Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)

We isolated and characterized 16 microsatellite loci in the eastern chipmunk, Tamias striatus. The loci were screened across 25 individuals from one population and shown to be polymorphic with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to 17. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.212 to 0.887 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.200 to 0.960. Only two loci (Chip 10 and Chip 25) deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.     

Taxonomy as a hypothesis: testing the status of the Bermuda buckeye butterfly Junonia coenia bergi (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Species determination and definition in eukaryotes have traditionally been based on morphology, with little focus on genetic differentiation. Molecular methods allow for the independent assessment of morphology‐based taxonomic hypotheses. Three criteria used to define a full species for taxonomic purposes are morphological distinction, formation of a monophyletic lineage, and reproductive isolation. Junonia butterflies (Nymphalidae) are becoming an important experimental model system, but the taxonomy of many New World Junonia species is unclear. One of these species is J. coenia, which contains the subspecies J. coenia coenia, J. coenia grisea and J. coenia bergi. Previous studies suggest that J. coenia grisea may meet the criteria for full species status. Therefore, we evaluated the geographically isolated and rarely studied Bermuda buckeye butterfly J. coenia bergi to determine if it was similarly distinct. Physical examination of specimens and phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, nuclear wingless, and complete mitochondrial genome sequences suggest that while J. coenia bergi is smaller in body size than many Junonia and has distinctive ventral hindwing colouration, it does not form a monophyletic lineage and shows indications of continued gene flow with North American mainland J. coenia coenia populations. Thus, J. coenia bergi does not meet the criteria for full species designation, but geographic isolation, morphological distinctiveness, and cultural importance suggest that it remain recognized as a subspecies of J. coenia. Similar analyses will be useful for addressing further taxonomic questions in Junonia and other taxa, especially where morphology‐based taxonomic determinations are ambiguous.     

Postfertilization Poly(A) · Protein Complex Formation on Sea Urchin Maternal Messenger RNA

A two-fold increase in polyadenylate [poly(A)] content occurs between fertilization and the two-cell stage in sea urchin zygotes. In this report the role of this cytoplasmic polyadenylation process in the provision of binding sites for poly(A)-associated proteins during early development of Lytechinus pictus is evaluated. Protein-associated poly(A) sequences, from ribonuclease-treated, post-mitochondrial supernatants of various developmental stages, were collected by nitrocellulose filtration and quantified by ³H-poly(U) complex formation. The proportion of protein-associated poly(A) rose from about 27% to about 60% of the total poly(A), on a nucleotide basis, during the period between fertilization and the eight-cell stage. However, the actual increase in number of poly(A) sequences associated with protein was more extensive, about 2.5-fold, since protein-associated poly(A) sequences average about 45 nucleotides longer than free poly(A). The protein-associated poly(A) of eggs and zygotes is found in two types of protease-sensitive complexes which sediment at 8–12 S and 15–20 S. The 8–12 S complex appears to be selectively increased in amount following fertilization. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the poly(A) protein complex fraction indicates the presence of 87,000 and 130,000 molecular weight polypeptides in both eggs and zygotes. It is concluded that quantitative, but not qualitative, alterations in the proportion of protein-associated poly(A) accompanies post-fertilization cytoplasmic polyadenylation in sea urchin zygotes. The attachment of specific proteins to the 3'terminus of maternal RNAs may be involved in their subsequent activities during early embryogenesis.     

The 1952 outbreak of encephalitis in California; vector control aspects

X-radiation remains the treatment of choice in most cases of leukemia and lymphoma, but new agents are playing an increasing role in therapy. Radioactive phosphorus does not produce radiation sickness and results with it are comparable to those of x-ray therapy in chronic leukemia. Urethane and nitrogen mustard may produce remissions in patients with chronic leukemia who have become resistant to radiation. Triethylene melamine may be administered orally with nitrogen mustard-like effects and is undergoing further trial. Aminopterin, ACTH and cortisone often cause short remissions in acute leukemia. Urethane is the best treatment available for multiple myeloma. Polycythemia vera is well controlled by radioactive phosphorus combined with venesection. Nitrogen mustard is often effective and triethylene melamine shows promise in Hodgkin's disease. Antianemic substances such as iron and liver extract are of no value in the treatment of anemia caused by leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.