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A checklist of the grasses of India is presented, as compiled from survey of all available literature. Of the twelve subfamilies of grasses, ten are represented in India. Most subfamilies have been examined by taxonomic experts for up-to-date nomenclature. The list includes 1506 species plus infraspecific taxa and presents information on types, synonyms, distribution within India, and habit. Twelve new combinations are made, viz.Arctopoa tibetica(Munro ex Stapf) Prob. var.aristulata(Stapf) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.;Chimonocalamus nagalandianus(H.B. Naithani) L.G. Clark,comb. nov.;Chionachne digitata(L.f.) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.;Chionachne wallichiana(Nees) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.;Dinebra polystachyos (R. Br.) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.;Moorochloa eruciformis(Sm.) Veldkamp var.divaricata(Basappa & Muniv.) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.;Phyllostachys nigra(Lodd. ex Lindl.) Munro var.puberula(Miq.) Kailash,comb. & stat. nov.;Tzveleviochloa schmidii(Hook. f.) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.;Urochloa lata(Schumach.) C.E. Hubb. var.pubescens(C.E. Hubb.) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.;Urochloa ramosa(L.) T.Q. Nguyen var.pubescens(Basappa & Muniy.) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.;Urochloa semiundulata(Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Ashalatha & V.J. Nair var.intermedia(Basappa & Muniy.) E.A. Kellogg,comb. nov.

The network of interferometric gravitational-wave observatories has successfully detected tens of astrophysical signals since 2015. In this paper, we experimentally investigate compact sensors that have the potential to improve the sensitivity of gravitational-wave detectors to intermediate-mass black holes. We use only commercial components, such as sensing heads and lasers, to assemble the setup and demonstrate its subpicometer precision. The setup consists of a pair of Michelson interferferometers that use deep frequency modulation techniques to obtain a linear, relative displacement readout over multiple interference fringes. We implement a laser-frequency stabilisation scheme to achieve a sensitivity of 0.3\,$\text{pm} / \sqrt{\text{Hz}}$ above 0.1\,Hz. The device has also the potential to improve other experiments, such as torsion balances and commercial seismometers., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures

As a part of ongoing systematic and phylogenetic studies in Polygalaceae, field collections of two pairs of North American species (Polygala balduinii and P. ramosa, and P. lutea and P. rugelii) had morphologically intermediate forms and grew sympatrically, and so were suspected to be interspecific hybrids. Although hybrids among plants are often invoked in taxonomic and floristic literature based on morphologic intermediacy, they are rarely documented and substantiated using molecular tools. We found that the morphologically intermediate individuals within intermixed populations of both species pairs did indeed share all of the variable nucleotide sites in nrITS among the parent species. Likewise, using plastid sequence data (trnL-F), we determined that in both species pairs, the parentage was bidirectional. Although some DNA inheritance phenomena (e.g. incomplete lineage sorting) can result in similar polymorphic DNA sequence data, the intermediacy in both morphology and sequence data within sympatric populations is more indicative of interspecific hybridization.

Summary Recent availability of biodiversity data resources has enabled an unprecedented ability to estimate phylogenetically based biodiversity metrics over broad scales. Such approaches elucidate ecological and evolutionary processes yielding a biota and help guide conservation efforts. However, the choice of appropriate phylogenetic resources and underlying input data uncertainties may affect interpretation. Here, we address how differences among phylogenetic source trees and levels of phylogenetic uncertainty affect these metrics and test existing hypotheses regarding geographic biodiversity patterns across the diverse vascular plant flora of Florida, US. Ecological niche models for 1,490 Florida species were combined with a “purpose-built” phylogenetic tree (phylogram and chronogram), as well as with trees derived from community resources (Phylomatic and Open Tree of Life). There were only modest differences in phylodiversity metrics given the phylogenetic source tree and taking into account the level of phylogenetic uncertainty; we identify similar areas of conservation interest across Florida regardless of the method used., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • Phylodiversity patterns of Florida show peaks of diversity in Northern peninsular areas • Different input trees and uncertainty had modest or little influence on phylodiversity • Chronogram or phylogram had a significant effect on the interpretation of phylodiversity • We highlight areas of high phylodiversity and how these results affect conservation, Spatial Phylogenetics; Plant Biology; Biogeography

The detectors of the laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatory (LIGO) are broadly limited by the quantum noise and rely on the injection of squeezed states of light to achieve their full sensitivity. Squeezing improvement is limited by mode mismatch between the elements of the squeezer and the interferometer. In the current LIGO detectors, there is no way to actively mitigate this mode mismatch. This paper presents a new deformable mirror for wavefront control that meets the active mode matching requirements of advanced LIGO. The active element is a piezo-electric transducer, which actuates on the radius of curvature of a 5 mm thick mirror via an axisymmetric flexure. The operating range of the deformable mirror is 120±8 mD in vacuum and an additional 200 mD adjustment range accessible out of vacuum. Combining the operating range and the adjustable static offset, it is possible to deform a flat mirror from −65 mD to −385 mD. The measured bandwidth of the actuator and driver electronics is 6.8 Hz. The scattering into higher-order modes is measured to be

Premise of the study Phylogenomic studies employing large numbers of genes, including those based on plastid genomes (plastomes), are becoming common. Nonphotosynthetic plants such as mycoheterotrophs (which rely on root-associated fungi for essential nutrients, including carbon) tend to have highly elevated rates of plastome evolution, substantial genome reduction, or both. Mycoheterotroph plastomes therefore provide excellent test cases for investigating how extreme conditions impact phylogenomic inference. Methods We used parsimony and likelihood analysis of protein-coding gene sets from published and newly completed plastomes to infer the phylogenetic placement of taxa from the 10 angiosperm families in which mycoheterotrophy evolved. Key results Despite multiple very long branches that reflect elevated substitution rates, and frequently patchy gene recovery due to genome reduction, inferred phylogenetic placements of most mycoheterotrophic lineages in DNA-based likelihood analyses are both well supported and congruent with other studies. Amino-acid-based likelihood placements are broadly consistent with DNA-based inferences, but extremely rate-elevated taxa can have unexpected placements-albeit with weak support. In contrast, parsimony analysis is strongly misled by long-branch attraction among many distantly related mycoheterotrophic monocots. Conclusions Mycoheterotrophic plastomes provide challenging cases for phylogenomic inference, as substitutional rates can be elevated and genome reduction can lead to sparse gene recovery. Nonetheless, diverse likelihood frameworks provide generally well-supported and mutually concordant phylogenetic placements of mycoheterotrophs, consistent with recent phylogenetic studies and angiosperm-wide classifications. Previous predictions of parallel photosynthesis loss within families are supported for Burmanniaceae, Ericaceae, Gentianaceae, and Orchidaceae. Burmanniaceae and Thismiaceae should not be combined as a single family in Dioscoreales.

The pantropical flowering plant family Annonaceae is the most species-rich family of Magnoliales. Despite long-standing interest in the systematics of Annonaceae, no authoritative classification has yet been published in the light of recent molecular phylogenetic analyses. Here, using the largest, most representative, molecular dataset compiled on Annonaceae to date, we present, for the first time, a robust family-wide phylogenetic tree and subsequent classification. We used a supermatrix of up to eight plastid markers sequenced from 193 ingroup and seven outgroup species. Some of the relationships at lower taxonomic levels are poorly resolved, but deeper nodes generally receive high support. Annonaceae comprises four major clades, which are here given the taxonomic rank of subfamily. The description of Annonoideae is amended, and three new subfamilies are described: Anaxagoreoideae, Ambavioideae and Malmeoideae. In Annonoideae, seven tribes are recognized, one of which, Duguetieae, is described as new. In Malmeoideae, seven tribes are recognized, six of which are newly described: Dendrokingstonieae, Fenerivieae, Maasieae, Malmeeae, Monocarpieae and Piptostigmateae. This new subfamilial and tribal classification is discussed against the background of previous classifications and characters to recognize subfamilies are reviewed. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 169, 5–40.

Badiera subrhombifolia is newly described from Hispaniola, where it co-occurs with B. fuertesii and B. penaea. Badiera subrhombifolia lacks the long peduncle of the former species and the scabrous leaves of the latter; it is also often distinguishable by subrhomboid, triplinerved leaves. This new species is a near endemic to high montane forests of the “south island” of Hispaniola, i.e., the Massif de la Hotte, Massif de la Selle, and Sierra de Bahoruco.

The European Bioanalysis Forum is a bioanalytical nonprofit organization comprised of European pharmaceutical companies (27 members to date) and currently expanding to include CROs as well. The European Bioanalysis Forum provides a broad European bioanalytical network for the discussion of scientific, technological and regulatory topics of bioanalytical interest. The 3rd Annual Open Symposium was again much anticipated after the two previous successful meetings. The symposium included sessions on thinking outside the ‘commodity’ box, bioanalytical challenges with blood, global harmonization, assay platforms, dried blood spots, immunogenicity, matrix effects, anomalous results, biomarkers and two plenary technology sessions hosted by the Platinum sponsors. Experts and key opinion leaders were invited as guest speakers. A total of 424 delegates registered from 113 companies representing a large percentage of the European bioanalytical community. In addition to 48 oral presentations, 88 posters were presented and there was a vendor exposition of 40 companies.

The European Bioanalysis Forum is a non-profit organization comprised of European pharmaceutical companies (25 members to date). Their activities focus on bringing together managers and scientists in the broad field of bioanalysis to discuss topics related to science, process and regulations. There has been much interest over the past few years in the potential application of dried blood spots as an alternative to traditional plasma collection in pharmacokinetic studies. The success of the technique has been highlighted by several companies. We know that seven of the European Bioanalysis Forum member companies are using dried blood spots intensively and that 22 out of 25 companies are using it or plan to use it very soon, initially in nonregulated studies. However, most companies have less than 1 year of experience with dried blood spots and, beyond the scientific merit, it is less clear just how the technique is perceived by key client groups, such as toxicology, clinical and regulatory authorities. The objective of this symposium was to bring together representatives from all of these client groups as well as a broad bioanalytical audience to discuss the various perspectives on dried blood spots and to try to provide answers to potential issues that still remain. The symposium included sessions on dried blood spots in the nonregulated environment, toxicology and regulatory/QA perspectives, clinical use and bioanalytical applications and tools. There was plenty of time for discussion within the program in tutorials, poster and break-out sessions and the degree of delegate participation reflected the high level of engagement with the topic. A total of 190 delegates attended from more than 80 organizations. In addition to 21 oral presentations, more than 20 posters were presented and there was a vendor exposition of ten sponsor companies.

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY Primers were developed for a portion of the ycf1 plastid gene in magnoliid taxa to investigate the utility of ycf1 in phylogenetic analyses. • METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-six species across six families within the magnoliid group (Canellales, Piperales, Laurales, and Magnoliales) were sampled to examine the ability to amplify ycf1. Additionally, 29 accessions of Asimina and Deeringothamnus (Annonaceae) were sequenced to assess levels of variation in ycf1 compared to matK and trnL-F. • CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that ycf1 is easily amplified and sequenced. In Annonaceae, ycf1 provides more informative phylogenetic characters than commonly used markers such as matK and trnL-F.

The European Bioanalysis Forum is a bioanalytical discussion group comprised of European pharmaceutical companies (27 members to date). The membership share a common vision to advance the shared understanding of topical concerns through discussion of scientific, technological and regulatory issues of bioanalytical interest. The 2nd Annual Open Symposium was much anticipated after the success of the first one. The symposium included sessions on the European Medicines Agency draft bioanalytical guidance, challenges in the analysis and validation of biomarkers, metabolite quantification issues, dried blood spot technology, the analysis of proteins and peptides by MS, latest hot topics in ligand-binding assays, unresolved issues in method validation and a plenary session from the Platinum sponsors. Experts and key opinion leaders were invited as guest speakers. A total of 420 delegates (up from 251 delegates in 2008) attended from 160 organizations, representing a large percentage of the European and international bioanalytical community. In addition to 40 oral presentations, 72 posters were presented and there was a vendor exposition of 35 companies.

Following intensive discussions, review, alignment of procedures and multiple surveys among their member companies, the European Bioanalysis Forum (EBF) is providing a recommendation on how to integrate incurred sample reproducibility (ISR) in the bioanalytical process. The recommendation aims to provide guidance throughout the lifecycle of a validated method, including the application of the method in study support. In its recommendation, the EBF considers both the internal discussions with EBF member companies, as well as the input provided in international meetings where ISR was discussed. The ultimate goal of the EBF recommendation is to ensure that bioanalytical methods can provide accurate and reproducible concentration data for pharmacokinetic and/or toxicokinetic evaluation, without any compromise, while safeguarding the optimal use of laboratory resources.

Pachyanthus (Melastomataceae: Miconieae) is traditionally circumscribed as a group of 20 species of Caribbean shrubs, mostly local Cuban endemics. However, the exact number of species is unknown because generic delimitations are still unclear for most genera of Miconieae. To test the monophyly of Pachyanthus, we produced a molecular phylogeny using nrITS and plastid trnS-G sequence data for 38 taxa of Miconieae in the genera Pachyanthus, Calycogonium, Tetrazygia, and Miconia. A species of Graffenrieda, a member of the sister group, Merianieae, was used as an outgroup. In the single-gene and combined analyses Pachyanthus is never recovered as a monophyletic group in any of its traditional circumscriptions. However, it is possible to distinguish a clade, Pachyanthus s.s., which is characterized by ovate to obovate petals that are conspicuously unguiculate; calyx lobes connate before anthesis, that separate into sepal-like segments; straight, ovate to oblong, yellow anthers without connective appendages or, if present, then inconspicuous, anthers dehiscing by small apical pores, and fruits with numerous seeds, 1–2 mm long, obpyramidal, with a smooth testa. The remaining species traditionally included in Pachyanthus do not have any of these features. They do not form a single monophyletic group, but instead are scattered across several clades, which also contain species of Calycogonium, Miconia, and Tetrazygia. Additional detailed molecular and morphological studies are needed in the Miconieae to ascertain whether these clades should be treated as new genera or recircumscribed as part of currently recognized genera in the Caribbean region, such as Calycogonium and Tetrazygia.

In bioanalysis of small molecules, the analyte concentration in the measured samples should reflect the concentration during sample collection. Precautions may be needed to prevent over- or under-estimation of the obtained result. This might require the addition of stabilizers to prevent degradation or nonspecific binding. For unstable drugs, it is essential to know how analytes can be stabilized before the start of the clinical study. Although the stabilization methods are well documented, the impact of the stabilization on the clinical workflow is not properly addressed. Already during method development, the clinical implications in terms of personnel safety, ease of use, training possibilities and staff capacity should be taken into account, and validation of the bioanalytical method should reflect collection procedures.

Aim To assess the pharmacokinetic effect and tolerability of lamotrigine 200 mg day−1 and olanzapine 15 mg day−1 coadministration in healthy male volunteers. Methods Subjects were randomized to receive either lamotrigine titrated on days 1–42 with olanzapine added on days 43–56 (LTG + OLZ group; N = 16), lamotrigine titration with placebo added on days 43–56 (LTG group; N = 12), or placebo on days 1–42 with olanzapine added on days 43–56 (OLZ group; N = 16). Steady state (0–24 h) pharmacokinetic profiles were determined on day 56 in each group. Results The average (90% confidence interval) ratios of lamotrigine area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to 24 h and maximum observed concentration for the comparison of LTG + OLZ:LTG were 0.76 (0.65, 0.90) and 0.80 (0.71, 0.90), respectively. Olanzapine pharmacokinetics were essentially unaffected by lamotrigine. The most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) during combination therapy were fatigue, dizziness and mild transaminase elevations. These AEs occurred at similar frequencies in the LTG + OLZ and OLZ cohorts, while being less frequent or absent in the LTG group. Conclusions Lamotrigine and olanzapine coadministration in patients who may benefit from the combination was supported by this study. Lamotrigine dosing schedules are recommended to remain unchanged when combined with olanzapine therapy. However, the possibility exists that the lamotrigine dose for some patients may need adjustment to optimize treatment when olanzapine is added to or withdrawn from a regimen including lamotrigine.

The two 4 km long gravitational wave detectors operated by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) were modified in 2008 to read out the gravitational wave channel using the DC readout form of homodyne detection and to include an optical filter cavity at the output of the detector. As part of the upgrade to Enhanced LIGO, these modifications replaced the radio-frequency (RF) heterodyne system used previously. We describe the motivations for and the implementation of DC readout and the output mode cleaner in Enhanced LIGO. We present characterizations of the system, including measurements and models of the couplings of the noises from the laser source to the gravitational wave readout channel. We show that noise couplings using DC readout are improved over those for RF readout, and we find that the achieved shot-noise-limited sensitivity is consistent with modeled results.

To assess the pharmacokinetic effect and tolerability of lamotrigine 200 mg day(-1) and olanzapine 15 mg day(-1) coadministration in healthy male volunteers.Subjects were randomized to receive either lamotrigine titrated on days 1-42 with olanzapine added on days 43-56 (LTG + OLZ group; N = 16), lamotrigine titration with placebo added on days 43-56 (LTG group; N = 12), or placebo on days 1-42 with olanzapine added on days 43-56 (OLZ group; N = 16). Steady state (0-24 h) pharmacokinetic profiles were determined on day 56 in each group.The average (90% confidence interval) ratios of lamotrigine area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h and maximum observed concentration for the comparison of LTG + OLZ:LTG were 0.76 (0.65, 0.90) and 0.80 (0.71, 0.90), respectively. Olanzapine pharmacokinetics were essentially unaffected by lamotrigine. The most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) during combination therapy were fatigue, dizziness and mild transaminase elevations. These AEs occurred at similar frequencies in the LTG + OLZ and OLZ cohorts, while being less frequent or absent in the LTG group.Lamotrigine and olanzapine coadministration in patients who may benefit from the combination was supported by this study. Lamotrigine dosing schedules are recommended to remain unchanged when combined with olanzapine therapy. However, the possibility exists that the lamotrigine dose for some patients may need adjustment to optimize treatment when olanzapine is added to or withdrawn from a regimen including lamotrigine.

A 10-year survey of vascular plants was made of Rock Creek Research Natural Area, a 77-ha deep, narrow gorge of old-growth Hemlock-Mixed Mesophytic Forest located in Laurel County, Kentucky, on the Daniel Boone National Forest. The study documented 350 specific and infraspecific taxa in 223 genera and 93 families. Thirteen are nonindigenous naturalized species. Vascular plants include 6 Lycopodiophyta, 25 Polypodiopyta, 5 Pinophyta, and 314 Magnoliophyta; 255 are annual, biennial, and perennial herbs and 95 are woody vines, shrubs, and trees. Seventeen rare and special interest species have been recorded, including 4 that are listed by the state. The floristic survey provides a baseline reference for relative abundance, species richness, plant associations, habitats, and generalized life-forms within the Rock Creek Research Natural Area.