805 research outputs found
Spatially Resolved PAH Emission Features in Nearby, Low Metallicity, Star-Forming Galaxies
Low-resolution, mid-infrared Spitzer/IRS spectral maps are presented for
three nearby, low-metallicity dwarf galaxies (NGC 55, NGC 3109 and IC 5152) for
the purpose of examining the spatial distribution and variation of polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission. The sample straddles a metallicity of
12+log(O/H)~8.0, a transition point below which PAH intensity empirically drops
and the character of the interstellar medium changes. We derive quantitative
radiances of PAH features and atomic lines on both global and
spatially-resolved scales. The Spitzer spectra, combined with extensive
ancillary data from the UV through the mid-infrared, allow us to examine
changes in the physical environments and in PAH feature radiances down to a
physical scale of 50 pc. We discuss correlations between various PAH emission
feature and atomic line radiances. The (6.2 micron)/(11.3 micron), (7.7
micron)/(11.3 micron), (8.6 micron)/(11.3 micron), (7.7 micron)/(6.2 micron),
and (8.6 micron)/(6.2 micron) PAH radiance ratios are found to be independent
of position across all three galaxies, although the ratios do vary from galaxy
to galaxy. As seen in other galaxies, we find no variation in the grain size
distribution as a function of local radiation field strength. Absolute PAH
feature intensities as measured by a ratio of PAH/(24 micron) radiances are
seen to vary both positionally within a given galaxy, and from one galaxy to
another when integrated over the full observed extent of each system. We
examine direct comparisons of CC mode PAH ratios (7.7 micron)/(6.2 micron) and
(8.6 micron)/(6.2 micron) to the mixed (CC/CH) mode PAH ratio (7.7
micron)/(11.3 micron). We find little variation in either mode, and no
difference in trends between modes. While the local conditions change markedly
over the observed regions of these galaxies, the properties of PAH emission
show a remarkable degree of uniformity.Comment: Astrophysical Journal, in pres
The M81 Group Dwarf Irregular Galaxy DDO 165. I. High Velocity Neutral Gas in a Post-Starburst System
We present new multi-configuration VLA HI spectral line observations of the
M81 group dIrr post-starburst galaxy DDO 165. The HI morphology is complex,
with multiple column density peaks surrounding a large region of very low HI
surface density that is offset from the center of the stellar distribution. The
bulk of the neutral gas is associated with the southern section of the galaxy;
a secondary peak in the north contains ~15% of the total HI mass. These
components appear to be kinematically distinct, suggesting that either tidal
processes or large-scale blowout have recently shaped the ISM of DDO 165. Using
spatially-resolved position-velocity maps, we find multiple localized
high-velocity gas features. Cross-correlating with radius-velocity analyses, we
identify eight shell/hole structures in the ISM with a range of sizes (~400-900
pc) and expansion velocities (~7-11 km/s). These structures are compared with
narrow- and broad-band imaging from KPNO and HST. Using the latter data, recent
works have shown that DDO 165's previous "burst" phase was extended temporally
(>1 Gyr). We thus interpret the high-velocity gas features, HI holes, and
kinematically distinct components of the galaxy in the context of the immediate
effects of "feedback" from recent star formation. In addition to creating HI
holes and shells, extended star formation events are capable of creating
localized high velocity motion of the surrounding interstellar material. A
companion paper connects the energetics from the HI and HST data.Comment: The Astrophysical Journal, in press. Full-resolution version
available on request from the first autho
Simulation of the sedimentary fill of basins
There are many forward models that simulate sedimentary processes. The significance and utility of any particular model is a matter of need, computer hardware, and programming resources. Some forward-model simulations are one-dimensional; they are used to define third-order sea-level curves to infer the origin of peritidal cyclic carbonates, model the interdependence of sea level, depth-dependent carbonate accumulation, and the flexural response of the earths crust, and handle diagenesis of carbonate in relation to the eustatic record. Other simulations are two-dimensional and may handle clastics alone; they are used to create synthetic seismograms for sediment packages by modeling subsidence, sea level, sediment supply, and erosion, provide sedimentation rates for clastic fluvial systems using sediment compaction and tectonic movement, and simulate transport, deposition, erosion, and compaction of clastic sediments, emphasizing fluid velocity. Other simulations are two-dimensional carbonate shelf models that respond to sea-level changes and erosion, allowing redeposition of sediment with user-defined production functions; still others are two-dimensional mixed clastic and carbonate basin fill models. Both of these last kinds of models respond to sea-level changes and erosion, allowing redeposition of sediment with user-defined production functions. The program SEDPAK models some of the functions described and tests seismic interpretations based on sea-level curves. These curves are input parameters to the program. The program responds to tectonic movement, eustasy, and sedimentation, modeling sedimentary bypass and erosion. It reproduces clastic systems (including lacustrine, alluvial, and coastal plains, marine shelf, basin slope, and basin floor systems, and carbonate systems) and accounts for progradation, development of hardgrounds, downslope aprons, keep-up, catch-up, back-step, and drowned reef systems, and lagoonal and epeiric sea settings. SEDPAK simulates extensional vertical faulting of the basin, sediment compaction, and isostatic response to sediment loading. Sediment geometries can be viewed immediately on a graphics terminal as they are computed. Based on the observed geometric patterns, the user can repeatedly change the parameter and rerun the program until satisfied with the resultant geometry. This simulation is implemented in the C programming language (Kernighan and Ritchie, 1978), uses the X window system for graphical plotting functions (Scheifler and Gettys, 1986), and is operated on a Unix-based workstation, such as DEC 3 100, Sun, and Apollo. The simulation output is illustrated with examples from the Permian basin of West Texas and New Mexico, the Permian of the Sichuan basin, and the Upper Devonian of western Canada
Simulation of the sedimentary fill of basins
There are many forward models that simulate sedimentary processes. The significance and utility of any particular model is a matter of need, computer hardware, and programming resources. Some forward-model simulations are one-dimensional; they are used to define third-order sea-level curves to infer the origin of peritidal cyclic carbonates, model the interdependence of sea level, depth-dependent carbonate accumulation, and the flexural response of the earths crust, and handle diagenesis of carbonate in relation to the eustatic record. Other simulations are two-dimensional and may handle clastics alone; they are used to create synthetic seismograms for sediment packages by modeling subsidence, sea level, sediment supply, and erosion, provide sedimentation rates for clastic fluvial systems using sediment compaction and tectonic movement, and simulate transport, deposition, erosion, and compaction of clastic sediments, emphasizing fluid velocity. Other simulations are two-dimensional carbonate shelf models that respond to sea-level changes and erosion, allowing redeposition of sediment with user-defined production functions; still others are two-dimensional mixed clastic and carbonate basin fill models. Both of these last kinds of models respond to sea-level changes and erosion, allowing redeposition of sediment with user-defined production functions. The program SEDPAK models some of the functions described and tests seismic interpretations based on sea-level curves. These curves are input parameters to the program. The program responds to tectonic movement, eustasy, and sedimentation, modeling sedimentary bypass and erosion. It reproduces clastic systems (including lacustrine, alluvial, and coastal plains, marine shelf, basin slope, and basin floor systems, and carbonate systems) and accounts for progradation, development of hardgrounds, downslope aprons, keep-up, catch-up, back-step, and drowned reef systems, and lagoonal and epeiric sea settings. SEDPAK simulates extensional vertical faulting of the basin, sediment compaction, and isostatic response to sediment loading. Sediment geometries can be viewed immediately on a graphics terminal as they are computed. Based on the observed geometric patterns, the user can repeatedly change the parameter and rerun the program until satisfied with the resultant geometry. This simulation is implemented in the C programming language (Kernighan and Ritchie, 1978), uses the X window system for graphical plotting functions (Scheifler and Gettys, 1986), and is operated on a Unix-based workstation, such as DEC 3 100, Sun, and Apollo. The simulation output is illustrated with examples from the Permian basin of West Texas and New Mexico, the Permian of the Sichuan basin, and the Upper Devonian of western Canada
The Formation of Kiloparsec-scale HI Holes in Dwarf Galaxies
The origin of kpc-scale holes in the atomic hydrogen (H i) distributions of some nearby dwarf irregular galaxies
presents an intriguing problem. Star formation histories (SFHs) derived from resolved stars give us the unique
opportunity to study past star-forming events that may have helped shape the currently visible Hi distribution. Our
sample of five nearby dwarf irregular galaxies spans over an order of magnitude in both total Hi mass and absolute
B-band magnitude and is at the low-mass end of previously studied systems. We use Very Large Array Hi line
data to estimate the energy required to create the centrally dominant hole in each galaxy. We compare this energy estimate to the past energy released by the underlying stellar populations computed from SFHs derived from data taken with the Hubble Space Telescope. The inferred integrated stellar energy released within the characteristic ages exceeds our energy estimates for creating the holes in all cases, assuming expected efficiencies. Therefore, it appears that stellar feedback provides sufficient energy to produce the observed holes. However, we find no obvious signature of single star-forming events responsible for the observed structures when comparing the global SFHs of each galaxy in our sample to each other or to those of dwarf irregular galaxies reported in the literature. We also fail to find evidence of a central star cluster in FUV or Hα imaging. We conclude that large Hi holes are likely formed from multiple generations of star formation and only under suitable interstellar medium conditions
Narrative exposure therapy for survivors of human trafficking: feasibility randomised controlled trial
Background
Human trafficking is a grave human rights violation and a major public health concern. Survivors present with high rates of mental health problems including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies of effective treatments for PTSD in survivors of human trafficking are lacking. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an effective PTSD treatment for multiple, prolonged and complex trauma, but its efficacy has not been rigorously tested in survivors of human trafficking.
Aims
To test the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) offering NET as a treatment for PTSD in trafficking survivors with a history of multiple traumatic events, as well as providing preliminary evidence regarding its efficacy (trial registration: ISRCTN95136302).
Method
A single-blind RCT compared NET with a wait-list control in survivors of trafficking with PTSD (n = 25). In the NET arm of the study, participants attended a mean of 17 sessions.
Results
NET was well tolerated by participants. There were significant reductions in PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms post-treatment in the NET group but no significant change in the wait-list group.
Conclusions
The results indicate that NET is a promising and acceptable treatment for trafficking survivors. Psychological therapy in an RCT design can be safely delivered to this vulnerable group, although modifications are required to ensure their holistic needs are properly addressed
Reaction Rates Uncertainties and the Production of F19 in AGB Stars
We present nucleosynthesis calculations and the resulting 19F stellar yields
for a large set of models with different masses and metallicity. We find that
the production of fluorine depends on the temperature of the convective pulses,
the amount of primary 12C mixed into the envelope by third dredge up and the
extent of the partial mixing zone. Then we perform a detailed analysis of the
reaction rates involved in the production of 19F and the effects of their
uncertainties. We find that the major uncertainties are associated with the
14C(alpha,gamma)18O and the 19F(alpha,p)22Ne reaction rates. For these two
reactions we present new estimates of the rates and their uncertainties. The
importance of the partial mixing zone is reduced when using our estimate for
the 14C(alpha,gamma)18O rate. Taking into account both the uncertainties
related to the partial mixing zone and those related to nuclear reactions, the
highest values of 19F enhancements observed in AGB stars are not matched by the
models. This is a problem that will have to be revised by providing a better
understanding of the formation and nucleosynthesis in the partial mixing zone,
also in relation to reducing the uncertainties of the 14C(alpha,gamma)18O
reaction rate. At the same time the possible effect of Cool Bottom Processing
at the base of the convective envelope should be included in the computation of
AGB nucleosynthesis. This process could in principle help matching the highest
19F abundances observed by decreasing the C/O ratio at the surface of the star,
while leaving the 19F abundance unchanged.Comment: 40 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication on the Astrophysical
Journa
Narrative exposure therapy for survivors of human trafficking: feasibility randomised controlled trial
BACKGROUND:
Human trafficking is a grave human rights violation and a major public health concern. Survivors present with high rates of mental health problems including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies of effective treatments for PTSD in survivors of human trafficking are lacking. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an effective PTSD treatment for multiple, prolonged and complex trauma, but its efficacy has not been rigorously tested in survivors of human trafficking.
AIMS:
To test the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) offering NET as a treatment for PTSD in trafficking survivors with a history of multiple traumatic events, as well as providing preliminary evidence regarding its efficacy (trial registration: ISRCTN95136302).
METHOD:
A single-blind RCT compared NET with a wait-list control in survivors of trafficking with PTSD (n = 25). In the NET arm of the study, participants attended a mean of 17 sessions.
RESULTS:
NET was well tolerated by participants. There were significant reductions in PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms post-treatment in the NET group but no significant change in the wait-list group.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results indicate that NET is a promising and acceptable treatment for trafficking survivors. Psychological therapy in an RCT design can be safely delivered to this vulnerable group, although modifications are required to ensure their holistic needs are properly addressed
Intra- and inter-radiation therapist reproducibility of daily isocenter verification using prostatic fiducial markers
BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the intra- and inter-radiation therapist reproducibility of a previously established matching technique for daily verification and correction of isocenter position relative to intraprostatic fiducial markers (FM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the patient in the treatment position, anterior-posterior and left lateral electronic images are acquired on an amorphous silicon flat panel electronic portal imaging device. After each portal image is acquired, the therapist manually translates and aligns the fiducial markers in the image to the marker contours on the digitally reconstructed radiograph. The distances between the planned and actual isocenter location is displayed. In order to determine the reproducibility of this technique, four therapists repeated and recorded this operation two separate times on 20 previously acquired portal image datasets from two patients. The data were analyzed to obtain the mean variability in the distances measured between and within observers. RESULTS: The mean and median intra-observer variability ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 mm and 0.3 to 0.6 mm respectively with a standard deviation of 0.4 to 1.0 mm. Inter-observer results were similar with a mean variability of 0.9 mm, a median of 0.6 mm, and a standard deviation of 0.7 mm. When using a 5 mm threshold, only 0.5% of treatments will undergo a table shift due to intra or inter-observer error, increasing to an error rate of 2.4% if this threshold were reduced to 3 mm. CONCLUSION: We have found high reproducibility with a previously established method for daily verification and correction of isocenter position relative to prostatic fiducial markers using electronic portal imaging
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