Determination of activation volumes of reversal in perpendicular media

We discuss a method for the determination of activation volumes of reversal in perpendicular media. This method does not require correction for the self-demagnetizing field normally associated with these media. This is achieved by performing time dependence measurements at a constant level of magnetization. From the difference in time taken for the magnetization to decay to a fixed value at two fields-separated by a small increment DeltaH, the activation volume can be determined. We report data for both CoCrPt alloy films and a multilayer film, typical of those materials under consideration for use as perpendicular media. We find activation volumes that are consistent with the hysteresis curves of the materials. The activation volume scales qualitatively with the exchange coupling. The alloy films have significantly lower activation volumes, implying that they would be capable of supporting a higher data density

The Ever-Shifting Internet Population

Presents findings from surveys conducted between March and May 2002. Takes a new look at Internet access and the digital divide. Explores factors of cost, lack of technology skills, and physical access (particularly for persons with disabilities)

High Sensitivity DNA Detection Using Gold Nanoparticle Functionalised Polyaniline Nanofibres

Polyaniline (PANI) nanofibres (PANI-NF) have been modified with chemically grown gold nanoparticles to give a nanocomposite material (PANI-NF–AuNP) and deposited on gold electrodes. Single stranded capture DNA was then bound to the gold nanoparticles and the underlying gold electrode and allowed to hybridise with a complementary target strand that is uniquely associated with the pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), that causes mastitis. Significantly, cyclic voltammetry demonstrates that deposition of the gold nanoparticles increases the area available for DNA immobilisation by a factor of approximately 4. EPR reveals that the addition of the Au nanoparticles efficiently decreases the interactions between adjacent PANI chains and/or motional broadening. Finally, a second horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labelled DNA strand hybridises with the target allowing the concentration of the target DNA to be detected by monitoring the reduction of a hydroquinone mediator in solution. The sensors have a wide dynamic range, excellent ability to discriminate DNA mismatches and a high sensitivity. Semi-log plots of the pathogen DNA concentration vs. faradaic current were linear from 150 × 10−12 to 1 × 10−6 mol L−1 and pM concentrations could be detected without the need for molecular, e.g., PCR or NASBA, amplification

Two-Body B Meson Decays to η and η': Observation of B → η'K

In a sample of 6.6×10^6 produced B mesons we have observed decays B→η′K, with branching fractions B(B^+→η′K^+) = (6.5_(-1.4)^(+1.5)±0.9)×10^(-5) and B(B^0→η′K^0) = (4.7_(-2.0)^(+2.7)±0.9)×10^(-5). We have searched with comparable sensitivity for 17 related decays to final states containing an η or η′ meson accompanied by a single particle or low-lying resonance. Our upper limits for these constrain theoretical interpretations of the B→η′K signal

Observation of the Radiative Decay D^(*+) → D^+y

We have observed a signal for the decay D^(*+)→D^+γ at a significance of 4 standard deviations. From the measured branching ratio B(D^(*+)→D^+γ)/B(D^(*+)→D^+π^0) = 0.055±0.014±0.010 we find B(D^(*+)→D^+γ) = 0.017±0.004±0.003, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. We also report the highest precision determination of the remaining D^(*+) branching fractions

Search for Inclusive b → sl^+l^-

We have searched for the effective flavor changing neutral-current decays b→sl^+l^- using an inclusive method. We set upper limits on the branching ratios B(b→se^+e^-)<5.7×10^(-5), B(b→sμ^+μ^-)<5.8×10^(-5), and B(b→se^±μ^∓)<2.2×10^(-5) [at 90% confidence level (C.L.)]. Combing the dielectron and dimuon decay modes we find B(b→sl^+l^-)<4.2×10^(-5) (at 90% C.L.)

Limits on Flavor Changing Neutral Currents in D^0 Meson Decays

Using the CLEO II detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we have searched for flavor changing neutral currents and lepton family number violations in D^0 meson decays. The upper limits on the branching fractions for D^0→ℓ^+ℓ^- and D^0→X^0ℓ^+ℓ^- are in the range 10^(-5) to 10^(-4), where X^0 can be a π^0, K_s^0, η, ρ^0, ω, K̅^(*0), or φ meson, and the ℓ^+ℓ^- pair can be e^+e^-, μ^+μ^-, or e^±μ^∓. Although these limits are above the theoretical predictions, most are new or an order of magnitude lower than previous limits

Search for the decay B→D_(s1)^+ (2536)X

We have searched for the decay B⃗D_(s1)^+(2536)X and measured an upper limit for the inclusive branching fraction of B(B⃗D_(s1)^+X)<0.96% at the 90% confidence level. This limit is small compared with the total expected B⃗D^((*))D^((*))KX rate. Assuming factorization, the D_(s1)^+ decay constant is constrained to be fD_(s1)^+<114 MeV at the 90% confidence level, at least 2.5 times smaller than that of D_s^+