Schlicht envelopes of holomorphy and topology

Let Ω be a domain in ${\mathbb{C}^{2}}Let Ω be a domain in \mathbbC²{\mathbb{C}^{2}}, and let p: [(W)\tilde]? \mathbbC²{\pi: \tilde{\Omega}\rightarrow \mathbb{C}^{2}} be its envelope of holomorphy. Also let W￠=p([(W)\tilde]){\Omega'=\pi(\tilde{\Omega})} with i: W\hookrightarrow W￠{i: \Omega \hookrightarrow \Omega'} the inclusion. We prove the following: if the induced map on fundamental groups i_*:p₁(W) ? p₁(W￠){i_{*}:\pi_{1}(\Omega) \rightarrow \pi_{1}(\Omega')} is a surjection, and if π is a covering map, then Ω has a schlicht envelope of holomorphy. We then relate this to earlier work of Fornaess and Zame.     

Large scale synthesis of the Cdc42 inhibitor secramine A and its inhibition of cell spreading

We describe a large scale synthesis of secramine A. Consistent with its ability to inhibit activation of the small GTPase Cdc42, we find that secramine A inhibits cell spreading, a process previously shown to be Cdc42-dependent.     

Dynamic mechanical properties of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride). Linear free energy relationship in the poly(vinyl chloride)–ester system

A considerable number of quantitative attempts have been made to predict the properties of solutions containing polar polymers and polar solvents. Thermodynamic approaches have generally failed to accurately describe these systems. This can be be ascribed to the difficulty in determining structural characteristics arising from the variety of secondary interactions present in these highly complex solutions. A linear free energy relationship has been used here to explore changes encountered in solutions of monofunctional esters in poly(vinyl chloride) undergoing mechanical deformation. This treatment appears valid only for the rubbery region of the viscoelastic spectrum of this polymer. The data indicate that the observed changes are a function of corresponding changes in polymer intramolecular interactions.     

Highly ion conductive poly(ethylene oxide)-based solid polymer electrolytes from hydrogen bonding layer-by-layer assembly

We report the development of a solid polymer electrolyte film from hydrogen bonding layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly that outperforms previously reported LBL assembled films and approaches battery integration capability. Films were fabricated by alternating deposition of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) layers from aqueous solutions. Film quality benefits from increasing PEO molecular weight even into the 10(6) range due to the intrinsically low PEO/PAA cross-link density. Assembly is disrupted at pH near the PAA ionization onset, and a potential mechanism for modulating PEO:PAA ratio within assembled films by manipulating pH is discussed. Ionic conductivity of 5 x 10(-5) S/cm is achievable after short exposure to 100% relative humidity (RH) for plasticization. Adding free ions by exposing PEO/ PAA films to lithium salt solutions enhanced conductivity to greater than 10(-5) S/cm at only 52% RH and tentatively greater than 10(-4) S/cm at 100% RH. The excellent stability of PEO/PAA films even when exposed to 1.0 M salt solutions led to an exploration of LBL assembly with added electrolyte present in the adsorption step. Fortuitously, the modulation of PEO/PAA assembly by ionic strength is analogous to that of electrostatic LBL assembly and can be attributed to electrolyte interactions with PEO and PAA. Dry ionic conductivity was enhanced in films assembled in the presence of salt as compared to films that were merely exposed to salt after assembly, implying different morphologies. These results reveal clear directions for the evolution of these promising solid polymer electrolytes into elements appropriate for electrochemical power storage and generation applications.     

Differential transport of DNA by a rectified Brownian motion device

An interdigitated electrode array (IDEA) device has been designed and used to transport DNA based on a Brownian ratchet mechanism. This migration is produced by the periodic formation of an asymmetric sawtooth electric field in the device. Oligonucleotides of 25, 50, and 100 bases in length were tested using two different array geometries. DNA transport as a function of DNA size, electric field frequency, and array geometry is shown to be in qualitative agreement with theory. Such a device could provide for DNA separations over a broad size range, and can be readily scaled as a component in a microfabricated DNA analysis system.     

Closed-loop supply chain network equilibrium under legislation

This paper expands previous work dealing with oligopolistic supply chains to the field of closed-loop supply chains. The model presented has been formulated with the intent of examining issues surrounding the recent European Union directive regarding waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE). The network modelled consists of manufacturers and consumer markets engaged in a Cournot pricing game with perfect information. Closed-loop supply chain network equilibrium occurs when all players agree on volumes shipped and prices charged. Certain properties of the model are examined analytically. Numeric examples are included and have been solved using an extragradient method with constant step size. The equilibrium solution obtained provide interesting insights that lead into a number of areas for future research.     

Periodic arrays of interfacial cylindrical reverse micelles

We report an approach for the fabrication of periodic molecular nanostructures on surfaces. The approach involves biomimetic self-organization of synthetic wedge-shaped amphiphilic molecules into multilayer arrays of cylindrical reverse micelles. The films were characterized by atomic force microscopy and X-ray reflectivity. These nanostructured films self-assemble in solution but remain stable upon removal and exposure to ambient conditions, making them potentially suitable for a variety of dry pattern transfer methods. We illustrate the generality of this approach by using two distinct molecular systems that vary in size by a factor of 2.     

Double photoexcitation of helium in a strong dc electric field

We report the first experimental measurements of the effect of an applied field on the photoexcitation and autoionization of doubly excited states of helium. Ground-state photoionization spectra have been measured in the region below the He+(N=2) threshold with static electric fields of up to 84.4 kV/cm across the interaction region. The results are compared to the theoretical calculations of Chung et al. [J. Phys. B 34, 165 (2001)]], which are the only calculations available in this regime. Transitions to several states in the N=2, n=6 manifold are assigned, and a wealth of new structure is observed. Our data show that many more series are mixed in by the field than those predicted by theory.