2,774 research outputs found
Androdeloscia escalonai Schmidt & Leistikow 2005
No full textAndrodeloscia escalonai Schmidt & Leistikow, 2005 Material examined. 1 male, 1 female, Reserva Florestal A. Ducke, solid ground, Amazonas State, Brazil, 02º55’S, 59º59’W, 06/IX/1983, J. Adis et al. col. (MNRJ 25221). Remarks. Androdeloscia escalonai previously known only from the type locality in Venezuela (11°09.17’N, 68°36.27’W), is now recorded also from the Brazilian Amazon.Published as part of Grangeiro, Daniela C., Souza, Leila A. & Christoffersen, Martin L., 2017, New species of Xiphoniscus and new record of Androdeloscia escalonai (Isopoda, Scutocoxifera, Oniscidea, Philosciidae) from Brazilian Amazon in Zootaxa 4350 (2), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4350.2.11, http://zenodo.org/record/105308
Morphometric measurements throughout ontogeny in Globorotalia plesiotumida-tumida lineage of planktic foraminifera
No full textPlasticity in developmental trajectories has been proposed to contribute to species divergence but finding evidence for plasticity-led evolution in the fossil record remains challenging. Here we use high-resolution imaging techniques to map developmental change in Globorotalia plesiotumida–tumida lineage of planktic foraminifera from late Miocene until Recent. The unique mode of foraminiferal growth by the addition of chambers onto a calcite shell means that adult fossils retain information about their developmental history. All study specimens were obtained from the ODP in Western Caribbean, Leg 165, Sites 1000 and 999. We first assessed change in cumulative chamber volume and surface area at each chamber addition during the transition between the ancestral G. plesiotumida and its descendant G. tumida from 6.3 Ma to 5.3 Ma using five specimens reconstructed from Synchrotron X-Ray microtomography scans. This was complemented with measurements from 63 specimens reconstructed using X-Ray microtomography from five populations at 7.3 Ma, 6.3 Ma, 5.6 Ma, 5.3 Ma and 0.25 Ma. In addition, we characterised the external morphology of all study specimens by measuring their total length and coiling direction (n = 78). Our dataset shows that the transition interval in this lineage is characterised by an increase in variability in cumulative chamber volume compared to samples outside of this range. We also find that the transition is marked by a distinct shift in developmental trajectory and coiling direction in support of a rapid lineage division rather than gradual change. The large variation in developmental trajectories that we uncover emphasises the need for high-throughput approaches in studies of developmental change in the fossil record
Reclamações ambientais em Aveiro, Portugal: atores, preocupações, padrão territorial e resoluções
No full textThis paper presents an environmental diagnosis based on public complaints on environmental
issues submitted to the Environmental Department of the Aveiro City Council, Portugal, between
2000 and 2005. It discusses the potential influences of these in local environmental planning
and governance. The paper has been organised into five sections. The first of these introduces
the study. The second section focuses on the conceptual approaches relating to environmental
grassroots movements, the main actors involved in these movements and the role played by
local government. It also contains a brief review of the most recent urban environmental
quality challenges in the European context together with a description of the main features of
the associated political and legal framework in Portugal. The third section describes the case
study and the methodology used. The results of the empirical study are detailed in the fourth
section. The final section critically analyses these results with emphases on the temporal
evolution of the submission of complaints, the actors involved, the local environmental problems
and their associated spatial pattern as well as the responses given by the City Council. This
information may then be used to provide a useful indicator for the perception of environmental
quality as well as a credible instrument for the visualisation and evaluation of local performance
in terms of environmental planning and management.AlBan Programme - n. E05M053040B
Contrasting response in test size and abundance of planktic foraminifera <i>Morozovella </i>and <i>Acarinina </i>to the EECO in the subtropical Pacific Ocean
No full textThe EECO (∼53–49 Ma) is characterized by the highest global average temperature and CO2 levels of the Cenozoic, providing the opportunity to explore the interplay between prolonged warmth, potential physiological stress, and marine planktic ecosystems, of which planktic foraminifera are a component. Previous studies have documented a dramatic decline in the dominant planktic foraminiferal genus Morozovella and a concurrent increase in Acarinina abundances at the onset of the EECO in the Atlantic, Tethys and Pacific Oceans. This study aims to investigate how extreme climatic conditions during the EECO influenced the abundance, size, and ecological strategies of planktic foraminifera, focusing on the response of the symbiont-bearing mixed-layer dweller Morozovella and Acarinina at Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) sites 1209–1210 Shatsky Rise, in the subtropical Pacific Ocean. We present species abundances, test size and δ13C data of Morozovella. Acarinina test size and δ13C data were quantified to assess whether observed changes affected all mixed-layer dwellers or were specific to Morozovella. Our results show a temporary increase in Morozovella test size at the EECO onset, partially linked to the dominance of larger species such as M. crater and M. aragonensis. In contrast, Acarinina displays a reduction in test size. The generally lower δ13C values across the EECO in Acarinina suggest a deeper habitat in the mixed-layer and/or reduced symbiosis relative to Morozovella. We speculate that Acarinina evaded the high temperatures by moving deeper in the mixed layer. The reduced symbiosis relationship due to diminished light in the deeper water column might have led to a smaller test size. In contrast, Morozovella maintained a shallower position in the mixed layer allowing it to sustain efficient symbiosis and larger size. However, the limited ecological flexibility of this taxon may have impeded its ability to adapt and maintain high abundance across the EECO.</p
Data from Vanadzina & Schmidt 2021 ‘Developmental change during a speciation event – evidence from planktic foraminifera’
No full textWe use high-resolution imaging techniques to characterise change in ontogeny during a speciation event in Globorotalia plesiotumida-tumida lineage of planktic foraminifera. All samples sourced from ODP in Western Caribbean, Leg 165, Sites 1000 and 999. Data from Vanadzina & Schmidt 2021 ‘Developmental change during a speciation event – evidence from planktic foraminifera’ published in Paleobiology https://doi.org/10.1017/pab.2021.2
Científicos argentinos, un proyecto didáctico que rescata la ciencia nacional
No full textEn la enseñanza de las ciencias los desafíos y problemas de investigación se han diversificado notablemente, así como los proyectos y recursos que podemos utilizar para promover una cultura científica en los estudiantes. En este programa hemos revalorizado la figura de científicos argentinos ausentes en la currícula y el conocimiento popular, a través de la elaboración de infografías que rescatan aspectos biográficos, visuales y valorativos de los mismos. Introduciendo en las propuestas pedagógicas a los protagonistas de la ciencia nacional no solo logramos el conocimiento de lo nuestro, sino una aproximación a la actividad científica real, sujeta a conflictos, intereses y controversias, sensibles a las características de cada época y a las condiciones personales de sus actores. La siguiente fase en desarrollo implica la comunicación entre pares de los aprendizajes obtenidos, en dispositivos didácticos guiadosFil: Sica, Fernando. Escuela Nacional E. Sabato, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires; ISFDyT n° 10, Buenos Aires.Fil: Michelena, Daniela. ISFDyT n° 10, Buenos Aires.Fil: Valin, Florencia. ISFDyT n° 10, Buenos Aires.Fil: Schmidt, Daniela. ISFDyT n° 10, Buenos Aires
Developmental plasticity in deep time: a window to population ecological inference
No full textDevelopmental plasticity, where traits change state in response to environmental cues, is well-studied in modern populations. It is also suspected to play a role in macroevolutionary dynamics, but due to a lack of long-term records the frequency of plasticity-led evolution in deep time remains unknown. Populations are dynamic entities, yet their representation in the fossil record is a static snapshot of often isolated individuals. Here, we apply for the first time contemporary integral projection models (IPMs) to fossil data to link individual development with expected population variation. IPMs describe the effects of individual growth in discrete steps on long-term population dynamics. We parameterize the models using modern and fossil data of the planktonic foraminifer Trilobatus sacculifer. Foraminifera grow by adding chambers in discrete stages and die at reproduction, making them excellent case studies for IPMs. Our results predict that somatic growth rates have almost twice as much influence on population dynamics than survival and more than eight times more influence than reproduction, suggesting that selection would primarily target somatic growth as the major determinant of fitness. As numerous palaeobiological systems record growth rate increments in single genetic individuals, and imaging technologies are increasingly available, our results open up the possibility of evidence-based inference of developmental plasticity spanning macroevolutionary dynamics. Given the centrality of ecology in palaeobiological thinking, our model is one approach to help bridge eco-evolutionary scales while directing attention towards the most relevant life-history traits to measure
Diestostemma rubriventris Schmidt 1928
No full textDiestostemma rubriventris (Schmidt, 1928) LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:B042E769-5367-4215-BC9B-8842A6D88600 (Figures 35–36, 45, 54–55, 92–93) Leucopepla rubriventris Schmidt, 1928: 37 –38 (description of female holotype from Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil in MZPW, comparison with D. bituberculatum);— Metcalf (1965: 470, catalog);— Young & Nast (1963: 269, invalid subsequent designation of the female holotype as lectotype); Diestostemma rubriventris (Schmidt, 1928):— Young (1968: 32–33, comb. nov., note on the sternite VII of the female lectotype [holotype], record from Peru [sic!]);— McKamey (2007: 289, catalog, records from Brazil and Peru based on Metcalf 1965 and Young 1968). Material examined (1 ♀ ). PERU. [Madre de Dios Region: Tambopata Province, Tambopata National Reserve], Rio Tambopata, Explorer’s Inn, Rio Tower (12°50’12.48”S, 69°17’36.18”W, [205 m a.s.l.]), 10.XII.2003, Svenson leg. (DZRJ). Type repository. Holotype female by monotypy in MZPW, examined by photos (Wilson et al. 2009 [2015]). Measurements (mm, n = 1). Total length (from anterior of head to tip of forewings) 20.7; crown length 2.4; transocular distance 3.8; interocular distance 2.7; distance between compound eye and mesal line 1.3; distance between ocellus and mesal line 0.9; pronotal disc maximum width 4.9; pronotal disc maximum length 3.9; forewing length 16.9; metathoracic femur length 4.0; metathoracic tibia length 7.7. Diagnosis. A large, dorsolaterally white and ventrally realgar colored Diestostemma with two pronotal humps and small dark areas on the forewing. This species has the pronotal humps strongly projected and can be further distinguished from other species of the D. bituberculatum complex by the distal SDV rounded (Figs. 35–36, 54–55; usually H-shaped in other D. bituberculatum species complex, Figs. 25–34, 46–53), slightly more distally located at about proximal 0.33 (Figs. 35–36; around 0.25 in other D. bituberculatum species complex, Figs. 15–34) and posterior margin of sternite VII of females bilobed, almost straight mesally (Fig. 92; trilobed in D. albinoi sp. nov., D. bituberculatum, and D. olivia sp. nov., Figs. 87–88, 91). The shape of the female sternite VII is very similar to those of D. cavichiolii sp. nov. and D. gervasioi sp. nov. In addition to the diagnostic characters discussed above under these species, the longer sternite VII with ratio between maximum width and mesal length of 1.3 will distinguish D. rubriventris from these two species (ratio of ± 1.5 in D. cavichiolii sp. nov. and D. gervasioi sp. nov.). Distribution. Known from the type locality in the Brazilian Cerrado in Mato Grosso State and from the Peruvian Amazonian Forest (Fig. 93). Etymology. The specific name rubriventris in combination with Diestostemma to form the taxon name Diestostemma rubriventris (Schmidt, 1928) is a noun in apposition. It is formed by the Latin words venter (noun m., 3rd decl.; stomach, belly) and ruber (adjective; red). This compound word was formed by the stem rubr- plus termination -is in its genitive singular neuter form plus the noun ventris in genitive singular. The name means red abdomen. Based on its etymology, it is clear that the words agreement is between ruber and venter, instead of with Diestostemma. Consequently, the original spelling rubriventris (Schmidt 1928, p. 37) is correct and should not be affected by the generic combination. A red arsenic (realgar) colored abdomen is a common characteristic among some species of the D. bituberculatum complex. Remarks. Schmidt (1928, p. 37) described Leucopepla rubriventris very likely based on a single female from Cuiabá municipality, Mato Grosso State, in the Brazilian Cerrado, deposited in the Stettin Museum (currently MZPW). Our specimen agrees very well with the original description and images from this type specimen (Wilson et al. 2009 [2015]; images E001271 and E001272), except for a less rounded spot (SDV area) on forewing (Figs. 54–55) and the four rounded pale spots (callosities) on the anterior portion of the pronotum (Figs. 35–36). In the original description, Schmidt (1928, p. 3 7–38) described only female characters and mentioned that the male was unknown. Additionally, he provided a single measurement rather than a range as given for other species in the same work (including cases where multiple specimens of a single sex were examined; e.g., Homoscarta boliviana Schmidt, 1928), indicating that Schmidt (1928) based his description of this species on a single female, which we interpret as the holotype by monotypy (ICZN 1999, art. 73.1.2). Based on this interpretation, subsequent nomenclatural acts designating this specimen as lectotype (Young & Nast 1963, p. 269; Young 1968, p. 32) are invalid. Therefore, the female from Brazil, Mato Grosso State, housed in MZPW, whose labels were transcribed by Young & Nast (1963, p. 269), should be recognized as the holotype. In the original description, Schmidt (1928, p. 38) noted the strong resemblance of his new species with D. bituberculatum, from which he distinguished it by the following features: (1) posterior margin of forewings blackish (“...Vorderflügelhinterrand bei der neuen Art geschwärzt...”) versus forewings partially black in D. bituberculatum; (2) sclerotized dark veins on forewings as a large rounded black spot located at the end of the basal third (“...ein größerer runder schwarzer Fleck befindet sich um Schluß des Basaldrittels...”) versus an H-shaped marking at the end of basal fourth in D. bituberculatum; and (3) posterior margin of sternite VII divided into two lobes (“...hat die neue Art nur 2 Lappen...”) versus trilobed in D. bituberculatum (Fig. 88, see also Young 1968, fig. 21i). All species in this group have the posterior margin of the forewing dark brown to black, including D. bituberculatum. Although the remarkable modified dark vein areas (SDV), often lacking brochossomal coating, on the forewings form distinctive patterns that can be diagnostic at the species-level, they are greatly variable in some species, even among specimens from the same population. The H-shaped marking observed in most specimens of the D. bituberculatum complex can be reduced or incomplete, thus they may also exhibit a single spot similar to that observed in the holotype of D. rubriventris and the specimen herein studied (Figs. 35–36). Hence, characters 1 and 2 based on a single specimen are not reliable by themselves. On the other hand, the shape of the posterior margin of the sternite VII has been used as a source of characters for Proconiini in many studies (see discussions in Mejdalani & Silva 2010 and Dellapé 2015, 2016). Differences observed by Schmidt (1928) between sternites VII of D. rubriventris and D. bituberculatum, where “...der Mittellappen ist nicht vorhanden” [the middle lobe is not present] (Schmidt 1928, p. 38), may be due to damage of the holotype as mentioned by Young (1968, p. 32). Thus, we provide a photo of the sternite VII of this species to confirm Schmidt’s observation (Fig. 92). Nevertheless, the status of D. rubriventris remains questionable because males are still unknown and study of specimens from the type locality in Cuiabá is needed. Finally, the occurrence of D. rubriventris in Peru, cited by Young (1968, p. 33), is very likely a lapsus calami or typographical mistake, considering the author stated that the species “...is known only from the female lectotype [sic]” from Brazil. Therefore, it is herein newly reported from Peru.Published as part of Pinto, Ângelo Parise, Mejdalani, Gabriel & Takiya, Daniela Maeda, 2017, Unraveling the white-clothed Diestostemma Amyot & Serville: a taxonomic revision of the American sharpshooters of the D. bituberculatum complex (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), pp. 135-164 in Zootaxa 4281 (1) on pages 157-159, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4281.1.14, http://zenodo.org/record/81600
In situ boron isotope analysis in marine carbonates and its application for foraminifera and palaeo-pH
No full textCerebrospinal fluid findings in geriatric patients from 2008 to 2011
No full textThe chemical composition of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is age-dependent. Routine CSF parameters, the indications for lumbar puncture (LP), and the most frequent complications were retrospectively studied in patients older (n = 167) and younger (n = 36) than 65 years. In the absence of meningeal inflammation, the mean CSF lactate level of patients older than 65 years was slightly but significantly higher than the mean CSF lactate level of younger patients. The lactate level of patients with otherwise normal CSF findings correlated significantly with the age of the patients. In the absence of meningeal inflammation, the CSF-to-serum albumin ratio (Q(Albumin)) was significantly higher in older patients than in younger ones. The most frequent indication for LP, suspected infection of the central nervous system (CNS) (n = 110), was confirmed in 12.7% of patients. The only LP complication documented was headache in two patients. Elevations of Q(Albumin) and CSF lactate levels appear to be nonspecific findings in elderly patients. Suspected infections, the most frequent indication for LP, were confirmed by CSF analysis in more than 10% of patients. The very low complication rate of LP makes it a very valuable tool in the diagnostic routine for older patients with CNS diseases.Robert Bosch Foundation; Sparkasse Gottinge
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