Multiplex panels of polymorphic microsatellite loci for two cryptic bat species of the genus Pipistrellus,developed by cross‐species amplification within the family Vespertilionidae

The paper presents multiplex panels of polymorphic microsatellites for two closely related cryptic species Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus. We tested the cross‐species amplification of 34 microsatellite loci, originally developed for five vespertilionid bat species. Ten and nine polymorphic loci in P. pipistrellus (mean number of alleles per locus = 10.5) and P. pygmaeus (8.1), respectively, in three multiplex polymerase chain reactions per species were amplified. All loci can be analysed in a single fragment analysis and can be used as markers to the study of evolution and the ecology of structured populations of socially living bats.     

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in the Ovine Model

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the most common surgical operation for cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy in patients who have failed conservative treatment^1,5. Since the operation was first described by Cloward² and Smith and Robinson⁶ in 1958, a variety refinements in technique, graft material and implants have been made³. In particular, there is a need for safe osteoinductive agents that could benefit selected patients. The ovine model has been shown to have anatomical, biomechanical, bone density and radiological properties that are similar to the human counterpart, the most similar level being C3/4⁴. It is therefore an ideal model in which preclinical studies can be performed. In particular this methodology may be useful to researchers interested in evaluating different devices and biologics, including stem cells, for potential application in human spinal surgery.Download video file.^{(67M, mp4)}     

Concordant phylogeography and cryptic speciation in two Western Palaearctic oak gall parasitoid species complexes

Little is known about the evolutionary history of most complex multi‐trophic insect communities. Widespread species from different trophic levels might evolve in parallel, showing similar spatial patterns and either congruent temporal patterns (Contemporary Host‐tracking) or later divergence in higher trophic levels (Delayed Host‐tracking). Alternatively, host shifts by natural enemies among communities centred on different host resources could disrupt any common community phylogeographic pattern. We examined these alternative models using two Megastigmus parasitoid morphospecies associated with oak cynipid galls sampled throughout their Western Palaearctic distributions. Based on existing host cynipid data, a parallel evolution model predicts that eastern regions of the Western Palaearctic should contain ancestral populations with range expansions across Europe about 1.6 million years ago and deeper species‐level divergence at both 8–9 and 4–5 million years ago. Sequence data from mitochondrial cytochrome b and multiple nuclear genes showed similar phylogenetic patterns and revealed cryptic genetic species within both morphospecies, indicating greater diversity in these communities than previously thought. Phylogeographic divergence was apparent in most cryptic species between relatively stable, diverse, putatively ancestral populations in Asia Minor and the Middle East, and genetically depauperate, rapidly expanding populations in Europe, paralleling patterns in host gallwasp species. Mitochondrial and nuclear data also suggested that Europe may have been colonized multiple times from eastern source populations since the late Miocene. Temporal patterns of lineage divergence were congruent within and across trophic levels, supporting the Contemporary Host‐tracking Hypothesis for community evolution.     

苯肼对红细胞在体衰老过程中微观流变特性的影响

在Brunara等人用苯肼使动物造成急性溶血性贫血的方法基础上,建立一种由急性溶血性贫血后,而诱发家兔幼红细胞增多的非正常生理状态的红细胞在体衰老模型,继而研究新生红细胞从产生到死亡死亡过程,即衰老过程的流变学特性的变化规律。通过对新生红细胞的压积、变形、取向及与之相应的全血的粘度、血沉等指标的连续60多天的监测,发现红细胞在衰老过程中的微观流变学特性确实有明显改变。红细胞在体衰老过程中微观流变特性逐渐变差。     

The "Goldilocks Effect" in Cystic Fibrosis: identification of a lung phenotype in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">cftr</Emphasis> knockout and heterozygous mouse

Background  

Cystic Fibrosis is a pleiotropic disease in humans with primary morbidity and mortality associated with a lung disease phenotype. However, knockout in the mouse of cftr, the gene whose mutant alleles are responsible for cystic fibrosis, has previously failed to produce a readily, quantifiable lung phenotype.     

Extent of invasion of Tasmanian native vegetation by the exotic bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Apoidea: Apidae)

Abstract Observations of the large earth bumblebee, Bombus terrestris (L.), in native vegetation were collated to determine the extent to which this exotic species has invaded Tasmanian native vegetation during the first 9 years after its introduction. The range of B. terrestris now encompasses all of Tasmania's major vegetation types, altitudes from sea level to 1260m a.s.L, and the entire breadth of annual precipitation in the state from more than 3200 mm to less than 600 mm. Observations of workers carrying pollen, together with the presence of large numbers of bumblebees at many localities across this range indicate that colonies are frequently established in native vegetation. Evidence that colonies are often successful was obtained from repeated observations of the species during more than 1 year at particular sites. Unequivocal evidence of colonies was obtained from six National Parks, including four of the five in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (WHA). Indeed, the species has been present in the WHA for at least as long as it has in the city of Hobart, where it was first recorded. In southwestern Tasmania, evidence of colonies was obtained up to 40km from gardens, 61 km from small towns and 93 km from large towns. Hence, contrary to previous suggestions, the species is established in the most remote parts of Tasmania and is not dependent on introduced garden plants. Given their strong record of invasion, it is likely that B. terrestris will form feral populations on the mainland of Australia and in many other parts of the world if introduced. Because of their likely negative impacts on native animals and plants, and potential to enhance seed production in weeds, the spread of bumblebees should be avoided.     

Aspects of hadrosaurian cranial anatomy

Supraorbital bones in Saurolophus angustirostris are described, and their presence in all hadrosaurs is suggested. Frontal-nasal and premaxillar-nasal fontanellae are distinguished in hadrosaurs; their presence is explained as connected with growth and considered to he responsible for the variability of crest structures. New data indicating the presence of a cartilaginous diverticulum nasi within the circumnarial depression in Saurobphus ongustirostris are presented. A physiological (respiratory and/or thermoregulatory) function of the nasal diverticulum is proposed.