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In recent years, the increasing trend of financialization of non‐financial enterprises and the improvement of total factor productivity (TFP) have attracted extensive attention. The research sample for this study covers non‐financial firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2008 to 2020. Then an econometric regression model is built to examine the impact of financialization of non‐financial enterprises on enterprises' TFP. The mediation effect model is used to investigate the mechanisms of non‐financial enterprises' financialization (NFEF) on TFP. The heterogeneity in investment efficiency, property rights and political affiliation is further discussed. The findings show that the NFEF has a considerable negative influence on enterprises' TFP, which still stands after endogenous treatment and a series of robustness tests. Moreover, NFEF significantly inhibits TFP by crowding out R&D investment and significantly promotes TFP by alleviating financing restrictions. Both the 'crowding‐out effect' and 'reservoir effect' of financialization of non‐financial enterprises are verified, and the former is greater. The influence of NFEF on TFP has the heterogeneity in investment efficiency and political affiliation, but the heterogeneity in property rights is insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial community performs an essential ecological role in maintaining agriculture systems. The roles of bacteria in the forest, marine, and agricultural systems have been studied extensively and intensively. However, similar studies in the areas irrigated by the Yellow River remain limited. In this study, we used Illumina sequencing analysis with the 16S rRNA method to analyze the bacterial diversity, community structure, and influencing factors in soil samples from eight regions of the Yellow River irrigation area in northwestern China. The bacterial community structure and diversity varied among samples from the eight regions. The samples differed significantly in terms of the bacterial community composition. Proteobacteria (approximately 12.4%-55.7%) accounted for the largest proportion and was the dominant bacteria, followed by Actinobacteria (approximately 9.2%-39.7%), Bacteroidetes (approximately 1.8%-21.5%), and Chloroflexi (approximately 2.7%-12.6%). Among the physicochemical variables, the soil pH in the eight regions was mildly alkaline, and the total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium contents in the soils differed significantly. However, the trend in the variations of the above variables was essentially similar. Soil bacteria in Yongning county had greater Chao1, Shannon-Wiener, and Simpson indices than those in the other regions. Notably, soil moisture, organic matter, and total nitrogen were recognized as the primary factors influencing the bacterial community in the Yellow River irrigation area. Our results revealed the laws of variation in soil bacterial diversity and community composition in the Yellow River irrigation area. Our findings could be beneficial for maintaining sustainable ecological practices in the Yellow River irrigation area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marselan is a red wine grape variety with great brewing prospects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of postharvest indoor dehydration on the quality of Marselan grapes. For two consecutive years, the harvested grapes were dehydrated naturally indoors (24–28°C). Fresh grapes were used as a control, and dehydrated samples were taken every 7 days during the period of dehydration until ending at day 28. Dehydration treatment increased degrees Brix, reducing sugars, glycerol, and malic acid. On day 7, there was an increase in protocatechuic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and total tannin of 26.00%–27.73%, 11.43%–52.52%, and 39.74%–70.45%, respectively. With increasing dehydration time, total phenols, total flavonoids and total flavanols in the skins were decreased by 17.05%–38.13%, 24.32%–57.38%, and 17.05%–59.48%, respectively, with an increase in pH, citric acid, and ascorbic acid contents of grape juice by 7.66%–21.43%, 100%–137.50%, and 61.29%–258.82%, respectively. On day 21, the esters were increased by 1.10–1.75 factors. Partial least square–discriminant analysis result of volatile compounds showed that ethyl acetate, 1‐propanol, 1‐propanol, 2‐methyl‐, 1‐hexanol, and 1‐butanol, 3‐methyl‐ were the predominant characteristic flavor compounds during dehydration of Marselan grapes. The effect of indoor dehydration on Marselan grape quality offered application value for China's later dehydration wine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global environmental issues are becoming increasingly prominent, and green finance may play a key role in achieving sustainable development. This study takes the "Green Financial Reform and Innovation Pilot Zone" policy as a quasi‐natural experiment. The Difference‐in‐Difference model and Propensity Score Matching‐Difference in Difference model are applied to examine the direct effect of green finance policy on the green development of enterprises. A mechanism test model is used to investigate its indirect transmission mechanism. Then several heterogeneity analyses are performed from five perspectives. The results show that green finance policy considerably promotes enterprise green development and the conclusion is supported by a series of robustness tests. The mechanism analyses show that financing constraints and green innovation are the two transmission channels for green finance policy affecting enterprise green development. The heterogeneity analyses indicate that the policy effect is more significant among enterprises those are non‐state‐owned, have managers with a financial background, operate in regions with high marketization, belong to industries with low monopoly, and locate in poilt zones of Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Guizhou. Based on the above findings, policy suggestions are made to establish a win‐win scenario for the economy and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) is a member of the TGFβ signaling pathway and functions as an essential regulator in the processes of development, cell proliferation, and bone formation. A previous observation reported that a 12-bp deletion of this gene affected the litter size in goats. However, according to our knowledge, no study has reported an association between this polymorphism and goat body measurement traits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the insertion/deletion (indel) within the SMAD2 gene with the growth traits of goats. The indel polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with chest width and bust (p < 0.05), while cannon circumference was significantly the strongest compared to other traits (p < 0.01) and individuals with the DD genotypes were more dominant genotypes than other genotypes. In summary, we found evidence that the 12-bp indel within the SMAD2 gene could improve goat body measurement traits, paving the way for marker-assisted selection in the field of goat genetics and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calsyntenin-2 (CLSTN2) is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, cell death, tumorigenesis, and follicular expression. Although CLSTN2 has been identified as a potential candidate gene for sheep prolificacy, no studies have been done on its effect on goat prolificacy. The purpose of this study was to identify mRNA expression and genetic variation within goat CLSTN2, and its association with prolificacy. Herein, we uncovered significant differences in mRNA levels of the CLSTN2 gene in different tissues in female goats (p < 0.01), including ovary tissue. Nine putative indels were designed to investigate their correlation to litter size, but only one 16-bp deletion was discovered in female Shaanbei white cashmere goats (n = 902). We discovered that a 16-bp deletion within the CLSTN2 gene was significantly correlated with first-born litter size (p = 0.0001). As shown by the chi-squared test, the genotypic II of single-lambs and multi-lambs was dramatically higher than with genotype ID (p = 0.005). Our findings suggest that indel within the CLSTN2 gene is a candidate gene affecting prolificacy in goats and may be used for Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, executes a significant part in the oogenesis and ovulation process. A genome-wide selective sweep analysis also found SMAD2 was different in the fertility groups of Laoshan dairy goats; whether this gene was linked to litter size was unknown. Therefore, SMAD2 was chosen to study its effects on Shaanbei white cashmere goat reproduction and mRNA expression profile. Herein, the mRNA expression level of SMAD2 was firstly determined in female goat tissues, revealing significant differences in mRNA levels of different tissues (p < 0.05), including ovary tissue, indicating a potential role for SMAD2 in goat prolificacy. Then, using six pairs of primers, only one indel locus (P3-Del-12-bp) was found to be polymorphic in goat SMAD2 (n = 501). ANOVA also revealed that a P3-Del-12-bp deletion was significantly related to first-born litter size (p = 0.037). The Chi-square (χ2) test revealed that the ID genotype was significantly more prevalent in mothers with multiple lambs (p = 0.01), indicating that heterozygous individuals (ID) are more likely to produce multiple lambs. Our findings suggest that the SMAD2 gene's P3-Del-12-bp deletion could be used to improve goat breeds by assisting with litter size selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The AKAP13 gene has been found to be related to bone formation. As an important gene regulating growth and development, whether AKAP13 has any influence on the growth traits of goats is still unknown. Therefore, we hope to explore the InDel and CNV genetic variation of the AKAP13 gene in Shaanbei white cashmere goats and their relationship with growth traits to find effective molecular marker sites. A-kinase-anchoring protein 13 (AKAP13) is a member of the AKAP protein family that has been found to be associated with bone formation. Thus, we investigated the AKAP13 gene as a potential candidate gene for molecular-marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding. Our aim was to explore genetic variations (InDel and CNV) within the AKAP13 gene of Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) goats and analyze their relationship with growth traits. Ultimately, we identified three InDel loci (16-bp deletion, 15-bp insertion, and 25-bp deletion) and three CNVs, and the 16-bp and 15-bp loci were significantly associated with goat body length (p < 0.05). Both the 16-bp deletion variant and the 15-bp insertion variant facilitated an increase in body length in goats. In addition to this, there was a certain superposition effect between 16-bp and 15-bp loci, although there was no linkage. Additionally, the CNV1 locus was significantly correlated with body height and body length of goats (p < 0.05), and CNV2 was significantly correlated with chest depth, chest circumference, and cannon circumference of goats (p < 0.05). Individuals with gain type showed excellent growth performance. In conclusion, the InDel and CNV loci that we have identified could possibly serve as effective molecular markers in goat breeding, which is very essential for improving efficiency and success of breeding. Moreover, our findings provide a new avenue for further research into the function of the AKAP13 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enjoyment of the wine depends not only on the properties of wine itself, but also on the wine glasses. The present study was designed to investigate whether the glass volume or shape would influence aroma attributes of Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine. Sensory evaluation was conducted with a 12‐member panel. Three‐alternative forced‐choice (3‐AFC) tests were chosen to determine whether any difference in odors could be perceived among samples in glasses of two shapes (Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses) or in glasses of three volumes (350, 500, and 650 mL). Also, 12 participants evaluated their experience of "intensity," "elegance," and "overall aroma quality", as well as descriptive analysis of the wine aroma. The results showed the wine was perceived as being more intense and more elegant in the glass with a smaller cuppa height and a bigger ratio between the maximum and opening diameter. These findings further support the idea that tasters' perceptions of wine aroma are influenced by the shape and volume of wine glasses, which are in part closely related to the parameters of the glasses. Practical Applications: Investigating the effects of two major red wine glasses, Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses, on the aroma attributes of Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine is very useful to match the wine with the appropriate glasses. In order to highlight the intensity and elegance of the wine aroma, it is essential to choose a glass with a smaller cuppa height and a bigger ratio between the maximum and opening diameter, which is practical and instructive for wine practitioners, connoisseurs, sommeliers, enthusiasts, and consumers with higher olfactory sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi2O3 is a theoretically high capacitive anode material; however, its low conductivity and deficient surface‐active sites lead to reduced practical capability compared to the theoretical one. Herein, a facile and environmentally benign strategy is developed to simultaneously tailor the morphology and create oxygen vacancies in Bi2O3 by adding trace water in a solvothermal procedure. Here trace water serves as an intermediary agent to change the growth mechanism of Bi2O3 and form a hierarchical structure with increased crystallinity. Electrochemical experiments reveal that the optimal tremella‐shaped Bi2O3 delivers a higher specific capacity, approximately reaching 65 % of the theoretical one. Such satisfactory electrochemical performance is due to the regulated tremella shape and the created oxygen vacancies, which can expose more electrochemical active‐sites and promote ion diffusion. Moreover, the massive oxygen vacancies and increased crystallinity are also beneficial for electron transfer, thus enhancing the capacity. Eventually, a Bi2O3‐6//AC asymmetric device is constructed and a superior energy density (40.8 Wh kg−1) is realized than the others Bi2O3‐based peers. This study paves a facile way for exploring advanced Bi2O3‐based alkaline battery anode materials through an environmentally benign method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A-kinase anchoring protein 13 (AKAP13) is one of the AKAP protein family members, which is correlated with estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptor (PR) activity. Consequently, the AKAP13 gene is considered to be one of the candidate genes for regulating female fertility. Hence, the objectives of this study were to discover the potential insertion/deletion (indel) variants within the AKAP13 gene and evaluate their associations with litter size of Shaanbei white cashmere goats (SBWC) to screen candidate genes for the molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS). Ultimately, we found the 16-bp deletion of AKAP13 gene which displayed three genotypes (II, ID and DD). However, it was not confirmed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in the tested population. Statistical analysis demonstrated that this 16-bp indel locus was significantly associated with litter size in goats (p < 0.05), in which the ID genotype was a key genotype for increasing litter size in goats. Besides, independent χ2 tests between different genotypes and litter size showed that high-prolific groups had higher frequency of the 'D' allele (p < 0.05). Briefly, AKAP13 gene is a candidate gene for improving fertility, and its 16-bp indel locus can be used as a valid DNA molecular marker for the MAS in goat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize space laser communication networking, the 2:1 transmissions for all reflectors on a multi-address transceiver can be removed. However, without the 2:1 transmissions, the reflectors exhibit doubled optical coupling effect in rotation, which reduces the numerical calculation precision of the attitudes of the reflectors' lines-of-sight (LOS). In the present study, using Snell's law of reflection and Euler's theorem, a mathematical model for the attitudes of the LOS of multiple reflectors without 2:1 transmissions was established, and a method was proposed for an indirect numerical calculation of the attitudes of the LOS by creating a Snell transformation matrix. This method eliminates the influence of the doubled optical coupling effect on the numerical solution of the line-of-sight attitudes of multi-reflectors. Compared to the direct numerical calculation method using the angular velocity, the calculation precisions achieved using the proposed method exhibited improvements of 3, 5, and 3 orders of magnitude in the three conical motions, respectively. The indirect calculation method and the numerical calculation model proposed in the present study, therefore, provide a theoretical basis for applying reflectors without 2:1 transmissions to multi-address transceivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Protein Phosphatase 6 Catalytic Subunit (PPP6C) is evolutionarily a conserved gene in eukaryotes known to play a significant role in mammalian reproduction. This study aimed to investigate expression patterns of PPP6C and explore its association with litter size in Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) goats. Initially, we determined the mRNA expression levels of PPP6C in both male and female goats across multiple tissues. The results showed that PPP6C mRNA was expressed in multiple tissues, with higher levels in the testis and fallopian tubes, suggesting its involvement in goat reproduction. Additionally, we identified a novel 19 bp InDel within the PPP6C gene in a population of 1030 SBWC goats, which exhibited polymorphism. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between the19 bp InDel mutation and litter size (P < 0.05). Subsequent, bioinformatics analysis, including linkage disequilibrium (LD) block and selective scanning, highlighted the linkage tendency among most InDel loci did not stand out within B-8 block, there were still some InDel loci linked to the 19 bp within a relatively narrow region. Furthermore, comparative analysis with Bezoars, these selective signals all indicated that this gene was under higher selection pressure, implying that the 19 bp InDel locus within the PPP6C is potentially associated with domesticated traits, particularly in relation to litter size. The results of the present study suggest that the PPP6C is a vital candidate gene affecting prolificacy in goats, with implications for selective breeding programs for goat breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perspective of innovation motivation, low-carbon innovation is divided into substantive low-carbon innovation and strategic low-carbon innovation. On this basis, this study empirically investigates the impact and mechanism of digital transformation on enterprise low-carbon innovation using data from China's A-share listed enterprises from 2005 to 2019. The results show that digital transformation promotes the overall level of enterprise low-carbon innovation, substantial low-carbon innovation, and strategic low-carbon innovation, with a more significant impact on strategic low-carbon innovation. For enterprises with large-scale, belonging to high-monopoly industries and located in high-marketization regions, the promotion of digital transformation is more significant and facilitates strategic low-carbon innovation more than substantive low-carbon innovation. Based on the internal capability perspective, enhancing management capability, R&D capability, and environmental information disclosure capability are three important channels of digital transformation affecting low-carbon innovation. • The impact of digital transformation on LCI is explored from innovation motivations. • Management, R&D and environmental information disclosure capabilities are channels. • Heterogeneity is analyzed from enterprise size, industry monopoly and regional marketization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MiR156/ SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING-LIKE s (SPL s) module is the key regulatory hub of juvenile-to-adult phase transition as a critical flowering regulator. In this study, a miR156-targeted PvSPL6 was identified and characterized in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a dual-purpose fodder and biofuel crop. Overexpression of PvSPL6 in switchgrass promoted flowering and reduced internode length, internode number, and plant height, whereas downregulation of PvSPL6 delayed flowering and increased internode length, internode number, and plant height. Protein subcellular localization analysis revealed that PvSPL6 localizes to both the plasma membrane and nucleus. We produced transgenic switchgrass plants that overexpressed a PvSPL6 - GFP fusion gene, and callus were induced from inflorescences of selected PvSPL6-GFPOE transgenic lines. We found that the PvSPL6-GFP fusion protein accumulated mainly in the nucleus in callus and was present in both the plasma membrane and nucleus in regenerating callus. However, during subsequent development, the signal of the PvSPL6-GFP fusion protein was detected only in the nucleus in the roots and leaves of plantlets. In addition, PvSPL6 protein was rapidly transported from the nucleus to the plasma membrane after exogenous GA3 application, and returned from the plasma membrane to nucleus after treated with the GA3 inhibitor (paclobutrazol). Taken together, our results demonstrate that PvSPL6 is not only an important target that can be used to develop improved cultivars of forage and biofuel crops that show delayed flowering and high biomass yields, but also has the potential to regulate plant regeneration in response to GA3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though Bi2O4 photocatalyst has attracted enormous concern because of its strong absorption in visible light region recently, the high recombination possibility of photoinduced electron–hole pairs and lack of the near-infrared light (NIR) harvesting capability for Bi2O4 alone restrict its photocatalytic performance. Herein, Bi2O4/BiO2−x junction was developed by a two-step hydrothermal method. A ternary BiO2−x/NaBiO3·2H2O/NaBiO3·xH2O or binary BiO2−x/NaBiO3·xH2O intermediate product was formed firstly during the first hydrothermal reaction depending on the concentration of NaOH solution. Then, Bi2O4/BiO2−x heterostructure was produced when the ternary and binary intermediate product underwent the second hydrothermal process in deionized water. The content of BiO2−x in the Bi2O4/BiO2−x heterojunction could be easily tuned by changing the NaOH concentration in the first-step hydrothermal reaction. Bi2O4/BiO2−x heterojunction could not only raise the charge carriers' separation efficiency but also broaden the optical absorption range to NIR area. As a result, the optimal Bi2O4/BiO2−x sample exhibits improved visible light photocatalytic degradation activity toward methyl orange (MO) and phenol, which is 2.67-fold and 2.84-fold higher than pristine Bi2O4 and BiO2−x, respectively. Under NIR irradiation, the optimal Bi2O4/BiO2−x sample also reveals superior catalytic activity for the degradation of MO, which is 11.99 times as high as that of single Bi2O4. The role of NaOH in the first-step hydrothermal reaction is discussed. The probable photocatalytic mechanism of Bi2O4/BiO2−x junction is put forward as well. This work supplies a novel strategy for designing full-spectrum response bismuth-based oxide heterojunction with high photocatalytic performance for organic pollutant removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thickness and rib layout of the moving platform which is a part of 2-DOF motion platform is the main factor affecting the performance of it. This initial design scheme was analyzed by making the use of ANSYS Workbench, which controls the maximum deformation and maximum stress in the range of permission. The quality of the platform could be reduced by 35.4%; the lightweight analysis and the modal analysis were made for the platform, and had obtained inherent frequency of the platform. The holes with quadrilateral shape were adopted to ensure that the platform could have enough stiffness and stability.

According to the functions of parametric modeling and analysis from ADAMS, this thesis was established a parametric simulation model in order to optimize the rated output power of electric cylinders according to the real field environment. First, the variable which could affect sensitivity of the output variables was chosen by the electric cylinder’s elongation which was obtained through loop vector method. Then this thesis tried to get the optimum optimization design parameters through the simulation, and the change of rated output power affected by the change of parameters, meanwhile, made a filter and calibration of parameters which have greater influence on sensibilities. The goal of design could meet the qualification with less work load and faster speed. It is concluded that the change of the location parameters affects the rated output power.

[Display omitted] • Organic acids facilitated conversion of monomeric to copigmented anthocyanins. • The formation of esters was promoted by adding exogenous organic acids. • Exogenous organic acids increased the balance of sugar and acidity. • The more harmonious residual sugar and titratable acidity ratio was about 11:1. • The addition of organic acids enhanced the fruity aroma of wines. In this study, acidity was regulated with the addition of exogenous tartaric acid and citric acid before bottling. The effect of exogenous organic acids on chemical compositions and sensory attributes of fortified sweet wines from dehydrated grapes were investigated. The results indicated that exogenous organic acids promoted the conversion of monomeric anthocyanins to copigmented anthocyanins in wines. Specifically, the combination of malvidin-3- O -glucoside and flavanols (catechin and epicatechin) was facilitated to form copigmented anthocyanins. Sensory analysis suggested that exogenous organic acids improved the balance of sugar and acidity and benefited the harmony in wines on the taste. Wines with a residual sugar and titratable acidity ratio of about 11:1 exhibited the more harmonious taste. In addition, it was also observed changes in the aroma profile related to volatile compounds, namely, more intense fruity aroma in wines with the addition of organic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) plays key roles in male germ cells and female ovarian granulosa cells, whereas its influence on livestock litter size remains unclear. Herein we detected the genetic variants of AKAP12 gene and their effects on litter size as well as alternative splicing variants expression in Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) goats, aiming at exploring theoretical basis for goat molecular breeding. We identified two Insertion/deletions (Indels) (7- and 13-bp) within the AKAP12 gene. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the 13-bp indel mutation in the 3′ UTR was significantly associated with litter size (n = 1,019), and the carriers with DD genotypes presented lower litter sizes compared with other carriers (P < 0.01). Bioinformatics analysis predicted that this 13-bp deletion sequence could bind to the seed region of miR-181, which has been documented to suppress porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection by targeting PRRSV receptor CD163 and affect the pig litter size. Therefore, luciferase assay for this 13-bp indel binding with miRNA-181 was performed, and the luciferase activity of pcDNA-miR-181-13bp-Deletion-allele vector was significantly lower than that of the pcDNA-miR-181-13bp-Insertion-allele vector (P < 0.05), suggesting the reduced binding capability with miR-181 in DD genotype. Given that alternative spliced variants and their expression considerably account for the Indel genetic effects on phenotypic traits, we therefore detected the expression of the alternative spliced variants in different tissues and identified that AKAP12-AS2 exhibited the highest expression levels in testis tissues. Interestingly, the AKAP12-AS2 expression levels of homozygote DD carriers were significantly lower than that of individuals with heterozygote ID, in both testis and ovarian tissues (P < 0.05), which is consistent with the effect of the 13-bp deletion on the reduced litter size. Taken together, our results here suggest that this 13-bp indel mutation within goat AKAP12 might be utilized as a novel molecular marker for improving litter size in goat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit α (PPP3CA) gene is a high reproduction traits candidate gene for goats as revealed by a genome-wide association study. The aim of this work was to explore the genetic variations of the goat PPP3CA as well as to evaluate the genetic effects on litter size. Three novel insertions/deletions (indels) within the goat PPP3CA were found and their minor allelic frequencies (MAF) were 0.105, 0.066, and 0.042, respectively. The results showed that only the 20 bp indel polymorphism was significantly associated with litter size in Shaanbei white cashmere goats (P < 0.05) and individuals with deletion/deletion (DD) genotypes demonstrated the junior phenotypes when compared with those with other genotypes. These findings suggested that the 20 bp indel is a potential DNA marker for selecting superior individuals in marker-assisted selection for breeding concerning fecundity in goats. As one of the earliest domesticated ruminants, goats play an important role in Chinese culture and economy. In this study, a 20 bp deletion variant of PPP3CA had a remarkable influence on goat litter size. The findings indicated that PPP3CA plays a critical role in goat reproduction and that the mutation of this gene can be useful in marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]