cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1232086
title: Pant Trap Data Set- Elron Oscar

description: The Experiment was conducted on October 24th, 2014 from 3:00-5:00pm. The experiment was conducted at York University grassland area on the south side of York closer to Keele street. Trial 1 was conducted between 3:00-4:00pm and trial 2 was conducted between 4:00-5:00pm. The weather was sunny, although since it was late in the afternoon, the sun was starting to dim down closer to 5:00pm. The temperature for trial 1 was around 16°C and in trial 2 it was around 14°C. The wind speed was measured under the Beaufort scale, 3 (gentle wind) on the scale for the whole experiment. The data was collected with Carmela and Laiba. The experiment was done to determine the different arthropods collected by plant species, colour bowl and distance of the bowl to the plant species. The purpose was to determine the different community each plant species had and if distance and colour bowl had an effect on how many arthropods collected. For each species,15 bowls were placed near a species. 3 different colour bowls (blue, white and yellow) were placed near a plant species. 5 bowls for each colour were places 1 feet away from each other (0ft, 1ft, 2ft, 3ft, and 4ft), the last being the furthest away from the plant species. Do this twice for the other 2 bowls.Between the 2 different coloured bowls, keep a distance of 6 inches from each other. Add another 15 bowls for 3 other plant species. Fill each bowl with half soapy water. To keep the experiment consistent, keep the bowls all elevated equally, do not interrupt the bowls for one hour and then record your findings. Record the plant species, the bowl colour, the distance from the plant species, the number of arthropods collected, the number of recognizable taxonomic units, classification, and the wind speed. Take note of the type of plant species it is (pollinator, colour, grass, shrub).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1232086.v1
title: Pant Trap Data Set- Elron Oscar

description: The Experiment was conducted on October 24th, 2014 from 3:00-5:00pm. The experiment was conducted at York University grassland area on the south side of York closer to Keele street. Trial 1 was conducted between 3:00-4:00pm and trial 2 was conducted between 4:00-5:00pm. The weather was sunny, although since it was late in the afternoon, the sun was starting to dim down closer to 5:00pm. The temperature for trial 1 was around 16°C and in trial 2 it was around 14°C. The wind speed was measured under the Beaufort scale, 3 (gentle wind) on the scale for the whole experiment. The data was collected with Carmela and Laiba. The experiment was done to determine the different arthropods collected by plant species, colour bowl and distance of the bowl to the plant species. The purpose was to determine the different community each plant species had and if distance and colour bowl had an effect on how many arthropods collected. For each species,15 bowls were placed near a species. 3 different colour bowls (blue, white and yellow) were placed near a plant species. 5 bowls for each colour were places 1 feet away from each other (0ft, 1ft, 2ft, 3ft, and 4ft), the last being the furthest away from the plant species. Do this twice for the other 2 bowls.Between the 2 different coloured bowls, keep a distance of 6 inches from each other. Add another 15 bowls for 3 other plant species. Fill each bowl with half soapy water. To keep the experiment consistent, keep the bowls all elevated equally, do not interrupt the bowls for one hour and then record your findings. Record the plant species, the bowl colour, the distance from the plant species, the number of arthropods collected, the number of recognizable taxonomic units, classification, and the wind speed. Take note of the type of plant species it is (pollinator, colour, grass, shrub).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1232085.v1
title: ENFA_LULCC

description: Input datasets for ENFA of land use/land cover changes (LULCCs): background variables and LULCC trajectories
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231966
title: Improving legume nodulation and Cu rhizostabilization using a genetically modified rhizobia

description: The rhizobia–legume interaction has been proposed as an interesting and appropriate tool for rhizostabilization of soils contaminated with heavy metals. One of the main requirements to use this symbiosis is the availability of tolerant and symbiotically effective rhizobia. The aim of this work was to improve the symbiotic properties of the arsenic-resistant wild-type strain <i>Ensifer medicae</i> MA11 in Cu-contaminated substrates. The <i>copAB</i> genes from a Cu-resistant <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> strain were expressed in <i>E. medicae</i> MA11 under the control of the <i>nifH</i> promoter. The resulting strain <i>E. medicae</i> MA11-<i>copAB</i> was able to alleviate the toxic effect of Cu in <i>Medicago truncatula</i>. At 300 µM Cu, root and shoot dry matter production, nitrogen content, number of nodules and photosynthetic rate were significantly reduced in plants inoculated with the wild-type strain. However, these parameters were not altered in plants inoculated with the genetically modified strain. Moreover, nodules elicited by this strain were able to accumulate twofold the Cu measured in nodules formed by the wild-type strain. In addition, the engineered <i>E. medicae</i> strain increased Cu accumulation in roots and decreased the content in shoots. Thus, <i>E. medicae</i> MA11-<i>copAB</i> increased the capacity of <i>M. truncatula</i> to rhizostabilize Cu, decreasing the translocation factor and avoiding metal entry into the food chain. The plasmid containing the <i>nifH</i> promoter-<i>copAB</i> construct could be a useful biotool for Cu rhizostabilization using legumes, since it can be transferred to different rhizobia microsymbionts of authoctonous legumes growing in Cu-contaminated soils.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231942
title: Ecological data collected from studying power line corridors

description: To compare plant species composition and diversity along power lines with paired plots in an adjacent forest and ditch. Plant height in relation to power lines for the field were also inspected. Research Purpose:l Denote if there are ecological differences present between power line corridors and regular fields, and the disturbance of power lines on plant height Data collection method:1m^2 quadrats were placed every 2m starting from under the powerline (0m). Number of plants, number of different species, and height (for the field only) were recorded. Quadrats lines were placed more &gt;20m apart.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231962
title: Disturbance and Diversity

description: This experiment was done on October 24, 2014 in Toronto Ontario on York University-Keele campus to test the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Three separate sampling blocks were designated as high, low, and intermediate levels of disturbance. Data were collected with three other experimenters: Anees, Jamal, and Tarafdar. The weather was sunny and slightly windy. The temperature was approximately 12 degrees Celsius. No precipitation before, so the conditions were dry. Started sampling in the highly disturbed area, south of Vanier College building, at 3pm. Two 20 meter (m) transects were laid on the ground perpendicularly to designate the 400 m2 sampling block. The sampling method used was simple random. A numbered grid system was constructed to divide up the sampling block. Grids were numbered from 1 to 400, with each grid representing 1m by 1m plots. In order to randomly select 25 grids, a random number table was used. Each experimenter then followed the transect length to reach the designated grid to place the 1m by 1m quadrat. A sweep net with a diameter of 35 centimeter (cm) was held 10cm above ground and moved slowly from one edge of the quadrat to the opposite edge. This was done for 77 seconds. Then the experimenter moved to the perpendicular side of the quadrat and continued this sweeping motion for 77 second. At the end of the total sweep time (1.5 minutes), the number of insects in the sweep net was counted, and the different number of RTUS (recognizable taxonomic units) was observed and recorded. Based on morphology of the plant, the number off different plant species was counted (including grass). Any plant near the edge of the quadrat was only counted if the roots were within the quadrat. The percent vegetation cover was observed by standing upright and looking down to make en estimate of the area that was completely covered by vegetation where no soil was visible. The same process was done at Danby grassland for sampling intermediate disturbance level. The sampling block was approximately 60 meters east from the start of the grassland. The same process was repeated for the third time at the grassland near Pond road and Keele street to sample low disturbance.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231942.v1
title: Ecological data collected from studying power line corridors

description: To compare plant species composition and diversity along power lines with paired plots in an adjacent forest and ditch. Plant height in relation to power lines for the field were also inspected. Research Purpose:l Denote if there are ecological differences present between power line corridors and regular fields, and the disturbance of power lines on plant height Data collection method:1m^2 quadrats were placed every 2m starting from under the powerline (0m). Number of plants, number of different species, and height (for the field only) were recorded. Quadrats lines were placed more &gt;20m apart.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231883
title: A reproduction and plant development trade-off in American Buckthorn species

description: The objective of this experiment was to determine a trade-off relationship between the reproductive and growth mechanisms of the American Buckthorn species found in the woodlot on The Chimneystack Road, East of the York University campus. This was done by examining the size and abundance of this species’ fruits, leaves, and its height. On October 17th and 24th from 3 – 4:45pm, the sampling of the American Buckthorn trees took place. It was cloudy and windy (wind was strong enough to move small branches) on the first sampling trial on October 17th. The weather condition of the second sampling trial on October 24th was more ideal since it was mostly sunny with little wind. However, due to the weather condition of the previous week, a large portion of leaves and fruits had fallen, thus making it harder to evaluate the trees. The sampling procedure began with an initial tree at an edge of the woodlot (distance from tree to tree was recorded as 0 meters). Three accessible branches of approximately 50 cm were used for the sampling. The total amount of fruits for each chosen branch was counted by the researchers. The average amount of fruits was calculated by taking the mean of the observed number of fruits for the branches located on the same tree. Three leaves were removed from the terminal end of each branch. The lengths and widths of the leaves were measured in centimeters using a measuring tape. The average leaf area was later determined by calculating the area of each sampled leaf through the following formula: area = (length*width)/2, and finding the mean for those scores. Similarly, three fruits were removed from each branch. The fruits closest to each sampled leaf were picked. Their diameter was measured in centimeters using a measuring tape. The average diameter was calculated by finding the mean for all the diameter values for a specific tree. The height of the tree was estimated by the researchers and the trees were categorized as either less than 3 meters tall, between 3 to 6 meters tall, or more than 6 meters tall. The DBH of each tree was measured using a measuring tape. Trees with a DBH smaller than 13 cm were not sampled to avoid using underdeveloped saplings. After a tree was sampled the next closest tree would be sampled. The distance between the previous and the following tree was measured using a transect tape. All observations and measurements were done by a group of researchers, including Lilach Dahoah-Halevi, Nitharsija Srikathan, and Cait Carew.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231966.v1
title: Improving legume nodulation and Cu rhizostabilization using a genetically modified rhizobia

description: ABSTRACTThe rhizobia-legume interaction has been proposed as an interesting and appropriate tool for rhizostabilization of soils contaminated with heavy metals. One of the main requirements to use this symbiosis is the availability of tolerant and symbiotically effective rhizobia. The aim of this work was to improve the symbiotic properties of the arsenic-resistant wild-type strain <i>Ensifer medicae</i> MA11 in Cu contaminated substrates. The <i>copAB</i> genes from a Cu resistant <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> strain were expressed in <i>E. medicae</i> MA11 under the control of the <i>nifH</i> promoter. The resulting strain, <i>E. medicae</i> MA11-<i>copAB</i> was able to alleviate the toxic effect of Cu in <i>Medicago truncatula</i>. At 300 µM Cu, root and shoot dry matter production, nitrogen content, number of nodules and photosynthetic rate were significantly reduced in plants inoculated with the wild-type strain. However, these parameters were not altered in plants inoculated with the genetically modified strain. Moreover, nodules elicited by this strain were able to accumulate 2-fold the Cu measured in nodules formed by the wild-type strain. In addition, the engineered <i>E. medicae</i> strain increased Cu accumulation in roots and decreased the content in shoots. Thus, <i>E. medicae</i> MA11-<i>copAB</i> increased the capacity of <i>M. truncatula</i> to rhizostabilize Cu, decreasing the translocation factor and avoiding metal entry into the food chain. The plasmid containing the <i>nifH</i> promoter-<i>copAB</i> construct could be a useful biotool for Cu rhizostabilization using legumes, since it can be transferred to different rhizobia mycrosymbionts of authoctonous legumes growing in Cu contaminated soils.Supplementary material
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231882
title: Trade-off between reproduction and growth in American Buckthorn species in woodlots on York University campus

description: The study site chosen for this experiment was the woodlots on the eastern end of York University campus near Chimneystack Road. Data was collected from 3:00-4:45p.m on Friday, October 17, 2014 (mild wind, cloudy and at about 15˚C) and Friday, October 24, 2014 (sunny, not windy and at about 15˚C). The sampling method used was block sampling – measured the distance between the base of one sample to the base of the other sample using a transect tape. To maintain consistency only trees with diameter at breast height of 13cm and greater (to avoid measuring saplings) were measured and recorded. The dbh was measured using a transect tape. To further maintain consistency all branches that were sampled on each tree were approximately 50cm in length (measured using a measuring tape). The purpose of this investigation was to see if there is a trade-off between reproduction and growth in the American Buckthorn plant species. In order to observe any correlations we sampled 50 trees, and on each tree three branches were sampled. The total amount of fruits on each branch were counted and recorded. The average number of fruits per branch was then calculated ((branch1 + branch2 + branch3) /3). On each branch three leaves near the terminal end were picked and the diagonal dimensions were measured and recorded using a measuring tape. These dimensions were used to calculate the approximate surface area of the rhombus shaped leaves (SA= ((diagonal x diagonal)/2). The average surface area was then calculated and recorded ((SA1 + SA2…+SA9)/9). A fruit was picked near each leaf on each branch and the diameter was measured and recorded using a measuring tape. The average fruit diameter was then calculated and recorded ((d1+ d2…+ d9)/9). In order to observe growth in the species the height of each tree was approximated into one of three categories: less than 10ft, 10-20ft, or greater than 20ft. The results from this dataset generally showed: taller trees had larger leaves and had less and smaller fruits whereas, smaller trees had smaller leaves but bared more and larger fruits. This study also provided as a way to gain experience in field sampling techniques with plants and experimental design. Study members were Lilach Dahoah-Halevi, Cait Carew, and Sija Srikanthan.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231883.v1
title: A reproduction and plant development trade-off in American Buckthorn species

description: The objective of this experiment was to determine a trade-off relationship between the reproductive and growth mechanisms of the American Buckthorn species found in the woodlot on The Chimneystack Road, East of the York University campus. This was done by examining the size and abundance of this species’ fruits, leaves, and its height. On October 17th and 24th from 3 – 4:45pm, the sampling of the American Buckthorn trees took place. It was cloudy and windy (wind was strong enough to move small branches) on the first sampling trial on October 17th. The weather condition of the second sampling trial on October 24th was more ideal since it was mostly sunny with little wind. However, due to the weather condition of the previous week, a large portion of leaves and fruits had fallen, thus making it harder to evaluate the trees. The sampling procedure began with an initial tree at an edge of the woodlot (distance from tree to tree was recorded as 0 meters). Three accessible branches of approximately 50 cm were used for the sampling. The total amount of fruits for each chosen branch was counted by the researchers. The average amount of fruits was calculated by taking the mean of the observed number of fruits for the branches located on the same tree. Three leaves were removed from the terminal end of each branch. The lengths and widths of the leaves were measured in centimeters using a measuring tape. The average leaf area was later determined by calculating the area of each sampled leaf through the following formula: area = (length*width)/2, and finding the mean for those scores. Similarly, three fruits were removed from each branch. The fruits closest to each sampled leaf were picked. Their diameter was measured in centimeters using a measuring tape. The average diameter was calculated by finding the mean for all the diameter values for a specific tree. The height of the tree was estimated by the researchers and the trees were categorized as either less than 3 meters tall, between 3 to 6 meters tall, or more than 6 meters tall. The DBH of each tree was measured using a measuring tape. Trees with a DBH smaller than 13 cm were not sampled to avoid using underdeveloped saplings. After a tree was sampled the next closest tree would be sampled. The distance between the previous and the following tree was measured using a transect tape. All observations and measurements were done by a group of researchers, including Lilach Dahoah-Halevi, Nitharsija Srikathan, and Cait Carew.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231962.v2
title: Disturbance and Diversity

description: This experiment was done on October 24, 2014 in Toronto Ontario on York University-Keele campus to test the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Three separate sampling blocks were designated as high, low, and intermediate levels of disturbance. Data were collected with three other experimenters: Anees, Jamal, and Tarafdar. The weather was sunny and slightly windy. The temperature was approximately 12 degrees Celsius. No precipitation before, so the conditions were dry. Started sampling in the highly disturbed area, south of Vanier College building, at 3pm. Two 20 meter (m) transects were laid on the ground perpendicularly to designate the 400 m2 sampling block. The sampling method used was simple random. A numbered grid system was constructed to divide up the sampling block. Grids were numbered from 1 to 400, with each grid representing 1m by 1m plots. In order to randomly select 25 grids, a random number table was used. Each experimenter then followed the transect length to reach the designated grid to place the 1m by 1m quadrat. A sweep net with a diameter of 35 centimeter (cm) was held 10cm above ground and moved slowly from one edge of the quadrat to the opposite edge. This was done for 77 seconds. Then the experimenter moved to the perpendicular side of the quadrat and continued this sweeping motion for 77 second. At the end of the total sweep time (1.5 minutes), the number of insects in the sweep net was counted, and the different number of RTUS (recognizable taxonomic units) was observed and recorded. Based on morphology of the plant, the number off different plant species was counted (including grass). Any plant near the edge of the quadrat was only counted if the roots were within the quadrat. The percent vegetation cover was observed by standing upright and looking down to make en estimate of the area that was completely covered by vegetation where no soil was visible. The same process was done at Danby grassland for sampling intermediate disturbance level. The sampling block was approximately 60 meters east from the start of the grassland. The same process was repeated for the third time at the grassland near Pond road and Keele street to sample low disturbance.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231966.v3
title: Improving legume nodulation and Cu rhizostabilization using a genetically modified rhizobia

description: The rhizobia–legume interaction has been proposed as an interesting and appropriate tool for rhizostabilization of soils contaminated with heavy metals. One of the main requirements to use this symbiosis is the availability of tolerant and symbiotically effective rhizobia. The aim of this work was to improve the symbiotic properties of the arsenic-resistant wild-type strain <i>Ensifer medicae</i> MA11 in Cu-contaminated substrates. The <i>copAB</i> genes from a Cu-resistant <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> strain were expressed in <i>E. medicae</i> MA11 under the control of the <i>nifH</i> promoter. The resulting strain <i>E. medicae</i> MA11-<i>copAB</i> was able to alleviate the toxic effect of Cu in <i>Medicago truncatula</i>. At 300 µM Cu, root and shoot dry matter production, nitrogen content, number of nodules and photosynthetic rate were significantly reduced in plants inoculated with the wild-type strain. However, these parameters were not altered in plants inoculated with the genetically modified strain. Moreover, nodules elicited by this strain were able to accumulate twofold the Cu measured in nodules formed by the wild-type strain. In addition, the engineered <i>E. medicae</i> strain increased Cu accumulation in roots and decreased the content in shoots. Thus, <i>E. medicae</i> MA11-<i>copAB</i> increased the capacity of <i>M. truncatula</i> to rhizostabilize Cu, decreasing the translocation factor and avoiding metal entry into the food chain. The plasmid containing the <i>nifH</i> promoter-<i>copAB</i> construct could be a useful biotool for Cu rhizostabilization using legumes, since it can be transferred to different rhizobia microsymbionts of authoctonous legumes growing in Cu-contaminated soils.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1231206
title: DATASET FOR: Factors Effecting Goldenrods: How Power Lines and Thicket Hinder and Aid Growth

description: This is the data set taken for the paper " Factors Effecting Goldenrods: How Power Lines and Thicket Hinder and Aid Growth." The topic of this experiment is goldenrod growth. Specifically, the purpose was to identify and quantify what factors effect goldenrod growth, by examining goldenrods growing under power lines or by a thicket. The effect of other plant species and their potential competitive effects was also taken into account. All measurements were taken in the hydro field north of York University Keele campus, west of Steeles. The hydro field is populated by goldenrods, various aster species and other wildflowers, and a few small trees. There is a dense brush which runs through the field in places, within which no other plant life grows, which is where thicket measurements were taken.