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Aim: Pharmacoresistance is a major burden in epilepsy treatment. We aimed to identify genetic biomarkers in response to specific antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE). Materials & methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 3.3 million autosomal SNPs in 893 European subjects with GGE – responsive or nonresponsive to lamotrigine, levetiracetam and valproic acid. Results: Our GWAS of AED response revealed suggestive evidence for association at 29 genomic loci (p <10-5) but no significant association reflecting its limited power. The suggestive associations highlight candidate genes that are implicated in epileptogenesis and neurodevelopment. Conclusion: This first GWAS of AED response in GGE provides a comprehensive reference of SNP associations for hypothesis-driven candidate gene analyses in upcoming pharmacogenetic studies.
Seven different instruments and measurement methods were used to examine the immersion freezing of bacterial ice nuclei from Snomax® (hereafter Snomax), a product containing ice active protein complexes from non-viable Pseudomonas syringae bacteria. The experimental conditions were kept as similar as possible for the different measurements. Of the participating instruments, some examined droplets which had been made from suspensions directly, and the others examined droplets activated on previously generated Snomax particles, with particle diameters of mostly a few hundred nanometers and up to a few micrometers in some cases. Data were obtained in the temperature range from −2 to −38 °C, and it was found that all ice active protein complexes were already activated above −12 °C. Droplets with different Snomax mass concentrations covering 10 orders of magnitude were examined. Some instruments had very short ice nucleation times down to below 1 s, while others had comparably slow cooling rates around 1 K min−1. Displaying data from the different instruments in terms of numbers of ice active protein complexes per dry mass of Snomax, nm, showed that within their uncertainty the data agree well with each other as well as to previously reported literature results. Two parameterizations were taken from literature for a direct comparison to our results, and these were a time dependent approach based on a contact angle distribution Niedermeier et al. (2014) and a modification of the parameterization presented in Hartmann et~al.~(2013) representing a time independent approach. The agreement between these and the measured data were good, i.e. they agreed within a temperature range of 0.6 K or equivalently a range in nm of a factor of 2. From the results presented herein, we propose that Snomax, at least when carefully shared and prepared, is a suitable material to test and compare different instruments for their accuracy of measuring immersion freezing.
Seven different instruments and measurement methods were used to examine the immersion freezing of bacterial ice nuclei from Snomax® (hereafter Snomax), a product containing ice-active protein complexes from non-viable Pseudomonas syringae bacteria. The experimental conditions were kept as similar as possible for the different measurements. Of the participating instruments, some examined droplets which had been made from suspensions directly, and the others examined droplets activated on previously generated Snomax particles, with particle diameters of mostly a few hundred nanometers and up to a few micrometers in some cases. Data were obtained in the temperature range from −2 to −38 °C, and it was found that all ice-active protein complexes were already activated above −12 °C. Droplets with different Snomax mass concentrations covering 10 orders of magnitude were examined. Some instruments had very short ice nucleation times down to below 1 s, while others had comparably slow cooling rates around 1 K min−1. Displaying data from the different instruments in terms of numbers of ice-active protein complexes per dry mass of Snomax, nm, showed that within their uncertainty, the data agree well with each other as well as to previously reported literature results. Two parameterizations were taken from literature for a direct comparison to our results, and these were a time-dependent approach based on a contact angle distribution (Niedermeier et al., 2014) and a modification of the parameterization presented in Hartmann et al. (2013) representing a time-independent approach. The agreement between these and the measured data were good; i.e., they agreed within a temperature range of 0.6 K or equivalently a range in nm of a factor of 2. From the results presented herein, we propose that Snomax, at least when carefully shared and prepared, is a suitable material to test and compare different instruments for their accuracy of measuring immersion freezing.
A new species, Chrysobothris cerceripraeda Westcott and Thomas (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is described from prey specimens found in nests of the ground-nesting wasp, Cerceris fumipennis Say (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), near Jacksonville, Florida, USA. A listing for all species of Buprestidae taken as prey of the wasp in that state is provided, four of which, including the species described herein, are new. Notes are also given for
four new state records for Buprestidae.
Activation of TRPC6 channels is essential for lung ischaemia–reperfusion induced oedema in mice
(2012)
Lung ischaemia–reperfusion-induced oedema (LIRE) is a life-threatening condition that causes pulmonary oedema induced by endothelial dysfunction. Here we show that lungs from mice lacking nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (Nox2y/−) or the classical transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6−/−) are protected from LIR-induced oedema (LIRE). Generation of chimeric mice by bone marrow cell transplantation and endothelial-specific Nox2 deletion showed that endothelial Nox2, but not leukocytic Nox2 or TRPC6, are responsible for LIRE. Lung endothelial cells from Nox2- or TRPC6-deficient mice showed attenuated ischaemia-induced Ca2+ influx, cellular shape changes and impaired barrier function. Production of reactive oxygen species was completely abolished in Nox2y/− cells. A novel mechanistic model comprising endothelial Nox2-derived production of superoxide, activation of phospholipase C-γ, inhibition of diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase, DAG-mediated activation of TRPC6 and ensuing LIRE is supported by pharmacological and molecular evidence. This mechanism highlights novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of LIRE.
Background: Ipilimumab, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) blocking antibody, has been approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and induces adverse events (AE) in up to 64% of patients. Treatment algorithms for the management of common ipilimumab-induced AEs have lead to a reduction of morbidity, e.g. due to bowel perforations. However, the spectrum of less common AEs is expanding as ipilimumab is increasingly applied. Stringent recognition and management of AEs will reduce drug-induced morbidity and costs, and thus, positively impact the cost-benefit ratio of the drug. To facilitate timely identification and adequate management data on rare AEs were analyzed at 19 skin cancer centers.
Methods and Findings: Patient files (n = 752) were screened for rare ipilimumab-associated AEs. A total of 120 AEs, some of which were life-threatening or even fatal, were reported and summarized by organ system describing the most instructive cases in detail. Previously unreported AEs like drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), granulomatous inflammation of the central nervous system, and aseptic meningitis, were documented. Obstacles included patientś delay in reporting symptoms and the differentiation of steroid-induced from ipilimumab-induced AEs under steroid treatment. Importantly, response rate was high in this patient population with tumor regression in 30.9% and a tumor control rate of 61.8% in stage IV melanoma patients despite the fact that some patients received only two of four recommended ipilimumab infusions. This suggests that ipilimumab-induced antitumor responses can have an early onset and that severe autoimmune reactions may reflect overtreatment.
Conclusion: The wide spectrum of ipilimumab-induced AEs demands doctor and patient awareness to reduce morbidity and treatment costs and true ipilimumab success is dictated by both objective tumor responses and controlling severe side effects.
Background and purpose: Impaired kidney function is associated with an increased risk of vascular events in acute stroke patients, when assessed by single measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). It is unknown whether repeated measurements provide additional information for risk prediction.
Methods: The MonDAFIS (Systematic Monitoring for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke) study randomly assigned 3465 acute ischemic stroke patients to either standard procedures or an additive Holter electrocardiogram. Baseline eGFR (CKD-EPI formula) were dichotomized into values of < versus ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2. eGFR dynamics were classified based on two in-hospital values as “stable normal” (≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2), “increasing” (by at least 15% from baseline, second value ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), “decreasing” (by at least 15% from baseline of ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2), and “stable decreased” (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2). The composite endpoint (stroke, major bleeding, myocardial infarction, all-cause death) was assessed after 24 months. We estimated hazard ratios in confounder-adjusted models.
Results: Estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline was available in 2947 and a second value in 1623 patients. After adjusting for age, stroke severity, cardiovascular risk factors, and randomization, eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at baseline (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–3.54) as well as decreasing (HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.07–2.99) and stable decreased eGFR (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.20–2.24) were independently associated with the composite endpoint. In addition, eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.732 at baseline (HR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.51–6.10) and decreasing eGFR were associated with all-cause death (HR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.63–5.98).
Conclusions: In addition to patients with low eGFR levels at baseline, also those with decreasing eGFR have increased risk for vascular events and death; hence, repeated estimates of eGFR might add relevant information to risk prediction.
The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of scientific publications describing physiological and pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released, membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many other names. However, specific issues arise when working with these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (“MISEV”) guidelines for the field in 2014. We now update these “MISEV2014” guidelines based on evolution of the collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific information beyond mere description of function in a crude, potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally, given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities. Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points.
The key description and illustrations of mouthparts, ocelli, and terminal abdominal segments by Bovinq & Craighead (1931) have been the only information on the larval stages of the genus Hemipeplus Latreille, except for the observation by van Emden (1942) that individuals of the genus would not key properly in Boving & Craighead's key. Their example was of an undescribed species from Cuba. The semidiagrammatic illustrations make it difficult to identify the species illustrated, although it may be H. marginipennis (LeConte). This paper is based on larvae collected by the authors, in each case associated with adults. From the family diagnosis of larval Mycteridae (Crowson & Viedma 1964). Hemipeplus larvae differ noticeably in the form of the sensorium, which Crowson & Viedma describe as “very short, dome-shaped”; in Hemipeplus it is elongate and conical. From the larva of Mycterus (described by Crowson & Viedma 1964) those of Hemipeplus also differ in having five ocelli on each side (cf. two), mala with an uncus and medial pit (cf. without uncus or medial pit), mola ridged (cf. not ridged), cardines not divided (cf. distinctly divided, labial palpi with only one distinct palpomere (cf. with two palpomeres), abdominal asperities absent (cf. asperities present), and different form of spiracle (compare fig. 13 with fig. 4 in Crowson & Viedma 1964). Larvae of Hemipeplus are more similar to that of Eurypus muelleri Seldlitz (described by Costa & Vanin 1977) than to that of Mycterus. As in Hemipeplus, Eurypus larvae possess five ocelli arranged in rows of three and two on each side; two pairs of tubercles at posterior margin of abdominal sternite IX; mala with an uncus, and cardines divided. Hemipeplus larvae differ from those of Mycterus most notably in the form of abdominal tergite IX (see Costa & Vanin 1977:fig. 2 ) . The uncus is located on the mesal margin of the mala in Hemipeplus, whereas it is located on the ventral aspect of the mala in Eurypus.
Four species of Anchonus Schonherr occur in Florida: A. flol'idanus Schwarz, A. dul'yi Blatchley, A. blatchleyi Sleeper, and A. suillus (Fabricius), which is recorded from Florida and the continental United States for the first time. The species are distinguished in a key and illustrated. A lectotype is selected for A. floridanus.
Australophanus, new genus, is described and illustrated for Cryptamorpha redtenbacheri (Reitter). Platamus Erichson is synonymized under Telephanus Erichson, new synonymy. Euplatamus Sharp, new status, replaces Platamus Erichson as the genus name. Type species are designated for Aplatamus Grouvelle and Euplatamus Sharp. Telephanus velox (Haldeman) is synonymized under Telephanus atricapillus Erichson. A diagnosis of the tribe Telephanini, a key to the described telephanine genera of the world is presented, and a phylogeny of the family Silvanidae is proposed.
A specimen of Rhizophagus sayi Schaeffer collected in a flight trap at 29°34½'N82°29'W in Alachua County, Florida, on 23-1-1993, by R.W. Lundgren prompted a search of unidentified specimens in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods. The search resulted in the discovery of seven additional Florida specimens with the following data: "FLA., Dixie Co. 3.5mi. N. Old Town 13-1-1980 Coll. M.C. Thomas", 2; "FLORIDA: Alachua Co. Gainesville 3-XII-1983 Coll. M.C. Thomas", 1; "FLORIDA: Alachua Co. San Felasco Hammock 4-11-1983 M.C. Thomasn, 3; same, except date is 12-II-1983. These specimens comprise a new state record for R. sayi, which Bousquet (1990) recorded from most of the eastern United States except for Florida and Georgia.
The Iranian fauna of Cucujidae, Laemophloeidae, and Silvanidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) are summarized in this paper. In total 2 species of Cucujidae (1 genus: Pediacus Shuckard), 6 species of Laemophloeidae (3 genera: Cryptolestes Ganglbauer, Laemophloeus Dejean, and Placonotus MacLeay) and 7 species of Silvanidae (6 genera: Uleiota Latreille, Psammoecus Latreille, Ahasverus Gozis, Nausibius Lentz, Oryzaephilus Ganglbauer, Psammoecus Latreille, and Silvanus Latreille) are listed in this paper. Synonymies and distribution data are given.
The New World genus Dysmerus Casey, currently with one valid species, is revised. Lectotypes are designated for two species, Dysmerus caseyi (Grouvelle), new status, and Dysmerus sulcicollis Grouvelle, new status. Both are revived from synonymy with D. basalis Casey. Twelve new species are described: Dysmerus boliviensis Thomas, new species, Dysmerus curvicornis Thomas, new species, Dysmerus genaspinosus Thomas, new species, Dysmerus hamaticornis Thomas, new species, Dysmerus impolitus Thomas, new species, Dysmerus skelleyi Thomas, new species, Dysmerus mexicanus Thomas, new species, Dysmerus monstrosus Thomas, new species, Dysmerus politus Thomas, new species, Dysmerus rondoniensis Thomas, new species, Dysmerus symphilus Thomas, new species, and Dysmerus trinidadensis Thomas, new species. A key to adults of the species and illustrations are provided.
The species of the genus Lathropus Erichson are reviewed for Florida and the West Indies, excluding the Lesser Antilles. Seven species are recorded from this region, three of which are described as new: Lathropus chickcharnie Thomas, new species, Lathropus jamaicensis Thomas, new species, and Lathropus rhabdophloeoides Thomas, new species. A lectotype is designated for Lathropus vernalis Casey, and Lathropus striatus Casey is synonymized under Lathropus vernalis Casey, new synonymy. Illustrations and a key to the species of this geographgic region are provided.
The New World species of Cryptolestes Ganglbauer are revised and keys, diagnoses, descriptions, and illustrations are provided for the 13 non-economic species. Six stored products species of the genus are also keyed and illustrated. Two species, Laemophloeus pubescens Casey and L. bicolor Chevrolat, are reassigned to Cryptolestes. Eight new species are described: C. dissimulatus (southwestern United States); C. dybasi (Florida); C. mexicanus (Mexico and Guatemala); C. capillulus (Brazil); C. spatulifer (Argentina); C. trinidadensis (Trinidad); C. ampiyacus (Peru); and C. calabozus (Venezuela). Cryptolestes uncicornis (Reitter) is revived from synonymy under C. punctatus (LeConte), C. schwarzi (Casey) is revived from synonymy under C. weisei (Reitter), and four specific names are synonymized: C. quadratus (Casey) [ = C. uncicornis (Reitter)]; C. extricatus (Casey) and C. adumbratus Casey [ = C. punctatus (LeConte)]; and Laemophloeus concavus (Reitter) [ = C. bicolor (Chevrolat)]. Cyptolestes horni (Casey) and C. disseptus Casey are removed from Cryptolestes and reassigned to Rhabdophloeus Sharp. Lectotypes are designated for Laemophloeus geminatus LeConte, Cryptolestes adumbratus Casey, and Laemophloeus quadratus Casey.
One of the rarest U.S. cerambycids, Romulus globosus, was described by Knull in 1948 based on four specimens collected in peninsular Florida. No new records have been reported in the literature since. Linsley (1963) apparently saw no specimens, since he merely quoted the original description, and gave the distribution as "Southern Florida."
The Mesoamerican species of Telephanus distinguished by the presence eight lateral pronotal spines
and long temples are reviewed. The group includes T. serratus Nevermann and two previously undescribed species
that are described herein: T. bellus Thomas, new species, from Costa Rica, and the flightless T. monstrosus
Thomas, new species, from Mexico.
The genus Pediacus Shuckard is revised for America north of Mexico. Seven species are recorded: P. andrewsi Thomas, n. sp.; P. fuscus Erichson; P. gracilis Thomas, n. sp.; P. hesperoglaber Thomas, n. sp.; P. ommatodon Thomas, n. sp.; P. stephani Thomas, n. sp.; and P. subglaber LeConte, new status. The species are described and illustrated, and a key is presented for their identification. The described European and Neotropical species are reviewed and illustrated.
The following new species of Cryptolestes Ganglbauer are described and illustrated: Cryptolestes obesus Thomas, new species, Brazil; Cryptolestes turnbowi Thomas, new species, Honduras and Mexico; Cryptolestes inyoensis Thomas, new species, California; Cryptolestes spectabilis Thomas, new species, Ecuador. A revised key to the New World species is provided. The male genitalia are illustrated and the female of C. calabozus Thomas is characterized, and new distribution records are provided for it, C. cornutus Thomas and Zimmerman, C. trinidadensis Thomas, C. curus Lefkovitch, and C. hlapperichi Lefkovitch.
New distribution records for two species of Cryptolestes Ganglbauer (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae)
(2005)
The nine Nearctic species of Laemophloeus Dejean (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) are reviewed, keyed, and illustrated. One species, L. apache Thomas, n. sp., is described as new. Two previously described species are synonymized: L. californicus Casey (= L. biguttatus (Say), n. syn.) and L. woodruffi Thomas (= L. fervidus Casey, n. syn.). A neotype is designated for L. biguttatus (Say), and lectotypes are designated for L. terminalis Casey and L. fervidus Casey. A checklist of the described world species is provided.
Eleven Neotropical species of Laemophloeus Dejean with antennal clubs composed of three antennomeres are reviewed, diagnosed, and illustrated. Six of the species are described as new: L. capitesculptus Thomas, n. sp., L. corporeflavus Thomas, n. sp., L. dozieri Thomas, n. sp., L. insulatestudinorum Thomas, n. sp., L. planaclavatus Thomas, n. sp., and L. taurus Thomas, n. sp. Four new synonymies are proposed: L. catharinensis Kessel (=L. incisus Sharp), new synonym; L. similans Kessel (=L. incisus Sharp), new synonym; L. distinguendus Sharp (=L. megacephalus Grouvelle), new synonym, and L. chevrolati Grouvelle (=L. lecontei Grouvelle), new synonym. A key to the species is provided.
The Brontini of the world : a generic review of the tribe (Coleoptera: Silvanidae: Brontinae)
(2003)
The genera of the tribe Brontini (Silvanidae: Brontinae) are reviewed. The tribe is considered here to be composed of 12 genera, Uleiota Latreille, Brontopriscus Sharp, and Dendrophagus Schönherr, plus nine new genera: Australodendrophagus, Australohyliota, Brontoliota, Dendrophagella, Macrohyliota, Megahyliota, Microhyliota, Parahyliota, and Protodendrophagus. Aplatamus Grouvelle is removed from the Brontini and placed in the Telephanini. Four new species are described: Protodendrophagus antipodes Thomas; Brontoliota indivisipennis Thomas; Brontoliota intermedius Thomas; and Brontoliota monteithi Thomas. Described species are assigned to genera with the following new combinations resulting: Australodendrophagus australis (Erichson); Australohyliota chilensis (Blanchard); Australohyliota macleayi (Olliff); Denrophagella capito (Pascoe); Macrohyliota truncatipennis (Heller); Macrohyliota bicolor Arrow; Macrohyliotagracilicornis (Arrow); Macrohyliota lucius (Pascoe); Macrohyliota militaris (Erichson); Macrohyliota spinicollis (Gory); Megahyliota feae (Grouvelle); Microhyliota integricollis (Fairmaire); Parahyliota africanus Grouvelle; Parahyliota alticola (Pal, Sen Gupta, and Crowson); Parahyliota atratus (Grouvelle); Parahyliota brevicollis (Arrow); Parahyliota cinamomeus (Fairmaire); Parahyliota costicollis (Reitter); Parahyliota fallax (Grouvelle); Parahyliota indicus (Arrow); Parahyliota pallidus (Arrow); Parahyliota puberulus (Reitter); Parahyliota serratus (Smith); Parahyliota serricollis (Candeze); Parahyliota siamensis (Arrow). Two new synonymies are proposed: Uleiota crenicollis Grouvelle (=Uleiota costicollis Grouvelle) and Uleiota texana Dajoz (=Uleiota dubius (Fabricius)). Uleiota truncatus Motschulsky, formerly treated as a subspecies of U. dubius (Fabricius), is elevated to a full species, new status.
Five Neotropical species of Laemophloeus Dejean (s. str.) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) with antennal clubs of more than three antennomeres are reviewed: L. buenavista Thomas, n.sp.; L. concinnus Thomas, n.sp.; L. germaini Grouvelle; L. macrognathus Reitter; and L. sexarticulatus Kessel. Diagnoses, descriptions of the new species, illustrations, and a key are provided. Laemophloeus prominens Hetschko, proposed as a replacement name for Laemophloeus notabilis Kessel, is synonymized under L. germaini, new synonymy.
The genus Paraphloeolaemus Thomas (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea: Laemophloeidae) is described for two new Neotropical species, P. vorticosus Thomas, new species, and P. pterosiagon Thomas, new species. Diagnoses and illustrations are provided.
The following 16 species are transferred from Laemophloeus Dejean (s. l.) to Phloeolaemus Casey: Phloeolaemus anticus (Sharp, 1899: 518) [= Laemophloeus anticus Sharp, 1899], new combination; Phloeolaemus boops (Sharp, 1899: 517) [= Laemophloeus boops Sharp, 1899], new combination; Phloeolaemus castaneipennis (Grouvelle, 1876: 494) [= Laemophloeus castaneipennis Grouvelle, 1876: 494], new combination; Phloeolaemus championi (Sharp, 1899: 516) [= Laemophloeus championi Sharp, 1899], new combination; Phloeolaemus curtus (Grouvelle, 1876: xxxiii) [= Laemophloeus curtus Grouvelle, 1876], new combination; Phloeolaemus endomychus (Sharp, 1899: 519) [= Laemophloeus endomychus Sharp, 1899], new combination; Phloeolaemus hoplites (Sharp, 1899: 517) [= Laemophloeus hoplites Sharp, 1899], new combination; Phloeolaemus ignobilis (Sharp, 1899: 518) [= Laemophloeus ignobilis Sharp, 1899], new combination; Phloeolaemus impressus (Grouvelle, 1876: xxxiii) [= Laemophloeus impressus Grouvelle, 1876], new combination; Phloeolaemus lacerdae (Grouvelle, 1877: 211) [= Laemophloeus lacerdae Grouvelle, 1877], new combination; Phloeolaemus macrocephalus (Schaeffer, 1910: 214) [= Laemophloeus macrocephalus Schaeffer, 1910], new combination; Phloeolaemus punctulaticollis (Hetschko, 1929: 94) [= Laemophloeus punctulaticollis Hetschko, 1929], new combination; Phloeolaemus reitteri (Grouvelle, 1877: 210) [= Laemophloeus reitteri Grouvelle, 1877], new combination; Phloeolaemus semiflavus (Grouvelle, 1876: 497) [= Laemophloeus semiflavus Grouvelle, 1876], new combination; Phloeolaemus sharpi (Hetschko, 1929: 41) [= Laemophloeus sharpi Hetschko, 1929], new combination; Phloeolaemus straminipennis (Reitter, 1876: 47) [= Laemophloeus straminipennis Reitter, 1876], new combination; Phloeolaemus teapensis (Grouvelle, 1876: 494) [= Laemophloeus teapensis Grouvelle, 1876], new combination.
The genus Rhinolaemus Steel is revised. A new island and a new country record are presented for the type species, R. maculatus Steel. A new species, R. niueensis Thomas, new species, is described from Niue, and Rhinolaemus tuberculatus (Grouvelle), new combination, is transferred from Laemophloeus (sens. lat.). The members of the genus are illustrated and a key to their identification is presented.
The accurate knowledge of the neutron-induced fission cross-sections of actinides and other isotopes involved in the nuclear fuel cycle is essential for the design of advanced nuclear systems, such as Generation-IV nuclear reactors. Such experimental data can also provide the necessary feedback for the adjustment of nuclear model parameters used in the evaluation process, resulting in the further development of nuclear fission models. In the present work, the 240Pu(n,f) cross-section was measured at CERN's n_TOF facility relative to the well-known 235U(n,f) cross section, over a wide range of neutron energies, from meV to almost MeV, using the time-of-flight technique and a set-up based on Micromegas detectors. This measurement was the first experiment to be performed at n_TOF's new experimental area (EAR-2), which offers a significantly higher neutron flux compared to the already existing experimental area (EAR-1). Preliminary results as well as the experimental procedure, including a description of the facility and the data handling and analysis, are presented.
Knowledge about the biogeographic affinities of the world’s tropical forests helps to better understand regional differences in forest structure, diversity, composition, and dynamics. Such understanding will enable anticipation of region-specific responses to global environmental change. Modern phylogenies, in combination with broad coverage of species inventory data, now allow for global biogeographic analyses that take species evolutionary distance into account. Here we present a classification of the world’s tropical forests based on their phylogenetic similarity. We identify five principal floristic regions and their floristic relationships: (i) Indo-Pacific, (ii) Subtropical, (iii) African, (iv) American, and (v) Dry forests. Our results do not support the traditional neo- versus paleotropical forest division but instead separate the combined American and African forests from their Indo-Pacific counterparts. We also find indications for the existence of a global dry forest region, with representatives in America, Africa, Madagascar, and India. Additionally, a northern-hemisphere Subtropical forest region was identified with representatives in Asia and America, providing support for a link between Asian and American northern-hemisphere forests.
This article outlines changes in procedures and production policies for the journal Insecta Mundi. Background data and discussions leading to these necessary changes are explained. Updated instructions for authors are presented. A full current version of author instructions will be posted on the latest Center for Systematic Entomology URL.
EUSOBI and 30 national breast radiology bodies support mammography for population-based screening, demonstrated to reduce breast cancer (BC) mortality and treatment impact. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the reduction in mortality is 40 % for women aged 50–69 years taking up the invitation while the probability of false-positive needle biopsy is <1 % per round and overdiagnosis is only 1–10 % for a 20-year screening. Mortality reduction was also observed for the age groups 40–49 years and 70–74 years, although with “limited evidence”. Thus, we firstly recommend biennial screening mammography for average-risk women aged 50–69 years; extension up to 73 or 75 years, biennially, is a second priority, from 40–45 to 49 years, annually, a third priority. Screening with thermography or other optical tools as alternatives to mammography is discouraged. Preference should be given to population screening programmes on a territorial basis, with double reading. Adoption of digital mammography (not film-screen or phosphor-plate computer radiography) is a priority, which also improves sensitivity in dense breasts. Radiologists qualified as screening readers should be involved in programmes. Digital breast tomosynthesis is also set to become “routine mammography” in the screening setting in the next future. Dedicated pathways for high-risk women offering breast MRI according to national or international guidelines and recommendations are encouraged.
Neoma, a new genus of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae: Macrotomini) is described for Mallodonopsis corrosus Bates, 1879, compared to related genera (Aplagiognathus Thomson, 1861; Archodontes Lameere, 1903; and Mallodonopsis Thomson, 1861), and its tribal position discussed. A lectotype for Mallodonopsis corrosus is here designated with the species redescribed and figured.
The 33S(n,α)30Si cross section measurement, using 10B(n,α) as reference, at the n_TOF Experimental Area 2 (EAR2) facility at CERN is presented. Data from 0.01 eV to 100 keV are provided and, for the first time, the cross section is measured in the range from 0.01 eV to 10 keV. These data may be used for a future evaluation of the cross section because present evaluations exhibit large discrepancies. The 33S(n,α)30Si reaction is of interest in medical physics because of its possible use as a cooperative target to boron in Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT).
The nucleosynthesis of elements beyond iron is dominated by neutron captures in the s and r processes. However, 32 stable, proton-rich isotopes cannot be formed during those processes, because they are shielded from the s-process flow and r-process β-decay chains. These nuclei are attributed to the p and rp process.
For all those processes, current research in nuclear astrophysics addresses the need for more precise reaction data involving radioactive isotopes. Depending on the particular reaction, direct or inverse kinematics, forward or time-reversed direction are investigated to determine or at least to constrain the desired reaction cross sections.
The Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) will offer unique, unprecedented opportunities to investigate many of the important reactions. The high yield of radioactive isotopes, even far away from the valley of stability, allows the investigation of isotopes involved in processes as exotic as the r or rp processes.
Men and women differ substantially regarding height, weight, and body fat. Interestingly, previous work detecting genetic effects for waist-to-hip ratio, to assess body fat distribution, has found that many of these showed sex-differences. However, systematic searches for sex-differences in genetic effects have not yet been conducted. Therefore, we undertook a genome-wide search for sexually dimorphic genetic effects for anthropometric traits including 133,723 individuals in a large meta-analysis and followed promising variants in further 137,052 individuals, including a total of 94 studies. We identified seven loci with significant sex-difference including four previously established (near GRB14/COBLL1, LYPLAL1/SLC30A10, VEGFA, ADAMTS9) and three novel anthropometric trait loci (near MAP3K1, HSD17B4, PPARG), all of which were significant in women, but not in men. Of interest is that sex-difference was only observed for waist phenotypes, but not for height or body-mass-index. We found no evidence for sex-differences with opposite effect direction for men and women. The PPARG locus is of specific interest due to its link to diabetes genetics and therapy. Our findings demonstrate the importance of investigating sex differences, which may lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms with a potential relevance to treatment options.
Background: Predicted increases in suicide were not generally observed in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the picture may be changing and patterns might vary across demographic groups. We aimed to provide a timely, granular picture of the pandemic's impact on suicides globally.
Methods: We identified suicide data from official public-sector sources for countries/areas-within-countries, searching websites and academic literature and contacting data custodians and authors as necessary. We sent our first data request on 22nd June 2021 and stopped collecting data on 31st October 2021. We used interrupted time series (ITS) analyses to model the association between the pandemic's emergence and total suicides and suicides by sex-, age- and sex-by-age in each country/area-within-country. We compared the observed and expected numbers of suicides in the pandemic's first nine and first 10-15 months and used meta-regression to explore sources of variation.
Findings: We sourced data from 33 countries (24 high-income, six upper-middle-income, three lower-middle-income; 25 with whole-country data, 12 with data for area(s)-within-the-country, four with both). There was no evidence of greater-than-expected numbers of suicides in the majority of countries/areas-within-countries in any analysis; more commonly, there was evidence of lower-than-expected numbers. Certain sex, age and sex-by-age groups stood out as potentially concerning, but these were not consistent across countries/areas-within-countries. In the meta-regression, different patterns were not explained by countries’ COVID-19 mortality rate, stringency of public health response, economic support level, or presence of a national suicide prevention strategy. Nor were they explained by countries’ income level, although the meta-regression only included data from high-income and upper-middle-income countries, and there were suggestions from the ITS analyses that lower-middle-income countries fared less well.
Interpretation: Although there are some countries/areas-within-countries where overall suicide numbers and numbers for certain sex- and age-based groups are greater-than-expected, these countries/areas-within-countries are in the minority. Any upward movement in suicide numbers in any place or group is concerning, and we need to remain alert to and respond to changes as the pandemic and its mental health and economic consequences continue.