Single-shot characterization of multi-film structures based on combined spectral interferometry and spatially recorded spectroscopic ellipsometry.

In this investigation, we propose an improved combined scheme with spectral interferometry and spatially recorded spectroscopic ellipsometry to measure surface height and film thicknesses at once in real time. Instead of rotating polarizing optical components, a spatial phase retarder, which consists of spatially rotating liquid crystal arrays, is used to obtain the ellipsometric spectral data from a single image. In addition, interferometric configuration is combined to collect the surface height information in the same image.

Mediators of Inflammation-Driven Expansion, Trafficking, and Function of Tumor-Infiltrating MDSCs.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are induced by and accumulate within many histologically distinct solid tumors, where they promote disease by secreting angiogenic and immunosuppressive molecules. Although IL1β can drive the generation, accumulation, and functional capacity of MDSCs, the specific IL1β-induced inflammatory mediators contributing to these activities remain incompletely defined. Here, we identified IL1β-induced molecules that expand, mobilize, and modulate the accumulation and angiogenic and immunosuppressive potencies of polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs.

Rap1A regulates generation of T regulatory cells via LFA-1-dependent and LFA-1-independent mechanisms.

The small GTPase Rap1A has a critical role in regulating cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion. In T lymphocytes, Rap1A mediates LFA-1 activation and LFA-1-mediated adhesion. LFA-1 reduces the threshold of TCR signals for low affinity ligands.

RIAM regulates the cytoskeletal distribution and activation of PLC-gamma1 in T cells.

Rap1-guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-interacting adaptor molecule (RIAM) plays a critical role in actin reorganization and inside-out activation of integrins in lymphocytes and platelets. We investigated the role of RIAM in T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling. Although phosphorylation of the kinase ZAP-70 and formation of a signalosome recruited to the adaptor protein LAT were unaffected, elimination of endogenous RIAM by short hairpin RNA impaired generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, mobilization of intracellular calcium ions (Ca(2+)), and translocation of the transcription factor NFAT to the nucleus.

The cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (R)-roscovitine prevents alloreactive T cell clonal expansion and protects against acute GvHD.

Cell cycle re-entry of quiescent T lymphocytes regulated by cdk2 is required for antigen-specific clonal expansion and generation of productive T cell responses. Recently, we determined that induction of antigen-specific T cell tolerance results in impaired cdk2 activity leading to enhanced Smad3 transactivation, upregulation of p15 and blockade of cell cycle progression. Here we report that pharmacologic inhibition of cdk2 with (R)-roscovitine blocked expansion of alloreactive T cells in vitro and in vivo and protected from lethal acute GvHD.

Human anisakiasis: Diversity in antibody response profiles to the changing antigens in larval excretions/secretions.

Anisakiasis is an infectious parasitic disease contracted by eating third stage larvae of Anisakis simplex (L3) carried by marine fishes. Human anisakiasis was researched for specific IgG with L3 excretory secretory products (ESP). L3ESP were prepared by daily harvesting of culture supernatant from day 2 to day 5, using two kinds culture media of RPMI-1640 and phosphate buffered saline (PBS).