Relationship between cleaved L-selectin levels and the outcome of acute myeloid leukemia

High plasma levels of the shed form of L-selectin (sL-selectin) are frequently detectable in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). sL-selectin can inhibit blast cell adhesion to vascular endothelium and may thereby influence the phenotype of AML. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between sL-selectin levels and clinical presentation or disease outcome in 100 patients with AML. Fifty-eight patients were found to have sL-selectin levels >/=3.12 microgram/mL (>/=3 SD above the mean of healthy controls: "increased"). Patients with extramedullary disease such as lymphadenopathies, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and/or muco-cutaneous infiltration had significantly increased sL-selectin levels (P < .001). sL-selectin levels were significantly heterogeneous in the French-American-British subtypes (P = .0003). Patients with "normal" sL-selectin levels had higher probability of achieving complete remission (CR) than with "increased" levels: 81% versus 64%, respectively (P = .06). When adjusting for clinically relevant covariates predictive for CR (sex, age, Auer rods), "normal" sL-selectin levels were significantly associated with CR (odds ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 8.58; P = .03). Moreover, patients with "increased" sL-selectin levels (>/=3.12 microgram/mL) had shorter event-free survival (EFS) (median 7.3 v 12 months, P = .008) and overall survival (median 1 v 2.05 years, P = .03) than patients with sL-selectin <3.12 microgram/mL. Multivariate statistical analysis (adjusted for age and presence of Auer rods) indicated that sL-selectin was an independent prognostic factor for EFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.21 to 3.17, P = .006) and overall survival (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.98; P = .02). Thus, plasma sL-selectin may be a useful prognostic marker in the evaluation of AML at diagnosis.     

A multibeam antenna using quasi-optical antenna-mixers

A multibeam antenna could be designed without using a complicated feeding system by using quasi-optical antenna-mixers. Accurate beam directions could be obtained when practical antenna patterns was taken into account in the design. The effectiveness of a three-beam antenna is demonstrated at K-band showing accurate beam directions which is very useful in modern wireless communications.     

Transmission Line Model for an Edge‐Coupled Patch Antenna

In this paper, a simple transmission line model for an edge‐coupled patch antenna is presented. The coupled section is modeled with a lump network which represents the mutual admittance between patches and from patch to ground. Theoretical analysis of two edge‐coupled patch antenna models are compared by simulation and experiment in antennas designed to operate at the 2 GHz band. The proposed model predicts the return loss of the antenna accurately.     

Wideband constant beamwidth coplanar waveguide‐fed slot antennas using metallic strip loadings and a widened tuning stub with shaped reflectors

Sectored antennas with wideband operation for wireless communication systems are presented. The proposed configurations are based on a coplanar waveguide fed slot antenna using metallic strip loadings and a widened tuning stub above various reflector shapes. By shaping the reflector, noticeable enhancements in both unidirectional radiation pattern and beamwidth can be achieved while maintaining the simple fabrication and installation. Based on the results obtained, three sector antennas covering 72°, 90°, and 120° beamwidths suitable for five, four, and three sectors, respectively, have been proposed and designed. The simple structural configurations, low cost, and ease of half power beamwidth control of the proposed antennas make the design very attractive for practical implementation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2011.     

A hybrid ring coupler quasi-optical antenna-mixer

This paper proposes a hybrid ring coupler quasi-optical antenna-mixer for mitigating local oscillator retransmission. By demonstrating at K-band, the antenna element consists of back-to-back aperture coupled inverted square patch antenna to couple the RF signal at 18.8 GHz to the sigma port of a hybrid ring mixer while the LO signal at 17.5 GHz is coupled to the delta port. The HSCH-9101 Schottky diodes are used to transform the RF signal to the intermediate frequency signal at 1.3 GHz. The results show that the RF/LO isolation is better than 29 dB at 18.19 GHz, and the isotropic conversion loss of the down converted signal is better than 16 dB at 19.25 GHz. The application of the interest is an inverse measurement technique for dielectric property determination.     

A collaborative operation method between new energy-type dispersed power supply and EDLC

In this paper, the modified Euler-type moving average prediction (EMAP) model is proposed to operate a new energy type dispersed power supply system in autonomous mode. This dispersed power supply system consists of a large-scale photovoltaic system (PV) and a fuel cell, as well as an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC). This system can meet the multi-quality electric power requirements of customers, and ensures voltage stability and uninterruptible power supply function as well. Each subsystem of this distributed power supply contributes to the above-mentioned system performance with its own excellent characteristics. Based on the collaborative operation methods by EMAP model, the required capacity of EDLC to compensate the fluctuation of both PV output and load demand is examined by the simulation using software MATLAB/Simulink, and, response characteristics of this system is confirmed with simulation by software PSIM.     

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 is a ligand for L-selectin on neutrophils, monocytes, and CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells

Inter-regional trade in live fish as eggs, larvae or juveniles provides the potential for parallel movements of pathogens. Pathogens that exist in a carrier state and/or can be transmitted by vertical means pose the greatest threat since casual observation, and even periods of quarantine or pathogen inspections, may fail to indicate their presence. Additional complications arise with the movements of non-target species for which health examinations may not be required, or for which criteria for pathogen inspections have not been developed. Although international trade in salmonids has been responsible for most of the disease regulations currently in place, an equal or stronger effort should be expected with other species. At the same time, ensuring equal treatment of all trading partners with respect to the level and sophistication of the health examinations to which the product will be subjected is a major problem. There are several examples of past and potential pathogen movements with fish or fish products. Unfortunately, these are often confused by a poor understanding of the current situation in the region into which the animal or product has been imported. The technology, experience or extent of surveillance in the importing region may be insufficient to assess the situation. Distinguishing between exotic imported pathogens and unknown pathogens which are already present in indigenous fish stocks can therefore often be difficult. The author discusses examples of clearly-documented imports of pathogens, as well as the potential for the spread of agents which pose an equal or greater danger. In addition, the author discusses the confusion which often arises when the background into which these pathogens are to move is poorly understood in the importing region.