Existence of a complete holomorphic vector field via the Kähler–Einstein metric

In this paper, we study the existence of a complete holomorphic vector field on a strongly pseudoconvex complex manifold admitting a negatively curved complete Kähler–Einstein metric and a discrete sequence of automorphisms. Using the method of potential scaling, we will show that there is a potential function of the Kähler–Einstein metric whose differential has a constant length. Then, we will construct a complete holomorphic vector field from the gradient vector field of the potential function.

     

Novel catalytic effects of Mn3O4 for all vanadium redox flow batteries

A new approach for enhancing the electrochemical performance of carbon felt electrodes by employing non-precious metal oxides is designed. The outstanding electro-catalytic activity and mechanical stability of Mn(3)O(4) are advantageous in facilitating the redox reaction of vanadium ions, leading to efficient operation of a vanadium redox flow battery.     

On the Differential Geometric Characterization of The Lee Models

This paper pertains to the J-Hermitian geometry of model domains introduced by Lee (Mich. Math. J. 54(1), 179–206, 2006; J. Reine Angew. Math. 623, 123–160, 2008). We first construct a Hermitian invariant metric on the Lee model and show that the invariant metric actually coincides with the Kobayashi-Royden metric, thus demonstrating an uncommon phenomenon that the Kobayashi-Royden metric is J-Hermitian in this case. Then we follow Cartan’s differential-form approach and find differential-geometric invariants, including torsion invariants, of the Lee model equipped with this J-Hermitian Kobayashi-Royden metric, and present a theorem that characterizes the Lee model by those invariants, up to J-holomorphic isometric equivalence. We also present an all dimensional analysis of the asymptotic behavior of the Kobayashi metric near the strongly pseudoconvex boundary points of domains in almost complex manifolds.     

Lithia formation mechanism in tin oxide anodes for lithium–ion rechargeable batteries

The lithia formation mechanism in tin oxide anode is investigated using electrochemical measurements and Auger spectroscopy. Based on the charge/discharge capacities for SnO electrode, the atomic ratio of Li to O in lithia is less than 2 at the discharge capacity of 400 mAh/g (～0.9 V). The derivative capacity plots show that the irreversible reaction occurs throughout the entire discharge to 0 V, and the atomic ratio of Li to O is about 1 at ～0.8 V and 2 at 0 V. Auger spectroscopy analysis also confirms that the atomic ratio of Li to O approaches to 2 only when discharged to 0 V. Thus, Li₂O appears to have formed at 0 V in the first discharge, not ～0.8 V as reported previously, such that the initial lithia composition is more like Li₂O₂.     

A new approach on the thermal stability of SDS copolymer for HMPSA, Part I: Oxidation kinetics for the whole process

The poor aging property of the styrene–diene–styrene (SDS) triblock elastomer copolymer hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesives (HMPSAs) has raised the importance of research on the aging and anti-aging properties of SDS triblock copolymers, such as styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and styrene–isoprene–styrene (SIS). A mechanistic scheme based on the standard scheme for radical chain oxidation, but taking into account the decomposition of the oxidation-induced peroxide, was built. The kinetic equation of oxygen uptake was deduced from the proposed mechanism, which is composed of a set of reasonable parameters. The relationships among the parameters to induction time, maximum oxygen uptake and the maximum oxidation rate were examined. Numerical simulation methods were established to obtain parameters from the experiment data, by which most kinetic equations of oxygen uptake of the ingredients for HMPSAs were numerically fitted and the relativity of the model to the data was discussed. The study results should prove useful for future studies on the anti-aging performance of other materials.     

4,4,5,5-Tetra(3,5-dibromophenyl)-2,2-diphenyl-1,3-dioxa-2-silole and related compounds as precursors to flame retardant oligomers

Certain strained five-membered heterocycles undergo thermally-induced, carbon-carbon bond homolysis to generate diradicals capable of initiating vinyl polymerization. These compounds usually contain two oxygen atoms and a larger heteroatom (silicon, phosphorus, sulfur) in addition to carbon. If the heterocycle is suitably substituted with halogen (particularly bromine) containing moities it may function as a vehicle to permit incorporation of flame-retarding units into a polymer or oligomer. When an appropriate heterocycle is used as an initiator for radical polymerization each polymer chain formed contains at least one flame-retarding unit. One such heterocycle is 4,4,5,5-tetra(3,5-dibromophenyl)-2,2-diphenyl-1,3-dioxa-2-silole. In instances in which the heterocycle also acts as a monomer, i.e., it is reactive toward chain-propagating radicals, additional flame-retarding activity may be incorporated into the polymer.     

Liquid chromatographic resolution of racemic amines,amino alcohols and related compounds on a chiral crown ether stationary phase

A chiral stationary phase (CSP) based on diphenyl-substituted 1,1'-binaphthyl crown ether was applied in resolving various racemic amines, amino alcohols and alpha-aminocarbonyl compounds including pharmaceutically important compounds such as amphetamine analogues, mexiletine, norepinephrine and norephedrine. The resolution was quite successful. In order to find out the effects of mobile phase additives on the chromatographic resolution behaviors, four selected racemic compounds were resolved on the CSP with the variation of the type and content of organic, acidic and cationic modifiers in aqueous mobile phase and with the variation of column temperature. The resolution behaviors were quite dependent on the type and the content of organic, acidic and cationic modifiers in aqueous mobile phase and on column temperature.     

A critical role for Th17 cell-derived TGF-β1 in regulating the stability and pathogenicity of autoimmune Th17 cells

Pathogenic conversion of Th17 cells into multifunctional helper T cells or Th1 cells contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases; however, the mechanism regulating the plasticity of Th17 cells remains unclear. Here, we found that Th17 cells expressed latent TGF-β1 in a manner dependent on autocrine TGF-β1. By employing IL-17-producing cell-specific Tgfb1 conditional knockout and fate-mapping systems, we demonstrated that TGF-β1-deficient Th17 cells are relatively susceptible to becoming IFN-γ producers through IL-12Rβ2 and IL-27Rα upregulation. TGF-β1-deficient Th17 cells exacerbated tissue inflammation compared to TGF-β1-sufficient Th17 cells in adoptive transfer models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and colitis. Thus, TGF-β1 production by Th17 cells provides an essential autocrine signal for maintaining the stability and regulating the pathogenicity of Th17 cells in vivo.Subject terms: Autoimmunity, Neuroimmunology