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

Genetic association of human Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor 1 (CRHR1) with Internet gaming addiction in Korean male adolescents

Background The number of people with Internet gaming addiction (IGA) is increasing around the world. IGA is known to be associated with personal characteristics, psychosocial factors, and physiological factors. However, few studies have examined the genetic factors related to IGA. This study aimed to investigate the association between IGA and stress-related genetic variants. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 230 male high school students in a South Korean city. We selected five stress-related candidate genes: DAT1, DRD4, NET8, CHRNA4, and CRHR1. The DAT1 and DRD4 genes were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction, and the NET8, CHRNA4, and CRHR1 genes were genotyped by pyrosequencing analysis. We performed a Chi-square test to examine the relationship of these five candidate genes to IGA. Results Having the AA genotype and the A allele of the CRHR1 gene (rs28364027) was associated with higher odds of belonging to the IGA participant group (p = .016 and p = .021, respectively) than to the non-IGA group. By contrast, the DAT1, DRD4, NET8, and CHRNA4 gene polymorphisms showed no significant difference between the IGA group and control group. Conclusions These results indicate that polymorphism of the CRHR1 gene may play an important role in IGA susceptibility in the Korean adolescent male population. These findings provide a justification and foundation for further investigation of genetic factors related to IGA

Retrofitting social housing : reflections by tenants on adopting and living with retrofit technology

Retrofit has been described as one of the major engineering challenges of the twenty-first century (Kelly 2009). However, the industry needs to look beyond regarding the problem as restricted to the physical upgrade of properties. Asset managers, engineers and installers work on and in people’s homes and, in many cases, are subsequently changing the way householders use their homes to meet their comfort and wider energy needs. Here we consider how the twin issues of adopting and living with retrofit technologies have affected groups of residents in social housing. We discuss issues of trust, social norms, engagement and concern that have shaped the adoption process, as well as investigating the everyday experience of living with new configurations of energy consumption. The findings have relevance not only for the social housing sector but also raise questions as to how to effectively deliver programmes such as the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation within the UK

Polymeric Surfactant Based Etodolac Chewable Tablets: Formulation and In Vivo Evaluation

Etodolac (ET) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with proved potential antitumor and uric acid lowering effects. It shows dissolution rate-dependent bioavailability. This work was carried out to improve the dissolution rate of etodolac using three carriers of known potential to improve solubility and hence dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs through coevaporation technique. The polymeric surfactant inutec, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, and tromethamine were used at three different drug/carrier ratios. The dissolution rate of ET at pH 1.2 and 6.8 is improved in all of the solid dispersion systems compared to that of the pure drug and physical mixtures. DSC of coevaporates at 1:5 drug/carrier ratio providing the fastest dissolution rate suggested loss of ET crystallinity which was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Inutec-based coevaporate was chosen for the formulation of ET chewable tablets. Chewable tablets (F3) that met the USP monograph specifications for ET tablets, with 86% dissolved amount within 15 min, was chosen for in vivo absorption study in comparison with pure ET-filled hard gelatin capsules. The results showed significantly higher mean Cmax and shorter mean Tmax (about 2 h earlier) and about 1.32-fold higher mean AUC0–24 values for the F3 chewable tablets compared to ET-filled capsules

Experiences and perceptions of abused Turkish women regarding violence against women

Bahadir Yilmaz, Emel/0000-0003-1785-3539WOS: 000463787900017PubMed: 30353446This study qualitatively explored abused Turkish women's experiences and perceptions regarding violence against women. The research sample comprised 30 women who were seen by the police and referred to the Family Counseling Center between 2 October 2012 and 30 August 2013 due to domestic violence. Study data were collected using a Demographic Information Datasheet and a Semi-Structured Interview Form. Qualitative data were gathered using face-to-face interviews, which were transcribed verbatim then analyzed and interpreted to determine themes using the conceptual framework. Qualitative analysis yielded five themes: (1) being subjected to all types of violence; (2) everything is an excuse for violence; (3) forgetting what it is like to be a woman; (4) having to continue the marriage against her will; (5) being forced to do some things involuntarily in order to reduce the violence. In the light of these results, it seems that multidisciplinary approaches are required in order to support women both psychologically and socially. Women need to be supported in order to determine their mental health problems and to get the required medical assistance