On automorphisms of von Neumann algebras constructed by measure space transformations. I (Q1184404)

Following a brief discussion of shift invariant measures, the author reconciles three versions of the Murray-von Neumann crossed product construction. The emphasis is based on the \textit{J. Feldman} and \textit{C. C. Moore} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 234, 289-359 (1977; Zbl 0369.22009 and Zbl 0369.22010)] point of view: the action of a group of transformations on a measure space \((X,\mu)\) is replaced by a measure supported on an equivalence relation \(R\) on \(X\). \(R\) is then used to construct the crossed product algebra \(M(R)\) and each transformation \(T\) on \(X\) which respects \(R\) induces an automorphism \(\alpha_ T\) on \(M(R)\). Under general conditions, a certain ``centralizer'' of \(M(R)\) is isomorphic to the hyperfinite factor of type II\(_ 1\) and left invariant by each \(\alpha_ T\). The paper closes with explicit criteria for determining which \(\alpha_ T\) are inner. [For part II see the review below].