Gravitational waves from coalescing neutron stars encode information about nuclear matter at extreme densities, inaccessible by laboratory experiments. The late inspiral is influenced by the presence of tides, which depend on the neutron star equation of state. Neutron star mergers are expected to often produce rapidly rotating remnant neutron stars that emit gravitational waves. These will provide clues to the extremely hot post-merger environment. This signature of nuclear matter in gravitational waves contains most information in the 2–4 kHz frequency band, which is outside of the most sensitive band of current detectors. We present the design concept and science case for a Neutron Star Extreme Matter Observatory (NEMO): a gravitational-wave interferometer optimised to study nuclear physics with merging neutron stars. The concept uses high-circulating laser power, quantum squeezing, and a detector topology specifically designed to achieve the high-frequency sensitivity necessary to probe nuclear matter using gravitational waves. Above 1 kHz, the proposed strain sensitivity is comparable to full third-generation detectors at a fraction of the cost. Such sensitivity changes expected event rates for detection of post-merger remnants from approximately one per few decades with two A+ detectors to a few per year and potentially allow for the first gravitational-wave observations of supernovae, isolated neutron stars, and other exotica.

Diet has a major influence on the composition and metabolic output of the gut microbiome. Higher-protein diets are often recommended for older consumers; however, the effect of high-protein diets on the gut microbiota and faecal volatile organic compounds (VOC) of elderly participants is unknown. The purpose of the study was to establish if the faecal microbiota composition and VOC in older men are different after a diet containing the recommended dietary intake (RDA) of protein compared with a diet containing twice the RDA (2RDA). Healthy males (74⋅2 (sd 3⋅6) years; n 28) were randomised to consume the RDA of protein (0⋅8 g protein/kg body weight per d) or 2RDA, for 10 weeks. Dietary protein was provided via whole foods rather than supplementation or fortification. The diets were matched for dietary fibre from fruit and vegetables. Faecal samples were collected pre- and post-intervention for microbiota profiling by 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing and VOC analysis by head space/solid-phase microextraction/GC-MS. After correcting for multiple comparisons, no significant differences in the abundance of faecal microbiota or VOC associated with protein fermentation were evident between the RDA and 2RDA diets. Therefore, in the present study, a twofold difference in dietary protein intake did not alter gut microbiota or VOC indicative of altered protein fermentation.

Introduction: This systematic scoping review aims to synthetize the available evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics, screening tools, prevention strategies, interventions and knowledge of health care providers regarding elder abuse in the emergency department (ED). Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using three databases (Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library). Grey literature was scrutinized. Studies were considered eligible when they were observational studies or randomized control trials reporting on elder abuse in the prehospital and/or ED setting. Data extraction was performed independently by two researchers and a qualitative approach was used to synthetize the findings. Results: A total of 443 citations were retrieved from which 58 studies published between 1988 and 2018 were finally included. Prevalence of elder abuse following an ED visit varied between 0.01% and 0.03%. Reporting of elder abuse to proper law authorities by ED physicians varied between 2% to 50% of suspected cases. The most common reported type of elder abuse detected was neglect followed by physical abuse. Female gender was the most consistent factor associated with elder abuse. Cognitive impairment, behavioral problems and psychiatric disorder of the patient or the caregiver were also associated with physical abuse and neglect as well as more frequent ED consultations. Several screening tools have been proposed, but ED-based validation is lacking. Literature on prehospital- or ED-initiated prevention and interventions was scarce without any controlled trial. Health care providers were poorly trained to detect and care for older adults who are suspected of being a victim of elder abuse. Conclusion: Elder abuse in the ED is an understudied topic. It remains underrecognized and underreported with ED prevalence rates lower than those in community-dwelling older adults. Health care providers reported lacking appropriate training and knowledge with regards to elder abuse. Dedicated ED studies are required.

Introduction: Prompt defibrillation is critical during paediatric cardiac arrest. The main objective of this systematic review was to determine the initial defibrillation energy dose for ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) that is associated with sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during paediatric cardiac arrest. Associations between initial defibrillation energy dose with any ROSC, survival and defibrillation-induced complications were also assessed. Methods: A systematic review was performed using four databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) (PROSPERO: CRD42016036734). Human studies (cohort studies or controlled trials) and animal model studies (controlled trials) of pediatric cardiac arrest involving assessment of external defibrillation energy dosing were considered. The primary outcome was sustained ROSC. Two researchers independently reviewed all the titles and abstracts of the retrieved citations, selected the studies and extracted the data using a standardized template. Risk of bias of human non-randomised studies were assessed using the ROBIN-I tool (formerly ACROBAT-NRSI) tool proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration group. Results: The search strategy identified 14,471 citations of which 232 manuscripts were reviewed. Ten human and 10 animal model studies met the inclusion criteria. Human studies were prospective (n = 6) or retrospective (n = 4) cohort studies and included between 11 and 266 patients (median = 46 patients). Sustained ROSC rates ranged from 0 to 61% (n = 7). No studies reported a statistically significant association between the initial defibrillation energy dose and the rate of sustained ROSC (n = 7) or survival (n = 6). No human studies reported defibrillation-induced complications. Meta-analysis was not considered appropriate due to clinical heterogeneity. The overall risk of bias was moderate. All animal studies were randomized controlled trials with 8 and 52 (median = 27) piglets. ROSC was frequently achieved (more than 85%) with energy dose ranging from 2 to 7 joules/kg (n = 7). The defibrillation threshold varied according to the body weight and appears to be higher in infant models. Conclusion: Defibrillation energy doses and thresholds varied according to the body weight and trended higher for infants. No definitive association between initial defibrillation doses and the outcomes of sustained ROSC or survival could be demonstrated.

This paper discusses the relationship between the chemical composition of basic melts and the temperatures at which olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase begin to crystallize at one atmosphere. Diagrams are given which show the correlation between crystallization temperature and melt composition and which allow some of the temperatures to be estimated. Because the relationship between melt composition and crystallization temperature is virtually linear over short compositional ranges, the data available can be subdivided and examined by linear multivariate statistical techniques. The result is a set of equations which permit the crystallization temperatures to be calculated with an average error of less than 6 °C and a maximum error of 27 °C. These equations have been tested by experimental determination of crystallization temperatures for a range of rocks from the Marquesas Islands.

Basalt composition is defined as that chemical composition which when crystallized at one atmosphere under standard conditions will yield olivine, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase as the principal silicate phases. This gives six classes of basalt defined by their order of crystallization but only four of these are encountered in rocks: class 1, olivine→clinopyroxene→plagioclase; class 2, olivine→plagioclase→clinopyroxene; class 3, plagioclase→olivine→clinopyroxene; and class 4, plagioclase→linopyroxene→olivine. Classes 5 and 6 would have clinopyroxene as the first phase. The class can be determined from the rock composition from multivariate discriminant function equations but Si, Mg, Al, and Na provide a more simple diagnosis via dis-criminant diagrams. Rock series plotted on these diagrams show systematic trends that allow the series them-selves to be classified. Each class corresponds with a commonly recognized basalt type and all four classes relate to tectonic setting groups.

This study aims to investigate the climate–malaria associations in nine cities selected from malaria high-risk areas in China. Daily reports of malaria cases in Anhui, Henan, and Yunnan Provinces for 2005–2012 were obtained from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Generalized estimating equation models were used to quantify the city-specific climate–malaria associations. Multivariate random-effects meta-regression analyses were used to pool the city-specific effects. An inverted-U-shaped curve relationship was observed between temperatures, average relative humidity, and malaria. A 1 °C increase of maximum temperature (Tmax) resulted in 6·7% (95% CI 4·6–8·8%) to 15·8% (95% CI 14·1–17·4%) increase of malaria, with corresponding lags ranging from 7 to 45 days. For minimum temperature (Tmin), the effect estimates peaked at lag 0 to 40 days, ranging from 5·3% (95% CI 4·4–6·2%) to 17·9% (95% CI 15·6–20·1%). Malaria is more sensitive to Tmin in cool climates and Tmax in warm climates. The duration of lag effect in a cool climate zone is longer than that in a warm climate zone. Lagged effects did not vanish after an epidemic season but waned gradually in the following 2–3 warm seasons. A warming climate may potentially increase the risk of malaria resurgence in China.

Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a major cause of morbidity but there are no validated tools to help clinicians predict post-concussion symptoms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prognostic value of S-100B protein to predict post-concussion symptoms following a mTBI in adults. Methods: The protocol of this systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42016032578). A search strategy was performed on seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, PyscBITE, PsycINFO) from their inception to October 2016. Studies evaluating the association between S-100B protein level and post-concussion symptoms assessed at least seven days after the mTBI were eligible. Individual patient data were requested. Studies eligibility assessment, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two researchers. Analyses were done following the meta-analysis using individual participant data or summary aggregate data guidelines from the Cochrane Methodology Review Group. Results: Outcomes were dichotomised as persistent (≥3 months) or early (≥7 days <3 months). Our search strategy yielded 23,298 citations of which 29 studies presenting between seven and 223 patients (n=2505) were included. Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) (16 studies), neuropsychological symptoms (9 studies) and health-related quality of life (4 studies) were the most frequently presented outcomes. The S-100B protein serum level of patients with no PCS was similar to that of patients experiencing persistent PCS (mean difference 0.00 [-0.05, 0.04]) or early PCS (mean difference 0.03 [-0.02, 0.08]). The odds of having persistent PCS (OR 0.56 (95% CI: 0.29-1.10) or early PCS (OR 1.67 (95% CI: 0.98-2.85) in patients with an elevated S-100B protein serum level was not significantly different from that of patients with normal values. No meta-analysis was performed for other outcomes than PCS due to heterogeneity and small samples. Studies’ overall risk of bias was considered moderate. Conclusion: Results suggest that the prognostic value of S-100B protein serum level to predict persistent and early post-concussion symptoms is limited. Variability in injury to S-100B protein sample time and outcomes assessed could potentially explain the lack of association and needs further evaluation.

Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an understudied worldwide health problem and a socio-economic burden that remains a major cause of morbidity. However, there is no prognostication tool to help clinicians predict the occurrence of post-concussion symptoms. This systematic review aimed to determine the prognostic value of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) to predict post-concussion symptoms following a mTBI in adults. Methods: The protocol of this systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (registration number CRD42016033683). Seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycBITE, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge/Biosis) were searched for cohort studies evaluating the association between NSE levels and post-concussion symptoms assessed at least seven days after the mild TBI. Grey literature was also screened using databases on dissertations and theses as well as abstracts from relevant congresses. Two researchers independently screened studies for inclusion, extracted data, and appraised their quality using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool from the Cochrane Collaboration Group. Results: Our search strategy yielded a total of 23,298 citations from which eight cohorts presented in 10 studies were included. Studies included between 45 and 141 patients (total=608 patients). The most frequently assessed outcomes were post-concussion syndrome (PCS) (13 assessments), neuropsychological disorders (10 assessments), return to work or sick leave (2 assessments) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) (2 assessments). No association was found between an elevated NSE serum level and the occurrence of PCS. Of the 33 outcomes assessments performed, only three showed an association between a higher level of serum NSE and a post-concussion symptom (alteration of at least three cognitive domains at 2 weeks, standardised physician assessment at 6 weeks and headache at 6 months following a mild TBI). Included studies’ overall risk of bias was considered moderate. Conclusion: Results of this systematic review conclude that based on current levels of evidence, serum NSE levels alone do not provide prognostic information on persistent or early post-concussion symptoms after a mTBI.

The recognition of ‘fetal origins of adult disease’ has placed new responsibilities on the obstetrician, as antenatal care is no longer simply about ensuring good perinatal outcomes, but also needs to plan for optimal long-term health for mother and baby. Recently, it has become clear that the intrauterine environment has a broad and long-lasting impact, influencing fetal and childhood growth and development as well as future cardiovascular health, non-communicable disease risk and fertility. This article looks specifically at the importance of the developmental origins of ovarian reserve and ageing, the role of the placenta and maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy. It also reviews recent insights in developmental medicine of relevance to the obstetrician, and outlines emerging evidence supporting a proactive clinical approach to optimizing periconceptional as well as antenatal care aimed to protect newborns against long-term disease susceptibility.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause bacteraemia, meningitis, and complications during pregnancy. In July 2012, molecular subtyping identified indistinguishable L. monocytogenes isolates from six patients and two samples of different cut and repackaged cheeses. A multistate outbreak investigation was initiated. Initial analyses identified an association between eating soft cheese and outbreak-related illness (odds ratio 17·3, 95% confidence interval 2·0–825·7) but no common brand. Cheese inventory data from locations where patients bought cheese and an additional location where repackaged cheese yielded the outbreak strain were compared to identify cheeses for microbiological sampling. Intact packages of imported ricotta salata yielded the outbreak strain. Fourteen jurisdictions reported 22 cases from March–October 2012, including four deaths and a fetal loss. Six patients ultimately reported eating ricotta salata; another reported eating cheese likely cut with equipment also used for contaminated ricotta salata, and nine more reported eating other cheeses that might also have been cross-contaminated. An FDA import alert and US and international recalls followed. Epidemiology-directed microbiological testing of suspect cheeses helped identify the outbreak source. Cross-contamination of cheese highlights the importance of using validated disinfectant protocols and routine cleaning and sanitizing after cutting each block or wheel.

A heuristic greedy algorithm is developed for efficiently tiling spatially dense redshift surveys. In its first application to the Galaxy and MassAssembly (GAMA) redshift survey we find it rapidly improves the spatial uniformity of our data, and naturally corrects for any spatial bias introduced by the 2dF multi-object spectrograph. We make conservative predictions for the final state of the GAMA redshift survey after our final allocation of time, and can be confident that even if worse than typical weather affects our observations, all of our main survey requirements will be met.

Compound specific radiocarbon measurements can be made instantaneously using a gas chromatograph (GC) combustion system coupled to a 14C AMS system fitted with a gas ion source. Samples below 10 μg C can be analyzed but the precision is reduced to 5–10% because of lower source efficiency. We modified our GC for CH4 and CO2 analysis and injected samples multiple times to sum data and increase precision. We attained a maximum precision of 0.6% for modern CO2 from 25 injections of 27 μg C and a background of ≃0.5% (40 kyr) for ancient methane. The 14C content of dissolved CO2 and CH4 in water samples collected at a deep-sea hydrothermal vent and a serpentine mud volcano was measured and the results for the vent sample are consistent with previously published data. Further experiments are required to determine a calibration and correction procedure to maximize accuracy.