On Positive Sasakian Geometry

A Sasakian structure =(\xi,\eta,\Phi,g) on a manifold Mis called positiveif its basic first Chern class c₁( ) can be represented by a positive (1,1)-form with respect to its transverse holomorphic CR-structure. We prove a theorem that says that every positive Sasakian structure can be deformed to a Sasakian structure whose metric has positive Ricci curvature. This provides us with a new technique for proving the existence of positive Ricci curvature metrics on certain odd dimensional manifolds. As an example we give a completely independent proof of a result of Sha and Yang that for every nonnegative integer kthe 5-manifolds k#(S ²×S ³) admits metrics of positive Ricci curvature.     

Syntheses and reactions of some fluorinated dienes,cyclobutenes and furans

There are many reports¹ of the pyrolysis of fluorinated organic compounds, including the defluorination of cyclic fluorocarbons over iron to give aromatic compounds. Extending this technique we have investigated the flow pyrolysis of some readily accessible unsaturated fluorocarbons, such as I, II, and III, and found these to be synthetically

useful routes to fluorinated dienes, cyclobutenes, and furans. Pyrolyses were carried out using a nitrogen flow over platinum, iron or caesium fluoride heated at 430–700°. The various products can all be rationalized in terms of intermediate allylic radicals, and the solid substrate influences which allylic radicals are formed.We are also investigating the chemistry of those now accessible compounds, such as IV, V, and VI, and some of the preliminary results are described.

For example the fluoride ion induced dimerisation of IV gave two major products VII and VIII via a particular interesting mechanism.

     

Neurotoxins of gonyaulax excavata and bay of fundy scallops

Neurotoxins isolated and characterized from cultured $\text{G. excavata}$ cells and from scallops are described and their relative abundance in both sources is compared.