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AbstractIn order to verify the feasibility of the design of the third generation of nuclear power plant independently developed in China, this study investigated the operation characteristics of the passive containment heat removal system under five working conditions using the passive containment heat removal system general performance verification facility: the design conditions, low water level conditions, low pressure conditions in the containment, extreme accidents conditions and resistance increasing conditions are analyzed, and the thermal characteristics, power requirements and thermal parameters of the containment under different operating conditions are analyzed. The results show that the heat dissipation capacity of the passive containment heat removal system exceeds the design requirements under the design conditions. Under off-design low pressure conditions, the pressure in the system is significantly affected. The decrease in the cooling water tank’s water level not only did not adversely affect the operation of the system but instead led to a significant increase in the system’s heat dissipation power. In the case of extreme accidents, the system may initially stall, but a stable natural cycle can then be established. As the system resistance coefficient increases, the heat dissipation power of the passive containment heat removal system exhibits an approximate linear decreasing trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To satisfy certain special requirements for high-power transient electromagnetic pulse (EMP) field measurements, such as high electric field intensity, broad bandwidth, fast rise time, and compact size, here is described an integrated electro-optic sensor. The frequency response in the range from 100 kHz to 12 GHz and the time-domain input/output characteristics of a sub-nanosecond EMP field with an intensity from 5 to 100 kV/m were experimentally characterized. The sensor was demonstrated to measure the time-domain waveform of the ultrawideband EMP field signals with a rise time of 0.35 ns and bandwidth of 1 GHz. In addition, the minimal detectable electric field strength was 16 mV/m/Hz1/2 in the frequency domain, and an intense sub-nanosecond electromagnetic pulse with a peak amplitude of 100 kV/m was observed in the time domain. The reported sensor is expected to be broadly used for intense EMP measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CNVs (copy number variations) are the novel and common structural variants that could cover entire genes found in plenty of species. CNV may influence economically important traits or disease susceptibility in livestock species. Based on the whole genome resequencing results, we found that there was a CNV region on the LRRFIP1 gene. Then we used qPCR to detect the copy number type distribution in 553 individuals of four sheep breeds and used them for association analysis. The results showed that: (1) In the CKS, the sheep with gain type had a larger heart girth (p = 0.049). (2) For the HS, the CNV could significantly affect rump breadth (p = 0.037) and circumference of the cannon (p = 0.035). And the sheep with median type showed better performance in rump breadth and circumference of cannon. (3) At the STHS, the CNV was significantly correlated with chest width (p = 0.000) with loss type as the most favorable CNV type. Meanwhile, the best was the loss type, and the lowest was the median. (4) This CNV had no significant effect on the LTHS. So, the CNV of LRRFIP1 was related to the growth traits of these three sheep breeds and it may be used as a molecular marker for sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VISFATIN is an adipose cytokine that has been proved to correlate with growth and development traits. In a previous study from our lab, two insertion/deletions (indels; including a 35-bp insertion at its intron 4 and a 6-bp deletion in intron 5) were identified within the VISFATIN gene. To validate these indels and evaluate their association with growth traits in Chinese cattle, a total of 413 samples from four Chinese indigenous breeds and 217 samples from Chinese breeds were detected. Three genotypes (WW, WI and II) at intron 4 were detected based on the 35-bp insertion (allele I) or deletion (allele W) and showed moderate polymorphism in all samples. Two genotypes (WW and WD) at intron 5 were detected based on the 6-bp deletion (allele D) or insertion (allele W) in Xianan (XN) cattle and Jinnan (JN) cattle population but showed poor polymorphisms. Association analysis illustrated that the indel at intron 4 is significantly associated with chest girth, rump length and body weight in Ji'an (JA) cattle and the indel at intron 5 can cause a significant difference in rump length in JN cattle. To our knowledge, it is the first time it has been shown that indels within the VISFATIN gene are associated with growth traits in the two Chinese indigenous cattle breeds. These findings suggest that the VISFATIN gene can be used as a molecular marker for JN and JA cattle breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FOXO1 (FKHR) gene, as a transcription factor, plays a vital role in animal growth and development, participating in many biological processes. The aim of this study was to ascertain Insertion/deletions (Indels) polymorphism within bovine FoxO1 gene in 679 Chinese adult cows and associate them with stature traits. Two Indels (named as Indel-3 and Indel-4, recorded as rs383545622 and rs525318770 in NCBI, respectively) were successfully genotyped by the Once PCR method, which was reliable, rapid and cost effective for simultaneous detection of two or more Indels. Indel-3 and Indel-4 were located at the second intron. All four different haplotypes (H1: D3D4, H2: I3D4, H3: D3I4, H4: I3I4) could be identified, and the D (del-) allele, DD (del-/del-) genotype and D3D4 haplotype retained the highest frequency. However, individuals with DI (D3I3, D4I4 or H1H4/H2H3 genotype) showed significantly better phenotypic traits than those with the other genotypes in Nanyang cattle, showing a hybrid vigor. The results implied that this DI genotype can be applied to early selective breeding to improve the productivity of Nanyang cattle. Our results suggested that these two Indels within the bovine FoxO1 gene might be used as genetic markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cattle breeding and genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Coiled-coil serine-rich protein 1 (CCSER1) gene is reported to be related to economic traits in livestock, and become a hotspot. In our study, we detected CCSER1 gene CNV in 693 goats from six breeds (GZB, GZW, AN, BH, HG, TH) by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and the association analysis between the types of CNV and growth traits. Then, CCSER1 gene expression pattern was discovered in seven tissues from NB goats. Our results showed that the CCSER1 gene copy numbers were distributed differently in the aforementioned six breeds. The type of CCSER1 gene CNV was significantly associated with body weight and heart girth traits in GZW goat, in which individuals with deletion type were dominant in body weight trait (P < 0.05), while the normal type individuals were more advantageous in heart girth trait (P < 0.01); and there was a significant association with heart girth in TH goat (P < 0.05), which normal type was the dominant one. The expression profile revealed that CCSER1 gene has the highest level in the lung, followed by the small intestine and heart. In conclusion, our result is dedicated to an in-depth study of the novel CCSER1 gene CNV site and to provide essential information for Chinese goats molecular selective breeding in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variant (CNV), a common genetic polymorphism, is closely related to the phenotypic variation traits of organisms. Vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 gene (VAMP7) codes a protein, which is a member of the SNARE proteins family and plays an important role in the process of intracellular vesicle transport. In this study, a total of four cattle breeds (Yunling cattle, Xianan cattle, Pinan cattle, Jiaxian red cattle) were used to investigate the copy numbers, and we found an association relationship between CNV of VAMP7 gene and growth traits of cattle by SPSS 20.0 software. The results showed that the CNV type of VAMP7 gene in four cattle breeds had the same distribution, Duplication type occupies a dominant position among the four varieties. In Yunling cattle, the Duplication type of VAMP7 is significantly related to the height at the hip cross (p < 0.05), Individuals with Duplication type commonly have less performance on growth and development, which indicates that the Duplication type of the VAMP7 gene may have a negative effect on cattle growth. Individuals with the other two CNV types may become the breeding direction of the VAMP7 gene. This study provided a new perspective and basic material for the molecular genetics of the CNV of the VAMP7 gene, and also promoted the breeding progress of Chinese local cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goat is an important sector for meat and dairy products. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), which is a key gene in milk production, has been recently detected to overlap with a novel copy number variation (CNV) in goats. CNVs could be genetic markers providing new insights into the genetic basis of phenotypic variation. Up to now, there are no reports on the DGAT1-related CNV (DGAT1 CNV) in Chinese goats. This study first detected the distribution of the DGAT1 CNV in Chinese seven goat breeds, finding substantial differences among dairy, meat, and fiber goats (P < 0.01). The association analysis between the DGAT1 CNV and milk production traits revealed significant associations: Xinong Sannen (XS) dairy goat with copy number loss type had higher freezing point depression (FPD) (P < 0.01) and milk solids-not-fat (SNF) content (P < 0.05). Overall, our study unraveled the distribution of DGAT1 CNV in Chinese goats for the first time and found the potential role of this CNV in the marker-assisted selection of dairy goat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation (CNV) is one kind of genomic structure variations and presents as gains and losses of genomic fragments. More recently, we have made an atlas of CNV maps for livestock. In the future, it is a primary focus to determine the phenotypic effects of candidate CNVs. Lysine Acetyltransferase 6 A (KAT6A) is a protein coding gene and plays a critical role in many cellular processes. However, the effects of KAT6A CNVs on sheep body measurements remains unknown. In this study, we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect the presences and distributions of three CNV regions within KAT6A gene in 672 sheep from four Chinese breeds. Association analysis indicated that the three CNVs of KAT6A gene were significantly associated with body measurement(s) in Small-tailed Han sheep (STH) and Hu sheep (HU) (p < 0.05), while no effects on Large-tailed Han sheep (LTH) were observed (p > 0.05) were observed. Additionally, only one CNV was significantly associated with body measurement (body length) in Chaka sheep (CK) (p < 0.05). Our study provided evidence that the CNV(s) of KAT6A gene could be used as candidate marker(s) for molecular breedings of STH, HU, and CK breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panel pad bending is a critical process to improve the screen-to-body ratio of an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) panel. The failure analysis of the metal wirings is the key to ensure the reliability of signal transmission when the pad be bent to the back of the panel. In the present work, the sub-modeling technique combined with the periodic boundary condition was used to simulate the stress distribution of the bending area of the pad. The progressive failure of bent metal wirings was investigated by the extended finite element method. It is proved to be rational to prevent the wirings damage if the interlayer dielectric is replaced by an organic layer. In order to reduce stress of metal wirings, it is a measure to replace the original ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive with a higher-modulus UV adhesive. The simulated results also show that rectangular perforations can avoid the stress concentration caused by the holes compared with circular perforations. For better stress distribution of metal wirings, it is necessary to increase the lengths of the rectangular holes and decrease the widths of that to a certain extent, which is helpful for restraining crack propagation by means of low-stress zones and holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation (CNV) is a type of genomic structural variation, and the research on it has flourished in recent years. According to the high-throughput sequencing data, we found that the copy number variation region of the GAL3ST1 gene was correlated with the growth traits of bovine. It is significant that we study the CNV of GAL3ST1 gene and process the association analysis between results of Q-PCR and growth traits of Chinese cattle. In this research, SPSS software was used to detect the distribution of GAL3ST1 gene copy number in four cattle breeds and the correlation of growth traits was analyzed. Correlation analysis showed that GAL3ST1 CNV had positive effects on some growth traits of bovine (p < 0.05). In addition, the study detects the expression of GAL3ST1 gene in different tissues of Xia'nan cattles on mRNA level. The result showed that GAL3ST1 gene has different expression conditions in different tissues, results showed that the expression level was high in intestine and low in liver tissue. In a word, we speculated that the GAL3ST1 gene can be used as a molecular marker and this study confirmed that the CNV of it can provide theoretical basis for molecular breeding of cattle in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximate Bayesian Computation algorithms (ABC), bypassing the intractable likelihood function, are commonly used to estimate the posterior distributions of parameters in practice. However ABC algorithms also have some inherent problems in the application, for example, when the algorithm maintains operating efficiency, it is difficult to obtain a more accurate approximation of the target distribution. To overcome these defects, an improved ABC algorithm is introduced in this article. The novel algorithm based on the ABC Sequential Monte Carlo (ABC-SMC) and a new recalibration post-processing methods is obtained to estimate the parameters of the biodynamic models, which is also called the ABC-SMCR algorithm. Through this article, it will be shown that the new algorithm is promising in processing the parameter inference problem. This algorithm not only offers high computational efficiency but also improves the quality estimate of the posterior distributions. To demonstrate its strengths, two examples are given. The first illustrative example on the basis of simulated data mainly demonstrates that it can be used to obtain accurate parameter inference of the Lotka-Volterra model. The second illustration based on actual flu outbreak data are given to show the computational efficiency of this algorithm in parameter estimation of the epidemic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the effect of fund managers' voting on the optimistic bias of sell-side analysts by exploiting the exogenous event of New Fortune Magazine suspending the Sixteenth Star Analyst Contest. Our results show that the disappearance of voting makes analysts face less pressure from funds, which leads to less optimistic bias and lower error in earnings forecasts. Moreover, the effect is more pronounced in the samples of analysts who work in small brokerages and have less star experience. Further, we find that analysts reduce listed firm joint site visits with small fund managers but still conduct single site visits, suggesting analysts are diligent but not catering to small fund managers anymore. In addition, we find the opposite result as the effect of the cancelation reverses. In general, our findings indicate that the voting right of the star analyst ranking has become a self-interest tool for fund managers, driving analysts to provide biased reports and soft services, becoming another source of pressure for analysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content and distribution of adipocytes is an important factor that affects meat quality. Previous studies showed that circRNAs are involved in various physiological processes. Nevertheless, more research is needed to investigate the function of circRNAs in adipogenesis. The present study examines the effects of circRNF111 on adipogenesis of bovine preadipocyte and aims to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. In our study, the sequence signature of circRNF111 was identified using bioinformatics, RNA-FISH, and sequencing. Mechanistically, knockdown or exogenous expression of circRNF111 in preadipocytes was done to prove the functional significance of circRNF111. Combined with bioinformatics, a dual fluorescein reporter system, and immunoprecipitation, the interaction between circRNF111, miR-27a-3p, and the target gene PPARγ was verified. The results reveal that circRNF111 is positively correlated with adipocyte differentiation. The newly identified bovine circRNF111 functions as a miR-27a-3p sponge to rescue the inhibitory effect of miR-27a-3p on the PPARγ gene, thereby promoting adipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel rotating conductive joint consisting of an inner raceway, an outer raceway, and an elastic ring was proposed in this study. The elastic ring was clamped between the inner and outer raceways using elastic compression force. The effect of the elastic force on the current-carrying properties and the damage of the ring material was investigated. As the elastic force increased from 10.2 N to 20.4 N, the total frictional force decreased from 15.5 N to 9.5 N, and the contact resistance decreased from 0.37 Ω to 0.18 Ω. While monitoring the revolution and rotation of the elastic ring, it was observed that the slip-rolling ratio decreased from 43.04% to 31.74%. Furthermore, a low friction coefficient was obtained under a high elastic force, which could be attributed to the small slip-roll ratio. The scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy results revealed that a low friction coefficient led to subsurface crack initiation and a low degree of grain deformation. When the friction coefficient at a single contact point was greater than 0.34, fatigue occurred directly on the contact surface. The high friction-induced plastic deformation could cause surface hardening. Therefore, a high friction coefficient and large surface fatigue did not lead to high wear at low elastic forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle development is a complex process that was regulated by many factors, among which non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a vital role in regulating multiple life activities of muscle cells. Circular RNA (circRNA), a type of non-coding RNA with closed-loop structure, has been reported to affect multiple life processes. However, the roles of circRNAs on muscle development have not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to determine whether and how circRIMKLB affects muscle development. Our study revealed that circRIMKLB promoted myoblast proliferation and inhibited differentiation. Besides, miR-29c was proved as a downstream target of circRIMKLB using dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Also, potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 12 (KCNJ12) was identified as a novel target of miR-29c via dual-luciferase reporter assay, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blot. CircRIMKLB and KCNJ12 were both proved to regulate cell cycle on muscle regeneration after injury in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrated that circRIMKLB sponged miR-29c, releasing KCNJ12 to regulate myoblast proliferation and differentiation and regulating cell cycle during muscle regeneration after injury in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) include the transition and transversion of a single base. In this study, we found two cSNPs (rs110757796 and rs110652478) in the FABP4 (fatty acid-binding protein 4) gene and tested their population genetic parameters in five Chinese cattle breeds. FABP4 is a key marker molecule for lipid production. It plays a crucial role in the growth and development of animals. Thus, we also analyze the association between the two cSNPs of FABP4 gene and body measurement data of Chinese cattle. Our results were indicated that rs110757796 was significantly associated with the chest width in Chinese cattle groups (p < 0.05). In addition, we tested the spatiotemporal expression profile of the bovine FABP4 gene and effect of genetic variation on its expression. It was found that bovine FABP4 gene has tissue-differential expression. Then, the genetic variation located on the exon has a certain effect on the expression of FABP4 gene in bovine muscle. Overall, our results provide that FABP4 could as a candidate gene to improve the progress of cattle molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation could take part in the gene expression and acts an important role in muscle development. In this study, DNA methylation and expression in adipose and muscle tissues were examined at the same time to evaluate the extent of epigenetic modifications and gene expression on the differentially methylated region (DMR) in SERPINA3. Chain reaction of bisulfite sequencing polymerase (BSP) was used to compared difference among DNA methylation patterns. The result of quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis showed that there was an extensive expression of SERPINA3 gene in tissue and there was a significant difference existing in muscle and adipose between Jiaxian cattle and individual of other breeds with increasing hybridization (p < 0.05). The statistic analyses indicated that DNA methylation patterns had a significant influence to the level of mRNA in tissue of fat and muscle. This study may be an important reference for investigating development of muscle tissue in cattle, and may promote the process of cattle molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replacement depth of black cotton soil (BCS) was investigated to control the cracking of the highway embankment. With the help of the user subroutines Abaqus, the FEM model of the highway embankment on BCS was constructed. The change of major principal stress within the highway embankment due to the water losing shrinkage of BCS was simulated. The results indicate the tensile stress caused by shrinkage of BCS extends gradually to the inner side of the embankment along the slope surface, finally reaches the threshold and results in the cracking of highway embankment. There is a critical value of BCS depth and its replacement depth, respectively. Beyond this value, the cracking of embankment is mainly controlled by the shrinkage of BCS outside the subgrade. The weight of earth filling can restrain the embankment cracking caused by shrinkage of BCS. To control the cracking of high-filled highway embankment on deep BCS, the top 1.2 m of BCS should be replaced. For low-filled highway embankment, the replacement depth of shallow BCS should be greater than 0.8 m, while that of deep BCS should not be less than 1.2 m, moreover, measures such as slope protection should also be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the biotransformation of ursolic acid by Circinella muscae CGMCC 3.2695 was investigated. Scaled-up biotransformation reactions yielded ten metabolites. Their structures were established based on extensive NMR and HR-ESI-MS data analyses, and four of them are new compounds. C. muscae could selectively catalyze hydroxylation, lactonisation, carbonylation and carboxyl reduction reactions. Furthermore, all the identified metabolites were evaluated for their anti-neuroinflammatory activities in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. Most metabolites displayed pronounced inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production. The results suggested that biotransformed derivatives of ursolic acid might be served as potential neuroinflammatory inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation mainly refers to the copy number change of DNA fragments from 1 to 5 Mb. The deletion, duplication, inversion and ectopic of these fragments are collectively referred to as CNV. Numerous studies have shown that transfer factors play a vital role in regulating the growth and development of the body, for example the pleomorphic adenoma gene (PLAG). However, there is no study of CNV in PLAG1 gene. We qualified copy numbers within PLAG1 gene in 8 cattle breeds (Qinchuan, Qaidamu, Jinjiang, Guangfeng, Ji'an, Jiaxian, Pinan and Xianan cattle) by quantitative PCR, and explored their impacts on CNV of PLAG1 gene and phenotypic traits in Xianan cattle. We defined Deletion into CN = 0, Normal into CN = 1 and Duplication into CN = 2. The results showed that the individual with type of CN = 1 has a significant better effect on heart girth in JA cattle population (p < 0.01); the individual with type of CN = 1 and CN = 0 has a better effect on Rump length in JX cattle population (p < 0.05); the individual with type of CN = 0 has a better effect on cannon bone circumference in XN cattle population (p < 0.05). Association analysis showed that in JA cattle, the number of CN = 2 is great in JA cattle population, and the performance of CN = 2 in heart girth is better than CN = 1; in JX cattle, the rump length of CN = 2 is less than individual with CN = 0 and CN = 1; in XN cattle, individuals with CN = 0 have a better performance on cannon bone circumference than others. The results can provide a theoretical basis for molecular breeding of Chinese cattle, molecular mark-assist selection (MAS) of growth traits of Chinese cattle, and rapidly establish a Chinese cattle population with excellent genetic resources. Simple summary With the living standards rising, people's demand for beef is getting higher and higher, and there is a great significance to improve the growth performance of cattle. We measured body size data and detected copy number type of different cattle breeds (Xianan cattle, Ji'an cattle and Jiaxian cattle), and analyzed the correlation between the two object. We found that copy number variation of PLAG1 gene significantly affected some growth traits of XN cattle, JA cattle, and JX cattle. This may provide the basic material for molecular marker-assisted selection breeding of Chinese cattle breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to detect the novel copy number variation (CNV) locus of NCAM2 gene in Chinese Holstein, and to analyze the effect of the novel CNV locus in NCAM2 gene on milk composition traits. The novel CNV locus of NCAM2 gene in 310 Chinese Holstein was detected by real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR (qPCR) and association analysis was performed between the novel CNV locus in NCAM2 gene and milk composition traits in Chinese Holstein. There are three CNV types of NCAM2 gene in Chinese Holstein: gain (increased copy number), median (normal copy number) and loss (deleted copy number). Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant association between CNV types and milk fat rate (p < 0.05). Moreover, we also discovered that the milk production and milk protein rate of gain type is higher than that of loss type, but that of mediate type is lower than that of loss type. However, in terms of somatic cell score, loss type is higher than that of gain type, but that of mediate type is lower than that of gain type. These observations suggested that gain type can be used as a candidate molecular genetic marker of milk fat rate. The CNVs of the NCAM2 gene were detected and validated in Chinese Holstein. The type of CNV was successfully implemented using qPCR. The statistical analysis indicated that the CNV of the NCAM2 gene are significantly associated with milk fat rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variations (CNVs) were similar to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion-deletion (InDel), regarded as genetic variations in many species. CNV is defined as the variable change of DNA segment length compared with the reference genome, including gains or losses from 50 bp to several mega bases. The functions of USP16 gene are diverse, such as regulating the cell cycle, DNA damage, histone H2A deubiquitination or mitotic nuclear division. To analyze the relationship between CNV of USP16 gene and milk traits in Chinese Holstein, we used qPCR to detect the individuals of Chinese Holstein (n = 180). The results showed that the effect of USP16 gene CNV on daily milk yield and fat percentage had significant difference (p < 0.05). The gain was the advantage type in daily milk yield and the loss was the advantage type in fat percentage. Therefore, CNV of USP16 gene is an important factor of milk traits in Chinese Holstein. Meanwhile, it may be used as a molecular marker for assisted selection of milk traits in Chinese Holstein, which provides a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of cow breeds in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA) is a newly developed technology, and the objective of this study is to establish the LMTIA assay for detection of pork in beef. The LMTIA primers were designed with the prolactin receptor gene of Sus scrofa as the target. The LMTIA reaction system was optimized, and the performance of the LMTIA assay in specificity, sensitivity and detection limit (LOD) was determined. Our results showed that the LMTIA assay was able to specifically detect 10 ng genomic DNA (gDNAs) of Sus scrofa, the sensitivity of the LMTIA assay was 1 ng genomic DNA of Sus scrofa, and the LMTIA assay was able to detect the pork adulterated in beef with 0.1% LOD, which was the same as that of reported PCR assay or LAMP assay. This study holds a promise for facilitating the surveillance of the commercial adulteration of pork in beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ladder-shape melting temperature isothermal amplification (LMTIA) is a newly developed technique with advantages of simple mechanism, easy primer design, quick turn-around time, high specificity, high sensitivity and short target sequence compared to the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. The objective of this research was to establish the LMTIA assay for detection of chicken in beef. The LMTIA primers targeting the prolactin receptor gene of Gallus gallus were designed, the LMTIA reaction system was optimized, the specificity and the sensitivity of the LMTIA assay were determined. Our results showed that the LMTIA assay was able to specifically detect 100 ng genomic DNA of Gallus gallus, without detecting the 100 ng genomic DNA of Anas platyrhynchos, Felis catus, Sus scrofa, Canis lupus familiaris, Bos taurus or Capra hircus. The sensitivity of the LMTIA assay was 100 pg genomic DNA of G. gallus. Furthermore, the LMTIA assay was able to detect the chicken adulterated in beef with ≥0.1% (w/w) detection limit (LOD). This study holds a promise for facilitation of the surveillance of the commercial adulteration of chicken in beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation (CNV) has been used as an important source of phenotypic and genetic diversity in recent years. Nicastrin (NCSTN) gene is usually attached to human diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and Acne inversa. However, there are no essays about the NCSTN gene combining with cattle breeds. In our study, we discovered different distributions of NCSTN gene copy number and associated it with phenotypic traits in four Chinese yellow cattle breeds (XN, PN, QC and YL). The result turned out that the CNV of the NCSTN gene was associated with several growth traits, such as cannon circumference, chest girth and rump length (p < 0.05). In general, we revealed the eminence over CNV of NCSTN gene and economic traits, suggesting that the CNV of the NCSTN gene can be considered to be a promising molecular breeding marker of Chinese beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the specific predictive role of the preoperative Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) in oligometastatic prostate cancer (OM-PC) patients, who have undergone cytoreductive radical prostatectomy (cRP), and explored its prognostic index values. A total 89 OM-PC patients, who were identified between 2013 and 2019, were included in the present study. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to separately assess the prostate specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival (PFS). Overall accuracy was determined by analyzing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The analysis of patients in these three different groups indicated that patients with lower NRI values were significantly associated with a higher Gleason score and more neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (P < 0.05). In addition, the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that OM-PC patients in the preoperative high-risk group had shorter PSA-PFS (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the multivariate analysis further predicted that the high-risk NRI value is a common independent prognostic factor for shorter PSA-PFS (P < 0.001). Moreover, it was also observed that the AUC value of the NRI score was higher than other conventional nutritional indicators. The present study suggests that NRI can potentially be used as a new prognostic indicator for PSA-PFS for patients with OM-PC after cRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aristolochic acid (AA) are persistent soil pollutants in the agricultural fields of the Balkan Peninsula. Preparations containing aristolochic acid are widely used for anti-inflammatory, diuretic, etc. To study the hepatotoxicity of aristolochic acid, 80 healthy SD rats were selected and divided into 20 mg/kg- AA group, 4 mg/kg-AA group, and 2 mg/kg-AA group and blank group, 20 rats per group. Mainly tested the body weight, liver function, liver tissue oxidative stress and pathological changes of liver tissue in rats. The ALT and AST activities in the serum of the rats in the administration groups were increased compared with the blank group. The activity of MDA in the administration groups was higher than that in the blank group; the activities of SOD, T-AOC and GSH-PX were significantly lower than those in the blank group. HE tissue sections also found that the administration groups showed varying degrees of hepatocyte boundary blur, nuclear fragmentation, and fibrosis tendency. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria of the rat liver became more and more severely damaged with the increase of dose. Compared with the blank group, the mRNA expression of Bax, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 in the administration groups were determined, while the mRNA expression of the Bcl-2 was increased. And compared with the blank control group, the expression levels of apoptotic proteins caspase-9 and caspase-3 increased significantly in the 20 mg/kg-AA group. Aristolochic acid can induce liver injury in rats through oxidative stress pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compression tests of stitched 2D-C/SiC at room temperature were implemented and monitored by acoustic emission (AE). The t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding(t-SNE) and the ward-link hierarchical clustering (WLHC) algorithm were used to perform the pattern recognition of the AE data. AE signals were divided into four clusters and labeled by matrix cracking in fiber bundle, matrix cracking between fiber bundles, fiber cluster breakage, interlaminar delamination & friction respectively, according to their physical foundation. It is found: (1) the compression failure process of stitched C/SiC experiences the initial damage stage with a few low-energy AE signals, the damage development stage beginning with high-energy fiber cluster breakage, and the damage acceleration stage in which fiber cluster breakage and interlaminar damage develop rapidly; (2) the macroscopic fracture generally originates from the sparse location of the stitches, and the spacing and uniformity of the stitches have a great impact on the form of fiber breakage and the area of individual delamination damage rather than the direction of the stitches; (3) fiber cluster breakage and interlaminar delamination & friction are the main factors of stitched 2D-C/SiC compressive failure modes, the sum of the corresponding AE events accounts for about 60% of all AE events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revealing the dynamics of soil organic carbon (Corg) and nutrients at aggregate scales is essential for improving our understanding of soil Corg mitigation and nutrient restitution in the Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations. In this study, soil Corg, total nitrogen (Ntot), available phosphorus (Pava), and exchangeable cations (including calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+)) received the analysis in aggregate fractions acquired from 0 to 10 cm and 10–20 cm depths in the three different stand types, namely mixed stands of Cunninghamia lanceolata and Michelia macclurei (stand A), Cunninghamia lanceolata and Mytilaria laosensis (stand B), and pure stand of Cunninghamia lanceolata (stand C). Soil aggregates were classified into macro-aggregates (>2 mm), meso-aggregates (2–0.25 mm), and micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm) by the dry-sieving process. The two mixed stands displayed higher level of soil aggregate stability than the pure stand. Moreover, micro-aggregates acted as the main fractions that carried soil Corg, Ntot, and Pava, and both micro-aggregates and macro-aggregates referred to the main fractions that carried exchangeable cations. As for the soil nutrient stocks, only the exchangeable K+ stock of the pure stand dominated among the Corg and nutrient stocks, in addition, the rest of the other nutrient stocks of the mixed forests (stands A and B) took an advantage over the pure stand. Moreover, the Corg and nutrient stocks in stands A and B were reflected in the macro-aggregates, differently, those of stand C were mainly reflected in the micro-aggregates. Thus, selecting suitable broadleaf tree species mixed with Cunninghamia lanceolata can alleviate the reduction of soil aggregate stability and the loss of soil nutrients, thus promoting soil resources to be sustainably utilized and protecting soil quality and health in southern Guangxi of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation (CNV) as an important source of genetic phenotypic and variation is related to complex phenotypic traits. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential associations of BAG4 (Bcl-2-associated athanogene 4) copy numbers variations with sheep growth traits in three Chinese sheep breeds (CKS, STHS, and HS). BAG4 is located within the stature and udder attachment quantitative trait loci (QTL) in sheep. Expression profiling revealed that the BAG4 gene was widely expressed in the tissues of sheep. The distribution of BAG4 gene copy number showed that the loss of copy number was more dominant in CKS and HS which was different from that in STHS. Statistical analysis revealed that the BAG4 CNV was significantly associated with body height in CKS (p < 0.05), with body slanting length in HS (p < 0.05), and with body height and hip cross height in STHS (p < 0.05). The χ2 values showed significant differences in the BAG4 CNV distribution frequency between varieties. In conclusion, the results establish the association between BAG4 CNV and sheep traits and suggest that BAG4 CNV may be a promising marker for the molecular breeding of Chinese sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ménière's disease (MD), characterized by episodic vertigo attacks and fluctuating progressive hearing loss, is treated by low-dose intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) injections. Whether ITG causes hearing loss is controversial, and knowledge about its effects on the contralateral hearing and vestibular function is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the effect of ITG on bilateral auditory and otolith organ function in patients with unilateral refractory MD. The data of 30 patients was collected, including history, and pure tone audiometry and vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) results before and one month after ITG treatment. Changes in vertigo were assessed at a two-year follow-up. One month after ITG injection, auditory thresholds between 125 Hz and 8 kHz on the injection side remained unchanged but have improved on the contralateral side at 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 1 kHz. The cervical and ocular VEMP solicitation rates on the injection side were lower than before the injection. Two years after treatment, vertigo was improved in 88.5% and complete controlled in 76.7% patients respectively. The intractable vertigo of MD can be effectively controlled by ITG injection. This can improve the low and medium frequency hearing level in the contralateral ear, suggesting that it might help prevent contralateral MD occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectric properties and electromagnetic wave absorbing performance of granular polysilicon have important influences on microwave smelting efficiency. In this study, the dielectric parameters (dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor and loss tangent) of granular polysilicon were measured from room temperature (25 °C) to 800 °C at 2450 MHz by using the cylindrical cavity perturbation method, and the reflection loss of granular polysilicon was calculated according to the theory of electromagnetic wave transmission line, and then the effects of temperature on microwave absorbing performance was analyzed. The results indicated that the dielectric constant and dielectric factor loss of granular polysilicon change little before 300 °C, but when the temperature is higher than 300 °C, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor increase gradually. The microwave absorbing performance of granular polysilicon fluctuates with the increase of granules thickness, there are multiple absorption peaks, and the position and intensity of absorption peaks change with the increasing temperature. This study provides theoretical guidance for the optimization of smelting process parameters of granular polysilicon and the design of microwave smelting equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor dispersion between graphene nanofiller and polymer matrix would limit the development and application of the polymeric composites. In our study, three reduction methods, chemical reduction using hydrazine hydrate (N2H4·H2O), high temperature, and solvothermal methods were used to reduce graphene oxide; then reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were further functionalized by sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The functionalized RGO (FRGO) was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Subsequently, the studied RGO was incorporated into epoxy resin to fabricate composites. Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) theory was used to predict dispersion of studied RGO in epoxy resin. The compatibility of different RGO with epoxy was calculated by HSPs and compared with the real dispersion of RGO and FRGO in epoxy resin, which was explored through light optional microscopy (LOM). The results indicated that the dispersion of studied RGO in epoxy predicted by HSPs theory is in a good agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to establish a real-time LAMP assay for authentication of rape (Brassica napus) honey to protect consumers from commercial honey adulteration. The LAMP primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of Brassica napus were designed, and its specificity was tested. The LAMP reaction temperature was also optimized, and the detection limit of the LAMP assay was determined with a serial dilution of genomic DNA from the seeds of Brassica napus. The results showed that the real-time LAMP assay can accurately and specifically detect the rape component in honey, and the detection limit was 10 pg genomic DNA of Brassica napus. Data on monofloral honey samples indicate that the real-time LAMP assay was 100% in concordance with the reported TaqManTM PCR assay. This study provides a promising solution for facilitating the authentication of rape honey in food retail market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop a reliable visual method for rapid detection of donkey components to protect consumers from commercial adulteration. Six specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers targeted at donkey mitochondrial cytochrome b gene were designed, the mitochondrial DNA extraction simplified, the LAMP reaction system optimized, the specificity verified with mitochondrial DNA of horse, pork, cow, sheep, chicken, duck, and rabbit as negative controls, the detection limit determined with gradient dilution of adulterated meat with donkey meat, and the visual LAMP method for detection of donkey-derived ingredient in common meat products established. The results showed that the modified mitochondrial DNA extraction method was simple and repeatable, and the visual LAMP method with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol sodium salt as indicator can accurately and specifically detect the donkey meat in common meat products, 1% detection limit. The study provided a promising solution for facilitating the surveillance of the commercial adulteration in processed meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal hypoxia–ischemia is a troublesome disease. Angelica polysaccharide (AP) is proved to have antioxidant effects. Our study was performed to confirm the effects of AP in hypoxia-exposed neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs were pre-treated with AP and then stimulated with hypoxia. Viability of NSCs was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Hypoxia-introduced apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry. Essential regulators of mTOR and Notch signalling pathways were examined by Western blot. mRNA expression was accessed using qRT-PCR. Bcl2/adenovirus EIB 19kD-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) was altered by transfection. We noticed that NSCs were sensitive to hypoxia-induced apoptosis and showed decreased viability. Moreover, Beclin and light chain 3-II was upregulated while p62 was downregulated. However, AP reversed all these results. Similarly, hypoxia decreased the phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K and Notch1 expression while AP increased the phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K as well as the expression of Notch1. BNIP3 was upregulated by hypoxia while downregulated by AP. Further experiments demonstrated that overexpression of BNIP3 broken all the effects induced by AP shown in cell viability, apoptosis, autophagy and signalling pathways. Collectively, AP alleviated hypoxia-introduced NSCs damages by maintaining cell viability, blocking apoptosis and autophagy via downregulation of BNIP3 with the activation of mTOR and Notch signalling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcanic rocks preserved in the Houay kham area, Loei Fold Belt are important components of the giant Paleo-Tethyan igneous belt. These magmatic rocks, previously mapped as Triassic-Jurassic in age, are composed of dacitic tuff, brecciated rhyolite tuff and a small number of dioritic dikes. In this study, LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results show that brecciated rhyolite tuff, dacitic tuff, and dioritic dyke samples have ages of 419.8 ± 1.6 Ma, 449.6 ± 2.6 Ma and 417 ± 4.9 Ma. These are the first documented Late Ordovician to Late Silurian volcanic rocks in the Loei Volcanic Belt or in Southeast Asia. Geochemical analyses of these rocks show that all are calc-alkali to high K, formed in a subduction-related, back-arc basin and are intermediate-acid igneous rocks. Dacitic and brecciated rhyolite tuff samples originated from partial melting of mafic crust with medium to strong crustal contamination and weak to medium fractional crystallization. Dioritic dyke samples originated from simultaneous partial melting of gabbroic and metasedimentary rocks with weak to no crustal contamination or fractional crystallization. In the early Ordovician the eastern branch of the Rheic ocean opened and the Indochina terrane drifted away from NE Gondwana and subsequently an Ordovician–Silurian Palaeo-Tethyan Ocean opened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sliding dry friction behaviors and wear properties of normalized 45 steel and annealed 45 steel under different magnetic field intensities were experimentally studied using a self-made HY-100 pin–disc friction and wear tester. The influence of a magnetic field on the friction and wear of 45 steel were also investigated by analyzing the microscopic friction surface and subsurface using a 3D shape analyzer and metallographic microscope. The experimental results show that the friction coefficient of the normalized 45 steel was greater than that of the annealed 45 steel under magnetic field. In addition, the results illustrate that the external magnetic field can effectively improve the wear performance of carbon steel. The wear rate of normalized 45 steel was lower than that of annealed 45 steel. The wear performance of normalized 45 steel was more significantly improved compared to annealed 45 steel with a magnetic field. Energy spectrum analysis indicated that the effect of the magnetic field on the degree of friction and oxidative wear of the normalized 45 steel was weaker than that of the annealed 45 steel, and the ratio of oxygen to iron and the oxidation area on the friction surface of the normalized 45 steel were smaller. It is believed that as an oxidation protectant, carbon reduces the oxidation wear of 45 steel. The carbon on the normalized 45 steel surface was uniformly distributed and the protective effect of friction surface was better. Therefore, the oxidation wear and oxide shedding were reduced and the wear performance was improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenol-formaldehyde resin (PF) composites with a nano-porous graphite additive (NPGA) in various contents were fabricated and the wear behaviors under low and high sliding speeds were studied. The addition of NPGA significantly improved the wear resistance of the PF. The specific wear rates of PF composites under low sliding speed first decreased with increasing NPGA and then slightly increased when the NPGA content surpassed 15 wt%; the specific wear rate of the composite with 15 wt% NPGA was reduced by 77% compared with the neat PF. Under high sliding speed the specific wear rates of the composite material decreased continuously with increasing NPGA content and the maximum wear resistance of the composite with 20 wt% NPGA was more than 12 times that of the neat phenolic resin. The results are attributed to the combined effects of load-capacity and the lubrication role of the included NPGA. The surface morphology of the worn surface was characterized, and the wear mechanism for the composites is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of the worn surface of a pin were studied in the presence of a DC magnetic field. The experiments were conducted on a pin-on-disk tribometer in the ambient atmosphere. The medium carbon steel/medium carbon steel sliding couple was adopted. Compared to the pin formed in the absence of a magnetic field, oxidation becomes visible on the worn surface of the pin during the process of friction with the action of magnetic field. Fe2O3 was detected from the worn surface of a pin in the stable wear stage. The oxidation area of the worn surface of the pin gradually extends with increasing friction time. The wear of the pin decreases with extending of the oxidation area on the worn surface of the pin. The results reveal that the oxide layer formed on a pin worn surface is one of the key antiwear factors in the presence of a magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecularly imprinted polymer was deposited on the surface of porous magnetic carbon nanosphere to obtain a sorbent for dibenzothiophene. The molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized by using porous magnetic carbon nanosphere as the support, dibenzothiophene as the template, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linker. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the morphology and structure of the sorbent. Adsorption results in terms of kinetics, isotherms and selective recognition adsorption indicate that the saturated adsorption amount of the sorbent towards dibenzothiophene reaches 32.00 mg g−1 at 318 K within 40 min. The sorbent presents good selectivity for dibenzothiophene over benzothiophene with a relative selectivity coefficient of 1.70. The adsorption capacity of the sorbent towards dibenzothiophene still maintains 81.5% after five times of recycle, indicating that the obtained sorbent has excellent regeneration ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]