GW170814: A Three-Detector Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Coalescence

On August 14, 2017 at 10∶30:43 UTC, the Advanced Virgo detector and the two Advanced LIGO detectors coherently observed a transient gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of two stellar mass black holes, with a false-alarm rate of ≲1 in 27 000 years. The signal was observed with a three-detector network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 18. The inferred masses of the initial black holes are 30.5_{-3.0}^{+5.7}M_{⊙} and 25.3_{-4.2}^{+2.8}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The luminosity distance of the source is 540_{-210}^{+130}  Mpc, corresponding to a redshift of z=0.11_{-0.04}^{+0.03}. A network of three detectors improves the sky localization of the source, reducing the area of the 90% credible region from 1160   deg^{2} using only the two LIGO detectors to 60  deg^{2} using all three detectors. For the first time, we can test the nature of gravitational-wave polarizations from the antenna response of the LIGO-Virgo network, thus enabling a new class of phenomenological tests of gravity.

GW170104: Observation of a 50-Solar-Mass Binary Black Hole Coalescence at Redshift 0.2

We describe the observation of GW170104, a gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of a pair of stellar-mass black holes. The signal was measured on January 4, 2017 at 10∶11:58.6 UTC by the twin advanced detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory during their second observing run, with a network signal-to-noise ratio of 13 and a false alarm rate less than 1 in 70 000 years. The inferred component black hole masses are 31.2_{-6.0}^{+8.4}M_{⊙} and 19.4_{-5.9}^{+5.3}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The black hole spins are best constrained through measurement of the effective inspiral spin parameter, a mass-weighted combination of the spin components perpendicular to the orbital plane, χ_{eff}=-0.12_{-0.30}^{+0.21}. This result implies that spin configurations with both component spins positively aligned with the orbital angular momentum are disfavored. The source luminosity distance is 880_{-390}^{+450}  Mpc corresponding to a redshift of z=0.18_{-0.07}^{+0.08}. We constrain the magnitude of modifications to the gravitational-wave dispersion relation and perform null tests of general relativity. Assuming that gravitons are dispersed in vacuum like massive particles, we bound the graviton mass to m_{g}≤7.7×10^{-23}  eV/c^{2}. In all cases, we find that GW170104 is consistent with general relativity.

Investigation and diagnosis of an immediate allergy to amide local anaesthetic in a paediatric dental patient

Local anaesthetics remain the most common prescription medication utilized in dental practise. Adverse reactions following administration of local anaesthetic are somewhat common and are frequently reported as 'allergies'. However, of these events, it is estimated that only 1% are confirmed allergies to the local anaesthetic. This case report presents the process of referral for investigation and testing to confirm an amide local anaesthetic allergy in a paediatric patient. Testing for a safe alternative was also completed to identify local anaesthetic agents also of the amide variety that could be utilized safely on this individual. Following skin testing of alternative agents, intraoral challenges were completed. Finally, restorative dental treatment was provided safely for the patient with the use of an alternative amide local anaesthetic on a number of occasions with no further adverse outcomes.

Long-term safety and efficacy of extended-interval prophylaxis with recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) in subjects with haemophilia B

The safety, efficacy, and prolonged half-life of recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) were demonstrated in the Phase 3 B-LONG (adults/adolescents ≥12 years) and Kids B-LONG (children <12 years) studies of subjects with haemophilia B (≤2 IU/dl). Here, we report interim, long-term safety and efficacy data from B-YOND, the rFIXFc extension study. Eligible subjects who completed B-LONG or Kids B-LONG could enrol in B-YOND. There were four treatment groups: weekly prophylaxis (20-100 IU/kg every 7 days), individualised prophylaxis (100 IU/kg every 8-16 days), modified prophylaxis (further dosing personalisation to optimise prophylaxis), and episodic (on-demand) treatment. Subjects could change treatment groups at any point. Primary endpoint was inhibitor development. One hundred sixteen subjects enrolled in B-YOND. From the start of the parent studies to the B-YOND interim data cut, median duration of rFIXFc treatment was 39.5 months and 21.9 months among adults/adolescents and children, respectively; 68/93 (73.1 %) adults/adolescents and 9/23 (39.1 %) children had ≥100 cumulative rFIXFc exposure days. No inhibitors were observed. Median annualised bleeding rates (ABRs) were low in all prophylaxis regimens: weekly (≥12 years: 2.3; <6 years: 0.0; 6 to <12 years: 2.7), individualised (≥12 years: 2.3; 6 to <12 years: 2.4), and modified (≥12 years: 2.4). One or two infusions were sufficient to control 97 % (adults/adolescents) and 95 % (children) of bleeding episodes. Interim data from B-YOND are consistent with data from B-LONG and Kids B-LONG, and confirm the long-term safety of rFIXFc, absence of inhibitors, and maintenance of low ABRs with prophylactic dosing every 1 to 2 weeks.

Constraints on oceanic methane emissions west of Svalbard from atmospheric in situ measurements and Lagrangian transport modeling

Methane stored in seabed reservoirs such as methane hydrates can reach the atmosphere in the form of bubbles or dissolved in water. Hydrates could destabilize with rising temperature further increasing greenhouse gas emissions in a warming climate. To assess the impact of oceanic emissions from the area west of Svalbard, where methane hydrates are abundant, we used measurements collected with a research aircraft (Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements) and a ship (Helmer Hansen) during the Summer 2014 and for Zeppelin Observatory for the full year. We present a model-supported analysis of the atmospheric CH₄ mixing ratios measured by the different platforms. To address uncertainty about where CH₄ emissions actually occur, we explored three scenarios: areas with known seeps, a hydrate stability model, and an ocean depth criterion. We then used a budget analysis and a Lagrangian particle dispersion model to compare measurements taken upwind and downwind of the potential CH₄ emission areas. We found small differences between the CH₄ mixing ratios measured upwind and downwind of the potential emission areas during the campaign. By taking into account measurement and sampling uncertainties and by determining the sensitivity of the measured mixing ratios to potential oceanic emissions, we provide upper limits for the CH₄ fluxes. The CH₄ flux during the campaign was small, with an upper limit of 2.5 nmol m^-2 s^-1 in the stability model scenario. The Zeppelin Observatory data for 2014 suggest CH₄ fluxes from the Svalbard continental platform below 0.2 Tg yr^-1. All estimates are in the lower range of values previously reported.

Measurements of δ13C in CH4 and using particle dispersion modeling to characterize sources of Arctic methane within an air mass

A stratified air mass enriched in methane (CH4) was sampled at ~600 m to ~2000 m altitude, between the north coast of Norway and Svalbard as part of the Methane in the Arctic: Measurements and Modelling campaign on board the UK's BAe-146-301 Atmospheric Research Aircraft. The approach used here, which combines interpretation of multiple tracers with transport modeling, enables better understanding of the emission sources that contribute to the background mixing ratios of CH4 in the Arctic. Importantly, it allows constraints to be placed on the location and isotopic bulk signature of the emission source(s). Measurements of δ13C in CH4 in whole air samples taken while traversing the air mass identified that the source(s) had a strongly depleted bulk δ13C CH4 isotopic signature of -70 (±2.1)‰. Combined Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modeling Environment and inventory analysis indicates that the air mass was recently in the planetary boundary layer over northwest Russia and the Barents Sea, with the likely dominant source of methane being from wetlands in that region.

Evaluation of a socio-cultural intervention to reduce unprotected sex for HIV among African American/Black women

African American/Black (Black) women suffer disproportionately to other women from HIV. An HIV prevention intervention combining two previous evidenced-based intervention programs; "Coping with Work and Family Stress" and "Hip Hop 2 Prevent Substance Abuse and HIV", was evaluated in a diverse sample of Black women (n = 205). Study participants at ten recruitment sites were assigned non-randomly to either the intervention or comparison group and then surveyed at baseline, immediate posttest, and 6-month follow-up. General Estimating Equation modeling revealed that participants in the comparison group reported less unprotected sex at immediate post-test and the intervention group less unprotected sex at 6-month follow-up. Despite the initial drop in reported unprotected sex in the comparison group, this study suggests that an HIV risk reduction intervention tailored to address Black women's socio-cultural stress and enhance their coping may reduce their unprotected sex at 6-months.

Recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in children with severe hemophilia A

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic factor replacement, which prevents hemarthroses and thereby reduces the musculoskeletal disease burden in children with hemophilia A, requires frequent intravenous infusions (three to four times weekly).

OBJECTIVE

Kids A-LONG was a phase 3 open-label study evaluating the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of a longer-acting factor, recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc), in previously treated children with severe hemophilia A (endogenous FVIII level of < 1 IU dL(-1) [< 1%]).

METHODS

The study enrolled 71 subjects. The starting rFVIIIFc regimen was twice-weekly prophylaxis (Day 1, 25 IU kg(-1) ; Day 4, 50 IU kg(-1) ); dose (≤ 80 IU kg(-1) ) and dosing interval (≥ 2 days) were adjusted as needed. A subset of subjects had sequential pharmacokinetic evaluations of FVIII and rFVIIIFc. The primary endpoint was development of inhibitors (neutralizing antibodies). Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics, annualized bleeding rate (ABR), and number of infusions required to control a bleed.

RESULTS

No subject developed an inhibitor to rFVIIIFc. Adverse events were typical of a pediatric hemophilic population. The rFVIIIFc half-life was prolonged relative to that of FVIII, consistent with observations in adults and adolescents. The median ABR was 1.96 overall, and 0.00 for spontaneous bleeds; 46.4% of subjects reported no bleeding episodes on study. Ninety-three per cent of bleeding episodes were controlled with one to two infusions. The median average weekly rFVIIIFc prophylactic dose was 88.11 IU kg(-1) . At study end, 62 of 69 subjects (90%) were infusing twice weekly. Among subjects who had been previously receiving FVIII prophylaxis, 74% reduced their dosing frequency with rFVIIIFc.

CONCLUSION

Twice-weekly infusions with rFVIIIFc were well tolerated and yielded low bleeding rates in children with severe hemophilia A.

Streptomyces cyaneus dermatitis in a dog

BACKGROUND

A nearly 4-year-old neutered male Australian Terrier was referred for a nodular pyogranulomatous mass of the right axilla. It had been poorly responsive to antibiotic therapy.

CASE REPORT

Based on filamentous Gram-positive organisms identified in earlier biopsy material, infection by an Actinomyces sp. was suspected and the dog showed clinical improvement on a trial of potentiated sulfonamides. Recurrence 5 months later prompted euthanasia, with Streptomyces cyaneus being cultured and confirmed by genetic sequencing of part of the 16 s ribosomal RNA gene.

CONCLUSION

Invasive Streptomyces spp. infections are uncommon in humans and animals, and isolations are sometimes considered to be contaminants, but the demonstration of the organism within the lesion in this instance indicates that the isolation of a Streptomyces sp. from veterinary cases should not always be considered as contamination, because this genus is clearly pathogenic.

Invited article: advanced drag-free concepts for future space-based interferometers: acceleration noise performance

Future drag-free missions for space-based experiments in gravitational physics require a Gravitational Reference Sensor with extremely demanding sensing and disturbance reduction requirements. A configuration with two cubical sensors is the current baseline for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and has reached a high level of maturity. Nevertheless, several promising concepts have been proposed with potential applications beyond LISA and are currently investigated at HEPL, Stanford, and EADS Astrium, Germany. The general motivation is to exploit the possibility of achieving improved disturbance reduction, and ultimately understand how low acceleration noise can be pushed with a realistic design for future mission. In this paper, we discuss disturbance reduction requirements for LISA and beyond, describe four different payload concepts, compare expected strain sensitivities in the "low-frequency" region of the frequency spectrum, dominated by acceleration noise, and ultimately discuss advantages and disadvantages of each of those concepts in achieving disturbance reduction for space-based detectors beyond LISA.

Phase 3 study of recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein in hemophilia B

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic factor replacement in patients with hemophilia B improves outcomes but requires frequent injections. A recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) with a prolonged half-life was developed to reduce the frequency of injections required.

METHODS

We conducted a phase 3, nonrandomized, open-label study of the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of rFIXFc for prophylaxis, treatment of bleeding, and perioperative hemostasis in 123 previously treated male patients. All participants were 12 years of age or older and had severe hemophilia B (endogenous factor IX level of ≤2 IU per deciliter, or ≤2% of normal levels). The study included four treatment groups: group 1 received weekly dose-adjusted prophylaxis (50 IU of rFIXFc per kilogram of body weight to start), group 2 received interval-adjusted prophylaxis (100 IU per kilogram every 10 days to start), group 3 received treatment as needed for bleeding episodes (20 to 100 IU per kilogram), and group 4 received treatment in the perioperative period. A subgroup of group 1 underwent comparative sequential pharmacokinetic assessments of recombinant factor IX and rFIXFc. The primary efficacy end point was the annualized bleeding rate, and safety end points included the development of inhibitors and adverse events.

RESULTS

As compared with recombinant factor IX, rFIXFc exhibited a prolonged terminal half-life (82.1 hours) (P<0.001). The median annualized bleeding rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 3.0, 1.4, and 17.7, respectively. In group 2, 53.8% of participants had dosing intervals of 14 days or more during the last 3 months of the study. In groups 1, 2 and 3, 90.4% of bleeding episodes resolved after one injection. Hemostasis was rated as excellent or good during all major surgeries. No inhibitors were detected in any participants receiving rFIXFc; in groups 1, 2, and 3, 73.9% of participants had at least one adverse event, and serious adverse events occurred in 10.9% of participants. These events were mostly consistent with those expected in the general population of patients with hemophilia.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic rFIXFc, administered every 1 to 2 weeks, resulted in low annualized bleeding rates in patients with hemophilia B. (Funded by Biogen Idec; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01027364.).