Current-activated tip-based sintering (CATS) is a novel process where spark plasma sintering conditions are applied through an electrically conducting tip on a locally controlled area on a green powder compact/bed. The localization of electric current in CATS allows for unique temporal and spatial current and temperature distributions within the tip and powder compact. In this paper, special ex...

AIMS: β-adrenergic augmentation of Ca 2+ sparks and cardiac contractility has been functionally linked to phosphorylation–dependent dissociation of FK506 binding protein 12.6 (FKBP12.6) regulatory proteins from ryanodine receptors subtype 2 (RYR2). We used FKBP12.6 null mice to test the extent to which the dissociation of FKBP12.6 affects Ca 2+ sparks and mediates the inotropic action of isopro...

This paper presents a model of an electric variable valve timing (EVVT) system and its closed-loop control design with experimental validation. The studied EVVT uses a planetary gear system to control the engine cam timing. The main motivation of utilizing the EVVT system is its fast response time and the accurate timing control capability. This is critical for the combustion mode transition co...

Free-piston engines are under investigation by a number of research groups worldwide, as an alternative to conventional technology in applications such as electric and hydraulic power generation. The piston dynamics of the freepiston engine differ significantly from those of conventional engines, and this may influence in-cylinder gas motion, combustion and emissions formation. Due to the compl...

Recent research suggests that the diastolic ryanodine-receptor-mediated release of Ca(2+) (J(leak)) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of ventricular myocytes occurs in spark and nonspark forms. Further information about the role(s) of these release manifestations is scarce, however. This study addresses whether the fraction of spark-mediated J(leak) increases due to β-adrenergic stimulation. Conf...

Compact Marx generators are widely used as portable pulse generator in different industrial applications, where high power pulses with rise times of order of some tens of nanoseconds are needed. For those applications, closing switches with very short delay and jitter times have to be used. Considering the fact that the breakdown of spark gap is a statistical process, the delay times of the clo...

In this study, microelectro-discharge (micro-ED) milling of nonconductive ZrO2ceramicsis investigated using a Cu tool electrode in kerosene dielectric. An adhesive Cu foil is firmly attached on the workpiece to initiate the sparks. After the machining of Cu foil, an electrically conductive carbonic layer is formed on the ceramic workpiece disassociating the kerosene dielectric, which allows mic...