Early Summer Season Research Articles

MAXIMIZING THE PRODUCTIVITY AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF TOMATO PLANTS (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM MILL.) CULTIVATED IN THE NEW RECLAIMED LANDS USING DIFFERENT IRRIGATION WATER QUANTITIES AND SOME WATER SAVING SUBSTANCES

Egypt is one of the countries facing great challenges due to its limited water resources, so it has become necessary to study the best ways to rationalize irrigation water use and maximizing the efficient use of water under those circumstances. Two field experiments were conducted at a private farm at Al-Nubaria region, Behira Governorate, Egypt, during the two successive seasons of 2011 and 2012, to investigate the effect of three irrigation water quantities (2400, 1800 and 1200 m3 fed-1) and some water saving substances, i.e., control, zeolite, super absorbent polymer and K-humate as well as their interactions on growth, chemical composition, yield, water use efficiency and fruit quality of tomato plants (Jacal F1 hybrid) cultivated under drip irrigation system in new reclaimed lands during early summer season. The obtained results indicate that: - Increasing water quantity applied to tomato plants up to the highest used level (2400 m3 fed-1) significantly increased vegetative growth characters, i.e., stem diameter, foliage fresh weight, leaf area and leaf relative water content as well as total N, P and K uptake by tomato plants. On the other hand, total chlorophyll contents enhanced significantly with decreasing irrigation water supply. Tomato yield characters, i.e., number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and total yield increased with increasing irrigation water quantity up to 2400 m3 fed-1. The medium irrigation water level (1800 m3 fed-1) recorded the highest values of water use efficiency. Under the low level of irrigation water (1200 m3 fed-1) tomato fruit quality characters, i.e., flesh firmness, lycopene, TSS and total soluble sugars recorded the highest significant values. - Soil application of K-humate led to the significant increases in all vegetative growth traits, total NPK uptake, total chlorophyll, yield characters and water use efficiency as well as tomato fruit quality characters compared to soil application of zeolite, super absorbent polymer and control. - Tomato vegetative growth characters were significantly affected by the combination of 2400 m3 fed-1 and K-humate soil application. Applying 2400 or 1800 m3 fed-1 of irrigation water combined with soil application of K-humate resulted in the highest significant NPK uptake as well as all studied tomato yield characters. Soil application of K-humate combined with the low irrigation level (1200 m3 fed-1) showed the highest significant chlorophyll contents in tomato leaves. Water use efficiency showed the highest value using the medium level of irrigation water (1800 m3 fed-1) combined with the soil application of K-humate as compared to the other treatments. Soil application of K-humate combined with the medium irrigation water level (1800 m3 fed-1) or the low level (1200 m3 fed-1) recorded the highest values of tomato fruit quality characters. Using the medium irrigation level (1800 m3 fed-1) combined with the soil application of K-humate obtained the highest net return and returned the highest benefit-cost ratio (3.48) in comparison with other treatments. It could be concluded that irrigation tomato plants with 1800 m3 fed-1 combined with soil application of K-humate (2 kg fed-1 in every addition, 4 times during the season) incorporated with drip irrigation system could be recommended to improve yield and quality of tomato plants as well as maximizing the water use efficiency by tomato plants, saving about 25% of the total used irrigation water quantity commonly used in tomato production. Such treatment is found to be economically and more agronomically feasible and can be recommended under drip irrigation system in sandy soil in new reclaimed lands, giving the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio to the farmers.

SAT0223 The Onsets of Myositis with Myositis-Specific Autoantibodies (MSAS) are Associated With The Seasons.

BackgroundPolymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are systemic connective tissue diseases, and a number of autoantibodies (Abs) are detected in patient sera, some of which are myositis specific. Moreover, MSAs are...

The Effect of Olopatadine 0.1% Ophthalmic Solution on Ocular and Nasal Symptoms in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhino-Conjunctivitis

Objective: To evaluate the effect of olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution twice daily on ocular and nasal symptoms in patients with seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Method: This study was conducted at the Ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinics on patients with seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis during spring and early summer seasons (March to end of June) in 2010 at Princess Haya Al Hussein hospital in the south of Jordan and in 2011 at Prince Rashid Bin Al Hassan hospital in the north of Jordan. The patients were divided randomly into 2 groups; group A (50 patients) received Olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution (Patanol) twice daily, group B (51 patients) received placebo in the form of balanced salt solution. All patients attended ENT and Ophthalmology clinics weekly for 2 visits; they were reviewed regarding the improvement of ocular symptoms (itching, redness and lacrimation) and nasal symptoms (sneezing, itchy nose and runny nose). Results: In those patients who received Olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution, after two weeks 98%, 98% and 90% of them showed satisfactory improvement according to a scale of 1 to 5 marked by the patients for itching, lacrimation and redness respectively compared to 14%, 12% and 6% in group B respectively (P-value <0.05). Regarding nasal symptoms 90%, 84% and 78% of patients in group A showed satisfactory improvement regarding sneezing, running nose and nasal itching respectively compared to 8%, 16% and 10% in group B (P-value <0.05). Conclusion: The treatment of ocular allergy positively impacts nasal symptoms. The use of ocular solution of Olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution twice daily has an excellent effect on ocular symptoms and good effect on nasal symptoms, this effect was more significant at two weeks of treatment. Olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution is a well-tolerated drug and may be considered as a primary treatment for patients with seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis.

Abundance and diversity of birch‐feeding leafminers along latitudinal gradients in northern Europe

Latitudinal patterns in biotic interactions, including herbivory, have been widely debated during the past years. In particular, recent meta‐analysis questioned the hypothesis that herbivory increases from the poles towards the equator. Our study was designed to verify this hypothesis by exploring latitudinal patterns in abundance and diversity of birch‐feeding insect herbivores belonging to the leafminer guild in northern Europe, from 59° to 69°N. We collected branches from five mature trees of two birch species (Betula pendulaandB. pubescens) at each study site (ten sites for each of five latitudinal gradients) twice per season (in early and late summer of 2008–2011) and attributed all mines found on leaves of these branches to a certain taxon of insects. Latitudinal patterns were quantified by calculating Spearman rank correlation coefficients between both abundance and diversity of leafmining taxa and latitudes of sampling sites. In general, both abundance and diversity of leafminers significantly decreased with latitude. However, we discovered pronounced variation in patterns of latitudinal changes among study years and leafminer taxa. Variation among study years was best explained by mean temperatures in July at the northern ends of our gradients. During cold years, abundance of leafminers significantly decreased with latitude, while during warm years the abundance was either independent of latitude or even increased towards the pole. In the northern boreal forests (66° to 69°N), herbivores demonstrated larger changes in densities in response to temperature variations than in the boreo‐nemoral forests (59° to 62°N). Our data suggest that climate warming will result in a stronger increase in herbivory at higher latitudes than at lower latitudes.

고랭지 경사 밭 콩 재배지에서 토양유실경감을 위한 피복방법 평가

There is relatively high vulnerability of soil erosion in slope highland agriculture due to a reclamation of mountain as well as low surface covering in early summer season with high rainfall intensity time. The aim of this study was to evaluate various surface covering methods for reducing soil loss in highland radish cultivation in highland. The experiment was conducted in 17% sloped lysimeter () with 8 treatments including covering with cut rye, sod culture of rye, Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai, Arachniodes aristata Tindale, Aster koraiensis Nakai, Festuca myuros L. and mulching with black polyethylene film, and runoff water, eroded soil and radish growth were investigated. Surface covering with sod culture and plant residue, especially cut rye treatment, had lower runoff water than non-covering, whereas black polyethylene film mulching had the reverse. The amount of eroded soil was also lowest in cut rye treatment, , and increased in the order of rye sod culture, Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai, Aster koraiensis Nakai, Festuca myuros L., Arachniodes aristata Tindale, black polyethylene film, and non-covering, . The results showed that surface covering with sod culture or plant residue could be effective for reducing runoff water and soil erosion in the radish field, significantly in cut rye treatment. On the other hand, in sod culture of rye, Aster koraiensis Nakai and Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai, radish yields were lower than in the non-covering. Unlike this, covering with cut rye, sod culture of Festuca myuros L. had similar radish yield to the non-covering radish yield. In conclusion, covering with cut rye and sod culture of Festuca myuros L. were beneficial for reduction of soil loss without decreasing in radish yield in highland sloped fields.

Seasonality of monthly runoff over the continental United States: Causality and relations to mean annual and mean monthly distributions of moisture and energy

Summary Observed monthly climatology of streamflow over the continental United States showed significant differences from the monthly precipitation climatology. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the seasonality of streamflow over the continental US and also to understand the processes that control the streamflow seasonality. For this purpose, we employ principal component regression on five predictors – both climatic and land-surface characteristics – that explain the spatial variability in the streamflow seasonality. While the distribution of mean monthly precipitation is uniform throughout the year over most of the eastern United States (except peninsular Florida), mean monthly streamflow exhibits pronounced seasonality with peak runoff occurring during the winter (early spring) over the Southeast (Mid-Atlantic and Northeast) regions. The spatial variability in the seasonality index – the ratio of peak mean monthly value to the annual total – of runoff over the eastern US primarily depends on the covariability between monthly moisture and energy cycles. As the coherence between these two cycles change from negative to positive over the eastern US, increased moisture availability during the summer results in decreased seasonality index. In contrast, over the western US, both precipitation and streamflow exhibit strong seasonality with respective monthly peaks occurring in early and late winter months. Given that the moisture and energy cycles over the west exhibit significant negative correlation, limited energy availability during peak months of precipitation results in peak monthly runoff occurring in the same season as that of precipitation. Thus, the spatial variability in runoff seasonality over the western United States is strongly dependent on the basin aridity and the seasonality index in precipitation. For catchments over the Midwest and peninsular Florida, given the significant positive correlations in moisture and energy cycles, mean monthly runoff peaks occur in the spring and early summer season with the magnitude of streamflow seasonality being dependent on the aridity index and soil moisture holding capacity of the basin.

Experimental evidence of a stratospheric circulation influence on mesospheric temperatures and ice-particles during the 2010–2011 austral summer at 69°S

A significant inter-annual decrease in polar mesosphere ice-particles, i.e., PMSE and PMC, during 2010–2011 is compared with earlier austral summers, in particular with 2009–2010. The first IAP iron lidar temperature measurement at Davis (68.6°S), Antarctica from 14 December 2010 are used to assess thermal effects of atmospheric processes on the mesopause region. We report low average temperatures of ∼125K measured by Fe-lidar near 90km when the PMSE season commenced, whereas temperatures were warmer in 2010–2011 compared to 2009–2010 at altitudes where PMSE normally occur (around 86km). Summer mesopause region temperature anomalies are derived using Aura MLS records. We reveal that the late break-down of the Antarctic stratospheric polar vortex on 5 January 2010, coupled with enhanced early summer mesospheric zonal wind field, provide a barrier to upward propagation of atmospheric gravity waves to be the main mechanism for the observed warm early summer season below the mesopause. The mesopause in 2010–2011 was unusually high and cold. We conclude that the timing of the annual break-down of the southern polar stratospheric vortex as manifest in zonal winds at 30hPa impacts mesosphere temperature and ice-particle formation early in the austral summer.

Grazing Distribution and Diet Quality of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman Cows in the Chihuahuan Desert

Abstract Grazing distribution can be improved by using adapted cattle breeds that travel to distant areas of extensive pastures. A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate grazing distribution and diet quality of Angus, Brangus, and Brahman cows (seven cows per breed group) in the Chihuahuan Desert during three seasons (winter, early summer, and late summer) using three pastures. Two GPS collars were randomly assigned to each breed group and cow positions were logged every 10 min for 10- to 14-d periods in each pasture (3 periods · season -1 ). In 2008, breed groups were evaluated in separate pastures and data were analyzed as a 3 × 3 Latin square design. In 2009, all breed groups were evaluated at the same time in the same pastures. Fecal samples were collected in 2008 and analyzed using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate diet quality. If positions recorded when cows were resting were excluded, Brahman cows traveled greater distances per day than Angus cows throughout the study and greater ( P ≤ 0.10) than Brangus cows in all but one season during 2009. No differences in average distance to water were detected ( P s 0.10) among breed groups. During early summer in 2008 and early and late summer in 2009, Angus cows maintained a more linear grazing path ( P ≤ 0.10) than Brangus or Brahman cows. Brahman cows displayed more sinuous grazing paths ( P ≤ 0.10) than other breeds during early and late summer seasons in 2009. In 2008, no differences in crude protein content of diets were detected ( P s 0.10) among breed groups during all seasons. Spatial movement patterns of Brahman cows appeared to differ from Angus and Brangus cows; however, there was no evidence to suggest that there was any advantage in use of areas far from water by any breed group.

Improvement of Out-in skin Transparency and Symptoms by Shower Therapy in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) in elementary school children often shows resistance against ordinary treatment. The effect of skin care using water-shower therapy was evaluated mainly by physiological methods in the early summer season when aggravation of dermatitis by perspiration increases. Methods: Skin care with shower therapy was administered to sixteen children in six schools and performed during school lunch breaks for six weeks. The eczema area and severity index (EASI) and physiological methods, such as measurement of stratum corneum hydration and the skin transparency index (STI) with a colorimeter, which demonstrates skin barrier dysfunction were observed before and after the trial. No other on-going therapies were changed during this study period. Results: The EASI scores were decreased after showering. Moreover, the stratum corneum hydration and the STI were improved by shower therapy. Significant physiological and clinical improvements in AD were observed. The conclusion of parents after shower therapy was excellent. Conclusions: Skin care with daily shower therapy in elementary school was effective for an improvement of the skin barrier and skin lesions of AD in children. Results of this study support the recommendation of skin care in the treatment of children with AD.

고랭지 경사 밭 무 재배지에서 토양유실경감을 위한 피복방법 평가

There is relatively high vulnerability of soil erosion in slope highland agriculture due to a reclamation of mountain as well as low surface covering in early summer season with high rainfall intensity time. The aim of this study was to evaluate various surface covering methods for reducing soil loss in highland radish cultivation in highland. The experiment was conducted in 17% sloped lysimeter () with 8 treatments including covering with cut rye, sod culture of rye, Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai, Arachniodes aristata Tindale, Aster koraiensis Nakai, Festuca myuros L. and mulching with black polyethylene film, and runoff water, eroded soil and radish growth were investigated. Surface covering with sod culture and plant residue, especially cut rye treatment, had lower runoff water than non-covering, whereas black polyethylene film mulching had the reverse. The amount of eroded soil was also lowest in cut rye treatment, , and increased in the order of rye sod culture, Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai, Aster koraiensis Nakai, Festuca myuros L., Arachniodes aristata Tindale, black polyethylene film, and non-covering, . The results showed that surface covering with sod culture or plant residue could be effective for reducing runoff water and soil erosion in the radish field, significantly in cut rye treatment. On the other hand, in sod culture of rye, Aster koraiensis Nakai and Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai, radish yields were lower than in the non-covering. Unlike this, covering with cut rye, sod culture of Festuca myuros L. had similar radish yield to the non-covering radish yield. In conclusion, covering with cut rye and sod culture of Festuca myuros L. were beneficial for reduction of soil loss without decreasing in radish yield in highland sloped fields.

Seasonal variation of vitamin D and HbA1c levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Middle East

IntroductionThe discovery that many tissues express the vitamin D receptor and are able to transform the 25-hydroxyvitamin D into 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (active metabolite) has led to the hypothesis that vitamin D could have a role in the pathogenesis and prevention of diabetes mellitus. Accumulating evidence has linked vitamin D deficiency with immunological disturbance in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Several epidemiological studies have shown lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in diabetic individuals compared to nondiabetic individuals.Patients and methodsA total of 105 Lebanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus were recruited. Levels of HbA1c and vitamin D were recorded during two phases with phase 1 being the period from June–September 2009 and phase 2 from January–April 2009.ResultsVitamin D levels at the end of sunny season (phase 2), reflecting the previous sunny months, were found to be higher than in the early summer season (phase 1) reflecting the previous cloudy months season, with a mean change of 0.70 ± 6.87 ng/mL (P = 0.029). HbA1c levels were higher in phase 2 than in phase 1 with an increase of 0.175% ± 1.46% (P = 0.113).ConclusionVitamin D levels were higher at the end of the sunny season than at the end of cloudy season. HbA1c was also lower (but not significantly so) in the early summer season (cloudy months). There was a weak correlation between seasonal changes of vitamin D levels and the control of blood glucose as monitored by HbA1c in a cohort of Lebanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

INTERCROPPING OF SOME ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN CORN FIELD TO REDUCE SESAMIA CRETICA LED. INFESTATION

Four ornamental plants Lantana salvifolia, Lantana (Verbeneceae), Geranium columbinam Pigeon's foot and Geranium robertianum Herb Robert (Geraniaceae) were intercropped with maize plants during early summer seasons plantation mid of April 2009 & 2010 using two nursery methods (alternative hills – alternative rows), aiming to study the effect of essential volatile oils scattered around maize plants against Sesamia cretica Led.. Results demonstrated that the nursery of Lantana and Sweat basil had the highest effect during the two seasons on number and vital of egg-masses and subsequently on number of larvae, number of plants containing perforated leaves and dead hearts. Also, the effect on dry ears weight was estimated. Generally, intercropping using the alternative hills was the best method of nursing. While nursery of Pigeon's foot ranked the third in this respect. However, nursery of Herb Robert was the least among all the ornamental plants used during the two seasons.

GENE ACTION AND COMBINING ABILITY IN TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum MILL.) BY LINE X TESTER ANALYSIS

This investigation was conducted to study the possibility of improving some tomato traits. In this respect, during successive early summer seasons of 2008 – 2010 at Zifta distract, Middle- Delta Region, a line x tester analysis was made in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) with eleven femal parents (breed lines) and three male parents (testers) to determine the components of genetic variance, gene action and combining ability effects for some growth and fruit characters. All studied traits, i.e., plant height, main stem length, number of primary branches and leaves, early and total yield, as well as, average fruit weight, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS%) and vitamin C content of fruit have closer values of σ2g and σ2p. The G.C.V. and V.C.V%, which was confirmed by the estimated of G.C.V./P.C.V. ratios (ranged from 0.91 to 0.99) and broad sense heritability (h2bs) values (ranged from 0.85 to 0.98), suggesting less effect of environmental and the large portion of σ2p was due to the σ2g on these traits. The magnitude of variance due to general and specific combining abilites were highly significant indicating the importance of the additive (σ2A) and non-additive (σ2D) gene actions. However, the ratios of σ2GCA/ σ2SCA ( 1) for the remaining traits. The parental lines G.16, S.65, G.30 and the tester G.19 were found to be the most desirable general combiner (they possessed dominant genes) for seven, six, five and six traits, respectively. The cross combinations S.60 x G.19, S.125 x G. 19, G.30 x SSB and G.30 x Peto 86 considered the best specific combinations since showed significant SCA values for five traits. The results also suggested the possibility of improvement of these tomato traits through recurrent selection and hybrid breeding program.

Epidemiologic Characteristics of Human Bocavirus-Associated Respiratory Infection in Children

Purpose : This study was performed to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of human bocavirus (HBoV)-associated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children. Methods : Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were obtained from 658 children who had been hospitalized for LRTIs in Seoul National University (SNU) Children's Hospital and SNU Bundang Hospital from March 2000 to September 2005. Multiplex RT-PCR was performed to detect 11 respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza viruses 1 and 3, influenza viruses A and B, human metapneumovirus, HBoV, human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43/ 229E, and HCoV-NL63. Clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. Results : Overall, respiratory viruses were detected in 325 (49.4%) among 658 patients. HBoV was detected in 62 cases (9.4%) and was responsible for 19.1% of virus-positive cases. HBoV was prevalent among infants and young children aged from 3 months to 5 years with the mean age of 25.3 months. Co-detection of HBoV and other respiratory viruses was observed in 37.1% which is significantly higher than average co-detection rate (12.3%) among overall virus-positive cases (P=0.000). HBoV was identified mainly in late spring and early summer from May to July. Conclusion : This study describes epidemiologic features of HBoV in Korean children compared with those associated with other respiratory viruses. HBoV was prevalent among LRTIs in childhood, especially in late spring and early summer season in Korea.

The analysis of Hand-foot-mouth Disease epidemiology characteristic in Huazhou city from 2008 to 2009

Objective To further provide scientific base for the prevention and control of hand-foot-mouth disease by the analyzing the characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease epidemic situation in Huazhou city. Methods By analyzing the hand-foot- mouth disease epidemic data of Huazhou city from 2008 to 2009. Results Totally 230 hand-foot-mouth disease case have been reported in Huazhou city from 2008 to 2009, the average prevelance rate of this period was 7.32 per 100 000 one year.The average prevelance rates from 2008 to 2009 were respectively 7.12 per 100 000, 7.50 per 100 000(P＞0.05). The average prevelance rates, urban area were 10.53 per 100 000, rural area were 6.36 per 100000(P=0.00). Case age medians are 2.16-year-old, case accounts for 91.30% under 5-year-old, 81.74% were live scattered childrens. The males is 10.76 per 100 000, the females is 3.4 per 100 000(P=0.00).March to June accounts for 70.87%. Conelusions Hua Zhou City hand-foot-mouth disease morbidity gives first place to the infant, is that height sends out a season in the late spring and early summer, live scattered children be priority crowd. The couplet pointing out that the health carrying out broadly educates , reinforces a joint defense is charged, is the measure taking precautions against the key controlling the hand foot and mouth disease. Key words: Hand-foot-mouth Disease; Epidemiology; Analysis

Animal diet botanical composition compared with pasture species composition as indicators for pasture status in the semi-arid rangeland of Sudan (South Darfur State)

ABSTRACT A study was conducted during the period 2006/08 in the semi-arid rangeland of South Darfur State, Sudan at Eldien locality (latitudes 9°-30 and 11°-45 north and longitudes 25°-30 and 27° east, ecologically in the low rainfall woodland savannah with an annual rainfall between 400-600 mm).. The objective of the study was to evaluate animal diet botanical composition in comparison with pasture species composition as indicators for pasture status in the area. Data were collected for pasture species composition (Parker loop method, 1955) and animal diet botanical composition (Van Dyne Method,1968) over two years both in early wet and late dry summer seasons. Results showed that diet botanical composition was composed of pure herbaceous plant species during rainy and early dry summer seasons and a mixture of browse and herbaceous species in the late dry summer season. Calcium in animal diet was present in a suitable concentration, whereas phosphorous was present at low concentration. Although the percent species composition of the natural pasture provides an indicator of range composition, animal diet botanical composition could be used as an indicator of the pasture status. Both parameters could be very useful in designing range management practices, such as selecting species required for reseeding deteriorated range and in identifying key species that will form a base for range management.

EFFICIENCY OF SOME PLANT EXTRACTS, BIOPESTICIDES, AN INSECT GROWTH REGULATOR AND THEIR MIXTURES IN CONTROLLING SESAMIA CRETICA LED. IN CORN FIELDS

The efficiency of water and acetone extracts of radish Raphanus raphanistrum L. and turnip Brassica rape were tested separately and their mixtures with some hiopestiddes (Protecto Siosect) and an insect growth regulator (Runner) agnist 5asamia crelica throughout early summer season 2009. Data demonstrated that treatment with Runner alone, mixture of water radish extract and Protects achieved the highest percentage reduction in number of Sesanda aenea egg-masses, number of larvae, also the for mentioned treatments achieved the highest percentage reduction of plants containing perforated leaves and dead hearts. In addition the highest yield was obtained as a result of treating plants with the previously mentioned treatments. Data showed that there were significant negative correlation between yield and each of 5. o-ebrca traits.

EVALUATION OF SOME COMPOUNDS FROM PLANT ORIGIN FOR CONTROLLING SESAMIA CRETICA LED. IN MAIZE UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

Dodonia leaves and Sour orange (water and acetone extracts) in addition to some compounds derived from plant origin were eva-luated in controlling Sesamia cretica throughout early summer sea-son 2009. The treatments which caused the best results against S. cretica egg-masses, larv ae, number of dead hearts were Natcom 40 (jojoba oil) and Tresser, water dodonia extract and sour orange extracted in petrolum ether. Subsequently, gained the highest yield of 26.7 ardab / feddan. Data showed that a significant negative correlation between yield and each of S. cretica traits. The compo-sition of the experimental plants were obtained from some scientific sites on the wide world web.

Localization of Five Steroidogenic Enzyme mRNAs in Japanese Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) Testes During the Mating Season by In Situ Hybridization

The Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) is a typical seasonal breeder that has a mating season in early summer. Spermatogenesis and testicular steroidogenesis are known to develop and regress annually; however, its molecular mechanism has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we clarified the mRNA sequence of 5 steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3betaHSD, P450c17, 17betaHSD3 and P450arom) using RT-PCR and RACE methods and the localization of these gene expressions in the bear testis using an in situ hybridization technique. The amino acid sequence deduced from each mRNA sequence had high homology with the corresponding sequences of other species and possessed a motif typical of the P450 family or short chain alcohol dehydrogenase family. Expression of P450scc, 3betaHSD and P450c17 mRNA in interstitial tissue indicated that conversion from cholesterol to androstenedione occurs in Leydig cells. On the other hand, the mRNA of 17betaHSD3, which plays a central role in synthesizing testosterone, was detected not only in the interstitium but also inside the seminiferous tubules, along the basement membrane. P450arom mRNAs were distributed in the seminiferous tubules. These results suggest the possibility of testosterone and estradiol-17beta synthesis inside the seminiferous tubules in the bear testis. We expect that the results of this study will be useful for further investigation of the molecular mechanism of steroidogenic seasonality in the bear testis.

Spatio-temporal variations in surface characteristics over the North American Monsoon region

In this paper we summarize the surface characteristics for six locations in western Mexico and southwestern USA (from a subhumid climate in Jalisco, Mexico to the Sonoran Desert climate in Arizona, USA), that lie along a meridional transect within the North American Monsoon (NAM) core region using available MODerate Resolution Imaging Radiometer (MODIS) satellite data and supplementary surface instrumental data for two of these sites in Sonora, Mexico. The climate analysis for each site is carried out for the period 2000–2008, that includes all available MODIS data. A comparison of seasonal and annual variability in surface conditions for the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), albedo and land surface temperature (LST) at each site is presented. With the help of available surface data from field observations, a more detailed analysis of Rayón and Rosario de Tesopaco sites is presented. The qualitative behavior and climate response of three types of vegetation: desert shrub, subtropical shrub, and tropical deciduous forest ecosystems are analyzed under the influence of the NAM summer wet season. The onset of the NAM warm wet season in early summer, is one of the main precursors of generalized EVI growth in all the NAM region. At all the sites, it is observed that the mean daytime LST cools several degrees as the NAM fully develops. During the warm wet season, in the case of open and sparse vegetation regions such as desert shrub and subtropical shrub, albedo values fall slightly during the NAM season, while in closed and dense tropical deciduous forest regions albedo shows a slight increase. Differences in soil reflectivity at these sites are probably responsible for this rather unexpected behavior. Additionally it is found that, desert shrub and subtropical shrub regions in northern latitudes show large LST and small EVI/albedo seasonal variability, whilst tropical deciduous forests in lower latitudes show much larger EVI/albedo and smaller LST seasonal variability. Thus MODIS data proves to be a valuable tool for assessing the dynamics of seasonal and interannual surface characteristics helpful in determining climate patterns.