cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Pulse Height Spectroscopy Using Cd0.9Zn0.lTe Coplanar Grid Digital Spectrometer

Detector grade large volume Cd 0.9 Zn 0.1 Te (CZT) single crystals were grown using a modified vertical Bridgman technique. Single crystals of dimensions 1.1 × 1.1 × 1.0 cm3were used to fabricate detectors in coplanar grid (CG) geometry. The CG-CZT detectors were characterized using various electrical, optical and spectroscopic techniques. Current-voltage (I- V) measurements were carried out in planar configuration at room temperature. The bulk resistivity was found to be 3.3 × 1010 Ω-cm. Intergrid $I$ - $V$ measurements were also carried out and the intergrid leakage current was found to be negligible under the operating conditions. IR transmission images showed the presence of tellurium (Te) inclusions with an average diameter of 8 µm, A digital data acquisition program was developed to collect the preamplifier charge pulses connected to the two grids and plot the difference spectrum to obtain single-polarity charge sensing pulse-height spectra in real time. The detector was exposed to a 137Cs radiation test source emitting 662 keV gamma rays and well-resolved digital gamma pulse height spectra were generated.
Respirometry and Cell Viability Studies for Sustainable Polyesters and Their Hydrolysis Products

Significant research effort has been directed toward the development of sustainable plastics that are high-performance, bioderived, and/or degrade into nontoxic byproducts in natural or engineered environments (i.e., industrial composting facilities). We report the low cytotoxicity of poly(γ-methyl-e-caprolactone) (PMCL)-based materials and the hydrolysis product of PMCL, sodium 6-hydroxy-4-methylcaproate. The concentration of sodium 6-hydroxy-4-methylcaproate that leads to 50% cell death (TD₅₀) is 179 mM, a value that is similar to that of the hydrolysis product of polycaprolactone and higher than that of the hydrolysis product of polylactide. We also report the degradability of two PMCL materials with different architectures (cross-linked and linear triblock polymers) under simulated industrial composting conditions. These materials reached high degrees of carbon mineralization (>85%) over the course of 120 days as monitored by CO₂ evolution. Finally, we examined the industrial compostability of a new aromatic polyester, poly(salicylic methyl glycolide). This material reached 89% carbon mineralization after 120 days, an important finding given the recalcitrance toward degradation of ubiquitous aromatic polyesters.
A System for Tabled Constraint Logic Programming

As extensions to traditional logic programming, both tabling and Constraint Logic Programming (CLP) have proven powerful tools in many areas. They make logic programming more efficient and more declarative. However, combining the techniques of tabling and constraint solving is still a relatively new research area. In this paper, we show how to build a Tabled Constraint Logic Programming (TCLP) system based on XSB -- a tabled logic programming system. We first discuss how to extend XSB with the fundamental mechanism of constraint solving, basically the introduction of attributed variables to XSB, and then present a general framework for building a TCLP system. An interface among the XSB tabling engine, the corresponding constraint solver, and the user's program is designed to fully utilize the power of tabling in TCLP programs.
Hybridization, introgression, and linkage evolution

Genetic mapping methods provide a unique opportunity to study the interactions of differentiated genes and genomes in a hybrid genetic background. After a brief discussion of theoretical and analytical concerns, we review the application of these methods to a wide range of evolutionary issues. Map-based studies of experimental hybrids indicate that most postzygotic reproductive barriers in plants are polygenic and that the expression of extreme or novel traits in segregating hybrids (transgressive segregation) results from the complementary action of divergent parental alleles. However, genetic studies of hybrid vigor do not concur in their interpretations of the relative roles of dominance, overdominance, and epistasis. Map-based studies of natural hybrids are much rarer, but the few existing studies confirm the polygenic basis of postzygotic barriers and demonstrate the utility of genetic linkage for detecting cryptic introgression. In addition, studies of experimental and natural hybrid lineages provide compelling evidence that homoploid hybrid speciation has occurred in nature, and that it represents a rapid and repeatable mode of speciation. Data further indicate that this mode is facilitated by strong fertility selection and high chromosomal mutation rates. We recommend that future studies of hybrid genomes focus on natural hybrids, not only because of the paucity of data in this area, but also because of the availability of highly recombinant hybrid genotypes in hybrid zones. Of particular value will be studies of long-lived or difficult-to-propagate organisms, which previously have not been amenable to genetic study.
Input voltage ripple based sensorless current sharing auto-tuning controller for multiphase DC-DC converters

Current sharing is commonly used in multiphase converters in order to ensure equal current distribution between converter phases. Conventional current sharing control schemes typically require sensing the phases' currents, which results in increased complexity, size and cost in addition to issues associated with sensing inaccuracies. In this paper, a sensorless current sharing control scheme is proposed in order to achieve equal current sharing among the phases without the need for current sensing and calibration circuitries. The proposed controller achieves equal current sharing based on auto-tuning the phases' duty cycle values to minimize the differences between the input voltage ripple values within a switching cycle of each phase. Simulation results obtained from a two-phase synchronous buck converter are presented to verify the operation and advantages of the proposed concept.
Physician Restrictive Covenants: The Neglect of the Incompetent Patients' Interests

The article examines how courts in different jurisdictions have addressed restrictive employment covenants for physicians and proposes a new approach drawn from the third-party beneficiary analysis in contract law. Physicians hired into existing practices often must sign substantial non-compete agreements. In evaluating the enforceability of any restrictive covenant, courts consider, among other factors, the agreement's effect on the public. Surprisingly, the vast majority of jurisdictions treat the "public interest" analysis vis-a-vis physician restrictive covenants no differently than any other commercial restrictive covenant; this approach neglects the impact that such agreements can have on a physician's existing patients. Although at first glance physician restrictive covenants may seem like a somewhat insular area of the law, it is an area that is reflective of some of the primary forces acting on the perceived health care "crisis" in this country - the often contradictory pressures of serving patients and running a profitable business. This article suggests courts should consider a physician's incumbent patients as quasi third-party beneficiaries to the physician's employment agreement when deciding whether to enforce the physician restrictive covenant. This more nuanced approach will allow courts a finer balance of the business interests of physicians against the often weighty public interest in protecting physicians' relationships with their patients.
Interconversions among four M-intermediates in the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle

Halobacterium salinarum displays four distinct kinetic forms of M-intermediate in its bacteriorhodopsin photocycle. In wild-type, there are mainly two species with time constants near 2 and 5 ms. Under various kinds of stress, two other species arise with time constants near 10 and 70 ms. We show that these four species are interconvertible. Increases in membrane hydrophobicity convert the slower to faster forms. Perturbations caused by Triton X-100 or mutations convert faster to slower forms. The fastest form requires a hydrophobic membrane environment near a ring of four charged aspartate residues in the trimer, namely Asp36, Asp38, Asp102, and Asp104 in the cytoplasmic loop regions. Interconversions of the 2-ms and 5-ms species of the wild-type are accomplished by pH-changes. The potential significance of these findings is discussed.
Trace-driven cache attacks on AES (short paper)

Cache based side-channel attacks have recently been attracted significant attention due to the new developments in the field. In this paper, we present an efficient trace-driven cache attack on a widely used implementation of the AES cryptosystem. We also evaluate the cost of the proposed attack in detail under the assumption of a noiseless environment. We develop an accurate mathematical model that we use in the cost analysis of our attack. We use two different metrics, specifically, the expected number of necessary traces and the cost of the analysis phase, for the cost evaluation purposes. Each of these metrics represents the cost of a different phase of the attack.
Every Bit Counts

The term “signal transduction” has been in use for over 40 years, originating in biological studies of cellular photoreceptors and chemotaxis, and elaborated through discoveries of signaling systems such as the protein kinases ( 1 ). In engineering, “signaling” has a precise meaning that defines the notion of “information” ( 2 ), and quantifies the capabilities of a signaling system in terms of its channel capacity, measured in bits ( 3 ). Despite the attractive analogy, a number of obstacles have thwarted attempts to apply information theory quantitatively to cellular signal transduction networks. On page 354 of this issue, Cheong et al. ( 4 ) succeed in doing so, making rigorous and quantitative measurements of information capacities in a biochemical signaling system.
Impaired Dilatation of Cerebral Arterioles in Chronic Hypertension

Several mechanisms impair cerebral vasodilatation during chronic hypertension. First, the external diameter of cerebral arterioles is reduced during chronic hypertension by structural ‘remodeling’. Th
Clinical predictors of frequent patient telephone calls in Parkinson’s disease☆

Background Patient telephone calls are a major form of unreimbursed healthcare utilization in Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet little is known about potential risk factors for frequent calling behavior.
Advancement in Prediction and Control of Welding Residual Stress and Distortion

Weld modeling technology and control and mitigation techniques of residual stress and distortion have made a significant progress in the past decade. Q-Weld as the latest development in weld modeling technique can provide a solution in an extremely short time compared to a traditional thermo-elastic-plastic analysis. Three distortion control techniques, transient thermal tensioning, low stress non-distortion and in-process rolling, are discussed in this paper.
Validity of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Among Veterans Seeking Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

This paper examines the validity of the Structured Clinic Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) I and II in a sample of Veterans seeking treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). Participants (N = 183) initially receiving residential or outpatient treatment for SUDs completed the SCID I and II. More than one-third of participants met criteria for an Axis I disorder, and almost one-half met criteria for an Axis II disorder. Concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validity were examined for diagnoses of SUDs and antisocial personality disorder (APD), as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and thought disorder. Results generally provided strong support for the concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the SCID I diagnoses of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and strong support for the concurrent and discriminant validity of drug use disorders (DUDs). There was mixed support for the concurrent validity of APD. Predictive validity for DUDs or APD was not supported.
Minimum Sobolev norm interpolation with trigonometric polynomials on the torus

Let q>=1 be an integer, y"1,...,y"[email protected]?[[email protected],@p]^q, and @h be the minimal separation among these points. Given the samples {f(y"j)}"j"="1^M of a smooth target function f of q variables, [email protected] in each variable, we consider the problem of constructing a q-variate trigonometric polynomial of spherical degree O(@h^-^1) which interpolates the given data, remains bounded in the Sobolev norm (independent of @h or M) on [[email protected],@p]^q, and converges to the function f on the set where the data becomes dense. We prove that the solution of an appropriate optimization problem leads to such an interpolant. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate that this procedure overcomes the Runge phenomenon when interpolation at equidistant nodes on [-1,1] is constructed, and also provides a respectable approximation for bivariate grid data, which does not become dense on the whole domain.
Omnidirectional Viewing Using A Fish Eye Lens

Vision capabilities have a significant effect on many applications of robots. The limitation of current imaging systems with regard to a limited field of view affects the performance of the robotic system. A whole world view sometimes is required and is often desirable. The general approach relies on mechanical scanning to record an entire world view; however, omnidirectional viewing by a fish eye lens can provide a full hemispherical field of view at the same instant. The development of omnidirectional vision appears to have definite advantages. The paper reviews the development of omnidirectional viewing and present the basic configuration of a fish eye lens. The projection features of omnidirectional lenses are discussed. A design of an omnidirectional robot vision system is described. The striking topics for its applications in the field of robotics, an omni-image restoration technique and an omnivision navigation technique, are briefly outlined.
Antibody-Linked Spherical Nucleic Acids for Cellular Targeting

Spherical nucleic acid (SNA) constructs are promising new single entity gene regulation materials capable of both cellular transfection and gene knockdown, but thus far are promiscuous structures, exhibiting excellent genetic but little cellular selectivity. In this communication, we describe a strategy to impart targeting capabilities to these constructs through noncovalent functionalization with a complementary antibody-DNA conjugate. As a proof-of-concept, we designed HER2-targeting SNAs and demonstrated that such structures exhibit cell type selectivity in terms of their uptake, and significantly greater gene knockdown in cells overexpressing the target antigen as compared to the analogous antibody-free and off-target materials.
A Model for Stress Wave Propagation in Composite Materials

A theoretical model is developed to describe stress wave propaga tion in plate laminate composites. The dispersive effects in the com posite are accounted for by direct analogy with a viscosity effect in the model. The model gives excellent predictions of steady and tran sient wave shapes and velocities, and of the attenuation of short stress pulses. It averages out only the fine structure which results from in dividual reverberations between the plates of the composite. The success of the theoretical model for plate laminate composites should provide a basis for good semi-empirical modeling of the stress wave propagation characteristics of a wide variety of composite materials.
The Anatomy of an Outstanding CME Meeting

Organizing a continuing medical education (CME) meeting should not be a casual undertaking. It requires experience, staff support, and adequate funding. The sponsoring entity should have a thorough grounding in the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education mind-set, and the course should be within the mission of the organization. Needs of the potential attendees should be assessed and objectives developed to meet those needs. An evaluation process should be in place to ensure that the needs were addressed and met. Ideally, a postcourse evaluation should assess the impact of the meeting on the behavior and practice patterns of the registrants. Excellent teachers should be selected as faculty members. These educators should be given advance information about the characteristics of the attendees, their needs, and their expectations. Topics should be chosen for their relevance to the registrants, as opposed to the convenience of the faculty members. This paper deals with these issues and several related topics. It is based on the author's experience and supplemented by relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature. The CME "market" has a "caveat emptor" approach.
Molecular characterization, sequence analysis, and taxonomic position of newly isolated fish iridoviruses.

Abstract Within the past decade, iridoviruses have been identified as the causative agents of systemic disease in a variety of commercially and recreationally important fish. Here we examine nine iridoviruses from fish, reptiles, and amphibians and demonstrate that all isolates were more similar to frog virus 3, the type species of the genus Ranavirus, than to lymphocystis disease virus, the type species of the genus Lymphocystivirus. Comparison of viral protein synthesis profiles, restriction endonuclease digestion patterns, and the amino acid sequence of the major capsid protein indicated that iridoviruses isolated from the same geographic region were similar, if not identical, whereas viruses from different areas were distinct. Moreover, using primers complementary to the conserved major capsid protein, we found that both PCR and RT-PCR successfully amplified virus-specific nucleic acid from all nine isolates. These studies demonstrate that the piscine iridoviruses examined here were members of the genus Ranavirus, and suggest that surveys of pathogenic “fish viruses” may need to include neighboring amphibian and reptilian populations. In addition, the results indicate that PCR readily identified vertebrate iridoviruses and suggest that PCR will be useful in the diagnosis of fish disease.
1350 THE EFFECT OF BILIRUBIN (BR) ON CEREBRAL CORTEX (CE) O 2 AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM IN PIGLETS (P)

1350 THE EFFECT OF BILIRUBIN (BR) ON CEREBRAL CORTEX (CE) O 2 AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM IN PIGLETS (P)
DESIGN FOR RELIABILITY AND ROBUSTNESS: A CASE STUDY

Resistance welding is to bond two pieces of metal materials together by melting the materials in the contact area. An elevated temperature is generated by contact resistance when electrical current flows through the contact area of the two materials. Generally, a current is applied through two close electrodes. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to set the two electrodes far apart when the contact area is physically unreachable. The far separation of the electrodes makes difficult to generate reliable welds. This paper describes a reliability and robustness design method for the welding process. In particular, a concept design was conducted to avoid welding failure modes. The critical dimensions of a work piece were defined to make a successful weld. Then the welding processes for various dimensions of the work pieces were optimized using Taguchi's parameter design method. A thermal cycle test was performed to evaluate the reliability of the welds. It is shown that the welding process is robust and the welds have high reliability.
Laser-assisted machining of hardened steel parts with surface integrity analysis

Abstract Machining of hardened steel components has traditionally been the domain of grinding. A laser-assisted machining (LAM) process with a larger material removal rate is developed to replace the currently used hard turning and grinding operations for machining hardened steel shafts. A three-dimensional transient thermal model is developed to predict the temperature field in the hollow shaft of varying thickness undergoing laser-assisted turning. The laser-assist effect on surface quality and subsurface integrity is investigated in terms of surface finish, size control, microhardness, microstructures and residual stresses. LAM produces the parts of a good surface finish of Ra less than 0.3 μm, a more uniform surface hardness distribution and no microstructure change. The thermal expansion effect on the actual depth of cut is experimentally studied to achieve accurate size control in LAM. It is shown that LAM produces about 150 MPa more compressive surface axial residual stresses than hard turning and reduces the variation in hoop stress than those produced by hard turning.
Thiamin and riboflavin retention in meats cooked uncovered and in oven film

The purpose was to determine thiamin and riboflavin retention in retail cuts of turkey, beef, and pork, either wrapped in cooking film or unwrapped. Five replications of roasting meats by electric, gas, or electronic heat were made. Moisture content of all samples was determined and thiamin and riboflavin analyses were made by standard fluorometric procedures. Shear force values were recorded from cores taken in three positions of a cooked sample. Data were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance. Conventional cooking required five times the cooking time used for electronic cooking. Wrapping of meats increased cooking losses with conventional ovens; however, moisture losses from meats cooked unwrapped by electronic heat were significantly higher than by any other method. Thiamin and riboflavin retention of the cooked meats did not vary significantly whether the samples were cooked wrapped or unwrapped. Shear force values appeared lowest in meats cooked in film by electric heat; values differed according to the position in the cut.
A stabilized neon-tube direct-coupled amplifier

IN recent years, the application of vacuum-tube amplifiers in many fields has greatly increased. Amplifiers capable of handling frequencies in the range of from 40 to 15,000 cycles per second are common, and in the many applications where it is necessary to amplify signals of frequencies much less than 40 cycles per second, the low-frequency response has been obtained by rather elaborate compensating devices. However, even with compensation, there exists a still lower limit of frequency, below which satisfactory amplification with allowable phase distortion cannot be obtained. One solution of the problem has been the employment of some method of direct-coupling between the amplifier stages. In addition to direct coupling, modern design dictates that the amplifier should be capable of operating from a single a-c power supply. Figure 1 is a diagram of the circuits that have been used in the development of direct-coupled amplifiers particularly suited for use with the cathode-ray oscilloscope. This method of obtaining direct-coupled amplification uses neon tubes as the coupling elements. The necessity for an amplifying circuit which is inherently stable leads to the use of the degenerative cathode resistor. This circuit is particularly applicable where several amplifying stages must be operated from the same power source. The stabilized amplifier and its power supply are shown in figure 2.
Altered Expression of Tyrosine Hydroxylase in the Locus Coeruleus Noradrenergic System in Citalopram Neonatally Exposed Rats and Monoamine Oxidase A Knock Out Mice

In rodents, noradrenergic (NE) locus coeruleus (LC) neurons are well known to express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity. However, due to its very low enzyme activity, NE cortical fibers do not typically express TH immunoreactivity, thus dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) immunoreactivity is commonly utilized as a marker for NE cortical fibers. In this study, we performed double and/or triple immunofluorescent staining using antibodies against TH, DBH, and/or norepinephrine transporter (NET) to investigate the altered NE TH expression of cortical fibers in citalopram (CTM)-exposed rats and monoamine oxidase (MAO) A knock out (KO) mice. We have noted the following novel findings: (1) neonatal exposure to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) CTM enhanced NE TH immunoreactive fibers throughout the entire neocortex, and a few of them appeared to be hypertrophic; (2) slightly enhanced NE cortical TH immunoreactive fibers were also noted in MAO A KO mice, and many of them revealed varicosities compared with the rather smooth NE cortical TH immunoreactive fibers in wild-type (WT) mice; (3) LC dendrites of MAO A KO mice exhibited beaded morphology compared with the smooth LC dendrites in WT mice. Our findings suggest that both genetic and environmental factors during early development may play a critical role in the regulation and proper function of NE TH expression in the neocortex.
On flow visualization using reflective flakes

An analysis of flow visualization using small reflective flakes is introduced. This rational analysis is based on a stochastic treatment of Jeffery's (1922) solution for the motion of ellipsoidal particles in a viscous fluid, wherein thin flakes tend to align with stream surfaces. The predicted light fields are confirmed by examples of parallel flows, the flow over a rotating disk, and the spinup from rest in a cylindrical cavity. The Tollmien–Schlichting wave packet trailing a turbulent spot is taken as an example to discuss the suitability of the technique for visualizing small-amplitude waves. Attenuation of light through a suspension is described.
Nanolayered Carbon/Silica Superstructures via Organosilane Assembly

Figure1ashowstheﬁrstsyntheticapproachusingsilicananoparticles in two steps, i.e., mixture of silica nanoparticlesand carbon precursors followed by carbonization of the intro-duced precursor at high temperatures. For this synthesis, theprocess is easy to operate and control, and the efﬁciency istypically high. However, the composites are not uniform; car-bonizationmainlyproducesamorphouscarbon;bothsilicaandcarbon are not highly ordered; and it is difﬁcult to tune thecomposite morphologies (normally ﬁlms or powders, depend-ing on the synthetic process). The second approach requiresmore complex operations (Fig. 1b): 1) formation of silica/surfactant nanocomposite materials by co-assembly of silicatesand surfactants; 2) removal of surfactants by extraction orcalcination; 3) incorporation of carbon precursors into thepores of the mesoporous silica materials; 4) carbonization ofthe carbonprecursors at high temperatures. Amainadvantageusingmesoporoussilicaistosynthesizecarbon/silicacompositematerials with tunable mesostructures (lamellar, hexagonal, orcubic, depending on the used surfactants) and uniform compo-sitions in the nano-scale. The limitations for the second fabri-cation include tedious procedures, production of amorphouscarbon materials after carbonization, and uncontrolledmorphologies of composite materials.To summarize, the synthesized materials from above ap-proaches show two common disadvantages. First, the carbon/silica composites are not conducting due to the formation ofamorphous carbon, and they do not demonstrate good func-tionalities for potential applications in themselves. Therefore,the main focus is to remove silica using HF to produce porouscarbon, which may be applied in water and air puriﬁcation,separation, catalysis, and energy storage.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis and the microbiota: Current knowledge and perspectives on etiopathogenesis and emerging therapies

AbstractPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, fibroinflammatory, cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiopathogenesis. PSC generally progresses to liver cirrhosis, is a major risk factor for hepatobiliary and colonic neoplasia, and confers a median survival to death or liver transplantation of only 12 years. Although it is well recognized that approximately 75% of patients with PSC also have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the significance of this association remains elusive. Accumulating evidence now suggests a potentially important role for the intestinal microbiota, and enterohepatic circulation of molecules derived therefrom, as a putative mechanistic link between PSC and IBD and a central pathobiological driver of PSC. In this concise review, we provide a summary of and perspectives regarding the relevant basic, translational, and clinical data, which, taken together, encourage further investigation of the role of the microbiota and microbial metabolites in the etiopathogenesis of PSC...
Improved activated carbon by thermal treatment in methane and steam: Physicochemical influences on MIB sorption capacity

Abstract Thermal treatment by steam or by methane plus steam altered the physicochemical properties of a commercial lignite-based activated carbon; and improved the carbon’s sorption capacity for the odorant 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). Rapid small scale column tests (RSSCTs) revealed that favorable thermal treatment allowed an activated carbon to remove this odorant for up to six times longer before initial MIB breakthrough than did its commercial lignite counterpart. For these RSSCTs (135 ppt), clarified water from a water treatment plant (2.07 mg/L TOC) was spiked with 14 C-MIB; and liquid scintillation protocols facilitated 14 C-MIB detection at 1–3 ppt. The more favorable thermal treatment at 1000 °C increased pore volumes with 5–400 A widths by twofold; and the bed volume to initial MIB breakthrough correlated fairly well ( R 2 = 0.9) with pore volume in the range of 5–60 or 5–400 A. Thermal tailoring altered the carbon’s apparent point of zero charge: from pH 6.5 for the commercial lignite carbon, to pH 9.2 for tailored carbon. When methane and steam were used together, the C, H, N and O contents were virtually the same as for the commercial lignite. In contrast, when steam was employed alone, the percent of oxygen increased, and the percent of H, C and N therefore decreased slightly.
An excess electron suspended between two polar molecules. Ab initio study of uracil · H2O and uracil · HF anions

Metastable anions of uracil complexes with water and hydrogen fluoride where the excess electron is suspended between the two monomers have been investigated using ab initio calculations. Anions of this class can be formed by attachment of a polar molecule to a dipole-bound excess electron of the uracil anion. This provides a bonding effect sufficient to stabilize the dimer in a local minimum of the potential energy surface. Removal of the excess electron leads to a significant change of the structure of the complex which rearranges and forms a conventional hydrogen-bonded dimer.
Constructing a Thoughtful Formulation

A Review of Formulation in Psychology and Psychotherapy: Making Sense of People's Problems (2nd ed.)Edited by Lucy Johnstone and Rudi DallosLondon: Routledge, 2014, 298 pp.Reviewed by Alexandra L. ...
The case for cumulative trauma in low back disorders

There has been significant debate in recent years over the existence of cumulative trauma as a source of low back pain. Some contend that all low back disorders are idiopathic and constitute a normal life experience. Others argue that some of these disorders are rooted in the exposure to risk factors that contribute to progressive “wear and tear” of the spine structures and tissues. There is no preponderance of direct evidence supporting one side of the argument or the other. Critics of the cumulative trauma argument claim that because no direct evidence exists to support the theory, low back pain must be a result of natural aging or must be genetically determined. Studies that directly test cumulative trauma hypotheses would require long-term, difficult and potentially unethical study designs to fit the traditional randomized control trial convention valued by the medical community. However, significant insight can be gained by examining the systematic pattern of evidence available from a large body of literature exploring the elements of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The pattern begins by noting trends in the epidemiologic literature that suggest cumulative trauma is a common element found in many reports of low back pain associated with the workplace [1‐4]. This observational literature suggests that cumulative exposure might explain at least part of the low back pain picture. However, epidemiologic studies are limited in that they are often not specific enough in their measures to assess the precise dose‐response trends associated with work. Most epidemiologic studies of work-related factors simply observe the presence or absence of a potential risk factor without noting the specific quantitative level of exposure, thereby making it difficult to understand at what level the risk factor begins to contribute to risk. In addition, it is difficult to identify interactions between risk factors unless the study is designed to be sensitive to these interactions. Hence, although the epidemiologic evidence can suggest which factors may be significant individually, it is unable to explain how these factors may interact with other potential risk factors. Nonetheless, these studies do suggest that excessive cumulative exposure to musculoskeletal loads can be considered a potential risk factor, because occupations in which there is cumulative exposure to repetitive biomechanical loading have been shown to increase risk. A more compelling argument of the role of cumulative trauma can be built if the pattern of evidence includes biological plausibility to support epidemiologic finding. At the heart of the logic of cumulative trauma plausibility is the relationship between loads imposed on a structure and the tolerance of that structure. This concept is at the core of biomechanical analyses and suggests that when the loads experienced by a structure exceed the tolerance of a struc
Serotonergic projections to the caudal brain stem: a double label study using horseradish peroxidase and serotonin immunocytochemistry

Cells of origin of serotonergic and non-serotonergic projections to the caudal brain stem in the primate were examined using a double label technique. Following HRP injections into medullary raphe nuclei and the adjacent reticular formation double labeled cells were found in the dorsal raphe nucleus, the central superior nucleus and the ventrolateral tegmentum. Retrogradely labeled cells that did not stain for serotonin-like immunoreactivity were found primarily in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the mesencephalic and pontine reticular formation. The results are discussed in relation to the descending pathway(s) mediating the effects of PAG stimulation.
A Re-Evaluation of Gasteroid and Cyphelloid Species of Entolomataceae from Eastern North America

Abstract. The gasteroid genus Richoniella and the cyphelloid genus Rhodocybella (Entolomataceae) are poorly known fungal genera that have yet to be evaluated in depth in a molecular phylogenetic context. Here, we report a recent find, including detailed descriptions and photographs, of the rarely collected gasteroid species Richoniella asterospora from southeast North America. Phylogenetic placement of this species within a multi-gene treatment of the Entolomataceae supports the polyphyly of Richoniella. Richoniella asterospora shares an alliance with agaricoid and secotioid species within the diverse, heteromorphic genus Entoloma. Also rarely encountered is the cyphelloid genus Rhodocybella, known only from southeast North America. Molecular annotation and phylogenetic analysis of the holotype suggest an affiliation with two lignicolous European pileate-stipitate species of Entoloma, E. pluteisimilis and E. zuccherellii. Results from molecular annotation of three additional species of Entolomataceae are ...
Factor Structure of the Woodcock-Johnson Cognitive Subtests from Preschool to Adulthood

The Woodcock-Johnson Cognitive Battery was factor analyzed from the preschool ages through adulthood to extend the work of McGrew, who studied a variety of solutions for grades 1 through 12. Using data from the Woodcock-Johnson stanardization sample, results of empirical and subjective criteria indicated that there is only one meaningful factor at the preschool ages, but that there are three significant factors from grades 1 through 12 and ages 20-65 +: Verbal Ability, Perceptual Speed, and Reasoning. Loadings on the general (g) factor tended to increase through adulthood. Some developmental trends emerged, and clinical implications of the findings are stressed.
A database to promote continuous program improvement

New accreditation standards in information technology promote continuous program improvement. Departments of information technology will soon face the daunting challenge of preparing for accreditation. A database template is proposed that could be used by many different information technology programs, irrespective of course delivery mechanisms. The database template would: a) allow for documenting individual and unique program outcomes and course objectives; b) provide a mechanism to map individual program outcomes and course objectives to the new ABET-CAC criteria for information technology programs; c) capture assessment metadata for selected student work; d) provide a mechanism for evaluating the extent to which program outcomes are achieved; and e) document curricular changes representing program improvemen.
Subtotal colectomy with Hartmann's pouch for inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE: Fulminant or unremitting colitis caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is effectively managed by subtotal colectomy (STC) and standard ileostomy. However, controversy exists regarding the optimal management of the retained rectum. We reviewed our experience with intraperitoneal Hartmann's closure to determine whether this is an acceptable way to handle the rectal remnant. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed hospital and office records of 114 consecutive patients with IBD colitis who underwent STC with Hartmann's pouch since 1988. Patient demographic data, operative details, and postoperative complications were recorded. In patients who underwent subsequent surgery, technical difficulty and complications related to rectal dissection were documented. RESULTS: There were three instances of pelvic sepsis secondary to leakage from the Hartmann's pouch, an overall incidence of 2.6 percent. Two of these patients required exploratory surgery. The third patient responded dramatically to antibiotics and transanal catheter decompression of the Hartmann's pouch. Subsequent to this experience, patients undergoing STC and Hartmann's closure for IBD colitis had transanal catheter drainage of the rectal remnant as a routine part of their postoperative care. There were no instances of leakage among the 41 patients who underwent rectal decompression. There were two reports (3 percent) of technical difficulty in locating or mobilizing the intraperitoneal rectal remnant at 60 subsequent surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal Hartmann's closure of the rectum is the preferred management in patients with intractable IBD colitis requiring STC.
Strong electron-dipole coupling in photodetachment of molecular negative ions: Anomalous rotational thresholds

Strong coupling at large electron-molecule distances modifies the threshold laws for photodetachment of a molecular anion near a rotational threshold. If the final polar molecule possesses a symmetry axis containing a nonzero component of angular momentum, cross sections of the type $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\sim}{k}^{x}$ with $xl1$ may result for certain ranges of molecular dipoles, depending on the specific rotational threshold considered.
Untreated brain arteriovenous malformation Patient-level meta-analysis of hemorrhage predictors

Objective: To identify risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage in the natural history course of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) using individual patient data meta-analysis of 4 existing cohorts. Methods: We harmonized data from Kaiser Permanente of Northern California (n = 856), University of California San Francisco (n = 787), Columbia University (n = 672), and the Scottish Intracranial Vascular Malformation Study (n = 210). We censored patients at first treatment, death, last visit, or 10-year follow-up, and performed stratified Cox regression analysis of time-to-hemorrhage after evaluating hemorrhagic presentation, sex, age at diagnosis, deep venous drainage, and AVM size as predictors. Multiple imputation was performed to assess impact of missing data. Results: A total of 141 hemorrhage events occurred during 6,074 patient-years of follow-up (annual rate of 2.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0%–2.7%), higher for ruptured (4.8%, 3.9%–5.9%) than unruptured (1.3%, 1.0%–1.7%) AVMs at presentation. Hemorrhagic presentation (hazard ratio 3.86, 95% CI 2.42–6.14) and increasing age (1.34 per decade, 1.17–1.53) independently predicted hemorrhage and remained significant predictors in the imputed dataset. Female sex (1.49, 95% CI 0.96–2.30) and exclusively deep venous drainage (1.60, 0.95–2.68, p = 0.02 in imputed dataset) may be additional predictors. AVM size was not associated with intracerebral hemorrhage in multivariable models ( p > 0.5). Conclusion: This large, individual patient data meta-analysis identified hemorrhagic presentation and increasing age as independent predictors of hemorrhage during follow-up. Additional AVM cohort data may further improve precision of estimates, identify new risk factors, and allow validation of prediction models.
Bond-Market Skepticism And Stock-Market Exuberance In The Hospital Industry

The hospital industry needs funds to refurbish physical facilities, upgrade clinical and information technologies, and rebuild financial positions weakened by past external challenges and unwise organizational strategies. The financial markets offer a marked contrast in capital access, as bond creditors remain skeptical while stock investors plunge back into the once-shunned industry. Ironically, high stock prices may drive the for-profit chains to repeat past cycles of overexpansion, while weak bond ratings may save nonprofit systems from a comparable loss of focus on the core business of operating and improving inpatient facilities. This turbulence has implications for public payment, antitrust, and financial disclosure policies.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of polymer solutions. I. Poly(methyl methacrylates)

The microscopic interactions of solvent with the diastereoisomeric units of isotactic and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) have been studied by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance. The changes in chemical shifts in various solvents were compared with those of low molecular weight analogs, methyl acetate, and methyl propionate. These changes are caused mainly by the ring-current effect, which has been found to be larger for the low molecular weight analogs than for the polymer. This is especially true when the protons on the polymer backbone are compared with the corresponding ones in the low molecular weight compounds. As one changes from a chloroform solvent to an aromatic solvent, the displacements of the chemical shifts of the polymer can be expressed as percentages of the corresponding shifts of methyl acetate. For syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) in chlorobenzene, benzene, and α-chloronaphthalene, respectively, the percentages are 82, 93, 75 for ester protons; 35, 29, 17 for the backbone methylene protons; and 18, 6.7, 0 for the backbone α-methyl protons. For isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) in chlorobenzene and benzene, respectively, the percentages are 71, 76 for the ester protons; 41, 38 for the backbone methylene protons; and 41, 32 for the backbone α-methyl protons. These results are discussed in terms of the local stereochemistry of the polymer systems. The exploitation of procedures of this sort in revealing details of polymer behavior in solution indicates dramatic possibilities for future investigations.
Seeing the forest through the trees: A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of combination chemotherapies used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

Combinations of fluoropyrimidines with oxaliplatin or irinotecan plus a biologic agent are standard treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Recent approvals of first-line cetuximab, second-line ziv-aflibercept, and regorafenib as salvage therapy have increased the complexity of the treatment armamentarium. To define optimal regimens, we systematically reviewed combination chemotherapy trials (N=83). Descriptive analyses focusing on fluoropyrimidine formulation, oxaliplatin vs irinotecan combinations, and compatibility with biologics indicated the following: infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) yielded better efficacy and safety than bolus 5-FU. Capecitabine had similar outcomes and better safety than 5-FU with oxaliplatin but not irinotecan. First-line oxaliplatin and irinotecan appeared equivalent. Antiangiogenics, such as bevacizumab and ziv-aflibercept, and epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab further improved efficacy. The treatment landscape for mCRC has become complex, and we are approaching individualized therapy based on predictive factors, including KRAS mutational status. Appropriate administration of chemotherapy/biologic combinations is critical.
Down-regulation of microRNA 106b is involved in p21-mediated cell cycle arrest in response to radiation in prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous short non-coding RNAs, and play a pivotal role in regulating of a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation and apoptosis, both of which are cellular responses to radiation treatment. The purpose of this study is to identify candidate miRNAs whose levels are altered in response to radiation in prostate cancer cells and to investigate the molecular pathway of such miRNAs in the regulation of radiation-induced cellular response. METHODS Using a miRNA microarray assay, we screened 132 cancerous miRNAs in LNCaP cells in response to radiation treatment. The function of one candidate miRNA was investigated for checkpoint protein expression, cell cycle arrest, cell proliferation, and cell survival in cells transfected with precursor or antisense miRNA. RESULTS In response to radiation, multiple miRNAs, including mi-106b, showed altered expression. Cells transfected with precursor miR-106b were able to suppress radiation-induced p21 activation. Functionally, exogenous addition of precursor miR-106b overrode the G2/M arrest in response to radiation and resulted in a transient diminishment of radiation-induced growth inhibition. CONCLUSION We have shown a novel role of miR-106b, in the setting of radiation treatment, in regulating the p21-activated cell cycle arrest. Our finding that miR-106b is able to override radiation-induced cell cycle arrest and cell growth inhibition points to a potential therapeutic target in certain prostate cancer cells whose radiation resistance is likely due to consistently elevated level of miR-106b. Prostate 71:567–574, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.