Effects of moisture in infrared thermography of resin matrix composites

Several multiply graphite polyimide composite specimens were examined by real-time infrared thermography in order to study the effects of moisture on their thermograms. Heat was injected from one side and IR emission detected on the opposite side using AGA Thermovision System-680. No differences between the thermograms of dry and water containing specimens were detected for defect-free specimens. However, the presence of trapped water in defective specimens modified the thermographic contrast significantly. It is concluded that: (1) IR thermography can be used to detect moisture in defective composites, and (2) because of the possibility of moisture camouflaging defects, IR thermography for subsurface defect detection should be supplemented by other techniques - such as acoustical imaging and X-radiography

The nature of the progenitor of the Type II-P supernova 1999em

We present high quality ground-based VRI images of the site of the Type II-P SN1999em (in NGC1637) taken before explosion, which were extracted from the CFHT archive. We determine a precise position of the SN on these images to an accuracy of 0.17''. The host galaxy is close enough (7.5 +/- 0.5 Mpc) that the bright supergiants are resolved as individual objects, however we show that there is no detection of an object at the SN position before explosion that could be interpreted as the progenitor star. By determining the sensitivity limits of the VRI data, we derive bolometric luminosity limits for the progenitor. Comparing these to standard stellar evolutionary tracks which trace evolution up to the point of core carbon ignition, we initially derive an upper mass limit of approximately 12M_sol. However we present evolutionary calculations that follow 7-12M_sol stars throughout their C-burning lifetime and show that we can restrict the mass of the progenitor even further. Our calculations indicate that progenitors initially of 8-10M_sol, undergoing expected mass loss, can also be excluded because a second dredge up sends them to somewhat higher luminosities than a star of initially 12M_sol. These results limit the progenitor's initial main-sequence mass to a very narrow range of 12 +/- 1 M_sol. We discuss the similarities between the Type II-P SNe 1999em and 1999gi and their progenitor mass limits, and suggest that SN Type II-P originate only in intermediate mass stars of 8-12M_sol, which are in the red supergiant region and that higher mass stars produce the other Type II sub-types. (Abridged).Comment: Replaced with accepted version to appear in ApJ, 30 pages, inc. 6 figure

Incidence and risk factors of delirium in patients post pancreaticoduodenectomy

AbstractBackgroundPost-operative delirium is an important and common complication of major abdominal surgery characterized by acute confusion with fluctuating consciousness. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of post-operative delirium in patients undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy and to determine the risk factors for its development.MethodsFrom a prospectively maintained database, a retrospective cohort analysis was performed of 50 consecutive patients who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy at the National Surgical Centre for Pancreatic Cancer in St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin and whose entire post-operative stay was in this institution, between July 2011 and December 2012. Two independent medical practitioners assessed all data and delirium was diagnosed according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorder (DSM), fourth edition. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsSeven patients (14%) developed post-operative delirium. The median onset was on the second post-operative day. Older age was predictive of an increased risk of delirium post-operatively. Those who developed delirium had a significantly increased length of stay (LOS) as well as a significantly increased risk of developing at least a grade 3 complication (Clavien-Dindo classification).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that post-operative delirium is associated with a more complicated recovery after a pancreaticoduodenectomy and that older age is independently predictive of its development. Focused screening may allow targeted preventative strategies to be used in the peri-operative period to reduce complications and costs associated with delirium

A Spectroscopic Study of Mass Outflows in the Interacting Binary RY Scuti

The massive interacting binary RY Scuti is an important representative of an active mass-transferring system that is changing before our eyes and which may be an example of the formation of a Wolf-Rayet star through tidal stripping. Utilizing new and previously published spectra, we present examples of how a number of illustrative absorption and emission features vary during the binary orbit. We identify spectral features associated with each component, calculate a new, double-lined spectroscopic binary orbit, and find masses of 7.1 +/- 1.2 M_sun for the bright supergiant and 30.0 +/- 2.1 M_sun for the hidden massive companion. Through tomographic reconstruction of the component spectra from the composite spectra, we confirm the O9.7 Ibpe spectral class of the bright supergiant and discover a B0.5 I spectrum associated with the hidden massive companion; however, we suggest that the latter is actually the spectrum of the photosphere of the accretion torus immediately surrounding the massive companion. We describe the complex nature of the mass loss flows from the system in the context of recent hydrodynamical models for beta Lyr, leading us to conclude RY Scuti has matter leaving the system in two ways: 1) a bipolar outflow from winds generated by the hidden massive companion, and 2) mass from the bright O9.7 Ibpe supergiant flowing from the region near the L2 point to fill out a large, dense circumbinary disk. This circumbinary disk (radius ~ 1 AU) may feed the surrounding double-toroidal nebula (radius ~ 2000 AU).Comment: 41 pages with 7 tables and 11 figures, accepted to Ap

Genetics, recombination and clinical features of human rhinovirus species C (HRV-C) infections; interactions of HRV-C with other respiratory viruses

To estimate the frequency, molecular epidemiological and clinical associations of infection with the newly described species C variants of human rhinoviruses (HRV), 3243 diagnostic respiratory samples referred for diagnostic testing in Edinburgh were screened using a VP4-encoding region-based selective polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HRV-C along with parallel PCR testing for 13 other respiratory viruses. HRV-C was the third most frequently detected behind respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus, with 141 infection episodes detected among 1885 subjects over 13 months (7.5%). Infections predominantly targeted the very young (median age 6–12 months; 80% of infections in those <2 years), occurred throughout the year but with peak incidence in early winter months. HRV-C was detected significantly more frequently among subjects with lower (LRT) and upper respiratory tract (URT) disease than controls without respiratory symptoms; HRV-C mono-infections were the second most frequently detected virus (behind RSV) in both disease presentations (6.9% and 7.8% of all cases respectively). HRV variants were classified by VP4/VP2 sequencing into 39 genotypically defined types, increasing the current total worldwide to 60. Through sequence comparisons of the 5′untranslated region (5′UTR), the majority grouped with species A (n = 96; 68%, described as HRV-Ca), the remainder forming a phylogenetically distinct 5′UTR group (HRV-Cc). Multiple and bidirectional recombination events between HRV-Ca and HRV-Cc variants and with HRV species A represents the most parsimonious explanation for their interspersed phylogeny relationships in the VP4/VP2-encoding region. No difference in age distribution, seasonality or disease associations was identified between HRV-Ca and HRV-Cc variants. HRV-C-infected subjects showed markedly reduced detection frequencies of RSV and other respiratory viruses, providing evidence for a major interfering effect of HRV-C on susceptibility to other respiratory virus infections. HRV-C's disease associations, its prevalence and evidence for interfering effects on other respiratory viruses mandates incorporation of rhinoviruses into future diagnostic virology screening

Mixing of CNO-cycled matter in massive stars

Aims: We test predictions of evolution models on mixing of CNO-cycled products in massive stars from a fundamental perspective. Relative changes within the theoretical C:N:O abundance ratios and the buildup of helium are compared with observational results. Methods: A sample of well-studied Galactic massive stars is presented. High-quality optical spectra are carefully analysed using improved NLTE line-formation and comprehensive analysis strategies. The results are put in the context of the existing literature data. Results: A tight trend in the observed N/C vs. N/O ratios and the buildup of helium is found from the self-consistent analysis of main-sequence to supergiant stars for the first time. The catalytic nature of the CNO-cycles is confirmed quantitatively, though further investigations are required to derive a fully consistent picture. Our observational results support the case of strong mixing, as predicted e.g. by evolution models that consider magnetic fields or by models that have gone through the first dredge-up in the case of many supergiants.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures. A&A, in pres

Integrating Implementation Theory to Address Inequities in Cancer Care: Perspectives from an International Working Group

Background. There are well-established, persistent inequities in cancer care and cancer outcomes within and between countries. The aim of this article is to explore how implementation theory, specifically the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), alongside coproduction principles, could be used to maximise the effectiveness of innovations with a vision of reducing inequity in cancer care. Methods. Workshops were conducted with partners from US, Australia, and UK, participating in the University Global Partnership Network (UGPN), which funded the collaboration. From these workshops, three case studies were identified and the framework was applied to identify ways of using CFIR to maximise the effectiveness of innovations. Results. The three case studies focused on human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and vaccination, participation in clinical trials, and use of translation services. We identified opportunities, for each of the case studies, where CFIR could be applied to improve implementation and proposed recommendations to ensure effective implementation of innovations using CFIR domains, including individual constructs (e.g., awareness and cultural competence), inner setting constructs (e.g., technology infrastructure), and outer setting constructs (e.g., how services are monitored, evaluated, and commissioned). Conclusions. Applying CFIR as an implementation framework offers a structured and holistic approach to consider how to maximise the effectiveness of innovations in the context of reducing inequities in cancer care. Working with other countries to apply this framework also provides a uniform approach to understand and reduce inequities across a range of innovations and address the global mission to improve cancer care for all

Fear of cancer recurrence following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for haematological malignancy: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE:The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in patients with a prior haematology malignancy surviving more than one year post allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and to identify the demographic, medical and psychological factors associated with FCR occurrence. METHOD:Participants were adult allogeneic HSCT recipients who had undergone the procedure for acute leukaemia or other haematological malignancy between the years 2000-2012 in Sydney, Australia. They completed a purpose designed survey and six other validated instruments which assessed FCR, psychological functioning, quality of life, demographic, social and clinical variables. RESULTS:Of the 364 respondents, approximately 11% of the sample lived with severe FCR while only 5% of subjects reported having no FCR. Variables significantly associated with higher FCR included unemployment, a shorter time (years) post-transplant, not attending to health screening (PAP smear), a secondary diagnosis of skin cancer, younger age, referral to a psychiatrist and taking psychotropic medication. Higher psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress) and lower quality of life made a significant contribution to the prediction of FCR. CONCLUSIONS:Post HSCT follow-up care should include an assessment and discussion regarding FCR to balance both realistic and unrealistic cancer recurrence risks. Managing FCR is one of the most ubiquitous unmet needs of survivors of haematological disease and it is important that HSCT nurses are both aware of the fear, and are equipped with knowledge on how to help patients navigate it with realistic expectations

The B-Supergiant Components of the Double-Lined Binary HD1383

We present new results from a study of high quality, red spectra of the massive binary star system HD 1383 (B0.5 Ib + B0.5 Ib). We determined radial velocities and revised orbital elements (P = 20.28184 +/- 0.0002 d) and made Doppler tomographic reconstructions of the component spectra. A comparison of these with model spectra from non-LTE, line blanketed atmospheres indicates that both stars have almost identical masses (M_2/M_1 = 1.020 +/- 0.014), temperatures (T_eff = 28000 +/- 1000 K), gravities (log g = 3.25 +/- 0.25), and projected rotational velocities (V sin i < 30 km/s). We investigate a number of constraints on the radii and masses of the stars based upon the absence of eclipses, surface gravity, stellar wind terminal velocity, and probable location in the Perseus spiral arm of the Galaxy, and these indicate a range in probable radius and mass of R/R_sun = 14 - 20 and M/M_sun = 16 - 35, respectively. These values are consistent with model evolutionary masses for single stars of this temperature and gravity. Both stars are much smaller than their respective Roche radii, so the system is probably in a pre-contact stage of evolution. A fit of the system's spectral energy distribution yields a reddening of E(B-V)=0.55 +/- 0.05 and a ratio of total-to-selective extinction of R=2.97 +/- 0.15. We find no evidence of H-alpha emission from colliding stellar winds, which is probably the consequence of the low gas densities in the colliding winds zone.Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ: 20 pages, 5 figure

The ARAUCARIA project: Grid-Based Quantitative Spectroscopic Study of Massive Blue Stars in NGC55

The quantitative study of the physical properties and chemical abundances of large samples of massive blue stars at different metallicities is a powerful tool to understand the nature and evolution of these objects. Their analysis beyond the Milky Way is challenging, nonetheless it is doable and the best way to investigate their behavior in different environments. Fulfilling this task in an objective way requires the implementation of automatic analysis techniques that can perform the analyses systematically, minimizing at the same time any possible bias. As part of the ARAUCARIA project we carry out the first quantitative spectroscopic analysis of a sample of 12 B-type supergiants in the galaxy NGC55 at 1.94 Mpc away. By applying the methodology developed in this work, we derive their stellar parameters, chemical abundances and provide a characterization of the present-day metallicity of their host galaxy. Based on the characteristics of the stellar atmosphere/line formation code FASTWIND, we designed and created a grid of models for the analysis of massive blue supergiant stars. Along with this new grid, we implemented a spectral analysis algorithm. Both tools were specially developed to perform fully consistent quantitative spectroscopic analyses of low spectral resolution of B-type supergiants in a fast and objective way. We present the main characteristics of our FASTWIND model grid and perform a number of tests to investigate the reliability of our methodology. The automatic tool is applied afterward to a sample of 12 B-type supergiant stars in NGC55, deriving the stellar parameters and abundances. The results indicate that our stars are part of a young population evolving towards a red supergiant phase. The derived chemical composition hints to an average metallicity similar to the one of the Large Magellanic Cloud, with no indication of a spatial trend across the galaxy.Comment: 19 pages, 12 figures and 9 tables. Accpeted for publication in A&