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Semen is a measure of the reproductive efficiency of roosters, which affects the economic benefits of white‐feathered broilers. Over the years, research in this field has mainly focused on hens, while there have been fewer studies on the reproductive traits of roosters. To identify the genes related to the semen traits of roosters, we used a chicken 55 K SNP chip to genetically type the white‐feathered population (220) and performed imputation with resequencing data from 97 roosters. In total, 1 048 576 SNPs were obtained and used for genome‐wide association analysis of semen volume, from which 197 genome‐wide significant markers were identified, all within the interval of 13.82–16.12 Mb on chromosome 7. By combining our results with the biological functions of genes in the interval, four candidate genes were identified that potentially relate to semen volume: FAPP1, OSBPL6, SESTD1 and SSFA2. Our findings may provide a basis for further research on the genetic mechanism and marker‐assisted selection of semen volume in white‐feathered broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical comprehensive implementing of the structural, elastic, and electronic properties of chalcogenide perovskite BaZrS3 under pressures 0 and 20 GPa is performed by ab-initio calculations included within the density functional theory (DFT). The lattice constants of the BaZrS3 structure are well reproduced from our first-principles calculations, and in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. The electronic parameters indicate that the chalcogenide perovskite BaZrS3 compound has a direct band gap of 1.75 eV. Moreover, the values of mechanical parameters, such as the elastic constant, increased under applied pressure. From the quotient of bulk to shear modulus of B/G, it is found that ductility becomes stronger with the increasing pressure, indicating pressure can effectively improve the ductility of the orthorhombic BaZrS3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report the successful synthesis of a spin- and charge-decoupled diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) (Ca,Na)(Zn,Mn)2As2, crystallizing into the hexagonal CaAl2Si2 structure. The compound shows a ferromagnetic transition with a Curie temperature up to 33K with 10% Na doping, which gives rise to carrier density of np∼1020cm-3. The new DMS is a soft magnetic material with HC<400 Oe. The anomalous Hall effect is observed below the ferromagnetic ordering temperature. With increasing Mn doping, ferromagnetic order is accompanied by an interaction between the local spin and mobile charge, giving rise to a minimum in resistivity at low temperatures and localizing the conduction electrons. The system provides an ideal platform for studying the interaction of the local spins and conduction electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress induced by electrical current testing indeed has caused the formation of many whiskers growth in soldering applications. The aim of this investigation is to investigate the electrical current testing to the formation of whiskers. Also the mitigation could be achieved with the additional element of Nickel-Bismuth (Ni-Bi). Characterization of whisker growths are evaluated using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on the deposits near anode and cathode areas. Synchrotron micro-XRF were performed on Sn0:7Cu0:05Ni1:5Bi at anode and cathode to accurately observe the distributions of elements in the sample. The obtained results demonstrate that the whisker growths with the effect of current stressing is associated with the intermetallic compound (IMCs) thickness on the anode and cathode areas. Finding shows that by addition of Ni-Bi elements can help to reduce the amount of whiskers form by refining the IMCs formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the correlation between microRNA-1266 (miR-1266) and prostate cancer (PCa) progression, and to investigate the possible underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression level of miR-1266 and protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) in PCa tissues and cell lines was first detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). After up-regulating or down-regulating miR-1266 expression in cells, cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were detected. Possible target genes of miR-1266 were predicted and validated by bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Finally, abnormal expression of PRMT5 was ascertained after transfection. RESULTS: MiR-1266 was lowly expressed in PCa tissues and cell lines, whereas PRMT5 exhibited the opposite results. Up-regulated expression of miR-1266 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of PC-3 cells. However, the growth and migration of DU145 cells with low miR-1266 expression were significantly accelerated. Meanwhile, the number of invading cells was significantly increased. PRMT5 was verified as a potential target gene of miR-1266. Furthermore, results found that miR-1266 was negatively correlated with PRMT5. In addition, the expression of PRMT5 was remarkably decreased after miR-1266 overexpression, which could be restored after knockdown of miR-1266. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-1266 inhibits the growth and metastasis of PCa by targeting PRMT5. We may provide a potential and prospective therapeutic target for PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to elucidate pressure-induced second superconducting phase (SC-II) in AxFe2−ySe2 (A = K, Rb, Cs, and Tl) having an intrinsic phase separation, we perform a detailed highpressure magnetotransport study on the isoelectronic, phase-pure (Li1−xFex)OHFe1−ySe single crystals. Here we show that its ambient-pressure superconducting phase (SC-I) with a critical temperature Tc ≈ 40 K is suppressed gradually to below 2 K and an SC-II phase emerges above Pc ≈ 5 GPa with Tc increasing progressively to above 50 K up to 12.5 GPa. Our high-precision resistivity data uncover a sharp transition of the normal state from Fermi liquid for SC-I to non-Fermi liquid for SC-II phase. In addition, the reemergence of high-Tc SC-II is found to accompany with a concurrent enhancement of electron carrier density. Without structural transition below 10 GPa, the observed SC-II with enhanced carrier density should be ascribed to an electronic origin presumably associated with pressure-induced Fermi surface reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine if short-term nutrient alteration affects (1) ovarian morphology, (2) plasma and ovarian antioxidant capability and (3) cell apoptosis and AKT signaling within the ovary. After estrus synchronization, 24 Hu sheep were assigned to three groups based on the nutrient requirement recommended for maintenance (M): 1 x M (Control), 1.5 x M (S) and 0.5 x M (R) during days 7-14 of their estrous cycle. The results indicated that undernourishment significantly increased the counts and volume of follicles <2.5 mm and decreased the counts and volume of follicles ⩾2.5 mm (P < 0.05). Feed restriction altered the plasma and follicular redox balance within follicles ⩾2.5 mm by inhibiting total antioxidant capacity, increasing malondialdehyde concentration (P < 0.05) and reducing the mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), as well as the activities of total SOD and GSH-PX. Feed restriction also attenuated B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) but enhanced Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and BAX/BCL2 transcription and translation levels in granulosa cells (P < 0.05). Uniform staining intensities of AKT and P-AKT-Ser473 were observed in each follicle stage, whereas weaker P-AKT-Thr308 staining in the antral follicle than in the pre-antral follicle suggested possible involvement of P-AKT-Thr308 during the beginning of follicle development. P-AKT-Ser473 levels in follicles ⩾2.5 mm was significantly reduced in the R group (P < 0.05). The results presented in this study demonstrate that suppressed folliculogenesis caused by feed restriction might be associated with attenuated AKT signaling, reduced follicular antioxidant capacity and enhanced granulosa cells apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) is a candidate tumor suppressor which plays an important role in multiple processes including DNA repair, apoptosis, cell cycle control, tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. However, clinical data about the role of ING4 in the development and progression of cervical cancer are still limited. This study aimed to examine ING4 expression in cervical cancer and analyze its correlation with the progression of the malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to determine ING4 expression in 18 clinical specimens from cervical cancer patients. The correlation of ING4 expression with the clinical- pathological features of the patients was analyzed. Moreover, the correlation between ING4 and HPV E6/E7 transcription level in SiHa cells was analyzed. RESULTS: ING4 expression was decreased significantly at mRNA and protein levels in the tissues of cervical cancer compared with paracarcinoma tissues. Analysis of the subcellular localization of ING4 showed that ING4 expression was decreased in the nucleus of cervical cancer tissues. Ectopic expression of ING4 reduced the proliferation of SiHa cells, accompanied by decreased HPV E6/E7 transcription. CONCLUSIONS: ING4 expression is decreased in human cervical cancer tissues. Reconstitution of ING4 expression in cervical cancer cells is correlated with decreased HPV E6/E7 transcription. These data suggest that ING4 expression has diagnostic and prognostic significance for cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted with an ovine intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) model to test the hypothesis that dietary N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) and rumen-protected L-Arg (RP-Arg) supplementation are effective in ameliorating fetal growth restriction in undernourished ewes. Beginning on d 35 of gestation, ewes were fed a diet providing 100% of NRC-recommended nutrient requirements, 50% of NRC recommendations (50% NRC), 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 20 g/d RP-Arg (providing 10 g/d of Arg), and 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 5 g/d NCG product (providing 2.5 g/d of NCG). On d 110, maternal, fetal, and placental tissues and fluids were collected and weighed. Ewe weights were lower (P < 0.05) in nutrient-restricted ewes compared with adequately fed ewes. Maternal RP-Arg or NCG supplementation did not alter (P = 0.26) maternal BW in nutrient-restricted ewes. Weights of most fetal organs were increased (P < 0.05) in RP-Arg-treated and NCG-treated underfed ewes compared with 50% NRC-fed ewes. Supplementation of RP-Arg or NCG reduced (P < 0.05) concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, triglycerides, and ammonia in serum of underfed ewes but had no effect on concentrations of lactate and GH. Maternal RP-Arg or NCG supplementation markedly improved (P < 0.05) concentrations of AA (particularly arginine-family AA and branched-chain AA) and polyamines in maternal and fetal plasma and in fetal allantoic and amniotic fluids within nutrient-restricted ewes. These novel results indicate that dietary NCG and RP-Arg supplementation to underfed ewes ameliorated fetal growth restriction, at least in part, by increasing the availability of AA in the conceptus and provide support for its clinical use to ameliorate IUGR in humans and sheep industry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behavior of a 304 oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) austenitic stainless steel after being exposed to supercritical water (SCW) with dissolved oxygen of 300 ppb at 600 °C/25 MPa was studied. By the means of a least-square fit, the weight gain (Δ w) of the samples as a function of exposure time ( t) could be described by the equation Δ w = 8.011 × t0.459. An approximately parabolic time law in this specified SCW environment can be assumed. A triple protective oxide layer formed on the surface of the metal with the exposure time up to 1000 h. Furthermore, the result of slow-strain rate tensile (SSRT) test indicated that the 304-ODS austenitic stainless steel was not susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in SCW at 600 °C/25 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficiency of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) to treat severe the lower limbs ischemia caused by thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2007 to December 2014, a total of 64 patients with TAO (80 affected limbs) received APBSCT at our hospital. The treatment effect was evaluated by subjective indicators including pains and cold sensation of the affected limbs, combined with objective indicators including claudication distance, ankle brachial index (ABI), transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) and skin temperature. RESULTS: Five patients (with 5 affected limbs) suffered from necrosis below the middle of the leg 4 weeks after transplantation and received amputation. For the remaining 59 patients (75 affected limbs), pain and cold sensation of the affected limbs were improved with varying extent 3 months after transplantation; there were statistically significant differences in pain score and cold sensation score of the affected limbs before and after APBSCT (p<0.05). Claudication distance, ABI, TcPO2 and skin temperature were also improved. Claudication distance increased from 85.69 m±43.48 m to 36.5±9.88 mmHg, and the skin temperature of the lower limbs increased from 27.70°C±0.53°C to 33.49°C±0.60°C. All four indicators were considerably improved after APBSCT (p<0.05). Arteriography was performed for 75 affected limbs in 59 patients 6 months after transplantation and found that new collateral vessels were formed in the affected limbs. No patients were complicated by retinal hyperplasia, malignant tumors, myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction during the follow- up examinations; no patients underwent symptom aggravation during 9-48 month followup (average, 28.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: APBSCT is an easy, safe and reliable treatment for ischemia of lower limbs, especially for those with poor distal arterial outflow tract in the lower limbs that do not permit bridging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian steroid hormones regulate follicular growth and atresia. This study aims to determine whether key ovarian sterol-regulatory genes are differentially expressed in Hu sheep under different short-term nutritional regimens. Estrus was synchronized using intravaginal progestagen sponges. The ewes were assigned randomly to 3 groups. On d 6 to 12 of their estrous cycle, the control (CON) group received a maintenance diet (1.0 x M), the supplemented (SUP) group received 1.5 x M, and the restricted (R) group received 0.5 x M. On d 7 to 12, blood samples were taken. The sheep were slaughtered at the end of the treatment, and their organs and ovaries were collected. The plasma concentrations of urea (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (P < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.01), NEFA (P < 0.01), FSH (P < 0.05), and estradiol (P < 0.05) increased with decreasing dietary intake, whereas plasma triglyceride (P< 0.01) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations decreased (P < 0.05). The ewes in the R group had higher spleen weight and percentage of spleen to BW and lower liver and small intestine weights and percentage of liver/stomach to BW than the SUP group ewes {P < 0.05). Nutritional restriction decreased the cytochrome p450 (CYP17A1) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESRİ) mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and increased the cytochrome p450 aromatase 0CYP19A1) mRNA expression (P < 0.05) in follicles > 2.5 mm. Follicle size affected the mRNA expression of very low density lipoprotein receptor ( VLDLR), estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), FSH receptor (FSHR), CYP17A1, and CYP19A1 {P < 0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that a potential mechanism by which short-term negative energy balance inhibits follicular growth may involve responses to disrupted reproductive hormone concentrations and influenced the intrafollicular expression of CYP17A1, CYP19A1, and ESRİ. This result may be due to increased plasma urea and lipid concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present a novel compact wideband pattern-reconfigurable antenna with alternate reflector and radiator. The proposed antenna consists of a pair of step-shape patches, four switches and a coplanar waveguide feeding line. By setting the switches ON or OFF, the two step-shape patches can alternately switch between the radiator and the reflector. As a result, the proposed antenna is able to provide two-directional radiation patterns whose main beams are roughly directed in opposing directions from 3.7 to 6 GHz. Compared with other current pattern-reconfigurable antennas, the proposed antenna exhibits advantages of better back-to-front radiation ratio, more compact antenna size and wider operating band. In this investigation, the optimised size of the proposed antenna is 20 × 20 mm², which equates to 0.25 × 0.25λ²0 (λ0 is the wavelength at the low edge of the operating frequency band). In addition, the time-domain characteristics of the proposed antenna are presented and analysed. The antenna shows a good time-domain performance. Measured results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D nonlinear flow-solid coupling model of simulating the propagation of hydraulic fracture in multilayered formation is proposed. The validation of the model is approved by simulating the fracturing process of a well in Daqing Oilfield, China. The influence of lithological parameters (in situ stress, elastic modulus, and tensile strength) on fracture configuration is studied. The results demonstrate that higher in situ stress, lower elastic modulus, and higher tensile strength of barrier zones will make the fracture height smaller. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The ground state of K0.8+xFe1.6+ySe2 and other iron-based selenide superconductors are doped antiferromagnetic semiconductors. We propose that the low energy physics of this system is governed by a model Hamiltonian of interacting electrons with onsite ferromagnetic exchange interactions and intersite superexchange interactions. We have derived the effective pairing potential of electrons under the linear spin-wave approximation and shown that the superconductivity can be driven by mediating coherent spin-wave excitations in these materials. Our work provides a natural account for the coexistence of superconducting and antiferromagnetic long range orders observed by neutron scattering and other experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]