bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Following the Money: Super PACs and the 2012 Presidential Nomination
Authors: Christenson Dino P. , Smidt Corwin D.
Published: July 2014

The entrance of Super Political Action Committees (Super PACs), outside groups with no caps on fundraising or independent expenditures, prompts a reexamination of the role of money in campaigns and elections. We investigate the influence of Super PAC expenditures in the 2012 Republican nomination contest. A compressed calendar makes nomination campaigns expensive and money crucial, especially for lesser‐known candidates, such that outside expenditures likely made a difference. Indeed, we find Super PACs helped to extend Santorum's long‐shot candidacy but also helped Romney by weakening momentum from Gingrich and Santorum wins. Using panel data of candidate dynamics, we also find that candidate and Super PAC expenditures within various key primary states reactively complement each other. However, we do not find dispositive evidence that Super PACs coordinate with campaigns, thereby acting, at least in this context, within the bounds of their legally mandated independence.
Momentum and Media in the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination
Authors: McGowen Ernest B. , Palazzolo Daniel J.
Published: July 2014

This article uses Aldrich's (2009) formula to devise “momentum scores” that allow us to track momentum for the major candidates in the 2012 Republican presidential nomination throughout the primary season. Though Mitt Romney had a major advantage in fundraising and endorsements before the primaries began, his biggest gains in momentum came late in the primary season. We compare momentum changes to media mentions and tone of coverage derived from content analysis of major newspapers. Though media content corresponds with changes in momentum for each candidate, the media response to momentum for the front‐runner is weaker compared with his competitors.
The Contemporary Presidency Reconsidering Presidential Policy Czars
Authors: Vaughn Justin S.
Published: July 2014

Since controversy began to swirl surrounding then‐President‐elect Barack Obama's alleged overreliance on policy czars in late 2008, political scientists and pundits alike have been quick to view this approach to White House staffing as an extension of the imperial presidency and, to some, a threat to the constitutional order. In this article, I take a step back and ask whether the phenomenon under attack is exactly what scholars assume it is. In doing so, I investigate the conceptualization problem czars pose as well as how and why presidents actually use czars. I conclude with a series of suggestion for future presidents on how best to use policy czars to advance the interests of their administration and manage the executive institution.
Dynamic Functional Principal Components
Authors: Hörmann Siegfried , Kidziński Łukasz , Hallin Marc
Published: July 2014

We address the problem of dimension reduction for time series of functional data (Xt:t∈Z). Such functional time series frequently arise, for example, when a continuous time process is segmented into some smaller natural units, such as days. Then each X  t represents one intraday curve. We argue that functional principal component analysis, though a key technique in the field and a benchmark for any competitor, does not provide an adequate dimension reduction in a time series setting. Functional principal component analysis indeed is a static procedure which ignores the essential information that is provided by the serial dependence structure of the functional data under study. Therefore, inspired by Brillinger's theory of dynamic principal components, we propose a dynamic version of functional principal component analysis which is based on a frequency domain approach. By means of a simulation study and an empirical illustration, we show the considerable improvement that the dynamic approach entails when compared with the usual static procedure.
Inference for Non-Stationary Time Series Regression With or Without Inequality Constraints
Authors: Zhou Zhou
Published: July 2014

We consider statistical inference for time series linear regression where the response and predictor processes may experience general forms of abrupt and smooth non-stationary behaviours over time. Meanwhile, the regression parameters may be subject to linear inequality constraints. A simple and unified procedure for structural stability checks and parameter inference is proposed. In the case where the regression parameters are constrained, the methodology proposed is shown to be consistent whether or not the true regression parameters are on the boundary of the restricted parameter space via utilizing an asymptotically invariant geometric property of polyhedral cones.
Mental health in Swedish children living in joint physical custody and their parents' life satisfaction: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bergström Malin , Fransson Emma , Hjern Anders , Köhler Lennart , Wallby Thomas
Published: July 2014

This study compared the psychological symptoms of 129 children in joint physical custody with children in single care and nuclear families, using a nationally representative 2011 survey of 1,297 Swedish children aged between four and 18 years. The outcome measure was the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and its association with three dimensions of parental life satisfaction was investigated. Linear regression analyses showed higher SDQ‐scores for children in joint physical custody (B = 1.4, p < 0.001) and single care (B = 2.2, p < 0.001) than in nuclear families, after adjustment for socio‐demographic variables. The estimates decreased to 1.1 and 1.3, respectively, after being adjusted for parental life satisfaction ( p < 0.01). Our findings confirm previous research that showed lower symptom scores for children in nuclear families than children in single care and joint physical custody. Parental life satisfaction should be investigated further as a possible explanation of differences in symptom load between children in different living arrangements.
Risk factors for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Huang A.M. , Marini B.L. , Frame D. , Aronoff D.M. , Nagel J.L.
Published: July 2014

Background

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) represents a significant burden on the healthcare system and is associated with poor outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients. Data are limited evaluating recurrence rates and risk factors for recurrence in HSCT patients.

Methods

HSCT patients who developed CDI between January 2010 and December 2012 were divided into 2 groups: non‐recurrent CDI (nrCDI) and recurrent CDI (rCDI). Risk factors for rCDI were compared between groups. Rate of recurrence in HSCT patients was compared to that in other hospitalized patients.

Results

CDI was diagnosed in 95 of 711 HSCT patients (22 rCDI and 73 nrCDI). Recurrence rates were similar in HSCT patients compared with other hospitalized patients (23.2% vs. 22.9%, P > 0.99). Patients in the rCDI group developed the index case of CDI significantly earlier than the nrCDI group (3.5 days vs. 7.0 days after transplant, P = 0.05). On univariate analysis, patients with rCDI were more likely to have prior history of CDI and neutropenia at the time of the index CDI case. Neutropenia at the time of the index CDI case was the only independent predictor of rCDI (78.8 vs. 34.8%, P = 0.006) on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The rate of rCDI was similar between HSCT and other hospitalized patients, and the majority of patients developed the index case of CDI within a week of transplantation. Neutropenia at the index CDI case may be associated with increased rates of rCDI.
Assessing the economic burden of illness for tuberculosis patients in Benin: determinants and consequences of catastrophic health expenditures and inequities
Authors: Laokri Samia , Dramaix‐Wilmet Michèle , Kassa Ferdinand , Anagonou Séverin , Dujardin Bruno
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To inform policy‐making, we measured the risk, causes and consequences of catastrophic expenditures for tuberculosis and investigated potential inequities.

Methods

Between August 2008 and February 2009, a cross‐sectional study was conducted among all (245) smear‐positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients of six health districts from southern Benin. A standardised survey questionnaire covered the period of time elapsing from onset of tuberculosis symptoms to completion of treatment. Total direct cost exceeding the conventional 10% threshold of annual income was defined as catastrophic and used as principal outcome in a multivariable logistic regression. A sensitivity analysis was performed while varying the thresholds.

Results

A pure gradient of direct costs of tuberculosis in relation to income was observed. Incidence (78.1%) and intensity (14.8%) of catastrophic expenditure were high; varying thresholds was insensitive to the intensity. Incurring catastrophic expenditure was independently associated with lower‐ and middle‐income quintiles (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 36.2, 95% CI [12.3–106.3] and aOR = 6.4 [2.8–14.6]), adverse pre‐diagnosis stage (aOR = 5.4 [2.2–13.3]) and less education (aOR = 4.1[1.9–8.7]). Households incurred important days lost due to TB, indebtedness (37.1%), dissaving (51.0%) and other coping strategies (52.7%).

Conclusions

Catastrophic direct costs and substantial indirect and coping costs may persist under the ‘free’ tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment strategy, as well as inequities in financial hardship.
Low‐dose aspirin and calcium supplementation for the prevention of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Mone Fionnuala , McAuliffe Fionnuala M
Published: July 2014

Key content

Pre‐eclampsia is a serious systemic condition, which affects 3–5% of all pregnancies and accounts for a significant number of maternal deaths annually.

Administration of anti‐platelet agents to women at risk of pre‐eclampsia leads to a 17% reduction in the risk of developing this condition.

Calcium supplementation during pregnancy may also be an effective measure to reduce the incidence of pre‐eclampsia within high‐risk populations.

Learning objectives

To understand the first trimester ultrasound and biochemical based screening tests available for the prediction of pre‐eclampsia.

To explore the evidence in terms of safety and efficacy of low‐dose aspirin and calcium use in pregnancy in the prevention of pre‐eclampsia.

Ethical issues

Provision of low‐dose aspirin and calcium supplements to pregnant women at risk has the potential to significantly reduce maternal mortality and morbidity in addition to rates of perinatal mortality, not only in the developed world, but also in the developing world.
Basal plasma concentrations of routine variables and packed cell volume in clinically healthy adult small‐sized dogs: effect of breed, body weight, age, and gender, and establishment of reference intervals
Authors: Misbach Charlotte , Chetboul Valérie , Concordet Didier , Médaille Christine , Gruet Philippe , Speranza Cindy , Hoffmann Anne‐Cécile , Rocha Adriana , Balouka David , Petit Amandine M.P. , Trehiou‐Sechi Emilie , Pouchelon Jean‐Louis , Lefebvre Hervé P.
Published: July 2014

Background

Plasma variables may be affected by breed or body weight (BW). Small‐sized dogs are very common, but no specific reference intervals (RI) are used.

Objectives

The primary objective of this prospective study was to assess the potential effect of breed,BW, age, and sex on routine plasma analytes and packed cell volume (PCV) in small‐sized dogs. A secondary objective was to establishRIin this small‐sized population.

Methods

Blood was sampled under standardized conditions from healthy dogs.PCVand 15 routine plasma variables were measured at the same laboratory. Effects of breed,BW, age, and sex were tested using a general linear model. The procedure recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute was used to establishRI.

Results

In this study, 154 healthy dogs from 7 breeds were prospectively included. Although a significant effect of breed,BW, sex, or age was evidenced for most variables (except plasma sodium, phosphates, and triglycerides), it was considered as clinically irrelevant. More strikingly, the percentage of values in the reference sample group under the lower limit of the laboratory'sRIranged from 3.8% to 76.6% for 9 variables, and those higher than the upper limit of the laboratory'sRIranged from 4.5% to 9.7% for 7 variables. For example, theRIfor creatinine in small‐sized dogs was 45–90 μmol/L (vs 54–144 μmol/L for the general dog population).

Conclusion

SpecificRIshould be considered forPCVand selected plasma variables in small‐sized dogs.
A mixture of Bose and Fermi superfluids
Authors: Ferrier-Barbut I. , Delehaye M. , Laurent S. , Grier A. T. , Pierce M. , Rem B. S. , Chevy F. , Salomon C.
Published: July 2014

Making a superfluid lithium mixture

At some of the coldest temperatures achieved in the laboratory, researchers can coax dilute gases of atoms into becoming a superfluid, with the whole gas behaving as one entity. Bosonic atoms, which like to congregate in one state, achieve this willingly. Fermions, which effectively repel each other, require more persuasion. Ferrier-Barbut
et al.
made a superfluid mixture of two gases, one made up of bosons and one of fermions. They used two isotopes of lithium, fermionic
6
Li and bosonic
7
Li. When they made the mixture oscillate, the two components took turns feeding energy into each other.

Science
, this issue p.
1035
Virus-helminth coinfection reveals a microbiota-independent mechanism of immunomodulation
Authors: Osborne Lisa C. , Monticelli Laurel A. , Nice Timothy J. , Sutherland Tara E. , Siracusa Mark C. , Hepworth Matthew R. , Tomov Vesselin T. , Kobuley Dmytro , Tran Sara V. , Bittinger Kyle , Bailey Aubrey G. , Laughlin Alice L. , Boucher Jean-Luc , Wherry E. John , Bushman Frederic D. , Allen Judith E. , Virgin Herbert W. , Artis David
Published: July 2014

Parasites make it hard to fight viruses

Microbial co-infections challenge the immune system—different pathogens often require different flavors of immune responses for their elimination or containment (see the Perspective by Maizels and Gause). Two teams studied what happens when parasitic worms and viruses infect mice at the same time. Reese
et al.
found that parasite co-infection woke up a dormant virus. Osborne
et al.
found that mice already infected with parasitic worms were worse at fighting off viruses. In both cases, worms skewed the immune response so that the immune cells and the molecules they secreted created an environment favorable for the worm at the expense of antiviral immunity.

Science
, this issue p.
573
and p.
578
; see also p.
517
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces iranensis
Authors: Horn Fabian , Schroeckh Volker , Netzker Tina , Guthke Reinhard , Brakhage Axel A. , Linde Jörg
Published: July 2014

Streptomyces iranensis
HM 35 has been shown to exhibit 72.7% DNA-DNA similarity to the important drug rapamycin (sirolimus)-producing
Streptomyces rapamycinicus
NRRL5491. Here, we report the genome sequence of HM 35, which represents a partially overlapping repertoire of secondary metabolite gene clusters with
S. rapamycinicus
, including the gene cluster for rapamycin biosynthesis.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of an Isoniazid-Resistant Clinical Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain MtURU-002 from Uruguay
Authors: Berná Luisa , Iraola Gregorio , Greif Gonzalo , Coitinho Cecilia , Rivas Carlos M. , Naya Hugo , Robello Carlos
Published: July 2014

The incidence of tuberculosis in Uruguay has been effectively reduced to <30 per 100,000 population, although an increase in nonrisk populations in the last few years is evident. Here, we present the genome sequence of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain MtURU-002 isolated from a patient showing bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis that was resistant to isoniazid.
Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas chlororaphis Strain PA23
Authors: Loewen Peter C. , Villenueva Jacylyn , Fernando W. G. Dilantha , de Kievit Teresa
Published: July 2014

Pseudomonas chlororaphis
strain PA23 is a plant-beneficial bacterium that is able to suppress disease caused by the fungal pathogen
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
through a process known as biological control. Here we present a 7.1-Mb assembly of the PA23 genome.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Brucella canis Strain SVA13, Isolated from an Infected Dog
Authors: Kaden Rene , Ågren Joakim , Ferrari Sevinc , Lindberg Martina , Bäckman Stina , Wahab Tara
Published: July 2014

An outbreak of canine brucellosis in Sweden was confirmed by the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) in August 2013. The whole genome of the causative agent was sequenced, assembled, and analyzed.
Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas mandelii PD30
Authors: Formusa Philip A. , Hsiang Tom , Habash Marc B. , Lee Hung , Trevors Jack T.
Published: July 2014

The genome sequence of
Pseudomonas mandelii
PD30 is reported in this announcement. The genes for the reduction of nitrate to dinitrogen were identified in the genome assembly and subsequently used in gene expression research.
Draft Genome Sequence of a New Shigella flexneri Subserotype, 4S BJ10610
Authors: Li Peng , Yang Chaojie , Wang Jian , Yi Shengjie , Li Hao , Wang Yong , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin
Published: July 2014

Shigella flexneri
is of great concern in the prevalence of shigellosis and resistance to many antibiotics in developing countries. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a new
S. flexneri
subserotype, 4S BJ10610, isolated from the stool specimens of a patient in Beijing, China.
Lower urinary tract symptoms: thinking beyond the urinary tract
Authors: Ashrafi Akbar , Winkle David
Published: July 2014

We present a case of a 54-year-old man with progressive lower urinary tract symptoms over 12 months. Physical examination, urinalysis, serum biochemistry and ultrasound of the renal tract were all unremarkable. Flexible cystoscopy was normal. Urodynamic assessment revealed an overactive bladder of unknown aetiology. The patient went on to have an MRI of the lumbosacral spine which showed a spinal cord tumour of the conus medullaris. The patient underwent a laminectomy and resection of the tumour. Histology showed myxopapillary ependymoma of the spinal cord. This case highlights the need to consider the full spectrum of causes, urological and non-urological, in assessing a patient with voiding dysfunction.
Hepatogastric fistula: a rare complication of pyogenic liver abscess
Authors: Gandham Venkata Srinivas , Pottakkat Biju , Panicker Lakshmi C , Hari Ranjit Vijaya
Published: July 2014

Hepatogastric fistula is very rare. We report a case of hepatogastric fistula as a complication of pyogenic liver abscess. A 40-year-old man presented with upper abdominal pain and high-grade fever of 2 weeks. Evaluation revealed multiple liver abscesses. On an empirical diagnosis of pyogenic liver abscess, he was treated with antibiotics. During hospital stay he developed intermittent large quantity bilious vomiting. Gastroduodenoscopy and contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen showed rupture of left lobe liver abscess into the stomach. As expectant management failed to resolve the abscess, endoscopic retrograde papillotomy and stenting of common bile duct was performed. After endoscopic stenting, symptoms subsided. Imaging repeated after 2 weeks of endoscopic stenting showed resolving abscess. He was discharged and is doing well on regular follow-ups. We conclude that hepatogastricfistula can be managed by endoscopic stenting as bile flow through the stent hastens resolution and healing of the fistula.
Mediastinal widening and miliary chest radiograph pattern in a middle aged man: Could it be sarcoidosis?
Authors: Bostantzoglou Clementine , Samitas Konstantinos , Gkogkou Charalampos , Zervas Eleftherios , Gaga Mina
Published: July 2014

A diagnosis of sarcoidosis is based on suggestive radiographic pattern, presence of non-caseating granulomas and negative fungal and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) cultures. Sarcoidosis usually presents with hilar and/or mediastinal lymphadenopathy and distinct parenchymal radiographic patterns, such as fine nodular, reticulonodular or acinar opacities and rarely focal nodules or masses. A diffuse miliary pattern occurs in less than 1% of cases and can be identical to patterns seen in tuberculosis, fungal infections, histiocytosis and miliary metastases. Here the authors report the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with mediastinal widening and miliary pattern on chest radiograph, initially erroneously treated for tuberculosis. Transbronchial biopsies, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and serological tests were compatible with sarcoidosis, while BAL cultures were negative for fungi and AFB growth. The patient finally demonstrated clinical and radiological remission under corticosteroids. Clinicians should consider sarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis when bilateral miliary-type lesions are revealed on chest X-ray.
Hantavirus: an infectious cause of acute kidney injury in the UK
Authors: Adams Kate , Jameson Lisa , Meigh Rolf , Brooks Tim
Published: July 2014

We present a case of an undifferentiated febrile illness in a 59-year-old man from East Yorkshire. He was initially treated for leptospirosis due to the fact that he had farm exposure and the findings of acute kidney injury (AKI), thrombocytopenia and a raised alanine transferase (ALT) on his initial blood results. Serology tests later proved him to have had another rodent-borne illness: hantavirus. An investigation by Public Health England (formerly known as Health Protection Agency) (PHE) went on to prove the presence of the same serotype of hantavirus in rats caught on the patient's property. After an initial deterioration, the patient made a relatively uneventful recovery and all his blood tests returned to normal levels.
From prednisone to pylori: a case ofHelicobacter pylori-induced chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Hill Larisa J N , Tung Ericka E
Published: July 2014

A 54-year-old woman was seen by her primary care internist for a general health maintenance visit. Her major chronic illness was immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) for which she had been treated with prednisone therapy for the past 15 years. Recent review of possible aetiologies of her chronic thrombocytopenia revealed infection withHelicobacter pylori.Successful eradication resulted in complete resolution of her thrombocytopenia within 2 months. She was weaned from steroid therapy and at 1-year follow-up, her platelet counts remained in the normal range. This case report summarises what is known about the association ofH. pyloriinfection and ITP.
Pre-existing hyperlipidaemia increased the risk of new-onset anxiety disorders after traumatic brain injury: a 14-year population-based study
Authors: Ho Chung-Han , Hsieh Kuang-Yang , Liang Fu-Wen , Li Chia-Jung , Wang Jhi-Joung , Chio Chung-Ching , Chang Chin-Hung , Kuo Jinn-Rung
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the risk factors of new-onset ADs remain unclear. This study was aimed at evaluating the incidence and risk factors for new-onset ADs, including pre-existing hyperlipidaemia and three major comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease), in patients with TBI.

Setting

A matched cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database between January 1997 and December 2010.

Participants

A total of 3822 participants (1274 patients with TBI with hyperlipidaemia and 2548 age-matched and gender-matched patients with TBI without hyperlipidaemia).

Outcome measures

The incidence and HRs for the development of new-onset ADs after TBI were compared between the two groups.

Results

The overall incidence rate of new-onset ADs for patients with TBI with hyperlipidaemia is 142.03/10 000 person-years (PYs). Patients with TBI with hyperlipidaemia have a 1.60-fold incidence rate ratio (p<0.0001) and increased HR of ADs (1.58, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.02) compared with those without hyperlipidaemia. The incidence rates of ADs for males and females with hyperlipidaemia, respectively, were 142.12 and 292.32/10 000 PYs, which were higher than those without hyperlipidaemia (93.03 and 171.68/10 000 PYs, respectively). Stratified by age group, hyperlipidaemia is a risk factor of ADs for patients with TBI aged 65 years or younger.

Conclusions

Pre-existing hyperlipidaemia is an independent predictor of new-onset ADs in patients with TBI, even when controlling for other demographic and clinical variables. Female patients with pre-existing hyperlipidaemia had significantly higher risk of new-onset ADs than males, especially between the ages of 35 and 65 years.
‘You feel you've been bad, not ill’: Sick doctors’ experiences of interactions with the General Medical Council
Authors: Brooks Samantha K , Del Busso Lilliana , Chalder Trudie , Harvey Samuel B , Hatch Stephani L , Hotopf Matthew , Madan Ira , Henderson Max
Published: July 2014

Objective

To explore the views of sick doctors on their experiences with the General Medical Council (GMC) and their perception of the impact of GMC involvement on return to work.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

UK.

Participants

Doctors who had been away from work for at least 6 months with physical or mental health problems, drug or alcohol problems, GMC involvement or any combination of these, were eligible for inclusion into the study. Eligible doctors were recruited in conjunction with the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, the GMC and the Practitioner Health Programme. These organisations approached 77 doctors; 19 participated. Each doctor completed an in-depth semistructured interview. We used a constant comparison method to identify and agree on the coding of data and the identification of central themes.

Results

18 of the 19 participants had a mental health, addiction or substance misuse problem. 14 of the 19 had interacted with the GMC. 4 main themes were identified: perceptions of the GMC as a whole; perceptions of GMC processes; perceived health impacts and suggested improvements. Participants described the GMC processes they experienced as necessary, and some elements as supportive. However, many described contact with the GMC as daunting, confusing and anxiety provoking. Some were unclear about the role of the GMC and felt that GMC communication was unhelpful, particularly the language used in correspondence. Improvements suggested by participants included having separate pathways for doctors with purely health issues, less use of legalistic language, and a more personal approach with for example individualised undertakings or conditions.

Conclusions

While participants recognised the need for a regulator, the processes employed by the GMC and the communication style used were often distressing, confusing and perceived to have impacted negatively on their mental health and ability to return to work.
Treatment results of endosaccular coil embolization of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients
Authors: Oishi Hidenori , Yamamoto Munetaka , Nonaka Senshu , Shimizu Takashi , Yoshida Kensaku , Mitsuhashi Takashi , Arai Hajime
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

We report the results of endosaccular coil embolization of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in elderly patients (≥65 years).

Materials

There were 375 elderly patients with 400 asymptomatic UIAs. Patients were divided into two groups: group A included patients aged 65–74 years and group B patients aged ≥75 years.

Results

Endovascular procedures were completed in 97.8% of patients. Immediate anatomical outcomes showed complete occlusion in 53.7%, residual neck in 18.9%, and residual aneurysm in 27.4%. Anatomical follow-ups (mean 36.3±28.1 months) were unchanged in 55.7%, improved in 22.6%, minor recurrence in 11.5%, and major recurrence in 10.2%. Procedure related complications occurred in 31 patients (8.3%). 15 patients had ischemic and 10 hemorrhagic complications. Retreatments were performed in 16 patients (4.3%). Among 366 patients technically completed, 363 (99.2%) showed a favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score <1) at 30 days. The remaining three patients showed a worsening of mRS >0 at 30 days. The latest clinical follow-up outcomes showed: mRS score 0 in 362 patients; mRS score 1 in one; mRS score 3 in one; mRS score 4 in one; and mRS score 5 in one patient. Permanent morbidity and mortality rates were 1.1% and 0%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, comorbidities, aneurysm size, neck width, dome-to-neck ratio, immediate anatomical outcomes, anatomical follow-up outcomes, or procedure related complications between the groups.

Conclusions

Endosaccular coil embolization is safe and feasible for elderly patients with asymptomatic UIAs. Old age itself should not be a contraindication.
The role of fanatics in consensus formation
Authors: Gündüç Semra
Published: July 2014

A model of opinion dynamics with two types of agents as social actors are presented, using the Ising thermodynamic model as the dynamics template. The agents are considered as opportunists which live at sites and interact with the neighbors, or fanatics/missionaries which move from site to site randomly in persuasion of converting agents of opposite opinion with the help of opportunists. Here, the moving agents act as an external influence on the opportunists to convert them to the opposite opinion. It is shown by numerical simulations that such dynamics of opinion formation may explain some details of consensus formation even when one of the opinions are held by a minority. Regardless the distribution of the opinion, different size societies exhibit different opinion formation behavior and time scales. In order to understand general behavior, the scaling relations obtained by comparing opinion formation processes observed in societies with varying population and number of randomly moving agents are studied. For the proposed model two types of scaling relations are observed. In fixed size societies, increasing the number of randomly moving agents give a scaling relation for the time scale of the opinion formation process. The second type of scaling relation is due to the size dependent information propagation in finite but large systems, namely finite-size scaling.
Late-time evolution of Dirac field around Schwarzschild-quintessence black hole
Authors: Varghese Nijo , Kuriakose V. C.
Published: July 2014

The late-time evolution of Dirac field around spherically symmetric black hole surrounded by quintessece is studied numerically. Our results show that for lower values of the quintessence state parameter ϵ, Dirac field decays as power-law tail but with a slower decay rate than the corresponding Schwarzschild case. But for ϵ<-1/3, all the ℓ-poles of the Dirac field give up the power-law decay form and relax to a constant residual field at asymptotically late-times. The value of this residual field for which the field settles down varies on different surfaces. It has the lowest value on the black hole event horizon, increases as the radial distance increases and maximizes on the cosmological horizon.
Self-dual soliton solutions in a Chern–Simons-CP(1) model with a nonstandard kinetic term
Authors: Casana Rodolfo , Sourrouille Lucas
Published: July 2014

A generalization of the Chern–Simons-CP(1) model is considered by introducing a nonstandard kinetic term. For a particular case, of this nonstandard kinetic term, we show that the model support self-dual Bogomol'nyi equations. The Bogomol'nyi–Prasad–Sommerfield (BPS) energy has a bound proportional to the sum of the magnetic flux and the CP(1) topological charge. The self-dual equations are solved analytically and verified numerically.
The microsecond old universe — Relics of QCD phase transition
Authors: Sinha Bikash
Published: July 2014

It is entirely plausible under reasonable conditions, that a first-order QCD phase transition occurred from quarks to hadrons when the universe was about a microsecond old. Relics, if there be any, after the quark–hadron phase transition are the most deciding signatures of the phase transition. It is shown in this paper that quark nuggets, the possible relics of first-order QCD phase transitions with baryon number larger than 1043 will survive the entire history of the universe up to now and can be considered as a candidate for the cold dark matter. The spin down core of the neutron star on the high density low temperature end of the QCD phase diagram initiates transition from hadrons to quarks. As the star spins down, the size of the core goes on increasing. Recently discovered massive Pulsar PSRJ 1614-2230 with a mass of 1.97 ± 0.04M⊙ most likely has a strongly interacting core. What possible observables can there be from these neutron stars?
Inorganic scintillators in direct dark matter investigation
Authors: Belli P. , Incicchitti A. , Cappella F.
Published: July 2014

The discoveries, the developments and the studies that have been performed in the research of new materials and purification techniques, nowadays allow us a wide choice among inorganic scintillators for a variety of uses. In this paper the application of the inorganic crystal scintillators to direct dark matter investigation will be considered in more detail. The present framework of the detectors used at low energy for direct dark matter investigation also offers useful hints for further corollary developments.
Structural Performance of a Woven-Fabric Reinforced Composite as Applied in Construction of Inflatable Offshore Fender Barrier Structures
Authors: Aboshio Aaron , Green Sarah , Ye Jianqiao
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the dynamic structural behavior of woven-fabric reinforced composites with high matrix–fabric volume fraction as applied in the construction of crash or security barriers typified by the Inflatable Offshore Fender Barrier Structure (IOFBS). Dynamic analysis of the IOFBS comprising of over 98% of the composite under impact loading was carried out using the finite element method employing the Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) formulation. The barriers were inflated to 6 kPa and 7 kPa initial pneumatic fluid pressures and subjected to crash loadings from a high velocity vessel. The enclosed fluid of the structure was modeled based on the Shomate equation and fluid behavior of water on which the structure floats was modeled using Us-Up Hugoniot equation of state. The barriers' membrane stresses distributions, deformations, internal fluid pressure surge and volume variations of the structures after impact as well as vessel's degree of instability and deceleration after impact for different initial inflation pressures were computed and studied. The developed models and numerical results obtained are useful in assessing the performance of the composite as used in the IOFBS and similar structures and in improving the design of the structure.
Beyond Hurricane Sandy: What Might the Future Hold for Tropical Cyclones in the North Atlantic?
Authors: Horton Radley M. , Liu Jiping
Published: July 2014

Coastal communities are beginning to understand that sea level rise is projected to dramatically increase the frequency of coastal flooding. However, deep uncertainty remains about how tropical cyclones may change in the future. The North Atlantic has historically been responsible for the majority of global tropical cyclone economic losses, with Hurricane Sandy's approximately USD$70 billion price tag providing a recent example. The North Atlantic has experienced an upward trend in both total tropical cyclones (maximum sustained winds > 18 m/s) and major hurricanes (maximum sustained winds > 50 m/s) in recent decades. While it remains unclear how much of this trend is related to anthropogenic warming, and how tropical cyclone risk may change in the future, the balance of evidence suggests that the strongest hurricanes may become more frequent and intense in the future, and that rainfall associated with tropical cyclones may increase as well. These projections, along with sea level rise and demographic trends, suggest vulnerability to tropical cyclones will increase in the future, thus requiring major coastal adaptation initiatives.
Insights into Morphology and Disease from the Dog Genome Project
Authors: Schoenebeck Jeffrey J. , Ostrander Elaine A.
Published: July 2014

Although most modern dog breeds are less than 200 years old, the symbiosis between man and dog is ancient. Since prehistoric times, repeated selection events have transformed the wolf into man's guardians, laborers, athletes, and companions. The rapid transformation from pack predator to loyal companion is a feat that is arguably unique among domesticated animals. How this transformation came to pass remained a biological mystery until recently: Within the past decade, the deployment of genomic approaches to study population structure, detect signatures of selection, and identify genetic variants that underlie canine phenotypes is ushering into focus novel biological mechanisms that make dogs remarkable. Ironically, the very practices responsible for breed formation also spurned morbidity; today, many diseases are correlated with breed identity. In this review, we discuss man's best friend in the context of a genetic model to understand paradigms of heritable phenotypes, both desirable and disadvantageous.
The Rhomboid-Like Superfamily: Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Roles
Authors: Freeman Matthew
Published: July 2014

The rhomboid proteases were first discovered as regulators of Drosophila EGF receptor signaling; soon after, it was recognized that they represented the founder members of a widespread family of intramembrane serine proteases conserved in all kingdoms. More recently still, the family was promoted to a superfamily, encompassing a wide variety of distantly related proteins. One of the surprises has been that many members of the rhomboid-like superfamily are not active proteases. Given the size of this clan, and its relatively recent discovery, there is still much to learn. Nevertheless, we already understand much about how rhomboid proteases perform their surprising function of cleaving transmembrane domains. We also already know that members of the rhomboid-like superfamily participate in biological functions as diverse as growth factor signaling, mitochondrial dynamics, inflammation, parasite invasion, and the machinery of protein quality control. Their potential medical significance is now becoming apparent in several areas.
Electrochemical Control of Cell and Tissue Polarity
Authors: Chang Fred , Minc Nicolas
Published: July 2014

Localized ion fluxes at the plasma membrane provide electrochemical gradients at the cell surface that contribute to cell polarization, migration, and division. Ion transporters, local pH gradients, membrane potential, and organization are emerging as important factors in cell polarization mechanisms. The power of electrochemical effects is illustrated by the ability of exogenous electric fields to redirect polarization in cells ranging from bacteria, fungi, and amoebas to keratocytes and neurons. Electric fields normally surround cells and tissues and thus have been proposed to guide cell polarity in development, cancer, and wound healing. Recent studies on electric field responses in model systems and development of new biosensors provide new avenues to dissect molecular mechanisms. Here, we review recent advances that bring molecular understanding of how electrochemistry contributes to cell polarity in various contexts.
A Theory of States and Traits—Revised
Authors: Steyer Rolf , Mayer Axel , Geiser Christian , Cole David A.
Published: July 2014

We present a revision of latent state-trait (LST-R) theory with new definitions of states and traits. This theory applies whenever we study the consistency of behavior, its variability, and its change over time. States and traits are defined in terms of probability theory. This allows for a seamless transition from theory to statistical modeling of empirical data. LST-R theory not only gives insights into the nature of latent variables but it also takes into account four fundamental facts: Observations are fallible, they never happen in a situational vacuum, they are always made using a specific method of observations, and there is no person without a past. Although the first fact necessitates considering measurement error, the second fact requires allowances for situational fluctuations. The third fact implies that, in the first place, states and traits are method specific. Furthermore, compared to the previous version of LST theory (see, e.g., Steyer et al. 1992 , 1999 ), our revision is based on the notion of a person-at-time-t. The new definitions in LST-R theory have far-reaching implications that not only concern the properties of states, traits, and the associated concepts of measurement errors and state residuals, but also are related to the analysis of states and traits in longitudinal observational and intervention studies.
Theory and Application of Positive Mathematical Programming in Agriculture and the Environment
Authors: Mérel Pierre , Howitt Richard
Published: July 2014

This review critically looks at the theoretical and empirical foundations of positive mathematical programming and its evolution in the past decade or so. We show how the need to model new empirical phenomena has induced the literature to rethink model specifications and to address new questions in the area of calibrated programming. We also raise a number of modeling questions that, in our view, ought to be addressed in future research.
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Viral Infections
Authors: Risco Cristina , de Castro Isabel Fernández , Sanz-Sánchez Laura , Narayan Kedar , Grandinetti Giovanna , Subramaniam Sriram
Published: July 2014

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies are beginning to have significant impact in the field of virology, as they are helping us understand how viruses take control of cells. In this article we review several methodologies for 3D imaging of cells and show how these technologies are contributing to the study of viral infections and the characterization of specialized structures formed in virus-infected cells. We include 3D reconstruction by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using serial sections, electron tomography, and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). We summarize from these methods selected contributions to our understanding of viral entry, replication, morphogenesis, egress and propagation, and changes in the spatial architecture of virus-infected cells. In combination with live-cell imaging, correlative microscopy, and new techniques for molecular mapping in situ, the availability of these methods for 3D imaging is expected to provide deeper insights into understanding the structural and dynamic aspects of viral infection.
Slow and fast lung compartments in cystic fibrosis measured by nitrogen multiple-breath washout
Authors: Gustafsson P. M. , Robinson P. D. , Gilljam M. , Lindblad A. , Houltz B. K.
Published: July 2014

Imaging studies describe significant ventilation defects across a wide range of cystic fibrosis (CF) related lung disease severity. These are unfortunately poorly reflected by phase III slope analysis–derived Scond and Sacin from multiple-breath washout (MBW). Methodology extending previous two-lung compartment model-based analysis is presented describing size and function of fast- and slow-ventilating lung compartments from nitrogen (N2) MBW and correlation to obstructive lung disease severity. In 37 CF subjects (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] mean [SD] 84.8 [19.9] % predicted; abnormal lung clearance index [LCI] in 36/37, range 7.28–18.9) and 74 matched healthy controls, volume and specific ventilation of both fast and slowly ventilated lung compartments were derived from N2-based MBW with commercial equipment. In healthy controls lung emptying was characterized by a large compartment constituting 75.6 (8.4)% of functional residual capacity (FRC) with a specific ventilation (regional alveolar tidal volume/regional lung volume) of 13.9 (3.7)% and a small compartment with high specific ventilation (48.4 [15.7]%). In CF the slowly ventilated lung compartment constituted 51.9(9.1)% of FRC, with low specific ventilation of 5.3 (2.4)%. Specific ventilation of the slowly ventilated lung compartment showed stronger correlation with LCI (r2 = 0.70, P < 0.001) vs. Sacin (r2 = 0.44, P < 0.001) or Scond (no significant correlation). Overventilation of the fast lung compartment was no longer seen in severe CF lung disease. Magnitude and function of under- and overventilated lung volumes can be derived from routine N2 MBW in CF. Reported values agree with previous modelling-derived estimates of impaired ventilation and offer improved correlation to disease severity, compared with SnIII analysis.
Function-Blocking ERBB3 Antibody Inhibits the Adaptive Response to RAF Inhibitor
Authors: Kugel Curtis H. , Hartsough Edward J. , Davies Michael A. , Setiady Yulius Y. , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: July 2014

ERBB3/HER3 expression and signaling are upregulated in mutant BRAF melanoma as an adaptive, prosurvival response to FDA-approved RAF inhibitors. Because compensatory ERBB3 signaling counteracts the effects of RAF inhibitors, cotargeting ERBB3 may increase the efficacy of RAF inhibitors in mutant BRAF models of melanoma. Here, we corroborate this concept by showing that the ERBB3 function-blocking monoclonal antibody huHER3-8 can inhibit neuregulin-1 activation of ERBB3 and downstream signaling in RAF-inhibited melanoma cells. Targeting mutant BRAF in combination with huHER3-8 decreased cell proliferation and increased cell death in vitro, and decreased tumor burden in vivo, compared with targeting either mutant BRAF or ERBB3 alone. Furthermore, the likelihood of a durable tumor response in vivo was increased when huHER3-8 was combined with RAF inhibitor PLX4720. Together, these results offer a preclinical proof of concept for the application of ERBB3-neutralizing antibodies to enhance the efficacy of RAF inhibitors in melanoma to delay or prevent tumor regrowth. As ERBB3 is often upregulated in response to other kinase-targeted therapeutics, these findings may have implications for other cancers as well. Cancer Res; 74(15); 4122–32. ©2014 AACR.
Role of the Neural Niche in Brain Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Termini John , Neman Josh , Jandial Rahul
Published: July 2014

Metastasis is the relentless pursuit of cancer to escape its primary site and colonize distant organs. This malignant evolutionary process is biologically heterogeneous, yet one unifying element is the critical role of the microenvironment for arriving metastatic cells. Historically, brain metastases were rarely investigated because patients with advanced cancer were considered terminal. Fortunately, advances in molecular therapies have led to patients living longer with metastatic cancer. However, one site remains recalcitrant to our treatment efforts, the brain. The central nervous system is the most complex biologic system, which poses unique obstacles but also harbors opportunities for discovery. Much of what we know about the brain microenvironment comes from neuroscience. We suggest that the interrelated cellular responses in traumatic brain injury may guide us toward new perspectives in understanding brain metastases. In this view, brain metastases may be conceptualized as progressive oncologic injury to the nervous system. This review discusses our evolving understanding of bidirectional interactions between the brain milieu and metastatic cancer. Cancer Res; 74(15); 4011–5. ©2014 AACR.