CEAZA
Modelling the Water Sorption Isotherms of Quinoa Seeds (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and Determination of Sorption Heats.
Miranda, M., Vega-Gálvez, A., Sanders, M., López, J., Lemus-Mondaca, R., Martínez, E., & Di Scala, K.
Adsorption and desorption isotherms of quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) were measured using the static gravimetric method at three temperatures (20, 40 and 60 °C). Water activity ranged from 0.118 to 0.937. The moisture sorption behaviour of quinoa was temperature dependent, as indicated by a decrease in equilibrium moisture content, at all levels of aw, with increasing temperature. Eight mathematical equations available in the literature were used to model the experimental data, namely, GAB, BET, Caurie, Henderson, Oswin, Halsey, Smith and Iglesias–Chirife. All the equations showed generally a good fit; however, the Iglesias–Chirife and Oswin equations were considered the best to predict the experimental data for both isotherms. Effect of temperature on model parameters was analysed and studied through an Arrhenius-type equation. The net isosteric heats of desorption and adsorption were determined by applying the Clausius–Clapeyron equation resulting in 69.24 kJ mol−1 for desorption and 61.26 kJ mol−1 for adsorption. The experimental heat data were satisfactorily modelled by Tsami’s equation.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Quinoa, Sorption isotherms, Isosteric sorption heat, Mathematical modelling.
Referencia APA: Miranda, M., Vega-Gálvez, A., Sanders, M., López, J., Lemus-Mondaca, R., Martínez, E., & Di Scala, K. (2012). Modelling the Water Sorption Isotherms of Quinoa Seeds (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and Determination of Sorption Heats. Food Bioprocess Technol, 5(5), 1686-1693.
Determinants of the diversity of plants, birds and mammals of coastal islands of the Humboldt current systems: implications for conservation.
Luna-Jorquera, G., Fernández, C., & Rivadeneira, M.
Sound conservation plans for islands require understanding the processes underlying to the patterns of species richness and composition. Larger islands are often the targets of conservation assuming that the island area mainly determines species richness, and that species composition is nested across islands. However, in small-island these patterns could be altered because of stochastic processes, and species assemblages could be disharmonious. In addition, human impact could further modify the distribution pattern and diversity. Here we use the case of seven islands from the coastal system of Coquimbo as a model to address the role of environmental variables and human impacts on species richness and assembly rules of plants, birds, and mammals. We hypothesize (a) the existence of a small-island effect, and the prevalence of habitat diversity and anthropogenic impacts as main drivers of species richness, and (b) the existence of disharmonious assemblages, characterized by a low degree of nestedness and random patterns of species co-occurrence. Our results showed that (a) species richness is mainly correlated with habitat diversity, and only weakly related to island area supporting the ‘small-island effect’ and (b) species composition is highly structured, but that such structure may be the result of anthropogenic activities. Nestedness was observed in plants and landbirds, while co-occurrence patterns were only detected in plants. Assemblages in small-islands departed from the nestedness pattern and maintain rare species. Currently, only three of the seven islands are protected by national regulations, excluding the smaller ones that are subjected to human disturbance and invasive mammals. Our study suggests that it necessary to include all the islands in a major protected area to preserve both richness and species composition of a number of representative islands of the Humboldt current systems. We showed that conservation plans solely based on island area might not be robust.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Humboldt, current, Conservation, Small-island effect, Island biogeography.
Referencia APA: Luna-Jorquera, G., Fernández, C., & Rivadeneira, M. (2012). Determinants of the diversity of plants, birds and mammals of coastal islands of the Humboldt current systems: implications for conservation. Biodiversity And Conservation, 21(1), 13-32.
Distribution of Pleuroncodes monodon larvae over the continental shelf of south-central Chile: Field and modeling evidence for partial local retention and transport.
Yannicelli, B., Castro, L., Parada, C., Schneider, W., Colas, F., & Donoso, D.
In situ and modeled spatial distribution of squat lobster (Pleuroncodes monodon) larvae over the continental shelf off south central Chile (35–37°S) was analyzed along with currents and hydrography. We aimed to identify the main larval transport/retention characteristics in the study area, which constitutes the southernmost P. monodon fishing grounds embedded in the Humboldt Current System. We hypothesized that the main contribution to population renewal originates in the two persistent adult aggregations close to the nursery ground that occurs over a continental shelf terrace limited by two submarine canyons. Two extensive bio-physical field campaigns were carried out during the main 2001–2002 upwelling season field data indicated that larvae were released from late austral winter to spring from spots to the north and south of the nursery. Zoea I were found mainly below 50 m depth in southward-flowing waters, whereas older zoea dominated in northward flowing layers above 50 m. Larvae were circumscribed between the coast and the shelf break front and pelagic retention areas were identified over the widest shelf area. Megalopa and juveniles during March, were only found over the nursery area. Individual based simulations coupled to the output of a hydrodynamic model (climatological configuration) for the studied area, showed that the release sites close to the nursery made the largest contribution to recruitment. Sites further north could also contribute to recruitment if hatching occurred later in the upwelling season. The contribution of vertical behavior to larval success was also important, as was the former’s interaction with the site and time of larval release. Our results support the relevance of coastal circulation (affected by topography) on the persistence of P. monodon populations off southern Chile, and the modulation of temporal variability. These results might apply to other abundant species in the area.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves:
Referencia APA: Yannicelli, B., Castro, L., Parada, C., Schneider, W., Colas, F., & Donoso, D. (2012). local Distribution of Pleuroncodes monodon larvae over the continental shelf of south-central Chile: Field and modeling evidence for partial retention and transport. Progress In Oceanography, 92-95, 206-227.
Rise And Decline Of Chinchorro Sacred Landscapes Along The Hyperarid Coast Of The Atacama Desert.
Santoro, C., Rivadeneira, M., Latorre, C., Rothhammer, F., & Standen, V.
The study of complex funerary ritual development among hunters and gatherers societies should take into account how people made up for the continuity of their social system without the support of centralized organizations. This research integrates cultural and natural factors to explore how the Chinchorro carried on with their way of life isolated at geographically restricted perennial river mouths with fresh water along the Atacama Desert in the Pacific coast of South America. Within these rather crowded settlings, they created and maintained a social system catalyzed by a complex funerary tradition, embodied by a unique funerary ideological discourse that resulted in the creation of a sacred landscape or "spiritscape". We argue that the extreme hyperaridity of the coastal Atacama Desert (21° - 17.30° S), and the extraordinary biomass production of the marine littoral constituted a fundamental milieu for the maintenance of their long-term social system. The Chinchorro belief system lasted for several millennia (8,000-4,000 BP), but new ways of life and burial practices followed major changes in the coastal ecosystem they relied on, which would have influenced how the "old tradition" was manifested over time. Conversely, we sustain that these natural "constraints" faced by the Chinchorro along the coast of the Atacama Desert, were influential, in the course of their history or the way they socially organized themselves.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Chinchorro spiritscape, sacred landscape, hyperaridity, coastal Atacama Desert.
Referencia APA: : Santoro, C., Rivadeneira, M., Latorre, C., Rothhammer, F., & Standen, V. (2012). Rise And Decline Of Chinchorro Sacred Landscapes Along The Hyperarid Coast Of The Atacama Desert. Chungará (Arica), 44(4), 637-653.
Towards the creation of an integrated system of protected areas in Chile: achievements and challenges
Squeo, F., Estévez, R., Stoll, A., Gaymer, C., Letelier, L., & Sierralta, L.
Chile is committed to extending its National System of Protected Areas (NSPA), focusing on eco-regions whose ecosystems are currently under-represented in the NSPA. A newly proposed law aims to create a Service of Biodiversity and Protected Areas that would unify the terrestrial and marine systems. The proposed law would allow the inclusion of private protected areas.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: biodiversity, GAP analysis, eco-regional planning, marine and terrestrial protected areas, private protected areas, public tenure,
Referencia APA: Squeo, F., Estévez, R., Stoll, A., Gaymer, C., Letelier, L., & Sierralta, L. (2012). Towards the creation of an integrated system of protected areas in Chile: achievements and challenges. Plant Ecology & Diversity, 5(2), 233-243.
Heritability and genetic correlations of escape behaviours in juvenile scallop Argopecten purpuratus.
Brokordt, K., Farías, W., Lhorente, J., & Winkler, F.
Escape behaviours are generally considered adaptive because of their obvious effects on fitness. However, little is known about the genetic basis of escape responses. The estimation of the magnitude of hereditary factors affecting variation in escape responses indicates their potential to evolve by natural selection. Scallops are exceptional among bivalve molluscs because they possess an excellent swimming capacity, which helps them to escape predators. In this study we estimated the narrow-sense heritability (h2), phenotypic variance components and phenotypic and genetic correlations of several escape response traits (i.e. reaction time, number of claps (rapid valve closures and openings), and the duration and intensity of the clapping response) in juvenile Argopecten purpuratus scallops. We stimulated scallop escape responses using their natural predator, the sea star Meyenaster gelatinosus. Genetic estimates for escape response traits were determined by the animal model. Most studied traits showed substantial amounts of additive genetic variance controlling their phenotypic variation (CVA = 18.43–100.2), were repeatable (at least over a short period, R = 0.36–0.42), and had significant heritabilities (h2 = 0.36–0.57). Indeed, it can be inferred that most of the analysed escape response traits of A. purpuratus could evolve through natural selection. Moreover, significant genetic correlations between some escape response traits were observed, suggesting that selection acting on one escape trait will affect that of another, facilitating their coevolution.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Argopecten purpuratus; escape behaviour; genetic correlation; heritability; scallop
Referencia APA: Brokordt, K., Farías, W., Lhorente, J., & Winkler, F. (2012). Heritability and genetic correlations of escape behaviours in juvenile scallop Argopecten purpuratus. Animal Behaviour, 84(2), 479-484.
Effects of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella on histopathogical and escape responses of the Northern scallop Argopecten purpuratus.
Hégaret, H., Brokordt, K., Gaymer, C., Lohrmann, K., García, C., & Varela, D.
Juvenile Northern scallops Argopecten purpuratus were exposed to cultures of the paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) producing dinoflagellate, Alexandrium catenella, or a non-toxic microalga as a control, T-iso. After 3 and 6 days of exposure to either A. catenella or T-iso, scallops were stimulated to elicit an escape response by exposing them to the predatory sea star Meyenaster gelatinosus. We monitored the escape response of the scallops in terms of reaction time after first contact with the sea star, number of claps (burst of rapid valve closures) until exhaustion, clapping time, clapping rate, the time scallops spent closed when exhausted, and recovery from the initial number of claps, clapping time and clapping rate. Additionally, histopathological and stress responses (through heat-shock protein [hsp70] induction), as well as accumulation of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins, were monitored on scallops after 3 and 6 days of exposure to A. catenella. After 6 days of exposure, scallops exposed to A. catenella accumulated PSTs and reacted more rapidly with a higher clapping rate, however the duration of their escape response was shorter than controls, when exposed to M. gelatinosus. Additionally, scallops exposed to A. catenella showed histopathological features, especially after 6 days of exposure, including increased melanization of the tissues and myopathy, with high levels of degeneration of the muscle fibers. A six-day exposure to A. catenella also caused an increase in prevalence of rickettsiales-like organisms within scallop tissues. This study suggests that PST accumulation can affect the interaction between the Northern scallop and both pathogens and predators, potentially increasing their susceptibility to either of them.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Scallop; Alexandrium; HAB; Escape response; Histopathology; PSP
Referencia APA: Hégaret, H., Brokordt, K., Gaymer, C., Lohrmann, K., García, C., & Varela, D. (2012). Effects of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella on histopathogical and escape responses of the Northern scallop Argopecten purpuratus. Harmful Algae, 18, 74-83.
Assessing the Influence of the MJO on Strong Precipitation Events in Subtropical, Semi-Arid North-Central Chile (30°S).
Juliá, C., Rahn, D., & Rutllant, J.
Annual precipitation in subtropical, semiarid north-central Chile (30°S) during rainy years comprises a few (3–5) strong events in the fall and winter, which are presumably modulated by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Precipitation from 1979–2009 was recorded daily at three stations along the Elqui Valley. The relationship between the MJO and precipitation is investigated from two perspectives: 1) examining a MJO index (MJOI) based on the actual precipitation events and 2) examining the likelihood of precipitation based on a favorable MJOI. About 80% of the strong precipitation events at the coast in La Serena are related to an active MJO near the central equatorial Pacific. These events are often typified by broad, slow moving synoptic systems in phase with the MJO propagation. Blocking in the far southeast Pacific is associated with precipitation 75% of the time, while deep troughs make up the rest.
A relationship between a MJOI and strong rainfall suggests that, though it could be used as a potential diagnostic, the number of cases where there is a favorable MJOI but no precipitation (i.e., false alarms) limits its utility. Additional criteria such as the Southern Oscillation (SO) and Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) phases were used to reject false alarms. Rejecting cases with positive values of the SO index reduced the number of false alarms from 70% to 58%, leaving about two false alarms for every correctly diagnosed event. The AAO index could not discriminate between false alarms and real cases. While a favorable MJOI increases the likelihood of precipitation in the Elqui Valley, false alarms remain problematic.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: South America; Madden-Julian oscillation; Precipitation; Surface observations; Seasonal forecasting; Intraseasonal variability.
Referencia APA: Juliá, C., Rahn, D., & Rutllant, J. (2012). Assessing the Influence of the MJO on Strong Precipitation Events in Subtropical, Semi-Arid North-Central Chile (30°S). Journal Of Climate, 25(20), 7003-7013.
The conquest of the South Pole: Importance and lessons for the present.
Molina-Montenegro, M. & Corcuera, L.
On December 14, 1911, the Swedish Roald Amundsen, heading a group of explorers reached the South Pole. This date has become a symbol of all those great explorers that risking their lives in the most inhospitable continent in our planet, reached places that looked impossible to conquer. This date is also a symbol of the great difficulties that must be overcome to work in the Antarctic and of much that is yet to be known in the white continent. These are the reasons why Revista Chilena de Historia Natural is commemorating this important historic event with a Special Feature dedicated to Antarctic research.
The era of epic exploration in the Antarctic, such as those led by Roald Amundsen, Robert Scott, Ernest Shakleton, and many others has come to an end. This era had great unforgettable victories and defeats. The exciting race to conquer the South Pole among Amundsen and Scott left valuable lessons on the enormous difficulties to perform Antarctic exploration and the importance of planning and logistic design for any activity in the Antarctic. Perhaps, one of the best known expeditions for the magnitude of the encountered, adverse climatic conditions and importance of international cooperation is the Endurance Expedition, led by Ernest Shackleton in the period between 1914 and 1916. The loss of the Endurance, the courage of the explorers to reach Elephant Island, and the incredible determination of the leader of the expedition to achieve impress us even today. It was this determination that inspired the Chilean pilot Luis Pardo to risk the precarious ship Yelcho, performing one of the most celebrated rescue expeditions in Antarctic history. This era of great explorers, in addition to opening new routes, had the merit of drawing international attention on the great white continent and raised interest of many countries on the possible colonization, use of resources, and scientific research of Antarctic organisms, geological resources, climate, atmosphere, climatic change, and other aspects.
The difficulties and dangers of Antarctic research are still enormous in spite of the technology which is available today. Logistic costs to perform modern and safe Antarctic expeditions are very high. For this reason, the available budget is the main limitation for Antarctic research. However, in spite of the encountered difficulties, researchers have unveiled step by step the importance of Antarctic in the world's climate, ocean levels, availability of natural resources, and aspects of conservation and utilization of its flora and fauna.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves:
Referencia APA: Molina-Montenegro, M. & Corcuera, L. (2012). The conquest of the South Pole: Importance and lessons for the present. Rev. Chil. Hist. Nat., 85(4), 365-367.
Combining information from benthic community analysis and social studies to establish no-take zones within a multiple uses marine protected area
Rojas-Nazar, Ú., Gaymer, C., Squeo, F., Garay-Flühmann, R., & López, D.
A decision support tool was used to determine priority sites for marine conservation within the Isla Grande de Atacama multiple uses marine protected area (MUMPA) in northern Chile, based on both biological and social information. Scuba diving, and an unweighted paired-group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA) analyses were used to determine the main benthic communities found in the shallow rocky and soft-sediment subtidal.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Chile;coastal marine conservation;conservation costs;multiple uses marine protected area;benthic ecology;social ecology
Referencia APA: Rojas-Nazar, Ú., Gaymer, C., Squeo, F., Garay-Flühmann, R., & López, D. (2012). Combining information from benthic community analysis and social studies to establish no-take zones within a multiple uses marine protected area. Aquatic Conserv: Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst. 22(1), 74-86.
Isolation of microsatellite markers for two Chilean freshwater anomuran species (Aegla araucaniensis and Aegla pewenchae) using PCR-based methods.
Gouin, N., Bórquez, J., Samollow, P., Douglas, K., Jasti, M., & Bertin, A.
We developed ten polymorphic microsatellite markers for two species of freshwater anomura endemic to Chile, Aegla araucaniensis and Aegla pewenchae, using two PCR-based methods, PIMA and ISSR-PCR. Nine markers per species gave useful PCR products, revealing moderate to high levels of genetic variation. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 13 and the observed heterozygosity from 0.103 to 0.929. All the markers appeared to segregate independently. No departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was found in A. araucaniensis while three markers showed evidence for deficits of heterozygotes and presence of null alleles in A. pewenchae. These markers will be useful for population genetics analyses.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Aeglidae, Crustacean, Microsatellite, PIMA, ISSR-PCR, Population genetics.
Referencia APA: Gouin, N., Bórquez, J., Samollow, P., Douglas, K., Jasti, M., & Bertin, A. (2012). Isolation of microsatellite markers for two Chilean freshwater anomuran species (Aegla araucaniensis and Aegla pewenchae) using PCR-based methods. Conservation Genet Resour, 4(1), 93-96.
Male morphotypes in the Andean river shrimp Cryphiops caementarius (Decapoda: Caridea): morphology, coloration and injuries.
Rojas, R., Morales, M., Rivadeneira, M., & Thiel, M.
In many species, different male morphotypes usually employ different tactics to access resources. Males with highly developed weapons are expected to fight and possibly incur higher levels of injury than males with less developed weapons, which usually avoid agonistic encounters. Discrete male morphotypes, where some males are very large and feature powerful chelae, have been reported for several large shrimp species, where males show a lobster-like monopolization of resources. During competitive interactions, these large males fight more vigorously than small males and, consequently, it is expected that they accumulate more injuries. Herein, we identified different morphotypes in the river shrimp Cryphiops caementarius, and we compared the percentage of body damage between large and small shrimps. We measured 26 morphometric data and 6 intensities of color on the chelipeds. Multivariate analysis based on a combination of morphometric and color data confirmed that there are two morphotypes. The ‘dominant’ morph is characterized by stout teeth on the cutting edges and by dark blue color on the external surface of the major cheliped. The two morphotypes can be distinguished based on the differences in the allometric relationships between several morphologic traits and carapace length. Males from the large morphotype had a higher percentage of injuries on their chelipeds than other males. These results suggest that males from the large morphotype are dominant and compete aggressively for access to resources, a hypothesis to be tested in future, behavioral studies.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: alternative reproductive tactics; male morphotypes; injury; weapon; large chela; shrimp
Referencia APA: Rojas, R., Morales, M., Rivadeneira, M., & Thiel, M. (2012). Male morphotypes in the Andean river shrimp Cryphiops caementarius (Decapoda: Caridea): morphology, coloration and injuries. J Zool, 288(1), 21-32.