Extending the carbon chain: hydrocarbon formation catalyzed by vanadium/molybdenum nitrogenases

In a small-scale reaction, vanadium-dependent nitrogenase has previously been shown to catalyze reductive catenation of carbon monoxide (CO) to ethylene, ethane, propylene, and propane. Here, we report the identification of additional hydrocarbon products [α-butylene, n-butane, and methane (CH(4))] in a scaled-up reaction featuring 20 milligrams of vanadium-iron protein, the catalytic component of vanadium nitrogenase. Additionally, we show that the more common molybdenum-dependent nitrogenase can generate the same hydrocarbons from CO, although CH(4) was not detected. The identification of CO as a substrate for both molybdenum- and vanadium-nitrogenases strengthens the hypothesis that CO reduction is an evolutionary relic of the function of the nitrogenase family. Moreover, the comparison between the CO-reducing capacities of the two nitrogenases suggests that the identity of heterometal at the active cofactor site affects the efficiency and product distribution of this reaction.     

Effects of drought stress on root morphology and spatial distribution of soybean and adzuki bean

Due to global climate change, Korea is facing severe droughts that affect the planting and early vegetative periods of upland crops. Soybean and adzuki bean are important legume crops in Korea, so it is critical to understand their adaptations to water stress. This study investigated the changes in root morphological properties in soybean and adzuki bean and quantified the findings using fractal analysis. The experiment was performed at the National Institute of Crop Science in Miryang, Korea. Soybeans and adzuki beans were planted in test boxes and grown for 30 days. The boxes were filled with bed soil with various soil moisture treatments. Root images were obtained and scanned every two days, and the root properties were characterized by root length, depth and surface area, number of roots, and fractal parameters(fractal dimension and lacunarity). Root depth, length and surface area and the number of roots increased in both crops as the soil moisture content increased. The fractal dimension and lacunarity values increased as the soil moisture content increased. These results indicated that the greater the soil moisture, the more heterogeneous the root structure. Correlation analysis of the morphological properties and fractal parameters indicated that soybean and adzuki bean had different root structure developments. Both soybean and adzuki bean were sensitive to the amount of soil moisture in the early vegetative stage. Soybean required a soil moisture content greater than 70% of the field capacity to develop a full root structure, while adzuki bean required 100% of the field capacity. These results would be useful in understanding the responses of soybean and adzuki bean to water stress and managing irrigation during cultivation.     

CHANGES IN RESPONSE INDICES AS A FUNCTION OF TIME IN WINTER WHEAT

Nitrogen (N) responsiveness of crops can change with time as it is strongly influenced by in-season environmental conditions. This study was conducted to determine the relationship of N responsiveness using a response index (RI) as a function of time at five locations (Efaw, Stillwater, Lake Carl Blackwell, Perkins and Lahoma, Oklahoma) over a three-year period. Subplots of 4 m² were established at each experimental site that employed a randomized complete block design. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) readings were taken using a Greenseeker (NTech Industries, Inc., Ukiah, CA, USA) handheld sensor at various growth stages. The N responsiveness (RI_NDVI) was determined as the ratio of NDVI readings from a non-N limiting strip and the farmer practice. Then, RI was plotted against days where growing degree days (GDD = (T_min + T_max)/2—4.4°C) were > zero (DGDD > 0). At all sites, RI_NDVI increased with advancing stage of growth. Excluding Perkins 2005 and Stillwater 2006, the relationship between RI_NDVI and DGDD > 0 was positive and highly correlated. When the number of days from planting to sensing where DGDD > 0 was less than 60, it is unlikely that a reliable estimate of RI_NDVI could be obtained since values were all small (close to 1.0), consistent with limited growth at the early stages of growth. Averaged over years and sites for all growth stages, the correlation of RI_NDVI and RI_Harvest was positive and increased up to the Feekes 9 growth stage. Our results further suggested that once RI_NDVI is collected, it should be adjusted using the Equation RI_NDVIadj = RI_NDVI × [1.87/(DGDD > 0 ? 0.00997) + 0.5876].     

Study on mechanical and thermal properties of fiber-reinforced Epoxy/Hybrid-silica composite

Recently, carbon fiber composites have been widely used as structural reinforcement materials of buildings, replacing reinforcing bars or concrete. And the increase in use of super fibers such as aramid and high strength PE, which is aimed at improving the reinforcement properties, has resulted in a demand for a resin system with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. In this research, a fiber-reinforced composite has been produced by using the super fibers such as carbon fiber or aramid fiber, reinforcement resin and the silica hybrid compound containing epoxy group. This study was carried out to confirm the effect of the silica hybrid on mechanical properties, heat resistance and adhesion strength of a fiber-reinforced epoxy composite, which was produced by blending silica or introducing silica hybrid through covalent bonds. And the silica hybrid containing epoxy group, which may be introduced to the structure of fiber-reinforced epoxy composite through covalent bonds caused by reaction with a hardener, has been used, so that the heat resistance and adhesion strength could be improved.     

Development of SCAR markers to differentiate between mume (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) and apricot (P. armeniaca L.)

Summary

Mume (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) and apricot (P. armeniaca L.) are similar in fruit and tree morphology, and exhibit high cross- and graft-compatibility with each other. It is therefore difficult to differentiate mume and apricot cultivars on the basis of morphological and phenotypical characteristics. Molecular markers were developed to differentiate nine mume from ten apricot cultivars. Four dominant, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers that can discriminate between mume and apricot cultivars (designated OPA15₆₂₈, OPO10₅₅₀, OPO20₂₅₉, and OPU03₄₁₅) were identified from 21 decamer primers. Two RAPD markers (OPO10₅₅₀ and OPU03₄₁₅) were developed into dominant sequence-characterised amplified region (SCAR) markers (SCO10 and SCU03). These SCAR markers could differentiate between all mume and apricot cultivars.     

A short review of RGB sensor applications for accessible high-throughput phenotyping

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology - Present challenge on high-throughput phenotyping is the major task for food production. However, many researchers have issues on operating prompt...     

Reclassification of aster yellows group phytoplasmas in Korea

Aster yellows group phytoplasmas were reclassified by analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, their phylogeny and the presence of interoperon heterogeneity. Nine phytoplasmas were classified into subgroups 16SrI-B and 16SrI-D using the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Then, based on the presence of interoperon heterogeneity, subgroup 16SrI-B phytoplasmas were differentiated into three subunits as 16SrI-B(a): mulberry dwarf, sumac witches’ broom and porcelain vine witches’ broom; 16SrI-B(b): angustata ash witches’ broom and Japanese spurge yellows; and 16SrI-B(c): onion yellow dwarf, water dropwort witches’ broom and hare’s ear yellow dwarf phytoplasma.     

Graphene barristor, a triode device with a gate-controlled Schottky barrier

Despite several years of research into graphene electronics, sufficient on/off current ratio I(on)/I(off) in graphene transistors with conventional device structures has been impossible to obtain. We report on a three-terminal active device, a graphene variable-barrier "barristor" (GB), in which the key is an atomically sharp interface between graphene and hydrogenated silicon. Large modulation on the device current (on/off ratio of 10(5)) is achieved by adjusting the gate voltage to control the graphene-silicon Schottky barrier. The absence of Fermi-level pinning at the interface allows the barrier's height to be tuned to 0.2 electron volt by adjusting graphene's work function, which results in large shifts of diode threshold voltages. Fabricating GBs on respective 150-mm wafers and combining complementary p- and n-type GBs, we demonstrate inverter and half-adder logic circuits.     

Use of canine small intestinal submucosa allograft for treating perineal hernias in two dogs

Here, we describe two dogs in which canine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was implanted as a biomaterial scaffold during perineal herniorrhaphy. Both dogs had developed severe muscle weakness, unilaterally herniated rectal protrusions, and heart problems with potential anesthetic risks. Areas affected by the perineal hernia (PH) located between the internal obturator and external anal sphincter muscles were reconstructed with naïve canine SIS sheets. In 12 months, post-operative complications such as wound infections, sciatic paralysis, rectal prolapse, or recurrence of the hernia were not observed. Symptoms of defecatory tenesmus also improved. Neither case showed any signs of rejection or specific immune responses as determined by complete and differential cell counts. Our findings demonstrate that canine SIS can be used as a biomaterial scaffold for PH repair in dogs.     

Effect of thinning on the ring characteristics of Japanese cedar plantation trees

The purpose of this study was to explore the ring characteristics of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) tree growth with thinning and unthinning regimes. The trees grown with thinning regimes increased in average ring width (RW), earlywood width, latewood width, ring density (RD), earlywood density, latewood density, maximum ring density, and latewood percentage (LWP) for the entire period of 16 years after thinning, as compared to those grown with unthinning regimes. The RW and RD components showed different reactions lasting several years after thinning. Overall, thinning caused immediate production (first year) of higher RD, lasting for several years; however, wider RW was delayed up to several years after treatment. There was a weak relationship between RW (growth rate) and wood density; and there were significant positive relationships between the RD and LWP. The results suggest that the compression wood produced after thinning.