A model for avian primary moult

The regression methods frequently used to estimate the parameters associated with primary moult in birds are unsatisfactory. Results obtained using least squares regression, and various ad hoc adaptations, are so obviously incorrect that many authors have fitted lines 'by eye' (Newton 1968, Thomas & Dartnall 1971, Elliott et al. 1976, Morrison 1976, Appleton & Minton 1978). In a comparison of seven regression methods, estimates of the average starting date varied between 29 June and 31 July, completion date between 2 and 24 October, and duration of moult between 72 and 109 days for the Redshank Tringo totonus, in spite of the very large sample of 1482 observations (Summers et al. 1983). In this paper we present a new approach to the analysis of primary moult and develop a mathematical model specifically designed for moult data.     

Chromosome differences in Peromyscus maniculatus populations at different altitudes in Colorado

Mice of the genus Peromyscus all have 48 chromosomes. Yet the appearance of the 48 chromosomes is highly variable from species to species (Hsu & Arrighi, 1966, 1968, 1971; Pathak et al., 1973) and even in different populations of the same species (Sparkes & Arakaki, 1966; Ohno et al., 1966; Hsu & Arrighi, 1968; Arakaki et al. 1970; Te & Dawson, 1971; Bradshaw & Hsu, 1972; Murray & Kitchin, 1976). The evolutionary significance of this variation and the mechanisms for its initiation and maintenance have been of interest for quite a few years. However, it was not until the sophisticated chromosome banding techniques became available that mammalian cytogeneticists were able to begin to study the chromosome variation of Peromyscus in some detail. The use of C-banding led Hsu & Arrighi (1971) to the finding that the short arms of chromosomes in three different species of Peromyscus contained constitutive heterochromatin. These results suggested that the variations in the number of acrocentric chromosomes in Peromyscus might be a result of different amounts of heterochromatin. Later studies (Duffey, 1972; Waterbury, 1972; and Pathak et al., 1973) were also consistent with this hypothesis.However, it was soon discovered that not all chromosomal differences among Peromyscus populations are due to heterochromatin changes. Studies by Arighi et al. (1976) and Murray & Kitchin (1976) showed that some chromosomal differences between species and subspecies of Peromyscus are due to pericentric inversions. Thus, it appears that both inversions and the addition of heterochromatin are involved in the evolution of the karyotype of Peromyscus.The purpose of our study was to investigate the chromosomes of Peromyscus maniculatus in different populations in Colorado (U.S.A.) and to test for relationships involving an altitudinal gradient. In the first part of this study, orcein stained chromosomes from three subspecies of mice sampled at nine different altitudes were examined for karyotype variability. In the second part of the study, karyotypes of two subspecies (P. m. rufinus and P. m. luteus), representing high and low altitude populations were examined with Q banding to determine the mechanisms responsible for chromosomal differences.     

Timing of breeding and primary moult of the Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus in the summer and winter rainfall regions of South Africa

Oschadleus, H.D., Underhill, G.D. & Underhill, L.G. 2000. Timing of breeding and primary moult of the Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus in the summer and winter rainfall regions of South Africa. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 91–94.

Timing of breeding and moult is analysed in the Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus. It is common throughout southern Africa, which is largely a summer rainfall area. This species expanded its range into the Western Cape, a winter rainfall region, in the twentieth century. The peak breeding period is one month earlier in the winter rainfall area (September to November) than in the summer rainfall area (October to December). The mean starting date of primary moult is one month earlier in the winter rainfall area (9 January) than in the summer rainfall area (15 February). The duration of primary moult is similar in both regions (74 days in the winter rainfall area and 80 days in the summer rainfall area).     

Timing and duration of moult in three populations of Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima with different moult/migration patterns

Timing and duration of primary moult in three populations of Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima were described and discussed in relation to the birds’ need to complete moult before the onset of winter, when resources are required for survival. We predicted that moult would be completed earlier by birds wintering at higher latitudes. The south Norwegian breeding population, which moults and winters along the coast of east Britain (54–57°N) had a mean starting date of 21 July for primary moult (16 July for females and 24 July for males), a mean duration of 61 days, and completed on 20 September. Resident Icelandic (64–65°N) birds had a mean starting date of 22 July for primary moult (17 July for females and 25 July for males), a mean duration of 51 days, and completed on 11 September. Birds moulting in north Norway (70°N) arrived in north Norway in suspended primary moult or without having started moult, and completed it there. They had a mean completion date of 2 November for primary moult (31 October for females and 3 November for males). Starting date and duration could not be estimated because some suspended moult for an undetermined period, but it was thought that they started in late August. It is likely that most originated from Russia. The onset of moult appears to be set by the end of breeding and there is little overlap in these two events. The earlier start of moult by females in all three populations may be because they abandon the males when the chicks hatch, leaving the males to attend the chicks. Although the duration of primary moult followed the expected trend, being fastest in north Norway and slowest in Britain, the onset of moult was so late in north Norway that they had an unexpectedly late completion date, despite their rapid moult. The late completion of primary moult in north Norway suggests that wintering in the far north may not pose the energetic constraints on Purple Sandpipers that had previously been supposed.     

Constraint versus restraint in the body mass dynamics during moult of a species with precocial young

Body mass declines during wing moult in numerous, but not all, populations of Anatidae. We assessed two leading hypotheses for body mass dynamics during wing moult: (1) body mass dynamics are adapted to attain a target body mass at the end of wing moult (restraint hypothesis) vs. (2) body mass dynamics reflect environmental constraint on the nutrient–energy balance during wing moult (constraint hypothesis). We used regressions of mass of breeding female Black Brant Branta bernicla nigricans on ninth primary length (a measure of moult stage) for each of 16 years to assess mass dynamics during wing moult and used regression equations to predict mass at the beginning and end of wing moult each year. We also included gosling mass at 30 days (an indicator of forage availability) in models of adult mass to assess how mass dynamics varied as a function of foraging conditions. Predicted body mass (± 95% CI) at the start of wing moult (ninth primary = 0 mm) varied significantly among years from 1032 ± 52 to 1169 ± 27 g. Similarly, predicted mass in late wing moult (ninth primary = 142 mm) ranged from 1048 ± 25 to 1222 ± 28 g. The rate of mass gain was significantly related to gosling mass at 30 days: interaction between adult ninth primary length and gosling mass = 0.0031 ± 0.0020 (P = 0.003). Females initiated wing moult at lower body masses, gained mass more rapidly and ended with wing moult heaviest when goslings were heaviest. Body mass dynamics of female Black Brant during wing moult were consistent with the constraint hypothesis. The positive association between gosling mass and rate of body mass gain by adult females during wing moult was also consistent with the constraint hypothesis.     

Plasticity in moult speed and timing in an arctic‐nesting goose species

Environmental constraints are strong in migratory species that breed in the Arctic. In addition to breeding, Anatidae have to renew all their flight feathers during the short arctic summer. We examine how temporal constraints and climate affect the phenology of flight feather moult in the greater snow goose Chen caerulescens atlantica, a High Arctic nesting species. We used a database of 1412 moulting adult females measured over 15 yr on Bylot Island, Nunavut. Ninth (9th) primary length was used to determine the moult stage and speed of feather growth. We found a positive relationship between median annual hatching and moult initiation dates and the slope did not differ from 1. The interval between hatching and moult initiation was thus rather fixed and geese did not initiate moult earlier when reproductive phenology was delayed. Nonetheless, there was no relationship between median hatching date and the date at which birds regained flight capacity, suggesting that date of end of moult is independent of the reproductive phenology. There was a trend for an increase in the speed of flight feather growth in years with delayed hatching date. This is the most likely mechanism that could explain moult phenology adjustment in this species. Finally, we found a positive relationship between 9th primary length (corrected for inter‐annual variations) and body condition, suggesting a delay in moulting for individuals in poor condition. These results suggest that moult plasticity is primarily governed by variations in feather growth speed. This phenotypic plasticity could be necessary to complete flight feather renewal before the end of the arctic summer, independently of reproductive phenology and spring environmental conditions. Our novel results suggest possible phenological adjustments through moult speed, which was considered constant in geese until now.     

Age‐specific variation in relationship between moult and pre‐migratory fuelling in Wood Sandpipers Tringa glareola in southern Africa

Trans‐equatorial avian migrants tend to breed, moult and migrate – the main energy‐requiring events in their lifecycle – at different times. Little is known about the relationship between wing moult and pre‐migratory fuelling in waders on their non‐breeding grounds, where time is less constrained than during their brief high‐latitude breeding season. We determined age‐related strategies of Wood Sandpipers Tringa glareola to balance the energetic demands of primary moult against pre‐migratory fuelling in southern Africa by analysing body mass and primary moult at first capture of 1721 birds mist‐netted in 1972–96 at waterbodies in Zimbabwe. Adults moulted all their primaries in August–December, but immatures underwent a supplemental moult of varying numbers of outer primaries in December–April, close to departure. We used locally weighted linear regression to estimate trends in Wood Sandpiper body mass from 1 July to 1 May. They maintained low mass from arrival in July–September to February–early March. Adults fuelled from 10 February to 1 May at a mean rate of 0.25 g/day (sd = 0.16). Most adults (98%) began fuelling 10–75 days after completing primary moult. Immatures fuelled from 4 March to 13 April at 0.24 g/day (sd = 0.14). They used varying strategies depending on their condition: a brief gap between moult and fuelling; an overlap of these processes near departure, leading to slower fuelling; or skipping fuelling altogether and staying in southern Africa for a ‘gap year’. Immatures moulting three or five outer primaries fuelled more slowly than post‐moult birds. Immatures moulting four outer primaries started fuelling 3 weeks later but at a higher rate than did post‐moult birds of this group. In post‐moult immatures, the later they ended moult, the later and faster they fuelled. The heaviest adults and immatures using all moult patterns accumulated fuel loads of c. 50% of lean body mass, and could potentially cross 2397–4490 km to reach the Great Rift Valley in one non‐stop flight. Immatures were more flexible in the timing and extent of moult and in the timing and rate of fuelling than adults. This flexibility enables inexperienced Wood Sandpipers to cope with inter‐annual differences in feeding conditions at Africa's ephemeral inland waterbodies.     

POPULATION,DIET AND THE ANNUAL CYCLE OF THE LAUGHING DOVE AT BARBERSPAN,PART 3: THE ANNUAL CYCLE

Dean, W. R. J. 1979. Population, diet and the annual cycle of the Laughing Dove at Barbers-pan, Part 3: The annual cycle. Ostrich 50:234-239.

Laughing Doves Streptopelia senegalensis were collected each month from July 1976 to June 1977. In each sample some males and females were breeding. Breeding and primary moult overlapped, and some birds began to moult after starting to breed, and began to breed after starting moult. Adult Laughing Doves require about 120 days to complete primary moult, and juveniles require about 90 days. Weights of moulting birds were not significantly different from those of non-moulting birds, and there were no seasonal trends in the weights of either group. The mean weight of 79 males was 101,6 g and of 39 females was 100,2 g.     

Non‐moulted primary coverts correlate with rapid primary moulting

Time constraint is a main factor which affects the moult strategies in passerines, mainly during the first year of life. The variability of moult strategies between species is associated with the extent of the moult. In the first year of life, the extent of the moult is highly variable between species and individuals. In most passerine species, juveniles only renew some of their feathers, but the factors that govern which feathers are renewed and which are retained have been largely overlooked. Here we examine the common pattern of non‐moulted primary coverts (PC) in passerines during the first‐year moult cycle (post‐juvenile and first‐year pre‐breeding moults). On the interspecific level we found that among 63 species of passerines, PCs are the least commonly moulted feather tract. For five species (Hirundo rustica, Pycnonotus xanthopygos, Prinia gracilis, Acrocephalus stentoreus and Passer moabiticus) which perform a complete post‐juvenile moult, we found that the PC moult occurs over a longer period than greater coverts (GCs) and is sequential (non‐simultaneous). At the intraspecific level, we found that the main difference between a partial and complete moult in Prinia gracilis is the moulting or non‐moulting of the PCs. We also demonstrate that for Prinia gracilis 1) juveniles which do not moult their PCs, moult their primaries at a higher speed than those which moult their PCs and 2) area/mass ratio of PCs is lower than of GCs. These two findings may explain why many passerines skip PC renewal during the first year of life. Because the PC moult lasts a long time, forgoing this moult enables long term resource savings that allow for dealing with time constraints. Our results highlight the adaptive advantages of non‐moulted PCs in cases of time constraints.     

Neurotensin receptors: Binding properties,transduction pathways,and structure

Summary Neurotensin is a 13-amino acid peptide (pGlu-Leu-Tyr-Glu-Asn-Lys-Pro-Arg-Arg-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu) originally isolated from hypothalami (Carraway and Leeman, 1973) and later from intestines (Kitabgiet al., 1976) of bovine. The peptide is present throughout the animal kingdom, suggesting its participation to important processes basic to animal life (Carrawayet al., 1982). Neurotensin and its analogue neuromedin-N (Lys-Ile-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu) (Minaminoet al., 1984) are synthesized by a common precursor in mammalian brain (Kislauskiset al., 1988) and intestine (Dobneret al., 1987). The central and peripheral distribution and effects of neurotensin have been extensively studied. In the brain, neurotensin is exclusively found in nerve cells, fibers, and terminals (Uhlet al., 1979), whereas the majority of peripheral neurotensin is found in the endocrine N-cells located in the intestinal mucosa (Orciet al., 1976; Helmstaedteret al., 1977). Central or peripheral injections of neurotensin produce completely different pharmacological effects (Table I) indicating that the peptide does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Many of the effects of centrally administered neurotensin are similar to those of neuroleptics or can be antagonized by simultaneous administration of TRH (Table I). The recently discovered nonpeptide antagonist SR 48692 (Gullyet al., 1993) can inhibit several of the central and peripheral effects of neurotensin (Table I).Like many other neuropeptides, neurotensin is a messenger of intracellular communication working as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the brain (Nemeroffet al., 1982) and as a local hormone in the periphery (Hirsch Fernstromet al., 1980). Thus, several pharmacological, morphological, and neurochemical data suggest that one of the functions of neurotensin in the brain is to regulate dopamine neurotransmission along the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways (Quirion, 1983; Kitabgi, 1989). On the other hand, the likely role of neurotensin as a parahormone in the gastrointestinal tract has been well documented (Rosell and Rökaeus, 1981; Kitabgi, 1982).Both central and peripheral modes of action of neurotensin imply as a first step the recognition of the peptide by a specific receptor located on the plasma membrane of the target cell. Formation of the neurotensin-receptor complex is then translated inside the cell by a change in the activity of an intracellular enzyme. This paper describes the binding and structural properties of neurotensin receptors as well as the signal transduction pathways that are activated by the peptide in various target tissues and cells.     

Primary moult and body-mass of the Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola,and its abundance relative to the Laughing Dove S. senegalensis,in the Western Cape

Underhill, L.G., Underhill, G.D. & Spottiswoode, C.N. 1999. Primary moult and body-mass of the Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola, and its abundance relative to the Laughing Dove S. senegalensis, in the Western Cape. Ostrich 70 (3&4): 196–199.

The duration of primary moult of adult Cape Turtle Doves Streptopelia capicola was estimated to be 192 days. 23 November was the estimated mean starting date, with 95% of birds starting within 88 days of this date. The mean body-mass of adults was 148 g and of first-year birds was 130 g. In residential areas, Cape Turtle Doves were trapped less frequently than Laughing Doves S. senegalensis; at most rural sites, Cape Turtle Doves comprised about two-thirds of the catch. On a dairy farm, where doves were attracted to cattle feed, 1 % of doves were Cape Turtle Doves. The emerging pattern is that Laughing Doves predominate at sites where food is provided on a long-term basis.     

Moult and basal metabolic costs in males of two subspecies of stonechats: the European Saxicola torquata rubicula and the East African S. t. axillaris

The circannual patterns in resting metabolic rate (RMR) of males of two subspecies of stonechats, the European Saxicola torquata rubicula and the East African S. t. axillaris, are compared. As the birds from the two subspecies were raised and kept under comparable laboratory conditions, differences in metabolic rate between the two subspecies had to be genetically determined. RMR peaked during moult in both subspecies. During the rest of the year RMR was fairly constant in both subspecies and assumed to reflect basal metabolic rate (BMR). African stonechats had a 22% lower mass specific BMR than European stonechats, which is thought to reflect a genetical physiological adaptation to the differences in environmental circumstances they experience in the field. A low BMR makes an animal more susceptible to cold. Hence, the relatively high plumage mass in the African compared to the European stonechat may be functionally linked to its relatively low BMR. Moult costs, calculated from the plumage masses and the differences in RMR inside and outside the moult period, tended to be higher in the European compared to the African stonechats. These data and an interspecific comparison of moult costs over various species of birds support the earlier notion by Lindström et al. (1993) that moult costs are more closely linked with BMR than with body mass or rate of moult. The relation between moult costs and BMR and the fact that the efficiency of moult is extremely low (3.8 and 6.4% for European and African stonechats, respectively) suggest that the maintenance of specific tissues necessary for moult is a large cost factor. Alternatively, impaired insulation during moult may necessitate an increased metabolic capacity which may be associated with an increased RMR.     

Prolonged and flexible primary moult overlaps extensively with breeding in beach‐nesting Hooded Plovers Thinornis rubricollis

We present the first report of complete overlap of breeding and moult in a shorebird. In southeastern Australia, Hooded Plovers Thinornis rubricollis spend their entire lives on oceanic beaches, where they exhibit biparental care. Population moult encompassed the 6‐month breeding season. Moult timing was estimated using the Underhill–Zucchini method for Type 2 data with a power transformation to accommodate sexual differences in rates of moult progression in the early and late stages of moult. Average moult durations were long in females (170.3 ± 14.2 days), and even longer in males (210.3 ± 13.5 days). Breeding status was known for most birds in our samples, and many active breeders (especially males) were also growing primaries. Females delayed the onset of primary moult but were able to increase the speed of moult and continue breeding, completing moult at about the same time as males. The mechanism by which this was achieved appeared to be flexibility in moult sequence. All moult formulae fell on one of two linked moult sequences, one faster than the other. The slower sequence had fewer feathers growing concurrently and also had formulae indicating suspended moults. Switching between sequences via common formulae is possible at many points during the moult cycle, and three of 12 recaptures were confirmed to have switched sequences in the same moult season. Hooded Plovers thus have a prolonged primary moult with the flexibility to change their rate of moult; this may facilitate high levels of replacement clutches that are associated with passive nest defence and low reproductive success.     

The measurement of membrane potential using optical indicators

Conclusions Optical methods have become established as a major experimental protocol for following membrane potential. They can provide a rapid, continuous record of the potential and have a very wide applicability. However, when used to make quantitative assertions about membrane potential, optical methods have a number of weaknesses. Even the most reliable calibration procedures depend on accurate evaluation of a small number, namely the internal ion concentration, in a large background, that is total ion levels. However, a consensus seems to be emerging that the plasma membrane potential of non-excitable cells nevertheless has considerable magnitude: typical values are –60 mV for lymphocytes (Rinket al., 1980), –20 to –100 mV, depending on metabolic load, for Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (Philo & Eddy, 1978; but see also Smith & Robinson, 1980), and –66 to –86 mV for neutrophils (Tathamet al., 1980). In our own experiments using monolayer cultures of cells grown to confluence (Bashfordet al., 1981) the potential across the plasma membrane is of the order of –100 mV (see Fig. 2). Membrane potentials of similar magnitude have been found using ion-distribution methods and microelectrodes in neuroblastoma cells and lymphocytes (Deutschet al., 1979a,b). In the latter studies ions of different charge were used to provide upper and lower estimates of the potential, the presumed effects of binding being very different for anions and cations. A similar approach, in this case the use of optical indicators of different charge, has been taken by Rinket al. (1980), and this would seem to be one way in which to diminish the uncertainties involved in dye calibration. Unfortunately many anions, particularly oxonols, form complexes with valinomycin (Lavie & Sonenberg, 1980; Rinket al., 1980), although we have found no evidence for such a complex with bis isoxazolone oxonols (J.C. Smith and C.L. Bashford, unpublished observations). It is apparent that calibration procedures not dependent on valinomycin should be sought in order to establish optical methods as a quantitative approach to the study of membrane potential.     

THE MOULT OF REMIGES AND RECTRICES IN GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS LARUS MARZNUS AND GLAUCOUS GULLS L. HYPERBOREUS IN ICELAND

The moult of primaries, secondaries, and rectrices in two closely-related gulls, the Great Black-backed Gull Larus mavinus and the Glaucous Gull L. hyperboreus, was studied in Iceland. Both gulls moult their primaries in an extremely regular sequence, starting with the 1st (innermost) and ending with the 10th (oiltermost) feather. Usually two, less often one or three, primaries are growing per wing during the primary moult, which lasts for about six or seven months. Growlng primaries were estimated to lengthen on the average by 8.7 mm per day in marinus and 7.8 mm per day in hyperboreus. The secondaries, usually 24 in number, are shed in two moult waves, one starting with the innermost feather soon after the start of the primary moult and then progressing slowly outwards, the other beginning with the outermost secondary after the primary moult is about half completed and then progressing rapidly inwards. The moult is completed just before the end of the primary moult as the two moult waves meet at about the 16th secondary. There are no marked differences between the two gulls in the moult of secondaries. The moult of rectrices shows large variations in both species, some feathers being much more irregular than others in their time of shedding. In both species, indications of an obscured centrifugal pattern of replacement are seen, although the 5th (next to the outermost) rectrix is usually the last one to be shed. Significant differences were observed between the two species in the degree of regularity of shedding of some feathers and in the average position in the moulting sequence of others. The moult of rectrices starts soon after the moult of primaries is half completed. The feathers are then shed in rapid succession, and the moult is completed some time before the end of the primary moult. The need for good powers of flight at all times is undoubtedly the reason for the protracted primary moult. This in turn causes the moult to start early, in adults sotnetimes before the eggs are laid; immatures moult even earlier than this. The rectrix moult and the main part of the secondary moult do not begin in adults until the young have fledged, but then progress very rapidly. Presumably, the loss of some of these feathers would impair the flying ability to an extent sufficient to make it difficult for the gulls to care for their young, while the rapid moult is necessary in order for the replacement of these feathers to be completed by the time the primary moult is over.     

Origin of replication, oriC, of the Escherichia coli chromosome: mapping of genes relative to R.EcoRI cleavage sites in the oriC region.

Summary A precise genetic-physical map of the tnailv region at 82 min on the genetic map of E. coli is obtained through deletion mapping and analysis by restriction endonuclease EcoRI of plasmids, derived from an F carrying the genes between aroE and ilv.A locus, designated het, which in its diploid state results in slow growth and heterogeneity of cell size due to distorted cell division, maps between bglB and asn, 30–45 kb counterclockwise of ilv.The pattern of R.EcolRI cleavage sites in the het region is identical with the pattern obtained by Marsh and worcel (1977) who analyzed DNA labeled preferentially in the region of the DNA replication origin (oriC). We suggest that oriC is identical with the het site and that it can be allocated to a position 32 kb counterclockwise of the ilv operon.Abbreviations CCC covalently closed circular - kb kilobases - MD 10⁶ Daltons - mw molecular weight - R.EcoRI restriction endonuclease EcoRI New Genetic Symbols het heterogeneity of cell size distribution (this study) - maf maintenance of F (Wada et al., 1977) - oriC chromosomal origin of replication (Hiraga, 1976) - oriV origin of vegetative replication of F (Guyer et al., 1976) - oriT origin of transfer replication of F (Guyer et al., 1976) - poh permissive on Hfr (Hiraga, 1976)     

Genetic localization of diuron- and mucidin-resistant mutants relative to a group of loci of the mitochondrial DNA controlling coenzyme QH2-cytochrome c reductase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Summary Diuron-resistance, DIU (Colson et al., 1977), antimycin-resistance, ANA (Michaelis, 1976; Burger et al., 1976), funiculosin-resistance, FUN (Pratje and Michaelis, 1977; Burger et al., 1977) and mucidin-resistance, MUC (Subik et al., 1977) are each coded by a pair of genetic loci on the mit DNA of S. cerevisiae. In the present paper, these respiratory-competent, drug-resistant loci are localized relative to respiratory-deficient BOX mutants deficient in coenzyme QH₂-cytochrome c reductase (Kotylak and Slonimski, 1976, 1977) using deletion and recombination mapping. Three drug-resistant loci possessing distinct mutated allelic forms are distinguished. DIU1 is allelic or closely linked to ANA2, FUN1 and BOX1; DIU2 is allelic or closely linked to ANA1, MUC1 and BOX4/5; MUC2 is allelic to BOX6. The high recombinant frequencies observed between the three loci (13% on the average for 33 various combinations analyzed) suggest the existence of either three genes coding for three distinct polypeptides or of a single gene coding for a single polypeptide but subdivided into three easily separable segments. The resistance of the respiratory-chain observed in vitro in the drug-resistant mutants and the allelism relationships between respiratory-competent, drug-resistant loci and coQH₂-cyt c reductase deficient, BOX, loci strongly suggest that each of the three drug-resistant loci codes for a structural gene-product which is essential for the normal coQH₂-cyt c reductase activity and is obviously a good candidate for a gene product of the drug-resistant loci mapped in this paper. Polypeptide length modifications of cytochrome b were observed in mutants deficient in the coQH₂-cyt c red and localized at the BOX1, BOX4 and BOX6 genetic loci (Claisse et al., 1977, 1978) which are precisely the loci allelic to drug resistant mutants as shown in the present work. Taken together these two sets of data provide a strong evidence in favor of the idea that there exist three non contiguous segments of the mitochondrial DNA sequence which code for a single polypeptide sequence of cytochrome b. In each segment mutations which modify the polypeptide sequence can occur leading to the loss (BOX mutants) or to a modification (drug resistant mutants) of the enzyme activity.Chercheur qualifié du Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique     

MOULT AND MENSURAL DATA OF RUFF ON THE WITWATERSRAND

Schmitt. M. B. & Whitehouse, P. J. 1976. Moult and mensural data of Ruff on the Witwatersrand. Ostrich 47: 179–190

During a five-and-a-half year study 1 600 Ruffs Philomachus pugnux were captured on the southern and eastern Witwatersrand, South Africa. Mensural data for these birds are given and the moult cycle discussed. Birds in the study area appear to moult much later than elsewhere, but the moulting sequence appears similar. Recaptures and leg colour are discussed.     

Primary moult,biometrics, mass and age composition of Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola in southeastern India

Little is known about the biology of waders wintering in southern Asia; this paper deals with the Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, a species extensively studied only in western Europe. Adult Grey Plovers wintering in southeastern India underwent primary moult in autumn; the duration was estimated to be 127 days, with mean starting date 1 September and mean completion date 5 January. Some first-year Grey Plovers initiated primary moult in late winter and spring, and completed this moult the following spring. The average mass of adults on arrival in September was 200 g, fluctuated close to 220 g from October to February, and increased to 280 g near the end of May. The mass variation did not show the January peak observed in western Europe. Breeding productivity, measured as the percentage of first-year birds in winter catches, varied between 5% and 70% over six years, and showed a positive correlation with that of Dark-bellied Brent Geese Branta b. bernicla in western Europe and Curlew Sandpipers Calidris ferruginea in South Africa.     

Comparison of ion current noise predicted from different models of the sodium channel gating mechanism in nerve membrane

Summary The theoretical power density spectrumS(f) of ion current noise is calculated from several models of the sodium channel gating mechanism in nerve membrane. Sodium ion noise experimental data from the frog node of Ranvier [Conti, F.,et al. (1976),J. Physiol. (London) 262:699] is used as a test of the theoretical results. The motivation for recent modeling has been evidence for a coupling between sodium activation and inactivation from voltage clamp data. The two processes are independent of one another in the Hodgkin and Huxley (HH) model [Hodgkin, A.L., Huxley, A.F. (1952),J. Physiol. (London) 117:500] The noise data is consistent with HH, as noted by Contiet al. (1976). The theoretical results given here appear to indicate that only one case of coupling models is also consistent with the noise data.