Existence of solutions for a damped nonlinear impulsive problem with Dirichlet boundary conditions

In this paper, we consider the existence of solutions for second‐order nonlinear damped impulsive differential equations with Dirichlet boundary condition. By critical point theory, we obtain some existence theorems of solutions for the nonlinear problem. We extend and improve some recent results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the complexity of project scheduling to minimize exposed time

We consider project scheduling where the project manager’s objective is to minimize the time from when an adversary discovers the project until the completion of the project. We analyze the complexity of the problem identifying both polynomially solvable and NP-hard versions of the problem. The complexity of the problem is seen to be dependent on the nature of renewable resource constraints, precedence constraints, and the ability to crash activities in the project.     

On multiplicativity of Fourier coefficients at cusps other than infinity

This paper treats the problem of determining conditions for the Fourier coefficients of a Maass–Hecke newform at cusps other than infinity to be multiplicative. To be precise, the Fourier coefficients are defined using a choice of matrix in $\mathit{SL}(2, \mathbb{Z})$ which maps infinity to the cusp in question. Let c and d be the entries in the bottom row of this matrix, and let N be the minimal level. In earlier work with Dorian Goldfeld and Min Lee, we proved that the coefficients will be multiplicative whenever N divides 2cd. This paper proves that they will not be multiplicative unless N divides 576cd. Further, if one assumes that the Hecke eigenvalue vanishes less than half the time, then this number drops to 4cd, and a precise condition governing the case where N divides 4cd and not 2cd is obtained.     

Linear Least Squares Estimation of Regression Models for Two-Dimensional Random Fields

We consider the problem of estimating regression models of two-dimensional random fields. Asymptotic properties of the least squares estimator of the linear regression coefficients are studied for the case where the disturbance is a homogeneous random field with an absolutely continuous spectral distribution and a positive and piecewise continuous spectral density. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions on the regression sequences such that a linear estimator of the regression coefficients is asymptotically unbiased and mean square consistent. For such regression sequences the asymptotic covariance matrix of the linear least squares estimator of the regression coefficients is derived.     

Using conformationally locked nucleosides to calibrate the anomeric effect: Implications for glycosyl bond stability

Steric and electronic parameters, such as the anomeric effect (AE) and gauche effect play significant roles in steering the North⇆South equilibrium of nucleosides in solution.Two isomeric oxa-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane nucleosides that are conformationally locked in either the North or the South conformation of the pseudorotational cycle were designed to study the consequences of having the AE operational or not, independent of other parameters. The rigidity of the system allowed the orientation of the orbitals involved to be set in ‘fixed’ relationships, either antiperiplanar where the AE is permanently ‘on’, or gauche where the AE is impaired. The consequences of these two alternatives were subjected to high-level calculations and measured experimentally by X-ray crystallography, hydrolytic stability of the glycosyl bond, and pK_a values.     

A new method for solving a system of generalized nonlinear variational inequalities in Banach spaces

The purpose of this paper is by using the generalized projection approach to introduce an iterative scheme for finding a solution to a system of generalized nonlinear variational inequality problem. Under suitable conditions, some existence and strong convergence theorems are established in uniformly smooth and strictly convex Banach spaces. The results presented in the paper improve and extend some recent results.     

Preparation of a polyacrylonitrile/multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization on a stainless steel wire for solid-phase microextraction

We report on the fabrication and performances of a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber based on a stainless steel wire coated with a covalently attached polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite. This new coating is obtained by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of acrylonitrile mixed with MWCNTs. ATRP is initiated from 11-(2-bromo-2-methylpropionyloxy)-undecyl-phosphonic acid molecules grafted on the wire surface via the phosphonic acid group. The extraction performances of the fibers are assessed on different classes of compounds (polar, non-polar, aromatic, etc.) from water solutions by headspace extraction. The optimization of the parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the target compounds was studied as well as the reproducibility and the repeatability of the fiber. The fibers sustain more than 200 extractions during which they remain chemically stable and maintain good performances (detection limits lower than 2 μg/l, repeatability, etc.). Considering their robustness together with their easy and inexpensive fabrication, these fibers could constitute promising alternatives to existing products.     

The application of multiplexed,multi‐dimensional ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to the high‐throughput screening of lysosomal storage disorders in newborn dried bloodspots

Lysozomal storage disorders are just beginning to be routinely screened using enzyme activity assays involving dried blood spots and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). This paper discusses some of the analytical challenges associated with published assays including complex sample preparation and potential interference from excess residual substrate. Solutions to these challenges are presented in the form of on‐line two‐dimensional chromatography to eliminate off‐line liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE) and solid‐phase extraction (SPE), the use of ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to separate excess substrate from all other analytes and multiplexed sample introduction for higher throughput required of a population screening assay. High sensitivity, specificity and throughput were demonstrated using this novel method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.