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We have conducted an extensive observational campaign of SWIFT J1753.5−0127 during 2007 June after its bright outburst episode in 2005. We have performed multiband optical photometry, optical spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and timing and ULTRACAM optical photometry simultaneously in three bands. Both the optical spectrum and the X-ray spectrum along with enhanced brightness in broad-band photometry point to recent increased activity. We analyse the different spectral regions, finding a smooth optical continuum with a remarkable lack of lines and a very blue component modulated with a period of 3.2 h and a hard power-law X-ray spectrum. Both the X-ray and optical power spectra are flat at low frequencies up to the 0.1 Hz (10 s) range, then decreasing roughly as a power law consistent with flickering. Furthermore, the optical data show quasi-periodic oscillations near 0.08 Hz (13 s). Together with a dynamical and autocorrelation analysis of the light curves we attempt to construct a complete physical picture of this intriguing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid timing analysis of Very Large Telescope (VLT)/ULTRACAM (optical) and RXTE (X-ray) observations of the Galactic black hole binary GX 4 in the low/hard, post-outburst state of 2007 June is presented. The optical light curves in the and u′ filters show slow (∼20 s) quasi-periodic variability. Upon this is superposed fast flaring activity on times approaching the best time resolution probed (∼50 ms in r′ and g′) and with maximum strengths of more than twice the local mean. Power spectral analysis over ∼0.004–10 Hz is presented, and shows that although the average optical variability amplitude is lower than that in X-rays, the peak variability power emerges at a higher Fourier frequency in the optical. Energetically, we measure a large optical versus X-ray flux ratio, higher than that seen on previous occasions when the source was fully jet dominated. Such a large ratio cannot be easily explained with a disc alone. Studying the optical–X-ray cross-spectrum in Fourier space shows a markedly different behaviour above and below ∼0.2 Hz. The peak of the coherence function above this threshold is associated with a short optical time lag with respect to X-rays, also seen as the dominant feature in the time-domain cross-correlation at ≈150 ms. The rms energy spectrum of these fast variations is best described by distinct physical components over the optical and X-ray regimes, and also suggests a maximal irradiated disc fraction of 20 per cent around 5000 Å. If the constant time delay is due to propagation of fluctuations to (or within) the jet, this is the clearest optical evidence to date of the location of this component. The low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillation is seen in the optical but not in X-rays, and is associated with a low coherence. Evidence of reprocessing emerges at the lowest Fourier frequencies, with optical lags at ∼10 s and strong coherence in the blue u′ filter. Consistent with this, simultaneous optical spectroscopy also shows the Bowen fluorescence blend, though its emission location is unclear. However, canonical disc reprocessing cannot dominate the optical power easily, nor explain the fast variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the discovery of optical/X-ray flux correlations on rapid time-scales in the low/hard state of the Galactic black hole GX 339−4. The source had recently emerged from outburst and was associated with a relatively faint counterpart with mag 17. The optical [Very Large Telescope (VLT)/ULTRACAM] and X-ray ( Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer) data show a clear positive cross-correlation function (CCF) signal, with the optical peak lagging X-rays by ∼150 ms, preceded by a shallow rise and followed by a steep decline along with broad anticorrelation dips. An examination of the light curves shows that the main CCF features are reproduced in superpositions of flares and dips. The CCF peak is narrow and the X-ray autocorrelation function (ACF) is broader than the optical ACF, arguing against reprocessing as the origin for the rapid optical emission. X-ray flaring is associated with spectral hardening, but no corresponding changes are detected around optical peaks and dips. The variability may be explained in the context of synchrotron emission with interaction between a jet and a corona. The complex CCF structure in GX 339−4 has similarities to that of another remarkable X-ray binary XTE J1118+480, in spite of showing a weaker maximum strength. Such simultaneous multiwavelength, rapid timing studies provide key constraints for modelling the inner regions of accreting stellar sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The incidence rate of uterix cervical cancer in 2006 in the Alpes-Maritime was 6.2 per 100,000 women. The existence of curable precancerous lesions and an effective vaccine make it a target cancer in public health. The objective of this study was to establish prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in 2006 before the campaign of vaccination against HPV. Patients and methods: Retrospective study including all histological samples (smears excluded) of the cervix, performed in 2006 with a diagnosis of intraepithelial Neoplasia among residents of the Alpes-Maritimes. Extraction codes’ corresponding was carried out by all pathology laboratories located in the Alpes-Maritimes and around. A comparison of codes with pathology reports was performed for 11.4% of random samples. Results: This study included 2066 patients aged 16 to 88 years. The average age was 37.3 years (±12.3). Among these patients, most pejorative intraepithelial neoplasia lesion was CIN 1, CIN 2, CIN 3, respectively for 941, 380 and 375 patients. Prevalence of CIN 2 among women 20 to 25 years old was similar to rates seen in 35 to 39 years old (166.5 per 100,000) and the rate of CIN 3 was similar to that seen in 45 to 49 years (78.1 per 100,000). Discussion and conclusion: Rates of CIN for the entire female population of the Alpes-Maritimes in 2006 has been established. The results observed in women aged less than 25 years old will be useful for comparison after the campaign of vaccination against HPV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present the discovery of two brown dwarfs in the UK infrared Telescope (UKIRT) Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) Deep Extragalactic Survey (DXS) Data Release 2 (DR2). Both objects were selected photometrically from 6 deg2 in DXS for their blue colour and the lack of optical counterparts in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82. Additional optical photometry provided by the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) corroborated the possible substellarity of these candidates. Subsequent methane imaging of UDXS and UDXS J221903.10+002418.2 has confirmed them as T7 ± 1 and T6 ± 1 dwarfs at photometric distances of 81 (52–118 pc) and 60 (44–87 pc; 2σ confidence level). A similar search in the DR2 of the Ultra-Deep Survey over a smaller area (0.77 deg2) and shallower depth did not return any late-T dwarf candidate. The numbers of late-T dwarfs in our study are broadly in line with a declining mass function when considering the current area and depth of the DXS and UDS. These brown dwarfs are the first discovered in the Visible Imaging Multi-Object Spectrograph (VIMOS) 4 field and among the few T dwarfs found in pencil-beam surveys. They are valuable to investigate the scaleheight of T dwarfs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present high-speed optical photometry of the anomalous X-ray pulsar 1E obtained with ULTRACAM on the 8.2-m Very Large Telescope in 2007 June. We detect 1E at a magnitude of , consistent with the values found by Wang et al. and hence confirming their conclusion that the source was approximately 1 mag brighter than in 2003–06 due to an on-going X-ray flare that started in 2007 March. The increased source brightness enabled us to detect optical pulsations with an identical period (6.458 s) to the X-ray pulsations. The root-mean-square (rms) pulsed fraction in our data is per cent, approximately the same as the 2–10 keV X-ray rms pulsed fraction. The optical and X-ray pulse profiles show similar morphologies and appear to be approximately in phase with each other, the latter lagging the former by only cycles. The optical pulsations in 1E are very similar in nature to those observed in 4U 0142+61. The implications of our observations for models of anomalous X-ray pulsars are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time a quasi-simultaneous multi-wavelength campaign has been performed on an Anomalous X-ray Pulsar from the radio to the hard X-ray band. 4U 0142+61 was an INTEGRAL target for 1 Ms in July 2005. During these observations it was also observed in the X-ray band with Swift and RXTE, in the optical and NIR with Gemini North and in the radio with the WSRT. In this paper we present the source-energy distribution. The spectral results obtained in the individual wave bands do not connect smoothly; apparently components of different origin contribute to the total spectrum. Remarkable is that the INTEGRAL hard X-ray spectrum (power-law index 0.79±0.10) is now measured up to an energy of ∼230 keV with no indication of a spectral break. Extrapolation of the INTEGRAL power-law spectrum to lower energies passes orders of magnitude underneath the NIR and optical fluxes, as well as the low ∼30 μJy (2 σ) upper limit in the radio band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objectives: To determine how and what women learn about breast cancer and screening practices and which factors influence women's breast cancer screening practices. Design: Descriptive analysis of questionnaire data collected at the time of enrollment in a clinical trial. Setting: Breast care center of a mid-Atlantic academic health sciences center. Sample: 185 women in a predominantly Appalachian, entirely rural state. Methods: Participants completed the Modified Toronto Breast Self-Examination Inventory and questions related to personal mammography practices at the time of enrollment before randomization in a longitudinal clinical intervention study. Main Research Variables: Women's demographics, knowledge of breast cancer screening practices, adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines, and motivation, knowledge, and practice proficiency surrounding breast cancer screening. Findings: These educated women had knowledge deficits about breast cancer, breast cancer risk factors, and screening guidelines, particularly the timing and practice behaviors of breast self-examination. Women who had received healthcare and cancer-screening instruction by healthcare providers, including advanced practice nurses, had greater knowledge of breast cancer and detection practices. Conclusions: Women still have knowledge deficits about breast cancer, breast cancer detection, and personal risk factors. In addition, some educated women in this study failed to practice breast cancer screening according to current guidelines. Implications for Nursing: Practitioners must continue to remind and update women about breast disease, and women's cancer-screening practices must be reinforced. All... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The correlation between antibiotic use and bacterial resistance is a well-established phenomenon and France has the highest rate of antibiotic consumption in Europe. In children day-care centers in the Alpes-Maritimes area, prevalence rates of pneumococcus with decreased susceptibility to penicillin (PSDP) have reached 60% of isolated pneumococcal strains. Several countries have implemented successful public health campaigns to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.Objective: A group of institutional and community based health professionals was created to set up a similar campaign on a local basis from 2000 to 2004. Its aim is to reduce PSDP carriage rates by limiting antibiotic prescription in presumed viral upper respiratory tract infections in children.Method: The campaign targets general practitioners, pediatricians and parents. Focus groups and surveys provided a basis for the determination of local recommendations for physicians and information leaflets for parents. These were distributed via peer conducted visits to most practitioners in the area. Pharmacies were provided with posters and leaflets, the latter being also inserted in children''s personal health files. Ongoing surveillance of PDSP carriage rates and monitoring of pediatric antibiotic prescriptions should allow to assess the effectiveness of the campaign. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Within Sanquin Blood Supply, a training program to train apheresis nurses was developed. The parts of the work for which qualification should be necessary was analysed. Based on this analysis, a modular program with theoretical and practical information and knowledge was developed. The modular program consists of two sections: a theoretical and technical / practical. The theoretical section consists of by the project group identified themes including basic hematology (e.g. the characteristics, kinetics, physiology and function of blood cells), basic apheresis physiology, indications for apheresis procedures, criteria for donors apheresis, difficulties and risks of procedures as well as the actions to be taken in case of side effects, and introduction to the apheresis machine available, including the mechanism of the machine. The program for the technical / practical section consists of machine and procedure knowledge (in theory and practise) and troubleshooting. To conclude each individual module, tests in theory and capability to perform procedures are taken. Each trainee needs to demonstrate to have sufficient insight and skill to master all the relevant critical features of the work. Also a text-book for the trainee was written. This educational program provides an approach to educate and test apheresis donor nurses. The combination of theoretical and practical components and monitoring of the progression are an important basis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]