Evolutionary Process Research Articles

Genome reduction and horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of Endomicrobia-rise and fall of an intracellular symbiosis with termite gut flagellates.

Bacterial endosymbionts of eukaryotic hosts typically experience massive genome reduction, but the underlying evolutionary processes are often obscured by the lack of free-living relatives. Endomicrobia, a family-level lineage of host-associated bacteria in the phylum Elusimicrobiota that comprises both free-living representatives and endosymbionts of termite gut flagellates, are an excellent model to study evolution of intracellular symbionts. We reconstructed 67 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Endomicrobiaceae among more than 1,700 MAGs from the gut microbiota of a wide range of termites. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed a sister position of representatives from termites and ruminants, and allowed to propose eight new genera in the radiation of Endomicrobiaceae. Comparative genome analysis documented progressive genome erosion in the new genus Endomicrobiellum, which comprises all flagellate endosymbionts characterized to date. Massive gene losses were accompanied by the acquisition of new functions by horizontal gene transfer, which led to a shift from a glucose-based energy metabolism to one based on sugar phosphates. The breakdown of glycolysis and many anabolic pathways for amino acids and cofactors in several subgroups was compensated by the independent acquisition of new uptake systems, including an ATP/ADP antiporter, from other gut microbiota. The putative donors are mostly flagellate endosymbionts from other bacterial phyla, including several, hitherto unknown lineages of uncultured Alphaproteobacteria, documenting the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the convergent evolution of these intracellular symbioses. The loss of almost all biosynthetic capacities in some lineages of Endomicrobiellum suggests that their originally mutualistic relationship with flagellates is on its decline.IMPORTANCEUnicellular eukaryotes are frequently colonized by bacterial and archaeal symbionts. A prominent example are the cellulolytic gut flagellates of termites, which harbor diverse but host-specific bacterial symbionts that occur exclusively in termite guts. One of these lineages, the so-called Endomicrobia, comprises both free-living and endosymbiotic representatives, which offers the unique opportunity to study the evolutionary processes underpinning the transition from a free-living to an intracellular lifestyle. Our results revealed a progressive gene loss in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways, compensated by the acquisition of new functions via horizontal gene transfer from other gut bacteria, and suggest the eventual breakdown of an initially mutualistic symbiosis. Evidence for convergent evolution of unrelated endosymbionts reflects adaptations to the intracellular environment of termite gut flagellates.

Wie erlebt man die Evolution? Kulturelle Evolution als Lebenserfahrung

AbstractThe evolution of human culture continues to divide social and biological science. Key issues for both sides are the complexity and variability of culture, the frequency of cultural traits that have no adaptive or functional value, and the apparent exceptionality of human creativity and rationality. This article argues that an examination of how evolution affects the lifetime experience of evolution can reconcile these features of human culture with Darwin’s contention that natural and cultural selection follow the same process of evolution. The article offers a new paradigm that focuses on the relationship between uncertainty and choice in human cultural evolution.

Understanding Evolutionary Rescue and Parallelism in Response to Environmental Stress.

Evolutionary rescue, the process by which populations facing environmental stress avoid extinction through genetic adaptation, is a critical area of study in evolutionary biology. The order in which mutations arise and get established will be relevant to the population's rescue. This study investigates the degree of parallel evolution at the genotypic level between independent populations fac- ing environmental stress and subject to different demographic regimes. Under density regulation, two regimes exist: in the first, the population can restore positive growth rates by adjusting its population size or through adaptive mu- tations, whereas in the second regime, the population is doomed to extinction unless a rescue mutation occurs. Analytical approximations for the likelihood of evolutionary rescue are obtained and contrasted with simulation results. We show that the initial level of maladaptation and the demographic regime signifi- cantly affect the level of parallelism. There is an evident transition between these two regimes. Whereas in the first regime, parallelism decreases with the level of maladaptation, it displays the opposite behavior in the rescue/extinction regime. These findings have important implications for understanding population persis- tence and the degree of parallelism in evolutionary responses as they integrate demographic effects and evolutionary processes.

Design and performance assessment of improved evolutionary computing based LEACH protocol for energy efficient and lifetime extension of wireless sensor network

Abstract The strengths of a Memetic Algorithm and an enhanced Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) protocol are combined in this research study to propose a revolutionary method for improving the energy efficiency and longevity of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). WSNs are widely used for a variety of applications, including industrial automation, healthcare, and environmental monitoring, where extending network lifetime and energy conservation are crucial. Although successful, conventional clustering algorithms like LEACH feature subpar cluster formation and premature cluster head failures. To get over these restrictions, a memetic algorithm is used to maximize cluster formation and reduce energy usage. This algorithm was influenced by natural evolution and cultural learning processes. 
The Memetic Algorithm iteratively improves the LEACH protocol in the proposed technique by enhancing dynamic clustering, energy-aware routing, and cluster head selection. These methods work together to increase energy efficiency and lengthen the life of the network. In compared to conventional LEACH-based WSNs and other cutting-edge algorithms, the paper's study of the simulation results shows how successful the suggested technique is. In light of network longevity, energy use, and data transmission efficiency, the results obtained demonstrate notable improvements.

Evolution and genetic characterization of Seoul virus in wild rats Rattus norvegicus from an urban park in Lyon, France 2020-2022.

Seoul virus (SEOV) is an orthohantavirus primarily carried by rats. In humans, it may cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Its incidence is likely underestimated and given the expansion of urban areas, a better knowledge of SEOV circulation in rat populations is called for. Beyond the need to improve human case detection, we need to deepen our comprehension of the ecological, epidemiological, and evolutionary processes involved in the transmission of SEOV. We performed a comprehensive serological and molecular characterization of SEOV in Rattus norvegicus in a popular urban park within a large city (Lyon, France) to provide essential information to design surveillance strategies regarding SEOV. We sampled rats within the urban park of 'La Tête d'Or' in Lyon city from 2020 to 2022. We combined rat population genetics, immunofluorescence assays, SEOV high-throughput sequencing (S, M, and L segments), and phylogenetic analyses. We found low structuring of wild rat populations within Lyon city. Only one sampling site within the park (building created in 2021) showed high genetic differentiation and deserves further attention. We confirmed the circulation of SEOV in rats from the park with high seroprevalence (17.2%) and high genetic similarity with the strain previously described in 2011 in Lyon city. This study confirms the continuous circulation of SEOV in a popular urban park where the risk for SEOV transmission to humans is present. Implementing a surveillance of this virus could provide an efficient early warning system and help prepare risk-based interventions. As we reveal high gene flow between rat populations from the park and the rest of the city, we advocate for SEOV surveillance to be conducted at the scale of the entire city.

In situ/Operando Synchrotron Radiation Analytical Techniques for CO2/CO Reduction Reaction: From Atomic Scales to Mesoscales

AbstractElectrocatalytic carbon dioxide/carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CO(2)RR) has emerged as a prospective and appealing strategy to realize carbon neutrality for manufacturing sustainable chemical products. Developing highly active electrocatalysts and stable devices has been demonstrated as effective approach to enhance the conversion efficiency of CO(2)RR. In order to rationally design electrocatalysts and devices, a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic structure evolution within catalysts and micro‐environment change around electrode interface, particularly under operation conditions, is indispensable. Synchrotron radiation has been recognized as a versatile characterization platform, garnering widespread attention owing to its high brightness, elevated flux, excellent directivity, strong polarization and exceptional stability. This review systematically introduces the applications of synchrotron radiation technologies classified by radiation sources with varying wavelengths in CO(2)RR. By virtue of in situ/operando synchrotron radiationanalytical techniques, we also summarize relevant dynamic evolution processes from electronic structure, atomic configuration, molecular adsorption, crystal lattice and devices, spanning scales from the angstrom to the micrometer. The merits and limitations of diverse synchrotron characterization techniques are summarized, and their applicable scenarios in CO(2)RR are further presented. On the basis of the state‐of‐the‐art fourth‐generation synchrotron facilities, a perspective for further deeper understanding of the CO(2)RR process using synchrotron radiation analytical techniques is proposed.

The evolution of traditional ancient towns in South China: Tangjiawan Ancient Town in Zhuhai city

ABSTRACT Based on the urban morphology theory of the Conzen School and the actual situation of the Tangjiawan Ancient Town, a morphological process analysis of the Tangjiawan Ancient Town was conducted. The end result is a visualization of the process of urban form evolution. The first objective is to describe the morphological framework of Tangjiawan Ancient Town and the morphological changes that occurred during its development. The current urban landscape is divided into units by superimposing morphological units, building types, and land use. The results of the division also reflect the morphological development, structure, and compositional characteristics of the ancient city of Tangjiawan. Using Tangjiawan Ancient Town in Zhuhai city as an example, on-site research, historical evidence, urban morphology analysis methods, and interviews were used to elaborate and analyze the spatial structure and evolution process of traditional ancient towns in South China. In particular, morphological units, building types, and land use are included. The morphological map of the Tangjiawan ancient town is inconsistent with the current economic-oriented development of ancient town planning. This shows that current planning is less concerned with the physical form of architectural heritage, which may lead to further damage to the landscape of the ancient town. This study provides a strong reference for the follow-up planning of ancient town protection of the same type from the perspective of morphology and area and provides ideas for the subsequent preparation of protection plans.

Adaptability and Interconnectedness in Latin American Innerburbs: An Assessment of the Public/Private Interface in Informal Settlements

An “Innerburb” is an urban structure that emerged between the 1950s and 1980s, settled in rural areas, and is considered the first periphery of the Latin American city. This structure results from socio-spatial and territorial evolutionary processes, constituting the pinnacle of informal evolution. However, despite offering a comprehensive perspective on the informal problem, innerburbs have been scarcely reviewed in the literature. This article explores the Latin American innerburb by adopting as a method a comparative study of the public/private interface in the cases of San Cosme in Lima, Villa Rodolfo Ricciardelli in Buenos Aires and Vila Heliopolis in São Paulo, evaluating their adaptation and interconnection with the city through morphological indicators, using morphological mapping through satellite images as an analytical tool, and using Space Syntax as a topological approach in the analysis of connectivity and visibility indicators. The objective of the research is the detection of morphological patterns that alter the functioning of the public/private interface in innerburbs. The results show that the existence of impermeable facades, the lack of public spaces and the illegal appropriation in the development of informal practices are transgressive adaptability patterns at the micro-scale that affect the interface, drastically limiting the interconnection between the innerburb and the formal fabric, restricting its morphological openness and affecting the development of socioeconomic activities. As a discussion and conclusion, corrective measures for progressive improvement in innerburbs are established, focusing on the adaptability of housing and road space as a means of interconnection between the innerburb and the city.

Analysis of surface deformation and related factors over mining areas based on InSAR: A case study of Fengcheng mine

Abstract. Ground surface deformation in mines affects mining production, damages the ecological environment, and endangers human safety. Mastering the detailed time series deformation and related triggering factors can provide key information for the safety of the mining area. Therefore, the Fengcheng mining area, a large and ancient coal mine in Jiangxi Province, China, was selected as the study area in this work, and the following research was conducted: 1. The accuracy and applicability of the Stacking, Small-Baseline Subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR), and Interferometric Point Target Analysis (IPTA) methods were preliminarily explored while monitoring the annual deformation rate based on Sentinel-1A data from October 2019 to November 2022. 2. The time-series deformation of the Fengcheng mining area was obtained with SBAS-InSAR technology, and the sedimentation was validated with leveling results. 3. The correlation factors of deformation, such as rainfall and land cover, were studied, and the relationship between the influencing factors, such as coal mining dip angle, digital elevation, coal mining elevation, and deformation, was quantitatively explored with the Grey correlation model and Pearson correlation analysis method. The following conclusions were drawn: The SBAS method has the best adaptability in the dense vegetation mining area, and the root-mean-square error of the difference between deformation results and leveling data does not exceed 4mm. The evolution process of deformation centers is mainly divided into the stages of initial deformation, constant velocity deformation, accelerated deformation, and stable condition. Compared with the natural factors, the settlement of the Fengcheng mining area is mainly affected by human-induced mining and construction of artificial facilities.

Dynamic characteristics and evolution laws of underground brine in Mahai salt lake of Qaidam Basin during mining process

In the late stage of underground brine mining in salt lakes, the method of injecting fresh water is often used to extract the salt from the brine storage medium. This method of freshwater displacement breaks the original water–rock equilibrium and changes the evolution process of the original underground brine. To explore the mechanism of salt release in saline water-bearing media under conditions of relatively fresh lake water dissolution, this paper analyzes the changes in the chemical parameters of brine from 168 sampling points in the Mahai salt lake in the Qaidam Basin at three stages (before exploitation, during exploitation, and late exploitation) by correlation analysis, ion ratio analysis, and other methods and investigate the variations in porosity and the evolution laws of brine. The results show that the changes in the main ion content and brine mineralization during the exploitation process are small. The changes in Ca2+ content are significant due to the low solubility of calcium minerals, the precipitation of gypsum during the mixing process, and the adsorption of cations by alternating with Ca2+. Primary intergranular pore skeletons are easily corroded to form secondary pores, which increase the geological porosity. Na+ and Cl- are the dominant ions in the brine in the study area, but the concentration of Ca2 + decreased significantly under the influence of mining, by 41.7% in the middle period and 24.5% in the late period. The correlation between Ca2+ and salinity changes significantly in different mining stages, and the reason for the decrease of Ca2+ may be due to the influence of mineral dissolution, mixing, and anion-cation exchange. The porosity of the layer in the study area showed the opposite trend of Ca2+, and the porosity increased first and then decreased. The innovation of this paper lies in analyzing the reasons and mechanisms of the disturbance of artificial dissolution mining on stratum structure by comparing the hydrochemical characteristics and porosity of underground brine storage media in three different mining stages. The research in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the calculation of brine resource reserves and the sustainable development of underground brine in salt lake areas.

Absence of female preference and the origin of a unisexual species, the Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa)

AbstractThe 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.

Variations and trade-offs in leaf and culm functional traits among 77 woody bamboo species

BackgroundWoody bamboos are the only diverse large perennial grasses in mesic-wet forests and are widely distributed in the understory and canopy. The functional trait variations and trade-offs in this taxon remain unclear due to woody bamboo syndromes (represented by lignified culm of composed internodes and nodes). Here, we examined the effects of heritable legacy and occurrence site climates on functional trait variations in leaf and culm across 77 woody bamboo species in a common garden. We explored the trade-offs among leaf functional traits, the connection between leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) concentrations and functional niche traits, and the correlation of functional traits between leaves and culms.ResultsThe Bayesian mixed models reveal that the combined effects of heritable legacy (phylogenetic distances and other evolutionary processes) and occurrence site climates accounted for 55.10–90.89% of the total variation among species for each studied trait. The standardized major axis analysis identified trade-offs among leaf functional traits in woody bamboo consistent with the global leaf economics spectrum; however, compared to non-bamboo species, the woody bamboo exhibited lower leaf mass per area but higher N, P concentrations and assimilation, dark respiration rates. The canonical correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation (ρ = 0.57, P-value < 0.001) between leaf N, P concentrations and morphophysiology traits. The phylogenetic principal components and trait network analyses indicated that leaf and culm traits were clustered separately, with leaf assimilation and respiration rates associated with culm ground diameter.ConclusionOur study confirms the applicability of the leaf economics spectrum and the biogeochemical niche in woody bamboo taxa, improves the understanding of woody bamboo leaf and culm functional trait variations and trade-offs, and broadens the taxonomic units considered in plant functional trait studies, which contributes to our comprehensive understanding of terrestrial forest ecosystems.

BIOLOGY OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR: ITS ESSENTIAL ASPECTS

In terms of Biology humans are just another species on this planet, but when it comes to explaining the biology of the context of Human behavior, it really becomes very tough. Humans have the physiology and anatomy similar to that of a cave man, yet the level of our intelligence has far evolved in comparison to the extent that the cave man anatomy and physiology becomes inadequate to serve to the needs of certain aspects of human intelligence of modern times which essentially functions beyond the level of just survival (for example in animals), and is capable of performing such advanced functions as retaining a huge past memory and can anticipate a future situation. This in many ways has made us far superior to the animal world, yet many of us get messed up in handling our intelligence properly and either develop chronic stress, indulge in violence or mishandle the adolescence related issues of our teenagers. Biologically speaking human behavior is determined largely by how our brains are shaped by developmental and evolutionary processes, at the heart of which lies the genetic and epigenetic changes and environmental impact. Because at any critical moment brains are to decide about any bit of a behavior, therefore the knowledge of underlying brain anatomy and physiology is important. This article is about explaining how biology makes a sense to human behavior and is essentially focused on its three important aspects, i.e. adolescence, chronic stress and violence, which are described in detail in the following paragraphs. KEYWORDS: Amygdala, Brain Reward System, Dopamine, Endocrinology, Homeostasis, Neuropsychology, Prefrontal Cortex. Striatum.

Spatial structure could explain the maintenance of alternative reproductive tactics in tree cricket males.

Trait polymorphisms are widespread in nature, and explaining their stable co-existence is a central problem in ecology and evolution. Alternative reproductive tactics, in which individuals of one or more sex exhibit discrete, discontinuous traits in response to reproductive competition, represent a special case of trait polymorphism in which the traits are often complex, behavioural, and dynamic. Thus, studying how alternative reproductive tactics are maintained may provide general insights into how complex trait polymorphisms are maintained in populations. We construct a spatially explicit individual-based model inspired from extensively collected empirical data to address the mechanisms behind the co-existence of three behavioural alternative reproductive tactics in males of a tree cricket (Oecanthus henryi). Our results show that the co-existence of these tactics over ecological time scales is facilitated by the spatial structure of the landscape they inhabit, which serves to equalize the otherwise unequal mating benefits of the three tactics. We also show that this co-existence is unlikely if spatial aspects of the system are not considered. Our findings highlight the importance of spatial dynamics in understanding ecological and evolutionary processes and underscore the power of integrative approaches that combine models inspired from empirical data.

Mitochondrial Genomic Evidence of Selective Constraints in Small-Bodied Terrestrial Cetartiodactyla

Body size may drive the molecular evolution of mitochondrial genes in response to changes in energy requirements across species of different sizes. In this study, we perform selection pressure analysis and phylogenetic independent contrasts (PIC) to investigate the association between molecular evolution of mitochondrial genome protein-coding genes (mtDNA PCGs) and body size in terrestrial Cetartiodactyla. Employing selection pressure analysis, we observe that the average non-synonymous/synonymous substitution rate ratio (ω) of mtDNA PCGs is significantly reduced in small-bodied species relative to their medium and large counterparts. PIC analysis further confirms that ω values are positively correlated with body size (R2 = 0.162, p = 0.0016). Our results suggest that mtDNA PCGs of small-bodied species experience much stronger purifying selection as they need to maintain a heightened metabolic rate. On the other hand, larger-bodied species may face less stringent selective pressures on their mtDNA PCGs, potentially due to reduced relative energy expenditure per unit mass. Furthermore, we identify several genes that undergo positive selection, possibly linked to species adaptation to specific environments. Therefore, despite purifying selection being the predominant force in the evolution of mtDNA PCGs, positive selection can also occur during the process of adaptive evolution.

MULTIPLE RESIDUAL ROOTS EXTRACTIONS AND ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF ASSOCIATED PERIAPICAL LESION: A SURGICAL CASE REPORT

Before any surgical intervention in dentistry, it is necessary to plan each case correctly, to induce a positive prognosis for patients, always enabling the functionality of the stomatognathic system. Men tend to have more teeth extracted than women, with more posterior teeth extracted in patients in more advanced age groups due to periodontal disease. The case presented leads to a discussion of the periapical lesions removed surgically. The etiology and study of the evolutionary process of pulp pathology and the supporting tissues of the dental element are substantial. The endo-periodontal interrelationship is unique and can be considered a single continuous system or biological unit with multiple forms of communication. In summary, this article seeks to highlight and report a surgical case of a patient diagnosed with periapical lesions associated with residual tooth roots, which were removed during the common exodontia protocol with the aim of total rehabilitation of the patient. The patient authorized all the images and information used in this study.

Mechanism of formation and evolution of bound states in the continuum of split-hole all-dielectric metasurface under asymmetric displacement perturbation

Abstract Bound states in the continuum (BICs) with ultra-high Q properties have attracted much attention for their perfect localization in the continuous spectral range coexisting with extended waves. In this study, breaking the traditional excitation form of structure breakage or excitation field asymmetry, a monomeric silicon nanodisk array with relative displacement generated by the complete splitting of square nanopores is proposed based on the unique electromagnetic properties of all-dielectric metamaterials. During the introduction of perturbations by asymmetric displacements of splitting holes, it is shown by numerical simulations that two BICs at different wavelengths can be realized. Combined with eigenmodes of group theory, the symmetric matching relationship between the symmetry-protected BICs and the free-space radiation during the evolution process is analytically demonstrated, and the formation mechanism and the evolution law of the BICs excited by this metasurface are deeply investigated. meanwhile, it also provides a theoretical basis for the polarization dependence of quasi-BICs excitation and the ultra-high Q factor expression of BICs. Furthermore, near-field distribution and multipole decomposition show that the field distribution and surface currents support the excitation of BIC-driven toroidal dipole and magnetic quadrupole dual modes. This study not only provides an effective reference for the stability of high-Q resonance wavelengths, but also solves the problem of the lack of universality in analyzing the resonance mechanism based on resonance phenomena, and provides solid theoretical support for the study of displacement-mediated BICs resonance excitation and evolution.&amp;#xD;

Exploring the diversity and evolutionary strategies of prophages in Hyphomicrobiales, comparing animal-associated with non-animal-associated bacteria

The Hyphomicrobiales bacterial order (previously Rhizobiales) exhibits a wide range of lifestyle characteristics, including free-living, plant-association, nitrogen-fixing, and association with animals (Bartonella and Brucella). This study explores the diversity and evolutionary strategies of bacteriophages within the Hyphomicrobiales order, comparing animal-associated (AAB) with non-animal-associated bacteria (NAAB). We curated 560 high-quality complete genomes of 58 genera from this order and used the PHASTER server for prophage annotation and classification. For 19 genera with representative genomes, we curated 96 genomes and used the Defense-Finder server to summarize the type of anti-phage systems (APS) found in this order. We analyzed the genetic repertoire and length distributions of prophages, estimating evolutionary rates and comparing intact, questionable, and incomplete prophages in both groups. Analyses of best-fit parameters and bootstrap sensitivity were used to understand the evolutionary processes driving prophage gene content. A total of 1860 prophages distributed in Hyphomicrobiales were found, 695 in AAB and 1165 in the NAAB genera. The results revealed a similar number of prophages per genome in AAB and NAAB and a similar length distribution, suggesting shared mechanisms of genetic acquisition of prophage genes. Changes in the frequency of specific gene classes were observed between incomplete and intact prophages, indicating preferential loss or enrichment in both groups. The analysis of best-fit parameters and bootstrap sensitivity tests indicated a higher selection coefficient, induction rate, and turnover in NAAB genomes. We found 68 types of APS in Hyphomicrobiales; restriction modification (RM) and abortive infection (Abi) were the most frequent APS found for all Hyphomicrobiales, and within the AAB group. This classification of APS showed that NAAB genomes have a greater diversity of defense systems compared to AAB, which could be related to the higher rates of prophage induction and turnover in the latter group. Our study provides insights into the distributions of both prophages and APS in Hyphomicrobiales genomes, demonstrating that NAAB carry more defense systems against phages, while AAB show increased prophage stability and an increased number of incomplete prophages. These results suggest a greater role for domesticated prophages within animal-associated bacteria in Hyphomicrobiales.

Impact of Droplets on Surfaces Designed with Wettability-Gradient Properties: Directional Migration, Oblique Rebound, and Reduced Contact Time.

Efficiently regulating the rebound behavior of droplets post-impact is crucial for various fields, mainly including the development of self-cleaning applications, the design of surface functional materials, and the advancement of industrial techniques. By performing molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the impact and jumping behavior of droplets on heterogeneous substrates with different wetting regions. We found that, during the impacting evolution process, the retracted droplets would move toward regions with stronger wettability due to the unbalanced force caused by the wettability difference, revealing the directional migration ability. The values of the wettability difference strongly affect the degree of oblique rebound and contact time when droplets can jump off the substrate. We then designed the surfaces with a wettability gradient and found that the oblique rebound angle could be well controlled and the contact time further reduced. Our findings may provide valuable insight into the relationship between the wettability gradient and the behavior of liquid droplets on surfaces, with broad implications for various fields such as surface engineering, materials science, microfluidics, etc.

A Study on the Dynamic Evolution Paths of Social Risks in PPP Projects of Water Environmental Governance—From the Vulnerability Perspective

The Chinese economy is transitioning from high-speed development to high-quality development, and water environmental governance is a key factor promoting economic transformation. Due to low returns and high investment in China’s water environmental governance, the PPP (public–private-partnership) model is often adopted. However, the PPP model has historically faced challenges adapting to local conditions in China, leading to social risks in the PPP projects of water environmental governance. To reduce these risks, this paper takes a vulnerability perspective, employing the system dynamics simulation method to explore the dynamic evolution process of social risks in the PPP projects of water environmental governance. The main results show the following: (1) the external manifestations of social risks during the construction and operation periods vary significantly, exhibiting notable fluctuations; (2) during the construction period, there is a surge in social risks followed by a returns to lower than normal levels, then a gradual upward trend; during the operation period, social risks initially decrease to a lower level before gradually increasing; and (3) city class, relevant legal systems, and resource reserves emerge as critical factors influencing vulnerability and social risks. The higher the city class, the lower the project vulnerability; the soundness of the legal system for PPP projects can effectively reduce vulnerability and social risks; sufficient resource reserves can reduce social risks. Based on the above findings, this paper proposes several suggestions aiming to reduce the vulnerability and social risks in PPP projects, optimize the process of water environmental governance, and further promote the sustainable development of water environmental governance and the high-quality economy of China.