bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Control of a Multi-Functional Energy Recovery Power Accumulator Battery Pack Testing System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Long Bo , Ryu Ji , Lim Shin , Chong Kil
Published: March 2014

In this paper, aiming at the energy loss and harmonic problems in the conventional power accumulator battery pack testing system (PABPTS), an improved multi-functional energy recovery PABPTS (ERPABPTS) for electric vehicles (EVs) was proposed. The improved system has the functions of harmonic detection, suppression, reactive compensation and energy recovery. The ERPABPTS, which contains a bi-directional buck-boost direct current (DC)-DC converter and a bi-directional alternating current (AC)-DC converter with an inductor-capacitor-inductor (LCL) type filter interfacing to the AC-grid, is proposed. System configuration and operation principle of the combined system are discussed first, then, the reactive compensation and harmonic suppression controller under balanced grid-voltage condition are presented. Design of a fourth order band-pass Butterworth filter for current harmonic detection is put forward, and the reactive compensator design procedure considering the non-linear load is also illustrated. The proposed scheme is implemented in a 175-kW prototype in the laboratory. Simulation and experimental results show that the combined configuration can effectively realize energy recovery for high accuracy current test requirement, meanwhile, can effectively achieve reactive compensation and current harmonic suppression.
Mitochondria in the Center of Human Eosinophil Apoptosis and Survival
Authors: Ilmarinen Pinja , Moilanen Eeva , Kankaanranta Hannu
Published: March 2014

Eosinophils are abundantly present in most phenotypes of asthma and they contribute to the maintenance and exacerbations of the disease. Regulators of eosinophil longevity play critical roles in determining whether eosinophils accumulate into the airways of asthmatics. Several cytokines enhance eosinophil survival promoting eosinophilic airway inflammation while for example glucocorticoids, the most important anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat asthma, promote the intrinsic pathway of eosinophil apoptosis and by this mechanism contribute to the resolution of eosinophilic airway inflammation. Mitochondria seem to play central roles in both intrinsic mitochondrion-centered and extrinsic receptor-mediated pathways of apoptosis in eosinophils. Mitochondria may also be important for survival signalling. In addition to glucocorticoids, another important agent that regulates human eosinophil longevity via mitochondrial route is nitric oxide, which is present in increased amounts in the airways of asthmatics. Nitric oxide seems to be able to trigger both survival and apoptosis in eosinophils. This review discusses the current evidence of the mechanisms of induced eosinophil apoptosis and survival focusing on the role of mitochondria and clinically relevant stimulants, such as glucocorticoids and nitric oxide.
Accumulation of TIP2;2 Aquaporin during Dark Adaptation Is Partially PhyA Dependent in Roots of Arabidopsis Seedlings
Authors: Uenishi Yumi , Nakabayashi Yukari , Tsuchihira Ayako , Takusagawa Mari , Hashimoto Kayo , Maeshima Masayoshi , Sato-Nara Kumi
Published: March 2014

Light regulates the expression and function of aquaporins, which are involved in water and solute transport. In Arabidopsis thaliana, mRNA levels of one of the aquaporin genes, TIP2;2, increase during dark adaptation and decrease under far-red light illumination, but the effects of light at the protein level and on the mechanism of light regulation remain unknown. Numerous studies have described the light regulation of aquaporin genes, but none have identified the regulatory mechanisms behind this regulation via specific photoreceptor signaling. In this paper, we focus on the role of phytochrome A (phyA) signaling in the regulation of the TIP2;2 protein. We generated Arabidopsis transgenic plants expressing a TIP2;2-GFP fusion protein driven by its own promoter, and showed several differences in TIP2;2 behavior between wild type and the phyA mutant. Fluorescence of TIP2;2-GFP protein in the endodermis of roots in the wild-type seedlings increased during dark adaptation, but not in the phyA mutant. The amount of the TIP2;2-GFP protein in wild-type seedlings decreased rapidly under far-red light illumination, and a delay in reduction of TIP2;2-GFP was observed in the phyA mutant. Our results imply that phyA, cooperating with other photoreceptors, modulates the level of TIP2;2 in Arabidopsis roots.
Design of Small MEMS Microphone Array Systems for Direction Finding of Outdoors Moving Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Xin , Huang Jingchang , Song Enliang , Liu Huawei , Li Baoqing , Yuan Xiaobing
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a MEMS microphone array system scheme is proposed which implements real-time direction of arrival (DOA) estimation for moving vehicles. Wind noise is the primary source of unwanted noise on microphones outdoors. A multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm is used in this paper for direction finding associated with spatial coherence to discriminate between the wind noise and the acoustic signals of a vehicle. The method is implemented in a SHARC DSP processor and the real-time estimated DOA is uploaded through Bluetooth or a UART module. Experimental results in different places show the validity of the system and the deviation is no bigger than 6° in the presence of wind noise.
Factors Influencing Household Food Security in West Africa: The Case of Southern Niger
Authors: Zakari Seydou , Ying Liu , Song Baohui
Published: March 2014

Food insecurity is a major challenge for Niger and for many African countries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting household food security in Niger. Based on survey data covering 500 households, drought, high food prices, poverty, soil infertility, disease and insect attacks are reported by the respondents to be the main causes of food insecurity. The empirical results from logistic regression revealed that the gender of the head of household, diseases and pests, labor supply, flooding, poverty, access to market, the distance away from the main road and food aid are significant factors influencing the odds ratio of a household having enough daily rations. Another important finding is that female headed households are more vulnerable to food insecurity compared to male headed households. The findings of this study provide evidence that food insecurity continues to affect the Nigerien population.
Deoxynivalenol in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Immature Gilts under per os Toxin Application
Authors: Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Beszterda Monika , Kostecki Marian , Zielonka Łukasz , Goliński Piotr , Gajęcki Maciej
Published: March 2014

Deoxynivalenol is also known as vomitoxin due to its impact on livestock through interference with animal growth and acceptance of feed. At the molecular level, deoxynivalenol disrupts normal cell function by inhibiting protein synthesis via binding to the ribosome and by activating critical cellular kinases involved in signal transduction related to proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Because of concerns related to deoxynivalenol, the United States FDA has instituted advisory levels of 5 µg/g for grain products for most animal feeds and 10 µg/g for grain products for cattle feed. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of low doses of deoxynivalenol applied per os on the presence of this mycotoxin in selected tissues of the alimentary canal of gilts. The study was performed on 39 animals divided into two groups (control, C; n = 21 and experimental, E; n = 18), of 20 kg body weight at the beginning of the experiment. Gilts received the toxin in doses of 12 µg/kg b.w./day (experimental group) or placebo (control group) over a period of 42 days. Three animals from two experimental groups were sacrificed on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42, excluding day 1 when only three control group animals were scarified. Tissues samples were prepared for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses with the application of solid phase extraction (SPE). The results show that deoxynivalenol doses used in our study, even when applied for a short period, resulted in its presence in gastrointestinal tissues. The highest concentrations of deoxynivalenol reported in small intestine samples ranged from 7.2 (in the duodenum) to 18.6 ng/g (in the ileum) and in large intestine samples from 1.8 (in transverse the colon) to 23.0 ng/g (in the caecum). In liver tissues, the deoxynivalenol contents ranged from 6.7 to 8.8 ng/g.
Entre démon et dévot : la figure de Rāvaņa dans les représentations pallava
Authors: Gillet Valérie
Published: March 2014

L'iconographie pallava des temples construits (VIIIe siècle au Tamil Nadu, Sud-Est de la péninsule indienne), à caractère śivaïte essentiellement, intègre dans plusieurs scènes le personnage de Rāvaņa, démon-roi de l'île de Laṅkā. Après avoir relevé les premières mises en scène de ce démon représentant Rāvaņa soulevant la montagne sur laquelle Śiva est assis qui apparaissent en Inde septentrionale, et, parallèlement, les premières apparitions textuelles de ce mythe dans la littérature sanskrite, cette étude propose une analyse des reliefs pallava des temples construits dans lesquels figure le personnage de Rāvaņa. Si les représentations de Rāvaņa soulevant le mont Kailāsa dans l'iconographie pallava suivent une tradition qui semble avoir pris naissance dans le Nord de la péninsule indienne, des images apparaissent cependant pour la première fois, dont certaines sont directement inspirées de la tradition textuelle sanskrite tandis que d'autres sont un reflet de la tradition tamoule qui est chantée dans la littérature de bhakti. L'analyse de ces images se conclut sur la portée symbolique des représentations de Rāvaņa, qui peuvent aussi bien mettre l'accent sur la royauté, la suprématie de Śiva, mais aussi sur la dévotion extrême.
For merit and Nirvana: The production of art in the Bangkok Period
Authors: Skilling Peter
Published: March 2014

Pourquoi commanditer une image du Bouddha ? Pourquoi donner des objets ou des édifices à un temple ? Les motivations doivent avoir été puissantes et contraignantes pour donner lieu à la production massive d'images, de temples et d'objets d'art qui fut celle des premiers trois règnes (1782-1851) de la période dite de Bangkok. Rois, nobles et citoyens dessinèrent des temples grandioses pourvus de décorations et de mobiliers luxueux. Ils y installèrent d'opulentes images du Bouddha, certaines d'entre elles immenses. Le capital, les ressources et le travail du royaume du Siam en expansion furent consacrés à l'activité religieuse dans une proportion sans précédent jusqu'alors. Pourquoi cela ?

La domination de l'idéologie du mérite fournit une réponse possible à cette question. Commanditer et donner des images et des objets d'arts tels que manuscrits ou armoires et coffres à manuscrits produit une accumulation de mérite spirituel qui promet au donateur une renaissance enviable et contribue à son éventuelle réalisation du nirvana. La recherche de bénéfices pour ses parents, ses ancêtres et soi-même est une composante d'un ensemble d'idéaux incluant le souhait de conserver l'enseignement du Bouddha pendant cinq mille ans et l'aspiration à rencontrer le futur Bouddha Maitreya. Participer activement et publiquement à de tels idéaux était l'un des programmes sociaux les plus importants de cette époque.

Heureusement, les donateurs ont souvent inscrit les objets qu'ils offraient, laissant ainsi un témoignage de leurs intentions et de leurs aspirations. Ces inscriptions, gravées sur les images du Bouddha, les planches à amulettes et les armoires ou coffres à manuscrits constituent la source de cet article qui étudie des images du Bouddha et d'autres objets datant pour la plupart du XIXe siècle. Les objets proviennent du Wat Ruak Bang Bamru, un petit temple situé à Thonburi, sur la rive ouest de la Chao Phraya.
DYNAMIC CHANGES IN THE ACOUSTO-MECHANICAL AND STATISTICAL PARAMETERS OF TISSUE DURING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND (HIFU) TREATMENT
Authors: Rangraz Parisa , Behnam Hamid , Bidari Pooya Sobhe , Shakhssalim Naser , Tavakkoli Jahan
Published: March 2014

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) induces focalized tissue coagulation by increasing the tissue temperature in a tight focal region and has been successfully used as a new technique of tumor treatment or to stop bleeding in clinical applications. The main challenges of this technique are: adjusting the location of HIFU thermal ablation exactly at the region of interest, and controlling the level of thermal ablation. Several imaging methods have been proposed to monitor HIFU-induced thermal lesions such as X-ray, MRI and ultrasound imaging. Currently, ultrasound imaging techniques that are clinically used for monitoring HIFU treatment are standard pulse-echo B-mode ultrasound imaging, ultrasound temperature estimation, and elastography-based methods. This study was carried on ex vivo animal tissue samples. Backscattered radio frequency (RF) signals were acquired in real-time including before, during and after HIFU treatment. In this study, first we estimate the dynamic changes in the acoustical, mechanical and statistical parameters of the tissue resulted from HIFU exposures with three different acoustic powers. Then, we use these parameters to detect the induced HIFU thermal lesions and monitor the treatment process. By estimating the standard deviation of the studied parameters along acquired RF data frames, we show that there are significant changes in the tissue properties during the HIFU treatment.
VOLUME MANIPULATION FOR SIMULATING FACIAL CONTOURING SURGERY
Authors: Tsai Ming-Dar , Tsai Feng-Chou , Lin Chih-Lung , Hsieh Ming-Shium
Published: March 2014

In facial contouring surgery, surgeons operate the facial bone to correct bone morphology and thus achieve esthetic feminine face. To evaluate the face appearance after surgery and rehearse every surgical procedure in facial contouring surgery, simulations for tissue peeling, incising and suturing on the face together with bone burring and grafting on the facial bone are required. This paper presents a method that transforms respective tissue vertices to simulate tissue peeling. The transformation is based on specified incisions and clamps as in real facial contouring surgery. This paper also uses an auxiliary structure to represent and record tissue boundary changes inside the face. The elastic, partially plastic and plastic tissue deformation and wound formation during an incision can be simulated by manipulating these boundary changes. The incised wound recorded in the auxiliary structure is also manipulated to simulate tissue generation in wound healing during a suture. This volume manipulation method is combined with the reported method for bone burring and grafting simulations so that high-quality 3D images for illustrating surgical procedures both on the face and facial bone can be achieved. Simulations of two case examples including tissue peeling, incising and suturing procedures, and three modalities of facial contouring surgery demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and system.
LinkedVis an Information Visualisation Toolkit for RDF Data
Authors: Garrote Antonio , García María N. Moreno
Published: March 2014

LinkedVis implements a JavaScript and SVG data visualisation toolkit that can be used to generate a wide range of interactive information visualisations from RDF graphs using a grammar of graphics style syntax extended with operations for structural transformation of the RDF data graph. Additionally, LinkedVis visualisations make it possible to embed meta-data about the visualisation and the way different graphic components from the visualisation are related to the original RDF data. Insertion of meta-data transforms the visualisation into a self-describing piece of information that can be processed by an automatic agent to perform different tasks, like extracting data associated to a visual component, following the associated linked URIs or translate the visualisation to an entirely different underlying graphics system other than SVG.
Successful HIT Requires Inter-Team Communication
Authors: Andrus Charles H. , Gaynor Mark
Published: March 2014

When compared to traditional medical centers, academic medical centers have additional complexity caused by tension between clinical research and patient care, which adds structural and organization differences within the organization. Many academic medical centers have a separate physician practice plan and hospital organization. Usually this means the medical school and its faculty are responsible for outpatient practices, and a separate hospital organization performs the daily management and sustainability of the affiliated academic hospitals. With separate governing and executive bodies, information technology (IT) has additional challenges not found in community hospital settings where one, unified entity exists. Two different financial entities for one unified care delivery model results in differences in technology used at both entities. The hospital organization might use one e-mail system, while the medical school might use another. Though one might argue e-mail system differences are inconsequential, the opposite is true. Different e-mail systems result in meeting cancellations not flowing to the other system, the possibility of an incomplete address book, and security problems. These shortcomings result in user frustration because of inconsistent user experience and inefficient communication between parties. It is important to minimize such frustrations and inefficiencies for user adoption to be successful. Electronic medical records (EMRs) have similar problems. Due to differences in legal and financial responsibilities, the hospital and physician practice plan may have separate EMRs for the inpatient and outpatient experience respectively. This can not only create an incomplete user experience, but also cause interoperability problems. Therefore, whenever the system is changed for enhancement or to fix bugs, careful consideration must be taken to reduce unnecessary user angst.
Using Electronic Health Records and Data Warehouse Collaboratively in Community Health Centers
Authors: Zeng Xiaoming , Forrestal Elizabeth J. , Cellucci Leigh W. , Kennedy Michael H. , Smith Doug
Published: March 2014

The organization Community Partners HealthNet (CPH), Inc. is a so-called Health-Center-Controlled Networks (HCCNs) that provide health information technologies, in particular Electronic Health Records and Data Warehouse, to participating community health centers (CHC) and rural health clinics (RHC). All 16 member organizations (CHCs and RHCs) in CPH are non-profit health care organizations providing primary health care to individuals in medically underserved areas. To provide quality and accessible health care to those medically needed, CPH and member organization rely heavily on funding from federal and state governments as well as charitable foundations. The investment in system-wide Health Information Technologies has been financially limited given the nature of the organizations. CPH and member organizations, through visionary leadership and cost-effective execution, have been able to adopt and implement advanced information technologies like EHR and data warehouse since early 1990s. There has been software updates and EHR upgrades, but the original design of the system still serve the information needs of the organization. This case study describes CPH in the health care environment, discusses the collaboration of six original individual CHCs to create CPH, the EHR and Data Warehouse projects at CPH, and then explains CPH’s on-going operations and new challenges in the context of meaningful use and big data movement.
Agavaceae
Authors: Crouch N. R. , Smith G. F.
Published: March 2014

Furcraea foetida: an invading alien in South Africa.
Romulea pilosa and R. quartzicola (Iridaceae: Crocoideae), two new species from the southern African winter rainfall region, with nomenclatural corrections
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P. , Harrower A. D.
Published: March 2014

Romulea pilosa J.C.Manning Goldblatt and R. quartzicola J.C.Manning Goldblatt are two narrow endemics from the southern African winter rainfall region. An early, fragmentary collection of R. pilosa from Riviersonderend lacked the diagnostic corm and was thus mistakenly associated with R. tetragona (sect. Ciliatae) as var. flavandra M.P.de Vos because of the highly distinctive pilose, H-shaped leaf. The rediscovery of the taxon in the wild shows it to be a previously unrecognized member of sect. Aggregatae, distinguished by its unusual foliage and bright orange flowers. R. quartzicola was grown to flowering from seeds collected from quartz patches in southern Namaqualand and proved to be a new species of sect. Ciliatae, distinguished by its early flowering, short, subclavate leaves with reduced sclerenchyma strands, and bright yellow flowers with short bracts. R. neglecta M.P.de Vos, a rare endemic from the Kamiesberg in Northern Cape, is a later homonym for the Mediterranean R. neglecta Jord. Fourr., and the earliest name for this plant is shown to be R. speciosa (Ker Gawl.) Baker, typified by an illustration in Andrews’ The botanist’s repository. An epitype is designated to fix the application of the name. We have also examined the type illustration of R. pudica (Sol. ex Ker Gawl.) Baker, hitherto treated as an uncertain species, and are confident that it represents the species currently known as R. amoena Schltr. ex Bég., and takes priority over it as being the earlier name. The type of R. reflexa Eckl., a new name for the later homonym I. reflexa Thunb. and the basionym of R. rosea var. reflexa (Eckl.) Bég., has been mistakenly identified as an Ecklon collection but is in fact the collection that formed the basis of Thunberg’s I. reflexa. This collection is actually a form of R. flava Lam., and the name R. rosea var. reflexa is thus moved to the synonomy of that species. The variety currently known under this name should now be known as R. rosea var. muirii (N.E.Br.) Goldblatt J.C.Manning. Finally, the protologue of R. parviflora Eckl., until now treated under the synonomy of R. obscura Klatt var. obscura, is in fact consistent with R. rosea var. australis (Ewart) M.P.de Vos, and we therefore include the name in the synonomy of the latter.
Review of the genus Xenoscapa (Iridaceae: Crocoideae), including X. grandiflora, a new species from southern Namibia
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P.
Published: March 2014

The small genus Xenoscapa (Goldblatt) Goldblatt J.C.Manning, endemic to the southern African winter rainfall region, is reviewed. The new species X. grandiflora is described from the deeply dissected southern part of the Huib Hoch Plateau in southern Namibia. It differs from the two known species in the genus in its significantly larger, pale lilac flowers. Full descriptions and accounts of all three known species are provided, with distribution maps and illustrations.
Hyacinthaceae
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P.
Published: March 2014

Ornithogalum lebaense transferred to Albuca.
Asteraceae
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P.
Published: March 2014

Lachnospermum neglectum (Asteroideae: Gnaphalieae), a new and overlooked species from the Worcester Valley, Western Cape.
Lycopodiophyta: Selaginellaceae
Authors: Klopper A. W. , Klopper R. R.
Published: March 2014

Selaginella nivea, a new lycophyte record for South Africa, with notes on its habitat.
Phytosociological description of norite koppies in the Rustenburg area, North-West Province and refinement of the distribution of the Norite Koppies Bushveld on the national vegetation classification map of South Africa
Authors: Lamprecht A. J. H. , Cilliers S. S. , Götze A. R. , Du Toit M. J.
Published: March 2014

The Norite Koppies Bushveld vegetation type boasts a distinctive and contrasting topography and species composition easily distinguished from that of surrounding areas. A phytosociological study was done on the leased mining area of the Impala Platinum Mining Company north of Rustenburg in the North-West Province. Similar norite koppies, situated west of the Norite Koppies Bushveld vegetation, and not yet mapped by Mucina Rutherford (2006), were identified in the study area and phytosociologically described. Six plant communities and two subcommunities were identified. Multivariate statistical analyses (correspondence analyses) confirmed that the species composition of these areas corresponds with and does therefore form part of the Norite Koppies Bushveld vegetation type as described by Mucina Rutherford (2006). Some of these communities contain Boscia albitrunca, a protected plant species, and should therefore be considered as areas with conservation value.
Aizoaceae
Authors: Niederle J.
Published: March 2014

Corpuscularia gracillima is the correct binomial for the illegitimate C. gracilis.
A revision of Tecophilaeaceae subfam. Tecophilaeoideae in Africa
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P.
Published: March 2014

Family Tecophilaeaceae subfam. Tecophilaeoideae is revised for the Flora of southern Africa region, with the inclusion of the tropical Walleria mackenzii J.Kirk for completeness. The genera Cyanella Royen ex L. (9 spp.), Eremiolirion J.C.Manning F.Forest (1 sp.) and Walleria J.Kirk (3 spp.) are treated, with keys to the genera, species and subspecies; and full descriptions and distribution maps. A formal infrageneric classification is proposed for Cyanella, in which sect. Trigella (Salisb.) Pax K.Hoffm. is revived for the species with a 3 + 3 arrangement of stamens. The new species, C. marlothii J.C.Manning Goldblatt, is described from the Richtersveld; and C. pentheri Zahlbr. is resuscitated from the synonomy of C. hyacinthioides Royen ex L. Pink-flowered plants of normally yellow-flowered C. lutea have a separate geographical distribution and are recognized as subsp. rosea (Eckl. ex Baker) J.C.Manning Goldblatt.
Nomenclature and typification of southern African species of Euphorbia
Authors: Bruyns P. V.
Published: March 2014

Types have been located for most of the 185 species of Euphorbia L. that are known to occur naturally in southern Africa and also for most of their synonyms. Lectotypes or neotypes are selected where possible for those names for which a holotype cannot be found. The synonymy largely follows previous accounts and reasons are given where new synonymy is proposed. Euphorbia huttonae N.E.Br. is reinstated at the level of species and E. franksiae var. zuluensis A.C.White et al. is raised to the level of species as E. gerstneriana Bruyns, nom. nov. A new name, E. radyeri Bruyns, is provided for the rhizomatous plants previously referred to as E. caerulescens Haw., which is synonymous with E. ledienii A.Berger.
Chenopodiaceae
Authors: Snijman D. A. , Manning J. C.
Published: March 2014

Chenolea convallis, a new species from Western Cape Province, South Africa.
Orchidaceae
Authors: Bytebier B.
Published: March 2014

Habenaria amoena newly recorded for Namibia.
Asteraceae
Authors: Magee A. R. , Busch B.
Published: March 2014

A new name and neotypification for Hippia integrifolia (Anthemideae).
Reproductive biology of Stomatium bolusiae (Aizoaceae: Ruschioideae)
Authors: Zietsman P. C.
Published: March 2014

Flowers of Stomatium bolusiae are self-incompatible. The species exhibits crepuscular and nocturnal anthesis, exploiting two different pollination mechanisms. The structure of the hermaphroditic flower appears not to favour cross-pollination. The stigmata are never exposed to pollinating agents, which gain access to the floral rewards by forcing their way between the anthers. Clogging of the stigmatic surfaces by self-pollen is common. Nocturnal anthesis, concomitant with the nocturnal release of attractants and the offering of rewards, indicates that this species is primarily phalaenophilous and secondarily melittophilous, exhibiting a bimodal pollination system.
Review of chromosome cytology in Moraea (Iridaceae: Irideae): what chromosomes reveal about the evolution of the genus
Authors: Goldblatt P. , Manning J. C.
Published: March 2014

A review of the chromosome cytology of the African and Eurasian geophytic genus Moraea Mill. (currently 214 spp.); including 51 new counts, many for taxa poorly known cytologically or not counted before, that shows that 167 species, representing 78% of the total, have been counted from one or more populations. The inferred ancestral base number is x = 10. Polyploidy is relatively rare; available counts indicate that both Eurasian species are tetraploid, but that, among the sub-Saharan species, just nine species (less than 5%) are exclusively polyploid and an additional 15 (7%) have diploid and polyploid populations. Chromosome rearrangement leading to reduced base numbers has occurred in subg. Polyanthes (x = 10), in which four sections have a base number of x = 6. Three subgenera, Grandiflorae, Homeria and Vieusseuxia, also have x = 6, but have different karyotypes. Several species and one subspecies are dysploid, all but one with haploid numbers lower than in related species, and are neodysploids. Except for M. virgata subsp. karooica, dysploidy is interpreted as descending. Fourteen species have diploid and polyploid populations, notably M. crispa (subg. Polyanthes) and M. cookii (subg. Homeria), in which the distribution of populations with 2n = 12, 24 and 36 is correlated with geography. Seven species have euploid and dysploid populations at the diploid level and M. inclinata has populations with 2n = 12 and 22. Differences in chromosome number within species are not normally reflected in external morphology. Compared to most other genera of Iridaceae in sub-Saharan Africa, chromosome number and karyotype are unusually variable so that sampling of multiple populations of species is required to establish these characters. Although many species remain to be examined cytologically, those uncounted are mostly in the species-rich subg. Grandiflorae and subg. Vieusseuxia, both of which exhibit little variation in chromosome number and karyotype. Chromosome rearrangement and polyploidy appear to have been important in the early evolution of the genus as well as in recent speciation.
Acanthaceae & Lamiaceae
Authors: Manning J. C.
Published: March 2014

Nomenclatural corrections in Justicia and Leonotis.
Gentianaceae
Authors: Baloyi O. , Victor J. E. , Swelankomo N.
Published: March 2014

The taxonomic and conservation status of Sebaea fourcadei.
The native and naturalised species of Peltocalathos and Ranunculus (Ranunculaceae: Ranunculeae) in southern Africa
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P.
Published: March 2014

The five native and naturalised species of Ranunculus L. and Peltocalathos Tamaru (Ranunculaceae: Ranunculeae) from southern Africa are reviewed, with full descriptions and nomenclature, taxonomic history, ecological notes, and distribution data. All species are illustrated. Peltocalathos, a monotypic genus based on R. baurii MacOwan, has been overlooked in the regional literature until now. The new name R. dregei J.C.Manning Goldblatt is proposed as a replacement name for the later homonym R. meyeri Harv., non Lowe. We conclude that the poorly known R. capensis Thunb. represents juvenile forms of the widespread and variable R. multifidus Forssk. and we synonymise the name, along with the three trivial epithets R. pinnatus var. hermannii DC., R. pubescens var. glabrescens Burtt Davy and R. pubescens var. harveyanus Burtt Davy, which have been overlooked in the recent literature. Based on number (mostly 40 achenes per head) and size (mostly 1.2–1.8 mm long) of achenes, we conclude that the southern African material of the aquatic species recently re-identified as R. rionii Lagger is more appropriately treated as R. trichophyllus Chaix.
Microbial signaling and plant growth promotion
Authors: Mabood Fazli , Zhou Xiaomin , Smith Donald L.
Published: March 2014

Mabood, F., Zhou, X. and Smith, D. L. 2014. Microbial signaling and plant growth promotion. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1051–1063. The rhizosphere offers a complex microhabitat where root exudates provide a diverse mixture of organic compounds that are used as nutrients or signals by the soil microbial population. On the other hand, these soil microorganisms produce compounds that directly or indirectly assist in plant growth promotion. The widely recognized mechanisms of plant growth promotion are biofertilization, production of phytohormones, suppression of diseases through biocontrol, induction of disease resistance and production of volatile signal compounds. During the past few decades our understanding of the interaction between rhizobacteria and plants has expanded enormously and this has resulted in application of microbial products used as crop inoculants (as biofertilizers), for increased crop biomass and disease suppression. However, this plant–microbe interaction is affected by adverse environmental conditions, and recent work has suggested that inoculants carrying plant-to-bacteria or bacteria-to-plant signals can overcome this and promote plant productivity under stressful environmental conditions. Very recent work has also shown that some plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria secrete novel signaling molecules that also promote plant growth. The use of rhizobacterial signaling in promoting plant growth offers a new window of opportunity, especially when we are looking at plants to provide biofuels and novel bioproducts. Developing technologies that can enhance plant growth and productivity is imperative.
Low Cost Vision Based Personal Mobile Mapping System
Authors: Amami M. M. , Smith M. J. , Kokkas N.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Mobile mapping systems (MMS) can be used for several purposes, such as transportation, highway infrastructure mapping and GIS data collecting. However, the acceptance of these systems is not wide spread and their use is still limited due the high cost and dependency on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). A low cost vision based personal MMS has been produced with an aim to overcome these limitations. The system has been designed to depend mainly on cameras and use of low cost GNSS and inertial sensors to provide a bundle adjustment solution with initial values. The system has the potential to be used indoor and outdoor. The system has been tested indoors and outdoors with different GPS coverage, surrounded features, and narrow and curvy paths. Tests show that the system is able to work in such environments providing 3D coordinates of better than 10 cm accuracy.
SEAMLESS INDOOR-OUTDOOR NAVIGATION FOR UNMANNED MULTI-SENSOR AERIAL PLATFORMS
Authors: Serranoa, D. , Uijt de Haag M. , Dill E. , Vilardaga S. , Duan P.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. This paper discusses the development of navigation algorithms to enable seamless operation of a small-size multi-copter in an indoor-outdoor environment. In urban and indoor environments a GPS position capability may be unavailable not only due to shadowing, significant signal attenuation or multipath, but also due to intentional denial or deception. The proposed navigation algorithm uses data from a GPS receiver, multiple 2D laser scanners, and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This paper addresses the proposed multi-mode fusion algorithm and provides initial result using flight test data. This paper furthermore describes the 3DR hexacopter platform that has been used to collect data in an operational environment, starting in an open environment, transitioning to an indoor environment, traversing a building, and, finally, transitioning back to the outdoor environment. Implementation issues will be discussed.
ONE STEP MOBILE MAPPING LASER AND CAMERA DATA ORIENTATION AND CALIBRATION
Authors: Angelats E. , Colomina I.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Modern mobile mapping systems include one or several laser scanners and cameras. The main outputs of these systems are oriented camera images and 3D point clouds. These point clouds can be derived from pairs of overlapping images or using the laser raw data together with platform trajectory. A mobile mapping campaign may include several overlapping areas, generally, the derived point clouds of the same area are not properly registered, due to partial or total GNSS occlusions, multipath and inertial drift and noise. Nowadays, the standard procedure for co-registration between laser and laser and between camera and laser, includes several steps. The first ones are the system calibration where the lever arm and boresight between laser and IMU, and between camera and IMU must be determined. After the calibration steps, a camera and LiDAR point cloud can be derived. Then, a co-registration between LIDAR points clouds and between camera point cloud and LiDAR point cloud are computed. In contrast to the standard approach, in this paper we propose to solve the orientation and calibration of laser and camera data in a single, combined adjustment. Solving the orientation and calibration allows us to implicitly deal with the co-registration problem. The proposed method is based on the identification of common tie features between images and point clouds and their use in a combined adjustment. This common tie features are straight line segments. The preliminary results indicate the feasibility and the potential of the approach.
Low-Dose Radiation Suppresses Pokemon Expression under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Kim Seung-Whan , Yu Kweon , Shin Kee-Sun , Kwon Kisang , Hwang Tae-Sik , Kwon O-Yu
Published: March 2014

Our previous data demonstrated that CoCl2-induced hypoxia controls endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated and other intracellular factors. One of them, the transcription factor Pokemon, was differentially regulated by low-dose radiation (LDR). There are limited data regarding how this transcription factor is involved in expression of the unfolded protein response (UPR) under hypoxic conditions. The purpose of this study was to obtain clues on how Pokemon is involved in the UPR. Pokemon was selected as a differentially expressed gene under hypoxic conditions; however, its regulation was clearly repressed by LDR. It was also demonstrated that both expression of ER chaperones and ER stress sensors were affected by hypoxic conditions, and the same results were obtained when cells in which Pokemon was up- or down-regulated were used. The current state of UPR and LDR research associated with the Pokemon pathway offers an important opportunity to understand the oncogenesis, senescence, and differentiation of cells, as well as to facilitate introduction of new therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals
Assessing the Impact of a Geriatric Clinical Skills Day on Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward Geriatrics
Authors: Haque Andalib F. , Soong Daniel G. , Wong Camilla L.
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe aging population requires an improvement in physicians’ attitudes, knowledge, and skills, regardless of their specialty. This study aimed to identify attitude changes of University of Toronto pre-clerkship medical students towards geriatrics after participation in a Geriatric Clinical Skills Day (GCSD).MethodsThis was a before and after study. The GCSD consisted of one large and four small interactive, inter-professional geriatric medicine workshops facilitated by various health professionals. A questionnaire, including the validated UCLA Geriatrics Attitudes Scale, was administered to participating pre-clerkship medical students before and after the GCSD. A one-sample t-test and signed rank parametric test were used to determine attitude changes.Results42.1% indicated an interest in Geriatric Medicine, 26.3% in Geriatric Psychiatry, and 63.2% in working with elderly patients. Both pre- and post-mean scores were greater than 3 (neutral), indicating a positive attitude before and after the intervention (p < .001). There was no significant difference in the change in mean total scores (signed rank test p ≥ .12, Student’s t-test p > .11).ConclusionsThe GCSD did not alter pre-clerkship students’ attitudes towards geriatrics. This study adds to geriatric medical education research and warrants further investigation in a larger, multi centred trial.
E-Services and Positioning of Passenger Ports in the Context of Cruise Tourism Promotion
Authors: Vitić-Ćetković Andriela , Bauk Sanja
Published: March 2014

The paper positions the passenger sea ports in the context of cruise tourism on the basis of e-services they offer. The e-services of eleven passenger ports are categorized and then quantitatively evaluated by binary and ranking approaches. In general, the port e-services might be categorized according to their functionality as navigational, ship and passenger-related ones, logistics, business, marketing, entertainment, security, safety, environmental, etc. These services can be bidirectional informational and/or transactional. In this paper, only those port e-services related directly to the passengers’ needs, within the frame of cruise tourism, are taken into consideration and categorized as core, or as value-added ones, and as informational and/or transactional ones. Then, each of them is assigned an appropriate binary value (0/1), depending on whether the considered passenger port offers the related e-service or not. These values are employed in the evaluation of the analyzed passenger port e-services offered, and as a base for their positioning. The appropriate weights coefficients, obtained by ranking (Saaty method), were used in the process of the considered port final positioning on the cruise tourism e-market. Some additional analyses and recommendations in the direction of further positioning and promotion of the port of Kotor (Montenegro), as rising cruise tourism port (destination), are given as well.
Robust Technique Allowing the Manufacture of Superoleophobic (Omniphobic) Metallic Surfaces
Authors: Starostin Anton , Valtsifer Viktor , Strelnikov Vladimir , Bormashenko Edward , Grynyov Roman , Bormashenko Yelena , Gladkikh Alexander
Published: March 2014

Omniphobic metallic surfaces obtained with a robust two‐stage process are reported. The surfaces demonstrate high apparent contact angles accompanied with a low contact angle hysteresis for a variety of liquids, including water, diidomethane, canola, castor, silicone oils, and crude petroleum oil. The superoleophobicity was achieved by fluorination of the nano‐rough aluminum surfaces under treatment with perfluorononanoic acid, as established by TOF‐SIMS spectrometry. The stability of the Cassie wetting regime was investigated. The critical surface tension of a liquid corresponding to the onset of wetting transitions was established experimentally.
Haptoglobin testing in hemolysis: Measurement and interpretation
Authors: Shih Andrew W.Y. , McFarlane Andrew , Verhovsek Madeleine
Published: March 2014

Haptoglobin is primarily produced in the liver and is functionally important for binding free hemoglobin from lysed red cells in vivo, preventing its toxic effects. Because haptoglobin levels become depleted in the presence of large amounts of free hemoglobin, decreased haptoglobin is a marker of hemolysis. Despite its ubiquity and importance, a paucity of literature makes testing difficult to interpret. This review highlights the many physiological roles that have been recently elucidated in the literature. Different methodologies have been developed for testing, including spectrophotometry, immunoreactive methods, and gel electrophoresis. These are covered along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. As there is no single gold standard for hemolysis, validation studies must rely on a combination of factors, which are reviewed in this article. Pitfalls and limitations of testing are also addressed. False positives can occur in improper specimen preparations, cirrhosis, elevated estrogen states, and hemodilution. False negatives can occur in hypersplenism and medications such as androgens and corticosteroids. Haptoglobin testing in the setting of inflammation is additionally discussed as interpretation can be difficult in this setting. Given the widespread use of haptoglobin testing, it is vital that clinicians and laboratory staff understand the principles and correct interpretation of this test. Am. J. Hematol. 89:443–447, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sexual dimorphism in human cranial trait scores: Effects of population, age, and body size
Authors: Garvin Heather M. , Sholts Sabrina B. , Mosca Laurel A.
Published: March 2014

Sex estimation from the skull is commonly performed by physical and forensic anthropologists using a five‐trait scoring system developed by Walker. Despite the popularity of this method, validation studies evaluating its accuracy across a variety of samples are lacking. Furthermore, it remains unclear what other intrinsic or extrinsic variables are related to the expression of these traits. In this study, cranial trait scores and postcranial measurements were collected from four diverse population groups (U.S. Whites, U.S. Blacks, medieval Nubians, and Arikara Native Americans) following Walker's protocols (total n = 499). Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to evaluate the accuracy of these traits in sex estimation, and to test for the effects of population, age, and body size on trait expressions. Results revealed significant effects of population on all trait scores. Sample‐specific correct sex classification rates ranged from 74% to 94%, with an overall accuracy of 85% for the pooled sample. Classification performance varied among the traits (best for glabella and mastoid scores and worst for nuchal scores). Furthermore, correlations between traits were weak or nonsignificant, suggesting that different factors may influence individual traits. Some traits displayed correlations with age and/or postcranial size that were significant but weak, and within‐population analyses did not reveal any consistent relationships between these traits across all groups. These results indicate that neither age nor body size plays a large role in trait expression, and thus does not need to be incorporated into sex estimation methods. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:259–269, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
P‐glycoprotein promotes epithelial T helper 2–associated cytokine secretion in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Bleier Benjamin S. , Nocera Angela L. , Iqbal Hufsa , Hoang John D. , Alvarez Ulises , Feldman Rachel E. , Han Xue
Published: March 2014

Background

Sinonasal epithelial cells are recognized as drivers of inflammation in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) through secretion of T helper 2 (Th2)‐promoting cytokines. P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is overexpressed in nasal polyps and modulates epithelial cytokine secretion in healthy mucosa. The objective of this study is to determine whether P‐gp overactivity promotes Th2‐associated cytokine secretion in CRSwNP.

Methods

Polyp explants (n = 4) and primary epithelial cell cultures (n = 5) were cultivated from patients with CRSwNP. Explant P‐gp activity was determined using a calcein assay. In culture, P‐gp was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and sensitivity to PSC‐833 inhibition was determined using a calcein assay. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated cytokine secretion of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, IL‐25, and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were quantified by ELISA and compared to secretion following P‐gp inhibition. Differences in P‐gp expression and cytokine secretion were compared using a Mann‐Whitney U test. Secretion was correlated with P‐gp expression using a Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

Calcein retention is increased in P‐gp inhibited vs uninhibited polyp explants (mean ± standard deviation [SD]; 5.17 ± 1.76 vs 2.55 ± 0.62; p < 0.05) but not in controls, indicating increased nasal polyp P‐gp activity. P‐gp is sensitive to dose‐dependent P‐gp inhibition with PSC‐833 in vitro. LPS‐stimulated secretion of normalized GM‐CSF (45.21 ± 41.39) and IL‐6 (63.16 ± 36.37) were significantly reduced following P‐gp inhibition (8.47 ± 3.28; p < 0.01, and 39.94 ± 31.07; p < 0.05; respectively) and secretion was highly correlated with P‐gp expression(r = 0.824, p < 0.05, and r = 0.833, p < 0.05; respectively).

Conclusion

P‐gp overactivity promotes Th2‐associated epithelial cytokine secretion in nasal polyps, suggesting a novel mechanism for maintaining chronic inflammation in CRSwNP.