2,734 research outputs found
Radio polarization maps of shell-type SNRs II. Sedov models with evolution of turbulent magnetic field
Polarized radio emission has been mapped with great detail in several
Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs), but has not yet been exploited to the
extent it deserves. We have developed a method to model maps of the Stokes
parameters for shell-like SNRs during their Sedov evolution phase. At first,
3-dimensional structure of a SNR has been computed, by modeling the
distribution of the magnetohydrodynamic parameters and of the accelerated
particles. The generation and dissipation of the turbulent component of
magnetic field everywhere in SNR are also considered taking into account its
interaction with accelerated particles. Then, in order to model the emission,
we have used a generalization of the classical synchrotron theory, valid for
the case in which the magnetic field has ordered and disordered components.
Finally, 2-dimensional projected maps have been derived, for different
orientations of SNR and of interstellar magnetic field with respect to the
observer. An important effect to consider is the Faraday rotation of the
polarization planes inside the SNR interior. In this paper we present details
of the model, and describe general properties of the images.Comment: accepted in MNRA
Modeling non-thermal emission from stellar bow shocks
Runaway O- and early B-type stars passing throughout the interstellar medium
at supersonic velocities and characterized by strong stellar winds may produce
bow shocks that can serve as particle acceleration sites. Previous theoretical
models predict the production of high energy photons by non-thermal radiative
processes, but their efficiency is still debated. We aim to test and explain
the possibility of emission from the bow shocks formed by runaway stars
traveling through the interstellar medium by using previous theoretical models.
We apply our model to AE Aurigae, the first reported star with an X-ray
detected bow shock, to BD+43 3654, in which the observations failed in
detecting high energy emission, and to the transition phase of a supergiant
star in the late stages of its life.From our analysis, we confirm that the
X-ray emission from the bow shock produced by AE Aurigae can be explained by
inverse Compton processes involving the infrared photons of the heated dust. We
also predict low high energy flux emission from the bow shock produced by BD+43
3654, and the possibility of high energy emission from the bow shock formed by
a supergiant star during the transition phase from blue to red supergiant.Bow
shock formed by different type of runaway stars are revealed as a new possible
source of high energy photons in our neighbourhood
Plasma ACTH, α-MSH and cortisol variations in the dog during the oestrous cycle in different photoperiods
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is a complex system regulated by multiple factors.Sexual dimorphism of this axis has been described in different species under physiological conditions and it hasbeen proposed that sexual hormones could have an effect on it. There are only a few reports about sex-linkedvariations in HPA axis hormones in the dog. Thus, studying the impact of sexual hormones on the HPA axis wouldbroaden the knowledge about its function in this species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determinewhether there are variations in HPA plasma hormones (ACTH, alfa-melanocyte-stimulating hormone [α-MSH]and cortisol) according to the sex and photoperiod (positive or negative photoperiod were considered when theduration of the light hours of the day was more than 12 or less than 12, respectively) under basal conditions (likeanoestrus) and throughout the oestrous cycle in the female dog. The population under study consisted of 11 intactfemale and 14 intact male dogs. Under basal conditions neither ACTH nor α-MSH concentrations showed differencesbetween sexes and different photoperiods. Cortisol showed greater values in the negative photoperiod thanin the positive, both in females and males (P = 0.03 and P = 0.015, respectively). Throughout the oestrous cycle,all the studied hormones showed variations (P < 0.0001). The greatest concentrations of ACTH were observed atproestrus, while α-MSH and cortisol showed their greatest concentrations at oestrus. The three hormones decreasedin diestrus. ACTH and cortisol concentrations were higher in the negative photoperiod (P = 0.04 and P < 0.0001,respectively), while α-MSH concentrations were higher in the positive photoperiod (P = 0.012). In the group offemales oestradiol and progesterone correlated with ACTH (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001; r = 0.34, P < 0.01, respectively),α-MSH (r = 0.49, P < 0.0001; r = 0.52, P < 0.0001, respectively) and cortisol (r = 0.33, P < 0.01; r = 0.5, P < 0.0001,respectively). These results show that in females, HPA axis hormones vary during the oestrous cycle in relation tooestradiol and progesterone fluctuations. The ACTH, α-MSH and cortisol concentrations also showed differencesbetween photoperiods in females, but only cortisol did so in males. These findings suggest that sexual hormonescould have an effect on the HPA axis. Further research needs to be done to fully understand this interaction andthe mechanisms involved.Fil: Gallelli, MarÃa Florencia. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Monachesi, N.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Miceli, Diego Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientÃficas y Técnicas. Instituto de BiologÃa y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de BiologÃa y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de BiologÃa y Medicina Experimental; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Cabrera Battler, M. F.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Gomez, N. V.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Meikle, A.. Universidad de Montevideo; UruguayFil: Castillo, V, A.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentin
AE Aurigae: first detection of non-thermal X-ray emission from a bow shock produced by a runaway star
Runaway stars produce shocks when passing through interstellar medium at
supersonic velocities. Bow shocks have been detected in the mid-infrared for
several high-mass runaway stars and in radio waves for one star. Theoretical
models predict the production of high-energy photons by non-thermal radiative
processes in a number sufficiently large to be detected in X-rays. To date, no
stellar bow shock has been detected at such energies. We present the first
detection of X-ray emission from a bow shock produced by a runaway star. The
star is AE Aur, which was likely expelled from its birthplace by the encounter
of two massive binary systems and now is passing through the dense nebula IC
405. The X-ray emission from the bow shock is detected at 30" to the northeast
of the star, coinciding with an enhancement in the density of the nebula. From
the analysis of the observed X-ray spectrum of the source and our theoretical
emission model, we confirm that the X-ray emission is produced mainly by
inverse Compton upscattering of infrared photons from dust in the shock front.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal with number
ApJ, 757, L6. Four figure
Epigenetics and immune cells in medulloblastoma
: Medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly malignant childhood tumor of the cerebellum. Transcriptional and epigenetic signatures have classified MB into four molecular subgroups, further stratified into biologically different subtypes with distinct somatic copy-number aberrations, driver genes, epigenetic alterations, activated pathways, and clinical outcomes. The brain tumor microenvironment (BTME) is of importance to regulate a complex network of cells, including immune cells, involved in cancer progression in brain malignancies. MB was considered with a "cold" immunophenotype due to the low influx of immune cells across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Recently, this assumption has been reconsidered because of the identification of infiltrating immune cells showing immunosuppressive phenotypes in the BTME of MB tumors. Here, we are providing a comprehensive overview of the current status of epigenetics alterations occurring during cancer progression with a description of the genomic landscape of MB by focusing on immune cells within the BTME. We further describe how new immunotherapeutic approaches could influence concurring epigenetic mechanisms of the immunosuppressive cells in BTME. In conclusion, the modulation of these molecular genetic complexes in BTME during cancer progression might enhance the therapeutic benefit, thus firing new weapons to fight MB
Sportspersonship in martial arts.
Studies on psychological outcomes related to individual differences have increased showing
contradictory results, especially in martial arts. The difficulty to provide conclusive evidence for the
psychological outcomes of martial arts practice and to determine if and to what extent martial arts
trainings explain the above mentioned effects needs a more in-depth analysis of those dispositional
aspects which can impact adaptive behaviors in terms of sportspersonship. Since no studies on
sportspersonship and goal orientations has been carried out in the specific context of martial arts, the
current research aimed at examining the role of goal orientations and trait aggressiveness as predictors of
sportspersonship. A cross-sectional study was conducted. 389 Italian martial artists (Mage = 29.60, SD =
9.22) completed a questionnaire composed of four sections: a socio-anagraphic section, the
Multidimensional Sportspersonship Orientations Scale, the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport
Questionnaire, and the Aggression Questionnaire. Descriptive and casual analyses were applied to data.
The expected hypotheses were generally confirmed. Results suggested that ego orientation and trait
aggressiveness negatively predicted sportspersonship, whereas task orientation positively predicted a
sportspersonship attitude. In sum, this research contributed to a better identification of the dispositional
factors which prevent antisocial behaviors, especially in the context of martial arts
Decisional procrastination in academic settings: The role of metacognitions and learning strategies
Nowadays, university students suffer from a broad range of problems, such as educational underachievement or the inability to control themselves, that lead to procrastination as a consequence. The present research aimed at analyzing the determinants of decisional procrastination among undergraduate students and at assessing a path model in which self regulated learning strategies mediated the relationship between metacognitive beliefs about procrastination and decisional procrastination. 273 students from Southern Italy filled out a questionnaire composed by: the socio-demographic section, the Metacognitive Beliefs About Procrastination Questionnaire, the procrastination subscale of the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire, and the Anxiety, the Time Management, and the Information Processing subscales of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory. Results showed that the relationship between negative and positive metacognitive beliefs about procrastination and decisional procrastination was mediated only by time management and anxiety. Such findings underlined the crucial role played by learning strategies in predicting the tendency to delay decisional situations and in mediating the relationship between metacognitive beliefs about procrastination and decisional procrastination
Association between serum Mg2+ concentrations and cardiovascular organ damage in a cohort of adult subjects
Magnesium (Mg2+) levels are associated with insulin resistance, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We evaluated the clinical utility of physiological Mg2+ in assessing subclinical cardiovascular organ damage including increased carotid artery intima-media thickness (c-IMT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in a cohort of well-characterized adult non-diabetic individuals. Age-and gender-adjusted correlations between Mg2+ and metabolic parameters showed that Mg2+ circulating levels were correlated negatively with body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, and 2h-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose. Similarly, Mg2+ levels were significantly and negatively related to c-IMT and LVMI. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that age (β = 0.440; p < 0.0001), BMI (β = 0.225; p < 0.0001), and Mg2+ concentration (β = −0.122; p < 0.01) were independently associated with c-IMT. Age (β = 0.244; p = 0.012), Mg2+ (β = −0.177; p = 0.019), and diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.184; p = 0.038) were significantly associated with LVMI in women, while age (β = 0.211; p = 0.019), Mg2+ (β = −0.171; p = 0.038) and the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β = −0.211; p = 0.041) were the sole variables associated with LVMI in men. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that the assessment of Mg2+ as part of the initial work-up might help unravel the presence of subclinical organ damage in subjects at increased risk of cardiovascular complications
Observational constraints on the modeling of SN1006
Experimental spectra and images of the supernova remnant SN1006 have been
reported for radio, X-ray and TeV gamma-ray bands. Several comparisons between
models and observations have been discussed in the literature, showing that the
broad-band spectrum from the whole remnant as well as a sharpest radial profile
of the X-ray brightness can be both fitted by adopting a model of SN1006 which
strongly depends on the non-linear effects of the accelerated cosmic rays;
these models predict post-shock magnetic field (MF) strengths of the order of
150 micro G. Here we present a new way to compare models and observations, in
order to put constraints on the physical parameters and mechanisms governing
the remnant. In particular, we show that a simple model based on the classic
MHD and cosmic rays acceleration theories allows us to investigate the
spatially distributed characteristics of SN1006 and to put observational
constraints on the kinetics and MF. Our method includes modelling and
comparison of the azimuthal and radial profiles of the surface brightness in
radio, hard X-rays and TeV gamma-rays as well as the azimuthal variations of
the electron maximum energy. In addition, this simple model also provides good
fits to the radio-to-gamma-ray spectrum of SN1006. We find that our best-fit
model predicts an effective MF strength inside SN1006 of 32 micro G, in good
agreement with the `leptonic' model suggested by the HESS Collaboration (2010).
Finally, some difficulties in both the `classic' and the non-linear models are
discussed. A number of evidences about non-uniformity of MF around SN1006 are
noted.Comment: 15 pages, 13 figures, accepted for publication on MNRA
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