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Since its discovery over 50 years ago, the “structure” and properties of the hydrated electron has been a subject for wonderment and also fierce debate. In the present work we seriously explore a minimal model for the aqueous electron, consisting of a small water anion cluster embedded in a polarized continuum, using several levels of ab initio calculation and basis set. The minimum energy zero “Kelvin” structure found for any 4-water (or larger) anion cluster, at any post-Hartree-Fock theory level, is very similar to a recently reported embedded-DFT-in-classical-water-MD simulation (UMJ: Uhlig, Marsalek, and Jungwirth, Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 2012, 3, 3071-5), with four OH bonds oriented toward the maximum charge density in a small central “void”. The minimum calculation with just four water molecules does a remarkably good job of reproducing the resonance Raman properties, the radius of gyration derived from the optical spectrum, the vertical detachment energy, and the hydration free energy. For the first time we also successfully calculate the EPR g-factor and (low temperature ice) hyperfine couplings. The simple tetrahedral anion cluster model conforms very well to experiment, suggesting it does in fact represent the dominant structural motif of the hydrated electron.

The self-recombination reaction of (•)CH2OH radicals in neutral aqueous solution has been studied at temperatures up to 300 °C at a pressure of 220 bar using pulse radiolysis and transient absorption. (•)CH2OH species decay by second-order kinetics independent of the applied dose, with a rate constant at 22 °C of 2k = 1.4 ± 0.1 × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). The recombination follows Arrhenius behavior with the activation energy (E(a)) 12.7 ± 0.9 kJ/mol and pre-exponential factor of 1.9 ± 0.4 × 10(11) M(-1) s(-1). The overall recombination is significantly slower than the diffusion limit at elevated temperature, meaning that both disproportionation and dimerization channels have significant activation barriers. Ab initio calculations support the inference that the dimerization channel has no energy barrier, but has a large negative activation entropy barrier. The disproportionation channel (giving aqueous formaldehyde) almost certainly involves one or more specific water molecules to lower its activation energy relative to the gas phase.

Four Organic Molecules of Intrinsic Microporosity (OMIMs) were prepared by fusing triptycene-based components to a biphenyl core. Due to their rigid molecular structures that cannot pack space efficiently, these OMIMs form amorphous materials with significant microporosity as demonstrated by apparent BET surface areas in the range of 515-702 m(2) g(-1). Bulky cyclic 1',2',3',4'-tetrahydro-1',1',4',4'-tetramethylbenzo units placed on the triptycene termini are especially efficient at enhancing microporosity.

In recent ‘hybrid novels’, which incorporate illustrations and other visual material as an integral part of the narrative, design is not just a matter of typography and layout. Rather, design organises all the signifying elements on a page within an integrated system, so that form exemplifies content. In this reflective practitioner article, the author uses his novel Five Wounds as a case study of this approach to design.

Previous observations suggested that chronic anger may be associated with persistent excessive high-frequency beta activity in one or more cortical areas and that poor anger control may be associated with excessive slowing of the EEG. We hypothesized that downtraining of elevated high-frequency beta activity would reduce anger and that downtraining of excessive cortical slow wave activity would improve anger control. Forty-six individuals underwent neurofeedback training to downtrain excess beta and slow wave activity. This protocol resulted in significantly improved anger control and a reduction in the frequency of outbursts.

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3–4% of adult malignant neoplasms and over 65,000 new cases of kidney cancer were diagnosed in the USA in 2013 [1, 2]. Widespread use of abdominal imaging is leading to an increased incidence in the detection of small renal masses (SRMs) among other causes [1–4]. In light of recent literature on the role of percutaneous renal mass biopsy and retrospective data analysis, surveillance for renal masses ≤4 cm is likely to become more common especially in patients with less aggressive pathology, advanced age and multiple medical comorbidities.

The solvation structure of a solvated electron in methanol is investigated with ab initio calculations of small anion methanol clusters in a polarized dielectric continuum. We find that the lowest-energy structure in best agreement with experiment, calculated with CCSD, MP2, and B3LYP methods with aug-cc-pvdz basis set, is a tetrahedral arrangement of four methanol molecules with OH bonds oriented toward the center. The optimum distance from the tetrahedron center to the hydroxyl protons is ∼1.8 A, significantly smaller than previous estimates. We are able to reproduce experimental radius of gyration Rg (deduced from optical absorption), vertical detachment energy, and resonance Raman frequencies. The electron paramagnetic resonance g-factor shift is qualitatively reproduced using density functional theory.

Efficient reactions between fluorine-functionalised biphenyl and terphenyl derivatives with catechol-functionalised terminal groups provide a route to large, discrete organic molecules of intrinsic microporosity (OMIMs) that provide porous solids solely by their inefficient packing. By altering the size and substituent bulk of the terminal groups, a number of soluble compounds with apparent BET surface areas in excess of 600m(2)g(-1) are produced. The efficiency of OMIM structural units for generating microporosity is in the order: propellane>triptycene>hexaphenylbenzene>spirobifluorene>naphthyl=phenyl. The introduction of bulky hydrocarbon substituents significantly enhances microporosity by further reducing packing efficiency. These results are consistent with findings from previously reported packing simulation studies. The introduction of methyl groups at the bridgehead position of triptycene units reduces intrinsic microporosity. This is presumably due to their internal position within the OMIM structure so that they occupy space, but unlike peripheral substituents they do not contribute to the generation of free volume by inefficient packing.

Relative diffusion coefficients were determined in water for the D, H, and Mu isotopes of atomic hydrogen by measuring their diffusion-limited spin-exchange rate constants with Ni(2+) as a function of temperature. H and D atoms were generated by pulse radiolysis of water and measured by time-resolved pulsed EPR. Mu atoms are detected by muonium spin resonance. To isolate the atomic mass effect from solvent isotope effect, we measured all three spin-exchange rates in 90% D2O. The diffusion depends on the atomic mass, demonstrating breakdown of Stokes-Einstein behavior. The diffusion can be understood using a combination of water "cavity diffusion" and "hopping" mechanisms, as has been proposed in the literature. The H/D isotope effect agrees with previous modeling using ring polymer molecular dynamics. The "quantum swelling" effect on muonium due to its larger de Broglie wavelength does not seem to slow its "hopping" diffusion as much as predicted in previous work. Quantum effects of both the atom mass and the water librations have been modeled using RPMD and a qTIP4P/f quantized flexible water model. These results suggest that the muonium diffusion is very sensitive to the Mu versus water potential used.

Background Ebola virus disease (EVD) causes severe illness in humans; the recent outbreak in West Africa has been confirmed as the largest in history. In July 2014 the regional centre for Infectious diseases at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital began discussions to review the processes for receiving potential EVD patients. Multidisciplinary meetings were held and a draft ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ (SOP) was developed. We recognised the potential for unidentified flaws in our SOP, so decided to organise an ‘in-situ’ simulation to test the SOP, whilst providing staff an opportunity to practice. Methodology In October 2014 clinicians, clinical educators and managers from the Royal Liverpool Hospital partnered with the Centre for Simulation and Patient Safety to run a large scale ‘in-situ’ simulation. This involved teams from the Emergency Department, Infectious Diseases and Critical Care, alongside personnel from laboratories, infection control and security. The simulation started within the Emergency Department where a simulated patient self-presented with apparent minor symptoms, but deteriorated quickly and required rapid assessment by specialist teams and transfer to the inpatient bed base. Following the simulation we conducted a debrief involving all staff. Results Directly observing the simulation and subsequent debriefing identified these areas for improvement: Isolation process Personal protective equipment Communication Time to transfer Safe patient transfer Decontamination Consequently the SOP was revised and additional SOPs produced. The PPE was adjusted and training enhanced. Conclusions This was the first time SOPs were developed for a complete patient pathway in our Trust. Simulation was utilised due to the complex processes and potential risk to staff and public. The simulation revealed unanticipated gaps in our SOP, resulting in refinement of processes and equipment improvements. In-situ simulation proved very useful in this situation and we would recommend it for testing processes, particularly when they are high risk and complex. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ebola (Ebola Virus Disease). 2014. [Online]. [Accessed 12 th February 2015]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/ Moore LSP, et al . Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers: a local operational approach. Br J Hosp Med. 2014;75(9):515–522 Public Health England. Ebola Virus Disease : clinical management and guidance . 2014. [Online]. [Accessed 12 th February 2015]. Available from: http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ebola-virus-disease-clinical-management-and-guidance World Health Organization. Ebola. 2014. [Online]. [Accessed 12 th February 2015]. Available from: http://www.apps.who.int/ebola/ebola-situation-reports

’Background: Oxidative stress has been proposed as one of the mechanisms of alcohol-induced brain shrinkage and alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations between liver function and brain volume (BV) measurements in patients with alcohol dependence. Methods: We recruited 124 patients with alcohol dependence and 111 healthy control subjects from National Institute of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism inpatient alcohol treatment program. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as hematocrit (Hct) and albumin were assayed shortly after admission. Magnetic resonance imaging examination was conducted in both groups (after 3-week abstinence in the patient group). We used stepwise linear regression analyses to determine the variables most strongly correlated with brain shrinkage. Results: Patients with alcohol dependence had lower BV, and greater brain shrinkage as measured by gray matter ratio (GMR), white matter ratio (WMR), brain ratio (BR), and higher cerebrospinal fluid ratio ratio (CSFR) compared with their healthy counterparts. Age and sex were significantly correlated with some BV measurements in both patient and control groups. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly correlated with CSFR, BR, GMR, and WMR; Hct with CSFR and BR; serum GGT level with BV, CSFR, BR, GMR, and WMF in the patient group. No biological variables were correlated with BV indices in the control group. In gender-stratified analysis, age was significantly correlated with brain shrinkage in male patients but not in female patients. Serum GGT level in male and female patients, Hct in male patients, and AST levels in female patients were significantly correlated with brain shrinkage. Conclusions: Our results showed that the higher levels of liver function indices, especially GGT, correlated with BV shrinkage as measured using CSFR, BR, GMR, and WMR in patients with alcohol dependence but not in controls. Serum GGT level outweighed aging effect on brain

Venice is usually presented as an anachronism: a ‘timeless’ or even anti-modern city, whose only practical use in the twenty-first century is as a catalogue of picturesque motifs (gondolas, reflected bridges, maskers). Precisely because of its exceptional nature, however, the city offers unique opportunities to rethink or question the idea of modernity. In this photographic essay, the city is presented as a place where people liveand work as well as visit: a place of making-do, and of improvised solutions to chronic problems, where the relationship between past and present is actively negotiated and rethought. History replaces nostalgia. The images, text and design all exemplify this theme.

In this report, we describe the case of a 7-year-old girl presenting to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, with hypoxia and respiratory distress. Investigations demonstrated an endobronchial tumor, and she underwent a radical left-sided pneumonectomy. This case highlights the challenges of anesthesia in a resource-depleted setting.

Author(s): Walker, Jonathan; Galuska, Michael; Vega, David | Abstract: Background: Cardiac stress tests for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) are incompletely sensitive and specific.Objective: We examined the frequency of significant CAD in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain who have had a recent negative or inconclusive (l85% of predicted maximum heart rate) cardiac stress test.Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients identified from ED and cardiology registries at the study hospital. We included patients presenting to the ED with a chief complaint of chest pain, with a negative cardiac stress test in the past three years as the last cardiac test, and hospital admission. One-hundred sixty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Their admission was reviewed for diagnosis of CAD by positive serum troponin, percutaneous coronary intervention, or positive stress test while an inpatient.Results: Of 164 patients, 122 (74.4%, 95% CI 67.7, 81.1) had a negative stress test prior to the index admission, while 42 (25.6%, 95% CI 18.9, 32.3) had otherwise normal but inconclusive stress tests. Thirty-four (20.7%, 95% CI 14.4,27.0) of the included patients were determined to have CAD. Twenty-five of the 122 patients (20.5%, 95% CI 13.3, 27.7) had negative pre-admission stress tests and nine of 42 patients (21.4%, 95% CI 9.0, 33.8) had inclusive stress tests of CAD. A statistical comparison between these two proportions showed no significant difference (p = .973).Conclusion: Due to inadequate sensitivity, negative non-invasive cardiac stress tests should not be used to rule out CAD. Patients with negative stress tests are just as likely to have CAD as patients with inconclusive stress tests.

Introduction. This study was done to see to what extent power training would correct coherence abnormalities in head-injured patients and to what extent coherence training would correct power abnormalities in a similar group of head-injured patients. Method. Ten patients had power training first, and 10 patients had coherence training first (4 protocols with 5 sessions/protocol in each case). Results. Either power or coherence training first resulted in normalization of most power and coherence abnormalities. Coherence training first resulted in significantly more new power abnormalities (10/client vs. 5/client for new power abnormalities). Power training first resulted in significantly more new coherence abnormalities (6/client vs. 2/client). Conclusion. We did not find a clear-cut advantage for doing either power or coherence training first. However, we would recommend a repeat QEEG after doing either power or coherence first, since most original abnormalities will have resolved and there are l...

Our objectives were to identify RAPD and andromonoecious (a) markers associated with QTL for sucrose using bulked segregant analysis in an F 2 population from the melon (Cucumis melo L.) cross of 'TAM Dulce' (high sucrose) × TGR1551 (low sucrose) in a greenhouse experiment, and confirm the association of RAPD and a markers with sucrose QTL in an F 2 population from the different cross of 'Deltex' (high sucrose) × TGR1551 in a field experiment. Continuous distributions for sucrose were observed in the F2 populations indicating quantitative inheritance for the trait. A significant positive correlation was found between sucrose and total soluble solids (TSS). Nine RAPD markers were detected to be significantly associated with QTL for sucrose in the F2 population of the 'TAM Dulce' × TGR1551 cross in the greenhouse based on simple linear regression. Five unlinked markers associated with QTL were significant in a stepwise multiple regression analysis where the full model explained 39% of the total phenotypic variation for sucrose. Three to five of the nine RAPD markers were also observed to be significantly associated with QTL for glucose, fructose and TSS, respectively, suggesting that in this cross four sugar traits are controlled by the same QTL. Four RAPD markers were confirmed in the F 2 population of the 'Deltex' × TGR1551 cross in the field to be consistently associated with sucrose QTL. A significant association of a with sucrose was consistently expressed in our populations under greenhouse and field environments.

Fifteen examples are presented showing that various modes of cyclization (5-endo, 5-exo, 6-endo, 6-exo, and 7-endo) can be used for the desymmetrization of cyclohexa-1,4-dienes. All take place with complete diastereocontrol and good yield.

Current approaches to QEEG-guided neurofeedback involve efforts to normalize the abnormalities seen, without reference to the functional localization of the cortical areas involved. Recent advances in cortical neurophysiology indicate that specific brain areas are developed to perform certain functions (cortical modules). Complex brain functions require cooperation between modules, particularly during a learning situation. For example, the left prefrontal “activation module” must cooperate with one or both occipital “visual modules” to attend and see something on a chalkboard. To remember what has been seen, both temporal “memory modules” must cooperate with the visual modules for the image to be retained in short-term memory. If the connections between these modules are not functioning optimally, visual learning will be impaired. Decreased coherence (hypocoherence) indicates a decrease in functional connectivity between these modules, and increased coherence (hypercoherence) indicates an increas...

Usual stuff, more or less, only inside out. That is the condition under which Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern labor, a condition in which all the world's a backstage. Taking Shakespeare'sHamletas the “supposed to happen,” as a kind of imaginary promptbook,Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Deadreverses theatrical perspectives to show the lives of its not-so-lead characters “off.” In one sense Stoppard's play blunts the purpose of its dramatic forebear by not keeping to the usual stuff, but then it also highlights the various regions, conversations, and actions of an offstage world thatHamlet, like most other drama, must always take for granted.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the female urethra is a rare malignancy. Previous studies hypothesize multiple origins, including periurethral glands or intestinal metaplasia. We report a case of a 60-year-old white woman with adenocarcinoma of the urethra who initially presented with obstructive voiding complaints secondary to a urethral mass. Wide local excision revealed invasive adenocarcinoma of the urethra with mucinous features. There was intestinal metaplasia adjacent to the tumor, as well as separate identification of intestinal metaplasia along the urethra. Ultimately, the patient underwent radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion with no evidence of recurrence, indicating the role of early identification and surgical intervention for such cases.

Dyslexia is a common and important problem in all industrial societies, with a prevalence rate of five to ten percent, for which no consistently effective treatment is available. Recent advances in imaging (morphometric MRI, functional MRI, PET, regional cerebral blood flow), as well as in neurophysiology (evoked potentials, QEEG, event-related desynchronization, coherence studies, magnetic source imaging, reading difference topography) have clarified our understanding of the normal circuitry involved in reading and differences seen in individuals who have trouble learning to read. These studies have important implications for the use of neurofeedback to help dyslexic individuals learn to read more easily. First, we obtain a QEEG and a reading difference topograph. We then train down any abnormalities that are significantly increased and train up any abnormalities that are significantly decreased. Increasing 16–18 Hz activity at T3 (left mid-temporal area) has also proved quite helpful in improvi...

This article is inspired by Carlo Ginzburg and Adriano Prosperi's book Playing Patience [Giochi di pazienza]. It argues that narratives written by historians about past events should be presented as the result of a process, including all the false leads, dead ends and misunderstandings passed through along the way. Historians journey through archives, and should lay out the course of their itineraries. A case study involving seventeenth-century Venetian spies illustrates this argument.

This article is a dialogue on the role of spies in 17th-century Venetian culture. It discusses topics such as the circulation of information through different channels and media, legal notions of proof in relation to the evidence provided by spies, and the cultural meanings of secrecy.

Our objectives were to identify randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sucrose, total soluble solids (TSS), and sucrose percentage of total sugars (SPTS) using bulked segregant analysis in an F2 population from the melon (Cucumis melo L.) cross of `TAM Dulce' (high sugars) × TGR1551 (low sugars) in a greenhouse experiment, and confirm the associations of RAPD markers with QTL for these sugar traits in an F2 population from the different cross of `Deltex' (high sugars) × TGR1551 in a field experiment. Continuous distributions for sucrose, TSS, and SPTS were observed in the F2 populations indicating quantitative inheritance for the traits. Significant positive correlations were found between sucrose and TSS or SPTS. Nine RAPD markers were detected to be significantly associated with QTL for sucrose in the F2 population of the `TAM Dulce' × TGR1551 cross in the greenhouse based on simple linear regression. Five unlinked markers associated with QTL were significant in a stepwise multiple regression analysis where the full model explained 39% of the total phenotypic variation for sucrose. Five and seven of the nine RAPD markers associated with QTL for sucrose were also observed to be significantly associated with QTL for TSS and SPTS, respectively, suggesting that in this cross three sugar traits are controlled by the same QTL. Five RAPD markers were confirmed in the F2 population of the `Deltex' × TGR1551 cross in the field to be consistently associated with QTL for three sugar traits. Significant associations of andromonoecious (a) with both sucrose and TSS were consistently expressed in our populations under greenhouse and field environments. These RAPD and floral markers associated with the sugar synthesis QTL identified and confirmed here could be useful in melon breeding for improving the mature fruit sweetness.

Retail businesses have long recognised that understanding and improving overall performance starts with analysis at the micro or local market level. Attention has been focused on an increasing body of evidence that demonstrates market share can vary significantly from one local market to another. Added to this realisation, there is often a pressing need to provide high-quality information to support new site development, outlet closures and mergers, where the location of customers and competitor outlets plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of decisions. Using the right tools and techniques, it is possible to predict these outcomes with increasing levels of reliability.

One hundred eighty-three patients with drug resistant depression were trained with 6 sessions of neurofeedback to reduce 2–7 Hz and increase 15–18 Hz at FP02 (the right fronto-polar orbital location). Remission or significant improvement (≥50%) occurred in 84% of subjects, as judged by the Rush Quick Self-Rated Depression Inventory. An additional 9% of patients experienced partial improvement. Improvement was maintained for 1 year or longer in all but 3 patients (1% of the entire group). These results indicate good efficacy in reducing drug-resistant depression and maintenance of the reductions in the majority of patients.

Two ready-to-eat crawfish processing plants were monitored for 2 years to study the impact of Listeria control strategies, including employee training and targeted sanitation procedures, on Listeria contamination. Environmental, raw material, and finished product samples were collected weekly during the main processing months (April to June) and tested for Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Before implementation of control strategies (year 1), the two processing plants showed Listeria spp. prevalences of 29.5% (n = 78) in raw, whole crawfish, 5.2% (n = 155) in the processing plant environment, and 0% (n = 78) in finished products. In year 2, after plant-specific Listeria control strategies were implemented, Listeria spp. prevalence increased in raw crawfish (57.5%, n = 101), in the processing plant environment (10.8%, n = 204), and in the finished product (1.0%, n = 102). Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in Listeria spp. prevalence (P < 0.0001) and a borderline nonsignificant increase in L. monocytogenes prevalence (P = 0.097) on raw material in year 2. Borderline nonsignificant increases were also observed for Listeria spp. prevalence in environmental samples (P = 0.082). Our data showed that Listeria spp. prevalence in raw crawfish can vary significantly among seasons. However, the increased contamination prevalence for raw materials only resulted in a limited Listeria prevalence increase for the processing plant environment with extremely low levels of finished product contamination. Heat treatment of raw materials combined with Listeria control strategies to prevent cross-contamination thus appears to be effective in achieving low levels of finished product contamination, even with Listeria spp. prevalences for raw crawfish of more than 50%.

I am a practicing neurologist. I graduated from medical school in 1960 and finished my residency in 1965. I had the usual electroencephalography (EEG) training during my residency which involved three months of reading EEGs side by side with an electroencephalographer (Ralph Druckman). I learned EEG by the apprentice method. At first, he would point out what was real and what was artifact. Then he began to point out various transients and to ask what they represented (artifact, normal physiology, or some type of pathology). At first, he would dictate the reports, always emphasizing the clinical relevance of the findings and suggesting possible treatment. Recognition of epileptiform activity was strongly emphasized, as well as recognition of focal or generalized slow wave activity. The importance of digital analyses and databases was not yet recognized (paper EEG only). When I finished my residency, I entered academic medicine and the EEGs were read by more thoroughly trained (board certified) electroenephalographers. Later I became associated with an epilepsy monitoring unit, took additional training in EEG, and became board certified in EEG. Then, I began to read EEGs on a daily basis, eventually interpreting several thousand. When the first QEEG machines came out, I got one and learned about the additional difficulties of using and interpreting QEEGs. The QEEG databases and discriminants developed by E. Roy John (John, Prichep, Fridman, & Easton, 1988) proved more helpful than raw EEG in differential diagnosis of nonepileptic problems (dementia versus depression, unipolar versus bipolar depression, multi-infarct dementia versus Alzheimer’s, performance anxiety versus ADD, etc.). Later work by Suffin and Emory (1995) showed that QEEG

Background. This paper presents the findings of an interdisciplinary committee on standards for quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) in neurofeedback which has been unanimously accepted by the International Society for Neuronal Regulation (ISNR) Board as a position paper of ISNR. Method. The committee reviewed current standards for quantitative encephalography in other specialties as well as scholarly literature on QEEG. Results. The panel reached the following conclusions: Although clinical research indicates that a full 19 channel QEEG does not appear necessary for conducting successful neurofeedback training, an increasing number of clinicians are using comprehensive QEEG evaluations to guide their neurofeedback training. An impressive body of peer reviewed scientific literature attests to the utility of the QEEG in providing a scientifically objective and clinically practical assessment of a wide range of psychiatric, psychological and medical conditions. Many of the significant contrib...