Position-controlled data acquisition embedded system for magnetic NDE of bridge stay cables.

This work presents a custom-tailored sensing and data acquisition embedded system, designed to be integrated in a new magnetic NDE inspection device under development at Empa, a device intended for routine testing of large diameter bridge stay cables. The data acquisition (DAQ) system fulfills the speed and resolution requirements of the application and is able to continuously capture and store up to 2 GB of data at a sampling rate of 27 kS/s, with 12-bit resolution. This paper describes the DAQ system in detail, including both hardware and software implementation, as well as the key design challenges and the techniques employed to meet the specifications.

Differential capacity of CD8+ alpha or CD8- alpha dendritic cell subsets to prime for eosinophilic airway inflammation in the T-helper type 2-prone milieu of the lung.

Background: Different subsets of dendritic cells (DCs), identified in mouse spleen by their differential expression of CD8 alpha, can induce different T-helper (Th) responses after systemic administration. CD8 alpha(-) DCs have been shown to preferentially induce Th type 2 (Th2) responses whereas CD8 alpha(+) DCs induce Th1 responses.

Objective: To study if these DC subsets can still induce different Th responses in the Th2-prone milieu of the lung and differentially prime for eosinophilic airway inflammation, typical of asthma.

T-bet is required for optimal production of IFN-gamma and antigen-specific T cell activation by dendritic cells.

IFN-gamma is well known as the signature cytokine of CD4+ T helper 1, CD8+, and natural killer cells, but recent studies demonstrate that antigen-presenting cells, in particular dendritic cells (DCs), are another potent source for this proinflammatory cytokine. T-bet, a transcription factor that controls IFN-gamma expression in CD4+ T cells, was reported recently to be expressed in human monocytes and myeloid DCs. In this study we investigate the role of T-bet in this important cell type.

On the role of dendritic cells in peripheral T cell tolerance and modulation of autoimmunity.

Recently, it has become clear that dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for the priming of T cell responses. However, their role in the maintenance of peripheral T cell tolerance remains largely undefined. Herein, an antigen-presenting cell (APC) transfer system was devised and applied to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), to evaluate the contribution that DCs play in peripheral T cell tolerance.

Cytokines regulate the capacity of CD8alpha(+) and CD8alpha(-) dendritic cells to prime Th1/Th2 cells in vivo.

Prior studies have shown that subclasses of dendritic cells (DC) direct the development of distinct Th populations in rodents and in humans. In the mouse, we have recently shown that administration of Ag-pulsed CD8alpha(-) DC induces a Th2-type response, whereas injection of CD8alpha(+) DC leads to Th1 differentiation. To define the DC-derived factors involved in the polarization of Th responses, we injected either subset purified from mice genetically deficient for IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-12, or IL-10 into wild-type animals.

Dendritic cell subsets and the regulation of Th1/Th2 responses.

Cells of the dendritic family are suited to perform two distinct functions at two discrete locations. In the peripheral tissues, dendritic cells (DC) act as sentinels for "dangerous" antigens. They then migrate into the lymphoid organ, where they initiate activation of T lymphocytes which are specific for these antigens.

CD8alpha(-) and CD8alpha(+) subclasses of dendritic cells undergo phenotypic and functional maturation in vitro and in vivo.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for the priming of immune responses. This antigen-presenting function of DCs develops in sequence in a process called maturation, during which they become potent sensitizers of naïve T cells but reduce their ability to capture and process antigens. Some heterogeneity exists in mouse-DC populations, and two distinct subsets of DCs expressing high levels of CD11c can be identified on the basis of CD8alpha expression.

Immunohistowax processing, a new fixation and embedding method for light microscopy, which preserves antigen immunoreactivity and morphological structures: visualisation of dendritic cells in peripheral organs.

Aims: To describe a new fixation and embedding method for tissue samples, immunohistowax processing, which preserves both morphology and antigen immunoreactivity, and to use this technique to investigate the role of dendritic cells in the immune response in peripheral tissues.

Methods: This technique was used to stain a population of specialised antigen presenting cells (dendritic cells) that have the unique capacity to sensitise naive T cells, and therefore to induce primary immune responses. The numbers of dendritic cells in peripheral organs of mice either untreated or injected with live Escherichia coli were compared.

Role of CD8alpha+ and CD8alpha- dendritic cells in the induction of primary immune responses in vivo.

Data from adoptive transfer of mature dendritic cells (DC) indicate that they are responsible for the induction of primary immunity. Two subclasses of DC have been recently identified in spleen that differ in their phenotype and in certain regulatory features. In vitro, both subsets have the capacity to activate naive T cells, although CD8a+ DC have been shown to induce T cell apoptosis and to stimulate lower levels of cytokines compared with CD8alpha- DC.

CD8alpha+ and CD8alpha- subclasses of dendritic cells direct the development of distinct T helper cells in vivo.

Cells of the dendritic family display some unique properties that confer to them the capacity to sensitize naive T cells in vitro and in vivo. In the mouse, two subclasses of dendritic cells (DCs) have been described that differ by their CD8alpha expression and their localization in lymphoid organs. The physiologic function of both cell populations remains obscure.

NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens modulate intravenous cocaine but not heroin self-administration in the rat.

The role of endogenous glutamate neurotransmission within the nucleus accumbens in the modulation of intravenous (i.v.) cocaine and heroin self-administration in rats was analyzed.

[Skin alternariosis in a patient with nephrotic syndrome].

A case of cutaneous alternariasis with appeared during the treatment with corticosteroids in a patient having a nephrotic syndrome, is presented. The diagnosis was verified by histological and mycological examination, isolating Alternaria alternata. The etiopathogenic mechanisms and the clinical and histological aspects of the lesions are discussed.