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Recent phylogeographical studies have revealed that refugia sometimes retain high levels of genetic heterogeneity due to multiple colonization events, a phenomenon defined as 'refugia within refugium'. In previous research, we reported a complex genetic structure within the Geranium yesoense complex, an alpine plant found in an interglacial refugium at high elevation in Central Japan, probably resulting from multiple colonization and hybridization events. However, we were unable to evaluate instances of introgression due to limited sample size. In the present study, we performed additional chloroplast genome sequencing, along with Sanger sequencing of selected chloroplast DNA regions, to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among the refugial populations. The chloroplast genome sequence of a sample from Mt. Asama (an important refugium) was nested within the northern lineage (i.e. var. yesoense and var. pseudopratense), and haplotypes from Mt. Asama and Mt. Ibuki were also grouped with those of the northern lineage. Although our previous study suggested hybridization events between northern and southern lineages (i.e. var. nipponicum) at Mt. Asama, haplotypes from the southern lineage were not detected at range margins. This suggests that directional introgression occurred in these regions. Overall, our results further support that genetic heterogeneity within these refugia was amplified by recolonization and hybridization during past climate oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific hybridization has long been of interest to biologists due to its implications for species concepts, gene flow, and conservation. We found a putative hybrid between the endangered brown shrike (Lanius cristatus superciliosus) and the common bull-headed shrike (Lanius bucephalus) at the foot of Mt. Fuji, central Japan, where the adult sex ratio of brown shrikes is biased towards the male. Brown and bull-headed shrikes are closely related, and their hybridization is critical for the survival and conservation of the brown shrike. We tried to identify this individual based on genetic, morphological, plumage, and acoustic analysis. The hybrid had intermediate genetic, morphological, and plumage features between the two parental species. The maternal lineage of the hybrid was suggested to be the bull-headed shrike by COI analysis. We thus conclude that the hybrid resulted from interbreeding between a male brown shrike and a female bull-headed shrike, and a skewed sex ratio in the brown shrike may have contributed to this hybridization. Skewed sex ratio is a useful indicator of population viability and knowledge of this is helpful in rare species conservation. Genetic introgression between brown and bull-headed shrikes cannot be denied because the hybrid individual was fertile and backcrossing occurred. Exploring past and ongoing genetic relationships of the shrikes has led to insights into the evolutionary background and the potential of hybridization in an evolutionary context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Hybridization is common in flowering plants and is believed to be an important force driving adaptation and speciation. The flowers of hybrids often exhibit new trait combinations, which, theoretically, could attract new species of pollinators.In this study, we found that the hybrids between a hummingbird‐pollinated species Mimulus cardinalis and a self‐pollinated species Mimulus parishii attract bumblebees (Bombus impatiens), a pollinator not attracted to either of the progenitor species.This novel attraction is explained by new combinations of floral traits in hybrids, including, most importantly, petal color, in addition to nectar concentration and corolla size. To understand how petal color variation is perceived by bumblebees, we performed reflectance spectroscopy and multispectral imaging to model the flower appearance in bee vision. This analysis showed that color variation would impact the ease of detection. We also found that YUP, the genetic locus responsible for a large portion of floral color variation and previously shown to be important in bee interactions with other Mimulus species, also played an important role in this novel attraction.These results together suggest that the attraction of new pollinators to hybrid plants could be an underexplored avenue for pollinator shift and speciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of interspecific mimicry does not always result in perfect resemblance between mimics and models. Differences between members of a mimicry complex can be explained by genetic or developmental constraints. Alternatively, imperfect mimicry might be the outcome of a tradeoff between multiple selective pressures. In this study, we explored the evolutionary conflict between mimicry and hybridization in woodpeckers. Based on the selective tradeoff hypothesis, we expected that mimicry complexes will start to evolve once the constraint of maladaptive hybridization is relaxed. Hence, we predicted limited overlap in the divergence times between hybridizing species pairs and members of a mimicry complex. This prediction was supported by clear tipping point in the probability of hybridization and mimicry at ca 9 million years of divergence. Around this timepoint, the probability of hybridization approaches zero while the probability of belonging to a mimicry complex increases. This finding is only correlational and remains to be confirmed in other taxonomic groups. Nonetheless, our results suggest a selective tradeoff between evolving interspecific mimicry and avoiding maladaptive hybridization in woodpeckers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population genetic structure is influenced by a combination of contemporary and historical events; however, this structure can be complicated by ongoing gene flow. While it is well known that contemporary hybridization occurs frequently among many closely related species, it often remains uncertain as to which populations are involved in introgression events, and this can be even more difficult to infer when introgression is historical. Here we use restriction-site associated DNA sequencing to look at the level of introgression among four species of songbirds in North America: the black-capped, mountain, boreal, and chestnut-backed chickadee. Samples from both sympatric and allopatric sites across the species' ranges supported limited ongoing mixing among the four species with Bayesian clustering and principal component analyses. In contrast, f4-statistics and admixture graphs revealed extensive historical introgression among geographically structured populations. Almost all historical admixture events were among populations west of the Rocky Mountains, and almost all populations west of the Rocky Mountains, excluding island and coastal populations, showed evidence of historical admixture. The inclusion of all four chickadee species proved crucial in differentiating which species were involved in hybridization events to avoid erroneous conclusions. Taken together, the results suggest a complex pattern of divergence with gene flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We represent a comparative analysis of GBSS1 gene fragment sequences for a number of species related to Elymus caninus: Elymus prokudinii, Elymus viridiglumis, Elymus goloskokovii, as well as a number of morphologically deviating biotypes, inhabiting Russia and Kazakhstan. Microevolutionary relationships between species were assessed from dendrograms derived from sequences of exons and introns. In all taxa, the St subgenome was represented by St2 variants, rather typical of the North American ancestral line of Pseudoroegneria spicata than of the Asian line descending from Pseudoroegneria strigosa. All putative relatives of E. caninus had H1 subgenome variants linked around the Asian diploid carrier of the H genome from Hordeum jubatum and were divided into two subclades. One of them (H1‐1) contained most of the closely related E. caninus clones, including Elymus uralensis. Another subclade (H1‐2) consisted of five variants phylogenetically related to Elymus mutabilis. We have also studied reproductive relationships between species E. goloskokovii, E. prokudinii, and E. viridiglumis and the degree of their integration into the E. caninus complex. Biotypes included in sexual hybridization formed a single recombination gene pool, within which slight differences in reproductive compatibility were observed. A comprehensive study of microevolutionary differentiation of taxa showed the expediency of taxonomic revision. The species mentioned should probably be relegated to the infraspecific rank within E. caninus s. l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transposable elements (TEs) are prevalent components of diverse genomes, and play an important role on the genomic stability and expression regulation of their adjacent genes. It is interesting to know the variation of TE expression and the effects of the presence/absence of TEs on gene expression after hybridization. Here we assessed the expression variation of TEs and the impacts of TEs on expression of nearby genes after hybridization based on comparisons of three pairs of reciprocal F1 hybrids and four parents in Capsella rubella. Of the 480 TE families expressed in all the four parents and six F1 hybrids, 7–23 (1.5%–4.2%) TE families were significantly differentially expressed between in silico and real F1 hybrids, indicating the expression levels of these TE families were affected during hybridization. In particular, there was a Copia TE superfamily and a non‐long terminal repeat (non‐LTR) TE differentially expressed between the reciprocal F1 hybrids of 879 and 86IT1, indicating maternal effects may have impacts on expression of TEs in these F1 hybrids. Besides the impacts on the expression of TE families of the hybridization, genes adjacent to polymorphic TEs tended to show a higher proportion (24.83%) of allele‐specific expression (ASE) in F1 hybrids. Overall, our results highlight the impacts of hybridization on the expression level variation of TEs, and the effects of TEs on ASE after hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although all‐solid‐state batteries are suggested as a means to tackle the safety concerns associated with current Li‐ion batteries, there is presently a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding their thermal safety. In this context, critical factors contributing to the thermal runaway of thiophosphate solid electrolytes with charged Li1‐xNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM) under thermal and mechanical abuse conditions are demonstrated, considering parameters such as heating rate under thermal abuse conditions and the hybridization of S atom in structure. In particular, the thermal behavior of various solid electrolytes, including thiophosphates, thioantimonates, and halides, is investigated to clarify critical elements in Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) contributing to its thermal instability when combined with charged NCM. Various ex situ analyses, along with density functional theory calculations, reveal a correlation between the hybridization of S atoms and the thermal instability of solid electrolytes, suggesting that sulfur acts as a key element triggering the thermal runaway of sulfide‐based solid electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wireless data collection network (DCN) is the key constituent of the IoT. It is used in many applications such as transport, logistics, security and monitoring. Despite the continuous development of DCN, communication between nodes in such network presents several challenges. The major issue is the deployment of connected objects and, more precisely, how numerous nodes are appropriately positioned to attain full coverage. The current work presents a hybrid technique, named DTABC, combining a geometric deployment method, called Delaunay Triangulation diagram DT, and an optimization algorithm named the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. In the centralized approach, this hybrid method is executed on a single node while, in a distributed approach, it is executed in parallel on different nodes deployed in a wireless data collection network. This study aims at enhancing the coverage rate in data collection networks utilizing less sensor nodes. The Delaunay Triangulation diagram is utilized to produce solutions showing the first locations of the IoT objects. Then, the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm is used to improve the node deployment coverage rate. The developed DTABC approach performance is assessed experimentally by prototyping M5StickC nodes on a real testbed. The obtained results reveal that the coverage rate, the number of the objects' neighbors, the RSSI and the lifetime of the distributed approach are better than those of the algorithms introduced in previous research works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses the intricate task of predicting the prices of diverse financial assets, including stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies, each exhibiting distinct characteristics and behaviors under varied market conditions. To tackle the challenge effectively, novel encoder–decoder architectures, AE-LSTM and AE-GRU, integrating the encoder–decoder principle with LSTM and GRU, are designed. The experimentation involves multiple activation functions and hyperparameter tuning. With extensive experimentation and enhancements applied to AE-LSTM, the proposed AE-GRU architecture still demonstrates significant superiority in forecasting the annual prices of volatile financial assets from the multiple sectors mentioned above. Thus, the novel AE-GRU architecture emerges as a superior choice for price prediction across diverse sectors and fluctuating volatile market scenarios by extracting important non-linear features of financial data and retaining the long-term context from past observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stilbene derivatives (pterostilbene and resveratrol) and 4-methylumbelliferone occur naturally in plants. These compounds and coumarin-stilbene hybrids have a variety of biological activities. It was envisioned that the molecular hybridization strategy would produce new bioactive molecules. Thus, six new coumarin-stilbene hybrids (3a-b, 4a-b, and 5a-b) with different hydrocarbon chains as linkers were synthesized by the O-alkylation reaction and characterized using FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT-135, and HRMS (ESI+) spectral analysis. An MTT assay was used to test the synthesized hybrids against breast cancer (MCF-7 and T47D) and liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines. The results showed that the synthesis of coumarin-stilbene hybrids via the O-alkylation reaction requires the presence of KI in addition to K2CO3 as a base to complete the reaction. On the other hand, the synthesis of coumarin-pterostilbene hybrids (3a-b) via the O-alkylation reaction with DMF as a solvent and an excess of base (K2CO3) and catalyst (KI) improved the yield significantly (65.43 and 73.71%, respectively). The biological results exhibited that all hybrids showed moderate to weak anticancer activities, much lower than the medication (cisplatin). However, most compounds showed superior activities than parent compounds against three different human cell lines. Among them, compounds 4a and 4b exhibited the best cytotoxic activity against T47D and MCF-7, with IC50 values of 102.05 and 23.12 µM, respectively. Compound (3a) showed the most cytotoxic activity against HepG2, with an IC50 value of 80.09 µM. To conclude, due to the simplicity of synthesis, hybridization is a promising strategy for producing new hybrid compounds with hydrocarbon chains as linkers and improving biological activity compared with their parent compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebrates host complex microbiomes that impact their physiology. In many taxa, including colourful wood-warblers, gut microbiome similarity decreases with evolutionary distance. This may suggest that as host populations diverge, so do their microbiomes, because of either tight coevolutionary dynamics, or differential environmental influences, or both. Hybridization is common in wood-warblers, but the effects of evolutionary divergence on the microbiome during secondary contact are unclear. Here, we analyse gut microbiomes in two geographically disjunct hybrid zones between blue-winged warblers (Vermivora cyanoptera) and golden-winged warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera). We performed 16S faecal metabarcoding to identify species-specific bacteria and test the hypothesis that host admixture is associated with gut microbiome disruption. Species identity explained a small amount of variation between microbiomes in only one hybrid zone. Co-occurrence of species-specific bacteria was rare for admixed individuals, yet microbiome richness was similar among admixed and parental individuals. Unexpectedly, we found several bacteria that were more abundant among admixed individuals with a broader deposition of carotenoid-based plumage pigments. These bacteria are predicted to encode carotenoid biosynthesis genes, suggesting birds may take advantage of pigments produced by their gut microbiomes. Thus, host admixture may facilitate beneficial symbiotic interactions which contribute to plumage ornaments that function in sexual selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study, detailing the effect of different DNA oligomers on a NIR‐emitting DNA‐stabilized silver nanocluster (DNA‐AgNC), is reported. The presence of single‐stranded DNA oligomers was found to adversely affect the chemical stability of (DNA)2[Ag16Cl2]8+ with distinct degrees of destruction depending on the DNA sequence. To increase the chemical stability of the DNA‐AgNC, we implemented two protection strategies. First, hybridization of the bare DNA strands with the corresponding complementary sequences dramatically reduced the destruction of (DNA)2[Ag16Cl2]8+, as demonstrated by the decreased drops in both the absorption and emission spectra. Secondly, saturation of the free DNA oligomers with silver cations left (DNA)2[Ag16Cl2]8+ intact. Our investigation can thus provide an easy‐to‐implement approach to discover DNA sequences that are intrinsically less reactive towards preformed DNA‐AgNCs, and give an idea on how to protect DNA‐AgNCs from bare DNA strands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the digital environment, a ransomware detection and protection solution is crucial. Because it makes it possible for companies to combat the rising threat of ransomware attacks, prevent financial losses, preserve crucial systems, and satisfy legal requirements. The primary issue is that current ransomware detection and mitigation methods could be more effective due to its dynamic nature and an insufficient up-to-date understanding of its variants. To create more effective defenses and narrow the cybersecurity knowledge gap, interdisciplinary research that examines ransomware's coding, behavior, and goals is required. This paper seeks to improve methods of ransomware defense by analyzing the code, behavior, and goals of numerous ransomware variants. The study proposes using semantic similarity algorithms to estimate the severity of attacks and identify connections between existing attacks to enhance detection and mitigation measures. The objectives of this paper include developing an improved, all-inclusive multiclass ransomware detection and response generation model with automatic or semi-automatic response capabilities. The method combines artificial intelligence with semantic similarity detection techniques to automatically identify and classify ransomware attacks using predefined classifiers. Single machine learning techniques were initially trained on a dataset of ransomware samples; however, the accuracy was poor, ranging from 11% with the LGBM classifier to a maximum of 51% with the decision tree classifier. A hybridization of ML algorithms increases accuracy, leading to a notable improvement in classifier accuracy, with a Hybrid 3 obtaining 91% accuracy. Semantic algorithms periodically retrain the model to keep it current with new ransomware variations. These algorithms also provide the severity of the attack. If the criticality is low, the model notifies the administrator for additional analysis; if it is medium, sensitive data-related operations are stopped with automatic backups; and if it is high, all processes are controlled to prevent further harm. The key advantages of this model are its ability to identify 21 different ransomware classes, enhance training with new variants, and provide criticality recommendations for optimal decision-making during a ransomware assault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper asks the question: can genomic information be used to recover a species that is already on the pathway to extinction due to genetic swamping from a related and more numerous population? We show that a breeding strategy in a captive breeding program can use whole genome sequencing to identify and remove segments of DNA introgressed through hybridisation. The proposed policy uses a generalized measure of kinship or heterozygosity accounting for local ancestry, that is, whether a specific genetic location was inherited from the target of conservation. We then show that optimizing these measures would minimize undesired ancestry while also controlling kinship and/or heterozygosity, in a simulated breeding population. The process is applied to real data representing the hybridized Scottish wildcat breeding population, with the result that it should be possible to breed out domestic cat ancestry. The ability to reverse introgression is a powerful tool brought about through the combination of sequencing with computational advances in ancestry estimation. Since it works best when applied early in the process, important decisions need to be made about which genetically distinct populations should benefit from it and which should be left to reform into a single population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Platanthera Rich. (Orchidoideae) comprise a speciose genus of orchids primarily in the northern hemisphere, with up to 200 known species worldwide. Individual species are known to self‐pollinate, but many rely on insect pollinators with characteristics such as floral color, timing of floral odor emissions, nectar rewards, and spur length associated with particular pollination syndromes. As with many orchids, some orchid–pollinator associations are likely highly co‐evolved, but we also know that some Platanthera spp. are the result of hybridization events, which implies a lack of pollinator fidelity in some cases. Some Platanthera spp. occur in large numbers which, coupled with the numerous Platanthera–pollinator systems, make them accessible as study species and useful for co‐evolutionary studies. Due to the likely effects of climate change and ongoing development on Platanthera spp. habitats, these orchids and their associated pollinators should be a focus of conservation attention and management. However, while there is a fairly substantial literature coverage of Platanthera–pollinator occurrence and interactions, there are still wide gaps in our understanding of the species involved in these systems. In this systematic review, we outline what is current knowledge and provide guidance on further research that will increase our understanding of orchid–insect co‐evolutionary relationships. Our review covers 157 orchid species and about 233 pollinator species interacting with 30 Platanthera spp. We provide analyses on aspects of these interactions such as flower morphology, known insect partners of Platanthera species, insect‐Platanthera specificity, pollination visitor timing (diurnal vs. nocturnal), floral rewards, and insect behavior affecting pollination outcomes (e.g., pollinia placement). A substantial number of Platanthera spp. and at least a few of their known pollinators are of official (IUCN) conservation concern – and many of their pollinators remain unassessed or even currently unknown – which adds to the urgency of further research on these co‐evolved relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization in antelope species has been widely reported in South African national parks and provincial reserves as well as on private land due to anthropogenic effects. In a closed management setting, hybridization may occur due to the crossbreeding of closely related species with unequal sex ratios, resulting in either sterile or fertile offspring. In this study, we used molecular techniques to evaluate the risk of anthropogenic hybridization between blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) and red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) in an isolated group that purposely included the two species with unequal sex ratios (one red hartebeest male and 19 male and female blesbok). Genetic analysis based on microsatellites confirmed the presence of seven hybrid individuals. Mitochondrial analysis verified that hybridization occurred between blesbok females and the red hartebeest male. STRUCTURE and NEWHYBRIDS classified the hybrids as F1. It is suspected that the hybrid individuals were sterile as the males had undeveloped testes and only F1 hybrids were detected. Thus, the risk of hybridization between these two species may be limited in the wild. In captive settings, genetic monitoring should be included in management plans for blesbok and red hartebeest to ensure that the long‐term consequences of wasted reproductive effort are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid nanomaterials have found use in many biomedical applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of the principles, techniques, and recent advancements in the design and fabrication of hybrid nanomaterials for biomedicine. We begin with an introduction to the general concept of material hybridization, followed by a discussion of how this approach leads to materials with additional functionality and enhanced performance. We then highlight hybrid nanomaterials in the forms of nanostructures, nanocomposites, metal–organic frameworks, and biohybrids, including their fabrication methods. We also showcase the use of hybrid nanomaterials to advance biomedical engineering in the context of nanomedicine, regenerative medicine, diagnostics, theranostics, and biomanufacturing. Finally, we offer perspectives on challenges and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomes are heterogeneous during the early stages of speciation, with small 'islands' of DNA appearing to reflect strong adaptive differences, surrounded by vast seas of relative homogeneity. As species diverge, secondary contact zones between them can act as an interface and selectively filter through advantageous alleles of hybrid origin. Such introgression is another important adaptive process, one that allows beneficial mosaics of recombinant DNA ('rivers') to flow from one species into another. Although genomic islands of divergence appear to be associated with reproductive isolation, and genomic rivers form by adaptive introgression, it is unknown whether islands and rivers tend to be the same or different loci. We examined three replicate secondary contact zones for the Yosemite toad (Anaxyrus canorus) using two genomic data sets and a morphometric data set to answer the questions: (1) How predictably different are islands and rivers, both in terms of genomic location and gene function? (2) Are the adaptive genetic trait loci underlying tadpole growth and development reliably islands, rivers or neither? We found that island and river loci have significant overlap within a contact zone, suggesting that some loci are first islands, and later are predictably converted into rivers. However, gene ontology enrichment analysis showed strong overlap in gene function unique to all island loci, suggesting predictability in overall gene pathways for islands. Genome‐wide association study outliers for tadpole development included LPIN3, a lipid metabolism gene potentially involved in climate change adaptation, that is island‐like for all three contact zones, but also appears to be introgressing (as a river) across one zone. Taken together, our results suggest that adaptive divergence and introgression may be more complementary forces than currently appreciated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural hybridisation is now recognised as pervasive in its occurrence across the Tree of Life. Resurgent interest in natural hybridisation fuelled by developments in genomics has led to an improved understanding of the genetic factors that promote or prevent species cross‐mating. Despite this body of work overturning many widely held assumptions about the genetic barriers to hybridisation, it is still widely thought that ploidy differences between species will be an absolute barrier to hybridisation and introgression. Here, we revisit this assumption, reviewing findings from surveys of polyploidy and hybridisation in the wild. In a case study in the British flora, 203 hybrids representing 35% of hybrids with suitable data have formed via cross‐ploidy matings, while a wider literature search revealed 59 studies (56 in plants and 3 in animals) in which cross‐ploidy hybridisation has been confirmed with genetic data. These results show cross‐ploidy hybridisation is readily overlooked, and potentially common in some groups. General findings from these studies include strong directionality of hybridisation, with introgression usually towards the higher ploidy parent, and cross‐ploidy hybridisation being more likely to involve allopolyploids than autopolyploids. Evidence for adaptive introgression across a ploidy barrier and cases of cross‐ploidy hybrid speciation shows the potential for important evolutionary outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization and polyploid breeding are the main approaches used to obtain new aquaculture varieties. Allotriploid crucian carp (3n) with rapid growth performance was generated by mating red crucian carp (RCC) with allotetraploids (4n). Fish growth is controlled by the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. In the present study, we examined the expression characteristics of GH/IGF axis genes in hybrids F1, 4n, 3n, RCC and common carp (CC). The results showed that GHRa, GHRb, IGF1, IGF2, and IGF- 1Ra were highly expressed in 3n compared with RCC and CC, whereas IGF3 was undetectable in the liver in RCC, CC and 3n. GHRa and GHRb had low expression in the 4n group. In hybrid F1, GHRa expression was low, whereas GHRb was highly expressed compared to the levels in RCC and CC. Moreover, in hybrid F1, the expression of IGF3 was higher, and the expression of IGF1 and IGF2 was lower than that in the RCC and CC, whereas the expression of IGF-1Ra was similar to that in RCC and CC. For the IGFBP genes, IGFBP1 had higher expression in 3n compared than that in RCC and CC, while other IGFBP genes were not high expressed in 3n. Among the genes detected in this study, 11 genes were nonadditively expressed in 3n, with 5 genes in the transgressive upregulation model. We proposed that the 11 nonadditive expression of GH/IGF axis genes is related to growth heterosis in 3n. This evidence provides new insights into hybridization and polyploid breeding from the perspective of hormone regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When invasive and endangered native taxa hybridize, the resulting admixture introduces novel conservation challenges. Across a large region of central California, a hybrid swarm consisting of admixed endangered California tiger salamanders (CTS) (Ambystoma californiense) and introduced barred tiger salamanders (BTS) (Ambystoma mavortium) has replaced native populations, threatening the genetic integrity of CTS and the vernal pool systems they inhabit. We employed a large‐scale, genomically informed field experiment to test whether shortening breeding pond hydroperiod would favor native CTS genotypes. We constructed 14 large, seminatural ponds to evaluate the effect of hydroperiod duration on larval survival and mass at metamorphosis. We tracked changes in non‐native allele frequencies with a 5237‐gene exon capture array and employed a combination of custom Bayesian and generalized linear models to quantify the effect of pond duration on salamander fitness. Earlier work on this system showed hybrid superiority under many conditions and suggested that hybrids are favored in human‐modified ponds with artificially long hydroperiods. Consistent with these earlier studies, we found overwhelming evidence for hybrid superiority. Very short hydroperiods substantially reduced the mass (1.1–1.5 fold) and survival probability (10–13 fold) of both native and hybrid larvae, confirming that hydroperiod likely exerts a strong selective pressure in the wild. We identified 86 genes, representing 1.8% of 4723 screened loci, that significantly responded to this hydroperiod‐driven selection. In contrast to earlier work, under our more natural experimental conditions, native CTS survival and size at metamorphosis were always less than hybrids, suggesting that hydroperiod management alone will not shift selection to favor native larval genotypes. However, shortening pond hydroperiod may limit productivity of hybrid ponds, complementing other strategies to remove hybrids while maintaining vernal pool ecosystems. This study confirms and expands on previous work that highlights the importance of hydroperiod management to control invasive aquatic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the factors that enable cooperation between the state and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in public service implementation. Looking at the Brazilian context, the research explores the consequences of hybridization processes for FBOs and state organizations, as well as for public services. The article analyzes the case of therapeutic communities, FBOs that provide services for drug and alcohol users. Data were collected through documents and 67 interviews with different actors involved in the service implementation. The findings contribute to the literatures on FBOs, hybridization, and institutional fit, showing that the interactions between state organizations and FBOs lead to the inclusion of values and cognitive frameworks for both, generating a mutual constitution between them. The findings show how different types of institutional fit enable cooperation throughout different forms of mediation, which also affect the organizations involved in the cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonmigratory and endemic Florida mottled duck (Anas fulvigula fulvigula) is facing conservation threats from the combined effects of urbanization and introgressive hybridization with feral mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and mallard x mottled duck hybrids. In the past, the status of the Florida mottled duck population was assessed during annual aerial surveys and most brown ducks (mottled ducks, mallards, and hybrids of them) detected during the survey would have been mottled ducks. But the release of domesticated mallards for aesthetic purposes has led to increases in the prevalence of mallards-hybrids (mallards or mallard x mottled duck hybrids) throughout peninsular Florida, USA, and because it is impossible to differentiate among mottled ducks, female mallards, and hybrids during aerial surveys, helicopter surveys were halted in 2009 until state researchers could conduct a range-wide study to determine what proportion of brown ducks are mottled ducks versus mallards-hybrids. We used plumage keys and high-resolution photography to categorize brown ducks from 557 wetland grid points as either mottled ducks or mallards-hybrids. Of the 5,179 brown ducks categorized, 40.1% were mottled ducks and 59.9% were mallardshybrids. We used logistic regression analysis to model the interactive effect of a site's latitude and level of urbanization (urban gradient value within a 2-km buffer) to generate a predictive raster surface (1-km resolution) of the study area with values corresponding to the probability that a brown duck observed within a cell is a pure mottled duck. Predicted values will be used as correction factors when estimating final mottled duck population abundance from brown-duck survey data. Additionally, the predictive raster surface will be used to identify wetlands where mottled ducks remain predominant so that these sites can be targeted for preservation. Overall, mallards-hybrids outnumbered mottled ducks throughout most of peninsular Florida, especially in more urbanized regions, and their current prevalence rate presents a serious conservation threat, via hybridization, to extant mottled duck populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arctic and subarctic ecosystems are rapidly transforming due to global warming, emphasizing the need to understand the genetic diversity and adaptive strategies of northern plant species for effective conservation. This study focuses on Betula glandulosa, a native North American tundra shrub known as dwarf birch, which demonstrates an apparent capacity to adapt to changing climate conditions. To address the taxonomic challenges associated with shrub birches and logistical complexities of sampling in the northernmost areas where species' ranges overlap, we adopted a multicriteria approach. Incorporating molecular data, ploidy level assessment and leaf morphology, we aimed to distinguish B. glandulosa individuals from other shrub birch species sampled. Our results revealed three distinct species and their hybrids within the 537 collected samples, suggesting the existence of a shrub birch syngameon, a reproductive network of interconnected species. Additionally, we identified two discrete genetic clusters within the core species, B. glandulosa, that likely correspond to two different glacial lineages. A comparison between the nuclear and chloroplast SNP data emphasizes a long history of gene exchange between different birch species and genetic clusters. Furthermore, our results highlight the significance of incorporating interfertile congeneric species in conservation strategies and underscores the need for a holistic approach to conservation in the context of climate change, considering the complex dynamics of species interactions. While further research will be needed to describe this shrub birches syngameon and its constituents, this study is a first step in recognizing its existence and disseminating awareness among ecologists and conservation practitioners. This biological phenomenon, which offers evolutionary flexibility and resilience beyond what its constituent species can achieve individually, may have significant ecological implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider two-scale stress mixed finite element elasticity models using H(div)-conforming tensor approximations for the stress variable, whilst displacement and rotation fields are introduced to impose divergence and symmetry constraints. The variables are searched in composite FE spaces based on polyhedral subdomains, formed by the conglomeration of local shape-regular micro partitions. The two-scale characteristic is expressed in terms of refined discretizations inside the subdomains versus coarser normal components of tensors over their boundaries (traction), with respect to mesh size, polynomial degree, or both. General error estimates are derived and stability is proved for five particular cases, associated with stable single-scale local tetrahedral space settings. Enhanced accuracy rates for displacement and super-convergent divergence of the stress can be obtained. Stress, rotation, and stress symmetry errors keep the same accuracy order determined by the traction discretization. A static condensation procedure is designed for computational implementation. There is a global problem for primary variables at the coarser level, with a drastic reduction in the number of degrees of freedom, solving the traction variable and piecewise polyhedral rigid body motion components of the displacement. The fine details of the solution (secondary variables) are recovered by local Neumann problems in each polyhedron, the traction variable playing the role of boundary data. In this sense, the proposed formulation can be interpreted as an equivalent Multiscale Hybrid Mixed method, derived from a global-local characterization of the exact solution. A numerical example with known smooth solution is simulated to attest convergence properties of the method based on local B D F M divergence-compatible finite element pairs. Application to a problem with highly heterogeneous material is analyzed for robustness verification. • Multiscale method for 3D mixed weak symmetry elasticity approximations. • Theoretical analysis for the convergence of the stress and displacement. • Numerical results confirm theoretical convergence rates. • Method applied to highly heterogeneous 3D model. • Method results in elementwise equilibrated stress field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carnivores often exhibit high survival rates in protected areas, whereas intentional and unintentional human‐caused mortality may be greater in adjacent areas. These patterns can result in source‐sink dynamics and limit population expansion beyond protected areas.We used telemetry data from 438 canids in 141 packs collected from 2002 to 2020 to evaluate mortality risk for wolves, coyotes, and admixed canids in a 3‐species hybrid zone in and adjacent to a large protected area in Ontario, Canada. The hybrid zone is occupied by most of the remaining eastern wolves (Canis lycaon), a rare, threatened species that hybridizes with sympatric eastern coyotes (C. latrans) and Great Lakes grey wolves (C. lupus).Within Algonquin Provincial Park (APP), annual human‐caused mortality from harvest and vehicles was low (0.06, 95% CI [0.03, 0.08]), whereas annual human‐caused mortality was higher in adjacent areas (0.31, 95% CI [0.25, 0.37]). Smaller protected areas implemented to help protect eastern wolves did not significantly reduce mortality. Eastern wolves survived poorly relative to other canids and dispersing canids survived poorly relative to residents. Mortality risk was greater when canids were closer to roads. Mortality risk was also increased or reduced by the strength of individual‐level selection or avoidance of roads relative to their availability, respectively.Our results provide a comprehensive evaluation of factors influencing spatial variation in mortality risk for canids to inform eastern wolf recovery efforts. Additionally, we developed a novel modelling approach for investigating the influence of resource selection on mortality risk, which highlighted that individual‐level responses to risk can strongly influence population‐level mortality patterns.Synthesis and applications. Despite being listed as 'threatened' under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, eastern wolves are still legally trapped and shot outside protected areas in central Ontario. Eastern wolves and dispersing canids survive poorly outside of APP, primarily from human‐caused mortality. These results, along with the apparent inadequacy of the smaller protected areas, suggest that expanding the threatened eastern wolf population outside APP is unlikely under current management conditions. Protecting eastern wolves from human‐caused mortality is complicated as it would require a harvest ban for all canids, including coyotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid species radiations present difficulties for phylogenetic reconstruction due to lack of phylogenetic information and processes such as deep coalescence/incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization. Phylogenomic data can overcome some of these difficulties. In this study, we use anchored hybrid enrichment (AHE) nuclear phylogenomic data and mitochondrial genomes recovered from AHE bycatch with several concatenated and coalescent approaches to reconstruct the poorly resolved radiation of the New Zealand cicada species in the genera Kikihia Dugdale and Maoricicada Dugdale. Compared with previous studies using only three to five Sanger‐sequenced genes, we find increased resolution across our phylogenies, but several branches remain unresolved due to topological conflict among genes. Some nodes that are strongly supported by traditional support measures like bootstraps and posterior probabilities still show significant gene and site concordance conflict. In addition, we find strong mito‐nuclear discordance; likely the result of interspecific hybridization events in the evolutionary history of Kikihia and Maoricicada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: A comprehensive understanding of the genetic variation of walnuts (Juglans regia and J. sigillata) in the Himalaya and its potential drivers are essential for the conservation and sustainable utilization of these plant genetic resources. In this study, we aimed to uncover the genetic landscape of walnuts and potential drivers in the Himalaya for better utilization, awareness, sustainable management and conservation of the extant genetic resources of walnuts in the vast Himalayan landscape. Location: The Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. Methods: A total of 1410 wild or feral walnut trees from 65 populations of J. regia and J. sigillata across four countries in the Himalaya were collected. The genetic diversity, population structure, hybridization and gene flow were thoroughly investigated based on the chloroplast genome and 31 nuclear microsatellite markers. The patterns and drivers of the walnut genetic landscape were further explored. Results: We detected three genetic groups of J. regia (JR1, JR2, JR3), one of J. sigillata (JS) and two hybrid types (JR1 × JS and JR3 × JS) of walnut in the Himalaya, with the western Himalaya identified as the genetic diversity hotspot of J. regia. The spatial genetic pattern of the J. regia was significantly influenced by geographic and climatic factors. Human‐mediated dispersal probably promoted the hybridization and gene introgression between J. regia and J. sigillata, which reshaped the genetic landscape of walnut populations in the Himalaya. Main Conclusions: The extant genetic landscape of walnuts in the Himalaya was driven by natural and anthropogenic forces. Regarding conservation, the western and eastern Himalaya are the genetic reservoir of J. regia and J. sigillata, and hence, pure individuals should be urgently protected from frequent hybridization and introgression. In addition, we propose the utilization of natural hybrid resources coupled with new breeding techniques that combine genomic and phenotypic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization between native and introduced species is one of the most important reasons underlying the impact on biodiversity exerted by biological invasions and also one of the hardest to be detected. The East-Asian sika deer Cervus nippon has been introduced to several European countries, where it is known to generate fertile offspring with the congeneric native red deer C. elaphus, threatening its local populations with genetic pollution. Most studies on hybrid populations have been carried out in northern and eastern Europe, whereas introductions of this deer and their effects are still poorly known in Southern countries. In this study, we updated the distribution of sika deer in Italy, where the species has been present since at least 25 years ago, but where no formal assessment has ever been conducted. We confirm the occurrence of sika deer genes in formerly pure red-deer populations in central Italy by means of genetic analyses. Further range expansion of invasive sika deer and red × sika deer hybrids is likely to lead to further hybridisations and introgression, with implications for the genetic integrity of native red deer populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural engineering is a field with several optimization approaches. Concordantly, the goal in optimum design is the generation of the lightest, cheapest, or most sustainable engineering design for any type of structure or structural member. In this study, some optimization approaches were presented for structures including 25 and 72-bar space trusses. To find the smallest weights were ensured for both structures. Optimization approaches related to metaheuristics and modifications of them were developed by inspired by features of nature, abilities of lives and mechanisms of chemical/physical processes. The employed three techniques that are flower pollination algorithm, Jaya algorithm and the hybrid algorithm developed via them were compared to each other through some parameters by calculating different statistical expressions containing the best, average and standard deviation of the objective function. Also, the performance of whole metaheuristic versions is evaluated with some literature researches to find the most effective one to minimize the structural weights. These results have observed that the all versions of proposed metaheuristic algorithms are generally successful, and effective to minimize the objective function comparison to algorithms used in previous studies. Moreover, the best values of objective functions can be decreased at the 0.02–0.06 rates as minimum and maximum compared to the previous studies and algorithms, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex of beech taxa in western Eurasia (Fagus sylvatica L. s.l.) represents one of the most widespread broad-leaved trees in the temperate forests of the northern hemisphere. Two subspecies are generally recognized, F. sylvatica ssp. sylvatica in Europe and F. sylvatica ssp. orientalis in southwestern Asia, but several strongly differentiated regional populations were identified within this complex. To reveal geographical and genomic patterns of hybridization and introgression, genetic variation at 6789 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) resulting from ddRAD sequencing was studied in 288 specimens representing 207 populations distributed across the whole range. Two clusters resulting from a Bayesian analysis of population Structure well coincided with the subspecies, while increasing the number of clusters allowed to distinguish divergent lineages within subspecies. Two zones of potential hybridization between such lineages were analyzed: western Balkans at the contact of both subspecies and the Alpine area at the contact of populations coming from different glacial refugia. Geographical distribution of hybrid indices in the Balkan hybrid zone indicates asymmetric gene flow preferentially directed from F. orientalis to F. sylvatica. Eight SNPs showed a significant shift of genomic cline centers, seven of them toward excess F. orientalis ancestry, suggesting that introgression irregularly affects different regions of the beech genome. On the other hand, no genomic cline outliers were found in the Alpine hybrid zone. Implications for assisted gene flow are shortly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current global climate change is expected to affect biodiversity negatively at all scales leading to mass biodiversity loss. Many studies have shown that the distribution of allele frequencies across a species' range is often influenced by specific genetic loci associated with local environmental variables. This association reflects local adaptation and allele changes at those loci could thereby contribute to the evolutionary response to climate change. However, predicting how species will adapt to climate change from this type of data alone remains challenging. In the present study, we combined exome capture sequences and environmental niche reconstruction, to test multiple methods for assessing local adaptation and climate resilience in two widely distributed conifers, Norway spruce and Siberian spruce. Both species are keystone species of the boreal forest and share a vast hybrid zone. We show that local adaptation in conifers can be detected through allele frequency variation, population‐level ecological preferences, and historical niche movement. Moreover, we integrated genetic and ecological information into genetic offset predictive models to show that hybridization plays a central role in expanding the niche breadth of the two conifer species and may help both species to cope better with future changing climates. This joint genetic and ecological analysis also identified spruce populations that are at risk under current climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains form a diverse mosaic of microhabitats over small distances created by changes in climate, soil, and water availability. A key to adaptation of plants to such microhabitats is genetic variation; however, natural accumulation of genetic variation through mutation is slow and often not sufficient alone. Adaptive introgression via hybridization is an alternative to generate genetic variation. Here, we investigate hybridization and discuss its adaptive role in Veronica subg. Pseudolysimachium at their Altai Mountains distribution. To support our hypotheses of frequent hybridization, we genotyped thousands of SNPs for 233 individuals from 10 species and 7 putative hybrids previously described based on morphology. We employed Bayesian and likelihood statistical models and supported our results by morphometric analysis and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). The results suggest that almost all the individuals of the putative hybrids are of F1 type. The GISH investigation in one case strongly supports homoploid hybridization (origin of V. ×schmakovii from V. longifolia and V. porphyriana. Divergence times of Altai Veronica species are estimated to be within 1–2 million years ago with high probability of gene flow over that time. Our results also demonstrate that the direction of gene flow is mainly from the locally endemic V. porphyriana. We hypothesize that the large Siberian plains and topographically diverse foreland of the Altai Mountains provide an ideal setting for hybridization with the potential for adaptive introgression of alleles conferring tolerance to cooler climates, to the lowland species migrating into the Altai Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the evolutionary history of the Lilium maculatum–L. pensylvanicum complex in Japan and to improve the circumscription of its component taxa, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast and nuclear internal and external transcribed spacer (ITS, ETS) DNA sequences, a genome‐wide analysis of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using multiplexed ISSR genotyping by sequencing (MIG‐seq), and morphological observations. Topological differences between the chloroplast and nuclear ITS + ETS phylogenies indicate that ancient hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting were involved in the origin of "maculatum", but the relatively long length of relevant branches indicates that incomplete lineage sorting is implausible. The results of STRUCTURE analysis (K = 3, the highest delta K value) using MIG‐seq indicate that "maculatum" has already developed its own cluster and can be considered a species (L. maculatum) that originated through the hybridization of L. pacificum (sp. nov.) and L. pensylvanicum. MIG‐seq Neighbor‐Net and STRUCTURE analyses (K = 3), as well as chloroplast DNA phylogeny, reveal that populations in disjunct limestone areas (L. maculatum var. bukosanense) originated via the hybridization of L. maculatum and L. pacificum, whereas populations in the Sado‐Tobishima Islands (L. maculatum var. sadoense, var. nov.) originated via hybridization between L. maculatum and L. pensylvanicum. These taxa appear to be more or less genetically isolated from other populations based on the STRUCTURE analysis (K = 5), although we do not know whether this isolation resulted from geographic distance or reproductive barriers. Based on available MIG‐seq and morphological data, respectively, we consider the two hybrid‐origin populations to be independent varieties. Furthermore, the morphology of seaside populations of L. maculatum in East Tohoku District appears to have deviated slightly from that of mountain populations (L. maculatum f. monticola); as such, coastal populations merit recognition as a form of L. maculatum (L. maculatum f. spontaneum, comb. & stat. nov.). Other seaside populations of L. maculatum in the West Tohoku District appear to have originated from populations of L. pacificum, but have been successively taken over by L. maculatum through introgression, and have consequently evolved into a form of L. maculatum (L. maculatum f. maculatum). In addition, we found putative extant hybrid populations of L. maculatum × L. pensylvanicum. We recognize three species, two varieties, two forms, and one hybrid in the L. maculatum–L. pensylvanicum complex in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to highlight the phenomenon of hybridization of insurance contract law, which started with its emancipation from contract law. The next phase included its internal stratification, stemming from obvious differences between commercial and consumer insurance, and various contractual positions of contracting parties in these different insurance contracts. Two features of insurance contracts regulation are addressed, based on Serbian law as it currently stands, as well as comparative legal analysis. The first feature is that the legislatively envisaged unified regime for insurance contracts is incomplete and inadequate for all manifestations of this contract. The second feature is that regulation of this matter must enable balancing of interests between insurers and insureds, especially consumers. The authors conclude that insurance regulation can only be conducive when simultaneously ensuring protection of the weaker party, protecting insurers from the negligent actions of the insured, while facilitating conduct of insurance business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of genetic diversity and structure is essential for developing conservation strategies for endangered species. Blue whales were hunted to near extinction in the mid-twentieth century. Not-withstanding almost 380,000 animals killed globally, much remains unknown about their population structure and migration patterns. Herein, we use whole genome sequencing to elucidate the poorly understood population genetics of North Atlantic (NA) blue whales. We generated a de novo genome assembly for a NA blue whale to analyze 19 other whole genomic sequences and 31 complete mitochondrial genomes. Present-day and historical samples (earliest from 1876) from the Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans were included to understand the impact of whaling on the genetic diversity of this species. We found low but statistically significant population structuring and high genetic diversity. Demographic modeling using fastsimcoal2 rejected an absence of gene flow between eastern and western NA blue whales and suggested an asymmetric west to east gene flow. Introgression estimated using D-statistics between blue and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), was observed in all present-day samples. This gene flow was found to be unidirectional from fin whales to blue whales and accounts for ~ 3.5% of the NA blue whale's genome. Our sequencing and population structure analyses provide a genomic baseline to inform ongoing conservation strategies for this iconic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their high abundance and species richness, tilapiines have been compromised by various factors especially overfishing, climate change, and uncontrolled fish transfers and introductions. Fish introductions have negatively impacted native tilapiine populations through competition, predation, hybridization, and introgression compromising their genetic integrity. The hybridization levels of different tilapiines in the Lake Victoria basin remain relatively understudied. The study utilized nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic markers to investigate hybridization signals and compare the genetic diversity of different tilapiines in Lake Victoria, Kenya, using next-generation sequencing. Low levels of hybridization from Oreochromis niloticus into other Oreochromis species were detected by Bayesian clustering analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The results contribute to the need for conservation measures for these fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landmark-based geometric morphometrics (GM) was used to examine, for the first time, spontaneous hybridization between Alnus incana (L.) Moench and Alnus rohlenae Vít, Douda and Mandák, and to assess inter- and intrapopulation variability in leaf shape, leaf size and venation in natural populations in Serbia (Western Balkans). Two geographically distant (30 km) and two close (1.2 km) populations were selected to examine hybridization. The variability in leaf shapes was assessed by canonical variate analysis and linear discriminant analysis performed on the symmetric component of variation. Covariation between the symmetric component of shape variation and the number of pairs of secondary leaf veins was investigated with partial least squares analysis. Static allometry was examined for the first time in the genus Alnus Mill. A higher proportion of A. incana leaves was classified as A. rohlenae in geographically close populations, which is in accordance with the hypothesis about spontaneous hybridization. No single leaf of A. rohlenae was classified as A. incana, indicating that putative hybrids can only be found in grey alder populations. This study demonstrates that GM is a powerful tool for species delimitation and hybrid detection in the genus Alnus and it can be used for preliminary screening in hybrid zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed next-generation sequencing of the 18S rDNA–ITS1–5.8S rDNA region along with traditional Sanger sequencing of rbcL, matK, ndhF, and ITS1–5.8S rDNA–ITS2 to clarify the hybridization pattern in the subtribe Alopecurinae and in the genus Alopecurus in particular. Our data support the hybrid origin of Alopecurus × brachystylus from hybridization between A. geniculatus (sect. Alopecurium) and A. pratensis (sect. Alopecurus). Moreover, in the rDNA of hybrid A. × brachystylus, only A. aequalis-like ribotypes from tetraploid A. geniculatus participated. Surprisingly, we found the traces of introgression of A. arundinaceus-like ribotypes not only in hybrid A. × marssonii (A. geniculatus × A. arundinaceus) but in A. aequalis s. str. as well. A high-polyploid group from the section Alopecurus, A. aggr. alpinus has undoubted hybrid origin: e. g., A. brachystachyus has rDNA from the sect. Alopecurium. Alopecurus alpinus, with its allies, is clearly distinct from other members of the sect. Alopecurus (especially by maternal line) and thus we can re-establish a previous opinion about the separate group to which A. alpinus belongs. Species from the section Colobachne (presumably Alpine grasses from Ancient Mediterranean region) probably hybridized with the A. alpinus group. Even A. myosuroides (sect. Pseudophalaris) that could be referred to the separate genus has ribotypes common with the species of the section Alopecurium (A. aequalis, A. geniculatus) in one of the accessions. Additionally, we found that the possible polyphyletic origin of the genus Limnas. Limnas stelleri is very close to Alopecurus magellanicus according to NGS data, while L. malyschevii is more or less distinct from other studied species of the genus Alopecurus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper experimentally investigates the effect of Kevlar and glass fibers on carbon fibers epoxy composite to enhance the impact strength under low velocity impact (LVI). Experiments were conducted on various combinations of Kevlar, glass, and carbon FRP composites to study the dynamic impact behavior using a drop-weight impact tester. Five varieties of the hybrid composite were selected for experimentation using a drop-weight impact tower Instron, CEAST 9340. Out of five combinations, the first sample contains only carbon fiber with a different orientation, and the other four contain interplay hybrid fibers (Kevlar-carbon-Kevlar, Glass-carbon-Glass, Kevlar-carbon-glass, and glass-carbon-kevlar) 8-ply composite. The carbon fiber layers are inserted within each hybrid composites to investigate how the Kevlar and glass fiber qualities affect the impact resistance of CFRP composite. The analytical modeling results were compared with experimental results, which are in good agreement. The delamination and damage location were detected using an advanced ultrasonic C-scan. The damage area of laminates is measured using ImageJ software. The analysis shows that the amount of absorbed energy increased in a hybrid laminate having Kevlar at outer surface locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plants formed via hybridization, especially those that modify the structure and function of their ecosystems, are of particular concern given the potential for hybrid vigor. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest, two invasive, dune‐building beachgrasses, Ammophila arenaria (European beachgrass) and A. breviligulata (American beachgrass), have hybridized and formed a new beachgrass taxa (Ammophila arenaria × A. breviligulata), but little is known about its distribution, spread, and ecological consequences. Here, we report on surveys of the hybrid beachgrass conducted across a 250‐km range from Moclips, Washington to Pacific City, Oregon, in 2021 and 2022. We detected nearly 300 hybrid individuals, or an average of 8–14 hybrid individuals per km of surveyed foredune. The hybrid was more common at sites within southern Washington and northern Oregon where A. breviligulata is abundant (75%–90% cover) and A. arenaria is sparse and patchy. The hybrid displayed morphological traits such as shoot density and height that typically exceeded its parent species suggesting hybrid vigor. We measured an average growth rate of 30% over one year, with individuals growing faster at the leading edge of the foredune, nearest to the beach. We also found a positive relationship between hybrid abundance and A. arenaria abundance, suggesting that A. arenaria density may be a controlling factor for hybridization rate. The hybrid showed similar sand deposition and associated plant species richness patterns compared with its parent species, although longer term studies are needed. Finally, we found hybrid individuals within and near conservation habitat of two Endangered Species Act‐listed, threatened bird species, the western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) and the streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata), a concern for conservation management. Documenting this emerging hybrid beachgrass provides insights into how hybridization affects the spread of novel species and the consequences for communities in which they invade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the beginnings of the popular Japanese crime genre coincided with the end of American occupation, this genre offers a space of historically visible transnationality. Through formal analysis, this research identifies a cultural plurality embedded within crime cinema. Examining the adoption of film noir aesthetics in Japan alongside the development of the nationalistic ninkyō eiga (chivalry film), I argue the crime genre formed as a culturally hybrid genre in tension between these conflicting identities. The crime film demonstrates a dialectical tension between local and international cultural signifiers and cinematic styles, which result in a set of hybrid symbols that repeat on-end the dialectic tension embedded in their formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Using the Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof hybrid functional method, we present a systematic study on the electronic and magnetic properties of Fe-doped antimonene. One and two Fe substitutions in an 8 × 8 supercell of antimonene are examined, and the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of Fe dopants in antimonene is thoroughly addressed. Results show that with a single Fe dopant in antimonene, the spins on the dopant are parallel to the induced spins on the surrounding Sb atoms via the hybridization between Sb 5p and Fe 3d orbitals, giving rise to ferromagnetism. Two Fe dopants in antimonene tend to stay at the substitutional sites next nearest to each other via the strong attraction, leading to the formation of the Fe-Sb-Fe cluster. With such a cluster, apart from the p-d hybridization between Fe and the surrounding Sb atoms (like the case of a single Fe dopant), two Fe atoms are found to couple ferromagnetically to each other via the mediation of the common nearest Sb atom. The ferromagnetic mechanisms between two Fe dopants are discussed and analyzed. This work offers useful theoretical guidance for promoting the applications of antimonene to spintronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Edulis Fungi is the property of Acta Edulis Fungi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Edulis Fungi is the property of Acta Edulis Fungi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Harmful algal blooms of the toxic haptophyte Prymnesium parvum are a recurrent problem in many inland and estuarine waters around the world. Strains of P. parvum vary in the toxins they produce and in other physiological traits associated with harmful algal blooms, but the genetic basis for this variation is unknown. To investigate genome diversity in this morphospecies, we generated genome assemblies for 15 phylogenetically and geographically diverse strains of P. parvum, including Hi-C guided, near-chromosome-level assemblies for two strains. Comparative analysis revealed considerable DNA content variation between strains, ranging from 115 to 845 Mbp. Strains included haploids, diploids, and polyploids, but not all differences in DNA content were due to variation in genome copy number. Haploid genome size between strains of different chemotypes differed by as much as 243 Mbp. Syntenic and phylogenetic analyses indicate that UTEX 2797, a common laboratory strain from Texas, is a hybrid that retains two phylogenetically distinct haplotypes. Investigation of gene families variably present across the strains identified several functional categories associated with metabolic and genome size variation in P. parvum, including genes for the biosynthesis of toxic metabolites and proliferation of transposable elements. Together, our results indicate that P. parvum comprises multiple cryptic species. These genomes provide a robust phylogenetic and genomic framework for investigations into the eco-physiological consequences of the intra- and inter-specific genetic variation present in P. parvum and demonstrate the need for similar resources for other harmful algal-bloom-forming morphospecies.

Sterility among hybrids is one of the most prevalent forms of reproductive isolation delineating species boundaries and is expressed disproportionately in heterogametic XY males. While hybrid male sterility (HMS) due to the "large X effect" is a well-recognized mechanism of reproductive isolation, it is less clear how HMS manifests in species that lack heteromorphic sex chromosomes. We evaluated differences in allele frequencies at approximately 460,000 SNPs between fertile and sterile F2 interpopulation male hybrids to characterize the genomic architecture of HMS in a species without sex chromosomes (Tigriopus californicus). We tested associations between HMS and mitochondrial-nuclear and/or nuclear-nuclear signatures of incompatibility. Genomic regions associated with HMS were concentrated on a single chromosome with the same primary 2-Mbp regions identified in one pair of reciprocal crosses. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that annotations associated with spermatogenesis were the most overrepresented within the implicated region, with nine protein-coding genes connected with this process found in the quantitative trait locus of chromosome 2. Our results indicate that a narrow genomic region was associated with the sterility of male hybrids in T. californicus and suggest that incompatibilities among select nuclear loci may replace the large X effect when sex chromosomes are absent.

The Salix genus of the Salicaceae family has advantages such as rapid initial growth, a high germination rate, and asexual reproduction; therefore, it is used as a short-rotation energy crop for biomass production. The National Institute of Forest Science created new interspecific hybrid cultivars with superior biomass production by artificially interbreeding Salix caprea L. and Salix gracilistyla Miq. Identifying these hybrids during the seedling stage is challenging because their separate reproductive and vegetative growth stages necessitate prolonged observation of their morphological characteristics. Consequently, a reliable identification method is required to overcome these limitations. This study aimed to develop nuclear DNA markers to distinguish between S. caprea, S. gracilistyla, and their interspecific hybrids. An evaluation of 35 nuclear simple-sequence repeat (nSSR) markers in the Salix genus revealed two markers that distinguish these parent species and their hybrids. A sequence analysis confirmed the presence of insertion-deletion (InDel) regions within the nSSR markers that differed between S. caprea and S. gracilistyla. To effectively identify hybrids, a primer set comprising the InDel region, which exhibited only interspecies differences and no intraspecies differences, was developed. The results of this study will facilitate the genetic resource management of interspecific hybrids between S. caprea and S. gracilistyla, thus allowing for early identification and improved management of hybrids.