Environmentally induced changes in carotenoid-based coloration of female lizards: a comment on Vercken et al.

Colouration may either reflect a discrete polymorphism potentially related to life-history strategies, a continuous signal related to individual quality or a combination of both. Recently, Vercken et al. [J. Evol. Biol. (2007) 221] proposed three discrete ventral colour morphs in female common lizards, Lacerta vivipara, and suggested that they reflect alternative reproductive strategies. Here, we provide a quantitative assessment of the phenotypic distribution and determinants of the proposed colour polymorphism. Based on reflectance spectra, we found no evidence for three distinct visual colour classes, but observed continuous variation in colour from pale yellow to orange. Based on a 2-year experiment, we also provide evidence for reversible colour plasticity in response to a manipulation of the adult population sex ratio; yet, a significant portion of the colour variation was invariant throughout an adult female's life. Our results are thus in agreement with continuous colour variation in adults determined by environmental factors and potentially also by genetic factors.

González et al. Reply

A Reply to the Comment by K. E. Nagaev

Phylogenetic and pathotype analysis of Escherichia coli swine isolates from Southern Brazil

The current study evaluated the presence of virulence factors by a multiplex PCR technique and then phylogenetically classified the studied strains into groups A, B1, B2 and D, according to Clermont et al. (2000), in 152 intestinal and extraintestinal swine isolates of Escherichia coli. Seventy seven isolates tested were positive for virulence factors. Phylogenetic characterization placed 21 samples into group A, 65 into B1, 19 into B2 and 47 into D. Fourteen urine samples were classified as uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), nine were both UPEC and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and four were ETEC only. The most common phylogenetic classifications were B1 and D groups. Of the analyzed fecal samples, 25 were classified as ETEC. Phylogenetically, the group of higher occurrence was B1, followed by B2, A and D. For the small intestine samples, 20 were classified as ETEC. Phylogenetic analysis found groups B1 and A to be the most commons in these samples. Six isolated tissue samples were classified as ETEC and most of them were designated as group D by phylogenetic classification. The phylogenetic analysis could be employed in veterinary laboratories in the E. coli isolates screening, including the possibility of vaccine strain selection and epidemiological searches.

Magnus Erikssons stadslag et al. (MS F.ö.V.25)

A collection of laws prepared copied ca. 1591 by a Mathias Erici from Rauma, perhaps a judge or a teacher.

Chansons françaises du 16e siècle / Garnier, Gentian, Sermisy... [et al.], comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit.

Comprend : Resveillez-moi / Garnier, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; La loy d'honneur / Gentian, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; En entrant en ung jardin / Sermisy, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; Jehan de Lagny / Berchem, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; Que feu craintif / Berchem, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; Gros Jehan menoit hors de Paris / N. René, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit.