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Characterization Methods (characterization + methods)
Selected AbstractsDNAPL Characterization Methods and Approaches, Part 2: Cost ComparisonsGROUND WATER MONITORING & REMEDIATION, Issue 1 2002Mark L. Kram Contamination from the use of chlorinated solvents, often classified as dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) when in an undissolved state, pose environmental threats to ground water resources worldwide. DNAPL site characterization method performance comparisons are presented in a companion paper (Kram et al. 2001). This study compares the costs for implementing various characterization approaches using synthetic unit model scenarios (UMSs), each with particular physical characteristics. Unit costs and assumptions related to labor, equipment, and consumables are applied to determine costs associated with each approach for various UMSs. In general, the direct-push sensor systems provide cost-effective characterization information in soils that are penetrable with relatively shallow (less than 10 to 15 m) water tables. For sites with impenetrable lithology using direct-push techniques, the Ribbon NAPL Sampler Flexible Liner Underground Technologies Everting (FLUTe) membrane appears to be the most cost-effective approach. For all scenarios studied, partitioning interwell tracer tests (PITTs) are the most expensive approach due to the extensive pre-and post-PITT requirements. However, the PITT is capable of providing useful additional information, such as approximate DNAPL saturation, which is not generally available from any of the other approaches included in this comparison. [source] Fluorescent gel particles in the nanometer range for detection of metabolites in living cells,POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 9-10 2006Kristoffer Almdal Abstract In this present work a research program that aims at the development of sensor particles based on ratiometric detection of fluorescence from two dyes was embarked on. Such particles can in principle be used to achieve spatially and time resolved measurements of metabolite concentrations in living cells. The dyes are chosen such that the fluorescence of one dye is a function of an analyte concentration whereas the fluorescence of the other dye is independent of variations in the medium. Methods have been investigated for synthesizing such particles based on crosslinked polyacrylamide in inverse micelles in oil microemulsions. Typical sizes of the particles are tens of nanometers. Characterization methods for such particles based on size exclusion chromatography, photon correlation spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy have been developed. The stability of the sensor particles and their potential as an analytical tool will be discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Reliability Aspects of Microsystems for Automotive Applications,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 4 2009Roland Müller-Fiedler Abstract The implementation of microsystems in automotive applications is certainly one of the driving forces for the success of MEMS as an industrial technology on mass production level. In many cases, automotive systems based on microsensors are critical to safety. Consequently, microsystems have to assure an accurate, reliable, and failsafe operation during the entire lifetime of the vehicle. Since, the car represents a harsh environment for electronic or mechanical systems and components, reliability issues of MEMS have moved more and more into the focus of research and development. In particular, reliability aspects related to packaging and assembly have become a key issue in lifetime investigations. The packaging of microsystems comprises a variety of materials and material combinations, that directly affect the stability of MEMS components. Therefore, sophisticated characterization methods are needed to extract the reliability-relevant material parameters. This paper gives an introduction into investigations of the stability assessment of glass frit bonding as well as new bonding technologies based on metallic sealing of MEMS devices. [source] Identification of Quaternary Shape Memory Alloys with Near-Zero Thermal Hysteresis and Unprecedented Functional StabilityADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2010Robert Zarnetta Abstract Improving the functional stability of shape memory alloys (SMAs), which undergo a reversible martensitic transformation, is critical for their applications and remains a central research theme driving advances in shape memory technology. By using a thin-film composition-spread technique and high-throughput characterization methods, the lattice parameters of quaternary Ti,Ni,Cu,Pd SMAs and the thermal hysteresis are tailored. Novel alloys with near-zero thermal hysteresis, as predicted by the geometric non-linear theory of martensite, are identified. The thin-film results are successfully transferred to bulk materials and near-zero thermal hysteresis is observed for the phase transformation in bulk alloys using the temperature-dependent alternating current potential drop method. A universal behavior of hysteresis versus the middle eigenvalue of the transformation stretch matrix is observed for different alloy systems. Furthermore, significantly improved functional stability, investigated by thermal cycling using differential scanning calorimetry, is found for the quaternary bulk alloy Ti50.2Ni34.4Cu12.3Pd3.1. [source] Impurity Doping in Silicon NanowiresADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 27 2009Naoki Fukata Abstract Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) have considerable potential to assist the realization of next-generation metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) with vertical structures. Impurity doping and its control is a key technique in the creation of SiNW devices, which renders it necessary to develop characterization methods for dopant atoms in SiNWs. In this Research News, we described how the states of the dopant atoms boron and phosphorus can be detected. [source] The computation of deterministic bounds to multiplexed MPEG video traffic using z -characterizationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 8 2004Wai-Chung Poon Abstract In this paper, we propose a method called z -characterization for computing the deterministic bounds of an aggregated MPEG stream at frame level. Traditional deterministic characterization methods like empirical envelope generally suffer from the drawback of high computation complexity. In our approach, the I, P and B sub-traces of an MPEG trace will be characterized independently such that they possess their own empirical envelopes. By exploiting the periodic group-of-pictures (GOP) structure of MPEG video, the I, P and B sub-envelopes can act as building blocks for computing the characterization of the aggregate stream in real-time. Experimental results show that our proposed characterization closely bounds the empirical envelope in both homogenous and heterogeneous multiplexing scenarios. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Terrain characterization and classification with a mobile robotJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 2 2006Lauro Ojeda This paper introduces novel methods for terrain classification and characterization with a mobile robot. In the context of this paper, terrain classification aims at associating terrains with one of a few predefined, commonly known categories, such as gravel, sand, or asphalt. Terrain characterization, on the other hand, aims at determining key parameters of the terrain that affect its ability to support vehicular traffic. Such properties are collectively called "trafficability." The proposed terrain classification and characterization system comprises a skid-steer mobile robot, as well as some common and some uncommon but optional onboard sensors. Using these components, our system can characterize and classify terrain in real time and during the robot's actual mission. The paper presents experimental results for both the terrain classification and characterization methods. The methods proposed in this paper can likely also be implemented on tracked robots, although we did not test this option in our work. [source] Hydrogels for tissue engineering and delivery of tissue-inducing substancesJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 9 2007Biancamaria Baroli Abstract This manuscript presents hydrogels (HGs) from a tissue engineering perspective being especially written for those who are approaching this field by offering a concise but inclusive review of hydrogel synthesis, properties, characterization methods, and applications. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 96: 2197,2223, 2007 [source] Evaluation of HPLC columns: A study on surface homogeneity of chemically bonded stationary phasesJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 3-4 2003Bogus, aw Buszewski Abstract The aim of the current work is to study the heterogeneity of the adsorbent surface on the basis of physicochemical investigations and chromatographic tests. A series of packing materials with octadecyl chains chemically bonded to a silica matrix were prepared for this purpose. The surface and structural properties of bare silica and silica-based octadecyl phases were characterized by porosimetry, elemental analysis, 29Si CP/MAS NMR, etc. The most advanced characterization methods based on adsorption microcalorimetry (heat of wetting) measurements were employed to obtain information about the heterogeneity and topography of unmodified and modified silica gel. For the chromatographic study, these phases were evaluated on the basis of the retention data under non-aqueous conditions. A test series of solutes with various chemical properties, such as pK a values, was used. It was found that heterogeneity of the packing surface results in low HPLC resolution. Use of a non-aqueous mobile phase (n -hexane) reduces analytical interference by eliminating hydrophobic interactions between alkyl ligands and the analyte. [source] Studies on the Synthesis and Conductivity of a Novel Reactive Ladder-Like Poly(, -cyanoethylsilsesquioxane) and Poly[(, -cyanoethylsilsesquioxane)- co -(, -methylsilsesquioxane)]MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 16 2002Yong Zhang Abstract Two novel reactive poly(, -cyanoethylsilsesquioxane) (CN-T) and poly[(, -cyanoethylsilsesquioxane)- co -(, -methylsilsesquioxane)] (CN-Me-T) have been synthesized successfully for the first time via stepwise coupling polymerization (SCP). A variety of characterization methods including FTIR, 1H NMR, 29Si NMR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) were combined to demonstrate that the structures of the title polymers possess ordered ladder-like structures. As expected, the ionic conductivity of these polymers mixed homogeneously with lithium perchlorate reached 10,6 S,·,cm,1 at room temperature and obviously increased with the raise of temperature. [source] Cover Picture , Mol.MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue S2 2008Nutr. Diagnosis of food allergy depends on the quality of allergen preparations. Unfortunately, in many cases the quality of food allergen material used is poorly defined or not fully comparable so that misleading or divergent results are possible. This issue is dedicated to state of the art purification and characterization methods of food allergens. A food allergen library was established, comprising known and newly identified allergens from various foods, in order to collect purified allergen material with defined and comparable quality. [source] Subtyping of Bacterial Foodborne PathogensNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 7 2002Martin Wiedmann D.V.M. Ph.D. Phenotype-based and DNA-based subtyping methods allow for differentiation of bacterial isolates beyond the species and subspecies level. Bacterial subtyping methods not only have improved our ability to detect and track foodborne disease outbreaks, but also represent tools to track sources of bacterial contamination throughout the food system. The use of subtyping methods furthermore provides an opportunity to better understand the population genetics, epidemiology, and ecology of different foodborne pathogens. The last 5 years have seen tremendous advancement in the development of sensitive, rapid, automated, and increasingly easy-to-use molecular subtyping methods for a variety of different bacterial foodborne pathogens. This review will highlight key aspects of different subtyping methods for bacterial foodborne pathogens and provide examples of their applications in public health, food safety, epidemiology, and population genetics. Molecular subtyping and characterization methods may also facilitate the development of a novel framework for tracking, preventing, and regulating foodborne bacterial diseases, which is based on evolutionary relationships and genetic characteristics rather than traditional species definitions. [source] Photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films and solar cellsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 5 2009Sho Shirakata Abstract Photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL (TR-PL) studies have been carried out on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin films and solar cells (ZnO/CdS/CIGS) to study the recombination of the photo-excited carriers. The CIGS solar cells exhibited intense near-band-edge (NBE) PL compared with the CIGS films by two orders of magnitude. PL decay time of the cell is strongly dependent on the repetition frequency of the excitation light. PL decay time of the cell is longer than that of the corresponding CIGS thin film. The chemical bath deposition of the CdS buffer layer on CIGS leads to changes in PL intensity, defect-related PL and the PL decay time. They are discussed with relation to the substitution of Cd atom at the Cu site at the Cu-deficient surface of CIGS thin film. Under the open circuit condition, NBE-PL is stronger and the decay time is longer compared with those under the short circuit condition. PL of the cell under the load was examined, and PL intensity and PL decay time are related to the photovoltage during PL measurements. Low temperature PL suggests that the Cd diffusion during the CBD process is pronounced for low Ga content CIGS. The authors demonstrate the effectiveness of PL as a powerful non-destructive device and photovoltaic characterization methods of CIGS solar cells. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] A review on interface modification and characterization of natural fiber reinforced plastic compositesPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 9 2001Jayamol George An Important aspect with respect to optimal mechanical performance of fiber reinforced composites in general and durability in particular is the optimization of the interfacial bond between fiber and polymer matrix. The quality of the fiber-matrix interface is significant for the application of natural fibers as reinforcement for plastics. Since the fibers and matrices are chemically different, strong adhesion at their interfaces is needed for an effective transfer of stress and bond distribution throughout an Interface. A good compatibilization between cellulose fibers and non-polar matrices is achieved from polymeric chains that will favor entanglements and interdiffiusion with the matrix. This article gives a critical review on the physical and chemical treatment methods that improve the fiber-matrix adhesion and their characterization methods. [source] Analysis and measurement of carbon nanotube dispersions: nanodispersion versus macrodispersionPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 10 2010Micah J Green Abstract Because of their unique mechanical, optical, thermal and electrical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) form the basis for a wide variety of multifunctional devices and materials; many of these applications require that CNTs be dispersed and processed in liquids such as organic solvents, polymer melts or surfactant solutions. One of the most problematic issues affecting the CNT research community is the lack of standards and uniform characterization methods for CNT dispersion. A 2005 NASA-NIST workshop aimed to address this issue and made a clear distinction between ,nanodispersion' of individual CNTs and ,macrodispersion' of CNT bundles. Unfortunately, this distinction has yet to percolate through the CNT dispersion literature. The present article seeks to elucidate and commend these concepts, identify the situations where this difference is most critical, note some scenarios where these concepts have been underutilized and posit experimental and computational characterization methods for quantifying the degree of nanodispersion. Particular attention is devoted to the controversial claims of complete nanodispersion and how such claims may be verified. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Comparison of device performance and measured transport parameters in widely-varying Cu(In,Ga) (Se,S) solar cellsPROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS: RESEARCH & APPLICATIONS, Issue 1 2006I. L. Repins Abstract We report the results of an extensive study employing numerous methods to characterize carrier transport within copper indium gallium sulfoselenide (CIGSS) photovoltaic devices, whose absorber layers were fabricated by diverse process methods in multiple laboratories. This collection of samples exhibits a wide variation of morphologies, compositions, and solar power conversion efficiencies. An extensive characterization of transport properties is reported here,including those derived from capacitance,voltage, admittance spectroscopy, deep level transient spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence, Auger emission profiling, Hall effect, and drive level capacitance profiling. Data from each technique were examined for correlation with device performance, and those providing indicators of related properties were compared to determine which techniques and interpretations provide credible values for transport properties. Although these transport properties are not sufficient to predict all aspects of current-voltage characteristics, we have identified specific physical and transport characterization methods that can be combined using a model-based analysis algorithm to provide a quantitative prediction of voltage loss within the absorber. The approach has potential as a tool to optimize and understand device performance irrespective of the specific process used to fabricate the CIGSS absorber layer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF STUCCOS FROM A MEXICAN COLONIAL BUILDING: EL MUSEO DEL CALENDARIO OF QUERETARO*ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 5 2009MIGUEL GALVÁN-RUIZ Restoration requires the use of appropriate characterization methods and suitable new material preparation processes permit the reproduction of the original material to be as similar as possible in order to be an appropriate application method. The combination of these factors will facilitate a good restoration process. Different stuccos were taken from El Museo del Calendario, a building located in Querétaro, Mexico which was built in the 16th century. All the stucco samples were studied using the characterization process which is proposed in this article. The characterization method consisted of the use of analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. This characterization method made reproduction of the original material possible. The new material combined with new application techniques developed in situ will result in a high-quality restoration process. [source] Development of a Purification Process for Adenovirus: Controlling Virus Aggregation to Improve the Clearance of Host Cell DNABIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2005John O. Konz The clearance of host cell DNA is a critical goal for purification process development for recombinant Ad5 (rAd5) based vaccines and gene therapy products. We have evaluated the clearance of DNA by a rAd5 purification process utilizing nuclease digestion, ultrafiltration, and anion exchange (AEX) chromatography and found residual host cell DNA to consistently reach a limiting value of about 100 pg/1011 rAd5 particles. Characterization of the purified rAd5 product using serial AEX chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography, or nuclease treatment with and without particle disruption showed that the residual DNA was associated with virus particles. Using a variety of additional physical characterization methods, a population of rAd5 virus in an aggregated state was detected. Aggregation was eliminated using nonionic detergents to attenuate hydrophobic interactions and sodium chloride to attenuate electrostatic interactions. After implementation of these modifications, the process was able to consistently reduce host cell DNA to levels at or below 5 pg/1011 rAd5 particles, suggesting that molecular interactions between cellular DNA and rAd5 are important determinants of process DNA clearance capability and that the co-purifying DNA was not encapsidated. [source] 4H SiC Epitaxial Growth with Chlorine AdditionCHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION, Issue 8-9 2006F. La Abstract The growth rate of a 4H-SiC epitaxial layer has been increased by a factor of 19 (up to 112,,m h,1) with respect to the standard process, with the introduction of HCl in the deposition chamber. The epitaxial layers grown with the addition of HCl has been characterized by electrical, optical, and structural characterization methods. The effects of various deposition parameters on the epitaxial growth process have been described, and an explanation of this behavior in terms of the diffusion coefficient on the surface, Ds, and the ratio between the characteristic times, ,D:,G, has been provided. The diodes, manufactured on the epitaxial layer grown with the addition of HCl at 1600,°C, have electrical characteristics comparable with the standard epitaxial process. This process is very promising for high-power devices with a breakdown voltage of 10,kV. [source] Covalent Attachment of Bacteriorhodopsin Monolayer to Bromo-terminated Solid Supports: Preparation, Characterization, and Protein StabilityCHEMISTRY - AN ASIAN JOURNAL, Issue 7 2008Yongdong Jin Dr. Abstract The interfacing of functional proteins with solid supports and the study of related protein-adsorption behavior are promising and important for potential device applications. In this study, we describe the preparation of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) monolayers on Br-terminated solid supports through covalent attachment. The bonding, by chemical reaction of the exposed free amine groups of bR with the pendant Br group of the chemically modified solid surface, was confirmed both by negative AFM results obtained when acetylated bR (instead of native bR) was used as a control and by weak bands observed at around 1610,cm,1 in the FTIR spectrum. The coverage of the resultant bR monolayer was significantly increased by changing the pH of the purple-membrane suspension from 9.2 to 6.8. Although bR, which is an exceptionally stable protein, showed a pronounced loss of its photoactivity in these bR monolayers, it retained full photoactivity after covalent binding to Br-terminated alkyls in solution. Several characterization methods, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact potential difference (CPD) measurements, and UV/Vis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, verified that these bR monolayers behaved significantly different from native bR. Current,voltage (I,V) measurements (and optical absorption spectroscopy) suggest that the retinal chromophore is probably still present in the protein, whereas the UV/Vis spectrum suggests that it lacks the characteristic covalent protonated Schiff base linkage. This finding sheds light on the unique interactions of biomolecules with solid surfaces and may be significant for the design of protein-containing device structures. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||