Genome-wide identification of MIKC-type genes related to stamen and gynoecium development in Liriodendron

The organogenesis and development of reproductive organs, i.e., stamen and gynoecium, are important floral characteristics that are closely related to pollinators and reproductive fitness. As a genus from Magnoliaceae, Liriodendron has only two relict species: L. chinense and L. tulipifera. Despite the similar flower shapes of these species, their natural seed-setting rates differ significantly, implying interspecies difference in floral organogenesis and development. MADS-box genes, which participate in floral organogenesis and development, remain unexplored in Liriodendron. Here, to explore the interspecies difference in floral organogenesis and development and identify MADS-box genes in Liriodendron, we examined the stamen and gynoecium primordia of the two Liriodendron species by scanning electron microscopy combined with paraffin sectioning, and then collected two types of primordia for RNA-seq. A total of 12 libraries were constructed and 42,268 genes were identified, including 35,269 reference genes and 6,999 new genes. Monoterpenoid biosynthesis was enriched in L. tulipifera. Genome-wide analysis of 32 MADS-box genes was conducted, including phylogenetic trees, exon/intron structures, and conserved motif distributions. Twenty-six genes were anchored on 17 scaffolds, and six new genes had no location information. The expression profiles of MIKC-type genes via RT-qPCR acrossing six stamen and gynoecium developmental stages indicates that the PI-like, AG/STK-like, SEP-like, and SVP-like genes may contribute to the species-specific differentiation of the organogenesis and development of reproductive organs in Liriodendron. Our findings laid the groundwork for the future exploration of the mechanism underlying on the interspecific differences in reproductive organ development and fitness in Liriodendron.

Swamp, Sound, Sign: Reflections on interspecies difference in compositional practice

Soundscape composition and environmental sound art already imply critiques and negotiations of nature/culture divide and human/non-human difference. This article, along with the composition it frames, thinks through a vision of environmental sound art that completes a link between sonic practice and its object. As a project, it navigates human/animal difference through a sonic knowing which is founded on life’s shared constitution in signs. Sounds beyond spoken words, like the signs that dominate non-human life, are foundationally non-symbolic, and the ability of environmental sound art to resemble and evoke networks of icons and indices is in some respects a privileged position of electroacoustic music. The article presents a non-dualistic sonic thinking within the decentred perspective of the environment, which emerges as a plural product of its engagements and participants. A vision for soundscape composition is presented, along with a frame for its interpretation as sonic thought, or phonosophy.

Dorsal Branches of Abdominal Aorta in the Rabbit and the European Hare

The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical arrangement of the branches arising from the dorsal surface of the aorta abdominalis in the rabbit and the hare. The study was carried out on ten adult rabbits and ten adult European hares using the corrosion technique. After the euthanasia, the vascular network was perfused with saline. After polymerization of the casting medium, the maceration was carried out in a KOH solution. We found different variations in; the number of arteries, level of their origin and arrangement. The aa. lumbales of the same level arose by means of a common trunk or their origin was independent. The aa. lumbales VI or aa. lumbales VI et VII originated also from the a. sacralis mediana. By aa. lumbales we found an important interspecies difference in; number, diameter, ramification and density of dorsal branches, which are designated for the dorsal muscles of the body stem. All listed parameters of branches were higher in the hare. This anatomical arrangement of dorsal branches is adapted to the higher movement activity of the hare. According to our results, it can be concluded that the anatomical arrangement of the branches of the aorta abdominalis shows a higher number of variations in the domesticated rabbit in comparison with the hare.