Analysis of the common genetic component of large-vessel vasculitides through a meta- Immunochip strategy

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) are major forms of large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) that share clinical features. To evaluate their genetic similarities, we analysed Immunochip genotyping data from 1,434 LVV patients and 3,814 unaffected controls. Genetic pleiotropy was also estimated. The HLA region harboured the main disease-specific associations. GCA was mostly associated with class II genes (HLA-DRB1/HLA-DQA1) whereas TAK was mostly associated with class I genes (HLA-B/MICA). Both the statistical significance and effect size of the HLA signals were considerably reduced in the cross-disease meta-analysis in comparison with the analysis of GCA and TAK separately. Consequently, no significant genetic correlation between these two diseases was observed when HLA variants were tested. Outside the HLA region, only one polymorphism located nearby the IL12B gene surpassed the study-wide significance threshold in the meta-analysis of the discovery datasets (rs755374, P?=?7.54E-07; ORGCA?=?1.19, ORTAK?=?1.50). This marker was confirmed as novel GCA risk factor using four additional cohorts (PGCA?=?5.52E-04, ORGCA?=?1.16). Taken together, our results provide evidence of strong genetic differences between GCA and TAK in the HLA. Outside this region, common susceptibility factors were suggested, especially within the IL12B locus

Investigation of two Fermi-LAT gamma-ray blazars coincident with high-energy neutrinos detected by IceCube

After the identification of the gamma-ray blazar TXS 0506+056 as the first compelling IceCube neutrino source candidate, we perform a systematic analysis of all high-energy neutrino events satisfying the IceCube realtime trigger criteria. We find one additional known gamma-ray source, the blazar GB6 J1040+0617, in spatial coincidence with a neutrino in this sample. The chance probability of this coincidence is 30% after trial correction. For the first time, we present a systematic study of the gamma-ray flux, spectral and optical variability, and multi-wavelength behavior of GB6 J1040+0617 and compare it to TXS 0506+056. We find that TXS 0506+056 shows strong flux variability in the Fermi-LAT gamma-ray band, being in an active state around the arrival of IceCube-170922A, but in a low state during the archival IceCube neutrino flare in 2014/15. In both cases the spectral shape is statistically compatible ($\leq 2\sigma$) with the average spectrum showing no indication of a significant relative increase of a high-energy component. While the association of GB6 J1040+0617 with the neutrino is consistent with background expectations, the source appears to be a plausible neutrino source candidate based on its energetics and multi-wavelength features, namely a bright optical flare and modestly increased gamma-ray activity. Finding one or two neutrinos originating from gamma-ray blazars in the given sample of high-energy neutrinos is consistent with previously derived limits of neutrino emission from gamma-ray blazars, indicating the sources of the majority of cosmic high-energy neutrinos remain unknown.Comment: 22 pages, 11 figures, 2 Table

Multimessenger Search for Sources of Gravitational Waves and High-Energy Neutrinos: Results for Initial LIGO-Virgo and IceCube

We report the results of a multimessenger search for coincident signals from the LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave observatories and the partially completed IceCube high-energy neutrino detector, including periods of joint operation between 2007-2010. These include parts of the 2005-2007 run and the 2009-2010 run for LIGO-Virgo, and IceCube's observation periods with 22, 59 and 79 strings. We find no significant coincident events, and use the search results to derive upper limits on the rate of joint sources for a range of source emission parameters. For the optimistic assumption of gravitational-wave emission energy of $10^{-2}$\,M$_\odot$c$^2$ at $\sim 150$\,Hz with $\sim 60$\,ms duration, and high-energy neutrino emission of $10^{51}$\,erg comparable to the isotropic gamma-ray energy of gamma-ray bursts, we limit the source rate below $1.6 \times 10^{-2}$\,Mpc$^{-3}$yr$^{-1}$. We also examine how combining information from gravitational waves and neutrinos will aid discovery in the advanced gravitational-wave detector era

Human migration: the big data perspective

How can big data help to understand the migration phenomenon? In this paper, we try to answer this question through an analysis of various phases of migration, comparing traditional and novel data sources and models at each phase. We concentrate on three phases of migration, at each phase describing the state of the art and recent developments and ideas. The first phase includes the journey, and we study migration flows and stocks, providing examples where big data can have an impact. The second phase discusses the stay, i.e. migrant integration in the destination country. We explore various data sets and models that can be used to quantify and understand migrant integration, with the final aim of providing the basis for the construction of a novel multi-level integration index. The last phase is related to the effects of migration on the source countries and the return of migrants

Propuesta de sistematización agrohidrológica en cuencas de llanura con énfasis predial y consorciado = Proposal for agro-hydrological systematization in basins plaines with emphasis predial and consortial

Existe escasa tecnología para el manejo de aguas superfi ciales en áreas de planicie extrema e inundable, aumentada por la controversia de opinión en cuanto al modo de encarar la solución de los excesos y défi cit hídricos. La Agrohidrología modular considera el importante rol que cumple el agua en el sistema de producción, manejándola mediante un conjunto de prácticas conservacionistas rurales, de ingeniería agronómica y civil destinadas a controlar los anegamientos periódicos en campos bajos o en llanuras extensas. La unidad agrohidrológica básica es el diseño de “circuitos hidrológicos” que evita la transferencia anárquica de agua a otras unidades, circuitos o sistemas hídricos, mediante un conjunto de obras estructurales de encauzamiento, conducción, retención, expansión y evacuación. Estableciendo un marco hídrico y edafológico apropiado para acumular los excedentes de agua en sectores menos productivos, protegiendo ambientes con riesgo de hidromorfi smo y halomorfi smo y su reincorporación a los esquemas agronómicos productivos.Available and technology for surface water management in such large plains is still scarce or site-specifi c. Controversy often arises about how to fi nd the best solution to manage alternated periods with water excesses and droughts in the same area. The best technical solution is “agrohydrology”, which can be considered a “conservation / interventionist” approach attempting to manage the soil-plant-atmosphere system. The concept here proposed is water management in lowlands using “hydrologic circuits” capable of temporarily storing great water volumes to retard downstream evacuation. This requires the design and engineering calculation of different earth structures for captation, conduction and temporal storage of excess water, using combined “engineering- rural” management. This solution attempts to cope the typical climatic alternation of the fl ooding Pampa region: fl oods and droughts occurring in subsequent seasons, and both related to groundwater and soil salinization processes in this region. Water management by agrohydrology can be then regarded as a fi rst step before the implementation of classical soil reclamation techniques in large plains.Instituto de Clima y AguaFil: Damiano, Francisco. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instuto de Clima y Agua; ArgentinaFil: Parodi, Gabriel N. University of Twente. Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation; HolandaFil: Taboada, Miguel Angel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instuto de Suelos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Prieto Garra, Daniel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Santiago del Estero; Argentin

A non-invasive spectroscopic study to evaluate both technological features and conservation state of two types of ancient Roman coloured bricks

The study of both original and decaying compounds is relevant in understanding the chemistry behind the deterioration processes, above all in open museum contexts where environmental stressors affect the artefacts. In this sense, a combination of non-invasive spectroscopy techniques (Raman spectroscopy, μ-X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction) was applied on an ancient Roman building (130 CE), the “Casa di Diana” Mithraeum at Ostia Antica archaeological site. The aim is to study the raw materials, manufacturing and decaying products of the two observed types of Roman fired bricks (red and yellow) that compose the building. The present study estimates an illite raw material of carbonate-bearing marine clay likely referring to the common deposits of central/southern Italy, which contain calcite as accessory phase and a-plastic fraction constituted by quartz, feldspar and opaques. This clay material was added with volcanic temper characterised by abundant clinopyroxene and analcime (from analcimization of leucite) that are typical of the Roman Province volcanism. The firing would be probably the result of oxidizing conditions, as proved by the hematite presence. Thanks to the existence of specific neoformed mineral phases during firing it was possible to assess different temperatures ranges. In detail, the red/orange bricks, for the existence of gehlenite (formed from calcite and its reaction with silicates), were fired at 800–900 °C range; whereas, the yellow ones are characterised by the lack of gehlenite and the disappearance of illite/muscovite, which indicates firing temperature at over 900 °C. Regarding the decaying products, the gypsum covers most of the surface of most bricks, both red and the yellow ones, but these latter are more susceptible to environmental stressors (sulphates and carbonates). Therefore, this work points out how by integrated non-invasive approaches it is possible trace back to original firing temperature, technology of manufacture, interpreting ceramic data

Geophysical and geochemical techniques to assess the origin of rising damp of a Roman building (Ostia Antica archaeological site)

A combined approach based on geophysical and geochemical analyses was carried out to determine the sources of rising damp in “Casa di Diana”, a Roman building located in the Ostia Antica archaeological site (Rome, Italy). The studied building is characterized by high humidity values (closed to saturation, > 90% RH) with significant efflorescence and sub-efflorescence phenomena on masonry walls. Electrical Resistivity Tomography was performed both inside and outside the building to understand the geological setting, to estimate the freshwater-salt water interface, to locate building foundations and consequently, to evaluate the interaction between the structural elements and groundwater. On the other hand, local shallow groundwater was analysed for soluble salts and isotopic analysis (δ18O) to identify the origin of solutes, to isolate the main factors determining the isotopic content and to investigate the aquifer behaviour in terms of movement and distribution processes. The water samples were collected from one well and one tank sited inside and outside the house, respectively. The geophysical inverted models, were able to detect a freshwater aquifer at the shallower depths (2–5 m) in correspondence to the Roman foundation walls (extended at depth up to 8 m), while below (8–10 m from surface) the salt water presence is likely. The chemical analysis confirmed that groundwater is slightly mineralized even though the salt concentration can be compatible with an interaction with sea salts, maybe due to the depth of the foundation walls. Therefore, the proposed approach is suitable for understanding the causal relationship between the observed phenomena, assessing the current degree of conservation of the archaeological site and consequently planning the recovery actions

Analytical techniques for the characterisation of historical building materials. Case study "Casa di Diana" mithraeum (archeological site in Ostia Antica, Italy)

Nowadays, a broad range of analytical techniques are available and applied in the preservation of cultural heritage. However, to characterise the historical materials and to obtain quantitative and qualitative information of their composition and structure, it is necessary to choose the appropriate analytical instruments. In fact, for each study, analytical aim and nature of the analysed materials, it is necessary to combine the scientific and technological knowledge of the devise used in order to define an adequate plan of action. In the field of cultural heritage conservation, destructive techniques should be avoided, wherever possible, to preserve the integrity of the historical buildings. Therefore, the development of non-invasive, non-destructive and in-situ analysis is extremely important. Taking all of this into account, this chapter contains the main advantages of the more useful selected analytical techniques to characterise ancient building materials, taking into consideration a particular case study: a roman masonry, dated 130 a. C., found in the Ostia Antica archaeological site. Specifically we will deal with bricks and mortars, the wall building materials of the “Casa di Diana” Mithraeum. The combined use of techniques such as polarized microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) allow us to extract information in terms of phase identification, quantification of crystalline compounds and complex poly-phasic mixtures (solid solutions), identification of deterioration products and determine their nature. In this way, it is possible to analyse the complete life-cycle of the manufacturing processes, starting from the raw materials, through to the man-made production and constructive techniques evolution. Moreover, the obtained results enable us to study the forms of degradation, as well as to choose and apply a suitable procedure for the preservation and safeguard of the materials taken into consideration