Quantitative Riemann existence theorem over a number field

Given a covering of the projective line with ramifications defined over a number field, we define a plain model of the algebraic curve realizing the Riemann existence theorem for this covering, and bound explicitly the defining equation of this curve and its definition field.Comment: 23 pages, version 4, minor change

Flexibility and Interaction at a Distance: A Mixed-Model Environment For Language Learning

This article reports on the process of design and development of two language courses for university students at beginning levels of competence. Following a preliminary experience in a low-tech environment for distance language learning and teaching, and a thorough review of the available literature, we identified two major challenges that would need to be addressed in our design: (1) a necessity to build sufficient flexibility into the materials to cater to a variety of learners' styles, interests and skill levels, therefore sustaining learners' motivation; and (2) a need to design materials that would present the necessary requisites of authenticity and interactivity identified in the examined literature, in spite of the reduced opportunities for face-to-face communication. In response to these considerations, we designed and developed learning materials and tasks to be distributed on CD-ROM, complemented by a WebCT component for added interactivity and task authenticity. Although only part of the original design was implemented, and further research is needed to assess the impact of our environment on learning outcomes, the results of preliminary evaluations are encouraging

Sensory Inputs Stimulate Progenitor Cell Proliferation in an Adult Insect Brain

AbstractAlthough most brain neurons are produced during embryonic and early postnatal development, recent studies clearly demonstrated in a wide range of species from invertebrates to humans that new neurons are added to specific brain structures throughout adult life. Hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors as well as environmental conditions modulate this neurogenesis [1–9]. In this study, we address the role of sensory inputs in the regulation of adult neural progenitor cell proliferation in an insect model. In some insect species, adult neurogenesis occurs in the mushroom bodies [10], the main sensory integrative centers of the brain, receiving multimodal information [11, 12] and often considered as the analog of the vertebrate hippocampus. We recently showed that rearing adult crickets in enriched sensory and social conditions enhanced neuroblast proliferation in the mushroom bodies [13]. Here, by manipulating hormonal levels and affecting olfactory and/or visual inputs, we show that environmental regulation of neurogenesis is in direct response to olfactory and visual stimuli rather than being mediated via hormonal control. Experiments of unilateral sensory deprivation reveal that neuroblast proliferation can be inhibited in one brain hemisphere only. These results, obtained in a relatively simple brain, emphasize the role of sensory inputs on stem cell division

Flexibility and Interaction at a Distance: A Mixed-Mode Environment for Language Learning

This article reports on the process of design and development of two language courses for university students at beginning levels of competence. Following a preliminary experience in a low-tech environment for distance language learning and teaching, and a thorough review of the available literature, we identified two major challenges that would need to be addressed in our design: (1) a necessity to build sufficient flexibility into the materials to cater to a variety of learners ' styles, interests and skill levels, therefore sustaining learners ' motivation; and (2) a need to design materials that would present the necessary requisites of authenticity and interactivity identified in the examined literature, in spite of the reduced opportunities for face-to-face communication. In response to these considerations, we designed and developed learning materials and tasks to be distributed on CD-ROM, complemented by a WebCT component for added interactivity and task authenticity. Although only part of the original design was implemented, and further research is needed to assess the impact of our environment on learning outcomes, the results of preliminary evaluations are encouraging

Management of undescended testis: italian experience of a single center of pediatric surgery

Abstract The undescended testis (UDT) is a common male genital anomaly. Sub fertility and testicular hypotrophy are considered the principal long-term consequences of UDT. There are two modes of treatment of UDT: hormonal and surgical treatment surgical that can be used alone or as complementary methods. Testicular histology, testicular volume (TV) and hormonal evaluation are considered to be the most relevant measure to establish future potential fertility. During follow-up each patient undergoes physical and ultrasound examination after three, twelve months and then five years. Serum level of gonadal hormone (LH, FSH, Inhibin B, LDH, Free Testosterone and DHEA) is evaluated before surgery and six months after orchidopexy. We assumed that testis biopsy is more predictive about future potential fertility than TV. Our patients have been found to have higher levels of LH and FSH and lower levels of inhibin B. To discern the presence of an effect of hormonal treatment we decided to consider the Testicular Atrophy Index (TAI), which is applicable only in unilateral UDT. Due to the necessity to consider also the case of bilateral UDT, we have introduced the normalized Testicular Atrophy Index (TAIn). Through the performed management, it has been possible to provide an estimate of the future fertility of these children. We noted that the degree of reduction in testicular volume does not seem to correlate with the severity of histological findings, nor does it seem to affect future fertility. The patients with a TAIn ≥ 20 % treated with preoperative and post-operative GnRHa therapy have a significant increase in TV after 5 years of follow-up, as shown by the relative reduction of TAIn values. Immediate and delayed post-surgery complications have not occurred. In the cases treated with hormonal therapy, a slight accentuation of secondary sexual characteristics occurs but it is completely regressed after discontinuation of the treatment (one month post-surgery). There have been no recurrences UDT after orchidopexy

How angry can you be in French and Italian? Integrating research and teaching for the development of pragmatic competencies in L2 classrooms

In recent years, discourse analysis has contributed to raising language practitioners’ awareness of the pragmatic aspects of culture in language and communication. However, the application of research data to teaching has often been limited to ESL contexts. On the other hand, the need to use research data in teaching cross-cultural pragmatic competence has been strongly advocated in the literature on SLA (Kasper, 1997), in view of the well-documented absence of the socio-pragmatic aspects of language/culture from foreign language textbooks (Liddicoat, 1997). In this paper we illustrate the rationale, as well as the main theoretical and practical aspects, of a research project designed to allow closer interaction between our research and teaching activities. In 2003, we initiated a cross-cultural investigation of emotion display and self-disclosure by Anglo-Australian, French and Italian speakers, based on the observation and analysis of non-verbal behaviour displayed in contemporary feature films. Following a discussion of issues that pertain to our research, we suggest ways in which our results can be brought into the classroom, with a view to provide opportunities for the development of socio-pragmatic competence in learners of French and Italian

Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy

The paroxysmal motor events during sleep are certainly common.The systematic use of nocturnal video-polysomnography has largely improved the diagnostic yield in patients with clusters of nocturnal motor events. Two broad nosological categories have been identified: parasomnias (sleep terror and sleep-walking), which are thought to represent disorders of arousal during sleep, and the epileptic seizures arising from sleep (nocturnal epilepsy). In recent years, particular attention has been devoted to those seizures arising from epileptic foci located within the frontal lobe or within the temporal lobe with early involvement of the frontal lobe: so-called nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE). Also in recent years the clinical, neuroradiological and neurophysiological profile of NFLE has clearly been delineated: up to 40% of patients with NFLE had at least one first-degree relative with a probable primary parasomnia: about 20% of patients had a family history of epilepsy; 5 to 10% had NFLE, with nocturnal seizures quite similar to those of the proband; the age at onset of seizures ranged from 1 to 65 years; the mean frequency of seizures was 15-20 per month; patients often complained of nocturnal sleep disruption (about one half of them reported excessive daytime sleepiness); one third of patients also had occasional seizures during wakefulness, usually in childhood; the seizures had a stereotypic motor pattern, of various complexity; traditional neuroradiological examinations showed abnormalities in about 10% of cases; there was a wide intra-familial variation in the severity of seizure disorder. There was also considerable intra-individual variation in severity during the different periods of life, with an age-dependent degree of severity; ictal EEG abnormalities were found in 30 to 60% of patients; the EEG during sleep showed interictal focal epileptiform abnormalities in about 50% of patients; in about two third of patients carbamazepine, clonazepam or their association were able to greatly reduce nocturnal seizures in frequency and complexity and, in some cases, to completely control them. The differential diagnosis between sporadic (and familial) NFLE from benign parasomnias is difficult from the history alone. A full video-polysomnographic study should be proposed to all the patients complaining of repeated nocturnal motor, autonomic and behavioural episodes, in order to provide a correct diagnosis

Smiling and teasing as strategies masking anger among French and Australian cultural groups

This paper reports on an ongoing project that is concerned with the interpretation and processing of emotion in communication, particularly anger, within an interactional dynamics perspective (Holtgraves, 1990). In a previous publication (Strambi & Mrowa 2007), we presented an analytical model and some preliminary analyses of ‘processing’ strategies for managing the communication of anger among friends across three cultural groups: Anglo-Australian, French and Italian. In this paper, we are presenting further elaborations on this model, and analyses from a non-verbal perspective of how smiling and teasing function in the construction and negotiation of anger scenarios among French and Anglo-Australian groups

Socialising learners into emotion communication in a L2: Establishing a link between research data and classroom-based activities. [abstract].

In this paper, we explore ways in which the results of our studies on emotion communication across cultures can be used as a starting point for material and activity design, within a language socialization approach. Starting from theoretical and pedagogical considerations, we will illustrate our rationale for material design, demonstrate some sample activities and suggest implementation strategies, as well as methods for evaluation

A Systematic Review Investigating the Presence of Inflammatory Synovitis in Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery.

Synovial tissue can display an inflammatory response in the presence of OA. There is increasing interest to better understand the role of inflammation in OA, particularly with regard to those who require joint replacement. A systematic review of inflammatory synovitis in OA of literature databases was undertaken from their inception until October 14, 2014. Independent critical appraisal of each study was undertaken using the CASP appraisal tool. From a total of sixty-six identified citations, twenty-three studies were deemed eligible for review. The studies presented moderate to strong methodological quality. Strong correlation was identified between histological and imaging synovitis severity. Correlation was weaker between clinical symptoms and imaging and/or histological synovitis severity. There was little consensus, with regard to expressed cytokines and chemokines at the different stages of OA disease progression. Few studies investigated the influence of inflammatory synovitis on the outcome of major joint replacement. Research into inflammatory synovitis in OA is an emerging field. Longitudinal studies applying proven imaging modalities, histological analysis, and longer follow-up are required in order to further define our understanding of the role of synovitis in the pathogenesis of OA and its effects on outcomes following major joint replacement