R. E. Baker

Hard x-ray observations of Cygnus X-1 with the MISO telescope

The results of hard x-ray, soft gamma-ray observations of the galactic black hole candidate, Cyg X-1, taken with the MISO telescope in October 1979 and May 1980 are presented, confirming the superlow state measured during September-October 1979 by the HEAO 3 satellite. The 1980 observation coincides with a low- to high-state transition and is consistent with HEAO 3 observations taken at the same epoch. No gamma-ray counting-rate excess above 200 keV was recorded in either observation. Apart from these two measurements, the observation of the Crab Nebula as an a posteriori calibration source is also described. 15 references.

A broad-band contemporaneous study of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151

The Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 was observed on May 18, 1980 at hard X-ray/low gamma ray energies with the MISO telescope. The only excess detected was at the 3.5 sigma level in the X-ray energy range 35-105 keV. Concurrent UV, IR, optical and soft X-ray observations performed from January-May 1980 are used in conjunction with the MISO data to estimate the radiation characteristics of NGC 4151 and to define limits to models for the central powerhouse of the object, one of the most luminous in the sky. 39 references.

Putting research in place: an innovative approach to providing contextualized evidence synthesis for decision makers.

AbstractBackgroundThe Contextualized Health Research Synthesis Program (CHRSP), developed in 2007 by the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research, produces contextualized knowledge syntheses for health-system decision makers. The program provides timely, relevant, and easy-to-understand scientific evidence; optimizes evidence uptake; and, most importantly, attunes research questions and evidence to the specific context in which knowledge users must apply the findings.MethodsAs an integrated knowledge translation (KT) method, CHRSP:Involves intensive partnerships with senior healthcare decision makers who propose priority research topics and participate on research teams;Considers local context both in framing the research question and in reporting the findings;Makes economical use of resources by utilizing a limited number of staff;Uses a combination of external and local experts; andWorks quickly by synthesizing high-level systematic review evidence rather than primary studies. Although it was developed in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the CHRSP methodology is adaptable to a variety of settings with distinctive features, such as those in rural, remote, and small-town locations.ResultsCHRSP has published 25 syntheses on priority topics chosen by the provincial healthcare system, including:Clinical and cost-effectiveness: telehealth, rural renal dialysis, point-of-care testing;Community-based health services: helping seniors age in place, supporting seniors with dementia, residential treatment centers for at-risk youth;Healthcare organization/service delivery: reducing acute-care length of stay, promoting flu vaccination among health workers, safe patient handling, age-friendly acute care; andHealth promotion: diabetes prevention, promoting healthy dietary habits. These studies have been used by decision makers to inform local policy and practice decisions.ConclusionsBy asking the health system to identify its own priorities and to participate directly in the research process, CHRSP fully integrates KT among researchers and knowledge users in healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador. This high level of decision-maker buy-in has resulted in a corresponding level of uptake. CHRSP studies have directly informed a number of policy and practice directions, including the design of youth residential treatment centers, a provincial policy on single-use medical devices, and most recently, the opening of the province’s first Acute Care for the Elderly hospital unit.