Separation in distributive congruence lattices

We define separable sets in algebraic lattices. For a finitely generated congruence distributive variety V \mathcal{V} , we show a close connection between non-separable sets in congruence lattices of algebras in V \mathcal{V} and the structure of subdirectly irreducible algebras in V \mathcal{V} . We apply the general results to some lattice varieties.     

Lower bounds of the Laplacian graph eigenvalues

In this paper we prove that all positive eigenvalues of the Laplacian of an arbitrary simple graph have some positive lower bounds. For a fixed integer k 1 we call a graph without isolated vertices k-minimal if its kth greatest Laplacian eigenvalue reaches this lower bound. We describe all 1-minimal and 2-minimal graphs and we prove that for every k 3 the path P_k+1 on k + 1 vertices is the unique k-minimal graph.     

Natural Operators Lifting Vector Fields to Bundles of Weil Contact Elements

Let A be a Weil algebra. The bijection between all natural operators lifting vector fields from m-manifolds to the bundle functor K ^A of Weil contact elements and the subalgebra of fixed elements SA of the Weil algebra A is determined and the bijection between all natural affinors on K ^A and SA is deduced. Furthermore, the rigidity of the functor K ^A is proved. Requisite results about the structure of SA are obtained by a purely algebraic approach, namely the existence of nontrivial SA is discussed.     

Volume Chemistry of Nitrogen in Binary Metal Nitrides and Subnitrides

A comparison of the concept of volume increments created by W. Biltz with that based on quantum mechanical calculations by R.F.W. Bader was performed for crystal structures of binary metal nitrides and ‐subnitrides. The mutual comparison of both concepts permits insights into the bonding relationships of these compounds and reveals the considerable range of volume demand of a strongly polarisable bonding partner, such as the nitride ion. Finally it becomes clear that the Biltz volume increments show a quantum‐chemical relevance in the chemistry of solids.     

Model of free charge generation in polymers

A time solution of the excimer-ion pair system is presented here with a special attention to the time asymptote. Presented at the Czech-Israeli-German Symposium “Dynamical Processes in Condensed Molecular Systems”, Prague, Czech Republic, 26–30 May 1997. This work was supported by the grant No. C 1050601 of the Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.     

XRR and GISAXS study of silicon oxynitride films

Thin films of silicon oxynitride have largely replaced pure silicon oxide films as gate and tunnel oxide films in modern technology due to their superior properties in terms of efficiency as boron barrier, resistance to electrical stress and high dielectric strength. A single chamber system for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition was employed to deposit different films of SiO_xN_yH_z with 0.85 < x < 1.91. All films were previously characterized by Rutherford back-scattering and infrared spectroscopy to determine the stoichiometry and the presence of various bonding configurations of constituent atoms. We used X-ray reflectivity to determine the electron density profile across the depth, and we showed that the top layer is densified. Moreover, grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering was used to study inhomogeneities (clustering) in the films, and it is shown that plate-like inhomogeneities exist in the top and sphere-like particles at the bottom part of the film. Their shape and size depend on the stoichiometry of the films.     

Fibers and 3D mesh scaffolds from biodegradable starch-based blends: production and characterization

The aim of this work is the production of fibers from biodegradable polymers to obtain 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering of hard tissues. The scaffolds required for this highly demanding application need to have, as well as the biological and mechanical characteristics, a high degree of porosity with suitable dimensions for cell seeding and proliferation. Furthermore, the open cell porosity should have adequate interconnectivity for a continuous flow of nutrients and outflow of cell metabolic residues as well as to allow cell growth into confluent layers. Blends of corn starch, a natural biodegradable polymer, with other synthetic polymers (poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol), poly(epsilon-caprolactone), poly(lactic acid)) were selected for this work because of their good balance of properties, namely biocompatibility, processability and mechanical properties. Melt spinning was used to produce fibers from all the blends and 3D meshes from one of the starch-poly(lactic acid) blends. The experimental characterization included the evaluation of the tensile mechanical properties and thermal properties of the fibers and the compression stiffness, porosity and degradation behavior of the 3D meshes. Light microscopy picture of 3D meshes.     

Phase Analysis of the Binary System of Cryolite (Na3AlF6) and Sodium Metasilicate (Na2SiO3)

The phase analysis of cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) and sodium metasilicate (Na₂SiO₃) was performed by thermal analysis. The eutectic system with a region of two immiscible substances at a concentration of Na₂SiO₃ between 42.8 and 46.3 mol‐% was identified and the eutectic temperature determined to (886±2) °C. Based on the results of mass‐loss measurements, it was assumed that the introduced Na₂SiO₃ reacts with Na₃AlF₆ due to the formation of some nonvolatile stable compounds. The stable reaction products were identified by X‐ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy of the spontaneously cooled samples, which established the formation of NaF and stable amorphous aluminosilicate compounds.     

Effects of Amplitude of the Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Aqueous Suspensions and Solutions

The effects of radiofrequency (RF) (1–4) and magnetic fields (5–9) on the behavior of aqueous solutions and suspensions have been a popular subject in recent years. The mechanism of the magnetic “water memory” effect, though, is still largely unknown (5). In this work, we present evidence that the primary “receptor” of the electromagnetic radiation is a gas/liquid interface. Gas can be either already present in water or produced by the effects of electromagnetic fields. Perturbed gas/liquid interfaces require hours to equilibrate. Certain RF and magnetic signals also produce reactive oxygen and hydrogen species (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen, atomic hydrogen). The perturbed gas/liquid interface modifies the hydrogen bonding networks in water and also the hydration of ions and interfaces. Careful outgassing removes all of the effects of the electromagnetic fields, including the magnetic memory effect. The amplitude of the applied field influences the observed effects. Different amplitudes of RF radiation perturb the interfacial water in different ways and consequently affect the behavior of colloids and ions in specific manners. For instance, the bulk and template precipitation of calcium carbonate, zeta potentials of suspended colloids, rate of dissolution of colloidal silica, and attachment of colloidal silica to metal surfaces are modified in specific ways with the low amplitude or high amplitude RF treatments described in this paper. The solubility/diffusivity of gas species is also modified in a different manner, and it is probably at the core of the specificity of the RF amplitude effects.