Porfirinas são produtos formados como intermediários na biossíntese do heme, variando de 8 a 4 grupos carboxilas: uro, hepta, hexa, penta e coproporfirinas. Alterações no perfil de porfirinas urinárias podem ser originados por uma causa hereditária ou por exposição ambiental/ocupacional. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estabelecer um método de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) com detecção por fluorescência, sensível o suficiente para estimar valores de referência das frações de porfirinas urinárias, denominadas de perfil, para uma população da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. A urina, amostra isolada, foi coletada de 126 indivíduos (18-65 anos) de ambos os sexos e não expostos ocupacionalmente a agentes porfirinogênicos tais como organoclorados, As, Hg e Pb. Os resultados obtidos apresentaram distribuição não-paramétrica e os valores de referência em µg/g of creatinina, média ± dp e percentil 2,5 - 97,5 % foram: para a fração uro: 5,3 ± 6,0 e 0 - 20,8; para copro: 42,8 ± 26,4 e 7,4-133,6 e para porfirinas totais: 48,1 ± 27,7 e 7,4-159,4 respectivamente. As frações hepta, hexa e penta não foram quantificadas. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes para os grupos de sexo e idade. O grupo de fumantes apresentou níveis mais baixos de copro e porfirinas totais (mediana 37,19 e 43,48) comparado com o grupo de nãofumantes (mediana 22,49 e 27,18). O método proposto, permite detectar discretas alterações na excreção de porfirinas e os limites de referência estimados têm potencial a serem utilizados como biomarcadores na exposição a agentes porfirinogênicos. / Porphyrins which are formed as intermediates in heme biosynthesis, vary from eight to four carboxyl groups: uro, hepta, hexa, penta and coproporphyrins. Alterations in the urinary porphyrin excretion profile may be caused by a hereditary disease or by environmental/occupational exposure. The purpose of this study was to establish a sensitive and accurate highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with fluorescence detection to estimate reference ranges of urinary porphyrin fractions in a population of São Paulo city, Brazil. Random urine samples were collected from 126 subjects (18 - to 65-year-old) of both sexes not occupationally exposed to porphyrinogenic agents such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, As, Hg and Pb. Distribution were nonparametric and reference ranges obtained in µg/g of creatinine, mean ± SD and 2,5 -97,5 th percentile were: for 8- carboxyl (uro): 5,3 ± 6,0 and 0 - 20,8; for 4-carboxyl (copro): 42,8 ± 26,4 and 7,4-133,6 and for total porphyrins: 48,1 ± 27,7 and 7,4 -159,4 respectively. Hepta, hexa and pentaporphyrins were not quantified. No statistically significant correlation was found for sex and age. Smokers had lower levels of copro and total porphyrins statistically significant (median 37,19 and 43,48) than nonsmokers (median 22,49 and 27,18). The proposed method, which allows for the detection of minor alterations in porphyrin excretion and the reference ranges estimated are potentially applicable as biological markers in exposure to porphyrinogenic agents.

Biodiversity, ecosystems, industry and human health are threatened by invasive plant species. The costs of mitigating damages run into billions of pounds per annum. Fundamental to the control of invasive plant species is an ability to predict which species will become invasive. Yet identification of predictive differences between invasive and non-invasive species has proven difficult to pinpoint. In this thesis I identify several weaknesses within published literature, and using field experiments and meta-analyses we address these to find consistent predictors of invasiveness amongst plants. Specifically, I recognize that predictors of invasiveness can be identified by studying plant species in the native range because species may undergo phenotypic and demographic changes following naturalization (Chapters 2 – 5). I also recognize the importance of comparing globally invasive and non-invasive species, and the importance of accounting for phylogenetic relationships so as not to inflate or conceal differences (Chapters 2 – 4). Finally, I investigate whether particular analyses are more appropriate for investigating life history and demographic differences (Chapter 5). This thesis comprises an introductory chapter (Chapter 1), four data chapters (Chapters 2 - 5) and a general discussion (Chapter 6). Chapters 2 and 3 compare life history traits of plant species known to be invasive elsewhere, with their exported but non-invasive sympatric relatives in the native range. Chapter 4 utilizes Population Projection Matrices held within the COMPADRE Plant Matrix Database, to compare demographic projections of stable and transient dynamics of invasive and non-invasive plants; and Chapter 5 compares ten metrics, derived from Population Projection Matrices, of seven invasive species between the native and invaded range to determine if there are demographic or life history differences that facilitate invasion, and to identify those analyses that are most likely to reveal such differences. I find reproductive capacity to be a predictor of invasiveness, and that analyses of transient dynamics are more likely than analyses of projected stable dynamics to reveal demographic or life history differences between invasive and non-invasive species or populations of plants. I discuss these findings in the context of invasive risk assessment protocols and highlight future research opportunities.

Long range order (LRO) is one of the most important properties of physics systems, especially for a strongly correlated system. In this thesis, the long range order in a few strongly correlated systems is investigated both rigorously and numerically. / Magnetic orders in the two-dimensional periodic Anderson model (PAM) were investigated in the project. Several numerical methods including exact diagonalization, mean field methods and the constrained path Monte Carlo (CPMC) method were used here. We studied the effect of the dispersion of the impurity band on the magnetism and gave estimated phase diagrams on the band filling and impurity chemical potential plane, by comparing the ground state energies and by studying the Fourier transformation of the spin-spin correlations. / The Neel long range order in various quantum spin models was studied. A spatially anisotropy antiferromagnetic Heisenberg system was studied and a critical point Jup⊥S was obtained. When J⊥ is larger than Jup⊥S , the Neel long range order was proved to exist in the ground state of the system. Then an onsite single-ion anisotropy D-term was imposed on the above system and its effect on the existence of the long range order was studied. We obtained a critical line on the DJ⊥ plane such that above which the long range order exists. To get insight into the long range order in the two-dimensional isotropic Heisenberg model, the XXZ model and the Heisenberg system with next nearest neighbors interaction were studied. For the XXZ model, two critical couplings DeltaXY and DeltaIsing were obtained such that when 0 ≤ Delta ≤XY or Delta ≥ DeltaIsing, the Neel order appears. For the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model with next nearest neighbors interaction both spin S = 1/2 and S = 1 were studied. For S = 1/2, a critical next nearest neighbors ferro-coupling Jc2 was obtained such that when J2 ≤ Jc2 , the Neel long range order appears, while for S = 1 an improved Jc2 was obtained such that when J2 ≤ Jc2 the Neel order still exists even with frustration. / Wang Yongqiang = 强关联系统中的长程序 / 王永强. / "June 2005." / Adviser: Haiqing Lin. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-07, Section: B, page: 3861. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 156-162). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Text in English; abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307. / Wang Yongqiang = Qiang guan lian xi tong zhong de chang cheng xu / Wang Yongqiang.

A fadiga neuromuscular pode ser induzida por contrações isométricas sustentadas para determinar o desempenho funcional muscular do organismo humano ao longo dos anos. A finalidade desta pesquisa foi determinar o limiar de fadiga eletromiográfica dos músculos masseter e temporal (bilateral), por meio do espectro da frequência mediana (FM), de crianças, jovens, adultos e idosos, com intuito de traçar parâmetros que possam ser considerados normais em função da idade. Cento e setenta indivíduos brasileiros dentados completos (exceto o Grupo I com dentição mista) sem disfunção temporomandibular foram distribuídos em cinco Grupos Etários: I (7-12 anos, n=38), II (13-20 anos, n=36), III (21-40 anos, n=40), IV (41-60 anos, n=40) e V (61-80 anos, n=16). Foi utilizado o eletromiógrafo Myosystem-Br1 para análise do sinal EMG normalizado na condição de fadiga muscular. Os dados da FM do sinal EMG foram obtidos pelos valores do janelamento de 5s durante o período inicial (PI), médio (PM) e final (PF) do sinal EMG. O apertamento dental em contração voluntária máxima foi o fator que determinou a fadiga muscular e normalizou os dados EMG que foram tabulados e submetidos para análise estatística (ANOVA e medidas repetidas; SPSS 22.0; p < 0,05). Foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas significantes entre as faixas etárias no PM (p=0,05) para o músculo temporal direito; PI (p=0,02) e PF (p=0,01) para o músculo temporal esquerdo. Houve decréscimo linear da FM entre os períodos do sinal EMG para todos os grupos etários em relação aos músculos masseteres e temporais, com diferenças estatísticas significantes, exceto masseter esquerdo Grupo V (p=0,00 para cada análise). Baseados nos resultados desta pesquisa, o fator idade influenciou o sinal eletromiográfico normalizado no processo de fadiga neuromuscular e demonstrou que existe declínio linear no decorrer do sinal eletromiográfico para os músculos masseter e temporal. Este estudo contribuiu para a comunidade científica, porque demonstrou parâmetros do sinal eletromiográfico de indivíduos saudáveis na condição de fadiga durante o envelhecimento humano, adequados para serem utilizados em trabalhos futuros de comparação do sistema muscular esquelético saudável e com alterações morfofuncionais. / Neuromuscular fatigue can be induced by sustained isometric contractions to determine the functional muscular performance of the human body over the years. The aim of this research was to determine the EMG fatigue threshold of the masseter and temporal muscle (bilateral), through the median frequency (MF) spectrum, of children, young adults and elderly, in order to draw parameters that can be considered normal according to age. A total of 170 full-toothed Brazilian subjects (except Group I with mixed dentition) without temporomandibular dysfunction were distributed in five Age Groups: I (7-12 years, n = 38), II (13-20 years, n = 36), III 21-40 years, n = 40), IV (41-60 years, n = 40) and V (61-80 years, n = 16). The Myosystem-Br1 electromyograph was used to analyze the normalized EMG signal in the muscular fatigue condition. The MF data of the EMG signal were obtained by the windowing values of 5s during the initial period (IP), mean (MP) and final (FP) of the EMG signal. The teeth clenching in maximal voluntary contraction was the factor that determined muscle fatigue and normalized the EMG data that were tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis (ANOVA and repeated measures, SPSS 22.0, P <0.05). Significant statistical differences were found between the age groups in the MP (p = 0.05) for the right temporal muscle; IP (P = 0.02) and FP (P = 0.01) for left temporal muscle. There was a linear decrease in MF between the EMG signal periods for all age groups in relation to the masseter and temporalis muscles, with significant statistical differences, except left masseter - Group V (P = 0.00 for each analysis). Based on the results of this research, the age factor influenced the normalized EMG signal in the process of neuromuscular fatigue and demonstrated that there is a linear decline during the EMG signal for the masseter muscle and temporal muscle. This study should be useful for the scientific community because it demonstrates parameters of the EMG signal of healthy individuals in fatigue condition during human aging, suitable for use in future studies of comparison of healthy skeletal muscle system with morphofunctional changes

Orientador: Roberto Carlos Burini / Banca: Kátia Cristina Portero McLellan / Banca: Ismael Forte Freitas Junior / Banca: Alex Antonio Florindo / Banca: Aguinaldo Gonçalves / Resumo: A busca pela estratégia mais eficaz capaz de prevenir, modificar e controlar fatores de risco e doenças crônicas por meio de mudança no estilo de vida (MEV) tornou-se um grande desafio, além de conseguir a adesão, em longo prazo, e principalmente sem supervisão, aos bons hábitos adquiridos durante a intervenção com MEV. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da participação e do desligamento do programa de mudança do estilo de vida sobre nível de atividade e aptidão física, percepção de saúde e presença de Síndrome Metabólica em adultos da comunidade de Botucatu-SP. Estudo do tipo transversal com base na comunidade contou com 153 indivíduos previamente participantes de programa de MEV e alocados em grupos Controle, Adesão e Não-Adesão. As avaliações incluíram medidas antropométricas (peso corporal e estatura para cálculo do índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal, percentual de gordura, massa muscular e índice de massa muscular (IMM)), aptidão física (flexibilidade de tronco (sentar e alcançar) e força de preensão manual (dinamometria)) e nível de atividade física e estado de saúde (IPAQ longo, versão 8). Amostra sanguínea de jejum foi utilizada para análise bioquímica (glicemia, HDL-C e triglicerídios), aferição da pressão arterial (técnica auscultatória) e o diagnóstico da Síndrome Metabólica (SM) seguiu as recomendações do NCEP-ATPIII (2001) com adaptação da glicemia (≥ 100 mg/dL) em três momentos (pré-participação (M0), após intervenção de seis meses (M1) e após desligamento (M2) do programa de MEV). Análise de variância e modelo linear generalizado em medidas repetidas para comparação entre momentos e grupos, qui-quadrado, teste de proporção e modelo de regressão logística com nível de significância de 5%. O programa de MEV... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The search for more effective strategy able to prevent, control and modify risk factors and chronic diseases through lifestyle change (LSC) has become a major challenge, beyond to achieving the adherence in long term, especially without supervision, the good habits acquired during the LSC intervention. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the participation and disconnexion effects of lifestyle change program on physical activity level and fitness, on self-perceived health and metabolic syndrome presence in adults from Botucatu-SP's community. Cross-sectional study of community-based had 153 subjects previously LSC program participants and allocated in Control, Adherence and Non-Adherence. The assessments included anthropometric measurements (weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat percentage, muscle mass and muscular mass index (MMI)), fitness (trunk flexibility (sit and reach) and handgrip strength (dynamometry)) and physical activity level and health status (IPAQ long version 8). Fasting blood sample was used for biochemical analysis (glucose, HDL-C and triglycerides), blood pressure measurement (auscultatory technique) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosis followed the NCEP-ATPIII (2001) recommendations with glucose adaptation (≥ 100 mg / dL) in three moments (pre-participation (M0), six months after intervention (M1) and after LSC program disconnexion (M2)). Variance analysis and generalized linear model for repeated measures to compare moments and groups, chi-square and proportions test and logistic regression model with 5% significance level. The LSC program significantly reduced work and housework physical activity, poor health perception and low physical activity level and increased leisure physical activity and flexibility, beyond to attenuate... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Submitted by Jean Medeiros (jeanletras@uepb.edu.br) on 2016-04-27T12:51:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PDF - Juliana Cardoso Herculano.pdf: 2901982 bytes, checksum: 1eb37789ca96855b4c63bd56d9a06682 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-27T12:51:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PDF - Juliana Cardoso Herculano.pdf: 2901982 bytes, checksum: 1eb37789ca96855b4c63bd56d9a06682 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-05-27 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Temperature values around 90 km height were used to investigate a possible relationship between the variations of temperature and solar flux during the solar cycle 23. The temperature data were obtained from the meteoric signal decay time in Cachoeira Paulista (22.7 ° S, 45.0 ° W). To find a possible long-term trend and variations induced by solar activity in annual average temperatures, the data sets were analyzed by multiple linear regression. It was observed that over time the temperature obtained by the two methods show variations. The variation appears to be most pronounced for the temperatures obtained by the gradient method, in which the amplitudes are larger, as well as the respective standard deviations. To analyze the behavior of temperature during solar cycle 23, the seasonally adjusted annual averages, after eliminating the influence of solar activity, they were used and the linear trend was estimated. The average temperature calculated by the model pressure tends to increase about 0.035 K / year when the entire period of observation is considered. However, for the period between maximum and solar minimum the average annual temperature has a tendency of increase of 0.166 K / year. The results show that the annual average temperature of seasonally adjusted after removal of the effects due to solar flux obtained by the gradient method would be higher than the original period for the solar decline. It is noted that the annual temperature seasonally adjusted virtually no change when t he time trend is removed, which may indicate that the annual temperature deseasonalized obtained by the gradient method are strongly affected by the solar flux. / Valores da temperatura em torno de 90 km de altura foram usados para investigar uma possível relação entre as variações da temperatura e o fluxo solar durante o ciclo solar 23. Os dados de temperatura foram obtidos a partir do tempo de decaimento do sinal meteórico em Cachoeira Paulista (22,7°S, 45,0°O). Para encontrar uma possível tendência de longo prazo e variações induzidas pela atividade solar nas médias anuais das temperaturas, as séries de dados foram submetidas à análise de regressão linear múltipla. Observou-se que ao longo do tempo as temperaturas obtidas através dos 2 métodos apresentam variações. A variação mostra-se mais notória para as temperaturas obtidas pelo método do gradiente, em que as amplitudes são maiores, assim como os respectivos desvios padrão. Para analisar o comportamento da temperatura durante o ciclo solar 23, as médias anuais dessazonalizadas, após a eliminação da influência da atividade solar, foram utilizadas e a tendência linear foi estimada. A temperatura média calculada pelo modelo de pressão tende a aumentar cerca de 0,035 K/ano quando todo o período de observação é considerado. Contudo, para o período compreendido entre máximo e o mínimo solar a temperatura média anual apresenta uma tendência de aumento de 0,166 K/ano. Os resultados mostram que as médias anuais das temperaturas dessazonalizadas após a remoção dos efeitos devido ao fluxo solar, obtidas pelo método do gradiente, seriam mais elevadas do que as originais para o período de declínio solar. Verifica-se que as temperaturas anuais dessazonalizadas praticamente não mudam quando a tendência temporal é removida, o que pode indicar que as temperaturas anuais dessazonalizadas obtidas pelo método do gradiente são fortemente afetadas pelo fluxo solar.

Submitted by Franciele Moreira (francielemoreyra@gmail.com) on 2018-03-23T12:55:32Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Herlander Correia de Lima - 2018.pdf: 2848519 bytes, checksum: 21c8989e0952abc6dc4f229fa27ff46f (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-03-23T14:58:47Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Herlander Correia de Lima - 2018.pdf: 2848519 bytes, checksum: 21c8989e0952abc6dc4f229fa27ff46f (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-03-23T14:58:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Herlander Correia de Lima - 2018.pdf: 2848519 bytes, checksum: 21c8989e0952abc6dc4f229fa27ff46f (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-21 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Research in animal personality is increasing our understanding of what prevents a species from colonizing new areas, which is one of the outstanding questions in biogeography. Some behavioral types can perform better than others in specific stages involved in range expansion. For example, a high exploratory behavior increases the chances of finding new resources in novel environments. However, inconsistent results in the literature hindered a definite recognition of the role of animal personalities on species distributions. I collected data available in the literature and performed a bayesian meta-analysis to assess which behavioral types are driving range expansion in the following biogeographical processes: dispersal, migration and invasion. I used several moderators to try to discern context-dependencies in effect sizes. A hierarchical model, with effect sizes nested within studies, revealed that more exploratory and bolder behaviors facilitate range expansion. Also, I found that invasive individuals are more likely to be more exploratory and more active than natives, while dispersers are generally bolder and more exploratory than non-dispersers. Yet, the low study sample size obtained for analysis stresses the need to conduct more primary studies. Results highlight the role of behavioral traits in species distributions and increase our knowledge about which ecological characteristics might prepare species to endure the current global environmental challenges. / A pesquisa em personalidade animal está aumentando o nosso conhecimento sobre o que previne uma espécie de colonizar novas áreas, sendo esta uma das principais questões em biogeografia. Alguns tipos de comportamento podem resultar em melhor desempenho que outros em específicos estágios de expansão do território. Por exemplo, um comportamento mais exploratório facilita a descoberta de recursos em um novo meio. Contudo, resultados inconsistentes na literatura estão dificultando um reconhecimento do papel da personalidade animal na distribuição das espécies. Coletei dados da literatura e realizei uma meta-análise bayesiana para determinar que tipos de comportamento são responsáveis pela expansão do território através dos processos biogeográficos de: dispersão, invasão e migração. Fiz ainda uso de vários moderadores na tentativa de identificar contexto-dependências nos tamanhos de efeito. Em um modelo hierárquico, usando tamanhos de efeito aninhados dentro dos estudos, mostro que um comportamento mais ousado e mais exploratório facilita o sucesso na expansão do território. Para além disso, eu demonstro que invasores são mais exploratórios e mais ativos que nativos, e dispersores são mais exploratórios e ousados que não-dispersores. Contudo, o baixo tamanho amostral obtido para as análises demonstra a necessidade de conduzir mais estudos primários. Os resultados realçam o papel dos traços comportamentais na distribuição das espécies e aumentam o nosso conhecimento sobre que características ecológicas podem preparar as espécies para resistir aos desafios das mudanças ambientais.

Informações sobre o uso do espaço são importantes para o entendimento de processos ecológicos que envolvem uma espécie e a determinação de seu estado de conservação. Tais informações são escassas para o gênero Mazama, o mais diverso entre os cervídeos neotropicais, sendo que desenvolver metodologias para obtenção de dados ecológicos do gênero torna-se fundamental para qualquer ação de manejo envolvendo o grupo. O estudo do DNA fecal surge como uma ferramenta importante para viabilizar a coleta sistemática de informações sobre o gênero. Assim, o presente trabalho visou a estimar a área de vida e a seleção de hábitat do veado-catingueiro, comparando duas metodologias, com intuito de avaliar a aplicação do DNA fecal como alternativa para se estudar a espécie. O trabalho contou com 6 animais que tiveram suas localizações obtidas a cada 13 horas por colares GPS, no período de um ano. Nesse mesmo período e na mesma área, foram coletadas mensalmente amostras fecais, gerando um total de 830 amostras, cujo DNA foi extraído para identificação genética. A espécie das amostras foi determinada com o uso de um marcador mitocondrial (cit-b), e a identificação individual, com um painel de 11 microssatélites. Os valores de área de vida pelo método do MPC 95% variaram de 33 ha a 97 ha, e pelo método Kernel com 95% das localizações, variaram de 17 ha a 77 ha. Observou-se que as áreas de vida são alocadas nos diferentes habitats da região conforme o disponível (p = 0,072), porém são utilizadas internamente de forma selecionada (p=0,001). Neste nível, a espécie apresentou preferência pelos hábitats de cerrado e campo cerrado e evitou o campo (p < 0,005). Foram identificadas 670 amostras de veado-catingueiro e 15 genótipos únicos. A análise espacial das fezes também sugeriu uso desproporcional dos hábitats em relação à sua disponibilidade, sendo que a comparação direta entre os dois métodos revelou iguais distribuições no nível de espécie (p=0,178). As amostras individualizadas sugeriram um padrão de alta sobreposição de área de uso por diferentes indivíduos, mas avanços são necessários para melhor elucidar a questão. Perante os resultados observados, entende-se que há muito em se avançar na análise molecular das fezes que, realizada em larga escala, pode fornecer respostas importantes anteriormente inviáveis para espécies florestais. / Space use information is a key element to understand the ecological processes regarding a species and its conservation status. Such information is scarce for the genus Mazama, the most diverse group among Neotropical deer. The development of methods to obtain ecological data is fundamental to management actions concerning the group. The study of fecal DNA emerges as an important tool to enable systematic information collection about Mazama genus. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the home range and habitat selection of brown brocket deer comparing two methodologies in order to assess the application of fecal DNA as an alternative to study this species. Six animals were monitored with GPS collars and their location data was collected every 13 hours within one year time. Fecal samples were collected monthly in the same period and in the same area, generating a total of 830 samples whose DNA was extracted for genetic identification. The species identification was determined by a mitochondrial marker (cit-b) and individuals were identified applying a panel of 11 microsatellites. Home range was 33-97 h by MPC 95% and 17-77 h by Kernel 95%. Home rages are allocated in different habitats as available in the region (p = 0.072), but its use is internally selected (p = 0.001). At this level, the species showed preference for \"cerrado\" and \"campo cerrado\" habitats and avoidance to open field areas (p < 0.005). Genetics analysis identified 670 brown brocket deer samples and 15 unique genotypes. Feces spatial analysis suggested disproportionate use of habitats in relation to their availability in the field and the direct comparison between the two methods revealed equal distributions at the species level (p = 0.178). The genotyped samples suggested an overlapping home range pattern for different individuals, but advances are needed to further elucidate the issue. There is need for improvements in feces molecular analysis and, if held on large scale, it can provide important and previously unviable answers for forest species.

Particle-particle interactions are of paramount importance in every multi-body system as they determine the collective behaviour and coupling strength. Many well-known interactions like electro-static, van der Waals or screened Coulomb, decay exponentially or with negative powers of the particle spacing r. Similarly, hydrodynamic interactions between particles undergoing Brownian motion decay as 1/r in bulk, and are assumed to decay in small channels. Such interactions are ubiquitous in biological and technological systems. Here I confine multiple particles undergoing Brownian motion in narrow, microfluidic channels and study their coupling through hydrodynamic interactions. Our experiments show that the hydrodynamic particle-particle interactions are distance-independent in these channels. We also show that these interactions affect actively propelled particles via electrophoresis or gravity, resulting in non-linear transport phenomena. These findings are of fundamental importance for understanding transport of dense mixtures of particles or molecules through finite length, water-filled channels or pore networks.

abstract: Rangelands are an extensive land cover type that cover about 40% of earth’s ice-free surface, expanding into many biomes. Moreover, managing rangelands is crucial for long-term sustainability of the vital ecosystem services they provide including carbon (C) storage via soil organic carbon (SOC) and animal agriculture. Arid rangelands are particularly susceptible to dramatic shifts in vegetation cover, physical and chemical soil properties, and erosion due to grazing pressure. Many studies have documented these effects, but studies focusing on grazing impacts on soil properties, namely SOC, are less common. Furthermore, studies testing effects of different levels of grazing intensities on SOC pools and distribution yield mixed results with little alignment. The primary objective of this thesis was to have a better understanding of the role of grazing intensity on arid rangeland soil C storage. I conducted research in long established pastures in Jornada Experimental Range (JER). I established a 1500m transect in three pastures originating at water points and analyzed vegetation cover and SOC on points along these transects to see the effect of grazing on C storage on a grazing gradient. I used the line-point intercept method to measure and categorize vegetation into grass, bare, and shrub. Since soil adjacent to each of these three cover types will likely contain differing SOC content, I then used this vegetation cover data to calculate the contribution of each cover type to SOC. I found shrub cover and total vegetation cover to decrease, while grass and bare cover increased with decreasing proximity to the water source. I found areal (g/m2) and percent (go SOC to be highest in the first 200m of the transects when accounting for the contribution of the three vegetation cover types. I concluded that SOC is being redistributed toward the water source via foraging and defecation and foraging, due to a negative trend of both total vegetation cover and percent SOC (g/g). With the decreasing trends of vegetation cover and SOC further from pasture water sources, my thesis research contributes to the understanding of storage and distribution of SOC stocks in arid rangelands. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Biology 2018