bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Prevalence of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Broers Merel C. , Bunschoten Carina , Nieboer Daan , Lingsma Hester F. , Jacobs Bart C.
Published: January 2019

Background: Prevalence and incidence rates of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) are required to determine the impact of CIDP on society. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of CIDP worldwide and to determine the effect of diagnostic criteria on prevalence and incidence. Method: A systematic review was conducted for all published incidence and prevalence studies on CIDP until May 18, 2017. Methodological quality was assessed using the Methodological Evaluation of Observational Research checklist. We performed a random effect meta-analysis to estimate pooled prevalence and incidence rates. Results: Of the 907 studies, 11 were included in the systematic review, 5 in the meta-analysis of incidence (818 cases; 220,513,514 person-years) and 9 in the meta-analysis of prevalence (3,160 cases; 160,765,325 population). These studies had a moderate quality. The pooled crude incidence rate was 0.33 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 0.21–0.53; I2 = 95.7%) and the pooled prevalence rate was 2.81 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.58–4.39; I2 = 99.1%). Substantial heterogeneity in incidence and prevalence across studies seems to be partly explained by using different diagnostic criteria. Conclusion: These findings provide a starting point to estimate the social burden of CIDP and demonstrate the need to reach consensus on diagnostic criteria for CIDP.
The Neonatal Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy Registry (NABER): Background, Aims, and Protocol
Authors: Bahr Timothy M. , Christensen Robert D. , Agarwal Archana M. , George Tracy I. , Bhutani Vinod K.
Published: January 2019

Background: Acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) is a potentially devastating condition that can lead to death or life-long neurodevelopmental handicaps. ABE is particularly tragic because it is, in theory, completely preventable. Progress toward its prevention has been hampered by the perception that the extreme hyperbilirubinemia giving rise to ABE typically has no clear causation, with the majority of previous cases being labeled as “idiopathic” neonatal jaundice. Objectives: This research briefing is intended to inform readers of a new prospective study aimed at clarifying the causes of ABE. This is accomplished by identifying qualifying patients with ABE anywhere in the USA and then documenting their clinical characteristics and the results of testing 28 specific genetic associations in a web-based, institutional review board-approved, REDCap (research electronic data capture) deidentified registry. Methods: In this research briefing, we present an overview of ABE and discuss the problem that most patients in the past have been labeled as having “idiopathic” hyperbilirubinemia. We also present data supporting a new theory that most (perhaps all) ABE patients have mutations or polymorphisms in genes involved in bilirubin production or metabolism. We introduce a new registry seeking to enroll 100 neonates with ABE as a voluntary, deidentified database, with next generation sequencing of 28 genes involved in bilirubin production/metabolism provided to enrollees at no cost. Results and Conclusions: The Neonatal Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy Registry (NABER) study will correlate deidentified clinical and genetic data in order to clarify the underlying causes of hyperbilirubinemia in current ABE patients. We maintain that the improved understanding this study produces will constitute a needed step toward devising new clinical pathways and strategies for preventing ABE in neonates.
Cortical Perfusion and Tubular Function as Evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlates with Annual Loss in Renal Function in Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Prasad Pottumarthi V. , Li Lu-Ping , Thacker Jon M. , Li Wei , Hack Bradley , Kohn Orly , Sprague Stuart M.
Published: January 2019

Background: Chronic hypoxia is a well-recognized factor in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Loss of microcirculation is thought to lead to enhanced renal hypoxia, which in turn results in the development of fibrosis, a hallmark of progressive CKD. To evaluate the role of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we performed perfusion, oxygenation, and diffusion MRI measurements in individuals with diabetes and stage 3 CKD. Methods: Fifty-four subjects (41 individuals with diabetes and stage 3 CKD and 13 healthy controls) participated in this study. Data with blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD), arterial spin labeling perfusion and diffusion MRI were acquired using a 3T scanner. Results: Renal cortical perfusion was reduced in CKD compared to the controls (109.54 ± 25.38 vs. 203.17 ± 27.47 mL/min/100 g; p < 0.001). Cortical apparent diffusion coefficient showed no significant reduction in CKD compared to controls (1,596.10 ± 196.64 vs. 1,668.72 ± 77.29 × 10–6 mm2/s; p = 0.45) but was significantly associated with perfusion. Cortical R2* values were modestly increased in CKD (20.76 ± 4.08 vs. 18.74 ± 2.37 s–1; p = 0.12). Within the CKD group, R2*_Medulla and R2*_Kidney were moderately and negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. There was a significant association between cortical perfusion and medullary response to furosemide with annual loss of renal function, used as an estimate of CKD progression. Conclusions: Subjects with a moderate degree of CKD had significantly lower renal perfusion. Diffusion and BOLD MRI showed more modest differences between the groups. Individuals with progressive CKD had lower perfusion and response to furosemide.
TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF TABLETS CREATION BASED ON FLAMMULINA VELUTIPES BIOMASS DRY POWDER
Authors: Butkevych T. A. , Syatynya М. L. , Popovych V. P.
Published: January 2019

The aim of the work. To study the pharmaco-technological properties of granulate and tablets based on Flammulina velutipes biomass dry powder, to develop the composition and technology of the medication.

Materials and Methods. Research of granules and tablets pharmaco-technological properties (sieve analysis, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner ratio, flowability of tablet mass, average weight, resistance to crushing, friability and disintegration of tablets) was carried out in accordance to the requirements of State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine 2nd edition.

Results and Discussion. The determined pharmaco-technological parameters of the granulate indicate good values ​​of the bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner ratio and flowability. An intermediate product undergoes a tabletting process to produce a qualitative finished product of satisfactory appearance (plain, cylindrical tablets with a facet, yellowish-white color with brown inclusions, with a height of 4 mm, and diameter of 10 mm), a constant average mass (1.0 g), and strength (68 N).

Conclusions. The pharmaco-technological properties of tablet mass (granulate) and Flammulina velutipes biomass dry powder tablets (sieve analysis, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner ratio, flowability, average weight, resistance to crushing, friability and disintegration) were studied. The composition and technology of Flammulina velutipes biomass dry powder tablets have been developed, pharmaco-technological parameters of their quality have been studied, technological block diagram of industrial production has been developed.
ВИВЧЕННЯ ВПЛИВУ ДОПОМІЖНИХ РЕЧОВИН НА ФАРМАКО-ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНІ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ ТАБЛЕТОК L-АРГІНІНУ З ТІОТРИАЗОЛІНОМ
Authors: Khromylova O. V.
Published: January 2019

Мета роботи. Вивчення впливу допоміжних речовин на стираність, стійкість до роздавлювання і час розпадання таблеток таблеток L-аргініну з тіотриазоліном.

Матеріали і методи. У дослідженнях використовували: L-аргінін (виробник: Sigma-Aldrich, США), тіотриазолін (виробник: Державне підприємство «Завод хімічних реактивів» Науково-технологічного комплексу «Інститут монокристалів» НАН України), сертифіковані допоміжні речовини, як вітчизняного, так і закордонного виробництва.

Результати й обговорення. Дисперсійний аналіз результатів дослідження за показниками стираності таблеток, стійкості таблеток до роздавлювання і часу розпадання таблеток L-аргініну з тіотриазоліном допоміг на основі порівняння отриманих середніх значень рівнів вивчених факторів вибрати кращі допоміжні речовини: маніт із зразків наповнювачів на основі цукрів, крохмаль картопляний із зразків розпушувачів, МКЦ 301 – з групи регуляторів вологи, з групи зв’язуючих речовин обрано 3 % розчин ГПМЦ 2910.

Висновки. За результатами проведених досліджень ми вивчили вплив чотирьох груп допоміжних речовин на стираність, стійкість до роздавлювання та час розпадання таблеток L-аргініну з тіотриазоліном, отриманних методом вологої грануляції. Дисперсійний аналіз результатів експериментальних даних допоміг вибрати допоміжні речовини, які забезпечують необхідні фармако-технологічні вимоги, що висуваються до таблеткової лікарської форми ДФУ.
Lipoprotein(a) Levels and the Risk of Myocardial Infarction Among 7 Ethnic Groups
Authors: Paré Guillaume , Çaku Artuela , McQueen Matthew , Anand Sonia S. , Enas Enas , Clarke Robert , Boffa Michael B. , Koschinsky Marlys , Wang Xingyu , Yusuf Salim ,   On behalf of the INTERHEART Investigators
Published: January 2019

Background:

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels predict the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in populations of European ancestry; however, few data are available for other ethnic groups. Furthermore, differences in isoform size distribution and the associated Lp(a) concentrations have not fully been characterized between ethnic groups.

Methods:

We studied 6086 cases of first MI and 6857 controls from the INTERHEART study that were stratified by ethnicity and adjusted for age and sex. A total of 775 Africans, 4443 Chinese, 1352 Arabs, 1856 Europeans, 1469 Latin Americans, 1829 South Asians, and 1221 Southeast Asians were included in the study. Lp(a) concentration was measured in each participant using an assay that was insensitive to isoform size, with isoform size being assessed by Western blot in a subset of 4219 participants.

Results:

Variations in Lp(a) concentrations and isoform size distributions were observed between populations, with Africans having the highest Lp(a) concentration (median=27.2 mg/dL) and smallest isoform size (median=24 kringle IV repeats). Chinese samples had the lowest concentration (median=7.8 mg/dL) and largest isoform sizes (median=28). Overall, high Lp(a) concentrations (>50 mg/dL) were associated with an increased risk of MI (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.32–1.67;
P
<0.001). The association was independent of established MI risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, smoking, high blood pressure, and apolipoprotein B and A ratio. An inverse association was observed between isoform size and Lp(a) concentration, which was consistent across ethnic groups. Larger isoforms tended to be associated with a lower risk of MI, but this relationship was not present after adjustment for concentration. Consistent with variations in Lp(a) concentration across populations, the population-attributable risk of high Lp(a) for MI varied from 0% in Africans to 9.5% in South Asians.

Conclusions:

Lp(a) concentration and isoform size varied markedly between ethnic groups. Higher Lp(a) concentrations were associated with an increased risk of MI and carried an especially high population burden in South Asians and Latin Americans. Isoform size was inversely associated with Lp(a) concentration, but did not significantly contribute to risk.
Psychological resilience correlates with EEG source-space brain network flexibility
Authors: Paban Véronique , Modolo Julien , Mheich Ahmad , Hassan Mahmoud
Published: January 2019

We aimed at identifying the potential relationship between the dynamical properties of the human functional network at rest and one of the most prominent traits of personality, namely resilience. To tackle this issue, we used resting-state EEG data recorded from 45 healthy subjects. Resilience was quantified using the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). By using a sliding windows approach, brain networks in each EEG frequency band (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) were constructed using the EEG source-space connectivity method. Brain networks dynamics were evaluated using the network flexibility, linked with the tendency of a given node to change its modular affiliation over time. The results revealed a negative correlation between the psychological resilience and the brain network flexibility for a limited number of brain regions within the delta, alpha, and beta bands. This study provides evidence that network flexibility, a metric of dynamic functional networks, is strongly correlated with psychological resilience as assessed from personality testing. Beyond this proof-of-principle that reliable EEG-based quantities representative of personality traits can be identified, this motivates further investigation regarding the full spectrum of personality aspects and their relationship with functional networks.
Comparing Bayesian Models of Annotation
Authors: Paun Silviu , Carpenter Bob , Chamberlain Jon , Hovy Dirk , Kruschwitz Udo , Poesio Massimo
Published: January 2019

The analysis of crowdsourced annotations in natural language processing is concerned with identifying (1) gold standard labels, (2) annotator accuracies and biases, and (3) item difficulties and error patterns. Traditionally, majority voting was used for 1, and coefficients of agreement for 2 and 3. Lately, model-based analysis of corpus annotations have proven better at all three tasks. But there has been relatively little work comparing them on the same datasets. This paper aims to fill this gap by analyzing six models of annotation, covering different approaches to annotator ability, item difficulty, and parameter pooling (tying) across annotators and items. We evaluate these models along four aspects: comparison to gold labels, predictive accuracy for new annotations, annotator characterization, and item difficulty, using four datasets with varying degrees of noise in the form of random (spammy) annotators. We conclude with guidelines for model selection, application, and implementation.
Taxonomy of the Tetramorium weitzeckeri species group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Afrotropical zoogeographical region
Authors: GARCIA FRANCISCO HITA , FISCHER GEORG , PETERS MARCELL K.
Published: January 2019

The taxonomy of the Tetramorium weitzeckeri species group is revised for the Afrotropical zoogeographic region. The revision is based on morphology and morphometrics of the worker caste. Twenty six species are recognised of which twelve are described as new: Tetramorium bendai sp. n., Tetramorium boltoni sp. n., Tetramorium intermedium sp. n., Tetramorium kakamega sp. n., Tetramorium mkomazi sp. n., Tetramorium philippwagneri sp. n., Tetramorium renae. n., Tetramorium robertsoni sp. n., Tetramorium rubrum sp. n., Tetramorium susannae sp. n., Tetramorium tanaense sp. n., and Tetramorium trirugosum sp. n.. Tetramorium akengense (Wheeler, W.M. 1922) is revived from synonymy and Tetramorium tersum Santschi, Tetramorium (Xiphomyrmex) kivuense Stitz, and Xiphmyrmex kivuense st. atrinodis Santschi are proposed as junior synonyms of Tetramorium edouardi Forel. All other earlier synonymisations are confirmed here. The species group is redefined and subdivided into three species complexes which are defined and discussed: the Tetramorium edouardi complex (9 species), the Tetramorium muralti complex (8 species), and the Tetramorium weitzeckeri complex (9 species). An illustrated identification key to the Afrotropical species is presented, and for each species diagnosis, description, and taxonomic discussion are provided. Biogeography and important morphological characters of diagnostic value are discussed.
World revision of Xenomerus Walker (Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea, Platygastridae)
Authors: MIKÓ I. , MASNER L. , DEANS A. R.
Published: January 2019

The Old World genus Xenomerus Walker is revised. Thirty one (31) species are recognized based on 879 specimens. Twenty four (24) new species are described: X. armatus (Oriental), X. aureipes (Ethiopian), X. bickeli (Australian), X. comatus (Ethiopian), X. fulleri (Australian), X. gloriosus (Australian), X. guinensis (Australian), X. halteratus (Australian), X. hilleri (Australian), X. feehani (Ethiopian), X. kalocsai (Ethiopian), X. malawi (Ethiopian), X. melikai (Australian), X. melleus (Australian), X. noyesi (Oriental), X. ochraceus (Ethiopian, Oriental), X. orientalis (Oriental), X. parorientalis (Oriental), X. rugifrons (Oriental), X. scutellatus (Ethiopian), X. spinosus (Oriental), X. vanharteni (Ethiopian), X. watshami (Ethiopian) and X. yamagishii (Oriental, Palaearctic). Redescriptions and new combinations for the following species are provided: Xenomerus buccatus (Kononova & Kozlov) from Trimorus; Xenomerus calligetus (Kononova & Kozlov) from Trimorus; X. cornutus (Kononova & Kozlov) from Trimorus. Xenomerus canariensis Huggert, X. ergenna Walker, X. laticeps Dodd and X. varipes Dodd are redescribed. New synonymies are proposed: Trimorus mutator Kononova & Kozlov = X. canariensis Huggert, Trimorus curtum Kononova & Kozlov = X. ergenna Walker, Xenomerus hibernicus Mineo & O’Connor = X. canariensis Huggert. Xenomerus latimetascutum Szabo is transferred to Trimorus. Xenomerus atomus Rajmohana & Narendran, Xenomerus indicus Mukerjee, Xenomerus solox Kozlov et Lé, Xenomerus forax Kozlov et Lé and Xenomerus flavicornis Dodd are considered species of uncertain status (holotypes not aviable). An identification key is provided, and four species groups are proposed.
A revision of the genus Pseudoscopelus Lütken (Chiasmodontidae: Acanthomorphata) with descriptions of three new species
Authors: MELO MARCELO R. S.
Published: January 2019

Pseudoscopelus Lütken is a genus of meso- and bathypelagic fishes with a worldwide distribution. The genus is the most diversified within the family Chiasmodontidae, containing 16 valid species, three of which are described herein as new: Pseudoscopelus scriptus Lütken, from the western Central and North Atlantic; P. sagamianus Tanaka, from the Eastern Pacific and Indian Ocean; P. altipinnis Parr, widely distributed in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; P. cephalus Fowler, only known from the type locality in the Indo-Pacific; P. obtusifrons Fowler, from the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans; P. scutatus Krefft, widely distributed in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans; P. aphos Prokofiev and Kukuev, from the western North Atlantic; P. parini Prokofiev and Kukuev, from the western Central Pacific to Hawaiian islands; P. astronesthidens Prokofiev and Kukuev, from the North Atlantic; P. australis Prokofiev and Kukuev, widely distribution in the southern parts of the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific Oceans, and in the Southern Ocean; P. pierbartus Spitz, Quéro and Vayne, from the North Atlantic and western South Atlantic; P. bothrorrhinos Melo, Walker Jr. and Klepadlo, from the western Pacific and Indian Ocean; P. lavenbergi Melo, Walker Jr. and Klepadlo, from the western North, western Central and western South Atlantic, P. paxtoni new species, from the western South Pacific; P. cordilluminatus new species, from the Indian Ocean and eastern South Atlantic; and P. odontoglossum new species, from the Central Pacific. Herein, Pseudoscopelus stellatus is placed in synonymy of P. scriptus; P. albeolus, in synonymy of P. australis; and P. vityazi, in synonymy of P. parini. Pseudoscopelus microps is confirmed as a junior synonym of P. altipinnis. A key to the species of Pseudoscopelus is provided as well as updated diagnoses, redescriptions, areas and distribution maps, based on extensive examination of collection material and comparison with type specimens.
Systematics of the Hyloxalus bocagei complex (Anura: Dendrobatidae), description of two new cryptic species, and recognition of H. maculosus
Authors: PÁEZ-VACAS MÓNICA I. , COLOMA LUIS A. , SANTOS JUAN C.
Published: January 2019

The bocagei clade is a species complex of dendrobatid frogs evidenced from recent molecular systematic studies. This lineage is endemic to the eastern Andean slopes and adjacent Amazonian lowlands in southern Colombia, Ecuador and northern Peru. Herein, we analyze the taxonomy of the bocagei clade by means of qualitative and quantitative morphological characters and call parameters. We recognize and provide accounts for six species: Hyloxalus bocagei, H. faciopunctulatus, H. maculosus, H. sauli and two new species. We also provide phylogeographic data. We formally assign the name of Hyloxalus bocagei only to populations from the surroundings of Volcán Reventador (Provincia Napo, Ecuador). Additionally, we describe the tadpoles of Hyloxalus bocagei, H. maculosus, and two new species, plus vocalizations of H. bocagei, H. maculosus, H. sauli, and two new species. Morphological variation was estimated from 16 morphometric characters using multivariate analysis. Adults of the two new species were indistinguishable using quantitative and qualitatively morphological characters. Nevertheless, molecular data, call parameters (dominant frequency, note repetition rate), and tadpole morphology supported the recognition of these two species as cryptic taxa. A current phylogenetic tree using molecular characters of five species of the bocagei clade is also provided including the maximum likelihood (ML) phylogeny and a chronogram of the group. Our phylogeny confirms the close relationship of members of the bocagei clade with Andean relatives of Hyloxalus and recurrent dispersal events from the Andes to the Amazon Basin in the late Miocene (< 10 MYA). Our data also corroborate that the sister lineage of bocagei clade includes the Andean H. subpunctatus clade. We anticipate that further detailed morphological and molecular data will be necessary to reveal the existence of additional cryptic species within the bocagei clade.
Two new clam shrimp species (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata) from Kerala, India
Authors: BABU K. K SUBHASH , NANDAN S. BIJOY
Published: January 2019

Two new clam shrimp species belonging to the genera Eulimnadia Packard, 1874 and Leptestheria Sars 1898 from Kerala, India are described. Spinicaudatan clam shrimp are among the least studied groups in India, with only 30 species reported. Eulimnadia azisi sp. nov. was collected from rain fed, temporary, rocky depressions at Vettilapara, in Western Ghats, Kerala. No males were observed and the population may be hermaphroditic. Leptestheria dumonti sp. nov. was collected from the paddy fields at Parapukara, Kerala. Altogether two species of Leptestheria and nine species of Eulimnadia have been reported from India, and this is the first report of the genus Leptestheria from Kerala.
Taxonomy and Natural History of the Crematogaster (Decacrema)-group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar
Authors: BLAIMER BONNIE B.
Published: January 2019

The taxonomy of the Malagasy Crematogaster (Decacrema) is revised and a total of six distinct species and one species-complex are recognized. Malagasy Decacrema are widespread ants in Madagascar that nest almost exclusively arboreally, either in carton nests or inside dead twigs or branches, and often tend Coccoidea. Four species are newly described here: Crematogaster mahery sp. nov., C. malala sp. nov., C. sabatra sp. nov. and C. sisa sp. nov.. The species status of Crematogaster grevei Forel 1891 is confirmed by the study, and one described subspecies, C. hova nosibeensis Forel 1891 is raised to species level (C. nosibeensis stat. nov.) and a neotype designated. Crematogaster hova latinoda Forel 1891 is synonymised under C. hova Forel 1887, and the taxonomic status of C. hova, C. ensifera Forel 1910 and C. schencki Forel 1891 is further investigated, but could not be resolved with methods employed here. The C. hova-complex, a species-complex consisting of five morphological forms, is hence defined and the three described species above are associated with these morphotypes. Full descriptions including natural history information are presented for all species and the species-complex, as well as images, distribution maps and a species-identification key to the workers of Malagasy Decacrema. A diagnosis of the Malagasy Decacrema and identification keys to the subgenera of the ant genus Crematogaster in the Malagasy region are also provided.
Three new Middle-Eastern species of Foenatopus Smith (Hymenoptera: Stephanidae) with a new host record and key to species with two spots on the metasoma
Authors: AGUIAR ALEXANDRE P. , JENNINGS JOHN T. , TURRISI GIUSEPPE F.
Published: January 2019

Three new species of Middle-Eastern Foenatopus Smith, sensu lato, are described and illustrated: F. hesperophagus Aguiar, sp. nov. from Turkey, and F. prousti Aguiar et Turrisi, sp. nov. and F. crispus Aguiar, sp. nov. from Iran. The last two species represent the first records of Foenatopus from Iran. A key to females and males of stephanid species with two spots on the metasoma is provided, allowing the recognition of the newly described taxa and of F. buprestivorus Benoit and F. turcomanorum (Semenov). A redescription, illustrations and taxonomic discussion are also presented for F. turcomanorum. A new host record for Foenatopus is presented, with F. hesperophagus reared from Hesperophanes griseus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) attacking branches of Ficus carica cv. Calimyrna L.
New species of Oochoristica (Cestoda; Linstowiidae) and other endoparasites of Trachylepis atlantica (Sauria: Scincidae) from Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil
Authors: BURSEY CHARLES R. , ROCHA CARLOS FREDERICO D. , MENEZES VANDERLAINE A. , ARIANI CRISTINA V. , VRCIBRADIC DAVOR
Published: January 2019

Oochoristica noronhae n. sp. from the small intestines of Trachylepis atlantica Schmidt (Sauria: Scincidae) from Fernando de Noronha, Brazil is described and illustrated. Prevalence of infection was 81%, mean intensity 30. ± 1.8, range (1–7). Oochoristica noronhae n. sp. represents the 88th species assigned to the genus and the 14th species from the Neotropical region. Of the 14 Neotropical species, O. noronhae n. sp. is most similar to O. parvula and O. vanzolinii in that these three species have circular suckers and fewer than 30 testes per proglottid. These three species can be separated on the basis of number of lobules per ovarian lobe; in O. vanzolinii the ovarian lobe is entire, O. parvula has 3–5 lobules/lobe, O. noronhae has 8–10 lobules/lobe. In addition to O. noronhae n. sp., two species of Nematoda, Moaciria alvarengai Freitas and Spinicauda spinicauda (Heterakidae), one species of Pentastomida, Raillietiella freitasi (Cephalobaenidae) and an undetermined species of Acanthocephala, as a cystacanth, were found.
Three new species of Tellina (Bivalvia, Tellinidae) from the Panamic Province
Authors: COAN EUGENE V. , VALENTICH-SCOTT PAUL
Published: January 2019

In preparing a manual on the marine bivalves of the Panamic Province, we have found three species of the Tellinidae that lack names. The purpose of this paper is to describe a new species of Tellina (Hertellina), a new species of Tellina (Merisca), and a new species of Tellina (Acorylus). The subgenus Acorylus is reported for the first time from the eastern Pacific Ocean.
A new species of Ctenobrycon Eigenmann, 1908 (Characiformes: Characidae) from the río Orinoco basin, Venezuela
Authors: BENINE RICARDO C. , LOPES GUILHERME A. M. , RON ERNESTO
Published: January 2019

Ctenobrycon oliverai, new species, is described from the río Orinoco drainage and its main tributary, río Apure, Venezuela. This species is readily distinguished from its congeners by the high number of series of scales above lateral line and by morphometric differences in body depth, head length, and interorbital distance. Statistical multivariate analysis was also conducted in order to test hypothesized differences among species of Ctenobrycon. A brief discussion on the taxonomy of this genus is provided.
Description of Chironomus quinnitukut, n. sp., closely related tothe C. decorus group in North America, with characterization of an additional larval form from halobiontic habitats
Authors: MARTIN JON , SUBLETTE JAMES E. , CALDWELL BROUGHTON A.
Published: January 2019

Chironomus quinnitukqut n. sp., from halobiontic habitats in Connecticut and Massachusetts, is described on the basis of the adult and larval morphology, and the banding pattern of the salivary gland chromosomes. In previous studies, the Connecticut population has been referred to as Chironomus atrella Townes, but a re-examination has indicated that it can be readily differentiated from C. atrella in all life stages. Rather, the banding pattern of the polytene chromosomes indicates the species, is best placed as a member of the Chironomus decorus group. Larvae of a second halobiontic species, C. species Cape Cod, are morphologically very similar to C. quinnitukqut and this species also appears to be a member of the C. decorus group.
The immature stages of the biting midge Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: RONDEROS MARÍA M. , CAZORLA CARLA G. , SPINELLI GUSTAVO R.
Published: January 2019

The fourth instar larva and pupa of Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz, 1913 are described, illustrated, and photomicrographed from material collected in tree-holes of Salix sp. in Entre Rios Province, Argentina by using binocular, phase-contrast, and scanning electron microscopy. Measurements of instars I–IV are also presented. The larva shows features typical to carnivorous-predatory larvae, as well as characters typical of larvae occurring in tree holes and clean water. Details on larval biology, habitat, and feeding behavior are given.
Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) from Namibia, with records from neighbouring countries
Authors: HUANG MIN , HOLZINGER WERNER E.
Published: January 2019

The Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) fauna of Namibia and the Cixiidae collection of the National Museum Windhoek are revised. Six species, Atonurus meridianus (Van Stalle, 1984), Eumecurus kibuyanus (Fennah, 1955), E. decempunctatus (Van Stalle, 1984), E. eryx (Fennah, 1957), E. mashonanus (Van Stalle, 1987) and E. incompletus (Van Stalle, 1983), are reported from Namibia for the first time. Thus, 19 Cixiidae species (one Duiliini, 18 Pentastirini) are present in Namibia. In addition, one new species, Eumecurus skofitschii Huang & Holzinger nov. spec., is described from Angola, and Eumecurus zairensis (Van Stalle, 1987) is recorded from Malawi for the first time.
Notes on the genus Procystiphora Felt, 1915 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) with description of one new species inducing galls in branchlets of a bamboo in China
Authors: JIAO KELONG , BU WENJUN
Published: January 2019

Procystiphora phyllostachys sp. nov., a gall midge inducing inconspicuous galls in branchlets of Phyllostachys propinqua McClure, a bamboo cultivated extensively in large areas of China, is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from Tianjin, China. Brief notes on its biology are given. The generic diagnosis of Procystiphora is broadened with the inclusion of all known Procystiphora species and a key to males of all known Procystiphora species is provided.
A new genus and two new species of Antillocorini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae: Rhyparochrominae) from Mexico and Guatemala
Authors: BRAILOVSKY HARRY
Published: January 2019

One new genus Branstettocoris and two new species Branstettocoris pinguis (Mexico) and Branstettocoris parvulus (Guatemala) are described, illustrated, and included in the tribe Antillocorini (Rhyparochromidae). A key to the known genera of Mexican and Guatemalan Antillocorini is presented.
Gnathia grutterae sp. nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae) parasitising representatives of the Balistidae, Labridae and Tetraodontidae from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: FERREIRA MARYKE L. , SMIT NICO J. , DAVIES ANGELA J.
Published: January 2019

A new species of gnathiid was collected in March 2002 and November 2005 at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Third stage pranizae taken from balistid, labrid and tetraodontid fishes were maintained in fresh sea water until their moult into males (4 days post feeding) or females (11 days post feeding). Distinctive features of the adult male cephalosome include conical superior fronto-lateral processes directed anteriorly, with 4 simple setae in a row on each process, while the mediofrontal process is inferior with a shallow conical notch dividing the anterior part of mediofrontal process in two. The male mandible has a prominent internal lobe with small tubercles forming two rows from the internal lobe up to half the length of the mandible. The adult female has a broadly rounded cephalosome, with two pairs of long simple setae laterally on the mid-dorsal area, whereas the third stage praniza has a mandible with 9 teeth, comprising two small teeth at the tip and seven large, triangular, backwardly directed teeth on the mesial margin.
Two new species of Rhopalovalva Kuznetsov (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from China
Authors: ZHANG AIHUAN , LI HOUHUN
Published: January 2019

Two new species of Rhopalovalva Kuznetsov are described and illustrated from China: R. rhombea, sp. nov., and R. triangulata, sp. nov. Photographs of the adults and illustrations of the genitalia are provided. The hairy lobe at the distal end of the sacculus in the male genitalia is confirmed as an autapomorphy for the genus. A comparison of Rhopalovalva with other related genera is presented, along with a checklist of the known species of Rhopalovalva.
A new species of fringe-limb frog, genus Ecnomiohyla (Anura: Hylidae), from the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica, Central America
Authors: SAVAGE JAY M. , KUBICKI BRIAN
Published: January 2019

A new moderate-sized species of fringe-limb treefrog of the genus Ecnomiohyla is described from the Atlantic premontane slope of central Costa Rica. It differs primarily from other members of the genus in having the combination of cephalic and dorsal osteoderms, extensive digital webbing, a pointed prepollical bony projection in adult males, and the fleshy scalloped fringe on the hindlimb continuing across the heel. Additional material of the related but much larger species, Ecnomiohyla miliaria, is documented from localities of virtual sympatry for the two taxa. The presence or absence of sexually dimorphic male features: bony humeral projection, prepollical bony projection, and keratinized black spines on the thumb and prepollex are summarized for the ten members of the genus. Hyla tuberculosa, recently referred to the genus does not belong to this clade and is regarded as incertae sedis.
Genus Acalvolia (Acari: Winterschmidtiidae), with the description of a new species from the USA
Authors: FAN QING-HAI , GEORGE SHERLY , KUMARASINGHE LALITH
Published: January 2019

The definition of the mite genus Acalvolia is revised. A new species, Acalvolia americana, with conidia of Cladosporium sp. in its gut, intercepted on orange from the United States is described. Currently the genus consists of only one species, and the new species is distinguished from that species by having smooth supracoxal setae, longer setae sci (ratio sce: sci = 2.5–2.7), and longer dorsal idiosomal setae c1, d1 and e1 (reaching to or overlapping the bases of setae in the next row).
A new species of Dendrophidion (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Atlantic Rain Forest of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: FREIRE ELIZA MARIA XAVIER , CARAMASCHI ULISSES , GONÇALVES UBIRATAN
Published: January 2019

A new species of Dendrophidion belonging to the D. dendrophis species group is described from Mata do Engenho Coimbra (08°59’S, 35°53’W; 526 m above sea level), Municipality of Ibateguara, in the Atlantic Rainforest remnants of the State of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil. Dendrophidion atlantica sp. nov. is characterized by having 154–163 ventral scales, 140–160 subcaudal scales, tail length 62.2–74.8% of snout–vent length, collar absent, head uniformly brown and dorsal ground color brown, paler on anterior third, with cream transversal lines (one half a scale long), bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by dark brown lines (one half a scale long), distributed from the neck to the tail; hemipenis single, subcylindrical, unicapitate, and unicalyculate; calyces large, well defined, papillate; a series of 12 large spines just below the capitulum, on the asulcate and lateral sides; a series of four spines, two large laterals and two small between them, in the basal region of the asulcate side of the organ body; two large spines on the lateral distal areas of the sulcate side of the hemipenial body; sulcus spermaticus centrolineal, bifurcating at the tip of the capitulum.
Redescription of Hesperentomon tianshanicum Martynova, 1970 (Protura: Acerentomata, Hesperentomidae) and key to Hesperentomon species
Authors: SHRUBOVYCH JULIA
Published: January 2019

Hesperentomon tianshanicum Martynova, 1970 is redescribed from type material. Inaccuracies in the original description are corrected, for example, the presence of additional sensillum b'2 on foretarsus and presence of P5a on mesonotum. Details of the porotaxy are added. Differences are given between the redescribed specimens and Chinese specimens described under the same name by Yin & Xie (non Martynova). Comparative analysis of species chaetotaxy within the genus Hesperentomon is given.
A new genus of polystomatid parasitic flatworm (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) without free-swimming life stage from the Malagasy poison frogs
Authors: PREEZ LOUIS H. DU , RAHARIVOLOLONIAINA LILIANE , VERNEAU OLIVIER , VENCES MIGUEL
Published: January 2019

Madapolystoma n. g. (Monogenea, Polystomatidae), is proposed for a new genus of polystomatid from the urinary bladder of the Malagasy poison frogs of the genus Mantella (family Mantellidae), with the description of one new species. This is the second anuran polystome to be described from Madagascar. The parasites are small with a maximum body length of less than 3 mm. The two gut caeca have a few diverticulae but no prehaptoral anastomoses and are confluent posteriorly. The haptor bears six well-developed suckers and one pair of hamuli. A single small ovary lies in mid-body while the single follicular testis lies posteriorly in the body. Vaginae are present. The new genus is unique among all known polystomes in that it apparently has no free-swimming ciliated larvae but instead is characterized by advanced intra-uterine development with larvae developing hamuli and even suckers while still in utero. Based on molecular phylogenetic data, the closest relative of Madapolystoma is the genus Eupolystoma from Africa. Madagascar has a very diverse anuran fauna with a 100% level of endemicity at the species level, and more Madapolystoma species from other mantellid hosts await description.
Revision of the bamboo leafhopper tribe Mukariini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from the Indian subcontinent with description of new genera and species
Authors: VIRAKTAMATH C.A. , WEBB M.D.
Published: January 2019

Leafhopper genera and species of the tribe Mukariini from the Indian subcontinent are revised. Nine genera and 22 species including two new genera, one new subgenus and 12 new species are dealt with. The new taxa described are Aalinga gen. nov. with its type species Aalinga brunoflava sp. nov. (India: Andaman Islands), Buloria indica sp. nov. (India: Karnataka). Buloria zeylanica sp. nov. (Sri Lanka), Flatfronta bella sp. nov. (India: Karnataka; Bangladesh), Mohunia bifurcata sp. nov. (Myanmar), Mukaria omani sp. nov. (India: Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh), Mukaria vakra sp. nov. (India: Karnataka), Mukariella gen. nov. with its type species Mukariella daii sp. nov. (India: Manipur), Myittana (Benglebra) cornuta sp. nov. (India: Karnataka), Myittana (Myittana) distincta sp. nov. (India: Karnataka), Myittana (Savasa) subgen. nov. with its type species Myittana (Savasa) constricta sp. nov. (India: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand) and Scaphotettix arcuatus sp. nov. (India: West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram). Genera Buloria Distant (new placement), Crispina Distant (new placement) and Myittana Distant (new placement) are placed in the tribe Mukariini. Genus Mohunia is redefined based on the study of its type species. Benglebra Mahmood & Ahmed 1969 is synonymised with Myittana Distant 1908 and considered as its subgenus. Myittana (Benglebra) alami (Mahmood & Ahmed) comb. nov., Myittana (Savasa) bipunctata (Mahmood & Ahmed) comb. nov.. Myittana (Benglebra) introspina (Chen & Yang 2007) comb. nov. and Mukariella bambusana (Li & Chen) comb. nov. are proposed; the first two species were earlier placed in the genus Benglebra, the third species in the genus Mohunia and the fourth in the genus Mukaria. Genera Flatfronta Chen & Li and Myittana are new records for India and Scaphotettix striata Dai & Zhang is a new record for the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. All taxa dealt with are described and illustrated and keys for genera and their species are also given.
Imaging Characteristics of Mismatch Lesions: An Angiographic and Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis of 1369 Coronary Lesions
Authors: Phan Tan Quang , Nguyen Lan Hieu , Nguyen Lan Viet , Lee Wang Soo , Won Hoyoun , Cho Iksung , Shin Seung Yong , Sharmin Saima , Thottian Julian Johny , Kim Sang-Wook
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

To evaluate the angiographic and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) characteristics of coronary mismatch lesions.

Background:

Better understanding about the characteristics of mismatch lesions may help to achieve more accurate lesion assessment and, thereby, to improve the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:

Angiographic and IVUS data from 1369 lesions were analyzed. Mismatch lesion was defined as the difference between proximal and distal reference lumen diameters of ≥1.0 mm or ≥30% of the distal reference lumen diameter.

Results:

The incidence of mismatch lesions was 20.1% (275/1369). Compared to nonmismatch group, mismatch group had longer lesions (21.3 [6.4] mm vs 18.4 [6.4] mm, P < .001) with smaller minimum lumen diameter (0.87 [0.29] mm vs 1.10 [0.31] mm, P < .001) and more severe diameter stenosis (78.8% [9.2%] vs 66.3% [10.3%], P < .001). On IVUS, mismatch group had larger lumen area (18.7 [5.0] vs 15.8 [5.1] mm2, P < .001) but lower plaque burden at the proximal reference segment (41.0% [9.2%] vs 45.7% [9.9%], P < .001) and smaller lumen area (4.83 [1.89] vs 7.36 [2.89] mm, P < .001) but higher plaque burden at the distal reference segment (42.9% [10.4%] vs 41.4% [10.1%], P = .023). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that mismatch lesions were frequently accompanied by diffuse lesions (odds ratio [OR] = 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.83-3.40; P < .001), bifurcation lesions (OR = 5.83; 95% CI: 4.40-7.74; P < .001), and lesions with a low TIMI flow grade (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.08-2.67; P = .022) or severe diameter stenosis (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 2.10-4.43; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Mismatch lesions are quite common and characterized by greater lesion complexity compared with nonmismatch lesions. Further studies may be necessary to address the impact of this lesion type on the outcome of PCI.
Early Impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on Delivery of Children’s Surgical Care
Authors: Routh Jonathan C. , Wolf Steven , Tejwani Rohit , Jiang Ruiyang , Pomann Gina-Maria , Goldstein Benjamin A. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Allori Alexander C.
Published: January 2019

The impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on children’s access to surgical care is not well-defined. Our objective was to describe the early impact of PPACA on children’s surgical care before and after Medicaid expansion in 2014. We compared pediatric and young adult surgical outcomes in 2013 and 2014 in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states; young adults were included as a control group. From 4 states, 1 597 708 encounters met all inclusion criteria. Comparing expansion to nonexpansion states, modest increases were noted in elective instead of urgent/emergent admissions; in ambulatory instead of inpatient surgeries; in inpatient length of stays; in discharges to home instead of other inpatient care facilities; and in charges for inpatient admissions. A modest decrease of −1.1% was noted in ambulatory admission charges. Overall, we conclude that Medicaid expansion likely increased children’s access to surgical care, resulting in improved delivery and slightly reduced charges.
Learning classical and metaheuristic optimization techniques by using an educational platform based on LEGO robots
Authors: Zaldivar Daniel , Cuevas Erik , Maciel Oscar , Valdivia Arturo , Chavolla Edgar , Oliva Diego
Published: January 2019

Optimization is a very important issue to efficiently solve engineering problems. The clear comprehension of the elements and processes of optimizer algorithms is fundamental to ensure that engineer students are capable to apply, tune, and design new algorithms. This paper presents an educational platform based on LEGO© EV3 and MATLAB to assist the learning of the principles of classical and metaheuristic optimization algorithms at undergraduate level, by providing a simple and easy-to-follow teaching setup. The proposed study aims to accompany students through the learning of optimization fundamentals by building hands-on robotic experiments. The proposed educational platform has been successfully applied to several undergraduate courses within the Electronics Department at the University of Guadalajara. The description of each experiment and the evaluation of their impact in the student performance are both provided in the paper.
A closed-form solution for the barrier properties of randomly oriented high aspect ratio flake composites
Authors: Tsiantis A , Papathanasiou TD
Published: January 2019

We derive closed-form solutions for the barrier factor of flake-filled composites, in which the flakes are randomly placed and oriented, with the orientation angles uniformly distributed in an interval [−ɛ, +ɛ], 0 < ɛ < π/2. Our solutions are based on the arithmetic and harmonic averaging of the diffusivity of unidirectional misaligned flake systems. Using large-scale 2D simulations, some involving up to 50,000 individual flakes in one unit cell and spanning the regime from dilute to highly concentrated, the proposed solutions are tested against and confirmed by computational results. We use both, traditional 2D and also 1D representations of the flake cross sections. The 1D representation is suitable for very high aspect ratio flakes, such as exfoliated nano-platelets and allows us to model flake nano-composites (α > 1000) in which (αϕ) can reach levels in excess of 100. Comparison of the derived closed-form solutions to computational results reveals that both the harmonic and the arithmetic averages are adequate in dilute systems; however, at large values of (αϕ) and (ɛ), only the harmonic average is in good agreement with the computational results. The predictions of the proposed solution are also compared to those of existing literature models for the effective diffusivity of flake composites. We find that discrepancies become very significant at large (ɛ) and also at large values of (αϕ), pointing further to the conclusion that the proposed solution is currently the only accurate one to predict the effective diffusivity of randomly oriented and highly concentrated nano-flake composites.