bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Dimensional Consolidation Analysis of Unsaturated Soils under Cyclic Loadings
Authors: Kim Pyol , Ri Myongchol , Kim Yonggun , Ri Gunhyang , Myong Hakbom
Published: March 2020

This paper presents analytical solutions to Fredlund and Hasan’s one-dimensional consolidation equations for unsaturated soils subjected to various cyclic loadings. Two new variables are introduced so that the governing equations for excess pore air and water pressures can be transformed to a set of conventional diffusion equations. Based on the general solutions for two introduced variables, the analytical solutions are derived for one-dimensional consolidation of unsaturated soils under trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, and haversine cyclic loadings. It shows through the degeneration into the existing solutions for unsaturated and saturated soils that the proposed solutions are more general ones for one-dimensional consolidation of soils from unsaturated to saturated states. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of different parameters on one-dimensional consolidation of unsaturated soils under various cyclic loadings. The proposed solutions can be effectively utilized in the analysis of consolidation of unsaturated soils subjected to various cyclic loadings.
RDFuzz: Accelerating Directed Fuzzing with Intertwined Schedule and Optimized Mutation
Authors: Ye Jiaxi , Li Ruilin , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2020

Directed fuzzing is a practical technique, which concentrates its testing energy on the process toward the target code areas, while costing little on other unconcerned components. It is a promising way to make better use of available resources, especially in testing large-scale programs. However, by observing the state-of-the-art-directed fuzzing engine (AFLGo), we argue that there are two universal limitations, the balance problem between the exploration and the exploitation and the blindness in mutation toward the target code areas. In this paper, we present a new prototype RDFuzz to address these two limitations. In RDFuzz, we first introduce the frequency-guided strategy in the exploration and improve its accuracy by adopting the branch-level instead of the path-level frequency. Then, we introduce the input-distance-based evaluation strategy in the exploitation stage and present an optimized mutation to distinguish and protect the distance sensitive input content. Moreover, an intertwined testing schedule is leveraged to perform the exploration and exploitation in turn. We test RDFuzz on 7 benchmarks, and the experimental results demonstrate that RDFuzz is skilled at driving the program toward the target code areas, and it is not easily stuck by the balance problem of the exploration and the exploitation.
Multicenter Study of Tetanus Patients in Fujian Province of China: A Retrospective Review of 95 Cases
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Yu Rongguo , Shang Xiuling , Li Jun , Gu Ling , Rao Richun , Han Xianliang , Chen Mingzhi , Yang Jian , Wu Jiafang , Chen Huilong , Huang Hongyu
Published: March 2020

Background. Tetanus is a life‐threatening disease in developing countries and is accompanied by a high mortality rate. Although China is the world’s largest developing country, there have been few clinical studies on tetanus in China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, incidence, and management of tetanus in Fujian Province and to understand the current treatment and prognosis of tetanus patients. Methods. This was a retrospective, multicenter observational study of patients who presented with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus at 5 general hospitals in Fujian from January 2008 to December 2018. Data were analyzed using a computer software system. Results. A total of 95 patients were recruited, including 6 newborns. The average age of the adult tetanus patients was 55.53 ± 15.39 years old. None of the patients knew their previous history of tetanus immunization. The rate of having received human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTIG) was 9.47%. A total of 73 (76.84%) patients were cured, 17 (17.89%) patients had an unknown prognosis, and 5 (5.26%) patients died. Age, severity of illness, and complications all increased the total duration of hospitalization. Compared with endotracheal intubation, tracheotomy increased the length of stay in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) but did not affect the total hospital length of stay for mechanical ventilation. Conclusions. With the promotion of nationwide immunization against tetanus and the development of critical care medicine, morbidity and mortality rates of tetanus in Fujian are low. It is important to increase awareness among local physicians and staff in charge of tetanus immunization programs and with regard to neonatal tetanus and drug‐induced tetanus. The prevention and treatment of tetanus in developing countries should arouse widespread concern in society.
Intelligent Control of a Photovoltaic Generator for Charging and Discharging Battery Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Ndiaye El Hadji Mbaye , Ndiaye Alphousseyni , Faye Mactar , Gueye Samba
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a method of intelligent control of a photovoltaic generator (PVG) connected to a load and a battery. The system consists of charging and discharging a battery. An intelligent algorithm based on adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is presented in this work. It performs two separate tasks simultaneously. First, it is used as a PVG Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) command. This same algorithm is used secondly for protecting the battery against deep charges and discharges. A regulation of the DC bus voltage is also carried out by means of a PI corrector for a good supply of the load. The simulation results under MATLAB/Simulink show that the method proposed in this work allows the PV system to function normally by charging and discharging the battery whatever the weather conditions.
Bioserotypes, Virulence Markers, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Yersinia enterocolitica Strains Isolated from Free‐Living Birds
Authors: Odyniec Marta , Stenzel Tomasz , Ławreszuk Dorota , Bancerz-Kisiel Agata
Published: March 2020

The risk of meat contamination with Yersinia enterocolitica poses a threat to consumers and persons who come into contact with bird carcasses. The occurrence of Y. enterocolitica in the vast majority of migratory game species, the capercaillie, and the black grouse has never been studied in Poland, Europe, or in the world. The material for the study consisted of cloacal swabs obtained from 143 Eurasian coots, 50 mallards, 30 pochards, 27 greylag geese, 22 white‐fronted geese, 22 bean geese, 20 green‐winged teals, and 10 tufted ducks, as well as fecal swabs obtained from 105 capercaillie and 18 black grouse. Bacteriological examinations of 894 samples taken from 447 birds led to the isolation of 20 strains with the biochemical features characteristic of the genus Yersinia. All 20 strains were molecularly examined, and the genes characteristic of Y. enterocolitica were detected in 8 strains. The isolated strains harbored amplicons whose size corresponded to ystB gene fragments. Four strains belonged to bioserotype 1A/NI, one strain was identified as bioserotype 1B/O:9, and one as 1A/O:9. The prevalence of Y. enterocolitica was determined at 1.4% in green‐winged teals, at 5.0% in Eurasian coots, and at 4.8% in capercaillie. All strains were resistant to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, ampicillin, and cefalexin. The strains isolated from migratory birds were also resistant to kanamycin and streptomycin, and they were characterized by resistance or intermediate resistance to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, and tetracycline, to which the strains isolated from the capercaillie were susceptible. Yersinia enterocolitica was not detected in the remaining bird species. The presence of Y. enterocolitica in green‐winged teals, Eurasian coots, and capercaillie indicates that these birds could be carriers, potential reservoirs, and sources of infection for humans. They can also be regarded as reliable bioindicators of Y. enterocolitica in their respective habitats.
Kinetics of Nuclear Uptake and Site-Specific DNA Cleavage during CRISPR-Directed Gene Editing in Solid Tumor Cells
Authors: Banas Kelly , Rivera-Torres Natalia , Bialk Pawel , Yoo Byung-Chun , Kmiec Eric B.
Published: March 2020

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)–directed gene editing is approaching clinical implementation in cancer. Thus, it is imperative to define the molecular framework upon which safe and efficacious therapeutic strategies can be built. Two important reaction parameters include the biological time frame within which the CRISPR/Cas complex enters the nucleus and executes gene editing, and the method of discrimination that the CRISPR/Cas complex utilizes to target tumor cell, but not normal cell, genomes. We are developing CRISPR-directed gene editing for the treatment of non–small cell lung carcinoma focusing on disabling Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor-Like (NRF2), a transcription factor that regulates chemoresistance and whose genetic disruption would enhance chemosensitivity. In this report, we define the time frame of cellular events that surround the initialization of CRISPR-directed gene editing as a function of the nuclear penetration and the execution of NRF2 gene disruption. We also identify a unique protospacer adjacent motif that facilitates site-specific cleavage of the NRF2 gene present only in tumor genomes.

Implications:

Our results begin to set a scientifically meritorious foundation for the exploitation of CRISPR-directed gene editing as an augmentative therapy for lung cancer and other solid tumors.

Visual Overview:

http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/18/6/891/F1.large.jpg.
Maternal Epigenetic Regulation Contributes to Prevention of Estrogen Receptor–negative Mammary Cancer with Broccoli Sprout Consumption
Authors: Li Shizhao , Chen Min , Wu Huixin , Li Yuanyuan , Tollefsbol Trygve O.
Published: March 2020

Cruciferous vegetables have been of special interest due to the rich presence of bioactive compounds such as sulforaphane which show promising potential on cancer prevention and therapy as an epigenetic dietary strategy. Abnormal epigenetic alteration as one of the primary contributors to tumor development is closely related to breast cancer initiation and progression. In the present study, we investigated the effect of dietary broccoli sprouts (BSp), a common cruciferous vegetable, on prevention of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative mammary tumors at three different temporal exposure windows using a spontaneous breast cancer mouse model. Our findings indicate that maternal BSp treatment exhibited profound inhibitory and preventive effects on mammary cancer formation in the nontreated mouse offspring. The BSp diet administered to adult mice also showed suppressive effects on mammary cancer but was not as profound as the maternal BSp preventive effects. Moreover, such protective effects were linked with differentially expressed tumor- and epigenetic-related genes, as well as altered global histone acetylation, DNA methylation, and DNA hydroxymethylation levels. We also found that the expression changes of tumor-related genes were associated with the levels of histone methylation of H3K4 and H3K9 in the gene promoter regions. In addition, BSp-enriched sulforaphane was shown to increase protein expression of tumor suppressor genes such as p16 and p53 and inhibit the protein levels of Bmi1, DNA methyltransferases, and histone deacetylases in ERα-negative breast cancer cell lines. Collectively, these results suggest that maternal exposure to key phytochemicals may contribute to ER-negative mammary tumor prevention in their offspring through epigenetic regulations.
Development of Bullous Pemphigoid after Tenckhoff Catheter Placement in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient
Authors: Giunzioni Davide
Published: March 2020

Bullous pemphigoid (BP), a chronic autoimmune subepidermal blistering skin disease, has been described in end-stage renal disease patients requiring dialysis after the placement of an artero-venous fistula. We report a case of a novel onset of BP following a peritoneal dialysis abdominal Tenckhoff catheter placement. The 3-month treatment with systemic doxycycline and topical clobetasol propionate allowed a rapid disappearing of the blisters and left the patient free of symptoms in the follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case describing a new BP onset after a peritoneal dialysis catheter placement.
Systematics, bionomy, and metamorphosis of Coleoptera (Insecta): Papers celebrating the 80th birthday of Cleide Costa - Foreword from the editors
Authors: Casari Sônia A. , Biffi Gabriel
Published: March 2020

We present a brief biography of Dr. Cleide Costa, eminent entomologist from Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP). She has been dedicating the last six decades to the study of adults and immatures of Coleoptera. Dr. Costa is the pioneer in collecting and rearing immature beetles in Brazil, being responsible for establishing the most extensive Latin American collection of reared immatures Coleoptera. We discuss central aspects of her personal history, as well as career landmarks and achievements. A compilation of taxa introduced to science by her, taxa named in her honor, and a full list of her scientific, educational and cultural production are provided in chronological order. More than a biographical account, this publication is an acknowledgment of Dr. Cleide Costa’s legacy to entomology.
A new species of the genus Canthon Hoffmannsegg (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae, Deltochilini) from central Brazil
Authors: Vaz-de-Mello Fernando Z. , Nunes Luis Gabriel De Oliveira Albuquerque , Costa-Silva Vinícius Da
Published: March 2020

A new species of Canthon is described, illustrated and the morphological similarities with related species are discussed. The species Canthon cleidecostae was named after Dr. Cleide Costa a great beetles specialist. The subgeneric category of species is considered incertae sedis until the taxonomic revision of the genus Canthon is fully addressed. Also, we provide a key for genera, subgenera and isolated species-groups that can be confused with the genus Canthon.
A new genus of Phengodidae (Coleoptera) from the Neotropical Region
Authors: Vega-Badillo Viridiana , Zaragoza-Caballero Santiago , Ivie Michael A.
Published: March 2020

Cleicosta, a new genus of Phengodidae containing two new species, C. equatoreana sp. nov., and C. monaguense sp. nov., are described. Additionally, a new combination for Cenophengus breviplumatus Wittmer, 1976 is included. Cleicosta gen. nov., is the thirty-eighth genus assigned to the beetle family Phengodidae in the new world and is also the most morphologically similar to Cenophengus LeConte, 1881. Both genera exhibit clearly separated tentorial pits, vertical frons and simple tarsomeres. In Cleicosta gen. nov., however, the antennal rami are 1.5 times longer than the corresponding antennomere, the pronotum is subquadrate and the elytra are short, reaching the first or second abdominal segment. In addition, it presents an aedeagus with lateral lobes slender, parallel exteriorly, narrowed medially to toothless apex.
Review of the genus Hovorestenia Santos-Silva (Coleoptera: Disteniidae)
Authors: Botero Juan Pablo
Published: March 2020

Hovorestenia Santos-Silva, 2007 is a disteniid genus differentiated from other Neotropical Disteniini by the metatarsomeres II and V subequal in length, in contrast with the metatarsomere V distinctly longer than II in the other genera. So far, the genus is known only from male specimens. The discovery of new Hovorestenia species, represented by both sexes, shows that such current diagnostic character is sexually dimorphic, with metatarsomere V distinctly longer than II in female. The genus Hovorestenia is therefore reviewed and redescribed and two new species are described: H. cleideae, from Colombia and Ecuador, and H. espilota, from Colombia. It allowed to describe the hitherto unknown females and to appoint out sexually dimorphic characters for the first time in the genus. The genus is now composed of four species distributed from the central region of Colombia to Ecuador. Photographs of Hovorestenia species are included and a key to differentiate them is provided.
Description of the larva and pupa of Apion brevicorne Gerstaecker, 1854 (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Apioninae) with biological information
Authors: Lima Rosana Maria De , Santos Sandreli Berenice De Oliveira , Vaz Stephanie , Gomes Ana Laura Soares , Sousa Wesley Oliveira de
Published: March 2020

Apion brevicorne Gerstaecker, 1854 (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Apioninae) is an ecologically and economically important weevil that feeds on seeds and tissues of trees in the genus Copaifera L. (Fabaceae). Although the genus Apion comprises 16 species restricted to the Paleartic region, the Neotropical species A. brevicorne is still considered as incertae sedis due to the absence of a systematic study about it. The first descriptions and illustrations of Apion brevicorne are provided here. Diagnostic characters of larva and pupa are included and compared with 13 species from other biogeographic regions. Details of immature Apioninae species associated with host plants from the Neotropical region are described for the first time.
First species of Laselva Furth from Brazil (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini)
Authors: Rech Tarcila , Linzmeier Adelita Maria
Published: March 2020

Laselva cleidae sp. nov., the first species of Laselva Furth, 2007 found in Brazil is described and illustrated. Species of Laselva are compared with those of Deciplatus Linzmeier & Konstantinov, 2009 and Andersonaltica Linzmeier & Konstantinov, 2012. This is the first species of Laselva recorded to South America.
A new genus of railroad-worm beetles from the Atlantic Rainforest from Brazil (Coleoptera: Phengodidae, Mastinocerinae)
Authors: Roza André Silva , Mermudes José Ricardo Miras
Published: March 2020

Here we describe a new genus, Cleidella gen. nov., and two new species, C. picea sp. nov. and C. silveirai sp. nov., all from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The new genus is characterized by the interantennal distance subequal to scape length, antenna with 11 antennomeres, IV to X with two long symmetrical branches; mandibles long, projected and not crossed, pointed forward obliquely from head; maxillary palpi 4‑segmented, last segment digitiform; labial palpi 2‑segmented; posterior tentorial pit consisting of a single small fossa; elytron surpassing from the fourth to fifth abdominal segment, 3.3‑3.9× longer than wide; first tarsomere of protarsus with a ventral comb as long as the tarsomere length; wing with radial cell closed and transverse, vein r4 interrupted; aedeagus with paramere symmetrical, apex unevenly round, toothed inward, with short and scarce bristles. We provide a key to Mastinocerinae genera with 11 antennomeres, as well as illustrations for the diagnostic features for this new genus and a key to its species.
Description of the late- or last-instar larva of Ischyomius Chevrolat, with comments on the family placement of the genus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea: Pythidae)
Authors: Pollock Darren A. , McClarin Jim
Published: March 2020

Study of recently collected larvae of two species of Ischyomius Chevrolat, 1871 from Napo and Pichincha, Ecuador, tentatively identified as I. denticollis Champion, 1916 and I. singularis Chevrolat, 1871 confirm the classification of the genus Ischyomius within the family Pythidae. Salient larval characters which solidify this placement are: 5 stemmata arranged into an anterior column of 3 and posterior column of 2, parabasal ridges along anterior margins of abdominal tergites, prominent urogomphi with inner urogomphal teeth and various dorsal tubercles, and transverse row of dentiform asperities along anterior margin of sternite 9. Important features of the larva are illustrated with photographs. A key to larvae of world genera of Pythidae is provided as well as natural history information on Ischyomius.
Morphology of immature stages of Paraegidium costalimai (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Orphninae) and remarks on egg-busters in Scarabaeidae first‑instar larvae
Authors: Sousa Rafael Clayton De Jesus e , Fuhrmann Juares
Published: March 2020

Studies about the immature stages of Orphninae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) species are scarce. The subfamily includes 214 species, but only 5 have the immature stages described: Chaetonyx robustus liguricus Mariani, 1946, Hybalus benoiti Tournier, 1864, H. rotroui Petrovitz, 1964 and Triodontus nitidulus (Guérin, 1844) from Old World; and Aegidium cribratum Bates, 1887 from the New World. The Neotropical genus Paraegidium Vulcano, Pereira & Martinez, 1966 encompass five species, mainly recorded from Brazil. Herein, the immature stages of P. costalimai Vulcano, Pereira & Martinez, 1966 are described and illustrated, along with remarks on the presence of egg-buster in Scarabaeidae first-instar larvae. A key to the third-instar larvae of known Orphninae and a comparative study of chaetotaxy are also provided.
New species and morphological notes on the termitophilous genera Fonsechellus Silvestri and Oecidiophilus Silvestri from Brazil (Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, Corotocini, Termitoceina)
Authors: Zilberman Bruno , Fontes Luiz Roberto
Published: March 2020

Fonsechellus Silvestri and Oecidiophilus Silvestri consist of two Neotropical genera of termitophilous rove beetles, which have been poorly characterized due to the scarcity of material for studies. Herein, based on material collected in the seventies and housed in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, two new species associated with Atlantitermes guarinim Fontes and Diversitermes sp., are described and illustrated: Fonsechellus heterosetosus sp. nov. and Oecidiophilus cleidecostae sp. nov., respectively. The latter represents the first record of the genus to Brazil. Also, Fonsechellus fragilis and F. fontesi are redescribed, and a key for species identification is provided for the genus. The condition of the membranous wings of Fonsechellus is addressed and discussed, and the definition of both genera is expanded.
Elaphidiini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) from the Caribbean region of Colombia: New species, taxonomic notes and new geographical records
Authors: García Kimberly , Nascimento Francisco Eriberto De Lima
Published: March 2020

Two new species of Elaphidiini from Colombia are described: Sphaerion costae sp. nov., and Mephritus costae sp. nov. The keys to species of Sphaerion Audinet-Serville, 1834 and Mephritus Pascoe, 1866 are translated and modified to include the new species. Chromatic variations of Mephritus apicatus (Linsley, 1935) are reported. Moreover, the geographical distribution is expanded for 12 species of Elaphidiini.
Morphology and life cycle of a new species of Psilocladus Blanchard, 1846 (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Psilocladinae), the first known bromeliad-inhabiting firefly
Authors: Vaz Stephanie , Da Silveira Luiz Felipe Lima , Rosa Simone Policena
Published: March 2020

Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are soft-bodied beetles usually associated with mesic and hydric habitats. As such, terrestrial firefly larvae are commonly found in marshy environments and stream banks, while aquatic larvae might dwell in ponds, streams, mangroves, and even brackish water. Larval biology is especially important in fireflies, as the majority of species are extremely semelparous – that is, adults rely on resources gathered during larval stages. Despite their crucial relevance in firefly biology, larvae of only near 1% firefly species have been studied, and the majority of species remain known only from adult stages. That is especially true in the Neotropical region, where they are most diverse. Here, we describe Psilocladus costae sp. nov. after the study of adults and immature stages, the latter reported for the first time for the monotypic subfamily Psilocladinae McDermott, 1964. Interestingly, adults were first obtained by rearing the larvae, the former usually fly fairly high (ca. 10 m) and are therefore seldom collected at ground level by conventional methods (e.g., active search, Malaise traps). The new species is found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, inhabiting canopy bromeliads, an unprecedented habit for fireflies.
Morphology and biological notes of Macrosiagon octomaculata (Gerstaecker) triungulinid and a summary of the knowledge on immature stages of the genus (Ripiphoridae)
Authors: Ulysséa Mônica Antunes , Albertoni Fabiano Fabian
Published: March 2020

Species of Macrosiagon Hentz are known to be wasp and bee parasitoids. Here, we present information on Macrosiagon octomaculata (Gerstaecker, 1855), including eggs and triungulinids, found on Paepalanthus polyanthus (Bong.) Sano (Eriocaulaceae) blooming in restinga habitat on Santa Catarina Island, South Brazil. This is the first record of an Eriocaulaceae species playing an important role in the Macrosiagon bionomics and the first accurate record of Ripiphoridae for southern Brazil, Santa Catarina state. In the study area, P. polyanthus attracted an inordinate number of insect species and one Thynnidae wasp was captured with a triungulinid on its wing. Eggs and triungulinids were also found on one plant of P. polyanthus and associated with M. octomaculata. We provide descriptions of the female reproductive organs as well as the morphology of the triungulinid of M. octomaculata. A detailed examination of the triungulinid revealed novelties that complement information from previous publications regarding the Ripiphoridae. We also compare triungulinids of M. octomaculata with those of other species, and provide a table summarizing comparative characters. Finally, we provide a table with current information on the recorded host species and immatures of Macrosiagon.
Comparative morphology of the larvae of the palm weevils Dynamis borassi (Fabricius) and Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus) (Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae): Two major pests of peach palms in the Neotropics
Authors: Vásquez-Ordóñez Aymer Andrés , Löhr Bernhard Leo , Marvaldi Adriana Elena
Published: March 2020

The morphology of the larvae of Dynamis borassi (Fabricius) and Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus) was compared, described and illustrated. A complete definition of subtribe Rhynchophorina at the larval stage was elaborated, based on mature and submature larvae, and characters of the first instar larvae are provided for the first time. Diagnostic characters to distinguish the larvae of D. borassi and R. palmarum are mainly from the epipharynx and maxillae, but the abdominal terminal plate also provides differential features that can aid in the identification. The characterization of both species at the larval stage is expected to be useful in the implementation of new control strategies in palm plantations in South America. For practical reasons, a comparative table is appended in Spanish to serve as a quick diagnostic guide for species identification.
First report of Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) from New Zealand and description of its larva (Coleoptera: Phalacridae)
Authors: Gimmel Matthew L. , Leschen Richard A. B.
Published: March 2020

The Australian species Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) is reported from New Zealand for the first time. Adults are illustrated and diagnosed, and late-instar larvae are fully described and illustrated. In addition, a summary of prior larval descriptions of Phalacridae is provided. This represents the first description of the morphology and habitat of the larvae within the genus Austroporus Gimmel and the Olibroporus-group of genera. Austroporus doctus is native to eastern Australia, where adults are distinguished from similar species by characters of the male genitalia and by a suite of external morphological features. There are no native members of Phalacridae known from New Zealand, but A. doctus represents the second introduced and established species there. A key is given to differentiate adult and larval A. doctus from the other introduced New Zealand species, Phalacrus uniformis (Blackburn).
A new enigmatic species of broad-nosed weevil endemic to Brazil and its phylogenetic placement within the tribe Naupactini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)
Authors: Del Río María Guadalupe , Lanteri Analía Alicia
Published: March 2020

A new species of Naupactini (Curculionidae: Entiminae) endemic to Brazil, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais states, is herein described. It resembles the monotypic genus Hadropus Schoenherr in its general appearance, particularly in the shape of the elytra, and the color of the vestiture, but the results of a cladistics analysis herein conducted suggest that it belongs to the genus Stenocyphus Marshall. This genus ranges in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, mainly in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, and includes three other species. Stenocyphus costae sp. nov., distinguishes from the remaining species of Stenocyphus by the green iridescent scaly vestiture, having long stiff setae on the two pairs of elytral tubercles; the more slender rostrum; the shorter antennae; the convex disc of the pronotum; and the shorter and broader elytra. This paper includes a cladogram of the Naupactini genera showing the phylogenetic position of the new species, its complete description, photographs of male and female habitus, line drawings of genitalia of both sexes, and a key of the Stenocyphus species.
Diochus cleidecostae, a new species from the Brazilian Amazon and a discussion of the sexual dimorphism on sternum VIII (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae: Diochini)
Authors: Caron Edilson , Navarro Bruna V. , Cajaiba Reinaldo L.
Published: March 2020

Diochus Erichson is a worldwide rove beetle genus with species found in forest floor litter. Three species of Diochus were recently collected in northern Brazil, one of them considered as new and herein described. Within Diochus nanus-group, D. cleidecostae sp. nov. differs from D. apicipennis Cameron, D. nanus Erichson and D. perplexus Cameron by the aedeagus with clearing trifurcate apex of parameres; and differs from D. parvulus Kraatz by the three apical long setae of parameres distributed on ventral and dorsal lobes. A previous key to the D. nanus-group is updated to include the new species. Here we also report for the first time D. santacatarinae Irmler and D. parvulus from Pará state, Brazil. Finally, a discussion about the sexual dimorphism on sternum VIII is also provided for the genus.
New species and nomenclatural notes in Lobobrachus Sharp (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Pterostichini)
Authors: Campaner Carlos , Will Kipling W.
Published: March 2020

A new species of Lobobrachus Sharp, 1885, Lobobrachus cleidecostae sp. nov., from Piauí state, Brazil, is described and illustrated. The genus and Lobobrachus lacerdae Sharp, 1885, are redescribed and the identity of L. alternans Tschitschérine, 1901, is discussed. Based on study of all available specimens and published descriptions it appears that L. alternans cannot be diagnosed and is a synonym of L. lacerdae. However, the syntypes of L. alternans cannot be located, thereby making a final decision on synonymy impossible to substantiate fully. Photographs of the aedeagi of L. lacerdae, L. cleidecostae, and specimens that best correspond to L. alternans, including those putatively identified by Tschitschérine, are presented for the first time.
A contribution to the genera Plectonotum Gorham and Hyponotum Wittmer, with the description of sixteen new species from Peru (Coleoptera, Cantharidae)
Authors: Constantin Robert
Published: March 2020

Sixteen species of Peruvian Dysmorphocerinae (Cantharidae) are described as new (regions in parenthesis): Hyponotum macrocephalum sp. nov. (Huanuco); H. succhabamba sp. nov. (Cajamarca); Plectonotum altomayo sp. nov. (Amazonas); P. amazonas sp. nov. (Amazonas); P. bicoloricolle sp. nov. (Huanuco); P. carpish sp. nov. (Huanuco); P. celendin sp. nov. (Cajamarca); P. costae sp. nov. (Cajamarca); P. huariaca sp. nov. (Pasco and Huanuco); P. huascaran sp. nov. (Ancash); P. huertoae sp. nov. (Cajamarca); P. leymebamba sp. nov. (Amazonas); P. luteipes sp. nov. (Amazonas); P. oxapampa sp. nov. (Pasco); P. rubrithorax sp. nov. (Huanuco); P. shipasbamba sp. nov. (Amazonas). A lectotype is designated for Plectonotum longissimum (Pic, 1927) for which a redescription is provided. Plectonotum ruficolle Wittmer, 1988, homonym of Plectonotum ruficolle Pic, 1926, is renamed as Plectonotum neoruficolle nom. nov. New keys are proposed in English and Spanish for the identification of the Peruvian species of the genus Plectonotum and the South American species of the genus Hyponotum Wittmer, together with macrophotographs of habitus, details of pronotum, male genitalia and a cartographic representation of their distribution.
A new suspected paedomorphic genus of net-winged beetles from the Atlantic Rainforest (Coleoptera, Elateroidea, Lycidae)
Authors: Ferreira Vinicius S. , Silveira Luiz Felipe Lima
Published: March 2020

Lycidae are among the better studied groups in the superfamily Elateroidea, however despite the progress in the taxonomic understanding of the Neotropical fauna, much still remains unknown and undescribed in the region. The description of the new genus Xenolycus gen. nov., from Serra dos Órgãos, a subrange of the Serra do Mar mountain range, in the Atlantic Rainforest in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, contributes to the knowledge of the Neotropical Lycidae fauna. The new genus can be distinguished from all other known Calopterini and Neotropical Lycidae by the combination of a pronotum with a wide, deep and strongly visible longitudinal cell in the disc area, the filiform antennae, the dehiscent elytra with reticulation strongly reduced and bearing only two weakly developed elytral costae and the mouthparts partially reduced, with rudimentary, barely visible mandibles. The type species, Xenolycus costae sp. nov., is illustrated and diagnostic characters and a discussion on the tribal placement of the new genus are provided.
Potential phylogenetic significance of the number of functional abdominal spiracles in beetle pupae, with focus on Staphylinoidea (Coleoptera)
Authors: Newton Alfred Francis
Published: March 2020

The distribution of functional abdominal spiracles in pupae of Coleoptera is reviewed based on published descriptions and original observations. Aquatic Coleoptera typically have strong modifications, generally including dramatic reductions in the number of functional spiracles and often their modification into either spiracular gills or snorkels, as a response to their environment. But pupae of the great majority of Coleoptera, which are terrestrial, show broad stability across higher taxa. Most terrestrial beetles have at least the first five pairs of abdominal spiracles functional, up to and including a full set of eight pairs. However, the number is unexpectedly low in Scarabaeoidea and within Staphyliniformia, where Histeridae and all Staphylinoidea have a confirmed maximum of four pairs of spiracles. The relation between pupal size and number of functional spiracles in terrestrial pupae is explored, and it is suggested that those groups with an unexpectedly small number of functional spiracles may have passed through a “small-size bottleneck” in their ancestry. However, this hypothesis does not explain why several families of very small beetles in other groups of Coleoptera do not show a similar reduction, and little evidence was found to support a strong relation between pupal size and number of functional spiracles at lower taxonomic levels (below family). Whether pupae are exarate or obtect apparently also has little correlation with the number of functional spiracles. However, the consistency and stability of spiracular reductions in the above groups suggests that deep historical factors are involved and thus the reductions may be of phylogenetic significance. It is urged that establishing the number of functional spiracles in beetle pupae become as standard a feature of pupal descriptions as chaetotaxy and whether they are exarate or obtect.
Predictors of Bicuspid Aortic Valve–Associated Aortopathy in Childhood
Authors: Grattan Michael , Prince Andrea , Rumman Rawan K. , Morgan Conall , Petrovic Michele , Hauck Amanda , Young Luciana , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Loeys Bart , Mohamed Salah A. , Dietz Harry , Mital Seema , Fan Chun-Po Steve , Manlhiot Cedric , Andelfinger Gregor , Mertens Luc ,   on behalf of MIBAVA Leducq Consortium
Published: March 2020

Background:

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most prevalent congenital heart defect affecting 1% to 2% of the population. It is associated with ascending aorta dilatation. Valve morphology, aortic stenosis (AS), and aortic insufficiency (AI) have been proposed as potential risk factors; however, evaluating their role is difficult, as these factors are inherently related. The aim of this study was to determine whether BAV morphology and dysfunction are independent determinants for ascending aorta dilatation in pediatric patients.

Methods:

A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study of pediatric BAV patients followed since 2004 was performed. Imaging data were assessed for BAV morphology, severity of AS and AI, history of coarctation, and aortic dimensions. Associations were determined using multivariable regression analysis. A subset of patients undergoing aortic interventions (balloon dilation or Ross) were assessed longitudinally.

Results:

Data were obtained from 2122 patients (68% male; median age 10.2 years). Fifty percent of patients had ascending aorta dilatation. Right and noncoronary cusp fusion, increasing AS and AI, and older age were independently associated with ascending aorta dilatation. A history of coarctation was associated with less ascending aorta dilatation. In patients with neither AS nor AI, 37% had ascending aorta dilatation (4% severe). No complications related to aortic dilatation occurred in this cohort. Aortic
Z
scores were determined, and a
Z
-score calculator was created for this population.

Conclusions:

In this large pediatric cohort of patients with BAV, valve morphology, AS, and AI are independently associated with ascending aorta dilatation, suggesting that hemodynamic factors influence aortopathy. However, even in BAVs with no AS or AI, there is significant ascending aorta dilatation independent of valve morphology. Interventions that led to changes in degree of AI and AS did not seem to influence change in aortic dimensions. The current BAV cohort can be used as a reference group for expected changes in aortic dimensions during childhood.
Post-Classical Greek from a Scribal Perspective
Authors: Stolk Joanne Vera
Published: March 2020

Spelling deviations are often considered to be the result of random variation or plain mistakes by the scribes. Based on the examples in this paper, I argue that some of the apparent deviations may actually be in accordance with contemporary norms. Close study of the spelling of five lexemes in the corpus of documentary papyri shows that the orthographic conventions at the time may have been different than suggested by contemporary grammarians and modern editors.
Kant, the Practical Postulates, and Clifford’s Principle
Authors: Kahn Samuel
Published: March 2020

In this paper I argue that Kant would have endorsed Clifford’s principle. The paper is divided into four sections. In the first, I review Kant’s argument for the practical postulates. In the second, I discuss a traditional objection to the style of argument Kant employs. In the third, I explain how Kant would respond to this objection and how this renders the practical postulates consistent with Clifford’s principle. In the fourth, I introduce positive grounds for thinking that Kant would have endorsed this principle.
Pragmatic Humanism and the Posthumanist Challenge: Between Biocentrism and the New Human Being
Authors: Honnacker Ana
Published: March 2020

Humanism is charged with fostering a harmful anthropocentrism that has led to the exploitation of non-human beings and the environment. Posthumanist and transhumanist ideas prominently aim at rethinking our self-understanding and human-nature relations. Yet these approaches turn out to be flawed when it comes to addressing the challenges of the “age of the humanity”, the Anthropocene. Whereas posthumanism fails in acknowledging the exceptional role of human beings with regard to political agency and responsibility, transhumanism overemphasizes human capabilities of controlling nature and only deepens the human-nature dualism. Therefore, a critical and humble version of humanism is suggested as a viable alternative. Drawing on pragmatist thinkers William James and F.C.S. Schiller, a resource for de-centering the human being is provided that critically reflects our role in the larger ecosystem and underlines human potentials as well as human responsibilities.
Cystolith micromorphology in selected taxa of Ficus L. (Moraceae) in India and its taxonomic implications

Authors: MOHAPATRA ABHIPSA , JANARTHANAM M. K.
Published: March 2020

Cystoliths are microscopic calcium deposits found remarkably in some genera and is of key importance to understand its taxonomic value. Leaf samples of 19 species belonging to 7 sections of Indian Ficus were processed for anatomical studies and surface micromorphological characteristics of cystoliths. The morphology, distribution and sculpture patterns of cystolith found varying among species. Four types of basic sculpturing patterns have been observed in this study: aculeate, colliculate, verrucate, and tuberculate. The aculeate sculpturing pattern is the most common type observed in twelve species of section Cordifoliae, but further division of this pattern into three subtypes i.e. broad, moderate and reduced aculeate along with the length and width of cystoliths appendages and the mode of stalk fixation provides more informative insight into sub-sectional classification. Principal component analysis (PCA) provides a supporting evidence for earlier classification at sectional/subsectional level. Though in few cases it has not support the decision taken by molecular studies. This study suggests that cystolith micromorphological characters could be utilized in the re-classification of Ficus taxa at sub-sectional level.
Changes of Decadal SST Variations in the Subpolar North Atlantic under Strong CO2 Forcing as an Indicator for the Ocean Circulation’s Contribution to Atlantic Multidecadal Variability
Authors: Hand Ralf , Bader Jürgen , Matei Daniela , Ghosh Rohit , Jungclaus Johann H.
Published: March 2020

The question of whether ocean dynamics are relevant for basin-scale North Atlantic decadal temperature variability is the subject of ongoing discussions. Here, we analyze a set of simulations with a single climate model consisting of a 2000-yr preindustrial control experiment, a 100-member historical ensemble, and a 100-member ensemble forced with an incremental CO2 increase by 1% yr−1. Compared to previous approaches, our setup offers the following advantages: First, the large ensemble size allows us to robustly separate internally and externally forced variability and to robustly detect statistical links between different quantities. Second, the availability of different scenarios allows us to investigate the role of the background state for drivers of the variability. We find strong evidence that ocean dynamics, particularly ocean heat transport variations, form an important contribution to generate the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) in the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI-ESM). Particularly the northwest North Atlantic is substantially affected by ocean circulation for the historical and preindustrial simulations. Anomalies of the Labrador Sea deep ocean density precede a change of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and heat advection to the region south of Greenland. Under strong CO2 forcing, the AMV–SST regression pattern shows crucial changes: SST variability in the northwestern part of the North Atlantic is strongly reduced, so that the AMV pattern in this scenario is dominated by the low-latitude branch. We found a connection to changes in the deep-water formation that cause a strong reduction of the mean AMOC and its variability. Consequently, ocean heat transport convergence becomes less important for the SST variability south of Greenland.
Assessment of Numerical Simulations of Deep Circulation and Variability in the Gulf of Mexico Using Recent Observations
Authors: Morey Steven L. , Gopalakrishnan Ganesh , Sanz Enric Pallás , Azevedo Correia De Souza Joao Marcos , Donohue Kathleen , Pérez-Brunius Paula , Dukhovskoy Dmitry , Chassignet Eric , Cornuelle Bruce , Bower Amy , Furey Heather , Hamilton Peter , Candela Julio
Published: March 2020

Three simulations of the circulation in the Gulf of Mexico (the “Gulf”) using different numerical general circulation models are compared with results of recent large-scale observational campaigns conducted throughout the deep (>1500 m) Gulf. Analyses of these observations have provided new understanding of large-scale mean circulation features and variability throughout the deep Gulf. Important features include cyclonic flow along the continental slope, deep cyclonic circulation in the western Gulf, a counterrotating pair of cells under the Loop Current region, and a cyclonic cell to the south of this pair. These dominant circulation features are represented in each of the ocean model simulations, although with some obvious differences. A striking difference between all the models and the observations is that the simulated deep eddy kinetic energy under the Loop Current region is generally less than one-half of that computed from observations. A multidecadal integration of one of these numerical simulations is used to evaluate the uncertainty of estimates of velocity statistics in the deep Gulf computed from limited-length (4 years) observational or model records. This analysis shows that the main deep circulation features identified from the observational studies appear to be robust and are not substantially impacted by variability on time scales longer than the observational records. Differences in strengths and structures of the circulation features are identified, however, and quantified through standard error analysis of the statistical estimates using the model solutions.
Morphological Carotid Plaque Area Is Associated With Glomerular Filtration Rate: A Study of South Asian Indian Patients With Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Puvvula Anudeep , Jamthikar Ankush D. , Gupta Deep , Khanna Narendra N. , Porcu Michele , Saba Luca , Viskovic Klaudija , Ajuluchukwu Janet N. A. , Gupta Ajay , Mavrogeni Sophie , Turk Monika , Laird John R. , Pareek Gyan , Miner Martin , Sfikakis Petros P. , Protogerou Athanasios , Kitas George D. , Nicolaides Andrew , Viswanathan Vijay , Suri Jasjit S.
Published: March 2020

We evaluated the association between automatically measured carotid total plaque area (TPA) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a biomarker of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Automated average carotid intima–media thickness (cIMTave) and TPA measurements in carotid ultrasound (CUS) were performed using AtheroEdge (AtheroPoint). Pearson correlation coefficient (CC) was then computed between the TPA and eGFR for (1) males versus females, (2) diabetic versus nondiabetic patients, and (3) between the left and right carotid artery. Overall, 339 South Asian Indian patients with either type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or CKD, or hypertension (stage 1 or stage 2) were retrospectively analyzed by acquiring cIMTave and TPA measurements of their left and right common carotid arteries (CCA; total CUS: 678, mean age: 54.2 ± 9.8 years; 75.2% males; 93.5% with T2DM). The CC between TPA and eGFR for different scenarios were (1) for males and females −0.25 ( P < .001) and −0.35 ( P < .001), respectively; (2) for T2DM and non-T2DM −0.26 ( P < .001) and −0.49 ( P = .02), respectively, and (3) for left and right CCA −0.25 ( P < .001) and −0.23 ( P < .001), respectively. Automated TPA is an equally reliable biomarker compared with cIMTave for patients with CKD (with or without T2DM) with subclinical atherosclerosis.