PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Expanded sampling of New Zealand glass sponges (Porifera: Hexactinellida) provides new insights into biodiversity, chemodiversity, and phylogeny of the class
items: Estimating the impact of new high seas activities on the environment: the effects of ocean-surface macroplastic removal on sea surface ecosystems
items: Eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica settle near inlets in a lagoonal estuary: spatial and temporal distribution of recruitment in Mid-Atlantic Coastal Bays (Maryland, USA)
items: Antagonistic antimalarial properties of a methoxyamino chalcone derivative and 3-hydroxypyridinones in combination with dihydroartemisinin against Plasmodium falciparum
items: Shaping ability of WaveOne Gold and OneReci by using two apical sizes: a micro-computed tomographic assessment
items: Will future maize improvement programs leverage the canopy light-interception, photosynthetic, and biomass capacities of traditional accessions?
items: Reference evapotranspiration estimate with missing climatic data and multiple linear regression models
items: Out of thin air: surveying tropical bat roosts through air sampling of eDNA
items: Differential expression of some termite neuropeptides and insulin/IGF-related hormones and their plausible functions in growth, reproduction and caste determination
items: Effects of different soil types on gas exhange parameters and fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. mongolica “Ulanshalin” plants

Expanded sampling of New Zealand glass sponges (Porifera: Hexactinellida) provides new insights into biodiversity, chemodiversity, and phylogeny of the class
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Glass sponges (Hexactinellida) constitute important parts of ecosystems on the deep-sea floor worldwide. However, they are still an understudied group in terms of their diversity and systematics. Here, we report on new specimens collected during RV Sonne expedition SO254 to the New Zealand region, which has recently emerged as a biodiversity hotspot for hexactinellids. Examination of the material revealed several species new to science or so far unknown from this area. While formal taxonomic descriptions of a fraction of these were published earlier, we here briefly report on the morphology of the remaining new species and use the collection to greatly expand the molecular phylogeny of the group as established with ribosomal DNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I markers. In addition, we provide a chemical fingerprinting analysis on a subset of the specimens to investigate if the metabolome of glass sponges contains phylogenetic signal that could be used to supplement morphological and DNA-based approaches.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Martin Dohrmann
creator: Henry M. Reiswig
creator: Michelle Kelly
creator: Sadie Mills
creator: Simone Schätzle
creator: Miriam Reverter
creator: Natascha Niesse
creator: Sven Rohde
creator: Peter Schupp
creator: Gert Wörheide
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Taxonomy
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15017
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Dohrmann et al.
abstract: Glass sponges (Hexactinellida) constitute important parts of ecosystems on the deep-sea floor worldwide. However, they are still an understudied group in terms of their diversity and systematics. Here, we report on new specimens collected during RV Sonne expedition SO254 to the New Zealand region, which has recently emerged as a biodiversity hotspot for hexactinellids. Examination of the material revealed several species new to science or so far unknown from this area. While formal taxonomic descriptions of a fraction of these were published earlier, we here briefly report on the morphology of the remaining new species and use the collection to greatly expand the molecular phylogeny of the group as established with ribosomal DNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I markers. In addition, we provide a chemical fingerprinting analysis on a subset of the specimens to investigate if the metabolome of glass sponges contains phylogenetic signal that could be used to supplement morphological and DNA-based approaches.
bibliographic citation: Dohrmann et al. (2023) Expanded sampling of New Zealand glass sponges (Porifera: Hexactinellida) provides new insights into biodiversity, chemodiversity, and phylogeny of the class. PeerJ 11:e15017 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15017
date submitted: 2023-01-11
date accepted: 2023-02-17
issued: 2023-04-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Dohrmann
  given name: Martin
author list: Agent
  family name: Reiswig
  given name: Henry M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Kelly
  given name: Michelle
author list: Agent
  family name: Mills
  given name: Sadie
author list: Agent
  family name: Schätzle
  given name: Simone
author list: Agent
  family name: Reverter
  given name: Miriam
author list: Agent
  family name: Niesse
  given name: Natascha
author list: Agent
  family name: Rohde
  given name: Sven
author list: Agent
  family name: Schupp
  given name: Peter
author list: Agent
  family name: Wörheide
  given name: Gert
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15017
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-27
copyright: ©2023 Dohrmann et al.
attribution name: Dohrmann et al.

Estimating the impact of new high seas activities on the environment: the effects of ocean-surface macroplastic removal on sea surface ecosystems
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The open ocean beyond national jurisdiction covers nearly half of Earth’s surface and is largely unexplored. It is also an emerging frontier for new types of human activity. Understanding how new activities interact with high seas ecosystems is critical for our management of this other half of Earth. Using The Ocean Cleanup (TOC) as a model, we demonstrate why it is important to account for uncertainty when assessing and evaluating impacts of novel high seas activities on marine ecosystems. TOC’s aim is to remove plastic from the ocean surface by collecting it with large nets. However, this approach also results in the collection of surface marine life (neuston) as by-catch. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we explore the social-ecological implications of this activity. We use population models to quantify potential impacts on the surface ecosystem; we determine the links between these ecosystems and society through an ecosystem services approach; and we review the governance setting relevant to the management of activities on the high seas. We show that the impact of ocean surface plastic removal largely depends on neuston life histories, and ranges from potentially mild to severe. We identify broader social-ecological implications that could be felt by stakeholders both beyond and within national jurisdiction. The legal framework applicable to TOC’s activities is insufficiently specific to address both the ecological and social uncertainty we describe, demonstrating the urgent need for detailed rules and procedures on environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment to be adopted under the new International Agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction which is currently being negotiated.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Matthew Spencer
creator: Fiona Culhane
creator: Fiona Chong
creator: Megan O. Powell
creator: Rozemarijn J. Roland Holst
creator: Rebecca Helm
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Science Policy
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15021
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Spencer et al.
abstract: The open ocean beyond national jurisdiction covers nearly half of Earth’s surface and is largely unexplored. It is also an emerging frontier for new types of human activity. Understanding how new activities interact with high seas ecosystems is critical for our management of this other half of Earth. Using The Ocean Cleanup (TOC) as a model, we demonstrate why it is important to account for uncertainty when assessing and evaluating impacts of novel high seas activities on marine ecosystems. TOC’s aim is to remove plastic from the ocean surface by collecting it with large nets. However, this approach also results in the collection of surface marine life (neuston) as by-catch. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we explore the social-ecological implications of this activity. We use population models to quantify potential impacts on the surface ecosystem; we determine the links between these ecosystems and society through an ecosystem services approach; and we review the governance setting relevant to the management of activities on the high seas. We show that the impact of ocean surface plastic removal largely depends on neuston life histories, and ranges from potentially mild to severe. We identify broader social-ecological implications that could be felt by stakeholders both beyond and within national jurisdiction. The legal framework applicable to TOC’s activities is insufficiently specific to address both the ecological and social uncertainty we describe, demonstrating the urgent need for detailed rules and procedures on environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment to be adopted under the new International Agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction which is currently being negotiated.
bibliographic citation: Spencer et al. (2023) Estimating the impact of new high seas activities on the environment: the effects of ocean-surface macroplastic removal on sea surface ecosystems. PeerJ 11:e15021 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15021
date submitted: 2022-11-29
date accepted: 2023-02-17
issued: 2023-04-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Spencer
  given name: Matthew
author list: Agent
  family name: Culhane
  given name: Fiona
author list: Agent
  family name: Chong
  given name: Fiona
author list: Agent
  family name: Powell
  given name: Megan O.
author list: Agent
  family name: Roland Holst
  given name: Rozemarijn J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Helm
  given name: Rebecca
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15021
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-27
copyright: ©2023 Spencer et al.
attribution name: Spencer et al.

Eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica settle near inlets in a lagoonal estuary: spatial and temporal distribution of recruitment in Mid-Atlantic Coastal Bays (Maryland, USA)
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Declines of the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, and its numerous ecological benefits have spurred oyster restoration initiatives. Successful restoration of a self-sustaining oyster population requires evaluating the temporal and spatial patterns of recruitment (settlement and survival) of oyster larvae in the target waterbody. Restoration of the Eastern oyster population in the Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), USA, a shallow lagoonal estuary, is of interest to federal, state, and non-governmental, but the location and timing of natural recruitment is not known. Methods We assessed the spatial and temporal variation in oyster larval recruitment throughout the MCBs using horizontal ceramic tiles and PVC plates. Newly settled oyster larvae (recruits) were monitored biweekly from June to September 2019 and 2020 at 12 sites in the MCBs and a comparison site in Wachapreague, Virginia. Water quality measurements collected included temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the most effective substrate and design for monitoring oyster recruitment, (2) the spatial and temporal distribution of oyster larval recruitment in the MCBs, and (3) patterns in oyster larval recruitment that would be applicable to other lagoonal estuaries. Results (1) Ceramic tiles were more effective than PVC plates for recruiting oyster larvae. (2) Peak settlement began during the period from late June through July, and oyster recruitment was greatest at sites closest to the Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets. (3) Areas near broodstock that have slow flushing rates to retain larvae may provide the best environments for recruitment of oysters to lagoonal estuaries. Discussion As the first study on oyster larval recruitment in the MCBs, our results provide insight into their spatial and temporal distribution, methods that can serve as a foundation for future recruitment studies in other lagoonal estuaries, and baseline d…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Madeline A. Farmer
creator: Sabrina A. Klick
creator: Daniel W. Cullen
creator: Bradley G. Stevens
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15114
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Farmer et al.
abstract: Background Declines of the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, and its numerous ecological benefits have spurred oyster restoration initiatives. Successful restoration of a self-sustaining oyster population requires evaluating the temporal and spatial patterns of recruitment (settlement and survival) of oyster larvae in the target waterbody. Restoration of the Eastern oyster population in the Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), USA, a shallow lagoonal estuary, is of interest to federal, state, and non-governmental, but the location and timing of natural recruitment is not known. Methods We assessed the spatial and temporal variation in oyster larval recruitment throughout the MCBs using horizontal ceramic tiles and PVC plates. Newly settled oyster larvae (recruits) were monitored biweekly from June to September 2019 and 2020 at 12 sites in the MCBs and a comparison site in Wachapreague, Virginia. Water quality measurements collected included temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the most effective substrate and design for monitoring oyster recruitment, (2) the spatial and temporal distribution of oyster larval recruitment in the MCBs, and (3) patterns in oyster larval recruitment that would be applicable to other lagoonal estuaries. Results (1) Ceramic tiles were more effective than PVC plates for recruiting oyster larvae. (2) Peak settlement began during the period from late June through July, and oyster recruitment was greatest at sites closest to the Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets. (3) Areas near broodstock that have slow flushing rates to retain larvae may provide the best environments for recruitment of oysters to lagoonal estuaries. Discussion As the first study on oyster larval recruitment in the MCBs, our results provide insight into their spatial and temporal distribution, methods that can serve as a foundation for future recruitment studies in other lagoonal estuaries, and baseline d…
bibliographic citation: Farmer et al. (2023) Eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica settle near inlets in a lagoonal estuary: spatial and temporal distribution of recruitment in Mid-Atlantic Coastal Bays (Maryland, USA). PeerJ 11:e15114 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15114
date submitted: 2022-05-09
date accepted: 2023-03-02
issued: 2023-04-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Farmer
  given name: Madeline A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Klick
  given name: Sabrina A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Cullen
  given name: Daniel W.
author list: Agent
  family name: Stevens
  given name: Bradley G.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15114
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-27
copyright: © 2023 Farmer et al.
attribution name: Farmer et al.

Antagonistic antimalarial properties of a methoxyamino chalcone derivative and 3-hydroxypyridinones in combination with dihydroartemisinin against Plasmodium falciparum
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The spread of artemisinin (ART)-resistant Plasmodium falciparum threatens the control of malaria. Mutations in the propeller domains of P. falciparum Kelch13 (k13) are strongly associated with ART resistance. Ferredoxin (Fd), a component of the ferredoxin/NADP+ reductase (Fd/FNR) redox system, is essential for isoprenoid precursor synthesis in the plasmodial apicoplast, which is important for K13-dependent hemoglobin trafficking and ART activation. Therefore, Fd is an antimalarial drug target and fd mutations may modulate ART sensitivity. We hypothesized that loss of Fd/FNR function enhances the effect of k13 mutation on ART resistance. Methods In this study, methoxyamino chalcone (C3), an antimalarial compound that has been reported to inhibit the interaction of recombinant Fd and FNR proteins, was used as a chemical inhibitor of the Fd/FNR redox system. We investigated the inhibitory effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), C3, and iron chelators including deferiprone (DFP), 1-(N-acetyl-6-aminohexyl)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridin-4-one (CM1) and deferiprone-resveratrol hybrid (DFP-RVT) against wild-type (WT), k13 mutant, fd mutant, and k13 fd double mutant P. falciparum parasites. Furthermore, we investigated the pharmacological interaction of C3 with DHA, in which the iron chelators were used as reference ART antagonists. Results C3 showed antimalarial potency similar to that of the iron chelators. As expected, combining DHA with C3 or iron chelators exhibited a moderately antagonistic effect. No differences were observed among the mutant parasites with respect to their sensitivity to C3, iron chelators, or the interactions of these compounds with DHA. Discussion The data suggest that inhibitors of the Fd/FNR redox system should be avoided as ART partner drugs in ART combination therapy for treating malaria.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Tanyaluck Kampoun
creator: Pimpisid Koonyosying
creator: Jetsada Ruangsuriya
creator: Parichat Prommana
creator: Philip J. Shaw
creator: Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan
creator: Hery Suwito
creator: Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih
creator: Chairat Uthaipibull
creator: Somdet Srichairatanakool
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Parasitology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15187
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Kampoun et al.
abstract: Background The spread of artemisinin (ART)-resistant Plasmodium falciparum threatens the control of malaria. Mutations in the propeller domains of P. falciparum Kelch13 (k13) are strongly associated with ART resistance. Ferredoxin (Fd), a component of the ferredoxin/NADP+ reductase (Fd/FNR) redox system, is essential for isoprenoid precursor synthesis in the plasmodial apicoplast, which is important for K13-dependent hemoglobin trafficking and ART activation. Therefore, Fd is an antimalarial drug target and fd mutations may modulate ART sensitivity. We hypothesized that loss of Fd/FNR function enhances the effect of k13 mutation on ART resistance. Methods In this study, methoxyamino chalcone (C3), an antimalarial compound that has been reported to inhibit the interaction of recombinant Fd and FNR proteins, was used as a chemical inhibitor of the Fd/FNR redox system. We investigated the inhibitory effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), C3, and iron chelators including deferiprone (DFP), 1-(N-acetyl-6-aminohexyl)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridin-4-one (CM1) and deferiprone-resveratrol hybrid (DFP-RVT) against wild-type (WT), k13 mutant, fd mutant, and k13 fd double mutant P. falciparum parasites. Furthermore, we investigated the pharmacological interaction of C3 with DHA, in which the iron chelators were used as reference ART antagonists. Results C3 showed antimalarial potency similar to that of the iron chelators. As expected, combining DHA with C3 or iron chelators exhibited a moderately antagonistic effect. No differences were observed among the mutant parasites with respect to their sensitivity to C3, iron chelators, or the interactions of these compounds with DHA. Discussion The data suggest that inhibitors of the Fd/FNR redox system should be avoided as ART partner drugs in ART combination therapy for treating malaria.
bibliographic citation: Kampoun et al. (2023) Antagonistic antimalarial properties of a methoxyamino chalcone derivative and 3-hydroxypyridinones in combination with dihydroartemisinin against Plasmodium falciparum. PeerJ 11:e15187 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15187
date submitted: 2022-12-15
date accepted: 2023-03-15
issued: 2023-04-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Kampoun
  given name: Tanyaluck
author list: Agent
  family name: Koonyosying
  given name: Pimpisid
author list: Agent
  family name: Ruangsuriya
  given name: Jetsada
author list: Agent
  family name: Prommana
  given name: Parichat
author list: Agent
  family name: Shaw
  given name: Philip J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Kamchonwongpaisan
  given name: Sumalee
author list: Agent
  family name: Suwito
  given name: Hery
author list: Agent
  family name: Puspaningsih
  given name: Ni Nyoman Tri
author list: Agent
  family name: Uthaipibull
  given name: Chairat
author list: Agent
  family name: Srichairatanakool
  given name: Somdet
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15187
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-27
copyright: © 2023 Kampoun et al.
attribution name: Kampoun et al.

Shaping ability of WaveOne Gold and OneReci by using two apical sizes: a micro-computed tomographic assessment
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Backround OneReci (MicroMega, Besançon, France) is a recently introduced single-file reciprocating system with scarce information revealed on its shaping ability. This study aimed to compare the shaping abilities of OneReci and a well-documented single-file reciprocating system WaveOne Gold (WOG; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and evaluate the effect of increased apical enlargement on the preparation quality, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods After an initial micro-CT scanning, twenty mesial root canals of mandibular molars were anatomically matched. The canals were assigned to two experimental groups (n = 10), using OneReci or WOG in different canals of the same root. The glide paths were created, and root canals were prepared twice, using size 25 and 35 instruments of the systems, respectively. The specimens were scanned with micro-CT after each preparation. The increase in canal volume, amount of dentin removal, unprepared root canal surface, canal transportation, centering ratio and preparation times were assessed. The data were analysed with independent sample t-tests, variance analyses, Friedman and Mann-Whitney U tests. The significance level was set at 5%. Results Each preparation increased the canal volume and dentin removal while decreasing the unprepared root surface. The difference between the systems became significant after preparation with size 35 instruments (p < 0.05). Regarding canal transportation and centering ratio, the difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). The first preparation step (glide path + size 25 instrument) was significantly faster in the OneReci group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Preparation with size 25 instruments of the systems appeared to be safe with similar shaping performances. Larger apical preparation promoted significantly higher dentin removal, volume increase, and prepared surface area in WOG.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Elif Çiftçioğlu
creator: Ali Keleş
creator: Gözde Akbal Dinçer
creator: Melis Oya Ateş
creator: Enver Sedat Küçükay
subject: Dentistry
subject: Healthcare Services
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15208
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Çiftçioğlu et al.
abstract: Backround OneReci (MicroMega, Besançon, France) is a recently introduced single-file reciprocating system with scarce information revealed on its shaping ability. This study aimed to compare the shaping abilities of OneReci and a well-documented single-file reciprocating system WaveOne Gold (WOG; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and evaluate the effect of increased apical enlargement on the preparation quality, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods After an initial micro-CT scanning, twenty mesial root canals of mandibular molars were anatomically matched. The canals were assigned to two experimental groups (n = 10), using OneReci or WOG in different canals of the same root. The glide paths were created, and root canals were prepared twice, using size 25 and 35 instruments of the systems, respectively. The specimens were scanned with micro-CT after each preparation. The increase in canal volume, amount of dentin removal, unprepared root canal surface, canal transportation, centering ratio and preparation times were assessed. The data were analysed with independent sample t-tests, variance analyses, Friedman and Mann-Whitney U tests. The significance level was set at 5%. Results Each preparation increased the canal volume and dentin removal while decreasing the unprepared root surface. The difference between the systems became significant after preparation with size 35 instruments (p < 0.05). Regarding canal transportation and centering ratio, the difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). The first preparation step (glide path + size 25 instrument) was significantly faster in the OneReci group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Preparation with size 25 instruments of the systems appeared to be safe with similar shaping performances. Larger apical preparation promoted significantly higher dentin removal, volume increase, and prepared surface area in WOG.
bibliographic citation: Çiftçioğlu et al. (2023) Shaping ability of WaveOne Gold and OneReci by using two apical sizes: a micro-computed tomographic assessment. PeerJ 11:e15208 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15208
date submitted: 2022-12-21
date accepted: 2023-03-19
issued: 2023-04-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Çiftçioğlu
  given name: Elif
author list: Agent
  family name: Keleş
  given name: Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Akbal Dinçer
  given name: Gözde
author list: Agent
  family name: Ateş
  given name: Melis Oya
author list: Agent
  family name: Küçükay
  given name: Enver Sedat
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15208
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-27
copyright: ©2023 Çiftçioğlu et al.
attribution name: Çiftçioğlu et al.

Will future maize improvement programs leverage the canopy light-interception, photosynthetic, and biomass capacities of traditional accessions?
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Maize germplasm has greater latent potential to address the global food and feed crisis because of its high radiation, water and nutrient efficiencies. Photosynthetic and canopy architectural traits in maize are important in determining yield. The present study aimed to screen a subset of local maize accessions in Sri Lanka to evaluate their photosynthetic, biomass and yield related traits and to identify resource efficient germplasm. Experiments were carried out in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka. Eight maize accessions viz; SEU2, SEU6, SEU9, SEU10, SEU14, SEU15, SEU17 and SEU17 and two elite F1 cultivars (cv. Pacific-999 and cv. Bhadra) were analyzed under field conditions. Our results showed that maize genotypes produced a lower leaf area index (LAI) at the third and tenth week after field planting (WAP). However, the LAI was significantly increased in six WAP by Pacific-999, SEU2, SEU9, and SEU15. A similar trend was observed for percentage of light interception at three WAP (47%), six WAP (>64%), and decreased at 10 WAP. In addition, LAI maximum values were between 3.0 and 3.5, allowing 80% of the incident light to be intercepted by maize canopies. The estimated light extinction coefficient (k) remained lower (<0.5), suggesting that maize leaves are eractophilic canopies. Although fractional interception (f) varies, SEU2 and SEU9 had the highest values (0.57), and quantum yields of PSII (>0.73) in dark-adapted leaves. In addition, Pacific-999, SEU2, SEU9, and SEU17 had significantly higher rates of photosynthesis with minimal stomatal conductance and transpiration rates. As a result, they outperformed the control plants in terms of biomass, cob weight and grain yield. This suggests that native maize germplasm could be introduced as novel, less resource-intensive cultivars to sustain global food security.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Ahamadeen Nagoor Mohamed Mubarak
creator: Mohammathu Musthapha Mufeeth Mohammathu
creator: Arachchi Devayalage Nishantha Thissa Kumara
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Plant Science
subject: Food
subject: Water and Energy Nexus
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15233
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Mubarak et al.
abstract: Maize germplasm has greater latent potential to address the global food and feed crisis because of its high radiation, water and nutrient efficiencies. Photosynthetic and canopy architectural traits in maize are important in determining yield. The present study aimed to screen a subset of local maize accessions in Sri Lanka to evaluate their photosynthetic, biomass and yield related traits and to identify resource efficient germplasm. Experiments were carried out in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka. Eight maize accessions viz; SEU2, SEU6, SEU9, SEU10, SEU14, SEU15, SEU17 and SEU17 and two elite F1 cultivars (cv. Pacific-999 and cv. Bhadra) were analyzed under field conditions. Our results showed that maize genotypes produced a lower leaf area index (LAI) at the third and tenth week after field planting (WAP). However, the LAI was significantly increased in six WAP by Pacific-999, SEU2, SEU9, and SEU15. A similar trend was observed for percentage of light interception at three WAP (47%), six WAP (>64%), and decreased at 10 WAP. In addition, LAI maximum values were between 3.0 and 3.5, allowing 80% of the incident light to be intercepted by maize canopies. The estimated light extinction coefficient (k) remained lower (<0.5), suggesting that maize leaves are eractophilic canopies. Although fractional interception (f) varies, SEU2 and SEU9 had the highest values (0.57), and quantum yields of PSII (>0.73) in dark-adapted leaves. In addition, Pacific-999, SEU2, SEU9, and SEU17 had significantly higher rates of photosynthesis with minimal stomatal conductance and transpiration rates. As a result, they outperformed the control plants in terms of biomass, cob weight and grain yield. This suggests that native maize germplasm could be introduced as novel, less resource-intensive cultivars to sustain global food security.
bibliographic citation: Mubarak et al. (2023) Will future maize improvement programs leverage the canopy light-interception, photosynthetic, and biomass capacities of traditional accessions?. PeerJ 11:e15233 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15233
date submitted: 2022-09-23
date accepted: 2023-03-24
issued: 2023-04-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mubarak
  given name: Ahamadeen Nagoor Mohamed
author list: Agent
  family name: Mufeeth Mohammathu
  given name: Mohammathu Musthapha
author list: Agent
  family name: Kumara
  given name: Arachchi Devayalage Nishantha Thissa
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15233
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-27
copyright: © 2023 Mubarak et al.
attribution name: Mubarak et al.

Reference evapotranspiration estimate with missing climatic data and multiple linear regression models
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is considered one of the primary variables for water resource management, irrigation practices, agricultural and hydro-meteorological studies, and modeling different hydrological processes. Therefore, an accurate prediction of ETo is essential. A large number of empirical methods have been developed by numerous scientists and specialists worldwide to estimate ETo from different climatic variables. The FAO56 Penman-Monteith (PM) is the most accepted and accurate model to estimate ETo in various environments and climatic conditions. However, the FAO56-PM method requires radiation, air temperature, air humidity, and wind speed data. In this study in Adana Plain, which has a Mediterranean climate for the summer growing season, using 22-year daily climatic data, the performance of the FAO56-PM method was evaluated with different combinations of climatic variables when climatic data were missing. Additionally, the performances of Hargreaves-Samani (HS) and HS (A&G) equations were assessed, and multiple linear regression models (MLR) were developed using different combinations of climatic variables. The FAO56-PM method could accurately estimate daily ETo when wind speed (U) and relative humidity (RH) data were unavailable, using the procedures suggested by FAO56 Paper (RMSEs were smaller than 0.4 mm d−1, and percent relative errors (REs) were smaller than 9%). Hargreaves-Samani (A&G) and HS equations could not estimate daily ETo accurately according to the statistical indices (RMSEs = 0.772-0.957 mm d−1; REs (%) = 18.2–22.6; R2 = 0.604–0.686, respectively). On the other hand, MLR models’ performance varied according to a combination of different climatic variables. According to t-stat and p values of independent variables for MLR models, solar radiation (Rs) and sunshine hours (n) variables had more effect on estimating ETo than other variables. Therefore, the models that used Rs and n data estimated daily ETo more accurately than the…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Deniz Levent Koç
creator: Müge Erkan Can
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Environmental Sciences
subject: Plant Science
subject: Natural Resource Management
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15252
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Koç et al.
abstract: The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is considered one of the primary variables for water resource management, irrigation practices, agricultural and hydro-meteorological studies, and modeling different hydrological processes. Therefore, an accurate prediction of ETo is essential. A large number of empirical methods have been developed by numerous scientists and specialists worldwide to estimate ETo from different climatic variables. The FAO56 Penman-Monteith (PM) is the most accepted and accurate model to estimate ETo in various environments and climatic conditions. However, the FAO56-PM method requires radiation, air temperature, air humidity, and wind speed data. In this study in Adana Plain, which has a Mediterranean climate for the summer growing season, using 22-year daily climatic data, the performance of the FAO56-PM method was evaluated with different combinations of climatic variables when climatic data were missing. Additionally, the performances of Hargreaves-Samani (HS) and HS (A&G) equations were assessed, and multiple linear regression models (MLR) were developed using different combinations of climatic variables. The FAO56-PM method could accurately estimate daily ETo when wind speed (U) and relative humidity (RH) data were unavailable, using the procedures suggested by FAO56 Paper (RMSEs were smaller than 0.4 mm d−1, and percent relative errors (REs) were smaller than 9%). Hargreaves-Samani (A&G) and HS equations could not estimate daily ETo accurately according to the statistical indices (RMSEs = 0.772-0.957 mm d−1; REs (%) = 18.2–22.6; R2 = 0.604–0.686, respectively). On the other hand, MLR models’ performance varied according to a combination of different climatic variables. According to t-stat and p values of independent variables for MLR models, solar radiation (Rs) and sunshine hours (n) variables had more effect on estimating ETo than other variables. Therefore, the models that used Rs and n data estimated daily ETo more accurately than the…
bibliographic citation: Koç et al. (2023) Reference evapotranspiration estimate with missing climatic data and multiple linear regression models. PeerJ 11:e15252 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15252
date submitted: 2023-01-11
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-04-27
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Koç
  given name: Deniz Levent
author list: Agent
  family name: Erkan Can
  given name: Müge
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15252
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-27
copyright: ©2023 Koç et al.
attribution name: Koç et al.

Out of thin air: surveying tropical bat roosts through air sampling of eDNA
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Understanding roosting behaviour is essential to bat conservation and biomonitoring, often providing the most accurate methods of assessing bat population size and health. However, roosts can be challenging to survey, e.g., physically impossible to access or presenting risks for researchers. Disturbance during monitoring can also disrupt natural bat behaviour and present material risks to the population such as disrupting hibernation cycles. One solution to this is the use of non-invasive monitoring approaches. Environmental (e)DNA has proven especially effective at detecting rare and elusive species particularly in hard-to-reach locations. It has recently been demonstrated that eDNA from vertebrates is carried in air. When collected in semi-confined spaces, this airborne eDNA can provide remarkably accurate profiles of biodiversity, even in complex tropical communities. In this study, we deploy novel airborne eDNA collection for the first time in a natural setting and use this approach to survey difficult to access potential roosts in the neotropics. Using airborne eDNA, we confirmed the presence of bats in nine out of 12 roosts. The identified species matched previous records of roost use obtained from photographic and live capture methods, thus demonstrating the utility of this approach. We also detected the presence of the white-winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi) which had never been confirmed in the area but was long suspected based on range maps. In addition to the bats, we detected several non-bat vertebrates, including the big-eared climbing rat (Ototylomys phyllotis), which has previously been observed in and around bat roosts in our study area. We also detected eDNA from other local species known to be in the vicinity. Using airborne eDNA to detect new roosts and monitor known populations, particularly when species turnover is rapid, could maximize efficiency for surveyors while minimizing disturbance to the animals. This study presents the first applied …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Nina R. Garrett
creator: Jonathan Watkins
creator: Charles M. Francis
creator: Nancy B. Simmons
creator: Natalia Ivanova
creator: Amanda Naaum
creator: Andrew Briscoe
creator: Rosie Drinkwater
creator: Elizabeth L. Clare
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.14772
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Garrett et al.
abstract: Understanding roosting behaviour is essential to bat conservation and biomonitoring, often providing the most accurate methods of assessing bat population size and health. However, roosts can be challenging to survey, e.g., physically impossible to access or presenting risks for researchers. Disturbance during monitoring can also disrupt natural bat behaviour and present material risks to the population such as disrupting hibernation cycles. One solution to this is the use of non-invasive monitoring approaches. Environmental (e)DNA has proven especially effective at detecting rare and elusive species particularly in hard-to-reach locations. It has recently been demonstrated that eDNA from vertebrates is carried in air. When collected in semi-confined spaces, this airborne eDNA can provide remarkably accurate profiles of biodiversity, even in complex tropical communities. In this study, we deploy novel airborne eDNA collection for the first time in a natural setting and use this approach to survey difficult to access potential roosts in the neotropics. Using airborne eDNA, we confirmed the presence of bats in nine out of 12 roosts. The identified species matched previous records of roost use obtained from photographic and live capture methods, thus demonstrating the utility of this approach. We also detected the presence of the white-winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi) which had never been confirmed in the area but was long suspected based on range maps. In addition to the bats, we detected several non-bat vertebrates, including the big-eared climbing rat (Ototylomys phyllotis), which has previously been observed in and around bat roosts in our study area. We also detected eDNA from other local species known to be in the vicinity. Using airborne eDNA to detect new roosts and monitor known populations, particularly when species turnover is rapid, could maximize efficiency for surveyors while minimizing disturbance to the animals. This study presents the first applied …
bibliographic citation: Garrett et al. (2023) Out of thin air: surveying tropical bat roosts through air sampling of eDNA. PeerJ 11:e14772 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14772
date submitted: 2022-11-18
date accepted: 2023-01-03
issued: 2023-04-26
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Garrett
  given name: Nina R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Watkins
  given name: Jonathan
author list: Agent
  family name: Francis
  given name: Charles M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Simmons
  given name: Nancy B.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ivanova
  given name: Natalia
author list: Agent
  family name: Naaum
  given name: Amanda
author list: Agent
  family name: Briscoe
  given name: Andrew
author list: Agent
  family name: Drinkwater
  given name: Rosie
author list: Agent
  family name: Clare
  given name: Elizabeth L.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.14772
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-26
copyright: © 2023 Garrett et al.
attribution name: Garrett et al.

Differential expression of some termite neuropeptides and insulin/IGF-related hormones and their plausible functions in growth, reproduction and caste determination
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and other insulin-like peptides (ilps) are important hormones regulating growth and development in animals. Whereas most animals have a single female and male adult phenotype, in some insect species the same genome may lead to different final forms. Perhaps the best known example is the honeybee where females can either develop into queens or workers. More extreme forms of such polyphenism occur in termites, where queens, kings, workers and soldiers coexist. Both juvenile hormone and insulin-like peptides are known to regulate growth and reproduction as well as polyphenism. In termites the role of juvenile hormone in reproduction and the induction of the soldier caste is well known, but the role of IGF and other ilps in these processes remains largely unknown. Here the various termite ilps are identified and hypotheses regarding their functions suggested. Methods Genome assemblies and transcriptome short read archives (SRAs) were used to identify insulin-like peptides and neuropeptides in termites and to determine their expression in different species, tissues and castes. Results and Discussion Termites have seven different ilps, i.e. gonadulin, IGF and an ortholog of Drosophila insulin-like peptide 7 (dilp7), which are commonly present in insects, and four smaller peptides, that have collectively been called short IGF-related peptides (sirps) and individually atirpin, birpin, cirpin and brovirpin. Gonadulin is lost from the higher termites which have however amplified the brovirpin gene, of which they often have two or three paralogs. Based on differential expression of these genes it seems likely that IGF is a growth hormone and atirpin an autocrine tissue factor that is released when a tissue faces metabolic stress. Birpin seems to be responsible for growth and in the absence of juvenile hormone this may lead to reproductive adults or, when juvenile hormone is present, to soldiers. Brovirpin is expressed both by the bra…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jan A. Veenstra
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Entomology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15259
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Veenstra
abstract: Background Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and other insulin-like peptides (ilps) are important hormones regulating growth and development in animals. Whereas most animals have a single female and male adult phenotype, in some insect species the same genome may lead to different final forms. Perhaps the best known example is the honeybee where females can either develop into queens or workers. More extreme forms of such polyphenism occur in termites, where queens, kings, workers and soldiers coexist. Both juvenile hormone and insulin-like peptides are known to regulate growth and reproduction as well as polyphenism. In termites the role of juvenile hormone in reproduction and the induction of the soldier caste is well known, but the role of IGF and other ilps in these processes remains largely unknown. Here the various termite ilps are identified and hypotheses regarding their functions suggested. Methods Genome assemblies and transcriptome short read archives (SRAs) were used to identify insulin-like peptides and neuropeptides in termites and to determine their expression in different species, tissues and castes. Results and Discussion Termites have seven different ilps, i.e. gonadulin, IGF and an ortholog of Drosophila insulin-like peptide 7 (dilp7), which are commonly present in insects, and four smaller peptides, that have collectively been called short IGF-related peptides (sirps) and individually atirpin, birpin, cirpin and brovirpin. Gonadulin is lost from the higher termites which have however amplified the brovirpin gene, of which they often have two or three paralogs. Based on differential expression of these genes it seems likely that IGF is a growth hormone and atirpin an autocrine tissue factor that is released when a tissue faces metabolic stress. Birpin seems to be responsible for growth and in the absence of juvenile hormone this may lead to reproductive adults or, when juvenile hormone is present, to soldiers. Brovirpin is expressed both by the bra…
bibliographic citation: Veenstra (2023) Differential expression of some termite neuropeptides and insulin/IGF-related hormones and their plausible functions in growth, reproduction and caste determination. PeerJ 11:e15259 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15259
date submitted: 2022-11-25
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-04-26
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Veenstra
  given name: Jan A.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15259
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-26
copyright: ©2023 Veenstra
attribution name: Veenstra

Effects of different soil types on gas exhange parameters and fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. mongolica “Ulanshalin” plants
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background This study aims to explore the growth and production potential of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. mongolica “Ulanshalin,” a pioneer species of soil and water conservation, after being planted in the Yellow River Basin area with serious soil erosion. An analysis of the differences in photosynthesis and fruit yield of H. rhamnoides plants grown in two typical soils in the watershed is key to understanding whether local conditions are suitable for the growth and yield of H. rhamnoides, as well as the impact of the plants on soil and water conservation. Methods During the growing season, diurnal changes in the gas exchange parameters of Hippophae rhamnoides-like plants growing in Loess soil and Aeolian soil were continuously monitored, and the effects of total nitrogen (TN) and other elements on the net photosynthetic rate (PN) of the plants were analyzed and compared in the two different soil types. The morphological and quality differences of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits were also compared after reaching the ripening stage. Results (1) There was a significant difference in the composition of Loess soil and of Aeolian soil. The organic matter content and AK content of the Loess soil was significantly higher than in the Aeolian soil, and the pH was closer to neutral. However, the TK content, TP content, and AP content of the Aeolian soil were slightly higher than in the Loess soil, the pH was higher, and it was alkaline. (2) After controlling the light and temperature, with all other external factors consistent, the daily variation trend of PN, Tr, and Gs in the leaves of H. rhamnoides plants growing in the two different soils were basically the same. There were differences, however, in when these factors reached their peaks. Soil composition had an impact on the photosynthetic characteristics of H. rhamnoides, with TN, TP, AP, and SOM being the main factors promoting the photosynthetic rate of H. rhamnoides PN. The peaks of PN, Tr, and Gs of H. rhamnoides plants gr…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Fanjing Bu
creator: Yuefeng Guo
creator: Wei Qi
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
subject: Biogeochemistry
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.15264
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2023 Bu et al.
abstract: Background This study aims to explore the growth and production potential of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. mongolica “Ulanshalin,” a pioneer species of soil and water conservation, after being planted in the Yellow River Basin area with serious soil erosion. An analysis of the differences in photosynthesis and fruit yield of H. rhamnoides plants grown in two typical soils in the watershed is key to understanding whether local conditions are suitable for the growth and yield of H. rhamnoides, as well as the impact of the plants on soil and water conservation. Methods During the growing season, diurnal changes in the gas exchange parameters of Hippophae rhamnoides-like plants growing in Loess soil and Aeolian soil were continuously monitored, and the effects of total nitrogen (TN) and other elements on the net photosynthetic rate (PN) of the plants were analyzed and compared in the two different soil types. The morphological and quality differences of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits were also compared after reaching the ripening stage. Results (1) There was a significant difference in the composition of Loess soil and of Aeolian soil. The organic matter content and AK content of the Loess soil was significantly higher than in the Aeolian soil, and the pH was closer to neutral. However, the TK content, TP content, and AP content of the Aeolian soil were slightly higher than in the Loess soil, the pH was higher, and it was alkaline. (2) After controlling the light and temperature, with all other external factors consistent, the daily variation trend of PN, Tr, and Gs in the leaves of H. rhamnoides plants growing in the two different soils were basically the same. There were differences, however, in when these factors reached their peaks. Soil composition had an impact on the photosynthetic characteristics of H. rhamnoides, with TN, TP, AP, and SOM being the main factors promoting the photosynthetic rate of H. rhamnoides PN. The peaks of PN, Tr, and Gs of H. rhamnoides plants gr…
bibliographic citation: Bu et al. (2023) Effects of different soil types on gas exhange parameters and fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. mongolica “Ulanshalin” plants. PeerJ 11:e15264 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15264
date submitted: 2023-01-06
date accepted: 2023-03-28
issued: 2023-04-26
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Bu
  given name: Fanjing
author list: Agent
  family name: Guo
  given name: Yuefeng
author list: Agent
  family name: Qi
  given name: Wei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.15264
volume: 11
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2023-04-26
copyright: ©2023 Bu et al.
attribution name: Bu et al.

PeerJ
type: Periodical
uri: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359