Search

We investigated the effects of finely ground wheat bran on the nutrient digestibility, digesta passage rate, and gut microbiota structure in sows. A 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 test periods and 3 experimental diets was used. Six non-pregnant sows (parity: 5 to 7) were randomly assigned to 3 experimental diets with 2 replicates per treatment in each period. Each period lasted 19 d (12 d for adaptation and 7 d for experiment). The experimental diets included (a) a basal corn and soybean meal diet (CON), (b) a basal diet with 20% coarse wheat bran (CWB; particle size: 605 μm), and (c) a basal diet with 20% fine wheat bran (FWB; particle size: 438 μm). The results demonstrated that the apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and energy were reduced (

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential plasma metabolism biomarkers reflecting the maintenance status of growing pigs. The repeated measurement design was used in this experiment, and six barrows (28.6 ± 0.5 kg BW) were selected and kept in metabolism crates. The feeding level in growing pigs close to ad libitum was 2400 kJ ME/kg BW

Pyrroloquinoline quinone maintains intestinal metabolic function and AMPK phosphorylation of weaned pigs.

Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources, but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways. The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years. Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development, oocyte maturation and embryo development, as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development, through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones, such as steroid hormones and prostaglandins. However, many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle, lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages. Therefore, an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establishment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.

Maintenance of intestinal metabolic function is important for optimal growth performance in post-weaning pigs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on maintaining intestinal glycolipid metabolism in weaned pigs. Seventy-two Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred pigs were divided into two groups: pigs fed a basal diet (CTRL group) and pigs fed a basal diet supplemented with 3.0 mg kg

Fatty acids play important roles in maintaining ovarian steroidogenesis and endometrial receptivity. Porcine primary ovarian granulosa cells (PGCs) and endometrial epithelial cells (PEECs) were treated with or without medium- and short-chain fatty acids (MSFAs) for 24 h. The mRNA abundance of genes was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The hormone levels in the PGCs supernatant and the rate of adhesion of porcine trophoblast cells (pTrs) to PEECs were measured. Sows were fed diets with or without MSFAs supplementation during early gestation. The fecal and vaginal microbiomes were identified using 16S sequencing. Reproductive performance was recorded at parturition. MSFAs increased the mRNA abundance of genes involved in steroidogenesis, luteinization in PGCs and endometrial receptivity in PEECs (p < 0.05). The estrogen level in the PGC supernatant and the rate of adhesion increased (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with MSFAs increased serum estrogen levels and the total number of live piglets per litter (p < 0.01). Moreover, MSFAs reduced the fecal Trueperella abundance and vaginal Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 abundance. These data revealed that MSFAs improved pregnancy outcomes in sows by enhancing ovarian steroidogenesis and endometrial receptivity while limiting the abundance of several intestinal and vaginal pathogens at early stages of pregnancy.

Though the energy requirement for maintenance is an important part of net energy system, little is known of the metabolic characteristics of maintenance energy expenditure. This study was investigated the effect of feeding level at metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance (FLM) on plasma metabolites in growing pigs. Ten barrows (22.5 ± 0.5 kg BW) were kept in metabolism crates and catheterized in the precaval vein during adaptation period. Pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal diet at 782 kJ ME/kg BW0.6·d−1 during d 1 to 8 and then were refeeding at 2,400 kJ ME/kg BW0.6·d−1 on d 9. Plasma samples of each pig were collected by catheter on the morning of d 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, respectively, for metabolomics testing. Results showed that the concentration of plasma urea nitrogen decreased under FLM (p < 0.01) and increased significantly after refeeding (p < 0.01). The concentration of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and albumin in plasma were decreased significantly after refeeding (p < 0.01). Eleven identified compounds were up-regulated and six ones were down-regulated under FLM. In conclusion, the energy metabolism of growing pigs was relatively stable after 4 days of feeding at FLM.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary starch-to-fat ratio on reproductive performance and lipid metabolism of sows and newborn piglets. A total of 75 Landrace × Yorkshire multiparous sows at d 84 of gestation were selected and randomly divided into three groups based on body weight. From d 85 of gestation to farrowing, sows were fed one of three dietary starch-to-fat ratios (20:1, 10:1, and 5:1). Dietary high starch-to-fat ratio increased the birth weight of piglets (p < 0.05). The apparent total digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy of sows was improved by an increasing starch-to-fat ratio during gestation (p < 0.05). Decreased dietary starch-to-fat ratio increased the concentration of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and GSH-Px in sows (p < 0.05). During parturition, sows had increased plasma interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α in the low ratio group (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Streptococcaceae in the low ratio group was significantly higher (p < 0.05). The medium dietary starch-to-fat ratio significantly increased the concentrations of short chain fatty acids. In conclusion, this study suggested that for sows a diet with ahigh starch to fat ratio could ameliorate lipid metabolism disorder and maternal inflammation during late gestation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different SDF to IDF ratios on growth performance, serum indexes and fecal microbial community in pigs. Weaned and growing-finishing pigs were fed a diet containing five different ratios of SDF to IDF from 1:5 to 1:9 and from 1:3 to 1:7, respectively. Results showed a linear tendency that average daily gain (ADG) of weaned pigs decreased but the feed intake to weight gain ratio (F/G) increased as the ratio of SDF to IDF increased from 1:5 to 1:9 (p = 0.06). The ADG of growing-finishing pigs showed quadratic changes (p < 0.05) as ratios of SDF to IDF increased from 1:3 to 1:7. The Shannon index of fecal microbial diversity increased first and then decreased as the SDF to IDF ratio increased from 1:5 to 1:9 (p < 0.05). The Shannon and Chao indexes of fecal microbial diversity in growing-finishing pigs showed significant incremental linearly as the SDF to IDF ratio increased from 1:3 to 1:7 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the recommended inclusion ratios of SDF to IDF in weaned and growing-finishing pigs diets are 1:7 and 1:5.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is important for the intestinal barrier to defend and regulate inflammation in the intestine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on regulating neuropeptide secretion by ENS neurons of rats challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to create enteritis. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups, namely, basal (CTRL), basal plus LPS challenge (LPS), basal with 2.5 mg/kg b.w./day of PQQ plus challenge with LPS (PQQ 2.5), basal with 5.0 mg/kg b.w./day PQQ plus challenge with LPS (PQQ 5), and basal with 10.0 mg/kg b.w./day PQQ plus challenge with LPS (PQQ 10). After treatment with basal diet or PQQ for 14 days, rats were challenged with LPS except for the CTRL group. Rats were euthanized 6 h after the LPS challenge. Rats showed an increased average daily gain in PQQ treatment groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the LPS group, PQQ 5 and PQQ 10 rats showed increased villus height and villus height/crypt depth of jejunum (P < 0.05). In PQQ treatment groups, concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum and intestine of rats were decreased, and IL-10 concentration was increased in serum compared with the LPS group (P < 0.05). Compared with the LPS group, the concentration of neuropeptide Y (NPY), nerve growth factor (NGF), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) in serum were decreased in PQQ treatment groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the LPS group, ileal mRNA levels of BDNF, NPY, and NGF were decreased in PQQ treatment groups (P < 0.05). Jejunal concentrations of SP, CGRP, VIP, BDNF, NPY, and NGF were decreased in PQQ treatment groups compared with the LPS group (P < 0.05). Compared with the LPS group, phosphor-protein kinase B (p-Akt)/Akt levels in jejunum and colon were decreased in PQQ treatment groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, daily treatment with PQQ improved daily gain, jejunal morphology, immune responses. PQQ-regulated enteric neurochemical plasticity of ENS via the Akt signaling pathway of weaned rats suffering from enteritis.

This study investigated the effects of fine-grinding wheat bran on pregnant sow body condition, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota. In this study, wheat bran was crushed into three particle sizes. A total of 60 Landrace × Yorkshire second parity sows were allotted to two groups: CWB (a diet containing coarse wheat bran with particle size of 605 μm) and FWB (a diet containing fine wheat bran with particle size of 438 μm). Fine-grinding wheat bran had higher soluble dietary fiber concentration, swelling capacity, water-holding capacity, and fermentability than coarse wheat bran. Pregnant sows fed FWB throughout pregnancy had lower body weight and fat deposition than sows fed CWB. And the piglet body weight at birth of the FWB group was remarkably increased. Serum concentrations of lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acid), interleukin 6, leptin, and resistin were decreased on day 90 of pregnancy by fine wheat bran supplementation. Feeding FWB significantly decreased abundance of Firmicutes and dramatically increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes at phylum level. At genus level, the abundance of Terrisporobacter was decreased in FWB feeding sows, but the abundance of Parabacteroides was increased. Fecal total short-chain fatty acids, propionate, and butyrate contents were markedly increased in the FWB group. The results suggested that the physicochemical properties of finely ground wheat bran had been improved. Dietary supplementation with fine wheat bran changed the gut microbiota structure and enhanced the short-chain fatty acids level, which improved the maternal body condition, metabolic and inflammatory status, and reproductive performance in sows.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of reduced dietary protein at natural high temperature in summer on the growth performance and carcass quality of finishing pigs. A total of 72 crossbreed pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) at an average body weight (BW) of 77 ± 5.7 kg were randomly assigned to two treatments, based on BW and sex, in six replicates per treatment, with six pigs per pen, using a randomized complete block design. The dietary crude protein (CP) level of the normal protein diet (NP) and the reduced protein diet (LP) were 12% and 10%, respectively. The growth performance and serum biochemical parameters of the pigs were analyzed for a 28-day experimental period. At the end of the experiment, 12 pigs were harvested to measure carcass characteristics and pork quality. The average highest ambient temperature during the experiment period was about 32.4 °C. There was a trend for the average daily feed intake (ADFI) to be lower in the pigs on the reduced protein diet compared to the control (p < 0.10) in the 0–28 day period. The serum urea nitrogen was lower (p < 0.05) for pigs fed the reduced protein diets only on day 14. The carcass characteristics and pork quality were not affected by dietary treatments. In conclusion, decreasing dietary crude protein percentage from 12% to 10% in finishing pigs in summer may have no negative effects on growth performance and carcass quality.

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to determine the net energy (NE) value of 6 wheat bran and 1 wheat shorts by indirect calorimetry and establish the NE prediction equations of wheat bran fed to growing barrows.Methods: Forty-eight growing barrows (28.5±2.4 kg body weight) were allotted in a completely randomized design to 8 dietary treatments that included a corn-soybean meal basal diet, 6 wheat bran diets and 1 wheat shorts diet. The inclusion level of wheat bran or wheat shorts in diets is 30%.Results: The addition of wheat bran reduced the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients (p

This study investigated the effects of fine-grinding wheat bran on pregnant sow body condition, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota. In this study, wheat bran was crushed into three particle sizes. A total of 60 Landrace × Yorkshire second parity sows were allotted to two groups: CWB (a diet containing coarse wheat bran with particle size of 605 μm) and FWB (a diet containing fine wheat bran with particle size of 438 μm). Fine-grinding wheat bran had higher soluble dietary fiber concentration, swelling capacity, water-holding capacity, and fermentability than coarse wheat bran. Pregnant sows fed FWB throughout pregnancy had lower body weight and fat deposition than sows fed CWB. And the piglet body weight at birth of the FWB group was remarkably increased. Serum concentrations of lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acid), interleukin 6, leptin, and resistin were decreased on day 90 of pregnancy by fine wheat bran supplementation. Feeding FWB significantly decreased abundance of

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungus. Many mycotoxin species are highly toxic and are frequently found in cereals and feedstuffs. So, powerful detection methods are vital and effective ways to prevent feed contamination. Traditional detection methods can no longer meet the needs of massive, real-time, simple, and fast mycotoxin monitoring. Rapid detection methods based on advanced material and sensor technology are the future trend. In this review, we highlight recent progress of mycotoxin rapid detection strategies in feedstuffs and foods, especially for simultaneous multiplex mycotoxin determination. Immunoassays, biosensors, and the prominent roles of nanomaterials are introduced. The principles of different types of recognition and signal transduction are explained, and the merits and pitfalls of these methods are compared. Furthermore, limitations and challenges of existing rapid sensing strategies and perspectives of future research are discussed.

The present study evaluated the effects of maternal dietary energy intake and starch-to-fat ratio during late gestation on the performance and lipid metabolism of sows and their offspring. On day 84 of gestation, 80 Landrace × Yorkshire primiparous sows were assigned to 2 × 2 factorial arrangements according to body weight following a randomized complete block design. The factors were daily energy intake (8,375 kcal ME/d [CE] vs. 9,600 kcal ME/d [HE]) and dietary starch-to-fat ratio (10:1 [CR] vs. 15:1 [HR]). All sows were fed one of four diets from day 85 of gestation until farrowing. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SPSS. High energy intake increased the body weight of sows on day 110 of gestation (P = 0.031) as well as the weight of piglets at birth (P = 0.018). Increased energy intake elevated the plasma triglyceride concentrations in sows (P = 0.027) and piglets (P = 0.044). Maternal high energy intake altered the liver metabolome of newborn piglets in terms of metabolites related to carbohydrate and linoleic acid metabolism. Moreover, maternal high energy intake increased hepatic total cholesterol (P = 0.023) and triglyceride (P = 0.026) concentration in newborn piglets. Furthermore, maternal high energy intake significantly increased the transcript abundance of fatty acid synthase (FAS; P = 0.001) and protein abundance of phosphorylated protein kinase B (P =0.001) in the liver of newborn piglets. A high starch-to-fat ratio reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration in the plasma of sows (P = 0.044) and newborn piglets (P = 0.048) as well as in the liver of newborn piglets (P = 0.015). Furthermore, maternal high starch-to-fat ratio increased the transcript abundances of FAS (P = 0.004) in newborn piglets. In conclusion, high daily energy intake of sows increased the birth weight of newborn piglets. Moreover, maternal high daily energy intake and high dietary starch-to-fat ratio improved the lipid metabolism of newborn piglets.Given the growing concern regarding nutrition during gestation, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of energy on the reproductive performance and lipid metabolism of primiparous sows. Fat and starch are common dietary energy sources. Late gestation is a critical period for both sows and piglets. During late gestation, primiparous sows were administered one of the four dietary treatments (two daily energy intakes × two dietary starch-to-fat ratios). High energy intake increased the body weight of sows and birth weight of piglets. Additionally, increased energy intake elevated the plasma triglyceride concentration of sows and piglets. Moreover, maternal nutrition affected the hepatic lipid metabolism of newborn piglets. Therefore, offspring metabolism can be regulated through maternal diet. In conclusion, high daily energy intake of sows increased the birth weight of newborn piglets. Moreover, maternal high daily energy intake and high dietary starch-to-fat ratio improved the lipid metabolism of newborn piglets.

This paper presents a study on the in-plane shear response of partially-grouted reinforced masonry walls with bond-beam reinforcement. A database of 95 tests on partially-grouted walls made of concrete hollow blocks was compiled from experimental studies reported in the literature to characterize the capacity and damageability of walls subjected to in-plane lateral loading. The database has been used to evaluate the accuracy of existing design shear strength equations for partially-grouted walls. It is concluded that the shear strength expressions in the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) code and Canadian standard are unconservative for partially-grouted walls. A modified equation based on the MSJC expression is proposed which better estimates the shear strength of this type of walls. Seismic fragility functions are also derived based on the experimental database to calculate the probability of experiencing moderate and severe damage in a partially-grouted wall for a given story-drift ratio deformation or normalized shear force demand. The resulting fragility functions show that the normalized shear demand is better correlated with the level of damage than the story-drift ratio. The first author Z. Zhang gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by a Harbin Institute of Technology scholarship to conduct research as a visiting scholar at the University of Texas at Austin under the supervision of the second author J. Murcia-Delso. The co-authors C. Sandoval and G. Araya-Letelier are grateful for the funding provided by the Fondo de Fomento al Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico (FONDEF) under Grant N° 17I10264 and the Fondo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Chile (FONDECYT Regular) through Grant No. 1181598.

A comprehensive understanding of the fractal properties of concrete meso-structure is important because it is associated with the complex and random mechanical behaviors of the concrete. The fractal dimensions of aggregates and cement are derived and discussed. An experimentation is devised using X-ray and computed tomography (CT) to determine the fractal dimensions of each component of the concrete meso-structure. The fractal dimension of the aggregates is constant and equal to three, whereas that of cement is a real number less than three. The definition for the fractal dimension of the concrete meso-structure was introduced based on these two observations. A comparison with the theoretical derivation indicates that the box-counting dimension of the concrete meso-structure is slightly greater than the theoretical value. Moreover, concrete with similar gradations have a similar fractal dimensions for the meso-structures.

Two experiments were conducted to compare methods of determination of the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of various chemical constituents in corn and soybean meal (CS) when fed to growing pigs. Expt. 1, eighteen barrows (34.3 ± 1.1 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 diets. The three diets were Corn, CS-Basal, and CS-Test. The ATTD of DM, GE, CP, and organic matter (OM) in corn determined by the direct method were not different from those determined by the substitution method. Expt. 2, twenty-four barrows (36.2 ± 1.4 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 diets. The four diets were Basal diet 1 (97.5% corn), Test diet 1(replaced corn in Basal diet 1 with 15% SBM), Basal diet 2 (72.5% corn and 25% SBM), and Test diet 2 (58% corn and 39.5% SBM). The ATTD of GE and CP of SBM were greater (p

Life cycle assessment of buildings has become popular recently, due to the significant potential of emission reduction. Previous studies have contributed much to the quantification of emissions, yet the issue of uncertainties needs to be further investigated. In general, the uncertainty in life cycle assessment is mainly due to the errors in input parameters, definition of system boundary and scenario assumptions, and choice of analytical models, which could be summarized as parameter, scenario, and model uncertainties. In the present study, data quality indicators were adopted and a semi-quantitative method was modeled accordingly, relevant to the uncertainty analysis of building emission assessment. A case study building was analyzed comparing the deterministic and stochastic approaches, and the results indicate that the uncertainty in input parameters could result in a standard deviation of 3106 tCO2e for the sample mean of 61504 tCO2e, which is in line with the deterministic results. Further scenario analyses investigated the influence of scenario and modelling alternatives. Relevant results emphasized the definition of system boundary and energy efficiency to control uncertainties, and suggested applying statistical distribution for key parameters in analysis. Overall, the present study could provide useful information on the uncertainty of life cycle emission assessment, and, therefore, be helpful in decision-making regarding the low-carbon development of building industry.

China is a world leader in capital construction. In the construction field, the shift toward prefabricated construction has become an important path for industrial transformation. This paper refers to the development of the prefabricated building industry in China, and uses input and output perspectives to examine its efficiency. It builds a data envelopment analysis model to evaluate the efficiency of the prefabricated building industry in China at both the micro and macro levels, and uses the Tobit model to empirically analyze the factors that influence this industry’s efficiency. It finds that the country’s prefabricated building industry has a moderate micro-level efficiency. This means that it is necessary to further rationalize industrial planning; strengthen technological innovation; and improve standardization, mechanization, and automation levels. At the macro level, China’s prefabricated buildings have a low industrial efficiency and remain at the initial stage of industrial development. A series of problems, such as small industrial scale and unsound policies, are restricting the industry’s rapid and efficient development. We propose several countermeasures and suggestions for the (micro- and macro-level) sustainable development of the prefabricated building industry in China, and anticipate that this will have implications for this industry’s worldwide development.

The study objective was to assess effects of different weaning ages on growth performance, intestinal morphology and redox status in Duroc × Landrace × Large White piglets (n = 96) fed diets without antibiotic growth promoters. Piglets were selected from 24 litters based on similar body weight at 14 d of age. All piglets were allocated to two groups in a completely random design with six replicates and eight pigs per replicate (four barrows and four gilts), which were weaned at 21 (n = 48, BW = 6.87 ± 0.33 kg) and 28 (n = 48, BW = 8.49 ± 0.41 kg) days of age. After weaning, pigs were fed a corn–soybean meal-based diet. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion (F:G), diarrhea incidence, gastrointestinal pH, intestinal morphology and redox status were determined. Pigs weaned at 28 d displayed increased ADG from d 8 to 14 (p &lt, 0.01) compared with pigs weaned at 21 d. Pigs weaned at 28 d had a higher ADFI from d 0 to 7 (p &lt, 0.01), d 8 to 14 (p &lt, 0.01), d 15 to 28 (p &lt, 0.05) and during the entire experimental period (p &lt, 0.01) compared with pigs weaned at 21 d. Pigs weaned at 21 d had an improved F:G from d 15 to 28 (p &lt, 0.05) compared with pigs weaned at 28 d. Pigs weaned at 28 d had decreased diarrhea incidence from d 8 to 14 (p &lt, 0.01) and the entire experimental period (p &lt, 0.01) compared with pigs weaned at 21 d. On d 28, the pH of the stomach contents in pigs weaned at 21 d was significantly higher compared with pigs weaned at 28 d (p &lt, 0.01). On d 14, the morphology of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum in pigs weaned at 28 d was improved compared with pigs weaned at 21 d. During the experiment period, the antioxidant abilities of pigs weaned at 28 d of the heart, liver, kidney, intestinal and serum were better than pigs weaned at 21 d. In conclusion, intestinal morphology, pH of the stomach and antioxidant status of pigs weaned at 28 d were better than pigs weaned at 21 d. These factors supported better growth performance and decreased diarrhea incidence.

Background Oxidative stress is a main cause of piglet gut damage and diarrhea. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), is a novel redox cofactor with antioxidant properties. However, the effect and mechanism that PQQ supplementation decreases oxidative injury in weaned pigs is not understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to confirm the effect of PQQ on regulating redox status in weaned pigs and the mechanism for antioxidant function by porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) challenged with H2O2. Results Experiment 1, 144 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (weaned at 28 d) were allocated to four groups: received a basal diet (control) and diets supplemented with 0.15%, 0.30% and 0.45% PQQ, respectively. On d 28, growth performance, diarrhea incidence and redox factors were measured. Experiment 2, IPEC-J2 were treated with or without PQQ in the presence or absence of H2O2 for indicated time points. Experiment 3, IPEC-J2 were transfected with or without Nrf2 siRNA, then treated according to Experiment 2. The cell viability, redox factors, protein of tight junctions and Nrf2 pathway were determined. In vivo, PQQ supplementation demonstrated dose-related improvements in average daily gain, and gain to feed ratio (Linear P P In vitro, compared to cells cultured with H2O2, pre-treatment with PQQ increased cell viability, tight junction proteins expression including ZO-1, ZO-2, Occludin and Claudin-1; and decreased ROS concentration and level of Caspase-3 (P 2O2-induced intracellular changes. Conclusions PQQ administration attenuated oxidative stress in weaned pigs which is associated with activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

In this study, four single-story reinforced masonry shear walls (RMSWs) (two prefabricated and two cast-in-place) under reversed cyclic loading were tested to evaluate their seismic performance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the shear behavior of RMSWs with flanges at the wall ends as well as the effect of construction method. The test results showed that all specimens had a similar failure mode with diagonal cracking. However, the crack distribution was strongly influenced by the construction method. The lateral capacity of the prefabricated walls was 12% and 27% higher than that of the corresponding cast-in-place walls with respect to the rectangular and T-shaped cross sections. The prefabricated walls showed better post-cracking performance than did the cast-in-place wall. The secant stiffness of all the walls decreased rapidly to approximately 63% of the initial stiffness when the first major diagonal crack was observed. The idealized equivalent elastic-plastic system showed that the prefabricated walls had a greater displacement ductility of 3.2–4.8 than that of the cast-in-place walls with a displacement ductility value of 2.3–2.7. This proved that the vertical joints in prefabricated RMSWs enhanced the seismic performance of walls in shear capacity and ductility. In addition, the equivalent viscous damping of the specimens ranged from 0.13 to 0.26 for prefabricated and cast-in-place walls, respectively.

Background: Oxidative stress is a main cause of piglet gut damage and diarrhea. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), is a novel redox cofactor with antioxidant properties. However, the effect and mechanism that PQQ supplementation decreases oxidative injury in weaned pigs is not understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to confirm the effect of PQQ on regulating redox status in weaned pigs and the mechanism for antioxidant function by porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) challenged with H2O2.Results: Experiment 1, 144 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (weaned at 28 d) were allocated to four groups: received a basal diet (control) and diets supplemented with 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 % PQQ. On d 28, growth performance, diarrhea incidence and redox factors were measured. Experiment 2, IPEC-J2 were treated with or without PQQ in the presence or absence of H2O2 for indicated time points. Experiment 3, IPEC-J2 were transfected with or without Nrf2 siRNA, then treated according to Experiment 2. The cell viability, redox factors, protein of tight junctions and Nrf2 pathway were determined. In vivo, PQQ supplementation demonstrated dose-related improvements in average daily gain, and gain to feed ratio (Linear P < 0.05). During d 0-28, compared to controls, 0.45% PQQ supplementation for pigs decreased diarrhea incidence and MDA content in liver and jejunum, and increased concentration of SOD in liver; 0.3% PQQ supplementation decreased ileal and liver MDA concentration; and 0.15% PQQ supplementation decreased ileal MDA concentration (P < 0.05). In vitro, compared to cells cultured with H2O2, pre-treatment with PQQ increased cell viability, tight junction proteins expression including ZO-1, ZO-2, occludin and claudin-1; and decreased ROS concentration and level of Caspase-3 (P < 0.05); as well as upregulated the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax and protein expression of nuclear Nrf2, HO-1. Notably, Nrf2 knockdown by transfection with Nrf2 siRNA largely abrogated the positive effects of PQQ pretreatment on H2O2-induced intracellular changes. Conclusions: PQQ administration attenuated oxidative stress in weaned pigs which is associated with activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

The research was implemented to assess the safety of feeding excess of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) to 108 Duroc × Landrace × Large White weaned pigs (BW = 8.38 ± 0.47 kg). Pigs were weaned at 28 d and randomly distributed to one of three diets with six replicates and six pigs per replicate (three males and three females). Pigs in the control group were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet (without growth promoter) while the two experimental diets were supplied with 7.5 and 75.0 mg/kg PQQ·Na2, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion (F:G), diarrhea incidence, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ index and general health were determined. Diets supplementation with 7.5 mg/kg PQQ·Na2 in weaned pigs could increase ADG during the entire experimental period (p &lt, 0.05). And there was a tendency to decrease F:G (p = 0.063). The F:G of weaned pigs fed 7.5 and 75.0 mg/kg PQQ·Na2 supplemented diets was decreased by 9.83% and 8.67%, respectively, compared to the control group. Moreover, pigs had reduced diarrhea incidence (p &lt, 0.01) when supplemented with PQQ·Na2. No differences were observed between pigs supplemented with 0.0, 7.5 and 75.0 mg/kg PQQ·Na2 diets on hematological and serum biochemical parameters as well as histological assessment of heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney. At day 14, pigs had increased activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p &lt, 0.05), catalase (CAT) (p &lt, 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p &lt, 0.05), and the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased (p &lt, 0.01) with PQQ·Na2 supplementation. At day 28, pigs had increased activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) (p &lt, 0.01), GSH-Px (p &lt, 0.01), CAT (p &lt, 0.05) and T-AOC (p &lt, 0.01), and serum concentration of MDA was lower (p &lt, 0.01) with PQQ·Na2 supplementation. In conclusion, PQQ·Na2 can improve weaned pigs growth performance and serum antioxidant status. Meanwhile high PQQ·Na2 inclusion of 75.0 mg/kg does not appear to result in harmful effects on growth performance of pigs.

BackgroundOxidative stress is a main cause of piglet gut damage and diarrhea. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), is a novel redox cofactor with antioxidant properties. However, the effect and mechanism that PQQ supplementation decreases oxidative injury in weaned pigs is not understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to confirm the effect of PQQ on regulating redox status in weaned pigs and the mechanism for antioxidant function by porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) challenged with H2O2.ResultsExperiment 1, 144 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (weaned at 28 d) were allocated to four groups: receiving a basal diet (control) and diets supplemented with 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 % PQQ. On d 28, growth performance, diarrhea incidence and redox factors were measured. Experiment 2, IPEC-J2 were treated with or without PQQ in the presence or absence of H2O2 for indicated time points. Experiment 3, IPEC-J2 were transfected with or without Nrf2 siRNA, then treated according to Experiment 2. The cell viability, redox factors, protein of tight junctions and Nrf2 pathway were determined. In vivo, PQQ supplementation demonstrated dose-related improvements in average daily gain, and gain to feed ratio (Linear P < 0.05). During d 0-28, compared to controls, 0.45% PQQ supplementation for pigs decreased diarrhea incidence and MDA content in liver and jejunum, and increased concentration of SOD in liver; 0.3% PQQ supplementation decreased ileal and liver MDA concentration; and 0.15% PQQ supplementation decreased ileal MDA concentration (P < 0.05). In vitro, compared to cells cultured with H2O2, pre-treatment with PQQ increased cell viability, tight junction proteins expression including ZO-1, ZO-2, occludin and claudin-1; and decrease ROS concentration and level of Caspase-3 (P < 0.05); as well as upregulated the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax and protein expression of nuclear Nrf2, HO-1. Notably, Nrf2 knockdown by transfection with Nrf2 siRNA largely abrogated the positive effects of PQQ pretreatment on H2O2-induced intracellular changes. Conclusions PQQ administration attenuated oxidative stress in weaned pigs which is associated with activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Granite residual soil is widely distributed in south China and is treated as a special soil. Its design parameters in rotary drilling bored piles are a matter of debate due to lack of in-situ pile load tests. Back-analysis of test piles is a reliable means of studying the geotechnical capacity of granite residual soil for pile design. In this study, a series of in situ tests was conducted comprising six full-scale instrumented test piles in gravelly granite residual soil in Shenzhen to consider the effects of different construction methods. The six piles were constructed with three different rotary drilling methods. Two commonly used design methods were investigated in the back-analysis: the SPT and effective stress methods. The results of the loading tests and strain gauges were used to obtain the back-analyzed parameters of the ultimate shaft resistance and ultimate base resistance for gravelly granite residual soil with these two design methods.

This study was conducted to explore the effect of graded levels of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) on the performance and intestinal development of weaned pigs. A total of 216 pigs weaned at 28 d were assigned in a randomized complete block design to 6 diets containing 0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, or 7.5 mg/kg PQQ·Na2 for 28 d. Performance, diarrhea incidence, intestinal morphology, redox status, cytokines, and the expression of tight junction proteins were determined. Pigs had increased ADG (linear, P < 0.01), G:F (quadratic, P < 0.01), and lower diarrhea incidence (P < 0.01) with the increase of PQQ·Na2 supplementation. Villus height increased (quadratic, P < 0.01) in all segments of the small intestine, and crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum was decreased (linear, P < 0.05) in pigs with the increase of PQQ·Na2 supplementation. Pigs fed PQQ·Na2-supplemented diets had higher (P < 0.05) activities of antioxidant enzymes including total superoxide dismutase in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in jejunum and ileum; catalase (CAT) in duodenum and ileum; and lower (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentrations in the intestinal mucosa of all segments. In the intestinal mucosa, cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, and interferon-γ were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed PQQ·Na2-supplemented diets. The protein expression of zonula occluden protein-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the jejunum was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed diets containing PQQ·Na2. In conclusion, these results have indicated that dietary PQQ·Na2 supplementation improves growth performance and gut health in weaned pigs. Moreover, pigs fed diet with as low as 1.5-mg/kg PQQ·Na2 have better performance compared with pigs fed no PQQ·Na2-supplemented diet; pigs fed diet with 4.5-mg/kg PQQ·Na2 have highest G:F among treatments during the whole period.

Surveillance system is becoming an indispensable system on construction sites with the fast development of computer vision techniques, thus an optimal placement of surveillance cameras is ...

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding level and dietary supplementation with crystalline amino acids (AA) on the determination of energy contents in corn for growing pigs. A total of 36 barrows with an average initial body weight of 41.4 ± 2.0 kg were allocated across six treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement that included 2 feeding levels (2400 kJ ME/kg BW0.6 per day or ad libitum) and 3 dietary AA supplementation patterns (corn diet with no AA; corn + 3AA diet with addition of lysine, threonine and tryptophan; corn + 5AA diet with greater levels of crystalline lysine, threonine and tryptophan supplementation than those in corn + 3AA diet plus crystalline methionine and isoleucine supplementation). The experiment was conducted in 6 consecutive periods. During each period, 6 pigs were allotted to 1 of 6 treatments, and each treatment corresponded to 1 of 6 respiration chambers. In each period, pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates and fed their respective diets at two feeding levels for 13 d, including 7 d adaptation to the feed, metabolism crate and environmental conditions. On d 8, the pigs were transferred to respiration chambers. Total feces and urine samples were collected and heat production was measured from d 8 to 12. On the last day of each period, the pigs were fasted for 24 h and fasting heat production was subsequently measured. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and gross energy (GE) in diets and corn were not affected by feeding level; however, increasing feeding level tended (P = 0.09) to decrease the ATTD of crude protein (CP). Nitrogen retention increased (P

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of increased fiber content in diets on heat production (HP) and NE:ME ratio and to determine the NE content and NE:ME ratio of full-fat rice bran (FFRB), defatted rice bran (DFRB), corn gluten feed (CGF), and corn germ meal (CGM) fed to growing barrows using indirect calorimetry (IC). Thirty growing barrows (28.5 ± 2.4 kg BW) were allotted in a completely randomized design to 5 dietary treatments that included a corn–soybean meal basal diet and 4 experimental diets with a constant ratio of corn and soybean meal (difference method) containing 30% FFRB, DFRB, CGF, and CGF. Pigs were housed in individual metabolism crates for 20 d including 14-d adaptation to the diet and 6 d to determine the HP and total collection of feces and urine in respiration chambers. Pigs were fed their respective diets at 550 kcal ME·kg BW(0.60−1)·d(−1) on the basis of BW measured on days 0, 7, and 14. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, GE, and OM were greater (P < 0.01) in pigs fed the basal diet. The ATTD of DM, GE, and OM in pigs fed the DFRB diet were lesser (P < 0.01) when compared with those fed the basal and FFRB diets. The ATTD of ether extract (EE) in pigs fed the FFRB diet was greater (P < 0.01) compared with those fed basal, DFRB, CGF, and CGM diets. The HP adjusted for the same ME intake was greater (P < 0.01) in pigs fed the DFRB, CGF, and CGM diets compared with those fed basal and FFRB diets. The NE:ME ratio in pigs fed the FFRB diet was greater (P < 0.01) when compared with those fed the DFRB, CGF, and CGM diets. The NE content of FFRB, DFRB, CGF, and CGM determined using the IC method were 2,952, 1,100, 1,747, and 2,079 kcal/kg DM, respectively. The NE content of FFRB, CGF, and CGM determined using the IC method were 3.5%, 3.8%, and 1.8% greater, respectively, than the predicted values, whereas NE content of DFRB determined using the IC method was 2.1% lower than the predicted values. In conclusion, pigs fed the fiber-rich ingredients had greater HP and lower nutrient digestibility. However, pigs fed FFRB diets containing greater fat content had a lower heat increment and, therefore, higher utilization efficiency. The NE:ME ratio ranged from 71.6% to 82.4%. The NE of FFRB, DFRB, CGF, and CGM determined using the IC method were 2,952, 1,100, 1,747, and 2,079 kcal/kg DM, respectively.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the NE content of different dietary lipids fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry. Thirty-six growing (initial BW: 41.1 ± 3.1 kg) barrows were allotted to 6 diets based on completely randomized design with 6 replicate pigs per diet. Diets included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and 5 test diets each containing 10% palm oil, poultry fat, fish oil, corn oil, or flaxseed oil at the expense of corn and soybean meal. During each period, pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 14 d, which included 7 d for adaptation to feed, metabolism crates, and environmental conditions. On day 8, pigs were transferred to the open-circuit respiration chambers and fed 1 of the 6 diets at 2.3 MJ ME/kg BW0.6/day. Total feces and urine were collected and daily heat production (HP) was also calculated from day 9 to day 13. On the last day of each period (day 14), pigs were fasted and the fasting heat production (FHP) was measured. The results show that the FHP of pigs averaged 809 kJ/kg BW0.6·day-1 and was not affected by diet characteristics. The DE values were 35.98, 36.84, 37.11, 38.95, and 38.38 MJ/kg DM, the ME values were 35.79, 36.56, 36.92, 37.73, and 38.11 MJ/kg DM, and the NE values were 32.42, 33.21, 33.77, 34.00, and 34.12 MJ/kg DM, for the palm oil, poultry fat, fish oil, corn oil, and flaxseed oil, respectively. Based on our result, we concluded that the DE content of dietary lipid varied from 91% to 98% of its GE content, the ME content of dietary lipid was approximately 99% of its DE content, and the NE content of dietary lipid was approximately 90% of its ME content in growing pigs.

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal selenium supplementation on the skeletal muscle development of the offspring. A total of 720 Ross 308 broiler breeders at 24-week-old were allocated into 3 treatments with 6 replicates of 40 hens each and fed with 0 mg/kg-(group Se/C), 0.5 mg/kg organic-(group Se/O), and 0.5 mg/kg inorganic-(group Se/I) selenium, respectively for 8 weeks. The male offspring from each nutritional treatment were divided and housed into 8 cages of 12 birds each and fed with a commercial diet supplemented with selenium from Na2SeO3 at 0.15 mg/kg. Results showed that Se/O group had the highest selenium deposition (P

The building sector contributes substantially to worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, and efforts to meet emission reduction targets have been gaining importance. Accordingly, the present study investigates the importance of building embodied emissions to the entire life cycle and potential approaches for low-carbon development in China. Life-cycle assessment was proposed for the analysis of building emissions, dividing the life cycle into production, construction, operation, and disposal phases. The temporal perspectives of emissions were considered, including the potential improvements to energy efficiency and the weighted average impacts for delayed emissions in the operation and disposal phases. A case study of a residential building in a cold region was analyzed, and scenario analyses were conducted. The results indicated that the relative contribution of embodied emissions (10551 tCO2e) considering the temporal perspectives could be twice that of conventional calculations. Further discussion revealed that the payback time of constructing a new building could be 45 years compared to the current regional average buildings. Hence, with respect to the high costs and technical limits of passive houses, renovating old buildings with energy saving measures might be the most appropriate approach for implementing the short-term low-carbon development target. Overall, the present study is helpful to better understand the importance of embodied emissions and for policy-making in the regional building sector.

The importance of the meso-scale analysis of concrete has been a controversial topic. The accuracy and efficiency of numerical modelling directly influence the results and computational cost. In this study, we propose a versatile fractal-geometry-based modelling method that can generate an aggregate model with a known gradation curve. Two numerical meso-model groups generated by the random fractal method are measured and analysed considering the gradation curve, coarse aggregate content, and fractal dimension as evaluation indices. It is verified that the evaluation indices of the numerical models are consistent with the actual ones. Based on sampling statistical analysis, the geometrical homogenization of the meso-model generated by the random fractal method is found to be satisfactory for meso-scale applications. Furthermore, the random fractal method is shown to have low algorithm complexity.

In recent years, fully grouted reinforced concrete block masonry shear walls have been widely used as key structural elements for seismic resistance in medium- and high-rise buildings. However, accurately estimating their shear strength is truly challenging owing to the complex behavior of masonry walls under in-plane loads. This paper proposes the application of artificial neural network and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system models for predicting the shear strength of grouted reinforced concrete block masonry walls. To construct these models, an experiment was conducted and additional experimental data were gathered from published literature. Eleven main parameters were considered to be input parameters: compressive strength of grouted concrete block masonry, wall height, wall length, wall thickness, effective wall length, axial load, longitudinal and transverse reinforcement ratios, horizontal reinforcement spacing, and yield strength of longitudinal and transverse reinforcements. The prediction values of the well-trained artificial neural network and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system models agreed well with the experimental data. In addition, the comparison results showed that the two proposed models perform better than the existing empirical models. Therefore, they can be considered accurate and reliable models for estimating the shear strength of grouted reinforced concrete block masonry walls.

Owing to the extensive building projects that are currently underway in China, evaluation of the embodied emissions in the building construction phase is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint. Previous studies have focused on the quantity of emissions, whereas the present study focuses on the issue of uncertainty in building emission assessment. In this context, a semi-quantitative approach was adopted, and the probabilistic distributions of the quantities and emissions of building materials and energy were assessed based on data quality indicators. Further, a case study was conducted to compare the deterministic and stochastic emissions. The results showed that the sample mean of the stochastic results (5891.97 tCO 2e ) was consistent with that of the conventional method, while the relevant standard deviation was estimated as 248.90 tCO 2e owing to the uncertainty of input parameters. In addition, scenario analyses were conducted, including the system boundary, potential reduction of material consumption and emission, and adoption of local production and low-carbon energy to quantify the scenario uncertainty, and the transformation coefficients and temporal correlation to quantify the model uncertainty. The relevant analyses revealed the key factors (e.g. system boundary, steel, concrete, and masonry works, local production, and applicable period of the data) in reducing the embodied emissions and corresponding uncertainties. Overall, the present study can facilitate comprehensive assessment of the uncertainties in building embodied emissions, thereby contributing to low-carbon policy-making in the building industry.

Current onsite safety management always relies on time-consuming predefinitions of hazardous zones based on the managers’ personal capabilities. However, in a typical labor-intensive industry such as construction, the workers themselves can provide a wealth of information for hazard identification. Historical accident-free working locations on site provide a valuable means of recognizing safe workplaces. This paper presents an approach to the automated classification of construction site zones derived from the location tracks of workers collected from a real-time location system (RTLS). Through data mining, filtering and analysis, the location tracks are transformed into grid density maps and continuous density maps. These illustrate the characteristics of spatial-temporal activities onsite as well as providing a visual representation of the distribution of safe and hazardous individual workplaces. A personnel hazard map is generated automatically based on historical accident-free location tracks from a field project using the proposed approach. Compared with the actual workplaces in terms of accuracy, precision, sensitivity and specificity, the evaluation result reveals that the hazardous areas on a construction site can be automatically classified to improve the workplace management of individual workers. The contributions of this research include an automated zone classification algorithm and an evaluation framework consisting of four indicators for hazard awareness onsite.

A complete understanding of the geometrical structure of concrete is important. Based on the geometrical characteristics of concrete, hypothesizing that graded aggregates have a fractal effect is reasonable. In the framework of fractal theory, the fractal dimensions of aggregates and cement were clarified, and a mathematical model of the fractal dimension was formed to describe the geometrical characteristics of concrete. Two numerical meso-model groups generated by the random fractal and traditional generation method were measured and analyzed considering the gradation curve, coarse aggregate content, and weighted mean size as evaluation indices. It was verified that the evaluation indices of the numerical models with the fractal dimension of actual concrete and those of actual concrete were the same, and the numerical simulation results were consistent with theory. Based on sampling statistical analysis, the geometrical homogenization of the meso-model generated by the random fractal method was found to be satisfactory for meso-scale applications.

This probabilistic study investigates the effect of material uncertainties on the numerical analysis of masonry wallette axial compressive strength. Detailed micro-modeling techniques are adopted to model hollow concrete block masonry by separately describing the specific equations for material constituents (blocks and mortar) and block-mortar interfaces. A Latin hypercube sampling technique is used to generate random input variables from the empirical distribution functions of the material parameters. A quasi-static nonlinear analysis is then carried out using a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the effect of the spatial variability of material parameters on the compressive behavior of masonry wallettes. The results show that ignoring the spatial variability of material properties may cause a model to overestimate the probability of compression failure. Additionally, the independent and cooperative effects of the material parameters on masonry compressive strength are investigated using first order, second order, and total sensitivity indices. The numerical results indicate that block tensile strength influences masonry compressive strength the most. Several parameters for masonry compressive strength are also ranked in order of importance.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) levels on growth performance and bone development of growing and finishing pigs. A total of 150 crossbred pigs (37.0 ± 4.0 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups: (1) low Ca levels in both grower and finisher phases (LL), (2) low Ca level in grower phase and high Ca level in finisher phase (LH), (3) medium Ca levels in both grower and finisher phases (MM), (4) high Ca level in grower phase and low Ca level in finisher phase (HL), and (5) high Ca levels in both grower and finisher phases (HH). The dietary phosphorus (P) levels were fixed. The animal trial was conducted for 60 days. When the average pen BW reached approximately 60 kg, the pigs were switched to finisher diets. Pig performance was not affected by dietary treatments during either the grower or finisher phases. During the grower phase, the bone mineral density (BMD) and bending moment of the fourth metacarpal and metatarsal bones were lower (P

China is making efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the building industry, and carrying out an allocation and trading system for building emissions. However, to date, methods for using existing statistical data to assess the emissions of the construction sector and to make decisions affecting permit allocation are still unclear. In this context, a process is proposed in this study to calculate the life-cycle emissions of regional construction sectors in China, and a multi-criteria Gini coefficient is introduced as an indicator for emission permit allocation. Statistical data of the construction sector for 2004–2013 were analyzed. The results indicated an overall trend of increased emissions from China’s construction sector, of which the production phase of buildings was shown to be the largest contributor. Various characteristics for different life-cycle sub-processes were also discussed at the provincial level. Finally, a case study of emissions from the construction sector was conducted on the basis of a multi-criteria Gini coefficient. Relevant analyses revealed the major regions in carbon reduction practices from a comprehensive view of efficiency and equality. In addition, suggestions were provided for allocating emissions for regional construction sectors. Overall, the present study would be helpful in the calculation, assessment, and allocation of emissions from China’s construction sector. It should also provide insight into decision-making about low-carbon development policy of the building industry.

Copper (Cu) is widely used in the swine industry to improve the growth performance of pigs. However, high doses of copper will induce cell damage and toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate toxicity, bioavailability, and effects on metabolic processes of varying copper sources using porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) as a model. The IPEC-J2 were treated with two doses (30 and 120 &mu, M) of CuSO4, Cu Glycine (Cu-Gly), and Cu proteinate (Cu-Pro) for 10 h, respectively. Cell damage and cellular copper metabolism were measured by the changes in cell viability, copper uptake, oxidative stress biomarkers, and gene/protein expression levels. The results showed that cell viability and ratio of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) decreased significantly in all treatment groups, intracellular copper content increased significantly in all treatment groups, total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly in the 120 &mu, M exposed groups, SOD1 protein expression levels were significantly upregulated in 30 &mu, M Cu-Pro, 120 &mu, M Cu-Gly, and 120 &mu, M Cu-Pro treatment groups, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased significantly in 30 &mu, M treatment groups and 120 &mu, M CuSO4 treatment group. CTR1 and ATP7A gene expression were significantly downregulated in the 120 &mu, M exposed groups. While upregulation of ATOX1 expression was observed in the presence of 120 &mu, M Cu-Gly and Cu-Pro. ASCT2 gene expression was significantly upregulated after 120 &mu, M Cu-Glycine and CuSO4 exposure, and PepT1 gene expression was significantly upregulated after Cu-Pro exposure. In addition, CTR1 protein expression level decreased after 120 &mu, M CuSO4 and Cu-Gly exposure. PepT1 protein expression level was only upregulated after 120 &mu, M Cu-Pro exposure. These findings indicated that extra copper supplementation can induce intestinal epithelial cell injury, and different forms of copper may have differing effects on cell metabolism.

In recent years, traditional masonry structures have been widely used in rural areas of China. However, they were found to have a poor seismic performance during earthquakes. In this study, a new prestressing technology was proposed and described in detail, and it was used in fully grouted concrete masonry wall systems to improve its seismic performance. The experimental work involved investigating the seismic response of four fully grouted reinforced concrete masonry wall systems, consisting of two symmetrically arranged reinforced block masonry walls, with different section types and prestressing technologies, when subjected to cyclic lateral force. Based on the test results, a flexure and ductile failure occurred in the specimens with a rectangular section, while a shear and brittle failure occurred in the specimens with a T-shape section. The prestressing technology had no significant effect on the failure state of the specimens, but it influenced the crack propagation, making cracks fine and densely covered. A symmetrical and obvious pinching effect was observed in the hysteretic response of all specimens. The average displacement ductility of the specimens varied within a range of values between 3.34 and 6.92, according to the section type of the specimens, and the prestressing technology improved the displacement ductility of the specimens. Moreover, the prestressing technology significantly improved the initial stiffness of the specimens, and the specimens with prestressing technology experienced a greater fall in the degradation of the normalized stiffness than the specimens without this technology throughout the loading process. In addition, the equivalent viscous damping of the specimens ranged between 8.2% and 10.8%, according to the section type. It could be concluded that the prestressing technology improved the energy dissipation of the specimens at the ascending stage, although it had no marked influence on the equivalent damping ratio of the specimens.

Background Determination of the endogenous loss of fat (ELF) is used to adjust for the estimation of true total tract digestibility (TTTD) of fat in diets and ingredients. Any factor which affected ELF may further affect the digestibility of fat, including sources and concentrations of fat and fiber in the diet. There are some reports of determining the ELF using regression methods based on different levels of fat intake, while reports on effects of dietary fiber content and different fiber-rich ingredients in pig diets on ELF are very limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary fiber content and different fiber-rich ingredients on endogenous losses of fat and fatty acids at the end of ileum and throughout the entire intestinal tract in growing pigs. Methods In Exp. 1, the effect of fiber content on endogenous loss of fat was determined using six growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 27.6 ± 2.4 kg), fitted with a T-cannula at the end of ileum. The experimental design was a 6 × 6 complete Latin square design with six periods of feeding and six diets. The six experimental fat-free diets were formulated to include graded levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 g/kg) and soybean hull (SH) was the only fiber source, providing 0, 75, 150, 225, 300 and 375 g/kg, respectively. Chromic oxide was included at 4 g/kg in all diets as an indigestible marker. In Exp. 2, six crossbred growing barrows (27.6 ± 1.6 kg) were used and the experimental design was the same as for Exp. 1. The six fat-free diets were formulated to include six common fiber-rich ingredients and the concentration of NDF was 100 g/kg. The six fiber-rich ingredients were defatted rice bran (DRB), sugar beet pulp (SBP), rice hull (RH), corn germ meal (CGM), SH and wheat bran (WB) and they were fed at represented 250, 270, 145, 250, 170 and 280 g/kg in the diet, respectively. Results In Exp. 1, the endogenous loss of fatty acids profile did not change as dietary NDF increased in growing pigs. The endogenous losses of fat, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and total saturated fatty acids (SFA) in growing pigs at the end of ileum and throughout the entire intestinal tract increased linearly as NDF content of diets increased. The endogenous losses of fat, as well as C16:0 and C18:0 throughout the entire intestinal tract also increased quadratically as NDF content of diets increased. The ELF increased from 0.71 to 3.14 g/kg of dry matter intake (DMI) and 0.56 to 8.21 g /kg DMI at the end of ileum and throughout the entire intestinal tract in growing pigs, respectively. The ELF occurred in the hindgut except for the growing pigs fed 0 and 4% NDF in their diets. The endogenous losses of C16:0 and UFA occurred primarily in the upper regions of the gut and the greatest endogenous losses of C18:0 occurred in the hindgut. The endogenous losses of fat, individual SFA and total SFA throughout the entire intestinal tract were much greater than that at the end of ileum. However, the endogenous losses of individual UFA and total UFA were less throughout the intestinal tract than at the end of ileum. In Exp. 2, the endogenous losses of fat at the end of ileum were greater in growing pigs fed CGM or WB diets. The endogenous loss of fatty acids profile changed to a slight degree at the end of ileum that the endogenous loss of UFA (particularly C18:1 and C18:2) in growing pigs fed CGM or WB diets were greater (P