977 research outputs found
Radiative Shock-Induced Collapse of Intergalactic Clouds
Accumulating observational evidence for a number of radio galaxies suggests
an association between their jets and regions of active star formation. The
standard picture is that shocks generated by the jet propagate through an
inhomogeneous medium and trigger the collapse of overdense clouds, which then
become active star-forming regions. In this contribution, we report on recent
hydrodynamic simulations of radiative shock-cloud interactions using two
different cooling models: an equilibrium cooling-curve model assuming solar
metallicities and a non-equilibrium chemistry model appropriate for primordial
gas clouds. We consider a range of initial cloud densities and shock speeds in
order to quantify the role of cooling in the evolution. Our results indicate
that for moderate cloud densities (>1 cm^{-3}) and shock Mach numbers (<20),
cooling processes can be highly efficient and result in more than 50% of the
initial cloud mass cooling to below 100 K. We also use our results to estimate
the final H_2 mass fraction for the simulations that use the non-equilibrium
chemistry package. This is an important measurement, since H_2 is the dominant
coolant for a primordial gas cloud. We find peak H_2 mass fractions of >0.01
and total H_2 mass fractions of >10^{-5} for the cloud gas. Finally, we compare
our results with the observations of jet-induced star formation in
``Minkowski's Object.'' We conclude that its morphology, star formation rate (~
0.3M_solar/yr) and stellar mass (~ 1.2 x 10^7 M_solar) can be explained by the
interaction of a 90,000 km/s jet with an ensemble of moderately dense (~ 10
cm^{-3}), warm (10^4 K) intergalactic clouds in the vicinity of its associated
radio galaxy at the center of the galaxy cluster.Comment: 30 pages, 7 figures, submitted to Astrophysical Journa
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PEDSnet: a National Pediatric Learning Health System
A learning health system (LHS) integrates research done in routine care settings, structured data capture during every encounter, and quality improvement processes to rapidly implement advances in new knowledge, all with active and meaningful patient participation. While disease-specific pediatric LHSs have shown tremendous impact on improved clinical outcomes, a national digital architecture to rapidly implement LHSs across multiple pediatric conditions does not exist. PEDSnet is a clinical data research network that provides the infrastructure to support a national pediatric LHS. A consortium consisting of PEDSnet, which includes eight academic medical centers, two existing disease-specific pediatric networks, and two national data partners form the initial partners in the National Pediatric Learning Health System (NPLHS). PEDSnet is implementing a flexible dual data architecture that incorporates two widely used data models and national terminology standards to support multi-institutional data integration, cohort discovery, and advanced analytics that enable rapid learning
Review of methods for measuring β-cell function: Design considerations from the Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Consortium
The Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) study was initiated to evaluate interventions to slow or reverse the progression of β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes (T2D). To design the RISE study, we undertook an evaluation of methods for measurement of β-cell function and changes in β-cell function in response to interventions. In the present paper, we review approaches for measurement of β-cell function, focusing on methodologic and feasibility considerations. Methodologic considerations included: (1) the utility of each technique for evaluating key aspects of β-cell function (first- and second-phase insulin secretion, maximum insulin secretion, glucose sensitivity, incretin effects) and (2) tactics for incorporating a measurement of insulin sensitivity in order to adjust insulin secretion measures for insulin sensitivity appropriately. Of particular concern were the capacity to measure β-cell function accurately in those with poor function, as is seen in established T2D, and the capacity of each method for demonstrating treatment-induced changes in β-cell function. Feasibility considerations included: staff burden, including time and required methodological expertise; participant burden, including time and number of study visits; and ease of standardizing methods across a multicentre consortium. After this evaluation, we selected a 2-day measurement procedure, combining a 3-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and a 2-stage hyperglycaemic clamp procedure, augmented with arginine
Structure and agency in learning: a critical realist theory of the development of capacity to reflect on academic practice
Theory of Coexistence of Superconductivity and Ferroelectricity : A Dynamical Symmetry Model
We propose and investigate a model for the coexistence of Superconductivity
(SC) and Ferroelectricity (FE) based on the dynamical symmetries for
the pseudo-spin SC sector, for the displaced oscillator FE sector, and
for the composite system. We assume a minimal
symmetry-allowed coupling, and simplify the hamiltonian using a double mean
field approximation (DMFA). A variational coherent state (VCS) trial
wave-function is used for the ground state: the energy, and the relevant order
parameters for SC and FE are obtained. For positive sign of the SC-FE coupling
coefficient, a non-zero value of either order parameter can suppress the other
(FE polarization suppresses SC and vice versa). This gives some support to
"Matthias' Conjecture" [1964], that SC and FE tend to be mutually exclusive.
For such a Ferroelectric Superconductor we predict: a) the SC gap
(and ) will increase with increasing applied pressure when pressure
quenches FE as in many ferroelectrics, and b) the FE polarization will increase
with increaesing magnetic field up to . The last result is equivalent to
the prediction of a new type of Magneto-Electric Effect in a coexistent SC-FE
material. Some discussion will be given of the relation of these results to the
cuprate superconductors.Comment: 46 page
Evaluation of a standard provision versus an autonomy promotive exercise referral programme: rationale and study design
Background
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence in the UK has recommended that the effectiveness of ongoing exercise referral schemes to promote physical activity should be examined in research trials. Recent empirical evidence in health care and physical activity promotion contexts provides a foundation for testing the utility of a Self Determination Theory (SDT) -based exercise referral consultation.
Methods/Design
Design: An exploratory cluster randomised controlled trial comparing standard provision exercise on prescription with a Self Determination Theory-based (SDT) exercise on prescription intervention.
Participants: 347 people referred to the Birmingham Exercise on Prescription scheme between November 2007 and July 2008. The 13 exercise on prescription sites in Birmingham were randomised to current practice (n=7) or to the SDT-based intervention (n=6).
Outcomes measured at 3 and 6-months: Minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week assessed using the 7-day Physical Activity Recall; physical health: blood pressure and weight; health status measured using the Dartmouth CO-OP charts; anxiety and depression measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and vitality measured by the subjective vitality score; motivation and processes of change: perceptions of autonomy support from the advisor, satisfaction of the needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness via physical activity, and motivational regulations for exercise.
Discussion
This trial will determine whether an exercise referral programme based on Self Determination Theory increases physical activity and other health outcomes compared to a standard programme and will test the underlying SDT-based process model (perceived autonomy support, need satisfaction, motivation regulations, outcomes) via structural equation modelling.
Trial registration
The trial is registered as Current Controlled trials ISRCTN07682833
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