The potential for seed-eating birds to spread viable seeds was investigated using captive-feeding trials to determine seed preference, passage time through the gut, and viability of passed seeds for bronzewing pigeons (Phaps chalcoptera), peaceful doves (Geopelia striata), crested pigeons suggesting that these bird species may potentially disperse seed over moderate distances. Despite the low probability of individual birds spreading viable seed, the high number of birds feeding in the wild suggests that the potential for granivorous and seed-eating omnivorous birds to disperse viable seeds cannot be discounted, particularly if exozoochorous dispersal is also considered.

The potential for seed-eating birds to disperse viable canola (Brassicaceae: Brassica napus) seeds and establish feral populations or disperse genetically modified cultivars was investigated in captive feeding trials determining the: 1) acceptability of canola as food, 2) passage time of canola through the gut (PT), and 3) viability of passed seed. Four dove/pigeon, one finch, and two duck species were tested. Only Crested Pigeons Ocyphaps lophotes and some Wood Ducks Chenonetta jubata ate canola seed in significant amounts in the presence of other food. Over 460 faecal pellets were examined for the presence of whole/viable seed, but only seven pellets (~1.5%), all from Wood Ducks, contained whole seed. Of the 11 passed seeds (represents <0.01% of seed ingested by these ducks), only five germinated successfully (cf. 50 of 50 control seeds). Mean passage time of seed was quick for most species, ranging from 0.5 h in Senegal Doves, Streptopelia senegalensis, 1.3 h in Bronzewing Pigeons, to 2-3 h in the ducks C. jubata, and Anas superciliosa. This suggests that potential seed dispersal distances via these birds may generally be short (<10 km). Although the passage of viable diaspores was rare, the large number of birds likely to be feeding on canola seed in agricultural fields or at spillages on roadsides and loading zones suggests there is the potential for birds to disperse viable canola seed, including viable seed from genetically modified canola crops. Management options such as avoiding large piles of spilt seed or storing canola seed near watercourses would minimize this risk. However, the eradication of any established feral herbicide-resistant GM-canola plants could remain problematical.

The arsenite transesterification reaction As(OCH3)3+ HOR\ightleftharpoonsAs(OCH3)2OR+HOCH3(with R equaling benzyl and t-butyl) has been studied in acetonitrile solvent. With benzyl alcohol, K, ΔH°, and ΔS° are 3.6 (25°C), 5.0 kJ mol−1 and 27 J mol−1 K−1 respectively; with t-butyl alcohol, the values are 0.36 (25°C), 4.0 kJ mol−1, and 5 J mol−1 K−1 respectively. The rate law for the approach to equilibrium in the case of benzyl alcohol is: \frac−d[As(OCH3)3]dt=kf′[As(OCH3)3][HOCH2Ph]2−kr′[As(OCH3)2(OCH2Ph)][HOCH3][HOCH2Ph]. A mechanism which explains the unusual law has been postulated. The slower t-butyl alcohol reaction proceeds by a different mechanism which apparently involves catalysis by small amounts of water in the solvent. The steric effects are very significant.

Management of fever is a key element of care for children with sickle cell disease (SCD). There exist few studies of current practices in managing fevers in SCD in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) and malaria-endemic regions where SCD is prevalent. We surveyed medical providers in these settings to characterize current practices in infection prevention and fever management for children with SCD. We found wide variation in use of newborn screening for early diagnosis and infection prevention, pneumococcal vaccination, use of antibiotics and antimalarials, and route of antibiotic administration. Counter to established guidelines, 78% (95% CI: 59-100%) of respondents would consider using oral antibiotics for a febrile child with SCD. Only 17% (95% CI: 0-37%) would administer antibiotics to a wellappearing child with a positive malaria test. Availability of blood cultures did not affect duration of antibiotic course. Further study and standardization of fever management in SCD in LMICs are urgently needed.