"Identification and Diversity of Killer Cell Ig-Like Receptors in Aotus vociferans, a New World Monkey "

Previous BAC clone analysis of the Platyrrhini owl monkey KIRs have shown an unusual genetic structure in some loci. Therefore, cDNAs encoding KIR molecules from eleven Aotus vociferans monkeys were characterized here; tenputative KIR loci were found, some of which encoded atypical proteins such as KIR4DL and transcripts predicted to encode a D0+D1 configuration (AOTVOKIR2DL1*01v1) which appear to be unique in the Aotus genus. Furthermore, alternative splicing was found as a likely mechanism for producing activator receptors in A. vociferans species. KIR proteins from New World monkeys may be split into three new lineages according to domain by domain phylogenetic analysis. Although the A. vociferans KIR family displayed a high divergence among paralogous genes, individual loci were limited in their genetic polymorphism. Selection analysis showed that both constrained and rapid evolution may operate within the AvKIR family. The frequent alternative splicing (as a likely mechanism generating activator receptors), the presence of KIR4DL and KIR2DL1 (D0+D1) molecules and other data reported here suggest that the KIR family in Aotus has had a rapid evolution, independent from its Catarrhini counterparts.from its Catarrhini counterparts.

Consumo de sustancias y noxas prenatales en madres de pacientes con síndrome de Möbius y Möbius Like

Introducción: El síndrome de Möbius y Möbius Like es una entidad poco frecuente caracterizada principalmente por parálisis congénita del VI y VII par craneal. Su etiología es poco conocida aunque se ha asociado a inductores del aborto. El objetivo de este estudio es describir factores anómalos, tóxicos o nocivos que hayan estado presentes en el embarazo de las madres de estos pacientes. Metodología: se realizó una encuesta auto-diligenciable a 15 madres de pacientes con el diagnóstico, indagando sobre condiciones anómalas y/o exposicionales del embarazo, el padre y el ambiente. Resultados: Las madres se encontraban entre los 16 y 34 años al momento de quedar embarazadas, en su mayoría eran solteras, estudiantes y sin planes de embarazo. Once en total usaron algún medicamento y/o sustancias durante la gestación; seis de ellas Misoprostol (40%). Las otras sustancias utilizadas incluyeron: alternativas, cigarrillo, alcohol, ibuprofeno, anticonceptivos, otros. Como anomalías del periodo prenatal se reportaron sangrado activo y/o amenaza de aborto, infección, exposición a químicos ambientales y enfermedad materna activa. Las condiciones paternas descritas fueron alcoholismo y/o drogadicción, enfermedad y edad ≥ 40 años en bajo porcentaje. Conclusión: El síndrome de Möbius y Möbius Like es una patología poco frecuente de la cual aún se debe seguir investigando sobre su etiología, para plantear posibles medidas de prevención.

Vida y Muerte Empresarial. Caso de estudio Jeans and Jackets.

Dentro de este estudio de caso se busca identificar las posibles causas por las cuales una empresa de alto prestigio y reconocimiento por los consumidores colombianos, como lo era Jeans and Jackets, luego de treinta (30) años de funcionamiento se vio en la necesidad de acogerse a la Ley de Reestructuración Económica (Ley 550 de 1999) con el fin de reestructurar sus pasivos en un momento de crisis global que fue impredecible para muchas compañías. Desde el principio, el “Core Business” de Jeans and Jackets era la venta de prendas sofisticadas y de alta calidad a los jóvenes, especialmente en la capital de la República, con el fin de convertirse en la marca líder de este segmento de la industria. Este estudio de caso pretende identificar cuáles fueron las decisiones estratégicas implementadas por parte de la alta gerencia de la compañía en el contexto mencionado anteriormente que llevaron a la empresa a una crisis de liquidez. La metodología utilizada para el desarrollo de este estudio de caso se basa en variables cualitativas que permitan realizar un análisis profundo y la indagación sobre el fenómeno de morbilidad empresarial; De la misma manera se utilizan variables cuantitativas para observar la situación de la empresa financieramente y el desempeño económico de la misma.

Select-divide-and-conquer method for large-scale configuration interaction

A select-divide-and-conquer variational method to approximate configuration interaction (CI) is presented. Given an orthonormal set made up of occupied orbitals (Hartree-Fock or similar) and suitable correlation orbitals (natural or localized orbitals), a large N-electron target space S is split into subspaces S0,S1,S2,...,SR. S0, of dimension d0, contains all configurations K with attributes (energy contributions, etc.) above thresholds T0={T0egy, T0etc.}; the CI coefficients in S0 remain always free to vary. S1 accommodates KS with attributes above T1≤T0. An eigenproblem of dimension d0+d1 for S0+S 1 is solved first, after which the last d1 rows and columns are contracted into a single row and column, thus freezing the last d1 CI coefficients hereinafter. The process is repeated with successive Sj(j≥2) chosen so that corresponding CI matrices fit random access memory (RAM). Davidson's eigensolver is used R times. The final energy eigenvalue (lowest or excited one) is always above the corresponding exact eigenvalue in S. Threshold values {Tj;j=0, 1, 2,...,R} regulate accuracy; for large-dimensional S, high accuracy requires S 0+S1 to be solved outside RAM. From there on, however, usually a few Davidson iterations in RAM are needed for each step, so that Hamiltonian matrix-element evaluation becomes rate determining. One μhartree accuracy is achieved for an eigenproblem of order 24 × 106, involving 1.2 × 1012 nonzero matrix elements, and 8.4×109 Slater determinants

Estudo in vivo sobre a influência do fototipo na resposta da pele humana ao contacto com lauril sulfato de sódio

O Lauril Sulfato de Sódio (LSS) é um tensioactivo aniónico utilizado em muitas formas farmacêuticas, que apresenta, no entanto, algum potencial de irritação. Também por esse motivo o LSS é utilizado como agente provocador em diversos micrométodos de exploração in vivo da fisiopatologia da pele. Factores como a idade, sexo, hidratação da pele, região anatómica, afectam a resposta da pele ao contacto com LSS, O objectivo deste estudo foi estudar a influência do fototipo na recuperação da integridade da pele humana ao contacto com LSS. Após selecção dos voluntários (n=12) com base nos seus fototipos (Grupo I : Fototipo III-IV e Grupo II: Fototipo V-VI) foi aplicado um penso contendo uma solução de LSS a 2% no antebraço, durante 24h(D0. Após remoção do penso, os voluntários foram sujeitos (D1,D2,D7) a exame dermatológico e à medição das variáveis biométricas: perda de água trans-epidermica, hidratação (por 2 métodos complementares) grau de eritema e fluxo sanguíneo local. Os resultados mostram que existem diferenças entre os dois grupos para a PTEA, LDF e grau de eritema, sugerindo uma maior susceptibilidade para os fototipos mais claros e uma maior rapidez de recuperação para os fototipos mais elevados.

A atitude dos alunos face à inclusão dos seus pares com deficiência

RESUMO: A escola actual encontra-se perante o desafio de responder com afectividade às necessidades educativas especiais de uma população cada vez mais heterogénea, onde se adopte um modelo de atendimento adequado a cada um. Neste contexto, consideramos os alunos, os professores e os encarregados de educação elementos chave de todo o processo, sobre os quais recaem responsabilidades acrescidas na concretização da filosofia inclusiva. O presente estudo tem como objectivo averiguar a atitude dos alunos face à inclusão dos seus pares com deficiência, determinando o modo como estes percepcionam as atitudes dos professores e dos pais face à inclusão de alunos com NEE de carácter permanente, vantagens e desvantagens da inclusão de alunos com NEE de carácter permanente e a cooperação entre alunos com e sem deficiência, tendo em conta a tipologia da deficiência (motora e mental). No caso do nosso estudo, contámos com a participação de 520 alunos (N= 270 género feminino e N=250 do género masculino), uma amostra distribuída pelo 2ºciclo, 3º ciclo e secundário dos distritos de Setúbal e Lisboa. A recolha de dados concretizou-se pela aplicação do AID – EF, questionário da autoria de Ramos Leitão, 2011.Esta metodologia de recolha e tratamento de informação permitiu-nos concluir que, na opinião dos alunos ditos normais a atitude dos professores face à inclusão de alunos com NEE de carácter permanente (dimensão d1), não varia em função da tipologia da deficiência (deficiência motora e mental). Da mesma forma, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos (deficiência motora e mental), na opinião dos alunos ditos normais, no que respeita às vantagens da inclusão dos alunos com NEE de carácter permanente (dimensão d2). Na opinião dos alunos ditos normais os resultados demonstraram que a cooperação entre alunos com e sem deficiência (dimensão d3), varia em função da tipologia da deficiência (deficiência motora e mental), apontando esses resultados para uma maior cooperação entre os alunos ditos normais e os seus pares com deficiência mental. Não foram igualmente encontradas diferenças significativas no que respeita às desvantagens da inclusão dos alunos com NEE de carácter permanente (dimensão 4), quando temos em consideração a tipologia da deficiência (deficiência motora e mental). Da mesma forma, na opinião dos alunos normais ditos normais a atitude dos pais face à inclusão de alunos com NEE de carácter permanente (dimensão d5) não variam em função da tipologia da deficiência (deficiência motora e mental).ABSTRACT: Currently the school is faced with the challenge of responding affectionately to the special educational needs of an increasingly heterogeneous population, where a standard model is adopted for each individual. In this context, we consider the students, teachers and guardians, key elements in the whole process, over which fall increased responsibilities in the implementation of the inclusive philosophy. The present study aims to determine the attitude of students towards the inclusion of peers with disabilities, determining how they perceive the attitudes of teachers and parents towards the inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs, advantages and disadvantages of including students with permanent special education needs and the cooperation between students with and without disabilities, taking into account the type of disability (mental and motor). In the case of our study, we had the participation of 520 students (N = 270 N = female and 250 male), a sample distributed to the 2nd cycle, 3rd cycle and Secondary schools in the districts of Setúbal and Lisbon. The data collected was enabled by the application of the IDA - EF, questionnaire by Ramos Leitão, 2011. This methodology of collecting and processing information allowed us to conclude that, in the opinion of the so-called normal students the teachers´ attitude towards the inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs (dimension d1) does not vary according to the type of disability (motor and mental). Likewise, no significant differences were found between the two groups (mental and motor), in the opinion of the so-called normal students, with regard to the benefits of the inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs (dimension d2). In the opinion of the so-called normal students, the results demonstrated that the cooperation between students with and without disabilities (dimension d3), vary depending on the type of disability (mental and motor), these results pointing to a greater cooperation between the so-called normal students and their peers with mental disabilities. There were also no significant differences with respect to the disadvantages of inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs (dimension d4), when we take into account the type of disability (mental and motor). Similarly, in the opinion of the so-called normal students, the parents´ attitude towards the inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs (dimension d5) does not vary according to the type of disability (mental and motor).

Mechanisms and dynamics of protein clustering on a solid surface

A methodology for discovering the mechanisms and dynamics of protein clustering on solid surfaces is presented. In situ atomic force microscopy images are quantitatively compared to Monte Carlo simulations using cluster statistics to differentiate various models. We study lysozyme adsorption on mica as a model system and find that all surface-supported clusters are mobile, not just the monomers, with diffusion constant inversely related to cluster size. The surface monomer diffusion constant is measured to be D1∼9×10-16  cm2 s-1, such a low value being difficult to measure using other techniques.

Interpreting the response of a dryland river system to Late Quaternary climate change

A U-series calcrete chronology has been constructed for three Late Quaternary terrace units, termed the D1, D2 and D3 terraces in age descending order, from the Rio Aguas river system of the Sorbas basin, southeast Spain. The D1 terrace formed between 30,300 +/- 4400 year BP and 12,140 +/- 360 year BP, correlating well with the Last Glacial Maximum when rates of sediment supply would have increased greatly, because of higher rates of weathering, reduced vegetation cover and weak soil development. The D2 terrace formed between 12,800 +/- 1100 year BP and 9,600 +/- 530 year BP, correlating well with the Younger Dryas event. The D3 terrace could only be poorly constrained to the early Holocene and no unequivocal cause could be assigned to this period of aggradation. The sedimentology and geomorphology of the D2 terrace suggests, however, that the aggradation of this unit was a response to diapirism/karstic processes occurring within the underlying Messinian gypsum strata and the subsequent damming of the Aguas system. Therefore, despite its coincident occurrence with the Younger Dryas, aggradation of the D2 terrace is unrelated to climate change. The style of this response, controlled predominantly by the characteristics of the underlying bedrock, makes correlating the terrace record of the Aguas with other systems in the Mediterranean unreliable. This study, therefore, highlights the problems of correlating fluvial sequences in regions of variable tectonics, climatic history and bedrock geology and emphasises the need to properly understand the main controls on individual fluvial systems before any attempt is made to correlate their depositional histories. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of fibrolytic enzymes to improve the nutritive value of ruminant diets - A biochemical and in vitro rumen degradation assessment

Two commercial enzyme products, Depol 40 (D) and Liquicell 2500 (L), were characterised from a biochemical standpoint and their potential to improve rumen degradation of forages was evaluated in vitro. Enzyme activities were determined at pH 5.5 and 39 degreesC. Analysis of the enzyme activities indicated that L contained higher xylanase and endoglucanase, but lower exoglucanase, pectinase and alpha-amylase activities than D. The Reading Pressure Technique (RPT) was used to investigate the effect of enzyme addition on the in vitro gas production (GP) and organic matter degradation (OMD) of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stems and leaves. A completely randomised design with factorial arrangement of treatments was used. Both alfalfa fractions were untreated or treated with each enzyme at four levels, 20 h before incubation with rumen fluid. Each level of enzyme provided similar amounts of filter paper (D1, L1), endoglucanase (D2, L2), alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase (D3, L3) and xylanase units (D4, L4) per gram forage DM. Enzymes increased the initial OMD in both fractions, with improvements of up to 15% in leaves (D4) and 8% in stems (L2) after 12 h incubation. All enzyme treatments increased the extent of degradation (96 h incubation) in the leaf fractions, but only L2 increased final OMD in the stems. Direct hydrolysis of forage fractions during the pre-treatment period did not fully account for the magnitude of the increases in OMD, suggesting that the increase in rate of degradation was achieved through a combined effect of direct enzyme hydrolysis and synergistic action between the exogenous (applied) and endogenous (rumen) enzymes. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Agonist-dependent internalization of D2 receptors: imaging quantification by confocal microscopy

In positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography studies using D2 dopamine (DA) receptor radiotracers, a decrease in radiotracer binding potential (BP) is usually interpreted in terms of increased competition with synaptic DA. However, some data suggest that this signal may also reflect agonist (DA)-induced increases in D2 receptor (D2R) internalization, a process which would presumably also decrease the population of receptors available for binding to hydrophilic radioligands. To advance interpretation of alterations in D2 radiotracer BP, direct methods of assessment of D2R internalization are required. Here, we describe a confocal microscopy-based approach for the quantification of agonist-dependent receptor internalization. The method relies upon double-labeling of the receptors with antibodies directed against intracellular as well as extracellular epitopes. Following agonist stimulation, DA D2R internalization was quantified by differentiating, in optical cell sections, the signal due to the staining of the extracellular from intracellular epitopes of D2Rs. Receptor internalization was increased in the presence of the D2 agonists DA and bromocriptine, but not the D1 agonist SKF38393. Pretreatment with either the D2 antagonist sulpiride, or inhibitors of internalization (phenylarsine oxide and high molarity sucrose), blocked D2-agonist induced receptor internalization, thus validating this method in vitro. This approach therefore provides a direct and streamlined methodology for investigating the pharmacological and mechanistic aspects of D2R internalization, and should inform the interpretation of results from in vivo receptor imaging studies.

Cell cycle perturbations induced by infection with the coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus and their effect on virus replication

In eukaryotic cells, cell growth and division occur in a stepwise, orderly fashion described by a process known as the cell cycle. The relationship between positive-strand RNA viruses and the cell cycle and the concomitant effects on virus replication are not clearly understood. We have shown that infection of asynchronously replicating and synchronized replicating cells with the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a positive-strand RNA virus, resulted in the accumulation of infected cells in the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle. Analysis of various cell cycle-regulatory proteins and cellular morphology indicated that there was a down-regulation of cyclins D1 and D2 (G(2) regulatory cyclins) and that a proportion of virus-infected cells underwent aberrant cytokinesis, in which the cells underwent nuclear, but not cytoplasmic, division. We assessed the impact of the perturbations on the cell cycle for virus-infected cells and found that IBV-infected G(2)/M-phase-synchronized cells exhibited increased viral protein production when released from the block when compared to cells synchronized in the Go phase or asynchronously replicating cells. Our data suggested that IBV induces a G(2)/M phase arrest in infected cells to promote favorable conditions for viral replication.

A novel method for the transport and analysis of genetic material from polyps and zooxanthellae of scleractinian corals

We have developed a new simple method for transport, storage, and analysis of genetic material from the corals Agaricia agaricites, Dendrogyra cylindrica, Eusmilia ancora, Meandrina meandrites, Montastrea annularis, Porites astreoides, Porites furcata, Porites porites, and Siderastrea siderea at room temperature. All species yielded sufficient DNA from a single FTA(R) card (19 mug-43 ng) for subsequent PCR amplification of both coral and zooxanthellar DNA. The D1 and D2 variable region of the large Subunit rRNA gene (LSUrDNA) was amplified from the DNA of P. furcata and S. siderea by PCR. Electrophoresis yielded two major DNA bands: an 800-base pair (bp) DNA, which represented the coral ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, and a 600-bp DNA, which represented the zooxanthellar srRNA gene. Extraction of DNA from the bands yielded between 290 mug total DNA (S. siderea coral DNA) and 9 mug total DNA (P. furcata zooxanthellar DNA). The ability to transport and store genetic material from scleractinian corals without resort to laboratory facilities in the field allows for the molecular Study of a far wider range and variety of coral sites than have been studied to date. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

A mechanistic study of cyclic siloxane pyrolyses at low pressures

Matrix isolation IR spectroscopy has been used to study the vacuum pyrolysis of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane (D5), and the results interpreted in the context of various kinetic models. In particular, it is shown that the significant pyrolysis products - which include CH3, CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6 and SiO - may be satisfactorily accounted for by radical reactions involving dimethylsiloxane (D1), and estimates are made of the various chain lengths for the proposed reactions based on a range of ambient conditions.