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Phylosymbiosis is defined as the relationship in which the microbiome recapitulates the phylogeny of the host and has been demonstrated in a variety of terrestrial organisms, although it has been understudied in fish, the most phylogenetically diverse vertebrate. Given that the species-specificity of fish microbiomes was detected in multiple body parts and differed by body parts, we assumed that the phylogenetic reflection of the microbiome would differ across body parts. Thus, we analyze the difference of phylosymbiotic relationships in the microbial communities found in three body parts (skin, gills, and intestine) of seven wild fish species from four families (Labridae, Sebastidae, Sparidae, and Rajidae) via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Fishes were purchased at Docheon port market in Tongyeong City, Korea and were transported to nearby research institutes for aliveness. Mantel tests using dissimilarity values of microbiomes and hosts' divergence times showed that the differences in microbial communities in all three body parts were related to the hosts' divergence time. This pattern was the most pronounced in the skin. Furthermore, fishes from the same family showed similar bacterial compositions on their skins and gills, with clear differences depending on the family, with the exception of Labridae. These results suggest that the skin microbiome is particularly vulnerable to evolutionary pressures. We hypothesized that the evolution of the fish immune system and the difference in feeding habits induced the stronger phylosymbiotic signal in the skin. Collectively, this dataset will be useful for understanding the fish microbiome and give insights into phylosymbiosis of aquatic animals across body parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To expand the scale of spiking neural networks (SNNs), an interface circuit that supports multiple SNN cores is essential. This circuit should be designed using an asynchronous approach to leverage characteristics of SNNs similar to those of the human brain. However, the absence of a global clock presents timing issues during implementation. Hence, we propose an intermediate latching template to establish asynchronous nonlinear connectivity with multipipeline processing between multiple SNN cores. We design arbitration and distribution blocks in the interface circuit based on the proposed template and fabricate an interface circuit that supports four SNN cores using a full‐custom approach in a 28‐nm CMOS (complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor) FDSOI (fully depleted silicon on insulator) process. The proposed template can enhance throughput in the interface circuit by up to 53% compared with the conventional asynchronous template. The interface circuit transmits spikes while consuming 1.7 and 3.7 pJ of power, supporting 606 and 59 Mevent/s in intrachip and interchip communications, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioluminescence is a type of chemiluminescence that arises from a luciferase-catalyzed oxidation reaction of luciferin. Molecular biology and comparative genomics have recently elucidated the genes involved in fungal bioluminescence and the evolutionary history of their clusters. However, most studies on fungal bioluminescence have been limited to observing the changes in light intensity under various conditions. To understand the molecular basis of bioluminescent responses in Omphalotus guepiniiformis under different environmental conditions, we cloned and sequenced the genes of hispidin synthase, hispidin-3-hydroxylase, and luciferase enzymes, which are pivotal in the fungal bioluminescence pathway. Each gene showed high sequence similarity to that of other luminous fungal species. Furthermore, we investigated their transcriptional changes in response to abiotic stresses. Wound stress enhanced the bioluminescence intensity by increasing the expression of bioluminescence pathway genes, while temperature stress suppressed the bioluminescence intensity via the non-transcriptional pathway. Our data suggested that O. guepiniiformis regulates bioluminescence to respond differentially to specific environmental stresses. To our knowledge, this is the first study on fungal bioluminescence at the gene expression level. Further studies are required to address the biological and ecological meaning of different bioluminescence responses in changing environments, and O. quepiniiformis could be a potential model species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, strictly-aerobic, rod-shaped (1.2 ± 3.4 μm × 0.3 ± 0.7 μm), and non-motile marine bacterial species, designated MEBiC05379T and MEBiC07777T, were isolated from a marine sponge Pseudaxinella sp. in Gangneung City and deep-sea sediments of the Ulleung basin in the East Sea of Korea, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed high levels of similarities between these strains and members of the genus Flavivirga (97.0–98.4% sequence identities). Both novel strains revealed as mesophilic, neutrophilic in pH and slightly halophilic. Similar to those of other Flavivirga members, the primary cellular fatty acids of both strains were iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G, iso-C15:03-OH, and iso-C17:0 3-OH, with MEBiC05379T and MEBiC07777T containing relatively higher proportions of C12:0 and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c). In both taxa, the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-6. The DNA G + C contents of MEBiC05379T and MEBiC07777T genomes were 32.62 and 32.46 mol%, respectively. Compared to other members of Flavivirga, both strains exhibited similar DNA G + C ratio and fatty acids pattern, yet enzyme expression and carbon sources utilization pattern were different. Genomes of the genus Flavivirga showed enzyme preferences to fucoidan and sulfated galactans. Considering the monophyly rule, AAI values delineate the genus Flavivirga from adjacent genera calculated to be 76.0–78.7%. Based on the phenotypic, genomic and biochemical data, strains for MEBiC05379T and MEBiC07777T thus represent two novel species in the genus Flavivirga, for which the names Flavivirga spongiicola sp. nov. (MEBiC05379T [= KCTC 92527 T = JCM 16662 T]), and Flavivirga abyssicola sp. nov. (MEBiC07777T [= KCTC 92563 T = JCM 36477 T]) are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the discovery of hydrothermal vents in the late 1970s, deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields have attracted great attention as biological hotspots. However, compared with other ocean ridges, the structure and function of microbial communities inhabiting vent fields in the Central Indian ridge (CIR) remain understudied. Here, we provide for the first time 16S rRNA gene-based comparative metagenomic analysis of the sediment-associated microbial communities from three newly discovered vent fields in the CIR. Sediment samples collected in the Invent B, Invent E and Onnuri vent fields varied in geochemical properties, elemental concentrations and associated microbial communities. Proteobacteria (Gammaproteobacteria) was the dominant phylum in Invent B and Onnuri vent fields. In contrast, Invent E mainly consisted of Chloroflexi and Euryarchaeota. Predicted functional profiling revealed that the microbial communities in the three vents are dominated by chemoheterotrophic functions. In addition, microbial communities capable of respiration of sulfur compounds, nitrification, nitrite oxidation, methylotrophy, and methanotropy were found to be the main chemolithoautotrophs. Compared to other vent fields, Invent E showed a predominance of archaeal methanogens suggesting it exhibits slightly different geochemistry. Multivariate analysis indicated that the biogeochemical and trace metal differences are reflected in the sediment microbial compositions of the three vent fields. This study expands our current understanding of the microbial community structure and potential ecological functions of the newly discovered hydrothermal vent fields in the CIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Gram-stain-positive, motile, endospore-forming, facultatively anaerobic strains, designated MEBiC13591T and MEBiC13594T, were isolated from tidal flat sediment of the Incheon City on the west coast of Korea. Growth of both novel strains was observed at pH 5–9 (optimum, pH 7–7.5), and in 0–8% NaCl (optimum, 2% for MEBiC13591T and 3% for MEBiC13594T). Strains MEBiC13591T and MEBiC13594T grew optimally at 50 °C, (37.5–56.1 °C) and 44 °C (20.7–50.7 °C), respectively. The main cellular fatty acids of strain MEBiC13591T were iso-C15: 0, anteiso-C15: 0, iso-C16: 0, iso-C17: 0 and anteiso-C17: 0, while those for strain MEBiC13594T were C14: 0, iso-C14: 0, iso-C15: 0, anteiso-C15: 0 and C16: 0. In both taxa, the major isoprenoid was MK-7. The genomic DNA G + C contents were 34.1 and 37.0 mol% for MEBiC13591T and MEBiC13594T, respectively. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the novel strains showed high similarity with members of the genera Aeribacillus (95.0%) and Caldibacillus (93.5–94.5%); however, showed lower than 90% with Caldibacillus debilis TfT. Phylogenetic and Phylogenomic analysis revealed that two novel strains comprised distinct phyletic line with members formerly assigned to Caldibacillus. Based on genomic indices, such as AAI and ANI, members formerly affiliated with Caldibacillus and Bacillus as well as the novel strains should be classified into five independent genera. Based on the phenotypic, genomic and biochemical data, strains MEBiC13591T and MEBiC13594T represent two novel species in the novel genus, for which the names Fervidibacillus albus gen. nov., sp. nov. (MEBiC13591T [= KCCM 43317T = KCTC 43181T = JCM 33662T = MCCC 1K04565T]), and Fervidibacillus halotolerans sp. nov. (MEBiC13594T [= KCTC 43182T = JCM 34001T]) are proposed. Three additional genera Caldifermentibacillus, Palidibacillus, and Perspicuibacillus are also proposed by reclassification of the several species with valid names that formerly affiliated with the genera Caldibacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a low‐power and lightweight human body communication (HBC) receiver with an embedded dummy electrode for improved signal acquisition. The clock data recovery (CDR) circuit in the receiver operates with a low supply voltage and utilizes a clock phase inversion scheme. The receiver is equipped with a main electrode and dummy electrode that strengthen the capacitive‐coupled signal at the receiver frontend. The receiver CDR circuit exploits a clock inversion scheme to allow 0.9‐V operation while achieving a shorter lock time than at 3.3‐V operation. In experiments, a receiver chip fabricated using 130‐nm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor technology was demonstrated to successfully receive the transmitted signal when the transmitter and receiver are placed separately on each hand of the user while consuming only 4.98 mW at a 0.9‐V supply voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria in the Desulfovibrionaceae family, which contribute to S element turnover as sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and disproportionation of partially oxidized sulfoxy anions, have been extensively investigated since the importance of the sulfur cycle emerged. Novel species belonging to this taxon are frequently reported, because they exist in various environments and are easy to culture using established methods. Due to the rapid expansion of the taxon, correction and reclassification have been conducted. The development of high-throughput sequencing facilitated rapid expansion of genome sequence database. Genome-based criteria, based on these databases, proved to be potential classification standard by overcoming the limitations of 16S rRNA-based phylogeny. Although standards methods for taxogenomics are being established, the addition of a novel genus requires extensive calculations with taxa, including many species, such as Desulfovibrionaceae. Thus, the genome-based criteria for classification of Desulfovibrionaceae were established and validated in this study. The average amino-acid identity (AAI) cut-off value, 63.43 ± 0.01, was calculated to be an appropriate criterion for genus delineation of the family Desulfovibrionaceae. By applying the AAI cut-off value, 88 genomes of the Desulfovibrionaceae were divided into 27 genera, which follows the core gene phylogeny results. In this process, two novel genera (Alkalidesulfovibrio and Salidesulfovibrio) and one former invalid genus (" Psychrodesulfovibrio ") were officially proposed. Further, by applying the 95–96% average nucleotide identity (ANI) standard and the 70% digital DNA–DNA hybridization standard values for species delineation of strains that were classified as the same species, five strains have the potential to be newly classified. After verifying that the classification was appropriately performed through relative synonymous codon usage analysis, common characteristics were listed by group. In addition, by detecting metal resistance related genes via in silico analysis, it was confirmed that most strains display metal tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped (0.3–0.5 × 1.0–1.9 µm), non-motile marine bacterium designated as ALE3EIT was isolated from a saline volcanic rock aquifer (lava sea-water) on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain ALE3EIT showed high similarity to 'Altibacter lentus' JLT2010T (97.2%), followed by Marixanthomonas ophiurae KMM 3046T (94.5%). Growth was observed at 10–41°C (optimum, 30°C), at pH 6.0–8.5 (optimum, pH 7.5) and at 0.5–8% (optimum, 4.0%) NaCl. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0 (23.5%), iso-C16:0 (10.2%), iso-C16:0 3OH (10.5%), and iso-C17:0 3OH (16.8%). The DNA G + C contents was 40.4 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The major polar lipids were determined to be phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified glycolipids, and two unidentified aminolipids. Several phenotypic characteristics such as production of acetoin, activities of arginine dihydrolase and acid phosphatase, and utilization pattern of carbon sources differentiate strain ALE3EIT from 'A. lentus' JLT2010T. Activities of the lipase, trypsin, α-chymotrypsin and gelatinase and utilization pattern of carbon sources differentiate strain ALE3EIT from M. ophiurae KMM 3046T. The genome of strain ALE3EIT is 3.0 Mbp long and its ANI and AAI values against 'A. lentus' JLT2010T were 76.58 and 72.76, respectively, however, AAI values against members in other genera were lower than 72%. The phylogenomic tree inferred by PhyloPhlAn clearly differentiated the strain ALE3EIT together with strain JLT2010T from other genera in the Falvobacteriaceae. This polyphasic taxonomic data indicates that strain ALE3EIT should be identified as a novel species in the genus 'Altibacter', however, the name has not been validated. Therefore, the strain is classified as a novel genus and is proposed as Constantimarinum furrinae gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is ALE3EIT (= KCCM 43303T = JCM 33022T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli, is most commonly farmed in sea cages along the coast of Korea; however, detailed information on intestinal microbiota regarding this fish is not readily available. In this study, comparison of the seasonal changes of microbial communities in the intestine between farmed and wild through the amplicon sequencing approach was conducted. The composition of major species in the intestine of this fish was very simple compared to that of other marine fish species, with members affiliated with the family Vibrionaceae hyper-dominating and comprising on average 97.6% of microbiota. However, the composition at the genus or species level and the pattern of seasonal changes of diversity indices showed significant differences between farmed and wild fish. In the farmed fish, Photobacterium phophoreum was most dominant throughout the year, accounting for 58.8% of the total. Aliivibrio fisherii and/or Aliivibrio finisterrensis also were dominant in the fall to winter but substituted by Photobacterium damselae during spring to summer. In the wild fish, on the other hand, opportunistic pathogens in the genera Aliivibrio or Vibrio were dominant in most of the samples. The analysis of shared species between gut microbiome, feed microbiota, and seawater microbiota indicated that the intestinal microbial diversity of farmed fish was affected more by microbiota of seawater than that of feed in spring and winter seasons. Additionally, the proportion of potential pathogenic Vibrio spp. in the gut showed a negative correlation with plasma glucose levels of the host. This study and following studies will be helpful in understanding the interaction between microbiome hosts and the development of techniques to enhance production of healthy Korean rockfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Colletotrichum species was isolated from leaves of Cymbidium exhibiting symptoms of anthracnose. In this study, the isolates obtained were identified based on recent taxonomic approaches for the genus Colletotrichum. The identity of the causal pathogen was confirmed using morphological data and phylogenetic analysis of combined multi-gene dataset (internal transcribed spacer, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, chitin synthase-1, actin, histone3, beta-tubulin, and calmodulin). Pathogenicity testing revealed that the isolates were pathogenic to Cymbidium. Based on these results, the fungal pathogen occurring on Cymbidium orchids was identified as Colletotrichum cymbidiicola, which is a newly recorded species in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strictly anaerobic, dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing hyperthermophilic archaeon, designated as strain IOH1T, was isolated from a new deep-sea hydrothermal vent (Onnuri Vent Field) area in the Central Indian Ocean ridge. Strain IOH1T showed > 99% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Thermococcus celericrescens TS2T (99.4%) and T. siculi DSM 12349T (99.2%). Additional three species T. barossii SHCK-94T (99.0%), T. celer Vu13T (98.8%), and T. piezophilus (98.6%) showed > 98.6% of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, however, the maximum OrthoANI value is 89.8% for the genome of T. celericrescens TS2T. Strain IOH1T cells are coccoid, 1.2–1.8 μm in diameter, and motile by flagella. Growth was at 70–82°C (optimum 80°C), pH 5.4–8.0 (optimum pH 6.0) with 2–4% (optimum 3%) NaCl. Growth of strain IOH1T was enhanced by starch, pyruvate, D(+)-maltose and maltodextrin as a carbon sources, and elemental sulfur as an electron acceptor; clearly different from those of related species T. celecrescens DSM 17994T and T. siculi DSM 12349T. Strain IOH1T, T. celercrescence DSM 17994T, and T. siculi DSM 12349T reduced soluble Fe(III)-citrate present in the medium, whereas the amount of total cellular proteins increased with the concomitant accumulation of Fe(II). We determined a circular chromosome of 2,234 kb with an extra-chromosomal archaeal plasmid, pTI1, of 7.7 kb and predicted 2,425 genes. The DNA G + C content was 54.9 mol%. Based on physiological properties, phylogenetic, and genome analysis, we proposed that strain IOH1T (= KCTC 15844T = JCM 39077T) is assigned to a new species in the genus Thermococcus and named Thermococcus indicus sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anaerobic, rod-shaped, mesophilic, chemolithoautotrophic, sulfate-reducing bacterial strain IOR2T was isolated from a newly found deep-sea hydrothermal vent (OVF, Onnuri Vent Field) area in the central Indian Ocean ridge (11°24′88″ S 66°25′42″ E, 2021 m water depth). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the strain IOR2T was most closely related to Desulfovibrio senegalensis BLaC1T (96.7%). However, it showed low similarity with the members of the family Desulfovibrionaceae, such as Desulfovibrio tunisiensis RB22T (94.0%), D. brasiliensis LVform1T (93.9%), D. halophilus DSM 5663T (93.7%), and Pseudodesulfovibrio aespoeensis Aspo-2T (93.2%). The strain IOR2T could grow at 23–42°C (optimum 37°C), pH 5.0–8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0.5–6.5% (optimum 3.0%) NaCl. The strain could use lactate, pyruvate, H2, and glycerol as electron donors and sulfate, thiosulfate, and sulfite as electron acceptors. The major fatty acids of the strain IOR2T were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0, ante-iso-C15:0, and summed feature 9 (C16:0 methyl/iso-C17:1ω9c). Both the strains IOR2T and BLaC1T could grow with CO2 and H2 as the sole sources of carbon and energy, respectively. Genomic evidence for the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway in both the strains reflects chemolithoautotrophic growth. The DNA G + C content of the strain IOR2T and BLaC1T was 58.1–60.5 mol%. Based on the results of the phylogenetic and physiologic studies, Paradesulfovibrio onnuriensis gen. nov., sp. nov. with the type strain IOR2T (= KCTC 15845T = MCCC 1K04559T) was proposed to be a member of the family Desulfovibrionaceae. We have also proposed the reclassification of D. senegalensis as Paradesulfovibrio senegalensis comb. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds in the indoor environment of small businesses (painting workshops, hair salons, nail shops, printing shops, laundries etc.) may result in adverse health effects for both workers and customers. Similarly, VOCs identified in these small businesses are included in the list of ozone precursors that harm the environment. We used a non-thermal plasma reactor with gas recycling to study the decomposition of dilute concentrations of VOCs in air. The non-thermal plasma reactor was a surface dielectric barrier discharge (surface DBD) type, and the target gases were methyl ethyl ketone, toluene and n-hexane at concentrations of 20, 50 and 100 ppmv. Highest decomposition efficiency (97%) was achieved by treating n-hexane at 20 ppmv. Gas recycling had an almost negligible effect during pollutant treatment at varying recycling rates (0-50%). Increasing the input energy resulted in higher decomposition efficiency, but had an inverse effect on the energy yield of the system. Concentrations of CO2 and ozone increased linearly with the increase of energy input in the system. Consumption of ozone for other applications, such as water treatment or coupling the DBD system with an appropriate catalyst, may address this concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technology for low-power high data-rate digital capsule endoscopy with human body communication (CEHBC) is presented in this paper. To transfer the image data stably with low power consumption, the proposed system uses three major schemes: Frequency selective digital transmission (FSDT) modulation with HBC, the use of an algorithm to select electrode pairs, and the LineSync algorithm. The FSDT modulation supports high-data rate transmission and prevents the signal attenuation effect. The selection algorithm of the electrode pair finds the best receiving channel. The LineSync algorithm synchronizes the data and compensates for data polarity during the long data transmission section between the capsule endoscope and the receiver. Because all the major functional blocks of the CEHBC transmitter can be implemented as digital logics, they can be easily fabricated using the field programmable gate array (FPGA). Moreover, this CEHBC transmitter can achieve low power-consumption and can support a relatively high data rate in spite of using its clock a few tens of MHz slower. The proposed CEHBC-TXD is the digital portion of the CEHBC transmitter that provides low-power (3.7 mW) and high data-rate (6 Mbps) performance while it supports a high-resolution image (480 × 480 byte) at 3.13 fps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are useful candidates for tissue engineering and cell therapy fields. We optimize culture conditions of equine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (eAD-MSCs) for treatment of horse fractures. To investigate enhancing properties of three-dimensional (3D) culture system in eAD-MSCs, we performed various sized spheroid formation and determined changes in gene expression levels to obtain different sized spheroid for cell therapy. eAD-MSCs were successfully isolated from horse tailhead. Using hanging drop method, spheroid formation was generated for three days. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze gene expression. As results, expression levels of pluripotent markers were increased depending on spheroid size and the production of PGE2 was increased in spheroid formation compared to that in monolayer. Ki-67 showed a remarkable increase in the spheroid formed with 2.0 × 105 cells/drop as compared to that in the monolayer. Expression levels of angiogenesis-inducing factors such as VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 were significantly increased in spheroid formation compared to those in the monolayer. Expression levels of bone morphogenesis-inducing factors such as Cox-2 and TGF-β1 were also significantly increased in spheroid formation compared to those in the monolayer. Expression levels of osteocyte-specific markers such as RUNX2, osteocalcin, and differentiation potential were also significantly increased in spheroid formation compared to those in the monolayer. Therefore, spheroid formation of eAD-MSCs through the hanging drop method can increases the expression of angiogenesis-inducing and bone morphogenesis-inducing factors under optimal culture conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an energy management integrated circuit for multiple energy harvesters in wireless body area network applications. The electrical power acquired from a single energy harvester around a human body is limited to micro watts, which is insufficient to drive a wearable electronic device. To increase this small amount, the energy from a number of harvesters has to be combined. By combining the energy from multiple distributed harvesters, each one producing negligible energy, significant energy for wearable devices can be obtained. In designing an energy management circuit for a wearable device, there are two issues to be resolved. The first is related to the power consumption of the circuit, and the second issue is related to the methods needed to manage the wide range of power that occurs as the energy input changes during harvesting. In this paper, an energy management circuit that resolves the two issues above is described. The circuit was integrated using 0.13 µm Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. The energy management circuit is designed to combine up to three sources of harvested energy with more than 90% operating efficiency over the entire power range of the energy harvested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The present study aimed to identify the factors affecting the subjective sleep quality in elderly inpatients. Methods The participants were 290 older adults admitted in three general hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of scales for general characteristics, sleep quality, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living and depression. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way anova, Scheffé post-hoc, Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. Results There were statistically significant differences in sleep quality according to age, education level, marital status, monthly income and number of cohabitants. The most powerful predictor of sleep quality was depression ( P < 0.01, R2 = 0.30). Five variables, depression, perceived health status, diagnosis, number of cohabitants and duration of hospitalization; explained 43.0% of the total variance in sleep quality. Conclusions Elderly inpatients suffered from low sleep quality, and depression affected their sleep. We should develop and apply hospital-tailored sleep interventions considering older adults' depression, and then hospitalized older adults' sleep could improve. Furthermore, it is useful to identify other sleep-related factors. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 471-479. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a pentacene OTFT is fabricated with a bottom gate structure, the top-contact configuration of gold electrodes is preferred because it results in better electrical performance than the bottom-contact configuration. Pentacene molecules are deposited only on the SiO2dielectric layer in the top-contact configuration, and thus all pentacene molecules form a vertical orientation that induces efficient charge transport between molecules. However, in an OTFT device with the bottom-contact configuration, pentacene molecules adopt a random tilted orientation at the boundary of the gold electrode, resulting in poor charge transport between molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The circadian clock control of CONSTANS ( CO) transcription and the light-mediated stabilization of its encoded protein coordinately adjust photoperiodic flowering by triggering rhythmic expression of the floral integrator flowering locus T ( FT). Diurnal accumulation of CO is modulated sequentially by distinct E3 ubiquitin ligases, allowing peak CO to occur in the late afternoon under long days. Here we show that CO abundance is not simply targeted by E3 enzymes but is also actively self-adjusted through dynamic interactions between two CO isoforms. Alternative splicing of CO produces two protein variants, the full-size COα and the truncated COβ lacking DNA-binding affinity. Notably, COβ, which is resistant to E3 enzymes, induces the interaction of COα with CO-destabilizing E3 enzymes but inhibits the association of COα with CO-stabilizing E3 ligase. These observations demonstrate that CO plays an active role in sustaining its diurnal accumulation dynamics during Arabidopsis photoperiodic flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum is a famous plant pathogenic filamentous fungus. Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae isolated from the lettuce field in Suwon area, Korea. Total length of the mitochondrial genome is 45,020 bp and it encodes 42 genes (15 protein-coding genes, two rRNAs, and 25 tRNAs). Nucleotide sequence of coding region takes over 32.7%, and overall GC content is 32.4%. Phylogenetic tree presented that F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae 09-002 was clustered with Fusarium commune not like another F. oxysporum mitochondrial genomes, requiring further analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pythium aphanidermatum was found to be associated with rotting of leaves and stems in Lampranthus spectabilis in the summers of 2013 and 2014. Infected plants were initially characterized by water-soaked and discoloured tissue, which are soon covered with cottony aerial hyphae. Subsequently, infected tissues wilted, leaves and stems appeared desiccated, and infected plants died. Pathogenicity of a representative isolate was proved, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA from the isolate shared 100% identity with that of P. aphanidermatum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. aphanidermatum causing leaf and stem rot on L. spectabilis in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In August and September 2014, Korean ginseng ( Panax ginseng) plants showing symptoms of powdery mildew infection were found in a polyethylene film-covered greenhouse in Suwon, Korea. The mildew was initially observed to occur in circular to irregular white colonies, which subsequently developed into abundant mycelial growths on both leaf surfaces. No chasmothecia were observed. Based on its morphological characteristics, the fungus was determined to be a species of Erysiphe. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA obtained from the isolate placed the powdery mildew fungus in the genus Erysiphe. Here, we describe this Erysiphe sp. found growing on Korean ginseng using both illustrations and molecular data. A comparison of the Korean isolate and three previous records of powdery mildews known to grow on Panax plants is also provided. This is the first report of powdery mildew on Korean ginseng in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previously unknown leaf spot disease was observed on Virginia creeper ( Parthenocissus quinquefolia) vines in Seoul, Korea. Affected plants exhibited leaf spots and discoloration, resulting in leaf blight and premature defoliation. The causal agent of the disease was identified as Passalora ampelopsidis by comparing morphological characteristics and analyzing the internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA. Pathogenicity tests were conducted twice with the same results, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Passalora leaf spot on Virginia creeper vines was first recorded in the United States in 1878. Recent reports of Passalora leaf spots on Virginia creeper vines in 2005 in Germany, in 2012 in China and now in Korea indicate the prevalence of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription factors play a central role in the gene regulatory networks that mediate various aspects of plant developmental processes and responses to environmental changes. Therefore, their activities are elaborately regulated at multiple steps. In particular, accumulating evidence illustrates that post-transcriptional control of mRNA metabolism is a key molecular scheme that modulates the transcription factor activities in plant responses to temperature fluctuations. Transcription factors have a modular structure consisting of distinct protein domains essential for DNA binding, dimerization, and transcriptional regulation. Alternative splicing produces multiple proteins having different structural domain compositions from a single transcription factor gene. Recent studies have shown that alternative splicing of some transcription factor genes generates small interfering peptides (siPEPs) that negatively regulate the target transcription factors via peptide interference (PEPi), constituting self-regulatory circuits in plant cold stress response. A number of splicing factors, which are involved in RNA binding, splice site selection, and spliceosome assembly, are also affected by temperature fluctuations, supporting the close association of alternative splicing of transcription factors with plant responses to low temperatures. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the temperature-responsive alternative splicing of transcription factors in plants with emphasis on the siPEP-mediated PEPi mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled proteolytic activation of membrane-anchored transcription factors provides an adaptation strategy that guarantees rapid transcriptional responses to abrupt environmental stresses in both animals and plants. NTL6 is a plant-specific NAC [NAM/ATAF1/2/CUC2] transcription factor that is expressed as a dormant plasma membrane-associated form in Arabidopsis. Proteolytic processing of NTL6 is triggered by abiotic stresses and ABA (abscisic acid). In the present study, we show that NTL6 is linked directly with SnRK (Snf1-related protein kinase) 2.8-mediated signalling in inducing a drought-resistance response. SnRK2.8 phosphorylates NTL6 primarily at Thr142. NTL6 phosphorylation by SnRK2.8 is required for its nuclear import. Accordingly, a mutant NTL6 protein, in which Thr142 was mutated to an alanine, was poorly phosphorylated and failed to enter the nucleus. In accordance with the role of SnRK2.8 in drought-stress signalling, transgenic plants overproducing either NTL6 or its active form 6?C (35S:NTL6 and 35S:6?C) exhibited enhanced resistance to water-deficit conditions such as those overproducing SnRK2.8 (35S:SnRK2.8). In contrast, NTL6 RNAi (RNA interference) plants were susceptible to dehydration as observed in the SnRK2.8-deficient snrk2.8-1 mutant. Furthermore, the dehydration-resistant phenotype of 35S:NTL6 transgenic plants was compromised in 35S:NTL6 X snrk2.8-1 plants. These observations indicate that SnRK2.8-mediated protein phosphorylation, in addition to a proteolytic processing event, is important for NTL6 function in inducing a drought-resistance response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circadian clock synchronizes biological processes to daily cycles of light and temperature. Clock components, including CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1), are also associated with cold acclimation. However, it is unknown how CCA1 activity is modulated in coordinating circadian rhythms and cold acclimation. Here, we report that self-regulation of Arabidopsis thaliana CCA1 activity by a splice variant, CCA1β, links the clock to cold acclimation. CCA1β interferes with the formation of CCA1α-CCA1α and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY)-LHY homodimers, as well as CCA1α-LHY heterodimers, by forming nonfunctional heterodimers with reduced DNA binding affinity. Accordingly, the periods of circadian rhythms were shortened in CCA1β -overexpressing transgenic plants (35S: CCA1β), as observed in the cca1 lhy double mutant. In addition, the elongated hypocotyl and leaf petiole phenotypes of CCA1α -overexpressing transgenic plants (35S: CCA1α) were repressed by CCA1β coexpression. Notably, low temperatures suppressed CCA1 alternative splicing and thus reduced CCA1β production. Consequently, whereas the 35S: CCA1α transgenic plants exhibited enhanced freezing tolerance, the 35S: CCA1β transgenic plants were sensitive to freezing, indicating that cold regulation of CCA1 alternative splicing contributes to freezing tolerance. On the basis of these findings, we propose that dynamic self-regulation of CCA1 underlies the clock regulation of temperature responses in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A powdery mildew parasitizing Koelreuteria spp. was first described under the name Uncinula koelreuteriae Miyake and later transferred to the genus Typhulochaeta. Based on morphological and molecular data of several herbarium specimens collected from Korea, the generic placement of Typhulochaeta is discussed and T. koelreuteriae is combined in the genus Sawadaea. Redescription and epitypification of this species is provided hereby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress activates several defense responses in plants, such as stomatal closure, maintenance of root water uptake, and synthesis of osmoprotectants. Accumulating evidence suggests that deposition of cuticular waxes is also associated with plant responses to cellular dehydration. Yet, how cuticular wax biosynthesis is regulated in response to drought is unknown. We have recently reported that an Arabidopsis thaliana abscisic acid (ABA)–responsive R2R3-type MYB transcription factor, MYB96, promotes drought resistance. Here, we show that transcriptional activation of cuticular wax biosynthesis by MYB96 contributes to drought resistance. Microarray assays showed that a group of wax biosynthetic genes is upregulated in the activation-tagged myb96-1D mutant but downregulated in the MYB96 -deficient myb96-1 mutant. Cuticular wax accumulation was altered accordingly in the mutants. In addition, activation of cuticular wax biosynthesis by drought and ABA requires MYB96. By contrast, biosynthesis of cutin monomers was only marginally affected in the mutants. Notably, the MYB96 protein acts as a transcriptional activator of genes encoding very-long-chain fatty acid–condensing enzymes involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis by directly binding to conserved sequence motifs present in the gene promoters. These results demonstrate that ABA-mediated MYB96 activation of cuticular wax biosynthesis serves as a drought resistance mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the need for medical librarians in South Korea and in other developing countries to provide information to the general public. Also discussed are the ways in which information and communication technology is changing library services and the way library users access information and how libraries must adapt to this technology as they face competition from non-library information resources. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development discusses the economic development and industrialization of South Korea.

Although the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire are useful tools for assessing and monitoring patients with rheumatic diseases, they have a “floor effect” and do not fully reflect the psychological status of patients. Recently, the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) was developed to overcome these shortcomings. We translated the MDHAQ into the Korean language and evaluated its reliability and validity for use with Korean-speaking patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The questionnaire was translated into the Korean language by three translators, who were aware of its objectives, and it was translated back into the English language by three different translators. One question was modified to reflect Korean culture, and imperial measures were changed to metric measures because most Koreans use the metric system. The Korean MDHAQ was administered to 136 patients with RA who were attending the outpatient rheumatology clinic at the Chonnam National University Hospital (Gwangju, South Korea). Test–retest reliability was assessed in 101 patients after 1 week. To assess criterion validity, we compared MDHAQ scores with HAQ scores and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) functional class. To test construct validity, the MDHAQ was compared to ACR core criteria (tender and swollen joint count, pain, patient's global assessment, physician's global assessment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The test–retest reliability was analyzed by computing κ statistics, which ranged from 0.60 to 0.76. Cronbach's α coefficient ranged from 0.892 to 0.938. The MDHAQ was significantly correlated with the HAQ and ACR functional class (all p<0.001). The correlations between the MDHAQ scores and the ACR core set, BDI, and STAI were all high and statistically significant. The Korean version of the MDHAQ is a reliable, valid tool for assessing Korean patients with RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae 016-086 is a plant pathogenic filamentous fungus isolated from wilted lettuce in Korea. We reported complete mitochondrial genome sequence of F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae 016-086. Total length of this mitogenome is 41,826 bp and it encoded 42 genes (14 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 26 tRNAs). Nucleotide sequence of coding region takes over 30.6%, and overall GC content is 32.5%. Phylogenetic tree of Fusarium mitochondrial genomes presented distinct clades along with nine formae speciales. This mitogenome will contribute distinguishing formae speciales of F. oxysoporum claearly with additional mitogenomes sequenced in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoconidial isolates of Entomosporium mespili were successfully cultured using a simple isolation procedure. A detailed description of the steps required for isolating E. mespili is provided. The characteristic pattern of conidial germination and growth on potato dextrose agar is also described. The process that was successful in obtaining pure isolates involved collecting material in the morning, picking a glistening white mass of conidia under dissecting microscope magnification, depositing a mass of conidia onto a drop of water on a glass slide, streaking the conidial mass onto potato dextrose agar, incubating the plate for 48 h, and transferring the characteristic fan-shaped colonies to fresh medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]