bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Middle American species of Embates Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Baridinae)
Authors: PRENA JENS
Published: March 2019

The neotropical weevil genus Embates Chevrolat is revised. New synonyms of Embates are Drepanambates Jekel, Batames Casey, Macrambates Casey and Cholinambates Casey. Information is provided about the morphology of the immature stages, life history, sexual dimorphism and morphological variability. A total of 69 species is recognized in Middle America, 38 of which are newly described here: E. aequiperabilis, E. aliquantulus, E. bicoctura, E. burgeri, E. callifer, E. chelys, E.clandestinus, E. consimilis, E. cordiger, E. crinipes, E. discissus, E. discordabilis, E. euchasma, E. euscheme, E. flavoplagiatus, E. galbinus, E. gilvopictus, E. gracilis, E. intermedius, E. kunicus, E. maculifer, E. marchionis, E. mendax, E. oculifer, E. paludicola, E. paucilimbatus, E. pauhans, E. peperomiae, E. politus, E. pseudobumbraticus, E. pullus, E. rutilus, E. sagittifolicus, E. scambus, E. subulirostris, E. terrabanicus, E. todillofasciatus and E. uniformis. Six new subspecies are described: E. polymorphus altrimsecus, E. polymorphus dotensis, E. polymorphus fortunensis, E. polymorphus tabulensis, E. polymorphus zeledonensis and E. leucopleura discolor. New combinations are E. belti (Champion), E. leucopleura (Champion) and E. flavolimbatus (Voss) [all from Drepanambates]. New synonyms are E. belti [= E. triangularis (Champion)], E. fasciolatus (Chevrolat) [= E. sexpunctatus (Champion)] and E. solani (Champion) [= E. divisus (Casey)]. Embates rugosus (Hustache) is distinguished from E. solani and resurrected as a valid species. New records for Middle America are E. flavolimbatus (Voss), E. justini (Chevrolat) and E. rugosus. Descriptions, line drawings of habitus and male genitalia, geographic distributions, plant associations and keys for identification are provided.
Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex
Authors: TAYLOR PETER J. , LAVRENCHENKO LEONID A. , CARLETON MICHAEL D. , VERHEYEN ERIK , BENNETT NIGEL C. , OOSTHUIZEN CAREL J. , MAREE SARITA
Published: March 2019

We combined evidence from biogeography, craniodental traits, linear and geometric morphometrics (233 skulls), cytogenetics (karyotypes of 18 individuals) and mitochondrial DNA sequences (44 cytochrome b and 21 12S rRNA sequences) to test species limits within Otomys typus s.l. (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini), a complex that is patchily distributed across alpine zones of Ethiopia and East Africa. Our results confirm the specific validity of O. dartmouthi, O. jacksoni, O. orestes, and O. uzungwensis, forms recently removed from synonymy under typus s.l.; support elevation of four other alpine forms to species (O. fortior, O. helleri, O. thomasi, and O. zinki); identify three additional new species (O. cheesmani sp. nov., O. simiensis sp. nov., O. yaldeni sp. nov.); and enable redefinition of O. typus s.s. as a species restricted to certain mountains west of the Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia (Simien and Guna Mountains in the north, extending to the highlands of the western rim of the Rift Valley). Phylogenetic interpretation of the cytochrome b data clearly demonstrates that the alpine morphotype once united under O. typus s.l. has originated independently at high elevations on several mountain ranges in eastern and northeastern Africa; although generally adapted to high-elevation vegetation, such alpine species are ecologically segregated from one another. Patterns of morphometric, genetic, and ecological differentiation among populations once misassigned to nominal O. tropicalis and O. typus more parsimoniously reflect regional cladogenesis along elevational gradients, rather than multiple, successive colonization by different ancestral forms from southern Africa as earlier supposed. Although incomplete and preliminary, information gathered for O. tropicalis indicates that it too is a species composite; several lines of research are discussed to redress its polyphyletic content. Our results, together with other recent taxonomic studies of Otomys, appreciably elevate the level of endemism within eastern Africa and underscore the significance of Africa's eastern highlands to the continental diversification of Otomyini.
A revision of Gasteruption Latreille (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae) in the Neotropical Region
Authors: MACEDO ANTONIO CARLOS CRUZ
Published: March 2019

The Neotropical species of Gasteruption Latreille are revised, described, diagnosed, and illustrated; a key for females is provided. Twenty six valid species are recognized, thirteen of which are described as new: G. amputatum Townes, G. barnstoni (Westwood), G. bertae n. sp., G. bispinosum Kieffer, G. brachychaetum Schrottky, G. brandaoi n. sp., G. brasiliense (Blanchard), G. floridanum (Bradley), G. glauciae n. sp., G. guildingi (Westwood), G. hansoni n. sp., G. helenae n. sp., G. huberi n. sp., G. kaweahense (Bradley), G. lianae n. sp., G. loiaconoae n. sp., G. masneri n. sp., G. oliveirai n. sp., G. parvum Schrottky, G. rafaeli n. sp., G. sartor Schletterer, G. smithi n. sp., G. tenue Kieffer, G. townesi (Alayo), G. visaliae (Bradley), and G. wahli n. sp. The following new synonymies are proposed: G. maculicorne Cameron, G. macroderum Schletterer, and G. zapotecum Schletterer with G. barnstoni; G. bihamatum Kieffer, G. fallens Kieffer, G. fiebrigi Schrottky, G. leptodomum Kieffer, G. montivagum Kieffer, and G. strandi Kieffer with G. bispinosum; G. annulitarse Schrottky, G. brasiliae Kieffer, G. gracillimum (Schletterer), G. longicauda Kieffer, G. petroselini Schrottky, G. subtropicale Schrottky and G. torridum (Bradley) with G. brasiliense; G. rufipectus (Westwood) with G. guildingi; G. angustatum (Kieffer) with G. kaweahense; G. horni Brèthes with G. parvum. The following taxa are considered as species inquirendae: G. albitarse Schletterer, G. austini Jennings and Smith, G. subcoriaceum Kieffer n. stat., and G. tenuicolle Schletterer. As well, G rubrum Taschenberg is synonymized with Pseudofoenus infumatus (Schletterer). In addition, G. tenue Pasteels, 1957a from Australia is a junior homonym of G. tenue Kieffer, 1922 and is renamed G. pasteelsi n. name.
Iapir quadridentatus sp. nov., a new torridincolid beetle from Brazil (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Torridincolidae)
Authors: PINTO VALERIA ARAÚJO BRAULE , DA FONSECA CLAUDIO RUY VASCONCELOS , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: March 2019

The adults and larvae of a new species of Torridincolidae, Iapir quadridentatus sp. nov., are described from Pernambuco State, Brazil. This represents the first record of the family from Northeast Brazil. Larvae and adults were found on submerged leaves of Mourera sp. (Podostemaceae).
Parakari a New Genus of the Family Baetidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) from Guyana Highlands
Authors: NIETO CAROLINA , DERKA TOMÁŠ
Published: March 2019

Baetidae is one of the most diverse families of Ephemeroptera. In South America this family now encompasses 27 genera and more than 130 species. The Guyana region is known for its extraordinary diversity and high level of endemism, which is, above all, remarkable at the tops of the isolated flat-topped table mountains – tepuis. Recently various international speleological expeditions to Churí-tepui explored the cave systems of this mountain. Here we describe a new genus of Baetidae recently found during the mentioned expeditions to Churí-tepui and Auyán-tepui. Parakari n. gen. can be distinguish from the other genera of this family, among other characters, in the nymphs by the absence of abdominal gills I, tarsal claws with subapical denticle larger than the others, right mandible with prostheca bifid and pectinate and with incisors positioned in obtuse angle to mola area, lingua with a tuft of setae, segment II of maxillary palpi with a concavity and a hole apically and segment II of labial palpi with a strong distomedial projection. In the adults the hind wings are absent and genitalia with segment II of forceps with a constriction, segment III elongate and long. Two new species are included in this genus; each one was collected at different tepui. A key and illustrations are included.
Observations on the biology of Afrotropical Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera) principally from Kenya. Part 3. Pyrginae: Celaenorrhinini
Authors: COCK MATTHEW J. W. , CONGDON T. COLIN E.
Published: March 2019

Partial life histories for 15 species and two subspecies of Afrotropical Celaenorrhinini (Hesperiidae: Pyrginae) are described and illustrated: Celaenorrhinus plagiatus Berger, C. undescribed nr. dargei Berger, C. proxima proxima (Mabille), C. proxima maesseni Berger, C. zanqua Evans, C. humbloti (Mabille), C. sanjeensis Kielland, C. galenus opalinus Butler, C. galenus biseriata Butler, C. handmani Collins & Congdon, Eretis umbra maculifera Mabille & Boullet, E. lugens (Rogenhofer), Sarangesa phidyle (Walker), S. motozi (Wallengren), S. haplopa Swinhoe, S. maculata (Mabille) and Triskelionia compacta (Evans). The published information on other species of the tribe is summarised, and generalisations are made for the tribe in Africa. All species of Celaenorrhinus, Eretis and Sarangesa spp. reared to date use Acanthaceae as food plants, but T. compacta feeds on a Fabaceae and Ortholexis hollandi Druce feeds on an Apocynaceae. Three groups of Celaenorrhinus spp. are recognised based on their pupae: Group 1 having brown pupae with cephalic projections, Group 2 having green pupae, with no cephalic projections, and a very long proboscis sheath, and a third group based on published illustrations of the life history of C. mokeezi (Wallengren), in which the pupa is generally covered with white powder, and has just a short blunt frontal projection. Loxolexis Karsch is returned to synonomy with Katreus Watson, stat.rev. and Ortholexis Karsh stat rev. is reinstated for the species which had been placed in Loxolexis: O. holocausta (Mabille) comb. nov., O. dimidia (Holland) comb. nov. and O. hollandi Druce comb. rev.
A checklist of Foraminifera of the Eastern Shelf of the Adriatic Sea
Authors: ĆOSOVIĆ VLASTA , ZAVODNIK DUŠAN , BORČIĆ ADRIANA , VIDOVIĆ JELENA , DEAK SANDRA , MORO ALAN
Published: March 2019

The updated and annotated checklist includes all literature records of foraminiferal species from the Eastern Adriatic coastal region and their geographic occurrences. A total of 599 recent (altogether 693 named and unidentified species) foraminiferal species were reported, classified into 232 genera according to the Lee et al. (2000) and Loeblich and Tappan (1987) classification system. In the Northern Adriatic, 536 species grouped into 211 genera are recorded, in the Central Adriatic 153 genera and 296 species are found, and in the Southern part, 272 species within 133 genera are reported. The number of lessepsian species colonizing the coasts is relatively low, implying that a) indigenous species are good competitors, and b) abiotic conditions like water temperature and substrate are unfavorable.
Erratum: ZHANG, B.S., ZHANG, F. & CHEN, P. (2011) Species of the genus Mallinella Strand, 1906 (Araneae: Zodariidae) from Hainan Island, China. Zootaxa, 2986, 55–62.
Authors: ZHANG B. S. , ZHANG F. , CHEN P.
Published: March 2019

(Erratum)
New water mite species of the genus Arrenurus Dugs, 1834 (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Arrenuridae) from the Far East of Russia
Authors: TUZOVSKIJ PETR V. , SEMENCHENKO KSENIA A.
Published: March 2019

Illustrated descriptions of six water mite species, Arrenurus mucropetiolatus sp. n., Arrenurus crenatiformis sp. n., Arrenurus primoryensis sp. n., Arrenurus hebraeus sp. n., Arrenurus neodaubihensis sp. n., Arrenurus amurensis sp. n., from running and standing waters of the Far East of Russia are presented.
A new species of Tantilla of the taeniata species group (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae, Colubrinae) from northeastern Honduras
Authors: MCCRANIE JAMES R.
Published: March 2019

A new species of Tantilla, previously considered conspecific with T. taeniata, is described from northeastern Honduras. The new species differs from all populations previously assigned to that nominal form by the combination of having a high number of ventral scales and a red venter in life. A discussion of other populations from El Salvador and Honduras, now assigned to T. taeniata, is also included. Several evolutionary species are likely represented among these populations.
Oriental species of clusiid flies (Diptera: Clusiidae: Clusiinae)
Authors: SASAKAWA MITSUHIRO
Published: March 2019

The Oriental species of the clusiid genera Phylloclusia Hendel, 1913, Sobarocephala Czerny, 1903, Tetrameringia McAlpine, 1960, Heteromeringia Czerny, 1903, Tranomeringia Sasakawa, 1966, and Clusia Haliday, 1838, which belong to the subfamily Clusiinae in having inclinate third (lowermost, rarely fourth) fronto-orbital bristles, are revised. It is confirmed that two of these genera, Sobarocephala and Heteromeringia, indeed belong to the Clusiinae (not the Sobarocephalinae and Clusiodinae). Of the 22 species identified, 14 are described as new to science: Phylloclusia bivittata sp. nov. from Laos and Vietnam and P. sternopleuralis sp. nov. from Malaysia; Sobarocephala baculigera sp. nov. and S. fuscifacies sp. nov. from the Philippines; S. eurystylis sp. nov. from Malaysia; S. geniculata sp. nov. and S. megastylis sp. nov. from Thailand; Tetrameringia maculata sp. nov. from Laos; Heteromeringia abatanensis sp. nov. and H. spinifera sp. nov. from the Philippines, H. melanoprotoma sp. nov. from Laos, H. paraphalloides sp. nov. from Vietnam and Malaysia, and H. pectinata sp. nov. from Malaysia, Tranomeringia scutellata sp. nov. from the Philippines. New locality records are given for Phylloclusia steleocera Hendel, 1913, Sobarocephala vockerothi Sasakawa, 1993, Heteromeringia lyneborgi Sasakawa, 1966, H. melaena Sasakawa, 1966, H. mirabilis Sasakawa, 1966, H. nigricans Sasakawa, 1966, and Clusia sexlineata Frey, 1960. Keys to the Oriental species of the genera Phylloclusia, Sobarocephala, and Heteromeringia are provided, and a revised terminology for the components of the male phallus is given.
Host records of Physocephala wulpi Camras, with a description of the puparium (Diptera: Conopidae)
Authors: STUKE JENS-HERMANN , LUCIA MARIANO , ABRAHAMOVICH ALBERTO H.
Published: March 2019

Physocephala wulpi Camras was reared from Xylocopa artifex Smith, Xylocopa augusti Lepeletier, and Xylocapa splendidula Lepeletier. The puparium is described. An overview of conopid host records from the Neotropic Region, and records from Conopidae that develop in Xylocopa, is provided.
Rhinocylapoides brachypterus, a new cylapine genus and species from Malaysia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae)
Authors: WOLSKI ANDRZEJ , GORCZYCA JACEK
Published: March 2019

Rhinocylapoides brachypterus gen. et sp. nov. is described from Malaysia. Illustrations of the male genitalia, color photographs of the adult, and a habitat photograph of specimens of the new genus are provided.
Taxonomic revision of Hemidactylus brookii Gray: a re-examination of the type series and some Asian synonyms, and a discussion of the obscure species Hemidactylus subtriedrus Jerdon (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)
Authors: MAHONY STEPHEN
Published: March 2019

The Hemidactylus brookii group taxon has received increased attention in recent years from systematists and taxonomists attempting to unravel the complicated issues of its synonyms. In this study, a morphological approach is adopted to reexamine the syntypes of Hemidactylus brookii and Hemidactylus subtriedroides. The syntype series of H. brookii is found to be composed of two morphologically distinct species. A Borneo syntype is designated as lectotype and redescribed in detail to provide taxonomic and nomenclatural stability for the species. A syntype of H. subtriedroides is designated lectotype and also redescribed in detail, along with additional populations, which includes the Australian paralectotype of H. brookii sensu lato. Hemidactylus subtriedroides is morphologically distinct from H. brookii sensu stricto, but indistinguishable from the recently elevated synonym Hemidactylus tenkatei with which it is here considered a junior subjective synonym. Neotypes are designated for the two Pakistan synonyms, Hemidactylus kushmorensis and Hemidactylus glead-
The correct spelling of Proceratophrys phyllostomus Izecksohn, Cruz & Peixoto, 1999 (Anura: Cycloramphidae)
Authors: CARAMASCHI ULISSES
Published: March 2019

Izecksohn et al. (1999) described a new leaf-nosed frog species, originally named Proceratophrys phyllostomus, from north of Castelinho (20°32’S, 41°00’W), Municipality of Vargem Alta (Castelinho was considered belonging to the Municipality of Cachoeiro do Itapemirim in the original description), State of Espírito Santo, Brazil (Prado and Pombal 2008). The name of the species was originally treated as a substantive, phyllostomus, being the name of the type-genus of a family of bats which gathers species having a conspicuous rostral leaf-like appendage (Izecksohn et al. 1999). Actually, the genus Phyllostomus Lacépède, 1799 (Mammalia, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) is masculine in gender and congregates four species of the so called “Spear-nosed bats” (Simmons 2005). This name, when utilized as specific epithet by Izecksohn et al. (1999), was clearly treated as a substantive in apposition to the genus name Proceratophrys, feminine in gender.
A new species of Lynceus (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Laevicaudata) from Patagonia, with comments on laevicaudatan systematics
Authors: PESSACQ PABLO , EPELE LUIS B. , ROGERS D. CHRISTOPHER
Published: March 2019

Lynceus mallinensis, a new species of laevicaudatan clam shrimp is described from a single temporary pool in Chubut province, Patagonia, Argentina. The form of the male rostrum necessitates a reevaluation of rostral characters for the genus. This species differs from L. rotundirostris, the only known Lynceus from Patagonia, by the absence of a distinct umbo. L. mallinensis is the fourth species of this genus and the fifth laevicaudatan to be reported from South America. The systematical position of the Laevicaudata is discussed in the Introduction.
A new bromeligenous species of the Scinax perpusillus group from the hills of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: DA SILVA HELIO RICARDO , ALVES-SILVA RICARDO
Published: March 2019

A new species, Scinax insperatus sp. nov., of the S. perpusillus group is described based on specimens collected in the Municipality of Miguel Pereira, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22 º 13’ 14.6” S and 43 º 26’ 02.1” W). The new species is easily distinguishable from all other species of the S. perpusillus group, except Scinax belloni Faivovich, Gasparini, & Haddad, 2010, by lacking yellow markings in the inguinal region and hidden surfaces of limbs. From Scinax belloni, the new species differs by having dark, metallic-beige colored tubercles on the dorsal surfaces; S. belloni lacks any markings on dorsum, hind limbs, and hidden surfaces, and by lacking inguinal glands. In addition, the tadpoles of the new species are unique among those known for the group in having fins with yellow colored spots in later stages of development.
The gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) of Apiaceae in Israel
Authors: DORCHIN NETTA , FREIDBERG AMNON
Published: March 2019

The Israeli fauna of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with plants of the family Apiaceae consists of three species of Lasioptera and two species of Schizomyia that all appear to be monophagous and univoltine. Lasioptera foeniculi n. sp. and Schizomyia botellus n. sp. are described as new to science. Lasioptera carophila, Lasioptera umbelliferarum and Schizomyia buboniae are redescribed, and a neotype is designated for L. umbelliferarum. The genera Paraschizomyia Möhn and Microlasioptera Skuhravá and Skuhravý are synonymized under Schizomyia Kieffer and Lasioptera Meigen, respectively. The two Israeli Schizomyia species develop in complex bud galls on the desert plants Deverra tortuosa and Deverra triradiata and are the only known Schizomyia species that pupate inside their galls. The three Lasioptera species develop in stem or fruit galls on Foeniculum vulgare and Bilacunaria boissieri in the Mediterranean region of Israel. Larvae, pupae and adults of these gall midges are described and information is provided about their biology, distribution and taxonomic relations.
Phytoptus atherodes sp. n. (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Phytoptidae) and a supplementary description of Phytoptus hirtae Roivainen 1950 from sedges (Cyperaceae)
Authors: CHETVERIKOV PHILIPP E.
Published: March 2019

A new species, Phytoptus atherodes, an eriophyoid mite found on Carex atherodes Spreng. in North-West Russia, is described and a supplementary description of the poorly known species, Phytoptus hirtae Roivainen 1950, from Carex hirta L. is given. P. atherodes sp. n. has deutogyne and protogyne females which differ in the length of the body, prodorsal shield, setae v, φ and с 1; the number of dorsal annuli and length and number of empodial rays. Variability of empodial ray numbers among summer (protogyne) and winter (deutogyne) females of P. atherodes sp. n. and P. hirtae was studied for the first time and may reflect different stages of evolution within the genus Phytoptus.
Revision of the spider genera Nilus O. Pickard-Cambridge 1876, Sphedanus Thorell 1877 and Dendrolycosa Doleschall 1859 (Araneae: Pisauridae)
Authors: JÄGER PETER
Published: March 2019

The genera Nilus O. Pickard-Cambridge 1876, Sphedanus Thorell 1877 and Dendrolycosa Doleschall 1859 are revised. Nilus is recognised as junior synonym of Thalassius Simon 1885; accordingly all species previously placed in Thalassius including nomina dubia are transferred to Nilus. Nilus curtus O. Pickard-Cambridge 1876 is recognised as senior synonym of Thalassius spinosissimus Karsch 1879. Nilus decoratus (Patel & Reddy) comb. nov. from India is transferred from Pisaura Simon 1885. Nilus amazonicus Simon 1898 from Brazil is transferred to the genus Architis Simon 1898: Architis amazonica (Simon 1898) comb. nov. Nilus oblongus Pavesi 1897 from Ethiopia and N. marginatus (Simon 1888) from the Andaman Islands are considered nomina dubia. Sphedanus Thorell 1877 is removed from the synonymy with Nilus and recognised as a senior synonym of Eurychoera Thorell 1897. The type species, S. undatus Thorell 1877, is redecribed and its copulatory organs are illustrated for the first time. Two species previously placed in the genus Eurychoera are transferred: Sphedanus banna (Zhang, Zhu & Song 2004) comb. nov. and Sphedanus quadrimaculatus (Thorell 1897) comb. nov. Campostichommides Strand 1911 and Dianpisaura Zhang, Zhu & Song 2004 are recognised as junior synonyms of Dendrolycosa. Nilus lanceolatus Simon 1898 and Pisaura lizhii Zhang 2000 are proposed as junior synonyms of Dendrolycosa robusta Thorell 1895. Four species are described as new: D. bairdi spec. nov. from Laos (male, female), D. duckitti spec. nov. from Laos (male, female), D. sierwaldae spec. nov. from New Guinea (female) and D. yuka spec. nov. from Australia (female). Eight species previously placed in the genera Nilus, Campostichommides Strand 1911, Pisaura Simon 1885 and Dianpisaura Zhang, Zhu & Song 2004, respectively are transferred to Dendrolycosa: D. ornata (Berland 1924) comb. nov. from New Caledonia, D. spadicaria (Simon 1897) comb. nov. from India (nomen dubium), D. bobbiliensis (Reddy & Patel 1993) comb. nov. from India, D. gitae (Tikader 1970) comb. nov. from India, D. inquirenda (Strand 1911) comb. nov. nomen dubium from Indonesia, D. parangbusta (Barrion & Litsinger 1995) comb. nov. from Philippines, D. putiana (Barrion & Litsinger 1995) comb. nov. from Philippines, D. songi (Zhang 2000) comb. nov. from Yunnan, China. Dendrolycosa stauntoni Pocock 1900 is considered a nomen dubium. One species originally described in Dendrolycosa is transferred to the genus Hygropoda: H. gracilis (Thorell 1891) comb. nov. Two species previously placed in the genus Tinus F. O. Pickard-Cambridge 1901 are transferred to Hygropoda: H. sikkimus (Tikader 1970) comb. nov., H. chandrakantii (Reddy & Patel 1993) comb. nov.
The spider genus Segestria Latreille, 1804 in South America (Araneae: Segestriidae)
Authors: GIROTI ANDRÉ MARSOLA , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO DOMINGOS
Published: March 2019

The genus Segestria Latreille, 1804 includes 21 species distributed mainly in the Palearctic region. Only two species have been described from South America: Segestria ruficeps Guérin, 1832 (known from Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina) and Segestria pusilla Nicolet, 1849 (known only from Chile). A study of the female genitalia shows that S. ruficeps is a junior synonym of the Paleartcic species Segestria florentina (Rossi 1790), which is redescribed and illustrated. S. pusilla is transferred to the genus Ariadna as a nomen dubium.
Morphology-based phylogenetic analysis of the treehopper tribe Smiliini (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Smiliinae), with reinstatement of the tribe Telamonini
Authors: WALLACE MATTHEW S.
Published: March 2019

Members of the Smiliini, the nominotypical tribe of the large New World subfamily Smiliinae, are predominately Nearctic in distribution. This tribe included 169 mostly tree-feeding species in 23 genera. A parsimony-based phylogenetic analysis of an original dataset comprising 89 traditional and newly discovered morphological characters for 69 species, including representatives of 22 of the 23 described genera of Smiliini and five other previously recognized tribes of the subfamily, resulted in a single most parsimonious tree with three major clades. The broad recent concept of Smiliini (including Telamonini as a junior synonym) was not recovered as monophyletic by the analysis. Instead, the analysis supported narrower definitions of both Telamonini, here reinstated from synonymy, and Smiliini. A key and diagnoses are given to define these tribes, along with discussions of their phylogeny, biogeography, and host plant associations. The genera Antianthe Fowler, Hemicardiacus Plummer, Smilirhexia McKamey, and Tropidarnis Fowler are placed as Smiliinae, incertae sedis. Based on the phylogeny, several genera from both tribes including Atymna Stål, Cyrtolobus Goding, Heliria Stål, and Telamona Fitch are not monophyletic. Diagnostic characters emphasizing the morphological differences between the Smiliini and Telamonini include the dorsal margin of the head, the shape of the pronotum, the size of the pronotal humeral angles, the presence or absence of pronotal longitudinal rugae, the size of forewing cells, variations in the fusion of veins R and M apically in both the foreand hind wing, and the shape of the apex of the female second valvulae. Mapping geographic distribution onto the phylogeny suggests that the common ancestor of the ingroup (all three clades) occurred in Central America and Mexico, with multiple dispersals to temperate North America. Many Smiliini and Telamonini feed on various species of oak (Quercus) and the close evolutionary association between these insects and their hosts is discussed.
Grapsoid crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Thoracotremata) of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
Authors: NADERLOO REZA
Published: March 2019

Grapsoid crabs, together with ocypodoids, are the two most important groups of intertidal brachyurans in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. In total, four families, nine genera and 12 species of grapsoids are known from the region. Perisesarma guttatum (A. Milne-Edwards, 1869), and Plagusia squamosa (Herbst, 1790), are only recorded from the Gulf of Oman; Grapsus granulosus H. Milne-Edwards, 1853, and Thalassograpsus harpax (Hilgendorf, 1892), are collected for the first time from the Persian Gulf. Chiromantes boulengeri (Calman, 1920), Nanosesarma sarii Naderloo & Türkay, 2009, and Parasesarma persicum Naderloo & Schubart, 2010, are so far known only from the region.
Notes on Burmese spiders formerly attributed to the genus Storena (Zodariidae, Araneae) PAKAWIN DANKITTIPAKUL (Thailand), MARIA TAVANO (Italy) & TIPPAWAN SINGTRIPO (Thailand)
Authors: DANKITTIPAKUL PAKAWIN , TAVANO MARIA , SINGTRIPOP TIPPAWAN
Published: March 2019

Studies on the spider fauna of Southeast Asia resulted in a review of five Storena species which were previously described from Burma. These species were misplaced in Storena Walckenaer, 1805, a zodariid genus that is endemic to Australia.  Four species are here transferred to Mallinella Strand, 1906: Mallinella suavis (Thorell, 1895) comb. nov., M. exornata (Thorell, 1887) comb. nov., M. fronto (Thorell, 1887) comb. nov., and M. decorata (Thorell, 1885) comb. nov. Mallinella irrorata (Thorell, 1887) belongs to an undescribed genus of the subfamily Zodariinae. This study also gives a complete list of all Storena specimens examined and studied by Thorell which are now deposited in four European museums.
Agabus (Acatodes) puetzi sp. n., a new species of the confinis-group from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Agabini)
Authors: FERY HANS
Published: March 2019

Agabus puetzi sp. n. is described from the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (Sichuan). It is a very distinctive species, males of which can be identified easily even in the field because the inner outline of the protibiae is distinctly curved, a feature which is unknown or considerably less prominent in any other Agabus Leach, 1817. The new species undoubtedly belongs to the subgenus Acatodes Thomson, 1859, although males lack the preapical spine of the median lobe, a character which is also seen in the Nearctic Agabus audeni Wallis, 1933, and the Holarctic Agabus inexspectatus Nilsson, 1990. Due to an unusual combination of external characters (e.g., double reticulation, shape of tibiae and of proand metasternal processes) it is not easy to assign the species to one of the known species groups of the subgenus. It seems likely, however, that it belongs to the confinis-group because several other characters are shared with most members of this group. A few features suggest a closer relationship to Agabus thomsoni (J. Sahlberg, 1871) and Agabus zetterstedti Thomson, 1856. The new species raises the number of members of the confinis-group to 36, seven of which occur in China. A list of all Afrotropical and Palearctic members of this group is given and their median lobes are figured in lateral view. The lectotype of Agabus turcmenus Guignot, 1957 is designated, and its habitus and aedeagus are illustrated for the first time. Some notes on the distribution and external morphology of A. inexspectatus are included.
'Genus X2' finally named: discovery of males of Clavomicrus gen. n. in the Philippines (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: March 2019

In 2011 phylogenetic relationships of 'Cephennomicrus group' of Cephenniini were studied and several new genera were described. Two taxa, each represented by a single female and referred to as genus X1 (Sulawesi) and X2 (Philippines), were included in that study. Recently, a new sample of scydmaenines from Luzon has become available to my study, including a series of male and female specimens of the genus X2. Clavomicrus orousseti gen. & sp. n. is here described based on this material. SEM data are added to morphological structures previously illustrated on the basis of transparent slide preparations. Clavomicrus is the second genus of Cephenniini with the antennomere X and XI fused together into a histerid-like, abruptly delimited, oval club.
Sahel Rainfall–Tropical Easterly Jet Relationship on Synoptic to Intraseasonal Time Scales
Authors: Lemburg Alexander , Bader Jürgen , Claussen Martin
Published: March 2019

The tropical easterly jet (TEJ) is a characteristic upper-level feature of the West African monsoon (WAM) circulation. Moreover, the TEJ over West Africa is significantly correlated with summer Sahel rainfall on interannual and decadal time scales. In contrast, the relationship between Sahel rainfall and the regional TEJ on synoptic to intraseasonal time scales is unclear. Therefore, this relationship is investigated by means of multiple statistical analyses using temporally highly resolved measurement and reanalysis data. It is shown that average correlations between convective activity and regional TEJ intensity remain below 0.3 for all synoptic to intraseasonal time scales. Especially on the synoptic time scale, the TEJ significantly lags anomalies in convective activity by one or two days, which indicates that convection anomalies are more likely to drive changes in the regional TEJ than vice versa. To further shed light on the role of the TEJ for rainfall over West Africa, a previously proposed effect of TEJ-induced upper-level divergence on the development of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) is examined more closely. An analysis of nearly 300 Sahelian MCSs shows that their initiation is generally not associated with significant TEJ anomalies or jet-induced upper-level divergence. Furthermore, no statistically significant evidence is found that preexisting TEJ-related upper-level divergence anomalies affect intensity, size, and lifetime of MCSs. A limiting factor of this study is the focus on TEJ-induced upper-level divergence. Therefore, a possible effect of the TEJ on Sahel rainfall via other mechanisms cannot be ruled out and should be subject to future studies.
Comparison of Transmastoid and Middle Fossa Approaches for Superior Canal Dehiscence Repair: A Multi‐institutional Study
Authors: Schwartz Seth R. , Almosnino Galit , Noonan Kathryn Y. , Banakis Hartl Renee M. , Zeitler Daniel M. , Saunders James E. , Cass Stephen P.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To compare outcomes for patients undergoing a transmastoid approach versus a middle fossa craniotomy approach with plugging and/or resurfacing for repair of superior semicircular canal dehiscence. Outcome measures include symptom resolution, hearing, operative time, hospital stay, complications, and revision rates.

Study Design

Multicenter retrospective comparative cohort study.

Settings

Three tertiary neurotology centers.

Subjects and Methods

All adult patients undergoing repair for superior canal dehiscence between 2006 and 2017 at 3 neurotology centers were included. Demographics and otologic history collected by chart review. Imaging, audiometric data, and vestibular evoked myogenic potential measurements were also collected for analysis.

Results

A total of 68 patients (74 ears) were included in the study. Twenty‐one patients underwent middle fossa craniotomy repair (mean age, 47.9 years), and 47 underwent transmastoid repair (mean age, 48.0 years). There were no significant differences in age or sex distribution between the groups. The transmastoid group experienced a significantly shorter duration of hospitalization and lower recurrence rate as compared with the middle fossa craniotomy group (3.8% vs 33%). Both groups experienced improvement in noise‐induced vertigo, autophony, pulsatile tinnitus, and nonspecific vertigo. There was no significant difference among symptom resolution between groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference in audiometric outcomes between the groups.

Conclusion

Both the transmastoid approach and the middle fossa craniotomy approach for repair of superior canal dehiscence offer symptom resolution with minimal risk. The transmastoid approach was associated with shorter hospital stays and lower recurrence rate as compared with the middle fossa craniotomy approach.
An advanced pseudo excitation method and application in analyzing stochastic wind-induced response of slender bridge tower
Authors: Zhu Siyu , Xiang Tianyu , Li Yongle
Published: March 2019

Based on the theory of pseudo excitation method, a so-called stochastic pseudo excitation method is proposed to acquire the sampling results of stochastic dynamic response of uncertain bridge structure directly, which cannot be achieved by the classical pseudo excitation method. In order to reduce the computational cost of the dynamic finite element analysis of the samples to gain the probability density function of structural responses, the response surface method was adopted to handle the sampling results. The stochastic pseudo excitation method combing response surface method is verified by comparing with Monte Carlo method in good agreement. As an example, the stochastic response of a super-high slender bridge tower subjected to the Davenport fluctuating wind excitations is evaluated taking into account the uncertainties of material properties and wind speed. Numerical results show that the effect of uncertainties of structure or excitations plays a constant role in the stochastic response at the different levels of external excitations.
Tumor-educated platelets
Authors: In ‘t Veld Sjors G. J. G. , Wurdinger Thomas
Published: March 2019

Liquid biopsies have been considered the holy grail in achieving effective cancer management, with blood tests offering a minimally invasive, safe, and sensitive alternative or complementary approach for tissue biopsies. Currently, blood-based liquid biopsy measurements focus on the evaluation of biomarker types, including circulating tumor DNA, circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles (exosomes and oncosomes), and tumor-educated platelets (TEPs). Despite the potential of individual techniques, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here, we provide further insight into TEPs.
Activity of brentuximab vedotin in AIDS-related primary effusion lymphoma
Authors: Chang Victoria A. , Wang Huan-You , Reid Erin G.
Published: March 2019

Key Points

Brentuximab vedotin is active in primary effusion lymphoma, a rare CD30-positive lymphoma with an extremely poor prognosis.
Full high-throughput sequencing analysis of differences in expression profiles of long noncoding RNAs and their mechanisms of action in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ye Hui , Wang Xue , Wang Lei , Chu Xiaoying , Hu Xuanxuan , Sun Li , Jiang Minghua , Wang Hong , Wang Zihan , Zhao Han , Yang Xinyu , Wang Jianguang
Published: March 2019

Background

The specific function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the mechanism of their involvement in related pathological changes remain to be elucidated, so, in this study, we analyzed the differences in the expression profiles of lncRNAs and their mechanisms of action in SLE using full high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, etc. methods.

Methods

We used high-throughput sequencing to detect differences in the expression profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in PBMCs from patients with SLE at the genome-wide level. Next, we predicted target genes of 30 lincRNAs (long intergenic noncoding RNAs) by constructing a coexpression network of differential lincRNAs and mRNAs and identified the role of lincRNAs. Then, we analyzed the coexpression network of 23 optimized lincRNAs and their corresponding 353 miRNAs, evaluated the cis- and trans-effects of these lincRNAs, and performed GO and KEGG analyses of target genes. We also selected 8 lincRNAs and 2 newly discovered lncRNAs for q-PCR validation and lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA analysis. Finally, we also analyzed respectively the relation between lncRNAs and gender bias in SLE patients using RT-qPCR, the relation between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score and the “IFN signature” using ELISA, and the relation between the differential expression of lncRNAs and a change in the number of a cell type of PBMCs in SLE patients using RT-qPCR.

Results

The profiles of 1087 lncRNAs, 102 miRNAs, and 4101 mRNAs in PBMCs significantly differed between patients with SLE and healthy controls. The coexpression network analysis showed that the network contained 23 lincRNAs and 353 mRNAs. The evaluation of the cis- and trans-effects showed that the 23 lincRNAs acted on 704 target genes. GO and KEGG analyses of the target genes predicted the biological functions of the 23 lincRNAs. q-PCR validation showed 7 lincRNAs and 2 novel lncRNAs were identical to the sequencing results. The ceRNA network contained 7 validated lincRNAs, 15 miRNAs, and 155 mRNAs. In addition, the differential expression of lncRNAs may be gender dependent in SLE patients, SLE patients also exhibit a robust “IFN signature,” and PBMCs exhibiting differential expression of lncRNAs may be due to a change in the number of a cell type.

Conclusion

This work determined specific lncRNAs that play important biological functions in the pathogenesis of lupus and provided a new direction for diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Independent and combined effects of daytime heat stress and nighttime recovery determine thermal performance
Authors: Bai Chun-Ming , Ma Gang , Cai Wan-Zhi , Ma Chun-Sen
Published: March 2019

Organisms often experience adverse high temperatures during the daytime, but they may also recover or repair themselves during nighttime when temperatures are more moderate. Thermal effects of daily fluctuating temperatures may thus be divided into two opposite processes (i.e., negative effects of daytime heat stress and positive effects of nighttime recovery). Despite recent progress on the consequences of increased daily temperature variability, the independent and combined effects of daytime and nighttime temperatures on organism performance remain unclear. By independently manipulating daily maximum and minimum temperatures, we tested how changes in daytime heat stress and nighttime recovery affect development, survival and heat tolerance of the lady beetle species Propylea japonica. Thermal effects on development and survival differed between daytime and nighttime. Daytime high temperatures had negative effects whereas nighttime mild temperatures had positive effects. The extent of daytime heat stress and nighttime recovery also affected development and critical thermal maximum, which indicates that there were both independent and combined effects of daytime and nighttime temperatures on thermal performances. Our findings provide insight into the thermal effect of day-to-night temperature variability and have important implications for predicting the impacts of diel asymmetric warming under climate change.
Drosophila Ptp4E regulates vesicular packaging for monoamine-neuropeptide co-transmission
Authors: Tao Juan , Bulgari Dinara , Berkhoudt Drew A. , Calderon Michael J. , Watkins Simon C. , Fonseca Velez Hector J. , Sabeva Nadezhda , Deitcher David L. , Levitan Edwin S.
Published: March 2019

Many neurons influence their targets through co-release of neuropeptides and small-molecule transmitters. Neuropeptides are packaged into dense-core vesicles (DCVs) in the soma and then transported to synapses, while small-molecule transmitters such as monoamines are packaged by vesicular transporters that function at synapses. These separate packaging mechanisms point to activity, by inducing co-release as the sole scaler of co-transmission. Based on screening in Drosophila for increased presynaptic neuropeptides, the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (Rptp) Ptp4E was found to post-transcriptionally regulate neuropeptide content in single DCVs at octopamine synapses. This occurs without changing neuropeptide release efficiency, transport and DCV size measured by both stimulated emission depletion super-resolution and transmission electron microscopy. Ptp4E also controls the presynaptic abundance and activity of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which packages monoamine transmitters for synaptic release. Thus, rather than rely on altering electrical activity, the Rptp regulates packaging underlying monoamine-neuropeptide co-transmission by controlling vesicular membrane transporter and luminal neuropeptide content.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Phosphorylation at distinct subcellular locations underlies specificity in mTORC2-mediated activation of SGK1 and Akt
Authors: Gleason Catherine E. , Oses-Prieto Juan A. , Li Kathy H. , Saha Bidisha , Situ Gavin , Burlingame Alma L. , Pearce David
Published: March 2019

mTORC2 lies at the intersection of signaling pathways that control metabolism and ion transport through phosphorylation of the AGC-family kinases, the Akt and SGK1 proteins. How mTORC2 targets these functionally distinct downstream effectors in a context-specific manner is not known. Here, we show that the salt- and blood pressure-regulatory hormone, angiotensin II (AngII) stimulates selective mTORC2-dependent phosphorylation of SGK1 (S422) but not Akt (S473 and equivalent sites). Conventional PKC (cPKC), a critical mediator of the angiotensin type I receptor (AT1R, also known as AGTR1) signaling, regulates the subcellular localization of SIN1 (also known as MAPKAP1) and SGK1. Inhibition of cPKC catalytic activity disturbs SIN1 and SGK1 subcellular localization, re-localizing them from the nucleus and a perinuclear compartment to the plasma membrane in advance of hormonal stimulation. Surprisingly, pre-targeting of SIN1 and SGK1 to the plasma membrane prevents SGK1 S422 but not Akt S473 phosphorylation. Additionally, we identify three sites on SIN1 (S128, S315 and S356) that are phosphorylated in response to cPKC activation. Collectively, these data demonstrate that SGK1 activation occurs at a distinct subcellular compartment from that of Akt and suggests a mechanism for the selective activation of these functionally distinct mTORC2 targets through subcellular partitioning of mTORC2 activity.
Talin-mediated force transmission and talin rod domain unfolding independently regulate adhesion signaling
Authors: Rahikainen Rolle , Öhman Tiina , Turkki Paula , Varjosalo Markku , Hytönen Vesa P.
Published: March 2019

Talin protein is one of the key components in integrin-mediated adhesion complexes. Talins transmit mechanical forces between β-integrin and actin, and regulate adhesion complex composition and signaling through the force-regulated unfolding of talin rod domain. Using modified talin proteins, we demonstrate that these functions contribute to different cellular processes and can be dissected. The transmission of mechanical forces regulates adhesion complex composition and phosphotyrosine signaling even in the absence of the mechanically regulated talin rod subdomains. However, the presence of the rod subdomains and their mechanical activation are required for the reinforcement of the adhesion complex, cell polarization and migration. Talin rod domain unfolding was also found to be essential for the generation of cellular signaling anisotropy, since both insufficient and excess activity of the rod domain severely inhibited cell polarization. Utilizing proteomics tools, we identified adhesome components that are recruited and activated either in a talin rod-dependent manner or independently of the rod subdomains. This study clarifies the division of roles between the force-regulated unfolding of a talin protein (talin 1) and its function as a physical linker between integrins and the cytoskeleton.