The vacuolar proton-ATPase plays a major role in several membrane-bounded organelles in Paramecium

The vacuolar proton-ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multisubunit enzyme complex that is able to transfer protons over membranes against an electrochemical potential under ATP hydrolysis. The enzyme consists of two subcomplexes: V0, which is membrane embedded; and V1, which is cytosolic. V0 was also reported to be involved in fusion of vacuoles in yeast. We identified six genes encoding c-subunits (proteolipids) of V0 and two genes encoding F-subunits of V1 and studied the role of the V-ATPase in trafficking in Paramecium. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins allowed a clear subcellular localization of c- and F-subunits in the contractile vacuole complex of the osmoregulatory system and in food vacuoles. Several other organelles were also detected, in particular dense core secretory granules (trichocysts). The functional significance of the V-ATPase in Paramecium was investigated by RNA interference (RNAi), using a recently developed feeding method. A novel strategy was used to block the expression of all six c- or both F-subunits simultaneously. The V-ATPase was found to be crucial for osmoregulation, the phagocytotic pathway and the biogenesis of dense core secretory granules. No evidence was found supporting participation of V0 in membrane fusion.

The embryo and its future

The preimplantation mammalian embryo from different species appears sensitive to the environment in which it develops, either in vitro or in vivo, for example, in response to culture conditions or maternal diet. This sensitivity may lead to long-term alterations in the characteristics of fetal and/or postnatal growth and phenotype, which have implications for clinical health and biotechnological applications. We review the breadth of environmental influences that may affect early embryos and their responses to such conditions along epigenetic, metabolic, cellular, and physiological directions. In addition, we evaluate how embryo environmental responses may influence developmental potential and phenotype during later gestation. We conclude that a complex of different mechanisms may operate to associate early embryo environment with future health.

Theorizing accounting and other [calculative] practices in private equity:Experimenting with Schatzki’s ‘site’ ontology

This thesis contributes to social studies of finance and accounting (Vollmer, Mennicken, & Preda, 2009) and the practice theory literatures (Feldman & Orlikowski, 2011) by experimenting (Baxter & Chua, 2008) with concepts developed by Theodore Schatzki and demonstrating their relevance and usefulness in theorizing and explaining accounting and other organizational phenomena. Influenced by Schatzki, I have undertaken a sociological investigation of the practices, arrangements, and nexuses forming (part of) the social ‘site’ of private equity (PE). I have examined and explained the organization of practices within the PE industry. More specifically, I have sought to throw light on the practice organizations animating various PE practices. I have problematized a particular aspect of Schatzki’s practice organization framework: ‘general understanding’, which has so far been poorly understood and taken for granted in the accounting literature. I have tried to further explore the concept to clarify important definitional issues surrounding its empirical application. In investigating the forms of accounting and control practices in PE firms and how they link with other practices forming part of the ‘site’, I have sought to explain how the ‘situated functionality’ of accounting is ‘prefigured’ by its ‘dispersed’ nature. In doing so, this thesis addresses the recent calls for research on accounting and control practices within financial services firms. This thesis contributes to the social studies of finance and accounting literature also by opening the blackbox of investment [e]valuation practices prevalent in the PE industry. I theorize the due diligence of PE funds as a complex of linked calculative practices and bring to fore the important aspects of ‘practical intelligibility’ of the investment professionals undertaking investment evaluation. I also identify and differentiate the ‘causal’ and ‘prefigurational’ relations between investment evaluation practices and the material entities ‘constituting’ those practices. Moreover, I demonstrate the role of practice memory in those practices. Finally, the thesis also contributes to the practice theory literature by identifying and attempting to clarify and/or improve the poorly defined and/or underdeveloped concepts of Schatzki’s ‘site’ ontology framework.

Computational modelling approaches to vaccinology

Excepting the Peripheral and Central Nervous Systems, the Immune System is the most complex of somatic systems in higher animals. This complexity manifests itself at many levels from the molecular to that of the whole organism. Much insight into this confounding complexity can be gained through computational simulation. Such simulations range in application from epitope prediction through to the modelling of vaccination strategies. In this review, we evaluate selectively various key applications relevant to computational vaccinology: these include technique that operates at different scale that is, from molecular to organisms and even to population level.

Situation Centers in Modern State

Development of information technologies and hardware-software means make it possible to integrate various engineering solutions of technical, technological and information nature within the framework of the single system of implementation. The situation center (SC) represents the complex of hardware-software means for the personal and team work of the managers group. Its main task consists in supporting decision-making on technical and strategic management solutions based on visualization and analytical procession of information. The SC ensures the support of preparation and decision making in particular: − elaboration of the versions and recommendations taking into account various conditions and limitations; − choice or creation of the situation analysis model; − structurization of the problems and definition of the most informative parameters; − monitoring of socio-economical and socio-political information.

The immune system as drug target

The immune system is perhaps the largest yet most diffuse and distributed somatic system in vertebrates. It plays vital roles in fighting infection and in the homeostatic control of chronic disease. As such, the immune system in both pathological and healthy states is a prime target for therapeutic interventions by drugs-both small-molecule and biologic. Comprising both the innate and adaptive immune systems, human immunity is awash with potential unexploited molecular targets. Key examples include the pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system and the major histocompatibility complex of the adaptive immune system. Moreover, the immune system is also the source of many current and, hopefully, future drugs, of which the prime example is the monoclonal antibody, the most exciting and profitable type of present-day drug moiety. This brief review explores the identity and synergies of the hierarchy of drug targets represented by the human immune system, with particular emphasis on the emerging paradigm of systems pharmacology. © the authors, publisher and licensee Libertas Academica Limited.

Identifying key residues important for CGRP binding to its receptor

The calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) is a 37 amino acid neuropeptide. Its receptor is a heterodimeric complex of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) – a family B G-protein coupled receptor – and a single-pass transmembrane protein, receptoractivity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1). Here, we identify residues, within the N-terminal extracellular domain (ECD) of CLR, potentially involved in ligand binding.Certain residues presumed to be possible sites of contact for the CGRP were picked from the CLR/RAMP1 ECD crystal structure (PDB 3N7S). Residues were mutated to alanine (A) bysite-directed mutagenesis (QuikChangeTM, Stratagene). Mutants were analysed for their ability to stimulate cAMP and cell surface expression as previously described [1]. All mutants showed reduced potency, though to varying degrees as indicated by their pEC50 values. W69A and D70Ashowed significant reduction in cell surface expression.These findings suggest that these residues are important for the interaction of CGRP with its receptor. W69A and D70A, part of the WDG motif of family B GPCRs, are thought to rather play a role in receptor stability [2]. The data is consistent with CGRP binding in agroove between CLR and RAMP1. This project was supported byAston School of Life and Health Sciences.References1. Barwell J, Conner A & Poyner D (2011) Extracellular loops 1and 3 and their associated transmembrane regions of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor are needed for CGRP receptor function. Biochim Biophys Acta 1813, 1906–1916.2. Kumar S, Pioszak A, Zhang C et al. (2011) Crystal Structure of the PAC1R Extracellular Domain Unifies a Consensus Fold for Hormone Recognition by Class B G-Protein Cou-pled Receptors. PLoS One 6, e19682

A plasticidade acústica de uma população de Boto - Cinza, Sotalia Guianensis (Van Banédén, 1864) (Cetacea, Delphinidae), na região Nordeste do Brasil

The environmental characteristics can modify the acoustics of a species due to habitat, time of day and year. Therefore, this study investigated the relationships between seasons, tide, daily cycle of tides, times of day and different habitat and noise emission of S. guianensis. Sound recordings occurred in the Curral’s Cove and Lagoon Complex of Guaraíras (CLG) in the municipality of Tibau do Sul/RN. Whistles are emitted with lower frequency during rainy season and spring tide while clicks are higher; whistles, clicks and calls have higher frequency during ebb tide. These modifications can be related with turbidity and prey availability. The whistles and clicks occurrence are higher at night probably because luminosity is lower. Furthermore, the whistles and clicks frequency reduction overnight allows the sound to travel longer distance and helps the view which is limited; but the minimum frequency increase was needed to catch the prey. The low occurrence of calls could be related to the small group size. The acoustic changes at night may be partly influenced by light levels as prey availability that is larger in this period. Whistle frequencies and click initial frequency are higher in CLG than Curral’s cove that permitted good precision. However, click central frequency is lower and may be connected to tracking the area. Several factors may be associated with such modifications as background noise, bottom and others. This study supports the hypothesis that S. guianensis presents an acoustic plasticity according to the local conditions where the species is embedded and adapts to the environmental changes.

Estudo do domínio segurança/proteção da NANDA internacional em pacientes de unidade de terapia intensiva

The study aimed to analyze the field of nursing diagnoses safety / protection of NANDA International present in patients in the Intensive Care Unit. This is a crosssectional study in intensive care complex of a university hospital in northeastern Brazil. The research took place in two stages. The first step was to collect data through an interview form and physical examination, with 86 patients admitted to the unit, during the months of December 2013 to May 2014. Spreadsheets were built in Microsoft Office Excel 2010 Software in which were marked by the researcher of this study, the presence or absence of defining characteristics, related factors and risk factors of the 31 studied diagnoses. In the second stage, held between July and August 2014, the sheets were sent to three diagnosticians, previously trained to perform the diagnostic inference. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for the diagnoses that showed higher frequencies than 50%, using IBM SPSS version 20.0 for Statistic Windows.O project was approved by the 440/414 and Presentation Certificate for Ethics Assessment number 22955113 .2.0000.5292. The results indicated the presence of 29 field of nursing diagnoses safety / protection in hospital clientele in the Intensive Care Unit, of which five were present in 100% of patients, namely: Risk of contamination, injury risk, falls risk,risk of allergic response and risk of trauma. Diagnoses that presented more frequently than 50% were: Risk of infection, dry eye risk, poisoning risk, vascular trauma risk, impaired skin integrity, impaired dentition, bleeding risk, risk imbalance in body temperature, Risk perioperative positioning injury, impaired tissue integrity, peripheral neurovascular dysfunction Risk, Risk adverse response to contrast media with iodine, shock Hazard and Risk of aspiration. For these analyzes, we identified 35 risk factors, 11 defining characteristics and three related factors showed statistically significant association with the studied diagnoses. For diagnostics: Risk of contamination, injury risk, falls risk, allergic response risk, trauma Risk, Risk of infection, dry eye risk and risk poisoning there was no association with any of their risk factors. We conclude that most of the area of nursing diagnoses safety / protection feature is prevalent in critically ill patients, with special attention to the risk diagnoses. There was a significant association between these diagnoses and its components. It is noteworthy, therefore, that the lifting of this profile contributes relevant clues to the inference of the priority nursing diagnoses domain safety / protection in the study population, supporting the practice of nursing and stimulating knowledge on the subject.

Expressão geofísica-estrutural do lineamento transbrasiliano na porção central da Bacia do Parnaíba (Maranhão-Piauí)

The objective of this study was to characterize the structural-geophysical expression of the Transbrasiliano Lineament (TBL) in the east-central portion of the Parnaíba Basin. The TBL corresponds to a major Neoproterozoic NE-trending shear zone related to the Brasiliano orogenic cycle, with dextral strike-slip kinematics, underlying (but also laterally exposed in the NE and SW basin edges) the sedimentary section of the Parnaíba Basin. In this study, the interpretation of gravity and magnetic anomaly maps is consistent with the TBL kinematics, the signature of the geophysical anomalies corresponding to the high (plastic behaviour) and subsequent declining temperature (ductile to brittle behaviour) stages during Brasiliano and late Brasiliano times. The pattern of residual gravity anomalies is compatible with an S-C dextral pair shaping the geological bodies of an heterogeneous basement, such as slices of gneisses and granulites (positive anomalies), granitic and low-medium grade metasedimentary rocks (negative anomalies). Such anomalies curvilinear trends, ranging from NNE (interpreted as S surfaces) to NE (C surfaces), correspond to flattening surfaces (S), while the NE rectilinear trend must represent a C band. The narrower magnetic anomalies also display NNE to NE (S surfaces) trends and should correspond to similar (although narrower and more discontinuous) sources in the equivalent anomaly patterns. Pre-Silurian pull-apart style grabens may contribute to the NE negative gravimetric anomalies, although this interpretation demands control by seismic data analysis. On the other hand, the curvilinear anomalies associated to contractional trends are incompatible with their interpretation as pre-Silurian graben, in both maps. In the (reduced to the pole) magnetic anomalies map, most of these are again associated to low-temperature shear zones (C planes) and faults, juxtaposing distinct blocks in terms of magnetic properties, or eventually filled with basic bodies. It is also possible that some isolated magnetic anomalies correspond to igneous bodies of late-Brasiliano or Mesozoic age. The basement late discontinuities pattern can be interpreted in analogy to the Riedel fractures model, with steep dipping surfaces and a sub-horizontal movement section. This study also explored 2D gravity modeling controlled by the interpretation of a dip seismic line as regards to the Transbrasiliano Lineament. The rock section equivalent to the Jaibaras Group occupying a graben structure (as identified in the seismic line) corresponds to a discrete negative anomaly superimposed to a gravimetric high, once again indicating a stronger influence of older crystalline basement rocks as gravimetric sources, mainly reflecting the heterogeneities and anisotropies generated at high temperature conditions and their subsequent cooling along the TBL, during the Brasiliano cycle.

Expressão geofísica-estrutural do lineamento transbrasiliano na porção central da Bacia do Parnaíba (Maranhão-Piauí)

The objective of this study was to characterize the structural-geophysical expression of the Transbrasiliano Lineament (TBL) in the east-central portion of the Parnaíba Basin. The TBL corresponds to a major Neoproterozoic NE-trending shear zone related to the Brasiliano orogenic cycle, with dextral strike-slip kinematics, underlying (but also laterally exposed in the NE and SW basin edges) the sedimentary section of the Parnaíba Basin. In this study, the interpretation of gravity and magnetic anomaly maps is consistent with the TBL kinematics, the signature of the geophysical anomalies corresponding to the high (plastic behaviour) and subsequent declining temperature (ductile to brittle behaviour) stages during Brasiliano and late Brasiliano times. The pattern of residual gravity anomalies is compatible with an S-C dextral pair shaping the geological bodies of an heterogeneous basement, such as slices of gneisses and granulites (positive anomalies), granitic and low-medium grade metasedimentary rocks (negative anomalies). Such anomalies curvilinear trends, ranging from NNE (interpreted as S surfaces) to NE (C surfaces), correspond to flattening surfaces (S), while the NE rectilinear trend must represent a C band. The narrower magnetic anomalies also display NNE to NE (S surfaces) trends and should correspond to similar (although narrower and more discontinuous) sources in the equivalent anomaly patterns. Pre-Silurian pull-apart style grabens may contribute to the NE negative gravimetric anomalies, although this interpretation demands control by seismic data analysis. On the other hand, the curvilinear anomalies associated to contractional trends are incompatible with their interpretation as pre-Silurian graben, in both maps. In the (reduced to the pole) magnetic anomalies map, most of these are again associated to low-temperature shear zones (C planes) and faults, juxtaposing distinct blocks in terms of magnetic properties, or eventually filled with basic bodies. It is also possible that some isolated magnetic anomalies correspond to igneous bodies of late-Brasiliano or Mesozoic age. The basement late discontinuities pattern can be interpreted in analogy to the Riedel fractures model, with steep dipping surfaces and a sub-horizontal movement section. This study also explored 2D gravity modeling controlled by the interpretation of a dip seismic line as regards to the Transbrasiliano Lineament. The rock section equivalent to the Jaibaras Group occupying a graben structure (as identified in the seismic line) corresponds to a discrete negative anomaly superimposed to a gravimetric high, once again indicating a stronger influence of older crystalline basement rocks as gravimetric sources, mainly reflecting the heterogeneities and anisotropies generated at high temperature conditions and their subsequent cooling along the TBL, during the Brasiliano cycle.

L’espace comme matériau : l’architecture moderne et le complexe du Bauhaus à Dessau

Pour respecter les droits d’auteur, la version électronique de ce mémoire a été dépouillée de certains documents visuels. La version intégrale du mémoire a été déposée à la Division de la gestion des documents et des archives.

Para un catálogo atractivo : Libros y políticas editoriales para las bibliotecas populares. La propuesta de Domingo Faustino Sarmiento

Se expone una hipótesis de trabajo para abordar el estudio de los escritos de Domingo Faustino Sarmiento sobre las bibliotecas populares. En ese contexto, el presente ensayo explora una cuestión específica: ¿qué libros para las bibliotecas populares? A través de un análisis crítico de los textos del autor, se intenta mostrar que los lineamientos que perfilan las características de las colecciones de estas instituciones deben identificarse en los vínculos que mantienen los múltiples núcleos temáticos analizados por Sarmiento, a saber: el examen del comercio y la industria del libro en América, la organización de proyectos editoriales, la toma de posición frente a la lectura de novelas, entre otros. A partir de un artículo concreto, se describe la manera en que Sarmiento entiende la relación entre los lectores y las lecturas en el contexto específico de una biblioteca popular. En un balance final, se realizan dos observaciones. Primero: la elección de lecturas no es una prescripción aislada, sino un complejo de observaciones sobre la presencia del libro y la lectura en América Latina, especialmente en Chile y en la Argentina. Segundo, el autor apela a la constitución de un catálogo capaz de atraer a los lectores. Esta finalidad, es prioritaria en su proyecto

Para un catálogo atractivo : Libros y políticas editoriales para las bibliotecas populares. La propuesta de Domingo Faustino Sarmiento

Se expone una hipótesis de trabajo para abordar el estudio de los escritos de Domingo Faustino Sarmiento sobre las bibliotecas populares. En ese contexto, el presente ensayo explora una cuestión específica: ¿qué libros para las bibliotecas populares? A través de un análisis crítico de los textos del autor, se intenta mostrar que los lineamientos que perfilan las características de las colecciones de estas instituciones deben identificarse en los vínculos que mantienen los múltiples núcleos temáticos analizados por Sarmiento, a saber: el examen del comercio y la industria del libro en América, la organización de proyectos editoriales, la toma de posición frente a la lectura de novelas, entre otros. A partir de un artículo concreto, se describe la manera en que Sarmiento entiende la relación entre los lectores y las lecturas en el contexto específico de una biblioteca popular. En un balance final, se realizan dos observaciones. Primero: la elección de lecturas no es una prescripción aislada, sino un complejo de observaciones sobre la presencia del libro y la lectura en América Latina, especialmente en Chile y en la Argentina. Segundo, el autor apela a la constitución de un catálogo capaz de atraer a los lectores. Esta finalidad, es prioritaria en su proyecto

Sampling information, length measurements, DNA alignments, models and phylogenetics trees for Oithona similis s.l.

Traditionally, many small-sized copepod species are considered to be widespread, bipolar or cosmopolitan. However, these large-scale distribution patterns need to be re-examined in view of increasing evidence of cryptic and pseudo-cryptic speciation in pelagic copepods. Here, we present a phylogeographic study of Oithona similis s.l. populations from the Arctic Ocean, the Southern Ocean and its northern boundaries, the North Atlantic and the Mediterrranean Sea. O. similis s.l. is considered as one of the most abundant species in temperate to polar oceans and acts as an important link in the trophic network between the microbial loop and higher trophic levels such as fish larvae. Two gene fragments were analysed: the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI), and the nuclear ribosomal 28S genetic marker. Seven distinct, geographically delimitated, mitochondrial lineages could be identified, with divergences among the lineages ranging from 8 to 24 %, thus representing most likely cryptic or pseudocryptic species within O. similis s.l. Four lineages were identified within or close to the borders of the Southern Ocean, one lineage in the Arctic Ocean and two lineages in the temperate Northern hemisphere. Surprisingly the Arctic lineage was more closely related to lineages from the Southern hemisphere than to the other lineages from the Northern hemisphere, suggesting that geographic proximity is a rather poor predictor of how closely related the clades are on a genetic level. Molecular clock application revealed that the evolutionary history of O. similis s.l. is possibly closely associated with the reorganization of the ocean circulation in the mid Miocene and may be an example of allopatric speciation in the pelagic zone.