bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Analysis of CFG Pile Composite Foundation in Consolidating Saturated Mine Tailings Dam
Authors: Lai Jinxing , Liu Houquan , Qiu Junling , Fan Haobo , Zhang Qian , Hu Zhinan , Wang Junbao
Published: September 2016

Cement fly-ash gravel (CFG) pile is a widely used ground reinforcement technique. This paper aims to address the mechanical characteristics of CFG composite foundation in consolidating saturated mine tailings (MTs) dam. The field static load tests were employed to explore the bearing capacity of the CFG composite foundation, and finite element (FE) models in three dimensions validated through comparison with experimental results were used to discuss the pile-soil stress distribution and pile-soil stress ratio of the CFG composite foundation. The results indicate that the distribution of earth pressure and pile stress is relatively homogeneous and stable over depth and load, while the development of CFG composite foundation bearing capacity is insufficient, in which the developed bearing capacity of CFG piles is less than 50% of its characteristic value. Additionally, compared with the laboratory model test results, the pile-soil stress ratio decreases with the increasing of the load in FEM results proved to better conform to the actual engineering conditions. Furthermore, the deformation modulus and thickness of cushion exert significant influence on pile-soil stress ratio and integral bearing capacity of CFG composite foundation.
Numerical and Experimental Studies of a Light-Weight Auxetic Cellular Vibration Isolation Base
Authors: Zhang Xiang-Wen , Yang De-Qing
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a preliminary study of the dynamic performance of a novel light-weight auxetic (negative Poisson’s ratio) cellular vibration isolation base constituted by reentrant hexagonal honeycombs. Numerical and experimental analyses were conducted to reveal the effects of Poisson’s ratio (cell angle) and relative density (cell thickness) of these reentrant honeycombs on the dynamic performance of this novel base and to propose design guidelines for the best use of the auxetic cellular vibration isolation system. By doing numerical analysis, we found that, by decreasing the relative density of reentrant honeycombs and increasing Poisson’s ratio of them, excellent vibration isolation performance of the auxetic cellular base will be achieved. This analysis was followed by static, modal, and frequency response tests, which verified the results of the numerical analysis.
In Vivo Positional Analysis of Implantable Collamer Lens Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Authors: Elshafei Ahmed Mohamed Kamal , Genaidy Mahmoud Mohamed , Moharram Hossam Mohamed
Published: September 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the anterior segment, the anatomical position of the implantable collamer lenses (ICL), and its relationship to adjacent ocular structures using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM).Methods. In a prospective study, 142 myopic eyes of 93 patients implanted with Visian ICL were subjected to UBM examination between March 2010 and January 2015. The relative position of ICL to the adjacent structure and the overall iris configuration were evaluated. The machine calibers were used to measure the minimum central distance between the ICL and anterior lens capsule (vault) and the vertical central distance between the corneal endothelium and the ICL (E-ICL).Results. The mean ICL vault was376±105 μm. The mean E-ICL was2826±331 μm. Contact between ICL and the posterior epithelium of the iris was present in all eyes. The overall iris configuration was flat in 89 eyes. Central anterior convexity was present in 41 eyes and mild peripheral iris bombe in 12 eyes. The haptics could be imaged in the ciliary sulcus in 112 eyes and at least one haptic resting on the lens periphery and zonules in 30 eyes.Conclusion. UBM can provide valuable anatomical information that allows detailed postoperative in vivo assessment of ICL.
A Novel Metric Online Monocular SLAM Approach for Indoor Applications
Authors: Li Yongfei , Wang Shicheng , Yang Dongfang , Sun Dawei
Published: September 2016

Monocular SLAM has attracted more attention recently due to its flexibility and being economic. In this paper, a novel metric online direct monocular SLAM approach is proposed, which can obtain the metric reconstruction of the scene. In the proposed approach, a chessboard is utilized to provide initial depth map and scale correction information during the SLAM process. The involved chessboard provides the absolute scale of scene, and it is seen as a bridge between the camera visual coordinate and the world coordinate. The scene is reconstructed as a series of key frames with their poses and correlative semidense depth maps, using a highly accurate pose estimation achieved by direct grid point-based alignment. The estimated pose is coupled with depth map estimation calculated by filtering over a large number of pixelwise small-baseline stereo comparisons. In addition, this paper formulates the scale-drift model among key frames and the calibration chessboard is used to correct the accumulated pose error. At the end of this paper, several indoor experiments are conducted. The results suggest that the proposed approach is able to achieve higher reconstruction accuracy when compared with the traditional LSD-SLAM approach. And the approach can also run in real time on a commonly used computer.
Natural Compounds as Regulators of NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated IL-1βProduction
Authors: Tőzsér József , Benkő Szilvia
Published: September 2016

IL-1βis one of the main proinflammatory cytokines that regulates a broad range of immune responses and also participates in several physiological processes. The canonical production of IL-1βrequires multiprotein complexes called inflammasomes. One of the most intensively studied inflammasome complexes is the NLRP3 inflammasome. Its activation requires two signals: one signal “primes” the cells and induces the expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β, while the other signal leads to the assembly and activation of the complex. Several stimuli were reported to function as the second signal including reactive oxygen species, lysosomal rupture, or cytosolic ion perturbation. Despite very intensive studies, the precise function and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome are still not clear. However, many chronic inflammatory diseases are related to the overproduction of IL-1βthat is mediatedviathe NLRP3 inflammasome. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of studies that demonstrated the effect of plant-derived natural compounds on NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1βproduction. Although many of these studies lack the mechanistic explanation of their action, these compounds may be considered as complementary supplements in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, consumed as preventive agents, and may also be considered as molecular tools to study NLRP3 function.
Expression of Phenotypic Astrocyte Marker Is Increased in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease versus Age-Matched Controls: A Presymptomatic Stage Study
Authors: Doméné Aurélie , Cavanagh Chelsea , Page Guylène , Bodard Sylvie , Klein Christophe , Delarasse Cécile , Chalon Sylvie , Krantic Slavica
Published: September 2016

Recent mouse studies of the presymptomatic stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have suggested that proinflammatory changes, such as glial activation and cytokine induction, may occur already at this early stage through unknown mechanisms. Because TNFαcontributes to increased Aβproduction from the Aβprecursor protein (APP), we assessed a putative correlation between APP/Aβand TNFαduring the presymptomatic stage as well as early astrocyte activation in the hippocampus of 3-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. While Western blots revealed significant APP expression, Aβwas not detectable by Western blot or ELISA attesting that 3-month-old, APPswe/PS1dE9 mice are at a presymptomatic stage of AD-like pathology. Western blots were also used to show increased GFAP expression in transgenic mice that positively correlated with both TNFαand APP, which were also mutually correlated. Subregional immunohistochemical quantification of phenotypic (GFAP) and functional (TSPO) markers of astrocyte activation indicated a selective and significant increase in GFAP-immunoreactive (IR) cells in the dentate gyrus of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Our data suggest that subtle morphological and phenotypic alterations, compatible with the engagement of astrocyte along the activation pathway, occur in the hippocampus already at the presymptomatic stage of AD.
Experimental Investigation on Corrosion Effect on Mechanical Properties of Buried Metal Pipes
Authors: Hou Yingbo , Lei Deqing , Li Shujin , Yang Wei , Li Chun-Qing
Published: September 2016

Corrosion has been found to be the most predominant cause for failures of buried metal pipes. A review of published literature on pipe corrosion reveals that little research has been undertaken on the effect of corrosion on mechanical properties of pipe materials and almost no research has been conducted on corrosion effect on fracture toughness. The intention of this paper is to present a comprehensive test program designed to investigate the effect of corrosion on mechanical properties of metals in soil. Two types of metals, namely, cast iron and steel, are tested under corrosion in three different environments. A relationship between corrosion and deterioration of mechanical property of metals is developed. It is found in the paper that the more acidic the environment is, the more corrosion the metal undergoes and that the corrosion reduces both the tensile strength and fracture toughness of the metal. The results presented in the paper can contribute to the body of knowledge of corrosion behavior and its effect on mechanical properties of metals in soil environment, which in turn enable more accurate prediction of failures of buried metal pipes.
Corneal Epithelial Remodeling and Its Effect on Corneal Asphericity after Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia
Authors: Hou Jie , Wang Yan , Lei Yulin , Zheng Xiuyun , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2016

Purpose.To evaluate the changes in epithelial thickness profile following transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) for myopia and to investigate the effect of epithelial remodeling on corneal asphericity.Methods.Forty-four patients (44 right eyes) who underwent T-PRK were retrospectively evaluated. Epithelial thickness was measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at different corneal zones (central, 2 mm; paracentral, 2–5 mm; and mid-peripheral, 5-6 mm) preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The correlation between the changes in corneal epithelial thickness (ΔCET) and postoperativeQ-value changes (ΔQ) was analyzed 6 months postoperatively.Results.Epithelial thickness at 6 months showed a negative meniscus-like lenticular pattern with less central thickening, which increased progressively toward the mid-periphery (3.69±4.2,5.19±3.8, and6.23±3.9 μm at the center, paracenter, and mid-periphery, resp.,P<0.01). A significant positive relationship was observed between epithelial thickening and ΔQ 6 months postoperatively (r=0.438, 0.580, and 0.504, resp.,P<0.01).Conclusions.Significant epithelial thickening was observed after T-PRK and showed a lenticular change with more thickening mid-peripherally, resulting in increased oblateness postoperatively. Epithelial remodeling may modify the epithelial thickness profile after surface ablation refractive surgery for myopia.
NRBP2 Overexpression Increases the Chemosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Akt Signaling
Authors: Zhang Lixing , Ge Chao , Zhao Fangyu , Zhang Yang , Wang Xin , Yao Ming , Li Jinjun
Published: September 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma is highly resistant to chemotherapy. Research data supported that cancer stem cells (CSC) may be responsible for the chemoresistance and strategies that suppress CSCs stemness could also inhibit the drug resistance. In this study, we found that nuclear receptor binding protein 2 (NRBP2) expression was downregulated in the CD133+ hepatocellular carcinoma CSCs. Most adjacent noncancerous liver tissue analyzed expressed higher level of NRBP2 compared with cancerous tissue in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and high NRBP2 expression indicated a better prognosis. Real-time PCR results showed that NRBP2 negatively correlated with stemness-related genes, including Oct3/4, Nanog, Notch1, Ep300, and CD133 mRNA expression. High NRBP2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells downregulated CK19 protein expression, inhibited tumorsphere formation, and tumorigenesis ability, indicating that high NRBP2 expression restrains the hepatocellular carcinoma cell stemness. Overexpression of NRBP2 reduced the IC50 of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and NRBP2 expression was negatively correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma cell resistance to the chemotherapy agents, including cisplatin and the Akt signaling inhibitor perifosine. Coimmunoprecipitation results showed that NRBP2 could bind with Annexin A2 (ANXA2) and inhibit ANXA2 expression. Coexpression of ANXA2 restored the chemoresistant ability in NRBP2-overexpressing hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Further analysis showed that NRBP2 downregulated Akt and its downstream signaling target Bad phosphorylation level. ANXA2 coexpression partially restored the Akt phosphorylation. Analysis of the expression of Bcl2 family proteins showed that NRBP2 may increase hepatocellular carcinoma cell chemosensitivity by regulating expression of survival proteins involved in the Akt and Bcl2 pathway. These results suggest that NRBP2 plays an important role in the tumor progression and chemotherapeutic resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res; 76(23); 7059–71. ©2016 AACR.
Tn-MUC1 DC Vaccination of Rhesus Macaques and a Phase I/II Trial in Patients with Nonmetastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Scheid Elizabeth , Major Pierre , Bergeron Alain , Finn Olivera J. , Salter Russell D. , Eady Robin , Yassine-Diab Bader , Favre David , Peretz Yoav , Landry Claire , Hotte Sebastien , Mukherjee Som D. , Dekaban Gregory A. , Fink Corby , Foster Paula J. , Gaudet Jeffery , Gariepy Jean , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre , Lacombe Louis , Fradet Yves , Foley Ronan
Published: September 2016

MUC1 is a glycoprotein expressed on the apical surface of ductal epithelial cells. Malignant transformation results in loss of polarization and overexpression of hypoglycosylated MUC1 carrying truncated carbohydrates known as T or Tn tumor antigens. Tumor MUC1 bearing Tn carbohydrates (Tn-MUC1) represent a potential target for immunotherapy. We evaluated the Tn-MUC1 glycopeptide in a human phase I/II clinical trial for safety that followed a preclinical study of different glycosylation forms of MUC1 in rhesus macaques, whose MUC1 is highly homologous to human MUC1. Either unglycosylated rhesus macaque MUC1 peptide (rmMUC1) or Tn-rmMUC1 glycopeptide was mixed with an adjuvant or loaded on autologous dendritic cells (DC), and responses were compared. Unglycosylated rmMUC1 peptide induced negligible humoral or cellular responses compared with the Tn-rmMUC1 glycopeptide. Tn-rmMUC1 loaded on DCs induced the highest anti-rmMUC1 T-cell responses and no clinical toxicity. In the phase I/II clinical study, 17 patients with nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) were tested with a Tn-MUC1 glycopeptide-DC vaccine. Patients were treated with multiple intradermal and intranodal doses of autologous DCs, which were loaded with the Tn-MUC1 glycopeptide (and KLH as a positive control for immune reactivity). PSA doubling time (PSADT) improved significantly in 11 of 16 evaluable patients (P = 0.037). Immune response analyses detected significant Tn-MUC1–specific CD4+ and/or CD8+ T-cell intracellular cytokine responses in 5 out of 7 patients evaluated. In conclusion, vaccination with Tn-MUC1–loaded DCs in nmCRPC patients appears to be safe, able to induce significant T-cell responses, and have biological activity as measured by the increase in PSADT following vaccination. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(10); 881–92. ©2016 AACR.
LEFTYA Activates the Epithelial Na+ Channel (ENaC) in Endometrial Cells via Serum and Glucocorticoid Inducible Kinase SGK1
Authors: Salker Madhuri S. , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh , Alowayed Nour , Zeng Ni , Umbach Anja T. , Webster Zoe , Singh Yogesh , Brosens Jan J. , Lang Florian
Published: September 2016

Background: Serum & glucocorticoid inducible kinase (SGK1) regulates several ion channels, including amiloride sensitive epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC). SGK1 and ENaC in the luminal endometrium epithelium, are critically involved in embryo implantation, although little is known about their regulation. The present study explored whether SGK1 and ENaC are modulated by LEFTYA, a negative regulator of uterine receptivity. Methods: Expression levels were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, ENaC channel activity by whole cell patch clamp and transepithelial current by Ussing chamber experiments. Results: Treatment of Ishikawa cells, an endometrial adenocarcinoma model cell line of endometrial epithelial cells, with LEFTYA rapidly up-regulated SGK1 and ENaC transcript and protein levels. Induction of ENaC in response to LEFTYA was blunted upon co-treatment with the SGK1 inhibitor EMD638683. ENaC levels also significantly upregulated upon expression of a constitutively active, but not a kinase dead, SGK1 mutant in Ishikawa cells. LEFTYA increased amiloride sensitive Na+-currents in Ishikawa cells and amiloride sensitive transepithelial current across the murine endometrium. Furthermore, LEFTYA induced the expression of ENaC in the endometrium of wild-type but not of Sgk1-deficient mice. Conclusions: LEFTYA regulates the expression and activity of ENaC in endometrial epithelial cells via SGK1. Aberrant regulation of SGK1 and ENaC by LEFTYA could contribute to the pathogenesis of unexplained infertility.
Role of Dicer Enzyme in the Regulation of Store Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) in CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Zhang Shaqiu , al-Maghout Tamer , Zhou Yuetao , Bissinger Rosi , Abousaab Abeer , Salker Madhuri S. , Pelzl Lisann , Cobb Bradley S. , Cheng Anchun , Singh Yogesh , Lang Florian
Published: September 2016

Background/Aims: Activation of T cell receptors (TCRs) in CD4+ T cells leads to a cascade of signalling reactions including increase of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels with subsequent Ca2+ dependent stimulation of gene expression, proliferation, cell motility and cytokine release. The increase of cytosolic Ca2+ results from intracellular Ca2+ release with subsequent activation of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Previous studies suggested miRNAs are required for the development and functions of CD4+ T cells. An enzyme called Dicer is required during the process of manufacturing mature miRNAs from the precursor miRNAs. In this study, we explored whether loss of Dicer in CD4+ T cells affects SOCE and thus Ca2+ dependent regulation of cellular functions. Methods: We tested the expression of Orai1 by q-RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Further, we measured SOCE by an inverted phase-contrast microscope with the Incident-light fluorescence illumination system using Fura-2. Intracellular Ca2+ was also measured by flow cytometry using Ca2+ sensitive dye Fluo-4. Results: We found that in Dicer deficient (DicerΔ/Δ) mice Orai1 was downregulated at mRNA and protein level in CD4+ T cells. Further, SOCE was significantly smaller in DicerΔ/Δ CD4+ T cells than in CD4+ T cells isolated from wild-type (Dicerfl/fl) mice. Conclusion: Our data suggest that miRNAs are required for adequate Ca2+ entry into CD4+ T cells and thus triggering of Ca2+ sensitive immune functions.
Immunological Profile in Individuals with Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy
Authors: Kruschewsky Ramon de Almeida , Cardoso Luciana Santos , Fernandes Jamille Souza , Souza Robson da Paixão de , Lopes Diego Mota , Carvalho Otavio Augusto Moreno de , Araujo Maria Ilma
Published: September 2016

Background: Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR) is the most serious ectopic presentation of Schistosoma mansoni infection. The pathogenesis occurs mainly via the host inflammatory response to the eggs of the parasite that are stuck in the central nervous system, and the diagnosis is generally made by the exclusion of other neurological diseases. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the immune status of SMR patients and to identify a marker for SMR diagnosis. Methods: We enrolled 15 patients with a presumptive diagnosis of SMR, and the control groups included 17 patients with myelopathy associated with human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and 11 with other neurological disorders. The determination of soluble egg antigen-specific IgE and the levels of cytokines from Th1, Th2, Th17 and T-regulatory cell profiles and the chemokines MIP-1a and RANTES were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum using an ELISA technique. Results: We observed that SMR leads to an increase in IgE levels in the CSF compared to serum, and the levels of IL-13 and MIP-1α were significantly higher in the CSF and serum of the SMR patients than in the patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy. The levels of MIP-1α and RANTES were higher in the CSF than in the serum of the SMR group. The ratio between levels of IL-13, MIP-1α and RANTES over IL-10 was positive in the CSF of the SMR patients. Conclusions: These results indicate that S. mansoni-specific IgE in the CSF is a promising marker for the diagnosis of SMR and that the cytokines and chemokines associated with the Th2 profile may be important factors in the immunopathogenesis of SMR.
Effects of a multisensory supervised training for six weeks in balance and quality of life of the elderly
Authors: Souza Lara A. , Fernandes Adriano B. , Patrizzi Lislei J. , Walsh Isabel A.P. , Shimano Suraya G. N.
Published: September 2016

Study design: This is an experimental study. Objective: Evaluate the balance and the quality of life of elderly submitted to a multi-sensory training supervised. Methodology: The subjects were 20 seniors who participated in a multi-sensory training program twice a week for six weeks. Balance evaluation instruments were used: Berg Scale (BS), Sensitize Romberg Test (SRT), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Test Timed Up and Go (TUG) and of the quality of life were performed using WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD questionnaires. The variables were analysed using descriptive and comparative methods (paired t-test). Results: The age ranged from 60-81 years (67 ± 6,0 years). Most were female (95%) and white (60%) and married (60%). All related variables assessed balance showed significantly better results after the multisensory training. Regarding the assessment of quality of life, WHOQOL-BREF significant increase in all areas, except the environment. But the WHOQOL-OLD improved significantly only for the domain autonomy. Conclusion: This study showed that the practice of a multisensory training provides short-term benefits, balancing gains and quality of life of elderly and it is an important health promotion strategy for this population
Monilethrix: the use of tricoscopy in clinical diagnosis
Authors: Fernandes Karina A. P. , Gálvis Kely H. , Motta Ana Lucia S. P. G. , Souza Flávia C. S. de , Rodrigues Nilton C. S. , Melo Daniel F.
Published: September 2016

Monilethrix is a Greco-Latin term that mean “hair stick”1. It is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance, characterized by degeneration of the hair matrix and formation of defective cuticle. The hairs are brittle and not exceed a few inches length. The scalp is the most affected region and the most common clinical presentation is alopecia associated with keratosis follicularis2,3. The diagnosis is clinical and the tricoscopia evidence moniliformes changes (switching between wide and narrow band)
Methodological innovation in the teaching-service integration at the medical education
Authors: Souza Maria Cristina A. de , Costa Elisa Maria A. da , Mendonça Marcos Antônio , Gonçalves Sebastião J. da C. , Côrtes Júnior João Carlos de S. , Silva Marcos Alex M. da
Published: September 2016

Medical schools are seeking new scenarios of teaching and learning, taking into account the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS) and the National Curriculum Guidelines. The purpose of this article is to describe the experience of teaching-service integration in medical education, promoted by the adoption of innovative methodological strategies established by discipline Practice Integrated Teaching-Service-Community (ITSC), curriculum content of the Medical School of the Severino Sombra University (USS), in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Methodology and results: report of the experience by the visits to the public health units, where the students can observe the diversity of services provided by the Unified Health System (SUS) in the different levels of complexity and their interconnection network - essential for health care of solving. Conclusions: pedagogical innovation allowed the students had view of network services offered by SUS and will be able to build knowledge from the questioning of reality observed on the health care offered to the population. The methodological strategy helped to integrate teaching and service, essential to the formation of professionals with broad view of health
The Servetus Challenge
Authors: Chaves Joao
Published: September 2016

This piece focuses on how the challenge that Servetus’s Trinitarian thought posed to reformers in general and Calvin in particular illustrates the oftentimes overlooked similarities between their interpretative frameworks. Although many works on the Servetus-Calvin affair have been produced, such works focus on the dissimilarities between Servetus and Calvin. I will argue that there is a significant similarity between Servetus’s and Calvin’s hermeneutical presuppositions insofar as both thinkers not only do not acknowledge the tentative nature of their scriptural interpretations but also allow their respective hermeneutic to be guided by sources that were produced by people who belonged to a time when, according to their respective convictions, the church was still able to properly recognize true scriptural teaching.
Pedinonotus, a new southern Neotropical genus (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Pentatomini)
Authors: FERNANDES JOSÉ ANTÔNIO M. , GRAZIA JOCÉLIA
Published: September 2016

A new neotropical genus, Pedinonotus gen. nov., is proposed to include P. catarinensis sp. nov., from Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil.
Redescription of the milliped Myrmecodesmus mundus (Chamberlin) (Polydesmida: Pyrgodesmidae)
Authors: SHELLEY ROWLAND M.
Published: September 2016

Myrmecodesmus mundus (Chamberlin, 1943), a minute pygrodesmid milliped from Veracruz, Mexico, is redescribed with high magnification drawings of the gonopods of the type specimens. Significant differences appear to exist between the gonopods of the holotype and paratypes, and the latter may warrant recognition as a separate species. The basic gonopodal pattern is similar to that of an undescribed, small-bodied congener occurring some 800 mi (1,280 km) to the north in Texas, USA, and the species appear to be related. The general features of a species group of Myrmecodesmus may be beginning to emerge small-bodied forms with curvilinear telopodites, with or without elaborations, and divided prefemoral processes in which the caudal or anterior branch may be lost. The name Eirenyma Chamberlin, 1943, is available for such an entity.
A new genus of flea beetles from the Greater Antilles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: KONSTANTINOV ALEXANDER S.
Published: September 2016

The new genus Normaltica and two new species (N. obrieni from Puerto Rico and N. iviei from the Dominican Republic) are described and illustrated. A key and illustrations of these taxa are provided. Morphological consequences of wing reduction are discussed. Variability of N. obrieni is illustrated and discussed.
A new Cylindromorphoides Kerremans, 1903 from the “Gran Sabana” in Venezuela (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: HORNBURG MICHAEL
Published: September 2016

From the "Gran Sabana", in southern Venezuela, a new species of the Neotropical buprestid genus Cylindromorphoides Kerremans, 1903, is described. Cylindromorphoides katrinae sp. n. is described, and compared in a table with the type species of the genus from the south east of Brazil, C. agriliformis (Kerremans, 1897). They are clearly distinguishable by differences in color and form. Both species are illustrated.
A new blind Lamyctes (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha) from Tasmania with an analysis of molecular sequence data for the Lamyctes- Henicops Group
Authors: EDGECOMBE GREGORY D. , GIRIBET GONZALO
Published: September 2016

The cosmopolitan, parthenogenetic centipede Lamyctes coeculus (Brölemann, 1889), type species of Lamyctinus Silvestri, 1909, occurs in New South Wales and Lord Howe Island, Australia, the former genetically identical to specimens from Tucumán, Argentina. Parsimony analysis of complete sequences of 18S rRNA and fragments of 28S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I for the Lamyctes-Henicops group suggests that loss of ocelli in Lamyctes coeculus has an independent origin from blindness in Lamyctes hellyeri n. sp. from northern Tasmania. Lamyctinus is nested within Lamyctes Meinert, 1868, its senior synonym. Lamyctes hellyeri is known exclusively from females in gardens, and is probably introduced to Tasmania.
Cis leoi, a new species of Ciidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) from the Neotropical Region
Authors: LOPES-ANDRADE CRISTIANO , GUMIER-COSTA FABIANO , ZACARO ADILSON ARIZA
Published: September 2016

Cis leoi, a new species of ciid beetle from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described based on external morphology and cytogenetics. Its placement in the Cis species group is discussed.
Seven new species of New World Puliciphora Dahl (Diptera: Phoridae) with a new key to the Neotropical species
Authors: HENRY R. , DISNEY L.
Published: September 2016

New species of Neotropical Puliciphora described are P. cacaulandiae, P. laranjae, P. longitergum, P. macrolunarum, P. mexicanae, P. reevesi, which is also recorded from the Nearctic Region, and P. parsetosa. Pachyneurella is returned to being a subgenus of Puliciphora. P. rata and P. tambopata are synonymised with P. venata. A new key to the females of the Neotropical species is provided.
Pygmodispus (Pygmodispus) paraequestris spec. nov. (Acari: Heterostigmata: Scutacaridae) from Turkmenistan
Authors: KHAUSTOV ALEXANDER A. , CHYDYROV PEYZULLA R.
Published: September 2016

Pygmodispus (Pygmodispus) paraequestris spec. nov. (Acari: Scutacaridae) is described from the soil of a cotton field from Turkmenistan. The new species is very closely related to P. equestris Paoli, 1911, but differs from it by a much more massive claw on tibiotarsus I, by a more massive process of trochanter IV and by a shorter solenidion w2 on tibiotarsus I.
A new milliped of the genus Abacion Rafinesque, 1820 from Arkansas, U. S. A. (Callipodida: Abacionidae)
Authors: SHELLEY ROWLAND M. , McALLISTER CHRIS T. , HOLLIS JENNIFER L.
Published: September 2016

Abacion wilhelminae, the fifth species in the genus and the first discovered in 60 years, is described from two males collected on Rich Mountain, Polk County, Arkansas. Diagnostic features include a spiniform branch "A" of the postfemur that diverges from branch "B," a broad lobe near midlength of the tibiotarsus, and a distally reflexed tibiotarsus that narrows but does not taper and is apically broad. The setal migration pattern on the first six pleurotergites, which is shared by the east-Nearctic Abacionidae and the southwestern and south coastal Texas subfamily Tynommatinae (Schizopetalidae), is detailed.
Two new species of Sabatieria (Nematoda, Comesomatidae) from Golfo Nuevo, Chubut (Argentina)
Authors: DE WARD CATALINA T. PASTOR
Published: September 2016

Two new Comesomatidae species from the Gulfs of San José and San Matías, Chubut province of Argentina are described. Sabatieria flecha sp. n. is characterized by the particular shape of the dorsal distal end of the spicule, smaller spicule length (47 μm; 1.5 anal body diameter), number of weakly cuticularised supplements (12), size of amphids with two and a half turns, short body length (1260 μm), values of a (36) and b (7,8) and tail shape with 1/3 cylindrical part. Sabatieria sanjosensis sp. n. is characterized by a long body length (3000 μm), large value for a (82) and tail shape with 1/2 cylindrical part.
New records of and key to Tardigrada from Costa Rica
Authors: KACZMAREK ŁUKASZ
Published: September 2016

Moss samples collected near the research station “La Selva” on the edge of Costa Rican tropical rain forest has yielded three species of Tardigrada: Hypsibius pallidus Thulin, Astatumen trinacriae (Arcidiacono) and Macrobiotus polyopus Marcus. Another three unidentified species from the genus Macrobiotus were also found. All identified species are new for Costa Rica. A key to the identification of all known species from Costa Rica is given.
The genera Demoulinia Gillies and Potamocloeon Gillies (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in Madagascar
Authors: GATTOLLIAT J.-L.
Published: September 2016

To complete a recent revision of Malagasy Baetidae from still and standing waters, a study of the genera Demoulinia Gillies and Potamocloeon Gillies was undertaken; the latter is reported for the first time from the island. A global revision of the genus is undertaken; the validity of the different species is discussed. A new species of Demoulinia is described herein. Demoulinia assimilis n. sp. is distinguished by the number of segments of the maxillary palp, the shape of the hypopharynx, and the edentate tarsal claws. The systematic position of Demoulinia and Potamocloeon is examined. A redefinition of the Bugilliesia complex is proposed.
Description of a new Patagonian species of Urophonius Pocock (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae), from Meseta de Somuncurá, Argentina
Authors: ACOSTA LUIS E.
Published: September 2016

Urophonius somuncura n. sp. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae) is described and illustrated. This species is presumably endemic to the higher plains of the Meseta de Somuncurá (province of Río Negro, Argentina), a basaltic plateau in northern Patagonia. Its nearest relatives are U. granulatus Pocock, from southern Patagonia, and U. tregualemuensis Cekalovic, from central Chile, with all three belonging to the 'granulatus species group'. The diagnostic characters for the new species include the development of the ventral submedian carinae on metasomal segment I, the number of ventral setae on the same segment and presence of tegumentary borders around them, and details of the pigment pattern on carapace, mesosomal tergites and metasoma, among others. U. somuncura n. sp. is seemingly a species active in summer, and its activity period is probably slightly asynchronous in respect to a sympatric Bothriurus species.
A checklist of the Medusae (Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa and Cubozoa) of Mexico
Authors: SEGURA-PUERTAS LOURDES , SUÁREZ-MORALES EDUARDO , CELIS LAURA
Published: September 2016

A list of 169 medusae species in 45 families recorded in Mexican waters is presented for the first time. 86 species (50.8%) were found in the Pacific Ocean, 75 species (44.3%) in the Gulf of Mexico, and 88 (52%) in the Mexican Caribbean Sea. Only 17 species (10%) were common to the three regions. The superclass Hydrozoa, the most diverse one, is represented by 151 species (89%), the Scyphozoa by 16 species (9.5%) and the Cubozoa by 3 (1.8%). Among the Hydrozoa, up to 6 new species have been described from Mexican waters. It is expected that the number of species will grow as surveys that include the hydroid stages and their laboratory-released medusae, as well as benthic and deep-living medusofauna are undertaken in both the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts of Mexico.
A new species of eriophyid mite from Iran (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyidae)
Authors: FLECHTMANN CARLOS H.W. , TARASI JAVAD , SABOORI ALIREZA
Published: September 2016

A survey conducted on cultivated black poplar, Populus nigra (L.) Black. (Salicaceae) in Iran led to the discovery of a new species of eriophyid mite, Aceria zanjani n. sp. from Zanjan, Northwest of Iran.
Eutheama forrestensis n. sp. (Acotylea, Polycladida, Plathelminthes) from Australia
Authors: BULNES VERONICA N. , FAUBEL ANNO
Published: September 2016

A new species, Eutheama forrestensis n. sp., Acotylea, Polycladida, is described from sandy beaches of the eastern coastline of the tropic region of Australia. The species lives both in surface layers and deeper in the sediment down to the coastal groundwater table.
Branneria bonoculus, n. sp., a second species in the North American milliped family Branneriidae (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida: Brannerioidea)
Authors: SHEAR WILLIAM A.
Published: September 2016

Branneria bonoculus, n. sp., is described from southwestern Arkansas (USA) as the second species in its genus and family. Some misinterpretations of branneriid gonopods are corrected, and the composition of the superfamily Brannerioidea is briefly discussed. New figures of the gonopods of Branneria carinata (Bollman) are presented.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on Agrilus salicis Frivaldszky (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilinae)
Authors: JENDEK EDUARD
Published: September 2016

A taxonomic and nomenclatural analysis of Agrilus salicis Frivaldszky, 1877 is presented. The literature is reviewed and the taxonomic status of all synonyms is discussed. The lectotypes of Agrilus salicis Frivaldszky and A. alutaceus Obenberger are designated and the precise type localities are noted.
Lethrinus ravus, a new species of emperor fish (Perciformes: Lethrinidae) from the western Pacific and eastern Indian oceans
Authors: CARPENTER KENT E. , RANDALL JOHN E.
Published: September 2016

Lethrinus ravus is described from localities in the western Pacific. Photographic records also confirm its presence in Western Australia. It co-occurs with and is morphologically very similar to L. semicinctus but differs consistently in color pattern and average number of scales in the supratemporal patch of scales. Lethrinus semicinctus has a dark oblong blotch under the soft dorsal fin straddling the lateral line and a cluster of darkened scales in front of the base of the pectoral fin while L. ravus lacks these markings. Lethrinus ravus has black-lined scales that form rows above the lateral line and are scattered below the lateral line; this pattern is absent in L. semicinctus. Lethrinus ravus also frequently has more scales in the supratemporal patch than L. semicinctus. Both L. semicinctus and L. ravus have a cluster of scales with black lines above the base of the pectoral fin. This shared specialization is unique within Lethrinus and is evidence for a sister-species relationship.
Microlympiidae, a new milliped family from North America, and Microlympia echina, new genus and species (Diplopoda: Chordeumatida: Brannerioidea)
Authors: SHEAR WILLIAM A. , LEONARD WILLIAM P.
Published: September 2016

A new genus and species of milliped, Microlympia echina, is described from Jefferson County, Washington, USA. The new species cannot be placed in any existing milliped family, due to a unique combination of characters and at least two significant autapomorphies. The new Family Microlympiidae is therefore established, placed in the Superfamily Brannerioidea, and compared with the related families Tingupidae, Niponiosomatidae, and Branneriidae.
Systematics of the Neotropical species of Styringomyia Loew (Diptera: Tipulomorpha: Limoniidae)
Authors: RIBEIRO GUILHERME CUNHA
Published: September 2016

The Neotropical species of Styringomyia (Diptera: Limoniidae) are revised. S. americana Alexander, 1914 and S. dorsolineata Alexander, 1945 are considered nomina dubia. S. mystica Alexander, 1945, S. simplex Alexander, 1945 and S. paulista Alexander, 1946 are redescribed and illustrated in detail. Five new species, S. amazonica sp. n., S. atlantica sp. n., S. maya sp. n., S. manauara sp. n. and S. youngi sp. n. are described and illustrated. A cladistic analysis of the recognizable species (S. americana and S. dorsolineata excluded) is performed. A cladogram is produced with the topology ((S. maya sp. n. (S. simplex + S. amazonica sp. n.)) (S. manauara sp. n. ((S. mystica + S. youngi sp. n.) (S. paulista + S. atlantica sp. n.)))).
Description of Durckheimia lochi n. sp., with an annotated checklist of Australian Pinnotheridae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)
Authors: AHYONG SHANE T. , BROWN DIANE E.
Published: September 2016

A new species of pinnotherid crab, Durckheimia lochi, is described from the Great Barrier Reef, representing the first Australian record of the genus. The new species differs from its congeners chiefly by the combination of a transverse anterior carapace margin, a deep, slit-like, median frontal carapace notch, a cristate, but interrupted longitudinal median carina on the carapace, and in features of the third maxilliped. Pinnotheropsis yokotai Kubo, 1939, is removed from the synonymy of D. caeca Bürger, 1895, and the generic position of D. besutensis Serène, 1967, is discussed. A key to the species of Durckheimia and an annotated checklist of the known Australian Pinnotheridae are provided. Previous records of Pinnotheres novaezelandiae Filhol, 1885, P. obesus Dana, 1852, and Pinnixia faba (Dana, 1851) from Australia are corrected.
Revision of the thamnocephalid Genus Phallocryptus (Crustacea; Branchiopoda; Anostraca)
Authors: ROGERS D. CHRISTOPHER
Published: September 2016

The family Thamnocephalidae and the genus Phallocryptus are defined using modern standards in anostracan taxonomy. The genus Phallocryptus is revised to include three species. Two species formerly considered as Branchinella (B. spinosa and B. sublettei), are demonstrated to have the same basic genital morphology as Phallocryptus wrighti (Smirnov). Phallocryptus has a distribution that suggests that this genus originated sometime in the Paleozoic. A key to the species of Phallocryptus is presented, and the family Thamnocephalidae is redefined.
Revision of the New Caledonian genus Mecynostomella (Trichoptera, Kokiriidae)
Authors: JOHANSON KJELL ARNE
Published: September 2016

The genus Mecynostomella Kimmins, 1953 is revised. Six new species are described: Mecynostomella sigma sp.n., M. hollowayi sp.n., M. brevis sp.n., M. caledonia sp.n., M. spinosa sp.n., and M. flinti sp.n. The diagnosis of Mecynostomella is modified due to the new findings and distribution maps of the Mecynostomella species are presented. A key to males of all species of Kokiriidae is presented.
Eucoilinae species (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Figitidae) parasitoids of fruit-infesting dipterous larvae in Brazil: identity, geographical distribution and host associations
Authors: GUIMARÃES JORGE A. , GALLARDO FABIANA E. , DIAZ NORMA BEATRIZ , ZUCCHI ROBERTO A.
Published: September 2016

The Eucoilinae (Cynipoidea, Figitidae) are koinobiont endoparasitoids of dipterous larvae and along with the Opiinae (Braconidae) they are the most important natural enemies of the frugivorous flies (Tephritidae, Lonchaeidae and Drosophilidae). This paper deals with the identity, geographical distribution and host associations of eucoiline species with these biological characteristics in Brazil and provides a key for their identification. Eight species are studied, namely: Lopheucoila anastrephae (Rohwer, 1919), Odontosema anastrephae Borgmeier, 1935; Tropideucoila weldi Costa Lima, 1940, Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes, 1924), A. nordlanderi Wharton, 1998, Trybliographa infuscata Gallardo, Diaz & Uchôa, 2000, Dicerataspis grenadensis Ashmead, 1896 and Leptopilina boulardi (Barbotin, Carton & Kelner-Pillaut, 1979). New geographic records for Brazil are provided for L. anastrephae, T. weldi, D. grenadensis, O. anastrephae, T. infuscata and L. boulardi. Bionomic observations suggest that A. pelleranoi is the species most frequently associated with tephritid flies and probably, the most useful as a biological control agent. Lopheucoila anastrephae is an important parasitoid of lonchaeids and D. grenadensis and L. boulardi are natural enemies of drosophilids.
Pseudoplesiops wassi, a new species of dottyback fish (Teleostei: Pseudochromidae: Pseudoplesiopinae) from the West Pacific
Authors: GILL ANTHONY C. , EDWARDS ALASDAIR J.
Published: September 2016

Pseudoplesiops wassi is described from 34 specimens, 17.7–28.8 mm SL, from throughout the West Pacific. It is closely related to P. collare from Indonesia, with which it shares 14 precaudal vertebrae (more than any other congener). It is distinguished from P. collare and all other congeners in having the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays I,27–29, usually I,28; pelvic-fin rays I,3; scales in lateral series 32–39, usually 33–36; and circumpeduncular scales 16.
Two new species of Polycirrus (Polychaeta, Terebellidae) from Abrolhos Archipelago, Brazil
Authors: GARRAFFONI ANDRÉ R.S. , COSTA ELISA M.
Published: September 2016

Two new species of Polycirrus (Polychaeta, Terebellidae, Polycirrinae), Polycirrus abrolhensis sp. nov. and P. paivai sp. nov., are described from material collected in biogenic calcareous bottoms of algae, at Santa Bárbara Island, Abrolhos Archipelago, Brazil.
Taxonomy and biology of Simulium clarkei Stone & Snoddy(Diptera: Simuliidae), a poorly known black fly of the southeastern United States
Authors: MOULTON JOHN K. , ADLER PETER H.
Published: September 2016

Simulium clarkei Stone & Snoddy was the least known species of black fly in the eastern United States prior to our recent collections from southern Virginia (type locality) to southern Georgia, which yielded good series of all life stages after the egg. On the basis of these collections, we describe the female and the banding patterns of the polytene chromosomes, redescribe the larva, pupa, and male, and provide biological and distributional information. Simulium clarkei most closely resembles S. emarginatum Davies, Peterson, & Wood, but can be distinguished by the banding sequence of its larval polytene chromosomes and the shape of the male ventral plate.
A revision of Zoosetha Mulsant & Rey and Poromniusa Gangl-bauer. II. A new species from Spain and additional records (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: ASSING VOLKER
Published: September 2016

Zoosetha wunderlei sp. n. (Spain: Sierra de Segura), the nineth species of the genus, is described, illustrated, and distinguished from its congeners. Additional records of other species of Zoosetha Mulsant & Rey and of Poromniusa Ganglbauer are presented. The distributions of Zoosetha wunderlei, Z. inconspicua (Erichson), Z. incisa Assing, Poromniusa procidua (Erichson), and P. crassa (Eppelsheim) are mapped.
A new platygastrid wasp from Florida (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae)
Authors: MACGOWN MATTHEW W. , EVANS GREGORY A.
Published: September 2016

Synopeas russelli MacGown, n. sp. is described and illustrated from specimens collected in Orlando, Florida. Numerous specimens of both sexes were collected in a malaise trap and others swept from coastalplain goldenaster, Chrysopsis scabrella, an indicator species for Florida scrub.
First record of the family Coralliidae (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Octocorallia) from the western South Atlantic, with a description of Corallium medea Bayer, 1964
Authors: CASTRO CLOVIS B. , THIAGO CRISTOVAM M. , MEDEIROS MARCELO S.
Published: September 2016

Specimens of precious coral obtained on oceanic seamounts off Brazil, at depths between 380 and 500 m, constitute the first record of the family Coralliidae in the South Atlantic. Colonies were identified as Corallium medea Bayer, 1964. One specimen was found associated with the deepwater reef forming scleractinian coral Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus, 1758). In the Straits of Florida, C. medea is a quite common species in deep-water coral banks, which are partly dominated by L. pertusa. It is suggested that it will be found in deep coral reefs where L. pertusa has been recorded, 300 km from the oceanic bank where it was found in Brazil,