Technologies in image acquisition have developed and often provide image volumes in more than two dimensions. Computer tomography and magnet resonance imaging provide image volumes in three spatial dimensions. The image enhancement methods have developed as well and in this thesis work 3D image enhancement with filter networks is evaluated. The aims of this work are; to find a method which makes the initial parameter settings in the 3D image enhancement processing easier, to compare 2D and 3D processed image volumes visualized with different visualization techniques and to give an illustration of the benefits with 3D image enhancement processing visualized using these techniques. The results of this work are; 1. a parameter setting tool that makes the initial parameter setting much easier and 2. an evaluation of 3D image enhancement with filter networks that shows a significant enhanced image quality in 3D processed image volumes with a high noise level compared to the 2D processed volumes. These results are shown in slices, MIP and volume rendering. The differences are even more pronounced if the volume is presented in a different projection than the volume is 2D processed in.

Ce mémoire reporte les études menées sur des polymères à empreintes moléculaires (MIP) en extraction solide-liquide (SPE). L'influence de différents facteurs (nature des interactions polymère-analyte, composition de la matrice de l'échantillon, polarité des solvants d'extraction) sur la sélectivité et la capacité des MIPs est étudiée. <br />La première application révèle l'influence des liaisons hydrogène lors de l'extraction d'un échantillon organique sur un MIP préparé à partir d'acide méthacrylique (MAA). Des expériences de réactivité croisée réalisées sur des molécules analogues à la molécule empreinte (triterpène) montrent l'impact de la nature et de la position des groupes fonctionnels sur la spécificité de reconnaissance des analytes par le MIP. La capacité d'une cartouche SPE est évaluée à partir d'une solution standard puis d'un extrait végétal avec des solvants de lavage adaptés à la matrice. <br />Les interactions polymère-analyte sont ensuite étudiées dans une matrice aqueuse saline. Deux MIPs respectivement préparés à partir de MAA et de MAA-styrène, avec le clomiphène comme molécule empreinte, sont caractérisés par les isothermes de Freundlich puis appliqués à la préconcentration du tamoxifène, molécule hydrophobe et basique contenue dans des urines hydrolysées et dopées. Les liaisons hydrogène, ioniques et hydrophobes intervenant dans la rétention des analytes sont étudiées par des équilibres d'adsorption et par SPE. La percolation de l'urine sur un support hydrophobe en préalable de la SPE-MIP, ou directement sur un MIP à caractère hydrophobe renforcé (MAA-styrène) entraîne une augmentation des rendements d'extraction avec un nombre d'étapes de lavage réduit.

The translation of metaphors can cause problems for a translator since what is typical for a metaphor is that the intended meaning does not match its literal meaning, which can lead to misunderstandings. Apart from this, language differences and cultural differences can also cause problems. This essay deals with the translation of metaphors in a dog breed book from English to Swedish. The aim of the essay is to investigate which translation strategies that are used when translating metaphors and whether lexicalized and non-lexicalized source language metaphors require different translation strategies.  The source language metaphors were found by using the Metaphor Identification Procedure which in this study means determining the lexical units in the source text, deciding the meaning of each unit and then comparing with dictionaries to see whether the lexical unit has a more basic or contemporary meaning and if the meaning in this particular context can be understood based on the more basic or contemporary meaning. If so, the lexical unit was determined to be metaphorically used in this context. The source language metaphors were then classified according to whether they are lexicalized or non-lexicalized, based on Dickins (2005) classification. The study finds that the most common way of translating a source language metaphor is by paraphrasing it into a non-metaphorical expression followed by using the same or a similar target language metaphor. No clear indications of lexicalized and non-lexicalized metaphors requiring different translation strategies were found.

The distinctive feature of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic in the 21st century is the burden it places on women. Scientists believe that the best opportunities for successful interventions to prevent sexual HIV transmission lie in the initial stages of infection at the portal of entry, the genital tract (GT), which offers the greatest host advantages and viral vulnerabilities. However, understanding of the correlates of protection/vulnerability and innate immunity at the portal of entry is poor. First and foremost, there is no agreement about which GT sub-compartment is the primary site of HIV/SIV infection. Second, the epithelium, previously studied solely for its function as a barrier, has hardly been investigated for its role in innate immunity in the context of SIV/HIV infection. MIP-3&alpha;, a chemokine secreted by epithelial cells, was previously proposed to have a role in amplifying the early Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) infection events in the GT of female macaques. Specifically, MIP-3&alpha; was shown to be secreted by epithelial cells of the endocervix, accumulating subepithelially within the first 24 hours post exposure, following deposition of an intravaginal inoculum of SIV. Similar studies in humans have not been reported. We hence undertook to study MIP-3&alpha; for its role in early HIV infection events in the endocervix of humans. In order to achieve this, we first characterised MIP-3&alpha; constitutive secretion patterns in different sub-compartments of the GT before proceeding to determine its induced secretion patterns, stimulating with HIV-1 and various Toll-like receptor ligands. For completeness we determined constitutive and induced secretion patterns of multiple soluble proteins (SPs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the endocervices of humans and macaques. The GT being an immunohormonal system, we further studied the influence of endogenous hormonal changes on the stability of MIP-3&alpha; and that of other innate immune markers. We quantified MIP-3&alpha; with a sandwich Elisa, and SPs and AMPs with the Luminex multiplex bead assay. Our results showed that the GT is a rich source of MIP-3&alpha; with its levels being among those of the highest SPs in the GT. Constitutive levels were highest in the endocervical sub-compartment of all the sub-compartments studied. Further, the GT is an inflammatory environment, which would explain the high levels of MIP-3&alpha;. The primary driver of MIP-3&alpha; levels appears to be inflammation rather than hormonal levels. MIP-3&alpha; levels are significantly higher in the GT of humans than in macaques. There was no evidence that MIP-3&alpha; levels are elevated on exposure to HIV and SIV in humans and macaques, respectively. We therefore concluded that since the endocervix is unlikely to respond to HIV/SIV by secreting MIP-3&alpha; in vivo, contrary to the previous reports, MIP-3&alpha; is hence not a key player in amplifying early events in infection. And as such, it should not be a prime target for preventive therapy. Further, the human GT having a pre-existing inflammatory profile may explain the high rates of HIV sexual transmission. Lastly, we concluded that the infection mechanisms described in the macaque model (i.e. the 'outside-in' signaling) are likely not required for human infection.

Despite the easiness of adaptation to the climate of Brazil, pests the culture of the sugarcane faces a series of fitossanitary problem, such as the incidence, that diminish the production and the productivity, causing economic damage for the producers. The spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål, 1854) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) is one of the main pests of the sugarcane not only in Alagoas as also in other states of Brazil. Currently, in result of the indiscriminate use of insecticides, the use of the Biological Control becomes necessary, which is not pollutant, it does not unbalance the environment and he is not toxic. In this way some plants of the State of Alagoas are using fungous entomopathogenic Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin, to reach the control of the spittlebug. This work had as objective to evaluate the efficiency of the Evidence® insecticide and two dosages of biological insecticide M. anisopliae in the control of the spittlebug. Two experiments had been conducted, in the cane-plantation region of the Plant Waterfall located in Maceió-AL, the period understood between July and September of 2006. Initially a population evaluation of nymphs and adults was carried through and the others to the 15, 30 and 45 days after the treatments. The application of the insecticides occurred in 19 of July and a reapplication of the biological insecticide in 22 of August. In experiment 1 the nymphs had been observed populations varying of 49 the 67 and the presence of adults of M. fimbriolata were not evidenced. The treatments had not differed between itself to the 5% for the test distribution free of Kruskal-Wallis, but the test of percentage of efficiency of Henderson and Tilton indicated for decreasing order of efficiency percentage the dosages, of 1,5L/ha of Evidence®, 20kg/ha of fungous and 10kg/ha of fungous with 72,48%, 62.35% and 24.76% respectively for nymphs; and 42.25%, 34.54% and 15.51% respectively for adults. In each area the test distribution free of Kruskal-Wallis was observed in accordance with that the numbers of nymphs had differed between the periods in all the treatments and that in the area dealt with Evidence® difference in the number of adults did not only occur 5% of significance. It had a high positive correlation between rainfall and amount of nymphs in the areas dealt with 20kg/ha to fungous and 1,5L/ha of Evidence®. In the area dealt with 10kg/ha to fungous and in the Control, an average correlation was observed. Also it was observed an average negative correlation between rainfall and amount of adults in the treated areas and Control. In experiment 2 the nymphs had been initially observed populations varying of 51 the 101. The presence of adults varying of 1 the 2 was evidenced, the treatments had not differed between itself to the level of 5% of significance for the test of Kruskal-Wallis, but the method of Henderson and Tilton indicated for decreasing order of efficiency percentage the dosages, of 1,5L/ha of Evidence®, 20kg/ha of fungous and 10kg/ha of fungous with 94,33%, 65.08% and 51.37% respectively for nymphs; e 93.33%, 70% and 50% respectively for adults. In each area it was observed for the test of Kruskal-Wallis that the number of nymphs between the periods did not only differ in the Control and that difference in the number of adults in treatment of 10 kg/ha of fungous the 5% of significance only occurred. In all the analyses were applied the Polynomial Regression so that if it could follow the development of the pest. To if analyzing the data they had been evidenced that it occurred a high positive correlation between rainfall and amount of nymphs in the areas dealt with 10 and 20 kg/ha to fungous and with 1,5L/ha of Evidence®, in the Control observed an average correlation. Also an average negative correlation between rainfall was observed and amount of adults of the areas dealt with 10 and 20kg/ha to fungous and Control, however, in the area dealt with 1,5L/ha of Evidence® got a negative correlation decrease. The total cost of the application of the Evidence® had been minor who of the other treatments, but is important to take in consideration the happened risks of the use of the pesticides. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Apesar da facilidade de adaptação ao clima do Brasil, a cultura da cana-de-açúcar, Saccharum officinarum L. (Poaceae), enfrenta uma série de problemas fitossanitários, que geram prejuízos para os produtores, destacando-se a cigarrinha-da-raiz, Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål, 1854) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), como uma das principais pragas não só em Alagoas como também em outros Estados do Brasil. Atualmente, em decorrência do uso indiscriminado de inseticidas, fazse necessário o uso do Controle Biológico, estratégia não-poluente, não-tóxica e que não desequilibra o meio ambiente. Considerando que, para controlar essa praga, algumas usinas de Alagoas vêm utilizando o fungo entomopatógeno Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin, através desse trabalho pretende-se avaliar a eficiência do inseticida químico Evidence® e do inseticida biológico M. anisopliae no controle da cigarrinha-da-raiz. Para tanto, conduziram-se dois experimentos, na região canavieira da Usina Cachoeira localizada no município de Maceió, Alagoas, entre julho e setembro de 2006. Antes da aplicação dos tratamentos foi realizada uma avaliação populacional de ninfas e de adultos. Depois foram feitas mais três, 15, 30 e 45 dias após os tratamentos (pulverização aérea em 19 de julho e em 22 de agosto). Foram utilizadas duas cultivares (SP813250, no experimento 1, e RB855035, no experimento 2). No experimento 1, foram observadas populações variando de 49 a 67 ninfas e não foi constatada a presença de adultos de M. fimbriolata. Os tratamentos não diferiram entre si a 5% pelo teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, mas o teste de porcentagem de eficiência de Henderson e Tilton indicou por ordem decrescente de porcentagem de eficiência, as dosagens, de 1,5L/ha de Evidence®, 20kg/ha de fungo e 10kg/ha de fungo com 72,48%, 62,35% e 24,76% respectivamente para ninfas; e 42,25%, 34,54% e 15,51% respectivamente para adultos. Em cada área observou-se de acordo com o teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis que os números de ninfas diferiram entre os períodos em todos os tratamentos e que, somente na área tratada com Evidence® não ocorreu diferença no número de adultos a 5% de significância. Houve uma correlação positiva alta entre precipitação pluviométrica e quantidade de ninfas nas áreas tratadas com 20kg/ha de fungo e com 1,5L/ha de Evidence®. Na área tratada com 10kg/ha de fungo e na Testemunha, observouse uma correlação média. Também foi constatada uma correlação negativa média entre precipitação pluviométrica e quantidade de adultos nas áreas tratadas e Testemunha. No experimento 2 inicialmente foram observadas populações variando de 51 a 101 ninfas. Foi verificada a presença de adultos variando de 1 a 2. Os tratamentos não diferiram entre si ao nível de 5% de significância pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis, mas o método de Henderson e Tilton indicou por ordem decrescente de porcentagem de eficiência as dosagens de 1,5L/ha de Evidence®, 20kg/ha de fungo e 10kg/ha de fungo com 94,33%, 65,08% e 51,37%, respectivamente para ninfas; e 93,33%, 70% e 50%, respectivamente para adultos. Em cada área observou-se pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis que o número de ninfas entre os períodos só não diferiu na Testemunha e que somente ocorreu diferença no número de adultos no tratamento 10 kg de fungo/ha a 5% de significância. Em todas as análises foi aplicada a Regressão Polinomial para que se pudesse acompanhar o desenvolvimento da praga. Ao se analisar os dados constatou-se que ocorreu uma correlação positiva alta entre Precipitação Pluviométrica e quantidade de ninfas nas áreas tratadas com 10 e 20 kg/ha de fungo e com 1,5L/ha de Evidence® e na Testemunha observou-se uma correlação média. Foi também observada uma correlação negativa média entre precipitação pluviométrica e quantidade de adultos nas áreas tratadas com 10 e 20kg/ha de fungo e Testemunha; porém, na área tratada com 1,5L/ha de Evidence® obteve-se uma correlação negativa baixa. Os custos totais da aplicação do Evidence® foram menores que o dos outros tratamentos, mas é importante levar-se em consideração os riscos advindos da utilização do agrotóxico.

O Problema de Balanceamento e Sequenciamento de Linhas de Montagem com Tempos de Setup dependentes da Sequência (SUALBSP, em inglês Setup Assembly Line Balancing and Scheduling) envolve a atribuição de tarefas às estações de trabalho e o sequenciamento destas tarefas dentro da estação à qual foi atribuída. Trabalhos anteriores propuseram soluções heurísticas com excelentes resultados, porém o uso de métodos exatos, por meio de algum resolvedor de Programação Inteira Mista, tem apresentado desempenhos decepcionantes, pois contém um subproblema NP-hard em todas as estações. Enquanto o modelo de Scholl, Boysen e Fliedner (2013) minimiza prioritariamente o número de estações, o modelo proposto neste trabalho parte da premissa que este é um dado definido. A partir de uma estimativa inicial de número de estações, processa-se o modelo com o objetivo de distribuir as tarefas e minimizar o tempo total de estação, que é o segundo objetivo do modelo original. Se este processamento for infactível, incrementa-se o número de estações em uma unidade e reprocessa-se o modelo até se encontrar um resultado factível. Experimentos computacionais em 101 instâncias de dados confirmam o bom desempenho da abordagem proposta, sem qualquer prejuízo à qualidade da solução. Portanto, os resultados apresentados demonstram que há espaço para estudos futuros a partir do uso de matheurísticas. / The Setup Assembly Line Balancing and Scheduling Problem (SUALBSP) involves the assigning of tasks to workstations and the sequencing of these tasks within the station to which they are assigned. Previous work has proposed heuristic solutions with excellent results, but the use of exact methods, by some Mixed-Integer Programming solver, has shown disappointing performance, because it contains an NP-hard sub problems in every station. While the model proposed by Scholl, Boysen and Fliedner (2013) primarily minimizes the numbers of stations, our model assumes it as a parameter. From an initial estimate of the number of stations, we process the model for allocating tasks and minimize station times, which is the second objective of the original model. If this processing is infeasible, we increase the number of stations by one unit and we reprocess the model to find a feasible result. Computational experiments in 101 instances of data set confirm the good performance of the proposed approach, without harming the quality of the solution. Therefore, the results show that there are opportunities for future studies based on the use of matheuristics.

Aim of this work was to find out how mitochondrial processing peptidases are working in the mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei. I have shown by RNA interference that mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) and mitochondrial intermediate peptidase (MIP) are essential for procyclic stages. Moreover, processing of human frataxin in T. brucei has a similar pattern as in human cells.

Submitted by Regina Correa (rehecorrea@gmail.com) on 2016-09-26T20:03:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCGL.pdf: 4203265 bytes, checksum: b3b9ecf52c8b29ad001c6fadd9483452 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marina Freitas (marinapf@ufscar.br) on 2016-09-27T19:31:05Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCGL.pdf: 4203265 bytes, checksum: b3b9ecf52c8b29ad001c6fadd9483452 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marina Freitas (marinapf@ufscar.br) on 2016-09-27T19:31:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCGL.pdf: 4203265 bytes, checksum: b3b9ecf52c8b29ad001c6fadd9483452 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-27T19:31:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCGL.pdf: 4203265 bytes, checksum: b3b9ecf52c8b29ad001c6fadd9483452 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-04 / Não recebi financiamento / This study was carried out in three steps: 1) production and characterization of nanosuspensions; 2) development of analytical methods for elemental analysis of fertilizers and plant tissues and comparison between inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES); 3) agronomical experiments in which the monoelementar nanosuspensions containing zinc, calcium or manganese and other commercial fertilizers were applied in lettuce, corn and soybeans. The particle sizes for nanosuspensions were about 4, 8 and 10 times lower than commercialized products based on zinc, calcium and manganese, respectively. Analytical procedures developed for fertilizers analysis by direct analysis of the nanosuspensions and applying the official method were statistically equal and equivalent in both equipments, with recoveries interval from 99 to 102%. The results of the plant tissue analysis showed statistical differences for most of the analytes, however analysis of the certified reference material apple leaves, NIST 1515, showed recoveries from 80 to 100 % for both equipments. The agronomical experiments have shown productivity gains of around 15% for the application of manganese and zinc nanosuspensions in soybeans, compared to other products tested; although the increase in productivity has not been noticeable to corn crop. For lettuce crop was observed that commercial applications and Calcium Nano (200 mg plant-1) contributed for obtaining bigger plants and to a large absorption of calcium. / Este trabalho foi dividido em três etapas: 1) produção e caracterização das nanosuspensões; 2) desenvolvimento de métodos analíticos para análise elementar de fertilizantes e tecido vegetal, comparando o espectrômetro de emissão óptica com plasma acoplado indutivamente (ICP OES) e o espectrômetro de emissão óptica com plasma induzido por micro-ondas (MIP OES); 3) realização dos ensaios agronômicos, nos quais as nanosuspensões monoelementares à base de zinco, cálcio e manganês e outros fertilizantes comerciais foram aplicados nas culturas de alface, milho e soja. Os tamanhos obtidos para as nanosuspensões foram cerca de 4, 8 e 10 vezes menores do que os produtos atuais à base de zinco, cálcio e manganês, respectivamente. Os procedimentos analíticos desenvolvidos para as análises de fertilizantes por análise direta das suspensões e pelo método oficial foram estatisticamente iguais, e equivalentes nos dois equipamentos, com intervalo de recuperação de 99 a 102%. Os resultados da análise de tecido vegetal apresentaram diferenças estatísticas para a maioria dos elementos analisados; porém a análise do material de referência certificado, folhas de macieira 1515, apresentou intervalo de recuperação de 80 a 100% para ambos equipamentos. Os experimentos agronômicos demonstraram ganho de produtividade ao redor de 15% para a aplicação das nanosuspensões de manganês e zinco, na cultura de soja, em relação aos demais produtos testados; embora o aumento de produtividade não tenha sido perceptível para a cultura do milho. Para a cultura da alface observou-se que nas aplicações do Cálcio Comercial e Cálcio Nano (200 mg planta-1) houve a contribuição para produção de plantas maiores e para um maior teor de cálcio acumulado.

Submitted by LEANDRO GOMES DE FREITAS (legfreitas_br@yahoo.com.br) on 2017-05-16T03:49:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 FREITAS,L.G._MESTRADO_HRSC_CH4.pdf: 28183033 bytes, checksum: 7752fe6e8f1336ebae2d7abc6db48c10 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-05-16T14:56:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 freitas_lg_me_rcla.pdf: 28183033 bytes, checksum: 7752fe6e8f1336ebae2d7abc6db48c10 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-16T14:56:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 freitas_lg_me_rcla.pdf: 28183033 bytes, checksum: 7752fe6e8f1336ebae2d7abc6db48c10 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-24 / Os riscos associados à intrusão de gases e vapores do solo em edificações estão ganhando crescente interesse da sociedade, principalmente pelos possíveis danos à saúde humana ou até mesmo por explosões. Na região metropolitana de São Paulo, estudos ambientais vêm relatando com frequência a ocorrência de gás metano (CH4) no subsolo, gerando preocupações sociais, políticas e econômicas. Uma forma inovadora de otimizar o diagnóstico dessas áreas e gerar Modelos Conceituais mais consistentes, se dá com a utilização de técnicas de investigação de alta resolução, como o Membrane Interface Probe (MIP). Nesse contexto, foi conduzido um estudo para avaliar o potencial do MIP, associado a outras técnicas de investigação, para o diagnóstico geoambiental de uma área com a ocorrência de gás metano no subsolo. A área de estudo foi o campus da USP Leste, no município de São Paulo. O estudo foi realizado em três etapas. Na primeira, foram realizados testes de bancada para a obtenção de curvas de resposta do detector de ionização por chama (FID) do sistema MIP para diferentes misturas gasosas, com diferentes temperaturas de aquecimento da sonda. Na segunda etapa foram realizados os ensaios de campo com o MIP e com as seguintes técnicas auxiliares: Soil Color Optical Screening Tool (SCOST); amostragem de gases do solo com o sistema Post Run Tubbing (PRT); e, amostragem de solo por sondagens direct push. Na terceira etapa foram realizadas as análises laboratoriais das amostras de solo coletadas. Os resultados obtidos foram apresentados por meio de perfis e seções representativas da área de estudo. Nos ensaios de bancada, todas as curvas de resposta mostraram alta correlação entre as respostas do FID e as concentrações de CH4 das amostras. Os perfis obtidos em campo pelo sensor de condutividade elétrica do MIP, bem como os perfis de cores obtidos pelo SCOST, apresentaram boa correlação qualitativa com as descrições litológicas e com os perfis granulométricos, auxiliando na caracterização litoestratigráfica. Os ensaios MIP confirmaram a alta sensibilidade da ferramenta para a detecção de CH4, principalmente com a sonda aquecida, possibilitando o mapeamento de acumulações de biogás no subsolo. A amostragem com o PRT confirmou a existência de concentrações de até 77% v/v de CH4 nas camadas de depósitos tecnogênicos. Já as análises de teor de matéria orgânica e fração de carbono orgânico mostraram a presença de camadas com elevado teor orgânico e alto potencial metanogênico, principalmente nas camadas de argila orgânica em meio aos sedimentos quaternários. Conclui-se que o MIP demonstra um grande potencial para a caracterização em alta resolução de áreas com ocorrência de gás metano no subsolo e que as técnicas auxiliares forneceram informações importantes para apoiar a interpretação e a validação dos resultados obtidos. / The risks associated with soil gases and vapor intrusion in buildings are gaining increasing attention in our society, mainly because of possible harm to human health or even explosions. In São Paulo Metropolitan Area, environmental studies have frequently reported methane (CH4) in the subsoil, causing social, political and economic concerns. An innovative approach to optimize site assessment for these cases and generate more consistent conceptual site models (CSM), is through the application of high resolution site characterization (HRSC) tools, as the Membrane Interface Probe (MIP). In this context, a study was carried out to evaluate the potential of the MIP, associated with other subsurface investigation techniques, for the geoenvironmental diagnosis of an area with methane gas occurrence in the subsoil. The study area was the university campus of USP Leste, at São Paulo city. The study was performed in three stages, including laboratory and field procedures. On the first one, bench tests were performed to obtain response curves of the MIP’s Flame Ionization Detector (MIP/FID) for different gas mixtures, with variable probe heating temperatures. On the second stage, MIP tests were performed in the field, with the following auxiliary techniques: Soil Color Optical Screening Tool (SCOST); soil gas sampling with the Post Run Tubbing (PRT) system; and the direct push whole core soil sampling. The third and last stage consisted of laboratory analysis of the soil samples. The results of the bench tests showed very strong correlations between the FID’s response and the CH4 concentration of the samples. The profiles obtained on the field by the MIP’s electrical conductivity sensor and by the SCOST showed good qualitative correlation with the lithological descriptions and with the granulometric profiles, supporting the lithostratigraphic characterization. The MIP/FID results confirmed its high sensitivity to CH4 detection, especially with the heated probe, enabling the mapping of biogas accumulations in the subsurface. The PRT gas sampling confirmed methane’s concentrations as high as 77% v/v in the landfill layers. The organic matter analysis showed high organic content layers with great methanogenic potential, especially in the organic clay layers of the quaternary sediments. It was concluded that MIP has a great potential for the high resolution characterization of sites with methane gas occurrence and the auxiliary techniques also provided valuable information to support the interpretation and validation of the results.

Ticks are blood feeding parasites that secrete a number of immunomodulatory factors to evade host immune response. The aim of this study was to prepare a tick salivary protein with anti-chemokine activity and to observe the influence of salivary gland extrakt on neutrophile´s chemotaxis.