18 research outputs found
Magnetized Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in the presence of a radiation field
The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamical role of a radiation
field on the growth rate of the unstable Kelvin - Helmholtz (KH) perturbations.
As a first step toward this purpose, the analyze is done in a general way,
irrespective of applying the model to a specific astronomical system. The
transition zone between the two layers of the fluid is ignored. Then, we
perform a linear analysis and by imposing suitable boundary conditions and
considering a radiation field, we obtain appropriate dispersion relation.
Unstable modes are studied by solving the dispersion equation numerically, and
then growth rates of them are obtained. By analyzing our dispersion relation,
we show that for a wide range of the input parameters, the radiation field has
a destabilizing effect on KH instability. In eruptions of the galaxies or
supermassive stars, the radiation field is dynamically important and because of
the enhanced KH growth rates in the presence of the radiation; these eruptions
can inject more momentum and energy into their environment and excite more
turbulent motions.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astrophysics and Space Scienc
Control of star formation by supersonic turbulence
Understanding the formation of stars in galaxies is central to much of modern
astrophysics. For several decades it has been thought that stellar birth is
primarily controlled by the interplay between gravity and magnetostatic
support, modulated by ambipolar diffusion. Recently, however, both
observational and numerical work has begun to suggest that support by
supersonic turbulence rather than magnetic fields controls star formation. In
this review we outline a new theory of star formation relying on the control by
turbulence. We demonstrate that although supersonic turbulence can provide
global support, it nevertheless produces density enhancements that allow local
collapse. Inefficient, isolated star formation is a hallmark of turbulent
support, while efficient, clustered star formation occurs in its absence. The
consequences of this theory are then explored for both local star formation and
galactic scale star formation. (ABSTRACT ABBREVIATED)Comment: Invited review for "Reviews of Modern Physics", 87 pages including 28
figures, in pres
Theory of disk accretion onto supermassive black holes
Accretion onto supermassive black holes produces both the dramatic phenomena
associated with active galactic nuclei and the underwhelming displays seen in
the Galactic Center and most other nearby galaxies. I review selected aspects
of the current theoretical understanding of black hole accretion, emphasizing
the role of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence and gravitational instabilities in
driving the actual accretion and the importance of the efficacy of cooling in
determining the structure and observational appearance of the accretion flow.
Ongoing investigations into the dynamics of the plunging region, the origin of
variability in the accretion process, and the evolution of warped, twisted, or
eccentric disks are summarized.Comment: Mostly introductory review, to appear in "Supermassive black holes in
the distant Universe", ed. A.J. Barger, Kluwer Academic Publishers, in pres
Discovery of Pulsations from the Pulsar J0205+6449 in SNR 3C 58 with the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope
We report the discovery of gamma-ray pulsations (> 0.1 GeV) from the young
radio and X-ray pulsar PSR J0205+6449 located in the Galactic supernova remnant
3C 58. Data in the gamma-ray band were acquired by the Large Area Telescope
aboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (formerly GLAST), while the radio
rotational ephemeris used to fold gamma-rays was obtained using both the Green
Bank Telescope and the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank. The light curve
consists of two peaks separated by 0.49 +/- 0.01 +/- 0.01 cycles which are
aligned with the X-ray peaks. The first gamma-ray peak trails the radio pulse
by 0.08 +/- 0.01 +/- 0.01, while its amplitude decreases with increasing energy
as for the other gamma-ray pulsars. Spectral analysis of the pulsed gamma-ray
emission suggests a simple power law of index -2.1 +/- 0.1 +/- 0.2 with an
exponential cut-off at 3.0 +1.1 -0.7 +/- 0.4 GeV. The first uncertainty is
statistical and the second is systematic. The integral gamma-ray photon flux
above 0.1 GeV is (13.7 +/- 1.4 +/- 3.0) x 10^(-8) /cm2/s, which implies for a
distance of 3.2 kpc and assuming a broad fan-like beam a luminosity of 8.3 x
10^(34) ergs/s and an efficiency eta of 0.3%. Finally, we report a 95% upper
limit on the flux of 1.7 x 10^(-8) /cm2/s for off-pulse emission from the
object.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure, accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal
Letters, contact author: Damien Paren
General Overview of Black Hole Accretion Theory
I provide a broad overview of the basic theoretical paradigms of black hole
accretion flows. Models that make contact with observations continue to be
mostly based on the four decade old alpha stress prescription of Shakura &
Sunyaev (1973), and I discuss the properties of both radiatively efficient and
inefficient models, including their local properties, their expected stability
to secular perturbations, and how they might be tied together in global flow
geometries. The alpha stress is a prescription for turbulence, for which the
only existing plausible candidate is that which develops from the
magnetorotational instability (MRI). I therefore also review what is currently
known about the local properties of such turbulence, and the physical issues
that have been elucidated and that remain uncertain that are relevant for the
various alpha-based black hole accretion flow models.Comment: To be published in Space Science Reviews and as hard cover in the
Space Sciences Series of ISSI: The Physics of Accretion on to Black Holes
(Springer Publisher
Propositions for Innovative Forms of Digital Interactive Storytelling Based on Narrative Theories and Practices
This paper takes a look at narrative forms as of yet unexplored in the field of digital interactive storytelling, and proposes methods for how they can be used in engaging ways for the user. Digital Interactive Storytelling, while nearly two decades old as a field of research, has yet to produce a tool capable of producing masses of narratively interesting and engaging pieces for the end user. Although the various prototypes available produce several different story genres, they stem from the same classic narrative form. With this paper, we aim to introduce narrative techniques that have successfully been used in cinema, literature and the gaming world, and show how they can be adapted to DIS. We believe that by presenting these techniques authors can gain a better understanding of how to use existing systems
Developing A "Toolkit" To Measure Implementation Of Concurrent Palliative Care In Rural Community Cancer Centers
Objective: Despite national guidelines recommending early concurrent palliative care for individuals newly diagnosed with metastatic cancer, few community cancer centers, especially those in underserved rural areas do so. We are implementing an early concurrent palliative care model, ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends) in four, rural-serving community cancer centers. Our objective was to develop a "toolkit" to assist community cancer centers that wish to integrate early palliative care for patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer and their family caregivers. Method: Guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness-Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework, we undertook an instrument-development process based on the literature, expert and site stakeholder review and feedback, and pilot testing during site visits. Results: We developed four instruments to measure ENABLE implementation: (1) the ENABLE RE-AIM Self-Assessment Tool to assess reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance; (2) the ENABLE General Organizational Index to assess institutional implementation; (3) an Implementation Costs Tool; and (4) an Oncology Clinicians' Perceptions of Early Concurrent Oncology Palliative Care survey. Significance of results: We developed four measures to determine early palliative care implementation. These measures have been pilot-tested, and will be integrated into a comprehensive "toolkit" to assist community cancer centers to measure implementation outcomes. We describe the lessons learned and recommend strategies for promoting long-term program sustainability.WoSScopu
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Effects of ibuprofen on the physiology and survival of hypothermic sepsis
OBJECTIVESThe objective was to compare the clinical and physiologic characteristics of febrile septic patients with hypothermic septic patients; and to examine plasma levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the lipid mediators thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and prostacyclin in hypothermic septic patients in comparison with febrile patients. Most importantly, we wanted to report the effect of ibuprofen treatment on vital signs, organ failure, and mortality in hypothermic sepsis.
SETTINGThe study was performed in the intensive care units (ICUs) of seven clinical centers in the United States and Canada.
PATIENTSFour hundred fifty-five patients admitted to the ICU who met defined criteria for severe sepsis and were suspected of having a serious infection.
INTERVENTIONIbuprofen at a dose of 10 mg/kg (maximum 800 mg) was administered intravenously over 30 to 60 mins every 6 hrs for eight doses vs. placebo (glycine buffer vehicle).
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTSForty-four (10%) septic patients met criteria for hypothermia and 409 were febrile. The mortality rate was significantly higher in hypothermic patients, 70% vs. 35% for febrile patients. At study entry, urinary metabolites of TxB2, prostacyclin, and serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were significantly elevated in hypothermic patients compared with febrile patients. In hypothermic patients treated with ibuprofen, there was a trend toward an increased number of days free of major organ system failures and a significant reduction in the 30-day mortality rate from 90% (18/20 placebo-treated patients) to 54% (13/24 ibuprofen-treated patients).
CONCLUSIONSHypothermic sepsis has an incidence of [similar]10% and an untreated mortality twice that of severe sepsis presenting with fever. When compared with febrile patients, the hypothermic group has an amplified response with respect to cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 and lipid mediators TxB2 and prostacyclin. Treatment with ibuprofen may decrease mortality in this select group of septic patients. (Crit Care Med 1999; 27:699-707