Van Den Boom Research Articles

(2953) Proposal to conserve the name Absconditella against Geisleria (Ascomycota: Lecanoromycetes)

(2953) Absconditella Vězda in Preslia 37: 238. 1965, nom. cons. prop. Typus: A. sphagnorum Vězda & Poelt (=) Geisleria Nitschke in Rabenhorst, Lich. Eur. Exs. No. 574. Oct 1861, nom. rej. prop. Typus: G. sychnogonioides Nitschke Vězda (in Preslia 37: 238. 1965) introduced a new genus of lichenized fungi, Absconditella (Stictidaceae, Ostropales, Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota) with A. sphagnorum Vězda & Poelt as the type to accommodate species having minute, urceolate (apothecioid) ascomata with a non-amyloid hymenium and without a dark pigment, simple and indistinctly septate paraphyses, asci with a distinct non-amyloid tholus and chlorococcoid algae as a photobiont. At least 12 additional species have been described (Vězda, l.c. 1965; Vězda & Vivant in Folia Geobot. Phytotax. 10: 205. 1975; Döbbeler & Poelt in Herzogia 4: 364. 1977; Vězda & Pišút in Nova Hedwigia 40: 342, 344. 1985 [“1984”]; Søchting & al. in Biblioth. Lichenol. 88: 613. 2004; Spribille & al. in Bryologist 112: 111. 2009; Kondratyuk & al. in Acta Bot. Hung. 55: 277. 2013; Van den Boom & al. in Phytotaxa 238: 272. 2015; Cáceres & Aptroot in Bryologist 119: 254. 2016; Kalb & Aptroot in Bryologist 121: 57, 60. 2018) and four have been transferred from other genera (Vězda, l.c. 1965: 241, 244; Rossman in Mycotaxon 8: 505. 1979; Hawksworth & al. in Lichenologist 12: 106. 1980). The genus is cosmopolitan, and most species are sporadically collected due to their small size and probably ephemeral nature. The name Geisleria was introduced by Nitschke (in Rabenhorst, Lich. Eur. Exs. No. 574. 1861) for a single species, G. sychnogonioides Nitschke. Three more species were described later, one of which, G. alpina Servít (in Blumea 7: 594. 1954), appeared to be a parasymbiont on Polyblastia albida Arnold (Swinscow in Lichenologist 3: 418. 1967); another, G. jamesii Swinscow (l.c.: 420), was reassigned to Swinscowia S.H. Jiang, Lücking & Sérus. (Hongsanan & al. in Fungal Diversity 10: 139. 2020); and the third, G. xylophila Vězda (in Folia Geobot. Phytotax. 5: 312. 1970), is still known only by the type specimen. For a long time, the type of ascomata has been one of the main characteristics to delimit higher taxa in Ascomycetes. The ascomata of Geisleria are enclosed, perithecium-like with a narrow pore, and therefore G. sychnogonioides has been referred to pyrenocarpous families such as Verrucariaceae in Eurotiomycetes (Stizenberger in Ber. Thätigk. St. Gallischen Naturwiss. Ges. 22: 502. 1882) or Strigulaceae in Dothideomycetes (Harris, Taxon. Revis. Arthopyrenia [Ph.D. thesis, Michigan State University, U.S.A.]: 145. 1975; Roux & Sérusiaux in Biblioth. Lichenol. 90: 89–90. 2004). The relationships of Geisleria with other lichenized genera remained disputable until Aptroot & al. (in Lichenologist 46: 115–128. 2014) showed that Geisleria is sister to the type of the generic name Absconditella, forming a highly supported clade within Stictidaceae. Due to the small sample size, the authors (Aptroot & al., l.c.) only discussed the need for taxonomic re-arrangements but did not perform them. The most recent study on the lichenized genus Absconditella with more species and specimens included (Suija & Van den Boom in Mycol. Progr., in press) confirmed Aptroot & al.'s results as Geisleria was nested within Absconditella, forming a well-supported monophyletic clade. In contrast to Geisleria, the ascomata of Absconditella are cup-shaped with an exposed spore-bearing layer (apothecia). Aptroot & al. (l.c.) examined the type material of G. sychnogonioides and revealed that the ascomata of this species are still typical apothecia but the disc is only narrowly exposed, leaving the impression of enclosed fruit-bodies. The microscopical examination of additional materials by Suija & Van den Boom (l.c.) confirmed their statement. Following the principle of priority (Art. 11.3), we should adopt the earlier generic name Geisleria over Absconditella. However, the recognition and application of the older name would necessitate the introduction of 15 new combinations. Therefore, we propose to conserve the more widely used name Absconditella against Geisleria. AS, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3784-9414 PvdB, https://orcid.org//0000-0002-1929-2088

The first enumeration of members of the Teloschistaceae (lichen-forming Ascomycetes) status of which confirmed by three gene phylogeny

The first enumeration of members of the Teloschistaceae status of which hitherto confirmed by three gene phylogeny based on nrITS, nrLSU and mtSSU sequences is provided. The enumeration includes also taxa for which minimum two nuclear (nrITS or/and nrLSU) and mitochondrial DNA sequences hitherto available with references to publications where they are published. The enumeration including 590 species is alphabetically arranged after 115 accepted generic names within five subfamilies, i.e.: Xanthorioideae (271 species), Caloplacoideae (217 species), Teloschistoideae (69 species), Brownlielloideae (23 species), and Ikaerioideae (10 species). Accepted names are provided in bold and in italics, while synonymous names previously included in the genera Caloplaca, Xanthoria or Teloschistes as well as some taxa of the genera Polycauliona, Gyalolechia, Dufourea are provided in italics only. Recently described or combined taxa within genera segregated aft er molecular phylogeny data are briefly discussed. Six new combinations are proposed for the following taxa: Huriella osseophila (for Squamulea osseophila Søchting et Bungartz), Huriella phyllidizans (for Caloplaca phyllidizans Wetmore), Loekoeslaszloa catillarioides (for Caloplaca catillarioides Arup et van den Boom), Pyrenodesmia areolata (for Caloplaca cerina var. areolata Zahlbr.), Pyrenodesmia emilii (for Caloplaca emilii Vondrák, Khodos., Cl. Roux et V. Wirth), Pyrenodesmia fuscoatroides (for Caloplaca fuscoatroides J. Steiner). Position of taxa hitherto identified only on the basis of ITS phylogeny, or on incomplete set of gene sequences are briefly discussed too.

New records of Bacidina (Ramalinaceae) and Xenonectriella (Nectriaceae) from the Netherlands with special notes on some smaller Bacidina species

van den Boom, P. P. G. 2021 New records of Bacidina (Ramalinaceae) and Xenonectriella (Nectriaceae) from the Netherlands with special notes on some smaller Bacidina species. – Herzogia 34: 519 –523 Four easily overlooked species of Bacidina, B. chloroticula, B. etayana, B. mendax and B. saxenii, are treated from The Netherlands. Newly recorded from the Netherlands is B. mendax. Details of the ecology are given and morphology has been compared. Xenonectriella physciacearum is new to the Netherlands.

Three overlooked species of Bacidia from insular Laurimacaronesia

We discuss the taxonomy of three species of Bacidia occurring in insular Laurimacaronesia. Two of them, B. amylothelia (Vain.) Vain. and B. endoleucoides (Nyl.) Zahlbr., which were previously described from Angola and Madeira, respectively, are found here to belong in Bacidia s. str. (Ramalinaceae). Modern descriptions and illustrations are provided for the first time. Bacidia amylothelia is similar to B. areolata Gerasimova & A. Beck, B. campalea (Tuck.) S. Ekman & Kalb, B. fusconigrescens (Nyl.) Zahlbr., B. heteroloma (Vain.) Zahlbr., B. millegrana (Taylor) Zahlbr. and B. suffusa (Fr.) A. Schneid. and is reported here from the Canary Islands. Bacidia endoleucoides is most likely to be confused with B. absistens (Nyl.) Arnold, B. friesiana (Hepp) Körb., B. salazarensis B. de Lesd. and B. caesiovirens S. Ekman & Holien and was found to be widely distributed in the Canary Islands and Azores in addition to Madeira. The third species, Bacidia deludens S. Ekman, Tønsberg & van den Boom, is described here as new to science. Bacidia deludens is characterised by a greyish, crustose thallus with whitish soralia, pale apothecia with crystals in the hymenium and proper exciple, acicular ascospores with 3–19 septa, and the production of fumarprotocetraric acid as the consistently present major substance. It is described here from the Canary Islands and Madeira. Although conservatively treated here in Bacidia, we argue that it is likely to belong in the Malmideaceae. An identification key to all known species of Bacidia s. str. in insular Macaronesia is provided.

Lichen diversity of crustose Caliciaceae and Physciaceae from Alentejo, the Azores and Madeira (Portugal) including the new Amandinea madeirensis

van den Boom, P. P. G., Elix, J. A. & Giralt, M. 2020. Lichen diversity of crustose Caliciaceae and Physciaceae from Alentejo, the Azores and Madeira (Portugal) including the new Amandinea madeirensis. – Herzogia 33: 420 – 431.Examination of crustose Caliciaceae and Physciaceae from Portugal (Alentejo, Madeira and the Azores) revealed the new corticolous species, Amandinea madeirensis, characterized by 16-spored asci and small Physconia-type ascospores. The new species is compared with the other known corticolous species of Buellia s. lat. with polyspored asci and a key to these species is provided. Additional information is given for a further 49 species, of which Amandinea polyspora, Rinodina teichophila and the lichenicolous fungus Wernerella maheui are new records for Portugal. The following are new records for the regions studied: Buellia mediterranea and B. caloplacivora are new to the Azores, Buellia uberiuscula and Rinodina guzzinii are new to Madeira, while most records from Alentejo are new for the province. An additional record of the rare species Buellia indissimilis, hitherto known only from two localities (including the type) in northern Portugal, is included.

Lactate Attenuates Synaptic Transmission and Affects Brain Rhythms Featuring High Energy Expenditure.

SummaryLactate shuttled from blood, astrocytes, and/or oligodendrocytes may serve as the major glucose alternative in brain energy metabolism. However, its effectiveness in fueling neuronal information processing underlying complex cortex functions like perception and memory is unclear. We show that sole lactate disturbs electrical gamma and theta-gamma oscillations in hippocampal networks by either attenuation or neural bursts. Bursting is suppressed by elevating the glucose fraction in substrate supply. By contrast, lactate does not affect electrical sharp wave-ripple activity featuring lower energy use. Lactate increases the oxygen consumption during the network states, reflecting enhanced oxidative ATP synthesis in mitochondria. Finally, lactate attenuates synaptic transmission in excitatory pyramidal cells and fast-spiking, inhibitory interneurons by reduced neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals, whereas action potential generation in the axon is regular. In conclusion, sole lactate is less effective and potentially harmful during gamma-band rhythms by omitting obligatory ATP delivery through fast glycolysis at the synapse.

338-OR: Evaluation of the Spectrum Training Program for Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Multicenter Prospective Study in 120 Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Comprehensive knowledge, specific skills, and data-analysis competences are prerequisites of successful use of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM). SPECTRUM is a structured and manufacturer-independent training-program for real time CGM (rtCGM) comprising one web-based introduction and six modules (each 90 minutes) of face-to-face group sessions. SPECTRUM was evaluated longitudinally among adults with type 1 diabetes from 10 diabetes centers. Outcome parameters were rtCGM-knowledge and -skills (rtCGM-Profi-Check), satisfaction with the course, technology acceptance and metabolic control. Initially 120 participants with type 1 diabetes were included (mean age 42.4±13.4 years, diabetes duration 21.6±11.6 years, 56% female, mean HbA1c 7.70±1.34%). Data were collected at study entry, after the final group session, and at 6 months follow-up. The study was completed by 108 patients (10% dropped out, mainly due to scheduling problems). After training rtCGM knowledge (scale 0-40) improved by 43% (from 21.2±7.6 to 30.4±4.5; p<0.001) and persisted until 6 months follow-up (29.6±4.6). After 6 months HbA1c decreased to 7.58±1.32% (p=0.036). On a scale from 0-14, practical skills were 13.1±1.3 after the program. Satisfaction with SPECTRUM was 1.4±0.5 (1 is good - 6 is bad). Satisfaction with the rtCGM system was 4.2±0.5 (scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high)) and acceptance of the rtCGM system was 87.6±8.2 (scale from 14 (low) to 98 (high)) after the training and 87.0±9.7 at follow up. This indicates a high acceptance, positive attitude, and intension to use rtCGM continuously. SPECTRUM was shown to be effective in increasing the knowledge and skills about rtCGM in adults with type 1 diabetes. The effect was sustainable and independent from diabetes center and rtCGM-system used. Training participants showed an improvement in glycemic control and improved satisfaction and acceptance of rtCGM. Disclosure G. Freckmann: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Sensile Medical AG. Consultant; Self; Beurer, iSens, Metronom Health, Pharmasens, Profusa, Inc., Roche Diabetes Care. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. S. Schlueter: Advisory Panel; Self; A. Menarini Diagnostics, Abbott. Consultant; Self; Roche Diabetes Care. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Ascensia Diabetes Care, AstraZeneca, Berlin-Chemie AG, Dexcom, Inc., Medtronic, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Ypsomed AG. Other Relationship; Self; Springer Publishing Company, Verlag Kirchheim & Co. GmbH. P. Wintergerst: None. L. Heinemann: Consultant; Self; Becton, Dickinson and Company, LifeCare, Inc., Roche Diabetes Care. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Profil Institute for Clinical Research. T. Rückert: None. A. Hinz: Research Support; Self; Institut for Diabetestechnologie Ulm, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Berlin-Chemie AG, Eli Lilly and Company. M. Wernsing: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott. Research Support; Self; Roche Diabetes Care. F. Thienel: Research Support; Self; Roche Diabetes Care. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Abbott. T. Biester: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Medtronic, Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi, Ypsomed AG. P. von Blanckenburg: None. W. Keuthage: Advisory Panel; Self; Deutschland GmbH, Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care. Board Member; Self; Abbott, Berlin-Chemie AG. R. Ziegler: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Abbott, Dexcom, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Diabetes Care. E. Martin: None. M. Holder: None. D. Deiss: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Roche Diabetes Care. Consultant; Self; Senseonics. G. Buchal: None. L. van den Boom: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic. K. Lange: Consultant; Self; Abbott, Dexcom, Inc., Medtronic. Funding Dexcom, Inc.; Roche Diabetes Care; Sanofi; Menarini Group; Kirchheim Verlag; Medtronic

Lichens and lichenicolous fungi of Faial (Azores, Portugal) with descriptions of three new species

van den Boom P.P.G. & Alvarado P. 2019. Lichens and lichenicolous fungi of Faial (Azores, Portugal) with descriptions of three new species. - Herzogia 32: 421– 437.Results of a fieldtrip to Faial in 2016 are treated on lichens and lichenicolous fungi. Of the 109 taxa recorded, 14 are new to the Azores, and one new genus (Cliomegalaria) and three new species, Bacidia sigmospora, Bacidina terricola, Cliomegalaria symmictoides, are proposed to accommodate specimens not matching any known taxon.

Corrections to “Model Predictive Control for Stochastic Max-Plus Linear Systems With Chance Constraints,”

This article discusses two issues in connection with the article J. Xu, T. J. J. van den Boom, and B. De Schutter, “Model predictive control for stochastic max-plus linear systems with chance constraints,” IEEE Trans. Autom. Control , vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 337–342, Jan. 2019, namely an error in Proposition 7 and the assumption that the covariance matrix in the chance constraint is positive definite. First, we will discuss and correct the error in Proposition 7. Subsequently, we will consider a relaxation of the assumption in Proposition 7 and give a less-restrictive and less-conservative reformulation of the proposition.

T-cell mitochondrial dysfunction and lymphopenia in DOCK2-deficient patients

This study delineates the mitochondrial defects in DOCK2-deficient T cells contributing to the T cell lymphopenia characteristic of this primary immunodeficiency.

Four new epiphytic species in theMicarea prasinagroup from Europe

AbstractIn this study we clarify the phylogeny and reassess the current taxonomy of theMicarea prasinagroup, focusing especially on theM. byssaceaandM. micrococcacomplexes. The phylogeny was investigated using ITS, mtSSU andMcm7regions from 25 taxa belonging to theM. prasinagroup. A total of 107 new sequences were generated. Data were analyzed using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. The results reveal five undescribed well-supported lineages. Four of the lineages represent new species described asMicarea pseudomicrococcaLaunis & Myllys sp. nov.,M. czarnotaeLaunis, van den Boom, Sérusiaux & Myllys sp. nov.,M. microareolataLaunis, Pykälä & Myllys sp. nov. andM. laetaLaunis & Myllys sp. nov. In addition, a fifth lineage was revealed that requires further study.Micarea pseudomicrococcais characterized by an olive green granular thallus, small cream-white or brownish apothecia lacking the Sedifolia-grey pigment and two types of paraphyses up to 2 µm wide.Micarea czarnotaeforms a granular, densely granular or continuous olive green thallus, convex to hemispherical apothecia often with the Sedifolia-grey pigment and no crystalline granules in the thallus.Micarea microareolatais characterized by a ± pale green areolate thallus (composed of goniocysts), cream-white apothecia lacking the Sedifolia-grey pigment and narrow spores.Micarea laetahas a vivid to olive green granular thallus, pale apothecia lacking the Sedifolia-grey pigment and wider spores compared toM. microareolata. Descriptions, images and a key are provided for the new species. Crystalline granules are introduced as a novel species-level character forMicarea.

A New Micarea Species from Western Europe, Belonging in the Micarea denigrata Group

van den Boom P.P.G., Brand A.M., Coppins B.J. & Serusiaux E. 2018: A new Micarea species from western Europe, belonging in the Micarea denigrata group. – Herzogia 31: 385–389. A new species of Micarea, M. sambuci is described from western Europe. Though it was common in the Netherlands and also present in Belgium, Luxemburg , Germany, and Scotland, it could now be extinct. It differs from M. nitschkeana by the production of mesoconidia (2.7–4.1 × 1.1–1.5µm) and complete absence of micro- and macroconidia.

Coppinsiella and Seawardiella – two new genera of the xanthorioideae (teloschistaceae, lichen-forming ascomycota)

The genera Coppinsiella and Seawardiella are described based on the combined phylogenetic analysis from ITS nrDNA, 28S nrLSU and 12S mtSSU sequences. The affinities of the new genera Orientophila, Athallia, Flavoplaca and Calogaya are discussed. The former Caloplaca lobulata group (or ‘Xanthoria lobulata-Gruppe’ sensu Steiner et Poelt 1982) found to be positioned in the Calogaya clade based on ITS phylogeny while after a three gene phylogeny (based on ITS nrDNA, nrLSU and mtSSU sequences) two species (i.e.: Seawardiella lobulata and described as new S. tasmaniensis) were located in the Seawardiella clade of the Xanthorioideae. Three other species (i.e. Lazarenkoella zoroasteriorum, L. persica and L. polycarpoides) were positioned in the Lazarenkoella-clade of the Brownlielloideae. The position of all species of the Calogaya clade (after ITS phylogeny) should be re-evaluated based on three gene phylogeny from ITS nrDNA, nrLSU and mtSSU sequences. The new species Seawardiella tasmaniensis is described, illustrated and compared with closely related taxa. New combinations are suggested for eight taxa (i.e. Athallia inconnexa (for Lecanora inconnexa Nyl.), Calogaya safavidiorum (for Caloplaca safavidiorum S. Y. Kondr., in Kondratyuk et al.), Coppinsiella orbicularis stat. et comb. nov. (for Caloplaca substerilis subsp. orbicularis M. Haji Moniri, Vondrák et Malíček), Coppinsiella substerilis (for Caloplaca substerilis Vondrák, Palice et van den Boom, in Vondrák et al.), Coppinsiella ulcerosa (for Caloplaca ulcerosa Coppins et P. James), Lazarenkoella persica (for Xanthoria polycarpoides var. persica J. Steiner); Lazarenkoella polycarpoides (for Xanthoria polycarpoides J. Steiner), and Seawardiella lobulata (for Lecanora lobulata Flörke)).

Cdc48/p97 segregase is modulated by cyclin‐dependent kinase to determine cyclin fate during G1 progression

Cells sense myriad signals during G1, and a rapid response to prevent cell cycle entry is of crucial importance for proper development and adaptation. Cln3, the most upstream G1 cyclin in budding yeast, is an extremely short-lived protein subject to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. On the other hand, nuclear accumulation of Cln3 depends on chaperones that are also important for its degradation. However, how these processes are intertwined to control G1-cyclin fate is not well understood. Here, we show that Cln3 undergoes a challenging ubiquitination step required for both degradation and full activation. Segregase Cdc48/p97 prevents degradation of ubiquitinated Cln3, and concurrently stimulates its ER release and nuclear accumulation to trigger Start. Cdc48/p97 phosphorylation at conserved Cdk-target sites is important for recruitment of specific cofactors and, in both yeast and mammalian cells, to attain proper G1-cyclin levels and activity. Cdk-dependent modulation of Cdc48 would subjugate G1 cyclins to fast and reversible state switching, thus arresting cells promptly in G1 at developmental or environmental checkpoints, but also resuming G1 progression immediately after proliferative signals reappear.

New and interesting species in the family Graphidaceae (Ascomycota: Ostropales) from Vietnam

AbstractThe lowland area of southern Vietnam contains a high diversity of corticolous, crustose lichens, particularly in the family Graphidaceae. Two species, Acanthothecis verrucosa S. Joshi, Upreti & Hur and Graphis exuta S. Joshi, Upreti & Hur, are described new to science. Acanthothecis verrucosa is characterized by a verrucose, olive green thallus containing irregular to shortly lirellate apothecia, hyaline to brownish proper exciple apically lined by robust periphysoids, muriform ascospores, 30–70 × 15–20 μm, and the presence of psoromic and subpsoromic acids. Graphis exuta is characterized by a smooth, greenish white thallus, simple lirellae lacking thalline margin, entire labia coarsely white pruinose towards slit, muriform ascospores, 20–35×10–13 μm, and norstictic acid in the thallus. A new name, Acanthothecis yokdonensis S. Joshi & Hur, is proposed here for the species Acanthothecis salazinica S. Joshi & Hur, a later homonym of A. salazinica van den Boom & Sipman. In addition, 34 species from Vietnam are newly reported. A world key to the group of Graphis species characterized by short, simple and sessile lirellae lacking or with basal thalline margins (nuda-morph) is presented.

Abstract 421: Non reportable results - maternal neoplasm can alter results from non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

Abstract Cell free DNA is a powerful new analyte for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities of fetuses from the plasma of pregnant women. In non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), cfDNA is contributed into the plasma by the placenta. In rare cases, these results are distorted by additional sources of cfDNA in the maternal bloodstream. For example, organ transplantation can severely affect the cfDNA levels and lead to uninterpretable results. Another source of cfDNA that can lead to similar difficulties and ultimately to a non-reportable NIPT results, can be a maternal neoplasm. In our clinical laboratory, we have processed samples from over 450,000 pregnant patients. In cases of uninterpretable findings due to aberrant genomic profiles, potential reasons for non-reportable results were discussed with the caregiving physician. When feedback about these cases was available, it was collected in a database. In summary, we observed non-reportable NIPT results with aberrant genomic profile for 55 cases. A set of 43 had sufficient information available to allow inclusion in this summary. In 40 cases, a maternal neoplasm was confirmed (18 malignant, 20 benign, and two with imaging but without pathological confirmation). These observational results support further investigation by prospective controlled trials. Citation Format: Daniel Grosu, Nilesh G. Dharajiya, Ron M. McCullough, Youting Sun, Juan-Sebastian Saldivar, Dirk van den Boom, Mathias Ehrich. Non reportable results - maternal neoplasm can alter results from non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 421.

New Records of Lichens and Lichenicolous Fungi from La Gomera (Canary Islands, Spain), Including the New Species: Usnea boomiana P. Clerc

Abstract Van Den Boom, P. P. G., P. Clerc & D. Ertz (2015). New records of lichens and lichenicolous fungi from La Gomera (Canary Islands, Spain), including the new species: Usnea boomiana P. Clerc. Candollea 70: 165–177. In English, English abstract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2015v702a1 Lichens and lichenicolous fungi are very diverse in the Canary Islands but the flora is still poorly known despite numerous recent publications. For this reason, two field trips were undertaken in 2011 in order to study the lichen flora of La Gomera (western Canary Islands). About 1000 specimens were collected in the different habitats of the island. In addition, c. 200 specimens collected in 1986, and c. 60 specimens from the Oslo herbarium (O) were studied. As a result, an annotated list of 107 newly recorded lichens and lichenicolous fungi from La Gomera is presented. Terricolous, saxicolous, as well as corticolous species are included. Further notes are given for 17 taxa that are new for the Canary Islands. Hyp...

Interesting Records of Lichenized, Lichenicolous and Saprophytic Fungi from Northern Germany

Schiefelbein, U., Dolnik, C., de Bruyn, U., Schultz, M., Thiemann, R., Stordeur, R., van den Boom, P. P. G., Litterski, B. & Sipman, H. J. M. 2014. Interesting records of lichenized, lichenicolous and saprophytic fungi from northern Germany. — Herzogia 27: 237–256.Details of 50 lichen species, 19 lichenicolous fungi and two saprophytic fungi from northern Germany are presented. Chrysothrix flavovirens, Opegrapha viridipruinosa and Sclerococcum tephromelarum are new to Germany. Arthonia digitatae, A. molendoi, Calicium parvum, Caloplaca limonia, Cornutispora intermedia, Endococcus rugulosus, Intralichen lichenicola, Lecidea nylanderi, Muellerella erratica, Pycnora sorophora and Verrucaria tristis are recorded for the first time from northern Germany. 38 species are added to the lichen flora of the federal state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 12 species to Schleswig-Holstein, five species to Lower Saxony and one species to Brandenburg.

Elimination of Progressive Mammary Cancer by Repeated Administrations of Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified T Cells

Continuous oncogenic processes that generate cancer require an on-going treatment approach to eliminate the transformed cells, and prevent their further development. Here, we studied the ability of T cells expressing a chimeric antibody-based receptor (CAR) to offer a therapeutic benefit for breast cancer induced by erbB-2. We tested CAR-modified T cells (T-bodies) specific to erbB-2 for their antitumor potential in a mouse model overexpressing a human erbB-2 transgene that develops mammary tumors. Comparing the antitumor reactivity of CAR-modified T cells under various therapeutic settings, either prophylactic, prior to tumor development, or therapeutically. We found that repeated administration of CAR-modified T cells is required to eliminate spontaneously developing mammary cancer. Systemic, as well as intratumoral administered CAR-modified T cells accumulated at tumor sites and eventually eliminated the malignant cells. Interestingly, within a few weeks after a single CAR T cells' administration, and rejection of primary lesion, tumors usually relapsed both in treated mammary gland and at remote sites; however, repeated injections of CAR-modified T cells were able to control the secondary tumors. Since spontaneous tumors can arise repeatedly, especially in the case of syndromes characterized by specific susceptibility to cancer, multiple administrations of CAR-modified T cells can serve to control relapsing disease.

Simulation of an Optimality Algorithm for Railway Traffic Networks

Dynamic railway traffic management needs accurate time/location estimates on the fly in order to work efficiently. In this student project, we use the permutation based algorithm proposed by Ton J.J. van den Boom et al.[1] to achieve efficient traffic control management. A switching max-plus linear system was proposed by them[1]. Our goal was to build a simple piece of software that is based on their methodology. We finally present the results from our simulation.