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Comparison of cnidae sizes between the two morphotypes of the giant Caribbean sea anemone Condylactis gigantea (Actiniaria: Actiniidae). The sea anemone Condylactis gigantea is an ecologically important member of the benthic community in coral reefs of the tropical Atlantic, and displays two morphotypes with respect to the color in their tentacular tips: the green tip morphotype and the pink/purple tip morphotype. Although some molecular and ecological differences have been found between these morphotypes, no other morphological distinctions have been reported, and currently both are still considered a single taxonomic species. In the present study, we perform an exploration on the variability in the size of cnidae between these two morphotypes and performed statistical analyses to compare the 10 categories of cnidae from specimens hosted in the Cnidarian Collection of Gulf of Mexico and Mexican Caribbean, of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, which were previously collected in several coral reefs localities of the Yucatán Peninsula. Results reveal no significant variation in cnidae size between the two morphotypes, but significant variations were found within each morphotype. In addition, we update the composition of the cnidom of C. gigantea, and the utility of the size of cnidae to distinguish between morphotypes or closely related species is discussed. La anémona Condylactis gigantea es un miembro ecológicamente importante de la comunidad bentónica en arrecifes de coral del Atlántico tropical, y exhibe dos morfotipos con respecto al color de las puntas de sus tentáculos: el morfotipo de puntas verdes y el morfotipo de puntas rosadas/púrpuras. Aunque se han encontrado algunas diferencias moleculares y ecológicas entre estos morfotipos, no se han reportado otras distinciones morfológicas, y actualmente ambos siguen siendo considerados una sola especie taxonómica. En el presente estudio, realizamos una exploración sobre la variabilidad en el tamaño de los cnidocistos entre estos dos morfotipos y realizamos un análisis estadístico de 10 categorías de cnidocistos a partir de especímenes albergados en la Colección de cnidarios del Golfo de México y Caribe Mexicano, de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, los cuales fueron previamente recolectados en varias localidades arrecifales de la Península de Yucatán. Los resultados no revelan variación significativa en el tamaño de los cnidocistos entre los dos morfotipos, aunque fueron encontradas variaciones significativas dentro de cada morfotipo. Adicionalmente, actualizamos la composición del cnidoma de C. gigantea, y discutimos sobre la utilidad de la talla de los cnidocistos para distinguir entre morfotipos o entre especies estrechamente relacionadas. Fil: González Muñoz, Ricardo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina Fil: Hernández Ortiz, Carlos. Universidad de Oriente, Departamento de Acuacultura y Biología Marina, Escuela de Ciencias Aplicadas del Mar, Isla de Margarita ; Venezuela Fil: Garese, Agustin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina Fil: Simões, Nuno. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM),Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación en Sisal (UMDI-Sisal), Facultad de Ciencias; México Fil: Acuña, Fabian Horacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia do Ambiente apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Um coletor solar térmico é um dispositivo capaz de captar a radiação solar e fazer a transferência dessa radiação sob a forma de energia térmica. A qualidade de um coletor solar avalia-se pelo seu rendimento, que é o quociente entre a energia transferida sob a forma de calor (energia útil) e a radiação incidente. Sendo uma das soluções mais simples e eficientes de aproveitamento das energias renováveis, a reduzida utilização é frequentemente associada aos elevados custos iniciais, aos custos de manutenção e, por vezes, a uma desconfiança face ao desconhecido. A proposta de construção de um coletor solar térmico de baixo custo utilizando processos acessíveis a qualquer pessoa que disponha de ferramentas básicas permite reduzir significativamente os custos iniciais e de manutenção, mas também combater o desconhecimento e desconfiança face a estes sistemas “caseiros”. O teste em condições típicas de funcionamento permite compará-lo com coletores existentes no mercado, e tirar conclusões sobre o seu interesse prático.Este estudo integra uma iniciativa mais ampla dos orientadores (ADAI-LAETA) no incentivo à investigação aplicada, disseminação e integração das Energias Renováveis nas edificações existentes. Neste contexto serão relembrados os problemas ambientais relacionados com o uso de energias fósseis e os benefícios que a energia renovável pode representar na redução do seu consumo. São apresentados os vários tipos de coletores solares térmicos e as suas aplicações típicas para demonstrar a sua aplicabilidade, no entanto este será mais inclinado para a vertente de produção de água quente, que compreende sistemas de circulação por termossifão ou por circulação forçada.O desempenho do coletor foi comparado com um modelo existente no mercado e foram estudadas as duas alternativas ao longo de 5, 10 e 15 anos. A solar thermal collector is a device capable of capturing solar radiation and transferring this radiation in the form of thermal energy. The quality of a solar collector is evaluated by its efficiency, which is the quotient between the energy transferred in the form of heat and the incident radiation. As one of the simplest and most efficient solutions for renewable energy use, low utilization is often associated with high start-up costs, maintenance costs and sometimes mistrust of the unknown.The proposal to build a low-cost solar thermal collector using processes accessible to anyone with basic tools can significantly reduce the initial and maintenance costs, but also combat the lack of knowledge and distrust of these "home" systems. The test under typical operating conditions allows comparing it with existing collectors in the market and draw conclusions about their practical interest.This study integrates a broader initiative of the advisors (ADAI-LAETA) to encourage the applied research, dissemination and integration of Renewable Energies in existing buildings. In this context, the environmental problems related to the use of fossil fuels and the benefits that renewable energy can represent in reducing their consumption will be recalled. The various types of solar thermal collectors and their typical applications are shown to demonstrate their applicability, however this will be more inclined towards the hot water production line, which comprises thermosyphon circulation systems or forced circulation.The performance of the collector was compared with a model in the market and the two alternatives were studied over 5, 10 and 15 years.

Introduction: Early identification and referral of patients with palliative needs is essentialsothey canbenefit from the effectiveness of early interventionofpalliative care. Referral for palliative care is an important, growing and complex challenge and process for the practice of health professionals, particularly for physicians. Lack of information and training may prevent proactivity in the process of early referral. Currently, some multidimensional instruments helptoidentify the population with palliative needs. The surprise question, validated for Portugal, "Would you be surprised if this patient died during the next year?"is an important, useful and reliable tool for this identification.Aim:to determine the prevalence of adult patients with palliative needs hospitalized in public hospitals; to determine who were referenced for palliative care and to identify the reasons for non-referral of these patients.Materials and Methods: an analytical, observational and cross-sectional study was performed in the first quarter of 2015 in 11 hospitals of the Portuguese Health System. The data collection instrument consisted of a questionnaire with demographic and clinical characterization, the surprise question regarding 1 year, 6 and 1 month and, 15 days, and 19 possible reasons for non-referral of patients. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, considering statistical significance if p, Introdução:A identificação e referenciação precoce dos doentes com necessidades paliativas é fundamentalparaque em tempo útil possam usufruir da efetividade da intervenção precoce de cuidados paliativos.Referenciar para cuidados Paliativos é um importante, crescente e complexo desafio e processo para a prática dos profissionais de saúde, nomeadamente para os médicos.Afalta de informação e formação podem impedir aproatividadeno processo de referenciação precoce. Atualmente, existem já alguns instrumentos multidimensionais queajudam a identificara populaçãocom necessidades paliativas.A pergunta surpresa, validada para Portugal, “Ficaria surpreendido se este doente morresse durante o próximo ano?” é uma ferramenta importante, útil e fiável paraesta identificação.Objetivo:determinara prevalência dedoentes adultos com necessidades paliativas internados em hospitais públicos. Como objetivos secundários,determinar o número de doentes referenciados para cuidados paliativose identificar os motivos de não referenciaçãodestes doentes.Materiais e Métodos: Estudo analítico, observacional e transversal, realizado no primeiro trimestre de 2015 em 11 hospitais do SNS. O instrumento de colheita de dados consistiu num questionário com caracterização demográfica e clinica, a pergunta surpresa relativa a 1 ano, 6 e 1 mês e, 15 dias, e 19 possíveis motivos para não referenciação dos doentes. Os dados recolhidos forma analisados com recurso à estatística descritiva e analítica, considerando-se significância estatística se p

Introdução: A identificação e referenciação precoce dos doentes com necessidades paliativas é fundamental para que em tempo útil possam usufruir da efetividade da intervenção precoce de cuidados paliativos. Referenciar para cuidados Paliativos é um importante, crescente e complexo desafio e processo para a prática dos profissionais de saúde, nomeadamente para os médicos. A falta de informação e formação podem impedir a proatividade no processo de referenciação precoce. Atualmente, existem já alguns instrumentos multidimensionais que ajudam a identificar a população com necessidades paliativas. A pergunta surpresa, validada para Portugal, “Ficaria surpreendido se este doente morresse durante o próximo ano?” é uma ferramenta importante, útil e fiável para esta identificação. Objetivo: determinar a prevalência de doentes adultos com necessidades paliativas internados em hospitais públicos. Como objetivos secundários, determinar o número de doentes referenciados para cuidados paliativos e identificar os motivos de não referenciação destes doentes. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo analítico, observacional e transversal, realizado no primeiro trimestre de 2015 em 11 hospitais do SNS. O instrumento de colheita de dados consistiu num questionário com caracterização demográfica e clinica, a pergunta surpresa relativa a 1 ano, 6 e 1 mês e, 15 dias, e 19 possíveis motivos para não referenciação dos doentes. Os dados recolhidos forma analisados com recurso à estatística descritiva e analítica, considerando-se significância estatística se p, Cadernos de Saúde, v. 10 n. 1 (2018)

A Sinovite Vilonodular Pigmentada é um distúrbio proliferativo raro da membrana sinovial, que afeta adultos jovens e de meia-idade e é geralmente monoarticular. Esta condição pode ser localmente destrutiva e envolver músculos, tendões, bursas, ossos e pele. Os locais mais comuns são o joelho e anca. A incidência no tornozelo é de 2 a 10%. Os pacientes apresentam-se frequentemente com dor, derrame articular e edema. A radiografia simples pode mostrar defeitos no osso adjacente, quistos ósseos e uma borda esclerótica. Derrames podem aparecer como densidades em radiografias e tomografia computadorizada por causa de alto teor de ferro. A ressonância magnética é útil para delinear a extensão dos tecidos moles e envolvimento ósseo. Este caso clínico apresenta uma doente com episódios de hemartrose recorrente do tornozelo a quem foi diagnosticada Sinovite Vilonodular Pigmentada localizada com destruição da cartilagem articular, tratada artroscopicamente com excisão da lesão e furagens de Pridie do astrágalo. A Sinovite Vilonodular Pigmentada localizada tem um excelente prognóstico e um baixo índice de recidiva quando tratada cirurgicamente. O tratamento artroscópico pode ser considerado uma alternativa nestes doentes, uma vez que se trata de um procedimento menos invasivo que oferece a possibilidade de excisão completa. Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis is a rare proliferative disorder of synovial membrane, which affects young and middle-aged adults and is usually monoarticular. This condition can be locally destructive and involve muscles, tendons, bursae, bones and skin. The most common sites of presentation are the knee and hip. The incidence of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis ankle is between 2 to 10%. The patients often present with pain, swelling and joint effusion. Plain radiographs may show defects in adjacent bone, bone cysts and a sclerotic rim. Articular effusions may appear as densities on radiographs and computed tomography because of high iron content. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for delineating the extent of soft tissue and bone involvement. This is a case of a patient with recurrent hemarthrosis of the ankle diagnosed with localized Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis and chondral destruction treated with arthroscopic excision of the lesion and microfractures of the talus. The localized form of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis has an excellent prognosis and a low recurrence rate when treated surgically. Arthroscopic treatment should be considered in these patients, since it is a less invasive procedure that offers the possibility of complete excision.

This paper will describe and present results for a local flood risk reduction system which utilises existing in-network storage capacity to attenuate flow peaks. The storage capacity is mobilised through active flow control automatically regulated by an Artificial Intelligence system using local level monitoring. The effects of climate change, population growth and urbanisation are putting increasing pressure on sewer and drainage networks both in the UK and overseas. The capacity of networks to cope with runoff at the required rate often falls short of requirements leading to localised floods and/or increased CSO spills to receiving waters. Smart Water/ Wastewater Network technologies have the potential to deliver improved service to customers and cost-effective performance improvements for the water industry. CENTAUR aims to provide an innovative, cost effective, local autonomous data driven in-sewer flow control system whose operation will attenuate peaks and reduce the risk of surface water flooding. The system enables the capacity of existing infrastructure to be utilised more efficiently as a very economical alternative to capital-intensive solutions, for example building extra storage capacity. The system is also quick to implement with virtually no enabling works prior to installation. CENTAUR comprises level monitors which relay data to an intelligent controller, which instructs a flow control device regulated by a novel and robust artificial intelligence routine based on Fuzzy Logic. The level monitors and intelligent controller are located locally and utilise real time data to provide effective real time control (RTC). The CENTAUR Fuzzy Logic control algorithm was developed in Matlab. The Matlab RTC algorithm was linked to a SWMM hydro-dynamic model of a test network to prove its efficiency. Further rigorous testing was carried out by the University of Sheffield on the full-scale test facility designed to replicate field conditions. The CENTAUR system has been further developed and it is now implemented and fully functional in trial site in Coimbra, Portugal. Results of successful testing in the laboratory and the Coimbra field trial will be presented.

Flooding in urban areas may result in costly damage, and affect population safety and the proper functioning of cities. Controlling and managing urban stormwater involves adapting the urban drainage network to reduce peak runoff and prevent flooding impacts. This work presents an optimization model to find the best solution for implementing rainwater storage units (SUs). The optimization model was used to determine the optimal location and size of the SUs and their outflow orifice sizes, in order to minimize SU construction, maintenance and flood damage costs. Flood damage costs were assessed based on the depth of urban floodwater and the type of buildings. EPA-SWMM was used to simulate the hydrologic and hydraulic behavior of the drainage system and a simulated annealing algorithm was implemented to solve the optimization model. The developed methodology was tested on a case study inspired by a real urban area located in Bogotá, Colombia

Tesis doctoral con la Mención de "Doctor Europeo", Es de suma importancia encontrar plantas perennes bien adaptadas a las condiciones climáticas presentes en el mediterráneo, que hagan un buen aprovechamiento de la disponibilidad de agua y capacidad de sobrevivir a la sequía del verano. Se planteó un ensayo de gramíneas perennes (siete variedades de Dactylis glomerata L., siete de Festuca arundinacea Schreb., dos de Lolium perenne L. y cuatro de Phalaris aquatica L.), midiéndose la producción de materia seca y sus parámetros de calidad (proteína bruta y digestibilidad), bien como la persistencia de las plantas y la eficiencia del uso del agua (WUE). Las variedades de tipo mediterráneo tuvieron una mayor persistencia que las de tipo continental (66,7% en Kasbah y 3,3% en Porto, para Dactylis y 65,5% en Flecha E542 y 36,7% en Lutine y Lunibelle, para Festuca en otoño de 2008). Las variedades de festuca alta fueron más productivas, con una media de 9.906 kg MS ha-1, que las variedades de las restantes especies (6.338 kg MS ha-1 para Dactylis, 7.752 kg MS ha-1 para Phalaris y 3.624 kg MS ha-1 para Lolium). La WUE de Festuca fue superior a la del Dactylis. Existieron diferencias entre variedades en la WUE (con valores medios anuales que variaron entre 2,58 g MS kg-1H2O para Flecha NE y 2,19 g MS kg-1H2O para Fraydo, en Festuca y 2,08 g MS kg-1H2O para Medly y 1,12 g MS kg-1H2O para Porto, en Dactylis) verificándose una correlación positiva entre la WUE y la producción de materia seca (r = 0,591)., It is of great importance to find perennial plants well adapted to climatic conditions of the Mediterranean region with good use of the available water and capacity to survive the lack of water in summer. In this sense, was designed a comparative test of perennial grasses (seven varieties of Dactylis glomerata L, seven of Festuca arundinacea Schreb, two of Lolium perenne L and four of Phalaris aquatica L.). Dry matter yield and quality parameters (crude protein and digestibility) were measured, as well as the persistence of the plants and the water use efficiency (WUE). The Mediterranean type varieties showed greater persistence than continental type (66.7% for Kasbah and 3.3% for Porto, in Dactylis and 65.5% for Flecha E542 and 36.7% for Lunibelle and Lutine, in Festuca, at autumn of 2008). Festuca varieties were more productive, with an average of 9,906 kg DM ha-1, that the varieties of other species (mean of 6,338 kg DM ha-1 for Dactylis, 7,752 kg DM ha-1 for Phalaris and 3,624 kg DM ha-1 for Lolium). The WUE of Festuca species was superior to that of Dactylis. There are differences between varieties in WUE (annual average values ranged from 2.58 g DM kg-1H2O for Flecha NE to 2.19 g DM kg-1H2O for Fraydo, in Festuca and 2.08 g DM kg-1H2O for Medly to 1.12 g DM kg-1H2O for Porto in Dactylis) and was observed a positive correlation between the WUE and dry matter production (r = 0.591).

Paper presented in the 14th Computing and Control for Water Industry (CCWI) 2016 Conference.

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One alternative to contribute to the reduction of the pressure on coral reef ecosystems brought about by an increasing demand for marine aquarium ornamentals is to improve and further develop the culture of desirable species for trade. Peppermint shrimp from the genus Lysmata are among the most intensively traded decapod in the trade and while several studies have been conducted to improve its culture, individuals obtained from culture facilities are generally paler than those collected from the wild. Because color is a fundamental component of the price tag on most marine ornamental live species, poorly colored animals command a lower price, reducing competitiveness. In this study, we evaluate the influence of tank background color (reflected light) on the morphological coloration change of Lysmata boggessi. In a 15-d experiment, 30 individuals were exposed either to reflected-red or white light and the relative change of coloration between initial and final moments was quantified with photography (RGB color model). At the end of the experimental period, shrimp exposed to red-reflected light presented a more intense red coloration than those exposed to white-reflected light. These results demonstrate that a simple change in background tank color can enhance shrimp external coloration. Such a cheap-to-implement procedure can support the culture of more colorful, hence more valuable ornamental shrimp that can compete with those captured from the wild. Fil: Calvo, Natalia Soledad. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; México. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto Nacional de Limnología. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto Nacional de Limnología; Argentina Fil: Roldán Luna, Magaly. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; México Fil: Argáez Sosa, Jorge A.. Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan; México Fil: Martínez Moreno, Gemma L.. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; México Fil: Mascaró, Maite. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; México Fil: Simões, Nuno. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. Facultad de Ciencias; México

Spirastrella aff. mollis Verrill, 1907 (Fig. 7 A���F) Selected synonymy: Spirastrella aff. mollis Verrill, 1907: 344. Material examined. CNPGG ��� 584 Sisal Banks reefs (21 �� 26 ' 28.2 ���N, 90 �� 17 ' 34 ���W), depth 15 m, 02/XII/ 2001. Description. Thinly encrusting sponge 0.5���2 mm thickness, adhered to bryozoan and pieces of coral (Fig. 7 A) making a cavernous whole mass 4.3 cm long and 2.6 cm in width. The surface is smooth as well as microhispid on mounds in all around the mass, velvety in appearance but harsh when touched, becoming strongly hispid underneath the coral rubble or in hidden fissures or holes, no oscules nor pores visible to the naked eye in preserved specimens. The consistency is difficult to know owing to the thinness of the sponge, but the sponge is not easily compressible due to the many small conch fragments within the flesh. Color alive not recorded, unfortunately, no photograph in situ was taken, and color in alcohol is beige. Skeleton. The ectosome has a thin cortex 200 ��m thick that consists mainly of spirasters and tips of tylostyles protruding up to 140 ��m beyond the surface. The narrow area of the choanosome is formed by a palisade of tylostyles tufts with the tips directed upwards, below which, spirasters are abundant everywhere (Fig. 7 B). Small and round channels were seen below the cortex. Spicules. Macroscleres are straight and slightly curved tylostyles with fusiform tips 260���624 �� 7.8���14 ��m, mainly with a round head but oval-shaped are also present 12���15 ��m in diameter (Fig. 7 C), few ones with annular swelling bellow the neck. Microscleres are spirasters approaching amphiasters in two size categories (Fig. 7 D): size I is 20.8���57 ��m long (Fig 7 F), it bends once to twice but it is difficult to discern, its rays are conical up to 20 ��m long with broad bases from about 5.2 ��m; size II is 5.4���26 ��m long (Fig. 7 E), it shows a slender shaft in one to three bends sometimes straight, with smaller conical rays (sizes including spines). Distribution and ecology. Bermuda Island, intertidal to 0.5 m (Verrill 1907), Carrie Bow Cay, Belize (R��tzler et al. 2014), now in Yucatan, M��xico coral reefs from the present work. Hence, first record of the species for the Gulf of Mexico. Remarks. There is some controversy around Spirastrella mollis due to a brief original description, lack of spicular measurements and loss of the type-specimen (Boury-Esnault et al. 1999). The spirasters of S. mollis, and also in S. coccinea in the plates of R��tzler et al. (2014), are quite different from the present specimen, suggesting existence of three different species, S. coccinea, S. mollis, and S. hartmani. The latter, corresponds to the furcate and plurifid spirasters (Boury-Esnault et al. 1999), not in synonymy with S. mollis. Four species of Spirastrella have been recorded in the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent waters, so far. These are Spirastrella coccinea (Duchassaing & Michelotti 1864), S. coccinopsis de Laubenfels, 1953, S. hartmani Boury- Esnault et al. 1999, and S. mollis. The task to tell them apart to correctly identify the species is intricate due to the shared and overlapping traits. For example, the spicule geometry and skeletal arrangement are very similar among all four species. They all have similar sizes, and very little data available other than the original descriptions. In an attempt to delimit differences within some Spirastrella species, a comparison was made from the present material and three spirastrellas sheltered in the CNPGG, which are different indeed (see Table 1). Catalog Color Surface type Consistency Growth shape Tylostyle Spirasters number, Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, G��mez, Patricia & Sim��es, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of M��xico, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 159-160, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815, {"references":["Verrill, A. E. (1907) The Bermuda Islands: Part V. An account of Coral Reefs. Porifera: Sponges. Transactions of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, 12, 330 - 344.","Rutzler, K., Piatoni, C., Soest van, R. W. M. & Diaz, M. C. (2014) Diversity of sponges (Porifera) from cryptic habitats on the Belize barrier reef near Carrie Bow Cay. Zootaxa, 3805, 1 - 129. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 3805.1.1","Boury-Esnault, N., Klatau, M., Bezac, C., Wulff, J. & Sole-Cava, A. M. (1999) Comparative study of putative conspecific sponge populations from both sides of the Isthmus of Panama. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 79, 39 - 50. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1017 / S 0025315498000046","Duchassaing, F. P. & Michelotti, G. (1864) Spongiaires de la mer Caraibe. Natuurkundige verhandelingen van de Hollandsche maatschappij der wetenschappen te Haarlem, 21, 1 - 24.","Laubenfels, M. W. de (1953) Sponges from the Gulf of Mexico. Bulletin of Marine Science Gulf and Caribbean, 2, 511 - 557."]}

Topsentia bahamensis Diaz, van Soest & Pomponi, 1993 (Fig. 12 A���C) Synonymy: Topsentia bahamensis Diaz, van Soest & Pomponi, 1993: 290. Material examined. CNPGG ��� 586 Sisal Banks reefs (21 �� 26 ' 21.50 ���N 90 �� 17 ' 7.9 ���W), depth 15 m 02/XII/ 2011. Description. Encrusting to massive sponge (3.5 �� 2.5 cm long per width, 2.5 cm thick) with one solid fistular growth on top 4 cm in height, 10 mm in diameter (Fig. 12 A). An oscule along the fistula is visible, that splits at the base. Color is white when alive and in alcohol; surface is smooth although micro-hispid at places, consistency is firmly compressible but easily crumbled. Skeleton. The ectosome is a layer of tangentially placed oxeas strewn in confusion, with many of the larger oxeas protruding beyond the surface. The choanosomal skeleton exhibits a vague reticulation in all directions, produced by ill-defined multispicular tracts with no trace of spongin, intermingled with single oxeas, also oriented in all directions, assembling a condensed mass (Fig. 12 B). Spicules. Fusiform and slightly curved oxeas (Fig. 12 C), in two size categories I: 196���507 �� 5.2���14 ��m, II: 556���820 �� 13.5���28 ��m. Distribution and ecology. Bahamas (D��az et al. 1993). The present specimen was found inhabiting shallower waters (15 m depth) than those of the original description, which stated 40 to 160 m. It is the first record for M��xico and the Gulf of Mexico. Remarks. The present material matches the original description exactly, even for spicule sizes. Apparently it is not a common species around the Caribbean Sea. It probably inhabits Jamaica (Lehnert & Soest 1996), but the specimen recorded there, lacks fistular growth, which is one of the main features of T. bahamensis. A species similar to the present one is the widespread T. ophiraphidites (de Laubenfels de 1934), but it differs in lacking an ectosomal tangential skeleton, together with a gray, brown or pink color alive and the presence of two or three category sizes of oxeas and strongyloxeas. These traits separate both species., Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, G��mez, Patricia & Sim��es, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of M��xico, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 166-167, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815, {"references":["Diaz, M. C., Pomponi, S. & Soest, R. W. M. van (1993) A systematic revision of the central West Atlantic Halichondrida (Demospongiae, Porifera). Part III: Description of the valid species. Scientia Marina, 57, 283 - 306.","Lehnert, H. & Soest, R. W. M. van (1996) North Jamaican deep fore-reef sponges. Beufortia, 46, 53 - 81."]}

Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels 1953) (Figs. 3 A���F, 4 A���E) Selected synonymy: Unimia trisphaerus de Laubenfels, 1953: 546; Alcolado 1976: 7 (only cited). Material examined. CNPGG ��� 1183, CNPGG ��� 1304, and CNPGG ��� 1312 Alacranes reef (22 �� 21 ' 55.99 ���N, 89 �� 40 ' 20.79 ���W), depth 30 m 6 /VIII/ 2013. Description. Massive sponge with well-defined lobes, each provided with an apical oscule 3���5 mm in diameter (Fig. 3 A). The sponge measures 3.5���8 cm in height and 3���5 cm in width, the lobes 2���3.5 cm in diameter. The surface is smooth, but when taken out of water it wrinkles as the sponge shrinks, and shows irregularly distributed ostia, 80���110 ��m in diameter and slightly sunken in. Oscules on top of the lobes and some lateral ones are less than 1 mm in diameter, the latter type was surrounded by lighter color. Consistency is firmly compressible but easily frail. The color in vivo is dark brown with scattered beige tinges, in alcohol it is blackish brown on top and beige at the base. Skeleton. The cortex consist of one layer, ca. 500 ��m thick, of microxeas tangentially disposed, and below which another layer of aspidasters assembles. The choanosomal skeleton has a radial arrangement towards the surface formed by spicular tracts of oxeas and orthotriaenes going upward (Fig. 3 B), and a confused arrangement in all directions towards the interior, among which microxeas, aspidasters and oxyasters are dispersed. Spicules (Figs. 3 C���F, 4 A���E). Megascleres are fusiform oxeas slightly curved 620���750 �� 9.1���12 ��m, orthotriaenes with rays in an equidistant angle, probably in two size classes, rhabds 250���480 �� 5.3���13 ��m, clads 160���210 ��m. Microscleres: trilobulate aspidaster 70���140 �� 30���36 ��m, centrotylote microxeas 52���72 �� 2.6���3.9 ��m, chiasters I with 5���6 rays with finely spined tips 24.6���57.2 ��m in diameter, chiasters II 13.3���15.6 ��m, and oxyasters with 9���16 micro-spined rays, 12.7���15.6 ��m. Distribution and ecology. Northeastern Gulf of Mexico: 12.5 m depth (de Laubenfels 1953), and north La Habana, Cuba (Alcolado 1976). This is the first record for the species in Mexican waters of the southern GMx. As far as is known, the species inhabits reef environments. Remarks. Erylus trisphaerus differs from its congeners in the West Indies by having trilobate aspidasters. The specimen herein reported has a massive shape with lobules, contrary to the spherical shape that de Laubenfels quote in the original description ������probably spherical, with a single central hollow indicating numerous smaller cavities������ this denotes the ease with which the body collapses when it is outside the water. Although Alcolado (1976) lists this species for North Cuba, he does not provide a description or other visual material that could be used to compare between specimens. The species appears recorded in other northern localities from the Gulf of Mexico, however such references (Little 1963; R��tzler et al. 2009) just cite the registration given by de Laubenfels in 1953. The lack of records from E. trisphaerus around the West Indies makes it a possible endemic species to the Gulf of Mexico. This new record for the Mexican coasts is particularly noteworthy because it has not been reported since the original description by de Laubenfels (1953)., Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, G��mez, Patricia & Sim��es, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of M��xico, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 154-156, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815, {"references":["Laubenfels, M. W. de (1953) Sponges from the Gulf of Mexico. Bulletin of Marine Science Gulf and Caribbean, 2, 511 - 557.","Alcolado, P. M. (1976) Lista de nuevos registros de poriferos para Cuba. Serie Oceanologica (Academia de Ciencias de Cuba), 36, 1 - 11.","Little, F. J. (1963) The sponge fauna of the St. George's Sound, Apalache Bay, and Panama City regions of the Florida Gulf coast. Tulane Studies in Zoology, 11, 31 - 71.","Rutzler, K., Soest, R. W. M. van & Piatoni, C. (2009) Sponge (Porifera) of the Gulf of Mexico. In: Felder, D. L. & Camp, D. K. (Eds.) Gulf of Mexico Origin, Waters, and Biota: Biodiversity. Texas A & M University Press, Texas, pp. 1019 - 1104."]}

Dragmacidon reticulatum (Ridley & Dendy, 1886) (Figs. 15 A–B, 22 A) Selected synonymy: Axinella reticulata Ridley & Dendy, 1886: 481. Pseudaxinella lunaecharta; Wiedenmayer 1977: 155; Gómez & Green 1984: 81; Zea 1987: 195; Rubio-Fernández 1997: 57; Gómez 2002: 73. Pseudaxinella reticulata; Alvarez et al. 1998: 15 (with additional synonymy). Dragmacidon reticulatum; Rützler et al. 2009: 301. Material examined. CNPGG – 1411 Alacranes reef (22 ° 23 ’ 44.8 ”N 89 ° 42 ’ 21.9 ”W) depth 3 m; 03/VIII/ 2009; CNPGG – 1410 Sisal Banks reefs (21 ° 26 ’ 16.59 ”N 90 ° 16 ’ 39 ”W) depth 12 m, 09/VI/ 2011. Description. Massive-amorphous or mound shaped sponge, 7 cm wide and 5 cm high, narrower towards the base (Fig. 22 A). The sponge surface is punctiform, reticulate and microhispid owing to the protruding fibres, like thick evenly distributed conules. Oscules are conspicuous and circular 5‒8 mm in diameter, usually distributed on top of the sponge. The consistency is firm, not easily compressible. Color is bright orange when alive, light orange or beige in alcohol. Skeleton. Choanosomal skeleton consist of a reticulation of plurispicular tracts without axial condensation (390‒450 µm thick); these are joined by connective fibres 210‒280 µm in diameter, forming meshes of 650 µm width (Fig. 15 A). Spicules. Styles bent in the middle and toward round ends, 200‒300 × 6.8‒7.8 µm; oxeas also bent in the middle, 283‒340 × 7.8‒9.8 µm (Fig. 15 B). Distribution and ecology. North Carolina, Bahamas, Bermuda, Florida, Colombia, Venezuela, Curaçao, Brazil, on rock patches, mangrove roots and coral reefs at 0.5 to 70 m depth (Alvarez et al. 1998); Panamá (Guzmán & Guevara 1998); Cuba (Alcolado 2002) Quintana Roo (Gómez 2002). Inhabits coral reefs on coral rubble, seaweed and seagrass from 3 to 12 m depth. Rubio-Fernández recorded this species in 1997 as Pseudaxinella lunaecharta in the east border of Campeche Bank, but that record has never been published. Remarks. Dragmacidon reticulatum has never been collected from Veracruz reefs, although there is one unpublished record from the Campeche Bank area (Rubio-Fernández 1997). Being a widespread species around the Caribbean Sea, from shallow to 70 m deep, from reefs to mangrove environments, it had not been recorded inside the Gulf except from Florida, in colder waters than the southern part.

Strongylacidon bermuda (de Laubenfels 1950) (Fig. 9 A���C) Selected synonymy: Fibulia bermuda de Laubenfels, 1950: 52. Material examined. CNPGG ��� 1166 Alacranes reef (22 �� 23 ��� 9.05 ���N 89 �� 40 ��� 49.71 ���W), depth 5 m, 1 /VIII/ 2009 CNPGG ��� 1192 Alacranes reef (22 �� 23 ��� 9.05 ���N 89 �� 40 ��� 49.71 ���W), depth 5 m, 1 /VIII/ 2009. Description. Massive rounded sponge with low mounds (Fig. 9 A), 5 cm in diameter and 3 cm in height. Surface is markedly conulose. These protuberance-like conules are mainly round and evenly distributed all over the surface, 0.5���1.5 mm in height, 1���2 mm apart. Several oscules mainly on top of the sponge are 3���5 mm in diameter. Consistency is firm but slightly compressible. A not so easily detachable thin dermis is visible; with a reticulate pattern of pigmented granules enclosing the pore fields. Color in vivo is black with green subectosomal veins, dark violet or black in alcohol. Skeleton. Without ectosomal skeleton. The choanosomal skeleton consists of poorly defined reticulation made by densely packed tracts of spicules outlining round to irregular meshes (Fig. 9 B). Ill-defined tracts 150���300 ��m in thickness, several of which conform a trellis work towards the surface, making up those conules or tuberculate protuberances of the surface. Connective tracts 30���70 ��m thick, with abundant but loose single strongyles. Spicules. Abundant straight, uniform and slender strongyles, with isodiametric endings 158.6���218 �� 1.3���2.8 ��m (Fig. 9 C), some with rod shaped, and loop shaped ends. Microscleres are absent. Distribution and ecology. Bermuda (de Laubenfels 1950). Inhabits reef environments and reported up to 15 m in depth. This is the first record for the Gulf of Mexico. Remarks. Strongylacidon bermuda has not been recorded again since its original description by de Laubenfels (1950) in Harrington Sound, Bermuda, where it was fairly common. The features described for S. bermuda are consistent with the present material. The massive habit is rather common for S. bermuda, although some differences emerge: 1) massive with a tendency to grow up into rounded lobes, hardly called digitate (de Laubenfels 1950); 2) massive with rounded lobes or low tubes (R��tzler 1986:Fig. 32; as Ulosa) and 3) massive with low mounds (present work)., Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, G��mez, Patricia & Sim��es, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of M��xico, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on page 163, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815, {"references":["Laubenfels, M. W. de (1950) The Porifera of the Bermuda Archipelago. Transactions of the Zoological Society of London, 27, 1 - 154. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1096 - 3642.1950. tb 00227. x","Rutzler, K. (1986) Phylum Porifera (sponges). In: Sterrer, W. (Ed.), Marine Fauna and Flora of Bermuda. John Wiley T Sons, New York, pp. 111 - 127."]}

Chalinula molitba (de Laubenfels, 1949) (Figs. 19 A���B, 22 C) Selected synonymy: Haliclona molitba de Laubenfels, 1949: 9; Wiedenmayer 1977: 81 (as H. (Haliclona) molitba); van Soest, 1980: 9; Alcolado 2002: 67. Reniera carmabi van Soest, 1980: 14. Chalinula molitba; de Weerdt 2000: 55 (with more synonymy). Material examined. CNPGG ��� 121 Sisal Banks reefs (21 �� 26 ��� 16.59 ���N, 90 �� 16 ��� 39 ���W), depth 9 m, 9 /VI/ 2011; CNPGG ��� 1214 Sisal Banks reefs (21 �� 26 ��� 24 ���N, 90 �� 28 ��� 25.39 ���W) depth 15 m 13 /VI/ 2011. Description. Variable in morphology, usually a cluster of small tubules of 3 cm length and 5 cm width. Apical oscules, 3���9 mm in diameter (Fig. 22 C). The consistency is soft, fluffy and easily compressible. The color is dark pink when alive and pink or beige in alcohol. Surface is smooth. Skeleton. Ectosomal skeleton absent. Choanosomal skeleton is an anisotropic network, consisting of paucispicular primary fibres 10���14 ��m in diameter and cored by 1���5 spicules, connected by secondary unispicular fibres or tracts 5.6���10.2 ��m in diameter (Fig. 19 A). The skeleton is dominated by spicules, but still covered by plain spongin. Spicules. Oxeas mostly fusiform but with a trend toward strongyloxeas (Fig. 19 B), 60���134 �� 0.5���2.8 ��m. Distribution and ecology: Florida and throughout the Caribbean (R��tzler et al. 2009), Belize, Bermuda, North Carolina, Florida, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Venezuela, Colombia, Bonaire (de Weerdt 2000); Cuba (Alcolado 2002). Chalinula molitba has been described from mangrove environments and Thalassia meadows, although it has also been reported from deeper habitats, to 18 m depth (de Weerdt 2000). However, its distribution is mainly in shallow water. In the present work the specimens were collected in coral reef environments, associated with coral rubble in depth ranges between 9 to 15 m. This is the first record for Chalinula molitba in Mexico and the southern Gulf of Mexico. Remarks. The present material exactly matches the features described for Chalinula molitba. Even when main traits such as growth form, spicule sizes, and skeletal architecture are notably variable, a series of intermediate forms are found, for which de Weerdt (2000) is commended for details. However its color varies from bright-dark pink, to intense violet, light brown or sometimes brown with yellowish cream tinges. The blue color mentioned by van Soest (1980) is enigmatic and may have been caused by local or other conditions (de Weerdt 2000)., Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, G��mez, Patricia & Sim��es, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of M��xico, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on page 175, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815, {"references":["Wiedenmayer, F. (1977) Shallow water sponges of the Western Bahamas. Experientia Supplementum, 28, 1 - 287. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1007 / 978 - 3 - 0348 - 5797 - 0","Soest, R. W. M van (1980) Marine sponges from Curacao and other Caribbean localities. Part II. Haplosclerida. In: Hummelinck, P. W. & Van der Steen, L. J. (Eds.), Studies on the Fauna of Curacao and other Caribbean Islands. Uitgaven van de Natuurwetenschappelijke Studiekring voor Suriname en de Nederlandse Antillen, No. 104, pp. 1 - 173.","Weerdt, W. H. de (2000) A monograph of the shallow-water Chalinidae (Porifera, Haplosclerida) of the Caribbean. Beaufortia, 50, 1 - 67.","Rutzler, K., Soest, R. W. M. van & Piatoni, C. (2009) Sponge (Porifera) of the Gulf of Mexico. In: Felder, D. L. & Camp, D. K. (Eds.) Gulf of Mexico Origin, Waters, and Biota: Biodiversity. Texas A & M University Press, Texas, pp. 1019 - 1104."]}