Endomorphisms of Koszul complexes: formality and application to deformation theory

We study the differential graded Lie algebra of endomorphisms of the Koszul resolution of a regular sequence on a unitary commutative K-algebra R and we prove that it is homotopy abelian over K but not over R (except trivial cases). We apply this result to prove an annihilation theorem for obstructions of (derived) deformations of locally complete intersection ideal sheaves on projective schemes

Lie Methods in Deformation Theory

Deformation theory is an important subject in algebra and algebraic gemetry, whose origin dates back to Kodaira, Spencer, Kuranishi, Gerstenhaber and Grothendieck. In the last 30 year a new approach, based on some ideas from rational homotopy theory, has permitted non only to solve some long standing open problems, but also to clarify the general theory and to relate apperently different features. This approach works over a field of characteristic 0 and the central role is played by the notions of differential graded Lie algebra and L-infinity algebra

An algebraic proof of Bogomolov-Tian-Todorov theorem

We give a completely algebraic proof of the Bogomolov-Tian-Todorov theorem. More precisely, we shall prove that if X is a smooth projective variety with trivial canonical bundle defined over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0, then the L-infinity algebra governing infinitesimal deformations of X is quasi-isomorphic to an abelian differential graded Lie algebra.Comment: 20 pages, amspro

Formality conjecture for minimal surfaces of Kodaira dimension 0

Let be a polystable sheaf on a smooth minimal projective surface of Kodaira dimension 0. Then the differential graded (DG) Lie algebra of derived endomorphisms of is formal. The proof is based on the study of equivariant minimal models of DG Lie algebras equipped with a cyclic structure of degree 2 which is non-degenerate in cohomology, and does not rely (even for K3 surfaces) on previous results on the same subject

Restoring an eroded legitimacy: the adaptation of nonfinancial disclosure after a scandal and the risk of hypocrisy

Purpose \u2013 This study contributes to the literature on hypocrisy in corporate social responsibility by investigating how organizations adapt their nonfinancial disclosure after a social, environmental or governance scandal. Design/methodology/approach \u2013 The present research employs content analysis of nonfinancial disclosures by 11 organizations during a 3-year timespan to investigate how they responded to major scandals in terms of social, environmental and sustainability reporting and a content analysis of independent counter accounts to detect the presence of views that contrast with the corporate disclosure and suggest hypocritical behaviors. Findings \u2013 Four patterns in the adaptation of reporting \u2013 genuine, allusive, evasive, indifferent \u2013 emerge from information collected on scandals and socially responsible actions. The type of scandal and cultural factors can influence the response to a scandal, as environmental and social scandal can attract more scrutiny than financial scandals. Companies exposed to environmental and social scandals are more likely to disclose information about the scandal and receive more coverage by external parties in the form of counter accounts. Originality/value \u2013 Using a theoretical framework based on legitimacy theory and organizational hypocrisy, the present research contributes to the investigation of the adaptation of reporting when a scandal occurs and during its aftermath

An all-glass microfluidic network with integrated amorphous silicon photosensors for on-chip monitoring of enzymatic biochemical assay

A lab-on-chip system, integrating an all-glass microfluidics and on-chip optical detection, was developed and tested. The microfluidic network is etched in a glass substrate, which is then sealed with a glass cover by direct bonding. Thin film amorphous silicon photosensors have been fabricated on the sealed microfluidic substrate preventing the contamination of the micro-channels. The microfluidic network is then made accessible by opening inlets and outlets just prior to the use, ensuring the sterility of the device. The entire fabrication process relies on conventional photolithographic microfabrication techniques and is suitable for low-cost mass production of the device. The lab-on-chip system has been tested by implementing a chemiluminescent biochemical reaction. The inner channel walls of the microfluidic network are chemically functionalized with a layer of polymer brushes and horseradish peroxidase is immobilized into the coated channel. The results demonstrate the successful on-chip detection of hydrogen peroxide down to 18 mu M by using luminol and 4-iodophenol as enhancer agent

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. 1,5-diarylpyrrol-3-acetic esters with enhanced inhibitory activity toward cyclooxygenase-2 and improved cyclooxygenase-2/cyclooxygenase-1 selectivity.

he important role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the pathogenesis of inflammation and side effect limitations of current COX-2 inhibitor drugs illustrates a need for the design of new compounds based on alternative structural templates. We previously reported a set of substituted 1,5-diarylpyrrole derivatives, along with their inhibitory activity toward COX enzymes. Several compounds proved to be highly selective COX-2 inhibitors and their affinity data were rationalized through docking simulations. In this paper, we describe the synthesis of new 1,5-diarylpyrrole derivatives that were assayed for their in vitro inhibitory effects toward COX isozymes. Among them, the ethyl-2-methyl-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[3-fluorophenyl]-1H-pyrrol-3- acetate (1d), which was the most potent and COX-2 selective compound, also showed a very interesting in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, laying the foundations for developing new lead compounds that could be effective agents in the armamentarium for the management of inflammation and pain

Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is able to thrive and prosper under meso-Mediterranean conditions

The potential ecological envelope of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) based on its present distribution suggests a high suitability for moist rather than warm and dry environments. This contrasts with paleoecological evidence reporting its former presence at low elevations under meso-Mediterranean conditions. In this study, we evaluated the growth performance of silver fir at low elevation (20–60 m a.s.l.) under meso-Mediterranean climatic conditions in Tuscany (central Italy). We conducted a dendroecological analysis on Abies alba trees along a geomorphological gradient (from depression to upper slope conditions). Climate-growth relationships were assessed by means of correlations, response functions, pointer years, and superposed epoch analysis. Silver fir was found to grow and regenerate well in these stands mixed with evergreen (e.g., Quercus ilex L.) and thermophilous deciduous Mediterranean tree species (e.g., Q. cerris L.). Summer drought was the most growth-influencing factor, with immediate (i.e., current season) negative impacts on tree-ring widths (TRW). No significant impacts were observed in the four years following extreme summer droughts, but the TRW series (which started between the 1930s and 1950s) showed a growth decline since the mid-1990s that is likely drought-related. Our results show that, provided there is a sufficiently large soil water holding capacity, silver fir provenances exist which are able to withstand Mediterranean summer droughts, can naturally and regularly regenerate in these systems, and may even dominate over typical meso-Mediterranean species. As long as annual precipitation is not too low (i.e., >850 mm) and summer drought conditions not too extreme (i.e., less than three months), silver fir has thus the potential to thrive under warm Mediterranean conditions.ISSN:0378-1127ISSN:1872-704

A simply connected surface of general type with p_g=0 and K^2=2

In this paper we construct a simply connected, minimal, complex surface of general type with p_g=0 and K^2=2 using a rational blow-down surgery and Q-Gorenstein smoothing theory.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures. To appear in Inventiones Mathematica