cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL-25 simultaneously elicits distinct populations of innate lymphoid cells and multipotent progenitor type 2 (MPPtype2) cells

The predominantly epithelial cell-derived cytokines IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) can promote CD4(+) Th2 cell-dependent immunity, inflammation, and tissue repair at barrier surfaces through the induction of multiple innate immune cell populations. IL-25 and IL-33 were previously shown to elicit four innate cell populations, named natural helper cells, nuocytes, innate type 2 helper cells, and multipotent progenitor type 2 (MPP(type2)) cells, now collectively termed group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). In contrast to other types of ILC2, MPP(type2) cells exhibit multipotent potential and do not express T1/ST2 or IL-7Rα, suggesting that MPP(type2) cells may be a distinct population. Here, we show that IL-33 elicits robust ILC2 responses, whereas IL-25 predominantly promotes MPP(type2) cell responses at multiple tissue sites with limited effects on ILC2 responses. MPP(type2) cells were distinguished from ILC2 by their differential developmental requirements for specific transcription factors, distinct genome-wide transcriptional profile, and functional potential. Furthermore, IL-25-induced MPP(type2) cells promoted Th2 cytokine-associated inflammation after depletion of ILC2. These findings indicate that IL-25 simultaneously elicits phenotypically and functionally distinct innate lymphoid- and nonlymphoid-associated cell populations and implicate IL-25-elicited MPP(type2) cells and extramedullary hematopoiesis in the promotion of Th2 cytokine responses at mucosal surfaces.
Autonomic tone as a cardiovascular risk factor: the dangers of chronic fight or flight.

Chronic imbalance of the autonomic nervous system is a prevalent and potent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events, including mortality. Although not widely recognized by clinicians, this risk factor is easily assessed by measures such as resting and peak exercise heart rate, heart rate recovery after exercise, and heart rate variability. Any factor that leads to inappropriate activation of the sympathetic nervous system can be expected to have an adverse effect on these measures and thus on patient outcomes, while any factor that augments vagal tone tends to improve outcomes. insulin resistance, sympathomimetic medications, and negative psychosocial factors all have the potential to affect autonomic function adversely and thus cardiovascular prognosis. Congestive heart failure and hypertension also provide important lessons about the adverse effects of sympathetic predominance, as well as illustrate the benefits of β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 2 classes of drugs that reduce adrenergic tone. Other interventions, such as exercise, improve cardiovascular outcomes partially by increasing vagal activity and attenuating sympathetic hyperactivity.
HEAVY METALS IN CUTICULAR STRUCTURES OF PALPIGRADI, RICINULEI, AND SCHIZOMIDA (ARACHNIDA)

Abstract Samples from Palpigradi, Ricinulei, and Schizomida were examined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for the presence of metallic elements in cuticular structures. Manganese was found in Ricinulei while zinc was found in Palpigradi and Schizomida. When presence or absence of zinc is superimposed on a cladogram of arachnid orders, its absence in the Acaromorpha (Acari + Ricinulei) appears to be a derived condition. Similarly the absence of manganese in the Uropygi (Schizomida + Thelyphonida) may be synapomorphic as well.
Electric Field Autocorrelation Functions for Beginning Multiple Rayleigh Scattering

The polarization-resolved electric field autocorrelation function for p-order scattering was derived from the order-of-scattering solution of the exact equations for electromagnetic multiple Rayleigh scattering and was calculated for 2 ≤ p ≤ 6 for particles undergoing diffusive motion in an idealized sample cell. It was found that the polarization-channel and the scattering-angle dependence of the p-order autocorrelation function approximately decoupled from the delay-time dependence for p ≳ 3. The polarization-channel and the scattering-angle dependence were analytically calculated, and the delay-time dependence was analytically approximated. The resulting analytical model for the polarization-resolved autocorrelation function for beginning multiple Rayleigh scattering was then tested against experimental autocorrelation data. The data were found to be well fitted by the model.
The learning curve in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

SummaryBy observing the learning curve for laparoscopic skills and applying what is learned to the training of surgeons, future injuries can be avoided. Three groups were observed: during live animal training sessions; in a retrospective clinical analysis; and residents in training, while learning laparoscopic skills. It is concluded that the surgeon truly dedicated and interested in learning new laparoscopic procedures needs to set aside a substantial amount of time to acquire these skills. Practice in animate and inanimate models, repeated observation with the opportunity to ask questions and the presence of an instructor during the first ten cases are essential.
Direct measurement of host and parasitoid recruitment for assessment of total losses due to parasitism in a continuously breeding species, the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

In studies in Massachusetts, the population density of Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) was measured over the lifespans of two groups of kale leaves from maturation to senescence, taking into consideration aphid spatial pattern (in colonies or as isolated insects) and aphid size as large (adults), medium-sized (nymphal instars 2–4) or small (first-instar nymphs) individuals. Total aphid densities per leaf in both leaf groups showed similar patterns of initial increase followed by a decrease as leaves aged over the 3–4-week period of leaf survival. Aphid densities reached peak values of 8·14 and 8·64 aphids per leaf for the two leaf groups studied, and 65–67% of all aphids observed occurred in colonies. Host and parasitoid recruitment to the aphid and the parasitoid immature populations were measured using a modification of the technique of Van Driesche & Bellows (1988). Total host recruitments per leaf were 43·7 and 64·6 aphids for the first and second leaf groups. Parasitoid recruitment was 6·8–8·1 for the first leaf group and 8·2–15·8 for the second. Recruitment values indicated 15·6–18.6% parasitism for the aphid cohort on the first leaf group and 12·7–24·4% for that on the second one.
Throughput analysis for a contention-based dynamic spectrum sharing model

In this paper we present throughput analysis for a contention-based dynamic spectrum sharing model. We consider two scenarios of allocating channels to primary users, fixed allocation and random allocation. In fixed allocation, the number of primary users allocated to a channel is fixed all the time, but the number of users in different channels may be different. In random allocation, each primary user dynamically and randomly selects a channel in each time slot. We assume that the spectrum band of primary users is divided into multiple channels and the time is slotted. Primary users allocated to a specific channel compete to access this channel in each time slot. Secondary users are able to dynamically detect the idle channels in each time slot, and compete to access these channels. We develop analytical models for the throughput of primary users and secondary users in both scenarios and examine the impact of the number of secondary users on the throughput of the system. For a given number of primary users, channels and traffic generation probability, we aim to find the number of secondary users to maximize the total throughput of both primary users and secondary users. Our solutions match closely with the numerical results.
Re‐creating a Recipe for Science Instructional Programs: Adding Learning Progressions, Scaffolding, and a Dash of Reading Variety

The purpose of this article is to focus on the development and refinement of a science instructional design program arguing for the feasibility and usability of integrated reading and science instruction as implemented in third- and fourth-grade science classrooms to meet the learning needs of diverse learners. These instructional components are easily inserted into existing programs that build students' science background knowledge and abilities to apply learning through scaffolded activities focused on (1) providing structured opportunities for students to engage in hands-on activities; (2) increasing vocabulary knowledge and understanding of concept-laden terms, and (3) reading paired narrative and informational science texts. Extensive research shows that as students transition from third to fourth grade and beyond, they are often challenged in science by new vocabulary coupled with new concepts. Active ingredients of our reconceptualized science instructional design program are narrative informational texts, hands-on science activities, and science textbook(s).
A microwave model for high electron mobility transistors

In this paper, the authors present a high-frequency model for the high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). The model includes the distributed effects in the channel of the device through two newly developed wave equations in the linear and saturation regimes. The equations are solved taking into account the electric fields along and perpendicular to the flow of the current. The Y and S parameters are derived and the theoretical predictions of the model are compared with the experimental data and shown to be in good agreement over a wide range of frequencies.
COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE: THE PENNSYLVANIA PROPOSAL.

calling for the adoption of comparative negligence to reduce but not prevent plaintiff's recovery in cases in which he has negligently contributed to his own loss; a but the movement toward this change, boldly started by Wisconsin in 1931,' has advanced at a most limited pace. This lag contrasts sharply with the celerity with which other changes have progressed in the field of negligence law,' and suggests some underlying difficulties not adequately explored in the voluminous attacks upon Butterfield v. Forrester 6 and its descendants.
Prepregnancy Obesity and Risks of Stillbirth.

Background We examined the association of maternal obesity with risk of stillbirth, focusing on whether the pattern of results varied by gestational age or maternal race-ethnicity or parity. Methods Analyses included 4,012 stillbirths and 1,121,234 liveborn infants delivered in California from 2007–2010. We excluded stillbirths due to congenital anomalies, women with hypertensive disorders or diabetes, and plural births, to focus on fetuses and women without these known contributing conditions. We used Poisson regression to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Separate models were run for stillbirths delivered at 20–23, 24–27, 28–31, 32–36, 37–41 weeks, relative to liveborn deliveries at 37–41 weeks. Results For stillbirth at 20–23 weeks, RRs were elevated for all race-ethnicity and parity groups. The RR for a 20-unit change in BMI (which reflects the approximate BMI difference between a normal weight and an Obese III woman) was 3.5 (95% CI 2.2, 5.6) for nulliparous white women and ranged from 1.8 to 5.0 for other sub-groups. At 24–27 weeks, the association was significant (p<0.05) only for multiparous non-Hispanic whites; at 28–31 weeks, for multiparous whites and nulliparous whites and blacks; at 32–36 weeks, for multiparous whites and nulliparous blacks; and at 37–41 weeks, for all groups except nulliparous blacks. The pattern of results was similar when restricted to stillbirths due to unknown causes and somewhat stronger when restricted to stillbirths attributable to obstetric causes. Conclusion Increased risks were observed across all gestational ages, and some evidence of heterogeneity of the associations was observed by race-ethnicity and parity.
Nephrotoxicity of Chemotherapy Agents

Chemotherapy agents are indispensable in the treatment of malignant diseases. However, they have adverse drug effects including nephrotoxicity that can contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. The potential for nephrotoxicity depends on a particular drug’s mechanism of action, the kidney microenvironment, and patient characteristics such as presence of other comorbidities, hemodynamic status, age, and less likely, gender of the patient. Intrinsic renal injury is the most common type of nephrotoxicity, and some agents can cause site-specific injury in the nephron, affecting the tubules, vasculature, glomeruli, the interstitium, or a combination of these sites. A classic example of site specificity is the proclivity of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents to cause glomerular endothelial damage. Thus, these result in distinct clinical syndromes such as: (1) acute tubular necrosis, (2) tubulopathies, (3) crystal nephropathy, (4) vascular injury (thromobotic microangiopathy), and (5) glomerular disease. Management of chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity includes preventive and treatment measures. Preserving kidney function is of paramount importance for allowing patients to continue chemotherapy safely and effectively. Thus, strategies for prevention, early detection, and proper management of nephrotoxicity associated with chemotherapy agents will be reviewed in this chapter
Simultaneous Preperitoneal Hernia Repair During Radical Pelvic Surgery

AbstractHernia repair can be performed safely and expeditiously during radical pelvic surgery using the preperitoneal approach through a median longitudinal incision. We performed 41 preperitoneal herniorrhaphies simultaneously with 343 radical retropubic prostatectomies and 26 radical cysto-prostatectomies. There is no evidence of recurrent hernias to date and no complications attributable to the hernia repairs. We present the technique and illustrate the preperitoneal anatomy, which allows the safe, efficacious performance of these procedures.
Multilevel Power Converters

Abstract This chapter covers the fundamental multilevel converter structures and modulation paradigms. The basic principles of the four main different multilevel converters have been discussed methodically: (1) cascaded H-bridges, (2) diode clamp, (3) flying capacitors, and (4) modular multilevel converter. Various modulation schemes for multilevel converters are also covered including fundamental frequency switching and harmonic elimination and several carrier-based and space vector-based pulse-width modulation (PWM) methods. The chapter also includes significant content on the operation and control of modular multilevel converter (MMCs) including techniques to balance capacitor voltage and reduce circulating current in converter arms.
Reproducibility in wireless experimentation: need, challenges, and approaches

Wireless networks are the key enabling technology of the mobile revolution. However, experimental mobile and wireless research is still hindered by the lack of a solid framework to adequately evaluate the performance of a wide variety of techniques and protocols proposed by the community. In this talk, I will motivate the need for experimental reproducibility as a necessary aspect for healthy progress as accepted by other communities. I will illustrate how other research communities went through similar processes. I will then present the unique challenges of mobile and wireless experimentation, and discuss approaches, past, current, and future to address these challenges. Finally, I will discuss how reproducibility extends to mobile and wireless security research.
Average synchronization time in DSSS sensor array networks

The performance of networks of random arrays of sensors using direct-sequence spread-spectrum accessing is considered in terms of end-to-end packet error probability and average synchronization time. It is found that an optimum maximum link hop distance exists that gives a minimum for both performance measures.
Learning simulation models through physical objects

We traditionally learn how to model systems through texts, either online or in published form, but is it possible to learn about models by interacting directly with physical objects? Imagine taking a walk in a museum where objects reveal their modeling nature. A fossil in a science museum may indicate a process model for mineralization of bone, or the museums' cafe, although a large object, may indicate a queuing model reflecting how customers wait in line and obtain service. Such informal learning outside of the classroom augments formal learning in instructor-led, syllabus-based courses. We cover recent work in a class where students were instructed to explore museum objects through the lens of modeling and simulation. We link to an outdoor sculpture that contains physical web access to modeling information. Students are able to see models through objects rather than strictly through classroom instruction. Models become new interpretations of art objects.
“No There There”: Place, Absence, and Negativity in “A Painful Case”

In this chapter, Margot Norris re-examines the significance of location and urban geography, climate, and ambience in Joyce’s stories. Focusing on “A Painful Case,” which readers might assume early on will be an adultery story given the allusions to Chapelizod, she argues that it not only comes as a shock that the affair does not, in fact, occur, but reveals that “A Painful Case” is something quite different, “a story with a secret, a hidden life, a hole in its narrative that reflects a hole in the psyche and life of its protagonist.” Her chapter provides quite a poignant reading of the story, and its protagonist, James Duffy, and offers a new way to approach and interpret “A Painful Case.” Pushing our readerly expectations to their outer limits, we find, she suggests, a large political and social system that marionettes Duffy and Mrs. Sinico via powerful social conventions and controls.
Three-dimensional multiphoton imaging of brain activity in freely-moving mice using a miniature microscope with variable focus lens (Conference Presentation)

We report a miniature head mounted two-photon fiber-coupled microscope (TP-FCM) for neuronal imaging with active axial focusing enabled using a miniature electrowetting lens. Full three-dimensional two-photon imaging of GCaMP6s showing individual neuron activity in multiple focal planes was achieved in a freely-moving mouse. Two-color simultaneous imaging of GFP and tdTomato fluorescence is demonstrated. Additionally, the axial scanning of the electrowetting lens allows dynamic control of tilt to the focal plane allowing rapid scanning of different regions of interest in three dimensions. Two-photon imaging allows increased penetration depth in tissue with a field-of-view of 240 μm diameter and 200 μm variable axial focus. The TP-FCM has a light-weight design (~4 g) and excellent image stability. TP-FCM with dynamic axial scanning provides a new capability to record from functionally distinct neuronal layers, opening up unique opportunities in neuroscience research.
Mental Schemes of: Linear Algebra Visual Constructs

This chapter is discussing the effect of instructional dynamic visual modalities on learners’ mental structures. We documented the effects by comparing the thinking modes, displayed on interview responses, of the learners who were exposed to dynamic visual representations, to those who were exposed to the traditional instructional tools. The data came from twelve first-year linear algebra students’ interview responses to a set of questions on the linear independence concept. Our findings point to notable differences on the nature of the mental schemes that learners displayed in the presence and the absence of the dynamic visual modes.
Comparing shopping channel preferences: Hispanic and Caucasian consumers

The Hispanic consumer has become increasingly important with a purchasing power of over $1 trillion (Fahmy, 2010). Additionally, Hispanic consumers are continuing to show this buying power online and most recently it has been through their presence on social media. Despite the mounting evidence of Hispanics’ growing impact and influence on the retail market both traditional and non-traditional, research has lagged behind, and little has been done to investigate this group in terms of their multi-channel shopping behaviors. This research seeks to examine the influence of fashion involvement, fashion consciousness, and shopping enjoyment on Caucasian and Hispanic consumers’ selection of shopping channel.
The Case for Computational Health Science

In this introductory paper, we begin by making the case for Computational Health Science, which we define as the interdisciplinary efforts of health scientists, computer scientists, engineers, psychologists, and other social scientists, to conduct innovative research that will inform future practice directed at changing health behavior through improved communication, networking, and social capital. We recognize and discuss some of the main challenges involved with such an enterprise, but also highlight the associated benefits, which, we argue, significantly outweigh them. We then provide a brief summary of the contributions to this first Special Issue on Computational Health Science.
Within-Subject Experimental Designs

There are many ways to arrange conditions across time and subjects and at the same time maintain the fundamental features of within-subject designs. Applied behavior analysts have assigned names to a number of specific arrangements and have considered the strengths and weaknesses of these designs at some length. For example, Baer et al. (1968) indicated in the inaugural issue of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis that reversal and multiple-baseline designs were generally useful in providing a believable demonstration of the effects of an intervention on specified outcome measures. These designs continue to be used in many applied studies, but several options are available. This chapter discusses common within-subject designs, specifically, case study, A—B, withdrawal,* multiple-baseline, multiple-probe, changing-criterion, alternating-treatments, and concurrent-schedule designs.
Hydrophobic Silica Aerogels: Review of Synthesis, Properties and Applications

There are many applications for which a material must be water-resistant. Silica aerogels can have unusual properties, including high surface area, low density, low thermal conductivity, and good optical translucency. This combination of properties makes hydrophobic silica aerogels attractive materials for use in applications ranging from transparent insulation systems to drug delivery platforms. These aerogel materials have been prepared using a wide variety of techniques, including incorporation of silica precursors with non-polar substituents into the sol–gel matrix and surface modification of the matrix following gelation. In this chapter we describe the different aerogel synthesis methods, present a discussion of techniques for measuring hydrophobicity and review the extensive literature on hydrophobic silica aerogels, including information on their physical properties and applications.
CHROMATOGRAPHY: LIQUID | Detectors: Ultraviolet and Visible Detection

Instrument which identify and quantitate analyte molecules by absorption of ultraviolet or visible light are the most common liquid chromatography detectors. This article describes the principles of measurement, the major types of absorbance detector, how they are designed, and what determines the limits of detection and quantitation. The merits of light guiding and conventional flowcells, and the importance of high optical throughput are discussed in the text of liquid chromatograph's evolution toward higher separation speed with increased resolution on smaller samples. Guidance is offered on how to select operating parameters for optimum performance, and how to understand and compare manufactures’ specifications.
Fact and Artifact in Trait Perception: The Systematic Distortion Hypothesis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the facts and artifacts in trait perception. The systematic distortion hypothesis states that one's beliefs about personality structure tend to be inaccurate with respect to how attitudes, affects, and behaviors covary. The systematic distortion hypothesis casts doubt on the belief that people have global personality traits consisting of multi-item covarying behaviors. The hypothesis implies that individual differences are not organized in the way envisioned by global trait theorists. According to the systematic distortion hypothesis, individual differences do not generalize very widely, that is, there are few empirically homogenous multi-item categories that can be induced from the interitem correlational structure of behavior observational data on individual differences. The systematic distortion hypothesis states that judges on memory-based personality assessment instruments either infer correlational structure from a general model of conceptual association, or find conceptually associated memory items easier to retrieve. The systematic distortion hypothesis challenges one to anchor one's claims about the organization of individual differences in the firmer ground of reliable, on-line behavioral observational evidence.
Congressional Research Service Products: Purpose and Legislative Histories

AbstractCongressional Research Service (CRS) products, such as CRS Reports and Issue Briefs, are valuable reference tools that can assist reference professionals in providing service to a wide range of patrons and should not be overlooked. This article briefly explains how legislative reference bureaus came into existence and details the early legislative history of the formation of CRS, the federal legislative reference service. This article also explains what products CRS creates and for what purpose. Finally, this article provides a brief legislative history of modern congressional efforts to publicly disseminate CRS products, which includes summaries of public discourse on the subject.
Background Information: Isolation Routines

The isolation of patients with suspected or documented infections—to not spread to others—has been discussed for hundreds of years. Guidelines are many, methods are different, attitudes show vide variations, routines and procedures are still changing, regulations by law may be absent, and some healthcare professionals may be afraid of adverse outcomes of isolation [1–44]. Microbes that are spread in the environment, on the hands and equipment are invisible. The invisible agent does not call on attention before the infection; clinical disease, hospital infection or nosocomial infection is a factum that can be registered [23, 28, 29, 35–37]. How to stop the transmission is often “to believe and not believe” in infection control.
Where am I going to go

Reviewed by Jonathan CokerUniversity of South Florida, Tampa, FloridaHow do advocates and researchers work with homeless LGBTQ2S youth without making anyone feel like they are “being shown off like...
Pathogen-Negative Sepsis—An Opportunity for Antimicrobial Stewardship

Sepsis is a common reason for empiric antibiotics among hospitalized patients. We found that the median duration of empiric antibiotics (interquartile range) was 6 (4-9) days among 1047 survivivors with pathogen-negative sepsis. These findings suggest that patients with pathogen-negative sepsis could represent an important opportunity for antimicrobial stewardship.
Antiracism: An Introduction

The past few years of United States life under a perilous Trump presidency have ushered in a proliferation of books investigating institutionalized racism and white supremacy, including the newly p...
Predicting Landscape Configuration Effects on Agricultural Pest Suppression

Arthropod predators and parasitoids attack crop pests, providing a valuable ecosystem service. The amount of noncrop habitat surrounding crop fields influences pest suppression, but synthesis of new studies suggests that the spatial configuration of crops and other habitats is similarly important. Natural enemies are often more abundant in fine-grained agricultural landscapes comprising smaller patches and can increase or decrease with the connectivity of crop fields to other habitats. Partitioning organisms by traits has emerged as a promising way to predict the strength and direction of these effects. Furthermore, our ability to predict configurational effects will depend on understanding the potential for indirect effects among trophic levels and the relationship between arthropod dispersal capability and the spatial scale of underlying landscape structure.
Heterogeneity of human prostate carcinoma-associated fibroblasts implicates a role for subpopulations in myeloid cell recruitment.

Background Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a heterogeneous group of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can promote tumorigenesis in the prostate. By understanding the mechanism(s) by which CAF contributes to tumor growth, new therapeutic targets for the management of this disease may be identified. These studies determined whether unique sub-populations of human prostate CAF can be identified and functionally characterized. Methods Single-cell RNA-seq of primary human prostate CAF followed by unsupervised clustering was utilized to generate cell clusters based on differentially expressed (DE) gene profiles. Potential communication between CAF and immune cells was analyzed using in vivo tissue recombination by combining CAF or normal prostate fibroblasts (NPF) with non-tumorigenic, initiated prostate epithelial BPH-1 cells. Resultant grafts were assessed for inflammatory cell recruitment. Results Clustering of 3321 CAF allows for visualization of six subpopulations, demonstrating heterogeneity within CAF. Sub-renal capsule recombination assays show that the presence of CAF significantly increases myeloid cell recruitment to resultant tumors. This is supported by significantly increased expression of chemotactic chemokines CCL2 and CXCL12 in large clusters compared to other subpopulations. Bayesian analysis topologies also support differential communication signals between chemokine-related genes of individual clusters. Migration of THP-1 monocyte cells in vitro is stimulated in the presence of CAF conditioned medium (CM) compared with NPF CM. Further in vitro analyses suggest that CAF-derived chemokine CCL2 may be responsible for CAF-stimulated migration of THP-1 cells, since neutralization of this chemokine abrogates migration capacity. Conclusions CAF clustering based on DE gene expression supports the concept that clusters have unique functions within the TME, including a role in immune/inflammatory cell recruitment. These data suggest that CCL2 produced by CAF may be involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, but may also directly regulate the growth of the tumor. Further studies aimed at characterizing the subpopulation(s) of CAF which promote immune cell recruitment to the TME and/or stimulate prostate cancer growth and progression will be pursued.
Discovery of a New TLR Gene and Gene Expansion Event through Improved Desert Tortoise Genome Assembly with Chromosome-Scale Scaffolds.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a complex family of innate immune genes that are well characterized in mammals and birds but less well understood in nonavian sauropsids (reptiles). The advent of highly contiguous draft genomes of nonmodel organisms enables study of such gene families through analysis of synteny and sequence identity. Here, we analyze TLR genes from the genomes of 22 tetrapod species. Findings reveal a TLR8 gene expansion in crocodilians and turtles (TLR8B), and a second duplication (TLR8C) specifically within turtles, followed by pseudogenization of that gene in the nonfreshwater species (desert tortoise and green sea turtle). Additionally, the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) has a stop codon in TLR8B (TLR8-1) that is polymorphic among conspecifics. Revised orthology further reveals a new TLR homolog, TLR21-like, which is exclusive to lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodilians. These analyses were made possible by a new draft genome assembly of the desert tortoise (gopAga2.0), which used chromatin-based assembly to yield draft chromosomal scaffolds (L50 = 26 scaffolds, N50 = 28.36 Mb, longest scaffold = 107 Mb) and an enhanced de novo genome annotation with 25,469 genes. Our three-step approach to orthology curation and comparative analysis of TLR genes shows what new insights are possible using genome assemblies with chromosome-scale scaffolds that permit integration of synteny conservation data.
Treatment patterns and outcomes by age in metastatic melanoma: A study of the National Cancer Database.

12037Background: Metastatic melanoma carries poor prognosis and traditional chemotherapy has limited efficacy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have drastically improved disease outcomes since fi...
An Atomic View of Cation Diffusion Pathways from Single-Crystal Topochemical Transformations

The diffusion pathways of Li-ions as they traverse cathode structures in the course of insertion reactions underpin many questions fundamental to the functionality of Li-ion batteries. Much current knowledge derives from computational models or the imaging of lithiation behavior at larger length scales; however, it remains difficult to experimentally image Li-ion diffusion at the atomistic level. Here, by using topochemical Li-ion insertion and extraction to induce single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations in a tunnel-structured V2 O5 polymorph, coupled with operando powder X-ray diffraction, we leverage single-crystal X-ray diffraction to identify the sequence of lattice interstitial sites preferred by Li-ions to high depths of discharge, and use electron density maps to create a snapshot of ion diffusion in a metastable phase. Our methods enable the atomistic imaging of Li-ions in this cathode material in kinetic states and provide an experimentally validated angstrom-level 3D picture of atomic pathways thus far only conjectured through DFT calculations.
Information Literacy and Theological Librarianship: Theory and Praxis . Bobby Smiley, ed. Chicago, IL: Atla Open Press, an imprint of the American Theological Library Association, 2019. 189p. Paper, $35.00 (ISBN: 978-1-949800-01-2).

It is easy to think that, since a book may focus on a particular topic, it means that it is not useful beyond those in that field. That is not the case when it comes to American Theological Library Association’s new edited publication Information Literacy and Theological Librarianship . Bobby Smiley, editor and librarian at Vanderbilt University’s Divinity Library, has pulled together authors whose chapters can easily serve both theological librarians and information literacy and instruction librarians. The latter group will find useful information that can be tailored to their needs. The subject-level perspective also provides a lens that can help in approaching other fields. All of the chapter authors are affiliated with a range of different theological libraries at colleges, universities, and seminaries.
Excess Deaths From COVID-19 and Other Causes, March-April 2020.

This study updates a previous report of the estimated number of excess deaths in the US during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through August 1, 2020, and describes causes of those deaths and temporal relationships with state lifting of coronavirus restrictions.
Migration and the Locality: Community Peacebuilding as a Deterrent to Collective Violence in South Africa

South Africa has made significant democratic gains and economic growth over the past 18–20 years; however, this has not translated into better living conditions and economic gains/opportunities for all. The structural violence effected by the apartheid state through repression and inequality of distribution of resources has left a conducive environment for the politicization of social and economic rights in post-apartheid South Africa. From this politicization has emerged a disgruntled and marginalized citizenry who have developed a culture of violence to air their grievances at lack of service delivery and high levels of unemployment. This violence is often manifested toward/against foreigners in an attempt to rid the country of the people whose presence is seen as an obstacle to attaining social and economic transformation. In 2016 Freedom House embarked on a project to mitigate xenophobic violence in South Africa. The project set out to establish whether a planned multi-pronged intervention in a democratic state could prevent costly outbreaks of collective violence that undermined livelihoods and put democracy at risk. The answer was a resounding yes, but in order for this to happen, community actors and conflicting groups had to work together on issues of mutual interest, which in turn taught them how to cooperate and strengthen non-violent community-developed and community-led solutions to community problems. It is posited that, this shared commonality which would in turn reduce their overall prejudice against outsiders and their sense of vulnerability could contribute toward peacebuilding. As a result, this chapter gives a brief overview of the project and community-led peacebuilding interventions toward social cohesion.
DIORAMA as a System Simulation and Modeling Tool

The Distributed Infrastructure Offering Real-time Access to Modeling and Analysis (DIORAMA) codebase is a software framework developed to support the United States Space Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) program by providing system level modeling and simulation capabilities. It offers a broad set of packages able to simulate the physics of neutron, x-ray, gamma-ray, optical, and EMP phenomenologies from emission (generic or nuclear), to propagation through the atmosphere, and sensing onboard current or future satellite constellations. Communication between satellites and downlinks to ground stations as well as analysis algorithms based on received signals are also modeled. Some examples of simulation functionality include space vehicle reliability, calculation of integrated radiation dose to the space vehicle, the impact of payload changes on system performance, and global coverage calculations. Strict adherence to latest industry standards on code development ensure that the framework provides a robust capability to instrument designers, system modelers, and decision makers. A test driven design workflow in conjunction with continuous integration testing facilitates the development performed by a diverse group of scientists and engineers. A key component to DIORAMA models is the verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) process that each release goes through with input from multiple external government organizations and federally funded research and development centers. The nominal workflow for using DIORAMA consists of generating an XML scenario file in which a satellite constellation is described along with its associated sensors and event definition. Satellite constellations may be arbitrarily large and can be designated by static positions or time dependent two-line elements, with their onboard sensors ranging from simple line of sight determinations up through high-fidelity physics models that record energy deposition and sensor response. Events may be a simulated nuclear explosion or a generic emission that specifics time and energy dependence of one or more of the phenomenologies listed above. A user friendly, web-based GUI is also provided for easy access to the tools. For the highest level of flexibility user defined sensor/propagation models and analysis algorithms can be developed then linked against DIORAMA libraries to take advantage of already accredited tools. Because DIORAMA can be used to predict the performance of operational and future systems it is available at a variety of classification levels (OUO//ECI through TS//SCI) in order to guard restricted information. Releases are currently provided as precompiled libraries via the RedHat Package Manager (RPM) system as well as in the form of virtual machines for easy distribution and setup.
State Formation and Shared Sovereignty: The Holy Roman Empire and the Dutch Republic, 1488–1696

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, dozens of alliances asserting shared sovereignty formed in the Holy Roman Empire and the Low Countries. Many accounts of state formation struggle to explain these leagues, since they characterize state formation as a process of internal bureaucratization within individual states. This comparative study of alliances in the Holy Roman Empire and the Low Countries focuses on a formative time in European history, from the late fifteenth century until the immediate aftermath of the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, to demonstrate how the sharing of sovereignty through alliances influenced the evolution of the Empire, the Dutch Republic, and their various member states in fundamental ways. Alliances simultaneously supported and constrained central and territorial authorities, while their collaborative policy-making process empowered smaller states, helping to ensure their survival. By revealing how the interdependencies of alliance shaped states of all sizes in the Empire and the Low Countries, Christopher W. Close opens new perspectives on state formation with profound implications for understanding the development of states across Europe.
Enhanced linear and non-linear optical activity of lead onto l-threonine cadmium acetate crystal

Herein, we describe the growth and characterization of new crystal lead-doped l-threonine cadmium acetate (LTCA). The supramolecular coordination compounds are crystallized by slow evaporation technique at ambient temperature. The X-ray diffraction techniques confirm monoclinic crystal system. The presence of lead and the LTCA lattices were identified using EDAX analysis. l-Threonine amino acids have unique properties like zwitterionic nature and molecular chirality, which improve the optical properties of the lead-doped crystal. The linear optical parameters such as optical band gap and refractive indexes are estimated at lower cutoff wavelength from UV–Vis analysis. The variation of dielectric constant, dielectric loss with frequency is studied using LCR meter. Due to the electropositive character of lead the static permittivity increases. Magnetic behavior changes to paramagnetic nature due to the inclusion of lead. TG/DTA analysis suggests that the crystal is thermally stable up to 135.32 °C. Using Nd-YAG laser, the NLO property was studied and the lead-doped LTCA crystal shows higher SHG efficiency than the LTCA crystal.
Application of Digital Image Analysis Methods for Quantifying Spatiotemporal Neural Dynamics from Planar Microelectrode Arrays

Recent developments in the ability to measure neural activity including surface and penetrating microelectrode arrays have allowed for higher-resolution and higher-dimension measurements of neural activity. With the development of this technology also arises the need for analytical methods to enable interpretation of these measurements in the context of underlying neural dynamics and processes. In this paper, we examine the application of methods such as current source density (CSD), histogram correlation, and radial profile analysis for quantifying the spatiotemporal characteristics of neural dynamics in both simulated and recorded local field potential (LFP) data.
Enhancing Effects of Environmental Enrichment on the Functions of Natural Killer Cells in Mice.

The environment of an organism can convey a powerful influence over its biology. Environmental enrichment (EE), as a eustress model, has been used extensively in neuroscience to study neurogenesis and brain plasticity. EE has also been used as an intervention for the treatment and prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders with limited clinical application. By contrast, the effects of EE on the immune system are relatively less investigated. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that EE can robustly impact immune function. In this review, we summarize the major components of EE, the impact of EE on natural killer (NK) cells, EE’s immunoprotective roles in cancer, and the underlying mechanisms of EE-induced NK cell regulation. Moreover, we discuss opportunities for translational application based on insights from animal research of EE-induced NK cell regulation.
Molecular Imaging Modalities: Applications of Current and Novel Radiotracers

Established and novel radiotracers are under active investigation for patients with bladder cancer. 18F-FDG PET/CT may be useful for lymph node staging or assessment of distant metastatic disease but is of limited utility for primary tumor staging due to urinary excretion of the radiotracer. 11C-choline and 11C-acetate both overcome the issue of urinary excretion, but their short half-life necessitates an onsite cyclotron. Ongoing studies aim to evaluate whether PET imaging can predict or accurately assess treatment response. 99mTc-MDP or 18F-NaF radiotracers permit assessment of bone metastases, with limitations of each modality. Several novel radiotracers are under investigation for future utility.
A Concise History of Spain

The rich cultural and political life of Spain has emerged from its complex history, from the diversity of its peoples, and from continual contact with outside influences. This updated edition traces that history from prehistoric times to the present, focusing particularly on culture, society, politics, and personalities. Written in an engaging style, it introduces readers to key themes that have shaped Spain's history and culture. These include its varied landscapes and climates; the impact of waves of diverse human migrations; the importance of its location as a bridge between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and Europe and Africa; and religion, particularly militant Catholic Christianity and its centuries of conflict with Islam and Protestantism, as well as debates over the place of the church in modern Spain. Illustrations, maps and a guide to further reading, major cultural figures, and places to see make the history of this fascinating country come alive.
Collaborative Gaze Cues and Replay for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who use visual accommodations face difficulties in following multimedia lectures due to the delay in visual translation and dividing attention between simultaneous visuals. As a result, deaf students miss information. We address these difficulties with two approaches: visual cues and live replay in recorded lectures. Our analysis found that when deaf students view the lecture videos with cues, they show less delay in switching to the active visual information source and report high satisfaction with the cues. The students who liked the cues were more likely to demonstrate reduction in delay time associated with shifting visual attention. Similarly, when deaf students used gaze controlled replay with lecture videos, they miss less information and report high satisfaction with live replay.