Burst Level Research Articles

Twitter user tagging method based on burst time series

Purpose Many Twitter users post tweets that are related to their particular interests. Users can also collect information by following other users. One approach clarifies user interests by tagging labels based on the users. A user tagging method is important to discover candidate users with similar interests. This paper aims to propose a new user tagging method using the posting time series data of the number of tweets. Design/methodology/approach Our hypothesis focuses on the relationship between a user’s interests and the posting times of tweets: as users have interests, they will post more tweets at the time when events occur compared with general times. The authors assume that hashtags are labeled tags to users and observe their occurrence counts in each timestamp. The authors extract burst timestamps using Kleinberg’s burst enumeration algorithm and estimate the burst levels. The authors manage the burst levels as term frequency in documents and calculate the score using typical methods such as cosine similarity, Naïve Bayes and term frequency (TF) in a document and inversed document frequency (IDF; TF-IDF). Findings From the sophisticated experimental evaluations, the authors demonstrate the high efficiency of the tagging method. Naïve Bayes and cosine similarity are particular suitable for the user tagging and tag score calculation tasks, respectively. Some users, whose hashtags were appropriately estimated by our methods, experienced higher the maximum value of the number of tweets than other users. Originality/value Many approaches estimate user interest based on the terms in tweets and apply such graph theory as following networks. The authors propose a new estimation method that uses the time series data of the number of tweets. The merits to estimating user interest using the time series data do not depend on language and can decrease the calculation costs compared with the above-mentioned approaches because the number of features is fewer.

Concept of an Effective Sentinel-1 Satellite SAR Interferometry System

This brief study introduces a partially working concept being developed at IT4Innovations supercomputer (HPC) facility. This concept consists of several modules that form a whole body of an efficient system for observation of terrain or objects displacements using satellite SAR interferometry (InSAR). A metadata database helps to locate data stored in various storages and to perform basic analyzes. A special database has been designed to describe Sentinel-1 data, on its burst level. Custom Sentinel-1 TOPS processing algorithms allow an injection of coregistered bursts into the database. Once the area of interest is set and basic processing parameters are given, the selected data are merged and processed by the Persistent Scatterers (PS) InSAR method or an optimized Small Baselines (SB) InSAR derivative. Depending on the expected deliverables, the processing results can be post-analyzed using a custom approach, in order to achieve a set of reliable measurement points. Final results can be post-processed and visualized using a custom GIS toolbox, consisting in open-source GIS functionality. The GIS post-processing is enforced by HPC power as well. To demonstrate the practical applicability of the described system, a subsidence area in Konya city, Turkey is used as the study area for Sentinel-1 InSAR evaluation.

Prevention of hypotension induced by combined spinal epidural anesthesia using continuous infusion of vasopressin: A randomized trial.

Background:Central neuraxial blockade (CNB) is an established technique of providing anesthesia for surgeries of the lower limb and abdomen. Hypotension is the most common side effect of CNB. It was hypothesized that by supplementing the initial burst of vasopressin following hypovolemia, hypotension following combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA) could be avoided.Materials and Methods:A total of 122 patients undergoing lower limb and abdomen surgeries were included in the study, with 61 patients randomized into two groups - I and II. Patients in Group I received infusion of normal saline as soon as CSEA was applied. When systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased to <90 mmHg, they received a 6 mg bolus of mephentermine to counteract hypotension. Patients in Group II received a continuous infusion of vasopressin as soon as CSEA was applied. If despite maximum dose of vasopressin, SBP dropped to < 90 mmHg, then intravenous mephentermine was administered to counteract hypotension. Hemodynamic parameters and side effects were noted.Results:Level of block attained in both groups was comparable in terms of dermatomal height. The mean SBP and mean arterial pressure values of Group I were significantly lower than in Group II in the initial 14 min. Diastolic BP was also significantly lower in Group I. Heart rate was found to be lower in Group II, especially after 30 min (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Maintaining plasma levels of the physiological burst of vasopressin helps to avoid hypotension following neuraxial blockade. Continuous infusion of vasopressin at 1–3 U/h can prevent hypotension following neuraxial blockade.

Terabit burst switching

Demand for network bandwidth is growing at unprecedented rates, placing growing demands on switching and transmission technologies. Wavelength division multiplexing will soon make it possible to combine hundreds of gigabit channels on a single fiber. This paper presents an architecture for Burst Switching Systems designed to switch data among WDM links, treating each link as a shared resource rather than just a collection of independent channels. The proposed network architecture separates burst level data and control, allowing major simplifications in the data path in order to facilitate all-optical implementations. To handle short data bursts efficiently, the burst level control mechanisms in burst switching systems must keep track of future resource availability when assigning arriving data bursts to channels or storage locations. The resulting Lookahead Resource Management problems raise new issues and require the invention of completely new types of high speed control mechanisms. This paper introduces these problems and describes approaches to burst level resource management that attempt to strike an appropriate balance between high speed operation and efficiency of resource usage.

P28. Sympathetic activity in patients with fibromyalgia – A microneurographic study

Introduction Fibromyalgia is a disease which is characterized by -“widespread pain”-, one aspect of the pathophysiology might be a central dysregulation of autonomic as well as endocrine parameters. The baroreflexsensitivity (BRS) is being discussed as a connecting link. The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) was identified as a crucial structure of the BRS which is important for the regulation of sympathetic functions such as blood pressure and heart frequency but also for the central regulation of pain perception. The physiological state of an inverse relation between blood pressure and pain perception is diminished in patients with fibromyalgia. An efferent arm of the baroreflex is the vasoconstrictor activity of the muscle vessels (MSNA; muscle-sympathetic-nerve-activity) which can be directly assessed by the method of microneurography. The aim of this study was to detect differences of sympathetic activity between fibromyalgia patient and healthy controls by directly measuring the sympathetic outflow using the method of microneurography. Methods MSNA was obtained from 12 patients with fibromyalgia and 11 healthy controls. MSNA was recorded from the peroneal nerve during rest (baseline) and during baroreflex-stimulation by lower-body-negative-pressure (LBNP, −40 mmHg). Analyzed were burst frequency (burst per minute) and burst incidence (burst per hundred heart beats) as well as the autonomic parameters as blood pressure, heart rate variability and baroreflexsensitivity. Results The microneurographic data shows that the burst frequency of fibromyalgia patients is a higher in the baseline ( T = 2.675, p = 0.014) and during LBNP ( F = 5.571, p = 0.03) compared to the healthy controls, the same tendency was visible for burst incidence but level of significance was not reached. The relative increase in BF and BI by LBNP did not differ between the FM-patients and controls. The other autonomic parameters showed a decreased baroreflexsensitivity and increased blood pressure in FM patients compared to controls. Analysis of heart rate variability revealed decresed vagal activity in FM patients. Conclusion So far our results show an autonomic dysbalance with a higher sympathetic activity in the FM-patients compared to the healthy volunteers. The higher outflow of sympathetic activity may play a vital role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of developing fibromyalgia.

Comparison of cell death and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in wheat lines with or without Yr36 responding to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici under low and high temperatures at seedling and adult-plant stages

Yr36 is an important gene conferring resistance to stripe rust of wheat caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). To determine if the Yr36 resistance is correlated to reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and cell death, wheat near-isogenic lines with (UC1041 + Yr36) and without (UC1041) the gene were histologically characterized for response to Pst infection. Yr36 conferred stripe rust resistance at both seedling and adult-plant stages when the gene line was tested with Pst race CYR29 at a high-temperature (HT) cycle (12 °C at night and 33 °C during the day). At the HT cycle, the growth of secondary hyphae was obviously suppressed in both seedlings and adult plants of UC1041 + Yr36 compared with those of UC1041. The percentages of infection sites with necrotic host cells in UC1041 + Yr36 were significantly higher than UC1041 60 hours after inoculation (hai) at both seedling and adult-plant stages. Mesophyll cell death in the inoculated UC1041 + Yr36 leaves at the HT cycle was stronger than at a low-temperature (LT) cycle (12 °C at night and 18 °C during the day). At the HT cycle, the level of ROS burst started increasing in the inoculated leaves of UC1041 + Yr36 when Pst hyphae started differentiating and extending, and simultaneously, the number of penetration sites with hypersensitive cell death was also increasing. The results indicate that Yr36 product affects the ROS accumulation and cell death of the host in interaction of wheat with Pst.

High mobility group box 1 contributes to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-induced neutrophils activation through receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 4.

IntroductionHigh mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), a typical damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) protein, is associated with inflammatory conditions and tissue damage. Our recent study found that circulating HMGB1 levels could reflect the disease activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). The current study aimed to investigate whether HMGB1 participated in ANCA-induced neutrophil activation, which is one of the most important pathogenic aspects in the development of AAV.MethodsThe various effects of HMGB1 in ANCA-induced neutrophil activation were measured. Antagonists for relevant receptors and signaling molecules were employed.ResultsANCA antigens translocation on neutrophils primed with HMGB1 was significantly higher than non-primed neutrophils. The levels of respiratory burst and degranulation increased significantly in HMGB1-primed neutrophils activated with ANCA-positive IgG, as compared with non-primed neutrophils. Furthermore, blocking Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), rather than TLR2, resulted in a significant decrease in HMGB1-induced ANCA antigens translocation, respiratory burst and degranulation. Similar effects were also found when blocking MyD88 and NF-κB.ConclusionsHMGB1 could prime neutrophils by increasing ANCA antigens translocation, and the primed neutrophils could be further induced by ANCA, resulting in the respiratory burst and degranulation. This process is TLR4- and RAGE-dependent through the MyD88/NF-κB pathway.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0587-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aspergillus fumigatus diffusates suppress polymorphonuclear neutrophil phagocytic functions and respiratory burst levels in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe infection that commonly occurs in immunocompromised patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The present study explores the effect of Aspergillus fumigatus diffusates (AfDs) on phagocytic function and superoxide anion (O2(-)) burst levels in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) from post-HSCT patients. A. fumigatus conidia with or without AfD were used to stimulate the PMN from healthy donor or HSCT patient for two hours. PMN morphology was visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The levels of respiratory burst O2(-) produced by the PMNs were determined by flow cytometry. PMN phagocytic rates and phagocytic indexes were observed and calculated using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining under a light-field microscope. No difference was found between the PMN phagocytic rates, phagocytic indexes, or O2(-) respiratory burst levels in health donor PMNs following treatments of A. fumigatus conidia with or without AfD. However, significant inhibition of these indices was seen in the PMNs from HSCT patients following treatment of A. fumigatus conidia plus AfD, compared to that with conidium treatment alone (P < 0.05). Therefore, AfD significantly inhibited the phagocytic function of PMNs from HSCT patients, potentially through inhibition of intracellular respiratory burst levels during phagocytosis. This suggests that the reason underlying the greater susceptibility of HSCT patients to aspergillosis might be the existence of AfD in vivo during infection. Further research on the mechanisms by which AfD affects the phagocytic function of PMNs from HSCT patients is therefore of great significance for the prevention of IA.

Immunomudulatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Hypericum perforatum.

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of internal and external ailments. The present study was done to evaluate the immumodulatory potentials of the hydroalcoholic extract of H. perforatum. Twenty male BALB/c-mice were randomly allocated in two equal groups and immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and complete Freund's adjuvant. Mice in the treatment group orally received hydroalcoholic extract of H. perforatum (110 mg/Kg daily) from the beginning of the study which continued for 2 weeks. The data indicated a significant increase in the level of anti-SRBC antibody and simultaneously a significant decrease in the level of cellular immunity, an enhancement in foot pad thickness, in treatment group compared to control group. The level of the respiratory burst in phagocytic cells and the level of lymphocyte proliferation in splenocytes were significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to control group. Moreover, extract caused a significant reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory IL-17 as well as IFN-γ, parallel to increasing the level of IL-6. The hydroalcoholic extract of H. perforatum may be used as a natural source for treatment of immunopathologic conditions.

Blockade of PD1 and TIM3 Restores Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Patients With Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis

Susceptibility to bacterial infection is a feature of alcohol-related liver disease. Programmed cell death 1 (PD1), the T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3, also known as hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2), and their respective ligands-CD274 (also known as PD ligand 1 [PDL1]) and galectin-9-are inhibitory receptors that regulate the balance between protective immunity and host immune-mediated damage. However, their sustained hyperexpression promotes immune exhaustion and paralysis. We investigated the role of these immune inhibitory receptors in driving immune impairments in patients with alcoholic liver disease. In a prospective study, we collected blood samples from 20 patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), 16 patients with stable advanced alcohol-related cirrhosis, and 12 healthy individuals (controls). Whole blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed for expression of PD1, PDL1, TIM3, galectin-9, and Toll-like receptors on subsets of innate and adaptive immune effector cells. We measured antibacterial immune responses to lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) using ELISpot assays, and used flow cytometry to quantify cytokine production, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst in the presence or absence of blocking antibodies against PD1 or TIM3. Antibacterial innate and adaptive immune responses were greatly reduced in patients with AAH, compared with controls, and patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis had less severe dysfunctions in innate immune effector cells and preserved functional T-cell responses. Fewer T cells from patients with AAH produced interferon gamma in response to lipopolysaccharide, compared with controls. In addition, patients with AAH had greater numbers of interleukin 10-producing T cells, and reduced levels of neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst in response to Escherichia coli stimulation, compared with controls. T cells from patients with AAH, but not alcohol-related cirrhosis, expressed higher levels of PD1 and PDL1, or TIM3 and galectin-9, than T cells from controls. Antibodies against PD1 and TIM3 restored T-cell production of interferon gamma, reduced the numbers of interleukin 10-producing T cells, and increased neutrophil antimicrobial activities. Circulating levels of endotoxin in plasma from patients with AAH caused over expression of immune inhibitory receptors on T cells via Toll-like receptor 4 binding to CD14(+) monocytes. Antibacterial immune responses are impaired in patients with AAH. Lymphocytes from these patients express high levels of immune inhibitory receptors, produce lower levels of interferon gamma, and have increased IL10 production due to chronic endotoxin exposure. These effects can be reversed by blocking PD1 and TIM3, which increase the antimicrobial activities of T cells and neutrophils.

Further tests of the local nonlinear interaction-based mechanism for simultaneous suppression of tone burst-evoked otoacoustic emissions

Tone burst-evoked otoacoustic emission (TBOAE) components measured in response to a 1 kHz tone burst (TB1) are suppressed by the simultaneous presence of an additional tone burst (TB2). This “simultaneous suppression of TBOAEs” has been explained in terms of a mechanism based on local nonlinear interactions between the basilar membrane (BM) travelling waves caused by TB1 and TB2. A test of this local nonlinear interaction (LNI)-based mechanism, as a function of the frequency separation (Δf, expressed in kHz) between TB1 and TB2, has previously been reported by Killan et al. (2012) using a simple mathematical model [Killan et al., Hear. Res. 285, 58–64 (2012)]. The two experiments described in this paper add additional data on the extent to which the LNI-based mechanism can account for simultaneous suppression, by testing two further hypotheses derived from the model predictions. Experiment I tested the hypothesis that TBOAE suppression is directly linked to TBOAE amplitude nonlinearity where ears that exhibit a higher degree of amplitude nonlinearity yield greater suppression than more linear ears, and this relationship varies systematically as a function of Δf. In order to test this hypothesis simultaneous suppression at a range of values of Δf at 60 dB peak-equivalent sound pressure level (p.e. SPL) and TBOAE amplitude nonlinearity from normal human ears was measured. In Experiment II the hypothesis that suppression will also increase progressively as a function of increasing tone burst level was tested by measuring suppression for a range of Δf and tone burst levels at 40, 50, 60 and 70 dB p.e. SPL. The majority of the findings from both experiments provide support for the LNI-based mechanism being primarily responsible for simultaneous suppression. However, some data were inconsistent with this view. Specifically, a breakdown in the relationship between suppression and TBOAE amplitude nonlinearity at Δf = 1 (i.e. when TB2 was reasonably well separated from, and had a higher frequency than TB1) and unexpected level-dependence, most notably at Δf = 1, but also where Δf = −0.5, was observed. Either the LNI model is too simple or an alternative explanation, involving response components generated at basal regions of the basilar membrane, is required to account for these findings.

Immune response and disease resistance of shrimp fed biofloc grown on different carbon sources

The objective of this study was to document the immunological effects of growing shrimp in biofloc systems. The experiment consisted of four types of biofloc systems in which bioflocs were produced by daily supplementation of four different carbon sources, i.e. molasses, tapioca, tapioca-by-product, and rice bran, at an estimated C/N ratio of 15 and a control system without any organic carbon addition. Each biofloc system was stocked with Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) juveniles that were reared for 49 days. The use of tapioca-by-product resulted in a higher survival (93%) of the shrimp as compared to the other carbon sources and the control. The highest yield and protein assimilation was observed when tapioca was used as the carbon source. After 49 days, phenoloxidase (PO) activity of the shrimp grown in all biofloc systems was higher than that of the shrimp from the control system. Following a challenge test by injection with infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV), the levels of PO and respiratory burst (RB) activity in the shrimp of all biofloc treatments were higher than that of the challenged shrimp from the control treatment. An increased immunity was also suggested by the survival of the challenged shrimp from the experimental biofloc groups that was significantly higher as compared to the challenged shrimp from the control treatment, regardless of the organic carbon source used to grow the bioflocs. Overall, this study demonstrated that the application of biofloc technology may contribute to the robustness of cultured shrimp by immunostimulation and that this effect is independent of the type of carbon source used to grow the flocs.

Comparison of proton channel, phagocyte oxidase, and respiratory burst levels between human eosinophil and neutrophil granulocytes

Robust production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by phagocyte NADPH oxidase (phox) during the respiratory burst (RB) is a characteristic feature of eosinophil and neutrophil granulocytes. In these cells the voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1) is now considered as an ancillary subunit of the phox needed for intense ROS production. Multiple sources reported that the expression of phox subunits and RB is more intensive in eosinophils than in neutrophils. In most of these studies the eosinophils were not isolated from healthy individuals, and a comparative analysis of Hv1 expression had never been carried out. We performed a systematic comparison of the levels of essential phox subunits, Hv1 expression and ROS producing capacity between eosinophils and neutrophils of healthy individuals. The expression of phox components was similar, whereas the amount of Hv1 was ∼10-fold greater in eosinophils. Furthermore, Hv1 expression correlated with Nox2 expression only in eosinophils. Additionally, in confocal microscopy experiments co-accumulation of Hv1 and Nox2 at the cell periphery was observed in resting eosinophils but not in neutrophils. While phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced peak extracellular ROS release was ∼1.7-fold greater in eosinophils, oxygen consumption studies indicated that the maximal intensity of the RB is only ∼1.4-fold greater in eosinophils. Our data reinforce that eosinophils, unlike neutrophils, generate ROS predominantly extracellularly. In contrast to previous works we have found that the two granulocyte types display very similar phox subunit expression and RB capacity. The large difference in Hv1 expression suggests that its support to intense ROS production is more important at the cell surface.

The Different between the Temperature of the Solar Burst at the Feed Point of the Log Periodic Dipole Antenna (LPDA) and the CALLISTO Spectrometer

The article attempts to analyze and compare the temperature of solar radio burst at the (i) feed point and antenna and (ii) at the receiver (CALLISTO spectrometer). The analysis is very important to evaluate the performance for a better observation of solar radio burst. We start our project by developing this antenna with 19 elements of different sizes covers from 45 − 870 MHz. We choose the National Space Agency (PAN), Sg. Lang, Banting, Selangor, Malaysia as our site seems this site has a very minimum of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). The antenna, then connects to the low noise amplifier and the CALLISTO spectrometer as one complete system. Based on the results, it was found that the temperature of the at the feed point of the antenna and receiver is different up to 3.25 K. The average level burst level above background sky is about 0.41dB. It was found that the power of solar burst at the feed point of the antenna is equivalent to 2.6 x 10-18 W, but decreases to 2.3 x 10-18 W when detected by the CALLISTO spectrometer. These results show a better understanding of how does the system operate in terms of the process of analysis of the temperature of solar radio burst.

The Different between the Temperature of the Solar Burst at the Feed Point of the Log Periodic Dipole Antenna (LPDA) and the CALLISTO Spectrometer

The article attempts to analyze and compare the temperature of solar radio burst at the (i) feed point and antenna and (ii) at the receiver (CALLISTO spectrometer). The analysis is very important to evaluate the performance for a better observation of solar radio burst. We start our project by developing this antenna with 19 elements of different sizes covers from 45 − 870 MHz. We choose the National Space Agency (PAN), Sg. Lang, Banting, Selangor, Malaysia as our site seems this site has a very minimum of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). The antenna, then connects to the low noise amplifier and the CALLISTO spectrometer as one complete system. Based on the results, it was found that the temperature of the at the feed point of the antenna and receiver is different up to 3.25 K. The average level burst level above background sky is about 0.41dB. It was found that the power of solar burst at the feed point of the antenna is equivalent to 2.6 x 10-18 W, but decreases to 2.3 x 10-18 W when detected by the CALLISTO spectrometer. These results show a better understanding of how does the system operate in terms of the process of analysis of the temperature of solar radio burst.

Determination of Flux Density of the Solar Radio Burst Event by Using Log Periodic Dipole Antenna (LPDA)

In this article, an evaluation of the flux density of the solar radio burst is presented. A rod aluminium’s type as a conductor with nineteenth (19) elements of different sizes is being prepared to construct a log periodic dipole antenna (LPDA) from 45-870 MHz. The performance was carried out at the National Space Agency (PAN), Sg. Lang, Banting Selangor by connecting to the Compound Low Cost Low Frequency Spectroscopy Transportable Observatory (CALLISTO) spectrometer. The input impedance, R0 = 50 ohm is chosen for this LPDA antenna. From the analysis, the gain of the antenna is 9.3 dB. This antenna potentially captures a signal that covers about 0.08 m2 area of the Sun.The temperature of the burst that detected at the feedpoint of the antenna is 32 K. However, the signal becomes decrease to 28.75 K while by CALLISTO spectrometer as a receiver. It was also found that the isotropic source spectral power is 1576 W/Hz. Since the burst level above the background sky is 0.41 dB , the flux density of the burst is 5.5 x 10-21 W/m2/Hz. Based on the results, we conclude that this antenna is suitable for to observe the Sun activities at low frequency region.

Determination of Flux Density of the Solar Radio Burst Event by Using Log Periodic Dipole Antenna (LPDA)

In this article, an evaluation of the flux density of the solar radio burst is presented. A rod aluminium’s type as a conductor with nineteenth (19) elements of different sizes is being prepared to construct a log periodic dipole antenna (LPDA) from 45-870 MHz. The performance was carried out at the National Space Agency (PAN), Sg. Lang, Banting Selangor by connecting to the Compound Low Cost Low Frequency Spectroscopy Transportable Observatory (CALLISTO) spectrometer. The input impedance, R0 = 50 ohm is chosen for this LPDA antenna. From the analysis, the gain of the antenna is 9.3 dB. This antenna potentially captures a signal that covers about 0.08 m2 area of the Sun.The temperature of the burst that detected at the feedpoint of the antenna is 32 K. However, the signal becomes decrease to 28.75 K while by CALLISTO spectrometer as a receiver. It was also found that the isotropic source spectral power is 1576 W/Hz. Since the burst level above the background sky is 0.41 dB , the flux density of the burst is 5.5 x 10-21 W/m2/Hz. Based on the results, we conclude that this antenna is suitable for to observe the Sun activities at low frequency region.

An experimental study to compare inflammatory response due to liquid or gas joint distension in horses submitted to arthroscopy

To assess comparatively the inflammatory response that follows CO(2) or Ringer's lactate joint capsular distension of horses submitted to experimental arthroscopy Each animal was submitted to a bilateral tarsocrural arthroscopy employing gas distention in one joint and fluid distention in the contralateral joint. Synovial fluid was evaluated at 0, six, 12, 24 and 48 hours post-operative. The use of CO(2) for arthroscopy causes an acute and mild synovitis alike to the liquid capsular distension, showing similar synovial fluid increase of leukocytes, TP, and TNF-α. Although synovial fluid PGE(2) content was higher in joints submitted to CO(2) distension, lower levels of hemoglobin and leukocytes oxidative burst after surgery indicates that CO(2) arthroscopy decreased intra-articular bleeding and activation of infiltrating leukocytes. The use of CO(2) for arthroscopic examination causes acute and mild synovitis that is similar to the effects caused by the liquid capsular distension. CO2 also seems to decrease intra-articular bleeding and activation of leukocytes.

C-reactive protein enhances the respiratory burst of neutrophils-induced by antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was one of the useful biomarkers for evaluating the disease activity in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Cumulating studies proved that CRP was pathogenic in a variety of diseases. In the current study, the in vitro effects of CRP to prime neutrophils for ANCA-induced respiratory burst were investigated with flow cytometry. Without TNF-α in the reactive system, ANCA could only induce a slight level of respiratory burst of neutrophils. CRP could enhance the respiratory burst of neutrophils induced by ANCA against myeloperoxidse [mean fluorescence intensity (MFI, 68.45±16.87 vs. 58.65±15.09, P<0.05) or by ANCA against proteinase 3 (MFI, 79.51±15.90 vs. 61.73±14.89, P<0.05). Although CRP (50μg/mL, incubating for 30min) could not active neutrophils alone, after incubation with neutrophils for 10min, CRP (50μg/mL) could increase the expression of membrane proteinase 3 of neutrophils (MFI, 365.27±143.50 vs. 235.32±124.65, P<0.05). Heat-treated CRP could not enhance the levels of neutrophils respiratory burst induced by ANCA or increase the expression of membrane proteinase 3 of neutrophils. So CRP can prime neutrophils and enhance the respiratory burst induced by ANCA and might be pathogenic in AAV.

Phagosomes Induced by Cytokines Function as anti-Listeria Vaccines

Phagosomes are critical compartments for innate immunity. However, their role in the protection against murine listeriosis has not been examined. We describe here that listericidal phago-receptosomes are induced by the function of IFN-γ or IL-6 as centralized compartments for innate and adaptive immunity because they are able to confer protection against murine listeriosis. These phago-receptosomes elicited LLO(91-99)/CD8(+)- and LLO(189-201)/CD4(+)-specific immune responses and recruited mature dendritic cells to the vaccination sites controlled by T cells. Moreover, they present exceptional features as efficient vaccine vectors. First, they compartmentalize a novel listericidal STAT-1-mediated signaling pathway that confines multiple innate immune components to the same environment. Second, they show features of MHC class II antigen-loading competent compartments for cathepsin-D-mediated LLO processing. Third, murine cathepsin-D deficiencies fail to develop protective immunity after vaccination with listericidal phago-receptosomes induced by IFN-γ or IL-6. Therefore, it appears that the connection of STAT-1 and cathepsin-D in a single compartment is relevant for protection against listeriosis.