Holotype Research Articles

First report of Diaporthe caulivora causing Phomopsis stem canker on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Minnesota.

Cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a globally important oilseed crop that is grown primarily in the Northern Great Plains region of the United States. In September 2018, sunflower stems exhibiting brown stem lesions centered on the leaf axils and accompanied by pith degradation, consistent with symptoms of Phomopsis stem canker (PSC) disease, were sampled from a commercial field of approximately 520 hectares in Polk County, MN (47°50'24" N, 96.34'13" W). Incidence of PSC in this field was approximately 44%. Ten diseased stem samples were collected from plants spaced at least ten meters apart. Pieces of diseased stems 15 mm in length and 10 mm in width were excised, surface sterilized in 10% sodium hypochlorite and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing 50 µg/ml streptomycin. Plates were incubated at 22°C for 3-5 days and hyphal tips of emerging mycelia were transferred twice to new PDA plates. Genomic DNA was extracted from each isolate and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out using primers specific to either Diaporthe helianthi or D. gulyae, the most common species causing PSC on sunflower (Elverson et al., 2020). Eight isolates were identified as D. helianthi by PCR, while the remaining two isolates, designated H48 and H49, exhibited morphologies on PDA plates distinct from those of D. helianthi or D. gulyae. The ITS region, along with portions of the EF-1α and β-tubulin (TUB) genes were amplified and sequenced, and the sequences were deposited in Genbank (H48: ITS-OP429627.1, EF-1α-OP429589.1, TUB-OP429587.1; H49: ITS-OP429628.1, EF-1α-OP429590.1, TUB-OP429588.1). BLAST analyses using the H48 and H49 ITS sequences revealed 100% identity with D. caulivora isolates including the type specimen CBS 127268 (Genbank accessions AF000567.2 and type specimen MH864501.1). Additionally, 100% identity of EF-1α and TUB sequences from H48 and H49 with those of type specimen CBS 127268 (Genbank accessions KC343771.1 and KC344013.1) were also observed. A multi-locus phylogenetic tree was constructed aligning the ITS, EF-1α, and TUB sequences of H48 and H49 with those of twenty Diaporthe species. Isolates H48 and H49 formed a clade with three other D. caulivora isolates, including the type specimen. Pathogenicity of isolate H49 on sunflower was confirmed by inoculating susceptible sunflower inbred line HA 410 using a stem wound method (Mathew et al., 2018; Thompson et al., 2011; Underwood & Misar, 2024). Plants were inoculated by creating a wound approximately 5 mm deep and 8 mm long using a scalpel and affixing a PDA plug carrying mycelium of isolate H49, D. helianthi isolate H45 known to be pathogenic, or mock inoculum of PDA with no mycelium over the wound using laboratory film. Three independent experimental runs were conducted in which two 6-week-old plants grown in 1-gallon pots under greenhouse conditions at 22 ± 3°C were inoculated with each treatment, resulting in inoculation of six total HA 410 plants per treatment. Isolate H49 formed lesions with mean length of 61.27 mm on HA 410 at 14 days-post-inoculation compared to mean lesion length of 173.05 mm for D. helianthi isolate H45 and no disease symptoms were observed upon mock inoculation. D. caulivora was re-isolated from inoculated stems and confirmed by observing morphological features on PDA plates as well as sequencing the ITS region, fulfilling Koch's postulates. D. caulivora is typically associated with stem canker of soybean and has been previously reported to cause PSC on sunflower in Argentina (Zambelli et al., 2021). Additionally, this species was identified as an endophyte on asymptomatic sunflowers in the U.S., though pathogenicity was not confirmed in this study (Dangel, 2022). To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. caulivora causing Phomopsis stem canker on sunflower in the U.S. It will likely be prudent to monitor this species as a potential causal agent of PSC on sunflower and potentially to determine if sunflower lines resistant to other Diaporthe species are also resistant to D. caulivora should a need arise to deploy resistance to this species in commercial sunflower hybrids.

Two new taxa of brush-footed butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, southern India.

A new species, Amathusia travancorica sp. nov. (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae: Amathusiini), and a new subspecies, Athyma inara sahyadriensis ssp. nov. (Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae: Limenitidini), are described from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India, based on multiple male and female specimens. The new taxa are compared with type specimens of related species and subspecies, revealing consistent differences that distinguish the new taxa. Genitalia dissections are also provided as comparative materials. Additional information is provided on historical records, distributional ranges, habits and habitat, phenology, larval host plants, and early stages. Finally, the type locality and synonymy of Pantoporia mera Swinhoe, 1917 are discussed based on comparison of type specimens (Pantoporia mera Swinhoe, 1917 syn. nov.=Athyma inara Westwood, 1850).

Multicenter Clinical Performance Evaluation of the NeuMoDx™ CT/NG Assay 2.0.

Given the continued increases in rates of both Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection, additional diagnostic assays may be useful in increasing access to testing for these sexually transmitted infections. We evaluated the performance of the NeuMoDx™ CT/NG Assay 2.0 on the NeuMoDx-96 and NeuMoDx-288 Molecular Systems. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay was assessed when used with: 1) endocervical swabs; 2) self-, and clinician-collected vaginal swabs; and 3) first-catch urine specimens (female and male). Results were compared to a patient infection status based on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared assays. The NeuMoDx CT/NG Assay 2.0 demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in both symptomatic and asymptomatic participants. All specimen types other than endocervical swabs had >95% sensitivity and > 99% specificity for both pathogens. For endocervical samples, sensitivity was 93.2% and 93.3% for CT and NG, respectively. There was no difference in performance based on platform. The frequency of invalid results was low (<1%). The NeuMoDx CT/NG Assay 2.0 demonstrated performance similar to currently FDA-cleared assays, with the added choice of a moderate- (96-sample) or a high-throughput (288-sample) platform. The system therefore offers solutions to laboratories running lower volumes of testing that may obviate the need for outsourcing to larger reference laboratories.

Type specimens of Primates (Mammalia) in the collections of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.

The present catalog documents all the primate type specimens held at the collection of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin [MfN]. Due to insufficient labeling at the time of receipt and description, many types remained unrecognized, labeled with synonymous or incorrect names until now. For identification of all types, including the previously unrecognized type specimens, approximately 8,000 primate specimens were revised in the MfN collection, 144 of them represent primary types (holotypes, lectotypes, and syntypes) and 141 paratypes or paralectotypes could be found. These types belong to 129 described primate species and subspecies, of which 44 are currently in use.

The zoological collections of Portuguese oceanographic campaigns in former colonial territories

The Missão de Biologia Marítima (Lisboa, Portugal) and its successor institutions, were responsible for conducting oceanographic campaigns in former Portuguese colonies during the decades of 1950–1960. The primary objective was to advance the systematic study of marine resources in these territories, leading to the collection of thousands of specimens of marine fauna, particularly fishes, molluscs and crustaceans. In the late 1970s, the collection faced understaffing and was neglected, becoming largely inaccessible to the scientific community. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the collection, which is currently deposited in the Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Universidade de Lisboa. The collection includes 7305 occurrences, for a total of over 30,000 specimens, most of which were collected in Angola, Cabo Verde and Mozambique between 1951 and 1965. The collection holds representatives of more than 1000 species and has a wide taxonomic coverage, including 19 type specimens of nine nominal taxa: the fishes Cubiceps niger Nümann in Franca, 1957, Tylosurus acus rafale Collete &amp; Parin, 1970 and Chromis lubbocki Edwards, 1986; the cone snails Conus angolensis Paes da Franca, 1955 and Conus lucirensis Paes da Franca, 1955; the ark clam Arca geissei angolensis Paes da Franca, 1955; the squids Moroteuthis robsoni Adam, 1962 and Todarodes sagittatus angolensis Adam, 1962; and the snapping shrimp Alpheus holthuisi Ribeiro, 1964. A comprehensive description of the resulting dataset is provided, as well as a brief account of the history of these campaigns and the research conducted.

New and Confirmed Combinations of New World Bruchinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with a List of incertae sedis Species.

We identify 94 species of New World Bruchinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) that have not been revised since original publications that predate the establishment of current bruchine genera. Many of these have appeared in catalogs or checklists and have been transferred to genera without inspection of primary type specimens. We were able to inspect the primary types of 77 of these species; we provide new combinations for 38 and confirm previous combinations made in catalogs for an addition 39. We provide emended names for four taxa and designate a neotype for Bruchus atrosignatus Pic, 1935. Type specimens could not be located for 14 of the additional 17 species, with only three species of known deposition not yet inspected. These 17 species should be considered as species incertae sedis and included as such in any catalogs or checklists until types are examined by future reviewers.

Strontioborite: revalidation as a mineral species and new data

Abstract Strontioborite, which was first described in 1960 and later discredited by the then named Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA CNMMN), has been re-investigated (electron microprobe, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, crystal structure determination and IR spectroscopy) on two specimens, including the holotype, and revalidated by the IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC). Strontioborite is known only at the Chelkar salt dome (North Caspian Region, Western Kazakhstan), in halite rocks with bischofite, magnesite, anhydrite, halurgite, boracite, ginorite and celestine. It forms colourless lamellar, scaly or tabular crystals up to 2 mm across. The chemical composition (wt.%, H2O is calculated for (OH)4 = 4 H apfu, according to structural data; holotype/neotype) is: CaO 1.42/0.27, SrO 23.10/23.79, B2O3 67.37/67.57, H2O 8.73/8.72, total 100.62/100.37. The empirical formulae [calculated based on 15 O apfu = O11(OH)4 pfu] of the holotype and neotype specimens are Sr0.92Ca0.10B7.98O11(OH)4 and Sr0.95Ca0.02B8.02O11(OH)4, respectively. The idealised formula is Sr[B8O11(OH)4]. Strontioborite is monoclinic, space group P21, a = 7.6192(3), b = 8.1867(2), c = 9.9164(3) Å, β = 108.357(4)°, V = 587.07(3) Å3 and Z = 2. The strongest reflections of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d,Å(I)(hkl)] are: 7.22(100)(100), 5.409(61)(110), 4.090(64)(020), 3.300(48)(210), 2.121(30)( $\bar{1}$ 24) and 2.043(37)(040, 024, $\bar{2}$ 24). The crystal structure, solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (R = 0.0372), is based upon the (100) layers of polymerised B–O–OH polyanions [B8O11(OH)4]2– and Sr-centred nine-fold polyhedra SrO6(OH)3. The B–O–OH polyanion is the cluster of three tetrahedra and three triangles; these clusters are decorated by the [B2O2(OH)3] pyro-group consisting of two triangles. The layers are linked via vertices of Sr-centred polyhedra, which share seven vertices with B-centred polyhedra of one layer and two vertices with B-centred polyhedra of the adjacent layer, and by the system of H bonds. The crystal chemistry of strontioborite is discussed in comparison with other natural and synthetic borates.

Comparison of the mechanical properties and constitutive models of carbon fiber-reinforced coral concrete cubes and prisms under uniaxial compression

Carbon fiber reinforced coral concrete (CFRCC) plays a crucial role in island construction. In engineering applications, CFRCC is often subjected to complex stress states. Multiaxial stress studies usually use cubes, and in order to maintain research consistency, uniaxial studies also often use cubes. Traditional uniaxial stress studies mainly use prisms. However, the differences in uniaxial compression mechanical properties between these two types of specimens have not been thoroughly studied. To fill this gap, this study conducted uniaxial compression tests on cubes and compared the results with previous tests on prisms.The results showed that the failure patterns of the two types of specimens were different. The main cracks of the cubes were vertically distributed, while the main cracks of the prisms mostly unfolded diagonally. The addition of carbon fibers (CFs) reduced the number of large cracks and increased the number of microcracks. The stress-strain curves, peak stress, peak strain, and initial elastic modulus of the two types of specimens show similar variations with CFs, and CFs significantly improve the mechanical properties of coral concrete. The constitutive models based on prisms cannot accurately describe the mechanical behavior of cubes, therefore, we proposed revised constitutive models. The revised constitutive models can accurately describe the mechanical behavior of cubes. This study laid the foundation for subsequent research on multiaxial stress.

Epidemiological and Clinical Insights into Acinetobacter baumannii: A Six-Year Study on Age, Antibiotics, and Specimens.

This six-year retrospective study provides an in-depth analysis of the epidemiological and clinical patterns associated with Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) infections, focusing on age distribution, antibiotic resistance profiles, and specimen types. The research examines the incidence and characteristics of both non-Multi-Drug Resistant (non-MDR) and Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) A. baumannii strains by reviewing patient records from January 2016 to December 2022. Through a statistical analysis, the study highlights the incidence rates across diverse age groups and explores the impact of antibiotic treatment regimens on infection outcomes. Additionally, it identifies the primary clinical specimen types for each strain, noting an association between non-MDR A. baumannii and midstream urine samples, while MDR A. baumannii strains were more frequently found in respiratory, wound, peripheral, and central line swaps/specimens. The results indicate that in 2016, non-MDR A. baumannii infections were notably more frequent compared to MDR A. baumannii cases. However, a significant shift occurred in 2021 and 2022, with a marked decrease in non-MDR A. baumannii cases and an increase in MDR A. baumannii infections. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that non-MDR strains were commonly tested against cefazolin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, oxacillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. In contrast, MDR strains were frequently tested against amikacin, cefepime, colistin, meropenem, imipenem, and tigecycline. This study enhances the understanding of A. baumannii clinical behaviour and resistance patterns, offering valuable insights to support future research and inform strategies for infectious disease management and control.

Experimental characterization of the in-plane shear strength of unreinforced masonry walls with damp-proof course and thermal break layer

Due to the highly demanding energy standards in Europe and challenging weather conditions, thermal break elements, such as aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC), have become increasingly popular in modern day residential buildings made of masonry cavity walls. Furthermore, a damp-proof course (DPC) layer is also used on top of the thermal break element to prevent water seeping and eventual entrapment due to capillary action. The presence of an AAC layer and of a DPC can have an adverse effect on the in-plane shear strength of a masonry wall, although information on this is barely available in the existing literature. This study aims at filling that knowledge gap through experimental investigations on traditional masonry walls and composite masonry walls, i.e. with an AAC and a DPC layer. The in-plane shear behaviour is compared between both types of wall specimens on the base of load-displacement curves and observation of failure modes. The capacity of analytical design approaches in predicting the test results has also been assessed. For the tested configurations, it can be concluded that the presence of AAC and DPC makes the failure mode switch from diagonal shear sliding combined with flexural toe crushing to horizontal shear sliding with crushing localized in the AAC layer, associated to a drop of the resistance by 6 to 9% depending on the type of clay units and mortar. The proposed analytical method, derived from EN 1996-1-1, is providing a safe estimate of the test results with a similar level of accuracy for traditional and composite configurations (predicted values in the range of 75 to 86% of the measured values). Finally, the influence of the definition of the compressed length and of the shear span ratio are shortly discussed.

Three new iron-phosphate minerals from the El Ali iron meteorite, Somalia: Elaliite Fe82+Fe3+(PO4)O8, elkinstantonite Fe4(PO4)2O, and olsenite KFe4(PO4)3

Abstract Petrologic investigation of the El Ali IAB iron meteorite (Somalia) revealed three new minerals: elaliite [Fe82+Fe3+(PO4)O8, IMA 2022-087], elkinstantonite [Fe4(PO4)2O, IMA 2022-088], and olsenite [KFe4(PO4)3, IMA 2022-100]. The name elaliite recognizes the occurrence of this mineral within the El Ali meteorite, originally located at 4° 17′ 17″N, 44° 53′ 54″E. Elkinstantonite is named after Linda (Lindy) Elkins-Tanton (b. 1965), a planetary scientist and professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. The name olsenite is in honor of Edward J. Olsen (1927–2020), the former Curator of Mineralogy and Meteorites at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago (1960–1991). The new minerals and their names have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association. The holotype specimens of elaliite, elkinstantonite, and olsenite consist of the polished block mount with accession number MET11814/2-1/EP1 deposited in the University of Alberta Meteorite Collection. Elaliite, elkinstantonite, and olsenite occur along with wüstite, troilite, sarcopside, and Ca-bearing graftonite within inclusions in the iron-nickel metal (kamacite, 9.4 wt% Ni) that makes up the bulk of the El Ali sample. The empirical formulas determined by electron probe microanalysis for elaliite, elkinstantonite, and olsenite are: (Fe7.9432+Fe1.0203+Cr0.010Ni0.006Ca0.004Mn0.004)Σ8.987(P0.932Si0.077S0.005)Σ1.014O12, (Fe3.9472+Mn0.016Ni0.003Ca0.001Cr0.001)Σ3.968(P1.986Si0.014S0.013)Σ2.013O9, and (K0.820Na0.135Ca0.004)Σ0.959(Fe3.829 Mn0.050)Σ3.879(P2.972S0.058Si0.017)Σ3.047O12, respectively. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to confirm the crystal structures of the three new minerals. Raman spectra for all three minerals are also presented.

Comparison of Optical Properties in Single-Shade and Multi-Shade Composite Resins

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in optical properties, such as color and translucency, between single-shade composite resins (Omnichroma) and multi-shade composite resins (Filtek Z350XT). Furthermore, the study assessed the influence of the surrounding structure’s shades on the shade matching of Omnichroma. Two types of disc-shaped specimens were prepared: Single specimen (diameter, 8.0 mm; thickness, 1.0 and 2.0 mm), consisting of either Omnichroma or Filtek Z350XT in the A1B, A2B, and A3B shades, and dual specimen (diameter, 8.0 mm; thickness, 2.0 mm), featuring a bottom layer (diameter, 8.0 mm; thickness, 1.0 mm) of Filtek Z350XT in the A1B, A2B, and A3B shades, and a top layer (diameter, 8.0 mm; thickness, 1.0 mm) filled with Omnichroma. Commission Internationale d’Eclairage &lt;i&gt;L&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt;a&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt;b&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/i&gt; color measurements and calculations for color differences (Δ&lt;i&gt;E&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sub&gt;ab&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;/i&gt;) and translucency parameters (TP) of each specimen were performed. Omnichroma exhibited a lighter, more greenish, and blueish color compared to the Filtek Z350XT in A1B, A2B, and A3B shades. With increased thickness, Omnichroma became more yellowish, whereas Filtek Z350XT became less yellowish. Additionally, when Omnichroma was applied over Filtek Z350XT in dual specimens, the yellowness increased further beyond Omnichroma’s original yellowness level. Consequently, Omnichroma achieved clinically acceptable shade matching, especially in the A3 shade, because it aligns well with the original high yellowness of the A3 shade. Additionally, Omnichroma’s superior shade-matching ability was attributed to its higher translucency compared to Filtek Z350XT. Therefore, Omnichroma might be considered useful in pediatric dentistry by simplifying the shade selection process.

The type specimens of bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) deposited in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg. Contribution VIII. Family Andrenidae, subfamily Panurginae.

The type specimens for names of bee taxa in the subfamily Panurginae of family Andrenidae deposited in the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg) are reviewed. Primary types of 39 taxa are illustrated and detailed information is provided (taxa include 19 described by F. Morawitz; nine by V. Popov; seven by T. Romankova and Yu. Astafurova; three by E. Eversmann; one by A. Osytshnjuk). Panurginus nitidulus Morawitz, 1889 sp. resurr. is resurrected from synonymy with P. nigripes Morawitz, 1880. A new synonymy is established for Camptopoeum rufiventre Morawitz, 1880=C. rufiventre flavovaria Popov, 1936, syn. nov. Panurgus clypeatus Eversmann, 1852 was synonymised with Panurginus labiatus (Eversmann, 1852) but is now recognised as a synonym of Panurginus niger Nylander, 1848, syn. nov. Lectotypes are here designated for the following ten nominal taxa: Camptopoeum altaicum Morawitz, 1891, C. rufiventre flavovaria Popov, 1936, C. schewyrewi Morawitz, 1897, Epimethea variegata Morawitz, 1875, Macrocera nasalis Eversmann, 1852, Panurginus nitidulus Morawitz, 1889, P. semiopacus Morawitz, 1894, Panurgus clypeatus Eversmann, 1852, P. siculus Morawitz, 1871, and Poecilomelitta ornata Popov, 1951.

Integrative redescription of Glomeris cingulata C. L. Koch, 1847, an almost forgotten microendemic pill millipede (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridae).

Among the more than 80 species of the common pill millipede genus Glomeris Latreille, 1803, there are several microendemic species that have not been recorded for the last 80-120 years. To discover whether these species are colour morphs of widespread species or true local endemics is important from a conservation point of view as well as for understanding the biogeography and evolution of the group. The author received three specimens that were morphologically identical to C. L. Koch's 175-year-old first description of Glomeris cingulata Koch, 1847 from the Triglav Mountain in Slovenia, close to the border with Italy. No clear specimen-based records are available for G. cingulata and the type specimen is apparently lost. In order to clarify the taxonomy of this microendemic species, an integrative redescription was conducted, including scanning electron microscopy and DNA barcoding. Glomeris cingulata is a distinct species, with genetic distances of 12.6-15.5% compared to the seven syntopic and numerous other widespread Glomeris species. Based on characters of the first description and following other authors, the synonymy of Glomeris cingulata intercedens Latzel, 1884 under Glomeris transalpina Koch, 1836 is confirmed. The dark colour with posterior red bands closely resembles that of some other high-altitude Glomeris species like G. transalpina Koch, 1836, Glomeris aurita Koch, 1847 and Glomeris oropensis Verhoeff, 1936. Glomeris cingulata is genetically close to, but distant enough from the small-bodied and widespread taxa like Glomeris pustulata Latreille, 1804 and Glomeris tetrasticha Brandt, 1833.

Influence of fiber type on the mechanical performance and fracture mechanism of fiber reinforced concrete under coupled static-dynamic compression

As a high-performance building material, fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has attracted garnered significant interest in practical engineering construction. However, the effect of coupled static-dynamic loading on the dynamic response of FRC remains far from understood, which seriously limits its wide application. In this study, a series of coupled static-dynamic loading tests are conducted on four types of FRC specimens using the modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system, and the influences of static pre-stress and strain rate on the mechanical performance of FRC under coupled static-dynamic loading are systematically analyzed. The experimental results indicate that static pre-stress generally reduces the dynamic strength and energy dissipation density, but increases the total strength and fragmentation degree of FRC. As the pre-stress ratio increases from 0 to 0.6, the dynamic strength of FRC decreases ranging from 12 to 25 %, and the total strength increases ranging from 12 to 34 %. The failure features of FRC specimens changes from tensile failure mechanism to tensile-shear mixed mechanism with increasing the static pre-stress. Combining the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) techniques, the microscopic structure and fracture mechanisms of FRC specimens are revealed, and the underlying influencing mechanisms of the static pre-stress, strain rate and fibers are further discussed. The axial pre-stress exerts a dual effect on FRC: enhancement by compacting primary voids as well as attenuation by stimulating secondary microcracks. The strain rate dominates the mechanical performance of FRC under coupled static-dynamic loading, and the influence of pre-stress is diminished by higher strain rates. In addition, the fiber incorporation strengthens the concrete pore structure by bridging action and crack inhibition, resulting in superior mechanical performance compared to normal concrete under coupled static-dynamic loading conditions.

A taxonomic account of Myrciinae (Myrteae, Myrtaceae): generic and sectional placement of forgotten species and a list of all accepted species

The taxonomy of Neotropical Myrtaceae is known for the difficulties regarding specific and supraspecific taxonomic delimitations. In subtribe Myrciinae (tribe Myrteae) this situation is intensified due to the high diversity of species and relatively homogeneous morphology. Over the last two decades there has been a huge increase in Myrciinae systematic research. Following use of molecular phylogenetic works, several genera accepted in the 20th century were synonymised under a broader circumscription of Myrcia. Monophyletic sections that facilitated further taxonomic works were recognised. However, species with doubtful morphologies, scanty or missing data have remained untreated. This paper provides an update of the taxonomic status of these species as well as a list of accepted species of Myrciinae, assigned to sections of Myrcia. This work is based on a broad analysis of herbarium collections including types and the Myrciinae literature. Taxonomic comments are provided regarding species placement and features, and three new combinations, one new name, nine lectotypifications and two neotypifications are provided. Seven species are transferred to other genera or families. Thirty-seven species are listed as incompletely known due to absence of type specimens or any material that could clarify their taxonomic status. We currently accept 744 species of Myrcia (excluding the 37 species without known type collections and three species with uncertain generic placement), distributed between taxonomic sections as follows: Myrcia sect. Aguava (32 species), Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia (162 species), Myrcia sect. Calyptranthes (248 species), Myrcia sect. Eugeniopsis (18 species), Myrcia sect. Gomidesia (67 species), Myrcia sect. Myrcia (158 species), Myrcia sect. Reticulosae (15 species), Myrcia sect. Sympodiomyrcia (28 species), Myrcia sect. Tomentosae (5 species), and clade 10 with nine species. Three species remain in Myrcia but are probably members of other taxa of Myrteae (M. cionei, M. skortzoviana) or other family (M. melastomoides), while two species of Myrcia (M. apiocarpa, M. sintenisiana) remain without a sectional placement. We highlight taxonomic issues to address in the future to improve systematic knowledge in Myrciinae.

Advancing Laboratory Medicine Practice With Machine Learning: Swift yet Exact.

Machine learning (ML) is currently being widely studied and applied in data analysis and prediction in various fields, including laboratory medicine. To comprehensively evaluate the application of ML in laboratory medicine, we reviewed the literature on ML applications in laboratory medicine published between February 2014 and March 2024. A PubMed search using a search string yielded 779 articles on the topic, among which 144 articles were selected for this review. These articles were analyzed to extract and categorize related fields within laboratory medicine, research objectives, specimen types, data types, ML models, evaluation metrics, and sample sizes. Sankey diagrams and pie charts were used to illustrate the relationships between categories and the proportions within each category. We found that most studies involving the application of ML in laboratory medicine were designed to improve efficiency through automation or expand the roles of clinical laboratories. The most common ML models used are convolutional neural networks, multilayer perceptrons, and tree-based models, which are primarily selected based on the type of input data. Our findings suggest that, as the technology evolves, ML will rise in prominence in laboratory medicine as a tool for expanding research activities. Nonetheless, expertise in ML applications should be improved to effectively utilize this technology.

Morphometric synthesis of Pollimyrus (Teleostei, Mormyridae) with the description of four new species.

Mormyridae, a species-rich family endemic to Africa, remains taxonomically understudied. This has been the case for the genus Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971, which hinders further understanding of the distribution, ecology, and conservation of its species. Therefore, an in-depth morphometric comparison of all currently valid species is carried out using most of the available type specimens. Species delineations were re-evaluated, and four species new to science described: Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov. (the Luki River, the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov. (the Lugenda River, Mozambique), Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov. (the Kouilou-Niari River, the Republic of the Congo), and Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov. (the Buzi River, Mozambique). In this study, Pollimyrus guttatus is confirmed to belong to Pollimyrus, whereas Pollimyrus eburneensis and Cyphomyrus plagiostoma seem more similar to species allocated to other genera. No or only little morphological differences were found between the type series of several species, which could indicate the need for synonymization of these species (Pollimyrus cuandoensis with Pollimyrus marianne and Pollimyrus nigripinnis with Pollimyrus pulverulentus). As such 20 species are currently morphologically identifiable in the genus Pollimyrus. The present study highlights the critical need for further synthetic efforts and new collecting efforts across Africa for this and other Mormyridae genera.

Taxonomical and biological notes on Argentoleon irrigatus (Gerstaecker) (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae).

Argentoleon irrigatus (Gerstaecker), is a common antlion species, but with sparse figures and incomplete location records in the literature, whose genitalia and larvae remained undescribed. Herein, the adults are redescribed and immatures (larvae and pupa) are described for the first time, providing images of internal and external characters, including both male and female genitalia. The examination and illustration of these characters allowed us to better understand the position and the limits of the genus Argentoleon Stange, within the tribe Brachynemurini, including the differentiation of the larval stages of the closely related genus Austroleon Banks. Additionally, the distribution of Ar. irrigatus is updated and a map is elaborated, resulting in seven new state records for Brazil and a new country record from Colombia. Some biological aspects are also analyzed, regarding rearing in captivity and natural habitat, providing resources for future ecologic and biogeographical analyses. Furthermore, we analyzed the type specimens of the extensive synonymic list of Ar. irrigatus concluding that Austroleon stictogaster Navás, is in fact a synonym of Austroleon immitis (Walker), and not of Ar. irrigatus as currently accepted. Overall, a full taxonomic actualization of Ar. irrigatus is presented.

Experimental and numerical investigation on ductile fracture of Q235 cold-formed thin-walled steel

In order to simulate the full-range moment-rotation characteristic of steel storage rack beam-to-upright connections incorporating material fracture, this paper presents experimental and numerical investigations into the fracture behaviour of Q235 cold-formed thin-walled steel (CFTWS) flat and corner materials. A total of 43 specimens derived from Q235 CFTWS plates were tested. Two different thicknesses (1.8 mm and 3.25 mm), three varied bend angles (0°, 70° and 90°), and five types of specimens representing different stress states, were considered. The load-displacement curves and fracture characteristics of each specimen were derived from tests. The refined numerical models were established and validated by the test data. Based on experimental and numerical simulation results, four commonly used ductile fracture models for metal materials were calibrated and compared. The results show that the verified LMVGM fracture model is applicable to Q235 CFTWS flat and corner materials, and then compiled into a USDFLD subroutine in numerical simulation models to predict the flexural behaviour of storage rack beam-to-upright connections. The comparison between test and numerical simulation results illustrates that the established ductile fracture model for Q235 CFTWS materials can accurately simulate the fracture related failure modes of beam-to-upright connections in CFTWS storage racks.