On the relationship between bilevel decomposition algorithms and direct interior-point methods

Engineers have been using bilevel decomposition algorithms to solve certain nonconvex large-scale optimization problems arising in engineering design projects. These algorithms transform the large-scale problem into a bilevel program with one upperlevel problem (the master problem) and several lower-level problems (the subproblems). Unfortunately, there is analytical and numerical evidence that some of these commonly used bilevel decomposition algorithms may fail to converge even when the starting point is very close to the minimizer. In this paper, we establish a relationship between a particular bilevel decomposition algorithm, which only performs one iteration of an interior-point method when solving the subproblems, and a direct interior-point method, which solves the problem in its original (integrated) form. Using this relationship, we formally prove that the bilevel decomposition algorithm converges locally at a superlinear rate. The relevance of our analysis is that it bridges the gap between the incipient local convergence theory of bilevel decomposition algorithms and the mature theory of direct interior-point methods

AN INTERIOR-POINT METHOD FOR MPECs BASED ON STRICTLY FEASIBLE RELAXATIONS.

An interior-point method for solving mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPECs) is proposed. At each iteration of the algorithm, a single primaldual step is computed from each subproblem of a sequence. Each subproblem is defined as a relaxation of the MPEC with a nonempty strictly feasible region. In contrast to previous approaches, the proposed relaxation scheme preserves the nonempty strict feasibility of each subproblem even in the limit. Local and superlinear convergence of the algorithm is proved even with a less restrictive strict complementarity condition than the standard one. Moreover, mechanisms for inducing global convergence in practice are proposed. Numerical results on the MacMPEC test problem set demonstrate the fast-local convergence properties of the algorithm.

An interior-point method for mpecs based on strictly feasible relaxations.

An interior-point method for solving mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPECs) is proposed. At each iteration of the algorithm, a single primaldual step is computed from each subproblem of a sequence. Each subproblem is defined as a relaxation of the MPEC with a nonempty strictly feasible region. In contrast to previous approaches, the proposed relaxation scheme preserves the nonempty strict feasibility of each subproblem even in the limit. Local and superlinear convergence of the algorithm is proved even with a less restrictive strict complementarity condition than the standard one. Moreover, mechanisms for inducing global convergence in practice are proposed. Numerical results on the MacMPEC test problem set demonstrate the fast-local convergence properties of the algorithm

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles as Sensors of Cu2+ and Pb2+ in Aqueous Solutions

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles as Sensors of Cu2+ and Pb2+ in Aqueous SolutionsSilver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were bio-synthesized using Camellia sinensis (green tea) aqueous extract. Nanoparticles prepared with 10-3 M AgNO3 solution, using 3mL of green tea extract and at 60˚C, have spherical shape with a mean diameter of 7nm. The formation of the nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry through studies of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The morphology, size and crystalline structure of the Ag-NPs were determined using high definition transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, these green synthesized Ag-NPs were found to exhibit good sensing properties towards Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions in aqueous solutions. This metal ions-sensing ability of the biogenic Ag-NPs was monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometry (SPR analyses) and fluorescence spectroscopy

Plasmonic Sensing of Aqueous-Divalent Metal Ions by Biogenic Gold Nanoparticles

Research Article Plasmonic Sensing of Aqueous-Divalent Metal Ions by Biogenic Gold NanoparticlesThe chemical interaction between biogenic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and several metal (II) ions can be regarded as a practical, twofold, colorimetric, and plasmon resonance sensing method for the recognition of some divalent metal ions in aqueous solutions. The green synthesized AuNPs, using Camellia sinensis as a reducing agent, were characterized by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The AuNP colloidal solutions obtained have a pink-reddish color with SPRs centered between 529 and 536 nm. AuNPs with spherical, triangular, and hexagonal shapes were found by TEM analyses. Despite their divergent morphologies, these AuNPs can be employed as colorimetric and plasmon resonance sensors for detection of Ca2+, Sr2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+, primarily, in aqueous solutions. Sensibility studies based on molar concentrations were also performed for these metal ions. Furthermore, solid biogenic AuNPs/cellulosic biocomposites were prepared with the aim of developing portable, fast, and dependable colorimetric sensors; nevertheless, these biocomposites resulted to be good adsorbent materials of metal ions

Plasmonic and fluorescent sensors of metal ions in water based on biogenic gold nanoparticles

SE REPORTA LA CARACTERIZACION DE NANOPARTICULAS PLASMONICASGold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using a rapid, single step, and completely green biosynthetic method employing aqueous Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) extract, which was used as both the reducing and capping agent. Au(III) ions were rapidly reduced by the aqueous grapefruit extract, leading to the formation of highly stable and crystalline colloidal AuNPs, confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak centered at 544 nm in the UV–Vis spectra. Biogenic AuNPs have been evaluated as plasmonic, fluorescent and naked-eye sensors of Pb2+, Ca2+, Hg2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions in aqueous media, with a good performance and selectivity. Of the three methods used for metal ions sensing, fluorescent sensors shows better results, specifically with Ca2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+. Copper was detected by both plasmonic and fluorescent methods

Analysis of vicuña fibre production in semi-captivity and in the wild in Apurímac, Peru

            The aim of this study was to analyse the production of vicuña (Vicugna mensalis mensalis) fibre in semi-captivity and in the wild between 2008 and 2016 in the Apurímac region of Peru, as well as to determine the population of vicuñas captured and sheared and the effect of sex, age and management system in the fibre production. The production of vicuña fibre in the nine years of the study was 2 623 kg, annual average of 295.7 kg, yield of 152.76 g/vicuña and a range of variation of 54-426 g. Fibre production had an annual growth rate of 9.45% and a capture rate of 10.34%. Factorial analysis showed a significant difference (p<0.05) for the interactions of years, age, sex and simple effects.            El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la producción de fibra de vicuña (Vicugna mensalis mensalis) en semicautiverio y silvestría entre 2008 y 2016 en la región Apurímac, Perú, así como determinar la población de vicuñas capturadas y esquiladas y el efecto del sexo, edad y sistema de manejo en la producción de fibra. La producción de fibra de vicuña en los nueve años del estudio fue de 2 623 kg, promedio anual de 295.7 kg, rendimiento de 152.76 g/vicuña esquilada y un rango de variación de 54-426 g. La producción de fibra tuvo una tasa de crecimiento anual de 9.45% y una tasa de captura de 10.34%. Al análisis factorial se encontró diferencia significativa (p<0.05) para las interacciones años, edad, sexo y efectos simples

Biodegradable Polyester Films from Renewable Aleuritic Acid: Surface Modifications Induced by Melt-polycondensation in Air.

Good water barrier properties and biocompatibility of long-chain biopolyesters like cutin and suberin have inspired the design of synthetic mimetic materials. Most of these biopolymers are made from esterified mid-chain functionalized ω-long chain hydroxyacids. Aleuritic (9,10,16-trihydroxypalmitic) acid is such a polyhydroxylated fatty acid and is also the major constituent of natural lac resin, a relatively abundant and renewable resource. Insoluble and thermostable films have been prepared from aleuritic acid by meltcondensation polymerization in air without catalysts, an easy and attractive procedure for large scale production. Intended to be used as a protective coating, the barrier's performance is expected to be conditioned by physical and chemical modifications induced by oxygen on the air-exposed side. Hence, the chemical composition, texture, mechanical behavior, hydrophobicity, chemical resistance and biodegradation of the film surface have been studied by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation and water contact angle (WCA). It has been demonstrated that the occurrence of side oxidation reactions conditions the surface physical and chemical properties of these polyhydroxyester films. Additionally, the addition of palmitic acid to reduce the presence of hydrophilic free hydroxyl groups was found to have a strong influence on these parametersEspaña Mineco CTQ2011-24299Junta de Andalucia TEP-7418. JAH-GBIOPROTO FP

Isolation and characterization of mercury resistant trichoderma strains from soil with high levels of mercury and its effects on Arabidopsis thaliana mercury uptake

"Traditional mining activities are usually correlated with high levels of soil pollution, which is a major environmental concern. Extensive mining activities have taken place in the San Joaquin region in the State of Querétaro, México resulting in high levels of mercury soil pollution (up to 1532 ± 300 mg/kg). We isolated mercury-resistant fungal strains from the San Joaquin region soils and identified them through morphologic characteristics and ITS rDNA region sequence analysis. We determined that fungi isolated belong to the genus Trichoderma. All the isolates selected showed the ability to catalyze the volatilization of Hg. For air sampling, an active sampling device was constructed and using acid KMnO4 as an absorbent, the concentration of mercury in solution was determined through the cold vapor atomic absorption method. The results show mercury volatilization from the fungal species assay, with a maximum of 213.04 ± 32.6 µg/m3 while mycelium accumulation ranged from less than 17.5 ± 2.9 to 20.0 ± 3.4 µg/g. The fungal isolates were also evaluated for their ability to reduce mercury uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana. These observations suggest the utility of Trichoderma for the mobilization of mercury in those contaminated soils.

Tau Protein Phosphorylated at Threonine-231 Is Expressed Abundantly in the Cerebellum in Prion Encephalopathies

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors want to express their gratitude to the following: Dr. P. Davies † (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA) and Lester I. Binder † (North Western, Chicago, IL, USA) for the generous gift of mAbs TG-3 and Alz-50, and Tau-1, Tau-5 and Tau-7, respectively; Tec. Amparo Viramontes Pintos for the handling of the brain tissue; support in the confocal microscopy unit of CIIDIR Durango, Instituto Politécnico Nacional; Union Medica University Clinic, Dominican Republic, for their support and collaboration in the development of this research project. We also want to express our gratitude to the Mexican families who have donated the brain of their loved ones affected with Alzheimer's disease and made our research possible. This work is dedicated to the memory of Professor Dr. José Raúl Mena López †. †Deceased. This work was supported by Fondo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia, FONDOCyT, from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dominican Republic (2015-3A2-127 to MP-H) and (2018-2019-2A3-208 to JL-M and MP-H).Peer reviewedPublisher PD