Processing of polycaprolactone and polycaprolactone-based copolymers into 3D scaffolds and their cellular responses

Synthetic polymers have attracted much attention in tissue engineering due to their ability to modulate biomechanical properties. This study investigated the feasibility of processing poly(varepsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) homopolymer, PCL-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) diblock, and PCL-PEG-PCL triblock copolymers into three-dimensional porous scaffolds. Properties of the various polymers were investigated by dynamic thermal analysis. The scaffolds were manufactured using the desktop robot-based rapid prototyping technique. Gross morphology and internal three-dimensional structure of scaffolds were identified by scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography, which showed excellent fusion at the filament junctions, high uniformity, and complete interconnectivity of pore networks. The influences of process parameters on scaffolds' morphological and mechanical characteristics were studied. Data confirmed that the process parameters directly influenced the pore size, porosity, and, consequently, the mechanical properties of the scaffolds. The in vitro cell culture study was performed to investigate the influence of polymer nature and scaffold architecture on the adhesion of the cells onto the scaffolds using rabbit smooth muscle cells. Light, scanning electron, and confocal laser microscopy showed cell adhesion, proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation on the surface as well as inside the structure of both scaffold groups. The completely interconnected and highly regular honeycomb-like pore morphology supported bridging of the pores via cell-to-cell contact as well as production of extracellular matrix at later time points. The results indicated that the incorporation of hydrophilic PEG into hydrophobic PCL enhanced the overall hydrophilicity and cell culture performance of PCL-PEG copolymer. However, the scaffold architecture did not significantly influence the cell culture performance in this study.

Tissue engineered prefabricated vascularized flaps

BACKGROUND.: Microvascular free tissue transfer has become increasingly popular in the reconstruction of head and neck defects, but it also has its disadvantages. Tissue engineering allows the generation of neo-tissue for implantation, but these tissues are often avascular. We propose to combine tissue-engineering techniques together with flap prefabrication techniques to generate a prefabricated vascularized soft tissue flap. METHODS: Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) labeled with fluorescein diacetate were static seeded onto polylactic-co-glycolic acid-collagen (PLGA-c) mesh. Controls were plain PLGA-c mesh. The femoral artery and vein of the nude rat was ligated and used as a vascular carrier for the constructs. After 4 weeks of implantation, the constructs were assessed by gross morphology, routine histology, Masson trichrome, and cell viability determined by green fluorescence. RESULTS: All the constructs maintained their initial shape and dimensions. Angiogenesis was evident in all the constructs with neo-capillary formation within the PLGA-c mesh seen. HDFs proliferated and filled the interyarn spaces of the PLGA-c mesh, while unseeded PLGA-c mesh remained relatively acellular. Cell tracer study indicated that the seeded HDFs remained viable and closely associated to remaining PLGA-c fibers. Collagen formation was more abundant in the constructs seeded with HDFs. CONCLUSIONS: PLGA-c, enveloped by a cell sheet composed of fibroblasts, can serve as a suitable scaffold for generation of a soft tissue flap. A ligated arteriovenous pedicle can serve as a vascular carrier for the generation of a tissue engineered vascularized flap.

Nature's Swiss Army Knives: Ovipositor Structure Mirrors Ecology in a Multitrophic Fig Wasp Community

Background: Resource partitioning is facilitated by adaptations along niche dimensions that range from morphology to behaviour. The exploitation of hidden resources may require specially adapted morphological or sensory tools for resource location and utilisation. Differences in tool diversity and complexity can determine not only how many species can utilize these hidden resources but also how they do so. Methodology and Principal Findings: The sclerotisation, gross morphology and ultrastructure of the ovipositors of a seven-member community of parasitic wasps comprising of gallers and parasitoids developing within the globular syconia (closed inflorescences) of Ficus racemosa (Moraceae) was investigated. These wasps also differ in their parasitism mode (external versus internal oviposition) and their timing of oviposition into the expanding syconium during its development. The number and diversity of sensilla, as well as ovipositor teeth, increased from internally ovipositing to externally ovipositing species and from gallers to parasitoids. The extent of sclerotisation of the ovipositor tip matched the force required to penetrate the syconium at the time of oviposition of each species. The internally ovipositing pollinator had only one type of sensillum and a single notch on the ovipositor tip. Externally ovipositing species had multiple sensilla types and teeth on their ovipositors. Chemosensilla were most concentrated at ovipositor tips while mechanoreceptors were more widely distributed, facilitating the precise location of hidden hosts in these wasps which lack larval host-seeking behaviour. Ovipositor traits of one parasitoid differed from those of its syntopic galler congeners and clustered with those of parasitoids within a different wasp subfamily. Thus ovipositor tools can show lability based on adaptive necessity, and are not constrained by phylogeny. Conclusions/Significance: Ovipositor structure mirrored the increasingly complex trophic ecology and requirements for host accessibility in this parasite community. Ovipositor structure could be a useful surrogate for predicting the biology of parasites in other communities.

Coral Disease and Health Workshop: Coral Histopathology II

The health and continued existence of coral reef ecosystems are threatened by an increasing array of environmental and anthropogenic impacts. Coral disease is one of the prominent causes of increased mortality among reefs globally, particularly in the Caribbean. Although over 40 different coral diseases and syndromes have been reported worldwide, only a few etiological agents have been confirmed; most pathogens remain unknown and the dynamics of disease transmission, pathogenicity and mortality are not understood. Causal relationships have been documented for only a few of the coral diseases, while new syndromes continue to emerge. Extensive field observations by coral biologists have provided substantial documentation of a plethora of new pathologies, but our understanding, however, has been limited to descriptions of gross lesions with names reflecting these observations (e.g., black band, white band, dark spot). To determine etiology, we must equip coral diseases scientists with basic biomedical knowledge and specialized training in areas such as histology, cell biology and pathology. Only through combining descriptive science with mechanistic science and employing the synthesis epizootiology provides will we be able to gain insight into causation and become equipped to handle the pending crisis. One of the critical challenges faced by coral disease researchers is to establish a framework to systematically study coral pathologies drawing from the field of diagnostic medicine and pathology and using generally accepted nomenclature. This process began in April 2004, with a workshop titled Coral Disease and Health Workshop: Developing Diagnostic Criteria co-convened by the Coral Disease and Health Consortium (CDHC), a working group organized under the auspices of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, and the International Registry for Coral Pathology (IRCP). The workshop was hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) in Madison, Wisconsin and was focused on gross morphology and disease signs observed in the field. A resounding recommendation from the histopathologists participating in the workshop was the urgent need to develop diagnostic criteria that are suitable to move from gross observations to morphological diagnoses based on evaluation of microscopic anatomy. (PDF contains 92 pages)

Chaetognatha of the Caribbean Sea and adjacent areas

This illustrated manual is a guide to the distribution and identification of the 6 genera and 28 species of benthic and planktonic Chaetognatha known to occur in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexlco, the Florida Straits, and the southwestern North Atlantic Ocean. As background, previous studies of chaetognaths in these areas are reviewed, gross morphology of the different forms is described, and instructions on methods of preserving and handling specimens preparatory to identification are provided. The key to genera and species is preceeded by a discussion of chaetognath taxonomy. A description of each species, consisting of an abbreviated synonymy, a summary of taxonomically important morphological features, and horizontal and vertical distribution follows the key. The occurrence of species in relation to water masses in the Caribbean and adjacent areas is noted. (PDF file contains 39 pages.)

金粟兰属的系统学研究

本文在形态学、解剖学、孢粉学、细胞学和分子系统学研究的基础上，对金粟兰属进行了世界性的专著性研究。主要内容包括： 1. 形态学 在标本室研究和野外考察的基础上，对金粟兰属植物形态性状的变异式样及其分类学意义进行了分析，发现习性、雄蕊的颜色和形状、花柱的有无等性状在种内稳定，是比较可靠的分类学性状。通过查阅模式，发现湖北金粟兰和多穗金粟兰是宽叶金粟兰生长发育的后期阶段，单穗金粟兰和安徽金粟兰是及己生长发育的后期阶段;认为菲律宾金粟兰、轮叶金粟兰和台湾及己与台湾金粟兰是同种植物，全缘金粟兰、石棉金粟兰和毛脉金粟兰与网脉金粟兰是同种植物：推测天目山金粟兰是依据及己的畸形植株发表的。最后，认为金粟兰属在全世界仅有10种植物，即鱼子兰、金粟兰、及己、宽叶金粟兰、华南金粟兰、台湾金粟兰、狭叶金粟兰、丝穗金粟兰、网脉金粟兰和银线草。 2. 解剖学 通过对金粟兰科4属16种植物的叶表皮特征的观察，发现叶表皮性状，尤其是气孔器的类型对于理解该科的属间和种间关系有重要意义。环列型气孔器可能是联系Ascarina与草珊瑚属和金粟兰属的关键性状;根据气孔器的类型，金粟兰属的10种植物可以分为两类：第一类包括鱼子兰、金粟兰、及己、宽叶金粟兰、华南金粟兰和台湾金粟兰，其叶片下表皮的气孔器以平列型为主;第二类包括狭叶金粟兰、丝穗金粟兰、网脉金粟兰和银线草，其叶片中的气孔器以侧列型为主。显然，叶表皮性状不支持前人依据习性对该属所作的划分，但与基于雄蕊形态的划分基本吻合。 3. 孢粉学 在扫描电镜下对金粟兰属植物的花粉进行了观察，发现花粉性状在属内比较一致，对于探讨属内种间关系意义不大。 4. 细胞学 对金粟兰科11种植物进行了细胞学研究，首次报道了5种植物的染色体数目和核型，并首次在金粟兰属发现了六倍体。核型分析的结果表明，草珊瑚属与金粟兰属在间期核形态、前期染色体形态和中期染色体形态上均存在明显差异，因而将它们分开的处理是完全正确的：在金粟兰属，根据前4对(四倍体种丝穗金粟兰的前8对)染色体的形态，已有核型资料的八个种可以分为两类：在狭叶金粟兰、丝穗金粟兰、网脉金粟兰和银线草中，这些染色体全部为具中部着丝粒染色体;而在鱼子兰、金粟兰、及己和华南金粟兰中，这些染色体为各种类型。 5. 分子系统学 首次对金粟兰属植物ITS区和trnL-F区序列进行了测定。在ITS、trnL-F分开处理以及将二者结合起来构建的系统树中，金粟兰属的10种植物均被分为两支：一支由狭叶金粟兰、丝穗金粟兰、网脉金粟兰和银线草组成，另一支由鱼子兰、金粟兰、及己、宽叶金粟兰、华南金粟兰和台湾金粟兰组成。 6. 金粟兰属的属下分类系统 从上研究结果可以看出，叶表皮、细胞学和分子资料均不支持前人依据习性对金粟兰属的划分，但支持前人依据雄蕊形态的划分。因此，本文把金粟兰属分为两个亚属，即金粟兰亚属和银线草亚属;金粟兰亚属又分为两个组，其中金粟兰亚组包括鱼子兰和金粟兰，及己组包括华南金粟兰和台湾金粟兰;银线草亚属包括狭叶金粟兰、丝穗金粟兰、网脉金粟兰和银线草。 7. 属的系统位置 综合已有的各方面的资料，对金粟兰科的属间关系进行了评价，认为草珊瑚属与金粟兰属关系最近，Ascarina是二者的姊妹群，雪香兰属是上述三属的姊妹群。

毛冠菊属的系统学研究

　　毛冠菊属是菊科21个“有问题”属中的一个，主要分布于青藏高原地区。按照林镕、陈艺林的概念，它包含了Nannoglottis、．Stereosanthus、Vierhapperia、Senecio和Doronicum5个属的成员。它曾先后被放入旋覆花族、千里光族和紫菀族，在上述三族中的亚族位置也不确定。它的许多重要性状，如舌片颜色、染色体数目等等，人们所知甚少。由于缺乏野外工作以及看不到大多数名字的模式，林镕、陈艺林对该属的修订有待深入的研究。本文研究了该属的外部形态学、微形态学、解剖学、孢粉学、细胞学、生态学以及ITS序列，确定了毛冠菊属的分类位置，并建立了一个新的属下分类系统。 1．外部形态 在检查大量标本（包括大多数模式）和野外居群考察的基础上，分析了主要外部形态学性状的变异式样及其对划定物种范围的价值。共确认以下9个种：青海毛冠菊、厚毛毛冠菊、狭舌毛冠菊、虎克毛冠菊、宽苞毛冠菊、大果毛冠菊、毛冠菊、玉龙毛冠菊和云南毛冠菊。川西毛冠菊被处理成狭舌毛冠菊的异名。 2．微形态学 在光镜下检查了毛冠菊属9种和紫菀族2个代表属的花柱的形状、花药顶端不育附属物、花药基部、花药基部、花盘、花丝领、药室内壁细胞等微形态性状。除了花柱基外，其他的微形态学在属内一致。管状花的花柱形态支持将毛冠菊属放在紫菀族，但其药室内壁细胞两极加厚式样表明它和广义的旋覆花有某些联系。 3．叶表皮研究 在光镜和电镜下检查了毛冠菊属8个种的叶表皮特征。．所有种的气孔器都为不规则型。青海毛冠菊表皮细胞的为多边形，而其他种都为不规则型。青海毛冠菊表皮角质层的加厚方式也与其他种明显不同。 4．扫描电镜下的舌片和花柱分枝特征 在扫描电镜下观察毛冠菊属8种和紫菀族7个代表种的舌片近轴面表皮细胞。发现毛冠菊属的舌片近轴面表皮细胞都为板状，并且沿细胞中央特征性加厚，这与紫菀族类型的表皮细胞一致，但毛冠菊属表皮细胞的角质层主要是纵向条纹或皱纹，而紫菀族总是横向的条纹或皱纹，明显不同。 在扫描电镜下又检查了毛冠菊属8种和紫菀族8个代表种的管状花花柱分枝近轴面的结构，结果在毛冠菊属管状花花柱分枝的近轴面都发现了柱头毛状的突起，而在紫菀族8种中没有发现。从突起的形状和位置判断，它可能是残存的、未充分发育的柱头毛。这表明雌性不育管状花可能刚刚从两性管状花演化而来。 也在扫描电镜下观察了毛冠菊属6种和紫菀族8个代表种的舌状花和丝状花的花柱分枝的远轴面，结果在毛冠菊属4种中发现了类似扫集毛状的突起。从这种突起的位置和形状判断，它可能是残余的扫集毛。这种突起在除雏菊以外的其他紫菀族代表种中缺失。 5．细胞学 检查了毛冠菊属8种的细胞学性状。结果发现毛冠菊属所有种的染色体基数都为x -9。染色体长度大约4um-lOum。核型公式：毛冠菊、厚毛毛冠菊、狭舌毛冠菊、宽苞毛冠菊和云南毛冠菊都为2n=14m+2sm+2st;玉龙毛冠菊、大果毛冠菊和青海毛冠菊都为2n=12m+4sm+2st。A1、A2值在属内没有明显差异。所有种的核型都是2A型。这表明在物种形成的过程中没有多倍化参与，毛冠菊属宜放在紫菀族而不是千里光族。细胞学证据支持毛冠菊属为一单系类群。 6．分子生物学 测定了毛冠菊属7种的ITS序列，并从基因库里下载了46个ITS序列，涵盖紫菀族14个亚属和旋覆花族、春黄菊族、金盏菊族。以旋覆花族、春黄菊族、金盏菊族为外类群。简约性分析显示，毛冠菊属在紫菀族中，并有较高的bootstrap值，在紫菀族中处于基部位置。Olearia和Chiliotrichum两个Hinterhuberinae亚族的代表属与毛冠菊属密切相关。在属下系统发育分析中，Olearia和Chiliotrichum被选做外类群。652个性状中，共有7】个信息位点（31个在ITSI，33个在ITS2，7个在5.8S）。简约性分析时只获得一棵最简约树。树上有两个明显的进化支，一支仅有青海毛冠菊一种，另一支包含其他种类。这种分支方式也得到形态学和生态学证据的支持。 7．毛冠菊属的系统学 从上述结果可以看出，毛冠菊属宜放入紫菀族中，在紫菀族中处于基部位置，与Hinterhuberinae亚族关系密切。综合上述研究结果，提出一个新的属下 分类系统： 毛冠菊属的新系统 组I单头组Sect. Monocephala T.G.Gao et YL.Chen Sect nov. 青海毛冠菊Nannoglottis ravida (C.Winkl.)Y.L.Chen 组II毛冠菊组Sect. Nannoglottis 系1．长舌系Ser. Delavayanae Ling et YL.Chen 厚毛毛冠菊Nannoglottis delavayi(Franch.)Ling et Y.L.Chen 狭舌毛冠菊Nannoglottis gynura(C.Winkl.) Ling et YL.Chen 虎克毛冠菊Nannoglottis hookeri (C.B.Clarke ex Hook.f.)Kitam. 宽苞毛冠菊Nannoglottis latisquama Ling et Y.L.Chen 大果毛冠菊Nannoglottis macrocarpa Ling et YL.Chen 系2．短舌系Ser. Nannoglottis 毛冠菊Nannoglottis carpesioides Maxim. 玉龙毛冠菊Nannoglottis hieraciphylla (Hand.-Mzt.)Ling et YL.Chen 云南毛冠菊Nannoglottis yuennanensis (Hand.-Mzt.) Hand.-Mzt.

横断山区马先蒿属的形态分化与分子进化

半寄生植物马先蒿属（Pedicularis）是列当科（Orobanchaceae）中最大的属，也是北温带被子植物最大的属之一。该属至少有500种植物，主要分布在北半球的高山、亚高山地区或高纬度地区，其中超过一半的种类分布在东喜马拉雅至横断山区，构成该地区高山植物区系的主要成分。马先蒿属花部器官的强烈分化程度在被子植物中极为罕见，导致这种分化发生的机制仍是难解之谜。马先蒿属下系统非常混乱，迄今为止该属属下分类系统不下10个。关于该属的起源时间、地点及迁移散布过程只是基于一些间接证据的推测。针对以上问题，本文通过大量的标本查阅、野外考察、传粉生物学观察以及分子系统学研究，得出了一些初步的结果。 　　1．形态学 通过大量的野外考察及标本观察，发现马先蒿属花部器官变异非常复杂，是区分近缘种的主要性状依据，但是花部器官存在明显的平行进化现象，不适合作为划分群、组等属下高级分类单元的主要依据;而营养性状比较保守，可作为划分群、组的主要依据。通过考证，发现直管群万叶系的德钦马先蒿（P. deqinensis）实属轮枝群纤细系多枝马先蒿（P. ramosissima）的异名。同时发现一个新种，即折喙马先蒿（P. inflexirostris），该种属于直管群的万叶系。 　　2.传粉生物学 对27种马先蒿的昆虫传粉行为进行了初步的观察。发现横断山区的马先蒿主要靠熊蜂进行有效的传粉。昆虫的传粉方式有两种，即背触式（Nototribic）和腹触式（Sternotribic）。不同花冠类型的马先蒿属植物中，昆虫的传粉方式也有所区别。对短管、无喙、无花蜜的马先蒿，昆虫主要以腹触式完成传粉;对短管、无喙、具花蜜的马先蒿，昆虫既可以通过背触式也可以通过腹触式完成传粉;而对短管、具喙和长管、具喙的马先蒿，昆虫都以腹触式完成传粉。没有发现鳞翅目的昆虫访问长管类型的马先蒿。不同花冠类型传粉方式的不同说明马先蒿花部形态结构和传粉媒介的行为之间存在协同进化关系。 3.核rDNA ITS分析 对12个群的42种马先蒿的核rDNA ITS序列进行了分析。基于ITS序列构建的基因树和经典的属下分类系统很不一致，基因树上的大部分分支和经典系统中的高级分类单元不相吻合，原因可能是马先蒿属花部器官发生了平行进化，而经典的分类系统过于权重这些花部形态性状。此外，发现在横断山区这一相对狭小的地域范围内，nrDNA ITS序列在马先蒿种间存在很大差异。造成此差异的原因可能有两个方面：一方面是马先蒿属的起源和分化的时间可能较早，不同的支系从其他地域先后多次迁入横断山区;另一方面可能是由于半寄生植物马先蒿中快速的分子进化造成的。 4.叶绿体基因组trnT-F区序列分析 对8个群的11种马先蒿的trnT-F区序列进行了分析，发现种间存在大量的插入/缺失序列，其中甘肃马先蒿（P. kansuensis）和大王马先蒿（P. rex）分别在trnT-trnL（UAA）和trnL–trnF基因间区发生了长达228bp和303bp碱基序列缺失，说明半寄生植物的叶绿体基因组也可能存在大量基因丢失现象。 5. GLOBOSA-like MADS-box基因的研究 对11种马先蒿属植物（8个群）中控制花瓣发育的GLOBOSA（PGLO）基因的部分片段进行了分离、克隆和测序，发现该基因在种间发生了明显的分化，但是碱基的变异主要发生在非编码区或非结构域，基因的同义突变率远高于非同义突变率，说明PGLO基因的进化受到强烈的功能制约。PGLO基因在马先蒿种间的明显分化表明：在辐射分化类群中，调节基因也可能发生了快速分化。对11种马先蒿属植物的PGLO基因树、nrDNA ITS基因树以及trnT-F基因树的比较发现：三个树图在结构上既有一致、也有相互矛盾之处，推测可能是因为这些基因具有不同的遗传体系或经历了不同的进化历史所致，另一方面说明GLOBOSA基因在探讨近缘类群系统发育关系方面的价值有待进一步验证。

PHYLOGENY OF THE SLOW LORISES (GENUS NYCTICEBUS) - AN APPROACH USING MITOCHONDRIAL-DNA RESTRICTION ENZYME ANALYSIS

Mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms in 15 specimens of three species of slow lorises-Nycticebus coucang, N. intermedius, and N. pygmaeus-were analyzed in order to study the evolutionary relationships among the species. Eight restriction types were observed in the samples. Phylogenetic trees constructed on the basis of genetic distances showed that the slow lorises sort into two clusters: four types of N. coucang and three types of N. intermedius plus one type of N. pygmaeus. Our results suggest that there are two valid species in the genus Nycticebus-N. coucang and N. pygmaeus-and that N. intermedius should be included within N. pygmaeus. Divergence between the two species may have begun 2.7 Ma (million years ago). Evolution of gross morphology, chromosomes, and mitochondrial DNA in the slow lorises appears to be concordant.

Phylogenetic origins of the Himalayan endemic Dolomiaea, Diplazoptilon and Xanthopappus (Asteraceae : Cardueae) based on three DNA regions

Background and Aims It is an enduring question as to the mechanisms leading to the high diversity and the processes producing endemics with unusual morphologies in the Himalayan alpine region. In the present study, the phylogenetic relationships and origins of three such endemic genera were analysed, Dolomiaea, Diplazoptilon and Xanthopappus, all in the tribe Cardueae of Asteraceae.Methods The nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and plastid trnL-F and psbA-trnH regions of these three genera were sequenced. The same regions for other related genera in Cardueae were also sequenced or downloaded from GenBank. Phylogenetic trees were constructed from individual and combined data sets of the three types of sequences using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses.Key Results The phylogenetic tree obtained allowed earlier hypotheses concerning the relationships of these three endemic genera based on gross morphology to be rejected. Frolovia and Saussurea costus were deeply nested within Dolomiaea, and the strong statistical support for the Dolomiaea-Frolovia clade suggested that circumscription of Dolomiaea should be more broadly redefined. Diplazoptilon was resolved as sister to Himalaiella, and these two together are sister to Lipschitziella. The clade comprising these three genera is sister to Jurinea, and together these four genera are sister to the Dolomiaea-Frolovia clade. Xanthopappus, previously hypothesized to be closely related to Carduus, was found to be nested within a well-supported but not fully resolved Onopordum group with Alfredia, Ancathia, Lamyropappus, Olgaea, Synurus and Syreitschikovia, rather than the Cardinis group. The crude dating based on ITS sequence divergence revealed that the divergence time of Dolomiaea-Frolovia from its sister group probably occurred 13.6-12.2 million years ago (Ma), and the divergence times of the other two genera, Xanthopappus and Diplazoptilon, from their close relatives around 5.7-4.7 Ma and 2.0-1.6 Ma, respectively.Conclusions The findings provide an improved understanding of the intergeneric relationships in Cardueae. The crude calibration of lineages indicates that the uplifts of the Qiinghai -Tibetan Plateau since the Miocene might have served as a continuous stimulus for the production of these morphologically aberrant endemic elements of the Himalayan flora.

Molecular systematics and biogeography of Crawfurdia, Metagentiana and Tripterospermum (Gentianaceae) based on nuclear ribosomal and plastid DNA sequences

Background and Aims The systematic position of the genus Metagentiana and its phylogenetic relationships with Crawfurdia, Gentiana and Tripterospermum have not been explicitly addressed. These four genera belong to one of two subtribes (Gentianinae) of Gentianeae. The aim of this paper is to examine the systematic position of Crawfurdia, Metagentiana and Tripterospermum and to clarify their phylogenetic affinities more clearly using ITS and trnL intron sequences.Methods Nucleotide sequences from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the plastid DNA trnL (UAA) intron were analysed phylogenetically. Ten of fourteen Metagentiana species were sampled, together with 40 species of other genera in the subtribe Gentianinae.Key Results The data support several previously published conclusions relating to the separation of Metagentiana from Gentiana and its closer relationships to Crawfurdia and Tripterospermum based on studies of gross morphology, floral anatomy, chromosomes, palynology, embryology and previous molecular data. The molecular clock hypothesis for the tested sequences in subtribe Gentianinae was not supported by the data (P < 0.05), so the clock-independent non-parametric rate smoothing method was used to estimate divergence time. This indicates that the separation of Crawfurdia, Metagentiana and Tripterospermum from Gentiana occurred about 11.4-21.4 Mya (million years ago), and the current species of these three genera diverged at times ranging from 0.4 to 6.2 Mya.Conclusions The molecular analyses revealed that Crawfurdia, Metagentiana and Tripterospermum do not merit status as three separate genera, because sampled species of Crawfurdia and Tripterospermum are embedded within Metagentiana. The speciation and rapid radiation of these three genera is likely to have occurred in western China as a result of upthrust of the Himalayas during the late Miocene and the Pleistocene.

Primitive living chitons: Morphological cladistic analysis as a model for character evaluation

Chitons are often referred to as “living fossils” in part because they are proposed as one of the earliest-diverging groups of living molluscs, but also because the gross morphology of the polyplacophoran shell has been conserved for hundreds of millions of years. As such, the analysis of evolution and radiation within polyplacophorans is of considerable interest not only for resolving the shape of pan-molluscan phylogeny but also as model organisms for the study of character evolution. This study presents a new, rigorous cladistic analysis of the morphological characters used in taxonomic descriptions for chitons in the living suborder Lepidopleurina Thiele, 1910 (the earliest-derived living group of chitons). Shell-based characters alone entirely fail to recover any recognized subdivisions within the group, which may raise serious questions about the application of fossil data (from isolated shell valves). New analysis including characters from girdle armature and gill arrangements recovers some genera within the group but also points to the lack of monophyly within the main genus Leptochiton Gray, 1847. Additional characters from molecular data and soft anatomy, used in combination, are clearly needed to resolve questions of chiton relationships. However, the data sets currently available already provide interesting insights into the analytical power of traditional morphology as well as some knowledge about the early evolution and radiation of this group.

Morphological cladistic analysis as a model for character evaluation in primitive living chitons (Polyplacophora, Lepidopleurina)

Chitons are often referred to as "living fossils" in part because they are proposed as one of the earliest-diverging groups of living molluscs, but also because the gross morphology of the polyplacophoran shell has been conserved for hundreds of millions of years. As such, the analysis of evolution and radiation within polyplacophorans is of considerable interest not only for resolving the shape of pan-molluscan phylogeny but also as model organisms for the study of character evolution. This study presents a new, rigorous cladistic analysis of the morphological characters used in taxonomic descriptions for chitons in the living suborder Lepidopleurina Thiele, 1910 (the earliest-derived living group of chitons). Shell-based characters alone entirely fail to recover any recognized subdivisions within the group, which may raise serious questions about the application of fossil data (from isolated shell valves). New analysis including characters from girdle armature and gill arrangements recovers some genera within the group but also points to the lack of monophyly within the main genus Leptochiton Gray, 1847. Additional characters from molecular data and soft anatomy, used in combination, are clearly needed to resolve questions of chiton relationships. However, the data sets currently available already provide interesting insights into the analytical power of traditional morphology as well as some knowledge about the early evolution and radiation of this group.

Estimation histologique de l’âge à la mort à partir du deuxième métacarpe chez l’humain

Cette étude teste l’hypothèse que le remodelage osseux dans le deuxième métacarpe peut être utilisé pour estimer l’âge à la mort. Les métacarpes utilisés dans cette analyse proviennent d’un cimetière d’Ontario, incluant des individus d’origine européenne (n=63; 34 hommes; 29 femmes). Leur âge varie de 19 à 61 ans (moyenne: 41,1±11,6). L’âge était connu ou a été estimé indépendamment à partir de la morphologie générale du squelette. À partir de lames minces coupées à la mi-diaphyse, la densité de population des ostéons (OPD; ostéons/mm2 intacts et fragmentaires) a été calculée pour huit colonnes du périoste à l’endoste, deux par quadrant anatomique. Les régressions par calibration classique ont produit une série d’équation pour les estimations de l’âge pour chaque sexe, sexes combinés, et en fonction de la latéralité. La méthode utilisée diminue l’efficacité des estimations mais elle a l’avantage de réduire les biais. Quand les sexes sont combinés, l’OPD est corrélé modérément mais significativement avec l’âge (droit r2= 0,35; gauche r2=0,28). Cependant, quand les hommes et les femmes sont analysés séparément, la corrélation entre l’OPD et l’âge dans l’échantillon féminin est meilleure (droit r2=0,48; gauche r2=0,39) alors que celle des hommes est réduite (droit r2=0,29; gauche r2=0,22). Ce résultat a déjà été observé dans d’autres études, mais n’est pas expliqué. Les résultats démontrent aussi une meilleure corrélation entre l’OPD et l’âge du côté droit que du côté gauche. Tous les résultats présentés ici supportent l’hypothèse que l’OPD du métacarpe est corrélé avec l’âge effectif (c’est-à-dire connu ou estimé), les régressions de l’OPD sur l’âge (droit-gauche combinés ou séparés, sexes combinés ou séparés) étant toutes significatives.

A putative gnetalean gymnosperm Cariria orbiculiconiformis gen. nov et spec. nov from the Early Cretaceous of northern Gondwana

Cariria orbiculiconiformis gen. nov. et spec. nov., a gymnosperm with gnetoid characters is described from the upper Aptian Crato Formation of the Araripe Basin in northeastern Brazil. Gross-morphology and anatomical details have been studied and characters have been discussed in respect to various seed plants. Several of these characters fit best with those of Gnetales and their putative fossil allies. However, the fossil plant cannot be assigned to any known extinct or extant group of seed plants in their current circumscription. Stem gross-morphology, xylotomical characters and epidermal features indicate a gnetophytic relationship, whereas characters of the reproductive organs are rather distinct from those found in extant taxa. The reproductive unit of the new taxon represents a triple organ consisting of two dichasial ovulate structures and one median pollen-producing structure containing smooth, monosulcate, boat-shaped pollen in-situ. Each ovulate structure consists of two distinct pairs of bracts, a sterile one at the base and a fertile one forming a terminal orbicular capsule. Stiff processes found in the apex of the ovulate structure may represent micropylar tubes of seeds, as seen in the Bennettitales-Erdtmanithecales-Gnetales group. C orbiculiconiformis gen. nov. et spec. nov. was ans herbaceous or semi-shrub-like plant that may have been adapted to the r-strategy in a stressful environment. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.