Lateral Processes Research Articles

Influence of stirrup ratio on vehicular impact resistance of double-column RC bridge piers

Vehicular collision is a typical lateral consecutive impact process. Under such an impact process, reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers commonly suffer shear failure or punching-shear breakage, which could further cause the collapse of the bridges, especially for the simply-supported double-column RC bridges. The current work experimentally and numerically investigates the influence of stirrup ratio on the lateral consecutive impact resistance of double-column RC bridge piers (DCBPs). Firstly, a scaled lateral consecutive impact test is conducted on three DCBP specimens (containing impacted pier, adjacent pier and bent cap) to examine the influence of stirrup ratio on the dynamic behaviors at component level. Then, finite element (FE) models of the impact test are established and validated against the experimental results. Finally, refined numerical simulations of light, medium and heavy trucks colliding with a prototype simply-supported double-column RC bridge are performed at structural level to analyze the influence of stirrup ratio on dynamic shear capacity and deformation of the impacted RC piers, and anti-collapse performance of the bridges. The results derive that, (i) The impacted piers exhibit shear failure at the impact location, and the damage degree is significantly reduced with increasing stirrup ratio. However, the damage degree of adjacent piers and bent caps is not obviously influenced by the change of stirrup ratio; (ii) A higher stirrup ratio effectively achieves less stiffness degradation and smaller lateral deformation of the impacted piers under the first impact, that allows DCBPs to resist a higher second impact force; (iii) The deformation shape of the impacted piers is changed from the localized deformation to the global deformation with the increase of stirrup ratio, while such a variation does not occur to the adjacent piers; (iv) As the stirrup ratio increasing, the simply-supported double-column RC bridge can withstand a higher dynamic shear demand induced by vehicular collisions, and therefore decreases the global damage and collapse probability, especially when subjected to heavy truck collisions.

TMPF: A Two‐Stage Merging Planning Framework for Dense Traffic

Planning for autonomous vehicles to merge into high‐density traffic flows within limited mileage is quite challenging. Specifically, the driving trajectory will inevitably have intersections with other vehicles whose driving intentions can't be directly observed. Herein, a two‐stage algorithm framework that is decomposed into the longitudinal and lateral planning processes for online merging planning is proposed. An improved particle filter is used to estimate the driving models of surrounding vehicles for predicting their future driving intentions. Based on Monte Carlo tree search (MCTS), different action spaces are evaluated for longitudinal merging gap selection and lateral interactive merging operation, while heuristic pruning is used to reduce the computation cost. Moreover, the coefficients related to the driving styles are introduced, and their influences on merging performance are analyzed. Finally, the proposed algorithm is implemented in a two‐lane simulation environment. The results show that the proposal has outperformed other baseline methods.

Coordinated control algorithm of lateral stability of hybrid electric commercial vehicle

Focusing on the problem of mutual interference between the vehicle controller and the lateral stability control system in the stability control of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), this study proposes a coordinated control algorithm for hybrid power systems and lateral stability, which can meet the real-time control requirements of the vehicle stability. First, the overall architecture of coordinated control between the hybrid power system and the vehicle lateral stability control system is designed. The judgment logic of lateral stability control system intervention and exit is determined on this basis. Second, in the upper layer of the control algorithm, the model predictive control algorithm is used to calculate the additional yaw moment required to maintain stability control under lateral instability of the vehicle with the vehicle two-degrees-of-freedom model as a reference. The motor output torque control and braking force distribution are then carried out in the lower layer of the control algorithm. The target braking wheel is determined according to the oversteering and understeering state of the hybrid vehicle. The additional yaw torque distribution control is formulated based on the quadratic programing algorithm. The strategy is to perform dynamic compensation for unstable or critically unstable vehicles to solve the optimal control problem under multiple constraints. Finally, through Matlab/Simulink and Trucksim co-simulation and hardware-in-the-loop test, the validity and real-time performance of the control algorithm proposed are verified to solve the interference problem in the lateral stability control process of HEVs and further improve the stability of vehicle rideability and active safety.

Morphometric Comparison of Tympanic Membrane in Unilateral Mucosal Chronic Otitis Media.

descriptive. hospital based. 84 patients with unilateral mucosal chronic otitis media. each patient underwent Otoendoscopy and the findings were recorded through a camera connected to a laptop. Using image j software these images were analysed. Participants were of mean age of 35years with left preponderance, and no gender preponderance was found. In our study, majority of the perforations were small sized perforations. The malleus handle foreshortening was about 92.6% compared to unaffected ear which was statistically insignificant. There was a significant inter group difference in the distance between the tip of the manubrium and the inferior annulus-which was decreased in affected ears and in the distance from the lateral process to the anterior tympanic ring-which was increased in affected ears. There was no difference in the malleo scutal angles. These differences were not dependent on the site or size of the perforation. The differences we found between ears were unexpected. The significance of the differences in the shape of the tympanic membrane between affected and unaffected ears in unilateral mucosal COM need further study. We did not find a statistically significant difference in the malleo-scutal angles between ears.

New data on the cranial morphology of the tapejarid Sinopterus from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota

ABSTRACT Here, we describe a new Jehol tapejarid skeleton tentatively referred to Sinopterus dongi, revealing some valuable cranial information about the palate and mandibular symphysis of this species. In the palate, the absence of the lateral process of the pterygoid indicates that the subtemporal fenestra is undivided, in contrast to the well-developed lateral process that subdivides the subtemporal and secondary subtemporal fenestrae in other azhdarchoids. The mandibular symphysis is elongated to about 58.7% of the mandible length, significantly longer than the other two Jehol tapejarids (52.9–53.7%) and much longer than other tapejarids (38.0–51.0%), except for the basal tapejarid Caupedactylus ybaka (~65%). The symphyseal shelf is extensive, flattened, and sculptured by sinuous ridges and pits. The ratio of its length to the symphysis is 34.4%, between that of the possible tapejarid Bakonydraco galaczi (43.9%) and the coexistent chaoyangopterid Eoazhdarcho liaoxiensis (26.7%), and much distinct from the well-reduced condition in other tapejarids. This discovery highlights the variation of the cranial morphology in the Tapejaridae and even the Azhdarchoidea.

<i>Markevitchielinus anchoratus</i> Titar, 1975 (Copepoda: Chondracanthidae) parasitic on sea raven <i>Hemitripterus villosus</i> (Pallas, 1814) (Actinopterygii: Hemitripteridae), with the range extension of the copepod in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean

Markevitchielinus anchoratus Titar, 1975 is reported based on an adult female from the floor of the buccal cavity of a sea raven Hemitripterus villosus (Pallas, 1814) caught in Onagawa Bay, an inlet of the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan. The female specimen is briefly described. The female inserted its head with a pair of large, lateral processes and the anterior part of an elongate neck into the tissues of the buccal cavity floor. The present collection of M. anchoratus represents the third occurrence record of the species and extends its distributional range from Kunashiri and Shikotan islands, east of Hokkaido, to Onagawa Bay off Honshu, the largest main island of Japan. The species is specific to the sea raven and may be a subarctic species.

Association of Talar Neck Fractures With Body Extension and Risk of Avascular Necrosis.

The objective of this study was to determine whether talar neck fractures with proximal extension (TNPE) into the talar body are associated with higher rates of avascular necrosis (AVN) compared to isolated talar neck (TN) fractures. A retrospective review of patients sustaining talar neck fractures at a level I trauma center from 2008 to 2016 was performed. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record. Fractures were characterized as TN or TNPE based on initial radiographs. TNPE was defined as a fracture that originates on the talar neck and extends proximal to a line subtended from the junction of the neck and the articular cartilage dorsal to the anterior portion of the lateral process of the talus. Fractures were classified according to the modified Hawkins classification for analysis. The primary outcome was the development of AVN. Secondary outcomes included nonunion and collapse. These were measured on postoperative radiographs. There were 137 fractures in 130 patients, with 80 (58%) fractures in the TN group and 57 (42%) in the TNPE group. Median follow-up was 10 months (interquartile range, 6-18 months). The TNPE group was more likely to develop AVN as compared to the TN group (49% vs 19%, P < .001). Similarly, the TNPE group had a higher rate of collapse (14% vs 4%, P = .03) and nonunion (26% vs 9%, P = .01). Even after adjusting for open fracture, Hawkins fracture type, smoking, and diabetes, AVN still remained significant for the TNPE group as compared to the TN group with an odds ratio of 3.47 (95% CI, 1.51-7.99). We found a higher rate of AVN, subsequent collapse, and nonunion in patients with TNPE compared to isolated TN fractures. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Identification of a pluripotency-inducing small compound, PLU, that induces callus formation via Heat Shock Protein 90-mediated activation of auxin signaling.

Plants retain the ability to generate a pluripotent tissue called callus by dedifferentiating somatic cells. A pluripotent callus can also be artificially induced by culturing explants with hormone mixtures of auxin and cytokinin, and an entire body can then be regenerated from the callus. Here we identified a pluripotency-inducing small compound, PLU, that induces the formation of callus with tissue regeneration potency without the external application of either auxin or cytokinin. The PLU-induced callus expressed several marker genes related to pluripotency acquisition via lateral root initiation processes. PLU-induced callus formation required activation of the auxin signaling pathway though the amount of active auxin was reduced by PLU treatment. RNA-seq analysis and subsequent experiments revealed that Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) mediates a significant part of the PLU-initiated early events. We also showed that HSP90-dependent induction of TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE 1, an auxin receptor gene, is required for the callus formation by PLU. Collectively, this study provides a new tool for manipulating and investigating the induction of plant pluripotency from a different angle from the conventional method with the external application of hormone mixtures.

Evaluating Characteristics of an Active Coastal Spreading Area Combining Geophysical Data with Satellite, Aerial, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Images

The northern region of the Maltese archipelago is experiencing lateral spreading landslide processes. This region is characterized by cliffs with a hard coralline limestone outcropping layer sitting on a thick layer of clay. Such a geological configuration causes coastal instability that results in lateral spreading which predispose to rockfalls and topplings all over the cliff slopes. The aim of this research was to develop a methodology for evaluating cliff erosion/retreat using the integration of geomatics and geophysical techniques. Starting from a 3D digital model of the Selmun promontory, generated by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry, it was possible to map the fractures and conduct geophysical measurements such as electrical resistivity tomography and ground penetrating radar for the identification and mapping of vertical fractures affecting the hard coralline limestone plateau, and to create a 3D geological model of the study area. In addition to this, high-accuracy orthophotos from UAV that were captured between 1957 and 2021 were georeferenced into a GIS and compared to aerial and satellite images. The movement and evolution of boulders and cracks in rocks were then vectorized to highlight, track and quantify the phenomenon through time. The results were used to derive a qualitative assessment of the coastal variations in the geometric properties of the exposed discontinuity surfaces to evaluate the volumes and the stop points of the observed rockfalls. The outcomes of this research were finally imported in a GIS which offers an easy approach for the collection and processing of coastal monitoring data. In principle, such a system could help local authorities to address social, economic and environmental issues of pressing importance as well as facilitate effective planning in view of a risk mitigation strategy.

Experimental and theoretical studies on the lateral collapse of mechanically lined pipes

The mechanically lined pipe, which consists of a thin non-corrosive liner and a carbon steel pipe, is an economical way to transport acidic fluid in offshore applications. However, it is prone to lateral loading and potentially develops plastic collapse and liner separation during the operational stage. The present study examines its crushing performance using small-scale 2-inch lined pipes manufactured by a customized hydroforming facility. The lined pipes comprised a seamless GB45 carbon steel tube and a grade T2 copper liner. Four ring specimens extracted from lined pipes and two single-layer rings were crushed on a universal testing machine in a quasi-static manner. The tube was found to develop an ovalized shape initially and then changed into a "∞" shape in the end. The carrier and liner were found to stay together throughout the crushing process, with slight liner separation taking place. The manufacture and lateral collapse processes were also reproduced with finite element models and nonlinear analytical formulation. The analytical model was established based on the principle of virtual work and nonlinear ring theory, assuming small strain and finite rotation. It showed that the analytical and numerical simulation results agreed with the experimental results. The influence of major parameters of the problem was also studied based on the full-scale lined pipe. Amongst other findings, manufacture-related plastic hardening is shown to affect the load-carrying capacity and the growth of separation during lateral collapse.

X-ray Microtomography Study of Cranium, Pectoral Fin and Girdle, and Weberian Apparatus Development in Juvenile Triplophysa stewarti (Nemacheilidae)

The stone loach genus Triplophysa is a major component of the Tibetan Plateau ichthyofauna, and its taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships are far from resolved. Skeletogeny patterns contain useful phylogenetic signals, but developmental data for Triplophysa are scarce. Here, we present an X-ray microtomography study of the development of the cranium, pectoral fin and girdle, and Weberian apparatus of juvenile Triplophysa stewarti (12–55 mm standard length). We reveal that the smallest juveniles possess a fontanelle and well-developed Weberian ossicles. Furthermore, the development of the cranium, pectoral fin and girdle, and bony capsule of the Weberian apparatus is illustrated, such as the suturation of preethmoid I to prevomer, the reduction of pectoral radials from four to three by fusion of the most internal two. A paired bony capsule fully enclosing the anterior swim bladder room characterizes the Weberian apparatus of nemacheilid and balitorid loaches. Our data demonstrate that the anterior wall of the bony capsule originates from a vertical plate expanded from the descending process 2, which is a homologue to the “anterior plate” in the superfamily Cobitoidea sensu lato, with the exception of Cobitidae. The lateral process 2 separates from this anterior plate. The horizontal process 4 expands anteriorly to meet the anterior wall, and when posteriorly expanded and curved downward, finally fuses with the bottom wall to close the bony capsule. Accelerated or retarded development of the aforementioned skeletal structures will result in differentiated features in Triplophysa and related nemacheilid genera.

Particulate organic carbon in the deep-water region of the Gulf of Mexico

Ocean eddies play a major role in lateral and vertical mixing processes of particulate organic carbon (POC), as well as in the transport of heat, salinity, and biogeochemical tracers. In the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), however, there are limited observations to characterize how these mesoscale structures affect the spatial distribution of POC in the upper water column, which is important for organic matter cycling and export. We present the distribution patterns of POC relative to mesoscale features throughout the water column in the deep-water region of the GoM during three oceanographic cruises held during the summer months of 2015, 2016, and 2017. Samples were collected under well-stratified upper ocean conditions, which allowed us to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of POC as a function of non-steric sea surface height, density, apparent oxygen utilization, and chlorophyll fluorescence. We further explored the variability of integrated surface layer POC concentrations at stations located within the cores and the edges of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies, and those collected outside these structures. Although our results indicate mesoscale eddies modulate several important physical and biogeochemical variables and POC concentrations in the upper ocean, these features do not fully explain the spatial distribution of POC concentrations throughout the deep-water region of the GoM. Relatively lower POC concentrations were observed in the border of the cyclonic and the center of the anticyclonic eddies, in contrast to the relatively higher POC concentrations at the center of the cyclonic and the border of anticyclonic eddies. We observed high variability in POC concentration variability outside mesoscale structures, which may be attributed to other processes such as upwelling over the shelves, and the contribution by rivers during the summer especially in the northern and southern GoM.

Effect of Lateral Laser-Cladding Process on the Corrosion Performance of Inconel 625

This study aimed to evaluate the corrosion properties of different samples coated by the laser-cladding method to find the optimal laser parameters. Thereby, potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel) and electrochemical impedance tests were performed to assess the corrosion resistance of coated samples. Consequently, the corrosion morphology of tested samples was inspected by scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the laser power directly correlates with pitting corrosion and defects on the surface of the samples. Moreover, when molybdenum and chromium ions are increased in the electrolyte solution, the passive and protective layers are more durable, as the ions are sited within the holes and defects, reducing the surface corrosion rate.

Multimodal processing in face-to-face interactions: A bridging link between psycholinguistics and sensory neuroscience.

In face-to-face communication, humans are faced with multiple layers of discontinuous multimodal signals, such as head, face, hand gestures, speech and non-speech sounds, which need to be interpreted as coherent and unified communicative actions. This implies a fundamental computational challenge: optimally binding only signals belonging to the same communicative action while segregating signals that are not connected by the communicative content. How do we achieve such an extraordinary feat, reliably, and efficiently? To address this question, we need to further move the study of human communication beyond speech-centred perspectives and promote a multimodal approach combined with interdisciplinary cooperation. Accordingly, we seek to reconcile two explanatory frameworks recently proposed in psycholinguistics and sensory neuroscience into a neurocognitive model of multimodal face-to-face communication. First, we introduce a psycholinguistic framework that characterises face-to-face communication at three parallel processing levels: multiplex signals, multimodal gestalts and multilevel predictions. Second, we consider the recent proposal of a lateral neural visual pathway specifically dedicated to the dynamic aspects of social perception and reconceive it from a multimodal perspective ("lateral processing pathway"). Third, we reconcile the two frameworks into a neurocognitive model that proposes how multiplex signals, multimodal gestalts, and multilevel predictions may be implemented along the lateral processing pathway. Finally, we advocate a multimodal and multidisciplinary research approach, combining state-of-the-art imaging techniques, computational modelling and artificial intelligence for future empirical testing of our model.

New Classification Based on CT and Its Value Evaluation for Fractures of the Lateral Process of the Talus

This study aimed to develop a comprehensive classification system for fractures of the lateral process of the talus (LPTF) based on CT, and to evaluate its prognostic value, reliability and reproducibility. We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients involving LPTF with an average follow-up of 35.9 months for clinical and radiographic evaluations. In order to develop a comprehensive classification, a panel of experienced orthopedic surgeons discussed the cases. All fractures were classified according to Hawkins, McCrory-Bladin and new proposed classifications by 6 observers. The analysis of interobserver and intraobserver agreements was measured using kappa statistics. The new classification included 2 types based on presence of concomitant injuries or not, with type I consisting of 3 subtypes and type II of 5 subtypes. Average AOFAS score was 91.5 in the type Ia of new classification, 86 in type Ib, 90.5 in type Ic, 89 in type IIa, 76.7 in type IIb, 76.6 in type IIc, 91.3 in type IId, and 83.5 in type IIe. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the new classification system were almost perfect (κ=0.776 and 0.837, respectively), showing a higher interobserver and intraobserver reliability compared to the Hawkins classification (κ 0.572 and 0.649, respectively) as well as McCrory-Bladin classification (κ=0.582 and 0.685, respectively). The new classification system is a comprehensive one that takes into account concomitant injuries and shows good prognostic value with clinical outcomes. It is more reliable and reproducible and could be a useful tool for decision-making on treatment options for LPTF.

Redescription of Bomolochus bellones Burmeister, 1835 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Bomolochidae) recovered from Cololabis saira (Brevoort, 1856) (Actinopterygii) in Japan, with descriptions of the male and copepodids V-III of the species

Abstract Bomolochus bellones Burmeister, 1835 is redescribed based on specimens recovered from the bucco-branchial cavity of the Pacific saury, Cololabis saira (Actinopterygii, Beloniformes, Scomberesocidae), in Japan. The male, copepodid V female, copepodid IV female, and copepodid III male of the species are described. The postantennal processes and lateral processes have appeared in the female at copepodid V.

Sequential Solidification of Metal Powder by a Scanning Microwave Applicator.

This study examines the fundamental feasibility of sequential metal-powder solidification by localized microwave-heating (LMH) provided by a scanning, all-solid-state microwave applicator. This continuous process is considered for the additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP) applications of metal parts. In previous studies, we employed LMH for the incremental solidification of small batches of metal powder in a stepwise vertical manner. Here, we study a continuous lateral LMH process, layer by layer, in a fashion similar to laser scanning in powder beds, as performed in common laser-based AM systems. LMH solidification at scanning rates of ~1 mm3/s is obtained in bronze powder using ~0.25-kW microwave power. The effect is studied here by LMH scanning in one lateral dimension (~20-mm long) in layers, each of ~1-4 mm thickness and ~2-4 mm width (mechanically confined). Imperfect solid bars of ~20×4×5 mm3 are obtained with rough surfaces. Their joining in an L shape is also demonstrated. The experimental solidified products are tested, and their hardness and density properties are found to be comparable to laser-based AM products. The capabilities and limitations of the LMH scanning concept for metal-powder solidification are evaluated. The potential feasibility of a solid-state LMH-AM technology is discussed.

Differential gene expression analysis of the resprouting process in Pinus canariensis provides new insights into a rare trait in conifers

Resprouting is crucial in population dynamics in response to wildfires or herbivory. This trait, common in angiosperms, is considered rare in conifers, being Pinus canariensis one of the few species able to resprout. We analyzed gene expression during wound-induced resprouting in 5 years-old Canarian pines. RNA was extracted at three different stages, including control samples from remote branches, representing immediate response to wounding (R0), resprouting initiation (R1), and elongation (R2), and then hybridized to a microarray designed with 15,000 cDNAs from Pinus canariensis transcriptome of meristematic activity. We found 1164 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs), of which 903 were significant in R0, 278 in R1, and 261 in R2. Genes related to defense- and stress-response were mainly found to be overexpressed at R0, while DEGs coding for transcription factors such as GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF), FLOWERING-PROMOTING FACTOR (FPF), and the HOMEODOMAIN LEUCINE ZIPPER Class IV (HD-ZIP IV), mainly related to outgrowth processes and lateral organogenesis in plants, showed overexpression at R1 and R2, when new shoots were emerging. This data was compared to differential gene expression during apical growth in P. canariensis, suggesting similarities between vegetative apical growth and regulation of lateral shoot development in response to mechanical wounding, but also yielding 32 DEGs exclusively overexpressed at some point during resprouting stages (R1 and/or R2). The implication of such transcription factor families, with important roles in leaf and inflorescence development also in flowering plants, suggests underlying homologies between common lateral organogenesis processes in angiosperms and resprouting in gymnosperms.

Fractures of the talus: where are we now?

The talus provides a crucial role in ankle stability and joint movement. If the talus is damaged, the collective motion of the foot and ankle becomes compromised, and significant disability or chronic pain can result secondary to complications including post-traumatic osteoarthritis, infection, and avascular necrosis. Talus fractures are challenging to treat due to their multiple articulations, precarious vascularity, and confined anatomical location. Long-term outcomes after talar fractures have historically been poor. Surgical management is advised for most displaced fractures of the talus in suitable patients. Goals of surgical treatment focus on meticulous anatomic reconstruction, preservation of blood supply, and stable fixation to encourage fracture union. This review summarizes the literature findings to provide a clearer view of the recommended management for each type of talus fracture. This article addresses individual talus fracture subtypes, including lateral process, posterior process, head, body, neck, and extrusion of the talus. In each section, we address assessment, management options, and known outcomes. The reader is also reminded of how to assess the commonly missed talus subtype fractures, particularly lateral process, posterior process and the talar head, where high index of suspicion is paramount even following a low-energy injury mechanism. Appropriate counselling is recommended to inform and educate patient about the long-term morbidity associated with talar fractures.

New sea spider species (Pycnogonida: Austrodecidae) from a submarine cave in Japan

Abstract We describe a new sea spider species, Pantopipetta hosodai sp. nov., based on one juvenile female collected from a submarine cave (‘Akumanoyakata’ Cave) in Shimojijima Island, Miyako Island Group, Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan. It was collected from the second slope zone of the cave, 80–100 m from the entrance, no light, low salinity and with rocky substrate. This is the first record globally of a Pantopipetta species from a submarine cave and anchialine environment. Pantopipetta hosodai sp. nov. resembles Pantopipetta auxiliata, Pantopipetta lenis and Pantopipetta oculata in having auxiliary claws, but differs from them in having a palp with three short distal articles, lateral processes without dorsodistal tubercles, coxae 1 and 3 of legs 1–3 each with one long dorsal tubercle and one dorsodistal tubercle bearing a seta on each femur. Features of the palp appear to delineate two species groups in Pantopipetta, i.e. (1) those having four small distal articles, and a small, basal palp article between the lateral cephalon process and longest palp article (eight-articulate palp) and (2) those having three small distal articles, and lacking the small basal article (six-articulate palp), but further detail examination of the described species is needed. We discuss the diagnostic characters separating Pantopipetta and Austrodecus and the generic affiliation of Austrodecus aconae. Few pycnogonids from marine or anchialine caves have been identified to species, and it is generally unknown whether cave-dwelling pycnogonids tend to be troglobites.