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Purpose Retinoschisis (RS), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and combined RS retinal detachment (RSRD) may resemble clinically and pose a diagnostic challenge. This study investigates the role of the fundus autofluorescence (AF) in differentiating RS, RRD and RSRD. Methods Fundus AF changes of 34 eyes diagnosed with RRD, 30 eyes with RS and 12 eyes with RSRD were retrospectively analysed. Ultra-widefield AF (UW-AF) image intensities obtained with the Optomap 200Tx were interpreted as hypo-, hyper- and isoautofluorescent or a mixed pattern with hypo- and hyperautofluorescence over and at the posterior margin (PM) of RRD, RS and RSRD. Results All RS eyes revealed isoautofluorescence over the area of RS, and nine eyes (30%) showed hypoautofluorescent PM. Among RRD, acute (≤2 weeks) and chronic (>2 weeks) RRD demonstrated distinct AF characteristics. Sixty-two per cent of RRD eyes had acute RRD. From those, 16 eyes (76%) demonstrated hypoautofluorescence over the detached area and 19 (90%) eyes with hyperautofluorescent PM. Sixty-two per cent of chronic RRD eyes demonstrated isoautofluorecence over the detached area. Eight RSRD eyes (67%) revealed hyperautofluorescence in the detached area. The positive predictive value (PPV) for hypoautofluorescence over the area of subretinal fluid (SRF) in RRD was 95%. The PPV for hyperautofluorescence over the area of SRF in RSRD was 100% and for isoautofluorescence for schitic area in RSRD and RS was 76%. Conclusion The UW-AF can be a useful non-invasive adjuvant tool to distinguish between RRD, RS and RSRD. Hypo- or hyperautofluorescence over the area of interest and hyperautofluorescent PM indicates the presence of SRF.

The Sarcastic Fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi, Teleostei) exhibits an extreme version of a common aggressive display, the "gaping display," in which an open mouth is presented toward an opponent. Males of this species have extremely long jaws that extend posteriorly well past the posterior margin of the head and are flared laterally during the gaping display. In this study, we explored morphological traits related to this extraordinary display in this and related species of blennies. Morphological modifications include enlargement of the buccopalatal membrane, elongation of the maxilla via an uncalcified posterior extension, and evolution of a novel hinge between the anterior maxilla and lacrimal bones permitting lateral movement of the upper jaw. Geometric morphometry using the truss network system, thin-plate spline, and PCA of three closely related species of Neoclinus indicate that the elongate maxilla of N. blanchardi most likely evolved via acceleration (faster growth compared to outgroups) and hypermorphosis (continued growth to a larger body size), both forms of peramorphic heterochrony. Coloration and fluorescence of the buccopalatal membrane may also serve to amplify the extraordinary gaping display of the Sarcastic Fringehead.

Petroleuciscus ninae sp. nov. is described from the Buyuk Menderes River drainage. The new species is distinguished by having a black lateral stripe from head to base of caudal fin, stripe distinct anteriorly and posteriorly, wider than eye diameter; numerous black pigments on anal-fin rays; body depth at dorsal-fin origin 27-30% standard length (LS ); head width at posterior margin of eye 16-19% LS ; and eye diameter smaller than snout length. Petroleuciscus ninae is also distinguished from other species in adjacent waters by having six fixed diagnostic nucleotide substitutions in the mitochondrial DNA coI barcode region.

Background Numerous surgical techniques exist to treat nasal septal perforation (NSP). The surgical closure of large NSPs (>2 cm) is still challenging. Posterior septectomy has been reported as a simple alternative to treat large NSP, yet its mechanisms for symptom relief are not clear, and if failed, its consequence cannot be easily reversed. Methods Ten NSP patients were recruited: 5 underwent posterior septectomy and 5 underwent conventional flap or button repair. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulated the nasal aerodynamics based on computed tomography (CT) scans. All patients had preoperative CT; however, only 4 had postoperative CT: 2 underwent posterior septectomy and the other 2 underwent flap repair. We examined surgical outcomes and the nasal airflow features among the 2 treatment options. Results Both groups of patients had good outcomes based on chart review. Patients undergoing septectomy had significantly larger perforation size (2.32 ± 0.87 vs 1.21 ± 0.60 cm), higher flow rate across the perforation (47.8 ± 28.6 vs 18.3 ± 12.2 mL/second), and higher wall shear stress (WSS) along the posterior perforation margin (1.39 ± 0.52 vs 1.15 ± 0.58 Pa). The posterior WSS significantly correlated with crossover flow velocity (r = 0.77, p = 0.009) and was reduced by almost 67% postseptectomy, and by 29% postrepair. Conclusion This is the first CFD analysis on an NSP patient cohort. NSP resulted in flow disturbance and increased WSS that potentially led to symptomatology. The removal of high stress points along the posterior margin may explain why posterior septectomy can be an effective treatment option. Aerodynamic abnormalities, in addition to perforation size and location, could serve as basis for future treatment decisions.

All specimens of Ichthyosaurus from the Lower Jurassic of Somerset were previously identified as I. communis, an abundant and extremely variable species. Here, two new species of Ichthyosaurus are recognized from multiple specimens. The species are assigned to Ichthyosaurus on the basis of the humerus, pectoral girdle and forefin morphologies. I. larkini sp. nov. is distinguished by a broad jugal with a blunt anterior end that extends as far forward as the middle of the external naris, separating the maxilla and lacrimal; and a unique combination of other features. I. somersetensis sp. nov. is distinguished by a jugal with a nearly straight dorsal ramus that lacks a right-angle dorsal bend; a high, narrow, crescentic postorbital that forms almost all of the posterior margin of the orbit and separates the jugal dorsal ramus from the orbit; and an ilium that is wide relative to its length, more oblong than rib-like. The identifications are supported by a phylogenetic analysis which finds the new species more closely related to each other than to other species of the genus. We also identify a squamosal in both species, which confirms that it is present in the genus. This study suggests that hindfin morphology has some taxonomic utility, at least within the genus. The new species increases the diversity of Ichthyosaurus to six species, three of which are found in the Hettangian of Somerset.

The vaginal vestibule has not been the subject of a dedicated journal article. Recent terminology has suggested its division into anterior and posterior components. The case for this division has not yet been assessed. Both components extend laterally from the hymen to the junction with the labia minora. The posterior vaginal vestibule is proposed to extend from the posterior aspect of the hymen to the anterior edge of the perineum whilst the anterior vestibule extends from the posterior aspect of the hymen to just below the clitoris. Anatomical considerations (differing layers) might firstly support the above division. The posterior vestibule, by necessity, is far more flexible with the superficial aspect (approximately 1.5 cm), anatomically and histologically, comprising skin and subcutaneous tissue, with perineal musculature deep to this. In turn, it is more likely to be subject to obstetric and surgical considerations than the anterior vaginal vestibule. Obstetric trauma, in particular, would tend to create defects, particularly at its posterior margin. Many dermatological and microbiological considerations may be common to both anterior and posterior vestibule. Any dermatological condition of the vestibule can result in sexual dysfunction and can be complicated by secondary muscular spasm. Congenital anomalies will differ anteriorly and posteriorly. Multiple considerations can be identified to support the case for division of the vaginal vestibule into anterior and posterior components. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Purpose Curvature of the posterior border of the mandibular ramus at the occlusal plane has been described as a morphological trait for males. Controversy over the accuracy of this method remains among researchers; studies employing similar methods report accuracy rates for successful gender identification ranging from 59% to 99%. This blind study assessed evaluators’ ability to determine gender based on the presence or absence of curvature of the posterior margin of the mandibular ramus through panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods Randomly selected panoramic radiographs were obtained from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry for 413 adult male (M) and female (F) subjects. Two evaluators separately assigned ratings using a similar method to the Loth and Henenberg methodology to each subject on the right and left sides of mandibular rami. The ratings were based upon three criteria: (1) presence of curvature at the occlusal plane (M), (2) presence of curvature but not at the occlusal plane (F), and (3) lack of curvature (F). Pearson exact chi-squared test was used to evaluate the statistical strength of the ratings. Results The evaluators were only in agreement for both the right and left rami in roughly two-thirds (66.8%) of cases when there was no excessive tooth loss (ETL); however, the inter-observer agreement improved to 82.1% for those rami associated with ETL. Inter-observer agreement occurred in 72.9% of female rami and in only 64.4% of male rami. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that assessment of posterior border curvature of mandibular rami through panoramic radiographs was not a reliable indicator of gender and was further plagued by unacceptably high levels of inter-observer disagreement.

External morphological criteria that enable the rapid determination of gender have been developed for Yellow Perch Perca flavescens. Criteria are based upon (1) shape of the urogenital papilla (UGP), (2) size of the UGP relative to the anal (AN) opening, and (3) coloration of the UGP. In females, the UGP appeared (1) rounded at the anterior margin, (2) pointed at the posterior margin and had a V or U shape (crescent shaped in mature animals), (3) generally lacked reddish coloration, and (4) narrower relative to the AN. In males, the UGP (1) appeared circular or oval around the entire margin, (2) typically displayed reddish coloration, and (3) was generally wider relative to the AN. To verify accuracy of these criteria, gender was verified internally in perch of various sizes, sex, and maturity from four domesticated geographic strains (n = 1,389). For all perch tested, accuracy was 97.3% for both sexes, 98.8% for females, and 95.9% for males. To experimentally verify accuracy of these criteria, j...

Schmorl's nodes are the result of herniations of the nucleus pulposus into the adjacent vertebral body and are commonly identified in both clinical and archaeological contexts. The current study aims to identify aspects of vertebral shape that correlate with Schmorl's nodes. Two-dimensional statistical shape analysis was performed on digital images of the lower thoracic spine (T10-T12) of adult skeletons from the late medieval skeletal assemblages from Fishergate House, York, St. Mary Graces and East Smithfield Black Death cemeteries, London, and postmedieval Chelsea Old Church, London. Schmorl's nodes were scored on the basis of their location, depth, and size. Results indicate that there is a correlation between the shape of the posterior margin of the vertebral body and pedicles and the presence of Schmorl's nodes in the lower thoracic spine. The size of the vertebral body in males was also found to correlate with the lesions. Vertebral shape differences associated with the macroscopic characteristics of Schmorl's nodes, indicating severity of the lesion, were also analyzed. The shape of the pedicles and the posterior margin of the vertebral body, along with a larger vertebral body size in males, have a strong association with both the presence and severity of Schmorl's nodes. This suggests that shape and/or size of these vertebral components are predisposing to, or resulting in, vertically directed disc herniation.

Larval characters of Meru were extracted from the recently published description and added to an extensive data matrix from an earlier study on the phylogenetic position of the genus and family. The results confirm the earlier postulated clade Meruidae + Noteridae with strong support. The larvae share several characteristics with noterid larvae, notably the specific head shape, with the greatest width close to the foramen occipitale, the fissure-shaped posterior tentorial grooves at the posterior margin of the head capsule and the anteriorly cleft prementum. From a formal point of view, it would be justified to treat Meru as a subgroup of Noteridae (if the larva is properly identified). We refute the placement of Meruidae as a sister group of the remaining Dytiscoidea (including Noteridae). The new larval characters are valuable and informative, but a small set of external features is not sufficient for a reliable placement of Meruidae.

Articulated caudal fins of heterostracans are preserved in very rare cases. Their morphology and internal structure are completely unknown for the majority of species. One of the few preserved caudal fins belongs to the Early Devonian pteraspidid Errivaspis waynensis from the Welsh Borderland, UK. There are two different reconstructions of the tail: (1) strongly asymmetric, with a considerably longer ventral lobe, and a rather concave posterior margin (e.g. White 1935); and (2) almost symmetrical with an only slightly longer ventral lobe and a small notch in the posterior margin (e.g. Blieck 1984). A new reconstruction of the Errivaspis caudal fin, based on a detailed study of White's specimens is presented here. The ventral lobe is longer than the dorsal one but not so much as in White's reconstruction, and the notch in the posterior margin of the fin is less deep. The comparatively massive ventral lobe and ‘en echelon’ arrangement of three digitations, supporting the fin web and branching off from this lobe, indicate the hypocercal condition of the asymmetrical tail. The same internal structure is present in other heterostracans with nearly symmetrical caudal fins (e.g. Doryaspis, Nahanniaspis, Dinaspidella and Athenaegis) where all, or most, of the intermediate digitations branch off from the ventral lobe.

A new amphipod species from the Antarctic Ocean is described. Epimeria vaderi n. sp. can be recognized by the following traits: carinae from pereonite 4 to urosomite 1 with additional teeth on the pleosome, coxae 5–6 drawn out posteriorly and basis 5–6 with a rounded proximal lobe and a pointed distal lobe on the posterior margin.

Phosphatised limestone-hosted and shale-hosted specimens of the obolellid Mummpikia nuda gen. et comb. nov. and two further unidentified obolellids from the Early Cambrian Mural Formation (Jasper National Park, Canadian Rocky Mountains) provide novel insights into the shell microstructure of obolellids and the nature of their pedicle. The shell was penetrated by abundant canals of a sub-μm diameter and the anterior tip of the delthyrium forms a projection into the body cavity that is penetrated by a thin canal. It is argued that both shell microstructure and posterior margin are linguliformean characters and that obolellids hold a position basal in the rhynchonelliform stem-group.

Purpose To assess the anatomic retinal and choroidal features of choroidal naevi using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and enhanced-depth optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). DESIGN Observational case series. Methods Patients with choroidal lesions underwent clinical examination, B-scan ultrasound and imaging with SS-OCT and EDI-OCT. Location, dimensions, clinical and OCT retinal and choroidal features were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used. Results Case series included 31 patients. 27/31 naevi imaged were melanotic and 4/31 amelanotic with a an overall median thickness of 0.7 mm. Naevus configuration was plateau in 17/31 cases, dome in 10/31 cases and mixed in 4/31 cases. RPE and photoreceptor layer disruption were noted in 14/31 cases and 13/31 had no retinal changes. Subretinal fluid was noted in 6/31 cases. Bruch`s membrane was found intact in 26/31 cases on both modalities. Intrinsic hyperreflectivity was noted in 29/31 cases on EDI-OCT and 30/31 cases on SS-OCT with less optical shadowing. The posterior margin of the naevus was visualized in 11/31 cases with SS-OCT and in 6/31 cases with EDI-OCT. Intratumour vessels were visualized in 28/31 cases with SS-OCT and 23/31 cases with EDI-OCT. For both modalities choriocapillaris appeared compressed and abnormal in 20/31 cases. Conclusions These preliminary results indicate that imaging of choroidal naevi with SS-OCT enables better visualization of intratumour vessels and the posterior margin.

A specimen collected from the Upper Cretaceous Erlian Formation of Nei Mongol (Inner Mongolia), China, represents a new genus and species of titanosaurian sauropod. The new taxon is named and described on the basis of the holotype and the only known specimen, which comprises several dorsal, sacral, and caudal vertebrae, several dorsal ribs, one anterior chevron, and much of the pelvis. Diagnostic features of the new species include a thick ridge extending down from the postzygapophysis on the lateral surface of the neural arch of the posterior dorsal vertebrae, a transversely oriented accessory lamina present between the anterior centroparapophyseal limina and the lateral centraprezygapophyseal lamina of the posterior dorsal vertebrae, long, anteroventrally directed caudal rib that bears two distinctive fossae on its posterior margin on the anterior caudal vertebrae and a prominent vertical ridge above the pubic peduncle on the medial surface of the ilium, among others. The ilium is pneumatic, a feature not common among non-avian dinosaurs. The new taxon has an unusual combination of primitive and derived character states. Preliminary character analysis shows a complex character distribution within the Titanosauriformes. Recent titanosauriform discoveries suggest that a significant radiation occurred in Asia early in the titanosauriform evolution.

This study evaluated the effects of 24-h slush-ice storage of carcasses of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus on subsequent fillet yield, shape, and color. Channel catfish were sorted into three size-classes based on carcass (unskinned, with head and viscera removed) weight: small (250–425 g), medium (426–550 g), and large (551–1,000 g). In each of three replicate trials, 40 carcasses from each size-class were processed immediately after being killed (immediately processed treatment) and 40 carcasses from each size-class were held in ice water slush for 24 h and then processed (slush-ice treatment). Slush-ice-treated fish had higher unskinned fillet yield (+1.7%), skinned fillet yield (+1.2%), shank fillet yield (+0.6%), and nugget yield (+0.7%) than immediately processed fish. Measures of fillet yield increased in both treatments as carcass size increased. Immediately processed fillets were shorter (maximum distance anterior to posterior margin) and deeper (maximum distance from dorsal to ventr...

The organophosphatic shell of siphonotretide brachiopods is stratiform with orthodoxly secreted primary and secondary layers. The dominant apatitic constituents of the secondary layer are prismatic laths and rods arranged in monolayers (occasionally in cross-bladed successions), normally recrystallized as platy laminae. Sporadically distributed, interlaminar, lenticular chambers, containing apatitic meshes of laths and aggregates of plates and spherulites, probably represent degraded, localized exudations of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with dispersed apatite. The shells of Helmersenia and Gorchakovia are perforated by canals with external depressions (antechambers) that possibly contained chitinous tubercles in vivo. The immature shell of Siphonotreta and most other siphonotretids is similarly perforated and pitted; but the mature part bears recumbent, rheomorphic, hollow spines that grew forward out of pits. Internally, spines pierce the shell as independent structures to terminate as pillars in GAGs chambers. Spines and pillars were probably secreted by collectives of specialized cells (acanthoblasts) within the mantle. The shell of the oldest siphonotretide, Schizambon, is imperforate but the ventral valve has a pedicle foramen that lies forward of the posterior margin of the juvenile valve. This relationship characterizes all siphonotretides, suggesting that the pedicle, in vivo, originated within the ventral outer epithelium and not from the posterior body wall as in lingulides.

Geophilomorph centipedes exhibit a number of unique characteristics that make them of particular developmental and evolutionary interest. Segment numbers in geophilomorphs are higher than in any other centipedes, ranging from 27 to 191. They may be constant within a species, presenting in extreme form the "counting" problem in development, or they may vary--a situation that provides us with the opportunity to study naturally occurring variation in segment numbers. All their segments are generated during embryogenesis, a situation unlike that in the more basal centipede orders, which generate only a fraction of their 15 trunk segments in the embryo and develop the rest postembryonically. Here we provide a foundation for further developmental studies of the Geophilomorpha, building on the one study that has been conducted to date, on the coastal species Strigamia maritima. Development begins with the migration of nuclei to the surface of the egg, which then condense to form an embryonic rudiment of more than 20,000 cells, covering an entire hemisphere. During early development, the embryo can be divided into two distinct areas: a large terminal disc of apparently undifferentiated tissue and the germ-band, which has a clear anteroposterior axis and differentiated segments. The germ-band forms from the anterior of the terminal disc and extends anteriorly as the disc contracts. New segments are formed at the posterior margin of the germ-band. Once the process of segmentation ends, the germ-band folds and sinks into the yolk. We note that the classic description of centipede development, by Heymons more than a century ago, contains a fundamental error in the identification of the axes and hence in the interpretation of early segmentation.

Two new species of the heptageniid mayfly genus Afronurus Lestage, Afronurus meo sp. n. and Afronurus mnong sp. n., are described from Vietnam with line-drawings of key characters. The larvae of A. meo can be characterized by rowed minute spines in the posterior margin of the abdominal terga 1-9 and distinct markings on anterior head, dorsal femora, and abdominal terga. The larvae of A. mnong can be characterized by scattered simple stout setae on the anterior margin and dorsal surface of femora, rowed acute spines on the posterior margin of abdominal terga 1-9, and plain brown body color. Their diagnoses, material data, distributions, and habitat and biological data are provided.

A new species of glyptosternine catfish, Oreoglanis infulatus, is described from the Lam River drainage in central Vietnam. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by possessing the following combination of characters: a dark band running across the anal fin, a lunate and uniformly dark caudal fin, the lower lip lacking a medial notch and with a lobulate posterior margin, maxillary barbel with a rounded tip, length of caudal peduncle 19.0-22.6 %L S , depth of caudal peduncle 2.6-3.2 %L S , post-adipose distance 6.8-8.0 %L S , eye diameter 10.5-12.1 %L H , 12 principal caudal-fin rays.

Loth and Henneberg (1996, Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 99:473-487) identified a single morphological feature of the mandible, the presence or absence of a distinct flexure or angulation of the posterior margin of the mandibular ramus at the level of the occlusal plane, which appears to be an extraordinarily accurate predictor of sex. Using only this feature, Loth and Henneberg were able to predict sex with 94% accuracy in a large sample of mandibles. In this article, we report the results of a blind test of mandibular ramus flexure as a predictor of sex. In our blind test, only 62.5% of the mandibles were correctly sexed, and virtually identical results were obtained when the same sample of mandibles was examined by a second observer. Overall, our results demonstrate that: 1) the association between ramus flexure and sex is weak; 2) the predictive accuracy of Loth and Henneberg's method is better than chance for only one sex, males; and 3) the method is based on a trait that cannot be reliably or consistently identified.

Leidyana canadensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinida) is described from larvae of the eastern hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) collected near St. Stephen, Charlotte County, New Brunswick, Canada. Gamonts solitary, located between host ventricular peritrophic membrane and ventricular epithelium. Protomerite very broadly ellipsoid with transverse posterior margin; length 43.7 μm, width 42.7 μm; protomerite-deutomerite septum strongly constricted. Deutomerite narrowly obovoid with anterior transverse margin; length 186.6 μm, width 58.7 μm; total length 227.1 μm. Nucleus spherical to broadly ellipsoid; length 26.3 μm, width 20.2 μm; placement abaxial in the posterior 2/3 of the deutomerite. Nucleus often obscured in late gamonts. Association late, caudofrontal, ephemeral and leading directly to syzygy. Gametocysts roughly spherical; diameter 216.7 μm; hyaline coat increasing diameter to 359.1 μm. Gametocysts mature and dehisce through six short spore tubes within 48 hours. Oocysts axially symmetric, dolioform in dorsal aspect, compressed in the plane perpendicular to the major axis, very uniform in size and shape; length along major axis 5.2 μm, terminal width 1.8 μm, medial width 3.8 μm; extruded in chains.

Two new species of the genus Conophyma Zub. were reported from Southern Xinjiang. Conophyma mica sp. nov. is similar to C. zhaosuensis Huang, but differs from it in the following characters:1) rear angles of male supraanal plate obviously protruding, posterior margin of the supraanal plate acute-triangularly projecting medially; 2) hind tibia redish brown. Conophyma ru fitibia sp. nov. is similar to C. alajense Msthsenko, but can be differentiated from it in the characters:1) furcula of the last tergite in male distinctly larger; 2) male cerci longer, obviously extending beyond the posterior median process of the supraanal plate; and 3) female ovipositor without a very distinct tooth on the outer ventral margin of the ventral valves. The new species, C. rufitibia, is also similar to C. almasyi (Kuthy), but different in the following points:1) male supraanal plate nearly quadrate with a blunt tubercle at the middle of lateral margins; 2) male abdomen with 2 light longitudinal bands dorsally.

A redescription of the amphipod Iphimediella serrata (Schellenberg, 1926) is presented. It can easily be identified by the following characters: — paired dorsal, serrate processes on pereonite 6–7 and pleonite 1–2, — dostal carina on pleonite 3, — ventral margin of coxal plates 1–4 serrate, — pereopod 5–7 basis distal and posterior margin serrate; — outer plate of maxilla 2 with long setae. Iphimediella serrata and Iphimediella octodentata (Nicholls, 1938) are synonymous.

Ryukyua is characterized by a compact and hunched body, head immersed in pleon, large eyes, coxae shorter than pleonites, subequal antennae with separated bases and a short third article of mandibular palp, a maxilliped that is not expanded in gravid females, pereopods gradually increasing in length, pleon narrower than and deeply immersed in pereon, uniform pleopods, and uropods not reaching posterior margin of pleotelson. Ryukyua globosa n. sp. differs from Ryukyua circularis n. comb. (pro Livoneca circularis Pillai) by having a rectangular instead of triangular pleotelson, a lobe of the head between bases of antennae 1, and antennae not reaching the posterior border of the head instead of extending beyond it. Mature females of R. globosa are wider than long; this unusual shape has not been confirmed in R. circularis. Two sardinellas, Amblygaster sirm and Amblygaster leiogaster, are parasitized by R. globosa in Japan and by R. circularis in India and Thailand. The duplex male-female arrangement...

Populations of endemic Croatian dace were found to belong to two different species, one of which is first described in this study. Telestes karsticus sp. nov. differed morphologically from Telestes polylepis in the total count of lateral line scales, number of gill rakers and the shape of the posterior margin of the anal fin. Morphological differences were corroborated with mtDNA analyses (with p-distance between T. polylepis and T. karsticus sp. nov. ranging between 3·2 and 4·1%; and the number of substitutions between 37 and 47). The newly described species is geographically very localized. It has been recorded from only four localities around Velika Kapela and Mala Kapela mountains in Croatia.

A new species of the genus Formosatettix Tinkham 1937, Formosatettix tiantangensis sp. nov. from Dabie Mountains in Hubei Province is described. The new species is allied to Formosatettix henanensis Liang, but differs in: 1) width of vertex about 1.6 times the width of an eye; 2) length of antennae about 1.6–1.7 times the length of anterior femora; 3) upper margin of pronotum distinctively arched; 4) ventral margin of posterior pronotal process arched, lateral carinae curvingigly arched and 5) posterior margin of subgenital plate of female concave, median keel present on the plate. The type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Normal University and Department of Biology, Huanggang Normal College, Hubei Province respectively.

Results: The shapes of the NPA of the targeted myoma were divided into 4 types: Type 1: No or little perfused area. Type 2: Perfused area near the posterior margin. Type 3: Perfused area near both anterior and posterior margins, or all around the margin. Type 4: Perfused area within the myoma including the area in type 3. The mean NPA of types 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 76.9 ± 12.3%, 57.3 ± 8.8%, 51.0 ± 10.2%, and 38.3 ± 16.7%, respectively (P < 0.01). The relation between the phases of the menstrual cycle and the shape of the NPA, or the rate of the TA, was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The menstrual cycle does not significantly affect the type of NPA or the rate of the TA of MRgFUS-treated uterine myoma, suggesting that the treatment of myoma with MRgFUS is not circumscribed by the menstrual cycle.

Modiolarca tumida (Hanley, 1843) is a member of the sub-family Crenellinae (Mytilidae). The preferred habitat of the species is the test of certain ascidians. The shell is dorsally flattened, which prevents it from cutting into the test during dorso-ventral contraction of the byssal retractors. The use of the byssus enables it to surround itself completely with host tissue. Adoption of the feeding posture involves the anterior-posterior contraction of the byssal retractors, which elevates the posterior margin above the host's surface using the anterior margin as the fulcrum against the host. Modiolarca tumida are attracted by the tunicin of the host, a process probably facilitated by the host's feeding currents. The smallest individuals are found round the oral aperture. Colonization of other parts of the host may result from surface migration as M. tumida can be highly mobile, crawling by means of the very extensible foot. It is during this process that individuals may be swept away in local currents and be forced to adopt a free-living existence.

Over hundred specimens of Desmoscolex were found in samples from Yonge Reef, Lizard Island and Nymphe Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia). In the present paper four new species are described: D. brevisetosussp.n., characterised by the absence of subventral setae on the 2nd main ring and the presence of short subdorsal setae on the 16th main ring: D. dimorphussp.n. characterized by the presence of sexual dimorphism (absence of sub-ventral setae on the 14th main ring, short subdorsal setae on the 16th main ring and smaller amphids in females); D. geraerti sp.n. and D. nymphianus sp.n. with the typical setal pattern and elongated laterally shifted subdorsal setae on the 13th, 16th and 17th main ring but the former species characterized by large bipartite amphids, cephalated spicules and trough-shaped gubernaculum; the latter species by the smaller rounded amphids with their posterior margin coinciding with that of the amphidial pore and by the short straight spicules.

Review of the structure of the symphysis pubis, based on my extensive study of the pelvic joints ('31) shows changes from age, function, pregnancy hormones and stress of parturition. Primary physiologic shearing clefts and secondary traumatic clefts in cartilage are more frequent in females. Interdigitations in the young osteocartilaginous border secure the vulnerable growth cartilage against increasing shearing forces. The retropubic eminence, ligamentous or cartilaginous, forms earlier in females, later, due to bony lipping in males, secondary to extrusion of disc cartilage. Ovarian and placental hormones in pregnancy cause remodeling and resorption of the posterior margin of the pubic facette and adjacent cortex, making a (variably) deep bony groove for greatly hypertrophied transverse ligaments. Delivery of a mature infant produces traumatic changes leading to extrusion of torn fibrocartilage in any direction, progressively loosening the symphysis, producing cartilage nodules, cysts and reactive bone formation. Older age degenerative arthritis is more frequent in parous females.

The regeneration of appendages of Protopterus annectens and P. aethiopicus has been studied. Both limbs and tail demonstrate a notable capacity for self-replacement. The initial direction of growth in the regenerate depended upon the nature of the amputation plane: straight, pointed, or terminally notched cuts elicited new growth along the primary axis, whereas cuts made at an angle resulted in regenerates whose axis was perpendicular to the plane of cut. In these cases, differential growth ultimately compensated and the final form was consistent with the axis of the original appendage. Lateral notches made in the posterior margin of the pectoral limb may effect the growth of a secondary filament. Such bifidism could not be elicited from pelvic limbs or tails. Growth curves showed a lag period of up to three and one-half weeks, a period of rapid growth lasting one or more months, and then a time of decelerating growth. For each individual fish, these phases were undergone simultaneously, regardless of appendage, direction of cut, or amputation level. Limbs cut proximally, however, showed greater and more rapid growth than those with less material removed. Total replacement was found in all but some pelvic limbs. Regeneration, if in the lag phase, was halted by estivation, but rapid growth commenced shortly after arousal. Comparisons are made with other vertebrates.