PHYLOGENETIC AFFINITIES OF “CHANTRANSIA” STAGES IN MEMBERS OF THE BATRACHOSPERMALES AND THOREALES (RHODOPHYTA)1

This study evaluated the phylogenetic relationship among samples of “Chantransia” stage of the Batrachospermales and Thoreales from several regions of the world based on sequences of two genes—the plastid‐encoded RUBISCO LSU gene (rbcL) and the nuclear SSU ribosomal DNA gene (SSU rDNA). All sequences of “Chantransia macrospora” were shown to belong to Batrachospermum macrosporum based on both molecular markers, confirming evidence from previous studies. In contrast, nine species are now associated with “Chantransia pygmaea,” including seven species of the Batrachospermales and two of the Thoreales. Therefore, the presence of “C. macrospora” in a stream can be considered reliable evidence that it belongs to B. macrosporum, whereas the occurrence of “C. pygmaea” does not allow the recognition of any particular species, since it is associated with at least nine species. Affinities of “Chantransia” stages to particular taxa were congruent for 70.5% of the samples comparing the rbcL and SSU analyses, which were associated with the same or closely related species for both markers. Sequence divergences have been reported in the “Chantransia” stage in comparison to the respective gametophyte, and this matter deserves further attention.     

Biophysical Examinations of the Bending Stability of Various Stele Types and the Upright Axes of Early “Vascular” Land Plants

Biophysical methods allow quantitative deductions as to the “bending effectivity” of various stele types and the contribution of different tissues to the stability of upright plant axes. Considering the first occurrence of the different stele types in geological history, a strong tendency towards a higher “bending effectivity” can be observed. It can be shown that Rhynia gwynne-vaughanii, Aglaophyton major (Rhynia major) and Asteroxylon mackiei as well as probably the vast majority of early “vascular” land plants were turgor systems, i.e. that the parenchyma (when fully turgescent) is by far the most important contributory factor towards the bending stability of the upright axes.     

Rapid detection of “Candidatus Phytoplasma mali” by recombinase polymerase amplification assays

Isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assays for the specific detection of “Candidatus Phytoplasma mali (Ca. P. mali),” the causal agent of apple proliferation, were developed. The assays amplify a fragment of the imp gene and amplimers were detected either by fluorescence in real‐time mode (TwistAmp^®exo assay) using a fluorophore‐labelled probe or by direct visualization employing a lateral flow device (TwistAmp^®nfo assay/Milenia^®HybriDetect). The RPA assays specifically amplified DNA from “Ca. P. mali” strains, and cross‐reactivity with other phytoplasmas or plant DNA was not observed. The limit of detection was determined with a cloned imp standard, and positive results were obtained down to 10 copies with both RPA assay formats. In comparison with a TaqMan real‐time PCR assay based on the same target gene, the RPA assays were equally sensitive, but results were obtained faster. Simplified nucleic acid extraction procedures from plant tissue with Tris‐ and CTAB‐based buffers revealed that crude Tris–DNA extracts were a suitable source for RPA tests while larger concentrations of CTAB were inhibitory. This is the first report of RPA‐based assays for the detection of “Ca. P. mali”. The assays are suitable for high‐throughput screening of plant material and point‐of‐care diagnostic and can be potentially combined with a simplified DNA extraction procedure.     

Proximate Composition and Nutrient Elements in the “Unusual” Algal “Jellies” of Lake Oguta in Southern Nigeria

The proximate composition, nutrient and trace elements of the planktonic algal “jellies” of Lake Oguta in Southern Nigeria, are provided as guides to their utilization and control, using flood (rainy) and dry season samples. These “jellies” are an unusual, macroscopic planktonic algal community in the lake, made up mostly of blue-green algae (Microcystis, Anabaena, Chroococcus) with some green algae (e. g. Spirogyra) and pennate diatoms (e.g. Navicula) rather epiphytic on the mucous jellies of the blue-green algae. Water content was high (98.2% mean, range 97.5-99.5%). Ash, protein and fat had values of 41.7 (39.0-46.2%), 16.9 (15.6-19.4%), and 2.0 (1.7-2.1%) respectively. Crude fibre and carbohydrates were high (25.8% and 12.4%). The levels of phosphorus and nitrogen were rather high, so were the major cations whose order of dominance (Ca > K > Mg > Na) differed from that of the lake water. Macronutrients increased in their concentrations during the rainy flood season while the reverse was the case with the micronutrients. Diagenesis of the endogenic minerals rather than anthropogenic factors are thought to be the reason for the seasonal changes in the ionic concentrations. Possible uses of the algal jellies are discussed as well as their control options.     

Comparative study of the molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer “bulk” polymerization and traditional radical “bulk” polymerization

Bisphenol A (BPA) and propranolol‐imprinted polymers have been prepared via both reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer “bulk” polymerization (RAFTBP) and traditional radical “bulk” polymerization (TRBP) under similar reaction conditions, and their equilibrium binding properties were compared in detail for the first time. The chemical compositions, specific surface areas, equilibrium bindings, and selectivity of the obtained molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were systematically characterized. The experimental results showed that the MIPs with molecular imprinting effects and quite fast binding kinetics could be readily prepared via RAFTBP, but they did not show improved template binding properties in comparison with those prepared via TRBP, which is in sharp contrast to many previous reports. This could be attributed to the heavily interrupted equilibrium between the dormant species and active radicals in the RAFT mechanism because of the occurrence of fast gelation during RAFTBP. The findings presented here strongly demonstrates that the application of controlled radical polymerizations (CRPs) in molecular imprinting does not always benefit the binding properties of the resultant MIPs, which is of significant importance for the rational use of CRPs in generating MIPs with improved properties. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

REPORT OF A NEW INVASIVE ALGA IN THE ATLANTIC UNITED STATES: “HETEROSIPHONIA” JAPONICA IN RHODE ISLAND1

Recent collections of tetrasporangiate “Heterosiphonia” japonica Yendo from Watch Hill to Point Judith, Rhode Island, represent the first report of this nonnative alga in the western Atlantic. Native to the Pacific Ocean, this species was unintentionally introduced into European waters by 1984 and has subsequently invaded the eastern Atlantic Ocean widely from France to Norway and south into the Mediterranean Sea. Thus far, all western Atlantic collections of this species are confined to the outer coast of Rhode Island, and at present are not found in Narragansett Bay or in Long Island Sound along the Connecticut coast. Molecular and morphological studies confirm the identity of this newly introduced invasive species.     

Growth and fecundity of fertile Miscanthus × giganteus (“PowerCane”) compared to feral and ornamental Miscanthus sinensis in a common garden experiment: Implications for invasion

Perennial grasses are promising candidates for bioenergy crops, but species that can escape cultivation and establish self‐sustaining naturalized populations (feral) may have the potential to become invasive. Fertile Miscanthus × giganteus, known as “PowerCane,” is a new potential biofuel crop. Its parent species are ornamental, non‐native Miscanthus species that establish feral populations and are sometimes invasive in the USA. As a first step toward assessing the potential for “PowerCane” to become invasive, we documented its growth and fecundity relative to one of its parent species (Miscanthus sinensis) in competition with native and invasive grasses in common garden experiments located in Columbus, Ohio and Ames, Iowa, within the targeted range of biofuel cultivation. We conducted a 2‐year experiment to compare growth and reproduction among three Miscanthus biotypes—”PowerCane,” ornamental M. sinensis, and feral M. sinensis—at two locations. Single Miscanthus plants were subjected to competition with a native grass (Panicum virgatum), a weedy grass (Bromus inermis), or no competition. Response variables were aboveground biomass, number of shoots, basal area, and seed set. In Iowa, all Miscanthus plants died after the first winter, which was unusually cold, so no further results are reported from the Iowa site. In Ohio, we found significant differences among biotypes in growth and fecundity, as well as significant effects of competition. Interactions between these treatments were not significant. “PowerCane” performed as well or better than ornamental or feral M. sinensis in vegetative traits, but had much lower seed production, perhaps due to pollen limitation. In general, ornamental M. sinensis performed somewhat better than feral M. sinensis. Our findings suggest that feral populations of “PowerCane” could become established adjacent to biofuel production areas. Fertile Miscanthus × giganteus should be studied further to assess its potential to spread via seed production in large, sexually compatible populations.     

Multi‐cycle recovery of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase from crude whey using fimbriated high‐capacity magnetic cation exchangers and a novel “rotor–stator” high‐gradient magnetic separator

Cerium (IV) initiated “graft‐from” polymerization reactions were employed to convert M‐PVA magnetic particles into polyacrylic acid‐fimbriated magnetic cation exchange supports displaying ultra‐high binding capacity for basic target proteins. The modifications, which were performed at 25 mg and 2.5 g scales, delivered maximum binding capacities (Q_max) for hen egg white lysozyme in excess of 320 mg g^?1, combined with sub‐micromolar dissociation constants (0.45–0.69 µm) and “tightness of binding” values greater than 49 L g^?1. Two batches of polyacrylic acid‐fimbriated magnetic cation exchangers were combined to form a 5 g pooled batch exhibiting Q_max values for lysozyme, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase of 404, 585, and 685 mg g^?1, respectively. These magnetic cation exchangers were subsequently employed together with a newly designed “rotor–stator” type HGMF rig, in five sequential cycles of recovery of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase from 2 L batches of a crude sweet bovine whey feedstock. Lactoferrin purification performance was observed to remain relatively constant from one HGMF cycle to the next over the five operating cycles, with yields between 40% and 49% combined with purification and concentration factors of 37‐ to 46‐fold and 1.3‐ to 1.6‐fold, respectively. The far superior multi‐cycle HGMF performance seen here compared to that observed in our earlier studies can be directly attributed to the combined use of improved high capacity adsorbents and superior particle resuspension afforded by the new “rotor–stator” HGMS design. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1714–1725. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

THE COST OF SEXUAL SIGNALING IN YEAST

The handicap principle holds that costly sexual signals can reliably indicate mate quality. Only individuals of high quality can afford a strong signal—the cost of signaling is relatively lower for high‐quality signalers than for low‐quality signalers. This critical property is difficult to test experimentally because the benefit of signaling on mating success, and cost of signaling on other components of fitness, cannot easily be separated in obligate sexual organisms. We therefore studied the facultatively sexual yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which produces pheromones to attract potential mates. To precisely measure the cost of signaling, the signal was reduced or removed by deleting one or both copies of the pheromone‐encoding genes and measuring asexual growth rate in competition with a wild‐type signaler. We manipulated signaler quality either by changing the quality of the assay environment or by changing the number of deleterious mutations carried. For both types of treatment, we found that the cost of signaling decreased as the quality of the signaler increased, demonstrating that the yeast pheromone signal has the key property required for selection under the handicap principle. We found that cells of high genetic quality produce stronger signals than low‐quality cells, verifying that the signal is indeed honest.     

SPERM COMPETITION AND THE EVOLUTION OF SEMINAL FLUID COMPOSITION

Male ejaculates include large amounts of seminal fluid proteins (Sfps) that influence male sperm competitive success. In spite of their diverse proximate functions, Sfps involved in sperm competition increase male fitness in one of three ways: (1) “avoidance” proteins help males avoid sperm competition, (2) “defense” proteins help males defend their sperm from displacement by the female's subsequent mate, and (3) “offense” proteins aid males in displacing sperm of preceding males. Here, we present a population genetic model of the evolution of allocation of finite resources by males to the three kinds of Sfps. We analyze the influence of relative efficiencies of different Sfps, of plasticity in resource allocation, and of differences in viability costs of Sfps. We find that in absence of plasticity or different viability costs, equal investment in defense and offense Sfps evolves, irrespective of their relative efficiency. In all cases, males evolve to invest more in avoidance when avoidance proteins are increasingly efficient, and when offense is more efficient than defense. Differences in viability costs result in lower investment in costly proteins, whereas plasticity has complex effects, influencing both the optimal seminal fluid composition and maintenance of variation in investment in these proteins across populations.     

Preliminary Observations on the Nature,Taxonomic Composition,Distribution, Behaviour and Nutrient Requirements of the “Unusual” Algal “Jellies” of Oguta Lake in Southeastern Nigeria

Preliminary observations were made between October 1982 and May 1983 on the nature, taxonomic composition, spatial distribution, buoyancy behaviour and nutrient requirements of some unusual planktonic algal “jellies” in Oguta Lake in Southeastern Nigeria. These “jellies” are macroscopic, blue-green algal masses whose excessive mucilage of high consistency acts as substrata for other epiphytic components viz. diatoms and green algae. They are more abundant in the lentic areas of the lake, undergo diurnal vertical movements and have their growth enhanced by spikes of nitrogen and phosphorus salts into their aquatic medium. The effects of these “jellies” on the ecology and general water use of the lake are discussed. Speculations on the reasons for their occurrence are given and possible control measures outlined.     

“Reverse” sexual dichromatism in a Neotropical frog

Sexual dichromatism is widespread among animals, but examples of “reverse” sexual dichromatism, in which females are more brightly colored than males, are extremely rare. We discovered a unique case of reverse sexual dichromatism in the golden rocket frog (Anomaloglossus beebei), a diurnal Neotropical frog. Females are bright “golden” in color, and males are drab tan with brown pigmentation that darkens when they are calling. Here, we document this color variation with calibrated digital photography and further show that there is no evidence for sex‐specific habitat matching; both sexes live in the same well‐lit habitat on green bromeliad leaves. Our results suggest that color variation in this species is an intraspecific signal and provide an important exception to the general expectation that males are more visually conspicuous in species with conventional sex roles.     

Sex‐specific selection on plant architecture through “budget” and “direct” effects in experimental populations of the wind‐pollinated herb,Mercurialis annua

Sexual selection may contribute to the evolution of plant sexual dimorphism by favoring architectural traits in males that improve pollen dispersal to mates. In both sexes, larger individuals may be favored by allowing the allocation of more resources to gamete production (a “budget” effect of size). In wind‐pollinated plants, large size may also benefit males by allowing the liberation of pollen from a greater height, fostering its dispersal (a “direct” effect of size). To assess these effects and their implications for trait selection, we measured selection on plant morphology in both males and females of the wind‐pollinated dioecious herb Mercurialis annua in two separate experimental common gardens at contrasting density. In both gardens, selection strongly favored males that disperse their pollen further. Selection for pollen production was observed in the high‐density garden only, and was weak. In addition, male morphologies associated with increased mean pollen dispersal differed between the two gardens, as elongated branches were favored in the high‐density garden, whereas shorter plants with longer inflorescence stalks were favored in the low‐density garden. Larger females were selected in both gardens. Our results point to the importance of both a direct effect of selection on male traits that affect pollen dispersal, and, to a lesser extent, a budget effect of selection on pollen production.     

Evaluating the “dual selection” hypothesis of canine reduction

A recently proposed model for canine reduction in hominid evolution (the “dual selection” model) suggests that canine reduction occurs as a result for incorporation of the canines into a functional incisal field. Among the evidence used to support this model are patterns of wear and occlusion of the canine teeth, particularly in female anthropoid primates. We examined wear and occlusal patterns of the canine teeth of 311 male and female anthropoid primates. We find no evidence that the canines are typically occluded tip-to-tip, or that they show wear patterns indicating a “gripping and pulling” function during food ingestion and processing. Furthermore, we do not find compelling evidence that the development of the mesial cristid is associated with canine reduction. While we agree that the mechanisms of selective pressures underlying canine reduction need to be investigated, the “dual selection” hypothesis is unsupported by comparative data. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

THE EVOLUTION OF MATE PREFERENCES FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL ORNAMENTS

Males of many species use multiple sexual ornaments in their courtship display. We investigate the evolution of female sexual preferences for more than a single male trait by the handicap process. The handicap process assumes that ornaments are indicators of male quality, and a female benefits from mate choice by her offspring inheriting “good genes” that increase survival chances. A new handicap model is developed that allows equilibria to be given in terms of selection pressures, independent of genetic parameters. Multiple sexual preferences evolve if the overall cost of choice is not greatly increased by a female using additional male traits in her assessment of potential mates. However, only a single preference is evolutionarily stable if assessment of additional male traits greatly increases the overall cost of choice (more than expected by combining the cost of each preference independently). Any single preference can evolve, the outcome being determined by initial conditions. The evolution of one preference effectively blocks the evolution of others, even for traits that are better indicators of male quality. Comparison is made with sexual selection caused by Fisher's runaway process in which male traits are purely attractive characters. This shows that sexual preferences for multiple Fisher traits are likely to evolve alongside preference for a single handicap trait that indicates male quality. This is a general difference in the evolutionary outcome of these two causes of sexual selection.     

Sneaker “jack” males outcompete dominant “hooknose” males under sperm competition in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

In a variety of taxa, males deploy alternative reproductive tactics to secure fertilizations. In many species, small “sneaker” males attempt to steal fertilizations while avoiding encounters with larger, more aggressive, dominant males. Sneaker males usually face a number of disadvantages, including reduced access to females and the higher likelihood that upon ejaculation, their sperm face competition from other males. Nevertheless, sneaker males represent an evolutionarily stable strategy under a wide range of conditions. Game theory suggests that sneaker males compensate for these disadvantages by investing disproportionately in spermatogenesis, by producing more sperm per unit body mass (the “fair raffle”) and/or by producing higher quality sperm (the “loaded raffle”). Here, we test these models by competing sperm from sneaker “jack” males against sperm from dominant “hooknose” males in Chinook salmon. Using two complementary approaches, we reject the fair raffle in favor of the loaded raffle and estimate that jack males were ~1.35 times as likely as hooknose males to fertilize eggs under controlled competitive conditions. Interestingly, the direction and magnitude of this skew in paternity shifted according to individual female egg donors, suggesting cryptic female choice could moderate the outcomes of sperm competition in this externally fertilizing species.     

Mate‐sampling costs and sexy sons

Costly female mating preferences for purely Fisherian male traits (i.e. sexual ornaments that are genetically uncorrelated with inherent viability) are not expected to persist at equilibrium. The indirect benefit of producing ‘sexy sons’ (Fisher process) disappears: in some models, the male trait becomes fixed; in others, a range of male trait values persist, but a larger trait confers no net fitness advantage because it lowers survival. Insufficient indirect selection to counter the direct cost of producing fewer offspring means that preferences are lost. The only well‐cited exception assumes biased mutation on male traits. The above findings generally assume constant direct selection against female preferences (i.e. fixed costs). We show that if mate‐sampling costs are instead derived based on an explicit account of how females acquire mates, an initially costly mating preference can coevolve with a male trait so that both persist in the presence or absence of biased mutation. Our models predict that empirically detecting selection at equilibrium will be difficult, even if selection was responsible for the location of the current equilibrium. In general, it appears useful to integrate mate sampling theory with models of genetic consequences of mating preferences: being explicit about the process by which individuals select mates can alter equilibria.     

Dietary Restraint and Control Over “Wanting” Following Consumption of “Forbidden” Food

Eating behavior can be influenced by the rewarding value of food, i.e., “liking” and “wanting.” The objective of this study was to assess in normal‐weight dietary restrained (NR) vs. unrestrained (NU) eaters how rewarding value of food is affected by satiety, and by eating a nonhealthy perceived, dessert‐specific food vs. a healthy perceived, neutral food (chocolate mousse vs. cottage cheese). Subjects (24NR age = 25.0 ± 8.2 years, BMI = 22.3 ± 2.1 kg/m²; 26NU age = 24.8 ± 8.0 years, BMI = 22.1 ± 1.7 kg/m²) came to the university twice, fasted (randomized crossover design). Per test‐session “liking” and “wanting” for 72 items divided in six categories (bread, filling, drinks, dessert, sweets, stationery (placebo)) was measured, before and after consumption of chocolate mousse/cottage cheese, matched for energy content (5.6 kJ/g) and individual daily energy requirements (10%). Chocolate mousse was liked more than cottage cheese (P < 0.05). After consumption of chocolate mousse or cottage cheese, appetite and “liking” vs. placebo were decreased in NR and NU (P < 0.03), whereas “wanting” was only decreased in NR vs. NU (P ≤ 0.01). In NR vs. NU “wanting” was specifically decreased after chocolate mousse vs. cottage cheese; this decrease concerned especially “wanting” for bread and filling (P < 0.05). To conclude, despite similar decreases in appetite and “liking” after a meal in NR and NU, NR decrease “wanting” in contrast to NU. NR decrease “wanting” specifically for a nonhealthy perceived, “delicious,” dessert‐specific food vs. a nutritional identical, yet healthy perceived, slightly less “delicious,” “neutral” food. A healthy perceived food may thus impose greater risk for control of energy intake in NR.