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Biomedical subjects

S Washburn

Publications and source records attributed to S Washburn.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Torsional response and stiffening of individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

We report on the characterization of torsional oscillators which use multiwalled carbon nanotubes as the spring elements. Through atomic-force-microscope force-distance measurements we are able to apply torsional strains to the nanotubes and measure their torsional spring constants, and estimate their effective shear moduli. The data show that the nanotubes are stiffened by repeated flexing. We speculate that changes in the intershell mechanical coupling are responsible for the stiffening.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Effects of a parallel magnetic field on the metal-insulator transition in a dilute two-dimensional electron system.

The temperature dependence of conductivity sigma(T) of a two-dimensional electron system in silicon has been studied in parallel magnetic fields B. At B = 0, the system displays a metal-insulator transition at a critical electron density n(c)(0), and dsigma/dT>0 in the metallic phase. At low fields ( B < or approximately equal to 2 T), n(c) increases as n(c)(B)-n(c)(0) proportional, variant Bbeta ( beta approximately 1), and the zero-temperature conductivity scales as sigma(n(s),B,T = 0)/sigma(n(s),0,0) = f(B(beta)/delta(n)), where delta(n) = [n(s)-n(c)(0)]/n(c)(0) and n(s) is electron density, as expected for a quantum phase transition. The metallic phase persists in fields of up to 18 T, consistent with the saturation of n(c) at high fields.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Novel metallic behavior in two dimensions.

Experiments on a sufficiently disordered two-dimensional (2D) electron system in silicon reveal a new and unexpected kind of metallic behavior, where the conductivity decreases as sigma(n(s),T) = sigma(n(s),T = 0)+A(n(s))T(2) (where n(s) is carrier density) to a nonzero value as temperature T-->0. In 2D, the existence of a metal with dsigma/dT>0 is very surprising. In addition, a novel type of a metal-insulator transition obtains, which is unlike any known quantum phase transition in 2D.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Vibrotactile adaptation impairs discrimination of fine, but not coarse, textures.

The effect of vibrotactile adaptation on the ability to discriminate textured surfaces was examined in three experiments. The surfaces were rectilinear arrays of pyramids produced by etching of silicon wafers. Adaptation to 100-Hz vibration severely hampered discrimination of surfaces with spatial periods below 100 microm (Experiment 1), but had little effect on the discrimination of coarser textures (Experiment 2). To determine which vibrotactile channel--Rapidly Adapting or Pacinian--plays the larger role in mediating the discrimination of fine textures, widely separated adapting frequencies (10 and 250 Hz) were used in Experiment 3. The fact that high- but not low-frequency adaptation interfered with discrimination suggests that the Pacinian system contributes importantly to this ability. Taken as a whole, the results of this study strongly support the duplex theory of tactile texture perception, according to which different mechanisms--spatial and vibrotactile--mediate the perception of coarse and fine textures, respectively.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2000

Tunable resistance of a carbon nanotube-graphite interface.

The transfer of electrons from one material to another is usually described in terms of energy conservation, with no attention being paid to momentum conservation. Here we present results on the junction resistance between a carbon nanotube and a graphite substrate and show that details of momentum conservation also can change the contact resistance. By changing the angular alignment of the atomic lattices, we found that contact resistance varied by more than an order of magnitude in a controlled and reproducible fashion, indicating that momentum conservation, in addition to energy conservation, can dictate the junction resistance in graphene systems such as carbon nanotube junctions and devices.

Carbon↗
PubMed2000

Approaches to sampling and case selection in qualitative research: examples in the geography of health.

This paper focuses on the question of sampling (or selection of cases) in qualitative research. Although the literature includes some very useful discussions of qualitative sampling strategies, the question of sampling often seems to receive less attention in methodological discussion than questions of how data is collected or is analysed. Decisions about sampling are likely to be important in many qualitative studies (although it may not be an issue in some research). There are varying accounts of the principles applicable to sampling or case selection. Those who espouse 'theoretical sampling', based on a 'grounded theory' approach, are in some ways opposed to those who promote forms of 'purposive sampling' suitable for research informed by an existing body of social theory. Diversity also results from the many different methods for drawing purposive samples which are applicable to qualitative research. We explore the value of a framework suggested by Miles and Huberman [Miles, M., Huberman,, A., 1994. Qualitative Data Analysis, Sage, London.], to evaluate the sampling strategies employed in three examples of research by the authors. Our examples comprise three studies which respectively involve selection of: 'healing places'; rural places which incorporated national anti-malarial policies; young male interviewees, identified as either chronically ill or disabled. The examples are used to show how in these three studies the (sometimes conflicting) requirements of the different criteria were resolved, as well as the potential and constraints placed on the research by the selection decisions which were made. We also consider how far the criteria Miles and Huberman suggest seem helpful for planning 'sample' selection in qualitative research.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1999

Nanometre-scale rolling and sliding of carbon nanotubes.

Understanding the relative motion of objects in contact is essential for controlling macroscopic lubrication and adhesion, for comprehending biological macromolecular interfaces, and for developing submicrometre-scale electromechanical devices. An object undergoing lateral motion while in contact with a second object can either roll or slide. The resulting energy loss and mechanical wear depend largely on which mode of motion occurs. At the macroscopic scale, rolling is preferred over sliding, and it is expected to have an equally important role in the microscopic domain. Although progress has been made in our understanding of the dynamics of sliding at the atomic level, we have no comparable insight into rolling owing to a lack of experimental data on microscopic length scales. Here we produce controlled rolling of carbon nanotubes on graphite surfaces using an atomic force microscope. We measure the accompanying energy loss and compare this with sliding. Moreover, by reproducibly rolling a nanotube to expose different faces to the substrate and to an external probe, we are able to study the object over its complete surface.

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed1999

Effect of soy protein supplementation on serum lipoproteins, blood pressure, and menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of soy protein supplementation with known levels of phytoestrogens on cardiovascular disease risk factors and menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind crossover trial was conducted in 51 women consuming isocaloric supplements containing 20 g of complex carbohydrates (comparison diet), 20 g of soy protein containing 34 mg of phytoestrogens given in a single dose, and 20 g of soy protein containing 34 mg of phytoestrogens split into two doses. Women were randomly assigned to one of the three diets for 6-week periods and subsequently were randomized to the remaining two interventions to determine whether differences existed between the treatment diets for cardiovascular disease risk factors, menopausal symptoms, adherence, and potential adverse effects. RESULTS: Significant declines in total cholesterol (6% lower) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (7% lower) were observed in both soy diets compared with the carbohydrate placebo diet. A significant decline in diastolic blood pressure (5 mm Hg lower) was noted in the twice-daily soy diet, compared with the placebo diet. Although nonsignificant effects were noted for a number of measures of quality of life, a significant improvement was observed for the severity of vasomotor symptoms and for hypoestrogenic symptoms in the twice-daily group compared with the placebo group. No significant effects were noted for triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol or frequency of menopausal symptoms. Adherence was excellent in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Soy supplementation in the diet of nonhypercholesterolemic, nonhypertensive, perimenopausal women resulted in significant improvements in lipid and lipoprotein levels, blood pressure, and perceived severity of vasomotor symptoms. These data corroborate the potential importance of soy supplementation in reducing chronic disease risk in Western populations.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1998

Nanomanipulation Experiments Exploring Frictional and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes.

: In many cases in experimental science, the instrument interface becomes a limiting factor in the efficacy of carrying out unusual experiments or prevents the complete understanding of the acquired data. We have developed an advanced interface for scanning probe microscopy (SPM) that allows intuitive rendering of data sets and natural instrument control, all in real time. The interface, called the nanoManipulator, combines a high-performance graphics engine for real-time data rendering with a haptic interface that places the human operator directly into the feedback loop that controls surface manipulations. Using a hand-held stylus, the operator moves the stylus laterally, directing the movement of the SPM tip across the sample. The haptic interface enables the user to "feel" the surface by forcing the stylus to move up and down in response to the surface topography. In this way the user understands the immediate location of the tip on the sample and can quickly and precisely maneuver nanometer-scale objects. We have applied this interface to studies of the mechanical properties of nanotubes and to substrate-nanotube interactions. The mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes have been demonstrated to be extraordinary. They have an elastic modulus rivaling that of the stiffest material known, diamond, while maintaining a remarkable resistance to fracture. We have used atomic-force microscopy (AFM) to manipulate the nanotubes through a series of configuration that reveal buckling behavior and high-strain resilience. Nanotubes also serve as test objects for nanometer-scale contact mechanics. We have found that nanotubes will roll under certain conditions. This has been determined through changes in the images and through the acquisition of lateral force during manipulation. The lateral force data show periodic stick-slip behavior with a periodicity matching the perimeter of the nanotube.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Bending and buckling of carbon nanotubes under large strain.

The curling of a graphitic sheet to form carbon nanotubes produces a class of materials that seem to have extraordinary electrical and mechanical properties. In particular, the high elastic modulus of the graphite sheets means that the nanotubes might be stiffer and stronger than any other known material, with beneficial consequences for their application in composite bulk materials and as individual elements of nanometre-scale devices and sensors. The mechanical properties are predicted to be sensitive to details of their structure and to the presence of defects, which means that measurements on individual nanotubes are essential to establish these properties. Here we show that multiwalled carbon nanotubes can be bent repeatedly through large angles using the tip of an atomic force microscope, without undergoing catastrophic failure. We observe a range of responses to this high-strain deformation, which together suggest that nanotubes are remarkably flexible and resilient.

Carbon↗
PubMed1997

Manipulation of individual viruses: friction and mechanical properties.

We present our results on the manipulation of individual viruses using an advanced interface for atomic force microscopes (AFMs). We show that the viruses can be dissected, rotated, and translated with great facility. We interpret the behavior of tobacco mosaic virus with a mechanical model that makes explicit the competition between sample-substrate lateral friction and the flexural rigidity of the manipulated object. The manipulation behavior of tobacco mosaic virus on graphite is shown to be consistent with values of lateral friction observed on similar interfaces and the flexural rigidity expected for macromolecular assemblies. The ability to manipulate individual samples broadens the scope of possible studies by providing a means for positioning samples at specific binding sites or predefined measuring devices. The mechanical model provides a framework for interpreting quantitative measurements of virus binding and mechanical properties and for understanding the constraints on the successful, nondestructive AFM manipulation of delicate samples.

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed1993

The effect of dialyzer reprocessing on performance and beta 2-microglobulin removal using polysulfone membranes.

Increased biocompatibility and lower cost are the two major arguments favoring routine dialyzer reprocessing. The impact of longer-term reprocessing is critical to the practical use of polysulfone membranes (PMs), because of the possibility of decreasing efficiency and performance, especially in the removal of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M), a protein that has been implicated in the development of dialysis-associated amyloidosis (DDA). In this study, we examine urea clearance (Kd), urea mass transfer coefficient (h0), ultrafiltration coefficient (K(uf)), and percent removal of beta 2M up to 24 uses. The study involved 11 patients on hemodialysis for 5.27 +/- 4.6 years, with a mean age of 62.5 +/- 9.7 years and average run-time treatment of 2.78 +/- 0.3 hours. PMs were tested after being reprocessed manually using bleach and formaldehyde. The efficacy of the dialyzer was examined on uses 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 24, and the percent removal of beta 2M was determined except in the twentieth use and corrected for ultrafiltration. The Kd obtained through 24 uses showed no significant change, although h0 was significantly increased in the fifteenth use, and K(uf) was significantly increased in the 10th and 20th use (P < 0.05). The percent removal of beta 2M increased significantly from 44.1 +/- 2.8 (mean +/- SEM) in the first use to 59.4 +/- 2.19 (P < 0.05) in the 10th use, and 62.1 +/- 4.07 and 63.1 +/- 4.27 in the 15th and 24th uses, respectively (P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗