Holotype Research Articles

Addressing the climate crisis: The synergy of AI and electric vehicles in combatting global warming

The climate catastrophe is a critical issue that requires quick and inventive solutions. The synergistic interaction between artificial intelligence (AI) and electric automobiles is one viable path for reducing global warming. This article investigates the relationship between AI and EVs in combating climate change. We begin by highlighting the severity and urgency of the climate situation, stressing the need for adequate mitigation solutions. We then investigate the role of electric cars as a greener alternative to typical fossil fuel vehicles, emphasizing their potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation industry. Furthermore, we look at how AI technology might improve the efficiency and performance of electric cars, such as predictive maintenance, charging infrastructure optimization, and traffic management. By harnessing AI capabilities, EVs may function more efficiently, resulting in a considerable decrease in carbon emissions. Through this research, we highlight the necessity of cooperation between the AI and EV sectors and the need for supportive governmental frameworks to expedite the adoption of these technologies. Finally, this article argues for the revolutionary power of the AI-EV synergy in addressing global warming and creating a more sustainable future.

Implications of deduplication on the detection rates of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) in various specimens: insights from the hospital infection surveillance program

BackgroundCurrently, different guidelines recommend using different methods to determine whether deduplication is necessary when determining the detection rates of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, few studies have investigated the effect of deduplication on MDRO monitoring data. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of deduplication on the detection rates of MDROs in different specimens to assess its impact on infection surveillance outcomes.MethodsSamples were collected from hospitalized patients admitted between January 2022 and December 2022; four types of specimens were collected from key monitored MDROs, including sputum samples, urine samples, blood samples, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples. In this study, we compared and analysed the detection rates of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CRECO), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) under two conditions: with and without deduplication.ResultsWhen all specimens were included, the detection rates of CRKP, CRAB, CRPA, and MRSA without deduplication (33.52%, 77.24%, 44.56%, and 56.58%, respectively) were significantly greater than those with deduplication (24.78%, 66.25%, 36.24%, and 50.83%, respectively) (all P < 0.05). The detection rates in sputum samples were significantly different between samples without duplication (28.39%, 76.19%, 46.95%, and 70.43%) and those with deduplication (19.99%, 63.00%, 38.05%, and 64.50%) (all P < 0.05). When deduplication was not performed, the rate of detection of CRKP in urine samples reached 30.05%, surpassing the rate observed with deduplication (21.56%) (P < 0.05). In BALF specimens, the detection rates of CRKP and CRPA without deduplication (39.78% and 53.23%, respectively) were greater than those with deduplication (31.62% and 42.20%, respectively) (P < 0.05). In blood samples, deduplication did not have a significant impact on the detection rates of MDROs.ConclusionDeduplication had a significant effect on the detection rates of MDROs in sputum, urine, and BALF samples. Based on these data, we call for the Infection Prevention and Control Organization to align its analysis rules with those of the Bacterial Resistance Surveillance Organization when monitoring MDRO detection rates.

The type specimens of bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) deposited in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg. Contribution VII. Family Andrenidae, genus Andrena Fabricius, 1775, taxa described by A. Osytshnjuk and A. Lebedev

The type specimens for names of bee taxa in the genus Andrena Fabricius, 1775, described by Anna Z. Osytshnjuk and Alexander G. Lebedev which are deposited in the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg) are reviewed. Primary types of 27 taxa (22 described by A. Osytshnjuk and five described by A. Lebedev) are illustrated and detailed information is provided. A new synonymy is established for Andrena marmora Nurse, 1904=A. gussakovskii Lebedev, 1932, syn. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Andrena azerbaidshanica Lebedev, 1932 and A. cochlearicalcar Lebedev, 1933. A complete list of all taxa of the genus Andrena described by A. Osytshnjuk (88 taxa) and A. Lebedev (11 taxa) is also given, with the locality data of the primary types.

Some Additions to "Flora of the Presidency of Madras"

J. S. Gamble began the compilation of the Flora of the Presidency of Madrasin the year 1912 and the first part was published in the year 1915. In 1925, after completing part VII Gamble died. The work was then continued by C. E. C. Fischer and finished with part XI in 1935. This monumental work on Systematic Botany deals with 4,516 species of plants from the old Madras Presidency which comprises the present states of Madras, Kerala, parts of Mysore and Andhra Pradesh. During the 26 years that have elapsed since its publication several botanists have studied the Flora of the region and have been able to discover many taxa new to science and several new records. The scattered information on the new taxa described by various authors in different journals and periodicals has been presented in this paper.The following data are given for each taxon : citation of the original publication, critical notes if any, the place of collection, collector’s number and the Herbarium where the Type specimen is permanaently preserved (if known).

The burden of radiation exposure in congenital heart disease: the Italian cohort profile and bioresource collection in HARMONIC project

BackgroundThe European-funded Health Effects of Cardiac Fluoroscopy and Modern Radiotherapy in Pediatrics (HARMONIC) project aims to improve knowledge on the effects of medical exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) received during childhood. One of its objectives is to build a consolidated European cohort of pediatric patients who have undergone cardiac catheterization (Cath) procedures, with the goal of enhancing the assessment of long-term radiation-associated cancer risk.The purpose of our study is to provide a detailed description of the Italian cohort contributing to the HARMONIC project, including an analysis of cumulative IR exposure, reduction trend over the years and an overview of the prospective collection of biological samples for research in this vulnerable population.MethodsIn a single-center retrospective cohort study, a total of 584 patients (323 males) with a median age of 6 (2–13) years, referred at the Pediatric Cardiology in Niguarda Hospital from January 2015 to October 2023, were included. Biological specimens from a subset of 60 patients were prospectively collected for biobanking at baseline, immediately post-procedure and after 12 months.ResultsTwo hundred fifty-nine (44%) patients were under 1 year old at their first procedure. The median KAP/weight was 0.09 Gy·cm2/kg (IQR: 0.03–0.20), and the median fluoroscopy time was 8.10 min (IQR: 4.00–16.25). KAP/weight ratio showed a positive correlation with the fluoroscopy time (Spearman’s rho = 0.679, p < 0.001). Significant dose reduction was observed either after implementation of an upgraded technology system and a radiation training among staff. The Italian cohort includes 1858 different types of specimens for Harmonic biobank, including blood, plasma, serum, clot, cell pellet/lymphocytes, saliva.ConclusionsIn the Italian Harmonic cohort, radiation dose in cardiac catheterization varies by age and procedure type. An institution’s radiological protection strategy has contributed to a reduction in radiation dose over time. Biological samples provide a valuable resource for future research, offering an opportunity to identify potential early biomarkers for health surveillance and personalized risk assessment.

Taxonomic Notes on a few Plants

Correct names of 3 plants namely Pongamia glabra Vent. var. xerocarpa Prain, Sterculia campanulata Wall. ex Mast. var. glabrifolia Kurz and Limnophila hirsura Benth. var. scaberrima Kurz are discussed in this paper. Notes on their distribution as well as the nature of type specimens of the last two taxa are also given.

Temporal and Spatial Variation Study on Corrosion of High-Strength Steel Wires in the Suspender of CFST Arch Bridge

The corrosion and degradation behavior of high-strength steel wires during service directly affect the safety and usability of suspenders in steel pipe concrete arch bridges. In this study, three different types of specimens were fabricated using steel wires extracted from the suspenders of an 11-year-old in-service arch bridge and subjected to accelerated corrosion tests with acetic acid. Considering the differential diffusion processes of corrosion factors caused by varying degrees of damage to the suspender sheath, the spatial corrosion variability of steel wires at different positions within the suspender cross-section was investigated. Experimental results indicated a two-stage characteristic in the corrosion process of individual galvanized steel wire samples. In the first corrosion stage, the microstructure on the corroded steel wire surface evolved from a dense crystalline structure to a porous one. In the second corrosion stage, corrosion products accumulate on the steel wire substrate, subsequently further aggregating into sheet-like structures. The maximum pitting factor of individual steel wire samples from a specific area could be described by a Type I extreme value distribution. In the time-dependent model that was established, the location parameter and scale parameter exhibited an exponential decrease during the first corrosion stage and a linear decrease during the second corrosion stage. In the absence of sheath protection, the coefficient of variation in corrosion among adjacent steel wires in the suspender followed a normal distribution. The spatial corrosion variability of the wires inside the suspender is significantly influenced by the shape of the suspender sheath damage. As the corrosion time increased, the overall discrepancy in corrosion levels among different layers of wires diminished.

Diospyros adinandrifolia, a new species of Ebenaceae from Yunnan, China

Diospyros adinandrifolia, a new species of Diospyros (Ebenaceae) from southeast Yunnan, China, is described and photographed. Photographs of type specimens and ecological information are provided. Diospyros adinandrifolia resembles D. undulata in its elliptic leaves, clustered flowers, and synsepalous calyces, but differs by abaxial leaf base without glands, calyx without obvious lobes and the fruiting calyx being not reflexed during maturation. It is also morphologically similar to D. dussaudii in buds shape and inflorescence morphology, but differs in its leaves being white pubescent when young and glabrescent, paniculate male inflorescences, and succulent fruit. Based on the examination of the specimens from China and Vietnam, the species is categorized as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Untangling the Defiant Taxonomy of Physaloptera (Nematoda: Chromadorea: Spirurida: Physalopteridae) Parasites in Reptiles: An Integrative Approach on the Enigmatic P. retusa Suggests Cryptic Speciation

(1) Background: Although Physaloptera retusa is one of the most widespread species infecting reptiles in the Americas, numerous taxonomic problems and little genetic data are associated with it. To clarify the taxonomy of this species, we used an integrative approach. (2) Methods: Physaloptera retusa-infecting Erythrolamprus typhlus (snake) from the Pantanal wetlands, Brazil, was morphologically and genetically characterised (18S and 28S rDNA; COI mtDNA) and compared with conspecific sequences available in GenBank, from parasites of Tupinambis teguixin (lizard), using species delimitation methods. Type specimens of P. liophis were re-evaluated given its morphological similarities with P. retusa. (3) Results: The morphology of the present specimens was equal to that of P. retusa, in which the only difference from P. liophis was the relative position of the vulva. Species delimitation methods were more accurate for the COI dataset; all of them (except ABGD) indicated interspecificity among P. retusa sequences. However, a lack of morphological data or voucher material, associated with the deposited sequences, prevented more assertive conclusions. (4) Conclusions: The present results highlight the importance of a clear association between genetic data and morphology of the isolation source, or at least its adequate vouchering. Moreover, P. retusa may represent a species complex in cryptic speciation, since it is widespread and has low hosts specificity.

A taxonomic review of Thiotricha Meyrick, 1886 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Thiotrichinae) from China, with descriptions of 84 new species

A taxonomic review of Thiotricha Meyrick, 1886 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Thiotrichinae) from China, with descriptions of 84 new species

History and historical DNA: Identity of Chelodina intergularis Fry, 1915 and type localities of C. intergularis and C. rugosa Ogilby, 1890

Based on the phylogenetic placement of a near-complete mitogenome sequence of the holotype of Chelodina intergularis Fry, 1915 generated with hDNA approaches, we present evidence for the synonymy of this nominal species with Chelodina rugosa Ogilby, 1890. The type specimens of both taxa are housed in the Australian Museum, Sydney. Scrutinizing historical records, we conclude that the type locality of both taxa is most likely the vicinity of Somerset, at the northern extremity of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. We figure and describe both type specimens. Our results support the earlier conclusion that the exceptional arrangement of intergular and gular scutes in the holotype of C. intergularis is an individual aberration.

Lefua hoffmanni Herre 1932, a junior synonym of Oreonectes platycephalus Günther 1868 (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae)

Lefua hoffmanni Herre 1932 has been regarded as a valid species. However, Zheng (1989) suggested that L. hoffmanni may be a junior synonym of Oreonectes platycephalus Günther 1868. The validity of L. hoffmanni based on observations of type specimens has not been thoroughly examined in previous studies. This study comprised detailed observations and comparisons of the type specimens of L. hoffmanni and O. platycephalus to verify its validity. As a result of this investigation, it was confirmed that L. hoffmanni is indeed a junior synonym of O. platycephalus. A re-description of O. platycephalus is also provided on the basis of the syntypes.

Taxonomic revision and type specimens’ location of jianghanichthyids (Ostariophysii: Cypriniformes) from Buxin Formation, Sanshui Basin, China

ABSTRACT The Paleogene nominal species Osteochilus sanshuiensis, Osteochilus longipinnatus, and Osteochilus laticorpus from Sanshui Basin, China, were originally assigned to the extant genus Osteochilus, in the family Cyprinidae. They were lately considered to belong to Catostomidae or the extinct family Jianghanichthyidae. However, the type specimens of the above nominal species have been deemed to be lost, which hindered the corroborated taxonomic assignment of the species. After multiple attempts and inter-institutional efforts, a series of original type specimens were recovered from a warehouse. We herein report the resurfacing and relocation of the specimens, as well as clarify the taxonomic status of those nominal species. Based on the type specimens and our recently collected specimens in the same locality, we propose to revise the three nominal species as one species †Jianghanichthys sanshuiensis comb. nov. One of the best-preserved original type specimens, SYSU R. 741177 is designated to be the lectotype.

Re-discovery and taxonomic clarification of Oreocharisleveilleana (Gesneriaceae) in Guizhou, China, over 100 years.

Oreocharisleveilleana Fedde was collected in Ta-pin in 1910 and published in 1911. The collected location was verified within western Luodian County, Guizhou Province, China. However, there have been no records of the species' collection for more than 100 years since then. After extensive investigations by our research team on the type locality and its surrounding areas, we found that it is widely distributed in western Luodian County and eastern Wangmo County, Guizhou Province, China. During further research on the original literature, type specimens and type locality of O.leveilleana, the taxonomic position of O.leveilleana, which was once treated as a synonym of O.auricula (S.Moore) C.B.Clarke, was found to have a taxonomic problem. Through morphological research combined with geographical distribution analysis, it has been determined that it should belong to the genus Petrocodon Hance and it is the same species as P.coccineus (C.Y.Wu ex H.W.Li) Yin Z.Wang. According to the regulations and suggestions of the 2018 "International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (Shenzhen Code)", we propose and confirm a new combination - Petrocodonleveilleanus (Fedde) X.X.Bai & F.Wen and treat P.coccineus as a synonym of the new combination. Due to its unique bright red flowers within Petrocodon, its original Chinese name has been retained.

Range extension of Blackstripe Lizardfish, Synodus nigrotaeniatus Allen, Erdmann &amp;amp; Peristiwady, 2017 (Actinopterygii, Aulopiformes, Synodontidae), from Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

Three specimens (194.4&amp;ndash;203.8 mm standard lengths) of the lizard&amp;#64257;sh Synodus nigrotaeniatus Allen, Erdmann &amp; Peristiwady, 2017, collected from Jakarta Bay, western Indonesia, represent a signi&amp;#64257;cant range extension for the species, which was previously known from only six specimens collected in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, eastern Indonesia. Morphological comparisons with available data from the type specimens and molecular data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene are presented. The COI sequence data show a 4% genetic difference from the related Synodus sageneus Waite, 1905.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Quality Assessment of Histopathology Whole-Slide Images within a Clinical Workflow: Assessment of ‘PathProfiler’ in a Diagnostic Pathology Setting

Digital pathology continues to gain momentum, with the promise of artificial intelligence to aid diagnosis and for assessment of features which may impact prognosis and clinical management. Successful adoption of these technologies depends upon the quality of digitised whole-slide images (WSI); however, current quality control largely depends upon manual assessment, which is inefficient and subjective. We previously developed PathProfiler, an automated image quality assessment tool, and in this feasibility study we investigate its potential for incorporation into a diagnostic clinical pathology setting in real-time. A total of 1254 genitourinary WSI were analysed by PathProfiler. PathProfiler was developed and trained on prostate tissue and, of the prostate biopsy WSI, representing 46% of the WSI analysed, 4.5% were flagged as potentially being of suboptimal quality for diagnosis. All had concordant subjective issues, mainly focus-related, 54% severe enough to warrant remedial action which resulted in improved image quality. PathProfiler was less reliable in assessment of non-prostate surgical resection-type cases, on which it had not been trained. PathProfiler shows potential for incorporation into a digitised clinical pathology workflow, with opportunity for image quality improvement. Whilst its reliability in the current form appears greatest for assessment of prostate specimens, other specimen types, particularly biopsies, also showed benefit.

A review of the leaf-beetle genus Sinoluperus Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) from China, with the description of a new species.

In this study, all species of the leaf-beetle genus Sinoluperus Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 from China are redescribed based on the reexamination of type specimens, and a new species, S.variegatussp. nov. from Nanling Mountains, is described. A key to the three Chinese species of Sinoluperus is provided, as well as photographs of the habiti and aedeagi of these species.

Form-classification for microbially induced sedimentary structures

Various ichnotaxonomic names have been proposed for microbially influenced sedimentary structures, but despite the historically broad scope of ichnotaxa allowed by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, recent opinion rejects these names for the Zoological Code. Nevertheless, such names are allowed by generous provisions for fossil genera (previously form genera) in the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants. Fossil genera, such as Neantia, Rameshia and Rugalichnus, describe various undulose and striated textures of aquatic microbial mats. In contrast, the complex hackly, fissured and microtuffeted surfaces widely called ‘old elephant skin’ texture have been assigned to Rivularites repertus. The type specimen of that species has been lost since bombardment of Nancy in 1914. The locality exposing the Upper Triassic (Carnian), Grès à Roseaux Member of the Keuper Formation at Gemmelaincourt, France, is an abandoned coal mine, but has waste piles still available for collecting. This study describes a proposed neotype of the ichnospecies, and other fossils relevant to its environmental interpretation. The neotype of Rivularites came from coal measures with interbedded evaporites of a coastal plain, and is a non-marine texture as apparent from evidence of alternate desiccation, intergrowth and healing. Gregory J. Retallack [ gregr@uoregon.edu ], Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oregon. Eugene, OR 97403, USA

Rare Middle Triassic coleoids from the Alpine-Carpathian system: new records from Slovakia and their significance

Two stratigraphically well constrained (by ammonites and conodonts) coleoid remains have been recorded from the Triassic (Anisian) dark-grey organodetritic limestones (Ráztoka Limestone) of Western Carpathians (Hronic Nappe). The limestones deposited at the periphery of a former carbonate platform. It yields a highly diverse cephalopod fauna including nautiloids (2 taxa), ammonoids (7 taxa) and indetermined aulacoceratids. Two unusual coleoid specimens are referred to genus Mojsisovicsteuthis (M. boeckhi) and probably to a new taxon (described as Breviconoteuthis aff. breviconus herein) possessing similar morphological features of genus Breviconoteuthis (Phragmoteuthida) and/or Zugmontites. Based on index ammonites and conodonts, both records are of the uppermost Trinodosus through the lowermost Reitzi zones (Anisian—lower Illyrian). While the genus Mojsisovicsteuthis has been widely dispersed (however its records are rare), the occurrence of Breviconoteuthis and Zugmontites is strictly limited to the Alpine-Carpathian region. Comparing with the holotype and additional specimens stored in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, the overal shell of Mojsisovicsteuthis and its size has been reconstructed. Its relationship to aulacoceratids and phragmoteuthids is briefly discussed. Geochemical record (n-alkanes from the bulk rock) provided a relevant signal of the existence of algal meadows.

Type specimens, taxonomic history, and genetic analysis of the Japanese dancing mouse or waltzer, Muswagneri variety rotans Droogleever Fortuyn, 1912 (Mammalia, Muridae).

In the present paper, the existence and location of the type series of the Japanese dancing mouse or waltzer, Muswagneri variety rotans Droogleever Fortuyn, 1912, are established, and a lectotype is designated. Available type specimens are measured, and some morphological parameters, sex, and general condition of the specimens are recorded. A literature survey was conducted, and an attempt is made to clarify the position of M.wagneri variety rotans in the taxonomy of Mus. A genetic analysis suggests that the type series of the Japanese dancing mouse represent a crossbred, or derivation of a crossbred, between the original Japanese dancing mouse of Musmusculusmolossinus Temminck 1844 origin and European fancy or laboratory mice of Musmusculusdomesticus Schwarz & Schwarz, 1943 origin. Much of their genome was replaced and occupied by Musmusculusdomesticus type genome, probably through extensive breeding with European mice.