Is there genetic connectivity among the critically endangered White‐winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) populations from South Africa and Ethiopia?

The White‐winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) is known to occur in the highland marshes of Ethiopia, as well as almost 4000 km in South Africa. The White‐winged Flufftail is listed globally as Critically Endangered. In South Africa the population is estimated to be <50 birds. These birds are severely threatened by habitat destruction. Thus far, no genetic studies have been conducted on S. ayresi to confirm genetic connectivity between the South African and Ethiopian populations. In this study, analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear markers was conducted for White‐winged Flufftail samples from South African and Ethiopian birds, as well as Red‐chested Flufftail (Sarothrura rufa) for species comparison. Analyses of the DNA regions identified three variations between the two populations, supporting the hypothesis that these two populations are not different species or subspecies but are rather one migrating population with different seasonal occupied ranges. However, these results do not exclude the possibility of additional breeding and nonbreeding sites. Low genetic diversity in the populations of White‐winged Flufftails was observed, which needs to be further elucidated with fast evolving co‐dominant markers such as microsatellites, as this low diversity may ultimately contribute to the extinction of the species.     

The reproductive biology of two poorly known relatives of the fig (Ficus) and insights into the evolution of the fig syconium

We conducted the first detailed investigation of the floral architecture and reproductive biology of two species from the genus Dorstenia, which are poorly known relatives of Ficus (Moraceae). Our aims were to extend and refine knowledge of the understudied genus Dorstenia and to explore possible insights into the evolution of the fig syconium. We characterised four key stages of floral development using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and histological staining. Reproductive biology was found to be complex and species‐specific. Both study species are monoecious and produce an inflorescence of minute male and female flowers. Protogyny, associated with a spatial separation of male and female flowers and asynchronous stamen development, was species‐specific, as was seed set. Our results reveal novel insights into the complex reproductive biology of an under‐studied genus in the family Moraceae. We propose that exploring the reproductive biology of Dorstenia and other poorly known Ficus relatives will provide insights into the evolution of the fig syconium – the unique reproductive structure of this economically and ecologically important genus.     

Analysis of copia sequence variation within and between Drosophila species

The sequences of the 5' long-terminal repeat (LTR) and adjacent leader regions of 27 full-length copia elements isolated from natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster, D. simulans, and D. mauritiana are presented. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that although D. melanogaster copia elements are distinct from those of D. simulans and D. mauritiana, the elements of these latter two species are not distinguishable from one another. LTRs and adjacent 5' leader regions of elements isolated from D. simulans and D. mauritiana are structurally similar to one another and carry substantial deletional variation mapping to regions previously identified as being of potential importance for copia expression.      

Odor Perception and Beliefs about Risk

Although the perceptual response to environmental odors canbe quite variable, such variation has often been attributedto differences in individual sensitivity. An information-processinganalysis of odor perception, however, treats both the receptionand the subsequent evaluation of odor information as determinantsof the perceptual response. Two experiments investigated whethera factor that influenced the evaluation stage affected the judgementof odor quality and the degree of adaptation to the odor. Peoplewere surveyed in order to measure their tacit perceptions ofthe healthfulness or hazardousness of nine common olfactorystimuli, and the instructional context influenced quality perception.In a second experiment subjects were exposed to an ambient odorunder one of three different conditions, and odorant characterizationinfluenced the degree of adaptation to the odor. Subjects whowere led to believe the odor was a natural, healthy extractshowed adaptation; those told that the odor was potentiallyhazardous showed apparent sensitization; while those told thatthe odor was a common olfactory test odorant showed a mixedpattern: some exhibited adaptation, whereas others showed sensitization.However, detection thresholds obtained before and after exposureshowed adaptation effects that are characteristic of continuousexposure. These findings raise the possibility that cognitivefactors may be modulating the overall sensory perception ofodor exposure (i) for some individuals who exhibit extreme sensitivityto odors and (ii) in situations where adaptation to environmentalodors is expected but does not occur. Chem. Senses 21: 447–458,1996.     

Physicochemical and biological processes affecting the recovery of exogenously applied ferulic acid from tropical forest soils

Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) is found in both plants and soils, and some evidence suggests its involvement in biochemical interactions between plants (allelopathy) and other organisms living in the soil. Knowledge of the processes affecting the concentrations of such potential allelochemicals in soil is essential if we are to understand their roles in the soil environment. It was the intent of this study to address the effects that soil physicochemical and biological processes have on the recovery of exogenously applied ferulic acid from tropical forest soils. Soil extractants used in this study are thought to recover potentially bioavailable concentrations of applied ferulic acid. Water and sodium acetate extractions of soil (immediately and after one and two days) were employed in the recovery of ferulic acid (added at a rate of 5.15 mmoles kg^–1) from steam-sterilized and non-sterilized forest soil materials. Sterilization of soil was used to isolate physicochemical effects from microbial effects on ferulic acid. Results indicate some sterilization treatment effects on the immediate recovery of ferulic acid. Physicochemical and biological processes of soils decreased the recovery of ferulic acid. The immediate recovery of ferulic acid from non-sterile soils is inversely related to the % organic carbon present in the soils. Certain soils have the ability to trap ferulic acid molecules for subsequent release into the soil-solution phase. Furthermore, results suggest that microbial degradation of ferulic acid may only occur in the solution (bulk) phase; ferulic acid molecules thought to be bound to soil surfaces appear to be protected from degradation.Use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Organization for Tropical Studies, North Carolina State University or the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory of the products named nor criticism of similar ones not mentioned.     

Screening of obligate methanotrophs for soluble methane monooxygenase genes

A 5.8 kb fragment of chromosomal DNA from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) containing genes encoding the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme complex was used as a probe for the detection of soluble monooxygenase genes in a number of representative strains of obligate methanotrophs. Only type II methanotrophs of the genus Methylosinus were found to contain homologues to the Methylococcus gene probe. This probe was also used successfully to detect soluble methane monooxygenase genes in a variety of methanotrophs by colony hybridizations.     

An improved assay for bacterial methane mono-oxygenase: some properties of the enzyme from Methylomonas methanica.

Extracts of Methylomonas methanica catalyse the O2-and NAD(P)H-dependent disappearance of bromomethane. The activity is unstable at 2 degrees C but is stable at --70 degrees C for several weeks. Bromomethane mono-oxygenase is particulate and is inhibited by metal-binding reagents, by compounds SKF 525A and Lilly 53325, by some metal ions and by acetylene. Evidence is presented that indicates that bromomethane mono-oxygenase is the enzyme responsible for methane oxidation in vivo.     

Use of antilymphocyte globulin after cadaveric renal transplantation

Antilymphocyte globulin (A.L.G.) was prepared by injecting fresh frozen splenic cells subcutaneously into horses. The IgG fraction of the serum was concentrated by a batch technique using diethylaminoethanol-Sephadex. Fourteen patients given this material by intramuscular injection after cadaveric renal transplants, in addition to azathioprine and prednisone, had less evidence of rejection compared with patients previously treated with azathioprine and prednisone only, despite a reduction of the mean daily prednisone dose from 65 to 45 mg. Toxicity, especially local reaction, fever, and hypotension, limited the amount of A.L.G. that was given.