Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Orb‐web spiders (Araneae: Araneomorphae; Orbiculariae) captured by hunting‐wasps (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in an area of Atlantic Forest in south‐eastern Brazil

Members of two hunting‐wasp families, Pompilidae and Sphecidae, are among the major predators of orb‐web spiders. In this study, we collected paralysed spiders from natural nests and trap‐nests provisioned by sphecids in an area of Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and compared these data with the composition of species collected by visual searching during one year. Prey preferences were analysed based on the relative abundance of spider species, their size and web characteristics. We also compiled a list of orb‐weavers captured by four sphecid genera reported in 40 other studies. A large number of prey was obtained from natural nests of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) albonigrum in Parque Estadual Intervales, especially species of Eustala, Parawixia, and Araneus (Araneidae). Other prey, stored in trap‐nests by T. lactitarse and unidentified hunting‐wasp species, included Nephila (Tetragnathidae), Parawixia, Ocrepeira, Mecynogea, Acacesia (Araneidae), and other spider species that were less abundant. All the species that were heavily preyed upon had a relatively lower abundance in our samples of prey availability. The range of body sizes of spiders captured by Trypoxylon in our study area include the size of some abundant orb‐weavers always absent in their nests. These results indicate that factors other than abundance in the field and the spider's size influence prey selection or susceptibility to attack.
Effect of herbicide glean on mitosis, chromosomes and nucleic acids in Allium cepa and Vicia faba root meristems.

The effect of various treatments of glean on mitotic activity, chromosomes and DNA amounts in the root tips of A. cepa and V. faba has been investigated. This herbicide remarkably inhibited mitotic division and depressed the DNA and RNA in the root meristems of both plants. Glean induced chromosome damage in both plants comprised of mitotic abnormalities, chromosomal aberrations and chromosomal stickiness. The effect of this herbicide on mitosis in relation to its action on DNA and RNA and on the chromosomes is discussed.
Population structure, reproductive biology and feeding of Astyanax fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819) in an Upper Paraná River tributary, Misiones, Argentina

AIM: The genus Astyanax is one of the richest in number of species and has one of the widest geographical distributions in Argentina, being possible to find in nine ichthyogeographic ecoregions. The aim of the present work was to analyze the population structure of Astyanax fasciatus in the Garupa Stream, Province of Misiones, Argentina, considering its distribution by size, standard length-total weight relationship and aspects of its reproductive and feeding biology; METHODS: A total of eight experimental fishing campaigns were carried out between September 2002 and May 2004, in agreement with the seasons of the year, using a set of gillnets; RESULTS: We captured a total of 386 individuals, 70% of which in the Middle Basin in autumn and winter. The following gonad stages were identified in both males and females: resting, maturing, mature and spawning. The highest gonadal activity corresponded to the autumn-winter period. The Middle Basin showed the highest capture of individuals in reproductive activity, thus reflecting the seasonality of spawning. The average fecundity was of 4000 oocytes, being 1100 µm the largest oocyte diameter. The mean standard length of the total catch was 99.3 mm and females reached larger sizes than males (P < 0.05). The standard length varied according to the seasons of the year. Both sexes presented an isometric growth (b = 3). Females presented the highest values of K in spring and summer, whereas males did so in spring. The K-GSI relationship reflected that the highest K values corresponded to the lowest GSI ones. We found that A. fasciatus feeds on a wide variety of foods of both plant and animal origin. The food items of plant origin presented the highest index of occurrence; CONCLUSIONS: The long spawning seasons and the recruitment along all four seasons of the year allow characterizing A. fasciatus as a foraging species that is very well adapted to the environment studied in this work.
No variation is detected in the chloroplast genome of Pinustorreyana

Pinustorreyana Parry ex Carriere has only two extant populations, containing less than 10 000 individuals in total. The two populations are in California, in San Diego County and on the island Santa Rosa. They are separated by 280 km and have been isolated for more than 8000 years. Random genetic drift over this period of time should have resulted in genetic differentiation between the two populations. We surveyed the chloroplast DNA of 24 individuals of P. torreyana for both restriction site and length polymorphisms with 26 restriction enzymes. The San Diego and Santa Rosa populations were monomorphic at over 150 restriction sites. Moreover, there was no detectable length variation. The results of this study suggest that P. torreyana has been monomorphic at these sites since before the two populations were isolated.
Stand dynamics and natural regeneration in silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) plantations after traditional rotation age

Abstract: In the Apennine mountains most pure silver fir stands originated from planting and were managed according to the traditional model, with clear cutting and a 100 year rotation. In the last decades in most of these stands there has been a change towards nature conservation and active management has stopped. The aim of this work was (1) to analyse stand dynamics and spontaneous regeneration processes that are taking place with increasing age in even aged fir plantations, and (2) to discuss if these processes can be useful for defining management approaches answering biodiversity conservation aims. The study was carried out in the Vallombrosa Forest (Central Italy). The relationship between fir stand age and structural parameters was analyzed using inventory data. Gap dynamics were monitored between 1983 and 2007 on the basis of remote sensing data. Based on a field survey of a sample of gaps, species composition and density of seedlings and saplings were analysed in relation to gap size and within-gap position. From 1983 to 2007 the number of gaps and their total area increased, following increasing stand age. Significant relationships (p < 0.01) were found between fir stand age and number of trees per hectare (r = -0.30), quadratic mean diameter (r = 0.65) and volume per hectare (r = 0.50). In the fir stands with lower stand density, a layer of trees with DBH < 15 cm had filled in the structure: fifteen different broadleaf species were recorded in this layer, usually mixed with fir. Gap size had an influence on presence of young firs (seedlings and fir < 0.5 m), which were significantly more numerous in gaps < 200 m2, but it had relatively limited influence on species diversity. Within-gap position did not influence regeneration density. Results indicate that a possible management option for gradually transforming even aged fir plantations in the Apennines into mixed, naturally regenerating systems, could be based on the creation of small gaps (< 200 m2) in the canopy cover, simulating the natural dynamics that are taking place in ageing fir plantations.
Seasonal changes in the population density and reproduction of the ricefield rat, Rattus argentiventer (Rodentia: Muridae), in West Java

Les changements saisonniers de la densite d'une population de rats (Rattus argentiventer) ont ete etudies de 1988 a 1990 en Indonesie, dans l'ouest de Java, dans les champs de riz de Jatisari, par capture-recapture. Les resultats ont montre qu'il existe annuellement deux periodes de pic qui ont lieu de deux a quatre semaines apres la recolte du riz. Les rats ont deux periodes de reproduction, l'une pendant la saison des pluies et l'autre pendant la saison seche. Le taux de survie a ete plus eleve a la fin de la periode des naissances et plus bas en dehors de la periode de reproduction. En general, la reproduction etait maximale quand le riz etait en train de prendre. L'immigration a ete le facteur principal a l'origine de l'augmentation de la population du rat des rizieres. Parmi les etapes de developpement du riz, la periode de production des graines a ete celle qui a le plus affecte les fluctuations de population.
Temnodontosaurus risor is a juvenile of T. platyodon (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria)

ABSTRACT Most ichthyosaurs from the English Lower Jurassic are dolphin-sized, with skull lengths of about 500 mm and body lengths of up to 2,500 mm. Very large ichthyosaurs are rare, and the largest and best known of these is Temnodontosaurus platyodon, with skull lengths ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 mm and body lengths of up to about 9,000 mm. Two other species are referrred to the genus Temnodontosaurus, T. eurycephalus and T. risor. The former, known from a single 950 mm long skull, is characterized by its much shortened snout. T. risor, erected upon three isolated skulls ranging in length from 655 to 800 mm, is like T. platyodon but differs in having a slightly larger orbit, smaller maxilla, and a curved snout. An almost complete, three-dimensionally preserved skeleton was recently found which can be identified as T. risor but which has a slightly longer skull than the other referred specimens. The skull is remarkably large relative to the post-cranial skeleton, suggestive of immaturity, and this is su.
Differential effects of UV-B radiation fluence rates on growth, photosynthesis, and phosphate metabolism in two cyanobacteria under copper toxicity

This work was undertaken to ascertain the impact of different fluence rates of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on two cyanobacterial biofertilizers, Phormidium foveolarum and Nostoc muscorum, growing under copper toxicity. Copper (2 and 5 µmol L−1) and high UV-B fluence rate (UV-BH; 1.0 µmol m−2 s−1) decreased the growth, pigment content, photosynthetic oxygen yield, phosphate uptake, and acid phosphatase activity in both the strains analyzed after 24 and 72 h of experiments, and combined exposure further enhanced the toxic effects. Respiration and alkaline phosphatase activities were stimulated appreciably. The damaging effect was shown on the order on pigments: phycocyanin > chlorophyll a > carotenoids, and on photosystems: whole chain photosynthetic reaction > photosystem II > photosystem I. Partial recovery in the photosystem II activity in the presence of artificial electron donors; diphenyl carbazide (DPC), hydroxylamine (NH2OH), and manganese chloride (MnCl2) pointed out the interruption of electron flow on the oxidation side of photosystem II. Unlike UV-BH, low UV-B fluence rate (UV-BL; 0.1 µmol m−2 s−1), rather than causing damaging effect partially, alleviated the toxic effects of Cu. This study suggests that the cyanobacterium P. foveolarum is less sensitive against UV-BH and excess Cu (2 and 5 µmol L−1), thus P. foveolarum may be used as a biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.
The Role of Dopamine Receptors in Regulating the Size of Axonal Arbors

Factors that regulate terminal arbor size of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) neurons during development and after injury are not well understood. This study examined the role of dopamine receptors in regulating arbor size. Terminal arbors were examined in mice with targeted deletion of the D1 or D2 dopamine receptor [D1(−/−) and D2(−/−) mice, respectively]. Terminal trees were also examined after treatment with receptor blockers and after partial SNpc lesions. Immunohistochemistry was performed, and the number of SNpc neurons and dopaminergic terminals in the striatum was estimated. The number of dopaminergic SNpc neurons were reduced in D1(−/−) and D2(−/−) mice. Density of dopaminergic terminals was unchanged in D1(−/−) mice and increased in D2 (−/−) mice. Steady-state striatal DA and DOPAC levels revealed that dopamine activity was enhanced in D2(−/−) mice but reduced in D1(−/−) mice. Two months after partial SNpc lesions, striatal terminal density was normal in both wild-type and D1(−/−) mice but reduced in D2(−/−) mice. Administration of DA receptor antagonists resulted in larger terminal arbors in D1(−/−) and wild-type mice, whereas D2(−/−) mice showed no change in terminal density. Functional blockade of the D2R during development or in the adult brain results in increased axonal sprouting. Partial SNpc lesions resulted in compensatory sprouting, only in mice with functional D2R. These results suggest that individual dopaminergic axons in D2(−/−) mice have reached maximal arbor size. We conclude that the D2 receptor may play a role in modulating the extent of the terminal arbor of SNpc neurons.
Spring Wheat Response to Herbicides Applied at Three Growth Stages

(.) Field studies were conducted at Torrington, WY on a Bayard fine sandy loam (coarse loamy, mixed, mesic Torriothentic Haplustoll) in 1984 and 1985 to evaluate the response of «Oslo» spring wheat to 10 broadleaf herbicide treatments applied at three growth stages (.)
Variations in the Number of Vertebrae and Other Meristic Characters of Fishes Correlated with the Temperature of Water during Development

FOR several years I have been studying the correlations between altered environmental conditions and the number of vertebrT and other segmentally arranged structures in fishes. Johannes Schmidt, of the Carlsberg Laboratory in Copenhagen, has been carrying on a series of intensive investigations (see bibliography) which deal with the same problem, and which are for the greater part rather closely paralleled by my own studies. Both of us have obtained, independently, a rather large volume of experimental and observational evidence indicating that the meristic characters displayed by an individual fish a-re determined not alone by heredity, but in part also by the environmental conditions, particularly temperature, which prevail during some sensitive developmental period. II
Variation in Water-Use Efficiency and Its Components in Wheat: II. Pot and Field Experiments

Two models have been suggested to facilitate the study of genetic variation for seasonal water-use efficiency (WUE) and its components in spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). These models were used to estimate the contribution of each component trait to variation in WUE. Eight diverse bread wheat cultivars were grown in replicated pot and field experiments under well-watered and droughted conditions. Significant genotypic variation was observed for WUE (ratio of grain yield to water used), evapotranspiration efficiency (ETE, ratio of total dry matter to water used), and harvest index (HI, ratio of grain yield to total dry matter). Modern short cultivars, on average, had higher WUE than old tall cultivars in well-watered (1.225 vs. 0.984 g kg -1 ) and droughted (1.198 vs. 0.860 g kg -1 ) pot conditions, due mainly to higher HI. Two old tall cultivars exhibited highest values for ETE. Harvest index and ETE accounted for 85 and 15% and for 81 and 19% of variation in WUE in well-watered and droughted conditions, respectively. Harvest index had a higher direct effect and was more highly associated with WUE than ETE. The negative correlation between HI and ETE was not significant. Carbon isotope discrimination (A) showed negative correlation with ETE in well-watered (- 0.82) and droughted (-0.68) treatments. Grain yield and HI of modern short cultivars, on average, were higher than those of old tall cultivars under field conditions. Mean Δ was lower in droughted (17.9‰) than in well-watered (18,9‰) field conditions. Plant growth rates estimated at boot stage and at anthesis were negatively associated with a drought susceptibility index based on grain yield. Drought susceptibility index was not correlated with A. Water-use efficiency in wheat could be improved by improving either transpiration efficiency or ETE.
Microsaurs as possible apodan ancestors

The specific ancestry and nature of the relationships of modern amphibians have not yet been established. Detailed comparisons of the anatomy of the skull roof, palate and braincase of living apodans and the Paleozoic microsaur Goniorhynchus demonstrate greater similarities than between apodans and any other group of amphibians, fossil or recent. Unlike any other amphibians, extensive pleurosphenoid ossifications are developed in the area of the Vth nerve, uniting the otic capsule with the sphenethmoid. Other important features that they share (although not uniquely) include the presence of all the primitive dermal elements of the palate, a solidly roofed temporal region, a row of palatal teeth parallel to the marginal dentition and a row of teeth on the medial surface of the lower jaw. The stapes has a similar configuration and position, totally different from that of frogs and salamanders. Such similarities do not necessarily prove close relationship, but indicate the necessity for considering that apodans may have an ancestry distinct from that of frogs and salamanders.
Immunoelectron microscopy of deoxyribonucleic acid in procaryotic cells.

In preliminary experiments, we have applied the ultrathin frozen-sectioning technique to the immunoelectron microscopic labeling of DNA in procaryotic cells. In addition to two anti-DNA antibodies that immunolabeled total DNA, we used an anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) antibody that specifically detected the BrdUrd that was newly incorporated into the DNA of a thymine auxotroph that was deprived of thymine and then pulsed with BrdUrd. The immunolabeling of the incorporated BrdUrd was largely confined to the cell periphery, whereas the labeling of the bulk of the DNA was largely interior. These results are briefly discussed.
Ecosystem processes are rarely included in tactical fisheries management

Fish stock productivity, and thereby sensitivity to harvesting, depends on physical (e.g. ocean climate) and biological (e.g. prey availability, competition and predation) processes in the ecosystem. The combined impacts of such ecosystem processes and fisheries have lead to stock collapses across the world. While traditional fisheries management focuses on harvest rates and stock biomass, incorporating the impacts of such ecosystem processes are one of the main pillars of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). Although EAFM has been formally adopted widely since the 1990s, little is currently known to what extent ecosystem drivers of fish stock productivity are actually implemented in fisheries management. Based on worldwide review of more than 1200 marine fish stocks, we found that such ecosystem drivers were implemented in the tactical management of only 24 stocks. Most of these cases were in the North Atlantic and north-east Pacific, where the scientific support is strong. However, the diversity of ecosystem drivers implemented, and in the approaches taken, suggests that implementation is largely a bottom-up process driven by a few dedicated experts. Our results demonstrate that tactical fisheries management is still predominantly single-species oriented taking little account of ecosystem processes, implicitly ignoring that fish stock production is dependent on the physical and biological conditions of the ecosystem. Thus, while the ecosystem approach is highlighted in policy, key aspects of it tend yet not to be implemented in actual fisheries management.
Phloem of White Pine and Other Coniferous Species

1. In Massachusetts, cambial division in white pine starts as early as February in some years, and is rapid during May. Phloem differentiation may lag until late summer or early fall, and daughter cells may remain in various stages of maturity through the winter. 2. Sieve tube differentiation starts with a localization of the nucleus in a protoplasmic bridge in the center of the cell. Rapid turgor expansion follows, bulging the pit areas and enlarging the cell. Protoplasmic streaming and vital stain accumulation indicate a high state of cell activity. As the sieve tube matures the nucleus disintegrates; the cytoplasm ceases streaming, becomes fibroid in consistency, develops an affinity for stains, and assumes a parietal position in the cell. The cell walls thicken, secondary walls are formed, and the connecting protoplasmic threads of the sieve areas stain heavily. Cessation of streaming, loss of the power to accumulate vital stains, and absence of plasmolysis in the presence of hypertonic solutions indicate a low activity state and a high permeability of mature sieve tube cytoplasm. 3. Denaturing of the protoplasm of the connecting threads is attended by callus formation in their immediate vicinity. Starch grains in the sieve tube plastids are released into the lumen and float free in the liquid contained there. 4. Senility of the sieve tube is attended by increase in the volume of callus on the sieve areas, a thinning down and loss of staining affinity by the cytoplasm, and a reduction in the numbers of starch grains. 5. Death of the sieve tube results in loss of the cytoplasm and callus, invasion of the lumen by air from the outer bark, and finally collapse of the elements. 6. White pine phloem contains no fibers; secondary wall thickening occurs in sieve tubes. Other genera of conifers have phloem fibers, and secondary wall thickening is confined to these elements, which are lignified. 7. Protoplasmic connections in the sieve areas of white pine are slender, solid, and fibroid in structure throughout the functioning period. Those of redwood are even more slender, consisting of anastomosing strands. 8. The picture of the functioning sieve tube of the conifers developed during these studies offers little support to theories of phloem transport requiring protoplasmic streaming or a high activity state in the mature sieve tube cytoplasm.
Spawning success of males using alternative mating tactics in sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka

Protein electrophoresis was used to determine the relative spawning success of jack sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, males when they joined spawnings of larger, older individuals in experimental enclosures in the natal stream, Pierre Creek, Babine Lake, British Columbia. We attempted to relate the results to distance of the jack from female before spawning and relative size of the jack to the alpha male. Further, we measured the relationships between relative gonad size and available sperm volume to body size to determine if sperm competition could also play a role in determining the relative spawning success of males. Jack spawning success was variable (3-93%) and not significantly different from that of large males, even though they were further from the female before spawning, had smaller gonads, and had less available sperm. Jack males were adept at sneaking, usually commencing spawning within a split second of the alpha male and always on the opposite, free, side of the spawning female. The result.
Foraging Strategy and Predation Risk as Factors Influencing Emergence Time in Echolocating Bats

We hypothesized that interspecific differences in evening emergence time among echolocating bats are subject to natural selection through effects of variation in food availability and predation risk, both of which are related to flight technique and foraging strategy. We predicted that bats that feed on small aerial insects emerge relatively early to get access to the peak in flight activity of small dipterans at dusk. By emerging well before dark, however, they expose themselves to increased risks of predation and/or harassment from raptorial or insectivorous birds which may still be active. Bats that can feed independently of the dusk peak of dipterans, i.e. those that are adapted to feed on moths, on flightless or diurnal prey or on plants, would be expected to emerge later, thus minimizing the predation risk. We tested these predictions by analysis of two data bases: one including European bats only and another including a worldwide sample. The predictions were largely supported. The evening emergence time appears to be a function of dietary specializations and foraging strategy, and is probably also affected by the ability to avoid predation.