Electrical Field (electrical + field)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Terms modified by Electrical Field

  • electrical field stimulation

  • Selected Abstracts


    The Effect of a Constant Electrical Field on Osseointegration after Immediate Implantation in Dog Mandibles: A Preliminary Study

    JOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 5 2007
    Yadollah 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]


    Using the Steepened Plasma Profile and Wave Breaking Threshold in Laser-Plasma Interaction

    CONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 8 2008
    P. Zobdeh
    Abstract In this work we evaluate the interaction of high intense laser beam with a steepened density profile. During laser interaction with underdense plasma by freely expanding plasma regime, modification of density profile is possible. In this paper we have investigated the ultra short laser pulse interaction with nonisothermal and collisionless plasma. We consider self,focusing as an effective nonlinear phenomenon that tends to increase when the laser power is more than critical rate. By leading the expanded plasma to a preferred location near to critical density, laser reflection is obtained, so the density profile will be locally steepened. The electromagnetic fields are evaluated in this new profile. We show the amplitude and period of electrical field oscillation are increased by reducing the steepened scale length. Also our numerical results identify that by reducing the steepened scale length, the electrical field is increased to wave breaking threshold limit. This high gradient electrical field causes the effective beam loading during the wave breaking phenomenon. The wave breaking can be the initial point for other acceleration regime as cavity or channel guiding regime. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


    Coarse Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Electromechanically-Gated DNA Modified Conical Nanopores

    ELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 3 2008
    Lajos Höfler
    Abstract Nanopore-based devices are emerging as tools for single molecule manipulation, characterization and chemical analysis. Single or random arrays of chemically modified nanopores have been established as platforms for selective chemical and biosensing. However, it is little known about the orientation and behavior of surface tethered species in the nanopore environment as function of applied transpore voltages. In this study we report on coarse grained modeling of short (5-, 15-mer) DNA modified conical gold nanopores subjected to electrical field gradients of 5 and 50,mV/nm. An electromechanical gating effect in the single stranded DNA modified conical nanopores is predicted, which is due to the obstruction of the tip entrance by DNA strands oriented by the external electrical field. The magnitude of the rectification effect increases with increasing DNA length and decreasing tip diameter of the conical nanopore. The direction of on/off switching was found to be dependent on the location of the immobilized DNAs on the membrane supporting the nanopore. [source]


    Liquid chromatography on chip

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 15 2010
    Karine Faure
    Abstract LC is one of the most powerful separation techniques as illustrated by its leading role in analytical sciences through both academic and industrial communities. Its implementation in microsystems appears to be crucial in the development of ,-Total Analysis System. If electrophoretic techniques have been widely used in miniaturized devices, LC has faced multiple challenges in the downsizing process. During the past 5 years, significant breakthroughs have been achieved in this research area, in both conception and use of LC on chip. This review emphasizes the development of novel stationary phases and their implementation in microchannels. Recent instrumental advances are also presented, highlighting the various driving forces (pressure, electrical field) that have been selected and their respective ranges of applications. [source]


    Optimal separation times for electrical field flow fractionation with Couette flows

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 20 2008
    Jennifer Pascal
    Abstract The prediction of optimal times of separation as a function of the applied electrical field and cation valence have been studied for the case of field flow fractionation [Martin M., Giddings J. C., J. Phys. Chem. 1981, 85, 727] with charged solutes. These predictions can be very useful to a priori design or identify optimal operating conditions for a Couette-based device for field flow fractionation when the orthogonal field is an electrical field. Mathematically friendly relationships are obtained by applying the method of spatial averaging to the solute species continuity equation; this is accomplished after the role of the capillary geometrical dimensions on the applied electrical field equations has been assessed [Oyanader M. A., Arce P., Electrophoresis 2005; 26, 2857]. Moreover, explicit analytical expressions are derived for the effective parameters, i.e. diffusivity and convective velocity as functions of the applied (orthogonal) electrical field. These effective transport parameters are used to study the effect of the cation valence of the solutes and of the magnitude of the applied orthogonal electrical field on the values of the optimal time of separation. These parameters play a significant role in controlling the optimal separation time, leading to a family of minimum values, for particular magnitudes of the applied orthogonal electrical field. [source]


    Universal method for synthesis of artificial gel antibodies by the imprinting approach combined with a unique electrophoresis technique for detection of minute structural differences of proteins, viruses, and cells (bacteria).

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 23 2006
    III: Gel antibodies against cells (bacteria)
    Abstract Artificial antibodies in the form of gel granules were synthesized from the monomers acrylamide and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide by the imprinting method in the presence of Echerichia coli bacteria as template. The electrophoretic migration velocities of the gel antibodies (i),saturated with the antigen (Escherichia,coli MRE-600), (ii),freed of the antigen, and (iii),resaturated with bacteria, were determinated by electrophoresis in a rotating narrow-bore tube of 245,mm length and the 2.5 and 9.6,mm inner and outer diameters, respectively. Removal of bacteria from the gel antibodies was made by treatment with enzymes, followed by washing with SDS and buffer. Gel granules becoming charged by adsorption of bacteria move in an electrical field. We obtained a significant selectivity of gel antibodies for E.,coli MRE-600, since the granules did not interact with Lactococcus lactis; and when E.,coli BL21 bacteria were added to the gels selective for E.,coli MRE-600, a significant difference in the migration rate of the complexes formed with the two strains was observed indicating the ability of differentiation between the two strains. The gel antibodies can be used repeatedly. The new imprinting method for the synthesis of artificial gel antibodies against bioparticles described herein, and the classical electrophoretic analysis technique employed, thus represent , when combined , a new approach to distinguish between different types and strains of bacteria. The application area can certainly be extended to cover other classes of cells. [source]


    Study of Joule heating effects on temperature gradient in diverging microchannels for isoelectric focusing applications

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2006
    Brian Kates
    Abstract IEF is a high-resolution separation method taking place in a medium with continuous pH gradients, which can be set up by applying electrical field to the liquid in a diverging microchannel. The axial variation of the channel cross-sectional area will induce nonuniform Joule heating and set up temperature gradient, which will generate pH gradient when proper medium is used. In order to operationally control the thermally generated pH gradients, fundamental understanding of heat transfer phenomena in microfluidic chips with diverging microchannels must be improved. In this paper, two 3-D numerical models are presented to study heat transfer in diverging microchannels, with static and moving liquid, respectively. Through simulation, the temperature distribution for the entire chip has been revealed, including both liquid and solid regions. The model for the static liquid scenario has been compared with published results for validation. Parametric studies have showed that the channel geometry has significant effects on the peak temperature location, and the electrical conductivity of the medium and the wall boundary convection have effects on the generated temperature gradients and thus the generated pH gradients. The solution to the continuous flow model, where the medium convection is considered, shows that liquid convection has significant effects on temperature distribution and the peak temperature location. [source]


    Role of geometrical dimensions in electrophoresis applications with orthogonal fields

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 15 2005
    Mario A. Oyanader
    Abstract The role of geometrical dimensions in electrophoresis applications with axial and orthogonal (secondary) electric fields is investigated using a rectangular capillary channel. In particular, the role of the applied orthogonal electrical field in controlling key parameters involved in the effective diffusivity and effective (axial) velocity of the solute is identified. Such mathematically friendly relationships are obtained by applying the method of spatial averaging to the solute species continuity equation; this is accomplished after the role of the capillary geometrical dimensions on the applied electrical field equations has been studied. Moreover, explicit analytical expressions are derived for the effective parameters, i.e., diffusivity and convective velocity as functions of the applied (orthogonal) electric field. Previous attempts (see Sauer et al., 1995) have only led to equations for these parameters that require numerical solution and, therefore, limited the use of such results to practical applications. These may include, for example, the design of separation processes as well as environmental applications such as soil reclamation and wastewater treatment. An illustration of how a secondary electrical field can aid in reducing the optimal separation time is included. [source]


    A novel microfluidic mixer utilizing electrokinetic driving forces under low switching frequency

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2005
    Lung-Ming Fu
    Abstract This paper presents a novel technique in which low-frequency periodic electrokinetic driving forces are utilized to mix electrolytic fluid samples rapidly and efficiently in a double-T-form microfluidic mixer. Without using any additional equipment to induce flow perturbations, only a single high-voltage power source is required for simultaneously driving and mixing the sample fluids which results in a simple and low-cost system for the mixing purpose. The effectiveness of the mixer as a function of the applied electric field and the periodic switching frequency is characterized by the intensity distribution calculated downstream from the mixing zone. The present numerical and experimental results confirm that the proposed double-T-form micromixer has excellent mixing capabilities. The mixing efficiency can be as high as 95% within a mixing length of 1000 ,m downstream from the secondary T-junction when a 100 V/cm driving electric field strength and a 2 Hz periodic switching frequency are applied. The results reveal that the optimal switching frequency depends upon the magnitude of the main applied electrical field. The rapid double-T-form microfluidic mixer using the periodic driving voltage switching model proposed in this study has considerable potential for use in lab-on-a-chip systems. [source]


    Cognitive response control in writer's cramp

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2001
    D. Berg
    Disturbances of the motor and sensory system as well as an alteration of the preparation of movements have been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of dystonias. However, it is unclear whether higher aspects of cortical , like cognitive , functions are also involved. Recently, the NoGo-anteriorization (NGA) elicited with a visual continuous performance test (CPT) during recording of a 21-channel electroencephalogram has been proposed as an electrophysiological standard-index for cognitive response control. The NGA consists of a more anterior location of the positive area of the brain electrical field associated with the inhibition (NoGo-condition) compared with that of the execution (Go-condition) of a prepared motor response in the CPT. This response control paradigm was applied in 16 patients with writer's cramp (WC) and 14 age matched healthy controls. Topographical analysis of the associated event-related potentials revealed a significant (P < 0.05) NGA effect for both patients and controls. Moreover, patients with WC showed a significantly higher global field power value (P < 0.05) in the Go-condition and a significantly higher difference-amplitude (P < 0.05) in the NoGo-condition. A source location analysis with the low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) method demonstrated a hypoactivity for the Go-condition in the parietal cortex of the right hemisphere and a hyperactivity in the NoGo-condition in the left parietal cortex in patients with WC compared with healthy controls. These results indicate an altered response control in patients with WC in widespread cortical brain areas and therefore support the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of WC is not restricted to a pure sensory-motor dysfunction. [source]


    Phentolamine mesylate relaxes rabbit corpus cavernosum by a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic mechanism

    FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2001
    Subbarao Vemulapalli
    The contribution of NO-cGMP dependent pathway to phentolamine mesylate-evoked nonadrenergic, noncholinergic relaxation of rabbit corpus cavernosum was investigated in vitro. Stimulation of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurons of the rabbit corpus cavernosum elicited frequency-related relaxation that was significantly attenuated by L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor) or ODQ (an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase). Moreover, tetrodotoxin, a sodium channel blocker, abolished the electrical field stimulation-induced relaxation of rabbit corpus cavernosum, suggesting that neuronal release of NO mediates relaxation to electrical field stimulation. Phentolamine mesylate (30 and 100 nM) dose-dependently enhanced electrical field stimulation-induced relaxation of the rabbit corpus cavernosum. Prazosin (30 ,M) and yohimbine (30 ,M) failed to affect phentolamine mesylate-mediated nonadrenergic, noncholinergic rabbit penile smooth muscle relaxation, suggesting that phentolamine relaxes rabbit corpus cavernosum independent of ,-adrenergic receptor blockade. In contrast, pretreatment of the rabbit cavernosal strips with L-NAME significantly-attenuated electrical field stimulation produced relaxations to phentolamine mesylate, suggesting that phentolamine mesylate relaxes rabbit corpus cavernosum by activating NO synthase. The data suggest that phentolamine mesylate relaxes nonadrenergic noncholinergic neurons of the rabbit corpus cavernosum by activating NO synthase and is independent of ,-adrenergic receptor blockade. [source]


    3D resistivity inversion using 2D measurements of the electric field

    GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING, Issue 1 2001
    P.D. Jackson
    Field and ,noisy' synthetic measurements of electric-field components have been inverted into 3D resistivities by smoothness-constrained inversion. Values of electrical field can incorporate changes in polarity of the measured potential differences seen when 2D electrode arrays are used with heterogeneous ,geology', without utilizing negative apparent resistivities or singular geometrical factors. Using both the X - and Y -components of the electric field as measurements resulted in faster convergence of the smoothness-constrained inversion compared with using one component alone. Geological structure and resistivity were reconstructed as well as, or better than, comparable published examples based on traditional measurement types. A 2D electrode grid (20 × 10), incorporating 12 current-source electrodes, was used for both the practical and numerical experiments; this resulted in 366 measurements being made for each current-electrode configuration. Consequently, when using this array for practical field surveys, 366 measurements could be acquired simultaneously, making the upper limit on the speed of acquisition an order of magnitude faster than a comparable conventional pole,dipole survey. Other practical advantages accrue from the closely spaced potential dipoles being insensitive to common-mode noise (e.g. telluric) and only 7% of the electrodes (i.e. those used as current sources) being susceptible to recently reported electrode charge-up effects. [source]


    Electric-Field Enhancement of Photovoltaic Devices: A Third Reason for the Increase in the Efficiency of Photovoltaic Devices by Carbon Nanotubes

    ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 20 2010
    Wonjoo Lee
    Electric-field enhancement of photovoltaic devices by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is reported as a third alternative for increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. Due to the formation of an efficient electronic energy-cascade structure, the decrease of the interfacial resistance, and the improvement of the electrical field, the power-conversion efficiency of solar cells was increased by 22% in the presence of the SWNTs. [source]


    High-sensitivity surface micromachinable accelerometer using a ferroelectric substrate and its characterization

    IEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2007
    Seiji Aoyagi Member
    Abstract The present study reports the fabrication and characterization of a high-sensitivity surface micromachinable accelerometer using a ferroelectric material having a large dielectric constant, such as bulk PZT (,r = 2600). The measurement principle is the detection of capacitance change with respect to the dielectric mass movement in the fringe electrical field. Considering the practical fabrication, a ferroelectric material is used for the substrate instead of the suspended proof mass. Since capacitance is increased not mechanically but electrically, high sensitivity can be expected while maintaining mechanical stiffness, which has the advantage of preventing touch down of the proof mass and widening the allowable measuring range of acceleration. A fabricated sensor is characterized. A high sensitivity of several sub-pF/g is confirmed, which is hundreds of times higher compared to that of a sensor fabricated using the Parylene polymer (,r = 3.15). This sensitivity is an order higher compared to those of other reported capacitive microaccelerometers, which have comparable proof mass sizes and comparable detectable acceleration ranges to the newly fabricated sensor. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan© 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source]


    Efficiency of point abundance sampling by electro-fishing modified for short fishes

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 5 2003
    M. Scholten
    Summary The assessment of fish densities using point abundance sampling by electro-fishing requires information about the size of the sample area. For electro-fishing the effective fishing range depends on biological effects such as species and length of fish as well as physical effects like conductivity of water or substrate type. The present study investigates systematically the impact of conductivity and substrate type on the extension of the electrical field of a battery-powered electro-fishing gear (DEKA 3000, Marsberg, Germany), modified for larval and juvenile fishes. Threshold values for galvanotaxis were examined for juvenile fishes of five species in terms of current densities. Based on 71 experiments a general function relating body length to current density threshold values was developed. Optimal electrical current flow periods of 10 s were determined. For three different substrate types (gravel, sand, mud) a formula has been developed to quantify biological and physical effects on the effective fishing range. Each equation included information on the length of fish and the ambient conductivity. An increase in the effective fishing range of about 10% every 0.1 mS cm,1 was established. Reduction of the fishing range over muddy substrate was about 20,30% compared with coarse gravel or sand. This study provides a sufficient tool to calculate area-related densities of larval and juvenile fishes in different habitat types of a large river system using point abundance sampling by electro-fishing. Finally, calculated fish densities were evaluated by different types of fishing gear. [source]


    Dual Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Stimulation of Intrinsic Innervation of the Anterior Pituitary on Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Release in the Rat

    JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
    L.-Z. Gao
    Abstract The gland cells of the mammalian anterior pituitary are innervated by substantial amounts of nerve fibres, and there is evidence that the nerve fibres are functionally active. In the rat, the nerve fibres make typical excitatory synapses with corticotropes. The physiological significance of this synaptic relationship was investigated in the present study. The anterior pituitary of the rat was sliced and stimulated with electrical field in a chamber. The perfusate was continuously collected and immunoradioassayed for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). When the gland slices were stimulated at a high frequency of 10 Hz, there was a significant inhibition of ACTH secretion. Stimulation at a low frequency of 2 Hz resulted in a quick and transient excitation of ACTH release. The results indicate that stimulation of the nerve fibres in the anterior pituitary has dual excitatory and inhibitory effects on ACTH secretion. [source]


    Characterisation of the effects of potassium channel modulating agents on mouse intestinal smooth muscle

    JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2002
    Chi-Kong Yeung
    The actions of agents which modulate ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in excitable cells were investigated in an in-vitro preparation of mouse ileum from which the mucosa was removed. A range of potassium channel openers of diverse structure, cromakalim (0.1,100 ,M), pinacidil (0.1,200 ,M) and its analogue P1060 (0.1,200 ,M), SDZ PCO400 ((-)-(3S,4R)-3,4-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-4-(3-oxo-cyclopent-1-enyloxy)-2H -1-benzopyran-6-carbonitrile) (0.3,60 ,M), caused concentration-related reduction in twitch height of electrical field stimulated ileum. P1060 and SDZ PCO400 were the most potent agents; diazoxide (0.1,100 ,M) was without effect. The order of inhibitory potency, based on EC50 values (concentration of a relaxant producing 50% of the maximum inhibition of twitch) was: P1060 = SDZ PCO400 > cromakalim > pinacidil. The relaxant effect of the potassium channel openers was antagonised by the sulfonylureas glibenclamide (0.1-1.0 ,M) and glipizide (3,30 ,M) but the nature of the antagonism differed. Antagonism of P1060 and SDZ PCO400 by glibenclamide appeared to be competitive whereas the antagonism of relaxation induced by cromakalim and pinacidil was apparently not competitive. Both phentolamine (1,10 ,M) and tolbutamide (100,300 ,M) showed competitive antagonism of the actions of pinacidil while yohimbine (1,20 ,M) did not antagonise relaxation and appeared to have actions at sites other than the KATP channel in this preparation. The relative effectiveness of the antagonists on pinacidil-induced relaxation was found to be: glibenclamide >phentolamine >tolbutamide >yohimbine, which is in agreement with studies in other tissues. The results show that many structurally diverse potassium channel openers are potent relaxants of mouse ileum. These observations are consistent with the existence of ATP-dependent K+ channels in murine intestinal muscle which, however, differ somewhat in properties from those reported for vascular muscle and pancreatic ,-cells. [source]


    Hydrogels: From soft contact lenses and implants to self-assembled nanomaterials

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 22 2009
    Jindrich Kopecek
    Abstract Hydrogels were the first biomaterials designed for clinical use. Their discovery and applications as soft contact lenses and implants are presented. This early hydrogel research served as a foundation for the expansion of biomedical polymers research into new directions: design of stimuli sensitive hydrogels that abruptly change their properties upon application of an external stimulus (pH, temperature, solvent, electrical field, biorecognition) and hydrogels as carriers for the delivery of drugs, peptides, and proteins. Finally, pathways to self-assembly of block and graft copolymers into hydrogels of precise 3D structures are introduced. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5929,5946, 2009 [source]


    The Effect of a Constant Electrical Field on Osseointegration after Immediate Implantation in Dog Mandibles: A Preliminary Study

    JOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 5 2007
    Yadollah 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]


    Spark Plasma Sintering of Alumina

    JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 8 2002
    Zhijian Shen
    A systematic study of various spark plasma sintering (SPS) parameters, namely temperature, holding time, heating rate, pressure, and pulse sequence, was conducted to investigate their effect on the densification, grain-growth kinetics, hardness, and fracture toughness of a commercially available submicrometer-sized Al2O3 powder. The obtained experimental data clearly show that the SPS process enhances both densification and grain growth. Thus, Al2O3 could be fully densified at a much lower temperature (1150°C), within a much shorter time (minutes), than in more conventional sintering processes. It is suggested that the densification is enhanced in the initial part of the sintering cycle by a local spark-discharge process in the vicinity of contacting particles, and that both grain-boundary diffusion and grain-boundary migration are enhanced by the electrical field originating from the pulsed direct current used for heating the sample. Both the diffusion and the migration that promote the grain growth were found to be strongly dependent on temperature, implying that it is possible to retain the original fine-grained structure in fully densified bodies by avoiding a too high sintering temperature. Hardness values in the range 21,22 GPa and fracture toughness values of 3.5 ± 0.5 MPa·m1/2 were found for the compacts containing submicrometer-sized Al2O3 grains. [source]


    Characterization of photoconductive semiconductor switches under nonlinear mode condition

    MICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2009
    Chi Ruan
    Abstract A photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) would work in a nonlinear mode under high biased electrical field. The experimental results of nonlinear critical state have shown that both the biased voltage and the laser energy may have working thresholds to turn on the nonlinear modes. The relation between the biased voltage and the laser energy is inverse ratio, i.e., higher biased field need lower laser energy for nonlinear mode, and vise versa. At the nonlinear critical point, the output of PCSS is unstable, as both the linear and nonlinear pulse may occur. As the laser energy and biased field increase, the PCSS would work in the nonlinear mode steadily. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 56,59, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24001 [source]


    Fabrication of dendrite-like Au nanostructures and their enhanced photoluminescence emission

    PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 10 2007
    Ying Hu
    Abstract Special hierarchical dendrite-like Au (DLAu) nanostructures were fabricated facilely between the gaps of Au electrodes by an electrochemical method. The composition, morphology and crystallinity of the DLAu nanostructures were characterized using energy dispersive spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The formation of these nanostructures is attributed to the distribution of the local electrical field between the Au electrodes and a diffusion-limited aggregation process. Photoluminescence (PL) having an emission peak near 530 nm is observed from these nanostructures, which is attributed to the recombination of the s,p band electrons near the Fermi energy with the d band holes in the DLAu nanostructures generated by optical excitation. We believe that such PL enhancement compared to a smooth Au film is due to the local-field enhancement from the surface plasmon resonance of the DLAu nanostructures. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


    Light scattering in an electron-hole double quantum well in the presence of spin-orbit interaction

    PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 2 2007
    C. H. Yang
    Abstract In this work, we study theoretically the lineshape and intensity of light scattering in an electron-hole double quantum well structure in the presence of spin-orbit interaction (SOI). Using the random phase approximation and Green function approach, the dispersion and the excitation spectra in this structure have been calculated. It is shown that scattering intensity can be tuned by the spin-orbit (SO) couple via the applied electrical field. The peaks shift as the polarization of electron or hole increases. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


    Cyclometalated IrIII Complexes with Substituted 1,10-Phenanthrolines: A New Class of Efficient Cationic Organometallic Second-Order NLO Chromophores

    CHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 16 2010
    Adriana Valore Dr.
    Abstract Cyclometalated cationic IrIII complexes with substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines (1,10-phen), such as [Ir(ppy)2(5-R-1,10-phen)]Y (ppy=cyclometalated 2-phenylpyridine; R=NO2, H, Me, NMe2; Y,=PF6,, C12H25SO3,, I,) and [Ir(ppy)2(4-R,7-R-1,10-phen)]Y (R=Me, Ph) are characterized by a significant second-order optical non linearity (measured by the electrical field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) technique). This nonlinearity is controlled by MLCT processes from the cyclometalated IrIII, acting as a donor push system, to ,* orbitals of the phenanthroline, acting as an acceptor pull system. Substitution of cyclometalated 2-phenylpyridine by the more , delocalized 2-phenylquinoline (pq) or benzo[h]quinoline (bzq) or by the sulfur-containing 4,5-diphenyl-2-methyl-thiazole (dpmf) does not significantly affect the ,, absolute value, which instead is affected by the nature of the R substituents on the phenanthroline, the higher value being associated with the electron-withdrawing NO2 group. By using a combined experimental (the EFISH technique and 1H and 19F PGSE NMR spectroscopy) and theoretical (DFT, time-dependent-DFT (TDDFT), sum over states (SOS) approach) investigation, evidence is obtained that ion pairing, which is controlled by the nature of the counterion and by the concentration, may significantly affect the ,, values of these cationic NLO chromophores. In CH2Cl2, concentration-dependent high absolute values of ,, are obtained for [Ir(ppy)2(5-NO2 -1,10-phen)]Y if Y is a weakly interacting anion, such as PF6,, whereas with a counterion, such as C12H25SO3, or I,, which form tight ion-pairs, the absolute value of ,, is lower and quite independent of the concentration. This ,, trend is partially due to the perturbation of the counterion on the LUMO ,* levels of the phenanthroline. The correlation between the ,, value and dilution shows that the effect of concentration is a factor that must be taken into careful consideration. [source]


    Separation of Basic Drugs Using Pressurized Capillary Electrochromatography

    CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2003
    Zhang Kai
    Abstract A novel pressurized capillary electrochromatography (PCEC) was developed to separate basic drugs on strong cation exchange (SCX) column. The separation result by using PCEC was better than that by using micro-HPLC. The effects of electrical field and pressure on plate height and resolution were investigated. Influence of organic modifier, ionic strength and pH value of buffer on retention behavior were evaluated, and the separation mechanism was also discussed. [source]


    An optimized microchip electrophoresis system for mutation detection by tandem SSCP and heteroduplex analysis for p53,gene exons,5,9

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 19 2006
    Christa N. Hestekin
    Abstract With the complete sequencing of the human genome, there is a growing need for rapid, highly sensitive genetic mutation detection methods suitable for clinical implementation. DNA-based diagnostics such as single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and heteroduplex analysis (HA) are commonly used in research laboratories to screen for mutations, but the slab gel electrophoresis (SGE) format is ill-suited for routine clinical use. The translation of these assays from SGE to microfluidic chips offers significant speed, cost, and sensitivity advantages; however, numerous parameters must be optimized to provide highly sensitive mutation detection. Here we present a methodical study of system parameters including polymer matrix, wall coating, analysis temperature, and electric field strengths on the effectiveness of mutation detection by tandem SSCP/HA for DNA samples from exons,5,9 of the p53 gene. The effects of polymer matrix concentration and average molar mass were studied for linear polyacrylamide (LPA) solutions. We determined that a matrix of 8%,w/v 600,kDa LPA provides the most reliable SSCP/HA mutation detection on chips. The inclusion of a small amount of the dynamic wall-coating polymer poly- N -hydroxyethylacrylamide in the matrix substantially improves the resolution of SSCP conformers and extends the coating lifetime. We investigated electrophoresis temperatures between 17 and 35°C and found that the lowest temperature accessible on our chip electrophoresis system gives the best condition for high sensitivity of the tandem SSCP/HA method, especially for the SSCP conformers. Finally, the use of electrical fields between 350 and 450,V/cm provided rapid separations (<10,min) with well-resolved DNA peaks for both SSCP and HA. [source]


    Beam to String Transition of Vibrating Carbon Nanotubes Under Axial Tension

    ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 11 2009
    Xianlong Wei
    Abstract State-of-the-art nanoelectromechanical systems have been demonstrated in recent years using carbon nanotube (CNT) based devices, where the vibration of CNTs is tuned by tension induced through external electrical fields. However, the vibration properties of CNTs under axial tension have not been quantitatively determined in experiments. Here, a novel in situ method for precise and simultaneous measurement of the resonance frequency, the axial tension applied to individual CNTs and the tube geometry is demonstrated. A gradual beam-to-string transition from multi-walled CNTs to single-walled CNTs is observed with the crossover from bending rigidity dominant regime to extensional rigidity dominant regime occur much larger than that expected by previous theoretical work. Both the tube resonance frequency under tension and transition of vibration behavior from beam to string are surprisingly well fitted by the continuum beam theory. In the limit of a string, the vibration of a CNT is independent of its own stiffness, and a force sensitivity as large as 0.25,MHz (pN),1 is demonstrated using a 2.2,nm diameter single-walled CNT. These results will allow for the designs of CNT resonators with tailored properties. [source]


    The Digital Revolution: A New Paradigm for Microfluidics

    ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 8 2009
    Mohamed Abdelgawad
    Abstract The digital revolution has come to microfluidics. In digital microfluidics (DMF), discrete droplets are manipulated by applying electrical fields to an array of electrodes. In contrast to microchannels, in DMF each sample and reagent is individually addressable, which facilitates exquisite control over chemical reactions. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in DMF, with a discussion of device formats, actuation physics, and biological and nonbiological applications. Along the way, we identify the key players in the field, and speculate on the advances and challenges that lie ahead. As with other fronts in the digital revolution, there have been and will be unexpected developments as DMF matures, but we posit that the future is bright for this promising technology. [source]


    Mixed piezoelectric plate elements with direct evaluation of transverse electric displacement

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2009
    E. Carrera
    Abstract A mixed variational statement for the analysis of layered structures under the effect of mechanical and electrical fields is proposed in this paper to develop finite plate elements that permit the direct evaluation of transverse electrical displacement Dz. The original Reissner mixed variational theorem, RMVT, has been modified to account for ,only' interlaminar continuous Dz. Continuity of mechanical variables, such as transverse shear and normal stress components, has been discarded to provide a simple ,electrical' modified RMVT, here called RMVT- Dz. Finite element implementations are made via the Carrera unified formulation. The advantages of the proposed approach have been demonstrated through numerical comparisons with classical formulations based on the principle of virtual displacements as well as with available 3D solutions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Bio-Inspired, Smart, Multiscale Interfacial Materials,

    ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 15 2008
    Fan Xia
    Abstract In this review a strategy for the design of bioinspired, smart, multiscale interfacial (BSMI) materials is presented and put into context with recent progress in the field of BSMI materials spanning natural to artificial to reversibly stimuli-sensitive interfaces. BSMI materials that respond to single/dual/multiple external stimuli, e.g., light, pH, electrical fields, and so on, can switch reversibly between two entirely opposite properties. This article utilizes hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity as an example to demonstrate the feasibility of the design strategy, which may also be extended to other properties, for example, conductor/insulator, p-type/n-type semiconductor, or ferromagnetism/anti-ferromagnetism, for the design of other BSMI materials in the future. [source]