Triploid Pacific oysters(Crassostrea gigas)are highly valued due to their rapid growth and low fertility,making them commercially desirable.However,these reproductive characteristics also hinder their capability to pr...Triploid Pacific oysters(Crassostrea gigas)are highly valued due to their rapid growth and low fertility,making them commercially desirable.However,these reproductive characteristics also hinder their capability to produce subsequent generations.Large-scale triploid production relies on crossing female diploid and male tetraploid oysters.This study assessed the effects of shell morphology on body weight and fecundity in diploid and tetraploid oysters using multiple regression and path analysis.Substantial correlations were found between shell morphology and body weight traits,as well as between shell morphology and fecundity traits across diploid and tetraploid oysters.Path analysis revealed that shell morphology traits significantly impact body weight and fecundity in both diploids and tetraploids.Among these traits,shell height had the strongest direct effect on body weight and fecundity,while shell height and shell length notably contributed through indirect effects.These findings highlight the importance of shell height in shaping body weight and fecundity in diploid and tetraploid Pacific oysters,indicating that selective breeding,with a particular focus on enhancing shell height,could simultaneously promote increases in shell length.展开更多
The Moroccan populations of Alnus glutinosa(L.)Gaertn.(Betulaceae)They are located at the southern limit of the species'distribution and are represented by tetraploid cytotypes.Assessing phenotypic variability in ...The Moroccan populations of Alnus glutinosa(L.)Gaertn.(Betulaceae)They are located at the southern limit of the species'distribution and are represented by tetraploid cytotypes.Assessing phenotypic variability in reproductive traits is crucial for understanding the persistence,evolution,and range dynamics of plant populations.However,no previous studies have analyzed the relative importance of variability in explaining inter-or intra-population differences in reproductive traits.To address this gap,we investigated phenotypic variation in reproductive organs by examining 10 traits in 3.600 male catkins,3.600 female catkins,and seeds from 12 populations across the Moroccan Rif Mountains.Our results highlighted the significance of inter-population variability.However,we found that the contribution of within-tree variation to total phenotypic variability was greater than that of both inter-and intra-population variation.Principal component analysis(PCA)revealed a phenotypic gradient among populations,primarily driven by female catkin size,though this gradient was not associated with geographic conditions.This finding was further supported by Mantel test results,which showed no correlation between phenotypic variability and population conditions.These findings have important implications for the genetic improvement,conservation,and resource management of Alnus glutinosa in the future.展开更多
Populus species,important economic species combining rapid growth with broad ecological adaptability,play a critical role in sustainable forestry and bioenergy production.In this study,we performed whole-genome resequ...Populus species,important economic species combining rapid growth with broad ecological adaptability,play a critical role in sustainable forestry and bioenergy production.In this study,we performed whole-genome resequencing of 707 individuals from a full-sib family to develop comprehensive single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers and constructed a high-density genetic linkage map of 19 linkage groups.The total genetic length of the map reached 3623.65 cM with an average marker interval of 0.34 cM.By integrating multidimensional phenotypic data,89 quantitative trait loci(QTL)associated with growth,wood physical and chemical properties,disease resistance,and leaf morphology traits were identified,with logarithm of odds(LOD)scores ranging from 3.13 to 21.72 Notably,pleiotropic analysis revealed significant colocaliza and phenotypic variance explained between 1.7% and 11.6%.-tion hotspots on chromosomes LG1,LG5,LG6,LG8,and LG14,with epistatic interaction network analysis confirming genetic basis of coordinated regulation across multiple traits.Functional annotation of 207 candidate genes showed that R2R3-MYB and bHLH transcription factors and pyruvate kinase-encoding genes were significantly enriched,suggesting crucial roles in lignin biosynthesis and carbon metabolic pathways.Allelic effect analysis indicated that the frequency of favorable alleles associated with target traits ranged from 0.20 to 0.55.Incorporation of QTL-derived favorable alleles as random effects into Bayesian-based genomic selection models led to an increase in prediction accuracy ranging from 1% to 21%,with Bayesian ridge regression as the best predictive model.This study provides valuable genomic resources and genetic insights for deciphering complex trait architecture and advancing molecular breeding in poplar.展开更多
The karst forest in southwestern China is characterized by thin soil layers,numerous fissures and holes,resulting in low soil water availability and poor water retention,making it challenging for plant growth and surv...The karst forest in southwestern China is characterized by thin soil layers,numerous fissures and holes,resulting in low soil water availability and poor water retention,making it challenging for plant growth and survival.While the relationship between plant functional traits and tree growth performance has been extensively studied,the links between tree seasonal growth and drought-tolerant traits in tree species with different leaf habit remains poorly understood.This study evaluated the associations between four-year averaged rainy season stem diameter growth rate and 17 branch and leaf traits across evergreen and deciduous species in a tropical karst forest in southwest China.The cross-species variations in tree growth rates were related to plant hydraulic traits(e.g.,vessel lumen diameter,xylem vessel density,stomatal density,and stomatal size)and leaf anatomical traits(e.g.,total leaf thickness,lower/upper epidermis thickness,and spongy thickness).The growth of evergreen trees exhibited lower hydraulic efficiency but greater drought tolerance than deciduous tree,which enabled them to maintain higher persistence under low soil water availability and consequently a relatively longer growing season.In contrast,deciduous species showed no correlation between their functional traits and growth rate.The distinct water use strategies of evergreen and deciduous trees may offer a potential explanation for their co-existence in the tropical karst forests.展开更多
Epigenetics-mediated breeding(epibreeding)involves engineering crop traits and stress responses through the targeted manipulation of key epigenetic features to enhance agricultural productivity.While conventional bree...Epigenetics-mediated breeding(epibreeding)involves engineering crop traits and stress responses through the targeted manipulation of key epigenetic features to enhance agricultural productivity.While conventional breeding methods raise concerns about reduced genetic diversity,epibreeding propels crop improvement through epigenetic variations that regulate gene expression,ultimately impacting crop yield.Epigenetic regulation in crops encompasses various modes,including histone modification,DNA modification,RNA modification,non-coding RNA,and chromatin remodeling.This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms underlying major agronomic traits in maize and identifies candidate epigenetic landmarks in the maize breeding process.We propose a valuable strategy for improving maize yield through epibreeding,combining CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing technology and Synthetic Epigenetics(SynEpi).Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with maize trait improvement through epibreeding.展开更多
Litchi(Litchi chinensis Sonn.),an important fruit tree in tropical and subtropical regions,possesses substantial economic value.The branchand leaf-related traits of litchi have a significant impact on litchi yield and...Litchi(Litchi chinensis Sonn.),an important fruit tree in tropical and subtropical regions,possesses substantial economic value.The branchand leaf-related traits of litchi have a significant impact on litchi yield and quality.However,due to limitations such as the density of the genetic linkage map,there have been few studies on mapping QTLs of branch-and leaf-related traits.In this study,a high-density genetic map was constructed by next-generation sequencing(NGS)using an F_(1) population of 264 progenies,derived from the cross between the cultivars‘Sanyuehong'and‘Ziniangxi'.A total of 2574 high-quality BINs(binomial intervals)were obtained,and a genetic linkage map was constructed with a total length of 1753.3 cM and an average marker distance of 0.68 cM.With the genetic map and the phenotyping of single leaf length(SLL),single leaf width(SLW),leaf shape index(LSI),weight of specific leaf(WSL),petiole length(PL)and compound leaf length(CLL)measured in three seasons,11,9,9,10,9 and 12 QTLs were detected for SLL,SLW,WSL,LSI,PL and CLL traits,respectively.Among these QTLs,five QTLs were consistently detected in two seasons and 12 pleiotropic QTLs were identified for at least two traits.These findings will provide new insights for the gene cloning for branch-and leaf-related traits as well as marker-assisted selection(MAS).展开更多
Heat stress hinders the growth and productivity of sweetpotato plants,predominantly through oxidative damage to cellular membranes.Therefore,the development of efficient approaches for mitigating heat-related impairme...Heat stress hinders the growth and productivity of sweetpotato plants,predominantly through oxidative damage to cellular membranes.Therefore,the development of efficient approaches for mitigating heat-related impairments is essential for the long-term production of sweetpotatoes.Melatonin has been recognised for its capacity to assist plants in dealing with abiotic stress conditions.This research aimed to investigate how different doses of exogenous melatonin influence heat damage in sweetpotato plants.Heat stress drastically affected shoot and root fresh weight by 31.8 and 44.5%,respectively.This reduction resulted in oxidative stress characterised by increased formation of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))by 804.4%,superoxide ion(O_(2)^(·-))by 211.5%and malondialdehyde(MDA)by 234.2%.Heat stress also reduced chlorophyll concentration,photosystemⅡefficiency(F_v/F_m)by 15.3%and gaseous exchange.However,pre-treatment with 100μmol L^(-1)melatonin increased growth and reduced oxidative damage to sweetpotato plants under heat stress.In particular,melatonin decreased H_(2)O_(2),O_(2)^(·-)and MDA by 64.8%,42.7%and 38.2%,respectively.Melatonin also mitigated the decline in chlorophyll levels and improved stomatal traits,gaseous exchange and F_(v)/F_(m)(13%).Results suggested that the favorable outcomes of melatonin treatment can be associated with elevated antioxidant enzyme activity and an increase in non-enzymatic antioxidants and osmo-protectants.Overall,these findings indicate that exogenous melatonin can improve heat stress tolerance in sweetpotatoes.This stu dy will assist re searchers in further investigating how melatonin makes sweetpotatoes more resistant to heat stress.展开更多
Seedlessness has always been a valuable quality characteristic of edible grape varieties.Although the production of seedless grapes has been ongoing for decades,the genetic complexity of seedless grapes is not yet ful...Seedlessness has always been a valuable quality characteristic of edible grape varieties.Although the production of seedless grapes has been ongoing for decades,the genetic complexity of seedless grapes is not yet fully understood.Therefore,determining the genetic mechanisms and key regulatory genes of seedless grapes is of great significance for seedless grape breeding and meeting market demands.The emergence of high-throughput analysis software offers greater possibilities for mining genes related to plant organ development.Specifically,to mine a greater number of candidate genes related to grape seed traits,this study used the seed trait parameters analyzed by Tomato Analyzer as the target trait and then used a genome-wide association study(GWAS)to mine candidate genes.In the two-year analysis using principal component analysis(PCA),we extracted five principal components with a cumulative contribution rate of 96.586%.The cumulative contribution rate for component 1 reached 87.352%.Correlation analysis revealed correlation coefficients ranging from 0.54 to 0.98 among the seven basic traits.The GWAS results indicated that 370 SNP loci were significantly correlated with seed traits.These SNP loci were distributed on 18 chromosomes,except for chromosome 4,with most SNP loci distributed on chromosome 18.Based on the physical location of single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers significantly associated with seed-related traits in the grape reference genome,candidate genes are screened within the range of linkage disequilibrium(LD)attenuation distance,both upstream and downstream of the significant SNP loci.These candidate genes were mainly transcription factor-related genes(VvMADS4 and VvMADS5),ubiquitin ligase-related genes(E3 ubiquitin ligase BIG BROTHER),serine/threonine protein kinase-related genes,and carbohydrate metabolism-related genes(Sucrose Synthase 2)and simultaneously controlled multiple(at least two or more)seed traits.These results indicate that seed traits are jointly regulated by some genes involved in seed morphology regulation.In this work,we identified new gene loci related to grape seed traits.Identifying molecular markers closely related to these seed traits is of great significance for breeding seedless grape varieties.展开更多
Assessing the threat status of species in response to global change is critical for biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.However,current frameworks,even the IUCN Red List,often neglect critical factors suc...Assessing the threat status of species in response to global change is critical for biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.However,current frameworks,even the IUCN Red List,often neglect critical factors such as genetic diversity and the impacts of climate and land-use changes,hindering effective conservation planning.To address these limitations,we developed an enhanced extinction risk assessment framework using Diploderma lizards as a model.This framework incorporates long-term field surveys,environmental data,and land-use information to predict distributional changes for 10 recently described Diploderma species on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,which hold ecological significance but remain underassessed in conservation assessment.By integrating the distribution data and genetically inferred effective population sizes(Ne),we conducted scenario analyses and used a rank-sum approach to calculate Risk ranking scores(RRS)for each species.This approach revealed significant discrepancies with the IUCN Red List assessments.Notably,D.yangi and D.qilin were identified as facing the highest extinction risk.Furthermore,D.vela,D.batangense,D.flaviceps,D.dymondi,D.yulongense,and D.laeviventre,currently classified as“Least Concern”,were found to warrant reclassification as“Vulnerable”due to considerable threat from projected range contractions.Exploring the relationship between morphology and RRS revealed that traits such as snout-vent length and relative tail length could serve as potential predictors of extinction risk,offering preliminary metrics for assessing species vulnerability when comprehensive data are unavailable.This study enhances the precision of extinction risk assessment frameworks and demonstrates their capacity to refine and update risk assessments,especially for lesser-known taxa.展开更多
Deep learning(DL)methods like multilayer perceptrons(MLPs)and convolutional neural networks(CNNs)have been applied to predict the complex traits in animal and plant breeding.However,improving the genomic prediction ac...Deep learning(DL)methods like multilayer perceptrons(MLPs)and convolutional neural networks(CNNs)have been applied to predict the complex traits in animal and plant breeding.However,improving the genomic prediction accuracy still presents signifcant challenges.In this study,we applied CNNs to predict swine traits using previously published data.Specifcally,we extensively evaluated the CNN model's performance by employing various sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and concluded that the CNN model achieved optimal performance when utilizing SNP sets comprising 1,000 SNPs.Furthermore,we adopted a novel approach using the one-hot encoding method that transforms the 16 different genotypes into sets of eight binary variables.This innovative encoding method signifcantly enhanced the CNN's prediction accuracy for swine traits,outperforming the traditional one-hot encoding techniques.Our fndings suggest that the expanded one-hot encoding method can improve the accuracy of DL methods in the genomic prediction of swine agricultural economic traits.This discovery has significant implications for swine breeding programs,where genomic prediction is pivotal in improving breeding strategies.Furthermore,future research endeavors can explore additional enhancements to DL methods by incorporating advanced data pre-processing techniques.展开更多
The restoration of severely fragmented forests requires urgent guidance from succession theory.New theories and methods in plant functional ecology offer novel perspectives on the mechanisms that drive forest successi...The restoration of severely fragmented forests requires urgent guidance from succession theory.New theories and methods in plant functional ecology offer novel perspectives on the mechanisms that drive forest succession and productivity.Here,we established a restoration gradient of seven forest logging periods in temperate forests in China,and conducted systematic surveys on the leaf functional traits of all observed plant species,plant community structure,and soil properties.Inspired by the new concept of two-dimensional plant community traits(i.e.,efficiency and quantity traits)and plant trait networks(PTNs),we explored the adaptation mechanisms of forest communities along a restoration succession and their relationship to productivity.Efficiency and quantity traits initially increased and then stabilized,whereas multi-trait relationships(MR)exhibited fluctuations,with community resource utilization efficiency increasing initially before stabilization.As expected,productivity is poorly explained by either efficiency or quantity traits alone but is substantially better explained by their joint consideration as two-dimensional community traits.Among these,the efficiency and quantity traits of leaf area and leaf dry weight can explain up to 43%of productivity.Furthermore,MR exhibit a time-lag effect on productivity.A structural equation model(SEM)with time-lag analysis showed that efficiency traits,quantity traits,MR,and soil properties explained 64%of the spatial variation in productivity during forest succession.Efficiency and quantity traits directly regulated productivity,whereas soil properties and MR indirectly regulated productivity.Our findings are the first to demonstrate the regulation mechanisms between forest succession and productivity from the framework of efficiency traits-quantity traits-MR,providing theoretical guidance and a reference for ecological restoration,and predicting the spatial variation of forest productivity,especially at small scale.展开更多
To screen high-quality early-maturing rapeseed germplasm resources,this study took six early-maturing Brassica napus varieties(ZY1,ZY2,ZY3,ZY4,ZY5,and ZY6)as research objects to compare and analyze their agronomic tra...To screen high-quality early-maturing rapeseed germplasm resources,this study took six early-maturing Brassica napus varieties(ZY1,ZY2,ZY3,ZY4,ZY5,and ZY6)as research objects to compare and analyze their agronomic traits,resistance,and yield traits.The results showed that the six early-maturing rapeseed varieties exhibited strong pre-winter growth,with the number of green leaf on the main stem ranging from 9.0 to 11.6,the total leaf number of main stem from 11.8 to 14.2,the maximum leaf length on main stem from 41.28 cm to 47.54 cm,the maximum leaf width from 12.02 cm to 13.38 cm,and the rhizome thickness from 20.64 mm to 25.82 mm.The order of green leaf,total leaf,maximum leaf length,and rhizome thickness from high to low across varieties was ZY1>ZY2>ZY3>ZY4>ZY5>ZY6,while the maximum leaf width followed ZY2>ZY1>ZY3>ZY4>ZY5>ZY6.Compared with other varieties,ZY1 and ZY2 had earlier bolting,initial flowering,final flowering,and harvesting times.The growth periods of the varieties were 183-189 d,with ZY1 being the shortest(183 d)and ZY2 following(185 d).Resistance investigations showed that ZY1 had the lowest freeze damage rate(13%)and freeze damage index(0.043),followed by ZY2(15%and 0.060).No Sclerotinia stem rot was observed at the seedling stage,while all varieties developed the disease at maturity;ZY1 had the lowest incidence(15%)and disease index(0.050),followed by ZY2(18%and 0.070).In terms of yield traits,the yield per plant of the six varieties ranged from 11.46 g to 14.53 g,with ZY1 being the highest(14.53 g)and ZY2 following(13.42 g).In conclusion,ZY1 and ZY2 exhibited vigorous pre-winter growth,early bolting and flowering,short growth periods,strong freeze and disease resistance,and high yield per plant,making them ideal materials for early-maturing rapeseed breeding.展开更多
Objective:The combination of science and art in nursing is essential for providing effective care.Since art is inherent and a part of human personality traits,it is believed that nurses’personality traits are importa...Objective:The combination of science and art in nursing is essential for providing effective care.Since art is inherent and a part of human personality traits,it is believed that nurses’personality traits are important to achieve this cohesive combination in nursing.Accordingly,this study was conducted to determine the relationship between nurses’personality traits and the esthetics of nursing care.Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed.Study participants that consisted of 95 nurses and 285 patients from health centers in Iran were selected by convenience sampling method.Measures included the five-factor personality questionnaires(NEO-FFI)scale and Esthetics of Nursing Care Scale(ENCS).Results:The findings indicated a significant relationship between neuroticism(r=−0.149,P=0.028)and extraversion traits(r=0.136,P=0.045)of nurses in esthetics nursing care.In this study,no significant relationship was found between the personality traits and esthetics of nursing care using nurses’demographic information.Conclusions:The esthetics of nursing care depends on nurse personality traits.Since the art of nursing complements the expected care,it is suggested that nursing managers pay attention to the personality traits of nurses in planning to provide effective care.展开更多
Tintinnid ciliates are suggested as model in plankton ecology and are traditionally identified based on lorica traits with ecological importance(e.g.,growth rate,prey selection,and energy transfer efficiency).However,...Tintinnid ciliates are suggested as model in plankton ecology and are traditionally identified based on lorica traits with ecological importance(e.g.,growth rate,prey selection,and energy transfer efficiency).However,statistical validation has been limited for this taxonomic system,which has been increasingly critiqued.Here,we compiled a global dataset of tintinnid lorica morphology from the literature and statistically tested the validity of lorica traits for classification at family and genus levels.A total of 840 species were selected from over 1000 documented species,and their distinctive lorica traits(lorica types,open ends,collar presence,and biogeographic distribution patterns)were extracted and linked to the established phylogenetic tree.Significant differences were revealed across family-and genus-level(but not at species-level)classifications and across multiple morphological parameters,including critically distinctive lorica traits,size metrics(lorica oral diameter,LOD,and equivalent spherical diameter,ESD),and individual carbon biomass.Our findings provide quantitative evidence for the validity of morphological taxonomy,and preliminary foundation for linking morphological taxonomy with molecular data.Moreover,our findings provide one of the first statistical foundations for future studies integrating morphology and ecology to elucidate plankton ecological functioning at a global scale.展开更多
Amomum tsaoko Crevost&Lemarie is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Amomum in the family Zingiberaceae(Fig.S1;Wu and Kai,2000).It is primarily distributed in southern China,with smaller populations occurring ...Amomum tsaoko Crevost&Lemarie is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Amomum in the family Zingiberaceae(Fig.S1;Wu and Kai,2000).It is primarily distributed in southern China,with smaller populations occurring in northern Vietnam(Yang et al.,2022).The dried fruit of A.tsaoko is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating gastrointestinal disorders,vomiting,and malaria(Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission,2025).展开更多
This study investigated the political,economic,social,and cultural environment perceptions on international students that define their acculturation and health related quality of life.Participants were 117 internation...This study investigated the political,economic,social,and cultural environment perceptions on international students that define their acculturation and health related quality of life.Participants were 117 international students from 32 countries attending a Chinese university(females=43%,mean age=21.17 years,SD=4.45 years).They reported on their acculturation to China and physical and psychological well-being.Results from t-tests and correlation analyses indicate political liberals had more positive attitudes toward China than the conservatives,and higher self-reported physical and psychological results.Higher scores on the“interdependence”dimension of self-construal,as well as the“extraversion”and“emotional stability”dimensions of personality traits,were associated with more positive views of China and better health outcomes.These findings are consistent with Berry’s framework for acculturation,which posits that individual-level variables are related to cultural adaptation,and that cultural adaptation is associated with improved physical and mental health.International student offices at host universities should implement comprehensive support programs,including language assistance,cultural orientation,and social integration initiatives to effectively enhance the health related quality of life of international students.展开更多
Root anatomical traits play an important role in understanding the link between root physiological function and ecological process. To determine how plants change root anatomical traits to adapt to distinct environmen...Root anatomical traits play an important role in understanding the link between root physiological function and ecological process. To determine how plants change root anatomical traits to adapt to distinct environments, we measured four key root anatomical traits-stele diameter(SD), cortex thickness(CT), root diameter(RD), and the stele to root diameter ratio(SDRD)-of first-order roots of 82species collected from different vegetation zones along a 2000 m altitudinal gradient on the northern slope of Taibai Mountain. Compared with other altitudes, plants located in temperate birch and fir forests had thinner SD, CT, RD, and SDRD. We found that elevational variation in root anatomical traits could largely be explained by phylogenetic taxonomy(clade). In addition, changes in SD were driven by soil bulk density, whereas variations in CT and RD were influenced by soil available nitrogen. When phylogenetic factors were removed from our analysis, allometric relationships between RD and root anatomical traits(SD and CT) were observed across different altitudes. Our study reveals the influence of phylogeny and environment on the elevational variation in root anatomical traits and further supports the allometric relationship between root anatomical traits(SD and CT) and RD. These findings enhance our understanding of the evolutionary and adaptive mechanisms of root anatomical structures, providing a basis for predicting how root anatomical traits respond to global changes.展开更多
Rapid urbanization has contributed to global increases in air pollution derived from urban areas.Unlike natural forests,urban forests are exposed to higher concentrations of airborne pollutants due to the strong urban...Rapid urbanization has contributed to global increases in air pollution derived from urban areas.Unlike natural forests,urban forests are exposed to higher concentrations of airborne pollutants due to the strong urban-suburban-rural pollutant emission gradients.However,there remains a pressing lack of available information pertaining to the urban air pollutionrelated effects on the leaf economics spectrum,anatomical,ultrastructural,and stomatal traits of tree species along an urban-rural gradient.Here,the degree to which urban air pollution impacts the adaption of greening tree species and associated service functions was assessed by sampling five common tree species(Acer pictum,Fraxinus chinensis,Koelreuteria paniculata,Salix babylonica,Sophora japonica)along urban-rural-natural forests in the Beijing metropolitan region of China.These analyses revealed a significant reduction in leaf mass per unit area(-13.4%),leaf thickness(-16.7%),and stomatal area(-27.5%)with increasing proximity to areas of greater air pollution that coincide with significant increases in leaf tissue density(+12.6%),leaf nitrogen content(+10.1%),relative chlorophyll content(+2.7%),and stomatal density(+11.9%).Higher air pollution levels were associated with organelle changes including gradual disintegration of chloroplasts,larger intercellular spaces and apparent starch and plastoglobuli deposition.Air pollutionwas conducive to the strengthening of the trade-off potential and adaptation strategies of trees in urban ecosystems,which are associated with trees with a rapid investment return strategy associated with thick leaves and strong photosynthetic capacity.These results provide strong empirical evidence of the profound air pollution-induced changes in leaf functional traits and adaption ability of urban forest tree species.展开更多
Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)is an important staple food crop in the world and supplies about 20%of human caloric and protein consumption(Giraldo et al.,2019;Xiao et al.,2022).Wheat production accounts for~30%of global ...Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)is an important staple food crop in the world and supplies about 20%of human caloric and protein consumption(Giraldo et al.,2019;Xiao et al.,2022).Wheat production accounts for~30%of global cereal crops(Li et al.,2019).With the global population increasing and the frequency of natural disasters rising,enhancing wheat yield is crucial to meet food demand.Spike traits such as increased grain number per spike are key determinants of wheat yield.Pre-harvest sprouting(PHS)is a significant natural disaster that severely impacts grain yield and end-use quality of wheat(Tai et al.,2021,2024).展开更多
Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitat...Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitats by combining niche modeling with ecological trait analysis. We conducted standardized point surveys to examine the habitat preferences of 32 bird species in Inner Mongolia, China, and quantified their habitat niche parameters using the Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Our results reveal distinct habitat preferences among species, with some thriving in intact environments while others are better adapted to fragmented areas. Grassland species showed high specialization along the fragmentation gradient, while others exhibited adaptability to varying levels of fragmentation. Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we identified three key traits influencing habitat occupancy: hand-wing index, body mass, and range size. Specifically, species with medium hand-wing indices, moderate body mass, and larger range sizes were more likely to occupy heavily fragmented habitats. These findings provide empirical evidence on how habitat fragmentation affects bird species in steppe ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of functional traits in understanding avian responses to habitat fragmentation and offers a foundation for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.展开更多
基金supported by the Agricultural Seed Improvement Project of Shandong Province(No.2022 LZGCQY010)the Taishan Industrial Experts Programthe Science and Technology Program of Fujian Province(No.2024N3003)。
文摘Triploid Pacific oysters(Crassostrea gigas)are highly valued due to their rapid growth and low fertility,making them commercially desirable.However,these reproductive characteristics also hinder their capability to produce subsequent generations.Large-scale triploid production relies on crossing female diploid and male tetraploid oysters.This study assessed the effects of shell morphology on body weight and fecundity in diploid and tetraploid oysters using multiple regression and path analysis.Substantial correlations were found between shell morphology and body weight traits,as well as between shell morphology and fecundity traits across diploid and tetraploid oysters.Path analysis revealed that shell morphology traits significantly impact body weight and fecundity in both diploids and tetraploids.Among these traits,shell height had the strongest direct effect on body weight and fecundity,while shell height and shell length notably contributed through indirect effects.These findings highlight the importance of shell height in shaping body weight and fecundity in diploid and tetraploid Pacific oysters,indicating that selective breeding,with a particular focus on enhancing shell height,could simultaneously promote increases in shell length.
文摘The Moroccan populations of Alnus glutinosa(L.)Gaertn.(Betulaceae)They are located at the southern limit of the species'distribution and are represented by tetraploid cytotypes.Assessing phenotypic variability in reproductive traits is crucial for understanding the persistence,evolution,and range dynamics of plant populations.However,no previous studies have analyzed the relative importance of variability in explaining inter-or intra-population differences in reproductive traits.To address this gap,we investigated phenotypic variation in reproductive organs by examining 10 traits in 3.600 male catkins,3.600 female catkins,and seeds from 12 populations across the Moroccan Rif Mountains.Our results highlighted the significance of inter-population variability.However,we found that the contribution of within-tree variation to total phenotypic variability was greater than that of both inter-and intra-population variation.Principal component analysis(PCA)revealed a phenotypic gradient among populations,primarily driven by female catkin size,though this gradient was not associated with geographic conditions.This finding was further supported by Mantel test results,which showed no correlation between phenotypic variability and population conditions.These findings have important implications for the genetic improvement,conservation,and resource management of Alnus glutinosa in the future.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Plan of China(2021YFD2200202)the Key Research and Development Project of Jiangsu Province,China(BE2021366).
文摘Populus species,important economic species combining rapid growth with broad ecological adaptability,play a critical role in sustainable forestry and bioenergy production.In this study,we performed whole-genome resequencing of 707 individuals from a full-sib family to develop comprehensive single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers and constructed a high-density genetic linkage map of 19 linkage groups.The total genetic length of the map reached 3623.65 cM with an average marker interval of 0.34 cM.By integrating multidimensional phenotypic data,89 quantitative trait loci(QTL)associated with growth,wood physical and chemical properties,disease resistance,and leaf morphology traits were identified,with logarithm of odds(LOD)scores ranging from 3.13 to 21.72 Notably,pleiotropic analysis revealed significant colocaliza and phenotypic variance explained between 1.7% and 11.6%.-tion hotspots on chromosomes LG1,LG5,LG6,LG8,and LG14,with epistatic interaction network analysis confirming genetic basis of coordinated regulation across multiple traits.Functional annotation of 207 candidate genes showed that R2R3-MYB and bHLH transcription factors and pyruvate kinase-encoding genes were significantly enriched,suggesting crucial roles in lignin biosynthesis and carbon metabolic pathways.Allelic effect analysis indicated that the frequency of favorable alleles associated with target traits ranged from 0.20 to 0.55.Incorporation of QTL-derived favorable alleles as random effects into Bayesian-based genomic selection models led to an increase in prediction accuracy ranging from 1% to 21%,with Bayesian ridge regression as the best predictive model.This study provides valuable genomic resources and genetic insights for deciphering complex trait architecture and advancing molecular breeding in poplar.
基金financially funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(3186113307,31770533,31870591)the West Light Talent Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(xbzg-zdsys-202218).
文摘The karst forest in southwestern China is characterized by thin soil layers,numerous fissures and holes,resulting in low soil water availability and poor water retention,making it challenging for plant growth and survival.While the relationship between plant functional traits and tree growth performance has been extensively studied,the links between tree seasonal growth and drought-tolerant traits in tree species with different leaf habit remains poorly understood.This study evaluated the associations between four-year averaged rainy season stem diameter growth rate and 17 branch and leaf traits across evergreen and deciduous species in a tropical karst forest in southwest China.The cross-species variations in tree growth rates were related to plant hydraulic traits(e.g.,vessel lumen diameter,xylem vessel density,stomatal density,and stomatal size)and leaf anatomical traits(e.g.,total leaf thickness,lower/upper epidermis thickness,and spongy thickness).The growth of evergreen trees exhibited lower hydraulic efficiency but greater drought tolerance than deciduous tree,which enabled them to maintain higher persistence under low soil water availability and consequently a relatively longer growing season.In contrast,deciduous species showed no correlation between their functional traits and growth rate.The distinct water use strategies of evergreen and deciduous trees may offer a potential explanation for their co-existence in the tropical karst forests.
基金supported by funding from the National Key R&D Program of China(2023ZD0407304)the Sci-Tech Innovation 2030 Agenda(2022ZD0115703)Fundamental Research Funds for Central Non-Profit of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Y2023PT20).
文摘Epigenetics-mediated breeding(epibreeding)involves engineering crop traits and stress responses through the targeted manipulation of key epigenetic features to enhance agricultural productivity.While conventional breeding methods raise concerns about reduced genetic diversity,epibreeding propels crop improvement through epigenetic variations that regulate gene expression,ultimately impacting crop yield.Epigenetic regulation in crops encompasses various modes,including histone modification,DNA modification,RNA modification,non-coding RNA,and chromatin remodeling.This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms underlying major agronomic traits in maize and identifies candidate epigenetic landmarks in the maize breeding process.We propose a valuable strategy for improving maize yield through epibreeding,combining CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing technology and Synthetic Epigenetics(SynEpi).Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with maize trait improvement through epibreeding.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Special Fund of Hainan Province(Grant Nos.ZDYF2021XDNY159 and ZDYF2021XDNY156)the Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund for Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science(Grant No.1630032022007)China Agricultural Research System of MOF and MARA(Grant No.CARS-32-01)。
文摘Litchi(Litchi chinensis Sonn.),an important fruit tree in tropical and subtropical regions,possesses substantial economic value.The branchand leaf-related traits of litchi have a significant impact on litchi yield and quality.However,due to limitations such as the density of the genetic linkage map,there have been few studies on mapping QTLs of branch-and leaf-related traits.In this study,a high-density genetic map was constructed by next-generation sequencing(NGS)using an F_(1) population of 264 progenies,derived from the cross between the cultivars‘Sanyuehong'and‘Ziniangxi'.A total of 2574 high-quality BINs(binomial intervals)were obtained,and a genetic linkage map was constructed with a total length of 1753.3 cM and an average marker distance of 0.68 cM.With the genetic map and the phenotyping of single leaf length(SLL),single leaf width(SLW),leaf shape index(LSI),weight of specific leaf(WSL),petiole length(PL)and compound leaf length(CLL)measured in three seasons,11,9,9,10,9 and 12 QTLs were detected for SLL,SLW,WSL,LSI,PL and CLL traits,respectively.Among these QTLs,five QTLs were consistently detected in two seasons and 12 pleiotropic QTLs were identified for at least two traits.These findings will provide new insights for the gene cloning for branch-and leaf-related traits as well as marker-assisted selection(MAS).
基金supported jointly by the earmarked fund for CARS-10-GW2the key research and development program of Hainan Province(Grant No.ZDYF2020226)+1 种基金Collaborative innovation center of Nanfan and high-efficiency tropical agriculture,Hainan University(Grant No.XTCX2022NYC21)funding of Hainan University[Grant No.KYQD(ZR)22123]。
文摘Heat stress hinders the growth and productivity of sweetpotato plants,predominantly through oxidative damage to cellular membranes.Therefore,the development of efficient approaches for mitigating heat-related impairments is essential for the long-term production of sweetpotatoes.Melatonin has been recognised for its capacity to assist plants in dealing with abiotic stress conditions.This research aimed to investigate how different doses of exogenous melatonin influence heat damage in sweetpotato plants.Heat stress drastically affected shoot and root fresh weight by 31.8 and 44.5%,respectively.This reduction resulted in oxidative stress characterised by increased formation of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))by 804.4%,superoxide ion(O_(2)^(·-))by 211.5%and malondialdehyde(MDA)by 234.2%.Heat stress also reduced chlorophyll concentration,photosystemⅡefficiency(F_v/F_m)by 15.3%and gaseous exchange.However,pre-treatment with 100μmol L^(-1)melatonin increased growth and reduced oxidative damage to sweetpotato plants under heat stress.In particular,melatonin decreased H_(2)O_(2),O_(2)^(·-)and MDA by 64.8%,42.7%and 38.2%,respectively.Melatonin also mitigated the decline in chlorophyll levels and improved stomatal traits,gaseous exchange and F_(v)/F_(m)(13%).Results suggested that the favorable outcomes of melatonin treatment can be associated with elevated antioxidant enzyme activity and an increase in non-enzymatic antioxidants and osmo-protectants.Overall,these findings indicate that exogenous melatonin can improve heat stress tolerance in sweetpotatoes.This stu dy will assist re searchers in further investigating how melatonin makes sweetpotatoes more resistant to heat stress.
基金supported by grants from the Basic Research Business Fees for Public Welfare in Xinjiang Autonomous Region(Mining candidate genes related to grape seed traits based on GWAS,KY2023028)the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Tianchi Talent-Young Doctor for Chuan Zhang(Revealing the domestication history of Xinjiang native grape varieties and genetic analysis of important agronomic traits)the Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences Youth Science and Technology Backbone Innovation Ability Training Project(xjnkq-2023006).
文摘Seedlessness has always been a valuable quality characteristic of edible grape varieties.Although the production of seedless grapes has been ongoing for decades,the genetic complexity of seedless grapes is not yet fully understood.Therefore,determining the genetic mechanisms and key regulatory genes of seedless grapes is of great significance for seedless grape breeding and meeting market demands.The emergence of high-throughput analysis software offers greater possibilities for mining genes related to plant organ development.Specifically,to mine a greater number of candidate genes related to grape seed traits,this study used the seed trait parameters analyzed by Tomato Analyzer as the target trait and then used a genome-wide association study(GWAS)to mine candidate genes.In the two-year analysis using principal component analysis(PCA),we extracted five principal components with a cumulative contribution rate of 96.586%.The cumulative contribution rate for component 1 reached 87.352%.Correlation analysis revealed correlation coefficients ranging from 0.54 to 0.98 among the seven basic traits.The GWAS results indicated that 370 SNP loci were significantly correlated with seed traits.These SNP loci were distributed on 18 chromosomes,except for chromosome 4,with most SNP loci distributed on chromosome 18.Based on the physical location of single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers significantly associated with seed-related traits in the grape reference genome,candidate genes are screened within the range of linkage disequilibrium(LD)attenuation distance,both upstream and downstream of the significant SNP loci.These candidate genes were mainly transcription factor-related genes(VvMADS4 and VvMADS5),ubiquitin ligase-related genes(E3 ubiquitin ligase BIG BROTHER),serine/threonine protein kinase-related genes,and carbohydrate metabolism-related genes(Sucrose Synthase 2)and simultaneously controlled multiple(at least two or more)seed traits.These results indicate that seed traits are jointly regulated by some genes involved in seed morphology regulation.In this work,we identified new gene loci related to grape seed traits.Identifying molecular markers closely related to these seed traits is of great significance for breeding seedless grape varieties.
基金supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program (STEP,2019QZKK0402)Science and Technology Plan Project of Xizang Autonomous Region to Y.Q. (XZ202201ZY0030G)National Natural Science Foundation of China (32201424 to Z.Y.L.and 31872233 to Y.Q.)。
文摘Assessing the threat status of species in response to global change is critical for biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.However,current frameworks,even the IUCN Red List,often neglect critical factors such as genetic diversity and the impacts of climate and land-use changes,hindering effective conservation planning.To address these limitations,we developed an enhanced extinction risk assessment framework using Diploderma lizards as a model.This framework incorporates long-term field surveys,environmental data,and land-use information to predict distributional changes for 10 recently described Diploderma species on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,which hold ecological significance but remain underassessed in conservation assessment.By integrating the distribution data and genetically inferred effective population sizes(Ne),we conducted scenario analyses and used a rank-sum approach to calculate Risk ranking scores(RRS)for each species.This approach revealed significant discrepancies with the IUCN Red List assessments.Notably,D.yangi and D.qilin were identified as facing the highest extinction risk.Furthermore,D.vela,D.batangense,D.flaviceps,D.dymondi,D.yulongense,and D.laeviventre,currently classified as“Least Concern”,were found to warrant reclassification as“Vulnerable”due to considerable threat from projected range contractions.Exploring the relationship between morphology and RRS revealed that traits such as snout-vent length and relative tail length could serve as potential predictors of extinction risk,offering preliminary metrics for assessing species vulnerability when comprehensive data are unavailable.This study enhances the precision of extinction risk assessment frameworks and demonstrates their capacity to refine and update risk assessments,especially for lesser-known taxa.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32102513)the National Key Scientific Research Project(2023YFF1001100)+1 种基金the Shenzhen Innovation and Entrepreneurship PlanMajor Special Project of Science and Technology,China(KJZD20230923115003006)the Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ZDRW202006)。
文摘Deep learning(DL)methods like multilayer perceptrons(MLPs)and convolutional neural networks(CNNs)have been applied to predict the complex traits in animal and plant breeding.However,improving the genomic prediction accuracy still presents signifcant challenges.In this study,we applied CNNs to predict swine traits using previously published data.Specifcally,we extensively evaluated the CNN model's performance by employing various sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and concluded that the CNN model achieved optimal performance when utilizing SNP sets comprising 1,000 SNPs.Furthermore,we adopted a novel approach using the one-hot encoding method that transforms the 16 different genotypes into sets of eight binary variables.This innovative encoding method signifcantly enhanced the CNN's prediction accuracy for swine traits,outperforming the traditional one-hot encoding techniques.Our fndings suggest that the expanded one-hot encoding method can improve the accuracy of DL methods in the genomic prediction of swine agricultural economic traits.This discovery has significant implications for swine breeding programs,where genomic prediction is pivotal in improving breeding strategies.Furthermore,future research endeavors can explore additional enhancements to DL methods by incorporating advanced data pre-processing techniques.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32301362,42301544,32430067)。
文摘The restoration of severely fragmented forests requires urgent guidance from succession theory.New theories and methods in plant functional ecology offer novel perspectives on the mechanisms that drive forest succession and productivity.Here,we established a restoration gradient of seven forest logging periods in temperate forests in China,and conducted systematic surveys on the leaf functional traits of all observed plant species,plant community structure,and soil properties.Inspired by the new concept of two-dimensional plant community traits(i.e.,efficiency and quantity traits)and plant trait networks(PTNs),we explored the adaptation mechanisms of forest communities along a restoration succession and their relationship to productivity.Efficiency and quantity traits initially increased and then stabilized,whereas multi-trait relationships(MR)exhibited fluctuations,with community resource utilization efficiency increasing initially before stabilization.As expected,productivity is poorly explained by either efficiency or quantity traits alone but is substantially better explained by their joint consideration as two-dimensional community traits.Among these,the efficiency and quantity traits of leaf area and leaf dry weight can explain up to 43%of productivity.Furthermore,MR exhibit a time-lag effect on productivity.A structural equation model(SEM)with time-lag analysis showed that efficiency traits,quantity traits,MR,and soil properties explained 64%of the spatial variation in productivity during forest succession.Efficiency and quantity traits directly regulated productivity,whereas soil properties and MR indirectly regulated productivity.Our findings are the first to demonstrate the regulation mechanisms between forest succession and productivity from the framework of efficiency traits-quantity traits-MR,providing theoretical guidance and a reference for ecological restoration,and predicting the spatial variation of forest productivity,especially at small scale.
文摘To screen high-quality early-maturing rapeseed germplasm resources,this study took six early-maturing Brassica napus varieties(ZY1,ZY2,ZY3,ZY4,ZY5,and ZY6)as research objects to compare and analyze their agronomic traits,resistance,and yield traits.The results showed that the six early-maturing rapeseed varieties exhibited strong pre-winter growth,with the number of green leaf on the main stem ranging from 9.0 to 11.6,the total leaf number of main stem from 11.8 to 14.2,the maximum leaf length on main stem from 41.28 cm to 47.54 cm,the maximum leaf width from 12.02 cm to 13.38 cm,and the rhizome thickness from 20.64 mm to 25.82 mm.The order of green leaf,total leaf,maximum leaf length,and rhizome thickness from high to low across varieties was ZY1>ZY2>ZY3>ZY4>ZY5>ZY6,while the maximum leaf width followed ZY2>ZY1>ZY3>ZY4>ZY5>ZY6.Compared with other varieties,ZY1 and ZY2 had earlier bolting,initial flowering,final flowering,and harvesting times.The growth periods of the varieties were 183-189 d,with ZY1 being the shortest(183 d)and ZY2 following(185 d).Resistance investigations showed that ZY1 had the lowest freeze damage rate(13%)and freeze damage index(0.043),followed by ZY2(15%and 0.060).No Sclerotinia stem rot was observed at the seedling stage,while all varieties developed the disease at maturity;ZY1 had the lowest incidence(15%)and disease index(0.050),followed by ZY2(18%and 0.070).In terms of yield traits,the yield per plant of the six varieties ranged from 11.46 g to 14.53 g,with ZY1 being the highest(14.53 g)and ZY2 following(13.42 g).In conclusion,ZY1 and ZY2 exhibited vigorous pre-winter growth,early bolting and flowering,short growth periods,strong freeze and disease resistance,and high yield per plant,making them ideal materials for early-maturing rapeseed breeding.
文摘Objective:The combination of science and art in nursing is essential for providing effective care.Since art is inherent and a part of human personality traits,it is believed that nurses’personality traits are important to achieve this cohesive combination in nursing.Accordingly,this study was conducted to determine the relationship between nurses’personality traits and the esthetics of nursing care.Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed.Study participants that consisted of 95 nurses and 285 patients from health centers in Iran were selected by convenience sampling method.Measures included the five-factor personality questionnaires(NEO-FFI)scale and Esthetics of Nursing Care Scale(ENCS).Results:The findings indicated a significant relationship between neuroticism(r=−0.149,P=0.028)and extraversion traits(r=0.136,P=0.045)of nurses in esthetics nursing care.In this study,no significant relationship was found between the personality traits and esthetics of nursing care using nurses’demographic information.Conclusions:The esthetics of nursing care depends on nurse personality traits.Since the art of nursing complements the expected care,it is suggested that nursing managers pay attention to the personality traits of nurses in planning to provide effective care.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No.42576134the National Key Research and Development Program of China under contract No.2023YFD2401901the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation under contract No.ZR2024QD183.
文摘Tintinnid ciliates are suggested as model in plankton ecology and are traditionally identified based on lorica traits with ecological importance(e.g.,growth rate,prey selection,and energy transfer efficiency).However,statistical validation has been limited for this taxonomic system,which has been increasingly critiqued.Here,we compiled a global dataset of tintinnid lorica morphology from the literature and statistically tested the validity of lorica traits for classification at family and genus levels.A total of 840 species were selected from over 1000 documented species,and their distinctive lorica traits(lorica types,open ends,collar presence,and biogeographic distribution patterns)were extracted and linked to the established phylogenetic tree.Significant differences were revealed across family-and genus-level(but not at species-level)classifications and across multiple morphological parameters,including critically distinctive lorica traits,size metrics(lorica oral diameter,LOD,and equivalent spherical diameter,ESD),and individual carbon biomass.Our findings provide quantitative evidence for the validity of morphological taxonomy,and preliminary foundation for linking morphological taxonomy with molecular data.Moreover,our findings provide one of the first statistical foundations for future studies integrating morphology and ecology to elucidate plankton ecological functioning at a global scale.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2024YFF1306700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82260739)+2 种基金the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department-Applied Basic Research Joint Special Funds of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine(202101AZ070001-005,202101AZ070001-166)the Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program“Young Talent”Project(YNWR-QNBJ-2020-278)Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB1230000).
文摘Amomum tsaoko Crevost&Lemarie is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Amomum in the family Zingiberaceae(Fig.S1;Wu and Kai,2000).It is primarily distributed in southern China,with smaller populations occurring in northern Vietnam(Yang et al.,2022).The dried fruit of A.tsaoko is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating gastrointestinal disorders,vomiting,and malaria(Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission,2025).
文摘This study investigated the political,economic,social,and cultural environment perceptions on international students that define their acculturation and health related quality of life.Participants were 117 international students from 32 countries attending a Chinese university(females=43%,mean age=21.17 years,SD=4.45 years).They reported on their acculturation to China and physical and psychological well-being.Results from t-tests and correlation analyses indicate political liberals had more positive attitudes toward China than the conservatives,and higher self-reported physical and psychological results.Higher scores on the“interdependence”dimension of self-construal,as well as the“extraversion”and“emotional stability”dimensions of personality traits,were associated with more positive views of China and better health outcomes.These findings are consistent with Berry’s framework for acculturation,which posits that individual-level variables are related to cultural adaptation,and that cultural adaptation is associated with improved physical and mental health.International student offices at host universities should implement comprehensive support programs,including language assistance,cultural orientation,and social integration initiatives to effectively enhance the health related quality of life of international students.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32271611)Functional traits of plant communities at different elevation gradients in the Taibai Mountain of Qinling Mountains financed by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2016YFC0500202)245 Qinling National Forest Ecosystem Research Station in 2022 financed by Ministry of Education of China.
文摘Root anatomical traits play an important role in understanding the link between root physiological function and ecological process. To determine how plants change root anatomical traits to adapt to distinct environments, we measured four key root anatomical traits-stele diameter(SD), cortex thickness(CT), root diameter(RD), and the stele to root diameter ratio(SDRD)-of first-order roots of 82species collected from different vegetation zones along a 2000 m altitudinal gradient on the northern slope of Taibai Mountain. Compared with other altitudes, plants located in temperate birch and fir forests had thinner SD, CT, RD, and SDRD. We found that elevational variation in root anatomical traits could largely be explained by phylogenetic taxonomy(clade). In addition, changes in SD were driven by soil bulk density, whereas variations in CT and RD were influenced by soil available nitrogen. When phylogenetic factors were removed from our analysis, allometric relationships between RD and root anatomical traits(SD and CT) were observed across different altitudes. Our study reveals the influence of phylogeny and environment on the elevational variation in root anatomical traits and further supports the allometric relationship between root anatomical traits(SD and CT) and RD. These findings enhance our understanding of the evolutionary and adaptive mechanisms of root anatomical structures, providing a basis for predicting how root anatomical traits respond to global changes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32271673)5·5 Engineering Research&Innovation Team Project of Beijing Forestry University(No.BLRC2023B06).
文摘Rapid urbanization has contributed to global increases in air pollution derived from urban areas.Unlike natural forests,urban forests are exposed to higher concentrations of airborne pollutants due to the strong urban-suburban-rural pollutant emission gradients.However,there remains a pressing lack of available information pertaining to the urban air pollutionrelated effects on the leaf economics spectrum,anatomical,ultrastructural,and stomatal traits of tree species along an urban-rural gradient.Here,the degree to which urban air pollution impacts the adaption of greening tree species and associated service functions was assessed by sampling five common tree species(Acer pictum,Fraxinus chinensis,Koelreuteria paniculata,Salix babylonica,Sophora japonica)along urban-rural-natural forests in the Beijing metropolitan region of China.These analyses revealed a significant reduction in leaf mass per unit area(-13.4%),leaf thickness(-16.7%),and stomatal area(-27.5%)with increasing proximity to areas of greater air pollution that coincide with significant increases in leaf tissue density(+12.6%),leaf nitrogen content(+10.1%),relative chlorophyll content(+2.7%),and stomatal density(+11.9%).Higher air pollution levels were associated with organelle changes including gradual disintegration of chloroplasts,larger intercellular spaces and apparent starch and plastoglobuli deposition.Air pollutionwas conducive to the strengthening of the trade-off potential and adaptation strategies of trees in urban ecosystems,which are associated with trees with a rapid investment return strategy associated with thick leaves and strong photosynthetic capacity.These results provide strong empirical evidence of the profound air pollution-induced changes in leaf functional traits and adaption ability of urban forest tree species.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD1200403 and 2023YFF1000600)the Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences。
文摘Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)is an important staple food crop in the world and supplies about 20%of human caloric and protein consumption(Giraldo et al.,2019;Xiao et al.,2022).Wheat production accounts for~30%of global cereal crops(Li et al.,2019).With the global population increasing and the frequency of natural disasters rising,enhancing wheat yield is crucial to meet food demand.Spike traits such as increased grain number per spike are key determinants of wheat yield.Pre-harvest sprouting(PHS)is a significant natural disaster that severely impacts grain yield and end-use quality of wheat(Tai et al.,2021,2024).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32201304)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412022QD026).
文摘Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitats by combining niche modeling with ecological trait analysis. We conducted standardized point surveys to examine the habitat preferences of 32 bird species in Inner Mongolia, China, and quantified their habitat niche parameters using the Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Our results reveal distinct habitat preferences among species, with some thriving in intact environments while others are better adapted to fragmented areas. Grassland species showed high specialization along the fragmentation gradient, while others exhibited adaptability to varying levels of fragmentation. Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we identified three key traits influencing habitat occupancy: hand-wing index, body mass, and range size. Specifically, species with medium hand-wing indices, moderate body mass, and larger range sizes were more likely to occupy heavily fragmented habitats. These findings provide empirical evidence on how habitat fragmentation affects bird species in steppe ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of functional traits in understanding avian responses to habitat fragmentation and offers a foundation for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.
