421 research outputs found
Are Oklahoma combines operating efficiently?
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Below the Belt? Territory and Development in China’s International Rise
China’s internationalization has been heralded by some as a new era of South–South cooperation. Yet such framings of development are pitched at an abstract space of the ‘global South’ which conceals more than it reveals. With some theory moving towards ontologies of ‘global development’, we need to capture both the connectedness and the local specificity of increasingly diffuse processes. This article sets out a more fine-grained understanding of how political territories and processes are imagined and produced by and through China’s internationalization, focusing on infrastructure as a ‘technology’ of territorialization. Much of the focus on China’s internationalization has been on state-to-state relations, but this obscures the ‘omni-channel politics’ that China practises. Using a critical literature review and illustrative case study, this article develops the idea of omni-channel politics to posit a view of ‘twisted’ territories in which political processes and development outcomes are more complex and contingent
Profile shape stability and phase jitter analyses of millisecond pulsars
Millisecond pulsars (MSPs) have been studied in detail since their discovery
in 1982. The integrated pulse profiles of MSPs appear to be stable, which
enables precision monitoring of the pulse times of arrival (TOAs). However, for
individual pulses the shape and arrival phase can vary dramatically, which is
known as pulse jitter. In this paper, we investigate the stability of
integrated pulse profiles for 5 MSPs, and estimate the amount of jitter for PSR
J0437-4715. We do not detect intrinsic profile shape variation based on
integration times from ~10 to ~100 s with the provided instrumental
sensitivity. For PSR J0437-4715 we calculate the jitter parameter to be
f_J=0.067+-0.002, and demonstrate that the result is not significantly affected
by instrumental TOA uncertainties. Jitter noise is also found to be independent
of observing frequency and bandwidth around 1.4 GHz on frequency scales of <100
MHz, which supports the idea that pulses within narrow frequency scale are
equally jittered. In addition, we point out that pulse jitter would limit TOA
calculation for the timing observations with future telescopes like the Square
Kilometre Array and the Five hundred metre Aperture Spherical Telescope. A
quantitative understanding of pulse profile stability and the contribution of
jitter would enable improved TOA calculations, which are essential for the
ongoing endeavours in pulsar timing, such as the detection of the stochastic
gravitational wave background.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figures, 3 Tables, accepted by MNRA
Prospects for High-Precision Pulsar Timing
Timing pulses of pulsars has proved to be a most powerful technique useful to
a host of research areas in astronomy and physics. Importantly, the precision
of this timing is not only affected by radiometer noise, but also by intrinsic
pulse shape changes, interstellar medium (ISM) evolution, instrumental
distortions, etc. In this paper we review the known causes of pulse shape
variations and assess their effect on the precision and accuracy of a single
measurement of pulse arrival time with current instrumentation. Throughout this
analysis we use the brightest and most precisely timed millisecond pulsar
(MSP), PSR J0437-4715, as a case study, and develop a set of diagnostic tools
to evaluate profile stability in timing observations. We conclude that most
causes of distortion can be either corrected by state-of-the-art techniques or
taken into account in the estimation of time-of-arrival (TOA) uncertainties.
The advent of a new generation of radio telescopes (e.g. the Square Kilometre
Array, SKA), and their increase in collecting area has sparked speculation
about the timing precision achievable through increases in gain. Based on our
analysis of current data, we predict that for normal-brightness MSPs a TOA
precision of between 80 and 230 ns can be achieved at 1.4 GHz with 10-minute
integrations by the SKA. The actual rms timing residuals for each pulsar will
be approximately at the same level only if all the other influences on timing
precision (e.g. ISM, spin noise) are either corrected, modelled, or negligible.Comment: 13 pages, 12 figures, 2 tables, accepted for MNRAS publicatio
Neuronal hyperexcitability is a DLK-dependent trigger of Herpes Simplex Virus reactivation that can be induced by IL-1
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) establishes a latent infection in neurons and periodically reactivates to cause disease. The stimuli that trigger HSV-1 reactivation have not been fully elucidated. We demonstrate HSV-1 reactivation from latently infected mouse neurons induced by forskolin requires neuronal excitation. Stimuli that directly induce neurons to become hyperexcitable also induced HSV-1 reactivation. Forskolin-induced reactivation was dependent on the neuronal pathway of DLK/JNK activation and included an initial wave of viral gene expression that was independent of histone demethylase activity and linked to histone phosphorylation. IL-1β is released under conditions of stress, fever and UV exposure of the epidermis; all known triggers of clinical HSV reactivation. We found that IL-1β induced histone phosphorylation and increased the excitation in sympathetic neurons. Importantly, IL-1β triggered HSV-1 reactivation, which was dependent on DLK and neuronal excitability. Thus, HSV-1 co-opts an innate immune pathway resulting from IL-1 stimulation of neurons to induce reactivation
Impacts of caring for a child with the CDKL5 disorder on parental wellbeing and family quality of life
Background: Although research in this area remains sparse, raising a child with some genetic disorders has been shown to adversely impact maternal health and family quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate such impacts in families with a child with the CDKL5 disorder, a newly recognised genetic disorder causing severe neurodevelopmental impairments and refractory epilepsy. Methods: Data were sourced from the International CDKL5 Disorder Database to which 192 families with a child with a pathogenic CDKL5 mutation had provided data by January 2016. The Short Form 12 Health Survey Version 2, yielding a Physical Component Summary and a Mental Component Summary score, was used to measure primary caregiver's wellbeing. The Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale was used to measure family quality of life. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate relationships between child and family factors and the various subscale scores. Results: The median (range) age of the primary caregivers was 37.0 (24.6-63.7) years and of the children was 5.2 (0.2-34.1) years. The mean (SD) physical and mental component scores were 53.7 (8.6) and 41.9 (11.6), respectively. In mothers aged 25-54 years the mean mental but not the physical component score was lower than population norms. After covariate adjustment, caregivers with a tube-fed child had lower mean physical but higher mean mental component scores than those whose child fed orally (coefficient = -4.80 and 6.79; p = 0.009 and 0.012, respectively). Child sleep disturbances and financial hardship were negatively associated with the mental component score. The mean (SD) Beach Center Family Quality of Life score was 4.06 (0.66) and those who had used respite services had lower scores than those who had not across the subscales. Conclusions: Emotional wellbeing was considerably impaired in this caregiver population, and was particularly associated with increased severity of child sleep problems and family financial difficulties. Family quality of life was generally rated lowest in those using respite care extensively, suggesting that these families may be more burdened by daily caregiving
Binary and Millisecond Pulsars at the New Millennium
We review the properties and applications of binary and millisecond pulsars.
Our knowledge of these exciting objects has greatly increased in recent years,
mainly due to successful surveys which have brought the known pulsar population
to over 1300. There are now 56 binary and millisecond pulsars in the Galactic
disk and a further 47 in globular clusters. This review is concerned primarily
with the results and spin-offs from these surveys which are of particular
interest to the relativity community.Comment: 59 pages, 26 figures, 5 tables. Accepted for publication in Living
Reviews in Relativity (http://www.livingreviews.org
Lessons learned from the London Exercise and Pregnant (LEAP) Smokers randomised controlled trial process evaluation : implications for the design of physical activity for smoking cessation interventions during pregnancy
BACKGROUND: The challenges of delivering interventions for pregnant smokers have been poorly documented. Also, the process of promoting a physical activity intervention for pregnant smokers has not been previously recorded. This study describes the experiences of researchers conducting a randomised controlled trial of physical activity as an aid to smoking cessation during pregnancy and explores how the effectiveness of future interventions could be improved. METHODS: Two focus groups, with independent facilitators, were conducted with six researchers who had enrolled pregnant smokers in the LEAP trial, provided the interventions, and administered the research measures. Topics included recruitment, retention and how the physical activity intervention for pregnant smokers was delivered and how it was adapted when necessary to suit the women. The focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes emerged related to barriers or enablers to intervention delivery: (1) nature of the intervention; (2) personal characteristics of trial participants; (3) practical issues; (4) researchers' engagement with participants; (5) training and support needs. Researchers perceived that participants may have been deterred by the intensive and generic nature of the intervention and the need to simultaneously quit smoking and increase physical activity. Women also appeared hampered by pregnancy ailments, social deprivation, and poor mental health. Researchers observed that their status as health professionals was valued by participants but it was challenging to maintain contact with participants. Training and support needs were identified for dealing with pregnant teenagers, participants' friends and family, and post-natal return to smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Future exercise interventions for smoking cessation in pregnancy may benefit by increased tailoring of the intervention to the characteristics of the women, including their psychological profile, socio-economic background, pregnancy ailments and exercise preferences. Delivering an effective physical activity intervention for smoking cessation in pregnancy may require more comprehensive training for those delivering the intervention, particularly with regard to dealing with teenage smokers and smokers' friends and family, as well as for avoiding post-natal return to smoking. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN48600346 , date of registration: 21/07/2008
The design of a community lifestyle programme to improve the physical and psychological well-being of pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Obesity is a global public health issue. Having a BMI of 30 kg/m<sup>2 </sup>or more (classifying a person as obese) at the start of pregnancy is a significant risk factor for maternal and fetal morbidity. There is a dearth of evidence to inform suitable inteventions to support pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m<sup>2 </sup>or more. Here we describe a study protocol to test the feasibility of a variety of potential healthy lifestyle interventions for pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m<sup>2 </sup>or more in a community based programme.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>Four hundred women will be approached to attend a 10-week community lifestyle programme. The programme will be provided as a supplement to standard antenatal care. The programme is multi-faceted, aimed at equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to adopt healthy behaviours. The social (cognitive) learning theory will be used as a tool to encourage behaviour change, the behaviour change techniques are underpinned by five theoretical components; self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, goal setting, feedback and positive reinforcement.</p> <p>The main outcomes are pregnancy weight gain and caesarean section rate. Other important outcomes include clinical outcomes (e.g., birth weight) and psychological outcomes (e.g., well-being). Secondary outcomes include women's experience of pregnancy and health care services, amount of physical activity, food intake and the suitability of the intervention components.</p> <p>A prospective study using quantitative and qualitative methods will inform the feasibility of implementing the community lifestyle programme with pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m<sup>2 </sup>or more. Mixed methods of data collection will be used, including diaries, focus groups/interviews, pedometers, validated and specifically designed questionnaires, a programme register, weight gain during pregnancy and perinatal outcome data.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Findings from this current feasibility study will inform future interventions and NHS services and add to the evidence-base by providing information about the experiences of pregnant women with a BMI of 30 kg/m<sup>2 </sup>or more undertaking a community lifestyle programme. The study will lead on to a randomised control trial of a suitable intervention to improve the pregnancy outcomes of this target group.</p> <p>Trail Registration</p> <p>ISRCTN29860479.</p
Uptake in cancer screening programmes:a priority in cancer control
Achieving adequate levels of uptake in cancer screening requires a variety of approaches that need to be shaped by the characteristics of both the screening programme and the target population. Strategies to improve uptake typically produce only incremental increases. Accordingly, approaches that combine behavioural, organisational and other strategies are most likely to succeed. In conjunction with a focus on uptake, providers of screening services need to promote informed decision making among invitees. Addressing inequalities in uptake must remain a priority for screening programmes. Evidence informing strategies targeting low-uptake groups is scarce, and more research is needed in this area. Cancer screening has the potential to make a major contribution to early diagnosis initiatives in the United Kingdom, and will best be achieved through uptake strategies that emphasise wide coverage, informed choice and equitable distribution of cancer screening services
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