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We introduce a wide-field magneto-optical microscope to probe magnetization dynamics with femtosecond temporal and sub-micrometer spatial resolution. We carefully calibrate the non-linear dependency between the magnetization of the sample and the detected light intensity by determining the absolute values of the magneto-optical polarization rotation. With that, an analytical transfer function is defined to directly map the recorded intensity to the corresponding magnetization, which results in significantly reduced acquisition times and relaxed computational requirements. The performance of the instrument is characterized by probing the magnetic all-optical switching dynamics of GdFe in a pump–probe experiment. The high spatial resolution of the microscope allows for accurately subdividing the laser-excited area into different fluence-regions in order to capture the strongly non-linear magnetization dynamics as a function of the optical pump intensity in a single measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schmallenberg virus (SBV)-like clinical cases of abortions in northern Jordan in early 2013, together with the emergence of SBV in Europe in 2011, its rapid spread within the following years and the detection of this virus in Turkey, raised questions about the distribution of SBV or related orthobunyaviruses. To evaluate the occurrence of SBV or related members of the Simbu serogroup of orthobunyaviruses in Jordan, bulk milk (cattle) and serum samples (cattle, sheep and goat) collected in northern Jordan in 2013 were first tested by commercially available SBV antibody ELISAs. Indeed, 3 of 47 bulk milk samples and 57 of 115 serum samples provided positive results, but SBV specificity of the ELISA results could not be confirmed by virus neutralization assays. Instead, subsequent cross-neutralization tests were able to further investigate the specificity of these antibodies. Here, a significant inhibition of Aino virus was observed. Thus, the causative agent was most likely a Simbu serogroup virus closely related to Aino virus. Consequently, these results confirm that members of this group of virus are not only present in Europe, Africa or Australia, but also in the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbances on the centimetre scale in the stratigraphy of the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling (NEEM) ice core (North Greenland) can be mapped by an optical line scanner as long as the ice has visual layering, such as, for example, cloudy bands. Different focal depths allow, to a certain extent, a three-dimensional view of the structures. In this study we present a detailed analysis of the visible folds, discuss their characteristics and frequency, and present examples of typical fold structures. We also analyse the structures with regard to the deformation boundary conditions under which they formed. The structures evolve from gentle waves at about 1500m to overturned z folds with increasing depth. Occasionally, the folding causes significant thickening of layers. Their similar fold shape indicates that they are passive features and are probably not initiated by rheology differences between alternating layers. Layering is heavily disturbed and tracing of single layers is no longer possible below a depth of 2160 m. C axes orientation distributions for the corresponding core sections were analysed, where available, in addition to visual stratigraphy. The data show axialplane parallel strings of grains with c axis orientations that deviate from that of the matrix, which shows a single maximum fabric at the depth where the folding occurs. Numerical modelling of crystal viscoplastic deformation and dynamic recrystallisation was used to improve the understanding of the formation of the observed structures during deformation. The modelling reproduces the development of bands of grains with a tilted-lattice orientation relative to the single maximum fabric of the matrix, and also the associated local deformation. We conclude from these results that the observed folding can be explained by formation of these tilted-lattice bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressed graphite was evaluated as a potential membrane for steam reforming of ethanol in membrane reactors. In ethanol steam reforming, hydrogen has to be in situ removed selectively from a mixture with ethanol, CO 2 , and H 2 O. Commercial graphite flakes (single crystals) have been pressed into disc membranes of different thicknesses. Both single gas permeation and H 2 /CO 2 /H 2 O mixed gas permeation were studied. From single gas permeation, a relatively high ideal separation factor of 35,…,60 for the H 2 /CO 2 mixture could be predicted. However, the study of the real separation factor of this mixture by gas-chromatographic analysis gave real mixture separation factors around 5. This experimental finding is explained by a Knudsen-type mechanism with permeation paths along the grain boundaries of the pressed graphite flakes. At temperatures between 100 and 250 °C, the pressed graphite membrane is indeed hydrogen-selective. Hydrogen is separated from a H 2 /CO 2 /H 2 O mixture with a separation factor of 5 relative to CO 2 and 12 relative to H 2 O, but only 2.4 relative to ethanol. Pressing of the graphite crystals results in a self-orientation (brick layer structure) of the individual graphite crystals. Hydrogen permeation parallel to the aligned flake-shaped crystals is by the factor 25 faster than perpendicular to them. The hydrogen permeabilities through the pressed graphite membranes are about one to two orders of magnitude higher than those through molecular sieve membranes such as supported zeolite or MOF membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Insect bite hypersensitivity ( IBH) is a recurrent allergic dermatitis of horses with similarities to human atopic eczema, caused by bites of insects of the genus Culicoides. Previous studies suggested a dysregulated T cell tolerance to Culicoides allergen in IBH-affected horses. Objective We have investigated whether the suppressive function of CD4+ CD25high cells is impaired in IBH-affected horses and possible ways to restore it. Methods CD4+ CD25− cells sorted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with irradiated autologous PBMC pulsed with Culicoides or tetanus toxoid as control antigen, in the presence of CD4+ CD25high cells. Furthermore, Culicoides-specific CD4+ CD25high regulatory cells were expanded or induced from CD4+ CD25− cells in vitro in the presence of a combination of rIL-2 and rTGF-β1 ( rIL-2/ rTGF-β1) or of retinoic acid and rapamycin (RetA/Rapa). Proliferation was determined by [3H] thymidine incorporation and cytokine production measured by flow cytometry. Results The ability of Culicoides- but not tetanus-stimulated CD4+ CD25high cells to suppress proliferation of CD4+ CD25− cells was significantly lower in IBH-affected horses (28%) than in healthy controls (86%). The decreased suppression in IBH-affected horses was associated with a significantly higher proportion of IL-4+ cells and a lower percentage of FoxP3+ IL-10+ compared to controls. Addition of rIL-2/ rTGF-β1 or of RetA/Rapa to Culicoides-stimulated CD4+ CD25high cells from IBH-affected horses significantly increased the proportion of FoxP3+ IL-10+ cells. We also found that RetA/Rapa induced a more significant decrease in the frequency of IL-4+ cells than rIL-2/ rTGF-β1. Moreover, the suppressive activity of Culicoides-stimulated CD4+ CD25high cells was significantly restored by both rIL-2/ rTGF-β1and RetA/Rapa, albeit in an antigen-unspecific manner. In contrast, in vitro induced Culicoides-specific CD4+ CD25high cells suppressed proliferation of CD4+ CD25− cells in an antigen-specific manner. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance The in vitro induction of functional allergen-specific Treg cells in IBH-affected horses suggests a potential therapeutic use of these cells in allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Cells of the myeloid lineage comprise a very heterogeneous population with many phenotypes and functional activities including macrophages and dendritic cells. To investigate the status, differentiative potential and lineage commitment of monocytic cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, this study isolated and cultured peripheral blood monocytes from patients and healthy donors.Methods: Monocytes were isolated by gradient centrifugation and adherence to plastic dishes. The cells were then cultured for three days, partially supplemented with GM-CSF and interleukin 4 (IL4) to obtain dendritic cells. The differentiation status was monitored by the expression of surface markers using flow cytometry and cytokine secretion.Results: Monocytes from SLE patients expressed significantly lower numbers of the monocytic marker CD14 and HLA-DR while secreting significantly more tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) than monocytes from healthy donors. The addition of GM-CSF and IL4 resulted in an inhibition of TNFalpha secretion, but was not sufficient to generate monocytederived dendritic cells.Conclusion: Monocytes from SLE patients are severely altered in phenotype and function and have a limited differentiation flexibility towards the accessory type of monocytic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]