Bivariate Free Knot Splines

We consider the least squares approximation of gridded 2D data by tensor product splines with free knots. The smoothing functional to be minimized—a generalization of the univariate Schoenberg functional—is chosen in such a way that the solution of the bivariate problem separates into the solution of a sequence of univariate problems in case of fixed knots. The resulting optimization problem is a constrained separable least squares problem with tensor product structure. Based on some ideas developed by the authors for the univariate case, an efficient method for solving the specially structured 2D problem is proposed, analyzed and tested on hand of some examples from the literature.     

Differential effects of synchronous and asynchronous multifinger coactivation on human tactile performance

Background  

Repeated execution of a tactile task enhances task performance. In the present study we sought to improve tactile performance with unattended activation-based learning processes (i.e., focused stimulation of dermal receptors evoking neural coactivation (CA)). Previous studies show that the application of CA to a single finger reduced the stationary two-point discrimination threshold and significantly increased tactile acuity. These changes were accompanied by an expansion of the cortical finger representation in primary somatosensory cortex (SI). Here we investigated the effect of different types of multifinger CA on the tactile performance of each finger of the right hand.     

Discrete duality finite volume schemes for Leray−Lions−type elliptic problems on general 2D meshes

Discrete duality finite volume schemes on general meshes, introduced by Hermeline and Domelevo and Omnès for the Laplace equation, are proposed for nonlinear diffusion problems in 2D with nonhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition. This approach allows the discretization of non linear fluxes in such a way that the discrete operator inherits the key properties of the continuous one. Furthermore, it is well adapted to very general meshes including the case of nonconformal locally refined meshes. We show that the approximate solution exists and is unique, which is not obvious since the scheme is nonlinear. We prove that, for general W^?1,p′(Ω) source term and W^1‐(1/p),p(?Ω) boundary data, the approximate solution and its discrete gradient converge strongly towards the exact solution and its gradient, respectively, in appropriate Lebesgue spaces. Finally, error estimates are given in the case where the solution is assumed to be in W^2,p(Ω). Numerical examples are given, including those on locally refined meshes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2007     

Synthesis of latonduine derivatives via intramolecular Heck reaction

The synthesis of indole ring-fused benzazepinone series as latonduine derivatives has been developed via an intramolecular Heck reaction. The scope has been enlarged not only to indole moiety but also to pyrrolo and benzo[b]thiophene nuclei. Several derivatives prepared have been evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activities on breast cancer cell lines. Some of them showed promising cytotoxic activities.     

Barycentric systems and stretchability

Using a general resolution of barycentric systems we give a generalization of Tutte's theorem on convex drawing of planar graphs. We deduce a characterization of the edge coverings into pairwise non-crossing paths which are stretchable: such a system is stretchable if and only if each subsystem of at least two paths has at least three free vertices (vertices of the outer face of the induced subgraph which are internal to none of the paths of the subsystem). We also deduce that a contact system of pseudo-segments is stretchable if and only if it is extendible.     

Microstructure array on Si and SiOx generated by micro-contact printing, wet chemical etching and reactive ion etching

A method, combining micro-contact printing (μCP), wet chemical etching and reactive ion etching (RIE), is reported to fabricate microstructures on Si and SiOx. Positive and negative structures were generated based on different stamps used for μCP. The reproducibility of the obtained microstructures shows the methodology reported herein could be useful in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), optical and biological sensing applications.     

The design, synthesis, and characterization of a PAMAM-based triple helical collagen mimetic dendrimer

The synthesis and characterization of a collagen mimetic dendrimer composed of the Gly-Pro-Nleu sequence is described. The dendrimer is built on a ‘first generation’ poly(amidoamine) core and is synthesized in 38% yield. This dendrimer exhibits a melting temperature of 25 °C, which is in between previously studied analogous molecules of identical sequence and length.