Key Biological Traits Research Articles

Shifting microbial communities in acidified seawaters: insights from polychaetes living in the CO2 vent of Ischia, Italy.

Oceans' absorption of human-related CO2 emissions leads to a process called ocean acidification (OA), consisting of the decrease of the seawater pH with negative consequences for many marine organisms. In this study, we investigate the microbial community of two species of polychaetes found in naturally acidified CO2 vents: the nereid Platynereis massiliensis complex and the syllid Syllis prolifera. Animals were collected in the CO2 vents of Castello Aragonese (Gulf of Naples, Ischia, Italy) in three zones at decreasing pH. For the analysis of the microbiome, the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of 40 worm samples was sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform. No difference in the microbial alpha diversity of both species was highlighted. On the contrary, the microbial composition of worms collected in the site at normal pH was different from that of the individuals obtained from the sites at lower pH. This effect was evident also in samples from the site with a slight, but relevant, degree of acidification. Amplicon sequence variants showing a significant variation among the groups of samples collected from different pH zones were reported for both polychaetes, but no common trend of variation was observed. The present study deepens our knowledge about the composition of polychaete microbiome in marine naturally acidified sites. Our results stress the importance of future investigations about the connection between the variation of environmental and polychaete microbial communities induced by OA and about the effect of these variations on polychaete key biological and ecological traits.

Exploring the potential of omics technologies in medicinal plant research: A review in Colombia

This review presents advances in the implementation of high-throughput sequencing and its application to the knowledge of medicinal plants. We conducted a bibliographic search of papers published in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and analyzed the obtained data using VOSviewer (version 1.6.19). Given that medicinal plants are a source of specialized metabolites with immense therapeutic values and important pharmacological properties, plant researchers around the world have turned their attention toward them and have begun to examine them widely. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have reduced cost and time demands and accelerated medicinal plant research. Such research leverages full genome sequencing, as well as RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequencing and the analysis of the transcriptome, to identify molecular markers of species and functional genes that control key biological traits, as well as to understand the biosynthetic pathways of bioactive metabolites and regulatory mechanisms of environmental responses. As such, the omics (e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics, among others) have been widely applied within the study of medicinal plants, although their usage in Colombia is still few and, in some areas, scarce.

Macro-scale relationship between body mass and timing of bird migration

Clarifying migration timing and its link with underlying drivers is fundamental to understanding the evolution of bird migration. However, previous studies have focused mainly on environmental drivers such as the latitudes of seasonal distributions and migration distance, while the effect of intrinsic biological traits remains unclear. Here, we compile a global dataset on the annual cycle of migratory birds obtained by tracking 1531 individuals and 177 populations from 186 species, and investigate how body mass, a key intrinsic biological trait, influenced timings of the annual cycle using Bayesian structural equation models. We find that body mass has a strong direct effect on departure date from non-breeding and breeding sites, and indirect effects on arrival date at breeding and non-breeding sites, mainly through its effects on migration distance and a carry-over effect. Our results suggest that environmental factors strongly affect the timing of spring migration, while body mass affects the timing of both spring and autumn migration. Our study provides a new foundation for future research on the causes of species distribution and movement.

Using point-of-care devices to examine covariation among blood nutritional-physiological parameters and their relationships with poxvirus infection, habitat urbanization, and male plumage coloration in house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus).

The development of inexpensive and portable point-of-care devices for measuring nutritional physiological parameters from blood (e.g., glucose, ketones) has accelerated our understanding and assessment of real-time variation in human health, but these have infrequently been tested or implemented in wild animals, especially in relation to other key biological or fitness-related traits. Here we used point-of-care devices to measure blood levels of glucose, ketones, uric acid, and triglycerides in free-ranging house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus)-a common songbird in North America that has been well-studied in the context of urbanization, nutrition, health, and sexual selection-during winter and examined (1) repeatability of these methods for evaluating blood levels in these wild passerines, (2) intercorrelations among these measurements within individuals, (3) how blood nutritional-physiology metrics related to a bird's body condition, habitat of origin (urban vs. suburban), poxvirus infection, and sex; and (4) if the expression of male sexually selected plumage coloration was linked to any of the nutritional-physiological metrics. All blood-nutritional parameters were repeatable. Also, there was significant positive covariation between concentrations of circulating triglycerides and glucose and triglycerides and uric acid. Urban finches had higher blood glucose concentrations than suburban finches, and pox-infected individuals had lower blood triglyceride concentrations than uninfected ones. Last, redder males had higher blood glucose, but lower uric acid levels. These results demonstrate that point-of-care devices can be useful, inexpensive ways of measuring real-time variation in the nutritional physiology of wild birds.

Genomic basis of melanin-associated phenotypes suggests colour-specific environmental adaptations in tawny owls.

Feathers comprise a series of evolutionary innovations but also harbour colour, a key biological trait known to co-vary with life history or complex traits. Those relationships are particularly true in melanin-based pigmentation species due to known pleiotropic effects of the melanocortin pathway - originating from melanin-associated phenotypes. Here, we explore the molecular basis of melanin colouration and expected co-variation at the molecular level in the melanin-based, colour polymorphic system of the tawny owl (Strix aluco). An extensive body of literature has revealed that grey and brown tawny owl colour morphs differ in a series of life history and behavioural traits. Thus, it is plausible to expect co-variation also at molecular level between colour morphs. To investigate this possibility, we assembled the first draft genome of the species against which we mapped ddRADseq reads from 220 grey and 150 brown morphs - representing 10 years of pedigree data from a population in Southern Finland - and explored genome-wide associations with colour phenotype. Our results revealed putative molecular signatures of cold adaptation strongly associated with the grey phenotype, namely, a non-synonymous substitution in MCHR1, plus 2 substitutions in non-coding regions of FTCD and FAM135A whose genotype combinations obtained a predictive power of up to 100% (predicting grey colour). These suggest a molecular basis of cold environment adaptations predicted to be grey-morph specific. Our results potentially reveal part of the molecular machinery of melanin-associated phenotypes and provide novel insights towards understanding the functional genomics of colour polymorphism in melanin-based pigmented species.

Haplotype-resolved genome assembly of Phanera championii reveals molecular mechanisms of flavonoid synthesis and adaptive evolution.

Phanera championii is a medicinal liana plant that has successfully adapted to hostile karst habitats. Despite extensive research on its medicinal components and pharmacological effects, the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of critical flavonoids and its adaptation to karst habitats remain elusive. In this study, we performed high-coverage PacBio and Hi-C sequencing of P. championii, which revealed its high heterozygosity and phased the genome into two haplotypes: Hap1 (384.60 Mb) and Hap2 (383.70 Mb), encompassing a total of 58 612 annotated genes. Comparative genomes analysis revealed that P. championii experienced two whole-genome duplications (WGDs), with approximately 59.59% of genes originating from WGD events, thereby providing a valuable genetic resource for P. championii. Moreover, we identified a total of 112 genes that were strongly positively selected. Additionally, about 81.60 Mb of structural variations between the two haplotypes. The allele-specific expression patterns suggested that the dominant effect of P. championii was the elimination of deleterious mutations and the promotion of beneficial mutations to enhance fitness. Moreover, our transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed alleles in different tissues or different haplotypes collectively regulate the synthesis of flavonoid metabolites. In summary, our comprehensive study highlights the significance of genomic and morphological adaptation in the successful adaptation of P. championii to karst habitats. The high-quality phased genomes obtained in this study serve as invaluable genomic resources for various applications, including germplasm conservation, breeding, evolutionary studies, and elucidation of pathways governing key biological traits of P. championii.

From single- to multi-omics: future research trends in medicinal plants.

Medicinal plants are the main source of natural metabolites with specialised pharmacological activities and have been widely examined by plant researchers. Numerous omics studies of medicinal plants have been performed to identify molecular markers of species and functional genes controlling key biological traits, as well as to understand biosynthetic pathways of bioactive metabolites and the regulatory mechanisms of environmental responses. Omics technologies have been widely applied to medicinal plants, including as taxonomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, genomics, pangenomics, epigenomics and mutagenomics. However, because of the complex biological regulation network, single omics usually fail to explain the specific biological phenomena. In recent years, reports of integrated multi-omics studies of medicinal plants have increased. Until now, there have few assessments of recent developments and upcoming trends in omics studies of medicinal plants. We highlight recent developments in omics research of medicinal plants, summarise the typical bioinformatics resources available for analysing omics datasets, and discuss related future directions and challenges. This information facilitates further studies of medicinal plants, refinement of current approaches and leads to new ideas.

Abstract A031: Proteogenomic analysis of the PDAC epithelium reveals tissue markers of subtype identity and biology

Abstract Effective treatments for Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain an urgent need. Integration of molecular PDAC subtypes into clinical trials could enable translational insights into how we might refine existing and emerging therapies to improve treatment options, yet this requires robust clinically suitable marker genes and a better understanding of subtype-related biology. Here, we deeply profiled the molecular composition of human PDAC epithelia and assessed differentially expressed genes for their ability to discriminate between subtypes and mirror their key biological traits. Using well-annotated resected & advanced biospecimens, we mapped the stromal and epithelial landscapes of PDAC subtypes by combining compartment-specific transcriptomics and proteomics with quantitative image analysis of a 42-marker IHC panel and single cell RNA sequencing analyses. The integrated profiling yielded a shortlist of 30 genes that were differentially expressed at both transcriptomic and proteomic levels, and across primary and metastatic sites. These were then scrutinized for their suitability as potential single gene subtype markers through association with subtype-related epithelial and stromal biology and clinical outcomes, and via practical considerations such as immunohistochemical staining quality and cell type-specific expression patterns. Since PDAC subtypes frequently co-occur intratumorally, we furthermore assessed complementarity of different subtype marker combinations and tested association of individual markers with regional subtype biology. Annexin A8 emerged as strong IHC-suitable marker gene of the basal/squamous subtype, that exhibited prognostic and predictive value. Concordantly, Annexin A8 expression was highly correlated with TP63, a master transcription factor for the squamous subtype, and CK5, a well-established basal cell marker. In tissue stains and single cell RNAseq data, Annexin A8 specifically marked malignant epithelia but was absent from adjacent normal acini and stroma cell populations. Annexin A8 expression in PDAC epithelia was spatially distinct from the known classical subtype biomarker GATA6, as well as Claudin 18, which was the top classical/pancreatic progenitor marker gene in our integrated multiOMIC analysis. Furthermore, Annexin A8high tumors as well as Annexin A8high intratumoral regions both recapitulated key biological traits of the basal-like/squamous PDAC subtype, such as increased EMT marker expression, proliferation, hypoxia, macrophage attraction and T cell repulsion. In conclusion, integrated proteogenomic characterization of PDAC subtypes and their tissue features uncovers complementary subtype marker pairs with clinical potential and provides insights into subtype-specific biology with implications in the development of future therapeutic approaches tailored to each PDAC subtype. Citation Format: Barbara T. Grünwald, Foram Vyas, Michael Geuenich, Nathan Chan, Ricardo Gonzalez, Kazeera Aliar, Niklas Krebs, Antoine Devisme, Geoffroy Andrieux, Gun Ho Jang, Grainne O'Kane, Julie Wilson, Jennifer Knox, Faiyaz Notta, Kieran Campbell, Steven Gallinger, Melanie Boerries, Sandra Fischer, Thomas Kislinger, Rama Khokha. Proteogenomic analysis of the PDAC epithelium reveals tissue markers of subtype identity and biology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer; 2022 Sep 13-16; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(22 Suppl):Abstract nr A031.

Comparing morphological, parasitological, and genetic traits of an invasive minnow between intermittent and perennial stream reaches

Abstract Invasive fishes are a major environmental issue at the global scale, particularly for their impacts on freshwater ecosystems via the mechanisms of hybridisation, competition, predation, and disease transmission. This is of special conservation concern on the Iberian Peninsula due to the high level of endemism. With the aim to improve our knowledge on the invasion process of non‐native fishes, the present study consists of analysing key biological traits potentially related to their colonisation capacity: morphology, parasite communities, and genetic diversity. A non‐native population of Languedoc minnow Phoxinus septimaniae (leuciscid species native to south‐east France) was assessed in Tordera Stream (north‐eastern Iberian Peninsula). Fish were sampled in mid‐May (reproductive period) 2018 and 2019. Biological traits were compared between colonising and resident individuals from stream reaches of intermittent and perennial flow, respectively. After adjusting for fish size/body mass with analysis of covariance, body condition and health status (external and internal examination) tended to be better in the intermittent reach. Parasite load (number) and diversity (Shannon index) were significantly higher in the perennial reach. Fish development was also more stable in colonising minnow, as detected by low levels of fluctuating asymmetry for the eye diameter and the length of pectoral fins (adjusted for bilateral character size). Genetic diversity (microsatellite markers) was lower in resident minnow. Minnow genetic homozygosity (index of internal relatedness) was positively associated with parasite load and developmental instability (high fluctuating asymmetry levels). Our results show that colonising minnows display particular profiles of morphological, parasitological, and genetic traits that apparently allow these individuals to increase their dispersal capacity to survive and reproduce in harsher environmental conditions. The potential mechanisms may be related to a wider physiological tolerance, better immune response, parasite resistance/tolerance, and genetic diversity in colonising specimens. Such information reveals the specific traits of successful fish invaders under a seasonal colonisation dynamic. These data are relevant for environmental managers, to predict and identify areas vulnerable to invasion, in order to establish monitoring programmes for early detection, which will help to reduce the spread of non‐native fish populations.

A pan-genome and chromosome-length reference genome of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) reveals genomic diversity and insights into key industry and biological traits.

SUMMARYNarrow‐leafed lupin (NLL; Lupinus angustifolius) is a key rotational crop for sustainable farming systems, whose grain is high in protein content. It is a gluten‐free, non‐genetically modified, alternative protein source to soybean (Glycine max) and as such has gained interest as a human food ingredient. Here, we present a chromosome‐length reference genome for the species and a pan‐genome assembly comprising 55 NLL lines, including Australian and European cultivars, breeding lines and wild accessions. We present the core and variable genes for the species and report on the absence of essential mycorrhizal associated genes. The genome and pan‐genomes of NLL and its close relative white lupin (Lupinus albus) are compared. Furthermore, we provide additional evidence supporting LaRAP2‐7 as the key alkaloid regulatory gene for NLL and demonstrate the NLL genome is underrepresented in classical NLR disease resistance genes compared to other sequenced legume species. The NLL genomic resources generated here coupled with previously generated RNA sequencing datasets provide new opportunities to fast‐track lupin crop improvement.

A comparative study reveals the key biological traits causing bioinvasion differences among four alien species of genus Veronica in China

Abstract The four alien farmland weeds of genus Veronica (i.e. V. arvensis, V. didyma, V. hederifolia and V. persica) have successfully colonized in China, but caused different ecological consequences in the colonized habitats. However, the key biological traits conferring bioinvasion differences under different light conditions among the four alien species of Veronica remain unknown. A comprehensive contrastive analysis experiment was conducted to assess the contribution of the intensity of photosynthetic and sexual and asexual reproductive traits of the four alien Veronica weeds to their invasion level in both field trial and laboratory. The field survey showed that V. persica had the highest invasion level, followed by V. didyma, V. hederifolia and V. arvensis. Their invasiveness was mainly attributed to photosynthetic-related parameters (LMA) and asexual reproduction traits (the ratio of adventitious roots) out of all the 22 tested indexes. The photosynthetic-related and some asexual reproduction indexes from separate determinations under both sun and shade conditions showed that V. persica was able to adapt to strong illumination but was more tolerant of shade than the other species. This adaptive differentiation to illumination conferred different competitiveness over crops on the four alien Veronica weeds by allocating resources to the biomass of each organ in farmland. It may be concluded that the adaptability to illumination conditions and the asexual reproduction traits may endow their successful invasion and become different important farmland weeds.

Biological traits of marine benthic invertebrates in Northwest Europe

Biological traits analysis (BTA) provides insight into causes and consequences of biodiversity change that cannot be achieved using traditional taxonomic approaches. However, acquiring information on biological traits (i.e., the behavioural, morphological, and reproductive characteristics of taxa) can be extremely time-consuming, especially for large community datasets, thus hindering the successful application of BTA. Here, we present information on ten key biological traits for over a thousand marine benthic invertebrate taxa surveyed in Northwest Europe (mainly the UK shelf). Scores of 0 to 3 are provided to indicate our confidence that taxa exhibit each possible mode of trait expression. The information was acquired over a decade through an extensive appraisal of relevant sources, including peer-reviewed papers, books, online material and, where necessary, professional judgement. These data may be inspected, used, and augmented by fellow researchers, thus assisting in the wider application of BTA in marine benthic ecology.

Impact of sublethal and low lethal concentrations of flonicamid on key biological traits and population growth associated genes in melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover

Flonicamid (N-cyanomethyl-4-trifluoromethylnicotinamide) is a novel systemic insecticide that shows high insecticidal toxicity against sap-sucking pests. However, little is known about the sublethal effects of flonicamid on melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, a serious insect pest of many vegetables. Herein, the toxicity of flonicamid to A. gossypii was determined using the leaf-dipping method, and the sublethal effects of this insecticide on biological traits of A. gossypii were evaluated using age-stage, two-sex life table method. The results showed that the LC50 value of flonicamid to A. gossypii adults was 7.177 mg L−1. The sublethal (LC5) and low lethal (LC15) concentrations of flonicamid reduced the fecundity of the F0 generation aphids. Moreover, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) of F1 generation were also significantly decreased in the flonicamid treatment groups, while the mean generation time (T) of the F1 generation was significantly prolonged compared to the control. In addition, the expression levels of juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), vitellogenin (Vg), and ultraspiracle protein (USP) significantly increased in surviving adult aphids that were exposed to LC5 and LC15 of flonicamid in the F0 generation. The data demonstrate that sublethal and low lethal concentrations of flonicamid could suppress the growth of A. gossypii, and the differential expression of development- and reproduction-related genes might be involved in the sublethal effects of flonicamid on A. gossypii.

Plasticity of body growth and development in two cosmopolitan pupal parasitoids

Pachycrepoideus vindemiae and Trichopria drosophilae are cosmopolitan pupal parasitoids of Drosophilidae that attack the invasive Drosophila suzukii. This study investigated one aspect of their plasticity – host acceptance and offspring fitness on 25 Drosophila species in a phylogenetic framework. Each parasitoid’s key biological and ecological traits were compared among the different host species. Results demonstrate that both parasitoid species successfully parasitized and developed from all tested host species. Although the parasitoids’ efficiency and offspring fitness varied among host species, effects on life-history characteristics or ecological traits appeared to be unrelated to the phylogenetic position of tested host species. Both parasitoids benefited from attacking larger hosts, with body size of emerging progeny positively correlated to host size and an increased fecundity (mature egg load) of female wasps. Achieving larger body size came at no significant costs in immature development time. Results show remarkable levels of plasticity in the parasitoids’ body growth and development. Body size plasticity in T. drosophilae and P. vindemiae could improve biological control by increasing variation in parasitoid body sizes. Large size may not be advantageous under all conditions, however, and the parasitoids’ ecoservice impacts will be influenced not only by their plasticity to hosts but by environmental limitations such as temperature tolerances, habitat location, and host searching behaviors.

Assessment of Asobara japonica as a potential biological control agent for the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii

To assess the potential of Asobara japonica Belokobylskij (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as a biological control agent for the invasive Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), key biological traits were evaluated: preference and suitability of different host ages, relative performance on two host species ( D. suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster Meigen), female life-time fecundity and egg maturation on the two host species, and parasitism levels on D. suzukii larvae infesting different host fruits (blackberry, cherry and strawberry). Asobara japonica preferred young over old hosts, and although host age did not affect offspring survival, parasitoid offspring developed faster in older than younger hosts but had a reduced body size. There was higher A. japonica offspring survival, longer developmental time, and larger body when reared from D. suzukii than D. melanogaster . Female wasps emerged with around one third of their lifetime egg load and matured eggs rapidly with mature egg load reaching a peak 2–3 d post-emergence. Large females (typically reared from D. suzukii ) contained more mature eggs than small females (typically from D. melanogaster ). During their lifetime, A. japonica females produced 117.4 and 92.5 progeny on D. suzukii and D. melanogaster , respectively, with a corresponding intrinsic rate of increase of 0.217 and 0.210, respectively. Progeny were strongly female-biased (> 90% females), regardless of host age or species. This larval parasitoid was able to develop from D. suzukii infesting cherry, blackberry or strawberry. This information may help improve protocols for the rearing and future evaluations of this parasitoid for a potential biological control program against D. suzukii .

Genetic variation of microfibril angle and its relationship with solid wood and pulpwood traits in two progeny trials of Eucalyptus nitens in Tasmania

Abstract Microfibril angle (MFA) is a key biological trait contributing to wood stiffness, which is a common breeding objective for solid wood products in many tree species. To explore its genetic architecture, area-weighted MFA was measured in two Eucalyptus nitens progeny trials in Tasmania, Australia, with common open-pollinated families. Radial strips were extracted from 823 trees in 131 families and MFA assessed using SilviScan-2®. Heritability, genotype-by-environment interaction and inter-trait genetic correlations were evaluated to examine the genetic variability and stability of MFA and its relationships with other solid wood and pulpwood selection traits. Significant family variation was found for MFA in both trials. There was no significant genotype-by-environment interaction and the across-site narrow-sense heritability was 0.27. MFA was genetically independent of basic density, growth, and tree form. However, MFA was strongly and favourable genetically correlated to acoustic wave velocity in standing trees, modulus of elasticity and kraft pulp yield (KPY). The present study has shown that genetic improvement of E. nitens for pulpwood selection traits is unlikely to have adversely affected MFA, and thus timber stiffness. Rather these results suggest the possibility that selection for increased KPY may have indirectly improved MFA favourably for solid wood products.

Body size variation in a guild of carrion beetles

Body size is a key biological trait, influencing the biomechanics, physiology, behaviour, and ecology of species. Describing variation in body size within and among co-occurring species within an ecological guild can provide important context for understanding the ecology of species and the structure of ecological communities. Here, we focus on a guild of carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) co-occurring in southeastern Ontario, Canada. We examine how body size varies (i) among species, (ii) within species, including among sexes, and (iii) across the active season, contrasting estimates of size based on mass with those based on morphological structure (elytron length). We find that body size varies significantly both within and among species. Five focal species show evidence for sexual dimorphism in size. All focal species show significant seasonal variation in size, but these patterns differ across species, and depend on our estimates of size. Overall, the observed variation in body size is most consistent with widespread environmental constraints on size and (or) diverse selective pressures favouring different sizes within and among species. We discuss possible selective pressures acting on size within and among species; however, the causes and consequences of the variation in body size that we describe remain to be discovered.

Development and diapause induction of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (H\xfcbner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) at different photoperiods

Diapause concerns the fascinating phenomenon in the biology of insect development which allows better understanding the local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity to seasonal variations in environment. There is lot of reasons to carry out the research on diapause both for fundamental and applied sciences. Photoperiod is one of the main environmental cues followed by insects to predict the forthcoming seasonal changes and to adapt these changes in their life-history traits. Thus, the effect of different photoperiod regimes on development and diapause induction of larvae of the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) was evaluated at a constant temperature of 17 °C. Development was significantly faster at a photoperiod of 12:12 light:darkness (L:D) than at 8:16, 10:14, 14:10 and 16:8 L:D. A photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) induced most larvae (≥ 71%) to enter diapause, while this percentage was slightly lower (60%) at both shorter(8 h) and longer (16 h) day lengths (50%). The different photoperiod regimes did not affect the percentage of adult emergence. Fat and protein composition of the diapausing larvae differed significantly among treatments as well as between diapausing and non-diapausing larvae. Larvae developing from 8:16 (L:D) contained the maximum amount of protein (36.8%) compared to other regimes, while the minimum amount (21.0%) was noted in larvae that developed at 16:8 (L:D). Six types of fatty acids were detected in the larvae: myristic acid (methyl tetradecenoate), palmitoleic acid (9-hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester), palmitic acid (hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester), linoleic acid (9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z), methyl ester), oleic acid [9-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (E)] and stearic acid (octadecanoic acid, methyl ester). The results also reveal that the percent of fatty acids detected in the diapausing larvae varies significantly and the same trends imply in the interaction of fatty acid and photoperiod regimes. Moreover, three quarters of the total variance was accounted for by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the fatty acids. Different proportions of fatty acids were noted among treatments, suggesting that photoperiod influences a number of key biological traits in P. interpunctella, much more than the percentage of the diapausing larvae per se.

Named Entity Recognition for the Horticultural Domain

Named Entity Recognition (NER) is one of the fundamental tasks in natural language processing and knowledge engineering, as well as a prerequisite step of many downstream applications. Horticulture, a major branch of agricultural science, means the cultivation, processing, and sale of fruit, nuts, vegetables, and ornamental plants as well as numerous additional services. NER for the horticulture domain means to find key biological traits and state-of-art experimental methods for the horticulturists, new cultivation methods and useful tools for farmers, as well as other important information for planners and policy makers to trigger decision-making procedures. In this paper we designed an NER tagging-set of 7 fine-grained types, and since there is no publicly shared annotated corpus available in horticulture domain, we constructed training and testing corpora manually. Thus, we realized Horticulture NER in scientific literature abstracts with CRF method. Results showed that our system’s accuracy and precision were satisfactory but still have room for improvement.

Thermal and dynamic mechanical characterization of miscanthus stem fragments: Effects of genotypes, positions along the stem and their relation with biochemical and structural characteristics

The thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of miscanthus stem fragments and differences between genotypes and positions along the stem are studied in relation with their biochemical and structural characteristics. The starting degradation temperature does not correlate to the biochemical composition. However, the first DTG peak temperature is negatively correlated to hemicelluloses content and positively correlated to lignin and p-coumaric contents. A pronounced genotypic effect is evidenced on fragments elastic moduli while limited effect of the position along the stem is found. This is mostly related to ferulic and p-coumaric acid contents of stem fragments for which a strong correlation to elastic moduli is evidenced. Our results highlight that genotypic effect, position along the stem, stem fragment dimensions and mechanical properties of miscanthus stem fragments are strongly interconnected in relation with their respective biochemical and structural characteristics. This opens interesting perspectives for identifying key biological traits that need to be optimized for a better selection of performing miscanthus genotypes targeted to polymer composite applications.