bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new species of Enochrus Thomson, subgenus Hugoscottia Knisch, from Costa Rica and Mexico (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)
Authors: SHORT A. E.Z.
Published: February 2017

Two species of Enochrus Thomson, subgenus Hugoscottia Knisch, are described as new: Enochrus (Hugoscottia) plicatus, new species, from Jalisco State, Mexico and E. (H.). talamanca, new spe- cies, from Cartago Province, Costa Rica. This is the first report of Hugoscottia outside of South America. Photographs and remarks on the habitat of E. (H.) talamanca are provided. The male genitalia of both species are illustrated.El género Enochrus subgénero Hugoscottia, se registra por primera vez fuera de Sudamérica. Se describen dos especie nueva: Encochrus (Hugoscottia) plicatus, nueva especie, del Estado de Jalisco, México y E. (H.) talamanca, especie nueva, de la Provincia de Cartago, Costa Rica. Se proporcionan fotografías y notas del hábitat de E. (H.) talamanca. Se ilustra la genitalia masculina de las dos especies.
Notes on Tityus confluens Borelli, 1899 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Brazil
Authors: BERTANI ROGÉRIO , MARTINS ROSANA , DE CARVALHO MARCOS ANDRÉ
Published: February 2017

Records for Tityus confluens from nine localities in three Brazilian States are given. Although showing a wide geographic distribution in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil, the species is infrequently sampled. Tityus confluens normally inhabits dry environments, Chaco in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, and Cerrado and Pantanal Matogrossense in Brazil.
Neorhynchoplax yaeyamaensis, a new false spider crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Hymenosomatidae) from the Yaeyama Group, the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: NARUSE TOHRU , SHOKITA SHIGEMITSU , KAWAHARA TAKESHI
Published: February 2017

A new false spider crab, Neorhynchoplax yaeyamaensis (Decapoda: Brachyura: Hymenosomatidae) is described from the Yaeyama Group, the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Neorhynchoplax yaeyamaensis is morphologically close to N. exigua and N. aspinifera, however, N. yaeyamaensis is easily differentiated from the latter two species by the dentition of the ambulatory dactyli, and the shapes of the carapace, male abdomen, and G1. Neorhynchoplax okinawaensis, also found in the Ryukyu Islands, differs from N. yaeyamaensis by the presence of a posterior lateral tooth, and the shape of the carapace, male abdomen, and G1.
Haplomacrobiotus utahensis new species of Calohypsibiidae (Eutardigrada) from North America
Authors: PILATO GIOVANNI , BEASLEY CLARK
Published: February 2017

Haplomacrobiotus utahensis is a new species of eutardigrade from North America (Utah). It differs from H. hermosillensis in having more evident peribuccal lobes, wider buccal tube, first macroplacoid different in shape, thinner and shorter claws.
A new species of the weevil genus Ceutorhynchus Germar from Eastern Mediterranean Turkey (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: GÜLTEKIN LEVENT
Published: February 2017

Ceutorhynchus doganlari sp. n. is described from Eastern Mediterranean Turkish region. Ceutorhynchus doganlari is closely related to C. karamani G. Müller and lives on Alyssum murale Waldst. et Kit.
A new spider mite species of Schizotetranychus (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) from Quercus gilva in Japan
Authors: EHARA SHÔZÔ , OHASHI KAZUNORI
Published: February 2017

A new spider mite, Schizotetranychus gilvus sp. nov. (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae), is described and illustrated from specimens collected on an evergreen oak, Quercus gilva (Fagaceae), in Kyoto (type locality) and Nara, Honshu, Japan.
The interpretation of some Conopidae (Diptera) described by Robineau-Desvoidy
Authors: STUKE JENS-HERMANN , CLEMENTS DAVID K.
Published: February 2017

Conopidae material determined by Robineau-Desvoidy and held in the Hope Department of the University Museum, Oxford (UMO) has been examined. As a result, lectotypes for 13 of the species described by Robineau-Desvoidy can be designated, and the following new synonymies are proposed [syn. nov.]: Myopa nana Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 = Myopa occulta Wiedemann in Meigen, 1824; Myopa pellucida Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 = Myopa fulvipalpis Robineau-Desvoidy, 1853 = Myopa extricata Collin, 1960; Myopella florea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1853 = Myopa buccata (Linnaeus, 1758); Occemya nitidula Robineau-Desvoidy, 1853 = Zodion carceli RobineauDesvoidy, 1853 = Zodion cinereum (Fabricius, 1794); Purpurella nobilis Robineau-Desvoidy, 1853 = Myopa dorsalis Fabricius, 1794. Type species are fixed for the 11 conopid genera described by Robineau-Desvoidy in accordance with Article 70.3.1 of the ICZN. It is proposed to interpret Zodion kroeberi Szilády, 1926 as a valid species [stat. rev.] and to introduce this as the valid name for Zodion carceli auct.
Four new species of mealybug (Pseudococcidae) and a new species of soft scale (Coccidae: Coccoidea: Hemiptera) from Greenland and redescriptions of a mealybug and a soft scale from Arctic Canada
Authors: GERTSSON CARL-AXEL , HODGSON CHRIS
Published: February 2017

The adult females of four new mealybug species are described from Greenland (Atrococcus groenlandensis, Chorizococcus multiporus and Trionymus bocheri and T. elymus) and a key is provided for all mealybug species known from Greenland; a new species of Coccidae is also described from Greenland (Pulvinaria glacialis). In addition, the adult females of the mealybug Atrococcus altoarcticus Richards and the soft scale Pulvinaria ellesmerensis Richards from arctic Canada are redescribed and compared with their close relatives from Greenland.
New and little known species of Quedius from West Palaearctic (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)
Authors: SOLODOVNIKOV A. YU.
Published: February 2017

Three new species from the Caucasus are described: Quedius (Raphirus) nonseriatus sp. nov., Q. (R.) henrii sp. nov. and Q. (R.) humosus sp. nov. New data on distribution and bionomics are recorded for a rare species, Q. (Microsaurus) bernhaueri Rambousek (southern Macedonia and northern Greece), as well as for little-known Q. (M.) walteri Korge (north-eastern Turkey), Q. (R.) boluensis Korge (northern Turkey) and Q. (R.) semirufus (northern Iran and Azerbaijan). For Q. bernhaueri the type material is examined and the lectotype is designated.
A new cuttlefish, Sepia filibrachia n. sp., from the South China Sea with a redescription of Sepia mestus Gray, 1849 (Cephalopoda: Sepiidae) from eastern Australia
Authors: REID AMANDA L. , LU CHUNG-CHENG
Published: February 2017

Based on two beachwashed cuttlebones, Sepia mestus Gray, 1849 was described in a single sentence. The whole animal remained largely unknown until partial descriptions were published by Adam and Rees (1966) and Lu (1998). Though well known by scuba divers as the ‘Common Sydney Cuttlefish’, or the ‘Red Cuttle’, the lack of an adequate description in the scientific literature has made identification and comparison with other species difficult. The discovery of some supposed S. mestus in the South China Sea (Khromov 1987) prompted the redescription of S. mestus. Khromov’s specimens, in addition to some more of the same species from Taiwan, were found to belong to a new species that is described here as S. filibrachia n. sp. It appears that S. mestus is most likely an eastern Australian endemic.
New species of Hybos Meigen from Guangdong Province, South China (Diptera: Empididae)
Authors: YANG DING , GAIMARI STEPHEN D. , GROOTAERT PATRICK
Published: February 2017

The following three new species of the genus Hybos Meigen, from Guangdong Province, China, are described as new to science: Hybos mangshanensis, H. nankunshanensis, H. xiaohuangshanensis. Their relationships with related species are discussed.
A revision of the South African endemic humicolous beetle genus Discozantaena Perkins and Balfour-Browne (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)
Authors: PERKINS PHILIP D.
Published: February 2017

The South African endemic humicolous beetle genus Discozantaena Perkins and Balfour-Browne is revised, based of the study of 1,735 specimens. Ten new species are described: D. brevicollis, (S. Cape Mt., Helderfontein S.), D. drakensbergensis (Lesotho: Drakensberg, Sani Pass Valley), D.endroedyi (Cape-Cederberg, jeep track, 32° 28' S, 19° 14' E), D. galea (Cape Province, Swartberg Pass, 33° 54' S–22° 01' E), D. karroo (Cape Province, Little Karroo, Raubenheimer Dam, 33° 25' S, 22° 19' E), D. leleupi (Cape Province, Muizenberg), D. ovata (SW Cape, Groot Toren farm, 31° 20' S, 19° 44' E), D. sepiola (S. Cape, Harkerville Forest, 34° 4' S, 23° 10' E), D. sequentia (Cape-Cederberg, jeep track, 32° 28' S, 19° 14' E), and D. tibiovela (Natal, 75km WSW Estcourt, Cathedral Peaks Forest Station). A key to the 11 known species is given. High resolution digital images of all holotypes are presented (Zootaxa online version in color), the male genitalia are illustrated, and geographic distributions are mapped. The vast majority of specimens were collected by sifting litter, especially marsh shore litter. Four of the species are flightless, the wings being reduced to small lobes. One species has both normal and reduced winged individuals.
Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) stellatum (Diptera: Simuliidae), a new black fly from a high mountain range in southeastern Brazil
Authors: GIL-AZEVEDO LEONARDO , FIGUEIRÓ RONALDO , MAIA-HERZOG MARILZA
Published: February 2017

The larva, pupa, female, and male of Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) stellatum sp. n. are described and illustrated. The pupa of this new species has four gill filaments, with the dorsal primary branch bifurcating at about half the length of the ventral branch. The adult and immature stages are similar to those of species in the S. auristriatum group. Up to date, Simulium stellatum sp. n. has been found only in the high mountain range of Itatiaia National Park in southeastern Brazil. It is the second species of the subgenus S. (Psaronicompsa) recorded at elevations above 2000 m.
Kryptolebias sepia n. sp. (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae), a new killifish from the Tapanahony River drainage in southeast Surinam
Authors: VERMEULEN FRANS B.M. , HRBEK TOMAS
Published: February 2017

Kryptolebias sepia n. sp. is described from small forest tributaries of the Tapanahony and Palumeu Rivers which form part of the Upper Marowijne River system in southeast of Surinam. This species is distinguished from all other Kryptolebias spp. and Rivulus spp. by strong melanism on the body, its ability to change color pattern rapidly, the lack of strong sexual dimorphism, and the presence of pronounced adult/juvenile dichromatism.
Revision of the Papua New Guinean fig wasp genus Robertsia Boucek (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae: Sycoecinae)
Authors: VAN NOORT SIMON , RASPLUS JEAN-YVES
Published: February 2017

Two new species of Robertsia, R. weibleni and R. vaamondei are described from Papua New Guinea. Four species of Robertsia are now known from a single host fig tree species, Ficus xylosycia. Illustrations and keys are provided for both sexes of all four species. An online key is available at: http://www.figweb.org/Fig_wasps/Pteromalidae/Sycoecinae/Key/Robertsia.htm. Host relationships and biology are discussed.
Rediscovery of Choroterpes atramentum in Costa Rica, type species of Tikuna new genus (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae), and its role in the "Great American Inter-change"
Authors: SAVAGE HARRY M. , FLOWERS R. WILLS , V. WENDY PORRAS
Published: February 2017

A new genus, Tikuna, is described based on recent collections of adults and nymphs of Choroterpes atramentum Traver from western Costa Rica. All recent collections are from streams on or near the Nicoya Complex, the oldest geological formation in Lower Central America. Tikuna belongs to a lineage of South American Atalophlebiinae (Leptophlebiidae: Ephemeroptera) whose origin is hypothesized to have been in the late Cretaceous–early Tertiary. Some implications of the distribution of Tikuna for theories on the origin of Costa Rica’s biota are discussed.
A new Gymnotus (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae) from the Pantanal Matogrossense of Brazil and adjacent drainages: continued documentation of a cryptic fauna
Authors: FERNANDES FLORA M.C. , ALBERT JAMES S. , DANIEL-SILVA MARIA DE FATIMA Z. , LOPES CARLOS E. , CRAMPTON WILLIAM G.R. , ALMEIDA-TOLEDO LURDES F.
Published: February 2017

Here we describe a new species of Gymnotus, G. pantanal n. sp., from the Pantanal Matogrossense of Brazil, using morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular data. Specimens ascribed to the new species are also known from areas downstream in Paraguay, and from the adjacent Guaporé basin of Bolivia. The new species most closely resembles G. anguillaris in possessing an elongate body, slender profile, long body cavity, and shorter head than other congeners. The new species also resembles G. anguillaris in the presence of pale narrow bands restricted to the area below the lateral line on the anterior half of the body. The new taxon differs from G. anguillaris in possessing more narrowly set eyes, a wider and deeper head, a larger branchial opening, longer pectoral fins with more fin rays, and fewer pored posterior lateral-line scales. The new species inhabits rooted grasses and floating macrophytes in small creeks and along the banks of larger blackwater rivers. Populations are found syntoptically with G. inaequilabiatus and G. sylvius. Compared with these species, the new species exhibits a distinct combination of microsatellite DNA amplification patterns, and chromosomal and external features. These results confirm earlier studies showing the power of a multidisciplinary approach to characterizing the enormous and often cryptic diversity of Neotropical fishes.
A newly recognized species in the Anopheles Hyrcanus Group and molecular identification of related species from the Republic of South Korea (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: LI CONG , LEE JOHN S. , GROEBNER JENNIFER L. , KIM HUENG-CHUL , KLEIN TERRY A. , O’GUINN MONICA L. , WILKERSON RICHARD C.
Published: February 2017

We report here a previously unrecognized mosquito species from the Republic of South Korea that is closely related to Anopheles (Anopheles) sinensis. We also present an rDNA ITS2-based method for identification of this and the other morphologically similar Anopheles from the country. The PCR assay is a multiplex of seven primers in a single reaction that unambiguously identifies all included species. The other species include An. sinensis, An. lesteri, An. pullus, and a previously reported unknown Anopheles. Based on the ITS2 sequence, the two unnamed species have genetic distances from An. sinensis of 9.1% (unknown 1) and 10.7% (unknown 2), and are 10.6% different from each other. Adult females of An. sinensis and unknown 2 are morphologically indistinguishable, while unknown 1, An. lesteri and An. pullus can usually be separated from each other and from An. sinensis using available keys and descriptions. This PCR identification tool offers vector biologists and malaria epidemiologists a means to identify the potential vectors of malaria parasites in South Korea.
Scopula anfractata sp. n., a new geometrid moth from Yunnan, China (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Sterrhinae)
Authors: SIHVONEN PASI
Published: February 2017

A new geometrid moth, Scopula anfractata Sihvonen sp. n., is described and illustrated from the northern part of Yunnan province, China. The facies of S. anfractata are distinct from its congeneres, with concave transverse median and posterior lines and an acute apex of the forewing, resembling some species of the ennomine genus Loxaspilates Warren. Adults and genitalia of both sexes of S. anfractata are compared with those of S. dubernardi (Oberthür, 1923), which is considered the most closely related species. The systematic position of the two species within Scopula Schrank is uncertain, but structures of the genitalia suggest affinities with the S. umbelaria species group. Scopula anfractata is known only from the type locality of Dayan (Lijiang), China; its biology and immature stages are unknown.
On the new genus Tropizodium (Araneae: Zodariidae), representing the femoral organ clade in Australia and the Pacific
Authors: JOCQUÉ RUDY , CHURCHILL TRACEY B.
Published: February 2017

Tropizodium, a new genus of the spider family Zodariidae belonging to the “femoral organ clade”, is described. It contains three species all known from both sexes: T. peregrinum n. sp., the type species from northern Australia, and T. molokai n. sp. and T. trispinosum (Suman) n. comb., both from Hawaii. It is characterized by somatic characters such as the small intercheliceral triangle and the very small secondary eyes, and by a palp with a straight short embolus and an epigyne with extremely short entrance ducts. The genus is so far known only from the Hawaiian archipelago and northern Australia, extending the distribution of the clade and generating questions regarding its capacity for dispersal.
A revision of the African hygropetric genus Coelometopon Janssens, and description of Oomtelecopon new genus (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)
Authors: PERKINS PHILIP D.
Published: February 2017

The African hygropetric beetle genus Coelometopon Janssens is revised, and Oomtelecopon new genus is described, based on the study of 1,884 specimens. The genus Coelometopon is redescribed, and redescriptions are provided for C. cavifrons Janssens, C. leleupi Janssens, C. madidum Janssens, and C. mussardi Janssens. Eighteen new species of Coelometopon and two new species of Oomtelecopon are described. The two genera are placed in the Coelometoponini, new tribe, of the subfamily Prosthetopinae. A key to the two genera and 24 known species is given. High resolution digital images of all holotypes are presented (online version in color), the male genitalia are illustrated, and geographic distributions are mapped. Structural details of a representative species, C. granulatum, are illustrated with scanning electron micrographs. Members of Coelometopon are restricted to hygropetric microhabitats, being found on vertical or near vertical rock surfaces which have a thin film of flowing water, such as rock seeps and splash zones of waterfalls and cascades. Members of Oomtelecopon have been collected from algae in seeps, from wet cliff faces, and by sifting marsh shore litter. New species of Coelometopon are: C. angulatum (Lesotho: Mamathes, 5 mi. E. Tayateyaneng), C. balfourbrownei (South Africa: Cape Prov., George District, near George), C. blinkwater (South Africa: Cape Prov., Table Mountain, Blinkwater ravine), C. brincki (Lesotho: Mamathes, 5 mi. E. Tayateyaneng), C. clandestinum (South Africa: Natal Prov., Olivershoek Pass), C. coronatum (Lesotho: Mamathes, 5 mi. E. Tayateyaneng), C. costatum (South Africa: Transvaal Prov., Zoutpansberg, 6 mi. NNE Louis Trichardt), C. drakensbergense (South Africa: Natal Prov., Drakensburg, Cathedral Peak, Mikes Pass), C. emarginatum (South Africa: Transvaal Prov., Nelshoogte, Knuckles rocks forest), C. endroedyi (South Africa: Natal Prov., Drakensburg, Loteni Reserve), C. fimbriatum (South Africa: Cape Prov., Swellendam District, Langeberge Mountains, Tradouw Pass), C. granulatum (South Africa: Natal Prov., Mpumalanga, 13 km E Sabie), C. kilimanjaro (Tanzania: Kilimanjaro, Marangu), C. langebergense (South Africa: Cape Prov., Swellendam District, Langeberge Mountains, Tradouw Pass), C. minipunctum (South Africa: Natal Prov., Drakensberg, Cathedral Peak, Rainbow G.), C. natalensis (South Africa: Natal Prov., Mpumalanga, 28 km N Graskop), C. punctipennis (South Africa: Cape Prov., Xalanga District, Cala Pass), and C. zulu (South Africa: Natal Prov., Zulu Drakensberg, 7 km N Nogome Forest Reserve). New species of Oomtelecopon are: O. sebastiani (South Africa: Cape Prov., Cape-Cederberg), and O. setosum (type species) (South Africa: Cape Prov., Table Mountain, Blinkwater Ravine).
A new genus and species of katydids of the tribe Polyancistrini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae) from Brazil, an apparent pest of Eucalyptus plantations
Authors: NASKRECKI PIOTR , LOPES-ANDRADE CRISTIANO
Published: February 2017

A new genus and species of polyancistrine katydid, Spinapecta alieniphaga gen. n. et sp. n. is described from Minas Gerais State, Southeastern Brazil. It is closely related to Polyancistrus Serville, but differs from this and other members of Polayncistrini (Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae) in the unique structure of the male abdomen, sternal armature, and the female sound producing organs. S. alieniphaga appears to be a pest of Eucalyptus plantations.
A new genus and species of Australian pergid sawfly (Hymenoptera: Symphyta, Pergidae) causing damage on grass (Poaceae)
Authors: SCHMIDT STEFAN , BROWN GRAHAM
Published: February 2017

Dalia graminis, new genus and species, is described from the Darwin area in the Northern Territory, Australia. The new species belongs to the subfamily Euryinae and is most closely related to the genera Clarissa and Diphamorphos. Dalia graminis sp. nov. is the first record of an Australian pergid sawfly feeding on grass (Poaceae) causing severe damage on economically important crops.
Onconeura, a new Neotropical orthoclad genus (Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae)
Authors: ANDERSEN TROND , SÆTHER OLE A.
Published: February 2017

Diagnoses of all stages of the new genus Onconeura are given. The genus includes O. undecimata new species, from Chile, described as male, female, and pupa, and O. semifimbriata (Sæther) new combination from the Caribbean and Mexico. The genus belongs to the Corynoneura group of genera and appears to form the sister group of Corynoneura Winnertz, Tempisquitoneura Epler, Thienemanniella Kieffer, and perhaps Notocladius Harrison combined. The following combination of characters will separate the genus from the other members of the group: bare eyes; tergites without raised, median area of setae; all trochanters with dorsal keel; hind tibial apex not broadened; male transverse sternapodeme well developed with strong oral projections; female gonocoxite IX well developed but adpressed, with a few setae; coxosternapodeme with a few spine-like anterior projections; and apodeme lobe and labia large. The pupa differs by having 4–7 rows of pearls on the wing sheath, one weak non-taeniate macroseta, and tergal conjunctives with posterior rows of up to 10 strong recurved spines (hooklets). The larva differs from that of Corynoneura and Thienemanniella by having the antenna shorter than half the length of the head, but about one third the length, as opposed to one fourth in Tempisquitoneura.
A new pest of tomato and other records of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: CULIK MARK P. , GULLAN PENNY J.
Published: February 2017

Three mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) plant pest species: Dysmicoccus boninsis (Kuwana), Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, and Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret), are recorded for the first time in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. This is the first record of Phenacoccus solenopsis in Brazil, where it was found infesting tomato plants. The species Antonina graminis (Maskell), a common pest of Bermuda grass, and Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), a major pest of pineapple, also were encountered.
A review of the genus Eclipidrilus (Annelida: Clitellata: Lumbricul-idae), with description of a new species from western North America
Authors: FEND STEVEN V.
Published: February 2017

Eclipidrilus pacificus n. sp., from northwestern USA, is distinguished from other Eclipidrilus by having a single atrium with midventral male pore, small penis, prostomium without a proboscis, and non-spiraling atrial musculature. Most populations also differ from congeners in having paired spermathecal pores anterior to the ventral chaetae, but specimens from the Columbia River have variable number and placement of the spermathecae. An unusual spiral orientation of the atrial musculature has previously been used to define Eclipidrilus. However, orientation of the atrial muscle layers varies among the previously described species, and does not provide a distinctive synapomorphy for the genus as a whole. Consequently, the genus is redefined to include species having elongate-petiolate atria with an inner, near-transverse muscle layer and an outer, longitudinal to spiral muscle layer.
Description of a new species of Acestridium (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Colombia
Authors: RETZER MICHAEL E.
Published: February 2017

Acestridium colombiensis is described from a single series of specimens from the Río Inirida, Colombia. Acestridium colombiensis can be distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of characters: two unpaired median pre-dorsal plates, body width 10.0 –13.0% of post-dorsal fin length, inter-orbital distance between 10.6 – 13.0% of post-dorsal fin length, inter-orbital distance between 25.0 – 29.0% of eye-to-dorsal fin length; low number of jaw teeth (12–15 teeth in upper left jaw, 9–13 teeth in lower left jar), pre-dorsal fin body pigmentation not formed into distinct lines between longitudinal rows of odontodes.
Two new species of the genus Bryodemella (s. str.) from China (Orthoptera: Oedipodidae)
Authors: YIN XIANG-CHU , WANG WEN-QIANG
Published: February 2017

Two new species [i.e. Bryodemella (s. str.) xinjiangensis sp. nov. and B. (s. str.). nigrifemura sp. nov.] of the genus Bryodemella Yin (Orthoptera, Oedipodidae) from China are described in this paper. A key to eight known species of the subgenus in China is presented. The type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University (MHU), China.
Two new genera and four new species of Mydidae (Diptera) from Madagascar
Authors: KONDRATIEFF B. C. , CARR RYAN J. , IRWIN MICHAEL E.
Published: February 2017

Two new genera and four new species of Mydidae are described from Madagascar. Hessemydas new genus, is proposed to include Leptomydas seyrigi Séguy, n. comb., H. tulear, n. sp., H. parkeri, n. sp.; and Mahafalymydas n. gen., is proposed for M. wiegmanni n. sp. and M. tuckeri n. sp.
Gynocladius scalpellosus n. gen., n. sp. from Brazil (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae)
Authors: MENDES H. F. , SÆTHER O. A. , ANDRADE-MORRAYE M.
Published: February 2017

Diagnoses of the female, pupa, and larva of Gynocladius n. gen. are given. Gynocladius scalpellosus sp. n. from Brazil is described from the female, pupa, and larva. A preliminary phylogenetic analysis places the genus as the sister group of Hanocladius Wang and Sæther from China and intermediate between Antillocladius Sæther and Compterosmittia Sæther. The females are apparently parthenogenetic.
Omolabus Jekel in north and central America (Coleoptera: Attelabidae)
Authors: HAMILTON ROBERT W.
Published: February 2017

The genus Omolabus Jekel is redefined and the genus Xestolabus Jekel is assigned to subgeneric status, New Status, under Omolabus. Fourteen species are recognized in the genus Omolabus in North and Central America: O. angulipennis (Sharp) New Combination, O. callosus (Sharp), O. conicollis (Sharp) New Combination, O. corvinus (Gyllenhal) New Combination, O. fasciventris New Species, O. heterocerus (Sharp) New Combination, O. laesicollis (Gyllenhal) New Combi-nation, O. ligulatus (Sharp), O. longiclava (Sharp) New Combination, O. megalomus New Spe- cies, O. quadratus (Sharp), O. sedatus (Sharp) New Combination, O. spinipectus New Species and O. veracruensis New Species. The following species are placed in New Synonymy: X. constrictipennis (Chittenden), X. tabascoensis Voss, O. brevicollis Sharp and O. biimpressus Voss. Lecto- types are designated for the following Sharp species: O. callosus, O. conicollis, O. heterocerus, O. ligulatus, O. quadratus, and O. sedatus. Identification keys based on external characteristics are provided for the New World genus group Attelabina and for all known Omolabus species occurring in North and Central America. Digital habitus images, illustrations of male genitalia and host plant associations are also included.
Cottus kanawhae, a new cottid fish from the New River System of Virginia and West Virginia
Authors: ROBINS C. RICHARD
Published: February 2017

Cottus kanawhae, a member of the Cottus carolinae complex, is described from the New River System of Virginia and West Virginia.
Bursaphelenchus singaporensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Parasitaph-elenchidae) in packaging wood from Singapore—a new species of the B. xylophilus group
Authors: GU JIANFENG , ZHANG JIANCHENG , BRAASCH HELEN , BURGERMEISTER WOLFGANG
Published: February 2017

Bursaphelenchus singaporensis sp. n. isolated in China from packaging wood of deciduous trees, imported from Singapore is described and illustrated. This new species clearly belongs to the B. xylophilus group, having males with the typically shaped spicules with a cucullus at their distal extremity, the typical position and number of caudal papillae (three pairs and one single) and the anterior vulval lip of the females developed as a distinct flap. The new species is characterized by a body length of 792 (553–950) µm and 850 (690–961) µm of males and females, respectively, robust body (a= 34 and 31, resp.), 15–16 µm-long stylet, lateral field with four lines, long postuterine branch (averaging 102 µm) and a strongly conoid female tail (c= 20) with a finely rounded, only slightly ventrally-bent terminus, male with very strong spicules (41–48 µm long), distinct rostrum and small cucullus, and a dorso-ventral visible terminal bursa. Bursaphelenchus singaporensis sp. n. is closely related to other species of the B. xylophilus group (B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus, B. kolymensis, B. fraudulentus, B. conicaudatus, B. baujardi and B. luxuriosae) and similar to B. abruptus. The morphological differentiation is mainly based on the shape of the female tail. However, B. singaporensis sp. n. differs from all other species of the B. xylophilus group by larger spicules. The new species can be differentiated from B. abruptus, B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus, B. fraudulentus, B. conicaudatus and B. luxuriosae by means of ITS-RFLP patterns.
On the phylogenetic relationships of Axiokebuita, Travisia and Scalibregmatidae (Polychaeta)
Authors: PERSSON JENNY , PLEIJEL FREDRIK
Published: February 2017

We provide a description of newly collected specimens of Axiokebuita Pocklington & Fournier from Norway, previously known only from east Canada and the Antarctic. Due to delineation problems between the only two described species, A. minuta (Hartman) and A. millsi Pocklington & Fournier, these new specimens cannot unambiguously be referred to either species. Previously unnoticed adhesive papillae on the pygidium are present in both species and may constitute an apomorphy for Axiokebuita. The taxon lacks many morphological features otherwise characteristic for scalibregmatids, and to assess its affinities we present 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA-based analyses together with six other scalibregmatids and twenty other polychaetes. A nemertean is used as outgroup. All analyses support that Axiokebuita is a scalibregmatid. Furthermore, Travisia Johnston, traditionally referred to the Opheliidae, is nested within the scalibregmatids, as sister to Neolipobranchius Hartman & Fauchald. Arenicolidae and Maldanidae may constitute the sister group of scalibregmatids.
Observed Variability of Cloud Frequency and Cloud-Base Height within 3600 m above the Surface over the Contiguous United States
Authors: An Ning , Wang Kaicun , Zhou Chunlüe , Pinker Rachel T.
Published: February 2017

The geographic and temporal variability of the surface–3600-m cloud frequency and cloud-base height over the contiguous United States for a 5-yr period (2008–12) and the interannual variations for a 16-yr period (2000–15) are described using information from the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) observations. Clouds were separated into four categories by the cloud amount reported by ASOS: few (FEW), scattered (SCT), broken (BKN), and overcast (OVC). The geographic distributions and seasonal and diurnal cycles of the four categories of surface–3600-m cloud frequency have different patterns. Cloud frequency of FEW, SCT, and BKN peaks just after noon, whereas the frequency of OVC peaks in the early morning. However, the geographic distributions and seasonal and diurnal cycles of the four categories of the surface–3600-m cloud-base height are similar. The diurnal cycles of the cloud-base height within the surface–3600-m level present a minimum in the morning and peak in the late afternoon or early evening. Cloud frequency and cloud-base height within this range are closely related to surface air temperature and humidity conditions. From 2000 to 2015, the cloud frequency in the contiguous United States showed a positive trend of 0.28% yr−1 while the cloud-base height showed a negative trend of −4 m yr−1 for the surface–3600-m level, accompanied with a positive trend of precipitation days (0.14 days yr−1). Moreover, the increase of cloud frequency and the decrease of cloud-base height were most obvious in winter in the eastern half of the contiguous United States.
South Korea’s middle power diplomacy: A case of growing compatibility between regional and global roles
Authors: Mo Jongryn
Published: February 2017

South Korea has emerged as a new middle power that plays a significant role in a wide range of important global issue areas and supports liberal international order with its leadership diplomacy. Even though regional challenges will continue to demand large foreign policy resources including time, human resources, and budget, the middle power orientation of South Korean foreign policy behaviour and strategy—for example, multilateralism, the rule of law, and promotion of cooperation and compromise—will remain in place even in the conduct of regional foreign policy.

This optimism is based on the fact that South Korea is a middle power not only in global governance but also in the East Asian region. Even on the issue of North Korea’s nuclear weapons, the most important foreign policy challenge of the day, the South has accepted the regionalization of the issue and, over time, its middle power role. It has relied on the middle power strategy of mobilizing international pressure on the North rather than deploying and strengthening its unilateral options such as the use of force or massive economic aid.

In order to fully realize the promise and potential of middle power diplomacy, however, South Korea must make strong efforts to alleviate structural constraints on a middle power strategy. First, Korean leaders should undertake a full-scale campaign to de-nationalize Korean education and, thus, Korean foreign policy orientations. Second, a strong domestic consensus should emerge giving the national interest precedence over group interests when dealing with foreign policy challenges. Finally, political leaders and diplomats must create new opportunities in global governance and deliver tangible national benefits through middle power diplomacy. Middle power diplomacy, like all foreign policy strategies, will not be sustainable without strong domestic support; and domestic support cannot be built on goodwill and commitment to universal values alone.
Field hospital: HEAL Africa and the politics of compassion in Eastern Congo
Authors: Katongole Emmanuel
Published: February 2017

The essay explores the image of the church as field hospital so as to make explicit the interconnections between evangelism, ecclesiology, and politics. Founded by Dr. Jo Lusi and his wife Lyn, HEAL Africa’s holistic ministry in and around Goma in Eastern Congo provides an illuminating example of mission’s critical and constructive engagement with societies, change, and conflict. Accordingly, by attending to the story of HEAL Africa, the essay shows how the church’s engagement with a wounded world takes the form of compassion in its many dimensions. Thus, what HEAL Africa’s compassionate engagement in Eastern Congo helps to illumine are the historical, practical, and spiritual dimensions of the church as a field hospital.
Vietnam as a case example of school-based mental health services in low and middle income countries: Efficacy and effects of risk status
Authors: Dang Hoang-Minh , Weiss Bahr , Nguyen Cao Minh , Tran Nam , Pollack Amie
Published: February 2017

The purposes of this study were to (a) assess the efficacy of a universal classroom-based mental health and social skills program for primary school students in Vietnam, and (b) given the universal nature of the intervention, assess outcomes as a function of risk status (high versus low). RECAP-VN is a semi-structured program that provides students with classroom social skills training, and teachers with in-classroom consultation on program implementation and classroom-wide behavior management. Project data were collected at three time-points across the academic year from 443 second grade students in regards to their social skills and mental health functioning, in the Vietnamese cities of Hanoi and Danang. Mental health functioning (emotional and behavioral mental health problems) was the ultimate outcome target (at Time 3), with social skills intermediate (at Time 2) outcomes targeted to improve mental health functioning. Significant treatment effects were found on both social skills and mental health functioning. However, although program effects on mental health functioning were significant for both low and high risk status groups, program effects on social skills were only significant for low risk status students, suggesting that different mechanisms may underlie program effects for high and low risk status students. Overall the results of this study, one of the first to assess directly the effects of a school-based program on mental health functioning in a low or middle income country, provide some support for the value of using school-based programs to address the substantial child mental health treatment gap found in low- and middle-income countries.
The Politics of Climate Change Is More Than the Politics of Capitalism
Authors: Chakrabarty Dipesh
Published: February 2017

Discussion of global climate change is shaped by the intellectual categories developed to address capitalism and globalization. Yet climate change is only one manifestation of humanity’s varied and accelerating impact on the Earth System. The common predicament that may be anticipated in the Anthropocene raises difficult questions of distributive justice – between rich and poor, developed and developing countries, the living and the yet unborn, and even the human and the non-human – and may pose a challenge to the categories on which our traditions of political thought are based. Awareness of the Anthropocene encourages us to think of humans on different scales and in different contexts – as parts of a global capitalist system and as members of a now-dominant species – although the debate is, for now, still structured by the experiences and concepts of the developed world.
Analysis of human–robot interaction at the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals
Authors: Norton Adam , Ober Willard , Baraniecki Lisa , McCann Eric , Scholtz Jean , Shane David , Skinner Anna , Watson Robert , Yanco Holly
Published: February 2017

In June 2015, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Robotics Challenge (DRC) Finals were held in Pomona, California. The DRC Finals served as the third phase of the program designed to test the capabilities of semi-autonomous, remote humanoid robots to perform disaster response tasks with degraded communications. All competition teams were responsible for developing their own interaction method to control their robot. Of the 23 teams in the competition, 20 consented to participate in this study of human–robot interaction (HRI). The evaluation team observed the consenting teams during task execution in their control rooms (with the operators), and all 23 teams were observed on the field during the public event (with the robot). A variety of data were collected both before the competition and on-site. Each participating team’s interaction methods were distilled into a set of characteristics pertaining to the robot, operator strategies, control methods, and sensor fusion. Each task was decomposed into subtasks that were classified according to the complexity of the mobility and/or manipulation actions being performed. Performance metrics were calculated regarding the number of task attempts, performance time, and critical incidents, which were then correlated to each team’s interaction methods. The results of this analysis suggest that a combination of HRI characteristics, including balancing the capabilities of the operator with those of the robot and multiple sensor fusion instances with variable reference frames, positively impacted task performance. A set of guidelines for designing HRI with remote, semi-autonomous humanoid robots is proposed based on these results.
Undergraduates’ assessment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) information literacy instruction
Authors: Harris Sasekea Yoneka
Published: February 2017

Information literacy instruction is of value to the educational process and is an important contributor to the academic library’s efforts to communicate its value. Similarly, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is an important contributor to development. Recognizing the value in information literacy instruction and STEM, the University of the West Indies Mona, Science Branch Library delivers embedded STEM information literacy instruction to students. An assessment of this is instructive on many levels; consequently, this paper seeks to determine undergraduates’ perception of (a) the curriculum delivered and the extent to which it provided the opportunity to learn new information and skills and (b) the facilitators’ performance. A self-reported measure (survey) was used to capture these perceptions. A direct testing measure (test) was administered to add value to students’ reported perception. This paper reveals students have a positive perception of the facilitators’ performance, the STEM information literacy instruction curriculum and the opportunities it provided for learning new information and skills. The findings also provide recommendations for improvement. The paper does not seek to measure the effectiveness of STEM information literacy instruction nor does it seek to measure whether learning has occurred. This paper is of value as assessment provides useful information for monitoring the effectiveness of what is being taught, how it is being delivered, for improving performance and providing benchmarking. Given STEM’s and information literacy instruction’s importance to higher education, its assessment can direct the success of future sessions and ultimately impact the quality of higher education. Additionally, given STEM is a bourgeoning concept in Jamaica and that the resultant literature on STEM in Jamaica is in a developing stage, any documented work on STEM-related activities has value and this paper is the first of its kind in Jamaica.
Factors associated with mother to child transmission of HIV despite overall low transmission rates in HIV-exposed infants in rural Kenya
Authors: Okoko Nicollate A , Owuor Kevin O , Kulzer Jayne L , Owino George O , Ogolla Irene A , Wandera Ronald W , Bukusi Elizabeth A , Cohen Craig R , Abuogi Lisa L
Published: February 2017

Despite the availability of efficacious prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions and improved access to preventive services in many developing countries, vertical HIV transmission persists. A matched case–control study of HIV-exposed infants between January and June 2012 was conducted at 20 clinics in Kenya. Cases were HIV-infected infants and controls were exposed, uninfected infants. Conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine characteristics associated with HIV infection. Forty-five cases and 45 controls were compared. Characteristics associated with HIV-infection included poor PMTCT service uptake such as late infant enrollment (odds ratio [OR]: 7.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.6–16.7) and poor adherence to infant prophylaxis (OR: 8.3, 95%CI: 3.2–21.4). Maternal characteristics associated with MTCT included lack of awareness of HIV status (OR: 5.6, 95%CI: 2.2–14.5), failure to access antiretroviral prophylaxis (OR: 22.2, 95%CI: 5.8–84.6), and poor adherence (OR: 8.1, 95%CI: 3.7–17.8). Lack of clinic-based HIV education (OR: 7.7, 95%CI: 2.0–25.0) and counseling (OR: 8.3, 95%CI: 2.2–33.3) were reported by mothers of cases. Poor uptake of PMTCT services and a reported absence of HIV education and counseling at the clinic were associated with MTCT. More emphasis on high-quality, comprehensive PMTCT service provision are urgently needed to minimize HIV transmission to children.
Representations of the Chinese Communist Party’s political ideologies in President Xi Jinping’s discourse
Authors: Wang Jiayu
Published: February 2017

This article analyzes how president Xi Jinping’s political discourse legitimizes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as China’s ruling Party through representations of political ideologies. It probes two dimensions of the representations: thematic representations concerning the topics and topical patterns in Xi’s discourse, and evaluative representations concerning the attitudes and emotions associated with these topics. This study adapts Fairclough’s three-dimensional approaches to Chinese political discourse analysis: description regarding the linguistic features of the discourse, interpretation and explanation of the discourse by considering China’s social, especially political and cultural, particularities. Through the analysis, this article reveals the discursive practice through which the CCP utilizes a range of political ideologies to legitimize its politics. It is hoped that this study can shed light on adapting critical discourse analysis (CDA) to Chinese political discourse analysis in the context of China’s particular culture and politics.
Clastogenic effects of bisphenol A on human cultured lymphocytes
Authors: Santovito A , Cannarsa E , Schleicherova D , Cervella P
Published: February 2017

Bisphenol A is an endocrine disrupting compound widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is ubiquitously present in the environment, mostly in aquatic environments, with consequent risks to the health of aquatic organisms and humans. In the present study, we analysed the cytogenetic effects of bisphenol A on human lymphocytes using in vitro chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei assays. Lymphocyte cultures were exposed to five different concentrations of BP-A (0.20, 0.10, 0.05, 0.02 and 0.01 μg/mL) for 24 h (for chromosomal aberrations test) and 48 h (for micronuclei test). The concentration of 0.05 µg/mL represents the reference dose established by United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA); 0.02 μg/mL represents the higher concentration of unconjugated BP-A found in human serum and 0.01 μg/mL represents the tolerable daily intake established by European Union. Data obtained from both assays showed significant genotoxic effects of the bisphenol A at concentrations of 0.20, 0.10 and 0.05 μg/mL, whereas at the concentration of 0.02 μg/mL, we observed only a significant increase in the micronuclei frequency. Finally, at the concentration of 0.01 μg/mL, no cytogenetic effects were observed, indicating this latter as a more tolerable concentration for human health with respect to 0.05 μg/mL, the reference dose established by US EPA.