Low-energy behavior of the 3He(α, γ)7Be cross section

Cross sections for the ³He(α, γ)⁷Be reaction have been measured at several energies from E_c.m. = 165 to 1169 keV by counting prompt γ-rays from a windowless, differentially pumped, recirculating, ³He gas target. The cross-section factor S₃₄(E_c.m.) and branching ratio γ₁/γ₀ were determined at each energy. Cross sections were also measured at E_c.m. = 947 and 1255 keV by counting the γ-rays from the ⁷Be produced in a ³He gas cell with a Ni entrance foil. Combining the results of these two independent experiments yields a zero-energy intercept for the cross-section factor of S₃₄(0) = 0.53 ± 0.03 keV · b. The relationship between these measurements and several theoretical calculations, and the import of the extrapolated cross section for the solar-neutrino problem are discussed.     

A unified view of imaging the elastic properties of tissue

A number of different approaches have been developed to estimate and image the elastic properties of tissue. The biomechanical properties of tissues are vitally linked to function and pathology, but cannot be directly assessed by conventional ultrasound, MRI, CT, or nuclear imaging. Research developments have introduced new approaches, using either MRI or ultrasound to image the tissue response to some stimulus. A wide range of stimuli has been evaluated, including heat, water jets, vibration shear waves, compression, and quasistatic compression, using single or multiple steps or low-frequency (<10 Hz) cyclic excitation. These may seem to be greatly dissimilar, and appear to produce distinctly different types of information and images. However, our purpose in this tutorial is to review the major classes of excitation stimuli, and then to demonstrate that they produce responses that fall within a common spectrum of elastic behavior. Within this spectrum, the major classes of excitation include step compression, cyclic quasistatic compression, harmonic shear wave excitation, and transient shear wave excitation. The information they reveal about the unknown elastic distribution within an imaging region of interest are shown to be fundamentally related because the tissue responses are governed by the same equation. Examples use simple geometry to emphasize the common nature of the approaches.     

Soliton-sound interactions in quasi-one-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates

Longitudinal confinement of dark solitons in quasi-one-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates leads to sound emission and reabsorption. We perform quantitative studies of the dynamics of a soliton oscillating in a tight dimple trap, embedded in a weaker harmonic trap. The dimple depth provides a sensitive handle to control the soliton-sound interaction. In the limit of no reabsorption, the power radiated is found to be proportional to the soliton acceleration squared. An experiment is proposed to detect sound emission as a change in amplitude and frequency of soliton oscillations.     

Efficient factorization with a single pure qubit and logN mixed qubits

It is commonly assumed that Shor's quantum algorithm for the efficient factorization of a large number N requires a pure initial state. Here we demonstrate that a single pure qubit, together with a collection of log 2N qubits in an arbitrary mixed state, is sufficient to implement Shor's factorization algorithm efficiently.     

Preparation and properties of some α-aza-amino-acid derivatives,their possible use in peptide synthesis

Some derivatives of azaglycine and azaphenylalanine are described. Esters of acetyl- and benzoyl-aza-amino-acids rapidly cyclise to stable oxadiazolones and it is concluded that similar derivatives would be unsuitable for aza-peptide synthesis. t-Butyloxycarbonyl-azaglycine azide was too unreactive for use in peptide synthesis. Benzoyl-azaglycylphenylalanine ethyl ester and acetyl-azaphenylalanylphenylalanine ethyl ester were prepared by coupling benzoyl hydrazide and N-acetyl-N'-benzylhydrazide respectively with 2,4-dinitrophenyloxycarbonyl-phenylalanine ethyl ester.     

Structural colour in animals—simple to complex optics

Over the past 30 years, optics well known to the physicist have been identified in their multitudes in nature. Multilayer reflectors, diffraction gratings, liquid crystals and structures that scatter light—devices explained using “simple” optical theory—have been found in animals with a diversity of designs. For many years the potential to employ these designs commercially has been clear, although only one optical device in animals has been taken through to the manufacture stage—the fly-eye antireflector. Now, with the beginnings of “complex” optical study in biological specimens, and consequent identification of photonic band gaps, animal reflectors are being taken seriously as promising first stages in the design process of optical engineers. However, natural photonic crystals are often highly complex structures at the nano-scale that may lie beyond the limits of current engineering. This in turn justifies the study of cellular engineering—maybe we can also exploit the flawless processes of manufacture employed by animals.     

Determination of organosilicon compounds in water by atomic absorption spectroscopy

Summary An extraction technique is described for the determination of ppm concentrations of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic methylsiloxane compounds in water, based on a single extraction with a mixed solvent of (11) l-pentanol and methyl isobutyl ketone followed by the determination of the silicone compounds extracted into the mixed solvent by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The method is applicable over the concentration range 0.3–30 ppm Si. Standard deviation in the case of 10 ppm Si is 0.313.

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Bestimmung von siliciumorganischen Verbindungen in Wasser mit Hilfe der Atomabsorptions-Spektralphotometrie

Zusammenfassung Zur Bestimmung von ppm-Konzentrationen an hydrophoben und hydrophilen Methylsiloxanverbindungen im Wasser wird ein Extraktionsverfahren beschrieben. Hierbei wird nach einfacher Extraktion mit l-Pentanol/Methylisobutylketon (11) das Silicium im Extrakt mit Hilfe der AAS bestimmt. Der erfaßbare Konzentrationsbereich liegt bei 0,3–30 ppm Si. Die Standardabweichung beträgt bei 10 ppm Si 0,313.