bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effect of Mucosal NKp44+ Innate Lymphoid Cells and Δγ Cells on Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Outcome in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arif , Ko Eun-Ju , Enyindah-Asonye Gospel , Helmold Hait Sabrina , Hogge Christopher , Hunegnaw Ruth , Venzon David J. , Hoang Tanya , Robert-Guroff Marjorie
Published: September 2019

NK cells are essential for controlling viral infections. We investigated NK cell and innate lymphoid cell (ILC) dynamics and function in rhesus macaque rectal tissue and blood following mucosal priming with replicating adenovirus (Ad)–SIV recombinants, systemic boosting with SIV envelope protein, and subsequent repeated low-dose intravaginal SIV exposures. Mucosal memory-like NK and ILC subsets in rectal and vaginal tissues of chronically infected macaques were also evaluated. No differences in NK cell or ILC frequencies or cytokine production were seen between vaccinated and Ad-empty/alum controls, suggesting responses were due to the Ad-vector and alum vaccine components. Mucosal NKp44+ ILCs increased postvaccination and returned to prelevels postinfection. The vaccine regimen induced mucosal SIV-specific Ab, which mediated Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and was correlated with mucosal NKp44+CD16+ ILCs. Postvaccination NKp44+ and NKp44+IL-17+ ILC frequencies were associated with delayed SIV acquisition and decreased viremia. In chronically SIV-infected animals, NKp44+ ILCs negatively correlated with viral load, further suggesting a protective effect, whereas, NKG2A− NKp44− double-negative ILCs positively correlated with viral load, indicating a pathogenic role. No such associations of circulating NK cells were seen. Δγ NK cells in mucosal tissues of chronically infected animals exhibited impaired cytokine production compared with non-Δγ NK cells but responded to anti-gp120 Ab and Gag peptides, whereas non-Δγ NK cells did not. Mucosal Δγ NKp44+ and Δγ DN cells were similarly associated with protection and disease progression, respectively. Thus, the data suggest NKp44+ ILCs and Δγ cells contribute to SIV infection outcomes. Vaccines that promote mucosal NKp44+ and suppress double-negative ILCs are likely desirable.
A Human IgE Antibody Binding Site on Der p 2 for the Design of a Recombinant Allergen for Immunotherapy
Authors: Glesner Jill , Kapingidza A. Brenda , Godzwon Magdalena , Offermann Lesa R. , Mueller Geoffrey A. , DeRose Eugene F. , Wright Paul , Richardson Crystal M. , Woodfolk Judith A. , Vailes Lisa D. , Wünschmann Sabina , London Robert E. , Chapman Martin D. , Ohlin Mats , Chruszcz Maksymilian , Pomés Anna
Published: September 2019

Der p 2 is one of the most important allergens from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Identification of human IgE Ab binding epitopes can be used for rational design of allergens with reduced IgE reactivity for therapy. Antigenic analysis of Der p 2 was performed by site-directed mutagenesis based on the x-ray crystal structure of the allergen in complex with a Fab from the murine IgG mAb 7A1 that binds an epitope overlapping with human IgE binding sites. Conformational changes upon Ab binding were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance using a 7A1–single-chain variable fragment. In addition, a human IgE Ab construct that interferes with mAb 7A1 binding was isolated from a combinatorial phage-display library constructed from a mite-allergic patient and expressed as two recombinant forms (single-chain Fab in Pichia pastoris and Fab in Escherichia coli). These two IgE Ab constructs and the mAb 7A1 failed to recognize two Der p 2 epitope double mutants designed to abolish the allergen–Ab interaction while preserving the fold necessary to bind Abs at other sites of the allergen surface. A 10–100-fold reduction in binding of IgE from allergic subjects to the mutants additionally showed that the residues mutated were involved in IgE Ab binding. In summary, mutagenesis of a Der p 2 epitope defined by x-ray crystallography revealed an IgE Ab binding site that will be considered for the design of hypoallergens for immunotherapy.
Distinct PLZF+CD8αα+ Unconventional T Cells Enriched in Liver Use a Cytotoxic Mechanism to Limit Autoimmunity
Authors: Sheng Huiming , Marrero Idania , Maricic Igor , Fanchiang Shaohsuan S. , Zhang Sai , Sant'Angelo Derek B. , Kumar Vipin
Published: September 2019

Hepatic immune system is uniquely challenged to mount a controlled effector response to pathogens while maintaining tolerance to diet and microbial Ags. We have identified a novel population of innate-like, unconventional CD8αα+TCRαβ+ T cells in naive mice and in human peripheral blood, called CD8αα Tunc, capable of controlling effector T cell responses. They are NK1.1+ (CD161+ in human), express NK-inhibitory receptors, and express the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) transcription factor that distinguishes them from conventional CD8+ T cells. These cells display a cytotoxic phenotype and use a perforin-dependent mechanism to control Ag-induced or T cell–mediated autoimmune diseases. CD8αα Tunc are dependent upon IL-15/IL-2Rβ signaling and PLZF for their development and/or survival. They are Foxp3-negative and their regulatory activity is associated with a functionally distinct Qa-1b–dependent population coexpressing CD11c and CD244. A polyclonal TCR repertoire, an activated/memory phenotype, and the presence of CD8αα Tunc in NKT- and in MAIT-deficient as well as in germ-free mice indicates that these cells recognize diverse self-protein Ags. Our studies reveal a distinct population of unconventional CD8+ T cells within the natural immune repertoire capable of controlling autoimmunity and also providing a new target for therapeutic intervention.
Expressions of TLR4, MyD88, IRAK4 and NF-κΒ in the oviduct of Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii)
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Ao , Zhao Yue , Feng Xiaohang , Sheng Yuyao , Zhang Haolin , Weng Qiang , Xu Meiyu
Published: September 2019

One special physiological phenomenon of the Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii) is that its oviduct goes through expansion prior to pre-hibernation instead of expanding during the breeding period. Our previous study discovered that some cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and its receptor type I (IL1R1) proteins were expressed in the oviduct of Rana dybowskii. In this study, we continued to investigate the localizations and expression levels of cytokines including toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its related factors, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κΒ) in the oviduct of Rana dybowskii during the breeding period and pre-hibernation. Morphological results showed that there were significant differences in oviductal weight and pipe diameter with significantly higher values in pre-hibernation than those of the breeding period. Strong immunostaining of TLR4, MyD88, IRAK4 and NF-κΒ were observed in the pre-hibernation. These proteins levels had no significant difference between these two periods except MyD88 which was significantly higher in the pre-hibernation. The mRNA expression levels of MyD88 and NF-κΒ were obviously higher in pre-hibernation than those of the breeding period. These findings suggested that TLR4/MyD88 signal pathway might participate in the oviductal functions of Rana dybowskii during the breeding period and pre-hibernation.
The Impact of Medical Clowns Exposure over Postoperative Pain and Anxiety in Children and Caregivers: An Israeli Experience
Authors: Newman Nitza , Kogan Slava , Stavsky Moshe , Pintov Shay , Lior Yotam
Published: September 2019

While postoperative pain management was shown to reduce unwanted physiological and emotional outcomes, pediatric postoperative pain management remains suboptimal. Medical-clowns were shown to be beneficial in many medical contexts including reduction of stress, anxiety and pain. This study was set to assess the effectiveness of medical-clowns on pediatric postoperative pain reduction. Children age 4 or above, planned for elective hernia repair surgery were recruited. Children were randomly divided to a control or medicalclown escorted groups. Demographical and clinical data were collected using questionnaires and electronic sheets. Children escorted by clowns reported lower levels of pain upon admittance, discharge and 12-hours post-surgery. Statistically significant reduction of parental distress and significantly higher serum cortisol levels were observed in the clown-therapy group. Although small, our study supports the possibility that preoperative medical-clown therapy might be a cheap, safe and yet beneficial method for postoperative pain reduction.
Treatment Strategy for Pediatric Giant Mucinous Cystadenoma: A Case Report
Authors: Watanabe Shun , Nagashima Shunsuke , Onagi Chihiro , Yamazaki Nobuto , Shimada Shuhei , Sakai Masato , Yanai Shun , Haga Yoichi , Ohara Akira , Kuroiwa Minoru
Published: September 2019

Because of their rarity, the treatment strategy for pediatric ovarian epithelial tumors is controversial, especially for a giant cystadenoma. We report the largest mucinous cystadenoma (MCA) case in the pediatric literature thus far. A 12-year-old girl had abdominal distention and visited our hospital. She had a multilocular cyst with some protuberance on the inside and high values of CA 19-9 and CA-125. We diagnosed her with a left MCA and performed a left oophorectomy. The tumor was the stage IA borderline malignant MCA and weighed 11.8 kg. Five years have passed, the patient has not experienced recurrence or metastasis. The resection of giant tumors can affect respiration and circulation. However, pre- or intra-operative drainage may lead to dissemination and adhesion. When we treat pediatric giant ovarian epithelial tumors, we must understand the findings that suggest the possibility of malignancy to decide appropriately as to whether drainage should be performed.
Schism, syncretism and politics: Derived and implied social model in the self-definition of early Christian orthodoxy
Authors: Rukuni Rugare , Oliver Erna
Published: September 2019

The first 400 years of Christianity posed an intricate scenario of social dynamics. The interplay of these social dynamics or catalysts analogous to time perceivably conceived the political-religious establishment that then forged orthodoxy. The resultant continuum that was consequent of the imperial religious-political merger upon the following eras further established a formative impact of these catalysts. As a revisionist analysis of the era leading up to the Constantinian turn, and a parallel comparison between preceding and following eras, this research proposes an alternate construction to the narrative of Early Christianity orthodoxy. The preceding position derives from the attempt at the development of a modular theory through which Christianity can be analysed. Through document analysis, a literature review was accomplished. The development of early Christianity from inception to 400 CE when deduced against enculturating influences implies a sociological study. From the three perceived phases that Christianity went through, Jewish-Christian schism, Hellenism and then imperial interventional politics, implications can be made upon latter eras and derivations can be deduced from earlier eras. Significantly, there seems to have been a resurgent theme in the person of religious-political institutions that consolidated their positions. The synergy and inevitability of the process that preceded the first ecumenical council are confirmed in both a positive and negative substantiation of the proposed model. The emergent episcopal leadership in Christianity and its consolidation averse to the political dynamics of imperial Rome implied a composite significance of all factors. Similarly, the intransigent nature of certain African Christian elements argues for the inevitability of cultural enculturation as precedent to political definition in the formation of a universal orthodoxy.
Trauma-induced exostosis of multiple suture lines causing partial bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction in a 7-year-old Thoroughbred mare
Authors: Poore Luke A. , Le Roux Christelle , Carstens Ann
Published: September 2019

A definitive diagnosis of extensive suture line exostoses affecting the nasofrontal, nasolacrimal, nasomaxillary, frontolacrimal, lacrimozygomatic and lacrimomaxillary suture lines in a 7-year-old Thoroughbred mare with chronic bilateral epiphora and facial deformation was achieved using standing computed tomography (CT) examinations. Positive contrast dacryocystorhinography using CT revealed partial bilateral obstruction of the nasolacrimal ducts. Minimally displaced depression fractures of the right nasal bone, the right maxillary bone and right frontal bone were also demonstrated. The cosmetic appearance of the periosteal reaction associated with the suture line exostosis and epiphora significantly improved within 3 months of diagnosis and treatment.
Counterexamples to the complement problem
Authors: Poloni Pierre-Marie
Published: September 2019

We provide explicit counterexamples to the so-called Complement Problem in every dimension

n\geq3

, i.e. pairs of nonisomorphic irreducible algebraic hypersurfaces

H_1, H_2\subset\mathbb C^{n}

whose complements

\mathbb C^{n}\setminus H_1

and

\mathbb C^{n}\setminus H_2

are isomorphic. Since we can arrange that one of the hypersurfaces is singular whereas the other is smooth, we also have counterexamples in the analytic setting.
Аналог теоремы о двух константах и оптимальное восстановление аналитических функций
Authors: Akopyan Roman Razmikovich
Published: September 2019

Исследуется несколько взаимосвязанных экстремальных задач для аналитических функций
в односвязной области $G$ c жордановой спрямляемой границей $\Gamma$. Получено точное неравенство между значением аналитической функции в области и интегральными с весом нормами ее граничных значений
$$
|f(z)|\le \mathscr{C}^{r,q}(z;\gamma_0,\varphi_0;\gamma_1,\varphi_1) \|f\|^\alpha_{L^q_{\varphi_1}(\gamma_1)}\|f\|^{1-\alpha}_{L^r_{\varphi_0}(\gamma_0)}
$$
на двух измеримых подмножествах $\gamma_1$ и $\gamma_0=\Gamma\setminus\gamma_1$ границы области,
являющееся аналогом теоремы братьев Неванлинна о двух константах. Решены соответствующие задачи оптимального восстановления функции по приближенно заданным граничным значениям на $\gamma_1$
и наилучшего приближения функционала аналитического продолжения функции в область с части границы $\gamma_1$.
Библиография: 35 названий.
О некоторых свойствах вложений перестановочно-инвариантных пространств
Authors: Astashkin Sergei Vladimirovich , Semenov Evgenii Mikhailovich
Published: September 2019

Пусть $E$ и $F$ - перестановочно-инвариантные пространства на $[0,1]$, $E\subset F$. Это вложение называется строгим, если функции из единичного шара пространства $E$ имеют равностепенно абсолютно непрерывные нормы в $F$. Получены необходимые и достаточные условия строгости вложения для основных классов перестановочно-инвариантных пространств, а также изучены связи этого понятия с другими свойствами вложений, прежде всего со свойством дизъюнктной строгой сингулярности. В заключительной части работы получена характеризация свойства строгого вложения в терминах интерполяционных пространств.
Библиография: 23 названия.
Критерий срезанности нечетных свободных узлов
Authors: Manturov Vassily Olegovich , Fedoseev Denis Alexandrovich
Published: September 2019

Задача о конкордантности и кобордантности узлов является известной классической задачей маломерной топологии. Цель настоящей работы - показать, что для нечетных свободных узлов - свободных узлов со всеми нечетными перекрестками - вопрос о срезанности (конкордантности тривиальному узлу) имеет непосредственный ответ, основанный на возможности или невозможности спаривания хорд диаграммы узла.
Библиография: 8 названий.
Pávlov en el Caribe o la nueva psiquiatría revolucionaria cubana (1959-1969)
Authors: Ladrón de Guevara Marzal Javier , Caponi Sandra
Published: September 2019

Na década de 1960, no início da Revolução, a Psiquiatria Cubana sofreu uma transformação radical. Enquanto em Cuba o modelo soviético foi copiado e o governo declarou o socialismo como a única alternativa política, os psiquiatras cubanos que apoiavam o marxismo-leninismo ocuparam as principais posições de poder. Deste modo, o pavlovismo e a reflexologia foram estabelecidos como as únicas teorias que permitiram guiar a clínica psiquiátrica. O objetivo deste ensaio é analisar o contexto histórico e sociopolítico em que o marxismo-leninismo se tornou a referência fundamental da psiquiatria cubana nos primeiros anos da Revolução.
Desemprego, juventude e crise estrutural do capital: o precariado na cena contemporânea
Authors: Gomes Hellen Bastos , Oliveira Selma Suely Baçal de , Andrade Márcia Irene Pereira
Published: September 2019

Discutir acerca do conceito precariado não é modismo. Trata-se de um debate sobre o entendimento da geopolítica do capital em tempos de crise e de conflito potencial. Com base em autores como István Mészáros (2009), Giovani Alves (2007, 2012, 2013), Mandel (1990) entre outros. Destaca-se que o objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre a relação entre a expansão do ensino superior, crise estrutural do capital e suas implicações na visibilidade do precariado. A metodologia utilizada é de caráter qualitativo, a partir de análise documental e resultados de pesquisa empírica, com vistas a indicar a premência em se discutir acerca do precariado e sua relação com a expansão da educação superior no Brasil num contexto de crise estrutural do capital e neoliberalismo. Os resultados, apontam como tendência que o processo expansionista da educação superior no atual momento histórico mais do que se constituir em uma possibilidade de emancipação humana, encontra-se sob a regência do capital e se transmuta em uma mercadoria barata, de fácil consumo e de pouco conteúdo e isso se espraia dessa forma em todos os níveis do sistema de ensino brasileiro cuja visibilidade reside no precariado.
A Teoria APOS nas teses e dissertações defendidas em Programas de Pós-Graduação nas áreas de Educação Matemática ou Ensino de Ciências e Matemática
Authors: Messias Maria Alice de Vasconcelos Feio , Brandemberg João Cláudio
Published: September 2019

Apresentamos nesse artigo um levantamento das teses e dissertações defendidas no Brasil que tiveram a Teoria APOS como suporte teórico. Para tanto, buscamos no catálogo de teses e dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) trabalhos que contemplassem a referida teoria em sua fundamentação teórica. O termo ‘Teoria APOS’ foi definido como chave de pesquisa, de maneira que consideramos os trabalhos desenvolvidos em Programas de Pós-Graduação vinculados à área de Educação Matemática ou Ensino de Ciências e Matemática. Nessas condições, observamos que 8 dissertações e 3 teses foram defendidas no período de 2010 a 2017.  Evidenciamos que tais pesquisas foram realizadas em três instituições, sendo uma delas localizada na região sudeste, e as outras duas, na região sul do país. Os objetos de pesquisa desses trabalhos foram pautados, principalmente, na concepção de estudantes acerca de determinados conhecimentos matemáticos sob o ponto de vista da teoria APOS.
Burkina Faso - Staff Assessment of Qualification for the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Burkina Faso reached the completion point under the enhanced HIPC Initiative on April 12, 2002. Staff is of the view that all criteria have been met and recommends that the Board determine that Burkina Faso qualifies for immediate debt relief under the MDRI.
Are Fund Staff Projections of Debt More Optimistic Under Program Contexts?
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This note examines whether projections made in the context of a Fund-supported program are systematically more optimistic than those done for surveillance cases. Of particular interest in this regard is the assessment of external debt sustainability, as this underlies the "capacity to repay the Fund" analysis. Accordingly, this note examines debt projections over the period 1990-2004, with data for transition countries beginning in 1995.
The Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (G-8 Proposal) and Its Implications for the Fund - Further Considerations - Supplement on Financing Arrangements
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This supplement discusses the financial structure for the implementation of the G-8 debt relief proposal or Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). Implementation of the MDRI will require action by the Executive Board and by contributions to the Subsidy Account of the PRGF Trust. To be in a position to deliver debt relief under the MDRI by the beginning of 2006 will require the early adoption by the Board of a number of decisions. It will also require the timely consent by all contributors to the Subsidy Account of the PRGF Trust to an amendment of the PRGF Trust Instrument that would allow the transfer of a portion of their resources to a new administered account for use in providing MDRI debt relief to HIPCs with incomes above the MDRI threshold.
Review of PRGF-HIPC Financing, the Adequacy of the Reserve Account of the PRGF Trust, and Subsidization of Emergency Assistance
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Provides the basis for the semi-annual decision on the adequacy of the Reserve Account of the PRGF Trust. It also updates the status of resources for financing PRGF operations and the HIPC Initiative and bilateral contributions to the subsidization of emergency assistance.
The Fund's Transparency Policy - Proposed Amendments
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Provides a commentary on the main policy changes agreed by Executive Directors, provides a commentary on other amendments, many of which are designed to implement policy changes already agreed by the Executive Board in other contexts or to clarify the implementation of existing policies. Explains the original staff proposals that are not being retained. Reviews changes and clarifications endorsed by the Board that do not require an amendment to the transparency policy decision.
Sixth Review of the Fund's Data Standards Initiatives
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

The Data Standards Initiatives, the SDDS and the GDDS, have achieved the goals the Executive Board set in its Fifth Review of July 2003. The staff sees the next three years as a period of consolidating these gains by maintaining the credibility of the SDDS through improved monitoring of countries’ observance of its requirements, and further integrating both the SDDS and GDDS under the Fund’s Data Quality Program (DQP) by aligning their structure with the Fund’s Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF). The staff proposes to include no new data categories in the SDDS and GDDS. Instead, the staff proposes to deepen descriptive information on how countries cover oil and gas activities and products in selected existing data categories.
Safeguards Assessments - Review of Experience
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

The safeguards assessments policy was introduced in March 2000 to provide reasonable assurance that central banks have adequate financial control systems in place to manage their resources and Fund disbursements. The safeguards policy’s main objective is to minimize the possibility of misreporting or misuse of Fund resources associated with the Fund’s lending activities. Safeguards assessments apply to all member countries that have a Fund arrangement.
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative - Statistical Update
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This document updates the information provided in the September 2005 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative – Status of Implementation report. It deals exclusively with the enhanced HIPC Initiative, and does not consider the implications of the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI).
Independent Evaluation Office - Evaluation of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP)
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This evaluation assesses the effectiveness of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) from the perspective of the IMF. A parallel evaluation by the World Bank’s OED assesses the World Bank’s role. The FSAP was established in 1999 to provide advice to strengthen the financial systems of member countries by facilitating early detection of financial sector vulnerabilities and helping to identify financial sector development needs
Quota and Voice Reform - Stocktaking and Further Considerations, Statistical Appendices I and II, Statement by the Managing Director, and Summing Up of the Board Meeting
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

At its Spring Meeting, the IMFC reiterated the importance of implementing the program of quota and voice reforms in line with the timetable set out by the Board of Governors in Singapore. The Committee welcomed the initial informal Board discussions on a new quota formula and stressed the importance of agreeing on a new formula, which should be simple and transparent and should capture members’ relative positions in the world economy. It noted that this reform would result in higher shares for dynamic economies, many of which are emerging market economies, whose weight and role in the global economy have increased. The Committee also stressed the importance of enhancing the voice and participation of low-income countries, a key issue for which is an increase in basic votes, at a minimum preserving the voting share of low-income countries. The Committee called on the Executive Board to continue its work on the reform package as a matter of priority.
Quotas - Updated Calculations and Data Adjustments
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper presents the results of updating the data set for quota calculations through 2005. The updated data set would provide the basis for the next round of discussions on quota and voice reforms. The paper also revisits the issue of data adjustments. Consideration of a broader range of specifications for a new quota formula is left for the next paper on quota and voice reforms being issued concurrently.
Technical Assistance Evaluation Program - Findings of Evaluations and Updated Program - Mid-Term Evaluation of Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

CARTAC, the second of the regional technical assistance centers, was created with singular emphasis on ownership of technical assistance by the beneficiary countries. To this end, it was structured as a UNDP project with the IMF as Executing Agency and with a Steering Committee empowered to give strategic guidance to the program and select its senior staff from short lists provided by the IMF. With the spread of the RTAC modality, the IMF has sought to bring the Centers' activities within the ambit of overall resource planning for technical assistance, ensure consistency with the institution's view on priorities for technical assistance in the countries concerned, and tighten quality control through backstopping. This has created the potential for conflict with the relative independence that CARTAC has enjoyed from its inception. The conclusion in this report, however, is that alignment with the IMF does not necessarily undermine country ownership and that the Steering Committee can play a pivotal role in defusing any tension that may arise.
Technical Assistance Evaluation Program - Findings of Evaluations and Updated Program - Evaluation of the Technical Assistance Subaccount for Iraq
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Key Messages

• The Iraq Subaccount is a good example of donor coordination as expressed in the Paris Declaration.
• Overall, the TAs funded from the Iraq TA Subaccount were successful, relevant, efficient and effective.
• Ensuring long-term sustainability requires maintaining an adequate the level of TA activity in the future.
• There were instances where more pro-active donor coordination was needed to build synergies to achieve development results.
• While the offsite modality was fairly effective and cost efficient and delivered value for money, the limits of this model will be stretched as IMF moves from policy and operational advice and training to greater emphasis on supporting the implementation of policies and procedures.
• The Fund’s internal monitoring needs to be strengthened, particularly the TA Information Management System. Reforms in this area are on track, supported by Fund management, and improvements are expected by 1 May 2008.
• The Fund’s TA evaluation framework needs to be strengthened by instituting a system of self assessments of all completed TAs and developing guidelines for the ex-post evaluation of TAs. Work in these areas is planned.
• The Fund delivered slightly more internally funded TA to Iraq than originally planned.
Safeguards Assessments—2009 Update
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper provides Executive Directors with an update of safeguards assessment activities from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. In common with previous updates, it covers the various types of safeguards activities undertaken during the year, highlighting the increased activity associated with the “twin crises” of food and fuel price shocks and the global financial crisis during 2008/09. It also briefly discusses developments in the latter part of that year, including the separate safeguards procedures introduced for members accessing the Flexible Credit Line (FCL).
Statement by the Managing Director on the Work Program of the Executive Board Executive Board Meeting November 4, 2009
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

The Fund, called on to support a global response to the global crisis, has delivered with strengthened surveillance, policy advice and financing with modernized instruments. As I noted in Istanbul, where the membership expressed its appreciation for these accomplishments, we need to focus in the months ahead on four key reform areas—the Istanbul decisions, namely our mandate, our financing role, multilateral surveillance, and governance—while supporting the consolidation of the nascent upturn and helping to establish a stronger post-crisis global economy. Building on the work that we have completed in recent months (Table 1), the noncountry work program set out in Table 2 (which leaves aside country items such as Article IVs and program reviews) aims to accomplish these objectives. This work program is no less ambitious and taxing than the one we have just completed, but I am sure that we can successfully meet this challenge.
Creating Policy Space - Responsive Design and Streamlined Conditionality in Recent Low-Income Country Programs
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

An analysis of recent programs in low-income countries, covering countries with continuous program engagement with the IMF throughout the period 2007-09, shows that program design has been adapted to provide expanded policy space in response to the food and fuel price shocks of 2007-08 and to the global financial crisis that followed. The analysis also finds that structural conditionality in Fund-supported programs in low-income countries has become more streamlined, with a dominant focus on public sector resource management and accountability.
Revised Approach to Financial Regulation and Supervision Standards Assessments in FSAP Updates
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

The Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) is a central instrument for the Fund and Bank to promote financial sector soundness in member countries. The FSAP uses quantitative analysis and qualitative tools to help identify the risks and vulnerabilities of a country’s financial system, ascertain the sector’s developmental needs, and prioritize policy responses. Detailed assessments of the observance of relevant financial sector standards and codes, and the associated Reports on Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSCs) have been an important component of the FSAP.
Guidance Note for Fund Staff on the Treatment and Use of SDR Allocations
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, the IMF has decided to implement a US$250 billion general allocation of special drawing rights (SDRs). In addition, the Fourth Amendment of the Fund’s Articles of Agreement has recently become effective, and will make available to SDR Department participants a special allocation of up to an additional SDR 21.5 billion (US$33 billion). Nearly US$115 billion of these combined allocations will go to emerging market and developing countries, including about US$20 billion to low-income countries (LICs), thereby providing an important boost to the reserves of countries with the greatest needs.
Debt Limits in Fund-Supported Programs - Proposed New Guidelines - Supplementary Information and Proposed Decision
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This supplement summarizes the reforms proposed in IMF (2009a, b)1 to the existing framework governing external debt limits in Fund-supported programs, and presents the proposed decision that is needed to implement these reforms. The supplement is organized as follows: Section II provides a brief commentary on the proposed decision, emphasizing key aspects of the proposed reforms set out in IMF (2009a, b) 1. Section III contains the proposed decision approving the new guidelines on external debt in Fund arrangements. The proposed new guidelines are included in the Attachment to the decision.
Borrowing Agreement with the Government of France
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In light of the multilateral effort to ensure the adequacy of the financial resources available to the International Monetary Fund , and with a view to supporting the Fund’s ability to provide timely and effective balance of payments assistance to its members, France agrees to lend to the Fund an SDR-denominated amount up to the equivalent of EUR 11.06 billion, on the terms and conditions set out in this report.
IMF Governance-Summary of Issues and Reform Options
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper summarizes the main governance challenges and reform options facing the IMF, drawing together the analysis and reform proposals in the reports of the Eminent Persons Group (headed by Trevor Manuel), the IEO, and a range of other recent work on Fund governance. Lest the wide scope of these inputs result in a laundry list, judgment has been exercised in selecting key issues and proposals, and in laying out some of the pros and cons. With reform of quotas/voting power on a separate track, the focus here is on the institutional framework through which members express voting power, weaknesses in which are seen by many to have eroded the Fund’s legitimacy and effectiveness, thereby displacing the debate and initiative to outside entities. While an overall reform package would have to include quota shares, the key proposals discussed here aim to: increase political engagement and oversight; enhance Executive Board effectiveness and representation; modify voting rules; better delineate responsibilities; open up management selection; and tackle problems with mandate and institutional culture that limit the issues and approaches taken.

Civil society has expressed a range of concerns related to IMF governance, including with regard to accountability at all levels (IMFC, Executive Board, management, and staff), mechanisms for responding to complaints and feedback from the broader public, and transparency. Given the diversity of their interests, and to provide unfiltered access to CSO views, the supplement: Fourth Pillar Recommendations from Civil Society; Preliminary Summary of Principles, Issues and Recommendations; has been prepared by CSO groups.
A New Architecture of Facilities for Low-Income Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper proposes a new facilities architecture for Low-Income Countries. It is based on "Option 2" set out in the framework paper discussed by the Executive Board on March 20, 2009. The new architecture provides a unified facilities framework for LICs under a new Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT). The facilities are distinguished primarily by the duration of the financing and adjustment needs and the conditionality standard.
Proposal for a General Allocation of SDRs
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Faced with a global crisis of exceptional magnitude, the membership of the IMF has called for ambitious steps to strengthen the global financial safety net. These include, alongside efforts to strengthen the Fund’s lending capacity, an allocation of SDRs equivalent to US$250 billion to become effective well before the 2009 Annual Meetings. This call recognized that an SDR allocation is a prime example of cooperative monetary response to a global predicament. As such it would build confidence by adding to other concrete evidence of the international community’s commitment to a collaborative response to the crisis. This paper follows up on the IMFC’s request, in its Spring 2009 communiqué, for the IMF to put forward a concrete proposal assessing the case for such a US$250 billion allocation and describing how it could be implemented.
Statement by the Managing Director on the Work Program of the Executive Board - Executive Board Meeting - June 3, 2009
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Against the backdrop of a global economic crisis, the IMFC has underscored the Fund’s central role in responding to its membership’s needs and restoring prosperity and financial stability. The Fund has acted with alacrity—by overhauling its lending framework; mobilizing strong support and firm pledges toward a tripling of its resources; and continuing to strengthen the quality of its surveillance. The work program is heavy, reflecting the responsibilities assigned to the Fund by the international community and the needs of our membership.
Borrowing Agreement with Norges Bank
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper presents for the approval of the Executive Board a draft borrowing agreement between Norges Bank and the Fund. On March 28, the Finance Minister of Norway announced that the Ministry of Finance and Norges Bank (the central bank of Norway) were exploring a possible Norwegian contribution of up to 30 billion Norwegian kroner (about US$4.5 billion or SDR 3 billion) of financial resources to the IMF to support the Fund’s ability to provide timely and effective balance of payments assistance to its members in the current crisis. Staff and Norges Bank representatives have now reached agreement on a draft borrowing agreement, the text of which is set forth in the Attachment (“the Agreement”).
Key Developments in IMF Policy Work--October 12, 2008-April 22, 2009
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper summarizes key developments in the Fund’s policy work since the 2008 Annual Meetings. Table 1 presents key conclusions of policy initiatives. Table 2 provides a progress report on implementation of the Fund’s surveillance priorities.
GRA Lending Toolkit and Conditionality-Reform Proposals
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) considered a series of papers to reform the Fund's nonconcessional lending framework. This culminated in the approval of a major overhaul of the IMF’s lending framework, including the creation of a new Flexible Credit Line (FCL). The changes to the IMF’s lending framework which are described in GRA Lending Toolkit and Conditionality—Reform Proposalsand GRA Lending Toolkit and Conditionality—Reform Proposals—Revised Proposed Decisions include:
• modernizing IMF conditionality for all borrowers,
• introducing a new Flexible Credit Line,
• enhancing the flexibility of the Fund’s traditional stand-by arrangement,
• doubling normal access limits for nonconessional resources,
• simplifying cost and maturity structures, and
• eliminating certain seldom-used facilities.
The series of papers are: Review of Fund Facilities—Analytical Basis for Fund Lending and Reform Options, Conditionality in fund-Supported Programs—Purposes, Modalities and Options for Reform, Charges and Maturities and Proposals for Reform, Supplement 1 and Supplement 2, Review of Fund Facilities—Analytical Basis for Fund Lending and Reform Options, and Review of Limits on Access to Financing in the Credit Tranches and Under the Extended Fund Facility, and Overall Access Limits Under the General Resources Account provide the background on the earlier discussion of reforms in each of these areas.
Establishment of a New Framework Administered Account for Selected Fund Activities
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper proposes the approval of an instrument for the establishment of a new framework administered account to administer external financial resources for selected Fund activities (the “SFA Instrument”). The SFA Instrument is designed to provide a more flexible platform through which the Fund may attract donor resources and meet the demand for its technical assistance (TA) and other activities.
Survey of Private Sector Trade Credit Developments
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In response to the dearth of information on trade finance, the Fund has undertaken a survey of major advanced country and emerging market banks. The results suggest that the cost of trade finance is rising globally, but that provision is falling in emerging markets while staying stable in advanced countries, possibly reflecting structural differences in markets.
Key Trends in the Implementation of the Fund's Transparency Policy
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

At the time of the 2005 review of the Fund’s transparency policy, it was agreed that information on key trends in implementation of the transparency policy would be circulated to the Board regularly, along with lists indicating the publication status of reports discussed by the Board.

The set of tables provided in this report updates the last Key Trends 2 with information on documents published through December 2007. An update will continue to be issued annually to the Executive Board.
IMF Quota and Governance Reform - Elements of an Agreement
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper sets out, and seeks to make operational, a core package for the consideration of the Executive Board and, subsequently, the Board of Governors. The reforms would lead to a major overhaul of the Fund’s quotas and governance, strengthening the Fund’s legitimacy and effectiveness. The paper proposes completion of the 14th General Review of Quotas with a doubling of quotas and a major realignment of quota shares among members. It also covers proposals that would lead to a more representative, all-elected Executive Board.
Fourteenth General Review of Quotas - Further Considerations
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper provides the basis for the next round of discussions on the 14th General Review of Quotas. The Committee of the Whole (COW) has so far met three times this year: in March and July to consider the realignment of quota shares, and in April for an initial discussion on the size of the overall increase. Directors also met informally with the Managing Director on July 22 to take stock of the remaining issues, keeping in mind the tight timetable for completing the review and the need for flexibility and compromise from all sides. As discussed at the informal meeting, the Board recess provided an opportunity to take stock of the different positions and seek guidance from capitals on possible ways forward, with the goal of reaching a pragmatic solution that could bridge the remaining gaps within the relatively short period of time still available.
The Safeguards Policy - Independent Panel's Advisory Report
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In March 2009, the Fund established a new Framework Administered Account to administer external financial resources for selected Fund Activities (the “SFA Instrument”). The financing of activities under the terms of the SFA Instrument is implemented through the establishment and operation of a subaccount within the SFA. This paper requests Executive Board approval to establish the Kuwait Subaccount for Selected Fund Activities (the “Subaccount”) under the terms of the SFA instrument.
The Challenge of Public Pension Reform in Advanced and Emerging Economies
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper reviews past trends in public pension spending and provides projections for 27 advanced and 25 emerging economies over 2011–2050. In constructing these projections, the paper incorporates the impact of recent pension reforms and highlights the key assumptions underlying these projections and associated risks. The paper also presents reform options to address future pension spending pressures in the advanced and emerging economies. These reforms—mainly increasing retirement ages, reducing replacement rates, or increasing payroll taxes—are discussed in the context of their role in fiscal consolidation, and their implications for both equity and economic growth. In addition, the paper examines the challenge of emerging economies of expanding coverage in a fiscally sustainable manner
Mapping Cross-Border Financial Linkages - A Supporting Case for Global Financial Safety Nets
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper maps cross-border financial linkages and identifies factors that drive them, contributing to the discussion on the appropriate design of a global financial safety net (GFSN). It builds on previous staff work and complements the findings of the companion paper on the Analytics of Systemic Crises and the Role of Global Financial Safety Nets. This paper notes the growing roles of financial linkages and complexity in injecting latent instability into the global financial system, underscoring the value of a GFSN design that is effective in forestalling the risk that a localized liquidity shock propagates through the global financial network turning into a large-scale systemic crisis.
Small States Resilience to Natural Disasters and Climate Change - Role for the IMF
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Small developing states are disproportionately vulnerable to natural disasters. On average, the annual cost of disasters for small states is nearly 2 percent of GDP—more than four times that for larger countries. This reflects a higher frequency of disasters, adjusted for land area, as well as greater vulnerability to severe disasters. About 9 percent of disasters in small states involve damage of more than 30 percent of GDP, compared to less than 1 percent for larger states. Greater exposure to disasters has important macroeconomic effects on small states, resulting in lower investment, lower GDP per capita, higher poverty, and a more volatile revenue base.