Theorem 1. Let D be an irreducible bounded symmetric domain in C', n>= 2. Let F be a (nonuniform) lattice in Aut (D), ie a discrete subgroup of Aut (D) for which N:= D/F (is noncompact and) has. finite volume (wrt the locally symmetric metric induced from D). Suppose that a group F isomorphic to F (as an abstract group) acts as a discrete automorphism group on a contractible K (ihler manifold tVI. Assume that lQ/f has a finite singularity free cover M (ie M is a manifold) which is quasiprojective ie admits a compactification as a projective variety IVI and that~ I\M is of codimension at least three in~ l. Then] Q is biholomorphically equivalent to D, and f is conjugate to F in Aut (D).

We discuss conjectures following from the attractor mechanism in type II string theory about the possible Chern classes of stable holomorphic vector bundles on Calabi-Yau threefolds. In particular, we give sufficient conditions for Chern classes to correspond to stable bundles.

Motivated by mirror symmetry, we study certain integral representations of solutions to the Gelfand-Kapranov-Zelevinsky (GKZ) hypergeometric system. Some of these solutions arise as period integrals for Calabi-Yau manifolds in mirror symmetry. We prove that for a suitable compactification of the parameter space, there exist certain special boundary points, which we called maximal degeneracy points, at which all solutions but one become singular.

In this note we show that if a projective manifold admits a Khler metric with negative holomorphic sectional curvature then the canonical bundle of the manifold is ample. This confirms a conjecture of the second author.

We define Stasheff polytopes in the spaces of tropical points of cluster A -varieties. We study the supports of products of elements of canonical bases for cluster A -varieties. We prove that, for the cluster A -variety of type A , such supports are Stasheff polytopes.