bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hindwings of Ants: A Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Cantone Stefano , Von Zuben Claudio José
Published: April 2019

In this study, we compare and analyze different ant taxa hindwing morphologies with phylogenetic hypotheses of the Family Formicidae (Hymenoptera). The hindwings are classified into three Typologies based on progressive veins reduction. This analysis follows a revision of the hindwing morphology in 291 extant and eight fossil genera. The distribution of different Typologies was analyzed in the two Clades: Formicoid and Poneroid. The results show a different distribution of Typologies, with a higher genera percentage of hindwings of Typology I in the Clade Poneroid. A further analysis, based on genetic affinities, was performed by dividing the Clades into Subclades, showing a constant presence of hindwings of Typology I in almost all the Subclades, albeit with a different percentage. The presence of hindwings of Typology I (hypothesized as more ancestral) in the Subclades, indicates the genera that could be morphologically more similar to their ancestral ones. This study represents the first revision of the ants’ hindwings, showing an overview of the distribution of different Typologies.
Semitensor Product Approach to Controllability, Reachability, and Stabilizability of Probabilistic Finite Automata
Authors: Dou Wenhui , Li Haitao , Alsaadi Fuad E.
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes a matrix‐based approach to investigate the controllability, reachability, and stabilizability of probabilistic finite automata (PFA). Firstly, the state transition probabilistic structure matrix is constructed for PFA, based on which a kind of controllability matrix is defined for PFA. Secondly, some necessary and sufficient conditions are presented for the controllability, reachability, and stabilizability of PFA with positive probability by using the controllability matrix. Finally, an illustrate example is given to validate the obtained new results.
Host-Guest Complexations of Amine Boranes and Isoelectronic/Isostructural Quaternary Alkylammonium Cations by Cucurbit[7]uril in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Gamal-Eldin Mona A. , Macartney Donal H.
Published: April 2019

The host-guest complexation of six amine boranes (R3NBH3) by the macrocyclic host molecule cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) in aqueous solution has been investigated using 1H and 11B NMR spectroscopy. The limiting complexation-induced 1H and 11B chemical shift changes indicate that the amine boranes are included in the hydrophobic cavity of the host molecule. The host-guest stability constants for neutral  R3NBH3∙CB[7]  complexes (in the range of 105-107M-1) have been determined by 1H NMR competition experiments and are compared with the corresponding values for the isoelectronic/isostructural  R3NCH3∙CB[7] + complexes. Ammonia borane (H3NBH3) does not form a host-guest complex with CB[7]. The trends in the host-guest stability constant with the guest molar volume are examined, and the stability is ascribed to the hydrophobic effect (packing coefficient) and quadrupole-dipole interactions.
Dysbiosis and Variation in Predicted Functions of the Granulation Tissue Microbiome in HPV Positive and Negative Severe Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Chowdhry Rebecca , Singh Neetu , Sahu Dinesh Kumar , Tripathi Ratnesh Kumar , Mishra Archana , Singh Anjana , Mukerjee Indrashis , Lal Nand , Bhatt Madan Lal Brahma , Kant Ravi
Published: April 2019

Retrospective analysis has already shown correlation between severe Chronic Periodontitis (CP) cases with human papiloma virus (HPV). Hence, we aimed to explore deep-seated infected granulation tissue removed during periodontal flap surgery procedures for residential bacterial species between HPV+ and HVP- CP cases, which may serve as good predisposition marker for oral cancer. All CP-granulation samples showed the prominence ofFirmicutes, Proteobacteria, andBacteroidetesphyla with an abundance of gram negative anaerobes, exceptStreptococcus. In Beta diversity nonmetric multidimensional scaling plot, the random distribution of species was observed between HPV+ and HPV- CP granulation-samples. However, an abundance ofCapnocytophaga ochraceawas observed in HPV+ CP samples (p<0.05), whilePorphyromonas endodontalis,Macellibacteroides fermentas,Treponema phagedenis, andCampylobacter rectusspecies were highly abundant in HPV- CP samples (p<0.05). The differential species richness leads altered functions related to mismatch-repair and nucleotide excision-repair and cytoskeleton-proteins. Hence, differential abundance of gram negative bacterial species between HPV+ and HPV- granulation-samples under anaerobic conditions may release virulence factors which may alter pathways favouring carcinogenesis. Hence, these species may serve as good predisposition marker for oral-cancer.
Preparation and Study of Resin Translucent Concrete Products
Authors: Juan Shen , Zhi Zhou
Published: April 2019

The development of new building materials is a crucial engine for promoting the development of green energy efficient buildings. In this paper, based on the excellent properties of light guiding of resin materials, a new type of resin translucent mortar‐based concrete (RTMC) was researched; meanwhile, transmittance properties, mechanical properties, and thermal performance were studied, respectively. The results showed that the resin material possessed excellent light transmittance within the thickness of 100 mm, which can be as high as 93%. Moreover, when the area ratio was within 5%, the compressive strength of RTMC was close to that of plain concrete. Besides, RTMC had excellent thermal performance that the thermal conductivity of RTCM was 0.3815 w/(m·K), which was 60% lower than 0.89 w/(m·K) of plain concrete.
Models to Assess the Effects of Nonsmooth Control and Stochastic Perturbation on Pest Control: A Pest‐Natural‐Enemy Ecosystem
Authors: Tan Xuewen , Qin Wenjie , Tang Guangyao , Xiang Changcheng , Liu Xinzhi
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the impact of the threshold control strategy and environmental randomness on pest control. Firstly, a fixed‐time impulsive stochastic ecosystem with IPM strategy is proposed, where the local and global existence of positive solution and the boundedness of expectation are discussed in detail. Moreover a sufficient condition for the extinction of the pest population with probability‐1 is given. Then, a state‐dependent stochastic ecosystem with IPM strategy is proposed. By employing the numerical simulations, the effects of ambient noise intensity on pest‐outbreak are discussed. The result shows that there is a close relationship among the frequency of pest‐outbreak, ET, the environmental perturbation intensity, and control measures. This study helps us to understand the impact of random factors on pest‐outbreak frequency by theoretical derivations and numerical simulations; the results have directive significance in the design of an optimal control strategy for the department of ecological agriculture.
Specific Binding Peptides from Rv3632: A Strategy for BlockingMycobacterium tuberculosisEntry to Target Cells?
Authors: Sánchez-Barinas Christian David , Ocampo Marisol , Tabares Luisa , Bermúdez Maritza , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso , Patarroyo Manuel Elkin
Published: April 2019

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb, i.e., the aetiological agent); the WHO has established this disease as high priority due to its ensuing mortality.Mtbuses a range of mechanisms for preventing its elimination by an infected host; new, viable alternatives for blocking the host-pathogen interaction are thus sought constantly. This article updates our laboratory’s systematic search for antigens using bioinformatics tools to clarify theMtbH37Rv Rv3632 protein’s topology and location. This article reports a C-terminal region consisting of peptides 39255 and 39256 (81Thr-Arg114) having high specific binding regarding two infection-related cell lines (A549 and U937); they inhibited mycobacterial entry to U937 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Rv3632 forms part of the mycobacterial cell envelope, formed by six linear synthetic peptides. Circular dichroism enabled determining the protein’s secondary structure. It was also found that peptide 39254 (61Gly-Thr83) was a HABP for alveolar epithelial cells and inhibited mycobacteria entry to these cells regardless of concentration. Sera from active or latent tuberculosis patients did not recognise HABPs 39254 and 39256. These sequences represent a promising approach aiming at their ongoing modification and for including them when designing a multi-epitope, anti-tuberculosis vaccine.
Neutrosophic Function with NNs for Analyzing and Expressing Anisotropy Characteristic and Scale Effect of Joint Surface Roughness
Authors: Yong Rui , Gu Leiyu , Ye Jun , Du Shi-Gui , Huang Man , Hu Gaojian , Liu Jie
Published: April 2019

The shear behavior of rock mass significantly depends upon the surface roughness of rock joints which is generally characterized by the anisotropy characteristic and the scale effect. The large‐scale natural rock joint surfaces, at Qingshi Town, southeast of Changshan County, Zhejiang Province, China, were used as a case study to analyze the roughness characteristics. A statistical assessment of joint roughness coefficient (JRC) indicated the roughness anisotropy of different sized rock joints. The lower limit (JRCmean‐σ) was regarded as the determinate information, and the difference between lower and upper limits represented indeterminate information. The neutrosophic number (NN) was calculated to express the various JRC values. The parametric equations for JRC anisotropic ellipse were presented based on the JRC statistical assessment of joint profiles of various orientations. The JRC values of different sized joint samples were then quantitatively described by the neutrosophic function. Finally, a neutrosophic parameter ψ for evaluating the scale effect on the surface roughness anisotropy was introduced using the ratio of maximum directional roughness to minimum directional roughness. The case study indicates that the proposed method has the superiority in moving forward from subjective assessment to quantitative and objective analysis on anisotropy characteristic and scale effect of joint surface roughness.
Cooperative Guidance of Seeker-Less Missiles for Precise Hit
Authors: Zhao Jianbo , Xiong Fenfen
Published: April 2019

A novel cooperative guidance scenario is proposed that implements fire-and-forget attacks for seeker-less missiles with a cheap finder for stationary targets and without requiring real-time communication among missiles or precise position information. Within the proposed cooperative scenario, the classic leader-follower framework is utilized, and a two-stage cooperative guidance law is derived for the seeker-less missile. Linear-quadratic optimal control and biased proportional navigation guidance (PNG) are employed to develop this two-stage cooperative guidance law to minimize the control cost in the first stage and to reduce the maximum acceleration command in the second stage when the acceleration command is continuous. Simulations and comparisons are conducted that demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed guidance law.
Association of Cancer and the Risk of Developing Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yuan Ming , Zhang Zhiwei , Tse Gary , Feng Xiaojin , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Yan Bryan P. , Wu William K. K. , Zhang Huilai , Li Guangping , Liu Tong , Xia Yunlong
Published: April 2019

Aims. Previous studies have demonstrated epidemiological evidence for an association between cancer and the development of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). However, these results have been conflicting. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between cancer and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Methods. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for publications examining the association between cancer and atrial fibrillation risk published until June 2017. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI were extracted and pooled. Results. A total of five studies involving 5,889,234 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. Solid cancer patients are at higher risk developing atrial fibrillation compared to noncancer patients (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.66, p<0.00001; I2 = 67%, p=0.02). The risk of atrial fibrillation was highest within 90 days of cancer diagnosis (OR 7.62, 95% CI 3.08 to 18.88, p<0.00001) and this risk diminished with time. Conclusions. The risk of AF was highest within 90 days of cancer diagnosis. We should take into account the increased risk of atrial fibrillation development and, after this, study the embolic risk and potential indication of oral anticoagulation.
Lamellar Macular Holes: The Role of Microperimetry in Functional Assessment
Authors: Donati Simone , Della Valle Paola , Premi Elias , Mazzola Marco , Lo Presti Laura , Azzolini Claudio
Published: April 2019

Introduction. The aim of our observational cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between visual function and anatomical characteristics of LMH, considering in particular different subtypes of LMH and their features. Materials and Methods. This observational clinical study has been conducted in the Ophthalmology Clinic, ASST-Sette Laghi, University of Insubria of Varese-Como, Italy. Included patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, as well as MP1 microperimetry evaluation and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Two experienced masked observers evaluated OCT imaging in order to assess the integrity of the photoreceptor layer (interdigitation zone and ellipsoid zone: IZ/EZ) and the external limiting membrane (ELM). Results. Twenty-five patients affected by an LMH were evaluated. Eighteen eyes of 18 patients met the study criteria and were included. Based on morphological and functional data, LMHs were divided into two subgroups: tractional (tLMH) and degenerative (dLMH). We identified 11 tLMHs and seven dLMHs. Functional parameters showed a significative difference in visual acuity and retinal sensitivity between the two groups, respectively: (sample median and the interquartile range) 0.0 (0.0; 0.09) LogMAR vs 0.15 (0.09; 0.52) LogMAR and 16.2 (14.2; 17.7) dB vs 10.0 (7.5; 11.8) dB (p<0.05). Fixation was predominantly central in 90.9% of tLMH vs 71.4% of dLMH and stable in 81.8% tLMH vs 42.9% dLMH, but the differences were not statistically significant. Tractional and degenerative LMHs showed no significant differences in central foveal thickness. Conversely, LMH depth and horizontal diameters appeared different between the two groups. Tractional LMH showed a greater depth 257 (205; 278) μm vs 190 (169; 249) μm, whereas degenerative LMH showed a greater horizontal diameter 653 (455; 750) μm vs 429 (314; 620) μm (p<0.05). IZ/EZ line was unaffected in 81.8% of tLMHs eyes versus 14.3% of dLMHs eyes (p<0.05). Visual acuity and retinal sensitivity were higher in eyes with integrity of both IZ/EZ and ELM compared to those with a disruption of one or both layers (p<0.05). Conclusion. Two different subtypes of LMH showed peculiar functional aspects due to their morphological features. Tractional LMHs revealed higher visual acuity and retinal sensibility due to the relative preservation of the outer retinal layers compared to degenerative LMHs. Moreover, we underlined the importance of microperimetry to better identify functional defects in macular degenerative pathologies.
The Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential ofOpuntia ficus indica L. inermisExtracted Oil from Tunisia
Authors: Khémiri Ikram , Essghaier Hédi Badiaa , Sadfi Zouaoui Najla , Ben Gdara Neyla , Bitri Lotfi
Published: April 2019

Introduction.Opuntia ficus indica L. inermis(OFI) is used in traditional medicine pharmacopeia for its richness in natural bioactive compounds. It has been proven to be effective in the improvement of the healing of laser-induced skin burns. The aim of the present study was to investigate the wound healing effect of OFI extracted oil on full-thickness skin wound.Materials and Methods. The OFI seeds were firstly isolated from mature prickly pears, washed, dried, and then cold-pressed. The antimicrobial activities of OFI seed oil were estimatedin vitroagainst bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were calculated. Skin wound healing was investigated using an excisional wound healing model in rats. The skin wounds of three experimental groups of rats were topically treated once/day with saline solution (control group), 0.15 mg/mm2of a reference drug Esth’Elle Pharma Cicaplaie cream (reference group), and 0.6 μl/mm2of OFI seed oil (OFI oil group). The healing process was monitored daily and the percentage of wound contraction was calculated. A histological study was carried on skin biopsies.Results. The extracted oil has shown an interesting antimicrobial effect onEnterobacter cloacae, antiyeast effect againstCandida parapsilosisandCandida sake, and antifungal activity against three opportunistic cutaneous molds (Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Fusarium). Moreover, OFI oil has shown a good wound healing effect. It prevents cutaneous infections and reduces the reepithelialization phase.Conclusion. OFI extracted oil hasin vitroantimicrobial/fungal properties andin vivowound healing activity. It seems to be efficient in the treatment of cutaneous infections and the promoting of the scarring process.
Advances in the Management of HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: De Felice F. , Tombolini V. , Valentini V. , de Vincentiis M. , Mezi S. , Brugnoletti O. , Polimeni A.
Published: April 2019

Patients with human papillomavirus- (HPV-) related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) have a better prognosis than HPV-negative OPSCC when treated with standard high-dose cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy. Consistent with this assertion and due to younger age at diagnosis, novel approaches to minimize treatment sequelae while preserving survival outcomes become of paramount importance. Here, we critically reviewed the evidence-based literature supporting the deintensification strategies in HPV-related OPSCC management, including radiotherapy dose and/or volume reduction, replacement of cisplatin radiosensitising chemotherapy, and the use of transoral surgery. Undoubtedly, further researches are needed before changing the standard of care in this setting of patients.
Visual and Textual Analysis for Image Trustworthiness Assessment within Online News
Authors: Lago Federica , Phan Quoc-Tin , Boato Giulia
Published: April 2019

The majority of news published online presents one or more images or videos, which make the news more easily consumed and therefore more attractive to huge audiences. As a consequence, news with catchy multimedia content can be spread and get viral extremely quickly. Unfortunately, the availability and sophistication of photo editing software are erasing the line between pristine and manipulated content. Given that images have the power of bias and influence the opinion and behavior of readers, the need of automatic techniques to assess the authenticity of images is straightforward. This paper aims at detecting images published within online news that have either been maliciously modified or that do not represent accurately the event the news is mentioning. The proposed approach composes image forensic algorithms for detecting image tampering, and textual analysis as a verifier of images that are misaligned to textual content. Furthermore, textual analysis can be considered as a complementary source of information supporting image forensics techniques when they falsely detect or falsely ignore image tampering due to heavy image postprocessing. The devised method is tested on three datasets. The performance on the first two shows interesting results, with F1-score generally higher than 75%. The third dataset has an exploratory intent; in fact, although showing that the methodology is not ready for completely unsupervised scenarios, it is possible to investigate possible problems and controversial cases that might arise in real-world scenarios.
A Multibody Model of Tilt-Rotor Aircraft Based on Kane’s Method
Authors: Su Jianmin , Su Chengyue , Xu Sheng , Yang Xiaoxing
Published: April 2019

A tilt-rotor aircraft can switch between two flight configurations (the helicopter configuration and the fixed-wing plane configuration) by tilting its rotors. In the process of rotor tilting, the nacelles which drive the rotors tilt together with the rotors. Because the mass of the nacelles cannot be ignored compared to the mass of the whole aircraft, the tilting of the nacelles is a coupling motion of the body and the nacelles. In order to better character the aircraft dynamics during the nacelle tilting, a multibody model is established in this paper. In this multibody model, Kane’s method is used to build a dynamic model of a tilt-rotor aircraft. The generalized rates are used to describe the movement of the body and the nacelles (with rotors). The generalized active forces and generalized inertial forces of both the body and the nacelles (with rotors) are obtained, respectively, and the first-order differential equations of the generalized rates are obtained. The longitudinal trim of the XV-15 aircraft is calculated according to the single-body model and our multibody model, in this paper, and the results verify the correctness of the multibody model. In the process of nacelle inclination angle command tracking, the multibody model can provide more information about the disturbance torque of the nacelle than the single-body model, and model inversion control based on the proposed multibody model can obtain a better tracking result than a PID control method only using nacelle angle feedback information.
Modulation of Diacylglycerol-Induced Melanogenesis in Human Melanoma and Primary Melanocytes: Role of Stress Chaperone Mortalin
Authors: Wadhwa Renu , Li Ling , Singh Rumani , Wang Jia , Gao Ran , Nigam Nupur , Forestier Sandra , Ando Nobuhiro , Kaul Sunil C.
Published: April 2019

Skin color/pigmentation is regulated through melanogenesis process in specialized melanin-producing cells, melanocytes, involving multiple signaling pathways. It is highly influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as oxidative, ultraviolet radiations and other environmental stress conditions. Besides determining the color, it governs response and tolerance of skin to a variety of environmental stresses and pathological conditions including photodamage, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Depigmenting reagents have been deemed useful not only for cosmetics but also for pigmentation-related pathologies. In the present study, we attempted modulation of 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol- (OAG-) induced melanogenesis in human melanoma and primary melanocytes. In both cell types, OAG-induced melanogenesis was associated with increase in enhanced expression of melanin, tyrosinase, as well as stress chaperones (mortalin and HSP60) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Treatment with TXC (trans-4-(Aminomethyl) cyclohexanecarboxylic acid hexadecyl ester hydrochloride) and 5/40 natural compounds resulted in their reduction. The data proposed an important role of mortalin and oxidative stress in skin pigmentation and the use of TXC and natural extracts for modulation of pigmentation pathways in normal and pathological conditions.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Radiculomyelitis Disguised as Conversion Disorder
Authors: Shields Lisa B.E. , Alsorogi Mohammad S.
Published: April 2019

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common cause of genital herpes with a seroprevalence of 20–30% in developed countries and 80% worldwide. In addition to neonatal encephalitis and meningitis, HSV-2 is associated with radiculomyelitis marked by pain, paresis, sphincter disturbances, sensory loss, or ascending necrotizing myelitis. We report the case of a patient with a lengthy psychiatric history who presented with lower extremity pain and weakness. Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar MRI scans with and without gadolinium contrast revealed no significant stenosis, neural compression, or other abnormal findings, and the brain MRI with and without gadolinium contrast was normal. The initial diagnosis was conversion disorder due to myriad psychological stressors. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of CSF detected HSV-2 and a lymphocytic pleocytosis, and the diagnosis of radiculomyelitis was confirmed. She was treated with i.v. acyclovir for 3 weeks followed by valacyclovir. The patient attained no improvement of her symptoms within 8 months; however, she reported decreased pain and improved strength of the lower extremities by 17 months. Neurologists should be aware of the association between HSV-2 and radiculomyelitis, particularly in the setting of a patient with psychiatric comorbidities. Recognition of HSV-2 through PCR of CSF and prompt treatment with acyclovir may prevent devastating neurological sequelae.
Complete Paternal Uniparental Disomy of Chromosome 2 in an Asian Female Identified by Short Tandem Repeats and Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Zhang Xiaochuan , Ding Zhaojun , He Ruwen , Qi Jiying , Zhang Zijun , Cui Bin
Published: April 2019

Uniparental disomy (UPD) is a rare type of chromosomal aberration that has sometimes been detected in paternity testing. We examined a 3-person family (father, mother, daughter) first by using short tandem repeat markers, which revealed 4 markers, TPOX, D2S1338, D2S1772, and D2S441, on chromosome 2 that were not transmitted in a Mendelian style. We then performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) to determine the range of the UPD. Chromosome 2 in the daughter showed a complete paternal UPD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the 4th case of complete paternal UPD of chromosome 2 with no clinical phenotype. Our study suggests that WGS, when performed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of parentage testing, can provide a powerful method to detect an UPD.
The Role of Low-frequency Neural Oscillations in Speech Processing: Revisiting Delta Entrainment
Authors: Boucher Victor J. , Gilbert Annie C. , Jemel Boutheina
Published: April 2019

Studies that use measures of cerebro-acoustic coherence have shown that theta oscillations (3–10 Hz) entrain to syllable-size modulations in the energy envelope of speech. This entrainment creates sensory windows in processing acoustic cues. Recent reports submit that delta oscillations (<3 Hz) can be entrained by nonsensory content units like phrases and serve to process meaning—though such views face fundamental problems. Other studies suggest that delta underlies a sensory chunking linked to the processing of sequential attributes of speech sounds. This chunking associated with the “focus of attention” is commonly manifested by the temporal grouping of items in sequence recall. Similar grouping in speech may entrain delta. We investigate this view by examining how low-frequency oscillations entrain to three types of stimuli (tones, nonsense syllables, and utterances) having similar timing, pitch, and energy contours. Entrainment was indexed by “intertrial phase coherence” in the EEGs of 18 listeners. The results show that theta oscillations at central sites entrain to syllable-size elements in speech and tones. However, delta oscillations at frontotemporal sites specifically entrain to temporal groups in both meaningful utterances and meaningless syllables, which indicates that delta may support but does not directly bear on a processing of content. The findings overall suggest that, although theta entrainment relates to a processing of acoustic attributes, delta entrainment links to a sensory chunking that relates to a processing of properties of articulated sounds. The results also show that measures of intertrial phase coherence can be better suited than cerebro-acoustic coherence in revealing delta entrainment.
A new era in zoological nomenclature and taxonomy: ICZN accepts e-publication and launches ZooBank
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: April 2019

In this issue of Zootaxa, we publish the amendment of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, 4th edition (ICZN 1999) by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 2012: 1–7) to expand and refine methods of publication. This landmark publication not only defines the conditions for the validity of e-publications in zoological nomenclature and taxonomy, but also announces the formal transition of ZooBank (http://zoobank.org/) from being the prototype ICZN registry (started on 1 Jan. 2008; see Pyle et al. 2008) to the official ICZN registry. It should be noted that the original proposals for the amendment were also first published in Zootaxa (ICZN 2008), when we made a special effort to publish the paper for open access under the “Creative Commons Attribution License”[1] (Zhang 2008). We are doing the same here for this amendment (ICZN 2012) to ensure it reaches the widest possible readership.[1]See details http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Erratum: RAFAELA BASTOS-PEREIRA & ALESSANDRA ANGÉLICA DE PÁDUA BUENO (2012) New species and new report of Hyalella S. I. Smith, 1874 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Dogielinotidae) from Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil. Zootaxa, 3350, 58–68
Authors: BASTOS-PEREIRA RAFAELA , DE PÁDUA BUENO ALESSANDRA ANGÉLICA
Published: April 2019

(Erratum)
Genetic and morphological data support placement of Myrmotherula gularis (Spix) in the monotypic genus Rhopias Cabanis and Heine (Aves: Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae)
Authors: BELMONTE-LOPES RICARDO , BRAVO GUSTAVO A. , BORNSCHEIN MARCOS R. , MAURÍCIO GIOVANNI N. , PIE MARCIO R. , BRUMFIELD ROBB T.
Published: April 2019

Recent DNA-based phylogenetic analyses of the family Thamnophilidae have shown that the genus Myrmotherula is polyphyletic. Traditional plumage-based taxonomy has been misleading in terms of identifying independently evolving lineages within the complex. Here, we integrate a molecular phylogeny with morphometric information and ancestral reconstruction of syringeal character states of the Musculi vocales ventrales, to investigate the taxonomic position of M. gularis, a species for which phylogenetic affinities have long been uncertain. We show that M. gularis represents a long branch in the tribe Thamnophilini that is not closely related to any other member of the Myrmotherula complex. Its relationships within the tribe remain uncertain because of the lack of phylogenetic resolution at the base of the tribe. M. gularis shares a derived character state of the M. vocalis ventralis with Taraba, Hypoedaleus, and Mackenziaena, which supports a close relationship between M. gularis and the large antshrikes. M. gularis can be diagnosed from Myrmotherula and Epinecrophylla by this condition of its M. vocalis ventralis, and from Isleria by plumage and other morphological traits. The phylogenetic and morphological distinctiveness of M. gularis does not warrant merging it into any other genus. We propose that this species be placed in a monotypic genus, for which the available name Rhopias applies.
Confocal laser scanning microscopy technique for the study of internal genitalia and external morphology of eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea)
Authors: CHETVERIKOV PHILIPP E.
Published: April 2019

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a modern powerful technique that can be used for studying the externaland internal anatomy of arthropods. CLSM has seldom been used in acarology and very rarely for studying eriophyoidmites. It allows the capture of precise digital images of the fine details of external and internal chitinous structures, whichcan be further analysed using various computer programs. CLSM can serve as an effective tool for comparing closelyrelated and/or cryptic species, correcting diagnoses of poorly described taxa, studying immature instars, and particularly,for studying the structures and the functioning of the internal genitalia of adult females and males. In this paper, thepotential use of CLSM for the study of eriophyoids is demonstrated using specimens of 13 mite species and eight generafrom the families Phytoptidae Murray 1877 and Eriophyidae Nalepa 1898. This study showed that freshly mountedspecimens on microscope slides appeared to be the most appropriate for CLSM as older specimens tended to have reducedautofluorescence. The best choice for studying the external morphology and internal genital apparatus of eriophyoid mitesappeared to be the blue laser. Green and light blue wavelengths (488 nm and 532 nm) were found to be less useful. Thequality of CLSM images depended on the slide-mounting medium used. Among those compared, Hoyer’s medium wasfound to be the most appropriate whereas Heinze medium and media including Iodium gave poorer results. The empodiaand proximal parts of setae were shown to have very weak autofluorescence signals, but they reflected red (635 nm) and blue (405 nm) laser light, which could be detected with CLSM.
A taxonomic revision of the southern African species of dauber bees in the genus Megachile Latreille (Apoidea: Megachilidae)
Authors: EARDLEY CONNAL
Published: April 2019

The five dauber subgenera of Megachile that occur in southern Africa are revised. They are: Gronoceras, Maximegachile,Callomegachile, Chalicodoma and Pseudomegachile. This group comprises 43 valid species, nine of which are new to sci-ence. They are: Megachile (Callomegachile) soutpansbergensis sp.n., Megachile (Chalicodoma) gessorum sp.n., Mega-chile (Chalicodoma) sarahae sp.n., Megachile (Chalicodoma) richtersveldensis sp.n., Megachile (Pseudomegachile) gessisp.n., Megachile (Pseudomegachile) namibensis sp.n., Megachile (Pseudomegachile) pseudotaraxis sp.n., Megachile(Pseudomegachile) taraxis sp.n. and Megachile (Pseudomegachile) pseudotaraxis sp.n. Thirty-four new synonynyms havebeen recorded. Megachile simpsoni race yapiensis Cockerell is a junior synonym of Megachile bombiformis Gerstaecker;Megachile combusta Smith, Megachile nigrocincta Ritsema and Megachile tricolor Friese are synonyms of Megachile cincta(Fabricius); Megachile cerberus var. optima Cockerell is a synonym of Megachile felina Gerstaecker; Megachile chrysor-rhoea Gerstaecker is a synonym of Megachile rufipennis (Fabricius); Megachile perniciosa Friese, Megachile perniciosa var.pallipennis Friese and Megachile aridissima Cockerell are synonyms of Megachile rufiventris Guérin–Méneville; Megachileexcavata Cockerell is a synonym of Megachile demeter (Cockerell); Megachile kamerunensis totafusca Pasteels is a syn-onym of Megachile kamerunensis Friese; Megachile tritacantha Pasteels is a synonym of Megachile sheppardi (Pasteels);Megachile musculus Friese, Megachile johannis Pasteels, Megachile biexcisa Pasteels and Megachile johannis fulvosetosaPasteels are synonyms of Megachile karooensis Brauns; Megachile insolita Pasteels, Megachile reicherti Brauns, Megachileacanthura Cockerell, Megachile bipunctulata Pasteels and Megachile aurulenta Pasteels are synonyms of Megachile muri-na Friese; Megachile cinctiventris Friese, Megachile albopilosa Friese and Megachile lineofasciata Pasteels are synonymsof Megachile niveofasciata Friese; Megachile congruens Friese and Megachile flaviventris Friese are synonyms of Mega-chile schulthessi Friese; Megachile empeyi Pasteels is a synonym of Megachile cradockensis Friese; Megachile torridusSmith, Megachile decemsignata Radoszkowski and Megachile junodi Friese are synonyms of Megachile fervida (Smith);Megachile bullata Friese and Megachile trisecta Pasteels are synonyms of Megachile nasicornis Friese; Megachile laminataFriese and Megachile armatipes Friese are synonyms of Megachile mossambica Gribodo. The nomenclatorial history ofeach species is documented, descriptions are given, food plants are recorded and distribution maps are provided. A key to the included subgenera and keys to the species in each subgenus are given.
Revision of Asytesta Pascoe, 1865, with comments on the phylogeny of the Indo-Australian crowned weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorhynchinae)
Authors: SETLIFF GREGORY P.
Published: April 2019

The Indo-Australian crowned weevil genus Asytesta Pascoe, 1865 is revised. Forty-one species are recognized, including18 that are new: A. alexandriae, A. alexriedeli, A. allisoni, A. biakana, A. cheesmanae, A. concolora, A. emarginata, A.fayae, A. frontalis, A. gressitti, A. julieae, A. marginalis, A. morobeana, A. sedlaceki, A. thompsoni, A. tuberculata, A.vivienae, and A. woodlarkiana, new species. One subspecies, A. lugubris bidentata Voss is elevated to species status, A.bidentata Voss, new status. Four species are newly synonymized: A. circulifera Lea, 1928 = A. rata Heller, 1910, A.definita Faust, 1898 = A. humeralis Pascoe, 1865, A. granulifera Lea, 1928 = A. aucta Faust, 1898, and A. setipes Lea,1928 = A. lugubris Heller, 1895 new synonyms. Six new species groups are proposed. Lectotypes are designated for 18species. Two species are transferred from Asytesta to other genera: A. maura Pascoe to Microporopterus Lea and A.ypsilon Heller to Meroleptus Faust, new combinations. A checklist and key for all crowned weevil genera, key to speciesgroups and species of Asytesta, adult habitus illustrations, distribution maps, and line drawings of diagnostic charactersare provided.A phylogeny for the genus based on 82 adult morphological characters (187 states) for 41 ingroup taxa is alsopresented. All genera and species of the crowned weevil group as redefined here (including Cyamomistus Heller,Eudyasmus Pascoe, Glochinorhinus Waterhouse, Nothotragopus Zimmerman, Panopides Pascoe, and Zygara Pascoe),were included in the analysis to test the monophyly of Asytesta. Monophyly of Asytesta was supported only with thesynonymy of the monotypic genus Zygara. Accordingly, Zygara is a new junior synonym of Asytesta and Zygara doriae (Kirsch) is returned to its original combination with Asytesta; A. doriae Kirsch resurrected status.
Alona kotovi sp. nov., a new species of Aloninae (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from South Vietnam
Authors: SINEV ARTEM Y.
Published: April 2019

A new species of anomopod related to Alona quadrangularis (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) is described fromstreams in South Vietnam. Alona kotovi sp. nov. differs from the other species of Alona s. str. (the quadrangularis-group)by the morphology of its postabdomen, labrum and thoracic limbs. The presence of a short spine at the end of the malepostabdominal claw is unique to the new species. A. kotovi sp. nov. is well-distinguished from two other Old Worldspecies, A. quadrangularis and A. kolwezii, yet shares numerous similarities with South American A. yara. This is one more case of connection between South American and Australasian faunas of Chydoridae.
Comparative description of the Mediterranean erigonine spider Diplocephalus guidoi n. sp. (Araneae, Linyphiidae)
Authors: FRICK HOLGER , ISAIA MARCO
Published: April 2019

MCSNB: Museo Civico di Scienze Naturali “E. Caffi”, Bergamo, Italy; NMBE: Natural History Museum of Bern, Switzerland; HF: Private Collection Holger Frick; MI: Private Collection Marco Isaia, stored at Life Science and System Biology, University of Turin. ALE: anterior lateral eyes; AME: anterior median eyes; ARP: anterior radical process; DP: dorsal plate; DSA: distal suprategular apophysis; E: embolus; EM: embolic membrane; ISA: inner suprategular apophysis; PC: paracymbium; PLE: posterior lateral eyes; PME: posterior median eyes; RTP: radical tailpiece; ST: subtegulum; T: tegulum; TmI: Trichobothrium on metatarsus I; VP: ventral plate.
Paramoera anivae a new species of Eusiridae Stebbing, 1888 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Gammaridea) from the Okhotsk Sea
Authors: LABAY VJACHESLAV S.
Published: April 2019

A new amphipod species, Paramoera anivae sp. nov., from upper littoral of Aniva Bay of Sakhalin Island (Russian FarEast) is described. The new species belong to the species group of Paramoera without spines or teeth dorsally, inner plateof maxilla 1 with 5 plumose strong setae, inner plate of maxilla 2 with oblique row of 3–4 plumose long setae on inner margin.
Revision of the species Grouvellinus Champion, 1923 (Coleoptera: Elmidae) with long median pronotal carina, including descriptions of four new species from China
Authors: BIAN DONGJU , JÄCH MANFRED A.
Published: April 2019

Four new species of Grouvellinus Champion, 1923 with very long median pronotal carina are described from China: G. hongkongensis sp. nov. (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong), G. longiusculus sp. nov. (Jiangxi), G. mediocarinatus sp. nov. (Fujian, Guangdong), and G. robustus sp. nov. (Anhui). These species are obviously closely related to G. bishopi Jäch, 1984 described from Malaysia (Selangor). The latter is here recorded for the first time from Kedah and Perak (Malaysia). Habitus photographs, detailed line drawings of the male genitalia, as well as a key to the males of the species of Grouvellinus with very long median pronotal carina are provided.
New Directions in Critical Race Theory and Sociology: Racism, White Supremacy, and Resistance
Authors: Christian Michelle , Seamster Louise , Ray Victor
Published: April 2019

Critical Race Theory (CRT) provides a highly generative perspective for studying racial phenomena in social, legal, and political life, but its integration with sociological theories of race has not been systematic. However, a group of sociologists has begun to show the relevance of CRT for driving empirical inquiry. This special issue (our first of two on the subject) shows the relevance of CRT for sociological theory and empirical research. In this introduction, we identify primary concerns of CRT and show their sociological utility. We argue that CRT better explains the long-standing continuity of racial inequality than theories grounded in “progress paradigm,” as CRT shows how racism and white supremacy are reproduced through multiple changing mechanisms.
Application of Mn–Cu Helical Star-Shaped (Pine-Tree-Like) Sculpted Thin Films with Different Symmetries Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
Authors: Savaloni Hadi , Goli-Haghighi Shokoofe , Babaei Reza
Published: April 2019

In this work, the surface engineering method is used to produce Mn helical star-shaped (pine-tree-like) nanosculptured thin films with three-, four-, and fivefold symmetries on Cu substrates using an oblique angle deposition technique together with rotation of the sample holder at certain angles. Nano structure and morphologies of the produced samples were obtained by means of atomic force microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope.

Raman spectroscopy of the Mn/Cu samples impregnated by 4,4′-bipyridine (C10H8N2) solution with different concentrations, zidovudine (C10H13N5O4), and L-histidine (C6H9N3O2) was performed using 532 nm laser wavelength. A high degree of enhancement is achieved on Raman spectroscopy of all of these specimens. Comparison of the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) results for 4,4′ bipyridine (bipy) obtained in this work with the published literature using Ag and Au substrates in different shapes showed a significant enhancement improvement by using Mn sculptured structures. Reduction of the bipy concentration changed the enhancement factor. Enhancement factors of 107 and 105 were obtained for threefold symmetry sample using 2.885 × 10–2 and 10–3 mol L–1 bipy concentrations, respectively. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy results of this work show that Mn nanostructures designed and engineered in this work can not only replace Ag and Au materials, but also provide a much higher enhancement factor.
Determining the Age of Spoiled Milk from Dried Films Using Attenuated Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) Spectroscopy
Authors: Richardson Zack , Perez-Guaita David , Kochan Kamila , Wood Bayden R.
Published: April 2019

Milk spoilage is an inevitable occurrence, which generates waste and can result in food poisoning. When milk spoils, the off-flavor and curdling are due to excessive proliferation of various bacteria which causes pH changes. Time, temperature, environment, and previous handling practice all affect the spoilage rate. There is a need for a fast reliable and accurate method that can identify in situ early spoilage of milk. Here we show the ability of attenuated total reflection Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) in conjunction with multivariate data analysis to predict the age of milk. We found that dried films vastly increased the absorbance of important biomolecules within milk such as lipids, proteins, and sugars, compared to an unchanged milk sample. This allowed us to note the minor discrepancies that happened in spoilage. Spoilt milk was characterized by bands associated with increased lipids, proteins, and lactic acid and a decrease in carbohydrates. A semi-quantitative prediction model for milk spoilage at room temperature demonstrated ATR FT-IR spectroscopy can predict milk age with a root mean square error of prediction of approximately 14 h. The model showed poor performance in the first 40 h but the predictions improved significantly after this time. The experimental procedure proposed for detecting biomolecules within milk has the potential to improve common practice. Furthermore, the model would be a starting point for newer and improved methods to predict the spoilage date of milk, with potential commercial uses to reduce food waste and costs to the milk industry.
Mapping of Uranium in Surrogate Nuclear Debris Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Shattan Michael B. , Gragston Mark , Zhang Zhili , Auxier John D. , McIntosh Kathryn G. , Parigger Christian G.
Published: April 2019

This work describes the use of a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system to conduct macroscopic elemental mapping of uranium and iron on the exterior surface and interior center cross-section of surrogate nuclear debris for the first time. The results suggest that similar LIBS systems could be packaged for use as an effective instrument for screening samples during collection activities in the field or to conduct process control measurements during the production of debris surrogates. The technique focuses on the mitigation of chemical and physical matrix effects of four uranium atomic emission lines, relatively free of interferences and of good analytical value. At a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm, a material fractionation pattern in the surrogate debris is identified and discussed in terms of constituent melting temperatures and thermal gradients experienced.
Homogenization of Plasma Emission Collection for Multichannel Spectrometers
Authors: Lucchi John , Martinez Mauro , Baudelet Matthieu
Published: April 2019

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has recently demonstrated its unrivaled performance for broadband elemental imaging of surfaces. The dimensions of the laser sampling spot still being potentially larger than the interfaces of chemical domains, the plasma created at each location can be largely varying and inhomogeneous with contributions from the different sides of the interface. This variation can become problematic when imaging it on fiber bundles connected to multiple spectrometers. A spatially heterogeneous signal would lead to spatially dependent image on the fiber bundle causing inconsistent readings and loss of efficiency. Köhler illumination is used in this study to create a homogenous illumination, regardless of the source homogeneity, thus improving light collection efficiency. The performance of this approach was demonstrated with inhomogeneous spectral sources and applied to the LIBS analysis of a metallic interface, showing up to a sixfold improvement of the homogeneity of the plasma collection.