bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biologia dos adultos de Methona themisto (Hübner, 1818) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Ithomiinae) em praças públicas de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: RUSZCZYK A. , NASCIMENTO E. S.
Published: April 2005

No período de abril de 1992 a setembro de 1993, os adultos de Methona themisto (Hübn.) foram semanalmente marcados e recapturados em duas praças centrais de Uberlância (MG). Dos 637 indivíduos marcados nas duas praças, um terço era fêmea. Aproximadamente 10% dos indivíduos foram recapturados, sendo de 62 dias o máximo tempo de residência registrado. A presença da planta hospedeira das larvas (Brunfelsia uniflora, (Pohl) D. Don, Solanaceae) em uma das praças proporcionou maior abundância do lepidóptero ao longo da pesquisa, maiores porcentagens de indivíduos novos e maior freqüência de migrantes do que a outra praça pesquisada, que não continha a planta hospedeira. Methona themisto manteve-se ativa no estágio adulto durante todo o período de amostragem com sobreposição de gerações. Sua abundância em praças com ar poluído e flora exótica, vida adulta longa e tolerância à proximidade do homem, colocam M. themisto entre as espécies indicadas para ter suas condições de vida melhoradas em áreas centrais das cidades brasileiras. Simples práticas de manejo que beneficiam esse lepidóptero são sugeridas.
Descrição de Astyanax argyrimarginatus sp. n. (Characiformes, Characidae) procedente da bacia do Rio Araguaia, Brasil
Authors: GARUTTI V.
Published: April 2005

Descreve-se uma espécie nova para o gênero Astyanax Baird & Girard. A. argyrimarginatus procede da bacia do Rio Araguaia, Brasil. Esta espécie pode ser identificada por possuir uma mancha umeral negra horizontalmente ovalada, uma mancha negra no pedúnculo caudal, que se estende à extremidade dos raios caudais medianos, duas barras verticais castanho-escuras na região umeral e uma faixa lateral negra conspícua, bordeada por uma estreita faixa prateada. São discutidos outros caracteres que distinguem a espécie nova das demais espécies do gênero Astyanax portadoras de uma mancha umeral horizontalmente ovalada.
Lepidopteran caterpillar fauna on lactiferous host plants in the central Brazilian cerrado
Authors: DINIZ I. R. , MORAIS H. C. , BOTELHO A. M. F. , VENTUROLI F. , CABRAL B. C.
Published: April 2005

Nine lactiferous plants of five families were examined for caterpillars in a 4 ha cerrado sensu stricto (savanna-like vegetation) area of the University of Brasília Experimental Farm (DF, Brazil), from August 1995 to May 1997. In 5,540 censuses, less than 5% of the plants hosted caterpillars. All the caterpillars found, a total of 55 species in 15 families were reared under laboratory conditions. Pyralidae, Geometridae, Elachistidae, Megalopygidae, and Limacodidae were the richest caterpillar families recorded. Of the 55 species, more than 40% were polyphagous, feeding on different host plant families, while 21 were considered rare species with less than four records during the study period. The species' rareness did not permit any analysis of diet breadth. The presence of latex in the host plants seems to affect both the proportion of host plants with caterpillars (abundance) and the caterpillar species richness. The habit of eating plants that characteristically produce latex occurs in several distantly-related lepidopteran families. The results support the argument that specific behaviors to circumvent plant latex defense may have arisen independently many times in the Lepidoptera.
Structural indexes and sexual maturity of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (cuvier, 1818) (Characiformes: Characidae) in Central Amazon, Brazil
Authors: VILLACORTA-CORREA M. A. , SAINT-PAUL U.
Published: April 2005

Length, weight, structural index and sexual maturity in tambaqui Colossoma macropomum were analysed. 449 specimens were obtained from the commercial fishing fleet arriving at Manaus Harbour from the floodplain areas from May 1992 to July 1993. The objective of this study is to describe changes in structural index during one hidrological cycle and to interpret them according to the water level fluctuations and to also determine the time, reproductive period and length in sexual maturity. Sex ratio in tambaqui was 1:1 however, the length of females was significantly longer than males'. Length/weight relationship was described by the expression: Pt = 0.00058*Cp2.9039. b value was significantly different from 3 which meant an alometric growth. Lower condition index values (Kn) were found from August to October at the end of receding water and dry period. The feeding index was significantly lower during the receding water and dry period. Lower hepatosomatic index values were found in December during the dry period. Fishes in lengths longer than 550 mm which were more common from September to December during the dry period, stored larger cavitary fat reserves. Fishes smaller than the standard length of 550 mm stored less fat reserves and were more common during the rising of the water and flooding period. Spawning period of tambaqui extends from September to February in a total spawning synchronized with "repiquetes"(native term used to name a sudden recending and rising of the water level). Length of tambaqui was 60.69 cm, at sexual maturity.
Ficoflórula do Lago Amapá em Rio Branco-Acre, I: Euglenophyceae
Authors: KEPPELER E. C. , LOPES M. R. M. , LIMA C. S.
Published: April 2005

As Euglenophyceae da ficoflórula do Lago Amapá I, Rio Branco, Estado do Acre, Brasil, constituem uma contribuição ao inventário ficológico do Estado do Acre. Está baseada no estudo de 15 amostras coletadas com rede de plâncton e passagem de frasco aberto em meio à massa de algas, as quais foram fixadas e preservadas com solução de Transeau. Foram identificadas 25 Euglenaceae. Os gêneros Euglena e Trachelomonas foram os mais bem representados em nível qualitativo.
Preliminary assessment of heavy metal levels in Mytella falcata (Bivalvia, Mytilidae) from Bacanga River estuary, São Luis, State of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: CARVALHO G. P. de , CAVALCANTE P. R. S. , CASTRO A. C. L. de , ROJAS M. O. A. I.
Published: April 2005

The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd were determined in the mussel Mytella falcata from the Bacanga River estuary, in order to evaluate the potential role of domestic effluents released "in natura" on the quality of the estuarine environment with consequences to shellfish resources. Cu concentrations ranged from 5.2 mg.g-1 to 13.1 mg.g-1, while Zn concentrations ranged from 49.1 mg.g-1 to 76.3 mg.g-1. Pb and Cd showed concentrations lower than 2 mg.g-1. The results showed low concentrations of Cu, Pb and Cd in the filter-feeding Mytella falcata in the study area in comparison with the maximum values stablished to foods by the Brazilian Government (Decree Law Nº 55,871). Finally, Zn presented slightly higher values than the maximum ones stablished by the Brazilian government.
Foraging behavior of bee pollinators on the tropical weed Triumfetta semitriloba: flight distance and directionality
Authors: COLLEVATTI R. G. , SCHOEREDER J. H. , CAMPOS L. A. O.
Published: April 2005

We studied flight distance and directionality of bee pollinators on the tropical shrub weed Triumfetta semitriloba Jacq. (Tiliaceae), addressing (1) within- and between-plant movement pattern; (2) distances flown between plants; (3) flight directionality. Flowering plants were distributed in well-delimited clumps, in each of two pasture areas (A1 and A2) and one area of forest gap (A3), in Viçosa, southeastern Brazil. Five solitary bee species, Augochlorella michaelis, Augochloropsis cupreola, Pseudocentron paulistana, Ceratinula sp., Melissodes sexcincta, and two social bee, Plebeia droryana, P. cf. nigriceps were observed. All species moved mainly to the nearest flower on the same individual plant and, in between-plant movements, to the first or second nearest neighbor. All species moved non-randomly, presenting a flight directionality in departures (maintenance of flight direction), but with a high frequency of turn angles. It is suggested that this foraging behavior pattern occurred because of the resource quantity and quality (pollen or nectar), and environmental characteristics such as flower density and resource distribution.
Dental development and ontogenetic diet shifts of Roeboides paranensis Pignalberi (Osteichthyes, Characinae) in pools of the Upper Rio Paraná floodplain (State of Paraná, Brazil)
Authors: HAHN N. S. , PAVANELLI C. S. , OKADA E. K.
Published: April 2005

Species of the characid genus Roeboides are known for their habit of tearing off and ingesting scales from other fishes. Specimens of Roeboides paranensis were taken monthly from March 1992 through February 1993 in five pools of the upper Rio Paraná floodplain and in one site in the Rio Paraná itself, with the aim of relating the dental development to ontogenetic diet shifts. Between 15-22 mm SL, fish had teeth with hypertrophied bases (mammiform) that moved to the outside of the mouth in both maxillas. During ontogeny, the diet shifted, with the smallest individuals eating more microcrustaceans and the larger ones eating more scales. Lepidophagy is non-obligatory, because the ingestion of insects and other invertebrates occurred at all sizes. Spatial variation in diet was large, however diet similarity was great for Roeboides from three floodplain pools that had similar proportions of the main diet categories.
Comparative study of the zooplankton composition of six lacustrine ecosystems in Central Brazil during the dry season
Authors: STARLING F. L. do R. M.
Published: April 2005

Zooplankton community from six lacustrine ecosystems located in Federal District (Central Brazil) was studied based on samples collected during the dry season (July to September). A total of 71 taxa were recorded: 44 rotifers, 17 cladocerans and 10 copepods. The highest number of zooplankton species was recorded in oligotrophic Bonita Pond (32 species) and the lowest number in hypertrophic waste stabilisation ponds (7 species). This tendency of decreasing the diversity with increasing trophic level was consistent with a cluster analysis of the samples based on Sorensen index of similarity. From the overall similarity dendrogram, two groups of ecosystems were distinguished: one containing the natural ponds Bonita and Formosa and the other comprising the reservoirs Santa Maria, Descoberto and Paranoá. The role of morphometric features in determining the zooplankton community in such lacustrine ecosystems was also discussed.
Growth of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fed with different levels of alcohol yeast
Authors: MEDRI V. , PEREIRA G. V. , LEONHARDT J. H.
Published: April 2005

Two hundred and forty 45-day-old fingerlings of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), sexually reverted with an initial average weight of 1.25 ± 0.14 g, distributed in a totally casualized delineation, during 330 days. The effect of the substitution of 10%, 20% and 30% of the ration by distillery yeast (Saccharomiyces cerevisae) in balanced experimental rations on the development in the breeding of tilapias did not show a harmful effect up to the maximum tested level of 30%, showing that the choice of the yeast in the ration for these fishes depends on the availability and occasional cost. The yeast provides fish with good resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions, which could be verified since there were no statistical differences among the treatments with different levels of yeast and the witness. The long growth rate in terms of length and weight can be attributed to the little available space for each specimen, not obeying the limit of populational density, as well as reduction of food ingestion, which coincide with the winter season, above of the absence of natural feeding.
Reproductive phenological patterns of cerrado plant species at the Pé-de-Gigante Reserve (Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, SP, Brazil): a comparison between the herbaceous and woody floras
Authors: BATALHA M. A. , MANTOVANI W.
Published: April 2005

A natural vegetation area, with 1269 ha, composed mainly by cerrado, located at Santa Rita do Passa Quatro Municipality, São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil (21°36-39'S, 47°36-38'W), was studied. From September 1995 to February 1997, a floristic survey was carried out, when all vascular plant species at reproductive stage were collected. The flowering and fruiting patterns of the community were studied, comparing the herbaceous and the woody species. In the herbaceous component, 239 species were found and, in the woody one, 108 species. The woody species flowered mainly at the beginning of the rainy season, while the herbaceous ones produced flowers generally at the end of that season. The proportion of anemo and autochorous species was greater in the herbaceous component. The zoochorous ones, on the contrary, were more frequent in the woody component. At the dry season, when their dispersion is more efficient, the proportion of anemo and autochorous species producing fruits was higher. During the rainy season, when their fruits become attractive for longer time, the zoochorous species fruited more intensely.
Competição larval em Chrysomya megacephala (F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae): efeitos de diferentes níveis de agregação larval sobre estimativas de peso, fecundidade e investimento reprodutivo
Authors: VON ZUBEN C. J. , STANGENHAUS G. , GODOY W. A. C.
Published: April 2005

Em insetos que se utilizam de substratos discretos e efêmeros para a alimentação e postura de ovos, o resultado da competição larval por alimento depende da quantidade de recursos e da distribuição espacial dos imaturos nos substratos alimentares. No presente estudo, os resultados da competição larval por alimento em Chrysomya megacephala, em caracteres como peso de fêmeas, fecundidade e investimento reprodutivo, foram diferentes em situações em que o nível de agregação larval (proporção de competidores por quantidade de alimento) é o mesmo, mas com densidades de competidores e quantidades de alimento proporcionalmente diferentes. Esses resultados indicam que a competição larval pode depender tanto da densidade larval como da quantidade de alimento, em situações diferentes com a mesma proporção de larvas por grama de alimento.
Ontogenetic patterns and genetic variation in Anopheles (Anopheles) intermedius Chagas, 1908 and Anopheles (Anopheles) mattogrossensis Lutz & Neiva, 1911 (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: RODRIGUEZ G. A. D. , SANTOS J. M. M. dos , MAIA J. de F.
Published: April 2005

Changes in the expression of genes were observed during development in populations of Anopheles (Anopheles) intermedius and Anopheles (Anopheles) mattogrossensis. Esterase showed seven zones of activity: EST1 was present in all developmental stages of both species; EST2 was observed only in larvae of A. intermedius and larvae and pupae of A. mattogrossensis, with greater activity in pupae; EST3 and EST5 were present in all developmental stages, with greater intensity in larvae; EST4 and EST6 showed weak activity in larvae of A. mattogrossensis and was not found in A. intermedius. Leucine aminopeptidase showed four zones of activity, of which LAP1 and LAP2 were found in all stages of A. intermedius, with highest activity in larvae, and in larvae only of A. mattogrossensis. LAP3 was detected in all stages of A. mattogrossensis and in larvae only of A. intermedius. LAP4 was detected only in larvae and pupae of A. mattogrossensis, with greater intensity in pupae. alpha-Glycerophosphate dehydrogenase showed a single zone of activity, detected in older fourth-instar larvae and becoming more intense from the pupal stage onwards.
Environmental education praxis toward a natural conservation area
Authors: SANTOS J. E. dos , SATO M. , PIRES J. S. R. , MAROTI P. S.
Published: April 2005

A non-formal Environmental Education (EE) Program has been implemented in the natural conservation area (Ecological Station of Jataí, Luiz Antônio, São Paulo State), through (EE) paradigms, which consider the objectives of education about, in and for the environment within cultural and natural perspectives. The aim of this Program is to support information and scientific knowledge to provide opportunities to the local population to be aware of environmental impacts and risks resulting from the soil use that threaten the environmental quality and the biodiversity of the Ecological Station of Jataí. The Program understands that the promotion of community empowerment could bring the sense of participation and the directives to management for decision-making for local sustainability. The model was projected on local reality, but considering the global issues of environmental paradigms. The environmental characterization (biophysical components) through a Geographical Information Systems was related to the hydrographic basin analysis. The environmental perception was utilized as a main tool to analyse population understanding of local environment, and (EE) pedagogical tools were produced to promote environmental awareness. Since the ecological dimension of (EE) was the main approach, the programme intends to assemble the cultural perspective, achieving the global view of (EE).
Influence of photoperiod on the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water by Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia auriculata
Authors: PETRUCIO M. M. , ESTEVES F. A.
Published: April 2005

The main goal of this research was to quantify the concentrations of total and ammonium N, nitrate, total and soluble P in the water in the presence of Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia auriculata, which were submitted to two different photoperiods in a 24 hours incubation period in the laboratory. The macrophytes were incubated in plastic vials of approximately 1.5 litters, with a previously prepared solution with NH4NO3, NH4Cl, and KH2PO4. Eichhornia crassipes showed the highest average rate of reduction of all the nutrients analysed in relation to Salvinia auriculata. The largest photoperiod reflected in a higher average rate of reduction of nutrients, in both plants. Therefore, we may expect that in some periods of the year (e.g. summer), the aquatic macrophytes would show higher growth rates and higher rates of nitrogen and phosphorus absorption. These results are important for the implementation and management of wastewater treatment systems in tropical areas using aquatic macrophytes.
Estimating parasitoid immature mortality by comparing oviposition and pupal development of Trichogramma galloi ZUCCHI and T. pretiosum RILEY on natural and factitious hosts
Authors: CÔNSOLI F. L. , PARRA J. R. P. , VINSON S. B.
Published: April 2005

Mortality during the immature development of T. galloi and T. pretiosum was estimated on UV-killed and live eggs of a factitious and a natural host, respectively. A staining technique was used to determine the actual parasitization of UV-treated eggs and was compared with the number of parasitoids that emerged per host egg (detectable parasitization). Effects of temperature as a factor of mortality during the immature development of both parasitoids on the factitious host was also assessed. The actual and detectable parasitization of live hosts was measured by recording both the parasitization behavior and the number of eggs where a parasitoid developed successfully. Our data show that mortality during immature development of both parasitoids may occur in live eggs of the natural host. No such mortality was observed when parasitoids developed on UV-killed eggs of the factitious host. Possible causes of parasitoid immature mortality and the effects of using UV-treated eggs of factitious hosts in estimating the parasitism capacity of Trichogramma in field conditions are discussed.
Estimation of population profiles of two strains of the fly Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) by bootstrap simulation
Authors: MANZATO A. J. , TADEI W. J. , CORDEIRO J. A.
Published: April 2005

Based on experimental population profiles of strains of the fly Megaselia scalaris (Phoridae), the minimal number of sample profiles was determined that should be repeated by bootstrap simulation process in order to obtain a confident estimation of the mean population profile and present estimations of the standard error as a precise measure of the simulations made. The original data are from experimental populations founded with SR and R4 strains, with three replicates, which were kept for 33 weeks by serial transfer technique in a constant temperature room (25 ± 1.0°C). The variable used was population size and the model adopted for each profile was a stationary stochastic process. By these simulations, the three experimental population profiles were enlarged so as to determine minimum sample size. After sample size was determined, bootstrap simulations were made in order to calculate confidence intervals and to compare the mean population profiles of these two strains. The results show that with a minimum sample size of 50, stabilization of means begins.
Characterization of the fishes and of subsistence fishing in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: OLIVEIRA R. D. de , NOGUEIRA F. M. de B.
Published: April 2005

Fishing is one of the oldest human activities in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso in Central Brazil. In the of Bento Gomes River Basin (Pantanal of Poconé) the presence of fishermen is very common. The objective of this study is to describe the fishing activity in the basin in view of the elaboration of proposals for the sustainable use of this natural resource. Of the 256 fishermen that were registered most are fishing for their subsistence (92%) and the rest (8%) are occasional fishermen (locally called "de lufada" fishermen). "Traíra" (Hoplias gr. malabaricus) and "piranhas" (Serrasalmus marginatus, Serrasalmus spilopleura and Pygocentrus nattereri) were the species most frequently captured for human consumption. The fishing is more intensive during the ebb season and at the beginning of the drought season, when the waters begin to recede for the river channel, as the catch is facilitated by the concentration of fishes at the river margin. The fishermen and their families consume fish three to four times a week, twice a day. Fish meat is one of the only means of obtaining animal protein for dozens of poor families in the area. The number of fishermen, as well as the actual number of catches do not appear to compromise the natural fish stocks, although no specific capture criteria is obeyed by the fishing activity.
Reproductive cycle of Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Calappidae) in Ubatuba, SP, Brazil
Authors: REIGADA A. L. D. , NEGREIROS-FRANSOZO M. L.
Published: April 2005

This study aimed to analyze the reproductive cycle of the crab Hepatus pudibundus (Herbst, 1785). The crabs were collected in Ubatuba, SP (23°26'S and 45°02'W) monthly from the July, 1992 to June, 1993. Samplings were performed with an "otter trawl". In the laboratory the crabs were numbered, sexed and measured for their maximum carapace width. The gonad developmental stage and the moult stage were also macroscopically registered. In all sampled months ovigerous females and crabs in both sexes with developed gonad were observed. Moult activity in all size classes was verified. Such fact indicates that this species can suffer moult process after their maturity. In despite of temperature being pointed a one of the most important ecological factor in the reproductive biology of aquatic animals, it was verified any relation between water temperature and ovigerous ratio. The oscillations of the environmental factors in the Ubatuba region sea probably were not enough to alter the continuity of the physiological processes related to H. pudibundus reproduction.
Structural and morphological features of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) gills
Authors: SEVERI W. , RANTIN F. T. , FERNANDES M. N.
Published: April 2005

The pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887), is a commercially important serrasalmid fish endemic to the Paraná-Paraguay River basin, and one of the most widely cultivated native fish species in the Neotropics. As a migratory species, also inhabiting temporary pools subjected to hypoxic conditions, the species presents a high plasticity concerning respiratory adaptations. In order to supplement basic knowledge on the respiratory physiology and morphology of this species, some structural features of pacu gills, such as filament and lamellae structure, and circulatory pattern are described in this paper.
Natural history of Ctenus medius Keyserling, 1891 (Araneae, Ctenidae) I: observations on habitats and the development of chromatic patterns
Authors: ALMEIDA C. E. , RAMOS E. F. , GOUVÊA E. , CARMO-SILVA M. do , COSTA J.
Published: April 2005

Ctenus medius Keyserling, 1891 is a common species in several spots of Mata Atlântica, however there is a great lack of studies in all aspects of its natural history. This work aims to elucidate aspects of ecotope preference compared to large spiders, and to provide data on the development of chromatic patterns during its life cycle. The observations on the behavior of C. medius were done in the campus of Centro Universitário de Barra Mansa (UBM) by means of observations and nocturnal collections using cap lamps. For observations on the development of chromatic patterns, spiderlings raised in laboratory, hatched from an oviposition of a female from campus of UBM, and others spiderlings collected in field were used. The field observations indicate that: C. medius seems to prefer ecotopes characterized by dense shrub vegetation or herbal undergrowth; Lycosa erythrognatha and L. nordeskioldii seems to prefer open sites; Phoneutria nigriventer seems to prefer shrub vegetation and anthropogenic ecotopes as rubbish hills; Ancylometes sp. seems to prefer ecotopes near streams. Concerning chromatic patterns, it was observed that males and females show well distinct patterns during the last two instars, allowing distinction by sex without the use of a microscope. Through chromatic patterns it was also possible to draw a distinction between C. medius and C. ornatus longer that 3 mm cephalothorax width. 69 specimens of C. medius (males and females) collected in the campus of UBM did not show a striking polymorphism in chromatic pattern, but one among 7 adult females collected in National Park of Itatiaia, showed a distinct chromatic pattern.
Hidrogeochemical comparative study of the Jaú and Jacaré-Guaçu River watersheds, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: SOUZA A. D. G. de , TUNDISI J. G.
Published: April 2005

The main subject of the present work was to carry out a hydrochemistry comparative study between two river basins in São Paulo State: the Jacaré-Guaçu Basin (21°37'-22°22'S and 47°43'-48°57'W) and the Jaú Basin (22°09'-22°28'S and 48°16'-48°47'W). Nine sampling points in the Jacaré-Guaçu River and eight in the Jaú River were established. The water sampling was performed once each two months from March/95 to September/95. The following variables were analyzed: temperature (°C), pH, conductivity (muScm--1), dissolved oxygen (mg/L) and ionic water composition. Comparatively the Jaú River showed higher spatial variability, less oxygenated water and higher mineralization, due to high pedological and geological substrate richness, point sources existence and less riparian forests. The Jacaré-Guaçu River showed less spatial variability, more oxygenated water with lower ionic concentration due to the lower geological and pedological watershed richness, absence of pollution from point sources and higher riparian forest protection.
Seasonal variation of nutrients and energy in tambaqui's (Colossoma Macropomum Cuvier, 1818) natural food
Authors: SILVA J. A. M. da , PEREIRA-FILHO M. , OLIVEIRA-PEREIRA M. I. de
Published: April 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of fruits and seeds as food items in the natural diet of the tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). During one year, tambaqui's stomach contents were collected, and their nutritional and energetic values were determined. During the flooding period, and while the river water was rising, which coincided with a high availability of fruits and seeds, the protein content of food was low (11%-15% of dry matter basis), whereas in the dry season, when tambaqui fed mainly zooplankton, there was a high protein content (45%-57% of dry matter basis). Lipid, carbohydrate, crude fiber, ash and gross energy contents of the diet varied depending on the river water level and the food items ingested.
Prediction of colonization by macrophytes in the Yaciretá reservoir of the Paraná River (Argentina and Paraguay)
Authors: NEIFF J. J. , POI DE NEIFF A. S. G. , PATIÑO C. A. E. , BASTERRA DE CHIOZZI I.
Published: April 2005

The potential colonization by anchored plants (PCAP) and the potential areas for initial colonization of free floating plants were estimated during the early filling phase for the Yaciretá reservoir. In order to obtain the PCAP, the observed maximum depth of colonization of the anchored macrophytes before impoundment and the hypsographic curves were used. The species inhabiting the pre-impoundment area were classified according to the different bioforms before the inclussion in the analysis. The areal extent of PCAP (from depths between 0-4 m) could reach 275 km² at 76 m above sea level (current water level), whereas at 82 m above sea level (final filling level) the littoral zone will be increased by about 21.5%. The potential area for geophytes was estimated to be 99 km²; 131 km² for root-floating leaved plants and 120 km² for submerged plants, at 76 m above sea level. At 82 m above sea level, the geophytes could reach 271 km². The data for wind frequency, velocity and fetch, together with depth were used to calculate shallow and sheltered areas in which free floating plants could find favourable conditions to initial colonization. Physical and chemical features recorded at eight stations during the early filling phase are discussed in relation to potential plant development.
Comparative analysis of cranial suture complexity in the genus Caiman (Crocodylia, alligatoridae)
Authors: MONTEIRO L. R. , LESSA L. G.
Published: April 2005

The variation in degrees of interdigitation (complexity) in cranial sutures among species of Caiman in different skull regions was studied by fractal analysis. Our findings show that there is a small species effect in the fractal dimension of cranial sutures, but most variation is accounted for by regional differentiation within the skull. There is also a significant interaction between species and cranial regions. The braincase sutures show higher fractal dimension than the facial skull sutures for all three species. The fractal dimension of nasal-maxilla suture is larger in Caiman latirostris than in the other species. The braincase sutures show higher fractal dimensions in C. sclerops than in the other species. The results suggest that different regions of the skull in caimans are under differential functional stress and the braincase sutures must counteract stronger disarticulation forces than the facial sutures. The larger fractal dimension shown by C. latirostris in facial sutures has probably a functional basis also. Caiman latirostris is known to have preferences for harder food items than the other species.
Diet of the colubrid snake, Thamnodynastes strigatus (Günther, 1858) from Paraná State, Brazil, with field notes on anuran predation
Authors: BERNARDE P. S. , MOURA-LEITE J. C. , MACHADO R. A. , KOKOBUM M. N. C.
Published: April 2005

Dissection of 44 specimens of the colubrid snake Thamnodynastes strigatus (Serpentes: Colubridae) provided data on food habits. Prey items include frogs (71.4% of the sample), rodents (14.3%), fishes (10.7%), and lizards (3.6%). The most of the anuran species recorded (Bufo sp., Leptodactylus sp., Physalaemus cuvieri and Scinax fuscovarius) are ground dwellers or call at the water level. Field observations provided information on the feeding behavior.
Marine leech, Stibarobdella macrothela (Schmarda, 1861) (Hirudinea, piscicolidae), parasitic on the whaler shark, Carcharhinus Brachyurus (Günther, 1870) (Chondrichthyes, Carcharhinidae), in Southern Brazilian waters
Authors: SOTO J. M. R.
Published: April 2005

The presence of the sea leech, Stibarobdella macrothela (Schmarda, 1861) (Hirudinea, Piscicolidae), is marked in the south coast of Brazil, based on the single specimen with 67 mm (CT), collected in the intergill ventral region of a whaler shark, Carcharhinus brachyurus (Günther, 1870) (Chondrichtyes, Carcharhinidae), adult male with about 2 m (CT), being treated of the first registrations of S. macrothela in the Southwest Atlantic and the parasitic association with C. brachyurus.
Natural and human impacts on invertebrate communities in Brazilian caves
Authors: FERREIRA R. L. , HORTA L. C. S.
Published: April 2005

Species richness, abundance, distribution and similairity between cave invertebrate communities were compared among seven caves located in the Peruaçu River valley, north of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Such comparisons aimed to determinate the degree of biological complexity in the sampled caves, calculated by the "Index of Biological Complexity in Caves", presented in this manuscript. The presence of potencial or real impacts on the cave fauna was also investigated. A total of 1,468 individuals belonging to 57 families of: Acarina, Pseudoscorpionida, Araneida, Opilionida, Amblypygi, Isopoda, Geophilomorpha, Scutigeromorpha, Spirostreptida, Coleoptera, Collembola, Diptera, Dictyoptera, Ephemeroptera, Ensifera, Heteroptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Plecoptera, Psocoptera, and Trichoptera was collected. Caves with higher resource availability (as those hidrologicaly actives) had a higher biological complexity than those with less resource. There are two types of impacts that occur in the area: the natural (geological) and the anthropic, as intense "stepping" and visitation or use of cave entrances as cattle shelters. There are caves with different preservation degrees in the area, with invertebrate communities in varied complexity states. The communities of these caves undoubtedly deserve care, since the area is extremely important in the Brazilian biospeleological context.
The soil seed bank during Atlantic Forest regeneration in Southeast Brazil
Authors: BAIDER C. , TABARELLI M. , MANTOVANI W.
Published: April 2005

A survey was conducted to determine the density and species composition of viable seeds buried in four stands of a tropical montane forest at Parque Estadual Intervales, Brazil. The objective was to understand: (1) how numbers and composition of the soil seed bank change as the forest regrows, and (2) how such changes affect the species available for regeneration if forests of different ages are cut down. In each forest stand (5, 18, 27-yr-old and a mature forest), 57 soil samples were collected (0-2.5 and 2.5-5 cm deep). Viable seed density of herbaceous species ranged between 11,003 seeds. m-2 (5-yr-old vegetation) and 482 (mature forest), and between 25 (5-yr-old vegetation) and 389 seeds. m-2 (mature forest) for woody plant species in the 0-5 cm soil layer, suggesting a decrease in seed stocks in the course of forest regeneration. Seeds buried in the 0-2.5 cm soil layer represented between 56.9% and 67.4% of all viable seeds. Most of the viable seeds belonged to weeds of Asteraceae, Poaceae, Malvaceae and Solanaceae. The results provide evidence that, in forests of different ages, the soil does not store seeds of the same key ecological groups involved in the regeneration of Atlantic forest. Allochthonous seeds from remaining patches of forest, as well as their vertebrate dispersers, are needed for forest regeneration since the soil seed bank does not store large seeds of shade-tolerant species.
Epithelial gill cells in the armored catfish, Hypostomus cf. plecostomus (Loricariidae)
Authors: FERNANDES M. N. , PERNA-MARTINS S. A.
Published: April 2005

Epithelial gill cell morphology and distribution were investigated in the armored catfish, Hypostomus cf. plecostomus, which lives in soft ion-poor Brazilian freshwaters. Pavement cells are the most abundant type of cell on both filament and lamellar epithelia and there are a great number of mucous and chloride cells between them. Mucous cells are almost covered by adjacent pavement cells and have large packed granules showing electrondense differences. No mucous cells were found on the lamellar epithelium. Chloride cell were distributed throughout both epithelia and usually have large apical surface facing the external medium and may exhibit short and sparsely distributed microvilli. The presence of chloride cells on the lamellar epithelium may be an adaptation to low ion concentrations in the water, allowing for improved ion-transport capacity of the gill. The large size of these cells increases the water-blood barrier and may affect the transference of respiratory gases. However, the negative effect on the respiratory process may be minimized by this species' ability to resort to atmospheric air to fulfill its oxygen requirements.
Biodiversity assessment of benthic macroinvertebrates in altitudinal lotic ecosystems of Serra do Cipó (MG, Brazil)
Authors: GALDEAN N. , CALLISTO M. , BARBOSA F. A. R.
Published: April 2005

Five lotic systems of Serra do Cipó, south-east Brazil, were investigated in order to assess the existing diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates, habitats-microhabitats, and the available trophic resources. For each river it was analysed the communities of benthic macroinvertebrates and the composition of some taxonomic groups (Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Diptera Chironomidae): the community with Bivalvia Sphaeriidae, Oligochaeta and Ephemeroptera Baetidae (being supposed a closed relation Bivalvia-Oligochaeta based on the process of bioturbation and enrichment of sediment in organic matter) in Tanque River; the macrofauna associated to aquatic macrophytes from rivers Peixe and Preto do Itambé reflecting the reaction of the ecosystems versus the quantities of nutrients which originate from the farmlands; the lithoreophilic communities of Cipó River; the community depending on deposits of leaves and filamentous algae in Congonhas Stream; the very rich community of the moss clumps in the Indaiá Stream. A proposal for biological zonation of Cipó River and some comments about the importance of the analysed benthic macroinvertebrates in the biological production of the aquatic communities were done.
Habitat diversity and benthic functional trophic groups at Serra do Cipó, Southeast Brazil
Authors: CALLISTO M. , MORENO P. , BARBOSA F. A. R.
Published: April 2005

The assessment of the diversity of habitats and the characterisation of the functional trophic groups of benthic macroinvertebrate communities of some rivers of Serra do Cipó (MG) were the main objectives of this study. The available trophic resources and the types of substrata were characterised along with the structure and composition of their using functional trophic groups. Serra do Cipó is a watershed divisor of the São Francisco and Doce River basins, including a series of streams and rivers, of good water quality and well preserved ecological characteristics. Samples were collected in Cipó, Peixe and Preto do Itambé rivers, besides the Indaiá and Capão da Mata streams at 26 sampling stations, during the rainy (February) and dry (October) seasons of 1998, using "Kicking nets" of 0.125 mm mesh size. The group of collectors (Baetidae, Leptophlebiidae and Leptohyphidae) was the most abundant, followed by collector-predators (Hydrophilidae, Ceratopogonidae, Chironomidae-Tanypodinae), and detritivorous-herbivores (Oligochaeta). The riparian vegetation, together with the aquatic macrophytes, are the substrata containing the highest richness of functional trophic groups and the higher habitat diversity. The results suggest that the use of functional trophic groups, together with habitat evaluation, are efficient tools in the evaluation of the diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates, particularly in altitudinal lotic ecosystems.
Microbial respiration and chemical composition of different sediment fractions in waterbodies of the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil
Authors: THOMAZ S. M. , PEREIRA G. , PAGIORO T. A.
Published: April 2005

Four size fractions of the sediment of six environments of the upper Paraná River floodplain were analyzed for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents and microbial respiration (oxygen consumption). Particle size did not affect nitrogen and phosphorus content or microbial activity, but did affect carbon content (F = 4.274, df = 3; 20, p = 0.020). The carbon concentration of ultra-fine particles was significantly lower than that of other sizes of sediment particles. Microbial respiration values were well predicted by sediment chemical composition, as shown by multiple regression (microbial respiration = -0.39 - 0.210C + 0.108N + 0.796P; F = 7.0495, p = 0.0022). However, phosphorus was the element which best explained the microbial respiration (partial coefficient = 0.796, p = 0.0039, n = 23). Considering that i) phosphorus was the best predictor of microbial respiration; ii) phosphorus is trapped in the series of reservoirs located upstream from the section of the floodplain studied; and iii) microbial respiration is a measure of decomposition rates and nutrient cycling, we hypothesize that the long-term accumulation of litter detritus and reduction of nutrient cycling in environments of the upper Paraná River floodplain are probable impacts of this decrease in phosphorus caused by the upstream reservoirs.
Spatial and temporal organization of aquatic insects assemblages in the longitudinal gradient of a tropical river
Authors: BAPTISTA D. F. , DORVILLÉ L. F. M. , BUSS D. F. , NESSIAMIAN J. L.
Published: April 2005

The distribution and abundance of aquatic insects were studied in the longitudinal gradient of the watershed of Macaé River, a coastal Atlantic Forest river in South-eastern Brazil. Sampling stations were selected in the first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth orders and sampled in April, July, and October 1995. This represented the end of the rainy season, the dry season, and the beginning of another rainy season, respectively. In each month four samples were collected using a Surber sampler from each of the following substrates: sand, litter deposited in pool areas, litter in riffle areas, and stones. A total of 46,431 specimens of aquatic insects belonging to ten orders were obtained. The data were analyzed by the multivariate methodologies of Correspondence Analysis (CA) and Cluster Analysis (UPGMA) using the similarity index of Morisita, for all three months. Both showed a significant faunal disrupture in the river, which can be divided in two sections: the upper one, from first to fourth orders, and the lower section, including fifth and sixth orders. The same results were obtained with presence-absence matrices, using Jaccard similarity index, showing that the changes are not only due to quantitative differences. A Mantel test was used to compare the assemblage composition temporally and no difference was detected between the three months. Moreover, a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was applied to the data to check which of the 14 physical and chemical variables significantly explained macroinvertebrate community variation. The most significant variables were conductivity, CPOM, and pH for the upper stations (1st, 2nd and 4th orders), and alkalinity, FPOM, and HCO3 for the lower stations (5th and 6th orders).
Diurnal bird visiting of Caryocar brasiliense Camb. in Central Brazil
Authors: MELO C.
Published: April 2005

Nectar of nocturnal flowers may be used by diurnal species that occasionally accomplish secondary pollination. Thirteen bird species visited Caryocar brasiliense flowers in central Brazil. There is a temporal separation between nectarivores and non-nectarivores species. Nectarivores birds visited flowers late in the morning, while other species appear earlier. C. brasiliense nectar may be an alternative resource to birds visitors during the dry season.
Potenciais evocados auditivos de longa latência: um estudo comparativo entre hemisférios cerebrais
Authors: Frizzo Ana Claudia F. , Alves Renata P. C. , Colafêmina José F.
Published: April 2005

Introdução: A partir dos primeiros registros de atividades elétricas cerebrais (EEG) em resposta à apresentação de estímulos auditivos em seres humanos, durante a década de 30, pôde-se observar os potenciais evocados auditivos de longa latência - PEALLs (Mendel, 1989). Desde então, muitas pesquisas têm sido realizadas enfatizando o estudo do sistema auditivo em sua totalidade (periférico e central). Considerando a diferenciação funcional entre os hemisférios cerebrais, o presente estudo procurou identificar evidências eletrofisiológicas que constatem diferenciações interhemisféricas. Forma de estudo: Prospectivo clínico randomizado. Objetivo: O objetivo principal foi verificar a ocorrência de possíveis diferenciações entre os PEALLs dos hemisférios direito (Cz/A2) e esquerdo (Cz/A1) em um grupo de normoouvintes entre 8 e 18 anos de idade, por meio da análise comparativa dos registros dos PEALLs, quanto à latência e amplitude. Resultados: Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as medidas, exceto para o componente P2, na população masculina. Porém, não se pode negar a diferenciação funcional entre os hemisférios e deve-se considerar essa variável durante a realização da pesquisa dos PEALLs. Conclusão: Contudo, futuros trabalhos ainda serão necessários, com amostras maiores ou até mesmo com diferentes posicionamentos de eletrodos, a fim de verificarmos a existência ou não de evidências eletrofisiológicas que constatam essas diferenciações, garantindo a aplicação mais segura e efetiva deste método.
Emissões otoacústicas evocadas - produto de distorção em neonatos audiologicamente normais
Authors: Raineri Gláucia G. , Coube Carmen Z. V. , Costa Filho Orozimbo A. , Alvarenga Kátia F.
Published: April 2005

Introdução: Considerando que a pesquisa das emissões otoacústicas evocadas - produto de distorção (EOAPD) em neonatos - traz novas perspectivas para o diagnóstico precoce da deficiência auditiva sensorial. Forma de estudo: Prospectivo clínico não randomizado. Objetivo: Este estudo tem, como objetivo, caracterizar as EOAPD em 20 neonatos audiologicamente normais, de ambos os sexos, quanto à ocorrência, amplitude e tempo de execução do exame, através do PD-grama, utilizando o equipamento ILO 92 OAE System-Otodynamics Analyser. Resultados: Dos 20 neonatos que compareceram, 17 foram avaliados, totalizando 33 ouvidos. As EOAPD ocorreram em 57,5% em 1 kHz; 93,9% em 1,5 kHz e 3 kHz; 96,9% em 2 kHz; e 100% em 4 kHz e 6 kHz. Conclusão: As amplitudes médias das EOAPD variaram de 9,9 a 20,3 dB NPS; e o tempo médio de realização do exame foi de 82 segundos.
Caracterização dos níveis de pressão sonora em academias de ginástica e queixas apresentadas por seus professores
Authors: Lacerda Adriana B. M. de , Morata Thaís C. , Fiorini Ana C.
Published: April 2005

Objetivo: Este estudo objetiva identificar as queixas auditivas e orgânicas dos professores de ginástica e avaliar os níveis de pressão sonora (NPS) produzidos nas aulas de ginástica com música. A medição dos NPS foi realizada seguindo as condições sugeridas pela Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT), na Norma 10151. Forma de estudo: Prospectivo clínico randomizado. Material e método: 32 professores de ginástica responderam a um questionário com questões referentes às queixas relacionadas aos NPS. Resultados: As queixas mais freqüentes foram: zumbidos (24%), sensação de ouvido tampado (15%) e baixa concentração (15%). As modalidades de ginástica nas quais foi realizada a avaliação dos níveis de pressão sonora foram: Step, Body Pump e Aerofitness. Conclusão: Os resultados desta avaliação revelaram intensidades que variaram de 73,9 a 94,2 dBA e sugerem presença de elevados níveis de pressão sonora em 66% das aulas avaliadas.