| 1. |
- Andreoni, I., et al.
(author)
-
Follow Up of GW170817 and Its Electromagnetic Counterpart by Australian-Led Observing Programmes
- 2017
-
In: Publications Astronomical Society of Australia. - : Cambridge University Press (CUP). - 1323-3580 .- 1448-6083. ; 34
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The discovery of the first electromagnetic counterpart to a gravitational wave signal has generated follow-up observations by over 50 facilities world-wide, ushering in the new era of multi-messenger astronomy. In this paper, we present follow-up observations of the gravitational wave event GW170817 and its electromagnetic counterpart SSS17a/DLT17ck (IAU label AT2017gfo) by 14 Australian telescopes and partner observatories as part of Australian-based and Australian-led research programs. We report early- to late-time multi-wavelength observations, including optical imaging and spectroscopy, mid-infrared imaging, radio imaging, and searches for fast radio bursts. Our optical spectra reveal that the transient source emission cooled from approximately 6 400 K to 2 100 K over a 7-d period and produced no significant optical emission lines. The spectral profiles, cooling rate, and photometric light curves are consistent with the expected outburst and subsequent processes of a binary neutron star merger. Star formation in the host galaxy probably ceased at least a Gyr ago, although there is evidence for a galaxy merger. Binary pulsars with short (100 Myr) decay times are therefore unlikely progenitors, but pulsars like PSR B1534+12 with its 2.7 Gyr coalescence time could produce such a merger. The displacement (similar to 2.2 kpc) of the binary star system from the centre of the main galaxy is not unusual for stars in the host galaxy or stars originating in the merging galaxy, and therefore any constraints on the kick velocity imparted to the progenitor are poor.
|
|
| 2. |
- Kasliwal, M. M., et al.
(author)
-
Illuminating gravitational waves : A concordant picture of photons from a neutron star merger
- 2017
-
In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 358:6370, s. 1559-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Merging neutron stars offer an excellent laboratory for simultaneously studying strong-field gravity and matter in extreme environments. We establish the physical association of an electromagnetic counterpart (EM170817) with gravitational waves (GW170817) detected from merging neutron stars. By synthesizing a panchromatic data set, we demonstrate that merging neutron stars are a long-sought production site forging heavy elements by r-process nucleosynthesis. The weak gamma rays seen in EM170817 are dissimilar to classical short gamma-ray bursts with ultrarelativistic jets. Instead, we suggest that breakout of a wide-angle, mildly relativistic cocoon engulfing the jet explains the low-luminosity gamma rays, the high-luminosity ultraviolet-optical-infrared, and the delayed radio and x-ray emission. We posit that all neutron star mergers may lead to a wide-angle cocoon breakout, sometimes accompanied by a successful jet and sometimes by a choked jet.
|
|
| 3. |
- Mooley, K., et al.
(author)
-
A mildly relativistic wide-angle outflow in the neutron-star merger event GW170817
- 2018
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 554:7691, s. 207-210
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- GW170817 was the first gravitational-wave detection of a binary neutron-star merger. It was accompanied by radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum and localized to the galaxy NGC 4993 at a distance of 40 megaparsecs. It has been proposed that the observed γ-ray, X-ray and radio emission is due to an ultra-relativistic jet being launched during the merger (and successfully breaking out of the surrounding material), directed away from our line of sight (off-axis). The presence of such a jet is predicted from models that posit neutron-star mergers as the drivers of short hard-γ-ray bursts. Here we report that the radio light curve of GW170817 has no direct signature of the afterglow of an off-axis jet. Although we cannot completely rule out the existence of a jet directed away from the line of sight, the observed γ-ray emission could not have originated from such a jet. Instead, the radio data require the existence of a mildly relativistic wide-angle outflow moving towards us. This outflow could be the high-velocity tail of the neutron-rich material that was ejected dynamically during the merger, or a cocoon of material that breaks out when a jet launched during the merger transfers its energy to the dynamical ejecta. Because the cocoon model explains the radio light curve of GW170817, as well as the γ-ray and X-ray emission (and possibly also the ultraviolet and optical emission), it is the model that is most consistent with the observational data. Cocoons may be a ubiquitous phenomenon produced in neutron-star mergers, giving rise to a hitherto unidentified population of radio, ultraviolet, X-ray and γ-ray transients in the local Universe.
|
|
| 4. |
- Schiller, D, et al.
(author)
-
The Human Affectome
- 2024
-
In: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. - 1873-7528. ; 158, s. 105450-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)
|
|
| 5. |
- Semb, G, et al.
(author)
-
Erratum
- 2017
-
In: Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery. - 2000-6764. ; 51:2, s. 158-158
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)
|
|
| 6. |
- Fusco, F.M., et al.
(author)
-
Isolation rooms for highly infectious diseases : an inventory of capabilities in European countries
- 2009
-
In: Journal of Hospital Infection. - : Elsevier BV. - 0195-6701. ; 73:1, s. 15-23
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Isolation of patients with highly infectious diseases (HIDs) in hospital rooms with adequate technical facilities is essential to reduce the risk of spreading disease. The European Network for Infectious Diseases (EUNID), a project co-funded by European Commission and involving 16 European Union member states, performed an inventory of high level isolation rooms (HIRs, hospital rooms with negative pressure and anteroom). In participating countries, HIRs are available in at least 211 hospitals, with at least 1789 hospital beds. The adequacy of this number is not known and will depend on prevailing circumstances. Sporadic HID cases can be managed in the available HIRs. HIRs could also have a role in the initial phases of an influenza pandemic. However, large outbreaks due to natural or to bioterrorist events will need management strategies involving healthcare facilities other than HIRs.
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Bannister, P., et al.
(author)
-
Scandcleft randomised trials of primary surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate: 3. Descriptive study of postoperative nursing care following first stage cleft closure
- 2017
-
In: Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2000-656X .- 2000-6764. ; 51:1, s. 21-26
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies requiring surgical treatment in children, normally commenced in the first year of life. Following the initiation of a group of multicentre surgical trials of primary surgery, variations in postoperative recovery and management became apparent. An agreement was made for a nurse-led survey in eight surgical centres to document postoperative care and recovery. Materials and methods: A postoperative recovery clinical report form was developed to capture relevant data for the children participating in the four arms of the trials. This included the age and weight at admission, the postoperative recovery setting, pain management, postoperative feeding, post-operative complications, and length of hospital stay. Results: Four hundred and three nursing forms from the first surgical procedure were returned for analysis. Differences in important aspects of care such as postoperative analgesia and postoperative feeding were evident. Postoperative care was influenced by local custom and practice, as little firm clinical evidence exists to guide optimal management. Conclusion: Postoperative recovery may play a significant role in the future selection of surgical protocols, and future trials need to consider cross-study site training to familiarise nurses, prior to any changes in surgical methods.
|
|
| 9. |
- Brouqui, P., et al.
(author)
-
Infection control in the management of highly pathogenic infectious diseases : consensus of the European Network of Infectious Disease
- 2009
-
In: The Lancet Infectious Diseases. - 1473-3099. ; 9:5, s. 301-311
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The European Network for Infectious Diseases (EUNID) is a network of clinicians, public health epidemiologists, microbiologists, infection control, and critical-care doctors from the European member states, who are experienced in the management of patients with highly infectious diseases. We aim to develop a consensus recommendation for infection control during clinical management and invasive procedures in such patients. After an extensive literature review, draft recommendations were amended jointly by 27 partners from 15 European countries. Recommendations include repetitive training of staff to ascertain infection control, systematic use of cough and respiratory etiquette at admission to the emergency department, fluid sampling in the isolation room, and analyses in biosafety level 3/4 laboratories, and preference for point-of-care bedside laboratory tests. Children should be cared for by paediatricians and intensive-care patients should be cared for by critical-care doctors in high-level isolation units (HLIU). Invasive procedures should be avoided if unnecessary or done in the HLIU, as should chest radiography, ultrasonography, and renal dialysis. Procedures that require transport of patients out of the HLIU should be done during designated sessions or hours in secure transport. Picture archiving and communication systems should be used. Post-mortem examination should be avoided; biopsy or blood collection is preferred.
|
|
| 10. |
- Chaudhuri, K. Ray, et al.
(author)
-
Opicapone versus placebo in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease patients with end-of-dose motor fluctuation-associated pain : rationale and design of the randomised, double-blind OCEAN (OpiCapone Effect on motor fluctuations and pAiN) trial
- 2022
-
In: BMC Neurology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2377. ; 22:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Optimisation of dopaminergic therapy may alleviate fluctuation-related pain in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Opicapone (OPC) is a third-generation, once-daily catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor shown to be generally well tolerated and efficacious in reducing OFF-time in two pivotal trials in patients with PD and end-of-dose motor fluctuations. The OpiCapone Effect on motor fluctuations and pAiN (OCEAN) trial aims to investigate the efficacy of OPC 50 mg in PD patients with end-of-dose motor fluctuations and associated pain, when administered as adjunctive therapy to existing treatment with levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (DDCi). Methods: OCEAN is a Phase IV, international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, interventional trial in PD patients with end-of-dose motor fluctuations and associated pain. It consists of a 1-week screening period, 24-week double-blind treatment period and 2-week follow-up period. Eligible patients will be randomised 1:1 to OPC 50 mg or placebo once daily while continuing current treatment with levodopa/DDCi and other chronic, stable anti-PD and/or analgesic treatments. The primary efficacy endpoint is change from baseline in Domain 3 (fluctuation-related pain) of the King’s Parkinson’s disease Pain Scale (KPPS). The key secondary efficacy endpoint is change from baseline in Domain B (anxiety) of the Movement Disorder Society-sponsored Non-Motor rating Scale (MDS-NMS). Additional secondary efficacy assessments include other domains and total scores of the KPPS and MDS-NMS, the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8), the MDS-sponsored Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Parts III and IV, Clinical and Patient’s Global Impressions of Change, and change in functional status via Hauser’s diary. Safety assessments include the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. The study will be conducted in approximately 140 patients from 50 clinical sites in Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Recruitment started in February 2021 and the last patient is expected to complete the study by late 2022. Discussion: The OCEAN trial will help determine whether the use of adjunctive OPC 50 mg treatment can improve fluctuation-associated pain in PD patients with end-of-dose motor fluctuations. The robust design of OCEAN will address the current lack of reliable evidence for dopaminergic-based therapy in the treatment of PD-associated pain. Trial registration: EudraCT number 2020–001175-32; registered on 2020-08-07.
|
|
| 11. |
|
|
| 12. |
- Dance, Sarah L., et al.
(author)
-
Improvements in Forecasting Intense Rainfall : Results from the FRANC (Forecasting Rainfall Exploiting New Data Assimilation Techniques and Novel Observations of Convection) Project
- 2019
-
In: Atmosphere. - : MDPI. - 2073-4433. ; 10:3
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The FRANC project (Forecasting Rainfall exploiting new data Assimilation techniques and Novel observations of Convection) has researched improvements in numerical weather prediction of convective rainfall via the reduction of initial condition uncertainty. This article provides an overview of the project's achievements. We highlight new radar techniques: correcting for attenuation of the radar return; correction for beams that are over 90% blocked by trees or towers close to the radar; and direct assimilation of radar reflectivity and refractivity. We discuss the treatment of uncertainty in data assimilation: new methods for estimation of observation uncertainties with novel applications to Doppler radar winds, Atmospheric Motion Vectors, and satellite radiances; a new algorithm for implementation of spatially-correlated observation error statistics in operational data assimilation; and innovative treatment of moist processes in the background error covariance model. We present results indicating a link between the spatial predictability of convection and convective regimes, with potential to allow improved forecast interpretation. The research was carried out as a partnership between University researchers and the Met Office (UK). We discuss the benefits of this approach and the impact of our research, which has helped to improve operational forecasts for convective rainfall events.
|
|
| 13. |
- Neiß (Neiss), Michael, 1977-, et al.
(author)
-
New applications of 3D modeling in artefact analysis : three case studies in Viking Age brooches
- 2016
-
In: Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences. - Springer : Berlin. - 1866-9557 .- 1866-9565. ; 8:4, s. 651-662
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning is a nondestructive and versatile technique that provides archaeologists with 3D models of archaeological and ethnographic objects. We have previously shown that 3D models facilitate shape analysis of archaeological bones and stone tools, due to the high measurement accuracy inherent in the latest generation of 3D laser scanners. Here, we explore the utility of 3D modeling as a tool for analyzing Viking Age metal artefacts with complex morphologies. Four highly ornate Viking Age brooches from Scandinavia and Russia were digitized with a portable laser scanner, and the resulting 3D models were used in three case studies of (a) artefact reconstruction, (b) tool mark analysis, and (c) motif documentation. The results revealed both strengths and limitations of the employed techniques. 3D modeling proved to be very well suited for artefact reconstruction and was helpful also in the stylistic and motif analysis. The tool mark analysis was only partially successful, due to the resolution limits of the laser scanner used. 3D-based motif analysis of a grandiose Scandinavian-style brooch from Yelets, Russia, identified an anthropomorphic figure with a bird-like body that previously has been overlooked. This figure may be a Rurikid coat of arms, possibly linking the object to a princely household and providing further evidence for a connection between Scandinavia and the Rurikids. As 3D technology keeps improving, we expect that additional applications for 3D modeling in archaeology will be developed, likely leading to many new findings when old objects are re-analyzed with modern techniques. However, our results indicate that 3D modeling cannot completely replace traditional artefact analysis—instead, we argue that the two approaches are best used in combination.
|
|
| 14. |
- Sapkota, K., et al.
(author)
-
Mechanism and properties of positive allosteric modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors by 6-alkyl 2-naphthoic acid derivatives
- 2017
-
In: Neuropharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0028-3908. ; 125, s. 64-79
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The theory that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction is responsible for the symptoms of schizophrenia is well supported by many pharmacological and genetic studies. Accordingly, positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that augment NMDAR signaling may be useful for treating schizophrenia. Previously we have identified several NMDAR PAMs containing a carboxylic acid attached to naphthalene, phenanthrene, or coumarin ring systems. In this study, we describe several functional and mechanistic properties of UBP684, a 2-naphthoic acid derivative, which robustly potentiates agonist responses at each of the four GluN1a/GluN2 receptors and at neuronal NMDARs. UBP684 increases the maximal L-glutamate/glycine response while having minor subunit-specific effects on agonist potency. PAM binding is independent of agonist binding, and PAM activity is independent of membrane voltage, redox state, and the GIuN1 exon 5 N-terminal insert. UBP684 activity is, however, markedly pH-dependent, with greater potentiation occurring at lower pHs and inhibitory activity at pH 8.4. UBP684 increases channel open probability (P-o) and slows receptor deactivation time upon removal of L-glutamate, but not glycine. The structurally related PAM, UBP753, reproduced most of these findings, but did not prolong agonist removal deactivation time. Studies using cysteine mutants to lock the GluN1 and GluN2 ligand-binding domains (LBDs) in the agonist-bound states indicate that PAM potentiation requires GluN2 LBD conformational flexibility. Together, these findings suggest that UBP684 and UBP753 stabilize the GluN2 LBD in an active conformation and thereby increase P-o. Thus, UBP684 and UBP753 may serve as lead compounds for developing agents to enhance NMDAR activity in disorders associated with NMDAR hypofunction. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
|
|
