Cancer is a devastating condition, yet its prevalence is not surprising when one considers the possibility that growth and motility define the default state of epithelial cells. What is more surprising is that epithelial cells can be induced to a “fragile quiescent state” in multicellular organisms through constant inhibitory influences from extracellular sources. In other words, the immotile and growth-constrained behavior we associate with epithelia (quiescence) is not the default state cells in a multicellular organism, but rather must be exogenously induced by tissue-specific (and systemic) factors. Quiescence therefore, is a fragile existence for any cell, as the removal of differentiating signals should cause the cell to revert to a migratory, stem-like default state. It will be argued that cancer is better understood as a disease of tissues rather than individual cells, and the complexities of tissues cannot be inferred from the study of cells in isolation. In-vitro studies which have been used to explain carcinogenesis will be critically reviewed and their relevance to in-vivo conditions will be questioned. Complex signaling mechanisms define the relationship between the epithelium and other cells in a metazoan tissue. These signals originate both from the stromal/mesenchymal compartments and between epithelial cells. Studies have shown that carcinogenic insults which affect the stroma alone can turn an otherwise normal epithelium cancerous, while transplanting “cancerous” epithelial cells into an otherwise normal stroma does not result in neoplasm formation. Experimental evidence has confirmed that the differentiation fate of any epithelial cell is malleable depending on its environmental context. Further, it was previously thought that epithelium had to dramatically change identity in order to be capable of migration. It will be shown that collective motility is an endogenous capability of epithelial cells, and multiple non-mammalian and mammalian in-vivo studies of collective epithelial motility will be reviewed to better understand epithelial motility in cancer. In fact, it will be shown that the creation of adhered epithelial sheets requires the same morphological changes necessary for motility. Lastly, evidence that heterogeneous cell populations contribute to epithelial cell migration in development and metastasis will be presented.

abstract: Situations of sensory overload are steadily becoming more frequent as the ubiquity of technology approaches reality--particularly with the advent of socio-communicative smartphone applications, and pervasive, high speed wireless networks. Although the ease of accessing information has improved our communication effectiveness and efficiency, our visual and auditory modalities--those modalities that today's computerized devices and displays largely engage--have become overloaded, creating possibilities for distractions, delays and high cognitive load; which in turn can lead to a loss of situational awareness, increasing chances for life threatening situations such as texting while driving. Surprisingly, alternative modalities for information delivery have seen little exploration. Touch, in particular, is a promising candidate given that it is our largest sensory organ with impressive spatial and temporal acuity. Although some approaches have been proposed for touch-based information delivery, they are not without limitations including high learning curves, limited applicability and/or limited expression. This is largely due to the lack of a versatile, comprehensive design theory--specifically, a theory that addresses the design of touch-based building blocks for expandable, efficient, rich and robust touch languages that are easy to learn and use. Moreover, beyond design, there is a lack of implementation and evaluation theories for such languages. To overcome these limitations, a unified, theoretical framework, inspired by natural, spoken language, is proposed called Somatic ABC's for Articulating (designing), Building (developing) and Confirming (evaluating) touch-based languages. To evaluate the usefulness of Somatic ABC's, its design, implementation and evaluation theories were applied to create communication languages for two very unique application areas: audio described movies and motor learning. These applications were chosen as they presented opportunities for complementing communication by offloading information, typically conveyed visually and/or aurally, to the skin. For both studies, it was found that Somatic ABC's aided the design, development and evaluation of rich somatic languages with distinct and natural communication units. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Computer Science 2012

The Revolutionary Breath is praxis of conscious breathing and values awareness. I explore the transformative potential of this praxis through a method I call axio-somatic ethnography, which is an expansion of traditional autoethnography that de-centers identity and valorizes body-sensing as the foundation for authentic storytelling. The Revolutionary Breath is juxtaposed to the State Sponsored Breath, a constellation of physical and cultural habits and values. The Revolutionary Breath, itself, is composed of three Allowings, or conscious sensing practices, all framed within a commitment to the depth and ease of one’s breath. Throughout the dissertation, I use axio-somatic ethnography to present my own experiences of putting this praxis into use.

This study investigated the etiology of preschoolers’ somatic symptoms and internalizing problems, using a twin sample. A specific focus was placed on the genetic (i.e., DRD4 and 5-HTTLPR) and environmental (i.e., SES, household chaos, family conflict, and maternal emotional stability) factors that were hypothesized to be associated with these problems. This project also explored the possible gene-environmental interactions (GxE) that may exist among these contributors. It was hypothesized that children who are at greatest risk due to their genotype, environment, or a combination of the two would display elevated somatic symptoms and internalizing problems, compared to children who were less at-risk due to these factors. Data from 252 families included in the Southern Illinois Twins/Triplets and Siblings Study (SITSS) at age 5 were examined. Results indicated a significant DRD4 x household chaos interaction predicting preschoolers’ somatic symptoms, demonstrating that children with the DRD4-7r genotype exhibited less somaticizing in highly chaotic homes. Additionally, 5-year-old internalizing problems were significantly predicted by the cumulative environmental risk factor created (i.e., top 15% of scores for each environmental variable in the current sample) and marginally by the additive genotypic risk factor (i.e., a summation of the DRD4 and 5-HTTLPR “risk” scores). These results provide additional insight into the factors that may place children at greater risk for somatic symptoms and internalizing problems.

The aim of the study was to analyze the occurrence of individual genotypes in the CGIL4 locus in a given cattle population. The analysis was carried out in breeds of Holstein and Czech Pied Cattle. The relationship between the genotype in the given locus and the number of somatic cells in the milk was verified. An increased number of somatic cells is the main indicator of mastitis. The diploma thesis described the factors that provoked their origin. In the practical part, milk samples were taken in a selected cow population of both breeds. The DNA was isolated from the milk and samples for the CGIL4 locus were genotyped. Genetic and allelic frequencies were counted from genotyping results. Finally, the potential relationship between genotype in a given locus and the number of somatic cells in milk was evaluated statistically.

Submitted by VALENTINA ROLDAN MONTES null (valentiniya@hotmail.com) on 2016-11-14T17:33:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertação_Valentina_Roldan.pdf: 1303188 bytes, checksum: 91f87b135d433e48cad11782f8d4380d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-11-21T13:30:26Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 roldanmonter_v_me_jabo.pdf: 1303188 bytes, checksum: 91f87b135d433e48cad11782f8d4380d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-21T13:30:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 roldanmonter_v_me_jabo.pdf: 1303188 bytes, checksum: 91f87b135d433e48cad11782f8d4380d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-10-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Considerando a importância das doenças que afetam o desempenho produtivo dos animais na indústria leiteira em todo o mundo é necessário implementar ferramentas moleculares que auxiliem na identificação e controle destas doenças. Quando ocorre alguma infecção em um organismo superior, existe aumento do número de células de defesa e o sistema imune inato proporciona uma linha de defesa contra os patógenos. Os “Toll Like Receptors” (TLR) são proteínas da membrana que desempenham um papel chave na imunidade, reconhecendo patógenos e, posteriormente, ativando as respostas. O presente estudo foi realizado para identificar SNPs no gene TLR4 bubalino e analisar suas associações com características de importância produtiva, incluindo a contagem de células somáticas (CCS). Foram utilizadas amostras de DNA de 130 búfalas da raça Murrah. A região codificante do gene TLR4 foi amplificada através de reações de PCR e posteriormente sequenciada. Os polimorfismos encontrados tiveram suas frequências alélicas e genotípicas calculadas e verificadas quanto ao equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg, além de serem utilizados para os estudos de associação. Foram identificados 13 polimorfismos do tipo SNP para as regiões sequenciadas do gene TLR4, sendo que a maioria encontra-se em região codificante. Encontrou-se associação significativa, com porcentagem de gordura dos Snps g514>C/T (P=0,0040) e g536>A/T (P=0,0035). As associações para CCS demostrou-se altamente significantes (p=<0,001) para todos os Snps (g322>G/A, g514>C/T, g536>A/T, g8338>A/C, g8341>A/G, g8342>T/G, g8343>G/A, g8345>A/G, g8413>A/G, g8428>G/A, g8438>A/C, g8578>G/T e g8582>A/C). Sugere-se que os Snp do gene TLR4 possam ser utilizados como marcadores moleculares em búfalos, já que foram verificadas suas associações com características como porcentagem de gordura e proteína, e contagem de células somáticas. / Molecular markers might be developed to investigate genetic variants associated to the disease and assist selection process in order to identify resistant animals. When the mammary gland is infected, there is an increase in the defense cells, also called somatic cells. It is a defense line of the immune system against pathogens. The “tool like receptors” TLR are membrane proteins that have an important role in the immunity, recognizing pathogens and activating adequate responses. The present study aimed to investigate the association of TLR4 gene SNPs with productive characteristics and SCC in buffaloes. The DNA was extracted from hair follicules of 130 Murrah buffaloes. The fragments were amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Thirteen SNPs were found. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were calculated as well as the adhesion to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the linkage disequilibrium (r2) and the association to the characteristic. For SCC was tested methodology linear generalized mixed model, assuming Poisson distribution. Bonferroni correction was applied for the number of SNPs. Thirteen SNP polymorphisms were identified in coding region of the TLR4 (g322>G/A, g514>C/T, g536>A/T, g8338>A/C, g8341>A/G, g8342>T/G, g8343>G/A, g8345>A/G, g8413>A/G, g8428>G/A, g8438>A/C, g8578>G/T, g8582>A/C). The SNPs g514>C/T and g536>A/T had significant association whit %G. All the SNPs were associated (p=0.001) whit the CCS. Other authors also reported the association of TRL4 SNPs to the trait. The results show that the SNPs of TLR4 gene can be used as molecular markers in buffaloes.

abstract: This thesis document encapsulates the findings of my research process in which I studied my self, my artistic process, and the interconnectivity among the various aspects of my life. Those findings are two-fold as they relate to the creation of three original works and my personal transformation through the process. This document encapsulates the three works, swimminginthepsyche, applecede and The 21st Century Adventures of Wonder Woman, chronologically from their performance dates. My personal growth and transformation is expressed throughout the paper and presented in the explanation of the emergent philosophical approach for self-study as creative practice that I followed. This creative-centered framework for embodied transformation weaves spiritual philosophy with my artistic process to sustain a holistic life practice, where the self, seen as an integrated whole, is also a direct reflection of the greater, singular and holistic existence. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.F.A. Dance 2013

Body Mapping has emerged among movement education techniques as one of the only somatic methods to focus specifically on musicians. Little research has been conducted to determine what changes, if any, participants in Body Mapping workshops experience. This study used MIDI to examine pitch, tone, tempo, and articulation of scale and arpeggio piano performance one day before and after a Body Mapping workshop. Participants were found to exhibit few measurable changes in these aspects of scale and arpeggio. A series of exploratory analyses were then conducted, which found greater changes in the visually observable aspects of piano performance than in aurally perceptible ones. The results suggest that immediately following a Body Mapping workshop, piano performance may improve in visually observable measures, but not in the aurally perceptible measures of scale and arpeggio performance.

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals and a major food crop many parts of Africa. Optimal production levels are hampered by insect pests and diseases. Biotechnological techniques such as tissue culture and genetic engineering can aid in the development of varieties with resistance to insect pests and diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate conditions necessary for the development of a reproducible tissue culture system that can be applied to regenerate transformed cells from culture. The in vitro manipulation of cowpea using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, auxins and cytokinins resulted in the formation of callus and rhizogenesis. Calli that were formed were separated into six classes based on color and texture. Yellowish friable callus, yellowish compact, soft yellowish callus and green and white were composed of largely vacuolated cells and were non-regenerative. Friable green callus was the most prevalent callus type and could form of roots in some hormone combinations. Green spots were formed on hard compact green callus. The green spots became nodular, forming root primordia and ultimately giving rise to roots. None of the six calli types gave rise to the formation of shoots. Embryogenic callus was induced from cowpea explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with dicamba and picloram. Embryogenic suspension cultures were initiated from callus induced on MS supplemented with 3.0 mg/L dicamba or picloram and conditions for maintenance of embryogenic suspension cultures were evaluated. Somatic embryos were formed in suspension cultures. Attempts to convert and germinate the somatic embryos resulted in the formation of callus or formation of appendages on the somatic embryos or in the death of the embryos. The appendages formed roots on prolonged culture. Further research is needed to determine appropriate optimal conditions for embryo conversion and germination and ultimately plant recovery from culture.

Orientador: Cassiano Sydow Quilici / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Artes / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T20:34:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Merlino_MariaLuciaMoreira_D.pdf: 1405066 bytes, checksum: db272b20e5633bde50dfe462523cf783 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: Esta pesquisa investiga as relações existentes entre os conceitos de reeducação e consciência corporal promovidos através da abordagem somática Rolfing®-Integração Estrutural e a noção de experiência, quando emergem novas percepções, imagens corporais e representações mentais, colocando-se a metáfora como um produto possível do processo de exploração e transformação perceptual. O Rolfing é um sistema de reeducação postural e do movimento que, através do toque e da palavra, pode produzir alterações estruturais e funcionais do sistema musculoesquelético, mudanças nas percepções e sensações processadas no corpo. Como consequência, podem ocorrer mudanças no relacionamento com o ambiente, consigo mesmo e com o outro. O conceito de memória corporal compreende as disposições, habilidades e hábitos adquiridos num contexto social e político, que influenciam a experiência e o comportamento da pessoa, o que resulta numa trama complexa de sensações corpóreas de particular importância nas abordagens somáticas. A investigação se desdobra em três estudos de caso, abordando a relação entre instrutor e aluno e a situação em que ocorre o atendimento, como um "processo" análogo ao fazer artístico. A qualidade do toque, atenção e presença do instrutor, resultam numa escuta específica das demandas da pessoa, envolvendo tanto os discursos gestuais quanto os verbais. Podem ocorrer insights transformadores no decorrer deste percurso, e quando isso acontece, a metáfora emerge como expressão desta transformação, sendo um mecanismo de apropriação destas mudanças e propiciando processos de auto entendimento a partir do reconhecimento de um corpo-sensível. Esta pesquisa propõe uma categorização das metáforas corporais que emergem destes processos agenciados por abordagens somáticas, que podem fazer ressonância com aspectos estéticos, criativos, emocionais e éticos do sujeito / Abstract: This research investigates the relationship between the concepts of body re-education and body awareness, promoted through the somatic approach of Rolfing® Structural Integration, and also the notion of experience, from which emerge new insights, new body images and mental representations that put metaphor as a possible product of the process of perceptual exploration and processing. Rolfing is a system of postural and movement re-education in which, by touch and word, it is possible to produce structural and functional changes in the musculoskeletal system, in perceptions, and in the sensations processed in the body. As a result, changes may occur in the relationship with the environment, with the self and with others. The concept of body memory comprises dispositions, skills and habits acquired in a social and political context that influence the experience and behavior of a person, resulting in a complex web of bodily sensations of particular importance in somatic approaches. The investigation unfolds through three case studies, addressing the relationship between instructor and client, and the situation in which occurs a "process" analogous to the making of art. The quality of touch, attention and presence of the instructor, results in a specific listening to the demands of the person, involving both gestural and verbal discourse. Insights may occur in the course of this journey and, when this happens, metaphor emerges as an expression of transformation and as a mechanism of appropriation of these changes, providing self-understanding from the recognition of the 'sensitive body'. This research proposes a categorization of the bodily metaphors that emerge from a somatic approach - metaphors that have resonance with aesthetic, creative, emotional and ethical aspects / Doutorado / Artes Cenicas / Doutora em Artes