The Uncertainty of Fluxes

In the ordinary quantum Maxwell theory of a free electromagnetic field, formulated on a curved 3-manifold, we observe that magnetic and electric fluxes cannot be simultaneously measured. This uncertainty principle reflects torsion: fluxes modulo torsion can be simultaneously measured. We also develop the Hamilton theory of self-dual fields, noting that they are quantized by Pontrjagin self-dual cohomology theories and that the quantum Hilbert space is -graded, so typically contains both bosonic and fermionic states. Significantly, these ideas apply to the Ramond-Ramond field in string theory, showing that its K-theory class cannot be measured.     

Some Remarks on p-Adic Analytic Groups

A theorem of Maranda [1, Section 30] states that if F is a finitegroup, p is a prime and p^e exactly divides |F|, then a Z_pF-latticeM is determined up to isomorphism by its finite quotient M/p^e+1M.If M is a free Z_p-module of rank d, this is equivalent to sayingthat representations of F in GL_d(Z_p) are determined up to equivalenceby their images modulo p^e+1. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification20E18, 22E20.     

Some Polynuclear Coordination Compounds Precursors of Chromites Synthesis,Physicochemical Characterization and Thermal Stability

The polynuclear coordination compounds LnCr(tartrate)₃·nH₂O where Ln(III)=La-Er, obtained through a precipitation method, were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, their electronic and vibrational spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The possibility of obtaining chromites through the transformations of the polynuclear coordination compounds in the solid state was considered. The thermal decompositions of these compounds, studied by TG and DTA methods, were found to follow an almost uniform pattern. The decompositions occurred in six-eight steps. The first two steps involved dehydration, and the third the transformation of tartrate anions to oxalate, followed by conversion to carbonate and oxocarbonate intermediates. The final product in each case was LnCrO₃. A non-isothermal kinetic analysis of the first decomposition steps was performed, the most probable decomposition mechanism being selected and the kinetic parameters evaluated. The final products of the transformations were characterized. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

On the Apparent Compensation Effect Observed for Two Consecutive Reactions

A critical analysis is presented of the use of an overall single rate reaction equation instead of the true rate equation corresponding to a complex process consisting of two consecutive reactions. In accordance with this approximation, which is often used in the kinetic analysis of systems in which several reactions take place, the overall process is described by apparent activation parameters (the apparent activation energy E_ap and the apparent pre-exponential factor A_ap) and an apparent conversion function. The theoretical isotherms (α=α(t), where α is the conversion degree and t is time) were simulated for a system in which two consecutive reactions occur. In this case, the apparent activation parameters depend on (a) the considered range of temperature; and (b) the temperature for a given conversion degree. It is shown that the apparent activation parameters are correlated by the compensation effect relationship: ln A_ap = α^* + β^*E_ap where α^* and β^* are the linear regression parameters. The possibility of using the apparent kinetic parameters to predict the isotherms α=α(t) for temperatures lower than those for which these parameters were evaluated is discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

On Bonding,Structure, and Stability of Ternary Hydrides A2MH2 (A = Li,Na; M = Pd,Pt)

Bonding, structure, and stability of solid A₂MH₂ with A = Li, Na; M = Pd, Pt were investigated with a relativistically corrected density-functional approach, which reliably describes the trends among these four compounds. In order to examine the influence of the ligands (A) and of the crystalline environment, calculations were also made for free A₂MH₂ molecules and MH₂^2– ions. The free MH₂^2– complex is held together by strong bonds between formally closed shell atomic units because of strong M-d,s hybridization. The M–H bonds are further stabilized by the alkali metal ion ligands and by the crystal surrounding. The crystal field expands the H–A distance and enhances the H–A polarity. Relativistic effects contribute to M–H bonding in the solid state. The experimentally determined bond lengths and their trends are in accordance with theory. Due to relativistic and lanthanide effects, the Pt–H bond length becomes nearly as short as the Pd–H one. The small Li ion causes a distortion of the Li₂PtH₂ crystal resulting in an even shorter Pt–H bond length. In the gas-phase, A₂PtH₂ is more stable against dissociation than A₂PdH₂. The stability of the solid compounds is strongly influenced by the cohesive energy of the metal M, and also by the nature of the alkali metal. The evaluated enthalpies of formation favor increasing stability of solid A₂MH₂ against disproportionation into M and AH from Pt to Pd and from Li to Na. This is in agreement with experimental findings. The assignment of the experimental vibrational excitations should be reconsidered.     

A Simple HPLC/DAD Method Validation for the Quantification of Malondialdehyde in Rodent’s Brain

In the present study, a HPLC/DAD method was set up to allow for the determination and quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain of rodents (rats). Chromatographic separation was achieved on Supelcosil LC-18 (3 μm) SUPELCO Column 3.3 cm × 4.6 mm and Supelco Column Saver 0.5 μm filter by using a mobile phase acetonitrile (A) and phosphate buffer (20 mM, pH = 6) (B). Isocratic elution was 14% for (A) and 86% for (B). The injection volume (loop mode) was 100 μL with an analysis time of 1.5 min. Flow rate was set at 1 mL/min. The eluted compound was detected at 532 nm by a DAD detector by keeping the column oven at room temperature. The results indicated that the method has good linearity in the range of 0.2–20 μg/g. Both intra- and inter-day precision, expressed as RSD, were ≤15% and the accuracies ranged between ±15%. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), stability, and robustness were evaluated and satisfied the validation criteria. The method was successfully applied in a study of chronic toxicology following different treatment regimens with haloperidol and metformin.     

Water-soluble magnetic nanoparticles with biologically active stabilizers

We present the results of the interaction of iron oxide nanoparticles with some biologically active surfactants, namely, oleic acid and cytotoxic alkanolamine derivatives. Physico-chemical properties, as magnetization, magnetite concentration and particle diameter, of the prepared magnetic samples were studied. The nanoparticle size of 11 nm for toluene magnetic fluid determined by TEM is in good agreement with the data obtained by the method of magnetogranulometry. In vitro cytotoxic effect of water-soluble nanoparticles with different iron oxide:oleic acid molar ratio were revealed against human fibrosarcoma and mouse hepatoma cells. In vivo results using a sarcoma mouse model showed observable antitumor action.     

Enzymatic Esterification in Aqueous Miniemulsions

Just a drop of water : Esterification in water is possible by confining the reactants in small miniemulsion droplets protected by nonionic surfactants. A lipase located at the interface between the droplet and aqueous surroundings catalyzes the esterification and expels generated water from the reaction site (see picture). High yields of the ester can be obtained after short reaction times under ambient conditions.