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In addition to the light curve and energy spectrum, polarization is also important for inferring the physical properties of the gamma-ray burst (GRB). Rotation of the polarization angle (PA) with time will cause depolarization of the time-integrated polarization degree. However, it has rarely been studied before. Here, we use a magnetic reconnection model with a large-scale ordered aligned magnetic field in the emitting region to study the influence of the parameters on the PA rotations in the GRB prompt phase. We find that the half-opening angle of the jet θ j , the observational angle θ V , and the bulk Lorentz factor Γ all have significant impacts on the PA rotations. The PA rotations are affected by the product value of θ j Γ0 (Γ0 is the normalization factor of Γ with Γ (r) = Γ 0 (r / r 0) s ), but are roughly independent of the concrete values of both θ j and Γ0. For the typical parameters, the changes of the PA within T 90 (△PA) would be within (12°, 66°) for slight off-axis observations, where T 90 is the duration of the burst with the accumulated flux density ranging from 5% to 95%. The q range for △PA > 10° becomes smaller with the increase of the product value of θ j Γ0. The most significant PA rotation with △PA ∼ 90° will happen when θ j Γ0 > 50 and 1.0 < q ≤ 1.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time-integrated polarization degree (PD) in the prompt optical band of a gamma-ray burst (GRB) was predicted to be less than 20%, while the time-resolved one can reach as high as 75% in the photosphere model. Polarizations in the optical band during the GRB prompt phase have not previously been studied in the framework of the magnetic reconnection model. Here, a three-segment power law of the energy spectrum is used to reconstruct the Stokes parameters of the magnetic reconnection model. Multiwavelength light curves and polarization curves from the optical band to MeV gamma rays in the GRB prompt phase are studied. We found that, depending mainly on the jet dynamics, there is a long-lasting high-PD phase in all calculated energy bands for the typical parameter sets. The time-resolved PD could be as high as 50%, while the time-integrated one is roughly 17% in the optical band. The time-resolved PD in X-rays can reach 60% and the time-integrated one is around 30%–40%. The evolution of polarization angle (PA) is random in both optical and gamma-ray bands for the photosphere model, while it is roughly constant in the synchrotron models. Therefore, future time-resolved PA observations in the prompt optical or gamma-ray band could distinguish between the photosphere and synchrotron models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterned glass diffusers (PGDs) have been demonstrated to reduce backlight thickness and LED count, and increase luminance when used with an optimal film stack in blue mini‐LED backlights. However, they encounter challenges when used in automotive white LED backlights. We report our PGD solution to dimensionally and thermally stable automotive white LED backlight that has an LED pitch of 13 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies, the time evolution information is missed in deducing the time-integrated polarizations of gamma-ray burst prompt emission. Here, it is considered and the time-integrated polarizations is investigated through the summation of the time-resolved ones. The statistical properties of the distribution of the time-integrated polarization degree (Π) can be read from the q– Π curve, where q ≡ θ V /θ j . θ V and θ j are the observational and jet half-opening angles, respectively. Hence, only the q– Π curves are studied. In addition to a toroidal magnetic field in the radiation region, an aligned field is also discussed. We found the predicted time-integrated polarization degree is around |$(40\!-\!50)\,\, \mathrm{ per\,cent}$| for High-energy Polarimetry Detector (HPD) onboard POLAR-2 and is roughly |$(30\!-\!40)\,\, \mathrm{ per\,cent}$| for its Low-energy Polarimetry Detector (LPD). Therefore, Π value detected by the HPD will be larger than that of the LPD in statistics and the result of the former estimations will underestimate the value of Π in an ordered field. There are mainly two types of the q –Π curve profiles, corresponding to two ordered magnetic field configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the trend of low-carbon emissions and environmentally friendly development, this paper extracted natural dye from gardenia for cellulose fiber dyeing and endowed them with UV resistance and antibacterial properties. And more attention was paid to the dye structure of the gardenia yellow dye and its alkali-hydrolyzed gardenia yellow dye on dye uptake, UV–visible absorption characteristic peak as well as functional finishing. The main dye components of gardenia yellow dye and its alkali-hydrolyzed gardenia yellow dye were measured by the UV–visible and LC–MS spectrum. The crocin, which was the main dye components in the gardenia yellow dye, presented higher maximum absorption wavelength and darker colors compared with alkali-hydrolyzed gardenia yellow dye, which the main dye components was croceic acid. The cotton fabrics dyed with gardenia yellow dye or alkali-hydrolyzed gardenia yellow dye all indicated well dyeing performacne and functional characteristics such as antioxidant activity, UPF values and antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The main reason for different in the dyeing and functional performance of cotton fabrics dyed with gardenia yellow dye or its alkali-hydrolyzed dye were the removing gentiobiose molecules under alkali treatment, which changed the conjugate systems, ionization capacity, and polyphenols and flavonoids content. And the study examines the dyeing kinetics, adsorption isotherm, and thermodynamics of gardenia yellow dye and its alkali-hydrolyzed gardenia yellow dye on the cationic cotton. It is expected that achievement of this research provide guide to the value adding utilization of agricultural by-products from crop industries and view to investigate the effect of dye composition on the dyeing and functional performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The equator‐to‐poles decline in the number of species, namely the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), is the most conspicuous pattern in biology, yet the underlying mechanisms of this pattern remain controversial. Species dispersal could have strong effects on large‐scale species distributions but has rarely been considered in understanding the LDG. Here we sought to examine how dispersal ability may influence the latitudinal phylogenetic patterns of woody angiosperm assemblages. Location: China. Taxon: Woody angiosperms. Methods: Based on a highly supported mega‐phylogeny constructed from plastid genomes, we assessed the patterns of phylogenetic relatedness and dissimilarity of 1184 trees with three different seed dispersal modes (i.e. zoochory, anemochory and autochory) in 12 permanent forest dynamic plots covering tropical, subtropical and temperate zones in China. Results: We found that, compared with zoochorous and anemochorous species, the less vagile autochorous trees exhibited a much weaker latitudinal pattern in phylogenetic relatedness and higher phylogenetic dissimilarity among plots. The phylogenetic dissimilarity pattern of autochorous trees was explained more by geographic distance than environmental factors, consistent with a dominant role for dispersal limitation. Main Conclusions: Our study, for the first time, demonstrates that seed dispersal mode strongly influences the latitudinal phylogenetic patterns of woody angiosperm assemblages in China and highlights the importance of interaction between dispersal limitation and environmental filtering in determining the large‐scale distribution of forest biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein – with the optimization goals of a lightweight, large-span structure; modularization; and heavy loading – a tapered-section truss module and standard truss module are integrated and assembled, yielding a new design for an all-carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) truss structure. The design structure fully considers the mechanical characteristics of the truss and the requirements of standardized production efficiency, integrating the "fish keel" structural design method to give it a hollow structure style. By fabricating two 1:1 truss structures (A-Truss and B-Truss) with a length of 20.4 m, the conceptual design, modular design method, and integrated assembly technology of the truss structure were effectively verified; further, experimental research on the strength performance of the mold-clave-forming plate-type joint and the axial compression behavior of large-span full CFRP truss structure is carried out. The failure position of the truss structure is determined, and an enhancement measure for the key connection joint between the truss modules is proposed. Based on specific application scenarios, it is clear that the truss meets the design requirements in terms of bearing capacity and deformation, and can be used as the main bearing structure of large aircraft and aerospace assembly platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of DNA barcoding has been significantly limited by the scarcity of reliable specimens and inadequate coverage and replication across all species. The deficiency of DNA barcode reference coverage is particularly striking for highly biodiverse subtropical and tropical regions. In this study, we present a comprehensive barcode library for woody plants in tropical and subtropical China. Our dataset includes a standard barcode library comprising the four most widely used barcodes (rbcL, matK, ITS, and ITS2) for 2,520 species from 4,654 samples across 49 orders, 144 families, and 693 genera, along with 79 samples identified at the genus level. This dataset also provides a super-barcode library consisting of 1,239 samples from 1,139 species, 411 genera, 113 families, and 40 orders. This newly developed library will serve as a valuable resource for DNA barcoding research in tropical and subtropical China and bordering countries, enable more accurate species identification, and contribute to the conservation and management of tropical and subtropical forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment of a γ -ray burst has an important influence on the evolution of jet dynamics and its afterglow. Here we investigate the afterglow polarizations in a stratified medium with the equal arrival time surface (EATS) effect. Polarizations of multiband afterglows are predicted. The effects of the parameters of the stratified medium on the afterglow polarizations are also investigated. We found the influences of the EATS effect on the afterglow polarizations become important for off-axis detections and polarization degree (PD) bumps move to later times with the EATS effect. Even if the magnetic field configurations, jet structure, and observational angles are fixed, polarization properties of the jet emission could still evolve. Here, we assume a large-scale ordered magnetic field in the reverse-shock region and a two-dimensional random field in the forward-shock region. Then, PD evolution is mainly determined by the evolution of the f 32 parameter (the flux ratio between the reverse-shock region and forward-shock region) at the early stage and by the evolution of the bulk Lorentz factor γ at the late stage. Through the influences on the f 32 or γ, the observational energy band, observational angles, and the parameters of the stratified medium will finally affect the afterglow polarizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report our progress on monitor‐sized, dimensionally and thermally stable mini‐LED backlights enabled by a patterned glass diffuser (PGD). One PGD based backlight, while being thinner, shows a higher luminance than a reference mini‐LED backlight. Another all‐in‐one PGD enhances a glass circuit board based mini‐LED backlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotations of the polarization angle (PA) with time (energy) can lead to the depolarization of the time-integrated (energy-integrated) polarization. However, we do not know how and when it will rotate. Here, we consider a magnetic reconnection model to investigate the polarizations, especially the PA rotations of gamma-ray burst (GRB) prompt emission. For a large-scale ordered aligned magnetic field configuration, we find that within T 50 PAs will rotate with time (energy) for slight off-axis observations. Our studies show that the rotations of the PAs are due to changes in the observed image of the emitting region before being averaged over the equal arrival time surface for the unresolved sources. We apply our model to the single-pulse bursts of GRB 170101A and GRB 170114A with time-resolved PA observations. We find it can interpret the violent PA variation of GRB 170101A, while the model could not predict the two 90° PA changes in GRB 170114A. A more detailed model should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Animal Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Concerning the changes in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), we estimate the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disorder (ID), and learning disability (LD) among US children and adolescents aged 3–17 years in 2019 and 2020. Methods: The study includes 14,983 US children and adolescents aged 3– 17 years in 2019 and 2020 from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Parents were interviewed about whether their children ever and/or currently had NDDs diagnosed. Prevalence estimates of NDDs were calculated with a survey-based weighting scheme. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between NDDs prevalence and subgroups. Results: The weighted prevalence of ADHD, ASD, ID, and LD was 8.5% (95% CI: 7.9–9.2%), 2.9% (95% CI: 2.6–3.4%), 1.4% (95% CI: 1.2–1.7%), and 6.4% (95% CI: 5.8–7.0%), respectively. A higher prevalence of ADHD, ASD, ID, and LD was observed in boys, those who ever had anxiety or depression symptoms, those with lower family income, those living in a rented house, ever been bullied, and ever lived with anyone mentally ill. Conclusion: The study found the prevalence of ADHD, ASD, ID, and LD was different by demographics, comorbidity/mental problems, household/parental characteristics, and stressful life events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cationic modification technology for cotton could greatly enhance colour strength and fixation of reactive dyes. However, it is a two‐step method when cationic modification is applied to salt‐free dyeing. Cotton fabric is initially treated with a cationic compound through exhaust or pad‐cure, acid washing and drying process, then the cationic modified cotton is dyed with reactive dye. In this study, a single‐step pad‐steam cationisation and dyeing process was proposed to shorten the process and improve dye fixation. The fixation reaction between reactive dye and cotton fabrics was conducted at the temperature range 100–140°C and relative humidity range 40–90%. The effects of quaternary ammonium salt and inorganic salt as well as alkaline agent on K/S value and dye fixation were also studied. Furthermore, the drying kinetic of the wet cotton fabric was studied in this article. The result showed that the drying process fitted well to the Page model. The effective moisture diffusivity of wet cotton under different steaming conditions were calculated. An activation energy value of 32.25 kJ/mol was determined. Compared with the conventional process, a single‐step pad‐steam cationisation and dyeing process not only shortened the process but also increased K/S value and dye fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report our progress on a monitor‐sized, dimensionally and thermally stable mini‐LED backlight enabled by a patterned glass diffuser (PGD). Our backlight uses 5,000+ fewer mini‐LEDs per monitor — 4/9 times that in a reference mini‐LED backlight relying on a thicker diffuser plate, while it is thinner and achieves similar uniformity and luminance compared to the reference mini‐LED backlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over 15 years, Corning Eagle XG™ Glass has been a mainstream display substrate in the industry. Recently, it is also used as a back‐lighting unit (BLU) component, a Glass Diffuser Plate (GDP), to enable "Zero‐Border" Design (ZBD) LCD TV. In this article, we first review requirements of BLU of ZBD TV, and contrasts Eagle XG™ against a polymeric and other glass materials to demonstrate the benefit of its use. We also discuss the origin of edge light leakage, a bright line artifact, seen in ZBD TV. Through our simulation, we demonstrate that Corning's precise cutting tolerance (± 0.1 mm) and bottom cut edge finishing of GDP leads to light leakage reduction (~40%). In addition, we investigated the impact of GDP size control and thickness, and GDP‐optical film lamination geometry on the edge light leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Proper blood lipid levels are essential for survival in older adults, but inconsistent relationships have been reported between blood lipids and all-cause mortality in the elderly.Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed data from 1,067 Chinese older adults enrolled in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey collected in 2008 and followed up until death or December 31, 2018. The outcome was all-cause mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with stratification by age (60-80, 80-100, or ≥100 years) for further analysis. The survival probability according to lipid profile quartiles was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test.Results: The participants' mean age was 84.84 years, and 57.0% were female. In total, 578 individuals died, and 277 were lost to follow-up. The mean total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were higher among those who died than among those who survived. Participants in the second HDL-C quartile and the highest LDL-C and triglyceride (TG) quartiles had 28% higher, 23% lower, and 49% lower risks of all-cause mortality, respectively. After further adjustment, the associations remained except for HDL-C, and additional associations were observed between all-cause mortality and the third TC and LDL-C quartiles and the second TG quartile (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.06; HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.94; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.99, respectively).Conclusions: Older adults should maintain an LDL-C level of 1.91-2.47 mmol/L and a TG level of no less than 1.66 mmol/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic trees have been extensively used in community ecology. However, how the phylogeny construction affects ecological inferences is poorly understood. In this study, we constructed three different types of phylogenetic trees (a synthetic‐tree generated using V.PhyloMaker, a barcode‐tree generated using rbcL+matK+trnH‐psbA, and a plastome‐tree generated from plastid genomes) that represented an increasing level of phylogenetic resolution among 580 woody plant species from six forest dynamic plots in subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests of China. We then evaluated the performance of each phylogeny in estimations of community phylogenetic structure, turnover and phylogenetic signal in functional traits. As expected, the plastome‐tree was most resolved and most supported for relationships among species. For local phylogenetic structure, the three trees showed consistent results with Faith's PD and MPD; however, only the synthetic‐tree produced significant clustering patterns using MNTD for some plots. For phylogenetic turnover, contrasting results between the molecular trees and the synthetic‐tree occurred only with nearest neighbor distance. The barcode‐tree agreed more with the plastome‐tree than the synthetic‐tree for both phylogenetic structure and turnover. For functional traits, both the barcode‐tree and plastome‐tree detected phylogenetic signal in maximum height, but only the plastome‐tree detected signal in leaf width. This is the first study that uses plastid genomes in large‐scale community phylogenetics. Our results highlight the improvement of plastome‐trees over barcode‐trees and synthetic‐trees for the analyses studied here. Our results also point to the possibility of type I and II errors in estimation of phylogenetic structure and turnover and detection of phylogenetic signal when using synthetic‐trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatty liver has become a main problem that causes huge economic losses in many aquaculture modes. It is a common physiological or pathological phenomenon in aquaculture, but the causes and occurring mechanism are remaining enigmatic. Methods: Each three liver samples from the control group of allogynogenetic gibel carp with normal liver and the overfeeding group with fatty liver were collected randomly for the detailed comparison of histological structure, lipid accumulation, transcriptomic profile, latent pathway identification analysis (LPIA), marker gene expression, and hepatocyte mitochondria analyses. Results: Compared to normal liver, larger hepatocytes and more lipid accumulation were observed in fatty liver. Transcriptomic analysis between fatty liver and normal liver showed a totally different transcriptional trajectory. GO terms and KEGG pathways analyses revealed several enriched pathways in fatty liver, such as lipid biosynthesis, degradation accumulation, peroxidation, or metabolism and redox balance activities. LPIA identified an activated ferroptosis pathway in the fatty liver. qPCR analysis confirmed that gpx4, a negative regulator of ferroptosis, was significantly downregulated while the other three positively regulated marker genes, such as acsl4, tfr1 and gcl, were upregulated in fatty liver. Moreover, the hepatocytes of fatty liver had more condensed mitochondria and some of their outer membranes were almost ruptured. Conclusions: We reveal an association between ferroptosis and fish fatty liver for the first time, suggesting that ferroptosis might be activated in liver fatty. Therefore, the current study provides a clue for future studies on fish fatty liver problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the design and performance of a direct‐lit LCD backlight prototype which is only 5 mm thick and capable of full array 2D local dimming. Equipped with a 15.6" LC display panel, the prototype reaches peak brightness of 2000 nits. The measured contrast numbers meet VESA DisplayHDR 600 specification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a monitor‐sized, thin, dimensionally and thermally stable mini‐LED backlight enabled by a patterned glass diffuser (PGD). Our backlight has a luminance of between 0.9 × and 1.05 × compared to a reference mini‐LED backlight using a thick diffuser plate, while providing a better local dimming control and comparable zone and panel luminance uniformity and color uniformity. The PGD technology can reduce the number of LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (MDHB) has the potential to prevent neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The present work investigated its excretion, metabolism, and cytochrome P450-based drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Methods: After intragastric administration of MDHB, the parent drug was assayed in the urine and faeces of mice. Metabolites of MDHB in the urine, faeces, brain, plasma and liver were detected by liquid chromatography–hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF/MS). A cocktail approach was used to evaluate the inhibition of cytochrome P450 isoforms by MDHB. Results: The cumulative excretion permille of MDHB in the urine and faeces were found to be 0.67 ± 0.31 and 0.49 ± 0.44‰, respectively. A total of 96 metabolites of MDHB were identified, and all IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values of MDHB towards cytochrome P450 isoforms were > 100 μM. Conclusions: The results suggest that MDHB has a low parent drug cumulative excretion percentage and that MDHB has multiple metabolites and is mainly metabolized through the loss of –CH2 and –CO2, the loss of –CH2O, ester bond hydrolysis, the loss of –O and –CO2, isomerization, methylation, sulfate conjugation, the loss of –CH2O and –O and glycine conjugation, glycine conjugation, the loss of two –O groups and alanine conjugation, the loss of –CH2O and –O and glucose conjugation, glucuronidation, glucose conjugation, etc., in vivo. Finally, MDHB has a low probability of cytochrome P450-based DDIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although lipopolysaccharides (LPS) have been used to establish animal models of memory loss akin to what is observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the exact mechanisms involved have not been substantiated. In this study, we established an animal model of learning and memory impairment induced by LPS and explored the biological processes and pathways involved. Mice were continuously intraperitoneally injected with LPS for 7 days. Learning- and memory-related behavioral performance and the pathological processes involved were assessed using the Morris water maze test and immunostaining, respectively. We detected comprehensive expression of C1q, C3, microglia, and their regulatory cytokines in the hippocampus. After 7 days of LPS administration, we were able to observe LPS-induced learning and memory impairment in the mice, which was attributed to neural impairment and synapse loss in the hippocampus. We elucidated that the immune system was activated, with the classical complement pathway and microglial phagocytosis being involved in the synapse loss. This study demonstrates that an LPS-injected mouse can serve as an early memory impairment model for studies on anti-AD drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a backlight that can be bent to a radius of 200 mm and provides more than 2000 nits through a 7" display. The backlight is enabled by a glass light guide plate that edge‐couples light from high brightness thin LEDs. It is also capable of 2D local dimming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (MDHB) has the potential to prevent neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The present work aims to reveal the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution characteristics of MDHB.Methods: The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of MDHB were analyzed using LC-MS/MS after a single intragastric administration (50 to 450 mg/kg) in mice, and samples were collected from five animals at specific time points.Results: Pharmacokinetic parameters of MDHB following intragastric administrations were: the time to peak concentration (Tmax) ranged from 0.033 to 0.07 h, the peak concentration (Cmax) ranged from 12,379.158 to 109798.712 μg/l, the elimination half-life (t1/2z) ranged from 0.153 to 1.291 h, the area under the curve (AUC0-∞) ranged from 640.654 to 20,241.081 μg/l × h, the mean residence time (MRT0-∞) ranged from 0.071 to 0.206 h, the apparent volume of distribution (Vz/F) ranged from 17.538 to 45.244 l/kg, and the systemic clearance (Clz/F) ranged from 22.541 to 80.807 l/h/kg. The oral bioavailability of MDHB was 23%. The maximum MDHB content was detected in the stomach, and the minimum content was observed in the testes; the peak content in the brain was 15,666.93 ng/g.Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic characteristics of MDHB include fast absorption, high systemic clearance, a short half-life and an oral bioavailability of 23%. Additionally, MDHB permeates the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and is rapidly distributed to all organs. The identification of the pharmacokinetics of MDHB following its oral administration will contribute to further preclinical and clinical studies of its effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Understanding how spatial distributions of rare and common species are associated with environmental and spatial processes is essential to understanding community assembly. We addressed the following questions: (a) does the relative importance of space and topography vary from rare to common tree species? (b) Are the contributions of topography and space equal? (c) Are the variances explained by topography or space correlated with elevational ranges (ER) at the local scale? (d) Does cell‐size influence those postulated associations? Location: China and the Americas. Major taxa studied: Tree species. Methods: We partitioned the variation in species richness and composition of rare and common tree species by topography and space across a range of extents and grain sizes in eight communities. We calculated contribution ratio (CR) between space and topography to quantify their relative importance. We employed Kendall's rank correlation to determine the relation between CR and commonness. Mixed effect models were used to identify the influence of cell‐size on the results. Results: The majority of CR values were positively related to increasing commonness, especially for composition. The explained variances by space were always higher than that by topography regardless of commonness. At local scale, variances explained by space or topography were not correlated with ER. Main conclusions: Our results indicate that the relative importance of space compared to topography increases from rare to common species across forests. We suggest that future studies of community assembly need to account for both space and topography to adequately describe differences in rare and common species assembly mechanisms at range of spatial extents and grain sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on an ultra‐thin 2D local dimming backlight, as thin as an edge‐lit backlight, yet as capable of 2D local dimming as a direct‐lit backlight. It includes a patterned holey glass light guide plate (LGP) and a patterned reflector. Light from LEDs, located in holes, is edge‐coupled into the LGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating symbiotic relationships between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plants contributes to a better understanding of their reciprocally dependent coexistence and community assembly. However, the main drivers of plant and AMF community assembly remain unclear. In this study, we examined AMF communities from 166 root samples of 17 woody plant species from 10 quadrats in a Chinese subtropical forest using 454 pyrosequencing of 18S rRNA gene to describe symbiotic AMF–plant association. Our results show the woody plant–AMF networks to be highly interconnected and nested, but in antimodular and antispecialized manners. The nonrandom pattern in the woody plant–AMF network was explained by plant and AMF phylogenies, with a tendency for a stronger phylogenetic signal by plant than AMF phylogeny. This study suggests that the phylogenetic niche conservatism in woody plants and their AMF symbionts could contribute to interdependent AMF and plant community assembly in this subtropical forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating interactions of above-ground and below-ground communities in different habitat types is essential for understanding biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem functioning., Using 454 pyrosequencing of ITS2 sequences we examined the relationship between subtropical mountain forest soil fungal communities, abiotic conditions, and plant communities using correlation and partial models., Ridge and valley habitats with differing fungal communities were delineated. Total, saprotrophic and pathogenic fungal richness were significantly correlated with plant species richness and/or soil nutrients and moisture in the ridge habitat, but with habitat convexity or basal area of Castanopsis eyrei in the valley habitat. Ectomycorrhizal ( EM) fungal richness was significantly correlated with basal area of C. eyrei and total EM plants in the ridge and valley habitats, respectively. Total, saprotrophic, pathogenic and EM fungal compositions were significantly correlated with plant species composition and geographic distance in the ridge habitat, but with various combinations of plant species composition, plant species richness, soil C : N ratio and pH or no variables in the valley habitat., Our findings suggest that mechanisms influencing soil fungal diversity and community composition differ between ridge and valley habitats, and relationships between fungal and woody plant assemblages depend on habitat types in the subtropical forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schima superba is an important dominant species in subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests of China, and plays a vital role in community structure and dynamics. However, the survival rate of its seedlings in the field is low, and water shortage could be a factor that limits its regeneration. In order to better understand the response of its seedlings to drought stress on a functional genomics scale, RNA-seq technology was utilized in this study to perform a large-scale transcriptome sequencing of the S. superba seedlings under drought stress. More than 320 million clean reads were generated and 72218 unique transcripts were obtained through de novo assembly. These unigenes were further annotated by blasting with different public databases and a total of 53300 unique transcripts were annotated. A total of 31586 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were presented. Through gene expression profiling analysis between drought treatment and control, 11038 genes were found to be significantly enriched in drought-stressed seedlings. Based on these differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology (GO) terms enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that drought stress caused a number of changes in the types of sugars, enzymes, secondary mechanisms, and light responses, and induced some potential physical protection mechanisms. In addition, the expression patterns of 18 transcripts induced by drought, as determined by quantitative real-time PCR, were consistent with their transcript abundance changes, as identified by RNA-seq. This transcriptome study provides a rapid method for understanding the response of S. superba seedlings to drought stress and provides a number of gene sequences available for further functional genomics studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (MDHB) against t-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) induced oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma cells) and the underlying mechanisms. SH-SY5Y were cultured in DMEM + 10% FBS for 24 h and pretreated with different concentrations of MDHB or N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) for 4 h prior to the addition of 40 μM TBHP for 24 h. Cell viability was analyzed using the methylthiazolyltetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. An annexin V-FITC assay was used to detect cell apoptosis rates. The 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay was used to determine intracellular ROS levels. The activities of antioxidative enzymes (GSH-Px and SOD) were measured using commercially available kits. The oxidative DNA damage marker 8-OHdG was detected using ELISA. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 3, p-Akt and Akt proteins in treated SH-SY5Y cells. Our results showed that MDHB is an effective neuroprotective compound that can mitigate oxidative stress and inhibit apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Evergreen broad-leaved forests (EBLFs) occupy most tropical and subtropical regions of mainland Asia and exhibit high species diversity, productivity and richness. Understanding the historical dynamics of EBLFs is important for biodiversity conservation and regional carbon storage and cycling under global climate change. However, little is known about the historical dynamics of EBLFs in mainland Asia. Dendrobium, an epiphytic orchid genus found in EBLFs, was used to gain new insights of the historical establishment and extension of EBLFs in mainland Asia. Location: Mainland Asia. Methods: We sampled c. 80% of the currently recognized species of Dendrobium found in mainland Asia. A phylogeny was generated using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. A calibrated chronogram was obtained using a Bayesian relaxed-clock model approach. Biogeographical scenarios were investigated using the statistical dispersal- vicariance analysis and dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis methods. Ancestral states were constructed by mesquite and bayestraits, and diversification of Dendrobium was investigated by APE and LASER packages. Results Our results indicate that Asian Dendrobium was present on mainland Asia since the Oligocene, after which this genus diversified in this region and dispersed into higher elevations. The ancestral habit of Dendrobium was epiphytic and terrestrial and lithophytic habits each have multiple, recently independent origins. Main conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that EBLFs have been established in mainland Asia at least since the Oligocene and further suggest that the EBLFs of mainland Asia expanded into higher elevations prior to the late Cenozoic. The diversification of Asian Dendrobium coincided with a warmer climate during the late Oligocene and middle Miocene and the expansion of key groups (including Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Magnoliaceae and Theaceae) of EBLFs during the early Cenozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects ( CHILD) syndrome is an X-linked autosomal dominant disorder characterized by unilateral congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and ipsilateral limb defects caused by a mutation in the gene encoding NAD[P]H steroid dehydrogenase-like protein ( NSDHL) at Xq28. The histopathologic hallmark of skin lesions in CHILD syndrome is psoriasiform epidermis with hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, and its most striking feature affecting the upper dermis is filling of the papillary dermis with foam cells. Here we present the case of a 9-year-old Chinese girl born with the typical clinical features of CHILD syndrome. Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of the skin lesions confirmed the diagnosis and led to identification of a heterozygous point mutation in exon 8 of the NSDHL gene. In addition, we provide a literature review of 26 unrelated CHILD syndrome patients from different countries, caused by 20 unique gene mutations occurring throughout the entire NSDHL gene, to promote understanding and provide a more comprehensive description of this unusual disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of propranolol in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas ( IHs) in Chinese infants. A statistically significant difference was found between infants treated using propranolol and those treated using corticosteroids (p < 0.001). The total effect pooled from 26 single-arm studies using meta-analysis of propranolol on IHs in Chinese infants was 93% (95% confidence interval 0.88, 0.96). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose, a naturally-occurring disaccharide, could be oxidized to polar polyaldehydes to improve the performance properties of tissue engineering scaffolds composed of three-dimensionally arranged ultrafine protein fibers in a controllable manner. With significantly better water stability, an in vitro study demonstrated that the biocompatibility of the oxidized sucrose crosslinked scaffolds was similar to the citric acid crosslinked ones. Due to their structural similarity to the major component in native extracellular matrices (ECMs), proteins had advantages over other macromolecules for development of tissue engineering scaffolds. We have successfully developed three-dimensional (3D) ultrafine fibrous structures from proteins that could mimic the authentic 3D architectures of native ECMs. However, the enlarged contacting area exposed to water worsened the poor water stability of proteins, and thus necessitated potent and non-toxic crosslinking. Citric acid, a biobased crosslinker, was widely recognized as safe and showed good crosslinking efficiency among non-toxic crosslinkers for proteins, though was still less potent than aldehydes. In this research, sucrose was oxidized to non-volatile polyaldehydes with high polarity and low toxicity. Compared to those crosslinked with citric acid, the 3D ultrafine fibrous zein scaffolds crosslinked with oxidized sucrose showed significantly better water stability and similar cytocompatibility via an in vitro study with preosteoblasts. In summary, oxidized sucrose could be a safe and potent crosslinker to improve water stability of macromolecule-based materials for medical and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidized sucrose, an un-traditional biobased crosslinker, was proved as effective as glutaraldehyde in improving water stability of ultrafine fibrous proteins without causing cytotoxicity. Proteins from agricultural byproducts, such as zein, are abundantly available for production of industrial and medical products, but are restricted by their poor water stability and wet properties. An effective and safe crosslinking method became indispensable for protein-based materials, especially biomaterials. Fibrous basic units with sub-micron scale were critical for biomaterials to resemble native extracellular matrices (ECMs) structurally. In this research, sucrose was oxidized into polar polyaldehydes to crosslink ultrafine fibrous scaffolds from corn protein. The control groups were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, a known highly effective crosslinker with considerable toxicity. With similar improvement in water stability, the oxidized sucrose crosslinked scaffolds showed much better cytocompatibility than the glutaraldehyde crosslinked ones via in vitro study with preosteoblast cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The specific autoantibodies and antigens that mediate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related organ injuries remain largely unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate the antibody-mediated immune response that leads to SLE skin lesions. Methods The study included 85 SLE patients with lupus-specific skin lesions and 31 without skin lesions. The reactivity of serum antibody with skin antigens was determined by immunoblotting using human foreskin as the substrate. Skin antigens were identified using mass spectrometry. Serum antibody was isolated by affinity purification and was injected intracutaneously into mouse skin to determine pathogenicity. Serum antibody levels were monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results We determined that 78% of the patients with skin lesions had serum antibodies reactive with 35-kd and/or 25-kd skin antigens, which was significantly higher than the percentage of patients without skin lesions ( P < 0.0001), suggesting a correlation between immune response and skin lesions. Acidic ribosomal protein P0 (RPLP0) and galectin 3 were 2 target antigens identified from 35-kd and 25-kd proteins, respectively. Purified serum anti-RPLP0 and anti-galectin 3 antibodies induced lupus-like histologic changes after intracutaneous injection. Anti-RPLP0 and anti-galectin 3 antibody levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls and decreased with skin recovery. Anti-galectin 3 antibody levels were not significantly higher in SLE patients than in patients with dermatomyositis or scleroderma, but strongly related to lupus cutaneous vasculitis. Additionally, levels of the 2 antibodies were positively correlated with leukopenia and C3 deficiency, and the anti-RPLP0 antibody level was also positively correlated with arthritis and SLE disease activity. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the immune response mediated by serum anti-RPLP0 and anti-galectin 3 antibodies plays a key role in the pathogenesis of SLE skin lesions. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of SLE-related organ disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]