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High Anisotropy (high + anisotropy)
Selected AbstractsHow Far Are We from Making Metamaterials by Self-Organization?ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2010The Microstructure of Highly Anisotropic Particles with an SRR-Like Geometry Abstract Metamaterials offer new unusual electromagnetic properties, which have already been demonstrated, and many postulated new functionalities are yet to be realized. Currently, however, metamaterials are mostly limited by narrow band behavior, high losses, and limitation in making genuinely 3D materials. In order to overcome these problems an overlap between metamaterial concepts and materials science is necessary. Engineered self-organization is presented as a future approach to metamaterial manufacturing. Using directional solidification of eutectics, the first experimental realization of self-organized particles with a split-ring resonator-like cross section is demonstrated. This unusual morphology/microstructure of the eutectic composite has a fractal character. With the use of TEM and XRD the clear influence of the atomic crystal arrangement on the microstructure geometry is presented. The materials obtained present very high anisotropy and can be obtained in large pieces. Metallodielectric structures can be created by etching and filling the space with metal. The next steps in the development of self-organized materials exhibiting unusual properties are discussed. [source] A Tissue-Specific Model of Reentry in the Right Atrial AppendageJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009JICHAO ZHAO Ph.D. Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is prevalent in the elderly and contributes to mortality in congestive heart failure. Development of computer models of atrial electrical activation that incorporate realistic structures provides a means of investigating the mechanisms that initiate and maintain reentrant atrial arrhythmia. As a step toward this, we have developed a model of the right atrial appendage (RAA) including detailed geometry of the pectinate muscles (PM) and crista terminalis (CT) with high spatial resolution, as well as complete fiber architecture. Methods and Results: Detailed structural images of a pig RAA were acquired using a semiautomated extended-volume imaging system. The generally accepted anisotropic ratio of 10:1 was adopted in the computer model. To deal with the regional action potential duration heterogeneity in the RAA, a Courtemanche cell model and a Luo-Rudy cell model were used for the CT and PM, respectively. Activation through the CT and PM network was adequately reproduced with acceptable accuracy using reduced-order computer models. Using a train of reducing cycle length stimuli applied to a CT/PM junction, we observed functional block both parallel with and perpendicular to the axis of the CT. Conclusion: With stimulation from the CT at the junction of a PM, we conclude: (a) that conduction block within the CT is due to a reduced safety factor; and (b) that unidirectional block and reentry within the CT is due to its high anisotropy. Regional differences in effective refractive period do not explain the observed conduction block. [source] Apical oxygen, 3D-2D cross over and superconductivity in Sm2,xCexCuO4,,PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 9 2006M. Boujida Abstract In spite of the vast amount of experimental and theoretical articles accumulated in HTSC, the mechanism of the interaction driving charge carriers to form Cooper pairs below Tc is still unknown. The comparison of the normal state transport properties of YBa2Cu3O7,, and the Sm2,xCexCuO4,, [1, 2] might shed some light on the microscopic origin of HTSC. In comparison to the YBCO, the apical oxygen in Sm2,xCexCuO4,, [3] destroys the superconductivity via the vertical ionic bonding which localizes the charge in the Cu-O squares, however the hole transfer by moving O(4) towards the CuO2 planes, leads to the optimization of YBCO properties. The behaviour of C axis parameter vs the oxygen content cannot be explained by a BSC mechanism. The high amount of anisotropy ratio [4] is explained by the sheer square planes in NCCO system, i.e. without apical oxygen (SC with Tc maximum). From the data of the resistivity in the normal state, we conclude the observation of a 3D-2D cross over only in Sm2,xCexCuO4,, [2] and Nd2,xCexCuO4,, [5] which is also related to its high anisotropy. The competition between anisotropy and superconductivity destroys the superconducting state in the 2D limit even in the ground state. In this material the superconductivity cannot be enhanced at high temperature because the compound is a quasi 2D system (sheer square planes of CuO2) and the cuprate superconductors is a genuine three-dimensional (3D) phenomenon [6]. The Josephson coupling between the different layers is S-I-S for NCCO and S-N-S for YBCO, thus the Lawrence and Doniach model (LD) [7] with neighbouring layers coupled by the Josephson tunnelling is appropriate. In summary the behaviour of apical oxygen is intrinsically different in the two kinds of cuprates. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Compatibilized poly(ether imide)/LCP blends: drawing ability and mechanical properties of the ribbonsPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 7 2002F. J. Vallejo Abstract The effects of the addition of polyarylate (PAr) on the drawing ability of poly(ether imide) (PEI)/Rodrun liquid-crystalline 5000 (Ro LC5000) (Ro) blends and on the mechanical properties of their ribbons were studied. The compatibilizing effect of the PAr led to an increase in the drawing ability of the blends, as seen by the fact that the maximum Ro content compatible with the drawing process increased from 15 to 30%. This may lead to new applications in the field of gas barrier materials. The presence of PAr also led to an increase in the adhesion between the two phases of the blends and consequent improved ductility. However, the very high modulus of elasticity and tensile strength in the direction of orientation (up to three-fold those of the matrix) due to the less developed fibrillation were smaller than the corresponding values before compatibilization. These very large modulus of elasticity and tensile strength values and those perpendicular to the direction of orientation, which were similar to those of the matrix, led to a high anisotropy in the extruded ribbons that increased with the draw ratio (DR) and the Ro contents. The high mechanical properties of the ribbons may be used and the anisotropy diminished by layering the ribbons in, and perpendicular to, the direction of orientation, according to the expected external load. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Analysis of ion-migration paths in inorganic frameworks by means of tilings and Voronoi,Dirichlet partition: a comparisonACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION B, Issue 4 2009Nataly A. Anurova Two methods using Voronoi,Dirichlet polyhedra (Voronoi,Dirichlet partition) or tiles (tiling) based on partitioning space are compared to investigate cavities and channels in crystal structures. The tiling method was applied for the first time to study ion conductivity in 105 ternary, lithium,oxygen-containing compounds, LiaXbOz, that were recently recognized as fast-ion conductors with the Voronoi,Dirichlet partition method. The two methods were found to be similar in predicting the occurrence of ionic conductivity, however, their conclusions on the dimensionality of conductivity were different in two cases. It is shown that such a contradiction can indicate a high anisotropy of conductivity. Both advantages and restrictions of the methods are discussed with respect to fast-ion conductors and zeolites. [source] Structure of DsbC from Haemophilus influenzaeACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 9 2004Man Zhang Bacterial DsbC proteins are involved in rearranging or reducing mismatched disulfide bonds folding within the periplasm. The X-ray structure of the enzyme from Haemophilus influenzae has been solved and compared with the known structure of the Escherichia coli protein. The proteins act as V-shaped dimers with a large cleft to accommodate substrate proteins. The dimers are anchored by a small N-terminal domain, but have a flexible linker region which allows the larger C-terminal domain, with its reactive sulfhydryls, to clamp down on substrates. The overall folds are very similar, but the comparison shows a wider range of hinge motions than previously thought. The crystal packing of the H. influenzae protein allows the movement of the N-terminal domain with respect to the C-terminal domain through motions in the flexible hinge, generating high thermal parameters and unusually high anisotropy in the crystallographic data. [source] | |||||||||||||