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In this publication, we have examined the structural, optical, and mechanical features of cubic structured lanthanide Ln2X3 (Ln = La→ Lu and X = O, S) series using the valence electron plasma oscillation theory of solids. Using the Chemical bond theory of solids, which was created by Phillips and Van-Vechten, we have further confirmed our findings. Unfortunately, it has been discovered that the Phillips and Van-Vechten (PVV) dielectric description is applicable exclusively to semiconductors and insulators. It is shown that an empirical relationship previously presented by Yadav and Bhati [D.S. Yadav, J. Alloys and Comp. 537, 250 (2012); D.S. Yadav, and D.V. Singh, Phys. Scr. 85, 015701 (2012); D.S. Yadav, J. Mater. Phys. Chem. 3(1), 6-10 (2015); R. Bhati, et al., Mater. Phys. Mech. 51, 90 (2023); R. Bhati, et al., East Eur. J. Phys. (1), 222 (2023).] relating the plasmon energy of complex structured solids, rock salt, and zinc-blende to their electronic, mechanical, static, and dynamical properties which can be applied to the cubic structured lanthanide (Ln2S3 & Ln2O3) series with only minor modifications. Considering the well-known theory of dielectric for solids, an alternative technique has been devised to evaluate the electronic, structural, mechanical, and optical properties of these materials, including their band gap (ΔEg in eV), optical dielectric constant, homopolar and heteropolar gaps, average energy gaps, chemical bond ionicity, and bulk muduli. An estimate was computed based on the almost inverse relationship between the plasmon energy of these compounds and their optical, mechanical, structural, and electrical characteristics. For these substances, the expected values of the aforementioned parameters form a straight line when plotted on a log-log scale against the plasmon energy (ħωp). We examined the C-type Ln2X3 compounds using the recommended methods, and the values we estimated are in good agreement with the values obtained from modified PVV theory and other comparable experimental and theoretical data that is currently available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diamagnetic diagnostic system is designed, prepared and installed at Aditya Upgrade Tokamak. Also, the raw data is acquired in a specified acquisition system with suitable front-end electronics. The entire system consists of separate loops and is first calibrated in the presence of all coils, which conduct electricity during the plasma discharge. Then, the change in the toroidal magnetic field due to the plasma is measured using the diamagnetic system, and hence, several plasma parameters including poloidal beta, stored energy, etc. are estimated. The measurements were then repeated during various tests of the tokamak plasma, and several interesting facts were observed. The present paper covers the entire concept of designing magnetic diagnostics – from basic considerations to final data interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy of electromagnetic radiation from explosions is coupled to electronic equipment circuits, disrupting the initiation sequence or causing failure in an increasing number of cases, which seriously affects the stability of weapon systems. There is a significant difference between the characteristics of the explosive electromagnetic radiation signals and modulated electromagnetic signals. The electric field intensity and signal power cannot directly represent the magnitude of the explosive electromagnetic radiation energy, and traditional electromagnetic signal analysis methods are unsuitable for explosion electromagnetic signal analysis. To solve this problem, the mechanism of explosive electromagnetic radiation was first analyzed. Through verification experiments of the explosion electromagnetic intensity and temperature, it was concluded that there is a strong correlation between the explosion plasma temperature and electromagnetic intensity. The temperature of the explosive plasma is derived based on the measured surface temperature of the explosive fireball, a functional relationship is established between the energy of the explosive plasma and the temperature of the plasma, and plasma energy is introduced as a parameter for electric field intensity correction. The interference signal analysis method based on eye diagram is used to calibrate the electromagnetic radiation damage ability, achieving quantitative analysis of the interference degree of electromagnetic radiation energy on the signal, and providing a new approach for the analysis of explosive electromagnetic radiation energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Radiofrequency has seen an increase in use in orthopedics including cartilage lesion debridement in the hip and knee as well as many applications in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the safety and usage of radiofrequency in the shoulder. Methods This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (international registry) and followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Embase and PubMed were searched using: “shoulder,” “rotator cuff,” “biceps,” “acromion” AND “monopolar,” “bipolar,” “ablation,” “coblation,” and “radiofrequency ablation.” The title and abstract review were performed independently. Any discrepancies were addressed through open discussion. Results A total of 63 studies were included. Radiofrequency is currently utilized in impingement syndrome, fracture fixation, instability, nerve injury, adhesive capsulitis, postoperative stiffness, and rotator cuff disease. Adverse events, namely superficial burns, are limited to case reports and case series, with higher-level evidence demonstrating safe use when used below the temperature threshold. Bipolar radiofrequency may decrease operative time and decrease the cost per case. Conclusions Shoulder radiofrequency has a wide scope of application in various shoulder pathologies. Shoulder radiofrequency is safe; however, requires practitioners to be cognizant of the potential for thermal burn injuries. Bipolar radiofrequency may represent a more efficacious and economic treatment modality. Safety precautions have been executed by institutions to cut down patient complications from shoulder radiofrequency. Future research is required to determine what measures can be taken to further minimize the risk of thermal burns. Level of evidence IV.

Background: Radiofrequency has seen an increase in use in orthopedics including cartilage lesion debridement in the hip and knee as well as many applications in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the safety and usage of radiofrequency in the shoulder. Methods: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (international registry) and followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Embase and PubMed were searched using: "shoulder," "rotator cuff," "biceps," "acromion" AND "monopolar," "bipolar," "ablation," "coblation," and "radiofrequency ablation." The title and abstract review were performed independently. Any discrepancies were addressed through open discussion. Results: A total of 63 studies were included. Radiofrequency is currently utilized in impingement syndrome, fracture fixation, instability, nerve injury, adhesive capsulitis, postoperative stiffness, and rotator cuff disease. Adverse events, namely superficial burns, are limited to case reports and case series, with higher-level evidence demonstrating safe use when used below the temperature threshold. Bipolar radiofrequency may decrease operative time and decrease the cost per case. Conclusions: Shoulder radiofrequency has a wide scope of application in various shoulder pathologies. Shoulder radiofrequency is safe; however, requires practitioners to be cognizant of the potential for thermal burn injuries. Bipolar radiofrequency may represent a more efficacious and economic treatment modality. Safety precautions have been executed by institutions to cut down patient complications from shoulder radiofrequency. Future research is required to determine what measures can be taken to further minimize the risk of thermal burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the plasma ablation technique of Fugo blade system to enlarge phimotic capsulotomies in the management of anterior capsule contraction syndrome.Patients and methods. Results of the enlargement of phimotic capsulotomies using the plasma ablation technique in 17 patients with anterior capsule contraction syndrome (10 men and 7 women, 18 eyes; average age — 73.8 ± 9.6 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Surgically, after pupil dilation, the anterior chamber was irrigated with a viscoelastic device (1.4 % solution of hyaluronic acid), and the tip of the Fugo blade was inserted through a 2.0–2.2 mm wide corneal incision. After slightly touching the anterior capsule, the apparatus was activated, and its tip was moved in a concentric manner, excising the required size of the fibrosed anterior capsule in a resistance-free fashion. Finally, the viscoelastic material was aspirated, and the incisions were hydrated.Results. Phimotic capsulotomies were enlarged in all cases. Except for three cases where the bimanual technique was required to ablate the anterior capsule, all other cases were managed single-handedly. The use of cohesive viscoelastic device (1.4 % solution of hyaluronic acid) made it possible to perform this procedure with minimum trauma and under visual control. No serious complications were encountered during surgery or in the early postoperative period. Patients were discharged 1–2 days after surgery. Corneal edema, which was observed in six eyes, resolved within 3–4 days. Visual acuity improved in all cases, except for 2 patients with complete glaucomatous optic atrophy. IOP remained under control in all cases. No negative effect on the hypotensive results of previous glaucoma surgeries was observed.Conclusion. The plasma-generating Fugo blade system is an effective and safe tool to enlarge phimotic capsulorhexis in a resistance-free fashion. It is easy to use, mastering of new surgical skills is not required, surgical trauma is minimal, the surgical time is reduced, and the patient’s rehabilitation period is significantly shortened.

The processes are studied of energy accumulation and dissipation in hot plasma created and confined in the toroidal magnetic trap L-2M stellarator. The distinctive features are studied of the plasma transition to the stationary stage of energy confinement. In the initial stage of the discharge, initiated by microwave pulse in the regime of electron cyclotron resonance plasma heating (ECR heating), plasma energy first sharply increases during the first millisecond from the beginning of microwave heating pulse, and then a fast (~100 μs) increase in plasma energy loss occurs, which recorded using the diamagnetic diagnostics. These processes result in termination of energy accumulation in the confined plasma. It is shown that at the constant microwave heating power of 400 kW, the properties of this process considerably differ for different electron densities. It is ascertained that this process is primarily associated with the processes occurring in the edge plasma region, in which there is a layer of stochastic magnetic surfaces located near the boundary of the plasma column. It is discussed whether the instabilities arising in the stochastic layer, as well as the plasma–wall interaction near the plasma boundary, can affect this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy dependence of a pulsed‐dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment on chemical species production and biological responses was investigated. We hypothesized that the total plasma energy delivered during treatment encompasses the influence of major application parameters. A microsecond‐pulsed DBD system was used to treat three different cancer cell lines and cell viability was analyzed. The energy per pulse was measured and the total plasma treatment energy was controlled by adjusting the pulse frequency, treatment time, and application distance. Our data suggest that the delivered plasma energy plays a predominant role in stimulating a biological response in vitro. This study aids in developing steps toward defining a plasma treatment unit and treatment dose for biomedical and clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of measuring longitudinal electric current excited in the toroidal plasma of the L-2M stellarator as a result of high-power pulsed microwave heating (power of up to 600 kW, pulse duration of up to 20 ms) are presented. Microwave radiation generated by gyrotrons and at frequency of 75 GHz, the second harmonic of the electron cyclotron resonance for magnetic field with induction B = 1.34 T in the plasma-column center, was used in the experiments for creation and heating of plasma in the stellarator. Diagnostic systems of the stellarator designed for detection of changes in transverse and poloidal magnetic fields with time were used for measuring currents in plasma. It is demonstrated that the presence of ohmic-heating iron transformer in stellarator construction substantially affects the temporal dynamics of equilibrium currents due to considerable inductance of the toroidal plasma column. The magnitude of the current excited in plasma can be as high as 7 kA upon compensation of inductance of these devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the procedural efficacy and safety of a Navigable Percutaneous Disk Decompressor (L'DISQ-C) for cervical disk herniation. Methods: We performed intradiskal decompression on cervical spine specimens from five human cadavers using the L'DISQ-C under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. We evaluated our success for positioning the navigable wand tip into the target region and recorded temperature variation at various distances from the wand tip in the cervical nucleus pulposus. The histologic effect of plasma decompression was examined microscopically using harvested tissues adjacent to the procedure site. Results: We successfully navigated the tip of the L'DISQ-C into the target region of the posterior cervical disks on the first insertion attempt in all C3-C4 to C6-C7 disks and in 50% of the C2-C3 and C7-T1 disks. The average temperature elevations within the nucleus pulposus ranged from 4.14 ± 0.08°C to 12.17 ± 0.76°C at various distances from the wand tip with or without saline infusion. A histologic examination showed only minor denaturation at the marginal border of the procedure tract. Conclusion: We effectively navigated the L'DISQ-C wand tip into the posterior target region of six cadaveric cervical disks and performed percutaneous resection of the target disk tissues without significant thermal or structural damage to adjacent tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the refractive index without absorption in metallic photonic crystals doped with quantum dots. It is found that the absorption and dispersion of probe field can be easily controlled via adjusting properly the corresponding parameters of the system. The effect of the dipole-dipole interaction has also been included in the formulation, which leads to interesting phenomena. Our scheme opens the possibility to control the refractive index without absorption in polaritonic materials doped with nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, theoretical model for calculating halo current has been developed. This work attained novelty as no theoretical calculations for halo current has been reported so far. This is the first time to use theoretical approach. The research started by calculating points for plasma energy in terms of poloidal and toroidal magnetic field orientations. While calculating these points, it was extended to calculate halo current and to developed theoretical model. Two cases were considered for analyzing the plasma energy when flows down/upward to the diverter. Poloidal as well as toroidal movement of plasma energy was investigated and mathematical formulations were designed as well. Two conducting points with respect to (R, Z) were calculated for halo current calculations and derivations. However, at first, halo current was established on the outer plate in clockwise direction. The maximum generation of halo current was estimated to be about 0.4 times of the plasma current. A Matlab program has been developed to calculate halo current and plasma energy calculation points. The main objective of the research was to establish theoretical relation with experimental results so as to precautionary evaluate the plasma behavior in any Tokamak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In women of reproductive age in the treatment of benign ovarian tumors is important to use technology to ensure gentle coagulation of tissue. One such technology - System PlazmaJet, wherein a plasma generating source as argon is used. This system differs from all other methods of high-energy, primarily minimum damaging effect, which is extremely important for the preservation of female reproductive function.

Study Objective: To compare the probability of postoperative pregnancy in infertile women with ovarian endometrioma larger than 3 cm in diameter, managed by either ablation using plasma energy or cystectomy.Design: A multicentric case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).Setting: Six surgical departments, affiliated with 4 university hospitals and 2 private facilities.Patients: One hundred four infertile patients with ovarian endometrioma larger than 3 cm.Interventions: Endometrioma ablation using plasma energy was performed in 64 patients (61.5%) and cystectomy in 40 patients (38.5%).Measurements and Main Results: Patients were enrolled in the CIRENDO prospective cohort database (NCT02294825) from June 2009 to June 2014 and managed in 6 different facilities. The minimum length of follow-up was 1 year. Postoperative probabilities of pregnancy in patietns and control subjects were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and compared using the log-rank test. The Cox model was used to assess independent predictive factors for pregnancy. Patients managed by plasma energy were significantly older than patients managed by cystectomy, had significantly higher overall revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) score, and had higher rate of Douglas pouch obliteration, deep endometriosis, and colorectal localizations. After a mean follow-up of 35.3 ± 17.5 months (range, 12-60), fertility outcomes were comparable between the groups. The probability of pregnancy at 24 and 36 months after surgery in plasma energy and cystectomy groups was, respectively, 61.3% (95% CI, 48.2%-74.4%) versus 69.3% (95% CI, 54.5%-83%) and 84.4% (95% CI, 72%-93.4%) versus 78.3% (95% CI, 63.8%-90%). The Cox's model revealed that the type of surgical procedure on ovarian endometrioma had no statistically significant impact on the probability of pregnancy, after adjustment for women's age, bilateral cysts larger than 3 cm, colorectal endometriosis, and rAFS stage of endometriosis.Conclusion: Postoperative pregnancy rates were comparable after management of ovarian endometrioma by either ablation using plasma energy or cystectomy despite an overall higher rate of unfavorable fertility predictive factors in women managed by ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma energy appears to be a valuable alternative to cystectomy, because it could spare underlying ovarian parenchyma resulting in high spontaneous and overall pregnancy rates. After initial postoperative decrease, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level progressively increases several months after ablation. The aim of our study was to assess the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women managed for ovarian endometriomas by ablation using plasma energy, when compared to those in women free of endometriosis. Methods Retrospective preliminary case-control study, enrolling women undergoing IVF or IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), from July 2009 to December 2014. Cases were infertile women with previous ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma energy and were matched by age, AMH level and assisted reproductive technique with controls presumed free of endometriosis. IVF/ICSI response (type of protocol, dose of gonadotrophin, number of oocytes, fertilization rate) and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results In all, 37 cases were compared to 74 controls. Age (30.9 ± 4.4 years vs. 31.7 ± 4.2 years), AMH level (2.8 ± 2 ng/mL vs. 2.8 ± 1.7 ng/mL) and ART procedures (ICSI in 24.3% vs. 27%) were comparable between the two groups. Of the 37 cases, previous surgical procedures on right and left ovaries were performed in 27% and 21.6% of patients respectively, 81% of patients were nullipara. AFSr score was 73 ± 41, while deep endometriosis infiltrated the rectum and the sigmoid colon in respectively 40.5% and 27% of patients. Despite a lower number of oocytes retrieved, cases presented better implantation rate, pregnancy and delivery rates per cycle, oocyte retrieval, transfer, and embryo, as well as superior cumulative birth rate per transfer. Conclusion Ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma energy is followed by good IVF/ICSI outcomes, suggesting that surgical procedure spares underlying ovarian parenchyma. These results consolidate those of previous studies reporting high spontaneous conception rate. Hence, ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma energy appears to be a valuable alternative to cystectomy in patients presenting with endometriosis and pregnancy intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, research has been conducting on calculating full plasma energy and magnetic field cross sections in static as well as in tilting position for analyzing plasma vertical displacement event behavior. Consequently, the main concern of the research is to developed plasma energy and shape model. First, the developed 3D shape model allows an effective way to study the shape of plasma behavior of main plasma characteristics under controlled conditions including sensitive dependent on initial condition based on isolated points. Secondly, the developed 3D plasma energy model denotes every calculated point and analyze magnetic field of each cross section under different values of α and β according to magnetic field produced by a circular current loop. This theoretical approach showed that the individual points (( a, b) & ( r, z)) with static and tilting moments are able to develop the three-dimension coordinates system, based on R0 = 1.7 ∼ 1.8, B0 = 3.5 T and plasma current I P ≤ 1 MA. Furthermore, 195 × 12 (both states) circle current loop of magnetic field has been calculated as well. The 'sinβ cross section' for every 30° in both states (static and tilt with alpha variations) calculates the total plasma energy. Therefore, we have developed computational codes in Matlab program to calculate the values of full plasma energy in EAST. Energy from initial to final state, VDE and external force behavior, poloidal and toroidal fix degree of every cross section that depends on each current loop of magnetic field have been analyzed based on whole plasma energy data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous development of science and technology, the extraordinary boom of the scientific research in all fields, led in time to the emergence of many methods and problem-solving practical applications that mankind's need to always have something new, better has brought them to the experts' attention. Among these methods, some are classic, traditional, entered long time ago in exploitation, both inland and abroad. Besides these ones, there are other methods called unconventional technologies, which are defined as non-classical (non-traditional ones) that are not used routinely, with a new character of the process flow compared to the already used procedures. Often, early application of these methods has been related to leading industries such as the military, aeronautical or space ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION What are the recurrence and pregnancy rates in women managed for ovarian endometrioma by ablation using plasma energy with and without associated surgery for colorectal endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Concomitant management of colorectal endometriosis does not impact either risk of recurrences or probability of pregnancy in women managed for endometrioma ablation using plasma energy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY No consensus exists on how best to manage patients presenting with ovarian endometriomas and colorectal endometriosis, in terms of impact on fertility preservation and recurrence rates. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective series of consecutive patients managed for ovarian endometriomas by ablation using plasma energy, over a period of 48 consecutive months. The study included patients with associated colorectal endometriosis (n = 52) and those who were free of colorectal localizations of the disease (n = 72). No women were lost to follow-up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The 124 women included in this study were managed for either unilateral or bilateral ovarian endometriomas using plasma energy at a university tertiary care center. Recurrences and pregnancy rate were compared in patients with and without colorectal endometriosis. The minimum length of follow-up was 1 year. Cyst recurrences were assessed using pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Kaplan–Meier and actuarial life-table analysis were used to estimate the recurrence-free survival curve and the probability of pregnancy. The Cox model was used to assess independent predictive factors for recurrences. Pregnancy likelihood and independent predictors were estimated using a regression logistic model. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mean follow-up was 32 ± 18 months. Forty-eight patients (40.3%) were presumed infertile and attended an assisted reproductive techniques (ART) center. Eighteen patients presented with a recurrence (14.5%). Bilateral localization of endometriomas was the only factor independently related to an increased risk of recurrences [hazard ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–9.4]. Of the 83 women wishing to conceive (66.9%), 51 became pregnant (61.4%) and 33 of these pregnancies were spontaneous (64.7%). The rates of pregnancy were 65.8% for the group of patients with associated colorectal endometriosis and 57.8% for controls (P = 0.50). Age over 35 years was the only independent factor for which association with pregnancy rates approached the significance threshold (adjusted odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.12–1, P = 0.06). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study sample size may be insufficient to reveal statistically significant differences related to risk factors which have low impact on the probability of recurrence and pregnancy. Data on ovarian reserve before and after the procedure was not available in all patients, which would have added to our results and the discussion about treatment of endometrioma in general. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Concomitant management of colorectal endometriosis does not impact either risk of recurrences or the probability of pregnancy in women having benefited from ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma energy. Moreover, surgical management of colorectal and ovarian endometriosis may allow spontaneous conception in one out of three patients, thus reducing expenses related to ART management. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No financial support was received for this study. Horace Roman reports personal fees for participating in a symposium and masterclass presenting his experience in the use of PlasmaJet. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Study Objective: To assess recurrence and pregnancy rates in women with ovarian endometrioma treated via ablation using plasma energy. Design: Retrospective non-comparative pilot study including 55 patients treated during 28 months, with prospective recording of data (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Fifty-five consecutive women with pelvic endometriosis in whom ovarian endometriomas were managed solely via ablation using plasma energy. The minimum follow-up was 1 year. Intervention: Endometrioma ablation using plasma energy. Measurements and Main Results: Information was obtained from the database of the North-West Inter Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis, based on self-questionnaires completed before surgery, surgical and histologic data, and systematic recording of recurrences, pregnancy, and symptoms. Recurrences were assessed using pelvic ultrasound examination. Mean (SD) follow-up was 20.6 (7.2) months (range, 12–39 months). In 75% of patients, deep infiltrating endometriosis was treated, and 40% had colorectal involvement. Preoperative infertility was recorded in 42% of patients. The rate of postoperative recurrence was 10.9% for the entire series. Of 33 women who wished to conceive, 67% became pregnant, spontaneously in 59%. Time from surgery to the first pregnancy was 7.6 (4.3) months. After discontinuation of postoperative hormone therapy, the probability of not conceiving at 12 months was 0.36 (95% confidence interval, 0.19–0.53), and at 24 months was 0.27 (95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.44). Conclusions: Recurrence and pregnancy rates are encouraging in that they seem comparable to the best reported results after endometrioma cystectomy. Plasma energy may have an important role in the management of ovarian endometrioma in women seeking to conceive. Patients most in need of surgical procedures that can spare ovarian parenchyma, such as those with bilateral endometriomas or a history of ovarian surgery, may particularly benefit from ablation using plasma energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: The PlasmaJet (PJ) coagulator uses neutral pure argon plasma to achieve coagulation. Helica thermal coagulator (HTC) achieves coagulation with helium gas. HTC is currently used in the treatment of mild to moderate endometriosis. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the tissue damage caused by PJ to the HTC in the uterus, ovary and fallopian tube. Our hypothesis was that PJ is a safe technology to use and the tissue damage caused is comparable to HTC. Methods: Fifteen subjects undergoing hysterectomy with or without salpingo-oophorectomy were prospectively recruited for in vivo assessment of the two instruments. Both instruments were used on a small area of uterus, ovary and fallopian tube following the ligation of uterine artery pedicle. PJ was used at a power setting of 20 % for duration of 5 s at a clinically acceptable distance of 0.5 to 1 cm from the tissue surface. HTC was used at a widely accepted low power setting in the treatment of endometriosis for a similar duration and distance. Tissue damage was evaluated histologically. ANOVA was used to compare the mean differences. Results: Data were normally distributed. Five subjects had a subtotal hysterectomy and 10 had hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy. A total of 15 uteri, 10 ovaries and 10 fallopian tubes were histologically analysed for the tissue effect of PJ and HTC. There was no significant difference in the mean ± SD depth of tissue damage seen between PJ and HTC in the uterus (0.63 ± 0.19 vs. 0.68 ± 0.18; P = 0.481), ovary (0.61 ± 0.14 vs. 0.67 ± 0.15; P = 0.420) and fallopian tube (0.63 ± 0.18 vs. 0.60 ± 0.13; P = 0.688). A significantly lesser lateral spread of tissue damage (width) was seen with PJ than HTC in all three tissue types (uterus: 4.66 ± 0.91 vs. 7.67 ± 1.21, P < 0.001; ovary: 4.05 ± 0.61 vs. 5.90 ± 0.95, P < 0.001; fallopian tube: 4.50 ± 0.77 vs. 6.00 ± 1.28, P = 0.034). Conclusion: The depth of tissue damage caused by PJ at 20 % power is comparable to that with HTC on gynaecological tissues. The lateral spread (width of tissue damage) is however lesser with PJ than with HTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To use postoperative examination by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound to compare loss of ovarian parenchyma after ovarian endometrioma ablation with the use of plasma energy versus cystectomy. Design: Retrospective “before and after” comparative study. Setting: University tertiary referral center. Patient(s): Thirty women with no previous history of ovarian surgery managed for unilateral ovarian endometrioma >30 mm in diameter. Intervention(s): Endometrioma ablation using plasma energy and ovarian tissue-sparing cystectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s): 3D ultrasound assessment of postoperative reduction in ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC). Result(s): Fifteen women with comparable baseline characteristics were managed by each technique. Those who underwent cystectomy showed a statistically significant reduction in ovarian volume and AFC when compared with women who underwent ablation using plasma energy. Multivariate analysis showed that the relationship between the decrease in ovarian volume and AFC and the use of cystectomy remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, previous pregnancy, and cyst diameter. Conclusion(s): When compared with plasma energy ablation, cystectomy is responsible for a statistically significant decrease in ovarian volume and a statistically significant reduction in AFC. This data should be taken into account in therapeutic decision-making concerning women attempting pregnancy, especially where there are other risk factors for postoperative ovarian failure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we have developed a theory for the decay of a quantum dot doped in a two-dimensional metallic photonic crystal consisting of two different metallic pillars in an air background medium. This crystal structure forms a full two-dimensional photonic band gap when the appropriate pillar sizes are chosen. The advantage of using two metals is that one can easily control the density of states and optical properties of these photonic crystals by changing the plasma energies of two metals rather than one. Using the Schrödinger equation method and the photonic density of states, we calculated the linewidth broadening and the spectral function of radiation due to spontaneous emission for two-level quantum dots doped in the system. Our results show that by changing the plasma energies one can control spontaneous emission of quantum dots doped in the metallic photonic crystal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cytoreduction of all visible disease has been associated with improved survival in patients with advanced-stage ovarian or peritoneal cancer. This is best achieved by minimizing injury to normal tissues. We report on the tumor destruction potential, in an ex vivo model, of a novel energy source that uses an electrically neutral beam of pure plasma to vaporize tissue.Tumors were harvested from patients undergoing primary surgical cytoreduction for ovarian or peritoneal cancer. Specimens were divided into 1-cm3 sections and treated with pure plasma energy for 2 or 4 seconds using standardized power settings. Bright-field microscopy was used to measure the depth of tissue vaporization and lateral thermal damage (LTD).The mean (SD) tissue vaporization depth was 2.7 (1.3) mm (n = 96). Lateral thermal damage was minimal at all tissue interaction settings (0.13 [0.031] mm). Lateral thermal damage was approximately 5% of the depth of tissue vaporization. Tissue interaction time was a more powerful predictor of vaporization than power. When tissue interaction time increased from 2 to 4 seconds, depth of vaporization and LTD increased by 1.7 and 0.03 mm, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). When power was increased from low to high settings, depth of vaporization increased by 0.6 mm (P = 0.02), and LTD did not change.Plasma energy can effectively vaporize ovarian and peritoneal cancer cells. Greater power and tissue interaction time results in more tumor vaporization while maintaining minimal LTD. This is an attractive characteristic of plasma energy that may be useful for eradicating tumor from visceral surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Spectroscopic ellipsometry was employed to study the optical response of N+ irradiated titanium thin films synthesized by pulsed laser deposition technique. The ellipsometric parameters were measured in the energy range of 1.5 to 5.5eV. A combined Drude Lorentz (DL) model was employed to quantitatively describe the behavior of the dielectric response as a function of N+ irradiation fluence. A modeling based on effective medium approximation (EMA) was carried out to compute the volume fractions of Ti and TiN from the dielectric response functions. The plasma energy as computed from the DL model, decreased with increasing fluence. The results are explained on the basis of formation of TiN phase which was revealed from grazing incidence X-ray diffraction studies. This was further corroborated from the alterations on volume fraction of titanium as inferred from EMA based computation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We proposed a new method for measuring plasma energy using superconducting helical field coil (HFC) signals. The change in HFC flux is experimentally confirmed due to the increase in plasma energy. The VMEC-DIAGNO equilibrium analysis code clarified the relation between the HFC flux change and the plasma energy increase, and the scaling law for the plasma energy measurement is obtained. The comparison between this proposed method and the conventional diamagnetic coil measurement has been carried out, and the effectiveness of this proposed technique using HFC is confirmed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The significance of the rotationally polished cathode system for the preparation of the diamond like carbon (DLC) coatings with the pulsed arc discharge method is presented. A continuous deposition rate of 5 μm/h of high quality DLC over a surface of 7 cm in diameter has been obtained with a system equipped with in situ cathode polishing. Depending on the cathode size, this yield can be maintained for weeks. Whole cathode material can be used without any change in the deposition rate or the quality of the resulting DLC coating. Without the polishing of the cathode the plasma yield decreases at least by a factor of five in a short time. Also, the plasma ion energy increases and the quality of the DLC coating changes. A detailed description of the equipment is given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An extremely simple arc discharge unit for producing high-energy carbon plasma ions for the deposition of the adhesion layer of high-quality diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings is presented. The system contains only a simplistic anode–cathode arrangement and the anode–cathode and ignition circuits. The high-ion energies result from high current rise rates of the short arc discharge pulses. In our current system a sufficient rise rate (5·109 A/s) is achieved with 6 kV anode–cathode voltages. However, much lower voltages can be used if low inductance circuits are used. The presented arc discharge set-up has no particle filtering system. The number of particles in a sufficiently thick adhesion layer was 40/mm2, which is acceptable for most applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]