bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Light-Responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomers to Assist Cardiac Contraction
Authors: Ferrantini Cecilia , Pioner Josè M. , Martella Daniele , Coppini Raffaele , Piroddi Nicoletta , Paoli Paolo , Calamai Martino , Pavone Francesco S. , Wiersma Diederik S. , Tesi Chiara , Cerbai Elisabetta , Poggesi Corrado , Sacconi Leonardo , Parmeggiani Camilla
Published: February 2019

Rationale:

Despite major advances in cardiovascular medicine, heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. However, the field of tissue engineering has been growing exponentially in the last decade and restoring heart functionality is now an affordable target; yet, new materials are still needed for effectively provide rapid and long-lasting interventions. Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are biocompatible polymers able to reversibly change shape in response to a given stimulus and generate movement. Once stimulated, LCEs can produce tension or movement like a muscle. However, so far their application in biology was limited by slow response times and a modest possibility to modulate tension levels during activation.

Objective:

To develop suitable LCE-based materials to assist cardiac contraction.

Methods and Results:

Thanks to a quick, simple, and versatile synthetic approach, a palette of biocompatible acrylate-based light-responsive LCEs with different molecular composition was prepared and mechanically characterized. Out of this, the more compliant one was selected. This material was able to contract for some weeks when activated with very low light intensity within a physiological environment. Its contraction was modulated in terms of light intensity, stimulation frequency, and t
on
/t
off
ratio to fit different contraction amplitude/time courses, including those of the human heart. Finally, LCE strips were mounted in parallel with cardiac trabeculae, and we demonstrated their ability to improve muscular systolic function, with no impact on diastolic properties.

Conclusions:

Our results indicated LCEs are promising in assisting cardiac mechanical function and developing a new generation of contraction assist devices.
Measurement of Myofilament-Localized Calcium Dynamics in Adult Cardiomyocytes and the Effect of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mutations
Authors: Sparrow Alexander J. , Sievert Kolja , Patel Suketu , Chang Yu-Fen , Broyles Connor N. , Brook Frances A. , Watkins Hugh , Geeves Michael A. , Redwood Charles S. , Robinson Paul , Daniels Matthew J.
Published: February 2019

Rationale:

Subcellular Ca
2+
indicators have yet to be developed for the myofilament where disease mutation or small molecules may alter contractility through myofilament Ca
2+
sensitivity. Here, we develop and characterize genetically encoded Ca
2+
indicators restricted to the myofilament to directly visualize Ca
2+
changes in the sarcomere.

Objective:

To produce and validate myofilament-restricted Ca
2+
imaging probes in an adenoviral transduction adult cardiomyocyte model using drugs that alter myofilament function (MYK-461, omecamtiv mecarbil, and levosimendan) or following cotransduction of 2 established hypertrophic cardiomyopathy disease-causing mutants (cTnT [Troponin T] R92Q and cTnI [Troponin I] R145G) that alter myofilament Ca
2+
handling.

Methods and Results:

When expressed in adult ventricular cardiomyocytes RGECO-TnT (Troponin T)/TnI (Troponin I) sensors localize correctly to the sarcomere without contractile impairment. Both sensors report cyclical changes in fluorescence in paced cardiomyocytes with reduced Ca
2+
on and increased Ca
2+
off rates compared with unconjugated RGECO. RGECO-TnT/TnI revealed changes to localized Ca
2+
handling conferred by MYK-461 and levosimendan, including an increase in Ca
2+
binding rates with both levosimendan and MYK-461 not detected by an unrestricted protein sensor. Coadenoviral transduction of RGECO-TnT/TnI with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causing thin filament mutants showed that the mutations increase myofilament [Ca
2+
] in systole, lengthen time to peak systolic [Ca
2+
], and delay [Ca
2+
] release. This contrasts with the effect of the same mutations on cytoplasmic Ca
2+
, when measured using unrestricted RGECO where changes to peak systolic Ca
2+
are inconsistent between the 2 mutations. These data contrast with previous findings using chemical dyes that show no alteration of [Ca
2+
] transient amplitude or time to peak Ca
2+
.

Conclusions:

RGECO-TnT/TnI are functionally equivalent. They visualize Ca
2+
within the myofilament and reveal unrecognized aspects of small molecule and disease-associated mutations in living cells.
Legislating the Lips
Authors: Cizek Paul
Published: February 2019

The Temple Scroll (11QTa 53:11–54:5) and Damascus Document (CD 16:6–12) each appropriate legislation concerning vows and oaths from Deut 23:22–24 and Num 30:3–17. Lawrence H. Schiffman, who has offered the only at-length comparison of these appropriations, characterizes these halakhot as incongruent and links this conclusion with his position that the Temple Scroll is Sadducean and the Damascus Document comes from a later Sadducean splinter group. However, my analysis leads to a different conclusion. I demonstrate that the authors of the Temple Scroll and Damascus Document evidence distinct aims in their appropriations of shared base texts, but not necessarily incongruence nor intentional divergence.
Molecular and morphological characterization of Hepatozoon spp. in Brazilian snakes
Authors: Calil Priscila Rodrigues , Puorto Giuseppe , Dunn Jenny C. , Chagas Carolina Romeiro Fernandes , Ramos Patrícia Locosque
Published: February 2019

The genus Hepatozoon represents one of six genera in the hemogregarine group. Some studies in snakes indicated effects in the host, from slight influences on fitness to severe effects on growth rate, reproduction and offspring survival rates. Diagnosis and identification are usually through blood smear analyses; but not all infected animals show parasitemia. Based on this, the present study established an adapted molecular protocol to identify Hepatozoon spp. to be used as a complementary test for routine diagnoses at the Clinical Analysis Laboratory at São Paulo Zoological Park Foundation. The study was conducted with 113 individuals. Microscopical analysis and molecular techniques were used to identify the parasite. Microscopic analyses showed 13.3% of the samples to be positive. The first pair of primers, targeting 18S rRNA gene, amplified parasite DNA in 6.3% of the samples. The second pair of primers, targeting Apicoplast fragment, were used only on samples that were identified microscopically as being positive, detecting the presence of parasite DNA in 93.3% of these. Phylogenetic analysis of the resulting sequences found five clusters for the 18S gene and five clusters for the Apicoplast fragment. Studies involving Hepatozoon spp. are still scarce and limited, mainly in snakes and the impacts of this parasite on the vertebrate host, so diagnostic studies are essential for wildlife conservation, especially in ex situ work.
Metatron is Not Enoch
Authors: Paz Yakir
Published: February 2019

This article traces the evolution of the archangel Metatron from his inception to his identification with Enoch. It argues that the name Metatron was derived from the term metator, which was used in Palestine to describe the role of the angel of the Lord in Exod 23:20-21. It was only in Babylonia that Metatron became a name of a specific angel, where, however, he was never identified with Enoch. The first attestations of Metatron in Palestinian sources are only from the beginning of the seventh century CE, and they know nothing of Enoch. The earliest evidence for Enoch-Metatron is only found in Palestinian sources from the eighth century. Enoch-Metatron is therefore neither an ancient esoteric Palestinian tradition nor a Babylonian creation, but rather a late Palestinian innovative synthesis of Babylonian Metatron and Byzantine Enoch trajectories, which resulted in a new hybrid figure.
The Politics of Homosexuality: Perseverance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (lgbt) Community in a Repressive Social Milieu in Afghanistan
Authors: Emadi Hafizullah
Published: February 2019

In Afghanistan, minorities are subjected to harassment, intimidation and even death by Islamic fanatics and conservative leaders as they try to impose their own interpretation of religious scriptures and punish those who do not agree with their interpretation of religious precepts and follow their rulings. Application of such measures has impacted the safety and security of the gender-minority community, as its members are forced to hide their identities, and cannot speak about their sexual orientation. Government agencies and civil society organizations do not advocate for the rights of this community, and deliberately avoid any discussion about them, fearing a backlash from religious vigilantes, conservative religious leaders and clerics. A lack of public education and social awareness programs about the gender-minority community has contributed to the perpetuation of discrimination, hatred and bigotry toward them − a community that is part and parcel of the social fabric of modern Afghanistan.
Property Rights and the Protection of Subsistence in Article 1(2) of the Human Rights Covenants
Authors: Summers James
Published: February 2019

This article explores how property rights have informed the peoples’ right to resources in Article 1(2) of the Human Rights Covenants. It examines practice in the interpretation of Article 1, as well as jurisprudence from the Inter-American and African human rights systems linking peoples’ rights and the right to property. It also highlights the pivotal role of protection of subsistence in making this connection. The right to resources can draw from different forms of property, including private, public, communal and traditional forms. Property rights under Article 1 have also applied to a broad range of communities, including indigenous peoples, subsistence farmers, traditional property owners, ethnic minorities, as well as the general population of a state. The common feature of these communities is their vulnerability in the protection of their means of subsistence, and this has linked property rights with Article 1.
Soviet Holocaust Retribution in Lithuania, 1944–64
Authors: Holland Alana
Published: February 2019

This article is a microanalysis of Soviet Holocaust retribution in four cases studies, with focus on Lithuania. It was difficult to disentangle crimes against Jews and crimes against Soviet power in cases involving high-ranking nationalists. Soviet authorities had a strong motivation to condemn nationalist leaders and to justify their execution or deportation to the Gulag, but were not as strongly invested in the outcome of the trials involving ordinary people. Punishing collaborators in Nazi crimes consistently remained an aim in and of itself (but was not to be pursued at the expense of other state campaigns). The authorities and locals pursued justice for murdered Jews while simultaneously utilizing the Jewish wartime fate in the pursuit of broader political aims during postwar Sovietization. In the broader postwar Soviet prosecution of treason and collaboration, authorities and defendants navigated competing understandings of personal participation (lichnoe uchastie) in atrocities and the (ir)redeemability of defendants.
A new fern species Pteris subiriana (Pteridaceae) from India
Authors: DAS PIU , PADHYE P.M. , MAZUMDAR JAIDEEP
Published: February 2019

A new fern species, Pteris subiriana (Pteridaceae), is described from India. Pteris subiriana is very similar to P. blumeana in frond morphology and having prominent setae above the costules. But Pteris subiriana can be distinguished by the habit of rhizome, rhizome scales and spore morphology. Pteris subiriana grows naturally in Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in India.
Combination of morphological characters and ITS-sequence to characterize a new species of Macrocheles (Acari: Macrochelidae)
Authors: NIOGRET JEROME , NICOT ANTOINE , DE STORDEUR ERIC , BERTRAND MICHEL
Published: February 2019

Macrocheles seraphim sp. nov. is described from French and Moroccan populations. This species was found phoretic on three species of dung beetles: Scarabaeus laticollis, Geotrupes mutator and G. spiniger. It was identified on the basis of morphological characters as belonging to the M. glaber group, but also has similarities with M. muscaedomesticae. Its systematic position as investigated by genetic analyses using the ITS-1 marker showed that this species was closely related to M. muscaedomesticae. Its relationship with glaber group species is discussed.
A new species of Cryptocellus (Arachnida, Ricinulei) from Oriental Amazonia
Authors: PINTO-DA-ROCHA RICARDO , BONALDO ALEXANDRE B.
Published: February 2019

Cryptocellus tarsilae n. sp. is described from male and female specimens collected in a small cave at Carajás National Forest, Serra Norte, Pará, Brazil. The new species appears to be similar to C. peckorum Platnick & Shadab, 1977 by the moderately expanded metatarsus III, bearing a metatarsal process with a flattened tip. Both males and females of the new species are readily recognizable by the carapace having a posterior median bulge covered by tubercles.
Two new genera of fossil palaeontinids from the Middle Jurassic in Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China (Hemiptera, Palaeontinidae)
Authors: WANG YING , REN DONG
Published: February 2019

In this paper two new genera and three new species of Palaeontinidae are described: Quadraticossus gen.nov., containing two new species, Q. fangi and Q. longicaulis; Hamicossus laevis gen. et sp. nov. These two new genera are established based on both complete forewings and hind wings. All of them were collected from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation at Daohugou Village, Inner Mongolia. The type specimens are deposited in the College of Life Science, Capital Normal University.
Discovery of two new species of Alucitidae (Lepidoptera) from Vietnam
Authors: BYUN BONG-KYU , PARK KYU-TEK
Published: February 2019

Two new species of Alucitidae, Pterotopteryx nigrifasciata sp. nov. and P. vietana sp. nov., are described from Vietnam. Photographs of the facies and genitalia are presented.
Surveys for natural enemies of the tomato red spider mite Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae) in northeastern and southeastern Brazil
Authors: FIABOE KOMI K. M. , GONDIM JR MANOEL G. C. , DE MORAES GILBERTO J. , OGOL CALLISTUS K. P. O. , KNAPP MARKUS
Published: February 2019

Surveys for predators of the tomato red spider mite Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard on solanaceous plants were carried out in north-eastern and south-eastern Brazil to determine prospective species for the control of the pest in Africa. Surveys were carried out in areas identified as climatically similar to regions in Africa where T. evansi has been reported as a pest and where prospective natural enemies may be introduced. A total of 56,445 mites and insects were found in 330 samples collected from 20 different species of solanaceous plants. Tetranychus evansi was found in only three samples, on Solanum americanum Mill. and Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.. A total of 5,023 specimens of predatory mites, of at least 44 species, and 494 specimens of acarophagous insects, of at least three species were collected. The predominant predatory mites were (in decreasing order): Phytoseius guianensis DeLeon, Pronematus ubiquitus (McGregor), Asca sp., Paraphytoseius orientalis (Narayanan, Kaur & Ghai), Phytoseius woodburyii DeLeon, Amblyseius compositus Denmark & Muma, Homeopronematus anconai (Baker), Neoparaphytoseius sooretamus (El-Banhawy), Cunaxoides sp., Typhlodromus paraevectus Moraes & McMurtry, Typhlodromalus peregrinus (Muma) and Phytoseius cismontanus DeLeon. However, no predatory mites were found in association with T. evansi. Among the insects, although not the most abundant, Stethorus tridens Gordon seemed to be most promising, as it was found associated with T. evansi in all samples in which the latter was found. Feltiella sp. was the most abundant acarophagous insect found, but it was never found associated with the pest.
On Vietnamese representatives of the ant spider genus Heradion (Araneae: Zodariidae)
Authors: CHAMI-KRANON THANAPHUM , ONO HIROTSUGU
Published: February 2019

A new species of the genus Heradion Dankittipakul & Jocqué, H. intermedium spec. nov., is described based on specimens collected in southern Vietnam. Heradion paradiseum (Ono) comb. nov., H. flammeum (Ono) comb. nov. and H. momoinum (Ono) comb. nov. are here transferred from Mallinella Strand. All the Heradion species treated in the present study belong to the H. naiadis-group which comprises six nominal species known from evergreen hill forests of Thailand and Vietnam. A map showing distribution of the species-group and a key to species of the genus Heradion of Vietnam are provided.
A new species of Chirostylus Ortmann, 1892 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Chirostylidae) from the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan, with a supplemental description of Chirostylus ortmanni Miyake & Baba, 1968
Authors: OSAWA MASAYUKI
Published: February 2019

A new chirostylid crustacean, Chirostylus stellaris, is described from the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan. The new species is morphologically close to C. ortmanni Miyake & Baba, 1968, but distinguishable by the armature of the meri of the male first pereopods and the proportion of lengths relative to the heights of the propodi of the second to fourth pereopods. The live coloration of the pereopods is also clearly different in the two species. Chirostylus ortmanni is described on the basis of specimens from various localities in Japan, to complement the original account of the species
Morphological variation of Stratiodrilus circensis (Polychaeta, Histriobdellidae) from a new host, Aegla leptodactyla (Crustacea, Anomura, Aeglidae) with identification of its type host species
Authors: DAUDT LUIZ C.C. , AMATO JOSÉ F. R.
Published: February 2019

Stratiodrilus circensis Steiner & Amaral, 1999, ectocommensal of anomuran crabs Aegla leptodactyla Buckup & Rossi, 1977 (New Host Record), is first recorded for the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, with some considerations on the observed morphological variation and the identification of its type host species. Thirty crabs were examined, 70% of which were positive for S. circensis. Intensity of infestation varied from 1 to 41 (arithmetic mean 13.3; SD 10.4). Eleven specimens of S. circensis from Aegla schmitti Hobbs III, 1979, collected from Rio Carvalho, tributary of Rio Piraquara, State of Paraná, (the type locality), were also examined. Differences in total body length, length of antennae, cirri, conical ventral lobes, and tubercles were found between the specimens described here, the specimens described in previous works, and the specimens from A. schmitti from Rio Carvalho. The geographical distribution of S. circensis is discussed
Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) of Portugal: genus-group names and their type species
Authors: BRANCO TRISTmO
Published: February 2019

The type species and nomenclature are discussed in detail of the genus-group names that have been used, correctly or incorrectly, in combination with species recorded from Portugal. This work strictly adheres to the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, in order to promote nomenclatural stability. The contents are strictly nomenclatural as no view is taken on the taxonomic validity or rank of the genus-group names. A total of 171 available names are examined. Evidence is provided in each case for the reasons why the stated nominal species is believed to be the validly designated type species. Many instances were found in the modern literature of type species statements not in compliance with the requirements of the Code. In most cases it is a senior synonym that is stated as type species, instead of the nominal species originally included when the genus was established. That, fortunately, does not cause nomenclatural instability but should be corrected. In three cases where nomenclatural stability is threatened, Anisoplia Schönherr, 1817, Phyllopertha Stephens, 1830, and Scarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758, it is suggested that prevailing usage should be maintained until a case is made to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature and a ruling is published.
Garrisonia aurindae gen. and spec. nov. from the State of Bahia, Brazil (Anisoptera: Libellulidae)
Authors: PENALVA R. , COSTA J. M.
Published: February 2019

Garrisonia gen. nov. is established for Garrisonia aurindae sp. n. (type species, holotype % and allotype & : Brazil: Bahia, Salvador, in Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro). Diagnoses and illustrations are given for similar genera of the region.
Checklist of raphignathoid mites (Acari: Raphignathoidea) of Turkey
Authors: DOñAN SAL§H
Published: February 2019

The list contains 112 raphignathoid mite species (Acari: Raphignathoidea) in 6 families known from Turkey. It is expected that the number of raphignathoid species in Turkey which inhabit different biotopes and climatic conditions will grow as comprehensive surveys continue. The most diverse family, Stigmaeidae, is represented by 51 species (46%) and the second one, Camerobiidae, is represented by 24 species (21%).
Two new species of Nicomache (Polychaeta: Maldanidae) from the Southwest Atlantic
Authors: DE ASSIS JOSÉ ERIBERTO , SAMIGUEL CARMEN ALONSO , CHRISTOFFERSEN MARTIN LINDSEY
Published: February 2019

Two new maldanid polychaetes were collected from the Ponta do Cabo Branco beach, Paraíba, Brazil, and represent the first record of the genus Nicomache for the southwest Atlantic. Nicomache (Nicomache) lanai sp. nov. has 22 setigerous segments, two pre-anal asetigerous segments, a dark beige colour on setigers 4–17, an anteriorly rounded prostomium forming a tall, arched keel, elliptical nuchal grooves that open posteriorly, 4–7 acicular spines on setigers 1–3, and an anal funnel with triangular equal-sized anal cirri, with concave sides. Nicomache (Nicomache) brasiliensis sp. nov. also has 22 setigerous and two pre-anal asetigerous segments, but the entire body is light-pink coloured. The prostomium is rounded anteriorly, but is longer, broadening posteriorly, forming a low, straight subterminal keel. This species has parallel nuchal grooves, with a sharp anterior angle, has only 4–6 acicular spines on setigers 1–3, and an anal funnel with short tapering, equal-sized anal cirri with convex sides.
Three new species of the genus Clubiona from China (Araneae: Clubionidae)
Authors: LIU PING , YAN HENG-MEI , GRISWOLD CHARLES , UBICK DARRELL
Published: February 2019

The present paper deals with three new species of the genus Clubiona collected from the Gaoligong Mountains Region of Yunnan Province, China: Clubiona applanata sp. nov., Clubiona altissimoides sp. nov., Clubiona cylindrata sp. nov.
Redescription of the genus Cavernicola and the tribe Cavernicolini (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), with morphological and morphometric parameters
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA MARIA ANGÉLICA , DE SOUZA RITA DE CÁSSIA MOREIRA , DIOTAIUTI LILÉIA
Published: February 2019

The genus Cavernicola Barber 1937 and the tribe Cavernicolini Usinger 1944 were originally described from a single species, C. pilosa Barber 1937. The description of C. lenti Barrett & Arias 1985 rendered inadequate certain diagnostic characteristics chosen for these taxa. These taxa and C. pilosa are redescribed here based on morphological and morphometric studies of the two species.
Three new genera of Onychiuridae (Collembola)
Authors: POMORSKI ROMUALD J.
Published: February 2019

Three species of Onychiuridae are redescribed from North America and North Africa: Similonychiurus voegtlini (Christiansen & Bellinger, 1980) gen. n. & comb. nov.; Wandaphorura millsi (Chamberlain, 1943) gen. n. & comb. nov. and Pilonychiurus delhezi (Stomp, 1983) gen. n. & comb. nov. . Lectotype of W. millsi is designated. Because of modified maxillae and labial palp S. voegtlini is classified to the subfamily Lophognathellinae. W. millsi belongs to the tribe Hymenaphorurini within the subfamily Onychiurinae. P. delhezi has been provisionally classified to the tribe Onychiurini, but further study of additional material is needed to ascertain this relationship.
A new species of the natricine snake genus Amphiesma from the Indochinese Region (Squamata: Colubridae: Natricinae)
Authors: DAVID PATRICK , BAIN RAOUL H. , TRUONG NGUYEN QUANG , ORLOV NIKOLAI L. , VOGEL GERNOT , THANH VU NGOC , ZIEGLER THOMAS
Published: February 2019

A new species of the natricine snake genus Amphiesma is described from Central Vietnam and possibly Thailand. Amphiesma leucomystax spec. nov. is distinguished from other species of the Indochinese Region by the combination of a bright, broad white stripe extending below the eye from the tip of the snout to posterior supralabials and the neck, dorsolateral series of aligned, transversally elongated or divided spots, 19 dorsal scale rows at midbody, two first rows of dorsal scale rows smooth, moderately sized eyes, a high number of ventral scales (at least 154), and 1 anterior temporal. Its relationships with other Amphiesma species with 19 dorsal scale rows are discussed. Amphiesma leucomystax spec. nov. seems to be close to A. boulengeri. A key to the species of Amphiesma from the Indochinese Region is provided.
A new species of Ologamasus (Acari: Ologamasidae) from Brazil
Authors: SILVA E. S. , DE MORAES G. J. , KRANTZ G. W.
Published: February 2019

Ologamasus cananeiae sp. n. is described based on specimens representing all postembryonic stages, collected from litter in a forest area of southeastern Brazil. A key is provided to help in the separation of the seven species known worldwide.
Balantiocheilos ambusticauda, a new and possibly extinct species of cyprinid fish from Indochina (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)
Authors: NG HEOK HEE , KOTTELAT MAURICE
Published: February 2019

Balantiocheilos ambusticauda sp. nov. is described from the Mekong and Chao Phraya river drainages in Indochina (mainland Southeast Asia). It can be distinguished from its only congener, B. melanopterus, in having a shorter snout (27.5–33.9% HL vs. 33.2–39.1), posteriorly directed grooves at rictus curved (vs. straight), and narrower black margins on the pelvic and anal fins (on distal third or less vs. on distal half or more). The possibility that B. ambusticauda is extinct is also discussed.
A new species of Mastigoproctus Pocock, 1894 (Thelyphonida: Thelyphonidae) from Venezuela
Authors: VIQUEZ CARLOS , DE ARMAS LUIS F.
Published: February 2019

A new species of Venezuelan whip scorpions belonging to the genus Mastigoproctus Pocock is herein described from Bolivar state. This new species mainly differs from the Venezuelan Mastigoproctus formidabilis Hirst, and the Colombian Mastigoproctus colombianus Mello-Leitão in male pedipalp sculpture and proportions as well as in female genitalia. Now, Mastigoproctus is represented in Venezuela by two apparently very related species.
Taxonomic study on the family Nippobodidae (Acari: Oribatida) from China
Authors: CHEN JUN , WANG HUI-FU
Published: February 2019

Five new species of Nippobodidae from China: Leobodes carinatus sp. nov., L. praeconcavus sp. nov., Nippobodes flagellifer sp. nov., N. peniculatus sp. nov., and N. pseudobrevisetiger sp. nov., are proposed and described on the basis of adults, and Nippobodes tamlaensis Choi, 1996 is newly recorded for China. A revised diagnosis of the family is provided. Leobodes monstruosus Jeleva et Vu, 1987 is transferred to the genus Nippobodes Aoki, 1959. A key to the 17 species of Nippobodidae known worldwide is presented.
The wasp genus Olixon Cameron in Madagascar: first record and description of two new species (Hymenoptera: Rhopalosomatidae)
Authors: LOHRMANN VOLKER , OHL MICHAEL
Published: February 2019

Two new species, Olixon toliaraensis sp. nov. and Olixon martini sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Rhopalosomatidae) are described from Madagascar. They represent the first record of this genus from this island. The two species are morphologically similar, but Olixon toliaraensis sp. nov. is mainly characterized by an indentation of the apicolateral carina of the head and a vertex with a weak medial impression. Olixon martini sp. nov. lacks these characters. Photos of the new species, drawings of the diagnostic characters, a distribution map, and an updated key to the Olixon of the world are provided.
A new genus of tribelocephaline assassin bugs from Borneo (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: RÉDEI DÁVID
Published: February 2019

Enigmocephala deinorhyncha gen. n., sp. n. (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Tribelocephalinae: Tribelocephalini) is described based on an apterous female from Borneo. The new genus differs sharply from all other genera within the subfamily Tribelocephalinae by its unique labium. A key for the identification of the genera of Tribelocephalini is presented. Acanthorhinocoris Miller, 1940 is transferred from Tribelocephalini to Opistoplatyini.
Description of Metaprotella haswelliana (Mayer, 1882) (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Caprellidae) from Western Australia with designation of a neotype
Authors: TAKEUCHI ICHIRO , LOWRY JAMES K.
Published: February 2019

Metaprotella haswelliana (Mayer, 1882), the type species of Metaprotella, was originally described from Port Jackson, New South Wales, Australia and was reported from there in literature published between 1882 and 2003. However, the type specimens are lost and no further specimens could be found in recent surveys in New South Wales waters. The only current records are from Albany, Western Australia and from Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Based on the materials from Western Australia, the poorly known type species, Metaprotella haswelliana is redescribed, a neotype is assigned, and the genus Metaprotella Mayer, 1890 is redefined.
Two new species of the scorpionfish genus Trachyscorpia (Sebastidae: Sebastolobinae) from the southern Indo–West Pacific, with comments on the distribution of T. eschmeyeri
Authors: MOTOMURA HIROYUKI , LAST PETER R. , YEARSLEY GORDON K.
Published: February 2019

Two new species of the scorpionfish genus Trachyscorpia are described on the basis of 20 and 7 specimens collected from Australasia at depths of 731–1020 m and the southwestern Indian Ocean at depths of 620–1080 m respectively. The two new species, classified into the subgenus Mesoscorpia, are distinguished from the only other member of the subgenus, T. (M.) eschmeyeri, by the following characters: the tympanic spines absent (vs. usually present in the latter), the upper-jaw lip well developed, covering the premaxillary tooth band laterally (vs. lip poorly developed, the premaxillary teeth exposed laterally), scales absent on the lateral surface of the maxilla (vs. scales present), and 4 blackish saddles on the body in preserved specimens (vs. no blackish saddles). Trachyscorpia (M.) carnomagula sp. nov. differs from T. (M.) longipedicula sp. nov. in having 57–63 scale rows in longitudinal series (vs. 50–53 in the latter). They are also distinguished by several morphometric characters, including lengths of pelvic-fin spine and soft ray, and first anal-fin spine. The subgenus Mesoscorpia is redefined. A key to the species of Trachyscorpia and comments on distribution of T. (M.) eschmeyeri are also provided.
A new family of Cavilabiata from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation, China (Odonata: Anisoptera)
Authors: LIN QI-BIN , HUANG DI-YING , NEL A.
Published: February 2019

A new genus Nodalula gen. nov. and species Nodalula dalinghensis gen. et sp. nov. is described on the basis of a nearly complete specimen from the Lower Cretaceous of North-east China. Its special pattern of wing venation differs from those of the known Mesozoic Cavilabiata genera and allows us to include it in the new family Nodalulaidae within the Neobrachystigmata.
A new species of Leiosaurus (Iguania: Leiosauridae) from central-western Argentina
Authors: LASPIUR ALEJANDRO , ACOSTA JUAN CARLOS , ABDALA CRISTIAN S.
Published: February 2019

In this paper we describe a new species of the Leiosaurus genus from central-western Argentina. This new taxon presents remarkable differences regarding the lepidosis and coloration pattern compared to the other species of the genus: L. catamarcensis, L. paronae and L. bellii. The dorsal coloration pattern is unique and is characterized by dorsal markings similar to the colour design of some felines like the jaguar. This new species inhabits the highlands of central-western Argentina where steppe bunch grasses with low plant formation and low spiny shrubs prevail. However, little is known of its biology as with the other species of the genus Leiosaurus. The discovery of this new taxon is significant, because it has been one hundred years since the last description of a new species of these taxa.
A new species of Paguristes Dana, 1851 (Anomura, Paguroidea, Diogenidae) from the Mexican Pacific
Authors: PARENTE MANUEL AYÓN , HENDRICKX MICHEL E.
Published: February 2019

A new species of the hermit crab genus Paguristes, P. haigae n. sp., is described and illustrated from material collected in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Paguristes haigae n. sp. closely resembles P. tortugae Schmitt, 1933, from the western Atlantic and P. aztatlanensis Glassell, 1937 and P. oculiviolaceous Glassell, 1937, both previously known from the eastern tropical Pacific. Paguristes aztatlanensis features a proportionally much longer shield than P. haigae n. sp., an acute rostrum, longer than in P. haigae n. sp, and its ocular peduncle is proportionally shorter than in the new species; pereopods 2 and 3 are proportionally longer in P. aztatlanensis than in P. haigae n. sp. and third maxilliped of P. haigae n. sp. is armed while it is unarmed in P. aztatlanensis. P. oculiviolaceous posseses a relatively much longer antennule than P. haigae and the armature of the carpus of chelipeds varies in these two species. Paguristes haigae n. sp also shows somewhat resemblance to P. bakeri Holmes, 1900 and P. holmesi Glassell, 1937, but these two species have the anterior lobules of the telson unarmed while it is armed with 2–4 spines in P. haigae n. sp.
Freshwater Sawfish Pristis microdon Latham, 1794 (Chondrichthyes : Pristidae) in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Authors: THORBURN DEAN C. , MORGAN DAVID L. , ROWLAND ANDREW J. , GILL HOWARD S.
Published: February 2019

The Freshwater Sawfish Pristis microdon was captured in marine waters of King Sound, and estuarine and fresh waters of the Fitzroy and Robinson rivers, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. In light of the IUCN listing of the species as critically endangered, non-destructive means, including tagging-recapture data and information from specimens found dead on the banks, were utilised. Observations of sexual maturity, annuli present on vertebrae, recaptures of tagged individuals and length-frequency data suggested that the freshwaters of the Fitzroy River are a nursery for this species where immature individuals (up to 2800 mm total length) remain for a maximum of four or five years. Morphology and counts of the number of rostral teeth indicated that, in most cases, the rostral tooth morphology can be used to differentiate male and female P. microdon and also are useful in distinguishing this species from the congeneric and sympatric Pristis clavata. Furthermore, differences in the relationship between rostrum length and total length between the sexes may provide an effective diagnostic tool for the collation of historical distribution and sex ratio data from rostrums held in private collections. Rostral tooth counts and length at age data also suggest that the synonymisation of P. microdon, Pristis zephyreus and Pristis perotteti is not warranted.
New taxonomic position of several Macrobiotus species (Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae)
Authors: GUIDETTI ROBERTO , BERTOLANI ROBERTO , DEGMA PETER
Published: February 2019

The main character distinguishing Minibiotus from Macrobiotus is the presence of peribuccal papulae instead of lamellae. However, most Minibiotus species also share a set of characters of the bucco-pharyngeal apparatus. This set is defined by ten morphological features (the first seven common to all species, the last three to most of them): antero-ventral mouth (1), teeth in oral cavity absent or strongly reduced (2), a rigid and narrow buccal tube (3), buccal tube wall thickened below the point of insertion of stylet supports (4), stylet supports inserted at considerable distance from the posterior end of the buccal tube (5), short ventral lamina (6), short macroplacoid row length (7), a double curvature of the buccal tube (8), first macroplacoid situated very close to the pharyngeal apophysis (9) and three almost rounded macroplacoids (10). We examined the original descriptions and/or the type material of several species belonging to the genus Macrobiotus that seemed to present this set of characters. It was concluded that several species should be transferred from Macrobiotus to Minibiotus. The following new combinations are proposed: Minibiotus subintermedius (Ramazzotti, 1962) comb. n., Minibiotus pustulatus (Ramazzotti, 1959) comb. n., Minibiotus julietae (de Barros, 1942) comb. n., Minibiotus marcusi (de Barros, 1942) comb. n., Minibiotus granatai (Pardi, 1941) comb. n., Minibiotus allani (Murray, 1913) comb. n., Minibiotus crassidens (Murray, 1907) comb. n. and Minibiotus acontistus (de Barros, 1942) comb. n.. As a result of these new combinations, the genera Minibiotus and Macrobiotus appear to be more homogeneous, but their monophyly has not yet been demonstrated. Further data are necessary to better analyze the systematic position of Macrobiotus lazzaroi Maucci, 1986, Macrobiotus spertii Ramazzotti, 1957 and Macrobiotus striatus Mihelčič, 1949.
New species of terebellid polychaetes (Polychaeta: Terebellidae) from Australia
Authors: DE MATOS NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL , HUTCHINGS PAT A.
Published: February 2019

Four new species of terebellid polychaetes were found among unidentified or misidentified material deposited at the Australian Museum, Sydney while a study on the phylogenetic relationships among terebelliform polychaetes was being carried out. These new species are herein described and compared with the most similar congeners and, in cases of Amphitritides and Spinosphaera, comparative tables for all known species of these genera are provided. Amphitritides carawa sp. nov., is characterized by having 19–22 pairs of notopodia and nephridial papillae on segments 3 and 6–19, inserted anteriorly at base of notopodia and vertically aligned with them. Spinosphaera barega sp. nov., is characterized by having eyespots arranged in a circular patch on the lateral areas of the prostomium, 23 pairs of notopodia, characteristic “spinosphaera chaeta” present from segment 10–11 and nephridial papillae absent or not visible. Decathelepus wambira sp. nov., is distinguished from D. ocellatus, the only other known species of the genus, by lacking a tongue-like process originating from the distal part of the prostomium and by the morphology of notochaetae. Streblosoma bingarra sp. nov., is distinguished from other species of the genus by the presence of a large lower lip, arrangement of branchial filaments and the ventral surface on anterior body being tessellated and highly glandular.
A new species of Formicivora antwren from the Chapada Diamantina, eastern Brazil (Aves: Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae)
Authors: GONZAGA LUIZ PEDREIRA , CARVALHAES ANDRÉ M.P. , BUZZETTI DANTE R.C.
Published: February 2019

Formicivora grantsaui sp. nov. (Sincorá Antwren) is described from a series of specimens from the valley of the Rio Cumbuca (12 o 58’29”S, 41 o 21’29”W, elevation 860 m), 3.5 km northeast of Mucugê, Bahia, Brazil, and adjacent areas. It is more closely related to F. acutirostris, F. grisea, and F. rufa than to other species of the genus, differing from them by a combination of plumage and vocal characters. The new species is known only from the campo rupestre vegetation of the Serra do Sincorá between 850 m and 1100 m in the Chapada Diamantina, which is part of the Espinhaço Range, a distinctive area of endemism for birds and other groups of organisms in South America. In places it occurs sympatrically with F. rufa, but the two occupy different habitats.
The genus Manota Williston (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in Melanesia and Oceania
Authors: HIPPA HEIKKI
Published: February 2019

The following new species of Manota are described: M. biunculata (Papua New Guinea), M. evexa (Papua New Guinea), M. explicans (Papua New Guinea), M. gemella (Ambon, Maluku Utara, Indonesia), M. hirsuta (Papua New Guinea), M. orthacantha (Papua New Guinea), M. parilis (Papua New Guinea), M. pentacantha (Solomon Islands), M. perissochaeta (Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands), M. serawei (Papua New Guinea), M. sicula (Papua New Guinea), M. spathula (Papua New Guinea), M. subspathula (Papua New Guinea) and M. tricuspis (Fiji). Manota ctenophora Matile (New Caledonia), M. maorica Edwards (New Zealand) and M. taedia Matile (New Caledonia) are redescribed. Manota hamulata Colless, previously known from Palau, is redescribed and recorded from Papua New Guinea. Manota pacifica Edwards from Samoa is discussed and compared with the other species of the region. A key to the Melanesian and Oceanian species of Manota is given.
Description of a new species of Liaghinella (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from the Colombian Andes, with notes on its feeding habits and conservation status
Authors: FORERO DIMITRI
Published: February 2019

Liaghinella andina sp. nov. is described from the eastern Colombian Andes. Until now, the genus Liaghinella Wygodzinsky, 1966 included only L. farri Wygodzinsky, 1966, described from Jamaica. To find this new species for the first time in continental South America and at so high an altitude is remarkable. The new species is close to L. farri, but differs in color pattern, and in the structure of the head, male genitalia, and fore leg armature. For the first time a female of Liaghinella is described and sexual differences are highlighted. Keys to separate the related genera and the two known species of Liaghinella are provided. Biological information on the new species’ feeding habits on spiders is presented and discussed. Dorsal habitus photographs, in addition to photographs and illustrations of other morphological structures, are provided. Finding this new species in the remnants of an Andean montane forest adjacent to urban areas highlights the necessity of local conservation efforts in the Colombian Andes.Se describe Liaghinella andina sp. nov. de la cordillera oriental de los Andes colombianos. El género Liaghinella incluía únicamente a L. farri Wygodzinsky, 1966, descrita de Jamaica. Por primera vez se registra este género en Sudamérica continental y a gran altitud. La nueva especie es muy similar a L. farri, pero difiere de aquella por el patrón de coloración, la estructura de la cabeza, la genitalia masculina y la serie anteroventral de las patas anteriores. Por primera vez se describe una hembra de Liaghinella resaltándose las diferencias entre sexos. Se proporciona una clave para separar las dos especies conocidas, y otra para los géneros relacionados. Se brinda y discute la alimentación con arañas. Se presentan fotografías de los habitus dorsales, así como fotografías e ilustraciones de otros detalles estructurales. El haber encontrado esta nueva especie en remanentes de bosques Andinos muy cercanos a centros urbanos resalta la necesidad de esfuerzos de conservación locales.
A new species of deep-sea crab of the genus Chaceon Manning & Holthuis, 1989 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Geryonidae) from Western Australia
Authors: DAVIE P. J.F. , NG P. K.L. , DAWSON E. W.
Published: February 2019

Chaceon albus sp. nov. is described from off Western Australia. It is easily separated from the species with which it has long been confused, C. bicolor Manning, 1989, by proportions of the walking legs, orbital shape, gonopod form and colour. Characters to separate the new species from seven other Indian Ocean species are also discussed.
The first phyllosoma stage of Palinurus mauritanicus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)
Authors: PALERO FERRAN , ABELLÓ PERE
Published: February 2019

The external morphology of the first phyllosoma larva of the spiny lobster Palinurus mauritanicus is described based on hatched larvae, and compared with those described in other Palinurids. This constitutes the first scanning electron microscopy description of a phyllosoma of the genus Palinurus and the first complete description of a phyllosoma stage of P. mauritanicus. The first phyllosoma larva of P. mauritanicus hatches in a very advanced stage, compared to other palinurid genera, which would allow it to stay in the plankton for a shorter period of time. We cannot point out any major morphological differences from the congeneric species Palinurus elephas, co-occurring in most of its distribution area. The first phyllosoma larva of P. mauritanicus can be differentiated from those described for the genus Panulirus as well as from those of Scyllarus and Scyllarides widely co-occurring in the distribution area of P. mauritanicus, by the pereiopods 4 and 5 being already present as small buds and by the long, non-setose exopod on pereiopod 3. The morphology and differential position of the chromatophores of the living animal are also described.
Notes on the genus Eotetranychus (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Italy and France with a redescription of Eotetranychus fraxini Reck, new record for Italy and Western Europe
Authors: MIGEON ALAIN , MALAGNINI VALERIA , NAVAJAS MARIA , DUSO CARLO
Published: February 2019

Until now eight species in the genus Eotetranychus were known from Italy and nine from France. This study reports the presence of two additional species in Italy: E. aceri Reck and E. fraxini Reck and one in France: E. uncatus Garman. New host plants are reported for E. rubiphilus Reck and E. aceri, and distributional and host plant data are recorded for several other species. E. fraxini was previously known only from Georgia and Hungary and is redescribed here.
Taxonomic notes on some Chinese species of Neolucanus Thomson and Prismognathus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)
Authors: WAN XIA , BARTOLOZZI LUCA , YANG XINGKE
Published: February 2019

Two new synonyms are proposed for Chinese Lucanidae: Neolucanus montanus Kriesche, 1935 = Neolucanus aterrimus Weinreich, 1959 new synonym and Prismognathus platycephalus (Hope, 1842) = Prismognathus branczicki Nonfried, 1905 new synonym. Some observations on the abnormality of the holotype of Prismognathus klapperichi Bomans, 1989 and the similarities between this species and Prismognathus dauricus (Motschulsky, 1860) are discussed.
Description of one new species and a key to adults of Macrogynoplax Enderlein (Plecoptera, Perlidae) from Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: RIBEIRO JOSÉ MOACIR FERREIRA , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: February 2019

Three known species of Macrogynoplax Enderlein from Amazonas, Brazil are redescribed: M. delicata Ribeiro-Ferreira & Froehlich, from neotype, present designation; M. poranga Ribeiro-Ferreira & Froehlich, from neotype, present designation; M. pulchra Ribeiro-Ferreira & Froehlich from holotype and M. anae new species is described. A key to males is presented. M. marauia Froehlich is considered a junior synonym of M. delicata.
Review of the genus Amphinemura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Guangdong, China
Authors: LI WEIHAI , YANG DING
Published: February 2019

The species of the genus Amphinemura from Guangdong are reviewed and keyed. Three new species, Amphinemura ancistroidea sp. nov., Amphinemura filarmia sp. nov., and Amphinemura scalprata sp. nov., are described. Their relationships with related species are discussed.
Paradeontacylix megalaspium n. sp. (Digenea: Sanguinicolidae) from the carangid fish, Megalaspis cordyla of Bay of Bengal
Authors: LAKSHMI T. TRIVENI , MADHAVI R.
Published: February 2019

Sanguinicolids are blood flukes infecting marine and freshwater fishes in many parts of the world.  Smith (1997a, 1997b) furnished a list of sanguinicolids reported to that date, together with their hosts and geographic distribution.  Subsequently, many new genera and species of sanguinicolids were reported.  According to the recent review of Smith (2002), the family contains 19 genera.