Infrared and X-Ray Evidence for Circumstellar Grain Destruction by the Blast Wave of Supernova 1987A

Multiwavelength observations of supernova remnant (SNR) 1987A show that its morphology and luminosity are rapidly changing at X-ray, optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths as the blast wave from the explosion expands into the circumstellar equatorial ring, produced by mass loss from the progenitor star. The observed infrared (IR) radiation arises from the interaction of dust grains that formed in mass outflow with the soft X-ray emitting plasma component of the shocked gas. Spitzer IRS spectra at 5 - 30 microns taken on day 6190 since the explosion show that the emission arises from approx. 1.1 x 10(exp -6) solar mass of silicate grains radiating at a temperature of approx. 180+/-(15-20) K. Subsequent observations on day 7137 show that the IR flux had increased by a factor of 2 while maintaining an almost identical spectral shape. The observed IR-to-X-ray flux ratio (IRX) is consistent with that of a dusty plasma with standard LMC dust abundances. This flux ratio has decreased by a factor of approx. 2 between days 6190 and 7137, providing the first direct observation of the ongoing destruction of dust in an expanding SN blast wave on dynamic time scales. Detailed models consistent with the observed dust temperature, the ionization fluence of the soft X-ray emission component, and the evolution of IRX suggest that the radiating si1icate grains are immersed in a 3.5 x 10(exp 6) K plasma with a density of (0.3 - 1) x 10(exp 4)/cu cm, and have a size distribution that is confined to a narrow range of radii between 0.02 and 0.2 microns. Smaller grains may have been evaporated by the initial UV flash from the supernova

Deployment of mating disruption dispensers before and after first seasonal male flights for the control of Aonidiella aurantii in citrus

The rejection of citrus fruit caused by infestations of the California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), raises concerns about its management. This fact has led to the introduction of new integrated control methods in citrus orchards, including the implementation of techniques based on pheromones. Previous works described efficient mating disruption pheromone dispensers to control A. aurantii in the Mediterranean region. The main aims of the present study were to adjust the timing of dispenser applications and study the importance of controlling the early first generation of A. aurantii by testing two different application dates: before and after the first CRS male flight. The efficacy of the different mating disruption strategies was tested during 2010 in an experimental orchard and these results were confirmed during 2011 in a commercial citrus farm. Results showed that every mating disruption strategy achieved significantly lower male captures in monitoring pheromone traps compared with untreated plots, as well as mean fruit infestation reductions of about 80 %. The control of the first CRS generation is not essential for achieving a good efficacy as demonstrated in two locations with different pest pressure. The late application of MD dispensers before the second CRS male flight has proven to be effective, suggesting a new advantageous way to apply mating disruption.The authors want to thank Fernando Alfaro from Denia, Antonio Caballero, and Javier Macias from Rio Tinto Fruit S.A. (Huelva, Spain) for field support. We also thank Ecologia y Proteccion Agricola SL for the pheromone supply. This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project AGL2009-10725) and Agroalimed Foundation. The translation of this paper was funded by the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain).Vacas González, S.; Alfaro Cañamás, C.; Primo Millo, J.; Navarro-Llopis, V. (2015). Deployment of mating disruption dispensers before and after first seasonal male flights for the control of Aonidiella aurantii in citrus. Journal of Pest Science. 88(2):321-329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-014-0623-1S321329882Avidov Z, Balshin M, Gerson U (1970) Studies on Aphytis coheni, a parasite of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii in Israel. Biocontrol 15:191–207Barzakay I, Hefetz A, Sternlicht M, Peleg BA, Gokkes M, Singer G, Geffen D, Kronenberg S (1986) Further field trials on management of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii, by mating disruption with its sex-pheromone. Phytoparasitica 14:160–161Bedford ECG (1996) Problems which we face in bringing red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), under biological control in citrus in South Africa. Proc Int Soc Citriculture 1:485–492Campos-Rivela JM, Martínez-Ferrer MT, Fibla-Queralt JM (2012) Population dynamics and seasonal trend of California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii Maskell) in citrus in Northern Spain. Span J Agric Res 10:198–208Collins PJ, Lambkin TM, Bodnaruk P (1994) Suspected resistance to methidation in Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: diaspididae) from Queensland. J Aust Entomol Soc 33:325–326Corma A, Muñoz-Pallares J, Primo-Yufera E (1999) Production of semiochemical emitters having a controlled emission speed which are based on inorganic molecular sieves. World Patent WO9944420Corma A, Muñoz-Pallares J, Primo-Yufera E (2000) Emitter of semiochemical substances supported on a sepiolite, preparation process and applications. World Patent WO0002448DeBach P (1959) New species and strains of Aphytis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitic on the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.), in the Orient. Ann Entomol Soc Am 52:354–362DeBach P, Argyriou L (1967) The colonization and success in Greece of some imported Aphytis spp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) parasitic on citrus scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae). Biocontrol 12:325–342Desneux N, Decourtye A, Delpuech JM (2007) The sublethal effects of pesticides on beneficial arthropods. Ann Rev Entomol 52:81–106Diari Oficial de la Comunitat Valenciana (DOCV) (2008) DOCV no. 5901, 26. Resolution 27 October 2008 of Consellería de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación; November 2008. http://www.docv.gva.es/datos/2008/11/26/pdf/2008_13692.pdfDomínguez-Ruiz J, Sanchis J, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2008) A new long-life trimedlure dispenser for Mediterranean fruit fly. J Econ Entomol 101:1325–1330Eliahu M, Blumberg D, Horowitz AR, Ishaaya I (2007) Effect of pyriproxyfen on developing stages and embryogenesis of California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii. Pest Manag Sci 63:743–746Furness G, Buchanan G, George R, Richardson N (1983) A history of the biological and integrated control of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii on citrus in the lower Murray Valley of Australia. Biocontrol 28:99–212Grafton-Cardwell EE, Gu P (2003) Conserving vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae), in citrus: a continuing challenge as new insecticides gain registration. J Econ Entomol 96:1388–1398Grafton-Cardwell EE, Reagan CA (1995) Selective use of insecticides for control of armored scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San-Joaquin Valley California citrus. J Econ Entomol 88:1717–1725Grafton-Cardwell EE, Vehrs SLC (1995) Monitoring for organophosphate-resistant and carbamate-resistant armored scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San-Joaquin Valley citrus. J Econ Entomol 88:495–504Grafton-Cardwell EE, Lee JE, Stewart JR, Olsen KD (2006) Role of two insect growth regulators in integrated pest management of citrus scales. J Econ Entomol 99:733–744Grout TG, Richards GI (1991a) Effect of buprofezin applications at different phenological times on California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae). J Econ Entomol 84:1802–1805Grout TG, Richards GI (1991b) Value of pheromone traps for predicting infestations of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), limited by natural enemy activity and insecticides used to control citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). J Appl Entomol 111:20–27Grout TG, Du Toit WJ, Hofmeyr JH, Richards GI (1989) California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) phenology on citrus in South Africa. J Econ Entomol 82:793–798Hefetz A, Kronengerg S, Peleg BA, Bar-zakay I (1988) Mating disruption of the California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Homoptera: Diaspididae). In: Proceeding 6th International Citrus Congress, Tel Aviv (Israel), pp 1121–1127Hernández-Penadés P, Rodríguez-Reina JM, García-Marí F (2002) Umbrales de tratamiento para cóccidos diaspídidos en cítricos. Bol San Veg Plagas 28:469–478Hothorn T, Bretz F, Westfall P (2008) Simultaneous Inference in General Parametric Models. Biometrical J 50:346–363Ioratti C, Anfora G, Tasin M, De Cristofaro A, Witzgall P, Lucchi A (2011) Chemical ecology and management of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). J Econ Entomol 104:1125–1137Kehat M, Anshelevich L, Harel M, Dunkelblum E (1995) Control of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in apple and pear orchards in Israel by mating disruption. Phytoparasitica 23:285–296Kennett CE, Hoffmann RW (1985) Seasonal development of the California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San Joaquin Valley citrus based on degree-day accumulation. J Econ Entomol 78:73–79Levitin E, Cohen E (1998) The involvement of acetylcholinesterase in resistance of the California red scale shape Aonidiella aurantii to organophosphorus pesticides. Entomol Exp Appl 88:115–121Lykouressis D, Perdikis D, Samartzis D, Fantinou A, Toutouzas S (2005) Management of the pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) by mating disruption in cotton fields. Crop Prot 24:177–183McLaren IW, Buchanan GA (1973) Parasitism by Aphytis chrysomphali Mercet and A. melinus Debach of Californian red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), in relation to seasonal availability of suitable stages of the scale. Austr J Zool 21:111–117Moreno DS, Kennett CE (1985) Predictive year-end California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) orange fruit infestations based on catches of males in the San-Joaquin Valley. J Econ Entomol 78:1–9Moreno DS, Luck RF (1992) Augmentative releases of Aphytis melinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) to suppress California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in southern California lemon orchards. J Econ Entomol 85:1112–1119Pekas A, Aguilar A, Tena A, García-Marí F (2010) Influence of host size on parasitism by Aphytis chrysomphali and A. melinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Mediterranean populations of California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Biol Control 55:132–140Rill S, Grafton-Cardwell EE, Morse JG (2007) Effects of pyriproxyfen on California red scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) development and reproduction. J Econ Entomol 100:1435–1443Rodrigo E, Troncho P, García-Marí F (1996) Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) of three scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in a citrus grove in Valencia, Spain. Entomophaga 41:77–94Roelofs WL, Gieselmann MJ, Cardé AM, Tashiro H, Moreno DS, Henrick CA, Anderson RJ (1977) Sex-pheromone of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii. Nature 26:698–699Rongai D, Cerato C, Lazzeri L, Palmieri S, Patalano G (2008) Vegetable oil formulation as biopesticide to control California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii Maskell). J Pest Sci 81:179–185Sorribas JJ, Rodríguez R, Rodrigo E, García-Marí F (2008) Niveles de parasitismo y especies de parasitoides del piojo rojo de california Aonidiella aurantii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) en cítricos de la Comunidad Valenciana. Bol San Veg Plagas 34:201–210Sorribas J, van Baaren J, Garcia-Marí F (2012) Effects of climate on the introduction, distribution and biotic potential of parasitoids: applications to biological control of California red scale. Biol Control 62:103–112Staten RT, Flint HM, Weddle RC, Quintero E, Zarate RE, Finell CM, Hernandes M, Yamamoto A (1987) Pink bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): large-scale field trials with a high-rate gossyplure formulation. J Econ Entomol 80:1267–1271Tashiro H, Chambers DL (1967) Reproduction in the California Red Scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Homoptera: Diaspididae). I. Discovery and extraction of a female sex pheromone. Ann Entomol Soc Am 60:1166–1170Tena A, Llácer E, Urbaneja A (2013) Biological control of a non-honeydew producer mediated by a distinct hierarchy of honeydew quality. Biol Control 67:117–122University of California (1991) Integrated pest management for citrus. University of California, BerkeleyVacas S, Alfaro C, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2009) The first account of the mating disruption technique for the control of California red scale Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae) using new biodegradable dispensers. Bull Entomol Res 99:415–423Vacas S, Alfaro C, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2010) Mating disruption of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae), using biodegradable mesoporous pheromone dispensers. Pest Manag Sci 66:745–751Vacas S, Vanaclocha P, Alfaro C, Primo J, Verdú MJ, Urbaneja A, Navarro-Llopis V (2011) Mating disruption for the control of Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) may contribute to increased effectiveness of natural enemies. Pest Manag Sci 68:142–148Vanaclocha P, Vacas S, Alfaro C, Primo J, Verdú MJ, Navarro-Llopis V, Urbaneja A (2012) Life history parameters and scale-cover surface area of Aonidiella aurantii are altered in a mating disruption environment: implications for biological control. Pest Manag Sci 68:1092–1097Vanaclocha P, Vidal-Quist C, Oheix S, Montón H, Planes L, Catalán J, Tena A, Verdú MJ, Urbaneja A (2013) Acute toxicity in laboratory tests of fresh and aged residues of pesticides used in citrus on the parasitoid Aphytis melinus. J Pest Sci 86:329–336Yarom I, Blumberg D, Ishaaya I (1988) Effects of buprofezin on California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) and Mediterranean black scale (Homoptera: Coccidae). J Econ Entomol 81:1581–1585Yust HR, Nelson HD, Busbey RL (1943) Comparative susceptibility of two strains of California red scale to HCN, with special reference to the inheritance of resistance. J Econ Entomol 36:744–74

ChLae1 and ChVel1 Regulate T-toxin Production, Virulence, Oxidative Stress Response, and Development of the Maize Pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus

LaeA and VeA coordinate secondary metabolism and differentiation in response to light signals in Aspergillus spp. Their orthologs, ChLae1 and ChVel1, were identified in the maize pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus, known to produce a wealth of secondary metabolites, including the host selective toxin, T-toxin. Produced by race T, T-toxin promotes high virulence to maize carrying Texas male sterile cytoplasm (T-cms). T-toxin production is significantly increased in the dark in wild type (WT), whereas Chvel1 and Chlae1 mutant toxin levels are much reduced in the dark compared to WT. Correspondingly, expression of T-toxin biosynthetic genes (Tox1) is up-regulated in the dark in WT, while dark-induced expression is much reduced/minimal in Chvel1 and Chlae1 mutants. Toxin production and Tox1 gene expression are increased in ChVEL1 overexpression (OE) strains grown in the dark and in ChLAE1 strains grown in either light or dark, compared to WT. These observations establish ChLae1 and ChVel1 as the first factors known to regulate host selective toxin production. Virulence of Chlae1 and Chvel1 mutants and OE strains is altered on both T-cms and normal cytoplasm maize, indicating that both T-toxin mediated super virulence and basic pathogenic ability are affected. Deletion of ChLAE1 or ChVEL1 reduces tolerance to H2O2. Expression of CAT3, one of the three catalase genes, is reduced in the Chvel1 mutant. Chlae1 and Chvel1 mutants also show decreased aerial hyphal growth, increased asexual sporulation and female sterility. ChLAE1 OE strains are female sterile, while ChVEL1 OE strains are more fertile than WT. ChLae1 and ChVel1 repress expression of 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin biosynthesis genes, and, accordingly, melanization is enhanced in Chlae1 and Chvel1 mutants, and reduced in OE strains. Thus, ChLae1 and ChVel1 positively regulate T-toxin biosynthesis, pathogenicity and super virulence, oxidative stress responses, sexual development, and aerial hyphal growth, and negatively control melanin biosynthesis and asexual differentiation

Male Oxidative Stress Infertility (MOSI): Proposed Terminology and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Idiopathic Male Infertility

Despite advances in the field of male reproductive health, idiopathic male infertility, in which a man has altered semen characteristics without an identifiable cause and there is no female factor infertility, remains a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) plays an independent role in the etiology of male infertility, with 30% to 80% of infertile men having elevated seminal reactive oxygen species levels. OS can negatively affect fertility via a number of pathways, including interference with capacitation and possible damage to sperm membrane and DNA, which may impair the sperm’s potential to fertilize an egg and develop into a healthy embryo. Adequate evaluation of male reproductive potential should therefore include an assessment of sperm OS. We propose the term Male Oxidative Stress Infertility, or MOSI, as a novel descriptor for infertile men with abnormal semen characteristics and OS, including many patients who were previously classified as having idiopathic male infertility. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) can be a useful clinical biomarker for the classification of MOSI, as it takes into account the levels of both oxidants and reductants (antioxidants). Current treatment protocols for OS, including the use of antioxidants, are not evidence-based and have the potential for complications and increased healthcare-related expenditures. Utilizing an easy, reproducible, and cost-effective test to measure ORP may provide a more targeted, reliable approach for administering antioxidant therapy while minimizing the risk of antioxidant overdose. With the increasing awareness and understanding of MOSI as a distinct male infertility diagnosis, future research endeavors can facilitate the development of evidence-based treatments that target its underlying cause

Hypothalamic and Thyroidal Regulation of Growth Hormone in Tilapia

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for recombinant tilapia growth hormone (GH) was established and validated. The ability of various hypothalamic factors to regulate GH secretion in the tilapia hybrid (Oreochromis niloticus x Oreochromis aureus) was studied. Somatostatin1-14 (SRIF1-14; 10-100 micrograms/kg) was found to reduce circulating GH levels in a dose-dependent manner. SRIF1-14 (0.1-1000 nM) inhibited GH release from perifused pituitary fragments (ED50 0.83 nM). Human growth hormone-releasing hormone fragment 1-29 (hGHRH1-29; 100 micrograms/kg) doubled circulating GH levels and modestly stimulated GH secretion in vitro. Carp growth hormone-releasing hormone (cGHRH) stimulated GH secretion in vitro to a similar degree at the same dose (1 microM). Injection of salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) superactive analog (10-100 micrograms/kg) increased plasma GH levels sixfold. sGnRH also stimulated GH release in vitro (ED50 142.56 nM). Dopamine (0.1-10 microM) and the D1 DA receptor agonist SKF 38393 increased GH secretion from perifused pituitary fragments dose-relatedly. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) had no effect on GH secretion from perifused pituitary fragments, but increased plasma GH levels, as did bovine thyroid stimulating hormone (bTSH). The increased plasma GH in the bTSH-treated fish coincided with a dramatic increase in T4; however, TRH increased GH without changing T4 levels. T3 increased the synthesis of GH by isolated pituitaries (incorporation of [3H]leucine). SRIF1-14 seems to be a most potent hypothalamic regulator of GH secretion in tilapia; sGnRH and DA both increased GH secretion, although sGnRH elicited considerably greater responses at lower doses. Two forms of GHRH increased GH levels, although the unavailability of the homologous peptide prevented an accurate evaluation of its importance in regulating GH secretion. The thyroid axis (TRH, TSH, and T3) stimulates both synthesis and release of GH, although TRH did not appear to have a direct effect on the level of the pituitary