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Mining is responsible for drastic ecosystem changes and rehabilitation is used to promote the return of functions after these impacts. In this scenario, we investigated the responses of ant assemblages and diaspore removal by ants to the transformations caused by mining and rehabilitation predicting that (a) the increase in plant density (a proxy for mining intensity) led to an increase in ant richness, percentage of diaspores removed, and changes in species composition that in turn are correlated with changes in environmental variables; (b) the increase in vegetation structure (a proxy for rehabilitation ages) led to an increase in ant richness, percentage of diaspores removed, and changes in species composition that in turn are correlated with changes in environmental variables. Additionally, we also verified which functional groups were primarily responsible for diaspore removal. We sampled arboreal and epigeic ants, diaspore removal by ants, and environmental variables. We found that ant richness and diaspore removal in mining intensity gradient are positively correlated to plant density. Although vegetation structure is positively correlated with ant richness, we found no changes in diaspore removal in rehabilitation gradient. Epigeic omnivore and epigeic generalist predator ants were the most responsible for diaspore removal. Then, we observed that mining decreases ant richness, altering ant assemblages and their functions, and rehabilitation with exotic plants is ineffective to promote the colonization by the main diaspore-removing ants.

Ants, an ecologically successful and numerically dominant group of animals, play key ecological roles as soil engineers, predators, nutrient recyclers, and regulators of plant growth and reproduction in most terrestrial ecosystems. Further, ants are widely used as bioindicators of the ecological impact of land use. We gathered information of ant species in the Atlantic Forest of South America. The ATLANTIC ANTS data set-which is part of the ATLANTIC SERIES data papers-is a compilation of ant records from collections (18,713 records), unpublished data (29,651 records), and published sources (106,910 records; 1059 references), including papers, theses, dissertations, and book chapters published from 1886 to 2020. In total, the data set contains 153,818 ant records from 7,636 study locations in the Atlantic Forest, representing 10 subfamilies, 99 genera, 1,114 ant species identified with updated taxonomic certainty, and 2,235 morphospecies codes. Our data set reflects the heterogeneity in ant records, which include ants sampled at the beginning of the taxonomic history of myrmecology (the nineteenth and twentieth centuries) and more recent ant surveys designed to address specific questions in ecology and biology. The data set can be used by researchers to develop strategies to deal with different macroecological and regional-wide questions, focusing on assemblages, species occurrences and distribution patterns. Furthermore, the data can be used to assess the consequences of changes in land use in the Atlantic Forest on different ecological processes. No copyright restrictions apply to the use of this data set, but we request that authors cite this data paper when using these data in publications or teaching events.

The diversity of endotherms and ectotherms may be differently affected by ambient temperature and net primary productivity (NPP). Additionally, little is known about how these drivers affect the diversity of guilds of different trophic levels. We assessed the relative role of temperature and NPP in multitrophic guilds of ectothermic (arthropods: ants, ground beetles, spiders, and harvestmen) and endothermic (large mammals) animals along a tropical elevational gradient. We sampled arthropods at eight elevation belts and large mammals at 14 elevation belts in Atlantic rainforest (ranging from 600 to 2450 m.a.s.l.) of Itatiaia National Park, Southeast Brazil. Overall arthropod species richness was more associated with temperature than overall large-mammal species richness, while the latter was more associated with NPP. When separated into trophic guilds, we found that the species richness associated with NPP increased across arthropod trophic levels from herbivores to predators. Conversely, although NPP influenced large-mammal herbivore species richness, its effects did not seem to accumulate across large-mammal trophic levels since the species richness of large-mammal omnivores was more associated with temperature and none of the variables we studied influenced large-mammal predators. We suggest that thermal physiological differences between ectotherms and endotherms are responsible for the way in which arthropods and large mammals interact with or are constrained by the environment. Furthermore, the inconsistency regarding the role of temperature and NPP on species richness across multitrophic guilds of ectotherms and endotherms could indicate that thermal physiological differences might also interfere with energy use and flux in the food web.

Digging-in effect is related to higher epigaeic invertebrate catches immediately after pitfall-trap installation, as first reported for the Australian fauna. However, an installation effect has not been tested for arboreal pitfalls. We tested whether samples taken with pitfalls dug (epigaeic stratum) or tied in a tree (arboreal stratum) at the same time, but were opened for sampling after different time periods, showed some pattern of ant activity density and richness in Brazilian closed-forest habitat. We did not observe any effect for epigaeic activity density and species richness catches caused by pitfall installation. The lack of evidence of a digging-in effect is probably due to differences in habitat complexity and the natural history of the Australian and South American ant faunas. We also observed an increase for arboreal-ant activity density and species richness with increased time after the arboreal pitfall installation. Probably, arboreal ants avoid strange objects (pitfalls) in the tree in the early phase, and then, over time, they might become familiarized with the pitfall and start to fall into the trap. We term this process the familiarization effect, referring to the time that the ants require to become familiar with the trap, which was about 4–7 days after the installation. These results suggest that in closed-forest habitats, precautions to avoid a digging-in effect may be unnecessary for epigaeic samples, but that it is best to wait at least 5 days after an arboreal pitfall is installed to begin sampling ants.

When aiming to assess the effects of elevation on animal diversity, many studies have been carried out in different vegetation types occurring across elevational gradients. Thus, it remains unclear if any changes observed in species richness are caused by factors directly associated with elevation or are caused by vegetation change across the gradient. Here, we disentangled the effects of elevation from changes in vegetation by assessing ant diversity patterns along an elevational gradient. We analyzed patterns of ant diversity utilizing two different sampling approaches across the elevational gradient: (1) a standardized sampling including only forest formations and (2) a non–standardized sampling including forest (low elevational bands) and grasslands (high elevational bands). We sampled ants at eight elevational bands of Atlantic Forest in Brazil, and the highest three bands were sampled at both forest and grassland habitat. We found that the two approaches produce contrasting patterns of alpha and beta diversity, but the same pattern of gamma diversity. However, in the non–standardized sampling approach, the regression analysis produced a reduced explanation of the species richness gradient and a decrease in the elevational effect size. Different patterns found in the two approaches could be due to distinct environmental conditions in these habitats. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential bias of non–standardizing vegetation type across elevational gradients when assessing elevational patterns of species diversity.

Biogeographic theory has been given much attention for its potential application to biodiversity conservation in areas fragmented through anthropic action. The objective of this study was to determine whether ant community structure established in natural woodland fragments immersed in a matrix of natural grasslands could be explained by this theory. We therefore investigated whether the relationship between species richness and both area and isolation that have previously been found in anthropogenically formed forest fragments are applicable to naturally formed forest fragments. The sampling consisted of eight natural woodland fragments with varying areas and degrees of isolation. Sampling was undertaken proportionally to the fragment size, and each sampling point was spaced at least 10 m apart. Ants were collected from each point through arboreal and epigeic “pitfall” traps. In addition, five epigeic traps were placed 100 m from each sampled fragment in the adjacent grassland. A total of 81 ant species were sampled. Total and epigaeic species richness increased with size of area and fragment isolation. However, arboreal ants responded positively only with respect to increasing area, but not with isolation. Moreover, specialist and generalist species richness had a positive relationship with area, but not with isolation. Biogeographic Theory can only be applied to some of the patterns found in the natural fragments in the present study. This positive relationship of ant richness and isolation suggests that these environments bear unique characteristics and therefore, must be regarded as conservation targets. The results obtained in this study suggest the need for further studies, to reinforce the importance of biodiversity conservation of this characteristic habitat in the Pantanal.

Fluctuating resources and conditions can regulate the community structure of ants, affecting their activities and interactions. This has important implications for the selection of sampling periods during bioindication studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the chosen sampling period influences the response of ant assemblage diversity and ecological function to mining impacts and rehabilitation age after mining. We used ant assemblage parameters, including arboreal, epigaeic and hypogaeic ant species richness and composition, seed-removing ant species richness and composition, and seed removal rate in areas impacted by mining and with different rehabilitation ages. We showed that in most cases the response is the same, regardless of sampling period. However, we suggest that ant sampling is best undertaken in the rainy period, when ant species richness reaches higher values and the assemblage composition presents a well-marked difference among the areas. We also indicate that the epigaeic ant assemblage is sufficient for evaluating mining impacts, but arboreal strata should also be sampled in rehabilitation scenarios.

Fire occurrences are a common perturbation in Cerrado ecosystems, and may differently impact the local biodiversity. Arthropods are one of the taxa affected by fires, and among them, ants are known as good bioindicators. We aimed to evaluate the effect of anthropic fires on epigaeic and hypogaeic ant communities (species richness and composition) in Cerrado areas with different post-fire event recovery periods. We conducted the study in four Cerrado areas during two weeks of 2012 dry season: one unburned and three at different post-fire times (one month, one and two years). We sampled ants with pitfall traps in epigaeic and hypogaeic microhabitats. We collected 71 ant morpho-species from 25 genera. In the epigaeic microhabitat we sampled 56 morpho-species and 42 in the hypogaeic microhabitat. The area with the shortest recovery time presented lower epigaeic ant species richness (4.3 ± 2.00) in comparison to the other areas (8.1 ± 2.68 species on one year area; 10.3 ± 2.66 species on two years area; 10.4 ± 2.31 species on control area), but recovery time did not affect hypogaeic ant species richness. Regarding ant species composition, fire did not directly affect hypogaeic ant species, which remained the same even one month after fire event. However, two years were not enough to reestablish ant species composition in both microhabitats in relation to our control group samples. Our study is the first to assess anthropic fire effects upon epigaeic and hypogaeic ants communities; highlighting the importance of evaluating different microhabitats, to more accurately detect the effects of anthropic disturbances in biological communities. We concluded that ant communities are just partially affected by fire occurrences, and epigaeic assemblages are the most affected ones in comparison to hypogaeic ants. Furthermore the study provides knowledge to aid in the creation of vegetation management programs that allow Cerrado conservation.Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (1): 95-104. Epub 2016 March 01. ResumenLos incendios son una alteración común en los ecosistemas del Cerrado brasileño y pueden causar diferentes efectos sobre la biodiversidad. Los artrópodos son uno de los taxones comúnmente afectados por el fuego, y entre ellos, se conoce que las hormigas son buenos bioindicadores. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de los incendios antrópicos sobre las comunidades de hormigas epígeas e hipógeas (riqueza de especies y composición) en áreas del Cerrado en diferentes tiempos de recuperación. Para ello, el estudio se realizó en cuatro áreas del Cerrado durante la temporada seca del 2012: una área no quemada y otras tres áreas en diferentes momentos post-incendio (un mes, uno y dos años). Las hormigas fueron muestreadas utilizando trampas de caída en los microhábitats epígeo e hipógeo. Fueron recolectadas 71 morfo-especies de hormigas pertenecientes a 25 géneros. En el microhábitat epígeo recolectamos 56 morfo-especies y en el microhábitat hipógeo 42. El área con el menor tiempo de recuperación presentó una menor riqueza de especies de hormigas epígeas (4.3 ± 2.00) en comparación con las otras áreas (8.1 ± 2.68 especies en el área de un año; 10.3 ± 2.66 especies en el área de dos años; 10.4 ± 2.31 especies en el área de control), pero el tiempo de recuperación no afectó riqueza de especies de hormigas hipógeas. En cuanto a la composición de especies, el fuego no afectó directamente a las especies de hormigas hipógeas, la cual se mantuvo igual, incluso un mes después del incendio. Sin embargo, dos años no fueron suficientes para restablecer la composición de especies de hormigas en ambos microhábitats en relación con las muestras del área control. Nuestro estudio es el primero en evaluar los efectos del fuego antrópico sobre las comunidades de hormigas epígeas y hipógeas; se destaca la importancia de la evaluación de diferentes microhábitats para detectar con mayor precisión los efectos de las alteraciones antrópicas en las comunidades biológicas. Las comunidades de hormigas son solo parcialmente afectadas por incendios y las epígeas son las más perjudicadas. Además, este estudio proporciona conocimientos que pueden ayudar a la creación de programas de manejo de la vegetación del Cerrado, lo que permite conservar este importante bioma brasileño.

Objective This study aimed to determine the association between common mental disorders and common chronic physical conditions and the contribution of mental disorders to the likelihood of being a higher user of health services. Method A representative sample extracted from the National Population Register of noninstitutionalized residents of Israel aged 21 or older were interviewed at their homes between May 2003 and April 2004. Mental disorders were assessed using a revised version of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Chronic physical conditions were measured via a checklist of chronic physical disorders. Results Current mood or anxiety disorders were found to be associated with higher likelihood of chronic pain, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and respiratory conditions beyond the sociodemographic characteristics and the risk factors (BMI or smoking). Current mood or anxiety disorders increased the likelihood of being a higher user of primary care beyond the effects of gender, population group, self-evaluation of general health, chronic pain or chronic conditions. Conclusion The results regarding the prevalence of mental–physical comorbidity emphasize the need for integration in the physical and mental care of people with mental disorders.

The paper presents results from an extensive experimental model study of response of dry sand to impact of a rigid tamper. In the laboratory tests a circular steel tamper was repeatedly dropped on sand contained in a large tank. Measurements included tamper acceleration and soil pressure at impact, tamper settlement, and soil densities and strains. Effects of tamper drop height, weight and contact area were investigated. A method is presented for the evaluation of global dynamic stiffness of the soil mass affected by the impact by calculating a dynamic settlement modulus (DSM). The DSM values are determined from integration of the impact acceleration record with respect to time using measured integration constants. DSM values show good correlation to soil densities and corresponding elastic moduli obtained from laboratory tests for loose sand. However, for dense sand, results indicate apparent discrepancies between elastic modulus and the higher DSM values. Analyses of normalized impact energy and the resulting densification in the sand in terms of normalized dimensions of volumetric strain (relative density) contours show. unique correlations which are used for a proposed rational design method for dynamic compaction in dry sandy soils.

In recent years dynamic compaction (DC) has become a popular method for deep improvement of loose cohesionless soils and man-made fills of disposed waste and rubble. One of the main problems facing design engineers and contractors is the assessment of the number of tamper drops, grid spacing, and layout of passes required to attain satisfactory improvement depth in the soil strata. Many DC sites have irregular subsurface conditions where it is difficult to interpret results from site exploration and verification tests. The industry has long been using a simple relationship to estimate the depth of improvement (influence depth). The estimates obtained from that empirical method may vary considerably and in many cases may be rendered useless for DC design. The paper describes a new, rational, and more comprehensive DC design method based on results from an extensive experimental model study of impact response in dry sand. Analysis of normalized impact energy and the resulting densification in the sand in terms of normalized dimensions of volumetric strain contours shows unique correlations that are used for the proposed design method for dynamic compaction in unsaturated sandy soils. Data from several DC sites fit well with the new method. With future studies of field results the proposed approach could eventually be calibrated and used for other types of soil conditions. Key words : dynamic compaction, design, impact, sandy soil, energy, plastic strains

In this prospective blinded study of inferior vena caval (IVC) patency, 18 patients underwent 25 duplex ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography examinations over an eight-month period following Simon nitinol filter placement. Clinical examination for lower extremity venous stasis and plain abdominal radiography were also performed. Twenty-three of 24 MR ex aminations and 11 of 24 US examinations were judged technically adequate by the blinded observers. One technically adequate US exam was false positive for intraluminal caval thrombus. Thirteen technically inadequate US examinations missed 3 complete caval occlusions and 2 partial occlusions. MR identified all patients with complete or partial caval occlusion. The authors conclude that duplex US reliably confirms IVC patency only when strict criteria for technical adequacy and interpretation are met (good visualization of filter and IVC above and below filter). MR, although expensive, more reliably identifies nonoccluding intraluminal thrombus and caval occlu sion. It should be the noninvasive study of choice in symptomatic patients with venous stasis and patients with recurrent pulmonary emboli.

The article examines family caregiving to hospitalized older adults at the end of life (EOL). The stress process model was used to compare family caregiving in an EOL patient population ( n = 50) with family caregiving in an acutely ill elderly population ( n = 50) in a single Israeli hospital. A convenience sample of family caregivers was interviewed in the hospital using a structured questionnaire. Differences between the two groups were examined using contingency tables, t tests, and discriminant multivariate analysis. Findings show that family caregivers of EOL patients carry out fewer caregiving tasks and report a greater sense of overload and captivity. On the other hand, they attend to the patient for more days, mobilize more social network support, and report a comparable sense of reward and growth. These findings are discussed in the context of active versus passive caregiving and the significance of nursing support for family caregivers of EOL patients.

Noninvasive surface waves dispersion measurements have long been recognized as a cost-effective approach to infer shear wave velocity structure of soil deposits (Vs). The most common methods used to obtain noninvasive surface waves dispersion (Vf) measurements include spectral-analysis of surface-waves (SASW), and the controlled-source surface-waves dispersion measurements (CXW). Several interpretation techniques may be used to invert Vs from Vf, a process that is referred to as “Vf-Vs process”. The paper concisely describes the CXW method and an empirical, rational inversion procedure referred to as the “Reference Profile Method” (RPM). CXW measurements have been successfully used for seismic site characterization to depths reaching 30 m. Current National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) seismic site classification procedure is being widely used to obtain meaningful site specific geotechnical characterization to 30 m depth. The preferred site-specific data for the NEHRP site classification method are Vs profiles which are commonly used in seismic microzonation mapping projects. In many projects it is cost prohibitive to obtain borehole Vs data. The cost-effective CXW method is especially adapt for NEHARP seismic site classification. The paper discusses CXW applications for seismic site characterization used in conjunction with seismic microzonation.