Abstract Friction stir welding (FSW) is considered one of the most prominent methods for joining ductile materials. In this process, joining occurs in a plastic state without melting the base metals. Therefore, there is a lack of solidification cracking and shrinking of friction stir weld joints. Although, the improper stirring action of the FSW tool reduces the frictional heat input and flow of plasticized material, which deteriorates the weld joint quality. Insufficient and excessive heat input both results in the formation of weld flaws. The FSW is assisted with various new supporting tools to reduce weld flaws. The main objective of this paper is to provide collective information regarding supportive tool systems employed with FSW for the mitigation or elimination of weld flaws. FSW tool systems such as non-rotational shoulder assisted FSW, counter-rotating twin tool, reverse dual rotation, self-reacting tool, and in-situ rolling tool, and their impact on the weld joint formation is presented in this article. This paper also presented an overview of the remarkable effect of optimizing the FSW process parameters and the influence of tool pin profiles on weld joint quality. From this review, it is concluded that various FSW supporting tool systems significantly reduce the weld flaws.

Abstract Introduction: Spasticity is a disease of motor neurons that manifests as accelerated muscle tone and stiffness. The niosomes can be formulated with the aid of proper adjustment of process parameters to enhance baclofen entrapment and sustaining the drug release. Method: The main purpose of this study is to compare different formulations of span 60 niosomes containing baclofen for skeletal muscle relaxant activity on mice (Swiss albino mice) by rota rod method. Results: The particle size of formulated niosomes was in the range of 3.62±0.54-4.08±0.64 µm and these were smooth, circular fit and generally small multilamellar. Entrapment efficiency of optimized formulation was 88.44±0.28 %. The most extreme % cumulative drug release was 87.88±8.66% after 10 h. The formulation stored at 4±2 °C temperature shows better stability (96.65±0.45) contrasted with raised temperature. Swiss albino mice were utilized for in vivo study and displayed improved muscle relaxant action as far as no. of tumbles from rota rod apparatus (p value =0.001) are concerned. Conclusions: Nonetheless, diazepam treated mice were observed to have higher muscle relaxation than any dose of formulation tested. The formulation F9 shows better skeletal muscle relaxant activity as compared to F6, F7, F8 and F10 on mice (Swiss albino mice) by the rota rod technique.

Resumen Introducción: La espasticidad es una enfermedad de las neuronas motoras que se manifiesta como aceleración del tono muscular y rigidez. Los niosomas se pueden formular con la ayuda de un ajuste adecuado de los parámetros del proceso para mejorar el atrapamiento del baclofeno y mantener la liberación del fármaco. Método: El objetivo principal de este estudio es comparar diferentes formulaciones de niosomas span 60 que contienen baclofeno para la actividad relajante del músculo esquelético en ratones (ratones albinos suizos) mediante el método de rota rod. Resultados: El tamaño de partícula de los niosomas formulados estaba en el rango de 3,62 ± 0,54-4,08 ± 0,64 µm y eran suaves, de ajuste circular y generalmente multilaminares pequeños. La eficiencia de atrapamiento de la formulación optimizada fue 88,44 ± 0,28%. El porcentaje de liberación acumulada de fármaco más extremo fue 87,88 ± 8,66% después de 10 h. La formulación almacenada a una temperatura de 4 ± 2 ° C muestra una mejor estabilidad (96,65 ± 0,45) en comparación con la temperatura elevada. Se utilizaron ratones albinos suizos para el estudio in vivo y mostraron una acción relajante muscular mejorada hasta donde no. de caídas desde el aparato de varilla de rotación (valor de p = 0,001). Conclusiones: No obstante, se observó que los ratones tratados con diazepam tenían una mayor relajación muscular que cualquier dosis de formulación probada. La formulación F9 muestra una mejor actividad relajante del músculo esquelético en comparación con F6, F7, F8 y F10 en ratones (ratones albinos suizos) mediante la técnica de rota rod.

Resumo Introdução A associação entre o tratamento da deficiência maxilar transversa e a recuperação das funções auditivas e vocais ganhou atenção nos últimos anos. Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos da expansão rápida da maxila na função auditiva e vocal em crianças sem fissura labiopalatina e com fissura labiopalatina bilateral com deficiência maxilar transversa. Método Foram recrutados para este estudo 53 pacientes (26 sem fissura e 27 com fissura labiopalatina bilateral; média de 11,1 ± 1,8 anos) que necessitam de expansão rápida da maxila para correção de arcos maxilares estreitos. Oito subgrupos foram estabelecidos com base no grau de perda auditiva. Registros audiométricos e timpanométricos de tons puros foram obtidos para cada indivíduo em quatro períodos. Os primeiros registros foram obtidos antes da expansão rápida da maxila (T0), o segundo após a expansão (T1) (média de 0,8 meses), o terceiro após três meses (T2) (média de 3 meses) e o quarto no fim do período de retenção (T3) (média de 6 meses). Anova e o teste post-hoc de Tukey HSD foram usados para análise dos dados. Além disso, a análise da voz foi feita com um programa PRAAT atualizado em um laboratório de fala computadorizadaem T0 e T2. Foi usado um teste t de amostras pareadas para comparação dos valores médios dos parâmetros de voz em T0 e T2 nos dois grupos. Resultados O tratamento com expansão rápida da maxila produziu um aumento significativo nos níveis auditivos e nos volumes da orelha média de todos os pacientes sem fissura e pacientes com fissura labiopalatina bilateral e níveis auditivos normais e com perda auditiva condutiva leve, durante os períodos de observação T0-T1, T1-T2, T0-T2 e T0-T3 (p < 0,05). Aumento significativo foi observado nos volumes da orelha média direita durante os períodos T0-T1, T0-T2 e T0-T3 em pacientes sem fissura e com perda auditiva moderada. Para a análise de voz, diferenças significantes foram observadas apenas entre a frequência fundamental média T0 e T2 (F0) e a porcentagem de jitter (p < 0,05) no grupo sem fissura. No grupo com fissura, não foram observadas diferenças significantes para nenhum parâmetro de voz entre os períodos T0 e T2. Conclusão A correção da anatomia palatal pela expansão rápida da maxila tem um efeito benéfico tanto na melhoria da audição quanto na função normal da orelha média em pacientes sem fissura e com fissura labiopalatina bilateral. Da mesma forma, a expansão rápida da maxila influencia significativamente a qualidade da voz em pacientes sem fissura, sem efeito significativo em pacientes com fissura labiopalatina bilateral.

Abstract Introduction The association between the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency and the recovery of hearing and voice functions has gained attention in recent years. Objective This prospective controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on hearing and voice function in children with non-cleft lip palate and bilateral cleft lip palate with transverse maxillary deficiency Methods 53 patients (26 non-cleft and 27 bilateral cleft lip palate; mean age, 11.1 ± 1.8 years) requiring rapid maxillary expansion for correction of narrow maxillary arches were recruited for this trial. Eight sub-groups were established based on the degree of hearing loss. Pure-tone audiometric and tympanometric records were taken for each subject at four different time periods. The first records were taken before rapid maxillary expansion (T0), the second after expansion (T1) (mean, 0.8 months), the third after three months (T2) (mean, 3 months) and the fourth at the end of retention period (T3) (mean, 6 months). ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests were used for data analysis. Additionally, voice analysis was done using an updated PRAAT software program in a computerized speech lab at T0 and T2. A paired-samplet-test was used for comparisons of mean values of T0 and T2 voice parameters within both groups. Results Rapid maxillary expansion treatment produced a significant increase in the hearing levels and middle ear volumes of all non-cleft and bilateral cleft lip palate patients with normal hearing levels and with mild conductive hearing loss, during the T0-T1, T1-T2, T0-T2, and T0-T3 observation periods (p < 0.05). The significant increase was observed in right middle ear volumes during the T0-T1, T0-T2 and T0-T3 periods in non-cleft patients with moderate hearing loss. For voice analysis, significant differences were observed only between the T0 and T2 mean fundamental frequency (F0) and jitter percentage (p < 0.05) in the non-cleft group. In the cleft group, no significant differences were observed for any voice parameter between the T0 and T2 periods. Conclusion Correction of the palatal anatomy by rapid maxillary expansion therapy has a beneficial effect on both improvements in hearing and normal function of the middle ear in both non-cleft and bilateral cleft lip palate patients. Similarly, rapid maxillary expansion significantly influences voice quality in non-cleft patients, with no significant effect in BCLP patients.

ABSTRACT The Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) based Multispectral Rainfall Algorithm (IMSRA) operationally provides precipitation estimates using measurements provided by the Kalpana satellite from 2008 onwards and the INSAT-3D from 2014 onwards over Indian land and oceanic regions for dissemination to the users. Here, an attempt is made to estimate rainfall over the Indian monsoon region by the synergistic use of geostationary INSAT-3D IMSRA derived rainfall estimates and rain data from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) using a suitable objective analysis method. The objective criteria of a successive correction method benefit from high spatial and temporal resolutions of the geostationary satellite and infrequent but more accurate microwave-based rainfall estimates, particularly during heavy rain conditions. The method is applied to various case studies for the southwest monsoon season of 2015 at both instantaneous and daily scale. A comparison is made with ground data and also with independent global concurrent rainfall products. The merged rainfall estimates shows noticeable improvement over the Infrared (IR)-based rainfall estimates over various parts of the Indian land and oceanic regions on a daily scale. Overall, results reveal that the GMI type radiometer in low inclination orbit like the Megha-Tropiques and Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) could be more useful for synergistic use with INSAT-3D. It has the potential to predict more accurately near real-time tropical rainfall, particularly over the Indian monsoon region, which makes it a valuable source of information for flood forecasting, agriculture and water resource management, numerical weather prediction, and numerous other applications in the hydro-meteorological sciences.

RESUMEN El algoritmo multiespectral de precipitación (IMSRA, por sus siglas en inglés) del Sistema Nacional de Satélites de la India (INSAT) provee operativamente estimaciones de precipitación sobre el territorio continental y las regiones oceánicas de la India utilizando mediciones proporcionadas por el satélite Kalpana a partir de 2008 y el satélite INSAT-3D a partir de 2014. En este estudio se pretende estimar la precipitación sobre la región del monzón de la India mediante el uso sinérgico de estimaciones geostacionarias derivadas de INSAT-3D e IMSRA, así como datos de precipitación del generador de imágenes por microondas del proyecto global para la medición de la precipitación (GPM-GPI, por sus siglas en inglés), utilizando para ello un método apropiado de análisis objetivo. Los criterios objetivos de un método de corrección sucesiva se benefician de las altas resoluciones temporales y espaciales del satélite geoestacionario, así como de estimaciones infrecuentes pero más exactas de precipitación basadas en microondas, particularmente en condiciones de lluvia intensa. El método se aplica a varios casos de estudio para la temporada 2015 de monzón del suroeste tanto a escala instantánea como diaria. Se realiza una comparación con datos de campo y productos globales independientes de precipitación. Las estimaciones combinadas muestran una mejoría notable con relación a las estimaciones basadas en el infrarrojo sobre varias partes de las regiones continental y oceánica de la India en una escala diaria. En general, los resultados muestran que el radiómetro GMI en una órbita baja e inclinada (como la de las misiones Megha-Tropiques y TRMM), podría ser de mayor utilidad si es utilizado de manera sinérgica con el INSAT-3D. Tiene el potencial de predecir lluvias tropicales con mayor precisión y casi en tiempo real, sobre todo en la región del monzón de la India, por lo cual es una importante fuente de información para pronóstico de inundaciones, manejo de recursos agrícolas e hídricos, predicción numérica del tiempo y muchas otras aplicaciones en las ciencias hidrometeorológicas.

Abstract DBW222 is characterized by potential yield of 8210 kg ha-1 under high fertility when sown in timely conditions in North India. It possesses better agronomic attributes and has better adaption to sowing time, high rust resistance, quality attributes, and lodging tolerance because of a shorter 2nd internode and wider diameter.

Abstract: In this paper, we proposed a new crossover operator and a population initialization method for solving multiple traveling salesmen (MTSP) problem in genetic algorithm (GA) framework. The group theory based technique of intital population generation ensures the uniqueness of members in population, hence no redundancy in the search space and also remove the random initialization effect. The new crossover is based on the intuitive idea that the city in sub optimal / optimal tours occurs at same position. In this crossover the Hamming distance is preserved and there is very less chance to generate child same as members in the population, so diversity of the population is not much affected. For efficient representation of search space, we exploited the multi-chromosome representation technique to encode the search space of MTSP. We evaluate and compare the proposed technique with the methods using crossover TCX, ORX +A, CYX +A and PMX +A reported in [35] for two standard objective functions of the MTSP, namely, minimising total travel cost of m tours of the m salesman and minimising the longest tour cast travel by any one salesman. Experimental results show that the GA with proposed population initialization and crossover gives better result compared to all four methods for second objective, however, in very few cases slightly degraded result for first objective.

RESUMO Introdução: as dilacerações dentárias são anomalias caracterizadas por desvio acentuado no eixo longitudinal de um dente. Elas podem ocorrer na coroa, entre a coroa e a raiz, ou na raiz. Apesar de não serem muito comuns, os incisivos superiores impactados apresentando dilaceração radicular representam um desafio para o clínico, quanto ao diagnóstico e tratamento. Descrição: o presente relato de caso descreve o tratamento de um incisivo central superior impactado horizontalmente e com dilaceração, em uma menina com 12 anos de idade. Tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico foram utilizadas para localizar com precisão a posição do dente dilacerado e avaliar o grau de formação e de dilaceração da raiz. O tratamento incluiu exposição cirúrgica e tração ortodôntica, seguida de tratamento do canal radicular e apicectomia. Resultados: por meio de uma abordagem interdisciplinar meticulosamente planejada, o incisivo central impactado com dilaceração foi devidamente alinhado e demonstrou boa estabilidade em acompanhamento de longo prazo. Conclusão: levando-se em consideração as preocupações e expectativas da paciente, a comunicação interativa adotada entre o cirurgião oral, ortodontista e o endodontista ajudou na obtenção de resultados estéticos, estruturais e funcionais satisfatórios no presente caso.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tooth dilacerations are dental anomalies characterized by an abrupt deviation in the longitudinal axis of a tooth. They may occur either in the crown, between the crown and root, or in the root. Although not so common, impacted maxillary incisors exhibiting root dilaceration pose a diagnostic and treatment challenge to the clinician. Description: This case report describes the management of a horizontally impacted and dilacerated maxillary central incisor in a 12-year-old girl. Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were used to accurately localize the position of the dilacerated tooth, and to assess the extent of root formation and degree of dilaceration present in the root. Treatment included surgical exposure and orthodontic traction, followed by root canal treatment and apicoectomy. Results: Through a meticulously planned interdisciplinary approach, the impacted dilacerated central incisor was properly aligned and demonstrated good stability after the long-term follow-up. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the concerns and expectations of the patient, communicative feedback between the oral surgeon, orthodontist and endodontist helped achieving successful esthetic, structural and functional outcome in the present case.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A biópsia hepática é o método padrão-ouro para avaliação de esteatose hepática. No entanto, é um procedimento invasivo e doloroso que pode causar complicações graves e, portanto, não pode ser usado com frequência em caso de acompanhamento dos pacientes. A avaliação não invasiva de esteatose e fibrose é de crescente relevância na doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA). Para avaliar a esteatose hepática, a elastografia transitória com parâmetro de atenuação controlada (PAC) é uma opção atual. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar o papel da medição do PAC, um marcador substituto da esteatose hepática em pacientes da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica, com modificação do estilo de vida. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos inicialmente neste estudo 37 participantes acompanhados por 6 meses com elastografia transitória, testes bioquímicos no sangue, e medidas antropométricas. Os resultados foram analisados por análise de regressão linear multivariada e emparelhado em amostras-teste t (teste t-dependente) com intervalo de confiança de 95%. A correlação foi calculada pelos coeficientes de correlação de Pearson. RESULTADOS: O valor do PAC para avaliar esteatose hepática durante a primeira consulta (278,57±49,13 dB/m) foi significativamente melhorado (P=0,03) após 6 meses de modificação do estilo de vida (252,91±62,02 dB/m). Somente a glicemia de jejum (P=0,008), o peso (valor de P=0,000), o índice de massa corporal (IMC) (P=0,000) mostraram correlação positiva significativa com PAC. Apenas o IMC (P=0,034) e o peso (P=0,035) foram o preditores independentes de valor de PAC em pacientes com DHGNA. CONCLUSÃO: A modificação do estilo de vida melhora a esteatose hepática, e o PAC pode ser usado para detectar a melhoria da esteatose hepática durante o seguimento em pacientes com DHGNA. Não existe relação entre o PAC e o escore do Fibroscan em pacientes com DHGNA. Só o IMC e o peso podem prever o valor do PAC independentemente.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is a gold standard method for hepatic steatosis assessment. However, liver biopsy is an invasive and painful procedure and can cause severe complications therefore it cannot be frequently used in case of follow-up of patients. Non-invasive assessment of steatosis and fibrosis is of growing relevance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To evaluate hepatic steatosis, transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurement is an option now days. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to evaluate role of measurement of controlled attenuation parameter, a surrogate marker of hepatic steatosis in patients of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on lifestyle modification. METHODS: In this study, initially 37 participants were included who were followed up after 6 months with transient elastography, blood biochemical tests and anthropometric measurements. The results were analyzed by Multivariate linear regression analysis and paired samples t-test (Dependent t-test) with 95% confidence interval. Correlation is calculated by Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Mean CAP value for assessing hepatic steatosis during 1st consultation (278.57±49.13 dB/m) was significantly improved (P=0.03) after 6 months of lifestyle modification (252.91±62.02 dB/m). Only fasting blood sugar (P=0.008), weight (P=0.000), body mass index (BMI) (P=0.000) showed significant positive correlation with CAP. Only BMI (P=0.034) and weight (P=0.035) were the independent predictor of CAP value in NAFLD patients. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle modification improves the hepatic steatosis, and CAP can be used to detect the improvement of hepatic steatosis during follow-up in patients with NAFLD on lifestyle modification. There is no relation between CAP and Fibroscan score in NAFLD patients. Only BMI and weight can predict CAP value independently.

ABSTRACT The species richness and relative abundances of different aboveground plant-dwelling pest and predator species were assessed in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) ecosystem under mid-hill conditions of eastern Himalayas. The experiment was conducted in winter seasons during 2004-2013 at the Regional Research Station (Hill Zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. Twenty five species of phytophagous arthropods under 13 families were observed belonging to 6 different orders. The gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), aphid, Myzus persicae (Aphididae: Hemiptera), shield bug, Plautia fimbriata (Pentatomidae: Hemiptera) and leaf webber, Nacoleia sp. (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) were found as the most common and major insect of flax. In terms of species composition, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera occupied top position (nine species) while Coleoptera ranked second position (five species). By the size of population, aphid was found to be the most frequent species followed by shield bug and leaf webber. Although, the incidence of gram pod borer was low in the field, it was the major pest of flax in respect of bud and capsule damage. The Gini-Simpson index and Effective number of species for the pest faunal complex of flax was calculated as 0.914 and 11.628, respectively. Similarly, 16 species of predatory arthropods under nine families were observed belonging to 7 different orders. The lynx spider (17.24 %) and 7-spotted lady beetle (15.52 %) dominated the predatory community by sheer number. The Gini-Simpson index and Effective number of species for the predatory fauna was derived as 0.898 and 9.804, respectively.

ABSTRACT Fusarium mangiferae (=F. subglutinans) isolates collect from malformed samples from major mango-growing area of North India. Molecular identification and characterization of eleven most virulent isolates of F. mangiferae, based on pathogenicity tests used for the present study. Species-specific, genus specific ITS-PCR and PCR-RFLP performed for the accurate and easy detection of F. mangiferae. The rDNA-ITS 28S region sequences used for phylogenetic analysis of Fusarium isolates from India and other countries for homology search between them. The phylogenetic tree divided the isolates into three clades (i.e., American, Asian and African) and showed the high level of sequence based similarity (69-99%) among all Fusarium sequences from Asia. Thus, claimed Fusarium mangiferae as dominant pathogen of mango malformation. Furthermore, we conclude that exploiting the nested PCR coupled with PCR-RFLP will help in rapid and accurate detection of F. mangiferae pathogen of mango malformation.

Aim: Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers inherent properties have made it the nanocarrier of choice in the current era of innovation. Dendrimer based products are growing and mushrooming like anything in the current time. Although it suffer from hemolytic toxicity which could be reduced by protecting free amino group. Methods: In the present work alternate acetylated method for PAMAM dendrimers was discussed. 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide Linker was used for acetylation. The acetylated conjugate was evaluated for color reaction, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimetric, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra studies. Results: The PAMAM dendrimers were synthesized using divergent approach and further acetylated. Change in λmax values from 282.0 to 282.5 nm was observed for acetylated dendrimers. Characteristic peak of N-H stretch of primary amine at 3284.16 cm-1 was disappeared due to conversion of primary amine to secondary amine. A new peak of -(CO)-NH stretch was obtained at 1640.28 cm-1 (medium) which shows attachment of acetic acid surface group. The changes in Endothermic peak from 120.56 to 110.40ºC were observed which shows the PAMAM dendrimers surface modifications The peak of -NH2 at 2.99 ppm was replaced by (-NHCOCH3) at 2.42 ppm further supports the proof of acetylation. Conclusions: The spectral data clearly revealed that this approach for acetylation gives considerable amount of acetylation in less time duration with elimination of organic solvent. This method could be employed for regular acetylation of amine terminated nanocarriers. EDC linker mediated capping of amine groups opened a new avenue for acetylation of amine terminated protein/peptides.

Objetivos: Las propiedades inherentes de la poliamidoamina (PAMAM) la han convertido en el nanotransportador de elección en la era actual de la innovación. A pesar de que sufren de toxicidad hemolítica que podría ser reducido mediante la protección del grupo amino libre. En el presente trabajo se discutió el método alternativo de acetilación para los dendrímeros PAMAM. Material y Métodos: El enlazador 1-Etill-3-(3-dimetilaminopropil) carbodiimida (EDC) se utilizó para la acetilación. El conjugado acetilado se evaluó mediante la reacción de color, mediante espectroscopia Ultravioleta visible, espectroscopia infrarroja con transformado de Fourrier, Calorimetría Diferencial de barrido y los estudios de los espectros de Resonancia magnetica nuclear. Resultados: Los dendrímeros PAMAM se sintetizaron utilizando el método divergente y más acetilado. Cambio en los valores λmax 282,0 a 282,5 nm se observó para dendrímeros acetilados. El pico característico del NH de amina primaria a 3284,16 cm-1, desapareció debido a la conversión de amina primaria a amina secundaria. Un nuevo pico de - (CO) -NH se obtuvo a 1640,28 cm-1 (medianas), que muestra la unión de grupo de superficie de ácido acético. Se observaron los cambios en el pico endotérmico de 120,56 a 110.40 ºC que muestra las modificaciones superficiales de dendrímeros PAMAM. El pico de -NH2 en 2,99 ppm fue sustituido por (-NHCOCH3) a 2,42 ppm apoya aun más la prueba de acetilación. Conclusión: Los datos espectrales revelaron claramente que este enfoque para la acetilación da considerable cantidad de acetilación en menos tiempo de duración con la eliminación de disolvente orgánico. Este método podría ser empleado para regular la acetilación de las aminas terminales de nanovehículos. El enlazador EDC de grupos amino abre una nueva vía para la acetilación de amina terminales de proteínas / péptidos.

AbstractA compact (20 x 20 mm2 size), coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed, octagonal slotted, dual-band antenna is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna has a simple structure consisting of an octagonal slot, L-shape stub, and a two stepped rectangular patch. The introduction of the L-shaped metallic stubs in the ground plane generates a lower resonance frequency at 2.42 GHz. The proposed antenna is fabricated on a low cost FR4 substrate having thickness of 1.6 mm. The measured impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna is from 2.40 to 2.46 GHz and 3.2 to 6.2 GHz. It is also shown that the proposed antenna has stable radiation patterns of almost dumb-bell shape in the E-plane and omni-directional shape in the H-plane. The effects of various design parameters on the impedance bandwidth are also studied and presented in detail. The proposed antenna can be used for 3.5/5.5 GHz worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz wireless local area network (WLAN) and 3.1-6.0 GHz Direct-Sequence Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA) / Multi-Band Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MB-OFDM) ultra wideband (UWB) applications.

Background Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are important for the production of interspecies germ line chimeras. The interspecies germ cell transfer technique has been suggested as a way to conserve endangered birds. Our objective was to develop a technique for restoring endangered birds by developing interspecies germ line chimeras between pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and chicken (Gallus gallus) with SSCs. Results SSCs were isolated from the surgically removed testis of a pheasant. Growth conditions for pheasant SSCs were established by co-culturing STO (SIM mouse embryo-derived thioguanine and ouabain resistant) cells and pheasant SSCs. The colony-forming cells divided and proliferated stably to yield an established SSC line. Pheasant SSCs showed strong reactivity for GDNF family receptor alpha1 (GFRa1) marker. Finally, production of germ line chimeras was attempted by transferring pheasant SSCs into recipient embryos. Although final embryo survival was 5.6% (20/354), the initial survival rate was 88% (312/354). To measure the percent transfer of donor SSC to gonads, the pheasant SSCs were labeled with PKH 26 fluorescent dye. We observed 30% donor cells and 9.48% c-kit/CD117-positive cells in the gonads of recipient chickens. Donor SSCs were thus stably engrafted in the recipient gonads. Conclusions This study showed that SSCs can be used as a tool for the conservation of endangered birds and the production of germ line chimeras. Our findings yield insights into how we may use the pheasant spermatogonial stem cell line for efficient production of interspecies germ line chimeras and ultimately, to the restoration of endangered birds.

In this paper, single and dual band EBG structures for wider bandwidth are proposed. In each of the discussed EBGs, a metallic patch of regular geometry is chosen for the unit element. The patch is further modified by cutting slots to get extra inductance and capacitance which results into lower cut-off frequency and larger bandwidth. The proposed EBG structures are compared with the standard mushroom type EBG with respect to surface wave attenuation. The -20 dB cut-off frequencies and bandwidths of the various EBGs are compared. The effect of unit element size, gap between unit elements and via diameter on the transmission response is presented. Among the discussed EBGs, the swastika type structure is compact, single band and has wider bandwidth. The square patch with a single disconnected loop type slot EBG and the Fractal EBG are dual band. While square patch is more compact, the fractal EBG has wider bandwidth. All the EBGs can be useful in the design of antenna and other microwave circuits.

This paper presents the design of a nano-arm fractal antenna suitable for ultra wide band applications. The CPW-feed and fractal concept have been used to achieve the ultra wide bandwidth. The shape of the fractal geometry, the number of iterations and the number of nano-arms are the deciding factors for achieving wider impedance bandwidth. The experimental result of the fractal antenna exhibits ultra wideband characteristics in the frequency range of 2.55 GHz to 11.84 GHz corresponding to an impedance bandwidth of 131.77%. The measured radiation patterns of the proposed antenna are nearly omni-directional in the H - plane and bidirectional in the E-plane. The antenna can be useful for modern wireless communication, medical imaging and ground penetrating radar.