The EXPLORE Project I: A Deep Search for Transiting Extrasolar Planets

(Abridged) We discuss the design considerations of the EXPLORE (EXtra-solar PLanet Occultation REsearch) project, a series of transiting planet searches using 4-m-class telescopes to continuously monitor a single field of stars in the Galactic Plane in each ~2 week observing campaign. We discuss the general factors which determine the efficiency and the number of planets found by a transit search, including time sampling strategy and field selection. The primary goal is to select the most promising planet candidates for radial velocity follow-up observations. We show that with very high photometric precision light curves that have frequent time sampling and at least two detected transits, it is possible to uniquely solve for the main parameters of the eclipsing system (including planet radius) based on several important assumptions about the central star. Together with a measured spectral type for the star, this unique solution for orbital parameters provides a powerful method for ruling out most contaminants to transiting planet candidates. For the EXPLORE project, radial velocity follow-up observations for companion mass determination of the best candidates are done on 8-m-class telescopes within two or three months of the photometric campaigns. This same-season follow-up is made possible by the use of efficient pipelines to produce high quality light curves within weeks of the observations. We conclude by presenting early results from our first search, EXPLORE I, in which we reached <1% rms photometric precision (measured over a full night) on ~37,000 stars to I <= 18.2.Comment: accepted by ApJ. Main points unchanged but more thorough discussion of some issues. 36 pages, including 14 figure

The EXPLORE Project: A Deep Search for Transiting Extra-Solar Planets

Searching for transits provides a very promising technique for finding close-in extra-solar planets. Transiting planets present the advantage of allowing one to determine physical properties such as mass and radius unambiguously. The EXPLORE (EXtra-solar PLanet Occultation REsearch) project is a transit search project carried out using wide-field CCD imaging cameras on 4-m class telescopes, and 8-10m class telescopes for radial velocity verification of the photometric candidates. We describe some of the considerations that go into the design of the EXPLORE transit search to maximize the discovery rate and minimize contaminating objects that mimic transiting planets. We show that high precision photometry (2 to 10 millimag) and high time sampling (few minutes) are crucial for sifting out contaminating signatures, such as grazing binaries. We have completed two searches using the 8k MOSAIC camera at the CTIO4m and the CFH12k camera at CFHT, with runs covering 11 and 16 nights, respectively. We obtained preliminary light curves for approximately 47,000 stars with better than ~1% photometric precision. A number of light curves with flat-bottomed eclipses consistent with being produced by transiting planets has been discovered. Preliminary results from follow-up spectroscopic observations using the VLT UVES spectrograph and the Keck HIRES spectrograph obtained for a number of the candidates are presented. Data from four of these can be interpreted consistently as possible planet candidates, although further data are still required for definitive confirmations.Comment: 11 pages. To appear in the Proceedings of the SPIE conference: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentatio

A woman living with osteoarthritis: A case report

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that is typically associated with older adults. Other causes of osteoarthritis, such as those cases resulting from childhood Perthes disease, can affect younger people and frequently have a major impact on the lives of those affected. This case report describes the experiences of one patient with osteoarthritis, using examples of her poetry to illustrate her social, psychological and emotional transformation

Symptom complexes in patients with seropositive arthralgia and in patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative exploration of symptom development

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore symptoms and symptom development during the earliest phases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with seropositive arthralgia and patients newly diagnosed with RA

Record-Making, Research, and Removal: Mitigating Impacts on Rock Art in a CRM Context in Southern Africa—the Case of the Metolong Dam, Lesotho

This paper reports on the steps taken to mitigate the impact of the Metolong Dam (Lesotho) on the rock art present within the catchment of its associated reservoir. Mitigation took four major forms: comprehensive survey and documentation, including both photography and tracing; pigment characterization and radiocarbon dating; exploration of the ongoing significance of rock art as a form of living heritage for people living in the vicinity; and removal of selected panels for permanent safekeeping. These steps are placed within the wider context of other cultural heritage management projects in Africa and their success evaluated. Recommendations are made for how similar work should be undertaken in future

A powerful intervention: general practitioners' use of sickness certification in depression

&lt;b&gt;Background&lt;/b&gt; Depression is frequently cited as the reason for sickness absence, and it is estimated that sickness certificates are issued in one third of consultations for depression. Previous research has considered GP views of sickness certification but not specifically in relation to depression. This study aimed to explore GPs views of sickness certification in relation to depression.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods&lt;/b&gt; A purposive sample of GP practices across Scotland was selected to reflect variations in levels of incapacity claimants and antidepressant prescribing. Qualitative interviews were carried out between 2008 and 2009.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt; A total of 30 GPs were interviewed. A number of common themes emerged including the perceived importance of GP advocacy on behalf of their patients, the tensions between stakeholders involved in the sickness certification system, the need to respond flexibly to patients who present with depression and the therapeutic nature of time away from work as well as the benefits of work. GPs reported that most patients with depression returned to work after a short period of absence and that it was often difficult to predict which patients would struggle to return to work.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt; GPs reported that dealing with sickness certification and depression presents distinct challenges. Sickness certificates are often viewed as powerful interventions, the effectiveness of time away from work for those with depression should be subject to robust enquiry