bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding system dynamics of an adaptive enzyme network from globally profiled kinetic parameters
Authors: Chiang Austin WT , Liu Wei-Chung , Charusanti Pep , Hwang Ming-Jing
Published: January 2014

Background

A major challenge in mathematical modeling of biological systems is to determine how model parameters contribute to systems dynamics. As biological processes are often complex in nature, it is desirable to address this issue using a systematic approach. Here, we propose a simple methodology that first performs an enrichment test to find patterns in the values of globally profiled kinetic parameters with which a model can produce the required system dynamics; this is then followed by a statistical test to elucidate the association between individual parameters and different parts of the system’s dynamics.

Results

We demonstrate our methodology on a prototype biological system of perfect adaptation dynamics, namely the chemotaxis model for Escherichia coli. Our results agreed well with those derived from experimental data and theoretical studies in the literature. Using this model system, we showed that there are motifs in kinetic parameters and that these motifs are governed by constraints of the specified system dynamics.

Conclusions

A systematic approach based on enrichment statistical tests has been developed to elucidate the relationships between model parameters and the roles they play in affecting system dynamics of a prototype biological network. The proposed approach is generally applicable and therefore can find wide use in systems biology modeling research.
Comparison of healing rate in diabetes‐related foot ulcers with low frequency ultrasonic debridement versus non‐surgical sharps debridement: a randomised trial protocol
Authors: Michailidis Lucia , Williams Cylie M , Bergin Shan M , Haines Terry P
Published: January 2014

Background

Foot ulceration has been reported as the leading cause of hospital admission and amputation in individuals with diabetes. Diabetes‐related foot ulcers require multidisciplinary management and best practice care, including debridement, offloading, dressings, management of infection, modified footwear and management of extrinsic factors.

Ulcer debridement is a commonly applied management approach involving removal of non‐viable tissue from the ulcer bed. Different methods of debridement have been reported in the literature including autolytic debridement via moist wound healing, mechanical debridement utilising wet to dry dressings, theatre based sharps debridement, biological debridement, non‐surgical sharps debridement and newer technology such as low frequency ultrasonic debridement.

Methods

People with diabetes and a foot ulcer, referred to and treated by the Podiatry Department at Monash Health and who meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to participate in this randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomly and equally allocated to either the non‐surgical sharps debridement (control) or low frequency ultrasonic debridement (intervention) group (n = 322 ulcers/n = 108 participants).

Where participants have more than one ulcer, only the participant will be randomised, not the ulcer. An investigator not involved in participant recruitment or assessment will be responsible for preparing the random allocation sequence and envelopes.

Each participant will receive weekly treatment for six months including best practice podiatric management. Each ulcer will be measured on a weekly basis by calculating total area in centimetres squared. Measurement will be undertaken by a trained research assistant to ensure outcomes are blinded from the treating podiatrist. Another member of the research team will assess the final primary outcome.

Discussion

The primary aim of this study is to compare healing rates for diabetes‐related foot ulcers using non‐surgical sharps debridement versus low frequency ultrasonic debridement over a six month period. The primary outcome measure for this study is the proportion of ulcers healed by the six month follow‐up period.

Secondary outcomes will include a quality of life measure, assessment of pain and health care resource use between the two treatment modalities.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12612000490875.
Next-generation plant science: putting big data to work
Authors: Brauer Elizabeth K , Singh Dharmendra K , Popescu Sorina C
Published: January 2014

A Report on the Plant Genomes & Biotechnology: From Genes to Networks meeting, held at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, USA, December 4–7, 2013.
Human cadaver multipotent stromal/stem cells isolated from arteries stored in liquid nitrogen for 5 years
Authors: Valente Sabrina , Alviano Francesco , Ciavarella Carmen , Buzzi Marina , Ricci Francesca , Tazzari Pier Luigi , Pagliaro Pasqualepaolo , Pasquinelli Gianandrea
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Regenerative medicine challenges researchers to find noncontroversial, safe and abundant stem cell sources. In this context, harvesting from asystolic donors could represent an innovative and unlimited reservoir of different stem cells. In this study, cadaveric vascular tissues were established as an alternative source of human cadaver mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hC-MSCs). We reported the successful cell isolation from postmortem arterial segments stored in a tissue-banking facility for at least 5 years.

Methods

After thawing, hC-MSCs were isolated with a high efficiency (12 × 106) and characterized with flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, molecular and ultrastructural approaches.

Results

In early passages, hC-MSCs were clonogenic, highly proliferative and expressed mesenchymal (CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, HLA-G), stemness (Stro-1, Oct-4, Notch-1), pericyte (CD146, PDGFR-β, NG2) and neuronal (Nestin) markers; hematopoietic and vascular markers were negative. These cells had colony and spheroid-forming abilities, multipotency for their potential to differentiate in multiple mesengenic lineages and immunosuppressive activity to counteract proliferation of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated blood mononuclear cells.

Conclusions

The efficient procurement of stem cells from cadaveric sources, as postmortem vascular tissues, demonstrates that such cells can survive to prolonged ischemic insult, anoxia, freezing and dehydration injuries, thus paving the way for a scientific revolution where cadaver stromal/stem cells could effectively treat patients demanding cell therapies.
Palmitoylethanolamide Prevents Metabolic Alterations and Restores Leptin Sensitivity in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Mattace Raso G. , Santoro A. , Russo R. , Simeoli R. , Paciello O. , Di Carlo C. , Diano S. , Calignano A. , Meli Rosaria
Published: January 2014

It has been suggested a role of fatty acid ethanolamides in control of feeding behavior. Among these, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has not been directly implicated in appetite regulation and weight gain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PEA on food intake and body weight and the interaction between PEA and hypothalamic leptin signaling in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomy produced hyperphagia and increased weight gain, making it an useful model of mild obesity. Ovariectomized rats were treated with PEA (30 mg/kg sc) for 5 weeks. Then, blood was collected, and hypothalamus and adipose tissue were removed for histological, cellular, and molecular measurements. We showed that PEA caused a reduction of food intake, body weight, and fat mass. The mechanisms underlying PEA effects involved an improvement in hypothalamic leptin signaling, through a raise in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation. We also reported that PEA reduced AMP-activated protein kinase-α phosphorylation and modulated transcription of anorectic and orexigenic neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. Moreover, PEA increased AMP-activated protein kinase-α phosphorylation and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 transcription in adipose tissue, suggesting an increase in ATP-producing catabolic pathway. PEA also polarized adipose tissue macrophages to M2 lean phenotype, associated to a reduction of inflammatory cytokines/adipokines. To demonstrate the direct effect of PEA on leptin sensitivity without interference of adiposity loss, we obtained consistent data in PEA-treated sham-operated animals and in vitro in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. Therefore, our data provide a rationale for the therapeutic use of PEA in obese postmenopausal woman.
Normal functions and the height of Gross-Schoen cycles
Authors: Jong Robin De
Published: January 2014

We prove a variant of a formula due to Zhang relating the Beilinson– Bloch height of the Gross–Schoen cycle on a pointed curve with the self-intersection of its relative dualizing sheaf. In our approach, the height of the Gross–Schoen cycle occurs as the degree of a suitable Bloch line bundle. We show that the Chern form of this line bundle is nonnegative, and we calculate its class in the Picard group of the moduli space of pointed stable curves of compact type. The basic tools are normal functions and biextensions associated to the cohomology of the universal Jacobian.
Early motor deficits in mouse disease models are reliably uncovered using an automated home cage wheel-running system: a cross-laboratory validation
Authors: Mandillo Silvia , Heise Ines , Garbugino Luciana , Tocchini-Valentini Glauco P. , Giuliani Alessandro , Wells Sara , Nolan Patrick M.
Published: January 2014

Deficits in motor function are debilitating features in disorders affecting neurological, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. Although these can vary greatly with respect to age of onset, symptomatic presentation, rate of progression and severity, the study of these disease models in mice is confined to use of a small number of tests, most commonly the Rotarod test. To expand the repertoire of meaningful motor function tests in mice, we tested, optimised and validated an automated home-cage based running-wheel system, incorporating a conventional wheel with evenly-spaced rungs and a complex wheel with particular rungs absent. The system enables automated assessment of motor function without handler interference which is desirable in longitudinal studies involving continuous monitoring of motor performance. In baseline studies at two test centres, consistently significant differences in performance on both wheels were detectable among four common inbred strains. As further validation, we studied performance in mutant models of progressive neurodegenerative disease, Huntington's Disease, TgN(HD82Gln)81Dbo (HD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Tg(SOD1G93A)dl1/GurJ (SOD1) and in a mutant strain with subtle gait abnormalities, C-Snap25Bdr/H (Blind-drunk, Bdr). In both models of progressive disease, as with the third mutant, we could reliably and consistently detect specific motor function deficits at ages far earlier than any previously-recorded symptoms in vivo, 7-8 weeks for the HD mice and 12 weeks for the SOD1 mice. This included longitudinal analysis of Rotarod and grip strength performance where deficits were still not detectable at 12 weeks and 23 weeks respectively. Several new parameters of motor behaviour were uncovered using Principal Component Analysis, indicating that the wheel-running assay could record features of motor function that are independent of Rotarod performance. This represents a powerful new method to detect motor deficits at pre-symptomatic stages in mouse disease models and should be considered as a valid tool to investigate the efficacy of therapeutic agents.
CK1δ and CK1ε are components of human 40S subunit precursors required for cytoplasmic 40S maturation
Authors: Zemp Ivo , Wandrey Franziska , Rao Sanjana , Ashiono Caroline , Wyler Emanuel , Montellese Christian , Kutay Ulrike
Published: January 2014

Biogenesis of 40S pre-ribosomal subunits requires many trans-acting factors, among them several protein kinases. In this study we show that the human CK1 isoforms δ and ε are required for cytoplasmic maturation steps of 40S subunit precursors. We show that both CK1 δ and ε isoforms are components of pre-40S subunits, where they phosphorylate the ribosome biogenesis factors ENP1/BYSL and LTV1. CK1 inhibition or co-depletion of CK1δ and ε result in failure to recycle a series of trans-acting factors including ENP1/BYSL, LTV1, RRP12, DIM2/PNO1, RIO2 and NOB1 from pre-40S particles after nuclear export. Further, CK1δ/ε co-depletion leads to defects in 18S-E pre-rRNA processing. Together, these data demonstrate that CK1δ and ε play a decisive role in triggering late steps of pre-40S maturation that are required for acquisition of functionality of 40S ribosomal subunits in protein translation.
mRNA localization to P-bodies in yeast is bi-phasic with many mRNAs captured in a late Bfr1p-dependent wave
Authors: Simpson Clare E. , Lui Jennifer , Kershaw Christopher J. , Sims Paul F. G. , Ashe Mark P.
Published: January 2014

The relocalization of translationally repressed mRNAs to mRNA Processing bodies (P-bodies) is a key consequence of cellular stress across many systems. P-bodies harbor mRNA degradation components and are implicated in mRNA decay, but the relative timing and control of mRNA relocalization to P-bodies is poorly understood. We used the MS2-GFP system to follow the movement of specific endogenous mRNAs in live yeast cells after nutritional stress. It appears that the relocalization of mRNA to P-bodies after stress is bi-phasic: some mRNAs are present early, whereas others are recruited much later concomitant with recruitment of translation initiation factors, such as eIF4E. We also find that Bfr1p is a late phase localizing P-body protein that is important for the delayed entry of the specific tested mRNAs to P-bodies. Therefore, for the mRNAs tested, relocalization to P-bodies varies both in terms of the kinetics and factor requirements. This work highlights a potential new regulatory juncture in gene expression that would facilitate the overall rationalization of protein content required for adaptation to stress.
Differential roles of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy in the clearance of soluble and aggregated TDP-43 species
Authors: Scotter Emma L , Vance Caroline , Nishimura Agnes L , Lee Youn-Bok , Chen Han-Jou , Urwin Hazel , Sardone Valentina , Mitchell Jacqueline C , Rogelj Boris , Rubinsztein David C , Shaw Christopher E
Published: January 2014

TARDBP (TDP-43) is the major pathological protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Large TDP-43 aggregates decorated by degradation adaptor proteins are seen in the cytoplasm of remaining neurons in patients post mortem. TDP-43 accumulation, and ALS-linked mutations within degradation pathways, implicates failed TDP-43 clearance as a primary disease mechanism. Here we report the differential roles of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy in the clearance of TDP-43. We have investigated the effects of UPS and autophagy inhibitors on the degradation, localisation and mobility of soluble and insoluble TDP-43. We find that soluble TDP-43 is degraded primarily by the UPS, while aggregated TDP-43 clearance requires autophagy. Cellular macroaggregates, which recapitulate many pathological features of patient aggregates, are reversible when both the UPS and autophagy are competent. Their clearance involves the autophagic removal of oligomeric TDP-43. We speculate that in addition to age-related decline, a second hit in the UPS or autophagy pathways drives the accumulation of TDP-43 in ALS and FTD. Therapies for clearing excess TDP-43 should therefore be targeted to a combination of these pathways.
Podosomes of dendritic cells facilitate antigen sampling
Authors: Baranov Maksim , ter Beest Martin , Reinieren-Beeren Inge , Cambi Alessandra , Figdor Carl G. , van den Bogaart Geert
Published: January 2014

Dendritic cells sample the environment for antigens and play an important role in establishing the link between innate and acquired immunity. Dendritic cells contain mechanosensitive adhesive structures called podosomes that consist of an actin-rich core surrounded by integrins, adaptor proteins and actin network filaments. They facilitate cell migration via localized degradation of extracellular matrix. Here we show that podosomes of human dendritic cells locate to spots of low physical resistance in the substrate (soft spots) where they can evolve into protrusive structures. Pathogen recognition receptors locate to these protrusive structures where they can trigger localized antigen uptake, processing and presentation to activate T-cells. Our data demonstrate a novel role in antigen sampling for podosomes of dendritic cells.
Measurement of hydrodynamic force generation by swimming dolphins using bubble DPIV
Authors: Fish Frank E. , Legac Paul , Williams Terrie M. , Wei Timothy
Published: January 2014

Attempts to measure the propulsive forces produced by swimming dolphins have been limited. Previous uses of computational hydrodynamic models and gliding experiments have provided estimates of thrust production by dolphins, but these were indirect tests that relied on various assumptions. The thrust produced by two actively swimming bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was directly measured using digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). For dolphins swimming in a large outdoor pool, the DPIV method used illuminated microbubbles that were generated in a narrow sheet from a finely porous hose and a compressed air source. The movement of the bubbles was tracked with a high-speed video camera. Dolphins swam at speeds of 0.7 to 3.4 m s−1 within the bubble sheet oriented along the midsagittal plane of the animal. The wake of the dolphin was visualized as the microbubbles were displaced because of the action of the propulsive flukes and jet flow. The oscillations of the dolphin flukes were shown to generate strong vortices in the wake. Thrust production was measured from the vortex strength through the Kutta–Joukowski theorem of aerodynamics. The dolphins generated up to 700 N during small amplitude swimming and up to 1468 N during large amplitude starts. The results of this study demonstrated that bubble DPIV can be used effectively to measure the thrust produced by large-bodied dolphins.
Falcons pursue prey using visual motion cues: new perspectives from animal-borne cameras
Authors: Kane Suzanne Amador , Zamani Marjon
Published: January 2014

This study reports on experiments on falcons wearing miniature videocameras mounted on their backs or heads while pursuing flying prey. Videos of hunts by a gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus)/Saker falcon (F. cherrug) hybrids and peregrine falcons (F. peregrinus) were analyzed to determine apparent prey positions on their visual fields during pursuits. These video data were then interpreted using computer simulations of pursuit steering laws observed in insects and mammals. A comparison of the empirical and modeling data indicates that falcons use cues due to the apparent motion of prey on the falcon's visual field to track and capture flying prey via a form of motion camouflage. The falcons also were found to maintain their prey's image at visual angles consistent with using their shallow fovea. These results should prove relevant for understanding the co-evolution of pursuit and evasion, as well as the development of computer models of predation and the integration of sensory and locomotion systems in biomimetic robots.
Route following and the pigeon's familiar area map
Authors: Guilford Tim , Biro Dora
Published: January 2014

Homing pigeons (Columba livia) have been the central model of avian navigation research for many decades, but only more recently has research extended into understanding their mechanisms of orientation in the familiar area. The discovery (facilitated by GPS tracking) that pigeons gradually acquire with experience individually idiosyncratic routes home to which they remain faithful on repeated releases, even if displaced off-route, has helped uncover the fundamental role of familiar visual landmarks in the avian familiar area map. We evaluate the robustness and generality of the route-following phenomenon by examining extant studies in depth, including the single published counter-example, providing a detailed comparison of route efficiencies, flight corridor widths and fidelity. We combine this analysis with a review of inferences that can be drawn from other experimental approaches to understanding the nature of familiar area orientation in pigeons, including experiments on landmark recognition, and response to clock-shift, to build the first detailed picture of how bird orientation develops with experience of the familiar area. We articulate alternative hypotheses for how guidance might be controlled during route following, concluding that although much remains unknown, the details of route following strongly support a pilotage interpretation. Predictable patterns of efficiency increase, but limited to the local route, typical corridor widths of 100–200 m, high-fidelity pinch-points on route, attraction to landscape edges, and a robustness to clock-shift procedures, all demonstrate that birds can associatively acquire a map of their familiar area guided (at least partially) by direct visual control from memorised local landscape features.
The whole is more than the sum of all its parts: collective effect of spider attachment organs
Authors: Wohlfart Ellen , Wolff Jonas O. , Arzt Eduard , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: January 2014

Dynamic attachment is the key to moving safely and fast in a three-dimensional environment. Among lizards, hexapods and arachnids, several lineages have evolved hairy foot pads that can generate strong friction and adhesion on both smooth and rough surfaces. A strongly expressed directionality of attachment structures results in an anisotropy of frictional properties, which might be crucial for attachment control. In a natural situation, more than one leg is usually in contact with the substrate. In order to understand the collective effect of hairy foot pads in the hunting spider Cupiennius salei (Arachnida, Ctenidae), we performed vertical pulling experiments combined with stepwise disabling of the pads. We found the attachment force of the spider to be not simply the sum of single leg forces because with leg pair deactivation a much greater decrease in attachment forces was found than was predicted by just the loss of available adhesive pad area. This indicates that overall adhesion ability of the spider is strongly dependent on the antagonistic work of opposing legs, and the apparent contact area plays only a minor role. It is concluded that the coordinated action of the legs is crucial for adhesion control and for fast and easy detachment. The cumulative effect of anisotropic fibrillar adhesive structures could be potentially interesting for biomimetic applications, such as novel gripping devices.
Sodium Hypochlorite-promoted Novel Synthesis of Organic Ammonium Tribromides and Application of Phenanthroline Hydrotribromide in Chemoselective Oxidation of Organic Sulfides by Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Dey Madhudeepa , Dey Rupa R , Dhar Siddhartha S
Published: January 2014

A novel method of synthesis of organic ammonium tribromides (OATBs) is developed by using an inexpensive and eco-friendly sodium hypochlorite as oxidant for conversion of Br− to Br3−. The OATBs thus prepared include both quaternary ammonium tribromides and N-heterocyclic tribromides. A new addition to the family of OATBs is made in the form of phenanthroline hydrotribromide. The efficacy of this new tribromide as catalyst is ascertained in the oxidative transformation of organic sulfides to their corresponding sulfoxides and sulfones by hydrogen peroxide.
An Application of Adaptive Blades on Convertible MAVs
Authors: Lv Peng , Mohd-Zawawi Fazila , Benard Emmanuel , Prothin Sebastien , Moschetta Jean-Marc , Morlier Joseph
Published: January 2014

A passive twist control is considered as an adaptive way to maximize the overall efficiency of a proprotor developed for convertible Micro Air Vehicles. The varied operation conditions suggest different twist distributions for hover and forward flight with the constraint of identical planform. In this work, adaption of the proprotor geometry is achieved by centrifugal force induced twist. Classical Lamination Theory is used to predict structural loads, while Blade Element Momentum Theory is employed to understand the aerodynamic benefits of adaptive proprotor as applied on Micro Air Vehicles. Tip mass is proposed to increase the stability and generate negative torsion for rotating blade. Validation of the procedure is based on measurements of blade deformation, performed by laser displacement sensors. While negative torsion is found in both rotor and propeller modes, level of deformation is still below what is required for optimum dual operation.
Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Low Aspect Ratio Wing and Propeller Interaction for a Tilt-Body MAV
Authors: Chinwicharnam Kwanchai , Ariza David Gomez , Moschetta Jean-Marc , Thipyopas Chinnapat
Published: January 2014

An experimental investigation of the interaction of a propeller-wing configuration for a tilt body MAV VTOL was performed in the low speed wind tunnel. This study's primary objective is to present the effect of the interactions between a low aspect ratio wing and propeller for a range of incidence in transition between horizontal and vertical flight. During the transition from horizontal flight to vertical flight or vice versa, the flow patterns seen by the wing are the result of the combination between the free-stream and the propeller flow. This was reflected in the change of the aerodynamic forces and moments of the wing. The model is a tractor configuration propeller and with a wing of aspect ratio equal to one, the airfoil of the wing is a NACA 0012. All tests were conducted at low speeds in a range from 2 to 8 m/s. In order to simulate the transition flight of a tilt-body MAV VTOL a range of incidence from −10 to 90 degrees was used. The results show that the flow of the propeller certainly improves the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing, increasing the lift and delaying stall with respect to the flight path of the MAV.
Development of a Long Endurance Mini-UAV: ETERNITY
Authors: Bronz Murat , Hattenberger Gautier , Moschetta Jean-Marc
Published: January 2014

This study presents the effort given for the first prototype of a Long Endurance Mini UAV concept called Eternity. A multi-disciplinary conceptual aircraft design program called CDSGN is developed and used for the design of the Eternity. Unlike the traditional design methods that uses statistical data from the previous well-flown aircrafts, CDSGN analyses numerous aircraft candidates and simulates each candidate for the given mission definition and outputs the corresponding performance. The unique property of the presented design methodology comes from a computationally fast and physically accurate modelling of the aerodynamic characteristics of each candidate by using a modified version of a vortex lattice program called AVL from Mark Drela. Two types of configurations have been analysed for the Eternity design, conventional and flying-wing. A wide envelope of variable design parameters used for both configurations such as wing surface area, cruise speed, battery capacity, different airfoils, etc… Integration of solar cells, and the management of solar energy is also considered for every candidate. Only the wing span size has been limited to one meter. Additionally, the on-board avionics and payload weights and sizes are fixed for every candidate as they are independent of the design. Analyses by CDSGN concluded the dominance of the conventional configuration for the given long endurance mission performance both on solar and non-solar conditions. Optimum wing surface area and the on-board battery energy found interactively by a post-filtering program developed in-house. A custom airfoil family, transitioning along the span, have been designed specifically for the corresponding local Reynolds number for specific spanwise locations. A wind-tunnel campaign is performed with a full-scale model and first flight tests have been performed in order to show the feasibility of long endurance flights.
Pitch Moment Generation and Measurement in a Robotic Hummingbird
Authors: Karásek Matěj , Nan Yanghai , Romanescu Iulian , Preumont André
Published: January 2014

Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) with flapping wings try to mimic their biological counterparts, insects and hummingbirds, as they can combine high agility manoeuvres with precision hovering flight. Near-hovering flapping flight is naturally unstable and needs to be stabilized actively. We present a novel mechanism for pitch moment generation in a robotic hummingbird that uses wing twist modulation via flexible wing root bars. A custom build force balance, sensitive enough to measure the cycle averaged pitch moment as well as lift force, is also presented. The introduced prototype mechanism generates pitch moment of up to ± 0.5 mNm. Finally we integrate a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire to actuate the wing root bar ends. We present achievable displacement versus bandwidth as well as generated pitch moment.
Incorporating Innovation into Iterative Software Development Using the Inventive Problem Solving Methodology
Authors: Fulbright Ron
Published: January 2014

Iterative software methodologies allow development teams to be agile in their response to changing requirements. However, the software development team is usually at the mercy of requirements changes, rather than being part of the project engineering staff defining the changes to the solution architecture. Therefore, projects tend to implement inferior solutions. Integrating a project-level innovation technique called Inventive Problem Solving into agile software development methodologies such as the spiral model, the Rational Unified Process, and Scrum, allows the development team to affect the overall solution architecture utilizing their expertise in information technology to the maximum benefit. As a result, more creative, innovative, and efficient solutions to the problem are conceived and implemented.
The Effect of Research & Development Activities and Open Innovation Activities: A Key to Low/ Medium Technology Industries and Firms in Catalonia
Authors: El salam El Rayyes Abd , Valls-Pasola Jaume
Published: January 2014

Research and Development (R&D) activities and Open Innovation activities (OI) have been of crucial importance in Low/Medium Technology (LMT) sectors that are based on the innovation abilities of LMT firms. This article analyzes the links between OI activities and R&D activities in Catalan (Spain) LMT firms. First, we develop a model of how innovation is developed within LMT Catalan firms. By analyzing R&D and OI activities in LMT firms, we measure both internal and external activities of these firms. Secondly, we explore the effects of R&D activities and OI activities in the industrial sector, and then the effects of both in the market of the Catalonia region. Catalan LMT firms have unique opportunities in the innovation process, yet face some obstacles. The objective of this article is to advocate for bridges to be built between university research and public centers, and LMT firms in Catalonia. To define the current issue within the field of Catalan LMT firms, we sample 2008 to 2010 data from the Spanish National Statistical Institute (INE), Statistical Institute of Catalonia (IDESCAT), and the Organization for Economic, Cooperation and Development (OECD).
ΠΡΩΤΟΠΑΘΕΣ ΓΑΣΤΡΙΚΟ ΛΕΜΦΩΜΑ:ΔΙΑΓΝΩΣΗ,ΣΤΑΔΙΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΝΟΣΟΥ ΜΕ ΕΝΔΟΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΥΠΕΡΗΧΟΤΟΜΟΓΡΑΦΙΑ
Authors: Ταραζής Στέφανος
Published: January 2014

Η ΕΡΓΑΣΙΑ ΑΥΤΗ ΑΞΙΟΛΟΓΕΙ ΤΗ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΗ ΤΗΣ ΕΝΔΟΣΚΟΠΙΚΗΣ ΥΠΕΡΗΧΟΤΟΜΟΓΡΑΦΙΑΣ(EUS) ΣΤΗΝ ΔΙΑΓΝΩΣΗ,ΣΤΑΔΙΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΝΟΣΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΠΡΩΤΟΠΑΘΟΥΣ ΓΕΣΤΡΙΚΟΥ ΛΕΜΦΩΜΑΤΟΣ.ΤΟ ΥΛΙΚΟ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΑΝ 28 ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ(16 ΑΝΔΡΕΣ-12 ΓΥΝΑΙΚΕΣ).Η ΤΕΛΙΚΗΔΙΑΓΝΩΣΗ ΤΕΘΗΚΕ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΞΕΤΑΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΧΕΙΡΟΥΡΓΙΚΟΥ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΑΣΜΑΤΟΣ.ΤΑ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ ΤΗΣ EUS ΣΥΓΚΡΙΘΗΚΑΝ ΜΕ ΑΥΤΑ ΤΗΣ ΓΑΣΤΡΟΣΚΟΠΗΣΗ,ΤΗΣ ΑΞΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΤΟΜΟΓΡΑΦΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΙΣΤΟΛΟΓΙΚΗΣ ΕΞΕΤΑΣΗΣ.Η EUS ΣΤΗ ΔΙΑΓΝΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΓΑΣΤΡΙΚΟΥ ΛΕΜΦΩΜΑΤΟΣ ΕΙΧΕ ΕΥΑΙΣΘΗΣΙΑ 89% ΣΕ ΑΝΤΙΘΕΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΗ ΓΑΣΤΡΟΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΞΟΝΙΚΗ ΤΟΜΟΓΡΑΦΙΑ ΠΟΥ ΕΙΧΑΝ ΕΙΧΑΝ ΕΥΑΙΣΘΗΣΙΑ 68% ΚΑΙ 46% ΑΝΤΙΣΤΟΙΧΑ.Η ΘΕΤΙΚΗ ΔΙΑΓΝΩΣΤΙΚΗ ΑΞΙΑ ΤΗΣ EUS ΗΤΑΝ 88% ΚΑΙ Η ΕΙΔΙΚΟΤΗΤΑ 95%,Η ΑΡΝΗΤΙΚΗ ΔΙΑΓΝΩΣΤΙΚΗ ΑΞΙΑ 96% ΚΑΙ ΗΔΙΑΓΝΩΣΤΙΚΗ ΑΚΡΙΒΕΙΑ 94%.ΣΤΗΝ ΕΚΤΙΜΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΒΑΘΟΥΣ ΔΙΗΘΗΣΗΣ Η EUS ΕΙΧΕ ΕΥΑΙΣΘΗΣΙΑ 92% ΚΑΙ Η ΑΞΟΝ.ΤΟΜΟΓΡΑΦΙΑ 25%.ΣΤΗΝ ΕΚΤΙΜΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΥΠΑΡΞΗΣ ΠΕΡΙΓΑΣΤΡΙΚΩΝ ΛΕΜΦΑΔΕΝΩΝ Η ΕΥΑΙΣΘΗΣΙΑ ΤΗΣ EUS ΗΤΑΝ 59% ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΑΞΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΤΟΜΟΓΡΑΦΙΑΣ 35%,ΕΝΩΣΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΖΗΤΗΣΗ ΑΠΟΜΕΜΑΚΡΥΜΕΝΩΝ ΛΕΜΦΑΔΕΝΩ Η ΕΥΑΙΣΘΗΣΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΑΞΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΤΟΜΟΓΡΑΦΙΑΣ ΗΤΑΝ 80% ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ EUS 20%.ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΙΚΑ Η EUS ΤΟΣΟ ΣΤΗ ΔΙΑΓΝΩΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΑΔΙΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΟΣΟ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΑΣΘΕΝΩΝ ΜΕΤΑ ΧΗΜΕΙΟΘΕΡΑΠΕΙΑ ΘΑ ΕΧΕΙ ΠΡΩΤΕΥΟΝΤΑ ΡΟΛΟ ΣΤΟ ΜΕΛΛΟΝ ΣΕ ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ ΜΕ ΛΕΜΦΩΜΑ ΣΤΟΜΑΧΟΥ.
Η διαφορική απέκκριση του καρκινοεμβρυικού αντιγόνου (CEA) προς το αίμα και τον εντερικό αυλό ανάλογα του βαθμού διαφοροποίησης των αδενοκαρκινωμάτων του παχέος εντέρου.
Authors: Νικολάου Φιλιππία
Published: January 2014

ΓΝΩΣΤΟΥ ΟΝΤΩΣ ΟΤΙ ΤΟ CEA ΕΝΤΟΠΙΖΕΤΑΙ ΣΤΑ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΔΙΑ ΠΡΩΤΕΙΝΙΚΗΣ ΣΥΝΘΕΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΟΥ ΥΠΟ ΜΟΡΦΗ ΕΚΚΡΙΤΙΚΩΝ ΚΟΚΚΙΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΟΝ ΚΟΡΥΦΑΙΟ ΠΟΛΟ ΑΥΤΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΔΕΔΟΜΕΝΟΥ ΟΤΙ Η ΑΝΑΓΕΝΝΗΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΕΠΙΘΗΛΑΚΙΩΝ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΕΝΤΕΡΙΚΟΥ ΒΛΕΝΟΓΟΝΟΥ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΥΨΗΛΗ,ΜΕΛΕΤΗΘΗΚΑΝ ΟΙ ΜΕΤΑΒΟΛΕΣ ΤΟΥ CEA ΣΤΑ ΚΟΠΡΑΝΑ ΚΑΤΑ ΤΗΝ ΑΧΙΝΙΚΗ ΠΟΡΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟΥ ΠΑΧΕΟΣ ΕΝΤΕΡΟΥ,ΘΕΩΡΩΝΤΑΣ ΑΠΙΘΑΝΗ ΤΗΝ ΥΠΑΡΞΗ ΤΟΥ ΣΤΟΝ ΕΝΤΕΡΙΚΟ ΑΥΛΟ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΕΡΧΟΜΕΝΟ ΑΠΟ ΕΞΩΤΕΡΙΚΗ ΠΡΟΕΛΕΥΣΗ.ΤΑ ΕΥΡΗΜΑΤΑ ΣΥΓΚΡΙΘΗΚΑΝ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΑ ΕΥΡΗΜΑΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΠΡΟΕΚΥΨΑΝ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΑΛΛΗΛΗ ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΜΙΑΣ ΣΕΙΡΑΣ ΑΣΘΕΝΩΝ ΠΑΣΧΟΝΤΩΝ ΑΠΟ ΚΑΛΟΗΘΗΣ ΠΑΘΗΣΕΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΧΕΟΣ ΕΝΤΕΡΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΜΙΑΣ ΣΕΙΡΑΣ ΑΣΘΕΝΩΝ ΠΑΣΧΟΝΤΩΝ ΑΠΟ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟ ΕΞΩ-ΕΝΤΕΡΙΚΗΣ ΠΡΟΕΛΕΥΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΓΚΡΙΘΗΚΑΝ ΜΕ ΤΑ ΕΥΡΗΜΑΤΑ ΤΗΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΗΣ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΘΕΜΑ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΓΡΑΦΙΑΣ.ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΘΗΚΕ ΟΤΙ (Α) Η ΣΥΜΠΕΡΙΦΟΡΑ ΤΟΥ CEA ΑΙΜΑΤΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΗ ΑΠΟ ΑΥΤΗ ΤΟΥ CEA ΚΟΠΡΑΝΩΝ (Β) Η ΜΕΣΗ ΤΙΜΗ ΤΟΥ CEA ΑΙΜΑΤΟΣ ΔΙΑΦΕΡΕΙ ΣΕ ΒΑΘΜΟ ΣΤΑΤΙΣΤΙΚΟ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΟ ΑΠΟ ΑΥΤΗ ΜΕΤΑΞΥ ΠΑΣΧΟΝΤΩΝ ΑΠΟ ΚΑΛΟΗΘΕΣ ΝΟΣΗΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΠΕΠΤΙΚΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟ ΠΑΧΕΟΣ ΕΝΤΕΡΟΥ (Γ) Η ΜΕΣΗ ΤΙΜΗ ΤΟΥ CEA ΚΟΠΡΑΝΩΝ ΔΙΑΦΕΡΕΙ ΣΕ ΒΑΘΜΟ ΣΤΑΤΙΣΤΙΚΑ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΟ ΜΕΤΑΞΥ ΠΑΣΧΟΝΤΩΝ ΑΠΟ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟ ΠΑΧΕΟΣ ΕΝΤΕΡΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΣΧΟΝΤΩΝ ΑΠΟ ΚΑΡΚΙΝΟ ΕΞΩΤΕΡΙΚΗΣ ΠΡΟΕΛΕΥΣΗΣ (Δ) ΤΟ CEA ΚΟΠΡΑΝΩΝ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΩΝ ΣΤΑΔΙΟΥ ΕΝΤΟΠΙΣΗΣ ΝΟΣΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΕΞΑΡΤΑΤΑΙ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΒΑΘΜΟ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΟΠΟΙΗΣΗΣ.ΤΟ CEA ΑΙΜΑΤΟΣ ΕΞΑΡΤΑΤΑΙ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΣΤΑΔΙΟ ΚΑΙ ΤΟ ΒΑΘΜΟ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΟΠΟΙΗΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΟ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΕΝΤΟΠΙΣΗ.
Επίδραση της σωματικής άσκησης στους ηλεκτριλύτες του ορού και στη νεφρική λειτουργία
Authors: Λουκάς Αναστάσιος
Published: January 2014

Η ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΚΡΕΑΤΙΝΙΝΗΣ, ΤΟΥ ΝΑΤΡΙΟΥ, ΤΟΥ ΚΑΛΙΟΥ, ΤΩΝ ΦΩΣΦΟΡΙΚΩΝ, ΤΟΥ ΑΣΒΕΣΤΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΜΑΓΝΗΣΙΟΥ ΣΤΟΝ ΟΡΟ ΚΑΙ Η ΑΠΕΚΚΡΙΣΗ ΤΟΥΣ ΣΤΑ ΟΥΡΑ ΠΡΟΣΔΙΟΡΙΣΤΗΚΑΝ ΣΕ 12 ΑΝΔΡΕΣ ΑΘΛΗΤΕΣ, ΗΛΙΚΙΑΣ 17 - 26 ΕΤΩΝ, ΠΡΙΝ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΤΑ ΑΠΟ ΑΣΚΗΣΗ ΔΙΑΡΚΕΙΑΣ 1 ΩΡΑΣ, ΣΕ ΠΟΔΗΛΑΤΟ - ΕΡΓΟΜΕΤΡΟ ΚΑΙ ΜΕ ΔΥΟ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΕΤΙΚΑ ΦΟΡΤΙΑ ΕΡΓΟΥ 100/150 WATTS ΚΑΙ 150/200 WATTS. ΔΙΑΠΙΣΤΩΘΗΚΑΝ ΟΙ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΕΣ ΣΤΑΤΙΣΤΙΚΩΣ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΕΣ ΜΕΤΑΒΟΛΕΣ ΑΜΕΣΩΣ ΜΕΤΑ ΤΟ ΠΕΡΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΣΚΗΣΗΣ: 1. ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΕΠΙΠΕΔΩΝ ΤΩΝ ΦΩΣΦΟΡΙΚΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΟΡΟΥ, ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΗ ΑΠ'ΤΟ ΦΟΡΤΙΟ ΕΡΓΟΥ. 2. ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΔΙΟΥΡΗΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΑΠΕΚΚΡΙΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΝΑΤΡΙΟΥ, ΤΟΥ ΚΑΛΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΩΝ ΦΩΣΦΟΡΙΚΩΝ ΜΟΝΟ ΚΑΤΑ ΤΗΝ ΕΦΑΡΜΟΓΗ ΤΟΥ ΦΟΡΤΙΟΥ ΕΡΓΟΥ ΤΩΝ 100 /150 WATTS. 3. ΕΛΑΤΤΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΑΠΕΚΚΡΙΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΣΒΕΣΤΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΜΑΓΝΗΣΙΟΥ ΜΟΝΟ ΚΑΤΑ ΤΗΝ ΕΦΑΡΜΟΓΗ ΤΟΥ ΦΟΡΤΙΟΥ ΕΡΓΟΥ ΤΩΝ 150/200 WATTS. 4. ΕΛΑΤΤΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΧΕΣΗΣ ΜΑΓΝΗΣΙΟΥ ΟΥΡΩΝ/ΚΡΕΑΤΙΝΙΝΗΣ ΟΥΡΩΝ, ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΗ ΑΠ'ΤΟ ΦΟΡΤΙΟ ΕΡΓΟΥ. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΙΝΕΤΑΙ ΟΤΙ Η ΣΩΜΑΤΙΚΗ ΑΣΚΗΣΗ ΕΠΙΦΕΡΕΙ ΣΗΜΑΝΤΙΚΕΣ ΜΕΤΑΒΟΛΕΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΛΥΤΙΚΗ ΣΥΝΘΕΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΟΡΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΗ ΝΕΦΡΙΚΗ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ, ΠΟΥ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΖΟΥΝ ΕΞΑΡΤΗΣΗ ΑΠ'ΤΗΝ ΕΝΤΑΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΑΣΚΗΣΗΣ. Η ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΦΩΣΦΟΡΙΚΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΟΡΟΥ ΜΠΟΡΕΙ ΝΑ ΑΠΟΔΟΘΕΙ ΣΕ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΩΣΗ ΦΩΣΦΟΡΙΚΩΝ ΑΠ'ΤΑ ΕΡΓΑΖΟΜΕΝΑ ΜΥΙΚΑ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΑ. Η ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΔΙΟΥΡΗΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΝΑΤΡΙΟΥΡΗΣΗΣ ΚΑΤΑ ΤΗΝ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΗΠΙΑ ΑΣΚΗΣΗ ΥΠΟΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΑΥΞΗΜΕΝΗ ΡΟΗ ΑΙΜΑΤΟΣ ΣΤΟ ΝΕΦΡΟ. Η ΑΥΞΗΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΑΠΕΚΚΡΙΣΗΣ ΚΑΛΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΦΩΣΦΟΡΙΚΩΝ ΜΠΟΡΕΙ ΝΑ ΑΠΟΔΟΘΕΙ ΣΤΟΝ ΙΔΙΟ ΜΗΧΑΝΙΣΜΟ, ΕΝΩ Η ΕΛΑΤΤΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΑΠΕΚΚΡΙΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΜΑΓΝΗΣΙΟΥ ΠΙΘΑΝΟΤΑΤΑ ΑΝΤΙΠΡΟΣΩΠΕΥΕΙ ΝΕΦΡΙΚΟ (ΠΕΡΙΚΟΠΗ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗΣ)
Excess CD40L does not rescue anti-DNA B cells from clonal anergy
Authors: Aslam Mohammad , Kishi Yusuke , Tsubata Takeshi
Published: January 2014

CD40L, a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family, is overexpressed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and in lupus mouse models. Previously, we demonstrated that B cells producing pathogenic anti-Sm/RNP antibodies are deleted in the splenic marginal zone (MZ), and that MZ deletion of these self-reactive B cells is reversed by excess CD40L, leading to autoantibody production. To address whether excess CD40L also perturbs clonal anergy, another self-tolerance mechanism of B cells whereby B cells are functionally inactivated and excluded from follicles in the peripheral lymphoid tissue, we crossed CD40L-transgenic mice with the anti-DNA H chain transgenic mouse line 3H9, in which Ig λ1+ anti-DNA B cells are anergized. However, the percentage and localization of Ig λ1+ B cells in CD40L/3H9 double transgenic mice were no different from those in 3H9 mice. This result indicates that excess CD40L does not perturb clonal anergy, including follicular exclusion. Thus, MZ deletion is distinct from clonal anergy, and is more liable to tolerance break.
Observation of a unique case of metastatic basal cell carcinoma found by radiographic evaluation in a patient with oculocutaneous albinism
Authors: Johnston Mickaila , Winham Whitney , Massoll Nicole , Gardner Jerad M.
Published: January 2014

Background:Basal cell carcinoma is one of the more common cancers worldwide; 2.8 million are diagnosed annually in the USA.  However, the rate at which it metastasizes is considered very low, between 0.0028 and 0.5%.  For those rare cases in which metastases occur, approximately one third metastasize to the lung. 

Case:Presented is a 62-year-old Caucasian male with oculocutaneous albinism and a history of basal cell carcinomas occurring in multiple anatomic sites, most recently at the bilateral forearm and back.  Surveillance PET/CT imaging led to the discovery of no less than 30 lung nodules which were consistent with basal cell carcinoma on biopsy.  Histological features were remarkably similar in both the primary tumor and in the metastases.

Conclusion:  An unusual case of a non-head and neck primary basal cell carcinoma metastatic to the lung was discovered on surveillance PET/CT imaging, in a patient with oculocutaneous albinism.
Typification of names and taxonomic notes within the genus Thymus L. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Bartolucci Fabrizio , Peruzzi Lorenzo , Passalacqua Nicodemo
Published: January 2014

Thymus is one of the most critical genera of the Euro–Mediterranean flora and most of its taxa are in need of typification. During a preliminary study on the taxonomy of this genus in the Mediterranean area, several names turned out to be not yet typified. In order to fix their applications, nomenclatural types for 18 names within the genus Thymus are here designated. The new combination Thymus praecox subsp. parvulus (Lojac.) Bartolucci, Peruzzi & N.G. Passal. is also proposed.
Revised taxonomy and nomenclature of Acalypha sect. Communes (Euphorbiaceae), a complex group of species widespread in the north of the Southern Cone
Authors: Cardiel José María , Rodríguez Pablo Muñoz , Garmendia Félix Muñoz
Published: January 2014

The application of the species names included in the previously invalidly published “Acalypha sect. Communes”, mostly around the widely cited A. communis, has been confusing almost since their publication. After a thorough study of the literature, from which we recorded 56 scientific names associated to this section, as well as the study of ca. 1500 herbarium specimens, including nomenclatural types, we propose a deep nomenclatural and taxonomic reorganization of this group. Acalypha sect. Communes is validly published and circumscribed to include five species: Acalypha communis, A. variabilis, A. vellamea, A. senilis and A. hassleriana. Regarding A. communis, we delimit its taxonomic status and propose five subspecies: A. communis subsp. communis, subsp. apicalis, subsp. paraguariensis, subsp. saltensis and subsp. tracheliifolia, four of them new combinations. Twenty–two lectotypes and three neotypes are designated, and 20 new synonyms are proposed. A key based on morphological characters to the species and subspecies of this section is also provided.
A molecular phylogeny and classification of the largely succulent and mainly African Euphorbia subg. Athymalus (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Peirson Jess A. , Bruyns Peter V. , Riina Ricarda , Morawetz Jeffery J. , Berry Paul E.
Published: January 2014

Euphorbia subg. Athymalus consists of approximately 150 species and is one of the four main lineages that comprise the species–rich genus Euphorbia. Most species in the subgenus are stem succulents with greatly reduced leaves, but there are also leafy herbs, shrubs, trees and geophytes. The subgenus is restricted to arid regions of the Old World. Most species are found in sub–Saharan Africa, with one in Macaronesia and adjacent parts of western Africa, a few in the Arabian Peninsula (one of which extends into Iran) and one native to Madagascar. Twenty–three species are endemic to the northeastern Horn of Africa (SE Ethiopia, Socotra, Somalia), while 72 species are restricted to southern Africa (including Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland). Sixty of those are endemic to South Africa alone, where they are particularly associated with the semi–arid west and south of the country in the Greater Cape Floristic Region and the Nama Karoo Region. We sampled 88 species and analyzed data from the nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid ndhF regions. Analyses of the separate and combined datasets produced phylogenies that confirm the monophyly of E. subg. Athymalus and the placement of E. antso from Madagascar as sister to the rest of the subgenus. Our analyses also show that the subgenus consists of a grade of early–diverging lineages that are relatively poor in species and that the major radiation of succulent species in southern Africa forms a highly supported clade (E. sect. Anthacanthae). Species–level relationships within this southern African clade, however, remain largely unresolved. Our phylogenetic hypotheses allow us to propose a new classification for E. subg. Athymalus where seven sections are recognized, two of which are newly described. The large southern African E. sect. Anthacanthae is further divided into five subsections, and four series are recognized in E. subsect. Florispinae.
The fern genus Adenoderris (family incertae sedis) is artificial
Authors: McHenry Monique A. , Sundue Michael A. , Barrington David S.
Published: January 2014

For over a century the relationships of the rare fern genus Adenoderris J. Sm. have been confused. Here, we (1) present a molecular analysis of the genus based on multiple chloroplast markers with the goal of placing its species phylogenetically, (2) provide insights into its morphology and complex taxonomy, and (3) make relevant nomenclatural changes. In seeking a resolution of the problems with Adenoderris, we investigated the morphological, historical, ecological, and biogeographical factors that have made Adenoderris so difficult to place with certainty. The key findings are that (1) Adenoderris comprises two species that were included in the genus on the basis of convergent and symplesiomorphic morphological features, and (2) though the two species both lie in the Dryopteridaceae, they belong to different genera. The correct names for these two species are Polystichum glandulosum C. Presl and Dryopteris sororia (Maxon) M. McHenry, Sundue & Barrington, comb. nov.
Generic status, circumscription, and allopolyploid origin of Faberia (Asteraceae: Cichorieae) as revealed by ITS and chloroplast DNA sequence data
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen You-Sheng , Yang Qin-Er
Published: January 2014

The Chinese endemic Faberia (Asteraceae: Cichorieae) is imperfectly understood: its generic status, circumscription, and subtribal affiliation have long been in dispute. Here we present a molecular analysis to address these problems. Nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK, psbA–trnH, rbcL, and trnL–F) sequence data were analyzed by means of Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods. Our results support the independent generic status of Faberia but not that of Faberiopsis, which should be re–submerged in the former. Dubyaea glaucescens is revealed as a member of Faberia, resulting in a new combination, F. glaucescens. The recent addition of Youngia racemifera to Faberia is refuted but the transfer of Prenanthes faberi to Faberia as F. faberi is corroborated. Consequently, Faberia is circumscribed here to include eight species (F. cavaleriei, F. ceterach, F. faberi, F. glaucescens, F. lancifolia, F. nanchuanensis, F. sinensis, F. thibetica). Most notably, phylogenies based on nrITS and cpDNA sequence data are highly incongruent with respect to the subtribal relationship of Faberia. The ITS phylogeny locates the genus in Lactucinae, whereas the cpDNA phylogeny places it in Crepidinae. This incongruence, together with karyological (Faberia has x = 17, a very rare number in Cichorieae) and palynological (Faberia has larger, 4–porate pollen grains, which are associated with polyploidy in Cichorieae) data, strongly favors the hypothesis that Faberia may have originated via hybridization between a member of Lactucinae with x = 9 (paternal parent or pollen donor) and a member of Crepidinae with x = 8 (maternal parent or ovule donor) and subsequent polyploidization. This work greatly increases our knowledge of Faberia and provides a convincing example of allopolyploid origin at the generic level within Cichorieae.
Unnoticed diversity within the disjunct moss Orthotrichum tenellum s.l. validated by morphological and molecular approaches
Authors: Medina Rafael , Lara Francisco , Goffinet Bernard , Garilleti Ricardo , Mazimpaka Vicente
Published: January 2014

Transoceanic disjunctions are thought to be common in species of bryophytes. While much effort focuses on identifying the causes of these disjunctions, few studies test the assumption that the disjunct populations are conspecific. The moss Orthotrichum tenellum is considered to be disjunct between western North America and the western Old World. A thorough morphological revision together with molecular analyses using four plastid (atpB–rbcL, rps4, trnG, trnL–F) and two nuclear loci (adk, ort–LFY) reveals that this putative taxon is composed of six well–supported species, each of them diagnosable by morphological and phylogenetic criteria. Furthermore, these species, which were previously treated as a single, morphologically variable taxon, belong to different lineages within the genus and are the result of separated evolutionary histories. Only two of them (O. tenellum s.str., O. norrisii) are sister species that may have resulted from speciation following a transatlantic disjunction. Today, all species are either restricted to the Old World (i.e., O. tenellum s.str., O. comosum sp. nov.) or endemic to North America (i.e., O. coulteri, O. norrisii, O cucullatum sp. nov., O. franciscanum sp. nov.). This work emphasizes the relevance of integrative approaches to solve taxonomic problems and to provide more solid bases for biodiversity assessment.
A review of the nomenclature and typification of the Canary Islands endemic palm, Phoenix canariensis (Arecaceae)
Authors: Rivera Diego , Obón Concepción , Alcaraz Francisco , Egea Teresa , Carreño Encarna , Laguna Emilio , Santos Arnoldo , Wildpret Wolfredo
Published: January 2014

The nomenclature of the Canary Island endemic palm, Phoenix canariensis, is reviewed. It is concluded that Hermann Wildpret is the correct author of Phoenix canariensis. Phoenix canariensis, P. cycadifolia Regel and P. jubae (Webb & Berthel.) Webb ex H. Christ. are lectotypified.
Lectotypification of Typha angustifolia (Typhaceae)
Authors: Vázquez Francisco M. , Halder Suman , Venu Potharaju , Daniel Pitchai
Published: January 2014

The Linnaean name Typha angustifolia is reviewed and lectotypified using a specimen in the Adriaan van Royen at L.