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• We applied liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to the analysis of historical iron gall ink recipes. • We characterised ageing markers of iron gall inks by HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF. • We highlighted different degradation trends depending on historical recipes and ageing conditions. • We proved that it is possible to use 15 µg as minimum amount of sample for the HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF analysis of iron gall inks. Several manuscripts and drawings of our historical and artistic heritage have been produced with iron gall inks. To obtain an iron gall ink, ancient treatises cite the addition of ferrous sulphate and gum Arabic to a decoction of oak galls as a basic procedure. Owing to the development of synthetic chemistry, iron gall ink recipes were improved with new materials and procedures in the late 19th and early 20th century. Notably, many conservation issues arise from the interaction between iron gall inks and the paper support of manuscripts and drawings. To date, most of the research on the topic are focused on paper preservation by non-destructive analytical methods, which provide only limited information on degradation process trends and minor components, representative of iron gall ink's recipes. In the present work, three historical recipes of iron gall inks (alizarine ink, Reid ink, modern gall ink) , dated to 19th-20th century and differing for the preparation method and additives, were characterized. The molecular markers of iron gall inks and of gallic acid degradation were detected by an optimized protocol based on high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC HRMS). Furthermore, by performing ageing tests on reference materials in different indoor conditions (natural light and stored in the dark), two degradation mechanisms were observed: hydrolysis of poly-galloyl glucose species and auto-oxidation of gallic acid. Thus, different chemical profiles and ageing trends were revealed depending on the starting recipe. The procedure Limit of Detection (LOD) was estimated, improving the approaches reported so far in the literature. Finally, the strategy was successfully applied for the characterisation of the ink employed in a very degraded 16th century manuscript, granting access to the complete molecular profile of an iron gall ink with just 15 µg of sample. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presented here is an attempt at a comparative analysis of three early modern phenomena in the history of ideas and culture: three ethnogenetic theories about the origins of the Swedish (Gothic) and Polish (Sarmatian) nations and states, as well as that of the Danes, originating from the ancient Cimbri. First, they will be compared as historiographic concepts characteristic of early modern knowledge. The next part of the paper concerns modifications to these theories made in national historiographies and the broader visions of the history of the respective countries based on them. The last part of the study presents how these ideas function at the political level, both in relation to broader visions of political reality and political practice. The analysis suggests that while in the case of the 16th-century historical concepts of origo gentis, there are more similarities than differences, the subsequent stages of development show increasing differentiation: the ideas of Sarmatian ethnogenesis underwent greater changes than others. However, there are similarities in the way Gothic and Sarmatian ideas functioned in political life and politics during that period in Sweden and Poland, respectively. The weakest point is the influence of Cimbrian ethnogenesis on the politics of Denmark at that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to report three new species of Conoideocrella and Moelleriella from Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Species of Conoideocrella and Moelleriella parasitize scale insects (Coccidae and Lecaniidae, Hemiptera) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae, Hemiptera). Based on the phylogenetic analyses of the three-gene nrLSU, tef-1α, and rpb1, it showed one new record species (Conoideocrella tenuis) and one new species (Conoideocrella fenshuilingensis sp. nov.) in the genus Conoideocrella, and two new species, i.e., Moelleriella longzhuensis sp. nov. and Moelleriella jinuoana sp. nov. in the genus Moelleriella. The three new species were each clustered into separate clades that distinguished themselves from one another. All of them were distinguishable from their allied species based on their morphology. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comparisons of the allied taxa of the four species are provided in the present paper. In addition, calculations of intraspecific and interspecific genetic distances were performed for Moelleriella and Conoideocrella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we provide integrative description (morphological and genetic) of the new eutardigrade species Mesobiotus mandalorisp. nov. from central Poland, found during research on the vertical distribution of Tardigrada in the Czerniejewskie Forests. Mesobiotus mandalorisp. nov. belongs to the harmsworthi group, but it differs from the members of this group in some morphometric characters of the bucco-pharyngeal apparatus, claws and/or eggs. Morphologically, Meb. mandalorisp. nov. is most similar to Meb. pseudocoronatus, but it differs from it by a larger bare egg diameter and smaller number of egg processes on egg circumference. Morphometrical data were supported by results of comparative genetic analysis of four molecular markers: 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS2 and COI. According to COI the new species is most similar to Meb. skorackii with the genetic distance of 21.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the consequences of dormancy in the 'rare mutation' and 'large population' regime of stochastic adaptive dynamics. Starting from an individual-based micro-model, we first derive the Polymorphic Evolution Sequence of the population, based on a previous work by Baar and Bovier (2018). After passing to a second 'small mutations' limit, we arrive at the Canonical Equation of Adaptive Dynamics, and state a corresponding criterion for evolutionary branching, extending a previous result of Champagnat and Méléard (2011). The criterion allows a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the effects of dormancy in the well-known model of Dieckmann and Doebeli (1999) for sympatric speciation. In fact, quite an intuitive picture emerges: Dormancy enlarges the parameter range for evolutionary branching, increases the carrying capacity and niche width of the post-branching sub-populations, and, depending on the model parameters, can either increase or decrease the 'speed of adaptation' of populations. Finally, dormancy increases diversity by increasing the genetic distance between subpopulations. • We study dormancy in the 'rare mutation' regime of stochastic adaptive dynamics. • We first derive the polymorphic evolution sequence, based on prior work. • Our evolutionary branching criterion extends a result by Champagnat and Méléard. • In a classical model dormancy can favour evolutionary branching. • Dormancy also affects several more population characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysian Mahseer (Tor spp.) is a highly priced native freshwater fish in Malaysia and much sought after as food, ornamental and recreational fish. However, the production of mahseer is still insignificant. Due to the decline in the wild stock population of mahseer, farmers are compelled to rely heavily on imported broodstock or hatchery-produced fingerlings. The R&D on mahseer is also limited with only several reports on breeding techniques, feed requirement and genetic distance between populations. The availability of superior breeding stocks, efficient hatcheries management and formulation of maturation diet that could expedite the maturation process could greatly assist in increasing mahseer aquaculture productivity. This paper presents the R&D carried out by the Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries Malaysia starting from the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 to 2020), particularly on the broodstock development, breeding, disease, seed management, formulation and validation of maturation diet. In this programme, broodstocks obtained from five different states namely Pahang, Johor, Sarawak, Perak and Terengganu, Malaysia were used as a base population and mated using full diallel method to produce a total of 75 families. The maturation diet enhanced the breeding capacity and shortened the maturation period of mahseer from 3.0 years to only 1.8-2.0 years. Three innovations, hatching system, nursing system and maturation diet were produced from this programme were also registered innovations. This paper also deliberates the challenges faced in broodstock development programme and the way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article lists the best papers award in Copeia for 2021 by American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.

Simple Summary: The phylogenetic status of the family Nitidulidae and its sister group relationship remain controversial. Also, the phylogenetic status of the subfamily Meligethinae and its phylogenetic relationships with other subfamilies of Nitidulidae are not fully understood. Mitochondrial genome sequences can be used to study species identification, phylogeny, and population genetic structure, and to provide valuable molecular markers for further genetic studies. In this paper, two complete mitochondrial genomes of Meligethinae were provided for the first time, and the phylogenetic status of the family Nitidulidae and subfamily Meligethinae were explored based on the complete mitochondrial genomes. A comparative analysis of the general characteristics and non-coding region patterns of the complete mitochondrial genomes of Meligethinus tschungseni and Brassicogethes affinis revealed that the base composition and mitochondrial genome structure of these two species are markedly different. Given the results of the phylogenetic analysis based on 20 mitochondrial genomes, the status of Nitidulidae and its sister group relationship is discussed. We also attempted to analyze the taxonomic status of Meligethinae and its sister group relationship. This study will provide a basis for further studies on the higher phylogeny of Nitidulidae. The phylogenetic status of the family Nitidulidae and its sister group relationship remain controversial. Also, the status of the subfamily Meligethinae is not fully understood, and previous studies have been mainly based on morphology, molecular fragments, and biological habits, rather than the analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome. Up to now, there has been no complete mitochondrial genome report of Meligethinae. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genomes of Meligethinus tschungseni and Brassicogethes affinis (both from China) were provided, and they were compared with the existing complete mitochondrial genomes of Nitidulidae. The phylogenetic analysis among 20 species of Coleoptera was reconstructed via PhyloBayes analysis and Maximum likelihood (ML) analysis, respectively. The results showed that the full lengths of Meligethinus tschungseni and Brassicogethes affinis were 15,783 bp and 16,622 bp, and the AT contents were 77% and 76.7%, respectively. Each complete mitochondrial genome contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a control region (A + T-rich region). All the PCGs begin with the standard start codon ATN (ATA, ATT, ATG, ATC). All the PCGs terminate with a complete terminal codon, TAA or TAG, except cox1, cox2, nad4, and nad5, which terminate with a single T. Furthermore, all the tRNAs have a typical clover-leaf secondary structure except trnS1, whose DHU arm is missing in both species. The two newly sequenced species have different numbers and lengths of tandem repeat regions in their control regions. Based on the genetic distance and Ka/Ks analysis, nad6 showed a higher variability and faster evolutionary rate. Based on the available complete mitochondrial genomes, the results showed that the four subfamilies (Nitidulinae, Meligethinae, Carpophilinae, Epuraeinae) of Nitidulidae formed a monophyletic group and further supported the sister group relationship of Nitidulidae + Kateretidae. In addition, the taxonomic status of Meligethinae and the sister group relationship between Meligethinae and Nitidulinae (the latter as currently circumscribed) were also preliminarily explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) has long been regarded as a panmictic fish and has been confirmed as such in the northern part of its range. In this paper, we tested for the first time whether panmixia extends to the tropical range of the species. To do so, we first assembled a reference genome (975 Mbp, 19 chromosomes) combining long (PacBio and Nanopore and short (Illumina paired‐end) reads technologies to support both this study and future research. To test for population structure, we estimated genotype likelihoods from low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing of 460 American eels, collected at 21 sampling sites (in seven geographic regions) ranging from Canada to Trinidad and Tobago. We estimated genetic distance between regions, performed ADMIXTURE‐like clustering analysis and multivariate analysis, and found no evidence of population structure, thus confirming that panmixia extends to the tropical range of the species. In addition, two genomic regions with putative inversions were observed, both geographically widespread and present at similar frequencies in all regions. We discuss the implications of lack of genetic population structure for the species. Our results are key for the future genomic research in the American eel and the implementation of conservation measures throughout its geographic range. Additionally, our results can be applied to fisheries management and aquaculture of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper evaluates four ISSR markers (М1, М2, М7, and М11) for their effectiveness in research on the genetic distances of regenerated Fagopyrum esculentum plants, which were obtained in vitro on selective media with high doses of ZnSO4·7 H2O (808–1313 mg/L). The level of polymorphism was determined to be high in the combined sample (74.4%). The obtained specimens might be used in the breeding of new varieties with economically important traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the first complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the yellow-striped flounder Pseudopleuronectes herzensteini (Pleuronectoidei: Pleuronectidae). Mitogenome evolution, and molecular phylogenetic reconstruction based on four to six techniques, including coalescent analysis, were performed for flatfish. The genome size of the specimen sampled was 16,845 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 12S, and 16S rRNA genes, and the control region, CR. The composition and arrangement of the genes are similar to those in other teleost fish, including the second mitogenome reported in this paper. The frequency of A, C, G, and T nucleotides in the P. herzensteini mitogenome is 27%, 29.2%, 17.6%, and 26.2%, respectively. The ratio of complementary nucleotides in the mitogenome of this and other species of the family was A+T:G+C (53.2: 46.8%) and do not deviate significantly from the expected equilibrium proportion. The submission to the global database (GenBank) of two new mitogenomes along with 106 analyzed GenBank sequences will contribute to phylogenetic studies of flounders at the family and suborder levels. Based on 26 and 108 nucleotide sequences of protein-coding genes (PCGs), we investigated the molecular phylogeny of flounders and performed analysis for two sets of sequences, including those of members of the family Pleuronectidae and the suborder Pleuronectoidei and estimated their importance in establishing the taxonomy at these two levels. Data obtained by up to six techniques of multigene phylogenetic reconstructions support monophyly within the family Pleuronectidae with high statistical confidence; however, conclusions regarding the phylogenetics at the suborder level require further investigation. Our results also revealed paraphyletic and weakly supported branches that are especially numerous at the suborder level; thus, there is a clear need for taxonomic revisions at the suborder, and possibly family levels. Genetic distance analysis reveals the suitability for DNA barcoding of species specimens at single genes as well as at whole mitogenome data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of freshwater mussel belonging to the genus Pseudocuneopsis, namely Pseudocuneopsis wuana sp. nov., is diagnosed and described from Guangxi Province, China. This paper provides a detailed shell morphological description, soft-body anatomical characteristics, and partial sequences of mitochondrial COI as DNA barcode data for the novel species. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners (Pseudocuneopsis sichuanensis, P. yangshuoensis, and P. capitata) by shell shape, beak position, and surface sculpture. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial COI gene reveal that Pseudocuneopsis wuana sp. nov. forms a sister group with P. yangshuoensis and exhibits an interspecific genetic distance of 5.1%. Therefore, we provide robust morphological and molecular evidence to support the validity of this new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We examine empirically the link between player diversity and team performance. • We focus on national soccer teams and propose an IV based on past immigration. • Our diversity measure relies on genetic distances across surname-predicted origins. • IV findings reveal a positive causal link between ancestral diversity and performance of national teams. The theoretical impact of diversity on performance is ambiguous since it leads to costs and benefits at the collective level. In this paper, we empirically assess the connection between ancestral diversity and the performance of sports teams. Focusing on football (soccer), we built a novel dataset of national teams of European countries that have participated in the European and World Championships since 1970. The ancestral diversity of national teams is measured from genetic distance scores within the team, based on information on every player's origins. Origins are recovered using a matching algorithm based on family names. Performance is measured at the match level. Identification of the causal link relies on an instrumental variable strategy based on past immigration at the country level about one generation before the competition. Our findings indicate a positive causal link between ancestral diversity and national teams' performance. We find that a one-standard increase in diversity leads to a significant increase in the goal difference of 0.77 to 1.79 goals per match (about a 1.30 goal difference per match). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the phylum Tardigrada, as in other meiofauna taxa, the small size of the animals and the paucity of morphological characters useful for taxonomy present a challenge for systematic studies. For this reason, an integrated approach is increasingly desirable, including at least morphology, morphometry and molecular investigations, and possibly reproductive biology, ecology, physiology and other approaches. In this light, we analysed different populations of Macrobiotus (Eutardigrada, Macrobiotidae) from Italy, France and Poland with persimilis type of eggs and with very similar animals. We compared the morphology and morphometry of the type materials of Macrobiotus persimilis and Macrobiotus polonicus with those of newly collected populations, which were also analysed from a molecular (cox1 mtDNA and 18S rDNA) and reproductive perspective. Our data confirmed the presence of a persimilis-polonicus complex, recognizable by very similar characters of the animals and the eggs. It comprises M. persimilis, M. polonicus, four new morphologically distinguishable species described in this paper (Macrobiotus dolosus sp. nov., Macrobiotus siderophilus sp. nov., Macrobiotus fontourai sp. nov., Macrobiotus muralis sp. nov.) and other species very similar from a morphological point of view. Molecular data, retrieved for the first three new species, reveal that they have very high genetic distances for cox1 (16.0–17.7%). Furthermore, we have been able to verify that more than one species of this complex can cohabit in the same moss. A wider persimilis group, comprising the persimilis-polonicus complex, could also be identified only on morphological basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hylidae is a rich family of Anura that is widely distributed across the world. Previous studies have shown that the Hyla and Dryophytos genera in the Hylidae used to belong to the same genus. The Eurasian species (including Hyla sanchiangensis) originated in North America and spread through the Beringian Land Bridge to Asia during the last ice age. Adaptation to low temperatures may require more energy expenditure. Mitochondria are the center of energy metabolism and, through oxidative phosphorylation, provide most of the ATP energy for the physiological and biochemical activities of the body. The mitogenome was used to investigate whether Hyla and Dryophytos genera are subject to positive selection. In addition, as a unique species in China, the distinction between Hyla sanchiangensis (Anura: Hylidae) and two different sites was also compared and analyzed in this paper. Hyla sanchiangensis (Anura: Hylidae) is endemic to China and is distributed across Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces. The mitogenomes of H. sanchiangensis from two different sites (Jinxiu, Guangxi, and Wencheng, Zhejiang) were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted, including 38 mitogenomes of Hylidae from the NCBI database, and assessed the phylogenetic relationship of H. sanchiangensis within the analyzed dataset. Two mitogenomes of H. sanchiangensis showed the typical mitochondrial gene arrangement with 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and one non-coding control region (D-loop). The lengths of the 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes from both samples (Jinxiu and Wencheng) were 933 bp and 1604 bp, respectively. The genetic distance (p-distance transformed into percent) on the basis of the mitogenomes (excluding the control region) of the two samples was calculated as 4.4%. Hyla sanchiangensis showed a close phylogenetic relationship with the clade of (H. annectans + H. tsinlingensis), which was supported by ML and BI analyses. In the branch-site model, five positive selection sites were found in the clade of Hyla and Dryophytes: Cytb protein (at position 316), ND3 protein (at position 85), and ND5 protein (at position 400) have one site, respectively, and two sites in ND4 protein (at positions 47 and 200). Based on the results, we hypothesized that the positive selection of Hyla and Dryophytes was due to their experience of cold stress in historical events, but more evidence is needed to support this conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wisent Bison bonasus is an example of a species saved from extinction and reintroduced into nature after a few decades of captive breeding. There were only twelve founders of the Lowland–Caucasian line (LC) and even fewer (seven out of twelve) of Lowland (LB) animals. The genetic diversity in studies based on pedigree or markers is very low. In this paper, we present a summary of the long-term genetic monitoring conducted for the worldwide population of European bison. We summarized the long-term genetic monitoring studies conducted on the worldwide population of wisents to date. We genotyped 2227 wisents from two genetic lines (LC and LB) and different populations at ten microsatellite loci. We found low polymorphism, with only 2.7 alleles per locus, and much lower values of observed heterozygosity (0.380 and 0.348 in the LC and LB lines, respectively) than expected heterozygosity. The difference between the lines is only noticeable in allele proportions, so the number of markers is not enough to distinguish the two genetic lines. We also present the genetic distance among four free-roaming populations that are geographically close to each other. We found that the genetic distance of one of them is larger than that of the others, which could be the effect of genetic drift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the genetic delimitation of narrowly distributed Scapania magadanica and broadly circumpolar S. kaurinii. The phylogenetic trees based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference constructed for one of the most informative loci (ITS1–2) showed that Scapania magadanica was deeply nested within the clade of S. kaurinii. The comparison of the obtained topologies with known strong morphological dissimilarities of two taxa has led to the understanding that this approach does not work. The latter may be due to a widespread variable tentatively 'ancestral' species (S. kaurinii) having no joint molecular synapomorphies that would delimit it from the locally distributed derived taxon (S. magadanica). Therefore, the relationships of these two species were evaluated using molecular genetic distances with the Neighbor Net split network and TCS haplotype network. The obtained data have confirmed the speculation above, and it is possible to assume that when the S. magadanica lineage split, S. kaurinii already occupied a rather wide range, which could limit further gene flow among its remote populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an essential antibody in adaptive immunity; a differential expansion of the gene encoding the Fc region (IGHG) of this antibody has been observed in mammals. Like humans, animal biomedical models, such as mice and macaques, have four functional genes encoding 4 IgG subclasses; however, the data for New World monkeys (NWM) seems contentious. Some publications argue for the existence of a single-copy gene for IgG Fc; however, a recent paper has suggested the presence of IgG subclasses in some NWM species. Here, we evaluated the genetic distances and phylogenetic relationships in NWM to assess the presence of IgG subclasses using the sequences of IGHG genes from 13 NWM species recovered from genomic data and lab PCR and cloning-based procedures available in GenBank. The results show that several sequences do not cluster into the expected taxon, probably due to cross-contamination during laboratory procedures, and consequently, they appear to be wrongly assigned. Additionally, several sequences reported as subclasses were shown to be 100% identical in the CH domains. The data presented here suggests that there is not enough evidence to establish the presence of IgG subclasses in NWM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of landscape genetics has been rapidly evolving, adopting and adapting analytical frameworks to address research questions. Current studies are increasingly using regression‐based frameworks to infer the individual contributions of landscape and habitat variables on genetic differentiation. This paper outlines appropriate and inappropriate uses of multiple regression for these purposes, and demonstrates through simulation the limitations of different analytical frameworks for making correct inference. Of particular concern are recent studies seeking to explain genetic differences by fitting regression models with effective distance variables calculated independently on separate landscape resistance surfaces. When moving across the landscape, organisms cannot respond independently and uniquely to habitat and landscape features. Analyses seeking to understand how landscape features affect gene flow should model a single conductance or resistance surface as a parameterized function of relevant spatial covariates, and estimate the values of these parameters by linking a single set of resistance distances to observed genetic dissimilarity via a loss function. While this loss function may involve a regression‐like step, the associated nuisance parameters are not interpretable in terms of organismal movement and should not be conflated with what is actually of interest: the mapping between spatial covariates and conductance/resistance. The growth and evolution of landscape genetics as a field has been rapid and exciting. It is the goal of this paper to highlight past missteps and demonstrate limitations of current approaches to ensure that future use of regression models will appropriately consider the process being modeled, which will provide clarity to model interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective] This paper aims to clarify the genetic diversity of cultivated V. mandarinia in Yunnan province, and to provide a basis for scientific domesticated breeding and bio-control of wasps. [Method] By using the mtDNA COⅠ gene marker, the mtDNA COⅠ gene of 237 domesticated individuals from 8 areas in Yunnan province was sequenced. The genetic diversity, genetic structure and genetic differentiation of the population were then analyzed. [Result] The results showed that a total of 600 bp coding region sequence of the mtDNA COⅠ gene of V. mandarinia was obtained, of which the content of A+T was 68.05%, and apparently showed an obvious AT bias. There were 563 conservative sites and 37 mutative sites, among which the mutation sites accounted for 6.16% of the total analyzed sites. Of 37 mutation sites, there were 30 transformation sites and 7 transposition sites, without insertion or deletion. A total of 12 haplotypes were obtained, of which 6 haplotypes were shared between populations, the rest of haplotypes were not shared between populations. The overall haplotype diversity (Hd) were 0.82958. The mean nucleotide difference (K) was 15.18387, and the nucleotide diversity (Pi) was 0.02526. The genetic distance within each population ranged from 0.00 to 0.0283, and the genetic distance between each population ranged from 0.0001 to 0.0544; there were 50.48% of the mutation originate from inter-population and 49.52% from within population, indicating that the mutation mainly came from outside the population. Fst was 0.50482, the difference was significant (P<0.001）, indicating that there was a greater genetic differentiation between populations. COⅠ gene haplotypes mainly had two clusters, most haplotypes had only one mutation site between them. [Conclusion] The haplotype diversity of the cultured wasp population in Yunnan was high, but the nucleotide diversity was low. The original populations of the cultured V. mandarinia in Yunnan originated from a small number of individuals, and gene exchange was carried out with the local wild populations or introduced populations during the breeding process. There were differences in genetic diversity among the populations. It is recommended that the domesticated populations should use local indigenous sources as much as possible to prevent the introduction of provenances from other places and the gene exchange with wild populations after accidental discharge of domesticated individuals. This would lead to an increase in the genetic diversity of local wild populations, thereby increase the adaptability of wild populations, leading to rapid population expansion. This would help to reduce impact on local biodiversity, especially pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant genetic improvement may be done traditionally by selecting the most appropriate genotypes based on heritability, stability, genetic distance and other genetic parameters. In this paper, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with some modifications was used as a new multivariate method for determining the capability of elite tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes to form the next-generation breeding population. Modified AHP is performed in three steps: (i) aligning traits and genotypes, (ii) calculating weights of traits, and (iii) calculating weights of genotypes. Fruit quality and yield were evaluated in 20 F2 tomato families cultured along with their parents in a randomised complete block design with three replications in the research field. The traits fruit yield, plant cluster number and fruit number per plant were identified as the most effective for ordering genotypes. Four families were identified as the best (selection among families), and the best individuals selected from a total of 60 individuals (selection within families) almost all belonged to these four families. Because of the use of genetic parameters in modified AHP, the selected genotypes were the best choices with respect to fruit yield, lycopene content and capability to create a breeding population. Identification of appropriate genotypes based on their capability and consideration of genetic parameters such as genetic distance and heritability could help breeders to make accurate selection for breeding populations. In this paper, the analytical hierarchy process has been modified to make a multivariate selection index used for selecting the most appropriate tomato genotypes. This method enables fast, easy, precise and relatively repeatable selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-related changes have a severe impact on wetland ecosystems and pose a serious challenge for wetland-dependent animals as their preferred habitats decline, lose spatial continuity, and appear as isolated islands in the landscape. In this paper, we studied the effects of long-term habitat changes (drying out and fragmentation of wet non-forest habitats) on the genetic structure of the population of the root vole Microtus oeconomus, a species preferring moist habitats. We intended to check what barriers and what distances affected its genetic isolation on a local scale. The study was conducted in the area of Kampinoski National Park in central Poland (Europe). DNA variability of 218 root vole individuals was assessed by genotyping nine microsatellite loci. Despite its spatial fragmentation, the studied population did not seem to be highly structured, and isolation through distance was the main differentiating factor. Even a distance of several kilometres of unfavourable natural habitats and unfavourable terrain did not exclude the exchange of genes between subpopulations. Our results suggest that the genetic effects of the fragmentation of wetlands have been considerably compensated (delayed) due to the migratory abilities of this species. Our study does not provide clear results on the impact of anthropogenic barriers but suggests that such barriers may have a much stronger effect than natural barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The present paper aims to explore the feasibility of DNA barcoding applied to the identification of flies in Yunnan province, China, and to set up DNA database for flies in Yunnan. [Method ] Diptera insects trapped by microbial attractants in Hekou county, Dali city, Jianchuan county, Mengzi city and Yuanjiang county of Yunnan province were identified by CO! gene sequence, and their genetic distances of families, genera and species taxa were compared. [Result] Forty-three species of insects belonging to 21 genera, 7 families including Drosophilidae, Tephritidae, Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Sarcophgidae and Anthomyiidae, were collected in the 5 places in Yunnan. lntraspecific divergence ranged between 0. 002 and 0. 098, interspecific divergence average 0. 156. Phylogenetic tree showed that most of the same species gathered closely although some species were not in line with their morphology based on their sequences data. The average genetic distances among species of Drosophilidae, Tephritidae, Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Sarcophgidae and Anthomyiidae were 0. 151, 0. 225, 0. 123, 0. 143, 0. 158, 0. 158 and 0. 103, respectively. The intraspecific genetic distances were 0. 006, 0. 025, 0. 012, 0. 013, 0. 011, 0. 006 and 0. 01, respectively. The genetic distances among 7 families were 25. 2, 10. 2, 10. 2, 11. 0, 14. 4, 27 . 3 and 10. 3 times of intraspecific genetic distances, respectively. [Conclusion] DNA barcoding based on CO/ gene can be used as a complementary means for morphological identification of some common flies in Yunnan province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The present paper aimed to clarify the genetic background of strawberry hybrids and their parents. [Method] 10 ISSR primers were selected for genetic background analysis of strawberry hybrids and parents. We used the 10 ISSR primers to analyze 12 strawberry cultivars with complex genetic background. [Result] Between the parents, parents and their hybrids, parent and its tissue cultivating variants, the average genetic distances were 0. 3258,0. 2607 and 0. 1981 respectively, and the average genetic similarity coefficient were 0.6551, 0.7478 and 0.7672, respectively. The clustering analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis confirmed that strawberry cultivars had a relatively narrow genetic background between the tested materials, indicating that the selected 10 lSSR primers can be a powerful tool for strawberry genetic background analysis. [Conclusion] The genetic background analysis of strawberry will lay a foundation for germplasm innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The present paper aimed to explore the excellent genes of germplasm resources of Tiebt barley and provide high-quality materials for breeding. [Method] The genetic diversity, clustering and principal component analysis of 13 agronomic traits were carried out by using Excel and SPSS 21. 0 software with 140 germplasm resources from different areas of Tibet [Result] There was rich genetic diversity in barley resources in Tibet, and the coefficient of variation of panicle number per plant among 8 agronomic traits was 43.7%. Cluster analysis divided the 140 materials into five groups at the genetic distances of 6 level, of which 3 5 materials were in group I, 29 materials were in group II, 33 materials were in group Ill, 15 materials were in group N and 28 materials were in group V. The results of principal component analysis showed that when the 8 agronomic traits were simplified into 3 principal components, the cumulative contribution rate was 72. 587 %, and the contribution rate of panicle per plant was the highest, which was 0. 829. [Conclusion] The study provides a scientific basis for the protection and utilization of germplasm resources in Tibet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteromeyenia is an important genus of freshwater sponges characterized mainly by the presence of microscleres acanthoxeas. So far, two species are known from Mexico; H. baileyi and H. latitenta. In this paper, we redescribed H. latitenta and described the new species Heteromeyenia riojai sp. nov. from a morphological and molecular perspective. The main morphological characteristic of H. latitenta is the foraminal aperture of the gemmule, which is a prolonged tube, from which flattened cirrous appendages extend laterally; a characteristic absent in H. riojai sp. nov., which bears a short and slightly elevated foramen. The new species is distinguished by having acanthoxeas with fusiform to knobbed tips, gemmuloscleres in a single category, which are radially embedded in the theca of the gemmule. Due to the similarity in the form, size of the spicules, and geographic distribution of H. riojai sp. nov., and H. baileyi sensu Rioja, we considered that the Rioja's records must be assigned to the new species. We also aim to establish the phylogenetic relationships of the genus through nuclear-ribosomal molecular markers ITS2. Tree topology showed the Heteromeyenia species clustered together in a robust clade and closer to Corvomeyenia sp. (family Metaniidae) than to other Spongillidae genera. Our results support the previous molecular hypothesis, which strongly suggests the polyphyly of Spongillidae, even more in genera as Heteromeyenia and Trochospongilla, which displayed a large genetic distance with the other members of Spongillida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen symphytognathid species belonging to three genera are examined, including the descriptions of eight new species and two new genera from China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar: Patu Marples, 1951: P. catba S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂, Vietnam), P. dakou S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China), P. damtao S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂, Vietnam), P. jiangzhou S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♀, China), P. jidanweishi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀, China), P. nagarat S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, Thailand), P. nigeri Lin & S. Li, 2009 (♀, China), P. putao S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♀, Myanmar), P. qiqi Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♀, China) and P. xiaoxiao Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 (♂♀, China); Kirinua S. Li & Lin, gen. nov.: K. maguai S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China) and K. yangshuo S. Li & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀, China); Swilda S. Li & Lin, gen. nov.: S. longtou (Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009), comb. nov. (♂♀, China) is transferred from Crassignatha Wunderlich, 1995 and S. spinathoraxi (Lin & S. Li, 2009), comb. nov. (♂♀, China) is transferred from Patu. Diagnoses, descriptions and illustrations are provided for new taxa, as well as a distribution map. The males of P. xiaoxiao and S. longtou are described for the first time. Type specimens of P. jidanweishi, P. nigeri, P. qiqi, P. xiaoxiao, S. longtou and S. spinathoraxi are re-examined and photographed. All Asian Patu species are revised and two species, P. kishidai Shinkai, 2009 and P. bispina Lin, Pham & S. Li, 2009, are transferred to Crassignatha and proposed as new combinations: Crassignatha kishidai comb. nov. and C. bispina comb. nov. In addition, DNA barcodes and genetic distances of ten species treated in this paper were obtained to confirm identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In temperate mountain ranges, sharp spatial variations in habitat heterogeneity and climate provide a perfect study setup to assess genetic and phenotypic differentiation in bird populations. In this paper, we analysed morphological divergence patterns across geographical and environmental gradients, in correlation with genetic differentiation and geographical isolation, in the breeding grounds of a long‐distance migratory passerine. Location: Northwestern Iberian mountains. Taxon: The Iberian bluethroat, Luscina svecica azuricollis. Methods: We collected a sample of 625 Iberian bluethroats across their whole breeding range to measure body weight and tarsus length, as well as wing length and pointedness. Morphological differentiation across geographical (latitude and elevation) and environmental (climate and vegetation) gradients was assessed using generalized linear mixed models. Additionally, the role of genetic distance and geographical isolation as drivers of morphological differentiation was evaluated with Mantel tests. Results: Bird morphology varied significantly with latitude and elevation, but not with climate or vegetation. In the case of latitude, morphological differences in body size were contrary to Bergmann's rule statements. All biometric and morphometric variables diverged among localities. A similar trend was found for genetic clusters, except for wing shape. Body weight and wing length were both correlated with geographic distance, while only the former varied with genetic differentiation. The greatest genetic and phenotypic differentiation was detected in the southernmost mountain range, that holds the most geographically isolated genetic group. Main conclusion: Evidence suggests that the strong morphological differentiation observed in the Iberian breeding bluethroat across geographical gradients results from the combination of unambiguous deterministic forces, such as ecological selection mechanisms, and other factors, such as geographical isolation, that can be either deterministic, stochastic or both, all acting at different scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cutosea represent a deep‐branching lineage within the phylum Amoebozoa that is still relatively poorly explored. Currently, there are four cutosean representatives known – the monotypic genera Armaparvus, Idionectes, Sapocribrum, and Squamamoeba – with marked genetic distances. Idionectes vortex is the deepest‐branching species and differs markedly from the other Cutosea in ecology, life history, and most importantly, in its ability to form a flagellated swarmer with an exceptional swimming mechanism. As far as we know, the other Cutosea lack flagella and rather represent small, marine amoebae with a characteristic cell coat. The present paper focuses on the amoeboid life history stage of the algivorous amoeboflagellate Idionectes vortex to provide data for a first in‐depth comparison with other Cutosea and to document structural specialties. The amoeboid stage of Idionectes is mainly associated with the specific feeding process, that is, the interaction with algal prey cells and phagocytosis of protoplast material. Yet, the present data from time‐lapse microscopy, cytochemical stainings, and electron microscopy demonstrate clear similarities with the other cutosean species concerning amoeboid locomotion and cell coat ultrastructure. Furthermore, Idionectes amoebae exhibit a well‐developed microtubular cytoskeleton, and an unusual basal apparatus that seems to undergo marked changes during the life history of this exceptional amoebozoan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of foraging behaviour in waterfowl species is often estimated to mostly be the result of adaptations to different foraging habitats and diets. Understanding of adaptive radiation within a rapidly multiplying lineage can be used to detect behavioural patterns and can also be useful in identifying the underlying factors in the emergence of divergence of foraging behaviour within a lineage. This paper recorded the similarities and dissimilarities in foraging behaviour of five nonbreeding Anatidae waterfowl in different foraging habitats. Genetic distances between these waterfowl might have influenced the foraging behaviour of these species. Phylogenetic tree of the birds based on mitochondrial DNA supported the observation. Pairwise post hoc analyses of the species highlighted significant differences between foraging techniques employed by these Anatidae birds. Canonical Correspondence Analysis clearly demarcated the foraging preferences between three prominent clusters of waterfowl species being studied. Generalist nature of foraging behaviour was recorded in Lesser Whistling Duck, which branched apart early in the evolution. Northern Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, and Tufted Duck showed specialized foraging behaviour such as predominantly upending and diving. Significant Pearson correlation coefficient (p < 0.01) between genetic distance and time allocated for diving was 0.899, and the corresponding coefficient for upending was 0.876. Red-crested Pochard, which is considered to be a link between dabbling ducks (Anatinae) and pochards (Aythyinae), showed interesting foraging behaviour to attest their phylogenetic position between divers and dabblers depending on the foraging habitats. Red-crested Pochard used beak-dip more frequently like Northern Pintail. Gene-mediated physical and physiological constraints might have led to the behavioural dominance on a particular foraging technique and resource partitioning in a given habitat, which has supported the stable coexistence of several waterfowl in a wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The present paper aimed to realize the genetic resources and genetic relationship of Henan Big-tail sheep, Small-tail Han sheep and Yuxi Fat-tail sheep.【Method】The genetic diversity of mitochondrion（ mt DNA） D-loop and genetic differentiation of Henan sheep breeds were analyzed in the present study.【Result】50 haplotypes were identified in total,23 in Small-tail Han sheep,25 in Yuxi Fattail sheep, and three in Henan Big-tail sheep. The haplotype diversity were 0. 975,0. 936 and 0. 667,the nucleotide diversity were 0. 0230,0. 0129 and 0. 0270 in Small-tail Han sheep, Yuxi Fat-tail sheep and Henan Big-tail sheep, showing abundant genetic diversity of D-loop sequence in Small-tail Han and Yuxi Fat-tail sheep. The phylogenetic tree gathered these three sheep breeds into three lineages（ A-C）,the three breeds exsisted in all three lineages. The genetic distance of Small-tail Han sheep and Yuxi Fat-tail sheep was the farest（ 0. 0303）. The genetic distance of Henan Big-tail sheep and Small-tail sheep was the nearest（ 0. 0260）. The neutrality test demonstrated that Small-tail Han sheep and Yuxi Fat-tail sheep maintained equilibrium（ P >0. 1）,while Henan Big-tail sheep undergone bottleneck effect（ P <0. 05） in recent decades. The network result showed three maternal origins of Henan sheep breeds. 【Conclusion 】Three Henan sheep breeds showed high genetic diversity. The genetic distances reach the standard of subspecies difference. Small-tail sheep was farthest to Yuxi Fat-tail sheep and nearest to Henan Big-tail sheep. Henan sheep breeds have three maternal origins. The study will provide theoretical basis for the study of genetic relationship and population history, and the protection of genetic resources for Henan sheep breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nakamigawaia is a poorly understood genus of Aglajidae sea slugs with only two species formally ascribed. In this paper we explore new morpho-anatomical characters using stereo and scanning electron microscopy and employ different molecular approaches (a cytochrome c oxidase sub-unit I gene phylogeny, the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery species delimitation method, and genetic distances) to compare specimens across the geographical span of the genus and from two distinct chromatic morphotypes occurring in the Western Pacific (blackish morph and white-dotted morph). Our results support the conspecificity of these two morphs and show they belong to an undescribed species here named Nakamigawaia nakanoae sp. nov. The species differs from the type species of the genus, N. spiralis, by the presence of a distinct open-dilated shell and differs from its Western Atlantic congener N. felis by subtle differences in the shell, male reproductive system and caudal lobes. Genetically (COI uncorrected p-distance) the two species (N. nakanoae and N. felis) are 18.8–20.1% distinct. The definition of the genus Nakamigawaia is discussed and the current assignment to the latter of lineages other than the type species is questioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I conducted a population-genetic study of the Eurasian cisco complex in an area extending from the Baltic Sea to the East-Siberian Sea using 30 enzyme loci. The results indicate that the least cisco (Coregonus sardinella) populations from most rivers of the Kara, Laptev and East-Siberian sea basins are genetically fairly homogeneous, and that the cluster they form is different from the one for the vendace (C. albula) populations from the waterbodies of the Baltic and White seas (Nei's genetic distance (DN) = 0.076). The least cisco and vendace originated from two major phylogenetic lineages of the species occurring as the purest form in the above regions. As a result of the evolution and complex interactions among local populations within the two phylogenetic lineages of cisco at the various stages of Middle and Late Quaternary glaciations, most extant modern populations are hybrid in origin. For example, the Barents Sea populations and the easternmost population from the East-Siberian Sea basin (Kolyma River) emerged as a result of hybridization during the last colonization wave by the least cisco (East Siberian) along the Arctic coast upon cisco's interaction with local ciscoes in the west and east. The White and Kovzhskoye lake populations from the Caspian Sea basin, which form a joint cluster with them, are the hybrids of the local vendace and the descendants of the first wave of least cisco's (West Siberian) expansion to Europe. In this paper, I also discuss the most probable scenarios of cisco's colonization of the study area using paleolimnological reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the data of China's outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) in energy sector to 133 countries from 2005 to 2014, this paper uses a gravity model to investigate the impact of "intimate" relations on China's OFDI locations in energy sector. We find that the "intimate" relations have significant effects on China's OFDI locations in energy sector, namely: bilateral senior leaders' visits, institutional distance, genetic distance, and immigration. Holding other factors fixed, for each one more bilateral senior leaders' visit between China and the host country, China's OFDI in energy sector for the host country will increase by 5.44%. If the genetic distance from China and host country increases by 1%, China's OFDI in energy sector will fall by 1.69%. For every 1% increase in the institutional distance between China and host country, China's energy OFDI will decrease by 1.09%. For every 1% increase in a country's immigration to China, China's energy OFDI will increase by 0.46%. Further, after distinguishing developed and developing countries, we find that compared with developed countries, "intimate" relations have greater impacts on China's energy OFDI in developing countries. Finally, based on the dominance analysis, considering China's "intimate" relations with countries along the "Belt and Road" and current locations of China's OFDI, we find that China should further expand energy investment in countries along the "Belt and Road". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of intestinal Capillariidae were hitherto known from the Neotropic cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus, Baruscapillaria spiculata (Freitas, 1933), and Baruscapillaria appendiculata (Freitas, 1933). The original descriptions are very short and brief, and further reports of both species are scarce and/or confusing. This paper provides a morphological redescription and molecular characterization, based on the partial 18S rDNA gene, of B. spiculata specimens parasitizing the Neotropic cormorant in two continental lagoons from Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Both morphological and morphometrical differences between B. spiculata and B. appendiculata are highlighted on the examination of available type material. Additionally, two previous reports of B. appendiculata from Mexico and Brazil are discussed. A phylogenetic analysis conducted on specimens of B. spiculata and 46 other capillariid isolates available from the GenBank demonstrated a sister-taxon relationship between our specimens and the type species of Baruscapillaria. But, at the same time, significant genetic distances between both taxa showed an interesting variability of the genus Baruscapillaria. The probable division of this genus into multiple genera could probably be confirmed through integrative studies including more species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper constructs a novel measure of past foreign (or minority) rule—the genetic distance of a country's ruling elite in the year 1900 from its ethnic majority—by mapping historical information to data on bilateral genetic distances between populations. It documents robust negative conditional correlations of this "elite‐population genetic distance" with current income levels and with current fiscal capacity, controlling for an extensive set of country characteristics including existing measures of foreign rule, the genetic distance of the ethnic majority from that of the United Kingdom, continent fixed effects, and state antiquity (i.e., the history of state‐building capacity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The present paper aimed to fully understand the genetic diversity and phylogenetics of Xinjiang indigenous sheep breeds, and provide theoretical basis for breeds, conservation and utilization. [Method] The squences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Cylb of 13 Xinjiang indigenous sheep breeds were amplified and sequenced. [Result] It was found that these breeds had abundant genetic diversity, except Hotan sheep. Neutral test showed that Hotan sheep had experienced population expansion. The genetic distance between Hotan sheep breeds and Qira black sheep breeds was the closest, and between Hotan sheep breeds and Bachu sheep breeds was the furthest. There were relatively far genetic distance between Bachu sheep breeds and other breeds. 13 indigenous sheep breeds were divided into 3 branches by haplotype network. After AMOVA molecular variation analysis, genetic variation between populations and within populations was 91.33% and 8.67%, respectively. There was no significant genetic differentiation among populations. [Conclusion] The results showed that there were three matrilineal origins in 13 Xinjiang indigenous sheep breeds. The genetic relationship was basically consistent with the breeding history and geographical distribution. Hotan sheep had low genetic diversity and need to strengthen the protection of germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] This paper aims to provide references for rational parents selection and heterosis prediction in pepper quality breeding. [Method] In the present study,10 pepper self-breeding parents were used as experimental materials, and 25 cross combinations were configured according to a 5x5 incomplete dillel test design to analyze the heterosis of quality traits in F1 generation and the SSR molecular genetic distance between parents and their heterosis correlation. [Result] The positive and negative heterosis of 150 traits in 25 hybrid combinations of the 10 tested parents accounted for 50.00 % of the total traits,respectively. The mean values of the super-median heterosis of vitamin C, crude fiber and capsaicin were positive, which were 2.62,8.74 and 0.26, respectively. The mean values of the super-median heterosis of dry matter, crude fat and protein were negative,which were — 1.71, —1.51 and —19.63,respectively. The average heterosis of crude fiber and capsaicin were 1.36 and 4.99, respectively. The average heterosis of dry matter, vitamin C, crude fat and protein were — 12.15, — 15. 33, —16.39 and — 31.66, respectively. Among the 10 tested parents, the genetic distance between H042023 A and H042025 D was the smallest, and the genetic distance between H042025D and H004 was the largest, with an average genetic distance of 0.25, and the genetic relationship was relatively close. SSR molecular genetic distance was only significantly positively correlated with crude fat,and was not significantly positively correlated or negatively correlated with the other five quality indicators, and was not significantly positively correlated or negatively correlated with the six quality indicators. [Conclusion] The heterosis of pepper quality traits is widespread, and it is feasible to improve pepper quality traits by heterosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objects of this paper are Vigna angularis, Vigna radiata and Phaseolus vulgaris, which are important grain legume resources in China. However, the genetic structure between the three species is not clear. Therefore, this study developed a set of universal gSSR (simple sequence repeat) primers based on the whole-genome sequences of adzuki beans, mung beans and common beans and analysed the genetic diversity of the test resources based on universal gSSR loci. A total of 53,099 pairs of universal primers were developed, and 43 universal primer pairs were selected for analysis of their test resources. The genetic diversity of the tested common bean germplasm resources was the largest, and the genetic diversity of the tested mung bean germplasm resources was the smallest. Based on the structural analysis and NJ algorithm, the genetic relationships of the test resources were analysed. When ΔK = 3, 3 and 2, the test resources were divided into 3, 3 and 2 subgroups, respectively. The average genetic differentiation coefficient among the three species was 0.24, and the average gene flow value was 0.78. The genetic distances among the three species ranged from 0.27 to 0.90. The genetic distance between the tested adzuki bean germplasm resources and the tested mung bean germplasm resources was the closest, and the genetic distance between the test adzuki bean germplasm resources and the tested common bean germplasm resources was the farthest. This study provides a scientific basis for the rational development, protection and sustainable use of germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crassignatha Wunderlich, 1995 is redefined to include species with six eyes in three diads, chelicerae fused only near the base, sculpturing on the carapace, one or two clasping spurs on tibia II, a bilateral scutum of the male abdomen, and globular spermathecae and adjacent copulatory openings in the female. A key and distribution map are provided for 24 Crassignatha species in this paper. Diagnoses and illustrated photographs are provided for 22 species from China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Thirteen species are described and documented as new to science: C. baihua Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), C. bangbie Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♀), C. changyan Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♀), C. dongnai Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♀), C. gucheng Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), C. mengla Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), C. nantou Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), C. nasalis Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), C. rostriformis Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), C. shunani Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), C. si Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), C. thamphra Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♀), and C. xichou Y. Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♀). Three new combinations are proposed: C. bicorniventris (Lin & Li, 2009), comb. nov., C. quadriventris (Lin & Li, 2009), comb. nov., and C. shiluensis (Lin & Li, 2009), comb. nov. are transferred from Patu Marples, 1951. DNA barcodes and genetic distances of seventeen species are obtained to confirm correct identification. Types of seven known Chinese Crassignatha species are re-examined, and the taxonomic placement of C. longtou Miller, Griswold & Yin, 2009 may be incorrect based on morphological and molecular data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the genotypic variation in maize doubled haploid (DH) lines response to brassinosteroid and gibberellin inhibitors. Plant responses to hormone inhibitors were determined in growth chamber experiments using germination paper for three different seedling treatments: application of propiconazole (Pcz), uniconazole (Ucz) or water (control). Mesocotyl length (ML) was more sensitive to hormone inhibitors, especially to the Ucz treatment, than other seedling traits. ML was significantly correlated with other traits in the Ucz treatment. All the seedling traits showed moderate‐to‐high broad sense heritability values, ranging from 0.39 to 0.82. The Euclidian genetic distances of inbred line pairs ranged from 1.27 to 19.94, indicating there was a high level of variability across the maize DH lines used in this study. DH lines with extreme MLs were identified, which can provide valuable breeding resources for improving abiotic stress tolerance, and for further genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly spread through the Amazon River basin, Prochilodus nigricans have had its taxonomic validity recently questioned, when genetic differences between Western and Eastern Amazon populations from the Brazilian shield were detected. This area has been seeing as a region of high ichthyofaunal diversity and endemism, in which the hybrid origin of the Tapajós River basin has been raised. In this paper, we report a new molecular lineage within P. nigricans of Tapajós River, highlighting this region still hides taxonomically significant diversity. Haplotype networks were reconstructed using the mitochondrial COI and ATP6/8 markers, which were also used to calculate genetic distances among clusters. We additionally conducted a delimiting species approach by employing a Generalized Mixed Yule-Coalescent model (GMYC) with COI sequences produced here, and previous ones published for individuals sampled across the Amazon River basin. In addition to the genetic differentiation within P. nigricans, our findings favor the hypothesis of hybrid origin of the Tapajós River basin and reaffirm the importance of studies aiming to investigate hidden diversity to address taxonomic and biogeographic issues, that certainly benefit better biodiversity conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The present paper aimed to explore the endangered mechanism of natural resources and provide basis for the conservation of wild Fraxinus hupehensis. [Method] The genetic diversity of 196 individuals from 10 natural populations of Fraxinus hupehensis were analyzed by using cpSSR molecular markers, and the the UPGMA cluster of 10 populations was constructed. [Results] The 30 polymorphic hands were amplified from 6 primers. The genetic; diversity at populations level (Percentage of polymorphic loci; FPL = 25.75 % , Nei’s gene diversity index: h = 0.0974 ,Shannon’ s information index: I = 0.1440, the observed number of alleles: Na = 1.2575 , the effective number of alleles: Ne = 1.1712) was lower than that at the species level (PPL = 75.00 % h =0.1720 , I =0. 22732, Na = 1.7500,Ne = 1.2756). The Nm (gene flow) value and the coffieient of gene differentiation (Gst) was 0. 6942 and 0. 4189 Respectively, and the genetic; distance ranged from 0.0329 to 0. 1569. Based on the genetic identity (0.8548-0.9676) ,10 natural populations were divided into 4 groups. [Conclusion ]The total genetic* diversity of F. hupehensis was at a moderate level. The genetic variation mainly occurred within the populations (58. 11%), and the genetic differentiation among the populations was not obvious. Therefore, it is important to protect the populations with rich genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bayesian MCMC has become a common approach for phylogenetic inference. But the growing size of molecular sequence data sets has created a pressing need to improve the computational efficiency of Bayesian phylogenetic inference algorithms. Results: This paper develops a new algorithm to improve the efficiency of Bayesian phylogenetic inference for models that include a per-branch rate parameter. In a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, the presented proposal kernel changes evolutionary rates and divergence times at the same time, under the constraint that the implied genetic distances remain constant. Specifically, the proposal operates on the divergence time of an internal node and the three adjacent branch rates. For the root of a phylogenetic tree, there are three strategies discussed, named Simple Distance, Small Pulley and Big Pulley. Note that Big Pulley is able to change the tree topology, which enables the operator to sample all the possible rooted trees consistent with the implied unrooted tree. To validate its effectiveness, a series of experiments have been performed by implementing the proposed operator in the BEAST2 software. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the proposed operator is able to improve the performance by giving better estimates for a given chain length and by using less running time for a given level of accuracy. Measured by effective samples per hour, use of the proposed operator results in overall mixing more efficient than the current operators in BEAST2. Especially for large data sets, the improvement is up to half an order of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, molecular analyses of Baikal hydras from the 'oligactis group', based on COI and ITS1-5.8S- ITS2, and morphological analysis of their holotrichous isorhizas, were performed. Low genetic diversity and shared haplotypes were found between Hydra oligactis Pallas, 1766 and Hydra baikalensis Swarczewsky, 1923 specimens, which is evidence of the mixing of these lineages. Genetic distances among all Baikal hydras (0.006) were less than the interspecific distances of other hydras. The size of hydras and proportions of their holotrichous isorhizas varied depending on microhabitat and environmental conditions. Our combined molecular and morphological approach proves that H. baikalensis is synonymous with H. oligactis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In gestational surrogacy, a woman incubates an embryo to which she is not genetically related. Genetic distance from both her and the commissioning parents is increased further when donor gametes are employed. Ethical implications vary depending on the extent to which the parents and surrogates share genetic material with the produced child. Purpose: This paper seeks to address two primary questions: What do selected ethical frameworks tell us of (1) the relationship between genetic motherhood, gestational motherhood, social motherhood, and marital fidelity? And (2) the effects of gestational surrogacy and gamete donation on our understanding of lineage and heritability? Methods: Current literature and thought on these questions were considered through the classical ethics lenses of religion, the adoption standard, and Western liberalism. Results: A genetic link between the parents and the child serves to simplify the adoption process (if one is required) and supports a family's desire to resemble as much as possible a traditional biological family, thus providing a minimum set of challenges to religious or conservative hesitations. Conclusion: Inasmuch as gestational surrogacy, with or without donor gametes, is tolerated in a variety of ethical contexts; the basis of its acceptance may be the Western liberal celebration of contractual agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The present paper aimed to provide the theoretical and practice basis for molecular identification technology of Typhlocybinae.【Method】The genetic distance among different leafhopper species is analyed by using Kimura 2-parameter model and detecting 646 bp base sequence on mitochondrial COI gene of 22 leafhopper species from Dikraneurini, Typhlocybini, Empoascini, Erythroneurini and Alebrini to discuss the feasibility of mitochondrial COI gene fragment as DNA barcoding for identifying species of Typhlocybinae.【Result】There are 512 variation sites, 134 conserved sites, 415 parsimony information sites and 97 singleton sites on mitochondrial COI gene. The content of A, G, C and T base in all sites is 27.6 %, 15.5 %, 15.3 % and 41.6 % respectively. The content of A+T base is up to 69.2 % and higher than G+C base obviously. The A+T base with a partial preference accords with the basic characteristics of base composition of insect mitochondrial gene. The evolution of different leafhopper species can be accurately analyzed because 646 bp base sequence on mitochondrial COI gene is not saturation. The genetic distance between the same species and between different species is 1.025-0.044 and 0.024-0.291 with an average of 0.358 separately. The phylogenetic tree built by Neighbor-joining method based on sequence of COI gene shows that the same species can be clustered into the same branch and the branch bootstrap values all reach 100 %. The closely related species can gather together and the confidence coefficient is ≥97 %.【Conclusion】Different insect species can be identified by analyzing sequence of insect COI gene. The DNA barcoding of COI gene fragment is of the feasibility in entomological classification of Typhlocybinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autochthonous local genotypes of sweet cherries, which represent a very important genetic potential for future breeding programs. Understanding of the molecular basis biodiversity is one of the most important factors for the proper conservation, management and use of plant genetic resources. This paper investigate the genetic variability of 14 genotypes of sweet cherries using 26 SSR markers. The study included eight autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherry taken from four different location and six virus-free reference varieties of sweet cherry. The average genetic distance between them was 0.43. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight. The minimum number of two alleles of polymorphic loci showed EMPa003 and EMPa002, while the highest number of eight loci alleles had PceGA34 and UDP97-402. Results of genetic analysis that were done show that between autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherries 'Biljur-Bjelica', 'Barevka' and 'Ašlamka' (Kriškovci) there was no difference, it is to have the same genetic profil, which indicates that is the synonym, it is the same identity group. Also the autochthonous genotype 'Crveni Hrušt' and 'Nordwunder' cultivar had the same SSR profile on microsatellite loci tested. The remaining autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherry had a unique genetic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connectivity and movement patterns of populations are influenced by past and present environmental and biotic factors, which are reflected in genetic relatedness among populations. Methods that estimate the "commute time" between populations based on electrical resistance (i.e., isolation‐by‐resistance [IBR]) have been widely applied to either infer movement patterns directly from environmental factors or detect possible barriers to gene flow given empirical genetic relatedness. Yet, the commute time is only equivalent to the coalescence time between populations under symmetric migration with isotropic landscapes. Asymmetric gene flow is relatively common when populations are expanding, retreating, or with source‐sink dynamics. In a From the Cover paper in this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Lundgren and Ralph (Molecular Ecology Resources, 19, 2019) describe a Bayesian method to infer bidirectional gene flow rates and population sizes without the assumption of symmetry. The method shows great accuracy in connectivity estimations under symmetric, as well as asymmetric gene flow scenarios where resistance methods fail. However, computational complexity limits the method to a few populations, preventing its application to finescale environmental maps. Also, as a discrete‐deme static model, the inferred differences in gene flow rates are sensitive to population discretization and cannot be directly used to differentiate among processes (e.g., past expansion vs. current barrier). Here, we discuss scenarios where the new method can best be utilized and provide potential directions to identify the underlying processes causing deviations in gene flow patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic control analysis has long been used as a systemic model of the genotype–phenotype (GP) relationship. By considering kinetic parameters and enzyme concentrations as reflecting the genotype level and metabolic fluxes or pools as phenotypes related to fitness, MCA has given a biological basis to the relationship between these two levels. The non-linear and concave relationship between enzymes and fluxes can account for common genetic effects that reductionist approaches have been powerless to explain, such as the dominance of active alleles over less active alleles, the various types of epistasis and heterosis, and reveals the structural links between these genetic effects. The summation property of the flux control coefficients accounts for the L -shaped distribution of Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) effects, irrespective of other possible causes. Metabolic models of response to selection results in evolutionary scenarios that are markedly different from those derived from the classical infinitesimal model of quantitative genetics. In particular, evolution towards selective neutrality appears to be a consequence of the diminishing return of the flux-enzyme relationship. In this paper, we survey the historical and recent achievements of MCA in genetics, quantitative genetics and evolution, focusing on epistasis and the evolution of flux in relation to enzyme concentrations. • Metabolic systemic variables as model quantitative traits for genetics and evolution. • The enzyme-flux relationship as a paradigm of the genotype–phenotype map. • A metabolic framework for dominance, epistasis, heterosis and selective neutrality. • Metabolic constraints drive the response to selection. • Metabolic diminishing returns account for key genetic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]