Estudio biométrico de la abeja melífera (Apis mellifera, Linneo 1758) (Hymenoptera, Apidae) de la isla de La Palma del Archipiélago Canario. II. Ángulos y longitudes de las alas.

The honey bees (A. mellifera L.) from the island of La Palma constitute a morphological group within which differences related to the geographical location of the apiaries are difficult to distinguish, probably due to the buying and selling of hives among beekeepers, and also to the migratory style of bee-keeping practised on the island. We have also studied the possible relationship of these bees with A. m. intermissa, which is distributed throughout the north of Africa, and with A. m. iberica in the Iberian Peninsula. Our results indicate that these bees are probably the result of a cross between these two races followed by selection of the best genotypes adapted to the environmental conditions.Las abejas meliferas (A. mellifera L.) oriundas de la isla de La Palma constituyen un grupo morfológico, en el que no podemos apreciar diferencias relacionadas con la localización geográfica de los colmenares; probablemente esto sea debido a las prácticas de compra-venta de colmenas entre los apicultores, y a la transhumancia practicada dentro de la isla. También hemos estudiado la posible relación de parentesco de estas abejas con la raza que se distribuye por el norte de África (A. m. intermissa), o con la que se localiza en la Península Ibérica (A. m. iberica). Los resultados obtenidos nos indican que probablemente estos animales sean el resultado de un proceso cruce entre las dos razas, y posterior selección de los genotipos mejor adaptados a unas determinadas condiciones ambientales

LabVIEW interface with Tango control system for a multi-technique X-ray spectrometry IAEA beamline end-station at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste

A new synchrotron beamline end-station for multipurpose X-ray spectrometry applications has been recently commissioned and it is currently accessible by end-users at the XRF beamline of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste. The end-station consists of an ultra-high vacuum chamber that includes as main instrument a seven-axis motorized manipulator for sample and detectors positioning, different kinds of X-ray detectors and optical cameras. The beamline end-station allows performing measurements in different X-ray spectrometry techniques such as Microscopic X-Ray Fluorescence analysis (µXRF), Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence analysis (TXRF), Grazing Incidence/Exit X-Ray Fluorescence analysis (GI-XRF/GE-XRF), X-Ray Reflectometry (XRR), and X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). A LabVIEW Graphical User Interface (GUI) bound with Tango control system consisted of many custom made software modules is utilized as a user-friendly tool for control of the entire end-station hardware components. The present work describes this advanced Tango and LabVIEW software platform that utilizes in an optimal synergistic manner the merits and functionality of these well-established programming and equipment control tools

Interlinked nonlinear subnetworks underlie the formation of robust cellular patterns in Arabidopsis epidermis: a dynamic spatial model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Dynamical models are instrumental for exploring the way information required to generate robust developmental patterns arises from complex interactions among genetic and non-genetic factors. We address this fundamental issue of developmental biology studying the leaf and root epidermis of <it>Arabidopsis</it>. We propose an experimentally-grounded model of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that are coupled by protein diffusion and comprise a meta-GRN implemented on cellularised domains.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Steady states of the meta-GRN model correspond to gene expression profiles typical of hair and non-hair epidermal cells. The simulations also render spatial patterns that match the cellular arrangements observed in root and leaf epidermis. As in actual plants, such patterns are robust in the face of diverse perturbations. We validated the model by checking that it also reproduced the patterns of reported mutants. The meta-GRN model shows that interlinked sub-networks contribute redundantly to the formation of robust hair patterns and permits to advance novel and testable predictions regarding the effect of cell shape, signalling pathways and additional gene interactions affecting spatial cell-patterning.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The spatial meta-GRN model integrates available experimental data and contributes to further understanding of the <it>Arabidopsis </it>epidermal system. It also provides a systems biology framework to explore the interplay among sub-networks of a GRN, cell-to-cell communication, cell shape and domain traits, which could help understanding of general aspects of patterning processes. For instance, our model suggests that the information needed for cell fate determination emerges from dynamic processes that depend upon molecular components inside and outside differentiating cells, suggesting that the classical distinction of lineage <it>versus </it>positional cell differentiation may be instrumental but rather artificial. It also suggests that interlinkage of nonlinear and redundant sub-networks in larger networks is important for pattern robustness. Pursuing dynamic analyses of larger (genomic) coupled networks is still not possible. A repertoire of well-characterised regulatory modules, like the one presented here, will, however, help to uncover general principles of the patterning-associated networks, as well as the peculiarities that originate diversity.</p

Study of the morphological relationship existent in the Canary Island honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)

he genetic origin of the honey bees (Apis mellifera) that lives in the Canary Island is ignored. It has been speculated with the possibility that the Guanches, first island inhabitant with African origin, brought with them native bees from the continent. It is known that the first Spanish colonist transport beehives from the Iberian Peninsula, and the quality of the canary honey allowed that in the XVI century it was exported in big quantities toward Europe. This paper evaluates morphological traits in samples of honeybee workers coming from apiaries located in five islands of the archipelago. A total of 27 morphological variables was taken of each insect. The discriminant analyses carried out, using as classificatory variable the beehive of origin of the work bees, indicate that significant differences exist among the groups. Four morphological groups were identified. One of them includes the bees coming from Gran Canaria and Hierro, between this group and the one formed by the workers coming from La Gomera is located the one from Tenerife, and the one from La Palma forms an independent group. The possible relationship of these bees was estimated with another discriminant analysis that included data coming from samples of the south of Spain (A. mellifera iberica) and north of Africa (A. mellifera intermissa)

A Tool for GIXRF/XRR simulation and data analysis

Ponencia presentada en el Monte Carlo Simulation Tools for X-Ray Imaging and Fluorescence Workshop, 2014The IAEA has developed a beamline end-station facility that it is currently installed at the newly developed XRF beamline of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, ItalyThe end-station called Ultra High Vacuum Chamber (UHVC) is a multipurpose facility for applying simultaneously various complementary and advanced variants of X-Ray Spectrometry (XRS) techniques, including: Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Analysis (TXRF) Grazing Incidence/Exit XRF analysis (GIXRF- GEXRF) Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) X-ray Reflectometry (XRR) The current development of GIXRF/XRR simulations/analysis tool aims at assisting end-users in data processing and interpretation.Fil: Leani, Juan José. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina.Fil: Leani, Juan José. Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory, IAEA Laboratories; Austria.Física Atómica, Molecular y Química (física de átomos y moléculas incluyendo colisión, interacción con radiación, resonancia magnética, Moessbauer Efecto.

Morpholigical study of honey bees on the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera)

A morphological study was made of worker bees from 49 hives located at four island from the Canary archipelago. The study analysed 18 morphological characters and we have found that the bees from Gran Canaria and Tenerife belong to the same groupe, the animals from Gomera constitute a group near the afore mentioned, and the bees from La Palma form an independent group. Also, we have compared the data with data to come from hives placed in the south of the Iberian peninsula and in the north of Africa. We have found that the bees from Africa form an independent group, and the bees from the Iberian peninsula are included in the La Palma group.Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio morfológico de las abejas obreras procedentes de 49 colmenas situadas en cuatro islas del Archipiélago Canario. Se han analizado 18 características morfológicas, encontrando que las abejas procedentes de Gran Canaria y Tenerife pertenecen al mismo grupo; los animales de Gomera constituyen un grupo cercano al anterior y las abejas de La Palma forman un grupo independiente. También hemos comparado los datos obtenidos, con los procedentes de colmenas situadas en el sur de la península Ibérica y en el norte de África. Encontramos que las abejas del norte de África constituyen un grupo independiente y que los animales del sur de la península se incluyen en el grupo de las abejas de La Palma

New compound sets identified from high throughput phenotypic screening against three kinetoplastid parasites:an open resource

Using whole-cell phenotypic assays, the GlaxoSmithKline high-throughput screening (HTS) diversity set of 1.8 million compounds was screened against the three kinetoplastids most relevant to human disease, i.e. Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei. Secondary confirmatory and orthogonal intracellular anti-parasiticidal assays were conducted, and the potential for non-specific cytotoxicity determined. Hit compounds were chemically clustered and triaged for desirable physicochemical properties. The hypothetical biological target space covered by these diversity sets was investigated through bioinformatics methodologies. Consequently, three anti-kinetoplastid chemical boxes of ~200 compounds each were assembled. Functional analyses of these compounds suggest a wide array of potential modes of action against kinetoplastid kinases, proteases and cytochromes as well as potential host–pathogen targets. This is the first published parallel high throughput screening of a pharma compound collection against kinetoplastids. The compound sets are provided as an open resource for future lead discovery programs, and to address important research questions.The support and funding of Tres Cantos Open Lab Foundation is gratefully acknowledgedPeer reviewe

An IAEA Multi-technique X-ray Spectrometry End-station at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste: Benchmarking Results and Interdisciplinary Applications

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) jointly with the Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste (EST) operates a multipurpose X-ray spectrometry endstation at the X-ray Fluorescence beamline (10.1L). The facility has been available to external users since the beginning of 2015 through the peer-review process of EST. Using this collaboration framework, the IAEA supports and promotes synchrotron-radiation-based research and training activities for various research groups from the IAEA Member States, especially those who have limited previous experience and resources to access a synchrotron radiation facility. This paper aims to provide a broad overview about various analytical capabilities, intrinsic features and performance figures of the IAEA X-ray spectrometry endstation through the measured results. The IAEA-EST endstation works with monochromatic X-rays in the energy range 3.7-14keV for the Elettra storage ring operating at 2.0 or 2.4GeV electron energy. It offers a combination of different advanced analytical probes, e.g. X-ray reflectivity, X-ray absorption fine-structure measurements, grazing-incidence X-ray fluorescence measurements, using different excitation and detection geometries, and thereby supports a comprehensive characterization for different kinds of nanostructured and bulk materials.A broad overview of the various analytical capabilities, intrinsic features and performance figures of the IAEA X-ray spectrometry endstation operated at the X-ray Fluorescence beamline of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste is given, and different applications are demonstrated to familiarize the user community with the applicable intersdisciplinary research.Fil: Karydas, A.. International Atomic Energy Agency; Austria. National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos"; GreciaFil: Czyzycki, M.. International Atomic Energy Agency; Austria. AGH University of Science and Technology. Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science ; PoloniaFil: Leani, Juan Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; Argentina. International Atomic Energy Agency; AustriaFil: Migliori, A.. International Atomic Energy Agency; Austria. Nuclear Spectrometry And Appications Lab, Iaea. Onu; AustriaFil: Osán, J.. Hungarian Academy of Sciences Centre for Energy Research; Hungría. International Atomic Energy Agency; AustriaFil: Bogovac, M.. International Atomic Energy Agency; AustriaFil: Wrobel, P.. AGH University of Science and Technology. Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science ; PoloniaFil: Vakula, N.. International Atomic Energy Agency; AustriaFil: Padilla Alvarez, R.. International Atomic Energy Agency; AustriaFil: Menk, Ralf Hendrik. Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA di Interesse Nazionale; Italia. University of Saskatchewan; CanadáFil: Gol, M. G.. Iranian Light Source Facility; IránFil: Antonelli, M.. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare; Italia. Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA di Interesse Nazionale; ItaliaFil: Tiwari, M. K.. Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology; IndiaFil: Caliri, C.. Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare; ItaliaFil: Vogel Mikuš, K.. Jozef Stefan Institute; Eslovenia. University of Ljubljana; EsloveniaFil: Darby, I.. Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste SCpA di Interesse Nazionale; Italia. International Atomic Energy Agency; AustriaFil: Kaiser, R.. International Atomic Energy Agency; Austri

Ultrahigh Energy Cosmic Rays and Prompt TeV Gamma Rays from Gamma Ray Bursts

Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) have been proposed as one {\it possible} class of sources of the Ultrahigh Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR) events observed up to energies \gsim10^{20}\ev. The synchrotron radiation of the highest energy protons accelerated within the GRB source should produce gamma rays up to TeV energies. Here we briefly discuss the implications on the energetics of the GRB from the point of view of the detectability of the prompt TeV gamma rays of proton-synchrotron origin in GRBs in the up-coming ICECUBE muon detector in the south pole.Comment: 3 pages Latex including 1 ps figure, invited parallel session talk given at the IXth International Symposium on Particles, Strings and Cosmology (PASCOS-03), TIFR, Mumbai, India, Jan 2003, to appear in the proceedings to be published as a special issue of Pramana -- Jour. of Physics, style files include

Automatic ROI Selection in Structural Brain MRI Using SOM 3D Projection

This paper presents a method for selecting Regions of Interest (ROI) in brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for diagnostic purposes, using statistical learning and vector quantization techniques. The proposed method models the distribution of GM and WM tissues grouping the voxels belonging to each tissue in ROIs associated to a specific neurological disorder. Tissue distribution of normal and abnormal images is modelled by a Self-Organizing map (SOM), generating a set of representative prototypes, and the receptive field (RF) of each SOM prototype defines a ROI. Moreover, the proposed method computes the relative importance of each ROI by means of its discriminative power. The devised method has been assessed using 818 images from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) which were previously segmented through Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM). The proposed algorithm was used over these images to parcel ROIs associated to the Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Additionally, this method can be used to extract a reduced set of discriminative features for classification, since it compresses discriminative information contained in the brain. Voxels marked by ROIs which were computed using the proposed method, yield classification results up to 90% of accuracy for controls (CN) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, and 84% of accuracy for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and AD patients.This work was partly supported by the MICINN under the TEC2012-34306 project and the Consejería de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa (Junta de Andalucía, Spain) under the Excellence Projects P09-TIC-4530 and P11-TIC-7103. Data collection and sharing for this project was funded by the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) (National Institutes of Health Grant U01 AG024904) and DOD ADNI (Department of Defense award number W81XWH-12-2-0012). ADNI is funded by the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and through generous contributions from the following: Alzheimer's Association; Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation; BioClinica, Inc.; Biogen Idec Inc.; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Eisai Inc.; Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and its affiliated company Genentech, Inc.; GE Healthcare; Innogenetics, N.V.; IXICO Ltd.; Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy Research & Development, LLC.; Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development LLC.; Medpace, Inc.; Merck & Co., Inc.; Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC.; NeuroRxResearch; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Pfizer Inc.; Piramal Imaging; Servier; Synarc Inc.; and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is providing funds to support ADNI clinical sites in Canada. Private sector contributions are facilitated by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (www.fnih.org). The grantee organization is the Northern California Institute for Research and Education, and the study is coordinated by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study at the University of California, San Diego. ADNI data are disseminated by the Laboratory for Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California