Nonlinearity estimation of scanning on a scanning electron microscope

The nonlinearity of scanning on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of nanorelief elements with known geometric profile shapes is estimated. The average pitch value of the relief test structure is measured, when the studied sample is shifted along the X-axis (scanning axis). As an index that characterizes the nonlinearity of the SEM scanning with the stated sample displacements, the relative mean-square deviation from the average pitch value of the test structure is selected. It is experimentally shown that, when the magnification is 20k, this value is 0.4%, which is in the tolerance error range.     

Correction to: Correlation of Diamond Grinding Regimes with SiSiC-Ceramic Surface Condition

The name of the third author should read S. N. Grigor’ev.     

Nonvolatile memory cells based on the effect of resistive switching in depth-graded ternary Hf x Al1 − x O y oxide films

A nonvolatile memory cell prototype based on the effect of resistive switching in thin Hf _x Al_{1 ? x} O _y oxide films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) with a Al depth-graded profile has been developed. This prototype imitates the arrangement of memory cells between the metallization layers of integral circuits. The obtained results are much superior to the parameters of conventional flash memory cells in increasing the reset speed and decreasing the reset voltage.     

Character of structural disturbances caused by chloroalkylamines in the model and erythrocyte membranes

beta, beta-Dichlorodiethylamine is proved not to induce structural disturbances in phosphatidylcholine liposomes and erythrocyte membranes which is registered by fluorescence methods. Methyl-beta, beta-dichlorodiethylamine and metaxylyl-beta, beta-dichlorodiethylamine cause the increase in microviscosity of lipid bilayer hydrophobic areas in both erythrocyte membranes and liposomes. Besides, polarity of the latter also decreases, and the metaxylyl derivative alkylates nucleophilic centers of phospholipid phosphate groups in liposomes. Erythrocyte membranes, being treated by beta, beta-dichlorodiethylamine derivatives, the increase in the membrane protein hydrophobicity is registered as well as the decrease in their immersion in the lipid bilayer.     

Influence of the carbide phase on fracture of improved steels

We present the results of investigation of the mechanism of fracture of 14KhN3A, 20, 20KhN3A, 40, and 40Kh steels after hardening and high tempering, and after embrittlement. We show that the intergranular fracture of steels is related to inhomogeneity of the processes of carbide formation on tempering and to the primary carbide separation on the boundaries of grains with elevated energy level. Procedures for thermal treatment are proposed, which enable one to reduce the susceptibility of improved steels to intergranular fracture. “L'vivs'ka Politekhnika” University, L'viv. Translated from Fizyko-Khimichna Mekhanika Materialiv, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 67–70, March–April, 1999.     

Selection of transducer inspection methods

Specific characteristics of metrological support for transducers is discussed, and a formalized library of transducer inspection methods is described. The proposed methods can be used with different kinds of input signals.Translated from Izmeritel'naya Tekhnika, No. 11, pp. 14–18, November, 1993.     

The effect of beta-carotene on the cytoplasmic membrane lipids of cells in rats under chronic gamma irradiation

Chronic gamma irradiation of rats at a dose rate of 12.9 rad/day for 155 days (total dose 20 Gy) did not change the cholesterol level in the brush border membrane of the small intestine. Maintenance of rats on a beta-carotene-enriched diet (daily throughout the irradiation period, at a diurnal dose of 3 mg/kg body weight produced an increase in cholesterol levels in the small intestinal brush border membranes. The phospholipid level after gamma irradiation alone did not change, but it was increased in gamma-irradiated rats fed with carotene, this increase being most pronounced for sphingomyelin. Beta-carotene decreased the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio in the brush border membrane of irradiated rats. Activation of lipid synthesis (as seen from inclusion of 2-14C-acetate in the epitheliocyte lipids of irradiated animals) and no influence of beta-carotene on the inclusion of the label in small intestine epitheliocytes of irradiated animals have been revealed. In the presynaptic membranes of brain nerve endings, chronic gamma irradiation of animals produced a deep fall of cholesterol and phospholipid levels. Also, a tendency was revealed for stimulation of transport of the neurotransmitter amino acids GABA and L-glutamate across the presynaptic membranes of nerve endings. Beta-carotene normalized the phospholipid and cholesterol levels in brain presynaptic membranes of irradiated rats, as well as decreased L-glutamate transport. It is assumed that the modifying and normalizing effects of beta-carotene on the lipid exchange of plasma membranes upon chronic irradiation of animals and permanent introduction of the drug are associated with the radioprotector activity of beta-carotene.     

Unsteady heat transfer in wooden cylindrical sets

A mathematical model and a numerical technique have been proposed for calculating the thermal state of a fragment of the outside log wall of a building. Temperature fields in homogeneous and inhomogeneous (filled with a warmth-keeping agent) wooden cylindrical sets at a variable heat load on the surface have been established and their comparative analysis has been performed. __________ Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 79, No. 5, pp. 74–79, September–October, 2006.