Polyspecific associations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cercopithecus campbelli</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. petaurista</Emphasis> with <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. diana</Emphasis>: what are the costs and benefits?

Polyspecific associations (PSA) are common in many African primate communities, including the diurnal primates at Taï Forest, Côte d’Ivoire. In this paper I use data on the PSA of two forest guenons, Campbell’s (Cercopithecus campbelli) and lesser spot-nosed monkeys (C. petaurista), with Diana monkeys (C. diana) and other primates to clarify interspecific relationships during 17 months including a 3-month low-fruit period. I analyzed association in relation to fruit availability and measured forest strata use for C. campbelli and C. petaurista when alone and in associations with and without C. diana. I also measured predator risk and reactions to potential predators. C. campbelli and C. petaurista had high association rates with C. diana monkeys, and fruit availability did not influence association rates. C. campbelli and C. petaurista used higher strata when in association with C. diana than when alone, but they used even higher strata when associated with other primates without C. diana. This suggested that C. diana competitively exclude C. campbelli and C. petaurista from higher strata. There were relatively large numbers of potential predators, and C. diana were usually the first callers to threatening stimuli, suggesting that antipredator benefits of association with C. diana outweighed the competitive costs. C. campbelli spent more time in association with C. diana than C. petaurista did and appeared to be more reliant on C. diana for antipredator benefits. C. petaurista were less reliant on C. diana because of a cryptic strategy and may have associated less in some months because of high chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) presence.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Armillifer</Emphasis>-Infected Snakes Sold at Congolese Bushmeat Markets Represent an Emerging Zoonotic Threat

African pythons (Pythonidae) and large vipers (Bitis spp.) act as definitive hosts for Armillifer armillatus and Armillifer grandis parasites (Crustacea: Pentastomida) in the Congo Basin. Since the proportion of snakes in bushmeat gradually increases, human pentastomiasis is an emerging zoonotic disease. To substantiate the significance of this threat, we surveyed snakes offered for human consumption at bushmeat markets in the Kole district, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the presence of adult pentastomids. In Bitis vipers (n = 40), Armillifer spp. infestations exhibited an 87.5% prevalence and 6.0 median intensity. Parasite abundance covaried positively with viper length, but not with body mass. In pythons (n = 13), Armillifer spp. exhibited a 92.3% prevalence and 3.5 median intensity. The positive correlations between parasite abundance and python length or mass were statistically nonsignificant. Ninety-one percent of A. grandis were discovered in vipers and 97% of infected vipers hosted A. grandis, whereas 81% of A. armillatus specimens were found in pythons and 63% of infected pythons hosted A. armillatus. Thus, challenging the widespread notion of strict host specificity, we found ‘reversed’ infections and even a case of coinfection. In this study, we also gathered information about the snake consumption habits of different tribal cultures in the area. Infective parasite ova likely transmit to humans directly by consumption of uncooked meat, or indirectly through contaminated hands, kitchen tools or washing water.     

Geographic patterns of genetic variation in nuclear and chloroplast genomes of two related oaks (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus aliena</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Q. serrata</Emphasis>) in Japan: implications for seed and seedling transfer

In this study, we assessed geographic patterns of genetic variations in nuclear and chloroplast genomes of two related native oaks in Japan, Quercus aliena and Q. serrata, in order to facilitate development of genetic guidelines for transfer of planting stocks for each species. A total of 12 populations of Q. aliena and 44 populations of Q. serrata were analyzed in this study. Genotyping of nuclear microsatellites in Q. aliena was done with only nine populations (n = 212) due to limited numbers of individuals in two populations, while all 12 populations (n = 89) were used in sequencing chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). In Q. serrata, 43 populations (n = 1032) were genotyped by nuclear microsatellite markers, while cpDNA of 44 populations (n = 350) was sequenced. As anticipated, geographic patterns detected in the variations of Q. aliena’s nuclear genome and its chloroplast haplotype distribution clearly distinguished northern and southern groups of populations. However, those of Q. serrata were inconsistent. The geographic distribution of its chloroplast haplotypes tends to show the predicted differentiation between northern and southern lineages, but geographic signals in the genetic structure of its nuclear microsatellites are weak. Therefore, treating northern and southern regions of Japan as genetically distinct transferrable zones for planting stocks is highly warranted for Q. aliena. For Q. serrata, the strong NE-SW geographic structure of cpDNA should be considered.     

A deep sequencing approach to estimate <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plasmodium falciparum</Emphasis> complexity of infection (COI) and explore apical membrane antigen 1 diversity

Background

Humans living in regions with high falciparum malaria transmission intensity harbour multi-strain infections comprised of several genetically distinct malaria haplotypes. The number of distinct malaria parasite haplotypes identified from an infected human host at a given time is referred to as the complexity of infection (COI). In this study, an amplicon-based deep sequencing method targeting the Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (pfama1) was utilized to (1) investigate the relationship between P. falciparum prevalence and COI, (2) to explore the population genetic structure of P. falciparum parasites from malaria asymptomatic individuals participating in the 2007 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and (3) to explore selection pressures on geospatially divergent parasite populations by comparing AMA1 amino acid frequencies in the DRC and Mali.

Results

A total of 900 P. falciparum infections across 11 DRC provinces were examined. Deep sequencing of both individuals, for COI analysis, and pools of individuals, to examine population structure, identified 77 unique pfama1 haplotypes. The majority of individual infections (64.5%) contained polyclonal (COI > 1) malaria infections based on the presence of genetically distinct pfama1 haplotypes. A minimal correlation between COI and malaria prevalence as determined by sensitive real-time PCR was identified. Population genetic analyses revealed extensive haplotype diversity, the vast majority of which was shared across the sites. AMA1 amino acid frequencies were similar between parasite populations in the DRC and Mali.

Conclusions

Amplicon-based deep sequencing is a useful tool for the detection of multi-strain infections that can aid in the understanding of antigen heterogeneity of potential malaria vaccine candidates, population genetics of malaria parasites, and factors that influence complex, polyclonal malaria infections. While AMA1 and other diverse markers under balancing selection may perform well for understanding COI, they may offer little geographic or temporal discrimination between parasite populations.

     

Census,habitat preference,and polyspecific associations of six monkeys in the Lomako Forest,Zaire

This paper reports preliminary data on a number of poorly known cercopithecids inhabiting the Lomako Forest, Zaire. Data include those on density, biomass, group size, the relationship between group type (mono vs. polyspecific) and forest type (mixed primary, secondary, monodominant primary, and swamp), and vertical stratification. Species examined are Colobus angolensis, Cercocebus aterrimus, Cercopithecus wolfi, Cercopithecus ascanius, Cercopithecus neglectus, and Allenopithecus nigroviridis. The density and biomass for the Lomako Forest anthropoids (excluding Cercopithecus neglectus and A. nigroviridis) are 165 ind/km² and 1,034 kg/km², respectively. Cercopithecus wolfi and Colobus angolensis are found in group sizes similar to those reported from other sites while Cercopithecus ascanius, Cercocebus aterrimus, and A. nigroviridis display group sizes unique to the Lomako. While Colobus angolensis, Cercocebus aterrimus, Cercopithecus ascanius and Cercopithecus wolfi were found, to varying extents, in all four forest types, Cercopithecus neglectus and A. nigroviridis inhabited only swamp forest. The different species sort out along vertical continua both within and between the four forest types. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Learning and perception of oddity problems by lemurs and seven species of monkey

Eight nonhuman primate species were compared in three experiments utilizing the oddity paradigm. The sample included 4 lemurs (Lemur catta), 26 Old World Monkeys (Macaca mulatta, M. nemestrina, M. speciosa, andCercopithecus nictitans) and 21 New World Monkeys (Cebus apella, Lagothrix humboldti andSaimiri sciurea). EveryS was first trained 60 days on “outside oddity” problems. Next,Ss solved “outside” oddity problems constituted from two short and two tall cylinders, and were tested for their perception of oddity withDavis andMcDonald's (1962) technique of varying the height of the centerplaced but nonreinforced stimulus. In the final experiment,Ss were given ambiguous oddity problems that could be solved either for form or color cues, andEs recorded preference. Cebus and woolly monkeys formed oddity learning sets as well as or better than any of the Macaque monkeys, but relatively poor performances were made by squirrel monkeys, spotnose monkeys, and lemurs. Woolly monkeys were outstandingly accurate in their perception of oddity based on changing stimulus height, no other species approaching them in this skill. Old World Monkeys were much more likely than New World Monkeys to use color as a cue.     

Conservation genetics and geographic patterns of genetic variation of endangered shrub <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ammopiptanthus</Emphasis> (Fabaceae) in northwestern China

Phylogeographic patterns of Ammopiptanthus in northwestern China were examined with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and three chloroplast intergenic spacers (trnH–psbA, trnL–trnF, and trnS–trnG). Two ITS genotypes (a–b) and 8 chloroplast haplotypes (A–H) were detected. Both ITS genotypes and chloroplast lineages were split in two geographic regions: western Xinjiang and the Alxa Desert. This lineage split was also supported by AMOVA analysis and the Mantel test. AMOVA showed that 89.81 % of variance in Ammopiptanthus occurred between the two geographic regions, and correlation between genetic distances and geographical distances was significant (r = 0.757, p < 0.0001). All populations in western Xinjiang shared haplotype A with high frequency, and range expansion was strongly supported by negative Fu’s F_S value, and mismatch distribution analysis, whereas populations in the Alxa Desert had higher genetic diversity and structure. We speculate that the cold and dry climate during the early Quaternary fragmented habitats of the species, limiting gene flow between regions, and interglacial periods most likely led to the range expansion in western Xinjiang. The low genetic diversity of Ammopiptanthus indicate a significant extinction risk, and protective measures should be taken immediately.     

Geographic and temporal genetic structure in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepeophtheirus salmonis</Emphasis> from four salmon farms along the northwest and west coasts of Ireland: results from a microsatellite analysis

The marine ectoparasitic copepod of salmonids, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer), is a major pest of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) causing great economic impact. The spatial scales over which L. salmonis populations in different salmon farms are typically connected, and the temporal scales over which L. salmonis from the same farm typically undergo genetic change are largely unknown. These questions were posed in a small-scale geographic study of population structure in L. salmonis from four salmon farms, along the northwest and west coasts of Ireland, using two outgroups from Norway and Canada. The temporal stability of genetic composition was also studied in samples collected quarterly during one year from one salmon farm in Ireland. Genetic composition in L. salmonis was characterised using four nuclear microsatellites. Significant but low genetic differentiation was observed between all sites (F _ST = 0.08), with no evidence that differentiation was correlated with geographic distance. Temporal genetic differentiation was also evident (F _ST = 0.07). An analysis of all L. salmonis samples except the ones from Norway detected two separate clusters. Each cluster contained both geographical and temporal samples. These results are consistent with a population model in which L. salmonis in salmon farms along the northwest and west coasts of Ireland are not isolated, but are potentially subject to (i) localised ecological factors at the particular farm sites or (ii) selection post-settlement or a combination thereof.     

Assessment of genetic diversity and differentiation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Liposcelis bostrychophila</Emphasis> (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae) in China using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) fingerprinting

Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae) is a widely distributed pest that can cause considerable economic losses and pose human health risks. Rapid development of insecticide resistance has made L. bostrychophila increasingly difficult to control. To obtain information potentially useful for pest management, genetic diversity and differentiation of L. bostrychophila from five geographic locations in China was studied using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR). A total of 104 loci were found by ISSR markers and amplified using 9 selected primers. The percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) was 91.4%. Shannon’s information index (I) and Nei’s gene diversity (He) indicated high genetic diversity at the species level. Population differentiation (Gst = 0.484) was average in these populations. Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variation was mainly distributed within populations. Gene flow (Nm = 0.534) was moderate. Cluster analysis showed that genotypes isolated from the same locations displayed higher genetic similarity and permitted the grouping of isolates of L. bostrychophila into three distinct clusters. The correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance was not significant.     

Reproduction and potential range expansion of walnut twig beetle across the Juglandaceae

Biological invasions by insects that vector plant pathogens have altered the composition of natural and urban forests. Thousand cankers disease is a new, recent example and is caused by the complex of walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, and the fungus, Geosmithia morbida, on susceptible hosts, notably some Juglans spp. and Pterocarya spp. Host colonization by P. juglandis may be particularly important for disease development, but the beetle’s host range is not known. In the United States and Italy, this insect has expanded its geographic range by colonizing naïve hosts. The objective of this study was to characterize limits to, and variation within, the host range of P. juglandis and infer the extent to which hosts might constrain the geographic distribution of the insect. We examined colonization and reproduction by P. juglandis in no-choice laboratory experiments with 11 Juglans spp., one Pterocarya sp., and two Carya spp. over 2 years and found that all but the Carya spp. were hosts. Reproduction was generally greater on Juglans californica, J. hindsii, and J. nigra, than on J. ailantifolia, J. cathayensis, J. cinerea, J. major, J. mandshurica, J. microcarpa, or J. regia. Escape of an insect vector into populations of evolutionary-naïve hosts can facilitate rapid range expansion by the pest and massive mortality to hosts. Multi-continental plantings of suitable species may facilitate geographic range expansion of P. juglandis and place other, native Juglans spp. at risk.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trypanosoma cruzi</Emphasis> Transmission Among Captive Nonhuman Primates,Wildlife, and Vectors

Natural infection of captive nonhuman primates (NHPs) with Trypanosoma cruzi (agent of Chagas disease) is an increasingly recognized problem in facilities across the southern USA, with negative consequences for NHP health and biomedical research. We explored a central Texas NHP facility as a nidus of transmission by characterizing parasite discrete typing units (DTU) in seropositive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), identifying the wildlife reservoirs, and characterizing vector infection. In seropositive NHPs, we documented low and intermittent concentrations of circulating T. cruzi DNA, with two DTUs in equal proportions, TcI and TcIV. In contrast, consistently high concentrations of T. cruzi DNA were found in wild mesomammals at the facility, yet rodents were PCR-negative. Strong wildlife host associations were found in which raccoons (Procyon lotor) harbored TcIV and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) harbored TcI, while skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were infected with both DTUs. Active and passive vector surveillance yielded three species of triatomines from the facility and in proximity to the NHP enclosures, with 17% T. cruzi infection prevalence. Interventions to protect NHP and human health must focus on interrupting spillover from the robust sylvatic transmission in the surrounding environment.     

Chemical and molecular identification of the invasive termite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zootermopsis nevadensis</Emphasis> (Isoptera: Archotermopsidae) in Japan

Numerous termite species have been introduced outside their native ranges by human transport, and some have become invasive. The dampwood termite Zootermopsis nevadensis (Hagen), which is native to western North America, has been introduced to and become established in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Zootermopsis nevadensis is subdivided into two subspecies based on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) phenotypes: Z. nevadensis nevadensis and Z. nevadensis nuttingi (Haverty and Thorne). Here, we identified Z. nevadensis in Japan as hybrids between the two subspecies. Chemical analysis showed the presence of 7,15-dimethylhenicosane and 5,17-dimethylhenicosane in the CHCs of Z. nevadensis in Japan, corresponding to the CHC phenotype of Z. n. nevadensis. Conversely, all mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences of Z. nevadensis in Japan were identical to sequences from Z. n. nuttingi and hybrids between the two subspecies from a native hybrid zone in California, USA. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that Z. nevadensis in Japan formed a clade with Z. n. nuttingi and hybrids between the two subspecies. Our results show discordance between the chemical and genetic features of Z. nevadensis in Japan, indicating that individuals of Z. nevadensis in Japan are hybrids between the two subspecies.     

Reliance on Exotic Plants by Two Groups of Threatened Samango Monkeys, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus</Emphasis>, at Their Southern Range Limit

Understanding how threatened species adapt their behavior to landscapes shaped by humans is increasingly important to ensuring they persist in a changing world. Matrix habitats can be shared spaces where human and nonhuman primates coexist. We set out to determine how an endemic, threatened forest specialist, the frugivorous, arboreal samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus), has responded to a matrix habitat made up of residential gardens and commercial plantations in Eastern Cape province, South Africa. We followed two groups from dawn to dusk for a mean of 3 days/mo for 12 mo (February 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012) using scan sampling to collect data on their diet, activity, and ranging patterns. We used resource abundance transects to describe the groups’ home ranges and monitored tree phenology to calculate fruit and seed availability indices. Monkeys from both groups consumed large quantities of exotic plant species, accounting for >50% of their overall annual diet, with seeds of the invasive black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) the most commonly consumed exotic species followed by acorns of two oak species (Quercus robur and Q. palustris.). However, monkeys responded to the availability of indigenous rather than exotic fruits and seeds and increased their consumption of exotics when indigenous fruits were less available. Although monkeys spent less time moving when feeding on exotic species compared to indigenous species, eating exotics did not free up monkeys’ time to rest or socialize, as additional time was required to process exotic foods. To offset the possible negative consequences of the monkeys’ reliance on exotic seeds, including escalating conflict between monkeys and people in gardens, we suggest gradual removal of exotic plant species in the habitat and replacement with indigenous species as one mitigation strategy.     

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Some Marine Fisheries Resources Collected from Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve,Southeast Coast of India

Concentrations of toxic metals viz. mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were evaluated in four species of fishes (Sardinella longiceps, Selaroides leptolepis, Epinephelus quoyanus and Lethrinus lentjan), one species of shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) and one species of crab (Portunus sanguinolentus) sampled from Thoothukudi, Keelakarai and Veerapandian pattinam of Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India. Results revealed accumulation of these metals in the following order Hg > Cd > Pb. Hg concentration was found to be higher in Po. sanguinolentus followed by E. quoyanus, Pe. semisulcatus and L. lentjan however, the same was absent in Sa. longiceps and Se. leptolepis. Cd concentration was recorded in decreasing order in Po. sanguinolentus > Pe. semisulcatus > L. lentjen > E. quoyanus > Sa. longiceps > Se. leptolepis. Pb was detectable only in four species. Results of One-way ANOVA revealed significant variations (p < 0.05) in accumulation of Cd in Sa. longiceps, Se. leptolepis and Pe. semisulcatus and Hg in E. quoyanus, L. lentjan and Po. sanguinolentus. Variations noted in Pb were not statistically significant throughout.     

First-Rotation Performance of Five Short-Rotation Willow Cultivars on Different Soil Types and Along a Large Climate Gradient

The establishment of short-rotation willow coppice plantations for bioenergy production is proposed as a land management practice to reduce the use of fossil fuels. However, there is little information on the performance of different willow (Salix spp.) cultivars on various types of soils and over climate gradients. This study aimed to determine which set of soil, climatic conditions, and cultivars are conducive to greater growth in eastern Canada. The performance of five willow cultivars was followed over three growing seasons on eight sites representing a large hydroclimatic gradient. Both geographic location and cultivar had a significant effect on annual yields. Annual yields were on average greater in the southern part of the climatic gradient. Across all cultivars, annual yields were positively correlated to average annual temperature (r = 0.23), total annual precipitation (r = 0.77), average growing season temperature (r = 0.21), average growing season precipitation (r = 0.47), and degree days (r = 0.18), as well as soil pH (r = 0.37) and soil extractible P (r = 0.38), and negatively correlated to soil clay content (r = 0.33). Cultivars of the SX group (i.e., Salix miyabeana SX61, SX64, and SX67) showed greater yield than did cultivars of the SV group (i.e., Salix × dasyclados SV1 and Salix viminalis SV5027). These results indicate that at the landscape level, climate variables, especially climate-related variables, largely explain the yield of the selected willow cultivars. Nonetheless, soil pH, extractable P, and clay content likely play an important role in plantation yield.     

Fecal Bacterial Composition of Sichuan Snub-Nosed Monkeys (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhinopithecus roxellana</Emphasis>)

The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the health of its host, including human and nonhuman primates. Little is known about the intestinal bacterial composition of the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana), which has been classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List since 2003. We evaluated the fecal bacterial compositions of 11 Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, including six young captive individuals (one sample from each), three adult captive individuals (four samples each), and two adult provisioned free-ranging individuals (four samples each). We also quantified fecal Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp., which are defined as probiotics in humans, using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We identified five major phyla in the collected samples, including Firmicutes (32.4 %), Bacteroidetes (14.7 %), Verrucomicrobia (8.8 %), Actinobacteria (4.4 %), and unclassified microbacteria (39.7 %). Fecal bacteria composition varied with age and different seasons. The fecal bacterial composition of the captive monkeys was less variable than that of provisioned free-ranging monkeys. B. vulgatus amounts were almost 100 times higher in the provisioned free-ranging monkeys (10¹²) than in the captive monkeys (10¹⁰). Our results provide an initial catalogue of gut microbiota in the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey, which helps to enrich our knowledge of gut microbiota in nonhuman primates.     

Fingerprinting by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and barcoding by three plastidic markers in the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Wolffiella</Emphasis> Hegelm

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting and three different plastidic DNA regions (rpl16, rps16, atpF-atpH) were used to investigate species identity in the genus Wolffiella. For this purpose, clones (67 in total) belonging to all ten species were selected. Almost all the species were represented by more than one clone. The fingerprinting technique, AFLP, clearly distinguished the species, W. caudata, W. gladiata, W. neotropica, W. rotunda, and W. welwitschii. Apart from confirming the molecular identity of these five species, the plastidic markers could delineate two additional species, W. hyalina and W. denticulata, although the conclusion concerning the latter is restricted by the availability of only one clone. The efficiency of the plastid-derived markers in identifying the number of species-specific clusters followed the sequence rps16 > rpl16 > atpF-atpH. The species W. lingulata, W. oblonga, and W. repanda could not be identified by any of the molecular methods presented here, but could be strictly defined on a morphological basis. In several clones, high amounts of genetic admixtures between different species were detected. Further, simulation studies demonstrated that these clones are genetic hybrids. This might be one of the obstacles in molecular identification of species in the genus Wolffiella.     

Centromere repositioning explains fundamental number variability in the New World monkey genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saimiri</Emphasis>

Cytogenetics has historically played a key role in research on squirrel monkey (genus Saimiri) evolutionary biology. Squirrel monkeys have a diploid number of 2n = 44, but vary in fundamental number (FN). Apparently, differences in FN have phylogenetic implications and are correlated with geographic regions. A number of hypothetical mechanisms were proposed to explain difference in FN: translocations, heterochromatin, or, most commonly, pericentric inversions. Recently, an additional mechanism, centromere repositioning, was discovered, which can alter chromosome morphology and FN. Here, we used chromosome banding, chromosome painting, and BAC-FISH to test these hypotheses. We demonstrate that centromere repositioning on chromosomes 5 and 15 is the mechanism that accounts for differences in FN. Current phylogenomic trees of platyrrhines provide a temporal framework for evolutionary new centromeres (ENC) in Saimiri. The X-chromosome ENC could be up to 15 million years (my) old that on chromosome 5 as recent as 0.3 my. The chromosome 15 ENC is intermediate, as young as 2.24 my. All ENC have abundant satellite DNAs indicating that the maturation process was fairly rapid. Callithrix jacchus was used as an outgroup for the BAC-FISH data analysis. Comparison with scaffolds from the S. boliviensis genome revealed an error in the last marmoset genome release. Future research including at the sequence level will provide better understanding of chromosome evolution in Saimiri and other platyrrhines. Probably other cases of differences in chromosome morphology and FN, both within and between taxa, will be shown to be due to centromere repositioning and not pericentric inversions.     

Yeasts from peat in a tropical peat swamp forest in Thailand and their ability to produce ethanol,indole-3-acetic acid and extracellular enzymes

This study aimed to isolate and identify yeasts from peat in To Daeng peat swamp forest in southern of Thailand, and to investigate their ability to produce ethanol from glucose and xylose and to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and extracellular enzymes. A total of 65 yeast strains were obtained from 15 peat samples using an enrichment technique, and 61 strains were identified to be five species belonging to the phylum Ascomycota, namely Cyberlindnera subsufficiens, Debaryomyces fabryi, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Saturnispora diversa and Schwanniomyces polymorphus var. africanus, and five species of the phylum Basidiomycota, namely Cryptococcus taiwanensis pro tem, Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides, Papiliotrema flavescens, Papiliotrema laurentii and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Four strains were unidentified and require further analysis. They differed from the type strain of P. flavescens by two nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and nine nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region. R. mucilaginosa was the most prevalent yeast species, followed by S. polymorphus var. africanus, Cy. subsufficiens and D. fabryi. None of the yeast strains obtained in this study were able to ferment xylose to ethanol, but all ascomycetous yeast strains produced ethanol from glucose in a range of 9.0–58.0 g/L, with Cy. subsufficiens DMKU-YNB42-1 producing the highest ethanol concentration. A total of 62 strains produced IAA in a range of 9.0 to 66.9 mg/L, with the highest IAA produced by R. mucilaginosa DMKU-Y33-A. Investigation of the production of cellulases, xylanase, pectinase, amylase, protease and lipase revealed that all 65 yeast strains produced at least one extracellular enzyme, a lipase.