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Appropriate treatment of mass‐produced degraded batteries is desired to alleviate resource waste and environmental pollution caused by direct disposal. However, current technologies, which aim to recycle high‐value components from degraded batteries to refabricate new batteries, suffer from complex destruction‐refabrication processes and massive energy/resource inputs. Here it is found that without disassembling the degraded battery, the lost capacity is rejuvenated to its pristine state by simply applying electrical activation at a controlled voltage. It is shown that repeated application of electrical activation regenerates 22 life cycles for zinc‐ion batteries, increasing the total discharge energy by 78 times. The capacity rejuvenation by electrical activation originates from the transformation of redox‐inert Zn‐Mn‐O by‐products on the degraded cathode to redox‐active Mn‐O nanoribbons, which recovers diffusion kinetics of Zn2+/H+ charge carriers. Simultaneously, the dendrites on the degraded anode are flattened to prevent short circuits while maintaining the electrolyte integrity. The electrical activation strategy is extendable to other batteries, such as lithium batteries, promising tremendous economic and environmental benefits. Besides, electrical activation rejuvenates implanted batteries to avoid the pain and hazards of replacing degraded batteries with conventional surgeries. This work presents a general and commercially viable route to treat degraded batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low oxidation level and immunosuppressive microenvironment within hypoxic tumor tissue are critical factors contributing to the inefficacy of various anti-tumor strategies. Herein, we have designed a novel intravenous injection nanoplatform to conduct electro-immunotherapy, based on phospholipid-modified Pt Pd nanocrystals loaded with the immunoregulator IPI549 (LP@Pt-Pd@IPI549 nanoparticles, LPPI). LPPI responds to reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering a cascade of therapeutic effects that overcome hypoxia-related resistance and effectively eradicate hypoxic tumors. Firstly, under electric field exposure, LPPI relied on water rather than oxygen to generate abundant ROS under hypoxic conditions for tumor electrodynamic therapy (EDT). Moreover, the generated ROS further induced the disintegration of the outer phospholipid membrane of LPPI, leading to the release of the immunoregulator and inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), triggering cascade immune responses. Additionally, the immunomodulatory effects of IPI549, in synergy with the immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by EDT, reversed the immunosuppressive microenvironment contributing to tumor resistance. In summary, EDT transiently killed tumor cells while simultaneously generating antigen release, instigating an adaptive immune response for electro-immunotherapy, resulting in a potent and long-lasting tumor inhibition effect. [Display omitted] • LPPI mediated electro-driven ROS production in hypoxic TME via O 2 -independent EDT. • PI3Kγ inhibitor released from ROS-triggered LPPI initiated cascade immune responses. • The MDSCs suppression and EDT synergistically performed electro-immunotherapy effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemically activated water has a high physicochemical and biological activity. It interacts with food ingredients and affects the baking process in a different way than untreated water. The research objective was to study the effect of the anodic and cathodic fractions of electrochemically activated water on the quality indicators of wheat flour, dough, and bread. The study featured electrochemically activated water fractions, wheat flour, yeast, dough, and wheat bread. It employed standard physicochemical and organoleptic methods of analysis to study the redox potential and pH of electrochemically activated water during relaxation. The indicators returned to the initial level, but they changed significantly after 72 h. The experiment included the quantity and quality of gluten, extensibility and hydration, water-retaining capacity of flour, yeast fermentation, titratable acidity, dough fermentation rate, and the quality of finished products. The anolyte did not change the quality of gluten but decreased its amount by 2.0–3.7%, probably due to a weaker protein hydration. As for the effect of catholyte on the quality of gluten, the bonds between proteins became stronger in weak as the measurement of gluten deformation index decreased by 11.3%; they relaxed in stronger as the measurement of gluten deformation index increased by 20%. Catholyte increased the water-retaining capacity of weak flour by 11.7% and that of resistant gluten – by 5.3%. It also activated yeast cells. The samples of bread cooked on catholyte had a greater specific volume by 3.7–5.4% and porosity – by 2.3–4.6%, compared to the samples cooked on anolyte. The research also included a comparative analysis of the shape of the hearth bread samples. It confirmed that the catholyte strengthened the dough when the flour was weak and relaxed it when resistant gluten was used. The research revealed some patterns regarding the effect of electrochemically activated water fractions on the amount and properties of gluten, water-retaining capacity of flour, yeast activity, and bread quality indicators. The results can be used to correct the properties of dough from low-quality flour, as well as for reagent-free control of the properties and behavior of food and biological raw materials.

Vanadium-based oxides hold immense promise as cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs); however, their practical implementation faces a significant hurdle: a prolonged activation period is typically required to achieve peak performance. This activation process, which often requires hundreds of cycles, arises from the complex behavior of mixed-valence vanadium systems. In this paper, we propose a solution based on an elegant and simple electrical activation strategy. By applying a carefully designed precycling charging protocol to NH 4 + -intercalated vanadium oxide (VON), we achieved activation speeds, reaching peak capacity within just several to 25 cycles-even under high current densities. The electrochemically activated material (E-VON) demonstrates performance metrics: delivering a high specific capacity of 359.1 mAh g -1 at 0.1 A g -1 , maintaining a rate capability of 155.5 mAh g -1 , and showing cycling stability. The electrical activation process enhances ion transport within the VON structure and triggers a Zn -1 , and showing cycling stability. The electrical activation process enhances ion transport within the VON structure and triggers a Zn 2+ /H + coinsertion mechanism during cycling. This mechanism is intricately linked to the reversible formation and dissolution of a basic zinc sulfonate by-product, offering new insights into charge storage processes within vanadium-based AZIB cathodes. Our comprehensive characterization revealed how this activation strategy fundamentally transforms the structure and electrochemical behavior of materials, providing a practical pathway to overcome the longstanding limitations of traditional vanadium oxide cathodes. This study focuses on rapidly activating cathode materials, advancing the development of high-performance AZIBs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Calculating the reference values for jitter parameters utilizing a disposable concentric needle have been already done for the most often tested muscles. Jitter, expressed as the mean consecutive difference (MCD), was measured in the Tibialis Anterior (TA), not routinely tested muscle. Jitter measurement was taken using the intramuscularmicroaxonal stimulation technique in 32 healthy subjects. The mean MCD and the mean MCD of the 27th value from the 32 subjects had a normal distribution and were 19.79 ± 2.72 µs and 26.88 ± 3.56 µs, respectively. The suggested limit for the mean MCD is = 26 µs and for the individual values is > 34 µs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calculating the reference values for jitter parameters utilizing a disposable concentric needle have been already done for the most often tested muscles. Jitter, expressed as the mean consecutive difference (MCD), was measured in the Tibialis Anterior (TA), not routinely tested muscle. Jitter measurement was taken using the intramuscular microaxonal stimulation technique in 32 healthy subjects. The mean MCD and the mean MCD of the 27th value from the 32 subjects had a normal distribution and were 19.79 ± 2.72 μs and 26.88 ± 3.56 μs, respectively. The suggested limit for the mean MCD is ≥ 26 μs and for the individual values is > 34 μs.

The segment of the latest mechanical contraction (LMC) does not always overlap with the site of the latest electrical activation (LEA). By integrating both mechanical and electrical dyssynchrony, this proof-of-concept study aimed to propose a new method for recommending left ventricular (LV) lead placements, with the goal of enhancing response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The LMC segment was determined by single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI) phase analysis. The LEA site was detected by vectorcardiogram. The recommended segments for LV lead placement were as follows: (1) the LMC viable segments that overlapped with the LEA site; (2) the LMC viable segments adjacent to the LEA site; (3) If no segment met either of the above, the LV lateral wall was recommended. The response was defined as ≥15% reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) 6-months after CRT. Patients with LV lead located in the recommended site were assigned to the recommended group, and those located in the non-recommended site were assigned to the non-recommended group. The cohort comprised of 76 patients, including 54 (71.1%) in the recommended group and 22 (28.9%) in the non-recommended group. Among the recommended group, 74.1% of the patients responded to CRT, while 36.4% in the non-recommended group were responders (P =.002). Compared to pacing at the non-recommended segments, pacing at the recommended segments showed an independent association with an increased response by univariate and multivariable analysis (odds ratio 5.00, 95% confidence interval 1.73-14.44, P =.003 ; odds ratio 7.33, 95% confidence interval 1.53-35.14, P =.013). Kaplan–Meier curves showed that pacing at the recommended LV lead position demonstrated a better long-term prognosis. Our findings indicate that pacing at the recommended segments, by integrating of mechanical and electrical dyssynchrony, is significantly associated with an improved CRT response and better long-term prognosis. • The latest mechanical contraction (LMC) segment could be detected by SPECT MPI phase analysis. • The latest electrical activation (LEA) site could be detected by vectorcardiogram. • The LMC segment does not always overlap with LEA site. • Combing LMC segment and LEA site to recommended LV lead placement could improve CRT response and long-term prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the jitter parameters (single-fiber electromyography) in myasthenia gravis patients mostly by electrical activation in Frontalis, Orbicularis Oculi, and Extensor Digitorum muscles using a concentric needle electrode.Methods: Between 2009 and 2019, a total of 97 myasthenia gravis patients, 52 male, and mean age 54 years were included.Results: Any abnormal jitter parameter in individual muscles was 90.5% (Frontalis), 88.5% (Orbicularis Oculi), and 86.6% (Extensor Digitorum). Any jitter parameter combining Orbicularis Oculi and Frontalis muscle was abnormal in 100% for the ocular, and in 92.9% for the generalized myasthenia gravis. The most abnormal muscle was Orbicularis Oculi for the generalized, and Frontalis for the ocular myasthenia gravis. The decrement was abnormal in 78.4%, 85.9% for the generalized, and 25% for the ocular myasthenia gravis. The mean jitter ranged from 14.2 to 86 μs (mean 33.3 μs) for the ocular myasthenia gravis and from 14.4 to 220.4 μs (mean 66.3 μs) for the generalized myasthenia gravis. The antibody titers tested positive in 86.6%, 91.8% for the generalized, and 50% for the ocular myasthenia gravis. Thymectomy was done in 48.5%, thymoma was found in 19.6%, and myasthenic crisis occurred by 21.6%.Conclusion: The jitter parameters achieved a 100% abnormality in ocular myasthenia gravis if both the Orbicularis Oculi and Frontalis muscles were tested. There was a high jitter abnormality in generalized myasthenia gravis cases with one muscle tested, with about a 2% increase in sensitivity when a second is added. Concentric needle electrode jitter had high sensitivity similar to the single fiber electrode (93.8%), followed by antibody titers (86.6%), and abnormal decrement (78.4%).

For the treatment of deafness or severe hearing loss cochlear implants (CI) are used to stimulate the auditory nerve of the inner ear. In order to produce an electrode array which is both atraumatic and reaches a perimodiolar final position a design featuring shape memory effect was proposed. A Nitinol wire with a diameter of 100 μm was integrated in a state of the art lateral wall electrode array. The wire serves as an actuator after it has been ‘trained’ to adopt the spiral shape of an average human cochlea. Three small diameter platinum-iridium wires (each 20 μm) were crimped to the Nitinol wire in order to produce thermal energy. An insertion test was pursued using a human temporal bone specimen. The prototype electrode array was cooled down by means of immersion in ice water and freeze spray to enable sufficient straightening. Thereafter, insertion into the cochlea through the round window as performed. Insertion was feasible but difficult as premature curling of the electrode occurred during the movement towards the inner ear while passing the middle ear cavity. Therefore, the insertion had to be performed faster than usual. The shape memory actuator was subsequently activated with 450mA current at 5V for 3 seconds. After insertion the specimen was embedded in epoxy resin, microgrinded and all histological slices were assessed for trauma. Perimodiolar position was achieved. No insertion trauma was observed and there were no indications of thermal damage caused by the electrical heating. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first histological evaluation of the insertion trauma caused by an electrically activated shape memory electrode array. These promising results support further research on shape memory CI electrode arrays.

Objectives: To estimate the jitter parameters (single-fiber electromyography) in myasthenia gravis patients mostly by electrical activation in Frontalis, Orbicularis Oculi , and Extensor Digitorum muscles using a concentric needle electrode. Methods: Between 2009 and 2019, a total of 97 myasthenia gravis patients, 52 male, and mean age 54 years were included. Results: Any abnormal jitter parameter in individual muscles was 90.5% (Frontalis), 88.5% (Orbicularis Oculi), and 86.6% (Extensor Digitorum). Any jitter parameter combining Orbicularis Oculi and Frontalis muscle was abnormal in 100% for the ocular, and in 92.9% for the generalized myasthenia gravis. The most abnormal muscle was Orbicularis Oculi for the generalized, and Frontalis for the ocular myasthenia gravis. The decrement was abnormal in 78.4%, 85.9% for the generalized, and 25% for the ocular myasthenia gravis. The mean jitter ranged from 14.2 to 86 μs (mean 33.3 μs) for the ocular myasthenia gravis and from 14.4 to 220.4 μs (mean 66.3 μs) for the generalized myasthenia gravis. The antibody titers tested positive in 86.6%, 91.8% for the generalized, and 50% for the ocular myasthenia gravis. Thymectomy was done in 48.5%, thymoma was found in 19.6%, and myasthenic crisis occurred by 21.6%. Conclusion: The jitter parameters achieved a 100% abnormality in ocular myasthenia gravis if both the Orbicularis Oculi and Frontalis muscles were tested. There was a high jitter abnormality in generalized myasthenia gravis cases with one muscle tested, with about a 2% increase in sensitivity when a second is added. Concentric needle electrode jitter had high sensitivity similar to the single fiber electrode (93.8%), followed by antibody titers (86.6%), and abnormal decrement (78.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews laboratory and operational studies on the electrical effect on motor oils to reduce friction and wear of interfaces, improve engine performance, and reduce fuel consumption. The authors describe tests on a TRB-S-DE tribometer and SMT-1 friction machine upon entry of zinc, tin, copper, aluminum, iron, and carbon electrodes into motor oil and application of a DC voltage up to 100 V. At the optimal electrode voltage, the friction coefficient decreases markedly, as does wear by up to 2.7–2.9 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the feasibility of noninvasive mapping of mechanical activation patterns in the left ventricular (LV) myocardium using high frame rate ultrasound imaging for the purpose of detecting conduction abnormalities. Five anesthetized, open-chest dogs with implanted combined sonomicrometry and electromyography (EMG) crystals were studied. The animals were paced from the specified locations of the heart, while crystal and ultrasound data were acquired. Isochrone maps of the mechanical activation patterns were generated from the ultrasound data using a novel signal processing method called clutter filter wave imaging (CFWI). The isochrone maps showed the same mechanical activation pattern as the sonomicrometry crystals in 90% of the cases. For electrical activation, the activation sequences from ultrasound were the same in 92% of the cases. The coefficient of determination between the activation delay measured with EMG and ultrasound was ${R} ^{{2}} = {0.79}$ , indicating a strong correlation. These results indicate that high frame rate ultrasound imaging processed with CFWI has the potential to be a valuable tool for mechanical activation detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work reports on the effect of high temperature annealing on the electrical properties of p-type implanted 4H-SiC. Ion implantations of Aluminum (Al) at different energies (30–200 keV) were carried out to achieve 300 nm thick acceptor box profiles with a concentration of about 1020 at/cm3. The implanted samples were annealed at high temperatures (1675–1825 °C). Morphological analyses of the annealed samples revealed only a slight increase of the surface roughness RMS up to 1775 °C, while this increase becomes more significant at 1825 °C (RMS = 1.2 nm). Room temperature Hall measurements resulted in a hole concentration in the range 0.65–1.34 × 1018/cm3 and mobility values in the order of 21–27 cm2 V−1 s−1. The temperature dependent electrical measurements allowed to estimate an activation energy of the Al-implanted specie of about 110 meV (for the post-implantation annealing at 1675 °C) and a fraction of active p-type Al-dopant ranging between 39% and 56%. The results give useful indications for the fabrication of 4H-SiC JBS and MOSFETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical devices for energy conversion and storage applications have little in common with conventional electrochemistry. A significant advantage is the conversion of chemical into electrical energy and vice-versa, minimizing the amount of waste heat. Upscaling power density to values reaching up to 1 W cm −2 at current densities exceeding 1 A cm −2 goes along with downscaling transport distances of reaction partners inside and between electrodes. Substrates undergo structure- and element-specific interactions with electrode surfaces which are therefore not only interfaces for the exchange of electrons, rather they should be regarded as specific catalytic surfaces which together with the applied electrical bias potential determine the spectrum of available products. An understanding of these interactions is still in its infancy for many of the relevant systems, and therefore the developments are largely empirical and driven by intuition, supported by quantum-chemical calculations and spectroscopic methods. The manuscript is of tutorial nature and addresses the differences between electrocatalysis in energy conversion reactions and conventional electrochemistry, and it reveals what catalytic transformations at electrode surfaces have in common with traditional heterogeneous catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A homemade flow-through electroactive filter was constructed to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for ofloxacin (OFL) fast removal. The Cu 2 O@CuO nanowires (NWs) electrode was prepared using copper foam as both substrate and Cu source by direct oxidation method. The obtained electrode with abundant surface-active sites and good electrochemical reactivity markedly improved the activation and utilization efficiency of PMS, thus significantly promoting the catalytic removal reactions. The pH, PMS concentration, and applied voltage were optimized for the filter performance. Consequently, the removal efficiency of OFL reached about 80% in a single-pass mode (τ < 5 min). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and radical scavenging tests confirmed the contribution of diversified active species in OFL removal. The Cu 2 O@CuO NWs electrode exhibited reliable regenerative properties, which maintained high OFL removal activity after 5 rebuild cycles. Furthermore, the developed electroactive filter exhibited relatively less consumption of energy and PMS dosage compared with the published research. Finally, the underlying mechanism for the outstanding performance of OFL removal was also revealed as well. This work illustrated new light on high-efficient and low-cost remediation strategies for antibiotic wastewater. [Display omitted] • A novel EC/PMS flow-through electrocatalytic filter was constructed with ACF anode and Cu 2 O@CuO NWs cathode. • The electrocatalytic filter can achieve a max removal rate of 81.5% OFL within 5 min. • The degradation mechanism was analyzed and identified the main species SO 4 ·– and HO·in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of homogeneously doped germanium layers characterized by total electrical activation is currently a hot topic in many fields, such as microelectronics, photovoltaics, optics and radiation detectors. Phosphorus spin-on-doping technique has been implemented on Ge wafers, by developing a protocol for the curing process and subsequent diffusion annealing for optimal doping. Parameters such as relative humidity and curing time turned out to affect the surface morphology, the degree of reticulation reached by the dopant source and the amount of dopant available for diffusion. After spike annealing in a conventional furnace, diffusion profiles and electrical properties have been measured. Ge loss from the surface during high-temperature annealing, due to diffusion into the source film, has been observed and quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver is an alternative antimicrobial of interest for the prophylaxis of prosthetic infections and electrical activation is known to augment its oligodynamic efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a silver (Ag)-titanium (Ti) implant activated by 30 µA direct current compared with three controls - passive Ag-Ti, active Ti-Ti, and passive Ti-Ti. We hypothesized that the experimental group would provide better resistance to pathogenic colonization on the implant. Modified Kirby-Bauer technique was used to evaluate in vitro efficacy of the four groups against five bacteria and one fungus. For in vivo evaluation, forty-eight rats were divided into four groups. The implant was secured in a wound cavity along the posterior margin of the femur. The wound was inoculated with 7.5 × 105 CFU of Staphylococcus aureus. Rats were euthanized 14 days postsurgery and quantitative cultures were performed on the implant segments and the wound cavity tissue. In vitro tests showed that the growth of all six pathogens was inhibited around the active Ag anodes of the experimental group. In vivo, none of the four groups were able to prevent wound infection, but the experimental group resulted in reduced colonization. The mean bacterial loads on Ti segments were significantly lower in the implants which also had an Ag segment ( p = 0.0007), and this effect was more pronounced with electrical activation ( p = 0.0377). The results demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of LIDC-activated Ag-Ti implants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1023-1031, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sputter deposited IGZO films usually require an annealing process over 300°C for activation. This annealing process limits the use of various flexible substrates. To overcome this drawback, we propose low-temperature activated IGZO TFTs by simultaneous UV & thermal (SUT), electrical assisted thermal (EAT), and high pressure annealing (HPA) methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: Changes in electrical activation sequence are known to affect the timing of cardiac mechanical events. We aim to demonstrate that these also modify global properties of the intraventricular blood flow pattern. We also explore whether such global changes present a relationship with clinical outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated 30 heart failure patients followed up after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). All subjects underwent echocardiography before implant and at follow-up after 6+ months. Left ventricular mechanics was investigated at follow-up during active CRT and was repeated after a temporary interruption <5 min later. Strain analysis, performed by speckle tracking, was used to assess the entity of contraction (global longitudinal strain) and its synchronicity (standard deviation of time to peak of radial strain). Intraventricular fluid dynamics, by echographic particle image velocimetry, was used to evaluate the directional distribution of global momentum associated with blood motion. The discontinuation of CRT pacing reflects into a reduction of deformation synchrony and into the deviation of blood flow momentum from the base-apex orientation with the development of transversal flow-mediated haemodynamic forces. The deviation of flow momentum presents a significant correlation with the degree of volumetric reduction after CRT. CONCLUSION: Changes in electrical activation alter the orientation of blood flow momentum. The long-term CRT outcome correlates with the degree of re-alignment of haemodynamic forces. These preliminary results suggest that flow orientation could be used for optimizing the biventricular pacing setting. However, larger prospective studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical mapping, with membrane-bound, voltage-sensitive dyes, is widely used for in vitro recording of cardiac electrical activity. The spatial registration of such maps is lost when the heart moves with respect to a fixed photodetector array and contraction can generate substantial artifact if background fluorescence is not uniformly distributed. While motion artifact is commonly suppressed with electromechanical uncoupling agents, there are circumstances where these are undesirable. This study outlines a novel image-based approach for retrospective motion artifact correction. Isolated Langendorff-supported rat hearts ( n = 8), stained with di-4-ANEPPS, were illuminated at 516 ± 14 nm and fluorescent emission (>565 ± 10 nm) was acquired with a charge multiplying CCD camera. Background fluorescence was segmented in successive frames and stabilized using a non-rigid image registration algorithm. The resultant image deformation was used to estimate material point movement on the heart surface, so that total fluorescence could be mapped frame-by-frame to appropriate reference pixels. Finally, residual motion artifact was identified and removed. The effectiveness of this correction method was evaluated over 18 experimental datasets. Signal-to-noise ratio was increased more than fourfold, and activation time and action potential duration (APD) could be estimated at 24% more pixels than in the raw data. The variability of all APD measures was substantially reduced (i.e. APD50 estimated as 83.8 ± 45.8 ms before correction was 52.1 ± 4.7 ms afterward). This approach provides a robust means of recovering optical action potentials in the presence of substantial motion artifact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processes of electrical activation of ion-implanted boron and nitrogen atoms in Cd xHg 1–xTe (CMT) heteroepitaxial layers grown by methods of molecular-beam epitaxy (HEL CMT MBE) and liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE CMT) have been investigated; likewise in bulk crystals of CMT with low-temperature annealings under anodic oxide. The possibility has been demonstrated of using anodic oxide as an efficient mask for postimplantation annealings of p-type HEL CMT MBE in the temperature interval Т = 200–250°C without disruption of the composition of the variband layer or alteration of the electrophysical properties of the structure. It has been established that in HEL CMT MBE the efficiency of activation of boron as a slowly diffusing donor impurity is lowered with growth of the dose of the B + ions and is increased by thermal cycling from Т = 77 K to room temperature. Implanted nitrogen, in contrast to boron, is a rapidly diffusing acceptor impurity in CMT, efficiently compensating both radiation donor centers and activated boron. The degree of electrical activation of nitrogen grows substantially upon thermal cycling. It has been shown that the mobility spectrum is an efficient method for monitoring the process of electrical activation of boron in p-type HEL CMT MBE. Mesa photodiodes based on activated boron in p-type HEL CMT MBE with long-wavelength photosensitivity boundary λ c = 11 μm, prepared here for the first time, had a high maximum value of the product of the differential resistance by the area of the photodiode RdA = (6 − 8)⋅10 2 Ω⋅cm 2, product R0A = 5 − 6 Ω⋅cm 2 (at zero bias), and a diffusion ledge on the inverse branch of the current-voltage ( I– V) characteristic out to a bias voltage of 1.3 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Realization of electrical activation of crystallite carbon in electrochemical capacitors has been studied. Constant current charge-discharge and cyclic voltammetry were performed to characterize the electrical activation of crystallite carbon. Results showed that electrochemical capacitor could be activated deeply electrically at high voltage and obtain larger capacitance, yet unstable cycle performance. Electrical activation just takes place in certain current range and the optimized current need to apply for yielding good electrical activation results with large capacitance and stable cycle performance. In further study, it was found that the crucial aspect impacting realization of electrical activation was electric energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have investigated the electrical activation in boron doped poly-Si using Hall measurement, 4-point probe, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Through doping was conducted using a mass-separated ion implanter with acceleration energies from 20 to 35keV at doses ranging from 1×1015/cm2 to 4×1015/cm2, followed by isothermal rapid-thermal-annealing at temperatures ranging from 550 to 650°C. The substrates used were poly-Si, produced by two-shot sequential lateral solidification. Reverse annealing, in which a continuous loss of charge carriers occurs, was observed in boron doped poly-Si. We found that implantation conditions play a critical role on dopant activation as well as annealing conditions. We observed that a certain implantation condition does exist where the sheet resistance is not changed upon activation annealing. Damage recovery encountered in activation annealing seems to be closely related to a reverse-annealing phenomenon. We assume that the defect-concentration profile would be more important to activation behavior of poly-Si than integrated defect-density accumulated in the silicon layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrical activation studies of Si-implanted AlGaN with an Al mole fraction of 11% to 51% have been carried out as a function of ion dose and annealing temperature. The AlGaN samples were implanted at room temperature with Si ions at 200 keV in doses ranging from 1 × 10 cm to 1 × 10 cm, and subsequently annealed from 1100°C to 1350°C for 20 min in a nitrogen environment. The maximum electrical activation efficiencies for the AlGaN samples with an Al mole fraction less than 40% were obtained for samples implanted with the highest Si dose of 1 × 10 cm. On the other hand, for the AlGaN samples with an Al mole fraction more than 40%, nearly perfect activation efficiencies of 99% and 100% were obtained for the samples implanted with the lowest Si dose of 1 × 10 cm. The mobility of the Si-implanted AlGaN samples increased with increasing annealing temperature in spite of the increased number of ionized donors and thus increased impurity scattering, indicating that a greater amount of lattice damage is being repaired with each successive increase in annealing temperature. These results provide suitable annealing conditions for Si-implanted AlGaN-based devices with an Al mole fraction from 11% to 51%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) combined with piezoelectric stimulation in infertile couples with a history of total fertilization failure (TFF). Design: Prospective controlled trial. Setting: Clinical IVF laboratory. Patient(s): Seventy-one couples undergoing ICSI on sibling oocytes having at least one previous ICSI attempt with TFF. Intervention(s): ICSI or ICSI with piezoelectric activation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fertilization rate. Result(s): The patients were allocated to two groups: group I included 21 patients with only one previous TFF and group II included 50 patients with more than one previous TFF. Collectively, a total of 823 metaphase II (MII) oocytes were retrieved in 78 oocyte retrievals. In Group I, combined ICSI with piezoelectric stimulation was applied to 123/211 (58.2%) of MII oocytes (group IA), whereas standard ICSI procedure was applied to 88/211 (41.8%) of MII oocytes (group IB). The fertilization rate was 62% and 12% in group IA and group IB respectively. In group II, piezoelectric activation was applied in all 612 MII oocytes, of which 296 (48.3%) were fertilized. The rates for implantation and pregnancy/embryo transfer were obtained as 30.6% and 44.1%, respectively. Conclusion(s): Piezoelectric activation seems to improve IVF outcome in patients with previous TFF history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we discuss from an atomistic point of view some of the issues involved in the modeling of electrical characteristics evolution in silicon devices as a result of ion implantation and annealing processes in silicon. In particular, evolution of electrically active dose, sheet resistance and hole mobility has been investigated for high B concentration profiles in pre-amorphized Si. For this purpose, Hall measurements combined with atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo atomistic simulations have been performed. An apparent anomalous behavior has been observed for the evolution of the active dose and the sheet resistance, in contrast to opposite trend evolutions reported previously. Our results indicate that this anomalous behavior is due to large variations in hole mobility with active dopant concentration, much larger than that associated to the classical dependence of hole mobility with carrier concentration. Simulations suggest that hole mobility is significantly degraded by the presence of a large concentration of boron-interstitial clusters, indicating the existence of an additional scattering mechanism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To review different methods for artificial oocyte activation and its impact on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Design: Literature review. Setting: University-based and university-affiliated medical centers. Patient(s): None. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): None. Result(s): The ICSI procedure improves fertilization rates in cases of male factor infertility; however, fertilization failure still occurs in 2% to 3% of ICSI cycles. The main cause of failed fertilization is failure to complete oocyte activation. The investigators do not use a variety of mechanical, electrical, and chemical methods to mimic the calcium rise necessary to activate oocytes after ICSI. Chemical activation is the most commonly used method for artificial oocyte activation, resulting in high fertilization rates. Conclusion(s): Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) may be useful in selected patients who have low fertilization potential. Further studies are required to establish the biosafety of AOA, and clinical tests are needed to evaluate the activation potential of semen samples for proper patient selection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrical activation of the carotid baroreceptor system is an attractive therapy for the treatment of resistant hypertension. In the past, several attempts were made to directly activate the baroreceptor system in humans, but the method had to be restricted to a few selected patients. Adverse effects, the need for better electrical devices and better surgical techniques, and the lack of knowledge about long-term effects has greatly hampered developments in this area for many years. Recently, a new and promising device was evaluated in a multicenter feasibility trial, which showed a clinically and statistically significant reduction in office systolic blood pressure (>20 mm Hg). This reduction could be sustained for at least 2 years with an acceptable safety profile. In the future, this new device may stimulate further application of electrical activation of the carotid baroreflex in treatment-resistant hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical activation studies were carried out on Si-implanted Al0.33Ga0.67N as a function of ion dose, annealing temperature, and annealing time. The samples were implanted at room temperature with Si ions at 200 keV in doses ranging from 1 × 1014 cm−2 to 1 × 1015 cm−2, and subsequently proximity-cap annealed from 1150°C to 1350°C for 20 min to 60 min in a nitrogen environment. One hundred percent electrical activation efficiency was obtained for Al0.33Ga0.67N samples implanted with a dose of 1 × 1015 cm−2 after annealing at either 1200°C for 40 min or at 1300°C for 20 min. The samples implanted with doses of 1 × 1014 cm−2 and 5 × 1014 cm−2 exhibited significant activations of 74% and 90% after annealing for 20 min at 1300°C and 1350°C, respectively. The mobility increased as the annealing temperature increased from 1150°C to 1350°C, showing peak mobilities of 80 cm2/V s, 64 cm2/V s, and 61 cm2/V s for doses of 1 × 1014 cm−2, 5 × 1014 cm−2, and 1 × 1015 cm−2, respectively. Temperature-dependent Hall-effect measurements showed that most of the implanted layers were degenerately doped. Cathodoluminescence measurements for all samples exhibited a sharp neutral donor-bound exciton peak at 4.08 eV, indicating excellent recovery of damage caused by ion implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Simulation of the electrical activation of the heart and its comparison with real in vivo activation is a promising method in testing potential determinants of excitation. Simulation of the electrical activity of the human heart is now emerging as a step forward for understanding and predicting electrophysiologic patterns in humans. Initial points of excitation and the manner in which the activation spreads from these points are important variables determining QRS complex characteristics. It has been suggested that in humans, the initial excitation of the left ventricle is a primary determinant of QRS complex characteristics, and that excitation begins at the papillary muscles and septum, where the fascicles of the left bundle branch insert. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that QRS duration and direction of QRS axis in the frontal plane have excellent agreement between real QRS and simulated QRS using papillary muscle position to indicate the border of the origin of early ventricular activation. Methods: Fourteen healthy adult volunteers were included in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained to assess the papillary muscle positions. Twelve-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings were used to obtain real ECG data for assessment of QRS duration and QRS axis in each subject. Simulation software developed by ECG-TECH Corp (Huntington, NY) was used to simulate the ECG of each subject to determine simulated QRS duration and QRS frontal plane axis. QRS duration and QRS axis data were compared between simulated and real ECG and agreement between these variables was calculated. Results: Seventy-nine percent of subjects had a difference of the QRS duration between real and simulated ECG of less than 10 milliseconds. The calculated strength of agreement between simulated and real QRS duration was 71% and considered as “good” (κ statistics). In 70% of subjects, the difference in the QRS axis was less than 10°. The calculated strength of agreement between simulated and real QRS axis was 80% and considered as “excellent” (κ statistics). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the sites of the initiation of electrical activity in the left ventricle, as assessed by the positions of papillary muscles, may be considered as primary determinants of the QRS duration and QRS axis in humans. This knowledge may help in predicting normal QRS characteristic on a patient-specific basis. In this study, simulation of the QRS complex was based on papillary muscles from human hearts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate the electrical activation of oocytes in patients with previously failed or limited fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in patients with possible failure of fertilization. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: A private IVF center in Egypt. Patient(s): Two hundred forty-six patients with severe oligoasthenospermia or nonobstructive azoospermia with total teratospermia or totally immotile spermatozoa were selected for the study. Patients who previously had total failure or limited fertilization after ICSI also were included. Intervention(s): Sibling oocytes were randomly divided after ICSI into two groups: the study group (n = 1,640) was subjected to electroactivation, and the control group (n = 1,435), to no electroactivation. Electroactivation was performed by using a double-square direct-current pulse. Embryo transfer was performed with the best available embryos. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fertilization rate, degeneration rate, and pregnancy outcome. Result(s): Two hundred forty-one ICSI cycles were included in the study. The fertilization rate was statistically significantly higher in the electroactivated group as compared with in the control group (68% vs 60%, odds ratio = 1.397, 95% confidence interval = 1.197 to 1.629). The oocyte degeneration rate was not statistically significantly different between the two groups (5.9% vs 4.9%, odds ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval = 0.73 to 1.26). In total, 112 clinical pregnancies resulted (pregnancy rate = 46.5%). Total fertilization failure occurred in 5 cycles in the control group, and none failed in the study group. Conclusion(s): Oocyte electroactivation after ICSI significantly improved the fertilization rate in severe oligoasthenoteratospermia and nonobstructive azoospermia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrical activation studies of Al x Ga1− x N ( x = 0.45 and 0.51) implanted with Si for n-type conductivity have been made as a function of ion dose and anneal temperature. Silicon ions were implanted at 200 keV with doses ranging from 1 × 1014 cm−2 to 1 × 1015 cm−2 at room temperature. The samples were subsequently annealed from 1150°C to 1350°C for 20 min in a nitrogen environment. Nearly 100% electrical activation efficiency was successfully obtained for the Si-implanted Al0.45Ga0.55N samples after annealing at 1350°C for doses of 1 × 1014 cm−2 and 5 × 1014 cm−2 and at 1200°C for a dose of 1 × 1015 cm−2, and for the Al0.51Ga0.49N implanted with silicon doses of 1 × 1014 cm−2 and 5 × 1014 cm−2 after annealing at 1300°C. The highest room-temperature mobility obtained was 61 cm2/V s and 55 cm2/V s for the low-dose implanted Al0.45Ga0.55N and Al0.51Ga0.49N, respectively, after annealing at 1350°C for 20 min. These results show unprecedented activation efficiencies for Al x Ga1− x N with high Al mole fractions and provide suitable annealing conditions for Al x Ga1− x N-based device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work we compare the B electrical activity in crystalline (c-Ge) and preamorphized Ge (PAI-Ge), in order to elucidate the activation mechanisms involved in the two cases and evidence the possible advantages of an approach over to the other. With this aim, we independently measured the hole fluence and the sheet resistance, thus extracting the carrier mobility, as a function of the implanted B fluence. In particular, we evidenced that it is possible to reproduce the metastability of the PAI process implanting B in c-Ge at very high fluences. However, by properly choosing the implantation conditions in c-Ge, in such a way to disable dynamic annealing during implantation, the activation of B can be raised up to the level attainable in PAI-Ge also for lower B fluences. Finally, the thermal evolution of the formed junction was tested, evidencing a high stability under annealing up to 550°C in both c- and PAI-Ge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objectives were to determine factors affecting generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in porcine embryos after electrical activation of oocytes, and the effects of an antioxidant and chemical agent on ROS generation. Greater ROS were induced by electrical activation compared to IVF (mean±S.E.M., 14.6±0.8 vs. 9.2±0.4, P <0.05). Furthermore, ROS generation in embryos after electrical activation was significantly increased by higher intensity and longer duration electrical pulses and by higher exogenous Ca2+ concentrations. Cleavage rate and blastocyst formation rate were not directly related to the level of ROS. Supplementation of the IVC medium with 0.5mM glutathione (GSH) reduced ROS (9.2±0.4 vs. 14.7±0.9, P <0.05). Treatment with the chemical activation agent, 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) for 3h did not induce further ROS generation in combination with electrical activation, but it improved blastocyst formation rate (53.8±1.1 vs. 23.7±3.5, P <0.05). We concluded that generation of ROS should be considered for optimizing electrical activation and that supplementing an antioxidant or combining electrical and chemical activation induced lower ROS generation in electrically activated porcine embryos. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To investigate the effects of cycloheximide exposure before electrical activation of in vitro-matured porcine oocytes on the subsequent development of parthenogenetic embryos, cumulus-free mature oocytes were exposed to NCSU-23 medium containing cycloheximide (10μg/mL) for 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60min, activated by electrical pulse treatment (1.5kV/cm, 100μs) and then cultured in PZM-3 for 7 days. To evaluate the effects of cycloheximide on the activation of nuclear transfer embryos, reconstructed embryos were electrically activated by two DC pulses (1.2kV/cm, 30μs) before or after exposure to cycloheximide. The reconstructed embryos were allocated into four groups: electrical pulse treatment alone (Ele); exposure to cycloheximide for 10min followed by electrical activation (CHX+Ele); electrical activation followed by exposure to cycloheximide for 6h (Ele+CHX); exposure to cycloheximide for 10min, followed by electrical activation and a further exposure to cycloheximide for 6h (CHX+Ele+CHX). The activated reconstructed embryos were cultured in PZM-3 for 6 days. Oocytes treated with 10min exposure to cycloheximide followed by electrical activation had a significantly higher percentage of blastocyst formation compared to control oocytes and oocytes exposed for ≥30min. In the reconstructed embryos, the blastocyst development rates of embryos exposed to cycloheximide (CHX+Ele, Ele+CHX and CHX+Ele+CHX) were significantly higher than those of the control group (Ele). Among the cycloheximide-treated groups, the CHX+Ele group had increased development rate and total blastocyst cell number, though these values were not significantly different from those observed in the other cycloheximide-treated groups. To evaluate the quality of NT embryos treated with cycloheximide, apoptosis in blastocysts was analyzed by TUNEL assay. The 10min exposure to cycloheximide prior to electrical activation significantly reduced cell death compared with longer exposure to cycloheximide after electrical fusion. In conclusion, brief exposure to cycloheximide prior to electrical activation may increase the subsequent blastocyst development rates in porcine parthenogenetic and reconstructed embryos. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We studied the electrical activation of Si+ ions implanted at multiple energies (80 and 180keV) and with a total fluence up to 2.7×1014 cm−2 in heteroepitaxial GaN films on sapphire. Calibrated scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) is proposed as a method to measure the depth carrier profile after high temperature annealing (1100–1200°C). Si electrically active fractions of 18% and 36% were obtained after low ramp rate furnace annealing at 1100 and 1200°C, respectively. Interestingly, the dopant activation was significantly improved to 63% in the case of a rapid pre-annealing process at 1100°C before the 1200°C furnace annealing process. Furthermore, the ionised carrier fluence obtained by Hall measurements at room temperature exhibits a significant improvement for the 1100°C RTA pre-annealed sample. This value is in good agreement with the ionised fluence calculated from the active Si profile from SCM, considering a ∼20meV ionisation energy for Si donors in GaN. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Significant tissue structures exist in cardiac ventricular tissue, which are of supracellular dimension. It is hypothesized that these tissue structures contribute to the discontinuous spread of electrical activation, may contribute to arrhythmogenesis, and also provide a substrate for effective cardioversion. However, the influences of these mesoscale tissue structures in intact ventricular tissue are difficult to understand solely on the basis of experimental measurement. Current measurement technology is able to record at both the macroscale tissue level and the microscale cellular or subcellular level, but to date it has not been possible to obtain large volume, direct measurements at the mesoscales. To bridge this scale gap in experimental measurements, we use tissue-specific structure and mathematical modeling. Our models, which can incorporate ion channel models at the cell level into the reaction–diffusion equations at the tissue level, have enabled us to consider key hypotheses regarding discontinuous activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Substitutional boron atoms in silicon experience an off-lattice displacement during ion-irradiation with energetic light ions at room temperature. The off-lattice displacement rate has been measured in a B-doped Si by channelling analyses using nuclear reaction (650keV proton beam, 11B(p,α)8Be). The normalized channeling yield χ of B increases with the ion fluence until it saturates at a value smaller than 1. This indicates that B is not totally displaced in a random site. The carrier concentration in layer, measured by Van Der Pauw and Hall effect techniques, decreases during irradiation until complete de-activation of B occurs. The comparison of electrical and structural analyses is consistent with the formation of small, not electrically active B complexes stable at room temperature in presence of an excess of point defects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work we studied the effect of B implantation in Si through submicron laterally confined area on B clustering and its electrical activation. For this study, we implanted B 3keV into a Si wafer grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) through a patterned oxide mask with opening widths down to 0.38μm. Then, we annealed the sample at 800°C for several times up to 120min and monitored the 2D carrier profile by quantitative high resolution Scanning Capacitance Microscopy (SCM). We show that by reducing the opening widths, not only the B clustering is strongly reduced, but also the B cluster dissolution is accelerated. This demonstrates the beneficial role of implanted B confinement on the B electrical activation. The above results have a significant impact in the modern Si based electronic device engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility is regulated by extrinsic and intrinsic nerves. The existence of neural circuits between the SO and the proximal extrahepatic biliary tree has been reported, but they are poorly understood. Using electrical field stimulation (EFS), we determined if a neural circuit exists between the common bile duct (CBD) and the SO in anaesthetized Australian brush-tailed possums. Methods: The gallbladder, cystic duct or CBD were subjected to EFS with a stimulating electrode. Spontaneous SO phasic waves were measured by manometry. Results: EFS at sites on the distal CBD (12–20 mm proximal to the SO), but less commonly at more proximal CBD, evoked a variety of responses consisting of an excitatory and/or inhibitory phase. Bi-phasic responses consisting of an excitation followed by inhibition were the most common. Tri-phasic responses were also observed as well as excitation or inhibition only. These evoked responses were blocked by topical application of local anaesthetic to the distal CBD or transection of the CBD. EFS at sites on the gallbladder body, neck or cystic duct did not consistently evoke an SO response. Pretreatment with atropine or guanethidine reduced the magnitude of the evoked response by about 50% ( p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MOS devices fabricated on Silicon On Insulator (SOI) substrates show several advantages with respect to those realised on silicon bulk. However, some aspects of the dopant diffusion and activation in SOI are not conclusively clarified yet. With this aim, we have investigated the mechanisms of electrical activation of dopants in very thin (100 or 60nm) SOI materials. The samples have been doped with As or B, and then spike annealed in the temperature range 450–1125°C. For comparison, selected samples have been pre-amorphised. Spreading resistance probe and four point probe (FPP) measurements have been used as characterisation techniques. The sheet resistance measured in SOI substrates implanted with As is similar to that measured in bulk Si. In contrast, the RS values measured in BF2 implanted SOI samples are higher than that in bulk Si regardless of the temperature. Electrical profiles measured in SOI and bulk Si substrates implanted with As and BF2 are in agreement with the RS measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]