Genetics of adaptation: Experimental test of a biotic mechanism driving divergence in traits and genes.

The genes underlying adaptations are becoming known, yet the causes of selection on genes-a key step in the study of the genetics of adaptation-remains uncertain. We address this issue experimentally in a threespine stickleback species pair showing exaggerated divergence in bony defensive armor in association with competition-driven character displacement. We used semi-natural ponds to test the role of a native predator in causing divergent evolution of armor and two known underlying genes. Predator presence/absence altered selection on dorsal spines and allele frequencies at the Msx2a gene across a generation. Evolutionary trajectories of alleles at a second gene, Pitx1, and the pelvic spine trait it controls, were more variable. Our experiment demonstrates how manipulation of putative selective agents helps to identify causes of evolutionary divergence at key genes, rule out phenotypic plasticity as a sole determinant of phenotypic differences, and eliminate reliance on fitness surrogates. Divergence of predation regimes in sympatric stickleback is associated with coevolution in response to resource competition, implying a cascade of biotic interactions driving species divergence. We suggest that as divergence proceeds, an increasing number of biotic interactions generate divergent selection, causing more evolution in turn. In this way, biotic adaptation perpetuates species divergence through time during adaptive radiation in an expanding number of traits and genes

Detecting variable responses in time-series using repeated measures ANOVA: Application to physiologic challenges.

We present an approach to analyzing physiologic timetrends recorded during a stimulus by comparing means at each time point using repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA). The approach allows temporal patterns to be examined without an a priori model of expected timing or pattern of response. The approach was originally applied to signals recorded from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) volumes-of-interest (VOI) during a physiologic challenge, but we have used the same technique to analyze continuous recordings of other physiological signals such as heart rate, breathing rate, and pulse oximetry. For fMRI, the method serves as a complement to whole-brain voxel-based analyses, and is useful for detecting complex responses within pre-determined brain regions, or as a post-hoc analysis of regions of interest identified by whole-brain assessments. We illustrate an implementation of the technique in the statistical software packages R and SAS. VOI timetrends are extracted from conventionally preprocessed fMRI images. A timetrend of average signal intensity across the VOI during the scanning period is calculated for each subject. The values are scaled relative to baseline periods, and time points are binned. In SAS, the procedure PROC MIXED implements the RMANOVA in a single step. In R, we present one option for implementing RMANOVA with the mixed model function "lme". Model diagnostics, and predicted means and differences are best performed with additional libraries and commands in R; we present one example. The ensuing results allow determination of significant overall effects, and time-point specific within- and between-group responses relative to baseline. We illustrate the technique using fMRI data from two groups of subjects who underwent a respiratory challenge. RMANOVA allows insight into the timing of responses and response differences between groups, and so is suited to physiologic testing paradigms eliciting complex response patterns

Fault identification using multidisciplinary techniques at the Mars/Uranus Station antenna sites

A fault investigation was performed at the Mars and Uranus antenna sites at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in the Mojave desert. The Mars/Uranus Station consists of two large-diameter reflector antennas used for communication and control of deep-space probes and other missions. The investigation included interpretation of Landsat thematic mapper scenes, side-looking airborne radar transparencies, and both color-infrared and black-and-white aerial photography. Four photolineaments suggestive of previously undocumented faults were identified. Three generally discrete morphostratigraphic alluvial-fan deposits were also recognized and dated using geomorphic and soil stratigraphic techniques. Fourteen trenches were excavated across the four lineaments; the trenches show that three of the photolineaments coincide with faults. The last displacement of two of the faults occurred between about 12,000 and 35,000 years ago. The third fault was judged to be older than 12,000 years before present (ybp), although uncertainty remains. None of the surface traces of the three faults crosses under existing antennas or structures; however, their potential activity necessitates appropriate seismic retrofit designs and loss-prevention measures to mitigate potential earthquake damage to facilities and structures

Fertilizer and seeds demand in Kenya from 1982 / 83 to 1990 / 91

The paper discusses fertilizer use and demand while taking into account nutrient requirements, variation in application rates by districts and marginal returns to fertilizer use. The paper also addresses the problem of availability and cost of fertilizers and seeds in the rural districts of Kisiia nd Nyeri. It also examines the margins in the distribution of fertilizer and seeds. In addition, the parer discusses policy alternatives to promote fertilizer use and to ascertain adequate seed availability for the most important crops

Complex Patterns of Gene Duplication in the APETALA3 and PISTILLATA Lineages of the Ranunculaceae

It has been proposed that the diversification of the MADS-box gene family of transcription factors has played a major role in the radiation of land plants. This suggestion is based on the critical roles that these genes play in plant development and the apparent coincidence of key duplication events with major radiations, such as the establishment of the B and C lineages concurrent with the evolution of the seed plants. On a more recent scale, it is also possible that subsequent duplication events have contributed to later morphological diversifications. In order to investigate this possibility, we are studying the evolution of homologs of the petal and stamen identity genes APETALA3 (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI) in the Ranunculaceae. In this family, the AP3 and PI lineages have undergone many duplication events at every phylogenetic level. Early duplications gave rise to three paralogous AP3 lineages, which are found throughout the family. In contrast, numerous duplications have occurred relatively recently in the PI lineage. We outline a hypothesis that these duplications have played a role in the evolution of the unique types of petaloid organs in the Ranunculaceae and present preliminary expression data supporting such a scenario.Organismic and Evolutionary Biolog

Laryngeal features are phonetically abstract : mismatch negativity evidence from Arabic, English, and Russian

2016-2017 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journal201804_a bcmaVersion of RecordPublishe