70 research outputs found
The Amplitude of Mass Fluctuations
We determine the linear amplitude of mass fluctuations in the universe,
sigma_8, from the abundance of massive clusters at redshifts z=0.5 to 0.8. The
evolution of massive clusters depends exponentially on the amplitude of mass
fluctuations and thus provides a powerful measure of this important
cosmological parameter. The relatively high abundance of massive clusters
observed at z>0.5, and the relatively slow evolution of their abundance with
time, suggest a high amplitude of mass fluctuations: sigma_8=0.9 +-10% for
Omega_m=0.4, increasing slightly to sigma_8=0.95 for Omega_m=0.25 and
sigma_8=1.0 for Omega_m=0.1 (flat CDM models). We use the cluster abundance
observed at z=0.5 to 0.8 to derive a normalization relation from the
high-redshift clusters, which is only weakly dependent on Omega_m:
sigma_8*Omega_m^0.14 = 0.78 +-0.08. When combined with recent constraints from
the present-day cluster mass function (sigma_8*Omega_m^0.6=0.33 +-0.03) we find
sigma_8=0.98 +-0.1 and Omega_m=0.17 +-0.05. Low sigma_8 values (<0.7) are
unlikely; they produce an order of magnitude fewer massive clusters than
observed.Comment: 12 pages including 3 figures; updated to match published versio
In transition with ADHD: the role of information, in facilitating or impeding young people’s transition into adult services
This is the final version. Available on open access from BMC via the DOI in this recordAvailability of data and materials:
The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available as they are under embargo until the end of the CATCh-uS project (2019), but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Data is currently stored securely by the University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health.Background
Many national and regional clinical guidelines emphasise the need for good communication of information to young people and their parent/carers about what to expect during transition into adult services. Recent research indicates only a minority of young people in need of transition for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience continuity of care into adulthood, with additional concerns about quality of transition. This qualitative study explored the role that information plays in experiences of transition from the perspectives of parent/carers and young people.
Methods
Participants were recruited from 10 National Health Service Trusts, located across England, with varying service configurations. Ninety two qualitative interviews were conducted: 64 with young people with ADHD at different stages relative to transition, and 28 with parent/carers. Thematic analysis of data was completed using the Framework Method.
Results
Interviewees reported a range of experiences; however reliance on parent/carers to gather and translate key information, and negative experiences associated with poor communication of information, were universal. Three themes emerged: Navigating information with help from parents; Information on ADHD into adulthood; Information about the transition process. The first revealed the essential role of parent in the translation and application of information, the other two explored distinct types of information necessary for a smooth transition. Interviewees made recommendations for clinical practice similar to UK (United Kingdom) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, with an additional emphasis on providing nuanced information on ADHD as a potentially long term condition. It was important to interviewees that General Practitioners had a basic understanding of adult ADHD and also had access to information about service provision.
Conclusions
Our findings illustrate that the availability and communication of information to young people and their parent/carers is an essential component of the transition process between child and adult ADHD services. How and when it is provided may support or impede transition. This study constitutes a substantial contribution to the evidence base, drawing on interviews from a range of participants across England and from Trusts offering different types of services.National Institute for Health Research (NIHR
The Impact of Halo Properties, Energy Feedback and Projection Effects on the Mass-SZ Flux Relation
We present a detailed analysis of the intrinsic scatter in the integrated SZ
effect - cluster mass (Y-M) relation, using semi-analytic and simulated cluster
samples. Specifically, we investigate the impact on the Y-M relation of energy
feedback, variations in the host halo concentration and substructure
populations, and projection effects due to unresolved clusters along the line
of sight (the SZ background). Furthermore, we investigate at what radius (or
overdensity) one should measure the integrated SZE and define cluster mass so
as to achieve the tightest possible scaling. We find that the measure of Y with
the least scatter is always obtained within a smaller radius than that at which
the mass is defined; e.g. for M_{200} (M_{500}) the scatter is least for
Y_{500} (Y_{1100}). The inclusion of energy feedback in the gas model
significantly increases the intrinsic scatter in the Y-M relation due to larger
variations in the gas mass fraction compared to models without feedback. We
also find that variations in halo concentration for clusters of a given mass
may partly explain why the integrated SZE provides a better mass proxy than the
central decrement. Substructure is found to account for approximately 20% of
the observed scatter in the Y-M relation. Above M_{200} = 2x10^{14} h^{-1}
msun, the SZ background does not significantly effect cluster mass
measurements; below this mass, variations in the background signal reduce the
optimal angular radius within which one should measure Y to achieve the
tightest scaling with M_{200}.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures, to be submitted to Ap
Transition between child and adult services for young people with ADHD: findings from a British national surveillance study
This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Cambridge University Press via the DOI in this record.Data Availability: Data is currently stored securely by the University of Exeter Medical School, under embargo until the end of the CATCh-uS project (2019).Background: Optimal transition involves continuity, joint care, planning meetings and information transfer. To plan services, commissioners and service providers need data on how many people require that service. Although Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently persists into adulthood, evidence is limited on transitions between child and adult services.
Aims: To estimate the national incidence of young people taking medication for ADHD that require and complete transition, and describe the proportion that experienced optimal transition.
Methods: Surveillance over twelve months using the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit and the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Surveillance System, including baseline notification and follow up questionnaires.
Results: Questionnaire response was 79% at baseline and 82% at follow up. For cases aged 17-19, incident rate (range adjusted for non-response) of transition need was 202-511 per 100,000 people aged 17-19 per year, with successful transition of 38-96 per 100,000 people aged 17-19 per year. Cases were mostly male (77%) with a comorbid condition (62%). Half were referred to specialist adult ADHD and 25% to general adult mental health services; 64% had referral accepted but only 22% attended a first appointment. Only 6% met optimal transition criteria.
Conclusions: As inclusion criteria required eligible cases to be on medication, these estimates will represent the lower limit of the need for transition. Two critical points were apparent; referral acceptance and first appointment attendance. The low rate of successful transition and limited guideline adherence indicates significant need for commissioners and service providers to improve service transition experiences.National Institute for Health Research (NIHR
Evolution of the Cluster Mass and Correlation Functions in LCDM Cosmology
The evolution of the cluster mass function and the cluster correlation
function from z = 0 to z = 3 are determined using 10^6 clusters obtained from
high-resolution simulations of the current best-fit LCDM cosmology (\Omega_m =
0.27, \sigma_8 = 0.84, h = 0.7). The results provide predictions for
comparisons with future observations of high redshift clusters. A comparison of
the predicted mass function of low redshift clusters with observations from
early Sloan Digital Sky Survey data, and the predicted abundance of massive
distant clusters with observational results, favor a slightly larger amplitude
of mass fluctuations (\sigma_8 = 0.9) and lower density parameter (\Omega_m =
0.2); these values are consistent within 1-\sigma with the current
observational and model uncertainties. The cluster correlation function
strength increases with redshift for a given mass limit; the clusters were more
strongly correlated in the past, due to their increasing bias with redshift -
the bias reaches b = 100 at z = 2 for M > 5 x 10^13 h^-1 M_sun. The
richness-dependent cluster correlation function, represented by the correlation
scale versus cluster mean separation relation, R0-d, is generally consistent
with observations. This relation can be approximated as R_0 = 1.7 d^0.6 h^-1
Mpc for d = 20 - 60 h^-1 Mpc. The R0-d relation exhibits surprisingly little
evolution with redshift for z < 2; this can provide a new test of the current
LCDM model when compared with future observations of high redshift clusters.Comment: 20 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Ap
The Cluster Mass Function from Early SDSS Data: Cosmological Implications
The mass function of clusters of galaxies is determined from 400 deg^2 of
early commissioning imaging data of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey; ~300 clusters
in the redshift range z = 0.1 - 0.2 are used. Clusters are selected using two
independent selection methods: a Matched Filter and a red-sequence color
magnitude technique. The two methods yield consistent results. The cluster mass
function is compared with large-scale cosmological simulations. We find a
best-fit cluster normalization relation of sigma_8*omega_m^0.6 = 0.33 +- 0.03
(for 0.1 ~< omega_m ~< 0.4), or equivalently sigma_8 = (0.16/omega_m)^0.6. The
amplitude of this relation is significantly lower than the previous canonical
value, implying that either omega_m is lower than previously expected (omega_m
= 0.16 if sigma_8 = 1) or sigma_8 is lower than expected (sigma_8 = 0.7 if
omega_m = 0.3). The best-fit mass function parameters are omega_m = 0.19
(+0.08,-0.07) and sigma_8 = 0.9 (+0.3,-0.2). High values of omega_m (>= 0.4)
and low sigma_8 (=~ 2 sigma.Comment: AASTeX, 25 pages, including 7 figures, accepted for publication in
ApJ, vol.585, March 200
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