Not one extrastriate body area: using anatomical landmarks, hMT+, and visual field maps to parcellate limb-selective activations in human lateral occipitotemporal cortex

The prevailing view of human lateral occipitotemporal cortex (LOTC) organization suggests a single area selective for images of the human body (extrastriate body area, EBA) that highly overlaps with the human motion-selective complex (hMT+). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging with higher resolution (1.5mm voxels) than past studies (3-4mm voxels), we examined the fine-scale spatial organization of these activations relative to each other, as well as to visual field maps in LOTC. Rather than one contiguous EBA highly overlapping hMT+, results indicate three limb-selective activations organized in a crescent surrounding hMT+: (1) an activation posterior to hMT+ on the lateral occipital sulcus/middle occipital gyrus (LOS/MOG) overlapping the lower vertical meridian shared between visual field maps LO-2 and TO-1, (2) an activation anterior to hMT+ on the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) consistently overlapping the lower vertical meridian of TO-2 and extending outside presently defined visual field maps, and (3) an activation inferior to hMT+ on the inferotemporal gyrus (ITG) overlapping the parafoveal representation of the TO cluster. This crescent organization of limb-selective activations surrounding hMT+ is reproducible over a span of three years and is consistent across different image types used for localization. Further, these regions exhibit differential position properties: preference for contralateral image presentation decreases and preference for foveal presentation increases from the limb-selective LOS to the MTG. Finally, the relationship between limb-selective activations and visual field maps extends to the dorsal stream where a posterior IPS activation overlaps V7. Overall, our measurements demonstrate a series of LOTC limb-selective activations that 1) have separate anatomical and functional boundaries, 2) overlap distinct visual field maps, and 3) illustrate differential position properties. These findings indicate that category selectivity alone is an insufficient organization principle for defining brain areas. Instead, multiple properties are necessary in order to parcellate and understand the functional organization of high-level visual cortex.     

甲状腺良恶性结节超声实时弹性成像图像特征及面积、弹性比值定量分析

目的 评价超声弹性图像、面积及弹性比值在甲状腺良恶性结节中的特征。 方法 回顾性分析105例甲状腺结节超声弹性图像特征,测量蓝色面积及弹性比值。恶性结节分为A组（最大径<1cm）和B组（最大径≥1cm）。 结果 47/70例恶性结节呈（蓝色）团块状,19/35良性结节呈点状 (P<0.05);恶性与良性结节弹性比值分别为1.70±0.67 和1.32±0.39(P<0.05),面积比值分别为44.8±22.35%和33.63±20.10%(P<0.05)。面积比值在A、B两组间具有明显差异（P<0.05）。 结论 超声弹性图像特征及面积、弹性比值能够表现甲状腺良恶性结节不同特征。     

The impact of electrode area, contact impedance and boundary shape on EIT images

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) measures the conductivity distribution within an object based on the current applied and voltage measured at surface electrodes. Thus, EIT images are sensitive to electrode properties (i.e. contact impedance, electrode area and boundary shape under the electrode). While some of these electrode properties have been investigated individually, this paper investigates these properties and their interaction using finite element method simulations and the complete electrode model (CEM). The effect of conformal deformations on image reconstruction when using the CEM was of specific interest. Observed artefacts were quantified using a measure that compared an ideal image to the reconstructed image, in this case a no-noise reconstruction that isolated the electrodes' effects. For electrode contact impedance and electrode area, uniform reductions to all electrodes resulted in ringing artefacts in the reconstructed images when the CEM was used, while parameter variations that were not correlated amongst electrodes resulted in artefacts distributed throughout the image. When the boundary shape changed under the electrode, as with non-symmetric conformal deformations, using the CEM resulted in structured distortions within the reconstructed image. Mean electrode contact impedance increases, independent of inter-electrode variation, did not result in artefacts in the reconstructed image.     

Patterns of brain reorganization subsequent to left fusiform damage: fMRI evidence from visual processing of words and pseudowords, faces and objects

Little is known about the neural reorganization that takes place subsequent to lesions that affect orthographic processing (reading and/or spelling). We report on an fMRI investigation of an individual with a left mid-fusiform resection that affected both reading and spelling (Tsapkini & Rapp, 2010). To investigate possible patterns of functional reorganization, we compared the behavioral and neural activation patterns of this individual with those of a group of control participants for the tasks of silent reading of words and pseudowords and the passive viewing of faces and objects, all tasks that typically recruit the inferior temporal lobes. This comparison was carried out with methods that included a novel application of Mahalanobis distance statistics, and revealed: (1) normal behavioral and neural responses for face and object processing, (2) evidence of neural reorganization bilaterally in the posterior fusiform that supported normal performance in pseudoword reading and which contributed to word reading (3) evidence of abnormal recruitment of the bilateral anterior temporal lobes indicating compensatory (albeit insufficient) recruitment of mechanisms for circumventing the word reading deficit.     

Effects of bupivacaine and a novel local anesthetic, IQB-9302, on human cardiac K+ channels

We have studied and compared the effects of bupivacaine with those induced by a new local anesthetic, IQB-9302, on human cardiac K+ channels hKv1.5, Kv2.1, Kv4.3, and HERG. Both drugs have a close chemical structure, only differing in their N-substituent (n-butyl and cyclopropylmethyl, for bupivacaine and IQB-9302, respectively). Both drugs blocked Kv2.1, Kv4.3, and HERG channels similarly. Bupivacaine inhibited these channels by 48.6 +/- 3.4, 45.4 +/- 12.4, and 43.1 +/- 9.1%, respectively, and IQB-9302 by 48.1 +/- 3.3, 36.1 +/- 3.7, and 50.3 +/- 6.6%, respectively. However, bupivacaine was 2.5 times more potent than IQB-9302 to block hKv1.5 channels (EC(50) = 8.9 +/- 1.4 versus 21.5 +/- 4.7 microM). Both drugs induced a time- and voltage-dependent block of hKv1.5 and Kv2.1 channels. Block of Kv4.3 channels induced by either drug was time- and voltage-dependent at membrane potentials coinciding with the activation of the channels. IQB-9302 produced an instantaneous block of Kv4.3 and hKv1.5 channels at the beginning of the depolarizing pulse that can be interpreted as a drug interaction with a nonconducting state. Bupivacaine and IQB-9302 induced a similar degree of block of HERG channels and induced a steep voltage-dependent decrease of the relative current. These results suggest that 1) bupivacaine and IQB-9302 block the open state of hKv1.5, Kv2.1, Kv4.3, and HERG channels; and 2) small differences at the N-substituent of these drugs do not affect the drug-induced block of Kv2.1, Kv4.3, or HERG, but specifically modify block of hKv1.5 channels.     

Reproducibility of Static and Dynamic 18F-FDG, 18F-FLT, and 18F-FMISO MicroPET Studies in a Murine Model of HER2+ Breast Cancer

Purpose

The objective of this study is to determine the reproducibility of static 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose (¹⁸F-FDG), 3′-deoxy-3′-[¹⁸F]fluorothymidine (¹⁸F-FLT), and [¹⁸F]-fluoromisonidazole (¹⁸F-FMISO) microPET measurements, as well as kinetic parameters returned from analyses of dynamic ¹⁸F-FLT and ¹⁸F-FMISO data.

Procedures

HER2+ xenografts were established in nude mice. Dynamic data were acquired for 60 min, followed by a repeat injection and second scan 6 h later. Reproducibility was assessed for the percent-injected dose per gram (%ID/g) for each radiotracer, and with kinetic parameters (K ₁ –k ₄ , K _i ) for ¹⁸F-FLT and ¹⁸F-FMISO.

Results

The value needed to reflect a change in tumor physiology is given by the 95 % confidence interval (CI), which is ±14, ±5, and ±6 % for ¹⁸F-FDG (n?=?12), ¹⁸F-FLT (n?=?11), and ¹⁸F-FMISO (n?=?11) %ID/g, respectively. V _d (=K ₁ /k ₂), k ₃, and K _FLT are the most reproducible ¹⁸F-FLT (n?=?9) kinetic parameters, with 95 % CIs of ±18, ±10, and ±18 %, respectively. V _d and K _FMISO are the most reproducible ¹⁸F-FMISO kinetic parameters (n?=?7) with 95 % CIs of ±16 and ±14 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Percent-injected dose per gram measurements are reproducible and appropriate for detecting treatment-induced changes. Kinetic parameters have larger threshold values, but are potentially sufficiently reproducible to detect treatment response.     

Examination of a novel, specified local antibiotic therapy through polymethylmethacrylate capsules in a rabbit osteomyelitis model

Chronic bone and soft tissue suppurations have become more frequent recently due to the increasing number of high-energy injuries. There are certain antibiotic beads available for local administration, but they cannot always be applied specifically against the pyogenic microorganisms. In the present study, a new technique of local antibiotic therapy for the treatment of infections is described. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) capsules were produced and filled with 0.1 ml Tazocin (0.02 g piperacillin sodium + 0.005 g tazobactam). The efficacy of these Tazocin-filled capsules was examined in vivo using a rabbit osteomyelitis model. Chronic osteomyelitis was induced in rabbit tibia by local injection of Staphylococcus aureus. The treatment included surgical debridement and implantation of Tazocin-containing PMMA capsules into the medullar cavity (n = 12). Simple surgical debridement with no antibiotic implantation was performed in control animals (n = 7). Results were evaluated using microbiological, radiological and histological methods 14 weeks after induction of osteomyelitis. Eight weeks after the implantation of PMMA capsules, complete physical, radiological and histological healing was achieved in 7 animals, initiation of the reparative phase was observed histologically in 3 cases and no reparative signs were detected in 2 rabbits. In the control group, no significant sign of reparation could be seen in any of the cases.     

A novel strontium-based MOF: synthesis,characterization, and promising application in removal of 152+154Eu from active waste

Removal of hazardous radioactive materials such as ^152+154Eu from active waste using the batch approach has attracted attention nowadays. In this work, a novel melamine–terephthalic strontium metal–organic framework (MTSr-MOF) was prepared via a hydrothermal method. The MTSr-MOF was characterized by various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, ¹H/¹³C-NMR, mass spectroscopy, XPS, XRD, TGA, BET, FE-SEM/EDX, TEM, and UV. The obtained data revealed that MTSr-MOF exhibited brick-like building blocks that were bridged together by the linkers, and each block had a thickness of ∼120 nm. The BET surface area was 74.04 m² g⁻¹. MTSr-MOF was used for the removal of ^152+154Eu radionuclides from active waste. Further functionalization using various modifiers, including oxalic acid, EDTA, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide was carried out to improve the sorption efficiency of MTSr-MOF towards ^152+154Eu radionuclides. Among them, MTSr-MOF modified with oxalic acid (MTSr-OX-MOF) demonstrated a superior removal efficiency toward ^152+154Eu radionuclides when compared to MTSr-MOF or other published reports, with a removal efficiency of more than 96%. The higher sorption efficiency of the MTSr-OX-MOF indicates that it could be a promising candidate for the removal of ^152+154Eu radionuclides from radioactive waste

Removal of hazardous radioactive materials such as ^152+154Eu from active waste using the batch approach based on a promising novel strontium metal–organic framework (MTSr-MOF).     

SEA0400, a novel and selective inhibitor of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, attenuates reperfusion injury in the in vitro and in vivo cerebral ischemic models.

The effect of the newly synthesized compound 2-[4-[(2,5-difluorophenyl)methoxy]phenoxy]-5-ethoxyaniline (SEA0400) on the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) was investigated and compared against that of 2-[2-[4-(4-nitrobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethyl]isothiourea (KB-R7943). In addition, the effects of SEA0400 on reperfusion injury in vitro and in vivo were examined. SEA0400 was extremely more potent than KB-R7943 in inhibiting Na+-dependent Ca2+ uptake in cultured neurons, astrocytes, and microglia: IC50s of SEA0400 and KB-R7943 were 5 to 33 nM and 2 to 4 microM, respectively. SEA0400 at the concentration range that inhibited NCX exhibited negligible affinities for the Ca2+ channels, Na+ channels, K+ channels, norepinephrine transporter, and 14 receptors, and did not affect the activities of the Na+/H+ exchanger, Na+,K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and five enzymes. SEA0400, unlike KB-R7943, did not inhibit the store-operated Ca2+ entry in cultured astrocytes. SEA0400 attenuated dose- dependently paradoxical Ca2+ challenge-induced production of reactive oxygen species, DNA ladder formation, and nuclear condensation in cultured astrocytes, whereas it did not affect thapsigargin-induced cell injury. Furthermore, administration of SEA0400 reduced infarct volumes after a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rat cerebral cortex and striatum. These results indicate that SEA0400 is the most potent and selective inhibitor of NCX, and suggest that the compound may exert protective effects on postischemic brain damage.     

More workload on the central executive of working memory, less attention capture by novel visual distractors: evidence from an fMRI study

The present study examined the interaction of the central executive in working memory with visual attention. Native Chinese participants were given two versions of a number subtraction task, one of low demand and one of high demand, and were asked to ignore a simultaneously presented peripheral distractor. The distractor could be Chinese or Korean characters, familiar or novel to participants, respectively. Compared with the low-demand subtraction task, brain regions commonly associated with central executive functions, including left middle prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and precentral gyrus/sulcus, were significantly activated in the high-demand task. Critically, there was a significant interaction between distractor type and task demand. Novel distractors captured attention and elicited automatic visual analysis, shown by primary visual cortex activation, only when the subtraction task was of low demand but not when it was of high demand. The results provide confirmatory evidence that the extent to which higher level cognitive resources, specifically, the central executive component of working memory, are absorbed by a cognitive task has an impact upon automatic processing that occurs in response to distracting items.     

Preparation,structure and up-conversion luminescence properties of novel cryolite K3YF6:Er3+, Yb3+

Cryolite is a suitable host for up-conversion luminescent materials due to its low phonon energy and good optical transparency. In this work, a novel up-conversion material K₃YF₆:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ with a cryolite structure was prepared successfully by a solid state method. The crystal structure, morphology, composition and up-conversion luminescence properties of the as-prepared sample were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence spectrometer in detail. K₃YF₆:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ has a cryolite structure. Under 980 nm excitation, the as-prepared sample can generate slight green emission at 524 and 546 nm (attributed to ²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺) and strong red emission at 661 and 672 nm (corresponding to ⁴F_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition, ⁴I_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺). All the green and red up-conversion emission of K₃YF₆:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ transfer and electronic transition process of the red and green light the sample emitted, the possible luminescence mechanism is discussed in this paper.

Single-phase up-conversion luminescent materials K₃YF₆:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ with cryolite structure were obtained for the first time.     

Effects of KR-33028, a novel Na+/H+ exchanger-1 inhibitor, on ischemia and reperfusion-induced myocardial infarction in rats and dogs

The present study was performed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of KR-33028, a novel Na+/H+ exchanger subtype 1 (NHE-1) inhibitor, in rat and dog models of coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. In anesthetized rats subjected to a 45-min coronary occlusion and a 90-min reperfusion, KR-33028 at 5 min before occlusion (i.v. bolus) dose-dependently reduced myocardial infarct size from 58.0% to 46.6%, 40.3%, 39.7%, 33.1%, and 27.8% for 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg respectively (P < 0.05). In anesthetized beagle dogs that underwent a 1.0-h occlusion followed by a 3.0-h reperfusion, KR-33028 (3 mg/kg, i.v. bolus) markedly decreased infarct size from 45.6% in vehicle-treated group to 16.4% (P < 0.05), and reduced the reperfusion-induced release in creatine kinase myocardial band isoenzyme (MB), lactate dehydrogenase, troponin-I, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and glutamic pyruvic transaminase. In separate experiments to assess the effects of timing of treatment, KR-33028 (1 mg/kg, i.v. bolus) given 10 min before or at reperfusion in rat models also significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size (46.3% and 44.1% respectively) compared with vehicle-treated group. In all studies, KR-33028 caused no significant changes in any hemodynamic profiles. In an isolated rat heart model of hypothermic cardioplegia, KR-33028 (30 mum), which was added to the heart preservation solution (histidin-tryptophan-ketoglutarate) during hypothermic cardioplegic arrest, significantly improved the recovery of left ventricular developed pressure, heart rate and dP/dt(max) after reperfusion. Taken together, these results indicate that KR-33028 significantly reduced the myocardial infarction induced by ischemia and reperfusion in rats and dogs, without affecting hemodynamic profiles.     

A novel mechanism of cytokine release in phagocytes induced by aggretin,a snake venom C‐type lectin protein,through CLEC‐2 ligation

Summary Background: Macrophages are major immune cells and play an important role in modulating homeostasis and the immune defense mechanism. In inflammatory responses to the infection of pathogens, macrophages are activated, producing various inflammatory mediators. Snake venom C‐type lectin proteins (snaclecs) have diverse targets, including platelet GPVI, GPIb, integrin α2β1 or CLEC‐2 expressed in platelets, endothelial cells or myeloid cells. Methods: In this study, murine macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) and human monocytes (THP‐1) were treated with different snaclecs, including aggretin, gramicetin, trowaglerix and convulxin, in the absence or presence of LPS for 24 h. Results: The production of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), in supernatants was measured by ELISA. Aggretin increased the production of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in both RAW264.7 and THP‐1 cells; however, the other snaclecs did not. Aggretin induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) tyrosine phosphorylation of RAW264.7 cells. Pretreatments with inhibitor of ERK, JNK, p38 or NF‐κB abolished cytokine release caused by aggretin. Aggretin bound to THP‐1 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner and it displaced the CLEC‐2 mAb binding to THP‐1 cells and the immobilized aggretin selectively bound to CLEC‐2 of both platelets and THP‐1 cell lysates. Furthermore, aggretin elevated the plasma level of IL‐6 in ICR mice as it was administered intramuscularly. Conclusion: These results indicate that aggretin may induce cytokine TNF‐α/IL‐6 release via interacting with CLEC‐2 receptor and the subsequent MAPK and NF‐κB activation in monocytes/macrophages.     

Usefulness of a novel,slim long syringe‐like device for applying surgical mesh through a 5‐mm trocar

We developed a device for introducing surgical mesh through a 5‐mm trocar during transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair. This device is like a slim long syringe; it has a polypropylene outer sheath (outer diameter, 5.8 mm; inner diameter, 5.6 mm; length, 2500 mm) and inner rod, and is made in a similar manner to a drinking straw. Therefore, the manufacturing costs are low. To use the device, folded mesh is placed inside it with a grasper before surgery. The device is then inserted through the trocar, and the mesh is pushed out by the inner rod and applied. The folded mesh extrudes smoothly pubis side to lateral side along the inguinal curve. It reinforces the area without any contamination and expands in a manner that makes it easy for the surgeon to place and fix the mesh. Our device allows mesh to be applied smoothly, comfortably, and economically, and it may reduce the risk of infection.     

Gastrointestinal, selective airways and urinary bladder relaxant effects of Hyoscyamus niger are mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channels

This study describes the spasmolytic, antidiarrhoeal, antisecretory, bronchodilatory and urinary bladder relaxant properties of Hyoscyamus niger to rationalize some of its medicinal uses. The crude extract of H. niger seeds (Hn.Cr) caused a complete concentration-dependent relaxation of spontaneous contractions of rabbit jejunum, similar to that caused by verapamil, whereas atropine produced partial inhibition. Hn.Cr inhibited contractions induced by carbachol (1 microM) and K(+) (80 mM) in a pattern similar to that of dicyclomine, but different from verapamil and atropine. Hn.Cr shifted the Ca(2+) concentration-response curves to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil and dicyclomine, suggesting a Ca(2+) channel-blocking mechanism in addition to an anticholinergic effect. In the guinea-pig ileum, Hn.Cr produced a rightward parallel shift of the acetylcholine curves, followed by a non-parallel shift with suppression of the maximum response at a higher concentration, similar to that caused by dicyclomine, but different from that of verapamil and atropine. Hn.Cr exhibited antidiarrhoeal and antisecretory effects against castor oil-induced diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice. In guinea-pig trachea and rabbit urinary bladder tissues, Hn.Cr caused relaxation of carbachol (1 microM) and K(+) (80 mM) induced contractions at around 10 and 25 times lower concentrations than in gut, respectively, and shifted carbachol curves to the right. Only the organic fractions of the extract had a Ca(2+) antagonist effect, whereas both organic and aqueous fractions had anticholinergic effect. A constituent, beta-sitosterol exhibited Ca(2+) channel-blocking action. These results suggest that the antispasmodic effect of H. niger is mediated through a combination of anticholinergic and Ca(2+) antagonist mechanisms. The relaxant effects of Hn.Cr occur at much lower concentrations in the trachea and bladder. This study offers explanations for the medicinal use of H. niger in treating gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders and bladder hyperactivity.     

Phorbol ester‐evoked Ca2+signaling in human platelets is via autocrine activation of P2X1 receptors,not a novel non‐capacitative Ca2+entry

Summary. Background: Platelets are reported to possess a protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent non‐capacitative Ca²⁺entry (NCCE) pathway. The phorbol ester, phorbol, 12‐myristate, 13‐acetate (PMA) has been suggested to stimulate platelet NCCE. Recently we demonstrated important roles in store‐operated Ca²⁺entry in human platelets for Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers (NCXs) and autocrine signaling between platelets after dense granule secretion. As PMA evokes dense granule secretion, we have investigated the role of NCXs and autocrine signaling in PMA‐evoked Ca²⁺entry. Objectives: To investigate the roles of NCXs and dense granule secretion in PMA‐evoked Ca²⁺signaling in human platelets. Methods: Fura‐2‐ or sodium‐binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI)‐loaded platelets were used to monitor cytosolic Ca²⁺or Na⁺ concentrations. Dense granule secretion was monitored as ATP release using luciferin–luciferase. Results: The NCX inhibitors KB‐R7943 or SN‐6, and removal of extracellular Na⁺, significantly reduced PMA‐evoked Ca²⁺entry. PMA‐evoked dense granule secretion was almost abolished by pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor Ro‐31‐8220 and significantly slowed by KB‐R7943. The P_2X1 antagonists Ro‐0437626 or MRS‐2159, or desensitization of P_2X1 receptors by prior treatment with α,β‐Methylene‐ATP or omitting apyrase from the medium, reduced PMA‐evoked Ca²⁺entry. Ro‐0437626 or chelation of extracellular Ca²⁺ slowed but did not abolish PMA‐evoked ATP release, indicating that PMA‐evoked dense granule secretion does not require P_2X1 receptor activation but is accelerated by P_2X1‐mediated Ca²⁺entry. The presence of NCX3 in human platelets was demonstrated by Western blotting. Conclusion: PMA‐evoked Ca²⁺entry results from an NCX3‐dependent dense granule secretion and subsequent P_2X1 receptor activation by secreted ATP, rather than activation of a novel NCCE pathway.     

Design,synthesis and characterization of a novel bluish-green long-lasting phosphorescence phosphor BaLu2Si3O10:Eu2+, Nd3+

Through drawing upon a solid-state reaction, a newly proposed long-lasting phosphor BaLu₂Si₃O₁₀:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺ is presented and prepared in this work. The thermoluminescence properties of the phosphor are substantially extended, and the long-lasting phosphorescence behavior is markedly intensified by virtue of the consolidation of Nd³⁺ ions which serve as trap centers. In line with density functional theory calculations, the conduction band is mostly composed of Lu 5d states while the Ba 5d states only have a tiny contribution. We analyzed the relationship between the phosphor’s electronic structure and its optical properties. The photoluminescence emission spectrum shows a blue emitting band with a wide asymmetric property and an extremum of 426 nm, arising from the 5d–4f transitions of the Eu²⁺ ions which occupy the Ba and Lu sites. It is asserted that the long-lasting phosphorescence of the Eu²⁺ ions which take up both Ba and Lu sites stems from the special form of conduction band and the occupying environment of the emission center. Yet, they have different contributions and induce an interesting phenomenon in which the blue emitting phosphor shows a bluish-green phosphorescence. The long-lasting phosphorescence can last in excess of 6 h at the recognized intensity level (0.32 mcd m⁻²) after excitation for 10 min. This work provides a new way of thinking for the development of multicolored LLP materials. This work analyzes and sheds light on the specific courses and provides a likely mechanism for the process.

A newly proposed bluish-green emitting long-lasting phosphor, BaLu₂Si₃O₁₀:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺, with prominent LLP properties is successfully achieved via a high temperature solid state method.     

The Peripheral Deletion of Autoreactive CD8+ T Cells Induced by Cross-presentation of Self-antigens Involves Signaling through CD95 (Fas,Apo-1)

Recently, we demonstrated that major histocompatibility complex class I–restricted cross-presentation of exogenous self-antigens can induce peripheral T cell tolerance by deletion of autoreactive CD8⁺ T cells. In these studies, naive ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD8⁺ T cells from the transgenic line OT-I were injected into transgenic mice expressing membrane-bound OVA (mOVA) under the control of the rat insulin promoter (RIP) in pancreatic islets, kidney proximal tubules, and the thymus. Cross-presentation of tissue-derived OVA in the renal and pancreatic lymph nodes resulted in activation, proliferation, and then the deletion of OT-I cells. In this report, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying this form of T cell deletion. OT-I mice were crossed to tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) knockout mice and to CD95 (Fas, Apo-1) deficient mutant lpr mice. Wild-type and TNFR2-deficient OT-I cells were activated and then deleted when transferred into RIP-mOVA mice, whereas CD95-deficient OT-I cells were not susceptible to deletion by cross-presentation. Furthermore, cross-presentation led to upregulation of the CD95 molecule on the surface of wild-type OT-I cells in vivo, consistent with the idea that this is linked to rendering autoreactive T cells susceptible to CD95-mediated signaling. This study represents the first evidence that CD95 is involved in the deletion of autoreactive CD8⁺ T cells in the whole animal.