Phase Width Research Articles

Synthesis and Structure of a Nonstoichiometric Zr3.55Pt4Sb4 Compound.

A nonstoichiometric ternary antimonide, Zr3.55Pt4Sb4, with a new structure type (hP24), has been synthesized via arc-melting. Its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with hexagonal space group P63/mmc and lattice parameters a = 4.391(3) Å, c = 30.53(2) Å, and V = 509.7(8) Å3. It features the unique Pt4Sb4 slab with Pt-Pt bonds and is reminiscent to hexagonal diamond substructures. Three different Zr atoms, occupying three different sites, aid in the close-packing of the Pt and Sb atoms. Electronic structure calculations show the half occupancy of one Zr site creates a pseudogap at the Fermi level and optimizes the Pt-Sb bonding interactions. This enhances the electronic stability and accounts for the very narrow phase width observed for this nonstoichiometric compound. Furthermore, strong Zr-Pt and Zr-Sb interactions play a crucial role in the chemical bonding of the title compound. Electrical transport measurements show metallic behavior of this compound down to 2 K, consistent with the band structure calculations.

In-situ Electrochemical X-ray Diffraction: A Rigorous Method to Navigate within Phase Diagrams Reveals β-Fe1+x Se as Superconductor for All x.

We report the precise postsynthetic control of the composition of β-Fe1+x Se by electrochemistry with simultaneous tracking of the associated structural changes via in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. We access the full phase width of 0.01<x<0.04 and identify the superconducting state below 8 K, which in contrast to earlier reports is independent of the composition. However, in a second set of in situ X-ray diffraction experiments, we demonstrate that β-Fe1+x Se forms a new phase in the presence of oxygen above a 100 °C which has the same anti-PbO type structure but is not superconducting down to 1.8 K. The latter process can be reversed electrochemically to reinstate the superconducting state. These observations exploit the exquisite control afforded by electrochemistry in contrast with classical approaches of chemical synthesis.

Stacking polytypes of mixed alkali gallides/indides A 1–2(Ga/In)3 (A=K, Rb, Cs): synthesis, crystal chemistry and chemical bonding

Abstract The Ga/In phase width (y) and the distribution of the two triels within the polyanions of known binary (x = 1, 2) and new ternary ‘intermediate’ (x = 1–2) alkali trielides Ax (Ga1− y In y )3 (A = K, Rb, Cs) was investigated in a synthetic (slow cooling of the melts of the three elements), crystallographic (X-ray single crystal) and bond theoretical (FP-LAPW DFT bandstructure calculation) study. The Cs2In3-type structure (x = 2, series A, tetragonal, I 4/mmm) exhibits layers of four-connected closo octahedra [M 6]4−. Ternary K compounds of this type were yielded within a large range (y = 0–0.87), whereas isotypic Rb/Cs trielides exist only at higher In contents (&gt;52/69%). Geometric criteria determine not only the Ga/In stability ranges but also the occurrence of a commensurate superstructure at approx. 33% In (K2Ga2.17In0.83: P 42/ncm, a = 879.83(4), c = 1557.66(10) pm, R 1 = 0.0887), in which the octahedra are slightly tilted against the layers. Cesium compounds of the RbGa3-type structure (x = 1, C, tetragonal, I 4̅m2), which exhibits a 3D network of all-exo bonded closo dodecahedra [M 8]2− and four-bonded M − anions, are stable throughout the whole substitutional range CsGa3–CsIn3. The maximum possible In content increases with increasing size of A + (Cs: 100%, Rb: 30%, K: 8% In). The similarities between these two tetragonal structures are consistent with the occurrence of two new structure types of ‘intermediate’ compounds A 7 M 15 (x = 1.4, 1 B/2 B), which differ in the stacking sequences of double layers of novel six-fold exo-bonded pentagonal bipyramidal closo clusters [M 7]3− connected via four-bonded M − (e.g. 1 B: Cs7Ga8.4In6.6, P 4̅m2, a = 656.23(3), c = 1616.0(1) pm, R 1 = 0.0742; 2 B: Rb7Ga8.1In6.9, P 42/nmc, a = 665.64(2), c = 3140.9(2) pm, R 1 = 0.0720). The Rb/Cs compounds of these types are only stable in a limited Ga/In region and with a distinct Ga/In distribution within the [M 7] clusters. According to the close relation between the structures A, B and C, the structure family is characterised by the occurrence of stacking faults and diffuse scattering, indicating the existence of further members of this series. The new compound Cs5Ga3.1In5.9 (x = 1.667, P 4̅m2, a = 654.62(2), c = 3281.5(2) pm, R 1 = 0.1005) is a reasonably periodically ordered stacking variant containing layers A and double layers B in parallel.

Nonlinear excitation and stability analysis of ion-acoustic waves in a magnetized quantum plasma with exchange-correlation effects of degenerate electrons

The nonlinear ion-acoustic wave excitation and its stability analysis are investigated in a magnetized quantum plasma with exchange-correlation and Bohm diffraction effects of degenerate electrons in the model. Using reductive perturbation technique, the Zakharov-Kuznetsov (ZK) equation is derived for two dimensional propagation of ion-acoustic wave in a magnetized quantum plasma. It is found that the phase speed, amplitude and width of the nonlinear ion-acoustic wave structures are affected in the presence of exchange-correlation potential in the model. The stability analysis of the 2D ion-acoustic wave pulse is also presented. It is found that growth rate of the first and second order instabilities of 2D ion acoustic wave soliton is enhanced with the inclusion of exchange-correlation potential effect in the model.

Photoplethysmographic Waveform in Hyperbaric Environment.

The objective of this work is the identification of significant variations of morphological parameters of the photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal when the subjects are exposed to an increase in atmospheric pressure. To achieve this goal, the PPG signal of 26 subjects, exposed to a hyperbaric environment whose pressure increases up to 5 atm, has been recorded. From this record, segments of 4 minutes have been processed at 1 atm, 3 atm and 5 atm, both in the descending (D) and ascending (A) periods of the immersion. In total, four states (3D, 5, 3A and 1A) normalized to the basal state (1D) have been considered. In these segments, six morphological parameters of the PPG signal were studied. The width, the amplitude, the widths of the anacrotic and catacrotic phases, and the upward and downward slopes of each PPG pulse were extracted. The results showed significant increases in the three parameters related to the pulse width. This increase is significant in the four states analysed for the anacrotic phase width. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the amplitude and in both slopes (in the states 1A) was observed. These results show that the PPG width responds rapidly to the increase in pressure, indicating an activation of the sympathetic system, while amplitude and pulse slopes are decreased when the subjects are exposed to the hyperbaric environment for a considerable period of time.

Distribution performance of gas–liquid mixture in the shell side of spiral-wound heat exchangers

Abstract The non-uniformity of gas–liquid mixture is a critical issue which leads to the heat transfer deterioration of spiral-wound heat exchangers (SWHEs). Two-phase mass flow rate and the content of gas are important parameters as well as structural parameters which have prominent influences on flow distribution uniformity of SWHE shell side. In order to investigate the influences of these parameters, an experimental test system was built using water and air as mediums and a novel distributor named “tubes distributor” was designed. The effects of mass flow rate and the content of gas on two-phase distribution performance were analyzed, where the mass flow rate ranged from 28.4 to 171.9 kg·h−1 and the content of gas changed from 0.2 to 0.8, respectively. The results showed that the mixture mass flow rate considerably influenced the liquid distribution than that of gas phase and the larger mass flow rate exhibited the better distribution uniformity of two-phase flow. It was also found that the tubes distributor had the better two-phase uniformity when the content of gas was around 0.4. Tube diameter played an important role in the distribution of gas phase and slit width was more significant for the uniformity of liquid phase.

Calibration of a Digital Phased Array by Using NCO Phase Increasing Algorithm

All digital phased arrays generate multiple beams concurrently through the digital beam forming technique, which features digital processing with multiple identical receiving/transmitting channels in RF or microwave frequencies. However, the performance of this process strongly depends on accurately matching the amplitude and phase of the channels, as mismatching is likely to degrade radar performance. In this paper, we present a method to calibrate receiving array by using NCO phase increasing algorithm, which simplifies array system by removing the external far-field calibration signals often needed in array systems. Both analysis and simulation results suggest that the proposed method attains better calibration performance than existing approaches, even with a low SNR input signal. Experiments also varify that the proposed calibration method is effective and achieves a desired radiation pattern. We can further boost calibration accuracy and reduce calibration time by programming NCO phase width and NCO phase resolution.

PENGARUH KUAT ARUS PADA PENGELASAN PADUAN ALUMINIUM 6061 DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE LAS TIG TERHADAP KEKERASAN DAN STRUKTUR MIKRO

&lt;em&gt;The objective of research was to find out the effect of current on microstructure and hardness value in Aluminium Alloy 6061 before (raw material) and after welding using Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding method with filler rod ER4043. This research uses experiment methods. Technique of analyzing data used was a descriptive comparative research. The instruments used for testing microstructure and hardness were Olympus Metallurgical Microscope and Vikers Hardness Tester. Base on the result of research, it could be concluded that the result of microstructure testing showed the reduced Mg&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;Si phase width after welding. In raw material, the Mg&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;Si phase seemed to diffuse surrounding the α-Al phase surface, but the result of welding using TIG welding method with current of I00 A, 110 A, and 115A showed that Mg&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;Si phase reduced in each specimen, so that α-Al phase was very dominant. The hardness value of hardness result showed the different hardness level. The specimen with current of 110A had higher hardness level of 65.4 VHN than the specimen with current of 100 A (55.7 VHN) and 115 A (55.9 VHN). The result of hardness testing on raw material was 120.4 VHN. This research showed that the welding using varying current changed microstructure and affected the hardness value of Aluminum Alloy 6061.&lt;/em&gt;

Zn‐rich Zincides of the Ternary System Ca–Mg–Zn: Synthesis, Crystal structure, Chemical Bonding

In the course of a study on the role of magnesium in polar zincides of the heavier alkaline‐earth elements, three intermetallic phases of the ternary system Ca–Mg–Zn were synthesized from melts of the elements and their structures were determined by means of single‐crystal X‐ray data. Starting from the binary zincide CaZn11, the phase width of the BaCd11‐type structure reaches up to the fully ordered stoichiometric compound CaMgZn10 [tI48, space group I41/amd, a = 1082.66(6), c = 688.95(5) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0239]. The new compound CaMgZn5 (oP28, space group Pnma, a = 867.48(3), b = 530.37(5), c = 1104.45(9) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0385) crystallizes in the CeCu6‐type structure, exhibits no Mg/Zn phase width and has no binary border equivalent in the system Ca–Mg–Zn. Similar to the situation in CaMgZn10, one M position of the aristotype has a slightly larger coordination sphere (CN = 14) and is accordingly occupied by the larger Mg atoms. The third phase, Ca2+xMg6–x–yZn15+y (hP92, space group P63/mmc, a = 1476.00(5), c = 881.01(4) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0399 for Ca2.67Mg5.18Zn15.15) forms the hexagonal Sm3Mg13Zn30‐type structure also known as μ‐MgZnRE or S phase. A small phase width (x = 0–0.67; y = 0–0.58) is due to the slightly variable Ca or Zn content of the two Mg positions. The structure is described as an intergrowth of the hexagonal MgZn2 Laves phase and the CaZn2 structure (KHg2‐type). All compounds exhibit strong Zn–Zn and polar Mg–Zn covalent bonds, which are visible in the calculated electron density maps. Their structures are thus herein described using the full space tilings of [Zn4] and [MgZn3] tetrahedra, which are fused to polyanions consisting of tetrahedra stars, icosahedra segments etc. and the large (CN = 18–22) Ca cation coordination polyhedra. Pseudo bandgaps apparent in the tDOS are compatible with the narrow v.e./M ranges observed for other isotypic members of the three structure types.

Adaptive morphoanatomy and ecophysiology of Billbergia euphemiae, a hemiepiphyte Bromeliaceae

Abstract Habitats under distinct selective pressures exert adaptative pressures that can lead individuals of the same species to present different life strategies for their survival. The aim of this study was to analyse morphoanatomical and physiological traits for identification of adaptive ecological strategies related to both terrestrial and epiphytic life phases of Billbergia euphemiae. It was verified that B. euphemiae showed lower height, as well smaller length, width and foliar area in epiphytic phase than in terrestrial phase. Concerning to foliar anatomy, the thicknesses of leaf and water-storage parenchyma were higher in terrestrial phase, as densities of stomata and scales on the abaxial surface were higher in epiphytic phase. About the contents of photosynthetic pigments, only chlorophyll a/b ratio showed differences between life phases. In both habits, plants exhibited roots with absorption hair. In epiphytic phase, roots exhibited higher velamen thickness, smaller outer cortex, higher number of inner cortex cell layers and higher number of protoxylem poles. Thus, B. euphemiae individuals in epiphytic exhibited lots of traits related to water retention, once these plants are not into the ground. Besides, the plasticity observed may contribute for survival of this group in habitats submitted to modifications (e.g., climate change and other variations caused by human interference).

Influence of dual-tasking on straight ahead and curved walking in older adults

Walking is not an automatic movement task but requires continuous attention resources. While walking and undertaking an additional task (dual tasking), gait changes occur which are associated with falls in older adults. To date, the evaluation of gait characteristics under dual task conditions is typically performed during walking straight ahead (SW); however, everyday life also requires more complex walking maneuvers such as walking in a curve (CW). Complex walking maneuvers may require higher attentional resources and thus might have agreater impact on the gait under dual task conditions. The aim was to compare the gait characteristics under dual task conditions during SW and CW. In 30community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 71.6 ± 6.6years) gait parameters including single leg support phase, velocity, cadence, step length and width were measured by electronic gait analysis (GAITRite®, CIR Systems Inc., Franklin, New Jersey, USA) during SW and CW under single and dual task conditions. For each gait parameter the relative change from single to dual task condition was calculated as dual task costs (DTC) and compared using paired t‑tests. For the single leg support phase, velocity, cadence and step width, descriptive results showed increased DTC during CW (2.08-23.74%) as compared to SW (1.39-12.90%). For cadence (DTC: SW 6.81 ± 12.58%, CW 10.54 ± 13.46%, p = 0.026) and step width (DTC: SW -12.90 ± 18.01%, CW -23.74 ± 56.37%, p = 0.004) the differences were statistically significant. The relative decline in gait performance under dual task conditions is greater during CW than during SW. The results suggest that CW requires greater attentional resources as compared to SW. In turn, the risk of falling might be increased during CW under dual task conditions. The present findings may contribute to the development of new, ecologically valid assessment and training strategies taking complex walking maneuvers into account.

Temperature Dependent n‐Type Self Doping in Nominally 19‐Electron Half‐Heusler Thermoelectric Materials

AbstractThe discovery of a semiconducting ground state XyYZ (y = 0.8 or 0.75) in nominally 19‐electron half‐Heusler materials warrants a closer look at their apparently metallic properties that often make them good thermoelectric (TE) materials. By systematically investigating the temperature dependence of off‐stoichiometry (x) in V0.8+xCoSb, Nb0.8+xCoSb, and Ti0.75+xNiSb it is found that x invariably increases with increasing temperature, leading to an n‐type self‐doping behavior. In addition, there is also a large phase width (range of x) associated with each phase that is temperature dependent. Thus, unlike in typical 18‐electron half‐Heuslers (e,g, TiNiSn), the temperature dependence of vacancy and carrier concentration (n) in nominally 19‐electron half‐Heuslers links its transport properties to synthesis conditions. The temperature dependence of x and n are understood using density functional theory based defect energies (Ed) and phase diagrams. Ed are calculated for 21 systems which can be used in predicting solubility in this family of compounds. Using this simple strategy, suitable composition and temperature synthesis conditions are devised for obtaining an optimized n to engineer TE properties in phase‐pure V0.8+xCoSb, and the previously unexplored Ta0.8+xCoSb.

Development process of micropores partial discharge of silicon rubber in prefabricated cable joint

Abstract To clarify the relationship between microporous defects and the development of partial discharge(PD) in silicone rubber, meanwhile evaluate insulation state of the prefabricated power cable joints quantitatively, the microporous defect is made based on real power cable joint, and PD signals are measured by step test method with the development of the defect. The discharge number, total energy and average energy of PD is gained to calculate the curves changed over time, based on which the breakdown process is divided into 4 stages, then phased spectra and grayscale maps are calculated for reflection of PD repetition rate and average energy in phase domain. Phase width, skewness of spectrum and coefficient of variation of parameter are employed to indicate the spectra statistical shape feature in each stage. The study indicates that the shape features of spectra are changed during the development of defect, the 3 features parameters are monotonously changed, and the changing rate is significantly higher at the end of the breakdown process. Evaluation method for micropores PD of silicon rubber is proposed based on the analysis of the parameters and the trend of PDs development.

Exploration of Induced Blue Phases and Orthogonal Smectic Batonnets in Hydrogen-Bonded Ferroelectric Nanoliquid Crystalline Complexes for Optoelectronic Devices

A novel blue phase hydrogen-bonded ferroelectric liquid crystal (HBFLC) series has been synthesized from cholesteryl stearate (CHS) and p-n-alkyloxybenzoic acid (nOBA, where n = 2 to12). Blue phase (BP) liquid crystalline complex is a high potent material for next-generation optoelectronic devices. The structural, optical, and thermal properties of present HBFLC complexes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), polarizing optical microscope (POM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The band gap energy of the present HBFLC complex (4.6 eV) is estimated by UV-Visible spectrometer. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies which confirm the monoclinic nature and morphology of the present complex. Phase diagram of the present CHS + nOBA is constructed from DSC data and the same is discussed. The lower homologous of CHS + nOBA HBFLC (n = 2 to 6) complex shows BPsm1, BPsm2, BPsm3 while higher homologous (n = 7 to 12) exhibiting orthogonal smectic A* (SmA*) character with blue phases. A noteworthy observation is that the identification of extended thermal span of smectic blue phases and induced SmA* phase in the present HBFLCs. Another important observation is that the widest BP range is reported in the present hydrogen-bonded ferroelectric nanoliquid crystalline (HBFNLC) complex which is more suitable for photonic devices. In addition, LC parameters such as, phase width, thermal stability factor, phase transition temperature with enthalpy value, and the origination of orthogonal phases in CHS + nOBA HBFLC complex is also reported.

Elastic Behavior of Nanophases in Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/Bamboo Charcoal (BC) Nanocomposite Films

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films reinforced with bamboo charcoal nanoparticles were successfully fabricated via solution casting and their nanomechanical properties in terms of material phases were determined by a peak force quantitative nanomechanical tapping mode (PFQNM). Our experimental results revealed that the elastic modulus of PVA semicrystalline phase in stack-bundle form was 24± 4.2 GPa with the semicrystalline phase width being 20-76 nm, as opposed to 11.4± 3.1 GPa and 18-65 nm for corresponding PVA amorphous phase accordingly. The incorporation of bamboo charcoal (BC) nanoparticles enhanced the elastic moduli of both crystalline and amorphous phases of PVA by ~51% and ~100%, respectively. Moreover, the phase width was decreased to be in range of 5-53 nm for crystalline phase and 4-35 nm for amorphous phase.

Multi-layer structure of the diffusion zone of the AL-NI system

The diffusion zone of Al-Ni system has been studied using the contact melting method. The microstructure and element composition in cross section of samples have been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis (SEM-EPMA). The multilayer structure of intermetallics of Al- Ni system has been formed after isothermal treatment in range of 1000-1300 °С. Due to interaction between Al and Ni the width of diffusion zone is growing along with duration of isothermal treatment. Few layers having different phase compositions and widths are formed in contact zone depending on established concentration of metals. Each of the observed layers has its own clear boundaries and structure pattern. Four compounds with the variable compositions Al51Ni49, Al36Ni64, Al30Ni70 and Al32Ni68 have been revealed at 1000-1300°С due to comparison of element distribution in the depth of diffusion zone with its microstructure. The layers are seemed as homogenous and having more smooth boundaries from Ni side. Meanwhile from Al side the layer structure acquires the island-type form, and boundaries become more irregular with dendrite appearance. The intermetallic compounds have been obtained at various temperatures; they correspond pre-established phases with registered compositions (daltonides): Al3Ni, Аl3Ni2, ΑΙNi(β), ΑlNi3(α’), Аl3Ni5. The agglomerates of pores and cracks could be caused by stresses between the layers are detected. The formation of pores in case of the developed layer microstructure is related to Frenkel effect.

Theoretical and experimental studies on optically tunable hydrogen bonded liquid crystal complex derived from mesogenic and non-mesogenic aromatic compound

A novel hydrogen bonded liquid crystal (HBLC) complex is synthesized from non-mesogenic benzylmalonic acid (BMA) and mesogenic 4-nonyloxybenzoic acid (9OBA). Structural properties and optimized vibrational frequencies of BMA + 9OBA have been studied by FT-IR spectrum. The weak intermolecular interaction between the molecules is proved by NBO and Mulliken charge distribution analysis. The optical and thermal properties are investigated by POM, DSC, UV-Visible and PL techniques. The present HBLC complex exhibits schlieren textures of nematic, broken focal conic texture of smectic C and multicolored mosaic texture of smectic G phases respectively which is not observed in the pure mesogen (9OBA). The HBLC complex geometry is optimized by DFT method at the level of B3LYP basis set 6311G (d, p). The electronic properties of HBLC complex such as, NBO, HOMO-LUMO, ESP and Mulliken charge distribution are also studied. A noteworthy observation is brought out by identifying the presence of photoluminescence in nematic phase due to the variation in intermolecular interaction of the mesophase. The utility of the same complex is discussed. The phase width, thermal stability factor, tilt angle, phase transition temperature and its enthalpy values are reported.

Unexpected finite size effects in interfacial systems: Why bigger is not always better-Increase in uncertainty of surface tension with bulk phase width.

We present an unexpected finite size effect affecting interfacial molecular simulations that is proportional to the width-to-surface-area ratio of the bulk phase Ll/A. This finite size effect has a significant impact on the variance of surface tension values calculated using the virial summation method. A theoretical derivation of the origin of the effect is proposed, giving a new insight into the importance of optimising system dimensions in interfacial simulations. We demonstrate the consequences of this finite size effect via a new way to estimate the surface energetic and entropic properties of simulated air-liquid interfaces. Our method is based on macroscopic thermodynamic theory and involves comparing the internal energies of systems with varying dimensions. We present the testing of these methods using simulations of the TIP4P/2005 water forcefield and a Lennard-Jones fluid model of argon. Finally, we provide suggestions of additional situations, in which this finite size effect is expected to be significant, as well as possible ways to avoid its impact.

Novel Neurostimulation of Autonomic Pelvic Nerves Overcomes Bladder-Sphincter Dyssynergia.

The disruption of coordination between smooth muscle contraction in the bladder and the relaxation of the external urethral sphincter (EUS) striated muscle is a common issue in dysfunctional bladders. It is a significant challenge to overcome for neuromodulation approaches to restore bladder control. Bladder-sphincter dyssynergia leads to undesirably high bladder pressures, and poor voiding outcomes, which can pose life-threatening secondary complications. Mixed pelvic nerves are potential peripheral targets for stimulation to treat dysfunctional bladders, but typical electrical stimulation of pelvic nerves activates both the parasympathetic efferent pathway to excite the bladder, as well as the sensory afferent pathway that causes unwanted sphincter contractions. Thus, a novel pelvic nerve stimulation paradigm is required. In anesthetized female rats, we combined a low frequency (10 Hz) stimulation to evoke bladder contraction, and a more proximal 20 kHz stimulation of the pelvic nerve to block afferent activation, in order to produce micturition with reduced bladder-sphincter dyssynergia. Increasing the phase width of low frequency stimulation from 150 to 300 μs alone was able to improve voiding outcome significantly. However, low frequency stimulation of pelvic nerves alone evoked short latency (19.9–20.5 ms) dyssynergic EUS responses, which were abolished with a non-reversible proximal central pelvic nerve cut. We demonstrated that a proximal 20 kHz stimulation of pelvic nerves generated brief onset effects at lower current amplitudes, and was able to either partially or fully block the short latency EUS responses depending on the ratio of the blocking to stimulation current. Our results indicate that ratios >10 increased the efficacy of blocking EUS contractions. Importantly, we also demonstrated for the first time that this combined low and high frequency stimulation approach produced graded control of the bladder, while reversibly blocking afferent signals that elicited dyssynergic EUS contractions, thus improving voiding by 40.5 ± 12.3%. Our findings support advancing pelvic nerves as a suitable neuromodulation target for treating bladder dysfunction, and demonstrate the feasibility of an alternative method to non-reversible nerve transection and sub-optimal intermittent stimulation methods to reduce dyssynergia.

Study of electromagnetic solitons excited by different profile pulses

In the present paper, we see the effect of shapes of perturbing pulses on the evolution of electromagnetic solitons in a plasma having nonrelativistic ions and electrons. For this, we make use of IMEX scheme in our simulations, which is an invariant scheme for the two-fluid plasma flow equations. In particular, the impact of ion-to-electron mass ratio, electron-to-ion temperature ratio and the width of perturbing pulse is examined on the phase velocity, peak amplitude and width of the solitons.