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Abstract About one third of vascular plants develop glandular trichomes, which produce defensive compounds that repel herbivores and act as a natural biofactory for important pharmaceuticals such as artemisinin and cannabinoids. However, only a few regulators of glandular structures have been characterized so far. Here we have identified two closely-related MYB-like genes that redundantly inhibit the formation of glandular cells in tomatoes, and they are named as GLAND CELL REPRESSOR (GCR) 1 and 2. The GCR genes highly express in the apical cells of tomato trichomes, with expression gradually diminishing as the cells transition into glands. The spatiotemporal expression of GCR genes is coordinated by a two-step inhibition process mediated by SlTOE1B and GCRs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the GCR genes act by suppressing Leafless (LFS), a gene that promotes gland formation. Intriguingly, homologous GCR genes from tobacco and petunia also inhibit gland formation, suggesting that the GCR-mediated repression mechanism likely represents a conserved regulatory pathway for glands across different plant species.

This paper proposes a tube model predictive control method considering uncertainties of renewable energy generation in the low-voltage distribution network. For relatively low dependence on communication networks, a decentralized voltage control framework is urgently needed to be developed for voltage regulation in the low-voltage distribution network. Opposed to the traditional voltage control techniques, a novel decentralized tube model predictive voltage control (TMPC) strategy is proposed. First, this strategy entails the formulation of a discrete model encompassing distributed photovoltaic units and energy storage systems intertwined with the distribution grid model based on voltage sensitivity. Then, considering the worst case of voltage deviations caused by uncertain and stochastic power fluctuation, we specifically discuss a robust positively invariant to determine the control section of controllers. Further, the strategy employs tube model predictive controllers encompassing nominal and auxiliary controllers in distribution areas. The nominal controller generates a central path for different voltage operating points of each distribution area, and the auxiliary controller makes all trajectories lie in a bounded neighborhood called a tube. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is investigated on a test system containing renewable energy resources.

In order to solve the flexible management and control problem of a large number of distributed generators in the distribution system, a time-varying dynamic response aggregation model of distributed generators participating in active distribution network is proposed. First of all, a modular index system for DG cluster division is constructed, and the cluster is divided from two aspects of structure and function. In structure, distributed power generation is preliminarily divided based on electrical distance. In function, the cluster can achieve self-balance of power within the cluster and power complementation between clusters. Secondly, based on the time-varying scenario of distributed generation participating in active distribution network, considering the time coupling system, the distribution network mathematical model and distributed generation aggregation optimization model suitable for time-varying response are proposed. This method coordinates the upper and lower limits of power, the upper and lower limits of climbing rate, and the upper and lower limits of energy between distributed clusters. The distributed power aggregation model sends the air conditioning command in real time to achieve the power balance within the cluster and the power complementarity between clusters within the scope of safe power dispatching. Finally, the validity and correctness of this method are verified by IEEE33 nodes.

Abstract Aims Lactate/albumin ratio (L/A) is a recognized prognostic index of patients with heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI). We aim to evaluate the prognostic value of L/A ratio in predicting in‐hospital mortality for those patients. Methods and results We enrolled qualified patients from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database for retrospective study. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the subjects was applied to determine the predicted value and the best cut‐off value of L/A on admission. Univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were performed to identify the association between hospital admission and hospital mortality. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) method was used to draw the survival curve of the two groups with different L/A levels at admission. L/A values at admission were significantly higher in the death groups than the survival groups [1.36 (1.20) vs. 0.62 (0.36), P

Pancreatic β-cells death mediated by apoptosis plays a key role in the development of diabetes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines activate the apoptotic program in pancreatic β-cells. Therefore, inhibiting inflammatory cytokines induced apoptosis could preserve pancreatic β-cells. The fruit of Lycium is widely used as an antioxidant food and its pharmacological action is partially mediated by Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). However, whether LBP can inhibit inflammatory cytokines-induced β-cells apoptosis has not been reported. In this study, we showed that LBP could alleviate the apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells through the inhibition of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) pathway. In healthy mice, LBP administration could improve glucose tolerance. In streptozotocin-induced β-cells injury mice, preventive and continuous administration of LBP could alleviate hyperglycemia and protect pancreatic insulin content. Our study identified a novel function of LBP in prevention and protection of pancreatic β-cells apoptosis, which was partially through the inhibition of IFN-γ pathway.

Construction industrialization addresses various challenges in the traditional construction industry, enabling building structures to conserve resources and enhance energy efficiency while reducing emissions. Precast shear walls involve the factory-based production of components, followed by transportation to a construction site for assembly. The method of connecting these components is crucial for precast concrete shear wall systems. Common connection methods include lap-spliced connections, post-tensioned connections, welded connections, bolted connections, and sleeve connections. However, challenges such as construction precision and technology proficiency have limited their application. In response, a novel precast concrete shear wall system utilizing angle steel connectors has been proposed. These angle steel connectors enhance the shear resistance of horizontal joints between precast concrete shear walls and the foundation, providing provisional support for specimen positioning and installation. Presently, the seismic performance of this innovative precast shear wall system under the combined actions of cyclic horizontal loads and axial pressure or tension has been extensively investigated. In practical engineering applications, precast concrete shear wall systems are often accompanied by infill walls. However, there is limited research on the seismic performance of precast concrete shear wall systems with infill walls. To address this gap, this study designed and fabricated two novel precast concrete shear walls with different infill wall constructions. One specimen featured an infill wall composed of a single wall panel, while the other had an infill wall consisting of two panels. Pseudo-static tests were conducted on both specimens under constant axial compression. Subsequently, the seismic performance and force mechanism of the two specimens were compared with the novel precast concrete shear walls without infill walls. The test results demonstrated that the specimen with two infill wall panels exhibited superior overall performance compared to the one with a single continuous infill wall panel. Furthermore, it was observed that, during the loading process, the edge columns of specimens with infill walls provided the majority of the increased load-bearing capacity, while the infill walls made a limited contribution to the overall load-bearing capacity of the structures.

Highlights Long-term injection of glucocorticoids in the knee joint cavity promotes loss of cartilage content. CD90-positive stem cell vesicles encapsulated with Triamcinolone acetonide-loaded nanoparticles have good materials. T-CD90@NPs drive anti-inflammatory properties and promote cartilage regeneration after osteoarthritis. T-CD90@NPs regulate the polarization of type 2 macrophages to resist inflammation. T-CD90@NPs promote chondrocyte regeneration through the FOXO signaling pathway.

In demand response programs, the load aggregator would send requests to customers to confirm whether they are willing to participate in the demand response events later, making sure that there is sufficient capacity to meet the load adjustment requirement of the power grid in real-time. However, sending requests frequently to the customers would lead to customer fatigue effect, which dampens customers’ enthusiasm for demand response. Motivated by this dilemma, an optimization problem of scheduling customers considering fatigue based on the MAB framework is proposed, and the online learning and ranking method: fatigue-aware MAB is presented to solve it. Finally, the numerical simulation demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms the traditional method under different parameter settings. Detailed analysis of how those settings affect the performance of our proposed method is also provided.

To achieve reactive voltage control and resolve the problem of photovoltaic in regional grids with high-proportion photovoltaic access, a multi-cycle reactive voltage rolling optimization control method supporting photovoltaic absorption was proposed, and a multi-cycle reactive voltage rolling optimization control framework was constructed based on the sensitivity-based mathematical model of allowed maximum photovoltaic capacity. First, a reactive power optimization model was built day ahead to minimize the actions of the discrete reactive regulating equipment and the resistance of photovoltaic absorption, and the action plan for discrete reactive power regulating equipment was thus determined. After that, with the determined day-ahead control plan for discrete reactive equipment as the constraint, and with the maximization of photovoltaic absorption and improvement of the dynamic reactive reserve margin of the system as the objectives within day, a reactive voltage rolling optimization control model was built for the optimal control plan for the discrete and continuous reactive equipment; the rolling optimization control model performed optimization once every five minutes, with two hours as a cycle. At last, with a regional grid system as a study case, a simulating calculation was carried out and the control effects after optimization by the proposed multi-cycle reactive voltage rolling optimization control method showed that the maximum voltage deviation of two key nodes had been dropped by 34.21% and 45.98%, respectively, the action times of capacitors and the regulation times of main transformers had been reduced by 61.29% and 64%, respectively, the maximum regulation capacity requirement of continuous reactive equipment in photovoltaic stations had been dropped by 62.17%, and the forecast photovoltaic output could be fully absorbed in this system. These findings verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method in improving voltage control and promoting maximum photovoltaic absorption of regional grid. The case study showed that the day-ahead optimization control method could alleviate the large fluctuations of photovoltaics by arranging a discrete reactive power equipment adjustment plan, and the within-day rolling optimization control could adjust the output of continuous reactive power equipment to alleviate short-term random fluctuations of photovoltaics after simulating calculation.

The lens mitochondrion of the tree shrew, located along the optical pathway between the lens and photoreceptors, has been investigated. The results suggest that the lens mitochondrion acts as a quasi-bandgap or imperfect photonic crystal. Interference effects cause a shift in the focus and introduce wavelength-dependent behavior similar to dispersion. Optical channels within the mitochondrion form a mild waveguide, preferentially propagating light within certain compartments. The lens mitochondrion also functions as an imperfect UV-shielding interference filter. Overall, this study provides insights into the dual role of the lens mitochondrion and the complex behavior of light within biological systems.

Background: Lycium barbarum (also called wolfberry), a famous Chinese traditional medicine and food ingredient, is well recognized for its significant role in preventing obesity; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its preventive effects on fat accumulation are not well understood yet. The aim of this study was to determine the effects and mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. MTT was used to detect the proliferation of 3T3-Ll preadipocytes. Oil red O staining and colorimetric analysis were used to detect cytosolic lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology was used to detect peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression. Results: The concentration of LBP from 25 to 200 μg/mL showed a tendency to inhibit the growth of preadipocytes at 24 h, and it inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In the preadipocytes treated with 200 μg/mL LBP, there were reduced lipid droplets in the cytoplasm, and its effect was opposite to that of rosiglitazone (ROS), which significantly reduced the PPARγ, C/EBPα, aP2, FAS, and LPL mRNA expression of adipocytes. Conclusions: LBP exerts inhibitive effects on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and decreases the cytoplasm accumulation of lipid droplets during induced differentiation of preadipocytes toward mature cells. Above phenomenon might link to lowered expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, aP2, FAS, and LPL after LBP treatment. Thus, LBP could serve as a potential plant extract to treat human obesity or improve farm animal carcass quality via adjusting lipid metabolism.How to cite: Xu X, Chen W, Yu S, et al. Inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide treatment in 3T3-L1 cultures. Electron J Biotechnol 2021;50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.01.003

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fermented Caragana korshinskii feed on meat quality in three muscle tissues (longissimus dorsi m., triceps brachii and biceps femoris) in Tan sheep. Sheep were randomly divided into two groups: the control group was fed a basic diet, and the experimental group was fed the basic diet supplemented with 10% fermented Caragana korshinskii. The results for the meat quality characteristics showed that the fermented Caragana korshinskii group had significantly greater more crude protein in all three muscles and more ash in the longissimus dorsi m. and triceps brachii than the control group. The fermented Caragana korshinskii group had a significantly higher ultimate pH in the biceps femoris and triceps brachii than the control group. The fermented Caragana korshinskii group had greater inosinic acid content in the longissimus dorsi m. and triceps brachii than the control group. The fermented Caragana korshinskii group had significantly higher levels of Asp, Thr, Glu and Ser in the triceps brachii than the control group. The fermented Caragana korshinskii group had significantly higher levels of C12:0 in the triceps brachii, of C15:0 and C16:0 in the biceps femoris, of C16:1 in the longissimus dorsi m. and triceps brachii, of C18:0 in the triceps brachii than the control group. Therefore, adding 10% fermented Caragana korshinskii to the diet of the sheep significantly improved the crude protein, ash, inosinic acid, partial amino acid and fatty acid contents as well as the ultimate pH and L* values in Tan sheep muscles.HIGHLIGHTS Fermentative caragana korshinskii was partially substituted for corn stalk to feed Tan sheep could significantly improve crude protein, ash, ultimate pH, L* value, inosinic acid, partial amino acid and fat acid species and content of Tan sheep. It was provided scientific basis for the rational utilization of caragana korshinskii resources by studying its effect on meat quality of Tan sheep. Fermented Caragana korshinskii solves the problem of lack of forage resources in China and the imbalance of forage supply in winter and spring in China.

Lycium barbarum residue contains abundant bioactive nutrients which can be used as feed supplement. The fermentation treatment of plant residue can promote the utilization of nutrients, rumen digestion, and the growth and immunity of animals. Based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) metabolomics and in-depth transcriptome analysis, the study tested the mechanisms of Lycium barbarum residue (RW) and fermented Lycium barbarum residue (RFW) on meat quality and immunity of sheep. Fifty-four Tan sheep were randomly divided into control, RFW or RW treatments. Data showed that RFW and RW increased the carcass weight, fat content, ash content and reduced the cooking loss of lamb. RFW performed more significant effects on activating immune-related genes than those of RW. The expression of chemokines and immune-related pathways, such as signaling pathways of interleukin-17 signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, were elevated in sheep fed RFW. RW increased the diversity in rumen metabolites, especially compositions of lipids, organic acids and organ heterocyclic compounds. RFW affected numerous compounds which are closely correlated with the activation of immune genes. In conclusion, RFW could represent a valuable strategy to improve growth performance and immunity of sheep.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fermented Caragana korshinskii on the intramuscular fat content and varied expression of the intramuscular fat deposition-related genes FABP3, UBE3C, ADRB3, LIPE, and SCD among four muscle tissues (m. psoas, gluteus, quadriceps, and supraspinatus) of Tan sheep. Twenty-eight male animals of similar age (270 ± 10 days) and weight (24.6 ± 1.06 kg) were randomly divided into a control group (fed the basal diet) and an experimental group (fed the same diet except 10% of corn stalks were replaced with fermented C. korshinskii). Soxhlet petroleum-ether extraction and quantitative real-time PCR were applied to evaluate the fat content and gene expression in tissues, respectively. We observed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the intramuscular fat contents in the m. gluteus and supraspinatus of treated sheep compared to those of non treated sheep. The FABP3 mRNA level was markedly higher (P < 0.05) in the m. quadriceps and supraspinatus of treated sheep than in the control sheep. UBE3C mRNA levels were significantly decreased in the m. gluteus, quadriceps, and supraspinatus (P < 0.05) of treated sheep compared with those of the control sheep. ADRB3 mRNA levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the m. psoas, gluteus, and supraspinatus of sheep fed fermented C. korshinskii than in the control group, whereas LIPE mRNA levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the m. gluteus and quadriceps of sheep fed fermented C. korshinskii. The SCD mRNA levels in m. psoas, quadriceps, and supraspinatus of sheep fed fermented C. korshinskii were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that fermented C. korshinskii could partially replace the roughage used in Tan sheep feed, and its substitution affected the intramuscular fat content and altered the expression of intramuscular fat deposition-related genes. The present study lays a solid foundation for further exploring the utilization of C. korshinskii in ruminant husbandry.

In a cyber-physical power system, active distribution network (ADN) facilitates the energy control through hierarchical and distributed control system (HDCS). Various researches have dedicated to develop the control strategies of primary devices of ADN. However, an ADN demonstration project shows that the information transmission of HDCS may cause time delay and response lag, and little model can describe both the ADN primary device and HDCS as a cyber-physical system (CPS). In this paper, a hybrid system based CPS model is proposed to describe ADN primary devices, control information flow, and HDCS. Using the CPS model, the energy process of primary devices and the information process of HDCS are optimized by model predictive control (MPC) methodology to seamlessly integrate the energy flow and the information flow. The case study demonstrates that the proposed CPS model can accurately reflect main features of HDCS, and the control technique can effectively achieve the operation targets on primary devices despite the fact that HDCS brings adverse effects to control process.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are capable of finely modulating gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels; however, their characters in dermal papilla cells (DPCs)—the signaling center of hair follicle—are still obscure. Herein, we established a comprehensive atlas of circRNAs in DPCs and their skin counterparts—dermal fibroblasts (DFs)—from cashmere goats. In terms of the results, a sum of 3706 circRNAs were bioinformatically identified. Subsequent analysis suggested that the detected transcripts exhibited several prominent genomic features, including exons as their main sources. Compared with DFs, 76 circRNAs significantly displayed higher abundances in goat DPCs, with 45 transcripts markedly exhibiting adverse trends (p < 0.05). Furthermore, potential roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in goat DPCs were speculated through constructing their possible regulatory networks with mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs). We found that the circRNAs may serve as miRNA sponges to alleviate three hair growth-related functional genes (HOXC8, RSPO1, and CCBE1) of DPCs from miRNAs-imposed post-transcriptional modulation, further facilitating two critical processes (HOXC8 and RSPO1: hair follicle stem cell activation; CCBE1: follicular angiogenesis) closely involved in hair growth. In addition, we also speculated that two intron-derived circRNAs (chi_circ_0005569 and chi_circ_0005570) possibly affect the expression of their host gene CCBE1 at a transcriptional level in the nucleus. The above results demonstrated that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in goat DPCs, and certain circRNAs are potential participators in hair growth via the effects on the levels of related functional genes. Our study offers a preliminary clue for researchers hoping to untangle the roles of non-coding RNAs in hair growth.

Summary: α-Actinins, a family of critical cytoskeletal actin-binding proteins that usually exist as anti-parallel dimers, play crucial roles in organizing the framework of the cytoskeleton through crosslinking the actin filaments, as well as in focal adhesion maturation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its functions are unclear. Here, by mechanical manipulation of single human α-actinin 1 using magnetic tweezers, we determined the mechanical stability and kinetics of the functional domains in α-actinin 1. Moreover, we identified the force-dependence of vinculin binding to α-actinin 1, with the demonstration that force is required to expose the high-affinity binding site for vinculin binding. Further, a role of the α-actinin 1 as molecular shock absorber for the cytoskeleton network is revealed. Our results provide a comprehensive analysis of the force-dependent stability and interactions of α-actinin 1, which sheds important light on the molecular mechanisms underlying its mechanotransmission and mechanosensing functions. : α-Actinins are critical actin crosslinking proteins that organize actin cytoskeletal networks. Le et al. determine the mechanical stability and dynamics of human α-actinin 1 and the force-dependence of vinculin binding to α-actinin 1, which sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransmission and mechanosensing. Keywords: α-actinin 1, cytoskeleton, mechanosensing, mechanostransmission, vinculin binding, magnetic tweezers, single molecule manipulation, molecular shock absorber

Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is greatly induced by the KRAS gene mutation, but effective targeted delivery for gene therapy has not existed. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) serves as an advanced therapeutic modality and holds great promise for cancer treatment. However, the development of a non-toxic and high-efficiency carrier system to accurately deliver siRNA into cells for siRNA-targeted gene silencing is still a prodigious challenge. Herein, polyethylenimine (PEI)-modified hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles (HAp-PEI) were fabricated. The siRNA of the KRAS gene (siKras) was loaded onto the surface of HAp-PEI via electrostatic interaction between siRNA and PEI to design the functionalized HAp-PEI nanoparticle (HAp-PEI/siKras). The HAp-PEI/siKras was internalized into the human PC cells PANC-1 to achieve the maximum transfection efficiency for active tumor targeting. HAp-PEI/siKras effectively knocked down the expression of the KRAS gene and downregulated the expression of the Kras protein in vitro. Furthermore, the treatment with HAp-PEI/siKras resulted in greater anti-PC cells’ (PANC-1, BXPC-3, and CFPAC-1) efficacy in vitro. Additionally, the HAp-PEI exhibited no obvious in vitro cytotoxicity in normal pancreatic HPDE6-C7 cells. These findings provided a promising alternative for the therapeutic route of siRNA-targeted gene engineering for anti-pancreatic cancer therapy.

In our previous study on petrogenesis of quartz syenite and granite porphyry, the host rocks of the Late Mesozoic Shapinggou Mo deposit in the Qinling–Dabie orogenic belt, we found that the initial Sr isotopic composition of the host rocks is strongly affected by the degree of K-alteration. Here, we provide further isotopic evidence of the host rocks and their minerals to investigate the geochemical behaviour of trace elements and isotopes during the alteration and to explain the phenomenon of decoupling of Sr–Nd isotopic composition. The quartz syenite and granite porphyry are altered by K-alteration in varying degrees and have high K2O and Rb contents and low Na2O, CaO, Sr, and Ba contents. Rock samples of both quartz syenite and granite porphyry have variable Rb/Sr ratios and initial 87Sr/86Sr values (even < 0.70) but contain quite homogeneous εNd(t) values (−12.8 to −14.8). Minerals from the rocks of moderate to intense K-alteration have very low initial 87Sr/86Sr values (even < −17), while those from the weakly altered rocks have 87Sr/86Sr(t) values of 0.7044 to 0.7084. The same phenomenon of the decoupling in Sr–Nd isotopic composition can be observed from several Mo deposits within the eastern Qinling–Dabie orogenic belt. This fact suggests similar hydrothermal features and a comparable origin for both the magmatic rocks and hydrothermal fluids in this belt. A comparison between porphyry Mo and porphyry Cu deposits shows that elements and the Rb–Sr isotope system have different behaviours during the K-alteration, implying distinct material sources and igneous rocks for porphyry Mo and porphyry Cu deposits, respectively.

Abstract Background H19 is a well-characterized Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that has been proven to promote myoblast differentiation in humans and mice. However, its mechanism of action is still not fully interpreted. Methods Using RT-qPCR, we examined H19 RNA levels in various tissues from 1-week, 1-month, 6-month and 36-month old male cattle (i.e., newborn, infant, young and adult). The protein and mRNA levels of MyoG, MyHC, Sirt1 and FoxO1 in the satellite and C2C12 cells with an H19 silencing or overexpression vector were respectively detected using western blot and real-time qPCR. Results H19 was highly expressed in skeletal muscle at all the studied ages. High expression of H19 was required for the differentiation of bovine satellite cells. Knockdown of H19 caused a remarkable increase in the myoblast-inhibitory genes Sirt1/FoxO1, suggesting that H19 suppresses Sirt1/FoxO1 expression during myogenesis. Western blotting analysis of co-transfection of Sirt1 or FoxO1 expression vectors with pcDNA-H19 indicated that Sirt1/FoxO1 overexpression neutralized the promotion of myoblast differentiation through transfection of pcDNA-H19. Conclusion H19 promoted the differentiation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells by suppressing Sirt1/FoxO1.

With the high-penetration distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems accessed to a distribution network, the peak active power output of PV systems is always greater than the total local load demands, which might lead to the issues of overvoltage and reverse power flow in a distribution system. In this paper, based on the reactive power output capability of distributed PV inverters, a distributed PV reactive power local control strategy is proposed. Three types of voltage reactive power local control modes of PV inverter are analysed, respectively; they are voltage-var control mode (Q(V) mode), adjustable power factor mode (PF(P) mode) and active power curtailment mode (APC mode). The applicable conditions of different control modes are analysed. A simulation example based on IEEE 33-node system is studied, where the method of determining the optimal control mode under different operating scenarios of distribution system with PV is given, and the validity of the three local control modes is verified.

Granites are assumed to be the main source of heavy rare-earth elements (HREEs), which have important applications in modern society. However, the geochemical and petrographic characteristics of such granites need to be further constrained, especially as most granitic HREE deposits have undergone heavy weathering. The LC batholith comprises both fresh granite and ion-adsorption-type HREE deposits, and contains four main iRee (ion-adsorption-type REE) deposits: the Quannei (QN), Shangyun (SY), Mengwang (MW), and Menghai (MH) deposits, which provide an opportunity to elucidate these characteristics The four deposits exhibit light REE (LREE) enrichment, and the QN deposit is also enriched in HREEs. The QN and MH deposits were chosen for study of their petrology, mineralogy, geochemistry, and geochronology to improve our understanding of the formation of iRee deposits. The host rock of the QN and MH deposits is granite that includes REE accessory minerals, with monazite, xenotime, and allanite occurring as euhedral inclusions in feldspar and biotite, and thorite, fluorite(–Y), and REE fluorcarbonate occurring as anhedral filling in cavities in quartz and feldspar. Zircon U–Pb dating analysis of the QN (217.8 ± 1.7 Ma, MSWD = 1.06; and 220.3 ± 1.2 Ma, MSWD = 0.71) and MH (232.2 ± 1.7 Ma, MSWD = 0.58) granites indicates they formed in Late Triassic, with this being the upper limit of the REE-mineral formation age. The host rock of the QN and MH iRee deposits is similar to most LC granites, with high A/CNK ratios (>1.1) and strongly peraluminous characteristics similar to S-type granites. The LC granites (including the QN and MH granites) have strongly fractionated REE patterns (LREE/HREE = 1.89–11.97), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.06–0.25), and are depleted in Nb, Zr, Hf, P, Ba, and Sr. They have high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.710194–0.751763) and low 143Nd/144Nd ratios (0.511709–0.511975), with initial Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.72057–0.72129 and εNd(220 Ma) = −9.57 to −9.75. Their initial Pb isotopic ratios are: 206Pb/204Pb = 18.988–19.711; 208Pb/204Pb = 39.713–40.216; and 207Pb/204Pb = 15.799–15.863. The Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data and TDM2 ages suggest that the LC granitic magma had a predominantly crustal source. The REE minerals are important features of these deposits, with feldspars and micas altering to clay minerals containing Ree3+ (exchangeable REE), whose concentration is influenced by the intensity of weathering; the stronger the chemical weathering, the more REE minerals are dissolved. Secondary mineralization is also a decisive factor for Ree3+ enrichment. Stable geology within a narrow altitudinal range of 300–600 m enhances Ree3+ retention.

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the level differences of mRNA transcription and protein expression of PPARγ, FAS and HSL in different parts of the carcass in different tail-type sheep. Six Tan sheep and six Shaanbei fine-wool sheep aged 9 months were slaughtered and samples were collected from the tail adipose, subcutaneous adipose, and longissimus dorsi muscle. The levels of mRNA transcription and protein expression of the target genes in these tissues were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. Results: The results showed that PPARγ, FAS, and HSL were expressed with spatial differences in tail adipose, subcutaneous adipose and longissimus dorsi muscle of Tan sheep and Shaanbei fine-wool sheep. Differences were also observed between the two breeds. The mRNA transcription levels of these genes were somewhat consistent with their protein expression levels. Conclusion: The present results indicated that PPARγ, FAS and HSL are correlated with fat deposition, especially for the regulating of adipose deposition in intramuscular fat, and that the mRNA expression patterns are similar to the protein expression patterns. The mechanism requires clarification in further studies.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) mRNA and protein expression in fat tails of Tan sheep. Rams from different developmental stages (aged 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months) were selected, and their tail measurements including length (L), width (W) and girth (G) were recorded. The mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, FAS and HSL were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. Results: The tail measurements increased with age. We observed no significant differences (P > 0.05) of PPARγ mRNA expression between ages 9 and 15 months, and between 12 and 15 months; FAS mRNA expression levels at each developmental stage were observed significantly in Tan sheep (P 0.05). Significant differences (P