The Universal Plausibility Metric (UPM) & Principle (UPP)

Background

Mere possibility is not an adequate basis for asserting scientific plausibility. A precisely defined universal bound is needed beyond which the assertion of plausibility, particularly in life-origin models, can be considered operationally falsified. But can something so seemingly relative and subjective as plausibility ever be quantified? Amazingly, the answer is, "Yes." A method of objectively measuring the plausibility of any chance hypothesis (The Universal Plausibility Metric [UPM]) is presented. A numerical inequality is also provided whereby any chance hypothesis can be definitively falsified when its UPM metric of ξ is < 1 (The Universal Plausibility Principle [UPP]). Both UPM and UPP pre-exist and are independent of any experimental design and data set.

Conclusion

No low-probability hypothetical plausibility assertion should survive peer-review without subjection to the UPP inequality standard of formal falsification (ξ < 1).     

Global diversity of spelaeogriphaceans & thermosbaenaceans (Crustacea; Spelaeogriphacea & Thermosbaenacea) in freshwater

Spelaeogriphaceans and thermosbaenaceans are two orders of eyeless, unpigmented peracarid crustaceans represented by very few species from subterranean waters. Spelaeogriphaceans occur only in continental waters, either running or still, in limestone or sandstone caves, or in calcrete aquifers. The four species known are limnic except one occurring in slightly brackish water loosely associated with an endorheic basin. The Thermosbaenacea are primarily marine, with only 18 species recorded in limnic conditions or in brackish inland waters whose salinity does not derive from dilution of seawater. They occur in limestone caves, the interstitial medium associated to alluvial deposits, or in thermo-mineral springs. Spelaeogriphaceans are found on the southern continents, in ancient cratons not affected by sea transgressions at least since the Early Cretaceous, when Gondwana started to break-up. The former integration of these terranes into Gondwana suggests that the penetration of spelaeogriphaceans in continental waters took place previous to the fragmentation of this super continent (starting ca. 140 Ma), and that their current distribution pattern was driven by continental drift. The distribution of the Thermosbaenacea matches precisely the area covered by the ancient Tethys Sea or its coastlines. They are most probably relicts of a once widespread shallow-water marine Tethyan fauna stranded in interstitial or crevicular groundwater during marine regressions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Guest editors: E. V. Balian, C. Lévêque, H. Segers & K. Martens Freshwater Animal Diversity Assessment     

Mycotoxin production profiles ofPenicillium vulpinum (Cooke & Massee) Seifert & Samson strains

Mycotoxins produced by seven strains ofPenicillium vulpinum (formerlyPenicillium claviforme) isolated from different sources were studied. The strains were characterized by specific profiles of secondary metabolites and produced mycotoxins of different structural types. In addition to toxins already known for this fungal species (patulin, roquefortine, 3,12-dihydroroquefortine, oxalin, viridicatin, cyclopenin, and α-cyclopiazonic acid), the strains studied also produced indolyl-3-acetic acid, griseofulvin, meleagrin, and cyclopeptin.     

Mycotoxins from the fungi Penicillium vulpinum (Cooke & Massee) Seifert & Samson

Mycotoxins produced by seven strains of Penicillium vulpinum (formerly Penicillium claviforme) isolated from different sources were studied. The strains were characterized by specific profiles of secondary metabolites and produced mycotoxins of different structural types. In addition to toxins already known for this fungal species (patulin, roquefortine, 3,12-dihydroroquefortine, oxalin, viridicatin, cyclopenin, and alpha-cyclopiazonic acid), the strains studied also produced indolyl-3-acetic acid, griseofulvin, meleagrin, and cyclopeptin.     

菲律宾实蝇生物学特性研究

菲律宾实蝇Bactrocera (Bactrocera) philippinensis (Drew & Hancock)是重要的检疫性有害生物, 严重危害芒果Mangifera indica L.、木瓜Carica papaya L.和菠萝蜜Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.等水果。本文在室内实验条件下对菲律宾实蝇生物学特性进行了较为系统的研究。结果表明: 菲律宾实蝇在6~18 h羽化率达93.93%。成虫活动、寿命、交配和产卵与温度、光照密切相关。补充营养能显著延长成虫寿命。菲律宾实蝇生长、发育和繁殖的适宜温度为25~30℃。25℃和30℃时平均产卵量分别为627.35粒和652.57粒。发育起点温度和世代有效积温分别为14.31℃和450.43日·度。温度与发育历期呈显著的负相关（r=-0.9005）。本研究为菲律宾实蝇的检疫处理和田间防治技术研究提供了重要的基础资料。     

On Neodiaptomus schmackeri (Poppe & Richard, 1892) (Crustacea,Copepoda)

Neodiaptomus schmackeri and related species are redescribed. The synonymy of this species with N. strigilipes and N. handeli is discussed.     

Description of the female of Sciopemyia servulolimai (Damasceno & Causey) (Diptera: Psychodidae)

The female of Sciopemyia servulolimai (Damasceno & Causey), based on three specimens captured during an epidemiological research project in the state of Cear , Brazil, is described and illustrated for the first time.     

Root Anatomy and Mycotrophy (AM) of the Achlorophyllous Voyria truncata (Standley) Standley & Steyermark (Gentianaceae)

Roots of Voyria truncata retain the primary root structure even though they can grow as thick as 2 mm in diameter. These root diameters are due to a retained capability for cell division in the cortex parenchyma. This is explained as a vital adaptation to its life form. Based on the extraradical mycelium, the mode of penetration, the structurally incompatible intraradical phase, the presence of intercellular vesicles in the root cortex, and the occurrence of immediate hyphal bridges from arbuscular mycorrhizal roots of neighbouring plants, the mycorrhiza of V. truncata is described as an arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), although the characteristic arbuscles are missing. Special features of the AM in V. truncata are interpreted as an improved efficiency in taking advantage of the mycorrhiza. Root connections with roots of neighbouring plants are common and preferred locations for fungal infections. An evolutionary tendency towards parasitism of higher plants is discussed.     

Fine Structure of the Female Intoshia variabili(Alexandrov & Sljusarev) (Mesozoa: Orthonectida)

The morphology and fine structure of female Intoshia variabili, new combination for Rhopalura variabiliAlexandrov & Sljusarev, 1992, were studied with transmission electron microscopy. The body surface is covered with a 3-layered cuticula, under which is a layer of ciliated + non-ciliated cells arranged in alternating rings around the body. Ciliated cells have lateral extensions that intercalate with the non-ciliated cells. The kinetosome of each cilium has two longitudinally oriented cross-striated rootlets. The outer surface of the ciliated cells is covered with small tubercles, and the cytoplasm of these cells contains granules, vacuoles, mitochondria, fibrillar structures and lamellary bodies. A band of dense fibrils passes through the upper part of each ring of cells, going from one cell junction to another, encircling the entire body. Between the layer of ciliated + non–ciliated cells and the oocytes, elongated contractile cells from 4–5 longitudinal columns and 1 ring, the latter at the level of ciliated rings 7–9. The contractile cells contain thick and thin longitudinally oriented fibrils. The oocytes contain a large nucleus, numerous mitochondria, electron–dense granules and 1–2 spherical structures. An anteriorly situated, ciliated goblet–like receptor, not described for any other orthonectids, consists of three closely apposed cells, the upper part of which contains densely packed cilia. The genital pore opens through a non–ciliated cell and is surrounded by several cells with granules.