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Background: Elucidating the genetic variation underlying phenotypic diversity will facilitate improving production performance in livestock species. The Tibetan sheep breed in China holds significant historical importance, serving as a fundamental pillar of Qinghai's animal husbandry sector. The Plateau-type Tibetan sheep, comprising 90% of the province's population, are characterized by their tall stature and serve as the primary breed among Tibetan sheep. In contrast, Zhashijia sheep exhibit larger size and superior meat quality. These two species provide an excellent model for elucidating the genetic basis of body size variation. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive genome-wide association study on these two Tibetan sheep breeds to identify single nucleotide polymorphism loci and regulatory genes that influence body size traits in Tibetan sheep. Result: In this study, the phenotypic traits of body weight, body length, body height, chest circumference, chest depth, chest width, waist angle width, and pipe circumference were evaluated in two Tibetan sheep breeds: Plateau-type sheep and Zhashijia Tibetan sheep. Whole genome sequencing generated 48,215,130 high-quality SNPs for genome-wide association study. Four methods were applied and identified 623 SNPs significantly associated with body size traits. The significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in this study are located near or within 111 candidate genes. These genes exhibit enrichment in the cAMP and Rap1 signaling pathways, significantly affecting animal growth, and body size. Specifically, the following genes were associated: ASAP1, CDK6, FRYL, NAV2, PTPRM, GPC6, PTPRG, KANK1, NTRK2 and ADCY8. Conclusion: By genome-wide association study, we identified 16 SNPs and 10 candidate genes associated with body size traits in Tibetan sheep, which hold potential for application in genomic selection breeding programs in sheep. Identifying these candidate genes will establish a solid foundation for applying molecular marker-assisted selection in sheep breeding and improve our understanding of body size control in farmed animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the fixed-time multi-switch combination–combination synchronization (FTMSCCS) of fractional-order chaotic systems with uncertainties and external disturbances is studied. The appropriate sliding mode surface and controller are proposed based on a Lyapunov theorem, and fixed-time multi-switching combination–combination synchronizations between four fractional-order chaotic systems are realized. The Lyapunov function is designed to prove the feasibility of the controller theoretically, and the effectiveness and robustness of the synchronization mechanism are further verified by numerical simulations. The advantage of this article is that it extends fixed-time synchronization to multi-switch combination–combination synchronization, enabling synchronization for a limited time, while increasing the complexity of the synchronization mechanism and improving its confidentiality in communication applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work on multi-task principal-agent in supply chain seldom considered other factors. In this paper, basing on accounts receivable mode of supply chain finance, we add the financing factor of bank in multi-task principal-agent to study the incentive mechanism between the manufacturer and the supplier. First we develop an incentive model under the condition of symmetric information and work out the optimal result. Next the circumstance with asymmetric information is also discussed. Last, the effort level of supplier is discussed when the receivables business ran normally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tibetan sheep are integral to the ecosystems and livelihoods of the Tibetan Plateau; however, their breeding practices limit their production and growth. Candidate genes myostatin (MSTN)and Callipyge have been recognized as important for improving growth traits in livestock. This research examined the polymorphic loci of these genes in Tibetan sheep and their association with growth traits. The results indicated that SNP loci of MSTN could potentially be utilized as a molecular indicator for early growth traits in Tibetan sheep. Tibetan sheep are vital to the ecosystem and livelihood of the Tibetan Plateau; however, traditional breeding methods limit their production and growth. Modern molecular breeding techniques are required to improve these traits. This study identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in myostatin (MSTN) and Callipyge in Tibetan sheep. The findings indicated notable associations between MSTN genotypes and growth traits including birth weight (BW), body length (BL), chest width (ChW), and chest circumference (ChC), as well as a particularly strong association with cannon circumference (CaC) at 2 months of age. Conversely, Callipyge polymorphisms did not have a significant impact on Tibetan sheep. Moreover, the analyses revealed a significant association between sex and BW or hip width (HW) at 2 months of age and ChW, ChC, and CaC at 4 months of age. Furthermore, the study's results suggested that the genotype of MSTN as a GA was associated with a notable sex effect on BW, while the genotype of Callipyge (CC) showed a significant impact of sex on CaC at 2 months of age. These results indicated that the SNP of MSTN could potentially serve as a molecular marker for early growth traits in Tibetan sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the impact energy of powder high-velocity compaction (HVC) and thus improve the green density and mechanical properties of the resulting compacts, a mechanical energy storage method using combination disc springs is proposed. The high impact energy is achieved by modifying existing equipment, and the hydraulic control system is developed to implement the automatic control of the energy produced from the disc springs. An interdisciplinary cosimulation platform is established using the ADAMS, AMESim, and LabVIEW software packages to perform the interactive control of the simulation process and the real-time feedback of the simulation results. A mechanical-hydraulic cosimulation of the energy control virtual prototype of the testing machine is conducted using this platform. The influence of the impact energy on the green density is studied according to the HVC experimental results of the iron-based powders, and then, the green compact with the higher relative density is produced. The experimental results indicate that the energy enhancement method using the combination disc springs is reasonable and that the hydraulic control scheme is reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for high-precision titanium alloy components is rising exponentially in the biomedical engineering. However, ultra-precision cutting of titanium alloy is challenging due to the high cutting heat because of its low thermal conductivity, which results in severe tool wear and poor surface finish. Therefore, machining titanium alloys requires excellent cooling and lubricating solution. In this research, inspired by the microstructural surface of the Nepenthes' peristome, a bionic micro-texture (BMT) with the function of directional cutting-fluid transport is developed aiming to improve cooling and lubrication condition in cutting zone. The BMT is designed and fabricated by employing a femtosecond laser on the tool surface after theoretically evaluating the fluid transporting behavior of the BMT and its essential geometry parameters. From the directional fluid transport and ultra-precision cutting tests, it is found that the BMT surface offers a high directional fluid flow rate of 3.7 m/s. Moreover, the BMT tool produces lower cutting force, and generates defect-free morphology and nanoscaled roughness. Furthermore, the BMT tool results in reduced flank wear by 84% and 82% at a cumulative cutting distance of 900 m comparing with the none-texture (NT) and micro-groove-texture (MGT) tools respectively, and exhibits excellent chip adhesion resistance. Therefore, it is feasible and promising to apply the BMT tool in ultra-precision cutting of titanium alloys components. • The difference of edge angles of solids affects the direction of fluid transport. • A bionic micro-textured tool with directional cutting-fluid transport is proposed. • The efficiency of cooling is improved thus changing wear mechanism of the tool. • A flaw-free and mirror-like surface of Ti6Al4V is obtained by the novel cutting tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of the dual synchronization of two different fractional-order chaotic systems with uncertain parameters is studied. This paper introduces a synchronization method in accordance with Lyapunov stability theory, and the adaptive controllers and adaptive laws are designed to realize the dual synchronization of fractional order chaotic systems. Finally, two numerical examples of unknown different fractional-order chaotic systems are also given to prove the accuracy of the theory in the paper, and the effectiveness and performance of the proposed adaptive dual synchronization strategy are verified by simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients undergoing immunotherapy always exhibit a low-response rate due to tumor heterogeneity and immune surveillance in the tumor. Angiogenesis plays an important role in affecting the status of tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes by inducing hypoxia and acidosis microenvironment, suggesting its synergistic potential in immunotherapy. However, the antitumor efficacy of singular anti-angiogenesis therapy often suffers from failure in the clinic due to the compensatory pro-angiogenesis signaling pathway. In this work, classic injectable thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymer was used to construct a platform to co-deliver CA4P (vascular disruptive agent) and EPI for inducing immunogenic cell death of cancer cells by targeting the tumor immune microenvironment. Investigation of 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse models suggests that local administration of injectable V+E@Gel could significantly inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and prolong the survival rate of 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse models. Histological analysis further indicates that V+E@Gel could effectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by down-regulating the expression of CD34, CD31, MTA1 and TGF-β. Moreover, due to the sustained release kinetics of V+E@Gel, its local administration relieves the immune surveillance in tumor tissues and thus induces a robust and long-lasting specific antitumor immune response. Overall, this work provides a new treatment strategy through the mediation of the tumor immune microenvironment by vascular disruption to fulfill enhanced chemotherapy and immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the asymptotic synchronization of fractional-order complex dynamical networks with different structures and parameter uncertainties (FCDNDP). Firstly, the FCDNDP model is proposed by the Riemann–Liouville (R-L) fractional derivative. According to the property of fractional calculus and the Lyapunov direct method, an original controller is proposed to achieve the asymptotic synchronization of FCDNDP. Our controller is more adaptable and effective than those in other literature. Secondly, a sufficient condition is given for the asymptotic synchronization of FCDNDP based on the asymptotic stability theorem and the matrix inequality technique. Finally, the numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the existing wireless indoor positioning systems, UWB (ultra-wideband) is one of the most promising solutions. However, the single UWB positioning system is affected by factors such as non-line of sight and multipath, and the navigation accuracy will decrease. In order to make up for the shortcomings of a single UWB positioning system, this paper proposes a scheme based on binocular VO (visual odometer) and UWB sensor fusion. In this paper, the original distance measurement data of UWB and the position information of binocular VO are merged by adaptive Kalman filter, and the structural design of the fusion system and the realization of the fusion algorithm are elaborated. The experimental results show that compared with a single positioning system, the proposed data fusion method can significantly improve the positioning accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sapphire realizes plasticity by alternate activation-annihilation of dislocation. • Keeping sapphire in dislocation activation stage is vital for high-quality machining. • The ductile–brittle transition is closely related to the dislocation annihilation. A "renaissance" of sapphire is regarded as one of the most significant tendencies of modern materials science. But sapphire has almost no plasticity at room temperature, making its surface finishing a formidable challenge. Realizing the plasticity of sapphire and revealing its plastic deformation mechanism are crucial for the micro-nano and ultra-precision machining of sapphire. In this work, the deformation behavior of sapphire during indentation is revisited using molecular dynamics simulation. It finds that sapphire possesses a diverse plastic deformation behavior during the nanoindentation. Systematical investigation into the evolution of dislocation confirms that sapphire realizes plasticity during indentation through alternate activation-annihilation of dislocation. In light of these results, it is reasonable to believe that an improved machining quality can be obtained by precisely controlling the machining depth to keep sapphire in the dislocation activation stage. Furthermore, our simulations provide a possible physical essence of the ductile–brittle transition during material removal observed in experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation (CNV) is a genetic structural polymorphism important for phenotypic diversity and important economic traits of livestock breeds, and it plays an important role in the desired genetic variation. This study used whole genome sequencing to detect the CNV variation in the genome of 6 local Tibetan sheep groups. We detected 69,166 CNV events and 7230 copy number variable regions (CNVRs) after merging the overlapping CNVs, accounting for 2.72% of the reference genome. The CNVR length detected ranged from 1.1 to 1693.5 Kb, with a total length of 118.69 Mb and an average length of 16.42 Kb per CNVR. Functional GO cluster analysis showed that the CNVR genes were mainly involved in sensory perception systems, response to stimulus, and signal transduction. Through CNVR-based Vst analysis, we found that the CACNA2D3 and CTBP1 genes related to hypoxia adaptation, the HTR1A gene related to coat color, and the TRNAS-GGA and PIK3C3 genes related to body weight were all strongly selected. The findings of our study will contribute novel insights into the genetic structural variation underlying hypoxia adaptation and economically important traits in Tibetan sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association of hypokalemia (LK) with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP) risk remains uncertain. Here, we calculated LK duration in the first PD year and evaluated its association with PDAP. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, incident cohort study of 1633 participants was conducted from January 2008 to October 2020 in China. The duration of LK and severe hypokalemia (SLK) was calculated as the total number of months that a patient's serum potassium (SK) level was less than 3.5 or 3.0 mEq/L during the first PD year. The study outcome was the risk of subsequent PDAP started in the second year and later. Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk models were used to assess the association. Results: The subsequent PDAP occurred in 420 (25.7%) participants during a median of 28 months of follow-up. Overall, LK duration in the first year was positively associated with a subsequent PDAP risk (per 3-month increments, adjusted HR, 1.13; 95%CI: 1.05–1.23). After categorization, patients with LK duration longer than 6 months had the highest adjusted HR of 1.53 (p = 0.005 vs. those without LK) for subsequent PDAP risk. A similar trend was also found for SLK duration. In a competing risk model, a similar trend was also observed. None of the variables, including demographic and PD characteristics, diabetes history, and several clinical measurements, significantly modified this association. The causative organisms of PDAP were similar to those previously reported. Conclusions: PD patients with longer LK duration in the first year had a higher subsequent PDAP risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of candidate genes and genetic variations associated with growth traits is important for sheep breeding. Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) are well-accepted candidate genes that affect animal growth and development. The current study attempted to assess the association between IGF1 and IGF1R genetic polymorphisms and growth traits in Hulun Buir sheep. To achieve this goal, we first identified three and ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exons of IGF1 and IGF1R in Hulun Buir sheep and then constructed six haplotypes of IGF1R based on linkage disequilibrium, respectively. Association studies were performed between SNPs and haplotypes of IGF1 and IGF1R with twelve growth traits in a population encompassing 229 Hulun Buir sheep using a general linear model. Our result indicated three SNPs in IGF1 were significantly associated with four growth traits (p < 0.05). In IGF1R, three SNPs and two haplotype blocks were significantly associated with twelve growth traits (p < 0.05). The combined haplotype H5H5 and H5H6 in IGF1R showed the strong association with 12 superior growth traits in Hulun Buir sheep (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we identified SNPs and haplotype combinations associated with the growth traits, which provided genetic resources for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in Hulun Buir sheep breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is considered to be an important biomarker of heart failure (HF) attracting attention. However, its low concentration and short half-life in blood lead to a low-sensitivity detection of BNP, which is a challenge that has to be overcome. In this work, we propose a highly specific, highly sensitive T7 RNA polymerase-assisted clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas13a system to detect BNP via an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform and incorporate exonuclease III (Exo III)-hairpin and dumbbell-shaped hybridization chain reaction (HCR) technologies. In this detection scheme, the ECL sensing platform possesses low background signal and high sensitivity. Firstly, the T7 promoter-initiated T7 RNA polymerase acts as a signal amplification technique to generate large amounts of RNAs that can activate CRISPR/Cas13a activity. Secondly, CRISPR/Cas13a is able to trans -cleave the surrounding trigger strand to produce DNA1. Thirdly, DNA1 is involved in the co-amplification reaction of Exo III and hairpin DNA, which subsequently triggers a dumbbell-shaped HCR technology. Eventually, a large number of Ru (II) molecules are inserted into the interstitial space of the dumbbell-shaped HCR to generate a strong ECL signal. The CRISPR/Cas13a possesses outstanding specificity for a single base and increased sensitivity. The tightly conformed dumbbell-shaped HCR provides higher sensitivity than the traditional linear HCR amplification technique. Ultimately, the clever combination of several amplification reactions enables the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 3.2 fg/mL. It showed promise for clinical sample testing, with recovery rates ranging from 98.4% to 103% in 5% human serum samples. This detection method offered a valuable tool for early HF detection, emphasizing the synergy of amplification strategies and specificity conferred by CRISPR/Cas13a technology. [Display omitted] • The ECL sensing platform combined with a series of amplification techniques, including T7 RNA polymerase-assisted CRISPR/Cas13a, hairpin-Exo III, and HCR for BNP detection. • The ECL sensing platform exhibited exceptional sensitivity with LOD of 3.2 fg/mL, specificity, and stability for BNP detection. • The ECL sensing platform showed promise for clinical sample testing, with recovery rates ranging from 98.4% to 103% in 5% human serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A hybrid model combining the least resistance model and circuit theory to identify ecological corridors for waterbirds is presented. • The least cost route partly generated is most likely to become the ecological corridor of waterfowl. • The pinch points generated are most likely to become the ecological corridors of waterfowl. • The method is applied in Northeast China. Ecological corridors have recently garnered increasing international attention as promising biodiversity conservation models to study the effects of climate change. However, very few studies have characterized waterbird ecological corridors and their responses to environmental variations. Here, a hybrid model approach combining the least resistance model and circuit theory was applied to identify ecological corridors for four kinds of waterbirds (Grus japonensis , Grus grus , Cygnus cygnus , Mergus squamatus) in Northeast China. This region contains many wetlands that are rich in waterbird species and are important habitats and breeding grounds for waterbirds on the East Asia-Australia migration route. Our findings demonstrated that the least cost routes of different waterbird species and their pinch points (i.e., areas exhibiting high waterbird transit and density) have the potential to become waterbird ecological corridors. However, we observed substantial differences in the number of least-cost paths and the structure and distribution of ecological corridor networks due to differences in the number and distribution of waterbird core habitat patches. The number and distribution of pinch points were also different. Over 85% of the waterbird occurrence points were not far from the least-cost routes or the pinch points, indicating that the detected least-cost routes and the pinch points were not only ecological corridors for waterbirds but also priority areas for the conservation of waterbird habitat networks. The methods proposed herein could thus be used as a basis for the identification of multi-species waterbird ecological corridors in other countries, as well as forest bird ecological corridors at other scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hippo/MST signaling pathway is a critical player in controlling cell proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptosis of most tissues and organs in diverse species. Previous studies have shown that Salvador homolog 1 (SAV1), a scaffolding protein which functions in the signaling system is expressed in mammalian ovaries and play a vital role in governing the follicle development. But the exact biological effects of chicken SAV1 in prehierarchical follicle development remain poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that the SAV1 protein is predominantly expressed in the oocytes and undifferentiated granulosa cells in the various sized prehierarchical follicles of hen ovary, and the endogenous expression level of SAV1 mRNA appears down-regulated from the primordial follicles to the largest preovulatory follicles (F2-F1) by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Moreover, we found the intracellular SAV1 physically interacts with each of the pathway members, including STK4/MST1, STK3/MST2, LATS1 and MOB2 using western blotting. And SAV1 significantly promotes the phosphorylation of LATS1 induced by the kinase of STK4 or STK3 in vitro. Furthermore, SAV1 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly increased proliferation of granulosa cells from the prehierarchical follicles (6–8 mm in diameter) by BrdU-incorporation assay, in which the expression levels of GDF9, StAR and FSHR mRNA was notably enhanced. Meanwhile, these findings were consolidated by the data of SAV1 overexpression. Taken together, the present results revealed that SAV1 can inhibit proliferation of the granulosa cells whereby the expression levels of GDF9, StAR and FSHR mRNA were negatively regulated. Accordingly, SAV1, as a member of the hippo/MST signaling pathway plays a suppressive role in ovarian follicle development by promoting phosphorylation and activity of the downstream LATS1, may consequently lead to prevention of the follicle selection during ovary development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The periostin (POSTN) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like (PDGFRL) genes are implicated in regulation of hen ovarian development. In the present study, these genes were explored as possible molecular markers associated with egg production, egg weight and body weight in Chinese Dagu hens. Samples were analyzed using the PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) method, followed by sequencing analysis, and three novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within the candidate genes. Among them, an A/T transversion at base position 2727 in intron 2 ofPOSTNgene was found to be polymorphic and named SNP A2727T; and two transitions, G/A at position 6761 and A/G at base 6839 in exon 2 ofPDGFRLgene were detected and named SNPs G6761A and A6839G, respectively. For the SNP A2727T, a total of 360 Dagu hens were classified as AA and AB genotypes, allele A was found present at a higher frequency. Moreover, the AA genotype was significantly correlated with higher hen-housed egg production (HHEP) at 43, 57, and 66 weeks (wks) of age and with a higher egg weight (EW) at 30 wks (P < 0.05). For the two linked SNPs (G6761A and A6839G) in thePDGFRLfragment, the hens were typed into TT, TC and CC genotypes, with the T allele shown to be dominant. The TT genotype was correlated with higher HHEP at 57 and 66 wks of age; genotype CC associated with the highest body weight and EW at 30 and 43 wks (P < 0.05), while it was correlated with the lowest HHEP at 57 and 66 wks of age (P < 0.05). Furthermore, five haplotypes were reconstructed based on these SNPs, with the AATT haplotype associated with the highest HHEP at 43 to 66 wks of age and higher EW at 30 wks (P < 0.05). Collectively, these SNPs identified in this study might be used as a potential molecular marker favorable to genetic improvement of egg productivity in chicken breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D protects against the development and severity of several rheumatic diseases. However, the effect of vitamin D on the pathological ossification associated with rheumatic diseases remains unknown. The present retrospective study analyzed the clinical outcomes of vitamin D without calcium compared with vitamin D with calcium on pathological ossification in joints and ligaments. Data were collected from patients who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or spondylarthritis, and the presence of pathological ossification in joints or ligaments was confirmed by X-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examination. A total of 2,965 patients aged 18-75 years old were included, among who, 1,725 were included in the vitamin D alone group and 1,240 in the vitamin D with calcium group. Vitamin D was administered intramuscularly (300,000 IU) once every 7-10 days, 4-6 times in total. Patients who ingested an oral calcium supplement (1,000 mg/day; ≥5 days/week) were considered the vitamin D with calcium group. The clinical outcome was evaluated based on the imaging changes of pathological ossification, which were classified as alleviation, aggravation and unchanged. The bone mineral density (BMD) was determined, and the calcium concentration in the serum and urine was measured. The results revealed that vitamin D alone alleviated pathological ossification, while vitamin D combined with calcium aggravated pathological ossification in the majority of patients (P<0.0001) independent of disease type and patient age. BMD measurements demonstrated a decreasing trend in the vitamin D alone group, whereas they exhibited an increasing trend in the vitamin D combined with calcium group. The urine calcium concentration increased after vitamin D treatment alone. Therefore, it was concluded that vitamin D exerted both pro-resorptive and anti-resorptive actions on pathological ossification. The bidirectional action of vitamin D on bone metabolism may depend on exogenous calcium supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate SSTR1 gene polymorphisms and their association with growth traits in Hulun Buir sheep. We followed 233 Hulun Buir sheep from birth to 16 months of age, born in the same pasture and on the same year under a consistent grazing conditions. The body weight (BW), body height (BH), body length (BL), chest circumference (ChC), chest depth (ChD), chest width (ChW), hip width (HW), and cannon circumference (CaC) were measured and recorded at birth, 4 months, 9 months, and 16 months of age. The polymorphisms of the SSTR1 gene in Hulun Buir sheep were excavated using exon sequencing, and association analyses of between SNPs and growth traits at each growth stage were conducted. The results showed that there were four SNPs in Exon 2 of the SSTR1 gene, SNP1, SNP2, and SNP3 were low mutation sites, and SNP4 was a moderate mutation site. Four SNPs were consistent with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and all of them were synonymous mutations. The association analyses found that the genotypes of SNP2 were significantly associated with WW and BH at 4 months of age, BW, BL, ChC, and HW at 9 months of age (p < 0.05), and extremely significantly associated with ChD at 4 and 9 months of age (p < 0.01). There were significant associations between SNP3 and BH at 9 months of age, between SNP4 and ChD, ChW, and CaC at 9 months of age, and BW and ChC at 16 months of age (p < 0.05). There were no detectable associations with growth traits among the seven haplotypes between the SNP1, 3, and 4 of a strong linkage disequilibrium (p > 0.05). These results indicated that SNP2, SNP3, and SNP4 may be used as molecular markers for growth traits of Hulun Buir sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MgF2 coating on BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (BAM) particles was obtained by an emulsion method. The chemical compositions, microstructure, and luminescent performance of surface-coating BAM were characterized by XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excitation, respectively. The results indicate that a compact homogeneous MgF2 film is successfully coated on the surface of BAM particles by forming a chemical bond. Lengthening of fluorescence lifetimes were observed in surface-coated BAM phosphor attributed to less non-radiative rate due to coating. The luminescent performances of surface-coated BAM is improved due to the hanging-bonds and defects on the surface of nano-scale BAM particles being removed as well as non-radiative transition probability decreasing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• We estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) and evolutionary rate of SARS-CoV-2 to be 12 November 2019 (95% BCI: 11 October 2019 and 09 December 2019) and 9.90 × 10-4 substitutions per site per year (95% BCI: 6.29 × 10-4–1.35 × 10-3), respectively. • Our results emphasize the importance of using phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses to provide insights into the roles of various interventions to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in China and beyond. • Understanding epidemic dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in real time is increasingly important for guiding prevention efforts. To investigate the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamics of the current COVID-19 outbreak, a total of 112 genomes of SARS-CoV-2 strains sampled from China and 12 other countries with sampling dates between 24 December 2019 and 9 February 2020 were analyzed. We performed phylogenetic, split network, likelihood-mapping, model comparison, and phylodynamic analyses of the genomes. Based on Bayesian time-scaled phylogenetic analysis with the best-fitting combination models, we estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) and evolutionary rate of SARS-CoV-2 to be 12 November 2019 (95 % BCI: 11 October 2019 and 09 December 2019) and 9.90 × 10−4 substitutions per site per year (95 % BCI: 6.29 × 10−4–1.35 × 10−3), respectively. Notably, the very low R e estimates of SARS-CoV-2 during the recent sampling period may be the result of the successful control of the pandemic in China due to extreme societal lockdown efforts. Our results emphasize the importance of using phylodynamic analyses to provide insights into the roles of various interventions to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in China and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By adopting a feasible microwave-induced solution combustion synthesis (MISCS) method, pure and well-crystallized BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (BAM) nanoscale blue phosphors were successfully prepared. The crystallinity, particle size, morphology, chemical composition and luminescent properties were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, EDS and spectrofluorometer, respectively. The results show that the obtained BAM phosphors have spherical morphology, good crystallinity, and strong blue emission under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light excitation compared to those prepared by conventional solution combustion method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]