The taxonomic value of pollen surface patterns in some Australian Epacris (Epacridaceae)

Pollen grains of most known species of Epacris in Australia were examined by scanning electron microscopy. There is a range of pattems of surface ornamentation present, based upon which the species can be grouped into two broad classes: (l) "smooth", in which the tectum is essentially intact but pitted and rugulate to varying degrees; (2) "warted", in which the pollen is intectate with a range of surface processes generally >2µm. The patterns are useful at the interspecific level to delimit certain taxa with morphological overlap

Tasmanian species of Ranunculus - a new key

A key to all Ranunculus species occuring in Tasmania is provided. Diagnostic characters are presented by means of diagrams. Ecological notes, the main distinguishing features, and chromosome numbers are given for each species

Scalar mesons moving in a finite volume and the role of partial wave mixing

Phase shifts and resonance parameters can be obtained from finite-volume lattice spectra for interacting pairs of particles, moving with nonzero total momentum. We present a simple derivation of the method that is subsequently applied to obtain the pi pi and pi K phase shifts in the sectors with total isospin I=0 and I=1/2, respectively. Considering different total momenta, one obtains extra data points for a given volume that allow for a very efficient extraction of the resonance parameters in the infinite-volume limit. Corrections due to the mixing of partial waves are provided. We expect that our results will help to optimize the strategies in lattice simulations, which aim at an accurate determination of the scattering and resonance properties.Comment: 19 pages, 12 figure

QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories : challenges and perspectives

We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.Peer reviewe

Two new species of Epacridaceae from Victoria

Volume: 8Start Page: 317End Page: 32

The past, present and future of pulmonary rehabilitation

Abundant evidence supports the use of pulmonary rehabilitation as a treatment for stable and exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Several questions around the science base of rehabilitation in other patient groups as well as the role of rehabilitation as a component in other comprehensive care trajectories remain to be addressed. The impact of a rehabilitation programme could also perhaps be enhanced if clear guidance would be available on how to individualize the components of a rehabilitation programme in individual patients. The rehabilitation community, in an attempt to increase access to programmes, has developed less rigorous interventions. These may serve specific patients (e.g. less severe patients or may be used as a maintenance programme), but in order to have conceptual clarity they should not be called substitutes for rehabilitation if they do not meet the definition of rehabilitation. Reaching clarity on the best format for maintenance programmes in order to achieve long-lasting health benefits for patients is another challenge. Furthermore, as many patients as possible should be referred to adequate rehabilitation programmes within their reach with fair reimbursement. Programmes should take into account the burden of the disease of a patient, the required components to tackle the problems, adequate assessment to document the outcome and the patient's preference. In summary, pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most potent evidence-based therapies for patients with respiratory diseases. Researchers should continue to fine tune the interventions, get clarity on terminology as well as the ultimate outcomes for rehabilitation to ensure sustainable health effects