Scanning tunneling spectroscopy study of the Dirac spectrum of germanene.

The temperature dependence of the density of states of germanene, synthesized on Ge/Pt crystals, has been investigated with scanning tunneling spectroscopy. After correction for thermal broadening, a virtually perfect V-shaped density of states, which is a hallmark of a two-dimensional Dirac system, has been found. In an attempt to directly measure the energy dispersion relation via quasiparticle interference we have recorded spatial maps of the differential conductivity near the edges and defects of germanene. Unfortunately, we did not find any sign of Friedel oscillations. The absence of these Friedel oscillations hints to the occurrence of Klein tunneling.

Laser-induced magnetic nanostructures with tunable topological properties.

We report the creation and real-space observation of magnetic structures with well-defined topological properties and a lateral size as low as about 150 nm. They are generated in a thin ferrimagnetic film by ultrashort single optical laser pulses. Thanks to their topological properties, such structures can be classified as Skyrmions of a particular type that does not require an externally applied magnetic field for stabilization. Besides Skyrmions, we are able to generate magnetic features with topological characteristics that can be tuned by changing the laser fluence. The stability of such features is accounted for by an analytical model based on the interplay between the exchange and the magnetic dipole-dipole interactions.

Frequency of rate of body temperature chart at mid cycle in pregnant women and the subsequent effect on pregnancy.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To determine if changes in basal body temperature (BBT) during the ovuratory phase are related to subsequent effects on pregnancy. METHODS: BBT records from 216 pregnant women in a spontaneous cycle or a clomiphene citrate cycle during a recent 6-year period were studied. The last day of low phase (LDLP) and the number of days until high phase (NDHP) were determined for all subjects. RESULTS: In the spontaneous cycle group, medium-cycle cases were most frequent and long-cycle cases were most frequent in the clomiphene cycle group. The NDHP ranged between one and three days in 82.8% of the subjects in the spontaneous cycle group and in 86.1% of the subjects in the clomiphene cycle group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the importance of properly evaluating an NDPH of two or even three days in a BBT-based assessment of ovarian function in the ovulatory phase.

Interfacial tension of aqueous two-phase systems containing poly(ethylene glycol) and dipotassium hydrogenphosphate.

Liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) compositions and interfacial tensions of the aqueous two-phase system containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 4000, average Mr=3500; PEG 6000, average Mr=7500; and PEG 20000, average Mr =20000) and dipotassium hydrogenphosphate were experimentally determined by using a shaking flask method and a drop volume method at 288.15, 298.15 and 308.15 K, respectively.

Electrical safety testing of medical equipment in Japan.

In Japan, the manufacture and sale of medical electrical equipment requires the permission and license of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Electrical safety tests must be conducted at an official institution. This paper presents the statistical results of a series of 404 safety tests of medical devices, reports the electrical safety problems encountered, and suggests electrical design considerations for safety.

Technical note: new connecting devices for potential equalization.

Two types of new equipotential connecting devices have been developed for the medical electrical equipment. The features of each type include lower contact resistance, firm connection between socket and pin and a high level of safety. The results of testing a third type of connector (developed earlier) are included. They have individual features which users can select according to their particular purposes of use. The new devices will contribute to improved safety of the medical electrical equipment.

Rhythm perception equipment for skin vibratory stimulation.

The characteristics of vibrotactile stimulation and an experimental device for the transmission of rhythm information contained in music and similar sounds by means of vibrotactile stimulation are described. The actuator and input/output behavior of the device are examined. Measurement of the intensity discrimination threshold and beat frequency perception threshold is discussed. Application to music education in schools for the deaf is described, and results of a clinical test are reported.