Stellar Abundances in Giant Stars in the Metal-Rich Globular Cluster NGC6528

We present the first results of a detailed abundance analysis, based on VLT observations, of giant stars in the very metal-rich globular cluster NGC 6528. We will be able to tie the horizontal branch abundances (see e.g. Carretta et al. 2001) to those of the more luminous giants (see CMDs). For the very similar cluster NGC 6553 studies of different types of stars have yielded very disparate results. Our first analysis of three of our stars seem to indicate that indeed the different sorts of stars do show similar abundances if one homogeneous set of models and parameters are being used.Comment: 2 pages, 2 diagrams, to be published in the proceedings of "New Horizons in Globular Cluster Astronomy" held in Padua 2002, eds. Piotto, Meylan, Djorgovsk

Small-scale hero: massive-star enrichment in the Hercules dwarf spheroidal

Dwarf spheroidal galaxies are often conjectured to be the sites of the first stars. The best current contenders for finding the chemical imprints from the enrichment by those massive objects are the "ultrafaint dwarfs" (UFDs). Here we present evidence for remarkably low heavy element abundances in the metal poor Hercules UFD. Combined with other peculiar abundance patterns this indicates that Hercules was likely only influenced by very few, massive explosive events - thus bearing the traces of an early, localized chemical enrichment with only very little other contributions from other sources at later times.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, to appear in the proceedings of `First Stars IV - from Hayashi to the future', M. Umemura, K. Omukai (eds.

Emx1 null mutant mouse phenotype: potential implications for human epilepsy

In the last decade, several homeobox-containing genes including members of the empty spiracle (Emxl and Emx2) and orthodenticle (Otxl and Otx2) families, have been found to be expressed in the cerebral cortex of rodents. Among these genes, Emxl shows the most widespread pattern of expression in this part of the brain. It has been recently demonstrated that Emxl is expressed by pyramidal cells, which are the glutamate-containing projection neurons of the cortex, from the time of their origin during embryonic period of neocorticogenesis, and until long after birth. In contrast, non-pyramidal cells, the GABA-containing cortical intemeurons originate in the ventral telencephalon and have been found not to express this homeobox gene. Emxl gene inactivation at a first analysis has not showed to cause gross morphological abnormalities to the developing and the adult brain. We studied the development of the telecephalon in Emxl null embryos and examined the cortices of adult Emxl null mice, using standard histological methods as well as a variety immonocytochemical, in situ hybridization and tracing techniques. I did not find gross abnormalities in the development of Emxl null mutant embryos; therefore, the overall cytological appearance of the adult cortex was indistinguishable between the mutant mice and the wild type littermates. A deeper analysis of the density and distribution of the two principal neuronal cell types of the cortex, pyramidal and nonpyramidal neurons, revealed no significant difference in the number and layering of pyramidal neurons in mutant cortices. However, counts of GABAergic neurons showed statistically significant differences between mutant and wild type littermates. Earlier reports provided evidence in support of the hypothesis that loss of inhibitory GABAergic intemeurons results in neuronal hyperxcitability in the cortex, and eventually leads to seizure activity; more recent investigation confirmed that disruption of GABAergic neurotransmission is implicated in epilepsy

Neutron-capture element deficiency of the Hercules dwarf spheroidal galaxy

We present an assessment of the barium abundance ratios for red giant member stars in the faint Hercules dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy. Our results are drawn from intermediate-resolution FLAMES/GIRAFFE spectra around the Ba II 6141.71 AA absorption line at low signal-to-noise ratios. For three brighter stars we were able to gain estimates from direct equivalent-width measurements, while for the remaining eight stars only upper limits could be obtained. These results are investigated in a statistical manner and indicate very low Ba abundances of log epsilon (Ba) < 0.7 dex (3 sigma). We discuss various possible systematic biasses, first and foremost, a blend with the Fe I 6141.73 AA-line, but most of those would only lead to even lower abundances. A better match with metal-poor halo and dSph stars can only be reached by including a large uncertainty in the continuum placement. This contrasts with the high dispersions in iron and calcium (in excess of 1 dex) in this galaxy. While the latter spreads are typical of the very low luminosity, dark-matter dominated dSphs, a high level of depletion in heavy elements suggests that chemical enrichment in Hercules was governed by very massive stars, coupled with a very low star formation efficiency. While very low abundances of some heavy elements are also found in individual stars of other dwarf galaxies, this is the first time that a very low Ba abundance is found within an entire dSph over a broad metallicity range.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Surveying Africa: Conrad\u27s Ambiguous Guide to Colonialism

Throughout Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad juxtaposes seemingly contradictory terms: light and dark, Europe and Africa, centrality and exteriority, morality and the immorality. In contrasting these various finite images, the author appears to mirror the “direct simplicity” in his word choice which he claims also punctuates the tales of seamen. However, by describing colonial endeavors using words laden with double and sometimes conflicting meanings, infusing the novel with repetition, and presenting characters alongside their doppelgangers, Conrad prompts readers to reconsider concrete standards of good and evil in regards to imperialism. Consequently, the text, refusing to elucidate Marlow‟s journey to the Congo, actually acts much like the haze of the moon, both illuminating and blurring the meaning of the tale. Arguably, the narrative structure also performs a similar function. Conrad deconstructs boundaries between the past and present and removes the distinction between missions of conquest and colonialism. Furthermore, the susceptibility of both the narrator and Marlow to human fallacy and the telling of lies make the structure of Heart of Darkness misleading. Thus, the author refuses to provide a consistent and reliable lens through which readers can interpret the plot. As the narrator states, following his description of the supposed simplicity within the tale, Marlow is not a typical representative of his profession. Here, by qualifying this simplicity with an exception, the narrator suggests the very essence of imperialism: complexity. By utilizing a seemingly simplistic narrative structure and turning it on itself, Conrad challenges the reader to look beyond obvious standards of black and white

“The Task of Critique is to Question the Ontological Premises of our Identity”. An Interview with Axel Honneth

Axel Honneth is internationally renowned for being one of the leading political and social philosophers of our time, and is highly regarded for his work on recognition and the struggles for recognition. In this interview, he discusses his work over the past four decades, starting from the rise of his intellectual vocation to his most recent book on the sovereignty of work. The text is a transcript, revised by the author, of the dialogue Honneth had with his interviewers and the audience at the masterclass held on 24 May 2023 at the University of Trento, as part of the first series of lectures “Voices from Contemporary Philosophy”

3D model of the maternal-fetal interface: challenges, recent advances and beyond

: Embryo implantation is a complex and highly coordinated process that involves an intricate network of factors establishing intimate contact at the maternal-fetal interface. Knowledge of the human implantation process is compromised by both ethical issues, which do not allow the study of this process in vivo, and by the accuracy and reproducibility of in vitro models of human endometrium. Effective and reliable embryo implantation models are, therefore, necessary to mimic the molecular event cascade that occurs in vivo. 3D models are considered a new step to foster precision medicine and an advanced tool for the study of endometrial biology, endometrium associated diseases and to understand the complex mechanisms surrounding endometrium-embryo crosstalk. In this review we explore the various methods by which 3D cultures of endometrium and trophoblast can be created, exploring targets and applications of these in vitro models

e-Archeo. A pilot national project to valorize Italian archaeological parks through digital and virtual reality technologies

Commissioned to ALES spa by the Ministry of Culture (MiC), the e-Archeo project was born with the intention of enhancing and promoting knowledge of some Italian archaeological sites with a considerable narrative potential that has not yet been fully expressed. The main principle that guided the choice of the sites and the contents was of illustrating the various cultures and types of settlements present in the Italian territory. Eight sites were chosen, spread across the national territory from north to south, founded by Etruscans, Greeks, Phoenicians, natives and Romans. e-Archeo has developed multimedia, integrated and multi-channel solutions for various uses and types of audiences, adopting both scientific and narrative and emotional languages. Particular attention was paid to multimedia accessibility, technological sustainability and open science. The e-Archeo project was born from a strong synergy between public entities, research bodies and private industries thanks to the collaboration of MiC and ALES with the CNR ISPC, 10 Italian Universities, 12 Creative Industries and the Italian National Television (RAI). This exceptional and unusual condition made it possible to realise all the project’s high-quality contents and several outputs in only one and a half years

A self-immolative linker for the pH-responsive release of amides

The administration of therapeutics using bioconjugation has been mainly limited to drugs containing amine, alcohol, or thiol functional groups. Here, we report a general procedure for the preparation of benzylic N-acyl carbamates suitable for masking the amide group in important drugs such as Linezolid, Enzalutamide, or Tasimelteon in good to acceptable yields. These N-acyl carbamates appear to be stable in plasma, while a qualitative analysis of further drug uncage demonstrates that, at pH values of 5.5, a classical 1,6-benzyl elimination mechanism takes place, releasing more than 80% of the drug in 24 h. © 2023 by the authors

Taking care of minor migrants' health. The professionals' perception and training needs

Introduction: In Italy, minor migrants represent 21.8% of the non-EU citizens. The care of minor migrants might be challenging as this population is characterized by higher vulnerability and special needs. The study aim was to describe the perceptions on the provision of care, the bio-psycho-social needs of migrant children and the professional training needs. Methods: The study is qualitative descriptive. In May 2019 three focus group, involving health and social professionals, cultural mediators and NGOs operators, were organized. Results: The study explored different areas of the provision of care to minor migrants including bio-psycho-social needs, care provision, barriers to care and professionals' training needs. Discussion and conclusions: The provision of care should consider the specific migration journey and narrative. In some cases healthcare is fragmented, generating obstacles to access especially in minors with lower levels of health literacy. Training plays a key role in the development of cultural competence