bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of past land‐use on understory plant distributions in a near‐natural deciduous forest in Denmark
Authors: Windeballe Birgitte S. , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Balslev Henrik
Published: March 2008

In regions with a long cultural history, past land‐use may strongly determine floristic composition in seemingly natural vegetation. Here we examine if past land‐use affects understory plant distribution in near‐natural forest in a historically and environmentally heterogeneous setting, namely the 17 ha freshwater island of Borgnr (Denmark). In 107 randomly located 100 m2 plots we recorded species composition and various environmental variables. The plots were classified into three groups according to past land‐use: (1) Disturbed sites close to 12th and 20th century ruins and associated open areas; (2) formerly grazed meadow areas; and (3) forested sites without indications of strong anthropogenic influence. Past land‐use, environmental variables and species traits were used to interpret floristic gradients. Unconstrained and constrained ordinations clearly separated plots with different past land‐use, and showed that the main floristic gradients on Borgø correlated with hydrological‐edaphic conditions and past land‐use. Partial constrained ordination using the environmental parameters as covariables showed that past land‐use had a unique influence on floristic composition.
Taxonomic revision of Solanum sect. Chamaesarachidium (Solaneae, Solanaceae)
Authors: Barboza Gloria E.
Published: March 2008

The delimitation of Solanum sect. Chamaesarachidium, as well as its relationship with sect. Episarcophyllum and certain species of sect. Solanum, is presented. Three species are included in Solanum sect. Chamaesarachidium (S.annuum, S.chamaesarachidium, and S.gilioides), which are described in detail and illustrated. The following combination of characters defines Solanum sect. Chamaesarachidium: the small annual habit, the pinnatifid to pinnatisect leaf blade, the inflorescence opposite or subopposite to the leaves, the number of flowers per inflorescence (3–14), the campanulate corolla, the very small anther size (1.1–2.7 mm long), the accrescent fruiting calyx with a well‐marked venation, the absence of sclerosomes in the pericarp, the tuberculate seed coat, and the Andean habitat.
Argostemma fasciculata (Rubiaceae), a new species from Cambodia
Authors: Sridith Kitichate , Larsen Kai
Published: March 2008

A new species of the genus Argostemma (Rubiaceae) from Cambodia is described and illustrated. Its relations is discussed.
Eriocaulon peninsulare (Eriocaulaceae) ‐ a new species from India
Authors: Punekar Sachin A. , Lakshminarasimhan P.
Published: March 2008

Eriocaulon peninsulare, a new species allied to E.sexangulare from Anshi National Park, Karnataka is described and illustrated.
Abnormal flowers in genus Alpinia
Authors: Song Juan‐Juan , Tang Yuan‐Jiang , Me Zhong‐Yu , Zou Pu , Wu Qi‐Gen , Wu De‐Lin , Chen Zhong‐Yi , Liao Jing‐Ping
Published: March 2008

There are six types of abnormal flowers in Alpinia described in this paper, namely 2‐stamens, 1.5‐stamen, 1‐stamen, stamen with only one theca, stamen absent and twin‐flower. A different morphological nature of subulate appendage is proposed: it might be the androecial appendage, i.e. appendage of stamen or labellum, but not of staminode. The second type of the abnormal flowers with 1.5‐stamen is regarded as synapomorphy, which is absent in the extant taxa, of the four ginger families, from which were derived the Zingiberaceae and Costaceae with one functional stamen or the Marantaceae and Cannaceae with half stamen. The diversification of the number of stamen in abnormal flowers might be a recurrence of the evolutionary history of stamen in ginger families.
Three new species of Chassalia (Rubiaceae) from the Eastern Arc Mts, Tanzania
Authors: Thulin Mats , Manktelow Stephen
Published: March 2008

Chassalia christineae, sp. nov., and C.bonifacei, sp. nov., from the Nguru Mts, and C.lukwangulensis, sp. nov., from the Uluguru Mts, are described and illustrated. All three species are undershrubs of montane forest.
The genus Festuca (Poaceae: Loliinae) in Venezuela
Authors: StanEik Daniel
Published: March 2008

A taxonomic revision of the genus Festuca in Venezuela is presented. Nine native and one introduced (F.arundinacea) species are recognized. Four species previously mentioned in the literature are confirmed (F.tolucensis, F.coromotensis, F.elviae, E fragilis) and records of two species previously published are considered dubious (F.amplissima, F.pinetorum). Data on two species (F.hatico, F.ulochaeta) represent new records for Venezuela. One subspecies new to science is distinguished (F.tolucensis ssp. culata). Three species (F.dinirica, F guaramacalana, F.venezuelana) recently described complete the study. A key to the species is presented and ecological and bio‐geographic information are added to the descriptions along with photographs of all known Venezuelan taxa.
Evolutionary patterns in the Torilidinae inferred from ITS sequences
Authors: Lee Byoung‐Yoon
Published: March 2008

Evolutionary patterns of selected characters among 17 representatives of subtribe Torilidinae of family Apiaceae were investigated by comparative sequencing of the two internal transcribed spacers of the 18s‐26s nuclear ribosomal DNA repeat. Distribution of several palynological, cytological, morphological, and cotyledon characters reveals that many of these features are highly homoplastic. Base chromosome number of x=6 is not suggestive of monophyly of the genus Torilis. Features derived from secondary (vallecular) appendages of hits do not seem to be usekl characters for delimiting generic boundaries. Bristles on the primary ridges of fruits are ancestral within the subtribe; curved bristles and spines emerged. Characters of cotyledons and pollen grains support the generic relationships between Lisaea and Turgenia.
Long‐term changes in macroalgal communities along ferry routes in a northern Baltic archipelago
Authors: Roos Camilla , Rönnberg Olof , Berglund Johnny , Alm Axel
Published: March 2008

Species composition, abundance and biomass of littoral macroalgae were studied along a ferry route in the and archipelago, northern Baltic Sea. Two areas, originally studied in the 1970s, were revisited in 1999 and 2000. In one area the traffic has strongly decreased since the 1970s, in the other the frequency of the traffic has remained the same, but the size of the ferries has increased. During the revisit the highest number of species was found close to the ferry route, in contrast to the results of the original study. In the area with decreased traffic only minor shifts in species composition were observed. In the heavily trafficked area, red algae in particular, had increased close to the route. New species recorded were Polysiphonia fibrillosa, P.fucoides and Aglaothamnion roseum. On sheltered sites in this area, red and brown algae had decreased as a result of increased sedimentation and occurrence of drift algae, and were replaced by rooted macrophytes (e.g. Zannichellia sp, Ranunculus peltatus ssp. baudotii, Myriophyllum spicatum). In the 1970s a Fucus vesiculosus‐belt was present at all the 14 studied sites. During the revisit F.vesiculosus was belt‐forming at only 5 sites, mainly close to the ferry route in the heavily trafficked area. The biomass of Cladophora glomerata had increased and the occurrence of F.vesiculosus had decreased since the 1970s. The main reason to the documented changes is the ongoing eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. Close to the ferry route regular strong water movements seems to have a positive local effect on mainly perennial macroalgae by keeping the bottoms free from sediments and drift algae.
A new species of Gagea (Liliaceae) from Iran
Authors: Zarrei Mehdi , Zarre Shahin
Published: March 2008

Gagea iranica is described as a new species. The differences between this species and its closest ally are discussed. The pollen morphological analysis shows obvious the differences between the new species and its relative, i.e. G. bulbifera especially in the sculpturing of exine. The anatomy of leaf cross‐section also confirms the separation of this species from G. bulbifera. Beside the description of the new species, the scanning electron micrograph of the pollen grains, cross‐section of basal leaves, and illustrations of the new species are presented.
A new species of Oxytropis (Baicalia) (Leguminosae) from Shanxi Province in China
Authors: Zbu Xiang‐yun
Published: March 2008

A new species of Oxytropis (Leguminosae) from Shanxi Province in China, O. shanxiensis, is described and illustrated. The new species is close to O. bicolor (section Baicalia) and shares the verticillate and opposite leaflets and glandular hairs of that species, but differs in having leaflets and wings rounded at apex, beak of keel‐petals ca.l.0 mm long, and ovary subglabrous.
Morphology and development of secretory structures in Hypericum perforatum and H. richeri
Authors: Maffi L. , Camoni L. , Fornasiero R. Baroni , Bianchi A.
Published: March 2008

Secretory organs are a specialised anatomical feature of plants, these tissues function in the production and/or storage of specific chemical substances, which often have pharmacological properties. The genus Hypericum is characterised by the presence of specialised secretory structures such as black nodules, translucent glands and secretory canals. The presence of these structures is not homogeneous for all the species or between the various floral and vegetative parts of the plants. In this study, we have compared the distributions, morphology and development of secretory structures in the leaves of H. perforatum and H. richeri. Whilst, black nodules occurred in both species, translucent glands followed different development stages depending on the leaf age.
Mallomonas parana (Synurophyceae, Synurales), a new chrysophyte species from a river flood‐plain lake of the Parana River system, Argentina
Authors: Vigna Maria Susana , Kristiansen Jørgen
Published: March 2008

Mallomonas parana sp. nov. (Synurophyceae, Synurales) was found in a river flood‐plain lake of the Paraná River system, Santa Fe Province, Argentina. Transmission and scanning electron microscopic observations were made. The new taxon is referred to the series Allorgei of the section Quadratae, and biogeographical aspects of this series are dicusssed.
Two new species of Dyschoriste (Acanthaceae) from Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The new species Dyschoriste bayensis, from a granitic inselberg in southern Somalia, and D. miskatensis, from open bushland on limestone in north‐eastern Somalia, are described and illustrated.
Caralluma lamellosa (Apocynaceae), a remarkable new species from Somalia
Authors: Gilbert Michael G. , Than Mats
Published: March 2008

The new species Caralluma lamellosa, from a rocky limestone slope about 200 m a.s.1. in north‐eastem Somalia is described and illustrated. The plant is reminiscent of C. furta in habit, but its outer corona, with undivided linear‐oblanceolate lobes opposite to the anthers and at first examination looking like lamellae on the corolla tube, is unparalleled among stapeliads.
Three new species of Heliotmpium (Boraginaceae) from the Horn of Afiica region
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

Heliotropium subspinosum sp. nov., from the coastal and subcoastal zones of Yemen, Oman and Somalia, is described and illustrated. This is a woody species with small leaves, and particularly the only 1–4–flowered inflorescences, the axes of which become subspinescent, are remarkable in the genus. H. laxum sp. nov., a slender shrublet from central Somalia, is described, and H. personatum sp. nov., a shrublet that is widespread and scattered, particularly on gypseous ground, in eastern Ethiopia, most parts of Somalia and in southern Yemen, is described and illustrated.
A new species of Rhytidocaulon (Apocynaceae) from Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

Rhytidocaulon baricum, sp. nov., from open rocky limestone slopes in northeastern Somalia, is described and illustrated.
Heterostyly in the Canarian endemic Jasminum odoratissimum (Oleaceae)
Authors: Olesen Jens M. , Dupont Yoko L. , Ehlers Bodil K. , Valido Alfredo , Hansen Dennis M.
Published: March 2008

Jasminum odoratissimum is a Madeira and Canary Islands endemic showing classic heterostyly, i.e. with long‐styled flowers with anthers at a low level in the corolla tube and short‐styled flowers with anthers at a high level in the corolla tube. Short‐styled flowers have large pollen, whereas long‐styled flowers have small pollen. The two types are present in equal frequencies in the population.
Effects of fertilization and afforestation on community structure of traditionally managed hay meadows in western Norway
Authors: Myklestad Ase , Szetersdal Magne
Published: March 2008

The aims of this paper were to find the effects of artificial fertilizer, intensive cultivation and abandonment with afforestation on species composition of traditional meadows at a broad scale, and to describe the ecological variation of different meadow communities. The flora of 21 traditionally managed hay meadows was compared with that of 52 artificially fertilized hay meadows, 28 intensively cultivated grasslands and 29 afforested grasslands by means of classification. Predictors for differences in species composition were tested using multiple regression analyses with associated Monte Carlo permutation tests. Habitat diversity and Ellenberg N were the most important predictors for differences in species composition of traditional meadows. High habitat diversity was associated with maximum occurrences of all kinds of meadow species (high‐productive, generalist, low‐productive, habitat specialist, regionally rare, vulnerable and orchid species). These meadows are therefore of high conservation value. Traditional meadows contained also some nitrophilous species that dominate artificially fertilized meadows, but in small populations. Artificially fertilized meadows supported the generalist and productive subset of the species from traditional meadows. Thus, artificially fertilized meadows are of low conservation value. As regionally rare and vulnerable species were only recorded at sites with no use of artificial fertilizer, its application should be avoided whenever the aim is to recreate or maintain semi‐natural grasslands of high conservation value. Regionally rare and vulnerable meadow species were not recorded in afforested sites, suggesting that afforestation of traditional meadows may have similar negative effects for the traditional meadow flora as the use of artificial fertilizer.
Wo new species of Viscum (Viscaceae) from China
Authors: Han Ronglan , Zhang Dianxiang , Hao Gang
Published: March 2008

Two new species of Viscum from the southern and southwestern China are described and illustrated. Both Viscum macrofalcatum and V. hainanense are monoecious plants with inflorescences axillary, usually 3–5 flowers in one cyme, the middle one male, outer ones females. Viscum macrofalcatum differs from V. hainanense by having 1–6 sessile cymes in the axil, whereas V. hainanense has only 1 cyme in the axil, and peduncle 0.5–1 mm long. The most closely related species to these entities is V yunnnanense. Based on the habit and habitat, external morphology, and palynological characters, we concluded that the three entities are specifically distinct.
The phylogenetic position of Aulotandra (Zingiberaceae)
Authors: Harris David J. , Newman Mark F. , Hollingsworth Michelle L. , Möller Michael , Clark Alexandra
Published: March 2008

The phylogenetic position ofAulotandra (Zingiberaceae).—Nord. J. Bot. 23: 725–734. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X.

Molecular data for 41 representatives of Zingiberaceae are analysed focusing on the phylogenetic position of Aulotandra and its relationship to Siphonochilus. Sequence divergences indicate that accessions of Aulotandra from Madagascar are closest to those of African Siphonochilus in both ITS and trnL‐F data sets, indicating a close relationship. Together these genera form a highly supported monophyletic clade. This African‐Madagascan lineage is sister to the rest of the family with African, Asian and South American members, showing that Aulotandra does not belong in the tribe Alpinieae, where it has been traditionally placed, but in the subfamily Siphonochiloideae with the genus Siphonochilus.
Giraudia sphacelarioides (Phaeophyceae) at the Canary Islands and in Danish waters: a study in ecotypic differentiation and its biogeographical implications
Authors: Kristiansen Aase , Pedersen Poul Møller
Published: March 2008

Comparative culture studies on isolates from Lanzarote (Canary Islands) and from Danish waters of Giraudia sphacelarioides show that temperature plays the key role to determine its geographical distribution. Experiments show that the upper lethal temperature is the same for both isolates 26.5—‐31.1°C for microthalli, and formation of macrothalli is inhibited between 23.2 and 26.5°C. The lower lethal temperature for both micro‐ and macrothalli in the Lanzarote isolate is between 10.8° C and 7.6°C, while the Danish isolate survives 54°C. The microthallus is thus the more persistent stage in relation to temperature, while the macrothalli occur only when more suitable conditions exist in nature. In the North Atlantic Ocean G. sphacelarioides is distributed over approximately 30° latitudes with severe winter temperatures especially in Danish waters. This distribution can only be explained by ecotypic differentiation. In Danish waters salinity decreases from c. 30 ‰ in the northern Kattegat to below 8 ‰ in the inner parts and therefore becomes an important factor for the immigration of species into the Baltic Sea. Combined salinity (30–20–10–5 ‰) and temperature (4 to 30°C) experiments show that the Lanzarote isolate only grows at 20 ‰ in an attenuated temperature interval and at 10 ‰ only fertile microthalli are observed, however, with limited liberation of swarmers. The Danish isolate grows and reproduces also at salinities from 20–5 ‰ both as microand macrothalli, but in a still more attenuated temperature interval, and the morphology of the macrothalli becomes increasingly aberrant vs. decreasing salinity. This is in agreement with the fact that G. sphacelarioides is reported from the northern part of Kattegat with salinity from 28—‐25 ‰, and it is only recorded a few times in the southern part of Kattegat and limited by the 10 ‰ isohaline.
Revision of Bomarea subgenus Sphaerine (Alstroemeriaceae)
Authors: Hofreiter Anton
Published: March 2008

The subgenus Sphaerine of Bomarea (Alstroemeriaceae) recently contains 33 validly published names. Extended field studies in Peru and extensive investigation of herbarium material revealed the urgent necessity for a revision. As a result, the number of species is reduced to 12, among them two species are newly described. 9 species are members of an other subgenus. A key to determine the species is given in English and Spanish. The typical growth form and its variability, habitat preferences and distribution are discussed separately for each species.
Mitrephora sirikitiae (Annonaceae): a remarkable new species endemic to northern Thailand
Authors: Weerasooriya Aruna D. , Chalermglin Piya , Saunders Richard M. K.
Published: March 2008

A new species of Annonaceae, Mitrephora sirikitiae, is described from Mae Hong Son Province in northern Thailand. It is easily distinguished from the seven species of Mitrephora previously recorded from Thailand due to its very large, showy flowers. It is most similar to M. winitii, but differs in its larger flowers, with inner petals that become undulate at maturity. The profuse blooming of the new species and its large flowers with mild fragrance suggest that may be of significant horticultural potential.
Iris celikii (Iridaceae), a new species from north‐eastern Turkey
Authors: Christensen Knud Ib , Akpulat H. Askin
Published: March 2008

Iris celikii occurring in NE Turkey is described as a species new to science and illustrated. Its ecology, distribution and taxonomic relationships are discussed.
Further observations on the scaled Chrysophycean and Synurophycean flora of the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: Siver Peter A. , Lott Anne Marie
Published: March 2008

The distributions of silica‐scaled chrysophytes in 30 freshwater ponds located in the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A., relative to chemical gradients are described. Phytoplankton, periphyton, and surface sediments from each of the 30 sites were collected in March of 2000 and later analyzed extensively with both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) for scaled chrysophytes. In addition, water samples were used to measure a suite of chemical characteristics, including specific conductance, pH, alkalinity, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll‐a, chloride, sulfate and base cation concentrations. Overall, waterbodies included in this study are oligotrophic, dilute, poorly buffered and low in pH. Including six previously described species which are largely known only from the Ocala National Forest, we have identified forty‐nine taxa of silica‐scaled Chry‐sophyceae and Synurophyceae, 23 of which were present in 5 or more waterbodies, indicating that lakes in this region are quite diverse and abundant in scaled chrysophytes. The most important species included Synura petersenii, S. echinulata and one recently reported new species from this region, Mallomonas wujekii, which was found in 73% of the lakes in this survey. The number of taxa found per lake ranged from 2 to 23 and observations include new records of several rarely reported species. Although the flora includes species commonly found in more northern regions, it also includes a group of taxa that appear to be endemic to the region and others commonly found in more tropical regions. Lastly, a new form found in ten ponds, Mallomonas transsylvanica f. curvata, is described.
A new species of Aloe from northeast Somalia
Authors: Carter Susan
Published: March 2008

A small tree species of Aloe from the Al Miskat Mountains of northeast Somalia, related to A. medishiana, is described as A. miskatana, and the relationship of A. gracilicaulis with A. medishiana is discussed.
A new species of Scorzonera (Asteraceae) from Khorasan, Iran
Authors: Safavi Seyed Reza
Published: March 2008

Scorzonera joharchii sp. nov. is described from the Khorasan, east of Birjand, Iran. It is similar to S. tuberosa from which it mainly differs in its tomentose indumentum, longer pappus and villous and longer achenes.
Studies in African Cyperaceae 30. Hypolytrum subcompositus, sp. nov.
Authors: Lye Kåre Arnstein , Simpson David A.
Published: March 2008

A new species to science, Hypolytrum subcompositus is described from Kodmin in South West Cameroon. The species is distinct from other African species and appears to have no close relatives. It is a fairly large perennial with a short erect rhizome with many crowded leaves at its end, and (below the leaves) 1–3 lateral culms carrying reduced leaves and a terminal cinnamon‐whitish rather congested inflorescence.
Studies in African Cyperaceae 31. Cyperus microcristatus, a new species from Mt Kupe, Cameroon
Authors: Lye Kåre Arnstein , Pollard Benedict John
Published: March 2008

Cyperus microcristatus, a new species from western Cameroon, is described and illustrated. Its taxonomic affinities are discussed. Cyperus microcristatus is most similar to C. densicaespitosus (syn. Kyllinga pumila) in general appearance, but differs in its more perennial habit, its smaller spikelets and glumes, which are more prominently winged. Notes on habitat, ecology, distribution and conservation are provided. It is assessed as Critically Endangered, following IUCN (2001).
Phacelophrynium sapiense (Marantaceae) a new species from Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Clausager Karen , Mood John , Borchsenius Finn
Published: March 2008

Phacelophrynium sapiense, a new species from Sabah, Malaysia, is described and illustrated. It differs from other known Phacelophrynium species in its light green to yellow leaf variegation, purple leaf underside, creamy white inflorescence and cream white flowers. The species is furthermore unusual in having a pair of membranaceous bracteoles associated with each flower, a feature otherwise known only in species of the New World genus Calathea.
The genus Leptophytum (Melobesioideae, Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in NW Spitsbergen
Authors: Athanasiadis Athanasios
Published: March 2008

Three species of the genus Leptophytum, viz. the generitype L. laeve, L. foecundum and the new Arctic endemic L. jenneborgii nov. sp. are described from localities in NW Spitsbergen. A fourth species, related to L. laeve, may also be present and its status requires further comparative studies with Lithothamnion tenue described from western Greenland. Leptophytum jenneborgii is restricted to sublittoral sites around Vasahalvøya, between 8 and 30 m depth growing on hard substrates (usually on Lithothamnion glaciale) and forming encrusting to foliose thalli up to 10 cm in diameter. New lamellae develop in an unattached‐superimposed pattern, overgrowing the parent thallus, so that individuals can reach at least 1.5 cm in thickness. Thallus organization is dorsiventral, with a noncoaxial hypothallium (producing rare patches of coaxial cells) and an ascending perithallium with short subepithallial and flattened epithallial cells. Multiporate conceptacles have convex or flattened roof and develop specialized (thinner‐wider) pore cells lining the canals. This character combination supports a position in the genus Leptophytum, as recently emended by Athanasiadis & Adey (2006), and simultaneously distinguishes L. jenneborgii from its Arctic and North Atlantic congeners. Like Leptophytum arcticum nov. comb., that is only known from Uddebay on the east coast of Novaja Zemlya, L. jenneborgii shows a restricted distribution on the presumed north periphery of maximum ice cover during the latest glaciation. It is suggested that these two species represent the first evidence of algal glacial survivals in this part of the Arctic.
A new genus of Sapindaceae from Somalia
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The new genus Hirania (Sapindaceae), with the single species H. rosea from south‐central Somalia, is decribed and illustrated. It is a shrub with simple, entire leaves, alternate or crowded on short‐shoots, and without stipules. The inflorescences are branched with monochasially arranged, unisexual flowers. The flowers (only male ones known) are zygomorphic with five sepals with gland‐tipped hairs along margins, four pink, subequal, clawed petals without appendages, and eight, glabrous stamens. The dark purple disk is narrow and tubular and consists of an upper broader segment partly enclosing a lower narrower segment. The closest relative is believed to be the Australian genus Diplopeltis.
New species of Tephrosia (Fabaceae) from Somalia and Yemen
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: March 2008

The new species Tephrosia flava, from limestone areas in north‐eastern Somalia, and T. mahrana, from wadis in the deserts of south‐eastern Yemen, are described and illustrated.
Momordica sahyadrica sp. nov. (Cucurbitaceae), an endemic species of Western Ghats of India
Authors: Kattukunnel Joseph John , Antony V. T.
Published: March 2008

Momordica sahyadrica is a new species occurring in a very narrow habitat range in Western Ghats of India. Formerly, material of it was placed under Momordica dioica, but it appeared distinct from that species in various morphological and ecological features. It is described and illustrated with a note on its distribution and ecology.
Soldanella rugosa is synonym to real S. marmarossiensis
Authors: Niederle Josef
Published: March 2008

Soldanella rugosa Zhang & Kadereit is a synonym to the real S. marmarossiensis Klášt. Correct name for the taxon called S. marmarossiensis by Zhang and Kadereit as defined by them is S. haretii G. Grint. but it comprises at least three different taxa.
Anatomy of the haustorium of Jodina rhombifolia (Santalaceae)
Authors: Luna María Luján , Giudice Gabriela Elena
Published: March 2008

The structure of the haustorium of Jodina rhombifolia in material from Argentina was analysed. Self‐haustoria and interespeciñc haustoria, the latter on Celtis tala and Scutia buxifolia, were detected. Different developmental stages of the haustorium were found, since immature to mature ones. Features such as the gland, the interrupted zone and the sucker were described. The gland was a constant feature of J. rhombifolia haustorium. A glandular activity was also observed in the clasping folds and in groups of meristematic cells disposed in the body of the haustorium. The presence of graniferous tracheary elements was confirmed under SEM. The interrupted zone was represented by few parenchyma cells as well as by large parenchyma cells. Self‐haustoria were larger than interespeciñc ones. In the former, graft‐like unions occurred at more mature stages.
Environmental factors influencing the distribution of two Atlantic Batrachium (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Molina José Antonio
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that climate largely influences the distribution pattern of semi‐terrestrial plants which form part of aquatic habitats where the climatic influence is supposed to be mitigated. The study focused on R. hederaceus and R. omiophyllus, two Atlantic plants morphologically very alike and occupying similar niches. Based on a study of the literature, their Iberian distribution patterns and the habitats they characterise were discussed. R. hederaceus and R. omiophyllus vegetation were related with climatical data by means of Canonical Correspondence Analysis. This emphasized the effect of continentality in the distribution of both taxa. There is a clear preference of R. omiophyllus plant‐communities for less continental and more humid climates. In contrast, R. hederaceus seems better adapted to more continental and drier climates. This fact helps to explain their Iberian geographical segregation: R. omiophyllus reaches a high density distribution in less continental and western areas, while R. hederaceus is more common in more inland and central areas.
The influence of floral symmetry and pollination systems on flower size variation
Authors: Ushimaru Atushi , Kikuchi Satoshi , Yonekura Ryuji , Maruyama Atsushi , Yanagisawa Nao , Kagami Maiko , Nakagawa Michiko , Mahoro Suzuki , Kohmatsu Yukihiko , Hatada Aya , Kitamura Shumpei , Nakata Kensuke
Published: March 2008

We compared the amount of variation in flower size between autogamous and insect‐pollinated species to examine the hypothesis that pollinator‐mediated selection stabilizes flower size in plant populations. One would expect the flower size variation to be larger in selfing species that are less affected by pollinator‐mediated stabilizing selection than in insect‐pollinated species. The results of phylogenetic comparisons between autogamous and insect‐pollinated flowers supported the pollinator‐mediated stabilizing selection hypothesis, although the non‐phylogenetic comparison did not. According to our results, we discuss the factors influencing the flower size variation.
Flowering frequency in a small population of Gymnadenia conopsea‐a five year study
Authors: Gustafsson Susanne
Published: March 2008

This investigation evaluates the usage of genetic markers, microsatellites, to distinguish and re‐identify individual plants in a population of the orchid Gymnadenia conopsea. The study also illustrates the problem in estimating the size of a population from single year sampling as individuals can rest underground or occur in vegetative states; information extremely important for the understanding of population dynamics as well as providing information for conservation management. The total population size was, based on information from microsatellite loci, estimated to 84 individuals and vastly larger than the annual number of flowering plants (mean 31.4 individuals/year). Flowering frequency varied from 24–49%, 53 individuals flowered once, five individuals were flowering four years and a single individual was flowering five years. A common pattern was one or two flowering periods followed by a non‐flowering period. The observed number of alleles and the observed and expected heterozygosity varied among loci, although allele frequencies and genotype frequencies did not vary significantly among years.
The dynamics of Deschampsia cespitosa in response to grazing
Authors: Rosef Line , Langerud Anne , Norderhaug Ann
Published: March 2008

The response of Deschampsia cespitosa to four different grazing regimes (continuously and rotationally grazed by sheep and continuously and rotationally grazed by cattle) was investigated in two regions in Norway. Grazing both by cattle and sheep reduces, to a certain extent, the cover of D. cespitosa, while trampling seems to benefit D. cespitosa, both in terms of distribution and cover, probably due to improved conditions for germination. These two effects are important to consider when restoring abandoned grasslands with D. cespitosa as a dominating species. If the target is to control the species, successful management will depend on an adequate grazing pressure on D. cespitosa at the start of the restoration. At the same time it is important to avoid exposed ground due to damage by trampling.
The Risks of Autologous Predonation
Authors: Baele Philippe L.
Published: March 2008

As with any therapeutic modality, autologous predonation is not devoid of risks. Ten to fifteen years ago, w hen the risk of transmitting viral diseases by transfusing allogeneic blood was substantial, the balance of risks was obvious and autologous predeposit represented a suitable technique for most elective surgical procedures. Since the early eighties the risk of transmitting HBV, HCV, HIV and related viruses has decreased by a factor of 300 or more in most developed countries, as a result of improved donor selection and improved serological testing1–5. It remains true that the transfusion system, especially through its use of pooled products, potentially constitutes a very efficient way of spreading new infectious agents that escape available detection techniques.

Like allogeneic blood, autologous blood also carries risks other than viral risks. It may therefore seem appropriate to reassessthe balance of risksfor autologous predeposit. By analogy with allogeneic transfusion, risks could be divided into risks to the donor, risks to the recipient, even if donor and recipient are meant to be the same person, and risksto third parties.
Red Blood Cell Apheresis is a cost‐effective procedure to avoid Allogeneic Transfusion
Authors: Cher Nadia Rosen , Woimant Geneviève
Published: March 2008

In the last decade, clinical investigators have focused attention on interventions to decrease the use of allogeneic blood products in surgical patients, especially in orthopedic joint surgery. Repeated Preoperative Autologous Donation (PAD) of whole blood is now widely accepted as an alter native to allogeneic transfusion1. The most import ant criticisms of this procedure deal with its cost‐effectiveness2–4, the moderate anemia induced by the technique and the organizational difficulties of the method. Red Blood Cell apheresis(RBC apheresis) is also a preoperative autologous blood donation, as it is performed three weeks prior to surgery, but 3 RBC units can be collected by apheresis on one occasion. The quality of apheresis packed red eells collected 30 days prior to surgery is similar to RBC from manual whole blood collection5.
Autologous Blood Predonation Versus Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution
Authors: Monk Terri G.
Published: March 2008

Autologous blood donation is a standard of care for elective surgical procedures requiring blood transfusion. Preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) and acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) are both recommended autologous blood procurement strategies that reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. Limitations of PAD include a high wastage of donated blood and poor cost‐effectiveness. In addition, this technique promotes preoperative anemia and a liberal transfusion policy. ANH is a “point‐of‐care” strategy that can be performed in the operating room, thereby decreasing the cost and wastage of blood. Clinical studies have demonstrated that PAD and ANH have similar efficacy and outcomes in urologic surgery. However, studies comparing these techniques in orthopedic surgery are equivocal. Cost comparisons have demonstrated that ANH is a less costly blood procurement technique than PAD. Additional clinical trials are necessary to further define the role for these autologous blood conservation modalities.
Comparison of clinical features and liver histology in acute and chronic autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Iwai Masaki , Jo Masayasu , Ishii Michiaki , Mori Takahiro , Harada Yoshinori
Published: March 2008

Aim:  We investigated the clinical and morphological features between acute and chronic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with or without acute exacerbation.

Methods & Results:  Serum total bilirubin on average was elevated to 12 mg/dL in acute AIH, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase peaked to more than 1000 U/L, and serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase was higher in the acute type compared with the chronic type without exacerbation. Serum immunoglobulin G was lowest in all other types of AIH. A liver biopsy showed interface or lobular hepatitis with lympho‐plasmacytic infiltration, and rosette formations were frequently seen in acute AIH. There were morphological changes of central necrosis with plasmacytic infiltration and giant cell hepatitis. CK19‐positive cholangiolar cells had proliferated in the periportal area with massive necrosis, and bile duct injuries were seen in acute AIH more frequently than in the chronic type.

Conclusion:  Laboratory data and liver histology in acute AIH differed from those of chronic AIH and were clarified for the diagnosis of acute AIH.
Numerical Study of Instability Mechanisms Leading to Transition in Separation Bubbles
Authors: McAuliffe Brian R. , Yaras Metin I.
Published: March 2008

In this paper, transition in a separation bubble is examined through numerical simulation. The flow Reynolds number and streamwise pressure distribution are typical of the conditions encountered on the suction side of low-pressure turbine blades of gas-turbine engines. The spatial and temporal resolutions utilized in the present computations correspond to a coarse direct numerical simulation, wherein the majority of turbulence scales, including the inertial subrange, are adequately resolved. The accuracy of the simulation results is demonstrated through favorable comparisons to experimental data corresponding to the same flow conditions. The results of the simulation show linear Tollmien-Schlichting (T-S) instability growth downstream of the point of separation, leading to the roll up of spanwise vorticity into discrete vortical structures, characteristic of Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability growth. The extent of cross-stream momentum exchange associated with packets of amplified T-S waves is examined, along with details of the time-periodic breakdown into turbulence occurring upon the development of the K-H instability. Reynolds-averaged properties of the separation bubble are presented and provide evidence of the strong three-dimensional nature of the reattachment process.
Boundary Layer Transition on the High Lift T106A Low-Pressure Turbine Blade With an Oscillating Downstream Pressure Field
Authors: Opoka Maciej M. , Thomas Richard L. , Hodson Howard P.
Published: March 2008

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the interaction between the suction surface boundary layer of a cascade of low-pressure (LP) turbine blades and a fluctuating downstream potential field. A linear cascade equipped with a set of T106 LP turbine blades was subjected to a periodic variation of the downstream pressure field by means of a moving bar system at low-speed conditions. Measurements were taken in the suction surface boundary layer using 2D laser Doppler anemometry, flush-mounted unsteady pressure transducers and surface shear stress sensors. The Reynolds number, based on the chord and exit conditions, was 1.6×105. The measurements revealed that the magnitudes of the suction surface pressure variations induced by the oscillating downstream pressure field, just downstream of the suction peak, were approximately equal to those measured in earlier studies involving upstream wakes. These pressure field oscillations induced a periodic variation of the transition onset location in the boundary layer. Two turbulence levels were investigated. At a low level of inlet freestream turbulence of 0.5%, a separation bubble formed on the rear part of the suction surface. Unsteady measurements of the surface pressure revealed the presence of high-frequency oscillations occurring near the start of the pressure recovery region. The amplitude of these fluctuations was of the order of 7–8% of exit dynamic pressure, and inspection of the velocity field revealed the presence of Kelvin-Helmholtz-type shear layer vortices in the separated free shear layer. The frequency of these shear layer vortices was approximately one order-of-magnitude greater than the frequency of the downstream passing bars. At a higher inlet freestream turbulence level of 4.0%, which is more representative of real engine environments, separation was prevented by an earlier onset of transition. Oscillations were still observed in suction surface shear stress measurements at a frequency matching the period of the downstream bar, indicating a continued influence on the boundary layer from the oscillating pressure field. However, the shear layer vortices seen in the lower turbulence intensity case were not so clearly observed, and the maximum amplitude of suction surface pressure fluctuations was reduced.
Flow Physics and Profiling of Recessed Blade Tips: Impact on Performance and Heat Load
Authors: Mischo Bob , Behr Thomas , Abhari Reza S.
Published: March 2008

In axial turbine, the tip clearance flow occurring in rotor blade rows is responsible for about one-third of the aerodynamic losses in the blade row and in many cases is the limiting factor for the blade lifetime. The tip leakage vortex forms when the leaking fluid crosses the gap between the rotor blade tip and the casing from pressure to suction side and rolls up into a vortex on the blade suction side. The flow through the tip gap is both of high velocity and of high temperature, with the heat transfer to the blade from the hot fluid being very high in the blade tip area. In order to avoid blade tip burnout and a failure of the machine, blade tip cooling is commonly used. This paper presents the physical study and an improved design of a recessed blade tip for a highly loaded axial turbine rotor blade with application in high pressure axial turbines in aero engine or power generation. With use of three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the flow field near the tip of the blade for different shapes of the recess cavities is investigated. Through better understanding and control of cavity vortical structures, an improved design is presented and its differences from the generic flat tip blade are highlighted. It is observed that by an appropriate profiling of the recess shape, the total tip heat transfer Nusselt number was significantly reduced, being 15% lower than the flat tip and 7% lower than the base line recess shape. Experimental results also showed an overall improvement of 0.2% in the one-and-a-half-stage turbine total efficiency with the improved recess design compared to the flat tip case. The CFD analysis conducted on single rotor row configurations predicted a 0.38% total efficiency increase for the rotor equipped with the new recess design compared to the flat tip rotor.
Advanced Aerodynamic Optimization System for Turbomachinery
Authors: Chen Bo , Yuan Xin
Published: March 2008

To further improve the efficiency of turbomachinery, an advanced aerodynamic optimization system has been developed for the turbomachinery blade optimization design. The system includes parametric modeling, evaluation system, and optimization strategy modules. The nonuniform rational B-spline technique is successfully used for parametric modeling of different blade shapes. An in-house viscous flow code, which combines the lower-upper symmetric-Gauss-Seidel Gaussian elimination (LU-SGS-GE) implicit scheme and the modified fourth-order monotone upstream-centered schemes for conservation laws total variation diminishing (MUSCL TVD) scheme, has been developed for flow field evaluation, which can be replaced by other computational fluid dynamics codes. The optimization strategy is defined by different cases in the system. Parallel optimization technique was used to accelerate the optimization processes. Three test cases were optimized to improve the efficiency by using the system. These cases are the annular turbine cascades with a subsonic turbine blade, a transonic turbine blade, and a subsonic turbine stage. Reasonably high efficiency and performance were confirmed by comparing the analytical results with those of the previous ones. The advanced aerodynamic optimization system can be an efficient and robust design tool to achieve good blade optimization designs in a reasonable time.
Host Cells Participate in the In Vitro Effects of Novel Diamidine Analogues against Tachyzoites of the Intracellular Apicomplexan ParasitesNeospora caninumandToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Leepin Angela , Stüdli Angela , Brun Reto , Stephens Chad E. , Boykin David W. , Hemphill Andrew
Published: March 2008

The in vitro effects of 19 dicationic diamidine derivatives against the proliferative tachyzoite stages of the apicomplexan parasitesNeospora caninumandToxoplasma gondiiwere investigated. Four compounds (DB811, DB786, DB750, and DB766) with similar structural properties exhibited profound inhibition of tachyzoite proliferation. The lowest 50% inhibitory concentrations were found for DB786 (0.21 μM againstNeosporaand 0.22 μM againstToxoplasma) and DB750 (0.23 μM againstNeosporaand 0.16 μM againstToxoplasma), with complete proliferation inhibition at 1.7 μM for both drugs against both species. DB750 and DB786 were chosen for further studies. Electron microscopy ofN. caninum-infected human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cultures revealed distinct alterations and damage of parasite ultrastructure upon drug treatment, while host cells remained unaffected. For true parasiticidal efficacy againstN. caninum, a treatment duration of 3 h at 1.7 μM was sufficient for DB750, while a longer treatment period (24 h) was necessary for DB786. Pretreatment of tachyzoites for 1 h prior to host cell exposure had no effect on infectivity. However, pretreatment of uninfected host cells had a significant adverse effect onN. caninumproliferation: exposure of HFFs to 1.7 μM DB750 for 6, 12, or 24 h, followed by infection withN. caninumtachyzoites and subsequent culture in the absence of DB750, resulted in significantly delayed parasite proliferation. This suggests that either (i) these compounds or their respective active metabolites were still present after the removal of the drugs or (ii) the drug treatments reversibly impaired some functional activities in HFFs that were essential for parasite proliferation and/or survival.