The Pleiades Promoter Project integrates genomewide bioinformatics with large-scale knockin mouse production and histological examination of expression patterns to develop MiniPromoters and related tools designed to study and treat the brain by directed gene expression. Genes with brain expression patterns of interest are subjected to bioinformatic analysis to delineate candidate regulatory regions, which are then incorporated into a panel of compact human MiniPromoters to drive expression to brain regions and cell types of interest. Using single-copy, homologous-recombination “knockins” in embryonic stem cells, each MiniPromoter reporter is integrated immediately 5′ of the
Hprt
locus in the mouse genome. MiniPromoter expression profiles are characterized in differentiation assays of the transgenic cells or in mouse brains following transgenic mouse production. Histological examination of adult brains, eyes, and spinal cords for reporter gene activity is coupled to costaining with cell-type–specific markers to define expression. The publicly available Pleiades MiniPromoter Project is a key resource to facilitate research on brain development and therapies.
The PAZAR database unites independently created and maintained data collections of transcription factor and regulatory sequence annotation. The flexible PAZAR schema permits the representation of diverse information derived from experiments ranging from biochemical protein–DNA binding to cellular reporter gene assays. Data collections can be made available to the public, or restricted to specific system users. The data ‘boutiques’ within the shopping-mall-inspired system facilitate the analysis of genomics data and the creation of predictive models of gene regulation. Since its initial release, PAZAR has grown in terms of data, features and through the addition of an associated package of software tools called the ORCA toolkit (ORCAtk). ORCAtk allows users to rapidly develop analyses based on the information stored in the PAZAR system. PAZAR is available at http://www.pazar.info. ORCAtk can be accessed through convenient buttons located in the PAZAR pages or via our website at http://www.cisreg.ca/ORCAtk.
Non-profit hunger relief organizations strive to counteract the negative effects of food insecurity by providing food and services to individuals in need. These organizations rely on the goodwill of donors, that provide cash or in-kind food donations, to help them meet their objectives. Food donations vary considerably over time in terms of their quantity and frequency, thus presenting a challenge as organizations strive to satisfy the needs of the population being served. Using data from a domestic hunger relief organization, we analyze the uncertainty associated with in-kind food donations. A comprehensive numerical study is performed to quantify the extent of uncertainty in terms of the donor, product, and supply chain structure. In addition, several predictive models are developed to estimate the quantity of in-kind donations. Based on our numerical study, we show the relationship between forecast accuracy, donation behavior, and data uncertainty. Additionally, implications on operational efficiency and service delivery are discussed.
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