The banded karyotype ofCercopithecus mitis maesi compared with the karyotypes ofC. albogularis samango andC. nictitans stampflii

The karyotypes ofCercopithecus alcogularis andC. mitis, both with 72 chromosomes, are similar but differ in a numer of rearrangements.C. nicitans (2n=70) andC. mitis karyotypes, even though differing in diploid number, appear to be closely related to each other because of several banding features and especially because they may be linked by a derived complex inversion polymorphism. The results show that chromosomal inversion variants can survive speciation. These results do not support recent chromosomal phylogenetic interpretations which were based on the finding of a diploid number of 2n=70 forC. mitis. The results described here emphasize the use of chromosomal characters in the study of the phylogeny and taxonomy ofCercopithecus.     

Kinematic Analysis of Trunk-to-trunk Leaping in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callimico goeldii</Emphasis>

Leaping to and from vertical trunks is a pattern of locomotor behavior that characterizes the positional repertoire of several prosimian and neotropical primate species. We examined the kinematics of leaping in a group of 6 captive Goeldis monkeys. We introduced a set of 2 wooden, fixed, non-compliant vertical supports in their enclosure and used 2 video cameras set at right angles to document leaping. The supports are 2.5, 6, or 15 cm in diameter and were placed at distances of between 1 and 2 m. We conducted frame-by-frame analyses of 122 leaps. The results indicate that irrespective of distance leaped and the diameter of takeoff and landing substrates, the forelimbs of {Callimico} contacted the landing platform in advance of the hind limbs. Moreover, even when leaping a horizontal distance of 2 m, {Callimico} experienced a downward vertical displacement of only 0.17 m. Several features of the shoulder and forelimb of {Callimico} appear to be associated with enhanced stability at the humeral head and radioulnar joint, and are consistent with the ability to withstand large compressive forces generated when landing on noncompliant substrates. Based on a series of kinematic equations provided by Warren and Crompton (1998a), the mechanical cost of transport in {Callimico} (5.4 m/s^–2) is greater than those of prosimian vertical clingers and leapers. However, compared to other callitrichine primates, {Callimico goeldii} is behaviorally and anatomically specialized for leaping between vertical trunks in the lowest layers of the forest understory.     

Potential Role of Transposable Elements in the Rapid Reorganization of the Fusarium oxysporum Genome

The activity of several families of transposable elements (TEs) in the genome of Fusarium oxysporum represents a potential source of karyotypic instability. We investigated transposon-mediated chromosome rearrangements by analyzing the karyotypes of a set of strains in which transposition events had occurred. We uncovered exceptional electrophoretic karyotype (EK) variability, in both number and size of chromosomal bands. We showed that EK differences result from chromosomal translocations, large deletions, and even more complex rearrangements. We also revealed many duplicated chromosomal regions. By following transposition of two elements and analyzing the distribution of different families of TEs on whole chromosomes, we find (i) no evidence of chromosomal breakages induced by transposition, (ii) a clustering of TEs in some regions, and (iii) a correlation between the high level of chromosomal polymorphism and the concentration of TEs. These results suggest that chromosome length polymorphisms likely result from ectopic recombination between TEs that can serve as substrates for these changes.     

A primate survey in northern Bolivia,with special reference to Goeldi’s monkey,Callimico goeldii

We conducted a 5-month survey on primates, with special attention to Goeldi’s monkey (Callimico goeldii),in the rainforest of northwestern Bolivia. Goeldi’s monkey is one of the least documented of all South American primates, and very little is known about its distribution. We report observations on distribution, abundance, and habitat of Callimico goeldiiand other primates, incidental sightings of other mammals, and preliminary behavioral observations on Callimicoand on two associated callitrichid monkey species: Saguinus fuscicollisand S. labiatus.We found a locality that appears to be particularly suitable for detailed field observations on Callimico on the north bank of the lower Río Tahuamanu. The fieldwork was carried out by A.C.; the analysis of the vocalizations, by T. G.     

The phylogenetic placement of Ostropales within Lecanoromycetes (Ascomycota) revisited

Results of molecular studies regarding the phylogenetic placement of the order Ostropales and related taxa within Lecanoromycetes were thus far inconclusive. Some analyses placed the order as sister to the rest of Lecanoromycetes, while others inferred a position nested within Lecanoromycetes. We assembled a data set of 101 species including sequences from nuLSU rDNA, mtSSU rDNA, and the nuclear protein-coding RPB1 for each species to examine the cause of incongruencies in previously published phylogenies. MP, minimum evolution, and Bayesian analyses were performed using the combined three-region data set and the single-gene data sets. The position of Ostropales nested in Lecanoromycetes is confirmed in all single-gene and concatenated analyses, and a placement as sister to the rest of Lecanoromycetes is significantly rejected using two independent methods of alternative topology testing. Acarosporales and related taxa (Acarosporaceae group) are basal in Lecanoromycetes. However, if the these basal taxa are excluded from the analyses, Ostropales appear to be sister to the rest of Lecanoromycetes, suggesting different ingroup rooting as the cause for deviating topologies in previously published phylogenies.     

Chromosomal variability in natural populations of Chironomus cingulatus meigen (Diptera, Chironomidae)

Chromosomal polymorphism has been studied in seven natural populations of Chironomus cingulatus from Western Europe, Western Siberia, and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The banding sequences pool of the species includes 15 banding sequences. Chromosomal polymorphism was revealed in five out of seven chromosomal arms. Arm B is the most polymorphic with four banding sequences. There are three banding sequences in arm A. Arms D, E, and G have two banding sequences. None of the chromosome rearrangements were revealed in arms C and F. The populations of C. cingulatus differ clearly in their number and frequency of banding sequences, which indicates that different gene sequences are adaptive in different populations.     

The spacing of Escherichia coli DNA gyrase sites cleaved in vivo by treatment with oxolinic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate

In an attempt to locate gyrase binding sites in a specific region of the chromosome of E. coli, we have reinvestigated gyrase-promoted cleavage of chromosomal DNA by oxolinic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Contrary to a previous report suggesting the presence of one site every 100 kb of DNA (Snyder and Drlica, J. Mol. Biol. 131, 287-302), we found frequencies of one cleavage every 25 or 12 kb depending on the growth medium. A search for cleavage sites by Southern blot hybridization failed to reveal any binding site cleaved at a high frequency. These results suggest that the actual spacing of sites is much closer than that determined from the frequency of cleavage. Measurement of the average size of fragments containing defined DNA sequences indicated that the frequency of sites varies along the chromosome. The region located opposite to oriC carries relatively few sites.     

Behavioral and hormonal aspects of reproduction in captive goeldi’s monkeys (Callimico goeldii) in a comparative and evolutionary context

The fate of most nonhuman primate species is intimately related to man. The increasing encroachment on the natural habitat has resulted in the decimation and even near extinction of some species. Along with this development, the basic concept in many modern zoos has changed from one of merely display to self-perpetuating units. Primate research facilities are orienting their research programs towards reproductive physiology and behavior in an effort to provide basic knowledge of reproduction in these species. This increased emphasis in the area of reproductive biology and the various efforts to improve breeding of these mostly endangered primates in captivity has stimulated the author to write this review. It represents an attempt to provide the reader with basic background information relating to the endocrinology and behavior of reproduction in the clawed New World monkeys as it exists at the time of publication. The intermediate evolutionary position ofCallimico goeldii between the clawed New World monkeys and the ‘true New World monkeys’ and our relatively poor knowledge about reproduction and behavior in this particular species fully justifies the focus on Goeldi’s monkey in this essay. This review is an attempt to provide a brief history of previous studies but also the basis for research in the future. The current status of knowledge of the small-bodied clawed monkeys is also discussed in an evolutionary context, with an emphasis on the different reproductive strategies in this dynamic group of primates. The outcome, not surprisingly, confirms the unique position ofCallimico goeldii in its social, ecological, and evolutionary environment.     

The phylogenetic placement of the Leucogastrales, including Mycolevis siccigleba (Cribbeaceae), in the Albatrellaceae using morphological and molecular data

The morphology of many hypogeous fungi converges on a homogeneous reduced form, suggesting that disparate lineages are subject to a uniform selection pressure. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the morphology and infer the phylogeny of the Leucogastrales with Mycolevis siccigleba using a Bayesian methodology. A comprehensive morphological assessment was used for an a priori phylogenetic inference to guide the sequencing effort. All structures except spore ornamentation pointed to the Albatrellaceae as the most likely sister taxon. Polyporoletus sublividus, a close relative of Albatrellus, produces ornamented basidiospores with a similar structure to M. siccigleba basidiospores. The ITS from 30 taxa was used for the molecular phylogenetic analysis. P. sublividus was found sister to Mycolevis. Leucophleps spinispora and L. magnata formed a group sister to the Polyporoletus/Mycolevis group, whereas Leucogaster was polyphyletic with respect to the core of the Leucogastrales and sister to A. caeruleoporus. This relationship was expected as previously undescribed chlamydospores produced by members of Albatrellus had a similar morphology to the basidiospores of L. rubescens.     

Effects of MULTIFOLIATE-PINNA, AFILA, TENDRIL-LESS and UNIFOLIATA genes on leafblade architecture in Pisum sativum

In order to dissect the genetic regulation of leafblade morphogenesis, 16 genotypes of pea, constructed by combining the wild-type and mutant alleles of MFP, AF, TL and UNI genes, were quantitatively phenotyped. The morphological features of the three domains of leafblades of four genotypes, unknown earlier, were described. All the genotypes were found to differ in leafblade morphology. It was evident that MFP and TL functions acted as repressor of pinna ramification, in the distal domain. These functions, with and without interaction with UNI, also repressed the ramification of proximal pinnae in the absence of AF function. The expression of MFP and TL required UNI function. AF function was found to control leafblade architecture multifariously. The earlier identified role of AF as a repressor of UNI in the proximal domain was confirmed. Negative control of AF on the UNI-dependent pinna ramification in the distal domain was revealed. It was found that AF establishes a boundary between proximal and distal domains and activates formation of leaflet pinnae in the proximal domain.     

Geographic variability of the polytene chromosome banding sequence of non-biting midge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chironomus pseudothummi</Emphasis> Str. (Diptera,Chironomidae)

The karyotypes and chromosomal polymorphism of Chironomus pseudothummi were investigated in different parts of its areal. It was established that chromosomal variability in the natural populations of this species was represented mainly by the inversion polymorphism of arm G. Only rare and unique inversions were found to be heterozygous in arms C, D, and E. In total, 14 banding sequences of polytene chromosomes form the banding sequence pool of C. pseudothummi. Geographic differences in the distribution of chromosomal banding sequences throughout the areal were established. The presence of banding sequences pstG1 and pstG2 is characteristic of European populations. The banding sequence pstG1 disappeared completely with a simultaneous increase in the frequency of pstG2 and with the appearance of a new inversion banding sequence pstG3 in Siberian populations. Differences in the set of rare and unique inversions in arms C, D, and E between the West-European and West-Siberian populations have been revealed.     

Automated brightfield break-apart in situ hybridization (ba-ISH) application: ALK and MALT1 genes as models

Cancer diagnosis can be a complex process, which takes consideration of histopathological, clinical, immunophenotypic, and genetic features. Since non-random chromosomal translocations are specifically involved in the development of various cancers, the detection of these gene aberrations becomes increasingly important. In recent years, break-apart (or split-signal) fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has emerged as an advantageous technique to detect gene translocations on tissue sections. However, FISH assays are technically challenging and require specialized fluorescence microscopes. Furthermore, the FISH signal is not stable for long term archiving due to photo bleaching. Our objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of brightfield break-apart in situ hybridization (ba-ISH) for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue translocation protein 1 (MALT1) genes as models. ALK or MALT1 break-apart probes were labeled with digoxigenin (DIG) or 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) on both sides of a known gene breakpoint region and the hybridization sites were visualized with the combination of alkaline phosphatase (AP)-based blue and red detection. Therefore, normal genes are detected as purple dots by mixing blue and red colors while translocated genes are detected as isolated blue or red dots. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tonsil was used as control for the co-localized 5′ and 3′ probes. Gene translocations of ALK or MALT1 were detected as separate blue and red dots on ALCL and MALT lymphoma cases. Thus, ISH analyses of gene translocations can be conducted with a regular light microscope and the long term archiving of break-apart ISH slides can be achieved.     

Presence of Rhizobium Etli bv . Phaseoli and Rhizobium Gallicum bv . Gallicum in Egyptian Soils

Seven bean rhizobial strains EBRI 2, 3, 21, 24, 26, 27 and 29 identified as Rhizobium etli, and EBRI 32 identified as Rhizobium gallicum, isolated from Egyptian soils and which nodulated Phaseolus vulgaris efficiently, were subjected to hybridization with a nifH probe in order to estimate the copy number of this gene. Seven strains (EBRI 2, 3, 21, 24, 26, 27 and 29) which were only able to nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris, contained three copies of the nifH gene, consistent with their identification as Rhizobium etli bv. phaseoli. Only one strain (EBRI 32) which nodulated both Phaseolus vulgaris and Leucaena leucocephala, had one copy of nifH gene. This confirmed the classification of this strain as Rhizobium gallicum bv. gallicum.     

Probing the Drosophila retinal determination gene network in Tribolium (II): The Pax6 genes eyeless and twin of eyeless

The Pax6 genes eyeless (ey) and twin of eyeless (toy) are upstream regulators in the retinal determination gene network (RDGN), which instructs the formation of the adult eye primordium in Drosophila. Most animals possess a singleton Pax6 ortholog, but the dependence of eye development on Pax6 is widely conserved. A rare exception is given by the larval eyes of Drosophila, which develop independently of ey and toy. To obtain insight into the origin of differential larval and adult eye regulation, we studied the function of toy and ey in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. We find that single and combinatorial knockdown of toy and ey affect larval eye development strongly but adult eye development only mildly in this primitive hemimetabolous species. Compound eye-loss, however, was provoked when ey and toy were RNAi-silenced in combination with the early retinal gene dachshund (dac). We propose that these data reflect a role of Pax6 during regional specification in the developing head and that the subsequent maintenance and growth of the adult eye primordium is regulated partly by redundant and partly by specific functions of toy, ey and dac in Tribolium. The results from embryonic knockdown and comparative protein sequence analysis lead us further to conclude that Tribolium represents an ancestral state of redundant control by ey and toy.     

The effect of seasonality on oxidative metabolism in Nacella (Patinigera) magellanica

We studied the seasonal variation on aerobic metabolism and the response of oxidative stress parameters in the digestive glands of the subpolar limpet Nacella (P.) magellanica. Sampling was carried out from July (winter) 2002 to July 2003 in Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Whole animal respiration rates increased in early spring as the animals spawned and remained elevated throughout summer and fall (winter: 0.09 ± 0.02 μmol O₂ h^− 1 g^− 1; summer: 0.31 ± 0.06 μmol O₂ h^− 1 g^− 1). Oxidative stress was assessed at the hydrophilic level as the ascorbyl radical content / ascorbate content ratio (A / AH⁻). The A / AH⁻ ratio showed minimum values in winter (3.7 ± 0.2 10^− 5 AU) and increased in summer (18 ± 5 10^− 5 AU). A similar pattern was observed for lipid radical content (122 ± 29 pmol mg^− 1 fresh mass [FW] in winter and 314 ± 45 pmol mg^− 1 FW in summer), iron content (0.99 ± 0.07 and 2.7 ± 0.6 nmol mg^− 1 FW in winter and summer, respectively) and catalase activity (2.9 ± 0.2 and 7 ± 1 U mg^− 1 FW in winter and summer, respectively). Since nitrogen derived radicals are thought to be critically involved in oxidative metabolism in cells, nitric oxide content was measured and a significant difference in the content of the Fe–MGD–NO adduct in digestive glands from winter and summer animals was observed. Together, the data indicate that both oxygen and nitrogen radical generation rates in N. (P.) magellanica are strongly dependent on season.