Phenotypic covariation predicts diversification in an adaptive radiation of pupfishes.

Phenotypic covariation among suites of traits may constrain or promote diversification both within and between species, yet few studies have empirically tested this relationship. In this study, we investigate whether phenotypic covariation of craniofacial traits is associated with diversification in an adaptive radiation of pupfishes found only on San Salvador Island, Bahamas (SSI). The radiation includes generalist, durophagous, and lepidophagous species.

Parallel evolution of integrated craniofacial traits in trophic specialist pupfishes.

Populations may adapt to similar environments via parallel or non-parallel genetic changes, but the frequency of these alternative mechanisms and underlying contributing factors are still poorly understood outside model systems. We used QTL mapping to investigate the genetic basis of highly divergent craniofacial traits between the scale-eater () and molluscivore () pupfish adapting to two different hypersaline lake environments on San Salvador Island, Bahamas. We lab-reared F2 scale-eater x molluscivore intercrosses from two different lake populations, estimated linkage maps, scanned for significant QTL for 29 skeletal and craniofacial traits, female mate preference, and sex.

Reliability of a clinical test for deep cervical flexor endurance.

Objective: Endurance deficiencies of the deep cervical flexors are associated with pain, increased lordosis, and headache. A need exists for reliable clinical tests of flexor endurance. This study determined intrarater and interrater reliability of such a test in persons without neck pain.

Parallel DNA template preparation using a vacuum filtration sample transfer device.

Solid-phase techniques have facilitated the handling of biochemical analytes. This has stimulated the development of systems by which large sample panels can be analyzed with high levels of security and quality. We describe a sample transfer device based on the principle of vacuum filtration, which enables parallel handling of 96 samples of analytes bound to Sepharose beads.