Genetic evidence for monogamy in the cooperatively breeding red-cockaded woodpecker

We examined the genetic relationship among putative parents, offspring, and helpers in 224 red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) from the Sandhills of North Carolina. Comparison of DNA similarity with a pedigree constructed from 3,823 individually-marked birds observed from 1979 to 1992 provided verification of observed relatedness in the sampled population (R ² = 0.87,df = 14,P<0.001). In this population, breeding pairs may or may not have helpers, most of which are males that remain on their natal territory. Our sample included helpers assisting their parents, helpers assisting a related male and an unrelated female, and helpers assisting an unrelated pair. Band by band comparison and examination of similarity among DNA profiles indicated that all offspring from non-helped nests were sired by their putative parents (n = 28 families). Similarly, all but one offspring in helped nests were also sired by their putative parents (n = 16 families). In the exceptional case, the offspring evidently was sired by a male external to the group. Analysis of similarity values supported the conclusion that matings by helpers or extra-group males are rare or non-existent. Our results indicate that in this species advantages gained by individuals remaining on their natal territories as helpers do not generally include siring offspring. Correspondence to: S. Haig     

名胜古迹的环境岩土工程研究

从环境岩土工程角度分析了名胜古迹的破坏原因和特点，提出了相应的保护和治理措施．     

Analysis of parental strain DNA fragments existing in GEMs-Fhhh

There were 6 target DNA fragments of the three parental strains existing in the cell of GEMs( genetically engineered microorganism strain) Fhhh measured in this research by PCR(polymerase chain reaction). The determination showed that GEMs Fhhh contained all the 6 target DNA fragments, mnpl, mnp2, lipl, lip2, FLOI and 16S rDNA, and had the molecular genetic stability. Meanwhile the PCR production of each parental strain could only had its target DNA fragments and was different from each other. It may illustrate that the technique of the inter-kingdom protoplast fusion for the construction of GEMs Fhhh through the process of intercellular gene recombination could be used as a reliable bioengineefing technique to create the soecific functional stain for the nollution control.     

Chorionic villus sampling for prenatal diagnosis in wales using DNA probes—5 years' experience

Chorionic villi were sampled from 125 women who requested prenatal diagnosis, either for genetic disorders or because of advanced maternal age. Of these, 105 samples were obtained by the transcervical route and 20 were obtained by the transabdominal approach. The sampling success rate was 97 per cent (122/125). The mean maternal age of the patients was 31 years (range 17–44) and the mean gestational age at which the chorionic villus sampling was performed was 10 weeks (range 7–13 weeks). Seventy-four of these diagnoses involved the use of DNA markers. The minimal size of the sample used for DNA diagnosis was 5 mg. Maternal contamination was detected in two samples. A diagnosis was provided on all but two samples. The fetal loss rate was high initially but fell to 1·9 per cent in 1988.     

Prenatal diagnosis of twin zygosity by DNA ‘fingerprint’ analysis

A twin pregnancy with one hydrocephalic fetus with oligohydramnios is presented. Sonographic evaluation could not exclude monochorionicity. Before considering selective feticide, blood samples from both fetuses were examined for DNA ‘fingerprint’ analysis. The different banding patterns of the blood samples established dizygosity. This procedure is suggested in cases where sonography fails to determine chorionicity.     

Degradation of phenol in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor at ambient temperature

IntroductionPhenolistherawmaterialforthecommercialproductionofawidevarietyofresins ,includingphenolicresinsasconstructionmaterialsforautomobilesandappliances,expoxyresinsasadhesives ,andpolyamideforvariousapplications.Inaddition ,phenolsareoftenfoundinwas…     

北京大气PM_(2.5)对A549细胞炎性因子及DNA损伤的毒性

为探讨大气PM_(2.5)及其不同组分对人肺上皮细胞A549的毒性作用及其剂量-反应关系,将前期采集的PM_(2.5)颗粒物用不同方法进一步制备PM_(2.5)水溶性组分、PM_(2.5)脂溶性组分和PM_(2.5)单纯颗粒物,将制备的PM_(2.5)颗粒物及其组分以不同浓度(10,50,100,200,400μg/m L)对A549细胞染毒,用MTS法分别在染毒6,10,24,48,72h后测定细胞活力,染毒24h后用ELISA及RT-QPCR法测定炎性因子IL-6和TNF-α表达量,AP位点计数法测定细胞DNA损伤情况.结果表明:除PM_(2.5)水溶性组分外,其余染毒样本高浓度染毒时始终对细胞生长表现出抑制作用,其中低浓度染毒时可在较短时间对细胞生长表现出抑制作用,染毒时间较长时抑制作用减弱或消失,PM_(2.5)水溶性组分对细胞生长抑制作用并不显著;除PM_(2.5)水溶性组分外,其余染毒样本都显著升高了IL-6m RNA的相对表达量和IL-6蛋白的分泌,除PM_(2.5)脂溶性组分外,其余染毒样本都显著升高了TNF-αm RNA的相对表达量;除PM_(2.5)水溶性组分外,其余染毒样本都显著提高了DNA碱基缺失程度.总的来说,PM_(2.5)水溶性组分在抑制细胞活力、造成炎性损伤及DNA损伤方面作用相对较小,而PM_(2.5)所产生的毒性作用并不仅限于其所吸附的复杂成分,其中作为载体的固体核心颗粒对机体可能造成的毒性作用也不容忽视.     

环境损害评估中修复方案的费用效益分析

土壤、地下水和地表水等污染治理成本通常较高,但修复后会带来众多直接和间接效益,因此,在进行修复决策和环境损害评估时应当予以综合考虑。文章对环境修复成本效益分析的定义、目的和方法进行了阐述,并结合具体案例解释了环境修复成本效益分析的具体过程。修复成本通常依据价格指南、费用估算模型/软件、类似工程经验、承包商报价等进行估算,修复效益可采用享乐价格法,根据个人意愿为环境支付的费用,进行计算。案例研究结果表明,环境修复效益及其受益方并不是单一的,在进行较大规模的环境修复决策时,应由政府进行干预,并积极寻求各利益相关方的配合,综合评估其经济可行性。在环境损害评估中,也应形成多方协调机制,科学合理地评价修复方案的费用和效益,合理确定赔偿数额。     

Screening pesticides for their ability to damage bacterial DNA

Abstract

Twenty‐six pesticides and pesticide degradation products were screened (125 μg ‐ 2000 μg) for their ability to induce unrepairable damage to bacterial DNA. Three repair test systems were utilized in this study, the Salmonella typhimurium (TA1538/TA1978), the E. coli K‐12 (Pol A₁ ⁺/Pol^‐ ₁) and the E. coli WP₂ (WP₂, WP₂ uvrA, WP67, CM611 and CM571). Aldicarb (1000 μg), benomyl (250 μg), 2‐aminobenzimidazole (2000 μg), captan (125 μg), fenazalor (500 μg), 5,6‐dichloro‐2‐trifluoromethylbenzimida‐zole (NC‐2983) (250 μg), isothymol (250 μg), maleic hydrazide(1000 μg), pentachloronitrobenzene (1000 μg) were DNA‐damaglng to one or more bacterial test systems. Isothymol and NC‐2983 affected all three test systems. Chlorinated hydrocarbon insec ticides, some being recognized as carcinogens, did not: produce a zone of inhibition in any of the tester strains possibly due to their poor solubility and diffusion in the agar overlay. It was concluded that these tests can be performed along with bacterial reversion tests to complement each other as short‐term screening tests for potential carcinogens and mutagens.