Search

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide and yucca powder on performance and lipid indexes of laying hens. A total of 96 Green shell laying hens aged 70 weeks in late laying period were randomly divided into four groups, with four replicates in each group and six laying hens in each replicate. Green shell laying hens in control group were fed with a basal diet, and group I, group II, group III were fed with 50 mg/kg xylooligosaccharide + 100 mg/kg yucca powder, 100 mg/kg xylo-oligosaccharide + 200 mg/kg yucca powder and 200 mg/kg xylo-oligosaccharide +300 mg/kg yucca powder, respectively. The experiment lasted for 6 w. The results showed that there was no significant difference in average number of eggs laid, average daily feed intake, egg weight, laying rate and feed to egg ratio among all groups (P>0.05). Compared with control group, the egg haf unit, albumen height and relative weight of eggshell in experimental groups had an increasing trend. There was no significant difference in yolk relative weight, egg shape index and yolk crude fat content among all groups (P>0.05). The content of triglyceride and total cholesterol in yolk of group II and group III were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol content of laying hens in group II was 30.71% lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that the combination of xylo-oligosaccharide and yucca powder in diets of laying hens at later stage of laying has a synergistic effect, which can improve the production performance and egg quality of laying hens, regulate the lipid metabolism of laying hens, reduce the cholesterol content of egg yolk. The addition of xylo-oligosaccharide preparation 100 mg/kg+ yucca powder 200 mg/kg in diets has a better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the problem of r-collision in the unbalanced environment has not yet been effectively solved. In this paper, a new efficient algorithm is proposed to find an unbalanced r-collision of r different and unbalanced functions. The new algorithm adopts the techniques from the previous 3-collision algorithm, the parallel collision search (PCS) algorithm and the unbalanced meet-in-themiddle (UMitM) attack. The attack process of the new algorithm can be described as follows: First, the attacker divides r functions into left and right sets. When r is even, the corresponding left and right sets are {fl1, fl2, ???, flr/2} and {ft1, ft2, ???, ftr/2} respectively, and it is necessary to find collisions between two unbalanced functions fli and fti (for 1 ≤ ⌊r/2⌋) at corresponding positions in the left and right sets. Take the i-th function for example, the attacker adopts the PCS algorithm to collect 2mi collisions of two unbalanced functions fli and fti. Note that the attacker needs to repeat the collectioncollision operation for ⌊r/2⌋ pairs of positions in the left and right sets. If r is odd, the attacker also needs to collect 2m0 images of the left function. After the collision-collection phase, the attacker adopts the MitM attack to find a r-collision between these r -- ⌊r/2⌋ lists. The main results of the new algorithm are: (1) The time complexity of the new algorithm is determined by the memory and the chosen grouping methods, which is different from the previous r-collision algorithm. (2) With sufficient storage, the time complexity formula of the new r-collision algorithm is as follows: when r = 2k, the time complexity is .... When r = 2k + 1, the time complexity is ..., where Rlj is the implementation cost of the function with the highest implementation cost in the left set, Rc is the implementation cost of the unpaired function, and Rtx(1 ≤ x ≤ (r -- 1)/2) is the implementation cost of each function in the right set. The attacker first needs to find min (&#931x=1r/2 log2 Rtx/r + log2rlj/2) for r = 2k (or min (log2 Rc + Σx=1(r-1)/2 log 2 Rtx/r + (r-1)log2 Rij/2r) for r = 2k + 1) so as to find the best grouping method and the best time complexity in this case. (3) With limited storage, the attacker cannot find the best time complexity without exhausting the time complexity of all grouping methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive immunochromatographic assay (ICA) using a colloidal gold–antibody probe for the rapid detection of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in corn samples was developed. The colour density of the test line correlated with the concentration of FB1 in the range 2–40 ng ml–1 by the assay, and the detection limit for FB1 was 2 ng ml–1. The linear range for FB1 was 50–1000 µg kg–1, and the visual limit detection of the test was 1000 µg kg–1 in corn samples. The ICA to detect FB1 is sensitive, specific and rapid. Specific anti-FB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and FB1-ovalbumin (FB1-OVA) conjugate antigen were prepared. FB1 mAb, labelled with colloidal gold, was used as the probe on the immunochromatographic strip. FB1-OVA and goat-anti-mouse IgG were coated onto a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane as test lines and control lines, respectively. FB1 in samples will competitively combines the FB1 mAb with the FB1-OVA in an NC membrane and the results are directly observed by the colour of the detection and quality control lines. The concentrations of FB1 mAb labelled with colloidal gold, detecting antigen and goat anti-mouse IgG, were optimised. The results indicate that the test strip is specific for FB1, with no cross-reactivity to other toxins. The strip assay for FB1 was simple, only needing one step without complicated assay performance and expensive equipment, and the total time for visual evaluation was less than 10 min. A survey of 24 corn samples from Hefei, China, was performed with the test strip and HPLC, and the detection results showed that the developed ICA and the HPLC were in excellent agreement. Hence, the developed ICA can be used as a method for rapid detection of FB1 in corn samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT To improve the crystallization ability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a novel nucleating agent with a benzoyl hydrazine compound was used in this study. The crystallization behaviors of PLA/talc and PLA/bibenzoylhydrazinepropane (BBP) with or without poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy. The DSC curves showed that the crystallization temperature and crystallinity of PLA/BBP (PBBP) was higher than that of PLA/talc. With the addition of PEG, a synergistic effect was found. According to the results of nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, the values of F( T) of PBBP0.5PEG5 were usually smaller than those of PTa3PEG5, so the nucleation efficiency of BBP was much better than that of talc. From a polarized optical microscopy photo, it was easy to determine that the nucleation density of BBP was higher than that of PTa3PEG5, and the spherulitic diameter increased linearly with the crystallization time no matter the impingements. The spherulitic growth rate of PBBP0.5PEG5 was faster than that of PTa3PEG5, and the induction time of PBBP0.5PEG5 was the shortest among all of the samples. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41367. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an atomistic study on the phase stability, site preference and lattice constants of the rare earth intermetallics Lu2Fe17−x T x (T=Cr, Mn, Ru). The calculated preferential occupation site of ternary element T is found to be the 4f site. The order of site preference is given as 4f, 12k, 12j and 6g for Lu2Fe17−x T x . The calculated lattice parameters are corresponding to the experimental results. We have calculated the magnetic moments of Lu2Fe17−x T x compounds. Results show that the calculated total magnetic moment of Lu2Fe17 compound is M=37.34μB/f.u. In addition, the total and partial phonon densities of states are evaluated first for these complicated structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systemic study of the structural properties of the rare-earth intermetallics Lu2(Fe, T)17 (T = Mn, Ru) and their hydrides has been performed by a series of interatomic pair potentials. The site preference of T atoms at Fe sites is evaluated and the order is given as 4f, 12k, 12j and 6g for Lu2(Fe, T)17. The interstitial H atoms only occupy 6h interstitial sites in Lu2(Fe, T)17. The calculated lattice constants agree with a report in the literature. We have calculated the magnetic moments of Lu2(Fe, T)17 compounds. Results showed that the calculated total magnetic moment of Lu2Fe17 compound is M = 37.34 μB/f.u. Furthermore, the total and partial phonon densities of states are evaluated first for Lu2(Fe, T)17 and their hydrides with the hexagonal Th2Ni17-type structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which determines the impact of the tissue explants adhered method on cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells of broilers. The study identified the cells as typical form of vascular smooth cells under light microscope and immunohistochemical test. Moreover, the study proves the efficiency of the method in providing ideal materials for vascular physiopathologic studies.

An atomistic study on the phase stability, site preference and lattice constants of the rare earth intermetallics Lu2Fe17-xMx (M: Cr, Mn, Ru) is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an atomistic study on the phase stability, site preference and lattice constants of the rare earth or actinium intermetallics Ce6Rh30Si19 and A6Pt30Si19 (A=Th, U). The calculated preferential occupation site of one Si atom is found to be the 2b site in Ce6Rh30Si19 and A6Pt30Si19. The Si atom is located at the sites 2b with occupancy close to 50%. Our calculated lattice constants agree with a report in the literature. The total and partial phonon densities of states are evaluated first for these complicated defect structures. The analysis of the inverted potentials explains qualitatively the contributions of different atoms to the vibrational modes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The structural properties of intermetallic Ho3Fe29− x Cr x have been studied by using ab initio pair potentials obtained by the lattice inversion method. Calculated results show that in Ho3Fe29− x Cr x , the order of site preference is 4g(Fe6), 4i(Fe3) and 4i(Fe2), and the calculated lattice constants coincide quite well with experimental values. The evolution process from ordered Ho3Fe29 to disordered Ho2Fe17 (Th2Ni17-type) is evaluated. The structural properties of the disordered Ho2Fe17 compound, including lattice constants and X-ray diffraction have been calculated, and the lattice constants are in good agreement with experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The new intermetallics Fe23CB6 have been studied to ascertain the effect of ternary element C on the phase stability and site preference. Fe23CB6 may form with Cr23C6 prototype structure, and the carbons atoms are positioned at 4a sites. The calculated lattice constants are found to agree with report in literatures. We have calculated the magnetic moments of Fe22NiB6, Fe23C6, Fe23B6 and Fe23CB6 compounds. Furthermore, the total and partial phonon densities of states are evaluated first for Fe23C6, Fe23B6 and Fe23CB6. The analysis of the inverted potentials explains qualitatively the contributions of different atoms to the vibrational modes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rationale: Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects the meninges, brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. GFAP astrocytopathy can coexist with a variety of antibodies, which is known as overlap syndrome. Anti-NMDAR-positive encephalitis overlap syndrome has been reported; however, encephalitis overlap syndrome with both anti-NMDAR and sulfatide-IgG positivity has not been reported., Patient Concerns: The patient was a 50-year-old male who was drowsy and had chills and weak limbs for 6 months. His symptoms worsened after admission to our hospital with persistent high fever, dysphoria, gibberish, and disturbance of consciousness. Positive cerebrospinal fluid NMDA, GFAP antibodies, and serum sulfatide antibody IgG were positive., Diagnoses: Autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy with anti-NMDAR and sulfatide-IgG-positive encephalitis overlap syndrome., Interventions: In addition to ventilator support and symptomatic supportive treatment, step-down therapy with methylprednisolone (1000 mg/d, halved every 3 days) and pulse therapy with human immunoglobulin (0.4 g/(kg d) for 5 days) were used., Outcomes: After 6 days of treatment, the patient condition did not improve, and the family signed up to give up the treatment and left the hospital., Conclusions: Patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy may be positive for anti-NMDAR and sulfatide-IgG, and immunotherapy may be effective in patients with severe conditions., Lessons: Autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy with nonspecific symptoms is rarely reported and is easy to be missed and misdiagnosed. GFAP astrocytopathy should be considered in patients with fever, headache, disturbance of consciousness, convulsions, and central infections that do not respond to antibacterial and viral agents. Autoimmune encephalopathy-related antibody testing should be performed as soon as possible, early diagnosis should be confirmed, and immunomodulatory therapy should be administered promptly., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Enhancing the flame retardancy of electrolytes and the stability of lithium anodes is of great significance to improve the safety performance of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. It is well known that the most commonly used ether based electrolyte solvents in Li-S batteries have a lower flash point and higher volatility than the ester electrolyte solvents in Li-ion batteries. Hence, lithium-sulfur batteries have greater safety risks than lithium-ion batteries. Herein, ethoxy(pentafluoro)cyclotriphosphazene (PFPN), which is commonly used as a flame retardant for ester electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries, is utilized as both a film-forming electrolyte additive and a flame retardant additive for the ether electrolyte to investigated its applicability in Li-S batteries. It is found that the ether electrolyte containing PFPN not only has good flame retardant properties and a wide potential window of about 5 V, but also can form a stable SEI film on the surface of a lithium anode. As a result, with the ether-based electrolyte containing 10 wt% PFPN, Li-Cu and Li-S batteries all delivered a stable cycling performance with a high coulombic Efficiency and a long-lifespan performance, which were all superior to the batteries using the ether-based electrolyte without PFPN. This study demonstrates an effective solution to solve the problems of flammable ether-based electrolytes and reactive lithium anodes, and it may contribute to the development of safe Li-S batteries., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)