The success of deep learning in image classification has been largely underpinned by large-scale datasets, such as ImageNet, which have significantly advanced multi-class classification for RGB and grayscale images. However, datasets that capture spectral information beyond the visible spectrum remain scarce, despite their high potential, especially in agriculture, medicine and remote sensing. To address this gap in the agricultural domain, we present a thoroughly curated bimodal seed image dataset comprising paired RGB and hyperspectral images for 10 plant species, making it one of the largest bimodal seed datasets available. We describe the methodology for data collection and preprocessing and benchmark several deep learning models on the dataset to evaluate their multi-class classification performance. By contributing a high-quality dataset, our manuscript offers a valuable resource for studying spectral, spatial and morphological properties of seeds, thereby opening new avenues for research and applications.
To exploit allelic variation in Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum, the Wild Barley Diversity Collection was subjected to paired-end Illumina sequencing at ∼9 × depth and evaluated for several agronomic traits. We discovered 240.2 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after alignment to the Morex V3 assembly and 24.4 million short (1 to 50 bp) insertions and deletions. A genome-wide association study of lemma color identified one marker-trait association (MTA) on chromosome 1H close to HvBlp, the cloned gene controlling black lemma. Four MTAs were identified for seedling stem rust resistance, including 2 novel loci on chromosomes 1H and 6H and one co-locating to the complex RMRL1-RMRL2 locus on 5H. The whole-genome sequence data described herein will facilitate the identification and utilization of new alleles for barley improvement.
Biodiversity loss can destabilize ecosystem functioning. How biodiversity–stability relationships are interlinked across trophic levels remains poorly investigated, however, limiting our ability to predict ecosystem-level consequences of declining biodiversity. Here, we analyze the drivers of multi-year herbivore community stability—as a key connector between primary producers and higher trophic levels—and its coupling with host tree diversity and growth stability along a subtropical tree diversity gradient. Phylogenetic diversity, abundance asynchrony and population stability of herbivores emerge as key intra-community regulators of herbivore temporal stability. These regulators, in turn, are strongly affected by changes in tree species richness through tree functional diversity, tree growth asynchrony, and tree growth population stability. Importantly, accounting for herbivore dietary specialization unveils clear stabilizing effects of tree species richness on the community stability of specialists but not of generalists. For the overall herbivore community, higher tree richness results in less stable abundance dynamics. Our findings suggest that biodiversity loss will propagate bottom-up to affect the stability of communities at higher trophic levels, and particularly destabilize communities of more vulnerable specialists. Global change and plantation management may thus also compromise biodiversity conservation by reducing abundance and species richness stability of higher trophic levels. The stability of interactions across trophic levels is crucial for ecosystem resilience but remains poorly understood. This study shows that loss of tree diversity destabilizes specialist herbivores, offering new insights into the mechanisms of pest outbreaks.
Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) research has shown that ecosystem functioning and stability are closely linked to biodiversity. A cornerstone of this field is the BEF-China research platform, i.e. the world’s largest forest biodiversity experiment in subtropical China. It has demonstrated that tree diversity enhances productivity, carbon sequestration and ecosystem stability. However, the strength of these positive tree diversity effects varies widely across forests, possibly because higher trophic levels (such as herbivores and predators) mediate how biodiversity influences ecosystem functioning.To better understand how tree diversity influences higher trophic levels and their contributions to forest functioning, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the project MultiTroph. MultiTroph quantifies species interactions and integrates them into food webs to understand when and why ecosystem functions change or destabilise with species loss. We expect that trophic interaction networks reveal how species share or separate their ecological roles, with more niche overlap in species-rich forests and more niche specialisation in species-poor forests.Here, we outline our conceptual framework and research goals. We are convinced that MultiTroph will expand existing BEF research and provide a more holistic understanding of the role of multi-trophic food webs in forest ecosystems.
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has gained attention as an alternative to metallic implants in orthopaedic applications, including arthroplasty, due to its mechanical properties and biocompatibility. This review evaluates the role of PEEK in arthroplasty and other orthopaedic applications by analysing its biomechanical characteristics, surface modifications, and clinical outcomes A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Scopus, and Embase. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, preclinical research, and systematic reviews. PEEK’s elastic modulus (3–4 GPa) closely matches that of human cortical bone, potentially reducing stress shielding and enhancing osseointegration. Its inherent radiolucency improves imaging capabilities, while various surface modification techniques, including hydroxyapatite coatings and nanopatterning, have been developed to enhance bone integration. Despite positive preclinical outcomes, clinical studies are predominantly focused on short- to mid-term results, with limited long-term data on implant survivorship and complications. While PEEK shows promise in orthopaedic applications, further research is necessary to establish its clinical efficacy relative to traditional metals. Addressing the current gaps in long-term studies, regulatory challenges, and manufacturing processes will be crucial for the broader adoption of PEEK implants in orthopaedic surgery. This review highlights the ongoing evolution of PEEK in the field and suggests directions for future research.
