The Caenorhabditis elegans spe-49 gene is required for fertilization and encodes a sperm-specific transmembrane protein homologous to SPE-42.

Fertilization, the fusion of sperm and oocyte to form a zygote, is the first and arguably the most important cell-cell interaction event in an organism's life. Forward and reverse genetic approaches in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have identified many genes that are required for gametogenesis and fertilization and thus are beginning to elucidate the molecular pathways that underlie these processes. We identified an allele of the spe-49 gene in a second filial generation (F ) mutagenesis screen for spermatogenesis-defective (spe) mutants.

Selection and molecular characterization of cellulolytic-xylanolytic fungi from surface soil-biomass mixtures from Black Belt sites.

Plant biomass is an abundant renewable natural resource that can be transformed into chemical feedstocks. Enzymes used in saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass are a major part of biofuel production costs. A cocktail of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes are required for optimal saccharification of biomass.

Sapling growth and survivorship as affected by light and flooding in a river floodplain forest of southeast Texas.

We investigated the effects of light and flooding on growth and survivorship of saplings in a river floodplain forest of southeast Texas. Growth responses to light were consistent with the expectation that shade-intolerant species grow faster than shade-tolerant species in high light, and vice versa. Mortality risk was not associated with shade tolerance level unless high mortality risks associated with a period of high flooding were removed.

The incidence of group B streptococcus in the vaginal tracts of pregnant women in central Alabama.

Group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) or GBS is the most common cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis in the United States. One important risk factor for infants who acquire GBS is maternal colonization. Colonization rates have been estimated in various studies to be between 15% and 35% of pregnant women.

Sapling growth and survivorship as a function of light in a mesic forest of southeast Texas, USA.

For seven species in a mature mesic forest in southeast Texas, we estimated species-specific parameters representing radial growth in high light and low light for tree saplings. Shade-intolerant species had higher asymptotic growth rates and lower low-light growth than tolerant species. Inspection of species positions on graphs of low-light growth versus high-light growth suggested that there was a trade-off between these two processes across species.