Conformal Invariance, Accelerating Universe and the Cosmological Constant Problem

We investigate a conformal invariant gravitational model which is taken to hold at early universe. The conformal invariance allows us to make a dynamical distinction between the two unit systems (or conformal frames) usually used in cosmology and elementary particle physics. In this model we argue that when the universe suffers phase transition, the resulting mass scale introduced by particle physics should have a variable contribution to vacuum energy density. This variation is controlled by the conformal factor which is taken as a dynamical field. We then deal with the cosmological consequences of this model. In particular, we shall show that there is an inationary phase at early times. At late times, on the other hand, it provides a mechanism which makes a large effective cosmological constant relax to a sufficiently small value. Moreover, we shall show that the conformal factor acts as a quintessence field that leads the universe to accelerate at late times.     

H-point standard addition method for the selective simultaneous determination of nickel and copper using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol in Tween 80 micellar media.

The H-point standard addition method (HPSAM) has been applied for the simultaneous determination of nickel and copper in trace levels, using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) as a chromogenic reagent in aqueous Tween 80 micellar media. Under the optimum condition, the simultaneous determinations of nickel and copper by HPSAM were performed. The absorbances at one pair of wavelengths, 548 and 579 nm, were monitored with the addition of standard solutions of copper. The method is able to accurately determine copper-to-nickel ratios of 15:1 to 1:10 (Wt/Wt). The effects of diverse ions on the determination of nickel and copper to investigate the selectivity of the method were also studied. The recommended procedure was successfully applied to some water and alloy samples.     

Synthesis and Photochemistry of Novel 3,5-Diacetyl-1,4-dihydropyridines. II [1]

In continuation of previous work some novel 3,5-diacetyl-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives were synthesized and their photochemical behavior was studied under oxygen and argon atmosphere. Oxidation of the dihydropyridine ring and formation of pyridine derivatives was the result of the reaction. The presence of oxygen affects not only on the rate of oxidation, but also the formation of some unidentified by-products was observed on irradiation under this atmosphere.     

Density dependence of electron mobility in dense gases

The density (N) dependence of electron mobility (μ) in various dense gases (H₂, N₂, O₂, CO₂ and rare gases) has been calculated using a multiple-scattering approach. Deviation of the high density gas from its perfect gas behaviour has been taken into account through the temperature-dependent second virial coefficient. Multiple scattering of electrons leads to shifts in their kinetic energy and it also changes their distribution functions. This unified approach predicts both positive and negative effects. The positive (negative) effect entails on increase (decrease) of μ withN. We have assessed the available data on momentum transfer cross-sections by comparing the mobility at very low densities (Nμ)₀ with experimental results. The density dependence is studied by comparing the calculated ratioNμ)/Nμ)₀ with the observed values and other theoretical work. The Legler model which assumes a constant cross-section is inadequate for predicting the observed density dependence. We obtain good agreement with available experimental work for all the atomic and molecular species studied here.     

Determination of percolation threshold electroactivity and phase behavior study on conducting blends of thermotropic polyesters and polyaniline

The new thermotropic polyester/polyaniline (PIn/PAni) blends have been prepared by solution blend of synthesized liquid crystalline poly[4,4′‐bis (ω‐alkoxy) biphenylisophthalate]s having four and six methylene units in spacer (PI4 and PI6) with PAni doped with camphorsolfonic acid (CSA). The percolation threshold electroactivity of prepared blend films has been determined by cyclic voltammetry. The effect of the PAni concentration, solvent nature and polyester structure on the electroactivity of the blends has been investigated. The extremely low percolation threshold of prepared PIn/PAni‐CSA blends from dimethylformamide (DMF) and m‐cresol solution was 3% weight of PAni‐CSA. The amount of conducting polymer necessary to retard the formation of the liquid crystalline (LC) phase is up to 45% by weight. Phase behavior studies by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing microscopy show that blends with 45% of conducting polymer are both liquid crystal and conductive. The morphology of the blends has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solid phase extraction of gold by sorption on octadecyl silica membrane disks modified with pentathia-15-crown-5 and determination by AAS

A simple and selective method for rapid and efficient concentration and determination of μg l⁻¹ levels of Au(III) ions in aqueous solution using octadecyl silica membrane disks modified by pentathia-15-crown-5 and flame atomic absorption spectrometry is presented. The influence of flow rates of eluent and sample solution, amount of ligand, types and least amount of eluent for elution of Au from disks were investigated. Break through volume and limit of detection of the membrane disks modified by 5 mg of the thiacrown ether was found to be 2.0 l and 1.0 μg l⁻¹, respectively. The effects of various cationic interferences on percent recovery of gold were studied. The method was successfully applied for the determinations of gold in some pharmaceutical samples and for the recovery of trace Au³⁺ ions from synthetic and water samples.     

Steric selectivity in oxidations of diols

Oxidations of 2,2-disubstituted-1,4-butanediols by the combination of nickel(II) bromide and benzoyl peroxide and by trityl tetrafluoroborate produce β,β-disubstituted-γ-butyrolactones with exceptional selectivity.     

Rh(II)-Catalyzed Isomerizations of Cyclopropenes Evidence for Rh(II)-Complexed Vinylcarbene Intermediates

The thermocatalytic rearrangements of cyclopropenes 1-4 have been investigated in the presence of Rh(IT) perfiuorobutyrate. 1, 2, 3-Triphenylcyclopropene ( 1a ) undergoes rearrangement lo diphenylindene 5a or, with alkoxycyclopropene derivatives, to α, β-unsaturated ketone 6. Furan formation occurs with 2, 3-diphenylcyclo-propenecarboxylate 2, but the diethyl counterpart 3 rearranges to dienoate 8. 2-Alkylcyclopropenecarboxylates 4 afforded (E)-methylidenecyclopentane derivatives 9 as the only isolable product in yields of ca. 35 %. A mechanism involving regio- and stereospecific cyclopropene ring opening to a Rh-complexed vinylcarbene and insertion of the latter into the C? H bond to give 9 is proposed. An analogous mechanism should account for the rearrangement products of 1 to 3 .     

Quantitative determination of Malathion in pesticide by modified attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry applying genetic algorithm wavelength selection method

A simple and environment friendly method was developed for determination of Malathion content of analytical and commercial insecticide samples with no special preparation. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra were characterized and 1000-2000 cm⁻¹ region was selected for quantitative analysis utilizing partial least square (PLS) and two wavelength selection methods: (a) principal component regression (PCR) and (b) genetic algorithm (GA). Relative error of prediction (REP) was calculated in PLS, PCR-PLS and GA-PLS methods and was 3.536, 1.656 and 0.188, respectively. Proposed method is successfully applicable for quantification of Malathion in commercial grade samples and reliable results in comparison with known methods, confirms this idea.