cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lifetime History of Depression and Anxiety Disorders as a Predictor of Quality of Life in Midlife Women in the Absence of Current Illness Episodes

Context It is unknown whether a history of depression, anxiety disorders, or comorbid depression and anxiety affects subsequent health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during midlife in women when vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and sleep disturbance commonly disrupt QOL. Objectives To evaluate whether previous affective illness is associated with low HRQOL during midlife in the absence of current illness episodes and whether low HRQOL is explained by VMS or sleep disruption. Design Longitudinal, community-based study. Setting Western Pennsylvania. Participants A total of 425 midlife women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation who completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) annually during 6 years of follow-up. Main Outcome Measures Scores on the SF-36 scales of social functioning (SF), role-emotional (RE), role-physical (RP), body pain (BP), and vitality. Results Ninety-seven women (22.8%) had comorbid affective illness histories, 162 (38.1%) had previous depression only, and 21 (4.9%) had previous anxiety only. Those with comorbid illness histories and depression alone were more likely to report low HRQOL on the SF, RE, RP, and BP domains (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31-3.54 and 1.59-2.28, respectively) than were women with neither disorder. After adjustment for VMS and sleep disturbance, the comorbid group continued to have low HRQOL on these domains (OR = 2.13-3.07), whereas the association was significant on SF and BP only for the depression-alone group (OR = 2.08 and 1.95, respectively). Compared with women with neither disorder, the anxiety-only group had low HRQOL on the RP domain (OR = 2.60). Sleep disturbance, but not VMS, was independently associated with low HRQOL on all the domains except RE. Conclusions A history of both depression and anxiety has the most robust negative effect on HRQOL in women during midlife, an association not explained by VMS or sleep disturbance. For the depression-alone group, sleep disturbance may partially explain the negative impact of previous affective illness on HRQOL. Sleep disturbance remains an independent correlate of low HRQOL.
Parental Involvement in Deaf Children's Education Programs as a Predictor of Child's Language, Early Reading, and Social-Emotional Development

This study examined the impact of school-based, teacher-rated parental involvement on four child outcomes: language development, early reading skills, and positive and negative measures of social-emotional development. The 28 children were assessed for outcomes between 9 to 53 months post-graduation from a birth-to-3 early intervention (EI) program for children with hearing loss. Other factors included in the study were child's hearing loss, mother's education level, mother's current communication skills with her child, and maternal use of additional services beyond those offered by the early intervention program or the child's school program. Parental involvement in children's school-based education program is a significant positive predictor to early reading skills but shares considerable variance with maternal communication skill for this outcome. In this study, maternal communication skills and the child's hearing loss were the strongest predictors for language development. Maternal use of additional services was the strongest predictor to poorer social-emotional adjustment. The study's findings indicate that although parental involvement in their deaf child's school-based education program can positively contribute to academic performance, parental communication skill is a more significant predictor for positive language and academic development. Factors associated with parental involvement, maternal communication, and use of additional services are explored and suggestions are offered to enhance parental involvement and communication skills.
Radiologic Review of Total Elbow, Radial Head, and Capitellar Resurfacing Arthroplasty

The indications for, recent developments in, and imaging features of total elbow, radial head, and capitellar resurfacing arthroplasty are discussed.
A Testing Technique for Characterizing Composite at Strain Rates up to 100/s

As the use of fiber composites extends to automotive applications, there is a need to characterize the composite properties at low strain rates, such as below 100/s. In performing such low strain rate tests, the commonly used split Hopkinson’s pressure bar for high strain rate investigations should become inadequate. A high-speed hydraulic testing machine may be suitable for the low strain rate testing, however, it is not necessary within the reach of general engineers due to its high cost. Based on a drop weight impact tester, this study presents an affordable testing technique for characterizing a carbon composite at low strain rates up to 125/s. Experimental results from static testing and slip Hopkinson’s bar testing were also performed for comparisons.
Homeownership in the Older Population: 1940-1980

This research investigates the sources of the shift in tenure status among the older US population between 1940 and 1980. Recent cohorts have arrived at old age at higher levels of ownership than was previously the case. A cohort view of homeownership indicates that the highest levels of homeownership among the 4 10-year cohorts born between 1875 and 1905 were attained after age 65 and not before. Older persons living in their own homes have higher levels of life satisfaction than those living with others. Increased income in the older population and increased headship independent of income changes were responsible for most of the increase in homeownership from 1940 to 1980. Observation of homeownership among the very old indicates that most elderly homeowners eventually turn to other norms of tenure status. Continued high levels of homeownership are likely in the next 20 years for historically high rates of homeownership were being experienced by the middle-aged in 1980. Once attained having an independent household and owning a home are relinquished only under stressful circumstances in old age; these circumstances are being coped with more readily in todays older cohorts. Not only is the older population expanding rapidly but homeowners among them are increasing even faster.
Modulation of rhodopsin function by properties of the membrane bilayer

A prevalent model for the function of rhodopsin centers on the metarhodopsin I (MI) to metarhodopsin II (MII) conformational transition as the triggering event for the visual process. Flash photolysis techniques enable one to determine the [MII]/[MI] ratio for rhodopsin in various recombinant membranes, and thus investigate the roles of the phospholipid head groups and the lipid acyl chains systematically. The results obtained to date clearly show that the pK for the acid-base MI-MII equilibrium of rhodopsin is modulated by the lipid environment. In bilayers of phosphatidylcholines the MI-MII equilibrium is shifted to the left; whereas in the native rod outer segment membranes it is shifted to the right, i.e., at neutral pH near physiological temperature. The lipid mixtures sufficient to yield full photochemical function of rhodopsin include a native-like head group composition, viz, comprising phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylserine (PS), in combination with polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6ω3) chains. Yet such a native-like lipid mixture is not necessary for the MI-MII conformational transition of rhodopsin; one can substitute other lipid compositions having similar properties. The MI-MII transition is favored by relatively small head groups which produce a condensed bilayer surface, viz, a comparatively small interfacial area as in the case of PE, together with bulky acyl chains such as DHA which prefer a relatively large cross sectional area. The resulting force imbalance across the layer gives rise to a curvature elastic stress of the lipid/water interface, such that the lipid mixtures yielding native-like behavior form reverse hexagonal (HII) phases at slightly higher temperatures. A relatively unstable membrane is needed; lipids tending to form the lamellar phase do not support full native-like photochemical function of rhodopsin. Thus chemically specific properties of the various lipids are not required, but rather average or material properties of the entire assembly, which may involve the curvature free energy of the membrane-lipid water interface. These findings reveal that the membrane lipid bilayer has a direct influence on the energetics of the conformational states of rhodopsin in visual excitation.
Avirulent Toxoplasma gondii generates therapeutic antitumor immunity by reversing immunosuppression in the ovarian cancer microenvironment.

Reversing tumor-associated immunosuppression appears necessary to stimulate effective therapeutic immunity against lethal epithelial tumors. Here, we show this goal can be addressed using cps, an avirulent, nonreplicating uracil auxotroph strain of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which preferentially invades immunosuppressive CD11c+ antigen-presenting cells in the ovarian carcinoma microenvironment. Tumor-associated CD11c+ cells invaded by cps were converted to immunostimulatory phenotypes which expressed increased levels of the T cell receptor co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. In response to cps treatment of the immunosuppressive ovarian tumor environment, CD11c+ cells regained the ability to efficiently cross-present antigen and prime CD8+ T cell responses. Correspondingly, cps treatment markedly increased tumor antigen-specific responses by CD8+ T cells. Adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that these antitumor T cell responses were effective in suppressing solid tumor development. Indeed, intraperitoneal cps treatment triggered rejection of established ID8-VegfA tumors, an aggressive xenograft model of ovarian carcinoma, also conferring a survival benefit in a related aggressive model (ID8-Defb29/Vegf-A). The therapeutic benefit of cps treatment relied on expression of IL-12, but it was unexpectedly independent of MyD88 signaling as well as immune experience with T. gondii. Taken together, our results establish that cps preferentially invades tumor-associated antigen-presenting cells and restores their ability to trigger potent antitumor CD8+ T cell responses. Immunochemotherapeutic applications of cps might be broadly useful to reawaken natural immunity in the highly immunosuppressive microenvironment of most solid tumors.
O-MaSE: An Extensible Methodology for Multi-agent Systems

As the complexity of software systems continues to grow, the multi-agent systems approach has been proposed as an approach to handling this complexity. A key factor to the use of multi-agent systems in real systems is the existence of industrial strength development methodologies. The Organization-based Multi-agent Software Engineering (O-MaSE) methodology was created in response to this realization. O-MaSE integrates a set of concrete technologies aimed at making multi-agent technology available to industry and facilitating widespread acceptance. Specifically, O-MaSE was created as a customizable methodology that can be adapted and extended for a wide variety of uses.
The Synthetic Triterpenoid CDDO-Imidazolide Suppresses STAT Phosphorylation and Induces Apoptosis in Myeloma and Lung Cancer Cells

Purpose: Excessive activity of the transcription factors known as signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) contributes to the development and progression of malignancy in many organs. It is, therefore, important to develop new drugs to control the STATs, particularly their phosphorylation state, which is required for their transcriptional activity. Experimental Design: Myeloma and lung cancer cells were treated with the new synthetic triterpenoid CDDO-Imidazolide, and STAT phosphorylation and apoptosis were evaluated by immunoblotting and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Results: We now report that CDDO-Imidazolide, previously shown to be a potent agent for control of inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, rapidly (within 30-60 minutes) and potently (at nanomolar levels) suppresses either constitutive or interleukin-6-induced STAT3 and STAT5 phosphorylation in human myeloma and lung cancer cells. Furthermore, in these cells, CDDO-Imidazolide also up-regulates critical inhibitors of STATs, such as suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 and SH2-containing phosphatase-1 (a tyrosine phosphatase). Moreover, gene array studies reported here show that CDDO-Imidazolide potently regulates the transcription of important genes that are targets of the STATs. Conclusions: Our new data thus show that CDDO-Imidazolide is a potent suppressor of STAT signaling and provide a further mechanistic basis for future clinical use of this agent to control inflammation or cell proliferation.
AsaH: A hierarchical architecture for software agents

Abstract We describe the design and use of a hierarchically-structured autonomous software agent. Algorithms are presented for the three major elements which make up the architecture: a classifier array, a network of sequence learners, and a value module. Learning algorithms are also outlined.
Differential gene expression in human abdominal aorta: Aneurysmal versus occlusive disease

Abstract Objective: Inflammation and atherosclerosis are present in both abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and arterial occlusive disease (AOD). Changes in gene expression that underlie the development of AAA versus AOD are poorly defined. This study evaluated differences in gene expression in AAA, AOD, and control aortic tissue with human gene array technology. Methods: RNA was isolated from human aortic specimens (seven AAA, five AOD, and five control), and complementary DNA (cDNA) probes were generated. The cDNA probes were hybridized to a human cell interaction array of 265 genes and quantitated with phosphorimaging. The data were corrected for background and were standardized to housekeeping genes. Statistical differences in individual gene expression were determined with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Of 265 genes studied, 11 showed statistically different expression in diseased aorta as compared with control. The following three genes were downregulated in AAA: collagen VI α1 ( P P P P P P P P P P P P P =.053). Eight of the fifteen most highly expressed genes in all the groups were extracellular matrix or secreted proteins. Of these, only collagen VI α1 ( P P =.076). Conclusion: This study used cDNA array technology in the comparison of human control and pathologic aortic tissue. Six genes had similar differential expression in both AAA and AOD as compared with control. Even more interesting were differences between AAA and AOD in the expression of five genes. These data suggest a similarity in genetic expression for both AAA and AOD, with altered expression of several genes playing a role in disease differentiation. (J Vasc Surg 2002;35:346-55.)
Raising Black Males From a Black Father’s Perspective: A Phenomenological Study

The role of Black fathers and the lessons they teach their sons have received little attention. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions of what current Black fathers learned from their parents, family, and society about education, male roles, and success. Seven Black fathers provided their perceptions of what they learned growing up that they share with their sons. Six themes emerged from the seven interviews: (a) fathers are role models, (b) it takes a village, (c) critical juncture, (d) exposure, (e) education was mandatory, and (f) essential ingredients. The discussion focuses on the impact Black fathers have on the development of their sons. Implications for counseling and future research are also presented.
A challenge for Frankfurt-style compatibilists

The principle of alternative possibilities (PAP) tells us that an agent is morally responsible for an action only if he could have done otherwise. Frankfurt-style cases (FSCs) provide an extremely influential challenge to the PAP (Frankfurt, J Philos 66:829–839, 1969). And Frankfurt-style compatibilists are motivated to accept compatibilism about responsibility and determinism in part due to FSCs. But there is a significant tension between our judgments about responsibility in FSCs and our judgments about responsibility in certain omissions cases. This tension has thus far largely been treated as an internal puzzle for defenders of FSCs to solve. My goal here is to regiment this tension into a clear argument which (if sound) undermines the FSC based critique of PAP. I will also argue that there is an in principle reason to doubt that Frankfurt-Style Compatibilists will be able to successfully respond to my argument.
Switching Amplifier and Its Future

Switching amplifier, normally called ClassD amplifier has become increasingly popular in Audio application because of its significantly high efficiency(>80%) and improved linearity gained by a servo modulator loop like PDM and PWM. But, switching amplifier also contains many tough issues needed to be solved to really replace other conventional linear amplifiers. EMI, big ripple current, low PSRR, over current damage... all these have a big impact on the performance of switching amplifier and limits its implemental applications. But, attracted by its high efficiency, digital-friendly interface and easier integration in fine geometry process, lots of creative design ideas have been invented to improve its performance. With all this efforts, switching amp is showing a big potential to be implemented into many applications, will have a foreseeable bright future
Breast Cancer Cell Targeting by Prenylation Inhibitors Elucidated in Living Animals with a Bioluminescence Reporter

Purpose: Inhibitors of protein prenylation, including prenyltransferase inhibitors and aminobisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid, are being investigated intensively as therapeutics in cancer and other diseases. Determining whether prenylation inhibitors directly or indirectly target tumor and/or host cells is key to understanding therapeutic mechanisms. Experimental Design: To determine which cell types can be targeted directly by distinct classes of prenylation inhibitors in vivo, we describe herein the development and implementation of a sensitive and pharmacologically specific bioluminescence-based imaging reporter that is inducible by prenylation inhibitors. Results: In mouse xenograft models of breast cancer using reporter-bearing mammary fat pad- or bone-localized tumor cells, we show that a prenyltransferase inhibitor robustly induces reporter activity in vivo. In contrast, zoledronic acid, a bone-associated aminobisphosphonate that exerts adjuvant chemotherapeutic activity in breast cancer patients, fails to induce reporter activity in tumor cells of either model. Conclusions: Whereas a prenyltransferase inhibitor can directly target breast cancer cells in vivo, zoledronic acid and related aminobisphosphonates are likely to exert anti-tumor activity indirectly by targeting host cells. Accordingly, these findings shift attention toward the goal of determining which host cell types are targeted directly by aminobisphosphonates to exert adjuvant chemotherapeutic activity.
Optimal dispatching of two-priority job streams to two nonidentical machines

The following control problem in manufacturing is addressed. Jobs of two priority classes, C/sub 1/ and C/sub 2/, arrive at a system with two non-identical machines. Class C/sub 1/ jobs with higher priority have dispatch preference over C/sub 2/ jobs with lower priority. The problem is to dispatch appropriate fractions of class C/sub 1/ jobs to machines 1 and 2 so that the average flow time of C/sub 1/ jobs is minimized and neither C/sub 1/ jobs nor C/sub 2/ jobs are lost. The analytical solution to the problem is derived for various system disciplines, including: nonpreemptive priorities, preemptive priorities with resumption, preemptive priorities with resumption and setup and nonpreemptive priorities with multiple vacations. >
The loss of domain knowledge in user search queries: A query log analysis of a botanical retrieval system

This study analyzed the user search queries of an experiment conducted on a full-text botanical retrieval system. Search terms were extracted and categorized. Term frequencies in each category were calculated. Search terms were compared with target documents. The results reveal preferences for the kinds of information used in search queries, that search queries and document representations use very different format and vocabulary, and that the domain knowledge used in user search queries is lost when such queries are interpreted by the system.
Approximate center points with proofs

We present the Iterated-Tverberg algorithm, the first deterministic algorithm for computing an approximate centerpoint of a set S ∈ Rd with running time sub-exponential in d. The algorithm is a derandomization of the Iterated-Radon algorithm of Clarkson et al and is guaranteed to terminate with an O(1/d2)-center. Moreover, it returns a polynomial-time checkable proof of the approximation guarantee, despite the coNP-Completenes of testing centerpoints in general. We also explore the use of higher order Tverberg partitions to improve the runtime of the deterministic algorithm and improve the approximation guarantee for the randomized algorithm. In particular, we show how to improve the O(1/d2)-center of the Iterated-Radon algorithm to O(1/dr/(r-1)) for a cost of O((rd)d) in time for any integer r.
ASAP: a resource for annotating, curating, comparing, and disseminating genomic data

ASAP is a comprehensive web-based system for community genome annotation and analysis. ASAP is being used for a large-scale effort to augment and curate annotations for genomes of enterobacterial pathogens and for additional genome sequences. New tools, such as the genome alignment program Mauve, have been incorporated into ASAP in order to improve display and analysis of related genomes. Recent improvements to the database and challenges for future development of the system are discussed. ASAP is available on the web at https://asap.ahabs. wisc.edu/asap/logon.php.
Chronic Administration of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonist Ketamine Improves Rett Syndrome Phenotype

Abstract Background Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder caused by mutation of the X-linked MECP2 gene, which results in the progressive disruption of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal circuits. To date, there is no effective treatment available for the disorder. Studies conducted in RTT patients and murine models have shown altered expression of N -methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Genetic deletion of the NMDAR subunit, GluN2A, in mice lacking Mecp2 is sufficient to prevent RTT phenotypes, including regression of vision. Methods We performed a systematic, randomized preclinical trial of chronic administration of low-dose (8 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) ketamine, an NMDAR antagonist, starting either early in development or at the onset of RTT phenotype in Mecp2 -null mice. Results Daily exposure to ketamine ameliorated RTT symptoms and extended the life span of treated Mecp2 -null mice without adverse side effects. Furthermore, significant improvement was observed in cortical processing and connectivity, which were fully restored to a wild-type level, particularly when treatment was started at the onset of regression. Conclusions Our findings provide strong evidence that targeting NMDA receptors can be a safe and effective treatment for RTT.
Maternal care of neonates in the prairie skink, Eumeces septentrionalis

Maternal care of neonates has been documented in relatively few species of lizards representing four families. This study documents the occurrence of maternal care of neonates in the prairie skink, Eumeces septentrionalis . Observations made herein indicate that individual variation in maternal behavior existis in this species.
The Ultimate Unifying Approach to Complying with All Laws and Regulations

There are countless laws and regulations that must be complied with, and the task of figuring out what to do to satisfy all of them seems nearly impossible. In this article, Professors Daniel Solove and Woodrow Hartzog develop a unified approach to doing so. This approach (patent pending) was developed over the course of several decades of extensive analysis of every relevant law and regulation.
Thermal Simulations for Cooling Rate Mapping in Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing

The powder-bed electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) process is a relatively new AM technology that utilizes a high-energy heat source to fabricate metallic parts in a layer by layer fashion by melting metal powder in selected regions. EBAM can be able to produce full density part and complicated components such as near-net-shape parts for medical implants and internal channels. However, the large variation in mechanical properties of AM build parts is an important issue that impedes the mass production ability of AM technology. It is known that the cooling rate in the melt pool directly related to the build part microstructure, which greatly influences the mechanical properties such as strength and hardness. And the cooling rate is correlated to the basic heat transport process physics in EBAM, which includes a moving heat source and rapid self-cooling process. Therefore, a better understanding of the thermal process of the EBAM process is necessary. In this study, a 3D thermal model, using a finite element method (FEM), was utilized for EBAM heat transport process simulations. The process temperature prediction offers information of the cooling rate during the heating-cooling cycle. The thermal model is applied to evaluate, for the case of Ti-6Al-4V in EBAM, the process parameter effects, such as the beam speed and power, on the temperature profile along the melt scan and the corresponding cooling rate characteristics. The relationship between cooling rates and process parameters is systematically investigated, through multiple simulations, by incorporating different combinations of process parameters into the thermal model. The beam scanning speed vs. beam power curves of constant cooling rates can be obtained from 3D surface plots (cooling rate vs. different process parameters), which may facilitate the process parameters selections and achieve consistent build part quality through controlling the cooling rate.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A halothane test to detect turkeys prone to developing pale, soft, and exudative meat.

Abstract The turkey industry suffers from pale, soft, and exudative meat (PSE) that is unsuitable for further processing because of excessive color variation, poor meat binding, and depressed water holding ability. This condition is caused by accelerated postmortem muscle metabolism and is thought to be related to a similarly inherited condition in swine. A quick, nondestructive method of screening animals is needed to avoid further propagation of PSE in breeding flocks. In this study, a halothane test used with swine was evaluated as a possible detection method for PSE-susceptible turkeys. In Experiment 1, a commercial strain of 4-wk-old male turkeys (n = 116) was exposed to 3% halothane gas for 3 min (6 L/min) and examined for leg muscle rigidity. Experiment 2 followed similar testing measures, using two strains of growth-selected turkeys (n = 504). Measurements of pH, R-value (ratio of inosine:adenosine), color, and expressible moisture content were made from each bird's breast fillet to determine whether the muscles of the responding birds would develop PSE characteristics. Five percent of tested birds in the first experiment and 2% in the second experiment exhibited rigid legs, indicating some of the discriminating power of this test. However, the data indicated that the characteristics of muscles from these birds did not differ from those of the nonresponding birds (P
The acute leukemic cell. IV. DNA synthesis in peripheral blood and bone marrow.

The purpose of this investigation was to study DNA synthesis of the acute leukemic cell in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow and peripheral blood from nine adult patients with acute leukemia (4 myeloblastic, 2 monomyeloblastic, and 3 monoblastic) and 20 normal individuals were studied by means of autoradiography and liquid scintillation counting. The total labelling index and liquid scintillation results were greater in the marrow than in the peripheral blood for both patients with leukemia and normal persons. Six patients with leukemia showed a higher labelling index of blast cells in the marrow than in the peripheral blood. The normal marrow myeloblasts showed a higher labelling index (34.5%) than the leukemic blasts (13.7%). Large leukemic blasts were consistently labelled more frequently than small blasts in both bone marrow and peripheral blood. It is concluded that normal myeloblasts have a greater rate of DNA synthesis than leukemic blasts; and that some similarities to normal homeostatic mechanisms may exist in leukemic cell populations. Also, the greater rate of DNA synthesis in the adult leukemic blast compared with the lymphoblast of childhood leukemia assumes prognostic importance and probably is one of the factors that accounts for the earlier demise of the adult patient.
Legal Ethics and Data Security: Our Individual and Collective Obligation to Protect Client Data

New technologies are drastically changing the way lawyers practice law. Advances in areas such as cloud computing and mobile devices are enabling new ways to communicate with clients, as well as new ways to collect, store, and manage data pertaining to their cases. This Article provides practitioners with the necessary tools to fulfill their ethical obligation to protect client information in an increasingly digitized world.
Family Functioning and the Well‐Being of Children With Chronic Conditions: A Meta‐Analysis

For children with chronic conditions, well-being is closely related to how well their families function. Most prior research syntheses on family functioning and child well-being have focused on children with a single condition, thereby limiting the potential to aggregate and build on what is known across conditions. To address this challenge, research reports were reviewed and meta-analyses conducted of findings on the relationship between family functioning and child well-being across a range of chronic physical conditions. The sample was derived from a larger systematic review study that included 1,028 reports published between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2014. The current review includes 53 studies in which a relationship between family functioning and child well-being was analyzed using one of four family measures: Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, Family Environment Scale, Family Relationship Index, or Family Assessment Device. Most studies were cross-sectional and observational (n = 43, 81%). The most frequently studied conditions were diabetes, cancer, sickle cell disease, and asthma. In 37 studies, findings were sufficiently comparable to conduct meta-analyses. Significant correlations were identified between children's psychological health and seven of nine dimensions of family functioning. Significant correlations also were found between dimensions of family functioning and children's problem behaviors, social competence, quality of life, and, to a lesser extent, adherence and physical health. Of the family dimensions, cohesion and conflict were associated most strongly with child outcomes. Understanding the specific family variables, such as conflict, linked to varied child outcomes is key for intervention development. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction of neutrophils and endothelium in isolated coronary venules and arterioles

This study reports measurements of porcine neutrophil dynamics in isolated microvessels. Porcine coronary venules and arterioles were isolated, cannulated, and perfused with fluorescently labeled neutrophils at a series of flow velocities. In venules (62.50 +/- 5.41 microns diam) under control conditions, rolling neutrophils were often observed at intraluminal flow velocities ranging from 600 to 6,000 microns/s, and the rolling fraction varied inversely as a function of flow velocity. There was no significant adherence under the control conditions at any of the various flow velocities. Pretreatment of the neutrophils with human recombinant complement 5a (C5a, 10(-8) M) increased adherence at low flow velocities but did not alter the rolling fraction. In contrast to venules, rolling neutrophils were not observed in arterioles (58.80 +/- 5.6 microns diam). Furthermore, neutrophils that were pretreated with C5a did not adhere to the arteriolar endothelium even at low flow velocities. We suggest that 1) isolated microvessels perfused with fluorescently labeled neutrophils are suitable models for the study of the interaction between neutrophils and the microvascular endothelium, 2) shear force plays an important role in neutrophil rolling in coronary venules but is not the major factor that prevents neutrophil rolling and adherence in arterioles, and 3) C5a causes neutrophil adherence in venules but not in arterioles, indicating that different mechanisms underlie the interaction between neutrophils and endothelium in venules and arterioles.
Quantifying Processes Governing Soil-Mantled Hillslope Evolution

This chapter presents an overview of how field-based methods quantify the processes shaping upland, soil-mantled landscapes. These methods have been applied across diverse field areas, ranging from the tropical sandstones of northern Australia to the alpine granites of the Sierra Nevada in California. In all cases, the landscapes examined through such work are relatively gently sloping with a generally continuous soil mantle. Soil on such upland landscapes is distinctly defined to be the physically mobile layer derived primarily from the underlying parent material with organic content from native flora and fauna. These upland soils are distinguished from agriculture or lowland soils by the convex-up, hilly topographies that are the focus of this study. Parent material is generally saprolite, i.e. weathered bedrock that retains relict rock structure and is physically immobile. Processes shaping such landscapes include the physical and chemical processes that weather the parent material, and the processes moving the soil downslope. These processes are quantified using several different field-based methods. In situ produced cosmogenic nuclides (Be and Al) are measured in the parent material directly beneath the mobile soil mantle and define the relationship between soil production rates and the overlying soil thickness. The same cosmogenic nuclides are measured in detrital sediments sampled from local channels to quantify basin-averaged erosion rates. Mobile and trace elements are measured in both the parent material and the soils to define chemical weathering rates and processes. Short-lived, fallout-derived isotopes (Pb, Cs, and Be) are measured in soil profiles to quantify sedimenttransport processes and short-term erosion rates. Parent material strength (competence), or resistance to shear, is measured using a hand-held shear vane as well as a cone penetrometer. The methodology for some results and the connections drawn from this diverse toolbox are summarized in this chapter. An important conclusion connecting parent material strength to the physical processes transporting soil and the chemical processes weathering the parent material emerges with the observation that parent material strength increases with overlying soil thickness and, therefore, the weathered extent of the saprolite. This observation highlights the importance of quantifying School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, AZ, USA. Email: Arjun.Heimsath@ASU.edu Hydropedology, Edited by H. Lin. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-386941-8.00007-1 Copyright 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 205 Hydropedology, First Edition, 2012, 205–242 Author's personal copy
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): The Best-Validated Technique

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used in medicine to ablate and destroy unwanted tissue for nearly 50 years. Its unique mechanism of action is non-thermal and utilizes the activation of a photosensitizer by local application of a specific wavelength of light and the subsequent generation of oxygen radicals by the “excited” photosensitizer. These oxygen radicals create localized cellular injury and necrosis in the region of photoactivation. While a variety of photosensitizers have been studied, only porfimer sodium is approved for use in the United States. Approved gastrointestinal applications include the treatment of both squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in non-surgical candidates for the purposes of palliation of malignant dysphagia or tumor eradication. More recently, approval for the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) has been granted. The technique achieves success rates of 70–100% for these indications, but residual Barrett’s epithelium usually remains. Due to its status as the most-widely used ablation technique with more than 15 years of clinical data, PDT is the only method of ablation that has currently been shown to be durable, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, and achieve outcomes similar to esophagectomy for the treatment of Barrett’s with HGD. Despite its high cost and known complications (development of photosensitivity reactions and esophageal strictures in nearly a third of patients), PDT appears to meet established criteria for cost-effectiveness. While initial studies of newer ablative techniques offer promising efficacy results with the advantages of cost-reduction and decreased complications, it is uncertain if these methods are durable, reduce the risk of subsequent cancer, or achieve outcomes similar to surgical therapy. Until data regarding these issues are available, PDT remains the best-validated endoscopic treatment option to surgery for patients with Barrett’s esophagus with HGD and early-stage esophageal cancer.
An efficient method for increasing the accuracy of mobility maps for ground vehicles

Abstract This paper presents an efficient method for increasing the accuracy of one key step regarding the process of determining a mobility map. That is, the interpolation of the original Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to a finer resolution before running multi-body-dynamics simulations. Specifically, this paper explores the use of fractal dimension and elevation range metrics for increasing the accuracy and reducing the computation time associated with the spatial interpolation ordinary kriging method. The first goal is to ensure the stationary variogram requirement. The second goal is to reduce kriging error or variance in the new predicted values. A novel segmentation-based approach has been proposed to divide the regions of interest into segments where stationarity is ensured. Empirical investigation based on real DEMs indicates the generality of the segmentation approach when natural and man-made terrains are considered. The proposed method leads to a more efficient computation burden and to more accurate results than the traditional approach.
An Introduction to Unreal Engine 4

This book serves as an introduction to the level design process in Unreal Engine 4. By working with a number of different components within the Unreal Editor, readers will learn to create levels using BSPs, create custom materials, create custom Blueprints complete with events, import objects, create particle effects, create sound effects and combine them to create a complete playable game level. The book is designed to work step by step at the beginning of each chapter, then allow the reader to complete similar tasks on their own to show an understanding of the content. A companion website with project files and additional information is included.
Autophagy Biomarkers Beclin 1 and p62 are Increased in Cerebrospinal Fluid after Traumatic Brain Injury

Autophagy is a process that recycles damaged proteins and organelles. Beclin 1 is involved in the nucleation phase, while p62 is consumed during the elongation phase. We hypothesized that these autophagy biomarkers are increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and associated with unfavorable outcome. Thirty children with severe TBI had CSF collected on days 1, 3, and 7. Patients without TBI or meningoencephalitis served as controls. Beclin 1 and p62 were measured by ELISA. Outcome was assigned 6 months after injury (Glasgow Outcome Scale score; GOS). Mean and peak CSF beclin 1 and p62 levels were increased compared to controls (P < 0.05). Peak p62 levels were higher in patients with unfavorable versus favorable outcome (0.79 ± 1.03 vs. 0.17 ± 0.54 ng/ml, respectively; mean ± SD, P = 0.002) and were independently associated with outcome when controlling for age and initial Glasgow Coma Scale score (P = 0.019; AUC 0.88, 95% CI 0.76, 1.00). Beclin 1 and p62 are increased in CSF after TBI, suggesting increased autophagy with impairment of, and/or exceeding the capacity for, autophagic flux. The association of increased p62 with unfavorable outcome suggests that autophagy in excess of the capacity to clear degradation products may be deleterious after TBI.
Sporadic Decision-Centric Data Scheduling with Normally-off Sensors

The Internet of Things heralds a new generation of data-centric applications, where controllers connect to large numbers of heterogeneous sensing devices. We consider a model, where the control loop does not execute periodically. Instead, controllers are prompted by contextual cues to make one-off decisions, resulting in sporadic activations. Since the need for data arises only sporadically, sensors do not sample data continuously. Rather, they are normally off (e.g., to save energy), but are activated by the controller on demand, when data is needed. Collected data has validity intervals, after which it must be re-sampled, since the measured value may change. Once a decision is made based on the data, sensors are turned off again. We call this model sporadic decision-centric data scheduling with normally-off sensors. It gives rise to novel scheduling problems because of the way the timing of activation of different sensors affects load attributed to data sampling; the shorter the interval between activation of a given sensor and the time a corresponding decision is made, the lower the number of samples taken by that sensor to support the decision, and thus decision cost. The paper defines the aforementioned decision-centric data scheduling problem and derives the optimal scheduling policy, called EDEF-LVF, for this task model. Simulation results confirm the superiority of EDEF-LVF compared to several baselines.
Expression and splicing of Ikaros family members in murine and human thymocytes

The Ikaros family of transcription factors includes five highly homologous members that can homodimerize or heterodimerize in any combination. Dimerization is essential for their ability to bind DNA and function as transcription factors. Previous studies showed that eliminating the function of the entire family blocks lymphocyte development while deletion of individual family members has relatively minor defects. These data indicate that multiple family members function during T cell development, so we examined the changes in expression of each family member as thymocytes progressed from the CD4−CD8− double negative (DN) to the CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) developmental stage. Further, we compared the expression of each family member in murine and human thymocytes. In both species, Ikaros and Aiolos mRNA levels increased as thymocytes progressed through the DN to DP transition, but the corresponding increases in protein levels were only observed in mice. Further, Ikaros and Aiolos underwent extensive alternative splicing in mice, whereas only Ikaros was extensively spliced in humans. Helios mRNA and protein levels decreased during murine T cell development, but increased during human T cell development. These differences in the expression and splicing of Ikaros family members between human and murine thymocytes strongly suggest that the Ikaros family of transcription factors regulates murine and human T cell development differently, although the similarities across Ikaros family members may allow different proteins to fulfill similar functions.
Octagonal Halbach Magnet Array Design for a Magnetic Refrigerator

An effective magnet array design for magnetic refrigeration systems is crucial given the space limitations and need for maintaining the required cooling capacity. Here, Halbach permanent magnet arrays (HPMA) in an octagonal orientation are studied using NdFeB permanent magnets. Gadolinium is selected as the magnetocaloric material (MCM) for the aperture inside the octagonal HPMA. The optimum outer-to-inner radii ratio for the octagonal HPMA and MCM system is found to be 2, at which the cooling energy per volume of magnet has a peak. For this ratio, the effect of using soft magnetic material, which in this study is FeVCo, inside and outside the HPMA is evaluated over a range of material thicknesses. The optimum soft magnetic material thickness outside the HPMA is obtained to be 3% of the external radius. At this thickness, soft magnetic material is also placed inside the array as a concentrator. It is found that although using soft magnetic material inside the magnet array increases the average flu...
Error analysis of the nodal expansion method for solving the neutron diffusion equation

Modern nodal methods allow the solution of the few-group neutron diffusion equation in multidimensions to be computed efficiently with high fidelity. This has made possible the routine utilization of three-dimensional analysis for the eigenvalue calculations associated with reload core analysis of light water reactors. Here, an error analysis is presented of the quartic polynomial nodal expansion method for solving the one-dimensional, neutron diffusion equation that originates from employing the transverse integration technique. Error bound expressions are determined for the L{sub {infinity}} error norms associated with the nodal surface flux and various moments of the nodal flux. Employing several test problems, these global error bounds were found to be conservative, but not excessively, in bounding the true errors. Utilizing a functional form of the local error estimate for the node average flux, it is shown that a mesh-doubling technique can be effectively utilized to estimate the required cell size for uniform mesh refinement to achieve a specified global error fidelity. When employed in conjunction with a multigrid acceleration technique, this provides the foundations upon which to develop an adaptive spatial mesh algorithm.