Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimized adeno-associated virus 8 produces hepatocyte-specific Cre-mediated recombination without toxicity or affecting liver regeneration.

UNLABELLED Engineering viral vectors to produce liver-specific protein expression may help advance understanding of hepatic regeneration and disease states. In addition to introducing genes of interest to the liver, these vectors can be adapted for gene deletion when designed to express Cre recombinase. The ability to use this system requires high, liver-restricted expression, low toxicity, and no effect on the process of interest. We developed an adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) with a codon-optimized Cre recombinase under a hepatocyte-specific major urinary protein (MUP) promoter (MUP-iCre-AAV8) that fulfills these requirements. A single intravenous injection of ROSA26R reporter mice, which express lacZ after Cre-mediated recombination, demonstrated homogeneous beta-galactosidase expression limited to hepatocytes after only 7 days. Cre protein expression remained strong for at least 31 days. Serum liver function tests and histology demonstrated minimal liver toxicity. The presence of MUP-iCre-AAV8 did not affect hepatocyte proliferation after partial hepatectomy as measured by Ki67 staining. CONCLUSION AAV8 with the MUP promoter, by virtue of its lack of hepatic toxicity or effect on liver regeneration, may be an efficient alternative to complex transgenic methodologies for studies of the mouse liver.
Students Who Demonstrate Strong Talent and Interest in STEM Are Initially Attracted to STEM through Extracurricular Experiences

Extracurricular experiences are highly influential as the initial influence for students with a potential talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while hands-on lab work sustains their interest in STEM. Community-based programs that create awareness about STEM for children and their family members may be key for igniting academic interest in STEM.
The Adipose-derived Stem Cell: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

In 2002, researchers at UCLA published a manuscript in Molecular Biology of the Cell describing a novel adult stem cell population isolated from adipose tissue—the adipose-derived stem cell (ASC). Since that time, the ASC has gone on to be one of the most popular adult stem cell populations currently being used in the stem cell field. With multilineage mesodermal potential and possible ectodermal and endodermal potentials also, the ASC could conceivably be an alternate to pluripotent ES cells in both the lab and in the clinic. In this retrospective article, a historical perspective on the ASC is given together with exciting new applications for the stem cell being considered today.
Tax progressivity and income inequality: Trends in income inequality: the impact of, and implications for, tax policy

Introduction In the last decade, increased public attention has been drawn to evidence that the distribution of income in the United States has become more unequal. Official Census Bureau data that in the past showed a rather stable level of inequality indicate that the level of inequality in family income reached a post-war peak in 1989 (Bureau of the Census 1989, 1992b). As a result, the 1980s have been characterized as a period where the rich became richer and the poor became poorer. The years between 1981 and 1990 have also been designated the “tax decade” (Steuerle 1992). Eight months after Ronald Reagan became president in 1981, Congress passed the Economic Recovery and Tax Act (ERTA), which dramatically lowered individual and corporate taxes. Five years later, following tax increases in 1982, 1983, and 1984, the Tax Reform Act (TRA) of 1986 became the decade's second hallmark piece of tax legislation. Although total federal, state, and local tax receipts remained relatively constant as a fraction of GNP during the 1980s (at about 26%–27%), changes in tax policy during the decade altered the way taxes were collected (Steuerle 1992). Significant reductions in marginal tax rates for the federal income tax, as well as the shift away from corporate and individual income taxes toward social security and state and local taxes, exemplify the changes that occurred during the decade. The confluence of these two trends – one marking changes in the distribution of income across families, the other signifying shifts in the burden of taxation across families – has led some to suggest a link between changes in the tax code and the distribution of income.
University students' behavioral intention to use mobile learning: Evaluating the technology acceptance model

As many Korean universities have recommended the implementation of mobile learning (m-learning) for various reasons, the number of such tertiary learning opportunities has steadily grown. However, little research has investigated the factors affecting university students' adoption and use of m-learning. A sample of 288 Konkuk university students participated in the research. The process by which students adopt m-learning was explained using structural equation modeling technique and the Linear Structural Relationship (LISREL) program. The general structural model based on the technology acceptance model included m-learning self-efficacy, relevance for students' major (MR), system accessibility, subjective norm (SN), perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude (AT), and behavioral intention to use m-learning. The study results confirmed the acceptability of the model to explain students' acceptance of m-learning. M-learning AT was the most important construct in explaining the causal process in the model, followed by students' MR and SN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Description of the nonlinear dielectric properties of ferroelectrics under a weak AC-field

Ferroelectric materials are interesting for their switching polarization and present a non linear variation of their permittivity which is due to domain wall motion. Currently, this variation of permittivity is described by the Rayleigh law for fields above a threshold field or by a power law in the case of soft ferroelectrics. In this study we propose a hyperbolic law based on domain wall motions and which includes these two classic approaches. The hyperbolic law allows to clearly define the threshold field by considering the reversible and irreversible components of the permittivity. All expressions are illustrated by the experimental data on hard ferroelectric thin films which present a linear variation of its permittivity at low field. Rayleigh law, dielectric permittivity, domain walls, low field.
Educating the New Practitioner: the Building of Professional Identities in European Social Work

This article sets out to consider the tentative findings that have emerged from a comparative pilot study of the value given to their social work education by newly qualified social workers in England, Sweden and Italy. The overall aim of the research was to examine the subjective views of students from 3 contrasting welfare systems and three different degree programmes as to their preparedness for practice. The specific aim of this paper is to describe and analyse if and how a sense of professional identity is being developed and if perceptions of this differ between students coming from different welfare regimes. The project recorded and analysed the students’ views on the cusp of starting their professional lives, and after 1 year of undertaking social work occupations. Further aims were to examine the role of theory teaching, placement opportunities, personal/professional ‘growth’ and evaluative capacity in making these students ‘fit for practice’ in specific welfare systems. The paper contextualises the research with discussion of the contemporary literature of professional identity in social work in Europe.
Compositional boundedness of solutions for symmetric nonautonomous control systems

This paper presents boundedness results for symmetric nonautonomous control systems. The results are Lyapunov-based and exploit the symmetric structure present in many compositional or distributed control system. The work extends some of our prior work which defines an equivalence class of symmetric control systems by determining conditions for boundedness of solutions for such systems. The extension is along two lines. First, the prior work was focused on stability for autonomous symmetric systems, and this work extends it to the nonautonomous case. Second, the prior work required exact symmetry in the system whereas the results in this paper allow for symmetry-breaking in the nonautonomous terms, which significantly broadens the class of systems to which these results will apply. These results will be useful for robotics and control engineers dealing with large-scale and distributed systems which are composed of many similar components because it will enable closed-form analysis on a very small system, and then guarantee system properties for much larger equivalent systems. Other potential application areas would be, for example, the design of control algorithms for fleets of autonomous robotic vehicles acting in a coordinated manner.
Multiple data source for survey and modeling of very complex architecture

In this paper we would like to present a possible operating way to survey and model a very complex architecture, integrating different kinds of instrumentation and modeling methods. In particular we would like to convoy the attention on a possible measure and data elaboration procedure that allows collecting and post-elaborating data in a short time in order to both extract classical architectural products, such as sections and profiles, and to build complete and accurate 3D models. The necessity is to structure multi-data source procedure buds inside a five years project (still in progress) with the goal to survey and three-dimensionally model the Main Spire of Milan Cathedral. It is a very complex “object” and, for this reason, it can be considered a very challanging and useful test field for the new 3D survey technologies and, in particular, for the various “real-based” modeling methodologies. In the paper are described the survey workflow and the relative elaboration steps, focusing on the problems and justifying the key choices.
The effect of Health IT Investments on Regional Health Care Costs

This paper analyzes the relationship between health IT investments and regional health care costs. We focus on the regional level effects, which take into account externalities that arise from patient mobility. We find that the relationship between health IT and costs are stronger at a regional level than hospital level, confirming the presence of externality of health IT investments. This finding has important implications: it suggests that hospital level analysis underestimates the benefits of health IT investments and can lead to suboptimal investment decision from the society’s point of view. We also find that cost reduction impacts of health IT investment are higher over the long term. We present evidence that advanced IT applications that enable within hospital communication are more beneficial in more urban areas. Higher software integration among the adopting hospitals further decreases the health care costs in the area by enabling electronic medical record sharing. In addition, we show that not all hospitals have to make same level of IT investment to obtain optimal reductions in health care costs. Instead, having some leading hospitals in health IT investments can be more beneficial.
Selective Exposure and Perceived Identification With Characters in Transnational Arabic Television

Given the transnational nature of the Arabic satellite television industry and the cultural differences among Arab regions, this experiment examined the role of social identity in Arab viewers’ media choices and perceived identification with characters. Overall, Arab viewers identified more with in-group characters (gender and cultural region) and were more interested in watching programs that feature in-group lead characters. The perceived intended audience of the television program mediated the relationship between cultural identity on one hand and perceived identification with characters and selective exposure on the other. The findings show that social identity plays an important role in Arab viewers’ media consumption, and are discussed in light of social identity theory.
Methicillin resistance and the biofilm phenotype in Staphylococcus aureus

Antibiotic resistance and biofilm-forming capacity contribute to the success of Staphylococcus aureus as a human pathogen in both healthcare and community settings. These virulence factors do not function independently of each other and the biofilm phenotype expressed by clinical isolates of S. aureus is influenced by acquisition of the methicillin resistance gene mecA. Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) strains commonly produce an icaADBC operon-encoded polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA)-dependent biofilm. In contrast, the release of extracellular DNA (eDNA) and cell surface expression of a number of sortase-anchored proteins, and the major autolysin have been implicated in the biofilm phenotype of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. Expression of high level methicillin resistance in a laboratory MSSA strain resulted in (i) repression of PIA-mediated biofilm production, (ii) down-regulation of the accessory gene regulator (Agr) system, and (iii) attenuation of virulence in murine sepsis and device infection models. Here we review the mechanisms of MSSA and MRSA biofilm production and the relationships between antibiotic resistance, biofilm and virulence gene regulation in S. aureus.
Invariants and Coinvariants of the Symmetric Group in Noncommuting Variables

Abstract We introduce a natural Hopf algebra structure on the space of noncommutative symmetric functions. The bases for this algebra are indexed by set partitions. We show that there exists a natural inclusion of the Hopf algebra of noncommutative symmetric functions in this larger space. We also consider this algebra as a subspace of noncommutative polynomials and use it to understand the structure of the spaces of harmonics and coinvariants with respect to this collection of noncommutative polynomials and conclude two analogues of Chevalley’s theorem in the noncommutative setting.
DNA Damage–Induced Bcl-xL Deamidation Is Mediated by NHE-1 Antiport Regulated Intracellular pH

The pro-survival protein Bcl-xL is critical for the resistance of tumour cells to DNA damage. We have previously demonstrated, using a mouse cancer model, that oncogenic tyrosine kinase inhibition of DNA damage–induced Bcl-xL deamidation tightly correlates with T cell transformation in vivo, although the pathway to Bcl-xL deamidation remains unknown and its functional consequences unclear. We show here that rBcl-xL deamidation generates an iso-Asp52/iso-Asp66 species that is unable to sequester pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins such as Bim and Puma. DNA damage in thymocytes results in increased expression of the NHE-1 Na/H antiport, an event both necessary and sufficient for subsequent intracellular alkalinisation, Bcl-xL deamidation, and apoptosis. In murine thymocytes and tumour cells expressing an oncogenic tyrosine kinase, this DNA damage–induced cascade is blocked. Enforced intracellular alkalinisation mimics the effects of DNA damage in murine tumour cells and human B-lineage chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells, thereby causing Bcl-xL deamidation and increased apoptosis. Our results define a signalling pathway leading from DNA damage to up-regulation of the NHE-1 antiport, to intracellular alkalanisation to Bcl-xL deamidation, to apoptosis, representing the first example, to our knowledge, of how deamidation of internal asparagine residues can be regulated in a protein in vivo. Our findings also suggest novel approaches to cancer therapy.
A basis for the full Homfly skein of the annulus

A basis, denoted $\{Q_{\lambda,\mu\}$, for the full Homfly skein of the annulus $\mathcal{C}$ has been introduced by the authors, where $\lambda$ and $\mu$ are partitions of integers $n$ and $p$ into $k$ and $k^*$ parts respectively. The basis consists of eigenvectors of the two meridian maps on $\mathcal{C}$; these maps are the linear endomorphisms of $\mathcal{C}$ induced by the insertion of a meridian loop with either orientation around a diagram in the annulus. Here we present an explicit expression for each $Q_{\lambda,\mu}$ as the determinant of a $(k^*+k)\times(k^*+k)$ matrix whose entries are simple elements $h_n, h_n^*$ in the skein $\mathcal{C}$. In the case $p=0$ ($\mu=\phi$) the determinant gives the Jacobi–Trudy formula for the Schur function $s_{\lambda}$ of $N$ variables as a polynomial in the complete symmetric functions $h_n$ of the variables. The Jacobi–Trudy determinants have previously been used by Kawagoe and Lukac in discussing the elements in the skein of the annulus represented by closed braids in which all strings are oriented in the same direction. Our results and techniques form a natural extension of the work of Lukac.
Hemodynamic and Tubular Changes Induced by Contrast Media

The incidence of acute kidney injury induced by contrast media (CI-AKI) is the third cause of AKI in hospitalized patients. Contrast media cause relevant alterations both in renal hemodynamics and in renal tubular cell function that lead to CI-AKI. The vasoconstriction of intrarenal vasculature is the main hemodynamic change induced by contrast media; the vasoconstriction is accompanied by a cascade of events leading to ischemia and reduction of glomerular filtration rate. Cytotoxicity of contrast media causes apoptosis of tubular cells with consequent formation of casts and worsening of ischemia. There is an interplay between the negative effects of contrast media on renal hemodynamics and on tubular cell function that leads to activation of renin-angiotensin system and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the kidney. Production of ROS intensifies cellular hypoxia through endothelial dysfunction and alteration of mechanisms regulating tubular cells transport. The physiochemical characteristics of contrast media play a critical role in the incidence of CI-AKI. Guidelines suggest the use of either isoosmolar or low-osmolar contrast media rather than high-osmolar contrast media particularly in patients at increased risk of CI-AKI. Older age, presence of atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, chronic renal disease, nephrotoxic drugs, and diuretics may multiply the risk of CI-AKI.
Sustainability with Globalization: An Unsustainable Proposition

Globalization is recognized as a world-encompassing phenomenon, even as its benefits are debated. Sustainability, the capacity to maintain high standards of living through generations, is at stake. This paper examines the problems of sustainability with globalization from several perspectives. High statistical correlation between indices of globalization and environmental degradation (r = 0.977, p < .001) is found using multidimensional scaling software. The socially destabilizing, culture flattening effects of globalization are examined, and the terms ‘nationalism’ and ‘terrorism’ are defined. On the basis of its medial position among the indices of both globalization and environmental degradation, Chile is explored in a case study of the interaction. Conclusions regarding Chile’s vulnerabilities are reached, and the country’s environmental, social, and economic ‘weak spots’ are identified. The ethical positions of globalization and sustainability are considered, and the conclusion that there is very little that can be done to alter the nature of the interaction is drawn. It is suggested that globalization minimizes the prospects of success in efforts toward sustainability by maximizing vulnerabilities among sustainability’s components.
Similarity Solution to a Thermal Boundary Layer Model of a non-Newtonian Fluid with a Convective Surface Boundary Condition

The steady laminar boundary layer flow of a non-Newtonian fluid over an impermeable flat plate in a uniform free stream is investigated when the bottom surface of the plate is heated by convection from a hot fluid. We show that similarity solutions to the hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layers are possible if the convective heat transfer associated with the hot fluid on the lower surface of the plate is proportional to a power function of x, where x is the distance from the leading edge of the solid surface. The equations of momentum and energy are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations. Numerical solutions are provided and the effects of the parameters are examined on the flow and thermal fields.
Magnetic Resonance–Guided Focused Ultrasound for Patients With Painful Bone Metastases: Phase III Trial Results

Background Pain due to bone metastases is a common cause of cancer-related morbidity, with few options available for patients refractory to medical therapies and who do not respond to radiation therapy. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS), a noninvasive method of thermal tissue ablation for palliation of pain due to bone metastases. Methods Patients with painful bone metastases were randomly assigned 3:1 to receive MRgFUS sonication or placebo. The primary endpoint was improvement in self-reported pain score without increase of pain medication 3 months after treatment and was analyzed by Fisher’s exact test. Components of the response composite, Numerical Rating Scale for pain (NRS) and morphine equivalent daily dose intake, were analyzed by t test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, respectively. Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-QoL), a measure of functional interference of pain on quality of life, was compared between MRgFUS and placebo by t test. Statistical tests were two-sided. Results One hundred forty-seven subjects were enrolled, with 112 and 35 randomly assigned to MRgFUS and placebo treatments, respectively. Response rate for the primary endpoint was 64.3% in the MRgFUS arm and 20.0% in the placebo arm (P < .001). MRgFUS was also superior to placebo at 3 months on the secondary endpoints assessing worst score NRS (P < .001) and the BPI-QoL (P < .001). The most common treatment-related adverse event (AE) was sonication pain, which occurred in 32.1% of MRgFUS patients. Two patients had pathological fractures, one patient had third-degree skin burn, and one patient suffered from neuropathy. Overall 60.3% of all AEs resolved on the treatment day. Conclusions This multicenter phase III trial demonstrated that MRgFUS is a safe and effective, noninvasive treatment for alleviating pain resulting from bone metastases in patients that have failed standard treatments.
Characterization and exploitation of narrow-width loads: the narrow-width cache approach

This paper exploits small-value locality to accelerate the execution of memory instructions. We find that narrow-width loads (NWLDs) --- loads with small-value operands of 8 bits or less --- comprise 26% of all executed loads across 40 applications of the SPEC benchmark suites. We establish that the frequency of NWLDs are almost independent of compiler and input data. We introduce narrow-width caches (NWC) to cache small-value memory words. NWCs provide a significant speedup for several memory-intensive applications with a negligible chip-area overhead. NWCs also reduce the overall energy dissipation and memory traffic.