A global database of ant species abundances

What forces structure ecological assemblages? A key limitation to general insights about assemblage structure is the availability of data that are collected at a small spatial grain (local assemblages) and a large spatial extent (global coverage). Here, we present published and unpublished data from 51, 388 ant abundance and occurrence records of more than 2,693 species and 7,953 morphospecies from local assemblages collected at 4,212 locations around the world. Ants were selected because they are diverse and abundant globally, comprise a large fraction of animal biomass in most terrestrial communities, and are key contributors to a range of ecosystem functions. Data were collected between 1949 and 2014, and include, for each geo-referenced sampling site, both the identity of the ants collected and details of sampling design, habitat type, and degree of disturbance. The aim of compiling this data set was to provide comprehensive species abundance data in order to test relationships between assemblage structure and environmental and biogeographic factors. Data were collected using a variety of standardized methods, such as pitfall and Winkler traps, and will be valuable for studies investigating large-scale forces structuring local assemblages. Understanding such relationships is particularly critical under current rates of global change. We encourage authors holding additional data on systematically collected ant assemblages, especially those in dry and cold, and remote areas, to contact us and contribute their data to this growing data set

Contribution of Distinct Homeodomain DNA Binding Specificities to Drosophila Embryonic Mesodermal Cell-Specific Gene Expression Programs

Homeodomain (HD) proteins are a large family of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors (TFs) having diverse developmental functions, often acting within the same cell types, yet many members of this family paradoxically recognize similar DNA sequences. Thus, with multiple family members having the potential to recognize the same DNA sequences in cis-regulatory elements, it is difficult to ascertain the role of an individual HD or a subclass of HDs in mediating a particular developmental function. To investigate this problem, we focused our studies on the Drosophila embryonic mesoderm where HD TFs are required to establish not only segmental identities (such as the Hox TFs), but also tissue and cell fate specification and differentiation (such as the NK-2 HDs, Six HDs and identity HDs (I-HDs)). Here we utilized the complete spectrum of DNA binding specificities determined by protein binding microarrays (PBMs) for a diverse collection of HDs to modify the nucleotide sequences of numerous mesodermal enhancers to be recognized by either no or a single subclass of HDs, and subsequently assayed the consequences of these changes on enhancer function in transgenic reporter assays. These studies show that individual mesodermal enhancers receive separate transcriptional input from both I–HD and Hox subclasses of HDs. In addition, we demonstrate that enhancers regulating upstream components of the mesodermal regulatory network are targeted by the Six class of HDs. Finally, we establish the necessity of NK-2 HD binding sequences to activate gene expression in multiple mesodermal tissues, supporting a potential role for the NK-2 HD TF Tinman (Tin) as a pioneer factor that cooperates with other factors to regulate cell-specific gene expression programs. Collectively, these results underscore the critical role played by HDs of multiple subclasses in inducing the unique genetic programs of individual mesodermal cells, and in coordinating the gene regulatory networks directing mesoderm development.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant R01 HG005287

Distribution of Dwarf Mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp., Viscaceae) in Durango, Mexico

Volume: 55Start Page: 161End Page: 16

Sinopsis de scirpus s.l. (Cyperaceae) para México

Scirpus sensu lato is a heterogeneous group from which several segregate genera have been recognized. From those, six are known from México: Scirpus sensu stricto, Amphiscirpus, Bolboschoenus, Cypringlea, Isolepis and Schoenoplectus. Two additional genera: Karinia and Oxycaryum, have been considered as a part of Scirpus but their affinity is within the tribe Cypereae. A synopsis of the group in Mexico is presented, as well as a key to the genera and their species, and data on their distribution, habitat and conservation status. Among the new records for some states are Scirpus microcarpus, previously known from Baja California and now recorded for Durango, and Schoenoplectus acutus, from northern México, which is recorded here for Michoacán.Scirpus sensu lato es un grupo heterogéneo de Cyperaceae del que actualmente se reconocen diversos géneros segregados. De éstos, para México se conocen seis: Scirpus sensu stricto, Amphiscirpus, Bolboschoenus, Cypringlea, Isolepis y Schoenoplectus. Otros dos géneros: Karinia y Oxycaryum, fueron originalmente considerados como parte de Scirpus pero su afinidad es con la tribu Cypereae. Se presenta una sinopsis del grupo para México, con claves para distinguir los géneros y las especies y con anotaciones sobre su distribución, hábitat y estado de conservación. Entre los nuevos registros a nivel estatal están Scirpus microcarpus, conocido previamente para Baja California y encontrado ahora en Durango y Schoenoplectus acutus que se conocía sólo del norte de México y ahora se cita para Michoacán

Sinopsis de Scirpus s.l. (Cyperaceae) para M\ue9xico

Volume: 82Start Page: 15End Page: 4

Correct Identification of Ochrobactrum anthropi From Blood Culture Using 16rRNA Sequencing: A First Case Report in an Immunocompromised Patient in Mexico

The present report describes the misidentification of Brucella spp. from a positive blood culture using traditional microbiology tests. A molecular test identified the bacterium as Ochrobactrum anthropi. According to the information available, this report is the first to include this type of case in Mexico