Assortative mating as a mechanism for rapid evolution of a migratory divide

There have been numerous recent observations of changes in the behavior and dynamics of migratory bird populations, but the plasticity of the migratory trait and our inability to track small animals over large distances have hindered investigation of the mechanisms behind migratory change. We used habitat-specific stable isotope signatures to show that recently evolved allopatric wintering populations of European blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla pair assortatively on their sympatric breeding grounds. Birds wintering further north also produce larger clutches and fledge more young. These findings describe an important process in the evolution of migratory divides, new migration routes, and wintering quarters. Temporal segregation of breeding is a way in which subpopulations of vertebrates may become isolated in sympatry.     

Antigen recognition determinants of gammadelta T cell receptors

The molecular basis of gammadelta T cell receptor (TCR) recognition is poorly understood. Here, we analyze the TCR sequences of a natural gammadelta T cell population specific for the major histocompatibility complex class Ib molecule T22. We find that T22 recognition correlates strongly with a somatically recombined TCRdelta complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) motif derived from germ line-encoded residues. Sequence diversity around these residues modulates TCR ligand-binding affinities, whereas V gene usage correlates mainly with tissue origin. These results show how an antigen-specific gammadelta TCR repertoire can be generated at a high frequency and suggest that gammadelta T cells recognize a limited number of antigens.     

Epidemiology of drug abuse: an overview

Issues regarding the use of epidemiology in drug abuse research are discussed and systems for monitoring national trends and identifying risk factors are described. Data indicate a general decline in marijuana use among youth, a cohort aging effect among heroin and marijuana users, and increased prevalence and health consequences associated with cocaine use.     

Steelhead migration: potential temperature effects as indicated by gill adenosine triphosphatase activities

Yearling steelhead trout held in fresh water at cold temperatures (6.5 degrees or 10 degrees C) showed an increase in gill microsomal Na(+), K(+)-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase activity during parr-smolt transformation, whereas trout held in warm water (15 degrees or 20 degrees C) did not. Adenosine triphosphatase activity increased and other indications of transformation were observed in fish transferred from warm to cold water, whereas the reverse occurred on transfer from cold to warm water.     

Apoptosis initiated when BH3 ligands engage multiple Bcl-2 homologs, not Bax or Bak

A central issue in the regulation of apoptosis by the Bcl-2 family is whether its BH3-only members initiate apoptosis by directly binding to the essential cell-death mediators Bax and Bak, or whether they can act indirectly, by engaging their pro-survival Bcl-2-like relatives. Contrary to the direct-activation model, we show that Bax and Bak can mediate apoptosis without discernable association with the putative BH3-only activators (Bim, Bid, and Puma), even in cells with no Bim or Bid and reduced Puma. Our results indicate that BH3-only proteins induce apoptosis at least primarily by engaging the multiple pro-survival relatives guarding Bax and Bak.     

The pace of shifting climate in marine and terrestrial ecosystems

Climate change challenges organisms to adapt or move to track changes in environments in space and time. We used two measures of thermal shifts from analyses of global temperatures over the past 50 years to describe the pace of climate change that species should track: the velocity of climate change (geographic shifts of isotherms over time) and the shift in seasonal timing of temperatures. Both measures are higher in the ocean than on land at some latitudes, despite slower ocean warming. These indices give a complex mosaic of predicted range shifts and phenology changes that deviate from simple poleward migration and earlier springs or later falls. They also emphasize potential conservation concerns, because areas of high marine biodiversity often have greater velocities of climate change and seasonal shifts.     

Historical and recent tomato black ring virus and beet ringspot virus isolate genomes reveal interspecies recombination and plant health regulation inconsistencies

Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) and beet ringspot virus (BRSV) are closely related but distinct members of subgroup B of the genus Nepovirus. Both viruses have broad host ranges and are transmitted by seed, pollen, and ectoparasitic nematodes. Although 13 TBRV and 3 BRSV genome sequences were already available, no attempt has been made to link sequence data from these recent sequences with those of historical isolates studied in the pre-sequencing era. High-throughput sequencing was used to generate eight new TBRV and BRSV genome sequences from three historical >60-year-old and two >30-year-old isolates, and three more recent isolates. These eight isolates were from the Czech Republic, Germany, and the UK. We compared these with all genomes sequenced previously. Intraspecies recombination (three of four TBRV and two of four BRSV isolates) was frequent amongst the eight new genomes. Interspecies recombination was also present within the RNA1 of TBRV isolates BRSV-3393 SG GB and BRSV-9888 ST GB. No satellite RNAs were associated with the eight new genomes. Two commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits used to detect TBRV during routine testing differed in that one detected only TBRV and the other only BRSV, so they are likely to provide incorrect but potentially complementary virus occurrence information. We suggest both ELISA kits, or appropriate molecular tests, be used by biosecurity authorities to avoid this problem. This study illustrates the value of sequencing historical isolates preserved from the pre-sequencing era.