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Rolling-circle transposons (Helitrons) are a newly discovered group of mobile DNA widespread in plant and invertebrate genomes but limited to the bat family Vespertilionidae among mammals. Little is known about the long-term impact of Helitron activity because the genomes where Helitron activity has been extensively studied are predominated by young families. Here, we report a comprehensive catalog of vetted Helitrons from the 7× Myotis lucifugus genome assembly. To estimate the timing of transposition, we scored presence/absence across related vespertilionid genome sequences with estimated divergence times. This analysis revealed that the Helibat family has been a persistent source of genomic innovation throughout the vespertilionid diversification from approximately 30–36 Ma to as recently as approximately 1.8–6 Ma. This is the first report of persistent Helitron transposition over an extended evolutionary timeframe. These findings illustrate that the pattern of Helitron activity is akin to the vertical persistence of LINE retrotransposons in primates and other mammalian lineages. Like retrotransposition in primates, rolling-circle transposition has generated lineage-specific variation and accounts for approximately 110 Mb, approximately 6% of the genome of M. lucifugus. The Helitrons carry a heterogeneous assortment of host sequence including retroposed messenger RNAs, retrotransposons, DNA transposons, as well as introns, exons and regulatory regions (promoters, 5′-untranslated regions [UTRs], and 3′-UTRs) of which some are evolving in a pattern suggestive of purifying selection. Evidence that Helitrons have contributed putative promoters, exons, splice sites, polyadenylation sites, and microRNA-binding sites to transcripts otherwise conserved across mammals is presented, and the implication of Helitron activity to innovation in these unique mammals is discussed.

In order to investigate hybridization between 2 species of woodrats, Neotoma floridana and Neotoma micropus, 103 specimens were collected, in March of 1988, from a known area of sympatry, and compared with reference collections from areas of allopatry. Ten genetic markers, consisting of 7 microsatellite loci, 1 mitochondrial gene (cytochrome-b [Cytb]), and 2 nuclear introns (intron 2 of the vertebrate alcohol dehydrogenase gene [Adh1-I2] and intron 7 of the beta-fibrinogen gene [Fgb-I7]) were used to develop a composite genotype for each individual and for detection of hybridization. Six individuals were identified as pure parental N. micropus, 96 as hybrids, and 1 as pure parental N. floridana Hybrids were formed primarily through matings between complex genotypes, resulting in a high prevalence of individuals classified as backcrosses. The ratio of hybrid classes, population substructure, and presence of significant linkage disequilibrium within the zone of contact could not reject either the hybrid superiority or hybrid equilibrium model as responsible for maintenance of this hybrid zone. The collection date of this dataset (1988) provided not only a point in time assessment of the hybrid zone but also provided opportunities for future comparisons of temporal datasets with the purpose of examining hybrid zone characteristics over multiple generations.

Chernobyl demonstrated that iodine-131 (131I) released in a nuclear accident can cause malignant thyroid nodules to develop in children within a 300 mile radius of the incident. Timely potassium iodide (KI) administration can prevent the development of thyroid cancer and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and a number of United States governmental agencies recommend KI prophylaxis. Current pre-distribution of KI by the United States government and other governments with nuclear reactors is probably ineffective. Thus we undertook a thorough scientific review, regarding emergency response to 131I exposures. We propose: (1) pre-distribution of KI to at risk populations; (2) prompt administration, within 2 hours of the incident; (3) utilization of a lowest effective KI dose; (4) distribution extension to at least 300 miles from the epicenter of a potential nuclear incident; (5) education of the public about dietary iodide sources; (6) continued post-hoc analysis of the long-term impact of nuclear accidents; and (7) support for global iodine sufficiency programs. Approximately two billion people are at risk for iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), the world's leading cause of preventable brain damage. Iodide deficient individuals are at greater risk of developing thyroid cancer after 131I exposure. There are virtually no studies of KI prophylaxis in infants, children and adolescents, our target population. Because of their sensitivity to these side effects, we have suggested that we should extrapolate from the lowest effective adult dose, 15-30 mg or 1-2 mg per 10 pounds for children. We encourage global health agencies (private and governmental) to consider these critical recommendations.

There is a growing interest in the cancer cell growth inhibitory effects of organotin (IV) compounds and, accordingly, a new series of dimethyl-, di-(n-butyl)-, diphenyl- and chloro-phenyl tin(IV) complexes with a Schiff base core were prepared. Their binding to DNA was assessed by UV thermal denaturation showing no interaction and by UV-vis titration exhibiting moderate interaction by intercalation. Complexes having n-butyl substituents were more potent and cytotoxic against human leukemia, breast and cervical cancer cell lines than other organotin(IV) complexes tested. Unfortunately, some of these compounds showed similar cytotoxicity in a non-cancerous cell line. We may conclude that cytotoxic activity was dependent on the nature (lipophilicity and size, according to the structure-activity relationship studies) and substitution pattern on the different structures. These results may aid in the rational design of metallodrugs, expanding the scope of organotin complexes in formulating new metal based drugs with dibutyl moieties.

ObjectiveUse biofeedback measures to manage a patient's long term recovery from concussion.BackgroundSports-related mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is estimated to affect 3.8 million people in the United States. Identifying quantitative measures of recovery has become a point of interest in treatment. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), the average fluctuation in the interval between heartbeats, shows promise as a noninvasive biomarker.Design/MethodsCase report following cardiovascular recovery of a 15 year old cross country runner 4 months post-injury. Average heart rate and maximum heart rate per training session were collected from the patient's smart device.ResultsA 15-year-old Caucasian male cross-country runner hit the back of his head during a soccer game suffering an MTBI. The patient rested from the activity for 1 week then returned to training. Two months after the injury the patient complained of persistent shortness of breath, fatigue, and increased heart rate while running. According to the patient, his average BPM while running prior to the injury was in the 160s. The patient's smart device post-concussion reports a spike into the 180s. 3 months post-concussion the patient was instructed to keep his heart rate below 170 during training. In the following month, the patient's condition improved gradually with a return to baseline activity.ConclusionsHRV is a promising point of investigation for the management of post-concussive symptoms. Further research is necessary to elucidate the long term effects of concussion on heart rate variability.

The crystal structure of [Ph4P][NCS]·HNCS is reported. This is the first structural determination of isothiocyanic acid and hydrogen bonding between the NCS anion and HNCS fragment explored using computational chemistry.

The synthesis of a series of uranyl compounds via oxidation of [Li(THF)4][UX5(THF)] (X = Cl, Br, I) in the presence of Ph3P=O is described. The solid state structures of [Li(O=PPh3)(MeCN)2]2[UO2Cl4], [UO2Br2(O=PPh3)2] and [Li(O=PPh3)4][I3], formed as a by-product from the oxidation of [Li(THF)4][UI5(THF)], is reported. The electronic absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra of [UO2X2(O=PPh3)2] (X = Cl, Br, I) have been measured and no significant changes in the position of the emission (515-530 nm) or the lifetimes (ca. 1 μs) are observed in this series. However a bathochromic shift is observed in the U-X LMCT band in the electronic absorption spectrum.

Phylogenetic comparisons of the different mammalian genetic transmission elements (mtDNA, X-, Y-, and autosomal DNA) is a powerful approach for understanding the process of speciation in nature. Through such comparisons the unique inheritance pathways of each genetic element and gender-biased processes can link genomic structure to the evolutionary process, especially among lineages which have recently diversified, in which genetic isolation may be incomplete. Bulldog bats of the genus Noctilio are an exemplar lineage, being a young clade, widely distributed, and exhibiting unique feeding ecologies. In addition, currently recognized species are paraphyletic with respect to the mtDNA gene tree and contain morphologically identifiable clades that exhibit mtDNA divergences as great as among many species. To test taxonomic hypotheses and understand the contribution of hybridization to the extant distribution of genetic diversity in Noctilio, we used phylogenetic, coalescent stochastic modeling, and divergence time estimates using sequence data from cytochrome-b, cytochrome c oxidase-I, zinc finger Y, and zinc finger X, as well as evolutionary reconstructions based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) data. No evidence of ongoing hybridization between the two currently recognized species was identified. However, signatures of an ancient mtDNA capture were recovered in which an mtDNA lineage of one species was captured early in the noctilionid radiation. Among subspecific mtDNA clades, which were generally coincident with morphology and statistically definable as species, signatures of ongoing hybridization were observed in sex chromosome sequences and AFLP. Divergence dating of genetic elements corroborates the diversification of extant Noctilio beginning about 3 Ma, with ongoing hybridization between mitochondrial lineages separated by 2.5 myr. The timeframe of species' divergence within Noctilio supports the hypothesis that shifts in the dietary strategies of gleaning insects (N. albiventris) or fish (N. leporinus) are among the most rapid instances of dietary evolution observed in mammals. This study illustrates the complex evolutionary dynamics shaping gene pools in nature, how comparisons of genetic elements can serve for understanding species boundaries, and the complex considerations for accurate taxonomic assignment.

DNA sequence data from mitochondrial cytochrome-b (Cytb) and Y-linked structural maintenance of chromosomes (SmcY) genes were combined with 478 nuclear loci obtained from amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) to assess the extent of hybridization and genetic spatial structure of populations in two hybridizing species of ground squirrel (Ictidomys parvidens and Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). Based on AFLP analyses of 134 individuals from 28 populations, 10 populations were identified that possessed hybrid individuals. Overall estimates of F ST values revealed strong support for population structure in the Cytb data set; however, analyses of the SmcY gene and the AFLP data indicated ongoing gene flow between species. Pairwise F ST comparisons of populations were not significant for the SmcY gene; although they were significant for the Cytb gene, indicating that these populations were structured and that gene flow was minimal. Therefore, gene flow between I. parvidens and I. tridecemlineatus appeared to be restricted to populations that exhibited hybridization. In addition, the fragmented nature of the geographic landscape suggested limited gene flow between populations. As a result, the distributional pattern of interspersed parental and hybrid populations were compatible with a mosaic hybrid zone model. Because ground squirrels display female philopatry and male-biased dispersal, the ecology of these species is compatible with this hypothesis.

The three species of bears in North America, polar bears (Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774), brown bears (Ursus arctos L., 1758), and black bears (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780), have differentiated morphologies and nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. An exception is a paraphyletic mitochondrial DNA relationship and some nuclear gene lineages common to polar bears and a population of brown bears from islands in southeast Alaska. In this study, we quantified the genetic relationships of extant brown bears and black bears from Alaska and Montana, and polar bears from Alaska, with amplified fragment length polymor- phisms (AFLP) and mtDNA cytochrome-b sequences. Bayesian cluster analyses of the AFLP data show each species is distinct. All brown bears, including those from the islands in southeast Alaska, cluster separately from polar bears, and black bears cluster separately from brown bears and polar bears. The mtDNA of polar bears and southeast Alaska island brown bears is paraphyletic as reported previously, but the species have different haplotypes. These data indicate that extant populations of brown bears and polar bears have separate nuclear and mitochondrial gene pools and are supported as species under the genetic species concept. Resume : Les trois especes d'ours d'Amerique du Nord, l'ours blanc (Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774), le grizzli (Ursus arctos L., 1758) et l'ours noir (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780), ont des morphologies et des genomes nucleaires et mitochondriaux differencies. Une relation paraphyletique de l'ADN mitochondrial et certaines lignees de genes nucleaires qu'ont en commun les ours blancs et une population de grizzlis des iles du sud-est de l'Alaska constituent toutefois des exceptions notables. Nous avons quantifie les relations genetiques entre des grizzlis et des ours noirs vivant aujourd'hui en l'Alaska et au Montana, et des ours blancs de l'Alaska ala lumiere de polymorphismes de longueur de fragments amplifies (AFLP) et de sequences du cytochrome-b de l'ADNmt. Des analyses bayesiennes de regroupement des donnees d'AFLP indiquent que chaque espece est distincte. Tous les grizzlis, y compris ceux des iles du sud-est de l'Alaska, forment un groupe distinct des ours blancs, et les ours noirs forment un groupe distinct des grizzlis et des ours blancs. L'ADNmt des ours blancs et des grizzlis des iles du sud-est de l'Alaska est paraphyletique, ce qui concorde avec les conclusions d'etudes anterieures, mais les deux especes ont des haplotypes distincts. Ces donnees indiquent que les populations actuelles de grizzlis et d'ours blancs presentent des patrimoines genetiques nucle- aires et mitochondriaux distincts et constituent des especes distinctes en vertu du concept des especes genetiques. (Traduit par la Redaction) Mots-cles : polymorphisme de longueur de fragments amplifies, ours, cytochrome b, ADN mitochondrial, Ursus americanus, Ursus arctos, Ursus maritimus.

Although significant work has been done to define species relationships within the Neotropical genus Micronycteris, the group has yet to be fully resolved. In Bolivia Micronycteris is represented by 4 species: M. hirsuta, M. megalotis, M. minuta, and M. sanborni. Through examination of morphological characters and analyses of cranial measurements and genetic data, we determine that M. sanborni is not found in Bolivia and describe a new species closely related to it. The new species is morphometrically distinct from its congeners, forming a cluster separate from M. schmidtorum, M. minuta, and M. brosseti along principal component (PC) 1 (explaining 57.3% of the variation and correlated with maxillary toothrow length) and also separate from M. sanborni along PC 2 (explaining 35.4% of the variation and correlated with condylobasal length). The new species forms a statistically supported clade in all phylogenetic analyses; however, a sister relationship to M. sanborni is not supported. Genetic distan...

The uranyl aryloxide [UO2(OAr)2(THF)2] (Ar = 2,6-(t)Bu2-C6H2) is an active catalyst for the ring-opening cyclo-oligomerization of ε-caprolactone and δ-valerolactone but not for β-butyrolactone, γ-butyrolactone, and rac-lactide. (1)H EXSY measurements give the thermodynamic parameters for exchange of monomer and coordinated THF, and rates of polymerization have been determined. A comprehensive theoretical examination of the mechanism is discussed. From both experiment and theory, the initiation step is intramolecular and in keeping with the accepted mechanism, while computational studies indicate that propagation can go via an intermolecular pathway, which is the first time this has been observed. The lack of polymerization for the inactive monomers has been investigated theoretically and C-H···π interactions stabilize the coordination of the less rigid monomers.

The relationship between inter- and transdisciplinary research and potentially transformative science is poorly understood. We use a case study of a long-term transdisciplinary research effort on hantaviruses combined with findings from studies of team science to generate a hypothesized model that links cross-disciplinary collaboration with transformative scientific outcomes. We show that potentially transformative research depends on the existence of an interesting and worthwhile problem to which participants can contribute in salient ways, human and material foundations within disciplines, collaborative mutualism across disciplines, and a transformative learning process that enables knowledge integration across diverse perspectives. Transformative learning theory suggests that new, integrated conceptual understanding is initiated by disorienting dilemmas. We argue that engagement in cross-disciplinary collaboration produces disorienting dilemmas that initiate transformative learning. Our hypothesized mo...

Where does a species live? How common is it? Where does it spend its inactive periods? These are basic questions about the biology of a species, which bring key information for application in conservation and management. Unfortunately, this information is available for only a minimum fraction of all animal species. Using 1) ecological niche modeling with maximum entropy (Maxent), 2) relative abundance estimates using museum records, and 3) field surveys of roosting sites, we report the fraternal fruit-eating bat, Artibeus fraterculus, as having a distribution limited to the Tumbesian ecoregion in Ecuador and west central Peru, being the relatively most abundant bat species throughout its range, with healthy populations which are primarily sustained by cultivated and introduced plants, and using human-made constructions as roost sites. Additionally, we described a large congregation of individuals of this species in a single roost, representing the largest colony reported for the genus Artibeus. These results may indicate resilience of A. fraterculus to human disturbance.

The Schiff base 2-[(E)-(quinolin-3-ylimino)methyl]phenol (H-QMP) was crystallized in Pc space group and complexed with Ni(II) and Co(II) in [M(QMP)2] and Cu(II) and Zn(II) in [M(QMP)(CH3COO)]H2O compositions. Elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, IR, UV–vis spectroscopy, conductance study and magnetic susceptibilities were used to characterize the complexes. The thermograms obtained in the range of 30–1000 °C were used for kinetic and thermodynamic calculations. The activation energies and order of pyrolysis were calculated using Horowitz–Metzger method. The calculated activation energies were subsequently used for the calculations of thermodynamic parameters including ΔS*, ΔH* and ΔG*. It was found that the thermal stability and activation energy follow the order Cu(II) > Ni(II) > Co(II) > Zn(II) and E Ni * > E Cu * > E Co * > E Zn * , respectively. All the compounds were also studied for their urease and α-chymotrypsin inhibition, showing medium to moderate activities for both the enzymes except nickel complex. Nickel complex shows IC50 = 9.9 ± 0.124 μM ± SEM, and the activity was rationalized by carrying out molecular modeling studies.

The rapid diversification of Myotis bats into more than 100 species is one of the most extensive mammalian radiations available for study. Efforts to understand relationships within Myotis have primarily utilized mitochondrial markers and trees inferred from nuclear markers lacked resolution. Our current understanding of relationships within Myotis is therefore biased towards a set of phylogenetic markers that may not reflect the history of the nuclear genome. To resolve this, we sequenced the full mitochondrial genomes of 37 representative Myotis, primarily from the New World, in conjunction with targeted sequencing of 3,648 ultraconserved elements (UCEs). We inferred the phylogeny and explored the effects of concatenation and summary phylogenetic methods, as well as combinations of markers based on informativeness or levels of missing data, on our results. Of the 294 phylogenies generated from the nuclear UCE data, all are significantly different from phylogenies inferred using mitochondrial genomes. Even within the nuclear data, quartet frequencies indicate that around half of all UCE loci conflict with the estimated species tree. Several factors can drive such conflict, including incomplete lineage sorting, introgressive hybridization, or even phylogenetic error. Despite the degree of discordance between nuclear UCE loci and the mitochondrial genome and among UCE loci themselves, the most common nuclear topology is recovered in one quarter of all analyses with strong nodal support. Based on these results, we re-examine the evolutionary history of Myotis to better understand the phenomena driving their unique nuclear, mitochondrial, and biogeographic histories.

Transition metal [Co, Ni, Cu and Zn(II) acetates] complexes of salicylaldehyde derived Schiff bases, 2-{(E)-[(4-chlorophenyl)imino]methyl}phenol (CIMP) and 2-{(E)-[(4-bromophenyl)imino]methyl}phenol (BIMP) were synthesized and characterized by various analytical and spectroscopic studies. The Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes were also screened for their urease, α-chymotrypsin, acetylcholinesterse and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activities. The ligands were found active against α-chymotrypsin with IC50 ± S.E.M. = 305.0 ± 3.2 and 330.6 ± 1.6 μM respectively. The copper complexes of both the ligands were found active in inhibiting urease enzyme with IC50 ± S.E.M. = 10.7 ± 0.2 and 5.0 ± 0.1 μM respectively, as compared to standard inhibitor. Structure activity relationship (SAR) was evaluated using autodock programme. It was found that the active complexes block the entrance cavity to the enzyme. All the complexes were evaluated for their thermal degradation studies using TG-DTA analytical methods in static air. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were evaluated from the TG/DTA curves using Horowitz–Metzger method.

Background: In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) nocturnal hypoventilation carries a poor prognosis but can be successfully treated with Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV). The British Thoracic Society Guideline recommends screening and states that clinically significant hypoventilation (CO2>6.5kPa) is unlikely to occur in the absence of oxygen desaturation below 93%, recommending overnight oximetry as a sufficient screening method. However many centres perform transcutaneous oxicapnography (TOSCA) studies. Aim: To see whether CO2 measurement confers additional benefit to oxygen saturations alone as part of screening in patients with DMD. Method: All DMD patients in the West of Scotland who had had screening TOSCA studies performed were identified and the oximetry and CO2 profiles were compared. Studies performed on NIV were excluded. Results: 33 patients aged 7-26 years had 71 TOSCA studies performed. No correlation was found between mean CO2 and mean saturations (r2=0.03), desaturation index (r2=0.04), nadir of saturations (r2=0.09), % time with sats Conclusion: Oxygen saturation monitoring alone is not an adequate screening tool and the addition of CO2 monitoring enabled appropriate identification of numerous patients who would otherwise have been missed.

The coordination and organometallic chemistry of U(III) has been revolutionised by the preparation of the key starting materials [UI 3 (solv) 4 ] (solv = THF, py, 1/2DME), [U{N(SiMe 3 ) 2 } 3 ] and [U(OTf) 3 ] and fascinating transformations have resulted. Herein the chemistry of these compounds is reviewed focussing on the initial reactivity of these species; further conversions are not discussed. Salt elimination and 1, 2 or 3 electron oxidation of the uranium centre based upon the ligands is described.

A comprehensive computational study on the ring-opening polymerization of propylene oxide catalyzed by uranyl chloride [UO(2)Cl(2)(THF)(3)] and the uranyl aryloxide [UO(2)(OAr)(2)(THF)(2)] (Ar = 2,6-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(3)) is reported. The initiation and propagation steps have been probed and significant differences between the two catalysts discovered. The initiation step involving uranyl chloride is an intermolecular process because the orientation of the lone pair on the initiating chloride nucleophile is optimally oriented toward the empty σ*-antibonding orbital of the epoxide, which lowers the activation barrier by 22 kcal mol(-1). Thus, initiation is orbitally controlled. Propagation occurs through a dimeric species, and low-temperature fluorescence spectroscopy has been used to probe this experimentally. In contrast the initiation step for the uranyl aryloxide catalyzed mechanism is intramolecular because of the steric constraints imposed by the bulky substituents on the aryl ring and the fact that the lone pair on the nucleophile is able to approach the propylene oxide coordinated to the same uranium center. Thus, initiation is principally sterically controlled. Propagation is, however, intermolecular, and this can be traced to steric effects. Experimental evidence in the form of fluorescence spectroscopy and diffusion NMR has been used to explore the propagation process in solution.

The unusual uranyl peroxide studtite, [UO(2)(η(2)-O(2))(H(2)O)(2)]·2H(2)O, is a phase alteration product of spent nuclear fuel and has been characterized by solid-state cyclic voltammetry. The voltammogram exhibits two reduction waves that have been assigned to the U(VI/V) redox couple at -0.74 V and to the U(V/IV) redox couple at -1.10 V. This potential shows some dependence upon the identity of the cation of the supporting electrolyte, where cations with larger ionic radii exhibit more cathodic reduction potentials. Raman spectroelectrochemistry indicated that exhaustive reduction at either potential result in a product that does not contain peroxide linkers and is likely to be UO(2). On the basis of the reduction potentials, the unusual behavior of neptunium in the presence of studtite can be rationalized. Furthermore, the oxidation of other species relevant to the long-term storage of nuclear fuel, namely, iodine and iodide, has been explored. The phase altered product should therefore be considered as electrochemically noninnocent. Radiotracer studies with (241)Am show that it does not interact with studtite so mobility will not be retarded in repositories. Finally, a large difference in band gap energies between studtite and its dehydrated congener metastudtite has been determined from the electronic absorption spectra.

2-[(E)-(Quinolin-3-ylimino)methyl]phenol (H-QMP) was synthesized by condensing salicylaldehyde with 2-aminoquinoline and fully characterized by mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C{1H}NMR, and IR spectroscopies. The metal complexes [M(QMP)(OAc)]H2O where M = Cu(II) and Zn(II) and [M(QMP)2] where M = Ni and Co(II) were prepared from the metal acetates. All transition metal complexes were assigned geometries based on the UV–Vis spectra, conductivity and magnetic susceptibilities. [M(QMP)2], {where M = Ni and Co(II)}, were further characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and were found to be pseudo-octahedral with interquinoline interaction to the metal center. The complexes were screened for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Only cobalt and copper containing complexes were found to be active against BChE with IC50 = 69 ± 0.0112 and 5 ± 0.0004 μM ± SEM, respectively. Surprisingly no activity was observed for AChE, therefore selective BChE inhibition was observed for copper and cobalt complexes only.

The synthesis of highly fluorinated zinc carboxylates [{CF3(CF2)5CH2CH2CO2}2Zn], and alkoxides [{CF3(CF2)5CH2CH2O}2Zn(OEt2)2] and their use as catalysts for the ring opening polymerisation of ɛ-caprolactone are described. Quenching the polymerisation reaction with fluorous acids or alcohols regenerates the catalyst, which can be recovered by fluorous solvent extractions, and the catalytic activity is retained for three cycles. The superior recyclability of the alkoxide to the carboxylate zinc compound is due to the greater partition coefficient between fluorous and organic solvents. Also investigated is the well defined aryloxide compound [(ArO)2Zn(THF)2] which yields very well controlled polymerisation, but cannot be recycled by quenching with a fluorous alcohol.

We studied the chromosomal distribution of telomere repeats (TTAGGG)(n) in 8 species of Sigmodon (cotton rats) using chromosome paints fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) from Sigmodon hispidus. In 2 species with the proposed primitive karyotype for the genus, telomere repeats were restricted to telomeric sites. But in the other 6 species that include 3 with proposed primitive karyotypes and 3 with highly rearranged karyotypes, telomere repeats were found on both telomeric sites and within interstitial telomeric sites (ITSs). To explain the distribution of ITS in Sigmodon, we gather data from C-bands, silver nitrate staining, G-bands, and chromosomal paint data from previous published studies. We did find some correlation with ITS and heterochromatin, euchromatic chromosomal rearrangements, and nucleolar organizing regions. No one type of chromosomal structure explains all ITS in Sigmodon. Multiple explanations and mechanisms for movement of intragenomic sequences are required to explain ITS in this genus. We rejected the hypothesis that age of a lineage correlates with the presence of ITS using divergence time estimate analyses. This multigene phylogeny places species with ITS (S. arizonae, S. fulviventer, S. hispidus, S. mascotensis, S. ochrognathus, and S. toltecus) in the clade with a species without ITS (S. hirsutus). Lineages with ITS (S. arizonae and S. mascotensis) arose independently from a lineage absent of ITS (S. hirsutus) around 0.67 to 0.83 Ma. The rearranged karyotypes of S. mascotensis and S. arizonae appear to be an independently derived autapomorphic characters, supporting a fast rate of chromosomal changes that vary among species.

Metagenomic methods provide an experimental approach to inform the relationships between hosts and their microbial inhabitants. Previous studies have provided the conceptual realization that microbiomes are dynamic among hosts and the intimacy of relation between micro- and macroorganisms. Here, we present an intestinal microflora community analysis for members of the order Chiroptera and investigate the relative influence of variables in shaping observed microbiome relationships. The variables ranged from those considered to have ancient and long-term influences (host phylogeny and life history) to the relatively transient variable of host reproductive condition. In addition, collection locality data, representing the geographic variable, were included in analyses. Results indicate a complex influence of variables in shaping sample relationships in which signal for host phylogeny is recovered at broad taxonomic levels (family), whereas intrafamilial analyses disclosed various degrees of resolution for the remaining variables. Although cumulative probabilities of assignment indicated both reproductive condition and geography influenced relationships, comparison of ecological measures among groups revealed statistical differences between most variable classifications. For example, ranked ecological diversity was associated with host phylogeny (deeper coalescences among families were associated with more microfloral diversity), dietary strategy (herbivory generally retained higher diversity than carnivory) and reproductive condition (reproductively active females displayed more diverse microflora than nonreproductive conditions). Overall, the results of this study describe a complex process shaping microflora communities of wildlife species as well as provide avenues for future research that will further inform the nature of symbiosis between microflora communities and hosts.

The genus Chaetostoma is a species-rich group of armored catfishes that inhabits rivers and streams in montane forests of South America. Most species of Chaetostoma have been described based on only one or a few specimens from a single river system. Our aim was to determine if the lifting of the Fitzcarrald Arch, 4 Ma, triggered speciation between the disjunct populations of Chaetostoma lineopunctatum in two isolated river drainages: the Rio Ucayali and the Rio Madre de Dios. We addressed this question by quantifying morphological and molecular divergence among samples of C. lineopunctatum from four river systems, three of which drain into the Rio Ucayali drainage, including the type locality for the species, and one river system which drains into the Rio Madre de Dios drainage. Morphological divergence, based on measurements, was statistically significant in the MANOVAs for the samples grouped by locality (P < 0.025) and by river system (P < 0.025). However, neighbor-joining trees of specimens g...

> All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one … characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers. — Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) On 9 December 2009 the science of mammalogy lost one of its most unique and dearest leaders. Jerry Ronald Choate lost his battle with cancer at the home of his son Judd in Denver, attended by his wife Fi and other family members, while awaiting a gene therapy trial for melanoma, which originally was detected in 2003. He was born on 21 March 1943 in Battlesville, Oklahoma, the sole son of Alyce J. Cox and F. L. “Lucky” Choate. His father died in World War II, and his mother later married C. W. “Woody” Marks. In his autobiographical article (185, When People Ask What I Do, I Say I Study Bats and Rats) Jerry described his stepfather as a hard working draftsman for Phillips Petroleum Company and his mother as a stay-at-home mom. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Fidelis Walker, and son, Judd Randolph, daughter-in-law, Lyn Kathlene, and 2 granddaughters, Mahlon and Jacqueline Rosemary. In the announcement of his Dad's passing Judd wrote: “While we are deeply saddened by his death, knowing that he lived the life he wanted, married the perfect woman—literally the girl next door—and made so many amazing contributions to his chosen area of study makes it a little easier. During his last days I read him the notes that many of his friends and colleagues had sent, and we talked about his life. While he generally kept it to himself, my Dad was intensely proud of the life he led and contributions he made to the …

The solid state structures of three compounds that contain a perfluorinated chain, CF3(CF2)(5)CH2CH(CH3)CO2H, CF3(CF2)(5)(CH2)(4)(CF2)(5)CF3 and {CF3(CF2)(5)CH2CH2}(3)P=O have been compared and a number of C-F center dot center dot center dot F-C and C-F center dot center dot center dot H-C interactions that are closer than the sum of the van der Waals radii have been identified. These interactions have been probed by a comprehensive computational chemistry investigation and the stabilizing energy between dimeric fragments was found to be 0.26-29.64 kcal/mol, depending on the type of interaction. An Atoms-in-Molecules (AIM) study has confirmed that specific C-F center dot center dot center dot F-C interactions are indeed present, and are not due simply to crystal packing. The weakly stabilizing nature of these interactions has been utilized in the physisorption of a selected number of compounds containing long chain perfluorinated ponytails onto a perfluorinated self-assembled monolayer, which has been characterized by IRRAS (Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy).

Understanding the spatial distribution of phenotypes and their association with local environmental conditions can provide important insights into the evolutionary history and ecological dynamics of species. Geographical variation in the skull size of the Artibeus lituratus complex was explored to evaluate the association between morphological traits and habitat-specific environmental conditions in the mainland populations of Middle and South America. We performed a principal component analysis based on 390 museum specimens using 17 cranial and mandibular measurements to explore the overall morphometric variation in our sample. Additionally, we used the information from 19 bioclimatic variables from 127 collecting localities to assess the extent of variation in environmental space across our study area. A canonical correlation analysis performed to evaluate the association between morphological and environmental variables indicated a high correlation between morphology and environment. Seasonality was correlated with skull size (canonical r = 0.7). Specifically, skull size in the A. lituratus complex increases as the amount of precipitation during the driest season increases and as inter-annual precipitation variability decreases. This result supports the hypothesis that environmental pressures are at least partially responsible for the skull size differences observed. Moreover, the nonrandom distribution of individuals with different skull sizes suggests that environmental filtering plays a role in determining the geographical distribution of morphological variants. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 105, 623–634.

Optimal collection and preservation protocols for fecal DNA genotyping are not firmly established. We evaluated 3 factors that influence microsatellite genotyping success of fecal DNA extracted from coyote (Canis latrans) scats: 1) age of scat, 2) preservative, and 3) diet content. We quantified genotyping success by comparing rates of allelic dropout, false alleles, and failed amplifications among consensus genotypes. We used a panel of 6 microsatellite loci to genotype 20 scat samples, each of which was subjected to 3 age (1 day, 5 days, and 10 days post-deposition) and 3 preservation (DET buffer, 95% ethanol (EtOH), and lysis buffer) treatments. Both sample age and storage buffer had a significant effect on success and reliability. Ethanol and DET buffer preserved fecal samples with similar efficiency, and both were superior to lysis buffer. Our analysis of DNA degradation rates revealed that samples collected as early as 5 days of age yielded DNA that was highly degraded relative to samples collected on day 1. We tested the influence of dietary remains on microsatellite genotyping by using scat samples consisting predominantly of insect prey (n ¼ 5), mammalian prey (n ¼ 9), or the remains of juniper (Juniperus spp.) berries (n ¼ 6) and compared EtOH and DET buffer preservation efficacy. We observed a significant interaction effect between storage buffer and diet for the probability of a false allele in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), suggesting that the optimal preservation technique depended on the food remains comprising the scat. Scats comprised of juniper berry remains were more reliably genotyped when preserved in DET than EtOH. Mammalian prey- based scats were more reliable when stored in EtOH than DET buffer. Insect-predominant scats were preserved in EtOH and DET buffer with similar efficiency. Although accurate and reliable results can be obtained from scats collected at � 5 days of age, we suggest sampling design to include collection of scats

Transposable elements (TEs) have the unique ability to move and replicate within the genome and therefore engender dramatic changes to genome architecture. Among different types of TEs, rolling-circle transposons (Helitrons) are well known for their ability to capture and amplify host gene fragments. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that Helitrons constitute ~3% of the Myotis lucifugus, (little brown bat) genome, while no Helitrons were found in any of the other 44+ sequenced mammalian genomes. Recently horizontal transfer has been implicated for some of the M. lucifugus Helitrons, in part explaining this disparate distribution among mammals. The purpose of this work is to determine both the distribution of Helitrons among bats and to estimate the number of independent invasions. We employed a combination of in silico, PCR and hybridization based techniques to identify Helitrons from diverse bat species belonging to ten different families. This work reveals that Helitrons invaded the vesper bat lineage, at least once. Indeed, Helitrons were not identified in the sister taxa 'Miniopterus', which suggests that the amplification of Helibat occurred (30-36 mya) only in the vesper bat lineage. The estimated age of amplification of the Helibats and the rapid radiation of vesper bats are roughly coincidental and suggest that the invasion and amplification of these elements might have influenced their evolutionary trajectory potentially contributing to phenotypic and genotypic diversity.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is an emerging pathogen in Europe and Asia. We investigated TBEV in Kyrgyzstan by collecting small mammals and ticks from diverse localities and analyzing them for evidence of TBEV infection. We found TBEV circulating in Kyrgyzstan much farther south and at higher altitudes than previously reported.

The extraction efficiency of some perfluorinated phenols for the removal of Cs+ and Sr2+ from aqueous solutions is reported. The perfluorinated phenols C6F5OH and 2,3,5,6-C6F4HOH have been shown to extract 90Sr2+ or Cs+ from aqueous solutions into a 100:1 mixture of toluene and pyridine in reasonable efficiencies, using radio-tracer and ICP-OES techniques. Additionally uranium, 59Fe3+ {as a model for Pu(IV)} and Eu3+ {as a model for Am(III)} were investigated, with only iron not being successfully extracted.

The reactions of secondary phosphanes with radical sources have been investigated. A stoichiometric dehydrocoupling of Ph2PH with 1,1′-azobis[cyclohexane-1-carbonitrile] (VAZO®88) affords tetraphenyldiphosphane in good yields, whilst reduction of the nitrosyl function was observed upon using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl (TEMPO). Dialkylphosphane–borane adducts also undergo a dehydrocoupling reaction in the presence of VAZO®88 to form R4P2.

Size-standardized craniometric variation was investigated among species of the genus Artibeus. Eleven extant and one extinct species were examined using geometric and linear morphometric analyses to evaluate morphological differences among species. Based on 19 landmarks located in the ventral side of the cranium, 29 size-standardized linear measurements were calculated and used for statistical multivariate analyses. Discriminant Function Analysis showed major interspecific differences in shape between A. anthonyi and A. concolor with respect to the remaining extant species of Artibeus. These two species are described as morphologically unique morphotypes with a broader rostrum, enlarged squamosal region, and wider basicranium. Specifically, a broader premaxilla is the character that better discriminates A. anthonyi from all other species, whereas a broader squamosal region (particularly the deep mandibular fossa, and elongated squamosal) and wider braincase are the main characters differentiating A. concolor. All other species of the genus overlap to varying extents in their morphology showing high shape similarities. The least variant shape features include the pterygoid fossa, the glenoid (mandibular) fossa, the maxillae, and the occipital region; these regions in all cases contribute to mechanical aspects of jaw function and bite. The fact that the least variant aspects of skull shape all involve feeding is consistent with the hypothesis that selection has favored a specific diet-associated morphology rather than divergence or character displacement in Artibeus.

The preparation of a ketone with two long chain perfluoroalkyl groups is reported via the coupling reaction of a perfluorinated alkylzinc reagent and a perfluoro-acid chloride. This ketone has been investigated in the heterogeneous removal of heavy metals M2+ (M = Sn, Cd, Pb, Hg) and As5+ from aqueous solutions and removal of these metals from organic solvents using the unique thermomorphic properties of the fluorous ketone. In addition, a comprehensive 13C NMR study of one of the intermediates in the synthesis, 2H,2H,3H,3H-perfluoronanoic acid, has allowed the determination of all 1JC–F and 2JC–F coupling constants. Also reported is the crystal structure of the acid CF3(CF2)5CH2CH2CO2H.

Species diversity and species limits of the small fruit-eating bats, genus Dermanura (Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae) were examined. Estimates of species diversity based on classical morphological criteria (current taxonomy) were compared to diversity estimates based on monophyly and cytochrome-b sequence divergence. The most recent taxonomic list included nine species, whereas the genetic based list contained 11: anderseni, azteca, bogotensis, cinerea, glauca, gnoma, phaeotis, rava, rosenbergi, tolteca, and watsoni, of which three (bogotensis Andersen, rava Miller, and rosenbergi Thomas) have been considered synonyms of cinerea, glauca, phaeotis, and tolteca by previous authors. In addition, we consider incomitata to be a synonym of watsoni. Phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA sequences resolved the interrelationships among taxa and prompted us to re-evaluate some morphological characters that support the distinction of all the recognized taxa, therefore providing a robust estimate of species status. A phylo...

Rollin H. Baker passed away on 12 November 2007, 1 day after reaching his 91st birthday. Rollin was a living legend, famous for his pioneering research on biogeography and natural history of Mexican mammals, especially rodents, for his contributions to the understanding of Michigan mammals, and for being a mentor and friend to all young, aspiring mammalogists. Rollin Baker's career lasted way beyond his traditional retirement, and in his final months he was still active in the Texas Society of Mammalogists and in conservation issues in Texas. Indeed, when he was 89 years old he presented a guest lecture in mammalogy for appreciative graduate students at Texas Tech University. Rollin was born in Cordova, Illinois, on 11 November 1916 but grew up in Texas, the state that he always considered home. His childhood interest in the natural world was encouraged and supported by his parents. In his autobiography, published in Going Afield (Baker 2005), Rollin explained that his focus on mammals largely grew from reading classic works by Seton, Burgess, and Hornaday. He also described how, at age 11, he collected his 1st cotton rats near his home in Houston and carted them home, alive, in his wagon! This early experience not only piqued his curiosity but also literally began a life-long fascination with the cotton rat. Ultimately, Rollin shaped a career around his interest in nature and the outdoors, and this is what engaged him intellectually and emotionally until the end of his life. Along the trail of his life, he made wonderful and lasting contributions as a scientist, educator, historian, raconteur, and warm-hearted friend. As he often put it, his fondness for small mammals was rooted in emotion rather than in a cold-hearted “use” of nature's noblemen as a means to test dispassionate hypotheses. Rollin's curiosity about small …

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We describe and formally name a species of bonneted bat (genus Eumops), which is a member of the E. glaucinus complex. Closely related species are E. glaucinus, E. ferox, and E. floridanus. The conceptual basis for the description of this species is the Genetic Species Concept with speciation by the Bateson-Dobzhanzky-Muller model. The new species is distinguished from all other species of bats by its unique karyotype (2N = 38, FN = 54), sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene, and genetic markers revealed through analysis of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms. The series from the type locality (Ecuador, Guayas) is comprised of seven specimens. Morphologically, the new species is smaller than E. floridanus and E. glaucinus, but is indistinguishable from E. ferox. The new species is significantly smaller in size than E. glaucinus in six out of eight measurements and is distinguishable from E. glaucinus based on length of maxillary toothrow and zygomatic breadth. The geographic range of E. wilsoni, as currently documented, is the dry forests of southwestern Ecuador and adjacent northwestern Peru. We propose the common name for this species be Wilson’s bonneted bat.

Context: Many researchers have investigated the effectiveness of different types of cold application, including cold whirlpools, ice packs, and chemical packs. However, few have investigated the effectiveness of different types of ice used in ice packs, even though ice is one of the most common forms of cold application. Objective: To evaluate and compare the cooling effectiveness of ice packs made with cubed, crushed, and wetted ice on intramuscular and skin surface temperatures. Design: Repeated-measures counterbalanced design. Setting: Human performance research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twelve healthy participants (6 men, 6 women) with no history of musculoskeletal disease and no known preexisting inflammatory conditions or recent orthopaedic injuries to the lower extremities. Intervention(s): Ice packs made with cubed, crushed, or wetted ice were applied to a standardized area on the posterior aspect of the right gastrocnemius for 20 minutes. Each participant was given separate ice pack treatments, with at least 4 days between treatment sessions. Main Outcome Measure(s): Cutaneous and intramuscular (2 cm plus one-half skinfold measurement) temperatures of the right gastrocnemius were measured every 30 seconds during a 20-minute baseline period, a 20-minute treatment period, and a 120-minute recovery period. Results: Differences were observed among all treatments. Compared with the crushed-ice treatment, the cubed-ice and wetted-ice treatments produced lower surface and intramuscular temperatures. Wetted ice produced the greatest overall temperature change during treatment and recovery, and crushed ice produced the smallest change. Conclusions: As administered in our protocol, wetted ice was superior to cubed or crushed ice at reducing surface temperatures, whereas both cubed ice and wetted ice were superior to crushed ice at reducing intramuscular temperatures.

On 11 December 2007, the science of mammalogy lost one of its most valued and influential leaders. Terry Lamon Yates succumbed to complications of treatments for an aggressive form of brain cancer after a brief but courageous fight. He was born on 17 March 1950, in Mayfield, Kentucky, the oldest son of Ellen Wanda Byrd and William Hanley Yates. Terry's only sibling was a brother, Johnny. He is survived by his wife Nancy Fennell, his 2 sons Brian Christopher and Michael Ryan, and daughter-in-law Laura Mancheno Macia. Over the last 30 years, Terry, usually accompanied by Nancy, his bride of 36 years, attended all but 1 of the annual meetings of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM). It was not uncommon to hear comments about how well Nancy and Terry enjoyed each other's company. Their relationship was special. Terry and Nancy 1st met when she was a junior in high school, and he was a freshman at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Terry convinced Nancy, who lived in Houston, to attend Murray State, and they later married on 7 August 1971, when Terry was a senior and Nancy was a sophomore. Terry raised the money to buy Nancy's engagement ring by returning soft drink bottles collected from dorm trash cans, roadsides, and other places, and by running a trapline before class. Their oldest son, Brian, was born in Lubbock, Texas, on the night Terry passed his oral comprehensive exams for his Ph.D. Michael was born in New Mexico after Terry was a faculty member at the University of New Mexico. Terry's education as a biologist began with his bachelor's degree from Murray State University in 1972. Terry then completed his master's degree in biology from Texas A&M University in 1975, studying North American moles under the guidance of David …

Times of divergence among the three tribes included within the subfamily Phyllostominae were estimated using a Bayesian approach to infer dates of divergence based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data. The subfamily Phyllostominae is particularly attractive for such analysis, as it is one of the few groups of bats to have fossil specimens. Our molecular time analyses suggest that diversification among tribes and genera of phyllostomine bats occurred during the Early to Mid-Miocene, and was coincident with diversification events in two co distributed taxa: Caviomorph rodents and New World monkeys.

We phylogenetically analyze 705 base pairs of the cytochrome-b gene and 351 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) bands from populations of the karyotypically variable Wagner’s bonneted bat, Eumops glaucinus, and the Florida bonneted bat, Eumops floridanus (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Three karyotypes have been documented across the range of E. glaucinus, and we report that the karyotype from Cuba is morphologically similar to that from Jamaica. A 4th karyotype is present in specimens from western Ecuador. Three distinct lineages are present in both the cytochrome-b and AFLP trees. One lineage is restricted to western Ecuador and exhibits cytochrome-b divergence values comparable to the values seen between recognized species of Eumops, suggesting that this lineage represents a distinct species. The other 2 lineages are distributed in disjunct areas: Paraguay and Venezuela; and Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States. Specimens of E. floridanus are morphologically distinct from E. glaucinus, but cannot be distinguished by examination of cytochrome-b or AFLP DNA data. We conclude that there are 4 species in the E. glaucinus complex— E. glaucinus (South America east of the Andes), E. ferox (Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America), E. floridanus in south Florida, and an unnamed taxon in western Ecuador. Speciation is a complex process and no single mechanism, model, concept, or definition is likely to cover all the diverse patterns observed.

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The purpose of the study was to determine whether uniform intramuscular heating is achieved throughout a treatment area 2 times the transducer head at both 1 and 3 MHz. Seven male and three female subjects (Age: 23.6 ± 1.0 yrs, Weight: 83.8 ± 23.2 kg, Site Skinfold: 13.9 ± 7.3 mm) underwent two ultrasound treatments (1 and 3 MHz) in the triceps surae muscle group. Thermocouples were inserted at the midpoint and periphery of the treatment area. Ten minute baseline temperatures were recorded followed by a ten minute ultrasound treatment. Two (site) X 10 (time) repeated measures ANOVAs were separately used to determine significance for 1 and 3 MHz treatments. Post-hoc testing was performed using the Bonferroni adjustment. A significant site-by-time interaction was observed for both the 1 and 3 MHz treatments. From baseline to the end of the treatment, temperature increased approximately 2.62°C and 1.58°C for the midpoint and periphery of the 1 MHz treatment and 5.88°C and 3.64°C for the 3 MHz treatment. The differences in temperature suggest that uniform heating does not occur throughout the treatment area

Androgenesis is a rare form of asexual male reproduction found in disparate taxa across the Tree of Life. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial genes suggest that androgenesis has arisen repeatedly in the Asian clam genus Corbicula. Two of these androgenetic species have been introduced to North America. Multiple lines of genetic evidence suggest that although nuclear recombination between these two species is rare, mitochondrial genome capture is a frequent consequence of androgenetic parasitism of heterospecific eggs. Egg parasitism may also rarely result in partial nuclear genome capture between closely related species of Corbicula, which provides a mechanism for the otherwise clonal species to avoid the deleterious effects of asexuality. Egg parasitism among congeners may explain why androgenesis has been maintained in Corbicula after fixation and has not yet led to population extinction. This mechanism also provides an explanation for the apparent multiple origins of androgenesis in Corbicula as seen on the mitochondrial DNA phylogeny. We suggest that a single androgenetic lineage may have repeatedly captured mitochondrial genomes (as well as portions of nuclear genomes) from various sexual species, resulting in several distinct androgenetic species with distantly related mtDNA genomes and divergent morphologies.