Conspicuous Group Research Articles

A new Afromontane species of the ant-eating spider genus Dusmadiores and description of the male of D. deserticola (Araneae: Zodariidae)

Dusmadiores elgonensis sp. nov. (♂♀) is described from the Mount Elgon region, Uganda. It is the first Dusmadiores species found within the eastern Afromontane highlands. D. elgonensis is remarkable by the presence of a conspicuous group of spines on the retrolateral side of the cymbium just in front of the RTA in males. The unknown male of D. deserticola Jocqué, 2011 is described. The type locality of the latter species is corrected to Cabo Verde, Santiago, São Jorge dos Órgãos. An illustrated key to the seven known Dusmadiores species is provided.

Waterbirds in a floodplain: influence of spatial and environmental factors through time

Wetlands are rapidly being lost and fragmented around the world, making it imperative to seek an understanding of the drivers of their diversity. Among aquatic assemblages, birds constitute a conspicuous group that provides many ecosystem services. Here, we use a metacommunity approach to understand the influence of spatial (distance among patches) and environmental factors (local characteristics) in wading bird (Pelecaniformes and Ciconiiformes) assemblages in a river-floodplain system through time. We tested the hypothesis that, due to the small scale of our study, spatial factors have no determinant role in waterbird assemblages, and, due to the annual occurrence of flood pulses, the importance of environmental factors varies through time, according to the hydrological cycle. We tested this hypothesis using Partial Redundancy Analysis (pRDA). We used abundance data for the birds in 20 lagoons, sampled quarterly during two years. The spatial factors did not explain variation in community structure in any sampled month, whereas environmental factors explained variation in the assemblages only in two months. Due to high waterbird mobility, the non-significance of the spatial factor is expected among lagoons in the same floodplain. Environmental factors are important in determining the community structure only in two sampled months, evidencing that their importance varies through time in the floodplain, partially agreeing with our hypothesis. The non-conformity between the influence of environmental factors on assemblages and the hydrological cycle may be due to human impacts caused by the operation of upstream reservoirs, which alter the natural flood events, and caused a long drought period previous to this study. A multiscale approach is fundamental to the understanding on how anthropogenic impacts on wetlands affect waterbird assemblages. Thus, this study contributes to the understanding of how seasonality, environmental conditions of lakes, and a local spatial scale act in structuring waterbird assemblages.

Sexual display complexity varies non-linearly with age and predicts breeding status in greater flamingos.

The long-lived greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is famous for performing conspicuous group displays during which adults try to acquire a new mate each year with varying success. We examined variation in the sexual display complexity (SDC) of wild flamingos aged between 4 and 37 yrs. SDC was defined as the product of richness (the number of different display movements) and versatility (the number of transitions between movements) within a 5 min behavioral sequence. In both sexes, date in the pairing season had a linear and positive effect on SDC, whereas age had a quadratic effect, with SDC increasing until about age 20yrs, and declining afterwards. SDC better explained pairing patterns than age, and positively influenced the probability of becoming a breeder. Our results thus support the idea that SDC is an honest signal of individual quality and further suggest that senescence in display could be an overlooked aspect of reproductive decline in species with no or weak pair bonding.

Helminth Parasites of the Lesser Scaly Anole,Anolis uniformis(Squamata: Dactyloidae), from Los Tuxtlas, Southern Mexico: Evidence of Diet and Habitat Use

The anole lizards represent a conspicuous group of vertebrates due to their high species number and abundance in different habitats. Despite the high richness of anoles in Mexico (48 species), to date only a few studies have been performed on their ecology. Because different groups of parasites can provide ecological information on their hosts, we studied the helminths parasitizing Anolis uniformis, one of the most common anoles from southern Mexico. We examined individuals from the tropical rainforest in Laguna Escondida, Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz and we found eight parasitic taxa: seven nematodes (Acuariidae gen. sp., Aplectana sp., Oswaldocruzia sp., Physocephalus sp., Piratuba sp., Rhabdias tobagoensis, and Strongyluris panamaensis) and one acanthocephalan (Centrorhynchus sp.). All taxa represent new records for the host. Additionally, the genera Centrorhynchus, Oswaldocruzia, Physocephalus and Strongyluris are new records for Mexican anoles, while the genus Aplectana is a new record for all anoles. At the genus level, the taxonomical composition of the helminth fauna of A. uniformis is similar to that reported for Central and South American anoles. The life cycles of the parasites found suggest that these lizards may acquire most nematodes from the forest floor while hiding. Life cycles also support that A. uniformis has a mainly insectivorous diet and reflect the presence of mosquitoes that transmit microfilariae to the lizards when feed on their blood.

The role of conspicuity in preventing bicycle crashes involving a motor vehicle.

Background: Bicycle use, despite its proven health and other benefits, is rarely part of everyday travel for many people due to the perceived risk of injury from collision crashes. This article investigated the role of physical vs. attention conspicuity in preventing bicycle crashes involving a motor vehicle in New Zealand. Methods: The Taupo Bicycle Study involved 2590 adult cyclists recruited in 2006 (43.1% response rate) and followed for bicycle crash outcomes through linkage to four national databases. A composite measure of physical conspicuity was created using latent class analysis based on the use of fluorescent colours, lights and reflective materials, and the main colour of top, helmet and bike frame. Attention conspicuity was assessed based on regional differences in travel patterns and the amount of riding in a bunch. Cox regression modelling for repeated events was performed with multivariate adjustments. Results: During a median follow-up period of 6.4 years, 162 participants experienced 187 bicycle–motor vehicle crashes. The crash risk was not predicted by the four latent classes identified and the amount of bunch riding but was higher in Auckland, the region with the lowest level of bicycle use relative to car use. In subgroup analyses, compared to other latent classes, the most physically conspicuous group had a higher risk in Auckland but a lower risk in other regions. Conclusion: Conspicuity aids may not be effective in preventing bicycle–motor vehicle crashes in New Zealand, particularly in Auckland, where attention conspicuity is low.

Revision of the cranaid genera Phalangodus, Iquitosa and Aguaytiella (Opiliones: Laniatores: Gonyleptoidea).

The monotypic genus Temucus Roewer, 1943, originally placed in Pachylinae (Gonyleptidae) is transferred to the Cranainae (Cranaidae) and synonymized with Phalangodus Gervais, 1842, therefore Phalangodus palpiconus (Roewer, 1943) comb. nov. is proposed. The synonymy is based on the following features: (i) the outline of dorsal scutum type alpha; (ii) the thickened pedipalpal claw in males; (iii) pedipalpal femur with a few ventral enlarged tubercles restricted to the median ventral region, and a conspicuous group of very large and acuminated tubercles basally; (iv) ventral plate of penis with a rather elevated number of cylindrical, straight and sharp distal pairs of setae and a notorious reduction in the number of the basal pairs of setae; (v) penis stylus straight, its distal tip rounded in a mushroom-like shape without stylar caps. The record of P. palpiconus to Chile is doubtful. We also propose the revalidation of Iquitosa Roewer, 1943, hitherto considered a junior synonym of Phalangodus. Iquitosa is revised and the male of its type species, I. poecilis, is reported for the first time. Aguaytiella Goodnight & Goodnight, 1943, a monotypic genus which superficially resembles Iquitosa is also revised. In this article, we report data of male genitalia of Iquitosa and Aguaytiella, providing redescriptions and diagnoses of those genera and species, and a discussion of their relationship with other cranaids.

Phylogeny and taxonomic revision of Thelonectria discophora (Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) species complex

Specimens regarded as Thelonectria discophora (Thelonectria, Nectriaceae, Hypocreales) constitute a conspicuous group of saprobic fungi on decaying plant material, characterized by red perithecia each with a broad mammiform (nipple-like) apex. The asexual state is characterized by a cylindrocarpon-like morphology, with 3–5 septate macroconidia, unicellular microconidia and chlamydospores that are rarely produced in culture. In the past, T. discophora was regarded as one species with a wide geographic distribution. However, a recent study rejected the monophyly and cosmopolitan distribution of this species, and showed the existence of at least 16 cryptic species distributed in three main groups. By combining the results of phylogenetic analyses of six nuclear loci and morphological studies, we revised the taxonomy of the T. discophora species complex, resulting in the description of 12 new species and four new combinations based on historic names. Even though molecular phylogenetic analyses strongly support the segregation of these species, and are in agreement with previous studies, individual diagnostic morphological characters for each species could not be identified. However, discrete morphological traits corresponding to each of the three main groups of species were discovered. Lineages could be differentiated based on the average values of morphological traits as well as the presence/absence of characteristic asexual propagules and colony growth at 30C. Descriptions, illustrations are provided for the recognized species.

Sphenoderiidae (fam. nov.), a New Clade of Euglyphid Testate Amoebae Characterized by Small, Round Scales Surrounding the Aperture

Sphenoderiidae (fam. nov.), a New Clade of Euglyphid Testate Amoebae Characterized by Small, Round Scales Surrounding the Aperture

On the identity of two Antarctic brooding nemerteans: redescription of Antarctonemertes valida (Bürger, 1893) and description of a new species in the genus Antarctonemertes Friedrich, 1955 (Nemertea, Hoplonemertea)

Nemerteans (ribbon worms) constitute an abundant and occasionally conspicuous group of benthic invertebrates in the Southern Ocean. Although recent work has confirmed that this group is far more diverse than previously recognized, the Antarctic nemertean fauna remains poorly understood when compared to other geo- graphic regions. In most cases, the taxonomic information on the known nemertean fauna is incomplete for this region and/or has been inappropriately documented. As a conse- quence, many of the species described are considered species inquirendae. Among the nearly 50 species described so far for the Southern Ocean, two hoplonem- erteans are known to brood eggs in cocoons: Amphiporus incubator Joubin, 1914 and Amphiporus michaelseni Burger, 1895a. Here, we redescribe Antarctonemertes valida (Burger, 1893), a senior synonym of A. michaelseni, and describe a new congeneric species, Antarctonemertes riesgoae sp. nov. Both species show a similar reproductive strategy by brooding their cocoons, and similar external appearance, but clearly differ in other aspects of their morphology, such as the cephalic coloration pattern and the number of proboscidial nerves. We provide novel infor- mation about their life habitus, reproductive behaviour, internal anatomy, and their phylogenetic placement within hoplonemerteans using one nuclear (28S rRNA) and two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA) markers. We also provide a parsimony haplo- type network using 16S rRNA, COI, and the internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS-2) showing a clear dis- tinction between individuals of both species. Our results stress the need of combining molecular and morphological information when dealing with closely related species of nemerteans.

Identification of fungi species in the onychomycosis of institutionalized elderly

BACKGROUND Superficial fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or filamentous fungi. They are correlated to the etiologic agent, the level of integrity of the host immune response, the site of the lesion and also the injured tissue. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to isolate and to identify onychomycosis agents in institutionalized elderly (60 years old +). METHODS The identification of the fungi relied upon the combined results of mycological examination, culture isolation and micro cultures observation under light microscopy from nail and interdigital scales, which were collected from 35 elderly with a clinical suspicion of onychomycosis and a control group (9 elderly with healthy interdigital space and nails). Both groups were institutionalized in two nursing homes in Sao Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil. RESULTS The nail scrapings showed 51.40% positivity. Of these, dermatophytes were found in 44.40% isolates, 27.78% identified as Trichophyton rubrum and 5.56% each as Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum. The second more conspicuous group showed 38.89% yeasts: 16.67% Candida guilliermondii, 11.11% Candida parapsilosis, 5.56% Candida glabrata, and 5.56% Trichosporon asahii. A third group displayed 16.70% filamentous fungi, like Fusarium sp, Aspergillus sp and Neoscytalidium sp (5.56% each). The interdigital scrapings presented a positivity rate of 14.29%. The agents were coincident with the fungi that caused the onychomycosis. In the control group, Candida guilliermondii was found at interdigital space in one person. CONCLUSION Employing a combination of those identification methods, we found no difference between the etiology of the institutionalized elderly onychomycosis from that reported in the literature for the general population.

BiotecVisions 2013, January

BiotecVisions 2013, January

Flow cytometric identification ofMamiellalesclade II in the Southern Atlantic Ocean

Flow cytometric identification of<i>Mamiellales</i>clade II in the Southern Atlantic Ocean

Molecular phylogenetics of porcini mushrooms ( Boletus section Boletus)

Molecular phylogenetics of porcini mushrooms ( Boletus section Boletus)

Size‐dependent predation risk in tree‐feeding insects with different colouration strategies: a field experiment

1. Body size is positively correlated with fecundity in various animals, but the factors that counterbalance the resulting selection pressure towards large size are difficult to establish. Positively size-dependent predation risk has been proposed as a selective factor potentially capable of balancing the fecundity advantage of large size. 2. To construct optimality models of insect body size, realistic estimates of size-dependent predation rates are necessary. Moreover, prey traits such as colouration should be considered, as they may substantially alter the relationship between body size and mortality risk. 3. To quantify mortality patterns, we conducted field experiments in which we exposed cryptic and conspicuous artificial larvae of different sizes to bird predators, and recorded the incidence of bird attacks. 4. The average daily mortality rate was estimated to vary between 4% and 10%. In both cryptic and conspicuous larvae, predation risk increased with prey size, but the increase tended to be steeper in the conspicuous group. No main effect of colour type was found. All the quantitative relationships were reasonably consistent across replicates. 5. Our results suggest that the size dependence of mortality risk in insect prey is primarily determined by the probability of being detected by a predator rather than by a size-dependent warning effect associated with conspicuous colouration. Our results therefore imply that warningly coloured insects do not necessarily benefit more than the cryptic species from large body size, as has been previously suggested.

Pananemia 2008 multicenter observational study on erythropoietin beta treatment in patients with cancer: Efficacy, patient satisfaction, and impact on psychological distress

e20695 Background: Cancer-related anemia, results in both a need for transfusions and a decreased functional capacity and quality of life. Treating anemia associated with chemotherapy and many cancers is often necessary. However, patient satisfaction with anemia treatment, and the possible correlation between anemia and psychological distress frequently present in these patients is limited by the lack of validated instruments. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2008, 591 cancer patients in treatment with erythropoietin beta for anemia were targeted to complete the Psychological Distress Inventory (PDI), a 13-item self-administered questionnaire, and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire ( PSQ) at 4 week intervals, a 10-item, self-administered questionnaire. Data from weeks 5 and 9 were analyzed. Patients were required to receive at least four weekly injections of Epo, expecting to receive ≥ 8 additional weeks of chemotherapy, and able to complete questionnaires. Results: Among patients fulfilling eligibility criteria and having received at least four Epo Beta administrations, most (57.5%) of them were female, with a median age of 66 (52.4 - 76.5), and a median KPS of 85 (range: 50–100). 399 patients had a stage IV cancers. Hemoglobin values increased from mean baseline levels of 9.55 g/dL, to attain levels 10.31 at week 5, and 11.05 after 8 weeks of therapy; 247 (42%) patients received iron supplementation. For PDI, the overall response rate was 93 % (548/591) at baseline, 100 % (517/517) at week 5, and 99% (491/492) at week 9. The percentage of patients with psychological difficulties decreased during the treatment. For PSQ, the overall response rate was 100% (517/517) at week 5, and 100 % (492/492) at week 9. The PSQ questionnaires showed that a conspicuous group of patients (124/517) marked troubles to accept the treatment. Conclusions: Our results suggest that in anemic cancer patients psychological distress and anemia were related. PSQ reflect the burden of injection anemia treatment on cancer patients. Final data analysis will be presented. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Does Experimentally Induced Conspicuous Coloration Increase Risk of Predation and Conspecific Aggression in First-Year Collared Lizard Males?

Abstract I used paint to manipulate the coloration of first-year collared lizard males in the field to test whether conspicuous coloration increases risk of predation and/or aggression from dominant same-sex conspecifics, or resulted in decreased activity as a consequence of either or both increased attention from predators or socially dominant conspecifics. First-year collared lizard males are a good system for this study because their coloration is less developed than that of older males, they may suffer significant predation pressure, and instead of defending territories, they use stealthy tactics to avoid aggression from older socially-dominant males. To test these potential costs, I enhanced the coloration of first-year males in a conspicuous group by painting them similar to older territorial males, used brown paint similar to that of conspecific females to alter coloration in an inconspicuous group, and painted a control group with water. I then recorded census and focal observation data on these m...

Contribution to Understanding the Population Structure and Maturation of Illex argentinus (Castellanos, 1960): the Case of the Inner-shelf Spawning Groups in San Matias Gulf (Patagonia, Argentina)

Illex argentinus is known for spatiotemporally segregating into reproductive aggregations on the mid-continental shelf and slope off southern South America. In this study we found that the species also mates and spawns in San Matías Gulf, a coastal basin off northeastern Patagonia. Basing on the analysis of size and maturity structure of squids caught over a 28-month period in waters of the gulf, distinct demographic pulses were identified in the samples each year. Two of them were more consistent, one comprising small-sized individuals reaching full maturity in January to February (summer) and the other including larger individuals maturing between September and October/December (spring). Also, a less conspicuous group of mature individuals was observed in June/July (winter) of the last sampling year. So far, differences in the parameters of the size-at-maturity curves of these population components allow considering at least two stocks for management of I. argentinus in the gulf.

대학생의 패션라이프스타일에 따른 장신구 착장

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the fashion lifestyle and the ornament wearing practices of college students. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 545 college students (male students 36.7%, female students 63.3%) in the Cheongju area, Korea. Frequency, factor analysis, cluster analysis, t-tests, <TEX>$X^2$</TEX> and ANOVA were used for data analysis. The results of this study were as follows: 1) Fashion lifestyle of students was classified into 4 factors; fashion oriented, aesthetics pursuit, brand preference and reasonable economy. Based on the factor scores, 4 clusters were identified; practical, brand oriented, personality and self conspicuous. Female students were more affiliated to personality and self conspicuous group than male students. 2) They owned earrings, necklaces and rings, in the order. There were significant gender differences in the wearing practices of ornament. 3) Also, there were significant differences in the ornament wearing practices according to fashion lifestyle.

Historia del conocimiento de los perisodáctilos del Neógeno español

This paper presents a brief review on the studies of the Order Perissodactyla from the Spanish Neogene. References begin with the first records during the XIX century, and continue until present, summarizing the progress and knowledge of this conspicuous group of mammals in Spain. The paper focuses mainly on families Equidae and Rhinocerotidae, whose remains are very abundant and have a large temporal distribution, giving place to a huge amount of documentation. More scarce references concern families Tapiridae and Chalicotheriidae, owing to their more restricted records.

Heterogeneity of macrozoobenthic assemblages within a Zostera noltii seagrass bed: diversity, abundance, biomass and structuring factors

Heterogeneity of macrozoobenthic assemblages within a Zostera noltii seagrass bed: diversity, abundance, biomass and structuring factors