Next generation synthetic memory via intercepting recombinase function.

Here we present a technology to facilitate synthetic memory in a living system via repurposing Transcriptional Programming (i.e., our decision-making technology) parts, to regulate (intercept) recombinase function post-translation. We show that interception synthetic memory can facilitate programmable loss-of-function via site-specific deletion, programmable gain-of-function by way of site-specific inversion, and synthetic memory operations with nested Boolean logical operations. We can expand interception synthetic memory capacity more than 5-fold for a single recombinase, with reconfiguration specificity for multiple sites in parallel. Interception synthetic memory is ~10-times faster than previous generations of recombinase-based memory. We posit that the faster recombination speed of our next-generation memory technology is due to the post-translational regulation of recombinase function. This iteration of synthetic memory is complementary to decision-making via Transcriptional Programming - thus can be used to develop intelligent synthetic biological systems for myriad applications.

A review of the Oocyclus Sharp of Ecuador with description of 12 new species (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Laccobiini).

The species of the hygropetric water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 are reviewed for Ecuador. The genus has not previously been reported from the country. Twelve new species are described: O. ancho sp. n., O. ankas sp. n., O. bellus sp. n., O. kichwa sp. n., O. lepidus sp. n., O. packha sp. n., O. radiatus sp. n., O. rupestris sp. n., O. sumak sp. n., O. ustulatus sp. n., O. yantzaza sp. n., and O. zamora sp. n. One previously described species is newly reported for Ecuador: O. sharpi Short & Perkins 2004. There is at least one additional species that is part of a species complex that includes O. morgani García-Hernández, 2009 from Colombia and O. trujillo Short & García, 2010 from Venezuela. One new synonymy is proposed: the Venezuelan species O. zulianus Short & García, 2010 syn. n. is placed as a junior subjective synonym of O. sharpi Short & Perkins, 2004. A key to all described species known from the Andes region of South America is provided.

Safety and predictors of the success of lumbar punctures performed by a medicine procedure service.

BACKGROUND: Medicine procedure services (MPS) increasingly perform bedside procedures, including lumbar punctures (LPs). Success rates and factors associated with LP success performed by MPS have not been well described. OBJECTIVE: We identified patients undergoing LP by an MPS September 2015 to December 2020. We identified demographic and clinical factors, including patient position, body mass index (BMI), use of ultrasound, and trainee participation. We performed multivariable analysis to identify factors associated with LP success and complications. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: We identified 1065 LPs among 844 patients. Trainees participated in 82.2%; ultrasound guidance was used in 76.7% of LPs. The overall success rate was 81.3% with 7.8% minor and 0.1% major complications. A minority of LPs were referred to radiology (15.2%) or were traumatic (11.1%). In multivariable analysis, BMI > 30 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.48), prior spinal surgery (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26-0.87), and Black race (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.95) were associated with decreased odds of successful LP; trainee participation (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.51-4.12) was associated with increased odds. Ultrasound guidance (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.89) was associated with lower odds of traumatic LP. RESULTS: In a large cohort of patients undergoing LP by an MPS, we identified high success and low complication rates. Trainee participation was associated with increased odds of success, while obesity, prior spinal surgery, and Black race were associated with decreased odds of success. Ultrasound guidance was associated with lower odds of a traumatic LP. Our data may help proceduralists in planning and assist in shared decision-making.

New species and new distributional records of the hygropetric water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) from the Guiana Shield.

The species of the water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp are reviewed for the Guiana Shield region of South America. Seven species are recorded, including one here described as new: Oocyclus paraiso sp. n. from the Brazilian state of Pará. New records of previously described species are also reported for Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. The aedeagus of O. coromoto Short & García is illustrated for the first time. As with all other known members of the genus, all Guiana Shield species are hygropetric habitat specialists. A key to the Oocyclus of the Guiana Shield is provided.

Revision of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Novochares Girón & Short (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae).

The water scavenger beetle genus Novochares Girón & Short, 2021 is revised using a combination of adult morphological and DNA sequence data. Thirty-eight new species are described: Novocharesaperitosp. nov. (Bolivia), N.bacasp. nov. (Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname), N.bidenssp. nov. (Brazil), N.bisinuatussp. nov. (Brazil), N.clavierisp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Peru), N.dantasp. nov. (Venezuela), N.dentatussp. nov. (Ecuador, Venezuela), N.dicranospathussp. nov. (Peru), N.duosp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela), N.fernandezaesp. nov. (Brazil, Peru, Venezuela), N.florifersp. nov. (Brazil), N.furcatussp. nov. (Brazil), N.garciaisp. nov. (Venezuela), N.garfosp. nov. (Brazil), N.geminussp. nov. (Brazil), N.kawsaysp. nov. (Ecuador, Peru), N.latussp. nov. (Brazil), N.minorsp. nov. (Peru, Suriname, Venezuela), N.mojenossp. nov. (Bolivia), N.murasp. nov. (Brazil), N.orchissp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname), N.pastinumsp. nov. (Ecuador), N.pertusussp. nov. (Brazil), N.piaroasp. nov. (Venezuela), N.pilatussp. nov. (Venezuela), N.pumesp. nov. (Venezuela), N.punctatostriatussp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname), N.quadrispinussp. nov. (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname), N.spanglerisp. nov. (Peru), N.tambopatensesp. nov. (Peru), N.tenedorsp. nov. (Guyana, Venezuela), N.triangularissp. nov. (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay), N.tridentissp. nov. (Brazil), N.trifurcatussp. nov. (Peru), N.unguissp. nov. (Bolivia, Peru), N.xingusp. nov. (Brazil), and N.yanomamisp. nov. (Venezuela), N.yorasp. nov. (Peru). One new synonym is proposed: N.carmona (Short, 2005) syn. nov. was determined to be a junior subjective synonym of N.chaquensis (Fernández, 1982). Novocharesinornatus (d'Orchymont, 1926) is considered incertae sedis. Updated distributions and new records are provided for most previously described species in the genus. Novocharessallaei (Sharp, 1882) is considered native to the USA (Florida) and not an introduced species as previously suggested. Novochares now contains 52 species and spans the entire Neotropical region from Mexico to Argentina, including the Caribbean islands.

ResumenEl género de escarabajos acuáticos detritívoros Novochares Girón & Short, 2021, se revisa usando una combinación de datos morfológicos de los adultos y secuencias de ADN. Se describen 38 especies nuevas: Novocharesaperitosp. nov. (Bolivia), N.bacasp. nov. (Brasil, Ecuador, Perú, Surinam), N.bidenssp. nov. (Brasil), N.bisinuatussp. nov. (Brasil), N.clavierisp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana Francesa, Perú), N.dantasp. nov. (Venezuela), N.dentatussp. nov. (Ecuador, Venezuela), N.dicranospathussp. nov. (Perú), N.duosp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana, Guyana Francesa, Surinam, Venezuela), N.fernandezaesp. nov. (Brasil, Perú, Venezuela), N.florifersp. nov. (Brasil), N.furcatussp. nov. (Brasil), N.garciaisp. nov. (Venezuela), N.garfosp. nov. (Brasil), N.geminussp. nov. (Brasil), N.kawsaysp. nov. (Ecuador, Perú), N.latussp. nov. (Brasil), N.minorsp. nov. (Perú, Surinam, Venezuela), N.mojenossp. nov. (Bolivia), N.murasp. nov. (Brasil), N.orchissp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana Francesa, Surinam), N.pastinumsp. nov. (Ecuador), N.pertusussp. nov. (Brasil), N.piaroasp. nov. (Venezuela), N.pilatussp. nov. (Venezuela), N.pumesp. nov. (Venezuela), N.punctatostriatussp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana, Guyana Francesa, Perú, Surinam), N.quadrispinussp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana, Surinam), N.spanglerisp. nov. (Perú), N.tambopatensesp. nov. (Perú), N.tenedorsp. nov. (Guyana, Venezuela), N.triangularissp. nov. (Bolivia, Brasil, Paraguay), N.tridentissp. nov. (Brasil), N.trifurcatussp. nov. (Perú), N.unguissp. nov. (Bolivia, Perú), N.xingusp. nov. (Brasil), and N.yanomamisp. nov. (Venezuela), N.yorasp. nov. (Perú). Se propone una nueva sinonimia: N.carmona (Short, 2005) syn. nov. se determinó como sinónimo subjetivo posterior de N.chaquensis (Fernández, 1982). Novocharesinornatus (d'Orchymont, 1926) se considera incertae sedis. Se proveen distribuciones actualizadas y nuevos registros para la mayoría de las especies descritas previamente en el género. Novocharessallaei (Sharp, 1882) es considerada nativa en los Estados Unidos de América (Florida) y no como una especie potencialmente introducida como se afirmaba previamente. Novochares ahora contiene 52 especies y se extiende a lo largo de toda la región neotropical, desde México hasta Argentina, incluyendo las islas del Caribe.

New species and new distributional records of the hygropetric water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) from the Brazilian Shield.

Nine new species of the water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 are described from the Brazilian Shield: O. ecolab sp. n., O. espinhacu sp. n., O. giganteus sp. n., O. humboldti sp. n., O. lacia sp. n., O. ovalis sp. n., O. sulcatus sp. n., O. thrixdiastematus sp. n., and O. thysanus sp. n. New locality records are provided for four species previously known from Brazil: O. rotundus Clarkson Short, 2012, O. pilosus Jordo, Clarkon Ferreira-Jr, 2018, O. xanthus Clarkson Short, 2012 and O. yubai Clarkson Short, 2012. All species are associated with rock-face seepages such as wet rocks, waterfalls, and seepages. An updated key to the Brazilian species of Oocyclus is provided.

Revision of the water scavenger beetle genus Notionotus Spangler, 1972 in the Neotropical Region (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Enochrinae).

The Neotropical species of the water scavenger beetle genus Notionotus Spangler, 1972 are revised using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphology with DNA sequence data from two genes. Support exists for four putative species groups into which 18 species are placed, including twelve that are described here as new: N.bicolor sp. nov. (Suriname), N.bifidus sp. nov. (Venezuela), N.brunbadius sp. nov. (Brazil), N.garciae sp. nov. (Brazil), N.giraldoi sp. nov. (Brazil), N.insignitus sp. nov. (Venezuela), N.juma sp. nov. (Brazil), N.parvus sp. nov. (Suriname), N.patamona sp. nov. (Guyana), N.peruensis sp. nov. (Peru), N.retusus sp. nov. (Guyana), and N.vatius sp. nov. (Brazil). Four new synonymies are created: N.shorti Queney syn. nov. is found to be conspecific with N.dilucidus Queney; N.edibethae García syn. nov., N.nucleus Perkins syn. nov., and N.perijanus García syn. nov. are found to be conspecific with N.tricarinatus Perkins. New records are provided for all previously described species except N.mexicanus Perkins. Within the Neotropical region, the range of the genus is greatly expanded and now known from as far south as Bolivia and the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. While a few species are found in hygropetric habitats, most are associated with the margins of forested streams. Genitalia and habitus images are provided for nearly all species, as well as a key to the four species groups.

ResumenLas especies de escarabajos acuáticos detritívoros neotropicales del género Notionotus Spangler, 1972 son revisadas usando taxonomía integrativa, combinando morfología con datos de secuencias de ADN para dos genes. Se encontró soporte para cuatro grupos de especies conformados por 18 especies, incluyendo 12 que son aquí descritas como nuevas: N.bicolor sp. nov. (Suriname), N.bifidus sp. nov. (Venezuela), N.brunbadius sp. nov. (Brazil), N.garciae sp. nov. (Brazil), N.giraldoi sp. nov. (Brazil), N.insignitus sp. nov. (Venezuela), N.juma sp. nov. (Brazil), N.parvus sp. nov. (Suriname), N.patamona sp. nov. (Guyana), N.peruensis sp. nov. (Peru), N.retusus sp. nov. (Guyana), N.vatius sp. nov. (Brazil). Se sinonimizan cuatro especies: N.shorti Queney syn. nov. se considera conespecífico con N.dilucidus Queney; N.edibethae García syn. nov., N.nucleus Perkins syn. nov., y N.perijanus García syn. nov. son conespecíficos con N.tricarinatus Perkins. Nuevos registros son provistos para todas las especies previamente descritas excepto para N.mexicanus Perkins. Hasta el momento, en la región neotropical, el rango de distribución del género es ampliamente expandido, se conoce desde el Sur de Bolivia hasta el estado brasileño de Mato Grosso do Sul. Si bien algunas especies son encontradas en hábitats higropétricos, la mayoría de ellas están asociadas a las orillas de arroyos boscosos. Se proveen imágenes del hábito dorsal y genitalia para la mayoría de las especies, al igual que la clave para los cuatro grupos de especies.

New species and records of Chasmogenus Sharp, 1882 from the southwestern margin of the Guiana Shield (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae).

The Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Chasmogenus Sharp, 1882 is a diverse lineage with 34 described species. Here, three new species from the southwestern margin of the Guiana Shield are described using an integrative approach combining adult morphology and molecular data: Chasmogenus clinatus sp. n. (Brazil: Amazonas, Venezuela: Amazonas), C. gironae sp. n. (Venezuela: Amazonas), and C. inpa sp. n. (Brazil: Amazonas). Examination of the male genitalia is essential for confident identifications and thus unassociated females may prove extremely difficult to identify. New distributional records in Brazil for C. acuminatus Smith Short, 2020 are provided as well as habitus images of newly described species and an updated key to the species from Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana and northern Brazil.

The Acidocerinae (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae): taxonomy, classification, and catalog of species.

The cosmopolitan subfamily Acidocerinae (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) is one of the largest and most taxonomically challenging lineages of water scavenger beetles. Recent phylogenetic studies have substantially advanced our understanding of acidocerine relationships but also illuminated the twin challenges of poorly delineated generic concepts and a classification broadly incompatible with the phylogeny. Here, these two challenges are addressed by providing a comprehensive synthesis and taxonomic tools for the Acidocerinae, including (1) a brief history and the current state of acidocerine classification, (2) a review of acidocerine ecology and collection methods, (3) the current knowledge of larval and fossil acidocerines, (4) a morphological primer on characters of taxonomic and systematic importance within the lineage, (5) a key to the world genera of Acidocerinae, (6) diagnoses, habitus, and aedeagal images, distribution maps, and summary of knowledge for each of the 23 extant genera in the subfamily, and (7) a complete annotated taxonomic catalog including the published distributions, synonyms, and references for all described 541 acidocerine species recognized as of 1 April 2021. The following nomenclatural acts are proposed to bring the phylogeny and classification into alignment: Colossochares gen. nov. is established to accommodate two African species previously described as Helochares (s. str.); Novochares gen. nov. is newly established to accommodate 15 Neotropical species previously included in Helochares (s. str.); the remaining Helochares subgenera Helocharimorphus Kuwert syn. nov. and Hydrobaticus MacLeay syn. nov. are synonymized with Helochares Mulsant. Peltochares Régimbart sensu nov. is redefined to include eight Old World species previously included in Helochares (s. str.). A lectotype is designated for Peltochares conspicuus Régimbart, the type species of the genus. The taxonomic and morphological circumscription of Helochares sensu nov. is narrowed and redefined.

ResumenLa subfamilia Acidocerinae (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) es cosmopolita y representa uno de los linajes más diversos y taxonómicamente más desafiantes de escarabajos acuáticos detritívoros. Estudios filogenéticos recientes han incrementado considerablemente nuestro entendimiento sobre las relaciones entre acidocerinos, así como iluminaron los conceptos genéricos pobremente definidos y una clasificación ampliamente incompatible con la filogenia. Aquí se abordan estos dos desafíos proporcionando una síntesis integral y herramientas taxonómicas para Acidocerinae, incluyendo (1) un resumen de la historia y estado actual de la clasificación de Acidocerinae, (2) una revisión de la ecología y los métodos de recolección para acidocerinos, (3) el conocimiento actual de acidocerinos larvales y fósiles, (4) un manual morfológico básico sobre caracteres de importancia taxonómica y sistemática dentro del linaje, (5) una clave para los géneros de Acidocerinae del mundo, (6) diagnosis, imágenes del hábito y del edeago, mapas de distribución y resumen del conocimiento actual para cada uno de los 23 géneros existentes en la subfamilia, y (7) un catálogo taxonómico anotado y completo que incluye las distribuciones publicadas, sinónimos y referencias para todas las 541 especies de Acidocerinae descritas y reconocidas al 1 de abril de 2021. Se proponen los siguientes actos taxonómicos para alinear la clasificación con la filogenia: Colossochares gen. nov. se establece para incluir dos especies africanas descritas previamente como Helochares (s. str.); Novochares gen. nov. se establece como nuevo para acomodar 15 especies neotropicales previamente incluidas en Helochares (s. str.); los subgéneros restantes de Helochares Mulsant, Helocharimorphus Kuwert syn. nov. e Hydrobaticus MacLeay syn. nov. se sinonimizan con Helochares. Peltochares Régimbart sensu nov. es redefinido para incluir ocho especies del viejo mundo previamente incluidas en Helochares (s. str.). Se designa un lectotipo para Peltochares conspicuus Régimbart, la especie tipo del género. La circunscripción taxonómica y morfológica de Helochares sensu nov. se reduce y redefine.

Review of the New World Notomicrus Sharp (Coleoptera, Noteridae) I: Circumscription of species groups and review of the josiahi group with description of a new species from Brazil.

The New World species of the minute aquatic beetle genus Notomicrus Sharp compose a much greater diversity than their Old World congeners, with 14 of the 17 known Notomicrus species occurring in the Neotropics. A recent phylogenetic study recovered four primary New World species groups and found that there are a number of undescribed species across all of these main lineages. Here, we provide a taxonomic key to these New World species groups, including two described species that we currently do not place in any group ("incertae sedis" species), complete with images and illustrations of diagnostic characters and taxonomic notes including a list of known species in each group. This work provides a scaffold for further planned taxonomic revisions within the genus. In addition, we review the first of the four New World groups, the josiahi species group and describe one new taxon, N. interstinctus sp. nov. from northern Brazil. Provided are descriptions, habitus images and illustrations of diagnostic characters.

Review of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Tobochares Short & García, 2007 (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae): new lineages, new species, and new records.

The water scavenger beetle genus Tobochares Short & García, 2007 currently contains ten species, including one known but formally undescribed taxon. Although Tobochares was revised in 2017, ongoing fieldwork as well as an expanded concept of the genus has led to the recognition of numerous additional species. Here a combination of morphological and molecular data is presented to review this newly found Tobochares diversity. Fifteen new species are described from South America, bringing the total number of known species to 25: Tobochares akoerio sp. nov. (Suriname), T. arawak sp. nov. (Guyana), T. anthonyae sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. atures sp. nov., (Venezuela: Amazonas), T. benettii sp. nov. (Brazil: Amazonas), T. canaima sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. communis sp. nov. (Brazil: Amapá and Roraima, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela: Bolívar), T. fusus sp. nov. (Brazil: Amapá, French Guiana), T. goias sp. nov. (Brazil: Goiás), T. kappel sp. nov. (Suriname), T. kolokoe sp. nov. (Suriname), T. luteomargo sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. microps sp. nov. (Suriname), T. pemon sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), and T. romanoae sp. nov. (Brazil: Roraima). Both morphological and molecular analyses support four clades within the genus, which are here diagnosed and described as species groups. New distributional records are provided for T. kusad Kohlenberg & Short, 2017 and T. sipaliwini Short & Kadosoe, 2011, both of which are recorded from Brazil for the first time. Previously restricted to the Guiana Shield region of South America, the distributional range of the genus is now broadly expanded to include localities as far south as the central Brazilian state of Goiás. Consistent with the biology of the previously described species, almost all the new species described here are associated with seepage and wet rock habitats. Remarkably, one species, T. fusus sp. nov., was collected in both seepage habitats as well as in the rotting fruits of Clusia Linnaeus (Clusiaceae), making it one of the few known acidocerines with terrestrial habits outside of the genus Quadriops Hansen, 1999. High-resolution images of most species are included, as well as a key to species groups, species, and habitat photographs.

ResumenEl género de escarabajos acuáticos detritívoros Tobochares Short & García, 2007 actualmente contiene 10 especies, incluyendo un taxón conocido, pero no descrito. Aunque el género fue revisado en 2017, trabajo de campo en curso, así como un concepto ampliado del género han llevado al reconocimiento de numerosas especies adicionales. Aquí presentamos una combinación de datos morfológicos y moleculares para revisar esta diversidad de Tobochares recientemente encontrada. Quince especies nuevas son descritas de Suramérica, elevando el número total de especies conocidas a 25: Tobochares akoerio sp. nov. (Surinam), T. arawak sp. nov. (Guyana), T. anthonyae sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. atures sp. nov., (Venezuela: Amazonas), T. benettii sp. nov. (Brasil: Amazonas), T. canaima sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. communis sp. nov. (Brasil: Amapá y Roraima, Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela: Bolívar), T. fusus sp. nov. (Brasil: Amapá, Guyana Francesa), T. goias sp. nov. (Brasil: Goiás), T. kappel sp. nov. (Surinam), T. kolokoe sp. nov. (Surinam), T. luteomargo sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. microps sp. nov. (Surinam), T. pemon sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), y T. romanoae sp. nov. (Brasil: Roraima). También encontramos soporte morfológico y molecular para cuatro clados dentro del género, los cuales son aquí diagnosticados y descritos como grupos de especies. Nuevos registros de distribución son provistos para T. kusad Kohlenberg & Short, 2017 y T. sipaliwini Short & Kadosoe, 2011, ambos registrados para Brasil por primera vez. Previamente restringido a la región del Escudo Guyanés de Suramérica, el rango de distribución del género es ahora ampliamente expandido para incluir localidades tan al sur como el estado de Goiás en el centro de Brasil. Consistentes con la biología de las especies previamente conocidas, casi todas las especies descritas aquí están asociadas con hábitats higropétricos o áreas de drenaje sobre rocas. Notablemente, una especie, T. fusus sp. nov., fue colectada tanto en hábitats higropétricos como en frutos en descomposición de Clusia Linneo (Clusiaceae), constituyéndose en uno de los pocos acidocerinos conocidos con hábitos terrestres fuera del género Quadriops Hansen, 1999. Se incluyen imágenes de alta resolución de la mayoría de las especies incluidas, una clave para los grupos de especies y las especies, así como fotografías de los hábitats.

Hydaticus aequalis sp. n. and a new record of H. devexus Trémouilles, 1996 from Brazil (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydaticini).

Hydaticus aequalis sp. n. is described from Brazil, where it was recently discovered in the central lowlands region of the Amazon forest. The new species differs from all other Neotropical congeners by its uniformly brown dorsal surface and the shape of medial lobe. The dorsal habitus and male genitalia are illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. The habitat, a small stream and associated forest pool, is illustrated and described. In addition, a new record of H. devexus Trémouilles, 1996, previously known from a single specimen, is reported from the highlands of northeastern Brazil, and a modified key to Neotropical species of the genus is provided.

Rediscovery of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle Protistolophus spangleri Short with notes on its habitat and behavior (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae).

The water scavenger beetle genus Protistolophus Short contains a single species, P. spangleri Short, 2010, known from southern Venezuela. The genus was hitherto known only from a single partly-incomplete male specimen, making it one of the rarest and most poorly known aquatic hydrophilid genera in the world. Only one other New World aquatic hydrophilid genus, the Ecuadorian cave endemic Troglochares Spangler, is known from a single specimen or locality. In a phylogenetic analysis of the Hydrophilini based on adult morphology, the genus Protistolophus was resolved as the sister taxon to the remaining genera of the tribe, implying it is an ancient and possibly relict lineage-it possesses a very unusual combination of characters, including a very weakly developed mesoventral keel. It was the only genus not included in a recent molecular phylogeny of the Hydrophilini as no suitable material was available for DNA (Toussaint et al. 2017).

Review of the genus Chasmogenus Sharp, 1882 of northeastern South America with an emphasis on Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae).

The water scavenger beetle genus Chasmogenus Sharp, 1882 is reviewed in northeastern South America using an integrative approach that combines adult morphology and molecular data from the gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI). Eighteen new species are described: Chasmogenus acuminatus sp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname), C. amplius sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. berbicensis sp. nov. (Guyana), C. brownsbergensis sp. nov. (Suriname), C. castaneus sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. clavijoi sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. cuspifer sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. flavomarginatus sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. gato sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. guianensis sp. nov. (Suriname, Guyana), C. ignotus sp. nov. (Brazil), C. ligulatus sp. nov. (Suriname), C. lineatus sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. pandus sp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname), C. schmits sp. nov. (Suriname), C. sinnamarensis sp. nov. (French Guiana), C. tafelbergensis sp. nov. (Suriname), and C. undulatus sp. nov. (Guyana). We found genetic support for an additional new species in Guyana which is currently only known from females that we refer to as Chasmogenus sp. C. We examined the holotypes of the four species previously known from the region, and found that C. occidentalis García syn. nov. and C. yukparum García syn. nov. are conspecific with C. bariorum García, 2000 and are synonymized with that species, which is here redescribed. We redescribe C. australis García and expand the range of this species to include northern Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana. All species are aquatic, with most being associated with forested streams and forest pools. Of the 21 species, more than half (11) are only known from a single locality indicating the genus may have many more micro-endemic species yet to be discovered in the region. Characters of the male genitalia are essential for confirming the identity of some species, consequently it is not always possible to make positive identifications of unassociated female specimens based on morphology alone. Habitus images are provided as well as a revised key to the genus for northeastern South America.

Engineering allosteric communication.

Protein allostery is a vitally important protein function that has proven to be a vexing problem to understand at the molecular level. Allosteric communication is a hallmark of many protein functions. However, despite more than four decades of study the details regarding allosteric communication in protein systems are still being developed. Engineering of LacI and related homologues to confer alternate allosteric communication has shed light on the pre-requisites for the de novo design of allosteric communication. While the de novo design of an allosteric pathway and complementary functional surfaces has not been realized, this review highlights recent advances that set the stage for true predictive design for a given protein topology.

Trends in Subspecialization: A Comparative Analysis of Rural and Urban Clinical Education.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Medical students who train in rural communities are often exposed to physicians practicing a broad scope of care, regardless of discipline. We examined how rural education is associated with practice specialization rates for students who match in primary care or general core specialties. METHODS: We linked practice and specialty data (2016 AMA Masterfile dataset), demographics (American Medical College Application Service data), and internal college data for 1974-2011 Michigan State University College of Human Medicine graduates who received clinical education on either the Upper Peninsula (rural) or Grand Rapids (urban) campuses. Current practice was verified using internet searches. We compared specialty and practice data by rural or urban campus, controlling for multiple variables. RESULTS: More rurally-trained graduates entered primary care (PC) residencies (128/208, 61.5%) than urban-trained graduates (457/891, 51.3%; P<.01), with rurally-trained graduates being twice as likely to enter family medicine (FM) residencies. Most FM residents remained PC physicians (205/219, 93.6%). Internal medicine residents were least likely to remain in primary care (91/189, 48.1%). Of the general core disciplines, general surgeons were least likely to remain in general surgical practice (45/134, 33.6%). Within each PC or general core discipline, the proportion of graduates who specialized did not differ by type of campus. CONCLUSIONS: Rurally-trained graduates are more likely to practice primary care, chiefly due to increased likelihood of choosing a FM residency. Graduates entering PC or general core residencies subspecialize at similar rates regardless of rural or urban education. FM residency match rate may be the best predictor of long-lasting impact on the primary care workforce.

Hamadiana chapadensis, a new genus and species of diving beetle from Brazil (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Laccophilinae, Laccophilini).

Hamadiana chapadensis gen. n. and sp. n. is described based on a single male specimen collected in Central Brazil. The new species belongs to the diving beetle tribe Laccophilini but could not be assigned to any existing genera, therefore a new genus is described to accommodate it. Hamadiana gen. n. is unique among Laccophilini in having the hind margin of the metacoxal process deeply incised and medially slightly protruded backwards. In addition, it differs from other genera of the tribe by having the antennomeres simple, not expanded, the metacoxal lines not straight, and the metatibiae with two simple apical spurs. The habitus, male genitalia, and diagnostic features are illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. A recently published key to Laccophilini is modified to include the new genus.

Transcriptional programming using engineered systems of transcription factors and genetic architectures.

The control of gene expression is an important tool for metabolic engineering, the design of synthetic gene networks, and protein manufacturing. The most successful approaches to date are based on modulating mRNA synthesis via an inducible coupling to transcriptional effectors. Here we present a biological programming structure that leverages a system of engineered transcription factors and complementary genetic architectures. We use a modular design strategy to create 27 non-natural and non-synonymous transcription factors using the lactose repressor topology as a guide. To direct systems of engineered transcription factors we employ parallel and series genetic (DNA) architectures and confer fundamental and combinatorial logical control over gene expression. Here we achieve AND, OR, NOT, and NOR logical controls in addition to two non-canonical half-AND operations. The basic logical operations and corresponding parallel and series genetic architectures represent the building blocks for subsequent combinatorial programs, which display both digital and analog performance.

Ultraconserved element (UCE) probe set design: Base genome and initial design parameters critical for optimization.

Targeted capture and enrichment approaches have proven effective for phylogenetic study. Ultraconserved elements (UCEs) in particular have exhibited great utility for phylogenomic analyses, with the software package phyluce being among the most utilized pipelines for UCE phylogenomics, including probe design. Despite the success of UCEs, it is becoming increasing apparent that diverse lineages require probe sets tailored to focal taxa in order to improve locus recovery. However, factors affecting probe design and methods for optimizing probe sets to focal taxa remain underexplored. Here, we use newly available beetle (Coleoptera) genomic resources to investigate factors affecting UCE probe set design using phyluce. In particular, we explore the effects of stringency during initial design steps, as well as base genome choice on resulting probe sets and locus recovery. We found that both base genome choice and initial bait design stringency parameters greatly alter the number of resultant probes included in final probe sets and strongly affect the number of loci detected and recovered during in silico testing of these probe sets. In addition, we identify attributes of base genomes that correlated with high performance in probe design. Ultimately, we provide a recommended workflow for using phyluce to design an optimized UCE probe set that will work across a targeted lineage, and use our findings to develop a new, open-source UCE probe set for beetles of the suborder Adephaga.