The Three Sisters

This project was a collaborative opportunity between our design team and a team from the culinary program, Growing For The Menu. Our teams worked together to establish a vision and aesthetic surrounding the dishes served at their pop-up event. The culinary team supplied three delicious dishes all within the theme of The Three Sisters. This theme was derived from the longstanding farming method of planting different veggies that can seamlessly grow together in harmony. The three vegetables featured in this instance were beans, corn, and squash. Aesthetically, we decided to opt for a more autumnal, rustic feel as it was in line with the season. When establishing a logo and branding, we stuck to warmer browns, reds, and oranges, taking inspiration from the changing leaves. The logo featured a hand-drawn illustration of the featured vegetables surrounded by leaves. The typography was integral for ensuring an authentically rustic feel for the brand. Opting for a serif font added to the warm, fall feel of the overall aesthetic. Along with the logo and branding, the design team also supplied a digital flyer, informational cards, table cards, and a large-scale menu with a custom engraved stand. All of the deliverables kept a consistent color palette, font treatment, and graphic usage to ensure all elements worked together seamlessly. The main feature, the custom menu sign, was hand-cut, stained, and laser engraved using a pattern derived from the logo. In the end, all elements provided by both teams worked seamlessly together to create a memorable and tasty dining experience

Comparison between regionalized minimum reference flow and On-Site measurements in hydrographic basins of rural communities in the state of Goiás, Brazil

Reference flows are important variables for assessing water availability in Brazil, as well as in rural communities in the state of Goiás (Brazil). However, as there is a lack of flowrate data and measurement points, regionalization methods have been used for forecasting the minimum reference flow (Qref) allowed for maintaining water uses. The present research covered 92 hydrographic basins within 46 selected rural communities in the state of Goiás, and 21 basins were selected for carrying out on-site flow measurements, as well as for Qref estimation following three regionalization methodologies. Results show a large variation between the values measured and estimated by the three methodologies, but the statistical analysis found regression equations of one of the methods more suitable for application in rural hydrograph basins of Goiás.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated upregulation of miR-29a enhances sensitivity to neuronal apoptosis.

Disturbance of homeostasis within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen leads to the accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins. This results in the activation of an evolutionary conserved stress response termed ER stress that, if unresolved, induces apoptosis. Previously the Bcl-2 homology domain 3-Only Protein Puma was identified as a mediator of ER stress-induced apoptosis in neurons. In the search of alternative contributors to ER stress-induced apoptosis, a downregulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein Mcl-1 was noted during ER stress in both mouse cortical neurons and human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Downregulation of Mcl-1 was associated with an upregulation of microRNA-29a (miR-29a) expression, and subsequent experiments showed that miR-29a targeted the 3\u27-untranslated region of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, Mcl-1. Inhibition of miR-29a expression using sequence-specific antagomirs or the overexpression of Mcl-1 decreased cell death following tunicamycin treatment, while gene silencing of Mcl-1 increased cell death. miR-29a did not alter the signalling branches of the ER stress response, rather its expression was controlled by the ER stress-induced transcription factor activating-transcription-factor-4 (ATF4). The current data demonstrate that the ATF4-mediated upregulation of miR-29a enhances the sensitivity of neurons to ER stress-induced apoptosis

Range expansion and the origin of USA300 north american epidemic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The USA300 North American epidemic (USA300-NAE) clone of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has caused a wave of severe skin and soft tissue infections in the United States since it emerged in the early 2000s, but its geographic origin is obscure. Here we use the population genomic signatures expected from the serial founder effects of a geographic range expansion to infer the origin of USA300-NAE and identify polymorphisms associated with its spread. Genome sequences from 357 isolates from 22 U.S. states and territories and seven other countries are compared. We observe two significant signatures of range expansion, including decreases in genetic diversity and increases in derived allele frequency with geographic distance from the Pennsylvania region. These signatures account for approximately half of the core nucleotide variation of this clone, occur genome wide, and are robust to heterogeneity in temporal sampling of isolates, human population density, and recombination detection methods. The potential for positive selection of a gyrA fluoroquinolone resistance allele and several intergenic regions, along with a 2.4 times higher recombination rate in a resistant subclade, is noted. These results are the first to show a pattern of genetic variation that is consistent with a range expansion of an epidemic bacterial clone, and they highlight a rarely considered but potentially common mechanism by which genetic drift may profoundly influence bacterial genetic variation. IMPORTANCE The process of geographic spread of an origin population by a series of smaller populations can result in distinctive patterns of genetic variation. We detect these patterns for the first time with an epidemic bacterial clone and use them to uncover the clone’s geographic origin and variants associated with its spread. We study the USA300 clone of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which was first noticed in the early 2000s and subsequently became the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections in the United States. The eastern United States is the most likely origin of epidemic USA300. Relatively few variants, which include an antibiotic resistance mutation, have persisted during this clone’s spread. Our study suggests that an early chapter in the genetic history of this epidemic bacterial clone was greatly influenced by random subsampling of isolates during the clone’s geographic spread

A pair of Sub-Neptunes transiting the bright K-dwarf TOI-1064 characterised with CHEOPS

Funding: TGW, ACC, and KH acknowledge support from STFC consolidated grant numbers ST/R000824/1 and ST/V000861/1, and UKSA grant ST/R003203/1.We report the discovery and characterization of a pair of sub-Neptunes transiting the bright K-dwarf TOI-1064 (TIC 79748331), initially detected in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) photometry. To characterize the system, we performed and retrieved the CHaracterising ExOPlanets Satellite (CHEOPS), TESS, and ground-based photometry, the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) high-resolution spectroscopy, and Gemini speckle imaging. We characterize the host star and determine Teff,⋆=4734±67K⁠, R⋆=0.726±0.007R⊙⁠, and M⋆=0.748±0.032M⊙⁠. We present a novel detrending method based on point spread function shape-change modelling and demonstrate its suitability to correct flux variations in CHEOPS data. We confirm the planetary nature of both bodies and find that TOI-1064 b has an orbital period of Pb = 6.44387 ± 0.00003 d, a radius of Rb = 2.59 ± 0.04 R⊕, and a mass of Mb=13.5+1.7−1.8 M⊕, whilst TOI-1064 c has an orbital period of Pc=12.22657+0.00005−0.00004 d, a radius of Rc = 2.65 ± 0.04 R⊕, and a 3σ upper mass limit of 8.5 M⊕. From the high-precision photometry we obtain radius uncertainties of ∼1.6 per cent, allowing us to conduct internal structure and atmospheric escape modelling. TOI-1064 b is one of the densest, well-characterized sub-Neptunes, with a tenuous atmosphere that can be explained by the loss of a primordial envelope following migration through the protoplanetary disc. It is likely that TOI-1064 c has an extended atmosphere due to the tentative low density, however further radial velocities are needed to confirm this scenario and the similar radii, different masses nature of this system. The high-precision data and modelling of TOI-1064 b are important for planets in this region of mass–radius space, and it allow us to identify a trend in bulk density–stellar metallicity for massive sub-Neptunes that may hint at the formation of this population of planets.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

The Three Sisters

This project was a collaborative opportunity between our design team and a team from the culinary program, Growing For The Menu. Our teams worked together to establish a vision and aesthetic surrounding the dishes served at their pop-up event. The culinary team supplied three delicious dishes all within the theme of The Three Sisters. This theme was derived from the longstanding farming method of planting different veggies that can seamlessly grow together in harmony. The three vegetables featured in this instance were beans, corn, and squash. Aesthetically, we decided to opt for a more autumnal, rustic feel as it was in line with the season. When establishing a logo and branding, we stuck to warmer browns, reds, and oranges, taking inspiration from the changing leaves. The logo featured a hand-drawn illustration of the featured vegetables surrounded by leaves. The typography was integral for ensuring an authentically rustic feel for the brand. Opting for a serif font added to the warm, fall feel of the overall aesthetic. Along with the logo and branding, the design team also supplied a digital flyer, informational cards, table cards, and a large-scale menu with a custom engraved stand. All of the deliverables kept a consistent color palette, font treatment, and graphic usage to ensure all elements worked together seamlessly. The main feature, the custom menu sign, was hand-cut, stained, and laser engraved using a pattern derived from the logo. In the end, all elements provided by both teams worked seamlessly together to create a memorable and tasty dining experience

Dinuclear NHC-gold(I)-thiolato and -alkynyl complexes : synthesis, anticancer activity, and catalytic activity in lactonization reactions

A series of novel dinuclear NHC-gold-thiolato and -alkynyl complexes bearing aromatic linkers were successfully synthesized by an efficient and simple synthetic route. The catalytic activity of these complexes was tested in a lactonization reaction. The reaction proceeds in high efficiency, in short reaction time and under mild conditions, and is complementary to existing methods. Furthermore, the digold(i)-thiolato derivatives exhibit remarkable cytotoxicity towards several cancer cell lines

The development of cisplatin resistance in neuroblastoma is accompanied by epithelial to mesenchymal transition in vitro

AbstractNeuroblastoma is a challenging childhood malignancy, with a very high percentage of patients relapsing following acquisition of drug resistance, thereby necessitating the identification of mechanisms of drug resistance as well as new biological targets contributing to the aggressive pathogenicity of the disease. In order to investigate the molecular pathways that are involved with drug resistance in neuroblastoma, we have developed and characterised cisplatin resistant sublines SK-N-ASCis24, KellyCis83 and CHP-212Cis100, integrating data of cell behaviour, cytotoxicity, genomic alterations and modulation of protein expression. All three cisplatin resistant cell lines demonstrated cross resistance to temozolomide, etoposide and irinotecan, all of which are drugs in re-initiation therapy. Array CGH analysis indicated that resistant lines have acquired additional genomic imbalances. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and classified by bioinformatics tools according to their molecular and cellular functions and their involvement into biological pathways. Significant changes in the expression of proteins involved with pathways such as actin cytoskeletal signalling (p = 9.28E−10), integrin linked kinase (ILK) signalling (p = 4.01E−8), epithelial adherens junctions signalling (p = 5.49E−8) and remodelling of epithelial adherens junctions (p = 5.87E−8) pointed towards a mesenchymal phenotype developed by cisplatin resistant SK-N-ASCis24. Western blotting and confocal microscopy of MYH9, ACTN4 and ROCK1 coupled with invasion assays provide evidence that elevated levels of MYH9 and ACTN4 and reduced levels of ROCK1 contribute to the increased ROCK1-independent migratory potential of SK-N-ASCis24. Therefore, our results suggest that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is a feature during the development of drug resistance in neuroblastoma

The anticancer activity of an air-stable Pd(i)-NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) dimer

A new dinuclear Pd(i) complex coordinating two bis(NHC) ligands revealed an unsuspected stability despite the unsaturation of the two metal centres. Even more surprisingly, the compound showed high and selective antiproliferative activity against different cancer cell lines and ovarian cancer tumoroids, and the mechanism of action was different from that of cisplatin

Feasibility and preliminary results of a call centre delivered continuing care intervention following residential alcohol and other drug treatment

Introduction: To help reduce relapse rates following alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment, continuing care interventions have been recommended. Previous continuing care interventions have incorporated telephone and face-to-face sessions to help promote participant engagement. The study was conducted as a randomised controlled feasibility study and examined a call centre delivered continuing care intervention for people leaving residential rehabilitation services. Methods: Participants were attending AOD residential treatment services in NSW, Australia (N = 154). Participants were randomised to either 12- or 4-sessions of continuing care. Follow up assessments were completed at 6-months. The primary outcomes were demand and implementation. Secondary outcomes were AOD use, mental health and physical health at 6-months. Results: Interest in continuing care was high, with 93% of participants approached reporting an interest in being involved. Of the participants who completed the consent and baseline procedures, 29% of people were contacted post residential treatment and randomised. For those people randomised, the average number of sessions completed was 2.78 (SD = 1.65) for the 4-session arm and 4.81 (SD = 4.46) for the 12-session arm. Fidelity to the treatment manual was high. Both treatment arms showed higher complete abstinence at 6-months compared to baseline (12-session OR 28.57 [2.3, 353.8]; 4-session OR 28.11 [3.6, 221.2]). Discussion and Conclusions: A major challenge associated with the call centre approach was re-engaging participants once they left the residential facility and delivering the planned dose of treatment. Further work is required to promote greater uptake of these protocols once people leave residential treatment