Lysophosphatidic acid LPA1-3 receptors: signaling, regulation and in silico analysis of their putative phosphorylation sites

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid with a plethora of roles in the normal function of our organism as well as in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The actions of LPA are mainly mediated through a family of G protein-coupled receptors, which currently is composed of six members; other receptors might participate in LPA actions including a nuclear receptor. In this work, we mainly focus on three of these receptors, i. e.,  LPA1-3; those that were initially discovered which, have been more extensively studied and that are phylogenetically related among themselves,  as well as with receptors for other bioactive phospholipids, such as those for spingosine 1-phosphate.  The characteristics of these receptors, their patterns of tissue expression, and some of the actions in which they are involved are presented. Regulation of receptor function, including desensitization, internalization and phosphorylation has only been studied for the LPA1 subtype. However, in silico analysis of potential phosphorylation sites indicate that all of these three receptors are putatively regulated by agonist activation and heterologous stimuli. We think LPA1-3 receptor regulation constitutes a niche of investigation that is potentially of great importance considering the physiological and pathophysiological actions in which they are involved.&nbsp

A study of cyclonic activity in the North Atlantic for the 2005 versus 2020 season

Ponencia presentada en: XII Congreso de la Asociación Española de Climatología celebrado en Santiago de Compostela entre el 19 y el 21 de octubre de 2022.Over the last two decades, the North Atlantic ocean basin has experienced record-breaking hurricane seasons with regards to storm frequency and intensity. This short study examines the ocean and atmospheric characteristics of the two most active hurricane seasons on record, the 2005 and 2020 seasons. Accumulated cyclone energy, sea surface temperature, sea-level pressure and wind shear data in the main development region of the North Atlantic are compared between the two record-breaking seasons. Results of time series analysis show that 2005 was the hurricane season with the highest accumulated cyclone energy index, while 2020 was the 4th highest of 55 seasons analyzed. Results of spatial analysis of sea surface temperature anomalies exhibit that 2005 had a slightly higher average surface temperature than 2020 in the main development region of tropical cyclones, and that 2005 had higher temperatures in the central region of the study area while 2020 had higher surface temperatures in the southern Caribbean region. Comparisons between the sea level pressure anomalies show that 2005 had a slightly lower average pressure than 2020, with 2005 exhibiting lower anomalies in the northern area and 2020 showing anomalous pressure patterns in the eastern part of the main development region. When wind shear anomalies are examined, we found that 2020 had a lower average wind shear than 2005, a factor that could explain why 2020 had a higher number of tropical cyclones. Overall our results suggest that both 2005 and 2020 seasons had similar ideal ocean-atmospheric conditions for higher tropical cyclone activity

Percolation-based precursors of transitions in extended systems

Abrupt transitions are ubiquitous in the dynamics of complex systems. Finding precursors, i.e. early indicators of their arrival, is fundamental in many areas of science ranging from electrical engineering to climate. However, obtaining warnings of an approaching transition well in advance remains an elusive task. Here we show that a functional network, constructed from spatial correlations of the system’s time series, experiences a percolation transition way before the actual system reaches a bifurcation point due to the collective phenomena leading to the global change. Concepts from percolation theory are then used to introduce early warning precursors that anticipate the system’s tipping point. We illustrate the generality and versatility of our percolation-based framework with model systems experiencing different types of bifurcations and with Sea Surface Temperature time series associated to El Niño phenomenon.V.R.-M. was supported by the European Commission Marie-Curie ITN program (FP7-320 PEOPLE-2011-ITN) through the LINC project (Grant no. 289447). We also acknowledge support from FEDER and Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) through the project INTENSE@COSYP (FIS2012-30634) and from the European Commission through project LASAGNE (FP7-ICT- 318132). J.J.R. acknowledges funding from the Ramón y Cajal program of MINECO.EUR 1,165 APC fee funded by the EC FP7 Post-Grant Open Access PilotPeer reviewe

A catalog of planetary nebula candidates in the Sculptor spiral galaxy NGC 300

[OIII]5007 on-band off-band images, obtained with the VLT and FORS2 spectrograph in two zones (center and outskirts) of the spiral galaxy NGC300, are analyzed searching for emission line objects. In particular we search for planetary nebula (PN) candidates to analyze their distribution and luminosity properties, to perform follow-up spectroscopy, and to study the planetary nebula luminosity function, PNLF. In the continuum-subtracted images, a large number of emission line objects were detected. From this sample we selected as PN candidates those objects with stellar appearance and no detectable central star. [OIII]5007 instrumental magnitudes were measured and calibrated by using spectrophotometric data from the follow-up spectroscopy. We identified more than a hundred PN candidates and a number of compact HII regions. The PN sample is the largest one reported for this galaxy so far. For all the objects we present coordinates, instrumental [OIII]5007 magnitudes and apparent nebular [OIII]5007 fluxes and magnitudes. The [OIII]5007 observed luminosity function for PNe (PNLF) was calculated for the whole sample and for the central and outskirts samples. The three PNLF are similar within uncertainties. We fit the empirical PNLF to the observed PNLF for all the samples. From our best fit for the whole sample we derived a maximum value for the apparent magnitudes of m*(5007)=22.019\pm0.022 and we obtained a tentative estimate of the distance modulus m(5007)-M(5007)= 26.29 {+0.12} {-0.22} mag, which agrees well with the recent value derived from Cepheid stars.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, one long table. Accepted by A&

Design and Control Properties of Arrangements for Distillation of Four Component Mixtures Using Less Than N-1 Columns

The design and study of dynamic properties of distillation sequences using side-stream columns with less than N-1 columns for separation of four-component mixtures were studied. Total annual cost and dynamic properties (using singular value decomposition) were used to compare properties of arrangements with less than N-1 columns to base cases with three columns (conventional case). Quaternary feeds containing four hydrocarbons were analyzed. For systems with low concentrations of one component in the feed, side-stream cascades often show significantly lower operating, capital costs and best dynamic properties compared to the base cases. Low purity requirements also favor side-stream cascades. Some rules are presented to predict which sequence will have the lowest energy consumption capital cost and better dynamic properties

Efecto de un programa de educación física regular y cuentos motores en la aptitud física y desarrollo motor de escolares costarricenses

Changes in Cardiovascular Resistance [RCV], Trunk Expander Force [FET] and Fundamental Movement Skills [DFM] in children were determined after receiving a Regular Physical Education Program [PEFR]; or, a Motor Story Program [PCM]; and, verifying differences between Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity [AFMV]. 55 students completed the study, divided into three groups PEFR, PCM and Control Group (GC). The groups received 20 classes, not the GC. AFMV time was accounted for using POLAR®. FITNESSGRAM® and TGMD-2® were used to measure variables. The RCV and FET in operated groups improved. The DFM in both intervention groups improved. Although the subjects maintained a Low Coefficient of Motor Development (CDMG); the programs contributed to its improvement, but not the GC that kept a very poor CDMG. The PCM and the PEFR were effective in generating changes in physical fitness and skills analyzed.Se determinaron cambios en la Resistencia Cardiovascular [RCV], Fuerza del Extensor del Tronco [FET] y Destrezas Fundamentales de Movimiento [DFM] en niños, luego de recibir un Programa de Educación Física Regular [PEFR]; o, un Programa de Cuentos Motores [PCM]; y, comprobando diferencias entre Actividad Física Moderada y Vigorosa [AFMV]. 55 estudiantes completaron el estudio, distribuidos en tres grupos PEFR, PCM y Grupo Control (GC). Los grupos recibieron 20 clases no el GC. Se contabilizó el tiempo de AFMV mediante POLAR®. Se utilizó FITNESSGRAM® y TGMD-2® para medir variables. La RCV y FET en grupos intervenidos mejoró. Las DFM en ambos grupos intervenidos mejoró. A pesar de que los sujetos mantuvieron un Coeficiente de Desarrollo Motor Grueso (CDMG) bajo; los programas coadyuvaron a su mejoría, no así el GC que conservó un CDMG muy pobre. El PCM y el PEFR fueron eficaces para generar cambios en aptitud física y destrezas analizadas

Big Data: an exploration of research, technologies and application cases

Big Data se ha convertido en una tendencia a nivel mundial y aunque aún no cuenta con un concepto científico o académico consensuado, se augura cada día mayor crecimiento del mercado que lo envuelve y de las áreas de investigación asociadas. En este artículo se reporta una exploración de literatura sobre Big Data, que comprende un estado del arte de las técnicas y tecnologías asociadas a Big Data, las cuales abarcan captura, procesamiento, análisis y visualización de datos. Se exploran también las características, fortalezas, debilidades y oportunidades de algunas aplicaciones y modelos que incluyen Big Data, principalmente para el soporte al modelado de datos, análisis y minería de datos. Asimismo, se introducen algunas de las tendencias futuras para el desarrollo de Big Data por medio de la definición de aspectos básicos, alcance e importancia de cada una. La metodología empleada para la exploración incluye la aplicación de dos estrategias, una primera corresponde a un análisis cienciométrico; y la segunda, una categorización de documentos por medio de una herramienta web de apoyo a los procesos de revisión literaria. Como resultados se obtiene una síntesis y conclusiones en torno a la temática y se plantean posibles escenarios para trabajos investigativos en el campo de dominio.Big Data has become a worldwide trend and although still lacks a scientific or academic consensual concept, every day it portends greater market growth that surrounds and the associated research areas. This paper reports a systematic review of the literature on Big Data considering a state of the art about techniques and technologies associated with Big Data, which include capture, processing, analysis and data visualization. The characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for some applications and Big Data models that include support mainly for modeling, analysis, and data mining are explored. Likewise, some of the future trends for the development of Big Data are introduced by basic aspects, scope, and importance of each one. The methodology used for exploration involves the application of two strategies, the first corresponds to a scientometric analysis and the second corresponds to a categorization of documents through a web tool to support the process of literature review. As results, a summary and conclusions about the subject are generated and possible scenarios arise for research work in the field