188 research outputs found
Self-Similar Solutions for ADAF with Toroidal Magnetic Fields
We examined the effect of toroidal magnetic fields on a viscous gaseous disk
around a central object under an advection dominated stage. We found
self-similar solutions for radial infall velocity, rotation velocity, sound
speed, with additional parameter [], where
is the Alfv\'en speed and is the isothermal sound
speed. Compared with the non-magnetic case, in general the disk becomes thick
due to the magnetic pressure, and the radial infall velocity and rotation
velocity become fast. In a particular case, where the magnetic field is
dominant, on the other hand, the disk becomes to be magnetically supported, and
the nature of the disk is significantly different from that of the weakly
magnetized case.Comment: 5pages, 2figures, PASJ 58 (2006) in pres
Resistive and magnetized accretion flows with convection
We considered the effects of convection on the radiatively inefficient
accretion flows (RIAF) in the presence of resistivity and toroidal magnetic
field. We discussed the effects of convection on transports of angular momentum
and energy. We established two cases for the resistive and magnetized RIAFs
with convection: assuming the convection parameter as a free parameter and
using mixing-length theory to calculate convection parameter. A self-similar
method was used to solve the integrated equations that govern the behavior of
the presented model. The solutions showed that the accretion and rotational
velocities decrease by adding the convection parameter, while the sound speed
increases. Moreover, by using mixing-length theory to calculate convection
parameter, we found that the convection can be important in RIAFs with magnetic
field and resistivity.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, accepted by Ap&S
Vertically Self-Gravitating ADAFs in the Presence of Toroidal Magnetic Field
Force due to the self-gravity of the disc in the vertical direction is
considered to study its possible effects on the structure of a magnetized
advection-dominated accretion disc. We present steady-sate self similar
solutions for the dynamical structure of such a type of the accretion flows.
Our solutions imply reduced thickness of the disc because of the self-gravity.
It also imply that the thickness of the disc will increase by adding the
magnetic field strength.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astrophysics and Space Science
Acceptability of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List to community-based telephone cancer helpline operators, and to cancer patients and carers
Background Cancer can be a distressing experience for cancer patients and carers, impacting on psychological, social, physical and spiritual functioning. However, health professionals often fail to detect distress in their patients due to time constraints and a lack of experience. Also, with the focus on the patient, carer needs are often overlooked. This study investigated the acceptability of brief distress screening with the Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List (PL) to operators of a community-based telephone helpline, as well as to cancer patients and carers calling the service. Methods Operators (n = 18) monitored usage of the DT and PL with callers (cancer patients/carers, >18 years, and English-speaking) from September-December 2006 (n = 666). The DT is a single item, 11-point scale to rate level of distress. The associated PL identifies the cause of distress. Results The DT and PL were used on 90% of eligible callers, most providing valid responses. Benefits included having an objective, structured and consistent means for distress screening and triage to supportive care services. Reported challenges included apparent inappropriateness of the tools due to the nature of the call or level of caller distress, the DT numeric scale, and the level of operator training. Conclusions We observed positive outcomes to using the DT and PL, although operators reported some challenges. Overcoming these challenges may improve distress screening particularly by less experienced clinicians, and further development of the PL items and DT scale may assist with administration. The DT and PL allow clinicians to direct/prioritise interventions or referrals, although ongoing training and support is critical in distress screening
Feasibility of brief psychological distress screening by a community-based telephone helpline for cancer patients and carers
Background Up to one-third of people affected by cancer experience ongoing psychological distress and would benefit from screening followed by an appropriate level of psychological intervention. This rarely occurs in routine clinical practice due to barriers such as lack of time and experience. This study investigated the feasibility of community-based telephone helpline operators screening callers affected by cancer for their level of distress using a brief screening tool (Distress Thermometer), and triaging to the appropriate level of care using a tiered model. Methods Consecutive cancer patients and carers who contacted the helpline from September-December 2006 (n = 341) were invited to participate. Routine screening and triage was conducted by helpline operators at this time. Additional socio-demographic and psychosocial adjustment data were collected by telephone interview by research staff following the initial call. Results The Distress Thermometer had good overall accuracy in detecting general psychosocial morbidity (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale cut-off score ≥ 15) for cancer patients (AUC = 0.73) and carers (AUC = 0.70). We found 73% of participants met the Distress Thermometer cut-off for distress caseness according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (a score ≥ 4), and optimal sensitivity (83%, 77%) and specificity (51%, 48%) were obtained with cut-offs of ≥ 4 and ≥ 6 in the patient and carer groups respectively. Distress was significantly associated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores (total, as well as anxiety and depression subscales) and level of care in cancer patients, as well as with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale for carers. There was a trend for more highly distressed callers to be triaged to more intensive care, with patients with distress scores ≥ 4 more likely to receive extended or specialist care. Conclusions Our data suggest that it was feasible for community-based cancer helpline operators to screen callers for distress using a brief screening tool, the Distress Thermometer, and to triage callers to an appropriate level of care using a tiered model. The Distress Thermometer is a rapid and non-invasive alternative to longer psychometric instruments, and may provide part of the solution in ensuring distressed patients and carers affected by cancer are identified and supported appropriately
Self-Similar Solutions for Viscous and Resistive ADAF
In this paper, the self-similar solution of resistive advection dominated
accretion flows (ADAF) in the presence of a pure azimuthal magnetic field is
investigated. The mechanism of energy dissipation is assumed to be the
viscosity and the magnetic diffusivity due to turbulence in the accretion flow.
It is assumed that the magnetic diffusivity and the kinematic viscosity are not
constant and vary by position and -prescription is used for them. In
order to solve the integrated equations that govern the behavior of the
accretion flow, a self-similar method is used. The solutions show that the
structure of accretion flow depends on the magnetic field and the magnetic
diffusivity. As, the radial infall velocity and the temperature of the flow
increase, and the rotational velocity decreases. Also, the rotational velocity
for all selected values of magnetic diffusivity and magnetic field is
sub-Keplerian. The solutions show that there is a certain amount of magnetic
field that the rotational velocity of the flow becomes zero. This amount of the
magnetic field depends on the gas properties of the disc, such as adiabatic
index and viscosity, magnetic diffusivity, and advection parameters. The
solutions show the mass accretion rate increases by adding the magnetic
diffusivity and in high magnetic pressure case, the ratio of the mass accretion
rate to the Bondi accretion rate decreases as magnetic field increases. Also,
the study of Lundquist and magnetic Reynolds numbers based on resistivity
indicates that the linear growth of magnetorotational instability (MRI) of the
flow decreases by resistivity. This property is qualitatively consistent with
resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations.Comment: 18 pages, 3 figures, accepted by JA&
Screening for psychological distress in patients with lung cancer: results of a clinical audit evaluating the use of the patient Distress Thermometer
Patients with lung cancer frequently suffer psychological distress and guidelines in the United Kingdom recommend screening of all cancer patients for this problem. The audit investigated use of the Distress Thermometer in terms of staff adherence to locally developed guidelines, patient willingness to use the tool, its impact on referral rates to clinical psychology services and concordance between the tool and the clinical assessment. Use of the Distress Thermometer was audited over a 3-month period in one lung cancer outpatient clinic. Referrals to clinical psychology services in response to clearly delineated referral indicators were assessed. Patient-reported outcomes were compared with practitioner assessment of need during clinical consultations to see whether the tool was measuring distress effectively. Thirty three of 34 patients used the Distress Thermometer during the audit period. Ten reported distress levels above 4 in the emotional or family problems domains. On ten occasions, the clinical interview identified problems not elicited by the Distress Thermometer. Guidelines were adhered to by staff, and patients were offered information about local support services and referral to clinical psychology services where indicated. Whilst all patients were happy to receive written information about further sources of support, none wanted to be referred to psychological services at that time. The Distress Thermometer is acceptable to patients with lung cancer in outpatient settings but it did not increase referrals for psychological support. Staff found it to be a useful tool in opening up communication about patient issues although it should not replace a comprehensive clinical interview
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