Search

In this work, we present a physical model that links fundamental theory of electron kinetics on weakly ionized gases to direct measurements of induced pulsed signals in a Resistive Plate Chamber. It is also presented preliminary measurements of electron transport parameters in nitrogen obtained for reduced electric fields ranging from 129 Td up to 216 Td. These parameters were indirectly determined by fitting the proposed model to the time dependent pulse current induced on the parallel plate chamber electrodes by an electron avalanche triggered near the cathode by a N2 laser pulse. Experimental results are compared with previous measurements, Monte Carlo simulation results from Magboltz and results from classical two-term expansion Boltzmann equation solution from Bolsig+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is known to play a relevant role in growth and development; it has stimulatory effects on in vitro and in vivo bone formation and an inhibitory effect on in vitro osteoclastic bone resorption. The inorganic component of the bone tissue is nonstoichiometric apatite; changes in the composition of hidroxyapatite are subject of studies in order to improve the tissue response after implantation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 0.5% zinc-containing hydroxyapatite in comparison to hydroxyapatite on osseous repair of rabbit’s tibia. Cylinders (2×6 mm) of both materials were produced according to the specification of the International Organization for Standardization. Ethics Commission on Teaching and Research in Animals approved this project (HUAP-195/06). Fifteen White New Zealand rabbits were submitted to general anesthesia and two perforations (2 mm) were made in each tibia for implantation of zinc-containing hydroxyapatite cylinders (left tibia) and hydroxyapatite cylinders (right tibia). After 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the animals were killed and one fragment of each tibia with the cylinder was collected and embedded in a methacrylate-based resin and cut into slices (∼200 μm thickness), parallel to the implant’s long axis with a precision diamond saw for Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Microfluorescence investigation. The accomplishment of the standard procedures helped the planning, execution and the comparative analysis of the results. The chemical and physical properties of the biomaterials were modified after its implantation and the incorporation of zinc. Both materials are biocompatible and promote osteoconduction and favored bone repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate manufacturing techniques used in prehistoric Brazilian pottery from Acre state and Araruama, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, using Neutron and X-Ray Radiography. For the neutrongraphy different fragments of pottery were submitted to a neutron flux of the order of 105n.cm-2.s-1 for 3 minutes at the Argonauta research reactor of the Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear (IEN)/CNEN. Digital processing techniques using imaging plate were applied to process the image of the selected sample. For the radiography the sample were exposed to an X-Rays in the Feinfocus Model FX100 and the image was obtained by Flat Panel GE IT Model DXR 250V at the Laboratório de Instrumentação Nuclear (LIN) - COPPE/UFRJ. The Neutrongraphy and radiography shows two different manufacturing details: palette and rollers and the microtomography shows cavities in the clay body and different temper applied in the pottery production. The preliminary results shows promising techniques applied for the pottery manufacturing information and as complement for better understanding the ceramics classification and precedence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we present the electronic band structures, and the spin-polarized charge concentrations of selected AlAs/(InGaAs/Ga1-xMnx As) × n/AlAs and AlAs/ (GaAs/InGa1-xMnx As) × n/AlAs systems. The exchange-correlation, the split-off strain and the polarization effects are taken into account in a six-band Luttinger-Kohn (LK) model, solved self-consistently with the Poisson equation. Even for a small In content, the strain effects are shown to be important in order to maximize the heavy hole charge distribution, facilitating the spin polarization separation. From the results one can determine a set of parameters that maximize the presence of polarized charge distributions in the non-magnetic layers, enhancing the mobility of the carriers in the system. © 2005 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]