Some compactifications of a semitopological semigroup

Let S be a semitopological semgroup and let C_b (S) denote the B^*-algebra of all continuous bounded complex-valued functions on S. In this paper, we consider a left m-introverted and translation invariant B^*-subalgebra F of C_b(S) containing the constant functions. Our concern is with ΔF, the maximal ideal space of F up to an isomorphic homeomorphism, when it is made into a compact right topological semigroup containing a dense continous homomorphic image of S under the Gelfand topology and a suitably chosen binary operation. We establish a representation of the closed left ideals of ΔF and study its centre and ideal structure in some special cases.     

The Nonchiral Fusion Rules in Rational Conformal Field Theories

We introduce a general method in order to construct the nonchiral fusion rules which determine the operator content of the operator product algebra for rational conformal field theories. We are particularly interested in the models of the complementary D-like solutions of the modular invariant partition functions with cyclic center Z _N . We find that the nonchiral fusion rules have a Z _N -grading structure.     

Preparation and properties of cellulose/PE-co-AA blends

Cellulose/polyethylene-co-acrylic acid blends (cellulose concentration 0–50 wt.%) was prepared via mixing their alkaline solutions. The formed suspension was precipitated and dried, where after the morphology as well the thermal and mechanical properties of the blends were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Dynamic Mechanical Analyses (DMA). In addition, the melt properties of the blend were studied by rotational rheometer following some injection molding trials as well. The polymers were found to be dispersed homogenously in the blend and the crystallization temperature of the PE-co-AA phase was increased ～6 °C due to the nucleation ability of the cellulose phase. The size of the discontinuous cellulose phase was 5 μm at the most while at higher cellulose concentrations (30–50 wt.%) the polymers formed co-continuous morphology in the blend. This change in the morphology was observed also in their melt properties which showed that the blend reached so called percolation point at ～20 wt.% of cellulose. Finally, the blends were found to be injection moldable over the whole composition range, if only the injection molding became more challenging (i.e. higher mold temperatures and longer mold cooling times were required) after the percholation point.     

Simple and Highly Efficient Catalytic Thiocyanation of Aromatic Compounds in Aqueous Media

Two simple, mild, and efficient procedures for the thiocyanation of N‐heterocycles, substituted anilines (electron‐rich and electron‐deficient), and N‐substituted aromatic amines at room temperature are reported (Table 3). The first uses H₂O₂ as pollution‐free oxidant and the second H₅IO₆; both with the reagent potassium thiocyanate in H₂O as solvent. These procedures provided the target thiocyanates after a short reaction time in good to excellent yields and high regioselectivity.     

On some degenerate quasilinear equations involving variable exponents

In the present paper, we are concerned with some degenerate quasilinear equations involving variable exponents. Using various (variational and nonvariational) techniques, we prove existence, nonexistence and multiplicity results.     

Real options valuation of forest plantation investments in Brazil

In this paper, we consider investments in eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. For such projects, we discuss real options valuation in the place conventional methods such as IRR or NPV, possibly with CAPM. Traditionally, real options valuation assumes complete markets and neglects market imperfections. Yet, market frictions, such as transaction costs, interest rate spreads, and restricted short positions, can play an important role. We extend real options valuation to allow incomplete and imperfect markets. The value is obtained as a competitive price, given markets of competing investment opportunities, such as real and financial assets. Under perfect and complete markets, such valuation method is consistent with conventional real options theory. Stochastic programming and standard software is used for valuation of eucalyptus plantations. We estimate the underlying interdependent diffusion processes of stock market, interest rates, exchange rates and pulpwood price, and derive novel expressions of stochastic integrals to be employed in scenario generation for discrete time stochastic programming.     

Kinetics and mechanism of organocatalytic aza-Michael additions: direct observation of enamine intermediates

The imidazoles 1a-g add to the CC-double bond of the iminium ion 2 with rate constants as predicted by the equation log k = s(N)(N + E). Unfavourable proton shifts from the imidazolium unit to the enamine fragment in the adduct 3 account for the failure of imidazoles to take part in iminium-activated aza-Michael additions to enals.     

Development and validation of a LC method for the separation and determination of the anticancer‐active FeIII(4‐methoxy‐salophene) using the new second‐generation monolith

LC method with the newly introduced second‐generation monolithic silica RP‐18e column has been developed for the separation of Fe^III(salophene) and four methoxy‐substituted Fe^III(salophene) complexes. The method has been validated for the quantitation of Fe^III(4‐OMe‐salophene), a highly active anticancer substance in vitro, bound to serum albumin. Our routinely used high‐resolution continuum‐source atomic absorption spectroscopy method based on the determination of the central iron atom was unsuitable in this case because serum originally contains significant amounts of iron as revealed by a blank sample of serum albumin. The developed LC method depends on detecting the whole complex rather than the bound iron. Two morphologically different first‐ and second‐generation HPLC monolithic columns have been compared for this purpose. The newly introduced second‐generation monolithic silica column Chromolith® HighResolution RP‐18e column (100 × 4.6 mm, Merck) separated the mixture successful within 13 min. A mobile phase consisting of 25 mM phosphate buffer pH 3/methanol (60:40, v/v) was used at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The dynamic linear working range of the calibration curve for Fe^III(4‐OMe‐salophene) was found to be between 1 and 200 μg/mL. Detection and quantitation limits were 0.3 and 1 μg/mL, respectively.     

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for C60 fullerene analysis: optimisation and comparison of three ionisation techniques

The increasing use and production of nanomaterials have led to growing concern over the release of new pollutants to the environment. Fullerenes have been a subject of intense research, both because of their unique chemistry and because of technological applications. The development of analytical methods to quantify the fullerenes in complex sample matrices is a crucial step in the study of their occurrence and exposure, and thus in risk assessment. This paper reports the development and optimisation of a method combining liquid chromatography with ion-trap mass spectrometry (LC-ITMS) for analysis of the fullerene C(60). Under the optimised chromatogram conditions, a C(18) analytical column had good selectivity for fullerenes C(60) and C(70), with retention times of 3.0 and 4.1 min, respectively. Mass spectrometric detection was tested and optimised using three common ionisation techniques-atmospheric-pressure chemical ionisation (APCI), atmospheric-pressure photoionisation (APPI), and electrospray ionisation (ESI). The molecular ion was most abundant for C (60) (-) (m/z=720) in APCI and APPI, whereas adduct ions were formed with the molecular ion in ESI. Finally, the performance of the three ionisation techniques examined was compared by use of five validation criteria. The instrument detection limit (8 ng mL(-1)), quantification limit (27 ng mL(-1)), detection sensitivity (90.2 ng mL(-1)), linear range (8-1,000 ng mL(-1)), and repeatability (15 %) of APPI make it the most promising ionisation technique for fullerene C(60) analysis.