Genetic structure of populations of Pissodes castaneus (De Geer) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) using amplified fragment length polymorphism

Genetic structure of populations of Pissodes castaneus (De Geer) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) using amplified fragment length polymorphism. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic structure of populations of Pissodes castaneus from different areas and on different species of Pinus using the PCR-AFLP technique. Twenty samples were analyzed, representing 19 populations from Brazil and one from Florence, Italy, which is the region of origin of P. castaneus. The four combinations of primers generated a total of 367 fragments of DNA, and 100% of polymorphic loci, indicating high degree of molecular polymorphism. The dendrogram did not reveal trends for grouping the populations in relation to origin. The low genetic similarity (0.11 between the most distant groups) and genetic distances of 0.13 and 0.44 for 10 out of the 20 samples may indicate several founding events or multiple introductions of heterogeneous strains into Brazil. The allelic fixation index (Fst) was 0.3851, considered high, and the number of migrants (Nm) was 0.3991, indicating low gene flow among populations. The highest genetic distances were between the population from Irani, SC and Cambará do Sul, RS and Bituruna, PR, indicating an independent founding event or a particular allelic fixation in the former location. The high genetic diversity among populations points out that the populations are genetically heterogeneous with a diverse gene pool in the surveyed areas, what makes them to respond differently to control measures.

Electron microscopy of RecA-DNA complexes: Two different states, their functional significance and relation to the solved crystal structure

Seven different electron microscopy techniques habe been employed to study the RecA protein of E. coli. This review provides a summary of the conclusions that have been drawn from these studies, and attempts to relate these observations to models for the role of RecA protein in homologous recombination.

Testing the response of macroinvertebrate functional structure and biodiversity to flooding and confinement

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative importance of flooding- and confinement-related environmentalfeatures in explaining macroinvertebrate trait structure and diversity in a pool of wetlands located in a Mediterranean riverfloodplain. To test hypothesized trait-environment relationships, we employed a recently implemented statistical procedure, thefourth-corner method. We found that flooding-related variables, mainly pH and turbidity, were related to traits that confer an abilityof the organism to resist flooding (e.g., small body-shape, protection of eggs) or recuperate faster after flooding (e.g., short life-span, asexual reproduction). In contrast, confinement-related variables, mainly temperature and organic matter, enhanced traits that allow organisms to interact and compete with other organisms (e.g., large size, sexual reproduction) and to efficiently use habitat and resources (e.g., diverse locomotion and feeding strategies). These results are in agreement with predictions made under the River Habitat Templet for lotic ecosystems, and demonstrate the ability of the fourth-corner method to test hypothesis that posit traitenvironment relationships. Trait diversity was slightly higher in flooded than in confined sites, whereas trait richness was not significantly different. This suggests that although trait structure may change in response to the main environmental factors, as evidenced by the fourth-corner method, the number of life-history strategies needed to persist in the face of such constraints remains more or less constant; only their relative dominance differs

Distinct genetic structure in populations of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) shown by genetic markers ISSR and COI gene

Distinct genetic structure in populations of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) shown by genetic markers ISSR and COI gene. Green lacewings are generalist predators, and the species Chrysoperla externa presents a great potential for use in biological control of agricultural pests due to its high predation and reproduction capacities, as well as its easy mass rearing in the laboratory. The adaptive success of a species is related to genetic variability, so that population genetic studies are extremely important in order to maximize success of the biological control. Thus, the present study used nuclear (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat - ISSR) and mitochondrial (Cytochrome Oxidase I - COI) molecular markers to estimate the genetic variability of 12 populations in the São Paulo State, Brazil, as well as the genetic relationships between populations. High levels of genetic diversity were observed for both markers, and the highest values of genetic diversity appear associated with municipalities that have the greatest areas of native vegetation. There was high haplotype sharing, and there was no correlation between the markers and the geographic distribution of the populations. The AMOVA indicated absence of genetic structure for the COI gene, suggesting that the sampled areas formed a single population unit. However, the great genetic differentiation among populations showed by ISSR demonstrates that these have been under differentiation after their expansion or may also reflect distinct dispersal behavior between males and females.

Effects of forest conversion on the assemblages' structure of aquatic insects in subtropical regions

The effects of forest conversion to agricultural land uses on assemblages of aquatic insects were analyzed in subtropical streams. Organisms and environmental variables were collected in six low-order streams: three streams located in a forested area, and three in areas converted to agricultural land uses. We expected that the aquatic insects' assemblage attributes would be significantly affected by forest conversion, as well as by environmental variables. Streams in converted areas presented lower species richness, abundance and proportion of sensitive insect taxa. The ANOSIM test evidenced strong difference in EPT assemblage structure between streams of forested and converted areas. The ISA test evidenced several EPT genera with high specificity to streams in forested areas and only one genus related to streams in converted areas. Thus, the impacts of the conversion of forested area to agricultural land uses have significantly affected the EPT assemblages, while environmental variables were not affected. We suggest that the effects detected can be influenced by two processes related to vegetation cover: i) lower input of allochthonous material, and ii) increased input of fine sediments in streams draining converted areas.

Identification et qualification des compétences d'entreprise

STRUCTURE DU DOCUMENT ET PRINCIPALES CONTRIBUTIONS CHAPITRE 1 INTRODUCTION ET MÉTHODOLOGIE Le chapitre 1 présente un aperçu de la recherche, le contexte, les objectifs, la méthodologie, la démarche. CHAPITRE 2 : ÉTAT DE LA QUESTION Le chapitre 2 présente un état de la question des principaux concepts : les compétences, la gestion des compétences, les systèmes de gestion des compétences. La question de la gestion des compétences en sciences de gestion, et son lien avec la stratégie de l'entreprise a beaucoup occupé les chercheurs et les praticiens. On peut distinguer deux tendances principales : les recherches provenant du champ disciplinaire de la stratégie d'entreprise, regroupées par commodité sous l'étiquette «approche stratégique », et les recherches issues du domaine de la gestion des ressources humaines, qu'on appellera GRH. Au-delà du vocabulaire souvent commun (ressources, compétences), de la vision partagée qu'il est nécessaire de voir l'entreprise « de l'intérieur » et non plus uniquement dans son environnement, les deux approches ont des problématiques très similaires, comme le lien avec la performance ou les changements organisationnels induits par une démarche compétence. Pourtant, les divergences subsistent. L'approche stratégique procède d'un niveau « macro »pour identifier des « compétences-clés », et peine souvent à opérationnaliser ce concept. Les démarches GRH ont un souci analytique de décomposition de la compétence et de la ressource qui risque de noyer la démarche dans le détail. En outre, alors que le vocabulaire est similaire, les définitions divergent. Concilier ces divergences, afin de conserver les avantages de l'une et de l'autre de ces théories, à savoir le lien avec la stratégie pour l'une et le souci d'opérationnaliser les concepts pour l'autre est peut être plus aisé à l'heure ou les nouvelles conditions auxquelles sont soumises les entreprises qui oeuvrent dans l' »économie de la connaissance ». Les technologies qui deviennent accessibles plus facilement font qu'en dernière instance, ce sont bien les collaborateurs de l'entreprise qui sont le support de la compétence. L'objectif de cet état de la question n'est pas de procéder à un recensement exhaustif des manières de traiter de la compétence en sciences de gestion. Il est plutôt de mettre en évidence ce que les deux approches peuvent amener, chacun à leur manière, à notre problème, l'identification des compétences d'entreprise en lien avec la stratégie. Ces éléments nous serviront de matériau pour construire notre propre modèle d'identification des compétences. C'est sans doute la première fois que ces deux modèles sont confrontés du point de vue de la stratégie de l'entreprise. CHAPITRE 3 : LE MODÈLE CONCEPTUEL Le chapitre 3 présente le modèle conceptuel d'identification des compétences d'entreprise. Après une discussion sur la notion de modèle en sciences de gestion, il présente l'intérêt d'une modélisation, et la démarche de modélisation. Celle-ci se décompose en 3 étapes concentriques successives : un modèle informel, un modèle semi-formel qui prendra la forme d'une ontologie, et quelques éléments d'un modèle formel. Une présentation des ontologies et de l'utilité de cette technique précèdera la construction du modèle à proprement parler. Cette construction se fera à partir des fonctionnalités d'un système de gestion des compétences défini comme utile à l'entreprise, c'est à dire répondant aux objectifs. Dans cette partie, nous construirons notre modèle conceptuel d'identification et de qualification des compétences d'entreprises. Nous commencerons par préciser la notion de modèle. Un modèle consiste en une schématisation, -qui typifie certaines caractéristiques du réel, pour en faire ressortir certains traits dominants, les mettre en valeur et permettre ainsi d'anticiper certains développements de la réalité. Nous sélectionnerons et préciserons ensuite les entités nécessaires à la composition du modèle. Nous définirons ainsi le concept de compétences et les concepts qui lui sont liés. Dans une troisième partie, nous montrerons en quoi la technique des ontologies peut se révéler utile pour notre problématique. CHAPITRE 4 : LE MODÈLE DE RAISONNEMENT Le chapitre 4 présente le modèle de raisonnement, quelques fonctionnalités du prototype, quelques éléments de l'algorithme, une esquisse de l'architecture, des requêtes possibles, vues à travers une technique inspirée des use-cases. La partie précédente aura permis de sélectionner les entités nécessaires à un modèle d'identification et de qualification des compétences. Dans cette partie, nous allons développer le modèle de raisonnement. L'objectif de notre travail est d'identifier concrètement les compétences de l'entreprise, et de les qualifier, afin de servir d'aide à la décision. Dans cette optique, le modèle de raisonnement décrira les opérations effectuées sur les entités identifiées précédemment. Après avoir défini le modèle de raisonnement et son fonctionnement, nous présenterons les quatre cas d'utilisation qui nous servirons d'exemples d'utilisation. Il s'agit des cas de dirigeant d'entreprise, responsable des ressources humaines, chef de projet, et collaborateur de l'entreprise. Ces cas d'utilisation nous permettrons d'opérationnaliser les concepts décrits dans le modèle conceptuel à travers un système d'indicateurs, d'effectuer des opérations sur ces concepts. ANNEXE : UNE ÉTUDE DE CAS Enfin, en annexe de ce document, nous décrirons une étude de cas. Il s'agit d'une intervention menée en entreprise, qui a repris, et ainsi testé, une bonne partie des éléments décrits dans ce travail. Cette intervention a débouché sur la mise en place d'une gestion des compétences qui se concrétise notamment par un «tableau de bord des compétences ». CHAPITRE 5 : CONCLUSIONS ET PERSPECTIVES Le chapitre 5 présente les conclusions, et quelques perspectives. Il présente les principaux apports, les limites, un retour sur certaines questions méthodologiques. PRINCIPALES CONTRIBUTIONS L'objectif de cette thèse est de proposer un modèle qui permette d'identifier et de qualifier les compétences d'entreprise. On peut dégager un certain nombre de contributions 1. Nous proposons un modèle d'identification et de qualification des compétences en cohérence avec les préoccupations des entreprises, notamment par le lien avec la stratégie, qui permet l'adaptabilité et la flexibilité. 2. Nous proposons une méthode de qualification des compétences qui permet de distinguer les compétences d'entreprise selon différents points de vue 3. Nous proposons des fonctionnalités et une architecture rendant possible la réalisation d'un outil de gestion des compétences.

Hypomyelination Caused by Scap Deletion is Slowly Rescued by Extracellular Lipids that Alter Myelin Structure

Myelination requires a massive increase in glial cell membrane synthesis. Here we demonstrate that the acute phase of myelin lipid synthesis is regulated by SREBP cleavage activation protein (SCAP), an activator of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). Deletion of SCAP in Schwann cells led to a loss of SREBP-mediated gene expression, congenital hypomyelination and abnormal gait. Interestingly, aging SCAP mutant mice showed partial regain of function; they exhibited improved gait and produced small amounts of myelin indicating a slow SCAP-independent uptake of external lipids. Accordingly, extracellular lipoproteins promoted myelination by SCAP mutant Schwann cells. However, SCAP mutant myelin never reached normal thickness and had biophysical abnormalities concordant with abnormal lipid composition. These data demonstrate that SCAP mediated regulation of glial lipogenesis is key to the proper synthesis of myelin membrane. The described defects in SCAP mutant myelination provide new insights into the pathogenesis, and open new avenues for treatment strategies, of peripheral neuropathies associated with lipid metabolic disorders.

DNA structure-specific priming of ATR activation by DNA-PKcs.

Three phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-related protein kinases implement cellular responses to DNA damage. DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated respond primarily to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Ataxia-telangiectasia and RAD3-related (ATR) signals the accumulation of replication protein A (RPA)-covered single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), which is caused by replication obstacles. Stalled replication intermediates can further degenerate and yield replication-associated DSBs. In this paper, we show that the juxtaposition of a double-stranded DNA end and a short ssDNA gap triggered robust activation of endogenous ATR and Chk1 in human cell-free extracts. This DNA damage signal depended on DNA-PKcs and ATR, which congregated onto gapped linear duplex DNA. DNA-PKcs primed ATR/Chk1 activation through DNA structure-specific phosphorylation of RPA32 and TopBP1. The synergistic activation of DNA-PKcs and ATR suggests that the two kinases combine to mount a prompt and specific response to replication-born DSBs.

Cape Verdean Creole of São Vicente: Its genesis and Structure

Although the Santiago variety of Cape Verdean Creole (CVC) has been the subject of numerous linguistic works, the second major variety of the language, i.e. the São Vicente variety of CVC (CVSV), has hardly been described. Nevertheless this lack of studies and given its striking differences, on all linguistic levels, from the variety of Santiago (CVST), the implicit explanation for such divergences, echoed for decades in the literature on CVC, has been the presumably decreolized character of CVSV. First, this study provides a comprehensive fieldwork-based synchronic description of CVSV major morpho-syntactic categories in the intent to document the variety. Second, it aims to place the study of CVSV within a broader scope of contact linguistics in the quest to explain its structure. Based on analyses of historical documents and studies, it reconstructs the sociohistorical scenario of the emergence and development of CVSV in the period of 1797- 1975. From the comparison of the current structures of CVSV and CVST, the examination of linguistic data in historical texts and the analysis of sociohistorical facts it becomes clear that the contemporary structure of CVSV stems from the contact-induced changes that occurred during the intensive language and dialect contact on the island of São Vicente in the early days of its settlement in the late 18th and ensuing early 19th century development, rather than from modern day pressure of Portuguese. Although this dissertation argues for multiple explanations rather than a single theory, by showing that processes such as languages shift among the first Portuguese settlers, L2 acquisition, migration of the Barlavento speakers and subsequent dialect leveling as well as language borrowing at a later stage were at stake, it demonstrates the usefulness of partial-restructuring model proposed by Holm (2004).

Spatial variation of dung beetle assemblages associated with forest structure in remnants of southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, and is currently highly fragmented and disturbed due to human activities. Variation in environmental conditions in the Atlantic Forest can influence the distribution of species, which may show associations with some environmental features. Dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) are insects that act in nutrient cycling via organic matter decomposition and have been used for monitoring environmental changes. The aim of this study is to identify associations between the spatial distribution of dung beetle species and Atlantic Forest structure. The spatial distribution of some dung beetle species was associated with structural forest features. The number of species among the sampling sites ranged widely, and few species were found in all remnant areas. Principal coordinates analysis indicated that species composition, abundance and biomass showed a spatially structured distribution, and these results were corroborated by permutational multivariate analysis of variance. The indicator value index and redundancy analysis showed an association of several dung beetle species with some explanatory environmental variables related to Atlantic Forest structure. This work demonstrated the existence of a spatially structured distribution of dung beetles, with significant associations between several species and forest structure in Atlantic Forest remnants from Southern Brazil.

Brain structure in movement disorders: a neuroimaging perspective.

Purpose of review: An overview of recent advances in structural neuroimaging and their impact on movement disorders research is presented. Recent findings: Novel developments in computational neuroanatomy and improvements in magnetic resonance image quality have brought further insight into the pathophysiology of movement disorders. Sophisticated automated techniques allow for sensitive and reliable in-vivo differentiation of phenotype/genotype related traits and their interaction even at presymptomatic stages of disease. Summary: Voxel-based morphometry consistently demonstrates well defined patterns of brain structure changes in movement disorders. Advanced stages of idiopathic Parkinson's disease are characterized by grey matter volume decreases in basal ganglia. Depending on the presence of cognitive impairment, volume changes are reported in widespread cortical and limbic areas. Atypical Parkinsonian syndromes still pose a challenge for accurate morphometry-based classification, especially in early stages of disease progression. Essential tremor has been mainly associated with thalamic and cerebellar changes. Studies on preclinical Huntington's disease show progressive loss of tissue in the caudate and cortical thinning related to distinct motor and cognitive phenotypes. Basal ganglia volume in primary dystonia reveals an interaction between genotype and phenotype such that brain structure changes are modulated by the presence of symptoms under the influence of genetic factors. Tics in Tourette's syndrome correlate with brain structure changes in limbic, motor and associative fronto-striato-parietal circuits. Computational neuroanatomy provides useful tools for in-vivo assessment of brain structure in movement disorders, allowing for accurate classification in early clinical stages as well as for monitoring therapy effects and/or disease progression.

Assessment of microbial community structure changes by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA)

Amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) is a simple method based on restriction endonuclease digestion of the amplified bacterial 16S rDNA. In this study we have evaluated the suitability of this method to detect differences in activated sludge bacterial communities fed on domestic or industrial wastewater, and subject to different operational conditions. The ability of ARDRA to detect these differences has been tested in modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) configurations. Samples from three activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with the MLE configuration were collected for both oxic and anoxic reactors, and ARDRA patterns using double enzyme digestions AluI+MspI were obtained. A matrix of Dice similarity coefficients was calculated and used to compare these restriction patterns. Differences in the community structure due to influent characteristics and temperature could be observed, but not between the oxic and anoxic reactors of each of the three MLE configurations. Other possible applications of ARDRA for detecting and monitoring changes in activated sludge systems are also discussed