First Experimental Characterization of Microwave Emission from Cosmic Ray Air Showers.

We report the first direct measurement of the overall characteristics of microwave radio emission from extensive air showers. Using a trigger provided by the KASCADE-Grande air shower array, the signals of the microwave antennas of the Cosmic-Ray Observation via Microwave Emission experiment have been read out and searched for signatures of radio emission by high-energy air showers in the GHz frequency range. Microwave signals have been detected for more than 30 showers with energies above 3×10^{16} eV. The observations presented in this Letter are consistent with a mainly forward-directed and polarized emission process in the GHz frequency range. The measurements show that microwave radiation offers a new means of studying air showers at E≥10^{17} eV.

An anatomical investigation of rare upper limb neuropathies due to the Struthers' ligament or arcade: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Struthers' ligament (SL) is a fibrous band that originates fromthe supracondylar humeral process and inserts into the medial humeral epicondyle, potentially compressing both the median nerve and brachial artery. The controversial Struthers' arcade (SA) is a musculotendinous band found in the distal end of the arm that might compress the ulnar nerve. This study aimed to evaluate the pooled prevalence estimate of the SL and SA, and their anatomical features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meticulous search of major electronic medical databases was carried out regarding both structures. Applicable articles (and all relevant references) were analysed. Data from the eligible articles was extracted and evaluated. The quality and the potential risk of bias in the included studies were assessed using the AQUA tool. RESULTS: The arcade was reported in 13 studies (510 arms), whereas the ligament in 6 studies (513 arms). The overall pooled prevalence estimate of the ligament was 1.8%, and 52.6% for the arcade. Most frequently, the ulnar nerve was covered by a tendinous arcade (42.2%). In all cases, the ligament inserted into the medial humeral epicondyle, but had various origins. Only 1 study reported compression of the median nerve by the ligament, whilst another contradicted this view. CONCLUSIONS: Although the SL is rare, and the SA is a valid anatomical entity (though with a variable presentation), clinically meaningful neurovascular entrapments caused by these structures are infrequent. Nonetheless, a better understanding of each may be beneficial for the best patient outcomes.

Erratum: The Achilles tendon and the retrocalcaneal bursa: An anatomical and radiological study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67.BJR-2016-0340.R1.].

The Achilles tendon and the retrocalcaneal bursa: An anatomical and radiological study.

OBJECTIVES: Inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa (RB) is a common clinical problem, particularly in professional athletes. RB inflammation is often treated with corticosteroid injections however a number of reports suggest an increased risk of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture. The aim of this cadaveric study was to describe the anatomical connections of the RB and to investigate whether it is possible for fluid to move from the RB into AT tissue. METHODS: A total of 20 fresh-frozen AT specimens were used. In ten specimens, ink was injected into the RB. The remaining ten specimens were split into two groups to be injected with radiological contrast medium into the RB either with or without ultrasonography guidance (USG). RESULTS: In specimens injected with ink, diffusion outside the RB was observed with staining of the anterior portion of the AT. In eight contrast-injected specimens (five USG, three non-USG), a similar localised diffusion pattern was observed, with the contrast identified superiorly and anteriorly. In two contrast-injected specimens (non-USG), the diffusion pattern was more extensive. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the existence of connections between the RB and the AT, especially rich in the anteroinferior portion of the tendon, which should be considered a weak zone for substances injected into the RB. We hypothesise that this part of the AT might be most vulnerable to rupture after corticosteroid injections.Cite this article: P. A. Pekala, B. M. Henry, J. R. Pekala, K. Piska, K. A. Tomaszewski. The Achilles tendon and the retrocalcaneal bursa: An anatomical and radiological study. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:446-451. DOI:10.1302/2046-3758.67.BJR-2016-0340.R1.

Central nervous system extraosseous Ewing sarcoma: radiologic manifestations of this newly defined pathologic entity.

Although these entities are histologically similar, recent advances in molecular genetics have allowed the distinction of central nervous system extraosseous Ewing sarcoma (CNS-EES) from central primitive neuroectodermal tumors (c-PNET) including medulloblastoma and supratentorial PNET. We present 2 cases of pathologically confirmed CNS-EES. Knowledge of CNS-EES as a distinct entity enables the neuroradiologist to suggest the proper diagnosis and the need for special immuno-histochemical and molecular studies to confirm the diagnosis. Because treatment and prognosis are vastly different, the proper diagnosis of CNS-EES versus c-PNET is critical.

Internal validation of a telemedical system for monitoring patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

One of the most promising and innovative developments in medicine are telemedical systems. The system PulmoTel 2010 and its internal validation are presented, focusing on the system architecture, hardware, software and communication solutions. PulmoTel 2010 consists of a distant server managing users and medical devices, as well as data transmission, processing, storage and presentation. The server cooperates with home units used by patients, capable of performing lung function tests. All the elements communicate via the Internet, however other media, as wire and mobile telephony, can be additionally applied in regions with a less developed infrastructure. Internal validation of the system was performed using data generated by application simulating features of a home unit. It demonstrated an appropriate operation of the overall system and fulfillment of the main objectives of the project.

Upper limit on the photon fraction in highest-energy cosmic rays from AGASA data.

A new method to derive an upper limit on photon primaries from small data sets of air showers is developed which accounts for shower properties varying with the primary energy and arrival direction. Applying this method to the highest-energy showers recorded by the AGASA experiment, an upper limit on the photon fraction of 51% (67%) at a confidence level of 90% (95%) for primary energies above 1.25 x 10(20) eV is set. This new limit on the photon fraction above the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff energy constrains the -burst model of the origin of highest-energy cosmic rays.