iRFP is a real time marker for transformation based assays in high content screening

Anchorage independent growth is one of the hallmarks of oncogenic transformation. Here we show that infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP) based assays allow accurate and unbiased determination of colony formation and anchorage independent growth over time. This protocol is particularly compatible with high throughput systems, in contrast to traditional methods which are often labor-intensive, subjective to bias and do not allow further analysis using the same cells. Transformation in a single layer soft agar assay could be documented as early as 2 to 3 days in a 96 well format, which can be easily combined with standard transfection, infection and compound screening setups to allow for high throughput screening to identify therapeutic targets

Development of an inducible mouse model of iRFP713 to track recombinase activity and tumour development in vivo

While the use of bioluminescent proteins for molecular imaging is a powerful technology to further our understanding of complex processes, fluorescent labeling with visible light fluorescent proteins such as GFP and RFP suffers from poor tissue penetration and high background autofluorescence. To overcome these limitations, we generated an inducible knock-in mouse model of iRFP713. This model was used to assess Cre activity in a Rosa Cre-ER background and quantify Cre activity upon different tamoxifen treatments in several organs. We also show that iRFP can be readily detected in 3D organoid cultures, FACS analysis and in vivo tumour models. Taken together we demonstrate that iRFP713 is a progressive step in in vivo imaging and analysis that widens the optical imaging window to the near-infrared spectrum, thereby allowing deeper tissue penetration, quicker image acquisition without the need to inject substrates and a better signal to background ratio in genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs)

New model of calculating the energy transfer efficiency for the spherical theta-pinch device

Ion-beam-plasma-interaction plays an important role in the field of Warm Dense Matter (WDM) and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). A spherical theta pinch is proposed to act as a plasma target in various applications including a plasma stripper cell. One key parameter for such applications is the free electron density. A linear dependency of this density to the amount of energy transferred into the plasma from an energy storage was found by C. Teske. Since the amount of stored energy is known, the energy transfer efficiency is a reliable parameter for the design of a spherical theta pinch device. The traditional two models of energy transfer efficiency are based on assumptions which comprise the risk of systematical errors. To obtain precise results, this paper proposes a new model without the necessity of any assumption to calculate the energy transfer efficiency for an inductively coupled plasma device. Further, a comparison of these three different models is given at a fixed operation voltage for the full range of working gas pressures. Due to the inappropriate assumptions included in the traditional models, one owns a tendency to overestimate the energy transfer efficiency whereas the other leads to an underestimation. Applying our new model to a wide spread set of operation voltages and gas pressures, an overall picture of the energy transfer efficiency results

The effects of goal orientations on knowledge management system usage, knowledge sourcing and learning outcome

This research investigates individual differences in the context of knowledge management system (KMS) usage, knowledge sourcing and learning outcome. Individual differences are measured for mastery, performance and avoidance goal orientations. Individuals with high mastery goal orientations prefer to master and develop new skills and knowledge. Those with high performance goal orientations prefer to compare their performances with others. Lastly, those with high avoidance goal orientations prefer to avoid a new task if they feel incompetent. User posting and reading activities in a KMS are examined over a 3- month period. Consistent with goal orientation theory, the results show that mastery goal orientation has an effect on reading, knowledge sourcing and learning outcome. In contrast, performance goal orientation has an effect only on posting, but not on reading. To a lesser degree than mastery goal orientation, avoidance goal orientation has an effect on reading, but not posting. These findings have important implications for both knowledge management researchers and practitioners

The Role of Visualization Tools in Spreadsheet Error Correction from a Cognitive Fit Perspective

Errors in spreadsheets pose a serious problem for organizations and academics. This has resulted in ongoing efforts to devise measures for reducing errors or efficient ways of correcting them. Visualization tools are often advertised as means for improving spreadsheet error correction performance. This study investigates the role of visualization tools in spreadsheet error correction. For this purpose, this study proposes a framework for classifying activities associated with spreadsheet error correction. The framework is to highlight the activities that are important for correcting different types of spreadsheet errors, and to show how different visualization tools can aid error correction by effectively supporting these activities. By identifying chaining as one of the most important activities from the framework, this study uses cognitive fit theory to examine the effects of a visualization tool that supports chaining on spreadsheet error correction performance. Experimental methodology is used to test the outcome of cognitive fit between the error correction task and the visualization tool. The results of the experiment highlight the importance of cognitive fit between the type of task and the visualization tool for attaining better performance. This study also provides guidelines for designing and developing tools for spreadsheet error correction

Learning with multiple representations: An example of a revision lesson in mechanics

We describe an example of learning with multiple representations in an A-level revision lesson on mechanics. The context of the problem involved the motion of a ball thrown vertically upwards in air and studying how the associated physical quantities changed during its flight. Different groups of students were assigned to look at the ball's motion using various representations: motion diagrams, vector diagrams, free-body diagrams, verbal description, equations and graphs, drawn against time as well as against displacement. Overall, feedback from students about the lesson was positive. We further discuss the benefits of using computer simulation to support and extend student learning.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables http://iopscience.iop.org/0031-912

FoxO transcription factors suppress Myc-driven lymphomagenesis via direct activation of Arf

FoxO transcription factors play critical roles in cell cycle control and cellular stress responses, and abrogation of FoxO function promotes focus formation by Myc in vitro. Here we show that stable introduction of a dominant-negative FoxO moiety (dnFoxO) into Emu-myc transgenic hematopoietic stem cells accelerates lymphoma development in recipient mice by attenuating Myc-induced apoptosis. When expressed in Emu-myc; p53(+/-) progenitor cells, dnFoxO alleviates the pressure to inactivate the remaining p53 allele in upcoming lymphomas. Expression of the p53 upstream regulator p19(Arf) is virtually undetectable in most dnFoxO-positive Myc-driven lymphomas. We find that FoxO proteins bind to a distinct site within the Ink4a/Arf locus and activate Arf expression. Moreover, constitutive Myc signaling induces a marked increase in nuclear FoxO levels and stimulates binding of FoxO proteins to the Arf locus. These data demonstrate that FoxO factors mediate Myc-induced Arf expression and provide direct genetic evidence for their tumor-suppressive capacity

Embodied Persuasion: How Holding Your Smartphone Changes Your Product Perception

Online shopping through mobile devices has dramatically increased worldwide. This research investigates the role embodied interactions may play in stimulating virtual product experience in mobile commerce settings. Drawing on research on virtual product experience and embodied cognition, we hypothesize that holding a mobile device in hands (vs. putting the mobile device on the table) is more likely to create an illusion that the products being viewed are actually present in the real world and to stimulate imagery consumption experience, leading to higher purchase intention and choice satisfaction. This effect is more salient for desirable products than for undesirable products. We describe an experiment design for testing the hypotheses, report preliminary data analysis results, and discuss the potential theoretical and practical implications of this study