First-principles study on the design of nickel based bimetallic catalysts for xylose to xylitol conversion.

A significant challenge for effective biomass utilization and upgrading is catalysis. This research paper focuses on the conversion of xylose into xylitol, a valuable chemical used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The primary objective is to design more efficient and cost-effective catalysts for this conversion process. The study investigates the use of Ni-bimetallic catalysts by employing a first-principles technique. Catalyst models derived from subsets of Ni (111) surfaces with various transition metals (M = Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, and Cu) are examined. The catalyst surfaces are screened based on the rate-determining step (RDS) involved in the conversion of xylose to xylitol, with Ni (111) serving as a reference. Electronic structure calculations are used to analyze the activities of the investigated Ni-bimetallic catalysts relative to the RDS. The results show that certain bimetallic surfaces exhibit significantly lower kinetic barriers compared to the Ni (111) surface. The hydrogenation process when investigated using different transition state paths, reveals that hydrogenation commences at the carbon atom of the carbonyl group of xylose after the ring-opening step. Stability segregation tests demonstrate varying behaviors among the screened catalysts, with Ni (111)/Cr/Ni showing greater stability than Ni (111)/Co. This study sheds light on the theoretical design of catalysts for xylose conversion, providing insights for the development of more efficient and active catalysts for industrial applications. The research highlights the significance of theoretical methodologies in tailoring catalyst surfaces to optimize their performance in biomass upgrading.

Association of serum lipid parameters with the SCORAD index and onset of atopic dermatitis in children.

BACKGROUND: The association between dyslipidemia and atopic dermatitis in children is unclear. This study investigated the association between dyslipidemia and atopic dermatitis in children by analysis of disease onset, risk factors, and disease severity. METHODS: Subset I examined 7-year-old children in elementary school (n = 248), and Subset II was a retrospective long-term follow-up hospital-based study (n = 52 725) conducted from 1986 to 2016 that used propensity score matching. In the Subset I study, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were determined, and the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index was determined. In the Subset II study, the time of atopic dermatitis onset was determined for asymptomatic subjects whose TC levels were below or above 170 mg/dL. RESULTS: Our Subset I study indicated that children with atopic dermatitis (n = 69, 27.8%) had significantly higher levels of TC and TG, and that the SCORAD index had significant associations with high levels of TC and TG, and a low level of HDL-C. Our Subset II study (1722 with high TC and 6735 with normal TC after propensity score matching) indicated the high TC group had a greater hazard ratio (HR) for the onset of atopic dermatitis (consensus-based HR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.23, 5.06, P = .012) during 5 years. CONCLUSION: An abnormal blood lipid profile in children is associated with the presence of atopic dermatitis and the SCORAD index. The risk of atopic dermatitis onset was significantly greater with high levels of TC.

Conversion of cyclic xylose into xylitol on Ru, Pt, Pd, Ni, and Rh catalysts: a density functional theory study.

There is currently no theoretical study on the hydrogenation of xylose to xylitol on a catalyst's surface, limiting proper understanding of the reaction mechanisms and the design of effective catalysts. In this study, DFT techniques were used for the first time to investigate the mechanisms of xylose to xylitol conversion on five notable transition metal (TM) surfaces: Ru(0001), Pt(111), Pd(111), Rh(111), and Ni(111). Two transition state (TS) paths were investigated: TS Path A and TS Path B. The TS Path B, which was further subdivided into TS Path B1 and B2, was proposed to be the minimum energy path (MEP) for the reaction process. According to our computational results, the MEP for this reaction begins with the structural rearrangement of cyclic xylose into its acyclic form prior to step-wise hydrogenation. The rate-determining step (RDS) on Ru(0001), Pt(111), Pd(111), and Ni(111) was discovered to be the ring-opening process via C-O bond scission of cyclic xylose. On Rh(111), however, the RDS was found to be the first hydrogenation stage, leading to the hydrogenation intermediate. Furthermore, based on the RDS barrier, our results revealed that the activities of the tested TM surfaces follow the trend: Ru(0001) > Rh(111) ≥ Ni(111) > Pd(111) > Pt(111). This result demonstrates the higher activity of Ru(0001) compared to other surfaces used for xylose hydrogenation. It correlates with experimental trends in relation to Ru(0001) superiority and provides the basis for understanding the theoretical design of economical and more active catalysts for xylitol production.

Genetic differences between Korean and American isolates of Petunia vein clearing virus.

Petunia plants are used for urban landscaping in many parts of the world, including South Korea. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of petunia vein clearing virus (PVCV) infection in petunia plants in Seoul, South Korea. PVCV was detected from 23 of 79 petunia samples collected from Seoul. We obtained the complete genome sequences of the Korean isolates in this study (called PVCV-Kr, Kr2, and Kr3), which were compared with the genome sequence of the USA isolate of the virus (PVCV-USA). The genomic DNA of the three PVCV isolates was found to comprise 7210-7267 nucleotides (nts), which is 4-15 nts longer than the PVCV-USA genome. The genomes of the Kr and Kr2 isolates encode a large polyprotein of 252 kDa (2180 amino acids (aa)). The genome of the Kr3 isolate encodes a large polyprotein of 255 kDa (2203 aa). The polyprotein has six protein domains: a movement protein (MP; 72 aa), a coiled-coil domain (CC; 33 aa), an RNA-binding domain (RB; 18 aa), a protease (PR; 21 aa), a reverse transcriptase (RT; 196 aa), and an RNase H (RH; 121 aa). The large polyprotein and six domains of the three isolates showed 93.9-100.0% sequence homology with those of PVCV-USA. Furthermore, the polymerase polyprotein gene (PR, RT, and RH) of the four PVCV isolates containing the USA isolate grouped with those of Rice tungro bacilliform virus and Soybean chlorotic mottle virus, which belong to the same family (Caulimoviridae). Our findings suggested that the Korean isolates represent a new isolate of PVCV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PVCV detection in South Korea.

Impulse oscillometry and spirometry exhibit different features of lung function in bronchodilation.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchodilator responses (BDRs) from impulse oscillometry (IOS) are not interchangeable with those from spirometry. We aimed to identify the characteristics of children with small airway hyperresponsiveness and to determine whether BDR from IOS provides an important supplement to BDR from spirometry. METHODS: The records of 592 children with asthma or suspected asthma who underwent spirometric and oscillometric BDRs were retrospectively reviewed. Oscillometric BDR was defined as positive when relative or absolute changes of Rrs5 or Xrs5 were beyond two standard deviations and spirometric BDR as positive when absolute change of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was ≥12%. Subjects were classified as positive for spirometric BDR only, positive for oscillometric BDR only, positive for both BDRs, or negative for both BDRs. RESULTS: The results indicated that 101 (17.6%) subjects were positive for spirometric BDR only, 49 (8.5%) positive for oscillometric BDR only, 48 (8.3%) positive for both BDRs, and 377 (65.6%) negative for both BDRs. The agreement between spirometric and oscillometric BDRs was poor. Baseline FEV1, Rrs5, and Xrs5 values strongly influenced the BDRs. Subjects positive for oscillometric BDR only were found to be younger than those positive for spirometric BDR only (P < 0.001). Subjects positive for both BDRs were more likely to have asthma, atopic dermatitis, wheezing apart from cold, or decreased baseline lung function relative to those positive in either test (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a low concordance between spirometric and oscillometric BDRs. Use of IOS to detect small airway hyperresponsiveness may add more information about a clinical profile of subjects with asthma.

Exhaled nitric oxide and mannitol test to predict exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is diagnosed via exercise challenge on a treadmill, but such testing requires complex equipment and sufficient health-care resources. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) test and mannitol bronchial provocation test (BPT) may serve as a surrogate for exercise testing. METHODS: We compared the diagnostic utilities of the FeNO test and mannitol BPT in predicting EIB in asthmatic children. We retrospectively analyzed data from 60 asthmatic children aged 6-16 years. We compared the exercise BPT results, FeNO levels, and mannitol BPT data. RESULTS: All subjects were divided into exercise-positive (n = 41) or -negative (n = 19) BPT groups. Of the 41 exercise-positive patients, 32 were mannitol BPT positive and nine were mannitol BPT negative. Of the 19 exercise-negative patients, nine and 10, respectively, were mannitol BPT positive and BPT negative. The maximum % forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) decrease after exercise was positively correlated with FeNO (r = 0.556, P < 0.001), and with mannitol response-dose ratio (RDR; r = 0.416, P = 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for FeNO to discriminate between asthmatic subjects with and without EIB had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.771 (95%CI: 0.643-0.870). The discriminatory ROC curve for mannitol RDR had an AUC of 0.763 (95%CI: 0.633-0.864). The AUC of FeNO and mannitol RDR did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: EIB significantly correlated with both FeNO and mannitol BPT data. Given that both methods similarly predicted EIB in asthmatic children, the simpler and safer FeNO test alone may be a clinically useful diagnostic tool.

Early detection of airway obstruction by impulse oscillometry system in methacholine challenge testing in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: Small airway hyperresponsiveness is a critical aspect in preschool children with asthmatic symptoms interms of asthma control. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship of changes in reactance (Xrs) and resistance (Rrs) of IOS and FEV1 with those in clinical parameters and to determine which IOS parameter is correlated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness before positive clinical endpoints. METHODS: We performed the methacholine challenge test in ninety-four preschool children (4.2±1.1 years) with suspected asthma. The end of test (EOT+) was defined as one or more of the following: audible wheezing (PCw+), a fall in the oxygen saturation (w92%, PCs+) or development of respiratory symptoms (PCr+). RESULTS: Mean changes in FEV1, Xrs5, and Rrs5 in the EOT+ group were 39.2±14.3% (95% CI 35.1-43.2%), 176.8±78.0 (95% CI 154.9-198.8) and 53.6±30.2 (45.1-62.0), respectively. The changes of Xrs5 in three EOT+ groups exceeded 80% and were lowest in PCr+(median, 95.9, IQR;73.4 to 132.4), followed by PCw+ and PCs+. However, Rrs5 did not show greater than 40% changes in PCr+. Xrs5 showed a higher correlation with changes in saturation (r=-0.578) than Rrs5 (r=-0.426). A49% decrease in Xrs5 was the optimal point for predicting a 80% change of Xrs5 at the following step. CONCLUSION: When examining the 5 step methacholine challenge test in preschoolers, the use of clinical parameters alone as an endpoint is of little value. The reactance value of 5 Hz is a useful predictive marker for bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Tunable Photoluminescence across the Visible Spectrum and Photocatalytic Activity of Mixed-Valence Rhenium Oxide Nanoparticles.

Materials exhibiting excitation-wavelength-dependent photoluminescence, PL, are useful in a range of biomedical and optoelectronic applications. This paper describes a nanoparticulate material whose PL is tunable across the entire visible range and is achieved without adjusting particle size, any postsynthetic doping, or surface modification. A straightforward thermal decomposition of rhenium (VII) oxide precursor yields nanoparticles that comprise Re atoms at different oxidation states. Studies of time-resolved emission spectra and DFT calculations both indicate that tunable PL of such mixed-valence particles originates from the presence of multiple emissive states that become "active" at different excitation wavelengths. In addition, the nanoparticles exhibit photocatalytic activity that, under visible-light irradiation, is superior to that of TiO2 nanomaterials.

P3N-PIPO, a Frameshift Product from the P3 Gene, Pleiotropically Determines the Virulence of Clover Yellow Vein Virus in both Resistant and Susceptible Peas.

UNLABELLED: Peas carrying the cyv1 recessive resistance gene are resistant to clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) isolates No.30 (Cl-No.30) and 90-1 (Cl-90-1) but can be infected by a derivative of Cl-90-1 (Cl-90-1 Br2). The main determinant for the breaking of cyv1 resistance by Cl-90-1 Br2 is P3N-PIPO produced from the P3 gene via transcriptional slippage, and the higher level of P3N-PIPO produced by Cl-90-1 Br2 than by Cl-No.30 contributes to the breaking of resistance. Here we show that P3N-PIPO is also a major virulence determinant in susceptible peas that possess another resistance gene, Cyn1, which does not inhibit systemic infection with ClYVV but causes hypersensitive reaction-like lethal systemic cell death. We previously assumed that the susceptible pea cultivar PI 226564 has a weak allele of Cyn1 Cl-No.30 did not induce cell death, but Cl-90-1 Br2 killed the plants. Our results suggest that P3N-PIPO is recognized by Cyn1 and induces cell death. Unexpectedly, heterologously strongly expressed P3N-PIPO of Cl-No.30 appears to be recognized by Cyn1 in PI 226564. The level of P3N-PIPO accumulation from the P3 gene of Cl-No.30 was significantly lower than that of Cl-90-1 Br2 in a Nicotiana benthamiana transient assay. Therefore, Cyn1-mediated cell death also appears to be determined by the level of P3N-PIPO. The more efficiently a ClYVV isolate broke cyv1 resistance, the more it induced cell death systemically (resulting in a loss of the environment for virus accumulation) in susceptible peas carrying Cyn1, suggesting that antagonistic pleiotropy of P3N-PIPO controls the resistance breaking of ClYVV. IMPORTANCE: Control of plant viral disease has relied on the use of resistant cultivars; however, emerging mutant viruses have broken many types of resistance. Recently, we revealed that Cl-90-1 Br2 breaks the recessive resistance conferred by cyv1, mainly by accumulating a higher level of P3N-PIPO than that of the nonbreaking isolate Cl-No.30. Here we show that a susceptible pea line recognized the increased amount of P3N-PIPO produced by Cl-90-1 Br2 and activated the salicylic acid-mediated defense pathway, inducing lethal systemic cell death. We found a gradation of virulence among ClYVV isolates in a cyv1-carrying pea line and two susceptible pea lines. This study suggests a trade-off between breaking of recessive resistance (cyv1) and host viability; the latter is presumably regulated by the dominant Cyn1 gene, which may impose evolutionary constraints upon P3N-PIPO for overcoming resistance. We propose a working model of the host strategy to sustain the durability of resistance and control fast-evolving viruses.

Poor sleep quality has an adverse effect on childhood asthma control and lung function measures.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear as to whether sleep respiratory breathing disorder (SRBD) is a risk factor for uncontrolled asthma in children. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate whether SRBD may have an adverse effect on childhood asthma control and lung function measures. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 220 children with well-controlled (n = 108), partly controlled (n = 92), and uncontrolled asthma (n = 20) according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guideline. SRBD was assessed using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). The association of SRBD with partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma was investigated on multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 220 children with asthma, 43 (19.6%) had SRBD: well-controlled, 16.7% (18/108); partly controlled, 21.7% (20/92); and uncontrolled, 25.0% (5/20; P = 0.54). There was a significant difference in forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1 /FVC; P = 0.007) and childhood asthma control test (C-ACT) score (P < 0.001) according to asthma control status, but not in PSQ score (P = 0.18). Children with obstructive sleep apnea (PSQ >0.33) had a lower C-ACT score compared with controls (PSQ ≤0.33; 19.6 ± 5.1 vs 22.0 ± 4.2, P = 0.002). PSQ score was negatively correlated with FEV1 /FVC (r = -0.16, P = 0.02). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, high PSQ score increased the odds of having partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma by 9.12 (95% CI: 1.04-79.72, P = 0.046) after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: SRBD is an independent risk factor for partly controlled/uncontrolled asthma and has an adverse effect on lung function measures in children. Further research is warranted to determine whether the improvement of sleep quality may also enhance level of asthma control and lung function in children.

Phosphorylation and inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) by dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A).

Glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) participates in many cellular processes, and its dysregulation has been implicated in a wide range of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer disease. Inactivation of GSK3ß by phosphorylation at specific residues is a primary mechanism by which this constitutively active kinase is controlled. However, the regulatory mechanism of GSK3ß is not fully understood. Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) has multiple biological functions that occur as the result of phosphorylation of diverse proteins that are involved in metabolism, synaptic function, and neurodegeneration. Here we show that GSK3ß directly interacts with and is phosphorylated by Dyrk1A. Dyrk1A-mediated phosphorylation at the Thr(356) residue inhibits GSK3ß activity. Dyrk1A transgenic (TG) mice are lean and resistant to diet-induced obesity because of reduced fat mass, which shows an inverse correlation with the effect of GSK3ß on obesity. This result suggests a potential in vivo association between GSK3ß and Dyrk1A regarding the mechanism underlying obesity. The level of Thr(P)(356)-GSK3ß was higher in the white adipose tissue of Dyrk1A TG mice compared with control mice. GSK3ß activity was differentially regulated by phosphorylation at different sites in adipose tissue depending on the type of diet the mice were fed. Furthermore, overexpression of Dyrk1A suppressed the expression of adipogenic proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, in 3T3-L1 cells and in young Dyrk1A TG mice fed a chow diet. Taken together, these results reveal a novel regulatory mechanism for GSK3ß activity and indicate that overexpression of Dyrk1A may contribute to the obesity-resistant phenotype through phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK3ß.

Onset potential behavior in α-Fe2O3 photoanodes: the influence of surface and diffusion Sn doping on the surface states.

The onset potential is an important parameter that affects the water oxidation performance of photoanodes. Herein, we investigated the behavior of the photocurrent onset potential of hematite (α-Fe2O3) photoanodes by incorporating Sn(4+) cations via external (surface overlayer) or self (underlying FTO substrate) doping. The α-Fe2O3/FTO photoanodes fabricated at both low (550 °C) and high (800 °C) temperatures were chosen for surface Sn(4+) doping (0-10 mM SnCl4). At the lower temperature, Sn(4+) doping enriched the conductivity of α-Fe2O3/FTO, thereby improving the photocurrent response at higher applied potentials. In addition, the surface incorporation of Sn(4+) shifted the onset of the water oxidation reaction in the positive direction. In the case of high temperature-annealed photoanodes, Sn leaching (resulting from FTO deformation) also affected the water oxidation performance of the photoanodes. This was caused by the loss of FTO conductivity as well as by the unfavourable surface properties due to the excessive incorporation of Sn ions (SnOx) into the hematite matrix. The anodic shift of the onset potential in both cases was due to the decreased surface state capacitance, as revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The different annealing conditions, where lattice distortion and deformation-directed Sn diffusion-doping occur, were also found to affect the surface states associated with hematite and its water oxidation onset potential. Crystallographic analyses made by synchrotron XRD further support the results obtained from the EIS study. Sn doping was found to be concurrent with the respective changes in the (104) and (110) planes of hematite, which are associated with the onset potential-driving surface states and the photocurrent-boosting electron mobility, respectively.

Socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors related to allergic diseases in Korean adolescents based on the Seventh Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Various international reports have shown that socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables are correlated with allergic diseases; however, little is known about how these variables affect Korean adolescents. This study was conducted to identify socioeconomic and sociodemographic risk factors for allergic diseases in Korean adolescents to provide information for preventing and managing such conditions. METHODS: Data from the 2011 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS-VII) of 75,643 adolescents were used. An anonymously administered online survey was conducted to collect dependent variable information on perceived sexes, residence, family affluence (Family Affluence Scale; FAS), parental education levels, subjective academic achievement, obesity, drinking and smoking. The independent variables were asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the correlations between the dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: Low subjective academic achievement, obesity, drinking and smoking were risk factors for asthma. High FAS, parental bachelor's degree and high subjective academic achievement were risk factors for allergic rhinitis. Finally, high FAS, maternal bachelor's degree and high subjective academic achievement were risk factors for atopic dermatitis. CONCLUSION: We found that high socioeconomic status (SES) was a risk factor for allergic diseases in Korean adolescents. We propose that the greater access to medical services and immunization (e.g., hygiene hypothesis) afforded by high SES influenced the prevalence of allergic diseases. Thus, as the Korean economy develops further, the prevalence of allergic diseases is likely to increase. Controlling harmful behavioral risk factors, such as drinking and smoking, may help to prevent adolescent allergic diseases.

Chronic Intussusception Caused by Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in a 6-Year-Old Girl Presenting with Abdominal Pain and Constipation for 2 Months.

The classical triad of abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stool is absent in chronic intussusception for more than 2 weeks. Here, we report a 6-year-old female with recurrent abdominal pain for 2 months. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed an ileocolic-type intussusception. The lesion accompanying the tight fibrous adhesion was treated by resection and ileocolic anastomosis. It was diagnosed as intussusception with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. A high index of suspicion for abdominal pain in children should result in the correct diagnosis and appropriate management.

Simultaneous detection of Cymbidium mosaic virus and Odontoglossum ringspot virus in orchids using multiplex RT-PCR.

A system for simultaneous detection of two orchid-infecting viruses was developed and applied to several orchid species. The detection system involved multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and could simultaneously identify Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) and Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV) from the orchid species studied. Multiplex RT-PCR was conducted using two virus-specific primer pairs and an internal control pair of primers to amplify the CymMV and ORSV coat protein regions, and orchid 18S rDNA, respectively. For optimization of multiplex RT-PCR conditions, serial dilutions of total RNA and cDNA were performed and the detection limit of the system was evaluated. The optimized multiplex detection system for CymMV and ORSV was applied to various orchid species, including several cultivars of Doritaenopsis, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis to test the efficacy of this method. Our results indicate that the multiplex RT-PCR detection system will be a rapid, simple, and precise diagnosis tool in a range of orchid species.

Recent change in congenital syphilis in Korea: Retrospective 10 year study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate recent clinical and anthropologic features of neonates with reactive serology for syphilis and their mothers from three institutions in Korea over an 11-year-period. METHOD: The medical records of 20 neonates with reactive serology for syphilis and their mothers at three centers (Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, and Korea Electric Power Corporation Hospital) seen between January 2000 and December 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among 20 mothers, 16 (80%) were native Korean and four (20%) were foreign-born immigrants. Two mothers (10%) were unmarried. The annual distribution of cases was three (15%) in 2000, one each (5%) in 2005 and 2006, respectively, two each (10%) in 2007 and 2008, respectively, six (30%) in 2009, and five (25%) in 2010. Just over half (55%) occurred across 2009 and 2010. All neonates, by definition, were diagnosed with presumptive congenital syphilis (CS). Among the neonates, four had positive cerebrospinal fluid venereal disease research laboratory test, and three exhibited symptoms and signs. CONCLUSIONS: In three centers in Seoul, Korea, the observed number of CS cases was higher in 2009 and 2010 than in previous years. This finding is consistent with a trend toward increasing prevalence of international marriage and suggests that more meticulous screening of CS is needed.

Genome-wide indel markers shared by diverse Asian rice cultivars compared to Japanese rice cultivar 'Koshihikari'.

Insertion-deletion (indel) polymorphisms, such as simple sequence repeats, have been widely used as DNA markers to identify QTLs and genes and to facilitate rice breeding. Recently, next-generation sequencing has produced deep sequences that allow genome-wide detection of indels. These polymorphisms can potentially be used to develop high-accuracy polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based markers. Here, re-sequencing of 5 indica, 2 aus, and 3 tropical japonica cultivars and Japanese elite cultivar 'Koshihikari' was performed to extract regions containing large indels (10-51 bp) shared by diverse cultivars. To design indel markers for the discrimination of genomic regions between 'Koshihikari' and other diverse cultivars, we subtracted the indel regions detected in 'Koshihikari' from those shared in other cultivars. Two sets of indel markers, KNJ8-indel (shared in eight or more cultivars, including 'Khao Nam Jen' as a representative tropical japonica cultivar) and C5-indel (shared in five to eight cultivars), were established, with 915 and 9,899 indel regions, respectively. Validation of the two marker sets by using 23 diverse cultivars showed a high PCR success rate (≥95%) for 83.3% of the KNJ8-indel markers and 73.9% of the C5-indel markers. The marker sets will therefore be useful for the effective breeding of Japanese rice cultivars.

Quantitative and qualitative involvement of P3N-PIPO in overcoming recessive resistance against Clover yellow vein virus in pea carrying the cyv1 gene.

In pea carrying cyv1, a recessive gene for resistance to Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV), ClYVV isolate Cl-no30 was restricted to the initially infected cells, whereas isolate 90-1 Br2 overcame this resistance. We mapped the region responsible for breaking of cyv1-mediated resistance by examining infection of cyv1 pea with chimeric viruses constructed from parts of Cl-no30 and 90-1 Br2. The breaking of resistance was attributed to the P3 cistron, which is known to produce two proteins: P3, from the main open reading frame (ORF), and P3N-PIPO, which has the N-terminal part of P3 fused to amino acids encoded by a small open reading frame (ORF) called PIPO in the +2 reading frame. We introduced point mutations that were synonymous with respect to the P3 protein but nonsynonymous with respect to the P3N-PIPO protein, and vice versa, into the chimeric viruses. Infection of plants with these mutant viruses revealed that both P3 and P3N-PIPO were involved in overcoming cyv1-mediated resistance. Moreover, P3N-PIPO quantitatively affected the virulence of Cl-no30 in cyv1 pea. Additional expression in trans of the P3N-PIPO derived from Cl-no30, using White clover mosaic virus as a vector, enabled Cl-no30 to move to systemic leaves in cyv1 pea. Susceptible pea plants infected with chimeric ClYVV possessing the P3 cistron of 90-1 Br2, and which were therefore virulent toward cyv1 pea, accumulated more P3N-PIPO than did those infected with Cl-no30, suggesting that the higher level of P3N-PIPO in infected cells contributed to the breaking of resistance by 90-1 Br2. This is the first report showing that P3N-PIPO is a virulence determinant in plants resistant to a potyvirus.

Mechanisms of enhanced sulfur tolerance on samarium (Sm)-doped cerium oxide (CeO2) from first principles.

The role of samarium (Sm) 4f states and Sm-perturbed O 2p states in determining the sulfur tolerance of Sm-doped CeO2 was elucidated by using the density functional theory (DFT) + U calculation. We find that the sulfur tolerance of Sm-doped CeO2 is closely related to the modification of O 2p states by the strong interaction between Sm 4f and O 2p states. In particular, the availability of unoccupied O 2p states near the Fermi level is responsible for enhancing the sulfur tolerance of Sm-doped CeO2 compared to the pure CeO2 by increasing the activity of the surface lattice oxygen toward sulfur adsorption, by weakening the interaction between Sm-O, and by increasing the migration tendency of the subsurface oxygen ion toward the surface.

Dynamin-1-like protein (Dnm1L) interaction with kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) through the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains.

Kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) mediates binding of KIF5 motor to specific cargo. Using the yeast two-hybrid screening, we found that mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-1-like protein (Dnm1L) interacted with KLC1, but not KIF5. Dnm1L and KLC1 were co-localized in cultured cells. These results suggest that KLC1 may play a potential role in post-fission mitochondrial transport.