The constant-velocity highly collimated outflows of the planetary nebula He 2-90

We present high-dispersion echelle spectroscopic observations and a narrow-band [N II] image of the remarkable jet-like features of He 2-90. They are detected in the echelle spectra in the H-alpha and [N II] lines but not in other nebular lines. The [N II]/H-alpha ratio is uniformly high, ~1. The observed kinematics reveals bipolar collimated outflows in the jet-like features and shows that the southeast (northwest) component expands towards (away from) the observer at a remarkably constant line-of-sight velocity, 26.0+-0.5 km/s. The observed expansion velocity and the opening angle of the jet-like features are used to estimate an inclination angle of ~5 degrees with respect to the sky plane and a space expansion velocity of ~290 km/s. The spectrum of the bright central nebula reveals a profusion of Fe lines and extended wings of the H-alpha line, similar to those seen in symbiotic stars and some young planetary nebulae that are presumed to host a mass-exchanging binary system. If this is the case for He 2-90, the constant velocity and direction of the jets require a very stable dynamic system against precession and warping.Comment: 8 pages (emulate ApJ), 5 figure, 1 tabl

Confusion Assessment Method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) for the diagnosis of delirium in adults in critical care settings

© 2018 The Cochrane Collaboration. This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Diagnostic test accuracy). The objectives are as follows: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) for the diagnosis of delirium in adult patients in critical care settings

Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs: An International Survey of Practice

Background: In response to the need to simultaneously address multiple domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in aphasia therapy and to incorporate intensive treatment doses consistent with principles of neuroplasticity, a potentially potent treatment option termed intensive comprehensive aphasia programs (ICAPs) has been developed. Objective: To conduct an international survey of ICAPs to determine the extent of their use and to explore current ICAP practices. Methods: A 32-item online survey was distributed internationally through Survey Monkey between May and August 2012. The survey addressed ICAP staffing, philosophy, values, funding, admission criteria, activities, family involvement, outcome measures, and factors considered important to success. Results: Twelve ICAPs responded: 8 from the United States, 2 from Canada, and 1 each from Australia and the United Kingdom. The majority of ICAPs are affiliated with university programs and are funded through participant self-pay. ICAPs emphasize individualized treatment goals and evidence-based practices, with a focus on applying the principles of neuroplasticity related to repetition and intensity of treatment. On average, 6 people with aphasia attend each ICAP, for 4 days per week for 4 weeks, receiving about 100 hours of individual, group, and computer-based treatment. Speech-language pathologists, students, and volunteers staff the majority of ICAPs. Conclusions: ICAPs are increasing in number but remain a rare service delivery option. They address the needs of individuals who want access to intensive treatment and are interested in making significant changes to their communication skills and psychosocial well-being in a short period of time. Their efficacy and cost-effectiveness require future investigation

Time-resolved kinetic assessment of the role of singlet and triplet excited states in the photocatalytic treatment of pollutants at different concentrations

[EN] A kinetic-based rationale to assess the role of each excited species in thermodynamically favoured photocatalytic processes at different pollutant concentrations, has been developed and illustrated with new experimental data. Specifically, 2,4,6-triphenylthiapyrylium (TPTP+) salt has been chosen as a representative organic compound capable to act as photocatalyst, and the possible involvement of its excited states in the photodegradation of pollutants commonly found in aqueous ecosystems has been investigated using five chemicals, namely acetaminophen, acetamiprid, caffeine, clofibric acid and carbamazepine. First, steady-state photolysis has been carried out under simulated solar irradiation in the presence of TPTP+, and second, photophysical measurements (fluorescence and laser flash photolysis) have been performed in order to obtain reliable fast kinetic data. Thermodynamic considerations allow ruling out energy transfer processes, while the kinetic results are in good agreement with an electron transfer to the triplet excited state of TPTP+. Hence, the higher the intersystem crossing quantum yield the better. Although quenching of the singlet excited state is also observed, the contribution of this reactive species is only minor, due to its shorter lifetime. In general, the efficiency of a photocatalyst should be enhanced at higher pollutant concentrations, at which the intrinsic decay of the triplet excited state is minimized. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Financial support from Spanish Government (Grants SEV-2012-0267, CTQ2012-38754-C03-03 and CTQ2015-69832-C4-4-R) and Generalitat Valenciana (Prometeo Program) is gratefully acknowledged. R. Martinez-Haya thanks financial support from Spanish Government (Grant SEV-2012-0267). We also thank support from VLC/Campus.Martínez-Haya, R.; Gomis, J.; Arques Sanz, A.; Marín García, ML.; Amat Payá, AM.; Miranda Alonso, MÁ. (2017). Time-resolved kinetic assessment of the role of singlet and triplet excited states in the photocatalytic treatment of pollutants at different concentrations. Applied Catalysis B Environmental. 203:381-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2016.10.042S38138820

Polystyrene Nanopillars with Inbuilt Carbon Nanotubes Enable Synaptic Modulation and Stimulation in Interfaced Neuronal Networks

The use of nanostructured materials and nanosized-topographies has the potential to impact the performance of implantable biodevices, including neural interfaces, enhancing their sensitivity and selectivity, while reducing tissue reactivity. As a result, current trends in biosensor technology require the effective ability to improve devices with controlled nanostructures. Nanoimprint lithography to pattern surfaces with high-density and high aspect ratio nanopillars (NPs) made of polystyrene (PS-NP, insulating), or of a polystyrene/carbon-nanotube nanocomposite (PS-CNT-NP, electrically conductive) are exploited. Both substrates are challenged with cultured primary neurons. They are demonstrated to support the development of suspended synaptic networks at the NPs’ interfaces characterized by a reduction in proliferating neuroglia, and a boost in neuronal emergent electrical activity when compared to flat controls. The authors successfully exploit their conductive PS-CNT-NPs to stimulate cultured cells electrically. The ability of both nanostructured surfaces to interface tissue explants isolated from the mouse spinal cord is then tested. The integration of the neuronal circuits with the NP topology, the suspended nature of the cultured networks, the reduced neuroglia formation, and the higher network activity together with the ability to deliver electrical stimuli via PS-CNT-NP reveal such platforms as promising designs to implement on neuro-prosthetic or neurostimulation devices