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Sample collections of Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were taken from 20 islands of the West Indies and evaluated for the presence
of key pathogens and parasites of this invasive pest ant. We hypothesized that bottleneck events during the introduction of this ant species
in the West Indies would have resulted in populations devoid, or nearly so, of natural enemies. Monogyne and polygyne social forms were found
throughout the islands surveyed with monogyny being more prevalent (65%) compared with polygyny (35%). Among 254 samples, only 25 (~10%)
tested positive for the presence of pathogens or parasites. The microsporidian Kneallhazia solenopsae was the most prevalent pathogen detected;
it was found in 20 colonies. A second microsporidian species, Vairimorpha invictae, was shown to be present in a polygyne sample collected from
St. Croix—the first detection of this pathogen outside South America. Similarly, Solenopsis invicta densovirus (SiDNV) was detected in one polygyne
sample from Anguilla. SiDNV is not found in S. invicta U.S. populations, so this detection also represents the first geographic discovery outside of
South America. Two species of Pseudacteon decapitating flies were found to have dispersed into the Bahamas. Utilization of the islands of the West
Indies for release, establishment, and impact assessment of S. invicta natural enemies is discussed.

Lifestyle significantly impacts the risk factors associated with prostate cancer, out of which diet appears to be the most influential. An emerging chemopreventive approach, which involves the adequate intake of dietary constituents, has shown great potential in preventing the occurrence or progression of cancer. Magnesium is known to be an essential cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic processes, and is responsible for the regulation of various cellular reactions in the body. A plethora of studies have shown evidence that changes in the intracellular levels of magnesium could contribute to cell proliferation and apoptosis in some normal and malignant cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) in DU-145 prostate cancer cells.

To maintain stability yet retain the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, social systems must strike a balance between the maintenance of a shared
reality and the survival of minority opinion. A computational model is presented that investigates the interplay of two basic, oppositional social processes—
conformity and anticonformity—in promoting the emergence of this balance. Computer simulations employing a cellular automata platform tested hypotheses
concerning the survival of minority opinion and the maintenance of system stability for different proportions of anticonformity. Results revealed that a relatively
small proportion of anticonformists facilitated the survival of a minority opinion held by a larger number of conformists who would otherwise succumb to
pressures for social consensus. Beyond a critical threshold, however, increased proportions of anticonformists undermined social stability. Understanding the
adaptive benefits of balanced oppositional forces has implications for optimal functioning in psychological and social processes in general.

Soil stratigraphy concerns the chronological ordering of pedological episodes. It therefore
has important implications in the reconstruction of paleoenvironments and the interpretation
of stratigraphic sequences where soils and weathering zones occur. Because of the
lateral variation in soil mantles, the principles of soil stratigraphy involve some different considerations
from those of rock stratigraphy. Researchers in North America, Europe, and
Australia, conditioned by different landscapes and soils, have studied soil mantles using diffrent
approaches. Soil-stratigraphic units such as geosols, pedoderms, soil facies, and paleocatenas
emphasize the geographic extent of phases of soil formation taking into account local
variations within soil mantles. Understanding of episodic development in the pedosphere is
tied to concepts of separate identity, lateral continuity, ascendancy and descendancy, and
pedogenic persistence. Providing a basis for soil-stratigraphic studies, these concepts are
used in the stratigraphic ordering of soils after proofs of existence have been established for
independent (buried) soil layers. Correlation of'soil-stratigraphic units withIsO stages in the
oceanic record refines incomplete sequences recognized on land.

Letter dated March 16, 1774 to from Robert Auchmuty a prominent Boston lawyer and judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court, to his sister Mary Gerrish in Halifax, Nova Scotia presenting the official view of the Loyalists in Boston, Massachusetts.

Looking at non-timber forest products is one of the ways that
people are trying to find a balance between forest use and conservation. In areas
designated as protected, around and in which people live, this balance is even
more crucial. Such is the case in the Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve in
Ecuador. Conservationists, governments, and local activists are particularly
concerned. This paper looks at how three different ethnic groups, mestizo, Afro-
Ecuadorian, and the indigenous group, the Chachi, use a potentially sustainable
resource, mocora, Astrocaryum standleyanum¸ (Arecaceae), for fiber, fruit and oil.
This study explores the differences and similarities between each group’s use and
collection of this plant while exploring the current and potential market
possibilities. The study shows that considerable differences do emerge in terms
of each group’s utilization of this plant resource, and at the same time,
commercial opportunities can exist for all three.

A mysterious parthenogenetic cambarid crayfish (the Marmorkrebs)
has been spreading across the globe for the past decade.
We compare this crayfish directly to two other cambarids, Procambarus
fallax and P. alleni, that have been suggested to be
related or even identical to the Marmorkrebs. Using external
morphology and sequences of two mitochondrial genes we
show clear correspondences between Marmorkrebs and P. fallax,
a species found natively throughout peninsular Florida,
USA. Based on these congruent results we suggest that the Marmorkrebs
is the parthenogenetic form of P. fallax. This finding
has potential evolutionary and ecological implications at several
levels. The Marmorkrebs might be a type of geographical parthenogenesis,
but a natural population in the wild is so far unknown.
Furthermore, challenges arise in regard to the respective
species status of the Marmorkrebs. Taxonomically we suggest
that the Marmorkrebs is treated as ‘parthenogenetic form’ of P.
fallax. Last but not least, the identity of this animal and its ecology
has an impact for considering potential spread and effects of
this species across the globe.

Mobile applications (apps) are taking the world by storm. Currently, end users have downloaded over 225 billion
apps on their mobile devices. Security concerns surrounding the downloading of apps are often overlooked. The
apps on our smart phones can be accessed by the tip of our fingers or the sound of our voice. One must think about
the interactive risks to our privacy and the security concerns that can affect our digital lives. This study explores
awareness and security risks associated with downloading mobile apps. A total of 124 students were surveyed at two
mid-Atlantic Universities. The study found that many students are downloading mobile apps without fully
understanding the security risks associated with such action.

Florida is a tropical paradise that attracts marine enthusiasts
and seafood lovers from around the world. Its extensive
waterways not only offer unique areas for us to explore but
also provide essential habitat for marine life. Although you
cannot see them, marine bacteria are common throughout
Florida waters. Marine bacteria play an important role in
environmental processes by breaking down organic matter
or providing food for larger organisms. There are many
different species of bacteria that live in Florida waters. They
are natural inhabitants of marine environments and live in
and on many aquatic organisms.
Under certain conditions, one type of marine bacteria
known as Vibrio is capable of causing wound infections and
seafood sickness in people with weakened immune systems.

Under certain conditions, one type of marine
bacteria known as Vibrio is capable of causing
wound infections and seafood sickness in
people with weakened immune systems.
Recently, the term “flesh-eating bacteria” has
been used to refer to Vibrio. This description is
false and misleading and causes unnecessary
fear and panic.
To ensure that your time on the water is safe
and enjoyable, be aware of local hazards and
follow these simple safety guidelines.