Modelling Jets, Tori and Flares in Pulsar Wind Nebulae

In this contribution we review the recent progress in the modelling of Pulsar Wind Nebulae (PWN). We start with a brief overview of the relevant physical processes in the magnetosphere, the wind-zone and the inflated nebula bubble. Radiative signatures and particle transport processes obtained from 3D simulations of PWN are discussed in the context of optical and X-ray observations. We then proceed to consider particle acceleration in PWN and elaborate on what can be learned about the particle acceleration from the dynamical structures called GwispsG observed in the Crab nebula. We also discuss recent observational and theoretical results of gamma-ray flares and the inner knot of the Crab nebula, which had been proposed as the emission site of the flares. We extend the discussion to GeV flares from binary systems in which the pulsar wind interacts with the stellar wind from a companion star. The chapter concludes with a discussion of solved and unsolved problems posed by PWN

The feedback of massive stars on interstellar astrochemical processes

Astrochemistry is a discipline that studies physico-chemical processes in astrophysical environments. Such environments are characterized by conditions that are substantially different from those existing in usual chemical laboratories. Models which aim to explain the formation of molecular species in interstellar environments must take into account various factors, including many that are directly, or indirectly related to the populations of massive stars in galaxies. The aim of this paper is to review the influence of massive stars, whatever their evolution stage, on the physico-chemical processes at work in interstellar environments. These influences include the ultraviolet radiation field, the production of high energy particles, the synthesis of radionuclides and the formation of shocks that permeate the interstellar medium

Unplanned early readmission to the intensive care unit: A case-control study of patient, intensive care and ward-related factors

The purpose of this study was to identify patient, intensive care and ward-based risk factors for early, unplanned readmission to the intensive care unit. A five-year retrospective case-control study at a tertiary referral teaching hospital of 205 cases readmitted within 72 hours of intensive care unit discharge and 205 controls matched for admission diagnosis and severity of illness was conducted. The rate of unplanned readmissions was 3.1% and cases had significantly higher overall mortality than control patients (odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1 to 10.7). New onset respiratory compromise and sepsis were the most common cause of readmission. Independent risk factors for readmission were chronic respiratory disease (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 12, P=0.029), pre-existing anxiety/depression (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7 to 6.6, P 1.3 (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.9, P=0.024), immobility (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.6, P=0.001), nasogastric nutrition (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.0, P=0.041), a white cell count >15×10 /l (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.4, P=0.012) and non-weekend intensive care unit discharge (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.5, P=0.029). Physiological derangement on the ward (OR 26, 95% CI 8.0 to 81,