Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cluster of coregulated genes determines TGF-β–induced regulatory T-cell (Treg) dysfunction in NOD mice

Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) originate in the thymus, but the Treg phenotype can also be induced in peripheral lymphoid organs or in vitro by stimulation of conventional CD4+ T cells with IL-2 and TGF-β. There have been divergent reports on the suppressive capacity of these TGF-Treg cells. We find that TGF-Tregs derived from diabetes-prone NOD mice, although expressing normal Foxp3 levels, are uniquely defective in suppressive activity, whereas TGF-Tregs from control strains (B6g7) or ex vivo Tregs from NOD mice all function normally. Most Treg-typical transcripts were shared by NOD or B6g7 TGF-Tregs, except for a small group of differentially expressed genes, including genes relevant for suppressive activity (Lrrc32, Ctla4, and Cd73). Many of these transcripts form a coregulated cluster in a broader analysis of T-cell differentiation. The defect does not map to idd3 or idd5 regions. Whereas Treg cells from NOD mice are normal in spleen and lymph nodes, the NOD defect is observed in locations that have been tied to pathogenesis of diabetes (small intestine lamina propria and pancreatic lymph node). Thus, a genetic defect uniquely affects a specific Treg subpopulation in NOD mice, in a manner consistent with a role in determining diabetes susceptibility.
Conducting Measurement Invariance Tests with Ordinal Data: A Guide for Social Work Researchers

Objective: The validity of measures across groups is a major concern for social work researchers and practitioners. Many social workers use scales, or sets of questionnaire items, with ordinal response options. However, a review of social work literature indicates the appropriate treatment of ordinal data in measurement invariance tests is rare; only 3 of 57 articles published in 26 social work journals over the past 12 years used proper testing procedures. This article synthesizes information from the literature and provides recommendations for appropriate measurement invariance procedures with ordinal data. Method: We use data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey to demonstrate applications of invariance testing with ordinal data. Using a robust weighted least squares estimator and polychoric correlation matrix, we examine invariance of a 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) across 2 young adult groups defined by health status. We describe 2 competing approaches: a 4-step approach, in which factor loadings and thresholds are tested and constrained separately; and a 3-step approach, in which loadings and thresholds are tested and constrained in tandem. Results: Both approaches lead to the same conclusion that the 2 dimensions of the PSS are noninvariant across health status. In the absence of invariance, mean scores on the PSS factors cannot be validly compared across groups, nor should latent variables be used in the hypothesis testing across the 2 groups. Readers are directed to online resources. Conclusions: Careful examination of social work scales is likely to reveal fit or noninvariance problems across some groups. Use of appropriate methods for invariance testing will reduce misuse of measures in practice and improve the rigor and quality of social work publications.
Constraint and Contingency in Multifunctional Gene Regulatory Circuits

Gene regulatory circuits drive the development, physiology, and behavior of organisms from bacteria to humans. The phenotypes or functions of such circuits are embodied in the gene expression patterns they form. Regulatory circuits are typically multifunctional, forming distinct gene expression patterns in different embryonic stages, tissues, or physiological states. Any one circuit with a single function can be realized by many different regulatory genotypes. Multifunctionality presumably constrains this number, but we do not know to what extent. We here exhaustively characterize a genotype space harboring millions of model regulatory circuits and all their possible functions. As a circuit's number of functions increases, the number of genotypes with a given number of functions decreases exponentially but can remain very large for a modest number of functions. However, the sets of circuits that can form any one set of functions becomes increasingly fragmented. As a result, historical contingency becomes widespread in circuits with many functions. Whether a circuit can acquire an additional function in the course of its evolution becomes increasingly dependent on the function it already has. Circuits with many functions also become increasingly brittle and sensitive to mutation. These observations are generic properties of a broad class of circuits and independent of any one circuit genotype or phenotype.
All-Terrain Vehicle Injuries in Children: Industry-Regulated Failure

Although the sale of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to children under 16 years of age was prohibited in 1988, they continue to represent half of the ATV-associated injuries. We conducted a retrospective review of ATV injuries admitted to our institution from 1988 to 1998. We identified 76 patients over the last 10 years, with 50 patients admitted in the last 4 years. Children <16 years of age account for 50 per cent of all ATV-injured patients. Only eight per cent of these children wore helmets. We conclude that despite industry regulation, nearly half of ATV injuries continue to involve children under 16 years of age. The consent decree restricting access of children <16 years of age to ATVs has been ineffective and expired in April 1998. Significant morbidity and mortality continues to occur in children <16 years of age who operate these vehicles. Reform is needed, such as legislation that would mandate the sale of safety equipment on ATV purchase, as well as provide for ATV safety education.
Professionalism, Politics and Market Force: Survey Studies of Hong Kong Journalists 1996–2006

A comparison of three surveys of Hong Kong journalists from 1996 to 2006 finds that media professionalism remains intact in spite of significant socio-political changes. However, the media's performance has been in doubt as reflected in credibility decline and rising self-censorship. Factors accounting for this apparent disjunction between professionalism and performance include the proliferation of journalism education, the entrenchment of press freedom in Hong Kong's political culture, the journalists’ need for a self-defense and survival strategy, and the media market as a balancing force of political pressure. It is the interplay of all these factors that matters.
The optimal replacement problem of a multistate deteriorate system with preventive maintenance

In this paper, a multistate deteriorate system with preventive repair is studied. Assume that the system has K different failure states. The work will be interrupted and the preventive repair will be executed as soon as the system reliability reaches an undetermined constant R. Our objective is to find the optimal policy such that the long-run expected cost per unit time is minimal. By using a bivariate replacement policy (R, N), the explicit expression of the long-run expected cost per unit time is derived. The corresponding optimal policy is provided numerically.
Bright Building Blocks for Chemical Biology

Small-molecule fluorophores manifest the ability of chemistry to solve problems in biology. As we noted in a previous review (Lavis, L. D.; Raines, R. T. ACS Chem. Biol.2008, 3, 142–155), the extant collection of fluorescent probes is built on a modest set of “core” scaffolds that evolved during a century of academic and industrial research. Here, we survey traditional and modern synthetic routes to small-molecule fluorophores and highlight recent biological insights attained with customized fluorescent probes. Our intent is to inspire the design and creation of new high-precision tools that empower chemical biologists.
Effects of kinetin riboside on proliferation and proapoptotic activities in human normal and cancer cell lines

Kinetin riboside (KR) is a N6‐substituted derivative of adenosine. It is a natural compound which occurs in the milk of coconuts on the nanomole level. KR was initially shown to selectively inhibit proliferation of cancer cells and induce their apoptosis. We observed that KR inhibited growth (20–80%) of not only human cancer, but also normal cells and that this effect strongly depended on the type of cells. The anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein was downregulated, while proapoptotic Bax was upregulated in normal as well as in cancer cell lines, upon exposure to KR. Cytochrome c level increased in the cytosol upon treatment of cells with KR. The activity of caspases (ApoFluor®Green Caspase Activity Assay), as well as caspase‐3 (caspase‐3 activation assay) were increased mainly in cancer cells. The expression of procaspase 9 and its active form in the nucleus as well as in cytosol of KR‐treated cells was elevated. In contrast, no effect of KR on caspase 8 expression was noted. The results indicated that non‐malignant cells were less sensitive to KR then their cancer analogs and that KR most likely stimulated apoptosis mechanism of cancer cells through the intrinsic pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 2115–2124, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CONSTANCY OF THE G MATRIX IN ECOLOGICAL TIME

Abstract The constancy of the genetic variance-covariance matrix (G matrix) across environments and populations has been discussed and tested empirically over the years but no consensus has so far been reached. In this paper, I present a model in which morphological traits develop hierarchically, and individuals differ in their resource allocation and acquisition patterns. If the variance in resource acquisition is many times larger than the variance in resource allocation then strong genetic correlations are expected, and with almost isometric relations among traits. As the variation in resource acquisition decreases below a certain threshold, the correlations decrease overall and the relations among traits become a function of the allocation patterns, and in particular reflecting the basal division of allocation. A strong bottleneck can break a pattern of strong genetic correlation, but this effect diminishes rapidly with increasing bottleneck size. This model helps to understand why some populations change their genetic correlations in different environments, whereas others do not, since the key factor is the relation between the variances in resource acquisition and allocation. If a change in environment does not lead to a change in this ratio, no change can be expected, whereas if the ratio is changed substantially then major changes can be expected. This model can also help to understand the constancy of morphological patterns within larger taxa as a function of constancy in resource acquisition patterns over time and environments. When this pattern breaks, for example on islands, larger changes can be expected.
Gravastars must have anisotropic pressures

One of the very small number of serious alternatives to the usual concept of an astrophysical black hole is the ‘gravastar’ model developed by Mazur and Mottola, and a related phase-transition model due to Laughlin et al. We consider a generalized class of similar models that exhibit continuous pressure—without the presence of infinitesimally thin shells. By considering the usual TOV equation for static solutions with negative central pressure, we find that gravastars cannot be perfect fluids—anisotropic pressures in the ‘crust’ of a gravastar-like object are unavoidable. The anisotropic TOV equation can then be used to bound the pressure anisotropy. The transverse stresses that support a gravastar permit a higher compactness than is given by the Buchdahl–Bondi bound for perfect-fluid stars. Finally, we comment on the qualitative features of the equation of state that gravastar material must have if it is to do the desired job of preventing horizon formation.
Does work–family conflict mediate the relationship between work–family culture and self‐reported distress? Evidence from five Finnish organizations

This study examined whether perceived work–family conflict would function as a mediator in the link between work–family culture perceptions and self-reported distress. Data were obtained from employees (N=1,297) of five Finnish organizations representing both the public (local social and health care, school, and labour departments) and the private sectors (paper mill, IT company). The results showed that perceived work–family conflict functioned as a partial mediator between employees' perceptions of work–family culture and self-reported distress in two organizations (i.e. in the social and health care department and paper mill), whereas the relationship turned out to be direct in the other three organizations (i.e. the education, labour departments and IT company). Thus, a supportive work–family culture was related directly and indirectly, through reduced work–family conflict, to the well-being of employees.
Changes in functional coupling patterns during bimanual task performance

Functional interaction between cortical areas may involve synchronization of activities, manifest as coherence between EEG signals. However, although EEG-EEG coherence changes when motor tasks are compared to each other or rest, there is little evidence that coherence is modulated within an action. To address this issue we used a bimanual drawer-opening task necessitating asymmetrical hand actions and comprising distinct movement phases. Pronounced modulations in EEG-EEG coherence in the beta band (>12–24 Hz) occurred with movement phase. Differences in coherence due to a switch in role of the hands were mainly observed in the alpha band (8–12 Hz). These findings suggest that inter-regional synchronization changes dynamically across task execution in line with behavioral performance.
Vasoformative sarcomas arising from BALB/3T3 cells attached to solid substrates.

The BALB/3T3 mouse embryo cell line, noted for its marked postconfluence inhibition of proliferation, anchorage dependence, and high serum requirement, and frequently studied as a prototype nontumorigenic "fibroblast" line that is compared with tumorigenic sublines transformed with various agents, produced tumors within 2 to 3 months when an average of 3 X 10(4) cells were implanted s.c. attached to 1- X 5- X 10-mm polycarbonate platelets. Plastic platelets alone produced no tumors after 1 year of observation. The tumors, as well as others arising from implants of BALB/3T3 cells attached to 3-mm glass beads, were given the histological diagnosis of "vasoformative saroma" because the tumor cells frequently formed vascular channels. The vasoformative pattern and the results of specific staining for reticulin and collagen support the likelihood that BALB/3T3 cells originated from endothelial cells rather than from fibroblasts. That the tumors were derived from BALB/3T3 cells and not host cells was proved when tumors arising in BALB/c X C57BL/6 F1 hybrids were shown to be transplantable to BALB/c but not to C57BL/6 mice. The cultured tumor cells showed loss of both postconfluence inhibition of proliferation and anchorage dependence. Evidence of the induction of endogenous oncornaviruses was obtained in only one of four tumors tested. These tumors also exhibited tumor-unique transplantation rejection antigens. We conclude that BALB/3T3 cells are preneoplastic and give rise to different spontaneously transformed clones bearing unique tumor rejection antigens when implanted in vivo attached to a solid substrate.
H I Imaging Observations of Superthin Galaxies. I. UGC 7321

We have used the Very Large Array to image the isolated "superthin" galaxy UGC 7321 in the H I line with a spatial resolution of 16″ and a spectral resolution of 24 kHz (5.2 km s-1). We have reached a sensitivity of (0.36–0.40) mJy beam-1 channel-1, which correspond to a column density of (8–9) × 1018 atoms cm-2 (1 σ). UGC 7321 has a gas-rich disk, with MH I = (1.06 ± 0.01) × 109 d M⊙ and MH I/LB = 1.0 (d10 is the distance to UGC 7321 in units of 10 Mpc, the value adopted in this paper), and no detectable radio continuum emission (FCONT = 0.41 ± 0.25 mJy). The global H I distribution of UGC 7321 is rather symmetric and extends to ∼1.5 times the optical radius (DH I = 8.′65 ± 0.′15 at nH I = 3 × 1019 atoms cm-2). An "integral sign" warp is observed in the H I disk, commencing near the edge of the stellar distribution and twisting back toward the equatorial plane in the outermost regions. In addition, the position-velocity diagram suggests the presence of a bar or inner arm within ∼40″ from the center. The rotation curve of UGC 7321 is slowly rising; it reaches its asymptotic velocity of ∼110 km s-1 at ∼2. ′5 from the center (about 0.9 optical radii) and declines near the edge of the H I disk. The ratio of the inferred dynamical mass to the mass in gas and stars is ∼12d, implying that UGC 7321 is a highly dark-matter–dominated galaxy.
Repeated High-Intensity Effort Activity in Relation to Tries Scored and Conceded during Rugby League Match-Play.

PURPOSE To examine the nature and frequency of rugby league repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) activity in relation to tries scored and conceded in successful and unsuccessful teams. METHODS One-hundred and eighty-five semi-professional rugby league players (mean ± SD age: 23.7 ± 3.2 yr) from 11 teams participated in this study. Global positioning system (GPS) data was collected during 21 matches. Data were analysed for the total number of RHIE bouts, efforts per bout, duration of efforts and recovery between efforts. Using notational analysis, a RHIE bout frequency distribution, representing 0-60s, 61-120s, 121-180s, 181-240s, and 241-300s prior to scoring and conceding a try was established. RESULTS Over 50% of RHIE bouts occurred within five minutes of a try. Bottom 4 teams performed a greater proportion of bouts within five minutes of a try than Top 4 teams (61.5% vs. 48.2%, effect size, ES = 0.69 ± 0.28, p=0.0001). Top 4 teams performed a greater number of RHIE bouts per conceded try (3.0 ± 2.1 vs. 1.6 ± 0.7, ES = 0.74 ± 0.51, p<0.05), while Bottom 4 teams performed a greater number of RHIE bouts per try scored (3.6 ± 2.5 vs. 2.1 ± 1.7, ES = 0.70 ± 0.71, p=0.10). CONCLUSION The majority of rugby league RHIE bouts occur at critical periods during match-play. Successful rugby league teams perform more RHIE bouts prior to conceding tries, while unsuccessful teams perform more bouts prior to scoring tries. These findings demonstrate that unsuccessful teams are required to work harder to score tries while successful teams work harder to prevent tries.
Children's outdoor playtime, physical activity, and parental perceptions of the neighbourhood environment

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the hours of outdoor play and objective measures of physical activity and identify the correlates of outdoor playing time in terms of parental perceptions of the neighbourhood environment. Time spent in outdoor play, both on a typical weekday and a typical weekend day, and neighbourhood perceptions, was assessed by parental self-report for 889 students attending grades 5 and 6 in Toronto, Canada (mean age: 10.50 ± 0.72 years). Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Ordered logit models were estimated to explore the influence of neighbourhood perceptions on the time spent playing outdoors. Regardless of a child's age and sex, duration of play was significantly correlated with minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Parental concerns about strangers and fast drivers were inversely associated with duration of play on a typical weekday. Parental safety concerns continue to present a formidable barrier to greater outdoor play.
Tracking angles of departure and arrival in a mobile millimeter wave channel

Millimeter wave provides a promising approach for meeting the ever-growing traffic demand in next generation wireless networks. It is crucial to obtain the channel state information in order to perform beamforming and combining to compensate for severe path loss in this band. In contrast to lower frequencies, a typical millimeter wave channel consists of a few dominant paths. Thus it is generally sufficient to estimate the path gains, angles of departure (AoDs), and angles of arrival (AoAs) of those paths. Proposed in this paper is a dual timescale model to characterize abrupt channel changes (e.g., blockage) and slow variations of AoDs and AoAs. This work focuses on tracking the slow variations and detecting abrupt changes. A Kalman filter based tracking algorithm and an abrupt change detection method are proposed. The tracking algorithm is compared with the adaptive algorithm due to Alkhateeb, Ayach, Leus and Heath (2014) in the case with a single radio frequency chain. Simulation results show that to achieve the same tracking performance, the proposed algorithm requires much lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and much fewer pilots than the other algorithm. Moreover, the change detection method can always detect abrupt changes with moderate number of pilots and SNR.
Effect of Art Style on Children’s Picture Preferences

AbstractThe investigation focused on the differences between children’s preferences for art styles, with and without accompanying text content. The influence of sex on style preferences was also investigated. Data analyses revealed a significant main effect for styles and a styles x content interaction. Results were interpreted to support the viewpoint that illustrative style should be chosen to complement literary content.
The Expression and Function of Fatty Acid Transport Protein-2 and -4 in the Murine Placenta

Background The uptake and trans-placental trafficking of fatty acids from the maternal blood into the fetal circulation are essential for embryonic development, and involve several families of proteins. Fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs) uniquely transport fatty acids into cells. We surmised that placental FATPs are germane for fetal growth, and are regulated during hypoxic stress, which is associated with reduced fat supply to the fetus. Methodology/Principal Findings Using cultured primary term human trophoblasts we found that FATP2, FATP4 and FATP6 were highly expressed in trophoblasts. Hypoxia enhanced the expression of trophoblastic FATP2 and reduced the expression of FATP4, with no change in FATP6. We also found that Fatp2 and Fatp4 are expressed in the mouse amnion and placenta, respectively. Mice deficient in Fatp2 or Fatp4 did not deviate from normal Mendelian distribution, with both embryos and placentas exhibiting normal weight and morphology, triglyceride content, and expression of genes related to fatty acid mobilization. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that even though hypoxia regulates the expression of FATP2 and FATP4 in human trophoblasts, mouse Fatp2 and Fatp4 are not essential for intrauterine fetal growth.