Gamma Rays from Clusters and Groups of Galaxies: Cosmic Rays versus Dark Matter

Clusters of galaxies have not yet been detected at gamma-ray frequencies; however, the recently launched Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, formerly known as GLAST, could provide the first detections in the near future. Clusters are expected to emit gamma rays as a result of (1) a population of high-energy primary and re-accelerated secondary cosmic rays (CR) fueled by structure formation and merger shocks, active galactic nuclei and supernovae, and (2) particle dark matter (DM) annihilation. In this paper, we ask the question of whether the Fermi telescope will be able to discriminate between the two emission processes. We present data-driven predictions for a large X-ray flux limited sample of galaxy clusters and groups. We point out that the gamma ray signals from CR and DM can be comparable. In particular, we find that poor clusters and groups are the systems predicted to have the highest DM to CR emission at gamma-ray energies. Based on detailed Fermi simulations, we study observational handles that might enable us to distinguish the two emission mechanisms, including the gamma-ray spectra, the spatial distribution of the signal and the associated multi-wavelength emissions. We also propose optimal hardness ratios, which will help to understand the nature of the gamma-ray emission. Our study indicates that gamma rays from DM annihilation with a high particle mass can be distinguished from a CR spectrum even for fairly faint sources. Discriminating a CR spectrum from a light DM particle will be instead much more difficult, and will require long observations and/or a bright source. While the gamma-ray emission from our simulated clusters is extended, determining the spatial distribution with Fermi will be a challenging task requiring an optimal control of the backgrounds.Comment: revised to match resubmitted version, 35 pages, 16 figures: results unchanged, some discussion added and unnecessary text and figures remove

Application of a model-based rainfall-runoff database as efficient tool for flood risk management

A framework for a comprehensive synthetic rainfall-runoff database was developed to study catchment response to a variety of rainfall events. The framework supports effective flood risk assessment and management and implements simple approaches. It consists of three flexible components, a rainfall generator, a continuous rainfallrunoff model, and a database management system. The system was developed and tested at two gauged river sections along the upper Tiber River (central Italy). One of the main questions was to investigate how simple such approaches can be applied without impairing the quality of the results. The rainfall-runoff model was used to simulate runoff on the basis of a large number of rainfall events. The resulting rainfallrunoff database stores pre-simulated events classified on the basis of the rainfall amount, initial wetness conditions and initial discharge. The real-time operational forecasts follow an analogue method that does not need new model simulations. However, the forecasts are based on the simulation results available in the rainfall-runoff database (for the specific class to which the forecast belongs). Therefore, the database can be used as an effective tool to assess possible streamflow scenarios assuming different rainfall volumes for the following days. The application to the study site shows that magnitudes of real flood events were appropriately captured by the database. Further work should be dedicated to introduce a component for taking account of the actual temporal distribution of rainfall events into the stochastic rainfall generator and to the use of different rainfall-runoff models to enhance the usability of the proposed procedure

Can Quality of Care for Patients with Cirrhosis Be Measured?

Abstract Introduction The ultimate purpose of measuring quality of care is to discriminate between healthcare providers in order to motivate improvement. Recently, a set of evidence-based indicators has been proposed for measurement of processes of care for patients with cirrhosis, for example early endoscopy for variceal bleeding. The objective of this study was to determine whether these indicators can be measured in a reliable and automated fashion in routine practice. Materials and methods We applied the top five indicators, based on agreement of a panel of experts, to hospitalized adults at our institution over a 3-year period. Results Only two of the indicators could be reliably measured on the basis of the published wording, and these two still required physician chart review. After applying some assumptions, the indicators were met in 46-100% of cases. None of the indicators was linked to a single physician or institution in all cases, and none occurred with sufficient frequency to discriminate quality between providers. Conclusion Measuring quality of care in cirrhosis is a laudable objective, but current indicators are not yet ready for administrative use

Electron-beam and AFM domain writing in the relaxor ferroelectric SBN

This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Researches (projects Nos. 16-29-11777ofi-m and 16-0200439a)

Clinical reasoning in feline spinal disease: which combination of clinical information is useful?

The aim of this study was to evaluate if a combination of discrete clinical characteristics can be used to identify the most likely differential diagnoses in cats with spinal disease

Introducing the TISMIR Education Track: What, Why, How?

This editorial introduces the new education track for the Transactions of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval (TISMIR) and aims to provide guidance to both prospective authors and users of this track’s material regarding its context, goals, and scope. To begin, we offer TISMIR-specific context, including the journal’s history, its unchanged scope and remit, and the motivations behind introducing the new track. This context is supplemented by broader insights into developments in the field of Music Information Retrieval (MIR), the personal pedagogical experiences of the authors, and the rapid, extensive development of Open Educational Resources across various domains. We highlight the key characteristics of educational articles in general and explore why the music domain may provide an intuitive and motivating setting for education across various levels and disciplines. The education track aligns with existing tracks in terms of TISMIR’s dedication to scientific research in MIR, broadly defined as the processing, analyzing, organizing, and creating of music and music-related information using computational methods. Educational articles within this track maintain the high standards expected in terms of scientific rigor, clarity of language, and compelling presentation. However, they differ in their focus on a tutorial-style delivery and their emphasis on existing MIR research methods, techniques, principles, and practical matters relevant to the diverse interests of the MIR community. Through this editorial, our objective is to offer guidance, clarify review criteria, and stimulate discussion on crafting effective educational articles, thereby laying the foundation for a broader discourse on education within MIR and beyond

Pilot study of head conformation changes over time in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed

Modern interpretation of head conformation in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) has favoured a smaller, more exaggerated, brachycephalic type than originally described in the 1929 breed standard. Recent research studies identified brachycephaly and reduced hind cranium as two conformational (dysmorphic) features that increase risk for symptomatic Chiari-like malformation and secondary syringomyelia (SM). A prospective pilot study investigated the hypothesis that dysmorphic head features could be assessed visually and correlated with risk of SM. Thirteen CKCS, selected from anonymised photographic evidence, were physically appraised by authorised Kennel Club judges using a head shape checklist. These subjective evaluations were then matched with objective measurements of the cranium (cephalic index and rostrocaudal doming) and their subsequent MRI. A positive correlation (P=0.039) between the judges’ checklist score and rostrocaudal doming (hindskull ratio) and a positive correlation between the cephalic index and hindskull ratio (P=0.042) were identified. Five CKCS had no SM and their status tallied with 62 per cent of the judges’ evaluation. Although the ability of adjudicators to identify differences in head conformation varied, there was sufficient association between the dysmorphic parameters and the risk of SM to cause concern and propose a larger study in CKCS breed

Pilot study of head conformation changes over time in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed

Modern interpretation of head conformation in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) has favoured a smaller, more exaggerated, brachycephalic type than originally described in the 1929 breed standard. Recent research studies identified brachycephaly and reduced hind cranium as two conformational (dysmorphic) features that increase risk for symptomatic Chiari-like malformation and secondary syringomyelia (SM). A prospective pilot study investigated the hypothesis that dysmorphic head features could be assessed visually and correlated with risk of SM. Thirteen CKCS, selected from anonymised photographic evidence, were physically appraised by authorised Kennel Club judges using a head shape checklist. These subjective evaluations were then matched with objective measurements of the cranium (cephalic index and rostrocaudal doming) and their subsequent MRI. A positive correlation (P=0.039) between the judges’ checklist score and rostrocaudal doming (hindskull ratio) and a positive correlation between the cephalic index and hindskull ratio (P=0.042) were identified. Five CKCS had no SM and their status tallied with 62 per cent of the judges’ evaluation. Although the ability of adjudicators to identify differences in head conformation varied, there was sufficient association between the dysmorphic parameters and the risk of SM to cause concern and propose a larger study in CKCS breed

Humidity and measurement of volatile propofol using MCC-IMS (EDMON)

The bedside Exhaled Drug MONitor – EDMON measures exhaled propofol in ppbv every minute based on multi-capillary column – ion mobility spectrometry (MCC-IMS). The MCC pre-separates gas samples, thereby reducing the infuence of the high humidity in human breath. However, preliminary analyses identifed substantial measurement deviations between dry and humid calibration standards. We therefore performed an analytical validation of the EDMON to evaluate the infuence of humidity on measurement performance. A calibration gas generator was used to generate gaseous propofol standards measured by an EDMON device to assess linearity, precision, carry-over, resolution, and the infuence of diferent levels of humidity at 100% and 1.7% (without additional) relative humidity (reference temperature: 37°C). EDMON measurements were roughly half the actual concentration without additional humidity and roughly halved again at 100% relative humidity. Standard concentrations and EDMON values correlated linearly at 100% relative humidity (R²=0.97). The measured values were stable over 100min with a variance≤10% in over 96% of the measurements. Carry-over efects were low with 5% at 100% relative humidity after 5min of equilibration. EDMON measurement resolution at 100% relative humidity was 0.4 and 0.6 ppbv for standard concentrations of 3 ppbv and 41 ppbv. The infuence of humidity on measurement performance was best described by a second-order polynomial function (R²≥0.99) with infuence reaching a maximum at about 70% relative humidity. We conclude that EDMON measurements are strongly infuenced by humidity and should therefore be corrected for sample humidity to obtain accurate estimates of exhaled propofol concentrations