Magnetic force microscopy studies on the magnetic ordering in organic materials induced by high-energy proton irradiation

In this study, ferromagnetic microstructures in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and superparamagnetic spots in polyimide foils were created by 2.25 MeV proton microbeam irradiation and characterized using atomic and magnetic force microscopy. For this purpose, graphite samples were irradiated with cross-like patterns of 15 μm × 15 μm size using ion fluences in the range of (0.003–2.5) × 10¹⁸ cm⁻². The irradiated crosses showed strong magnetic signals and a complex domain structure in the magnetic images depending on the geometrical dimensions of the crosses. Furthermore, polyimide foils were irradiated with microspots and fluences in the range of (0.016–3.1) × 10¹⁹ cm⁻². Magnetic force microscopy shows very strong phase shifts in these irradiated areas.     

Fast location of high-order modes for boxed microstrip with finite strip thickness

Many analyses of boxed microstrip discontinuities require the location of large numbers of high-order modes. Using Sturm-Liouville theory, this letter derives a relationship between microstrip modes and slab-loaded guide modes, leading to an efficient mode location algorithm for microstrip, including microstrip with finite strip thickness.<>     

A microbubble-powered bioparticle actuator

We present the results of a device that uses controllable microbubble actuation to manipulate bioparticles. In order to create a useful device for controlling the position of bioparticles, predictable microfluidic actuation is crucial. The goal of this project was to develop fundamental technology that can be used to manipulate single bioparticles (e.g., cells). We use a thermal bubble actuation method to accomplish this goal. Microbubbles have the advantages of relatively simple electronics and fabrication but can be difficult to control. In this paper, we describe two specific accomplishments: the use of micromachined nucleation cavities to precisely localize thermal bubbles and to achieve controllable bubble formation temperatures and bubble dissipation and the demonstration of controllable microbubbles in a new device for particle sorting.     

Measurement of Energy Expenditure in Elite Athletes Using MEMS-Based Triaxial Accelerometers

Fitness development and performance assessment of elite athletes requires an understanding of many physiological factors, many of these are direct and indirect measures of athlete energy expenditure. Many methods are physiological factor assessments and require the athlete to be constrained by laboratory equipment or periodic interruption of activity to take measurements such as blood samples are required to be taken. This paper presents a method that is entirely ambulatory and noninvasive, using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers. The commonly used output of commercial accelerometer-based devices (known as "counts") cannot discriminate activity intensity for the activities of interest. This, in conjunction with variability in output from different systems and lack of commonality across manufacturers, limits the usefulness of commercial devices. This paper identifies anthropometric and kinematic sources of inter-athlete variability in accelerometer output, leading to an alternate energy expenditure estimator based mainly on step frequency modified by anthropometric measures. This energy expenditure estimator is more robust and not influenced by many sources of variability that affect the currently used estimator. In this system, low-power signal processing was implemented to extract both the energy estimator and other information of physiological and statistical interest     

Interstate forensic psychology consultations: A call for reform and proposal of a model rule.

Forensic psychology has made important gains in professional recognition and stature in the courts, resulting in increasing demands for mobility of expertise. Current regulations regarding the interjurisdictional temporary forensic practice of psychology, however, are characterized by variability of regulations, ambiguity and inaccessibility, and continuing total barriers. A uniform, well-reasoned policy is needed. A conceptual basis for such a policy is provided by a discussion of licensing rationales and the application of these to forensic practice. Uniformity, public and professional protection, and practicability are identified as fundamental regulatory criteria. A Model Rule Regarding the Temporary Forensic Practice of Psychology is proposed for adoption by state licensing boards on a nationwide basis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of thermal treatment on ZnO substrate for epitaxial growth

ZnO is a highly efficient photon emitter, and has optical and piezoelectric properties that are attractive for a variety of applications in sensors and potentially optoelectronic devices such as emitters. Due to its identical stacking order and close lattice match to GaN, it is also being developed as a substrate material for GaN epitaxy. However, the surface finish of the ZnO is such that much of the damage induced by sawing and follow up mechanical polishing remains. We developed a thermal treatment method to eliminate surface damage on the 0 face of ZnO (0 0 0 1) to prepare it for epitaxial growth. Atomic force microscopy images of ZnO (0 0 0 1) annealed at 1050 °C for 3 h etc. show that residual scratches from mechanical polishing are removed and atomically flat, terrace-like surfaces are attained. In addition, low-temperature photoluminescence and high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements have been employed to investigate the effect of annealing on ZnO substrates.