Intermediate and extreme mass-ratio inspirals — astrophysics, science applications and detection using LISA

Black hole binaries with extreme (gtrsim104:1) or intermediate (~102–104:1) mass ratios are among the most interesting gravitational wave sources that are expected to be detected by the proposed laser interferometer space antenna (LISA). These sources have the potential to tell us much about astrophysics, but are also of unique importance for testing aspects of the general theory of relativity in the strong field regime. Here we discuss these sources from the perspectives of astrophysics, data analysis and applications to testing general relativity, providing both a description of the current state of knowledge and an outline of some of the outstanding questions that still need to be addressed. This review grew out of discussions at a workshop in September 2006 hosted by the Albert Einstein Institute in Golm, Germany

Infrastructure for Detector Research and Development towards the International Linear Collider

The EUDET-project was launched to create an infrastructure for developing and testing new and advanced detector technologies to be used at a future linear collider. The aim was to make possible experimentation and analysis of data for institutes, which otherwise could not be realized due to lack of resources. The infrastructure comprised an analysis and software network, and instrumentation infrastructures for tracking detectors as well as for calorimetry.Comment: 54 pages, 48 picture

Bath Breakfast Project (BBP) - Examining the role of extended daily fasting in human energy balance and associated health outcomes: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial [ISRCTN31521726]

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Current guidance regarding the role of daily breakfast in human health is largely grounded in cross-sectional observations. However, the causal nature of these relationships has not been fully explored and what limited information is emerging from controlled laboratory-based experiments appears inconsistent with much existing data. Further progress in our understanding therefore requires a direct examination of how daily breakfast impacts human health under free-living conditions.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The Bath Breakfast Project (BBP) is a randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of daily breakfast consumption relative to extended fasting on energy balance and human health. Approximately 70 men and women will undergo extensive laboratory-based assessments of their acute metabolic responses under fasted and post-prandial conditions, to include: resting metabolic rate, substrate oxidation, dietary-induced thermogenesis and systemic concentrations of key metabolites/hormones. Physiological and psychological indices of appetite will also be monitored both over the first few hours of the day (i.e. whether fed or fasted) and also following a standardised test lunch used to assess voluntary energy intake under controlled conditions. Baseline measurements of participants' anthropometric characteristics (e.g. DEXA) will be recorded prior to intervention, along with an oral glucose tolerance test and acquisition of adipose tissue samples to determine expression of key genes and estimates of tissue-specific insulin action. Participants will then be randomly assigned either to a group prescribed an energy intake of ≥3000 kJ before 1100 each day or a group to extend their overnight fast by abstaining from ingestion of energy-providing nutrients until 1200 each day, with all laboratory-based measurements followed-up 6 weeks later. Free-living assessments of energy intake (via direct weighed food diaries) and energy expenditure (via combined heart-rate/accelerometry) will be made during the first and last week of intervention, with continuous glucose monitors worn both to document chronic glycaemic responses to the intervention and to verify compliance.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Current Controlled Trials <a href="http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN31521726">ISRCTN31521726</a>.</p

Adjunctive rifampicin for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (ARREST): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia is a common cause of severe community-acquired and hospital-acquired infection worldwide. We tested the hypothesis that adjunctive rifampicin would reduce bacteriologically confirmed treatment failure or disease recurrence, or death, by enhancing early S aureus killing, sterilising infected foci and blood faster, and reducing risks of dissemination and metastatic infection. METHODS: In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adults (≥18 years) with S aureus bacteraemia who had received ≤96 h of active antibiotic therapy were recruited from 29 UK hospitals. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via a computer-generated sequential randomisation list to receive 2 weeks of adjunctive rifampicin (600 mg or 900 mg per day according to weight, oral or intravenous) versus identical placebo, together with standard antibiotic therapy. Randomisation was stratified by centre. Patients, investigators, and those caring for the patients were masked to group allocation. The primary outcome was time to bacteriologically confirmed treatment failure or disease recurrence, or death (all-cause), from randomisation to 12 weeks, adjudicated by an independent review committee masked to the treatment. Analysis was intention to treat. This trial was registered, number ISRCTN37666216, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: Between Dec 10, 2012, and Oct 25, 2016, 758 eligible participants were randomly assigned: 370 to rifampicin and 388 to placebo. 485 (64%) participants had community-acquired S aureus infections, and 132 (17%) had nosocomial S aureus infections. 47 (6%) had meticillin-resistant infections. 301 (40%) participants had an initial deep infection focus. Standard antibiotics were given for 29 (IQR 18-45) days; 619 (82%) participants received flucloxacillin. By week 12, 62 (17%) of participants who received rifampicin versus 71 (18%) who received placebo experienced treatment failure or disease recurrence, or died (absolute risk difference -1·4%, 95% CI -7·0 to 4·3; hazard ratio 0·96, 0·68-1·35, p=0·81). From randomisation to 12 weeks, no evidence of differences in serious (p=0·17) or grade 3-4 (p=0·36) adverse events were observed; however, 63 (17%) participants in the rifampicin group versus 39 (10%) in the placebo group had antibiotic or trial drug-modifying adverse events (p=0·004), and 24 (6%) versus six (2%) had drug interactions (p=0·0005). INTERPRETATION: Adjunctive rifampicin provided no overall benefit over standard antibiotic therapy in adults with S aureus bacteraemia. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment

Table1_Inclusive community playgrounds benefit typically developing children: An objective analysis of physical activity.docx

PurposeLimited research is available on the physical activity levels of children while playing on an inclusive playground, specifically designed to accommodate children with physical disabilities. The aims of this study were to objectively measure ambulatory activity and heart rate (HR) of children during unstructured play on an inclusive community playground.MethodsTypically developing children at least 4 years of age were recruited to play freely upon entering the playground. Participants wore a StepWatch4 Activity Monitor and a Polar V800 Sport Watch. Ambulatory measures included total steps, percentage of recommended steps, total ambulatory time (TAT), bout intensity levels/duration periods. Time spent in HR zones and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was determined.Results95 children (48 males; Avg. age: 7 ± 2 years.) were included in this study. Children played for 31.8 ± 14.7 min., were ambulatory for 25.9 ± 12.0 min., took 1826 ± 824 steps, and accumulated 17 ± 8% of the recommended daily step count. Ambulatory bout intensity was predominantly lower intensity and bout durations varied in length. 99% of the play time was spent at a moderate HR or higher. Significant correlations were found between ambulatory and HR measures (ρ range from 0.23 to 0.99, p ConclusionsTypically developing children can achieve moderate or higher intensity exercise and HR on an inclusive playground. Both typically developing children and those with disabilities, would benefit from a setting where they can interact and participate in parallel play with their peers.</p

Table6_Inclusive community playgrounds benefit typically developing children: An objective analysis of physical activity.docx

PurposeLimited research is available on the physical activity levels of children while playing on an inclusive playground, specifically designed to accommodate children with physical disabilities. The aims of this study were to objectively measure ambulatory activity and heart rate (HR) of children during unstructured play on an inclusive community playground.MethodsTypically developing children at least 4 years of age were recruited to play freely upon entering the playground. Participants wore a StepWatch4 Activity Monitor and a Polar V800 Sport Watch. Ambulatory measures included total steps, percentage of recommended steps, total ambulatory time (TAT), bout intensity levels/duration periods. Time spent in HR zones and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was determined.Results95 children (48 males; Avg. age: 7 ± 2 years.) were included in this study. Children played for 31.8 ± 14.7 min., were ambulatory for 25.9 ± 12.0 min., took 1826 ± 824 steps, and accumulated 17 ± 8% of the recommended daily step count. Ambulatory bout intensity was predominantly lower intensity and bout durations varied in length. 99% of the play time was spent at a moderate HR or higher. Significant correlations were found between ambulatory and HR measures (ρ range from 0.23 to 0.99, p ConclusionsTypically developing children can achieve moderate or higher intensity exercise and HR on an inclusive playground. Both typically developing children and those with disabilities, would benefit from a setting where they can interact and participate in parallel play with their peers.</p

Table7_Inclusive community playgrounds benefit typically developing children: An objective analysis of physical activity.docx

PurposeLimited research is available on the physical activity levels of children while playing on an inclusive playground, specifically designed to accommodate children with physical disabilities. The aims of this study were to objectively measure ambulatory activity and heart rate (HR) of children during unstructured play on an inclusive community playground.MethodsTypically developing children at least 4 years of age were recruited to play freely upon entering the playground. Participants wore a StepWatch4 Activity Monitor and a Polar V800 Sport Watch. Ambulatory measures included total steps, percentage of recommended steps, total ambulatory time (TAT), bout intensity levels/duration periods. Time spent in HR zones and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was determined.Results95 children (48 males; Avg. age: 7 ± 2 years.) were included in this study. Children played for 31.8 ± 14.7 min., were ambulatory for 25.9 ± 12.0 min., took 1826 ± 824 steps, and accumulated 17 ± 8% of the recommended daily step count. Ambulatory bout intensity was predominantly lower intensity and bout durations varied in length. 99% of the play time was spent at a moderate HR or higher. Significant correlations were found between ambulatory and HR measures (ρ range from 0.23 to 0.99, p ConclusionsTypically developing children can achieve moderate or higher intensity exercise and HR on an inclusive playground. Both typically developing children and those with disabilities, would benefit from a setting where they can interact and participate in parallel play with their peers.</p