On the Finiteness of the Discrete Spectrum of a Four-Particle Lattice Schrödinger Operator

A Hamiltonian describing four bosons that move on a lattice and interact by means of pair zero-range attractive potentials is considered. A stronger version of the Hunziker–Van Vinter–Zhislin theorem on the essential spectrum is established. It is proved that the set of eigenvalues lying to the left of the essential spectrum is finite for any interaction energy of two bosons and is empty if this energy is sufficiently small.     

To the spectral theory of Krein systems

We consider the Krein systems. For the set of Stummel class coefficients, we establish the criterion in terms of these coefficients for the system to satisfy the Szegö-type estimate on the spectral measure.     

Nuclear equation of state and compression modes

The nuclear matter (N = Z and no Coulomb interaction) incompressibility coefficient, K _nm , which is directly related to the curvature of the nuclear matter equation of state, is a very important physical quantity in the study of properties of nuclei, supernova collapse, neutron stars and heavy-ion collisions. We review the current status of K _nm and the experimental and theoretical methods used to determine the value of K _nm from the excitation crosssections σ(E) and the transition strength distributions S(E) of compression modes in nuclei. In particular, we will consider the isoscalar giant monopole resonance (ISGMR) and the isoscalar giant dipole resonance (ISGDR) and provide a simple explanation to the long standing problem of the conflicting results obtained for K _nm , deduced from experimental data on excitation cross sections for the ISGMR and data for the ISGDR.     

Laser writing techniques for photomask fabrication using a femtosecond laser

Photomasks are the backbone of microfabrication industries. Currently they are fabricated by a lithographic process, which is very expensive and time consuming since it is a multi-step process. These issues can be addressed by fabricating photomasks by direct femtosecond laser writing, which is a single-step process and comparatively cheaper and faster than lithography. In this paper we discuss our investigations on the effect of two types of laser writing techniques, namely front- and rear-side laser writing, with regard to the feature size and the edge quality of a feature. It is proved conclusively that for the patterning of masks, front-side laser writing is a better technique than rear-side laser writing with regard to smaller feature size and better edge quality. Moreover the energy required for front-side laser writing is considerably lower than that for rear-side laser writing. Received: 22 May 2001 / Accepted: 14 September 2001 / Published online: 17 October 2001     

N_2和O_2纯转动拉曼光谱(PRRS)的温度特性

计算了N2 和O2 的PRRS ,讨论了其温度特性。提出通过测量N2 和O2 的PRRS计算大气温度的方法。     

A Pilot Survey of Vocal Health in Young Singers

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of vocal problems in young choir singers and to correlate vocal problems with demographic and behavioral information. A questionnaire addressing vocal habits and hygiene was offered to 571 young choir singers, up to 25 years of age, who sing at least weekly; 129 (22.6%) responded. More than one-half of the respondents had experienced vocal difficulty, particularly older adolescents. Detrimental behaviors and circumstances surveyed were not reflective of the incidence of vocal difficulty, except for morning hoarseness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and female gender after puberty. Voice care professionals should be aware that self-reported voice difficulties are common among young choral singers, especially postpubescent girls, and children with symptoms consistent with reflux (morning hoarseness) and emotional stress (insomnia). Laryngologists should communicate with choral conductors and singing teachers to enhance early identification and treatment of children with voice complaints, and to develop choral educational strategies that help decrease their incidence.     

Tablet disintegration monitored by magnetic resonance imaging

The disintegration of bromhexin tablets was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging. The fast imaging method FLASH with spoiling gradients was used to obtain images of the tablets in short time intervals. The rate of the disintegration depends on the preparation method, kind and percentage of the carrier (polyethylene glycol, lactose). Solid dispersion with slow evaporation of solvent yields materials with decreased dissolution rate. Increasing molecular mass of polyethylene glycol and its percentage content also hampers disintegration.     

Dynamic scanning force microscopy study of self-assembled DNA-protein nanostructures

Self-assembled oligomeric nanostructures consisting of bisbiotinylated DNA fragments connected by the protein streptavidin (STV) are studied by dynamic scanning force microscopy (SFM) operating in air. A comparison of the images taken in repulsive and attractive regimes is systematically made on DNA and STV structures. Stable and reproducible SFM images are obtained in the attractive regime by using a special feedback circuit, called Q-control. On the other hand, when SFM is operating in the repulsive regime, deformation of the structures that reduce the resolution and the image quality are clearly observable. The heights of both DNA and STV have been measured as a function of the tip/molecule interaction forces. This study offers the possibility to suggest a different mechanical behavior of DNA with respect to STV. Received: 24 July 2001 / Accepted: 3 December 2001 / Published online: 4 March 2002