Dynamical Rearrangement of Gauge Symmetry on the Orbifold S^1/Z_2

Gauge theory defined on the orbifold $M^4 \times (S^1/Z_2)$ is investigated from the viewpoint of the Hosotani mechanism. Rearrangement of gauge symmetry takes place due to the dynamics of Wilson line phases. The physical symmetry of the theory, in general, differs from the symmetry of the boundary conditions. Several sets of boundary conditions having distinct symmetry can be related by gauge transformations, belonging to the same equivalence class. The Hosotani mechanism guarantees the same physics in all theories in one equivalent class. Examples are presented in the SU(5) theory. Zero modes of the extra-dimensional components, $A_y$, of gauge fields acquire masses by radiative corrections. In the nonsupersymmetric SU(5) model the presence of bulk fermions leads to the spontaneous breaking of color SU(3). In the supersymmetric model with Scherk-Schwarz SUSY breaking zero modes of $A_y$'s acquire masses of order of the SUSY breaking.Comment: 57 pages, 4 figures. The error of a factor 2 in the effective potential in the supersymmetric SU(5) model was correcte

Changes in the spatial distribution of COVID-19 incidence in Italy using GIS-based maps

Massive spreading of the pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in different continents [1, 2], have been observed. Analyses mostly focused on the number of cases per country and administrative levels, multiple times without considering the relevance of the incidence rates. These help to see the concentration of disease among the population in terms of cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Even more using geographical information systems (GIS)-based maps stakeholder may rapidly analyze changes in the epidemiological situation [3, 4]. Although the epidemic of COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in Italy on January 31, 2020, no reports on the use of GIS-based maps have been published to analyze the distinct differences in incidence rates across its regions and provinces during the last months. For these reasons, we have developed epidemiological maps of incidence rates using official populations, by regions and provinces, for COVID-19 in Italy using GIS.N/

An interleukin-33 gene polymorphism is a modifier for eosinophilia in rats

In previous studies, we identified a loss-of-function mutation in the Cyba gene as the primary cause of hereditary eosinophilia in the Matsumoto Eosinophilia Shinshu (MES) rat strain. We also identified a modifier locus for eosinophilia named eos3 in rats. In this study, we examined the interleukin-33 (Il33) gene as a candidate for the eos3 and found a missense nucleotide substitution in the gene, which resulted in a G171S amino-acid substitution in the IL-33 protein. Recombinant IL-33 isoform with the G171S substitution had approximately 50% of activity of normal isoform in NF-kappa B-dependent reporter assay, and reduced bioactivity (similar to 65% of normal) to provoke eosinophilia when injected into mice. In a genetic association study using (ACI x MES) x MES backcross rats, we found that the effects of polymorphic Il33 alleles on blood eosinophil level were manifested only in rats with loss of Cyba function. In these rats, the blood eosinophil level was significantly lower (similar to 50%) in heterozygotes for the ACI allele of Il33 compared with homozygotes for the MES allele. Oddly, however, eosinophilic MES rats had blood IL-33 content below the detectable limits. These results suggest that the Il33 gene polymorphism could be a modifier of eosinophilia in rats. Genes and Immunity (2013) 14, 192-197; doi:10.1038/gene.2013.7; published online 28 February 201

Cancer information seeking and scanning behavior among Nepalese migrants in Japan and its association with preventive behavior.

BackgroundIncreasing attention is being paid to cancer information seeking (CISE) (active searching for cancer-related health information) and information scanning (CISC) (passive collection of cancer-related health information) among migrants. However, information is lacking with respect to the extent and distribution of CISE and CISC among migrants, particularly in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of both CISE and CISC, to clarify factors associated with CISE and CISC, and to elucidate the association of CISE and CISC with basic cancer knowledge and preventive behavior among Nepalese migrants living in Tokyo, Japan.MethodsNepalese migrants living in Tokyo were recruited from March to August 2019, with snowball sampling. We collected data on CISE, CISC, sociodemographic components, health-related factors, knowledge about risk factors for cancer, and cancer-prevention behavior using a structured questionnaire. We employed several regression approaches to fulfill our study objectives.ResultsOut of the total 200 participants, 53 (27%) were actively involved in CISE and 176 (88%) in CISC. Internet was the most common information source. High education level and Japanese language skills were positively associated with both CISE and CISC. Migrants with low perceived health status were more likely to perform CISC, while those who had been ill last year and who perceived proper access to doctors were more likely to undertake CISE. Migrants with high CISE (B = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.19) and high CISC (B = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.23) were more likely to have better knowledge on risk factors of cancer. Furthermore, migrants with high CISE were more likely to eat fruits (B = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.32), undergo pap smear test (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.12, 2.65), and colonoscopy (OR = 6.02, 95%CI: 1.63, 22.13).ConclusionIn this study, the proportion of Nepalese migrants who deliberately undertook CISE was low, while the practice of CISC was relatively common. Given that the CISE was associated with cancer-prevention behavior, proper strategies should be implemented to alleviate barriers for CISE and improve its impact on providing reliable evidence about cancer to migrants in Japan