The geometry of rational parameterized representations

We study the projective space of univariate rational parameterized equations of degree d or less in real projective space The parameterized equations of degree less than d form a special algebraic variety We investigate the subspaces on and their relation to rational curves in give a geometric characterization of the automorphism group of and outline applications of the theory to projective kinematics.     

Long-range pair correlations in dilute gases

It is shown that there exist nonequilibrium pair correlations which are not described by the Boltzmann transport equation but which persist even in a dilute gas.     

Isolation and total synthesis of (E)-6, 10-dimethyl-9-methylidene-undec-5-en-2-one,a constituent of Costus root oil

(E)-6, 10-Dimethyl-9-methylidene-undec-5-en-2-one ( 1 ) has been isolated from Costus root oil. A total synthesis of this compound is reported.     

Interferons

Interferons are proteins which bring about a nonspecific and nonimmunological defence reaction against virus infections in vertebrates. Interferon formation is induced in vivo and in vitro by viruses and other agents, e.g. endotoxins, nucleic acids, synthetic anionic copolymers, and phytohemagglutinins. All attempts to produce pure interferons have so far been unsuccessful. Interferons can only exert an antiviral action when the cellular RNA and protein synthesis is intact.     

Supermolecular structure and orientation of blown cellulosic films

N-Methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) technology provides new possibilities for shaping fibers and films from cellulose. We discuss a blow-extrusion technique can be applied to a cellulose-amine oxide dope, yielding blown cellulosie films. Process parameters, such as the draw down ratio and the blow ratio, can be used to control the mechanical film properties in both the machine and transverse directions. In this way, a wide range of properties is covered, and a completely balanced film can be manufactured. The film thickness can be made as small as 5 μm, and the membrane properties can be varied by the conditions of precipitation. The blown cellulosic films exhibit a partially crystalline supermolecular structure and, depending on the coagulation conditions, a symmetrical or asymmetrical homogeneous morphology and pore structure. Generally, a uniplanar orientation type was found, the chains being parallel to the film surface. Around the surface normal, the chain orientation can be varied from nearly random to strongly uniaxial, in this way determining the mechanical properties in the machine and transverse directions. As compared with the conventional viscose processing route of cellophane, the blown film's NMMO processing route is less complicated and friendlier to the environment. Blown films can be made much thinner, and the mechanical properties are superior to viscose films. Possible application fields of blown cellulose films are food casings, particularly small sausage casings, packaging, and membranes.     

Bonds and Options in Exponentially Affine Bond Models

Abstract

In this article we apply the Flesaker–Hughston approach to invert the yield curve and to price various options by letting the randomness in the economy be driven by a process closely related to the short rate, called the abstract short rate. This process is a pure deterministic translation of the short rate itself, and we use the deterministic shift to calibrate the models to the initial yield curve. We show that we can solve for the shift needed in closed form by transforming the problem to a new probability measure. Furthermore, when the abstract short rate follows a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) process we compute bond option and swaption prices in closed form. We also propose a short-rate specification under the risk-neutral measure that allows the yield curve to be inverted and is consistent with the CIR dynamics for the abstract short rate, thus giving rise to closed form bond option and swaption prices.     

Structural Changes and Activation of Cellulose by Caustic Soda Solution with Urea

Investigations on the activation of cellulose by mixed solutions of caustic soda and urea are reported. The structural effects of those solutions on various dissolving pulps are studied by ¹³C-CP/MAS-NMR spectroscopy. In a series of steeping lyes, the concentration of NaOH was varied in a range from 0% to 8% and the urea-concentration in a range from 15% to 40% at ambient temperature and −25 °C. Using solely the single NaOH or urea solutions in the concentration ranges given above, no or only minor structural changes were found. In contrast to that, the cellulose I structure was partially or completely destroyed by using the bicomponent solution with urea added to caustic soda. The structural effect of the bicomponent solutions is comparable with the effect of solely caustic soda solutions of approx. 10% to 18% NaOH. However, the ¹³C-CP/MAS-NMR-spectra from the bicomponent pretreated samples indicate a structure different from the usual ordered structures of sodium cellulose I or II, namely a special urea-NaOH-cellulose complex. The results show that for cellulose activation the NaOH concentration of the caustic soda can be remarkably reduced by adding urea. The improved activating effect of an optimized caustic soda solution with added urea was proved to be useful for the synthesis of cellulose carbamate.     

Zwitterionic 1-phosphonioalkyl dithiophosphinates

The title compounds (and, in part, their seleno analogs) result from the oxidation of an ylidylphosphine and also from the addition of ylides to a perthiophosphonic anhydride. They can be deprotonated and alkylated to give anions or cations, respectively. The reaction with phenacyl bromide opens a way to 1,3,2-oxathiaphosphole sulfides. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 9:433–437, 1998