bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fast Computational Method for the Minimum Duration Transfer Trajectories of Space‐to‐Ground Vehicles
Authors: Liu Qingguo , Liu Xinxue , Wu Jian
Published: May 2019

On the conditions that the spacecraft engine is in finite thrust mode and the maneuver time is given, it takes a long time to compute the minimum duration transfer trajectories of space‐to‐ground vehicles, which is mainly because the initial values of the adjoint variables involved in the optimization model have no definite physical meanings and the model is sensitive to them. In order to develop space‐to‐ground transfer trajectory programmes in real time in an uncertain environment for the decision makers, we propose a fast method for computing the minimum duration transfer trajectories of space‐to‐ground vehicles with the given position of the landing point and the arbitrary maneuver point. First, the optimization model based on the hybrid method is established to compute the minimum duration transfer trajectory. Then, the region composed of maneuverable points is gridded and the initial values of the adjoint variables and the values of partial state variables of the minimum duration transfer trajectories at all gridded points are computed and saved to a database. Finally, the predicted values of the initial values of the adjoint variables and the values of partial state variables at any maneuver point within the region composed of maneuverable points are computed by using a binary cubic interpolation method. Finally, the minimum duration transfer trajectory is obtained by the hybrid method which takes the neighborhood of the predicted values as the search ranges of the initial values of the adjoint variables and the values of partial state variables. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method, which requires only 2.93% of the computational time of the hybrid method, can improve substantially the computational time of the minimum duration transfer trajectory of a space‐to‐ground vehicle under the guarantee of ensuring accuracy. The methodology of converting the time domain into the space domain is well applied in this paper.
Coordinated Tracking for Nonlinear Multiagent Systems under Variable‐Time Impulsive Control
Authors: Tian Yuan , Li Chuandong , Yang Xujun , Han Yiyan
Published: May 2019

This paper addresses variable‐time impulsive control for coordinated tracking problem in nonlinear multiagent systems. To make followers coordinately track the leader, a variable‐time impulsive controller is designed. Under some well‐selected conditions, the comparison system of variable‐time impulsive tracking control system is constructed by employing B‐equivalence method. And we theoretically demonstrate that the two systems have the same stability property. Coordinated tracking criteria of multiagent systems are obtained by considering the comparison system. Numerical simulation is also provided to illustrate the correctness of theoretical results and the efficiency of the variable‐time impulsive controller.
Jie Du Tong Ye San Prevents N-Nitrosomethylbenzylamine-Induced Esophageal Carcinogenesis via Inhibition of Inflammation and Proliferation
Authors: Zhao Simin , Jiang Yanan , Tian Tongde , Zhao Jimin , Xie Yifei , Chen Xinhuan , Lu Jing , Yang Feng , Li Honglin , Liu Kangdong , Dong Ziming
Published: May 2019

Jie du tong ye san (JDTYS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been used for cancer adjuvant therapy in clinical use and has been shown to be effective in cancer patients. However, the mechanism of JDTYS is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the chemopreventive effects of JDTYS for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to clarify the potential mechanism. N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced rat esophageal carcinogenesis was used to evaluate the effect of JDTYSin vivo. Rats were treated with NMBA 3 times per week, for a total of 5 weeks. Rats in the treated groups were given JDTYS for 35 weeks. When rats were euthanized, esophageal tissue and blood were collected to evaluate the effects of JDTYS. The pathological grading of the rat esophageal preneoplastic lesions was classified and statistically analyzed. The protein levels of c-Jun and Ki67 were determined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, inflammation markers nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the cluster of differentiation molecule 11B (CD11B) were also determined by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the expression of COX-2 and Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in rat serum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). JDTYS could inhibit the formation of NMBA-induced esophageal preneoplastic lesions. JDTYS could downregulate the expression of proliferation related proteins Ki67 and c-Jun. Moreover, inflammation related proteins NF-κB, COX-2, and CD11B were inhibited and PTX3 was increased by JDTYS. In all, JDTYS is a promising chemopreventive formula against esophageal carcinogenesis by regulating inflammation and inhibiting cell proliferation.
Serum Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase-Interacting Multifunctional Protein-1 Can Predict Severe Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis: A Pilot Monocentric Study
Authors: Ahn Sung Soo , Kim Jin-Ock , Yoon Taejun , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won , Park Sang Gyu
Published: May 2019

We investigated whether serum aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-interacting multifunctional protein-1 (AIMP1) could predict severe cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) based on the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS). Sixty-one patients with AAV were selected for inclusion from our prospective AAV cohort. AAV-specific indices and clinical manifestations were assessed, and laboratory tests were performed on the day of blood sampling. Patients with severe AAV were defined as those with a BVAS higher than the lower limit of the highest tertile of BVAS (BVAS ≥ 12). We measured serum AIMP1 levels of the stored serum samples. A total of 20 (32.8%) and 41 (67.2%) patients were classified as having severe and nonsevere AAV according to the cut-off of BVAS ≥ 12. Patients with severe AAV showed higher frequencies of general and renal manifestations, along with ANCA positivity, and exhibited a higher mean neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels, but lower mean haemoglobin and serum albumin levels than those with nonsevere AAV. The mean serum AIMP1 level in patients with severe AAV was significantly higher than that of patients with nonsevere AIMP1 (351.1 vs. 98.4 pg/mL, p = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis including variables showing significance in univariate analyses revealed that only serum AIMP1 exhibited a significant association with severe AAV (odds ratio 1.004, p = 0.031). When we set the optimal cut-off of serum AIMP1 for severe AAV to 50.28 pg/mL, patients with severe AAV more frequently had AIMP1 levels above the cut-off than those with nonsevere AAV (80.0% vs. 31.7%, relative risk 8.615, p < 0.001). The results from our study suggest that serum AIMP1 can be used to estimate the cross-sectional severe AAV population based on the BVAS.
Using Sacrificial Cell Spheroids for the Bioprinting of Perfusable 3D Tissue and Organ Constructs: A Computational Study
Authors: Robu Andreea , Mironov Vladimir , Neagu Adrian
Published: May 2019

A long-standing problem in tissue engineering is the biofabrication of perfusable tissue constructs that can be readily connected to the patient’s vasculature. It was partially solved by three-dimensional (3D) printing of sacrificial material (e.g., hydrogel) strands: upon incorporation in another cell-laden hydrogel, the strands were removed, leaving behind perfusable channels. Their complexity, however, did not match that of the native vasculature. Here, we propose to use multicellular spheroids as a sacrificial material and investigate their potential benefits in the context of 3D bioprinting of cell aggregates and/or cell-laden hydrogels. Our study is based on computer simulations of postprinting cellular rearrangements. The computational model of the biological system is built on a cubic lattice, whereas its evolution is simulated using the Metropolis Monte Carlo algorithm. The simulations describe structural changes in three types of tissue constructs: a tube made of a single cell type, a tube made of two cell types, and a cell-laden hydrogel slab that incorporates a branching tube. In all three constructs, the lumen is obtained after the elimination of the sacrificial cell population. Our study suggests that sacrificial cell spheroids (sacrospheres) enable one to print tissue constructs outfitted with a finer and more complex network of channels than the ones obtained so far. Moreover, cellular interactions might give rise to a tissue microarchitecture that lies beyond the bioprinter’s resolution. Although more expensive than inert materials, sacrificial cells have the potential to bring further progress towards the biofabrication of fully vascularized tissue substitutes.
On a Parametric Mulholland-Type Inequality and Applications
Authors: Yang Bicheng , Huang Meifa , Zhong Yanru
Published: May 2019

In this paper, by the use of the weight functions, and the idea of introducing parameters, a discrete Mulholland-type inequality with the general homogeneous kernel and the equivalent form are given. The equivalent statements of the best possible constant factor related to a few parameters are provided. As applications, the operator expressions and a few particular examples are considered.
Microarray Profiling of Circular RNA Identifies hsa_circ_0126991 as a Potential Risk Factor for Essential Hypertension
Authors: Liu Liya , Gu Tianlun , Bao Xingjie , Zheng Shuying , Zhao Jinshun , Zhang Lina
Published: May 2019

Essential hypertension (EH), a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, is an important public health issue. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in EH remain unknown. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel promising biomarker for the disease. The purpose of the present study was to determine the expression of circRNAs in the blood of EH patients and to evaluate the performance of circRNA for early diagnosis of EH. A total of 178 subjects were recruited in the case-control study. Initial screening was done by using the Agilent human circRNA microarray followed by qRT-PCR validation. Finally, miRNAs were combined with circRNAs to create a new early prediction model for EH. The expression level of hsa_circ_0126991 in EH patients was significantly higher in comparison with healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Using the interaction of miR-10a-5p in combination with hsa_circ_0126991 led to a sensitivity of 0.708, a specificity of 0.764, and combined area under the curve of 0.774 (95% CI: 0.705-0.843) for early diagnosis of EH. In summary, the present study uncovered a novel perspective that hyperexpression of hsa_circ_0126991 is correlated with the risk of EH and may serve as a stable biomarker for early diagnosis of EH.
Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes in South East Nigeria Using the Updated Diagnostic Guidelines
Authors: Onyenekwe Belonwu M. , Young Ekenechukwu E. , Nwatu Chidinma B. , Okafor Christian I. , Ugwueze Chidiebere V. , Chukwu Sunday N.
Published: May 2019

Background: Controversy still surrounds the choice of screening methods for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Updated guidelines on hyperglycemias in pregnancy, recognizes 2 categories; Diabetes in pregnancy or pre-gestational diabetes and GDM. Early screening and diagnosis of GDM prevents maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. Study Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of GDM and associated risk factors in a population of pregnant women in Enugu, South East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was cross sectional and descriptive. All pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were eligible for the study. A risk factor assessment questionnaire was administered. The one step universal screening with 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was used. The results were tabulated and categorized according to the World Health Organization (2013) Diagnostic Criteria. Statistical analysis was by SPSS version 21. Result: A total of 205 women were initially screened. Risk factors for GDM were identified in up to third of the subjects. They were aged 15–41 years (28.6 ± 4.9 years). OGTT was performed in 142 of the subjects (who came fasting). Gestational age was 8–40 weeks (28.5 ± 7.3); gravidity, 1–9 (2.4 ± 1.5); parity, 0–4 (1.3 ± 1.4); miscarriages, 0–5; and live births, 0–5. Blood glucose levels were 60–145 mg/dL (85.5 ± 12.5) fasting; 77–229 mg/dL (131.8 ± 27.2) at 1 h and 72–223 mg/dL (123.1 ± 25.0) at 2 h post glucose load. The WHO (2013) criteria for GDM were met in 51 subjects (35.9%), WHO 1999 in 29 (20.4%); IAPDSG/American Diabetes Association in 54 (38%); NICE in 44 (31%) and DIPSI in 25 (17.6%). Three subjects had diabetes in pregnancy. Previous miscarriages and macrosomic babies, family history of diabetes mellitus, previous GDM, hypertension and recurrent urinary tract infection were found to be significant risk factors for the development of GDM. Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of GDM in our local population. At every level, screening and management of GDM should be incorporated as a routine antenatal service.
Proopiomelanocortin Processing in the Hypothalamus Is Directly Regulated by Saturated Fat: Implications for the Development of Obesity
Authors: Razolli Daniela S. , de Araújo Thiago M. , Sant'Ana Marcella R. , Kirwan Peter , Cintra Dennys E. , Merkle Florian T. , Velloso Licio A.
Published: May 2019

In outbred mice, susceptibility or resistance to diet-induced obesity is associated with rapid changes in hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) levels. Here, we evaluated 3 hypotheses that potentially explain the development of the different obesity phenotypes in outbred Swiss mice. First, rapid and differential changes in the gut microbiota in obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR) mice fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) might cause differential efficiencies in fatty acid harvesting leading to changes in systemic fatty acid concentrations that in turn affect POMC expression and processing. Second, independently of the gut microbiota, OP mice might have increased blood fatty acid levels after the introduction of a HFD, which could affect POMC expression and processing. Third, fatty acids might act directly in the hypothalamus to differentially regulate POMC expression and/or processing in OP and OR mice. We evaluated OP and OR male Swiss mice using 16S rRNA sequencing for the determination of gut microbiota; gas chromatography for blood lipid determination; and immunoblot and real-time polymerase chain reaction for protein and transcript determination and indirect calorimetry. Some experiments were performed with human pluripotent stem cells differentiated into hypothalamic neurons. We did not find evidence supporting the first 2 hypotheses. However, we found that in OP but not in OR mice, palmitate induces a rapid increase in hypothalamic POMC, which is followed by increased expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 PC1/3. Lentiviral inhibition of hypothalamic PC1/3 increased caloric intake and body mass in both OP and OR mice. In human stem cell-derived hypothalamic cells, we found that palmitate potently suppressed the production of POMC-derived peptides. Palmitate directly regulates PC1/3 in OP mice and likely has a functional impact on POMC processing.
What Number Are We?
Authors: Baran David A. , Copeland Hannah , Copeland Jack
Published: May 2019

Background

In 2007, the United Network for Organ Sharing changed the way centers were notified of possible organ donors. In the new system, a donor sequence number (DSN) was provided signifying the position of a recipient on the list for a particular donor. Whether high DSN donors have equivalent outcomes is unknown.

Methods and Results

The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried between May 2007 and March 2014. DSNs were divided into cohorts of 5 (sequence 1–5, 6–10, and so forth). Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. In this dataset, 12 363 adult de novo heart transplants were performed, and the median DSN was 3 with 58.3% of donors allocated locally. The distance from donor to transplant hospital was ≤500 miles in 93.8% of cases. With increasing DSN group, recipients were older, with longer ischemic time, and higher distance (
P
<0.001 for all comparisons). As well, with increasing DSN, donors were increasingly older, female sex, mismatched gender (female donor with a male recipient), lower ejection fraction, hypertensive, and had a history of smoking, alcohol, or cocaine use. For the whole cohort, the 1-year and 5-year survivals were 89.7% and 74.8%, respectively. Survival based on various cut points of DSN was investigated; there was no difference regardless of DSN.

Conclusions

Most donors since 2007 were allocated within a close geographic range. DSN functions as a crowdsourced rank with most donors being selected within low numbers. Given the similar survival of donors at higher DSN, this represents an opportunity to increase transplant volumes.
Comparison Between Home and Ambulatory Morning Blood Pressure and Morning Hypertension in Their Reproducibility and Associations With Vascular Injury
Authors: Guo Qian-Hui , Cheng Yi-Bang , Zhang Dong-Yan , Wang Ying , Huang Qi-Fang , Sheng Chang-Sheng , Xu Ting-Yan , Li Yan , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: May 2019

Morning blood pressure (BP) is recommended to be assessed by either 24-hour ambulatory or home BP monitoring. By which methods morning BP assessed is more reproducible and more closely associated with vascular injury remains unknown. We, therefore, addressed this issue in 1049 referred untreated outpatients (51.9% women; average age, 51 years) who had performed 24-hour ambulatory and 7-day home BP monitoring and vascular evaluations. Irrespective of the assessment methods, morning BPs were all significantly (
P
≤0.027) associated with the arterial measures. The partial correlation coefficients of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio with home morning BPs were greater than those with the ambulatory morning pressures among the first 2 hours after awakening (0.21–0.37 versus 0.15–0.24;
P
<0.05). The associations with home morning systolic BP remained significant (
P
≤0.002) after full adjustment for evening BP, whereas those with ambulatory morning BPs became nonsignificant after full adjustment for 24-hour BP except that of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity with ambulatory morning (6:00–10:00) systolic BP. Of the 135 subjects who had both home and repeated 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring within 1 month, the coefficients of variation were ≈11% for ambulatory morning BPs and 5% for home self-measurements. In conclusion, morning BP, irrespective of the assessment methods and definitions, was generally reproducible and significantly associated with vascular indices. Nevertheless, home morning BP might be preferred than ambulatory measurements because of better reproducibility and stronger correlation with vascular indices.
Aspidistra erosa, A. sarcantha, and A. verruculosa (Asparagaceae), three new species from Vietnam
Authors: AVERYANOV LEONID V. , LE TUAN ANH , NGUYEN KHANG SINH , TILLICH HANS JUERGEN , NGUYEN DANH DUC , ANH HOANG LE TUAN , TRAN HOANG DUNG , THANH DAT PHAM THI , MAISAK TATIANA V.
Published: May 2019

The genus Aspidistra Ker-Gawler (1822 plate 628), overlooked for decades, is recently remarkably fast growing. During the past decade, about 90 species new to science were discovered and described, mainly from southern China, Vietnam, and Laos. With its diversity in flower morphology Aspidistra is among the most spectacular genera of Monocotyledons. Vietnam turned out to be especially rich in Aspidistra species (Tillich 2014), and at, least 30 additional species were discovered and described recently in this country (Averyanov & Tillich 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, Leong-Skornickova et al. 2014, Vislobokov et al. 2014a, b, 2016a, b, 2017, Vislobokov 2015, 2016, Olivier 2015, Averyanov et al. 2016, 2017, 2018a, b, Nguyen et al. 2017, Tillich et al. 2017, Tillich & Averyanov 2018). Meanwhile, the diversity of the genus in Vietnam remains insufficiently inventoried. Below we describe three more new species from central Vietnam.
Identification and host associations of some Thysanoptera Phlaeothripinae described from Australia pre-1930
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: May 2019

Among Australian fungus-feeding Thysanoptera, five new synonyms are recognised in Horistothrips Morgan, and among leaf-feeding species, three new synonyms are recognised in Teuchothrips Hood and one in Neocecidothrips Moulton. Horistothrips curviseta Girault is transferred to Neocecidothrips as the second species in that genus and its host-plant is identified. Cryptothrips additamentus Karny is transferred to Gynaikothrips Zimmermann and identified as a common kleptoparasite in the leaf roll galls of Gynaikothrips australis Bagnall. A key is provided to 13 Australian species remaining in Teuchothrips; host-plants are recognised for six of these, but seven remain known only from their original fragmented specimens.
Neanurinae and Morulininae of Moldova (Collembola: Neanuridae), with description of Neanura moldavica sp.nov.
Authors: BUŞMACHIU GALINA , DEHARVENG LOUIS
Published: May 2019

Ten species of Neanurinae and Morulininae are listed from Moldova, of which 8 are first records for the country. The new species Neanura moldavica (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae: Neanurini) is described. It differs from N. muscorum, its closest relative, by the absence of chaeta Di3 on Abd V, the position of chaeta E on the edge of tubercle Af (free in N. muscorum) and the additional chaeta of Ant I placed more laterally.
A conspectus of New Zealand flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) with the description of a new genus and species
Authors: THOMPSON F. CHRISTIAN
Published: May 2019

A key to the New Zealand flower fly genera is presented; one new genus (Anu Thompson, type una Thompson) and one new species (Anu una Thompson)) are described. A checklist of the flower flies of New Zealand is also included.
Track analysis of the Neotropical genus Sepedonea Steyskal (Diptera: Sciomyzidae): a proposal based on the phylogenetic analysis of its species
Authors: PIRES AMANDA CIPRANDI , MARINONI LUCIANE , DE CARVALHO CLAUDIO JOSÉ BARROS
Published: May 2019

The present study provides a track analysis of the species of Sepedonea, which are exclusively Neotropical and range from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. Individual and generalized tracks were obtained using the software ArcView GIS 3.2 from a database of species occurrence records. The results provide support for eastern Brazil as an area of endemism, previously defined as the Parana subregion. There was congruence between this pattern and a phylogenetic analysis of the species. A total of 10 biogeographical nodes and 20 generalized tracks were located in southeastern Brazil, particularly in the region of the Serra do Mar and the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain ranges. The formation of these mountain ranges possibly influenced the evolutionary history of the taxa. The area identified as relevant for the diversification of Sepedonea corroborates the point of view of the Atlantic rainforest as a hotspot for conservation. The biogeographical pattern of the genus was shown to be similar to the previously presented classification of the Neotropical region.
First record of the genus Myrmedonota Cameron (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from North America, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: MARUYAMA MUNETOSHI , PATRICK L. BRIAN , KLIMASZEWSKI JAN
Published: May 2019

The lomechusine genus Myrmedonota Cameron is recorded from North America for the first time. Myrmedonota is diagnosed, and two new species, M. aidani Maruyama & Klimaszewski, sp. nov., and M. lewisi Maruyama & Klimaszewski, sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Bionomical information is provided for both new species.
Descriptions of two new crayfishes of the genus Fallicambarus from southeast Texas with notes on the distribution of F. (F.) macneesei
Authors: JOHNSON DANIEL P.
Published: May 2019

Two new burrowing crayfish species, Fallicambarus (F.) houstonensis and F. (F.) kountzeae, are described from six and two southeastern Texas counties respectively. F. (F.) houstonensis can be distingished from other members of the subgenus by the following characters: ischia of third and fourth pereiopods bear hooks; mesial ramus of uropod with distolateral and distomedian spines, distomedian spine never projecting beyond margin of ramus; cheliped with sufflamen. F. (F.) kountzeae is similar to houstonensis, but the cheliped lacks sufflamen. New distributional records are given for Fallicambarus (F.) macneesei, a close relative which also occurs in southeast Texas.
An interactive identification key for genets and oyans (Carnivora, Viverridae, Genettinae, Genetta spp. and Poiana spp.) using Xper2
Authors: GAUBERT PHILIPPE , CHALUBERT ANTOINE , DUBUS GUILLAUME
Published: May 2019

We built an interactive identification key (IIK) to provide a user-friendly tool for the problematic identification of the Genettinae species (Genetta spp. and Poiana spp.) using Xper², a knowledge platform dedicated to taxonomic description and identification. A total of 45 qualitative characters were described after the observation of > 4500 specimens, representing 19 species. Assessing among-species discrimination efficiency per character partition and character, we were able to establish a list of 13 characters from skull and coat likely to optimize species identification among Genettinae. Genetta maculata and G. “letabae”, which belong to the large-spotted genet complex, was the only species pair that could not be distinguished. The IIK of Genettinae we propose herein (http://lis.snv.jussieu.fr/apps/xper/data/genettes/ web/) may be used to assist regular-basis update of distribution ranges, a needed effort for several poorly known species of high conservation concern.
Expanding horizons... The first report of the genus Mysmena (Araneae, Mysmenidae) from continental North America, with the description of a new species
Authors: LOPARDO LARA , DUPÉRRÉ NADINE , PAQUIN PIERRE
Published: May 2019

Mysmena quebecana, a new species of the spider family Mysmenidae is here described. Mysmena quebecana was discovered in a spider bio-inventory survey of the Yamaska National Park (Québec, Canada). We therefore report the first occurrence of the family in this province, as well as the first member of the genus Mysmena for continental North America.
Notes on Ernocornutia Razowski, 1988 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Euliini) with descriptions of seven new species from Ecuador
Authors: RAZOWSKI JÓZEF , WOJTUSIAK JANUSZ
Published: May 2019

The Neotropical genus Ernocornutia Razowski is compared with Pseudomeritastis Obraztsov, 1966, Seticosta Razowski, 1986, Ernocornutina Razowski, 1988, and Eristparcula Razowski & Becker, 2001. Seven new species of Ernocornutia from Ecuador are described and illustrated: E. firna, sp. n., E. paracatopta, sp. n., E. chiribogana, sp. n., E. termasiana, sp. n., E. sangayan , sp. n., E. pilaloana, sp. n., and E. pululahuana, sp. n. The new species bring to 12 the number of species currently included in the genus.
On the type specimens of the recently described Sulawesi pitviper Tropidolaemus laticinctus Kuch, Gumprecht & Melaun 2007 (Squamata: Viperidae)
Authors: KOCH ANDRÉ
Published: May 2019

Until recently, the Asiatic pitviper genus Tropidolaemus Wagler, 1830 comprised only two species, the rare T. huttoni (Smith, 1949) from India and T. wagleri (Boie, 1827) (for discussion about authorship and data of publication see Vogel et al. 2007), which is known to represent a polytypic complex of morphologically distinct species occurring in South Vietnam and from the Malaysian Peninsula through Sumatra, Borneo, the Philippines and on Sulawesi (Iskandar & Colijn 2001, Vogel 2006). In a first paper of a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the T. wagleri complex, Vogel et al. (2007) demonstrated that these widespread and medically important venomous snakes actually represent at least three different taxa (wagleri, subannulatus, and philippensis), of which T. wagleri sensu stricto is restricted to Southern Thailand, West Malaysia as well as Sumatra and some adjacent islands. Therein, the green form of Sulawesi pitviper population (in addition to those of Borneo, and most Philippine islands) was preliminary assigned to the taxon subannulatus Gray, 1842.
Drosophila sonorae (Diptera, Drosophilidae), a new species in the repleta species group from Mexico
Authors: HEED WILLIAM B. , CASTREZANA SERGIO
Published: May 2019

We describe a new species, D. sonorae Heed and Castrezana from Sonora, Mexico in the repleta species group of Drosophila (Drosophilidae, Diptera). This species is morphologically similar to other members of the newly established D. longicornis complex, and the well-established D. longicornis cluster. Host plant associations, biogeography, and distributions of species in both the longicornis and mulleri species complexes are discussed here.
Morphology of the larval stages of the spider crab Herbstia condyliata (Fabricius, 1787) (Brachyura: Majoidea: Pisidae) obtained in laboratory conditions
Authors: GUERAO GUILLERMO , ABELLÓ PERE , HISPANO CORAL
Published: May 2019

The complete larval development of the majoid crab Herbstia condyliata (Fabricius, 1787) from the western Mediterranean was obtained from laboratory culture. All larval stages (two zoeal stages and the megalopa) are described and illustrated in detail for the first time. The morphology of the zoeae and megalopa is compared with the corresponding stages of other known species of the family Pisidae. The zoeal stages of H. condyliata present a pleon with unusual characters within the Pisidae such as the presence of dorsolateral processes in pleomere 3, two dorsal setae in pleomeres 2–4 (second zoea) and the very long posterolateral processes in pleomeres 3–4. The megalopa can be differentiated from other Pisidae species by the presence of a very developed cardiac tubercle on the carapace and the absence of plumose setae on the basal segment of the first maxilliped exopod.
Genetic Relationship between the Carmine Spider Mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) and the Two-spotted Mite T. urticae Koch in China Based on the mtDNA COI and rDNA ITS2 Sequences
Authors: XIE LIN , XIE RONG-RONG , ZHANG KAI-JUN , HONG XIAO-YUE
Published: May 2019

The population structure of the Chinese carmine spider mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) was investigated by amplifying and sequencing a portion of the mitochondrial DNA gene coding for cytochrome oxidase I (COI, 453bp) and a portion in the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2, ˜645bp) of rDNA. Nineteen T. cinnabarinus populations of various geographical origins were sampled from all over China. Intraspecific variation analysis showed that 81 nucleotide positions (17.9% of the total length) were found polymorphic in COI sequences, of which 88.9% were silent substitutions. Compared with COI sequences, there were only 11 differences (five transversions, five transitions and one 2bp insertion/deletion) in the ITS2 sequences among these populations. We argue that the reasons for less ITS2 divergences might be that ancestral polymorphism was generally lower for ITS2 than for COI. From the trees established by MEGA based on Kimura-2-parameter distance, we found that the phylogenetic relationships inferred from COI and ITS2 sequences approximately accorded with their geographical relationships. It has long been considered in China that T. cinnabarinus and T. urticae are two independent species. However, the molecular phylogeny obtained by mtDNA and rDNA analyses indicated that T. cinnabarinus and T. urticae from China were not clearly distinguished from each other.
Descriptions of four new species of Caridina (Decapoda: Atyidae) from China
Authors: WANG LIQING , LIANG XIANGQIU , LI FAN
Published: May 2019

Four new species, Caridina maculata sp. nov., C. venusta sp. nov.,C. tumida sp. nov. and C. meridionalis sp. nov. are described from Guangdong Province, China. Caridina maculata sp. nov. and C. venusta sp. nov. are popular in the commercial pet markets as ornamental shrimp.
Species limits in Antbirds (Aves: Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae): an evaluation of Plumbeous Antvireo (Dysithamnus plumbeus) based on vocalizations
Authors: ISLER MORTON L. , ISLER PHYLLIS R. , WHITNEY BRET M.
Published: May 2019

Through most of the 20th Century, Dysithamnus plumbeus was considered to comprise three geographically remote subspecies based on plumage: D. p. plumbeus of the lowlands of southeastern Brazil; D. p. leucostictus of the east slope of the Andes from central Colombia to extreme northern Peru; and D .p tucuyensis endemic to the mountains of northern Venezuela. Some recent authors have elevated these taxa to species status without providing additional evidence. We analyzed vocal differences among these taxa and compared the extent of diagnostic differences to a benchmark for species status under the Biological Species Concept (BSC). Vocalizations of D. plumbeus differed sufficiently from the others for D. plumbeus to be considered specifically distinct. Although both calls and loudsongs of the two remaining taxa differed from each other in some aspects, the differences did not meet our benchmark for species separation. We therefore recommend that they be designated as D. leucostictus leucostictus and D. leucostictus tucuyensis pending the acquisition of additional vocal recordings or other contrary evidence.
A new species of Anisentomon from Hainan, Southern China (Protura: Eosentomidae)
Authors: XIONG YAN , BU YUN , YIN WEN YING
Published: May 2019

Anisentomon hainanense new species is described from Hainan Province, Southern China. This species is characterized by the presence of four anterior setae on urosternites IV–VII and six setae on urosternites IX–X, also by one pair of curved spines on urotergite X in the position of setae A1.The shapes of the paired spines on urotergites X or XI are compared for the five known species of this genus. An updated key to the Chinese species of Anisentomon is also presented.
Notes on the genus Aulacogenia Stal (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) from China, with the description of a new species
Authors: WANG HESHENG , CAI WANZHI , LI QIANG
Published: May 2019

A new stenopodaine reduviid, Aulacogenia zhangi sp. nov., from China is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the acutangula group. A key to the Chinese species of this genus is provided.
Description of Leptoomus janzeni, n. gen. and n. sp. (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) from Baltic amber, and discussion of its relationships and classification relative to Eupelmidae, Tanaostigmatidae and Encyrtidae
Authors: GIBSON GARY A. P.
Published: May 2019

Leptoomus janzeni, n. gen. and n. sp., is described from 5 females and 2 males in 7 pieces of Baltic amber. An enlarged acropleuron forming the entire mesopleuron places the taxon within Eupelmidae, Tanaostigmatidae or Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), but it has a unique combination of features that differentiates it from extant members of these families. Its structural features are compared with those that characterize the three families and it is postulated to be the sister group of Tanaostigmatidae sensu stricto + (Cynipencyrtus + Encyrtidae) based on relative structure of its pronotum, prepectus and mesothoracic spiracle, and retention of two other putative symplesiomorphies, the presence of complete furrowlike notauli and a protibial apical spicule. Conflicting character states indicate other possible relationships, including a sistergroup relationship with Cynipencyrtus + Encyrtidae based on transverse-triangular axillae and a flagellum having only seven funicular segments, or with Tanaostigmatidae s. s. based on presence of an externally visible prepectal pouch, or possibly forming a monophyletic group with Tanaostigmatidae s. s. + Cynipencyrtus based on combined acropleuralmetacoxal structure. Several features support the monophyly of Tanaostigmatidae s. s., that is excluding Cynipencyrtus and Leptoomus, but these two genera are both classified in Tanaostigmatidae sensu lato until relationships are resolved more conclusively. Features possessed by different members of Neanastatinae (Eupelmidae) suggest that this subfamily may be closely related to Tanaostigmatidae s. l. + Encyrtidae, but possible relationships of Tanaostigmatidae s. s. are also discussed if its enlarged acropleuron and other skeletomusculature features associated with jumping are convergent to similar features in the other taxa.
Scamandra jakli sp. n. from Indonesia (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulguromorpha)
Authors: ROLÑÍK JAKUB
Published: May 2019

Scamandra jakli sp. n. from Indonesia, Siberut Island, is described. This species is similar to S. hecuba Stål, 1863 and S. semele Stål, 1863 from Sumatra and Malaysia, respectively.
A nomenclatural note in Cimicidae (Hemiptera) from South America
Authors: IORIO OSVALDO R. DI , TURIENZO PAOLA N.
Published: May 2019

Cordero & Vogelsang (1928) described Cimex furnarii found in nests of Furnarius rufus [rufus (Gmelin, 1788)] (Aves: Furnariidae), from Uruguay. In the same work, Cimex passerinus, found once in nests of Passer domesticus (L., 1758) [Aves: Ploceidae], was briefly described and illustrated; type-repository and number of specimens were not given. Carvalho (1939) includes Cimex furnarii in the genus Ornithocoris Pinto, 1927 [type-species: O. toledoi Pinto, 1927 by monotypy].
A new cavernicolous species of the genus Bergrothia Reitter, 1884 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) from Georgia
Authors: MAGHRADZE ETERI , FAILLE ARNAUD , BARJADZE SHALVA , HLAVÁČ PETER
Published: May 2019

During a biospeleological survey of caves of Imereti region (Georgia), a new species of the beetle genus Bergrothia Reitter, B. barbakadzei sp. nov. was discovered in three caves: Datvis (Bear), Prometheus and Melouri caves (Sataplia–Tskaltubo karst massif, Tskaltubo district). The new species is described, illustrated and differentiated from other morphologically similar species of the genus—B. mingrelica (Reitter). Bergrothia barbakadzei sp. nov. is the first cavernicolous species of the genus Bergrothia. A key to the species of this genus is provided.
A new species of anole from Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, Costa Rica (Reptilia, Squamata, Dactyloidae: Norops)
Authors: KÖHLER GUNTHER , VARGAS JOSEPH
Published: May 2019

We describe the new species Norops arenal sp. nov. from Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, north-central Costa Rica. In external morphology and genetic similarity of the 16S DNA barcode, Norops arenal is most similar to N. altae, N. fortunensis, N. fuscoauratus, N. gruuo, N. kemptoni, N. monteverde, N. pseudokemptoni, and N. tenorioensis. In morphology it shares with these species the following characteristics: (1) short hind limbs; (2) a single elongate prenasal scale; (3) tiny, smooth, often juxtaposed body scales; and (4) a slender habitus, often delicate. Norops arenal differs from these species, among several scalation details, by having a blackish central area in the male dewlap in life and in preservative (vs. no suffusion of black pigment on male dewlap in the other species), and a small red female dewlap in life (vs. dirty white, cream colored, or orange); extremely short hind legs with the tip of fourth toe of the adpressed hind leg reaching only to level of shoulder (vs. usually at least to level of ear in the other species); a short tail with a tail length/SVL ratio of 1.53 in single specimen with complete tail (vs. this ratio >1.6 in the other species); and a tiny size with 41.5 mm in single known adult male and 38.5 mm in single known adult female (vs. SVL of adults usually >42.0 mm). It further differs from N. altae, N. fuscoauratus, N. gruuo, N. pseudokemptoni, and N. tenorioensis by having a unilobed hemipenis (vs. bilobed in these five species).
Revision of the endemic Philippine Poeciloterpa Stål (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) with description of four new species
Authors: CRISPOLON ELORDE JR. S. , YAP SHERYL A. , SOULIER-PERKINS ADELINE
Published: May 2019

The genus Poeciloterpa Stål endemic to the Philippines with 9 known species is reviewed. Four new species are described and illustrated: P. altissima Crispolon et Soulier-Perkins sp. nov., P. conica Crispolon et Soulier-Perkins sp. nov., P. gapudi Crispolon et Yap sp. nov. and P. mangkas Crispolon et Yap sp. nov. Illustrations and descriptions for the male genitalia are given for the first time for all the species except for P. nigrolimbata Stål known only by two female specimens. A key to species is provided. The type of habitats where the species are found is discussed and new host-plants listed.
Examining Southern Ocean Cloud Controlling Factors on Daily Time Scales and Their Connections to Midlatitude Weather Systems
Authors: Kelleher Mitchell K. , Grise Kevin M.
Published: May 2019

Clouds and their associated radiative effects are a large source of uncertainty in global climate models. One region with particularly large model biases in shortwave cloud radiative effects (CRE) is the Southern Ocean. Previous research has shown that many dynamical “cloud controlling factors” influence shortwave CRE on monthly time scales and that two important cloud controlling factors over the Southern Ocean are midtropospheric vertical velocity and estimated inversion strength (EIS). Model errors may thus arise from biases in representing cloud controlling factors (atmospheric dynamics) or in representing how clouds respond to those cloud controlling factors (cloud parameterizations), or some combination thereof. This study extends previous work by examining cloud controlling factors over the Southern Ocean on daily time scales in both observations and global climate models. This allows the cloud controlling factors to be examined in the context of transient weather systems. Composites of EIS and midtropospheric vertical velocity are constructed around extratropical cyclones and anticyclones to examine how the different dynamical cloud controlling factors influence shortwave CRE around midlatitude weather systems and to assess how models compare to observations. On average, models tend to produce a realistic cyclone and anticyclone, when compared to observations, in terms of the dynamical cloud controlling factors. The difference between observations and models instead lies in how the models’ shortwave CRE respond to the dynamics. In particular, the models’ shortwave CRE are too sensitive to perturbations in midtropospheric vertical velocity and, thus, they tend to produce clouds that excessively brighten in the frontal region of the cyclone and excessively dim in the center of the anticyclone.
A Nonlinear Rank Regression Method for Ensemble Kalman Filter Data Assimilation
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2019

It is possible to describe many variants of ensemble Kalman filters without loss of generality as the impact of a single observation on a single state variable. For most ensemble algorithms commonly applied to Earth system models, the computation of increments for the observation variable ensemble can be treated as a separate step from computing increments for the state variable ensemble. The state variable increments are normally computed from the observation increments by linear regression using the prior bivariate ensemble of the state and observation variable. Here, a new method that replaces the standard regression with a regression using the bivariate rank statistics is described. This rank regression is expected to be most effective when the relation between a state variable and an observation is nonlinear. The performance of standard versus rank regression is compared for both linear and nonlinear forward operators (also known as observation operators) using a low-order model. Rank regression in combination with a rank histogram filter in observation space produces better analyses than standard regression for cases with nonlinear forward operators and relatively large analysis error. Standard regression, in combination with either a rank histogram filter or an ensemble Kalman filter in observation space, produces the best results in other situations.
The Advanced Dvorak Technique (ADT) for Estimating Tropical Cyclone Intensity: Update and New Capabilities
Authors: Olander Timothy L. , Velden Christopher S.
Published: May 2019

The advanced Dvorak technique (ADT) is used operationally by tropical cyclone forecast centers worldwide to help estimate the intensity of tropical cyclones (TCs) from operational geostationary meteorological satellites. New enhancements to the objective ADT have been implemented by the algorithm development team to further expand its capabilities and precision. The advancements include the following: 1) finer tuning to aircraft-based TC intensity estimates in an expanded development sample, 2) the incorporation of satellite-based microwave information into the intensity estimation scheme, 3) more sophisticated automated TC center-fixing routines, 4) adjustments to the intensity estimates for subtropical systems and TCs undergoing extratropical transition, and 5) addition of a surface wind radii estimation routine. The goals of these upgrades and others are to provide TC analysts/forecasters with an expanded objective guidance tool to more accurately estimate the intensity of TCs and those storms forming from, or converting into, hybrid/nontropical systems. The 2018 TC season is used to illustrate the performance characteristics of the upgraded ADT.
American Behavioral Scientist Special Issue: The Science and Imagination of Living Generously
Authors: Herzog Patricia Snell , Clark Chelsea Jacqueline , Osili Una O.
Published: May 2019

This special issue addresses the science and imagination of living generously. Generosity is investigated from multiple disciplinary approaches, across the seven articles included in the issue. The first article engages an economic approach to address heterogeneity and generosity for adult Americans, analyzing charitable giving before and after the great recession of 2008. The second article engages a psychological approach to investigate later life-course generosity by studying mortality salience – concerns over the end of life – and age effects on charitable donations. The third article engages sociological and management approaches to study how social science data impacts generosity, by investigating an interaction with data analytics during the life-course stages of emerging and young adulthood. The fourth article engages a psychological approach to examine earlier life-course dynamics, by studying whether and under what conditions children exhibit generosity of affection towards religious out-groups. The fifth article engages a psychological approach to investigate generosity, religion, and moral foundations for adults. The sixth article engages an economics approach to probe millennial generosity, challenging popular notions of greater selfishness in younger generations. The seventh article engages an educational approach to theorize connections between global and local ecological generosity in children’s stories, finding that creating stories together can be a tool to foster intergenerational transmission of care for the environment. Cumulatively, these seven article contribute new knowledge on generosity throughout complex and important life-course dynamics.