Approximation in weighted Hardy spaces

This paper is concerned with several approximation problems in the weighted Hardy spacesH ^p(Ω) of analytic functions in the open unit disc D of the complex plane ℂ. We prove that ifX is a relatively closed subset of D, the class of uniform limits onX of functions inH ^p(Ω) coincides, moduloH ^p(Ω), with the space of uniformly continuous functions on a certain hull ofX which are holomorphic on its interior. We also solve the simultaneous approximation problems of describing Farrell and Mergelyan sets forH ^p(Ω), giving geometric characterizations for them. By replacing approximating polynomials by polynomial multipliers of outer functions, our results lead to characterizations of the same sets with respect to cyclic vectors in the classical Hardy spacesH ^p(D), 1 ⪯p < ∞. Dedicated to Professor Nácere Hayek on the occasion of his 75th birthday.     

Experimental Determination of Four-Time Stimulated Echoes in Liquids, Colloidal Suspensions, and Crystals

Four-time stimulated echo experiments have been used to monitor the temporal evolution of the reorientation rates of deuterated molecules or colloidal suspensions. We present extended phase cycles for this seven-pulse experiment. In order to test its performance three vastly different materials are chosen. These include a crystal in which the molecules carry out well-defined 180° flips and a supercooled liquid characterized by a distribution of jump angles centered around 10°. As an example for rotational diffusion, data on a concentrated suspension of polystyrene spheres in a viscous medium are presented.     

Time-harmonic response of a vertical crack in plates

A technique for the characterization of an interior crack perpendicular to the surface of the plates is presented. A time-harmonic line load is applied on the upper surface of the plate. The scattered displacement field is calculated by using the strip element method. It is found that there are additional superimposed oscillations in the curve of the absolute values of the displacement in the region between the load and the crack. The mean value of the peaks of the additional oscillations increases with the crack length, and is less dependent on the distance from the load to the crack. The crack position is determined from the displacement distribution curve and the crack length is determined from the mean value of the peaks of the additional oscillations. Approximate polynomial formula of degree four for predicting the length of interior vertical cracks in isotropic homogeneous plates is also proposed. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the present technique.     

Left versus right canonical Wiener-Hopf factorization and realization

For an arbitrary rational matrix function, not necessarily analytic at infinity, the existence of a right canonical Wiener-Hopf factorization is characterized in terms of a left canonical Wiener-Hopf factorization. Formulas for the factors in a right factorization are given in terms of the formulas for the factors in a given left factorization. All formulas are based on a special representation of a rational matrix function involving a quintet of matrices.     

Membrane introduction mass spectrometry

An overview of membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) is presented and comparisons are made with other direct sample introduction techniques. Special attention is given to the unique advantages and the limitations of newer variants on the MIMS technique, including affinity MIMS, reverse-phase and trap MIMS. The salient features of the interfaces used in MIMS are summarized and the various membrane materials commonly used are delineated. The applicability of MIMS is illustrated via discussion of

1. (i) bioreactor monitoring (represented by yeast fermentation),

2. (ii) environmental monitoring (illustrated by analysis of contaminated ground water samples) and

3. (iii) on-line chemical reaction monitoring (exemplified by the photolysis of aryl esters).

The applicability of MIMS to the analysis of environmental samples, including complex mixtures in water, air and soil, is noted.     

On L2-cohomology and Property (T) for Automorphism Groups of Polyhedral Cell Complexes

We present an update of Garland's work on the cohomology of certain groups, construct a class of groups many of which satisfy Kazhdan's Property (T) and show that properly discontinuous and cocompact groups of automorphisms of (4,4) or (6,3)-complexes do not satisfy Property (T). Submitted: September 1996, final version: March 1997     

Microencapsulation of DNA Within alginate microspheres and crosslinked chitosan membranes for in vivo application

Calf thymus DNA was microencapsulated within crosslinked chitosan membranes, or immobilized within chitosan-coated alginate microspheres. Microcapsules were prepared by interfacial polymerization of chitosan, and alginate microspheres formed by emulsification/ internal gelation. Diameters ranged from 20 to 500 Μm, depending on the formulation conditions. Encapsulated DNA was quantifiedin situ by direct spectrophotometry (260 nm) and ethidium bromide fluorimetry, and compared to DNA measurements on the fractions following disruption and dissolution of the microspheres. Approximately 84% of the DNA was released upon core dissolution and membrane disruption, with 12% membrane bound. The yield of encapsulation was 96%. Leakage of DNA from intact microspheres/capsules was not observed. DNA microcapsules and microspheres were recovered intact from rat feces following gavage and gastrointestinal transit. Higher recoveries (60%) and reduced shrinkage during transit were obtained with the alginate microspheres. DNA was recovered and purified from the microcapsules and microspheres by chromatography and differential precipitation with ethanol. This is the first report of microcapsules or microspheres containing biologically active material (DNA) being passed through the gastrointestinal tract, with the potential for substantial recovery.