Context.
The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) onboard the
James Webb
Space Telescope (JWST) will provide imaging, coronagraphy, low-resolution spectroscopy, and medium-resolution spectroscopy at ...unprecedented sensitivity levels in the mid-infrared wavelength range. The Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) of MIRI is an integral field spectrograph that provides diffraction-limited spectroscopy between 4.9 and 28.3 μm, within a field of view (FOV) varying from ∼13 to ∼56 arcsec square. The design for MIRI MRS conforms with the goals of the JWST mission to observe high redshift galaxies and to study cosmology as well as observations of galactic objects, and stellar and planetary systems.
Aims.
From ground testing, we calculate the physical parameters essential for general observers and calibrating the wavelength solution and resolving power of the MRS which is critical for maximizing the scientific performance of the instrument.
Methods.
We have used ground-based observations of discrete spectral features in combination with Fabry-Perot etalon spectra to characterize the wavelength solution and spectral resolving power of the MRS. We present the methodology used to derive the MRS spectral characterization, which includes the precise wavelength coverage of each MRS sub-band, computation of the resolving power as a function of wavelength, and measuring slice-dependent spectral distortions.
Results.
The ground calibration of the MRS shows that it will cover the wavelength ranges from 4.9 to 28.3 μm, divided in 12 overlapping spectral sub-bands. The resolving power is
R
≳ 3500 in channel 1,
R
≳ 3000 in channel 2,
R
≳ 2500 in channel 3, and
R
≳ 1500 in channel 4. The MRS spectral resolution optimizes the sensitivity for detection of spectral features with a velocity width of ∼100 km s
−1
which is characteristic of most astronomical phenomena JWST aims to study in the mid-infrared. Based on the ground test data, the wavelength calibration accuracy is estimated to be below one-tenth of a pixel (0.1 nm at 5 μm and 0.4 at 28 μm), with small systematic shifts due to the target position within a slice for unresolved sources that have a maximum amplitude of about 0.25 spectral resolution elements. The absolute wavelength calibration is presently uncertain at the level of 0.35 nm at 5 μm and 46 nm at 28 μm, and it will be refined using in-flight commissioning observations.
Conclusions.
Based on ground test data, the MRS complies with the spectral requirements for both the
R
and wavelength accuracy for which it was designed. We also present the commissioning strategies and targets that will be followed to update the spectral characterization of the MRS.
The Kepler space mission provided near-continuous and high-precision photometry of about 207 000 stars, which can be used for asteroseismology. However, for successful seismic modeling it is equally ...important to have accurate stellar physical parameters. Therefore, supplementary ground-based data are needed. We report the results of the analysis of high-resolution spectroscopic data of A- and F-type stars from the Kepler field, which were obtained with the HERMES spectrograph on the Mercator telescope. We determined spectral types, atmospheric parameters and chemical abundances for a sample of 117 stars. Hydrogen Balmer, Fe i, and Fe ii lines were used to derive effective temperatures, surface gravities, and microturbulent velocities. We determined chemical abundances and projected rotational velocities using a spectrum synthesis technique. The atmospheric parameters obtained were compared with those from the Kepler Input Catalogue (KIC), confirming that the KIC effective temperatures are underestimated for A stars. Effective temperatures calculated by spectral energy distribution fitting are in good agreement with those determined from the spectral line analysis. The analysed sample comprises stars with approximately solar chemical abundances, as well as chemically peculiar stars of the Am, Ap, and λ Boo types. The distribution of the projected rotational velocity, vsin i, is typical for A and F stars and ranges from 8 to about 280 km s−1, with a mean of 134 km s−1.
Aims. Our goal is to study the different morphologies associated to the interaction of the stellar winds of AGB stars and red supergiants with the interstellar medium (ISM) to follow the fate of the ...circumstellar matter injected into the interstellar medium. Methods. Far-infrared Herschel/PACS images at 70 and 160 μm of a sample of 78 Galactic evolved stars are used to study the (dust) emission structures developing out of stellar wind-ISM interaction. In addition, two-fluid hydrodynamical simulations of the coupled gas and dust in wind-ISM interactions are used for comparison with the observations. Results. Four distinct classes of wind-ISM interaction (i.e. “fermata”, “eyes”, “irregular”, and “rings”) are identified, and basic parameters affecting the morphology are discussed. We detect bow shocks for ~40% of the sample and detached rings for ~20%. The total dust and gas mass inferred from the observed infrared emission is similar to the stellar mass loss over a period of a few thousand years, while in most cases it is less than the total ISM mass potentially swept-up by the wind-ISM interaction. De-projected stand-off distances (R0) – defined as the distance between the central star and the nearest point of the interaction region – of the detected bow shocks (“fermata” and “eyes”) are derived from the PACS images and compared to previous results, model predictions, and the simulations. All observed bow shocks have stand-off distances smaller than 1 pc. Observed and theoretical stand-off distances are used together to independently derive the local ISM density. Conclusions. Both theoretical (analytical) models and hydrodynamical simulations give stand-off distances for adopted stellar properties that are in good agreement with the measured de-projected stand-off distance of wind-ISM bow shocks. The possible detection of a bow shock – for the distance-limited sample – appears to be governed by its physical size as set roughly by the stand-off distance. In particular the star’s peculiar space velocity and the density of the ISM appear decisive in detecting emission from bow shocks or detached rings. In most cases the derived ISM densities concur with those typical of the warm neutral and ionised gas in the Galaxy, though some cases point towards the presence of cold diffuse clouds. Tentatively, the “eyes” class objects are associated to (visual) binaries, while the “rings” generally do not appear to occur for M-type stars, only for C or S-type objects that have experienced a thermal pulse.
We present an estimate of the performance that will be achieved during on-orbit operations of the JWST mid-infrared instrument, MIRI. The efficiency of the main imager and spectrometer systems in ...detecting photons from an astronomical target are presented, based on measurements at subsystem and instrument-level testing, with the end-to-end transmission budget discussed in some detail. The brightest target fluxes that can be measured without saturating the detectors are provided. The sensitivity for long-duration observations of faint sources is presented in terms of the target flux required to achieve a signal-to-noise ratio of 10 after a 10,000 s observation. The algorithms used in the sensitivity model are presented, including the understanding gained during testing of the MIRI flight model and flight-like detectors.
For 98 veterans who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation due to concern for cognitive decline, the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) detected cognitive impairment better ...than the MMSE. 3MS is recommended for first-line screening of cognitive symptoms in older adults.
Objectives:The study compared the accuracy of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) with its modified version (3MS) in distinguishing healthy older adults from adults with cognitive impairment due to suspected Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or vascular disease (VaD).Method:Participants were 98 veterans who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation due to concern for cognitive decline. Participants were selected via retrospective chart review on the basis of diagnosis. They had diagnoses of mild or major neurocognitive disorder due to suspected AD (N=20), mild or major neurocognitive disorder due to suspected VaD (N=44), or no neurocognitive diagnosis (i.e., healthy adult comparisons; HC, N=34).Results:The 3MS demonstrated superior detection of cognitive impairment. The extent of this enhanced detection was influenced by the suspected etiology of cognitive impairment. The 3MS and MMSE had comparable discrimination of AD and HC. With respect to VaD, the 3MS showed superior discriminability compared to the MMSE.Conclusions:Overall, results support the adoption of the 3MS over that of the MMSE. The 3MS is a superior (and free) tool for detecting cognitive impairment in geriatric populations. Its use is recommended for first-line screening of cognitive symptoms in older adult populations, especially those with concern for VaD.
Objective:
Discuss anticipated patterns of cognitive and emotional dysfunction, prognostic indicators, and treatment considerations based on review of (a) neuroinvasive properties of prior human ...coronaviruses and (b) extensively researched disorders which share similar neurological mechanisms.
Method:
A web-based comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals was conducted based on a variety of key terms (and variants of) including coronavirus, neuroinvasion, cognitive dysfunction, viral pandemics, respiratory illness, critical illness, and metabolic disease. Articles were chosen based on relevance to the current topic and ability to provide unique thematic information. Historical articles were included if these added scientific merit to recent literature. Review of information in widely disseminated news articles was followed-up with direct review of cited scientific literature. Databases searched included Google Scholar, PubMed, and Ovid Medline.
Results:
Based on neuroinvasive properties of prior coronaviruses and existing research on similar neurophysiological conditions with detrimental cognitive effects, COVID-19-especially those with severe symptoms-are at risk for cognitive decline and significant psychiatric/behavioral sequela.
Conclusions:
There are few studies examining cognitive outcomes in COVID-19. This review argues that neuropsychological sequelae are to be expected in patients with COVID-19. Considerations for clinicians working with this unique population are discussed.
Key Points
Question: There is limited research describing cognitive and psychiatric outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Findings: We reviewed available literature from prior pandemics, emerging COVID-19 research, and studies describing outcomes in similar medical conditions to hypothesize concerns when working with this population. Importance: Based on existing literature, we anticipate a wide range of cognitive and psychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Next Steps: Neuropsychologists play a vital role in comprehensive care for these patients and should be included on interdisciplinary treatment teams. Longitudinal data will help clarify risk of cognitive and psychiatric sequalae among COVID-19 patients.
ABSTRACT
During the commissioning of JWST, the medium-resolution spectrometer (MRS) on the mid-infrared instrument (MIRI) observed the planetary nebula SMP LMC 058 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The ...MRS was designed to provide medium resolution (R = λ/Δλ) 3D spectroscopy in the whole MIRI range. SMP LMC 058 is the only source observed in JWST commissioning that is both spatially and spectrally unresolved by the MRS and is a good test of JWST’s capabilities. The new MRS spectra reveal a wealth of emission lines not previously detected in this planetary nebula. From these lines, the spectral resolving power (λ/Δλ) of the MRS is confirmed to be in the range R = 4000–1500, depending on the MRS spectral sub-band. In addition, the spectra confirm that the carbon-rich dust emission is from complex hydrocarbons and SiC grains and that there is little to no time evolution of the SiC dust and emission line strengths over a 17-yr epoch. These commissioning data reveal the great potential of the MIRI MRS for the study of circumstellar and interstellar material.
To describe the association between unmet rehabilitation needs and life satisfaction 5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Prospective observational cohort.
Five Veterans Affairs (VA) ...Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers.
VA TBI Model Systems participants (N=301); 95% male; 77% white; average age, 39±14y).
Not applicable.
Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS).
Average SWLS score was 22±8. Univariable analyses demonstrated several statistically significant predictors of life satisfaction, including employment status, participation, psychiatric symptom severity, past year mental health treatment, and total number of unmet rehabilitation needs (all P<.05). Multivariable analyses revealed that depression and participation were each associated with life satisfaction. An ad hoc mediation model suggested that unmet rehabilitation needs total was indirectly related to life satisfaction. Total unmet rehabilitation needs ranged from 0-21 (mean, 2.0±3.4). Correlational analyses showed that 14 of the 21 unmet rehabilitation needs were associated with life satisfaction.
Findings support the need for rehabilitation engagement in later stages of TBI recovery. Ongoing assessment of and intervention for unmet rehabilitation needs in the chronic phase of recovery have the potential to mitigate decline in life satisfaction.
We observed a sample of 20 representative Herbig Ae/Be stars and 5 A-type debris discs with PACS onboard Herschel, as part of the GAS in Protoplanetary Systems (GASPS) project. The observations were ...done in spectroscopic mode, and cover the far-infrared lines of O i, C ii, CO, CH+, H2O, and OH. We have a O i 63 μm detection rate of 100% for the Herbig Ae/Be and 0% for the debris discs. The O i 145 μm line is only detected in 25% and CO J = 18-17 in 45% (and fewer cases for higher J transitions) of the Herbig Ae/Be stars, while for C ii 157 μm, we often find spatially variable background contamination. We show the first detection of water in a Herbig Ae disc, HD 163296, which has a settled disc. Hydroxyl is detected as well in this disc. First seen in HD 100546, CH+ emission is now detected for the second time in a Herbig Ae star, HD 97048. We report fluxes for each line and use the observations as line diagnostics of the gas properties. Furthermore, we look for correlations between the strength of the emission lines and either the stellar or disc parameters, such as stellar luminosity, ultraviolet and X-ray flux, accretion rate, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) band strength, and flaring. We find that the stellar ultraviolet flux is the dominant excitation mechanism of O i 63 μm, with the highest line fluxes being found in objects with a large amount of flaring and among the largest PAH strengths. Neither the amount of accretion nor the X-ray luminosity has an influence on the line strength. We find correlations between the line flux of O i 63 μm and O i 145 μm, CO J = 18-17 and O i 6300 Å, and between the continuum flux at 63 μm and at 1.3 mm, while we find weak correlations between the line flux of O i 63 μm and the PAH luminosity, the line flux of CO J = 3-2, the continuum flux at 63 μm, the stellar effective temperature, and the Brγ luminosity. Finally, we use a combination of theO i 63 μm and 12CO J = 2-1 line fluxes to obtain order of magnitude estimates of the disc gas masses, in agreement with the values that we find from detailed modelling of two Herbig Ae/Be stars, HD 163296 and HD 169142. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.
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