A New Species of Mite (Acari: Podapolipidae) From a Michigan Carabid Beetle, \u3ci\u3eChlaenius Pennsylvanicus\u3c/i\u3e

Eutarsopolipus regenfussi n. sp. is described from the Michigan carabid beetle, Chlaenius pennsylvanicus (L.)

Dissecting the complex environment of a distant quasar with MUSE

High redshift quasars can be used to trace the early growth of massive galaxies and may be triggered by galaxy-galaxy interactions. We present MUSE science verification data on one such interacting system consisting of the well-studied z=3.2 PKS1614+051 quasar, its AGN companion galaxy and bridge of material radiating in Lyalpha between the quasar and its companion. We find a total of four companion galaxies (at least two galaxies are new discoveries), three of which reside within the likely virial radius of the quasar host, suggesting that the system will evolve into a massive elliptical galaxy by the present day. The MUSE data are of sufficient quality to split the extended Lyalpha emission line into narrow velocity channels. In these the gas can be seen extending towards each of the three neighbouring galaxies suggesting that the emission-line gas originates in a gravitational interaction between the galaxies and the quasar host. The photoionization source of this gas is less clear but is probably dominated by the two AGN. The quasar's Lyalpha emission spectrum is double-peaked, likely due to absorbing neutral material at the quasar's systemic redshift with a low column density as no damping wings are present. The spectral profiles of the AGN and bridge's Lyalpha emission are also consistent with absorption at the same redshift indicating this neutral material may extend over > 50 kpc. The fact that the neutral material is seen in the line of sight to the quasar and transverse to it, and the fact that we see the quasar and it also illuminates the emission-line bridge, suggests the quasar radiates isotropically and any obscuring torus is small. These results demonstrate the power of MUSE for investigating the dynamics of interacting systems at high redshift.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, published in MNRA

UK-wide support infrastructure for low frequency noise sufferers ('LFN Network')

The project was set up to meet a need for improved treatment of Low Frequency Noise (LFN) complaints in cases where no noise source could be found. Such cases can be highly distressing for the complainant and difficult to handle by the Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) concerned and so tend to result in disproportionate use of resources. The hypothesis is that, irrespective of the (unknown) cause of the LFN perception, the perception may be lessened through application of techniques specifically adapted from the field of tinnitus and hyperacusis therapy. The aim of the project was therefore to establish, on a trial basis, a national network of treatment centres for sufferers of LFN located within the existing network of tinnitus clinics in the UK. A network of nine audiology centres was established, including eight with a good geographical spread in England and one in Scotland. A treatment protocol, specific to LFN cases, was then developed through discussions with the centres and a referral pathway was also established. Each centre made contact initially with EHOs in one or two local authorities in their vicinity to offer the service which was widened to a larger catchment area if sufficient referrals were not forthcoming. Fourteen subjects took part, eleven of which were referred from EHOs, the remaining three being self-referred. Outcome measures were based on a combination of validated questionnaires for general health, anxiety, depression, tinnitus handicap (with LFN substituted for tinnitus) and hyperacusis, combined with visual-analogue scales specifically developed for LFN to measure the pitch and loudness of the perceived LFN and the associated distress. Qualitative and open questions were also used. Potential benefits to EHOs of being able to make referrals were evaluated by semi-structured telephone interviews in which five EHOs participated. Generally, EHOs were very positive about the service and wanted it to continue. It was clear that LFN cases require significant resources which can be reduced if the referral service is available. Audiologists’ experience was evaluated in a similar way: they were generally willing to take part in the scheme and wanted it to continue and there was a feeling that they would have liked more referrals to get more experience in the use of the protocol. The results showed a mixed picture with some clients, three in particular, showing improved scores across a range of measures with little or no benefit for others and a worsening for one case. The improvement of some clients is positive given the lack of options available for this client group, however, the success of the approach can be considered partial at best. The questionnaire scores indicated that individuals taking part were significantly agitated, stressed and distressed. Those individuals with LFN complaint have a significant clinical need although in the main they were not clinically anxious or depressed. The model proposed of stress and increased auditory gain is a plausible explanation for the symptoms noted in LFN cases. In particular, the involvement of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system, and of the emotional brain, is likely to be a faithful representation of the clinical situation. A number of useful signposts for future development were derived. First, EHOs as well as audiologists should ideally receive training in best practice to help them to handle the particular sensitivities of LFN cases. More awareness and information for GPs is also recommended. A simplification of the referral route, potentially going direct to the audiologist rather than via the GP would also be beneficial. A strong argument for the continuation of the service is that some EHOs are now taking the initiative in contacting audiologists independently to refer LFN complainants in ‘No Noise Found’ cases. Without adequate training things could be made worse but access to a specific LFN protocol and associated training is likely to increase the chances of success significantly. It is recommended that existing guidance for EHOs be extended to include details of audiology services, guidelines for EHOs in making referrals and reference to the LFN treatment protocol. Using data from the study two independent estimates of the incidence rates of LFN cases can be derived. It is estimated that there are up to 160 complainants per year in the NHS corresponding to 0.32 cases per 100 thousand per year. The incidence rate based on referrals made by EHOs is 1.01 per 100 thousand per year within local authorities. It is not known to what extent, if any, these populations overlap

Identifying clustering at high redshift through actively star-forming galaxies

Identifying galaxy clustering at high redshift (i.e. z > 1) is essential to our understanding of the current cosmological model. However, at increasing redshift, clusters evolve considerably in star-formation activity and so are less likely to be identified using the widely-used red sequence method. Here we assess the viability of instead identifying high redshift clustering using actively star-forming galaxies (SMGs associated with over-densities of BzKs/LBGs). We perform both a 2- and 3-D clustering analysis to determine whether or not true (3D) clustering can be identified where only 2D data are available. As expected, we find that 2D clustering signals are weak at best and inferred results are method dependant. In our 3D analysis, we identify 12 SMGs associated with an over-density of galaxies coincident both spatially and in redshift - just 8% of SMGs with known redshifts in our sample. Where an SMG in our target fields lacks a known redshift, their sightline is no more likely to display clustering than blank sky fields; prior redshift information for the SMG is required to identify a true clustering signal. We find that the strength of clustering in the volume around typical SMGs, while identifiable, is not exceptional. However, we identify a small number of highly clustered regions, all associated with an SMG. The most notable of these, surrounding LESSJ033336.8-274401, potentially contains an SMG, a QSO and 36 star-forming galaxies (a > 20sig over-density) all at z~1.8. This region is highly likely to represent an actively star-forming cluster and illustrates the success of using star-forming galaxies to select sites of early clustering. Given the increasing number of deep fields with large volumes of spectroscopy, or high quality and reliable photometric redshifts, this opens a new avenue for cluster identification in the young Universe.Comment: 24 pages, 14 figures, accepted MNRA

A Narrative Review of Medication-Related Clinical Decision Support

Objectives: A key element of the implementation and on-going use of an electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) system is ensuring that users are, and remain, sufficiently trained to use the system. Studies have suggested that insufficient training is associated with suboptimal use. However, it is not clear from these studies how clinicians are trained to use ePrescribing systems or the effectiveness of different approaches. We sought to describe the various approaches used to train qualified prescribers on ePrescribing systems and to identify whether users were educated about the pitfalls and challenges of using these systems. Methods: We performed a literature review, using a systematic approach across three large databases: Cumulative Index Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase and Medline were searched for relevant English language articles. Articles that explored the training of qualified prescribers on ePrescribing systems in a hospital setting were included. Key Findings: Our search of ‘all training’ approaches returned 1,155 publications, of which seven were included. A separate search of ‘online’ training found three relevant publications. Training methods in the ‘all training’ category included clinical scenarios, demonstrations and assessments. Regarding ‘online’ training approaches; a team at the University of Victoria in Canada developed a portal containing simulated versions of electronic health records, where individuals could prescribe for fictitious patients. Educating prescribers about the challenges and pitfalls of electronic systems was rarely discussed. Conclusions: A number of methods are used to train prescribers; however the lack of papers retrieved suggests a need for additional studies to inform training methods

The Rest-Frame Submillimeter Spectrum of High-Redshift, Dusty, Star-Forming Galaxies

We present the average rest-frame spectrum of high-redshift dusty, star-forming galaxies from 250-770GHz. This spectrum was constructed by stacking ALMA 3mm spectra of 22 such sources discovered by the South Pole Telescope and spanning z=2.0-5.7. In addition to multiple bright spectral features of 12CO, [CI], and H2O, we also detect several faint transitions of 13CO, HCN, HNC, HCO+, and CN, and use the observed line strengths to characterize the typical properties of the interstellar medium of these high-redshift starburst galaxies. We find that the 13CO brightness in these objects is comparable to that of the only other z>2 star-forming galaxy in which 13CO has been observed. We show that the emission from the high-critical density molecules HCN, HNC, HCO+, and CN is consistent with a warm, dense medium with T_kin ~ 55K and n_H2 >~ 10^5.5 cm^-3. High molecular hydrogen densities are required to reproduce the observed line ratios, and we demonstrate that alternatives to purely collisional excitation are unlikely to be significant for the bulk of these systems. We quantify the average emission from several species with no individually detected transitions, and find emission from the hydride CH and the linear molecule CCH for the first time at high redshift, indicating that these molecules may be powerful probes of interstellar chemistry in high-redshift systems. These observations represent the first constraints on many molecular species with rest-frame transitions from 0.4-1.2mm in star-forming systems at high redshift, and will be invaluable in making effective use of ALMA in full science operations.Comment: 19 pages, 10 figures (2 in appendices); accepted for publication in Ap

Cycling position optimisation – a systematic review of the impact of positional changes on biomechanical and physiological factors in cycling

Bike positional configuration changes strongly affect cycling performance. While consensus has emerged on saddle height optimisation, there is none for the relationship between other bike positional variables and cycling performance. Accordingly, this systematic review examines the effect of all major positional variables on performance in cycling, assessing differences between cycling disciplines and sex where possible. The systematic review, conducted per PRISMA guidelines, searched databases including Embase, Web of Science, Medline, and CINAHL, screening 16,578 studies. Of these, 47 were fully analysed. Study quality assessment using the NIH tool revealed none rated “good”, 5 “fair” and 33 “poor”. The analysis involved 724 participants (90 female, 454 male, 180 sex unstated). Studies focused on trunk angle/upper body position, handlebar height, Q factor, foot position, saddle fore-aft/height, seat tube angle and crank length. Participant cycling disciplines were often unspecified and few papers address women cyclists specifically. Key findings were associated with changing saddle height, trunk angle and saddle fore-aft. For trunk angle, accounting for the biomechanical and physiological effects as well as aerodynamic changes is important. Saddle fore-aft affects the hip angle and trunk angle. There are no clear recommendations for crank length, handlebar height, Q factor or cleat position

Negotiating professional and social voices in research principles and practice

This paper draws on work conducted for a qualitative interview based study which explores the gendered racialised and professional identifications of health and social care professionals. Participants for the project were drawn from the professional executive committees of recently formed Primary Care Trusts. The paper discusses how the feminist psychosocial methodological approach developed for the project is theoretically, practically and ethically useful in exploring the voices of those in positions of relative power in relation to both health and social care services and the social relations of gender and ethnicity. The approach draws on psychodynamic accounts of (defended) subjectivity and the feminist work of Carol Gilligan on a voice-centred relational methodology. Coupling the feminist with the psychosocial facilitates an emphasis on voice and dialogic communication between participant and researcher not always captured in psychosocial approaches which tend towards favouring the interviewer as ‘good listener’. This emphasis on dialogue is important in research contexts where prior and ongoing relationships with professional participants make it difficult and indeed undesirable for researchers to maintain silence