A diversidade diferencial beta de Coleoptera (Insecta) em uma paisagem antropizada do Bioma Araucária

Este trabalho dá continuidade aos estudos sobre a fauna de Coleoptera do Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, Ponta Grossa, Paraná (PROVIVE). Teve como objeto conhecer a diversidade diferencial, ou seja, avaliar as mudanças que ocorrem na composição de espécies em áreas que sofreram ação antrópica. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de coletas através de armadilha malaise, de setembro de 1999 a agosto de 2000 (52 semanas), em cinco áreas reconhecidas como sendo diferentes habitats num capão de araucária (Floresta Ombrófila Mista), em diferentes níveis de conservação e de manejo:1) uma área de borda de mata (campo - floresta); 2) uma área com povoamento de Araucaria angustifolia, sem manejo; 3) uma área em estágio inicial a intermediário de sucessão vegetal; 4) uma área em estágio intermediário a avançado de sucessão vegetal e 5) uma área em estágio avançado de sucessão vegetal. Foram coletados 10.822 indivíduos de 1.659 espécies. A aplicação de diferentes índices de diversidade beta (b), baseados em medidas de continuidade de espécies e de ganho e perda de espécies, resultaram em altas taxas de mudança, indicando alta diversidade diferencial entre as áreas, onde já havia sido constatada a existência de alta diversidade inventarial (a). A área que mais se diferenciou na composição de espécies foi a borda de mata. As áreas em sucessão vegetal foram as mais assemelhadas entre si, em níveis crescentes da menos para a mais conservada. A alta riqueza de espécies e alta diversidade na composição de espécies de Coleoptera observadas no capão de araucária de Vila Velha, Ponta Grossa, corroboram outros estudos que indicaram ser possível envolver uma grande quantidade da riqueza regional de espécies se for mantido um mosaico de habitats em uma paisagem, envolvendo diferentes níveis de conservação e encraves com plantio de árvores nativas. A fauna de Coleoptera apresentou uma diversidade de composição de espécies que mostram ser um táxon sensível às alterações ambientais em pequena escala espacial, característica importante para ser um indicador de condições ambientais em áreas florestadas.

Micro-Crédito em Cabo Verde e sua Contribuição para o Fomento do Empreendedorismo

Esta pesquisa consiste num estudo sobre o micro-crédito em Cabo Verde, no âmbito do fomento do empreendedorismo, na perspectiva de geração de emprego e rendimentos, com a finalidade de complementar o mercado de trabalho no fomento de empregos e criação de empreendimentos sustentáveis. Procura-se compreender e analisar a dinâmica dos empreendimentos económicos financiados no sector do micro-crédito, na ilha de Santiago, a partir da observação empírica da sua estrutura organizacional. Uma vez que, mudanças económicas sentidas nas últimas décadas foram marcadas pela lógica excludente do mercado capitalista, com marcas profundas de degradação do aparelho do Estado a nível social, pelo aumento do desemprego e da precarização do trabalho, nesse contexto, os empreendimentos procuram, de certa forma, completar o vazio deixado, na medida em que esta poderá ser a via para incentivar as camadas mais pobres das populações a criarem os seus próprios negócios. Nessa prespectiva, as micro-empresas desempenham um papel fundamental na promoção do emprego, inovação, criação de rendimentos e no desenvolvimento económico e social. As fundamentações práticas baseiam-se no estudo feito junto à OMCV, onde analisou-se trabalho desenvolvido pela OMCV no que toca as políticas e os programas de micro-crédito que vem desenvolvendo ao longo da sua actividade, destacando os beneficiários do programa de micro-crédito da OMCV. É oportuno análisar o micro-crédito como ferramenta de fomento ao empreendedorismo. Ampliar os serviços de micro-crédito como uma pirâmide social visa atingir as desigualdades e exclusão social, factores que contribuem para o crescimento e desenvolvimento económico. A inclusão social através do empreenndedorismo, tem sido objecto de estudo nas económias capitalistas, visando desenvolver o empreendedorismo como das alternativas para o crescimento e desenvolvimento económico. Neste sentido, o micro-crédito pode ser um instrumento de amplo alcance às comunidades de baixa rendimento, na promoção de mudanças sociais. Por fim, são deixadas algumas considerações e uma conclusão acerca do trabalho efectuado.

Tetracycline-regulated expression of VEGF-A in beta cells induces angiogenesis: improvement of engraftment following transplantation.

Early revascularization of pancreatic islet cells after transplantation is crucial for engraftment, and it has been suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) plays a significant role in this process. Although VEGF gene therapy can improve angiogenesis, uncontrolled VEGF secretion can lead to vascular tumor formation. Here we have explored the role of temporal VEGF expression, controlled by a tetracycline (TC)-regulated promoter, on revascularization and engraftment of genetically modified beta cells following transplantation. To this end, we modified the CDM3D beta cell line using a lentiviral vector to promote secretion of VEGF-A either in a TC-regulated (TET cells) or a constitutive (PGK cells) manner. VEGF secretion, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and stimulated insulin secretion were assessed in vitro. VEGF secretion was increased in TET and PGK cells, and VEGF delivery resulted in angiogenesis, whereas addition of TC inhibited these processes. Insulin secretion by the three cell types was similar. We used a syngeneic mouse model of transplantation to assess the effects of this controlled VEGF expression in vivo. Time to normoglycemia, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, graft vascular density, and cellular mass were evaluated. Increased expression of VEGF resulted in significantly better revascularization and engraftment after transplantation when compared to control cells. In vivo, there was a significant increase in vascular density in grafted TET and PGK cells versus control cells. Moreover, the time for diabetic mice to return to normoglycemia and the stimulated plasma glucose clearance were also significantly accelerated in mice transplanted with TET and PGK cells when compared to control cells. VEGF was only needed during the first 2-3 weeks after transplantation; when removed, normoglycemia and graft vascularization were maintained. TC-treated mice grafted with TC-treated cells failed to restore normoglycemia. This approach allowed us to switch off VEGF secretion when the desired effects had been achieved. TC-regulated temporal expression of VEGF using a gene therapy approach presents a novel way to improve early revascularization and engraftment after islet cell transplantation.

Micro-patterning of biomolecules on polymer substrates.

UV−excimer laser photoablation was used, in combination with surface blocking techniques, to pattern proteins on the surfaces of polyimide and poly(ethylene terephthalate). This technique involves physical adsorption of avidin through laser-defined openings in low-temperature laminates or adsorbed protein blocking layers. Visualization of biomolecular patterns were monitored using avidin and fluorescein-labeled biotin as a model receptor−ligand couple. Adsorbed proteins could be shown to bind to UV-laser-treated polymer surfaces up to three times higher than on commercially available polymers. UV-laser photoablation was also used for the generation of three-dimensional structure, which leads to the possibility of biomolecule patterning within polymer-based microanalytical systems. The simplicity and easy handling of the described technique facilitate its application in microdiagnostic devices.

Inequality over the business cycle: Estimating income risk using micro-data on consumption

We use CEX repeated cross-section data on consumption and income, to evaluate the nature of increased income inequality in the 1980s and 90s. We decompose unexpected changes in family income into transitory and permanent, and idiosyncratic and aggregate components, and estimate the contribution of each component to total inequality. The model we use is a linearized incomplete markets model, enriched to incorporate risk-sharing while maintaining tractability. Our estimates suggest that taking risk sharing into account is important for the model fit; that the increase in inequality in the 1980s was mainly permanent; and that inequality is driven almost entirely by idiosyncratic income risk. In addition we find no evidence for cyclical behavior of consumption risk, casting doubt on Constantinides and Duffie s (1995) explanation for the equity premium puzzle.

Gestão da Qualidade nas Entidades Públicas: O caso da entidade beta

Evidenciando a literatura sobre o Total Quality Management (TQM), que existem posições muito divergentes sobre a possibilidade da sua aplicação às entidades do sector público, o presente estudo tem como principal objetivo analisar a implementação do TQM nas Entidades Públicas, no sentido de compreender as motivações e as dificuldades que essas entidades enfrentam. Ao mesmo tempo, procura mostrar que adoção desta filosofia de gestão deixou de ser destinada apenas ao sector privado, passando também a fazer parte da realidade das organizações públicas. Como forma de alcançar os objetivos propostos, optou-se por uma metodologia qualitativa e interpretativa, tendo sido utilizado o método do estudo de caso e como técnica de investigação entrevistas semiestruturadas aos colaboradores da Entidade Beta envolvidos no processo da qualidade. As principais conclusões apontam pelo facto de a adoção do TQM na Entidade Beta ter contado com o envolvimento da gestão de topo e de todos os colaboradores apesar de inicialmente existir uma grande resistência por parte destes últimos. Uma das principais motivações para a adoção desta filosofia foi a preocupação com a imagem externa, bem como a preocupação em satisfazer as necessidades dos clientes. Quanto às dificuldades encontradas no processo de implementação, a escassez de tempo foi a mais realçada pelos colaboradores. A aplicação do TQM à Entidade Beta trouxe vários benefícios, tais como a melhoria dos processos, incentivo ao trabalho de equipa, satisfação dos clientes e uma visão de melhoria contínua.

Tomosyn-1 is involved in a post-docking event required for pancreatic beta-cell exocytosis.

Although the assembly of a ternary complex between the SNARE proteins syntaxin-1, SNAP25 and VAMP2 is known to be crucial for insulin exocytosis, the mechanisms controlling this key event are poorly understood. We found that pancreatic beta-cells express different isoforms of tomosyn-1, a syntaxin-1-binding protein possessing a SNARE-like motif. Using atomic force microscopy we show that the SNARE-like domain of tomosyn-1 can form a complex with syntaxin-1 and SNAP25 but displays binding forces that are weaker than those observed for VAMP2 (237+/-13 versus 279+/-3 pN). In pancreatic beta-cells tomosyn-1 was found to be concentrated in cellular compartments enriched in insulin-containing secretory granules. Silencing of tomosyn-1 in the rat beta-cell line INS-1E by RNA interference did not affect the number of secretory granules docked at the plasma membrane but led to a reduction in stimulus-induced exocytosis. Replacement of endogenous tomosyn-1 with mouse tomosyn-1, which differs in the nucleotide sequence from its rat homologue and escapes silencing, restored a normal secretory rate. Taken together, our data suggest that tomosyn-1 is involved in a post-docking event that prepares secretory granules for fusion and is necessary to sustain exocytosis of pancreatic beta-cells in response to insulin secretagogues.

Creative accounting: Some ethical issues of macro- and micro-manipulation

This paper examines two principal categories of manipulative behaviour. The term'macro-manipulation' is used to describe the lobbying of regulators to persuadethem to produce regulation that is more favourable to the interests of preparers.'Micro-manipulation' describes the management of accounting figures to produce abiased view at the entity level. Both categories of manipulation can be viewed asattempts at creativity by financial statement preparers. The paper analyses twocases of manipulation which are considered in an ethical context. The paperconcludes that the manipulations described in it can be regarded as morallyreprehensible. They are not fair to users, they involve an unjust exercise ofpower, and they tend to weaken the authority of accounting regulators.

Variations in IB1/JIP1 expression regulate susceptibility of beta-cells to cytokine-induced apoptosis irrespective of C-Jun NH2-terminal kinase signaling.

We previously reported that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) alone does not cause apoptosis of beta-cells, whereas when combined with gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), it exerts a distinct apoptotic effect. Studies in beta-cell lines indicated that IL-1beta reduced expression of islet brain (IB)-1/JNK interacting protein (JIP)-1, a JNK scaffold protein with antiapoptotic action. We examined whether variations in IB1/JIP-1 expression in purified primary beta-cells affect their susceptibility to cytokine-induced apoptosis. Exposure to IL-1beta for 24 h decreased cellular IB1/JIP-1 content by 66 +/- 17%; this IL-1beta effect was maintained in the presence of TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma, which did not influence IB1/JIP-1 levels by themselves. Addition of IL-1beta to TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma increased apoptosis from 20 +/- 2% to 59 +/- 5%. A similar increase in TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma-induced apoptosis was produced by adenoviral expression of antisense IB1/JIP-1 and was not further enhanced by addition of IL-1beta, indicating that IL-1beta-mediated suppression of IB1/JIP-1 in beta-cells increases their susceptibility to cytokine-induced apoptosis. However, adenovirally mediated overexpression of IB1/JIP-1 also potentiated TNF-alpha + IFN-gamma-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the antiapoptotic effect of IB1/JIP-1 depends on well-defined cellular levels. We conclude that the IB1/JIP-1 level in beta-cells can control their susceptibility to apoptosis independent of JNK signaling.

Patterns of calcium-binding proteins support parallel and hierarchical organization of human auditory areas.

The human primary auditory cortex (AI) is surrounded by several other auditory areas, which can be identified by cyto-, myelo- and chemoarchitectonic criteria. We report here on the pattern of calcium-binding protein immunoreactivity within these areas. The supratemporal regions of four normal human brains (eight hemispheres) were processed histologically, and serial sections were stained for parvalbumin, calretinin or calbindin. Each calcium-binding protein yielded a specific pattern of labelling, which differed between auditory areas. In AI, defined as area TC [see C. von Economo and L. Horn (1930) Z. Ges. Neurol. Psychiatr.,130, 678-757], parvalbumin labelling was dark in layer IV; several parvalbumin-positive multipolar neurons were distributed in layers III and IV. Calbindin yielded dark labelling in layers I-III and V; it revealed numerous multipolar and pyramidal neurons in layers II and III. Calretinin labelling was lighter than that of parvalbumin or calbindin in AI; calretinin-positive bipolar and bitufted neurons were present in supragranular layers. In non-primary auditory areas, the intensity of labelling tended to become progressively lighter while moving away from AI, with qualitative differences between the cytoarchitectonically defined areas. In analogy to non-human primates, our results suggest differences in intrinsic organization between auditory areas that are compatible with parallel and hierarchical processing of auditory information.

Glutamine Stimulates Biosynthesis and Secretion of Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF2), an Autocrine Regulator of Beta Cell Mass and Function.

IGF2 is an autocrine ligand for the beta cell IGF1R receptor and GLP-1 increases the activity of this autocrine loop by enhancing IGF1R expression, a mechanism that mediates the trophic effects of GLP-1 on beta cell mass and function. Here, we investigated the regulation of IGF2 biosynthesis and secretion. We showed that glutamine rapidly and strongly induced IGF2 mRNA translation using reporter constructs transduced in MIN6 cells and primary islet cells. This was followed by rapid secretion of IGF2 via the regulated pathway, as revealed by the presence of mature IGF2 in insulin granule fractions and by inhibition of secretion by nimodipine and diazoxide. When maximally stimulated by glutamine, the amount of secreted IGF2 rapidly exceeded its initial intracellular pool and tolbutamide, and high K(+) increased IGF2 secretion only marginally. This indicates that the intracellular pool of IGF2 is small and that sustained secretion requires de novo synthesis. The stimulatory effect of glutamine necessitates its metabolism but not mTOR activation. Finally, exposure of insulinomas or beta cells to glutamine induced Akt phosphorylation, an effect that was dependent on IGF2 secretion, and reduced cytokine-induced apoptosis. Thus, glutamine controls the activity of the beta cell IGF2/IGF1R autocrine loop by increasing the biosynthesis and secretion of IGF2. This autocrine loop can thus integrate changes in feeding and metabolic state to adapt beta cell mass and function.

Effect of a novel beta-adrenoceptor agonist (Ro 40-2148) on resting energy expenditure in obese women.

The aim of this single-blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effects of the new beta-adrenergic compound Ro 40-2148 on resting energy expenditure (REE) at rest and after an oral glucose load in non-diabetic obese women before and after two weeks of treatment. After one week of placebo administration and after an overnight fast and one hour rest, REE and glucose and lipid oxidation rates were measured by indirect calorimetry (hood system) before and for 6 h after a single dose of placebo solution. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed during this period starting 90 min after the placebo administration. During the following two weeks, using a randomization design, six patients received Ro 40-2148 at a dose of 400 mg diluted in 100 ml water twice a day (i.e. 800 mg per day), while six others continued with the placebo administration. The same tests and measurements were repeated after two weeks, except for the treatment group which received the drug instead of the placebo. The 14-day period of drug administration did not increase REE measured in post-absorptive conditions. Similarly, there was no acute effect on REE of a 400 mg dose of Ro 40-2148. In contrast, glucose-induced thermogenesis was significantly increased after two weeks in the treatment group (means +/- s.e.m.: 3.7 +/- 1.3%, P = 0.047), while no change was observed in the placebo group (-0.8 +/- 0.7%, not significant). Since there was no significant change in the respiratory quotient, the increase in energy expenditure observed in the treatment group was due to stimulation of both lipid and glucose oxidation. The drug induced no variations in heart rate, blood pressure, axillary temperature or in plasma glucose, insulin and free fatty acid levels. In conclusion, this study shows that Ro 40-2148 activates glucose-induced thermogenesis in obese non-diabetic patients.

Characterization and detection of naturally occurring antibodies against IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta in normal human plasma.

During the development and testing of a radioreceptor assay (RRA) for human IL-1, we have detected and identified the presence of auto-antibodies to IL-1 in normal human plasma (NHP). The RRA is based on the competition between human 125I-labeled rIL-1 alpha and standard or unknown quantities of IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta for binding to a limited amounts of IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) isolated from the EL4 mouse thymoma cell line. NHP from 20 out of 100 unselected blood donors were found to completely inhibit the binding of 125I-labeled IL-1 alpha to its receptor, suggesting the presence in these NHP samples of either abnormal amounts of IL-1 or of a factor binding to the 125I-labeled IL-1 alpha. Special care was taken to ascertain that the inhibitory factors were antibodies and not soluble IL-1 receptor antagonist. When plasma samples with inhibiting activity were incubated with labeled IL-1 alpha and chromatographed on a Sephadex G200 column, they were found to contain 125I-labeled complexes with an apparent molecular weight of 150-200kD. The IL-1 binding factor could be eliminated from plasma by incubation with protein A-Sepharose, suggesting that it consisted in IgG antibodies directed against IL-1. Furthermore, the antibody nature of the inhibiting factor was confirmed by its binding to purified rIL-1 coupled to Sepharose. Screening of 200 NHP samples by incubation with 100 pg of 125I-labeled IL-1 followed by precipitation with 12% of polyethylene glycol (PEG) confirmed that about 25% of NHP contain detectable IgG antibodies to IL-1 alpha, while only 2% of NHP contain antibodies to IL-1 beta. No correlation between the presence of these anti-IL-1 antibodies and any particular major histocompatibility complex or any pathological conditions was detected. We suggest that all serum samples assayed for IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta content should be pretested with the PEG precipitation assay described here.