bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidelines for skeletal surveys in suspected child abuse
Authors: Redder Mussmann Bo , Ramsdal Paulsen Mette
Published: April 2017

Introduction Child abuse imaging differs from general musculoskeletal imaging in that there is exceptional necessity for high quality images. The images are directly involved in legal processes and the child and the family faces major consequences if imaging is sub-optimal. The consequences of misdiagnosis are serious. Should head trauma or fractures be overlooked, or if the radiological diagnosis is uncertain, abused children may be sent home with violent parents or caregivers. Conversely, where no abuse has taken place, but the certainty of the diagnosis is questionable, the unnecessary hospitalization of an innocent family may result. In Southern Denmark approximately 15-20 children per year are examined. The examinations are performed in four different radiology departments throughout the region. Until the autumn of 2012, a variety of imaging protocols and techniques were used in pediatric skeletal surveys. This led to difficulties, because some cases are subject to second opinion report. In many cases, supplemental images or a complete reexamination of the child was required in order to facilitate a second opinion, resulting in unnecessary exposure. Methods An initial consensus meeting with 20 participants was arranged in 2012. Pediatric radiologists, managers and radiographers with special competencies in pediatric radiology attended. Research evidence, cases and clinical experience was discussed. A follow-up meeting was arranged in 2013 with similar participants. This second meeting focused mainly on follow-up skeletal surveys in children <2 years of age Results The first meeting resulted in the agreement on which projections to acquire, image quality criteria, how to cooperate with the parents, radiologic evaluation criteria and the role of the radiographer in imaging the abused child. The second meeting resulted in consensus on the necessary projections required for follow-up skeletal surveys. Conclusion Common protocols for child abuse imaging have been established and fully implemented in the Region of Southern Denmark. Annual meetings have also been established where legal aspects, best practice and best evidence in imaging and cooperation with pediatric departments is discussed.
Mongolian spot
Authors: Bista Roshan , Pandey Prativa
Published: April 2017

Colorful skin spots on a pediatric patient can easily be mistaken as signs of child abuse.  Professionals should therefore gain knowledge about Mongolian spots; also known as Mongolian blue spots. These are flat, congenital and benign birthmarks, commonly located in sacro-coccygeal or lumbar area of an infant. Child abuse is a major public health problem across the world. The most common manifestations of physical child abuse are cutaneous, and their recognition and differential diagnosis are of great importance. Mongolian spots may appear as signs of child abuse; however, Mongolian spots are harmless.
Sharpness and noise in digital chest radiographs, assessed by visual rating
Authors: Ween Borgny , Jakobsen Jarl Åsbjørn
Published: April 2017

Missed lung lesions are one of the most frequent causes of malpractice issues, caused by several reasons; among them suboptimal radiography. When radiographers interpret acquired images of a patient, an acceptance or rejection must be decided. When a retake is required, radiographers need to know how to improve the image quality. Improvements in image quality properties as contrast, sharpness and noise often lead to improved perception, which in turn should enable more information to the observer and also allow computer-assisted detection (CAD) to be more successful.Our aim was to create a scoring system of the principal limiting factors sharpness and noise, in a clinical setting, and to determine whether it is possible to agree on image quality on digital chest radiographs. To enable a variation in rating due to body habits, a three-graded scale for each of sharpness and noise were created. Five different anatomical landmarks in each of patients having body sizes lean, normal and large were evaluated by 27 radiographers; totally 810 scores were given.The results showed a high inter-observer agreement with respect to rating grades of both sharpness and noise, independent of projection, anatomical landmark and body habits. The present study is a first step in the development of a scale for assessing sharpness and noise in digital chest radiography. The method of quality assessment might become more valid with increased use. We propose that this study can be followed up by a systematic mentor-guided training program that links perception of image quality to feedback about the image retake decisions if required.
Cortical thickness analysis – The methods
Authors: Gransjøen Ann Mari
Published: April 2017

Over the course of the last century, the cerebral cortex has been of interest for neuroscientists, and the work with mapping and measuring the cortex started in the early 1900s (Brodmann 1909).The advances in medical imaging over the recent decades has given the opportunity to measure the cortex in vivo, and several algorithms and types of software applications has been developed for this purpose. These software applications can be used to execute complex analysis to determine both cortex thickness and density.The algorithms and software applications presented in this paper are the ones most utilized to measure cortical thickness today, and include four software applications and two algorithms. The basic principles of these tools will be outlined, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
Neonatal chest radiography - Comparing image quality and dose for contact-techniques vs. under-tray techniques
Authors: Singh Vishnu Hari , Pradhan Huney
Published: April 2017

Chest radiography is the primary and most important diagnostic study in the evaluation of neonates, due to life threating conditions. Neonatal chest images can be made using either contact-techniques or under-tray techniques, which one is superior in respect to doses and image quality? A range of exposure settings were made using a neonate phantom, and the same settings also for spatial resolution measurements. Visual scores were rated for spatial resolution tests, and for clinical phantom images rating present and absent pneumothorax. Entrance surface dose were below the European guidelines for certain exposure settings. The higher the dose, the less are images degraded by noise. The range of kV which is appropriate for the neonates is yet to be determined, though. The quality of the whole imaging chain interacts in a decision. Noise should be lowered whenever possible. Visual scores among two readers were close to each other’s, both in spatial resolution, and also in correct diagnostics in relation to noise magnitude, however 1/3 of the images illustrating pneumothorax were ignored. Exposure settings should probably not be equal for the contact and under-tray techniques. There were a tiny decrease in sharpness combined with an increased noise (average 20%) noted in the radiographs obtained from the under tray techniques compared with the contact techniques. Contact techniques were found being superior.
Kunnskapshåndtering: veien fra et spørsmål til systematisk litteratursøk
Authors: Nordsteien Anita
Published: April 2017

I det første nummeret av Radiography Open ble artikkelen Kunnskapshåndtering: Hvor finner vi beste kunnskap publisert (Nordsteien, 2014). Flere fritt tilgjengelige databaser og ressurser ble presentert i lys av kunnskapsbasert praksis (Nortvedt et al., 2012) og kunnskapspyramiden til Dicenso, Bayley og Haynes (2009). For å finne en spesifikk artikkel, fører et søk på tittel i Google ofte frem, og for å finne en vilkårlig artikkel om et emne, kommer man langt med å skrive inn navn på emnet i søkefeltet i en av disse databasene. Dersom man imidlertid har som mål å finne beste eller bredest mulig kunnskap om et tema, må en mer avansert søketeknikk anvendes. Fremgangsmåten for systematisk litteratursøk vil kort bli presentert i denne andre artikkelen om kunnskapshåndtering. Lenkesamlingen til slutt viser til en bredere innføring i temaet.
Röntgenremissen – dialog i flera dimensjoner
Authors: Isaksen Ståle
Published: April 2017

En bokanmeldelse.
Awareness regarding radiation knowledge among clinicians practicing in Bharatpur, Nepal
Authors: Gyawali Jayanti , Mallik Mukesh , Adhikari Deepak , Sah Sanjay , Shah Pooja , Maharjan Surendra
Published: April 2017

Missed lung lesions are one of the most frequent causes of malpractice issues, caused by several reasons; among them suboptimal radiography. When radiographers interpret acquired images of a patient, an acceptance or rejection must be decided. When a retake is required, radiographers need to know how to improve the image quality. Improvements in image quality properties as contrast, sharpness and noise often lead to improved perception, which in turn should enable more information to the observer and also allow computer-assisted detection (CAD) to be more successful.
How radiographers visually perceive X-ray images with the task of accepting or rejecting them – a pilot study
Authors: Waaler Dag , Hammer Sigrid , Langdalen Camilla , Haug Linn Therese Håkonsen
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Radiographer´s usual role in the medical imaging chain is to acquire relevant and qualitatively good images that help the radiologist or physician to diagnose most accurately. After the image acquisition, the radiographer does a quality evaluation based on established imaging criteria to decide if the image is satisfactory, or otherwise reject it and subsequently take a new one. Contrary to expectations that the number of image rejects should decrease substantially with the introduction of digital imaging, a number of studies have shown that it has not, although the reasons for rejects has changed from exposure errors to positioning and centring errors. Very little research has been on examining how radiographers visually perceive and evaluate the X-ray images in this acceptance/rejection process.Purpose: Investigate how radiographers and radiography students visually perceives X-ray images in the process of accepting or rejecting them on basis of radiographic imaging criteria, and see if there are differences in strategies across experience levels.Materials and methods: Three radiography students and five radiographers with varying years of experience were given the task of accepting or rejecting shoulder and knee projection images based on positioning criteria. Using eye tracking, we measured the participants’ number and duration of gaze fixations within 1) the field of view defined by the monitor display, 2) the part of the monitor displaying the X-ray image only, and 3) the region within the X-ray images considered to be most relevant given the imaging criteria task. The quantitative eye-tracking measurements were followed-up by four qualitative questions.Results: Some differences in fixation patterns between the groups were found; the medium experienced radiographers spent statistically significant lesser number of fixations and lesser average single fixation durations than both the radiography students and the most experienced radiographers did, whereas the two latter groups scored almost equally. Conclusion: The study revealed that work experience might have some influence on how radiographers and radiography students assess X-ray images, but in subtler ways than expected. The study also revealed, however, quite large individual differences across experience.
A fully subordinated linear flow model for hillslope subsurface stormflow
Authors: Zhang Yong , Baeumer Boris , Chen Li , Reeves Donald M. , Sun HongGuang
Published: April 2017

Hillslope subsurface stormflow exhibits complex patterns when natural soils with multiscale heterogeneity impart a spatiotemporally nonlocal memory on flow dynamics. To efficiently quantify such nonlocal flow responses, this technical note proposes a fully subordinated flow (FSF) equation where the time‐ and flow‐subordination capture the temporal and spatial memory, respectively. Results show that the time‐subordination component of the FSF model captures a wide range of delayed flow response due to various degrees of soil heterogeneity (especially for low‐conductivity zones), while the model's flow‐subordination term accounts for the rapid flow responses along preferential flow paths. In the FSF model, parameters defining spatiotemporal memory functions may be related to soil properties, while other parameters such as scalar factors controlling the overall advection and diffusion are difficult to predict and can be estimated from subsurface stormflow hydrographs. These parameters can be constants at the hillslope scale because the spatiotemporal subordination, an upscaling technique, can capture the impact of system heterogeneity on flow dynamics, leading to a linear FSF model that might be applicable for various slopes. Valid scale, limitation and extension of the FSF model, and modification of the model for other complex hydrological dynamics are also discussed.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Tandem Michael Addition and Cyclization Reaction of Trisubstituted 2‐Nitro‐1,3‐enynes with Cyclic 1,3‐Diketones
Authors: Xing Zi‐Min , Song Le‐Le , Li Feng‐Xing , Xu Nian‐Sheng , Wang Lu‐Feng , Shi Zi‐Fa , Cao Xiao‐Ping
Published: April 2017

An enantioselective tandem Michael addition/cyclization reaction between trisubstituted 2‐nitro‐1,3‐enynes and cyclic 1,3‐diketones catalyzed by a chiral organosquaramide catalyst in the presence of Ag2CO3 was developed. The chiral functionalized chromene products could be obtained in good yield and in 80–99% enantiomeric excess. The structures and absolute configurations of some of the products were confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis.

magnified image
Relation between patterns of intrinsic network connectivity, cognitive functioning, and symptom presentation in trauma‐exposed patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Parlar Melissa , Densmore Maria , Hall Geoffrey B. , Frewen Paul A. , Lanius Ruth A. , McKinnon Margaret C.
Published: April 2017

Objective

The present study investigated resting fMRI connectivity within the default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and central executive (CEN) networks in relation to neurocognitive performance and symptom severity in trauma‐exposed patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Method

Group independent component analysis was conducted among patients with MDD (n = 21), examining DMN, SN, and CEN connectivity in relation to neurocognitive performance and symptom severity. Activation in these networks was also compared between the patient group and healthy controls (n = 20).

Results

Among the patient group, higher levels of performance on measures of verbal memory and executive functioning were related to increased connectivity within the DMN (i.e., inferior parietal lobe; precuneus). Greater depression severity was related to reduced connectivity between the SN and a node of the DMN (i.e., posterior cingulate cortex) and higher depersonalization symptoms were related to enhanced connectivity between the SN and a node of the DMN (i.e., middle temporal gyrus). Higher symptoms of depersonalization were also associated with reduced integration of the DMN with the medial frontal gyrus. Relative to controls, patients with MDD showed greater connectivity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex within the DMN.

Conclusion

Intrinsic connectivity network patterns are related to cognitive performance and symptom presentation among trauma‐exposed patients with MDD.
Formation of Cyclic Carbonates from CO2 and Epoxides Catalyzed by a Cobalt‐Coordinated Conjugated Microporous Polymer
Authors: Xiong Jian , Yang Rui‐Xia , Xie Yong , Huang Nian‐Yu , Zou Kun , Deng Wei‐Qiao
Published: April 2017

An inexpensive and effective cobalt coordinated conjugated microporous polymer (Co‐CMP‐2) made up from cross‐linked an ethanediamine‐based salen ligand with 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene. Co‐CMP‐2 exhibited extremely high catalytic efficiency in the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides, which is superior to that of previously reported Co‐CMP. Co‐CMP‐2 achieved a TOF of 23300 h−1 for ethylene carbonate. Moreover, the catalyst can be reused more than 10 times without significant loss in activity.
Three‐Dimensional Nickel–Borate Nanosheets Array for Efficient Oxygen Evolution at Near‐Neutral pH
Authors: Ge Ruixiang , Ren Xiang , Qu Fengli , Liu Danni , Ma Min , Hao Shuai , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Chen Liang , Sun Xuping
Published: April 2017

Nickel‐borate nanosheets array on titanium mesh (Ni−Bi NA/TM) was derived from NiSe2 nanosheets array on titanium mesh (NiSe2 NA/TM) by electrochemical transformation. As a three‐dimensional electrode, Ni−Bi NA/TM exhibited high catalytic activity toward the oxygen evolution reaction and required a low overpotential of 430 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 0.1 m potassium borate (pH 9.2), with outstanding long‐term stability and high turnover frequency.
Determination of cannabinoid and synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in wastewater by liquid–liquid extraction and ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: González‐Mariño Iria , Thomas Kevin V. , Reid Malcolm J.
Published: April 2017

For the first time, ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography (UHPSFC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry has been used to determine cannabinoid and synthetic cannabinoid residues in wastewater. Combined with a downscaled version of the classic liquid‐liquid extraction, the proposed method allows for the quantification of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, three of its major metabolites (the monohydroxylated, the dehydroxylated, and the carboxylated species) and four synthetic cannabinoid metabolites (from the JWH‐series) at low ng L−1 levels. Limits of quantification are in the 1–59 ng L−1 range, with recovery between 62 and 122% in ultrapure water and between 59 and 138% in wastewater. The applicability of the developed methodology was confirmed by the analysis of real wastewater, where cannabis metabolites could be positively quantified in all the samples analyzed. It is, therefore, a fast and simple alternative to common solid‐phase extraction‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry procedures for the determination of these low polar substances in water. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Species mobility and landscape context determine the importance of local and landscape‐level attributes
Authors: Fuentes‐Montemayor Elisa , Watts Kevin , Macgregor Nicholas A. , Lopez‐Gallego Zeltia , J. Park Kirsty
Published: April 2017

Conservation strategies to tackle habitat loss and fragmentation require actions at the local (e.g., improving/expanding existing habitat patches) and landscape level (e.g., creating new habitat in the matrix). However, the relative importance of these actions for biodiversity is still poorly understood, leading to debate on how to prioritize conservation activities. Here, we assess the relative importance of local vs. landscape‐level attributes in determining the use of woodlands by bats in fragmented landscapes; we also compare the role of habitat amount in the surrounding landscape per se vs. a combination of both habitat amount and configuration and explore whether the relative importance of these attributes varies with species mobility and landscape context. We conducted acoustic surveys in 102 woodland patches in the UK that form part of the WrEN project (www.wren-project.com), a large‐scale natural experiment designed to study the effects of 160 yr of woodland creation on biodiversity and inform landscape‐scale conservation. We used multivariate analysis and a model‐selection approach to assess the relative importance of local (e.g., vegetation structure) and landscape‐level (e.g., amount/configuration of surrounding land types) attributes on bat occurrence and activity levels. Species mobility was an important trait determining the relative importance of local vs. landscape‐level attributes for different bat species. Lower mobility species were most strongly influenced by local habitat quality; the landscape became increasingly important for higher mobility species. At the landscape‐scale, a combination of habitat amount and configuration appeared more important than habitat amount alone for lower mobility species, while the opposite was observed for higher mobility species. Regardless of species mobility, landscape‐level attributes appeared more important for bats in a more homogeneous and intensively farmed landscape. Conservation strategies involving habitat creation and restoration should take into account the mobility of target species and prioritize landscape‐level actions in more homogeneous and intensively farmed landscapes where habitat loss and fragmentation have been more severe.
Development and validation of a reversed‐phase HPLC method for the quantification of paclitaxel in different PLGA nanocarriers
Authors: Furman Christophe , Carpentier Rodolphe , Barczyk Amélie , Chavatte Philippe , Betbeder Didier , Lipka Emmanuelle
Published: April 2017

A reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) method has been developed and validated for the quantification of paclitaxel encapsulated in biodegradable poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) (PLGA) copolymer nanoparticles. This simple (isocratic mode, without additive) and rapid (retention time of the paclitaxel under 4 min) methodology permits the detection of low quantities of paclitaxel in nanoparticulate formulations and the determination of the encapsulation efficiency (EE). Analysis was achieved on an octadecyl stationary phase. The isocratic mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile:water 80:20 (v/v) (flow rate = 0.8 mL/min). Stability of free paclitaxel was preliminary studied in those chromatographic conditions. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 2–10 μg/mL (R2 = 0.9994). The method was specific with valuable trueness, repeatability (intra‐day precision) and intermediate precision (inter‐day precision) based on relative standard deviation (RSD) values (less than 2%). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.56 and 1.85 ng/mL, respectively. This developed method was successfully employed for quantifying paclitaxel in PLGA 50:50co‐polymer nanoparticles. The accurate knowledge of the encapsulated paclitaxel concentration is essential to define the quantities of PLGA nanoparticles necessary to achieve the in vitro cell viability study.
Inflammatory cytokine response is greater in acute tibial plafond fractures than acute tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Haller Justin M. , Marchand Lucas , Rothberg David L. , Kubiak Erik N. , Higgins Thomas F.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of the study was to compare the inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) concentrations in synovial fluid after acute plafond fracture with acute tibial plateau fracture. Between December 2011 and August 2014, we prospectively enrolled patients with acute tibial plateau and plafond fractures. Synovial fluid aspirations were obtained from injured and uninjured joints. The concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐1RA, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, MCP‐1, TNF‐α, MMP‐1, ‐3, ‐9, ‐10, ‐12, and ‐13 were quantified using multiplex assays. A Bonferroni correction was used so that the adjusted alpha level for significance was p < 0.004. We enrolled 45 tibial plateau fractures and 19 plafond fractures. Mean patient age was 42 years (range, 20–60) and 64% were male patients. There were 24 low‐energy (OTA 41B) plateau fractures and eight low‐energy (OTA 43B) plafond fractures. There were 21 high‐energy (6 OTA 41B3 and 15 OTA 41C) plateau fractures and 11 high‐energy (OTA43C) plafond fractures. All cytokines and MMPs except MMP‐13 were significantly elevated in plafond fractures compared to uninjured ankles. When comparing acutely injured joints, IL‐8 (p < 0.001), IL‐1β (p = 0.002), and MMP‐12 (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in plafond fractures compared to plateau fractures. Concentrations of IL‐1RA (p = 0.008) and MCP‐1 (p = 0.005) were higher in plafond fractures, and MMP‐10 (p = 0.01) was higher in plateau fractures, but these differences did not reach significance. In conclusion, several cytokines and MMPs were significantly elevated in acute plafond fractures as compared to acute tibial plateau fractures. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2613–2619, 2017.
A prospective study of elderly initiating mirabegron versus antimuscarinics: Patient reported outcomes from the Overactive Bladder Satisfaction Scales and other instruments
Authors: Bunniran Suvapun , Davis Cralen , Kristy Rita , Ng Daniel , Schermer Carol R. , Uribe Claudia , Suehs Brandon T.
Published: April 2017

Aims

To understand differences in patient reported outcomes (PRO) between patients initiating mirabegron or an antimuscarinic using a validated PRO instrument, OAB‐Satisfaction (OAB‐S).

Methods

This prospective observational study used real‐time prescription claims from Humana to identify Medicare patients initiating mirabegron or an antimuscarinic to participate in a series of three phone surveys over ninety days.

Results

A total of 1897 mirabegron and 2444 randomly selected antimuscarinic initiators were identified; 174 mirabegron and 193 antimuscarinic initiators completed all three surveys. Among responders, mirabegron initiators were slightly older (76 vs 75 years, P = 0.032), included more males (32% vs 23%, P = 0.044), more likely to have prior OAB treatment (21% vs 13%, P = 0.048), and had greater medication burden (number of unique medications: 10.0 vs 8.7, P = 0.014). There were no between‐group differences at any time or on any OAB‐S scale. There were significant within‐group differences at follow‐up compared to baseline for OAB‐S scales: “impact on daily living,” with improvement over the 90‐day survey period for both mirabegron (P = 0.008) and antimuscarinic (P < 0.001); “interruption of day‐to‐day life,” with improvement for both mirabegron (P < 0.001) and antimuscarinic (P < 0.001); and improvement in “OAB control” for mirabegron (P < 0.001) and antimuscarinic (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Mirabegron initiators tended to be older, had a greater number of unique medications and previously tried prescriptions to treat OAB; nonetheless, mirabegron, and antimuscarinic initiators reported similar trends in improvement in PROs over the first 90 days of treatment. Significant improvement in daily impact of OAB was observed after treatment initiation; however, no significant differences between groups were observed.
Predictors for detrusor overactivity following extensive vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery
Authors: Lo Tsia‐Shu , Nagashu Shailaja , Hsieh Wu‐Chiao , Uy‐Patrimonio Ma Clarissa , Yi‐Hao Lin
Published: April 2017

Aim

This study aims to identify the predictors for detrusor overactivity (DO) in women following extensive vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS) for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

We enrolled 1503 women who had prolapse POP‐Q stage ≥ 3 and underwent vaginal PRS with or without MUS from January 2006 to December 2015. All subjects completed a 72‐h voiding diary, IIQ‐7, UDI‐6, POPDI‐6, and PISQ‐12. Urodynamics (UDS) was performed pre‐ and post‐operatively.

Results

Among 1503 women, 56 patients were excluded due to incomplete data. Women who had trans‐vaginal mesh were 1083 of 1447 (74.8%) and concomitant MUS were 353 (24.4%). Pre‐operative DO were 245 (16.9%) and 24.5% (60/245) of them continued to have persistent DO post‐operatively. Women who had normal pre‐operative stable detrusor were 1202 (83.1%) and 3.5% (30/1202) developed de novo DO post‐operatively. The overall incidence of post‐operative DO was 6.2% (90/1447). Patients with age ≥66 year, neurological factors like Cerebrovascular accident and Parkinsonian disease, pre‐operative bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) ≥60 cmH2O, Maximum flow rate (MFR) <15 mL/s and detrusor at maximum flow (Dmax) ≥20 cmH2O) and post‐void residue (PVR) ≥200 mL hold a significant higher risk of developing DO either persistent or de novo following PRS.

Conclusion

Age ≥66 year, neurological factors like CVA and Parkinsonian disease, pre‐operative MUCP ≥60 cmH2O, MFR < 15 mL, Dmax ≥ 20 cmH2O, and PVR ≥ 200 mL are independent risk factors for developing post‐operative DO following vaginal PRS for advanced POP.
Determination of chlorate, perchlorate and bromate anions in water samples by microbore reversed‐phase liquid chromatography coupled to sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Mavroudakis Leonidas , Mavrakis Emmanouil , Kouvarakis Antonis , Pergantis Spiros A.
Published: April 2017

Rationale

Sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry (SSI‐MS) has recently been shown to provide similar mass spectra to those generated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for a wide range of compounds, i.e. from small inorganic species to peptides, proteins and numerous other biomolecules. However, limited information about this new ionization technique, such as sensitivity, limit of detection and quantification accuracy, has been reported. In particular, its coupling to liquid chromatography needs further development and assessment, along with the introduction of a broad range of applications.

Methods

A high‐efficiency glass pneumatic nebulizer, used for decades for sample introduction in atomic spectrometry, was used for the SSI‐MS analysis of chlorate (ClO3–), perchlorate (ClO4–) and bromate (BrO3–) anions, following their separation using reversed‐phase microbore high‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) operated in selected reaction monitoring mode.

Results

The developed and optimized microbore HPLC/SSI‐MS/MS technique exhibited low limits of detection: 5.3 ng L–1 for chlorate, 10 ng L–1 for perchlorate and 33.7 ng L–1 for bromate, and provided reliable and accurate measurements of chlorate concentrations in water samples as demonstrated when comparing it with Ion Chromatography–Conductivity Detection (IC‐CD), the benchmark technique for ion quantitation.

Conclusions

This is the first time that the use of HPLC/SSI‐MS/MS has been reported for the detection and quantitation of chlorate, perchlorate and bromate in water samples. In addition, the exceptionally low LODs achieved using SSI render the technique competitive with the established and dominating electrospray ionization technique. Here, we have demonstrated that a commercially available high‐efficiency glass pneumatic nebulizer can also be used, without any further modification, as an efficient gas‐phase ion source. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental investigations of control principles of involuntary movement: a comprehensive review of the Kohnstamm phenomenon
Authors: De Havas Jack , Gomi Hiroaki , Haggard Patrick
Published: April 2017

The Kohnstamm phenomenon refers to the observation that if one pushes the arm hard outwards against a fixed surface for about 30 s, and then moves away from the surface and relaxes, an involuntary movement of the arm occurs, accompanied by a feeling of lightness. Central, peripheral and hybrid theories of the Kohnstamm phenomenon have been advanced. Afferent signals may be irrelevant if purely central theories hold. Alternatively, according to peripheral accounts, altered afferent signalling actually drives the involuntary movement. Hybrid theories suggest afferent signals control a centrally-programmed aftercontraction via negative position feedback control or positive force feedback control. The Kohnstamm phenomenon has provided an important scientific method for comparing voluntary with involuntary movement, both with respect to subjective experience, and for investigating whether involuntary movements can be brought under voluntary control. A full review of the literature reveals that a hybrid model best explains the Kohnstamm phenomenon. On this model, a central adaptation interacts with afferent signals at multiple levels of the motor hierarchy. The model assumes that a Kohnstamm generator sends output via the same pathways as voluntary movement, yet the resulting movement feels involuntary due to a lack of an efference copy to cancel against sensory inflow. This organisation suggests the Kohnstamm phenomenon could represent an amplification of neuromotor processes normally involved in automatic postural maintenance. Future work should determine which afferent signals contribute to the Kohnstamm phenomenon, the location of the Kohnstamm generator, and the principle of feedback control operating during the aftercontraction.
Shaping the Archive in Late Medieval England
Authors: Novacich Sarah Elliott
Published: April 2017

Sarah Elliott Novacich explores how medieval thinkers pondered the ethics and pleasures of the archive. She traces three episodes of sacred history - the loss of Eden, the loading of Noah's ark, and the Harrowing of Hell - across works of poetry, performance records, and iconography in order to demonstrate how medieval artists turned to sacred history to think through aspects of cultural transmission. Performances of the loss of Eden blur the relationship between original and record; stories of Noah's ark foreground the difficulty of compiling inventories; and engagements with the Harrowing of Hell suggest the impossibility of separating the past from the present. Reading Middle English plays alongside chronicles, poetry, and works of visual art, Shaping the Archive in Late Medieval England considers how poetic form, staging logistics, and the status of performance all contribute to our understanding of the ways in which medieval thinkers imagined the archive.
COLLECTIVE RISK MODELS WITH DEPENDENCE UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Wang Ruodu
Published: April 2017

We bring the recently developed framework of dependence uncertainty into collective risk models, one of the most classic models in actuarial science. We study the worst-case values of the Value-at-Risk (VaR) and the Expected Shortfall (ES) of the aggregate loss in collective risk models, under two settings of dependence uncertainty: (i) the counting random variable (claim frequency) and the individual losses (claim sizes) are independent, and the dependence of the individual losses is unknown; (ii) the dependence of the counting random variable and the individual losses is unknown. Analytical results for the worst-case values of ES are obtained. For the loss from a large portfolio of insurance policies, an asymptotic equivalence of VaR and ES is established. Our results can be used to provide approximations for VaR and ES in collective risk models with unknown dependence. Approximation errors are obtained in both cases.
Topology and convexity in the space of actions modulo weak equivalence
Authors: BURTON PETER
Published: April 2017

We analyze the structure of the quotient $\text{A}_{{\sim}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ of the space of measure-preserving actions of a countable discrete group by the relation of weak equivalence. This space carries a natural operation of convex combination. We introduce a variant of an abstract construction of Fritz which encapsulates the convex combination operation on $\text{A}_{{\sim}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$. This formalism allows us to define the geometric notion of an extreme point. We also discuss a topology on $\text{A}_{{\sim}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ due to Abért and Elek in which it is Polish and compact, and show that this topology is equivalent to others defined in the literature. We show that the convex structure of $\text{A}_{{\sim}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ is compatible with the topology, and as a consequence deduce that $\text{A}_{{\sim}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ is path connected. Using ideas of Tucker-Drob, we are able to give a complete description of the topological and convex structure of $\text{A}_{{\sim}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ for amenable $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$ by identifying it with the simplex of invariant random subgroups. In particular, we conclude that $\text{A}_{{\sim}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ can be represented as a compact convex subset of a Banach space if and only if $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$ is amenable. In the case of general $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$ we prove a Krein–Milman-type theorem asserting that finite convex combinations of the extreme points of $\text{A}_{{\sim}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ are dense in this space. We also consider the space $\text{A}_{{\sim}_{s}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ of stable weak equivalence classes and show that it can always be represented as a compact convex subset of a Banach space. In the case of a free group $\mathbb{F}_{N}$, we show that if one restricts to the compact convex set $\text{FR}_{{\sim}_{s}}(\mathbb{F}_{N},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})\subseteq \text{A}_{{\sim}_{s}}(\mathbb{F}_{N},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ consisting of the stable weak equivalence classes of free actions, then the extreme points are dense in $\text{FR}_{{\sim}_{s}}(\mathbb{F}_{N},X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$.
Equivalence relations that act on bundles of hyperbolic spaces
Authors: BOWEN LEWIS
Published: April 2017

Consider a measured equivalence relation acting on a bundle of hyperbolic metric spaces by isometries. We prove that every aperiodic hyperfinite subequivalence relation is contained in a unique maximal hyperfinite subequivalence relation. We classify elements of the full group according to their action on fields on boundary measures (extending earlier results of Kaimanovich [Boundary amenability of hyperbolic spaces.Discrete Geometric Analysis(Contemporary Mathematics, 347). American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 2004, pp. 83–111]), study the existence and residuality of different types of elements and obtain an analog of Tits’ alternative.
On dynamical systems preserving weights
Authors: KOILPITCHAI LAVY , MUKHERJEE KUNAL
Published: April 2017

The canonical unitary representation of a locally compact separable group arising from an ergodic action of the group on a von Neumann algebra with separable predual preserving a faithful normal semifinite (infinite) weight is weak mixing. On the contrary, there exists a non-ergodic automorphism of a von Neumann algebra preserving a faithful normal semifinite trace such that the spectral measure and the spectral multiplicity of the induced action are respectively the Haar measure (on the unit circle) and$\infty$. Despite not even being ergodic, this automorphism has the same spectral data as that of a Bernoulli shift.
The Use and Abuse of Veto Rights in Power-Sharing Systems: Northern Ireland’s Petition of Concern in Comparative Perspective
Authors: McCulloch Allison
Published: April 2017

This article assesses the articulation of vital ethno-national interests and the use and abuse of veto rights in deeply divided societies. In consociational theory, veto rights represent the primary means by which ethnic groups defend their ‘vital interests’, though they are often criticized for rewarding extremism and producing institutional instability. Situating a case study of Northern Ireland in a comparative perspective, I consider two lines of veto practice: liberal vs corporate (i.e. who has veto rights?) and permissive vs restrictive (i.e. to what issue areas do vetoes apply?), to assess what political incentives, if any, they offer for moderation and stability. Drawing from a review of the legislative debates when a veto was enacted and on semi-structured interviews with members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, I argue that a permissive approach, in which groups can determine their own vital interests, can contribute to moderation, peace and stability in divided societies.
Periodization and Party System Institutionalization in Latin America: A Reply to Mainwaring
Authors: Roberts Kenneth M.
Published: April 2017

The study of party system institutionalization in Latin America is complicated by the fact that political development in the region has been indelibly marked by period-specific stages and challenges of capitalist development. These periods are associated with distinct patterns of social mobilization, class conflict and political incorporation or exclusion of labour and popular constituencies. These patterns heavily condition the programmatic structuring of partisan competition and its impact on party system institutionalization. Important theoretical insights can be derived from the study of intra-regional variation in period-specific challenges and effects, but this requires careful attention to the factors that differentiate cases.
Brittle stars from the British Oxford Clay: unexpected ophiuroid diversity on Jurassic sublittoral mud bottoms
Authors: Ewin Timothy A.M. , Thuy Ben
Published: April 2017

Three new ophiuran species, Enakomusium whymanae n. sp., Aspidophiura? seren n. sp., and Ophiotitanos smithi n. sp., and an unnamed specimen assignable to the genus Dermocoma are described from the Callovian to Oxfordian Oxford Clay Formation of Great Britain. These determinations are based on new finds and a critical reassessment of historic specimens. The Oxford Clay ophiuroids represent two loose assemblages, one from the middle Callovian Peterborough Member and the other from the lower Oxfordian Weymouth Member. Both assemblages accord well with coeval midshelf mud bottom ophiuroid communities in terms of taxonomic composition and relative abundance of taxa. The British Oxford Clay ophiuroids are particularly significant as they are one of the rare instances where multiple species are represented, almost exclusively, by exceptionally preserved articulated skeletons. This provides an important window into the understanding of mid-Upper Jurassic ophiuroid paleobiology.
Early pregnancy probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wickens Kristin L. , Barthow Christine A. , Murphy Rinki , Abels Peter R. , Maude Robyn M. , Stone Peter R. , Mitchell Edwin A. , Stanley Thorsten V. , Purdie Gordon L. , Kang Janice M. , Hood Fiona E. , Rowden Judy L. , Barnes Phillipa K. , Fitzharris Penny F. , Crane Julian
Published: April 2017

The study aims to assess whether supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) can reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled parallel trial was conducted in New Zealand (NZ) (Wellington and Auckland). Pregnant women with a personal or partner history of atopic disease were randomised at 14–16 weeks’ gestation to receive HN001 (6×109 colony-forming units) (n 212) or placebo (n 211) daily. GDM at 24–30 weeks was assessed using the definition of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) (fasting plasma glucose ≥5·1 mmol/l, or 1 h post 75 g glucose level at ≥10 mmol/l or at 2 h ≥8·5 mmol/l) and NZ definition (fasting plasma glucose ≥5·5 mmol/l or 2 h post 75 g glucose at ≥9 mmol/l). All analyses were intention-to-treat. A total of 184 (87 %) women took HN001 and 189 (90 %) women took placebo. There was a trend towards lower relative rates (RR) of GDM (IADPSG definition) in the HN001 group, 0·59 (95 % CI 0·32, 1·08) (P=0·08). HN001 was associated with lower rates of GDM in women aged ≥35 years (RR 0·31; 95 % CI 0·12, 0·81, P=0·009) and women with a history of GDM (RR 0·00; 95 % CI 0·00, 0·66, P=0·004). These rates did not differ significantly from those of women without these characteristics. Using the NZ definition, GDM prevalence was significantly lower in the HN001 group, 2·1 % (95 % CI 0·6, 5·2), v. 6·5 % (95 % CI 3·5, 10·9) in the placebo group (P=0·03). HN001 supplementation from 14 to 16 weeks’ gestation may reduce GDM prevalence, particularly among older women and those with previous GDM.
Fruit and vegetable intake: change with age across childhood and adolescence
Authors: Albani Viviana , Butler Laurie T. , Traill W. Bruce , Kennedy Orla B.
Published: April 2017

Eating fruit and vegetables (FV) offers important health benefits for children and adolescents, but their average intake is low. To explore if negative trends with age exist as children grow, this study modelled differences in FV consumption from childhood to young adulthood. A pseudo-panel was constructed using years 1–4 (combined) of the Rolling Programme of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (2008/2009–2011/2012). Intake of FV in the NDNS was recorded using 4-d unweighted food diaries. The data consisted of 2131 observations of individuals aged 2–23 years. Age-year-cohort decomposition regression analyses were used to separate age effects from year and cohort effects in the data. Total energy intake was included to account for age differences in overall energy consumption. Fruit intake started to decrease from the age of 7 years for boys and girls, and reached its lowest level during adolescence. By 17 years, boys were consuming 0·93 (P=0·037) less fruit portions compared with the age of 2 years. By 15 years, girls were consuming 0·8 fruit portions less (P=0·053). Vegetable intake changed little during childhood and adolescence (P=0·0834 andP=0·843 for change between 7 and 12 years, boys and girls, respectively). There was unclear evidence of recovery of FV intakes in early adulthood. Efforts to improve FV intake should consider these trends, and focus attention on the factors influencing intake across childhood and adolescence in order to improve the nutritional quality of diets during these periods.
RUNNERS AND RIDERS: THE HORSEMEAT SCANDAL, EU LAW AND MULTI-LEVEL ENFORCEMENT
Authors: Barnard Catherine , O'Connor Niall
Published: April 2017

The 2013 horsemeat scandal shone a bright light on some of the darkest corners of supply-chain governance across the EU, revealing a blind spot in current EU food law. “Beef” frozen-food products were found to contain up to 100% horse. The British and Irish are squeamish about eating horse. Even for those countries where horsemeat is seen as a delicacy, the horse getting into the frozen “beef” was often of poor quality and possibly contaminated with “bute”, a veterinary drug not permitted in food for human consumption. The ability of the EU's regulatory regime to prevent fraud on such a scale was shown to be inadequate. EU food law, with its (over) emphasis on food safety, failed to prevent the occurrence of fraud and may even have played an (unintentional) role in facilitating or enhancing it. Domestic law offered little better protection, thus showing the difficulties associated with the implementation of a multi-level and multi-agency regulatory regime. Beyond the regulatory system, the EU's core Treaty commitment to the free movement of goods may also have laid the ground for complex and opaque supply chains into which unscrupulous traders and middlemen could slip unnoticed.