Notes sur la géologie et la paleontology du Miocène de Lisbonne

This note deals with the stratigraphical and paleontological study of the Palença section on the southern bank of the river Tagus, Portugal, and specially with its coccolithophorids. Three main lithostratigraphical units may be recognized: the lowest one does correspond to the upper part of COTTER's division II, the intermediate one to divisions III and IV-a, the third corresponding to pratically the whole division IV-b, However other and higher levels are also represented. Higher beds are also represented in the same sections; they are less well exposed and were not studied in detail. Caracterisation of biozones on the basis of Coccoliths so far found at Palença section is difficultsince MARTINI's zones have been defined mainly by forms of Discoaster and other genera that are wanting. However we can recognize that the richest assemblage (from beds 17-18, the uppermost layers of blue clays IV-a) may correspond to NN4. This is not in opposition to the results of the study of planctonic foraminifera, that are characteristic of BLOW's N7. Coccoliths from lower beds do not allow at present any valid comparisons.

Contributions à la Paléontologie du Miocène moyen continental du Bassin du Tage. III - Mammifères - Póvoa de Santarém, Pêro Filho et Chões (Secorio). Conclusions générales

This study on middle Miocene mammalian faunas from Tagus'basin deals particularly with some small mammals hitherto undescribed from Portugal, including a new Glirid (Paraglirulus scalabicensis nov. sp.); it allows an accurate datation by biostratigraphical standards, Megacricetodon crusafonti, Fahlbuschia darocensis, Cricetodon jotae being characteristic of mammalian MN6 unit, thus their age is nearly that of Sansan and Manchones (however the presence of Peridyromys hamadryas and Lagopsis verus do suggest, amidst this biozone, a somewhat later age than Sansan's); it contributes with indirect correlation data with marine formations, as underlying oyster-bearing beds most probably are in correspondance to the apogee of the same transgression that deposed near Lisbon ”schlier" facies from VI-a division (Serravalian, Blow's zones 10-13, Globorotalia meyeri zone); the diversity of mammalian assemblages is surely related to an environement with varied biotopes, whose characterisation becomes easier if account is taken of the preceding papers on mollusks (G. Truc) and Cyprinid fishes (J. Gaudant), and also according to some unpublished paleobotanical data (J. Pais). A table with a synthesis of all paleontological data so far known is presented.

Les Hipparion du Portugal

This paper is concerned with Hipparion from Ribatejo, Portugal, and with the stratigraphy of the Neogene series of this region. The first two chapters are an introduction and an historical review. Paleontological study includes both a revision of the specimens accounted by ROMAN (1907) and the description of new material. Two forms were recognized, an early H. cf. primigenium, lower Vallesian in age, NM 9 mammal unit (from Archino, Vila Nova da Rainha, Aveiras de Cima), and a more advanced H. primigenium cf. melendezi. Upper Vallesian, NM 10 (possibly lowermost Turolian, NM 11) (at Azambujeira and Marmeleira). A synthesis of Middle and Upper Miocene from Ribatejo is also presented. Levels with H. p. cf. melendezi are somewhat older than «Upper Pontian», as it was previously acknowledged, they attain at the best the lowermost Turolian (approximately corresponding to «Upper Pontian»). Even higher levels may be Turolian in age, though they are not yet accurately dated. Almost all the localities are shown (tableau 11) according to its stratigraphical position; age, correspondance to mammal units from NM 5 to NM 10 (and may be also from NM 11 to NM 12), and correlation with marine formations near Lisbon are also taken in account. The stratigraphical position of localities such as Póvoa de Santarém, Quinta do Marmelal, Pero Filho, Azambujeira (lower levels), and Fonte do Pinheiro was revised; the stratigraphical position of Marmeleira was ascertained. The localities so far known correspond to NM 5 (?), NM 6, NM 8, NM 9, NM 10 and possibly to NM II and NM 12. A new interpretation (M. T. ANTUNES) of localities with oysters from Ribatejo allows a better correlation with vertebrate localities. Relationships with Serravallian transgression seem well established. Only two localities, Vila Nova da Rainha and Foz do Alviela, may possibly be correlated to V-b division of Lisbon (Langhian) with «Hispanotherium fauna». All the other localities are younger than Serravallian oyster beds. Undirect correlation shows that NM 6 localities are somewhat younger than the apogee ef Serravallian transgression (corresponding approximately to Blow's N 11 to N 13 zones based on planctonic foraminifera).

Âges K-Ar de glauconites des environs de Luz de Tavira, Algarve

Glauconite K-Ar ages (6.88±0.4; 7.03±0.4 MY) confirm earlier reports to Upper Tortonian of silt beds near Morgadinho, Luz de Tavira and Tavira. Taking stratigraphical position and age into account it is possible now to correlate these beds with similar ones at Quelfes and Cacela (Formação de Cacela, lower member, ascribed to the upper part of N16 or to NI7 Blow's zone, Globorotalia humerosa - G. dutertrei; Tortonian to Messinian, according to the ostracod fauna). Limit between the above quoted zones is thus placed at about 7 MY. New K-Ar ages greatly improve the knowledge about Upper Miocene in eastern Algarve, and on regional tectonic evolution. This is particulary so in what concerns an intra-Tortonian phase.

Petits mammifères du burdigalien infèrieur (Universidade Católica, Avenida do Uruguay)

Improved bromoform concentration as developped at CEPUNL allowed better recovery of small mammals'teeth. At Universidade Católica and Avenida do Uruguay 19 taxa (and a further one with doubt) were recognized. Some are new for the level and for Tagus basin: Lagopsis cadeoti and Melissiodon dominans (1st reference for the genus); Glirudinus modestus (formerly under another name); Armantomys (1st reference for this level); Peridyromys murinus (referred before under another name); Microdyromys legidensis (1st ref. of gen. and sp. for this level); and Heteroxerus rubricati, formerly reported to other species of the same genus. Both localities share the same position viz marine levels under and above. This allows us to correlate them with NS or N6 Blow's zones. Both are distinctly younger-than glauconite in underlying beds about 21 MY old (K-Ar). Small mammals point out to MN3a Neogene subunit. Fauna is much alike Lower Burdigalian ones in Spain, France, Germany and Austria. Terrestrial, maybe steppe forms predominate. Land environment was open, with scant plant cover but not devoid of trees. Peridyromys murinus numerical importance and other data suggest a not so warm climate in correspondance to a minimum temperature event. This is corroborated by associated marine fish fauna entirely without warm water stenotherm species, and by paleobotanical/palynological data. Results are in close agreement with Central Northern Spain. The localities studied here are even more interesting as direct correlations between marine and continental stratigraphical scales are possible.

Particle swarm design of digital circuits

Swarm Intelligence (SI) is the property of a system whereby the collective behaviors of (unsophisticated) agents interacting locally with their environment cause coherent functional global patterns to emerge. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a form of SI, and a population-based search algorithm that is initialized with a population of random solutions, called particles. These particles are flying through hyperspace and have two essential reasoning capabilities: their memory of their own best position and knowledge of the swarm's best position. In a PSO scheme each particle flies through the search space with a velocity that is adjusted dynamically according with its historical behavior. Therefore, the particles have a tendency to fly towards the best search area along the search process. This work proposes a PSO based algorithm for logic circuit synthesis. The results show the statistical characteristics of this algorithm with respect to number of generations required to achieve the solutions. It is also presented a comparison with other two Evolutionary Algorithms, namely Genetic and Memetic Algorithms.

Impact of the Meteorology Conditions on the Particulate Matter Dispersion from an Industrial Complex into Urban and Suburban Areas

The aim of this work was to assess the influence of meteorological conditions on the dispersion of particulate matter from an industrial zone into urban and suburban areas. The particulate matter concentration was related to the most important meteorological variables such as wind direction, velocity and frequency. A coal-fired power plant was considered to be the main emission source with two stacks of 225 m height. A middle point between the two stacks was taken as the centre of two concentric circles with 6 and 20 km radius delimiting the sampling area. About 40 sampling collectors were placed within this area. Meteorological data was obtained from a portable meteorological station placed at approximately 1.7 km to SE from the stacks. Additional data was obtained from the electrical company that runs the coal power plant. These data covers the years from 2006 to the present. A detailed statistical analysis was performed to identify the most frequent meteorological conditions concerning mainly wind speed and direction. This analysis revealed that the most frequent wind blows from Northwest and North and the strongest winds blow from Northwest. Particulate matter deposition was obtained in two sampling campaigns carried out in summer and in spring. For the first campaign the monthly average flux deposition was 1.90 g/m2 and for the second campaign this value was 0.79 g/m2. Wind dispersion occurred predominantly from North to South, away from the nearest residential area, located at about 6 km to Northwest from the stacks. Nevertheless, the higher deposition fluxes occurred in the NW/N and NE/E quadrants. This study was conducted considering only the contribution of particulate matter from coal combustion, however, others sources may be present as well, such as road traffic. Additional chemical analyses and microanalysis are needed to identify the source linkage to flux deposition levels.

Phlebotominae fauna in the Province of Tucumán, Argentina

American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis is endemic in the province of Tucumán since 1916 where the first Argentinian case of leishmaniasis was reported. An epidemic outbreak took place in the province during 1986-1988, after that the number of cases increased gradually again between 1991-1996. Since October of 1999 sand flies captures were performed at different places associated with current and past transmission or sites identified as risky ones. The collections were carried out with CDC mini light trap and modified Shannon trap. In this study 2338 Phlebotominae were captured being prevalent Lutzomyia neivai (Lu intermedia complex) (97.7%), followed by Lu. migonei. We report Lu. shannoni for the first time in the province. Phlebotominae was abundant in the warm and humid months and showed a peak before the summer rains. Lutzomyia neivai showed a pattern (peridomestic prevalence, anthropophilia, abundance in secondary forest) consistent with other outbreak studies. Thus, the results reinforce this species incrimination as vector of leishmaniasis in the area. Domestic animals close to houses increase its abundance, and so the probable associated risk of human-Phlebotominae contact. Further studies should be done to understand the role of each Phlebotominae species in the transmission of leishmaniasis in Tucumán in order to design entomological surveillance strategies.

A historical note on an imported case of loiasis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1964

Loiasis is a filarial disease transmitted by the Chrysops spp. tabanid flies in West and Central Africa. It is most commonly diagnosed by the clinical manifestations of Calabar swellings (transient localized inflammatory edema) or, most dramatically, by the appearance of a migrating worm through the conjunctival tissues or the bridge of the nose. We report the case of a 35-year-old resident in the city of Rio de Janeiro who displayed a moving Loa loa in the bulbar conjunctival tissue two years after returning from a six-month trip to Uganda. Surgical removal of the worm was performed.

Epigenetics and behavioural plasticity: drosophila euchromatin histone metiltransferase and foraging

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Molecular Genetics and Biomedicine

The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis in a focus of American visceral leishmaniasis where the only proven vector is Lutzomyia cruzi. Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul State

The present communication reports the presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, where the principal vector is Lutzomyia cruzi.

Human pseudomyiasis caused by Eristalis tenax (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Goiás

The objective of the present work was to register the first proven cases of human pseudomyiasis due to Eristalis tenax in Goiás State, Brazil, underscoring their clinical manifestations and direct relationship with hygiene. The taxonomic identification of the instars was done according to the descriptions and keys presented by James (1947), Hartley (1961) and Guimarães & Papavero (1999). Two cases were observed. In both cases there was no evidence of apparent mental disturbance. The clinical picture of these cases was self limited. The water supply, sewer system, socioeconomic level and habits of the suspect species of the flies are criteria that should be investigated.

Epidemiologic surveillance of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Recife, Pernambuco

This paper describes an epidemiologic investigation carried out in Imbiribeira district, where a canine visceral leishmaniasis case was recorded. Despite the absence of seropositive dogs and sand flies, these findings are not sufficient to discard the occurrence of a zoonotic cycle of visceral leishmaniasis in Recife.

Seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais

Between October, 1997 and September, 1999 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais a study of seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis was carried out in three distinct areas of the municipality. Sand flies were sampled at 15-day intervals in three residences, in each of which two CDC light traps were installed, one indoors and the other in the peridomicile. A total of 397 sand flies were captured in the three areas, with 65%, 30% and 1% of specimens collected in the eastern, northeast and Barreiro districts, respectively. The overall proportions of sand flies collected inside and around the houses were similar (57% vs 43%) and this pattern was seen for both Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia whitmani . The highest population levels during the two years of the study were from October to March. From October onwards, numbers increased constantly until February. A gradual fall was seen from April onwards until the lowest levels were reached in the months of June, July and August.

Prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi among riverine communities in the municipality of Lábrea, State of Amazonas, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Estimate the prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi infection and calculate the parasitic infection rate (PIR) in simuliid black flies in the municipality of Lábrea, State of Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: Prevalence was measured using the thick blood smear method collected from the fingers and was related to age, sex and occupation. Simuliidae were collected with a suction apparatus, then stained with hematoxylin and dissected to verify the PIR. RESULTS: The average prevalence rate of M. ozzardi among the 694 individuals examined was 20.7%. Infection was higher in men (27.6%) than in women (14.3%) (p < 0.001) and occurred in most age groups, with the highest prevalence in the following age groups: 38-47 (40%), 48-57 (53.1%) and >58 (60.5%). The highest prevalence rates were observed in the retired (64%), followed by farm workers (47.1%). Infection by M. ozzardi was only identified in Cerqueirellum amazonicum (Simuliidae) with a PIR of 0.6%. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high prevalence of M. ozzardi in the riverine communities of Lábrea due to the lack of policies regarding the treatment of microfilaremic individuals in the region and an abundance of competent vectors for M. ozzardi.