Terminal Band Research Articles

Karyotype characterization of two populations of Vernonia geminata (Asteraceae, Vernonieae) using banding and FISH techniques

In order to extend our knowledge concerning karyotypes of the genus Vernonia, we applied various techniques of chromosome banding, including AgNOR and triple staining with the fluorochromes CMA/DA/DAPI (CDD), and of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for the 45S rDNA probe to specimens of two populations of Vernonia geminata collected from an open-pasture area, in southern Brazil. B chromosomes were observed in one of the populations. Both populations of V. geminata presented a pair of CMA(3)(+) terminal bands and one pair of chromosomes with terminal AgNOR banding. The FISH evidenced, in one population, two pairs of small sites of 45S rDNA; these being two small terminal sites and two centromeric sites. In the other population, there was only one pair of small terminal sites and two sites in two B chromosomes, one in each chromosome. There was coincidence of localization between CMA(+) and NOR bands with one of the small terminal sites of 45S rDNA of one chromosome of the normal complement, but not in B chromosomes.

Functional role of rho‐kinase in ameloblast differentiation

During tooth development, inner enamel epithelial (IEE) cells differentiate into enamel-secreting ameloblasts, a polarized and elongated cellular population. The molecular underpinnings of this morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation, however, are not well understood. Here, we show that Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) regulates ameloblast differentiation and enamel formation. In mouse incisor organ cultures, inhibition of ROCK, hindered IEE cell elongation and disrupted polarization of differentiated ameloblasts. Expression of enamel matrix proteins, such as amelogenin and ameloblastin, and formation of the terminal band structure of actin and E-cadherin were also perturbed. Cultures of dental epithelial cells revealed that ROCK regulates cell morphology and cell adhesion through localization of actin bundles, E-cadherin, and β-catenin to cell membranes. Moreover, inhibition of ROCK promoted cell proliferation. Small interfering RNA specific for ROCK1 and ROCK2 demonstrated that the ROCK isoforms performed complementary functions in the regulation of actin organization and E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion. Thus, our results have uncovered a novel role for ROCK in amelogenesis.

As yet uncultured bacteria phylogenetically classified as Prevotella, Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis and unclassified Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae may play a predominant role in ruminal biohydrogenation

Microbial biohydrogenation of dietary poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the rumen results in the high ratio of SFA/PUFA in ruminant products, such as meat and milk. In vitro, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus-related bacteria extensively biohydrogenate PUFA to SFA, yet their contribution in the rumen has not been confirmed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus group bacteria in ruminal biohydrogenation and to assess the possible role of other bacteria. Fish oil at 0%, 1.5% and 3% dry matter intake was fed to eight Holstein × Friesian steers, in order to elicit changes in the extent of PUFA biohydrogenation. Fatty acid and B. proteoclasticus group 16S rRNA concentrations in rumen digesta were determined. Correlation between digesta 18:0 concentration and B. proteoclasticus group 16S rRNA concentration was low. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) coupled with multivariate statistics revealed that many terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) and DGGE bands were linked to cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), 18:1 trans-11 and 18:0 ruminal concentrations. MiCA T-RF predictive identification software showed that these linked T-RFs were likely to originate from as yet uncultured bacteria classified as Prevotella, Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis, and unclassified Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae. Sequencing of linked DGGE bands also revealed that as yet uncultured bacteria classified as Prevotella, Anaerovoax (member of the Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis family), and unclassified Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae may play a role in biohydrogenation.

Characterization of bacterial diversity at different depths in the Moravia Hill landfill site at Medellín, Colombia

Abstract A combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods was used to assess bacterial diversity at different depths within a former solid waste dump in Medellin, Colombia. Sampling sites included a densely populated area, which is built upon 40 m of solid waste (domestic, industrial, agricultural, and medical). The soil and leachate contain high levels of contaminants and the natural soil is highly disturbed with solid anthropogenic materials, disrupting natural aggregation and resulting in a loose, porous matrix with irregular aggregate structure. The unusual physical structure and contaminant levels at the site made it unclear if the indigenous bacterial community would possess the complexity commonly observed for natural soils, and thus may limit potential for remediating the site using monitored natural attenuation. Bacterial diversity patterns were determined through 16S-TTGE and T-RFLP at depths of 0, 10, 20 and 30 m. Abundance and diversity patterns, as estimated by number and intensity of terminal restriction fragments and TTGE bands, varied among the 4 different depths, showing more complex patterns in deeper samples (20 and 30 m), which also contained greater concentrations of organic carbon. General diversity patterns were dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria (λ, β, and α divisions). These findings were reinforced by analysis of the culturable fraction able to use n-hexadecane as sole carbon source, in which the genera Acinetobacter sp. (λ-Proteobacteria) was dominant. This research offers new clues regarding bacterial diversity patterns through different depths in polluted environments with unique physicochemical conditions, suggesting that bacterial diversity profiles may be highly influenced by the nature of pollutants present. Additionally, results imply that the culturable fraction at the site has a very important role in the community.

Behavioral Profiles in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome: Focus on Mental Health

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a multiple congenital anomalies and intellectual disabilities syndrome associated with a deletion of chromosome 22 terminal band 13.3. The deletion is associated with severe intellectual disabilities, absent or delayed speech, behavior problems, and autism. The objective of this study was to provide a detailed assessment and analysis of problematic behaviors in this population. Semistructured parent interviews, checklists, and record reviews were conducted for 35 families with children with PMS. Parents participated in completing the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II, Reiss Scales for Children's Dual Diagnosis (Reiss), and the Parent Form of the Children's Interview for Psychiatric Symptoms (P-ChIPS). Children with PMS showed adaptive behaviors more than 3 standard deviations below the mean. Maladaptive behaviors were present in nearly all children. Moreover, the P-ChIPS and interview results showed evidence of unstable mood, depressive symptoms, and overactivity. The Reiss showed high scores for psychosis, autism, depression, and attention deficit. Children with PMS have high levels of maladaptive behaviors as well as evidence of mood, attention, autistic, and psychotic issues reported by parents. Although PMS previously has been associated with autism, there are confounds between autism and mental issues in this rare population. Implications for understanding the nature of autism and mental health disorders in children are discussed.

Cytogenetics of Amaryllidaceae species: heterochromatin evolution in different ploidy levels

Species belonging to the Amaryllidaceae (Zephyranthes and Habranthus) were analyzed by banding with chromomycin A3 (CMA)/4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) fluorochromes. The patterns of bands were studied in seven species of Zephyranthes Herb. and one of Habranthus Herb. Subterminal and interstitial DAPI+ bands were observed in Z. robusta 2n = 12 and Z. brachyandra 2n = 24. Other species showed no AT-rich heterochromatin. In species with 2n = 12, CMA+ bands were observed on one chromosome pair of Z. robusta and Zephyranthes sp., while in Z. sylvatica an additional small terminal band in the fifth chromosome pair was observed. Z. rosea and Z. grandiflora presented with 2n = 24 and had four CMA+ bands, while in Z. brachyandra, with 2n = 24 + 1B, there were eight interstitial dot bands and a larger terminal band in the short arm of the B chromosome. Z. candida with 2n = 38 presented CMA+ heterochromatin blocks on the long arms of five metacentric pairs and in the short arm of one of the submetacentric pairs; in addition a terminal band was observed on the long arm of one of the homologues of a larger submetacentric pair. H. itaobinus showed a heterozygous pair revealing a strong CMA+ band in only one of the homologues, likely a nucleolus organizing region. Taxonomic implications and karyotype evolution of this group are discussed and correlated with previous data from the literature.

Comparative Fluorescent Banding in Two Forms of Leonurus sibiricus L.

The karyotypes of wild Leonurus sibiricus L. (red flower form) and its extremely rare white flower form were compared after staining with orcein, CMA and DAPI. Both the forms were found to possess 2n=20 chromosomes. These 2 forms have similar centromeric formulae of 16m+4sm indicating less variation in their karyotypes and thus could be considered as symmetric karyotypes. Four CMA-positive bands were found in the white flower form and 7 in the red flower form. The distribution, location and intensity of these bands were quite different. Moreover, the percentage of the GC-rich region is almost double in the red flower form. The white flower form possessed no DAPI-positive bands whereas a pair of terminal DAPI bands was found in the other form. It was possible to identify some marker chromosomes with CMA and DAPI staining which are specific to each karyotype. Fluorescent banding indicated the occurrence of minute deletion and paracentric inversion in the genomes of these 2 forms. The present results revealed that these 2 forms were not similar in respect of fluorescent karyotypes and, therefore, a peer revision regarding their taxonomic position is necessary.

Polytene chromosomes of an Indian Himalayan black fly Simulium (Nevermannia) praelargum (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Abstract High quality polytene chromosome maps (n=3) of a Himalayan Simuliid Simulium praelargum Datta, 1973 are presented and represent the first cytological description of a taxon found in the feuerborni group, subgenus Nevermannia. Polytene chromosomes one (I) and two (II) are metacentric, chromosome three (III) is submetacentric with the length of each chromosome occupying 37.25 %, 31.36 % and 31.34 % of the total complement length, respectively. Typical simuliid diagnostic intergeneric chromosomal markers are found within the polytene complement of this species. The nucleolar organizer (N.O.) is found at the base of the short arm of chromosome one (IS), the Ring of Balbiani (R.B.), double bubble (D.B.) and triad occur in the short arm of chromosome two (IIS), the Parabalbiani Ring (P.B.) and grey band (gb) occur in the long arm of chromosome two (IIL) and the Blister (BL) and Capsule (Ca) occur in the short arm of chromosome three (IIIS).Terminal bands at the end of IIIS are heterochromatinized and present atypically with respect to other simuliid fauna. Populations studied so far are unique among the Simuliidae in that they exhibit chromosome structural monomorphism. These high resolution polytene chromosome maps will form the basis for future cytological characterization and phylogenetic comparisons amongst members of the feuerborni group.

Molecular cytogenetic identification of a new wheat-Thinopyrum substitution line with stripe rust resistance

A new wheat-Thinopyrum substitution line AS1677, developed from a cross between wheat line ML-13 and wheat-Thinopyrum intermedium ssp. trichophorum partial amphiploid TE-3, was characterized by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), sequential Giemsa-C banding, genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), seed storage protein electrophoresis, molecular marker analysis and disease resistance screening. Sequential Giemsa-C banding and GISH using Pseudoroegneria spicata genomic DNA as probe indicated that a pair of St-chromosomes with strong terminal bands were introduced into AS1677. FISH using pTa71 as a probe gave strong hybridization signals at the nuclear organization region and in the distal region of the short arms of the St chromosome. Moreover, FISH using the repetitive sequence pAs1 revealed that a pair of wheat 1D chromosomes was absent in accession AS1677. Seed storage proteins separated by acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (APAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) confirmed that AS1677 lacked the gliadin and glutenin bands encoded by Gli-D1 and Glu-D1, further confirming the absence of chromosome 1D. The introduced St chromosome pair belonging to homoeologous group 1 was identified by newly produced genome specific markers. AS1677 is a new 1St (1D) substitution line. When inoculated with stripe rust and powdery mildew isolates, AS1677 expressed stripe rust resistance possibly derived from its Thinopyrum parent. AS1677 can be used as a donor source for introducing novel disease resistance genes to wheat in breeding programs aided by molecular and cytogenetic markers.

Karyotypes and fluorescent chromosome banding patterns in southern AfricanLycium(Solanaceae)

Abstract Chromosomal analyses of several southern African Lycium species resulted in diploid (2n = 24: L. amoenum, L. bosciifolium, L. ferocissimum, L. oxycarpum, L. tenue), tetraploid (2n = 48: L. gariepense, L. strandveldense, L. hantamense), and hexaploid (2n = 72: L. tetrandrum) counts. Chromosomes in all species were short (mean length = 2.00 μm; mean haploid genome length = 23.77 μm). Further, all species shared a highly symmetrical karyotype formula with 10 m pairs and 2 sm pairs, except L. bosciifolium with only one sm pair. The first m pair had a terminal microsatellite on the short arms. Fluorescent chromosome banding patterns with CMA/ DAPI staining in the diploid species showed NOR-associated heterochromatin in the first satellited pair. The tetraploids L. gariepense and L. hantamense had two chromosome pairs with a CMA+/DAPI−terminal band. Phylogenetic studies have shown that the southern African species are included in a monophyletic group including all Old World Lycium; these species are like...

Of tests, trochs, shells, and spicules: Development of the basal mollusk Wirenia argentea (Solenogastres) and its bearing on the evolution of trochozoan larval key features

BackgroundThe phylogenetic status of the aplacophoran mollusk taxon Solenogastres (Neomeniomorpha) is controversially discussed. Some authors propose the clade to represent the most basal branch within Mollusca, while others claim aplacophoran mollusks (Solenogastres and Caudofoveata) to be derived. Larval characters are central in these discussions, specifically the larval test (calymma, apical cap), the ontogeny of the epidermal scleritome, and the proposed absence of larval protonephridia. To date, developmental data are available for five solenogaster species, but most reports are incomplete and need confirmation.ResultsWirenia argentea deposit small batches of uncleaved embryos that are tightly enclosed by a smooth and transparent egg hull. Cleavage is spiral and unequal. The ciliated larvae hatch about 45 hours after deposition and swim actively in the water column. Within 48-60 hours after hatching they become mushroom-shaped with a pronounced apical cap partly enclosing a posterior trunk. The cells covering the apical cap are large and cleavage arrested. On the apical cap there is a prominent prototrochal band of compound cilia and an apical ciliary tuft and the trunk bears a terminal ciliary band (telotroch). Obscured by the apical cap, a ciliary band originates in the stomodaeal pore and surrounds the trunk. As development is proceeding, the trunk elongates and becomes covered by cuticle with the exception of a ventral ciliary band, the future foot. The larvae have a pair of protonephridia. At 5 days after hatching they begin to settle and within the following 7-9 days the apical cap is gradually reduced. Scattered epidermal sclerites form under the cuticle. Wirenia argentea lack iterated groups of sclerites at any developmental stage. At 40 days after hatching, the postlarvae have a fully developed foregut, but the midgut and hindgut are not yet interconnected.ConclusionsSolenogastres develop via a trochophore-like lecitotrophic larva with a preoral apical cap that at least partly represents an enlarged prototrochal area. Homology of this larval type (pericalymma larva) to test cell larvae of other spiralian clades is doubtful. The ontogeny of W. argentea does not provide any evidence for a derived status of Solenogastres within Mollusca.

Chromatin differentiation between Theobroma cacao L. and T. grandiflorum Schum

A comparative analysis of mitotic chromosomes of Theobroma cacao (cacao) and T. grandiflorum (cupuaçu) was performed aiming to identify cytological differences between the two most important species of this genus. Both species have symmetric karyotypes, with 2n = 20 metacentric chromosomes ranging in size from 2.00 to 1.19 μm (cacao) and from 2.21 to 1.15 μm (cupuaçu). The interphase nuclei of both species were of the arreticulate type, displaying up to 20 chromocentres, which were more regularly shaped in cacao than in cupuaçu. Prophase chromosomes of both species were more condensed in the proximal region, sometimes including the whole short arm. Both species exhibited only one pair of terminal heterochromatic bands, positively stained with chromomycin A 3 , which co-localized with the single 45S rDNA site. Each karyotype displayed a single 5S rDNA site in the proximal region of another chromosome pair. Heterochromatic bands were also observed on the centromeric/pericentromeric regions of all 20 chromosomes of cacao after C-banding followed by Giemsa or DAPI staining, whereas in cupuaçu they were never detected. These data suggest that the chromosomes of both species have been largely conserved and their pericentromeric chromatin is the only citologically differentiated region.

Climate/growth relationships of Brachystegia spiciformis from the miombo woodland in south central Africa

Abstract We present five Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. (BrSp) tree-ring chronologies from the seasonally dry miombo woodland in south central Africa. Between 9 and 34 stem discs were collected from three dry and two wet miombo sites. All samples showed distinct growth rings, which were marked by terminal parenchyma bands. Site chronologies varied in length between 43 and 149 years. An increase in the number of growth ring anomalies in older trees, however, resulted in an increase in dating error and a decrease in between-tree correlations with increase in the chronology length. Annual precipitation variability accounted for some 28% of the common variance in the BrSp chronologies and we found no difference in climate sensitivity between wet and dry miombo sites. The influence of climate, and of precipitation in particular, on tree growth was strongest at the core of the rainy season (December–February). This is also the time of the year when ENSO peaks in amplitude and ENSO effects on precipitation variability in southern Africa are the strongest. We found a negative response of tree growth to ENSO throughout most of the growth year, suggesting that the development of longer chronologies from the miombo region would allow for the investigation of temporal ENSO variability. A spatial extension of the miombo tree-ring network should therefore focus on regions where ENSO effects are the strongest (e.g., southeastern Africa).

Differentiated ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes in Apareiodon ibitiensis (Teleostei, Parodontidae): cytotaxonomy and biogeography

Conventional and molecular chromosomal analyses were carried out on three populations of Apareiodon ibitiensis sampled from the hydrographic basins of the São Francisco River and Upper Paraná River (Brazil). The results reveal a conserved diploid number (2n = 54 chromosomes), a karyotype formula consisting of 50 m-sm + 4st and a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system that has not been previously identified for the species. C-banding analysis with propidium iodide staining revealed centromeric and terminal bands located in the chromosomes of the specimens from the three populations and allowed the identification of heteromorphism of heterochromatin regions in the Z and W chromosomes. The number of 18S sites located through fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) varied between the populations of the São Francisco and Upper Paraná Rivers. The location of 5S rDNA sites proved comparable in one pair of metacentric chromosomes. Thus, the present study proposes a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system for A. ibitiensis among the Parodontidae, and a hypothesis is presented regarding possible W chromosome differentiation stages in this species through DNA accumulation, showing geographical variations for this characteristic, possibly as a consequence of geographical reproductive isolation.

Threatened fishes of the world: Cyprinodon bifasciatus Miller 1968 (Cyprinodontidae)

Common Names: Cuatrociengas pupfish, cachoritto de Cuatrociengas. Conservation Status: Listed as Threatened (SEMARNAT 2002). Current IUCN Red List status: Lower Risk/least concern. Identification: Morphologically streamlined. Mature males are chalky blue, have yellow eyes, and a thin, terminal black band on the caudal fin. Females and juveniles have two dark brown lateral lines, with a light blue to pale brown base color. Juveniles and adults have no ocellus on dorsal or anal fin. Mature males range from 30.9 to 51.4 mm SL, mature females from 29.5 to 41.3 mm SL (Miller 1968). Image: modification of mature male holotype in Miller (1968). Distribution: Endemic to the Cuatrociengas basin, Coahuila, Mexico. Abundance: Abundant, with generally large and stable populations throughout its range. Habitat and ecology: Inhabits stable, physicochemically benign thermal springs, outflows, and rivers (Miller 1968; Minckley 1969). Young are omnivorous, but diet is largely plant/ sediment based after 24–29 mm SL (Arnold 1972). Co-occurs with many fish species (Miller 1968) and is stenoplastic (Carson et al. 2008). Often sympatric with C. atrorus in intermediate environments, where natural hybridization is extensive. Ancient hybridization led to complete replacement of C. bifasciatus mitochondrial genome by that of C. atrorus, but nuclear gene introgression from C. atrorus appears minor to absent (Carson and Dowling 2006). Reproduction: Mature males breed and feed in leks in shallow water. Mature females school and feed in deeper water, entering leks to spawn. Breeding occurs year-round, though is reduced in winter (Arnold 1972). Threats: Groundwater extraction is primary. Expanded eco-tourism and introduction of non-native species are also of concern. Conservation action: In 1994 the Cuatrociengas basin was declared a Natural Protected Area by the Mexican government. Conservation efforts since have been weakly-effective (Figueroa and Sanchez-Cordero 2008). Conservation recommendations: Elimination of groundwater extraction is urgently needed. Effective conservation strategies need to be devised and implemented. Environ Biol Fish (2009) 86:445–446 DOI 10.1007/s10641-009-9546-8

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of the amphiploid between bread wheat and Psathyrostachys huashanica

A new wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica amphiploid, PHW-SA, was characterized using molecular cytological tools to evaluate the potential utilization of P. huashanica for wheat improvement. PHW-SA pollen mother cells (PMCs) regularly revealed averagely 0.57 univalents, 24.51 ring bivalents, 3.19 rod bivalents and 0.01 trivalents per cell. Complete homologous chromosome pairing was seen in 81% of the PMCs, indicating a degree of cytological stability. P. huashanica C-banding karyotypes of PHW-SA displayed strong heterochromatin terminal bands at either or both ends. 24 P. huashanica chromosome arms showed telomeric bands. Using P. huashanica DNA as a probe and J-11 DNA as blocker, distinctive P. huashanica chromosomes, which were presented entirely greenish-yellow hybridization signals, were observed in a somatic metaphase of PHW-SA. GISH also revealed the chromosomal breakage and translocation occurring in the amphiploid PHW-SA, which may represent a centromeric fusion between P. huashanica and wheat chromosomes. Seeds storage proteins electrophoresis indicated that PHW-SA expressed some of P. huashanica specific gliadin and glutenin bands, and a few gliadin and glutenin bands of the parents disappeared and new bands appeared. The results indicated that the amphiploid PHW-SA could serve as novel germplasm sources for wheat improvement.

Inter- and Intraspecific Variations of Bacterial Communities Associated with Marine Sponges from San Juan Island, Washington

This study attempted to assess whether conspecific or congeneric sponges around San Juan Island, Washington, harbor specific bacterial communities. We used a combination of culture-independent DNA fingerprinting techniques (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis [DGGE]) and culture-dependent approaches. The results indicated that the bacterial communities in the water column consisted of more diverse bacterial ribotypes than and were drastically different from those associated with the sponges. High levels of similarity in sponge-associated bacterial communities were found only in Myxilla incrustans and Haliclona rufescens, while the bacterial communities in Halichondria panicea varied substantially among sites. Certain terminal restriction fragments or DGGE bands were consistently obtained for different individuals of M. incrustans and H. rufescens collected from different sites, suggesting that there are stable or even specific associations of certain bacteria in these two sponges. However, no specific bacterial associations were found for H. panicea or for any one sponge genus. Sequencing of nine DGGE bands resulted in recovery of seven sequences that best matched the sequences of uncultured Proteobacteria. Three of these sequences fell into the sponge-specific sequence clusters previously suggested. An uncultured alphaproteobacterium and a culturable Bacillus sp. were found exclusively in all M. incrustans sponges, while an uncultured gammaproteobacterium was unique to H. rufescens. In contrast, the cultivation approach indicated that sponges contained a large proportion of Firmicutes, especially Bacillus, and revealed large variations in the culturable bacterial communities associated with congeneric and conspecific sponges. This study revealed sponge species-specific but not genus- or site-specific associations between sponges and bacterial communities and emphasized the importance of using a combination of techniques for studying microbial communities.

Cadmium(II) Cysteine Complexes in the Solid State: A Multispectroscopic Study

Cadmium(II) cysteinate compounds have recently been recognized to provide an environmentally friendly route for the production of CdS nanoparticles, used in semiconductors. In this article, we have studied the coordination for two cadmium(II) cysteinates, Cd(HCys)(2) x H(2)O (1) and {Cd(HCys)(2) x H(2)O}(2) x H(3)O(+)ClO(4)(-) (2), by means of vibrational (Raman and IR absorption), solid-state NMR ((113)Cd and (13)C), and Cd K- and L(3)-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Indistinguishable Cd K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and Cd L(3)-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra were obtained for the two compounds, showing similar local structure around the cadmium(II) ions. The vibrational spectra show that the cysteine amine group is protonated (NH(3)(+)) and not involved in bonding. The (113)Cd solid-state cross-polarization magic angle spinning NMR spectra showed a broad signal in the approximately 500-700 ppm range, with the peak maximum at about 650 ppm, indicating three to four coordinated thiolate groups. Careful analyses of low-frequency Raman and far-IR spectra revealed bridging and terminal Cd-S vibrational bands. The average Cd-S distance of 2.52 +/- 0.02 A that constantly emerged from least-squares curve-fitting of the EXAFS spectra is consistent with CdS(4) and CdS(3)O coordination. Both structural models yielded reasonable values for the refined parameters, with a slightly better fit for the CdS(3)O configuration, for which the Cd-O distance of 2.27 +/- 0.04 A was obtained. The Cd L(3)-edge XANES spectra of 1 and 2 resembled that of the CdS(3)O model compound and showed that the coordination around Cd(II) ions in 1 and 2 cannot be exclusively CdS(4). The small separation of 176 cm(-1) between the infrared symmetric and antisymmetric COO(-) stretching modes indicates monodentate or strongly asymmetrical bidentate coordination of a cysteine carboxylate group in the CdS(3)O units. The combined results are consistent with a "cyclic/cage" type of structure for both the amorphous solids 1 and 2, composed of CdS(4) and CdS(3)O units with single thiolate (Cd-S-Cd) bridges, although a minor amount of cadmium(II) sites with CdS(3)O(2-3) and CdS(4)O coordination geometries cannot be ruled out.

Haplotype Phylogeny of a 200kb Region in the Human Chromosome X Terminal Band (q28)

Abstract The haplotypes of a 200 kb region in the human chro-mosome X terminal band (q28) were analyzed using the International HapMap Project PhaseII data, which had been collected for three analysis panels (YRI, CEU, and CHB＋JPT). When multiple linkage disequilibrium blocks were encountered for a panel, the neighboring hap-lotypes that had crossover rate of 5% or more in the panel were combined to generate 'haploid' configura-tions. This resulted in 8, 7, and 5 'haploid' config-urations for the panels of YRI, CEU, and CHB＋JPT, respectively. The multiple sequence alignment of these 'haploids' was used for the calculation of allele-sharing distances and the subsequent principal coordinate analysis. Two 'haploids' in CEU and CHB＋JPT were hypothesized as 'parental' in light of the observations that the successive recombinants of these haploids can model two other haploids in CEU and CHB＋JPT, and that their configurations were consistent with those in YRI. This study demonstrates the utility of haplotype phylogeny in understanding population evolution.Keywords: haplotype, SNP, phylogeny, haploview, HapMap

C-banding analysis of eight species ofKengyilia (Poaceae: Triticeae)

To characterize chromosomes and the interspecific relationships within the genus Kengyilia, 8 species were used for Giemsa C-banding analysis. Results indicated that the species differed in C-banding patterns. K. gobicola, K. alatavica and K. batalinii had distinct centromeric bands and no banded chromosomes, while K. hirsuta, K. longiglumis, K. melanthera, K. rigidula and K. thoroldiana had more abundant and diagnostic C-bands with interstitial and terminal bands.