The majority of pregnancy loss in ruminants occurs during the first three weeks after conception, particularly during the period of conceptus elongation that occurs prior to pregnancy recognition and implantation. Thi...The majority of pregnancy loss in ruminants occurs during the first three weeks after conception, particularly during the period of conceptus elongation that occurs prior to pregnancy recognition and implantation. This review integrates established and new information on the biological role of ovarian progesterone （P4）, prostaglandins （PGs）, interferon tau （IFNT） and cortisol in endometrial function and conceptus elongation. Progesterone is secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum （CL） and is the unequivocal hormone of pregnancy. Prostaglandins （PGs） and cortisol are produced by both the epithelial cells of the endometrium and the trophectoderm of the elongating conceptus. In contrast, IFNT is produced solely by the conceptus trophectoderm and is the maternal recognition of pregnancy signa that inhibits production of luteolytic pulses of PGF2α by the endometrium to maintain the CL and thus production of P4. Available results in sheep support the idea that the individual, interactive, and coordinated actions of P4, PGs, IFNT and cortisol regulate conceptus elongation and implantation by controlling expression of genes in the endometrium and/or trophectoderm. An increased knowledge of conceptus-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy in ruminants is necessary to understand and elucidate the causes of infertility and recurrent early pregnancy loss and provide new strategies to improve fertility and thus reproductive efficiency.展开更多
The establishment of pregnancy is a complex process that requires a well-coordinated interaction between the implanting conceptus and the maternal uterus. In pigs, the conceptus undergoes dramatic morphological and fu...The establishment of pregnancy is a complex process that requires a well-coordinated interaction between the implanting conceptus and the maternal uterus. In pigs, the conceptus undergoes dramatic morphological and functional changes at the time of implantation and introduces various factors, including estrogens and cytokines,interleukin-1β2(IL1 B2), interferon-γ(IFNG), and IFN-δ(IFND), into the uterine lumen. In response to ovarian steroid hormones and conceptus-derived factors, the uterine endometrium becomes receptive to the implanting conceptus by changing its expression of cell adhesion molecules, secretory activity, and immune response. Conceptus-derived estrogens act as a signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy by changing the direction of prostaglandin(PG) F2αfrom the uterine vasculature to the uterine lumen. Estrogens also induce the expression of many endometrial genes,including genes related to growth factors, the synthesis and transport of PGs, and immunity. IL1 B2, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is produced by the elongating conceptus. The direct effect of IL1 B2 on endometrial function is not fully understood. IL1 B activates the expression of endometrial genes, including the genes involved in IL1 B signaling and PG synthesis and transport. In addition, estrogen or IL1 B stimulates endometrial expression of IFN signaling molecules,suggesting that estrogen and IL1 B act cooperatively in priming the endometrial function of conceptus-produced IFNG and IFND that, in turn, modulate endometrial immune response during early pregnancy. This review addresses information about maternal-conceptus interactions with respect to endometrial gene expression in response to conceptus-derived factors, focusing on the roles of estrogen and IL1 B during early pregnancy in pigs.展开更多
Establishment of pregnancy in pigs involves maintaining progesterone secretion from the corpora lutea in addition to regulating a sensitive interplay between the maternal immune system and attachment of the rapidly ex...Establishment of pregnancy in pigs involves maintaining progesterone secretion from the corpora lutea in addition to regulating a sensitive interplay between the maternal immune system and attachment of the rapidly expanding trophoblast for nutrient absorption. The peri-implantation period of rapid trophoblastic elongation followed by attachment to the maternal uterine endometrium is critical for establishing a sufficient placental-uterine interface for subsequent nutrient transport for fetal survival to term, but is also marked by the required conceptus release of factors involved with stimulating uterine secretion of histotroph and modulation of the maternal immune system. Many endometrial genes activated by the conceptus secretory factors stimulate a tightly controlled proinflammatory response within the uterus. A number of the cytokines released by the elongating conceptuses stimulate inducible transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B （NFKB） potentially regulating the maternal uterine proinflammatory and immune response. This review will establish the current knowledge for the role of conceptus cytokine production and release in early development and establishment of pregnancy in the pig.展开更多
Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are presented in the uterine lumen of many mammals,and in vitro experiments have determined that several miRNAs are important for the regulation of endometrial and trophoblast functions.Our...Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are presented in the uterine lumen of many mammals,and in vitro experiments have determined that several miRNAs are important for the regulation of endometrial and trophoblast functions.Our aim was to identify and contrast the miRNAs present in extracellular vesicles(EVs)in the uterine lumen fluid(ULF)at the onset of attachment in cattle pregnancies(gestation d 18)initiated by artificial insemination(AI)or by the trans-fer of an in vitro-produced blastocyst(IVP-ET).A third group had no conceptus after the transfer of an IVP embryo.Results The abundance of 263 annotated miRNAs was quantified in the EVs collected from ULF.There was an increase in the transcript abundance of 20 miRNAs in the ULF EVs from the AI pregnant group,while 4 miRNAs had a lower abundance relative to the group not containing a conceptus.Additionally,4 miRNAs were more abun-dant in ULF EVs in the AI pregnant group relative to IVP-ET group(bta-mir-17,bta-mir-7-3,MIR7-1,MIR18A).Specific miRNAs in the ULF EVs were co-expressed with messenger RNAs expressed in extra-embryonic tissues and endome-trium,including genes that are known to be their targets.Conclusions The results provide biological insights into the participation of miRNAs in the regulation of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation,as well as in endometrium receptivity.The knowledge that in vitro cultured embryos can contribute to the altered abundance of specific miRNAs in the uterine lumen can lead to the development of cor-rective approaches to reduce conceptus losses during the first month of pregnancy in cattle.展开更多
The dialogue between the mammalian conceptus(embryo/fetus and associated membranes) involves signaling for pregnancy recognition and maintenance of pregnancy during the critical peri-implantation period of pregnancy w...The dialogue between the mammalian conceptus(embryo/fetus and associated membranes) involves signaling for pregnancy recognition and maintenance of pregnancy during the critical peri-implantation period of pregnancy when the stage is set for implantation and placentation that precedes fetal development. Uterine epithelial cells secrete and/or transport a wide range of molecules, including nutrients,collectively referred to as histotroph that are transported into the fetal-placental vascular system to support growth and development of the conceptus. The availability of uterine-derived histotroph has long-term consequences for the health and well-being of the fetus and the prevention of adult onset of metabolic diseases. Histotroph includes numerous amino acids, but arginine plays a particularly important role as a source of nitric oxide and polyamines required for fetal-placental development in rodents, swine and humans through mechanisms that remain to be fully elucidated. Mechanisms whereby arginine regulates expression of genes via the mechanistic target of rapamycin cell signaling pathways critical to conceptus development, implantation and placentation are discussed in detail in this review.展开更多
The behaviour of nanofertilizers(NFs)in plant-soil systems can differ from that of conventional chemical fertilizers due to their peculiar chemical-physical properties.Their effectiveness is still poorly understood.In...The behaviour of nanofertilizers(NFs)in plant-soil systems can differ from that of conventional chemical fertilizers due to their peculiar chemical-physical properties.Their effectiveness is still poorly understood.In this study,we evaluated the P fertilization potential of a novel nanosized FePO4NF(FePNF)in a plant-soil microcosm in a pot experiment.The efficacies of FePNF and a conventional P fertilizer(triple superphosphate,TSP)in sustaining the growth of cucumber plants were evaluated.Plants were grown for 28 d on a P-deficient soil,and determinations were made of plant growth parameters,mineral nutrient concentrations in plant tissues,P availability in soil,activities of soil enzymes involved in C,N,P,and S mineralization,and soil microbial community structure.No significant differences were found in plant dry weight,leaf area,chlorophyll content,or root growth between the FePNF and TSP treatments.Conversely,P availability in soil and P concentration in plant tissues at the end of the plant growth period were significantly higher after TSP fertilization compared to FePNF fertilization,whereas no significant differences were observed for other nutrients.Among the measured soil enzyme activities,there were no significant differences in the activities of soil acid phosphatase,β-glucosidase,and arylsulfatase between the FePNF and TSP treatments,while soil alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in the TSP treatment than in the FePNF treatment and the protease activity was higher in the FePNF treatment than in the TSP treatment.The FePNF and TSP treatments showed significant differences in soil archaeal,bacterial,and fungal community structures,although the microbial community profiles generally clustered closer to each other in the two treatments.We concluded that FePNF can be an efficient alternative to the conventional P fertilizer TSP.展开更多
Cultivation metaphors that compare teachers and students to gardeners and plants,respectively,have a long presence in the field of education.While such metaphors can be used to represent learner-centered pedagogies in...Cultivation metaphors that compare teachers and students to gardeners and plants,respectively,have a long presence in the field of education.While such metaphors can be used to represent learner-centered pedagogies in which a teacher fosters the growth of their students,there is also a darker side to cultivation metaphors.For instance,Zipory(2020)argues that characteristics of agriculture’s grain economy-like repetitiveness,coercion,and lack of diversity-can be imposed onto education.Following Zipory’s call for the forest to serve as a more apt metaphorical trajectory for education,I propose using the forest garden as a middle ground between the traditional garden and the natural forest.To highlight the potential usefulness of the forest garden metaphor in education,I explore its application as related to teacher professional development(PD),specifically content and language integrated learning(CLIL)PD.By reflecting on the design and outcomes of Project SCILLA,a CLIL PD program for Kazakhstani university instructors,as well as CLIL PD more broadly,I demonstrate how the forest garden metaphor conceptualizes the relationships and power dynamics between and across various stakeholders in education in response to global rhetoric,national and local policies,and interpersonal interactions.By emulating the sustainable forest garden’s principles of planning and intentionality,localization,interconnectedness,diversity,creativity,and growth from decay,stakeholders can(re)shape the policies and practices of multilingual,multicultural education systems.In addition,education researchers can use a metaphorical forest garden lens to better appreciate the complexities at play within dynamic educational landscapes.展开更多
The integration of Green Artificial Intelligence(AI)technologies into educational systems offers a promising avenue to enhance operational efficiency while addressing sustainability challenges.Through a rigorous three...The integration of Green Artificial Intelligence(AI)technologies into educational systems offers a promising avenue to enhance operational efficiency while addressing sustainability challenges.Through a rigorous three-phase methodology combining literature review,AI agent development,and participatory workshop-based case analysis,this paper highlights the pivotal role of AI agents,as applications of Green AI technologies,in driving transformative outcomes within schools.By directly improving self-learning efficiency and reducing learning costs for students,enhancing management and service efficiency,reducing labor costs for schools,as well as minimizing resource dependence for both teachers and students,AI agents create a foundation for sustainable operations.These direct effects generate positive spillover effects,cascading into broader outcomes,including innovation performance,economic efficiency,and environmental sustainability,aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).By presenting a comprehensive conceptual model,this study demonstrates the pathways through which Green AI contributes to sustainable development in education and emphasizes its critical role in bridging technological innovation with sustainability.This framework provides significant theoretical insights for further empirical research while offering actionable strategies for policymakers and educators to harness Green AI for building sustainable schools with a student-centered approach.展开更多
This geo-historical case study analyses Vistelius’ingenious idea of conceptual stochastic models and their application as Markov chain analysis in the geosciences.Vistelius(1915–1995)is regarded as one of the founde...This geo-historical case study analyses Vistelius’ingenious idea of conceptual stochastic models and their application as Markov chain analysis in the geosciences.Vistelius(1915–1995)is regarded as one of the founders of mathematical geology.He was the fi rst to defi ne mathematical geology as“a scientifi c discipline concerned with the construction,analysis and use of conceptual mathematical models of geological events to solve concrete problems”(Vistelius in Principles of mathematical geology,Nauka,Leningrad,1980;Principles of mathematical geology,Kluwer Academic Publishers,Dordrecht,1992).Mathematical models in this context should be primarily probabilistic because of the large number of infl uencing natural factors.They must be conceptual to avoid fundamental errors in application.Vistelius devoted his seminal book to geological random sequences and their description and analysis using Markov models as stochastic tools.He applied this approach to grain sequences in granitic intrusive rocks and to sedimentary rock layers.Among other things,Vistelius has used Markov chain analysis in mineral resource exploration to distinguish between“ideal”granites,which are not subsequently mineralized,and mainly hydrothermally mineralized,sometimes ore-bearing granites which contain at least two generations of main minerals.The application of this special conceptual stochastic model is demonstrated on Lusatian granite(Saxony,Germany).展开更多
Jovani et al’s study contributes important evidence linking childhood trauma(CT)and parental socialization with at-risk mental state(ARMS)in non-clinical adolescents,demonstrating the mediating role of low levels of ...Jovani et al’s study contributes important evidence linking childhood trauma(CT)and parental socialization with at-risk mental state(ARMS)in non-clinical adolescents,demonstrating the mediating role of low levels of parental affection and communication in this relationship.This letter commends the study’s strengths while also identifying key issues that warrant further attention,including the limitations of cross-sectional design,potential perceptual biases,conceptual overlap between CT and parenting,and limited cultural generalizability.We advocate for longitudinal,culturally sensitive,and multi-informant approaches to further refine ARMS risk models,strengthen theoretical distinctions between CT and parenting,and inform targeted prevention strategies across diverse populations.We also extend the discussion by highlighting promising directions for future research.展开更多
Chinese political discourse is the embodiment of the will of the people,the will of the CPC and the will of China.Conceptual metaphor is closely related to political discourse.Taking the 2022 government work report as...Chinese political discourse is the embodiment of the will of the people,the will of the CPC and the will of China.Conceptual metaphor is closely related to political discourse.Taking the 2022 government work report as an example,this paper discusses the metaphor problems in political discourse,and analyzes the metaphorical expressions and their functions in political discourse.Based on this,eco-translatology is used to analyze the translation strategies of metaphors in political discourse to help Chinese political discourse get better publicity.展开更多
The phenomenon of verbal-to-nominal shift(hereafter referred to as“V-N shift”)exists in both English and Chinese.It reflects both the universal conceptual metonymic thinking and the principle of linguistic economy.F...The phenomenon of verbal-to-nominal shift(hereafter referred to as“V-N shift”)exists in both English and Chinese.It reflects both the universal conceptual metonymic thinking and the principle of linguistic economy.Focusing on conceptual metonymy theory and combined with the Event Idealized Cognitive Model(ICM),this paper systematically compares the V-N shift phenomenon in English and Chinese.The study shows that English and Chinese V-N shifts share the core cognitive mechanism of“conceptual proximity within the Event ICM”,while significant differences exist in type distribution and usage frequency.This analysis not only helps deepen the understanding of the cognitive logic behind English and Chinese V-N shifts but also provides a new perspective for the study of word-class conversion and the relationship between language and thinking.展开更多
To investigate groundwater flow and solute transport characteristics of the karst trough zone in China,tracer experiments were conducted at two adjacent typical karst groundwater flow systems(Yuquandong(YQD)and Migong...To investigate groundwater flow and solute transport characteristics of the karst trough zone in China,tracer experiments were conducted at two adjacent typical karst groundwater flow systems(Yuquandong(YQD)and Migongquan(MGQ))in Sixi valley,western Hubei,China.Highresolution continuous monitoring was utilized to obtain breakthrough curves(BTCs),which were then analyzed using the multi-dispersion model(MDM)and the two-region nonequilibrium model(2RNE)with basic parameters calculated by CXTFIT and QTRACER2.Results showed that:(1)YQD flow system had a complex infiltration matrix with overland flow,conduit flow and fracture flow,while the MGQ flow system was dominated by conduit flow with fast flow transport velocity,but also small amount of fracture flow there;(2)They were well fitted based on the MDM(R^2=0.928)and 2RNE(R^2=0.947)models,indicating that they had strong adaptability in the karst trough zone;(3)conceptual models for YQD and MGQ groundwater systems were generalized.In YQD system,the solute was transported via overland flow during intense rainfall,while some infiltrated down into fissures and conduits.In MGQ system,most were directly transported to spring outlet in the fissureconduit network.展开更多
The acquisition of valuable design knowledge from massive fragmentary data is challenging for designers in conceptual product design.This study proposes a novel method for acquiring design knowledge by combining deep ...The acquisition of valuable design knowledge from massive fragmentary data is challenging for designers in conceptual product design.This study proposes a novel method for acquiring design knowledge by combining deep learning with knowledge graph.Specifically,the design knowledge acquisition method utilises the knowledge extraction model to extract design-related entities and relations from fragmentary data,and further constructs the knowledge graph to support design knowledge acquisition for conceptual product design.Moreover,the knowledge extraction model introduces ALBERT to solve memory limitation and communication overhead in the entity extraction module,and uses multi-granularity information to overcome segmentation errors and polysemy ambiguity in the relation extraction module.Experimental comparison verified the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed knowledge extraction model.The case study demonstrated the feasibility of the knowledge graph construction with real fragmentary porcelain data and showed the capability to provide designers with interconnected and visualised design knowledge.展开更多
For the conceptual design phase of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs),a process for conceptual design and configuration selection of Solar/Hydrogen powered UAVs(S/H-UAVs)is proposed.The design requirements of S/H-UAVs wer...For the conceptual design phase of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs),a process for conceptual design and configuration selection of Solar/Hydrogen powered UAVs(S/H-UAVs)is proposed.The design requirements of S/H-UAVs were analyzed firstly.The proposed process used Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment(FQFD)to establish logical and quantitative standards.Moreover,in order to appropriately describe the hesitancy of experts while making decision,it used Q-Rung Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Sets(QRDHFS)to score the correlationships.In addition,a decision-making framework is proposed to perform a logical selection of typical layouts based on defuzzi-fication method and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution(TOPSIS).The present process has been applied for S/H-UAVs.The resulting set of design requirements con-sists of three categories:Mission Requirements(MRs),Engineering Characteristics(ECs)and Tech-nical Indicators(TIs).Four typical layouts of S/H-UAVs were sorted and determined.The performance of four typical layouts were evaluated and the Strut-Braced Wing(SBW)with external hydrogen storage was selected as the best layout for S/H-UAVs.展开更多
基金supported, in part, by AFRI competitive grants 2009 – 01722 and 2012-67015-30173 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
文摘The majority of pregnancy loss in ruminants occurs during the first three weeks after conception, particularly during the period of conceptus elongation that occurs prior to pregnancy recognition and implantation. This review integrates established and new information on the biological role of ovarian progesterone （P4）, prostaglandins （PGs）, interferon tau （IFNT） and cortisol in endometrial function and conceptus elongation. Progesterone is secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum （CL） and is the unequivocal hormone of pregnancy. Prostaglandins （PGs） and cortisol are produced by both the epithelial cells of the endometrium and the trophectoderm of the elongating conceptus. In contrast, IFNT is produced solely by the conceptus trophectoderm and is the maternal recognition of pregnancy signa that inhibits production of luteolytic pulses of PGF2α by the endometrium to maintain the CL and thus production of P4. Available results in sheep support the idea that the individual, interactive, and coordinated actions of P4, PGs, IFNT and cortisol regulate conceptus elongation and implantation by controlling expression of genes in the endometrium and/or trophectoderm. An increased knowledge of conceptus-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy in ruminants is necessary to understand and elucidate the causes of infertility and recurrent early pregnancy loss and provide new strategies to improve fertility and thus reproductive efficiency.
基金Support for the work from the authors’laboratory described in this review paper has been provided by the Bio Green 21 Program(20050603050120070301034040+8 种基金 20080401034003 PJ007997 PJ009610 PJ01110301PJ01119103)the Rural Development Administrationa National Research Foundation grant funded by the Korean Government(KRF-2005-003-F00017,KRF-2007-521-F00030,NRF-2010-0012304,NRF-2010-10012304 NRF-2012R1A2A2A01047079 NRF-2015R1D1A1A01058356,Republic of Korea
文摘The establishment of pregnancy is a complex process that requires a well-coordinated interaction between the implanting conceptus and the maternal uterus. In pigs, the conceptus undergoes dramatic morphological and functional changes at the time of implantation and introduces various factors, including estrogens and cytokines,interleukin-1β2(IL1 B2), interferon-γ(IFNG), and IFN-δ(IFND), into the uterine lumen. In response to ovarian steroid hormones and conceptus-derived factors, the uterine endometrium becomes receptive to the implanting conceptus by changing its expression of cell adhesion molecules, secretory activity, and immune response. Conceptus-derived estrogens act as a signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy by changing the direction of prostaglandin(PG) F2αfrom the uterine vasculature to the uterine lumen. Estrogens also induce the expression of many endometrial genes,including genes related to growth factors, the synthesis and transport of PGs, and immunity. IL1 B2, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is produced by the elongating conceptus. The direct effect of IL1 B2 on endometrial function is not fully understood. IL1 B activates the expression of endometrial genes, including the genes involved in IL1 B signaling and PG synthesis and transport. In addition, estrogen or IL1 B stimulates endometrial expression of IFN signaling molecules,suggesting that estrogen and IL1 B act cooperatively in priming the endometrial function of conceptus-produced IFNG and IFND that, in turn, modulate endometrial immune response during early pregnancy. This review addresses information about maternal-conceptus interactions with respect to endometrial gene expression in response to conceptus-derived factors, focusing on the roles of estrogen and IL1 B during early pregnancy in pigs.
基金supported in part by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no.2007-35203-17836 and Grant no.2013-67015-21023 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
文摘Establishment of pregnancy in pigs involves maintaining progesterone secretion from the corpora lutea in addition to regulating a sensitive interplay between the maternal immune system and attachment of the rapidly expanding trophoblast for nutrient absorption. The peri-implantation period of rapid trophoblastic elongation followed by attachment to the maternal uterine endometrium is critical for establishing a sufficient placental-uterine interface for subsequent nutrient transport for fetal survival to term, but is also marked by the required conceptus release of factors involved with stimulating uterine secretion of histotroph and modulation of the maternal immune system. Many endometrial genes activated by the conceptus secretory factors stimulate a tightly controlled proinflammatory response within the uterus. A number of the cytokines released by the elongating conceptuses stimulate inducible transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B （NFKB） potentially regulating the maternal uterine proinflammatory and immune response. This review will establish the current knowledge for the role of conceptus cytokine production and release in early development and establishment of pregnancy in the pig.
基金Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no.2018-67015-31936 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
文摘Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are presented in the uterine lumen of many mammals,and in vitro experiments have determined that several miRNAs are important for the regulation of endometrial and trophoblast functions.Our aim was to identify and contrast the miRNAs present in extracellular vesicles(EVs)in the uterine lumen fluid(ULF)at the onset of attachment in cattle pregnancies(gestation d 18)initiated by artificial insemination(AI)or by the trans-fer of an in vitro-produced blastocyst(IVP-ET).A third group had no conceptus after the transfer of an IVP embryo.Results The abundance of 263 annotated miRNAs was quantified in the EVs collected from ULF.There was an increase in the transcript abundance of 20 miRNAs in the ULF EVs from the AI pregnant group,while 4 miRNAs had a lower abundance relative to the group not containing a conceptus.Additionally,4 miRNAs were more abun-dant in ULF EVs in the AI pregnant group relative to IVP-ET group(bta-mir-17,bta-mir-7-3,MIR7-1,MIR18A).Specific miRNAs in the ULF EVs were co-expressed with messenger RNAs expressed in extra-embryonic tissues and endome-trium,including genes that are known to be their targets.Conclusions The results provide biological insights into the participation of miRNAs in the regulation of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation,as well as in endometrium receptivity.The knowledge that in vitro cultured embryos can contribute to the altered abundance of specific miRNAs in the uterine lumen can lead to the development of cor-rective approaches to reduce conceptus losses during the first month of pregnancy in cattle.
基金supported by National Research Initiative Competitive Grants from the Animal Reproduction Program (2008-35203-19120, 2009-35206-05211, 201167015-20067, and 2011-67015-20028)Animal Growth & Nutrient Utilization Program (2008-35206-18764) of the USDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureTexas A&M Agri Life Research (H-8200)
文摘The dialogue between the mammalian conceptus(embryo/fetus and associated membranes) involves signaling for pregnancy recognition and maintenance of pregnancy during the critical peri-implantation period of pregnancy when the stage is set for implantation and placentation that precedes fetal development. Uterine epithelial cells secrete and/or transport a wide range of molecules, including nutrients,collectively referred to as histotroph that are transported into the fetal-placental vascular system to support growth and development of the conceptus. The availability of uterine-derived histotroph has long-term consequences for the health and well-being of the fetus and the prevention of adult onset of metabolic diseases. Histotroph includes numerous amino acids, but arginine plays a particularly important role as a source of nitric oxide and polyamines required for fetal-placental development in rodents, swine and humans through mechanisms that remain to be fully elucidated. Mechanisms whereby arginine regulates expression of genes via the mechanistic target of rapamycin cell signaling pathways critical to conceptus development, implantation and placentation are discussed in detail in this review.
基金supported by the Joint Project 2016 and the Joint Project 2019,developed by the University of Verona and Fabbrica Cooperativa Perfosfati Cerea,Italy。
文摘The behaviour of nanofertilizers(NFs)in plant-soil systems can differ from that of conventional chemical fertilizers due to their peculiar chemical-physical properties.Their effectiveness is still poorly understood.In this study,we evaluated the P fertilization potential of a novel nanosized FePO4NF(FePNF)in a plant-soil microcosm in a pot experiment.The efficacies of FePNF and a conventional P fertilizer(triple superphosphate,TSP)in sustaining the growth of cucumber plants were evaluated.Plants were grown for 28 d on a P-deficient soil,and determinations were made of plant growth parameters,mineral nutrient concentrations in plant tissues,P availability in soil,activities of soil enzymes involved in C,N,P,and S mineralization,and soil microbial community structure.No significant differences were found in plant dry weight,leaf area,chlorophyll content,or root growth between the FePNF and TSP treatments.Conversely,P availability in soil and P concentration in plant tissues at the end of the plant growth period were significantly higher after TSP fertilization compared to FePNF fertilization,whereas no significant differences were observed for other nutrients.Among the measured soil enzyme activities,there were no significant differences in the activities of soil acid phosphatase,β-glucosidase,and arylsulfatase between the FePNF and TSP treatments,while soil alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in the TSP treatment than in the FePNF treatment and the protease activity was higher in the FePNF treatment than in the TSP treatment.The FePNF and TSP treatments showed significant differences in soil archaeal,bacterial,and fungal community structures,although the microbial community profiles generally clustered closer to each other in the two treatments.We concluded that FePNF can be an efficient alternative to the conventional P fertilizer TSP.
基金funding from the U.S.-Kazakhstan University Partnerships program funded by the U.S.Mission to Kazakhstan and administered by American Councils[Award number SKZ100-19-CA-0149].
文摘Cultivation metaphors that compare teachers and students to gardeners and plants,respectively,have a long presence in the field of education.While such metaphors can be used to represent learner-centered pedagogies in which a teacher fosters the growth of their students,there is also a darker side to cultivation metaphors.For instance,Zipory(2020)argues that characteristics of agriculture’s grain economy-like repetitiveness,coercion,and lack of diversity-can be imposed onto education.Following Zipory’s call for the forest to serve as a more apt metaphorical trajectory for education,I propose using the forest garden as a middle ground between the traditional garden and the natural forest.To highlight the potential usefulness of the forest garden metaphor in education,I explore its application as related to teacher professional development(PD),specifically content and language integrated learning(CLIL)PD.By reflecting on the design and outcomes of Project SCILLA,a CLIL PD program for Kazakhstani university instructors,as well as CLIL PD more broadly,I demonstrate how the forest garden metaphor conceptualizes the relationships and power dynamics between and across various stakeholders in education in response to global rhetoric,national and local policies,and interpersonal interactions.By emulating the sustainable forest garden’s principles of planning and intentionality,localization,interconnectedness,diversity,creativity,and growth from decay,stakeholders can(re)shape the policies and practices of multilingual,multicultural education systems.In addition,education researchers can use a metaphorical forest garden lens to better appreciate the complexities at play within dynamic educational landscapes.
基金2024 Academic Research of Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics:“Spillover Effects of Multimodal AI Agents on Green School Development”(Project No.:X2024038)2024-2025 Research and Creative Project,Department of Culture and Tourism:“The Application of Digital Information Technology in Safety Early Warning and Supervision of Cultural Relics in Zhejiang,China”(Project No.:2024KYY045)2024 General Research Project of Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education:“Empirical Research on Low-Carbon Economy Driving the Development of New Quality Productivity:A Case Study of Zhejiang Province”(Project No.:Y202456145)。
文摘The integration of Green Artificial Intelligence(AI)technologies into educational systems offers a promising avenue to enhance operational efficiency while addressing sustainability challenges.Through a rigorous three-phase methodology combining literature review,AI agent development,and participatory workshop-based case analysis,this paper highlights the pivotal role of AI agents,as applications of Green AI technologies,in driving transformative outcomes within schools.By directly improving self-learning efficiency and reducing learning costs for students,enhancing management and service efficiency,reducing labor costs for schools,as well as minimizing resource dependence for both teachers and students,AI agents create a foundation for sustainable operations.These direct effects generate positive spillover effects,cascading into broader outcomes,including innovation performance,economic efficiency,and environmental sustainability,aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).By presenting a comprehensive conceptual model,this study demonstrates the pathways through which Green AI contributes to sustainable development in education and emphasizes its critical role in bridging technological innovation with sustainability.This framework provides significant theoretical insights for further empirical research while offering actionable strategies for policymakers and educators to harness Green AI for building sustainable schools with a student-centered approach.
基金Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.
文摘This geo-historical case study analyses Vistelius’ingenious idea of conceptual stochastic models and their application as Markov chain analysis in the geosciences.Vistelius(1915–1995)is regarded as one of the founders of mathematical geology.He was the fi rst to defi ne mathematical geology as“a scientifi c discipline concerned with the construction,analysis and use of conceptual mathematical models of geological events to solve concrete problems”(Vistelius in Principles of mathematical geology,Nauka,Leningrad,1980;Principles of mathematical geology,Kluwer Academic Publishers,Dordrecht,1992).Mathematical models in this context should be primarily probabilistic because of the large number of infl uencing natural factors.They must be conceptual to avoid fundamental errors in application.Vistelius devoted his seminal book to geological random sequences and their description and analysis using Markov models as stochastic tools.He applied this approach to grain sequences in granitic intrusive rocks and to sedimentary rock layers.Among other things,Vistelius has used Markov chain analysis in mineral resource exploration to distinguish between“ideal”granites,which are not subsequently mineralized,and mainly hydrothermally mineralized,sometimes ore-bearing granites which contain at least two generations of main minerals.The application of this special conceptual stochastic model is demonstrated on Lusatian granite(Saxony,Germany).
文摘Jovani et al’s study contributes important evidence linking childhood trauma(CT)and parental socialization with at-risk mental state(ARMS)in non-clinical adolescents,demonstrating the mediating role of low levels of parental affection and communication in this relationship.This letter commends the study’s strengths while also identifying key issues that warrant further attention,including the limitations of cross-sectional design,potential perceptual biases,conceptual overlap between CT and parenting,and limited cultural generalizability.We advocate for longitudinal,culturally sensitive,and multi-informant approaches to further refine ARMS risk models,strengthen theoretical distinctions between CT and parenting,and inform targeted prevention strategies across diverse populations.We also extend the discussion by highlighting promising directions for future research.
文摘Chinese political discourse is the embodiment of the will of the people,the will of the CPC and the will of China.Conceptual metaphor is closely related to political discourse.Taking the 2022 government work report as an example,this paper discusses the metaphor problems in political discourse,and analyzes the metaphorical expressions and their functions in political discourse.Based on this,eco-translatology is used to analyze the translation strategies of metaphors in political discourse to help Chinese political discourse get better publicity.
文摘The phenomenon of verbal-to-nominal shift(hereafter referred to as“V-N shift”)exists in both English and Chinese.It reflects both the universal conceptual metonymic thinking and the principle of linguistic economy.Focusing on conceptual metonymy theory and combined with the Event Idealized Cognitive Model(ICM),this paper systematically compares the V-N shift phenomenon in English and Chinese.The study shows that English and Chinese V-N shifts share the core cognitive mechanism of“conceptual proximity within the Event ICM”,while significant differences exist in type distribution and usage frequency.This analysis not only helps deepen the understanding of the cognitive logic behind English and Chinese V-N shifts but also provides a new perspective for the study of word-class conversion and the relationship between language and thinking.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42007178 and 41907327)the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei(Nos.2020CFB463 and 2019CFB372)+4 种基金China Geological Survey(Nos.DD20160304 and DD20190824)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Nos.CUG 190644 and CUGL180817)National Key Research and Development Program(No.2019YFC1805502)Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics,MNR and GZAR(Institute of Karst Geology,CAGS)Guilin(No.KDL201703)Key Laboratory of Karst Ecosystem and Treatment of Rocky Desertification,MNR and IRCK by UNESCO(No.KDL201903)。
文摘To investigate groundwater flow and solute transport characteristics of the karst trough zone in China,tracer experiments were conducted at two adjacent typical karst groundwater flow systems(Yuquandong(YQD)and Migongquan(MGQ))in Sixi valley,western Hubei,China.Highresolution continuous monitoring was utilized to obtain breakthrough curves(BTCs),which were then analyzed using the multi-dispersion model(MDM)and the two-region nonequilibrium model(2RNE)with basic parameters calculated by CXTFIT and QTRACER2.Results showed that:(1)YQD flow system had a complex infiltration matrix with overland flow,conduit flow and fracture flow,while the MGQ flow system was dominated by conduit flow with fast flow transport velocity,but also small amount of fracture flow there;(2)They were well fitted based on the MDM(R^2=0.928)and 2RNE(R^2=0.947)models,indicating that they had strong adaptability in the karst trough zone;(3)conceptual models for YQD and MGQ groundwater systems were generalized.In YQD system,the solute was transported via overland flow during intense rainfall,while some infiltrated down into fissures and conduits.In MGQ system,most were directly transported to spring outlet in the fissureconduit network.
基金This research is supported by the Chinese Special Projects of the National Key Research and Development Plan(2019YFB1405702).
文摘The acquisition of valuable design knowledge from massive fragmentary data is challenging for designers in conceptual product design.This study proposes a novel method for acquiring design knowledge by combining deep learning with knowledge graph.Specifically,the design knowledge acquisition method utilises the knowledge extraction model to extract design-related entities and relations from fragmentary data,and further constructs the knowledge graph to support design knowledge acquisition for conceptual product design.Moreover,the knowledge extraction model introduces ALBERT to solve memory limitation and communication overhead in the entity extraction module,and uses multi-granularity information to overcome segmentation errors and polysemy ambiguity in the relation extraction module.Experimental comparison verified the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed knowledge extraction model.The case study demonstrated the feasibility of the knowledge graph construction with real fragmentary porcelain data and showed the capability to provide designers with interconnected and visualised design knowledge.
文摘For the conceptual design phase of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs),a process for conceptual design and configuration selection of Solar/Hydrogen powered UAVs(S/H-UAVs)is proposed.The design requirements of S/H-UAVs were analyzed firstly.The proposed process used Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment(FQFD)to establish logical and quantitative standards.Moreover,in order to appropriately describe the hesitancy of experts while making decision,it used Q-Rung Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Sets(QRDHFS)to score the correlationships.In addition,a decision-making framework is proposed to perform a logical selection of typical layouts based on defuzzi-fication method and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution(TOPSIS).The present process has been applied for S/H-UAVs.The resulting set of design requirements con-sists of three categories:Mission Requirements(MRs),Engineering Characteristics(ECs)and Tech-nical Indicators(TIs).Four typical layouts of S/H-UAVs were sorted and determined.The performance of four typical layouts were evaluated and the Strut-Braced Wing(SBW)with external hydrogen storage was selected as the best layout for S/H-UAVs.
