ABSTRACT
Color in animals responds to selective pressures and mediates the relationship between organism and environment. Reef fishes have the amplest variety of pigment cell types. This color patterns' variety may function as camouflage and be related to spatial use. We tested the hypothesis that the coloration of reef fish relates to water column stratum occupation. We predicted that sedentary animals connected to the background take advantage of background matching or disruptive patterns; more mobile demersal species apply disruptive coloration or motion-dazzle; and that pelagic species tend to have silvery bodies. We classified color patterns and categorized the water column stratum use for the Brazilian reef fishes in FishBase. Our analyses confirmed that irregular contrasting contour breaks, suggestive of disruptive coloration, occurs in benthic species and that silvering color was more prevalent in the pelagic stratum. Our raw data suggested a higher frequency of contrasting regular stripes, typical of motion-dazzle, in demersal species. However, the considerable uncertainty around estimates did not confirm this pattern. Reef fishes coloration is correlated to occupation of different strata in the water column. This can be interpreted as fishes being adapted to these habitats and partially explaining the richness of color patterns among them.(AU)
A cor nos animais responde a pressões seletivas e media a relação entre organismo e ambiente. Peixes recifais têm a maior variedade de tipos de células de pigmento. Essa variedade de padrões de coloração pode funcionar como camuflagem e estar relacionada ao uso espacial. Nós testamos a hipótese de que a coloração dos peixes recifais está relacionada à ocupação do estrato da coluna d'água. Previmos que animais sedentários conectados ao fundo aproveitam a semelhança ao fundo ou padrões disruptivos; espécies demersais mais móveis aplicam coloração disruptiva ou deslumbramento de movimento; e que espécies pelágicas tendem a apresentar corpos prateados. Classificamos os padrões de coloração e categorizamos o uso do estrato da coluna d'água para os peixes recifais brasileiros no FishBase. Nossas análises confirmaram que quebras de contorno irregulares, sugerindo coloração disruptiva, ocorrem em espécies bentônicas e que a cor prateada prevaleceu no estrato pelágico. Nossos dados brutos sugeriram uma maior frequência de listras contrastantes, típicas do deslumbramento de movimento, em espécies demersais. Mas a considerável incerteza dessas estimativas não confirmou esse padrão. A coloração dos peixes recifais está correlacionada com a ocupação de diferentes estratos da coluna d'água. Isso pode ser interpretado como peixes sendo adaptados a estes habitats, explicando em parte a riqueza de padrões de coloração entre eles.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Ecosystem , Food Chain , Environment , FishesABSTRACT
Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI) is a key enzyme in the regulation of triterpenes biosynthesis and plays an important role in ginsenoside biosynthesis. In this study, two IDI genes, PvfIDI1 (GenBank No. MZ736417) and PvfIDI2 (GenBank No. MZ736418) were cloned from Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus. The open reading frame of both PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 was 924 bp encoding 307 amino acids. The molecular weights of PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 were 34.84 kDa and 34.66 kDa, respectively, with theoretical pIs of 6.01 and 5.66. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 contained two conserved sequences: TNTCCSHPL and WGEHELDY. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 were closely related to Panax notoginseng IDI. Expression analysis showed that both PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 genes are expressed in root, rhizome, stem and leaf of P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus. However, PvfIDI1 is highly expressed in the rhizome and PvfIDI2 is highly expressed in the stem. PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 recombinant proteins were expressed in E. coli; a functional coloration experiment showed that PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 could promote the accumulation of lycopene, indicating that both PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 encode functional IDI enzymes. The cloning and functional studies on PvfIDI1 and PvfIDI2 provide a foundation for the further study of IDI and the regulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus.
ABSTRACT
Resumen La estación científica de Wayqecha se sitúa en el departamento de Cusco, en el sudeste de Perú, a una altitud de 2900 m (13°10.506'S - 71°35.210'W). En esta estación, encontramos una oruga de Leptotes callanga (Dyar, 1913) (Lepidoptera : Lycaenidae : Polyommatinae), alimentándose de flores de Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson (Fabaceae), una planta no nativa, de origen mediterráneo. La crianza permitió obtener una hembra adulta de L. callanga. La oruga en el último estadio y la crisálida se describen e ilustran. Se comenta la adaptación de esta especie a una nueva planta.
Abstract The Wayqecha scientific station is located in the department of Cusco, in southeas- tern Peru, at an altitude of 2900 m (13°10.506'S - 71°35.210'W). In this station, we found a caterpillar of Leptotes callanga (Dyar, 1913) (Lepidoptera : Lycaenidae : Polyommatinae), consuming flowers of Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson (Fabaceae), a non- native plant of Mediterranean origin. The breeding allowed to obtain a female L. callanga. Last instar larvae and pupa are described and illustrated. Leptotes callanga adaptation to this new plant is commented.
ABSTRACT
En la estación científica de Villa Carmen, situada cerca de Pillcopata, Cusco, Perú (S 12°53.687' - W 71°24.232', 533 m), encontramos orugas de Michaelus phoenissa (Hewitson, 1867) (Lycaenidae), consumiendo flores de Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae). La mayoría de las orugas se encontraban en el último estadio (entre 1 y 1.5 cm de longitud), no visibles a primera vista, ya que se alojaban en las flores no abiertas. La crianza permitió obtener cuatro adultos, dos hembras y dos machos y ningún parasitoide. Se compara las plantas hospederas de M. phoenissa con otras especies hospederas del genero de Michaelus Nicolay, 1979.
In Villa Carmen, a scientific station near Pillcopata, Cusco, Peru (S 12°53.687' - W 71°24.232', 533 m), we found caterpillars of Michaelus phoenissa (Hewitson, 1867) (Lycaenidae) consuming flowers of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (Fabaceae). The caterpillars were mostly last instars (between 1 and 1.5 cm in length). They were not visible at first sight because they lodged in unopened flowers. We reared two female and two male adults. None of the immature stages was parasitized. We compare the food plants of M. phoenissa with those of others species of Michaelus Nicolay, 1979.
ABSTRACT
The change in color tone of crude drugs during storage of decoctions is one of the factors leading to poor drug compliance of decoctions. We experienced a case of a decoction including Aluminum Silicate Hydrate with Silicon Dioxide (Kasseki) turned into bright blue color after it was combined with goreisan. We therefore examined to find out possible causative crude drugs using an airtight container and performed a component analysis by the TLC. As a result, we found the following: Kasseki under the coexistence of Cinnamon Bark (C. Bark) and Atractylodes Rhizome (A. Rhizome) turned into a bright blue color in several hours. In this coloration, aluminum silicate hydrate, cinnamaldehyde and atractylon, which derive from these 3 crude drugs, were involved. This coloration change of Kasseki under coexistence of C. Bark and A. Rhizome was a vivid and sharp reaction generated in several hours. From the perspective of maintaining medication compliance, it is important to provide a full explanation to patients about the change in coloration of Kasseki, when decocting crude drugs that contain C. Bark, A. Rhizome, and Kasseki. To avoid coloration, it is considered useful to put Kasseki in a separate sachet, isolated from other crude drugs in storage, and to mix in Kasseki just before decocting.
ABSTRACT
Resumen Anablepsoides hartii es un pez no anual de la familia Cynolebiidae. Históricamente, incongruencias en la identificación de dicha especie han surgido debido a su variación en el patrón de coloración. Por tal motivo, se describe e ilustra los diferentes tipos de patrones de coloración de esta especie. Se revisaron 336 ejemplares de 19 lotes preservados en alcohol al 70 %, depositado en las colecciones ictiológicas del Museo de Biología de la Universidad Central de Venezuela y el Museo de Ciencias Naturales en Guanare. Los ejemplares fueron separados por características distintivas de tamaño, sexo y localidad. Adicionalmente, se tomaron fotografías de cada individuo que fueron vectorizadas a un máximo nivel de detalle, separando claros y oscuros que delimitan los patrones con un mismo tono de coloración con el programa Corel Draw versión x7 en español. Anablepsoides hartii presenta cuatro (4) patrones de coloración. Los cromotipos son: 1.- masculino, 2.- femenino, 3.- intermedio y 4.- montano. Los dos primeros cromotipos son separados por caracteres sexuales, a su vez el cromotipo intermedio presenta caracteres tanto de machos como de hembras en un mismo individuo. Finalmente, el cromotipo montano se diferencia del resto por presentar la serie de hileras laterales incompleta seguido por un reticulado de medio cuerpo hasta la cola. Esta contribución permite aclarar las diferencias que existen en una especie morfológicamente variable.
Abstract Anablepsoides hartii is a non-annual fish of the family Cynolebiidae. Historically, this species has presented some inconsistencies for proper identification, due to a variation in the color pattern. The aim of this study was to describe and illustrate the different types of color patterns found in this species. We examined a total of 336 preserved specimens (19 lots) deposited in the ichthyological collections of the Museo de Biologia de la Universidad Central de Venezuela and the Museo de Ciencias Naturales in Guanare, Venezuela. The specimens were sorted by distinctive characteristics of size, sex and locality. Besides, we took photographs of each individual, vectorized them with detail, separating light and dark colorations and delimited color patterns of the same tone with the program Corel Draw version x7 (Spanish). My analysis showed that A. hartii presented four colors patterns. The color morphs were classified as: 1 male, 2 female, 3 intermediate and 4 montane. The first two color morphs were separated by sexual characters (sexual dimorphism); in turn, the intermediate color morph presented characters of both males and females in the same individual. Finally, the montane color morph differed from the previous ones by presenting a series of incomplete lateral rows, followed by a half-body reticulation to the tail. This analysis allowed the identification of the differences in this morphologically variable species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(1): 293-302. Epub 2018 March 01.
ABSTRACT
Abstract The occurrence of anomalous coloration (albinism, leucism and melanism) in mammals is a rare phenomenon in nature, but this phenomenon has been reported for several species of mammals. In this study, we report on the occurrence of leucism in Eira barbara by examining three road-killed individuals and two sightings of live animals in Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Santuário do Caraça, southeastern Brazil. In addition, we examined tayra specimens housed in mammal collections from Brazil and USA. The animals found dead and those sighted had a whitish yellow fur on the body and head, resulting in lighter coloration than the coloring pattern commonly observed in tayras. Despite these lighter color pattern, the specimens showed parts of soft tissue, such as iris and the skin, with pigmentation very similar to that present in individuals with the typical color pattern. This set of factors indicates the specimens recorded were in fact leucistic and not albino. Among the specimens examined in the scientific collections, we found nine individuals from different localities that presented the whitish yellow color pattern. Some studies attribute the higher frequency of cases of leucism due to small populations and / or with some mechanism of reproductive isolation. Thus, analysis of the genetic variability of populations containing individuals with such characteristics should be considered. On the other hand, the occurrence of polymorphic color phenotype in tayras indicates that hypotheses related to the fixation of recessive characteristics, or on possible environmental adaptive advantages of these phenotypes can be tested.
Resumo A ocorrência de coloração anômala (albinismo, leucísmo e melanismo) em mamíferos é um fenômeno raro na natureza, mas ela tem sido relatada para diversas espécies. Neste trabalho nós relatamos a ocorrência de leucísmo em Eira barbara por meio do exame de três indivíduos encontrados mortos atropelados por veículos e pela visualização direta de indivíduos vivos na Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Santuário do Caraça, sudeste brasileiro. Em adição, nós consultamos coleções de mamíferos em museus do Brasil e dos Estados Unidos da América. Os animais encontrados mortos e os avistados apresentavam pelagem amarela esbranquiçada no corpo e na cabeça, resultando em uma coloração muito mais clara que o padrão de coloração comumente observado em iraras. Apesar deste padrão de coloração mais claro, os espécimes apresentavam partes do tecido mole, tais como a íris e a pele, com pigmentação muito semelhante àquela presente em indivíduos com padrão de coloração típico da espécie. Este conjunto de fatores indicou que os espécimes registrados eram de fato leucísticos e não albinos. Dentre os espécimes examinados nas coleções científicas, nós encontramos nove indivíduos de diferentes localidades que apresentavam o padrão de coloração esbranquiçado. Alguns estudos atribuem a frequência elevada de casos de leucísmo a pequenas populações e / ou com algum mecanismo de isolamento reprodutivo. Dessa forma, análises da variabilidade genética de populações contendo indivíduos com essas características devem ser consideradas. Por outro lado, a ocorrência de fenótipos de coloração polimórficos em iraras indica que hipóteses podem ser testadas tanto com relação à fixação de caraterísticas recessivas, quanto sobre possíveis vantagens adaptativas ambientais desses fenótipos.
ABSTRACT
The fluoritum is used for gynecology frequently and it's for those diseases: kidney yang deficiency, Gong cold sterility, palpitation due to fright, insomnia and dreaminess and cold cough. It's ruled in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1985 edition) that the fluoritum originates from fluorite which belongs to fluoride minerals. Its main content is CaF2. The colors are of differents grades with purple or green. In the market, there are large differences in quality and it has various colors. Besides of the ruled color of purple and green, white and yellow are also common colors. By digging into and analysis the relevant research literature of fluorite which belongs to fluoride minerals, colors and coloration mechanism of fluorite are summarized in this paper.Natural fluorite is the mineral which has the most species of colors in nature. The different colors of fluorite are mainly caused by the impurity elements. At present, there are mainly about the coloration mechanism of fluorite: rare earth ions (4fN ions), color center, inclusions, crystalline domains or sub microscopic inclusions. The green of fluorite is produced by 570 nm and 305 nm absorption peaks which are caused by Sm2+ and compensated ions Na+ centers generated color center. The yellow of fluorite is produced by the joining of transition element, resulting in the formation of charge transfer between the crystal ions and the formation of O2-O32- ion molecule.The black of fluorite, mainly was attributed to the existence of a higher degree of evolution of organic matter. In this passage,suggestions for modification of the properties of fluoritum in Chinese Pharmacopoeia are put forward.
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Combined application of Chinese and western medicine is widespread in clinical real world because national policy emphasizes both Chinese medicine and western medicine. The studies on the combined use of Chinese and western medicine, are conducive to clinical precise positioning, promote self positioning of Chinese patent medicines and Chinese medicine enterprises based on suitable application fields, and provide direction for the deepening development of herbal industry. In addition, the studies on clinical evaluation and mechanism of combined use of Chinese and western medicine can provide basis for formulating national health policies and promoting medical resource fairness.
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Objective Not much information is available on the comparative analysis of G test on diagnosis of deep fungal in -fection by colormetric and turbidimetric measurements .The purpose of this paper was to explore the clinical value of fungal (1-3)-β-D-glucan detection kit ( colormetric measurement ) . Methods 89 clinical samples collected from Hainan Branch of PLA General Hos-pital were detected by fungal (1-3)-β-D-glucan detection kit (turbidimetric measurement) and fungal (1-3)-β-D-glucan detection kit ( colormetric measurement ) respectively , among which 32 cases were from disease group ( deep fungal infection in patients ) and 57 ca-ses were from control group ( healthy person ) .The comparison was made on the sensitivity , specificity and accuracy of these two meth-ods. Results The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of colormetric measurement kit on the diagnosis of deep fungal infection were obviously higher than those of turbidimetry method kit (81.2%vs 53.1%, 91.2%vs 75.4%, 87.6%vs 67.4%, P<0.05), which was of significant difference .Detection result of colormetric method had a positive coincidence rate with other systems '( except respira-tory system) deep fungal infection, which was obviously higher than turbidimetry method (92.8%vs 57.1%, P<0.05).Positive co-incidence rate and total coincidence rate between colormetric method kit and clinical diagnosis result on differentiate samples were obviously higher than those of turbidimetric method kit (P=0.01). Conclusion Colormetric measurement kit has higher accuracy and higher coincidence rate with clinical diagnosis than turbidimetry meas-urement kit , which is better for clinical service .
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of controlled atmosphere in the change of color, chlorophyll degradation and phenolic compounds concentration in yerba maté thickly ground (cancheada) and thinly milled (socada). Yerba maté samples from the towns of Arvorezinha (RS - Brazil) and São Mateus do Sul (PR - Brazil) were stored in four levels of oxygen (1, 3, 6 and 20.9kPa of O2) and four levels of carbon dioxide (0, 3, 6 and 18kPa of CO2) and then were analyzed, after nine months of storage. According to the results, the O2 partial pressure reduction decreased the loss of green coloration, kept a higher content of chlorophylls and of total phenolic compounds. In relation to the different levels of CO2, a response as remarkable as O2 was not observed. The yerba maté that was thickly ground (cancheada) presented a better storage potential than the one thinly milled (socada) in the storage with O2 and with CO2. The 1kPa of O2 condition kept the yerba maté greener and with a higher content of chlorophylls and of total phenolic compounds after nine months of storage. The CO2 partial pressure kept the yerba maté coloration greener and with a higher content of chlorophylls and of total phenolic compounds, regardless of the level used, in the maté from both cultivation areas.
O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da atmosfera controlada na alteração da cor, degradação da clorofila e concentração de compostos fenólicos em erva-mate cancheada e socada. Amostras de erva-mate provenientes de Arvorezinha (RS) e São Mateus do Sul (PR) foram armazenadas em quatro níveis de oxigênio (1, 3, 6 e 20,9kPa de O2) e quatro níveis de gás carbônico (0,3, 6 e 18kPa de CO2), as quais foram analisadas ao final de nove meses de armazenamento. Segundo os resultados, a redução das pressões parciais de O2 reduziu a perda da coloração verde, manteve maior teor de clorofilas e de compostos fenólicos totais. Em relação aos diferentes níveis de CO2, não se constatou uma resposta tão marcante como na de O2. Tanto no armazenamento com O2 como com CO2, a erva-mate cancheada apresentou melhor potencial de armazenamento do que a erva-mate socada. A condição com 1kPa de O2 manteve a erva-mate mais verde, maior teor de clorofilas e compostos fenólicos totais após 9 meses de armazenamento. A pressão parcial de CO2, independente do nível utilizado, mantém a coloração da erva-mate mais verde, maior teor de clorofilas e compostos fenólicos totais nas ervas provenientes dos dois locais de cultivo.
ABSTRACT
O estado de dormência surge durante o desenvolvimento da semente com a desidratação dos protoplastos do embrião e com a maturação do tegumento, que frequentemente possui permeabilidade seletiva. Assim, o estudo do processo de maturação das sementes é de vital importância para se determinar o ponto ideal da colheita de sementes, garantindo assim máxima produção e elevada qualidade fisiológica. O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes estádios de maturação fisiológica sobre a dormência, germinação e vigor de sementes de sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth). O trabalho foi conduzido no Laboratório de Análise de Sementes do Departamento de Ciências Vegetais da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x5 (com e sem quebra de dormência x cinco estádios de maturação), constituindo assim 10 tratamentos e quatro repetições. Foram avaliados o teor de água das sementes, a porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação e a primeira contagem. Constatou-se diferença significativa para todas as variáveis estudadas. As sementes de sabiá tornam-se dormentes à medida que diminuem seu teor de água e amadurecem fisiologicamente. A maior qualidade fisiológica das sementes é obtida por ocasião da maturação e secagem, desde que processos de quebra de dormência sejam realizados. Pode-se obter elevada porcentagem de germinação com sementes colhidas de vagens com coloração marrom-clara sem tratamentos de superação da dormência.
The dormant state arises during seed development with dehydration of embryo protoplasts and tegument maturation, which often has selective permeability. Thus, the study of the process of seed maturation is vital to determine the optimal harvest of seeds, ensuring maximum yield and high physiological quality. The present work was to evaluate the effect of different maturation stages on physiological dormancy, germination and vigor in sabiá seeds (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth). The work was conducted in the Laboratory of Seed Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. The statistical design was completely randomized in a 2x5 factorial arrangement (with and without breaking dormancy x five phases of maturity), thus constituting 10 treatments and four replications. We evaluated the water content of seeds, germination percentage, the rate of speed of germination and the first count. It found significant differences for all variables. The seeds of thrush become dormant decrease as its water content and mature physiologically. The highest vigor of the seed is obtained at the time of maturing and drying, since processes are performed dormancy. You can get high germination percentage of pods with seeds harvested with brownishclear without treatment break dormancy.
Subject(s)
Seeds , Germination , Mimosa , Plant DormancyABSTRACT
Observations of the increased frequency of melanic forms in moths of the genus Biston in Great Britain after the industrial revolution lead to the development of the theory of industrial Melanism. Nonetheless, arguments against that interpretation of the experimental evidence have polarized acceptance of the concept. New evidence based on diurnal butterflies is more credible because it involves behavior that can be seen in action, during daylight, and because the natural history of the selected species is well known. An experiment was carried out in which three substrate colors (white, black, and gray) were employed to test the landing preferences of Hamadryas feronia. A marked preference was observed for landing on white and gray, and a chi-square (N=644 tests) showed evidence of a preference by males to land on white, and for females to land on gray. Black was rejected perhaps because it provides very little background matching with the butterfly’s colors. The butterfly habit of perching selectively on particular color substrates is a genetically fixed behavior, where the males possibly choose white as a tactic to be noticed by females and attract them, whereas females prefer gray to enhance crypsis and avoid attracting predators.
Observaciones en el incremento de la frecuencia de las formas melánicas de la polilla Biston de Gran Bretaña después de la revolución industrial, llevó al desarrollo de la teoría del melanismo industrial. Sin embargo, se originaron argumentos en contra de la interpretación experimental de dicho fenómeno que llevaron a polarizar su aceptación general. Nueva evidencia basada en mariposas diurnas genera nuevas perspectivas puesto que incluye el comportamiento, que puede ser apreciado durante el día. Además, la especie seleccionada es bien conocida desde el punto de vista de su historia natural. El experimento que desarrolle consiste en tres sustratos de diferente color (blanco, negro y gris) en donde se pone a prueba la preferencia de Hamadryas feronia para posarse. Se encontró una marcada tendencia a posarse sobre el blanco y el gris, chi-cuadrado (N=644), donde los machos prefirieron el blanco y las hembras el gris. El negro fue rechazado probablemente porque ofrece muy poca defensa visual al disminuir el efecto de la coloración críptica de esta especie. El habito por parte de esta mariposa de posarse selectivamente sobre sustratos de distinto color esta fijado genéticamente, los machos posiblemente prefieren blanco como una táctica para atraer hembras y las hembras prefieren gris para aumentar el efecto de su coloración críptica y así evitar ser detectadas por los depredadores.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Behavior, Animal/physiology , Butterflies/physiology , Color , Choice Behavior/physiology , Butterflies/classification , Costa Rica , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
Seasonal changes in the dorsal coloration in the lizard Aspidoscelis costata costata (Squamata: Teiidae). Color and color patterns in animals are important characteristics that bring protection, by dampening the ability of predators that depend on their sight to detect their preys. In lizards, the dorsal coloration plays a key role in communication of intraspecific signals such as social cues. In this study, we evaluated the seasonal changes in the dorsal coloration of the wide foraging lizard A. costata costata, in Tonatico, State of Mexico, Mexico. The seasonal evaluation included: the rainy season from mid June to mid September (can also include the end of May to early October); and the dry season for the rest of the year. The dorsal coloration of A. costata costata and their microhabitats were evaluated by contrasting the color pattern with an identification guide and the control colors of Pantone®, during 11 samplings carried out from February-October 2007. Individual lizard analysis recorded snout-vent length, sex and stage (juveniles and adults). Besides, all animals were marked by toe-clipping, allowing to distinguish dorsal coloration between seasons, sex and stage. A total of 95 lizards were analyzed (53 and 42 for the dry and rainy seasons respectively). We found that the dorsal coloration in A. costata costata varies seasonally and with microhabitats: during the dry season individuals show a brown coloration whereas during the rainy season becomes greener, as the background dominant vegetation color. The results of the present study suggest that: 1) the variation in dorsal coloration in A. costata costata plays an important role in the survival (by cryptic camouflage) of this widely foraging species; 2) the changes in the dorsal coloration of A. costata costata are individually expressed traits, since the coloration of the same lizard is either brown or green depending on the season; and 3) the cryptic functions of the dorsal coloration in widely foraging species have been largely underestimated. We discuss the possible influence of the changes in coloration in an habitat that changes drastically between both dry and rainy seasons.
En lagartijas la coloración corporal es importanteen la comunicación así como en la protección contra los depredadores. Con el uso de una guía Pantone®, se analizó el cambio estacional en la coloración dorsal y los microhábitats de Aspidoscelis costata costata, una lagartija de amplio forrajeo que habita un ambiente (en el Estado de México, México) que cambia drásticamente de apariencia entre sequía y lluvias. Se analizó la dependencia de la coloración dorsal de acuerdo a la estación, sexo y estadio de desarrollo. Los resultados indican que la lagartija A. costata costata presenta una coloración dorsal similar al sustrato en cada estación: parda en sequía y principalmente verde en lluvias. Este estudio sugiere: 1) Que la variación en coloración dorsal con funciones crípticas, como la registrada en A. costata costata, puede resultar importante en la supervivencia de especies de amplio forrajeo; 2) Que el cambio en la coloración dorsal en A. costata costata es a nivel individual, ya que un individuo presente en ambas estaciones manifiesta una coloración dorsal parda en la estación de sequía y una coloración dorsal verde en la estación de lluvias y 3) Que la coloración dorsal, con funciones crípticas, está subestimada en especies de amplio forrajeo.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Lizards/physiology , Seasons , Skin Pigmentation/physiology , Ecosystem , Lizards/anatomy & histology , Mexico , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
A Pothomorphe umbellata (Piperaceae), é uma espécie medicinal nativa do Brasil, utilizada na indústria de cosméticos e protetores de pele contra raios UVA e UVB. Com o intuito de gerar informações aplicadas à propagação da espécie, o presente trabalho relacionou a coloração e a massa de sementes de P. umbellata a seu comportamento germinativo. A coloração e a massa de sementes de P. umbellata foram características adequadas para avaliar a homogeneidade fisiológica, o vigor, o potencial e o comportamento germinativo. Assim, conclui-se que, embora de germinação lenta, as sementes de coloração preta e mais densa devem ser as escolhidas quando de coleta ou de processo seletivo.
Pothomorphe umbellata (Piperaceae) is a medicinal species native to Brazil, which has been used in the cosmetic industry and in products that protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays. To generate information applied to the species propagation, the present work related the coloration and the mass of P. umbellata seeds to their germinative behavior. The coloration and the mass of seeds of P. umbellata were characteristic appropriate to evaluate physiologic homogeneity, vigor, potential and germinative behavior. Thus, although of slow germination, seeds of black and denser coloration should be chosen during collection or selective process.
Subject(s)
Pigmentation/genetics , Piperaceae/embryology , Seeds/anatomy & histology , Plants, Medicinal/embryologyABSTRACT
A região do Alto Jequitinhonha tem se apresentado como expressivo parque cafeeiro do estado de Minas Gerais. No entanto, têm-se pouca informação sobre a influência do estado nutricional do cafeeiro sobre a qualidade da bebida juntamente com a produção. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, foi realizar o levantamento da qualidade da bebida do café (Coffea arabica L.) e avaliar o estado nutricional dos cafeeiros do Alto Jequitinhonha, através do DRIS. Obtiveram-se as produções, as atividades enzimáticas da polifenoloxidase dos grãos de café e os teores foliares dos nutrientes em duas safras (2005 e 2006), para o cálculo do DRIS, com vistas a efetuar o diagnóstico nutricional do cafeeiro. A região do Alto Jequitinhonha apresentou aptidão para produzir cafés de melhor qualidade (bebida "mole", "apenas mole" e "estritamente mole"), e o melhor estado nutricional das lavouras cafeeiras proporcionou produtividade de grãos de 65,0 sacas ha-1 e qualidade de bebida "mole" e "apenas mole".
Coffee crops in the region of the High Jequitinhonha, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, has become more expressive. However, there is still little information on the influence of the nutritional state of the coffee tree on the beverage quality and the yield. The objective of this work was to carry out a survey of the quality of the coffee beverage and assess the nutritional status of the High Jequitinhonha, using DRIS. Yield, polyphenyloxidase enzyme activity of the grains coffee and leaf nutrient contents were observed in two crops (2005 and 2006) for the calculation of DRIS for a diagnosis of the nutritional state of the coffee. The region of the High Jequitinhonha can produce higher quality coffee ( "soft", "barely soft" and "strictly soft" beverages), and the best nutritional status of coffee plantations produced 65.0 sacks ha-1 and beverage qualities "soft" and "barely soft.".
ABSTRACT
Oleria spp. (tribu Olerinii) es un género de gran interés a nivel ecológico y evolutivo entre los Ithomiinae. La identificación de sus especies con base en caracteres morfológicos puede ser compleja debido a que la mayoría de ellas están involucradas en anillos miméticos y poseen grandes similitudes. En muestreos de mariposas ithomiinae realizados en el Suroeste Antioqueño, Colombia, se encontraron especímenes con patrones alares que dificultaron el registro de una o dos especies en la zona de estudio. Los especímenes se examinaron en detalle incluyendo observaciones de los genitales de machos y hembras y obtención de secuencias nucleotídicas además de los caracteres tradicionales de venación y coloración alar. Se verificó la presencia de Oleria makrena (Hewitson) y Oleria fumata (Haensch) y se precisó la utilidad de cada uno de los caracteres en la diferenciación de las dos especies. En los machos, la separación de ambas especies pudo realizarse con base en la morfología alar y coincidió con la realizada mediante los genitales y las secuencias de ADN. Sin embargo, en el caso de las hembras los patrones de venación alar fueron confusos y se requirió el uso de los genitales. Las secuencias de la región corta de ADN (gen ND4) usada, permitieron realizar una diferenciación rápida y acertada de las especies que coincidió con la obtenida por los genitales tanto femeninos como masculinos. El análisis del fragmento de 579 pb señaló la existencia de 46 diferencias nucleotídicas entre las dos especies.
Oleria (Olerinii tribe) is a genus of great ecological and evolutionary importance among the Ithomiinae (Nymphalidae). Species identification is very complex since most of them are involved in mimicry rings and share large morphological similarities. Ithomiinae specimens collected in the Antioquia Southwest - Colombia, showed confuse wing color pattern generating diffi culties to define the presence of one or two species at the sampled region. Collected specimens were studied in detail using male and female genitalia and nucleotide sequences besides traditional character of wing color and venation. Oleria makrena (Hewitson) and Oleria fumata (Haensch) were registered and the relative utility of each character for species identification was defi ned. For males, wing color pattern was enough to differentiate both species, and the separation of specimens by this character was congruent with the separation obtained by using genitalia and DNA sequences. However, for females, wing patterns were not enough for the adequate separation or species and genitalia-based characters were necessary. DNA sequences of a short fragment of the mitochondrial gene ND4 allowed for the rapid and precise differentiation of both species, coinciding with the separation using genitalia for both males and females. The analysis of 579 base pairs (bp) indicated 46 nucleotide differences between both species.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Lepidoptera/anatomy & histology , Colombia , DNA, Mitochondrial , Lepidoptera/genetics , Sex CharacteristicsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the marginal fitness and fracture load of the zirconia copings according to the design with different thickness and coloration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation was based on 80 zirconia copings. Zirconia copings were fabricated in design with different thicknesses using CAD/CAM system (Everset, KAVO dental GmbH, Biberach, Germany). The designs of copings were divided into four groups. The first group consisted of copings with uniform thickness of 0.3 mm. The thickness in the second group was 0.3 mm on the buccal surface and 0.6 mm on the lingual surface. The third group consisted of coping with uniform thickness of 0.6 mm. The thickness in the fourth group was 0.6 mm on the buccal surface and 1mm on the lingual surface. Each group consisted of 10 colored and 10 uncolored copings. Half of the copings (40) processed with a milling system according to the specific design were sent to be given a color (A3) through saturation in special dye by a manufacturing company. Just after sintering, the marginal discrepancies of copings were measured on the buccal, lingual, mesial and distal surfaces of metal die, under a Video Microscope System (sv-35, Sometech, Seoul, Korea) at a magnification of x100. It was remeasured after the adjusting of the inner surface. Next, all copings were luted to the metal dies using reinforced cement {GC FujiCEM (GC Corp. Tokyo, Japan)} and mounted on the testing jig in a Universal Testing Machine (Instron 4467, Norwood, MA, USA). The results were analyzed statistically using the one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: The obtained results were as follow: 1. The measured value of marginal discrepancy right after sintering was the greatest in the contraction of the buccal area in all groups, except for group I2. 2. There was no significant difference of marginal fitness among the groups in the colored zirconia group (P.05), with no significance. CONCLUSION: There was difference in the marginal fitness according to the design and coloration of zirconia copings right after sintering, but it was decided that the copings may well be used clinically if the inner surface are adjusted. The copings should be thick enough for the reinforcement of fracture strength. But considering the esthetics of the visible surfaces (labial and buccal surface), the thickness of copings may be a little thin, without giving any significant effect on the fracture strength. This type of design may be considered when giving priority to preservation of tooth or esthetics.
Subject(s)
Ceramics , Collodion , Contracts , Esthetics , Glass Ionomer Cements , Reinforcement, Psychology , Tokyo , Tooth , ZirconiumABSTRACT
Modeling clays have been used in several ecological experiments and have proved to be an important tool to variables control. The objective of our study was to determine if fruit color in isolated and grouped displays influences the fruit selection by birds in the field using artificial fruits. Data were collected in six plots distributed homogeneously in 3 km long trails with a minimum distance of 0.5 km. We used a paired experimental design to establish our experiments, so that all treatments were available to the local bird community in each plot. Overall, red was more pecked than brown and white. Isolated red and brown displays were significantly more pecked than others display. Even though our study was conducted in small spatial scales, artificial fruits appeared to be efficient in register fruit consumption attempts by bird. Although inconclusive about selective forces that sharp the dynamics of fruit color polymorphisms and choice by frugivorous birds, our findings corroborate recent studies wherein birds showed preferences by high- over low-contrast fruit signals.
Atualmente o uso de massa de modelar tem sido amplamente utilizado para testar várias hipóteses ecológicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se cores de frutos artificiais dispostos isoladamente nos ramos, ou em agregação, influenciaram a escolha das aves. Coletamos os dados em seis parcelas distribuídas homogeneamente em uma trilha de 3 km. Nós usamos desenho experimental pareado, de modo que todos os tratamentos estavam disponíveis para a comunidade local de aves em cada parcela. Os frutos artificiais vermelhos foram mais bicados do que marrons e brancos. Separando-se nos dois diferentes arranjos, vermelhos e marrons isolados foram significativamente mais bicados de que os outros arranjos. Embora nosso estudo tenha sido realizado em pequena escala espacial, frutos artificiais foram eficientes em registrar tentativas de consumo pelas aves. Embora não conclusivo a respeito da pressão seletiva que molda a dinâmica de polimorfismos nas cores dos frutos, bem como dos padrões de escolha pelos frugívoros, nosso trabalho corrobora recentes estudos onde aves preferiram frutos com maior contraste em relação à coloração de fundo imposta pela vegetação.
Subject(s)
Amazonian Ecosystem , FruitABSTRACT
The Clofazimine is a rimino-phenazine dye. The color is a purplish-back. The drug is reported to be weakly bactericidal and also effective in the management of leprosy reactions apparently. The drug produces relatively few side effects in the majority of patients. The most prominent is coloration of the skin. The coloration can range anywhere from a reddish-tan to purplish-black. so, many patients avoid taking clofazimine. The Q-switched ND-YAG laser is a good medical instrument for clearing coloration of the skin. It releases two wavelength of 532nm and 1064nm. The wavelength of 532nm reachs shallow depth of the skin. So, it is effective in the clearance of a red, yellow tatto, freckle and lentigo. The wavelength of 1064nm reachs about 4-6mm depth of the skin. So, it is effective in the clearance of blue-black tatto and ota nevus. The leprosy patients who has purplish-black coloration of the skin in the face due to clofazimine is cleared by Q-switched ND-YAG laser. We operated twice with 3months interval. The wavelength is 532nm, spot size 3mm, energy 1.5J/cm2. The coloration of the skin in the face is almost cleared.