Measured proton electromagnetic structure deviates from theoretical predictions

The visible world is founded on the proton, the only composite building block of matter that is stable in nature. Consequently, understanding the formation of matter relies on explaining the dynamics and the properties of the proton's bound state. A fundamental property of the proton involves the response of the system to an external electromagnetic field. It is characterized by the electromagnetic polarizabilities¹ that describe how easily the charge and magnetization distributions inside the system are distorted by the electromagnetic field. Moreover, the generalized polarizabilities² map out the resulting deformation of the densities in a proton subject to an electromagnetic field. They disclose essential information about the underlying system dynamics and provide a key for decoding the proton structure in terms of the theory of the strong interaction that binds its elementary quark and gluon constituents. Of particular interest is a puzzle in the electric generalized polarizability of the proton that remains unresolved for two decades². Here we report measurements of the proton's electromagnetic generalized polarizabilities at low four-momentum transfer squared. We show evidence of an anomaly to the behaviour of the proton's electric generalized polarizability that contradicts the predictions of nuclear theory and derive its signature in the spatial distribution of the induced polarization in the proton. The reported measurements suggest the presence of a new, not-yet-understood dynamical mechanism in the proton and present notable challenges to the nuclear theory.

Persistent Parental RNAi in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum Involves Maternal Transmission of Long Double-Stranded RNA (Advanced Genetics 3/03)

dsRNA Uptake In article 2100064 by Kristen A. Panfilio and co-workers, the cuticle exoskeleton of flour beetle larvae reveals normal anatomy (above: head-to-tail in blue-to-red) and long-term parental RNAi knockdown (below), here showing a mirror-image duplication of the abdomen (red termini to yellow center). Strong knockdown can persist for months despite transmission of full-length double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from the mother into the egg, depleting maternal dsRNA levels.

Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering Cross Section at High Bjorken x_{B}

We report high-precision measurements of the deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) cross section at high values of the Bjorken variable x_{B}. DVCS is sensitive to the generalized parton distributions of the nucleon, which provide a three-dimensional description of its internal constituents. Using the exact analytic expression of the DVCS cross section for all possible polarization states of the initial and final electron and nucleon, and final state photon, we present the first experimental extraction of all four helicity-conserving Compton form factors (CFFs) of the nucleon as a function of x_{B}, while systematically including helicity flip amplitudes. In particular, the high accuracy of the present data demonstrates sensitivity to some very poorly known CFFs.

Persistent Parental RNAi in the Beetle Tribolium castaneum Involves Maternal Transmission of Long Double-Stranded RNA

Parental RNA interference (pRNAi) is a powerful and widely used method for gene-specific knockdown. Yet in insects its efficacy varies between species, and how the systemic response is transmitted from mother to offspring remains elusive. Using the beetle Tribolium castaneum, an RT-qPCR strategy to distinguish the presence of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from endogenous mRNA is reported. It is found that injected dsRNA is directly transmitted into the egg and persists throughout embryogenesis. Despite this depletion of dsRNA from the mother, it is shown that strong pRNAi can persist for months before waning at strain-specific rates. In seeking the receptor proteins for cellular uptake of long dsRNA into the egg, a phylogenomics profiling approach of candidate proteins is also presented. A visualization strategy based on taxonomically hierarchical assessment of orthology clustering data to rapidly assess gene age and copy number changes, refined by sequence-based evidence, is demonstrated. Repeated losses of SID-1-like channel proteins in the arthropods, including wholesale loss in the Heteroptera (true bugs), which are nonetheless highly sensitive to pRNAi, are thereby documented. Overall, practical considerations for insect pRNAi against a backdrop of outstanding questions on the molecular mechanism of dsRNA transmission for long-term, systemic knockdown are elucidated.

Form Factors and Two-Photon Exchange in High-Energy Elastic Electron-Proton Scattering

We present new precision measurements of the elastic electron-proton scattering cross section for momentum transfer (Q^{2}) up to 15.75  (GeV/c)^{2}. Combined with existing data, these provide an improved extraction of the proton magnetic form factor at high Q^{2} and double the range over which a longitudinal or transverse separation of the cross section can be performed. The difference between our results and polarization data agrees with that observed at lower Q^{2} and attributed to hard two-photon exchange (TPE) effects, extending to 8  (GeV/c)^{2} the range of Q^{2} for which a discrepancy is established at >95% confidence. We use the discrepancy to quantify the size of TPE contributions needed to explain the cross section at high Q^{2}.

Deep Exclusive Electroproduction of π^{0} at High Q^{2} in the Quark Valence Regime

We report measurements of the exclusive neutral pion electroproduction cross section off protons at large values of x_{B} (0.36, 0.48, and 0.60) and Q^{2} (3.1 to 8.4  GeV^{2}) obtained from Jefferson Lab Hall A experiment E12-06-014. The corresponding structure functions dσ_{T}/dt+εdσ_{L}/dt, dσ_{TT}/dt, dσ_{LT}/dt, and dσ_{LT^{'}}/dt are extracted as a function of the proton momentum transfer t-t_{min}. The results suggest the amplitude for transversely polarized virtual photons continues to dominate the cross section throughout this kinematic range. The data are well described by calculations based on transversity generalized parton distributions coupled to a helicity flip distribution amplitude of the pion, thus providing a unique way to probe the structure of the nucleon.

Ruling out Color Transparency in Quasielastic ^{12}C(e,e^{'}p) up to Q^{2} of 14.2 (GeV/c)^{2}

Quasielastic ^{12}C(e,e^{'}p) scattering was measured at spacelike 4-momentum transfer squared Q^{2}=8, 9.4, 11.4, and 14.2  (GeV/c)^{2}, the highest ever achieved to date. Nuclear transparency for this reaction was extracted by comparing the measured yield to that expected from a plane-wave impulse approximation calculation without any final state interactions. The measured transparency was consistent with no Q^{2} dependence, up to proton momenta of 8.5  GeV/c, ruling out the quantum chromodynamics effect of color transparency at the measured Q^{2} scales in exclusive (e,e^{'}p) reactions. These results impose strict constraints on models of color transparency for protons.

Probing the Deuteron at Very Large Internal Momenta

We measure ^{2}H(e,e^{'}p)n cross sections at 4-momentum transfers of Q^{2}=4.5±0.5  (GeV/c)^{2} over a range of neutron recoil momenta p_{r}, reaching up to ∼1.0  GeV/c. We obtain data at fixed neutron recoil angles θ_{nq}=35°, 45°, and 75° with respect to the 3-momentum transfer q[over →]. The new data agree well with previous data, which reached p_{r}∼500  MeV/c. At θ_{nq}=35° and 45°, final state interactions, meson exchange currents, and isobar currents are suppressed and the plane wave impulse approximation provides the dominant cross section contribution. We compare the new data to recent theoretical calculations, where we observe a significant discrepancy for recoil momenta p_{r}>700  MeV/c.

Enhanced genome assembly and a new official gene set for Tribolium castaneum

Background

The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum has emerged as an important model organism for the study of gene function in development and physiology, for ecological and evolutionary genomics, for pest control and a plethora of other topics. RNA interference (RNAi), transgenesis and genome editing are well established and the resources for genome-wide RNAi screening have become available in this model. All these techniques depend on a high quality genome assembly and precise gene models. However, the first version of the genome assembly was generated by Sanger sequencing, and with a small set of RNA sequence data limiting annotation quality.

Results

Here, we present an improved genome assembly (Tcas5.2) and an enhanced genome annotation resulting in a new official gene set (OGS3) for Tribolium castaneum, which significantly increase the quality of the genomic resources. By adding large-distance jumping library DNA sequencing to join scaffolds and fill small gaps, the gaps in the genome assembly were reduced and the N50 increased to 4753kbp. The precision of the gene models was enhanced by the use of a large body of RNA-Seq reads of different life history stages and tissue types, leading to the discovery of 1452 novel gene sequences. We also added new features such as alternative splicing, well defined UTRs and microRNA target predictions. For quality control, 399 gene models were evaluated by manual inspection. The current gene set was submitted to Genbank and accepted as a RefSeq genome by NCBI.

Conclusions

The new genome assembly (Tcas5.2) and the official gene set (OGS3) provide enhanced genomic resources for genetic work in Tribolium castaneum. The much improved information on transcription start sites supports transgenic and gene editing approaches. Further, novel types of information such as splice variants and microRNA target genes open additional possibilities for analysis.

Unique Access to u-Channel Physics: Exclusive Backward-Angle Omega Meson Electroproduction

Backward-angle meson electroproduction above the resonance region, which was previously ignored, is anticipated to offer unique access to the three quark plus sea component of the nucleon wave function. In this Letter, we present the first complete separation of the four electromagnetic structure functions above the resonance region in exclusive ω electroproduction off the proton, ep→e^{'}pω, at central Q^{2} values of 1.60, 2.45  GeV^{2}, at W=2.21  GeV. The results of our pioneering -u≈-u_{min} study demonstrate the existence of a unanticipated backward-angle cross section peak and the feasibility of full L/T/LT/TT separations in this never explored kinematic territory. At Q^{2}=2.45  GeV^{2}, the observed dominance of σ_{T} over σ_{L}, is qualitatively consistent with the collinear QCD description in the near-backward regime, in which the scattering amplitude factorizes into a hard subprocess amplitude and baryon to meson transition distribution amplitudes: universal nonperturbative objects only accessible through backward-angle kinematics.

Measurements of Nonsinglet Moments of the Nucleon Structure Functions and Comparison to Predictions from Lattice QCD for Q^{2}=4 GeV^{2}

We present extractions of the nucleon nonsinglet moments utilizing new precision data on the deuteron F_{2} structure function at large Bjorken-x determined via the Rosenbluth separation technique at Jefferson Lab Experimental Hall C. These new data are combined with a complementary set of data on the proton previously measured in Hall C at similar kinematics and world datasets on the proton and deuteron at lower x measured at SLAC and CERN. The new Jefferson Lab data provide coverage of the upper third of the x range, crucial for precision determination of the higher moments. In contrast to previous extractions, these moments have been corrected for nuclear effects in the deuteron using a new global fit to the deuteron and proton data. The obtained experimental moments represent an order of magnitude improvement in precision over previous extractions using high x data. Moreover, recent exciting developments in lattice QCD calculations provide a first ever comparison of these new experimental results with calculations of moments carried out at the physical pion mass, as well as a new approach that first calculates the quark distributions directly before determining moments.

Molecular evolutionary trends and feeding ecology diversification in the Hemiptera, anchored by the milkweed bug genome

BACKGROUND

The Hemiptera (aphids, cicadas, and true bugs) are a key insect order, with high diversity for feeding ecology and excellent experimental tractability for molecular genetics. Building upon recent sequencing of hemipteran pests such as phloem-feeding aphids and blood-feeding bed bugs, we present the genome sequence and comparative analyses centered on the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus, a seed feeder of the family Lygaeidae.

RESULTS

The 926-Mb Oncopeltus genome is well represented by the current assembly and official gene set. We use our genomic and RNA-seq data not only to characterize the protein-coding gene repertoire and perform isoform-specific RNAi, but also to elucidate patterns of molecular evolution and physiology. We find ongoing, lineage-specific expansion and diversification of repressive C2H2 zinc finger proteins. The discovery of intron gain and turnover specific to the Hemiptera also prompted the evaluation of lineage and genome size as predictors of gene structure evolution. Furthermore, we identify enzymatic gains and losses that correlate with feeding biology, particularly for reductions associated with derived, fluid nutrition feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

With the milkweed bug, we now have a critical mass of sequenced species for a hemimetabolous insect order and close outgroup to the Holometabola, substantially improving the diversity of insect genomics. We thereby define commonalities among the Hemiptera and delve into how hemipteran genomes reflect distinct feeding ecologies. Given Oncopeltus's strength as an experimental model, these new sequence resources bolster the foundation for molecular research and highlight technical considerations for the analysis of medium-sized invertebrate genomes.

Molecular evolutionary trends and feeding ecology diversification in the Hemiptera, anchored by the milkweed bug genome

BACKGROUND

The Hemiptera (aphids, cicadas, and true bugs) are a key insect order, with high diversity for feeding ecology and excellent experimental tractability for molecular genetics. Building upon recent sequencing of hemipteran pests such as phloem-feeding aphids and blood-feeding bed bugs, we present the genome sequence and comparative analyses centered on the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus, a seed feeder of the family Lygaeidae.

RESULTS

The 926-Mb Oncopeltus genome is well represented by the current assembly and official gene set. We use our genomic and RNA-seq data not only to characterize the protein-coding gene repertoire and perform isoform-specific RNAi, but also to elucidate patterns of molecular evolution and physiology. We find ongoing, lineage-specific expansion and diversification of repressive C2H2 zinc finger proteins. The discovery of intron gain and turnover specific to the Hemiptera also prompted the evaluation of lineage and genome size as predictors of gene structure evolution. Furthermore, we identify enzymatic gains and losses that correlate with feeding biology, particularly for reductions associated with derived, fluid nutrition feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

With the milkweed bug, we now have a critical mass of sequenced species for a hemimetabolous insect order and close outgroup to the Holometabola, substantially improving the diversity of insect genomics. We thereby define commonalities among the Hemiptera and delve into how hemipteran genomes reflect distinct feeding ecologies. Given Oncopeltus's strength as an experimental model, these new sequence resources bolster the foundation for molecular research and highlight technical considerations for the analysis of medium-sized invertebrate genomes.

Revealing Color Forces with Transverse Polarized Electron Scattering

The Spin Asymmetries of the Nucleon Experiment measured two double spin asymmetries using a polarized proton target and polarized electron beam at two beam energies, 4.7 and 5.9 GeV. A large-acceptance open-configuration detector package identified scattered electrons at 40° and covered a wide range in Bjorken x (0.3<x<0.8). Proportional to an average color Lorentz force, the twist-3 matrix element, d[over ˜]_{2}^{p}, was extracted from the measured asymmetries at Q^{2} values ranging from 2.0 to 6.0  GeV^{2}. The data display the opposite sign compared to most quark models, including the lattice QCD result, and an unexpected scale dependence. Furthermore, when combined with the neutron data in the same Q^{2} range the results suggest a flavor independent average color Lorentz force.

Assessment of common red blood cell pretreatments to yield an accurate serologic antigen phenotype compared with genotype-predicted phenotype

For patients requiring multiple transfusions and patients with positive direct antiglobulin tests (DATs), an extended red blood cell (RBC) phenotype can provide valuable information and help to determine the risk of forming alloantibodies. In some instances, the phenotype may be used for prophylactic matching. Phenotyping in this patient population is often hindered by the presence of circulating donor cells and/or by a positive DAT. Several methods, such as EDTA glycine acid (EGA) treatment to remove IgG, hypotonic saline wash to separate autologous RBCs, or reticulocyte separation, are often used in these situations to isolate patient RBCs for serologic phenotyping. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of each RBC pretreatment method by comparing serologically determined antigen types with those predicted by RBC genotyping. Forty-eight peripheral blood samples from recently transfused patients were phenotyped for selected antigens in the Rh, Kell, MNS, Duffy, and Kidd systems. Treatment methods for the sample sets were reticulocyte separation (N = 12), EGA (N = 16), and hypotonic saline wash (N = 20). DNA was extracted using standard methods, and genotyping was performed using the HEA BeadChip panel. In addition, 21 samples positive for RBC-bound IgG were EGA-treated up to two times. These samples were analyzed pre- and post-EGA treatment for RBC-bound IgG by tube DAT and by flow cytometry with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled anti-human IgG. After reticulocyte separation, 3 of the 12 samples had discordant types with one antigen each: Fy^b, N, and K; serologic results were negative compared with genotype-predicted positive phenotype results. The EGA-treated sample set showed one discordant type: Fy^b; serologic results were negative compared with genotype-predicted positive phenotype results. Four of the 20 samples had discordant types involving the following antigens: Fy^b, N, e, and M; serologic results were negative compared with genotype-predicted positive phenotype results. After EGA treatment of 21 samples, 14 (67%) were negative for RBC-bound IgG by tube DAT, and 7 remained positive. Using flow cytometry, EGA treatment rendered only 4 samples negative, and 17 remained positive. In the antigen testing sample set of 48 samples, 10 of 511 total antigen types tested were discordant. Discordant types were most frequent in the hypotonic saline wash sample set (N = 6). In the flow cytometry sample set, 48 percent of the samples negative by tube DAT after EGA elution had detectable RBC-bound IgG by flow cytometry. These findings suggest that caution should be taken when using phenotype results from all pretreated RBCs and support the use of RBC genotyping to predict RBC antigen expression in samples from recently transfused patients.

For patients requiring multiple transfusions and patients with positive direct antiglobulin tests (DATs), an extended red blood cell (RBC) phenotype can provide valuable information and help to determine the risk of forming alloantibodies. In some instances, the phenotype may be used for prophylactic matching. Phenotyping in this patient population is often hindered by the presence of circulating donor cells and/or by a positive DAT. Several methods, such as EDTA glycine acid (EGA) treatment to remove IgG, hypotonic saline wash to separate autologous RBCs, or reticulocyte separation, are often used in these situations to isolate patient RBCs for serologic phenotyping. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of each RBC pretreatment method by comparing serologically determined antigen types with those predicted by RBC genotyping. Forty-eight peripheral blood samples from recently transfused patients were phenotyped for selected antigens in the Rh, Kell, MNS, Duffy, and Kidd systems. Treatment methods for the sample sets were reticulocyte separation (N = 12), EGA (N = 16), and hypotonic saline wash (N = 20). DNA was extracted using standard methods, and genotyping was performed using the HEA BeadChip panel. In addition, 21 samples positive for RBC-bound IgG were EGA-treated up to two times. These samples were analyzed pre- and post-EGA treatment for RBC-bound IgG by tube DAT and by flow cytometry with fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled anti-human IgG. After reticulocyte separation, 3 of the 12 samples had discordant types with one antigen each: Fy^b, N, and K; serologic results were negative compared with genotype-predicted positive phenotype results. The EGA-treated sample set showed one discordant type: Fy^b; serologic results were negative compared with genotype-predicted positive phenotype results. Four of the 20 samples had discordant types involving the following antigens: Fy^b, N, e, and M; serologic results were negative compared with genotype-predicted positive phenotype results. After EGA treatment of 21 samples, 14 (67%) were negative for RBC-bound IgG by tube DAT, and 7 remained positive. Using flow cytometry, EGA treatment rendered only 4 samples negative, and 17 remained positive. In the antigen testing sample set of 48 samples, 10 of 511 total antigen types tested were discordant. Discordant types were most frequent in the hypotonic saline wash sample set (N = 6). In the flow cytometry sample set, 48 percent of the samples negative by tube DAT after EGA elution had detectable RBC-bound IgG by flow cytometry. These findings suggest that caution should be taken when using phenotype results from all pretreated RBCs and support the use of RBC genotyping to predict RBC antigen expression in samples from recently transfused patients.

Polarization analysis of p̄ produced in pA collisions

A quite simple procedure for the generation of a polarized antiproton beam could be worked out if antiprotons are produced with some polarization. In order to investigate this possibility measurements of the polarization of produced antiprotons have been started at a CERN/PS test beam. The polarization will be determined from the asymmetry of the elastic antiproton scattering at a liquid hydrogen target in the CNI region for which the analyzing power is well known. The data are under analysis and an additional measurement is done in 2018. Details on the experiment and the ongoing data analysis will be given.

Drift chamber calibration and particle identification in the P-349 experiment

The goal of the P-349 experiment is to test whether 3.5 GeV/c antiprotons produced in high-energy proton-proton collisions are polarized in view of the preparation of a polarized antiproton beam. In this article, we present the details of the ongoing analysis focused on the drift chambers calibration and particle identification with DIRC.

[Advanced bladder cancer : From chemo- to immunotherapy]

In November 2016, the results of a phase III clinical trial with the protein cell death (PD)-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab for second-line treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma were published and showed an overall survival benefit in comparison with conventional chemotherapy with vinflunine, docetaxel, or paclitaxel. In a similar trial the PD-L1 antibody atezolizumab showed no significant benefit in comparison to chemotherapy in the subgroup of PD-L1-positive patients and, thus, missed its primary endpoint. For other PD-1/PD-L1 directed substances, large phase I/II trials reported data concerning response rates and overall survival. This substance class will most likely become the new treatment standard in second-line treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer. Currently, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are also being tested within randomized phase III trials for first-line treatment using different approaches either as a monotherapy or a combination with conventional chemotherapy or cytotoxic T‑lymphocyte-associated protein (CTLA)-4 inhibitors. Whereas data from single-arm phase II clinical trials have already been published, preliminary phase III data are expected in 2018.

A glimpse of gluons through deeply virtual compton scattering on the proton

The internal structure of nucleons (protons and neutrons) remains one of the greatest outstanding problems in modern nuclear physics. By scattering high-energy electrons off a proton we are able to resolve its fundamental constituents and probe their momenta and positions. Here we investigate the dynamics of quarks and gluons inside nucleons using deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS)-a highly virtual photon scatters off the proton, which subsequently radiates a photon. DVCS interferes with the Bethe-Heitler (BH) process, where the photon is emitted by the electron rather than the proton. We report herein the full determination of the BH-DVCS interference by exploiting the distinct energy dependences of the DVCS and BH amplitudes. In the regime where the scattering is expected to occur off a single quark, measurements show an intriguing sensitivity to gluons, the carriers of the strong interaction.

[Intravesical radioimmunotherapy of carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder after BCG failure]

BACKGROUND

In failure to respond to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder, radical cystectomy remains the mainstay after BCG failure.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate tolerability and safety of the α‑emitter radioimmunoconjugate instillation in patients after BCG failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine patients were included. After emptying the bladder via a transurethral catheter, Bi-213-anti-EGFR-mAb was instilled. Treatment was terminated by emptying of the radioimmunoconjugate from the bladder 120 min after instillation. Efficacy was evaluated via endoscopy and histology 6 weeks after instillation.

RESULTS

All patients showed excellent toleration of the treatment without any side effects. Treatment resulted in complete eradication of tumor cells in 3 patients and persistent tumor detection in the other 6 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical instillation of Bi-213-anti-EGFR-mAb is a promising therapeutic option for treatment of in situ bladder cancer after BCG failure for patients who wish to preserve the bladder.

Rosenbluth Separation of the π^{0} Electroproduction Cross Section

We present deeply virtual π^{0} electroproduction cross-section measurements at x_{B}=0.36 and three different Q^{2} values ranging from 1.5 to 2  GeV^{2}, obtained from Jefferson Lab Hall A experiment E07-007. The Rosenbluth technique is used to separate the longitudinal and transverse responses. Results demonstrate that the cross section is dominated by its transverse component and, thus, is far from the asymptotic limit predicted by perturbative quantum chromodynamics. Nonetheless, an indication of a nonzero longitudinal contribution is provided by the measured interference term σ_{LT}. Results are compared with several models based on the leading-twist approach of generalized parton distributions (GPDs). In particular, a fair agreement is obtained with models in which the scattering amplitude includes convolution terms of chiral-odd (transversity) GPDs of the nucleon with the twist-3 pion distribution amplitude. This experiment, together with previous extensive unseparated measurements, provides strong support to the exciting idea that transversity GPDs can be accessed via neutral pion electroproduction in the high-Q^{2} regime.

The Role of PD-L1 Expression and Intratumoral Lymphocytes in Response to Perioperative Chemotherapy for Urothelial Carcinoma

Introduction: Immunological pathways are relevant for the effectiveness of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Recently, checkpoint inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis has been shown to be therapeutically relevant in urothelial carcinoma. Objective: To monitor PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and intratumoral infiltration with CD8 positive lymphocytes during perioperative chemotherapy for urothelial cancer and to evaluate their use as potential predictive markers for chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: Sixty-four patients with muscle-invasive urothelial cancer were included in the analysis. Twenty-two patients received preoperative chemotherapy and 42 were treated in an adjuvant setting for locally advanced disease or lymph node metastases. PD-L1 status and the density of infiltration with CD8-positive cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry and analysed for their association with survival (adjuvant group) and response to chemotherapy (preoperative group). For PD-L1 positivity we used a cutoff of 10% positive tumor cells. Results: In the adjuvant group, 11 of 42 patients (26.2%) had PD-L1 positive tumor cells. Twenty-six of 42 (61.9%) patients were highly infiltrated with CD8 + lymphocytes. There was no significant evidence of an association with overall survival for PD-L1 status nor for CD8 infiltration density (p = 0.63 and 0.71). In the preoperative group, eight of the 22 (36.4%) patients were PD-L1 positive and 13 (59%) were highly infiltrated with CD8 + lymphocytes before chemotherapy. There was no evidence of associations with response or survival. Eight patients showed a pathological response to preoperative treatment. These had a significantly longer overall survival than non-responders (p = 0.01). In the preoperative group the pre-treatment expression of the immunologic markers could be compared to the post-treatment status. Only one patient showed a changed PD-L1 status and three patients a changed CD8 status. Conclusions: The tumoral expression of PD-L1 in urothelial carcinoma does not seem to be largely influenced by chemotherapy. Our data do not provide evidence that tumoral expression of PD-L1 and CD8 are useful as prognostic or predictive markers. Small sample size is the major limitation of our study.

US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules

Purpose: To determine which nodular areas provide most adequate and accurate material for cytology during US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules.

Material and Methods: In a prospective multicentre study, US-guided FNAB (0.8 mm) was performed in 342 thyroid nodules (338 patients, 285 women, 18-83 years, 285 palpable). Histology was obtained in 169 nodules, revealing 75 neoplasms (44.4%) including 18 cancers (10.7%). In 206 solid nodules, 2 passes (central and peripheral) were compared. In 82 complex nodules, 2 passes (solid area and cystic area) were compared.

Results: The inadequacy rate was 16.4% and the false-negative rates were 2.2% and 28.1% for the diagnosis of cancer and neoplasm, respectively. In solid nodules, material was more adequate with peripheral passes compared to central passes, but the difference was not significant. In complex nodules, the inadequacy rate was much higher for passes in cystic areas (80.5%) compared to passes in solid areas (46.3%).

Conclusion: Cystic areas due to degeneration seldom provided adequate material when aspirated. Aspiration should always be obtained from solid areas, at best using US-guidance. Adenomas and non-neoplastic nodules were difficult to distinguish.

Peliosis of the Spleen Associated with a Paraganglioma

We report a case of splenic peliosis imitating metastases on CT. The patient was a 44-year-old man who previously had a retroperitoneal paraganglioma surgically removed. Peliosis must be considered a potential differential diagnosis of hypodense foci of the spleen seen on CT.

Novel functions for Dorsocross in epithelial morphogenesis in the beetle Tribolium castaneum

Epithelial morphogenesis, the progressive restructuring of tissue sheets, is fundamental to embryogenesis. In insects, not only embryonic tissues but also extraembryonic (EE) epithelia play a crucial role in shaping the embryo. In Drosophila, the T-box transcription factor Dorsocross (Doc) is essential for EE tissue maintenance and therefore embryo survival. However, Drosophila possesses a single amnioserosa, whereas most insects have a distinct amnion and serosa. How does this derived situation compare with Doc function in the ancestral context of two EE epithelia? Here, we investigate the Doc orthologue in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, which is an excellent model for EE tissue complement and for functional, fluorescent live imaging approaches. Surprisingly, we find that Tc-Doc controls all major events in Tribolium EE morphogenesis without affecting EE tissue specification or maintenance. These macroevolutionary changes in function between Tribolium and Drosophila are accompanied by regulatory network changes, where BMP signaling and possibly the transcription factor Hindsight are downstream mediators. We propose that the ancestral role of Doc was to control morphogenesis and discuss how Tc-Doc could provide spatial precision for remodeling the amnion-serosa border.

The beetle amnion and serosa functionally interact as apposed epithelia

Unlike passive rupture of the human chorioamnion at birth, the insect extraembryonic (EE) tissues - the amnion and serosa - actively rupture and withdraw in late embryogenesis. Withdrawal is essential for development and has been a morphogenetic puzzle. Here, we use new fluorescent transgenic lines in the beetle Tribolium castaneum to show that the EE tissues dynamically form a basal-basal epithelial bilayer, contradicting the previous hypothesis of EE intercalation. We find that the EE tissues repeatedly detach and reattach throughout development and have distinct roles. Quantitative live imaging analyses show that the amnion initiates EE rupture in a specialized anterior-ventral cap. RNAi phenotypes demonstrate that the serosa contracts autonomously. Thus, apposition in a bilayer enables the amnion as 'initiator' to coordinate with the serosa as 'driver' to achieve withdrawal. This EE strategy may reflect evolutionary changes within the holometabolous insects and serves as a model to study interactions between developing epithelia.

Polarization Transfer in Wide-Angle Compton Scattering and Single-Pion Photoproduction from the Proton

Wide-angle exclusive Compton scattering and single-pion photoproduction from the proton have been investigated via measurement of the polarization transfer from a circularly polarized photon beam to the recoil proton. The wide-angle Compton scattering polarization transfer was analyzed at an incident photon energy of 3.7 GeV at a proton scattering angle of θ_{cm}^{p}=70°. The longitudinal transfer K_{LL}, measured to be 0.645±0.059±0.048, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic, has the same sign as predicted for the reaction mechanism in which the photon interacts with a single quark carrying the spin of the proton. However, the observed value is ~3 times larger than predicted by the generalized-parton-distribution-based calculations, which indicates a significant unknown contribution to the scattering amplitude.

Evolution of epithelial morphogenesis: phenotypic integration across multiple levels of biological organization

Morphogenesis involves the dynamic reorganization of cell and tissue shapes to create the three-dimensional body. Intriguingly, different species have evolved different morphogenetic processes to achieve the same general outcomes during embryonic development. How are meaningful comparisons between species made, and where do the differences lie? In this Perspective, we argue that examining the evolution of embryonic morphogenesis requires the simultaneous consideration of different levels of biological organization: (1) genes, (2) cells, (3) tissues, and (4) the entire egg, or other gestational context. To illustrate the importance of integrating these levels, we use the extraembryonic epithelia of insects—a lineage-specific innovation and evolutionary hotspot—as an exemplary case study. We discuss how recent functional data, primarily from RNAi experiments targeting the Hox3/Zen and U-shaped group transcription factors, provide insights into developmental processes at all four levels. Comparisons of these data from several species both challenge and inform our understanding of homology, in assessing how the process of epithelial morphogenesis has itself evolved.

The prognostic effect of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytic subpopulations in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Intratumoural lymphocytic infiltration is strongly associated with the outcome of many human epithelial cancers. The current paper investigated whether subpopulations of tumour-infiltrating T lymphocytes are associated with certain clinicopathological parameters and the prognosis of patients with invasive bladder cancer (BCa).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The infiltration densities of the adaptive immune markers CD3 (the whole T cell population), FOXP3 (regulatory T cells; Tregs), CD8 (T effector cells) and CD45R0 (T effector memory cells) were analysed by immunohistochemistry and image analysis with tissue microarrays of tumour tissues from 149 patients with invasive BCa treated with radical cystectomy. The findings were correlated with certain clinicopathological parameters.

RESULTS

Higher FOXP3/CD3 [OS: p = 0.016, HR 1.29, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs 1.05-1.59)] and FOXP3/CD8 (OS: p = 0.013, HR 1.32, 95% CIs 1.06-1.65) ratios were significantly associated with briefer overall survival and time to cancer-specific death; the latter ratio represented an independent prognostic factor according to a multivariate analysis adjusted for pathological T and N stages (HR 1.32, 95% CIs 1.05-1.67, p = 0.018). The infiltration densities of individual markers (CD3, CD8, FOXP3 and CD45R0) were not significantly associated with clinicopathological parameters or survival; however, a trend towards a better outcome was observed for higher log-transformed CD8 (p = 0.070, HR 0.80, 95% CIs 0.63-1.02) and CD3 (p = 0.113, HR 0.84, 95% CIs 0.68-1.04) infiltration values.

CONCLUSIONS

A high fraction of Tregs amongst CD3- and CD8-positive lymphocytes indicated a poor prognosis, thereby emphasising the important role that Tregs play in the suppression of the anti-tumour immune response. No single lymphocytic marker was significantly correlated with clinical outcomes, but high CD3 and CD8 infiltration showed trends towards better prognosis.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy is an effective definitive treatment option for acute acalculous cholecystitis

AIMS

Acute acalculous cholecystitis can be treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy in critically ill patients unfit for surgery. However, the evidence on the outcome is sparse. We conducted a retrospective analysis of acute acalculous cholecystitis patients treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy during a 10-year study period.

METHODS

An observational study of 56 consecutive patients treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute acalculous cholecystitis was conducted in the period from 1 June 2002 to 31 May 2012. All data were obtained by review of medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 56 consecutive patients were treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute acalculous cholecystitis. Six patients (10.7%) died within 30 days after the procedure. Percutaneous cholecystostomy could serve as a definitive treatment option in 45 patients (80.4%), whereas 1 patient (1.8%) required cholecystectomy due to recurrence of cholecystitis. Four patients (7.1%) were treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy as a bridging procedure to subsequent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy within a median of 8.8 months (range: 7.7-33.4 months). There was no significant difference in the risk of cholecystitis recurrence between patients with (6/37) and without (2/3) contrast passage to the duodenum on cholangiography (p = 0.096).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous cholecystostomy is successful as a definitive treatment option in the majority of patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis. It is associated with a low rate of mortality and subsequent cholecystectomy.

Separated response function ratios in exclusive, forward π(±) electroproduction

The study of exclusive π(±) electroproduction on the nucleon, including separation of the various structure functions, is of interest for a number of reasons. The ratio RL=σL(π-)/σL(π+) is sensitive to isoscalar contamination to the dominant isovector pion exchange amplitude, which is the basis for the determination of the charged pion form factor from electroproduction data. A change in the value of RT=σT(π-)/σT(π+) from unity at small -t, to 1/4 at large -t, would suggest a transition from coupling to a (virtual) pion to coupling to individual quarks. Furthermore, the mentioned ratios may show an earlier approach to perturbative QCD than the individual cross sections. We have performed the first complete separation of the four unpolarized electromagnetic structure functions above the dominant resonances in forward, exclusive π(±) electroproduction on the deuteron at central Q(2) values of 0.6, 1.0, 1.6  GeV(2) at W=1.95  GeV, and Q(2)=2.45  GeV(2) at W=2.22  GeV. Here, we present the L and T cross sections, with emphasis on RL and RT, and compare them with theoretical calculations. Results for the separated ratio RL indicate dominance of the pion-pole diagram at low -t, while results for RT are consistent with a transition between pion knockout and quark knockout mechanisms.

Measuring telomere length and telomere dynamics in evolutionary biology and ecology

Telomeres play a fundamental role in the protection of chromosomal DNA and in the regulation of cellular senescence. Recent work in human epidemiology and evolutionary ecology suggests adult telomere length (TL) may reflect past physiological stress and predict subsequent morbidity and mortality, independent of chronological age.

Several different methods have been developed to measure TL, each offering its own technical challenges. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the advantages and drawbacks of each method for researchers, with a particular focus on issues that are likely to face ecologists and evolutionary biologists collecting samples in the field or in organisms that may never have been studied in this context before.

We discuss the key issues to consider and wherever possible try to provide current consensus view regarding best practice with regard to sample collection and storage, DNA extraction and storage, and the five main methods currently available to measure TL.

Decisions regarding which tissues to sample, how to store them, how to extract DNA, and which TL measurement method to use cannot be prescribed, and are dependent on the biological question addressed and the constraints imposed by the study system. What is essential for future studies of telomere dynamics in evolution and ecology is that researchers publish full details of their methods and the quality control thresholds they employ.

[Functional imaging in bladder cancer]

Computed tomography (CT) represents the current standard imaging modality in muscle invasive bladder cancer; however, local tumor and lymph node staging is often impaired. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted sequences, determination of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values or utilization of supraparamagnetic iron nanoparticles potentially exhibits advantages in the assessment of local tumor and lymph node involvement and therefore might play a role in the staging of bladder tumor in the future. Likewise, positron emission tomography (PET) with the currently used tracers (18)F fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG), (11)C-choline and (11)C-acetate is being investigated in bladder cancer patients, mostly in combination with diagnostic CT. Although promising results could be obtained for PET/CT investigations to some extent, the true value cannot be determined at present.

Observation of the (Λ)(7)He hypernucleus by the (e, e'K+) reaction

An experiment with a newly developed high-resolution kaon spectrometer and a scattered electron spectrometer with a novel configuration was performed in Hall C at Jefferson Lab. The ground state of a neutron-rich hypernucleus, (Λ)(7)He, was observed for the first time with the (e, e'K+) reaction with an energy resolution of ~0.6 MeV. This resolution is the best reported to date for hypernuclear reaction spectroscopy. The (Λ)(7)He binding energy supplies the last missing information of the A = 7, T = 1 hypernuclear isotriplet, providing a new input for the charge symmetry breaking effect of the ΛN potential.

An AQP1 allele associated with co(a-b-) phenotype

The Colton (CO) blood group system consists of four antigens, Co(a), Co(b), Co3, and Co4, located on aquaporin-1 (AQP1), with Co(a) highly prevalent in all populations (99.8%). The Colton null phenotype, Co(a-b-), is very rare, and individuals with this phenotype lack the high-prevalence antigen Co3. To date, only six Co(a-b-) probands have been reported and four silencing alleles characterized. We identified an AQP1-null allele in a white woman with anti-Co3 caused by deletion of a G at nucleotide 601 (nt601delG) that results in a frameshift and premature termination (Val201Stop). Available family members were tested for the allele. Although anti-Co3 has been associated with mild to severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, the antibody was not clinically significant as evidenced by a low titer and delivery of asymptomatic newborns with moderate to weakly positive direct antiglobulin tests for all four pregnancies.

[Compassionate use of abiraterone and cabazitaxel: first experiences in docetaxel-pretreated castration-resistant prostate cancer patients]

OBJECTIVE

First clinical experiences with abiraterone and cabazitaxel for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients following docetaxel chemotherapy are reported.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We describe PSA response rates and disease control rates determined by imaging studies at 3 months as well as side effects in the daily routine. All patients were treated within the"compassionate use" programs of cabazitaxel and abiraterone or treated according to their inclusion and exclusion criteria at the "Technische Universität München".

RESULTS

Of 54 patients, 15 were treated with cabazitaxel and 39 with abiraterone. In patients treated with cabazitaxel, after 3 months of therapy the PSA reduction rate > 50% was 46.2%, the PSA progression rate was 15.4%, and the disease control rate was 83.3%. Main grade 3/4 hematotoxicities were neutropenia (40%) and anemia (20%). Febrile neutropenia was observed in 2 of 15 (13.3%) patients. Main non-hematological grade 3/4 toxicities were diarrhea (13.3%) and polyneuropathy (13.3%). In patients treated with abiraterone, after 3 months of therapy the PSA reduction rate >50% was 35.1%, the PSA progression rate was 46.0%, and the disease control rate was 47.1%. Main grade 3/4 hematotoxicities were anemia (5.1%) and thrombocytopenia (5.1%). Main non-hematological toxicities were fatigue (20.5%), sweating (17.9%), and constipation (10.3%).

CONCLUSION

Utilization of cabazitaxel and abiraterone in the daily routine show response rates comparable to their approval studies with acceptable side effects.

Measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry in inclusive electroproduction of π- near the Δ0 resonance

The parity-violating (PV) asymmetry of inclusive π- production in electron scattering from a liquid deuterium target was measured at backward angles. The measurement was conducted as a part of the G0 experiment, at a beam energy of 360 MeV. The physics process dominating pion production for these kinematics is quasifree photoproduction off the neutron via the Δ0 resonance. In the context of heavy-baryon chiral perturbation theory, this asymmetry is related to a low-energy constant d(Δ)- that characterizes the parity-violating γNΔ coupling. Zhu et al. calculated d(Δ)- in a model benchmarked by the large asymmetries seen in hyperon weak radiative decays, and predicted potentially large asymmetries for this process, ranging from A(γ)-=-5.2 to +5.2  ppm. The measurement performed in this work leads to A(γ)-=-0.36±1.06±0.37±0.03  ppm (where sources of statistical, systematic and theoretical uncertainties are included), which would disfavor enchancements considered by Zhu et al. proportional to V(ud)/V(us). The measurement is part of a program of inelastic scattering measurements that were conducted by the G0 experiment, seeking to determine the N-Δ axial transition form factors using PV electron scattering.