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Aims. The collimation of relativistic jets in galaxies is a poorly understood process. Detailed radio studies of the jet collimation region have been performed so far in few individual objects, providing important constraints for jet formation models. However, the extent of the collimation zone as well as the nature of the external medium possibly confining the jet are still debated. Methods. In this article we present a multi-frequency and multi-scale analysis of the radio galaxy NGC 315, including the use of mm-VLBI data up to 86 GHz, aimed at revealing the evolution of the jet collimation profile. We then consider results from the literature to compare the jet expansion profile in a sample of 27 low-redshift sources, mainly comprising radio galaxies and BL Lacs, classified based on the accretion properties as low-excitation (LEG) and high-excitation (HEG) galaxies. Results.The jet collimation in NGC 315 is completed on sub-parsec scales. A transition from a parabolic to conical jet shape is detected at $z_{t}=0.58\pm0.28$ parsecs or ${\sim}5\times 10^3$ Schwarzschild radii ($R_{S}$) from the central engine, a distance which is much smaller than the Bondi radius, $r_{B}{\sim}92$ $\rm pc$, estimated based on X-ray data. The jet in this and in few other LEGs in our sample may be initially confined by a thick disk extending out to ${\sim}10^3$-$10^4$ $R_{S}$. A comparison between the mass-scaled jet expansion profiles of all sources indicates that jets in HEGs are surrounded by thicker disk-launched sheaths and collimate on larger scales with respect to jets in LEGs. These results suggest that disk winds play an important role in the jet collimation mechanism, particularly in high-luminosity sources. The impact of winds for the origin of the FRI/FRII dichotomy in radio galaxies is also discussed., 14 pages plus appendix, 6 figures. Accepted for publication in A&A

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was compare short- and long-term outcomes between robotic (RG) and standard open gastrectomy (OG). METHODS: This is a single-center propensity score-matched study including patients who underwent RG or OG for gastric cancer between 2008 and 2018. RESULTS: In total, 191 patients could be included for analysis. Of 60 RG patients, 49 could be matched. After matching, significant differences in baseline characteristics were no longer present. Operative time was significantly longer (451 min, IQR: 392-513) in the RG group than in the OG (262 min, IQR: 225-330) (P < .0001). No significant differences in postoperative complications between RG (n = 15, 30.6%) and OG (n = 15, 30.6%) were seen (P = 1.000). Overall survival was comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: RG is feasible and safe. With regard to long-term oncologic outcomes, survivals in the RG group were similar to those in OG group.

Astronomy and computing 25, 58-80 (2018). doi:10.1016/j.ascom.2018.08.008, A significant challenge facing photometric surveys for cosmological purposes is the need to produce reliable redshift estimates. The estimation of photometric redshifts (photo-s) has been consolidated as the standard strategy to bypass the high production costs and incompleteness of spectroscopic redshift samples. Training-based photo- methods require the preparation of a high-quality list of spectroscopic redshifts, which needs to be constantly updated. The photo- training, validation, and estimation must be performed in a consistent and reproducible way in order to accomplish the scientific requirements. To meet this purpose, we developed an integrated web-based data interface that not only provides the framework to carry out the above steps in a systematic way, enabling the ease testing and comparison of different algorithms, but also addresses the processing requirements by parallelizing the calculation in a transparent way for the user. This framework called the Science Portal (hereafter Portal) was developed in the context the Dark Energy Survey (DES) to facilitate scientific analysis. In this paper, we show how the Portal can provide a reliable environment to access vast datasets, provide validation algorithms and metrics, even in the case of multiple photo-s methods. It is possible to maintain the provenance between the steps of a chain of workflows while ensuring reproducibility of the results. We illustrate how the Portal can be used to provide photo- estimates using the DES first year (Y1A1) data. While the DES collaboration is still developing techniques to obtain more precise photo-s, having a structured framework like the one presented here is critical for the systematic vetting of DES algorithmic improvements and the consistent production of photo-zs in future DES releases., Published by Elsevier, Amsterdam [u.a.]

Identification of parameters predicting assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) success is a major goal of research in reproduction. Quality of gametes is essential to achieve good quality embryos and increase the success of ARTs. We evaluated two sperm parameters, chromatin maturity and expression of the sperm specific calcium channel CATSPER, in relation to ART outcomes in 206 couples undergoing ARTs. Chromatin maturity was evaluated by Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) for protamination and Aniline Blue (AB) for histone persistence and CATSPER expression by a flow cytometric method. CMA3 positivity and CATSPER expression significantly predicted the attainment of good quality embryos with an OR of 6.6 and 14.3 respectively, whereas AB staining was correlated with fertilization rate. In the subgroup of couples with women ≤35 years, CATSPER also predicted achievement of clinical pregnancy (OR = 4.4). Including CMA3, CATSPER and other parameters affecting ART outcomes (female age, female factor and number of MII oocytes), a model that resulted able to predict good embryo quality with high accuracy was developed. CMA3 staining and CATSPER expression may be considered two applicable tools to predict ART success and useful for couple counseling. This is the first study demonstrating a role of CATSPER expression in embryo development after ARTs programs.

Summary To understand why livers from aged donors are successfully used for transplants, we looked for markers of liver aging in 71 biopsies from donors aged 12–92 years before transplants and in 11 biopsies after transplants with high donor–recipient age-mismatch. We also assessed liver function in 36 age-mismatched recipients. The major findings were the following: (i) miR-31-5p, miR-141-3p, and miR-200c-3p increased with age, as assessed by microRNAs (miRs) and mRNA transcript profiling in 12 biopsies and results were validated by RT–qPCR in a total of 58 biopsies; (ii) telomere length measured by qPCR in 45 samples showed a significant age-dependent shortage; (iii) a bioinformatic approach combining transcriptome and miRs data identified putative miRs targets, the most informative being GLT1, a glutamate transporter expressed in hepatocytes. GLT1 was demonstrated by luciferase assay to be a target of miR-31-5p and miR-200c-3p, and both its mRNA (RT–qPCR) and protein (immunohistochemistry) significantly decreased with age in liver biopsies and in hepatic centrilobular zone, respectively; (iv) miR-31-5p, miR-141-3p and miR-200c-3p expression was significantly affected by recipient age (older environment) as assessed in eleven cases of donor–recipient extreme age-mismatch; (v) the analysis of recipients plasma by N-glycans profiling, capable of assessing liver functions and biological age, showed that liver function recovered after transplants, independently of age-mismatch, and recipients apparently ‘rejuvenated’ according to their glycomic age. In conclusion, we identified new markers of aging in human liver, their relevance in donor–recipient age-mismatches in transplantation, and offered positive evidence for the use of organs from old donors.

STUDY QUESTION Is CatSper1 expression in human spermatozoa related to semen parameter values and sperm functions? SUMMARY ANSWER CatSper1 expression is positively related to progressive and hyperactivated (HA) motility, [Ca(2+)]i responsiveness to progesterone but not the acrosome reaction (AR). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The role of cationic channel of sperm (CatSper) in sperm functions is clear in animal models but less defined in human sperm cells. Current knowledge is mostly based on low specificity CatSper inhibitors showing agonistic and toxic effects on human spermatozoa and is thus of little help in clarifying the role of the CatSper channel in human sperm functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION CatSper1 protein expression was evaluated in 115 men undergoing semen analysis for couple infertility. CatSper1 expression was related to routine semen parameters, motility kinematic parameters and basal and progesterone-stimulated [Ca(2+)]i and the AR. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS CatSper1 expression was evaluated (n = 85 normozoospermic, n = 30 asthenozoospermic patients) by immunofluorescence coupled to flow cytometry leading to quantitative measurement of the percentage of ejaculated sperm cells expressing the protein. Semen analysis was evaluated according to World Health Organization guidelines. Kinematic parameters were evaluated by a computer-aided sperm analysis system. [Ca(2+)]i was measured by a spectrofluorimetric method in fura-2-loaded spermatozoa. The AR was evaluated in live sperm cells by fluorescent-labeled lectin. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE CatSper1 protein expression in spermatozoa was reduced in asthenozoospermic men (mean ± SD: 53.0 ± 15.5%, n = 30 versus 67.9 ± 17.1% in normozoospermic, n = 85, P < 0.01) and was significantly correlated with progressive (r = 0.36, P < 0.001), total (r = 0.35, P < 0.001) and HA (r = 0.41, P < 0.005) motility. In addition to a higher percentage of spermatozoa not expressing CatSper1, asthenozoospermic men showed a large number of spermatozoa with immunofluorescent signal localized outside the principal piece compared with those in normozoospermia. A significant positive correlation was found between CatSper1 protein expression and the increase of [Ca(2+)]i in response to progesterone (r = 0.36, P < 0.05, n = 40) but not with basal [Ca(2+)]i. No correlation was found with the AR, either basal or in response to progesterone. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study is partly descriptive. Furthermore, we cannot rule out the possibility that some round cells remain after a single round of 40% density gradient centrifugation or that this step may have removed some defective or slow swimming sperm, and therefore this preparation may not be representative of the entire sperm sample. Although our data suggest that CatSper1 may be a useful marker for infertility, and a possible contraceptive target, any clinical application is limited without further research. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results demonstrate an association of CatSper1 expression with human sperm progressive and HA motility and provide preliminary evidence that lack of expression or mislocalization of CatSper1 in spermatozoa may be involved in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia. However, mechanistic studies are needed to confirm that the correlations between CatSper1 expression and sperm functions are causative. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Supported by grants from Ministry of University and Scientific Research (PRIN project to E.B. and FIRB project to S.M.) and by Regione Toscana (to G.F.). L.T. was recipient of a grant from Accademia dei Lincei (Rome, Italy). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Contents Fifty-seven genital tracts of regularly slaughtered culled Piedmontese cows, aged 7.4 ± 4.3 years (mean ± SD), range: 2.6–15.6 years, were grossly and microscopically examined. DNA extracted from oviducts was subjected to PCR to evaluate the presence of Chlamydia spp. The 15 PCR-positive oviducts were subjected to Sanger sequencing and showed the presence of Chamydia abortus, with an identity range between 99 and 100%. Nine of the PCR-positive samples belonged to the 24 animals with a normal macroscopic appearance of the whole genital tract (percentage of positive oviducts in normal genital tracts 9/24 = 37.5%), while six belonged to the 33 genital tracts with lesions in one or more organs (percentage of positive oviducts in pathological genital tracts 6/33 = 18.1%); of these, a single animal had salpingitis. The detection of C. abortus in bovine oviducts is of particular interest because it has never been previously investigated or reported.

We present results from a study of the photometric redshift performance of the Dark Energy Survey (DES), using the early data from a Science Verification (SV) period of observations in late 2012 and early 2013 that provided science-quality images for almost 200 sq.~deg.~at the nominal depth of the survey. We assess the photometric redshift performance using about 15000 galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts available from other surveys. These galaxies are used, in different configurations, as a calibration sample, and photo-$z$'s are obtained and studied using most of the existing photo-$z$ codes. A weighting method in a multi-dimensional color-magnitude space is applied to the spectroscopic sample in order to evaluate the photo-$z$ performance with sets that mimic the full DES photometric sample, which is on average significantly deeper than the calibration sample due to the limited depth of spectroscopic surveys. Empirical photo-$z$ methods using, for instance, Artificial Neural Networks or Random Forests, yield the best performance in the tests, achieving core photo-$z$ resolutions $\sigma_{68} \sim 0.08$. Moreover, the results from most of the codes, including template fitting methods, comfortably meet the DES requirements on photo-$z$ performance, therefore, providing an excellent precedent for future DES data sets., Comment: Published in MNRAS. This version accounts for minor comments in the journal review

Background The reliability of endoscopic findings after adult intestinal transplantation on short-term follow-up has been shown. The aim of this study was to evaluate in a long-term follow-up the diagnostic value of endoscopies compared with the biopsy value. Methods We evaluated 52 endoscopies over a period of 2 years (2 in each patient in 2010 and 1 in each patient in 2011, plus 1 endoscopy for suspected post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease [PTLD]) on 17 recipients transplanted between the years 2000 and 2006 (more than 5 years of follow-up). Results All the 52 endoscopic findings were comparable to biopsy definitive results: only 1 case of mild enteritis and 1 case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) chronic infection at biopsy were not diagnosed by endoscopy. One case of rectal PTLD and 1 of EBV-related enteritis were diagnosed by use of both procedures. Specificity was 98%: we did not calculate sensitivity because no episodes of rejection were diagnosed because recipients were stable in long-term follow-up. Conclusions Endoscopy is a reliable procedure even on a long-term follow-up after intestinal transplantation, allowing a support to biopsy for diagnosis on adult recipients, especially for EBV infections and PTLD surveillance.

We present a comparison between the peculiar velocity field measured from the ENEAR all-sky $D_n-\sigma$ catalog and that derived from the galaxy distribution of the IRAS PSCz redshift survey. The analysis is based on a modal expansion of these data in redshift space by means of spherical harmonics and Bessel functions. The effective smoothing scale of the expansion is almost linear with redshift reaching 1500km/s at 3000km/s. The general flow patterns in the filtered ENEAR and PSCz velocity fields agree well within 6000km/s, assuming a linear biasing relation between the mass and the PSCz galaxies. The comparison allows us to determine the parameter $\beta=\Omega^{0.6}/b$, where $\Omega$ is the cosmological density parameter and $b$ is the linear biasing factor. A likelihood analysis of the ENEAR and PSCz modes yields $\beta=0.5 +- 0.1$, in good agreement with values obtained from Tully-Fisher surveys., Comment: Submitted to MNRAS

Steroid-resistant acute cellular rejection (ACR) and chronic rejection (CR) are still major concerns after intestinal transplantation. We report our experience from a single center on 48 adults recipients using 49 grafts from 2001 to 2011, immunosuppressing them initially with daclizumab initially and later Alemtuzumab. Overall patient survival was 41.9% at 10 years while graft survival was 38.5%. The steroid-resistant ACR population of 14 recipients (28.5%) experienced 50% mortality mainly due to sepsis, while the five (8%) CR recipients, included two survivors. All but 1 graft was placed without a liver. CR was often preceded by ACR episodes. Mortality related to steroid-resistant ACR and CR still affects the intestinal transplant population despite induction/preconditioning, especially in the absence of a protective liver effect of the liver. New immunosuppressive strategies are needed.

The relationship between neo-adjuvant chemotherapy prior to hepatectomy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases and post-operative morbidity still has to be clarified. Data from 242 patients undergoing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases, judged resectable at first observation, were reviewed and their clinical outcome was related to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (125 patients). Selection biases were outlined and properly handled by means of propensity score analysis. Post-operative death was 1.2% and morbidity 40.9%. Pre-operative chemotherapy was only apparently related to higher morbidity (P = 0.021): multivariate analysis identified extension of hepatectomy and intra-operative blood loss as independent prognostic variables (P

This paper provides a key element for the calculation of the damage costs of air pollution, namely the valuation of mortality, important because premature mortality makes by far the largest contribution. Whereas several studies have tried to quantify the cost of air pollution mortality by multiplying a number of deaths by the ‘value of prevented fatality’ (also known as ‘value of statistical life’), we explain why such an approach is not correct and why one needs to evaluate the change in life expectancy due to air pollution. Therefore, an estimate for the monetary value of a life year (VOLY) is needed. The most appropriate method for determining VOLY is contingent valuation (CV). To determine VOLY for the EU, we have conducted a CV survey in 9 European countries: France, Spain, UK, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland with a total sample size of 1463 persons. Based on the results from this 9-country CV survey we recommend a VOLY estimate of 40,000 € for cost–benefit analysis of air pollution policies for the European Union. As for confidence intervals, we argue that VOLY is at least 25,000 € and at the most 100,000 €.

We examine the impact of using photometric redshifts for studying the evolution of both the global galaxy luminosity function (LF) and that for different galaxy types. To this end we compare LFs obtained using photometric redshifts from the CFHT Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) D1 field with those from the spectroscopic survey VIMOS VLT Deep Survey (VVDS) comprising ~4800 galaxies. We find that for z, 29 pages, 10 figures. Approved for publication in The Astronomical Journal

Wide angle and deep surveys, regardless of their primary purpose, always sample a large number of stars in the Galaxy and in its satellite system. We here make a forecast of the expected stellar sample resulting from the Dark Energy Survey and the perspectives that it will open for studies of Galactic structure and resolved stellar populations in general. An estimated 1.2x10^8 stars will be sampled in DES grizY filters. This roughly corresponds to 20% of all DES sources. Most of these stars belong to the stellar thick disk and halo of the Galaxy. DES will probe low-mass stellar and sub-stellar objects at depths from 3 to 8 times larger than SDSS. The faint end of the main-sequence will be densely sampled beyond 10 kpc. The slope of the low mass end of the stellar IMF will be constrained to within a few hundredth dex, even in the thick disk and halo. In the sub-stellar mass regime, the IMF slope will be potentially constrained to within dlog \phi(m) / dlog m ~ 0.1$. About 3x10^4 brown dwarf and at least 7.6x10^5 white dwarf candidates will be selected, the latter embedded into the thick disk and halo. The stellar halo flattening will also be constrained to within a few percent. DES will probe the main sequence of new Milky Way satellites and halo clusters for distances out to ~ 120 kpc, therefore yielding stellar surface density contrasts 1.6-1.7 times larger than those attainable with SDSS. It will also allow detection of these objects in the far reaches of the stellar halo, substantially increasing the number and quality of probes to the Galactic potential. Combined with northern samples, such as the SDSS, the DES stellar sample will yield constraints on the structure and stellar populations of Galactic components in unprecedented detail. In particular, the combined sample from both hemispheres will allow detailed studies of halo and thick disk asymmetries and triaxiality., Comment: 29 pages, 10 figures. Approved for publication in the Astronomical Journal

We measure radial gradients of the Mg2 index in 15 E-E/S0 and 14 S0 galaxies. Our homogeneous data set covers a large range of internal stellar velocity dispersions (2.0, Comment: 11 pages, 2 figures, to appear in ApJLetters

Hubble Space Telescope revealed a dicothomy in the central surface brightness profiles of early-type galaxies, that subsequently have been grouped into two families: core, boxy, anisotropic systems and cuspy ("power law"), disky, rotating ones. Here we investigate whether a dicothomy is present also in the X-ray properties of the two families. We consider both their total soft emission (Lsx,tot), that is a measure of the galactic hot gas content, and their nuclear hard emission (Lhx,nuc), mostly coming from Chandra observations, that is a measure of the nuclear activity. At any optical luminosity, the highest Lsx,tot values are reached by core galaxies; this is explained with their being central dominant galaxies of groups, subclusters or clusters, in many of the logLsx,tot(erg/s)>~41.5 cases. The highest Lhx,nuc values, similar to those of classical AGNs, in this sample are hosted only by core galaxies; at low luminosity AGN levels, Lhx,nuc is independent of the central stellar profile shape. The presence of optical nuclei (also found by HST) is unrelated with the level of Lhx,nuc, even though the highest Lhx,nuc are all associated with optical nuclei. The implications of these findings for the galaxy evolution and the accretion modalities at the present epoch are discussed., 11 pages, in press in MNRAS

BACKGROUND: In human reproduction, embryo implantation is complex and poorly understood. At present, no single markers are used in routine treatment to assay biochemical functions of the human embryo. Soluble human leukocyte antigen-G (sHLA-G) could be considered a possible marker of embryo developmental potential. It is localized primarily on the extravillous trophoblast, making this antigen a potential mediator of immune interaction at the maternal-fetal interface during gestation. METHODS: Soluble-HLA-G levels were evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) employing monoclonal antibody MEM-G9. It was evaluated in 318 media of single embryo cultures. We correlated the presence of sHLA-G with embryo morphology and the pregnancy obtained in that treatment cycle. RESULTS: No correlation was found between embryo morphology and sHLA-G levels. Pregnancy was observed only when the medium of at least one transferred embryo contained sHLA-G. In 26 out of 66 patients, none of the obtained embryos showed any detectable sHLA-G molecules and no pregnancy occurred. CONCLUSIONS: From our results, we propose sHLA-G as a potential marker of embryo development: the sHLA-G ELISA can be a useful biochemical assay in addition to embryo morphology in embryo selection for transfer in IVF treatment if there are other embryos with the same morphology.

Alterations of p53 are one of the most common molecular changes found in all types of lung tumors, suggesting a crucial role for p53 in bronchial carcinogenesis. However, the prognostic significance of p53 abnormalities in lung cancer patients is still unclear. By using genetic and immunohistochemical methods we have found p53 alterations in 40 of 53 (75%) primary, resected non-small cell lung cancer. A strong association (P = 0.0015) was found between deletions on chromosome region 17p13.3 and p53 mutations suggesting that loss of the wild-type p53 allele might be necessary for tumorigenesis. Correlations to clinicopathological parameters showed that p53 alterations (structural aberration of the gene and/or nuclear accumulation of the protein) are significantly linked with metastatic involvement of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes (P < 0.01). Since the latter are well established prognostic factors for non-small cell lung cancer, p53 aberrations may also be a predictor of tumor aggressiveness.

We present central velocity dispersions and Mg$_2$ line indices for an all-sky sample of $\sim$ 1178 elliptical and S0 galaxies, of which 984 had no previous measures. This sample contains the largest set of homogeneous spectroscopic data for a uniform sample of elliptical galaxies in the nearby universe. These galaxies were observed as part of the ENEAR project, designed to study the peculiar motions and internal properties of the local early-type galaxies. Using 523 repeated observations of 317 galaxies obtained during different runs, the data are brought to a common zero-point. These multiple observations, taken during the many runs and different instrumental setups employed for this project, are used to derive statistical corrections to the data and are found to be relatively small, typically $\lsim$ 5% of the velocity dispersion and 0.01 mag in the \mg line-strength. Typical errors are about 8% in velocity dispersion and 0.01 mag in \mg, in good agreement with values published elsewhere., 179 pages, 8 figures, 5 tables. Full tables 4 and 5 start on page 41

In this paper, we report results obtained with a time-of-flight ranging/scanning system based on time-correlated single-photon counting. This system uses a pulsed picosecond diode laser and detects the scattered signal from a non-cooperative target surface using a semiconductor single-photon detector. A demonstration system has been constructed and used to examine the depth resolution obtainable as a function of the integrated number of photon returns. The depth resolution has been examined for integrated photon returns varying by five orders of magnitude, both by obtaining experimental measurements and by computer simulation. Depth resolutions of approximately 3 mm were obtained for only ten returned photons. The effect of the background signal, originating either from temporally uncorrelated light signals or from detector noise, has also been examined.

We study the (newtonian) gravitational force distribution arising from a fractal set of sources. We show that, in the case of real structures in finite samples, an important role is played by morphological properties and finite size effects. For dimensions smaller than d-1 (being $d$ the space dimension) the convergence of the net gravitational force is assured by the fast decaying of the density, while for fractal dimension D>d-1 the morphological properties of the structure determine the eventual convergence of the force as a function of distance. We clarify the role played by the cut-offs of the distribution. Some cosmological implications are discussed., 9 pages, latex, 2 postscript figures, also available at http://www.phys.uniroma1.it/DOCS/PIL/pil.html Accepted for Publication in Europhysics Letters. Minor modifications added

Recent analysis of the SSRS2 data based on cell-counts and two-point correlation function has shown that very luminous galaxies are much more strongly clustered than fainter galaxies. In fact, the amplitude of the correlation function of very luminous galaxies ($L > L^*$) asymptotically approaches that of $R \ge 0$ clusters. In this paper we investigate the properties of the most luminous galaxies, with blue absolute magnitude $M_B \le -21$. We find that: 1) the population mix is comparable to that in other ranges of absolute magnitudes; 2) only a small fraction are located in bona fide clusters; 3) the bright galaxy-cluster cross-correlation function is significantly higher on large scales than that measured for fainter galaxies; 4) the correlation length of galaxies brighter than \MB $ \sim -20.0$, expressed as a function of the mean interparticle distance, appears to follow the universal dimensionless correlation function found for clusters and radio galaxies; 5) a large fraction of the bright galaxies are in interacting pairs, others show evidence for tidal distortions, while some appear to be surrounded by faint satellite galaxies. We conclude that very luminous optical galaxies differ from the normal population of galaxies both in the clustering and other respects. We speculate that this population is highly biased tracers of mass, being associated to dark halos with masses more comparable to clusters than typical loose groups., 29 pages (6 figures) + 2 tables; paper with all figures and images available at http://boas5.bo.astro.it/~cappi/papers.html; The Astronomical Journal, in press

Summary The reduction of fertility seen in female rabbits after an intensive reproductive rhythm led to a study of the variations of the levels of sexual steroids in plasma in this situation. Plasma levels of 17 betaostradiol and progesterone were measured by RIA methods, at different days of pregnancy, in 64 New Zealand female rabbits, divided into three groups according to their different reproductive rhythms. Rabbits were mated 25, 10 and 2 days, respectively, after previous parturition. The results showed a decrease of 17 betaoestradiol in the first two groups, similar to that seen in our previous observations; in the most intensively reproduced group the maximum value was at the 18th day, the minimum at the 25th day and there was a slight increase in the last phases of pregnancy. An atypical pattern was found for plasma progesterone. A statistically significant correlation (P ≤ 0.01) between the plasma levels of both steroids and the number of newborn was demonstrated in the first phase of pregnancy. The results show a failure of ovarian function which is dependent on the number of deliveries, and so with an increase of the reproductive rhythm. Zusammenfassung Beziehungen zwischen der Fekunditat und Ovarialaktivitat bei Kaninchen Die Fertilitatsabnahme von weiblichen Kaninchen nach einer intensiven Fortpflanzungsperiode gab Anlas, die Veranderungen der Sexualsteroide im Plasma zu untersuchen. Bei 64 weiblichen Neuseeland-Kaninchen wurde im Plasma an verschiedenen Tagen der Graviditat der Gehalt an 17 β-Oestradiol und Progesteron mittels RIA bestimmt. Die Tiere wurden in 3 Gruppen eingeteilt. Die Tiere der Gruppe A wurden 25 Tage, die der Gruppe B 10 Tage und die der Gruppe C 2 Tage nach der vorangegangenen Geburt gedeckt. Ergebnisse: In den Gruppen A und B trat eine ahnliche Abnahme des 17 β-Oestradiols ein, wie dies in fruheren Versuchen festgestellt worden war. In der Gruppe C mit der hochsten Reproduktionsrate war der Oestradiolgehalt am 18. Graviditatstag am grosten bzw. am 25. Graviditutstag am kleinsten. In der letzten Trachtigkeitsphase erhohte sich der Oestradiolgehalt wieder etwas. Der Progesterongehalt zeigte einen atypischen Verlauf. In der ersten Trachtigkeitsphase wurde eine statistisch signifikante Korrelation (P ≤ 0.01) der beiden Steroide zur Zahl der Neugeborenen gefunden. Die Ergebnisse sprechen fur eine von der Anzahl der Trachtigkeiten bzw. der Zunahme der Reproduktionsintensitat abhangige Ovarialinsuffiziens. Resume Relations entre la fecondite et l'activite ovarienne chez les lapins La baisse de fertilite de lapins femelles apres une periode de reproduction intensive a ete le motif d'une recherche des modifications des steroides sexuels dans le plasma. On a determine au moyen de RIA le taux du 17 β-oestradiol et de la progesterone dans le plasma de 64 lapins femelles «Nouvelle-Zelande» a differents moments de la gestation. Les animaux furent repartis en trois groupes. Les animaux ont ete couverts apes 25 jours suivant la mise-a-bas pour le groupe A, apres 10 jours pour le groupe B et apres 2 jours pour le groupe C. Resultats: une chute semblable du 17 β-oestradiol a celle constatee dans des recherches precedentes a ete constatee dans les groupes A et B. Le taux d'oestradiol fut le plus fort au 18e jour de gestation et le plus faible au 25e jour dans le groupe C avec le taux de reproduction le plus eleve. Le taux d'oestradiol s'est a nouveau eleve dans les derniers jours de la gestation. Le taux de progesterone a presente une evolution atypique. Une correlation statistiquement significative (P ≤ 0,01) a ete trouvee entre les deux steroides et le nombre de petits dans la premiere periode de gestation. Les resultats indiquent une insuffisance ovarienne due au nombre de gestations et a l'intensification de la reproduction. Resumen Relaciones entre la fecundidad y la actividad ovarica en conejas La reduccion de fertilidad en conejas tras un ritmo reproductivo intensivo dio origen a estudiar las variaciones de niveles en los esteroides sexuales en el plasma sanguineo. Se valoraron en 64 conejas neozelandesas en el plasma en dias diversos de gestacion los niveles de 17 β-oestradiol y progesterona mediante metodos RIA. Se dividieron los animales en 3 grupos. Los animales del grupo A se cubrieron 25 dias, los del grupo B 10 dias y los del grupo C 2 dias despues del parto. Resultados: En los grupos A y B se registro una disminucion del 17 β-oestradiol semejante a la comprobada en ensayos anteriores. En el grupo C, con la tasa mayor de reproduccion, era maximo el contenido en oestradiol el dia 18° de gravidez resp. menor el dia 25° de gestacion. En la fase ultima de prenez volvia a aumentarse algo el contenido en oestradiol. La progesterona plasmatica ofrecio un curso atipico. Una correlacion estadistica significante (P ≤ 0.01) entre los niveles plasmaticos de ambos esteroides y el numero de recien nacidos se hallo en la fase primera de gestacion. Los resultados abogan a favor de una insuficiencia ovarica dependiente de la cantidad de preneces resp. del aumento de la intensidad de reproduccion.

Quantitative single-molecule receptor dimerization assays show dimerization of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 upon IFN treatment, and reveal the limiting role of IFNAR1 binding affinity in complex assembly and the regulatory role of USP18., Type I interferons (IFNs) activate differential cellular responses through a shared cell surface receptor composed of the two subunits, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. We propose here a mechanistic model for how IFN receptor plasticity is regulated on the level of receptor dimerization. Quantitative single-molecule imaging of receptor assembly in the plasma membrane of living cells clearly identified IFN-induced dimerization of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. The negative feedback regulator ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) potently interferes with the recruitment of IFNAR1 into the ternary complex, probably by impeding complex stabilization related to the associated Janus kinases. Thus, the responsiveness to IFNα2 is potently down-regulated after the first wave of gene induction, while IFNβ, due to its ∼100-fold higher binding affinity, is still able to efficiently recruit IFNAR1. Consistent with functional data, this novel regulatory mechanism at the level of receptor assembly explains how signaling by IFNβ is maintained over longer times compared with IFNα2 as a temporally encoded cause of functional receptor plasticity.

With contributions from eight leading experts in this field, we intend in this book to review the most significant improvements to our understanding of the hot ISM in ellipti cal galaxies, and present in detail a number of key discoveries obtained during the last 10 years of the Chandra and XMM-Newton missions, and the corresponding theoretical work.

Since its discovery as an X-ray source with the Einstein Observatory, the hot X-ray emitting interstellar medium of early-type galaxies has been studied intensively, with observations of improving quality, and with extensive modeling by means of numerical simulations. The main features of the hot gas evolution are outlined here, focussing on the mass and energy input rates, the relationship between the hot gas flow and the main properties characterizing its host galaxy, the flow behavior on the nuclear and global galactic scales, and the sensitivity of the flow to the shape of the stellar mass distribution and the mean rotation velocity of the stars., Comment: 22 pages. Abbreviated version of chapter 2 of the book "Hot Interstellar Matter in Elliptical Galaxies", Springer 2012

Dry eye disease (DED) is an increasingly common condition and one of the most common complaints of patients. The vast majority of DED is caused by the so-called "evaporative" subtype, that is mainly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices employ high intensity pulses of polychromatic lights with a broad range of wavelength (515-1200 nm). IPL treatment has been utilized for years in the field of dermatology, and then its use was applied to ophthalmology for the treatment of MGD. Recently, a new device employing IPL was specifically designed for the periocular application. This procedure determines the thermal selective coagulation and ablation of superficial blood vessels and telangiectasias of the eyelids skin, reducing the release of inflammatory mediators and tear cytokines levels, and improving meibomian glands outflow. IPL treatment is noninvasive and easy to perform, lasts for only a few minutes and can be conducted in an office setting. In the present study, 19 patients underwent 3 sessions of IPL treatment. After treatment, both mean noninvasive break-up time and lipid layer thickness grade significantly increased, as a result of an improvement of tear film stability and quality, respectively. Conversely, no statistically significant changes were found for meibomian gland loss and tear osmolarity. Furthermore, the vast majority of the treated patients (17/19; 89.5% of the total) perceived an improvement of their ocular discomfort symptoms after IPL treatment. Although IPL treatment provides an improvement of both ocular surface parameters and ocular discomfort symptoms after one cycle of three sessions, regular repeated treatments are usually required to maintain the persistence over the time of its beneficial effects.

International audience; Inherited IL-12Rβ1 and TYK2 deficiencies impair both IL-12- and IL-23-dependent IFN-γ immunity and are rare monogenic causes of tuberculosis, each found in less than 1/600,000 individuals. We show that homozygosity for the common TYK2 P1104A allele, which is found in about 1/600 Europeans and between 1/1000 and 1/10,000 individuals in regions other than East Asia, is more frequent in a cohort of patients with tuberculosis from endemic areas than in ethnicity-adjusted controls (P = 8.37 × 10-8; odds ratio, 89.31; 95% CI, 14.7 to 1725). Moreover, the frequency of P1104A in Europeans has decreased, from about 9% to 4.2%, over the past 4000 years, consistent with purging of this variant by endemic tuberculosis. Surprisingly, we also show that TYK2 P1104A impairs cellular responses to IL-23, but not to IFN-α, IL-10, or even IL-12, which, like IL-23, induces IFN-γ via activation of TYK2 and JAK2. Moreover, TYK2 P1104A is properly docked on cytokine receptors and can be phosphorylated by the proximal JAK, but lacks catalytic activity. Last, we show that the catalytic activity of TYK2 is essential for IL-23, but not IL-12, responses in cells expressing wild-type JAK2. In contrast, the catalytic activity of JAK2 is redundant for both IL-12 and IL-23 responses, because the catalytically inactive P1057A JAK2, which is also docked and phosphorylated, rescues signaling in cells expressing wild-type TYK2. In conclusion, homozygosity for the catalytically inactive P1104A missense variant of TYK2 selectively disrupts the induction of IFN-γ by IL-23 and is a common monogenic etiology of tuberculosis.

Meuwissen and collaborators define a novel genetic cause of pseudo-TORCH syndrome, which resembles the sequelae of congenital infection and represents a novel type I interferonopathy., Pseudo-TORCH syndrome (PTS) is characterized by microcephaly, enlarged ventricles, cerebral calcification, and, occasionally, by systemic features at birth resembling the sequelae of congenital infection but in the absence of an infectious agent. Genetic defects resulting in activation of type 1 interferon (IFN) responses have been documented to cause Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, which is a cause of PTS. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 (USP18) is a key negative regulator of type I IFN signaling. In this study, we identified loss-of-function recessive mutations of USP18 in five PTS patients from two unrelated families. Ex vivo brain autopsy material demonstrated innate immune inflammation with calcification and polymicrogyria. In vitro, patient fibroblasts displayed severely enhanced IFN-induced inflammation, which was completely rescued by lentiviral transduction of USP18. These findings add USP18 deficiency to the list of genetic disorders collectively termed type I interferonopathies. Moreover, USP18 deficiency represents the first genetic disorder of PTS caused by dysregulation of the response to type I IFNs. Therapeutically, this places USP18 as a promising target not only for genetic but also acquired IFN-mediated CNS disorders.

International audience; Chronic infection with HCV is a public health problem with approximately 170 million people infected worldwide. Interferon alpha (IFNα) sensitivity in liver and IL28B genotype has been identified as important determinants of HCV clearance in the setting of pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment. Herein, we explored IFNα sensitivity in PBMC from 21 healthy donors and 21 HCV-infected patients treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin and HCV nonstructural protein-3 inhibitors (i.e. telaprevir/boceprevir). We explored phospho-STAT1 level as read-out for IFN signalling pathway activation in PBMC, T cells and monocytes and correlated results with virological response. We found that PBMC from healthy donors are desensitized to IFNα after priming and challenged with IFNα, with a subsequent decrease of phospho-STAT1 and interferon-stimulated genes. Furthermore, we show that CD3+ T cells, but not monocytes, become desensitized after 4 weeks of treatment, with a significant decrease of phospho-STAT1 after ex vivo IFNα stimulation. Finally, we identified baseline phospho-STAT1 level in CD3+ T cells as a potential biomarker of sustained virological response, regardless of the IL28B genotype. In the upcoming costly era of IFN-sparing regimen, baseline IFNα sensitivity could act as biomarker to define cost-effectiveness strategies of treatment by identifying patients who will or will not respond to IFN-based treatments.

With 2D hydrodynamical simulations, we study the evolution of the hot gas flows in early-type galaxies, focussing on the effects of galaxy rotation on the thermal and dynamical status of the ISM. The galaxy is modelled as a two-component axisymmetric system (stars and dark matter), with a variable amount of azimuthal velocity dispersion and rotational support; the presence of a counter rotating stellar disk is also considered. It is found that the ISM of the rotationally supported (isotropic) model is more prone to thermal instabilities than the fully velocity dispersion counterpart, while its ISM temperature and X-ray luminosity are lower. The model with counter rotation shows an intermediate behaviour., 2 pages, 2 figures. Proceedings of the International Conference "X-ray Astronomy: towards the next 50 years!", Milan, 1-5 Oct 2012

Elliptical galaxies have hot coronae with X-ray luminosities and mean gas temperatures that span over wide ranges. This variation can be partially due to the energy budget of the hot gas, that depends on the host galaxy structure and internal kinematics. With the aid of realistic axisymmetric galaxy models, we performed a diagnostic study focussed on the effects of galaxy flattening and rotational support on the hot gas temperature., Comment: 2 pages, 1 figure. Proceedings of the International Conference "X-ray Astronomy: towards the next 50 years!", Milan, 1-5 Oct 2012

The ISM evolution of elliptical galaxies experiencing feedback from accretion onto a central black hole was studied recently with high-resolution 1D hydrodynamical simulations including radiative heating and pressure effects, a RIAF-like radiative efficiency, mechanical input from AGN winds, and accretion-driven starbursts. Here we focus on the observational properties of the models in the X-ray band (nuclear luminosity; hot ISM luminosity and temperature; temperature and brightness profiles during quiescence and during outbursts). The nuclear bursts last for ~10^7 yr, with a duty-cycle of a few X (10^-3-10^-2); the present epoch bolometric nuclear emission is very sub-Eddington. The ISM thermal luminosity \lx oscillates in phase with the nuclear one; this helps reproduce statistically the observed large \lx variation. In quiescence the temperature profile has a negative gradient; thanks to past outbursts, the brightness profile lacks the steep shape typical of inflowing models. Outbursts produce disturbances in these profiles. Most significantly, a hot bubble from shocked hot gas is inflated at the galaxy center; the bubble would be conical in shape, and show radio emission. The ISM resumes a smooth appearance on a time-scale of ~200 Myr; the duty-cycle of perturbances in the ISM is of the order of 5-10%. From the present analysis, additional input physics is important in the ISM-black hole coevolution, to fully account for the properties of real galaxies, as a confining external medium and a jet. The jet will reduce further the mass available for accretion (and then the Eddington ratio $l$), and may help, together with an external pressure, to produce flat or positive temperature gradient profiles (observed in high density environments). Alternatively, $l$ can be reduced if the switch from high to low radiative efficiency takes place at a larger $l$ than routinely assumed., Comment: 40 pages, submitted to ApJ

We faced the basic question on chronological versus biological age at tissue level in the context of organ transplant. By means of a comprehensive approach we analysed nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, mRNAs, microRNAs, proteins, including proteasome and immunoproteasome, obtained from liver biopsies of donors with different age (13-90 years) to identify biomarkers of biological age. Telomere length and specific miRNAs appear to be important biomarkers of liver aging. This research looks for the improvement of the graft management getting insights into donor- recipient age- mismatch effects.

Background: Atherosclerosis is a systemic process, involving multiple arterial districts at the same time. Carotid doppler ultrasound is an easy and non-invasive test, able to evaluate the layers of the neck arteries and the involvement of this district in the atherosclerotic process. Carotid intima-media-thickness (IMT) is known to be a marker of the systemic atherosclerotic process. Dopper ultrasound could become useful, allowing a correct risk stratification in the systemic involvement by the atherosclerotic process. Moreover, it could be functional, in association with the other already-validated rulers, in targeting the best therapeutic choice for acute coronary heart disease [6]. An increase of IMT or the presence of atherosclerotic plaque in asymptomatic patients have been associated to an increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in large, perspective studies [1–4]. On the other hand, a recent meta-analysis [5] showed that neither the presence of an increased IMT neither the presence of a plaque were discriminatory enough to be considered a reliable screening test among patients with symptomatic CHD. Aims of the study: To evaluate a correlation between carotid arteries ultrasonographic pattern and coronaric pathology extension among symptomatic CHD patients living in our region. Materials and methods: In the period 01/2007–01/2008, we enrolled 100 consecutive patients admitted to our Internal Medicine Department for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). For each patient, we evaluated the classical risk factors (familiarity, known CHD, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoke and obesity), the extent of the atherosclerotic pathology (cerebrovascular events, peripheral arteries pathology and CHD) and the therapy at the moment of the admission. Every subject underwent to doppler ultrasound: IMT, presence of carotid plaque and degree of stenosis were evaluated. Coronarographic assessment evaluated the number of arteries with significant obstruction, the total coronary score (TCS), the site and the degree of stenosis. We performed the statistical analysis with SPSS 13.0 package for Windows systems. Results: The absence of a previous history of CHD and a negative carotid ultrasound (normal IMT, no evidence of any plaque) were the strongest protective factors for multiple-vessel coronary disease (CHD: OR = 0.132; 95% CI 0.027–0.628, p\0.05; Negative US: OR = 0.223; 95% CI: 0.067–0.742, p\0.05). Lower percentages of stenosis were associated to lower TCS as detected at coronarography (0–30% stenosis at US: OR = 6.76 [95% CI: 19.25–2.37, p\0.05] of obtaining a low TCS) with a decrease of the risk of low TCS with proportional to the increase of carotid stenosis. Discussion: In this small, retrospective analysis we correlate a normal carotid ultrasonographic pattern with a low risk of multiple-vessel involvment at coronarography. Moreover, in this population of symptomatic patients, we correlate the percentage of carotid stenosis with a proportional increase of the risk of an higher TCS at coronarography. These data suggest that among high-risk, symptomatic patients, carotid ultrasound and doppler evaluation can be a reliable indicator of the extent of coronary pathology. References 1. Simon A, Chironi G, Levenson J (2007) Comparative performance of subclinical atherosclerosis tests in predicting coronary heart disease in asymptomatic individuals. Eur Heart J 28(24):2967–2971 (review) 2. Chambless LE, Heiss G, Folsom AR, Rosamond W, Szklo M, Sharrett AR, Clegg LX (1997) Association of coronary heart disease incidence with carotid arterial wall thickness and major risk factors: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, 1987–1993. Am J Epidemiol 146:483–494 3. O’Leary DH, Polak JF, Kronmal RA, Manolio TA, Burke GL, Wolfson SK Jr (1999) Carotid-artery intima and media thickness as a risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke in older adults. Cardiovascular Health Study Collaborative Research Group. N Engl J Med 340:14–22 4. Salonen T, Salonen R (1991) Ultrasonographically assessed carotid morphology and the risk of coronary heart disease. Arterioscler Thromb 11:1245–1249 5. Wald DS, Bestwick JP (2009) Carotid ultrasound screening for coronary heart disease: results based on a meta-analysis of 18 studies and 44,861 subjects. J Med Screen 16(3):147–154 6. Flu WJ, van Kuijk JP, Hoeks SE, Kuiper R, Schouten O, Goei D, Winkel T, van Gestel YRBM, Verhagen HJM, Bax JJ, Poldermans D, Rotterdam, and Leiden, The Netherlands, Coronary Artery Disease Intima media thickness of the common carotid artery in vascular surgery patients: a predictor of postoperative cardiovascular events