Low Evolutionary Rate Research Articles

Molecular evolution of the fusion protein (F) gene in human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B

In this study, we examined the molecular evolution of the fusion protein (F) gene in human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B (HRSV-B). First, we performed time-scale evolution analyses using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. Next, we performed genetic distance, linear B-cell epitope prediction, N-glycosylation, positive/negative selection site, and Bayesian skyline plot analyses. We also constructed a structural model of the F protein and mapped the amino acid substitutions and the predicted B-cell epitopes. The MCMC-constructed phylogenetic tree indicated that the HRSV F gene diverged from the bovine respiratory syncytial virus gene approximately 580years ago and had a relatively low evolutionary rate (7.14×10−4substitutions/site/year). Furthermore, a common ancestor of HRSV-A and -B diverged approximately 290years ago, while HRSV-B diverged into three clusters for approximately 60years. The genetic similarity of the present strains was very high. Although a maximum of 11 amino acid substitutions were observed in the structural model of the F protein, only one strain possessed an amino acid substitution located within the palivizumab epitope. Four epitopes were predicted, although these did not correspond to the neutralization sites of the F protein including the palivizumab epitope. In addition, five N-glycosylation sites of the present HRSV-B strains were inferred. No positive selection sites were identified; however, many sites were found to be under negative selection. The effective population size of the gene has remained almost constant. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that the HRSV-B F gene is highly conserved, as is the F protein of HRSV-A. Moreover, our prediction of B-cell epitopes does not show that the palivizumab reaction site may be recognized as an epitope during naturally occurring infections.

Short Communication: Phylogenetic analysis of mango (Mangifera) in Northern Sumatra based on gene sequences of cpDNA trnL-F intergenic spacer

Harahap SP, Fitmawati, Sofiyanti N. 2017. Short Communication: Phylogenetic analysis of mango (Mangifera) in Northern Sumatra based on gene sequences of cpDNA trnL-F intergenic spacer. Biodiversitas 18: 715-719. Northern Sumatra is an area with geographical variation. The environmental factors are affected on character plasticity such as found in Anacardiaceae family especially Mangifera genus. The character plasticity of Mangifera members raises a problem in determining clear boundaries between species based on morphological character. Therefore, a molecular approach is necessary to provide a specific character among Mangifera species. This study aimed to reconstruct the phylogeny among Mangifera members in Northern Sumatra based on the sequences of trnLF intergenic spacer. All of the sequences were aligned by using Clustal W and Cladogram was reconstructed by using PAUP by Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Neighbour-Joining (NJ) methods. The MP cladogram produced two in groups i.e., clade I consist of M. odorata1, M. odorata2, M. laurina1, M. laurina2, M. indica, M. zeylanica, M. quadrifida and Mangifera sp. and clade II consisted of M. foetida1 and M. foetida2. Based on the NJ method, it was obtained M. laurina2 which had the highest genetic distance among other members of Mangifera. The trnL-F intergenic spacer with a low sequences variation indicated that this region was highly conserved and had a low evolution rate in Mangifera.

Molecular organization of 5S rDNA in two ukrainian populations of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)

Aim. The genetic variability of tree species has still not been studied enough at the molecular level. Considering the relatively low rate of molecular evolution in perennial tree species, it is necessary to use only those regions of genome, which demonstrate a high level of variability, such as 5S rDNA. Accordingly, to estimate the potential of 5S rDNA as a molecular marker for tree species, the organization of this genomic region was compared between samples from two geographically remote Ukrainian populations of sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus. Methods. PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of the 5S rDNA IGS of A.pseudoplatanus. Results. It was shown that only one variant of 5S rDNA repeat with a length of 475 bp is present in the genome of A. pseudoplatanus. Also, it was found that the elements typical for the angiosperm RNA polymerase III promoter, which are localized in IGS, appear to be different from those previously described for species of other families. The level of IGS sequence similarity within the populations exceeds 99%, while the level of IGS sequence similarity between various populations is only 93,3-94,3%. Conclusions. High rate of molecular evolution of the 5S rDNA IGS makes them a convenient molecular marker for evaluation of intraspecific variation in populations of A. pseudoplatanus.Key words: 5S rDNA, molecular markers, intraspecific variability, Acer

Large-Scale Phylogenomic Analysis Reveals the Complex Evolutionary History of Rabies Virus in Multiple Carnivore Hosts.

The natural evolution of rabies virus (RABV) provides a potent example of multiple host shifts and an important opportunity to determine the mechanisms that underpin viral emergence. Using 321 genome sequences spanning an unprecedented diversity of RABV, we compared evolutionary rates and selection pressures in viruses sampled from multiple primary host shifts that occurred on various continents. Two major phylogenetic groups, bat-related RABV and dog-related RABV, experiencing markedly different evolutionary dynamics were identified. While no correlation between time and genetic divergence was found in bat-related RABV, the evolution of dog-related RABV followed a generally clock-like structure, although with a relatively low evolutionary rate. Subsequent molecular clock dating indicated that dog-related RABV likely underwent a rapid global spread following the intensification of intercontinental trade starting in the 15th century. Strikingly, although dog RABV has jumped to various wildlife species from the order Carnivora, we found no clear evidence that these host-jumping events involved adaptive evolution, with RABV instead characterized by strong purifying selection, suggesting that ecological processes also play an important role in shaping patterns of emergence. However, specific amino acid changes were associated with the parallel emergence of RABV in ferret-badgers in Asia, and some host shifts were associated with increases in evolutionary rate, particularly in the ferret-badger and mongoose, implying that changes in host species can have important impacts on evolutionary dynamics.

Enhanced catalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution on polythiophene via microstructural changes

The discovery of poly(2,2′-bithiophene) (PBTh) as a photo-electrochemical catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) presents a novel electrode material for the transition to a sustainable hydrogen energy economy. Nonetheless, it remains limited by a low hydrogen evolution rate. We here investigate two methods in which to increase the catalytic activity of PBTh: using humidity for alternative templating and substrate roughening. It was found that exposure of the oxidant solution to humidity prior to polymerisation causes the formation of new microstructures that was found to increase catalytic activity of the PBTh film by over four times, from 14 to 57 µA cm-2. It was also found that control of the atmospheric environment proved critical. In contrast, the roughening of the substrate did not consistently lead to an increase in performance and was attributed to poor adhesion and electrical contact of the film to the substrate. During these tests however, a photo-electrocatalytic current of 150 μA cm−2 was recorded in pH 7.0 and an underpotential of 0.12 V on an un-roughened PBTh sample. This represents the highest reported value for PBTh thus far and a significant achievement for its further development towards a low-cost and efficient HER catalyst.

Mutation rate analysis via parent-progeny sequencing of the perennial peach. I. A low rate in woody perennials and a higher mutagenicity in hybrids.

Mutation rates vary between species, between strains within species and between regions within a genome. What are the determinants of these forms of variation? Here, via parent–offspring sequencing of the peach we ask whether (i) woody perennials tend to have lower per unit time mutation rates compared to annuals, and (ii) hybrid strains have high mutation rates. Between a leaf from a low heterozygosity individual, derived from an intraspecific cross, to a leaf of its selfed progeny, the mutation rate is 7.77 × 10−9 point mutations per bp per generation, similar to Arabidopsis thaliana (7.0–7.4 × 10−9 point mutations per bp per generation). This suggests a low per unit time mutation rate as the generation time is much longer in peach. This is supported by our estimate of 9.48 × 10−9 point mutations per bp per generation from a 200-year-old low heterozygosity peach to its progeny. From a more highly heterozygous individual derived from an interspecific cross to its selfed progeny, the mutation rate is 1.38 × 10−8 mutations per site per generation, consistent with raised rates in hybrids. Our data thus suggest that (i) peach has an approximately order of magnitude lower mutation rate per unit time than Arabidopsis, consistent with reports of low evolutionary rates in woody perennials, and (ii) hybridization may, indeed, be associated with increased mutation rates as considered over a century ago.

Genomic Mining of Phylogenetically Informative Nuclear Markers in Bark and Ambrosia Beetles.

Deep level insect relationships are generally difficult to resolve, especially within taxa of the most diverse and species rich holometabolous orders. In beetles, the major diversity occurs in the Phytophaga, including charismatic groups such as leaf beetles, longhorn beetles and weevils. Bark and ambrosia beetles are wood boring weevils that contribute 12 percent of the diversity encountered in Curculionidae, one of the largest families of beetles with more than 50000 described species. Phylogenetic resolution in groups of Cretaceous age has proven particularly difficult and requires large quantity of data. In this study, we investigated 100 nuclear genes in order to select a number of markers with low evolutionary rates and high phylogenetic signal. A PCR screening using degenerate primers was applied to 26 different weevil species. We obtained sequences from 57 of the 100 targeted genes. Sequences from each nuclear marker were aligned and examined for detecting multiple copies, pseudogenes and introns. Phylogenetic informativeness (PI) and the capacity for reconstruction of previously established phylogenetic relationships were used as proxies for selecting a subset of the 57 amplified genes. Finally, we selected 16 markers suitable for large-scale phylogenetics of Scolytinae and related weevil taxa.

Little evidence for enhanced phenotypic evolution in early teleosts relative to their living fossil sister group

Since Darwin, biologists have been struck by the extraordinary diversity of teleost fishes, particularly in contrast to their closest "living fossil" holostean relatives. Hypothesized drivers of teleost success include innovations in jaw mechanics, reproductive biology and, particularly at present, genomic architecture, yet all scenarios presuppose enhanced phenotypic diversification in teleosts. We test this key assumption by quantifying evolutionary rate and capacity for innovation in size and shape for the first 160 million y (Permian-Early Cretaceous) of evolution in neopterygian fishes (the more extensive clade containing teleosts and holosteans). We find that early teleosts do not show enhanced phenotypic evolution relative to holosteans. Instead, holostean rates and innovation often match or can even exceed those of stem-, crown-, and total-group teleosts, belying the living fossil reputation of their extant representatives. In addition, we find some evidence for heterogeneity within the teleost lineage. Although stem teleosts excel at discovering new body shapes, early crown-group taxa commonly display higher rates of shape evolution. However, the latter reflects low rates of shape evolution in stem teleosts relative to all other neopterygian taxa, rather than an exceptional feature of early crown teleosts. These results complement those emerging from studies of both extant teleosts as a whole and their sublineages, which generally fail to detect an association between genome duplication and significant shifts in rates of lineage diversification.

Comparison of conservation metrics in a case study of lemurs.

Conservation planning is important to protect species from going extinct now that natural habitats are decreasing owing to human activity and climate change. However, there is considerable controversy in choosing appropriate metrics to weigh the value of species and geographic regions. For example, the added value of phylogenetic conservation-selection criteria remains disputed because high correlations between them and the nonphylogenetic criteria of species richness have been reported. We evaluated the commonly used conservation metrics species richness, endemism, phylogenetic diversity (PD), and phylogenetic endemism (PE) in a case study on lemurs of Madagascar. This enabled us to identify the conservation target of each metric and consider how they may be used in future conservation planning. We also devised a novel metric that uses a phylogeny scaled according to the rate of phenotypic evolution as a proxy for a species' ability to adapt to change. High rates of evolution may indicate generalization or specialization. Both specialization and low rates of evolution may result in an inability to adapt to changing environments. We examined conservation priorities by using the inverse of the rate of body mass evolution to account for species with low rates of evolution. In line with previous work, we found high correlations among species richness and PD (r = 0.96), and endemism and PE (r = 0.82) in Malagasy lemurs. Phylogenetic endemism in combination with rates of evolution and their inverse prioritized grid cells containing highly endemic and specialized lemurs at risk of extinction, such as Avahi occidentalis and Lepilemur edwardsi, 2 endangered lemurs with high rates of phenotypic evolution and low-quality diets, and Hapalemur aureus, a critically endangered species with a low rate of body mass evolution and a diet consisting of very high doses of cyanide.

(Invited) Electrosynthesis of Ammonia Using Intermediate Temperature Solid Electrolyte Membranes

The industrial synthesis of ammonia from N2 and H2 via the Haber-Bosch process represented a transformational change in chemical production for humanity. It serves as fertilizer and a feedstock for nitric acid, amine and explosives synthesis. Ammonia also show promise as a carbon free fuel with a high energy density >4 kW/l and a modest liquefaction pressure. Unfortunately, the conventional production of ammonia is very energy intensive process using approximately 1.4% of the world’s energy production. It would be highly desirable to produce NH3 from renewable resources such as wind and solar. The Haber-Bosch process today uses natural gas as the hydrogen source, emitting large amounts of green house gases with 1.8kg of CO2 per kg of NH3. The process economics dictate very large reactors and separation systems, consequently the technology does not downscale well to small-sized plants, nor does it work well with interruptible energy supplies. The electrosynthesis of ammonia is highly attractive for small plant scaling and high theoretical energy efficiency. Many scientific challenges exist today towards achieving efficient electrochemical ammonia production. The dinitrogen bond is one of the most stable (946kJ/mole) diatomic bonds in nature. Efficient bond breaking via associative or dissociative mechanisms is a major challenge. Parasitic energy losses due to dihydrogen evolution have to be minimized by appropriate catalyst design. The keys to successful implementation of a new ammonia electrosynthesis process are to develop and optimize new intermediate temperature materials for electrolytes and electrocatalysts, and to demonstrate improved efficiency of scalable ammonia electrosynthesis concepts. Past research eforts have focused primarily on the use of proton conducting electrolytes at typically high temperatures, >600°C, or molten salt systems were protonation of nitrogen occurs via the formation of nitride ions [1]. We are pursuing intermediate temperature, 150-300°C, electrochemical processes for efficient storage of electrons in N-H bonds in a DOE-EERE-ARPA-e sponsored program. We are developing ceramic and composite ceramic polymer electrolytes and novel electrocatalysts with low hydrogen evolution rates for electrochemical ammonia synthesis. Specially tailored tin pyrophosphate-polyphosphate-polymer membranes appear to be well suited for the application.

Unexpected structured intraspecific diversity of thioautotrophic bacterial gill endosymbionts within the Lucinidae (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

In chemoautotrophic associations, sequence comparison of 16S rRNA has been the method of choice to study bacterial diversity in the context of host/symbiont coevolution. However, the relative low rate of evolution of 16S rRNA has been shown to result in a diminished capacity to discriminate between closely related bacterial strains or species. Within chemoautotrophic associations, as described in several studies, the use of other genetic markers may reveal previously unobserved strain diversity among gill endosymbionts. Herein, we conducted a survey of symbionts harbored by six species within the Lucinidae family using five genetic markers (dnaE, gyrB, aprA, cbbL genes and the 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer). Thus, within the already described SoLuc_1 bacterial species shared by six host species we observed an obvious bacterial strain diversity. This diversity is structured in function of the geographic location of the hosts and not in function of ecological parameters or host phylogeny. Interestingly at the local level (same seagrass bed environment), we observed an unexpected specificity in host species/bacterial strain association (i.e., all individuals of the same host species harbor the same symbiotic sequence type). This specificity of association implied that there was a control of symbiont strain acquisition by the host, which was confirmed by a cross-infection experiment of starved adults performed in our study. Based upon our results and other evidence from the literature, we hypothesize that this pattern may be due to a “capture/escape” type antagonist evolution of the two partners.

Sibling species in theChrysis ignitacomplex: molecular, morphological and trophic differentiation ofBaltic species, with a description of two new cryptic species (Hymenoptera:Chrysididae)

AbstractCryptic species complexes cause major challenges for taxonomists and alter understanding of species diversity. InNorthernEurope, theChrysis ignitaspecies group is one such complex with numerous sympatric sibling species. The objective of this paper is to assess the taxonomy of 15 species from this group using three different approaches: molecular, morphological and trophic differentiation. The analysed set of molecular markers included a 7400‐bp‐long sequence of the mitochondrial genome covering complete sequences ofCO1,CO2,ATP8,ATP6,CO3,ND3,16Sand12SrRNA, ninetRNAsand a partial sequence ofCytB, as well as a 3880‐bp‐long sequence of the nuclearDNAcovering a part of18SrRNA, theITS1,5.8SrRNA,ITS2and a part of28SrRNA. Discrete diagnostic characters of each species sequence were retrieved using theCharacteristicAttributeOrganisationSystem algorithm and a molecular identification key was compiled. The study revealed a higher evolutionary rate of the genesATP8,ATP6,CO3,ND3andCytBcompared to that ofCO1,CO2and16S; the studied nuclear markers demonstrated a lower evolutionary rate than the mitochondrial markers. A consensus tree compiled based on the combinedmtDNAand nuclear markers with a strongly supported topology resolved the position of theC. schencki – C.parietissp.n.clade as sister to theC. ignita – C. impressaclade and supported the monophyly of theC. angustula – C. longulaclade. We compiled a morphometric species identification key applying linear discriminant equations. The trophic differentiation was assessed using data on host preferences of tenChrysisspecies reared from trap‐nests; the analysis demonstrated that most of them are specialists exploiting a single or a few taxonomically related host species. In most cases, all three approaches supported the distinct status of the included species. Moreover, two previously undescribed species were consistently supported by the molecular methods. Therefore, we describe these as new, namelyC. horridulasp.n.andC. parietissp.n.OnlyC. mediataandC. solidawere not clearly distinguished using the molecular phylogeny reconstruction methods. However, based on distinctive niche divergence, the presence of molecular characters and morphometric differences, we consider them as phylogenetically young but distinct species. In view of the weak morphological and molecular differentiation, the widely overlapping distribution areas and often similar habitat preferences and the trophic specialization, theC. ignitacomplex presents a possible model for studies of sympatric cryptic speciation.This published work has been registered in ZooBank,http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1EBAF0E1‐5FB7‐4CF4‐A595‐C11982448360.

Hidden suppression of sex ratio distortion suggests Red queen dynamics between Wolbachia and its dwarf spider host.

Genetic conflict theory predicts strong selection for host nuclear factors suppressing endosymbiont effects on reproduction; however, evidence of these suppressors is currently scarce. This can either be caused by a low suppressor evolution rate, or if suppressors originate frequently, by rapid spread and concurrent masking of their activity by silencing the endosymbiont effect. To explore this, we use two populations of a dwarf spider with a similar female bias, caused by a Wolbachia infection. Using inter- and intrapopulation crosses, we determine that one of these populations demonstrates a higher suppressing capability towards Wolbachia despite having a similar population sex ratio. This suggests that spider and endosymbiont are locked in so-called red queen dynamics where, despite continuous coevolution, average fitness remains the same, hence hiding the presence of the suppressor. Finding different suppressor activity in populations that even lack phenotypic differentiation (i.e. similar sex ratio) further supports the hypothesis that suppressors originate often, but are often hidden by their own mode of action by countering endosymbiont effects.

Domestication and the storage starch biosynthesis pathway: signatures of selection from a whole sorghum genome sequencing strategy.

SummaryNext‐generation sequencing of complete genomes has given researchers unprecedented levels of information to study the multifaceted evolutionary changes that have shaped elite plant germplasm. In conjunction with population genetic analytical techniques and detailed online databases, we can more accurately capture the effects of domestication on entire biological pathways of agronomic importance. In this study, we explore the genetic diversity and signatures of selection in all predicted gene models of the storage starch synthesis pathway of Sorghum bicolor, utilizing a diversity panel containing lines categorized as either ‘Landraces’ or ‘Wild and Weedy’ genotypes. Amongst a total of 114 genes involved in starch synthesis, 71 had at least a single signal of purifying selection and 62 a signal of balancing selection and others a mix of both. This included key genes such as STARCH PHOSPHORYLASE 2 (SbPHO2, under balancing selection), PULLULANASE (SbPUL, under balancing selection) and ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylases (SHRUNKEN2, SbSH2 under purifying selection). Effectively, many genes within the primary starch synthesis pathway had a clear reduction in nucleotide diversity between the Landraces and wild and weedy lines indicating that the ancestral effects of domestication are still clearly identifiable. There was evidence of the positional rate variation within the well‐characterized primary starch synthesis pathway of sorghum, particularly in the Landraces, whereby low evolutionary rates upstream and high rates downstream in the metabolic pathway were expected. This observation did not extend to the wild and weedy lines or the minor starch synthesis pathways.

Widespread hepatitis B virus genotype G (HBV-G) infection during the early years of the HIV epidemic in the Netherlands among men who have sex with men.

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) variants belong to different genotypes, A-J, whose worldwide distribution is linked with geography, probably because viral spread was associated with ancient human migrations. HBV genotype G (HBV-G) is an aberrant genotype with little sequence divergence, suggesting a recent origin. HBV-G is strongly associated with certain risk groups such as intravenous drug users (IDUs) and men who have sex with men (MSM), but hardly with geography. The origin and epidemiology of HBV-G remain unresolved, as is the disease association.MethodsTo estimate the prevalence and possible time of introduction of HBV-G into the MSM community in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have retrospectively analysed 226 blood serum samples from HBsAg positive MSM enrolled in the Amsterdam Cohort Studies (ACS) on HIV infection and AIDS dating from 1984 to 1999 using genotype-specific PCR assays.ResultsOf the 226 HBsAg-positive samples, 149 were HBV DNA positive. Of those, 104 were positive for HBV genotype A (HBV-A) and five for HBV-G, and 40 showed a dual infection with both HBV-A and HBV-G. Being HIV-infected was significantly associated with a reduced HBV DNA viral load in blood, but not with the prevalence of HBV-G. Early virus already contained stop codons in the precore region and a 36 bp insertion in the core gene which are the characteristics of HBV-G.ConclusionsHBV-G was introduced before 1985 into the Amsterdam MSM community. Early isolates show very limited sequence variation, confirming a low evolutionary rate. HBV-G acquisition was independent of HIV infection, but being HIV-infected was significantly associated with a reduced HBV viral load in blood, indicating a beneficial effect of early HIV infection in controlling HBV replication.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1599-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of avian respiratory viruses in broiler flocks in Egypt

In this study, respiratory viral pathogens were screened using real-time RT-PCR in 86 broiler chicken flocks suffering from respiratory diseases problems in 4 Egyptian governorates between January 2012 and February 2014. The mortality rates in the investigated flocks ranged from 1 to 47%. Results showed that mixed infection represented 66.3% of the examined flocks. Mixed infectious bronchitis (IBV) and avian influenza (AI)-H9N2 viruses were the most common infection (41.7%). Lack of AI-H9N2 vaccination and high rates of mixed infections in which AI-H9N2 is involved indicate an early AI-H9N2 infection with a potential immunosuppressive effect that predisposes for other viral infections. High pathogenic AI-H5N1 and virulent Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) infections were also detected (26.7% and 8.1%, respectively). Interestingly, co-infection of AI-H9N2 with either AIV-H5N1 or vNDV rarely resulted in high mortality. Partial cell-mediated immunity against similar internal AI genes, as well as virus interference between AI and vNDV, could be an explanation for this. Highly prevalent IBV and AI-H9N2 were isolated and were molecularly characterized based on S1 gene hypervariable region 3 (HVR3) and hemagglutinin gene (HA) sequences, respectively. IBV strains were related to the variant group of IBV with multiple mutations in HVR3. Though AI-H9N2 viruses showed low rate of evolution in comparison to recent strains, few amino acid substitutions indicative of antibody selection pressure were observed in the HA gene. In conclusion, mixed viral infections, especially with IBV and AI-H9N2 viruses, are the predominant etiology of respiratory disease problems in broiler chickens in Egypt. Further investigations of the role of AI, IBV, and ND viruses’ co-infections and interference in terms of altering the severity of clinical signs and lesions and/or generating novel reassortants within each virus are needed.

Inbreeding depression under mixed outcrossing, self-fertilization and sib-mating.

BackgroundBiparental inbreeding, mating between two relatives, occurs at a low frequency in many natural plant populations, which also often have substantial rates of self-fertilization. Although biparental inbreeding is likely to influence the dynamics of inbreeding depression and the evolution of selfing rates, it has received limited theoretical attention in comparison to selfing. The only previous model suggested that biparental inbreeding can favour the maintenance of stable intermediate selfing rates, but made unrealistic assumptions about the genetic basis of inbreeding depression. Here we extend a genetic model of inbreeding depression, describing nearly recessive lethal mutations at a very large number of loci, to incorporate sib-mating. We also include a constant component of inbreeding depression modelling the effects of mildly deleterious, nearly additive alleles. We analyze how observed rates of sib-mating influence the mean number of heterozygous lethals alleles and inbreeding depression in a population reproducing by a mixture of self-fertilization, sib-mating and outcrossing. We finally use the ensuing relationship between equilibrium inbreeding depression and population selfing rate to infer the evolutionarily stable selfing rates expected under such a mixed mating system.ResultsWe show that for a given rate of inbreeding, sib-mating is more efficient at purging inbreeding depression than selfing, because homozygosity of lethals increases more gradually through sib-mating than through selfing. Because sib-mating promotes the purging of inbreeding depression and the evolution of selfing, our genetic model of inbreeding depression also predicts that sib-mating is unlikely to maintain stable intermediate selfing rates.ConclusionsOur results imply that even low rates of sib-mating affect plant mating system evolution, by facilitating the evolution of selfing via more efficient purging of inbreeding depression. Alternative mechanisms, such as pollination ecology, are necessary to explain stable mixed selfing and outcrossing.

The Small Nuclear Genomes of Selaginella Are Associated with a Low Rate of Genome Size Evolution.

The haploid nuclear genome size (1C DNA) of vascular land plants varies over several orders of magnitude. Much of this observed diversity in genome size is due to the proliferation and deletion of transposable elements. To date, all vascular land plant lineages with extremely small nuclear genomes represent recently derived states, having ancestors with much larger genome sizes. The Selaginellaceae represent an ancient lineage with extremely small genomes. It is unclear how small nuclear genomes evolved in Selaginella. We compared the rates of nuclear genome size evolution in Selaginella and major vascular plant clades in a comparative phylogenetic framework. For the analyses, we collected 29 new flow cytometry estimates of haploid genome size in Selaginella to augment publicly available data. Selaginella possess some of the smallest known haploid nuclear genome sizes, as well as the lowest rate of genome size evolution observed across all vascular land plants included in our analyses. Additionally, our analyses provide strong support for a history of haploid nuclear genome size stasis in Selaginella. Our results indicate that Selaginella, similar to other early diverging lineages of vascular land plants, has relatively low rates of genome size evolution. Further, our analyses highlight that a rapid transition to a small genome size is only one route to an extremely small genome.

Properties of Zr2ON2 film deposited on Mg-Gd-Zn alloy with Mg-Al hydrotalcite film by arc ion plating

Abstract A Mg-Al hydrotalcite/Zr2ON2 composite film was deposited on Mg-Gd-Zn alloy by arc ion plating in order to improve the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. The corrosion current density of the composite film sample immersed in a simulated body fluid is approximately 2.725 × 10−6 A cm−2, which is approximately two orders of magnitude less than that of the substrate. During 120 h immersion tests, results have shown that samples coated with the composite film have low hydrogen evolution rate. Moreover, scratch tests and nano-indentation measurements show that the composite film samples have superior mechanical properties. Such results demonstrate that coating Mg-Al hydrotalcite/Zr2ON2 composite film on Mg-Gd-Zn alloy can provide not only good protection efficiency but also stable protection.

Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial genomes in basal hymenopterans.

The Symphyta is traditionally accepted as a paraphyletic group located in a basal position of the order Hymenoptera. Herein, we conducted a comparative analysis of the mitochondrial genomes in the Symphyta by describing two newly sequenced ones, from Trichiosoma anthracinum, representing the first mitochondrial genome in family Cimbicidae, and Asiemphytus rufocephalus, from family Tenthredinidae. The sequenced lengths of these two mitochondrial genomes were 15,392 and 14,864 bp, respectively. Within the sequenced region, trnC and trnY were rearranged to the upstream of trnI-nad2 in T. anthracinum, while in A. rufocephalus all sequenced genes were arranged in the putative insect ancestral gene arrangement. Rearrangement of the tRNA genes is common in the Symphyta. The rearranged genes are mainly from trnL1 and two tRNA clusters of trnI-trnQ-trnM and trnW-trnC-trnY. The mitochondrial genomes of Symphyta show a biased usage of A and T rather than G and C. Protein-coding genes in Symphyta species show a lower evolutionary rate than those of Apocrita. The Ka/Ks ratios were all less than 1, indicating purifying selection of Symphyta species. Phylogenetic analyses supported the paraphyly and basal position of Symphyta in Hymenoptera. The well-supported phylogenetic relationship in the study is Tenthredinoidea + (Cephoidea + (Orussoidea + Apocrita)).