Two Dimensional Array Imaging with Beam Steered Data

This paper discusses different approaches used for millimeter wave imaging of two-dimensional objects. Imaging of a two dimensional object requires reflected wave data to be collected across two distinct dimensions. In this paper, we propose a reconstruction method that uses narrowband waveforms along with two dimensional beam steering. The beam is steered in azimuthal and elevation direction, which forms the two distinct dimensions required for the reconstruction. The Reconstruction technique uses inverse Fourier transform along with amplitude and phase correction factors. In addition, this reconstruction technique does not require interpolation of the data in either wavenumber or spatial domain. Use of the two dimensional beam steering offers better performance in the presence of noise compared with the existing methods, such as switched array imaging system. Effects of RF impairments such as quantization of the phase of beam steering weights and timing jitter which add to phase noise, are analyzed

Molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity triggered by microbial infection

Autoimmunity can be triggered by microbial infection. In this context, the discovery of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) provides new insights and research perspectives. TLRs induce innate and adaptive antimicrobial immune responses upon exposure to common pathogen-associated molecules, including lipopeptides, lipopolysaccharides, and nucleic acids. They also have the potential, however, to trigger autoimmune disease, as has been revealed by an increasing number of experimental reports. This review summarizes important facts about TLR biology, available data on their role in autoimmunity, and potential consequences for the management of patients with autoimmune disease

Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences of genus Methanobrevibacter

BACKGROUND: The phylogeny of the genus Methanobrevibacter was established almost 25 years ago on the basis of the similarities of the 16S rRNA oligonucleotide catalogs. Since then, many 16S rRNA gene sequences of newly isolated strains or clones representing the genus Methanobrevibacter have been deposited. We tried to reorganize the 16S rRNA gene sequences of this genus and revise the taxonomic affiliation of the isolates and clones representing the genus Methanobrevibacter. RESULTS: The phylogenetic analysis of the genus based on 786 bp aligned region from fifty-four representative sequences of the 120 available sequences for the genus revealed seven multi-member groups namely, Ruminantium, Smithii, Woesei, Curvatus, Arboriphilicus, Filiformis, and the Termite gut symbionts along with three separate lineages represented by Mbr. wolinii, Mbr. acididurans, and termite gut flagellate symbiont LHD12. The cophenetic correlation coefficient, a test for the ultrametric properties of the 16S rRNA gene sequences used for the tree was found to be 0.913 indicating the high degree of goodness of fit of the tree topology. A significant relationship was found between the 16S rRNA sequence similarity (S) and the extent of DNA hybridization (D) for the genus with the correlation coefficient (r) for logD and logS, and for [ln(-lnD) and ln(-lnS)] being 0.73 and 0.796 respectively. Our analysis revealed that for this genus, when S = 0.984, D would be <70% at least 99% of the times, and with 70% D as the species "cutoff", any 16S rRNA gene sequence showing <98% sequence similarity can be considered as a separate species. In addition, we deduced group specific signature positions that have remained conserved in evolution of the genus. CONCLUSIONS: A very significant relationship between D and S was found to exist for the genus Methanobrevibacter, implying that it is possible to predict D from S with a known precision for the genus. We propose to include the termite gut flagellate symbiont LHD12, the methanogenic endosymbionts of the ciliate Nyctotherus ovalis, and rat feces isolate RT reported earlier, as separate species of the genus Methanobrevibacter

Interference lithographic nanopatterning of plant and bacterial light-harvesting complexes on gold substrates

We describe a facile approach for nanopatterning of photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes over macroscopic areas, and use optical spectroscopy to demonstrate retention of native properties by both site-specifically and non-specifically attached photosynthetic membrane proteins. A Lloyd's mirror dual-beam interferometer was used to expose self-assembled monolayers of amine-terminated alkylthiolates on gold to laser irradiation. Following exposure, photo-oxidized adsorbates were replaced by oligo(ethylene glycol) terminated thiols, and the remaining intact amine-functionalized regions were used for attachment of the major light-harvesting chlorophyll–protein complex from plants, LHCII. These amine patterns could be derivatized with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), so that polyhistidine-tagged bacteriochlorophyll–protein complexes from phototrophic bacteria could be attached with a defined surface orientation. By varying parameters such as the angle between the interfering beams and the laser irradiation dose, it was possible to vary the period and widths of NTA and amine-functionalized lines on the surfaces; periods varied from 1200 to 240 nm and linewidths as small as 60 nm (λ/4) were achieved. This level of control over the surface chemistry was reflected in the surface topology of the protein nanostructures imaged by atomic force microscopy; fluorescence imaging and spectral measurements demonstrated that the surface-attached proteins had retained their native functionality

Quantitative Expression of C-Type Lectin Receptors in Humans and Mice

C-type lectin receptors, their adaptor molecules and S-type lectins (galectins) are involved in the recognition of glycosylated self-antigens and pathogens. However, little is known about the species- and organ-specific expression profiles of these molecules. We therefore determined the mRNA expression levels of Dectin-1, MR1, MR2, DC-SIGN, Syk, Card-9, Bcl-10, Malt-1, Src, Dec-205, Galectin-1, Tim-3, Trem-1, and DAP-12 in 11 solid organs of human and mice. Mouse organs revealed lower mRNA levels of most molecules compared to spleen. However, Dec-205 and Galectin-1 in thymus, Src in brain, MR2, Card-9, Bcl-10, Src, and Dec-205 in small intestine, MR2, Bcl-10, Src, Galectin-1 in kidney, and Src and Galectin-1 in muscle were at least 2-fold higher expressed compared to spleen. Human lung, liver and heart expressed higher mRNA levels of most genes compared to spleen. Dectin-1, MR1, Syk and Trem-1 mRNA were strongly up-regulated upon ischemia-reperfusion injury in murine kidney. Tim3, DAP-12, Card-9, DC-SIGN and MR2 were further up-regulated during renal fibrosis. Murine kidney showed higher DAP-12, Syk, Card-9 and Dectin-1 mRNA expression during the progression of lupus nephritis. Thus, the organ-, and species-specific expression of C-type lectin receptors and galectins is different between mice and humans which must be considered in the interpretation of related studies

Au-Ag template stripped pattern for scanning probe investigations of DNA arrays produced by Dip Pen Nanolithography

We report on DNA arrays produced by Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN) on a novel Au-Ag micro patterned template stripped surface. DNA arrays have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) showing that the patterned template stripped substrate enables easy retrieval of the DPN-functionalized zone with a standard optical microscope permitting a multi-instrument and multi-technique local detection and analysis. Moreover the smooth surface of the Au squares (abput 5-10 angstrom roughness) allows to be sensitive to the hybridization of the oligonucleotide array with label-free target DNA. Our Au-Ag substrates, combining the retrieving capabilities of the patterned surface with the smoothness of the template stripped technique, are candidates for the investigation of DPN nanostructures and for the development of label free detection methods for DNA nanoarrays based on the use of scanning probes.Comment: Langmuir (accepted

A TYPO-TECHNOLOGICAL DEFINITION OF TABONIAN INDUSTRIES

Six flaked lithic assemblages from Tabon, Guri and Duyong caves on Palawan and from Musang and Laurente caves in the Cagayan valley on Luzon (Philippines), discovered during the 1970s and 1980s, have been reanalyzed. The results are presented here

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) : Disease Review and Ayurvedic Management

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common disease and frequently found in childhood. JIA is the collective term to denote large group of conditions with variable manifestations. Acute and chronic inflammation of multiple target organs especially musculoskeletal system. During the course of a disease the number of involvement of joints, type of joints involved will decide the type of JIA according to ILAR classification. As the etiology of the disease is complex, it has involvement of genetic factor as well as auto immune pathology. Management of the disease requires a team work including medical therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs, psychological counseling, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Ayurvedic management can improve quality of life of a patient. Shodhana therapy with Snehan with medicated oil, Nadi Swedan, Valuka Pottali Swedan and Mridu Virechan shows great improvement in the symptoms. It will also decrease the progression of disease. Immunomodulator drugs has great role in the treatment. Rasayan is indicated in Samhitas that helps in preventing deformities and support physical and mental strength of a child

Managing lateral end clavicle fracture at a tertiary level hospital in India

Background: With numerous methods and recommendations for managing fracture of lateral end of the clavicle, it always creates a clinical dilemma for the treating surgeon. This study is aimed to compare the functional outcome in patients with lateral end clavicle fracture treated either with operative and non-operative modalities.Methods: This non-randomized comparative study was conducted at Department of Orthopedics, DY Patil Medical College, Pimpri between September 2017 till June 2018, in which all patients with lateral end clavicle fracture were included. Patients were managed either non-operatively or with precontoured locking compression plate was fixed with 4 mm locking screw or 3.5 mm cortical screw. At the final follow up (at least one year) patients’ functional outcome was assessed using the Constant and Murley score.Results: A total of 57 patients were included in the study and 93% of the patients with operative management and 66% with non-operative treatment had a union time of 8 weeks or less. Out of the 27 patients who underwent non-operative treatment, three had malunion, two had non-union and five had deformity. Based on the Constant and Murley score, 27% of the patients in the operative group had an excellent outcome, and in the non-operative group, 8% had excellent functional outcome. The functional outcome was significantly better in the operative group (p=0.034).Conclusions: A better understanding of the risk factors for nonunion would help us to make decision between operative and nonoperative treatment. Randomized trials comparing the operative and non-operative treatments would help in understanding the merits of one method over other