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In order to meet the requirements of the new generation of radio telescopes, we have developed a new topology called DYQSA, which stands for DYson Quad-Spiral Array. The design exhibits dual circular polarization contrary to dual linear polarization of state-of-the-art feeds. It covers the required ultrawideband (UWB) from 2 to 14 GHz with an almost constant and real input impedance which facilitates the design of the feeding structure and the low-noise amplifiers (LNAs). Different versions are investigated for enhancing feed performance, ensuring higher aperture efficiencies and mechanical stability. The simulation results of the reflector loaded by the proposed feed show an aperture efficiency of 65%±5% with a noise antenna temperature around 14 K and a system equivalent flux density (SEFD) of about 1300 Jy, both averaged over the required bandwidth at zenith. Measurements of the single-element and the four-element feeds are presented. Comparisons with other state-of-the-art feeds are shown in terms of total aperture efficiencies, design adaptability to different reflectors, calibration signal injection, and the required number of LNAs per feed, cost, and physical volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) act in various rheumatic diseases. Although NET formation was originally described as a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX)-dependent pathway, it appears that there are also NOX-independent pathways of NET release. Currently, no tools are available that can discriminate between both NET-forming pathways. We aimed to develop a serological method allowing the discrimination between NETs generated through NOX-dependent or NOX-independent pathways.Methods: Histones from in vitro generated NOX-dependent and NOX-independent NETs were characterised with a panel of lupus-derived antibodies against N-terminal histone tails using immunofluorescence microscopy, western blot and ELISA. NETs in patients with NET-associated diseases, that is, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and sepsis, were characterised in sandwich ELISAs employing antibodies against myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-terminal histone tails as detecting and capturing antibodies, respectively. Functional responses of endothelial cells to NOX-dependent and NOX-independent NETs were assessed as well.Results: Neutrophil elastase cleaves the N-terminal tails of core histones during NOX-dependent, but not during NOX-independent NET formation. Consequently, the detection of MPO-histone complexes with antibodies against N-terminal histone tails allows discrimination between NETs formed through a NOX-dependent or NOX-independent manner. Characterisation of in vivo circulating NETs revealed the presence of NOX-independent NETs in RA, SLE and sepsis, but NOX-dependent NETs in PsA. NOX-independent NETs displayed an increased capacity to activate endothelial cells when compared with NOX-dependent NETs.Conclusions: These results indicate heterogeneity in NET-forming pathways in vivo and highlight the need for disease-specific strategies to prevent NET-mediated pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of chemical compounds are known, which amplify the availability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neutrophils both in vitro and in vivo. They can be roughly classified into NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)-dependent and NOX2-independent reagents. NOX2 activation is triggered by protein kinase C agonists (e.g., phorbol esters, transition metal ions), redox mediators (e.g., paraquat) or formyl peptide receptor (FPR) agonists (e.g., aromatic hydrazine derivatives). NOX2-independent mechanisms are realized by reagents affecting glutathione homeostasis (e.g., l-buthionine sulfoximine), modulators of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (e.g., ionophores, inositol mimics, and agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) and chemical ROS amplifiers [e.g., aminoferrocene-based prodrugs (ABPs)]. Since a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as cancer and bacterial infections, are triggered or enhanced by aberrant ROS production in neutrophils, it is tempting to use ROS amplifiers as drugs for the treatment of these diseases. However, since the known reagents are not cell specific, their application for treatment likely causes systemic enhancement of oxidative stress, leading to severe side effects. Cell-targeted ROS enhancement can be achieved either by using conjugates of ROS amplifiers with ligands binding to receptors expressed on neutrophils (e.g., the GPI-anchored myeloid differentiation marker Ly6G or FPR) or by designing reagents activated by neutrophil function [e.g., phagocytic activity or enzymatic activity of neutrophil elastase (NE)]. Since binding of an artificial ligand to a receptor may trigger or inhibit priming of neutrophils the latter approach has a smaller potential for severe side effects and is probably better suitable for therapy. Here, we review current approaches for the use of ROS amplifiers and discuss their applicability for treatment. As an example, we suggest a possible design of neutrophil-specific ROS amplifiers, which are based on NE-activated ABPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a dielectric rod waveguide antenna (DRW) integrated with a photomixer as a THz emitter. This represents a different approach as opposed to the classical solution of a substrate lens. Main goals are an inexpensive alternative to substrate lenses, reduction of both reflections on the semiconductor-air interface and scattering of terahertz-generated power into the substrate. A radiation pattern measured at 137 GHz is shown as a proof-of-concept. In order to increase radiated power, the improvement of the rod antenna is discussed. Finally, as an application example, evanescent coupling of the DRW into a high index whispering gallery mode resonator is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Billions of cells undergo apoptosis every day in healthy individuals. A prompt removal of dying cells prevents the release of pro-inflammatory intracellular content and progress to secondary necrosis. Thus, inappropriate clearance of apoptotic cells provokes autoimmunity and has been associated with many chronic inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have suggested that extracellular adenosine 50-triphosphate and related nucleotides play an important role in the apoptotic clearance process. Here, we reviewthe current understanding of nucleotides and purinergic receptors in apoptotic cell clearance and the potential therapeutic targets of purinergic receptor subtypes in inflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success in conquering the terahertz (THz) gap is subject to some facts such as maximizing the emitted power. Traditionally resonant antenna designs for continuous-wave (CW) THz photomixing include a RF choke to compensate the capacitive part of the photomixer and an antenna with a very high input impedance at its resonance to match the low value of the photomixer conductance. This communication considers that the antenna itself can provide this large impedance margin needed to directly match the photomixer, so that the RF choke can be avoided. The meander antenna constitutes an excellent candidate to achieve that goal based on the Active Integrated Antenna concept to improve both matching and radiation efficiencies. The main objective is to maximize the total efficiency and, as a consequence, the THz emitted power. A prototype working at 1.05 THz is designed and manufactured and results show a 6 dB output power improvement when compared with a conventional log-periodic antenna. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The authors discuss the interactions between tumor and immune system which occurs in the process of malignant transformation. They state that tumors are recognized through immune suppression wherein it evokes strong selection conditions favoring tumor cells. The authors note that tumor therapy focus on the hidden risks in the immune system.

The article discusses the contribution of the immune system to recognition and elimination of malignant cells. Tumor therapy needs to deal with the problem that the immune system does not consider the tumor being dangerous anymore. A mechanism that causes a break in self-tolerance in autoimmune diseases has been exploited. Transient autoimmunity accompanying any inflammatory process can develop into stable autoimmunity.

Objectives Autophagy is a homeostatic process to recycle dispensable and damaged cell organelles. Dysregulation of autophagic pathways has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Here, we investigated the role of autophagy during joint destruction in arthritis. Methods Autophagy in osteoclasts was analysed in vitro and ex vivo by transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry for Beclin1 and Atg7. Small molecule inhibitors, LysMCre-mediated knockout of Atg7 and lentiviral overexpression of Beclin1 were used to modulate autophagy in vitro and in vivo. Osteoclast differentiation markers were quantified by realtime PCR. The extent of bone and cartilage destruction was analysed in human tumour necrosis factor α transgenic (hTNFα tg) mice after adoptive transfer with myeloid specific Atg7-deficient bone marrow. Results Autophagy was activated in osteoclasts of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) showing increased expression of Beclin1 and Atg7. TNFα potently induced the expression of autophagy-related genes and activated autophagy in vitro and in vivo. Activation of autophagy by overexpression of Beclin1-induced osteoclastogenesis and enhanced the resorptive capacity of cultured osteoclasts, whereas pharmacologic or genetic inactivation of autophagy prevented osteoclast differentiation. Arthritic hTNFα tg mice transplanted with Atg7fl/fl×LysMCre+ bone marrow cells (BMC) showed reduced numbers of osteoclasts and were protected from TNFα-induced bone erosion, proteoglycan loss and chondrocyte death. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that autophagy is activated in RA in a TNFα-dependent manner and regulates osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. We thus provide evidence for a central role of autophagy in joint destruction in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deep physical analysis of the classical electromagnetic problem of calculating the radiation pattern of a dipole located in a dielectric medium 1 at certain distance from the interface to a different dielectric medium 2 is presented. It is shown that an anomalous behavior in the direction of the maximum of the radiation pattern appears. This singularity is physically meaningless. This is shown by applying the Bernstein's theorem and showing that it is violated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper analyzes the noise and gain measurement of microwave differential amplifiers using two passive baluns. A general model of the baluns is considered, including potential losses and phase/amplitude unbalances. This analysis allows de-embedding the actual gain and noise performance of the isolated amplifier by using single-ended measurements of the cascaded system and baluns. Finally, measured results from two amplifier prototypes are used to validate the theoretical principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, differential low-noise amplifiers are presented as a very powerful solution for radio astronomy applications. A fully differential amplifier topology has been analyzed and implemented in microstrip technology with discrete surface mount components. The amplifier design is made for an active receiving dense antenna array. Thus, the differential amplifier source impedance is no longer 50 \Omega, but 150 \Omega from the proposed bunny-ear antennas. A full characterization in terms of gain and noise has been undertaken. Source–pull measurements have been included in order to evaluate the performance of the amplifiers operating with variable source impedances. Noise temperatures below 55 K have been obtained for the differential design in the 300–1000-MHz band for the 150-\Omega impedance. In addition, the results for different scanning angles are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a method for kernel antenna array processing using Gaussian kernels as basis functions. The method first identifies the data clusters by using a modified sparse greedy matrix approximation. Then, the algorithm performs model reduction in order to try to reduce the final size of the beamformer. The method is tested with simulations that include two arrays made of two and seven printed half wavelength thick dipoles, in scenarios with 4 and 5 users coming from different angles of arrival. The antenna parameters are simulated for all DOAs, and include the dipole radiation pattern and the mutual coupling effects of the array. The method is compared with other state-of-the-art nonlinear processing methods, to show that the presented algorithm has near optimal capabilities together with a low computational burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifrequency microstrip patch antennas partially filled with left-handed (LH) structures are presented. The presence of LH structures also enables miniaturized antennas. Thus, multifrequency, dual-mode, and miniaturized antennas based on single patches partially filled with LH structures have been obtained. First, multiple operation over several band frequencies is proven from the transmission-line theory. Then, an implementation based on microstrip patches partially filled with mushroom-like structures is proposed. Two multifrequency patch antennas have been designed, built, and measured. The first one shows two dipolar (patch like) modes at 1.06 GHz and 2.16 GHz and a monopolar mode (null at broadside) at 1.45 GHz. The ratio between the resonant frequencies of both dipolar modes can be arbitrarily chosen (by means of a proper design of the patch and the LH structures) and, in this case, is 2.04. The second antenna is designed to work at closer frequencies. In this case, the frequency ratio is dramatically reduced to produce a dual dipolar antenna working at 1.81 GHz and 2.20 GHz (giving a ratio of 1.21). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Microvesicles are small membranous particles generated during cellular activation or stress. The analysis of the content and the surface of microvesicles allow conclusions about the cells they are originating from and the underlying pathology. Therefore, CSF microvesicles have been suggested to be promising targets to monitor the (etio)pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Microvesicles in the CSF of 15 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 15 controls were analyzed by flow cytometry regarding the levels of CD3, CD4, CD45, CD64, BACE1, Aβ, APP and tau. The results were replicated in a second cohort comprising 14 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 9 controls. The levels of tau and APP were reduced in microvesicles of Alzheimer's disease patients. A significant change was neither observed in the number of microvesicles nor in the expression of the other antigens. Tau and APP in microvesicles separated patients with Alzheimer's disease from controls with an AUC of 0.84 and 0.89 respectively. We conclude that tau and APP in CSF microvesicles are promising biomarkers which could directly provide information about the Alzheimer pathology on a cellular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]