Seasonal variation in the reproductive strategy of the parasitic wasp Eulophus larvarum (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae)

ABSTRACT. 1. Eulophus larvarum (L.) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious parasitoid of lepidopterous larvae feeding on broad-leaved trees. Normally there are two generations a year.
2. Sex ratio in the spring generation of larvae is female biased. The bias is probably due to local mate competition as progeny from one brood emerge from their pupae in close proximity to each other.
3. Sex ratio in the summer generation of larvae is near equality. Local mate competition is absent as individuals from the same brood become separated during the winter.
4. Variation in sex-ratio in the spring generation is consistent with a binomial model. Variation in sex ratio in the summer generation is much greater than expected from a binomial model and there is a large proportion of single-sex broods.
5. Two hypotheses are put forward to explain the summer generation pattern: virgin oviposition, and strong intersexual competition.
6. No differences in clutch size were found between the two generations.     

Poliomyelitis in pregnancy

Acute poliomyelitis occurs in all trimesters of pregnancy. At one time there were six women in the poliomyelitis ward at Children's Hospital, five of whom were either pregnant or recently delivered. Poliomyelitis is an important entity in the differential diagnosis of diseases complicating pregnancy. Once diagnosed, treatment is directed primarily toward the symptoms of poliomyelitis, secondarily toward pregnancy. Effort should be made to maintain adequately high oxygen tension in the maternal blood stream to protect the fetus. The prognosis of the disease when it occurs during pregnancy may be less predictable, but it is generally good for both mother and infant. Although the incidence of abortion is relatively high, if the pregnancy goes to term parturition is expected to be normal. The number of cases reported is not sufficient to establish the significance of the suspected selective occurrence of poliomyelitis in pregnancy.     

CRYOETHICS: SEEKING LIFE AFTER DEATH

Cryonic suspension is a relatively new technology that offers those who can afford it the chance to be 'frozen' for future revival when they reach the ends of their lives. This paper will examine the ethical status of this technology and whether its use can be justified.
Among the arguments against using this technology are: it is 'against nature', and would change the very concept of death; no friends or family of the 'freezee' will be left alive when he is revived; the considerable expense involved for the freezee and the future society that will revive him; the environmental cost of maintaining suspension; those who wish to use cryonics might not live life to the full because they would economize in order to afford suspension; and cryonics could lead to premature euthanasia in order to maximize chances of success. Furthermore, science might not advance enough to ever permit revival, and reanimation might not take place due to socio-political or catastrophic reasons.
Arguments advanced by proponents of cryonics include: the potential benefit to society; the ability to cheat death for at least a few more years; the prospect of immortality if revival is successful; and all the associated benefits that delaying or avoiding dying would bring. It emerges that it might be imprudent not to use the technology, given the relatively minor expense involved and the potential payoff. An adapted and more persuasive version of Pascal's Wager is presented and offered as a conclusive argument in favour of utilizing cryonic suspension.     

Studies on auxin protectors XIV. Chlorogenic acid, a low molecular weight auxin protector in sunflower

Abstract Acetone extracts of sunflower leaves yielded two low molecular weight compounds with significant auxin protector activity. By means of chromatography, UV spectra, and acid hydrolysis it was possible to ascertain that most of the protector activity was associated with chlorogenic acid. Some protector activity was also associated with a derivative of chlorogenic acid, tentatively identified as isochlorogenic acid. A possible role for chlorogenic acid is proposed.