Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Water in the LCROSS Ejecta Plume

Watering the Moon About a year ago, a spent upper stage of an Atlas rocket was deliberately crashed into a crater at the south pole of the Moon, ejecting a plume of debris, dust, and vapor. The goal of this event, the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) experiment, was to search for water and other volatiles in the soil of one of the coldest places on the Moon: the permanently shadowed region within the Cabeus crater. Using ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectroscopy data from accompanying craft, Colaprete et al. (p. 463; see the news story by Kerr; see the cover) found evidence for the presence of water and other volatiles within the ejecta cloud. Schultz et al. (p. 468) monitored the different stages of the impact and the resulting plume. Gladstone et al. (p. 472), using an ultraviolet spectrograph onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), detected H2, CO, Ca, Hg, and Mg in the impact plume, and Hayne et al. (p. 477) measured the thermal signature of the impact and discovered that it had heated a 30 to 200 square-meter region from ∼40 kelvin to at least 950 kelvin. Paige et al. (p. 479) mapped cryogenic zones predictive of volatile entrapment, and Mitrofanov et al. (p. 483) used LRO instruments to confirm that surface temperatures in the south polar region persist even in sunlight. In all, about 155 kilograms of water vapor was emitted during the impact; meanwhile, the LRO continues to orbit the Moon, sending back a stream of data to help us understand the evolution of its complex surface structures. A controlled spacecraft impact into a crater in the lunar south pole plunged through the lunar soil, revealing water and other volatiles. Several remote observations have indicated that water ice may be presented in permanently shadowed craters of the Moon. The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission was designed to provide direct evidence (1). On 9 October 2009, a spent Centaur rocket struck the persistently shadowed region within the lunar south pole crater Cabeus, ejecting debris, dust, and vapor. This material was observed by a second “shepherding” spacecraft, which carried nine instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, and a radiometer. Near-infrared absorbance attributed to water vapor and ice and ultraviolet emissions attributable to hydroxyl radicals support the presence of water in the debris. The maximum total water vapor and water ice within the instrument field of view was 155 ± 12 kilograms. Given the estimated total excavated mass of regolith that reached sunlight, and hence was observable, the concentration of water ice in the regolith at the LCROSS impact site is estimated to be 5.6 ± 2.9% by mass. In addition to water, spectral bands of a number of other volatile compounds were observed, including light hydrocarbons, sulfur-bearing species, and carbon dioxide.
Prion Strain Mutation Determined by Prion Protein Conformational Compatibility and Primary Structure

CWD Strain Variation So-called prion diseases are fatal neurogenerative disorders that include chronic wasting disease (CWD) found in deer and other cervids. Prion diseases are thought to be caused by infectious proteins (prions) in the absence of associated infectious DNA. Nevertheless, prion strains have been isolated that can mutate in the absence of nucleic acids, and these strain properties control the ability of prions to cross species barriers. Angers et al. (p. 1154, published online 13 May; see the Perspective by Collinge) address the issue of strain variation in the context of CWD. Whereas the host range of this contagious disease continues to expand, the prevalence of CWD strains has not been determined. Understanding CWD strain variation may be important in predicting and preventing any future risks to human health. The stability of two related strains is influenced by a species-specific amino acid difference in deer and elk prions. Prions are infectious proteins composed of the abnormal disease-causing isoform PrPSc, which induces conformational conversion of the host-encoded normal cellular prion protein PrPC to additional PrPSc. The mechanism underlying prion strain mutation in the absence of nucleic acids remains unresolved. Additionally, the frequency of strains causing chronic wasting disease (CWD), a burgeoning prion epidemic of cervids, is unknown. Using susceptible transgenic mice, we identified two prevalent CWD strains with divergent biological properties but composed of PrPSc with indistinguishable biochemical characteristics. Although CWD transmissions indicated stable, independent strain propagation by elk PrPC, strain coexistence in the brains of deer and transgenic mice demonstrated unstable strain propagation by deer PrPC. The primary structures of deer and elk prion proteins differ at residue 226, which, in concert with PrPSc conformational compatibility, determines prion strain mutation in these cervids.
Genetic Control of Hotspots

Both chromatin and DNA sequence account for individual differences in the location and frequency of genetic recombination. With the exception of identical twins, individuals have different genetic makeup, which results from two key processes. During meiosis, maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes assort randomly to form daughter cells (gametes), thus generating different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes. Additional variation is generated by recombinations or crossovers, in which parts of homologous chromosomes are exchanged, resulting in a new combination of parental alleles. On pages 835, 836, and 876 of this issue, Parvanov et al. (1), Baudat et al. (2), and Myers et al. (3) report the identification of a mammalian gene—PR domain containing 9 (PRDM9)—that controls the extent to which crossovers occur in preferred chromosomal locations, known as “hotspots” (see the figure).
Tracking Earth's Energy

Where has the energy from global warming gone? By measuring the net radiative incoming and outgoing energy at the top of Earth's atmosphere, it is possible to determine how much energy remains in the Earth system. But where exactly does the energy go? The main energy reservoir is the ocean, which sequesters energy as heat. Because energy is exchanged between the atmosphere and the ocean, this heat can resurface at a later time to affect weather and climate on a global scale. A change in the overall energy balance will thus sooner or later have consequences for the climate. Existing observing systems can measure all the required quantities, but it nevertheless remains a challenge to obtain closure of the energy budget. This inability to properly track energy—due to either inadequate measurement accuracy or inadequate data processing—has implications for understanding and predicting future climate.
Atomic Structure of Human Adenovirus by Cryo-EM Reveals Interactions Among Protein Networks

Human Adenovirus Structures Human adenoviruses may be a common cause of acute infections in humans, but they can also be used as vectors for vaccine and therapeutic gene transfer. Rational engineering of safe adenovirus vectors has been hampered by a lack of high-resolution structural information. Two papers now describe the structure of human adenovirus using complementary techniques. Reddy et al. (p. 1071; see the Perspective by Harrison) have determined the crystal structure at 3.5 angstrom resolution, while Liu et al. (p. 1038; see the Perspective by Harrison) solved the structure to 3.6 angstrom resolution by electron microscopy. Together the structures provide insights into viral assembly, stabilization, and cell entry mechanisms. High-resolution structures provide a basis for optimizing adenovirus as a vaccine and gene-therapy vector. Construction of a complex virus may involve a hierarchy of assembly elements. Here, we report the structure of the whole human adenovirus virion at 3.6 angstroms resolution by cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM), revealing in situ atomic models of three minor capsid proteins (IIIa, VIII, and IX), extensions of the (penton base and hexon) major capsid proteins, and interactions within three protein-protein networks. One network is mediated by protein IIIa at the vertices, within group-of-six (GOS) tiles—a penton base and its five surrounding hexons. Another is mediated by ropes (protein IX) that lash hexons together to form group-of-nine (GON) tiles and bind GONs to GONs. The third, mediated by IIIa and VIII, binds each GOS to five surrounding GONs. Optimization of adenovirus for cancer and gene therapy could target these networks.
Performance on the Single-Leg Squat Task Indicates Hip Abductor Muscle Function

Background: Contemporary clinical expertise and emerging research in anterior knee pain indicate that treatment of hip muscle function will result in greater effects, if such treatments can be provided to those with hip muscle dysfunction. Thus, it is imperative to develop and evaluate a clinical assessment tool that is capable of identifying people with poor hip muscle function. Hypothesis: The clinical assessment of single-leg squat performance will have acceptable inter- and intrarater reliability. Furthermore, people with good performance on the single-leg squat will have better hip muscle function (earlier onset of gluteus medius activity and greater lateral trunk, hip abduction, and external rotation strength) than people with poor performance. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A consensus panel of 5 experienced clinicians developed criteria to rate the performance of a single-leg squat task as “good,” “fair,” or “poor. ” The panel rated the performance of 34 asymptomatic participants (mean ± SD: age, 24 ± 5 y; height, 1.69 ± 0.10 m; weight, 65.0 ± 10.7 kg), and these ratings served as the standard. The ratings of 3 different clinicians were compared with those of the consensus panel ratings (interrater reliability) and to their own rating on 2 occasions (intrarater reliability). For the participants rated as good performers (n = 9) and poor performers (n = 12), hip muscle strength (hip abduction, external rotation, and trunk side bridge) and onset timing of anterior (AGM) and posterior gluteus medius (PGM) electromyographic activity were compared. Results: Concurrency with the consensus panel was excellent to substantial for the 3 raters (agreement 87%-73%; κ = 0.800-0.600). Similarly, intrarater agreement was excellent to substantial (agreement 87%-73%; κ = 0.800-0.613). Participants rated as good performers had significantly earlier onset timing of AGM (mean difference, –152; 95% confidence interval [CI], –258 to –48 ms) and PGM (mean difference, –115; 95% CI, –227 to –3 ms) electromyographic activity than those who were rated as poor performers. The good performers also exhibited greater hip abduction torque (mean difference, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.10-0.83 N·m·Bw−1) and trunk side flexion force (mean difference, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.25-1.91 N·Bw−1). There was no difference in hip external rotation torque (P > .05) between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Targeted treatments, although considered ideal, rely on the capacity to identify subgroups of people with chronic anterior knee pain who might respond optimally to a given treatment component. Clinical assessment of performance on the single-leg squat task is a reliable tool that may be used to identify people with hip muscle dysfunction.
Global Biodiversity: Indicators of Recent Declines

Global Biodiversity Target Missed In 2002, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) committed to a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. There has been widespread conjecture that this target has not been met. Butchart et al. (p. 1164, published online 29 April) analyzed over 30 indicators developed within the CBD's framework. These indicators include the condition or state of biodiversity (e.g., species numbers, population sizes), the pressures on biodiversity (e.g., deforestation), and the responses to maintain biodiversity (e.g., protected areas) and were assessed between about 1970 and 2005. Taken together, the results confirm that we have indeed failed to meet the 2010 targets. An analysis of 30 indicators shows that the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 2010 targets have not been met. In 2002, world leaders committed, through the Convention on Biological Diversity, to achieve a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. We compiled 31 indicators to report on progress toward this target. Most indicators of the state of biodiversity (covering species’ population trends, extinction risk, habitat extent and condition, and community composition) showed declines, with no significant recent reductions in rate, whereas indicators of pressures on biodiversity (including resource consumption, invasive alien species, nitrogen pollution, overexploitation, and climate change impacts) showed increases. Despite some local successes and increasing responses (including extent and biodiversity coverage of protected areas, sustainable forest management, policy responses to invasive alien species, and biodiversity-related aid), the rate of biodiversity loss does not appear to be slowing.
Does REDD+ Threaten to Recentralize Forest Governance?

A major new approach to emissions mitigation may interrupt a promising trend toward decentralized forest management. Over the past 25 years, developing countries have transitioned toward decentralized forest management that allows local actors increased rights and responsibilities (1–4), and has helped protect forests in many regions (5, 6). A new approach to mitigating terrestrial emissions associated with climate change, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), is poised to interrupt this trend. Given the implications for tropical forest management, REDD+ governance links should be a research priority (7).
Stochastic Community Assembly Causes Higher Biodiversity in More Productive Environments

Biodiversity and Productivity When data are analyzed at relatively large spatial scales, biodiversity generally increases with productivity, but the pattern at smaller scales is more variable. Chase (p. 1388, published online 27 May) presents results from a 7-year experiment in artificial ponds. β-diversity (the variation in species composition from site to site) in animal species was persistently higher at higher productivity among otherwise homogeneous environments in this controlled experimental venue. This pattern appeared to result from shifts in the relative importance of deterministic versus stochastic community assembly mechanisms along the productivity gradient. Thus, variation in the mechanism of community assembly might be an important process determining the relationship between biodiversity and productivity. A long-term experiment in ponds addresses the influence of primary productivity on broad-scale patterns of biodiversity. Net primary productivity is a principal driver of biodiversity; large-scale regions with higher productivity generally have more species. This pattern emerges because β-diversity (compositional variation across local sites) increases with productivity, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unknown. Using data from a long-term experiment in replicate ponds, I show that higher β-diversity at higher productivity resulted from a stronger role for stochastic relative to deterministic assembly processes with increasing productivity. This shift in the relative importance of stochasticity was most consistent with the hypothesis of more intense priority effects leading to multiple stable equilibria at higher productivity. Thus, shifts in community assembly mechanisms across a productivity gradient may underlie one of the most prominent biodiversity gradients on the planet.
A critical analysis of legal requirements engineering from the perspective of legal practice

This paper reviews existing approaches to representing legal knowledge for legal requirements engineering. Legal requirement methodologies are rarely developed together with legal practitioners, with the result that often approaches are based on a simplified view of law which prevents their acceptance by legal practitioners. In this paper, we analyse how legal practitioners build legal knowledge and possibilities for existing approaches in RELaw to mirror legal practice.
On lawful disclosure of personal user data: What should app developers do?

The proliferation of mobile devices and apps together with the increasing public interest in privacy and data protection matters necessitate a more careful precaution for legal compliance. As apps are becoming more popular, app developers can expect an increased scrutiny of privacy practices in the future. In this paper, we focus on the problem of the disclosure of personal data to third parties and the role of app developers to enhance user privacy and data protection in the app ecosystem. We discuss the EU data protection principles and apply them to the mobile app context. We then derive requirements and guidelines for app developers on how to contribute to the protection of their users' data.
Endosomal Chloride-Proton Exchange Rather Than Chloride Conductance Is Crucial for Renal Endocytosis

Chloride Balancing Act The ionic composition of the cytosol and intracellular organelles must be regulated in the face of ongoing membrane traffic into and out of the cell. Now, two papers address the consequences of a change in the transport phenotype of an intracellular Cl− transport protein from a coupled exchanger to a passive Cl− conductor (see the Perspective by Smith and Schwappach). Novarino et al. (p. 1398, published online 29 April) investigated the consequence of a knock-in of the uncoupled ClC-5 transporter into mouse. The knock-out mouse of this endosomal kidney transporter has a severe endocytic phenotype believed to be due to a defect in vesicular acidification. The current study shows a similarly impaired endocytic phenotype for the uncoupled mutant, but the acidification of endosomes was unaffected. Weinert et al. (p. 1401, published online 29 April) used a similar strategy to investigate the consequence of the equivalent mutation in the lysosomal transporter ClC-7, which is highly expressed in the resorption lacuna of osteoclasts and whose knock-out in mice produces lysosomal storage disease and severe osteopetrosis. A similar (though less severe) phenotype was observed in the knock-in mice containing the uncoupled ClC-7, indicating that coupled transport plays a critical role in lysosomes. Chloride conductance and chloride-proton exchange have distinct effects on endolysosomal physiology in mice. Loss of the endosomal anion transport protein ClC-5 impairs renal endocytosis and underlies human Dent’s disease. ClC-5 is thought to promote endocytosis by facilitating endosomal acidification through the neutralization of proton pump currents. However, ClC-5 is a 2 chloride (Cl–)/proton (/H+) exchanger rather than a Cl– channel. We generated mice that carry the uncoupling E211A (unc) mutation that converts ClC-5 into a pure Cl– conductor. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–dependent acidification of renal endosomes was reduced in mice in which ClC-5 was knocked out, but normal in Clcn5unc mice. However, their proximal tubular endocytosis was also impaired. Thus, endosomal chloride concentration, which is raised by ClC-5 in exchange for protons accumulated by the H+-ATPase, may play a role in endocytosis.
Adaptation via Symbiosis: Recent Spread of a Drosophila Defensive Symbiont

Offsetting the Cost of Parasitism Fruit flies, like most animals, are vulnerable to infection by a range of organisms, which, in co-infections, can interact with sometimes surprising effects. Jaenike et al. (p. 212) discovered that a species of Spiroplasma bacterium that is sometimes found in flies, and that is transmitted from mother to offspring, protects its host from the effects of a nematode worm parasite, Howardula aoronymphium. The worm sterilizes the female flies and shortens their lives, but when flies were experimentally infected with Spiroplasma, their fertility was rescued. Similarly, in wild populations of fruit flies infected with worms, those also infected with Spiroplasma had more eggs in their ovaries. The bacterium inhibits the growth of the adult female worms, but such is the advantage of this bacterial infection in offsetting the burden of nematodes on reproductive fitness, Spiroplasma appears to be spreading rapidly through populations of fruit flies in North America. A bacterium protects fruit flies against a sterilizing worm parasite. Recent studies have shown that some plants and animals harbor microbial symbionts that protect them against natural enemies. Here we demonstrate that a maternally transmitted bacterium, Spiroplasma, protects Drosophila neotestacea against the sterilizing effects of a parasitic nematode, both in the laboratory and the field. This nematode parasitizes D. neotestacea at high frequencies in natural populations, and, until recently, almost all infections resulted in complete sterility. Several lines of evidence suggest that Spiroplasma is spreading in North American populations of D. neotestacea and that a major adaptive change to a symbiont-based mode of defense is under way. These findings demonstrate the profound and potentially rapid effects of defensive symbionts, which are increasingly recognized as major players in the ecology of species interactions.
2016 Ieee International Conference on Big Data (big Data) Fast Nearest Neighbor Search through Sparse Random Projections and Voting

—Efficient index structures for fast approximate nearest neighbor queries are required in many applications such as recommendation systems. In high-dimensional spaces, many conventional methods suffer from excessive usage of memory and slow response times. We propose a method where multiple random projection trees are combined by a novel voting scheme. The key idea is to exploit the redundancy in a large number of candidate sets obtained by independently generated random projections in order to reduce the number of expensive exact distance evaluations. The method is straightforward to implement using sparse projections which leads to a reduced memory footprint and fast index construction. Furthermore, it enables grouping of the required computations into big matrix multiplications, which leads to additional savings due to cache effects and low-level parallelization. We demonstrate by extensive experiments on a wide variety of data sets that the method is faster than existing partitioning tree or hashing based approaches, making it the fastest available technique on high accuracy levels.