Toll-like receptor and IL-12 signaling control susceptibility to contact hypersensitivity.

Allergic contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is a T cell-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Interleukin (IL)-12 is considered to be important in the generation of the allergen-specific T cell response. Loss of IL-12 function in IL-12Rbeta2-deficient mice, however, did not ameliorate the allergic immune response, suggesting alternate IL-12-independent pathways in the induction of CHS. Because exposure to contact allergens always takes place in the presence of microbial skin flora, we investigated the potential role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the induction of CHS. Using mice deficient in TLR4, the receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL-12 receptor (R) beta2, or both, we show that the concomitant absence of TLR4 and IL-12Rbeta2, but not the absence of TLR4 or IL-12Rbeta2 alone, prevented DC-mediated sensitization, generation of effector T cells, and the subsequent CHS response to 2,4,6-trinitro-1-chlorobenzene (TNCB), oxazolone, and fluorescein isothiocyanate. Introduction of the TLR4 transgene into the TLR4/IL-12Rbeta2 mutant restored the CHS inducibility, showing a requirement for TLR4 in IL-12-independent CHS induction. Furthermore, the concomitant absence of TLR2 and TLR4 prevented the induction of CHS to TNCB in IL-12-competent mice. Finally, CHS was inducible in germ-free wild-type and IL-12Rbeta2-deficient mice, but not in germ-free TLR4/IL-12Rbeta2 double deficient mice, suggesting that the necessary TLR activation may proceed via endogenous ligands

Precipitation of particles using combined high turbulence extraction assisted by ultrasound and supercritical antisolvent fractionation

High Turbulence Extraction Assisted by Ultrasound combined with Supercritical Antisolvent Fractionation (SAF) was done to intensify the recovery of bixin and phenolic compounds from semi-defatted annatto seeds. Annatto seeds are extensively used due to its colorant properties and bioactive potential in human health. Modifications were performed in the SAF experimental apparatus in order to prevent losses of product. Results show that supercritical fractionation resulted in particle yields between 72.2–80.5%, 20–50% phenolics, and 66% bixin.3549CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP302423/2015-088882.305824/2013-012015/13299-

1ST DETERMINATION OF CP VIOLATION PARAMETERS FROM K(0)-(K)BAR-0 DECAY ASYMMETRY

{We report the first determination of CP violation parameters from particle-antiparticle asymmetry in the decay of neutral kaons into two charged pions. Observation of such an asymmetry is direct proof of CP violation. A fit to the asymmetry enabled a determination of the parameter-eta+- to be made, yielding the result \textbackslash{}eta+-\textbackslash{} = {[}2.32 +/- 0.14 (stat. ) +/- 0.03 (syst.)] X 10(-3) and phi+- = 42.3-degrees +/- 4.4-degrees (stat.) +/- 0.4-degrees (syst. ), with an additional uncertainty of +/-1.0-degrees due to the error on the present published value of DELTA-m, the K(L)0-K(S)0 mass difference. The magnitudes of both statistical and systematic errors will be significantly reduced in the future.

The CPLEAR detector at CERN

The CPLEAR collaboration has constructed a detector at CERN for an extensive programme of CP-, T- and CPT-symmetry studies using K-0 and <(K)over bar (0)> produced by the annihilation of <(p)over bar ‘s> in a hydrogen gas target. The K-0 and <(K)over bar (0)> are identified by their companion products of the annihilation K(+/-)pi(-/+) which are tracked with multiwire proportional chambers, drift chambers and streamer tubes. Particle identification is carried out with a liquid Cherenkov detector for fast separation of pions and kaons and with scintillators which allow the measurement of time of flight and energy loss. Photons are measured with a lead/gas sampling electromagnetic calorimeter. The required antiproton annihilation modes are selected by fast online processors using the tracking chamber and particle identification information. All the detectors are mounted in a 0.44 T uniform field of an axial solenoid of diameter 2 m and length 3.6 m to form a magnetic spectrometer capable of full on-line reconstruction and selection of events. The design, operating parameters and performance of the subdetectors are described