Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Localization and broadband follow-up of the gravitational-wave transient GW150914

A gravitational-wave (GW) transient was identified in data recorded by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors on 2015 September 14. The event, initially designated G184098 and later given the name GW150914, is described in detail elsewhere. By prior arrangement, preliminary estimates of the time, significance, and sky location of the event were shared with 63 teams of observers covering radio, optical, near-infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths with ground- and space-based facilities. In this Letter we describe the low-latency analysis of the GW data and present the sky localization of the first observed compact binary merger. We summarize the follow-up observations reported by 25 teams via private Gamma-ray Coordinates Network circulars, giving an overview of the participating facilities, the GW sky localization coverage, the timeline, and depth of the observations. As this event turned out to be a binary black hole merger, there is little expectation of a detectable electromagnetic (EM) signature. Nevertheless, this first broadband campaign to search for a counterpart of an Advanced LIGO source represents a milestone and highlights the broad capabilities of the transient astronomy community and the observing strategies that have been developed to pursue neutron star binary merger events. Detailed investigations of the EM data and results of the EM follow-up campaign are being disseminated in papers by the individual teams

Localization and broadband follow-up of the gravitational-wave transient GW150914

A gravitational-wave transient was identified in data recorded by the Advanced LIGO detectors on 2015 September 14. The event candidate, initially designated G184098 and later given the name GW150914, is described in detail elsewhere. By prior arrangement, preliminary estimates of the time, significance, and sky location of the event were shared with 63 teams of observers covering radio, optical, near-infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths with ground- and space-based facilities. In this Letter we describe the low-latency analysis of the gravitational wave data and present the sky localization of the first observed compact binary merger. We summarize the follow-up observations reported by 25 teams via private Gamma-ray Coordinates Network Circulars, giving an overview of the participating facilities, the gravitational wave sky localization coverage, the timeline and depth of the observations. As this event turned out to be a binary black hole merger, there is little expectation of a detectable electromagnetic signature. Nevertheless, this first broadband campaign to search for a counterpart of an Advanced LIGO source represents a milestone and highlights the broad capabilities of the transient astronomy community and the observing strategies that have been developed to pursue neutron star binary merger events. Detailed investigations of the electromagnetic data and results of the electromagnetic follow-up campaign will be disseminated in the papers of the individual teams

A technique for the separation of the most recently deposited nacreous layer in Mytilus californianus shells for trace metal analysis

 A new method to separate a section of the most recently deposited nacreous layer from the rest of the shell of Mytilus californianus was developed. Techniques described for other mussel species proved unsuitable for this species. In this new method, the shells are soaked in 30% hydrogen peroxide for 10–15 min at 80–85ºC to eliminate the periostracum, a potential source of trace metal contamination. Next, the shells are heated in a muffle furnace at 350ºC for 1 h to separate the nacreous layer from the calcite layer. Finally, the nacreous band is easily separated from the rest of the shell by gently tapping it with a stainless steel needle. This is a simple and fast method that is proposed for trace metal monitoring purposes using M. californianus shells. To illustrate the application of the method, results from an experiment performed in our laboratory, in which mussels were exposed to two different Cd concentrations for 60 days and their shells processed by this technique, are included. The most recently deposited nacreous layer showed significant increases in Cd concentrations, which were proportional to the exposed ambient concentrations

Atmospheric input and concentration of dissolved iron in the surface layer of the Gulf of California

A survey was conducted to determine the atmospheric input of particulate iron (Fep) and the factors and processes controlling the concentration and distribution of dissolved iron (Fed) in surface water (200 m) of the central Gulf of California. Atmospheric fluxes of Fep (7.0–90.4 µmol m–2 d–1) were of the same order of magnitude as those reported for the Red Sea (1.5–116 µmol m–2 d–1) and the northeastern Pacific Ocean (24 µmol m–2 d–1), but higher than the fluxes registered for the northwestern Mediterranean Sea (0.25–0.49 µmol m–2 d–1). According to the Fed concentration in surface water, three different zones were identified in the study area: a northern zone with Fed surface enrichment (5.57–7.21 nM) due to atmospheric input, a central zone with dilution of the Fed-enriched surface water by enhanced vertical mixing (0.07–0.59 nM), and a southern zone showing low Fed concentrations (less than 1 nM) due to biological uptake. Two types of vertical profiles were observed: (1) the typical nutrient-like distribution (with low concentrations at the surface and subsequent increase with depth) in the southern zone, and (2) mixed distribution (surface enrichment, decrease at subsurface level, and increase with depth) in the northern zone. The northern profile was 23.5 times more enriched than the adjacent Northeastern Pacific. Results indicate that Fed distribution in the surface layer of the central Gulf of California is controlled by complex interactions involving atmospheric input, biological uptake, and in situ removal-remineralization of particles, coupled with physical transport and vertical mixing

Vertical distribution of dissolved iron, copper, and cadmium in Ballenas Channel, Gulf of California

Dissolved iron, copper, and cadmium data are reported for the upper 450 m of the water column in Ballenas Channel, Gulf of California. Two water masses were identified: Gulf of California Water and Subtropical Subsurface Water. The 34.95 isohaline moved upward from 400 to 250 m depth, suggesting deep-water upwelling. Similarly, at surface level (50–60 m), the 26 and 27 ºC isotherms and 35.45 and 35.65 isohalines moved up to the surface. Sea surface temperature imagery showed that Ballenas Channel surface water was relatively cooler (1.5–2.0 ºC) than the water of the Midriff region during the study period. The vertical distribution of iron and copper showed mixed profiles (scavenging and nutrient types) with high concentrations at the surface (Fe = 3.58 and Cu = 3.29 nM), which immediately decrease with depth (Fe = 0.88 and Cu = 1.16 nM, scavenging type) and subsequently increase towards the bottom (Fe = 1.90 and Cu = 1.69 nM, nutrient type). Cadmium showed a nutrient-type vertical profile with low surface concentrations (0.75 nM) that increase with depth (1.12 nM). The dissolved concentrations of these three metals are higher in relation to highly productive areas in the Gulf of California and California Current. Preliminary estimates suggest that dissolved iron (76%) and copper (70%) are mostly generated by vertical advection and the rest by surface advection and atmospheric contributions, whereas 80% of cadmium enrichment is the result of vertical advection and the rest seems to be removed from surface water by photosynthesis. Se registraron concentraciones de hierro, cobre y cadmio disueltos para los primeros 450 m de la columna de agua en el canal de Ballenas, golfo de California. Se identificaron dos masas de agua: el Agua del Golfo de California y el Agua Subsuperficial Subtropical. La isohalina de 34.95 se elevó desde los 400 m hasta los 250 m de profundidad, lo que sugiere un aporte de agua profunda. A nivel superficial (50–60 m), las isotermas de 26 y 27 ºC, e isohalinas de 35.45 y 35.65 se elevaron hasta la superficie. Las imágenes de la temperatura superficial del mar para el periodo de estudio mostró que el agua del canal de Ballenas es relativamente más fría (1.5 a 2.0 ºC) que el agua de la región entre las Grandes Islas. La distribución vertical de hierro y cobre disueltos presentó perfiles mixtos (tipo remoción y tipo nutrientes) con concentraciones altas en la superficie (Fe = 3.58 y Cu = 3.29 nM), que enseguida disminuyeron con la profundidad (Fe = 0.88 y Cu = 1.16 nM; tipo remoción) para luego incrementarse hacia el fondo (Fe = 1.90 y Cu = 1.69 nM; tipo nutrientes). El cadmio exhibió un perfil vertical de tipo nutrientes con concentraciones bajas en la superficie (0.75 nM) que aumentan con la profundidad (1.12 nM). Las concentraciones de los tres metales disueltos son más altas en relación con las zonas altamente productivas dentro del golfo de California y la corriente de California. Los cálculos preliminares sugieren que el hierro y el cobre disueltos (76 y 70%, respectivamente) son aportados por la advección vertical y el resto por la advección superficial y el aporte atmosférico. En contraste, el cadmio disuelto (80%) se atribuye al aporte por advección vertical y el resto parece ser removido de la capa superficial por fotosíntesis

Critical appraisal of the management of severe malnutrition: 3 Complications

Abstract: The high case-fatality of severe malnutrition is due to infections, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances and heart failure. We focus on the evidence about managing these complications of severe malnutrition. Signs of circulatory collapse in severely malnourished children should be treated with intravenous or bone marrow infusion of Ringer's lactate with additional dextrose and potassium at a rate 20–40 mL/kg fast with close monitoring of vital signs. Recommendations for slow or restricted fluids in the face of shock are unsafe, and hypotonic or maintenance solutions must be avoided to prevent hyponatraemia. However, the evidence that severely malnourished children do not tolerate excessive fluid administration is good, so caution must be exercised with regards to fluids in the initial phase of treatment. There is also good evidence that wide spectrum antibiotics need to be given empirically for severe malnutrition to prevent the otherwise unavoidable early mortality. There is a need for improved protocols for tuberculosis diagnosis, HIV management and treatment of infants under 6 months with severe malnutrition. The contribution of environmental enteropathy to poor growth and nutrition during the weaning period means that there should be more priority on improving environmental health, particularly better hygiene and less overcrowding. A T-cell mediated enteropathy contributes to growth failure and malnutrition, and it is related to environmental contamination of enteric organisms in the weaning period rather than allergic responses