Higher order harmonic detection for exploring nonlinear interactions with nanoscale resolution.

Nonlinear dynamics underpin a vast array of physical phenomena ranging from interfacial motion to jamming transitions. In many cases, insight into the nonlinear behavior can be gleaned through exploration of higher order harmonics. Here, a method using band excitation scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to investigate higher order harmonics of the electromechanical response, with nanometer scale spatial resolution is presented.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation in women following breast cancer treatment: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary ambulatory rehabilitation programme for women following definitive breast cancer treatment in an Australian community cohort.

Methods: Eighty-five women in the community randomized to a treatment group (n = 43) for individualized high-intensity programme, or a control group (n = 42) comprising usual activity. The primary outcome Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) scale measured restriction in participation.

Factors associated with long-term functional outcomes and psychological sequelae in women after breast cancer.

The objective of this study was to examine factors impacting long-term functional outcomes and psychological sequelae in survivors of breast cancer (BC). A clinical assessment and structured interview assessed the impact of BC on participants' (n=85) current activity and restriction in participation, using validated questionnaires: Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Perceived Impact Problem Profile (PIPP) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Participants showed good functional recovery (median motor FIM score=78).

Raman spectroscopy and microscopy based on mechanical force detection.

The Raman effect is typically observed by irradiating a sample with an intense light source and detecting the minute amount of frequency shifted scattered light. We demonstrate that Raman molecular vibrational resonances can be detected directly through an entirely different mechanism-namely, a force measurement. We create a force interaction through optical parametric down conversion between stimulated, Raman excited, molecules on a surface and a cantilevered nanometer scale probe tip brought very close to it.

Image force microscopy of molecular resonance: A microscope principle.

We demonstrate a technique in microscopy which extends the domain of atomic force microscopy to optical spectroscopy at the nanometer scale. We show that molecular resonance of feature sizes down to the single molecular level can be detected and imaged purely by mechanical detection of the force gradient between the interaction of the optically driven molecular dipole and its mirror image in a platinum coated scanning probe tip. This microscopy and spectroscopy technique is extendable to frequencies ranging from radio to infrared and the ultraviolet.