O belo antro e a grande oliveira : recep����es da alegoria da caverna na tradi����o neoplat��nica

Desde a Magna Gr��cia de Pit��goras, Emp��docles e Parm��nides, passando pelas rela����es ���perigosas��� entre a sabedoria nascente e as tradi����es ��rfico-dionis��acas, em n��tida continuidade com a mitologia arcaica e as narrativas teog��nicas, dialogando com as pr��ticas m��dicas asclep��ades, a filosofia antiga visita cavernas. A caverna da Rep��blica, uma das mais poderosas e fecundas alegorias do pensamento ocidental, �� simultaneamente herdeira e ponto de fuga da longa trajet��ria dessa met��fora. N��o se pretende aqui, no entanto, compreender a imagem plat��nica como a consuma����o de uma velha tradi����o filos��fica que ���pensa em cavernas���; procura-se, antes, iluminar essa alegoria com a interpreta����o oferecida pela filosofia acad��mica posterior. No Antro das Ninfas, Porf��rio parte de 11 versos de Homero (Od. XIII, 102-112) para habilmente desenhar uma exegese inspirada na teoria plat��nica da alma. A lectio porfiriana permite sugerir que a imagem da caverna revela algo mais que uma simples alegoria liter��ria. Ela d�� prova da exist��ncia de rela����es dial��gicas e circulares entre a filosofia plat��nica e o imagin��rio religioso popular do mundo antigo. _______________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT

Jos�� Rodrigues Santos de Sousa Ramos (1948-2007): The diversity of dynamical systems

Jos�� Rodrigues Santos de Sousa Ramos, mathematician of great merit, passed away on January 1st, 2007, in Lisbon. He was buried in Sobral da Adi��a. His death was a huge loss for the development of mathematics in Portugal. The course of time will increase the dimension of this loss. Therefore, we dedicated this theme issue on Dynamical Systems to recall his memory and underline his work. We never forget you.

P��ginas de un diario sobre acontecimientos en Villa Mills durante el conflicto armado de 1948

ResumenEste diario fue amablemente enviado a la Revista de Historia por la antrop��loga Dra. Mar��a Eugenia Bozzoli, miembro de la Academia de Geograf��a e Historia de Costa Rica, en el mes de diciembre de 2005. Como explic�� Bozzoli en esa ocasi��n, el documento hab��a sido entregado a��os atr��s a esa Academia por el se��or Tom��s M. Zeled��n, quien adjunt�� una carta de presentaci��n explicando c��mo hab��a llegado el diario a sus manos y qui��n era R. J. Phillips. Ambos documentos quedaron archivados en la academia hasta que a��os m��s tarde, a instancias de Bozzoli, el documento fue digitado y enviado a la Revista de Historia. Aunque desconocemos qu�� ha sucedido con el se��or R. J. Phillips, consideramos que la publicaci��n tanto de su diario como de la carta de Tom��s M. Zeled��n es oportuna e importante.

Comentario del libro ���Urnas de lo inesperado, Fraude electoral y lucha pol��tica en Costa Rica (1901 ��� 1948)

Introducci��n Este libro de Iv��n Molina y Fabrice Lehoucq representa un importante aporte a la historia pol��tica relegada a un segundo plano desde por lo menos la d��cada de 1970, cuando la renovaci��n de nuestra disciplina se orient�� a la historia social y econ��mica. En los ��ltimos a��os se ha empezado a remozar la historia pol��tica utilizando novedosas estrategias te��ricas y metodol��gicas que permiten analizar los procesos pol��ticos desde la perspectiva cultural���

Reforma Social y conflicto pol��tico: La Huelga medica como preludio a la guerra civil costarricense de 1948

Introducci��n Con�� raz��n se ha escrito mucho acerca de la d��cada del cuarenta en Costa Rica. Fue�� durante este periodo cuando el Estado comenz�� a�� surgir�� como factor pol��tico y social de�� importancia: se establecieron las bases legales para una reforma social y se crearon las�� instituciones para la administraci��n de esas reformas. Fue tambi��n durante ese periodo cuando surgieron fundamentales y persistentes segmentaciones pol��ticas. Tambi��n por primera vez los grupos pol��ticos organizados comenzaron a�� jugar un papel continuo e importante en la determinaci��n de una interrogante b��sico de la problem��tica social ��Quien consigue que, como y cuando?

Reforma Social y conflicto pol��tico: La Huelga medica como preludio a la guerra civil costarricense de 1948

Introducci��n Con�� raz��n se ha escrito mucho acerca de la d��cada del cuarenta en Costa Rica. Fue�� durante este periodo cuando el Estado comenz�� a�� surgir�� como factor pol��tico y social de�� importancia: se establecieron las bases legales para una reforma social y se crearon las�� instituciones para la administraci��n de esas reformas. Fue tambi��n durante ese periodo cuando surgieron fundamentales y persistentes segmentaciones pol��ticas. Tambi��n por primera vez los grupos pol��ticos organizados comenzaron a�� jugar un papel continuo e importante en la determinaci��n de una interrogante b��sico de la problem��tica social ��Quien consigue que, como y cuando?

Conflicto de clases, crisis pol��tica y destrucci��n de las pr��cticas demogr��ficas en Costa Rica. Reevaluando los or��genes de la Guerra Civil de 1948

ResumenDiscusi��n sobre las m��s importantes obras acerca de la Guerra Civil de 1948. Las formas de entender los or��genes de la guerra son debilitadas por la existencia de recursos emp��ricos cuestionables y por dudosas conclusiones te��ricas. En este art��culo se esboza una forma alternativa de conceptualizar un conflicto que explica las inquietudes no resueltas por los estudios principales de la Guerra Civil de 1948.

Variabilidade amostral das s��ries mensais de precipita����o pluvial em duas regi��es do Brasil: Pelotas-RS e Campinas-SP

O presente trabalho avaliou a variabilidade amostral dos par��metros da distribui����o gama, relativos a s��ries mensais de precipita����o pluvial, nas regi��es de Campinas-SP e Pelotas-RS, que t��m dados para os per��odos de 1890-2006 e 1890-2005, respectivamente. Assim, os espa��os amostrais considerados foram de 58, 39 e 29 anos para Campinas e 58 e 29 anos para Pelotas. As an��lises foram feitas usando o teste da raz��o da m��xima verossimilhan��a. Os resultados apontaram significativas altera����es amostrais. N��o houve indica����es de tend��ncias cont��nuas (redu����o ou aumento) no regime mensal de precipita����o pluvial na regi��o de Campinas-SP. Em contrapartida, esse teste indicou, para a localidade de Pelotas-RS, tend��ncia de eleva����o no regime desse elemento meteorol��gico ocorrida entre as amostras relativas aos anos de 1948 a 1976 e 1977 a 2005.

Mechanisms of pigmentation loss in subterranean fishes

Troglobitic (exclusively subterranean) organisms usually present, among their apomorphies related to the subterranean life (troglomorphisms), the regression of eyes and melanic pigmentation. The degree of regression varies among species, from a slight reduction to the complete loss of eyes and dark pigmentation, without a taxonomic correlation. While mechanisms of eye reduction have been intensively investigated in some troglobites such as the Mexican blind tetra characins, genus Astyanax, and the European salamander, Proteus anguinus, few studies have focused on pigmentation. The Brazilian subterranean ichthyofauna distinguishes not only by the species richness (23 troglobitic fishes so far known) but also by the variation in the degree of reduction of eyes and pigmentation. This study focused on Brazilian fishes completely devoid of melanic pigmentation: the characiform Stygichthys typhlops (Characidae) and the siluriforms Ancistrus formoso (Loricariidae), Rhamdiopsis sp.1 (Heptapteridae; from caves in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia) and Rhamdiopsis sp. 2 (cave in Campo Formoso, Bahia). In order to investigate if such depigmentation is the result of blockage in some step in the melanogenesis, in vitro tests of administration of L-DOPA were done, using caudal-fin fragments extracted from living fish. Except for Rhamdiopsis sp. 2, all the studied species were DOPA(+), i.e., melanin was synthesized after L-DOPA administration. This indicates these fish do have melanophores but they are unable to convert L-tyrosine to L-DOPA. On the other hand, Rhamdiopsis sp. 2, like the albino specimens of Trichomycterus itacarambiensis previously studied (which correspond to one third of the population), are DOPA(-), either because the block of melanin synthesis occurs downstream in melanogenesis, which is probably the case with T. itacarambiensis (monogenic system in view of the phenotypic discontinuity), or because the so-called albinos do no possess melanophores. The physiological loss in the ability to synthesize melanin, apparently caused by different genetic processes in DOPA(+) and in DOPA(-) fishes, may co-exist in subterranean populations with a decrease in the density of melanophores, as observed in the pigmented two thirds of T. itacarambiensis population, a morphological reduction apparently controlled by polygenic systems producing a continuous phenotypic variation.

Reproductive behavior, development and eye regression in the cave armored catfish, Ancistrus cryptophthalmus Reis, 1987 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), breed in laboratory

The troglobitic armored catfish, Ancistrus cryptophthalmus (Loricariidae, Ancistrinae) is known from four caves in the S��o Domingos karst area, upper rio Tocantins basin, Central Brazil. These populations differ in general body shape and degree of reduction of eyes and of pigmentation. The small Passa Tr��s population (around 1,000 individuals) presents the most reduced eyes, which are not externally visible in adults. A small group of Passa Tr��s catfish, one male and three females, reproduced spontaneously thrice in laboratory, at the end of summertime in 2000, 2003 and 2004. Herein we describe the reproductive behavior during the 2003 event, as well as the early development of the 2003 and 2004 offsprings, with focus on body growth and ontogenetic regression of eyes. The parental care by the male, which includes defense of the rock shelter where the egg clutch is laid, cleaning and oxygenation of eggs, is typical of many loricariids. On the other hand, the slow development, including delayed eye degeneration, low body growth rates and high estimated longevity (15 years or more) are characteristic of precocial, or K-selected, life cycles. In the absence of comparable data for close epigean relatives (Ancistrus spp.), it is not possible to establish whether these features are an autapomorphic specialization of the troglobitic A. cryptophthalmus or a plesiomorphic trait already present in the epigean ancestor, possibly favoring the adoption of the life in the food-poor cave environment. We briefly discuss the current hypotheses on eye regression in troglobitic vertebrates.

A cave population of Isbrueckerichthys alipionis (Gosline, 1947) in the Upper Ribeira karst area, southeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)

A cave population of the armored catfish Isbrueckerichthys alipionis is reported from the Santana Cave, in the rio Betari watershed, Upper Ribeira karst area, Iporanga, S��o Paulo State, southeastern Brazil. The cave population was compared to an epigean population of I. alipionis and no significant differences where found in morphology or degree of pigmentation. As the cave population is known for at least 30 years and is apparently isolated from epigean streams, it is classified as troglophilic. The discovery of this troglophilic species in the Santana Cave is an additional strong argument for the conservation of that cave.

Ituglanis mambai, a new subterranean catfish from a karst area of Central Brazil, rio Tocantins basin (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

Ituglanis mambai, new species, is described from a cave in the Mamba�� karst area, State of Goi��s, Central Brazil. The new species distinguishes from epigean and cave congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: posterior supraoccipital fontanel absent; pectoral-fin rays usually i,7; six pleural ribs; total vertebrae 37-38 behind Weberian apparatus; shorter predorsal length (65.1-70.8% SL); shorter caudal peduncle length (8.4-11.9% SL); shorter dorsal-fin base length (7.7-11.3% SL); wider interobital width (29.2-36.5% HL); larger mouth width (43.4-64.0% HL); intermediate between epigean and other cave Ituglanis species as regards to both eyes (diameter varying from 0.5 to1.0 mm in adults, 7.8-10.1 % HL) and pigmentation, composed by irregular light brown spots along the body. The latter indicate the troglobitic status for I. mambai. In addition, this species has the maxillae with a discrete medial-posterior projection; fronto-lacrimal one half-length of the maxillae and pointed backwards; posterior process of palatine half its length, with a tenuous medial concavity; 14 dorsal and 12 ventral procurrent rays. In the natural habitat, I. mambai displayed cryptobiotic habits, trying to hide in the graveled bottom or under boulders when disturbed, apparently showing a negative response to light. It was observed a preference to slow-moving waters. Recent flood marks were observed in the stream conduit in March/April 2007 (end of the rainy season) when less individuals were observed on 300 m of the subterranean stream compared to September 2004 (end of the dry season).

Epigean and subterranean ichthyofauna in Cordisburgo karst area, eastern Brazil

After an ichthyofaunistic survey conducted in May 2007 on surface (epigean) water bodies of Cordisburgo karst area, State of Minas Gerais, 13 species were recorded, mostly characiforms; in addition three non-troglomorphic (normally eyed and pigmented) and one troglomorphic catfish (siluriforms) species were recorded in two caves surveyed at different occasions, totaling 17 fish species for the area. All the nominal species herein reported for Cordisburgo area have been previously reported for the Rio das Velhas basin. None of the species observed in caves were found in epigean habitats and vice-versa. The four cave species are distributed throughout subterranean stream reaches, with individuals at different size/age classes. This, associated to the lack of conspicuous morphological differences in relation to epigean congeners, indicate that Trichomycterus brasiliensis, Gymnotus cf. carapo and Pimelodella cf. vittata are troglophiles (species encompassing individuals able to live and complete their life cycle either in the surface or in the subterranean environment) in the Morena Cave; the latter forms a large population and may be at the beginning of a differentiation process due to isolation in the subterranean habitat, as indicated by a slight reduction in eye size. Topographic isolation may be the cause for the incipient, but unmistakable troglomorphism of the Rhamdiopsis population found in the Salitre Cave, allowing for its classification as troglobite (exclusively subterranean species). The Cordisburgo area is subject to significant anthropic pressure, mainly represented by deforestation for agriculture, cattle raising and timbering. Tourism is an additional important threat for cave communities, calling for urgent protection measures.

Phlebotomines (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the Speleological Province of the Ribeira Valley: 2. Parque Estadual do Alto Ribeira (PETAR), S��o Paulo State, Brazil

The Parque Estadual do Alto Ribeira (PETAR) with about 250 caves, in an Atlantic forest reserve, is an important ecotourist attraction in the Ribeira Valley, an endemic area of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). With the purpose of investigating Leishmania vector species bothersome to humans the sandfly fauna was identified and some of its ecological aspects in the Santana nucleus, captures were undertaken monthly with automatic light traps in 11 ecotopes, including caves, forests, a camping site and domiciliary environments, and on black and white Shannon traps, from January/2001 to December/2002. A total of 2,449 sandflies representing 21 species were captured. The highest values of abundance obtained in the captures with automatic light traps were for Psathyromyia pascalei and Psychodopygus ayrozai. A total of 107 specimens representing 13 species were captured on black (12 species) and white (6 species) Shannon traps set simultaneously. Psychodopygus geniculatus females predominated on the black (43.75%), and Psathyromyia lanei and Ps. ayrozai equally (32.4%) on the white. Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neivai, both implicated in the transmission of ACL in the Brazilian Southeastern region, were also captured. Ny. intermedia predominated in the open camping area. Low frequencies of phlebotomines were observed in the caves, where Evandromyia edwardsi predominated Lutzomyia longipalpis, the main vector of the American visceral leishmaniasis, was aslo present. This is its most southernly reported occurrence in the Atlantic forest.

Phlebotomines (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the Ribeira Valley Speleological Province - 1. Parque Estadual Intervales, state of S��o Paulo, Brazil

The identification of the sandfly fauna and investigation of some ecological aspects of its populations in areas frequented by tourists of the PEI, an Atlantic forest reserve with many caves, were the objective of this study. Captures were undertaken monthly from January 2001 to December 2002, with automatic light traps installed in 13 ecotopes, including caves, forests, domiciliary and peridomiciliary environments, and by aspiration in armadillo burrows. Additionally, although not at regular intervals, Shannon traps were installed in forests and anthropic environments, aspirations were made on cave walls, among roots and fallen leaves, and some insects were captured while biting researchers. A total of 891 sandflies belonging to 21 species were captured. Six hundred specimens representing 19 species were captured with light traps, 215 in anthropic (2.24 insects/trap) and 385 in extra-domiciliary (1.46 insects/trap) environments. Brumptomyia troglodytes was the most abundant species (the Standardised Index of Species Abundance = 0.705). Pintomyia monticola predominated in the Shannon traps and showed anthropophilic and diurnal activity. Psathyromyia pascalei predominated in the aspirations; the largest number being in armadillo burrows. Eleven species were captured in caves; although some might be troglophiles, the majority used these ecotopes as resting places. Nyssomyia intermedia, Nyssomyia neivai and Migonemyia migonei, implicated in the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Southeastern Brazilian region, were all found, though in such low densities as to suggest minimal risk of the disease in the PEI.