Stellar population of the Rosette Nebula and NGC 2244: application of the probabilistic random forest

(Abridged) In this work, we study the 2.8x2.6 deg2 region in the emblematic Rosette Nebula, centred at the young cluster NGC 2244, with the aim of constructing the most reliable candidate member list to date, determining various structural and kinematic parameters, and learning about the past and the future of the region. Starting from a catalogue containing optical to mid-infrared photometry, as well as positions and proper motions from Gaia EDR3, we apply the Probabilistic Random Forest algorithm and derive membership probability for each source. Based on the list of almost 3000 probable members, of which about a third are concentrated within the radius of 20' from the centre of NGC 2244, we identify various clustered sources and stellar concentrations, and estimate the average distance of 1489+-37 pc (entire region), 1440+-32 pc (NGC 2244) and 1525+-36 pc (NGC 2237). The masses, extinction, and ages are derived by SED fitting, and the internal dynamic is assessed via proper motions relative to the mean proper motion of NGC 2244. NGC 2244 is showing a clear expansion pattern, with an expansion velocity that increases with radius. Its IMF is well represented by two power laws (dN/dM\propto M^{-\alpha}), with slopes \alpha = 1.05+-0.02 for the mass range 0.2 - 1.5 MSun, and \alpha = 2.3+-0.3 for the mass range 1.5 - 20 MSun, in agreement with other star forming regions. The mean age of the region is ~2 Myr. We find evidence for the difference in ages between NGC 2244 and the region associated with the molecular cloud, which appears slightly younger. The velocity dispersion of NGC 2244 is well above the virial velocity dispersion derived from the total mass (1000+-70 MSun) and half-mass radius (3.4+-0.2 pc). From the comparison to other clusters and to numerical simulations, we conclude that NGC 2244 may be unbound, and possibly even formed in a super-virial state.Comment: 30 pages, 28 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

A visão dos professores quanto ao processo de ensino e de aprendizagem do Basquetebol nas aulas de Educação Física: A realidade de Volta Redonda/RJ

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo geral investigar a visão dos professores acerca do processo de ensino e de aprendizagem do basquetebol nas aulas de Educação Física em ambiente escolar. Participaram da pesquisa docentes das instituições públicas e privadas do município de Volta Redonda/RJ/Brasil em turmas do 6º ao 9º ano do ensino fundamental. Tratou-se de um estudo quanti-qualitativo com análise de conteúdo e, como procedimento de coleta de dados, foram entrevistados sessenta docentes que opinaram acerca da questão investigada. Verificou-se a realidade do desenvolvimento do basquetebol não somente na condição de conteúdo das aulas da Educação Física, mas também numa dimensão que transpõe os limites escolares, onde o esporte representa significativo papel na sociedade. Ações conjuntas no sentido de oportunizar o crescimento do basquetebol como conteúdo das aulas de Educação Física podem representar um caminho para a descrição da sua aplicação em todos os contextos, embora não se deva abrir mão da relevância da disciplina no cenário escolar em favor da obtenção de resultados em competições esportivas

Genetic association studies in obsessive-compulsive disorder

BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) segregates in families. It follows a complex model of genetic transmission, which involves the influence of several small effect genes interacting with the environment. METHODS: A systematic review of genetic association studies in OCD was performed. Articles published until 2012 were searched in the databases PubMed, Embase and SciELO using the terms of MeSH and its associates or synonyms for obsessive-compulsive disorder, gene and genetic association studies. RESULTS: We selected 105 papers and described their main results grouped as genes related to: serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, GABA, white matter, immune system, hormones and other genes. CONCLUSION: There is high variability between findings of association studies among the several candidate genes studied in OCD. Glutamate-related genes are promising candidates for OCD, but there is no conclusive association between any of the candidate genes studied and OCD. Association studies with large sample size, evaluation of more homogeneous subgroups of phenotype and meta-analyses are still needed.INTRODUÇÃO: O caráter familial do transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC) já é bem estabelecido. Ele segue o modelo complexo de transmissão genética que envolve a influência de diversos genes de pequeno efeito em interação com o ambiente. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de estudos de associação genética com o TOC por meio de busca de artigos publicados até 2012 nas bases de dados: PubMed, Embase e SciELO, usando os termos MeSH, seus associados ou sinônimos para obsessive-compulsive disorder, gene e genetic association studies. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 105 artigos cujos principais resultados foram agrupados em grupos de genes relacionados a serotonina, dopamina, glutamato, GABA, substância branca, hormônios, sistema imune e outros genes (MAO-A, BNDF, COMT). CONCLUSÃO: Há grande variabilidade nos achados de estudos de associação entre os diversos genes candidatos estudados e o TOC. Genes relacionados às vias glutamatérgicas são candidatos promissores, porém não há associação conclusiva entre nenhum dos genes candidatos estudados e o TOC. Estudos de associação com grande tamanho amostral, avaliação de subgrupos mais homogêneos do fenótipo e metanálises ainda são necessários.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Departamento e Instituto de PsiquiatriaUniversidade Federal da Bahia Serviço Médico Universitário Dr. Rubens BrasilUFBA Faculdade de Medicina Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde MentalUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de PsiquiatriaUNIFESP, Depto. de PsiquiatriaSciEL

Attenuated PGC-1 alpha Isoforms following Endurance Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction

Introduction: Exercise performed with blood flow restriction simultaneously enhances the acute responses to both myogenic and mitochondrial pathways with roles in training adaptation. We investigated isoform-specific gene expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) coactivator 1 and selected target genes and proteins regulating skeletal muscle training adaptation. Methods: 9 healthy, untrained males participated in a randomized, counter-balanced, cross-over design in which each subject completed a bout of low-intensity endurance exercise performed with blood flow restriction (15 min cycling at 40% of VO2peak, BFR-EE), endurance exercise (30 min cycling at 70% of VO2peak, EE) or resistance exercise (4 x 10 repetitions of leg press at 70% of 1-repetition maximum, RE) separated by at least one week recovery. A single resting muscle biopsy (vastus lateralis) was obtained two weeks before the first exercise trial (rest) and 3 h after each boat. Results: Total PGC-1α mRNA abundance, along with all four isoforms, increased above rest with EE only (P<0.05) being higher than BFR-EE (P<0.05). PGC-1α1, 2 and 4 were higher after EE compared to RE (P<0.05). EE also increased VEGF, Hif-1α and MuRF-1 mRNA abundance above rest (P<0.05) while COXIV mRNA expression increased with EE compared to BFR-EE (P<0.05). Conclusion: The attenuated expression of all four PGC- 1α isoforms when endurance exercise is performed with blood flow restriction suggests this type of exercise provides an insufficient stimulus to activate the signaling pathways governing mitochondrial and angiogenesis responses observed with moderate- to high intensity endurance exercise

A Stochastic Bi-objective Location Model for Reverse Logistics

Se presenta un modelo estocástico bietapa con dos criteros (coste, efecto obnoxio) para el diseño de una red de recogida de residuos

Photovoice como estratégia de intervenção socioeducativa com crianças, jovens e pessoas idosas: perspetivas de futuros Educadores Sociais

O photovoice é uma metodologia de investigação-ação participativa que permite a partilha de conceções e experiências vividas através de fotografias com o propósito de melhorar aspetos das comunidades em que é desenvolvido. O seu uso tem sido privilegiado em comunidades marginalizadas ou em desvantagem. É uma das metodologias apresentadas na formação de Educadores Sociais da Escola Superior de Educação de Viseu, dada a sua difusão quer como ferramenta de intervenção quer como instrumento de investigação. Durante a formação destes profissionais, é importante criar situações e usar metodologias em que os estudantes possam considerar a sua própria atuação e refletir criticamente sobre crenças fundamentais relacionadas com a realidade e com os contextos de intervenção. Várias experiências internacionais e nacionais têm revelado vantagens importantes da utilização pedagógica do photovoice no ensino superior. Este estudo procurou caraterizar as perspetivas de estudantes do 3.º ano da licenciatura no final do seu curso sobre a metodologia enquanto estratégia de intervenção socioeducativa, no que diz respeito à experiência de utilização da metodologia num trabalho realizado no âmbito das unidades curriculares de Intervenção socioeducativa com crianças e jovens e Intervenção socioeducativa com pessoas idosas, e às possibilidades de utilização da metodologia no futuro profissional. Ambos os conjuntos de dados foram sujeitos a uma análise de conteúdo que demonstrou que os participantes consideram vantagens significativas na utilização da metodologia quer como estratégia formativa quer como estratégia de intervenção profissional.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mechanical behaviour of corrugated laminates

The present research work intends to perform a wide set of structural analyses upon corrugated composite laminated panels and based on these analyses, to assess their mechanical response in correspondence to the constructive solutions, which may range from the composite materials selection to the geometrical features and other modelling parameters. To improve the mechanical performance of those panels one may consider enhancing their geometrical characteristics, their corrugation shape configuration and the materials used to build them. In this latter case, when considering materials selection, laminated composites may also constitute an important alternative. In any case it is considered necessary to assess the impact that each of these parameters may have in the static and in the free vibration behaviour of the structures, in a comprehensive and detailed way. To achieve the main objective of this research work, a comprehensive and diversified set of case studies is considered in order to characterize the influence that each of the modelling, material and geometrical parameters and characteristics may have in the mechanical response of a corrugated panel. This study allowed concluding that for the wide set of design parameters considered, the fibre orientation and corrugation parameters are the ones responsible for the majority of the significantly improved performances.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Acute changes in serum and skeletal muscle steroids in resistance-trained men

IntroductionResistance exercise can significantly increase serum steroid concentrations after an exercise bout. Steroid hormones are involved in the regulation of several important bodily functions (e.g., muscle growth) through both systemic delivery and local production. Thus, we aimed to determine whether resistance exercise-induced increases in serum steroid hormone concentrations are accompanied by enhanced skeletal muscle steroid concentrations, or whether muscle contractions per se induced by resistance exercise can increase intramuscular steroid concentrations.MethodsA counterbalanced, within-subject, crossover design was applied. Six resistance-trained men (26 ± 5 years; 79 ± 8 kg; 179 ± 10 cm) performed a single-arm lateral raise exercise (10 sets of 8 to 12 RM - 3 min rest between sets) targeting the deltoid muscle followed by either squat exercise (10 sets of 8 to 12 RM - 1 min rest) to induce a hormonal response (high hormone [HH] condition) or rest (low hormone [LH] condition). Blood samples were obtained pre-exercise and 15 min and 30 min post-exercise; muscle specimens were harvested pre-exercise and 45 min post-exercise. Immunoassays were used to measure serum and muscle steroids (total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dihydrotestosterone, and cortisol; free testosterone measured only in serum and dehydroepiandrosterone only in muscle) at these time points.ResultsIn the serum, only cortisol significantly increased after the HH protocol. There were no significant changes in muscle steroid concentrations after the protocols.DiscussionOur study provides evidence that serum steroid concentration increases (cortisol only) seem not to be aligned with muscle steroid concentrations. The lack of change in muscle steroid after protocols suggests that resistance-trained individuals were desensitized to the exercise stimuli. It is also possible that the single postexercise timepoint investigated in this study might be too early or too late to observe changes. Thus, additional timepoints should be examined to determine if RE can indeed change muscle steroid concentrations either by skeletal muscle uptake of these hormones or the intramuscular steroidogenesis process