Genetic differentiation between sun and shade habitats in populations of Lindera benzoin L.

Differences in selection patterns among habitats can alter the distribution of genetic diversity even when this is estimated with neutral markers. For plants, light is an essential resource that can influence both abiotic and biotic components of habitat. We examined genetic differentiation between sun and shade habitats in Lindera benzoin L. (Spicebush), a perennial understory shrub. Genetic diversity of 127 plants from sun and shade habitats in two populations of L. benzoin was determined using 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers. We analyzed patterns of genetic diversity using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and we assessed correlation between genetic and geographic distance using Mantel tests. We found (1) low levels of differentiation among populations (F _ST = 0.028), (2) little evidence of genetic structure within populations due to isolation-by-distance, and (3) some evidence of habitat-based genetic differentiation. Specifically, the AMOVA showed a small (0.5%) but significant portion of overall variation could be explained by differences between habitats. The overall low levels of differentiation we saw were likely a result of extensive gene flow in this dioecious, bird-dispersed species.     

Characterization of porcine polymorphic microsatellite loci

Twenty-seven (CA)_n and two (GA)_n microsatellite clones were isolated out of a size-selected genomic pig library. These were sequenced and the number of uninterrupted dinucleotides was found to range from 12 to 26. Flanking primers were chosen for 11 dinucleotide repeats and optimal conditions for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications were established. Different microsatellite loci were amplified simultaneously by combining primer sets. Related and unrelated pigs were screened for length polymorphisms of the different microsatellite loci. The polymorphic information content (PIC) of these loci ranged between 0.62 and 0.83. Segregation studies in pig reference families established Mendelian inheritance. Locus S0022 was found to be X-linked.     

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci in a coral reef fish,Pterapogon kauderni

We describe the isolation and characterization of 11 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from a male mouthbrooding coral reef fish, the Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni. In a sample of 37 fish from a natural population, polymorphism at these loci ranged from two to 15 alleles, with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.107 to 0.928, enabling high‐resolution genetic studies of this coral reef fish.     

Six polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Japanese Spanish mackerel,Scomberomorus niphonius

Six polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated for genetic structure studies of the Japanese Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus niphonius, a severely exploited marine fish species. The number of observed alleles for each locus ranged from seven to 41, and the values of expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.546–0.946 and 0.602–1.000, respectively. These microsatellite markers should prove to be a useful tool for estimating the population genetic structure and genetic variability of Japanese Spanish mackerel.     

New polymorphic microsatellite loci in the house sparrow, Passer domesticus

We developed 13 new polymorphic microsatellite loci in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), which exhibited from 2 to 15 alleles. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.17 to 0.77 and from 0.35 to 0.85, respectively. We detected no linkage disequilibrium between loci. Allele frequencies supported Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for 8 loci out of 13 after Bonferroni correction. Combined with loci previously isolated in the house sparrow, these new microsatellite markers provide valuable tools to study population genetics of this species.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Yucca filamentosa

Yuccas and their pollinator moths are a textbook example of mutualism, yet we lack sufficiently variable markers to properly study the population genetics of the plants. We characterized 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci for Yucca filamentosa by screening primers derived from an expressed sequence tag database. We found four to 13 alleles per locus and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.31 to 1. These markers will be useful in future ecological studies of Y. filamentosa.     

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci for the salmonid trematode Plagioporus shawi

We isolated and characterized 11 microsatellite loci from Plagioporus shawi, a parasitic trematode of salmonid fishes (Oncorhynchus spp.). Extensive polymorphism (expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.476 to 0.981 and number of alleles from 10 to 55) was found in a sample of 94 trematodes from 24 infected cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) individuals. Nine of the 11 loci will be useful for future genetic studies on within population dynamics of P. shawi.     

Eleven new highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in the yellow croaker,Pseudosciaena crocea

We developed 11 new microsatellite markers in Pseudosciaena crocea by screening an enriched genomic library using nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. All loci were found to be polymorphic with an average of 14.9 alleles per locus (range four to 30). The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.86 (range 0.57–1.00) and 0.90 (range 0.62–0.98), respectively. Four loci showed significant Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium. The high variabilities revealed in this study suggest that these microsatellite loci should provide useful markers for population genetic studies of P. crocea.     

高含游离脂肪酸的香果树籽油制备生物柴油的方法

目前生物柴油因其环保和可再生利用资源的特性备受关注。多数生物柴油是通过甲醇和碱催化食用油得到的,而大量非食用油也可以制备生物柴油。本文报道用高含游离酸脂肪油快速高效低成本制备成其单酯的二步法工艺。先用1% H2SO4以少于1.5%量对甲醇和云南特产香果树（Lindera communis）籽的粗原料油以10∶1摩尔比组成的混合液酸催化酯化游离脂肪酸;之后再对醇和得到的油脂产品按摩尔比15∶1的混合液碱催化转化为单甲酯和甘油。本方法是一个直接甲脂化制备生物柴油的工艺简洁、降低成本的新技术。文中还讨论了该工艺影响转化效率的主要因素,如摩尔比,催化量,温度,反应时间和酸度。香果树生物柴油不重蒸,而其生物柴油的主要特性,如粘度、热值、比重、闪点、冷滤点等与生物柴油标准的匹配度,也做了报道,研究结果将为香果树生物柴油以非重蒸油料制备生物柴油产品,作为潜在的柴油燃料替代产品提供技术支撑。     

Identification and characterization of 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the German cockroach,Blattella germanica

Primer sequences and initial characterization are presented for 10 microsatellite loci isolated from the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. In a sample of 30 individuals from a single population sample, all loci were polymorphic with two to 12 alleles segregating per locus and levels of observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.27 to 0.92. One locus showed a deficit of heterozygotes. Experimental conditions are described for polymerase chain reaction multiplexing, which enables the genotyping of eight loci in three electrophoretic runs consisting of one set of three and two sets of two markers. Seven primer sets cross‐amplify in the related Blattella asahinai.     

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci in the field gudgeon,Gnathopogon elongatus elongatus

We isolated and characterized 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the field gudgeon, Gnathopogon elongatus elongatus, a popular freshwater species in streams including agricultural canals in Japan. The number of observed alleles for each locus ranged from 9 to 24, and the values of observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.750 to 1.000 and from 0.832 to 0.953, respectively. These microsatellite markers will be useful for studies of population genetic structure and genetic variability of the field gudgeon.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the ponerine ant Ectatomma tuberculatum

We report the development of 11 microsatellite markers by an enrichment protocol in the ponerine ant Ectatomma tuberculatum. Polymorphism was explored in two colonies collected from Mexico and two colonies from Brazil. From the 11 loci which amplified, seven loci showed intracolonial polymorphism in Mexican colonies and only six loci were variable in populations from Brazil. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.18 to 0.84. The other five loci exhibited different alleles between Mexico and Brazil but geographical variability was not investigated further. Cross‐amplification was tested in another species of the same Tribe (Gnamptogenys striatula) and one locus was revealed to be polymorphic.     

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers for paternity analysis in the pectoral sandpiper,Calidris melanotos

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated for the pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos. The number of alleles observed in a sample of 149 presumably unrelated adults ranged from nine to 23 with an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.79 to 0.92. The set of markers described here will prove useful for accurately determining paternity and therefore elucidate the hitherto unknown mating system of this species. We also report on cross‐species amplification of these markers in the semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus

We describe the isolation and characterization of 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus. Microsatellite markers from three other rodent species were cross-amplified in muskrat and one of them was polymorphic. We observed moderate to high levels of genetic variability in these 13 polymorphic loci (five to 22 alleles per locus) with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.96. These markers will be useful for further studies on population genetic structure in muskrat and potentially in other rodent species.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Plantago major and P. intermedia

Plantago major and P. intermedia are two closely related inbreeding species. The isolation of polymorphic codominant microsatellite markers will provide valuable tools to investigate the reproductive isolation and the evolution of the two species. The isolation of microsatellite loci was achieved using a membrane enrichment method. Primers were designed to microsatellite flanking sequences and were analysed using fluorescent labels. Results indicated that nine out of the 10 loci amplified in both species, and that all the loci were polymorphic. The amplification of the loci was tested in a variety of Plantago species and was shown to be limited.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci from the European anchovy,Engraulis encrasicolus

The European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L., Engraulidae) is a widely spread fish resource which is overexploited along its area of distribution. A proper knowledge of the population genetic structure of this fish species is crucial to allow a sustainable management of fishery stocks. We developed five polymorphic microsatellite loci (expected heterozygosity per locus ranging from 0.46 to 0.97) for E. encrasicolus. These genetic markers can be applied to define the population genetic structure of European anchovy.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the invasive Brazilian pepper,Schinus terebinthifolius

Brazilian pepper trees (Schinus terebinthifolius) pose a significant threat to south Florida ecosystems. To identify the source population of this exotic species we developed eight trinucleotide (AAT) microsatellite loci. Polymorphism ranged from two to six alleles and heterozygosity from 30 to 100% in a sample of 10 individuals from across south Florida. Cross‐species amplification indicated that these loci may be useful in some members of the Anacardiaceae.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the genus Clusia (Clusiaceae)

Microsatellite flanking region sequences may provide phylogenetically useful information. We isolated 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci from two species, Clusia minor (five loci) and Clusia nemorosa (eight loci), to aid in the determination of phylogenetic relationships within the genus Clusia. Eleven loci amplified across all 17 Clusia species tested, while two loci amplified in 10 out of 17 species. The extensive cross‐species amplification suggests that these loci may be useful for an examination of phylogenetic relationships in this genus.     

Characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci in weathervane scallop Patinopecten caurinus

Discrete and commercially important patches of weathervane scallops (Patinopecten caurinus) are found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Little is known about weathervane scallop life history and population structure, but the species is vulnerable to overexploitation because of their large size and long lifespan. Here we describe 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci developed to study the relatedness of these discrete patches. All loci were polymorphic in the 32 individuals tested; the number of alleles range from four to 26 and heterozygosities ranged from 0.437 to 1.000.     

Highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus)

We describe seven polymorphic, dinucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus, Rodentia: Muridae) collected from the Wirral Peninsula, United Kingdom. Microsatellites were isolated as part of a long‐term study on the wider effects of host–pathogen interactions of an endemic viral disease. These microsatellites showed between five and 13 alleles per locus in these populations. Observed and expected heterozygosities varied between 0.275 to 0.777 and 0.487 to 0.794, respectively. These markers will allow us to investigate the structure of this bank vole population.