Search

Purpose: This study investigated the influencing factors of motivation to transfer, job value, and social responsibility on the nursing intention for emerging communicable diseases among nursing students.Methods: Data were collected from January 1-7, 2022 through structured online surveys. The subjects were 140 students in the 3rd or 4th year of nursing college with clinical practice experience. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis of hierarchical selection methods analysis using the SPSS statistics program.Results: In the last two-step hierarchical regression analysis, the factors influencing nursing intention for emerging communicable diseases were the attitude of social responsibility (β=.33, p=.001) and intrinsic work value (β=.25, p=.013), with 34% explanatory power of the regression model.Conclusion: Results show that the attitude of social responsibility as well as intrinsic work value are key factors that can increase nursing intention for emerging communicable diseases. Thus, it is necessary to expand research on nursing education contents, and to develop programs that strengthen the attitude of social responsibility as well as intrinsic work value.

Silk protein is being increasingly introduced as a prospective material for biomedical devices. However, a limited locus to intervene in nature-oriented silk protein makes it challenging to implement on-demand functions to silk. Here, we report how polymorphic transitions are related with molecular structures of artificially synthesized silk protein and design principles to construct a green-lithographic and high-performative protein resist. The repetition number and ratio of two major building blocks in synthesized silk protein are essential to determine the size and content of β-sheet crystallites, and radicals resulting from tyrosine cleavages by the 193 nm laser irradiation induce the β-sheet to α-helix transition. Synthesized silk is designed to exclusively comprise homogeneous building blocks and exhibit high crystallization and tyrosine-richness, thus constituting an excellent basis for developing a high-performance deep-UV photoresist. Additionally, our findings can be conjugated to design an electron-beam resist governed by the different irradiation-protein interaction mechanisms. All synthesis and lithography processes are fully water-based, promising green lithography. Using the engineered silk, a nanopatterned planar color filter showing the reduced angle dependence can be obtained. Our study provides insights into the industrial scale production of silk protein with on-demand functions.

This paper presents a dual-motor drive system with a three-phase two-level inverter for independent speed control of a three-phase motor and a single-phase motor. The single-phase motor is connected in series between the neutral point of the three-phase motor and the midpoint of two split DC-link capacitors. As the single-phase motor current is a zero-sequence component flowing in the three-phase motor, it does not affect the operation of the three-phase motor. The proposed drive system can reduce the number of power switches compared with the conventional drive system that uses a single-phase and a three-phase inverter. Thus, the proposed system can reduce the cost of the drive system. Simulations and experiments are presented to verify the proposed drive system.

In this paper, simple compensation methods for the current measurement errors due to the scaling gain error of the current sensor and non-simultaneous sampling error are proposed for three-phase inverter applications. The scaling error can be compensated offline simply by turning off one phase of the inverter. The error compensation methods for the non-simultaneous sampling error are proposed according to the number of sample and hold (S/H) circuits in the current sensor and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). When a low-cost ADC with a few S/H circuits is used, it can be divided into three cases and compensated through a simple calculation formula. The effectiveness of the proposed compensation methods is verified through simulations and experiments.

Chicken eggshell (ES) waste is a rich source of calcium carbonate (CaCO3); however, the potential of ES as dietary calcium (Ca) in old laying hens has not been explored. This study compared the effects of feeding limestone, cockle shell, oyster shell, fine ES, and coarse ES as the sole Ca source on production performance, egg quality, blood biochemical constituents, and tibia characteristics in old laying hens. A total of 450 ISA-Brown laying hens at 73 wk of age with similar egg production rate (EPR) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups (90 hens/group, 9 hens/replicate) for 7 wk. Dietary treatment groups comprised a corn-soybean meal based diet containing different Ca sources: (i) limestone (LS; P P P P > 0.05). Notably, the use of ESF led to a lower proportion of cracked eggs than ESC (P P P P 0.05). The yolk color was darker in the eggs of group ESF as compared with other dietary groups (P P > 0.05). The blood biochemistry results were not affected by the dietary Ca (P > 0.05) except for lower levels of high-density lipoprotein percentage (HDL %) in OS and ESC fed hens (P P > 0.05). However, the ESC and OS fed hens showed higher tibia bone mineral density (BMD) than the other groups (P

In pigs, litter size is typically defined as the total number of piglets born (TNB) or the number of piglets born alive (NBA). Increasing pig litter size is of great economic interest as a means to increase productivity. The capacity of the uterus is a critical component of litter size and may play a central role in prolificacy. In this study, we investigated litter-size-related epigenetic markers in uterine tissue from Berkshire pigs with smaller litter size groups (SLGs) and larger litter size groups (LLGs) using genome-wide bisulfite sequencing (GWBS). A total of 3269 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified: 1566 were hypermethylated and 1703 hypomethylated in LLG compared to SLG. The zona pellucida binding protein (ZPBP) gene was significantly hypomethylated in the LLG promoter region, and its expression was significantly upregulated in uterine tissue. Thus, the methylation status of ZPBP gene was identified as a potential indicator of litter size. Furthermore, we verified its negative correlation with litter size traits (TNB and NBA) in whole blood samples from 172 Berkshire sows as a blood-based biomarker by a porcine methylation-specific restriction enzyme polymerase chain reaction (PMP) assay. The results suggest that the methylation status of the ZPBP gene can serve as a valuable epigenetic biomarker for hyperprolific sows.

Litter size is an important trait in the pig industry. Therefore, a lot of effort has been put into improving this trait. DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification present in unique DNA sequences. Alterations in methylation can affect transcription and phenotypic variation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of DNA methylation on litter size. Methylation-specific restriction enzymes are simple and useful tools for detecting DNA methylation status. We used a pair of methylation-sensitive isoschizomers, which have the same recognition site, HpaII and MspI. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP4) is a key regulator of ovarian follicular development and fetal growth in eutherian mammals. In this study, we discovered that IGFBP4 was hyper-methylated in the uterus tissue of a larger litter size group using bisulfite sequencing, and validated the positive relationship between the methylation status of IGFBP4 and the total number born of pigs using the porcine methylation-specific restriction enzyme polymerase chain reaction (PMP) assay. We suggest that the IGFPB4 gene can be used as a prognostic biomarker for hyperprolific sows and that the PMP assay is a useful tool for methylation status screening.

Litter size is an economically important trait in the pig industry. We aimed to identify genetic markers associated with litter size, which can be used in breeding programs for improving reproductive traits. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Berkshire pigs in the N-acetyltransferase 9 (NAT9) and Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3) genes were from RNA sequencing results, and already exist in the databank (NCBI), and were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). A total of 272 Berkshire sows were used to examine the genotype, and their association with litter size traits was analyzed. The NAT9 SNP was located in chromosome 12 exon 640 mRNA (A > G) and the MAP3K3 SNP was located in chromosome 12 intron 11 (80, C > T). Association analysis indicated that the GG genotype of NAT9 and the CT genotype of MAP3K3 had the highest values for litter size traits. The GG genotype expressed higher levels of NAT9 mRNA in the endometrium than the other genotypes did, and a positive correlation was found between litter size traits and NAT9, but not MAP3K3 expression level. These results indicate that the NAT9 and MAP3K3 can be used as candidate genes applicable in breeding program for the improvement of litter size traits in Berkshire pigs.

In this study, highly efficient green-to-red-emitting CsPbBr3-zIz perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) with high color purity are synthesized and a facile route for the formation of PQD-inorganic SiO2 composites is proposed. To improve thermal and water stability of the PQDs, perhydropolysilazane (PHPS)-derived SiO2 composites are prepared. The CsPbBr3-SiO2 composites exhibit highly enhanced thermal stability and water stability. The green-emitting CsPbBr3-SiO2 composites and red-emitting CsPbBr1·2I1.8 PQDs are coated on blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the fabricated green and red LEDs show high color purities of 95.1 and 99.5%, respectively. Finally, the white LED is fabricated by combining a blue LED with CsPbBr3-SiO2 composites and CsPbBr1·2I1.8 PQDs. The fabricated white LED shows bright natural white light (luminous efficacy = 35.4 lmW−1, correlated color temperature = 5623 K) with excellent color reproducibility due to wide color gamut (127% National Television System Committee color space).

The electron transfer flavoprotein α subunit gene (ETFA) encodes a protein that forms part of the ETF enzyme. This enzyme is normally active in mitochondria, the energy-producing centres of cells, to donate electrons derived from fatty acid oxidation to ETF- ubiquinone oxidoreductase. In the present study, we identified a non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP) (rs321948383, c.569G > A) in the porcine ETFA gene and analyzed the association between this nsSNP and meat quality traits in 405 Berkshire pigs. The pigs with rs321948383 G/G had a higher meat quality from the aspects of meat colour (L*, p = 0.013), water-holding capacity (p = 0.001), drip loss (p = 0.000), carcass temperatures (T1, p = 0.000; T4, p = 0.000; T12, p = 0.000; T24, p = 0.001), and pH24 (p = 0.014). Therefore, this nsSNP (c.569G > A) could play an important role in improving the meat quality of pigs.

Postmortem pH is a main factor influencing the meat quality in pigs. This study investigated the association of postmortem pH with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fourth member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family (DHRS4), the first member of serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade G (complement inhibitor) (SERPING1), and the apolipoprotein R precursor (APOR) genes in Berkshire pigs. The study included 437 pigs, and genotyping was conducted using the GoldenGate Assay (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). DHRS4, SERPING1, and APOR polymorphisms were significantly associated with pH45 or pH24 (p

This research determined the antioxidant activities of medicinal plants fermented by Enterococcus faecium and their subsequent applications as dog food additives. Turmeric (5%, w/v), glasswort (2.5%, w/v), Ganghwa mugwort (2.5%, w/v), and their mixture (5%, w/v) were fermented by autochthonous E. faecium (1%, v/v) for 72 h. Bacterial cell counts and pH were monitored during fermentation. Total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2&prime, azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and intracellular superoxide scavenging activity in bovine mammary alveolar epithelial (MAC-T) cells were measured with the fermented and non-fermented samples. Only the antioxidant capacity of the mixture was increased after fermentation. However, intracellular superoxide level in MAC-T cells was significantly reduced after treatment with fermented plant samples (p &lt, 0.001) as compared with that in non-fermented plants. Fermented plants were then sprayed at 1% (v/w) onto dog foods. TPC, TFC, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and DPPH radical scavenging activity of dog foods were significantly enhanced after the addition of fermented plants. Food preference testing was conducted using a two-pan method&mdash, control diet vs. four treatment diets&mdash, for 4 days for each additive diet, a total 16 days in 9 beagles. Feces were collected to enumerate bacterial counts. Preferences for glasswort and Ganghwa mugwort were higher than those of the control (p &lt, 0.05). Furthermore, fecal microbiota enumeration displayed a higher number of beneficial microorganisms in treated groups. These results suggest that fermented plants with enhanced antioxidant abilities might be useful as potential additives for dog foods.

Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) is a plasma transport protein that has glucocorticoid-binding activity. In the present study, we identified CBG gene expression in several tissues of four pig breeds: Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire. Expression of CBG mRNA was detected in the liver of all four breeds, and was the highest in Berkshire pigs. We also found single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CBG gene from Berkshire pigs, including SNP c.919G>A, which corresponds to 307G>R. We analyzed the relationships between this CBG variant and various meat-quality traits. The SNP was significantly associated with backfat thickness, post-mortem pH24h, meat color [CIE a* (redness), CIE b* (yellowness)], water-holding capacity, fat content, moisture content, protein content, cooking loss, and shear force. However, the effects differed by gender: the values were significantly associated with almost all traits in gilts, whereas only cooking loss and shear force were shown significantly in barrows. The variant G allele was associated with decreases in backfat thickness, post-mortem pH24h, CIE a*, fat content, and cooking loss, but with increases in CIE b*, water-holding capacity, moisture content, protein content, and shear force. Because the general correlation between meat-quality traits were not validated in the present study, we suggest that certain SNP might be used in the restrictive application to distinguish meat-quality traits.

In pigs, litter size is typically defined as the total number of piglets born (TNB) or the number of piglets born alive (NBA). Increasing pig litter size is of great economic interest as a means to increase productivity. The capacity of the uterus is a critical component of litter size and may play a central role in prolificacy. In this study, we investigated litter-size-related epigenetic markers in uterine tissue from Berkshire pigs with smaller litter size groups (SLGs) and larger litter size groups (LLGs) using genome-wide bisulfite sequencing (GWBS). A total of 3269 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified: 1566 were hypermethylated and 1703 hypomethylated in LLG compared to SLG. The zona pellucida binding protein (ZPBP) gene was significantly hypomethylated in the LLG promoter region, and its expression was significantly upregulated in uterine tissue. Thus, the methylation status of ZPBP gene was identified as a potential indicator of litter size. Furthermore, we verified its negative correlation with litter size traits (TNB and NBA) in whole blood samples from 172 Berkshire sows as a blood-based biomarker by a porcine methylation-specific restriction enzyme polymerase chain reaction (PMP) assay. The results suggest that the methylation status of the ZPBP gene can serve as a valuable epigenetic biomarker for hyperprolific sows.

Background During maximal isometric protraction, it is important to determine the optimal resistance intensity in subjects with a winged scapula, for inducing isolated activity of the serratus anterior against the pectoralis major, which is activated as a synergistic muscle. The aim of the present study was to determine electromyographic activities of the serratus anterior and pectoralis major muscles during isometric shoulder protraction at different levels in subjects with and without a winged scapula. Methods Thirty male subjects performed isometric shoulder protraction in a sitting position at different resistance intensity levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of maximal protraction strength). Surface electromyographic data of the serratus anterior and pectoralis major muscles were gathered simultaneously using fixed instrumentation to measure isometric shoulder protraction. Findings Muscle activity of the serratus anterior in subjects without a winged scapula was significantly greater than that of subjects with a winged scapula across all three conditions, whereas muscle activity of the pectoralis major was lower in subjects without a winged scapula. In addition, winged scapula muscle activity corresponding to maximal protraction was significantly greater than that in the submaximal condition. Interpretation In a clinical setting, submaximal resistance can be more optimal than maximal effort during isometric shoulder protraction in individuals with a winged scapula.

Litter size is among the most important traits in swine breeding. However, information on the genetics of litter size in pigs is lacking. In this study, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 and 3 (IGFBP2 and IGFBP3) genes in Berkshire pigs and analyzed their association with litter size traits. The IGFBP2 SNP was located on chromosome 15 intron 2 (455, A T) and the IGFBP3 SNP was on chromosome 18 intron 2 (53, A G). The AT type of IGFBP2 and the GG type of IGFBP3 had the highest values for all litter size traits including total number born (TNB), number of pigs born alive, and breeding value according to TNB. Homozygous GG pigs expressed higher levels of IGFBP3 mRNA in the endometrium than pigs of other genotypes, and a positive correlation was observed between litter size traits and IGFBP3 but not IGFBP2 expression level. These results suggest that SNPs in the IGFBP2 and the IGFBP3 gene are useful biomarkers for increasing the reproductive productivity of Berkshire pigs.

In mammals, Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is an enzyme that converts squalene to 2,3-oxidosqualene, in the early stage of cholesterol generation. Here, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SQLE gene (c.2565 G > T) by RNA Sequencing from the liver tissue of Berkshire pigs. Furthermore, we found that homozygous GG pigs expressed more SQLE mRNA than GT heterozygous and TT homozygous pigs in longissimus dorsi tissue. Next, we showed that the SNP in the SQLE gene was associated with several meat quality traits including backfat thickness, carcass weight, meat colour (yellowness), fat composition, and water-holding capacity. Rates of myogenesis and adipogenesis induced in C2C12 cells and 3T3-L1 cells, respectively, were decreased by Sqle knockdown. Additionally, the expression of myogenic marker genes (Myog, Myod, and Myh4) and adipogenic marker genes (Pparg, Cebpa, and Adipoq) was substantially downregulated in cells transfected with Sqle siRNA. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of ROS scavengers, which affect meat quality by altering protein oxidation processes, were significantly downregulated by Sqle knockdown. Taken together, our results suggest the molecular mechanism by which SNPs in the SQLE gene can affect meat quality.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of ternary polymer electrolyte – ionic liquid mixtures are conducted using an all-atom model. N-alkyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([CnMPy][TFSI], n = 1, 3, 6, 9) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) are used. Microscopic structure, energetics and dynamics of ionic liquid (IL) in these ternary mixtures are studied. Properties of these four pure IL are also calculated and compared to that in ternary mixtures. Interaction between pyrrolidinium cation and TFSI is stronger and there is larger propensity of ion-pair formation in ternary mixtures. Unlike the case in imidazolium IL, near neighbor structural correlation between TFSI reduces with increase in chain length on cation in both pure IL and ternary mixtures. Using spatial density maps, regions where PEO and TFSI interact with pyrrolidinium cation are identified. Oxygens of PEO are above and below the pyrrolidinium ring and away from the bulky alkyl groups whereas TFSI is present close to nitrogen atom of CnMPy. In pure IL, diffusion coefficient (D) of C 3 MPy is larger than of TFSI but D of C 9 MPy and C 6 MPy are larger than that of TFSI. The reasons for alkyl chain dependent phenomena are explored.

In the present study, we examined the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of leptin (LEP), skeletal muscle glycogen synthase (GYS1), myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD1), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) genes on economic trait association in pigs. LEP/HindIII, MYOD1/DdeI, MYF5/FokI, and GYS1/FokI genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) from 466 pigs comprised of Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire breeds. The LEP/HindIII polymorphism differed significantly with respect to average daily gain (ADG) in Duroc pigs (P

The design of potential and new electrochemically stable electrolytes for Li-ion batteries is an important task in the field of energy. Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) characterized by a wide electrochemical window (EW) are the commonly used electrolytes for Li battery applications. In this work, a novel quantum computational method is proposed to estimate the electrochemical stability of RTILs that accurately predicts the trends in EWs of ammonium based ILs and is computationally faster than the state-of-the-art methods. Subsequently, the EW of ILs with phosphonium and sulfonium cations are computed and compared against the well-established ammonium congeners. Based on the criterion of electrochemical stability defined with respect to Li, the increasing order of stability is found to be: sulfonium

Epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1) plays an important role in both the activation and detoxification of exogenous chemicals. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the highest level of EPHX1 expression occurred in Berkshire liver, which is an organ that plays a key role in detoxification. We examined EPHX1 SNPs to analyze effect on increased expression of EPHX1 gene in Berkshire liver by total of 192 pigs of a pure Berkshire line (males = 97; females = 95). As a result, two nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) of EPHX1 were found from c.685TG and c.776C T, and located in 5th and 6th exons, respectively, which constitute the A/b hydrolase 1 domain of epoxide hydrolase. The nsSNP c.685T G was significant differences in meat color, protein content, collagen content, and pH24 hr. Especially, T and G alleles of the nsSNP c.685T G were significantly associated with CIE a*/CIE b* and protein content/pH24 hr, respectively. The nsSNP c.776C T was significant differences in drip loss and protein content. Among meat quality traits to associate with SNPs, the protein content was only significantly associated with sex. Therefore, it is suggested that nsSNP c.685T G in EPHX1 gene is a potential to apply as appropriate DNA markers for improvement of porcine economic traits.

Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the most reliable molecular biology technique for assessment of mRNA expression levels. However, to obtain the accurate RT-qPCR results, the expression levels of genes of interest should be normalized with appropriate reference genes and optimal numbers of reference genes. In this study, we assessed the expression stability of 15 well-known candidate reference genes (ACTB, ALDOA, B2M, GAPDH, HPAR1, HSPCB, PGK1, POLR2G, PPIA, RPL4, RPS18, SDHA, TBP, TOP2B, and YWHAZ) in seven body tissues (liver, lung, kidney, spleen, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) of Berkshire, Landrace, Duroc, and Yorkshire pigs using three excel-based programs, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. Combination analysis of these three programs showed that the stable and appropriate reference genes are PPIA, TBP, and HSPCB in Berkshire pigs; PPIA, TBP, RPL4, and RPS18 in Landrace pigs; PPIA and TBP in Duroc pigs; and PPIA, TOP2B, RPL4, and RPS18 in Yorkshire pigs. Because the four pig breeds had different suitable reference genes, the selection of appropriate reference genes is essential in RT-qPCR analyses. Taken together, our data could help to select reliable reference genes for the normalization of expression levels of various target genes in pigs.

Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2) is a nuclear serine/threonine kinase involved in transcriptional regulation. We investigated the expression and association of the BRD2 gene as a candidate gene for meat quality traits in Berkshire pigs. BRD2 mRNA was expressed at relatively high levels in muscle tissue. Statistical analysis revealed that the c.1709G>C polymorphism of the BRD2 gene was significantly associated with carcass weight, meat color (a*, redness), protein content, cooking loss, water-holding capacity, carcass temperatures 4, 12 and 24 h postmortem, and the 24 h postmortem pH in 384 Berkshire pigs. Therefore, this polymorphism in the porcine BRD2 gene may be used as a candidate genetic marker to improve meat quality traits in pigs.

Increasing litter size is of great interest to the pig industry. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression, resulting in livestock phenotypes such as disease resistance, milk production, and reproduction. We classified Berkshire pigs into two groups according to litter size and estimated breeding value: smaller (SLG) and larger (LLG) litter size groups. Genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression were analyzed using placenta genomic DNA and RNA to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with litter size. The methylation levels of CpG dinucleotides in different genomic regions were noticeably different between the groups, while global methylation pattern was similar, and excluding intergenic regions they were found the most frequently in gene body regions. Next, we analyzed RNA-Seq data to identify DEGs between the SLG and LLG groups. A total of 1591 DEGs were identified: 567 were downregulated and 1024 were upregulated in LLG compared to SLG. To identify genes that simultaneously exhibited changes in DNA methylation and mRNA expression, we integrated and analyzed the data from bisulfite-Seq and RNA-Seq. Nine DEGs positioned in DMRs were found. The expression of only three of these genes (PRKG2, CLCA4, and PCK1) was verified by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, we observed the same methylation patterns in blood samples as in the placental tissues by PCR-based methylation analysis. Together, these results provide useful data regarding potential epigenetic markers for selecting hyperprolific sows.

This study was done to examine correlation between pork color and texture traits for entrepreneurial decision-making. Most traits between both factors had significant correlations, but presented low correlation values. The first correlation in the results of canonical correlation analysis (CCA) maintained relatively high values of 47.9. The value was positive and negative contributions for hardness and gumminess, respectively. Loadings of color traits were more influenced by lightness and whiteness. However, influence of variance in texture trait showed only 7.6% with color trait. The result indicates that there is no direct influence between pork color and texture, but an indirect influence. Therefore, we suggest that consumers and distributors as well as producers apply indirect criteria rather than directly assessing texture quality by pork color.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In this study, we investigated perioperative factors, including oxygen content, related to the postoperative development of AKI after LDLT. The perioperative data of 334 patients were reviewed retrospectively. We identified the postoperative development of AKI based on the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. Perioperative variables, including oxygen content, were compared between patients with and without AKI. Potentially significant variables in a univariate analysis were evaluated by multivariate analysis. Postoperative AKI developed in 76 patients (22.7%). Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative factors (body mass index [BMI], diabetes mellitus, C-reactive protein) and intraoperative factors (severe postreperfusion syndrome, packed red blood cell transfusion, furosemide, and oxygen content at the anhepatic phase, 5 minutes and 1 hour after graft reperfusion, and at peritoneal closure) of recipients were significant. The multivariate analysis showed that oxygen content 5 minutes after graft reperfusion, BMI, and furosemide administration were independently associated with postoperative AKI. In conclusion, postoperative AKI was independently associated with oxygen content 5 minutes after graft reperfusion, BMI, and furosemide administration. Meticulous ventilator care and transfusion should be required to maintain sufficient oxygen content immediately after graft reperfusion in patients who undergo LDLT.

Cell death-inducing DFF45-like effector (CIDE) B is a member of the CIDE family of apoptosis-inducing factors. In the present study, we detected a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), c.414G>A, which corresponds to the synonymous SNP 414Arg, in CIDE-B in the Berkshire pigs. We also analyzed the relationships between the CIDE-B SNP and various meat quality traits. The SNP was significantly associated with post-mortem pH24h, water-holding capacity (WHC), fat content, protein content, drip loss, post-mortem temperature at 12 h (T12) and 24 h (T24) in a co-dominant model (P < 0.05). A significant association was detected between the SNP and post-mortem pH24h, fat content, protein content, drip loss, shear force, and T24 in gilts; and color parameter b*, WHC, and T24 in barrows (P < 0.05). The SNP was significantly correlated with the fat content, and CIDE-B mRNA expression was significantly upregulated during the early stage of adipogenesis, suggesting that CIDE-B may contribute towards initiation of adipogenesis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CIDE-B mRNA was strongly expressed in the liver, kidney, large intestine, and small intestine, and weakly expressed in the stomach, lung, spleen, and white adipose tissue. These results indicate that the CIDE-B SNP is closely associated with meat quality traits and may be a useful DNA marker for improving pork quality.

We investigated whether a fermented feed supplemented with carrot by-product is associated with body weight and meat quality in pigs, as well as whether it affects the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs). The chemical composition of the fermented feed was 4% crude protein, 4% crude fat, 2% crude fibre, 0.2% phosphorus and 0.04% calcium. The daily weight gain and finished body weights of pigs fed the treated diet, which supplemented with the fermented diet including carrot by-product, were approximately 175 g and 5 kg greater, respectively, than those that received the basal diet. The transcriptional levels of HSP27 and HSP70 in the longissimus dorsi muscles of pigs fed the treated diet were lower than those that received the basal diets. The correlation coefficients (CORRs) between the expressions of HSP and meat traits including carcass weight, quality grade, crude fat, water holding capacity and drip loss showed strong negative effects. The treated diet reduces the expression levels of HSP27 and HS...

This study was performed to analyze the difference between the meat properties classified into 5 ranges depending on Berkshire meat quality traits. Post-mortem pH24hr was positively correlated with water holding capacity, but negatively correlated with meat color, protein content, drip loss, and cooking loss. Berkshire gilt was discovered by higher population of RFN (reddish pink, firm, non-exudative), a normal meat class when compared to barrow, whereas DFD (dark, firm, and dry) was not detected and PSE (pale, soft and floppy, exudative) and RSE (reddish pink, soft and floppy, exudative) were found by a low number of individuals. It was assumed that Berkshire gilt is less susceptible to stress when compared with barrow. Therefore, from the results of this study, we suggest that Berkshire gilt is high possibility for production of good meat due to a forming ability for better meat quality than that of Berkshire barrow.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are useful genetic markers that allow correlation of genetic sequences with phenotypic traits. It is shown here that HSD17B4, a bifunctional enzyme mediating dehydrogenation and anhydration during β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids, contains a non-synonymous SNP (nsSNP) of chr2:128,825,976A>G, c.2137A>G, I690V, within the sterol carrier protein-2 domain of the HSD17B4 gene, by RNA-Seq of liver RNA. The HSD17B4 mRNA was highly expressed in the kidney and liver among various other tissues in four pig breeds, namely, Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire. The nsSNP was significantly associated with carcass weight, backfat thickness, and drip loss (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HSD17B4 may play a crucial role during the early stages of myogenesis when expression of its mRNA was significantly high. In conclusion, HSD17B4 may serve as a possible regulator of muscle development, and its identification should help to select for improved economic traits of Berkshire pigs such as carcass weight, backfat thickness, and drip loss.

The three-phase equilibrium lines of the SF6 + H2 mixed gas hydrate system were measured by the method of continuous measurement using a quartz crystal microbalance. The gas-hydrate equilibrium dat...

The selection of thermodynamic promoters is an essential issue in determining the economy of a hydrate application. It is highly desirable to devise a fast, accurate, and relatively inexpensive measurement method to screen the best promoter from among many candidates. Although new equipment based on the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was suggested years ago, it has been regarded as unfeasible because of the contact problem between the surface of a quartz crystal and the hydrate. In this study, we report a solution to this problem by introducing a small QCM (d < 1 cm) on which a 2 μL droplet is placed. A proper heating rate for the cell is important in determining hydrate dissociation points. We found that the maximum heating rate for our system with the hydrophilic quartz crystal surface was 3 K/h, which is approximately 30 times faster than the conventional method. Our QCM data exhibited excellent agreement with the previously reported values for the phase equilibria of CO2 hydrate with soluble thermo...

The motivation for this work was the potential of hydrophobic amino acids such as glycine, l-alanine, and l-valine to be applied as thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors (THIs). To confirm their capabilities in inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates, three-phase (liquid-hydrate-vapor) equilibrium conditions for carbon dioxide hydrate formation in the presence of 0.1-3.0 mol % amino acid solutions were determined in the range of 273.05-281.45 K and 14.1-35.2 bar. From quantitative analyses, the inhibiting effects of the amino acids (on a mole concentration basis) decreased in the following order: l-valinel-alanineglycine. The application of amino acids as THIs has several potential advantages over conventional methods. First, the environmentally friendly nature of amino acids as compared to conventional inhibitors means that damage to ecological systems and the environment could be minimized. Second, the loss of amino acids in recovery process would be considerably reduced because amino acids are nonvolatile. Third, amino acids have great potential as a model system in which to investigate the inhibition mechanism on the molecular level, since the structure and chemical properties of amino acids are well understood.

본 연구는 버크셔종의 육질에 대한 특성을 분석하여 국내 돈육시장에서의 적합성을 확인하고, MS marker를 이용한 육질 우수 개체 선발의 효율성에 대해서 분석하였다. 버크셔 323두를 동일 사양조건에서 사육하고 도축하여 육질형질을 분석하고, 혈액으로부터 genomic DNA를 분리하여 50개의 MS marker에 대한 유전자형을 분석하였다. 버크셔종은 국내에서 가장 많이 이용되고 있는 듀록, 요크셔, 랜드레이스 종보다도 육질에 있어서 더욱 우수한 특성을 나타내었다. 특히 도축 24시간 후 pH 값은 평균 $5.88{\pm}0.01$ 로 대단히 높게 나타났고, 지방함량의 경우에도 $2.878{\pm}0.06$ 로 확인되었다. MS marker와의 연관성을 확인한 결과, 14개 MS marker가 육질형질과 연관성을 있는 것으로 나타났다(p 【In this study, the efficiency of microsatellite (MS) markers for pork quality was examined and further, their suitability to domestic pork industry also was verified, by measuring meat quality parameters of Berkshire breeds. A total of 323 pigs of Berkshire breeds were slaughtered and subjected to meat quality evaluation. In addition, the genomic DNAs from blood samples of slaughtered pigs were used for genotyping analysis of 50 MS markers. The results revealed that Berkshire breeds have excellent meat quality, compared with the popular domestic breeds such as Duroc, Yorkshire, and Landrace. Noticeably, the Berkshire breeds exhibited a significant post-mortem pH24hr ( $5.88{\pm}0.01$ ) and fat content ( $2.878{\pm}0.06$ ). Through the linkage analysis between MS markers, 14 MS markers showed significant association with meat quality traits (p】

An important factor in evaluating porcine meat quality is the pH at post-mortem 24 h (pH 24 ). In the current work, we conducted a GeneFishing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based screen to identify differentially expressed genes in Berkshire loins with high versus low pH 24 . Total RNAs were extracted from Berkshire loins with high and low pH 24 and subjected to GeneFishing PCR. Four genes were found to be differentially expressed in the high and low pH 24 groups. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR confirmed that MYH1 encoding myosin heavy chain 1 was specifically expressed in high pH 24 groups. These results are very useful in establishing the genetic relationship between the composition of muscle fiber type and pH 24 in the Berkshire loin. Key words: GeneFishing TM polymerase chain reaction, myosin heavy chain 1, pork meat quality, post-mortem pH value, pale, soft and exudative.

The paraoxonase (Pon) gene family contains three members: Pon1, Pon2, and Pon3. Pon3 modulates superoxide production and prevents apoptosis. The role of Pon3 has not been fully elucidated in the pig. This study is the first to investigate the association between Pon3 and meat quality in the Berkshire pig. We identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in the Pon3 gene (c.227A > G) that resulted in a change in histidine to arginine at position 76. To elucidate the role of this non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in the Pon3 gene, we analysed the Pon3 genotype and meat quality traits in 434 Berkshire pigs. The results of a codominant model show that carcass weight, meat colour (lightness), cooking loss, and the Warner–Bratzler shear force were significantly associated with the Pon3 genotype. Furthermore, the 24-h post-mortem pH had the strongest relationship with the Pon3 genotype. The G allele decreased cooking loss and fat content, whereas the A allele increased the 24-h post-mortem pH and decreased backfat thickness, which contribute to meat storage life and M. longissimus dorsi depth respectively. In conclusion, the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in the Pon3 gene showed a close correlation with meat quality traits in the Berkshire pig.

We have studied the effects of L(+)-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the formation of ZnO crystals. We carried out a series of experiments under weak acidic to alkaline conditions. We obtained ZnO structures with various distinct morphologies by varying the concentration of vitamin C dissolved in the weak acidic and alkaline solutions. Under weak acidic conditions, if the concentration of added vitamin C exceeds 0.5 mM, mixed amorphous/crystalline vitamin C–ZnO (VitC–ZnO) nanostructures are obtained. We also found that the ZnO content of the VitC–ZnO nanostructures can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of vitamin C added to the reaction solution. On the basis of our results, we propose a mechanism for the formation of the various ZnO structures and VitC–ZnO nanostructures in the presence of vitamin C.

Si nanowires were synthesized from Si wafers and from thin Si films deposited on various substrates by microwave irradiation. The power and time were key determinants of the diameter and morphology of the synthesized Si nanowires. The nanowires had an amorphous structure due to the extremely high heating rate. Carbon coating of the Si nanowires was easily achieved by introducing acetylene after synthesizing the nanowires. Carbon-coated Si nanowires are potential candidates for use as the anode material in next generation Li-ion batteries.