Two reciprocally monophyletic mtDNA lineages elucidate the taxonomic status of Mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella)

Mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) rank among the most critically endangered mammals on the Arabian Peninsula. Past conservation efforts have been plagued by confusion about the phylogenetic relationship among various ‘phenotypically discernable’ populations, and even the question of species boundaries was far from being certain. This lack of knowledge has had a direct impact on conservation measures, especially ex situ breeding programmes, hampering the assignment of captive stocks to potential conservation units. Here, we provide a phylogenetic framework, based on the analysis of mtDNA sequences (360 bp cytochrome b and 213 bp Control Region) of 126 individuals collected from the wild throughout the Arabian Peninsula and from captive stocks. Our analyses revealed two reciprocally monophyletic genetic lineages within the presumed species Gazella gazella: one ‘northern clade’ on the Golan Heights (Israel/Syrian border) and one genetically diverse larger clade from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula including the Arava Valley (Negev, Israel). Applying the Strict Phylogenetic Species Concept (sensu Mishler & Theriot, 2000 Mishler, B. D. and Theriot, E. C. 2000. “The phylogenetic species concept (sensu Mishler and Theriot): monophyly, apomorphy, and phylogenetic species concepts”. In Species Concepts and Phylogenetic Theory. A Debate, Edited by: Wheeler, Q. D. and Meier, R. 44–54. Columbia University Press, NY.  [Google Scholar]) allows assigning species status to these two major clades.     

Analysis of DNA Sequencing Reaction Products Made with 7-Halo-7-deaza-2′-deoxyguanosine-5′-triphosphate

Abstract

7-Chloro- and 7- Iodo-7-Deaza-2′-Deoxyguanosine-5′-Triphosphates were employed as substrates replacing dGTP, dITP, or 7-Deaza-2′-Deoxyguanosine-5′-Triphosphate in sequencing reactions with Thermo Sequenase^TM. Analysis of the reaction products by denaturing gel electrophoresis indicates DNA containing these halogenated analogs can form strong secondary structures.     

The Synthesis and Biological activity of a Highly Selective Adenosine A2a. Receptor Agonist

Abstract

Three novel nucleosides 1, 2, and 3 were prepared that contained side chains at the 2-position of adenosine. Compound 1 was shown to be the most selective A_2a receptor agonist reported to date having an A₁/A₂ ratio of 2400. In addition, compound 1 was shown to reduce blood pressure in rats and dogs with only minimal effects on heart rate.     

Oligonucleotide Labeling Methods 4. Direct Labeling Reagents with a Novel,Non-Nucleosidic,Chirally Defined 2-Deoxy-β-D-Ribosyl Backbone.

Abstract

Novel solid supports and CE-phosphoramidite reagents have been prepared featuring a unique 2′-deoxyribosyl backbone. These chirally pure reagents form the basis of an oligonucleotide labeling system which provides diastereomerically pure oligonucleotides.     

Metabolism of Atrazine in Liquid Cultures and Soil Microcosms by Nocardioides Strains Isolated from a Contaminated Nigerian Agricultural Soil

Atrazine-degrading microorganisms designated EAA-3 and EAA-4, belonging to the genus Nocardioides, were obtained from an agricultural soil in Nigeria. The degradation kinetics of the two strains revealed total disappearance of 25 mg l^?1 of atrazine in less than 72 h of incubation at the rate of 0.42 mg l^?1 h^?1 and 0.35 mg l^?1 h^?1, respectively. Screening for atrazine catabolic genes in these organisms revealed the presence of trzN, atzB, and atzC. Other genes, specifically atzA, atzD, and trzD, were not detected. Potential intermediates of atrazine catabolic route such as hydroxyatrazine, desethylatrazine, and desisopropylatrazine were utilized as sources of carbon and energy, while desisopropyl desethyl-2-hydroxyatrazine and desisopropyl-2-hydroxyatrazine were attacked but in the presence of glucose. A soil microcosm study showed that degradation was faster in microcosms contaminated with 13 mg of atrazine per g^?1 of soil compared with 480 mg g^?1 of soil. In the former, degradation was 10% higher in the inoculated soil than the non-inoculated control (natural attenuation) over the 28-day study period. Corresponding value obtained for the latter was nearly 70% higher. This study has demonstrated that the bacterial strains isolated enhanced atrazine degradation and the catabolic activities of these strains were not affected with increasing soil atrazine concentration.