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Segregation distorters (SDs) are genetic elements that distort the Mendelian segregation ratio to favor their own transmission and are able to spread even when they incur fitness costs on organisms carrying them. Depending on the biology of the host organisms and the genetic architecture of the SDs, the population dynamics of SDs can be highly variable. Inbreeding is considered an effective mechanism for inhibiting the spread of SDs in populations, and can evolve as a defense mechanism against SDs in some systems. However, we show that inbreeding in the form of selfing in fact promotes the spread of SDs acting as pollen killers in a toxin-antidote system in hermaphroditic plants by two mechanisms: (i) By reducing the effective recombination rate between killer and antidote loci in the two-locus system and (ii) by increasing the proportion of SD alleles in individual flowers, rather than in the general gene-pool. We also show that in rice (Oryza sativa L.), a typical hermaphroditic plant, all molecularly characterized SDs associated with pollen killing were involved in population hybridization and have introgressed across different species. Paradoxically, these loci, which are associated with hybrid incompatibility and can be thought of as Bateson-Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibility loci are expected to reduce gene-flow between species, in fact cross species boundaries more frequently than random loci, and may act as important drivers of introgression.

Sugarcane, the world's most harvested crop by tonnage, has shaped global history, trade and geopolitics, and is currently responsible for 80% of sugar production worldwide1. While traditional sugarcane breeding methods have effectively generated cultivars adapted to new environments and pathogens, sugar yield improvements have recently plateaued2. The cessation of yield gains may be due to limited genetic diversity within breeding populations, long breeding cycles and the complexity of its genome, the latter preventing breeders from taking advantage of the recent explosion of whole-genome sequencing that has benefited many other crops. Thus, modern sugarcane hybrids are the last remaining major crop without a reference-quality genome. Here we take a major step towards advancing sugarcane biotechnology by generating a polyploid reference genome for R570, a typical modern cultivar derived from interspecific hybridization between the domesticated species (Saccharum officinarum) and the wild species (Saccharum spontaneum). In contrast to the existing single haplotype ('monoploid') representation of R570, our 8.7 billion base assembly contains a complete representation of unique DNA sequences across the approximately 12 chromosome copies in this polyploid genome. Using this highly contiguous genome assembly, we filled a previously unsized gap within an R570 physical genetic map to describe the likely causal genes underlying the single-copy Bru1 brown rust resistance locus. This polyploid genome assembly with fine-grain descriptions of genome architecture and molecular targets for biotechnology will help accelerate molecular and transgenic breeding and adaptation of sugarcane to future environmental conditions.

Genomic evidence supports an important role for selection in shaping patterns of introgression along the genome, but frameworks for understanding the evolutionary dynamics within hybrid populations that underlie these patterns have been lacking. Due to the clock-like effect of recombination in hybrids breaking up parental haplotypes, drift and selection produce predictable patterns of ancestry variation at varying spatial genomic scales through time. Here, we develop methods based on the Discrete Wavelet Transform to study the genomic scale of local ancestry variation and its association with recombination rates and show that these methods capture temporal dynamics of drift and genome-wide selection after hybridization. We apply these methods to published datasets from hybrid populations of swordtail fish (Xiphophorus) and baboons (Papio) and to inferred Neanderthal introgression in modern humans. Across systems, upward of 20% of variation in local ancestry at the broadest genomic scales can be attributed to systematic selection against introgressed alleles, consistent with strong selection acting on early-generation hybrids. Signatures of selection at fine genomic scales suggest selection over longer time scales; however, we suggest that our ability to confidently infer selection at fine scales is likely limited by inherent biases in current methods for estimating local ancestry from contiguous segments of genomic similarity. Wavelet approaches will become widely applicable as genomic data from systems with introgression become increasingly available and can help shed light on generalities of the genomic consequences of interspecific hybridization.

This paper presents a numerical comparison of finite-element methods resulting in local mass conservation at the element level for Poisson's problem, namely the primal hybrid and mixed methods. These formulations result in an indefinite system. Alternative formulations yielding a positive-definite system are obtained after hybridizing each method. The choice of approximation spaces yields methods with enhanced accuracy for the pressure variable, and results in systems with identical size and structure after static condensation. A regular pressure precision mixed formulation is also considered based on the classical RT k space. The simulations are accelerated using Open multi-processing (OMP) and Thread-Building Blocks (TBB) multithreading paradigms alongside either a coloring strategy or atomic operations ensuring a thread-safe execution. An additional parallel strategy is developed using C++ threads, which is based on the producer-consumer paradigm, and uses locks and semaphores as synchronization primitives. Numerical tests show the optimal parallel strategy for these finite-element formulations, and the computational performance of the methods are compared in terms of simulation time and approximation errors. Additional results are developed during the process. Numerical solvers often fail to find an accurate solution to the highly indefinite systems arising from finite-element formulations, and this paper documents a matrix ordering strategy to stabilize the resolution. A procedure to enable static condensation based on the introduction of piecewise constant functions that also fulfills Neumann's compatibility condition, and yet computes an average pressure per element is presented. • Numerical comparison of the mixed, primal hybrid, and other locally conservatives finite element methods. • Introduction of a twice hybridized primal hybrid method, yielding a positive definite matrix after static condensation. • Comparison of multi-threaded strategies and thread-safety mechanisms. • A numerical procedure to stabilize the linear system resolution for indefinite matrices is described. • A general procedure that enables static condensation and fulfills Neumann's compatibility condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department 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.)

Under allopatric speciation, populations of a species become isolated by a geographic barrier and develop reproductive isolation through genetic differentiation. When populations meet in secondary contact, the strength of evolved reproductive barriers determines the extent of hybridization and whether the populations will continue to diverge or merge together. The yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) and pine bunting (E. leucocephalos) are avian sister species that diverged in allopatry on either side of Eurasia during the Pleistocene glaciations. Though they differ greatly in plumage and form distinct genetic clusters in allopatry, these taxa show negligible mitochondrial DNA differentiation and hybridize extensively where they overlap in central Siberia, lending uncertainty to the state of reproductive isolation in the system. To assess the strength of reproductive barriers between taxa, we examined genomic differentiation across the system. We found that extensive admixture has occurred in sympatry, indicating that reproductive barriers between taxa are weak. We also identified a putative Z chromosome inversion region that underlies plumage variation in the system, with the ‘pine bunting’ haplotype showing dominance over the ‘yellowhammer’ haplotype. Our results suggest that yellowhammers and pine buntings are currently at a crossroads and that evolutionary forces may push this system towards either continued differentiation or population merging. However, even if these taxa merge, recombination suppression between putative chromosome Z inversion haplotypes may maintain divergent plumage phenotypes within the system. In this way, our findings highlight the important role hybridization plays in increasing the genetic and phenotypic variation as well as the evolvability of a system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crash boxes are safety elements generally made of metallic materials and mounted on the chassis of vehicles to prevent possible injuries to driver and passengers by absorbing the energy generated during a collision and ensuring integrity of vehicle. In order to save fuel and reduce harmful gases released into the environment, the proportion of metallic materials used in vehicles is decreasing and being replaced by composite materials. While composite materials are as durable as metallic materials, they are preferred because they are lighter. In this study, circular composites consisting of glass (S1), aramid (S2), carbon (S3), and hybrid combinations of aramid‐carbon‐glass (S4), carbon‐glass‐aramid (S5), and glass‐aramid‐carbon (S6), all with epoxy resin matrices, were produced using the vacuum infusion method and investigated. Crush parameters, maximum peak loads and specific energy absorption of hybrid tubes with different fiber types and winding order were compared. S3 tube had the best energy absorption performance among all samples of 257.288 Joules, while the worst energy absorption performance was obtained for S2 tube with 30.944 Joules. Among the hybrid samples, the best result was determined as 166.50 Joule with hybrid S5. Although the energy absorption capacities of hybrid composite tubes were close to each other, they had lower results for energy absorption and specific energy absorption than S1 and S3. For specific energy absorption, as with energy absorption, the best result was obtained with S3, while the lowest result was obtained with S2. Highlights: The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of composite crash boxes.The effect of fiber type and hybridization was examined.Specific energy absorptions and maximum contact forces were compared.Cylindrical samples were produced by vacuum infusion.The variation of damage depending on fiber type was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of genetic variation is fundamental in biodiversity conservation, yet its importance for population viability remains contentious. Mixed‐source reintroductions, where individuals are translocated into a single vacant habitat from multiple genetically divergent and often depauperate populations, provide an opportunity to evaluate how genetic variation and hybridization influence individual and relative population fitness. Population genetic theory predicts that individuals with higher genetic variation and hybrids among populations should have higher fitness. We tested these two hypotheses by analyzing individual and population‐scale data for westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) in four mixed‐source reintroductions. We observed more hybrid and fewer nonhybrid offspring than expected across four independent mixed‐source reintroductions. We also found clear evidence that heterozygosity influenced individual reproductive and relative population fitness. Overall, we found a strong, positive relationship between genetic variation, hybridization, and transplant fitness, emphasizing the importance of genetic variation and population mixing in conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier studies on Isothecium s.l. suggested potential interchange of genetic material between species that are nowadays known to belong to separate genera. In this study, we analyse the variation in three molecular markers (nuclear gpd ; mitochondrial nad 5; and plastid trn G) in a wide selection of Isothecium alopecuroides and Pseudisothecium myosuroides specimens to infer whether this potential exchange of genetic material is frequent. In addition, we explore the phylogeographic structure of these two species in Europe. Our results seem to show repeated genetic interchange for the nuclear and mitochondrial markers in both species, suggesting intergeneric hybridization, although horizontal gene transfer and/or incomplete lineage sorting could also explain the detected incongruences. The genetic lineages found indicate a complex biogeographical history for I. alopecuroides , including both post-glacial immigration from different glacial refugia and developing haplotypes potentially adapted to cold climates. As for P. myosuroides , genetic variants could either indicate a post-glacial immigration history or adaptation to oceanic conditions. Further studies including a larger set of more variable molecular markers could help to reach final conclusions on the results here presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid zones are dynamic systems where natural selection, sexual selection, and other evolutionary forces can act on reshuffled combinations of distinct genomes. The movement of hybrid zones, individual traits, or both are of particular interest for understanding the interplay between selective processes. In a hybrid zone involving two lek-breeding birds, secondary sexual plumage traits of Manacus vitellinus , including bright yellow collar and olive belly color, have introgressed ~50 km asymmetrically across the genomic center of the zone into populations more genetically similar to Manacus candei. Males with yellow collars are preferred by females and are more aggressive than parental M. candei , suggesting that sexual selection was responsible for the introgression of male traits. We assessed the spatial and temporal dynamics of this hybrid zone using historical (1989–1994) and contemporary (2017–2020) transect samples to survey both morphological and genetic variation. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data and several male phenotypic traits show that the genomic center of the zone has remained spatially stable, whereas the olive belly color of male M. vitellinus has continued to introgress over this time period. Our data suggest that sexual selection can continue to shape phenotypes dynamically, independent of a stable genomic transition between species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of hybridization is carried out globally in fish farms. Here, we present the first record of the parasitic fauna of hybrids among genus Colossoma and Piaractus in natural environments. We identified a total of 48 hybrids, nine F1 hybrids (nuclear DNA from both species present in the cross) and 38 advanced hybrids (nuclear DNA from one species), both from crosses between Piaractus brachypomus and Piaractus mesopotamicus, and one F1 "tambacu" corresponding to cross between Colossoma macropomum and Piaractus mesopotamicus. This is the first record of Anacanthorus penilabiatus, Anacanthorus toledoensis, Mymarothecium viatorum, Mymarothecium ianwhittington, Haementeria sp., Dadaytrema oxycephala, Rondonia rondoni, and Echinorhynchus gomesi parasitizing hybrids collected in a natural environment. With this, we expand knowledge about the diversity of fish and parasites in the upper Paraná River and warn about the risk that fish escapes can cause in the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion 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.)

Chalcone is a simple naturally occurring α,β-unsaturated ketone with biological importance, which can also be easily synthesized in laboratories by reaction between two aromatic scaffolds. In plants, chalcones occur as polyphenolic compounds of different frameworks which are bioactive molecules that have been in traditional medicinal practice for many years. Chalcone-based lead molecules have been developed, possessing varied potentials such as antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperurecemic, and anti-ulcer effects. Chalcones contribute considerable fragments to give important heterocyclic molecules with therapeutic utilities targeting various diseases. These characteristic features have made chalcone a topic of interest among researchers and have attracted investigations into this widely applicable structure. This review highlights the extensive exploration carried out on the synthesis, biotransformations, chemical reactions, hybridization, and pharmacological potentials of chalcones, and aims to provide an extensive, thorough, and critical review of their importance, with emphasis on their properties, chemistry, and biomedical applications to boost future investigations into this potential scaffold in medicinal chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses how the mutual imbrication of organizational and postcolonial power along with the micro-embedding of actors' shape and structure power struggles in multinational corporations. Drawing on the case of news agency Reuters' internationalization and centralization approach at its Indian subsidiaries in Mumbai and Bangalore, our research explores how subsidiaries mobilize resources to pursue their interests in a landscape shaped by clashing professional institutional logics and organizational control systems reflected in quality control and performance assessment. Our findings shows that the power struggle and (professional) identity position of both subsidiary staff differs as they face different organizational, institutional and (neo)colonial pressures and are othered in different ways. We argue that as a site of "value production," both subsidiaries are qualified and disadvantaged in distinct ways. Our study emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse colonial experiences and the mainstreaming of postcolonial insights in the analysis of power in MNCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realizing and manipulating strong light–matter coupling in two-dimensional monolayer semiconductors is important in the research of cavity quantum electrodynamics and the development of photonic/plasmonic devices. Here, we investigate the coupling between the transverse-electric (TE) polarized wave supported by a Si3N4/Ag heterostructure and the two excitons in a WS2 monolayer (i.e., the A- and B-excitons) attached on such a heterostructure. It is found that the dissipation rate of the TE wave can be modified by simply varying the thickness of the Ag film. By appropriately designing the thickness of the Ag film, the strong coupling between the TE wave and the two excitons in the WS2 monolayer can be simultaneously realized, leading to hybridization of the two excitons. We numerically simulate the angle-resolved reflection spectra for the WS2/Si3N4/Ag heterostructure and reveal hybridization of the two excitons mediated by the TE wave. In experiments, we introduce Au nanorods as scatters for the TE wave, which enhance the in-plane electric field and achieve stronger photon–exciton coupling. We experimentally measured the angled-resolved scattering spectra for an Au nanorod placed on the WS2/Si3N4/Ag heterostructure and demonstrated the strong coupling between the TE wave and the two excitons, which results in the hybridization of the two excitons. Our findings open horizons for realizing and manipulating strong light–matter interaction in two-dimensional materials and pave the way for the construction of photonic/plasmonic devices by exploiting dielectric–metal heterostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybridization of MXene materials and transition metal dichalcogenides has a significant impact on heterojunction properties. The transport properties and electronic structure of heterojunctions of semiconducting MoS2 and metallic MXene Nb2C were studied by integrating density functional theory with non-equilibrium Green's function theory. The hybridization between Nb2C and MoS2 makes the tunneling barrier between the two layers disappear, which can enhance the electron injection efficiency from the Nb2C to the MoS2. Moreover, the Nb2C/MoS2 heterojunction exhibits a conventional n-type Schottky contact with a barrier height of 0.14 eV, which is significantly lower than the barrier height of 0.29 eV at the Ti/MoS2 junction. These factors result in a field-effect transistor with a low contact resistance of 138 Ω· μ m and a higher current of 1.09 mA μ m−1 at a bias voltage of 0.3 V applied between the left and right electrodes. Following the application of gate voltage, the I on/ I off ratio reaches 1266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights This study emphasizes the significance of stacking sequence and hybridization of glass, carbon, kevlar and basalt fibers to enhance the mechanical characteristics and the overall wear response of polymer composites. The carbon layer on the outside of the composite exhibited higher ultimate tensile and flexural strengths. The abrasive wear of fabricated hybrid composites is also explored by performing experiments using Box–Behnken design approach. The pin‐on‐disc tester is utilized to do the wear test by varying composite type, sliding distance, and sliding velocity, with specific wear rate (SWR) serving as the response parameter. Regression analysis is performed to predict SWR using control and response parameters derived from experimentation. A novel firefly algorithm technique is adopted to determine the optimal process parameter combination. By utilizing optimized parameters (430 m, 10.5 m/s, and the CKBG4BKC stacking sequence), the SWR is considerably reduced to 16.82 × 10−5 mm3/Nm. Scanning electron microscopy on the worn‐out wear surface reveals enhanced interfacial bonding, fiber breakage and plowing as the fundamental wear mechanism. This work provides insight into hybrid composites for constructing aircraft and automobile body structures, where they provide an optimal blend of strength, sustainability, and structural performance. Hybrid composite: Stacking sequence impacts on mechanical and abrasive wear. Box–Behnken design: Applied on stacking order, sliding distance and velocity. Utilizing metaheuristic firefly algorithm to enhance specific wear results. Optimal parameters: 430 m, 10.5 m/s, and CKBG4BKC stacking sequence. Lightweight, high‐strength, cost‐effective, and sustainable hybrid composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speech disorders are significant barriers to the balanced development of a child. Many children in Poland are affected by lisps (sigmatism)—the incorrect articulation of sibilants. Since speech therapy diagnostics is complex and multifaceted, developing computer-assisted methods is crucial. This paper presents the results of assessing the usefulness of hybrid feature vectors extracted based on multimodal (video and audio) data for the place of articulation assessment in sibilants /s/ and /ʂ/. We used acoustic features and, new in this field, visual parameters describing selected articulators' texture and shape. Analysis using statistical tests indicated the differences between various sibilant realizations in the context of the articulation pattern assessment using hybrid feature vectors. In sound /s/, 35 variables differentiated dental and interdental pronunciation, and 24 were visual (textural and shape). For sibilant /ʂ/, we found 49 statistically significant variables whose distributions differed between speaker groups (alveolar, dental, and postalveolar articulation), and the dominant feature type was noise-band acoustic. Our study suggests hybridizing the acoustic description with video processing provides richer diagnostic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The current study used the vacuum‐assisted hand lay‐up method (VAHLM) to manufacture glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP), carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP), and glass/carbon fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites to examine the influences of fiber materials and hybridization on the repeated low‐velocity impact (LVI) responses. In this regard, the manufactured composites were exposed to repeated LVI loading at 3 m/s under 25.2 J impact energy, and thus dynamic characteristics such as total impulse, contact/bending stiffness, interaction time, peak force/displacement, and absorbed‐rebounded energies depending on the impact number were acquired. LVI tests were continued until penetration was observed in the composites, at which point the penetration threshold numbers for each composite type were acquired. Furthermore, the macro‐scale damage analyses depending on the impact number were gradually examined, and the impacts of hybridization and fiber material on the damage mechanisms were determined. The study found that GFRP, hybrid and CFRP composites had the highest impact resistance, respectively, and that glass fiber‐reinforcement is well‐suited for applications that require higher impact resistance. When the average penetration threshold numbers for the composites were examined, it was observed that GFRP composites had approximately five times higher penetration threshold numbers than CFRP composites and that hybrid specimens exhibited similar properties to CFRP composites in terms of impact resistance. This scenario was linked to the various deformation capabilities of glass and carbon fibers, and it was concluded that the high‐deformation capability of the fibers improved the penetration threshold numbers. Effects of hybridization and fiber material on LVI responses were examined. Fiber material has a significant influence on impact resistance. Penetration threshold number can be associated with the fibers' strain capability. The adhesion factor plays an active role in the damage of hybrid specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the quantity and significance of digital pictures in the medical industry continue to increase, Image Quality Assessment (IQA) has recently become a prevalent subject in the research community. Due to the wide range of distortions that Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) can experience and the wide variety of information they contain, No-Reference Image Quality Assessment (NR-IQA) has always been a challenging study issue. In an attempt to address this issue, a novel hybrid Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proposed to analyze NR-IQ in massive MRI data. First, the features from the denoised MRI images are extracted using the gray level run length matrix (GLRLM) and EfficientNet B7 algorithm. Next, the Multi-Objective Reptile Search Algorithm (MRSA) was proposed for optimal feature vector selection. Then, the Self-evolving Deep Belief Fuzzy Neural network (SDBFN) algorithm was proposed for the effective NR-IQ analysis. The implementation of this research is executed using MATLAB software. The simulation results are compared with the various conventional methods in terms of correlation coefficient (PLCC), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (SROCC) and Kendall Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (KROCC), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). In addition, our proposed approach yielded a quality number approximately we achieved significant 20% improvement than existing methods, with the PLCC parameter showing a notable increase compared to current techniques. Moreover, the RMSE number decreased by 12% when compared to existing methods. Graphical representations indicated mean MAE values of 0.02 for MRI knee dataset, 0.09 for MRI brain dataset, and 0.098 for MRI breast dataset, showcasing significantly lower MAE values compared to the baseline models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lines separating native and invasive plant species can be thin due to close relatedness, obscured by cryptic invasions, or breached by hybridization. Past work suggests these phenomena are especially prevalent in aquatic systems. This could arise from strong filters imposed by aquatic environments magnifying the importance of ‘preadaptation’—non‐native species succeeding where closely related native species occur due to shared traits. If so, there should be stronger signals of preadaptation in aquatic than terrestrial plant invasions, with implications for management. I tested for stronger influence of preadaptation in aquatic than terrestrial invasions by comparing relatedness of invasive and native species in aquatic versus terrestrial flora of the Midwestern USA using herbarium records and taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses. I predicted that aquatic species would constitute an evolutionarily distinct subset of plants; aquatic invaders would be more closely related, taxonomically and phylogenetically, to native aquatic plants than terrestrial invaders are to their native counterparts; and aquatic invaders from the Midwest's primary donor region (the Palearctic) would be more closely related to Midwestern species than are Palearctic aquatic plants that are not invasive in the Midwest. Findings supported the evolutionary legacy of adaptation to aquatic environments being reflected in thin lines separating invasive and native aquatic plants. Aquatic species constituted an evolutionarily distinct subset of plants, and invasive aquatic plants were more closely related to native aquatic plants (taxonomically and phylogenetically) than terrestrial invaders were to terrestrial native species. Additionally, aquatic plants of the Palearctic that are invasive in the Midwest were more closely related to Midwestern natives (phylogenetically, but not taxonomically) than were their non‐invasive counterparts, reinforcing the role of preadaptation. Synthesis and applications: Thin lines separating native from invasive aquatic plants pose challenges for response efforts. For resource managers, the prevalence of cryptic invasions requires dedicated, robust approaches to surveillance. For outreach, finer distinctions between native and invasive necessitate nuanced approaches to communication and education. And when control is needed, it should be implemented cautiously to minimize nontarget impacts to close native relatives, but thoroughly enough to prevent native relatives being displaced by competition and/or introgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing alarm about the role of unintended hybridization in shaping the current biodiversity. Major carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, and Cirrhina mrigala) are commercially important freshwater fish for aquaculture and are also found exclusively in the riverine ecosystems of Punjab, Pakistan. One of the main concerns is the genetic integrity of major carps. In this study, we employed both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers to determine the potential hybridization and patterns of genetic variation in major carps. Association tests of both nuclear and mtDNA markers provide evidence of recent hybridization, and patterns of genetic variations were also found consistent with observed pattern of admixture in major carps. In all hybridization events, L. rohita is detected to hybridize with C. catla and C. mrigala, whereas C. catla and C. mrigala are established to hybridize with L. rohita. Overall, two levels of hybridization; F1 hybrids reported in hatchery-reared stocks and few backcrosses individuals in wild populations suggest that anthropogenic or demographic dynamics accelerate inter-generic gene flow. Moreover, the disparity in amplified mtDNA COI subunit shows strong directional bias towards Labeo–Catla first-generation hybrids (100%) containing L. rohita maternal lineage while Labeo-Cirrhina hybrids (75%) exhibit C. mrigala maternal lineage. The results of this study endorse that culture-based fish farming and restocking activities of major carps in riverine ecosystems demand regular genetic monitoring of these species. The current genetic evidence and proclamation of practical information should encourage management and conservation efforts to strictly limit the genetic integrity of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species' ranges are shifting rapidly with climate change, altering the composition of biological communities and interactions within and among species. Hybridization is among the species interactions that may change markedly with climate change, yet it is understudied relative to others. We used non‐invasive genetic detections to build a maximum entropy species distribution model and investigate the factors that delimit the present and future ranges of American marten (Martes americana) and Pacific marten (Martes caurina) in a contact zone in the Northern Rockies. We found that climate change will decrease the suitable habitat predicted for both species, as well as the amount of overlap in predicted suitable habitat between the species. Interestingly, predicted suitable habitat for Pacific marten extended further north in the study region than our genetic detections for the species, suggesting that biotic factors, such as interactions with American marten, may affect the realized range of this species. Our results suggest that future work investigating the interactions among biotic and abiotic factors that influence hybrid zone dynamics is important for predicting the futures of these two species in this area under climate change. Climate change is altering the distributions of species worldwide, including those of hybridizing species. We use species distribution models, built from non‐invasive genetic detections of marten species, to show that the distributions of American marten and Pacific marten in the Northern Rockies of the United States will be differentially affected by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The natural Cordyceps sinensis insect–fungal complex is one of the most highly valued therapeutic agents in traditional Chinese medicine. The sexual reproduction of Ophiocordyceps sinensis is controlled by the expression of mating-type genes within the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs and a-/α-pheromone receptor genes. This study revealed the differential expression of these genes in Hirsutella sinensis (Genotype #1 among the 17 genotypes of O. sinensis) and alternative splicing of the MAT1-2-1 gene, characterized by an unspliced intron I that contains stop codons. Mutations of the mating and pheromone receptor proteins were also identified, potentially leading to changes in the secondary structures and functionalities of the proteins. These results indicate the requirement of mating partners under either heterothallism or hybridization during the sexual life of natural C. sinensis but do not support the "self-fertilization" hypothesis for O. sinensis under homothallism or pseudohomothallism. Sexual reproduction in ascomycetes is controlled by the mating-type (MAT) locus. (Pseudo)homothallic reproduction has been hypothesized on the basis of genetic data from Hirsutella sinensis (Genotype #1 of Ophiocordyceps sinensis). However, the differential occurrence and differential transcription of mating-type genes in the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs were found in the genome and transcriptome assemblies of H. sinensis, and the introns of the MAT1-2-1 transcript were alternatively spliced with an unspliced intron I that contains stop codons. These findings reveal that O. sinensis reproduction is controlled at the genetic, transcriptional, and coupled transcriptional-translational levels. This study revealed that mutant mating proteins could potentially have various secondary structures. Differential occurrence and transcription of the a-/α-pheromone receptor genes were also found in H. sinensis. The data were inconsistent with self-fertilization under (pseudo)homothallism but suggest the self-sterility of H. sinensis and the requirement of mating partners to achieve O. sinensis sexual outcrossing under heterothallism or hybridization. Although consistent occurrence and transcription of the mating-type genes of both the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs have been reported in natural and cultivated Cordyceps sinensis insect-fungi complexes, the mutant MAT1-1-1 and α-pheromone receptor transcripts in natural C. sinensis result in N-terminal or middle-truncated proteins with significantly altered overall hydrophobicity and secondary structures of the proteins, suggesting heterogeneous fungal source(s) of the proteins and hybridization reproduction because of the co-occurrence of multiple genomically independent genotypes of O. sinensis and >90 fungal species in natural C. sinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex topography of mountainous landscapes can create biogeographical barriers and promote allopatric speciation—even among morphologically cryptic species. However, these biogeographical barriers may not be permanent, and secondary contact between previously independently evolving populations can result in hybridization and introgression. In this study, we used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data to re-examine a classic example of cryptic species in the Appalachian Mountains: the slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) species complex. This group of morphologically similar terrestrial salamanders includes 14 species with parapatric distributions across the eastern USA. We focused on the Chattahoochee slimy salamander (P. chattahoochee) in northern Georgia and used a series of complementary phylogenomic and population genomic analyses to evaluate spatial genetic structure within this species and admixture with at least four other species of parapatric woodland salamanders. Our results highlight the utility of genomic data in clarifying species boundaries and underline the difficulty of species delimitation in organisms with complex evolutionary histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Pinaceae have been noted for their tendency towards reticulation as a result of interspecific hybridization. Here, we demonstrated the phylogeographic dynamics of the native Northeast Asian sub‐alpine conifer, Abies nephrolepis species complex (ANSC), evolving in circular overlaps along the Northeast Asian landform, which functions as a corridor with the sea, thus acting as a geographic barrier. Location: Northeast Asia: the Korean Peninsula, Japanese Archipelago, Russian Far East and northeastern China. Taxon: Abies nephrolepis species complex (Family Pinaceae, Genus Abies, Section Balsamea, Abies nephrolepis, A. koreana, A. veitchii and A. sachalinensis). Methods: A total of 728 individuals from 38 ANSC populations were analysed using multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing to capture variations in biparental nuclear genomes. Eight mitochondrial regions and eight chloroplast regions of each individual were sequenced using the MiSeq platform and Sanger sequencing. Species distribution models were generated. Results: Bayesian clustering with 507 nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms and the discrepancy between cytoplasmic and nuclear genome lineages implied contemporary and ancient connections between neighbouring species in the form of circular overlap. This genetic connectivity was supported by principal component analysis. Strong correlations between genetic distance and geographic distance were observed, suggesting that gene flow occurs through a continuous chain around the sea. We also found that gene flow direction and intensity changed over time, with support from palaeodistribution modelling. Conclusion: Past hybridization events were captured in cytoplasmic genomes, generating heterogeneity across maternal ancestries. This intensive phylogeographic study demonstrates speciation with incomplete reproductive isolation (continuous gene flow) among neighbouring species with an alteration of the direction and intensity of gene flow due to climate change. The divergence of ANSC due to repeated isolation and reconnection caused by heterogenous physiological environments and climate fluctuation provides a model to solve evolutionary scenarios for reticulate evolution in Pinaceae and other plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main advantages of ceramic materials are their excellent thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. They also have a much lower density than metals, making them ideal for lightweight construction, which can also be interesting for space components. However, ceramics have not been widely used due to their low ductility and the challenges of mechanical processing using conventional methods like milling and turning. Additionally, integrating different functions into a single component has been limited. The introduction of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies has revolutionized this field. It is now possible to manufacture highly complex ceramic components with unprecedented functionality. By hybridizing different manufacturing technologies and materials, additional functions such as electrical contacts, sensors, and actuators can be directly integrated, leading to improved manufacturing costs and component properties. Three different demonstrator examples are presented in this paper to give a first impression of what will be possible in the field of space applications in the future. These examples are a ceramic igniter, a ceramic reactor for thermal decomposition of H 2 O 2 , and a ceramic aerospike engine. • Additive manufacturing of ceramic components allows geometrical functionalization. • Adding of further materials to AM components allows further functionalization. • Sequential & simultaneous manufacturing available for AM of multi-material component. • Hybridization of AM technologies allows optimization of component's quality and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of hybridization as a formative process in evolution has received much attention in the past few decades. A particularly fascinating outcome of hybrid speciation is the formation of asexual hybrid species. The Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa) is such a hybrid and originated from a P. mexicana mother and a P. latipinna father. Consequently, a heterospecific mating must have occurred leading to the Amazon molly, indicating a breakdown of any potential prezygotic isolation between parental species. Here we studied the female mate preferences of extant P. mexicana and P. latipinna from several populations using standard binary choice tests with males of both sexual species that were matched for size. Poecilia mexicana and P. latipinna can be crossed in the lab, however, the offspring are not asexual, but sexual F1s. In our study, we generated F1s and tested their mating preferences with sexual males of both P. mexicana and P. latipinna against F1 males. Overall, our results show that in extant P. mexicana and P. latipinna no female preference for conspecific males was detectable. Consequently, heterospecific matings are possible and not hindered by any apparent behavioral prezygotic isolation. If female preferences in these species were comparable around the time the Amazon molly originated as a hybrid species ca. 100,000 years ago, matings leading to hybrids would be very likely. F1 females also have no discernable mating preferences for either sexual males or F1 males. Such lack of prezygotic behavioral isolation could potentially lead to F2 individuals, backcrosses, and introgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the development of a new hybrid zoysiagrass cultivar called Suzhi 5, which has been officially authorized and registered in China. The researchers conducted hybrid breeding to combine desirable traits from different parent species and developed Suzhi 5, which exhibits high turf quality, stress tolerance, and low maintenance requirements. The article provides data and information on various traits and characteristics of zoysiagrass hybrids, including measurements of shoot density, turf height, leaf length and width, stolon length and diameter, and reproductive traits. Field trials were conducted to compare the performance of the hybrids with their parents and a commercial zoysiagrass cultivar, and the data analysis revealed significant differences among the cultivars in terms of various traits. The document also describes the methods used for measurement and cultivation of the turf, and concludes that the 'Suzhi 5' cultivar has excellent cold resistance, a long green period, and is suitable for use on athletic fields, golf courses, and home lawns. [Extracted from the article]

Hibisceae subtribe Trionum is the largest clade within Hibiscus s.l. and contains genera with a wide range of growth forms: herbaceous (Abelmoschus), shrubs (Malvaviscus), trees (Wercklea), and exceptionally lianas. The rare and localized Thepparatia species are unique in that they combine a lianescent habit and trioecy. Several problems have delayed the study of Hibisceae classification including low genetic variability, lack of synapomorphic morphological characters, transoceanic dispersal events, and allopolyploidy. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenomic hypothesis of Thepparatia based on analyses of the maternally inherited chloroplast and biparentally inherited nuclear ribosomal cistron sequences, and compare these results with its speciation, karyology, and breeding system. Chloroplast genomes in subtribe Trionum were highly conserved except in Abelmoschus where four additional genes were duplicated. Recent diploid interspecific hybridization is suggested in Thepparatia sipsongpannaensis between T. fragrans and T. scandens during the Pleistocene, around 640 000 years ago. Our observations also indicate Thepparatia have a trioecious breeding system that combined with a unique habit, and a highly localized distribution pattern, have created cross-pollination barriers and ecological specialization. This suggests hybridization events are rare but evolutionary significant in subtribe Trionum. Finally, our study supports important nomenclature changes: the synonymization of Hibiscus austroyunnanensis with Thepparatia fragrans and the publication of a new species, Thepparatia sipsongpannaensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Polyploidy is considered one of the main mechanisms of plant evolution and speciation. In the Mediterranean Basin, polyploidy has contributed to making this region a biodiversity hotspot, along with its geological and climatic history and other ecological and biogeographical factors. The Mediterranean genus Centaurium (Gentianaceae) comprises ~25 species, of which 60 % are polyploids, including tetraploids and hexaploids. To date, the evolutionary history of centauries has been studied using Sanger sequencing phylogenies, which have been insufficient to fully understand the phylogenetic relationships in this lineage. The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the evolutionary history of Centaurium by exploring the mechanisms that have driven its diversification, specifically hybridization and polyploidy. We aim to identify the parentage of hybrid species, at the species or clade level, as well as assessing whether morphological traits are associated with particular ploidy levels. Methods We sequenced RADseq markers from 42 samples of 28 Centaurium taxa, and performed phylogenomic analyses using maximum likelihood, summary coalescent SVDquartets and Neighbor-Net approaches. To identify hybrid taxa, we used PhyloNetworks and the fastSTRUCTURE algorithm. To infer the putative parental species of the allopolyploids, we employed genomic analyses (SNIPloid). The association between different traits and particular ploidy levels was explored with non-metric multidimensional scaling. Key Results Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed the long-suspected occurrence of recurrent hybridization. The allopolyploid origin of the tetraploid C. serpentinicola and the hexaploids C. mairei , C. malzacianum and C. centaurioides was also confirmed, unlike that of C. discolor. We inferred additional signatures of hybridization events within the genus and identified morphological traits differentially distributed in different ploidy levels. Conclusions This study highlights the important role that hybridization has played in the evolution of a Mediterranean genus such as Centaurium , leading to a polyploid complex, which facilitated its diversification and may exemplify that of other Mediterranean groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hybridization between native and nonnative fishes represents a global threat to biodiversity. Understanding how hybridization changes in response to management actions is critical to evaluating the efficacy of conservation efforts. Methods: We quantified changes in levels of hybridization between Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus virginalis bouvieri and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in the South Fork Snake River watershed, where a multipronged approach has been implemented to protect the evolutionary distinctiveness of one of the last remaining large‐river populations of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Result: Over a 20‐year period, we observed an increase in the number of sample reaches without hybrids in the South Fork Snake River watershed; however, contrasting patterns were noted in main‐stem and tributary reaches. Through time, hybrid abundance increased at main‐stem reaches of the South Fork Snake River below Palisades Dam but decreased in tributaries. Efforts to reduce hybridization in spawning tributaries, including both suppression and selective passage weirs, were effective at preventing the expansion of hybridization in resident and migratory populations. Multimodel inference was used to understand factors affecting levels of hybridization, and year, sampling reach, and the interaction thereof was identified as the best‐fit model but explained only a small percentage of the overall variation, suggesting that other factors not captured in our model were driving patterns in hybridization. Conclusion: Changes in hybridization in the South Fork Snake River watershed are likely the result of multiple processes, namely management actions to reduce Rainbow Trout and hybrids in tributaries, as well as demographic changes in Rainbow Trout in the main‐stem river below Palisades Dam. Our results suggest that Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations in the South Fork Snake River watershed have not experienced widespread interspecific hybridization with Rainbow Trout but that proactive management will be necessary to ensure long‐term conservation. Impact statementOver the past 20 years, hybridization between introduced Rainbow Trout and native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in the South Fork Snake River watershed has declined in spawning tributaries because of management actions but increased in select main‐stem river reaches because of Rainbow Trout population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Numerous heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms inspired by nature have been developed so far. These algorithms have demonstrated their excellence in resolving challenging problems across a variety of fields. However, many optimization algorithms fail while solving a complex real-world problem efficiently in an independent way because these problems have a distinct search behavior as they contain numerous equality and inequality constraints of the linear, nonlinear, and non-convex types. In this study, two optimization algorithms: the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) and the Social Group Optimization (SGO) algorithm are hybridized in order to increase their efficiency and problem-solving capability to solve this type of problem. This proposed hybrid optimization algorithm is named as Marine Predators Social Group Optimization (MPSGO) algorithm. This hybrid algorithm combines the strengths of both techniques to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the optimization process. It is validated through thirty benchmark functions of CEC2014 and after that 26 real-world optimization problems test suites of CEC 2020 from the chemical and mechanical engineering domain have been solved. The validation results are compared with ten state-of-art optimization algorithm and real-world optimization problem result is compared with BiPop matrix adaptation evolution strategy (BP-ϵMAg-ES), enhanced Multi-Operator Differential Evolution (EnMODE), LSHADE for Constrained Optimization (COLSHADE), Cohort Intelligence self-adaptive penalty function (CI-SAPF), and Cohort Intelligence self-adaptive penalty function Colliding Bodies Optimization (CI-SAPF-CBO). As MPSGO is a hybrid algorithm, again we have compared its performance with the seven best modified and improved optimization algorithms. In terms of convergence quality and improving solution quality, the simulated results of MPSGO have been shown to be competitive with those of state-of-the-art, hybrid, improved, and advanced optimization algorithms, proving the validity as well as the feasibility of the MPSGO algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined hybrid mixed and hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin method is formulated for the flow and transport equations. Convergence of the method is obtained by deriving optimal a priori error bounds in the L 2 norm in space. Since the velocity in the transport equation depends on the flow problem, the stabilization parameter in the HDG method is a function of the discrete velocity. In addition, a key ingredient in the convergence proof is the construction of a projection that is shown to satisfy optimal approximation bounds. Numerical examples confirm the theoretical convergence rates and show the efficiency of high order discontinuous elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) (TUTI) and Black-crested Titmice (Baeolophus atricristatus) (BCTI) are sister species that hybridize within a narrow east–west contact zone that extends from central Texas into southwest Oklahoma. The zone corresponds with an ecotone that transitions from closed-canopy deciduous forests in the east, occupied by TUTI, to arid and open woodlands in the west occupied by BCTI. Furthermore, the ecotone encompasses areas impacted by urban and suburban development. We tested whether landscape-level landcover characteristics found within the TUTI × BCTI hybrid zone influence the abundances of the two parent species and their hybrids. We predicted that the parent species would differ in their habitat associations and hybrids would associate with habitats intermediate between that of TUTI and BCTI and with human disturbed habitats. In ArcGIS Pro, we used a grid-based sampling design to extract estimates of six land cover variables (derived from National Landcover Database data) and TUTI, BCTI, and hybrid abundances (derived from eBird data). Partial redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to examine the habitat associations of the three titmice types. The results revealed that TUTI associated most strongly with the percentage of mixed forest cover, and BCTI with the percentage of evergreen forest cover and impervious surface cover. No single landcover variable could be identified as a definitive association for hybrids, however, hybrid individuals do appear to be more abundant in a habitat type that is intermediate between that of the two parent species. Future studies should incorporate genotypic data from titmice in the hybrid zone and analyze habitat associations at finer spatial scales to gain a more conclusive understanding of the patterns detected in this broad scale study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent pressure on scientists and industries to use renewable resources, as well as the need to produce environmentally friendly materials, has led researchers and manufacturers to use natural fibres as possible reinforcements for their composites. Although they seem to be "ideal" due to their low cost, light weight and interesting energy absorption properties, they cannot be compared to synthetic fibres. To solve this problem, hybridization techniques can be considered, since the combination of synthetic and natural fibres allows for good performances. The aim of this study was to characterize the delamination and in-plane crashworthiness behaviour of carbon, flax and hybrid composites from experimental and numerical points of view. Double Cantilever Beam and Four-Point End Notched Flexure tests were carried out to determine the interlaminar fracture modes. In-plane crashworthiness tests were then performed to investigate the delamination phenomenon and the energy absorption capacity considering two different geometries: flat and corrugated. Numerical models were created and validated on both geometries, comparing the obtained load–displacement curves with the experimental ones. Crush force efficiency and specific energy absorption were quantified to provide a proper comparison of the investigated materials. The good results achieved represent a promising starting point for the design of future and more complex structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis) has undergone population recovery actions since being extirpated from much of its historical range in the United States of America (USA) prior to the 1970s. However, it returned to the Santa Cruz River in 2015 independently of these actions, which prompted concerns that a non-native Poeciliopsis lineage had been introduced from Mexico. Some Gila topminnow populations in Mexico are sympatric with P. monacha-occidentalis, which is an exclusively female taxon that originated from historical hybridization between P. occidentalis and headwater livebearer (P. monacha). This hybrid taxon reproduces through hybridogenesis, which is a unique mode of sexual reproduction in which half of one parent's genome is inherited without recombination. This unique property was leveraged to identify hybridogens among 868 individuals from Arizona, USA using common genetic markers (i.e., nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial sequence data). We described methods for P. monacha-occidentalis identification and conducted population genetic analysis of Santa Cruz River P. occidentalis populations to infer their possible origins. We concluded that human-mediated introduction was the most probable explanation for the current Santa Cruz River P. occidentalis and P. monacha-occidentalis presence. Contemporary diversity may be explained by four introduction events. Population ancestry estimates indicate that P. monacha-occidentalis may have hybridized with two P. occidentalis lineages in the Santa Cruz River. Variable prevalence of P. monacha-occidentalis was noted in two river sections, but the conservation implications of this hybridization are unclear. Public education, targeted removal of P. monacha-occidentalis, and genetic monitoring could mitigate future introductions and potential negative impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small millets, also known as nutri‐cereals, belong to the grass family Poaceae that have tiny seeds and are drought and heat tolerant, besides being powerhouse of nutrition, hence making them ideal crops that shall combat not just food and nutritional security but also adapt well to the changing climatic conditions. They grow well on marginal soil and require least resources for their cultivation. Nutritional superiority to popularly cultivated major cereals makes them a magnificent alternative food especially in the age of lifestyle related disorders. In this review, we provide insights of the initial commencement of research on small millets and deliberate the breeding progress based on conventional and genomics‐based approaches. The small millets under discussion are finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, little millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet and browntop millet. The major focus here is to recapitulate the breeding activities in the above‐mentioned millets rather than providing a way forward for breeding small millets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

German pathologist Otto Aichel suggested, a century ago, that the cancer cell acquired its metastatic property from a leukocyte via cell-cell fusion. Since then, several revised versions of this theory have been proposed. Most of the proposals attribute the generation of the metastatic cancer cell to the fusion between a primary cancer cell and a macrophage. However, these theories have not addressed several issues, such as dormancy and stem cell-like self-renewal, of the metastatic cancer cell. On the other hand, recent studies have found that, like T- and B-/plasma cells, macrophages can also be categorized into naïve, effector, and memory/trained macrophages. As a memory/trained macrophage can enter dormancy/quiescence, be awakened from the dormancy/quiescence by acquainted primers, and re-populate via stem cell-like self-renewal, we, therefore, further specify that the macrophage fusing with the cancer cell and contributing to metastasis, belongs with the memory/trained macrophage, not other subtypes of macrophages. The current theory can explain many puzzling clinical features of cancer, including the paradoxal effects (recurrence vs. regression) of microbes on tumors, "spontaneous" and Coley's toxin-induced tumor regression, anticancer activities of b-blockers and anti-inflammatory/antiimmune/antibiotic drugs, oncotaxis, surgery- and trauma-promoted metastasis, and impact of microbiota on tumors. Potential therapeutic strategies, such as Coley's toxin-like preparations, are proposed. This is the last article of our trilogy on carcinogenesis theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridizing the natural fibers with stronger synthetic fibers could significantly improve the properties of the natural fiber-reinforced composites. The improved mechanical capabilities of fiber reinforced polymers result from the fiber's capacity for withstanding a more substantial portion of the mechanical load compared to the matrix it replaces. In order to guarantee the efficient transfer of the mechanical load from the matrix to the reinforcement, it is necessary to incorporate a fibrous filler. Transference takes place when the length of the fiber is longer than a specific critical length. Fibers which are shorter than the critical length will pull out from the matrix when tested to a tensile load. In some cases, complete transfer of the load is not performed. The goal of this study is to learn more about flax (FF), glass (GF), and mixtures of flax and glass (FF + GF) short fiber-reinforced PLA-PBS composites. This is performed to find out how the flax/glass combination affects the mechanical properties of PLA-PBS-reinforced short fiber composites. In order to extend their use for industrial applications, these composites were manufactured via extrusion and, afterward, injection molding. Fiber aspect ratios were followed after compounding and injection processing. The analysis of fiber lengths reveals a noteworthy observation: the proportion of fibers exceeding their critical length of 531 µm and 772 µm for FF and GF, respectively, is more significant when flax fibers (FF) and glass fibers (GF) are combined compared to when they reinforce the composite individually. Specifically, the composite containing both FF and GF exhibits a higher percentage of fibers surpassing their critical length, compared to their individual reinforcement in the composite. The results reveal that 27% of individually extracted single FF exceed their critical length, whereas a higher proportion, at 34%, is observed when FF is part of the composite mixture. In contrast, the critical length is surpassed by only 4% of individually extracted single GF, whereas the combined presence of GF in the composite results in a notably higher percentage, at 19%. The tensile properties of these composites were investigated considering the effect of the hybridization by flax/glass short fibers. It was noted that the tensile properties of the hybrid composites increase comparing to the flax composites from 42.4 MPa to 53 MPa for the tensile strength and from 4.9 GPa to 5.4 GPa for the tensile modulus. In contrast, the elongation at break of the hybrid composites decreases from 1.7% to 1.5% with the incorporation of glass fibers. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of the mixture law and the Cox-Krenchel model. The findings indicate that mixing synthetic fibers with natural fibers is an excellent approach to enhancing mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Triploid bananas are almost sterile. However, we succeeded in harvesting seeds from two edible triploid banana individuals (Genotype: ABB) in our conservation repository where various wild diploid bananas were also grown. The resulting rare offspring survived to seedling stages. DNA content analyses reveal that they are tetraploid. Since bananas contain maternally inherited plastids and paternally inherited mitochondria, we sequenced and assembled plastomes and mitogenomes of these seedlings to trace their hybridization history. Results: The coding sequences of both organellar genomic scaffolds were extracted, aligned, and concatenated for constructing phylogenetic trees. Our results suggest that these tetraploid seedlings be derived from hybridization between edible triploid bananas and wild diploid Musa balbisiana (BB) individuals. We propose that generating female triploid gametes via apomeiosis may allow the triploid maternal bananas to produce viable seeds. Conclusions: Our study suggests a practical avenue towards expanding genetic recombination and increasing genetic diversity of banana breeding programs. Further cellular studies are needed to understand the fusion and developmental processes that lead to formation of hybrid embryos in banana reproduction, polyploidization, and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization and introgression are complex evolutionary mechanisms that can increase species diversity and lead to speciation, but may also lead to species extinction. In this study, we tested the presence and genetic consequences of hybridization between the rare and Ecuadorian endemic O. loxensis van der Werff and the widespread O. infrafoveolata van der Werff (Lauraceae). Phenotypically, some trees are difficult to identify, and we expect that some might in fact be cryptic hybrids. Thus, we developed nuclear microsatellites to assess the existence of hybrids, as well as the patterns of genetic diversity and population structure in allopatric and sympatric populations. The results revealed high levels of genetic diversity, even in the rare O. loxensis, being usually significantly higher in sympatric than in allopatric populations. The Bayesian assignment of individuals into different genetic classes revealed a complex scenario with different hybrid generations occurring in all sympatric populations, but also in allopatric ones. The absence of some backcrossed hybrids suggests the existence of asymmetric gene flow, and that some hybrids might be more fitted than others might. The existence of current and past interspecific gene flow also explains the blurring of species boundaries in these species and could be linked to the high rates of species found in Ocotea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Persicaria amphibia complex exhibits significant morphological variation depending on its habitat, existing in either aquatic or terrestrial forms. Traditionally, four distinct elements have been recognized based on morphological features along with their distinct geographical distributions. Recent studies suggest that the Asian element may be genetically distinct from the European and American elements. However, a comprehensive study on the genetic differentiation among all four elements remains lacking. This study aimed to leverage whole plastid genome sequences and ITS2 haplotypes to comprehensively assess the genomic diversity within the P. amphibia complex. Notably, we included multiple individuals from New York State to resolve the ongoing debate regarding the taxonomic status of two American elements - whether they represent a single species or distinct entities. Our analysis revealed a well-supported monophyletic clade encompassing all four elements, endorsing their own section, Amphibia. Notably, the terrestrial form of the American element is sister to all other elements, suggesting it deserves its own species status. This reinstates its historical name, P. coccinea, separating it from the broader P. amphibia. Furthermore, distinct compositions of the ITS2 haplotypes differentiated the four elements, although the European element should be further investigated with more sampling. The most intriguing discovery is the identification of putative hybrids between the two American elements. In one population out of four putative hybrid populations, all three entities - the two parent species and their hybrid offspring - thrive together, showcasing a fascinating microcosm of ongoing evolutionary processes. Unraveling the intricate genetic tapestry within each American species and their hybrid populations remains a compelling next step. By delving deeper into their genetic makeup, we can gain a richer understanding of their evolutionary trajectories and the intricacies of their interactions. Finally, it is estimated that the two species of sect. Amphibia diverged approximately 4.02 million years ago during the Pliocene epoch, when there was a significant global cooling and drying trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization has significant evolutionary consequences across the Tree of Life. The process of hybridization has played a major role in plant evolution and has contributed to species richness and trait variation. Since morphological traits are partially a product of their environment, there may be a link between hybridization and ecology. Plant hybrid species richness is noted to be higher in harsh environments, and we explore this hypothesis with a keystone tropical plant lineage, palms (Arecaceae). Leveraging a recent literature review of naturally occurring palm hybrids, we developed a method to calculate hybrid frequency, and then tested if there is phylogenetic signal of hybrids using a phylogeny of all palms. Further, we used phylogenetic comparative methods to examine the interaction between hybrid frequency and presence in dry environments, on islands, and the species richness of genera. Phylogenetic generalized least squares models had stronger support than models of random association, indicating phylogenetic signal for the presence of hybrids in dry and island environments. However, all p‐values were >.05 and therefore the correlation was poor between hybridization and the trait frequencies examined. Presence in particular environments are not strongly correlated to hybrid frequency, but phylogenetic signal suggests a role in its distribution in different habitats. Hybridization in palms is not evenly distributed across subfamilies, tribes, subtribes yet plays an important role in palm diversity, nonetheless. Increasing our understanding hybridization in this economically and culturally important plant family is essential, particularly since rates are projected to increase with climate change, reconfiguring the dynamics and distribution of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dams have negatively affected freshwater biodiversity throughout the world. These negative effects tend to be exacerbated for aquatic taxa with migratory life histories, and for taxa whose habitat is fundamentally altered by the formation of large reservoirs. Sauger (Sander candadensis; Percidae), large‐bodied migratory fishes native to North America, have seen population declines over much of the species' range, and dams are often implicated for their role in blocking access to spawning habitat and otherwise negatively affecting river habitat. Furthermore, hybridization appears to be more frequent between sauger and walleye in the reservoirs formed by large dams. In this study, we examine the role of dams in altering sauger population connectivity and facilitating hybridization with introduced walleye in Wyoming's Wind River and Bighorn River systems. We collected genomic data from individuals sampled over a large spatial scale and replicated sampling throughout the spawning season, with the intent to capture potential variation in hybridization prevalence or genomic divergence between sauger with different life histories. The timing of sampling was not related to hybridization prevalence or population divergence, suggesting limited genetic differences between sauger spawning in different time and places. Overall, there was limited hybridization detected, however, hybridization was most prevalent in Boysen Reservoir (a large impounded section of the Wind River). Dams in the lower Wind River and upper Bighorn River were associated with population divergence between sauger upstream and downstream of the dams, and demographic models suggest that this divergence has occurred in concordance with the construction of the dam. Sauger upstream of the dams exhibited substantially lower estimates of genetic diversity, which implies that disrupted connectivity between Wind River and Bighorn River sauger populations may already be causing negative demographic effects. This research points towards the importance of considering the evolutionary consequences of dams on fish populations in addition to the threats they pose to population persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental gradients have the potential to influence genetic differentiation among populations ultimately leading to allopatric speciation. However, environmental gradients can also facilitate hybridization between closely related taxa. We investigated a putative hybrid zone in western Ecuador, involving two polytypic wren species (Aves: Troglodytidae), Campylorhynchus zonatus and C. fasciatus. Our study addressed two primary questions: (1) Is there evidence of population structure and genetic admixture between these taxa in western Ecuador? and (2) What are the relative contributions of isolation by distance and isolation by the environment to the observed genetic differentiation along the environmental gradient in this region? We analyzed 4409 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 112 blood samples sequenced using ddRadSeq and a de novo assembly. The optimum number of genetic clusters ranged from 2 to 4, aligning with geographic origins, known phylogenetics, and physical or ecological constraints. We observed notable transitions in admixture proportions along the environmental gradient in western Ecuador between C. z. brevirostris and the northern and southern genetic clusters of C. f. pallescens. Genetic differentiation between the two C. f. pallescens populations could be attributed to an unreported potential physical barrier in central western Ecuador, where the proximity of the Andes to the coastline restricts lowland habitats, limiting dispersal and gene flow, especially among dry‐habitat specialists. The observed admixture in C. f. pallescens suggests that this subspecies may be a hybrid between C. z. brevirostris and C. fasciatus, with varying degrees of admixture in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. We found evidence of isolation by distance, while isolation by the environment was less pronounced but still significant for annual mean precipitation and precipitation seasonality. This study enhances our understanding of avian population genomics in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work envisages addressing fuzzy adjustment of parameters into a hybrid optimization algorithm for solving mathematical benchmark function problems. The problem of benchmark mathematical functions consists of finding the minimal values. In this study, we considered function optimization. We are presenting an enhanced Fuzzy Hybrid Algorithm, which is called Enhanced Fuzzy Hybrid Fireworks and Grey Wolf Metaheuristic Algorithm, and denoted as EF-FWA-GWO. The fuzzy adjustment of parameters is achieved using Fuzzy Inference Systems. For this work, we implemented two variants of the Fuzzy Systems. The first variant utilizes Triangular membership functions, and the second variant employs Gaussian membership functions. Both variants are of a Mamdani Fuzzy Inference Type. The proposed method was applied to 22 mathematical benchmark functions, divided into two parts: the first part consists of 13 functions that can be classified as unimodal and multimodal, and the second part consists of the 9 fixed-dimension multimodal benchmark functions. The proposed method presents better performance with 60 and 90 dimensions, averaging 51% and 58% improvement in the benchmark functions, respectively. And then, a statistical comparison between the conventional hybrid algorithm and the Fuzzy Enhanced Hybrid Algorithm is presented to complement the conclusions of this research. Finally, we also applied the Fuzzy Hybrid Algorithm in a control problem to test its performance in designing a Fuzzy controller for a mobile robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The tree of life is riddled with reticulate evolutionary histories, and some clades, such as the eastern standing Phlox, appear to be hotspots of hybridization. In this group, there are two cases of reinforcement and nine hypothesized hybrid species. Given their historical importance in our understanding of plant speciation, the relationships between these taxa and the role of hybridization in their diversification require genomic validation.Using phylogenomic analyses, we resolve the evolutionary relationships of the eastern standing Phlox and evaluate hypotheses about whether and how hybridization and gene flow played a role in their diversification.Our results provide novel resolution of the phylogenetic relationships in this group, including paraphyly across some taxa. We identify gene flow during one case of reinforcement and find genomic support for a hybrid lineage underlying one of the five hypothesized homoploid hybrid speciation events. Additionally, we estimate the ancestries of four allotetraploid hybrid species.Our results are consistent with hybridization contributing to diverse evolutionary outcomes within this group; although, not as extensively as previously hypothesized. This study demonstrates the importance of phylogenomics in evaluating hypothesized evolutionary histories of non‐model systems and adds to the growing support of interspecific genetic exchange in the generation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization can provide evolutionary benefits (e.g., population resilience to climate change) through the introduction of adaptive alleles and increase of genetic diversity. Nevertheless, management strategies may be designed based only on the parental species within a hybrid zone, without considering the hybrids. This can lead to ineffective spatial management of species, which can directly harm population diversity and negatively impact food webs. Three species of rockfish (Brown Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus), Copper Rockfish (S. auriculatus), and Quillback Rockfish (S. maliger)) are known to hybridize within Puget Sound, Washington, but genetic data from these species are used to infer population structure in the entire genus, including in species that do not hybridize. The goal of this project was to estimate the hybridization rates within the region and determine the effect of hybridization on geographic patterns of genetic structure. We sequenced 290 Brown, Copper, and Quillback rockfish using restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) from four regions within and outside Puget Sound, Washington. We show that (i) hybridization within Puget Sound was asymmetrical, not recent, widespread among individuals, and relatively low level within the genome, (ii) hybridization affected population structure in Copper and Brown rockfish, but not in Quillback Rockfish and (iii) after taking hybridization into account we found limited directional dispersal in Brown and Copper rockfish, and evidence for two isolated populations in Quillback Rockfish. Our results suggest that rockfish population structure is species‐specific, dependent on the extent of hybridization, and cannot be inferred from one species to another despite similar life history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]