Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of signalling by adhesion and growth factor receptors in mammary epithelial cells

Cell adhesion and communication are essential for tissue morphogenesis and repair in healthy multicellular organisms. However, dysregulation of these processes can drive disease progression in conditions such as cancer. Selective cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix is mediated by integrins, a family of transmembrane receptors that compartmentalise signalling and organise the cytoskeleton. Adhesion receptors provide spatial cues to cells to allow them to respond to growth factor and cytokine signals from the tissue microenvironment. This is of key importance during epithelial morphogenesis of the mammary gland. Polarised mammary epithelial cells (MECs) receive adhesion signals from the basement membrane and growth factor signals from the surrounding stroma. This combination of signalling drives cell fate processes such as migration, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The ErbB family of growth factor receptors (GFRs), which includes EGFR, have key roles during both mammary development and breast carcinoma progression. However, the specific signalling circuitry downstream of adhesion and GFRs has yet to be determined. Using a global, un-biased proteomics approach this study determined the composition of MEC adhesion complexes and elucidated how connections between signalling proteins were altered upon growth factor stimulation. A methodology was generated for the specific enrichment of adhesion complexes from MECs following EGF treatment. This was coupled to a quantitative mass spectrometry analysis workflow and bioinformatic protein-protein interaction network and Gene Ontology analyses to identify EGF-induced changes to isolated adhesion complexes. Analysis of adhesion complexes isolated from EpH4 MECs revealed a decrease in the abundance of adhesion proteins 5 minutes after EGF stimulation. In addition, phosphoproteomic analysis of isolated adhesion complexes revealed differential phosphorylation of adhesion proteins upon EGF treatment. Together with network and Gene Ontology analyses, these data suggested a mechanism of EGF induced receptor endocytosis and adhesion complex turnover, which may regulate cell migration. Network analysis of EGFR and ? 1-integrin co-interacting proteins identified Eps8 as a possible candidate regulator of receptor internalisation and cytoskeletal remodelling in MECs. Current knockdown studies are addressing whether Eps8 and its homologue Eps8l2 are functionally involved in these processes. This study presents the first proteomic analysis of isolated adhesion complexes in epithelial cells, and the first proteomic analysis of adhesion-GFR crosstalk in MECs. Further work should provide insights into the altered interaction between adhesion and GFR signalling in breast cancer progression.
Context matters: Construct framing in measures of physical activity engagement among African American women

Assessment of psychosocial factors influencing health behavior typically privileges conceptual consistency (framing constructs similarly across contexts) over conceptual specificity (context-specific framing). Modest statistical relationships between these factors and health behaviors, and persistent racial disparities in health outcomes raise questions about whether conceptually consistent framing fully captures relevant predictors. Ethnographic studies suggest not that perceptions influencing health behaviors are multifaceted and contextual. To test this, we added items querying contextualized predictors of intention to engage in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) to a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)-based survey and examined the psychometrics of the adapted subscales. We measured internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis using polychoric correlations for ordinal data). Participants were a convenience sample of 200 African American women in a Midwestern, suburban University-affiliated family medicine practice. Reliability of the adapted subscales was notably lower than the original subscales. A twofactor model fit best for the attitudes subscale, but explained slightly less than 50% of the variance. The new items loaded strongly on one factor. A three-factor model best fit the norms subscale and accounted for around 57% of the variance. Two of the three new items loaded strongly on one factor. Factor analysis for the perceived control subscale was not possible due to low number of items; however, two of the three new items were highly correlated (.73). Including context-specific factors may improve assessment of intention to engage in LTPA. Further study of this question with a larger, representative sample is warranted.
Experimentally Induced Alterations of the Bactericidal Property of Rabbit Serum for Bacillus Subtilis

The bactericidal property of rabbit serum consists of two protein components derived from rabbit platelets. These are designated components 1 and 2. Total body x-ray irradiation of 700 r causes a striking reduction of platelets and of components 1 and 2. As little as 100 r of x-ray irradiation produce a decrease of component 1 without causing a decrease of the platelets. Specific antiserum for rabbit platelets causes a rapid decrease in platelets and in components 1 and 2, when injected intravenously into rabbits. Studies in vitro reveal that normal rabbit serum loses its bactericidal property when antiplatelet serum is added. Highly bactericidal rat serum is not inhibited by anti-rabbit platelet antibody. Intravenous injection of thorotrast into rabbits causes a precipitous decrease in platelets and of components 1 and 2 without producing any decrease in leukocytes or hematocrit.
Rapid‐accurate anthropometric body shape assessment with low‐cost novel 3D imaging system (391.2)

Anthropometric body dimensions are increasingly recognized as phenotypic markers of obesity risk. Available automated laser measurement systems provide accurate anthropometric dimensions but are costly. The study objective was to develop a low‐cost system that rapidly acquires digital morphology data that can be processed into anthropometric estimates. The core 3D system (KX16; TC2, Cary, NC) includes 16 Kinect (infrared laser projector and monochrome CMOS camera sensor) scanners positioned around the subject; we developed software that matches and composes raw scans and repairs missing/occluded regions to reconstruct complete 3D body geometry. Scan time is ~10 secs and image reconstruction‐digital measurements require 6‐8 min. The 3D system was evaluated in 36 subjects, age 20‐68 yrs and BMI 18.5‐41.4 kg/m2. Digital circumference measurements (mid‐arm; fore‐arm; thigh; ankle) were compared with corresponding tape measurements. The 3D‐ and tape‐measured respective circumferences were highly correlated (R2, 0.89, 0.69, 0.90, and 0.93; all p<0.01) with similar mean (±SD) results (tape/3D: 29.8±4.7 vs. 29.2±4.6; 18.5±2.3 vs. 18.5±2.5; 53.4±6.6 vs. 52.6±6.9; 26.1±4.1 vs. 26.9±4.0 cm) and non‐significant Bland‐Altman plots. Body shape and geometry can thus be quantified with acceptable accuracy using a relatively low‐cost digital imaging system coupled with novel image reconstruction software.
Ash dieback: pathogen spread and diurnal patterns of ascospore dispersal, with special emphasis on Norway.

Dieback of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), caused by the ascomycete Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anamorph Chalara fraxinea), started around 1992 in Poland and has since then spread over large geographical areas. By November 2010, the disease had been recorded in 22 European countries. The gradual expansion and high intensity of the ash dieback epidemic in Europe may suggest that H. pseudoalbidus is an invasive alien organism. In Norway, ash dieback was first reported in spring 2008, and a survey in early summer of the same year revealed that the disease had spread over large parts of the southern and eastern regions of the country. The distance from the southernmost to the northernmost infected stands was, at that time, about 400 km. Some old necrotic lesions were also observed, indicating that the ash dieback pathogen is likely to have been present in Norway since at least 2006. In 2009, a spore sampler was installed in a diseased ash stand at As, South-Eastern Norway. Sampling started in late July and continued until late September. Large numbers of ascospores resembling those of H. pseudoalbidus were observed, with the maximum number of spores occurring from the end of July to mid-August. The deposition of ascospores occurred mainly between 6 and 8 a.m. Ascospores are most likely to be the primary source initiating host infections and responsible for the rapid recent spread of H. pseudoalbidus in Europe.
Effects of Calcium-free Nutrient Solution and Demineralized Water on the Movement of Previously Deposited Calcium in the Roots of Apple Seedlings1

Intact 3-month-old seedlings of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) were grown for up to 32 days in either a complete nutrient solution, a Ca-free nutrient solution or demineralized water. Over this period, both of the Ca-free solutions removed Ca previously deposited in the root. The presence of cations in the external media caused much of the root Ca to be leached into the surrounding media, whereas in the absence of these cations most of the root Ca moved into the shoot.
Effect of Phosphate on Rheological Properties of Gelatinized Rice Starch Solution

Rheological properties of gelatinized rice starch solutions (5%) were examined with a Brookifield viscometer. Gelatinized rice starch solutions showed pseudoplastic flow having yield stress, i.e., Binghamplastic flow behavior. The yield stress of gelatinized rice starch solutions was reduced by the phosphate. Phosphate increased the pseudoplasticity of gelatinized nonwaxy rice starch solutions. but decreased that of gelatinized waxy rice starch solution. The yield stress of gelatinized nonwaxy rice starch solutions held for one hour at was slightly decreased, but that of waxy starch solution was reduced by 10-fold. Phosphate reduced the yield stress for both gelatinized nonwaxy and waxy rice starch solutions. Phosphate decreased the consistency index, but did not affect the flow behavior index of the gelatinized rice starch solutions.
A new interstitial species of Gammarella (Amphipoda, Gammaridea) from the western Mediterranean Sea

A new species of Gammarella Bate, 1857 is described from shallow water, inhabiting the interstitial system in soft bottoms of the Chafarinas Archipelago(western Mediterranean,N. Africa). The relationships of Gammarella with the genera Nuuanu and Cottesloe are briefly discussed. Numerical taxonomie methods are utilized to differentiate between the morphologically related species and the intermediate species. In a table the principal differentiatingcharacters of Gammarella species are presented. Gammarella garciai n. sp. is characterized by its intermediate position between Gammarella,Nuuanu and Cottesloe, showing an intergradationof characters. Gammarella garciain. sp. and G. merringannee show ecologically intermediate characters between the larger species, probably nestling, with preference for lightless environments, and the smaller species. The group of smaller species, with eyes poorly developedor absent, show interstitial preferences. A map of the world distribution and a key to the 11 known Gammarella species are presented.
Effects of temperature on the development, performance and fitness of the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (DeLong) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): implications on its distribution under climate change

Maize and its wild teosinte (Zea) relatives are the only developmental hosts of the corn leafhopper. The leafhopper and the three phytopathogens that it transmits are found in a wide range of latitudes and elevations from the U.S.A. to Argentina. The vector's populations would be expected to respond to environmental conditions. Temperature plays a key role in the life history of insects, limiting its geographical range. We focus on the effect of different constant temperatures on the development and fitness of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) to estimate its thermal constant and threshold temperature, which may represent useful information for studies aiming to predict its potential distribution. Temperature had a significant influence on egg‐laying and hatchability, as well as development and pre‐imaginal survival of the vector, whereas the offspring sex ratio was not influenced. Dalbulus maidis required 648.26 degree‐days above a threshold of 4.9 °C to complete a life cycle; it had a wide oviposition range (15–40 °C), although its fitness occurred in a narrower range (17.5–35 °C). Apparently, the distribution range of D. maidis could be restricted by host plant availability more than by temperature. The vector is unlikely to develop permanent populations in temperate areas of the American continent because there is no availability of host plants for extended periods, with mean temperatures below 17 °C.
Partitioning of pollinators during flowering in an African Acacia community

Competition for pollination is an important factor structuring flowering in many plant communities. We examined mechanisms reducing interspecific pollen flow in a community of 10 Acacia species in a highly seasonal savannah habitat in Tanzania. Partitioning is achieved, in part, through separation of flowering in space and seasonal time, and through interspecific differences in pollinator guilds. Nevertheless, coflowering Acacia species shared several pollinators; this means that interspecific pollen transfer is possible. We analyzed daily patterns of pollinator activity and pollen release in 10 Acacia assemblages containing a total of 10 Acacia species. Pollinator activity was scored using counts at flowers over constant time intervals throughout the day. Pollen availability was assessed using a simple method which allows quantification of pollen exposed on the surface of the Acacia inflorescence. Sympatric co-flowering Acacia species each show high intra- specific synchrony but release their pollen at different times of day. Pollinators rapidly harvest available pollen and move from one Acacia species to the next, following the daily sequence of pollen release. The activity of shared pollinators is structured throughout the day as a result of temporal patterns of pollen release across Acacia species. The observed temporal structuring of pollen release is compatible with patterns predicted to result from competitive displacement. Additional support for a competition-based explanation for this patterning comes from the observation that an Acacia species flowering without competitors
A Comparison of Effects of Elevated Temperature versus Temperature Fluctuations on Reef Corals at Kahe Point, Oahu

Bottom temperature and the condition of live corals in the vicinity of the discharge plume from the Hawaiian Electric Company Kahe Generating Station, Oahu, Hawaii, were monitored August--December 1973. Mortality to Pocillopora meandrina, the most thermally sensitive species of the area, was no greater under the conditions of maximum thermal enrichment near the living reef fringe in the discharge area (1--2 m depth) than in an area (4--5 m depth) more distant from the discharge. Sublethal coral damage was more pronounced near the discharge, but was mostly limited to loss of zooxanthellar pigment which was restored following yearly ambient temperature maxima. Although bottom temperatures in the discharge area continually varied 3$sup 0$--4$sup 0$C within minute periods during every low tide, live corals seldom encountered temperatures exceeding 31$sup 0$C. The limited damage that occurred to live corals indicates that upper absolute temperatures are more critical in producing coral damage than are short- term temperature shocks near upper lethal limits. (auth)
Linking habitat characteristics with juvenile density to quantify Salmo salar and Salmo trutta smolt production in the river Sävarån, Sweden

Habitat mapping along 85 km of river was related to juvenile (15 years of electric fishing) and smolt (3 years of screw-trapping) abundance data to estimate salmon, Salmo salar L. , and sea trout, Salmo trutta L. , smolt production in the River Savaran, northern Sweden. Spawning site selection by radio-tagged salmon (n = 12) and sea trout (n = 4) was also assessed. Fifty-one hectares of potential spawning and nursery habitat was found in the main stem river, representing 25% of the total river area. These areas were estimated to yield 1300–7580 salmon and 630–3540 sea trout smolts based on juvenile densities, equating with 3 years of screw-trap data (2990–5080 salmon and 680–2520 trout smolts, respectively). A hypothetical maximum production of about 19 900 salmon smolts was predicted for the river at a density of 40, 0+ salmon 100 m−2. Tracking adults during the spawning period identified optimal and potential reproductive areas.
The Role of Commercial Bank in Financing Small Scale Industries

Bank finance has been found as an important source of funds for most firms in Ghana. The study assessed the impact of GCB SME LOAN on the activities of Small Scale Industries. The study used primary data which were designed and administered to SMEs customers of GCB and staff of GCB. A sample size of 170 made up of 20 staff of GCB bank and 150 owners of SME customers who deal with the bank and have benefited from the SME LOAN SUITE. The study concluded that with the use of GCB SME LOAN, there has been improvement in the profits of both the customers and bank. Also, the study identified four main challenges which were; increased in the amount of money, reduce interest rate, advertisement and extend the period of bridge loan that militate against the GCB SME LOAN of GCB bank. It was recommended that since GCB bank is contributing more to SMEs, they should give in their best to increase the amount of the loan and to extend the period of bridge loan to help boost their outreach.
Study of the capacity of Toll-like receptors to modulate pro-inflammatory responses mediated by receptors for the complement anaphylatoxin C5a

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the complement system play a crucial role in the innate immune response by mediating the initial recognition of, and prompt response to a variety of microorganisms. The concerted activation of TLRs and complement ensures efficient clearance of infection. Previous studies have documented synergism between TLRs and the receptor for the pro-inflammatory peptide C5a (C5aR/CD88), and regulation of TLR-induced pro-inflammatory responses by C5aR, suggesting crosstalk between TLRs and C5aR. However, it is unclear whether and how TLRs modulate C5a-induced pro-inflammatory responses. This study tested the hypothesis that a genuine, bi-directional signalling crosstalk between TLRs and C5a receptors exists, involving not only modulation of TLR-mediated responses by C5a receptor activation, but also modulation by TLR activation of the extent and/or quality of cellular responses to C5a. The experiments described in this thesis confirmed this hypothesis by demonstrating a marked positive modulatory effect of TLR activation on cell sensitivity to C5a in vitro and ex vivo and identifying underlying mechanistic targets. Pre-exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and whole blood to diverse TLR ligands or bacteria enhanced C5a-induced pro-inflammatory responses. This effect was not observed in TLR4-signalling-deficient mice. TLR-induced hypersensitivity to C5a did not result from C5aR up-regulation or modulation of C5a-induced calcium mobilization. Rather, TLRs targeted the second C5a receptor, C5L2 (acting as a negative modulator of C5aR) by reducing C5L2 expression and activity. TLR-induced hypersensitivity to C5a was mimicked by blocking C5L2 and was not observed in C5L2KO mice. Furthermore, TLR activation inhibited C5L2 expression upon C5a stimulation. Expression of the key adaptor molecule β-arrestin 1, which mediates the inhibitory effects of C5L2 on C5aR, was also found to be negatively regulated by TLR activation. These findings identify a novel pathway of crosstalk within the innate immune system that amplifies innate host defence at the TLR-complement interface. Unravelling the mutually regulated activities of TLRs and complement may reveal new therapeutic avenues to control inflammation.
Exploring the metabolism beyond cell aging in yeast

9 Chapter 1: Introduction . 17 1.1 Aging . 20 1.1.1 Definition and model systems . 20 1.1.2 Chronological and replicative aging . 26 1.1.3 Apoptosis . 31 1.1.4 Calorie restriction . 36 1.1.5 Medium acidification . 41 1.1. 6 Regulation of metabolism . 44 1.2 Yeast stationary phase . 49 1.2.1 Stationary phase. 49 1.2.2 Carbon metabolism: glycolysis, fermentation, respiration . 55 1.3 Sirtuins . 63 1.3. 1 The Sirtuins family . 63 1.3. 2 Influence on the cell metabolism. 69 1.4 Scope of this thesis . 75 1.5 References . 77 Chapter 2: PAPER I Lack of Sir2 increases acetate consumption and decreases extracellular pro-aging factors . 95 2.1 Abstract . 97 2.2 Introduction . 98 2.3 Materials and Methods. 101 2.3. 1 Yeast strains and growth conditions. 101 2.3. 2 Ethanol and acetate pulses . 102 2.3. 3 Metabolite measurements . 103 2.3. 4 Enzyme assays . 103 2.3. 5 Immunoprecipitation and Western analysis . 103 2.3. 6 Acetic acid sensitivity . 104 2.3. 7 CLS determination . 104
How Should Ecologists Define Sampling Effort? The Potential of Procrustes Analysis for Studying Variation in Community Composition

Appropriate sampling effort is crucial for ecologists. Procrustes analysis can be used to tackle this question by quantifying the match between subsamples and the complete dataset. We used stream macroinvertebrates to show how sampling design can be optimized by reducing the number of subsamples and increasing the number of sites.
Modelo predictivo para la determinación de riesgo de deserción universitaria para ingresantes de la UTN FRLP

RESUMEN En Argentina, el fenómeno de la deserción estudiantil universitaria cobra especial interés en las carreras de Ingeniería [1], ya que la evolución de la industria y una creciente vinculación entre empresas y universidades, hacen que estas carreras sean esenciales para consolidar el desarrollo industrial, económico y científico del país. Como parte del sistema formador de ingenieros y para responder a las demandas propias de la institución, la UTN FRLP se encuentra actualmente desarrollando un sistema de detección temprana de posibles desertores y gestión tutorial, a fin de elevar la tasa de graduación en cada una de las especialidades que brinda. El objetivo del presente trabajo es identificar los diferentes factores que influyen en la permanencia y abandono de los aspirantes e ingresantes, conformando un sistema de indicadores de detección temprana de problemáticas del aprendizaje y dificultades en el trayecto de formación académica. La investigación explora la capacidad de la técnica Minería de Datos como una alternativa útil para encontrar información derivada a partir de la detección de patrones de atributos individuales.