bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural network‐based approaches for building high dimensional and quantum dynamics‐friendly potential energy surfaces
Authors: Manzhos Sergei , Dawes Richard , Carrington Tucker
Published: October 2014

Development and applications of neural network (NN)‐based approaches for representing potential energy surfaces (PES) of bound and reactive molecular systems are reviewed. Specifically, it is shown that when the density of ab initio points is low, NNs‐based potentials with multibody or multimode structure are advantageous for representing high‐dimensional PESs. Importantly, with an appropriate choice of the neuron activation function, PESs in the sum‐of‐products form are naturally obtained, thus addressing a bottleneck problem in quantum dynamics. The use of NN committees is also analyzed and it is shown that while they are able to reduce the fitting error, the reduction is limited by the nonrandom nature of the fitting error. The approaches described here are expected to be directly applicable in other areas of science and engineering where a functional form needs to be constructed in an unbiased way from sparse data. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Air Filtration in the Free Molecular Flow Regime: A Review of High‐Efficiency Particulate Air Filters Based on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Chunya , Zhang Yingying , Wei Fei
Published: October 2014

Air filtration in the free molecular flow (FMF) regime is important and challenging because a higher filtration efficiency and lower pressure drop are obtained when the fiber diameter is smaller than the gas mean free path in the FMF regime. In previous studies, FMF conditions have been obtained by increasing the gas mean free path through reducing the pressure and increasing the temperature. In the case of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with nanoscale diameters, it is possible to filtrate in the FMF regime under normal conditions. This paper reviews recent progress in theoretical and experimental studies of air filtration in the FMF regime. Typical structure models of high‐efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters based on CNTs are introduced. The pressure drop in air filters operated in the FMF regime is less than that predicted by the conventional air filtration theory. The thinnest HEPA filters fabricated from single‐walled CNT films have an extremely low pressure drop. CNT air filters with a gradient nanostructure are shown to give a much better filtration performance in dynamic filtration. CNT air filters with a hierarchical structure and an agglomerated CNT fluidized bed air filter are also introduced. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the application of CNTs in air filtration are discussed.
Design and implementation of an efficient hybrid dynamic and static typing language
Authors: Garcia Miguel , Ortin Francisco , Quiroga Jose
Published: October 2014

Dynamic languages are suitable for developing specific applications where runtime adaptability is an important issue. On the contrary, statically typed languages commonly provide better compile‐time type error detection and more opportunities for compiler optimizations. Because both approaches offer different benefits, there exist programming languages that support hybrid dynamic and static typing. However, the existing hybrid typing languages commonly do not gather type information of dynamic references at compile time, missing opportunities for improving compile‐time error detection and runtime performance. Therefore, we propose some design principles to implement hybrid typing languages that continue gathering type information of dynamically typed references. This type information is used to perform compile‐time type checking of the dynamically typed code and improve its runtime performance. As an example, we have implemented a hybrid typing language following the proposed design principles. We have evaluated the runtime performance and memory consumption of the generated code. The average performance of the dynamic and hybrid typing code is at least 2.53× and 4.51× better than the related approaches for the same platform, consuming less memory resources. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nerve Growth Factor and proNGF Simultaneously Promote Symmetric Self-Renewal, Quiescence, and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition to Enlarge the Breast Cancer Stem Cell Compartment
Authors: Tomellini Elisa , Touil Yasmine , Lagadec Chann , Julien Sylvain , Ostyn Pauline , Ziental-Gelus Nathalie , Meignan Samuel , Lengrand Justine , Adriaenssens Eric , Polakowska Renata , Le Bourhis Xuefen
Published: October 2014

The discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs) fundamentally advanced our understanding of the mechanisms governing breast cancer development. However, the stimuli that control breast CSC self-renewal and differentiation have still not been fully detailed. We previously showed that nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor proNGF can stimulate breast cancer cell growth and invasion in an autocrine manner. In this study, we investigated the effects of NGF and proNGF on the breast CSC compartment and found that NGF or proNGF enrich for CSCs in several breast cancer cell lines. This enrichment appeared to be achieved by increasing the number of symmetric divisions of quiescent/slow-proliferating CSCs. Interestingly, in vitro NGF pretreatment of MCF-7 luminal breast cancer cells promoted epithelial to mesenchymal transition in tumors of severe combined immunodeficient mice. Furthermore, p75NTR, the common receptor for both neurotrophins and proneurotrophins, mediated breast CSC self-renewal by regulating the expression of pluripotency transcription factors. Our data indicate, for the first time, that the NGF/proNGF/p75NTR axis plays a critical role in regulating breast CSC self-renewal and plasticity. Stem Cells  2015;33:342–353
The Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR4A1 Specifies a Distinct Subpopulation of Quiescent Myeloid-Biased Long-Term HSCs
Authors: Land Ruben H. , Rayne Anna K. , Vanderbeck Ashley N. , Barlowe Trevor S. , Manjunath Shwetha , Gross Matthew , Eiger Sophie , Klein Peter S. , Cunningham Nicole R. , Huang Jian , Emerson Stephen G. , Punt Jennifer A.
Published: October 2014

Hematopoiesis is maintained throughout life by self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that differentiate to produce both myeloid and lymphoid cells. The NR4A family of orphan nuclear receptors, which regulates cell fate in many tissues, appears to play a key role in HSC proliferation and differentiation. Using a NR4A1GFP BAC transgenic reporter mouse we have investigated NR4A1 expression and its regulation in early hematopoiesis. We show that NR4A1 is most highly expressed in a subset of Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ CD48−CD150+ long-term (LT) HSCs, and its expression is tightly associated with HSC quiescence. We also show that NR4A1 expression in HSCs is induced by PGE2, a known enhancer of stem cell engraftment potential. Finally, we find that both NR4A1GFP+ and NR4A1GFP− HSCs successfully engraft primary and secondary irradiated hosts; however, NR4A1GFP+ HSCs are distinctly myeloid-biased. These results show that NR4A1 expression identifies a highly quiescent and distinct population of myeloid-biased LT-HSCs. Stem Cells  2015;33:278–288
RepOK‐based reduction of bounded exhaustive testing
Authors: Bengolea Valeria , Aguirre Nazareno , Marinov Darko , Frias Marcelo
Published: October 2014

While the effectiveness of bounded exhaustive test suites increases as one increases the scope for the bounded exhaustive generation, both the time for test generation and the time for test execution grow exponentially with respect to the scope. In this article, a set of techniques for reducing the time for bounded exhaustive testing, by either reducing the generation time or reducing the obtained bounded exhaustive suites, is proposed. The representation invariant of the software under test's input, implemented as a repOK routine, is exploited for these reductions in two ways: (i) to factor out separate representation invariants for disjoint structures of the inputs; and (ii) to partition valid inputs into equivalence classes, according to how these exercise the repOK code. The first is used in order to split the test input generation process, as disjoint substructures can be independently generated. The second is used in order to reduce the size of a bounded exhaustive test suite, by removing from the suite those tests that are equivalent to some tests already present in the suite. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupled flexural–torsional dynamic stiffness matrix of an elastically supported axially loaded beam with shear resistant in‐fill
Authors: Ghandi E. , Rafezy B. , Abedi K. , Howson W. P.
Published: October 2014

The dynamic stiffness matrix of an axially loaded elastically supported uniform beam with doubly asymmetric cross‐section that exhibits coupling between flexural and torsional motions is developed and subsequently used to investigate its free vibration characteristics. The beam comprises a thin‐walled outer section that encloses, and works compositely with, a core of shear resistant in‐fill material. The outer layer provides flexure, warping and Saint–Venant rigidity, while the inner layer provides both Saint–Venant and shear rigidity. A three‐parameter Winkler model is used to describe the distributed elastic support. Hamilton's principle is used to derive the partial differential equations governing the free vibration of the beam, together with the associated natural boundary conditions. This gives rise to three coupled equations that are subsequently combined into a single, 12th order, ordinary differential equation. Throughout the process, the uniform distribution of mass in the member is accounted for exactly and thus necessitates the solution of a transcendental eigenvalue problem. This is accomplished using the Wittrick–Williams algorithm, which enables the required natural frequencies to be converged upon to any required accuracy with the certain knowledge that none have been missed. Finally, in order to verify the accuracy of the presented theory, the numerical solutions are given and compared with the results that are available in the literature and finite element solutions using abaqus software. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spitzenwirkungsgrade bei sinkenden Herstellungskosten
Authors: Strauch Kerstin , Schwarz Florian , Gatz Sebastian , Rack Andreas
Published: October 2014

Die Manz AG kommt mit der neuen Beschichtungsanlage VCS1200 der Forderung der PV‐Industrie nach immer höheren Wirkungsgraden bei gleichzeitig sinkenden Produktionskosten nach. Mittels neuartiger HP‐ICP Technologie konnten bereits Wirkungsgrade über 20% erreicht werden. Die hohe Gaszersetzung, die mit diesem Verfahren erreicht wird, sorgt für kompakte Schichten mit sehr guten Passiviereigenschaften. Das ebenfalls neu entwickelte elektrostatische Carriersystem sorgt für eine geringe mechanische Belastung der Wafer bei gleichzeitig vollflächig homogener Abscheidung. Die VCS1200 kann sowohl für Rückseiten‐Passivierungen als auch für Vorderseiten‐Antireflexbeschichtungen eingesetzt werden.
Glass meets flexibility
Authors: Junghähnel Manuela , Garner Sean
Published: October 2014

Flexible glass, such as ultra‐slim Corning® Willow® Glass, produced at thicknesses lower than 200 micron has the ability to bend, while maintaining perfect barrier properties, superior surface quality, greater transparency, and high temperature processing, outperforming polymers. At the same time it has the potential to be used in roll‐to‐roll large area processing. These qualities make flexible glass an outstanding material for displays, touch panels, thinfilm batteries and photovoltaic (PV) products.
Stochastic climate theory and modeling
Authors: Franzke Christian L. E. , O'Kane Terence J. , Berner Judith , Williams Paul D. , Lucarini Valerio
Published: October 2014

Stochastic methods are a crucial area in contemporary climate research and are increasingly being used in comprehensive weather and climate prediction models as well as reduced order climate models. Stochastic methods are used as subgrid‐scale parameterizations (SSPs) as well as for model error representation, uncertainty quantification, data assimilation, and ensemble prediction. The need to use stochastic approaches in weather and climate models arises because we still cannot resolve all necessary processes and scales in comprehensive numerical weather and climate prediction models. In many practical applications one is mainly interested in the largest and potentially predictable scales and not necessarily in the small and fast scales. For instance, reduced order models can simulate and predict large‐scale modes. Statistical mechanics and dynamical systems theory suggest that in reduced order models the impact of unresolved degrees of freedom can be represented by suitable combinations of deterministic and stochastic components and non‐Markovian (memory) terms. Stochastic approaches in numerical weather and climate prediction models also lead to the reduction of model biases. Hence, there is a clear need for systematic stochastic approaches in weather and climate modeling. In this review, we present evidence for stochastic effects in laboratory experiments. Then we provide an overview of stochastic climate theory from an applied mathematics perspective. We also survey the current use of stochastic methods in comprehensive weather and climate prediction models and show that stochastic parameterizations have the potential to remedy many of the current biases in these comprehensive models. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:63–78. doi: 10.1002/wcc.318

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Model Components
Reduction of Metal Coordinated N2 to NH3 with H2 by Heterolytic Hydrogen Cleavage induced by External Lewis Bases – a DFT Study
Authors: Hölscher Markus , Leitner Walter
Published: October 2014

The synthesis of NH3 from N2 and H2 employing molecular ruthenium pincer complexes as catalysts was investigated by DFT calculations for an hitherto unusual type of outer sphere mechanism in N2 chemistry. The mechanistic approach relies on the heterolytic cleavage of a H2 molecule between the sterically demanding P(tBu)3 as a Lewis base and the dicationic ruthenium pincer complex [Ru(PNP)(N2)(CO)2]2+ [PNP = 2,6‐bis(diisopropylphosphanyl)lutidin] as a Lewis acid. Cleavage of the H2 molecule results in a hydride, which is transferred onto the external N atom of the N2 molecule coordinated at the metal complex, while the proton binds to the base. In a subsequent step the proton is also transferred to the HNN unit. Repetition of these two reaction steps with two more H2 molecules results in the formation of two NH3 molecules. Closed catalytic cycles could be calculated, which proves that this concept is applicable in principle. However, some activation barriers in the middle stages of the catalytic cycle are too high to envision practical realization with this particular acid‐base combination. Low lying intermediates, which occur in late stages of the catalytic cycle, are another challenge as they increase the overall activation barrier significantly. As a result it is suggested that this novel approach of hydrogen transfer onto N2 should be extended to other complexes.
Novel [{Cp(CO)2Mo}2ESb]+ Clusters with Tetrahedral Mo2SbE Core. Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [{Cp(CO)2Mo}2ESb][GaCl4] (E = S, Se)
Authors: Wagner Christoph , Merzweiler Kurt
Published: October 2014

Treatment of the cluster compounds [Cp2(CO)4Mo2ESbCl] (E = S, Se) with GaCl3 in thf as solvent leads to the compounds [Cp2(CO)4Mo2ESb]GaCl4. [Cp2(CO)4Mo2SSb]GaCl4 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 815.64(6), b = 1094.31(5), c = 2503.7(2) pm, and β = 92.505(6)°. The selenium derivative [Cp2(CO)4Mo2SeSb]GaCl4 forms isotypic crystals with a = 811.53(4), b = 1103.90(6), c = 2511.2(1) pm, and β = 92.704(4)°. Both the derivatives display ionic structures consisting of separated [Cp2(CO)4Mo2ESb]+ cations and GaCl4– anions. According to the 18 electron rule the [Cp2(CO)4Mo2ESb]+ cations can be considered as electron precise tetrahedral clusters, which are closely related to the well‐known dipnictogen complexes [Cp2(CO)4Mo2E2] (E = P, As, Sb, Bi).
Observer reliability of CT angiography in the assessment of acute ischaemic stroke: data from the Third International Stroke Trial
Authors: Mair Grant , von Kummer Rüdiger , Adami Alessandro , White Philip M. , Adams Matthew E. , Yan Bernard , Demchuk Andrew M. , Farrall Andrew J. , Sellar Robin J. , Ramaswamy Rajesh , Mollison Daisy , Boyd Elena V. , Rodrigues Mark A. , Samji Karim , Baird Andrew J. , Cohen Geoff , Sakka Eleni , Palmer Jeb , Perry David , Lindley Richard , Sandercock Peter A. G. , Wardlaw Joanna M. ,   The IST-3 Collaborative Group
Published: October 2014

Introduction

CT angiography (CTA) is often used for assessing patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Only limited observer reliability data exist. We tested inter- and intra-observer reliability for the assessment of CTA in acute ischaemic stroke.

Methods

We selected 15 cases from the Third International Stroke Trial (IST-3, ISRCTN25765518) with various degrees of arterial obstruction in different intracranial locations on CTA. To assess inter-observer reliability, seven members of the IST-3 expert image reading panel (>5 years experience reading CTA) and seven radiology trainees (<2 years experience) rated all 15 scans independently and blind to clinical data for: presence (versus absence) of any intracranial arterial abnormality (stenosis or occlusion), severity of arterial abnormality using relevant scales (IST-3 angiography score, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score, Clot Burden Score), collateral supply and visibility of a perfusion defect on CTA source images (CTA-SI). Intra-observer reliability was assessed using independently repeated expert panel scan ratings. We assessed observer agreement with Krippendorff’s-alpha (K-alpha).

Results

Among experienced observers, inter-observer agreement was substantial for the identification of any angiographic abnormality (K-alpha = 0.70) and with an angiography assessment scale (K-alpha = 0.60–0.66). There was less agreement for grades of collateral supply (K-alpha = 0.56) or for identification of a perfusion defect on CTA-SI (K-alpha = 0.32). Radiology trainees performed as well as expert readers when additional training was undertaken (neuroradiology specialist trainees). Intra-observer agreement among experts provided similar results (K-alpha = 0.33–0.72).

Conclusion

For most imaging characteristics assessed, CTA has moderate to substantial observer agreement in acute ischaemic stroke. Experienced readers and those with specialist training perform best.
Effects of Postoperative Morbidity on Long‐Term Outcome Following Surgery for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Lodewick T. M. , de Jong M. C. , van Dam R. M. , Bemelmans M. H. A. , Neumann U. P. , Olde Damink S. W. M. , Dejong C. H. C.
Published: October 2014

Background

The impact of postoperative complications on long‐term outcomes after surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains controversial. During the last decade, advances in surgical as well as non‐surgical treatment have increased resectability and altered outcomes. We sought to determine the influence of postoperative morbidity on disease‐free (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

All patients undergoing liver resection for CRLM for the first time between 2000 and 2011 were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Postoperative morbidity was classified according to Dindo–Clavien grade. A Dindo–Clavien grade ≥3a was considered a major complication. Primary outcomes were DFS and OS depending on the presence or absence of postoperative morbidity.

Results

Of the 266 included patients, 97 patients (37 %) developed postoperative complications, of whom 61 (23 %) had major complications. Median DFS and OS (5‐year) were 17 and 53 months (42 %). The occurrence of postoperative morbidity did not significantly shorten OS (p = 0.130) and DFS (p = 0.101). However, major morbidity reduced DFS significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In the present study, the occurrence of major postoperative complications was associated with diminished DFS. However, the effect of (major) complications on OS did not reach statistical significance.
The Influence of Histological Differentiation Grade on the Outcome of Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinomas 2 cm or Smaller in Size
Authors: Sasaki Kazunari , Matsuda Masamichi , Ohkura Yu , Kawamura Yusuke , Inoue Masafumi , Hashimoto Masaji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Watanabe Goro
Published: October 2014

Background

Small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) with poorly differentiated components (PDC) are reportedly at risk of dissemination and needle tract seeding after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, although it is the preferred treatment for HCC ≤ 2 cm because of the low rate of vascular invasion. On the other hand, the clinical outcomes after hepatectomy for these tumors are still unclear because of their rarity.

Methods

A total of 233 cases of solitary HCC ≤ 2 cm were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups according to the presence of PDC: 199 without PDC (NP‐HCCs) and 34 with PDC (P‐HCCs). The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were compared.

Results

A comparison of clinicopathological characteristics showed that the elevation of the tumor markers alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) (>20 ng/mL) and des‐gamma‐carboxyprothrombin (DCP) (>40 AU/L) was significantly frequent in P‐HCCs. The 3‐ and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rates for P‐HCCS were 39 and 29 %, respectively, which were significantly worse than those for NP‐HCCs (64 and 50 %, respectively) (p < 0.01). Initial recurrence of P‐HCCs was significantly more frequent, as well as extrahepatic recurrence and advanced recurrence in the early period after the operation. Recurrences with tumor dissemination were observed in 15 % of P‐HCCs and 4 % of NP‐HCCs (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

PDC is present in 15 % of HCC < 2 cm and should be suspected when the both tumor markers are elevated. Moreover, significantly worse post‐hepatectomy outcomes such as early advanced recurrence or recurrence with dissemination should be taken into account if PDC is present even in HCCs ≤ 2 cm.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies to Manage Post‐Pancreaticoduodenectomy Hemorrhage
Authors: Chen Jian‐feng , Xu Shi‐feng , Zhao Wei , Tian Yuan‐hu , Gong Lin , Yuan Wei‐sheng , Dong Jia‐Hong
Published: October 2014

Objective

To explore the causes, diagnosis and treatment of post‐pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhages (PPHs).

Methods

A database of 703 pancreaticoduodenectomy patients in our institution (January 2008–July 2013) was analyzed retrospectively.

Results

PPHs occurred in 62 patients of which, 38 had clear causes and 15 died because of uncontrolled bleeding and multiple organ failure. Pancreatic fistula and abdominal infection rates were significantly higher in the PPH group compared to the group who did not experience hemorrhages (P < 0.05) but did not significantly increase the mortality of PPH patients. Hemostasis was attempted by endotherapy in 7 patients and was successful in 4 (57.1 %). Angioembolization was performed in 12 patients and was successful in 10 (83.3 %) and relaparotomy in 24 patients successful in 13 (54.2 %). All deceased patients belonged to International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery clinical grade C and sentinel bleeding occurred in 60 % of PPH mortalities (9/15) (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Pancreatic fistulae and abdominal infections are associated with PPH. Control of early mild upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages could be attempted by endotherapy, but angiography with intervention or surgical treatments were always required for delayed bleeding. The mortality in cases with sentinel bleedings was obviously increased.
“Neighborhood Matters”: Assessment of Neighborhood Social Processes
Authors: Henry David , Gorman-Smith Deborah , Schoeny Michael , Tolan Patrick
Published: October 2014

Neighborhoods are important contexts for understanding development and behavior, but cost and difficulty have challenged attempts to develop measures of neighborhood social processes at the neighborhood level. This article reports the development, reliability, and validity of Neighborhood Matters, a collection of instruments assessing three aspects of neighborhood social processes, namely, norms (five subscales), informal social control (six subscales and total scale), social connection (two subscales), as well as individual scales for assessing neighborhood change, neighborhood resources, and neighborhood problems. Six hundred six residents of Chicago, chosen at random from 30 neighborhoods (defined by US Census tracts), completed the measures. Neighborhoods were selected randomly from pools that balanced poverty and predominant (African‐American vs. Latino Hispanic) ethnicity. Within each neighborhood 20 individuals were selected at random, balanced by age (18–24 vs. 30+) and gender. Scaling and item analysis permitted reduction of the number of items in each scale. All subscales had individual‐level internal consistency in excess of .7. Generalizability theory analysis using random effects regression models found significant shared variance at the neighborhood level for three norms subscales, four informal social control subscales, both social connection subscales, and the neighborhood change, resources and problems scales. Validity analyses found significant associations between neighborhood‐level scores on multiple Neighborhood Matters scales and neighborhood levels of violent, property, and drug‐related crime. Discussion focuses on potential applications of the Neighborhood Matters scales in community research.
The role of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPls) in infertile women: the long‐lasting experience
Authors: Ulcova‐Gallova Zdenka
Published: October 2014

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPls) are generally characterized as heterogeneous and non‐specific autoantibodies directed against various phospholipids such as cardiolipin, ph‐serine, ph‐inositol, ph‐acid, ph‐glycerol, ph‐sphyngomyelin, ph‐choline, annexins, and co‐factor β2‐glycoprotein I. aPls occur not only during autoimmune diseases but also during infectious diseases, essential hypertension, neurological complication, metabolic diseases, some drug abuse, and transplant loss. aPls are very often found in connection with reproductive failure such as repeated pregnancy loss and/or missed abortion, intrauterine fetal death, in preeclampsia, and repeated delivery of hypothrophic fetus. The presence of aPls, thrombosis, and fertility failure create primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. This article explains some aspects and clinical and laboratory significance of the aPls in female infertility.
Memoir of the Life of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel
Authors: Beamish Richard
Published: October 2014

Abandoning a military career, Richard Beamish (1798–1873) decided to become a civil engineer. His suitability as a biographer of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel (1769–1849) stems from the period he spent working closely with the Brunels on the Thames Tunnel. Published in 1862, this memoir recounts the elder Brunel's eventful life and work, including his youth in France, his flight to America in the aftermath of the French Revolution, his lesser-known ventures in the early nineteenth century, and the tunnelling project which would consume much of the second half of his life. An informed portrait of a figure who has since been outshone by his more famous son, this book includes first-hand accounts of the ill-fated early attempt to build the Thames Tunnel, which was abandoned in 1828 due to flooding and lack of funds, and of Brunel's vindication upon its eventual completion in 1843.
Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honourable Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Authors: Moore Thomas
Published: October 2014

Best known for The Rivals and The School for Scandal, Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816) was already a celebrated comic playwright when he entered Parliament in 1780. Turning his wit and talent as a writer to political oratory, he won acclaim for his speeches in the House of Commons. As an independent-minded Whig, he had to reconcile his distrust of monarchical power with his role as friend and confidant to the future George IV. Sheridan's was ultimately a turbulent life, rocked by affairs, heavy drinking and constant debt. This successful and influential two-volume biography, first published in 1825, was written by the poet Thomas Moore (1779–1852), who went on to chart the life of Lord Byron. Volume 1 covers Sheridan's early life and career as a writer, including extensive extracts from unfinished plays.
Phenotypic Variability of Krabbe Disease Across the Lifespan
Authors: Liao Pamela , Gelinas Jennifer , Sirrs Sandra
Published: October 2014

Krabbe disease (galactocerebrosidase deficiency) is an inherited leukodystrophy that results in severe neurological defects due to altered myelination. Classically, disease onset is within the first year of life. Juvenile and adult-onset cases may have less classic presentations, making diagnosis difficult and often delayed. Here, we review the literature to demonstrate the hetereogeneity of presenting symptoms across all age groups. We also discuss diagnostic approach, emphasizing variation in biochemical, functional, and genetic results among Krabbe phenotypes. Better understanding of the various Krabbe disease phenotypes is critical to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this clinically heterogeneous disorder.
Historic Stroke Motor Severity Score Predicts Progression in TIA/Minor Stroke
Authors: Camden Marie-Christine , Hill Michael D. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Poppe Alexandre Y. , Shobha Nan , Barber Philip A. , Coutts Shelagh B.
Published: October 2014

Background:

transient ischemic attack (tIA) and minor stroke have a high risk of early neurological deterioration, and patients who experience early improvement are at risk of deterioration. We generated a score for quantifying the worst reported motor and speech deficits and assessed whether this predicted outcome.

Methods:

510 tIA or minor stroke (NIHSS>4) patients were included. the Historical Stroke Severity Score (HSSS) prospectively quantified the patient's description of the worst motor or speech deficits. the HSSS was rated at the time of first assessment with more severe deficits scoring higher. Motor HSSS included assessments of arm and leg motor power (score total 0-5). Speech HSSS assessed severity of dysarthria and aphasia (total 0-3). the association between motor and speech HSSS and symptom progression was assessed during the 90-day follow-up period.

Results:

the proportion of patients in each category of the motor HSSS was 0: 43% (216/510), 1: 22%(110/510), 2: 17% (89/510), 3: 7% (37/510), 4: 5% (28/510) and 5: 6% (30/510). Motor HSSS was associated with symptom progression (p=0.004) but not recurrent stroke. Speech HSSS was not associated with either progression or recurrent stroke. Motor HSSS predicted disability (p=0.002) and intracranial occlusion (p=0.012). Disability increased with increasing motor HSSS.

Conclusions:

taking a detailed history about the severity of motor deficits, but not speech, predicted outcome in tIA and minor stroke patients. A score based on the patient's description of the severity of motor symptoms predicted symptom progression, intracranial occlusion and functional outcome, but not recurrent stroke in a tIA and minor stroke population.
Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay: MR and Clinical Results in Lower-Limb Musculature
Authors: Gazulla José , Mayayo-Sinués Esteban , Benavente Isabel , Modrego Pedro J. , Berciano José
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Peripheral neuropathy is a cardinal manifestation of the autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix- Saguenay (ARSACS), although its type of neuromuscular involvement has not been definitely established, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the assessment of muscle and nerve diseases. The objective of this work has been to define the patterns of muscle weakness and of abnormal muscular MRI in ARSACS.

Patients and Methods:

Five patients with a molecular diagnosis of ARSACS, aged 39 to 59 years, whose electrophysiological findings were consistent with an axonal neuropathy of distal distribution superimposed on a developmental defect of myelinization, underwent neurological and MRI lower-limb examinations. Conventional FSE T1-weighted and STIR sequences were performed, looking for fatty infiltration and oedema in the musculature of the thighs, legs and feet, together with their distribution along the longitudinal axis of the muscle bellies.

Results:

On clinical examination, paralysis was apparent in foot muscles; moderate weakness, in leg musculature; and normal strength, in thigh muscles. MRI demonstrated massive fat deposition in the foot muscles and medial gastrocnemii in every case, distal fat infiltration and oedema in every leg muscle group, and preservation of thigh muscles, albeit with diffuse minimal non-specific fat infiltration. An inverse correlation between strength and degree of fat infiltration in lower-limb muscles became apparent.

Conclusion:

The preponderance of weakness and MRI abnormalities in distal muscle groups was concordant with the presence of a length-dependent axonopathy, as described in ARSACS.
Measuring Electoral Integrity around the World: A New Dataset
Authors: Norris Pippa , Frank Richard W. , Martínez i Coma Ferran
Published: October 2014

Many contentious elections end in disputes about alleged fraud, irregularities, and malpractices. How do we know when these claims are valid and when they are false complaints from sore losers? This article describes a new dataset developed by the Electoral Integrity Project. Based on a survey of election experts, the research provides new evidence to compare how national contests around the world are meeting international standards of electoral integrity. The questionnaire includes 49 key indicators clustered into 11 stages of the electoral cycle, as well as generating an overall summary Perception of Electoral Integrity (PEI) 100-point index. The evidence displays high levels of external validity, internal validity, and legitimacy. The PEI datasets allow researchers to gauge the perceived quality of elections worldwide. This study summarizes the PEI’s research design, compares the quality of elections around the globe, and illustrates how electoral integrity is linked with both democracy and development.
Political Scandal and Bias in Survey Responses
Authors: Goedert Nicholas
Published: October 2014

This article provides evidence for bias in the polling of American political candidates who are accused of personal or financial scandal, wherein the support of the accused candidate is understated. Evidence for this phenomenon is found in the analysis of a dataset of district-level polls of US House elections during the 2002–2012 election cycles. This bias helps to explain several unanticipated outcomes in recent American legislative elections, in which scandal-tarred incumbents unexpectedly were reelected or defeated by surprisingly narrow margins. The article also finds evidence of a smaller bias, previously observed by practitioners, wherein support is overstated for incumbents who are not accused of scandal.
Effects of UVC254 nm on the photosynthetic activity of photobionts from the astrobiologically relevant lichens Buellia frigida and Circinaria gyrosa
Authors: Meeßen J. , Backhaus T. , Sadowsky A. , Mrkalj M. , Sánchez F.J. , de la Torre R. , Ott S.
Published: October 2014

In the past decade, various astrobiological studies on different lichen species investigated the impairment of viability and photosynthetic activity by exposure to simulated or real space parameters (as vacuum, polychromatic ultraviolet (UV)-radiation and monochromatic UVC) and consistently found high post-exposure viability as well as low rates of photosynthetic impairment (de Vera et al. 2003, 2004a; 2004b; de la Torre et al. 2010; Onofri et al. 2012; Sánchez et al. 2012, 2014; Brandt et al. 2014). To achieve a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of resistance, the present study subdued isolated and metabolically active photobionts of two astrobiologically relevant lichens to UVC254 nm, examined its effect on photosynthetic activity by chlorophyll a fluorescence and characterized the UVC-induced damages by quantum yield reduction and measurements of non-photochemical quenching. The results indicate a strong impairment of photosynthetic activity, photoprotective mechanisms and overall photobiont vitality when being irradiated in the isolated and metabolically active state. In conclusion, the present study stresses the higher susceptibility of photobionts towards extreme environmental conditions as UVC-exposure, a stressor that does not occur on the Earth. By comparison with previous studies, the present results highlight the importance of protective mechanisms in lichens, such as morphological–anatomical traits (Meeßen et al. 2013), secondary lichen compounds (Meeßen et al. 2014) and the symbiont's pivotal ability to pass into anhydrobiosis when desiccating.
Behavioral Family Treatment of Pediatric Obesity in an Underserved Community-Based Setting: A Case Study Demonstrating Barriers to Treatment Effectiveness
Authors: Lim Crystal S. , Gowey Marissa A. , Janicke David M.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this case study is to describe the application and challenges of utilizing a manualized behavioral parent group intervention to address pediatric obesity in a community-based rural setting. Treatment included 21 group sessions, which focused on nutritional and physical activity education, gradual changes to healthy lifestyle behaviors, and implementation of behavioral and parenting strategies, over a 1-year period. Barriers to treatment effectiveness included the comorbidity of behavioral and emotional disorders, complex family dynamics and inconsistent parenting with multiple caregivers, limited access to mental health care and economic resources due to rurality, and limited readiness to actively engage in treatment. Despite these barriers, the child’s Body Mass Index z score remained stable and clinically significant reductions in disordered eating attitudes and behaviors were observed after treatment. This case study demonstrates the challenges of conducting a manualized group intervention for pediatric obesity with fidelity and flexibility in the context of co-occurring emotional and behavioral difficulties, complex family dynamics, and rurality. Implications for pediatric obesity clinical practice in underserved settings and with complex cases are discussed.
Parent and Family Interventions in Pediatric Psychology: Clinical Applications
Authors: Mullins Larry L. , Gillaspy Stephen R. , Molzon Elizabeth S. , Chaney John M.
Published: October 2014

Parent and family interventions have a long, demonstrated history of utilization in pediatric psychology settings. The current article will first briefly overview and describe the predominant parent and family intervention approaches used in pediatric psychology, including traditional family therapy approaches, cognitive–behavioral family therapy, behavioral family systems therapy, multisystemic therapy, and problem-solving therapy approaches. Broad strategies for the practical implementation of these interventions are discussed, including working with multiple subsystems, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, developing shared conceptual models with family and medical team members, and exercising both flexibility and clinical judgment with complex cases. Obstacles and barriers to successful implementation of these treatments will next be reviewed, including parent/caregiver characteristics, patient characteristics, economic challenges, medical setting characteristics, and communication barriers, as well as recommendations for overcoming these barriers. A case study is presented that illustrates a typical family intervention approach. Future directions are reviewed including continued empirical evaluation of family interventions, conducting dismantling studies, targeting of resiliency variables, and evaluation of electronically delivered treatments.
Practice-Based Approach to Assessing and Treating Nonadherence in Pediatric Regimens
Authors: Duncan Christina L. , Mentrikoski Janelle M. , Wu Yelena P. , Fredericks Emily M.
Published: October 2014

With advances in medical care, youths with chronic illness have the potential for higher quality of life; however, these treatments often come with cost (i.e., burden, financial) that can result in nonadherence. Pediatric nonadherence, on average, is approximately 50% across chronic health conditions. Research has identified effective, evidence-based assessment measures and intervention strategies to promote regimen adherence in youths. Yet, these measures and strategies typically are designed for clinical trials and thus may not be feasible or practical in typical clinic settings. As the field of adherence assessment and intervention expands, it will be important to devise evidence-based tools that are pragmatic and can be translated easily into practice. To guide this future direction, the goals of this paper are to review evidence-based adherence assessment and intervention strategies that can be used with youths and families in clinical practice, to illustrate the complexities of addressing adherence concerns in routine practice, and to discuss the challenges of disseminating and implementing evidence-based strategies in the real world.
Adaptation of Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) for Parent Caregivers of Youth With Chronic Pain
Authors: Palermo Tonya M. , Law Emily F. , Essner Bonnie , Jessen-Fiddick Tricia , Eccleston Christopher
Published: October 2014

Research on the experience of parents caring for a child with chronic pain indicates that high levels of parental role stress, feelings of frustration over an inability to help, and psychological distress are common. Moreover, parental distress adversely influences child adjustment to chronic pain. Therefore, intervening with parents of youth with chronic pain may, in turn, result in positive outcomes for children in their ability to engage in positive coping strategies, reduce their own distress, and to function competently in their normal daily lives. Our aim was to adapt an intervention, problem-solving skills training, previously proven effective in reducing parental distress in other pediatric illness conditions to the population of caregivers of youth with chronic pain. In the first phase, the intervention was adapted based on expert review of the literature and review of parent responses on a measure of pain-related family impact. In the second phase, the intervention was tested in a small group of parents to evaluate feasibility, determined by response to treatment content, ratings of acceptability, and ability to enroll and deliver the treatment visits. This phase included piloting the PSST intervention and all outcome measures at pretreatment and immediately posttreatment. In an exploratory manner we examined change in parent distress and child physical function and depression from pre- to posttreatment. Findings from this feasibility study suggest that PSST can be implemented with parents of youth with chronic pain, and they find the treatment acceptable.
Practice Patterns and Insomnia Treatment Outcomes From an Evidence-Based Pediatric Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic
Authors: Byars Kelly , Simon Stacey
Published: October 2014

Pediatric sleep disorders are common and are associated with significant behavioral and medical morbidity. Pediatric insomnia is the most prevalent pediatric sleep disorder and a frequent complaint in primary care settings. The recognized need for early detection and treatment of pediatric insomnia has prompted a proliferation of research supporting the efficacy of behavioral sleep treatments. However, there are few large-scale studies that have examined insomnia evaluation and treatment in real-world settings. Recently published treatment protocols provide increased clarity about the clinical delivery of evidenced based treatments. Despite advances in the field, there remain gaps in the translation of research findings to practice settings that have practical implications for clinical care. An overarching objective of this article is to demonstrate the feasibility of providing evidence based evaluation and treatment to children clinically referred for insomnia. We report a comprehensive data-driven analysis of the practice patterns and treatment outcomes from a well-established pediatric sleep medicine clinic. These findings expand the limited literature demonstrating the clinical effectiveness (vs. efficacy) of behavioral and cognitive behavior therapy for pediatric insomnia. Implications for practice and clinical effectiveness research are made based on the study findings.
A Clinical Application of Evidence-Based Treatments in Pediatric Functional Constipation and Incontinence
Authors: Wassom Matthew C. , Christophersen Edward R.
Published: October 2014

Fecal incontinence is a common childhood condition that causes significant disruption and impairment to children and families. Recent reviews have found that the treatment literature remains disjointed and difficult to interpret. Fecal incontinence should be conceptualized within a biopsychosocial model and treatment often occurs within some collaborative practice models with medical providers. We conducted an informal survey of pediatric psychologists nationwide who specialize in this issue to gather information about their clinical practice. A medical–behavioral approach to treatment is well supported and includes clean-out and maintenance treatment of constipation, education to the child and family about the condition, and behavioral interventions focused on improvements in toileting. Specific behavioral components supported by recent reviews and our survey of providers includes incentive programs based on operant conditioning and enhanced toilet training as successful treatments beyond what may be considered medical management. However, many other behavioral treatment components have been studied in small sample designs and case studies and are used clinically. The goal of this article is to present clinical application of evidence-based treatment strategies in the treatment of fecal incontinence. We present our clinical approach using treatment algorithms for basic management and advanced behavioral treatments for this clinical issue. The treatment of fecal incontinence can occur in diverse practice settings with collaboration with medical providers and implementation of evidence-based behavioral treatments.
Integrating Evidence-Based Treatment of Pediatric Feeding Disorders Into Clinical Practice: Challenges to Implementation
Authors: Clawson Elizabeth P. , Elliott Carol A.
Published: October 2014

Pediatric feeding disorders are complex and require specialized intervention approaches. A recent review of the literature suggests positive effects of psychological interventions for pediatric feeding disorders as part of an interdisciplinary intervention approach. In considering the application of evidence-based interventions for pediatric feeding, multiple factors affect the desired outcome and therapists are challenged to meet the long-term needs of these patients. This article describes the application of the literature review to an interdisciplinary treatment approach. A case illustration is provided to highlight the outcomes from a patient treated in an intensive feeding program. Challenges to successful implementation of an interdisciplinary treatment program and strategic implications are provided.