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Electrical Current (electrical + current)
Selected AbstractsGold Nanoparticles in Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Detection of SugarsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 19-20 2006Fredy Kurniawan Abstract A nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor for detection of sugars was prepared by layer-by-layer deposition of gold nanoparticles on thin gold electrodes. The deposition was optimized by using of surface plasmon resonance. Voltammetric investigation and impedance spectroscopy of the sensor was performed. Electrical currents caused by glucose on bare gold electrodes and on gold electrodes coated by immobilized gold nanoparticles were compared. The electrodes with nanoparticles display much higher current of glucose oxidation. The oxidation becomes blocked when the swept electrode potential exceeded +0.25,V, during the back scan an oxidation peak is observed again but at less positive potential. The magnitudes of these current peaks are linearly dependent on the glucose concentration; this dependence can be used as calibration for analytical applications. The limit of detection for glucose is below 0.5,mM, the sensitivity (normalized to the macroscopic electrode surface) is about 160,,A,cm,2,mM,1. The sensor response is linear till at least 8,mM of glucose concentration. [source] Long-term exposure of several marine benthic animals to static magnetic fieldsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 7 2004R. Bochert Abstract Electrical currents in underwater sea cables could induce magnetic fields. The sea cables lie on or within the sea bottom and this is the living area for many invertebrate and vertebrate species. North Sea prawn Crangon crangon (Crustacea, Decapoda), round crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Crustacea, Brachyura), glacial relict isopod Saduria entomon (Crustacea, Isopoda), blue mussel Mytilus edulis (Bivalvia), and young flounder Plathichthys flesus (Pisces) were exposed to a static magnetic field (MF) of 3.7 mT for several weeks. The results showed no differences in survival between experimental and control animals. Mussels M. edulis were kept under static magnetic field conditions for 3 months during their reproductive period in spring. The determination of gonad index and condition index revealed no significant differences to the control group. Bioelectromagnetics 25:498,502, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] DNA Aptamers that Bind to PQQGDH as an Electrochemical Labeling ToolELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2009Yuko Osawa Abstract We screened DNA aptamers that bind to pyrroquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase (PQQGDH) for the development of an electrochemical labeling tool. PQQGDH is an excellent enzyme for the signal amplification of biosensors. We focused on DNA aptamers as labeling agents and tried to select those DNA aptamers that bind to PQQGDH without affecting its enzymatic activity. After 7 rounds of screening, one aptamer was obtained: ,PGa4'. It bound to PQQGDH with specificity and showed no effect on the glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) activity. Moreover, beads labeled with PQQGDH via PGa4 generated an electrical current upon glucose addition. Therefore, we believe that the PGa4 aptamer against PQQGDH may become a powerful labeling tool for electrochemical biosensors. [source] A model incorporating the diffuse double layer to predict the electrical conductivity of bulk soilEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2007M. A. Mojid Summary A model has been developed to predict the electrical conductivity of bulk soil. The total soil-water content is divided into free water and water in the diffuse double layer (DDL) around clay particles. These two fractions of soil water conduct electrical current through the soil and are assumed to act in parallel with the soil solid. The volume of water in the DDL is evaluated from the surface area of the clay and the thickness of the DDL. The surface area of the clay is estimated from its cation exchange capacity (CEC) and surface charge density. A transmission coefficient correcting for the effect of the tortuous flow path of current through the soil, and a proportionality constant relating the electrical conductivity of water in the DDL to that of free water, are included in the model. The transmission coefficient is a function of the contents of water and clay and has been modelled in terms of these factors. The values of the proportionality constant and those relating to the transmission coefficient were optimized for five different soils. The electrical conductivities of the five soils estimated by the model compare well with the measured values, which, however, deviate systematically from predictions by the three-component model of Rhoades et al. [source] A kinetic perspective on extracellular electron transfer by anode-respiring bacteriaFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 1 2010César I. Torres Abstract In microbial fuel cells and electrolysis cells (MXCs), anode-respiring bacteria (ARB) oxidize organic substrates to produce electrical current. In order to develop an electrical current, ARB must transfer electrons to a solid anode through extracellular electron transfer (EET). ARB use various EET mechanisms to transfer electrons to the anode, including direct contact through outer-membrane proteins, diffusion of soluble electron shuttles, and electron transport through solid components of the extracellular biofilm matrix. In this review, we perform a novel kinetic analysis of each EET mechanism by analyzing the results available in the literature. Our goal is to evaluate how well each EET mechanism can produce a high current density (>10 A m,2) without a large anode potential loss (less than a few hundred millivolts), which are feasibility goals of MXCs. Direct contact of ARB to the anode cannot achieve high current densities due to the limited number of cells that can come in direct contact with the anode. Slow diffusive flux of electron shuttles at commonly observed concentrations limits current generation and results in high potential losses, as has been observed experimentally. Only electron transport through a solid conductive matrix can explain observations of high current densities and low anode potential losses. Thus, a study of the biological components that create a solid conductive matrix is of critical importance for understanding the function of ARB. [source] Streaming potential dependence on water-content in Fontainebleau sandGEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2010V. Allègre SUMMARY The electrokinetic potential results from the coupling between the water flow and the electrical current because of the presence of ions within water. The electrokinetic coefficient is well described in fluid-saturated media, however its behaviour under unsaturated flow conditions is still discussed. We propose here an experimental approach to investigate streaming potential variations in sand at unsaturated conditions. We present for the first time continuous records of the electrokinetic coefficient as a function of water content. Two drainage experiments have been performed within a column filled with a clean sand. Streaming potential measurements are combined with water pressure and water content measurements every 10 cm along the column. In order to model hydrodymanics during the experiments, we solve Richards equation coupled with an inverse problem to estimate the hydraulic parameters of the constitutive relations between hydraulic conductivity, water pressure and water content. The electrokinetic coefficient C shows a more complex behaviour for unsaturated conditions than it was previously reported and cannot be fitted by the existing models. The normalized electrokinetic coefficient increases first when water saturation decreases from 100 to about 65,80 per cent, and then decreases as the water saturation decreases, whereas all previous works described a monotone decrease of the normalized electrokinetic coupling as water saturation decreases. We delimited two water saturation domains, and deduced two different empirical laws describing the evolution of the electrokinetic coefficient for unsaturated conditions. Moreover, we introduce the concept of the electrokinetic residual saturation, Sr,ekw, which allows us to propose a new model derived from the approach of the relative permeability used in hydrodynamics. [source] Design of A New Vibration Transducer for Implantable Middle Ear Hearing DevicesIEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2010Ki Woong Seong Non-member Abstract A new vibration transducer was developed for implantable middle ear hearing devices (IMEHDs). It comprises two permanent magnets positioned inside three coils. The transducer maximizes the interaction between the magnetic fields of the two magnets and the electrical current flowing through the coils. Further, the transducer is robust to external magnetic fields because the magnetic fields inside it are symmetrical. The frequency response was simulated by finite element analysis (FEA). The vibrational displacement of the proposed transducer is 6 dB greater than those of the differential floating mass transducer (DFMT) and the floating mass transducer (FMT). On the basis of these results, a prototype was fabricated and its frequency response was experimentally investigated and compared with simulation results. Finally, it is shown that the proposed transducer has a higher vibrational displacement than the older ones. © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] Colossal Electroresistance and Giant Magnetoresistance in Doped PbPdO2 Thin FilmsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 21 2009Xiaolin Wang Observations on colossal electroresistance (ER) and giant magnetoresistance in doped PbPdO2, one of the candidates of a new class of materials, spin gap-less semiconductors, are reported. The resistivity is strongly suppressed by electrical current below a metal-insulator transition with the ER values of up to 107, which is much greater than that achieved in colossal magnetoresistance materials. [source] Fabrication of Precise Fluidic Structures in LTCCINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Fred Barlow A number of emerging applications of low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) require embedded fluidic structure within the co-fired ceramic and or precise external dimensional tolerances. These structures enable the control of fluids for cooling, sensing, and biomedical applications, and variations in their geometry from the design can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the devices. One example of this type of application is a multilayer cooler developed recently by the authors for cooling laser diode bars. In many laser systems, laser diodes are the primary emitters, or assemblies of these diode bars are used to pump traditional laser crystals such as Nd:YLF. Assemblies of these diodes require large amounts of electrical current for proper operation, and the device operating temperature must be carefully controlled in order to avoid a shift in the output wavelength. These diodes are packaged into water-cooled assemblies and by their nature dissipate enormous amounts of heat, with waste heat fluxes on the order of 2000 W/cm2. The traditional solution to this problem has been the development of copper multilayer coolers. Assemblies of laser diodes are then formed by stacking these diode bars and coolers. Several problems exist with this approach including the erosion of the copper coolers by the coolant, a requirement for the use of deionized water within the system, and a significant CTE mismatch between the diode bar and the metal cooler. Diodes are bonded to these metal structures and liquid coolant is circulated through the metal layers in order to cool the diode bar. In contrast, the coolers developed by the authors utilize fluid channels and jets formed within LTCC as well as embedded cavity structures to control the flow of a high-velocity liquid and actively cool the laser diode bars mounted on the surface of the LTCC., The dimensional tolerances of these cooler assemblies and complex shapes that are used to control the fluid can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the laser system. This paper describes the fabrication process used to create the precise channel and jet structures used in these LTCC-based coolers, as well as some of the challenges associated with these processes. [source] Quantitative effect of anodal current in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis by direct electrical currentINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2006rul H. Aydemir MD Aim, To determine the quantitative effect and technique of use of the anodal current for the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis on local areas of the palms and soles. Methods, Twelve patients (four males and eight females) with idiopathic palmoplantar hyperhidrosis were enrolled in this study. Having determined the initial sweat intensities of both hands using the pad glove method, direct electrical current (d.c.) treatment was applied to the palms of the patients using a complete regulated d.c. unit for which the current and potential ranges were 0,30 mA and 0,90 V, respectively. Electrodes were placed into two separate water plates, and covered with pad made from gauze and cotton material. The pads were moisturized with tap water for current conduction. The anodal current was applied to the right hands of six patients (group I) and to the left hands of the remainder (group II). After seven treatments had been completed for the palms, the final sweat intensities of the hands were measured. Results, In both groups, the final sweat intensities of the hands subjected to the anodal current were significantly decreased in comparison with the initial values, regardless of whether the anodal current was applied to the right or left hand (P < 0.05). In contrast, the final sweat intensities of the other hands subjected to the cathodal current were not significantly decreased (P > 0.05). Conclusions, It can be concluded that the anodal current is more effective in reducing sweating on the palms when applied either to the right or left hand. In the treatment of palmoplantar or localized hyperhidrosis, the anodal current should be referenced first to treat the sweatier hand or foot, or a local hyperhidrotic area of the skin. The selection of the anodal current for one hand for the first five or seven sessions appears to be more effective than the use of polarity changes for each session. [source] Analysis of a small horizontal axis wind turbine performanceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2001Ahmet Z. Sahin Abstract A small-scale horizontal axis wind turbine capable of producing 100 W of rated power has been designed and tested using a low-speed wind tunnel. Power output from the wind turbine was calculated through measurements of the electrical current from a 12 V DC generator. Annual energy extraction from this wind turbine shows that a number of potential applications are possible especially in the remote areas where extension of power grid is not feasible. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Efficient Hybrid Solar Cells from Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and a Conjugated Polymer,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 12 2004ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in a semiconducting polymer form the active layer of a solar cell (see Figure) that is able to convert up to 40,% of the incident photons at 500,nm into electrical current and has a power conversion efficiency of about 1.5,% in sunlight. Manufactured at low temperature using environmentally friendly materials, it represents a new step to ,green electricity'. [source] Operating and scale-up factors for the electrolytic removal of algae from eutrophied lakewaterJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2002Catalino G Alfafara Abstract Electrolytic removal of algae was conducted in batch and continuous reactors to investigate operating factors affecting removal efficiency and to explore engineering relationships which could be useful for operation and scale-up. The system integrated both electro-flocculation and electro-flotation mechanisms by using polyvalent metal anodes and inert metal cathodes. Batch reactor studies confirmed that high electrical input power or higher electrical current achieved higher and faster removal efficiencies. Natural liquid circulation was observed during electrolytic operation and increased with higher electrical power. However, a small degree of external mixing may be useful at lower electrical power input. Electro-flotation alone could not achieve complete algae removal (maximum efficiency 40,50%), and showed the importance of algal floc formation for the complete removal of algae. In continuous electrolysis experiments, the ratio of the volumetric current intensity (amperes,dm,3) and the chlorophyll a loading (mg,dm,3,h,1) was found to be a useful operating and scale-up factor to balance high algal removal efficiency with minimum release of excess aluminum. This ratio was eventually found to be just the charge dose or the amount of coulombs required to remove a unit mass of chlorophyll a. The optimum charge dose was determined and used to relate the operating current and electrolysis time of a continuous process. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The Effect of a Constant Electrical Field on Osseointegration after Immediate Implantation in Dog Mandibles: A Preliminary StudyJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 5 2007Yadollah Soleymani Shayesteh DDS Purpose: The long time span between insertion of implants and functional rehabilitation often inconveniences patients. Accelerating bone growth around dental implants can shorten this time span. This in vivo study evaluated the effect of a constant electrical field on bone growth around dental implants. Materials and Methods: Four mongrel dogs were used in this study. Sixteen dental implants were placed immediately after extraction of the first premolar and molar teeth. A constant electrical field (CEF) generator was placed in the mucoperiostal pouch created from the subperiostral dissection under the inferior border of the dog's mandible and connected to the experiment side fixtures. CEF provided 3 V of electrical potential during osseointegration. Histologic sections were stained with hematoxylin,eosin and observed under light microscopy. The sections were analyzed histomorphometrically to calculate the amount of newly formed bone. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 11.0 computer software (,= 0.05). Results: At the end of the first stage of the osseointegration (90 days) CEF group sections showed enhanced growth of the trabeculae compared with the control group. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between experimental and control groups. Bone contact ratio was statistically significant in the experimental group (p= 0.001). An increase in the local bone formation and bone contact ratio was observed with direct electrical stimulation of the implant and the bone area around the implant. Conclusion: Minimal direct electrical current, which can produce an electrical field around the implant, can increase the amount of bone formation and decrease the time of osseointegration. [source] Development and validation of the maximal electro-shock seizure model in dogsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2007P. R. TERRITO The development and validation of the maximal electro-shock (MES) model using phenobarbital (Pb) as the positive control is described. This approach builds on previous work in rodent model systems, and has been adapted to dogs as a tool for pharmaceutical dose selection. Dogs, like rodents, exhibit generalized convulsions which manifest as progressive clinical signs in a dose (electrical current) dependent fashion. At the limit (300 mA, 200 msec) animals underwent clonic-tonic convulsions consistent with complete generalized (Grand Mal) seizures with a grade 3 clinical score (CS) and a menace response time of 98.5 ± 24.4 sec (n = 8). Pretreatment of animals with Pb at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, in a 4-by-4 complete block crossover design (Latin-Square), resulted in a dose-dependant reduction in CS and menace response time. Estimates of plasma Pb concentration taken prior to MES induction showed a similar dose-dependent reduction in CS and menace response time with concentration. Using a cumulative logistic regression model, a predicted 50% probability of a CS = 1 was approximately 11.4 mg/kg. In addition, plasma Pb concentrations predicted a 50% probability of a CS = 1 occurs at plasma Pb concentration of approximately 16.0 ,g/mL. Combined these data suggest that MES is a useful model for evaluating generalized convulsions in canines and may provide a tool for dose selection of novel pharmaceutical compounds. [source] Dextrose 5% in water: fluid medium for maintaining electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves during stimulating catheter placementACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2005B. C. H. Tsui It is well documented that a higher electrical current is required to elicit a motor response following a normal saline (NS) injection during the placement of stimulating catheters for peripheral nerve block. We present three cases of continuous brachial plexus catheter placement in which Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) was used to dilate the perineural space instead of NS. Three brachial plexus blocks (two interscalene and one axillary) were performed in three different patients for pain relief. In each case, an insulated needle was advanced towards the brachial plexus. A corresponding motor response was elicited with a current less than 0.5 mA after needle repositioning. A stimulating catheter was advanced with ease after 3,5 ml of D5W was injected to dilate the perineural space. A corresponding motor response was maintained when the current applied to the stimulating catheter was less than 0.5 mA. Local anesthetic was then injected and the motor response immediately ceased. All blocks were successful and provided excellent pain relief with the continuous infusion of local anesthetics. [source] Optimizing measurement of the electrical anisotropy of muscleMUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 5 2008Anne B. Chin BS Abstract Skeletal muscle is electrically anisotropic, with applied high-frequency electrical current flowing more easily along than across muscle fibers. As an early step in harnessing this characteristic for clinical use, we studied approaches for maximizing the measured anisotropy by varying electrode size and applied current frequency in the tibialis anterior of 10 normal subjects. The results were compared to those from two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Current was applied percutaneously, first parallel and then perpendicular to the major fiber direction of the muscle at frequencies ranging from 20 kHZ to 1 MHZ, using a fixed voltage,electrode length and varying the current,electrode length. The measured anisotropy was most pronounced using the longest length current electrodes and with a 125-kHZ applied frequency for the major outcome parameter phase. In addition, the two ALS patients showed very distinct anisotropic patterns. These results support the belief that, with the appropriate measurement technique, non-invasive assessment of electrical anisotropy of muscle may have useful clinical application. Muscle Nerve, 2008 [source] Impact of varying pulse frequency and duration on muscle torque production and fatigue,MUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 4 2007Chris M. Gregory PhD Abstract Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) involves the use of electrical current to facilitate contraction of skeletal muscle. However, little is known concerning the effects of varying stimulation parameters on muscle function in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which varying pulse duration and frequency altered torque production and fatigability of human skeletal muscle in vivo. Ten subjects underwent NMES-elicited contractions of varying pulse frequencies and durations as well as fatigue tests using stimulation trains of equal total charge, yet differing parametric settings at a constant voltage. Total charge was a strong predictor of torque production, and pulse trains with equal total charge elicited identical torque output. Despite similar torque output, higher- frequency trains caused greater fatigue. These data demonstrate the ability to predictably control torque output by simultaneously controlling pulse frequency and duration and suggest the need to minimize stimulation frequency to control fatigue. Muscle Nerve, 2007 [source] Neuromodulatory Processes of the Brain,Gut AxisNEUROMODULATION, Issue 4 2008Alexandru Gaman MD ABSTRACT Brain,gut axis represents a complex reflex circuit that integrates the communication between cortex and the digestive system. Disturbances of the neuromodulatory processes in the brain,gut axis generate functional digestive disorders mainly centered on the pain symptoms and motility disorders. This article reviews structural and pathophysiologic aspects of the brain,gut axis and explains how the neuromodulatory interventions currently used in order to treat gastrointestinal conditions related to the brain,gut axis disturbances. The neuromodulation can be realized by pharmacologic targeting mainly receptors in the periphery or using electrical stimulation applied at different levels of the nervous system or directly in the muscular layers of the bowels resulting in modulation of the digestive system activity. The efficacy of the methods using electrostimulation is dependent on the parameters of the physical system used: amplitude, frequency, burst time of the electrical current, and also the positioning of the electrodes. While pharmacologic interventions are largely used at the moment, neuromodulatory interventions involving electrical stimulation showed clinical efficacy in research trials and have promise. [source] Development and characterization of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on ruthenium complex single layer for transparent displaysPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 8 2008G. Santos Abstract In this work, two ruthenium complexes, [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2 and [Ru(ph2phen)3](PF6)2 in poly(methylmethacrylate) matrix were employed to build single-layer light-emitting electrochemical cells by spin coating on indium tin oxide substrate. In both cases the electroluminescence spectra exhibit a relatively broad band with maxima near to 625 nm and CIE (x, y) color coordinates of (0.64, 0.36), which are comparable with the photoluminescence data in the same medium. The best result was obtained with the [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2 device where the optical output power approaches 10 µW at the band maximum with a wall-plug efficiency higher than 0.03%. The lowest driving voltage is about 4 V for an electrical current of 20 mA. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Coherence control of electron spin currents in semiconductorsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 10 2006Henry M. van Driel Abstract We provide an overview of some of our recent work on the use of one color and two color optical techniques to generate and control electronic spin currents in semiconductors for which a spin,orbit interaction exists. The generation process relies on the quantum interference between different absorption pathways, such as that between single and two photon absorption or those involving different polarization states of a monochromatic beam. For different crystal orientations and/or beam polarizations it is possible to generate a spin current with or without an electric current, and an electrical current with or without a spin current. In our experiments, which are conducted either at 80 K or 295 K, we typically employ nominally 100 fs pulses centered near 1500 and 750 nm. The currents generated are quasi-ballistic and the carriers typically move distances of ,1,10 nm, determined by the momentum relaxation time, which is of the order of 100 fs. The transient characteristics of spin-polarized electrical currents generated in strained GaAs at room temperature by ,100 fs pulses is detected by the emitted THz radiation. Pure spin currents can be detected by taking advantage of the accumulation of up and down spins on opposite sides of tightly focused pump beams. The spin states are detected through differential transmission measurements of tightly focused right and left circularly polarized, near-band-edge probe pulses, delayed by several picoseconds from the pump pulses to allow carrier thermalization to occur. By spatial scanning across the differential spin profiles and determining the amplitude of the response we are able to translate this into nm spatial resolution of spin displacement. Finally, the ability to generate ballistic currents using purely optical techniques allows us to generate transverse Hall-like currents, with transverse charge currents generated from pure spin currents and transverse spin currents generated from pure charge currents. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Spatial mapping on surface light extraction from 2D photonic quasicrystals patterned GaN-based light emittersPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 1 2007ZhenSheng Zhang Abstract We report the observations of surface light extraction enhancement from two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal (PC) and Photonic Quasicrystal (PQC) patterns on electrical current injected GaN-based light emitters. Spatial mapping of the surface extraction was acquired by a microscopic electrical luminescence setup and a scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM). Slight difference of mapping profile between twelve-fold PQC and regular triangular PC was obtained. It is shown that 12PQC was more efficient for light extraction. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Evaluation of head-only and head-to-tail electrical stunning of farmed eels (Anguilla anguilla, L.) for the development of a humane slaughter methodAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2002E Lambooij Abstract The overall objective was to evaluate the suitability of electronarcosis as a stunning method for farmed eels. In the first experiment the minimum electrical current needed to induce a general epileptiform insult by head-only stunning was assessed. The individual eels (n = 40) with a live weight of 700,800 g were fixed in a specially designed re-strainer. The EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) recordings, observation of behaviour and responses to pain stimuli were used to assess unconsciousness, insensibility and cardiac function. The applied current of 150, 200 or 250 V, 50 Hz, AC was delivered via scissor-model stunning tongs for approximately 1 s. A general epileptiform insult was observed in 31 eels for which a successful EEG recording was obtained, using 255 ± 4 V, 545 ± 32 mA, for 1.2 ± 0.2 s. The general epileptiform insult as measured on the EEG was characterized by a tonic/clonic phase and an exhaustion phase. The behaviour showed one phase: tonic cramps alternated by clonic ones. The heart rate was 22 ± 8 beats min,1 (n = 23) prior to stunning. After stunning the ECG revealed fibrillation. In the second experiment the behaviour of seven individual eels able to move freely in water was observed after head-only stunning (250 V). Two phases were distinguished. Limited tonic and clonic cramps combined with backward swimming were followed by heavy clonic cramps combined with unco-ordinated movements such as jumping out of the water. A distinct exhaustion phase was not observed in all animals. In the third experiment a head-to-tail electrical method was examined in 15 eels for rendering the eels unconscious and insensitive prior to slaughter. They were stunned by applying 253 V for 3 s followed by 50 V for 5 min. In the fourth experiment nine eels were head-only stunned with 260 V for 1 s immediately followed by 50 V for 5 min applied from head to tail. Results obtained in these two experiments were similar. After stunning no brain activity and no responses to pain stimuli on the EEG were observed and the ECG showed ventricular extra systolae. It was observed that it might take 60 ± 25 min or longer for a complete recovery. It can be concluded that for effective electrical stunning of eels with a weight of 700,800 g an average current of 545 ± 32 mA (at approximate 250 V, 50 Hz AC) is needed. In this case, within a confidence level of 95% at least 91% of the eels are effectively stunned (n = 31). Therefore, it is recommended to increase the minimum current for an effective stun in practice to 600 mA. Further research is needed to determine the conditions to induce permanent unconsciousness and insensibility of the eels to protect the animals at slaughter. [source] Characterization of electrochemical activity of a strain ISO2-3 phylogenetically related to Aeromonas sp. isolated from a glucose-fed microbial fuel cellBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 5 2009Kyungmi Chung Abstract The microbial communities associated with electrodes in closed and open circuit microbial fuel cells (MFCs) fed with glucose were analyzed by 16S rRNA approach and compared. The comparison revealed that bacteria affiliated with the Aeromonas sp. within the Gammaproteobacteria constituted the major population in the closed circuit MFC (harvesting electricity) and considered to play important roles in current generation. We, therefore, attempted to isolate the dominant bacteria from the anode biofilm, successfully isolated a Fe (III)-reducing bacterium phylogenetically related to Aeromonas sp. and designated as strain ISO2-3. The isolated strain ISO2-3 could grow and concomitantly produce current (max. 0.24,A/m2) via oxidation of glucose or hydrogen with an electrode serving as the sole electron acceptor. The strain could ferment glucose, but generate less electrical current. Cyclic voltammetry supported the strain ISO2-3 was electrically active and likely to transfer electrons to the electrode though membrane-associated compounds (most likely c-type cytochrome). This mechanism requires intimate contact with the anode surface. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the strain ISO2-3 developed multiplayer biofilms on the anode surface and also produced anchor-like filamentous appendages (most likely pili) that may promote long-range electron transport across the thick biofilm. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 901,910. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Syntrophic interactions among anode respiring bacteria (ARB) and Non-ARB in a biofilm anode: electron balancesBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 3 2009Prathap Parameswaran Abstract We demonstrate that the coulombic efficiency (CE) of a microbial electrolytic cell (MEC) fueled with a fermentable substrate, ethanol, depended on the interactions among anode respiring bacteria (ARB) and other groups of micro-organisms, particularly fermenters and methanogens. When we allowed methanogenesis, we obtained a CE of 60%, and 26% of the electrons were lost as methane. The only methanogenic genus detected by quantitative real-time PCR was the hydrogenotrophic genus, Methanobacteriales, which presumably consumed all the hydrogen produced during ethanol fermentation (,30% of total electrons). We did not detect acetoclastic methanogenic genera, indicating that acetate-oxidizing ARB out-competed acetoclastic methanogens. Current production and methane formation increased in parallel, suggesting a syntrophic interaction between methanogens and acetate-consuming ARB. When we inhibited methanogenesis with 50 mM 2-bromoethane sulfonic acid (BES), the CE increased to 84%, and methane was not produced. With no methanogenesis, the electrons from hydrogen were converted to electrical current, either directly by the ARB or channeled to acetate through homo-acetogenesis. This illustrates the key role of competition among the various H2 scavengers and that, when the hydrogen-consuming methanogens were present, they out-competed the other groups. These findings also demonstrate the importance of a three-way syntrophic relationship among fermenters, acetate-consuming ARB, and a H2 consumer during the utilization of a fermentable substrate. To obtain high coulombic efficiencies with fermentable substrates in a mixed population, methanogens must be suppressed to promote new interactions at the anode that ultimately channel the electrons from hydrogen to current. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 513,523. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Metabolic control analysis of an enzymatic biofuel cellBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 6 2009Doris J. Glykys Abstract Metabolic control analysis (MCA) is an analytical technique that aims to quantify the distribution of control that enzymes exhibit over the steady-state fluxes through a metabolic network. In an enzymatic biofuel cell, the flux of interest is the electrical current generated by the system. Regardless of transport limitations and other constraints, kinetic limitations can become potential bottlenecks in the operation of a biofuel cell. We have used an indirect approach to MCA to investigate a common osmium-mediated glucose oxidase/laccase enzymatic biofuel cell. The results of the analysis show that the control of the electron flux strongly depends on the total mediator concentrations and the extent of polarization of the individual electrodes. The effect of varying oxygen concentrations is also examined, as oxygen is required for the cathode, but it participates in a non-productive reaction at the anode. Under normal operating conditions the electrodes will be highly polarized and will both contain high mediator concentrations. This configuration will result in a dominant FCC at the anode, and the conditions that are needed for balanced flux control between the anode and cathode are explored. As increasingly complex bioelectrocatalytic systems and architectures are envisioned, MCA will be a valuable framework to facilitate their design and subsequent operation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1624,1635. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Transvaginal electrical stimulation in the treatment of urinary incontinenceBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2004J.C.V. Barroso OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of transvaginal electrical stimulation (TES) in treating urinary incontinence, and to assess the clinical improvement 6 months after ending the treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 36 women (24 patients and 12 controls) with stress, urge or mixed urinary incontinence were chosen to use TES or placebo (identical equipment but with no electrical current). The patients had their treatment at home twice a day (20-min sessions) for 12 weeks. They completed a voiding diary and had a urodynamic study at the beginning and end of treatment. They were clinically re-evaluated after 6 months. RESULTS The mean time of use of TES was similar in both groups (, 40 h); the treatment group had a significant increase in maximum bladder capacity (P < 0.02), a significant reduction in the total number of voids (over 24 h; P < 0.02), in the number of episodes of voiding urgency (P < 0.001) and, importantly, in the number of episodes of urinary incontinence (P < 0.001). At the first evaluation, after ending the treatment, 88% of the patients had a significant reduction in symptoms or went into remission. At the 6-month re-evaluation, a third of the patients required another therapeutic approach. CONCLUSION TES is a practical alternative with few side-effects, and is effective for treating the main forms of female urinary incontinence. [source] Respiratory Effect of Prolonged Electrical Weapon Application on Human VolunteersACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2007Jeffrey D. Ho MD Background: Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are used by law enforcement to subdue combative subjects. Occasionally, subjects will die after a CEW has been used on them. It is theorized that CEWs may contribute to these deaths by impairing respiration. Objectives: To examine the respiratory effects of CEWs. Methods: Human volunteers received a 15-second application of electrical current from a CEW while wearing a respiratory measurement device. Common respiratory parameters were collected before, during, and after exposure. Health histories and demographic information were also collected. Results: Fifty-two subjects were analyzed. Thirty-four underwent a 15-second continuous exposure, and 18 underwent three 5-second burst exposures. In the continuous application group, the baseline mean tidal volume of 1.1 L increased to 1.8 L during application, the baseline end-tidal CO2 level went from 40.5 mm Hg to 37.3 mm Hg after exposure, the baseline end-tidal oxygen level went from 118.7 mm Hg to 121.3 mm Hg after exposure, and the baseline respiratory rate went from 15.9 breaths/min to 16.4 breaths/min after exposure. In the 5-second burst group, the baseline mean tidal volume increased to 1.85 L during application, the baseline end-tidal CO2 level went from 40.9 mm Hg to 39.1 mm Hg after exposure, the baseline end-tidal oxygen level went from 123.1 mm Hg to 127.0 mm Hg after exposure, and the baseline respiratory rate went from 13.8 breaths/min to 14.6 breaths/min after exposure. Conclusions: Prolonged CEW application did not impair respiratory parameters in this population of volunteers. Further study is recommended to validate these findings in other populations. [source] Ginzburg-Landau vortex dynamics driven by an applied boundary currentCOMMUNICATIONS ON PURE & APPLIED MATHEMATICS, Issue 12 2010Ian Tice In this paper we study the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations on a smooth, bounded domain , , ,2, subject to an electrical current applied on the boundary. The dynamics with an applied current are nondissipative, but via the identification of a special structure in an interaction energy, we are able to derive a precise upper bound for the energy growth. We then turn to the study of the dynamics of the vortices of the solutions in the limit , , 0. We first consider the original time scale in which the vortices do not move and the solutions undergo a "phase relaxation." Then we study an accelerated time scale in which the vortices move according to a derived dynamical law. In the dynamical law, we identify a novel Lorentz force term induced by the applied boundary current. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Localized electrical current propagation in anisotropically perturbed atmospheresINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2010T. I. ZohdiArticle first published online: 29 MAR 2010 Abstract The trajectory of free atmospheric electrical currents, such as lightning and sparks, is strongly influenced by microscale events that occur at the current front. In particular, highly conductive pathways can occur at the free surface front due to dielectric breakdown. The specific directions of the local pathways are minutely perturbed, due to the gaseous, disordered, nature of the media at the small scale. This results in highly conductive, anisotropically perturbed, continuum-level properties at the electrical current front. In this work, a model is developed to investigate the role of the resulting anisotropically perturbed conductivity at the propagation front on the overall trajectory of free atmospheric electrical currents. The approach is to relate the electrical current velocity to the local anisotropic conductivity at the propagation front and the surrounding electric field. The conductive anisotropy is decomposed into an isotropic ,base state' and an anisotropic perturbation. The current trajectory is shown to be governed by a set of non-linear differential equations, for which a numerical solution scheme is developed. The difference between paths taken through anisotropically perturbed and isotropic media is analytically bounded and quantified numerically as a function of the magnitude of the anisotropic perturbation. The analysis and numerical experiments indicate that, in a statistical sense, the difference in the paths taken in anisotropically perturbed and isotropic media depends quasilinearly on the perturbation magnitude. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||