Hybridization Patterns Research Articles

Population genetic structure and hybrid zone analyses for species delimitation in the Japanese toad (Bufo japonicus).

Hybridization following secondary contact may produce different outcomes depending on the extent to which genetic diversity and reproductive barriers have accumulated during isolation. The Japanese toad, Bufo japonicus, is distributed on the main islands of Japan. In the present study, we applied multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing to achieve the fine-scale resolution of the genetic cluster in B. j. japonicus and B. j. formosus. We also elucidated hybridization patterns and gene flow degrees across contact zones between the clusters identified. Using SNP data, we found four genetic clusters in B. j. japonicus and B. j. formosus and three contact zones of the cluster pairs among these four clusters. The two oldest diverged lineages, B. j. japonicus and B. j. formosus, formed a narrow contact zone consistent with species distinctiveness. Therefore, we recommend that these two subspecies be elevated to the species level. In contrast, the less diverged pairs of two clusters in B. j. japonicus and B. j. formosus, respectively, admixed over a hundred kilometers, suggesting that they have not yet developed strong reproductive isolation and need to be treated as conspecifics. These results will contribute to resolving taxonomic confusion in Japanese toads.

A multi-activity view of intra-urban travel networks: A case study of Beijing

Urban structure is a vital aspect that profoundly influences the livability and sustainability of cities. Although extensive explorations have conducted on urban structure from the perspective of human mobility, there remains a gap in understanding urban travel networks (UTNs) and spatial structures from a multi-activity perspective. In this study, we first inferred the locations and types of daily activity for over four million Beijing residents through multi-source data fusion. Subsequently, we constructed eight UTNs based on multiple travel flows and employed spatial analysis methods and complex network analytics to explore the structural similarities and disparities across these networks. The results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity, hierarchy, and dependency characteristics within all UTNs in Beijing. Notably, the spatial patterns of UTNs reflect that the current urban structure of Beijing is a hybrid pattern, characterized by the coexistence of polycentric and sector patterns. This study provides a comprehensive portrayal of Beijing's current urban spatial structure and offers valuable scientific insights into urban spatial governance and the configuration of public facilities.

Paternal DNA methylation is remodeled to maternal levels in rice zygote

Epigenetic reprogramming occurs during reproduction to reset the genome for early development. In flowering plants, mechanistic details of parental methylation remodeling in zygote remain elusive. Here we analyze allele-specific DNA methylation in rice hybrid zygotes and during early embryo development and show that paternal DNA methylation is predominantly remodeled to match maternal allelic levels upon fertilization, which persists after the first zygotic division. The DNA methylation remodeling pattern supports the predominantly maternal-biased gene expression during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in rice. However, parental allelic-specific methylations are reestablished at the globular embryo stage and associate with allelic-specific histone modification patterns in hybrids. These results reveal that paternal DNA methylation is remodeled to match the maternal pattern during zygotic genome reprogramming and suggest existence of a chromatin memory allowing parental allelic-specific methylation to be maintained in the hybrid.

Graphene metamaterial-based broadband/dual-narrowband switchable terahertz absorber with adjustable absorptivity and large phase shift

We present a graphene metamaterial-based broadband/dual-narrowband switchable terahertz (THz) absorber with adjustable absorptivity and large phase shift. From top to bottom of the device, there are graphene-metal hybrid pattern, silicon dioxide layer, silicon layer and metal substrate. When the Fermi energy (EF) of graphene is equal to 0 eV, it has two narrowband absorption peaks at frequencies of 1.88 THz and 2.54 THz, respectively. However, when the EF is equal to 0.8 eV, it turns to a broadband absorber in the frequency range from 1.60 to 2.42 THz. Moreover, if the EF increases from 0.2 eV to 0.8 eV, its absorptivity can be dynamically adjusted from 60% to more than 90% in a broadband of 0.82 THz. Most importantly, the absorber can also dynamically control the phase shift. In the frequency range of 2.04 THz to 2.34 THz, a maximum dynamic phase shift of 192 degrees is achieved by changing the EF of graphene. This work provides an alternative method for constructing multifunctional integrated THz devices based on graphene metamaterial.

Oral solitary fibrous tumors: A collaborative clinicopathologic study of 19 cases.

To report the clinicopathologic features of 19 oral solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs). Clinical data were collected from the records of seven pathology services. All cases were re-evaluated by HE staining and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The series comprised 11 females (57.9%) and 8 males (42.1%), with a mean age of 47.3 ± 14.7 years (range: 22-71 years) and a 1.3:1 female-to-male ratio. Most tumors affected the buccal mucosa (n = 7; 36.8%) and presented clinically as an asymptomatic solitary submucosal well-circumscribed nodule with coloration similar to the oral mucosa. Morphologically, most SFTs (n = 10; 52.6%) exhibited a classic hybrid pattern characterized by a well-circumscribed proliferation of densely cellular areas alternating with hypocellular areas in a variably collagenous vascular stroma. Remnants of accessory salivary glands were observed in two cases (n = 2; 10.5%). All tumors were positive for STAT6 and CD34 (n = 19; 100%). Outcome information was available from 6 patients (31.6%), with clinical follow-up ranging from 6 to 24 months (mean ± SD, 9.5 ± 6.8 months), and none developed local recurrence. Oral SFTs are rare and often clinically misdiagnosed. Pathologists should consider SFT in the differential diagnosis of oral spindle cell tumors. Accurate diagnosis requires careful morphological evaluation supported by immunohistochemical analysis.

Differential Spreading of Microsatellites in Holocentric Chromosomes of Chagas Disease Vectors: Genomic and Evolutionary Implications.

This study focused on analyzing the distribution of microsatellites in holocentric chromosomes of the Triatominae subfamily, insect vectors of Chagas disease. We employed a non-denaturing FISH technique to determine the chromosomal distribution of sixteen microsatellites across twenty-five triatomine species, involving five genera from the two principal tribes: Triatomini and Rhodniini. Three main hybridization patterns were identified: strong signals in specific chromosomal regions, dispersed signals dependent on microsatellite abundance and the absence of signals in certain chromosomal regions or entire chromosomes. Significant variations in hybridization patterns were observed between Rhodniini and Triatomini species. Rhodniini species displayed weak and scattered hybridization signals, indicating a low abundance of microsatellites in their genomes. In contrast, Triatomini species exhibited diverse and abundant hybridization patterns, suggesting that microsatellites are a significant repetitive component in their genomes. One particularly interesting finding was the high abundance of GATA repeats, and to a lesser extent AG repeats, in the Y chromosome of all analyzed Triatomini species. In contrast, the Y chromosome of Rhodniini species did not show enrichment in GATA and AG repeats. This suggests that the richness of GATA repeats on the Y chromosome likely represents an ancestral trait specific to the Triatomini tribe. Furthermore, this information can be used to elucidate the evolutionary relationships between Triatomini and other groups of reduviids, contributing to the understanding of the subfamily's origin. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the composition and distribution of microsatellites within Triatominae genomes, shedding light on their significance in the evolutionary processes of these species.

To conform or to transform? A comparative case analysis of the societal embedding of biogas systems

To conform or to transform? A comparative case analysis of the societal embedding of biogas systems

The different shades of co-working spaces: how culture change explains the market rules

ABSTRACT This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing a deeper understanding of the links between the multiple layers in organizational culture and the different Co-working characteristics. The research presented here develops a new taxonomy of Co-working spaces by integrating results from qualitative semi-structured interviews supported by previous theoretical and empirical research. We conducted interviews with 44 owners or founders of co-working spaces. A thematic analysis revealed three different approaches to co-working, namely a profit-oriented perspective, a community-oriented perspective and a hybrid pattern that combines both perspectives. Drawing upon the interaction models, our findings contribute to a better understanding of different Co-working cultures in an increasingly competitive market. Accordingly, future research should validate the proposed model with complimentary methodologies (e.g. questionnaires) and longitudinal designs to track how Co-working culture persists or changes over time.

Integrated phenotyping of root and shoot growth dynamics in maize reveals specific interaction patterns in inbreds and hybrids and in response to drought.

In recent years, various automated methods for plant phenotyping addressing roots or shoots have been developed and corresponding platforms have been established to meet the diverse requirements of plant research and breeding. However, most platforms are only either able to phenotype shoots or roots of plants but not both simultaneously. This substantially limits the opportunities offered by a joint assessment of the growth and development dynamics of both organ systems, which are highly interdependent. In order to overcome these limitations, a root phenotyping installation was integrated into an existing automated non-invasive high-throughput shoot phenotyping platform. Thus, the amended platform is now capable of conducting high-throughput phenotyping at the whole-plant level, and it was used to assess the vegetative root and shoot growth dynamics of five maize inbred lines and four hybrids thereof, as well as the responses of five inbred lines to progressive drought stress. The results showed that hybrid vigour (heterosis) occurred simultaneously in roots and shoots and was detectable as early as 4 days after transplanting (4 DAT; i.e., 8 days after seed imbibition) for estimated plant height (EPH), total root length (TRL), and total root volume (TRV). On the other hand, growth dynamics responses to progressive drought were different in roots and shoots. While TRV was significantly reduced 10 days after the onset of the water deficit treatment, the estimated shoot biovolume was significantly reduced about 6 days later, and EPH showed a significant decrease even 2 days later (8 days later than TRV) compared with the control treatment. In contrast to TRV, TRL initially increased in the water deficit period and decreased much later (not earlier than 16 days after the start of the water deficit treatment) compared with the well-watered plants. This may indicate an initial response of the plants to water deficit by forming longer but thinner roots before growth was inhibited by the overall water deficit. The magnitude and the dynamics of the responses were genotype-dependent, as well as under the influence of the water consumption, which was related to plant size.

No wonder, it is a hybrid. Natural hybridization between Jacobaea vulgaris and J. erucifolia revealed by molecular marker systems and its potential ecological impact.

Progressive changes in the environment are related to modifications of the habitat. Introducing exotic species, and interbreeding between species can lead to processes that in the case of rare species or small populations threatens their integrity. Given the declining trends of many populations due to increased hybridization, early recognition of hybrids becomes important in conservation management. Natural hybridization is prevalent in Jacobaea. There are many naturally occurring interspecific hybrids in this genus, including those between Jacobaea vulgaris and its relatives. Although Jacobaea erucifolia and J. vulgaris often co-occur and are considered closely related, apart from the few reports of German botanists on the existence of such hybrids, there is no information on research confirming hybridization between them. Morphologically intermediate individuals, found in the sympatric distributions of J. vulgaris and J. erucifolia, were hypothesized to be their hybrids. Two molecular marker systems (nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers) were employed to test this hypothesis and characterize putative hybrids. Nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequencing results and taxon-specific amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fragment distribution analysis confirmed the hybrid nature of all 25 putative hybrids. The AFLP patterns of most hybrids demonstrated a closer relationship to J. erucifolia, suggesting frequent backcrossing. Moreover, they showed that several individuals previously described as pure were probably also of hybrid origin, backcrosses to J. erucifolia and J. vulgaris. This study provides the first molecular confirmation that natural hybrids between J. vulgaris and J. erucifolia occur in Poland. Hybridization appeared to be bidirectional but asymmetrical with J. vulgaris as the usual maternal parent.

Annotation of transposable elements in the transcriptome of the Neotropical brownstinkbug Euschistus heros and its chromosomal distribution.

Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences capable of moving within the genome. Their distribution is very dynamic among organisms, and despite advances, there are still gaps in the understanding of the diversity and evolution of TEs in many insect species. In the case of Euschistus heros, considered the main stink bug in the soybean crop in Brazil, little is known about the participation of these elements. Therefore, the objective of the current work was to identify the different groups of transposable elements present in the E. heros transcriptome, evidencing their chromosomal distribution. Through RNA-Seq and de novo assembly, 60,009 transcripts were obtained, which were annotated locally via Blastn against specific databases. Of the 367 transcripts identified as TEs, 202 belong to Class II, with emphasis on the TIR order. Among Class I elements or retrotransposons, most were characterized as LINE. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with the protein domains, evidencing differences between Tc1-mariner sequences, which may be related to possible horizontal transfer events. The transposable elements that stood out in the transcriptome were selected for fluorescent in situ hybridization. DNA transposon probes hAT, Helitron, and Tc1-mariner showed mostly scattered signals, with the presence of some blocks. Retrotransposon probes Copia, Gypsy, Jockey, and RTE showed a more pulverized hybridization pattern, with the presence of small interstitial and/or terminal blocks. Studies like this one, integrating functional genomics and molecular cytogenetic tools, are essential to expanding knowledge about transcriptionally active mobile elements, and their behavior in the chromosomes.

Acoustic innovations in courtship sounds generated by hybridization in cichlid fish

Abstract During courtship, prezygotic barriers are thought to maintain the diversity of species since differences in phenotypic traits and reproductive behaviours are likely to be involved in maintaining species boundaries. However, introgressive hybridization has been reported in many different taxa and the resulting hybrids usually possess phenotypic features, including behaviours, that are intermediate between those of the parents. The outcome of hybrids may depend on the interactions between the intrinsic viability of the hybrids, the ecological environment of the species, and the fitness of hybrids in that ecological context. In cichlids, the mechanism of hybridization is increasingly documented as an important factor in their evolutionary radiation since it may provide novel gene combinations that promote speciation and adaptive radiation by generating new transgressive phenotypes. Cichlid species are separated mostly by pre-mating isolating mechanisms. Like colour patterns, acoustic communication is involved in sexual selection, but this pattern has been much less studied and the outcome of hybridization on acoustic features has never been examined. To gain novel insights into the evolution of their acoustic communication behaviour, we performed a hybrid cross between Chindongo saulosi and Maylandia estherae. Qualitative examination of courtship showed that the three groups possess the same sequence of behaviours. However, sounds produced during courtship showed specific signatures since all three groups differ at the level of sound duration and pulse period, with both features being intermediate in hybrids in comparison to the two parent species. Colour patterns in hybrids were also different from those of the parent species. These results show that hybridization can affect at least two kinds of prezygotic barriers, which may be important in the cichlid evolutionary process. However, playback experiments are required to test the strength of these features in sexual selection.

Evolutionary conservation of embryonic DNA methylome remodelling in distantly related teleost species.

Methylation of cytosines in the CG context (mCG) is the most abundant DNA modification in vertebrates that plays crucial roles in cellular differentiation and identity. After fertilization, DNA methylation patterns inherited from parental gametes are remodelled into a state compatible with embryogenesis. In mammals, this is achieved through the global erasure and re-establishment of DNA methylation patterns. However, in non-mammalian vertebrates like zebrafish, no global erasure has been observed. To investigate the evolutionary conservation and divergence of DNA methylation remodelling in teleosts, we generated base resolution DNA methylome datasets of developing medaka and medaka-zebrafish hybrid embryos. In contrast to previous reports, we show that medaka display comparable DNA methylome dynamics to zebrafish with high gametic mCG levels (sperm: ∼90%; egg: ∼75%), and adoption of a paternal-like methylome during early embryogenesis, with no signs of prior DNA methylation erasure. We also demonstrate that non-canonical DNA methylation (mCH) reprogramming at TGCT tandem repeats is a conserved feature of teleost embryogenesis. Lastly, we find remarkable evolutionary conservation of DNA methylation remodelling patterns in medaka-zebrafish hybrids, indicative of compatible DNA methylation maintenance machinery in far-related teleost species. Overall, these results suggest strong evolutionary conservation of DNA methylation remodelling pathways in teleosts, which is distinct from the global DNA methylome erasure and reestablishment observed in mammals.

Assessment of genetic differences in animals as exemplified by representatives of the genus <i>Camelus</i>

Data on the genetic variability of genomic DNA from two species of camels (Dromedary and Bactrian) are presented. It is noted that these animal species are of great importance in a number of southern countries, they are used as farm animals (milk, meat, wool), as draft, riding and sports animals. At present, much attention is paid to the study of camels in order to identify their genetic characteristics that can be used in breeding work. One of the research methods is multilocus analysis using labeled oligonucleotide probes. The latter selectively hybridize in separate regions of genomic DNA, leading to the appearance of specific genetic profiles characteristic of each individual. Labeling the probe with digoxigenin makes it possible to detect the results of hybridization on the filter. After the reaction of molecular hybridization of the probe with genomic DNA of camels, from 3 to 15 DNA fragments were detected, while the pattern of hybridization was very different in Dromedaries and Bactrians, which indicates a significant genetic difference in the organization of genomes. The coefficient of similarity of individuals in Bactrians was significantly higher than in Dromedaries (0.48 versus 0.39); interspecific similarity coefficient in this parameter was only 0.13. The calculation of the genetic distance between populations gave a rather high value of 0.305, which is significantly higher than the previously obtained data on cattle (from 0.05 to 0.10). Intrapopulation genetic diversity was assessed by the criterion of average heterozygosity. Calculations showed greater genetic diversity in the dromedary population (H = 0.72), which was indirectly confirmed by a lower similarity coefficient in this group of animals.

Diversity Management: Architecture And Perspectives

Abstract The initial idealistic perspective associated with the concept of globalization has turned into a bleak evidence in the present, which has taken on the appearance of a disharmonious liberalism in which it is possible to observe a common worldwide increase in economic and social inequalities. The current international economic crises – characterized by a common inflationary growth – have led to a re-evaluation of the principles of the autarkic economy, economically self-sufficient and relatively independent from the external environment: an approach to which economists attribute the term “deglobalization” (Ajami, 2022; Ho et.al, 2022; Paul, 2023). These foregoing points a duty – also in business economics – to review the models proposed over time in search of new hybrid patterns oriented towards a common social vocation, suggested as a dual attention to both internal (facing the aspects regarding the going concern accounting principle) and external (relevant to the economic and social sustainability of its main stakeholders). Therefore, the article assumes as a research question the declination of the new corporate hybrid patterns and the related “competitive advantage” drivers, among which Diversity Management assumes a decisive role in the pursuit of fair and sustainable progress.

Evaluation Mechanism of Political Discourse: A Holistic Approach

Taking the economic issue of Trump’s First State of the Union Address (SUA) as original data, the present study examined the evaluation features of political speeches by adopting a holistic approach, which includes both macro and micro dimensions. At the macro level, a series of semantic patterns were identified, with Goal-Achievement and General-Example Patterns being the most prevalent. They predetermine the evaluative tone, giving the surrounding statements evaluative meanings, exhibiting the radiating nature of evaluative meaning; at the micro level, a variety of resources have been identified, both explicit and implicit, lexical and syntactical, attitudinal and gradational, which collaborate to reinforce the subjective evaluation, revealing the holistic characteristic in the realization of evaluative meaning. Throughout the analysis, three evaluative mechanisms have been proposed, which are the coupling of meaning, semantic prosody, and tense switching. They collaborate and promote the subjective evaluation to be established and reinforced in a cumulative, gradient or hybrid pattern. In a narrow sense, the present study has partially revealed Trump’s political discourse feature. Broadly speaking, it contributes to the theoretical development of the appraisal framework by refining existing evaluation systems through a holistic research paradigm, which in turn facilitates accurate interpretation of various types of discourse.

A Quadruple‐Borylated Multiple‐Resonance Emitter with para/meta Heteroatomic Patterns for Narrowband Orange‐Red Emission

AbstractHindered by spectral broadening issues with redshifted emission, long‐wavelength (e.g., maxima beyond 570 nm) multiple resonance (MR) emitters with full width at half maxima (FWHMs) below 20 nm remain absent. Herein, by strategically embedding diverse boron (B)/nitrogen (N) atomic pairs into a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) skeleton, we propose a hybrid pattern for the construction of a long‐wavelength narrowband MR emitter. The proof‐of‐concept emitter B4N6‐Me realized orange‐red emission with an extremely small FWHM of 19 nm (energy unit: 70 meV), representing the narrowest FWHM among all reported long‐wavelength MR emitters. Theoretical calculations revealed that the cooperation of the applied para B‐π‐N and para B‐π‐B/N‐π‐N patterns is complementary, which gives rise to both narrowband and redshift characteristics. The corresponding organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) employing B4N6‐Me achieved state‐of‐the‐art performance, e.g., a narrowband orange‐red emission with an FWHM of 27 nm (energy unit: 99 meV), an excellent maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 35.8 %, and ultralow efficiency roll‐off (EQE of 28.4 % at 1000 cd m−2). This work provides new insights into the further molecular design and synthesis of long‐wavelength MR emitters.

A Quadruple-Borylated Multiple-Resonance Emitter with para/meta Heteroatomic Patterns for Narrowband Orange-Red Emission.

Hindered by spectral broadening issues with redshifted emission, long-wavelength (e.g., maxima beyond 570 nm) multiple resonance (MR) emitters with full width at half maxima (FWHMs) below 20 nm remain absent. Herein, by strategically embedding diverse boron (B)/nitrogen (N) atomic pairs into a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) skeleton, we propose a hybrid pattern for the construction of a long-wavelength narrowband MR emitter. The proof-of-concept emitter B4N6-Me realized orange-red emission with an extremely small FWHM of 19 nm (energy unit: 70 meV), representing the narrowest FWHM among all reported long-wavelength MR emitters. Theoretical calculations revealed that the cooperation of the applied para B-π-N and para B-π-B/N-π-N patterns is complementary, which gives rise to both narrowband and redshift characteristics. The corresponding organic light-emitting diode (OLED) employing B4N6-Me achieved state-of-the-art performance, e.g., a narrowband orange-red emission with an FWHM of 27 nm (energy unit: 99 meV), an excellent maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 35.8%, and ultralow efficiency roll-off (EQE of 28.4% at 1000 cd m-2). This work provides new insights into the further molecular design and synthesis of long-wavelength MR emitters.

Circulating Epithelial Cells in Patients with Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is the most common pancreatic cyst and a precursor of pancreatic cancer (PDAC). Since PDAC has a devastatingly high mortality rate, the early diagnosis and treatment of any precursor lesion are rational. The safety of the existing guidelines on the clinical management of IPMN has been criticized due to unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity, showing the need for further markers. Blood obtained from patients with IPMN was therefore subjected to size-based isolation of circulating epithelial cells (CECs). We isolated CECs and evaluated their cytological characteristics. Additionally, we compared Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations in CECs and the primary IPMN tissue, since KRAS mutations are very typical for PDAC. Samples from 27 IPMN patients were analyzed. In 10 (37%) patients, CECs were isolated and showed a hybrid pattern of surface markers involving both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, suggesting a possible EMT process of the cells. Especially, patients with high-grade dysplasia in the main specimen were all CEC-positive. KRAS mutations were also present in CECs but less common than in IPMN tissue. The existence of CEC in IPMN patients offers additional blood-based research possibilities for IMPN biology.

Phylogenomics reveals patterns of ancient hybridization and differential diversification that contribute to phylogenetic conflict in willows, poplars, and close relatives.

Despite the economic, ecological, and scientific importance of the genera Salix L. (willows) and Populus L. (poplars, cottonwoods, and aspens) Salicaceae, we know little about the sources of differences in species diversity between the genera and of the phylogenetic conflict that often confounds estimating phylogenetic trees. Salix subgenera and sections, in particular, have been difficult to classify, with one recent attempt termed a "spectacular failure" due to a speculated radiation of the subgenera Vetrix and Chamaetia. Here, we use targeted sequence capture to understand the evolutionary history of this portion of the Salicaceae plant family. Our phylogenetic hypothesis was based on 787 gene regions and identified extensive phylogenetic conflict among genes. Our analysis supported some previously described subgeneric relationships and confirmed the polyphyly of others. Using an fbranch analysis, we identified several cases of hybridization in deep branches of the phylogeny, which likely contributed to discordance among gene trees. In addition, we identified a rapid increase in diversification rate near the origination of the Vetrix-Chamaetia clade in Salix. This region of the tree coincided with several nodes that lacked strong statistical support, indicating a possible increase in incomplete lineage sorting due to rapid diversification. The extraordinary level of both recent and ancient hybridization in both Salix and Populus have played important roles in the diversification and diversity in these two genera.