Starch grains from dental calculus reveal ancient plant foodstuffs at Chenqimogou site, Gansu Province

National Natural Science Foundation of China [40771205]; National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars [40625002]; Chinese Academy of Sciences [KZCX2-YW-315]

Coal-burning roasted corn and chili as the cause of dental fluorosis for children in southwestern China

To find the pathologic cause of the children's dental fluorosis in southwestern China, diet structure before the age of 6 and prevalence rate of dental fluorosis (DF) of 405 children were investigated, and the fluorine and arsenic content of several materials were determined. The prevalence rate of DF of children living on roasted corn before the age of 6 is 100% with nearly 95% having the mild to severe DF; while that of children living on non-roasted corn or rice is less than 5% with all having very mild DF. The average fluorine and arsenic concentration are 20.26 mg/kg and 0.249 mg/kg in roasted corn, which are about 16 times and 35 times more than in non-roasted corn, respectively. The average fluorine concentration is 78 mg/kg in coal, 1116 mg/kg in binder clay and 313 mg/kg in briquette (coal mixed with clay). The average arsenic concentration of coal is 5.83 mg/kg, the binder clay is 20.94 mg/kg, with 8.52 mg/kg in the briquette. Living on roasted corn and chili is the main pathologic cause of endemic fluorosis in southwestern China. The main source of fluorine and arsenic pollution of roasted corn and chill is the briquette of coal and binder clay. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of immersion in various media on the sorption, solubility, elution of unreacted monomers, and flexural properties of two model dental composite compositions

Immersion in various media has different effect on the properties of dental composites, such as sorption, solubility, elution of unreacted monomers, flexural strength, and flexural elastic modulus. In the present work, the effect of immersion in various media and the relationship between the variation of these properties and the components of dental composite were investigated.