Orientador: Neri Alves / Banca: Aldo Eloiza Job / Banca: Mariselma Ferreira / Banca: Angela Mitie Otta Kinoshita / Banca: Antonio José Felix de Carvalho / O Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais, PosMat, tem caráter institucional e integra as atividades de pesquisa em materiais de diversos campi da Unesp / Resumo: Filmes auto-sustentáveis de polifluoreto de vinilideno (PVDF) e de polifluoreto de vinilideno com trifluoretileno (P(VDF-TrFE)) contendo amido de milho e/ou látex da borracha natural foram produzidos visando à obtenção de blendas biocompátiveis. Estas blendas foram produzidas pela técnica de prensagem a quente a qual não necessita fazer uso de solventes orgânicos para dissolver os polímeros sintéticos (PVDF e P(TrFE)). Tal processamento, além de não utilizar solventes tóxicos, possibilita a fabricação de filmes auto-sustentáveis com propriedades físicas e químicas apropriadas para aplicações como um material biocompatível. Os filmes de PVDF ou P(VDF-TrFE) com os polímeros naturais (amido e/ou látex de borracha natural) foram caracterizados através das técnicas de espectroscopia vibracional (absorção no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e espalhamento Raman), análise termogravimétrico (TG), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), análise dinâmico-mecânica (DMA), microscopia ótica (MO), microscopia ótica (MO), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), difração de raios-X, densidade, índice de fluidez (MFI), dureza e condutividade térmica. Os resultados que os polímeros naturais estão bem dispersos na matriz de PVDF ou P(VDF-TrFE) em nível micrométrico e não interagem quimicamente com os polímeros sintéticos. As blendas apresentaram elevada estabilidade térmica, cujo módulo de elasticidade está na mesma ordem de grandeza do osso humano. Entretanto, observou-se que a adesão dos polímeros naturais é melhor para as blendas com P(VDF-TrFe). Adicionalmente, as estruturas cristalinas do PVDF-α e do P(VDF-TrFE) ferroelétrico são mantidos em todas as blendas. A densidade, a dureza, o índice de fluidez e os valores de condutividade térmica das blendas seguiram o que deve se esperar de misturas físicas... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Films of poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and poly(vinylidene fluoride - trifluoroethylene), P(VDF-TrFE), containing corn starch and latex of natural rubber were produced visioning to obtain biocompatible blends. These blends were produced by compressing/annealing, which discards the necessity of using organic solvents to dissolve the synthetic polymers (PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE)). This process, besides discarding the use of toxic solvents, allows obtaining self-standing films with suitable physical and chemical properties considering their application as biocompatible materials. The PVDF or P(VDF-TrFe) films with different percentage of the natural polymers (starch and/or latex of natural rubber) were characterized using thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamicalmechanical analysis (DMA). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman scattering, optic microscopy, scanning electric microscopy, scanning electric microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, density, melt flow index, hardness, and thermal conductivity. The results showed that the natural polymers are well dispersed within the matrix of PVDF or P(VDF-TrFE) at micrometer level and do not interact chemically with the synthetic polymers. The blends present high thermal stability with elasticity modulus at the same order of magnitude of the bone. However, it was observed that the adhesion of the natural polymers is better for the blends of P(VDF-TrFE). Besides, the crystalline structures of the α-PVDF and ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) are kept in the blends. The density, hardness, melt flow index and thermal conductivity values of the blends followed what shoud be expected from physical mixtures. The tests of biocompatibility for these materials were carried out implanting the films at the subcutaneous region of rats the results showed histological characteristics favorable to the compatibility in vivo...(Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Introdução: A força muscular periférica e respiratória pode estar reduzida em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). O impacto desta redução sobre a capacidade de realizar atividades e exercícios não é bem conhecida. Objetivos: Comparar a força muscular periférica e respiratória e o desempenho no teste da caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6) e no teste de senta e levanta de 1 minuto (TSL) em indivíduos com e sem DPOC e estudar o impacto da força muscular nos dois testes. Métodos: Foram estudados 21 pacientes com DPOC (13 homens, idade de 63±7 anos, volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo - VEF1 – 1,14±0,54, 42±18% do previsto) e 21 indivíduos sem DPOC (13 homens, idade 64±7 anos, VEF1 2,64±0,65, 106±21% do previsto). Todos os indivíduos realizaram espirometria, avaliação da pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx) e expiratória máxima (PEmáx), teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) para avaliar força do quadríceps, TC6 e TSL. Resultados: Quando comparados com controles pacientes com DPOC apresentaram valores inferiores de PImáx (77±23 cm H2O vs 102±18 cm H2O, p=0,0001), PEmáx (100±26 cm H2O vs 127±23 cm H2O, p=0,001), força do quadríceps (17±5 Kg vs 23±4 Kg, p=0,0001), distância no TC6 (405±76 m vs 539±48 m, p=0,0001) e repetições no TSL (25±6 vs 35±6, p=0,0001). No grupo de 42 indivíduos a distância percorrida no TC6 se associou com o VEF1 (r=0,80, p=0,0001), com a PImáx (r=0,59, p=0,0001), com a PEmáx (r=0,63, p=0,0001), com a SpO2 basal (r=0,61, p=0,0001) e com a força do quadríceps (r=0,63, p=0,0001). Num modelo multivariado o VEF1, a PImáx e a dispneia basal explicaram 81% da variabilidade da distância percorrida no TC6. Em relação ao TSL as melhores correlações foram observadas com o VEF1 (r=0,55, p=0,0001) e com a força do quadríceps (r=0,50, p=0,0001) e associação mais fraca foi observada com as pressões respiratórias máximas (r=0,34, p=0,02). A distância percorrida no TC6 se associou com o número de repetições no TSL (r=0,61, p=0,0001). Conclusões: Pacientes com DPOC tem redução da força muscular do quadríceps e das pressões respiratórias e um pior desempenho no TC6 e no TSL em relação aos controles. Tanto a força muscular do quadríceps como as pressões respiratórias influenciam o desempenho nos dois testes. Entretanto, o impacto da força do quadríceps sobre a distância percorrida parece depender do VEF1. Observamos uma relação forte entre a distância percorrida e o número de elevações no TST, sugerindo que o TST possa ter um papel na avaliação funcional de pacientes com DPOC. / Introduction: Peripheral and respiratory muscle strength may be reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The impact of this reduction on the ability to perform activities and exercises is not well known. Aims: To compare the peripheral and respiratory muscle strength and the performance in a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and a sit-to-stand test (STST) in subjects with and without COPD and to study the impact of the muscle strength on both tests. Methods: We studied 21 patients with COPD (13 men, age 63±7 years, forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1 1.14±0.54, 42 ± 18% predicted ) and 21 subjects without COPD (13 men, age 64±7 years, FEV1 2.64±0.65, 106±21% predicted). All subjects underwent spirometry, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP), one-repetition maximum (1RM) to evaluate quadriceps strength, 6MWT and STST. Results: When compared to controls patients with COPD showed lower values of MIP (77±23 cm H2O vs. 102±18 cm H2O, p=0.0001), MEP (100±26 cm H2O vs 127±23 cm H2O, p=0.001), quadriceps strength (17 ± 5 kg vs. 23 ± 4 kg, p=0.0001), distance in 6MWT (405±76 m vs 539±48 m, p = 0.0001) and repetitions in STST (25±6 vs 35±6, p=0.0001). The walked distance was associated with FEV1 (r=0.80, p=0.0001), MIP (r=0.59, p=0.0001), MEP (r=0.63, p=0.0001), baseline SpO2 (r=0.61, p=0.0001) and quadriceps strength (r=0.63, p=0.0001). In a multivariate model FEV1, MIP and baseline dyspnea explained 81% of the walked distance variance in 6MWT. Regarding the TSL, the best correlations were observed with FEV1 (r=0.55, p=0.0001) and quadriceps strength (r=0.495, p = 0.0001) while a weaker association was observed with the maximal respiratory pressures (r=0.34, p=0.02). The distance walked in 6MWT was associated with the number of repetitions in TSL (r=0.61, p=0.0001). Conclusions: Patients with COPD have reduced quadriceps muscle strength and respiratory pressures and a worse performance in the 6MWT and STST in relation to controls. Both the quadriceps muscle strength and respiratory pressure influenced the performance in both tests. However, the impact of quadriceps strength on the walked distance seems to depend on FEV1. We observed a strong relationship between distance and number of elevations in STST, suggesting that STST may have a role in the functional evaluation of patients with COPD.

Introdução: A força muscular periférica e respiratória pode estar reduzida em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). O impacto desta redução sobre a capacidade de realizar atividades e exercícios não é bem conhecida. Objetivos: Comparar a força muscular periférica e respiratória e o desempenho no teste da caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6) e no teste de senta e levanta de 1 minuto (TSL) em indivíduos com e sem DPOC e estudar o impacto da força muscular nos dois testes. Métodos: Foram estudados 21 pacientes com DPOC (13 homens, idade de 63±7 anos, volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo - VEF1 – 1,14±0,54, 42±18% do previsto) e 21 indivíduos sem DPOC (13 homens, idade 64±7 anos, VEF1 2,64±0,65, 106±21% do previsto). Todos os indivíduos realizaram espirometria, avaliação da pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx) e expiratória máxima (PEmáx), teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) para avaliar força do quadríceps, TC6 e TSL. Resultados: Quando comparados com controles pacientes com DPOC apresentaram valores inferiores de PImáx (77±23 cm H2O vs 102±18 cm H2O, p=0,0001), PEmáx (100±26 cm H2O vs 127±23 cm H2O, p=0,001), força do quadríceps (17±5 Kg vs 23±4 Kg, p=0,0001), distância no TC6 (405±76 m vs 539±48 m, p=0,0001) e repetições no TSL (25±6 vs 35±6, p=0,0001). No grupo de 42 indivíduos a distância percorrida no TC6 se associou com o VEF1 (r=0,80, p=0,0001), com a PImáx (r=0,59, p=0,0001), com a PEmáx (r=0,63, p=0,0001), com a SpO2 basal (r=0,61, p=0,0001) e com a força do quadríceps (r=0,63, p=0,0001). Num modelo multivariado o VEF1, a PImáx e a dispneia basal explicaram 81% da variabilidade da distância percorrida no TC6. Em relação ao TSL as melhores correlações foram observadas com o VEF1 (r=0,55, p=0,0001) e com a força do quadríceps (r=0,50, p=0,0001) e associação mais fraca foi observada com as pressões respiratórias máximas (r=0,34, p=0,02). A distância percorrida no TC6 se associou com o número de repetições no TSL (r=0,61, p=0,0001). Conclusões: Pacientes com DPOC tem redução da força muscular do quadríceps e das pressões respiratórias e um pior desempenho no TC6 e no TSL em relação aos controles. Tanto a força muscular do quadríceps como as pressões respiratórias influenciam o desempenho nos dois testes. Entretanto, o impacto da força do quadríceps sobre a distância percorrida parece depender do VEF1. Observamos uma relação forte entre a distância percorrida e o número de elevações no TST, sugerindo que o TST possa ter um papel na avaliação funcional de pacientes com DPOC. / Introduction: Peripheral and respiratory muscle strength may be reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The impact of this reduction on the ability to perform activities and exercises is not well known. Aims: To compare the peripheral and respiratory muscle strength and the performance in a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and a sit-to-stand test (STST) in subjects with and without COPD and to study the impact of the muscle strength on both tests. Methods: We studied 21 patients with COPD (13 men, age 63±7 years, forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1 1.14±0.54, 42 ± 18% predicted ) and 21 subjects without COPD (13 men, age 64±7 years, FEV1 2.64±0.65, 106±21% predicted). All subjects underwent spirometry, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP), one-repetition maximum (1RM) to evaluate quadriceps strength, 6MWT and STST. Results: When compared to controls patients with COPD showed lower values of MIP (77±23 cm H2O vs. 102±18 cm H2O, p=0.0001), MEP (100±26 cm H2O vs 127±23 cm H2O, p=0.001), quadriceps strength (17 ± 5 kg vs. 23 ± 4 kg, p=0.0001), distance in 6MWT (405±76 m vs 539±48 m, p = 0.0001) and repetitions in STST (25±6 vs 35±6, p=0.0001). The walked distance was associated with FEV1 (r=0.80, p=0.0001), MIP (r=0.59, p=0.0001), MEP (r=0.63, p=0.0001), baseline SpO2 (r=0.61, p=0.0001) and quadriceps strength (r=0.63, p=0.0001). In a multivariate model FEV1, MIP and baseline dyspnea explained 81% of the walked distance variance in 6MWT. Regarding the TSL, the best correlations were observed with FEV1 (r=0.55, p=0.0001) and quadriceps strength (r=0.495, p = 0.0001) while a weaker association was observed with the maximal respiratory pressures (r=0.34, p=0.02). The distance walked in 6MWT was associated with the number of repetitions in TSL (r=0.61, p=0.0001). Conclusions: Patients with COPD have reduced quadriceps muscle strength and respiratory pressures and a worse performance in the 6MWT and STST in relation to controls. Both the quadriceps muscle strength and respiratory pressure influenced the performance in both tests. However, the impact of quadriceps strength on the walked distance seems to depend on FEV1. We observed a strong relationship between distance and number of elevations in STST, suggesting that STST may have a role in the functional evaluation of patients with COPD.

O Ipê Felpudo (Zehyera tuberculosa (Vell) Bur) é uma espécie nativa, pioneira que possui um alto potencial silvicultural. Essa está ameaçada de extinção devido ao caráter extrativista e predatório da exploração florestal brasileira. A eliminação de complexos ecossistemas florestais por atividades agrícolas, agropecuárias, madeireiras e industriais tem levado a drásticas reduções da base genética dessa essência. O espaçamento é de grande importância para o desenvolvimento das árvores sob aspectos tecnológicos, silviculturais e econômicos. Esse influencia na morfologia e crescimento das árvores. O espaçamento ótimo é aquele que concorrerá para o maior volume do produto e a qualidade almejada. A modelagem florestal inicia-se no inventário de parcelas permanentes que sofrem remedições, pois as florestas são um sistema biológico que está sempre em mudanças e, necessita-se da projeção destas mudanças para que se possa tomar decisões necessárias a fim de ser executado um manejo adequado nesse ecossistema. As decisões de manejo são baseadas em informações sobre as situações atuais e futuras dos povoamentos.Os objetivos desse trabalho são: analisar um experimento com 6 diferentes espaçamentos; definir um modelo de crescimento para a espécie, em função de variáveis do povoamento e climáticas coletadas na Estação Experimental de Linhares, Espírito Santo. / The Ipê Felpudo (Zeyhera tuberculosa (Vell) Bur) is a native and pioneer species, which possesses a high silvicultural potencial. It has been threatened of extinguishing due the intense predatory exraction of the Brazilian forestry exploitation. The elimination of the complex forestry ecosystem for agricultural, farming, lumber and industrial activities has induced to the drastic redutions of it’s genetic base. Plantation density is one of the most important factor or is the most important factor has a great importance for the development of the trees under technological, sivicultural and economic aspects. It influences in the morphological and trees growth. The excellent plantation density is the one that will concur for the biggest volume of the product and it’s quality. Forest modeling initiates through the inventory of permanent plots that suffer remeasures, therefore, forests are biological systems that are always changing and requires a projection of theese changes, in order to permit executinge management adjustments in this ecosystem. This decisions are based on information of the current and future situations of the stand. The purposes of this work are: to analyze an experiment with 6 different plantation densities; to define a growth model for this species, with stand and climatic variables, collected in the Experimental Station of Linhares, Espírito Santo.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:44:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_jonas_pinto.pdf: 226264 bytes, checksum: f4890ee9608918a926a9fc2d8ccb6362 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-10-17 / The seeder are designed to provide an even distribution of seeds in the field. Equipment failure, bad standardizing seeds and use of low quality seed to favor the emergence of faults and double plants in a crop. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior and the effects of faults and double plants on soybean productivity. Have been sown soybean seeds, variety CD 226 RR. Spacing of 6,5cm between plants and 50cm between rows were used. Sowing was done manually using three seeds per hole, ten days after the onset of the emergency were performed thinning leaving one plant per hole, two plants per hole (twin plants) and the occurrence of failures that made up the treatment plant as follows: PIN - Normal Individual Plan; PII - Isolated Single Plant, PIF 13 - Individual Plant located on the edge of failure 13cm; PIF 26 - Individual Plant located on the edge of failure 26cm; PIF 39 - Individual Plant located on the edge of failure 39cm; PIF 45,5 - Single Plant located on the edge of failure 45,5cm; NDP - Plant Normal Double; PDI - Dual Isolated Plant, PDF 13 - Double Plant located on the edge of failure 13cm, PDF 26 - Double Plant located on the edge of failure 26cm ; PDF 39 - Double Plant located at the edge of failure 39cm; PDF 45,5 - Double Plant located on the edge of failure 45,5cm. In the developmental stage R8 was evaluated in the field the following characteristics: plant height (cm), number of branches per plant and stem diameter (mm). In the laboratory we determined the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant (g) and productivity per unit area (kg.ha-1). Based on the results we obtained the following conclusions: failures from 1 up to 7 consecutive plants per linear meter cause reductions of 6 up to 38% in productivity; Increased production plant located on the edges of fault does not offset the loss of production caused the lack of plants; the occurrence of until one double plant per meter does not decrease productivity. / As semeadoras foram desenvolvidas para propiciar uma distribuição homogênea das sementes no campo. Falhas no equipamento, sementes mal padronizadas e utilização de sementes de baixa qualidade favorecem para o surgimento de falhas e de plantas duplas em uma lavoura. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o comportamento e os efeitos de falhas e duplos na produtividade da soja. Foram semeadas sementes de soja, cultivar CD 226 RR. Utilizou-se o espaçamento de 6,5cm entre plantas e 50cm entre linhas. A semeadura foi realizada manualmente utilizando-se 3 sementes por cova, dez dias após o início da emergência foram realizados desbastes deixando uma planta por cova, duas plantas por cova (plantas duplas) e a ocorrência de falhas de plantas que compuseram os tratamentos da seguinte forma: PIN - Planta Individual Normal; PII - Planta Individual Isolada; PIF 13 - Planta Individual localizada em borda de Falha 13cm; PIF 26 - Planta Individual localizada em borda de Falha 26cm; PIF 39 - Planta Individual localizada em borda de Falha 39cm; PIF 45,5 - Planta Individual localizada em borda de Falha 45,5cm; PDN - Planta Dupla Normal; PDI - Planta Dupla Isolada; PDF 13 - Planta Dupla localizada em borda de Falha 13cm, PDF 26 - Planta Dupla localizada em borda de Falha 26cm; PDF 39 - Planta Dupla localizada em borda de Falha 39cm; PDF 45,5 - Planta Dupla localizada em borda de Falha 45,5cm. No estádio fenológico R8 foram avaliadas as seguintes característica no campo: altura de plantas (cm), número de ramificações por planta, diâmetro do caule (mm). Em laboratório determinou-se o número de legumes por planta, número de sementes por planta, peso das sementes por planta (g) e produtividade por unidade de área (kg.ha-1). Com base nos resultados, obtiveram-se as seguintes conclusões: falhas de 1 a 7 plantas consecutivas por metro linear causam reduções na produtividade de 6 a 38%; o aumento da produção das plantas localizadas nas bordas das falhas não compensa a perda de produção causada pela falta de plantas; a ocorrência de até uma planta dupla por metro linear não diminui a produtividade.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the most successful human pathogens, estimated to have infected close to one-third of the global human population. In order to survive within its host, M. tuberculosis utilises multiple signalling strategies, one of them being synthesis and secretion of universal second messenger cAMP. This process is enabled by the presence of sixteen predicted adenylyl cyclases in the genome of M. tuberculosis H37Rv, ten of which have been characterised in vitro. The synthesized cAMP is recognised by ten putative cAMP-binding proteins in which the cyclic AMP-binding domain is associated with a variety of enzymatic domains. The cAMP signal can be extinguished by degradation by phosphodiesterase’s, secretion into the extracellular milieu or via sequestration of the nucleotide by upregulation of a high-affinity cAMP-binding protein. Of the sixteen adenylyl cyclases (ACs) encoded by M. tuberculosis H37Rv, a subset of multidomain adenylyl cyclases remain poorly characterised, primarily due to challenges associated with studying these in vitro. The adenylyl cyclase domain in these proteins is associated with an NB-ARC domain (nucleotide binding domain common to APAF-1, plant R proteins and CED-4), a TPR domain (tetratricopeptide repeat) and an LuxR-type HTH motif (helix-turn-helix). This architecture places these multidomain mycobacterial ACs within a larger group of STAND (Signal transduction ATPase’s with numerous domains) proteins, and hence they will be referred to as STAND ACs. The STAND proteins are a recently recognised class of multidomain ATPases which integrate a variety of signals prior to activation. Activation is accompanied by formation of large oligomeric signalling hubs which facilitate downstream signalling events. While most STAND proteins have a single effector domain followed by an NB-ARC domain and a scaffolding domain, the STAND ACs distinguish themselves by retaining two effector domains, the AC domain and the HTH domain, at the N- and C- termini respectively. The cyclase, NB-ARC, TPR and HTH domains have widely divergent taxonomic distributions making the presence of these four domains in a single polypeptide rare. In fact, proteins with cyclase-NB-ARC-TPR-HTH (C-A-T-H) domain organisation were found to be encoded almost exclusively by slow growing mycobacterial species, a clade that harbours most mycobacterial pathogens, such as M. tuberculosis and M. leprae. Notably, one of the STAND ACs, Rv0386, is the only mycobacterial AC shown till date to be required for virulence of M. tuberculosis in mice. Using phylogenetic, the evolutionary underpinnings of this domain architecture were examined. The STAND ACs appear to have most likely evolved via a domain gain event from a cyclase-ATPase-TPR progenitor encoded by a strain ancestral to M. marina. Subsequently, the genes duplicated and diverged, sometimes leading to frameshift mutations splitting the cyclase domain from the C-terminal domains. Consequently, M. tuberculosis encodes for three ‘full-length’ STAND ACs, namely, Rv0386, Rv1358 and Rv2488c and one split STAND AC. The split STAND AC is made up of Rv0891c, containing the AC domain, and Rv0890c, containing the NB-ARC, TPR and HTH domains. rv0891c and rv0890c were found to be expressed as an operatic transcript, though they were translationally uncoupled. Pertinently, M. Canetti, an early-branching species of the M. tuberculosis complex, contains an orthologue of Rv0891c and Rv0890c where all four domains are present in a single polypeptide. Sequence analysis of the four STAND ACs in M. tuberculosis allowed predictions of significant divergence in function. These proteins showed high sequence conservation in their HTH domains, with substantial sequence divergence in their TPR, NB-ARC and AC domains. Biochemical analysis on the AC domains revealed that Rv0891c and Rv2488c possessed poor or no AC activity, respectively. On the other hand, the cyclase domain of Rv0386 could catalyse cAMP synthesis. Moreover, for both Rv0891c and Rv0386, presence of the C-terminal domains potentiated adenylyl cyclase activity, suggestive of allosteric regulation within the STAND AC module. Studies on Rv0891c also revealed that the protein could inhibit the adenylyl cyclase activity of Rv0386 in trans. This result thus provided a novel mechanism by which proteins harbouring poorly active/inactive adenylyl cyclase domains could contribute to cAMP levels, by acting as inhibitors of other adenylyl cyclases. The STAND ACs were found to be inactive ATPases. Additionally, incubation with nucleotides did not stimulate oligomerisation of these proteins, unlike what has been shown for several other STAND proteins. However, mutations in the NB-ARC domain perturbed the basal oligomeric state of these proteins, indicating that the NB-ARC domain can influence self- association. A subset of NB-ARC domain mutants also showed increased adenylyl cyclase activity, reiterating the inter-domain cross-talk in the STAND ACs. Since the AC activity of these proteins was meagre, the properties of the HTH domain were examined, as an alternative effector domain. Genomic SELEX was performed using the TPR-HTH domains of Rv0890c, and revealed a set of sequences that bound to this protein, though they lacked common sequence features. Further analysis revealed that Rv0890c bound to DNA in a sequence-independent manner, through the HTH domain. This binding was cooperative with multiple protein units engaging in DNA-binding. Due to the cooperative nature of binding and the lack of sequence preference, Rv0890c appeared coat the DNA molecule. This was further proved by the ability of Rv0890c to protect DNA from DNaseI-mediated degradation, and the requirement for long DNA sequences to form stable DNA-protein complexes. Studies also revealed that Rv0890c interacted with RNA and ssDNA. In fact, the protein as purified from heterologously expressing E. coli cells was bound to RNA. RNA-binding by a LuxR-type HTH has not been reported previously, providing a new function for this class of HTHs. Interestingly, nucleic acid-binding by a fusion Rv0891c-Rv0890c protein, similar to the one encoded in M. canetti, was shown to stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity. This was likely due to a relief of inhibitory interactions between the TPR-HTH and the AC domains, on DNA-binding. Given the high sequence similarity between the HTH domains of the STAND ACs, they were expected to bind to DNA in an identical manner. Indeed, the HTH domains of Rv0386 and Rv1358 engaged with DNA with an identical affinity as Rv0890c. Sequence comparisons in the HTH domain enabled identification of conserved basic residues, of which one, R850 was essential for nucleic acid-binding. Surprisingly however, Rv0386 and Rv1358 did not exhibit RNA-binding, pointing towards functional divergence of Rv0890c from its paralogues. Since the HTH domains of the STAND ACs were highly conserved, it was possible that the ability to bind to RNA was instead dictated by the adjacent TPR modules. To examine this possibility, TPR domains were swapped between Rv0890c and Rv0386. Interestingly, both the chimeric proteins showed a reduced ability to bind to DNA, while showing a complete absence of RNA- binding. These results suggested that the TPR domains were critical in modulating nucleic acid-binding. Moreover, the effect of the TPR domain was context-dependent, since the presence of non-cognate TPR domains hampered nucleic acid-binding. However, the ability to bind to RNA was not solely governed by the TPR domain since the Rv0890cTPR-Rv0386HTH chimeric protein did not show RNA-binding, in spite of containing a permissive TPR domain. To further dissect the molecular requirements for RNA-binding, the conservation of basic residues between the HTH domains of Rv0890c versus Rv1358 and Rv0386 was examined. Interestingly the HTH domain Rv0890c contained two additional positively charged residues over Rv1358 and Rv0386. Mutations of these abolished RNA-binding by Rv0890c. Thus the evolution of two basic residues permit Rv0890c to diverge in its nucleic acid-binding properties, a possible example of defunctionalisation following gene duplication. In summary, this thesis attempts to understand the evolution and functions of the STAND ACs, a group of pathogenically relevant and uniquely mycobacterial multidomain proteins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed an expansion of this gene family in slow growing mycobacteria. Biochemical characterisation showed that following gene duplication, the resulting proteins diverge both in their ability to synthesize cAMP and in their association with nucleic acids. Studies on these proteins also revealed novel mechanisms of regulation of mycobacterial cAMP levels. Additionally, these proteins exhibited indiscriminate binding to DNA/nucleic acids indicating that they may be responsible for global functions in the cell which extend beyond cAMP synthesis.

L’analyse des sites éoliens et des possibilités solaires du Bénin a conduit les travaux vers les systèmes énergétiques, du type photovoltaïque autonome, couplé à des batteries de stockage. Ces systèmes énergétiques appropriés ont été analysés, modélisés et optimisés. Les critères d’optimisation sont issus d’une enquête réalisée au près des responsables qui s’occupent des questions d’électrification en milieu rural, des professionnels sélectionnés qui jouent un rôle majeur dans le processus décisionnel des projets d’électrification en milieu rural, des associations locales qui ont bénéficié de ces projets au Bénin, des techniciens et des usagers de ces systèmes. Ces critères sont hiérarchisés selon la méthode AMDEC. Une méthode d’optimisation adaptée a été réalisée ; elle fait appel à une vision originale de pondération. / The analysis of the wind sites and the solar possibilities of Benin led the works towards the energy systems, of the autonomous photovoltaic type, coupled with batteries of storage. These appropriate energy systems were analyzed, modelled and optimized. The criteria of optimization arise from a survey realized in near the persons in charge who take care of questions of electrification in rural areas, of selected professionals who play a major role in the decision-making of the projects of electrification in rural areas, local associations which benefited from these projects in Benin, from technicians and from users of these systems. These criteria are organized into a hierarchy according to the method AMDEC. A method of adapted optimization was realized; she appeals to an original vision of level-headedness.

Background: Several studies show that sedentary is harmful to humans. Despite this, the degree of sedentary increases and 75% of the total time of sedentary is at the workplace. A common way to reduce sedentary is to introduce sit-stand workstations. Studies show that this gives good effects during working hours but few have studied what those providing for effects after working hours. Objective: Study office workers to see if there is a difference in the frequency and duration of physical activity and estimation of physical problems after a working day if they were sedentary or varied its working position by using a sit-stand workstation. Method: 20 office workers measured the frequency and duration of physical activity and estimated physical problems through a diary and a questionnaire after work. Results: No significant differences were detected. Conclusions: It is not possible to draw any general conclusions from this study as the sample is small and measurement methods are only subjective. More studies are needed where you look at what happens after working hours in the future to ensure the pros and cons of sit-stand worskstations. / Bakgrund: De senaste åren har det kommit ett flertal studier som visar att stillasittande är skadligt för människan. Trots detta ökar graden av stillasittande och 75 % av den totala tiden av stillasittande sker på arbetsplatsen där kontorsarbetare är de som rapporterar högst andel stillasittande. Mot bakgrund av detta är därför arbetsplatsen ett bra forum att arbeta med hälsofrämjande insatser för att minska tiden av stillasittande. Ett vanligt sätt för att minska stillasittandet är att införa höj- och sänkbara skrivbord. Flertal studier visar att detta ger goda effekter under arbetstid. Ett område som dock är mindre forskat på är vad möjligheten att kunna variera sin arbetsposition med ett höj- och sänkbart bord har för effekter för individen efter arbetstid. Syfte: Att studera kontorsanställda för att se om det föreligger en skillnad i frekvens och duration av fysisk aktivitet samt skattning av fysiska besvär efter en arbetsdag. Detta beroende på om de varierat sin arbetsposition regelbundet genom användning av ett höj-och sänkbart skrivbord jämfört med om de intagit en sittande arbetsposition. Metod: Kvasiexperimentell studie med inompersonsdesign. 20 kontorsanställda fick mäta frekvens och duration av fysisk aktivitet samt skatta fysisk besvärsförekomst via dagbok och enkätformulär efter arbetsdagen. Resultat: Resultatet visar att det inte förelåg några signifikanta skillnader mellan om försökspersonen suttit eller varierat arbetsposition. De tendenser som kunnat påvisas är små men tyder på en något minskad frekvens och ökad duration av fysisk aktivitet efter att ha varierat arbetsposition. Skattning av fysisk besvärsförekomst var oförändrad. Slutsatser: Det går inte att dra några generella slutsatser av denna studie då urvalet är litet och mätmetoderna endast subjektiva. Fler studier behövs där man tittar på vad som händer efter arbetstid för att i framtiden kunna säkerställa för- och nackdelar med höj- och sänkbara skrivbord.

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The aim of this work is to rise up a procedure to support the management plans. This research is divided into seven chapters. In the first chapter, the introduction, with justification and the objectives of the work are referred. In the second chapter, a review of the literature about management of natural tropical forests is done, considering the difficulties, general and special conditions for effective implementation of the management of natural tropical forests. In the third chapter, it is defined the fundamental point of this work: to propose a procedure for calculating the cutting rate using the method BDq in combination with the growth of species with similar percentage volume increment. In the fourth chapter, it is suggested a procedure for detailed logging plan: road network planning; it was calculated the load and time of the skidder cycle; designed the size and performance of teams and all is compared with outputs obtained on the field. In the fifth chapter, using the method of ratio of diameter movement , fed with data from the permanent plot, a stand table projection of the diameter classes to assess the sustainability of cut rate for the period is done. The sixth chapter is a proposal for monitoring the management system. Finally, the seventh chapter analyses the economic viability of the compartment. Regarding the results for cutting rate from the compartment of 547 ha have been identified 3 groups of species with different rates of growth. Cut intensities were defined as 32.58% for group I; 48.62% for group II; and 56.23% % for group III. The total extraction for all compartment was 50.8%. The potential of the compartment was 17,021.46 m³ (31.11 m³ / ha), and the sustainable rate of cutting was 8,649.97 m³ (15.81 m³ / ha). To recover this extraction it is necessary a MAI of 0.63 m³ / ha / year. The logging indexes were: the optimal distance between landings was 540m. The optimum secondary road density calculated was 18.49 m / ha and the actual obtained in the field is, 21m/ha. The calculation of optimal number of landings was 24, to serve to 23 hectares each one, with capacity of 368m³ of timber in two stages, comprising only 0.22% of the area of the compartment. The maximum load capacity to Skidder was 7 ton in clay ground, dry, without structure and with a maximum gradient of 15%, and 4.6 ton in sand soil, slope of up to 10%. The average cycle time to skid was 11 minutes and 42 seconds; the average load of 6.11 tons was found. The stand table projection indicated an increase of mean annual increment (MAI) of 0.64 m³ / ha / year in the commercial classes (up to 45 DHB) and 0.67 m³ / ha / year in the above classes of 25 DBH. The ingress in the commercial classes was 4.17 trees per hectare to a cut cycle of 25 years. These data report that the recovery is feasible for the rate cut foreseen. It was also simulated a removal of all commercial classes (31.11 m³ / ha), and the result to cut cycle was an increment was 0.35 m³ / ha / year replacing only 28%. This reinforces the importance of evaluating the structure of the forest, besides the sustainable rate cut, to guarantee a replacement of adequate MAI. The girth limit for maximum production was 75 cm of DHB in this stand. The checklist about the sustainability of logging operations shows the adaptation of the enterprise to the new concepts of management. About the economical valuation, it was positive according Net Preset Value for the taxes of 6% a.a ., getting R$ 439,81/ha and R$ 240.579,31 for all compartment of 547 ha. / Esta pesquisa visa levantar procedimentos que devem ser incluídos nos planos de manejo. O trabalho está dividido em sete capítulos. No primeiro capítulo, são mencionados introdução, justificativa e objetivos do trabalho. No segundo capítulo, é realizada a revisão bibliográfica sobre o manejo das florestas naturais tropicais, avaliando as dificuldades, condições gerais e específicas para implantação efetiva do manejo das florestas naturais tropicais. No terceiro capítulo, foi definido o ponto fundamental do trabalho: propor um procedimento para cálculo da taxa de corte utilizando o método de Área Basal Máximo DAP-q em combinação com o crescimento de espécies com ritmo semelhante, baseado em seu incremento percentual em volume. No quarto capítulo, é detalhado o procedimento sugerido de planejamento da exploração, o planejamento de rede de estradas, o cálculo do ciclo de arraste e carga do skidder, além de projetado o dimensionamento das equipes e das performances e comparado com resultados obtidos na exploração. No quinto capítulo, utilizando-se o método de razão de movimentação, alimentado com dados de crescimento das espécies segundo as parcelas permanentes, é feita uma projeção das classes diamétricas visando avaliar a sustentabilidade da taxa de corte para o período considerado. No sexto capítulo, é apresentada uma proposta de monitoramento das empresas com alguns resultados de pesquisas já realizadas na área ou em compartimentos contíguos. E, finalmente, no sétimo capítulo, são realizadas análises de viabilidade econômica do compartimento em diferentes situações de venda da madeira. Com relação aos resultados para taxa de corte do compartimento de 547 ha, foram definidos 3 grupos de espécies com diferentes ritmos de crescimento. Assim, foram definidas intensidades de corte de 32,58% para o grupo I; 48,62% para o grupo II; e 56,23% para o grupo III. Em conjunto, a extração ficou em 50,8% sobre as classes comerciais. O potencial do compartimento era de 17.021,46 m³ (31,11m³/ha) e a taxa de corte sustentável orçou em 8.649,97 m³ (15,81 m³/ha). Para recuperar essa extração, será necessário um incremento médio anual de 0,63 m³/ha/ano. Os cálculos de planejamento da exploração indicaram para a distância ótima entre estaleiros o valor de 540 m. A densidade ótima de estradas calculada foi de 18,49m/ha e a real obtida em campo foi 21m/ha. O número ótimo de pátios calculado foi de 24 pátios de estocagem, visando servir a 23 hectares cada um, com capacidade de 368m³ de madeira por pátio em duas etapas, perfazendo apenas 0,22% da área do compartimento. As cargas máximas calculadas para o skidder na unidade de produção foram de 7 ton em terreno argiloso, seco, sem estruturação e com um máximo de 15% de inclinação, e de 4,6 ton em areia solta e inclinação máxima de 10%. O tempo de ciclo médio do trator de arraste foi de 11 minutos e 42 segundos; a carga média encontrada foi de 6,11ton. A prognose de incremento indicou um incremento médio anual (IMA) de 0,64m³/ha/ano nas classes comerciais (acima de 45 de DAP) e 0,67m³/ha/ano nas classes acima de 25 de DAP. O ingresso nas classes comerciais foi de 4,17 árvores por hectare para um ciclo de 25 anos. Esses dados informam que a recuperação é viável para a taxa de corte considerada. Foi também simulada uma remoção de todas as classes comerciais (31,11 m³/ha), e o resultado como incremento para 25 anos foi de 0,35/ha/ano, repondo apenas 28% do retirado. Isso reforça a importância da avaliação da estrutura da floresta, além da taxa de corte, para garantia de um IMA passível de reposição. A classe de DAP de máxima produção nesse povoamento é a de 75 cm. Foi elaborado um checklist para checagem da sustentabilidade do sistema de manejo utilizado, havendo boa aceitação da empresa às novas técnicas de exploração. A avaliação econômica foi positiva com relação ao valor presente líquido a uma taxa de 6% a.a., atingindo R$ 439,81/ha e R$ 240.579,31 para todo o compartimento de 547 ha.