Solving Non-Uniqueness in Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering Using Multidendrograms

In agglomerative hierarchical clustering, pair-group methods suffer from a problem of non-uniqueness when two or more distances between different clusters coincide during the amalgamation process. The traditional approach for solving this drawback has been to take any arbitrary criterion in order to break ties between distances, which results in different hierarchical classifications depending on the criterion followed. In this article we propose a variable-group algorithm that consists in grouping more than two clusters at the same time when ties occur. We give a tree representation for the results of the algorithm, which we call a multidendrogram, as well as a generalization of the Lance andWilliams’ formula which enables the implementation of the algorithm in a recursive way. The authors thank A. Arenas for discussion and helpful comments. This work was partially supported by DGES of the Spanish Government Project No. FIS2006–13321–C02–02 and by a grant of Universitat Rovira i Virgili.     

Homology Priority Task Scheduling in μC/OS-Ⅱ Real-Time Kernel

μC/OS-Ⅱ is an open source real-time kernel adopting priority preemptive schedule strategy. Aiming at the problem of μC/OS-Ⅱ failing to support homology priority tasks scheduling, an approach for solution is proposed. The basic idea is adding round-robin scheduling strategy in its original scheduler in order to schedule homology priority tasks through time slice roundrobin. Implementation approach is given in detail. Firstly, the Task Control Block （TCB） is extended. And then, a new priority index table is created, in which each index pointer points to a set of homology priority tasks. Eventually, on the basis of reconstructing μC/OS-Ⅱ real-time kernel, task scheduling module is rewritten. Otherwise, schedulability of homology task supported by modified kernel had been analyzed, and deadline formula of created homology tasks is given. By theoretical analysis and experiment verification, the modified kernel can support homology priority tasks scheduling, meanwhile, it also remains preemptive property of original μC/OS-Ⅱ.     

Philosophy of chemistry and the image of science

The philosophical analysis of chemistry has advanced at such a pace during the last dozen years that the existence of philosophy of chemistry as an autonomous discipline cannot be doubted any more. The present paper will attempt to analyse the experience of philosophy of chemistry at the, so to say, meta-level. Philosophers of chemistry have especially stressed that all sciences need not be similar to physics. They have tried to argue for chemistry as its own type of science and for a pluralistic understanding of science in general. However, when stressing the specific character of chemistry, philosophers do not always analyse the question ‘What is science?’ theoretically. It is obvious that a ‘monistic’ understanding of science should not be based simply on physics as the epitome of science, regarding it as a historical accident that physics has obtained this status. The author’s point is that the philosophical and methodological image of science should not be chosen arbitrarily; instead, it should be theoretically elaborated as an idealization (theoretical model) substantiated on the historical practice of science. It is argued that although physics has, in a sense, justifiably obtained the status of a paradigm of science, chemistry, which is not simply a physical science, but a discipline with a dual character, is also relevant for elaborating a theoretical model of science. The theoretical model of science is a good tool for examining various issues in philosophy of chemistry as well as in philosophy of science or science studies generally.     

ROLE OF α-PSEUDO-UNIVEX FUNCTIONS IN VECTOR VARIATIONAL-LIKE INEQUALITY PROBLEMS

In this paper, we introduce a new class of generalized convex function, namely, a-pseudounivex function, by combining the concepts of pseudo-univex and α-invex functions. Further, we establish some relationships between vector variational-like inequality problems and vector optimization problems under the assumptions of α-pseudo-univex functions. Results obtained in this paper present a refinement and improvement of previously known results.     

Preparation and optical properties of solid solution semiconductor (Zn x Cd1−x S) doped silica glasses

Semiconductor(Zn_xCd_1−x S) doped silica glasses were prepared by Sol-Gel process andin situ growth technique. The structure of the materials was characterized by X-ray diffraction technique, the particle size of semiconductor crystallites from X-ray patterns was estimated less than 10 nm. From absorption spectra, it is obtained that the absorption edges shifted to short wavelength direction when Zn contents increased, and the absorption edge can be adjusted from 2.46 eV to 2.96 eV by controlling Zn contents. The third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility was studied at 532 nm with 8 ns pulse laser by degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) technique.     

Preparation of enantiomerically pure 1,1′-bi-2-naphthols from 85% cinchonine and 1,1′-bi-2-naphtholboric anhydride

A possibility of preparation of enantiomerically pure 1,1′-bi-2-naphthols using an impure cinchonine has been examined. The solid and the mother liquor formed from the reaction of 1,1′-bi-2-naphtholboric anhydride and 85% cinchonine in toluene could give optically pure (S)-(−)- and (R)-(+)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol after acidification and kinetic crystallization, the overall yields were 40% and 28%, respectively. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (2937206) and the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (93J27) Xiong Ying, born in 1971, Graduate student     

Search for new antiphytovirucides

The lead compound of substituted 2-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazoles were modified by phosphorylation sulfonation and carboxymethylation. The benzimidazoloamidophosphate (6) (7) have better activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The benzimidazolophenoxyacetic acid, phenoxysulfonic acid containing trifluoromethyl, and nitro group have 77%≈85% efficiency for wheat rust disease. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and National Laboratory of Elemento Organic Chemistry Nankai University Qu Fanqi: born in 1952, Associate professor     

pH effect of· OH radical induced oxidation of phosphoryl- methionine in aqueous solution

Conclusion The results of pulse radiolytical research on the · OH radical-induced oxidation of NDM in aqueous solution demonstrate that pH value has a great influence on the radiolytical mechanism of NDM. At low pH value, the product is mainly stabilization of the oxidizing sulfur centre in the three-electron-bonded cation radical NDM₂ ·⁺ [S]; with the increase of pH value, NDM₂ ·⁺ [S] gradually decays to become the reducing α-amino radical which was verified by the chemical method and whose yield was also calculated. Compared with Met₂ ·⁺ [S] produced by the · OH radical-induced oxidation in aqueous solution [1], the stability of NDM₂·⁺ [S] increases and the yield of α-amino radical decreases. This suggests that the introduction of phosphoryl group has a coordinating effect on the radioprotection of methionine to biological systems, and provides the essentially theoretical foundation for the thorough clarification of the reversible phosphorylation of proteins.