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Excitability is a pivotal quality in guide dogs because moderately active dogs are more trainable. Excessive activity is associated with behavioral problems and pet surrender. Excitability is a highly heritable trait, yet the relevant genetic factors and markers associated with this condition are poorly characterized. In the present study, we selected six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of two genes that are possibly related to excitability in dogs (TH c.264G > A, TH c.1208A > T, TH c.415C > G, TH c.168C > T, TH c.180C > T and MAOB c.199 T > C). We measured the excitability of dogs using seven variables from three behavioral tests: the play test (interest in play, grabbing in throw and tug‐of‐war), the chase test (following and forward grabbing) and the passive test (moving range and moving time). These behavioral tests are part of the Dog Mentality Assessment developed by Svartberg & Forkman. The activity scores in the guide dog group were higher than in the temperament withdrawal group, and significant differences were detected in the aggregate score (p = 0.02), passive activity score (p = 0.007) and moving range score (p = 0.04). Analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test and non‐parametric Steel–Dwass test to evaluate the relationship between these SNPs and behavioral variable scores revealed that TH c.264G > A was associated with aggregate scores of excitability‐related behavioral variables (adj. p = 0.03), object‐interaction activity scores (adj. p = 0.03), following scores (adj. p = 0.03) and forward grabbing scores (adj. p = 0.03) in Labrador dogs and MAOB c.199 T > C was associated with moving range scores in these dogs (adj. p = 0.004). However, these results had low power. To explain the behavioral traits, further genetic studies more reliable than candidate gene studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignant tumors, and the overall curative effect has been unsatisfactory for years. Exploring and investigating novel therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer are an imperative need. Methods: Using manganese zinc ferrite nanoparticles (PEG-MZF-NPs) as gene transferring vector and drug delivery carrier, a new combinatorial regimen for the target treatment of ovarian cancer by integrating CD44-shRNA, DDP (cisplatin) and magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) together was designed and investigated in vivo and in vitro in this study. Results: PEG-MZF-NPs/DDP/CD44-shRNA nanoliposomes were successfully prepared, and TEM detection indicated that they were 15–20 nm in diameter, with good magnetothermal effect in AMF, similar to the previously prepared PEG-MZF-NPs. Under the action of AMF, PEG-MZF-NPs/shRNA/DDP nanoliposomes effectively inhibited ovarian tumors' growth, restrained the cancer cells' proliferation and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. VEGF, survivin, BCL-2, and BCL-xl proteins significantly decreased, while caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins markedly increased both in vitro and in vivo , far better than any of the individual therapies did. Moreover, no significant effects were found on bone marrow hematopoiesis and liver and kidney function of nude mice intervened by the combinatorial therapeutic regimen. Conclusion: In the present study, we developed PEG-MZF-NPs/DDP/CD44-shRNA magnetic nanoliposomes and inaugurated an integrated therapy through the synergistic effect of MFH, gene therapy, and chemotherapy, and it shows a satisfactory therapeutic effect on ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo , much better than any single treatment regimen did, with no significant side effects. This study provides a new promising method for ovarian cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current low‐temperature plasma (LTP) devices essentially use a rare gas source with a short working distance (8 to 20 mm), low gas flow rate (0.12 to 0.3 m3/h), and small effective treatment area (1‐5 cm2), limiting the applications for which LTP can be utilised in clinical therapy. In the present study, a novel type of LTP equipment was developed, having the advantages of a free gas source (surrounding air), long working distance (8 cm), high gas flow rate (10 m3/h), large effective treatment area (20 cm2), and producing an abundance of active substances (NOγ, OH, N2, and O), effectively addressing the shortcomings of current LTP devices. Furthermore, it has been verified that the novel LTP device displays therapeutic efficacy in terms of acceleration of wound healing in normal and Type I diabetic rats, with enhanced wound kinetics, rate of condensation of wound area, and recovery ratio. Cellular and molecular analysis indicated that LTP treatment significantly reduced inflammation and enhanced re‐epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, neovascularization, and expression of TGF‐β, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in Type I diabetic rats. In conclusion, the novel LTP device provides a convenient and efficient tool for the treatment of clinical wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is one of the major malignancies that threaten men's health all over the world. Due to the lack of specific symptoms and signs in the early stage, as well as the limitations of existing detection methods, it is difficult to achieve early diagnosis for prostate cancer. As short single-stranded oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) with specific 3D structure which can be produced using an in vitro selection process termed systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), aptamers can specifically bind to the corresponding targets. They have become a class of novel targeting ligand for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer. Owing to distinctive physicochemical features, and some other special properties such as easy modifiability, good biocompatibility, being easily coupled with other ligands, nanomaterials are extensively used in biological medical field research. Enlighteningly, the combination of aptamers with nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles, nanosilica, quantum dots, and carbon nanomaterials, can enhance the ability of nanomaterials to recognize tumor cells, which is beneficial to overcome the shortcomings such as low sensitivity in early detection and lack of specificity of traditional antineoplastic drugs, thus, clinically helpful to improve the early metaphase diagnosis rate, providing a technical guarantee for the "personalized treatment" strategy for prostate cancer. Herein, we mainly review the basic and applied research of aptamer functionalized nanocomposite in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, including biosensing, bioimaging, and cancer therapy, hoping to provide new ideas for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanomaterials have recently emerged, playing an increasingly essential role in life science and biomedicine fields, and they exhibited promising potentials in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Also, their use as contrast agents improved various cancer diagnostic imaging sensitivities and accuracy. Magnetic nanomaterials are also exploited as targeted drug carriers to increase the sensitivity and reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. Herein, we reviewed the preparation, characterization, and surface modification of various magnetic nanomaterials and their cancer diagnosis and therapy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of the Ras/ MAPK pathway is prevalently involved in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC). However, its effects on the deregulated cellular metabolic processes involved in HCC in vivo remain unknown. In this study, a mouse model of HCC induced by hepatocyte-specific expression of the Hras12V oncogene was investigated using an integrative analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics data. Consistent with the phenotype of abundant lipid droplets in HCC, the lipid biosynthesis in HCC was significantly enhanced by (1) a sufficient supply of acetyl-CoA from enhanced glycolysis and citrate shuttle activity; (2) a sufficient supply of NADPH from enhanced pentose phosphate pathway ( PPP) activity; (3) upregulation of key enzymes associated with lipid biosynthesis; and (4) downregulation of key enzymes associated with bile acid biosynthesis. In addition, glutathione ( GSH) was significantly elevated, which may result from a sufficient supply of 5-oxoproline and L-glutamate as well as an enhanced reduction in the process of GSSG being turned into GSH by NADPH. The high level of GSH along with elevated Bcl2 and Ucp2 expression may contribute to a normal level of reactive oxygen species ( ROS) in HCC. In conclusion, our results suggest that the lipid metabolism, glycolysis, PPP, tricarboxylic acid ( TCA) cycle, citrate shuttle activity, bile acid synthesis, and redox homeostasis in the HCC induced by ras oncogene are significantly perturbed, and these altered metabolic processes may play crucial roles in the carcinogenesis, development, and pathological characteristics of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Laboratory-scale plastic silos were prepared to examine bacterial factors associated with the aerobic stability of total mixed rations (TMR) preserved as a silage after mixing. In experiment 1, TMR silages containing wet brewers grains (BG), hay (lucerne or sudangrass), maize grain, wheat bran, beet pulp and liquid molasses, were ensiled for 14 and 56 days, and bacterial communities were examined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The silages resisted aerobic deterioration for as long as 2 weeks, except that heating occurred after 5.5 days in 14-day silage prepared with sudangrass hay. The DGGE analyses indicated that, although not found in the materials, Lactobacillus buchneri and L. brevis were detectable in long-stored TMR silage. L. delbrueckii and L. fermentum were found in the materials, and appeared to survive during fermentation and after exposure to air. There were few changes in the DGGE profiles before and after heating in deteriorated silage containing sudangrass hay. In experiment 2, TMR silage with ingredients similar to those in experiment 1 was prepared, and culturable lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the plates of de Man-Rogosa-Sharpe agar. L. delbrueckii and L. fermentum were obtained from the materials but not from TMR silage. L. buchneri and L. brevis were not found in the materials, but more than one-third of the isolates were L. buchneri and L. brevis in 14- and 56-day silages, respectively. In experiment 3, whole crop maize was inoculated with L. buchneri, L. brevis, L. delbrueckii and L. fermentum isolates, and fermentation and aerobic stability were determined. No changes occurred from L. brevis, L. delbrueckii and L. fermentum inoculation, while aerobic spoilage was suppressed by L. buchneri with increases in pH and acetic acid content. Results indicate that, whilst not found in BG or the TMR mixture, L. buchneri can become detectable during fermentation, and this bacterium helps establish aerobic stability of BG-containing TMR silage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the use of wet total mixed ration (TMR) silage rather than silage dried at high energy cost in Japan. The study compared two TMR silages containing wet brewers grains and soybean curd residue before and after seven days exposure to air by feeding them to goats. The article analyzes the nutrient intake and digestibility of the silages and makes recommendations for their best use.

• Arbitrary order alternated optical vortex (OV) lattices with positive and negative topological charges, which are named as the n th-order alternated OV lattices (NAOVLs), are proposed theoretically and realized experimentally. • The propagation properties of NAOVLs are explored both theoretically and experimentally in a focusing system or at far-field Fraunhofer region. • Such NAOVLs can generate finite square optical arrays with interesting patterns or defects, and the phase dislocation lines contained in square optical arrays are confirmed by interference experiments. Recently optical lattices containing optical vortices (OVs), which carry phase singularities and possess exotic optical properties, have attracted increasing attention due to their potential applications in optical trapping or light-matter interaction systems. Here, we propose a kind of arbitrary order alternated OV lattices with positive and negative topological charges ± n , which are named as the n th-order alternated OV lattices (NAOVLs), and we experimentally demonstrate their propagation properties. We find that such NAOVLs can generate finite square optical arrays with interesting patterns or defects near the focal plane or far-field Fraunhofer region. We further find a general law (although with some exceptions) about the number N of bright spots in finite optical arrays as the value n increases. The interference experiments confirm optical properties of such finite arrays close to the focal plane. Our results may have potential applications in particle trapping and experimental realizations of novel optical arrays for the interaction between special optical lattices and atoms (or molecules, ions, micro- or nano-particles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in modern society. Accurate modeling and prognosis are fundamental to achieving reliable operation of lithium-ion batteries. Accurately predicting the end-of-discharge (EOD) is critical for operations and decision-making when they are deployed to critical missions. Existing data-driven methods have large model parameters, which require a large amount of labeled data and the models are not interpretable. Model-based methods need to know many parameters related to battery design, and the models are difficult to solve. To bridge these gaps, this study proposes a physics-informed neural network (PINN), called battery neural network (BattNN), for battery modeling and prognosis. Specifically, we propose to design the structure of BattNN based on the equivalent circuit model (ECM). Therefore, the entire BattNN is completely constrained by physics. Its forward propagation process follows the physical laws, and the model is inherently interpretable. To validate the proposed method, we conduct the discharge experiments under random loading profiles and develop our dataset. Analysis and experiments show that the proposed BattNN only needs approximately 30 samples for training, and the average required training time is 21.5 s. Experimental results on three datasets show that our method can achieve high prediction accuracy with only a few learnable parameters. Compared with other neural networks, the prediction MAEs of our BattNN are reduced by 77.1%, 67.4%, and 75.0% on three datasets, respectively. Our data and code will be available at: https://github.com/wang-fujin/BattNN.

Male prevalence is an outstanding characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the underlying mechanisms for this have remained largely unknown. In the present study, Hras12V transgenic mice, in which hepatocyte-specific expression of the ras oncogene induces male-biased hepatic tumorigenesis, were studied, and altered proteins were detected by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Protein samples from hepatic tumor tissues (T) and peritumor tissues (P) of transgenic males and females and the corresponding normal liver tissues (Wt) of nontransgenic males and females were subjected to pairwise comparisons based on proteomic analysis. Among 2381 autodetected protein spots, more than 1600 were differentially expressed based on a pairwise comparison (|ratio| > = 1.5, p < = 0.05). Of these, 180 spots were randomly selected for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) identification; finally, 89 distinct proteins were obtained. Among these 89 proteins, 7 and 50 proteins were further validated by Western blotting and literature investigation, respectively. Intriguingly, compared with Wt, the altered proteins were relatively concentrated in T in transgenic females but in P in transgenic males. Consistently, the levels of p-ERK and p-mTOR were significantly higher in the T of females compared with that of males. The pathway enrichment assay showed that 5 pathways in males but only 1 in females were significantly altered in terms of the upregulated proteins in T compared with Wt. These data indicate that female hepatocytes are disturbed by oncogenes with great difficulty, whereas male hepatocytes readily do so. In addition, 33 proteins were gender-dependently altered in hepatic tumorigenesis. Moreover, 4% DNA packaging and 4% homeostasis-related functional proteins were found in females but not in males, and more nucleus proteins were found in females (8%) than in males (3%). In conclusion, the proteomic data and comparative analysis presented here offer crucial clues for elucidating the mechanisms that underlie the male prevalence in HCC., (© 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Objective: An experiment was conducted to investigate the environment of the deep litter system and provided theoretical basis for production., Methods: The bedding samples were obtained from a pig breeding farm and series measurements associated with gases concentrations and the bacterial diversity as well as the quantity of Escherichia coli , Lactobacilli , Methanogens were performed in this paper., Results: The concentrations of CO 2 , CH 4 , and NH 3 in the deep litter system increased with the increasing of depth while the N 2 O concentrations increased fiercely from the 0 cm to the -10 cm depth but then decreased beneath the -10 cm depth. Meanwhile, the Shannon index, the dominance index as well as the evenness index at the -20 cm layer was significantly different from the other layers (p<0.05). On the other hand, the quantity of Escherichia coli reached the highest value at the surface beddings and there was a significant drop at the -20 cm layer with the increasing depth. The Lactobacilli numbers increased with the depth from 0 cm to -15 cm and then decreased significantly under the -20 cm depth. The expression of Methanogens reached its largest value at the depth of -35 cm., Conclusion: The upper layers (0 cm to -5 cm) of this system were aerobic, the middle layers (-10 cm to -20 cm) were micro-aerobic, while that the bottom layers (below -20 cm depth) were anaerobic. In addition, from a standpoint of increasing the nitrification pathway and inhibiting the denitrification pathway, it should be advised that the deep litter system should be kept aerobic.