Design and Asymmetric Synthesis of beta-Strand Peptidomimetics

We describe the asymmetric synthesis of non-peptidic compounds that feature rigid backbone conformations and present various side-chain functions. The key step in the synthesis of these compounds is the C-acylation of an appropriate ketone with a suitably protected aspartic acid derivative. The resulting dipeptide modules may be connected to form tetrapeptide mimics. Specifically is described the mimicry of a four-residue segment of CD4, the cellular receptor of HIV-1. The design was based on molecular modeling and the X-ray crystal structures of CD4 and intended to present the most important side chains and backbone elements of the Phe43-Lys46 segment.     

Analysis of Open Discrete Time Queueing Networks: A Refined Decomposition Approach

This paper deals with approximate analysis methods for open queueing networks. External and internal flows from and to the nodes are characterized by renewal processes with discrete time distributions of their interarrival times. Stationary distributions of the waiting time, the queue size and the interdeparture times are obtained using efficient discrete time algorithms for single server (GI/G/1) and multi-server (GI/D/c) nodes with deterministic service. The network analysis is extended to semi-Markovian representations of each flow among the nodes, which include parameters of the autocorrelation function.     

Project Management Duration/Resource Tradeoff Analysis: an Application of the Cut Search Approach

The paper presents an application oriented procedure for solving the project management duration/resource tradeoff problem. A procedure is presented for reducing a project from a normal to a crash duration state at a minimum amount of additional resource expenditure assuming a linear utilization functions. The procedure is network based using a graphical Cut Search Approach to locate the minimal resource level at each reduction in total project duration. Activity-on-arc networks and flow networks are utilized. The paper is presented for practical application and for conceptual development as compared to a theoretical treatment.     

Electroweak tests with τ leptons at LEP

We report on two sensitive tests of lepton universality carried out by the 4 LEP experiments at the Z⁰ pole. From measurements of the τ polarization in e⁺ e^?→τ ⁺ τ ^?, the ratios of the vector and axial vector coupling constants of the electron and the tau lepton to the weak neutral current are obtained to beg _{v e} /g _{a e} =0.066±0.015 andg _{V τ} /g _{A τ} =0.070±0.009 respectively. From measurement of the τ lifetime and the τ leptonic branching ratios, the ratio of the coupling constants describing weak leptonic decays of the τ and the μ is measured to beG _τ /G _μ =0.996±0.008.     

Standard<Emphasis Type="Italic">SU</Emphasis>(5) supergravity grand unification model and predictions

A review is given of the StandardSU(5) supergravity model. This model has passed an important check regarding unification of the electro-weak and the strong couplings using high precision LEP data. It is shown that for a significant domain of the parameter space the model also satisfies constraints on the SUSY spectrum from CDF and LEP, as well as proton stability and cosmological relic density constraints.     

Computing the Fukui function from ab initio quantum chemistry: approaches based on the extended Koopmans’ theorem

The extended Koopmans’ theorem is related to Fukui function, which measures the change in electron density that accompanies electron attachment and removal. Two approaches are used, one based on the extended Koopmans’ theorem differential equation and the other based directly on the expression of the ionized wave function from the extended Koopmans’ theorem. It is observed that the Fukui function for electron removal can be modeled as the square of the first Dyson orbital, plus corrections. The possibility of useful generalizations to the extended Koopmans’ theorem is considered; some of these extensions give approximations, or even exact expressions, for the Fukui function for electron attachment.     

Repeat Space Theory Applied to Carbon Nanotubes and Related Molecular Networks. I

The present article is the first part of a series devoted to extending the Repeat Space Theory (RST) to apply to carbon nanotubes and related molecular networks. Four key problems are formulated whose affirmative solutions imply the formation of the initial investigative bridge between the research field of nanotubes and that of the additivity and other network problems studied and solved by using the RST. All of these four problems are solved affirmatively by using tools from the RST. The Piecewise Monotone Lemmas (PMLs) are cornerstones of the proof of the Fukui conjecture concerning the additivity problems of hydrocarbons. The solution of the fourth problem gives a generalized analytical formula of the pi-electron energy band curves of nanotube (a, b), with two new complex parameters c and d. These two parameters bring forth a broad class of analytic curves to which the PMLs and associated theoretical devices apply. Based on the above affirmative solutions of the problems, a central theorem in the RST, called the asymptotic linearity theorem (ALT) has been applied to nanotubes and monocyclic polyenes. Analytical formulae derived in this application of the ALT illuminate in a new global context (i) the conductivity of nanotubes and (ii) the aromaticity of monocyclic polyenes; moreover an analytical formula obtained by using the ALT provides a fresh insight into Hückel’s (4n+2) rule. The present article forms a foundation of the forthcoming articles in this series. The present series of articles is closely associated with the series of articles entitled ‘Proof of the Fukui conjecture via resolution of singularities and related methods’ published in the JOMC.