Observation of O+ 4P-4D0 lines in proton aurora over Svalbard

Spectra of a proton aurora event show lines of O+ 4P-4D0 multiplet (4639–4696 Å) enhanced relative to the N2 +1N(0,2) compared to normal electron aurora. Conjugate satellite particle measurements are used as input to electron and proton transport models, to show that p/H precipitation is the dominant source of both the O+ and N2 +1N emissions. The emission cross-section of the multiplet in p collisions with O and O2 estimated from published work does not explain the observed O+ brightness, suggesting a higher emission cross-section for low energy p impact on O

Cryogenic mechanisms for scanning and interchange of the Fabry-Perot interferometers in the ISO long wavelength spectrometer

The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) is an ESA cornerstone mission for infrared astronomy. Schedules for launch in 1993, its four scientific instruments will provide unprecedented sensitivity and spectral resolution at wavelengths which are inaccessible using ground-based techniques. One of these, the Long Wavelength Spectrometer (LWS), will operate in the 45 to 180 micron region (Emery et. al., 1985) and features two Fabry-Perot interferometers mounted on an interchange mechanism. The entire payload module of the spacecraft, comprising the 60 cm telescope and the four focal plane instruments, is maintained at 2 to 4 K by an onboard supply of liquid helium. The mechanical design and testing of the cryogenic interferometer and interchange mechanisms are described

ISO-LWS observations of IRAS16293-2422

We obtained LWS grating spectra toward IRAS 16293-2422 and the surrounding region, which covers the entire extent of the molecular outflow. The LWS spectra show that the region is relatively uncontaminated by PhotoDissociationRegion (PDR)-like emission, showing only a weak diffuse CII emission. The on-source spectrum revealed the presence of the OI(63μm) line and several lines from CO, H2O and OH molecules. In this work we derive the macroscopic quantities associated with the UV-illuminated emitting gas which surrounds IRAS16293-2422 and compare it with previous studies. We show that the molecular lines originate in a hot (~1600 K), dense (~ 3·104cm-3) and extended (~ 8·1016cm) region, that we interprete as the shock of the wind impacting obliquely with the walls of the cavity created by the wind itself. The OI(63μm) line observed by the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO: Ceccarelli et al. 1997a) at ~ 1.2·1017cm west from the central source is hence interpreted as the head of the shock where the wind strikes the ambient gas. Finally we speculate that the OI(63μm) line emission seen on-source originates in the collapsing envelope that surrounds the central object(s

MOODs: Building massive open online diaries for researchers, teachers and contributors

Internet-based research conducted in partnership with paid crowdworkers and volunteer citizen scientists is an increasingly common method for collecting data from large, diverse populations. We wanted to leverage web-based citizen science to gain insights into phenomena that are part of people’s everyday lives. To do this, we developed the concept of a Massive Open Online Diary (MOOD). A MOOD is a tool for capturing, storing and presenting short updates from multiple contributors on a particular topic. These updates are aggregated into public corpora that can be viewed, analysed and shared. MOODs offer a novel method for crowdsourcing diary-like data in a way that provides value for researchers, teachers and contributors. MOODs also come with unique community-building and ethical challenges. We describe the benefits and challenges of MOODs in relation to Errordiary.org, a MOOD we created to aid our exploration of human error

Genetic screening of 202 individuals with congenital limb malformations and requiring reconstructive surgery

BACKGROUND: Congenital limb malformations (CLMs) are common and present to a variety of specialties, notably plastic and orthopaedic surgeons, and clinical geneticists. The authors aimed to characterise causative mutations in an unselected cohort of patients with CLMs requiring reconstructive surgery. METHODS: 202 patients presenting with CLM were recruited. The authors obtained G-banded karyotypes and screened EN1, GLI3, HAND2, HOXD13, ROR2, SALL1, SALL4, ZRS of SHH, SPRY4, TBX5, TWIST1 and WNT7A for point mutations using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and direct sequencing. Multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) kits were developed and used to measure copy number in GLI3, HOXD13, ROR2, SALL1, SALL4, TBX5 and the ZRS of SHH. RESULTS: Within the cohort, causative genetic alterations were identified in 23 patients (11%): mutations in GLI3 (n = 5), HOXD13 (n = 5), the ZRS of SHH (n = 4), and chromosome abnormalities (n = 4) were the most common lesions found. Clinical features that predicted the discovery of a genetic cause included a bilateral malformation, positive family history, and having increasing numbers of limbs affected (all p<0.01). Additionally, specific patterns of malformation predicted mutations in specific genes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on higher mutation prevalence the authors propose that GLI3, HOXD13 and the ZRS of SHH should be prioritised for introduction into molecular genetic testing programmes for CLM. The authors have developed simple criteria that can refine the selection of patients by surgeons for referral to clinical geneticists. The cohort also represents an excellent resource to test for mutations in novel candidate genes

LWS observations of the protostar IRAS16293-2422

We report ISO-LWS observations toward the low mass star IRAS16293-2422 between 43µm - 197µm. The CO, H2O and OH rotational lines and the OI(63µm) fine-structure line dominate the spectrum. Combining the CO Jup=14 to 25 observations with previous Jup=6 measurements, we derive stringent limits on the density (~3 · 104cm-3), temperature (~1500 K), and column density (~1.5 · 1020cm-2) of the emitting gas. We show that this warm gas is associated with the outflow and that a low velocity, C-type shock can account for the characteristics of the CO spectrum. The H2O and OH abundances derived from the observed line fluxes are [H2O] / [H2] ~2 · 10-5 and [OH] / [H2] ~5 · 10-6 respectively. Finally, we speculate that the OI(63µm) line emission originates in the collapsing envelope that surrounds the central object

Procedural and documentation variations in intravenous infusion administration: a mixed methods study of policy and practice across 16 hospital trusts in England

Background: Procedural and documentation deviations relating to intravenous (IV) infusion administration can have important safety consequences. However, research on such deviations is limited. To address this we investigated the prevalence of procedural and documentation deviations in IV infusion administration and explored variability in policy and practice across different hospital trusts. / Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study. This involved observations of deviations from local policy including quantitative and qualitative data, and focus groups with clinical staff to explore the causes and contexts of deviations. The observations were conducted across five clinical areas (general medicine, general surgery, critical care, paediatrics and oncology day care) in 16 National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England. All infusions being administered at the time of data collection were included. Deviation rates for procedural and documentation requirements were compared between trusts. Local data collectors and other relevant stakeholders attended focus groups at each trust. Policy details and reasons for deviations were discussed. / Results: At least one procedural or documentation deviation was observed in 961 of 2008 IV infusions (deviation rate 47.9%; 95% confidence interval 45.5–49.8%). Deviation rates at individual trusts ranged from 9.9 to 100% of infusions, with considerable variation in the prevalence of different types of deviation. Focus groups revealed lack of policy awareness, ambiguous policies, safety and practicality concerns, different organisational priorities, and wide variation in policies and practice relating to prescribing and administration of IV flushes and double-checking. / Conclusions: Deviation rates and procedural and documentation requirements varied considerably between hospital trusts. Our findings reveal areas where local policy and practice do not align. Some policies may be impractical and lack utility. We suggest clearer evidence-based standardisation and local procedures that are contextually practical to address these issues