Ultra- and Hyper-compact HII regions at 20 GHz

We present radio and infrared observations of 4 hyper-compact HII regions and 4 ultra-compact HII regions in the southern Galactic plane. These objects were selected from a blind survey for UCHII regions using data from two new radio surveys of the southern sky; the Australia Telescope 20 GHz survey (AT20G) and the 2nd epoch Molonglo Galactic Plane Survey (MGPS-2) at 843 MHz. To our knowledge, this is the first blind radio survey for hyper- and ultra-compact HII regions. We have followed up these sources with the Australia Telescope Compact Array to obtain H70-alpha recombination line measurements, higher resolution images at 20 GHz and flux density measurements at 30, 40 and 95 GHz. From this we have determined sizes and recombination line temperatures as well as modeling the spectral energy distributions to determine emission measures. We have classified the sources as hyper-compact or ultra-compact on the basis of their physical parameters, in comparison with benchmark parameters from the literature. Several of these bright, compact sources are potential calibrators for the Low Frequency Instrument (30-70 GHz) and the 100-GHz channel of the High Frequency Instrument of the Planck satellite mission. They may also be useful as calibrators for the Australia Telescope Compact Array, which lacks good non-variable primary flux calibrators at higher frequencies and in the Galactic plane region. Our spectral energy distributions allow the flux densities within the Planck bands to be determined, although our high frequency observations show that several sources have excess emission at 95 GHz (3 mm) that can not be explained by current models.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Safety of extubating mechanically ventilated patients on vasoactive infusions: a retrospective cohort study

No abstract available

Preventing adolescents’ externalizing and internalizing symptoms : effects of the Penn Resiliency Program

This study reports secondary outcome analyses from a past study of the Penn Resiliency Program (PRP), a cognitive-behavioral depression prevention program for middle-school aged children. Middle school students (N = 697) were randomly assigned to PRP, PEP (an alternate intervention), or control conditions. Gillham et al., (2007) reported analyses examining PRP’s effects on average and clinical levels of depression symptoms. We examine PRP’s effects on parent-, teacher-, and self-reports of adolescents’ externalizing and broader internalizing (depression/anxiety, somatic complaints, and social withdrawal) symptoms over three years of follow-up. Relative to no intervention control, PRP reduced parent-reports of adolescents’ internalizing symptoms beginning at the first assessment after the intervention and persisting for most of the follow-up assessments. PRP also reduced parent-reported conduct problems relative to no-intervention. There was no evidence that the PRP program produced an effect on teacher- or self-report of adolescents’ symptoms. Overall, PRP did not reduce symptoms relative to the alternate intervention, although there is a suggestion of a delayed effect for conduct problems. These findings are discussed with attention to developmental trajectories and the importance of interventions that address common risk factors for diverse forms of negative outcomes.peer-reviewe

Control of sedimentation by active tectonics, glaciation and contourite-depositing currents in Endurance Basin, South Georgia

Endurance Basin is an elongate broadly WNW-ESE trending basin located on the northern margin of the Scotia Sea, adjacent to the southern margin of the South Georgia micro-continent. Bathymetric and TOPAS sub-bottom profile data acquired in 2010 by the British research ship RRS James Clark Ross map this basin and its sedimentology for the first time. Endurance Basin contains a number of sub-basins and a substantial glaciogenic fan. The northern margin of Endurance Basin is formed by a series of steep slopes and intervening troughs. These are interpreted as a left-stepping en echelon array of oblique, strike-slip faults whilst the sub-basins are separated by compressional dip-slip faults. It appears that South Georgia is moving NW with respect to the basin. We interpret five seismic facies from TOPAS data, which are associated with distinct sedimentologies. The most striking units in the basin fill are: substantial contourite drifts located in the NW of the basin and on its southern margin; and two distinct mass transport deposits that pond in the centre of the basin. Combined with the known regional oceanographic setting, the contourites provide evidence of broadly eastward flowing bottom currents, entering the basin from at least two locations. Although landslide scars are present on the steep northern basin margin, the imaged mass transport deposits are interpreted to have been sourced from the glaciogenic fan, located in the SE of the basin, and from a contourite unit located on the basin’s southern margin. Sediments from these events are transported at least 40 km. The contourite drift sequence is at least 100 m thick in the west of the basin and may contain a palaeoenvironmental archive of Antarctic Cirumpolar Current (ACC) flow and the climate of South Georgia extending to the Pliocene. Such an archive would allow reconstruction of ACC flow through the Pleistocene glaciations and provide a means of linking ocean circulation and climate records in the sub-Antarctic Polar Front region

A combined biomarker and clinical panel for chronic graft versus host disease diagnosis.

Whilst many chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) biomarkers have been previously reported, few have been verified in an independent cGVHD cohort. We aimed to verify the diagnostic accuracy of previously reported markers of cGVHD in a multi-centre Chronic GVHD Consortium. A total of 42 RNA and 18 protein candidate biomarkers were assessed amongst 59 cGVHD cases and 33 matched non-GVHD controls. Total RNA was isolated from PBMC, and RNA markers were quantified using PCR. Serum protein markers were quantified using ELISA. A combined 3 RNA biomarker (IRS2, PLEKHF1 and IL1R2) and 2 clinical variables (recipient CMV serostatus and conditioning regimen intensity) panel accurately (AUC 0.81) segregated cGVHD cases from controls. Other studied RNA and protein markers were not confirmed as accurate cGVHD diagnostic biomarkers. The studied markers failed to segregate higher risk cGVHD (per overall NIH 0-3 score, and overlap versus classic cGVHD status). These data support the need for multiple independent verification studies for the ultimate clinical application of cGVHD diagnostic biomarkers

Effects of crop type and harvest on nest survival and productivity of dickcissels in semi-natural grasslands

Recent focus on climate change and global energy production has increased interest in developing biofuels including perennial native grasses (e.g. switchgrass [Panicum virgatum]) as viable energy commodities while simultaneously maintaining ecosystem function and biodiversity. However, there is limited research examining the effects of biofuel-focused grasslands on grassland bird reproductive success and conservation. In 2011–2013 we studied the effects of vegetation composition and harvest regimens of switchgrass monocultures and native warm-season grass (NWSG) mixtures on nest success, nest density, and productivity for dickcissels (Spiza americana) in Clay Co. MS, USA. There was no effect of vegetation metrics, harvest frequency, or biofuel treatment on nest survival. However, both vegetation composition and harvest frequencies influenced nest density and productivity. Native warm season grasses contained 54–64 times more nests relative to switchgrass treatments, and nest density and productivity were 10% greater in single harvest plots. Our results suggest semi-natural grasslands can balance biofuel production, ecosystem functionality, and conservation so that biofuels offer an opportunity for wildlife conservation rather than a continued threat to grassland birds

Spatiotemporal Dynamics in Identification of Aircraft–Bird Strikes

A primary concern for human–wildlife interactions is the potential impacts resulting from wildlife (primarily birds) collisions with aircraft. The identification of species responsible for collisions with aircraft is necessary so that airport management can develop effective strategies to reduce strikes with those species. Of particular importance in developing such strategies is the identification of regional, seasonal, and temporal patterns in collisions with unidentified bird species that may limit the effectiveness of regional habitat management to reduce bird strikes. The authors analyzed 105,529 U.S. civil aviation strike records from 1990 to 2012 in the FAA’s National Wildlife Strike Database to examine patterns of collisions involving unidentified birds. Factors that affected identification were airport certification class, FAA region, mass of struck species, state species richness (if damage was reported), and interactive effects between the last four factors. Identification varied by region and declined with increasing species richness; this identification was greater for general aviation (GA) airports and the mass of struck species, especially when damage was reported. Species identification might be improved by increasing reporting efforts relative to species richness, especially by GA airport managers and operations staff, who may have a higher propensity of reporting bird strikes, and by collecting more fieldbased data on avian populations. The results can provide guidance for the development of airport management and personnel training

Spatiotemporal Dynamics in Identification of Aircraft–Bird Strikes

A primary concern for human–wildlife interactions is the potential impacts resulting from wildlife (primarily birds) collisions with aircraft. The identification of species responsible for collisions with aircraft is necessary so that airport management can develop effective strategies to reduce strikes with those species. Of particular importance in developing such strategies is the identification of regional, seasonal, and temporal patterns in collisions with unidentified bird species that may limit the effectiveness of regional habitat management to reduce bird strikes. The authors analyzed 105,529 U.S. civil aviation strike records from 1990 to 2012 in the FAA’s National Wildlife Strike Database to examine patterns of collisions involving unidentified birds. Factors that affected identification were airport certification class, FAA region, mass of struck species, state species richness (if damage was reported), and interactive effects between the last four factors. Identification varied by region and declined with increasing species richness; this identification was greater for general aviation (GA) airports and the mass of struck species, especially when damage was reported. Species identification might be improved by increasing reporting efforts relative to species richness, especially by GA airport managers and operations staff, who may have a higher propensity of reporting bird strikes, and by collecting more fieldbased data on avian populations. The results can provide guidance for the development of airport management and personnel training

Forage or Biofuel: Assessing Native Warm-season Grass Production among Seed Mixes and Harvest Frequencies within a Wildlife Conservation Framework

Native warm-season grasses (NWSG) are gaining merit as biofuel feedstocks for ethanol production with potential for concomitant production of cattle forage and wildlife habitat provision. However, uncertainty continues regarding optimal production approaches for biofuel yield and forage quality within landscapes of competing wildlife conservation objectives. We used a randomized complete block design of 4 treatments to compare vegetation structure, forage and biomass nutrients, and biomass yield between Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) monocultures and NWSG polycultures harvested once or multiple times near West Point, MS, 2011–2013. Despite taller vegetation and greater biomass in Switchgrass monocultures, NWSG polycultures had greater vegetation structure heterogeneity and plant diversity that could benefit wildlife. However, nutritional content from harvest timings optimal for wildlife conservation (i.e., late dormant season-collected biomass and mid-summer hay samples) demonstrated greater support for biofuel production than quality cattle forage. Future research should consider testing various seed mixes for maximizing biofuel or forage production among multiple site conditions with parallel observations of wildlife use

Return to employment following critical illness and its association with psychosocial outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Patients who survive critical illness have well-defined physical, cognitive, emotional, and familial problems. However, the impact of these problems on survivors’ ability to return to work and other financial outcomes are less clear. Objective: To determine the financial and employment consequences of an intensive care stay, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Source We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL (1970-2018). All study designs except narrative reviews, case reports, case control studies, and editorials were included. Included studies assessed financial outcomes in patients admitted to critical care, and their caregivers. Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently applied eligibility criteria, assessed quality and extracted data. The primary outcome reported was return to employment among those previously employed. We also examined financial stress and the impact financial outcomes had on quality of life and psychosocial health. Data Synthesis: From 5765 eligible abstracts, 51 studies were included, which provided data on 858 caregivers/family members and 7267 patients. Forty-two papers reported on patient outcomes and 11 papers on caregiver/family members. Two papers included data from both patients and caregivers/family members. Return to employment was the most commonly reported financial outcome for critical care survivors. The pooled estimate for return to employment—among those who were employed prior to critical illness—was 33% (95% CI: 21%-48%), 55% (95% CI: 45%-64%) and 56% (95% CI: 45%-66%) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Across the studies included in this review, there was a positive association with psychosocial health if patients returned to employment. This included improved health related quality of life and fewer depressive symptoms. With caregivers/family members, six studies reported changes to employment such as reduced hours and lost earnings. Conclusions: Following critical illness, many patients who were previously employed do not return to work, even one year later. This new job loss is associated with worse health related quality of life amongst survivors and worse psychological function amongst survivors and caregivers/family members. More interventional research is required to understand how best to support employability after critical illness