The effect of biphasic waveform tilt in transvenous atrial defibrillation

Atrial defibrillation can be accomplished using low energy shocks and transvenous catheters. The biphasic waveform tilt required to achieve optimal atrial defibrillation thresholds (ADFTs) is, however, not known. The effect of single capacitor biphasic waveform tilt modification on ADFT was assessed in 20 patients. Following AF induction the defibrillation pulses were delivered between the catheters positioned in the coronary sinus and the right atrium. The single capacitor biphasic waveform shocks, delivered over the same pathways, consisted of 65% tilt (65/65 biphasic waveform) to produce an overall tilt of 88%, or 50% tilt (50/50 biphasic waveform) to produce an overall tilt of 75%. Although 65/65 biphasic waveform delivers more energy, the shorter duration 50/50 biphasic waveform reduced stored energy ADFT 21%, from 1.34 +/- 0.82 J with 65/65 biphasic to 1.06 +/- 0.81 J. These differences were not statistically significant. Nine patients had lower ADFT with 50/50 biphasic waveform while five patients had lower ADFT with 65/65 biphasic waveform. Equivalent reduction in ADFT was seen in the remaining six patients. The ADFT was 0.83 +/- 0.65 J when both tilts were considered. In conclusion, biphasic waveform tilt modification may affect the ADFT in an individual patient. The optimal biphasic waveform for ADFT is not known.     

Experiences in engineering flexible Web services

The life-cycle of a World Wide Web service includes analysis, design, implementation and maintenance stages. Our experiences in building and maintaining the annual Vienna International Festival's Web site have led us to create engineering tools that cover all these phases     

Potentials of NOX emission reduction methods in SI hydrogen engines: Simulation study

The ever increasing cost of hydrocarbon fuels and more stringent emission standards may resolve challenges in producing hydrogen and using it as an alternative fuel in industries. Internal combustion engines are well-established technology and hydrogen fuel in such engines is considered as an attractive choice in exploiting clean, efficient and renewable hydrogen energy.     

Separable identification of nonlinear aggregate power system loads

An identification algorithm for a power system load model is proposed in this paper. The overall non-convex identification problem is separated into convex and non-convex subproblems, allowing for a global optimum to be found.     

Promotion of active nickel catalysts in methane dry reforming reaction by aluminum addition

Mixed LaNi_xAl_1−xO₃perovskite oxides have been prepared by a sol–gel related method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) shows the possibility to obtain a solid solution of LaNi_xAl_1−xO₃ (0.1x0.9) with propionic acid as solvent. These systems are highly efficient catalysts for syngas production in dry reforming of methane.