Perturbation of the Laplacian supported by null sets,with applications to polymer measures and quantum fields

We discuss hamiltonians in L²(R^d, dx) of the form H = ?Δ + V, with V a potential supported by a zero measure set C. In particular if C is a path of a brownian motion b such that V(x) = ∫₀¹λ(x, ω)δ(x-b(s, ω)) ds, we show that H exists as a nontrivial, self-adjoint, lower bounded perturbation of ?Δ when d ?5. We must choose λ to be an infinitesimal, negative function for d = 4,5, but for d ? 3 any bounded real-valued function λ will do. The connection with Edward's model of polymers as well as with quantum fields of the ?_d⁴-type is also discussed. The proofs use methods of nonstandard analysis.     

Synthesis of novel simplified eleutheside analogues with potent microtubule-stabilizing activity, using ring-closing metathesis as the key-step

The synthesis of a number of novel simplified eleutheside analogues with potent tubulin-assembling and microtubule-stabilizing properties is described, using ring-closing metathesis as the key-step for obtaining the 6-10 fused bicyclic ring system.     

Introduction to session 4

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology -     

The effect of relative humidity of inhaled air onacoustic parameters of voice in normal subjects

The hypothesis that relative humidity (RH) of air exerts an effect on voice has been widely accepted. The aim of this study has been to assess whether this can be demonstrated. Eight healthy subjects inhaled during ten minutes three different air conditions: dry, standard room, and humidified air. After inhalation, the subjects produced repeatedly a sustained /a/ of controlled pitch and loudness, which was analyzed for perturbation and noise-to-harmonic parameters. Perturbation measures increased after inhalation of dry air. No significant differences existed between standard and humidified air. No significant difference in the noise-to-harmonic ratio was found among the three conditions. We conclude that the human voice is very sensitive to decreases in RH of inhaled air, because even after a short provocation with dry air, a significant increase in perturbation measures was found.     

A procedure for “iodolactamization”

Treatment of an unsaturated amide with TMS-OTf, then iodine in THF gives the iodolactam.     

Synthesis of (±)-8,9-deoxyalliacol B

The first elaboration of the novel framework of the alliacane group of sesquiterpene lactones is exemplified by the synthesis of (±)-8,9-deoxyalliacol B (13).     

Box-spline–based approach to the formulation of numerical methods for partial differential equations

A multivariate box spline framework for the formulation of numerical methods for partial differential equations has been constructed. In particular, a fourth-order Galerkin method and a second-order collocation method were derived and applied to a test problem (classical Poisson equation on a square). The examples indicate that accuracy compares favorably with standard methods and the success of iterative schemes suggests an underlying stabilizing effect.     

An improved route to steganone

A new route, readily applicable on a large scale, is described to the phenanthrene ($\text{8}$) the key intermediate in the synthesis of steganone ($\text{1}$).     

Uniqueness of Gibbs states for generalP(ϕ)2-weak coupling models by cluster expansion

We consider quantum fields with weak coupling in two space-time dimensions. We prove that the set of their ultraregular Gibbs states consists of only one point and this point is an extremal Gibbs state.     

Localizing Antifungal Drugs to the Correct Organelle Can Markedly Enhance their Efficacy

A critical aspect of drug design is optimal target inhibition by specifically delivering the drug molecule not only to the target tissue or cell but also to its therapeutically active site within the cell. This study demonstrates, as a proof of principle, that drug efficacy can be increased considerably by a structural modification that targets it to the relevant organelle. Specifically, by varying the fluorescent dye segment an antifungal azole was directed from the fungal cell mitochondria to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the organelle that harbors the drug target. The ER‐localized azole displayed up to two orders of magnitude improved antifungal activity and also dramatically reduced the growth of drug‐tolerant fungal subpopulations in a panel of Candida species, which are the most prevalent causes of serious human fungal infections. The principle underlying the “target organelle localization” approach provides a new paradigm to improve drug potency and replenish the limited pipeline of antifungal drugs.