Continuous spectral decompositions of Abelian group actions on -algebras

Let G be a locally compact Abelian group. Following Ruy Exel, we view Fell bundles over the Pontrjagin dual group of G as continuous spectral decompositions of G-actions on C^*-algebras. We classify such spectral decompositions using certain dense subspaces related to Marc Rieffel's theory of square-integrability. There is a unique continuous spectral decomposition if the group acts properly on the primitive ideal space of the C^*-algebra. But there are also examples of group actions without or with several inequivalent spectral decompositions.     

Improved quantitation of 13-cis- and all-trans-acitretin in human plasma by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

A reliable analytical method has been developed for measurement of 13-cis- and all-trans-acitretin (Neotigason) in human plasma by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, with ultraviolet detection. Human plasma was obtained after centrifugation of whole blood samples and deproteinized by ethanolic denaturation. After liquid-liquid extraction with water-n-hexane, and aliquot ws chromatographed on a silica column using isocratic elution with n-hexane-methylsalicylate-acetic acid (200:18:0.6, v/v). The wavelength was set at 360 nm, and for plasma samples a limit of quantification of 3-4 ng/ml was obtained. All manipulations were carried out under dim light conditions to prevent photoisomerization.     

Out of Equilibrium Correlations in the XY Chain

We study the transversal spin–spin correlations in the non-equilibrium steady state of the XY chain constructed by coupling a finite cutout of the chain to the two infinite parts to its left and right acting as thermal reservoirs at different temperatures. We prove that the spatial decay of these correlations is at least exponentially fast.     

Supramolecular chemistry

The article discusses molecular recognition and overviews the key concepts -storage and retrieval of chemical information by molecular structures, supramolecular reagents and catalysts, molecular transport, semiochemistry and self assembly. The prospects of controlling supramolecular architecture through engineered molecular recognition and design of ‘programmed systems’ controlled by molecular information are also discussed.     

Raman spectroscopy of carbon fibres

Investigations of coated carbon fibres are reported using Raman spectroscopy. Relationships between different process parameters (for example precursor concentration, reactor temperature and various precursors) and the resulting types of carbon fibres are discussed.     

HPLC with amperometric detection for the determination of pesticides of high polarity

A relatively simple procedure is described for the selective and highly sensitive determination of amitrole (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole) by ionpair HPLC with amperometric detection. The separation was achieved on a polar CN-column using hexane, propanol, water (62:36:2) with LiClO₄ (2.5 g·l^–1) and trichloroacetic acid (2 g·l^–1) as electrolytes. The determination range lies between 500 pg and 500 ng and the limit of detection was found to be 200 pg (s.d.: 11%; N=9). The minimum detectability for the alternative UV-monitoring was 2.5 ng. The developed method may be helpful in production and quality control and for the selective determination of amitrole in commercial formulations.