Roman glass with special reference to material from North Britain

This work is divided into three Sections. The first considers the ancient glass industry as a whole; the second limits the subject historically to the Roman period; in the third the subject is further limited geographically to Roman Glass from North Britain. The opening section considers the ancient glass industry, its origins and history in pre-Roman and Roman times, and the technology of ancient glass, its compositions, manufacture, colour, and the different methods by which vessels were produced. The second Section specifically concerns Roman glass. It begins with an account of possible glass-producing centres in Roman Britain, notably Wilderspool, Caistor by Norwich, Colchester and Mancetter. There follows a consideration of sites in Egypt, Europe and Britain where Roman glass has been found, together with their relative importance and a discussion of published works on Roman glass. The archaeological approach to the dating of glass by examination of the stratification and history of the sites on which examples have been found is also described. In the third Section, 35 types of glass vessels found in North Britain are described in seven basic groups: unguentaria, flasks, flagons, bottles, jars, beakers, bowls and plates, following the progression from narrow vessels to broad. In each case a description of the type is given; the possible place of manufacture; North British examples; and parallels from elsewhere. Finally dating evidence is given, and a date based on this is suggested for each type. Interspersed between the types are four short notes on techniques used to decorate vessels. This section is illustrated by nine pages of Figures. There are three appendices. Two consider snakethread glass and the weathering of glass. The third is a report on the Roman glass found recently at Malton

Beware the painful nerve palsy; neurostenalgia, a diagnosis not to be missed

We present a case of painful radial nerve palsy following application of a humeral lengthening frame. At re-operation, the radial nerve was found to be compressed against a distal pin. This was re-sited providing immediate pain relief and a gradual resolution of the radial nerve palsy. Pain in association with a nerve palsy should alert the clinician to the possibility of nerve compression that may benefit from urgent decompression

Exploring general practitioners' experience of informing women about prenatal screening tests for foetal abnormalities: A qualitative focus group study

Background: Recent developments have made screening tests for foetal abnormalities available earlier in pregnancy and women have a range of testing options accessible to them. It is now recommended that all women, regardless of their age, are provided with information on prenatal screening tests. General Practitioners (GPs) are often the first health professionals a woman consults in pregnancy. As such, GPs are well positioned to inform women of the increasing range of prenatal screening tests available. The aim of this study was to explore GPs experience of informing women of prenatal genetic screening tests for foetal abnormality.Methods: A qualitative study consisting of four focus groups was conducted in metropolitan and rural Victoria, Australia. A discussion guide was used and the audio-taped transcripts were independently codedby two researchers using thematic analysis. Multiple coders and analysts and informant feedback were employed to reduce the potential for researcher bias and increase the validity of the findings.Results: Six themes were identified and classified as \u27intrinsic\u27 if they occurred within the context of the consultation or \u27extrinsic\u27 if they consisted of elements that impacted on the GP beyond the scope of theconsultation. The three intrinsic themes were the way GPs explained the limitations of screening, the extent to which GPs provided information selectively and the time pressures at play. The three extrinsicfactors were GPs\u27 attitudes and values towards screening, the conflict they experienced in offering screening information and the sense of powerlessness within the screening test process and the healthcare system generally. Extrinsic themes reveal GPs\u27 attitudes and values to screening and to disability, as well as raising questions about the fundamental premise of testing.Conclusion: The increasing availability and utilisation of screening tests, in particular first trimester tests,has expanded GPs\u27 role in facilitating women\u27s informed decision-making. Recognition of the importanceof providing this complex information warrants longer consultations to respond to the time pressures that GPs experience. Understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact on GPs may serve to shapeeducational resources to be more appropriate, relevant and supportive.<br /

The molybdenum isotopic compositions of I-, S- and A- type granitic suites

JY is funded by a Clarendon Scholarship and a Dr Bill Willetts Scholarship from the University of Oxford. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) / ERC grant agreement No. 247422. This work has also supported by Science & Technology Facilities Council.This study reports Mo isotopic compositions for fifty-two Palaeozoic granitic rocks with contrasting source affinities (A-, I- and S-type) from the Lachlan Fold Belt (LFB) and the New England Batholith (NEB), both in SE Australia, and three compositionally zoned plutons (Loch Doon, Criffell, and Fleet) located in the South Uplands of Scotland. The results show relatively large variations in δ98Mo for igneous rocks ranging from -1.73‰ to 0.59‰ with significant overlaps between different types. No relationships between δ98Mo and δ18O or ASI (Alumina Saturation Index) are observed, indicating that Mo isotopes do not clearly distinguish igneous versus sedimentary source types. Instead, effects of igneous processes, source mixing, regional geology, as well as hydrothermal activity control the Mo isotope compositions in these granites. It is found that Mo is mainly accommodated in biotite and to a lesser extent in hornblende. Hornblende and Fe3+-rich minerals may preferentially incorporate light isotopes, as reflected by negative correlations between δ98Mo and K/Rb and [Fe2O3]. There is a positive correlation between initial 87Sr/86Sr and δ98Mo in I-type granitic rocks, reflecting the admixing of material from isotopically distinct sources. Granitic rocks from Scotland and Australia display strikingly similar curvilinear trends in δ98Mo vs. initial 87Sr/86Sr despite the differing regional geology. Localized hydrothermal effects on Mo isotopes in three samples from Loch Doon and Criffell can result in anomalously low δ98Mo of < -1‰. Based on this study, an estimate of δ98Mo = 0.14±0.07‰ (95% s.e.) for the Phanerozoic upper crust is proposed. This is slightly heavier than basalts indicating an isotopically light lower crust and / or a systematic change to the crust resulting from subduction of isotopically light dehydrated slab and / or pelagic sediment over time.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

A multi-centre, prospective, randomised controlled feasibility study of plantar resistance exercise therapy for venous leg ulcers: results of the PREVUE study

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of an interventional study involving a seated plantar resistance exercise programme, using a StepIt pedal, aimed at promotion of venous leg ulcer healing. Methods: Thirty-two venous leg ulcer patients, recruited from community, GP and hospital settings, were randomised to either a standard care or adjuvant StepIt exercise programme arm for up to 12 weeks. The exercise involved a twice daily routine of 10 times 1 min of exercise, i.e. 2 s push and 2 s lift repetitions (equating to 300 daily ‘steps’). Results: Complete healing of the venous leg ulcers was observed in 10 out of 15 (67%; StepIt cohort) and 7 out of 17 (41%; control cohort), respectively (p-value 0.18, Fisher’s exact test). Baseline differences between the two cohorts were longer wound chronicity, less venous leg ulcer-related pain and better venous leg ulcer-related quality of life in the StepIt cohort. One adverse event, involving increased wound exudate and slough production, was observed in a participant using StepIt, and no study withdrawals were recorded in either arm. StepIt users whose wound had completely healed by week 12 were more likely to be compliant with the exercise programme (self-reported) and more positive about the trial experience; however, all would recommend the device to others. Conclusions: Seated plantar resistance exercise shows promise and may accelerate venous leg ulcer wound healing. The StepIt pedal is well-received by patients, and its efficacy may depend on the degree of patient compliance with the exercise programme. Further larger scale studies are indicated to allow more concrete inferences to be made on the clinical and potential health economics impact that this device may have

The realtionship between common patterns of prenatal alcohol exposure and the neurodevelopment of two-year old children

Background: Around 60% of women drink some alcohol while pregnant. There is conflicting evidence on the effect on the fetus of common patterns of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) e.g. low level or sporadic drinking. Guidelines recommend abstinence as the safest option, creating problems for those advising women who drink at these levels before pregnancy recognition or beyond. The Asking QUestions about Alcohol (AQUA) study aimed to accurately measure PAE and account for important cofactors, to reduce uncertainty about child outcomes. Method: Detailed data on PAE were prospectively collected in a pre-birth cohort of over 1500 mother/child dyads. There was also extensive data collection of predictors of child development at one and two-year's post-partum. A sub-group of children was followed up at two years of age with a neurodevelopmental assessment (Bayley III). Two-step multivariable regression analyses of an effect of PAE accounted for independent risk factors that related to 1) pregnancy, including sociodemographic, psychologic and lifestyle variables such as diet and supplement use, and 2) the postnatal care-giving environment, including breastfeeding and maternal psychological wellbeing. Results: Adjustment for independent risk factors ameliorated any putative associations between PAE and cognitive, language and motor development in 554 two year-old children spread evenly across six PAE groups. Conclusions: Assessing neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with PAE is strongly influenced by other modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Although we found no adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of age, follow-up will be necessary in these children when complex higher-level cognitive, language and motor skills are required

Heterogeneous nickel isotopic compositions in the terrestrial mantle – Part 1: Ultramafic lithologies

High precision nickel stable isotopic compositions (δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni) are reported for 22 peridotite xenoliths from the USA (Kilbourne Hole, New Mexico), Tanzania, and Cameroon. For a subset of these, δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni is also reported for their constituent mineral separates (olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and spinel). Bulk peridotites show significant heterogeneity in Ni isotopic composition, ranging from +0.02‰ to +0.26‰. Unmetasomatised fertile peridotites from three localities, define an average δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni of +0.19±0.09‰ (n = 18). This value is comparable to previous estimates for the δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni of the bulk silicate earth (BSE), but is unlikely to be representative, given observed heterogeneity, presented here and elsewhere. Samples with reaction rims and interstitial glass (interpreted as petrographic indications of minor metasomatism) were excluded from this average; their Ni isotopic compositions extend to lighter values, spanning nearly the entire range observed in peridotite worldwide. Dunites (n = 2) are lighter in δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni than lherzolites and harzburgites from the same location, and pyroxenites (n = 5) range from +0.16‰ to as light as −0.38‰. The δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni in the Kilbourne Hole xenoliths correlate negatively with bulk-rock Fe concentration and positively with ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd, providing evidence that light δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni is associated with mantle fertility and enrichment. The trend between δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni and Fe concentration in bulk rocks appears to be global, replicated across the peridotites in this work from other localities, and in literature data. The inter-mineral fractionations are small; the maximum difference between heaviest and lightest phase is 0.12‰. This provides evidence that bulk rock δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Nii variation does not result from differences in modal mineralogy, fractional crystallization or degrees of partial melting. The δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni fractionation appears to be an equilibrium effect and usually is in the decreasing order spinel > olivine = orthopyroxene > clinopyroxene. However, the fractionation between clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene varies in magnitude and sign, and is correlated with pyroxene Si/Fe positively, and Fe/Mg negatively. The magnitude of inter-pyroxene fractionation also correlates with other pyroxene compositional ratios (e.g. La/Sm_clinopyroxene); as well as bulk rock δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni, and [U]. These data provide evidence that Ni isotopes fractionate at the bulk rock and mineral scale in response to mantle enrichment processes, possibly related to recycling of isotopically light subducted components

Heterogeneous nickel isotope compositions of the terrestrial mantle – Part 2: Mafic lithologies

We report stable Ni isotope compositions (δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni, relative to SRM986) for mafic lavas with a range of -0.16 ‰ to +0.20 ‰ (n=44), similar to that of peridotite samples. Ocean island basalts (OIB) have been analysed from Iceland (n=6), the Azores (n=3), the Galápagos Islands (n=2), and Lōʻihi, Hawaii (n=1). Samples from Iceland (average δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni = +0.13±0.16‰, 2s, n=7) display the greatest range in Ni isotope compositions from a single OIB location in this work, of +0.01 ‰ to +0.23 ‰. Samples from the Azores (average δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni = -0.10±0.10 ‰, 2s) and Galápagos (average δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni = -0.01±0.04 ‰, 2s) are generally isotopically lighter. The single Lōʻihi sample has a δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni of +0.17 ‰. The lightest analysed bulk rock δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni in this work, -0.16 ‰, is from the Azores island, Pico. Enriched mid ocean ridge basalts (E-MORB), which have (La/Sm)_N>1, are isotopically lighter than normal type MORB (N-MORB), as shown by data from the Mid Atlantic Ridge (n=9) and East Pacific Rise (n=3). All E-MORB average δ60/58Ni = +0.00±0.06 ‰ (2s, n=7), whereas N-MORB average δ60/58Ni = +0.14±0.10 ‰ (2s, n=5). A suite of 15 mafic samples from the Cameroon Line, comprising lithologies ranging from nephelinites to hypersthene-normative basalts, have Ni isotope compositions that are identical within analytical uncertainty (average δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni = +0.08±0.06 ‰, 2s). Similarly, MORB samples display no relationship between δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni and geochemical indicators of degree of partial melting or fractional crystallisation. Host lavas for two previously analysed ultramafic xenolith suites have δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni identical to the average δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni of their respective xenolith suites. This is consistent with previously published evidence from peridotites and komatiites that Ni isotopes are not greatly fractionated by melting. Therefore, mafic rocks may preserve the δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni of their mantle source. Sampling a greater volume of mantle, their average Ni isotope composition +0.07±0.17 ‰ (2s, n=44) may also be a better representation of the Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE), than estimates based purely on peridotites. The δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni of MORB co-varies with La/Sm, Rb/Sr, europium anomaly (Eu/Eu*), and K₂O/(K₂O+Na₂O). The relationships between these parameters and δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni are consistent with mixing between two model endmembers. One could be depleted MORB or depleted MORB mantle (DMM) with a relatively heavy Ni isotope composition; the other a more enriched endmember that has isotopically lighter δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni. The link between lighter δ⁶⁰/⁵⁸Ni and enriched lithologies in the mantle is further supported by published evidence of light Ni isotope compositions associated with some pyroxenite xenoliths. However, the curvature of the apparent mixing arrays defined by basalts is hard to reconcile with admixing of geochemically enriched but isotopically fractionated oceanic crustal lithologies. High [Ni] enriched magmas such as kimberlites may be a closer match to the enriched endmember. However, this needs further study

Health behaviour modelling for prenatal diagnosis in Australia: a geodemographic framework for health service utilisation and policy development

BACKGROUND: Despite the wide availability of prenatal screening and diagnosis, a number of studies have reported no decrease in the rate of babies born with Down syndrome. The objective of this study was to investigate the geodemographic characteristics of women who have prenatal diagnosis in Victoria, Australia, by applying a novel consumer behaviour modelling technique in the analysis of health data. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of data on all prenatal diagnostic tests, births (1998 and 2002) and births of babies with Down syndrome (1998 to 2002) was undertaken using a Geographic Information System and socioeconomic lifestyle segmentation classifications. RESULTS: Most metropolitan women in Victoria have average or above State average levels of uptake of prenatal diagnosis. Inner city women residing in high socioeconomic lifestyle segments who have high rates of prenatal diagnosis spend 20% more on specialist physician's fees when compared to those whose rates are average. Rates of prenatal diagnosis are generally low amongst women in rural Victoria, with the lowest rates observed in farming districts. Reasons for this are likely to be a combination of lack of access to services (remoteness) and individual opportunity (lack of transportation, low levels of support and income). However, there are additional reasons for low uptake rates in farming areas that could not be explained by the behaviour modelling. These may relate to women's attitudes and choices. CONCLUSION: A lack of statewide geodemographic consistency in uptake of prenatal diagnosis implies that there is a need to target health professionals and pregnant women in specific areas to ensure there is increased equity of access to services and that all pregnant women can make informed choices that are best for them. Equally as important is appropriate health service provision for families of children with Down syndrome. Our findings show that these potential interventions are particularly relevant in rural areas. Classifying data to lifestyle segments allowed for practical comparisons of the geodemographic characteristics of women having prenatal diagnosis in Australia at a population level. This methodology may in future be a feasible and cost-effective tool for service planners and policy developers