Comparative chromosome band mapping in primates byin situ suppression hybridization of band specific DNA microlibraries

A DNA-library established from microdissected bands 8q23 to 8q24.1 of normal human chromosomes 8 (Lüdecke et al., 1989) was used as a probe for chromosomal in situ suppression (CISS-) hybridization to metaphase chromosomes of man and primates including Hylobates lar and Macaca fuscata. Comparative band mapping as first applied in this study shows the specific visualization of a single subchromosomal region in all three species and thus demonstrates that synteny of the bulk sequences of a specific human chromosome subregion has been conserved for more than 20 million years

The origin of human chromosome 2 analyzed by comparative chromosome mapping with a DNA microlibrary

Fluorescencein situ hybridization (FISH) of microlibraries established from distinct chromosome subregions can test the evolutionary conservation of chromosome bands as well as chromosomal rearrangements that occurred during primate evolution and will help to clarify phylogenetic relationships. We used a DNA library established by microdissection and microcloning from the entire long arm of human chromosome 2 for fluorescencein situ hybridization and comparative mapping of the chromosomes of human, great apes (Pan troglodytes, Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla, Pongo pygmaeus) and Old World monkeys (Macaca fuscata andCercopithecus aethiops). Inversions were found in the pericentric region of the primate chromosome 2p homologs in great apes, and the hybridization pattern demonstrates the known phylogenetically derived telomere fusion in the line that leads to human chromosome 2. The hybridization of the 2q microlibrary to chromosomes of Old World monkeys gave a different pattern from that in the gorilla and the orang-utan, but a pattern similar to that of chimpanzees. This suggests convergence of chromosomal rearrangements in different phylogenetic lines

Symmetry structure and phase transitions

We study chiral symmetry structure at finite density and temperature in the presence of external magnetic field and gravity, a situation relevant in the early Universe and in the core of compact stars. We then investigate the dynamical evolution of phase transition in the expanding early Universe and possible formation of quark nuggets and their survival.Comment: Plenary talk given at the 4th. ICPAQGP held at Jaipur, India from Nov 26-30, 2001.laTex 2e file with 8 ps figures and 12 page

Comparative chromosome painting discloses homologous Segments in distantly related mammals

Comparative chromosome painting, termed ZOO-FISH, using DNA libraries from flow sorted human chromosomes 1,16,17 and X, and mouse chromosome 11 discloses the presence of syntenic groups in distantly related mammalian Orders ranging from primates (Homo sapiens), rodents (Mus musculus), even-toed ungulates (Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis and Muntiacus reevesi) and whales (Balaenoptera physalus). These mammalian Orders have evolved separately for 55-80 million years (Myr). We conclude that ZOO-FISH can be used to generate comparative chromosome maps of a large number of mammalian species

Northeastern Atlantic cold-water coral reefs and climate

U-series age patterns obtained on reef framework-forming cold-water corals collected over a nearly 6,000 km long continental margin sector, extending from off Mauritania to the south-western Barents Sea reveal strong climate influences on the geographical distribution and sustained development of these ecosystems. During glacial times densely populated cold-water coral reefs flourished in the temperate east Atlantic, where at present only scarce live coral occurrences exist. In contrast, climate warming induces a rapid northward colonization of cold-water coral reefs with the biogeographic limit advancing from ~45°N to ~70°N. Thus, we invoke here that north-south oscillations of the polar front during the past glacial-interglacial cycles and the consequent displacement of cold nutrient-rich intermediate waters and productivity drives the decline and expansion of cold-water coral ecosystems and its biogeographic limits in the northeast Atlantic

Accretion, Primordial Black Holes and Standard Cosmology

Primordial Black Holes evaporate due to Hawking radiation. We find that the evaporation time of primordial black holes increase when accretion of radiation is included.Thus depending on accretion efficiency more and more number of primordial black holes are existing today, which strengthens the idea that the primordial black holes are the proper candidate for dark matter.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figure

Chiral symmetry in linear Sigma model in magnetic environment

We study the chiral symmetry structure in a linear sigma model with fermions in the presence of an external, uniform magnetic field in the 'effective potential' approach at the one loop level. We also study the chiral phase transition as a function of density in the core of magnetized neutron stars.Comment: LaTex2e file with six postscript figures. journal ref: Physical Review D 62 (2000) 02502

UML for Global Computing

Abstract. Global systems – systems which may operate over transient networks including mobile elements and in which computation itself may be mobile – are gaining in importance. Nevertheless, the means for their modelling are still underdeveloped. The Unified Modelling Language (UML) is well developed for convenient modelling of behavior, but is not yet so useful for modelling aspects of design relevant to global systems, such as mobility. Non-functional requirements such as performance and security also assume an increased importance in the context of global systems, and here too, UML requires enhancement. In this paper we present an extension to UML class, sequence and activity diagrams to model mobile systems. We also describe extensions to model performance and security characteristics. We will describe how, wherever possible, we reuse existing work in these areas.

A High-Resolution Map of Synteny Disruptions in Gibbon and Human Genomes

Gibbons are part of the same superfamily (Hominoidea) as humans and great apes, but their karyotype has diverged faster from the common hominoid ancestor. At least 24 major chromosome rearrangements are required to convert the presumed ancestral karyotype of gibbons into that of the hominoid ancestor. Up to 28 additional rearrangements distinguish the various living species from the common gibbon ancestor. Using the northern white-cheeked gibbon (2n = 52) (Nomascus leucogenys leucogenys) as a model, we created a high-resolution map of the homologous regions between the gibbon and human. The positions of 100 synteny breakpoints relative to the assembled human genome were determined at a resolution of about 200 kb. Interestingly, 46% of the gibbon–human synteny breakpoints occur in regions that correspond to segmental duplications in the human lineage, indicating a common source of plasticity leading to a different outcome in the two species. Additionally, the full sequences of 11 gibbon BACs spanning evolutionary breakpoints reveal either segmental duplications or interspersed repeats at the exact breakpoint locations. No specific sequence element appears to be common among independent rearrangements. We speculate that the extraordinarily high level of rearrangements seen in gibbons may be due to factors that increase the incidence of chromosome breakage or fixation of the derivative chromosomes in a homozygous state

Teaching the Process of Molecular Phylogeny and Systematics: A Multi-Part Inquiry-Based Exercise

Three approaches to molecular phylogenetics are demonstrated to biology students as they explore molecular data from Homo sapiens and four related primates. By analyzing DNA sequences, protein sequences, and chromosomal maps, students are repeatedly challenged to develop hypotheses regarding the ancestry of the five species. Although these exercises were designed to supplement and enhance classroom instruction on phylogeny, cladistics, and systematics in the context of a postsecondary majors-level introductory biology course, the activities themselves require very little prior student exposure to these topics. Thus, they are well suited for students in a wide range of educational levels, including a biology class at the secondary level. In implementing this exercise, we have observed measurable gains, both in student comprehension of molecular phylogeny and in their acceptance of modern evolutionary theory. By engaging students in modern phylogenetic activities, these students better understood how biologists are currently using molecular data to develop a more complete picture of the shared ancestry of all living things