bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dim Prospects for Transmission Spectra of Ocean Earths around M Stars
Authors: Suissa Gabrielle , Mandell Avi M. , Wolf Eric T. , Villanueva Geronimo L. , Fauchez Thomas , Kopparapu Ravi kumar
Published: March 2020

The search for water-rich Earth-sized exoplanets around low-mass stars is rapidly gaining attention because they represent the best opportunity to characterize habitable planets in the near future. Understanding the atmospheres of these planets and determining the optimal strategy for characterizing them through transmission spectroscopy with our upcoming instrumentation is essential in order to constrain their environments. For this study, we present simulated transmission spectra of tidally locked Earth-sized ocean-covered planets around late-M to mid-K stellar spectral types, utilizing the results of general circulation models previously published by Kopparapu et al. as inputs for our radiative transfer calculations performed using NASA’s Planetary Spectrum Generator (psg.gsfc.nasa.gov). We identify trends in the depth of H2O spectral features as a function of planet surface temperature and rotation rate. These trends allow us to calculate the exposure times necessary to detect water vapor in the atmospheres of aquaplanets through transmission spectroscopy with the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope as well as several future flagship space telescope concepts under consideration (the Large UV Optical Infrared Surveyor and the Origins Space Telescope) for a target list constructed from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Input Catalog (TIC). Our calculations reveal that transmission spectra for water-rich Earth-sized planets around low-mass stars will be dominated by clouds, with spectral features <20 ppm, and only a small subset of TIC stars would allow for the characterization of an ocean planet in the habitable zone. We thus present a careful prioritization of targets that are most amenable to follow-up characterizations with next-generation instrumentation, in order to assist the community in efficiently utilizing precious telescope time.
Response of Pickup Ions in the Very Local Interstellar Medium to Solar Variations: Implications for the Evolution of the IBEX Ribbon and Interstellar Helium
Authors: Zirnstein E. J. , Kim T. K. , Mostafavi P. , Heerikhuisen J. , McComas D. J. , Pogorelov N. V.
Published: March 2020

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) observes the “ribbon” of enhanced energetic neutral atom (ENA) fluxes from the outer heliosphere. The ribbon flux is likely formed from the neutralization of energetic pickup ions (PUIs) gyrating in the interstellar magnetic field outside the heliopause. Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause in 2012 and has observed several shocks in the very local interstellar medium (VLISM) that likely originate from merged interaction regions in the inner heliosphere that propagated outside the heliopause. We simulate the response of PUIs and the IBEX ribbon flux to solar disturbances propagating into the VLISM. First, we show that PUIs outside the heliopause respond significantly to the dynamic neutralized solar wind (SW) via charge exchange and to interactions with shocks via adiabatic heating/cooling. However, the evolution of ribbon fluxes at 1 au is primarily driven by changes in the neutralized SW and not PUI interactions with shocks outside the heliopause. Comparisons with IBEX observations of the ribbon at 1.1 keV show that an abrupt decrease in ENA fluxes observed in 2012 was caused by a drop in SW (and thus neutralized SW) speed by ∼100 km s−1. Our simulation predicts a recovery of 1.1 keV ribbon fluxes starting in 2019 to levels observed early in the mission owing to an increase in SW speed. We also estimate that the presence of interstellar helium in the VLISM reduces the effectiveness of charge-exchange sources for PUIs and reduces the model ribbon flux at 1 au by ∼40%, matching well with IBEX ribbon fluxes.
Neutrino Process in Core-collapse Supernovae with Neutrino Self-interaction and MSW Effects
Authors: Ko Heamin , Cheoun Myung-Ki , Ha Eunja , Kusakabe Motohiko , Hayakawa Takehito , Sasaki Hirokazu , Kajino Toshitaka , Hashimoto Masa-aki , Ono Masaomi , Usang Mark D. , Chiba Satoshi , Nakamura Ko , Tolstov Alexey , Nomoto Ken’ichi , Kawano Toshihiko , Mathews Grant J.
Published: March 2020

We calculate the abundances of 7Li, 11B, 92Nb, 98Tc, 138La, and 180Ta produced by neutrino (ν)-induced reactions in a core-collapse supernova explosion. We consider the modification by ν self-interaction (ν-SI) near the neutrinosphere and the Mikheyev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein (MSW) effect in the outer layers based on time-dependent neutrino energy spectra. Abundances of 7Li and the heavy isotopes 92Nb, 98Tc, and 138La are reduced by a factor of 1.5–2.0 by the ν-SI. In contrast, 11B is relatively insensitive to the ν-SI. We find that the abundance ratio of heavy to light nuclei, 138La/11B, is sensitive to the neutrino mass hierarchy, and the normal mass hierarchy is more likely to be consistent with the solar meteoritic abundances.
The Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxy VCC 848 Formed by Dwarf–Dwarf Merging
Authors: Zhang Hong-Xin , Paudel Sanjaya , Smith Rory , Duc Pierre-Alain , Puzia Thomas H. , Peng Eric W. , Côte Patrick , Ferrarese Laura , Boselli Alessandro , Wang Kaixiang , Oh Se-Heon
Published: March 2020

It has long been speculated that many starburst or compact dwarf galaxies are resulted from dwarf–dwarf galaxy merging, but unequivocal evidence for this possibility has rarely been reported in the literature. We present the first study of deep optical broadband images of a gas-dominated blue compact dwarf galaxy (BCD) VCC 848 (M
⋆ ≃ 2 × 108
M
⊙) that hosts extended stellar shells and thus is confirmed to be a dwarf–dwarf merger. VCC 848 is located in the outskirts of the Virgo Cluster. By analyzing the stellar light distribution, we found that VCC 848 is the result of a merging between two dwarf galaxies with a primary-to-secondary mass ratio ≲5 for the stellar components and ≲2 for the presumed dark matter halos. The secondary progenitor galaxy has been almost entirely disrupted. The age–mass distribution of photometrically selected star cluster candidates in VCC 848 implies that the cluster formation rate (CFR, ∝ star formation rate) was enhanced by a factor of ∼7–10 during the past ∼1 Gyr. The merging-induced enhancement of CFR peaked near the galactic center a few hundred Myr ago and has started declining in the last few tens of Myr. The current star formation activities, as traced by the youngest clusters, mainly occur at large galactocentric distances (≳1 kpc). The fact that VCC 848 is still (atomic) gas-dominated after the period of the most violent collision suggests that gas-rich dwarf galaxy merging can result in BCD-like remnants with extended atomic gas distribution surrounding a blue compact center, in general agreement with previous numerical simulations.
Rapid Evolution of Type II Spicules Observed in Goode Solar Telescope On-disk Hα Images
Authors: Yurchyshyn Vasyl , Cao Wenda , Abramenko Valentina , Yang Xu , Cho Kyung-Suk
Published: March 2020

We analyze ground-based chromospheric data acquired at a high temporal cadence of 2 s in wings of the H
α
spectral line using the Goode Solar Telescope operating at the Big Bear Solar Observatory. We inspected a 30 minute long H
α
−0.08 nm data set to find that rapid blueshifted H
α
excursions (RBEs), which are a cool component of type II spicules, experience very rapid morphological changes on timescales of the order of 1 s. Unlike typical reconnection jets, RBEs very frequently appear in situ without any clear evidence of H
α
material being injected from below. Their evolution includes inverted “Y,” “V,” “N,” and parallel splitting (doubling) patterns as well as sudden formation of a diffuse region followed by branching. We also find that the same feature may undergo several splitting episodes within about a 1 minute time interval.
Preliminary Result of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Anterior Half of Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft
Authors: Trung Dung Tran , Manh Son Le , Nguyen Thanh Luan , Chu Dinh Thien , Chu Dinh Toi
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: Anthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is one of the most successful operations in sports medicine. At present, ligament autografts have been the best method due to good histocompatibility, rapid healing, no cross-contamination, and low cost of treatment. However, autografts do not have infinite amount and are also not always feasible. Anterior half of peroneus longus tenden autograft is likely to become a source of autograft with many advantages. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of anthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using anterior half of peroneus longus tendon autograft (AHPLT).
AIM: To evaluate the initial outcome of ACL reconstruction arthroscopy by anterior half of peroneus longus tendon.
METHODS: This is a prospective non-controlled case series.
RESULTS: A prospective study on 30 patients (from 9 / 2016 to 01 / 2019) had both ACL and MCL injury who had operated ACL reconstruction using anterior half of peroneus longus tendon autograft (AHPLT) at Department of General Orthopaedic and Trauma, Viet Duc hospital. Our outcome: the year average 35.4 ys, the rate of ACL rupture combined with meniscus injury was 40%. The average diameter AHPLT autograft is 7.0 mm. The function Lysholm scores improved from 59 to 94.27 postoperative 6 months. No difference beetwen the AOFAS scale of preoperative and postoperative.
CONCLUSION: Peroneus longus tendon is recommended to be a safe and practical autograft resource for anthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Anatomical Study of Femoral Condylar Index in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Implication to Total Knee Replacement Surgery for Vietnamese People
Authors: Tran Trung Dung , Huy Phuong Nguyen , Son Tung Pham , Dinh Thien Chu , Chu Dinh Toi
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: The femoral rotation angle is important element in total knee replacement (TKR).
AIM: To measure this angle, we determine through the axes: the transepicondylar axis (cTEA and sTEA), the posterior condylar axis (PCA), the anteroposterior axis (APA – Whiteside axis).
METHODS: Measuring the angles created by the four axes: cTEA, sTEA, PCA and APA in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); determining the femoral rotation angle and application TKR.
RESULTS: the angle between APA and cTEA: 90.41° ± 3.35°, the angle between APA and sTEA: 94.47° ± 3.31°, the angle between APA and PCA: 96.40° ± 4.59°, the angle between cTEA and sTEA: 4.00° ± 1.02°, the angle between cTEA and PCA: 6.53° ± 2.55°, the angle between sTEA and PCA: 3.48° ± 1.91°.
CONCLUSION: The angle between sTEA and PCA is the angle that best represents the femoral rotation angle. However, in case of sTEA or PCA is difficult to identify, it can be measure via the APA or cTEA. These angles don’t differ by age, gender and place of knee joint.
Autologous Transplantation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Treat Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Evaluation of Clinical Signs, Mental Signs, and Quality of Life
Authors: Tien Nguyen Le Bao , Hoa Nguyen Dinh , Thanh Vo Van , Van Thach Nguyen , Ngoc Vo Truong Nhu , Dinh Thien Chu , Phuong Thuy Nguyen Thi , Toi Phung Lam , Chu Dinh Toi
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUD: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage that can cause a temporary or permanent change in spinal cord functions
AIM: This work evaluates clinical signs, mental signs, and quality of life (QoL) after autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) transplantation to treat acute spinal cord injury (SCI).
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 47 SCI patients were recruited and divided into two groups: intervention and control. ADSCs were isolated and cultured under the cell culture quality control procedure. All patients in both groups underwent neurosurgery with or without ADSC transplantation. The recovery regarding neurological muscle, QoL, neurogenic bladder, and mental improvement was assessed after transplantation.
RESULTS: All patients had improved in terms of motor function, bladder function, and daily living. No patients reported any side effect. MRI imaging showed significant changes in the lesion length of the spinal canal and the thickening of the spinal cord. Mental improvement was highest at six months after transplantation and lowest at one month after transplantation. The proportion of patients whose quality of life improved after treatment was 100%, while 80% of patients were satisfied with treatment outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Thus, our data suggested that ADSCs transplantation was safe and effective for the treatment of SCI patients. Neurological muscle and neurogenic bladder were improved significantly after transplantation.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing of Aneuploidy by Next Generation Sequencing: Association of Maternal Age and Chromosomal Abnormalities of Blastocyst
Authors: Dang Tien-Truong , Phung Thi Mui , Le Hoang , Nguyen Thi-Bich-Van , Nguyen Thi Sim , Nguyen Thi Lien Huong , Nga Vu Thi , Chu Dinh Toi , Hoang Van Luong , Nguyen Duy Bac
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: Aneuploidy is a major cause of miscarriages and implantation failure. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is able to detect of the numeral and structural chromosomal abnormalities of embryos in vitro fertilization (IVF).
AIM: This study was aimed to assess the relationship between maternal age and chromosomal abnormalities NGS technology.
METHODS: 603 human trophectoderm (TE) biopsied samples were tested by Veriseq kit of Illumina. The relation of marternal age and chromosomal abnormality of blastocyst embryo was evaluated.
RESULTS: Among the 603 TE samples, 247 samples (42.73%) presented as chromosomal abnormalities. The abnormalities occurred to almost chromosomes, and the most popular aneuploidy observed is 22. Aneuploidy rate from 0.87% in chromosome 11 to 6.06% in chromosome 22. The rate of abnormal chromosome increased dramatically in group of mother's ages over 37 (54.17%) comparing to group of mother's ages less than 37 (38.05%) (p < 0.000). The Abnormal chromosome and maternal age has a positive correlation with r = 0.4783 (p<0.0001).
CONCLUSION: These results showed high rate abnormal chromosome and correlated with advanced maternal age of blastocyst embryos.
A new alien mantis in Italy: is the Indochina mantis Hierodula patellifera chasing the train for Europe?
Authors: Battiston Roberto , Amerini Rachele , Di Pietro William , Guariento Luis Alessandro , Bolognin Luca , Moretto Enzo
Published: March 2020

The presence of the Indochina mantis Hierodula patellifera (Mantidae, Mantinae) as a new alien species in Italy is reported, with the description of the first stable macro-population in Europe. This macro-population shows a wide distribution, comprising several fragmented and reproducing sub-populations in Northern Italy and one in Southern France. Specimens and individuals were collected or observed on trees and ornamentals in urban ecosystems with the help of citizen science. A spatial analysis (Average Nearest Neighbour) was undertaken to characterise the present distribution pattern, evidencing the hot spots of arrival and the local spreading process. The random pattern of presence in the local urban textures and the resistance of this species to the challenging North Italian climate, are here discussed in the perspective of a future expansion to central and Northern Europe, using probably the main railways to arrive at depots and cities, travelling with Asian goods. Identification characters are also presented to separate this alien species from the other species of the subfamily Mantinae, native or introduced, present in Europe.
Un psy dans les lieux d’hébergement pour personnes en situation précaire : qui inclut qui ?
Authors: Payan Ségolène , Essadek Aziz
Published: March 2020

Notre société traverse actuellement une importante crise économique qui met en lumière les affres de la précarité et de l’exclusion. L’intervention de psychologues au sein de lieux d’hébergement pour personnes en situation précaire peut être perçue comme une béquille contre la dissolution et l’effacement du sujet, comme un trait d’union entre le sujet et le social, au carrefour du symbolique. Le sujet peut à nouveau s’arrimer à un lieu, non pas physique, mais psychique : celui du transfert et de l’ouverture à l’autre.
Recomposition des territoires de l’enseignement spécialisé
Authors: Le Capitaine Jean-Yves
Published: March 2020

Le territoire professionnel occupé par l’enseignement spécialisé a connu de véritables transformations. Nombre de problématiques pédagogiques et des populations de l’enseignement spécialisé relèvent aujourd’hui de l’enseignement ordinaire. Parallèlement, des difficultés observées à l’école ont été instituées en pathologies ou maladies, désignant des acteurs non scolaires comme les détenteurs parfois exclusifs de réponses pédagogiques. Dans ce territoire recomposé, l’enseignant ressource (et non plus spécialisé) a un grand rôle à jouer dans le développement d’une école inclusive.
Le Gilet et le Marteau. L’Assemblée des assemblées organise l’aile gauche des ronds-points
Authors: Ravelli Quentin , Bendali Zakaria , Bonin Loïc , Gaborit Maxime , Grémion Théo , Ivanovic Mila , Liochon Pauline , Toth Naomi
Published: March 2020

L’Assemblée des assemblées constitue une tentative unique de coordination des Gilets jaunes à l’échelle du pays. Cette forme d’organisation tient largement à l’orientation politique et aux milieux sociaux des militants qui ont animé cette fraction du mouvement. Au fil des mois, sa structuration progressive montre l’importance de la démocratie directe mais aussi des efforts d’indépendance, d’autonomie et de structuration qui vont bien au-delà des assemblées locales et des mobilisations sur les ronds-points – auxquelles on réduit trop souvent ce mouvement.
Teaching-learning model for the science of electronics
Authors: Hinojosa Juan , Martínez Viviente Félix Lorenzo , Garcerán Hernández Vicente , Ruiz Merino Ramón
Published: March 2020

We present a method for the teaching of Electronics, defined as the scientific discipline that studies the movement and behavior of electrons in semiconductor materials and in vacuum. Electronics can be considered as a science with a solid physical foundation. Within the field of Electronics there are different disciplines, some of them can be considered as pure science, and some others are more oriented to applications. Our methodology has been applied to the wide range of courses that develop the different approaches to Electronics, from the physics of semiconductors or the physics of microelectronic devices, generally taught at physics faculties, to microelectronic fabrication technology or microelectronic design, subjects that typically have a more application oriented character. To ensure an effective learning of these subjects, a teaching-learning model has been established. This model involves the criteria for developing the programs and defining objectives, as well as the development of a series of activities in which the methods, techniques, forms of presentation and didactic resources most useful to achieve the proposed objectives will be used, and an evaluation system that assesses the effectiveness of the educational process and detects its anomalies.
Opinion of ICT coordinators on the incidence of telematic tools
Authors: Berrios Aguayo Beatriz , Molina Jaén María Dolores , Pantoja Vallejo Antonio
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the learning of primary school students, as assessed by ICT coordinators of the schools in Andalusia (a network already considered by the Spanish Educational Administration as ICT centres). For this, a total of 34 ICT coordinators from various primary education centres in Andalusia participated. With the objective of knowing the scope of the policies that are carried out, as well as determining the true incidence of ICT in the classroom – not only as a tool, but also as a way of teaching – a questionnaire was created and validated for the coordinators TIC. The results indicated that (a) the use by ICT teachers in the classroom is still reduced and (b) the lack of training received by teachers, as well as scarce technological resources, are the main barriers to attaining a higher use of ICT in the didactic process. The findings suggest that integral and transversal insertion of ICTs in the classroom should be priority objectives in deriving optimal curricular development in for primary school students.
Antileishmanial Drugs Modulate IL-12 Expression and Inflammasome Activation in Primary Human Cells
Authors: André Sonia , Rodrigues Vasco , Pemberton Sarah , Laforge Mireille , Fortier Yasmina , Cordeiro-da-Silva Anabela , MacDougall Jane , Estaquier Jérôme
Published: March 2020

Leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases. The treatment of leishmaniasis relies exclusively on chemotherapy including amphotericin B (AmB), miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine), and pentamidine. Besides the fact that these molecules are harmful for patients, little is known about the impact of such antileishmanial drugs on primary human cells in relation to immune function. The present study demonstrates that all antileishmanial drugs inhibit CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferation at the doses that are not related to increased cell death. Our results highlight that antileishmanial drugs have an impact on monocytes by altering the expression of IL-12 induced by LPS, whereas only AmB induced IL-10 secretion; both cytokines are essential in regulating Th1 cell–mediated immunity. Interestingly, IL-12 and anti–IL-10 Abs improved T cell proliferation inhibited by AmB. Furthermore, our results show that in contrast to hexadecylphosphocholine and pentamidine, AmB induced gene expression of the inflammasome pathway. Thus, AmB induced IL-1β and IL-18 secretions, which are reduced by specific inhibitors of caspase activation (Q-VD) and NLRP3 activation (MCC950). Our results reveal previously underestimated effects of antileishmanial drugs on primary human cells.
Behavior of oxygen saturation and blood filling in the venous capillary system of the biceps brachii muscle during a fatiguing isometric action
Authors: Dech Silas , Bittmann Frank , Schaefer Laura
Published: March 2020

The objective of the study is to develop a better understanding of the capillary circulation in contracting muscles. Ten subjects were measured during a submaximal fatiguing isometric muscle action by use of the O2C spectrophotometer. In all measurements the capillary-venous oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SvO2) decreases immediately after the start of loading and levels off into a steady state. However, two different patterns (type I and type II) emerged. They differ in the extent of deoxygenation (–10.37 ±2.59 percent points (pp) vs. –33.86 ±17.35 pp, P = .008) and the behavior of the relative hemoglobin amount (rHb). Type I reveals a positive rank correlation of SvO2 and rHb (ρ = 0.735, P <.001), whereas a negative rank correlation (ρ = –0.522, P <.001) occurred in type II, since rHb decreases until a reversal point, then increases averagely 13% above the baseline value and levels off into a steady state. The results reveal that a homeostasis of oxygen delivery and consumption during isometric muscle actions is possible. A rough distinction in two types of regulation is suggested.
Gender difference of aging performance decay rate in normalized Masters World Records of Athletics: much less than expected
Authors: Gava Paolo , Giuriati Walter , Ravara Barbara
Published: March 2020

Aging behaviours differ in females and males. Females are weaker but survive longer. We report gender decay of skeletal muscle performance by comparing World Records of Master athletes. Master athletes compete in age groups of 5 years till 100 years. The Master World Records are lists of 16 data that, after normalization, show trends of aging decline of muscle performance indicating only minimal gender differences in the process. All trend-lines tend to zero at about 110 years. Since hormons poorly influence aging performance decay, other fundamental bioregulators, e.g., those of cell energy metabolism, seems to be relevant.
TANGENTOPOLI: GIUDICI CONTRO?
Authors: Violante Luciano
Published: March 2020

I processi per corruzione politica e amministrativa iniziati a Milano nel 1992 hanno segnato la fine del sistema politico stabilitosi dopo la Liberazione. Non sempre consapevolmente, la magistratura ha svolto il ruolo di ostetrica del nuovo sistema nato dalle elezioni del 1994. Quel sistema è nato in un clima di sospetto e diffidenza nei confronti della politica e dei leader politici; questi tratti continuano a prevalere e continueranno a prevalere fino a quando non si troverà la forza di ricostruire modalità di condotta civile, politica e istituzionale sul modello dei principi di fiducia e rispetto.
LA DIFFERENZIAZIONE SESSUALE DEL CERVELLO NON Ãˆ SOLO UNA QUESTIONE DI ORMONI
Authors: Negri-Cesi Paola
Published: March 2020

One of the key events occurring during fetal brain development is the induction of permanent morpho-functional sexual differences in many brain areas. This â€œimprintingâ€ mechanism, operating on a plastic brain within a narrow sensitive window, leads to gender-specific responses to the same stimulus both in neurochemistry/neuroendocrinology, and in some behavioral responses. The origin of CNS dimorphism is a topic that has fascinated neuroscientists for more than 60 years. The conventional view of brain sexual differentiation proposes that the masculine or feminine brain organization depends on the presence or absence of early gonadal steroid exposure: prenatal testosterone (T) surge in males induces both the masculinization and the defeminization of some brain nuclei, while in the absence of fetal gonadal hormones, as in females, the brain appears to feminize spontaneously. Some effects of T depend on its conversion to estradiol or DHT, two active metabolites formed by the enzymes aromatase and 5alpha-reductase type 2, respectively. Many studies carried out on rodents in our and in other laboratories clarified that estradiol and DHT are implicated in both masculinization and defeminization; on the contrary, T as such and DHT seem to be the main brain organizers in men. However, the most recent research, briefly discussed in this paper, has now clarified that the hormonal environment alone is not sufficient to trigger the whole process and that a precise coordination and interaction among hormonal signals, neuronal genome and the epigenome are pivotal to the genesis of brain gender-specific differentiation. Given the complexity of the whole process, it is not surprising that any external perturbation that brain sex differentiation may have heavy consequences on several parameters. Some possible variations related to prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants that interfere with the hormonal activity and/or the epigenome will be briefly analyzed in the final part of the paper.
ENZIMA 5ALFA-REDUTTASI NEL CERVELLO: UNA STORIA ANCORA COMPLICATA
Authors: Melcangi Roberto Cosimo
Published: March 2020

The enzyme 5alpha-reductase represents an important enzymatic pathway of the sex steroids, such as progesterone and testosterone. Its physiophatological role in the nervous system will be here discussed. Indeed, despite several observations have been obtained so far, several diagnostic and therapeutic aspects need to be clarified.
REGOLAZIONE DELLA FERTILITÃ€: ARTE E NEUROSCIENZE
Authors: Maggi Roberto
Published: March 2020

The term â€˜fertilityâ€™ (from Latin language getting abundant harvests) leads back to several fields of the sciences; however, when it is linked to the physiology of reproduction it became, along with nutrition, as a fundamental behavior for the living species. The â€˜mysteryâ€™ of human reproduction has been an attractive issue and extensively represented in figurative arts (paintings, sculptures, ect.) throughout the centuries and different cultures, being itself an â€˜artâ€™. Many scientists have been so fascinated by the art to have modified their personal and scientific lives. Art and sciences, in particular the neurosciences, share their origin during human history, being both the expression of human abilities to formulate an abstract thought to understand and describe the complexity of the world around us. For instance, paintings as the Cabanelâ€™s Birth of Venus as well as the Primavera by Botticelli summarize several aspects of the sexual desire and reproduction; however, the neurosciences provide a more complex and artistic picture of the control of fertility. From the first descriptions, by Geoffrey Harris and Luciano Martini, of the control of the hormonal cascade governing reproductive functions by the hypothalamus, an important region of our brain, it came to the identification of the GnRH, the master regulator of hormonal reproductive axis. GnRH is produced by specific hypothalamic neurons and it is released in the blood vessels directed toward the pituitary gland in a pulsatile manner, finely tuned for rhythm and intensity, to regulate the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins LH and FSH. Released gonadotropin will exert trophic and regulatory effects on gonadal functions and on the production of sex hormones (testosterone and estrogens). A number of neuroendocrine signals control the development and the activity of GnRH neurons and whose functional alterations are responsible of several reproductive system diseases. According to the data so far available, it is fair to say that the development of such complex mechanisms, under the brain control, endowed with the extraordinary ability to create new individuals could be a real artwork.
METABOLISMO ENERGETICO E RIPRODUZIONE: DUE FACCE DELLA STESSA MEDAGLIA
Authors: Magni Paolo
Published: March 2020

Living organisms possess numerous physiological functions. Among these, some are absolutely common to all animal species and therefore also to human species. We refer to the control of the reproductive function and to that of the energetic metabolism, which, intuitively, are fundamental phenomena for the survival of the individual and of the species. Research conducted over many years in our laboratory, for a long time under the supervision of professor Luciano Martini, have helped to link these two basic functions for life, exploring the common molecular bases. In fact, it has been observed that many common molecular factors contribute to the regulation of both reproduction and energy metabolism, ie food intake and energy expenditure. A peculiar anatomical site where this interaction takes place is certainly the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that integrates a huge amount of impulses and that, moment by moment, regulates a variety of physiological functions, including these two. At this level, among the most interesting molecules there is neuropeptide Y, which is not only the most powerful stimulator of appetite, but also participates in the regulation of the first part of the reproductive axis: the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-gonadotropin system. Another important element of this network of regulatory molecules is kisspeptin, which, among others, is also crucial in starting the pubertal process, also in relation to nutritional status. The dialogue between peripheral organs, such as the tissue or rather the adipose â€œorganâ€, and central structures is also interesting. In fact, adipose produces hormones called adipokines, such as leptin, which, reaching the hypothalamus, promotes a sense of satiety by reducing the release of neuropeptide Y. Leptin itself, however, is also a fundamental permissive factor for the activation of the reproductive system. In short, fundamental functions such as the control of energy metabolism and reproduction are in fact regulated in part by the same molecules, which suggests a deep reciprocal relationship, which can be altered under various pathological conditions.
Total hip replacement
Authors: Rosset G. A.
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
One Shock, Many Policy Responses
Authors: Mano Rui , Sgherri Silvia
Published: March 2020

Policymakers have relied on a wide range of policy tools to cope with capital flow shocks. And yet, the effects and interaction of these policies remain under debate, as does the motivation for using them. In this paper, quantile local projections are used to estimate the entire distribution of future policy responses to portfolio flow shocks for 20 emerging markets and understand the variety of policy choices across the sample. To assuage endogeneity concerns, estimates rely on the fact that global capital flows are exogenous from the viewpoint of any one of these countries. The paper finds that: (i) policy responses to capital flow shocks are heterogeneous across countries, fat-tailed—“extreme” responses tend to be more elastic than “typical” responses—and asymmetric—“extreme” responses tend to be more elastic with respect to outflows than to inflows; (ii) country characteristics are linked to policy choices—with cross-country differences in forex intervention relating to the size of balance sheet vulnerabilities and the depth of the forex market; (iii) the use of targeted macroprudential policy and capital flows management measures can help “free the hands” of monetary policy by allowing it to focus more squarely on domestic cyclical developments.
How Do Member Countries Receive IMF Policy Advice
Authors: Fayad Ghada , Huang Chengyu , Shibuya Yoko , Zhao Peng
Published: March 2020

This paper applies state-of-the-art deep learning techniques to develop the first sentiment index measuring member countries’ reception of IMF policy advice at the time of Article IV Consultations. This paper finds that while authorities of member countries largely agree with Fund advice, there is variation across country size, external openness, policy sectors and their assessed riskiness, political systems, and commodity export intensity. The paper also looks at how sentiment changes during and after a financial arrangement or program with the Fund, as well as when a country receives IMF technical assistance. The results shed light on key aspects on Fund surveillance while redefining how the IMF can view its relevance, value added, and traction with its member countries.
Cameroon
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: March 2020

Growth reached 3.9 percent in the first half of 2019, supported by a rebound in the oil and gas sector. The overall fiscal deficit was 1.4 percent of GDP for the first three quarters of 2019, slightly better than the program’s projection. External buffers are being rebuilt, despite external and domestic headwinds. The economy is coping with the impact of the suspension of production at the national oil refinery (SONARA).
Collateralized Transactions
Authors:   International Monetary Fund,   World Bank
Published: March 2020

In a response to a request from the G20 IFA Working Group, this note provides a framework for public lenders and borrowers to assess collateralized financing practices from a development perspective.
The work of the IMF and World Bank suggests that the availability of collateralized financing can be beneficial to a developing country borrower under a range of circumstances, but also points to pitfalls.
Balance control near to the limit of stability in young soccer players
Authors: Zając Piotr , Kuczyński Michał , Bieć Ewa
Published: March 2020

Introduction

To compare postural performance and strategies in young soccer players between quiet standing and standing close to the limits of stability.

Methods

The study included sixteen boys aged 13 years, who have trained soccer for about 5 years. Their body balance was assessed using the Kistler force platform. All participants performed 6 trials, lasting 20 seconds each: three with eyes open and three with eyes closed. The trials included quiet stance, the maximum foreward tilt and maximum backward tilt. Based on the center of pressure (COP) recorded at sampling rate of 100 Hz the following sway parameters were evaluated: variability, range and mean velocity as well frequency, entropy and fractal dimension.

Results

In frontal and sagittal plane, the COP variability, range and velocity during stances near the limits of stability were higher than in quiet stance. These increases were independent of the direction of body tilt. Body tilts decreased entropy and frequency in the frontal plane and increased fractality in the sagittal plane regardless the tilting direction. There was also a decrease in fractality in the frontal plane that took place during forward tilt only.

Conclusions

Forward and backward tilt deteriorated postural performance in a similar way. However their effects on postural strategies were direction dependent. The strategies in the frontal plane indicated increased investment of attention, lower automaticity and more stable control. In contrast, the sagittal strategies displayed decreased stability with no changes in automaticity. Such inter-plane differences suggest specific allocation of the critical postural tasks in response to the threat of fall. It is plausible that, due to complexity of these reciprocal relationships, testing postural control near to stability limits may better differentiate specific groups and experimental manipulations than testing the limits of stability only.
Doppio – A ROMS-based Circulation Model for the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine: Configuration and comparison to integrated coastal observing network observations
Authors: Lopez Alexander Gordon , Wilkin John Lewis , Levin Julia Chefter
Published: March 2020

Abstract. We describe Doppio, a ROMS-based model of the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine regions of the northwest North Atlantic developed in anticipation of future applications to biogeochemical cycling, ecosystems, estuarine downscaling, and near-real-time forecasting. This free-running regional model is introduced with circulation simulations covering 2007–2017. The ROMS configuration choices for the model are detailed, and the forcing and boundary data choices described and explained. A comprehensive observational data set is compiled for skill assessment from satellites and in situ observations from Regional Associations of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing Systems, including moorings, autonomous gliders, profiling floats, surface current measuring coastal radar, and fishing fleet sensors. Doppio's performance is evaluated with respect to these observations by representation of sub-regional temperature and salinity error statistics, as well as velocity and sea level coherence spectra. Model circulation for the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine is visualized alongside the mean dynamic topography to convey the model's capabilities.
Implementation of RCIP scheme and its performance for 1D age computations in ice-sheet models
Authors: Saito Fuyuki , Obase Takashi , Abe-Ouchi Ayako
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Ice sheet age computations are formulated using an Eulerian advection equation, and there are many schemes that can be used to solve them numerically. Typically, these differ in numerical characteristics such as stability, accuracy, and diffusivity. Furthermore, although various methods have been presented for ice sheet age computations, the constrained interpolation profile method and its variants have not been examined in this context. The present study introduces one of its variants, a rational function-based constrained interpolation profile scheme (RCIP) to one-dimensional ice age computation, and demonstrates its performance levels via comparisons with those obtained from first- and second-order upwind schemes. Our results show that the RCIP scheme preserves the pattern of input surface mass balance histories, in terms of the vertical profile of internal annual layer thickness, better than the other schemes.
Chronic Living and Delayed Death in Chinese Eldercare Institutions
Authors: Keimig Rose Kay
Published: March 2020

In urban China, demographic shifts, medical interventions, and technological advancements are reshaping how, when, and where elders live and die. Within institutions, end-of-life interventions may stave off death, but have little to offer those who are saved but not cured.  Meanwhile, these end-of-life encounters are unfolding within a larger caregiving landscape that is itself in transition. Increased migration, urbanization, women’s employment rates, and access to medical services are radically altering caregiving arrangements. In particular, sharp declines in fertility have sapped family-based caregiving resources and put enormous pressure on medical institutions. Although China is just beginning to feel the effects of rapid population aging, demand for end-of-life institutional care has already outstripped supply. The few palliative care wards that exist routinely turn away patients, admitting only those whose end is predictably soon. In the process, dying becomes a diagnosis, complicated by insurance regulations, local bioethics, and limited resources. For those cut off from both curative and palliative care, life itself turns pathological, and they find themselves suspended in a state of what I call “chronic living.”
Book Review: Resilience and Ageing: Creativity, Culture and Community
Authors: Carlin Leslie
Published: March 2020

na
Portfolio: Ode to Odenabe: Intergenerational Storytelling and the Art of Making.
Authors: Chazan May
Published: March 2020

na
Book Review: Intersections of Ageing, Gender and Sexualities: Multidisciplinary International Perspectives.
Authors: Samanta Tannistha
Published: March 2020

na
Book Review: Living Before Dying: Imagining and Remembering Home
Authors: Vana Noa , Hazan Haim
Published: March 2020

n/a
All In This Game Together: A Conversation Between Aging Researchers about Research on Aging
Authors: Bryanton Olive , Carlin Leslie
Published: March 2020

-
Abstracts of the International Medical Students’ Congress of Bucharest (IMSCB) 2019
Authors: Executive Committee of IJMS IJMS
Published: March 2020

Abstracts of the International Medical Students’ Congress of Bucharest (IMSCB) 2019.
PERCEPÇÕES DOS JOVENS CEGOS DA PAISAGEM URBANA DA CIDADE DO RIO DE JANEIRO.
Authors: Lago Lais Cardoso , Bezerra Amélia Cristina Alves
Published: March 2020

A paisagem, historicamente, é o conceito geográfico de maior apelo imagético, contribuindo, dessa maneira, para a afirmação da visão como forma privilegiada de apreensão da análise geográfica. Todavia, a experiência com o espaço e, portanto, com a paisagem é mais ampla e dialoga com todos os sentidos do corpo, sendo necessário alargar as investigações sobre a diversidade de sujeitos que experimentam e percebem as paisagens. Partindo dessa problemática, o objetivo desse artigo é revelar as percepções das paisagens urbanas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro pelos jovens cegos e de baixa visão, como também refletir sobre elas. Para tanto, construímos um desenho de pesquisa que contemplou a realização de entrevistas com estes e a elaboração de uma cartografia dos seus trajetos pela cidade. Essa pesquisa, realizada ao longo do mestrado, revelou a importância de alargarmos nosso olhar para o conceito de paisagem, em que a “limitação” do exercício da visão mobiliza outros sentidos, traduzindo percepções singulares sobre a cidade. A investigação conduziu também a uma discussão sobre o direito à cidade. Nesse sentido, os(as) cegos(as), os(as) idosos(as), os(as) cadeirantes e outros(as) sujeitos que foram invisibilizados(as) pelas políticas urbanas precisam ser ouvidos(as) e considerados(as) no processo de produção e compreensão da cidade.

Palavras-chave: paisagem urbana, percepção, cegos, baixa visão.
Desenvolvimento e validação de vídeo educativo para autocateterismo vesical intermitente limpo
Authors: Faleiros Fabiana , Cucick Cibele Dias , Silva Neto Elias Tristão da , Rabeh Soraia Assad Nasbine , Favoretto Naira Beatriz , Käppler Christoph
Published: March 2020

Trata-se do desenvolvimento e validação de um vídeo educativo sobre autocateterismo vesical intermitente limpo. Estudo metodológico, realizado em três etapas: pré-produção (elaboração e validação do roteiro e storyboard), produção do vídeo, e pós-produção (validação do vídeo por juízes experts em reabilitação e/ou saúde). O roteiro para produção do vídeo foi desenvolvido e validado por 18 juízes, com 91,1% de concordância. O vídeo, com 10 minutos e cinco segundos, também foi validado e atingiu 97,4% de concordância entre os 17 juízes participantes nos quesitos funcionalidade, usabilidade, eficiência, técnica audiovisual, ambiente e procedimentos. A versão final do vídeo desenvolvido e validado pode ser visualizada no Portal do Núcleo de Pesquisa NEUROREHAB, www.demaisinformacao.com.br. Essa ferramenta pode contribuir para a capacitação de pessoas com bexiga neurogênica a realizar o autocateterismo urinário, bem como profissionais de saúde e estudantes de enfermagem, e apoiar metodologicamente o desenvolvimento de outros vídeos educativos na área da saúde.
O processo de trabalho de um time de medicação na perspectiva de uma pesquisa-ação
Authors: Almeida Viviane saraiva de , Andrade Marilda , Querido Danielle Lemos , Christoffel Marialda Moreira , Alves Angelina Maria Aparecida , Esteves Ana Paula Vieira dos Santos
Published: March 2020

ResumoObjetivo: descrever e analisar o processo de trabalho do time de medicação na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Método: trata-se de estudo qualitativo, com pesquisa-ação, realizado com 21 enfermeiros de uma unidade terapia intensiva neonatal de um hospital universitário do estado do Rio de Janeiro. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista, pesquisa documental, observação sistemática e seminários. Foi utilizada a análise temática para tratamento dos dados. Resultados: o estudo resultou em três categorias: a dificuldades encontradas no processo de trabalho do time de medicação; caracterização dos recursos materiais e ambiente de trabalho do time de medicação; padronização do processo de trabalho do time de medicação. Conclusão: foi descrito o processo de trabalho do time, com intuito de planejar e implementar intervenções, facilitando a identificação de falhas, a tomada decisões e a aprendizagem do grupo relacionadas ao sistema de medicação.
Acessibilidade do adolescente com deficiência auditiva aos serviços de saúde
Authors: Maschendorf Thomaz Manuela , Marten Milbrath Viviane , Irmgard Bärtschi Gabatz Ruth , Freitag Vera Lúcia , Cardoso Vaz Jéssica
Published: March 2020

Objetiva-se identificar a perspectiva do cuidador familiar acerca das facilidades e dificuldades no acesso do adolescente com deficiência auditiva aos serviços de saúde. Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, no qual participaram 10 cuidadores de adolescentes com deficiência auditiva. Os resultados mostram que a busca pelos serviços de saúde ocorre esporadicamente, em casos de adoecimento e/ou consultas regulares. Os participantes relataram preconceito e indiferença vivenciados dentro dos serviços de saúde. Soma-se a dificuldade que os profissionais têm em comunicar-se com os surdos, ferindo os princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde e levando a consultas insatisfatórias.  Conclui-se que a falta de preparo e a insegurança dos profissionais dificultam significativamente a qualidade e a humanização da assistência, uma vez que a comunicação é a base para o entendimento humano.