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We present estimates of the seasonal and spatial occupation by pinnipeds of the Wildlife Refuge of Ilha dos Lobos (WRIL), based on aerial photographic censuses. Twenty aerial photographic censuses were analysed between July 2010 and November 2018. To assess monthly differences in the numbers of pinnipeds in the WRIL we used a Generalized Linear Mixed Model. Spatial analysis was carried out using Kernel density analysis of the pinnipeds on a grid plotted along the WRIL. Subadult male South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) were the most abundant pinniped in the WRIL. Potential females of this species were also recorded during half of the census. The maximum number of pinnipeds observed in the WRIL was 304 in September 2018, including an unexpected individual southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), and a high number of South American fur seal yearlings (Arctocephalus australis). However, there was no statistically significant difference in counts between months. In all months analysed, pinnipeds were most often found concentrated in the northern portion of the island, with the highest abundances reported in September. This study confirms the importance of the WRIL as a haulout site for pinnipeds in Brazil, recommends that land research and recreational activities occur in months when no pinnipeds are present, and encourages a regulated marine mammal-based tourism during winter and spring months. Fil: Procksch, Natália. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Brasil Fil: Grandi, Maria Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina Fil: Ott, Paulo Henrique. Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul; Brasil. Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos Do Rio Grande Do Sul (GEMARS); Brasil Fil: Groch, Karina. Instituto Australis de Pesquisa E Monitoramento Ambiental. Projeto Baleia Franca; Brasil Fil: Flores, Paulo A. C.. Centro Mamíferos Aquáticos, Currently at Área de Proteção Ambiental; Brasil Fil: Zagonel, Marcelo. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Brasil Fil: Crespo, Enrique Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina Fil: Machado, Rodrigo. Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos Do Rio Grande Do Sul (GEMARS); Brasil Fil: Pavez, Guido. Universidad de Valparaiso; Chile Fil: Guimarães, Murilo. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Veronez, Maurício. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Brasil Fil: de Oliveira, Larissa Rosa. Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos Do Rio Grande Do Sul (GEMARS); Brasil. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Brasil

The bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus, is one of the most important invasive anurans, affecting especially native anurans due to their similar habits. Here we used a hierarchical co-occurrence model fit in a Bayesian framework to investigate the effects of the bullfrog on two native frog species from southern Brazil, testing the hypothesis that bullfrog presence changes the activity of native species and their relationship with habitat. We found that both occupancy and detection probabilities of native species were similar with bullfrog presence or absence at a site. However, we observed changes in activity and microhabitat use preferences of both native species when the bullfrog was present, suggesting that the presence of the invasive species altered the behavior of the native species. Changes induced by invasive species can result in severe long-term consequences for native species since niche differentiation may not mediate the ability of species to persist together indefinitely.

We studied the population biology and natural history of the endangered Swallowtail butterfly, Euryades corethrus to establish parameters for its conservation. We used capture-mark-recapture techniques and observations to study demography, mobility, foraging strategies, and sexual behavior. We captured 588 males and 367 females. Daily captures varied from zero to 44 per sex; sex ratio was male-biased. Abundance estimates showed that the population peaked during early spring and summer. Survival probability related to age, while temperature negatively affected recapture probability. Wing size varied throughout the study similarly for males and females, and both sexes displayed similar mobility. The distribution of flowers along sampling transects was not homogenous; Aristolochia sessilifolia was the only host plant recorded. The number of butterfly captures was higher in meadows and shrublands when compared to swamplands. Both the presence of flowers and host plants increased the chances of capturing individuals. The results shown here are relevant to design conservation strategies for the species, suggesting that classic conservation strategies, aimed to maintain a single patch of habitat protecting a single population, may not be the best strategy for the E. corethrus.

Habitat fragmentation is one of the sources of the global threat to wildlife populations. During the last four decades, urban development in Brazil’s southern coastline has seen considerable growth, fragmenting the habitat of the sand lizard Liolaemus occipitalis Boulenger, 1885, thus threatening it with extinction. In order to assess the influence of urban development on this species, we used tagging and recapture data to study two populations in Brazil’s southern coastline, one in a conserved area rarely subjected to disturbance and the other in an area undergoing different kinds of anthropogenic disturbance. We explored the consequences of this change in the natural landscape by comparing estimates of survival and abundance with Robust Design Model, and the body condition of individuals in both populations with analysis of covariance and variance. Survival of individuals were lower in the disturbed population than in the conserved population. The abundance of this lizard species was similar between populations. The body condition of females was higher in the disturbed area than in the conserved area, while males were similar among populations, but longer (SVL). This study shows how anthropic impacts can affect a population of lizards and the importance of maintaining protected areas and their interconnection to preserve Liolaemus occipitalis. RESUMO A fragmentação do habitat é uma das fontes de ameaça global às populações de vida selvagem. Durante as últimas quatro décadas, o desenvolvimento urbano do litoral sul do Brasil teve um crescimento considerável, fragmentando o habitat da lagartixa-da-praia lagarto-da-areia Liolaemus occipitalis Boulenger, 1885, ameaçando-o de extinção. Para avaliar a influência do desenvolvimento urbano sobre esta espécie, usamos dados de marcação e recaptura para estudar duas populações, uma em uma área conservada raramente sujeita a perturbações, e a outra em uma área submetida a diferentes tipos de perturbações antrópicas. Exploramos as consequências dessa mudança na paisagem natural comparando estimativas de sobrevivência e abundância com Modelo Robusto de Pollock, e condição corporal dos indivíduos com análises de covariância e variância, em ambas as populações situadas no litoral sul do Brasil. A abundância da espécie foi semelhante nas duas áreas, mas a sobrevivência dos indivíduos foi menor na população perturbada do que na conservada. A condição corporal das fêmeas foi maior na área perturbada, enquanto que o CRC dos machos foi maior na área conservada. Este estudo mostra como impactos antrópicos podem afetar uma população de lagartos e a importância da manutenção de áreas protegidas e sua interconexão para a preservação de Liolaemus occipitalis.

This laboratory randomized study was designed to evaluate the effect of polishing on roughness and color stability of bleached teeth after coffee immersion.Ninety bovine crowns were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 15), according to bleaching protocols: At-home: standard protocol using 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or In-office: standard protocol using 35% HP; and with polishing protocols: (1) no polishing, (2) bleached enamel polished with #0.5 μm or (3) #2-4 μm diamond particles grit pastes. Samples were daily immersed into coffee solution for 45 min followed by mechanical brushing simulation (30 s) for 30 days. The surface roughness (Ra) and color alteration, expressed by ΔEStaining increases Ra, ΔEUsing #0.5 μ-grit diamond paste to polish 35%HP in-office bleached enamel reduces the roughness and tooth staining. However, polishing after 10%HP at-home bleached enamel neither affects roughness nor improves tooth color stability after exposure to coffee.Polishing after at-home bleaching does not have benefits but after 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office bleaching, the polishing with #0.5 μ-grit polishing paste is indicated to reduce roughness and the tooth staining over time.

Introduction: Diastemas are found among the main aesthetic ones of patients and can be classified as extra spaces, located between the most important ones, caused by differences in the size of the two faces, absence of differences, disproportion of faces in the upper arch and lower, deleterious habits and several others. factors. The search for conservative treatments allowed the development of increasingly improved resins, which aim to establish restorations with satisfactory aesthetics in a shorter time of work, without the need for greater wear, preserving the dental structure. Objectives: To present a clinical case where aesthetics can be reestablished in previous diastema with the use of direct resins and wetting agents, avoiding further wear, restoring function and self-esteem to the patient. Description of the case: A photographic protocol was carried out, whitening in the office and at home, followed by a diagnostic wax-up, assembly in an articulator, revision of guides, elaboration of a silicone matrix to obtain the incisal, followed by a circle of the diastema with direct resins and a thin surface layer with a wetting agent. Final considerations: The composite resin has proven to be an excellent alternative when it correctly uses a trained professional who understands the aesthetic and psychological principles of your patient. The use of a humectant agent associated with composite resin provided the success of the restorative treatment, facilitating the manipulation of the resin and, consequently, the anatomy, surpassing the patient's expectations, restoring the aesthetics of their clients, thus increasing their self-esteem. Introducción: Los diastemas se encuentran entre las principales quejas estéticas de los pacientes y se pueden clasificar como espacios extra, localizados entre dos o más dientes, provocados por diferencias en el tamaño de los dientes, ausencia de los mismos, desproporción de los dientes en la arcada superior e inferior, hábitos deletéreos y varios otros. factores. La búsqueda de tratamientos conservadores permitió el desarrollo de resinas cada vez más mejoradas, que tienen como objetivo establecer restauraciones con una estética satisfactoria en un tiempo de trabajo más corto, sin necesidad de un mayor desgaste, preservando la estructura dental. Objetivos: Presentar un caso clínico donde se restableció la estética en diastemas previos con el uso de resinas directas y agentes humectantes, evitando un mayor desgaste, devolviendo la función y la autoestima al paciente. Descripción del caso: Se realizó un protocolo fotográfico, blanqueamiento en consultorio y en casa, seguido de encerado diagnóstico, montaje en articulador, revisión de guías, elaboración de una matriz de silicona para obtener el incisal, seguido de cierre del diastema con resinas directas y una fina capa superficial con agente humectante. Consideraciones finales: La resina compuesta demostró ser una excelente alternativa cuando la utiliza correctamente un profesional capacitado que comprende los principios estéticos y psicológicos de su paciente. El uso de un agente humectante asociado a resina compuesta proporcionó el éxito del tratamiento restaurador, facilitando la manipulación de la resina y, en consecuencia, la anatomía, superando las expectativas del paciente, devolviendo la estética de sus dientes, aumentando así su autoestima. Introdução: Diastemas estão entre as principais queixas estéticas dos pacientes e podem ser classificados como espaços extras, localizados entre dois dentes ou mais, causados por diferenças de tamanhos dentais, ausência dos mesmos, desproporção dos dentes no arco superior com inferior, hábitos deletérios e vários outros fatores. A busca por tratamentos conservadores possibilitou o desenvolvimento de resinas cada vez mais aprimoradas, que visam o estabelecimento de restaurações com estética satisfatória em um menor tempo de trabalho, sem necessidade de maiores desgastes, preservando a estrutura dental. Objetivos: Relatar um caso clínico onde foi restabelecida a estética em diastemas anteriores com o uso de resinas diretas e agentes umectantes, evitando maiores desgastes, devolvendo função e autoestima para o paciente. Descrição do caso: Foi realizado protocolo fotográfico, clareamento de consultório e caseiro, seguido de enceramento diagnóstico, com montagem em articulador, verificação de guias, confecção de matriz de silicone para obter a incisal, seguida do fechamento dos diastemas com resinas diretas e uma fina camada superficial com agente umectante. Considerações Finais: A resina composta se mostrou uma excelente alternativa quando utilizada de maneira correta por um profissional capacitado, que compreenda os princípios estéticos e psicológicos de seu paciente. A utilização de agente umectante associado a resina composta proporcionou o sucesso do tratamento restaurador facilitando manipulação da resina e consequentemente a anatomia, superando as expectativas do paciente, devolvendo ao mesmo a estética de seus dentes, elevando, assim, sua autoestima.

Although sickle cell anemia results from homozygosity for a single mutation at position 7 of the β-globin chain, the clinical aspects of this condition are very heterogeneous. Complications include leg ulcers, which have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and are related to the severity of the disease. Nevertheless, the complex pathogenesis of this complication has yet to be elucidated. To identify novel genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia, we performed whole-exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in a sample of Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients and validated our findings in another sample. Our discovery cohort consisted of 40 unrelated sickle cell anemia patients selected based on extreme phenotypes: 20 patients without leg ulcers, aged from 40 to 61 years, and 20 with chronic leg ulcers. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and used for whole-exome sequencing. After the bioinformatics analysis, eight variants were selected for validation by Sanger sequencing and TaqMan® genotyping in 293 sickle cell anemia patients (153 without leg ulcers) from two different locations in Brazil. After the validation, Fisher’s exact test revealed a statistically significant difference in a stop codon variant (rs12568784 G/T) in the FLG2 gene between the GT and GG genotypes ( P = 0.035). We highlight the importance of rs12568784 in leg ulcer development as this variant of the FLG2 gene results in impairment of the skin barrier, predisposing the individual to inflammation and infection. Additionally, we suggest that the remaining seven variants and the genes in which they occur could be strong candidates for leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia. Impact statement To our knowledge, the present study is the first to use whole-exome sequencing based on extreme phenotypes to identify new candidate genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia patients. There are few studies about this complication; the pathogenesis remains complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. We identified interesting associations in genes never related with this complication to our knowledge, especially the variant in the FLG2 gene. The knowledge of variants related with leg ulcer in sickle cell anemia may lead to a better comprehension of the disease’s etiology, allowing prevention and early treatment options in risk genotypes while improving quality of life for these patients.

CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior O hidrociclone é um equipamento utilizado com o intuito de separar uma fase discreta sólida de outra fase contínua líquida, a instituição FEQUI/UFU possui diversos trabalhos utilizando esse equipamento. A instituição ao combinar a operação de hidrociclonagem à operação de filtração criou o chamado hidrociclone filtrante, que possui vantagens operacionais quando comparado com um hidrociclone convencional de mesma geometria. Uma das pesquisas realizadas pela instituição propôs um equipamento convencional geometricamente otimizado cujo objetivo foi o de alcançar altas eficiências, o HGOT1, quando operado com suspensões newtonianas e diluídas. Entretanto, várias suspensões utilizadas na indústria química são suspensões não-newtonianas e concentradas. Desse modo, esse trabalho se propôs a avaliar o desempenho de dois hidrociclones, ambos geometricamente inspirados no HGOT1, sendo um deles modificado e portador de um cone feito de material filtrante e outro convencional (sem filtro). Por meio de um planejamento de experimentos, foi possível estudar o efeito da concentração volumétrica de sólidos alimentada, da queda de pressão experimentada pelos hidrociclones e o efeito da reologia da suspensão alimentada. Foi, também, conduzido uma simulação tridimensional, monofásica e em estado transiente envolvendo o hidrociclone filtrante com o intuito de desenvolver uma abordagem capaz de descrever esse equipamento. Em resumo, observou-se que o aumento da viscosidade aparente e da concentração da suspensão prejudicaram o desempenho de separação dos hidrociclones. Ao comparar as respostas geradas pelos equipamentos convencional e filtrante, pôde-se observar que elas apresentam diferenças. A média da eficiência total do equipamento convencional foi 4,1% menor do que a do filtrante. Enquanto a média do número de Euler do equipamento filtrante foi aproximadamente 12% menor do que a do convencional. Acredita-se que, mesmo operando com suspensões não-newtonianas e concentradas, a presença do filtro foi capaz de mudar a fluidodinâmica do equipamento, o que garantiu ao hidrociclone filtrante uma vantagem no desempenho de separação e no consumo energético quando comparado ao equipamento convencional. The hydrocyclone is an equipment used in order to separate a discrete solid phase from another continuous liquid phase, the FEQUI/UFU institution have several studies investigating this device. The institution when combining the hydrocyclone operation with the filtration operation, created the so-called filtering hydrocyclone, which has operational advantages when compared to a conventional hydrocyclone of the same geometry. One of the researches carried out by the institution proposed a conventional geometrically optimized device whose objective was to achieve high efficiencies (HGOT1) when operated with Newtonian and diluted suspensions. Yet, several suspensions used in the chemical industry are non-Newtonian and concentrated suspensions. Hence, this work aims to evaluate the performance of two hydrocyclones, both geometrically inspired by the HGOT1, one being modified and having a cone made of filtering material and the other a conventional one (without the filtering media). Through a design of experiments, it was possible to study the effect of the volumetric concentration of solids fed, the pressure drop experienced by the hydrocyclones and the effect of the rheology of the fed suspension. Also, a three-dimensional, single-phase, transient state simulation involving the filtering hydrocyclone was conducted in order to develop an approach that is capable to describe this equipment. In conclusion, it was observed that the increase of the apparent viscosity and concentration of the suspension harmed the separation performance of hydrocyclones. When comparing the responses generated by conventional and filtering equipment, it was observed that they differ. The average total efficiency of conventional equipment was 4.1% lower than that of the filtering one. While the average Euler number of the filtering equipment was approximately 12% lower than the conventional one. It is believed, that even when operating with non-Newtonian and concentrated suspensions, the presence of the filter was able to change the fluid dynamics of the equipment, which guaranteed the filtering hydrdorcylclone an advantage in separation performance and energy consumption when compared to the conventional one. Dissertação (Mestrado) 2023-02-10

Aim: This study evaluated and compared the changes in the Total Phosphorus (TP) and metals (Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb) contents and accumulation rates in the periphyton on different substrate types (PET and glass) in wet and dry periods in a shallow eutrophic reservoir. Thus, the potential of periphyton as a green biotechnology to remediate the eutrophication and promoting metal uptake were investigated. Methods: Floating substrate carriers made of wood (n = 3) containing glass and PET slides were submerged close to a sewage inflow site. Substrate exposure time was about 33 days in each period. Results: Periphyton TP and metal contents (Cu, Ni and Pb) were influenced by seasonality and the highest contents were found in the wet period. Periphyton metal contents were significantly different between glass or PET substrates, but no differences were detected in the TP contents. Conclusions: Seasonality was a determining factor for immobilization of TP and metals in periphyton. The highest potential of TP and metals immobilization by periphyton were detected in the wet period. Our results provided insights that the periphyton can contribute to remediate eutrophication and metal removal in aquatic ecosystems. Resumo: Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou e comparou as alterações nos teores e taxas de acumulação de fósforo total (PT) e metais (Cd, Cu, Ni e Pb) no perifíton em diferentes tipos de substratos (PET e vidro) nos períodos chuvoso e seco em um reservatório eutrófico raso. Assim, o potencial do perifíton como uma biotecnologia verde para remediar a eutrofização e promover a remoção de metais foi investigado. Métodos: Substratos flutuantes de madeira (n = 3) contendo lâminas de vidro e PET foram submersos próximos a uma entrada de esgoto. O tempo de exposição do substrato foi de cerca de 33 dias em cada período. Resultados: Os teores de PT e de metais (Cu, Ni e Pb) no perifíton foram influenciados pela sazonalidade e os maiores valores foram encontrados na estação chuvosa. O conteúdo de metais do perifíton foi significativamente diferente entre os substratos de vidro e PET, mas nenhuma diferença foi detectada com o conteúdo de PT. Conclusões: A sazonalidade foi um fator determinante para a imobilização de PT e metais no perifíton. O maior potencial de imobilização de PT e metais pelo perifíton foi detectado no período chuvoso. Nossos resultados forneceram boas indicações de que o perifíton pode contribuir para remediar a eutrofização e remover metais em ecossistemas aquáticos.

O tratamento de radioterapia é complexo e envolve a compreensão de princípios da física médica, radiobiologia, proteção radiológica, dosimetria, planejamento, simulação e integração da radioterapia com outras modalidades de tratamento. Como parâmetro físico fundamental para se estabelecer a modalidade e sucesso do tratamento, a dose a ser entregue deve estar em conformidade com a dose prescrita, o que torna o seu cálculo ou determinação parte central do processo de aprovação de uma proposta terapêutica. No âmbito nacional, a Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN) exige que nos serviços de radioterapia deve existir um segundo sistema de cálculo de dose para verificação do planejamento do tratamento . No presente trabalho descrevemos o desenvolvimento e implementação de um conferidor automático para o cálculo das unidades monitoras e da dose no ponto de cálculo de forma independente do sistema de planejamento XiO®, disponível no serviço de radioterapia do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, e aplicável a outros serviços mediante inserção e adequação das tabelas de comissionamento ao sistema. O ambiente computacional escolhido para desenvolvimento deste projeto foi o R, com a interface de desenvolvimento do RStudio. A avaliação da precisão do cálculo das unidades monitoras e da acurácia na dose pelo cálculo inverso, implementados pelo conferidor, se mostraram comparáveis ao cálculo manual.

The use of post-alignment procedures has been suggested to prevent the identification of false-positives in massive DNA sequencing data. Insertions and deletions are most likely to be misinterpreted by variant calling algorithms. Using known genetic variants as references for post-processing pipelines can minimize mismatches. They allow reads to be correctly realigned and recalibrated, resulting in more parsimonious variant calling. In this work, we aim to investigate the impact of using different sets of common variants as references to facilitate variant calling from whole-exome sequencing data. We selected reference variants from common insertions and deletions available within the 1K Genomes project data and from databases from the Latin American Database of Genetic Variation (LatinGen). We used the Genome Analysis Toolkit to perform post-processing procedures like local realignment, quality recalibration procedures, and variant calling in whole exome samples. We identified an increased number of variants from the call set for all groups when no post-processing procedure was performed. We found that there was a higher concordance rate between variants called using 1K Genomes and LatinGen. Therefore, we believe that the increased number of rare variants identified in the analysis without realignment or quality recalibration indicated that they were likely false-positives.

Wildlife demography is typically studied at a single point in time within a year when species, often during the reproductive season, are more active and therefore easier to find. However, this provides only a low-resolution glimpse into demographic temporal patterns over time and may hamper a more complete understanding of the population dynamics of a species over the full annual cycle. The full annual cycle is often influenced by environmental seasonality, which induces a cyclic behavior in many species. However, cycles have rarely been explicitly included in models for demographic parameters, and most information on full annual cycle demography is restricted to migratory species. Here we used a high-resolution capture-recapture study of a resident tropical lizard to assess the full intra-annual demography and within-year periodicity in survival, temporary emigration and recapture probabilities. We found important variation over the annual cycle and up to 92% of the total monthly variation explained by cycles. Fine-scale demographic studies and assessments on the importance of cycles within parameters may be a powerful way to achieve a better understanding of population persistence over time.

For a better interpretation of variants, evidence-based databases, such as ClinVar, compile data on the presumed relationships between variants and phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the pattern of sequencing depth in variants from whole-exome sequencing data in the 1000 Genomes project phase 3, focusing on the variants present in the ClinVar database that were predicted to affect protein-coding regions. We demonstrate that the distribution of the sequencing depth varies across different sequencing centers (pair-wise comparison, p < 0.001). Most importantly, we found that the distribution pattern of sequencing depth is specific to each facility, making it possible to correctly assign 96.9% of the samples to their sequencing center. Thus, indicating the presence of a systematic bias, related to the methods used in the different facilities, which generates significant variations in breadth and depth in whole-exome sequencing data in clinically relevant regions. Our results show that methodological differences, leading to significant heterogeneity in sequencing depth, may potentially influence the accuracy of genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, our findings highlight how it is still challenging to integrate results from different sequencing centers, which may also have an impact on genomic research.

Agradecimentos: The authors thank Prof. Vera Solferini, Prof. Plinio Barbosa, Ph.D. Ticiana Mira, and Dr. Joana Prota for their contributions on technical assistance and critical review of the manuscript. This work was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), grant #2013/07559-3; High-Performance National Center (CENAPAD-Campinas), Sao Paulo, Brazil), project "proj595" (UNICAMP / FINEP - MCT) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Brasil (CAPES), grant # 001.Dr. IL-C is supported by Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa (CNPq), Brazil, grants # 309494/2014-1 and 403299/2016-0 Abstract: For a better interpretation of variants, evidence-based databases, such as ClinVar, compile data on the presumed relationships between variants and phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the pattern of sequencing depth in variants from whole-exome sequencing data in the 1000 Genomes project phase 3, focusing on the variants present in the ClinVar database that were predicted to affect protein-coding regions. We demonstrate that the distribution of the sequencing depth varies across different sequencing centers (pair-wise comparison, p < 0.001). Most importantly, we found that the distribution pattern of sequencing depth is specific to each facility, making it possible to correctly assign 96.9% of the samples to their sequencing center. Thus, indicating the presence of a systematic bias, related to the methods used in the different facilities, which generates significant variations in breadth and depth in whole-exome sequencing data in clinically relevant regions. Our results show that methodological differences, leading to significant heterogeneity in sequencing depth, may potentially influence the accuracy of genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, our findings highlight how it is still challenging to integrate results from different sequencing centers, which may also have an impact on genomic research FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP FINANCIADORA DE ESTUDOS E PROJETOS - FINEP COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPES CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ Aberto

OBJECTIVE Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are an important cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. In this work, we aimed to investigate whether abnormal gene regulation, mediated by microRNA, could be involved in FCD type II. METHODS We used total RNA from the brain tissue of 16 patients with FCD type II and 28 controls. MicroRNA expression was initially assessed by microarray. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, luciferase reporter assays, and deep sequencing for genes in the mTOR pathway were performed to validate and further explore our initial study. RESULTS hsa-let-7f (p = 0.039), hsa-miR-31 (p = 0.0078), and hsa-miR34a (p = 0.021) were downregulated in FCD type II, whereas a transcription factor involved in neuronal and glial fate specification, NEUROG2 (p

Although sickle cell anemia results from homozygosity for a single mutation at position 7 of the β-globin chain, the clinical aspects of this condition are very heterogeneous. Complications include leg ulcers, which have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and are related to the severity of the disease. Nevertheless, the complex pathogenesis of this complication has yet to be elucidated. To identify novel genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia, we performed whole-exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in a sample of Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients and validated our findings in another sample. Our discovery cohort consisted of 40 unrelated sickle cell anemia patients selected based on extreme phenotypes: 20 patients without leg ulcers, aged from 40 to 61 years, and 20 with chronic leg ulcers. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and used for whole-exome sequencing. After the bioinformatics analysis, eight variants were selected for validation by Sanger sequencing and TaqMan® genotyping in 293 sickle cell anemia patients (153 without leg ulcers) from two different locations in Brazil. After the validation, Fisher’s exact test revealed a statistically significant difference in a stop codon variant (rs12568784 G/T) in the FLG2 gene between the GT and GG genotypes (P = 0.035). We highlight the importance of rs12568784 in leg ulcer development as this variant of the FLG2 gene results in impairment of the skin barrier, predisposing the individual to inflammation and infection. Additionally, we suggest that the remaining seven variants and the genes in which they occur could be strong candidates for leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia. IMPACT STATEMENT: To our knowledge, the present study is the first to use whole-exome sequencing based on extreme phenotypes to identify new candidate genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia patients. There are few studies about this complication; the pathogenesis remains complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. We identified interesting associations in genes never related with this complication to our knowledge, especially the variant in the FLG2 gene. The knowledge of variants related with leg ulcer in sickle cell anemia may lead to a better comprehension of the disease’s etiology, allowing prevention and early treatment options in risk genotypes while improving quality of life for these patients.

Alterations in thermal niches have been widely associated with the Anthropocene erosion of reptiles' diversity. They entail potential physiological constraints for organisms' performance, which can lead to activity restrictions and impact fitness and demography. Reptiles are ectotherms which rely on seasonal periodicity to maximize the performance of biological functions. Despite it, the ecological implications of shifts in local temperatures are barely explored at the seasonal scale. This study aims to assess how changes in air temperature and substrate temperature affect the activity, body temperature (Tb) and thermoregulation patterns of the sand lizard, Liolaemus arambarensis (an endangered, microendemic species from southern Brazil), throughout a four-year period. Field surveys were conducted monthly on a restricted population in a sand-dune habitat. The annual fluctuations of the seasonal temperatures led to significant changes in the activity and Tb of L. arambarensis and shaped thermoregulation trends, suggesting biological plasticity as a key factor in the face of such variability. Lizards tended to maintain seasonal Tb in mild and harsh seasons through increased warming/cooling efforts. Anomalous winter conditions seemed especially critical for individual performance due to their apparent high impact favouring/constraining activity. Activity and thermoregulation were inhibited in frigid winters, probably due to a vulnerable physiology to intense cold spells determined by higher preferred body temperatures than Tb. Our results warn of a complex sensitivity in lizards to anomalous seasonal temperatures, which are potentially enhanced by climate change. The current work highlights the importance of multiannual biomonitoring to disentangle long-term responses in the thermal biology of reptiles and, thereby, to integrate conservation needs in the scope of global change.

O trabalho tem por objetivo estudar a interação dos sedimentos cenozóicos do Aquífero São Paulo com o traçador fluorescente uranina por meio de experimentos em escala de laboratório, a fim de embasar sua injeção futura diretamente no aquífero para o entendimento de sua hidráulica. Dessa forma, será caracterizado o comportamento do traçador com o material sólido do aquífero, bem como serão empiricamente definidos parâmetros hidráulicos e de transporte a serem utilizados na calibração de modelos numéricos elaborados em etapas posteriores.

In the original publication of the article, the last name of the first author was published incorrectly and the correct name is given in this correction.

Background Despite advances in treatments for endometriosis, some symptoms persist owing to the chronic inflammation observed in this disease. Objective To identify resources, methods, and/or complementary treatments to alleviate the pain symptoms of endometriosis, and to identify adverse effects of treatments. Search strategy Lilacs, Scielo, PEDro, Scopus, Pubmed, CENTRAL Cochrane, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish to July 31, 2017, using the terms "physical therapy" OR "complementary treatment" AND "endometriosis". Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials relating to complementary pelvic pain treatment and adverse effects. Data collection and analysis Eight studies were identified; two studies were included in the meta-analysis. Main results The complementary interventions studied were acupuncture, exercise, electrotherapy, and yoga. All were inconclusive in affirming benefit, but demonstrated a positive trend in the treatment of symptoms of endometriosis. Meta-analysis of acupuncture showed a significant benefit in pain reduction as compared with placebo (P=0.007). Conclusions Numerous complementary treatments have been used to alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis, but only acupuncture has demonstrated a significant improvement in outcomes. Nevertheless, other approaches demonstrated positive trends toward improving symptoms; this should encourage investigators to design controlled studies to support their applicability.

A good understanding of species-habitat associations, or habitat use, is required to establish conservation strategies for any species. Many amphibian species are elusive and most information concerning amphibian habitat use comes from breeding sites where they are comparatively easy to find and study. Knowledge about retreat sites is extremely limited for most species and for the greater part of the year. For such species, it is especially important to factor in detection probability in habitat analyses, because otherwise distorted views about habitat preferences may result, e.g., when a species is more visible in habitat type B than in A, even though A may be preferred. The South American red-belly toad, Melanophryniscus pachyrhynus, is a range-restricted species from Southern Brazil and Uruguay that inhabits open areas with rocky outcrops and is usually seen only during explosive breeding events. Here we studied the fine-scale habitat use of the red-belly toad outside of the breeding season to identify retreat sites and test for the importance of accounting for species imperfect detection, using Bayesian occupancy models. We identified shrub density and the number of loose rocks as important predictors of occupancy, while detection probability was highest at intermediate temperatures. Considering the harsh (dry and hot) conditions of rocky outcrops, shrubs and loose rocks may both work as important refuges, besides providing food resources and protecting against predation. Rocky outcrops have been suffering changes in habitat configuration and we identify nonbreeding habitat preferences at a fine scale, which may help to promote population persistence, and highlight the importance of accounting for imperfect detection when studying secretive species.

Although tropical insect populations are generally regarded as constant and stable over time, some of these tropical populations, including butterflies, may fluctuate according to precipitation and temperature variation, specialized feeding patterns, and density-dependent factors. Heliconiini butterfly populations are generally regarded as stable over time because of the presence of host-plants and absence of diapause. However, peaks of abundance occur in subtropical Heliconius populations, and opposite trends concerning stability are found in the literature. Here we further investigate the dynamics of subtropical Heliconius butterflies by assessing a population of the species Heliconius sara apseudes from southeastern Brazil. We estimated individual apparent survival probability and population growth rate while accounting for the imperfect detectability of individuals using mark-recapture models to evaluate the population dynamics. Adult males presented slightly higher weekly survival estimates than females. Contrary to the common pattern described in the literature for Heliconius populations we observed a rapid decline on the adult population by the end of the mating season, possibly leading to local extinction. We discuss the potential drivers for such dynamics.

In conservation biology and population dynamic studies, accounting for the effect of imperfect detection of animals in the wild is crucial for correct inference of demographic parameters. However, articles published in South American herpetological journals still report estimates without considering how detection can influence estimates of vital rates, assuming that detection probability is perfect (i.e., 100%) and constant. Using data from a population of the torrent frog, Hylodes asper, we calculate return rates and compare them with survival probability estimates adjusted for detection probability to highlight the discrepancies between the two metrics. Then, using power analysis, we also explore how survival is underestimated, considering different scenarios and sampling efforts, given low detectability. Finally, we provide information on the optimal number of surveys to achieve a reasonable precision, assuming a fixed number of individuals initially captured for a series of parameter values. ...

Guimar~ M., Gaiarsa, M.P. and Cavalheri, H.B. 2013. Morphological adaptations to arboreal habitats and heart position in species of the neotropical whipsnakes genus Chironius .— Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00: 000‐000. The evolution of arboreality in snakes is accompanied by modifications that are remarkably similar across species. Gravity is one of the most important selective agents, and arboreal snakes present adaptations to circumvent the gradient of pressure, including modifications on heart position (HP) and body slenderness (BS). However, the degree to which different life-history traits influence the cardiovascular system of snakes remains unclear. Here, we used an ecological and a phylogenetic approach to explore the relationship between habitat, HP, BS, and heart size (HS) in five species of the neotropical whipsnakes genus Chironius that occupy terrestrial, semiarboreal, and arboreal habits. Our ecological comparison indicated that the arboreal species have the most posterior-positioned heart, the most slender body, and the smallest HS, whereas the terrestrial representative of the group exhibited the most anterior heart, the less flattened body, and the largest HS. After removing the phylogenetic effect, we found no difference in HP and BS between terrestrial and arboreal species. Habitat only differed when contrasting with HS. Body slenderness and HS were correlated with HP. Our results suggest that different restrictions, such as anatomical constraints, behavior, and phylogenetic inertia, may be important for the studied species.

Background: Despite resulting from homozygosity of a single mutation at position 6 of the beta-globin locus, the clinical aspects of sickle cell anemia (SCA) are very heterogeneous. Leg ulcer is one of the many resulting complications, exerting a quite negative impact in the quality of life of patients and is related to the severity of the disease. The pathogenesis of such complication is complex and still not well explained. Objective: Seeking for novel genes associated with leg ulcer in SCA, we proposed exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in a sample of the Brazilian population. Methods: Our sample consisted of 40 unrelated patients with SCA from the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil. The cohort was composed by 20 patients who didn't have leg ulcer, with ages varying from 40 to 61 years (it is unusual the appearance of this disorder at such age) and 20 patients with chronic leg ulcer. DNA was collected from peripheral blood leukocytes and submitted to exome sequencing. Capture and enrichment were performed with the Nextera Rapid Capture Exome kit (Illumina) and samples were loaded in the Illumina HiSeq2500. The bioinformatics process was based on the GATK Pipeline and manual filters in vcftools and excel. Briefly, we prioritized the variants according to some conditions, like score quality, depth, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and minor allele frequency greater than 0.1. Subsequently, through PLINK, we selected the variants with p value less than 0.05 from Fisher association test. The annotation was made through wAnnovar. We excluded the synonymous variants, remaining with 244 variants at this point. Finally, the deleterious variants were selected, in addition to those not classified by SIFT, PolyPhen2 and FATHMM. Twenty-one variants remained, all of them in genes beyond the usual set of a priori biological candidate genes for this phenotype. We picked up 6 variants with the lowest p values: rs4857302 (CRYBG3), rs3782489 (KRT77), rs11800462 (TNFRSF25), rs13428956 (FOXD4L1), rs201853154 (UBTFL1) and rs11454536 (VWDE). We suggest that these variants and their genes could potentially be related to the development of leg ulcer in SCA. However, they should all be validated in other populations for confirmation. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Orientador: Iscia Teresinha Lopes Cendes Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Resumo: Os avanços técnicos em sequenciamento alcançados em menos de uma década, atrelados ao desenvolvimento e barateamento do sequenciamento de alto desempenho, oferecem-nos a possibilidade de aplicação dessas tecnologias na medicina genômica. Nesse contexto, surge o sequenciamento do exoma humano, constituído das regiões codificantes do genoma, menor que 2% de sua totalidade. O sequenciamento do exoma (WES) se estabelece hoje como uma ferramenta custo-efetiva com a finalidade de identificar variantes de sequência relacionadas a várias doenças humanas. A análise através da bioinformática é essencial para lidar com o alto volume de dados gerados e realizar a ligação entre o experimento biológico e os dados obtidos. Objetivo: Aplicar e avaliar protocolos e aplicações disponíveis na análise dos dados gerados pelo sequenciamento de exomas humanos, bem como aplicar e aperfeiçoar protocolos e aplicações disponíveis para predizer variantes como potencialmente patológicas a partir de dados gerados pelo sequenciamento de exomas humanos. Materiais e métodos: Foram utilizadas as seguintes ferramentas: FastQC, Rqc, BWA, Picard, GATK e VEP. Estas foram então aplicadas às sequências do exoma humano possibilitando a identificação de variações nos perfis de qualidade das sequências, realinhamento local ao redor de inserções e deleções, recalibração da qualidade e posterior chamada das variantes potencialmente envolvidas nos fenótipos em estudo. No intuito de avaliar se a cobertura no exoma sofre variações mediante diferenças técnicas e étnicas, selecionamos amostras do Projeto 1000 Genomas. Resultados: A aplicação de nosso protocolo em 27 amostras WES resultou em gráficos de controle de qualidade pré e pós-alinhamento, que nos permitiram avaliar de modo global os perfis de qualidade destas sequências; realinhamento ao redor de inserções e deleções que ocorreu em mais de 15% da definição do exoma, realinhando mais de 79% das sequências; recalibração da qualidade que nos permitiu minimizar sua variação por ciclo da reação. Das sequências empregadas, 72% foram pareadas ao genoma, contudo 46% se estendem para fora da definição do exoma, com uma cobertura média de 59x para o exoma estendido e 66x para o exoma restrito. Temos que a cobertura para WES possui uma tendência a variar de acordo com a metodologia de captura empregada e ao grupo étnico de onde as amostras foram obtidas. Conclusão: A aplicação de um workflow para interrogação de variantes que considera a qualidade das sequências fornecidas pelo sequenciador, o alinhamento contra o genoma, realinhamento ao redor de regiões sabidamente conhecidas como portadoras de variações, recalibração da qualidade e anotação permitiu identificar variantes de sequência. Além disso, através da cobertura obtida pelo sequenciamento do exoma foi possível perceber diferenças técnicas e populacionais, refletindo que a complexidade do genoma pode interferir na reação de captura das sequências, influenciando na efetividade da técnica empregada Abstract: The technical advances in sequencing made in less than a decade associated with the development and low costs of high throughput sequencing techniques allow their application in genomic medicine. Therefore, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), which corresponds to less than 2% of the entire genome, emerges as a cost-effective tool that aims to identify variants related to human diseases. Bioinformatics is fundamental to process the big volume of data and link the obtained results with the biology. Objective: We aim to apply and evaluate protocols and applications designed for WES data analysis on human subjects. We also intend to apply and enhance protocols and applications designed to predict variants as potentially pathological from WES data. Materials and Methods: We used the following tools: FastQC, Rqc, BWA, Picard, GATK e VEP. We applied them to exome data, determining variation in quality profiles, local realignment, quality recalibration and variant calls. We also evaluated whether or not technical and population differences affect the depth profiles of samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. Results: We applied our protocol on 27 samples, resulting in pre and post-alignment quality control charts. Local realignment took place at more than 15% of the exome definition, extending to more than 79% of sequences. Quality recalibration minimized per cycle variation. In total, 72% of the sequences were paired against the genome, nevertheless 46% extended off-target. The mean coverage was 59X for the exome. We also detected that depth tends to vary based on technical and population differences between samples. Conclusion: We applied a variant-calling workflow that accounts for sequence quality, the alignment against the genome, local realignment, quality recalibration and annotation. In addition, we concluded that depth depends on technical and population differences, showing that genomic complexity may interfere with the capturing phase, affecting downstream analyses Mestrado Fisiopatologia Médica Mestre em Ciências

The difficulty of observing interactions between predators and their prey in natural systems has promoted the use of artificial replicas (Exnerováet al. 2006, Smith 1977). Plasticine replicas have been successfully used because they retain imprints of predation attempts and enable the identification of the predator (Brodie 1993).

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Fundacao Grupo Boticario de Protecao a Natureza Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundo de Auxilio aos Docentes e Alunos (FADA-UNIFESP) Instituto Nacional de Cienca e Tecnologia em Toxinas (INCTTOX) Little is known about vital rates of snakes generally because of the difficulty in collecting data. Here we used a robust design mark-recapture model to estimate survival, behavioral effects on capture probability, temporary emigration, abundance and test the hypothesis of population decline in the golden lancehead pitviper, Bothrops insularis, an endemic and critically endangered species from southeastern Brazil. We collected data at irregular intervals over ten occasions from 2002 to 2010. Survival was slightly higher in the wet season than in the dry season. Temporal emigration was high, indicating the importance of accounting for this parameter both in the sampling design and modeling. No behavioral effects were detected on capture probability. We detected an average annual population decrease (lambda = 0.93, CI = 0.47- 1.38) during the study period, but estimates included high uncertainty, and caution in interpretation is needed. We discuss the potential effects of the illegal removal of individuals and the implications of the vital rates obtained for the future persistence and conservation of this endemic, endangered species. Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Fac Estudios Super Iztacala, FES Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de Mexic, Mexico Colorado State Univ, Dept Fish Wildlife & Conservat Biol, Ft Collins, CO 80523 USA Univ São Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Ecol, São Paulo, Brazil Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, Diadema, SP, Brazil Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, Diadema, SP, Brazil Web of Science

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-03T13:11:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-04-01Bitstream added on 2014-12-03T13:22:44Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000334601100018.pdf: 352005 bytes, checksum: 7d37ccffe5f1830538ab07ea81e27bdc (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) FADA-UNIFESP Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) INCTTOX UNICAMP Amphibians have been declining worldwide and the comprehension of the threats that they face could be improved by using mark-recapture models to estimate vital rates of natural populations. Recently, the consequences of marking amphibians have been under discussion and the effects of toe clipping on survival are debatable, although it is still the most common technique for individually identifying amphibians. The passive integrated transponder (PIT tag) is an alternative technique, but comparisons among marking techniques in free-ranging populations are still lacking. We compared these two marking techniques using mark-recapture models to estimate apparent survival and recapture probability of a neotropical population of the blacksmith tree frog, Hypsiboas faber. We tested the effects of marking technique and number of toe pads removed while controlling for sex. Survival was similar among groups, although slightly decreased from individuals with one toe pad removed, to individuals with two and three toe pads removed, and finally to PIT-tagged individuals. No sex differences were detected. Recapture probability slightly increased with the number of toe pads removed and was the lowest for PIT-tagged individuals. Sex was an important predictor for recapture probability, with males being nearly five times more likely to be recaptured. Potential negative effects of both techniques may include reduced locomotion and high stress levels. We recommend the use of covariates in models to better understand the effects of marking techniques on frogs. Accounting for the effect of the technique on the results should be considered, because most techniques may reduce survival. Based on our results, but also on logistical and cost issues associated with PIT tagging, we suggest the use of toe clipping with anurans like the blacksmith tree frog. Univ Estadual Campinas, Programa Posgrad Ecol, Dept Biol Anim, Inst Biol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Texas Austin, Ecol Evolut & Behav Grad Program, Dept Integrat Biol, Austin, TX 78712 USA Univ Estadual Paulista, Programa Posgrad Biol Anim, Dept Zool & Bot, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil Colorado State Univ, Fish Wildlife & Conservat Biol Dept, Ft Collins, CO 80523 USA Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Programa Posgrad Biol Anim, Dept Zool & Bot, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil CAPES: 229611-0 CNPq: 140684/2009-3 CNPq: 309229/2009-0 FAPESP: 08/54472-2

Orientador: Ricardo Jannini Sawaya Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia Resumo: A ecologia de populações investiga os fatores que levam a variação das taxas vitais e, consequentemente, no número de indivíduos. Isso inclui testar hipóteses sobre aspectos da história de vida das espécies e entender os fatores que podem modular a dinâmica populacional. No entanto, a obtenção de dados para testar hipóteses pode ser difícil para populações que apresentam probabilidades de detecção < 1, como anfíbios e répteis. A marcação e recaptura é amplamente usada para estimar a detecção e inferir aspectos de dinâmica populacional e testar hipóteses ecológicas. Neste trabalho empregamos a teoria de marcação e recaptura para testar hipóteses relacionadas à ecologia e conservação de populações de anfíbios e répteis. Utilizamos o programa MARK para implementar modelos de populações abertas e fechadas incorporando a probabilidade de detecção dos indivíduos, para obter estimativas de sobrevivência, e outros parâmetros populacionais usando máxima verossimilhança. Organizamos esta tese em quatro capítulos. Iniciamos enfatizando a importância da probabilidade de detecção, além de simular cenários hipotéticos para demonstrar a relação entre esforço de campo, tamanho ótimo amostral e viés amostral. Em seguida comparamos o efeito de duas técnicas de marcação, o corte de artelhos e o implante de microchips, sobre a sobrevivência individual do sapo ferreiro, Hypsiboas faber. No terceiro capítulo estimamos a sobrevivência e o crescimento populacional da jararaca-ilhoa, Bothrops insularis incorporando emigração temporária aos modelos. Além do estudo de taxas vitais e de dinâmica nas populações, a alocação de energia e suas consequências na sobrevivência individual podem ser testadas com modelos de marcação e recaptura. Assim, no quarto e último capítulo consideramos dois caracteres sexuais presentes no sistema de acasalamento dos lagartos, o tamanho da mandíbula e a coloração chamativa, para comparar as estimativas de sobrevivência entre machos e fêmeas do lagarto cauda de chicote, Cnemidophorus cf. ocellifer. . De forma geral, observamos que a probabilidade de detecção individual nos sistemas estudados foi baixa e condizente com a detecção de vertebrados em ambientes tropicais. Além disso, a inclusão de covariáveis na investigação de parâmetros vitais e no processo de detecção é fundamental para o melhor entendimento dos fatores que explicam a dinâmica de uma população. Especificamente observamos que: (i) demonstramos que as taxas que não incorporam a detecção são enviesadas em relação às estimativas que consideram a detecção, (ii) as estimativas de sobrevivência foram similares em indivíduos de Hypsiboas faber marcados com ablação de artelhos e microchips , (iii) Bothrops insularis apresentou baixa probabilidade de sobrevivência anual e crescimento populacional anual negativo. Por fim, (iv) machos maiores do lagarto Cnemidophorus cf. ocellifer apresentaram sobrevivência mensal menor do que machos menores, mas o oposto foi observado para as fêmeas Abstract: Population ecology aims to search for factors that lead to variation in vital rates and consequently, in the number of individuals. This includes testing hypotheses about natural history traits and threats to populations. However, obtaining data to test hypotheses is challenging because following individuals in the field can be difficult, especially for amphibians and reptiles, where detection probabilities are often < 1. Mark-recapture methods are widely used to estimate detection probabilities and to test ecological hypothesis. Here we used mark-recapture methods to test hypotheses related to ecology and conservation of amphibian and reptile populations. We implemented open- and closed-population models in Program MARK, to account for detection probabilities and to calculate survival estimates and other population parameters. We organized this dissertation into four chapters. In the first chapter we emphasize the importance of considering detection probabilities besides simulating hypothetical scenarios to show the relationship between field effort, sample size and precision. In the second chapter we used a Cormack-Jolly-Seber model to compare the effect of two amphibian marking techniques, toeclipping and PIT tagging, on survival in the blacksmith tree frog, Hypsiboas faber. In the third chapter our goal was to estimate survival and population growth of the golden lancehead, Bothrops insularis accounting for temporary emigration using Pollock's Robust Design. Besides the study of vital rates and population dynamics, energy allocation and its consequences for survival are testable with mark-recapture models. Thus, in the last chapter we used two traits from the lizard mating system, namely jaw size and courtship coloration, to compare survival estimates between males and females of the whiptail lizard, Cnemidophorus cf. ocellifer. In summary we observed that detection probability on the studied populations were low and similar to other vertebrate populations from the tropics. However, including covariates in estimation models of vital rates and detection is important to obtain more accurate results to explain population dynamics. Specifically we conclude that (i) return rates were biased low in relation to survival estimates that account for detectability, (ii) the estimates of survival were similar between toe-clipped and PIT tagged individuals of Hypsiboas faber, (iii) Bothrops insularis showed low survival probability and negative annual population growth. And (iv) larger Cnemidophorus cf. ocellifer males showed lower monthly survival probability than smaller males but the opposite was found for females Doutorado Ecologia Doutor em Ecologia

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-03-16Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:29:27Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 rodrigues_mg_me_sjrp.pdf: 1264858 bytes, checksum: 0078fa5981910a3510d18b60f351fd54 (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Foram analisados exemplares das cinco espécies de Chironius (C. bicarinatus, C. exoletus, C. foveatus, C. fuscus e C. laevicollis), provenientes da Floresta Atlântica na Serra do Mar, incluindo os estados do Paraná, São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro. Todas as espécies foram caracterizadas em relação à morfologia, dieta e uso do ambiente. O dimorfismo sexual no tamanho de corpo é variável entre as espécies: machos de C. bicarinatus e C. foveatus são maiores que as fêmeas conspecíficas, ao passo que em C. fuscus e C. laevicollis não existe dimorfismo sexual de tamanho, e em C. exoletus, as fêmeas são maiores. Essas diferenças sugerem que o comportamento de combate ritual, registrado em algumas espécies não esteja difundido em todos representantes do gênero. A comparação interespecífica evidência diferenças marcantes na morfologia e dieta: Chironius laevicollis tem corpo grande, maior robustez, a menor cauda e dieta baseada em anfíbios terrestres, características condizentes com o hábito terrestre; C. fuscus, tem corpo pequeno, robustez intermediária e alimenta-se principalmente de anuros terrestres, indicando hábito predominantemente terrestre; C. bicarinatus tem corpo médio, robustez intermediária e dieta baseada em anuros arborícolas e terrestres, sugerindo que forrageia freqüentemente nos dois ambientes; C. exoletus possui corpo pequeno, é pouco robusta e apresa principalmente anuros arborícolas, indicando que forrageia principalmente no substrato arbóreo, e por fim, C. foveatus possui o maior tamanho corporal, menor robustez, a maior cauda e dieta baseada em anuros arborícolas, o que indica ser a espécie mais arborícola do grupo. O ancestral hipotético desse grupo possuía tamanho médio de corpo e cauda, era semi-arborícola e alimentava-se de anfíbios terrestres e arborícolas. We explored the relationship of morphology, diet and habitat use in five sympatric species of Chironius (C. bicarinatus, C. exoletus, C. foveatus, C. fuscus and C. laevicollis) from Serra do Mar, eastern Brazil. Sexual dimorphism in body length varies among species: males C. bicarinatus and C. foveatus are larger than conspecific females, whereas no sexual dimorphism in body size is recorded for C. fuscus and C. laevicollis, and female C. exoletus is the larger sex. Such differences suggest that ritual combat (already recorded in the genus Chironius) may be absent in some species. Interespecific comparison shows differences in morphology and diet: Chironius laevicollis has large body size and the smallest tail, is more stout, and prey on terrestrial anurans, characters that may reflect terrestrial habit; C. fuscus, has small body length, medium stoutness and feed on terrestrial anurans, indicating a predominant terrestrial habit; C. bicarinatus has medium body size and stoutness, preying on terrestrial and arboreal anurans, suggesting a semi arboreal habit; C. exoletus has small and slender body and prey on arboreal anurans, indicating an arboreal habit, and finally C. foveatus has the largest body size and tail length, is more slender, and feed on arboreal anurans, thus may been the most arboreal species of the group. Hypothetic ancestor of this clade had medium body and tail length, was semi arboreal and fed on terrestrial and arboreal anurans.

Impedance measurements of an encapsulated semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) were used to obtain the SOA equivalent circuit parameters. The effect of decreasing the packaging inductances and stray capacitances are then analyzed aiming the SOA enhancement as a high-speed electro-optical switch.

It has already been suggested that snake head triangulation might be related to mimicry of the head shape of vipers (Greene & McDiarmid 2005, and references therein). Until very recently, this hypothesis has never been experimentally tested. We first tested the hypothesis of snakes’ head shape as a dangerous signal to predators by use of plasticine models (Guimarães & Sawaya 2011). We suggested in that study that shape of the head does not confer advantage itself but may work in synergy with a set of traits including colour and behavioural displays that warn and discourage predator attacks.

This study presents an efficient algorithm for optimisation of radial distribution systems by a network reconfiguration and capacitor allocation. An important outcome of the proposed approach is the cost savings related to purchasing new capacitor banks. Several reconfiguration and capacitor allocation methods can be found in the literature, but just a few approach the problem by a joint strategy. A modified, dedicated genetic algorithm-based approach has been successfully developed and implemented. It presents low computational effort and is able to find good quality configurations. Simulation results for a radial 69-bus and a radial, realistic 135-bus systems are presented and commented.