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Despite the periodic table having been discovered by chemists half a century before the discovery of electronic structure, modern designs are invariably based on physicists' definition of periods. This table is a chemists' table, reverting to the phenomenal periods that led to the table's discovery. In doing so, the position of hydrogen is clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) and offers information of managing it. Topics discussed include main causes which supposedly include gastro-oesophageal reflux, a motility disorder or musculoskeletal or psychological problem, a step-by-step assessment and management of NCCP, a stepped-care intervention using the cognitive-behavioural formulation and using the biopsychosocial model approach for reduction in pain interference and depression and improvement in anxiety scores.

Background. Intrusions are common symptoms of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia. It has been suggested that an information processing style characterized by weak trait contextual integration renders psychotic individuals vulnerable to intrusive experiences. This 'contextual integration hypothesis' was tested in individuals reporting anomalous experiences in the absence of a need for care. Method. Twenty-six low schizotypes and 23 individuals reporting anomalous experiences were shown a traumatic film with and without a concurrent visuospatial task (VST). Participants rated post-traumatic intrusions for frequency and form, and completed self-report measures of information processing style. It was predicted that, because of their weaker trait contextual integration, the anomalous experiences (AE) group would (1) exhibit more intrusions following exposure to the trauma film, (2) display intrusions characterized by more PTSD qualities and (3) show a greater reduction of intrusions with the concurrent VST. Results. As predicted, the AE group reported a lower level of trait contextual integration and more intrusions than the low schizotypes, both immediately after watching the film and during the following 7 days. Their post-traumatic intrusive memories were more PTSD-like (more intrusive, vivid and associated with emotion). The VST had no effect on the number of intrusions in either group. Conclusions. These findings provide some support for the proposal that weak trait contextual integration underlies the development of intrusions within both PTSD and psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a periodic table explicitly for chemists rather than physicists. It is derived from Newlands' columns. It solves many problems such as the positions of hydrogen, helium, beryllium, zinc and the lanthanoids but all within a succinct format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses whether tenure still fits the needs of medical school faculty in the United States. Financial viability of supporting faculty with employment duration in exchange for future potential; Protection for academic freedom; Quality of instruction at medical schools.

Muscle dysfunction and associated mobility impairment, common among the frail elderly, increase the risk of falls, fractures, and functional dependency. We sought to characterize the muscle weakness of the very old and its reversibility through strength training. Ten frail, institutionalized volunteers aged 90 +/- 1 years undertook 8 weeks of high-intensity resistance training. Initially, quadriceps strength was correlated negatively with walking time (r = -.745). Fat-free mass (r = .732) and regional muscle mass (r = .752) were correlated positively with muscle strength. Strength gains averaged 174% +/- 31% (mean +/- SEM) in the 9 subjects who completed training. Midthigh muscle area increased 9.0% +/- 4.5%. Mean tandem gait speed improved 48% after training. We conclude that high-resistance weight training leads to significant gains in muscle strength, size, and functional mobility among frail residents of nursing homes up to 96 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A significant proportion of patients with chronic tinnitus report clinical levels of sleep disturbance (insomnia). Despite the significant health and functioning implications of this, no rigorous trials have investigated treatments that target tinnitus-related insomnia. This is the first randomised controlled trial evaluating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) in tinnitus compared with other psychological treatments.Methods/design: The study will test the efficacy of group CBTi as a treatment for tinnitus-related insomnia in a single-centre randomised controlled trial. Participants will be 102 patients with chronic, clinically significant tinnitus and insomnia in the absence of organic sleep disorders. Participants will be randomised to one of three intervention arms: six sessions of CBTi or six sessions of sleep support group or two sessions of audiologically based care. The primary outcomes will be changes in sleep as measured on the Insomnia Severity Index and key outcomes on a 2-week sleep diary (sleep efficiency and total sleep time). Outcomes will be collected 3, 10, 14 and 34 weeks post-randomisation. Secondary measures include sleep quality, sleep beliefs, tinnitus severity, psychological distress and quality of life. A sub-sample of participants will provide two weeks of actigraphy data at the same time points. Data on satisfaction and treatment experience will be collected at 10 and 34 weeks post-randomisation from all participants.Discussion: Findings from the study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. It is anticipated that findings may inform future clinical practice in the treatment of tinnitus-related insomnia.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03386123. Retrospectively registered on 29 December 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep disturbance affects 50-70% of tinnitus patients. People with tinnitus and poor sleep experience may be more distressed than those who sleep well. Yet there is little research into sleep management in tinnitus and few treatment studies specifically address insomnia. However, there is a strong evidence base that CBT for insomnia (CBTi) is an effective treatment for sleep disturbance when it presents both as a primary problem and when it is co-morbid with other physical (and mental) health problems, for example, chronic pain. Patients with chronic and distressing tinnitus and significant sleep disturbance were offered group-delivered CBTi as part of routine clinical care. They attended six, two-hour sessions, led by two clinical psychologists. Primary outcome measures included the Insomnia Severity Index and measures of total sleep time and sleep efficiency based on sleep diaries. Secondary outcome measures included tinnitus distress (measured on the Tinnitus Questionnaire - TQ) and psychological distress (CORE-OM, GAD7 and PHQ9). All participants were assessed pre and post therapy. Results are reported from patients completing CBTi, delivered in three separate groups. Results demonstrate that patients completing the treatment showed a significant improvement in sleep measures as assessed by sleep diaries and questionnaires. We will present final analyses of the secondary outcome measures and of qualitative data from patients regarding their experiences of the group. This clinical evaluation pilot suggests that CBTi can offer real improvements for patients with chronic tinnitus and sleep disturbance. This offers a promising avenue for future research as very little evidence exists about the most effective ways of managing sleep problems in tinnitus. We will give an overview of a Randomized Controlled Trial that we are currently conducting to better assess the efficacy of CBTi compared to existing standard interventions. Many patients with tinnitus are plagued by problems sleeping but at this time there are no standardized interventions with a strong evidence base. Our initial exploration of the use of CBTi in routine clinical care suggests that we may be able to offer a new approach to insomnia in tinnitus that is effective and acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimated 10-14% of the population report chronic tinnitus and 1-2% develop clinically significant distress. Standard treatment focuses on Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, Relaxation and CBT. Recently 'acceptance' approaches have been incorporated, for example Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). These offer a very different treatment approach from mainstream audiology practice. Early studies of mindfulness-based approaches report beneficial effects. This novel study describes a randomizedcontrolled trial of standard MBCT, adapted for tinnitus, compared to an active control group. Patients with chronic, distressing tinnitus were randomized to MBCT or Relaxation Training (RT). Both groups had eight weekly sessions of 2-hours, led by two clinical psychologists (LM and EM). Primary outcome measures included tinnitus-distress (measured on the Tinnitus Questionnaire - TQ) and psychological distress (measured on the CORE-OM). Secondary outcomes included measures of anxiety, depression, tinnitus loudness, acceptance and mindfulness. All participants were assessed at baseline (8-weeks pre-therapy), at week 1 and week 8 of therapy and at 1 and 6 month follow-up points. There were 75 patients randomly allocated to MBCT or RT. Both groups showed significant reductions in tinnitus severity and loudness, psychological distress and disability. MBCT led to a significantly greater reduction in tinnitus severity compared to RT and this persisted 6 months later. MBCT also led to greater reduction in tinnitus catastrophizing and greater gains in tinnitus acceptance and mindfulness. Treatment was effective regardless of initial tinnitus severity, duration or hearing loss. Group MBCT is effective in reducing tinnitus severity in chronic tinnitus patients and it is more effective than intensive RT. It reduces psychological distress and disability. Considering evidence that tinnitus- catastrophizing and tinnitus-acceptance are associated with long-term outcomes in tinnitus distress, the significant differences between the two groups on these measures suggest that MBCT may lead to deeper changes. The inclusion of acceptance-based approaches into standard treatments such as CBT are becoming increasingly popular in the management of chronic symptoms and illness. Our results suggest that approaching tinnitus in this way may lead to changes in cognitive and behavioural correlates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of primary care physicians in providing care for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is increasingly emphasized, but many gaps and challenges remain. This study explores family physicians' knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with providing care for HCV infection. Seven hundred and forty-nine members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) completed a self-administered survey examining knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding HCV infection screening and care. Multivariate analyses were performed using the outcome, HCV care provision, and variables based on a conceptual model of practice guideline adherence. Family physicians providing basic-advanced HCV care were more likely to be older, practice in a rural setting, have injection drug users (IDU) in their practice and have higher levels of knowledge about the initial assessment (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.23-2.54) and treatment of HCV (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.24-2.43). They were also less likely to believe that family physicians do not have a role in HCV care (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.30-0.58). Educational programmes should target physicians less likely to provide HCV care, namely family physicians practicing in urban areas and those who do not care for any IDU patients. Training and continuing medical education programmes that aim to shift family physicians' attitudes about the provision of HCV care by promoting their roles as integral to HCV care could contribute to easing the burden on consultant physicians and lead to improved access to treatment for HCV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of different unmodified and Sr-modified Al–Si base alloys is characterized by a novel focused ion beam-energy dispersive spectroscopy (FIB-EDX) for tomography. Al–Si alloys containing >7% Si present a percolating Si network in the ‘as-cast’ condition. Modification treatment with the addition of small quantities of Sr produces the formation of an extremely fine eutectic architecture of coral-like morphology. The spheroidization and coarsening of the eutectic Si structure during solution treatment is studied in 2D cross-sections and 3D reconstruction. The connectivity of the ‘as-cast’ Si networks is lost rapidly when reheated to >400°C, and the Si particles coarsen with holding time. Both aluminum and silicon phases are identified with a resolution of ∼60×75nm2 in the image plane and ∼60–300nm between each slice to reconstruct a FIB tomography of the eutectic Si in the ‘as-cast’ and solution-treated conditions. The combination of EDX element mapping with low-contrast secondary electron or backscattered electron imaging of a series of parallel cross-sections produced by FIB yield 3D geometrical parameters for the Si which differ from those determined by 2D metallography. The stereological data obtained from FIB tomography quantify the spheroidization of Si much better than those derived from 2D metallography. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main aim of this study is to analyze the influence of 4-nonylphenol (NP) on soil water retention and biological activity. Two doses of 4-nonylphenol (25 and 50mgkg−1) were tested in a loam soil with and without peat amendment. In general, one week after the start of the experiment, the soil water content retained at −0.75MPa of soil suction was 18% higher in the soil amended and its basal respiration (BR) was 15% higher than soil without peat. In contrast, the microbial activity indices (CM: coefficient of mineralization or BR:total organic carbon (TOC) ratio; Cmic:Corg: microbial biomass carbon (MBC):TOC ratio; qCO2: metabolic quotient or BR:MBC ratio) were higher in the soil without peat, compared to the soil amended with peat. On the other hand, the addition of NP to soil was able to modify soil biological but not physical (water retention, desorption) properties. When soil was amended with peat, MBC was reduced one week after applying NP. In contrast, no effects of NP on MBC were observed in the soil without peat. BR was reduced by 16% one week after applying 50mgkg−1 of NP to soil with peat, and was increased by 46% one week after applying 25mgkg−1 of NP to soil without peat. The effects of NP on MBC and BR could be associated more with the adsorption of NP by soil organic matter, while changes in CM or Cmic:Corg ratio were more closely related to changes in soil water retention. The potential toxic effects of NP (high qCO 2 values) were only observed in the absence of peat amendments. Peat addition reduced NP toxic effects on microorganisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A response by the authors to a letter to the editor about their article on the acidification of urine samples to keep the calcium concentration is presented.

Background: It has been suggested that for the accurate measurement of calcium in urine, samples must be collected into bottles containing acid. Acidification poses risks to both patients and laboratory staff. Here we reappraise whether acidification is a preanalytical necessity. Methods: Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected from 133 patients into bottles without acid or preservatives. In a subset of 29 patients, 10 mL aliquots were prepared to test the effect on urine calcium of 0.1, 1.0 and 5.0 mol/L hydrochloric acid (HCl). Calcium was then measured immediately after acidification, after 12 h and seven days storage at °8C. In a separate study, urine calcium concentrations in paired control (non-acidified) and acidified (with 5 mol/L HCl) samples were compared in 133 patients. When available, we recorded the time from start of urine collection to time of analysis. Calcium was measured using the cresolphthalein complexone colorimetric endpoint assay on the Roche Modular system. Results: There was no significant difference in the calcium concentration in the 29 cases studied between the varying acid concentrations tested compared with non-acidified urine (P = 0.987). Overall, in 133 patients there was no difference between control and acidified samples (P = 0.888). We found no correlation between basal urine pH and urine calcium at all time points studied. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the acidification of urine samples is not a preanalytical necessity for the measurement of urine calcium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Nb3Sn planar undulator demonstration magnet is under development at the NHMFL. Key technological aspects include a 15 mm period, a target of 0.8 T on the beam and a beam tube that is thermally isolated from the windings. Two yoke assembly procedures are explored. First, a modular approach in which each racetrack is wound, reacted and impregnated separately before assembly with iron pole pieces and the creation of joints between the racetracks. The second approach is based on the more traditional single-piece yoke on which the conductor is wound on a fully iron yoke, followed by heat treatment and impregnation of the entire assembly. Each approach is used to build a 10-racetrack coil; both coils are tested at 4.2 K in liquid helium. Results of the coil tests are discussed, as well as joint development and testing, leading to a choice of assembly method for the demonstration magnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B cells have been reported to promote graft rejection through alloantibody production. However, there is growing evidence that B cells can contribute to the maintenance of tolerance. Here, we used a mouse model of MHC-class I mismatched skin transplantation to investigate the contribution of B cells to graft survival. We demonstrate that adoptive transfer of B cells prolongs skin graft survival but only when the B cells were isolated from mice housed in low sterility 'conventional' (CV) facilities and not from mice housed in pathogen free facilities (SPF). However, prolongation of skin graft survival was lost when B cells were isolated from IL-10 deficient mice housed in CV facilities. The suppressive function of B cells isolated from mice housed in CV facilities correlated with an anti-inflammatory environment and with the presence of a different gut microflora compared to mice maintained in SPF facilities. Treatment of mice in the CV facility with antibiotics abrogated the regulatory capacity of B cells. Finally, we identified transitional B cells isolated from CV facilities as possessing the regulatory function. These findings demonstrate that B cells, and in particular transitional B cells, can promote prolongation of graft survival, a function dependent on licensing by gut microflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of maternal depressive symptoms and its associated consequences on parental behaviors, child health, and development are well documented. Researchers have called for additional work to investigate the effects of the timing of maternal depressive symptoms at various stages in the development of the young child on the emergence of developmentally appropriate parenting practices. For clinicians, data are limited about when or how often to screen for maternal depressive symptoms or how to target anticipatory guidance to address parental needs. PURPOSE: We sought to determine whether concurrent maternal depressive symptoms have a greater effect than earlier depressive symptoms on the emergence of maternal parenting practices at 30 to 33 months in 3 important domains of child safety, development, and discipline. METHODOLOGY: Secondary analyses from the Healthy Steps National Evaluation were conducted for this study. Data sources included a self-administered enrollment questionnaire and computer-assisted telephone interviews with the mother when the Healthy Steps children were 2 to 4 and 30 to 33 months of age. The 30- to 33-month interview provided information about 4 safety practices (ie, always uses car seat, has electric outlet covers, has safety latches on cabinets, and lowered temperature on the water heater), 6 child development practices (ie, talks daily to child while working, plays daily with child, reads daily to child, limits child television and video watching to <2 hours a day, follows > or = 3 daily routines, and being more nurturing), and 3 discipline practices (ie, uses more reasoning, uses more harsh punishment, and ever slapped child on the face or spanked the child with an object). The parenting practices were selected based on evidence of their importance for child health and development, near complete data, and sample variability. The discipline practices were constructed from the Parental Response to Misbehavior Scale. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed using a 14-item modified version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Multiple logistic regression models estimated the effect of depressive symptoms on parenting practices, adjusted for baseline demographic characteristics, Healthy Steps participation, and site. No significant interactions were found when testing analytic models with dummy variables for depressive symptoms at 2 to 4 months only, 30 to 33 months only, and at both times; reported models do not include interaction terms. We report main effects of depressive symptoms at 2 to 4 and 30 to 33 months when both are included in the model. RESULTS: Of 5565 families, 3412 mothers (61%) completed 2- to 4- and 30- to 33-month interviews and provided Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale data at both times. Mothers with depressive symptoms at 2 to 4 months had reduced odds of using car seats, lowering the water heater temperature, and playing with the child at 30 to 33 months. Mothers with concurrent depressive symptoms had reduced odds of using electric outlet covers, using safety latches, talking with the child, limiting television or video watching, following daily routines, and being more nurturing. Mothers with concurrent depressive symptoms had increased odds of using harsh punishment and of slapping the child on the face or spanking with an object. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that concurrent maternal depressive symptoms have stronger relations than earlier depressive symptoms, with mothers not initiating recommended age-appropriate safety and child development practices and also using harsh discipline practices for toddlers. Our findings, however, also suggest that for parenting practices that are likely to be established early in the life of the child, it may be reasonable that mothers with early depressive symptoms may continue to affect use of those practices by mothers. The results of our study underscore the importance of clinicians screening for maternal depressive symptoms during the toddler period, as well as the early postpartum period, because these symptoms can appear later independent of earlier screening results. Providing periodic depressive symptom screening of the mothers of young patients has the potential to improve clinician capacity to provide timely and tailored anticipatory guidance about important parenting practices, as well as to make appropriate referrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]