p190 Rho-GTPase activating protein associates with plexins and it is required for semaphorin signalling

Plexins are transmembrane receptors for semaphorins, guiding cell migration and axon extension. Plexin activation leads to the disassembly of integrin-based focal adhesive structures and to actin cytoskeleton remodelling and inhibition of cell migration; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. We consistently observe a transient decrease of cellular RhoA-GTP levels upon plexin activation in adherent cells. One of the main effectors of RhoA downregulation is p190, a ubiquitously expressed GTPase activating protein (GAP). We show that, in p190-deficient fibroblasts, the typical functional activities mediated by plexins (such as cell collapse and inhibition of integrin-based adhesion) are blocked or greatly impaired. Notably, the functional response can be rescued in these cells by re-expressing exogenous p190, but not a mutant form specifically lacking RhoGAP activity. We furthermore demonstrate that semaphorin function is blocked in epithelial cells, primary endothelial cells and neuroblasts upon treatment with small interfering RNAs that knockdown p190 expression. Finally, we show that p190 transiently associates with plexins, and its RhoGAP activity is increased in response to semaphorin stimulation. We conclude that p190-RhoGAP is crucially involved in semaphorin signalling to the actin cytoskeleton, via interaction with plexins

Efeito de herbicidas sobre a taxa de transporte de elétrons e o acúmulo de matéria seca em tomateiro.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito dos herbicidas metribuzin e carfentrazone sobre a taxa de transporte de elétrons (ETR) do fotossistema II (FSII) e o acúmulo de matéria seca em tomateiro.CD-ROM. Suplemento. Trabalho apresentado no 51. Congresso Brasileiro de Olericultura, Viçosa, MG

Conditional control of quantum beats in a cavity QED system

We probe a ground-state superposition that produces a quantum beat in the intensity correlation of a two-mode cavity QED system. We mix drive with scattered light from an atomic beam traversing the cavity, and effectively measure the interference between the drive and the light from the atom. When a photon escapes the cavity, and upon detection, it triggers our feedback which modulates the drive at the same beat frequency but opposite phase for a given time window. This results in a partial interruption of the beat oscillation in the correlation function, that then returns to oscillate.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, XVII Reuni\'on Iberoamericana de \'Optica, X Encuentro de \'Optica, L\'aseres y Aplicaciones (RIAO-OPTILAS-2010

From START to FINISH : the influence of osmotic stress on the cell cycle

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Caracterización del lixiviado de un relleno sanitario de Jujuy (Argentina)

Se determinaron las características de los líquidos de lixiviado extraídos de mi vertedero de residuos sólidos domiciliarios de la provincia de Jujuy, a través de dos muéstreos realizados en dos estaciones del aflo diferentes. Los análisis efectuados fueron: pH, oxígeno consumido del permanganato, sólidos sedimentables en 10 minutos, demanda bioquímica de oxígeno a los 5 días , sulfuros, plomo, mercurio, arsénico, fenoles, detergentes, oxígeno disuelto, hierro, alcalinidad total, demanda química de oxígeno total. Los resultados hallados se apartan, en su mayoría, de los valores exigidos por la reglamentación local, y corresponden, según comparaciones con la bibliografía existente sobre el tema, a un lixiviado evolucionado.Tema: Tratamiento de efluentes. Biomasa.Asociación Argentina de Energía Sola

Dynamic modeling of mean-reverting spreads for statistical arbitrage

Statistical arbitrage strategies, such as pairs trading and its generalizations, rely on the construction of mean-reverting spreads enjoying a certain degree of predictability. Gaussian linear state-space processes have recently been proposed as a model for such spreads under the assumption that the observed process is a noisy realization of some hidden states. Real-time estimation of the unobserved spread process can reveal temporary market inefficiencies which can then be exploited to generate excess returns. Building on previous work, we embrace the state-space framework for modeling spread processes and extend this methodology along three different directions. First, we introduce time-dependency in the model parameters, which allows for quick adaptation to changes in the data generating process. Second, we provide an on-line estimation algorithm that can be constantly run in real-time. Being computationally fast, the algorithm is particularly suitable for building aggressive trading strategies based on high-frequency data and may be used as a monitoring device for mean-reversion. Finally, our framework naturally provides informative uncertainty measures of all the estimated parameters. Experimental results based on Monte Carlo simulations and historical equity data are discussed, including a co-integration relationship involving two exchange-traded funds.Comment: 34 pages, 6 figures. Submitte