Development In May Research Articles

Effect of drought stress on the growth, ovary development, antioxidant capacity, sex hormone content, and reproductive-related gene expression of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Hainan Province is located in the southernmost part of China. Natural conditions, such as high temperature, drought, and typhoons, have become important factors restricting the development of the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) industry. This study aimed to examine the effects of drought stress on growth, ovarian development, antioxidant capacity, sex hormone content, and reproductive gene expression of P. clarkii. An annual survey was conducted on the ovarian development of female P. clarkii in Hainan Province, China, from January 2023 to January 2024. Under the influence of drought and prolonged light, the ovaries of P. clarkii entered the stage of rapid development in May, and the maturity was the highest in September, reaching a maximum of 2.88. In this study, female P. clarkii with a body weight of 31.09 ± 1.20 g were randomly divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates per group for drought stress experiment at 0 d (control group), 10 d, 20 d, 30 d, and 40 d, respectively. Compared with the control group, the maturity of P. clarkii was significantly improved after 10 d, 30 d, and 40 d of stress. The levels of GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC in hepatopancreas and hemolymph were significantly decreased after 30 d of drought, and MDA level was significantly increased after 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d of drought treatment. The contents of E, PROG, 17A-OHP, and E2 in the hemolymph of female P. clarkii were significantly decreased after more than 30 d of drought stress. Cyclin B mRNA transcription level decreased significantly after 20 d of drought. The expression levels of vgr and cdc2 significantly increased after 30 d and 40 d of drought, while foxL2 significantly decreased and pcna significantly increased after 40 d of drought. Based on the above results, 30 d drought was the most effective in promoting the ovarian development of female P. clarkii.

Evolution of the Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network.

The Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network (CPCCRN) was established by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in May 2005 to develop an infrastructure for collaborative clinical trials and meaningful descriptive studies in pediatric critical care. This article describes the history of CPCCRN, discusses its financial and organizational structure, illustrates how funds were efficiently used to carry out studies, and describes CPCCRN public use datasets and future directions, concluding with the development of the PeRsonalizEd Immunomodulation in PediatriC SepsIS-InducEd MODS study.

Timing of Increment Formation in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Otoliths

Controversies remain regarding the periodicity, or seasonality, of otolith growth band formation, which directly influences a correct age determination of Atlantic bluefin tuna using this structure. The aim of this work was to apply marginal increment analysis and marginal edge analysis to determine the timing of band deposition. The index of completion was analyzed using general additive models to evaluate the importance of variables, such as month, age/size, and reader. Results indicate that the opaque band formation begins in June and is completed by the end of November. From the end of the year to the beginning of the following year, there is minimal marginal edge growth as the translucent band begins to form. The translucent zone then reaches a maximum development in May. The results obtained in this study provide evidence that the annulus formation in the otoliths of Atlantic bluefin tuna are completed later in the calendar year than previously thought. This would mean it is necessary to delay the date of the current July 1st adjustment criterion to November 30.

Morphological study of the reproductive system and ovarian growth of the univoltine bamboo borer, Omphisa fuscidentalis (Hampson, 1896) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

ABSTRACTThe female reproductive system and protein deposition in the ovaries during development have never been examined in the bamboo borer Omphisa fuscidentalis Hampson. The aim of this study was thus to study the morphology of the female reproductive system of each stage of development. The female reproductive system of the borer consists of a pair of ovary, oviduct and accessory glands. Each ovary is composed of four polytrophic ovarioles that connect to lateral oviducts, fused with a common oviduct. The size of the ovary in diapausing larvae for 9 months was determined. The length and width of the ovaries were the smallest in September larvae (0.343 ± 0.03 and 0.071 ± 0.01 mm, respectively). The ovaries were the largest during ovarian development in May (0.752 ± 0.08 mm long and 0.084 ± 0.01 wide). Additionally, ovarian size was significantly larger in adults than in pupae. The ovarian protein concentration of larvae in May was 0.59 ± 0.06 mg/ml and increased to 16.61 ± 7.5 and 37.42 ± 5.5 mg/ml in pupae (June) and adults (July), respectively. The results showed ovarian development in all life stages of this holometabolous insect, which has a longer life cycle than other lepidopterans.Abbreviation: TEM: transmission electron microscope

Intercropped relationship change the developmental pattern of apple and white clover

ABSTRACT Intercropping can introduce greater plant diversity and functional complementarity in an arable crop system but inter- and intracompetition can between intercropped crops. The rhizo-box was established of apple-white clover intercropped system to examine the competitive relationship between intercropped crops on the Loess Plateau. The results showed that the competitive relationship between intercropped crops was dynamic and changed with the crop competitiveness. Crop competitiveness was characterized by root development, although intercropping inhibited the development and nutrient accumulation aboveground of apple trunks and branches, intercropped apples still maintained a larger root system than under monoculture and the root morphology of intercropped apples changed significantly. White clover had lower competitiveness than apple at the beginning of the year, which was reflected in the inhibited development in May. However in July and October, intercropped white clover had more biomass and nutrient accumulation than under monoculture.

Main Themes and Problems with Oeconomicae et Pecuniariae Quaestiones

This brief article discusses Oeconomicae et Pecuniariae Quaestiones, a document published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Discatery for Promoting Integral Human Development in May, 2018. The document focused on analyzing the current economic-financial global system and raised questions about its functioning from an ethical perspective rooted in Catholic social teaching. This article describes the structure, some themes, and some recommendations from the document; as well as some problems with the document that limit its influence.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill and Gulf of Mexico shelf hypoxia

The oil/water/dispersant mixture from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill was juxtaposed on the Louisiana continental shelf with the annual development of oxygen-depleted bottom waters. There was uncertainty whether the oil from the spill might worsen the extent or severity of the seasonal hypoxic area formation in 2010. The surface and bottom water hydrocarbons in May were elevated compared to in June and July, while the bottom-water dissolved oxygen concentrations were higher in May and June compared to in July. The degradation of oil in the water column or sediments was not known. The results of an empirical orthogonal functions (EOF) analysis of the progression of hypoxia development in May, June and July 2010, and an analysis of conditions in July compared to a 27-year background database, indicated no difference in oxygen concentrations for May, June or July 2010, with or without oil data included, nor any difference in July 2010 compared to other years. The analysis instead indicated that, in all years compared, the hypoxic area increased with higher river discharge, higher nitrate-N load, an easterly (westward) wind and reduced wind speed. Although the analyses did not demonstrate that the oil spill affected, or did not affect, the size of the 2010 hypoxic zone, there was evidence that the 2010 hypoxia season did not differ from the long-term record.

Does the Judicial Clean Sweep for the New EU Tobacco Directive Mean a New-Fangled Mirth of May?

This working paper examines major developments in May 2016 concerning European tobacco law and policy. Focussing on extensive Court of Justice rulings in three key cases, the legal analysis considers the role of the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) as regards the lawfulness and appropriateness of the new EU Tobacco Products Directive, and more widely EU law and policy for public health given the regulation of other unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. In light of past concerns as to legitimacy and proportionality of EU tobacco control measures and the subsequent emergence of a fundamental rights regime under the EU Charter, this paper considers how convincing the Court has been this time in its interpretation of newly contested measures concerning the European-wide ban of menthol cigarettes, the maiden regime for e-cigarettes, and mandatory standardised product packaging rules including use of large graphic health warnings. The discussion also examines subsequent UK regulations which flow from Article 24(2) of the directive that go beyond EU and FCTC standards as regards packaging measures and the attendant judicial review decision of the English High Court.

Reproducción asincrónica de <i>Sceloporus palaciosi</i> (Sauria: Phrynosomatidae) en México, con comentarios sobre sus ventajas y regulación

Fall reproduction is a common pattern in viviparous lizards from Mexican mountains. The reproductive pattern of Sceloporus palaciosi is seasonal but asynchronous between sexes. Males show testicular development in May and June whereas females ovulate in October. We suggest that the same environmental stimulous to reproduction occur twice ayear, but the internal system determines the response of both sexes lo different seasons, and fall stimulation allows early sexual maturity in females.

Hydro power plans leap to new highs

THIS MONTHLY column, written by the Energy Industries Council, reports on the latest new project developments in the global renewable energy marketplace. Here we look at developments in May and June 2013.

Investment plans take a downturn

THIS MONTHLY column, written by the Energy Industries Council, reports on the latest new project developments in the global renewable energy marketplace. The latest installment covers developments in May and June, 2012.

QUALITY SEED PRODUCTION OF PARENTAL LINE OF PUMPKIN (CUCURBITS MOSCHATA L.) UNDER INSECT PROOF NET HOUSE

The consistent supply of quality seed of parental lines is the key factor in the successful hybrid seed production. Since, the limited supply of quality seed of parental lines is considered as the limiting factor in popularizing the F1 hybrids and harnessing their higher yield potential. The growing of parental line in open field, an isolation of 1000 m is essentially pre requisite of pumpkin cultivation. Pumpkin is insect pollinated due to its large attractive yellow flower and presence of nectaries hence, to attain high genetic purity of the parental line seed. Secondly the high incidence of red pumpkin beetle in early growth period, fruit fly at fruit development stage and fruit rot during maturation period are the major challenges in organizing successful seed production programme of parental line. The sharp rise in temperature during fruit development in May greatly influence the fruit set, fruit development, seed yield and quality produce. Hence, the present investigation were planned and carried out to explore the possibility of growing of parental lines for quality seed production of pumpkin variety Pusa Hybrid-1 under insect proof net house and open field during summer season (15 th Feb to June) of the year 2008 at Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT) and Seed Production Unit at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (India). The experimental results showed that fruit development attributes (fruit weight, fruit length, Fruit width, flesh thickness and cavity size) among female and male parental lines were significantly superior in insect proof net house compared to the open field. The seed yield contributing characters viz., total seed per fruit, filled seed per fruit, seed yield per fruit and 100 seed weight were recorded significantly higher in insect proof net house than the open field in both the parental lines. The superior performance of seed quality characters i.e. germination (%), seedling length, seedling dry weight and vigor index were noted in insect proof net house grown seed in comparison to open field. Therefore, it can be concluded from the above the investigation that seed production of parental line of pumpkin variety Pusa Hybrid-I can be organized successfully under insect proof net house with higher level of seed yield and quality attributes. This also helps in minimizing the use of pesticides and stability of seed production of parental lines by way of reducing the environmental risk under insect proof net house.

Interaction of specialist root and shoot herbivores of Alliaria petiolata and their impact on plant performance and reproduction

Abstract 1. This study explored interactions of two spatially and temporally separated weevils and their impact on Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) survival, growth, and reproduction at different herbivore densities.2. The root‐mining weevil Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis attacks A. petiolata rosettes from October to April, and larvae complete development in May. The shoot‐mining weevil Ceutorhynchus alliariae attacks bolting plants in April/May with larvae completing development in June–July. Priority effects were expected, with early attack of C. scrobicollis affecting the later attacking C. alliariae, mediated through changes in plant growth or chemistry.3. Attack by C. scrobicollis significantly increased plant mortality and changed plant architecture, while C. alliariae only significantly reduced plant height. Attack by C. scrobicollis also increased nitrogen content of stems.4. Root feeding by C. scrobicollis affected the feeding niche of C. alliariae, but increased stem nitrogen content did not result in increased stem miner survival. While reduced height and stem diameters as a result of C. scrobicollis attack reduced C. alliariae attack at the stem level, attack at plant level and recruitment was unaffected.5. Weevil density had no effect on plant performance, most likely due to strong intraspecific competition, and there were no synergistic effects between the two herbivores.6. Overall, attack by C. scrobicollis was more detrimental to A. petiolata growth, seed output, and survival than attack by C. alliariae. Consequently, C. scrobicollis has been prioritised as a potential biocontrol agent for control of A. petiolata in North America.

Methodological aspects of the Czech rural areas research after the EU accession

Czech countryside and agriculture entered a new phase of development in May 2004. The transformation period after 1989 has changed the employment conditions of rural population as well as the conditions of economic subjects functioning in the rural space considerably. Its multifunctional character is now shifting from the sphere of theoretical thinking to the expected reality of the nearest years. The fact that the necessary economic prerequisites and their social impacts are closely tied together stresses the necessity of forming such tools of following and evaluating of the rural development criteria which would be able to reflect in a relevant way important indicators of the positive and negative changes in the working and living conditions of the population. The contribution issues from the experience of empirical research and reflects its future orientation, methodological approaches and possibilities. 

Deep-layer autotrophic picoplankton maximum in the oligotrophic Lake Stechlin, Germany: origin, activity, development and erosion

Autotrophic picoplankton (APP) abundance, primary production and vertical distribution were studied in the oligotrophic Lake Stechlin (northeastern Germany) in 1994 and 1995. Within the euphotic zone APP contributed 34% of phytoplankton biomass and 35% of primary production. Annual average APP cell number was 209 × 103 cells ml−1, of which 95% were unicellular cyanobacteria, 2% were colonial cyanobacteria and 3% were eukaryotes. Three ecologically and/or morphologically different groups of APP were recognized: (i) unicellular cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Cyanobium, (ii) eukaryotic species growing in early spring under isothermal conditions and (iii) cyanobacteria, partly colonial species, growing in the stratified period in the euphotic zone. Three species of eukaryotic green algae were identified: Choricystis minor, Neocystis diplococca and Pseudodictyosphaerium jurisii, the latter two being colonial. This is the first record of the occurrence of colonial eukaryotes potentially of APP size in fresh waters. In summer picocyanobacteria were highly productive so the low net increase rates indicate that losses must be high. The dominant, Cyanobium population started growing in February with maximum abundance in late April, contributing significantly to the spring peak in phytoplankton biomass. During this growth period, the population was evenly distributed in the 60 m water column. By the time the maximum biomass occurred, inorganic nutrients had decreased below analytically detectable levels. Parallel to the onset of stratification a part of the population was grazed, most probably in the microbial loop and primarily in the upper 10–15 m. The rest of the Cyanobium population accumulated in a narrow layer in the upper hypoliminon. The APP remaining from the spring was persistent for much of the summer in this cold, high-nutrient (especially nitrate)/low-light environment. Short phosphorus-turnover times suggest that APP is probably phosphate-limited. The stability of the thermocline and the pattern of thermocline development in May affected the accumulation of the APP cells in the upper hypolimnion. Thus, this process is sensitive to the physical stability of the water column.

Influence of selective breeding, geographic origin, and disease on gametogenesis and sex ratios of oysters, Crassostrea virginica, exposed to the parasite Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX)

The recent spread and intensification of Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) disease in oysters, Crassostrea virginica, along the Atlantic coast of the United States has heightened interest in the use of disease-resistant strains in aquaculture and increased the need for understanding all facets of how selective breeding affects oyster performance, including reproduction. Resistance does not prevent infection, but involves an ability to restrict parasite development and to tolerate infections. We examined selected and unselected oysters, from three geographical locations, all exposed to H. nelsoni infection, to determine the influence of selection, strain origin, and parasitism on gametogenesis. Gonadal development was most frequently correlated with geographic origin of oysters: northern strains (from Long Island Sound) ripened and spawned earlier than southern strains (from the James River), even after several generations of selection at a single location in Delaware Bay. Parasitism was associated with impaired gonadal development in May when gametogenesis was occurring, but not in August, when spawning was underway. Selection for disease resistance was associated with improved gametogenic development, but only in oysters with few or no patent infections. Both parasite burden and selection for resistance were correlated with gametogenesis only in strains from the two southern-most locations, the James River and Delaware Bay, and never in those from Long Island Sound. We suggest that our observations resulted from interference by H. nelsoni in energy acquisition, storage, and conversion cycles of the oyster, which, in turn, differed seasonally according to geographic origin. Gonad development appeared to be more sensitive to parasitism when gametes were in the formative stage rather than after they had matured. Thus, southern strains, which were still in the early stages of gametogenesis when they experienced typical high parasite loads in late May, showed significantly greater inhibition than northern strains, which already had well-developed gonads at the same time. In contrast to most reports that environmental stress correlates with an increased ratio of males to females, we found a three-fold increase in the proportion of females among H. nelsoni-infected oysters compared to uninfected oysters. There was no evidence of sex-associated differential infection or mortality rates and we suggest that parasitism inhibits the development of male gametes more than female gametes.

Radiological Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident for Switzerland

The Chernobyl accident has led to the first full scale operation of the Swiss Radiological Emergency Organisation. Although this Organisation and especially the network of monitoring systems and emergency laboratories was still under development in May 1986, a centralised handling of the radiological situation by the Organisation was possible and successful. The deposition of radioactive substances in Switzerland took place in three different time periods, affecting mainly three different parts of the country. Highest levels were found in the southern part where heavy rainfall occurred in early May. External dose rates reached values of 180 µR.h-1 and the maximum surface depositions of 137Cs and 131I were 26 and 180 kBq.m-2 respectively. Average values for Switzerland remained more than one order of magnitude lower. Activity concentrations in vegetables, milk, and meat reached high values in some regions (maximum for 131I or 137Cs close to 5 kBq.kg-1). Consumption of certain products was not recommended in these regions, especially by the critical group, i.e. small children and pregnant women. No food was banned in Switzerland. The resulting effective dose equivalent to the most exposed group was estimated to be about 1.5-2 mSv in 1986. The average for the Swiss population is about one order of magnitude lower. The average annual effective dose equivalent due to all sources (except Chernobyl) in Switzerland is around 4 mSv.y-1.

FACTORS AFFECTING FACULTATIVE DIAPAUSE OFMICROCTONUS VITTATAE(HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE)

In Manitoba, first-stage larvae ofMicroctonus vittataeMues. overwinter in diapausing adults of two rape-infesting chrysomelids,Phyllotreta cruciferae(Goeze) andPhyllotreta striolata(F.). The parasite larvae resume their development in May after the hosts have finished overwintering, and mature parasite larvae emerge and spin cocoons from which adults emerge late in May and during June. Usually there are four parasite generations each year; most of the larvae in the first three generations are non-diapausing, whereas most first-stage larvae of the fourth generation develop briefly and then enter diapause in September or October and overwinter. Early attempts to propagateM.vittataefor laboratory studies were unsuccessful because most of the immature parasites either died or entered diapause. Preliminary tests suggested that, as in some other parasite species (Saunders 1965; McNeil and Rabb 1973; Anderson and Kaya 1974), the photoperiod at which the parasites were propagated influenced the incidence of diapause. The following three experiments examined this hypothesis and attempted to identify rearing conditions that would prevent diapause or limit its incidence inM.vittatae.