Centromeric and pericentric transcription and transcripts: their intricate relationships, regulation, and functions.

Centromeres are no longer considered to be silent. Both centromeric and pericentric transcription have been discovered, and their RNA transcripts have been characterized and probed for functions in numerous monocentric model organisms recently. Here, we will discuss the challenges in centromere transcription studies due to the repetitive nature and sequence similarity in centromeric and pericentric regions. Various technological breakthroughs have helped to tackle these challenges and reveal unique features of the centromeres and pericentromeres. We will briefly introduce these techniques, including third-generation long-read DNA and RNA sequencing, protein-DNA and RNA-DNA interaction detection methods, and epigenomic and nucleosomal mapping techniques. Interestingly, some newly analyzed repeat-based holocentromeres also resemble the architecture and the transcription behavior of monocentromeres. We will summarize evidences that support the functions of the transcription process and stalling, and those that support the functions of the centromeric and pericentric RNAs. The processing of centromeric and pericentric RNAs into multiple variants and their diverse structures may also provide clues to their functions. How future studies may address the separation of functions of specific centromeric transcription steps, processing pathways, and the transcripts themselves will also be discussed.

Local Proton Source Enhanced Nitrogen Reduction on a Combined Cobalt-Molybdenum Catalyst for Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis.

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions has attracted considerable scientific and engineering interest as a green alternative route for NH3 production. Molybdenum is a promising candidate as an electrocatalyst for NRR as it has a suitable binding strength with N species. However, the design of an efficient Mo-based catalyst remains elusive. To enhance the selectivity of NRR toward NH3 , we have developed a carbon nanofiber catalyst embedded with molybdenum and cobalt (Co-Mo-CNF). Co with a strong ability to dissociate water enhances local proton source near Mo, where the hydrogenation step of the NRR occurs. A NH3 formation rate of 72.72 µg h-1 mg-1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 34.5 % were obtained at -0.5 V vs. RHE. We also attempted to provide a mechanistic understanding of the NRR via in situ attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) and isotopic labeling experiments using 15 N2 and D2 O.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead in Electrochemical Reduction of CO2.

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) to valuable organic compounds is promising as to recycling of carbon source of CO2 and technical compatibility with systems using renewable energy resources. In recent years, considerable efforts have been devoted to the research field of CO2 conversion using electrocatalysis. This personal account particularly focuses on the recent progress that has been achieved by the Ertl Center and a number of groups in South Korea that becomes one of the larger CO2 emitters. The research trends of catalyst development divided into different categories according to the primary products are presented first. Afterwards, several studies on theoretical calculations and electrolytic reactors are reviewed taking into account the fundamental understanding and feasibility of the CO2 electroreduction. Finally, a perspective on the challenges and needs in achieving the advanced level of research and development is presented.

Nonlinear Interaction of Edge-Localized Modes and Turbulent Eddies in Toroidal Plasma under n=1 Magnetic Perturbation.

The effect of static n=1 resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) on the spatial structure and temporal dynamics of edge-localized modes (ELMs) and edge turbulence in tokamak plasma has been investigated. Two-dimensional images measured by a millimeter-wave camera on the KSTAR tokamak revealed that the coherent filamentary modes (i.e., ELMs) are still present in the edge region when the usual large scale collapse of the edge confinement, i.e., the ELM crash, is completely suppressed by n=1 RMP. Cross-correlation analyses on the 2D images show that (1) the RMP enhances turbulent fluctuations in the edge toward the ELM-crash-suppression phase, (2) the induced turbulence has a clear dispersion relation for wide ranges of wave number and frequency, and (3) the turbulence involves a net radially outward energy transport. Nonlinear interactions of the turbulent eddies with the coexisting ELMs are clearly observed by bispectral analysis, which implies that the exchange of energy between them may be the key to the prevention of large scale crashes.

Snowflake relocated Cu2O electrocatalyst on an Ag backbone template for the production of liquid C2+ chemicals from CO2.

In this study, we performed the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) using a structural composite catalyst of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) and silver (Ag) that was simultaneously electrodeposited. While the underneath Ag electrodeposits maintained their spiky backbone structures even after the CO2RR, the Cu2O deposits were reduced to Cu(111) and relocated on the backbone template. The structural changes in Cu2O to Cu increase the active area of the Cu-Ag interface, resulting in a remarkable production rate of 125.01 µmol h-1 of liquid C2+ chemicals via the stabilization of the C-C coupling of the key intermediate species of acetaldehyde. This study provides new insights into designing a bimetallic catalyst for producing sustainable C2+ products from CO2 without any selectivity towards the production of methane.

Comparison of Korean Body Image Questionnaires in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. PURPOSE: To obtain the results of four body image questionnaires analyzed for validity in Korean and compare them to radiographic findings and quality of life scores. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Each of the four body image questionnaires has been studied, but comparative studies of each other are rare. METHODS: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients ages 10 to 19 years completed the Korean version of the Quality of Life Profile for Spinal Deformities (K-QLPSD), the Scoliosis Research Society-22 self-image subscale (K-SRS-22-si), Korean version of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (K-SAQ), Korean version of the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire-Scoliosis (K-BIDQ-S), and Korean version of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (K-ISYQOL). Four body image questionnaires were compared with K-ISYQOL and radiographic major curve magnitude, coronal balance, and sagittal balance. Spearman's correlation was performed to compare the four body image questionnaires. RESULTS: The study included 84 AIS patients, with a mean age of 12.6 years and a major Cobb angle of 29.4°. The four surveys were correlated with major curve magnitude and K-ISYQOL. K-SAQ and K-BIDQ-S were correlated better than K-QLPSD, and K-SRS-22-si was correlated with K-ISYQOL. The four surveys were moderately correlated with major curve magnitude, but there was no correlation with age, coronal balance, and sagittal balance. CONCLUSIONS: K-SAQ and K-BIDQ-S correlate better with K-ISYQOL than K-QLPSD and K-SRS-22-si.

Validation of the Korean Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Background: Measuring accurate and reliable scores of quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is important in both decision-making and treatment planning for the disease. Questionnaire, The ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL), is one of the representative tools for assessing how seriously AS patients view their disease severity, activity, as well as their overall health. To make these types of questionnaires readable and understandable, local language translation of surveys should be required. A Korean version of the ASQoL questionnaire has accordingly been developed. This study assessed the Korean version of the ASQoL survey to evaluate the reliability and validity of it. Methods: Translation and reverse translation of the English ASQoL survey were conducted. A total of 120 consecutive AS patients received a mail including the Korean-translated 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the ASQoL survey, and the visual analog scale (pain). The coefficient of intraclass correlation and Cronbach's alpha were computed, and factor analysis, as well as reliability assessments utilizing the kappa agreement statistics for each item, was undertaken. By analyzing the responses to SF-36 and ASQoL questionnaire utilizing Pearson's correlation coefficient, construct validity was calculated. Results: Factor analysis was performed regarding pain, physical function, and mental function. The kappa statistic of agreement was larger than 0.6 for all items. The ASQoL questionnaire had adequate test and re-test reliability (0.814). Furthermore, Cronbach'sα, the internal consistency, was very good (0.877). The Korean-translated ASQoL questionnaire demonstrated a significantly strong correlation between the single domain and total SF-36 scores. Conclusions: The Korean version of the ASQoL questionnaire showed acceptable properties of measurement and successful translation. Thus, it can be said that the questionnaire is appropriate for evaluating the outcomes of Korean patients with AS.

Influence of Comprehensive Lifestyle Intervention (LSI) Program on Health, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Middle-Aged Women.

Background: Middle age is one of the most important times in a woman's life, and it is a time when multiple changes occur that affect the body and health. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention (LSI) program, including stress management, on middle-aged women's physical, physiological, and mental health. Methods: A total of 40 middle-aged women participated in a short-term LSI program, nutrition, exercise, and mental and physical management with various experiential activities. Physical measurements, biochemical indicators, stress hormones, chronic fatigue, and quality of life indicators were evaluated to interpret the clinical efficacy of the program. Results: LSI program significantly improved satisfaction and quality of life in participants. Total chronic fatigue scores reduced significantly compared to scores before the start of the program. Moreover, fat mass and body fat were reduced without loss of muscle mass. Further, blood pressure and triglyceride levels significantly decreased after completing the LSI program. However, changes in stress hormone levels remained insignificant. Conclusion: Adoption of LSI in middle-aged women demonstrated positive implications of the program. LSI efficiently regulates body fat, fat mass, fatigue, hypertension, and triglyceride levels which play a critical role in determining the quality of life. Thus, the LSI program could spread healthy lifestyles among middle-aged women.

Effects of plasma turbulence on the nonlinear evolution of magnetic island in tokamak.

Magnetic islands (MIs), resulting from a magnetic field reconnection, are ubiquitous structures in magnetized plasmas. In tokamak plasmas, recent researches suggested that the interaction between an MI and ambient turbulence can be important for the nonlinear MI evolution, but a lack of detailed experimental observations and analyses has prevented further understanding. Here, we provide comprehensive observations such as turbulence spreading into an MI and turbulence enhancement at the reconnection site, elucidating intricate effects of plasma turbulence on the nonlinear MI evolution.

Extraordinarily High Conductivity of Stretchable Fibers of Polyurethane and Silver Nanoflowers.

Stretchable conductive composites have received considerable attention recently, and they should have high conductivity and mechanical strength. Here we report highly conductive stretchable fibers synthesized by the scalable wet spinning process using flower-shaped silver nanoparticles with nanodisc-shaped petals (Ag nanoflowers) and polyurethane. An extraordinarily high conductivity (41,245 S cm(-1)) was obtained by Ag nanoflowers, which is 2 orders of magnitude greater than that of fibers synthesized using spherical Ag nanoparticles. This was due to the enhanced surface area and vigorous coalescence of nanodisc-shaped petals during the curing process. There was a trade-off relationship between conductivity and stretchability, and the maximum rupture strain was 776%. An analytical model revealed that the enhanced adhesion between Ag nanoflowers and polyurethane provided a high Young's modulus (731.5 MPa) and ultimate strength (39.6 MPa) of the fibers. The fibers exhibited an elastic property after prestretching, and the resistance change of weft-knitted fabric was negligible up to 200% strain. The fibers with extraordinarily high conductivity, stretchability, and mechanical strength may be useful for wearable electronics applications.