A theoretical treatment of void electromigration in the strip geometry

The void electromigration process in the strip geometry is investigated analytically and numerically. The void is assumed to travel either along the axis of symmetry of the metal strip or at the boundary. In each case, the shape, the velocity of the void and the characteristic electrical current are predicted.     

Spinodal clustering induced dewetting and non-monotonic stabilization of polymer blend films at high nanofiller concentrations

We examine the effects of high fullerene nanoparticle (f-NP) concentrations, ?_f-NP ∼ (10–20) mass% on polystyrene (PS)/polybutadiene (PB) blend thin film stability. Dewetting of the polymer blend around spinodally clustered f-NPs in this high concentration limit leads to a spinodal like dewetting morphology. This is in contrast to our previously observed results on the stabilization effects of f-NPs on PS/PB blend thin films in the intermediate f-NP concentration range of 7–10 mass%, wherein, after saturating the polymer–blend interface, the NPs stabilize the film by segregating to the blend–substrate interface. We determine three regimes of polymer blend film stability as a function of filler concentration: a) ?_f-NP < 7 mass% where preferential segregation of the f-NPs to the polymer–polymer interface leads to macroscopic dewetting, b) ?_f-NP ∼ (7–10) mass% where PS/PB blend films exhibit complete film stability, and c) ?_f-NP ∼ (11–20) mass%, where spinodal clustering of the f-NPs gives rise to polymer–NP phase exclusion and subsequent dewetting.     

Synthesis and characterization of olivine LiNiPO4 for aqueous rechargeable battery

LiNiPO₄ belongs to a family of olivine type compounds, with members LiMPO₄ where M = Fe, Mn, Co or Ni are transition metals. The lithium nickel phosphate was prepared and characterized in order to evaluate a new potential cathode material for our ongoing research in aqueous rechargeable batteries. Annealing the final product is critical in obtaining the stoichiometric LiNiPO₄ pure phase; conventional cooling to a room temperature leads to an indication of Li₃PO₄ and NiO secondary phases as impurities. The synchrotron infrared radiation (SR-IR) as a source for IR spectroscopy pins down the differences in the chemical bonding for annealed and conventional cooled LiNiPO₄ samples. The cyclic voltammetric and galvanostatic studies showed annealed LiNiPO₄ is electrochemically active from which lithium ions can be de-intercalated during oxidation process leading to an amorphous NiPO₄ and a minor product of nickel(II) hydroxide (β-NiOOH). During subsequent reduction, lithium ions are not fully intercalated, however, the structure is reversible and adequate for multiple cycles. The high potential in LiNiPO₄ looks to be very attractive in terms of high energy density, given the efficiency is improved.     

Improvements in partner support predict sexual satisfaction among individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Purpose: Sexual dysfunction and low sexual satisfaction are common among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, little is known about factors that influence sexual satisfaction within this population. As such, the purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which changes in negative and positive partner support predict sexual satisfaction levels over time in individuals with MS. Design: Eighty-one individuals with MS completed measures of sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, partner social support, and depression. Data from baseline and posttreatment follow-up were obtained from a larger randomized clinical trial of telephone-administered psychotherapy for depression in a population with MS. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with change in overall sexual satisfaction from baseline to posttreatment as the outcome variable. Results: After controlling for age, gender, sexual dysfunction, years diagnosed with MS, and depression severity, those with increased positive partner support reported significant improvement in sexual satisfaction over time (β = .50, p     

Software radios for airborne platforms

Defense contributions to the Programmable Modular Communications System (PMCS) Integrated Product Team (IPT) included designs for an RF module based on software radio configurations useful in airborne systems. Several configurations were examined, analyzers were consolidated, and concepts of operation (CONOPS) were evaluated. Geographic separation of platforms and on-board separation of radio modules have consequences for the remote control of reconfigurable radios. This paper identifies organizational roles in software radio development, characterizes the need for software radios in airborne applications, and highlights those configurations found to be attractive. The methodology, CONOPS, and conclusions are summarized     

HPLC separation,NMR and QTOF/MS/MS structure elucidation of a prominent nitric oxide donor agent based on an isomeric composition of a nitrosyl ruthenium complex

A new and promising nitrosyl ruthenium complex, [Ru(NO)(bdqi-COOH)(terpy)](PF₆)₃, bdqi-COOH is 3,4-diiminebenzoic acid and terpy is 2,2′-terpyridine, has been synthesized as a NO donor agent. The procedure used for [Ru(NO)(bdqi-COOH)(terpy)](PF₆)₃ synthesis has, apparently, yielded the formation of two isomers in which the ligand bdqi-COOH appears to be coordinated in its reduced form (bdcat-COOH), which could have differences in their pharmacological properties. Therefore, it was intended to separate the two possible isomers by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and to characterize them by high resolution mass spectrometry (QTOF MS) and by magnetic nuclear resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The results obtained by MS showed that the ESI-MS mass spectra of both HPLC column fractions, e.g. peak 1 and peak 2, are essentially equal, showing that both isomers display nearly identical gas-phase behavior with clusters of isotopologue ions centered at m/z 573, m/z 543 and m/z 513. Regarding the NMR analysis, the results showed that the positional isomerism is located in the bdqi-COOH ligand. From the observed results it can be concluded that the synthesis procedure that has been used results in the formation of two [Ru(terpy)(bdqi-COOH)NO](PF₆)₃ isomers.