80 research outputs found
Overview of healthcare in the UK
The National Health System in the UK has evolved to become one of the largest healthcare systems in the world. At the time of writing of this review (August 2010) the UK government in its 2010 White Paper âEquity and excellence: Liberating the NHSâ has announced a strategy on how it will âcreate a more responsive, patient-centred NHS which achieves outcomes that are among the best in the worldâ. This review article presents an overview of the UK healthcare system as it currently stands, with emphasis on Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine elements. It aims to serve as the basis for future EPMA articles to expand on and present the changes that will be implemented within the NHS in the forthcoming months
Status of the profession
The number of astronomers has grown by about 40 percent over the past decade. The number of astronomers with jobs in industry, or with long-term, non-tenured, jobs has increased dramatically compared with traditional faculty positions. The increase in the number of astronomers and the declining share of the NSF budget going to astronomy has led to extreme difficulties in the NSF grant program and in support of the National Observatories. In 1989, direct NASA support of astronomers through the grants program exceeds that of NSF, although the total of the NSF grants program over decade far exceeds that of NASA. Access to major new telescopes will be important issue for the 1990s. US astronomers, who once had a monopoly on telescopes larger than 3 meters, will, by the year 2000, have access to just half of the world's optical telescope area
Molecular Gas, Dust and Star Formation in the Barred Spiral NGC 5383
We present multi-wavelength (interferometer and single-dish CO J=1-0, Halpha,
broadband optical and near-infrared) observations of the classic barred spiral
NGC 5383. We compare the observed central gas and dust morphology to the
predictions of recent hydrodynamic simulations. In the nuclear region, our
observations reveal three peaks lying along a S-shaped gas and dust
distribution. In contrast, the model predicts a circumnuclear ring, not the
observed S-shaped distribution; moreover, the predicted surface density
contrast between the central gas accumulation and the bar dust lanes is an
order of magnitude larger than observed. The discrepancies are not due to
unexplored model parameter space or a nuclear bar but are probably due to the
vigorous (7 solar masses per year) star formation activity in the center.
As is common in similar bars, the star formation rate in the bar between the
bar ends and the central region is low (~0.5 solar masses per yr), despite the
high gas column density in the bar dust lanes; this is generally attributed to
shear and shocks. We note a tendency for the HII regions to be associated with
the spurs feeding the main bar dust lanes, but these are located on the leading
side of the bar. We propose that stars form in the spurs, which provide a high
column density but low shear environment. HII regions can therefore be found
even on the leading side of the bar because the ionizing stars pass
ballistically through the dust laneComment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal, 33 pages
(includes 10 figures
Front. Plant Sci.
Temperature, water, solar radiation, and atmospheric CO2 concentration are the main abiotic factors that are changing in the course of global warming. These abiotic factors govern the synthesis and degradation of primary (sugars, amino acids, organic acids, etc.) and secondary (phenolic and volatile flavor compounds and their precursors) metabolites directly, via the regulation of their biosynthetic pathways, or indirectly, via their effects on vine physiology and phenology. Several hundred secondary metabolites have been identified in the grape berry. Their biosynthesis and degradation have been characterized and have been shown to occur during different developmental stages of the berry. The understanding of how the different abiotic factors modulate secondary metabolism and thus berry quality is of crucial importance for breeders and growers to develop plant material and viticultural practices to maintain high-quality fruit and wine production in the context of global warming. Here, we review the main secondary metabolites of the grape berry, their biosynthesis, and how their accumulation and degradation is influenced by abiotic factors. The first part of the review provides an update on structure, biosynthesis, and degradation of phenolic compounds (flavonoids and non-flavonoids) and major aroma compounds (terpenes, thiols, methoxypyrazines, and C13 norisoprenoids). The second part gives an update on the influence of abiotic factors, such as water availability, temperature, radiation, and CO2 concentration, on berry secondary metabolism. At the end of the paper, we raise some critical questions regarding intracluster berry heterogeneity and dilution effects and how the sampling strategy can impact the outcome of studies on the grapevine berry response to abiotic factors
Modelling element abundances in semi-analytic models of galaxy formation
We update the treatment of chemical evolution in the Munich semi-analytic model, L-GALAXIES. Our new implementation includes delayed enrichment from stellar winds, supernovae type II (SNe-II) and supernovae type Ia (SNe-Ia), as well as metallicity-dependent yields and a reformulation of the associated supernova feedback. Two different sets of SN-II yields and three different SN-Ia delay-time distributions (DTDs) are considered, and eleven heavy elements (including O, Mg and Fe) are self-consistently tracked. We compare the results of this new implementation with data on a) local, star-forming galaxies, b) Milky Way disc G dwarfs, and c) local, elliptical galaxies. We find that the z=0 gas-phase mass-metallicity relation is very well reproduced for all forms of DTD considered, as is the [Fe/H] distribution in the Milky Way disc. The [O/Fe] distribution in the Milky Way disc is best reproduced when using a DTD with less than or equal to 50 per cent of SNe-Ia exploding within ~400 Myrs. Positive slopes in the mass-[alpha/Fe] relations of local ellipticals are also obtained when using a DTD with such a minor `prompt' component. Alternatively, metal-rich winds that drive light alpha elements directly out into the circumgalactic medium also produce positive slopes for all forms of DTD and SN-II yields considered. Overall, we find that the best model for matching the wide range of observational data considered here should include a power-law SN-Ia DTD, SN-II yields that take account of prior mass loss through stellar winds, and some direct ejection of light alpha elements out of galaxies
Flat-spectrum symmetric objects with ~1 kpc sizes I. The candidates
In order to understand the origin and evolution of radio galaxies, searches
for the youngest such sources have been conducted. Compact-medium symmetric
objects (CSO-MSOs) are thought to be the earliest stages of radio sources, with
possible ages of <10^3 yrs for CSOs (<1 kpc in size) and 10^4-10^5 yrs for MSOs
(1-15 kpc). From a literature selection in heterogeneous surveys, we have
established a sample of 37 confirmed CSOs. In addition, we only found three
confirmed flat-spectrum MSOs in the literature.
The typical CSO resides on a z<0.5 galaxy, has a flat radio spectrum
(a_thin<0.5; S_v proportional to v^-a), is <0.3 kpc in size, has an arm length
ratio <2, and well-aligned (theta<20 deg) opposite lobes with a flux density
ratio <10. In order to populate the 0.3-1 kpc size range (large CSOs) and also
in order to find more flat-spectrum MSOs, we have built a sample of 157 radio
sources with a_{1.40}^{4.85}<0.5 that were resolved with the VLA-A 8.4 GHz. As
first results, we have 'rediscovered' nine of the known CSO/MSOs while
identifying two new ~14 kpc MSOs and two candidate CSO/MSOs (which only lack
redshifts for final classification). We were able to reject 61 of the remaining
144 objects from literature information alone. In the series of papers that
starts with this one we plan to classify the remaining 83 CSO/MSO candidates
(thanks to radio and optical observations) as well as characterize the physical
properties of the (likely) many 0.3-15 kpc flat-spectrum CSO/MSOs to be found.Comment: 19 pages, 14 figures, 6 tables (note that Table 2, in landscape
format, has a separate file); accepted by MNRA
The Mice at play in the CALIFA survey: A case study of a gas-rich major merger between first passage and coalescence
We present optical integral field spectroscopy (IFS) observations of the
Mice, a major merger between two massive (>10^11Msol) gas-rich spirals NGC4676A
and B, observed between first passage and final coalescence. The spectra
provide stellar and gas kinematics, ionised gas properties and stellar
population diagnostics, over the full optical extent of both galaxies. The Mice
provide a perfect case study highlighting the importance of IFS data for
improving our understanding of local galaxies. The impact of first passage on
the kinematics of the stars and gas has been significant, with strong bars
likely induced in both galaxies. The barred spiral NGC4676B exhibits a strong
twist in both its stellar and ionised gas disk. On the other hand, the impact
of the merger on the stellar populations has been minimal thus far: star
formation induced by the recent close passage has not contributed significantly
to the global star formation rate or stellar mass of the galaxies. Both
galaxies show bicones of high ionisation gas extending along their minor axes.
In NGC4676A the high gas velocity dispersion and Seyfert-like line ratios at
large scaleheight indicate a powerful outflow. Fast shocks extend to ~6.6kpc
above the disk plane. The measured ram pressure and mass outflow rate
(~8-20Msol/yr) are similar to superwinds from local ULIRGs, although NGC4676A
has only a moderate infrared luminosity of 3x10^10Lsol. Energy beyond that
provided by the mechanical energy of the starburst appears to be required to
drive the outflow. We compare the observations to mock kinematic and stellar
population maps from a merger simulation. The models show little enhancement in
star formation during and following first passage, in agreement with the
observations. We highlight areas where IFS data could help further constrain
the models.Comment: 23 pages, 13 figures, accepted to A&A. A version with a complete set
of high resolution figures is available here:
http://www-star.st-and.ac.uk/~vw8/resources/mice_v8_astroph.pd
When Does an Alien Become a Native Species? A Vulnerable Native Mammal Recognizes and Responds to Its Long-Term Alien Predator
The impact of alien predators on native prey populations is often attributed to prey naivetĂ© towards a novel threat. Yet evolutionary theory predicts that alien predators cannot remain eternally novel; prey species must either become extinct or learn and adapt to the new threat. As local enemies lose their naivetĂ© and coexistence becomes possible, an introduced species must eventually become ânativeâ. But when exactly does an alien become a native species? The dingo (Canis lupus dingo) was introduced to Australia about 4000 years ago, yet its native status remains disputed. To determine whether a vulnerable native mammal (Perameles nasuta) recognizes the close relative of the dingo, the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), we surveyed local residents to determine levels of bandicoot visitation to yards with and without resident dogs. Bandicoots in this area regularly emerge from bushland to forage in residential yards at night, leaving behind tell-tale deep, conical diggings in lawns and garden beds. These diggings were less likely to appear at all, and appeared less frequently and in smaller quantities in yards with dogs than in yards with either resident cats (Felis catus) or no pets. Most dogs were kept indoors at night, meaning that bandicoots were not simply chased out of the yards or killed before they could leave diggings, but rather they recognized the threat posed by dogs and avoided those yards. Native Australian mammals have had thousands of years experience with wild dingoes, which are very closely related to domestic dogs. Our study suggests that these bandicoots may no longer be naĂŻve towards dogs. We argue that the logical criterion for determining native status of a long-term alien species must be once its native enemies are no longer naĂŻve
Bullying and Cyberbullying: Their Legal Status and Use in Psychological Assessment
Bullying and cyberbullying have severe psychological and legal consequences for those involved. However, it is unclear how or even if previous experience of bullying and cyberbullying is considered in mental health assessments. Furthermore, the relevance and effectiveness of current legal solutions has been debated extensively, resulting in a desire for a specific legislation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychological and legal components of bullying and cyberbullying. This is a qualitative research that includes interviews with five practitioner psychologists and four lawyers in the United Kingdom (UK). Thematic analysis revealed three main themes. One theme is related to the definition, characteristics, and impact of bullying and cyberbullying and the need for more discussion among the psychological and legal professions. Another theme is related to current professional procedures and the inclusion of questions about bullying and cyberbullying in psychological risk assessments. The third theme emphasised the importance of intervention through education. Two key messages were highlighted by the lawyers: ample yet problematic legislation exists, and knowledge will ensure legal success. The study recommends the necessity of performing revisions in the clinical psychological practices and assessments, and the legal policies regarding bullying and cyberbullying. In addition to improving legal success, this will reduce bullying prevalence rates, psychological distress, and psychopathology that can be comorbid or emerge as a result of this behaviour
Active Galactic Nuclei: Sources for ultra high energy cosmic rays?
The origin of ultra high energy cosmic rays promises to lead us to a deeper
understanding of the structure of matter. This is possible through the study of
particle collisions at center-of-mass energies in interactions far larger than
anything possible with the Large Hadron Collider, albeit at the substantial
cost of no control over the sources and interaction sites. For the extreme
energies we have to identify and understand the sources first, before trying to
use them as physics laboratories. Here we describe the current stage of this
exploration. The most promising contenders as sources are radio galaxies and
gamma ray bursts. The sky distribution of observed events yields a hint
favoring radio galaxies. Key in this quest are the intergalactic and galactic
magnetic fields, whose strength and structure are not yet fully understood.
Current data and statistics do not yet allow a final judgment. We outline how
we may progress in the near future.Comment: proceedings for "Origin, Mass, Composition and Acceleration
Mechanisms of UHECRs (CRIS 2008)" in Malfa (Salina Island - Italy) on
September 15-19, 200
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