Can only flavor-nonsinglet H dibaryons be stable against strong decays?

Using the QCD sum rule approach, we show that the flavor-nonsinglet $H$ dibaryon states with J$^{\pi} = 1^+$, J$^{\pi} = 0^+$, I=1 (27plet) are nearly degenerate with the J$^{\pi} = 0^+$, I=0 singlet $H_0$ dibaryon, which has been predicted to be stable against strong decay, but has not been observed. Our calculation, which does not require an instanton correction, suggests that the $H_0$ is slightly heavier than these flavor-nonsinglet $H$s over a wide range of the parameter space. If the singlet $H_0$ mass lies above the $\Lambda \Lambda$ threshold (2231~MeV), then the strong interaction breakup to $\Lambda \Lambda$ would produce a very broad resonance in the $\Lambda \Lambda$ invariant mass spectrum which would be very difficult to observe. On the other hand, if these flavor-nonsinglet J=0 and 1 $H$ dibaryons are also above the $\Lambda \Lambda$ threshold, but below the $\Xi^0n$ breakup threshold (2254 MeV), then because the direct, strong interaction decay to the $\Lambda \Lambda$ channel is forbidden, these flavor-nonsinglet states might be more amenable to experimental observation. The present results allow a possible reconciliation between the reported observation of $\Lambda \Lambda$ hypernuclei, which argue against a stable $H_0$, and the possible existence of $H$ dibaryons in general.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure

J Fluorescence

The scope of this paper is to illustrate the need for an improved quality assurance in fluorometry. For this purpose, instrumental sources of error and their influences on the reliability and comparability of fluorescence data are highlighted for frequently used photoluminescence techniques ranging from conventional macro- and microfluorometry over fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry to microarray technology as well as in vivo fluorescence imaging. Particularly, the need for and requirements on fluorescence standards for the characterization and performance validation of fluorescence instruments, to enhance the comparability of fluorescence data, and to enable quantitative fluorescence analysis are discussed. Special emphasis is dedicated to spectral fluorescence standards and fluorescence intensity standards

Spiral vortices traveling between two rotating defects in the Taylor-Couette system

Numerical calculations of vortex flows in Taylor-Couette systems with counter rotating cylinders are presented. The full, time dependent Navier-Stokes equations are solved with a combination of a finite difference and a Galerkin method. Annular gaps of radius ratio $\eta=0.5$ and of several heights are simulated. They are closed by nonrotating lids that produce localized Ekman vortices in their vicinity and that prevent axial phase propagation of spiral vortices. Existence and spatio temporal properties of rotating defects, of modulated Ekman vortices, and of the spiral vortex structures in the bulk are elucidated in quantitative detail.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figure

Stabilization of free radical intermediates on metal oxide semiconductors surfaces

Free radicals intermediates are formed on the surface of metal oxide semiconductors, namely TiO_2 and Fe_2O_3, following the light-induced charge separation upon band-gap illumination. These radicals appear to adhere strongly to the surfaces of the small colloidal particles (diameters between 5 and 20 nm) employed in this study. A second electron-transfer step yielding the observed end-products therefore preceeds desorption of the reactive intermediates. Oxidation of methylviologen (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridylium chloride) and reduction of halothane (2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1- trifluoroethane) is thus found to proceed with high quantum yields and very specific mechanisms on colloidal TiO_2. The oxidation of sulfite on α-Fe_2O_3 particles yields the sulfite radical anion, SO_3^- , as initial intermediate. A subsequent electron transfer leading to the formation of sulfate occurs on the surface of the same catalyst particle