Synthesis Methodology Applied to a Tunable Patch Filter With Independent Frequency and Bandwidth Control

A new methodology for the synthesis of tunable patch filters is presented. The methodology helps the designer to perform a theoretical analysis of the filter through a coupling matrix that includes the effect of the tuning elements used to tune the filter. This general methodology accounts for any tuning parameter desired and was applied to the design of a tunable dual-mode patch filter with independent control of center frequency and bandwidth (BW). The bandpass filter uses a single triangular resonator with two etched slots that split the fundamental degenerate modes and form the filter passband. Varactor diodes assembled across the slots are used to vary the frequency of each degenerate fundamental mode independently, which is feasible due to the nature of the coupling scheme of the filter. The varactor diode model used in simulations, their assembling, the dc bias configuration, and measured results are presented. The theory results are compared to the simulations and to measurements showing a very good agreement and validating the proposed methodology. The fabricated filter presents an elliptic response with 20% of center frequency tuning range around 3.2 GHz and a fractional BW variation from 4% to 12% with low insertion loss and high power handling with a 1-dB compression point higher than +14.5 dB.

Parametric study of retangular patch antenna using denim textile material

—This paper presents a textile patch antenna designed for WBAN applications at 2.45 GHz ISM band. The antenna uses denim as substrate and conductive fabric for the ground plane and radiator layers. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of typical deviation of denim properties and patch radiator dimensions on the performance of the antenna. The parameters considered in the analysis are the relative permittivity and thickness of denim and the width and length of the rectangular patch radiator. The dependence of the central operation frequency of the antenna on those parameters was studied using the antenna reflection coefficient obtained from EM simulations. Rules of thumb for one-shot design were derived and applied to design a rectangular patch antenna. An antenna prototype was fabricated and measured, demonstrating a 10 dB impedance band of 4.8 % centered at 2.45 GHz, in good agreement with simulated results

Quimeras de oriente: Edith Wharton en Marruecos

[ES]En In Morocco (1919), Edith Wharton relata la crónica de un viaje realizado por el Marruecos colonial de finales de la Primera Guerra Mundial. Con el sentido del tiempo que le inspira el paisaje magrebí, Wharton reinterpreta la historia de Marruecos acercándonos un país con un pasado que parece estar vivo. Su recorrido presenta una doble vertiente: por un lado, Wharton no pierde detalle de las imágenes de miseria y sordidez que forman parte de los estereotipos coloniales del viajero occidental; por otro, el romance que encierra In Morocco, el crisol orientalista y la visión de Las mil y una noches que se percibe en su impresiones, revisten el relato de una mirada mágica y fantasiosa que difiere de la realidad del país.

Elf magnetic field influence on ION Channels studied by Patch Clamp Technique: exposure set up and "Whole Cell" measurements on Potassium currents

The aim of this thesis was to study the effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic magnetic fields on potassium currents in neural cell lines ( Neuroblastoma SK-N-BE ), using the whole-cell Patch Clamp technique. Such technique is a sophisticated tool capable to investigate the electrophysiological activity at a single cell, and even at single channel level. The total potassium ion currents through the cell membrane was measured while exposing the cells to a combination of static (DC) and alternate (AC) magnetic fields according to the prediction of the so-called ‘ Ion Resonance Hypothesis ’. For this purpose we have designed and fabricated a magnetic field exposure system reaching a good compromise between magnetic field homogeneity and accessibility to the biological sample under the microscope. The magnetic field exposure system consists of three large orthogonal pairs of square coils surrounding the patch clamp set up and connected to the signal generation unit, able to generate different combinations of static and/or alternate magnetic fields. Such system was characterized in term of field distribution and uniformity through computation and direct field measurements. No statistically significant changes in the potassium ion currents through cell membrane were reveled when the cells were exposed to AC/DC magnetic field combination according to the afore mentioned ‘Ion Resonance Hypothesis’.

Determination of Pelvic Orientation from Ultrasound Images Using Patch-SSMs and a Hierarchical Speed of Sound Compensation Strategy

In the field of computer assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) the anterior pelvic plane (APP) is a common concept to determine the pelvic orientation by digitizing distinct pelvic landmarks. As percutaneous palpation is - especially for obese patients - known to be error-prone, B-mode ultrasound (US) imaging could provide an alternative means. Several concepts of using ultrasound imaging to determine the APP landmarks have been introduced. In this paper we present a novel technique, which uses local patch statistical shape models (SSMs) and a hierarchical speed of sound compensation strategy for an accurate determination of the APP. These patches are independently matched and instantiated with respect to associated point clouds derived from the acquired ultrasound images. Potential inaccuracies due to the assumption of a constant speed of sound are compensated by an extended reconstruction scheme. We validated our method with in-vitro studies using a plastic bone covered with a soft-tissue simulation phantom and with a preliminary cadaver trial.

Plicated patch repair for acquired Gerbode defect involving the tricuspid valve

Gerbode's defect, a left ventricular-to-right atrial communication, with involvement of the tricuspid valve acquired after bacterial endocarditis can be challenging to repair. We report a modified technique for a shunt closure and reconstruction of the tricuspid valve using a plicated bovine pericardial patch. Combining such a repair with a left ventricular patch resulted in a complete defect closure and competent tricuspid valve without regurgitation.

Restenosis after microsurgical non-patch carotid endarterectomy in 586 patients

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces the risk of stroke in patients with symptomatic (>50%) and asymptomatic (>60%) carotid artery stenosis. Here we report the midterm results of a microsurgical non-patch technique and compare these findings to those in the literature.

Anti-idiotypic Fab Fragments Image a Conserved N-terminal Epitope Patch of Grass Pollen Allergen Phl p 1

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Naturally occurring anti-idiotypic antibodies structurally mimic the original antibody epitope. Anti-idiotypes, therefore, are interesting tools for the portrayal of conformational B-cell epitopes of allergens. In this study we used this strategy particularly for major timothy grass pollen (Phleum pratense) allergen Phl p 1. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used a combinatorial phage display library constructed from the peripheral IgG repertoire of a grass pollen allergic patient which was supposed to contain anti-idiotypic Fab specificities. Using purified anti-Phl p 1 IgG for biopanning, several Fab displaying phage clones could be isolated. 100 amplified colonies were screened for their binding capacity to anti-Phl p 1-specific antibodies, finally resulting in four distinct Fab clones according to sequence analysis. Interestingly, heavy chains of all clones derived from the same germ line sequence and showed high homology in their CDRs. Projecting their sequence information on the surface of the natural allergen Phl p 1 (PDB ID: 1N10) indicated matches on the N-terminal domain of the homo-dimeric allergen, including the bridging region between the two monomers. The resulting epitope patches were formed by spatially distant sections of the primary allergen sequence. CONCLUSION: In this study we report that anti-idiotypic specificities towards anti-Phl p 1 IgG, selected from a Fab library of a grass pollen allergic patient, mimic a conformational epitope patch being distinct from a previously reported IgE epitope area.

Exploring the Life of Edith Fetherston through her Clothing

This research is an examination of the life of Edith Fetherston through studying her clothing and comparing her clothes to fashion history. The authors of Survey of Historic Costume, Tortora and Eubank, state that: 'Dress serves as a means of communication,' and that 'historic dress provides readers with some context for the period in which costumes were worn'. Most importantly, they state that clothing is 'a glimpse of attitudes and values as they were expressed by individuals of [a] period.' (4). Studying clothing history is a way to understand the attitudes of the times; it has a relationship with the attitudes of the society in which it is or was worn. Studying garments can identify personalities, as well as professions, and economic status. My research is based on the wardrobe of Edith Fetherston between the early twenties and late sixties. This thesis begins by examining Edith herself, then it examines each decade and its major characteristics, and finally my research examines at least two garments from each of the five decades.

Lack of increase in intracranial pressure after epidural blood patch in spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak

Epidural blood patch (EBP) is one therapeutic measure for patients suffering from spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) or post-lumbar puncture headaches. It has been proposed that an EBP may directly seal a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula or result in an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) by a shift of CSF from the spinal to the intracranial compartment. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of a patient with SIH and neurological deterioration in whom ICP was measured before, during, and after spinal EBP.

Current patch test results with the European baseline series and extensions to it from the 'European Surveillance System on Contact Allergy' network, 2007-2008

The pattern of contact sensitization to the supposedly most important allergens assembled in the baseline series differs between countries, presumably at least partly because of exposure differences. Objectives. To describe the prevalence of contact sensitization to allergens tested in consecutive patients in the years 2007 and 2008, and to discuss possible differences.

Simulator training on pulsatile vascular models significantly improves surgical skills and the quality of carotid patch plasty

Vascular surgeons perform numerous highly sophisticated and delicate procedures. Due to restrictions in training time and the advent of endovascular techniques, new concepts including alternative environments for training and assessment of surgical skills are required. Over the past decade, training on simulators and synthetic models has become more sophisticated and lifelike. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a 3-day intense training course in open vascular surgery on both specific and global vascular surgical skills.