Effect of Accretion Sand on Radiation Properties of Microstrip Antenna at Microwave Frequencies

Radiation properties of microstrip antenna embedded under the sand bed of grain size (120-180) microns are observed experimentally at 10 GHz frequency. Effect of surface waves on radiation properties is observed by changing the thickness of sand over the radiator. Keywords: Sand, Microstrip Antenna, Microwave

On the Two Band Model in Pure and Doped BSCCO Superconductors

Abstract The thermo-electric power S is calculated as a function of temperature for Bi2Sr2Ca1-xYxCu2O8+δ and Bi2Sr2Ca2-x SmxCu3O10 superconducting samples. This work is performed in terms of the reporetd data based on the considered samples; and with the help of the two band model. It is found that the measured values of S fit reasonably with the values which have been deduced from the model. The deduced parameters are used to calculate the energy gap Eg as a function of doping content and over a wide range of temperature. It is noteworthy that Eg is increased with increasing doping content and it is higher in Bi:2223 samples than Bi:2212 . While Eg is decreased with decreasing tempeature for pure samples; and vice versa for doped samples. On the other hand, the hole carrier concentration per Cu/ion is calculated by using the two-band Hubbard model and it is higher in Bi:2212 samples than Bi:2223 . Our results are discussed in terms of both carrier concentration and hyberdization for the two considered systems

Cardiogenic shock in autoimmune rheumatologic diseases: an insight on etiologies, management, and treatment outcomes

Autoimmune rheumatological disorders are known to have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease (CAD), myocarditis, pericarditis, valvulopathy, and in consequence cardiogenic shock. Data on cardiogenic shock in rheumatological diseases are scarce; however, several reports have highlighted this specific entity. We sought to review the available literature and highlight major outcomes and the management approaches in each disease. Systematic literature search, including PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, was conducted between January 2000 and December 2009. We reviewed all cases reporting cardiogenic shock with rheumatologic conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Takayasu\u27s arteritis (TA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), giant cell arteritis (GCA), and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). We selected 45 papers reporting a total of 48 cases. Mean age was 39 ± 7.3 years and 68.8% were females. Most common rheumatologic conditions associated with cardiogenic shock were SLE (31%), GPA (23%), TA (14.6%), APA (10.4%), and RA (8.3%). Cardiogenic shock was found to be caused by eosinophilic myocarditis in 58% of cases, CAD in 19% of cases, and valvulopathy in 6% of cases. Most patient required high-dose steroids and second immunosuppressant therapy. Mechanical circulatory supported was required in 23 cases, IABP in 16 cases, and ECMO in 12 cases. Complete recovery occurred in 37 patients while 9 patients died and 2 required heart transplant. Responsible for two-thirds of cases, eosinophilic myocarditis should be suspected in young cardiogenic shock patients with underlying rheumatologic conditions. Lupus and GPA are the two most common conditions

Spontaneous Biliary Pericardial Tamponade: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Biliary pericardial tamponade (BPT) is a rare form of pericardial tamponade, characterized by yellowish-greenish pericardial fluid upon pericardiocentesis. Historically, BPT reported to occur in the setting of an associated pericardio-biliary fistula. However, BPT in the absence of a detectable fistula is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old Hispanic male presenting with dyspnea and diagnosed with cardiac tamponade. Subsequent pericardiocentesis revealed biliary pericardial fluid (bilirubin of 7.6 mg/dl). Patient underwent extensive workup to identify a potential fistula between hepatobiliary system and the pericardial space, which was non-revealing. The mechanism of bile entry into the pericardial space remains to be unidentified. LITERATURE REVIEW: A total of six previously published BPT were identified: all were males, mean age of 53.3 years (range: 31-73). Mortality was reported in two out of the six cases. The underlying etiology for pericardial tamponade varied across the cases: incidental pericardio-biliary fistula, traumatic pericardial injury, and presence of associated malignancy. - Conclusion: Biliary pericardial tamponade is a rare form of tamponade that warrants a prompt workup (e.g., Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid - HIDA scan) for an iatrogenic vs. traumatic pericardio-biliary fistula. As a first case in the literature, our case exhibits a biliary tamponade in the absence of an identifiable fistula

Medical and biomedical research productivity from Palestine, 2002 – 2011

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Medical research productivity reflects the level of medical education and practice in a particular country. The objective of this study was to examine the quantity and quality of medical and biomedical research published from Palestine.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Comprehensive review of the literature indexed by Scopus was conducted. Data from Jan 01, 2002 till December 31, 2011 was searched for authors affiliated with Palestine or Palestinian authority. Results were refined to limit the search to medical and biomedical subjects. The quality of publication was assessed using Journal Citation Report. The total number of publications was 2207. A total of 770 publications were in the medical and biomedical subject areas. The annual rate of publication was 0.077 articles per gross domestic product/capita. The 770 publications have an h-index of 32. One hundred and thirty eight (18%) articles were published in 46 journals that were not indexed in the web of knowledge. Twenty two (22/770; 2.9%) articles were published in journals with an IF > 10.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The quantity and quality of research originating from Palestinian institutions is promising given the scarce resources of Palestine. However, more effort is needed to bridge the gap in medical research productivity and to promote better health in Palestine.</p