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To develop a low‐cost portable EEG system, with real‐time automated guidance, for application in resource‐limited areas, to bridge the diagnostic and treatment gap. We designed, developed, and produced a low‐cost system, which records 27‐channel EEG plus ECG and streams the signals to an application on a smartphone, which assesses the quality of the signal and gives feedback to the inexperienced user to correct the poor quality signals and reduce artifacts. The application guides the inexperienced user through the steps of recording routine clinical EEG. The recordings are uploaded to a secure cloud, for telemedicine applications. We recruited 10 participants without prior experience with recording EEG. After a brief training session, the participants recorded EEGs following the guidance from the app, without help from human experts. We assessed the usability of the system, with the System Usability Scale (SUS), and we evaluated the impedances and signal quality of the test EEGs recorded by the inexperienced users. All users completed the test EEG recordings, and none of the recordings were of insufficient quality for clinical use. The SUS score was 90.3 ± 6.8, and the average quality rating was 8.04. The low‐cost, portable EEG system, which uses automated, real‐time guidance for conducting EEG recordings, enables inexperienced users to record EEGs of a quality sufficient for clinical applications. This system has the potential to provide EEG services in resource‐limited areas, and thereby help bridge the diagnostic and therapeutic gap.

Limited research has addressed whether maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy increases the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In the current study, we examined how alcohol binge drinking and weekly alcohol intake in early pregnancy were associated with spontaneous preterm birth in a contemporary cohort of Danish women. We included 15,776 pregnancies of 14,894 women referred to antenatal care at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, between 2012 and 2016. Self‐reported alcohol intake in early pregnancy was obtained from a Web‐based questionnaire completed prior to the women’s first visit at the department. Information on spontaneous preterm birth was extracted from the Danish Medical Birth Register. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of spontaneous preterm birth according to self‐reported alcohol binge drinking and weekly intake of alcohol in early pregnancy were derived from Cox regression. Women reporting 1, 2, and ≥ 3 binge drinking episodes had an aHR for spontaneous preterm birth of 0.88 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.14), 1.34 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.82), and 0.93 (95% CI 0.62 to 1.41), respectively, compared to women with no binge drinking episodes. Women who reported an intake of ≥ 1 drink per week on average had an aHR for spontaneous preterm birth of 1.09 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.89) compared to abstainers. When restricting to nulliparous women or cohabiting women with ≥ 3 years of higher education, this estimate was 1.28 (95% CI 0.69 to 2.40) and 1.20 (95% CI 0.67 to 2.15), respectively. We found no evidence that maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of spontaneous preterm birth, neither for alcohol binge drinking nor for a low average weekly intake of alcohol.

Little is known about maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy and the risk of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children beyond 5 years of age. We examined the association between alcohol binge drinking and weekly alcohol intake in early pregnancy and the risk of ADHD in children followed from birth to 19 years of age. We included 48,072 children born between 1998 and 2012, whose mothers participated in the Aarhus Birth Cohort. Maternal alcohol intake was obtained from a self‐administered questionnaire completed in early pregnancy. ADHD diagnoses were retrieved from the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register and the Danish National Patient Register. Crude hazard ratio and adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of ADHD according to alcohol binge drinking or weekly intake of alcohol were calculated using the Cox regression. Compared to children of women with no binge drinking episodes, we observed an aHR for ADHD of 0.91 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.08), 0.73 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.96), and 0.77 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.06) among children of women reporting 1, 2, and 3 or more binge drinking episodes, respectively. Among children of women drinking <1 drink per week, 1 drink per week, 2 drinks per week, and 3 or more drinks per week, we observed an aHR for ADHD of 0.87 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.03), 0.63 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.98), 1.30 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.92), and 0.78 (95% CI 0.38 to 1.59), respectively, when compared to children of women not drinking on a weekly basis. We found no evidence that binge drinking or low alcohol intake in early pregnancy was associated with the risk of ADHD in children.

Using a nonlinear model for the glucose-insulin dynamics in type 2 diabetes, formulated in continuous-time as a stochastic differential equation, we seek to estimate the system states and parameters based only on discrete-time self-monitored blood glucose measurements of fasting glucose and the known exogenous insulin dose. This is done by means of continuous-discrete unscented Kalman filtering. The results are compared to an implementation of a continuous-discrete extended Kalman filter. Simulations show that it is possible to estimate all states with good accuracy using the CD-UKF, while it is also possible to estimate one unknown parameter at the same time. Further simulations show that increasing the sample rate makes it possible to estimate more parameters, given that the meal intake of the patient is known perfectly.

Offspring of women with gestational diabetes (O-GDM) or type 1 diabetes mellitus (O-T1DM) have been exposed to hyperglycemia in utero and have an increased risk of developing metabolic disease in adulthood.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) typically is observed among individuals with high prenatal alcohol exposures (PAE), but exposure histories obtained in clinical diagnostic settings are often inaccurate. The present analysis used the Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study (LDPS) to assess the potential effects of low‐to‐moderate average weekly alcohol consumption and binge drinking in early pregnancy on facial features associated with FASamong children 5 years of age. The analysis is a prospective follow‐up study of 670 women and their children sampled from the LDPScohort based on maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The 4‐Digit Code FASFacial Photographic Analysis Software was used to measure the magnitude of expression of the 3 diagnostic facial features of FASfrom standardized digital photographs. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of presenting with the FAS/partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS) facial phenotypes relative to different patterns of prenatal alcohol exposure. Ten children presented with the FAS/PFASfacial phenotypes. None of the children sampled met the central nervous system (CNS) criteria for FASor PFASat age 5 years. All remained at risk for PFASsince some types of CNSdysfunction associated with this diagnosis may only be assessed at older ages. The FAS/PFASfacial phenotypes were 8.5‐fold more likely among children exposed to an average of 1 to 4 drinks/wk and 2.5‐fold more likely among children with a single binge exposure in gestational weeks 3 to 4 compared to children with no such exposures. The magnitude of expression of the FASfacial phenotype was significantly correlated with all other diagnostic features of FAS: growth deficiency, microcephaly, and measures of CNSdysfunction. These findings suggest that low‐to‐moderate levels of PAEor isolated binge exposures may place some fetuses at risk for FAS/PFAS. Thus, conservative advice is still for women to abstain from alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Potential effects of low‐moderate average weekly alcohol consumption and binge drinking in early pregnancy on FAS‐related facial features were assessed among 670 5‐year‐old children. Ten children presented with FAS/PFAS facial phenotypes. The FAS/PFAS facial phenotypes were 8.5‐fold more likely among children exposed to an average of 1–4 drinks/wk, and 2.5‐fold more likely among children with one binge exposure in gestational weeks 3–4, suggesting that low‐moderate levels of PAE or isolated binge exposures may place some fetuses at risk for FAS/PFAS.

In 1997, The Danish Health Authority recommended that “it is safest not to drink alcohol when you are pregnant,” and in 1999 expanded recommendations. There are only a few studies evaluating the possible change of average alcohol consumption following changes in national recommendations, and no studies have been found comparing the changes in pregnant women's attitudes toward alcohol consumption during pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the changes in drinking pattern, and knowledge about and attitudes toward alcohol consumption during pregnancy before and after the change of national recommendations. This is a cross‐sectional interview study with a representative sample of 1,418 woman attending antenatal care at the beginning of their second trimester in Aarhus, Denmark, in the year 2000, and a comparable sample of 439 pregnant women from 1998 in Aarhus. Participants were interviewed about their average alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and attitudes toward and knowledge about alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Data collection procedures and questions were identical for both samples. There were no differences between the 2 samples in terms of average alcohol consumption before (p = 0.19) and during (p = 0.45) pregnancy, and binge drinking in early pregnancy (p = 0.47). Attitudes toward and knowledge about alcohol in pregnancy did not change either (p > 0.5). Women's knowledge about guidelines was less precise in 2000 (p < 0.001). Worse knowledge was associated with younger age considering both samples (OR= 2.63, 95% CI: 1.63 to 4.26). Most pregnant women reported that they had not been informed or advised about alcohol consumption during pregnancy, but they would like to be advised by their healthcare professionals. After the changes in the national guidelines about alcohol consumption during pregnancy, there were no changes in behavior, attitudes, and knowledge of pregnant women. This would indicate that healthcare specialists should be encouraged to initiate a conversation about alcohol consumption during the first antenatal visit. In 1999, Danish Health Authorities expanded recommendations of abstention to “drink no more than 1 drink/d; do not drink every day.” We interviewed 439 pregnant women in 1998 and 1,418 in 2000. After the changes in recommendations there were no changes in behavior, attitudes and knowledge of pregnant women, who reported that they had not been advised about alcohol consumption. This indicates that health care specialists should be encouraged to initiate conversation about alcohol consumption during the first antenatal visit.

Hollis, C.J, Stickley, C.E., Bijl, P.K., Schiøler, P., Clowes, C.D., Li, X, Campbell, H. March 2017. The age of the Takatika Grit, Chatham Islands, New Zealand. Alcheringa 41, xxx–xxx. ISSN 0311-5518.The oldest Paleogene strata on Chatham Islands, east of New Zealand, are the phosphatized conglomerates and sandstones of the Takatika Grit that crops out on the northeastern coast at Tioriori and unconformably overlies the Chatham Schist. An intact Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary transition is not preserved at this locality. New biostratigraphic analysis of dinoflagellate, diatom and radiolarian microfossil assemblages confirms that the Takatika Grit is of late early–middle Paleocene (New Zealand Teurian stage) age but contains reworked microfossils of early Campanian (Early Haumurian) age. Vertebrate fossils found in this unit are inferred to be a mixture of reworked Cretaceous and in situPaleocene bones and teeth. The overlying Tutuiri Greensand is of middle–late Paleocene age in its lower part and also contains reworked Cretaceous microfossils.Christopher J. Hollis [c.hollis@gns.cri.nz], Chris Clowes [c.clowes@gns.cri.nz], Xun Li [x.li@gns.cri.nz], Hamish Campbell [h.campbell@gns.cri.nz], GNS Science, PO Box 30-368, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand; Catherine Stickley, Evolution Applied Limited, 50 Mitchell Way, Upper Rissington, Cheltenham GL54 2PL, UK [catherine.stickley@gmail.com]; Peter Bijl [p.k.bijl@uu.nl], Marine Palynology and Paleoceanography, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Poul Schiøler [poul.schioler@mgpalaeo.com.au], Morgan Goodall Palaeo, Unit 1/5 Arvida St, Malaga, WA 6090, Australia.

Dengue and chikungunya are mosquito-borne viral diseases of major global health concern. In Tanzania, information on risk factors for dengue and chikungunya is limited. We investigated individual, household, socio-economic, demographic and environmental risk factors for dengue and chikungunya seropositivity.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

AbstractObjective: Development of chronic pain problems in endometriosis is frequent. Until now there has been no alternative treatment offered when medical and surgical treatment has been unhelpful in relieving the pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of a mindfulness-based psychological intervention on chronic pain and quality of life in endometriosis when conducting a six-year follow-up on a pilot study. Materials and methods: In the original study, participants were recruited through Aarhus University Hospital and included ten women with diagnosed endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. The women participated in 10 sessions of mindfulness-based psychological intervention. When contacted after 6 years all ten women agreed to participate in the follow-up study. Quality of life was measured by the endometriosis specific questionnaire EHP-30 and the generic form SF-36. Results: When comparing data from the 12 months follow-up with data from the six year follow-up, results showed no significant differences in mean scores on all scales of the EHP-30 and almost all scales of the SF-36 scale scores. The results indicate lasting improvement on almost all scales of the EHP-30 and the SF-36. Conclusion: Although conclusions remain preliminary until tested in a randomized controlled trial, results presented in this article indicate that mindfulness-based psychological treatment of chronic pain seems very relevant to women with endometriosis with the potential to improve quality of life.

Context:Hepatokines have emerged as liver-derived hormone-like factors. Plasma fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 and follistatin increase with a high glucagon to insulin ratio and exercise, and resting levels are elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Objective:The objective of the study was to investigate the regulatory roles of glucagon to insulin ratio and T2D on exercise-induced FGF21 and follistatin secretion.Design /Interventions:Young healthy males performed a 2-hour bicycle exercise bout followed by 5 hours of rest in supine position with and without a pancreatic clamp blocking the increase in the glucagon to insulin ratio. In addition, we evaluated exercise-induced plasma FGF21 and follistatin in patients with T2D compared with healthy controls in response to 1 hour of bicycle exercise followed by a 3-hour recovery period.Results:In healthy individuals, we observed a 10-fold (P< .002) increase in the glucagon to insulin ratio during exercise, which was abolished by the pancreatic clamp. Exercise with the pancreatic clamp completely blunted the exercise-induced increase in FGF21 (P= .007), whereas the induction of follistatin was approximately 50% reduced (P= .04). Exercise-induced FGF21 secretion was completely absent in patients with T2D, whereas the exercise-induced follistatin increase was impaired.Conclusions/Interpretation:Exercise-induced increases in plasma FGF21 and follistatin are attenuated by the pancreatic clamp, indicating important roles for glucagon and insulin as upstream regulators. For follistatin, an additional regulatory mechanism must exist. Our data further show that exercise-induced FGF21 and follistatin secretion are impaired in patients with T2D. The magnitude of changes in glucagon and insulin or the sensitivity to these hormones seems central in the regulation of FGF21 and follistatin in humans.

In this paper we design a passive fault tolerant controller against actuator faults for discretetime piecewise affine (PWA) systems. By using dissipativity theory and H∞analysis, fault tolerant state feedback controller design is expressed as a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). In the current paper, the PWA system switches not only due to the state but also due to the control input. The method is applied on a large scale livestock ventilation model.

In this paper, we consider the problem of reconfigurability of peicewise affine (PWA) systems. Actuator faults are considered. A system subject to a fault is considered as reconfigurable if it can be stabilized by a state feedback controller and the optimal cost of the performance of the systems is admissible. Sufficient conditions for reconfigurability are derived in terms of feasibility of a set of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). The method is implemented on a large scale livestock hybrid ventilation model which was obtained during previous research.

Analyses of dinoflagellate cysts from marine reptile sites in Marlborough, North Canterbury, North Otago, and on Chatham Island, indicate that the localities range from Early to latest Haumurian (Middle Campanian to Upper Maastrichtian) in age, spanning a period of c. 15 m.y. Sites in the Waipara River area are principally Upper Haumurian and range from the Alterbidinium acutulum Zone to the Manumiella druggii Zone. Sites in the Haumuri Bluff-Ngaroma Station-Cheviot/Jed River area are Lower Haumurian to lower Upper Haumurian and range from the Satyrodinium haumuriense Zone to the Isabelidinium pellucidum Zone. The Shag Point locality is Upper Haumurian (Alterbidinium acutulum Zone), indicating a general correlation with the Waipara localities. The Chatham Island locality is Lower Haumurian (S. haumuriense Zone), indicating a similar age to the oldest Haumuri Bluff sites. Material from two unknown sites appears to be from the Waipara River area, based on the associated dinoflagellate assemblages. Two marine reptile faunas are indicated: a Mid-Campanian to Early Maastrichtian fauna that is replaced by a Late Maastrichtian fauna.

Abstract The process of representing a large data set with a smaller number of vectors in the best possible way, also known as vector quantization, has been intensively studied in the recent years. Very efficient algorithms like the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) and the Linde Buzo Gray (LBG) algorithm have been devised. In this paper a physical approach to the problem is taken, and it is shown that by considering the processing elements as points moving in a potential field an algorithm equally efficient as the before mentioned can be derived. Unlike SOM and LBG this algorithm has a clear physical interpretation and relies on minimization of a well defined cost function. It is also shown how the potential field approach can be linked to information theory by use of the Parzen density estimator. In the light of information theory it becomes clear that minimizing the free energy of the system is in fact equivalent to minimizing a divergence measure between the distribution of the data and the distribution of the processing elements, hence, the algorithm can be seen as a density matching method.

The Late Cretaceous-Paleocene succession exposed on the Tora coast, near the southeastern tip of the North Island, is distinguished by an unusual lithofacies of the Whangai Formation, and by an apparently unique formation, Manurewa Formation, which spans the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary.The Late Cretaceous siliceous Whangai Formation at Tora includes zones of slumps and olistostromes, containing megaclasts of limestone up to 3 m long. The olistostromal deposits suggest steep submarine topography with a high rate of erosion, and imply tectonic activity. The common occurrence of hummocky cross-stratification suggests deposition in shelf depths above storm wave base. The sharply overlying Manurewa Formation is interpreted as the infill of a major shallow channel complex, perhaps >9 km wide and spanning the K/T boundary in time. The older of two channelled units is of latest Cretaceous (latest Haumurian/late Maastrichtian) age, and consists of bioturbated alternating thin sandstone and mudstone with thin conglomerate lenses and limestone beds. It is likely to have been deposited in a low-energy environment, probably deeper than that of the Whangai. The younger channel system, of early Paleocene (early Teurian) age, erodes into the older in the northeast, and into the underlying Whangai Formation in the southwest. Basal deposits consist predominantly of medium to coarse, thick-bedded, glauconitic sandstone, with local low-angle cross-stratification and microflora typical of low salinity conditions, suggesting deposition in shallow shelf depths. These deposits contain olistrostromes with megaclasts up to 1 m long of limestone and rarer dark grey siltstone or very fine sandstone clasts typical of Whangai Formation. The inclusion of megaclasts of Whangai Formation indicates that local emergence and erosion of older strata was occurring. Deposits grade upward into well-sorted bioturbated sandstones of the Awhea Formation, with prominent low-angle cross-stratification, interpreted as very shallow marine, probably nearshore deposits.The channel system represented by the Manurewa Formation records an initial relative sea-level rise, followed by an abrupt sea-level fall at, or close to, the K/T boundary. New Zealand was in a passive margin tectonic setting at the time, but the widespread presence of olistostromes, some including clasts derived from older strata, suggest that local tectonic activity and uplift was occurring. The effects may have been enhanced by a climatic shift in storm tracks and intensity in the latest Cretaceous, which is supported by the evidence of strong wave activity.By contrast, to the south in Marlborough, the K/T boundary succession is commonly characterised by an apparently conformable lithologic change from limestone to chert, although with local hiatus. To the north, in southern Hawke's Bay, the coeval succession is characterised by a disconformity separating greensand from underlying light grey, slightly calcareous mudstone of the Whangai Formation. The Tora sequence may provide the link between two distinctly different lithologic successions.

BackgroundDuring the 1990s, most Western countries officially recommended that pregnant women abstain from alcohol. However, information about the potentially harmful effects of alcohol during pregnancy does not necessarily equate to understanding, and information and knowledge may not be associated with pregnant women's own attitudes toward drinking.

The uppermost Cretaceous in New Zealand is represented by the local Mata Series, composed of the Piripauan and overlying Haumurian Stages. The existing definitions and subdivision of these stages, and the type section at Haumuri Bluff, southeastern Marlborough, are wholly inadequate. To address these problems, three key sections in southeastern Marlborough have been studied in detail: a tributary of Ben More Stream, the headwaters of Kekerengu River, and a railway cutting at the mouth of Conway River. All three sections have yielded rich palynomorph assemblages and the first two contain inoceramid bivalves and foraminiferal faunas. In addition, magnetostratigraphic data have been obtained from the Ben More Stream section.We propose to revise the Piripauan and Haumurian Stages from new boundary stratotypes in the Ben More Stream section. The Piripauan is defined at the lowest occurrence of the inoceramid /. pacificus. The base of the Haumurian Stage is defined at the lowest occurrence of the dinoflagellate Nelsoniella aceras. In addition, we propose to subdivide the Haumurian into formal Lower and Upper substages; the base of the Upper Haumurian is defined at the lowest occurrence of the dinoflagellate Isabelidinium pellucidum in a boundary stratotype in the Conway River railway cutting. These boundary criteria can be correlated widely within New Zealand across a broad range of marine facies. The Piripauan contains two inoceramid and three dinoflagellate zones. The Haumurian contains six dinoflagellate zones and five subzones. Based on biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic data, the Piripauan/Haumurian boundary is correlated with the C34-C33 magnetochron boundary and with the middle-upper Santonian boundary. The Piripauan and Haumurian Stages thus have durations of c. 1.7 and 19.5 m.y., respectively.In terms of content, these revisions largely preserve the stages as used previously in New Zealand and require no significant changes to existing geological maps.

Objectives.Changes in serial tumor marker results during monitoring of patients with ovarian cancer are due not only to deterioration or amelioration of the patient's condition, but also to preanalytical sources of variation (CPP), total random analytical error, and within-subject normal biological variation. The aim of the study was to assess (i) the analytical imprecision (CVA) and the average inherent intra- and interindividual biological variation (CVTIand CVG, respectively) for CA 125, CEA, and TPA in a group of healthy women; (ii) the significance of changes in serial results of each marker; and (iii) the index of individuality.

Palynological analysis of two sections at Haumuri Bluff and Conway River (southern Marlborough, New Zealand), and three sections in the Waipara area (northern Canterbury, New Zealand), of Piripauan-Haumurian age (Late Cretaceous), shows that: (1) in southern Marlborough the Okarahia Sandstone was deposited in a marginal marine nearshore environment, and the overlying Tarapuhi Grit, Conway Siltstone and Claverley Sandstone were deposited in open marine environments with considerable influx of terrestrial organic material; (2) in northern Canterbury the Broken River Formation is mainly non-marine, with minor marine incursions indicated by the low diversity dinoflagellate assemblages; the overlying Conway Siltstone was deposited in a marginal marine, nearshore environment. A qualitative analysis of the dinoflagellate assemblages shows that in the type section for the Piripauan and Haumurian stages (Haumuri Bluff, southern Marlborough), the Piripauan Okarahia Sandstone is of late Coniacian to early Santonian age, and the Haumurian Tarapuhi Grit is of early to mid Campanian age. Hence, the Piripauan Stage stratotype and the base of the Haumurian Stage stratotype are separated by an unconformity encompassing the mid-upper Santonian. In southern Marlborough, the Haumurian Conway Siltstone and the lower part of the Claverley Sandstone together span the Campanian. In northern Canterbury, the Haumurian Broken River Formation is of mid to late Campanian age; the base of the overlying Conway Siltstone is here of late Campanian to early Maastrichtian age; the top of the Conway Siltstone is of latest early to late Maastrichtian age. The following succession of dinoflagellate zones is recognised in the sections: Conosphaeridium abbreviatumInterval Zone (late Coniacian-early Santonian), Odontochitina poriferaInterval Zone (early Santonian), Satyrodinium haumurienseInterval Zone (early to mid Campanian), Isabelidinium korojonenseInterval Zone (new definition) (mid-late Campanian), I. pellucidumInterval Zone (mid-late Campanian), Alterbidinium acutulumInterval Zone (late Campanian-early Maastrichtian) and Manumiella druggiiZone (latest early to late Maastrichtian). The S. haumurienseInterval Zone is subdivided into three subzones: Trithyrodinium suspectumInterval Subzone,Vozzhennikovia spinulosaInterval Subzone and Canninginopsis bretonicaInterval Subzone. The A. acutulumInterval Zone is subdivided into two subzones: Cerodinium diebeliiInterval Subzone and Palaeocystodinium granulatumInterval Subzone. Four new dinoflagellate species are described: Alterbidinium longicornutumsp. nov.,Batiacasphaera grandissp. nov., Diconodinium vitricornusp. nov., and Isabelidinium brunaesp. nov.

The upper Maastrichtian strata in ENCI Quarry contain rich assemblages of marine palynomorphs, especially dinoflagellate cysts. A quantitative study shows that a marked change from dinoflagellate-dominated assemblages to assemblages dominated by the acritarch genus Paralecaniella occurs at the base of the Lanaye Member, indicating a change from open marine to marginal marine conditions. A sequence stratigraphic breakdown into systems tracts based on an interpretation of the changes in the palynological assemblages and lithology suggests the presence of parts of four sedimentary cycles in the ENCI section. Three of the cycles may be correlated with the third-order cycles UZA 4.5, TA 1.1 and TA 1.2 of Haq et al. (1988), the fourth cycle is probably of higher order. Three dinoflagellate cysts are new: Laciniadinium? aquiloniforme Schiøler et al., sp. nov., Leberidocysta? verrucosa Schiøler et al., sp. nov. and Pulchrasphaera minuscula Schiøler et al., gen. et sp. nov. The description of Rottnestia wetzelii is emended and the new combination Cribroperidinium wilsonii (Slimani) Schiøler et al., comb. nov. is proposed. The Triblastula utinensis Zone, Isabelidinium cooksoniae Zone and the Palynodinium grallator Zone with its two subzones, Tanyosphaeridium magdalium Subzone and Thalassiphora pelagica Subzone can be recognized in the ENCI section.

A longitudinal study of 48 postpartum women showed that during the first 6 months the daily frequency of infant feedings remained between six and seven. The lower threshold of the ratio breast-feedings/supplementary feedings that sustained both hyperprolactinemia and anovulation was 4.5/1. The duration and the 24-hour distribution, but not the intensity, of breast-feedings were significantly altered during prolonged lactation and when supplementary feeding was used. However, neither differences in the levels of prolactin (PRL) nor gonadal status could be correlated with qualitative differences in the breast-feeding pattern. Postpartum maternal body weight was not related to serum PRL, gonadotropins, or resumption of ovulation, but mothers who smoked cigarettes had significantly lower serum levels of PRL during the third and fourth months, and weaned their babies earlier, than did mothers who were nonsmokers. Our data showed that minor quantitative differences in the feeding pattern have a significant impact on the pituitary-gonadal axis, and that the decline in the levels of PRL during continued lactation is due mainly to a decreased frequency of breast-feeding but may be due also to a shorter duration and more heterogeneous 24-hour distribution of nursings but not to a reduced intensity of sucking.

Antallet af medlemmer i selskabet er i 1976 vokset fra 529 til 539. I voksen-psykiatrisk sektion er 5 medlemmer afgået ved døden, 6 medlemmer har udmeldt sig, og 16 medlemmer er kommet til (heraf 1 overgået fra børnepsykiatrisk sektion). Herefter har sektionen 459 medlemmer. Børnepsykiatrisk sektion: I medlem er overgået til voksenpsykiatrisk sektion, 5 nye medlemmer er kommet til. Herefter har sektionen 74 medlemmer. Korresponderende medlemmer: 1 medlem er kommet til: Dr. André Baert (Medical Officer for Mental Health på WHO's regionalkontor i København).

The effect of oral metoclopramide 10 mg three times daily during the follicular and periovulatory period on Prl, LH, FSH, oestradiol and progesterone was determined in 6 regularly menstruating women. During a control cycle and a treatment cycle the gonadotrophic response was measured after 1 mg oestradiol benzoate given im on the 8th day and after LRH 25 μg iv on the 8th and 11th day of the menstrual cycle. Prl, LH and FSH were also measured in 7 post-menopausal women either during short-term or long-term treatment with metoclopramide. Compared to a control cycle metoclopramide significantly (P< 0.01) increased serum Prl, but a sustained hyperprolactinaemia was not obtained in 2 women. Treatment significantly (P< 0.02) increased the LH and FSH responses to LRH and augmented the negative feedback of oestradiol on both LH and FSH (P< 0.05). A major gonadotrophin surge occurred in those 2 women where a sustained hyperprolactinaemia was not achieved. Oestradiol benzoate caused a significant increase of the LH (P< 0.01) and FSH (P< 0.05) responses to LRH after 72 h during the control cycle, but failed to increase either LH or FSH responses significantly during treatment. Short-term hyperprolactinaemia in post-menopausal women was not associated with any consistent alteration in either LH or FSH levels or pulsatility, but chronic treatment resulted in a significant reduction in serum FSH (P< 0.02), without any alteration in LH levels or pulsatility. LH and FSH responses to LRH increased in all. There was no effect on serum DHAs, urinary androgens or follicular phase serum progesterone levels.These data show that moderate drug induced moderate hyperprolactinaemia is associated with an increased responsiveness of both LH and FSH to LRH, and has a more pronounced effect on the negative feedback compared to the positive feedback of oestradiol on gonadotrophin secretion. It is suggested that hypersecretion of Prl impairs periodic LH release, mainly through an altered feedback mechanism, but also has a direct inhibitory effect on FSH secretion.

A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was carried out to compare purified urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) for ovarian stimulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Twelve patients were stimulated with FSH and hMG in three alternate cycles. FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate, free and total testosterone, Δ5-androstenedione, sex hormone binding globulin, and ovarian volume were monitored during the stimulation. There was no difference between the dose of FSH and hMG necessary to induce preovulatory follicles in the individual patients. The mean increase of ovarian volume during stimulation with FSH and hMG was 120% and 129% respectively (no significant difference). Two patients became pregnant in the first cycle. Two other patients had delayed bleeding and positive serum-human chorionic gonadotropin. No significant difference was found in the endocrine changes during the two different stimulation methods. The LH/FSH ratio was normalized after a few days of treatment regardless of the type of stimulation. The size of the material does not permit a comparison of the efficacy of the two treatment schedules. Our clinical and ultrasonic observations do not support the theory that treatment of infertility in PCOS with FSH is more safe than with hMG.

The Maastrichtian chalks of Denmark and the Danish North Sea contain a new gonyaulacoid dinoflagellate cyst, Glaphyrosphaera glabra gen. et sp. nov. The new genus is holocavate and laterally compressed with precingular archeopyle, type P (3'') and is unique in having a funnelshaped process which connects the peri-and endophragm in the sulcal areas. The new genus is currently monotypic and restricted to the Maastrichtian Stage.

Elevated levels of alpha-1-fetoprotein (AFP) were found in the amniotic fluid of a 36-year-old woman in the 15th week of gestation. Because of this and the results of repeated ultrasonography, abortion was induced. An anencephalic fetus with trisomy 18 was delivered. The possible correlation among neural-tube defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and level of AFP is discussed.

Serial measurements of serum prolactin (PRL), chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estradiol and progesterone were performed during 16 normal pregnancies. The same hormone analyses were performed in a woman with the galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome and a pituitary adenoma during two pregnancies, with and without continued treatment with bromocriptine throughout gestation. The study indicates that marked differences in circulating PRL levels do not influence the fetoplacental hormone levels. Furthermore, tumor expansion may possibly be prevented and successful breast-feeding can be achieved after treatment with bromocriptine throughout gestation.

The problem of parameter identification by Bayes point estimation using neural networks is investigated. The network creates an estimate of the underlying distribution function of a measured data sequence, which by network recurrency is utilized for obtaining the Bayes estimate. The neural estimate is proven to be consistent on a mild basis of assumptions concerning the data generating process. Therefore the network is expected to be applicable to parameter identification within a broad class of practical problems. The network is characterized by very fast training, which is believed to make it especially useful where real time operation is required.

The predictive value of the ratio of hPL concentrations in amniotic fluid/maternal serum has been investigated in 24 complicated pregnancies. A correct prediction of the fetal outcome with respect to low birth weight and/or dysmaturity was found in 75 per cent of the pregnancies compared to 67 per cent for total estriol in serum. Serum hPL alone did not seem to have a satisfactory predictive value in this small study.

The paper presents a novel method for establishing worst case estimates of queue lengths and transmission delays in networks of interconnected segments each of ring topology as defined by the ATOMOS project for marine automation. A non probabilistic model for describing traffic is introduced as well as theoretical work verifying the correctness of an iterative algorithm estimating worst case queue lengths and in turn transmission delays.

This paper gives an overview of ongoing EU-founded project within the area of developing and standardization of communication standards for safe critical communication standards for integrated ship control, namely ATOMOS I/II and DISC I/II.

EEG and thyroid function tests have been studied in 32 hyperthyroid patients before, during and after antithyroid treatment. EEG abnormalities such as increase in alpha rhythm, slow rhythms, spikes and sharp waves and fast activity were found in 81% of the patients before treatment. A statistically significant correlation was found between the degree of EEG abnormalities and the severity of hyperthyroidism. During treatment and the period of observation which was extended to an average of 2½ year, a slight decrease in the occurrence of all abnormalities was observed, but even in the period 24–36 months after the start of the therapy, 65% of the patients still had abnormal EEG's. These persistent abnormalities in EEG suggest that hyperthyroidism might cause irreversible damage to the brain cells. It should be realized that hyperthyroidism may be the cause of considerable EEG abnormalities however not only in the acute state of the disease but also several years after an otherwise successful antithyroid treatment.

Two cases of unilateral occlusion of the common iliac artery are presented. In both patients the ordinary short collaterals from the lower abdominal aorta were insufficient, and in their place long channels from the internal mammary (Case 1) and superior mesenteric artery (Case 2) had developed.The condition must be rare, but it is important to realise that such long collaterals may exist in cases in which ordinary aortography does not reveal any collaterals.

In the 36th week of pregnancy, levels of serum prolactin (PRL) (p <0.01) and estriol (p <0.05) were significantly lower in 101 consecutive women smoking 10 cigarettes or more per day, compared with a control group of 104 non-smoking pregnant women. Cord serum PRL was not related to maternal smoking habits, whereas estriol was significantly (p <0.05) lower in the infants of smokers, compared with the control group. The lower PRL levels in cigarette-smoking pregnant women may be due either to a direct effect of nicotine or secondary to lower estrogen levels, and the finding may be of clinical importance in relation to lactation.

Measurement of α1-fetoprotein by rocket im-muno-electrophoresis in cord serum from a consecutive series of 422 newborn infants showed a negative correlation with gestational age. the coefficient of correlation was ÷0.70 for girls and ÷0.74 for boys. For a given α1-fetoprotein concentration in cord blood the confidence limits for prediction of gestational age for both sexes were calculated to ±24 days. It is concluded that determination of α1-fetoprotein in cord serum is of limited help in the evaluation of maturity.

AbstractA controlled study was performed to evaluate the incidence of gall bladder and biliary duct disease in chronic typhoid and paratyphoid carriers. Eight chronic carriers were compared with a comparable group of control persons who had previously had acute typhoid or paratyphoid fever without developing a chronic carrier state. By combined surgical and radiological evaluation biliary calculi were detected in 88 of the carrier group and in 11 in the control group. This difference is statistically significant (P>0.02). No difference in biliary function was found between the two groups.

Reedtz-Runge: Novo Nordisk A/S: Employment. Weldingh:Novo Nordisk A/S: Employment. Schiøler Schultz:Novo Nordisk A/S: Employment. Holm Millner:Novo Nordisk A/S: Employment. Rode:Novo Nordisk A/S: Employment. Wiinberg:Novo Nordisk A/S: Employment. Kjelgaard-Hansen:Novo Nordisk A/S: Employment.

Introduction

Schiøler, P. & Wilson, G. J.: Glaphyrosphaera, a new synonym of Wilsonisphaera (Dinophyceae, Gonyaulacales). – Taxon 44: 511‐512. 1995. – ISSN 0040‐0262. GlaphyrosphaeraSchiøler & G. J. Wilson 1994 and G. glabraSchiøler & G. J. Wilson 1994 are considered junior synonyms of, respectively, WilsonisphaeraSlimani 1994 and W. petila(Corradini) Slimani 1994.

ObjectiveTo assess the mental health of children born after fertility treatment by comparing their risk of mental disorders with that of spontaneously conceived children. DesignProspective register based cohort study. SettingNationwide register based information from Danish National Health Registers cross linked by a unique personal identification number assigned to all citizens in Denmark.ParticipantsAll children born in Denmark in 1995-2003 with follow-up in 2012 when the children were aged 8-17; 33 139 children were conceived after fertility treatment and 555 828 children were born after spontaneous conception. Main outcome measuresAbsolute risks and hazard ratios for overall and specific mental disorders estimated with adjustment for potential confounding variables. Estimated association between the risk of mental disorders and subtypes of procedures, hormone treatments, gamete types, and cause of infertility.ResultsThe risk of mental disorders in children born after in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection was low, and was no higher than in spontaneously conceived children, except for a borderline significant increased risk of tic disorders (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.95; absolute risk 0.3%). In contrast, children born after ovulation induction with or without insemination had low but significantly increased risks of any mental disorder (1.20, 1.11 to 1.31; absolute risk 4.1%), autism spectrum disorders (1.20, 1.05 to 1.37; 1.5%), hyperkinetic disorders (1.23, 1.08 to 1.40; 1.7%), conduct, emotional, or social disorder (1.21, 1.02 to 1.45; 0.8%), and tic disorders (1.51, 1.16 to 1.96; 0.4%). There was no risk systematically related to any specific type of hormone drug treatment.ConclusionsThere was a small increase in the incidence of mental disorders in children born after ovulation induction/intrauterine insemination. Children born after in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection were found to have overall risk comparable with children conceived spontaneously.

26 patients treated in infancy with Bird Ventilator Mark 8 and 10 for IRDS and who have now reached 5 to 7,1/2 years of age, have been followed up together with regard to sex, season of birth, gestational age /or birth weight/ and parental social class. 3 more survivors with former IRDS were incompletely investigated /2/ or lost to follow up /1/. The IRDS group scored insignificantly lower than the controls in the WPPSI/WISC test /102,4 versus 109,6/. Significant handicaps possibly related to anoxi were found among 9 former IRDS patients /cerebral palsy and IQ 84 /1/, hydrocephalus and IQ 72 /1/, IQ scores below 85 /3/, epilepsy /1/ and speech retardation /3/ and among 2 controls /bilateral hearing loss /2/ one with IQ below 85/. 2 former IRDS patients had tracheostomies performed during their first year of life due to subglottic stenosis. The normal airway passage could be restored after 9 and 17 months respectively. 11 cases had at least one pneumonia against 2 in the control group /p 0,01/ but mainly during their first 2 years of life. The occurence of pneumonias in the IRDS group were positively correlated to the length of the ventilator treatment.