Nitrogen Removal by Riparian Buffers along a European Climatic Gradient: Patterns and Factors of Variation

We evaluated nitrogen (N) removal efficiency by riparian buffers at 14 sites scattered throughout seven European countries subject to a wide range of climatic conditions. The sites also had a wide range of nitrate inputs, soil characteristics, and vegetation types. Dissolved forms of N in groundwater and associated hydrological parameters were measured at all sites; these data were used to calculate nitrate removal by the riparian buffers. Nitrate removal rates (expressed as the difference between the input and output nitrate concentration in relation to the width of the riparian zone) were mainly positive, ranging from 5% m⁻¹ to 30% m⁻¹, except for a few sites where the values were close to zero. Average N removal rates were similar for herbaceous (4.43% m⁻¹) and forested (4.21% m⁻¹) sites. Nitrogen removal efficiency was not affected by climatic variation between sites, and no significant seasonal pattern was detected. When nitrate inputs were low, a very large range of nitrate removal efficiencies was found both in the forested and in the nonforested sites. However, sites receiving nitrate inputs above 5 mg N L⁻¹ showed an exponential negative decay of nitrate removal efficiency (nitrate removal efficiency = 33.6 e^{−0.11 NO3input}, r ² = 0.33, P < 0.001). Hydraulic gradient was also negatively related to nitrate removal (r = −0.27, P < 0.05) at these sites. On the basis of this intersite comparison, we conclude that the removal of nitrate by biological mechanisms (for example, denitrification, plant uptake) in the riparian areas is related more closely to nitrate load and hydraulic gradient than to climatic parameters. Received 15 August 2001; accepted 2 May 2002.     

A sex-specific switch between visual and olfactory inputs underlies adaptive sex differences in behavior

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Intra-species DNA polymorphism in the tobacco cyst-nematode complex (Globodera tabacum) using AFLP.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to obtain information on the within-species genetic variability of the tobacco cyst-nematode (TCN) complex. AFLP was found to be well suited to this type of study. The current classification of TCN was confirmed. Results indicate that the Globodera tabacum solanacearum group, believed to be restricted to the U.S.A., also occurs in Mexico. The within-species variability of TCN is considerable. Populations from Mexico may form a new subgroup. AFLP group-specific markers were identified for two of the TCN subgroups: Globodera tabacum tabacum and Globodera tabacum solanacearum.     

Spermine-NBD as fluorescent probe for studies of the polyamine transport system in Leishmania donovani

This study describes the synthesis of fluorescent probes as potential substrates for the polyamine transport system (PTS) of Leishmania donovani. A competitive radioassay was used to determine the most efficient probe. We observed that the conjugate spermine-nitrobenzofurazan (Spm-NBD) was able to compete with [³H]-spermidine in L. donovani at a potent IC₅₀ of 60 µM.     

Sunflower exposed to high-intensity microwave-frequency electromagnetic field: electrophysiological response requires a mechanical injury to initiate

We have monitored the electrical potential variations (EPV) of sunflower plants illuminated by a high-intensity microwave-frequency (2.5 GHz, 1.5 kV/m) electromagnetic field (EMF). We have designed an appropriate set-up that allows parallel temperature and EPV measurements while part of the plant is being exposed to the field. The results show that the considered EMF does not induce plant EPV directly. This electrophysiological response appears only when the EMF leads to a mechanical injury of the tissues via a thermal effect (dielectric heating). Once the plant inner temperature reached a threshold, we systematically observed burn-like lesions associated with the bending of the stem or leaf-stalks. Theses mechanical constraints were rapidly followed by EPVs, moving through the stem.