2,511 research outputs found
Swift and Fermi observations of X-ray flares: the case of Late Internal Shock
Simultaneous Swift and Fermi observations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) offer a
unique broadband view of their afterglow emission, spanning more than ten
decades in energy. We present the sample of X-ray flares observed by both Swift
and Fermi during the first three years of Fermi operations. While bright in the
X-ray band, X-ray flares are often undetected at lower (optical), and higher
(MeV to GeV) energies. We show that this disfavors synchrotron self-Compton
processes as origin of the observed X-ray emission. We compare the broadband
properties of X-ray flares with the standard late internal shock model, and
find that, in this scenario, X-ray flares can be produced by a late-time
relativistic (Gamma>50) outflow at radii R~10^13-10^14 cm. This conclusion
holds only if the variability timescale is significantly shorter than the
observed flare duration, and implies that X-ray flares can directly probe the
activity of the GRB central engine.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Ap
Experience of loneliness associated with being an informal caregiver: A qualitative investigation.
ArticleThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Frontiers Media via the DOI in this record.Although providing care to a family member or friend may provide psychological benefits, informal (i.e. unpaid) caregivers also
encounter difficulties which may negatively affect their quality of life as well as their mental and physical health. Loneliness is one
important challenge that caregivers face, with this psychological state being associated with morbidity and premature mortality.
Although previous research has identified loneliness as an issue associated with being an informal caregiver, there is a paucity of
evidence that attempts to understand this phenomenon in depth. This study aimed to examine informal caregivers' reflections on,
and accounts of, experiences of loneliness linked to their caregiving situation. A cross-sectional, qualitative study was designed.
Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 spousal caregivers, 4 daughters caring for a parent, 3 mothers caring
for a child (or children) and 1 woman looking after her partner. The cared-for persons were suffering from a range of mental and
physical health conditions (e.g. dementia, frailty due to old age, multiple sclerosis, depression, autism). Data were analyzed using
an inductive thematic analysis. Experiences of loneliness were described by reference to a context of shrunken personal space and
diminished social interaction caused by the restrictions imposed by the caregiving role. Loneliness was also articulated against a
background of relational deprivations and losses as well as sentiments of powerlessness, helplessness and a sense of sole
responsibility. Social encounters were also seen to generate loneliness when they were characterized by some form of distancing.
Though not all sources or circumstances of loneliness in caregivers are amenable to change, more opportunities for respite care
services, as well as a heightened sensibility and social appreciation of caregivers' valued contributions could help caregivers
manage some forms of loneliness.This study is part of a larger research project, titled Loneliness in the Digital Age (LiDA): Developing Strategies for Empathy and
Trust. LiDA is financially supported from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) ‘Empathy and Trust in Communicating
Online’ (EMoTICON) program, with funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the Engineering and Physical
Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the Centre for the Protection of
National Infrastructure (CPNI)
A rare case of bilateral supernumerary heads of sternocleidomastoid muscle and its clinical impact
The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) functions as a landmark for physicians
such as anatomists, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and anaesthesiologists,
who intervene in the minor supraclavicular fossa located at the base of
the neck. The variability of SCM anatomy may cause complications while trying
to access the vital elements that are located in the minor supraclavicular fossa.
This study aims to present a case of supernumerary heads of the sternocleidomastoid
muscle and to discuss its clinical significance.
The cervical region of an elderly male cadaver was dissected and the findings
were recorded and photographed.
On both sides, the SCM muscle had an additional sternal head, and simultaneously
there were three additional clavicular heads, four in total. These additional
heads, the sternal and the clavicular, reduced the interval between them
causing significant stenosis of the minor supraclavicular fossa.
Sternocleidomastoid muscle variations with regard to the number of its heads
are very rare in the literature, but this variation may cause severe complications.
The minor supraclavicular fossa is important for anaesthesiologists because
of the anterior central venous catheterization approach. Physicians should
be aware of this anatomical variation in order to prevent complication
Agriculture's prominence in the INDCs
Analysis of agriculture in countries’ climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies finds: Most Parties to the UNFCCC include agriculture in their mitigation targets (80%) and adaptation strategies (64%); Non-annex 1 Parties note the need for international financial support to implement their INDCs and raise the ambition of their contributions; For countries to meet their targets, climate finance will need to address agriculture
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