On the existence of a nickel hydroxide phase which is neither alpha nor beta

A novel phase of nickel hydroxide with an average interlayer spacing 5.4-5.6 Angstrom has been synthesized which is neither ct nor beta type but is an interstratification of both. It ages to the beta form in strong alkali. These observations have implications on the dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism suggested for the alpha-->beta transformation of nickel hydroxide.

On the existence of hydrotalcite-like phases in the absence of trivalent cations

alpha-Hydroxides of nickel(II) and cobalt(II) are hydrotalcite-like phases, possessing a layered double hydroxide (LDH) structure even though there are no trivalent cations in the lattice. While the LDHs acquire a positive charge on the hydroxide layers by the incorporation of trivalent cations, we suggest that the alpha-hydroxides acquire a positive charge by partial protonation of the hydroxyl ions according to the equation M(OH)(2)+xH(+) --> [M(OH)(2-x)(H2O)(x)](x+). As in the LDHs, charge balance is restored by the incorporation of anions in the interlayer region. (C) 1997 Academic Press.

The existence of homeomorphic subgraphs in chordal graphs

We establish conditions for the existence, in a chordal graph, of subgraphs homeomorphic to K-n (n greater than or equal to 3), K-m,K-n (m,n greater than or equal to 2), and wheels W-r (r greater than or equal to 3). Using these results, we develop a simple linear time algorithm for testing planarity of chordal graphs. We also show how these results lead to simple polynomial time algorithms for the Fixed Subgraph Homeomorphism problem on chordal graphs for some special classes of pattern graphs.

Triclabendazole: An Intriguing Case of Co-existence of Conformational and Tautomeric Polymorphism

The crystal polymorphism of the anthelmintic drug, triclabendazole (TCB), is described. Two anhydrates (Forms I and II), three solvates, and an amorphous form have been previously mentioned. This study reports the crystal structures of Forms I (1) and II (2). These structures illustrate the uncommon phenomenon of tautomeric polymorphism. TCB exists as two tautomers A and B. Form I (Z'=2) is composed of two molecules of tautomer A while Form II (Z'=1) contains a 1:1 mixture of A and B. The polymorphs are also characterized by using other solid-state techniques (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), PXRD, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy). Form I is the higher melting form (m.p.: 177 degrees C, Delta Hf=approximate to 105 +/- 4 Jg-1) and is the more stable form at room temperature. Form II is the lower melting polymorph (m.p.: 166 degrees C, Delta Hf=approximate to 86 +/- 3 Jg-1) and shows high kinetic stability on storage in comparison to the amorphous form but it transforms readily into Form I in a solution-mediated process. Crystal structure analysis of co-crystals 3-11 further confirms the existence of tautomeric polymorphism in TCB. In 3 and 11, tautomer A is present whereas in 4-10 the TCB molecule exists wholly as tautomer B. The DFT calculations suggest that the optimized tautomers A and B have nearly the same energies. Single point energy calculations reveal that tautomer A (in Form I) exists in two low-energy conformations, whereas in Form II both tautomers A and B exist in an unfavorable high-energy conformation, stabilized by a five-point dimer synthon. The structural and thermodynamic features of 1-11 are discussed in detail. Triclabendazole is an intriguing case in which tautomeric and conformational variations co-exist in the polymorphs.

Evolutionary Algorithm for the Determination of Optimal Mode of Bioreactor Operation

Stirred tank bioreactors, employed in the production of a variety of biologically active chemicals, are often operated in batch, fed-batch, and continuous modes of operation. The optimal design of bioreactor is dependent on the kinetics of the biological process, as well as the performance criteria (yield, productivity, etc.) under consideration. In this paper, a general framework is proposed for addressing the two key issues related to the optimal design of a bioreactor, namely, (i) choice of the best operating mode and (ii) the corresponding flow rate trajectories. The optimal bioreactor design problem is formulated with initial conditions and inlet and outlet flow rate trajectories as decision variables to maximize more than one performance criteria (yield, productivity, etc.) as objective functions. A computational methodology based on genetic algorithm approach is developed to solve this challenging multiobjective optimization problem with multiple decision variables. The applicability of the algorithm is illustrated by solving two challenging problems from the bioreactor optimization literature.

Existence of Value in Stochastic Differential Games of Mixed Type

In this article, we address stochastic differential games of mixed type with both control and stopping times. Under standard assumptions, we show that the value of the game can be characterized as the unique viscosity solution of corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs (HJI) variational inequalities.

On existence of periodic solutions for stable interval plants with odd, sector type nonlinearities

In several systems, the physical parameters of the system vary over time or operating points. A popular way of representing such plants with structured or parametric uncertainties is by means of interval polynomials. However, ensuring the stability of such systems is a robust control problem. Fortunately, Kharitonov's theorem enables the analysis of such interval plants and also provides tools for design of robust controllers in such cases. The present paper considers one such case, where the interval plant is connected with a timeinvariant, static, odd, sector type nonlinearity in its feedback path. This paper provides necessary conditions for the existence of self sustaining periodic oscillations in such interval plants, and indicates a possible design algorithm to avoid such periodic solutions or limit cycles. The describing function technique is used to approximate the nonlinearity and subsequently arrive at the results. Furthermore, the value set approach, along with Mikhailov conditions, are resorted to in providing graphical techniques for the derivation of the conditions and subsequent design algorithm of the controller.

Unraveling the Intricate Organization of Mammalian Mitochondrial Presequence Translocases: Existence of Multiple Translocases for Maintenance of Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are indispensable organelles implicated in multiple aspects of cellular processes, including tumorigenesis. Heat shock proteins play a critical regulatory role in accurately delivering the nucleus-encoded proteins through membrane-bound presequence translocase (Tim23 complex) machinery. Although altered expression of mammalian presequence translocase components had been previously associated with malignant phenotypes, the overall organization of Tim23 complexes is still unsolved. In this report, we show the existence of three distinct Tim23 complexes, namely, B1, B2, and A, involved in the maintenance of normal mitochondrial function. Our data highlight the importance of Magmas as a regulator of translocase function and in dynamically recruiting the J-proteins DnaJC19 and DnaJC15 to individual translocases. The basic housekeeping function involves translocases B1 and B2 composed of Tim17b isoforms along with DnaJC19, whereas translocase A is nonessential and has a central role in oncogenesis. Translocase B, having a normal import rate, is essential for constitutive mitochondrial functions such as maintenance of electron transport chain complex activity, organellar morphology, iron-sulfur cluster protein biogenesis, and mitochondrial DNA. In contrast, translocase A, though dispensable for housekeeping functions with a comparatively lower import rate, plays a specific role in translocating oncoproteins lacking presequence, leading to reprogrammed mitochondrial functions and hence establishing a possible link between the TIM23 complex and tumorigenicity.

Non-existence of tight neighborly triangulated manifolds with beta(1)=2

All triangulated d-manifolds satisfy the inequality ((f0-d-1)(2)) >= ((d+2)(2))beta(1) for d >= 3. A triangulated d-manifold is called tight neighborly if it attains equality in this bound. For each d >= 3, a (2d + 3)-vertex tight neighborly triangulation of the Sd-1-bundle over S-1 with beta(1) = 1 was constructed by Kuhnel in 1986. In this paper, it is shown that there does not exist a tight neighborly triangulated manifold with beta(1) = 2. In other words, there is no tight neighborly triangulation of (Sd-1 x S-1)(#2) or (Sd-1 (sic) S-1)(#2) for d >= 3. A short proof of the uniqueness of K hnel's complexes for d >= 4 under the assumption beta(1) not equal 0 is also presented.

Co-existence of tetragonal and monoclinic phases and multiferroic properties for x <= 0.30 in the (1-x)Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O-3-(x)BiFeO3 system

Compositions with x <= 0.30 in the system (1- x)Pb(Zro(0.52)Ti(0.48))O-3-(x)BiFeO3 were synthesized by sol-gel method. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction data reveals tetragonal structure (P4mm) for x <= 0.05 and monoclinic (Cm) phase along with the existence of tetragonal phase for 0.10 <= x <= 0.25 and monoclinic phase for x = 0.30. Transformation of E(2TO) and E + B1 vibrational modes in the range 210-250 cm(-1) (present for x <= 0.25) into A' + A `' modes at similar to 236 cm(-1) for x = 0.30, and occurrence of new vibrational modes A' and A `' in Raman spectra for x >= 0.10 unambiguously support the presence of monoclinic phase. Occurrence of remnant polarisation and enhanced magnetization with concentration of BiFeO3 indicates superior multiferroic properties. Variation of magneto-capacitance with applied magnetic field is a strong evidence of magneto-electric multiferroic coupling in these materials. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selection of Optimal Time-to-go in Generalized Vector Explicit Guidance

A new method of selection of time-to-go (t(go)) for Generalized Vector Explicit Guidance (GENEX) law have been proposed in this paper. t(go) is known to be an important parameter in the control and cost function of GENEX guidance law. In this paper the formulation has been done to find an optimal value of t(go) that minimizes the performance cost. Mechanization of GENEX with this optimal t(go) reduces the lateral acceleration demand and consequently increases the range of the interceptor. This new formulation of computing t(go) comes in closed form and thus it can be implemented onboard. This new formulation is applied in the terminal phase of an surface-to-air interceptor for an angle constrained engagement. Results generated by simulation justify the use of optimal t(go).

Stochastic differential games with multiple modes

We have studied two person stochastic differential games with multiple modes. For the zero-sum game we have established the existence of optimal strategies for both players. For the nonzero-sum case we have proved the existence of a Nash equilibrium.

Campaigning in Heterogeneous Social Networks: Optimal Control of SI Information Epidemics

We study the optimal control problem of maximizing the spread of an information epidemic on a social network. Information propagation is modeled as a susceptible-infected (SI) process, and the campaign budget is fixed. Direct recruitment and word-of-mouth incentives are the two strategies to accelerate information spreading (controls). We allow for multiple controls depending on the degree of the nodes/individuals. The solution optimally allocates the scarce resource over the campaign duration and the degree class groups. We study the impact of the degree distribution of the network on the controls and present results for Erdos-Renyi and scale-free networks. Results show that more resource is allocated to high-degree nodes in the case of scale-free networks, but medium-degree nodes in the case of Erdos-Renyi networks. We study the effects of various model parameters on the optimal strategy and quantify the improvement offered by the optimal strategy over the static and bang-bang control strategies. The effect of the time-varying spreading rate on the controls is explored as the interest level of the population in the subject of the campaign may change over time. We show the existence of a solution to the formulated optimal control problem, which has nonlinear isoperimetric constraints, using novel techniques that is general and can be used in other similar optimal control problems. This work may be of interest to political, social awareness, or crowdfunding campaigners and product marketing managers, and with some modifications may be used for mitigating biological epidemics.