Life history of a basal bird: morphometrics of the Early Cretaceous Confuciusornis

Confuciusornis sanctus stands out among the remarkable diversity of Mesozoic birds recently unearthed from China. Not only is this primitive beaked pygostylian (birds with abbreviated caudal vertebrae fused into a pygostyle) much more abundant than other avian taxa of this age but differences in plumage between specimens--some having a pair of long stiff tail feathers--have been interpreted as evidence for the earliest example of sexual dimorphism in birds. We report the results of a multivariate morphometric study involving measurements of more than 100 skeletons of C. sanctus. Our analyses do not show any correlation between size distribution and the presence or absence of blade-like rectrices (tail feathers), thus implying, that if these feathers are sexual characters, they are not correlated with sexual size dimorphism. Our results also provide insights into the taxonomy and life history of confuciusornithids, suggesting that these birds may have retained ancestral dinosaurian growth patterns characterized by a midlife exponential growth stage.     

Growth modulation by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in human colonic carcinoma cells: constitutive expression of the human EGF gene

The functional role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in epithelium-derived human colonic carcinoma cells was investigated by transfection with plasmid pUCDS3, which contained synthetic human EGF encoding sequences, into two human colonic carcinoma cell types with dissimilar phenotypic properties: the moderately differentiated and growth factor-responsive Moser and the highly metastatic KM12SM cells. The Moser cells exhibited a proliferative response to treatment with exogenous EGF, while the KM12SM cells did not. The constitutive expression of the human EGF gene in these colonic carcinoma cell types resulted in elevated expression of EGF mRNA, with concurrent production and secretion of a large amount of EGF, and downmodulation of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) secretion. Growth stimulation and down-modulation of both high and low affinity EGF receptors were observed in the EGF-transfected Moser clones. Results of experiments using anti-EGF and anti-EGF-receptor antibody to block the proliferation of EGF-transfected Moser clones suggested that autocrine stimulatory mechanisms involving both EGF and TGF-alpha were operative in these cells. By comparison, a growth-inhibitory effect, with no apparent EGF receptor modulation, was observed in the EGF-transfected KM12SM clones. Both the parental and EGF-transfected KM12SM clones possessed fewer EGF receptors than the Moser cells, and anti-EGF or anti-EGF-receptor antibody did not affect the cells' growth properties. These results suggested that the mechanisms of growth inhibition in the EGF-transfected KM12SM clones were non-autocrine or intracellular in nature. Thus, constitutive expression of the human EGF gene in two phenotypically different, epithelium-derived human colonic carcinoma cells resulted in divergent altered growth characteristics.     

Contribution to the nomenclature of Cortinarius subgenus Dermocybe

The correct citation of Dermocybe as a subgenus of Cortinarius should be: Cortinarius (Fr.) Fr. subgen. Dermocybe (Fr.) Sam., since it was Saccardo who definitely treated Dermocybe at the subgeneric level under the genus Coriinarius . According to the rules of nomenclature, the type species of Dermocybe must be Coriinarius cinnamomeus (L.: Fr.) Fr. Cortinarius croceus (Schaeff.: Fr.) H˜jiland is invalidly combined, and the new combination Cortinarius croceus (Schaeff.) Heiland is proposed. A neotype for Cortinarius croceus is also proposed. Hydrocybe palustris Moser is invalidly published since the author simultaneously published an alternative name, Cortinarius palusiris Moser. Therefore the combinations Dermocybe palustris (Moser) Moser and Coriinarius palusiris (Moser) Nez-dojminogo are invalid. The earliest legitimate name of the taxon is Cortinarius huronensis Ammirati & Smith.
Cortinarius sphagneti Orton is a later homonym of Cortinarius shagneti Sing. The earliest legitimate name of the former taxon is Cortinarius tubarius Ammirati & Smith.     

Differences between early- and late-maturing genotypes of the platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) in the morphometry of their immunoreactive luteinizing hormone releasing hormone-containing cells: a developmental study

Immunoreactive luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (ir-LHRH) containing perikarya, brain nuclei, and pituitary cells were studied during the postnatal development of male sibling platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) genetically determined to reach puberty at two different ages using immunocytochemical, cytological, and morphometric methods. Ir-LHRH-containing perikarya first appear in the nucleus olfactoretinalis (NOR) at 5 weeks of age in early maturers and at 11 weeks in late maturers at a maximum number which is similar in both genotypes and remains constant into adulthood. The dimensions of the NOR and its perikarya increase up to the initiation of sexual maturation (gonopodial stage 2) in both genotypes. In the nucleus preopticus periventricularis (NPP), ir-perikarya appear at stage 2 and are maximum in number at maturity (stage 6) when early maturers have 50% more than late maturers. Measurements for the NPP increase between 1 week and stage 6 in both genotypes. In the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT), ir-perikarya appear soon after stage 2 in early maturers but are never seen in late maturers. Late maturers also have fewer ir-LHRH containing pituitary cells than early maturers. In both genotypes, measurements for the NLT increase to stage 2 and then decrease to stage 6. During sexual development there are differences between early- and late-maturing genotypes in the morphometry of their LHRH-containing brain centers. The timing of sexual development creates significant differences in the cytological and cytometric characteristics of the three ir-LHRH-containing brain nuclei in fish of the same age but different genotype. Our results also show that for both genotypes there is a positive correlation between the total number of ir-LHRH brain neurons and the total number of ir-pituitary cells and both are lower for late maturers at every age and stage.     

INCIPIENT SPECIATION BY SEXUAL ISOLATION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER: VARIATION IN MATING PREFERENCE AND CORRELATION BETWEEN SEXES

Genetic divergence for characters pertaining to reproductive isolation is of considerable interest in evolutionary biology. Since most studies concentrate on sibling species (for recent reviews, see Wu et al. 1996), we would like to know how much genetic variation exists between populations that are at an incipient stage of speciation. To answer this question, we have begun measuring variations in mating preference among natural isolates of Drosophila melanogaster, represented by the cosmopolitan and Zimbabwe sexual races. We quantify the variation in mating preference and success in both sexes by using a multiple-choice design and an index that is suited to cases of strong asymmetry in mate choice. Different designs and indices for measuring sexual isolation are also discussed. These sexual traits are entirely genetically determined. Surveying four populations in southern Africa and additional cosmopolitan lines, we observe extensive genetic variation in sexual characters as well as strong correlation between sexes. The populations are highly differentiated and represent various stages of evolution between the African and the cosmopolitan type of sexual behaviors. The genetic variation and correlation for these sexual characters coupled with their geographical pattern have interesting implications for models of speciation by sexual selection.     

Mechanisms of blockade of glutamate receptors channels: the significance for structural and physiological investigations

The mechanism of blocking effect of phenylcyclohexyl derivative, IEM-1925, on ionotropic glutamate receptors of the NMDA and AMPA types has been studied on the rat isolated brain neurons. The whole-cell configuration of patck clanp recording technique was used equilibrium conditions and -80 mV holding potential, the IEM-1925 manifests nonselective action on open channels of both receptors. However, the prominent differences in the mechanism of the blocking effect were revealed. Although IEM-1925 can not enter the closed channels of both types, its molecule are able to leave closed channels of the AMPA but not the NMDA receptors. Hyperpolarization reduces removal of blocker from the open channels of the NMDA receptors. Contrary to that, hyperpolarization facilitates going out of the IEM-1925 to cytozol from both open and closed channels. Evidently, the bloker can pass through the AMPA receptor channels into the cell, and the gating mechanism of these channels is located above the binding site for the blocker. The blocking action of the IEM-1925 on the NMDA and AMPA receptors was compared with its potency to weaken the tremor evoked by subcutaneous injection of arecoline to mice. The observed differences in the mechanisms of action help to explain the ambiguous effects of channel blocking drugs on experimental models of pathological processes.     

Multiple stressors trigger ecological changes in tropical Lake La Tembladera (Ecuador)

We examined the relationship between cladoceran, limnological, geological and biological variables in a recent sediment sequence to assess the cladoceran community response to flood conditions and human impacts during the last century in shallow Lake La Tembladera, on the southern coast of Ecuador. We recovered three sediment cores from central and littoral locations to analyze cladoceran subfossils and plant macrofossils. Redundancy analysis identified three environmental variables controlling the assemblage composition: the presence of non-aquatic plants, As and Be concentrations in the sediment. Before AD 1925, the surface area of the lake was smaller than it is now and the most representative cladocerans were Euryalona at lower lake levels and Leydigiopsis at relatively higher lake levels. After ca. AD 1925, anthropogenic works increased the lake level and the expanse of the littoral zone, favoring phytophilous cladocerans such as Kurzia. Around ca. AD 1990, the disposal of mining tailings contaminated with arsenic increased cladoceran sexual reproduction (total chydorid ephippia) and favored certain taxa. Our study shows the influence of anthropogenic activities on hydrologic regime, lake stage and heavy metal contamination and our results indicate the environmental trajectory of this lake, as it shifted from more natural to more impacted conditions in the last century.     

Ultrastructure of Infection, Development and Gametocyst Formation of Ascogregarina taiwanensis (Apicomplexa: Lecudinidae) in Its Mosquito Host, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

ABSTRACT. The life history of the protozoan parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis in mosquito larvae ( Aedes albopictus , collected in southern Taiwan) was shown to consist of two consecutive stages—intracellular and extracellular. Light microscopy showed that most trophozoites moved into the Malpighian tubules and developed into giant trophozoites during the first day pupa. The locomotion may be associated with bristle-like ridges of the trophozoite. The stage for sexual reproduction, i.e. the gamete, was then formed by segmentation of the giant trophozoite and twisting off the anucleate extremities of the body. Sexual reproduction occurred via fertilization by fusion of two resulting gametes, presumably two opposed sexes. The fused gametes finally generate the formation of the gametocyst, within which oocysts develop by budding from the cytoplasmic mass. This type of sexual reproduction has not been reported previously in any gregarine protozoa. We here proposed it as a new hypothesis for further elucidation of the protozoan reproduction.     

Haldane's rule: hybrid sterility affects the heterogametic sex first because sexual differentiation is on the path to species differentiation

Prevention of recombination is needed to preserve both phenotypic differentiation between species and sexual phenotypic differentiation within species. For species differentiation (speciation), isolating barriers preventing recombination may be pre-zygotic (gamete transfer barriers), or post-zygotic (either a developmental barrier resulting in hybrid inviability, or a chromosomal-pairing barrier resulting in hybrid sterility). The sterility barrier is usually the first to appear and, although often initially only manifest in the heterogametic sex (Haldane's rule), is finally manifest in both sexes. For sexual differentiation, the first and only barrier is chromosomal-pairing, and always applies to the heterogametic sex. For regions of sex chromosomes affecting sexual differentiation there must be something analogous to the process generating the hybrid sterility seen when allied species cross. Explanations for Haldane's rule have generally assumed that the chromosomal-pairing barrier initiating evolutionary divergence into species is due to incompatibilities between gene products ("genic), or sets of gene products ("polygenic), rather than between chromosomes per se ("chromosomal"). However, if chromosomal incompatibilities promoting incipient sexual differentiation could also contribute to the process of incipient speciation, then a step towards speciation would have been taken in the heterogametic sex. Thus, incipient speciation, manifest as hybrid sterility when "varieties" are crossed, would appear at the earliest stage in the heterogametic sex, even in genera with homomorphic sex chromosomes (Haldane's rule for hybrid sterility). In contrast, it has been proposed that Haldane's rule for hybrid inviability needs differences in dosage compensation, so could not apply to genera with homomorphic sex chromosomes.     

Expression of sexual ornaments in a polymorphic species: phenotypic variation in response to environmental risk

Secondary sexual traits may evolve under the antagonistic context of sexual and natural selection. In some polymorphic species, these traits are only expressed during the breeding period and are differently expressed in alternative phenotypes. However, it is unknown whether such phenotypes exhibit phenotypic plasticity of seasonal ornamentations in response to environmental pressures such as in the presence of fish (predation risk). This is an important question to understand the evolution of polyphenisms. We used facultative paedomorphosis in newts as a model system because it involves the coexistence of paedomorphs that retain gills in the adult stage with metamorphs that have undergone metamorphosis, but also because newts exhibit seasonal sexual traits. Our aim was therefore to determine the influence of fish on the development of seasonal ornamentation in the two phenotypes of the palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus). During the entire newt breeding period, we assessed the importance of phenotype and fish presence with an information‐theoretic approach. Our results showed that paedomorphs presented much less developed ornamentation than metamorphs and those ornamentations varied over time. Fish inhibited the development of sexual traits but differently between phenotypes: in contrast to metamorphs, paedomorphs lack the phenotypic plasticity of sexual traits to environmental risk. This study points out that internal and external parameters act in complex ways in the expression of seasonal sexual ornamentations and that similar environmental pressure can induce a contrasted evolution in alternative phenotypes.     

The period of sexual maturation and the age at mating in Iridomyrmex humilis, an ant with intranidal mating

The process of sexual maturation was studied in the ant Iridomyrmex humilis. Spermatogenesis starts during the pupal stage and sperm is transferred to the seminal vesicles during the first four days after emergence. The testes start to degenerate early in the pupal stage and totally shrivel up during the first days after emergence. Males therefore have a fixed amount of sperm. Both males and females reach sexual maturity only 2–3 days after emergence; some of them mate as early as the first day after emergence. Overall, it appears that the length of time needed to reach sexual maturity in ants is highly correlated with the mode of colony founding. The maturation period is much longer in those species in which young queens initiate colonies without the help of workers (independent founding) than in those where young queens need the help of workers (dependent founding). This is probably associated with the fact that independent founding queens require large amounts of energy reserves in order to found colonies; these energy reserves are accumulated after emergence. In contrast, dependent founding queens do not accumulate as many energy reserves and are therefore sexually receptive at a younger age.     

Identification of differentially expressed cDNA sequences in ovaries of sexual and apomictic plants of Brachiaria brizantha

The isolation of genes associated with apomixis would improve understanding of the molecular mechanism of this mode of reproduction in plants as well as open the possibility of transfer of apomixis to sexual plants, enabling cloning of crops through seeds. Brachiaria brizantha is a highly apomictic grass species with 274 tetraploid apomicts accessions and only one diploid sexual. In this study we have compared gene expression in ovaries at megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis of sexual and apomictic accessions of B. brizantha by differential display (DD-PCR), with 60 primer combinations. Specificity of 65 cloned fragments, checked by reverse northern blot analysis, showed that 11 clones were differentially expressed, 6 in apomictic ovaries, 2 in sexual and 3 in apomictic and sexual, but at different stages. Of the 6 sequences isolated that were preferentially expressed in the apomictic accession: one sequence was from ovaries at megasporogenesis stage; three were from megagametogenesis stage; two were from both stages. Of the two sequences isolated from the sexual accessions, one showed expression in ovaries at megagametogenesis, while the other sequence was shown to be specific to both stages. Three sequences were from megasporogenesis stage in apomicts but were also detected at megagametogenesis in sexual plants. Sequence analysis showed that 5 of the 11 clones had no apparent homologues in the protein database. Some of the clones identified as apomictic-specific shared homology with known genes enabling their functional annotation. The relationships of these functions to the generation of the apomictic trait are discussed.     

Two sexes,one genome: the evolutionary dynamics of intralocus sexual conflict

As the evolutionary interests of males and females are frequently divergent, a trait value that is optimal for the fitness of one sex is often not optimal for the other. A shared genome also means that the same genes may underlie the same trait in both sexes. This can give rise to a form of sexual antagonism, known as intralocus sexual conflict (IASC). Here, a tug‐of‐war over allelic expression can occur, preventing the sexes from reaching optimal trait values, thereby causing sex‐specific reductions in fitness. For some traits, it appears that IASC can be resolved via sex‐specific regulation of genes that subsequently permits sexual dimorphism; however, it seems that whole‐genome resolution may be impossible, due to the genetic architecture of certain traits, and possibly due to the changing dynamics of selection. In this review, we explore the evolutionary mechanisms of, and barriers to, IASC resolution. We also address the broader consequences of this evolutionary feud, the possible interactions between intra‐ and interlocus sexual conflict (IRSC: a form of sexual antagonism involving different loci in each sex), and draw attention to issues that arise from using proxies as measurements of conflict. In particular, it is clear that the sex‐specific fitness consequences of sexual dimorphism require characterization before making assumptions concerning how this relates to IASC. Although empirical data have shown consistent evidence of the fitness effects of IASC, it is essential that we identify the alleles mediating these effects in order to show IASC in its true sense, which is a “conflict over shared genes.”     

The eyes have it: sex and sexual orientation differences in pupil dilation patterns

Recent research suggests profound sex and sexual orientation differences in sexual response. These results, however, are based on measures of genital arousal, which have potential limitations such as volunteer bias and differential measures for the sexes. The present study introduces a measure less affected by these limitations. We assessed the pupil dilation of 325 men and women of various sexual orientations to male and female erotic stimuli. Results supported hypotheses. In general, self-reported sexual orientation corresponded with pupil dilation to men and women. Among men, substantial dilation to both sexes was most common in bisexual-identified men. In contrast, among women, substantial dilation to both sexes was most common in heterosexual-identified women. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed. Because the measure of pupil dilation is less invasive than previous measures of sexual response, it allows for studying diverse age and cultural populations, usually not included in sexuality research.     

A fungal sexual revolution: Aspergillus and Penicillium show the way

Fungi have some of the most diverse sex lives in nature, ranging from self-fertility to obligate outcrossing systems with several thousand different sexes, although at least 20% of fungal species have no known sexual stage. However, recent evidence suggests that many supposed 'asexual' species do indeed have the potential to undergo sexual reproduction. Using experimental and genomic findings from Aspergillus and Penicillium species as examples, it is argued that evidence such as the presence and expression of apparently functional sex-related genes, the distribution of mating-type genes, detection of recombination from population genetic analyses, and the discovery of extant sexual cycles reveal an on-going revolution in the understanding of fungal asexuality.     

Comparative morphology of the carpel in the Liliaceae: Wurmbaeae

The two genera of Buxbaum's tribe Wurmbaeae, Anguillaria and Wurmbea , have multiovulate carpels. There are deep septal indentations between the carpels of Anguillaria , but the wings of adjoining carpels are fused to solid septa in most species of Wurmbea. In Anguillaria the carpels have open sutures or prominent commissural markings; in Wurmbea the carpels generally lack these characteristics, and some species have a vascularized, columella-like axis in the centre of the pistil. In both genera there are a dorsal bundle, lateral bundles, and two placental bundles in each carpel. At the inner edge of the septum there are one or two septal bundles in Anguillaria and one or none in Wurmbea. The ovules are monotegmic, the integument and funiculus being partly fused in Anguillaria and mostly fused in Wurmbea. An obturator is present in Anguillaria but absent from most species of Wurmbea.