Waveguide divider design based on null of electric field

Nowadays, the design of dividers is based on electromagnetic software that optimizes some geometric parameters to obtain the required performance. The choice of the geometry of the discontinuities contained in the divider and of the optimization initial point is quite critical to satisfy the divider requirements. In the last years, it is quite rare to find in the literature a theoretical approach helping the designers in the choice of the divider geometry. Helpful suggestion can derive by the analysis of the electric field in a trial divider that satisfies power division among the output ports in a thin band. In fact, the electric field null can be filled with metallic septa that ensure the same behavior at any frequency. The optimization of the septa position/form with numerical electromagnetic software permits to obtain divider with large bandwidth. A further analysis of the electric field null in the divider permits to add lateral metallic septa that further enlarge the transmission band. Finally, the design of an input matching network increases the transmitted power to the desired value.

Metal Threads from the Fourteenth-Century Slabbed Graves at the Plateau of Eski-Kermen

This paper presents the results of the study of metal threads found in the fourteenth-century burials in slabbed graves located atop of the plateau of Eski-Kermen. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry determined the metal of the threads in question as high-grade silver. The results of scanning electron microscopy of the surface morphology of the artefacts allowed the one to suggest a variant of reconstruction of the sequence of technological operations in the manufacture of the metal threads in question. The feature of all the metal threads under study is very even outer and inner surface and stable thickness and width of the metal band. In all cases, gold inclusions were stretched in the mass of metal along the long edge of the bands. Cast metal was flattened into a thin band. Parallel scratches along the butt end of the threads suggest that rolled out metal was cut with a tool with a thin, sharp blade leaving scratches along the course of the blade. Semi-finished products were wound onto an organic core. The threads found in the slabbed graves atop of the plateau of Eski-Kermen were spun silver threads wound onto a silk core. Technologically, these threads correspond to the products of Mediterranean workshops. The location of the metal threads in the burial indicates that they were used in the embroidering of the collar and neck.

Human Papilloma Virus L1 Gene Methylation as a Potential Biomarker for Precancerous Cervical Lesion: a Preliminary Report

Objective: To determine whether HPV L1 gene methylation can be used in triage of precancerous cervical lesions. The main objective is to determine the genotype of HPV in cervical precancerous lesions and to determine the percentage, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio of DNA HPV L1 methylation in precancerous cervical lesions. Methods: A number of 57 samples of paraffin blocks (FFPE) from precancerous lesions and cervical cancer biopsies in the Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine-Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital that had been re-evaluated by the pathologist, underwent extraction of HPV DNA. The genotypes of HPV DNA were examined using primers GP5 / 6 and specific HPV 16, HPV 18 and HPV 52 probes and analyzed by real time PCR. Sequencing was performed on samples with unknown HPV DNA type that were detected using the specific probes to determine the type of HPV. Bisulfite conversion procedure was then performed for the samples that met the inclusion criteria. Results: There were 30 samples (52.6%) with CIN 1, 12 samples (21.1%) CIN 2, 9 samples (15.8%) CIN 3 and 6 samples (10.5%) of cervical cancer. Most of the samples were 36-45 years (35.1%). Of the total 57 samples, 55 samples were successfully extracted and determined the DNA genotyping of HPV (96.5%). HPV 16 infections both in the form of single or multiple was found to be 76.36%. The samples were mostly dominated by co-infection of HPV16 and 18 (49.1%) followed by HPV 16 (24.6%) and HPV 18 (14.0%). Based on the sequencing results there were other types of high risk HPV infection found: HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 58 and also undeterminate risk HPV 53 and low risk HPV 54. After several procedures of optimization for methylation examination of HPV DNA L1 there was thin band found in electrophoresis procedure in 8 of 42 samples (19%) of HPV 16 after bisulfite conversion but once it was purified there weren’t any band found so we can not proceed to the stage sequencing. Until now we are still in the stage of optimizing the methylation procedure. Conclusion: HPV 16 infection were most commonly found in the form of single or multiple. Co-infection of HPV 16 and 18 were found in the majority of the samples. There were no significant correlation between HPV type and the severity of cervical lesions. Until now, the examination of DNA methylation HPV L1 already obtained eight samples of HPV 16 with a thin band on electrophoresis but the result could not be concluded because it is still in the process of optimization. [Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 5-2: 120-126] Keywords: HPV DNA genotype, L1 gene methylation, precancerous cervical lesions

Corrosion Behaviour of HVOF Sprayed Coatings on ASME SA213 T22 Boiler Steel in an Actual Boiler Environment

In present study HVOF spraying process had been employed for depositing 93(WC-Cr3C2)-7Ni, 75Cr3C2-25NiCr, 83WC-17CO and 86WC-10CO-4Cr coatings on ASME SA213 T22. All the coatings were found dense and uniform having thickness between 200-250µm. All the coatings on ASME SA213 T22 used in present studies have provided resistance to corrosion in coal fired boiler environment in superheater zone when exposed for 10 cycles at 900°C. Each cycle consists of 100 hours heating followed by 1 hour cooling at ambient conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) techniques were used to analyse corrosion products. The results showed that among coated specimens 93(WC-Cr3C2)-7Ni and 75Cr3C2-25NiCr coatings has shown maximum and minimum resistance to corrosion respectively. The better corrosion resistance of 93(WC-Cr3C2)-7Ni coated steel alloys may be attributed to the formation of thin band of oxides of nickel, chromium; and carbides of tungsten.

40 CHOLESTEROL SUPPLEMENTATION REDUCES CRYOCAPACITATION DAMAGES IN BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS) SPERM

Buffalo sperm are more sensitive to cryopreservation and thawing-induced damages than cattle sperm, thus resulting in lower fertilizing ability. Cryopreservation induces considerable capacitation-like changes in buffalo sperm (Elkhawagah et al. 2014 J. Buffalo Sci. 3, 3–11). It is known that specific lipid mixtures, including cholesterol, stabilise and protect spermatozoa from freeze-thaw damage (Rajoriya et al. 2014 Vet. World. 7, 702–706). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cholesterol loaded cyclodextrins (CLC) before cryopreservation on the capacitation status of buffalo frozen sperm. Four ejaculates from 4 bulls were selected, split in 3 aliquots, and diluted at 37°C with BULLXcell extender, containing 0 (control), 1.5, and 3 mg mL–1 CLC, to a final concentration of 30 × 106 sperm mL–1. Cyclodextrin was loaded with cholesterol as described earlier (Purdy and Graham 2004 Cryobiology 48(1), 36–45). The aliquots were frozen according to standard procedures. At thawing, sperm motility was evaluated by phase contrast microscopy, and viability and capacitation status were evaluated by Hoechst 33258/CTC. Briefly, Percoll separated spermatozoa were incubated with 1% (wt/vol) Hoechst 33258 in a protein-free medium. After centrifugation (900 × g, 5 min), the pellet was resuspended in CTC staining solution (750 mM CTC, 5 mM cysteine in 130 mM NaCl, and 20 mM Tris acid, pH 7.8), fixed with glutaraldehyde (12.5% vol/vol), and placed on a slide. At least 100 sperm per slide were analysed and classified into 1 of 3 CTC staining patterns: pattern F, with fluorescence over the entire sperm head (noncapacitated); pattern B, with a fluorescence-free band in the postacrosomal region (capacitated); pattern AR, with no acrosome and a thin band of fluorescence along the equatorial segment (acrosome reacted). Data were analysed by ANOVA. No differences among control, 1.5, and 3 mg mL–1 CLC-treated groups were recorded in both sperm motility (66.5 ± 5.6, 68.8 ± 4.8, and 68.8 ± 4.8, respectively) and viability (86.5 ± 1.9, 87.6 ± 1.5, 88.4 ± 2.3, respectively). The most interesting result arising was the strong reduction of sperm cryocapacitation observed when the extender was supplemented with CLC, as shown by the increased percentage of sperm displaying pattern F (28.6 ± 3.3, 61.5 ± 1.7, and 47.6 ± 4.3 in control, 1.5, and 3 mg mL–1 CLC groups, respectively; P < 0.01) and the decreased percentage of sperm displaying pattern B (69.6 ± 3.4, 37.8 ± 1.5, and 51.3 ± 4.7 in control, 1.5, and 3 mg mL–1 CLC groups, respectively; P < 0.01) compared with the control. The maximum beneficial effect on semen cryopreservation was recorded with the dose of 1.5 mg mL–1 CLC. However, no differences were detected in pattern AR that remained low in all groups (1.8 ± 0.7, 0.8 ± 0.4, and 1.1 ± 0.6 in the control, 1.5, and 3 mg mL–1 CLC groups, respectively). In conclusion, it was demonstrated that treating buffalo sperm with cholesterol before cryopreservation strongly decreases cryocapacitation damages, likely by stabilising sperm membrane, hence improving sperm quality.

Novel vein closure procedure using a proprietary cyanoacrylate adhesive: 30-day swine model results

Purpose To conduct a pilot study to demonstrate a novel method of using a proprietary cyanoacrylate (CA) for closure of superficial veins. Materials and Methods Right and left superficial epigastric veins from two swine models were utilized due to the vein's similarities with the human great saphenous vein. Under ultrasound guidance, access was gained and a 5-F delivery catheter was advanced to the junction of the superficial epigastric and abdominus rectus veins. A dispenser gun was then utilized to inject 0.16 mL of CA while compression was applied cephalad to the end of the catheter. Immediately after delivery, the catheter was pulled back 3 cm and manual compression was employed for 30 seconds. After this first injection, the ultrasound probe was repositioned caudad to the injection and cephalad to the catheter tip and another 0.16 mL injection was delivered with immediate 3 cm pullback of the delivery system. Manual compression was applied at the caudad end of the treated vein for 30 seconds. This process was repeated until the entire target segment was treated. Results At 30 days postimplantation, the treated veins were occluded with no evidence of recanalization or migration. Histological findings revealed that the lumen was dilated by coalescing, arborizing clear spaces with entrapped lytic erythrocytes, demarcated by a thin band of granular eosinophilic material. Spindle cells with dense eosinophilic matrix replaced the tunica intima and disrupted the tunica media. Conclusion Results of this initial study demonstrated that intravascular injection of CA is feasible for closure of superficial veins in animal models. These findings warrant further animal studies of this proprietary CA to assess efficacy, safety and its effects on perivenous structures.

The First Report of an Intraperitoneal Free-Floating Mass (an Autoamputated Ovary) Causing an Acute Abdomen in a Child

A free-floating intraperitoneal mass is extremely rare, and almost all originate from an ovary. Here, we present the first case with an intraperitoneal free-floating autoamputated ovary that caused an acute abdomen in a child and also review the literature. A 4-year-old girl was admitted with signs and symptoms of acute abdomen. At surgery, the patient had no right ovary and the right tube ended in a thin band that pressed on the terminal ileum causing partial small intestine obstruction and acute abdomen. A calcified mass was found floating in the abdomen and was removed. The pathological examination showed necrotic tissue debris with calcifications. An autoamputated ovary is thought to result from ovarian torsion and is usually detected incidentally. However, it can cause an acute abdomen.