Linking Physiology To Ecological Function: Environmental Conditions Affect Performance And Size Of The Intertidal Kelp Hedophyllum Sessile (Laminariales,Phaeophyceae)

For autogenic ecosystem engineers, body size is an aspect of individual performance that has direct connections to community structure; yet the complex morphology of these species can make it difficult to draw clear connections between the environment and performance. We combined laboratory experiments and field surveys to test the hypothesis that individual body size was determined by disparate localized physiological responses to environmental conditions across the complex thallus of the intertidal kelp Hedophyllum sessile, a canopy‐forming physical ecosystem engineer. We documented substantial (> 40%) declines in whole‐thallus photosynthetic potential (as Maximum Quantum Yield, MQY) as a consequence of emersion, which were related to greater than 10‐fold increases in intra‐thallus MQY variability (as Coefficient of Variation). In laboratory experiments, desiccation and high light levels during emersion led to lasting impairment of photosynthetic potential and an immediate > 25% reduction in area due to tissue contraction, which was followed by complete loss of structural integrity after three days of submersion. Tissue exposed to desiccation and high light during emersion had higher nitrogen concentrations and lower phlorotannin concentrations than tissue in control treatments (on average 1.36 and 0.1x controls, respectively), suggesting that conditions during emersion have the potential to affect food quality for consumers. Our data indicate that the complex thallus morphology of H. sessile may be critical to this kelp’s ability to persist in the intertidal zone despite the physiological challenges of emersion and encourage a more nuanced view of the concept of “sub‐lethal stress” on the scale of the whole individual.     

Using RAD‐seq to develop sex‐linked markers in a haplodiplontic alga

For many taxa, including isomorphic haplodiplontic macroalgae, determining sex and ploidy is challenging, thereby limiting the scope of some population demographic and genetic studies. Here, we used double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD‐seq) to identify sex‐linked molecular markers in the widespread red alga Agarophyton vermiculophyllum. In the ddRAD‐seq library, we included 10 female gametophytes, 10 male gametophytes, and 16 tetrasporophytes from one native and one non‐native site (N = 40 gametophytes and N = 32 tetrasporophytes total). We identified seven putatively female‐linked and 19 putatively male‐linked sequences. Four female‐ and eight male‐linked markers amplified in all three life cycle stages. Using one female‐ and one male‐linked marker that were sex‐specific, we developed a duplex PCR and tested the efficacy of this assay on a subset of thalli sampled at two sites in the non‐native range. We confirmed ploidy based on the visual observation of reproductive structures and previous microsatellite genotyping at 10 polymorphic loci. For 32 vegetative thalli, we were able to assign sex and confirm ploidy in these previously genotyped thalli. These markers will be integral to ongoing studies of A. vermiculophyllum invasion. We discuss the utility of RAD‐seq over other approaches previously used, such as RAPDs (random amplified polymorphic DNA), for future work designing sex‐linked markers in other haplodiplontic macroalgae for which genomes are lacking.     

Exploring the role of microRNAs in axolotl regeneration

The axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, is used extensively for research in developmental biology, particularly for its ability to regenerate and restore lost organs, including in the nervous system, to full functionality. Regeneration in mammals typically depends on the healing process and scar formation with limited replacement of lost tissue. Other organisms, such as spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus), salamanders, and zebrafish, are able to regenerate some damaged body components. Blastema is a tissue that is formed after tissue injury in such organisms and is composed of progenitor cells or dedifferentiated cells that differentiate into various cell types during regeneration. Thus, identifying the molecules responsible for initiation of blastema formation is an important aspect for understanding regeneration. Introns, a major source of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), have characteristic sizes in the axolotl, particularly in genes associated with development. These ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), exhibit dynamic regulation during regeneration. These miRNAs play an essential role in timing and control of gene expression to order and organize processes necessary for blastema creation. Master keys or molecules that underlie the remarkable regenerative abilities of the axolotl remain to be fully explored and exploited. Further and ongoing research on regeneration promises new knowledge that may allow improved repair and renewal of human tissues.     

Cyclic environmental changes during the Early Toarcian at the Mochras Farm Borehole (Wales): a variable response of the foraminiferal community

Cyclostratigraphical analysis of the foraminiferal assemblages from the Early Toarcian at the Mochras Farm Borehole (Wales) was conducted in order to evaluate the incidence of cyclic palaeoenvironmental changes on the foraminiferal community. Different variables such as type of morphogroup, evolutionary strategy, habitat, particular taxa, diversity and abundance were studied using the Lomb–Scargle periodogram implemented in the computer program SLOMBS. A well‐developed cyclostratigraphical pattern is recognized, with the presence of several cycles (in metres) at 3.4–4/7.2–7.5/10.1–10.6/32.1–33.3/104.2–111.2/128.2/166.7, belonging to the high‐, middle‐, middle‐/low‐, and low‐frequency bands. The incidence and relevance of the cycles is found to be related to particular variables marking the global and local character of the involved processes. Cyclic changes in the organic matter input are found to be the most relevant palaeoenvironmental factor, oxygenation being secondary. A correspondence with specific Milankovitch cycles is, at present, difficult to determine.     

A Permian nurse log and evidence for facilitation in high‐latitude Glossopteris forests

The biology of trees that grew in high‐latitude forests during warmer geological periods is of major interest in understanding past and future ecosystem dynamics. As we study the different plants that composed these forests, it becomes possible to make comparisons with ecosystem processes that occur today. Here we describe a silicified late Permian (Lopingian) glossopterid (seed fern) trunk from Skaar Ridge, central Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica, with evidence of glossopterid rootlets growing into its wood. The specimen is interpreted as a nurse log similar to those seen in some extant forests. Together with evidence of glossopterid roots growing within the lacunae of older roots, this new specimen suggests the existence of facilitative interactions among the glossopterid trees that dominated the high‐latitude forests of Gondwana during the late Permian. More generally, the existence of self‐facilitation might have favoured the expansion of glossopterids within various environments, especially those at high palaeolatitudes, during the Permian icehouse to greenhouse transition.     

喀什边境口岸陆运卡车及集装箱污染的新冠病毒基因特征分析

新疆维吾尔自治区喀什地区作为我国与中亚和欧洲的重要陆路货运口岸,来往货物运输频繁,引入新型冠状病毒(SARS-CoV-2)风险大,对我国新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)疫情防控造成压力.2020年11月我国新疆维吾尔自治区喀什地区发生输入SARS-CoV-2导致的本土聚集性COVID-19疫情.为明确货物运输载体携带SARS-CoV-2的基因特征以及边境快速物流系统作为SARS-CoV-2传播载体的可能性,本研究对2020年11月6日-2020年11月10日期间在喀什边境口岸货运卡车及运输的集装箱采集的35份SARS-CoV-2核酸阳性样本进行SARS-CoV-2全基因组序列测定和比对分析.结果 显示,35份样本ORFlab基因Ct值的中位数(最小值～最大值)为37.64(28.91～39.81),N基因Ct值的中位数(最小值～最大值)为36.50(26.35～39.30),Reads数匹配率的中位数(最小值～最大值)为51.95％(0.86％～99.31％),病毒载量较低;35份样本中基因组覆盖度达到70％以上的共计18份.基于Pango命名法,18条SARS-CoV-2基因组序列分别属于B.1、B.1.1、B.1.9、B.1.1.220、B.1.153和B.1.465共6个不同的基因型,其中3个基因型(B.1、B.1.1和B.1.153)在喀什边境接壤或邻近的四个国家同期采集的病例样本中也有发现.核苷酸突变位点和系统进化树分析显示,同一个地点采集的样本病毒基因组相似程度高;18条序列中的4条与喀什COVID-19疫情毒株代表序列处在同一个进化分支;其中1条序列与喀什COVID-19疫情毒株基因组存在1个或2个核苷酸突变位点差异,高度同源.本研究证实喀什COVID-19疫情期间边境货运卡车和集装箱存在境外多种基因型病毒的污染,其中存在喀什COVID-19疫情毒株的祖父代病毒,高度提示边境快速物流系统卡车及集装箱作为载体携带SARS-CoV-2病毒入境造成了本土疫情,这些数据为我国边境口岸地区的新冠防控策略制定及后续疫情溯源提供了关键的参考依据.