When tropical and subtropical congeners met: Multiple ancient hybridization events within Eriobotrya in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, a tropical-subtropical transition area in China.

Global climate changes during the Miocene may have created ample opportunities for hybridization between members of tropical and subtropical biomes at the boundary between these zones. Yet, very few studies have explored this possibility. The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (YGP) in Southwest China is a biodiversity hotspot for vascular plants, located in a transitional area between the floristic regions of tropical Southeast Asia and subtropical East Asia. The genus Eriobotrya (Rosaceae) comprises both tropical and subtropical taxa, with 12 species recorded in the YGP, making it a suitable basis for testing the hypothesis of between-biome hybridization. Therefore, we surveyed the evolutionary history of Eriobotrya by examining three chloroplast regions and five nuclear genes for 817 individuals (47 populations) of 23 Eriobotrya species (including 19 populations of 12 species in the YGP), plus genome re-sequencing of 33 representative samples. We concluded that: (1) phylogenetic positions for 16 species exhibited strong cytonuclear conflicts, most probably due to ancient hybridization; (2) the YGP is a hotspot for hybridization, with 11 species showing clear evidence of chloroplast capture; and (3) Eriobotrya probably originated in tropical Asia during the Eocene. From the Miocene onwards, the intensification of the Eastern Asia monsoon and global cooling may have shifted the tropical-subtropical boundary and caused secondary contact between species, thus providing ample opportunity for hybridization and diversification of Eriobotrya, especially in the YGP. Our study highlights the significant role that paleoclimate changes probably played in driving hybridization and generating rich species diversity in climate transition zones.

Decoding 'Maximum Entropy' Deconvolution.

For over five decades, the mathematical procedure termed "maximum entropy" (M-E) has been used to deconvolve structure in spectra, optical and otherwise, although quantitative measures of performance remain unknown. Here, we examine this procedure analytically for the lowest two orders for a Lorentzian feature, obtaining expressions for the amount of sharpening and identifying how spurious structures appear. Illustrative examples are provided. These results enhance the utility of this widely used deconvolution approach to spectral analysis.

Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. Ethanol Extract Has Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Effects In Vitro and In Vivo by Targeting the IRAK1/AP-1 Pathway.

Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. has been used traditionally as a remedy for many diseases, especially inflammation. Therefore, we analyzed and explored the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of a Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. ethanol extract (Dt-EE). Dt-EE clearly and dose-dependently inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells. Also, Dt-EE suppressed the activation of the MyD88/TRIF-mediated AP-1 pathway and the AP-1 pathway related proteins JNK2, MKK4/7, and TAK1, which occurred as a result of inhibiting the kinase activity of IRAK1 and IRAK4, the most upstream factors of the AP-1 pathway. Finally, Dt-EE displayed hepatoprotective activity in a mouse model of hepatitis induced with LPS/D-galactosamine (D-GalN) through decreasing the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and suppressing the activation of JNK and IRAK1. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that Dt-EE could be a candidate anti-inflammatory herbal medicine with IRAK1/AP-1 inhibitory and hepatoprotective properties.

Sauropus brevipes ethanol extract negatively regulates inflammatory responses in vivo and in vitro by targeting Src, Syk and IRAK1.

CONTEXT: Sauropus brevipes Müll. Arg. (Phyllanthaceae) has been used as an effective ingredient in a decoction for the treatment of diarrhoea. However, there was no report on its modulatory role in inflammation. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates anti-inflammatory effect of S. brevipes in various inflammation models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aerial part of S. brevipes was extracted with 95% ethanol to produce Sb-EE. RAW264.7 cells pre-treated with Sb-EE were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and Griess assay and PCR were performed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, luciferase assay, Western blotting and kinase assay were employed. C57BL/6 mice (10 mice/group) were orally administered with Sb-EE (200 mg/kg) once a day for five days, and peritonitis was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). ICR mice (four mice/group) were orally administered with Sb-EE (20 or 200 mg/kg) or ranitidine (positive control) twice a day for two days, and EtOH/HCl was orally injected to induce gastritis. RESULTS: Sb-EE suppressed nitric oxide (NO) release (IC50=34 µg/mL) without cytotoxicity and contained flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol). Sb-EE (200 µg/mL) reduced the mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Sb-EE blocked the activities of Syk and Src, while inhibiting interleukin-1 receptor associated kinases (IRAK1) by 68%. Similarly, orally administered Sb-EE (200 mg/kg) suppressed NO production by 78% and phosphorylation of Src and Syk in peritonitis mice. Sb-EE also decreased inflammatory lesions in gastritis mice. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the inhibitory effect of Sb-EE on the inflammatory response, suggesting that Sb-EE can be developed as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.

Plastome evolution and phylogeny of subtribe Aeridinae (Vandeae, Orchidaceae).

Subtribe Aeridinae (Vandeae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) consists of 83 genera and 2,345 species. The present study completely decoded the plastomes and nuclear ribosomal (nr) RNA gene clusters of seven species of Aeridinae belonging to Gastrochilus, Neofinetia, Pelatantheria, and Thrixspermum and compared them with existing data to investigate their genome evolution and phylogeny. Although no large structural variations were observed among the Aeridinae plastomes, 14 small inversions (SI) were found in Orchidaceae for the first time. Therefore, the evolutionary trends and usefulness of SI as molecular identification markers were evaluated. Since all 11 ndh genes in the Aeridinae plastome were lost or pseudogenized, the evolutionary trends of ndh genes are discussed at the tribe and family levels. In the maximum likelihood tree reconstructed from 83 plastome genes, the five Orchidaceae subfamilies were shown to have diverged in the following order: Apostasioideae, Vanilloideae, Cypripedioideae, Orchioideae, Epidendroideaeae. Divergence times for major lineages were found to be more recent, 5-10 Mya, than previous studies, which only used two or three genes. Vandeae, which includes Aeridinae, formed a sister group with Cymbidieae and Epidendreae. The Vandeae, Cymbidieae, and Epidendreae lineages were inferred to have diverged at 25.31 Mya; thus, numerous speciation events within Aeridineae occurred since then. Furthermore, the present study reconstructed a phylogenetic tree from 422 nrITS sequences belonging to Aerdinae and allied taxa and uses it to discuss the phylogenetic positions and species identities of five endangered species.

Incorporating differences between genetic diversity of trees and herbaceous plants in conservation strategies.

Reviews that summarize the genetic diversity of plant species in relation to their life history and ecological traits show that forest trees have more genetic diversity at population and species levels than annuals or herbaceous perennials. In addition, among-population genetic differentiation is significantly lower in trees than in most herbaceous perennials and annuals. Possible reasons for these differences between trees and herbaceous perennials and annuals have not been discussed critically. Several traits, such as high rates of outcrossing, long-distance pollen and seed dispersal, large effective population sizes (Ne ), arborescent stature, low population density, longevity, overlapping generations, and occurrence in late successional communities, may make trees less sensitive to genetic bottlenecks and more resistant to habitat fragmentation or climate change. We recommend that guidelines for genetic conservation strategies be designed differently for tree species versus other types of plant species. Because most tree species fit an LH scenario (low [L] genetic differentiation and high [H] genetic diversity), tree seeds could be sourced from a few populations distributed across the species' range. For the in situ conservation of trees, translocation is a viable option to increase Ne . In contrast, rare herbaceous understory species are frequently HL (high differentiation and low diversity) species. Under the HL scenario, seeds should be taken from many populations with high genetic diversity. In situ conservation efforts for herbaceous plants should focus on protecting habitats because the typically small populations of these species are vulnerable to the loss of genetic diversity. The robust allozyme genetic diversity databases could be used to develop conservation strategies for species lacking genetic information. As a case study of reforestation with several tree species in denuded areas on the Korean Peninsula, we recommend the selection of local genotypes as suitable sources to prevent adverse effects and to insure the successful restoration in the long term.

Incorporación de diferencias de diversidad genética entre árboles y plantas herbáceas en estrategias de conservación Resumen Las revisiones que resumen la diversidad genética de las plantas en relación con sus características ecológicas y biológicas muestran que los árboles forestales tienen más diversidad genética a nivel de población y de especie que las plantas anuales o las perennes herbáceas. Sumado a esto, la diferenciación genética entre poblaciones es significativamente más baja en los árboles que en la mayoría de las perennes herbáceas y las anuales. Hasta la fecha no se han discutido críticamente las posibles explicaciones de estas diferencias entre los árboles y las perennes herbáceas y las plantas anuales. Varias características, como las tasas altas de alogamia, la dispersión a gran distancia de polen y semillas, el gran tamaño de la población efectiva (Ne ), la estatura arbórea, la baja densidad poblacional, la longevidad, el solapamiento de generaciones y la presencia dentro de comunidades sucesionales tardías, pueden generar en los árboles una menor sensibilidad a los cuellos de botella genéticos y una mayor resistencia a la fragmentación del hábitat o al cambio climático. Recomendamos que las directrices para las estrategias de conservación genética estén diseñadas de manera diferente para las especies arbóreas que para otro tipo de plantas. Ya que la mayoría de las especies arbóreas encajan dentro de un escenario LH (baja [L] diferenciación genética y alta [H] diversidad genética), las semillas de los árboles podrían tomarse de unas cuantas poblaciones dispersas a lo largo del área de distribución de la especie. Por lo anterior, para la conservación in situ de los árboles, la translocación es una opción viable para incrementar la Ne . Al contrario de esta situación, las especies herbáceas raras del sotobosque con frecuencia son especies HL (alta diferenciación y baja diversidad). En el escenario HL, las semillas deberían ser recolectadas de muchas poblaciones con diversidad genética alta y los esfuerzos de conservación in situ para las plantas herbáceas deberían enfocarse en la protección del hábitat ya que las poblaciones típicamente pequeñas de estas especies son vulnerables a la pérdida de la diversidad genética. Las robustas bases de datos de diversidad genética aloenzimática podrían usarse para desarrollar estrategias de conservación para las especies que carecen de información genética. Como caso de estudio de reforestación con varias especies arbóreas en áreas deforestadas de la Península de Corea, recomendamos la selección de genotipos locales como fuente adecuada para prevenir los efectos adversos y para asegurar la restauración exitosa a largo plazo.

Parameterized optical properties of InxAl1-xP alloys.

We report values of parametric-model (PM) parameters that can be used to obtain dielectric functions (refractive indices) from 1.5 to 6.0 eV for ${{\rm In}_x}{{\rm Al}_{1 - x}}{\rm P}$InxAl1-xP alloys of arbitrary compositions $x$x. Using reported pseudo-dielectric data for several In compositions, we extract their dielectric functions by multilayer calculations, then parameterize them with PM lineshapes that well describe the asymmetric nature of their critical point (CP) contributions. We follow the ${E_0}$E0 fundamental bandgap as a function of $x$x, and determine the composition of the indirect-to-direct crossover.

A Parametric Model for Temperature Dependence of Dielectric Function of AlSb Film.

We present analytic representation of dielectric function (ɛ ═ ɛ1 + iɛ2) data from 1.7 to 5.0 eV for the temperature from 300 to 803 K of oxide-free AlSb that are the closest representation to date of the intrinsic bulk dielectric response ɛ of the material. Pseudodielectric functions 'ɛ' were measured on a 1.5 µm thick film grown on (001) GaAs by molecular beam epitaxy. Data were obtained with the film in situ to avoid surface oxidation artifacts. The dielectric function parametric model and multilayer calculation were performed to obtain pure dielectric function and fundamental bandgap (E0) of the AlSb film. The ɛ spectrum was successfully reconstructed by seven polynomials and a pole, which can be used to determine ɛ for arbitrary temperatures. Our results should be useful for device design based on AlSb.

First molecular phylogenetic insights into the evolution of Eriocaulon (Eriocaulaceae, Poales).

Eriocaulon is a genus of c. 470 aquatic and wetland species of the monocot plant family Eriocaulaceae. It is widely distributed in Africa, Asia and America, with centres of species richness in the tropics. Most species of Eriocaulon grow in wetlands although some inhabit shallow rivers and streams with an apparent adaptive morphology of elongated submerged stems. In a previous molecular phylogenetic hypothesis, Eriocaulon was recovered as sister of the African endemic genus Mesanthemum. Several regional infrageneric classifications have been proposed for Eriocaulon. This study aims to critically assess the existing infrageneric classifications through phylogenetic reconstruction of infrageneric relationships, based on DNA sequence data of four chloroplast markers and one nuclear marker. There is little congruence between our molecular results and previous morphology-based infrageneric classifications. However, some similarities can be found, including Fyson's sect. Leucantherae and Zhang's sect. Apoda. Further phylogenetic studies, particularly focusing on less well sampled regions such as the Neotropics, will help provide a more global overview of the relationships in Eriocaulon and may enable suggesting the first global infrageneric classification.

Temperature Dependence of the Dielectric Response and Critical Point Energies of Bi1.85Gd0.15Te3.

The complex dielectric function and band-edge critical point structures of Bi1.85Gd0.15Te3 are reported for temperatures from 28 to 300 K and energies from 0.74 to 6 eV, obtained on bulk Bi1.85Gd0.15Te3 by rotating-compensator spectroscopic ellipsometry. The critical point (CP) energies are determined using numerically calculated second energy derivatives of the data. At low temperature, eight CP structures are identified, while only four CPs are observed at room temperature. As temperature decreases, we also observe blue shifts and significantly enhanced CP structures relative to those obtained at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the CPs are determined by fitting the data to the temperature coefficient and a phenomenological expression that contains the Bose-Einstein statistical factor.

Anti-cancer activity of Angelica gigas by increasing immune response and stimulating natural killer and natural killer T cells.

BACKGROUND: The polysaccharide component of Angelica gigas induces immuno-stimulatory effects on innate immune cells. However, it is unclear whether A. gigas' adjuvant activity on the immune system can elicit anti-cancer responses. METHODS: A water-soluble immuno-stimulatory component of A. gigas was prepared. How this ISAg modulated the activation of innate immune cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) was examined. ISAg-induced cytotoxic activity via natural killer (NK) and NKT cells was also tested using a tumor-bearing mouse model. RESULTS: ISAg treatment induced nitric oxide (NO) production and cytokine gene expression involved in innate immune responses. ISAg activated macrophages and DCs to secrete cytokine IL-12, through the TLR4 signaling pathway. IL-12 plays a crucial role in ISAg-mediated NK and NKT cell activation. Thus, the anti-cancer activity of NK and NKT cells induced ISAg-mediated cytotoxicity of B16 melanoma cells in mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that the natural ingredient, ISAg, has adjuvant activity to induce strong anti-cancer activity of NK and NKT cells in vivo.

Monitoring of the Binding Between EGFR Protein and EGFR Aptamer Using In-Situ Total Internal Reflection Ellipsometry.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein has received significant attention in medical biotechnology because it is an important component in cell growth and division. We report the results of a study on the binding between the EGFR protein and the associated aptamer, measured in real time. Aptamers can be used for clinical purposes including macromolecular medicine and basic research. In particular, EGFR aptamers are promising molecular agents for targeting cancer. The data were obtained in-situ with total internal reflection ellipsometry (TIRE), which combines the analytic capability of spectroscopic ellipsometry with the high surface sensitivity of surface plasmon resonance measurements. Our results show that TIRE can be used to determine adsorption of nanoscale biomolecules. Our results are supported by additional data obtained by liquid atomic-force-microscopy.

Effects of shoulder reaching exercise on the balance of patients with hemiplegia after stroke.

[Purpose] This study investigated whether a shoulder reaching exercise was beneficial for restoring the standing balance of patients with hemiplegia after stroke. [Subjects and Methods] There were 13 subjects in the experimental group (EG) and 14 subjects in the control group (CG), all with hemiplegia following stroke. The shoulder reaching exercise intervention was performed by the EG and conventional physical therapy was administered to the CG for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Virtual reality (RM, BioRescue -AP 1153, France) was used as an assessment tool. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 (Statistical Package for the Social Science). [Results] After the intervention, the EG showed significant differences in the distances moved in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. The length and velocity were reduced after the intervention in both the EG and the CG. There were significant differences in the distances moved in the north, south and west directions between the groups. The sway path lengths of the subjects in the Romberg test were reduced under both the eyes open and closed conditions in the EG. There was no significant variation in sway velocity in the EG and the CG. [Conclusion] The shoulder reaching exercise had beneficial effects on the distances moved in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions.

Reliability and validity of the Korean version of the community balance and mobility scale in patients with hemiplegia after stroke.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M) into Korean (K-CB&M) and to verify the reliability and validity of scores obtained with Korean patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 16 subjects were recruited from St. Vincent's Hospital in South Korea. At each testing session, subjects completed the K-CB&M, Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go test (TUG), and functional reaching test. All tests were administered by a physical therapist, and subjects completed the tests in an identical standardized order during all testing sessions. [Results] The inter- and intra-rater reliability coefficients were high for most subscores, while moderate inter-rater reliability was observed for the items "walking and looking" and "walk, look, and carry", and moderate intra-rater reliability was observed for "forward to backward walking". There was a positive correlation between the K-CB&M and BBS and a negative correlation between the K-CB&M and TUG in the convergent validity assessments. [Conclusion] The reliability and validity of the K-CB&M was high, suggesting that clinical practitioners treating Korean patients with hemiplegia can use this material for assessing static and dynamic balance.

The contributions of balance to gait capacity and motor function in chronic stroke.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the contributions of balance to gait and motor function in chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three outpatients participated in a cross-sectional assessment. Gait ability was assessed using the functional ambulation category, self-paced 10-m walking speed, and fastest 10-m walking speed. Standing balance and trunk control measures included the Berg Balance Scale and the Trunk Impairment Scale. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. [Results] Balance was the best predictor of the FAC, self-paced walking speed, and fastest walking speed, accounting for 57% to 61% of the variances. Additionally, the total score of TIS was the only predictor of the motor function of the lower limbs and the dynamic balance of TIS was a predictor of the motor function of the upper limbs, accounting for 41% and 29% of the variance, respectively. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated the relative contribution of standing balance and trunk balance to gait ability and motor function. They show that balance has a high power of explanation of gait ability and that trunk balance is a determinant of motor function rather than gait ability.

Two new phenolic glucosides from Lagerstroemia speciosa.

Two new phenolic glucosides, 1-O-benzyl-6-O-E-caffeoyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside and 1-O-(7S,8R)-guaiacylglycerol-(6-O-E-caffeoyl)-ß-d-glucopyranoside, were isolated from the aerial parts of Lagerstroemia speciosa, along with ten known compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on 1D- and 2D-NMR, Q-TOF MS and optical rotation spectroscopic data. All of the compounds showed moderate inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 cells, with IC50 values of 69.5-83.3 µM.

Effects of activation of the foot on trunk mobility of patients with hemiplegia.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of activation of the foot on the trunk mobility of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects] Sixteen subjects with hemiplegia took part in the immediate group (IG), and 14 subjects with hemiplegia participated in the 2-month group (2MG). [Methods] The subjects in IG were given one leg stance training through activation of the foot only once, and 2MG received the same intervention for 30 minutes 3 times a week for, 8 weeks. The Spinal Mouse was used to collect spinal alignment data. Also, the trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Sensory test were used as functional tests. [Results] Sacral hip (SH), lumbar spine (LS) and thoracic spine (TS) angles in IG improved significantly, but not inclination (I), and 2MG showed increased angles of SH, LS and I, but not TS. Also, TIS Dynamic, TIS Coordination and Sensory test results of 2MG increased significantly. [Conclusion] One leg stance training through activation of the foot was effective at improving sensory input and alignment of the spine, therefore trunk mobility was improved.

Effects of modified bridging exercises on static postural control of a poststroke hemiplegic patient who had received surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a case report.

[Purpose] This study investigated the efficacy on postural control of a bridging exercise in order to suggest a pertinent procedure for the bridging exercise. [Subject] One poststroke hemiplegic patient who had received surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis participated in this study [Methods] A reverse ABAB single-case experimental design was used. To assess postural control, foot pressure and the stability limit test were evalulated once a week a total of 4 times during the intervention period. [Results] Noticeable improvement in the distribution of foot pressure and increased stability limit were shown after performing the bridging exercise supervised by a physical therapist. [Conclusion] Bridging exercise on a plinth is effective at balancing body weight-bearing and resulted in the patient putting her weight on both feet evenly and in both the anterior and posterior directions.

Effects of kinesiology taping on the upper-extremity function and activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegia.

[Purpose] This study determined the effects of kinesiology taping on the upper-extremity function and activities of daily living of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects] The experimental group and control group comprised 15 hemiplegia patients each. [Methods] This study was performed from June 4 to December 22, 2012, involving 30 hemiplegia patients. The experimental and controls groups performed task practices for 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 28 weeks with and without taping, respectively. [Results] After treatment, there were significant differences in every outcome measures within each group except for the Brunnstrom recovery stage of the hand. However, there was a significant difference in functional independence movements between the groups. [Conclusion] Task practice has the same effectiveness regardless of the taping of the upper extremities. Nevertheless, taping is helpful for improving both the functions and activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegia.

Effects of underwater treadmill walking training on the peak torque of the knee in hemiplegic patients.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of underwater treadmill walking training on the peak torque of the knee in hemiplegic patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two subjects, who were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n=16) and a control group (n=16), performed underwater treadmill walking training and overground treadmill walking training, respectively, for 30 minutes/session, 3 sessions/week, for 6 weeks. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess the peak torque. [Results] The subjects in the experimental group showed an increase in the peak knee extension torque compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The results suggested that underwater treadmill walking training has a greater effect on peak knee extension torque at velocities of 60°/sec and 120°/sec than overground treadmill walking training.