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Cryotherapy in interventional bronchoscopy is a new treatment modality which has recently been made available for the pediatric airway. Lack of experience and safety concerns have led to hesitant adaptation. The aim of this work was to elaborate on the application progress of cryotherapy in pediatric pulmonary diseases and also to assess indications, success rates, and complications of airway cryotherapy in children. In summary, cryotherapy via flexible bronchoscopy is a safe and feasible method. The application scope in pediatrics is similar to that in adults, and it is mainly used in airway obstructive diseases. However, it is primarily caused by benign conditions, and the interventional treatment mainly seeks to provide long-lasting symptomatic alleviation. Thus, prevention, treatment, and prognosis of long-term complications are issues that should be carefully considered in pediatric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaporthe longicolla (syn. Phomopsis longicolla) is an important seed-borne fungal pathogen and the primary cause of Phomopsis seed decay (PSD) in soybean. PSD is one of the most devastating seed diseases, reducing soybean seed quality and yield worldwide. As part of a genome sequencing project on the fungal Diaporthe–Phomopsis complex, draft genomes of eight D. longicolla isolates were sequenced and assembled. Sequences of mitochondrial genomes were extracted and analyzed. The circular mitochondrial genomes ranged from 52,534 bp to 58,280 bp long, with a mean GC content of 34%. A total of 14 core protein-coding genes, 23 tRNA, and 2 rRNA genes were identified. Introns were detected in the genes of atp6, cob, cox1, cox2, cox3, nad1, nad2, nad5, and rnl. Three isolates (PL7, PL10, and PL185E) had more introns than other isolates. Approximately 6.4% of the mitochondrial genomes consist of repetitive elements. Moreover, 48 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and were identified. The mitochondrial genome sequences of D. longicolla will be useful to further study the molecular basis of seed-borne pathogens causing seed diseases, investigate genetic variation among isolates, and develop improved control strategies for Phomopsis seed decay of soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the nutrient composition of low-grade New Zealand commercial fish (Gemfish and Hoki) roe and to investigate the effects of delipidation and freeze-drying processes on roe hydrolysis and antioxidant activities of their protein hydrolysates. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the Hoki and Gemfish roe homogenates was carried out using three commercial proteases: Alcalase, bacterial protease HT, and fungal protease FP-II. The protein and lipid contents of Gemfish and Hoki roes were 23.8% and 7.6%; and 17.9% and 10.1%, respectively. The lipid fraction consisted mainly of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) in both Gemfish roe (41.5%) and Hoki roe (40.2%), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) was the dominant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in Gemfish roe (21.4%) and Hoki roe (18.6%). Phosphatidylcholine was the main phospholipid in Gemfish roe (34.6%) and Hoki roe (28.7%). Alcalase achieved the most extensive hydrolysis, and its hydrolysate displayed the highest 2,2-dipheny1-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)˙ and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The combination of defatting and freeze-drying treatments reduced DPPH˙ scavenging activity (by 38%), ABTS˙ scavenging activity (by 40%) and ferric (Fe3+) reducing power by18% (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that pre-processing treatments of delipidation and freeze-drying could negatively impact the effectiveness of enzymatic hydrolysis in extracting valuable compounds from low grade roe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of a burgeoning knowledge economy, enterprise intellectual capital has emerged as a pivotal asset for organizational growth. Evaluating it requires a comprehensive and robust index, yet there is no standard methodology for such assessments. Here, we propose an index for evaluating enterprise intellectual capital. We use the Delphi method to delineate a scientific decision structure. A grey-based decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is coupled with an analytic network process (ANP)—i.e., grey DEMATEL-based ANP (GDANP)—to determine the relative weight of indicators. Then, we use the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution to validate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed evaluation index based on data on thirty new-technology companies in China. This study bridges a critical gap in academic discourse, and we discuss the practical implications for the strategic management of intellectual capital in corporate settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH) is one of the crucial areas for economic development in China. However, rapid urban expansion and industrial development in this region have severely impacted the surrounding ecological environment. The air quality, water, and soil resources face significant pressure. Due to the close relationship between land utilization, population, investment, and industry, effective land use is a key factor in the coordinated development of the region. Therefore, clarifying the patterns of urban land use change and revealing its influencing factors can provide important scientific evidence for the coordinated development of the BTH region. This study aims to improve urban land use efficiency (ULUE) in the BTH region. Firstly, based on the input and output data of land elements for the 13 cities in the BTH region, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method is used to quantify the ULUE of the BTH urban agglomeration and analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of ULUE. Input indicators includes capital, labor, and land. Output indicators includes economy, society, and environment. The results show that the overall ULUE in the BTH region has increased, albeit with notable fluctuations. Between 2000 and 2010, ULUE rose swiftly across all cities except Beijing and Tianjin, where changes were minimal. Post-2010, cities exhibited varied trends: steady growth, slow growth, sustained growth, step-wise growth, and initial growth followed by decline. Spatially, before 2010, the BTH showed a "high in the northeast and low in the southwest" pattern, transitioning post-2010 to a smoother "core-periphery" pattern. Mid-epidemic, high ULUE values reverted to the core area, shifting southward post-epidemic. Secondly, panel data analysis is conducted to explore the factors influencing ULUE. The results indicate that fiscal balance, the level of openness, the level of digitalization, industrial structure, and the level of green development are significant factors affecting ULUE. Finally, strategies are proposed to improve ULUE in the BTH region, including national spatial planning, industrial layout, existing land use, infrastructure construction, optimization of local fiscal revenue, and improvement in the business environment, aiming to enhance ULUE and promote the coordinated development of industries in the BTH region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sapium sebiferum is a tree with socioeconomic, environmental, and medicinal value. S. sebiferum seeds possess physiological dormancy, which is induced by endogenous inhibitors and can be broken by cold stratification. However, the putative spatiotemporal changes in inhibitor activity are currently unknown, which can hinder the propagation of S. sebiferum seeds. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of inhibitor activity and its effect on germination during the cold stratification of S. sebiferum seeds. An extractant consisting of 80% methanol was used to extract the inhibitory substance from the seed coat and endosperm at different stages of cold stratification. The extract was then applied to both the Chinese cabbage seeds and excised embryos of S. sebiferum. The germination percentage and germination index were used to assess the inhibitor activity of S. sebiferum seeds. The germination of non-stratified S. sebiferum seeds was completely inhibited (0% germination). As the stratification duration was extended, the germination percentage of S. sebiferum seeds gradually increased. However, dormancy persisted until the stratification duration reached 120 d; at this point, the mean germination was 81.3%. The germination test on Chinese cabbage seeds revealed a significant increase from 10.0% (stratified for 0 d) to 91.2% (stratified for 120 d) when treated with endosperm extracts. The germination indexes also increased from 0.0 to 40.3, indicating a decrease in the inhibitory activity of endosperm extracts. The seed coat extracting solution showed varying dynamic changes. The lowest germination was observed after 60 d of stratification, with no significant differences among the results of 0 d, 30 d, and 60 d. However, after stratification for 90 d, the germination percentage of Chinese cabbage seeds increased. The germination percentage of excised embryos exhibited similar changes to those of Chinese cabbage seeds. This study discovered that endogenous inhibitors were present in both the seed coat and endosperm of S. sebiferum seeds, and the inhibitor activity was higher in the endosperm. The spatiotemporal patterns of inhibitor activity suggest that the endogenous inhibitors move from the endosperm to the seed coat during early cold stratification stages, aiding in the physiological dormancy release of S. sebiferum seeds. These findings enhance our understanding of seed biology in S. sebiferum and will facilitate high-efficiency seed propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has a complex organization and carries genetic traits of value in exploiting genetic resources. In this study, the Ilex macrocarpa mitogenome was sequenced and assembled to understand the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship. The mitogenome has a cyclic molecular structure and is 539,461 bp long with a GC content of 45.53%. It contained 39 protein-coding proteins, 19 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. The 146 simple sequence repeats and 591 dispersed repeat sequences were identified in the mitogenome. Codon usage analysis revealed a preference for codons ending in A/T. A total of 517 C to U RNA editing sites were predicted, with nad4 and ccmB being edited most frequently (39 times). Phylogenetic analysis via mitochondrial protein-coding genes showed that the Aquifoliales order contains sister plants to Lamiales, Solanales, and Gentianales. In addition, the conflicts between chloroplast and mitochondrial phylogeny were also observed. This study provides a theoretical framework for understanding the evolution, classification, and identification of the Ilex genus, which lays an important foundation for future molecular breeding investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcoal rot caused by the fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid is one of various devastating soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) diseases, which can severely reduce crop yield. The investigation into the genetic potential for charcoal rot resistance of wild soybean (Glycine soja) accessions will enrich our understanding of the impact of soybean domestication on disease resistance; moreover, the identified charcoal rot-resistant lines can be used to improve soybean resistance to charcoal rot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of wild soybean accessions to M. phaseolina at the seedling stage and thereby select the disease-resistant lines. The results show that the fungal pathogen infection reduced the growth of the root and hypocotyl in most G. soja accessions. The accession PI 507794 displayed the highest level of resistance response to M. phaseolina infection among the tested wild soybean accessions, while PI 487431 and PI 483660B were susceptible to charcoal rot in terms of the reduction in root and hypocotyl growth. The mean values of the root and hypocotyl parameters in PI 507794 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of PI 487431 and PI 483460B. A analysis of the resistance of wild soybean accessions to M. phaseolina using the root and hypocotyl as the assessment parameters at the early seedling stage provides an alternative way to rapidly identify potential resistant genotypes and facilitate breeding for soybean resistance to charcoal rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of augmented reality (AR) technology has revolutionized the memorable tourism experience (MTE) of travelers, while challenging traditional destination marketing practices. As AR technology emerges as a promising approach to enhancing tourists' experiences in tourism destinations, it becomes increasingly crucial to delve into the specific mechanisms through which AR generates MTE. Therefore, this study integrated MTE into the various conceptual structures of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), aiming to explore the antecedents and consequences of MTE formation within the TAM framework. Additionally, the specific relationship between TAM and different degrees of MTE was also discussed. The results indicated that perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) of AR technology are antecedents for MTE formation. In the High-MTE group, both PU and PEOU had a significant effect on MTE, but in the Low-MTE group, only PEOU had a significant effect on MTE. At the same time, the attitude towards usage (ATU) and the behavioral intention (BI) of AR are two significant consequences of MTE, in which ATU also plays the role of mediator between MTE and BI. Specifically, in the high-MTE group, MTE has a significant positive effect on both the ATU and BI of AR, while the Low-MTE group influences BI only through the complete mediating effect of ATU. This study enriched the existing literature by exploring a new model of using AR to enhance MTE, providing significant implications for future tourism research and the sustainable development of tourist destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorinated organic compounds have superior physicochemical properties than general organic compounds due to the strong C-F single bond; they are widely used in medicine, biology, pesticides, and materials science. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the physicochemical properties of fluorinated organic compounds, fluorinated aromatic compounds have been investigated by various spectroscopic techniques. 2-fluorobenzonitrile and 3-fluorobenzonitrile are important fine chemical intermediates and their excited state S1 and cationic ground state D0 vibrational features remain unknown. In this paper, we used two-color resonance two photon ionization (2-color REMPI) and mass analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) spectroscopy to study S1 and D0 state vibrational features of 2-fluorobenzonitrile and 3-fluorobenzonitrile. The precise excitation energy (band origin) and adiabatic ionization energy were determined to be 36,028 ± 2 cm−1 and 78,650 ± 5 cm−1 for 2-fluorobenzonitrile and 35,989 ± 2 cm−1 and 78,873 ± 5 cm−1 for 3-fluorobenzonitrile, respectively. The density functional theory (DFT) at the levels of RB3LYP/aug-cc-pvtz, TD-B3LYP/aug-cc-pvtz, and UB3LYP/aug-cc-pvtz were used to calculate the stable structures and vibrational frequencies for the ground state S0, excited state S1, and cationic ground state D0, respectively. Franck–Condon spectral simulations for transitions of S1 ← S0 and D0 ← S1 were performed based on the above DFT calculations. The theoretical and experimental results were in good agreement. The observed vibrational features in S1 and D0 states were assigned according to the simulated spectra and the comparison with structurally similar molecules. Several experimental findings and molecular features were discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean rust (SBR) caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. and P. Syd. is one of the most important foliar diseases of soybean. SBR has the potential to cause major economic damage to global and U.S. soybean production. Analysis of reactions of soybean genotypes to P. pachyrhizi is an important step towards breeding for resistance to SBR. Fifty-four diverse soybean genotypes with both known and unknown Rpp resistance genes were tested for their reactions to a Mississippi P. pachyrhizi isolate. PI 567102B (Rpp6) had a near-immune reaction with the lowest disease severity score and no sporulation. Among seventeen genotypes with resistant or incomplete resistant reddish-brown (RB) reactions, eight are improved breeding lines that are available to researchers through material transfer agreements (MTAs). Thirty-six genotypes had the susceptible TAN reaction. Four soybean lines (RN06-32-1(7-b, GC 00138-29, G01-PR16, and GC 84051-9-1) had RB reactions and significantly lower SBR severity and sporulation than three of the six resistant checks, PI 230970 (Rpp2), PI 462312 (Rpp3), and PI 459025B (Rpp4). G01-PR16 is a publicly released germplasm. This research provides new information about reactions of different soybean genotypes to a midsouthern USA isolate of P. pachyrhizi and thereby aids in breeding for resistance to SBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

g-C3N4 and g-C3N4/TCNQ composites with different doping levels were prepared using the copolymerization thermal method with melamine as a precursor. XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, DRS, PL, and I-T characterized them. The composites were successfully prepared in this study. The photocatalytic degradation of pefloxacin (PEF), enrofloxacin (ciprofloxacin), and ciprofloxacin (ciprofloxacin) under visible light (λ > 550 nm) showed that the composite material had the best degradation effect on PEF. When TCNQ doping is 20 mg and catalyst dosage is 50 mg, the catalytic effect is the best, and the degradation rate reaches 91.6%, k = 0.0111 min−1, which is four times that of g-C3N4. Repeated experiments found that the cyclic stability of the g-C3N4/TCNQ composite was good. The XRD images were almost unchanged after five reactions. The radical capture experiments revealed that ·O2− was the main active species in the g-C3N4/TCNQ catalytic system, and h+ also played a role in PEF degradation. And the possible mechanism for PEF degradation was speculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a major environmental pathogen causing coliform mastitis, characterized by cell death and mammary tissue damage. Our previous study has shown the antimicrobial effect of Zophobas morio (Z. morio) hemolymph against mastitis pathogens. In this study, we established E. coli-induced cellular and animal models for mastitis, aiming to evaluate the protective effect of Z. morio hemolymph against E. coli-induced mastitis in vivo and in vitro. In mice with E. coli, Z. morio hemolymph attenuated bacterial burden and histopathological impairment, reduced the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the ratio of CD4+ T/CD8+ T, and increased the production of IL-2 triggered by E. coli. Z. morio hemolymph also enhanced the integrity of the blood-milk barrier in E. coli-induced mastitis. In E. coli-stimulated porcine mammary epithelial cells, Z. morio hemolymph inhibited E. coli-induced inflammatory responses and upregulated tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-3 and Occludin). Moreover, we found that the anti-inflammatory effect of Z. morio hemolymph was mediated by inhibiting E. coli-induced NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, Caspase-1 activation, and reversing the inhibitory effect of E. coli on autophagy. Besides, Z. morio hemolymph augmented ATG5/ATG16L1-mediated autophagy activation, negatively regulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results reveal that Z. morio hemolymph alleviates E. coli-induced mastitis via lessening the inflammatory response by regulating the NLRP3 and ATG5/ATG16L1 signaling pathway, as well as repairing the blood-milk barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Patients with occlusal disharmony (OD) may be susceptible to depression. The hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, 5-HT and 5HT2AR in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala, and hippocampus are involved in the modulation of emotion and depression. This study investigated whether OD affects the HPA axis and 5-HT system and, subsequently, produces depression-like behaviors in rats. Materials and methods: OD was produced by removing 0.5 and 0.25 mm of hard tissue from the cusps of the maxillary molars in randomly selected sides of Sprague–Dawley rats. CUS involved exposure to 2 different stressors per day for 35 days. OD-, CUS-, and OD + CUS-treated groups and an untreated control group were compared in terms of behavior, endocrine status and brain histology. Results: There were significant differences among the four groups in the behavior tests (p < 0.05), especially in the sucrose preference test, where there was a significant decrease in the OD group compared to the control group. ACTH and CORT concentrations were significantly higher in the OD + CUS group than the control group (p < 0.05). Expression of GR and 5-HT2AR in the PFC, amygdala and hippocampal CA1 was significantly higher in the OD, CUS and OD + CUS groups than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: OD promotes depression-like behaviors through peripheral and central pathways via the HPA axis, GR and 5-HT system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has spawned the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained comprehensive attention as one of the major alternatives to antibiotics. However, low antibacterial activity and high-cost production have limited the applications of natural AMPs. In this study, we successfully expressed recombinant Zophobas atratus (Z. atratus) defensin for the first time. In order to increase the antimicrobial activity of peptide, we designed 5 analogues derived from Z. atratus defensin, Z-d13, Z-d14C, Z-d14CF, Z-d14CR and Z-d14CFR. Our results showed that Z-d14CFR (RGCRCNSKSFCVCR-NH2) exhibited a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity to both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. It possessed less than 5% hemolysis and 10% cytotoxicity, even at a high concentration of 1 mg/mL. Antimicrobial mechanism studies indicated that Z-d14CFR performed antimicrobial effect via inhibiting biofilm formation, disrupting bacterial membrane integrity and inducing cellular contents release. Furthermore, Z-d14CFR showed a great therapeutic effect on the treatment of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection by enhancing bacterial clearance, decreasing neutrophils infiltration and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in a murine model of mastitis. Our findings suggest that Z-d14CFR could be a promising candidate against multidrug-resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal reservoir operation is an important measure for ensuring flood-control safety and reducing disaster losses. The standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm can find the optimal solution of the problem by updating its position and speed, but it is easy to fall into a local optimum. In order to prevent the problem of precocious convergence, a novel simulated annealing particle swarm optimization (SAPSO) algorithm was proposed in this study, in which the Boltzmann equation from the simulated annealing algorithm was incorporated into the iterative process of the PSO algorithm. Within the maximum flood peak reduction criterion, the SAPSO algorithm was used into two floods in the Tianzhuang–Bashan cascade reservoir system. The results shown that: (1) There are lower maximum outflows. The maximum outflows of Tianzhuang reservoir using SAPSO algorithm decreased by 9.3% and 8.6%, respectively, compared with the measured values, and those of Bashan reservoir decreased by 18.5% and 13.5%, respectively; (2) there are also lower maximum water levels. The maximum water levels of Tianzhuang reservoir were 0.39 m and 0.45 m lower than the measured values, respectively, and those of Bashan reservoir were 0.06 m and 0.46 m lower, respectively; and (3) from the convergence processes, the SAPSO algorithm reduced the convergence speed in the early stage of convergence and provided a superior objective function value than PSO algorithm. At the same time, by comparing with GA algorithm, the performance and applicability of SAPSO algorithm in flood operation are discussed further. Thus, the optimal operation model and SAPSO algorithm proposed in this study provide a new approach to realizing the optimal flood-control operation of cascade reservoir systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coliforms and Staphylococcus spp. infections are the leading causes of bovine mastitis. Despite extensive research and development in antibiotics, they have remained inadequately effective in treating bovine mastitis induced by multiple pathogen infection. In the present study, we showed the protective effect of Zophobas morio (Z. morio) hemolymph on bovine mammary epithelial cells against bacterial infection. Z. morio hemolymph directly kills both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through membrane permeation and prevents the adhesion of E. coli or the clinically isolated S. simulans strain to bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells. In addition, Z. morio hemolymph downregulates the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family member pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and NLRP6, as well as inhibits the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, which attenuates E. coli or S. simulans-induced pyroptosis. Overall, our results suggest the potential role of Z. morio hemolymph as a novel therapeutic candidate for bovine mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, soybean root distribution in an inter-cropping system was influenced by various environmental and biotic cues. However, it is still unknown how root development and distribution in inter-cropping responds to aboveground light conditions. Herein, soybeans were inter- and monocropped with P (phosphorus) treatments of 0 and 20 kg P ha yr−1 (P0 and P20, respectively) in field experiment over 4 years. In 2019, a pot experiment was conducted as the supplement to the field experiment. Shade from sowing to V5 (Five trifoliolates unroll) and light (SL) was used to imitate the light condition of soybeans in a relay trip inter-cropping system, while light then shade from V5 to maturity (LS) was used to imitate the light condition of soybeans when monocropped. Compared to monocropping, P uptake and root distribution in the upper 0–15 cm soil layer increased when inter-cropped. Inter-cropped soybeans suffered serious shade by maize during a common-growth period, which resulted in the inhibition of primary root growth and a modified auxin synthesis center and response. During the solo-existing period, plant photosynthetic capacity and sucrose accumulation increased under ameliorated light in SL (shade-light). Increased light during the reproductive stage significantly decreased leaf P concentration in SL under both P-sufficient and P-deficient conditions. Transcripts of a P starvation response gene (GmPHR25) in leaves and genes (GmEXPB2) involved in root growth were upregulated by ameliorated light during the reproductive stage. Furthermore, during the reproductive stage, more light interception increased the auxin concentration and expression of GmYUCCA14 (encoding the auxin synthesis) and GmTIR1C (auxin receptor) in roots. Across the field and pot experiments, increased lateral root growth and shallower root distribution were associated with inhibited primary root growth during the seedling stage and ameliorated light conditions in the reproductive stage. Consequently, this improved topsoil foraging and P uptake of inter-cropped soybeans. It is suggested that the various light conditions (shade-light) mediating leaf P status and sucrose transport can regulate auxin synthesis and respond to root formation and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early leaf senescence negatively impacts the grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Induced mutants provide an important resource for mapping and cloning of genes for early leaf senescence. In our previous study, Els2, a single incomplete dominance gene, that caused early leaf senescence phenotype in the wheat mutant LF2099, had been mapped on the long arm of chromosome 2B. The objective of this study was to develop molecular markers tightly linked to the Els2 gene and construct a high-resolution map surrounding the Els2 gene. Three tightly linked single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were obtained from the Illumina Wheat 90K iSelect SNP genotyping array and converted to Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) markers. To saturate the Els2 region, the Axiom® Wheat 660K SNP array was used to screen bulked extreme phenotype DNA pools, and 9 KASP markers were developed. For fine mapping of the Els2 gene, these KASP markers and previously identified polymorphic markers were analyzed in a large F2 population of the LF2099 × Chinese Spring cross. The Els2 gene was located in a 0.24-cM genetic region flanked by the KASP markers AX-111643885 and AX-111128667, which corresponded to a physical interval of 1.61 Mb in the Chinese Spring chromosome 2BL containing 27 predicted genes with high confidence. The study laid a foundation for a map-based clone of the Els2 gene controlling the mutation phenotype and revealing the molecular regulatory mechanism of wheat leaf senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]