bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slug-Smoothing Technology Sees Over 200 Shale Installs, Gets Boost From Schlumberger JV
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: July 2017

The undulating trajectories common to horizontal wells are the source of one of their greatest pain points—gas slugs. When these fast-moving accumulations reach the internals of an artificial lift system, a best case result may be a momentary pause in production. On the other hand, a gas slug could represent the bitter end for a lift system that may have cost six figures.

The problem has been serious enough to drive operators in the Permian Basin to adopt an artificial lift strategy not historically used there. Manufacturers have responded to the challenge by trying to make pumps more slug-tolerant, while others are marketing automatic shut-down systems for asset protection. 

HEAL Systems has taken a different tact with a technology that it says removes slugging from the production equation by separating the horizontal from the vertical well sections and regulating the flow between them. The emerging innovation is called a horizontal-enhanced artificial lift (HEAL) system. It has no moving parts, and can be connected to any variant of lift system.  

In May, the company gained commercial steam through a joint venture with Schlumberger. Partnering with the service company will give HEAL Systems (formerly known as Production Plus Energy Services) manufacturing support and elevate its visibility in key markets such as the Middle East.

“We’ve recognized that as a small company, scaling up is a challenge,” said Jeff Saponja, the chief executive officer of HEAL Systems, adding that the goal of the joint venture “is to get this technology out there, grow the company faster, and have access to an incredible research capability to develop it to the fullest.”

Production Plus shareholders retain the majority share of the joint venture, allowing it to continue to market HEAL units to other service outfits and pump manufacturers.

Based on its more than 200 installations in the US and Canada, the company is touting data that show its product has extended the run life of pumps in shale wells by months and sometimes years. Highlighted case studies of multiple wells in different formations claim this longevity has generated production improvements of 40–100% above prior baselines.
OTC Focuses on Downturn-Led Innovation and the Bottom Line
Authors: Jacobs Trent , Rassenfoss Stephen , Parshall Joel , Whitfield Stephen , Wilson Adam
Published: July 2017

Conference review

Technical papers and panel presentations at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) reflected the times, with a clear focus on doing things more efficiently and cheaply and how innovation and incremental improvements in technology can help. The annual conference, held in early May in Houston, attracted just under 65,000 attendees from more than 100 countries. Below are highlights from this year’s conference. More extensive coverage can be found at www.spe.org/jpt.

Thinking Like Shale

One of the most important questions asked at this year’s conference was how deepwater projects can compete with shale developments. The answer, according to at least one executive, is for the deepwater sector to become more like the shale business.

Roger Jenkins, chief executive officer (CEO) of independent producer Murphy Oil, said it is not necessarily about technology transfer. “It’s an attitude around needing to have continuous improvement, and that is what onshore has brought to the table,” he explained. “Every day, you have to improve and go faster.”

Jenkins stressed that more synergies are needed between these two arenas, not so much to benefit shale production, but to protect the investment viability of deep water, which he said needs higher margins of returns than shale due to the risk factor.

Murphy Oil is one of the few US independents that maintains a balanced port-folio of shale fields in North America and deepwater operations offshore southeast Asia and in the US Gulf of Mexico.

Jenkins said the company’s hybrid model has helped the “unconventional mindset” migrate into its deep water operations. However, he pointed out a number of areas where this attitude has yet to take form. The list of shale sector attributes that need to cross over included: shorter production cycle times, a trend of lowering costs, greater field efficiencies, and the use of commonly available types of equipment.

There has been one critical area where both the unconventional and offshore sector have recently become similar: drilling times. Jenkins shared that benchmark offshore drilling times have improved from 8 days per 1,000 ft drilled a few years ago to just over 4 days per 1,000 ft today. “The percent of improvement that is taking place onshore, is taking place offshore as well,” he said.
Northern Territory Unconventional Resources: A Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: July 2017

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 182404, “Unconventional-Resources Exploration and Development in the Northern Territory—Challenges From a Regulator’s Perspective,” by M. Rezazadeh, J. van Hattum, and D. Marozzi, Northern Territory Department of Mines and Energy, prepared for the 2016 SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Perth, Australia, 25–27 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The production of conventional onshore oil and gas in Australia’s Northern Territory began in 1983 from the Palm Valley Field (gas) in the Amadeus Basin. Until 2010, the industry relied on conventional oil and gas development technology, but, in recent years, the focus of the industry has shifted to unconventional-resource exploration. This paper outlines the key issues that must be addressed from a regulatory perspective in regard to the development of an onshore unconventional-gas industry in the Northern Territory.

Introduction

In the Northern Territory, the Department of Mines and Energy (DME) is the agency responsible for regulating the exploration and production of oil and gas and the administration of petroleum tenures and petroleum pipelines onshore and in designated coastal waters up to 3 nautical miles seaward from the Territorial Sea Baseline of the Northern Territory. The DME’s role is to ensure that best-practice regulatory principles are applied for the sustainable and safe exploration and production of natural resources in the Northern Territory.

In the Northern Territory, hydraulic fracturing has taken place since 1967, mainly as a process to enhance hydrocarbon production from conventional reservoirs with vertical wells. Since 2011, however, hydraulic fracturing has been carried out during exploration for unconventional hydrocarbons. Until now, developmental drilling has taken place only in producing fields in the Amadeus Basin. In the McArthur, Bonaparte, South Georgina, and Pedirka Basins, exploration activities are ongoing.

Onshore Northern Territory oil production comes from the Mereenie and Surprise Fields. Until November 2015, onshore gas production in the Northern Territory came from the Mereenie and Palm Valley Fields. In December 2015, the Dingo Field began producing gas. In 2015, 3,703 MMscf of gas was produced from the three fields.  

Current Northern Territory Onshore Petroleum Regulatory Framework

The Northern Territory Petroleum Act is the principal existing legislation regulating oil and gas exploration and production. The DME currently uses the Schedule of Onshore Petroleum Exploration and Production Requirements (referred to here as the Schedule) to regulate petroleum activities; this guideline is similar to that which Western Australia previously used. In 2015, Western Australia replaced the Schedule with its Petroleum Resource Management and Administration Regulations. The Schedule is used to provide requirements to regulate and audit all petroleum activities.
Resistance to Southern Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in Wild Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides)
Authors: Thies Judy A. , Ariss Jennifer J. , Kousik Chandrasekar S. , Hassell Richard L. , Levi Amnon
Published: July 2017

Southern root-knot nematode (RKN, Meloidogyne incognita) is a serious pest of cultivated watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) in southern regions of the United States and no resistance is known to exist in commercial watermelon cultivars. Wild watermelon relatives (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) have been shown in greenhouse studies to possess varying degrees ofresistance to RKN species. Experiments were conducted over 2 yr to assess resistance of southern RKN in C. lanatus var. citroides accessions from the U.S. Watermelon Plant Introduction Collection in an artificially infested field site at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, SC. In the first study (2006), 19 accessions of C. lanatus var. citroides were compared with reference entries of Citrullus colocynthis and C. lanatus var. lanatus. Of the wild watermelon accessions, two entries exhibited significantly less galling than all other entries. Five of the best performing C. lanatus var. citroides accessions were evaluated with and without nematicide at the same field site in 2007. Citrullus lanatus var. citroides accessions performed better than C. lanatus var. lanatus and C. colocynthis. Overall, most entries of C. lanatus var. citroides performed similarly with and without nematicide treatment in regard to root galling, visible egg masses, vine vigor, and root mass. In both years of field evaluations, most C. lanatus var. citroides accessions showed lesser degrees of nematode reproduction and higher vigor and root mass than C. colocynthis and C. lanatus var. lanatus. The results of these two field evaluations suggest that wild watermelon populations may be useful sources of resistance to southern RKN.
Assessment of DAPG-producing Pseudomonas fluorescens for Management of Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium oxysporum on Watermelon
Authors: Meyer Susan L. F. , Everts Kathryne L. , Gardener Brian McSpadden , Masler Edward P. , Abdelnabby Hazem M. E. , Skantar Andrea M.
Published: July 2017

Pseudomonas fluorescens isolates Clinto 1R, Wayne 1R, and Wood 1R, which produce the antibiotic 2,4-diacetylphloro-glucinol (DAPG), can suppress soilborne diseases and promote plant growth. Consequently, these beneficial bacterial isolates were tested on watermelon plants for suppression of Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode: RKN) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon). In a greenhouse trial, Wayne 1R root dip suppressed numbers of RKN eggs per gram root on ‘Charleston Gray’ watermelon by 28.9%. However, in studies focused on ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelon, which is commercially grown in Maryland, a Wayne 1R root dip did not inhibit RKN reproduction or plant death caused by Fon. When all three isolates were applied as seed coats, plant stand in the greenhouse was reduced up to 60% in treatments that included Fon ± P. fluorescens, and eggs per gram root did not differ among treatments. In a microplot trial with Clinto 1R and Wayne 1R root dips, inoculation with P. fluorescens and/or Fon resulted in shorter vine lengths than treatment with either P. fluorescens isolate plus RKN. Root weights, galling indices, eggs per gram root, and second-stage juvenile (J2) numbers in soil were similar among all RKN-inoculated treatments, and fruit production was not affected by treatment. Plant death was high in all treatments. These studies demonstrated that the tested P. fluorescens isolates resulted in some inhibition of vine growth in the field, and were not effective for enhancing plant vigor or suppressing RKN or Fon on watermelon.
The Effect of Endophytic Fungi on Nematode Populations in Summer-dormant and Summer-active Tall Fescue
Authors: Rogers James K. , Walker Nathan R. , Young Carolyn A.
Published: July 2017

Summer-active (continental) and summer-dormant (Mediterranean) tall fescue morphotypes are each adapted to different environmental conditions. Endophyte presence provides plant parasitic nematode resistance, but not with all endophyte strains and cultivar combinations. This study sought to compare effects of four nematode genera on continental and Mediterranean cultivars infected with common toxic or novel endophyte strains. A 6-mon greenhouse study was conducted with continental cultivars, Kentucky 31 (common toxic) and Texoma MaxQ II (novel endophyte) and the Mediterranean cultivar Flecha MaxQ (novel endophyte). Endophyte-free plants of each cultivar were controls. Each cultivar × endophyte combination was randomly assigned to a control, low or high inoculation rate of a mixed nematode culture containing stunt nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), ring nematodes (Criconemella spp.), spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp.), and lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.). Endophyte infection had no effect on nematode population densities. The cultivar × endophyte interaction was significant. Population densities of stunt nematode, spiral nematode, and ring nematodes were higher for Flecha MaxQ than other cultivar × endophyte combinations. Novel endophyte infection enhances suitability of Flecha MaxQ as a nematode host.
A Third New Species of Aporcelinus Andrássy, 2009 (Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae) from Vietnam, with the First SEM Study of a Representative of the Genus
Authors: Nguyen Thi Anh Duong , Abolafia Joaquín , Bonkowski Michael , Pena-Santiago Reyes
Published: July 2017

A new species, the third one from Vietnam, of the genus Aporcelinus is described from natural areas. Aporcelinus falci-caudatus sp. n. is characterized by its 1.28 to 1.63 mm long body, lip region offset by weak constriction and 16 to 18 μm broad, odontostyle 18 to 21 μm at its ventral side, neck 354 to 406 μm long, uterus tripartite and 61 to 95 μm long, V = 50 to 55, tail strongly recurved dorsad and conical (23–31 μm, c = 43–58, c’ = 0.7–0.9) with finely rounded tip, and male absent. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) study, the first of a representative of the genus, shows a lip region pattern significantly different from that observed in the typical aporcelaimid taxa.
Nematode Fauna of Tropical Rainforest in Brazil: A Descriptive and Seasonal Approach
Authors: Cardoso Mercia S. O. , Pedrosa Elvira M. R. , Ferris Howard , Rolim Mario M. , Oliveira Lamartine S. C.
Published: July 2017

Studies of nematode assemblages in natural ecosystems can contribute to better understanding of the occurrence, relevance, and ecology of plant-parasitic and other soil nematodes. Nematode assemblages and environmental parameters (organic matter, water content (WC), bulk density (BD), total porosity (Po),soil respiration, and soil texture) were investigated in two seasons (rainy and dry) in two forest areas of the Zona da Mata, Pernambuco State. The aim of our research was to evaluate the heterogeneity between two locations and seasons in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Structure and composition of the nematode assemblages differed between areas and across time. Rhabditidae dominated the rainy season in both forest soils. Rarefaction curves (RC) suggest that sampling to detect more nematode taxa should be more intensive in the rainy season. The forest soils have complex, stable soil food webs with high connectance and decomposition channels dominated by bacteria. The predator–prey relationships were not affected by changes in soil properties that fluctuate with time.
The Effects of Nutrient Concentration, Addition of Thickeners, and Agitation Speed on Liquid Fermentation of Steinernema feltiae
Authors: Leite Luis G. , Shapiro-Ilan David I. , Hazir Selcuk , Jackson Mark A.
Published: July 2017

Entomopathogenic nematode production in liquid fermentation still requires improvements to maximize efficiency, yield, and nematode quality. Therefore, this study was aimed at developing a more suitable liquid medium for mass production of Steinernema feltiae, by assessing the effects of nutrient concentration, thickeners (primarily agar), and agitation speed on infective juvenile (IJ) yield. Base medium (BM) contained yeast extract (2.3%), egg yolk (1.25%), NaCl (0.5%), and corn oil (4%). All media were inoculated with Xenorhabdus bovienii, and 2 d later, with 2-d-old S. feltiae juveniles. For the nutrient concentration experiment, we evaluated the base medium versus a modified base medium containing all the components, but with 3× concentrations of yeast extract (6.9%), egg yolk (3.75%), and corn oil (12%). The nematodes and bacteria were cultured in 150-ml Erlenmeyer flasks containing 50 ml of liquid medium at (25°C) and 180 rpm on a rotary shaker incubator. To assess the effect of thickeners, IJs were inoculated in BM with agar (0.2%), carrageen (0.2%), and carboxymethyl cellulose (0.2% and 0.5%). The addition of 3× more nutrients relative to the BM resulted in a significantly lower yield of nematodes. For agar and agitation speed experiments, five levels of agar in the BM (0%,0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% agar) and two agitation speeds (180 and 280 rpm) were evaluated for production. Increasing agitation speed from 180 to 280 rpm and higher levels of agar in the medium (> 0.2%) significantly increased the yield of bacteria. At the lower agitation speed, media amended with 0.4% and 0.6% agar produced higher nematode yields compared to media without agar. Media with 0.2% and 0.8% agar resulted in intermediate levels of nematode production. At the higher agitation speed, media supplemented with 0.8% agar resulted in the lowest yield of nematodes when compared to the other media tested. Results indicated that increasing nutrient concentration levels was detrimental to nematode production. Also, media containing agar (0.4% and 0.6%) increased nematode yields when cultures were grown at low agitation speed. When IJs were used as the inoculum, 0.2% agar also enhanced recovery and nematode yield at the higher agitation speed.
Steinernema biddulphi n. sp., a New Entomopathogenic Nematode (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) from South Africa
Authors: Cimen Harun , Půža Vladimír , Nermuť Jiří , Hatting Justin , Ramakuwela Tshima , Hazir Selcuk
Published: July 2017

A new species of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN), Steinernema biddulphi n. sp., was isolated from a maize field in Senekal, Free State Province of South Africa. Morphological and molecular studies indicated the distinctness of S. biddulphi n. sp. from other Steinernema species. Steinernema biddulphi n. sp. is characterized IJs with average body length of 663 μm (606–778 μm), lateral fields with six ridges in mid-body region forming the formula 2,6,2. Excretory pore located anterior to mid-pharynx (D% = 46). Hyaline layer occupies approximately half of tail length. Male spicules slightly to moderately curved, with a sharp tip and golden brown in color. The first generation of males lacking a mucron on the tail tip while the second generation males with a short filamentous mucron. Genital papillae with 11 pairs and one unpaired preanal papilla. The new species is further characterized by sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial 28S regions (D2-D3) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Phylogenetic data show that S. biddulphi n. sp. belongs to the “bicornutum” clade within the Steinernematidae family.
Coronostoma claireaen. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditida: Oxyuridomorpha: Coronostomatidae) from the Indigenous MillipedNarceus gordanus(Chamberlain, 1943) (Diplopoda: Spirobolida) in Ocala National Forest, Florida
Authors: Phillips Gary , Bernard Ernest C. , Pivar Robert J. , Moulton John K. , Shelley Rowland M.
Published: July 2017

Twenty-four individuals ofNarceus gordanus(Diplopoda: Spirobolidae) were collected in Ocala National Forest, FL, between November 2013 and July 2014. Each specimen was dissected to extract the intestine, which was removed and examined for parasitic nematodes.Coronostoma claireaen. sp. was collected from the hindgut and midgut of 10 specimens, and its morphology was examined with brightfield, differential interference contrast, phase contrast, and scanning electron microscopy. This species is separated from otherCoronostomaspp. by the following characteristics: body length less than 3 mm; head sense organs pit-like; first annule long, extending past middle of corpus, width similar to that of second annule; basal bulb pyriform; eggs larger than 60 × 50 μm. This species is the first North American record for the genusCoronostoma, which is removed from Thelastomatoidea: Thelastomatidae and reassigned to Coronostomatidae on the basis of presumed apomorphies. A key is provided for knownCoronostomaspp. The superfamily Coronostomatoidea is re-established for Coronostomatidae and Traklosiidae.
Evaluation of Steam and Soil Solarization for Meloidogyne arenaria Control in Florida Floriculture Crops
Authors: Kokalis-Burelle Nancy , Rosskopf Erin N. , Butler David M. , Fennimore Steven A. , Holzinger John
Published: July 2017

Steam and soil solarization were investigated for control of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne arenaria in 2 yr of field trials on a commercial flower farm in Florida. The objective was to determine if preplant steam treatments in combination with solarization, or solarization alone effectively controlled nematodes compared to methyl bromide (MeBr). Trials were conducted in a field with naturally occurring populations of M. arenaria. Treatments were solarization alone, steam treatment after solarization using standard 7.6-cm-diameter perforated plastic drain tile (steam 1), steam treatment following solarization using custom-drilled plastic drain tile with 1.6-mm holes spaced every 3.8 cm (steam 2), and MeBr applied at 392 kg/ha 80:20 MeBr:chloropicrin. Drain tiles were buried approximately 35 cm deep with four tiles per 1.8 by 30 mplot. Steam application followed a 4-wk solarization period concluding in mid-October. All steam was generated using a Sioux propane boiler system. Plots were steamed for sufficient time to reach the target temperature of 70°C for 20 min. Solarization plastic was retained on the plots during steaming and plots were covered with a single layer of carpet padding to provide additional insulation. The floriculture crops larkspur (Delphinium elatum and Delphinium × belladonna), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) were produced according to standard commercial practices. One month after treatment in both years of the study, soil populations of M. arenaria were lower in both steam treatments and in MeBr compared to solarization alone. At the end of the season in both years, galling on larkspur, snapdragon, and sunflowers was lower in both steam treatments than in solarization. Both steam treatments also provided control of M. arenaria in soil at the end of the season comparable to, or exceeding that provided by MeBr. Both steam treatments also reduced M. arenaria in snapdragon roots comparable to, or exceeding control with MeBr. Meloidogyne arenaria in soil increased in solarization alone. Solarization alone also had higher gall ratings on larkspur, snapdragon, and sunflower than all other treatments. Steam provided excellent control of M. arenaria in this study.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Gracilacus wuae n. sp. (Nematoda: Criconematoidea) Associated with Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum) in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Yu Qing , Ye Weimin , Powers Tom
Published: July 2017

Gracilacus wuae n. sp. from soil associated with cow parsnip in Ontario, Canada is described and illustrated. Morphologically, females have a long stylet ranging from 80 to 93 μm long, the lip region not offset from the body contour, without lateral lips but with large and flat submedian lobes, the mouth opening slit-like elongated laterally and surrounded by lateral flaps, the excretory pore is anterior to the knobs of the stylet; males without stylet and the pharynx degenerated. The fourth-stage juveniles lack a stylet, the pharynx degenerated, and can be differentiated into preadult females and males based on the position of the genital primordia. The third-stage juveniles are similar to females but smaller. Phylogenetic studies using the rDNA small subunit 18S, large subunit 28S D2/D3, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences collectively provide evidence of a grouping with other Gracilacus and some species of Paratylenchus with stylet length of females longer than 41 μm deposited in GenBank.
Discopersicus n. gen., a New Member of the Family Tylenchidae Orley, 1880 with Detailed SEM Study on Two Known Species of the Genus Discotylenchus Siddiqi, 1980 (Nematoda; Tylenchidae) from Iran
Authors: Yaghoubi Ali , Pourjam Ebrahim , Álvarez-Ortega Sergio , Liébanas Gracia , Atighi Mohammad Reza , Pedram Majid
Published: July 2017

Discopersicus iranicus n. gen., n. comb., previously described from Iran as a new species under the genus Discotylenchus, is illustrated using light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and further studied using molecular characters. SEM studies revealed the newly proposed genus has oblique amphidial apertures on the lateral sides of the lip region. SEM images are also provided for two species of Discotylenchus, namely D. discretus and D. brevicaudatus, as the first SEM study of the genus. These results confirmed longitudinal amphidial aperture type on lateral sides of the lip region in genus Discotylenchus, as noted by Siddiqi while erecting the genus with D. discretus as the type species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequences revealed the affinity of the genus Discopersicus n. gen. with members of the subfamily Boleodorinae, as supported by morphological characters (mainly, the oblique amphidial opening).
Data on Some Species of the Genus Coslenchus Siddiqi, 1978 (Rhabditida, Tylenchidae) from Iran
Authors: Panahandeh Yousef , Pourjam Ebrahim , Pedram Majid
Published: July 2017

Data on five known species of the genus Coslenchus are provided. Morphological and morphometric data are given for all studied species. Three of the recovered species were also characterized by molecular phylogenetic data. The species C. leiocephalus was studied for the first time since its original description. Males of the species, C. franklinae and C. oligogyrus were described for the first time and the species C. oligogyrus was reported from Iran for the first time. In molecular phylogenetic studies based on partial sequences of 28S rDNA D2/D3 fragments, all species formed a clade with high Bayesian posterior probability in Bayesian inference, indicating the monophyly of the genus. The clade of Coslenchus spp. formed a highly supported monophyletic group, a sister clade to two species of the genus Aglenchus.
Agamermis (Nematoda: Mermithidae) Infection in South Carolina Agricultural Pests
Authors: Stubbins Francesca L. , Agudelo Paula , ReayJones Francis P. F. , Greene Jeremy K.
Published: July 2017

Native and invasive stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the closely related invasive Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) are agricultural pests in the southeastern United States. Natural enemies, from various phyla, parasitize these pests and contribute to population regulation. We specifically investigated Nematoda infections in pentatomid and plataspid pests in one soybean field in South Carolina in 2015. Nematodes were identified through molecular and morphological methods and assigned to family Mermithidae, genus Agamermis. This study reports mermithid nematode infection in immature M. cribraria for the first time and provides the first mermithid host record for the stink bugs Chinavia hilaris, Euschistus servus, and another Euschistus species, and a grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in South Carolina. The same Agamermis species infected all hosts. The broad host range and prevalence suggests that Agamermis may be an important contributor to natural mortality of pentatomid and plataspid pests. Previous mermithid host records for the Pentatomidae and Plataspidae worldwide are summarized. Further work is needed to assess the impact of infection on populations over a broader range of agricultural fields and geographic localities.
Description of Enchodorus yeatsi n. sp. (Dorylaimida, Nordiidae) from Southern Iran and Its Molecular Phylogenetic Study
Authors: Pedram Majid
Published: July 2017

Enchodorus yeatsi n. sp., a new species of the rare genus Enchodorus is described and illustrated based on its morphological and molecular characters. It was recovered from southern Iran. Females of the new species are characterized by having 1,511.3- to 1,792.5-mm long slender body, angular lip region having prominent papillae, 12- to 13-mm long odontostyle, double guiding ring, simple rod-like odontophore, didelphic–amphidelphic reproductive system, and 102- to 160-mm long elongate-conoid tail with rounded tip. Males of the new species are abundant and functional, characterized by 1,484- to 1,576-mm long body, 40- to 43-mm long spicules, 5 to 6 ventromedian supplements, and ventrally bent elongate conical tail. Compared to the type species, Enchodorus dolichurus, the new species has differences in its tail morphology and V value. These morphological differences and the separation of two species was further supported with basic differences in sequences of 28S rDNA D2/D3 and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) fragments. Compared to Enchodorus neodolichurus, it has basic differences in tail characters and spicule lengths. Molecular phylogenetic studies using partial sequences of 28S rDNA D2/D3 fragment of the new species and available sequences of Nordiidae members and several other dorylaim species/genera, revealed E. yeatsi n. sp. and E. dolichurus forming a clade with 0.81 Bayesian posterior probability (BPP). This clade forms a sister clade to the clade of Heterodorus sp. and Rhyssocolpus vinciguerrae, again with 0.81 BPP. In ITS1 tree, reconstructed using few available sequences, the new species and E. dolichurus formed a clade with 0.98 BPP.
A Simple Express Technique to Process Nematodes for Collection Slide Mounts
Authors: Ryss Alexander Y.
Published: July 2017

The new simple technique of hot fixation and a method for processing a mass quantity of nematodes to prepare nematode collection slides for taxonomic and ecological purposes, combined with an abrupt reduction of the set of procedures caused by the ‘‘cocktail’’ principle (a stratification of layers with a gradient of glycerol concentrations), are described.
Species Delimitation and Description of Mesocriconema nebraskense n. sp. (Nematoda: Criconematidae), a Morphologically Cryptic, Parthenogenetic Species from North American Grasslands
Authors: Olson Magdalena , Harris Timothy , Higgins Rebecca , Mullin Peter , Powers Kirsten , Olson Sean , Powers Thomas O.
Published: July 2017

Nematode surveys of North American grasslands conducted from 2010 to 2015 frequently recovered a species of crico- nematid nematode morphologically resembling Mesocriconema curvatum. These specimens were recovered from remnant native prairies in the central tallgrass ecoregion of North America, and not from surrounding agroecosystems. Historical records indicate that M. curvatum is a cosmopolitan species feeding on a wide range of agronomic and native plants. DNA barcoding indicates North American grasslands contain at least 10 phylogenetically distinct lineages of Mesocriconema that resemble, but are not, M. curvatum. Analysis of the two most common lineages reveals two distinctly different population structures. The variation in population structure suggests unique evolutionary histories associated with their diversification. These two major lineages share a sympatric distribution and their slight morphological differences contrast with a high level of genetic separation. Based on their genetic divergence, fixed diagnostic nucleotides, population structure, species delimitation metrics, and a sympatric distribution, we believe that one of these distinct lineages warrants formal nomenclatural recognition. Herein, we provide formal recognition for Mesocriconema nebraskense n. sp. and discuss its relationship to other Mesocriconema lineages discovered in native North American grasslands.
Description of Aphelenchoides macrospica n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) from Northwestern Iran
Authors: Golhasan Behrouz , Heydari Ramin , Esmaeili Mehrab , Miraeiz Esmaeil
Published: July 2017

Aphelenchoides macrospica n. sp. is described and illustrated from the West Azerbayjan province, northwestern Iran. The new species is characterized by its body length of 807 to 963 mm (males) and 792 to 1,094 mm (females), offset cephalic region, lateral fields with four incisures, long stylet with 15 to 16 mm length, and excretory pore situated opposite or behind the nerve ring. Pharyngeal glands overlapping intestine dorsally and extending for 90 to 121 mm, tail terminus mucronate in both sexes. Vagina directed anteriad, and spicules are relatively large (27–32 mm) with well-developed broadly rounded apex and condylus. The new species comes close to seven known species of the genus namely A. arcticus, A. blastophthorus, A. haguei, A. huntensis, A. lucknowensis, A. parasaprophilus,andA. xui, but it differs from them by the body size, stylet length, size of spicules, and length of postvulval uterine sac. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of D2-D3 expansion region of 28S and 18S rDNA, confirmed its status as a new species.
Evaluation of Pochonia chlamydosporia and Purpureocillium lilacinum for Suppression of Meloidogyne enterolobii on Tomato and Banana
Authors: Silva Silas D. , Carneiro Regina M. D. G. , Faria Marcos , Souza Daniela A. , Monnerat Rose G. , Lopes Rogerio B.
Published: July 2017

Meloidogyne enterolobii is one of the most important root-knot nematode in tropical regions, due to its ability to overcome resistance mechanisms of a number of host plants. The lack of new and safe active ingredients against this nematode has restricted control alternatives for growers. Egg-parasitic fungi have been considered as potential candidates for the development of bionematicides. In tissue culture plates, Pochonia chlamydosporia (var. catenulata and chlamydosporia) and Purpureocillium lilacinum strains were screened for their ability to infect eggs of the root-knot nematode M. enterolobii on water-agar surfaces. Reduction in the hatching of J2 varied from 13% to 84%, depending on strain. The more efficacious strains reduced hatchability of J2 by 57% to 84% when compared to untreated eggs, but average reductions were only 37% to 55% when the same strains were applied to egg masses. Combinations of fungal isolates (one of each species) did not increase the control efficacy in vitro. In experiments in which 10,000 nematode eggs were inoculated per plant, reductions in the number of eggs after 12 months were seen in three of four treatments in banana plants, reaching 34% for P. chlamydosporia var. catenulata. No significant reductions were seen in tomato plants after 3 mon. In another experiment with tomato plants using either P. chlamydosporia var. catenulata or P. lilacinum, the number of eggs was reduced by 34% and 44%, respectively, when initial infestation level was low (500 nematode eggs per plant), but tested strains were not effective under a moderate infestation level (5,000 eggs per plant). Under all infestation levels tested in this work, gall and egg mass indexes (MI) did not differ from the untreated controls, bringing concerns related to the practical adoption of this control strategy by farmers. In our opinion, if the fungi P. chlamydosporia and P. lilacinum are to be used as biocontrol tools toward M. entorolobii, they should focus on agricultural settings with low soil infestation levels and within an IPM approach.
Esteya vermicola Controls the Pinewood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in Pine Seedlings
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Yongan , Wang Chunyan , Wang Yunbo , Sung Chungkeun
Published: July 2017

Esteya vermicola (Ophiostomataceae) is an endoparasitic fungus that has great potential as a biological control agent against the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus which causes pine wilt disease. We tested E. vermicola for control of pine wilt disease by spraying E. vermicola conidia on artificial wounds on pine seedlings, and the optimum E. vermicola treatment density and application time were also investigated in the greenhouse. The wounds were similar to those made by sawyer beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Esteya vermicola treatments significantly increased the survival rate of pine seedlings that were infected by pinewood nematodes. Wounded plants sprayed with 107 CFU/ml E. vermicola had a 73.0% greater survival rate than nonwounded pine seedlings treated similarly. The treatment of pine seedlings with 107 CFU/ml E. vermicola 14 d before nematode infection increased their survival rate by 90.0%. The number of pinewood nematodes isolated from dead pine seedlings sprayed with E. vermicola was 76% less than the number of pinewood nematodes in the controls. Moreover, infected nematodes and the hyphae of E. vermicola were detected in the dead or wilting pine seedlings. Therefore, spraying E. vermicola on the wounds of pine seedlings made by sawyer beetles provides good control of the pine wilt disease that is caused by pinewood nematodes.
Draft Transcriptome of Globodera ellingtonae
Authors: Phillips Wendy S. , Akker Sebastian Eves-Van Den , Zasada Inga A.
Published: July 2017

Globodera ellingtonae is a newly described cyst nematode found in Idaho, Oregon, and Argentina. Here we present the first transcriptome assembly of G. ellingtonae, providing a valuable resource for comparing the evolution of expressed genes between potato cyst nematode species.
Reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita and M. graminis
on Several Grain Sorghum Hybrids
Authors: Hurd Katherine , Faske Travis R.
Published: July 2017

A total of 27 grain sorghum hybrids were evaluated in a series of greenhouse experiments to determine their susceptibility to Meloidogyne incognita race 3 and M. graminis. Each hybrid was inoculated with 2,000 nematode eggs/pot. Reproduction by M. incognita was numerically greater than M. graminis on 93% of the hybrids tested, indicating that grain sorghum is a better host for M. incognita than M. graminis. A wide variation in host suitability was observed on these hybrids in a second experiment as reproduction by M. incognita ranged from 395 to 3,818 eggs/g of root. Only two hybrids, Terral RV9782 and RV9823, consistently supported ,20% reproduction by M. incognita compared to the most susceptible hybrid, Golden Acres 5556. Reproduction of four isolates of M. incognita was evaluated on six selected hybrids in a third greenhouse experiment. Hybrid susceptibility was similar to that observed in the previous experiment for all isolates. A difference in isolate aggressiveness was observed between two of the four isolates across all hybrids. In fields where damaging populations of M. incognita are present, most grain sorghum hybrids will likely maintain or increase the nematode population for the subsequent crop.
Description of Pseudacrobeles (Pseudacrobeles) curvatus sp. n. (Cephalobidae: Rhabditida) in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Kim Taeho , Joong-Ki P.
Published: July 2017

Pseudacrobeles (Pseudacrobeles) curvatus sp. n. was collected from potato fields in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The new species shares morphological characters typical of the genus Pseudacrobeles, including three lateral incisures that fade posteriorly near the phasmid openings. The new species differs from other Pseudacrobeles species by its smaller body size and a comparatively shorter corpus relative to the isthmus length. In this study, we provide a comparison of morphometrics and diagnostic features of Pseudacrobeles species and molecular sequence data from the D2-D3 regions of the 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA from the new species, which can be used as molecular barcode sequences.
Deladenus posteroporus n. sp. (Nematoda: Neotylenchidae) Isolated from Packaging Wood from Canada and White Pine (Pinus monticola) Lumber from the United States and Intercepted in Ningbo, China
Authors: Yu Qing , Gu Jianfeng , Ye Weimin , Li Rusong , He Jie
Published: July 2017

Deladenus posteroporus n. sp. isolated from packaging wood originated from Canada and from white pine lumber from the United States, both intercepted in the port of Ningbo, China, is described and illustrated. Both mycetophagous and infective forms were recovered from the Canadian sample, whereas only the mycetophagous form was found in the U.S. sample. The new species is characterized by the posteriorly positioned excretory pore relative to the hemizonid in both mycetophagous and infective forms, by a broadly rounded tail end in mycetophagous females and lateral fields with 11 to 12 lines midbody in both mycetophagous females and males. The partial 18S, complete internal transcribed spacer, and partial 28S D2/D3 rRNA genes were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of the genes grouped the new species with previously sequenced species of Deladenus in a fully supported clade. This is the first report of Deladenus species with a known infective stage to have the excretory pore positioned posterior to the hemizonid.
Redefinition of Genus Malenchus Andra’ssy, 1968 (Tylenchomorpha: Tylenchidae) with Additional Data on Ecology
Authors: Qing Xue , Bert Wim
Published: July 2017

Malenchus is the second specious genus in Tylenchidae. In the presented study, we examined 22 populations including 12 type/paratype species. Detailed morphology was recovered using light microscopy, scanning- and transmission-electron microscopy. All population and type slides were recorded as picture and video vouchers, which are available online. We have compared inter- or intraspecific variations and extracted taxonomically informative traits. Amended definitions of the Malenchus as well as the closely related Ottolenchus were given based on a combination of morphology and recent molecular data, and their phylogeny were analyzed in a context of Tylenchidae. Furthermore, we test different fungi and moss as a food resource of Malenchus and their feeding behavior is also discussed.
Numerical Taxonomy Helps Identification of Merliniidae and Telotylenchidae (Nematoda: Tylenchoidea) from Iran
Authors: Ghaderi Reza , Hamzehzarghani Habiballah , Karegar Akbar
Published: July 2017

Numerical taxonomy was used for identification and grouping of the genera, species, and populations in the families Merliniidae and Telotylenchidae. The variability of each of 44 morphometric characters was evaluated by calculation of the coefficient of variability (CV) and the ratio of extremes (max/min) in the range of 1,020 measured females. Also correlation and regression analyses were made between characters to find potential collinearities. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used for (i) grouping 21 genera in the superfamily Dolichodoroidea based on literature data coded for states of 18 diagnostic characters, and (ii) for grouping Iranian populations belonging to selected genera. Furthermore, STEPDISC analysis was used for (i) grouping 11 genera of Merliniidae and Telotylenchidae based on the measurements of 35 characters from 1,007 Iranian female specimens, and
(ii) grouping measured females of eight species of Amplimerlinius and Pratylenchoides. The multivariate data analysis approach showed robust enough to summarize relationship between morphometric characters and group genera, species, and populations of the nematodes and in particular help to identify the genera and species of Amplimerlinius and Pratylenchoides.
Cryptaphelenchus varicaudatus n. sp. (Rhabditida: Ektaphelenchinae) from Tehran Province, Iran
Authors: Pedram Majid
Published: July 2017

Cryptaphelenchus varicaudatus n. sp. is described and illustrated. It was isolated from bark samples of dead or dying pine (Pinus spp.) trees with bark beetle frass and galleries, in Tehran province. The new species has 275- to 367-mm-long females (a medium-sized species) with distinctly annulated cuticle having three bands in lateral fields, lip region continuous with body contour, delicate knobbed stylet, monodelphic–prodelphic reproductive system with distinct spermatheca, short postvulval uterine sac (PUS), transverse vulval slit with raised posterior lip and body narrowing behind it, sclerotized vagina, simple intestine ending in a blind sac, having no rectum but vestigial anus in some specimens, and distal body end tip (tail tip) with variation in morphology (shape), from sharply or slightly pointed to bluntly rounded. Males of the new species are common, but less frequent than females, characterized by shorter body (235–278 mm long) compared to females, their posterior body end more ventrally bent, arcuate separate spicules with well-developed wide condyles, distinct rostrum having sharp, attenuated tip. The precloacal single supplement (P1) and the distally located pair of caudal papillae close to tail tip were only observed. The new species is morphologically compared with the species of the genus having short PUS and similar body end morphology. In molecular phylogenetic analyses using 1520- and 698-nt-long sequences of small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA D2/D3 fragments, the new species formed a clade with two currently available GenBank-derived, unspecified isolates/sequences in SSU and three other isolates/sequences in LSU trees, respectively.
Always Look On the Bright Side: Anti-Tumor Functions of Neutrophils
Authors: Vols Sandra , Sionov Ronit Vogt , Granot Zvi
Published: July 2017

Neutrophils are the most abundant population of white blood cells in the human circulation playing a
critical role in inflammation and in host defense against microbial infections. In recent years there has been growing
interest in understanding the role the tumor microenvironment plays in tumor growth and progression. In this
context, the role neutrophils play has been a matter of debate as neutrophils were shown to possess both tumor
promoting and tumor limiting properties. These conflicting observations stem from differences in how neutrophils
respond to environmental cues as well as from the existence of distinct tumor-promoting and tumor-limiting
neutrophil populations. Here, we review general aspects of neutrophil biology and the favorable functions of
neutrophils in the primary tumor and the pre-metastatic microenvironment. We further discuss the mechanisms
neutrophils employ to limit tumor progression and highlight the aspects of neutrophil biology that may be targeted
in future neutrophil-based cancer immunotherapies.
Role of the Immune Component of Tumor Microenvironment in the Efficiency of Cancer Treatment: Perspectives for the Personalized Therapy
Authors: Stakheyeva Marina , Riabov Vladimir , Mitrofanova Irina , Litviakov Nikolai , Choynzonov Evgeny , Cherdyntseva Nadezhda , Kzhyshkowska Julia
Published: July 2017

Despite significant progress in cancer diagnostics and development of novel therapeutic regimens,
successful treatment of advanced forms of cancer is still a challenge and may require personalized therapeutic
approaches. In this review, we analyzed major mechanisms responsible for tumor cells chemoresistance and emphasized
that intratumor heterogeneity is a critical factor that limits efficiency of cancer treatment. Intratumor
heterogeneity is caused by genomic instability in cancer cells, resulting in the selection of resistant clones.
Moreover, cancer cells in solid tumors are surrounded by cellular and molecular microenvironment that actively
influences tumor cell behavior. Local tumor microenvironment (TME) consisting of immune cells with diverse
phenotypes and functions strongly contributes to intratumor heterogeneity and modulates responses to treatment.
Thus, targeting specific components of TME is a novel treatment strategy that can improve the outcome of conventional
anti-cancer therapy. Here, we discuss modern immunotherapeutic approaches based on targeting tumorinfiltrating
immune cells including neutrophils, dendritic cells, NK cells, T cells, B cells and macrophages.
Among those, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) that display a pronounced heterogeneity and phenotypic
plasticity appear to be a major component in the TME of solid tumors, and emerge as perspective targets for
cancer immunotherapy. TAM intratumor heterogeneity and the possible existence of patient-specific phenotype
signature generate the basis for the development of individualized TAM-based therapeutic approaches.