Evidence for temporal population replacement and the signature of ecological adaptation in a major Neotropical malaria vector in Amazonian Peru

The major Neotropical malaria vector, Anopheles darlingi, was reintroduced into the Iquitos, Loreto, Peru area during the early 1990s, where it displaced other anophelines and caused a major malaria epidemic. Since then, case numbers in Loreto have fluctuated, but annual increases have been reported since 2012. The population genetic structure of An. darlingi sampled before and after the introduction of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) was investigated to test the hypothesis of temporal population change (2006 vs. 2012). Current samples of An. darlingi were used to test the hypothesis of ecological adaptation to human modified (highway) compared with wild (riverine) habitat, linked to forest cover. In total, 693 An. darlingi from nine localities in Loreto, Peru area were genotyped using 13 microsatellite loci. To test the hypothesis of habitat differentiation in An. darlingi biting time patterns, HBR and EIR, four collections of An. darlingi from five localities (two riverine and three highway) were analysed. Analyses of microsatellite loci from seven (2006) and nine settlements (2012-2014) in the Iquitos area detected two distinctive populations with little overlap, although it is unclear whether this population replacement event is associated with LLIN distribution or climate. Within the 2012-2014 population two admixed subpopulations, A and B, were differentiated by habitat, with B significantly overrepresented in highway, and both in near-equal proportions in riverine. Both subpopulations had a signature of expansion and there was moderate genetic differentiation between them. Habitat and forest cover level had significant effects on HBR, such that Plasmodium transmission risk, as measured by EIR, in peridomestic riverine settlements was threefold higher than in peridomestic highway settlements. HBR was directly associated with available host biomass rather than forest cover. A population replacement event occurred between 2006 and 2012-2014, concurrently with LLIN distribution and a moderate El Niño event, and prior to an increase in malaria incidence. The likely drivers of this replacement cannot be determined with current data. The present-day An. darlingi population is composed of two highly admixed subpopulations, which appear to be in an early stage of differentiation, triggered by anthropogenic alterations to local habitat.

A hybrid method for the solution of a sparse power system matrices on vector computers

This paper describes a methodology for solving a linear system of equations on vector computer. The methodology combines direct and inverse factors. The decomposition and implementation of the direct solution in a CRAY Y-MPZE/232, and the performance results are discussed.

Effects of a mixed vector-scalar kink-like potential for spinless particles in two-dimensional space time

The intrinsically relativistic problem of spinless particles subject to a general mixing of vector and scalar kink- like potentials (similar to tanh gamma x) is investigated. The problem is mapped into the exactly solvable Sturm - Liouville problem with the Rosen - Morse potential and exact bounded solutions for particles and antiparticles are found. The behavior of the spectrum is discussed in some detail. An apparent paradox concerning the uncertainty principle is solved by recurring to the concept of effective Compton wavelength.

A simulation tool for transient stability analysis on vector computers

This paper deals with transient stability analysis based on time domain simulation on vector processing. This approach requires the solution of a set of differential equations in conjunction of another set of algebraic equations. The solution of the algebraic equations has presented a scalar as sequential set of tasks, and the solution of these equations, on vector computers, has required much more investigations to speedup the simulations. Therefore, the main objective of this paper has been to present methods to solve the algebraic equations using vector processing. The results, using a GRAY computer, have shown that on-line transient stability assessment is feasible.

Classification of handwriting patterns in patients with Parkinson´s disease, using a biometric sensor

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Physical and mechanical characteristic of particleboards produced with residues of sugarcane and stem leaves of bamboo bonded with castor oil adhesive

In this research the aim was produce a particleboard with alternative materials and evaluated its physical and mechanical characteristics. The raw materials used are residues from sucarcane bagasse (SC) (Saccharum officinarum) and stem leaves of bamboo (B) (Dendrocalamus giganteus), bonded with a bi component adhesive based on castor oil. It was produced particleboards with five different traces: 100% SC, 75% SC+25% B, 50% SC+50% B, 25% SC +75%B and 100 % B. Their physical and mechanical characteristics were evaluated accordingly to Brazilian standard NBR 14810-3. Regarding the results obtained, it can be detached that for physical and mechanical evaluation it is evident a negative relation among the amount the sugarcane bagasse and their physical and mechanical characteristics, that is particleboards with low concentrations of sugarcane bagasse had better results. However all particleboards could be recommended for use as sealing particleboards in the segment of civil construction.

Caracterização funcional do mutante da ORF XAC1008 de Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xac)

Pós-graduação em Microbiologia Agropecuária - FCAV