Connexin36, an Essential Element in the Rod Pathway, Is Highly Expressed in the Essentially Rodless Retina of Gallus gallus

Electrical coupling provided by connexins (Cx) in gap junctions (GJ) plays important roles in both the developing and the mature retina. In mammalian nocturnal species, Cx36 is an essential component in the rod pathway, the retinal circuit specialized for night, scotopic vision. Here, we report the expression of Cx36 in a species (Gallus gallus) that phylogenetic development endows with an essentially rodless retina. Cx36 gene is very highly expressed in comparison with other Cxs previously described in the adult retina, such as Cx43, Cx45, and Cx50. Moreover, real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence all revealed that Cx36 expression massively increased over time during development. We thoroughly examined Cx36 in the inner and outer plexiform layers, where this protein was particularly abundant. Cx36 was observed mainly in the off sublamina of the inner plexiform layer rather than in the on sublamina previously described in the mammalian retina. In addition, Cx36 colocalized with specific cell markers, revealing the expression of this protein in distinct amacrine cells. To investigate further the involvement of Cx36 in visual processing, we examined its functional regulation in retinas from dark-adapted animals. Light deprivation markedly up-regulates Cx36 gene expression in the retina, resulting in an increased accumulation of the protein within and between cone synaptic terminals. In summary, the developmental regulation of Cx36 expression results in particular circuitry-related roles in the chick retina. Moreover, this study demonstrated that Cx36 onto- and phylogenesis in the vertebrate retina simultaneously exhibit similarities and particularities. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:651-663, 2009. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Lack of photoreceptor signaling alters the expression of specific synaptic proteins in the retina

Synaptic modulation by activity-dependent changes constitutes a cellular mechanism for neuronal plasticity. However, it is not clear how the complete lack of neuronal signaling specifically affects elements involved in the communication between neurons. In the retina, it is now well established that both chemical and electrical synapses are essential to mediate the transmission of visual signaling triggered by the photoreceptors. In this study, we compared the expression of synaptic proteins in the retinas of wild-type (WT) vs. rd/rd mice, an animal model that displays inherited and specific ablation of photoreceptors caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the beta-subunit of rod cGMP-phosphodiesterase (Pde6b(rd1)). We specifically examined the expression of connexins (Cx), the proteins that form the gap junction channels of electrical synapses, in addition to synaptophysin and synapsin 1, which are involved in the release of neurotransmitters at chemical synapses. Our results revealed that Cx36 gene expression levels are lower in the retinas of rd/rd when compared with WT. Confocal analysis indicated that Cx36 immunolabeling almost disappeared in the outer plexiform layer without significant changes in protein distribution within the inner plexiform layer of rd/rd retinas. Likewise, synaptophysin expression remarkably decreased in the outer plexiform layer of rd/rd retinas, and this down-regulation was also associated with diminished transcript levels. Furthermore, we observed down-regulation of Cx57 gene expression in rd/rd retinas when compared with WT and also changes in protein distribution. Interestingly, Cx45 and synapsin I expression in rd/rd retinas showed no noticeable changes when compared with WT. Taken together, our results revealed that the loss of photoreceptors leads to decreased expression of some synaptic proteins. More importantly, this study provides evidence that neuronal activity regulates, but is not essential to maintain, the expression of synaptic elements. (c) 2008 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Connexin-mediated communication controls cell proliferation and is essential in retinal histogenesis

Connexin (Cx) channels and hemichannels are involved in essential processes during nervous system development such as apoptosis, propagation of spontaneous activity and interkinetic nuclear movement. In the first part of this study, we extensively characterized Cx gene and protein expression during retinal histogenesis. We observed distinct spatio-temporal patterns among Studied Cx and an overriding, ubiquitous presence of Cx45 in progenitor cells. The role of Cx-mediated communication was assessed by using broad-spectrum (carbenoxotone, CBX) and Cx36/Cx50 channel-specific (quinine) blockers. In vivo application of CBX, but not quinine, caused remarkable reduction in retinal thickness, suggesting changes in cell proliferation/apoptosis ratio. Indeed, we observed a decreased number of mitotic cells in CBX-injected retinas, with no significant changes in the expression of PCNA, a marker for cells in proliferative state. Taken together, Our results pointed a pivotal role of Cx45 in the developing retina. Moreover, this study revealed that Cx-mediated Communication is essential in retinal histogenesis, particularly in the control of cell proliferation. (C) 2009 ISDN. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Localization of Cathepsins D and B at the Maternal-Fetal Interface and the Invasiveness of the Trophoblast during the Postimplantation Period in the Mouse

A survey of existing data suggests that trophoblast cells produce factors involved in extracellular matrix degradation. In this study, we correlated the expression of cathepsins D and B in the murine ectoplacental cone with the ultrastructural progress of decidual invasion by trophoblast cells. Both proteases were immunolocalized at implantation sites in lysosome-endosome-like compartments of trophoblast giant cells. Cathepsin D, but not cathepsin B, was also detected ultrastructurally in extracellular compartments surrounded by processes of the invading trophoblast containing extracellular matrix components and endometrial cell debris. The expression of cathepsins D and B by trophoblast cells was confirmed by RT-PCR in ectoplacental cones isolated from implantation chambers at gestation day 7.5. Our data addressed a positive relationship between the expression and presence of cathepsin D at the extracellular compartment of the maternal-fetal interface and the invasiveness of the trophoblast during the postimplantation period, suggesting a participation of invading trophoblast cells in the cathepsin D release. Such findings indicate that mouse trophoblast cells might exhibit a proteolytic ability to partake in the decidual invasion process at the maternal-fetal interface. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Shock wave formation in hot nuclear matter

Assuming that nuclear matter can be treated as a perfect fluid, we study the propagation of perturbations in the baryon density at high temperature. The equation of state is derived from the non-linear Walecka model. The expansion of the Euler and continuity equations of relativistic hydrodynamics around equilibrium configurations lead to the breaking wave equation for the density perturbation. We solve it numerically for this perturbation and follow the propagation of the initial pulses.

Sediment deformation in Miocene and post-Miocene strata, Northeastern Brazil: Evidence for paleoseismicity in a passive margin

Stratigraphic intervals characterized by varied and complex styles of soft-sediment deformation structures are well preserved in Miocene and Late Pleistocene to Holocene deposits of a sedimentary basin located in Northeastern Brazil. The Miocene strata, represented by the Barreiras Formation, record only brittle structures, including numerous faults and fractures with straight and high angle-dipping planes that are often filled with sands derived from overlying beds. Folds consisting of broad anticlines and synclines are also present in this unit. The late Pleistocene to Holocene deposits, named Post-Barreiras Sediments, contain an indurated sandy package with a large variety of ductile and brittle deformation structures (i.e., massive sandstones with isolated sand fragments and breccias, undulatory strata, sand dykes and diapirs, sinks and bowls, pebbly pockets, plunged sediment mixtures, fitted sand masses, cone-shaped cracks, fault grading and sedimentary enclaves). These features, confined to sharp-based stratigraphic horizons that progressively grade downward into undisturbed deposits, are related to seismic shocks of high surface-wave magnitude (i.e., Ms>5 or 6). Amalgamated seismites suggest that previously formed seismites were affected by subsequent seismic-wave propagation. Seismic waves caused by activity along one, or most likely, several tectonic structures would have propagated throughout the depositional environment, producing laterally extensive seismites. The close proximity to earthquake epicenters would have promoted pervasive re-sedimentation due to pore overpressure, resulting high volumes of massive sandstones and breccia. The similarity between deposits with correlatable strata from many other areas along the Brazilian coast allows raise the hypothesis that the seismic episodes might have affected sedimentation patterns in a large (i.e., extension of several hundreds of kilometers) geographic area. Thus, the modern seismicity recorded along Northeastern Brazil was recurrent during the Quaternary and, perhaps, also in the Pliocene. The estimated high magnitude of the seismic events and the great regional extent of the affected area demonstrate that the Brazilian coast experienced tectonic stress through the last geological episodes of its evolution, which would have favored sediment accumulation and penecontemporaneous re-sedimentation. This geological context is unexpected in a passive margin, inducing to revisit the debate on how active is a passive margin. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

THE SOUTHERN BRAZILIAN SHELF: GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS, QUATERNARY EVOLUTION AND SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION

Extending from latitude 34 degrees S to 22 degrees S the Southern Brazilian shelf constitutes the only part of the Brazilian shelf with a subtropical to temperate environment. The studies on the different geological aspects of the area began in the 1960`s and have recently been reassessed after studies related to the determination of the Economic Exclusive Zone. In terms of morphology, the Southern Brazilian shelf may be divided into three sectors, the Sao Paulo Bight, the Florianopolis-Mostardas Sector and the Rio Grande Cone, characterized by conspicuous differences in terms of geological determining factors, bathymetry, declivities and the presence of canyons and channels. Despite the existence of hundreds of radiocarbon datings the sea level changes curve of southern Brazil during the Last Glacial Cycle is still a matter of debate. A recent controversy on the Middle and late Holocene sea level changes curve raised the question of the amplitude of the oscillations which occurred in the period. Also, a few but relatively consistent radiocarbon datings suggest the occurrence of a high sea level during Isotope Stage 3. In terms of sedimentary cover the Southern Brazilian shelf exhibits a very strong hydrodynamic control, both latitudinal and bathymetrical. The sector southward from 25 degrees S is characterized by the influence of the plume of water carrying sediments originating from the Rio de La Plata. Actually its presence is conspicuous up to 28 degrees S, with the area between this latitude and 25 degrees S constituting a transitional zone. In terms of bathymetry the outer shelf is marked by the ""floor-polisher"" effect of the Brazil Current, which is responsible for the maintenance of a relict facies in areas deeper than 100 meters.

Cearania heterophylla gen. nov et sp nov., a fossil gymnosperm with affinities to the Gnetales from the Early Cretaceous of northern Gondwana

Vegetative and fertile shoots of a shrub-like seed plant from the late Aptian Crato Formation of Brazil are described as Cearania heterophylla Kunzmann, Mohr and Bernardes-de-Oliveira, gen. nov. et sp. nov. Anatomical details of the axes, epidermal features and separate ovulate and pollen producing organs indicate the gymnospermous nature of this plant. The vascular tissue of the axes includes tracheids with bordered pits and fiber tracheids. Vegetative shoots comprising at least three branching orders bear opposite-decussately arranged ovate to lanceolate, dorsiventrally flattened, parallelodromous, rather thick leaves that vary tremendously in size. The amphistomatic leaves bear (brachy-)paracytic stomatal complexes arranged in simple longitudinal files. The ovulate structure is interpreted as a terminally attached single globular ovule/seed surrounded by at least five to six lanceolate bracts. A terminally attached pollen-cone like structure grows on a lateral leafy shoot. The unusual character combination may indicate that the fossils belong to a hitherto unknown group with affinities to ephedroid Gnetales. Sterile shoots formerly often described as Podozamites, Nageiopsis or Lilites that are at least partly congeneric with C. heterophylla Kunzmann, Mohr and Bernardes-de-Oliveira, gen. nov. et sp. nov. had a wide geographic distribution during the Early Cretaceous. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The differential roles of D-Pax2 variants in regulating Drosophila eye and bristle development

The ability to appropriately interact with the environment is crucial to an organism’s survival. The establishment of functional sensory systems, such as the bristles and eyes in Drosophila, is a critical event during the development of the organism. The transcription factor D Pax2 is involved in the differentiation of the shaft and glial cells in the developing bristle (Kavaler et al., Dev, 126:2261-2272, 1999) and of the cone and primary pigment cells in the developing eye (Fu and Noll, Genes Dev, 11:389-405, 1997). How D-Pax2 contributes to distinct differentiative pathways in different cell types is not known. Recent work by Anna Czechowski and Katherine Harmon (personal communication) identified a mutation in the D-Pax2 gene that introduced a stop codon at the end of exon 9, effectively truncating the protein. This mutation affects bristle, but not eye, development. We thus suspected regions after exon 9 are required for D-Pax2 function only in the bristles and may also be associated with alternative splicing of the D Pax2 transcript. We plan to assess the role of the carboxy terminal region of the protein by establishing transgenic lines bearing rescue constructs of D-Pax2 with either the complete coding sequence or with deletions of specific exons. To date, we have generated the first rescue construct bearing the complete coding region of the gene driven by a 3 KB upstream regulatory region of D-Pax2 and are currently generating transgenic fly lines with this construct.

Armas do desenho : analise da minha producao de 1992 e 1993

Essa dissertação analisa a minha produção em desenho de 1992 e 1993, intitulada Armas do Desenho, partindo do estudo comparativo com minha produção anterior de 1988 e 1989, procurando, através disso, delinear a idéia de desenho presente nesses dois períodos e relacionar as influências, em meus desenhos, do trabalho de Jasper Johns e René Magritte. Além de uma breve revisão da importância do desenho como meio técnico na elaboração de imagens,essa dissertação relaciona, no tocante à produção das minhas imagens, os conceitos peirceanos de signo(principalmente ícone e índice), procurando, através disso, caracterizar o desenho como representação e como ação, respectivamente. São identificadas e estudadas, também, na série Armas do Desenho, estratégias de associação de imagens tais como paródia e alegoria. Para a análise das características estruturais de composição dos meus desenhos, foi adotado e adaptado o modelo de abordagem proposto por Clive Ashwin, que possibilitou a definição e o uso de uma nomenclatura o mais objetiva possível, auxiliando na leitura das estratégias de construção das minhas imagens. A análise da série Armas do Desenho procurou caracterizar o desenho como prática significante que, como tal, necessita de uma inter-relação constante entre a formação de conceitos e a atividade prática(o agir).

O Uso de ícones na visualização de informações

A visualização de informações congrega um conjunto de técnicas que têm por objetivo facilitar o entendimento de informações a partir de representações visuais. Nesta área, parte-se do pressuposto de que uma representação visual de dados ou informações proporciona uma forma mais simples e intuitiva de entendê-los e, com isso, inferir mais rapidamente e com maior precisão o seu significado. Normalmente, a tarefa de análise de dados é realizada com o auxílio de ferramentas de acordo com a natureza dos dados e do estudo sendo realizado. As técnicas de visualização de dados e informações não substituem ferramentas de análise específicas. Elas podem ser usadas como primeira aproximação do processo de análise, quando sintetizam de forma visual uma grande massa de dados, permitindo escolher partes do volume de dados para análise mais detalhada, ou como forma de apresentação de dados já reduzidos. Quando o subconjunto dos dados de interesse está disponível, a utilização de uma ferramenta de visualização proporciona maior agilidade nas análises e padrões na massa de dados podem ser descobertos visualmente. Uma das classes de técnicas de visualização utilizada nesta área é a icônica. Um ícone (ou glifo) é um objeto com geometria e aparência paramétricas, as quais podem ser arbitrariamente vinculadas a dados. A função de um ícone é agir como uma representação simbólica, que mostra as características essenciais de um domínio de dados ao qual o ícone se refere. Assim é possível obter uma visualização dos dados de uma forma mais clara e compacta. Em geral, ícones são utilizados para representar dados multidimensionais, ou seja, múltiplos atributos associados a uma posição num espaço qualquer, ou a entidades em estudo. O presente trabalho analisa o uso de ícones na visualização de informações. São discutidos os conceitos fundamentais de visualização de informações e sua relação com a área de mineração de dados. O uso de ícones em diversos trabalhos apontados na literatura é apresentado, sendo abordada a questão de geração automática de ícones, mais flexível do que os conjuntos fixos providos pelos sistemas de visualização estudados. Uma proposta para gerar ícones de forma automática baseada numa especificação paramétrica dos ícones é utilizada em um conjunto de dados característicos de espécimes animais estudados por biólogos do Departamento de Genética da UFRGS.

Fundações superficiais para linhas de transmissão em argilas moles saturadas

As fundações empregadas para linhas de transmissão de alta tensão em depósitos de argilas moles saturadas são geralmente estacas. No Rio Grande do Sul, projetos alternativos com fundações superficiais foram empregados em forma experimental para torres de suspensão, as quais apresentaram bom desempenho com menor custo. Esta pesquisa visa apontar critérios racionais da mecânica dos solos que permitam projetar, a partir do conhecimento do perfil de resistência não drenada, fundações superficiais em depósitos de argilas moles saturadas com maior confiabilidade. Para a determinaçao do perfil de resistência não drenada foi desenvolvido um cone manual com leituras elétricas, o qual foi testado apresentando bons resultados. A vantagem do uso deste equipamento reside no fato de que pode ser transportado manualmente a locais de difícil acesso, onde são implantadas as torres de alta tensão. Os demais parâmetros de solos do local de estudo, situado no município de Canoas no Rio Grande do Sul, foram obtidos a partir de ensaios de compressão triaxial do tipo adensado isotropicamente não drenado (CIU) com medida de poro pressão e de ensaios de adensamento. Foram analisadas as fundações superficiais das torres de suspensão projetadas, empregando teorias analíticas convencionais, baseadas no conhecimento da resistência não drenada, e o método de elementos finitos. A partir deste estudo, é sugerida uma metodologia para projetos de fundações superficiais de torres de suspensão em argilas moles saturadas.

Is China a Northern Partner to Mercosul?

We contrast Free Trade Areas involving Mercosul and the EU25, the US and China, respectively, using a new CGE model and associated database. Roughly, the China FTA lies halfway the other two, a bias towards the US pattern being suggested. When considering China a new Northern partner, protective deals don’t seem advisable. China’s advantages should prevail when facing the US or the EU: its need of capital goods, for instance, may open profitable cross-exchanges. China’s emergence can be a positive factor, if placed in an enlarged policy space where, together with its Asian neighbours, it counter-balances the US-EU polarity.

Monetary union and productivity differences in mercosur countries

This paper investigates cross-country productivity convergence among Mercosur members plus associates (Chile and Bolivia) and Peru, during the period 1960-1999. The testing strategy is based on the definitions of time-series convergence by Bernard and Durlauf (1995), and applies sequentially the multivariate unit root tests proposed by Sarno and Taylor (1998), Flôres, Preumont and Szafarz (1995) and Breuer, Mc Nown and Wallace (1999). The last two tests allow to identify the countries that converge. Our results show evidence of convergence among the four Mercosur countries, using either Argentina or Brazil as benchmark. Weaker evidence of convergence is also found with Bolivia. The results point out that monetary union among the Southern Cone economies, though a far objective, is not without sense.