Flexible electronics face critical challenges in achieving monolithic three-dimensional(3D)integration,including material compatibility,structural stability,and scalable fabrication methods.Inspired by the tactile sen...Flexible electronics face critical challenges in achieving monolithic three-dimensional(3D)integration,including material compatibility,structural stability,and scalable fabrication methods.Inspired by the tactile sensing mechanism of the human skin,we have developed a flexible monolithic 3D-integrated tactile sensing system based on a holey MXene paste,where each vertical one-body unit simultaneously functions as a microsupercapacitor and pressure sensor.The in-plane mesopores of MXene significantly improve ion accessibility,mitigate the self-stacking of nanosheets,and allow the holey MXene to multifunctionally act as a sensing material,an active electrode,and a conductive interconnect,thus drastically reducing the interface mismatch and enhancing the mechanical robustness.Furthermore,we fabricate a large-scale device using a blade-coating and stamping method,which demonstrates excellent mechanical flexibility,low-power consumption,rapid response,and stable long-term operation.As a proof-of-concept application,we integrate our sensing array into a smart access control system,leveraging deep learning to accurately identify users based on their unique pressing behaviors.This study provides a promising approach for designing highly integrated,intelligent,and flexible electronic systems for advanced human-computer interactions and personalized electronics.展开更多
Protein aggregates,mitochondrial import stress and neurodegenerative disorders:A salient hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases,including Parkinson’s disease,is the abundance of protein aggregates(Goiran et a...Protein aggregates,mitochondrial import stress and neurodegenerative disorders:A salient hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases,including Parkinson’s disease,is the abundance of protein aggregates(Goiran et al.,2022).This molecular event is believed to lead to activation of stress pathways ultimately resulting in cellular dysfunction(Eldeeb et al.,2022).Accordingly,many lines of research investigations focused on dampening the formation of protein aggregates or augmenting the clearance of protein aggregates as a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract the progression of neurodegenerative diseases,albeit with little success(Costa-Mattioli and Walter,2020).Cell stress cues such as the accumulation of protein aggregates lead to the activation of stress response pathways that aid cells in responding to the damage.Despite the notion that the transient activation of these pathways helps cells cope with stressors,persistent activation can induce unwanted apoptosis of cells and reduce overall tissue strength as well as lead to an accumulation of aggregation-prone proteins(Hetz and Papa,2018).Mutations in proteins involved in stress signaling termination can cause conditions like ataxia and early-onset dementia(Conroy et al.,2014).Therefore,it is crucial for stress response signaling to be turned off once conditions have improved.Nevertheless,the mechanisms by which cells silence these signals are still elusive.展开更多
Background Body weight is an important indicator of the overall health and production efficiency in broiler chickens.In broiler houses,body weight of chicks is variable despite the same genetics,hatching and feeding p...Background Body weight is an important indicator of the overall health and production efficiency in broiler chickens.In broiler houses,body weight of chicks is variable despite the same genetics,hatching and feeding practices within a production system.The objective of this study was to investigate the intestinal microbiota and bile salt hydrolase(BSH)activity in slow and fast growing broiler chickens,which belonged to the 10th and 90th percentile body weight groups,respectively.Methods A total of 300 Ross 308 broiler chickens(100 per cohort from three independent cohorts)were selected and mucosal samples from the jejunum,ileum,and cecum were collected at day of arrival,11 and 25(n=450).Then,bacterial counts,16S rRNA amplicon sequencing,species specific real-time qPCR,as well as BSH activity were analyzed.Results Results of bacterial counts showed no significant difference between slow and fast growing cohorts(P>0.05),but they tended to be higher in the slow growing chickens in all measured bacterial groups in cecum.The 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed higher relative abundance of E.coli-Shigella(71.3%−79.8%)at day of arrival,while the most abundant microorganisms at d 25 was Candidatus Arthromitus(slow:44.5%;fast:27.4%)in small intestine.qPCR results indicated significant differences in bacterial populations between the slow and fast growing chickens,especially higher total bacteria,Enterococcus,and Clostridium cluster I in the slow growing chickens at d 25.BSH activity was higher in the slow growing chickens than the fast growing chickens[slow:0.476ΔOD/protein(μg/mL);fast:0.258ΔOD/protein(μg/mL);P<0.0001],and correlation analysis highlighted associations between BSH activity,body weight,feed intake,body weight gain,and bacterial counts.Conclusions We postulate that high total bacteria and Enterococcus abundance are associated with high BSH activity,impacting low feed intake and body weight gain,ultimately resulting in separation into slow and fast growing birds.The findings of this study contribute to understanding the relationship between gut microbiota,BSH activity,and host physiology in broiler chickens,with potential implications for poultry production.展开更多
Penile fracture is a rare clinical entity that occurs secondary to direct trauma to an erect penis,most commonly during sexual intercourse.Specifically,increased pressure within the corpus cavernosa results in rupture...Penile fracture is a rare clinical entity that occurs secondary to direct trauma to an erect penis,most commonly during sexual intercourse.Specifically,increased pressure within the corpus cavernosa results in rupture of the tunica albuginea.Occasionally,these injuries extend to the urethra and very rarely cause a complete urethral avulsion.Emergent exploration improves posttraumatic erectile function,penile curvature,and prevents painful erections.The traditional approach is a subcoronal circumcising incision to allow for adequate visualization.We present an uncircumcised male with bilateral corporal injuries and complete urethral avulsion who underwent a ventral midline approach for successful foreskin preservation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Environmental enteric dysfunction(EED)is a subclinical condition caused by fecal-oral contamination leading to enteric inflammation and dysbiosis.Bile acids serve to facilitate lipid digestion and absorptio...BACKGROUND Environmental enteric dysfunction(EED)is a subclinical condition caused by fecal-oral contamination leading to enteric inflammation and dysbiosis.Bile acids serve to facilitate lipid digestion and absorption,regulate metabolic pathways associated with childhood growth and inflammation,and may be affected by EED.AIM To investigate bile acid metabolism in Bangladeshi children with EED and its association with growth impairment.METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 Bangladeshi infants(aged 6-9 months)and quantified serum and fecal bile acids using LC-MS/MS.We compared profiles to a control group of 6 American children(6-12 months)and 80 older Bangladeshi children(aged 2 years).RESULTS Bangladeshi infants had higher levels of plasma unconjugated primary(65.23%vs 44.25%,P=0.003)and sulfated primary bile acids(12.98%vs<0.001%,P=0.01),with lower primary conjugated bile acids(0.69%vs 2.74%,P≤0.001)compared to American children.Stool unconjugated primary bile acids were inversely associated with weight-for-age[regression coefficient(β)=-0.01,P=0.01]and height-for-age Z scores(β=-0.01,P=0.03).Conjugated secondary bile acids were inversely associated with small intestine bacterial overgrowth(β=-1096.68,P=0.05).Fecal myeloperoxidase was associated with sulfated secondary bile acids(β=-0.40,P=0.04).Compared to 2-year-old children,the Bangladeshi infant’s serum had higher levels of unconjugated primary bile acids(65.23%vs 9.20%,P≤0.001)and lower levels of primary conjugated bile acids(0.69%vs 80.38%,P≤0.001).CONCLUSION Our data suggests an age-dependent defect in conjugation of primary bile acids in Bangladeshi children with compensatory hydrophilic shunting.Additionally,bile acid profiles are associated with intestinal overgrowth.展开更多
The scalable integration of two-dimensional(2D)lamellar nanomaterials into flexible films opens up innovative possibilities for enhancing the performance and functionality of energy storage devices.However,a significa...The scalable integration of two-dimensional(2D)lamellar nanomaterials into flexible films opens up innovative possibilities for enhancing the performance and functionality of energy storage devices.However,a significant challenge lies in balancing mechanical strength with optimal energy storage properties.Achieving the necessary flexibility while maintaining high energy density and durability is complex due to the inherent trade-off between these properties.To address this issue and improve the overall performance of such nanomaterial films,researchers are exploring novel approaches such as hybridization with other materials,optimization of layer structures,and innovative fabrication techniques.In this vein,the emergence of hybrid nanomaterials composed of metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)and 2D MXene sheets offers exciting opportunities in the development of advanced materials for diverse applications.These MOF/MXene hybrid architectures exhibit a unique synergy that combines the exceptional surface area and tunable porosity of MOFs with the high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of MXenes.This integration leads to the creation of versatile,multifunctional materials with promising capabilities in electrochemical energy storage and conversion,as well as environmental remediation.Hence,the present review delves into the various synthesis techniques employed to produce MOF/MXene hybrids,along with their diverse morphologies and properties,and examines the latest advancements in tailoring these nanoarchitectures for enhanced performance and efficiency.Additionally,the challenges and opportunities for future research are discussed in order to highlight the potential of these hybrid materials in pushing the boundaries of technological innovation across multiple scientific disciplines.展开更多
Erectile dysfunction （ED） in men under the age of 40 was once thought to be entirely psychogenic. Over the last few decades, advances in our understanding of erectile physiology and improvements in diagnostic testin...Erectile dysfunction （ED） in men under the age of 40 was once thought to be entirely psychogenic. Over the last few decades, advances in our understanding of erectile physiology and improvements in diagnostic testing have restructured our understanding of ED and its etiologies. Although psychogenic ED is more prevalent in the younger population, at least 15%-20% of these men have an organic etiology. Organic ED has been shown to be a predictor of increased future morbidity and mortality. As such, a thorough work-up should be employed for any man with complaints of sexual dysfunction. Oftentimes a treatment plan can be formulated after a focused history, physical exam and basic lab-work are conducted. However, in certain complex cases, more testing can be employed. The major organic etiologies can be subdivided into vascular, neurologic, and endocrine. Specific testing should be directed by clinical clues noted during the preliminary evaluation. These tests vary in degree of invasiveness, precision, and at times may not affect treatment. Results should be integrated into the overall clinical picture to assist in diagnosis and help guide therapy.展开更多
Optimal path planning avoiding obstacles is among the most attractive applications of mobile robots(MRs)in both research and education.In this paper,an optimal collision-free algorithm is designed and implemented prac...Optimal path planning avoiding obstacles is among the most attractive applications of mobile robots(MRs)in both research and education.In this paper,an optimal collision-free algorithm is designed and implemented practically based on an improved Dijkstra algorithm.To achieve this research objectives,first,the MR obstacle-free environment is modeled as a diagraph including nodes,edges and weights.Second,Dijkstra algorithm is used offline to generate the shortest path driving the MR from a starting point to a target point.During its movement,the robot should follow the previously obtained path and stop at each node to test if there is an obstacle between the current node and the immediately following node.For this aim,the MR was equipped with an ultrasonic sensor used as obstacle detector.If an obstacle is found,the MR updates its diagraph by excluding the corresponding node.Then,Dijkstra algorithm runs on the modified diagraph.This procedure is repeated until reaching the target point.To verify the efficiency of the proposed approach,a simulation was carried out on a hand-made MR and an environment including 9 nodes,19 edges and 2 obstacles.The obtained optimal path avoiding obstacles has been transferred into motion control and implemented practically using line tracking sensors.This study has shown that the improved Dijkstra algorithm can efficiently solve optimal path planning in environments including obstacles and that STEAM-based MRs are efficient cost-effective tools to practically implement the designed algorithm.展开更多
Peyronie's disease is a common condition resulting in penile deformity,psychological bother,and sexual dysfunction.Erectile dysfunction is one common comorbid condition seen in men with Peyronie’s disease,and its...Peyronie's disease is a common condition resulting in penile deformity,psychological bother,and sexual dysfunction.Erectile dysfunction is one common comorbid condition seen in men with Peyronie’s disease,and its presence significantly impacts treatment considerations.In a man with Peyronie's disease and significant erectile dysfunction who desires the most reliable treatment,penile prosthesis placement should be strongly considered.In some instances,such as those patients with relatively mild curvature,prosthesis placement alone may result in adequate straightening.However,many patients will require additional straightening maneuvers such as manual modeling,penile plication,and tunica albuginea incision with or without grafting.For patients with severe penile shortening,penile length restoration techniques may also be considered.Herein,we provide a comprehensive clinical review of penile prosthesis placement in men with Peyronie's disease.Specifically,we discuss preoperative indications,intraoperative considerations,adjunctive straightening maneuvers,and postoperative outcomes.展开更多
This paper presents the corrosion characteristics and the accompanying changes in the microstructure of unalloyed duc-tile iron (DI) and austenitic stainless steel (ASS) in table salt medium representing an upper limi...This paper presents the corrosion characteristics and the accompanying changes in the microstructure of unalloyed duc-tile iron (DI) and austenitic stainless steel (ASS) in table salt medium representing an upper limit in an extreme marine environment. The individual corrosion rates of DI and ASS was evaluated for the maximum time period of 1200 hr. Using the immersion test technique, the corrosion rate of DI was evaluated and found to be four-orders of magnitude greater than that of ASS. The corrosion product morphologies of the DI showed that the nodular matrix was gradually covered up as immersion time progressed while the corrosion channels and volume of pits that initially formed in ASS respectively deepened and increased with increased exposure time. This work is important as a reference point for the quantification of the corrosion effectiveness of alloying DI. The microstructures of the corroded samples showed corro-sion initiation and gradual accumulation of corrosion products.展开更多
In the face of ongoing habitat fragmentation,many primate species have experienced reduced gene flow resulting in a reduction of genetic diversity,population bottlenecks,and inbreeding depression,including golden snub...In the face of ongoing habitat fragmentation,many primate species have experienced reduced gene flow resulting in a reduction of genetic diversity,population bottlenecks,and inbreeding depression,including golden snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana.Golden snub-nosed monkeys live in a multilevel society composed of several 1 male harem units that aggregate to form a cohesive breeding band,which is followed by one or more bachelor groups composed of juvenile,subadult,and adult male members.In this research,we examine the continuous landscape resistance surface,the genetic diversity and patterns of gene flow among 4 isolated breeding bands and 1 all-male band in the Qinling Mountains,China.Landscape surface modeling suggested that human activities and ecological factors severely limit the movement of individuals among breeding bands.Although these conditions are expected to result in reduced gene flow,reduced genetic diversity,and an increased opportunity for a genetic bottleneck,based on population genetic analyses of 13 microsatellite loci from 188 individuals inhabiting 4 isolated breeding bands and 1 all-male band,we found high levels of genetic diversity but low levels of genetic divergence,as well as high rates of gene flow between males residing in the all-male band and each of the 4 breeding bands.Our results indicate that the movement of bachelor males across the landscape,along with their association with several different breeding bands,appears to provide a mechanism for promoting gene flows and maintaining genetic diversity that may counteract the otherwise isolating effects of habitat fragmentation.展开更多
Water chemistry changes when it flows through different pathways.This study aims to characterize the differences of water(including rainwater,overland flow,soil water,groundwater,and stream water)chemistry of five kin...Water chemistry changes when it flows through different pathways.This study aims to characterize the differences of water(including rainwater,overland flow,soil water,groundwater,and stream water)chemistry of five kinds of water in Obagbile Catchment in Southwest Nigeria,determine the changes in water chemistry that occur as the water moves from one pathway to another,and identify the factors responsible for the water chemistry changes.To do these,we collected 50 water samples from 10 heavy storms that received equal to or more than 10 mm of rain within an hour to test the changes of water chemical properties across various pathways in this study.The results show that overland flow had the highest p H and electrical conductivity(EC)and rainwater had the lowest values of the two parameters.Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),Cl^(ˉ),and HCOO^(ˉ) were found to have their highest concentrations in stream water;meanwhile,NO_(3)^(–),NH_(4)^(+),and SO_(4)^(2–) were found to have almost the same low concentrations in all the water samples.K+was only dominant in stream water;while dissolved organic carbon(DOC)was lowest in rainwater,same in overland flow,soil water,and groundwater samples,and highest in stream flow.Principal component analysis(PCA)showed that for all the water samples from different pathways,two factors mainly accounted for the total variances.The two factors were related to the crustal and anthropogenic sources in rainwater,suggesting that the high loadings of major cations(e.g.,Ca^(2+) and Mg^(2+)) in rainwater samples are soil-derived.The PCA for the overland flow and soil water showed strong correlations among pH,EC,and the concentrations of Na^(+),Mg^(2+),HCOO^(-),and CH_(3)COO^(-),while the high loadings of all the parameters and the strong correlations among each other were evident in the stream water.In conclusion,the chemical constituents found in water are also the components of pathways through which the water flows.The major factors responsible for the change in the chemical properties of water in Obagbile Catchment are weathering and anthropogenic activities.展开更多
In the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Seismic Bridge Design Provisions,ductile diaphragms are identified as Permissible Earthquake-Resisting Elements（EREs）,designed to help resist seismic loads applied in the trans...In the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Seismic Bridge Design Provisions,ductile diaphragms are identified as Permissible Earthquake-Resisting Elements（EREs）,designed to help resist seismic loads applied in the transverse direction of bridges.When adding longitudinal ductile diaphragms,a bidirectional ductile diaphragm system is created that can address seismic excitations acting along both the bridge’s longitudinal and transverse axes.This paper investigates bidirectional ductile diaphragms with Buckling Restrained Braces（BRBs）in straight multi-span bridge with simply supported floating spans.The flexibility of the substructures in the transverse and longitudinal direction of the bridge is considered.Design procedures for the bidirectional ductile diaphragms are first proposed.An analytical model of the example bridge with bidirectional ductile diaphragms,designed based on the proposed methodology,is then built in SAP2000.Pushover and nonlinear time history analyses are performed on the bridge model,and corresponding results are presented.The effect of changing the longitudinal stiffness of the bidirectional ductile diaphragms in the end spans connecting to the abutment is also investigated,in order to better understand the impact on the bridge’s dynamic performance.展开更多
Coastal zones are very dynamic and fragile environments, constituting a landscape ever more heterogeneous, fragmented and with increasing levels of complexity due to the changing relationship between man and nature. I...Coastal zones are very dynamic and fragile environments, constituting a landscape ever more heterogeneous, fragmented and with increasing levels of complexity due to the changing relationship between man and nature. Integrated coastal zone management therefore requires detailed knowledge of the system and its components, based—to a large extent—on technical and scientific information. However, the information generated must be in line with the political requirements necessary for decision-making and planning. Thus the use of indicators to give a simplified view of the many components of the territory, and at the same time to provide important information about patterns or trends, becomes a tool of the utmost importance. These indicators can be understood as measurable characteristics of the environment, which facilitate comprehension of the processes occurring at different scales and serve as a reference to inform the population and support decision-making. The aim of the present note is to demonstrate briefly the need to develop geographical-environmental and natural risk indicators to facilitate comprehension of the dynamic of spatial and temporal landscape patterns, particularly in coastal environments. This approach offers an historical summary of the natural, socio-economic and political processes which currently make up the territory, and which without doubt will continue to influence it in the future. At the same time, it is proposed that information should be integrated on the basis of this framework with a view to generating spatial decision support systems in a context of planning and integrated management of the coastal zones of Chile.展开更多
Beta diversity is the change in species composition among areas in a geographic region. The proportion of species shared between two areas often decreases when the distance separating them increases, leading to an inc...Beta diversity is the change in species composition among areas in a geographic region. The proportion of species shared between two areas often decreases when the distance separating them increases, leading to an increase in beta diversity. This study compares beta diversity among four classes of terrestrial vertebrates （mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians） at both regional （biogeographic realm） and global extents, using the same sets of faunal sample units for all four groups in each comparison. Beta diversity is lower for the two endothermic taxa （birds and mammals） than for the two ectothermic taxa （reptiles and amphibians） in all six biogeographic realms examined. When the four taxa in the six biogeographic realms are combined, beta diversity at the species rank is higher than that of the genus rank by a factor of 1.24, and is higher than that of the family rank by a factor of 1.85. The ratio of beta diversity at the genus rank to that at the family rank is 1.50. Beta diversity is slightly higher for ecoregions of 5000-99,999 km^2 than for ecoregions of 100,000-5,000,000 km^2.展开更多
Microbially induced calcite precipitation(MICP)is a recently developed technique for microbiological ground improvement that has been applied for mitigating various geotechnical challenges.However,the major challenges...Microbially induced calcite precipitation(MICP)is a recently developed technique for microbiological ground improvement that has been applied for mitigating various geotechnical challenges.However,the major challenges,such as calcite precipitation uniformity,presence of different bacteria,cementation solution optimization for cost reduction,and implementation under non-sterile and uncontrolled field environment are still not fully explored and require detailed investigation before field application.This study aims to address these challenges of MICP to improve the geotechnical properties of sandy soils.Several series of experiments were conducted using poorly graded Narmada River(India)sand,which were subjected to various biotreatment schemes and tested for unconfined compressive strength(UCS),split tensile strength(STS),ultrasonic pulse velocity(UPV),hydraulic conductivity(after 6 d,12 d,and 18 d of treatment),and calcite content.The microstructure of sand was examined through a scanning electron microscope(SEM).Initially,the sand was individually augmented with two non-pathogenic bacterial strains,i.e.Sporosarcina(S.)pasteurii and Bacillus(B.)sphaericus.The stopped-flow injection method was adopted to provide cementation solutions at three different durations(treatment cycle)of 12 h,24 h,and 48 h and three different pore volumes(PVs)of 1,0.75,and 0.5.The pore volume here refers to the porosity which is expressed as a ratio,i.e.a porosity of 50%was used as 0.5.The results showed rock-like behaviors of biocemented sand with the UCS,STS,and UPV enhancement up to 2333 kPa,437 kPa,and 2670 m/s,respectively.The hydraulic conductivity reduction of 96.6%was achieved by 12%of calcite formation after 18 d of treatment using Sporosarcina pasteurii,12-h treatment cycle,and one pore volume of cementation media in each cycle.Overall,a 24-h treatment cycle and 0.5-pore volume cementation solution were found to be the optimal treatment which was effective and economical to achieve heavily cemented,rock-type biocemented sand using both bacteria.展开更多
Background:Recent studies underscored that divergence in residual feed intake(RFI)in mature beef and dairy cattle is associated with changes in ruminal microbiome and metabolome profiles which may contribute,at least ...Background:Recent studies underscored that divergence in residual feed intake(RFI)in mature beef and dairy cattle is associated with changes in ruminal microbiome and metabolome profiles which may contribute,at least in part,to better feed efficiency.Because the rumen in neonatal calves during the preweaning period is underdeveloped until close to weaning,they rely on hindgut microbial fermentation to breakdown undigested diet components.This leads to production of key metabolites such as volatile fatty acids(VFA),amino acids,and vitamins that could potentially be absorbed in the hind-gut and help drive growth and development.Whether RFI divergence in neonatal calves is associated with changes in hindgut microbial communities and metabolites is largely unknown.Therefore,the objective of the current study was to determine differences in hindgut microbiome and metabolome in neonatal Holstein heifer calves retrospectively-grouped based on feed efficiency as mostefficient(M-eff)or least-efficient(L-eff)calves using RFI divergence during the preweaning period.Methods:Twenty-six Holstein heifer calves received 3.8 L of first-milking colostrum from their respective dams within 6 h after birth.Calves were housed in individual outdoor hutches bedded with straw,fed twice daily with a milk replacer,and had ad libitum access to a starter grain mix from birth to weaning at 42 d of age.Calves were classified into M-eff[n=13;RFI coefficient=−5.72±0.94 kg DMI(milk replacer+starter grain)/d]and L-eff[n=13;RFI coefficient=5.61±0.94 kg DMI(milk replacer+starter grain)/d]based on a linear regression model including the combined starter grain mix and milk replacer DMI,average daily gain(ADG),and metabolic body weight(MBW).A deep sterile rectal swab exposed only to the rectum was collected immediately at birth before colostrum feeding(i.e.,d 0),and fecal samples at d 14,28,and 42(prior to weaning)for microbiome and untargeted metabolome analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS.Microbiome data were analyzed with the QIIME 2 platform and metabolome data with the MetaboAnalyst 4.0 pipeline.Results:No differences(P>0.05)in body measurements including body weight(BW),body length(BL),hip height(HH),hip width(HW),and wither height(WH)were detected between M-eff and L-eff calves at birth and during preweaning.Although milk replacer intake did not differ between groups,compared with L-eff,M-eff heifers had lower starter intake(P<0.01)between d 18 to 42 of age,whereas no differences(P>0.05)for ADG,cumulative BWG,or body measurements were observed between RFI groups during the preweaning period.Microbiome and metabolome profiles through the first 42 d of age indicated greater hindgut capacity for the production of energy-generating substrates(butyrate and propionate)and essential nutrients(vitamins and amino acids)in heifers with greater estimated feed efficiency.Conclusion:Despite consuming approximately 54.6%less solid feed(cumulative intake,10.90 vs.19.98±1.66 kg)from birth to weaning,the microbiome-metabolome changes in the hindgut of most-efficient heifers might have helped them maintain the same level of growth as the least-efficient heifers.展开更多
Background:Maternal nutrition during gestation affects fetal development,which has long-term programming effects on offspring postnatal growth performance.With a critical role in protein and lipid metabolism,essential...Background:Maternal nutrition during gestation affects fetal development,which has long-term programming effects on offspring postnatal growth performance.With a critical role in protein and lipid metabolism,essential fatty acids can influence the development of muscle and adipose tissue.The experiment investigated the effects of late gestation supplements(77 d prepartum),either rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids(CON;155 g/cow/d EnerGII)or polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA;80 g/cow/d Strata and 80 g/cow/d Prequel),on cow performance and subsequent calf growth performance as well as mRNA expression in longissimus muscle(LM)and subcutaneous adipose tissue at birth and weaning.Results:There was no difference(P≥0.34)in cow body weight(BW)or body condition score from presupplementation through weaning.Relative concentrations of C18:3n-3 and C20:4n-6 decreased(P≤0.05)to a greater extent from mid-supplementation to calving for PUFA compared with CON cows.Cow plasma C20:0,C20:5n-3,and C22:6n-3 were increased(P≤0.01)in PUFA during supplementation period.At birth,PUFA steers had greater(P=0.01)plasma C20:5n-3.No differences(P≥0.33)were detected in steer birth BW or dam milk production,however,CON steers tended(P=0.06)to have greater pre-weaning average daily gain and had greater(P=0.05)weaning BW compared with PUFA.For mRNA expression in steers:MYH7 and C/EBPβin LM increased(P≤0.04)to a greater extent from birth to weaning for PUFA compared with CON;MYF5 in LM and C/EBPβin adipose tissue tended(P≤0.08)to decrease more from birth to weaning for CON compared with PUFA;SCD in PUFA adipose tissue tended(P=0.08)to decrease to a greater extent from birth to weaning than CON.In addition,maternal PUFA supplementation tended(P=0.08)to decrease MYOG mRNA expression in LM and decreased(P=0.02)ZFP423 in adipose tissue during the pre-weaning stage.Conclusions:Late gestation PUFA supplementation decreased pre-weaning growth performance of the subsequent steer progeny compared with CON supplementation,which could have been a result of downregulated mRNA expression of myogenic genes during pre-weaning period.展开更多
AIM： TO inhibit the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in colon cancer cell line by RNA interference （RNAi）.METHODS： Followed the service of E-RNAi, we designed and constructed two kinds of ...AIM： TO inhibit the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in colon cancer cell line by RNA interference （RNAi）.METHODS： Followed the service of E-RNAi, we designed and constructed two kinds of shRNA expression vectors aiming at the VEGF gene, then transfected them into colon cancer HT29 cells by lipofectamineTM 2000. The level of VEGF mRNA was investigated by RT-PCR and Northern blotting. The protein expression of VEGF was observed by immunofluoresence staining and Western blotting.RESULTS： We got two kinds of VEGF specific shRNA expression vectors which could efficiently inhibit the expression of VEGF in HT29 cells. RT-PCR, Northern blotting, immunofluoresence staining and Western blotting showed that inhibition rate for VEGF expression was up to 42%, 89%, 73% and 82%, respectively.CONCLUSION： The expression of VEGF can be inhibited by RNA interference in HT29 cells.展开更多
Disinfection by-products occur widely as the unintended effect of water disinfection and are associated with toxicity and adverse human health effects. Yet the molecular mechanisms of their toxicity are not well under...Disinfection by-products occur widely as the unintended effect of water disinfection and are associated with toxicity and adverse human health effects. Yet the molecular mechanisms of their toxicity are not well understood. To investigate the molecular basis of hyperploidy induction by monohaloacetonitriles, the interaction of monohaloacetonitriles with topoisomerase Ⅱ in Chinese hamster ovary cells was examined. We showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of DNA decatenation activity of topoisomerase under acellular conditions while in vitro monohaloacetonitrile treatment expressed mixed results. The working hypothesis, that topoisomerase Ⅱ is a molecular target of monohaloacetonitriles, was only partially supported.Nevertheless, this research serves as a starting point toward molecular mechanisms of toxic action of monohaloacetonitriles.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52272177,12204010)the Foundation for the Introduction of High-Level Talents of Anhui University(S020118002/097)+1 种基金the University Synergy Innovation Program of Anhui Province(GXXT-2023-066)the Scientific Research Project of Anhui Provincial Higher Education Institution(2023AH040008)。
文摘Flexible electronics face critical challenges in achieving monolithic three-dimensional(3D)integration,including material compatibility,structural stability,and scalable fabrication methods.Inspired by the tactile sensing mechanism of the human skin,we have developed a flexible monolithic 3D-integrated tactile sensing system based on a holey MXene paste,where each vertical one-body unit simultaneously functions as a microsupercapacitor and pressure sensor.The in-plane mesopores of MXene significantly improve ion accessibility,mitigate the self-stacking of nanosheets,and allow the holey MXene to multifunctionally act as a sensing material,an active electrode,and a conductive interconnect,thus drastically reducing the interface mismatch and enhancing the mechanical robustness.Furthermore,we fabricate a large-scale device using a blade-coating and stamping method,which demonstrates excellent mechanical flexibility,low-power consumption,rapid response,and stable long-term operation.As a proof-of-concept application,we integrate our sensing array into a smart access control system,leveraging deep learning to accurately identify users based on their unique pressing behaviors.This study provides a promising approach for designing highly integrated,intelligent,and flexible electronic systems for advanced human-computer interactions and personalized electronics.
文摘Protein aggregates,mitochondrial import stress and neurodegenerative disorders:A salient hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases,including Parkinson’s disease,is the abundance of protein aggregates(Goiran et al.,2022).This molecular event is believed to lead to activation of stress pathways ultimately resulting in cellular dysfunction(Eldeeb et al.,2022).Accordingly,many lines of research investigations focused on dampening the formation of protein aggregates or augmenting the clearance of protein aggregates as a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract the progression of neurodegenerative diseases,albeit with little success(Costa-Mattioli and Walter,2020).Cell stress cues such as the accumulation of protein aggregates lead to the activation of stress response pathways that aid cells in responding to the damage.Despite the notion that the transient activation of these pathways helps cells cope with stressors,persistent activation can induce unwanted apoptosis of cells and reduce overall tissue strength as well as lead to an accumulation of aggregation-prone proteins(Hetz and Papa,2018).Mutations in proteins involved in stress signaling termination can cause conditions like ataxia and early-onset dementia(Conroy et al.,2014).Therefore,it is crucial for stress response signaling to be turned off once conditions have improved.Nevertheless,the mechanisms by which cells silence these signals are still elusive.
基金supported by research funding provided by Arm&Hammer Animal and Food Production,Waukesha,WI 53186,USA.
文摘Background Body weight is an important indicator of the overall health and production efficiency in broiler chickens.In broiler houses,body weight of chicks is variable despite the same genetics,hatching and feeding practices within a production system.The objective of this study was to investigate the intestinal microbiota and bile salt hydrolase(BSH)activity in slow and fast growing broiler chickens,which belonged to the 10th and 90th percentile body weight groups,respectively.Methods A total of 300 Ross 308 broiler chickens(100 per cohort from three independent cohorts)were selected and mucosal samples from the jejunum,ileum,and cecum were collected at day of arrival,11 and 25(n=450).Then,bacterial counts,16S rRNA amplicon sequencing,species specific real-time qPCR,as well as BSH activity were analyzed.Results Results of bacterial counts showed no significant difference between slow and fast growing cohorts(P>0.05),but they tended to be higher in the slow growing chickens in all measured bacterial groups in cecum.The 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed higher relative abundance of E.coli-Shigella(71.3%−79.8%)at day of arrival,while the most abundant microorganisms at d 25 was Candidatus Arthromitus(slow:44.5%;fast:27.4%)in small intestine.qPCR results indicated significant differences in bacterial populations between the slow and fast growing chickens,especially higher total bacteria,Enterococcus,and Clostridium cluster I in the slow growing chickens at d 25.BSH activity was higher in the slow growing chickens than the fast growing chickens[slow:0.476ΔOD/protein(μg/mL);fast:0.258ΔOD/protein(μg/mL);P<0.0001],and correlation analysis highlighted associations between BSH activity,body weight,feed intake,body weight gain,and bacterial counts.Conclusions We postulate that high total bacteria and Enterococcus abundance are associated with high BSH activity,impacting low feed intake and body weight gain,ultimately resulting in separation into slow and fast growing birds.The findings of this study contribute to understanding the relationship between gut microbiota,BSH activity,and host physiology in broiler chickens,with potential implications for poultry production.
文摘Penile fracture is a rare clinical entity that occurs secondary to direct trauma to an erect penis,most commonly during sexual intercourse.Specifically,increased pressure within the corpus cavernosa results in rupture of the tunica albuginea.Occasionally,these injuries extend to the urethra and very rarely cause a complete urethral avulsion.Emergent exploration improves posttraumatic erectile function,penile curvature,and prevents painful erections.The traditional approach is a subcoronal circumcising incision to allow for adequate visualization.We present an uncircumcised male with bilateral corporal injuries and complete urethral avulsion who underwent a ventral midline approach for successful foreskin preservation.
基金Supported by Children’s Hospital Foundation at VCU,No.1K23HD097282(to Donowitz JR)National Institutes of Health,No.5R01AI043596(to Donowitz JR)+6 种基金Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,No.OPP1017093VA Merit Award,No.1I01BX005730VA ShEEP Grants,No.1 IS1 BX004777-01National Institutes of Health Grant,No.2R56DK115377-05A1PIDS Summer Research Scholars AwardVCU SOM Dean’s Summer Research Fellowshipand Research Career Scientist Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs,No.IK6BX004477.
文摘BACKGROUND Environmental enteric dysfunction(EED)is a subclinical condition caused by fecal-oral contamination leading to enteric inflammation and dysbiosis.Bile acids serve to facilitate lipid digestion and absorption,regulate metabolic pathways associated with childhood growth and inflammation,and may be affected by EED.AIM To investigate bile acid metabolism in Bangladeshi children with EED and its association with growth impairment.METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 Bangladeshi infants(aged 6-9 months)and quantified serum and fecal bile acids using LC-MS/MS.We compared profiles to a control group of 6 American children(6-12 months)and 80 older Bangladeshi children(aged 2 years).RESULTS Bangladeshi infants had higher levels of plasma unconjugated primary(65.23%vs 44.25%,P=0.003)and sulfated primary bile acids(12.98%vs<0.001%,P=0.01),with lower primary conjugated bile acids(0.69%vs 2.74%,P≤0.001)compared to American children.Stool unconjugated primary bile acids were inversely associated with weight-for-age[regression coefficient(β)=-0.01,P=0.01]and height-for-age Z scores(β=-0.01,P=0.03).Conjugated secondary bile acids were inversely associated with small intestine bacterial overgrowth(β=-1096.68,P=0.05).Fecal myeloperoxidase was associated with sulfated secondary bile acids(β=-0.40,P=0.04).Compared to 2-year-old children,the Bangladeshi infant’s serum had higher levels of unconjugated primary bile acids(65.23%vs 9.20%,P≤0.001)and lower levels of primary conjugated bile acids(0.69%vs 80.38%,P≤0.001).CONCLUSION Our data suggests an age-dependent defect in conjugation of primary bile acids in Bangladeshi children with compensatory hydrophilic shunting.Additionally,bile acid profiles are associated with intestinal overgrowth.
基金the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through the Large Group Research Project[grant number RGP2/300/46]。
文摘The scalable integration of two-dimensional(2D)lamellar nanomaterials into flexible films opens up innovative possibilities for enhancing the performance and functionality of energy storage devices.However,a significant challenge lies in balancing mechanical strength with optimal energy storage properties.Achieving the necessary flexibility while maintaining high energy density and durability is complex due to the inherent trade-off between these properties.To address this issue and improve the overall performance of such nanomaterial films,researchers are exploring novel approaches such as hybridization with other materials,optimization of layer structures,and innovative fabrication techniques.In this vein,the emergence of hybrid nanomaterials composed of metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)and 2D MXene sheets offers exciting opportunities in the development of advanced materials for diverse applications.These MOF/MXene hybrid architectures exhibit a unique synergy that combines the exceptional surface area and tunable porosity of MOFs with the high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of MXenes.This integration leads to the creation of versatile,multifunctional materials with promising capabilities in electrochemical energy storage and conversion,as well as environmental remediation.Hence,the present review delves into the various synthesis techniques employed to produce MOF/MXene hybrids,along with their diverse morphologies and properties,and examines the latest advancements in tailoring these nanoarchitectures for enhanced performance and efficiency.Additionally,the challenges and opportunities for future research are discussed in order to highlight the potential of these hybrid materials in pushing the boundaries of technological innovation across multiple scientific disciplines.
文摘Erectile dysfunction （ED） in men under the age of 40 was once thought to be entirely psychogenic. Over the last few decades, advances in our understanding of erectile physiology and improvements in diagnostic testing have restructured our understanding of ED and its etiologies. Although psychogenic ED is more prevalent in the younger population, at least 15%-20% of these men have an organic etiology. Organic ED has been shown to be a predictor of increased future morbidity and mortality. As such, a thorough work-up should be employed for any man with complaints of sexual dysfunction. Oftentimes a treatment plan can be formulated after a focused history, physical exam and basic lab-work are conducted. However, in certain complex cases, more testing can be employed. The major organic etiologies can be subdivided into vascular, neurologic, and endocrine. Specific testing should be directed by clinical clues noted during the preliminary evaluation. These tests vary in degree of invasiveness, precision, and at times may not affect treatment. Results should be integrated into the overall clinical picture to assist in diagnosis and help guide therapy.
基金This research has been funded by Scientific Research Deanship at University of Ha’il–Saudi Arabia through Project Number BA-2107.
文摘Optimal path planning avoiding obstacles is among the most attractive applications of mobile robots(MRs)in both research and education.In this paper,an optimal collision-free algorithm is designed and implemented practically based on an improved Dijkstra algorithm.To achieve this research objectives,first,the MR obstacle-free environment is modeled as a diagraph including nodes,edges and weights.Second,Dijkstra algorithm is used offline to generate the shortest path driving the MR from a starting point to a target point.During its movement,the robot should follow the previously obtained path and stop at each node to test if there is an obstacle between the current node and the immediately following node.For this aim,the MR was equipped with an ultrasonic sensor used as obstacle detector.If an obstacle is found,the MR updates its diagraph by excluding the corresponding node.Then,Dijkstra algorithm runs on the modified diagraph.This procedure is repeated until reaching the target point.To verify the efficiency of the proposed approach,a simulation was carried out on a hand-made MR and an environment including 9 nodes,19 edges and 2 obstacles.The obtained optimal path avoiding obstacles has been transferred into motion control and implemented practically using line tracking sensors.This study has shown that the improved Dijkstra algorithm can efficiently solve optimal path planning in environments including obstacles and that STEAM-based MRs are efficient cost-effective tools to practically implement the designed algorithm.
文摘Peyronie's disease is a common condition resulting in penile deformity,psychological bother,and sexual dysfunction.Erectile dysfunction is one common comorbid condition seen in men with Peyronie’s disease,and its presence significantly impacts treatment considerations.In a man with Peyronie's disease and significant erectile dysfunction who desires the most reliable treatment,penile prosthesis placement should be strongly considered.In some instances,such as those patients with relatively mild curvature,prosthesis placement alone may result in adequate straightening.However,many patients will require additional straightening maneuvers such as manual modeling,penile plication,and tunica albuginea incision with or without grafting.For patients with severe penile shortening,penile length restoration techniques may also be considered.Herein,we provide a comprehensive clinical review of penile prosthesis placement in men with Peyronie's disease.Specifically,we discuss preoperative indications,intraoperative considerations,adjunctive straightening maneuvers,and postoperative outcomes.
文摘This paper presents the corrosion characteristics and the accompanying changes in the microstructure of unalloyed duc-tile iron (DI) and austenitic stainless steel (ASS) in table salt medium representing an upper limit in an extreme marine environment. The individual corrosion rates of DI and ASS was evaluated for the maximum time period of 1200 hr. Using the immersion test technique, the corrosion rate of DI was evaluated and found to be four-orders of magnitude greater than that of ASS. The corrosion product morphologies of the DI showed that the nodular matrix was gradually covered up as immersion time progressed while the corrosion channels and volume of pits that initially formed in ASS respectively deepened and increased with increased exposure time. This work is important as a reference point for the quantification of the corrosion effectiveness of alloying DI. The microstructures of the corroded samples showed corro-sion initiation and gradual accumulation of corrosion products.
基金The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31730104 and 31622053)the Promotional project for Innovation team,the Department of Science and Technology of Shaanxi Prov.China(2018TD-017)+1 种基金Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB31020000)the National Key Programme of Research and Development,Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2016YFC0503200).
文摘In the face of ongoing habitat fragmentation,many primate species have experienced reduced gene flow resulting in a reduction of genetic diversity,population bottlenecks,and inbreeding depression,including golden snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana.Golden snub-nosed monkeys live in a multilevel society composed of several 1 male harem units that aggregate to form a cohesive breeding band,which is followed by one or more bachelor groups composed of juvenile,subadult,and adult male members.In this research,we examine the continuous landscape resistance surface,the genetic diversity and patterns of gene flow among 4 isolated breeding bands and 1 all-male band in the Qinling Mountains,China.Landscape surface modeling suggested that human activities and ecological factors severely limit the movement of individuals among breeding bands.Although these conditions are expected to result in reduced gene flow,reduced genetic diversity,and an increased opportunity for a genetic bottleneck,based on population genetic analyses of 13 microsatellite loci from 188 individuals inhabiting 4 isolated breeding bands and 1 all-male band,we found high levels of genetic diversity but low levels of genetic divergence,as well as high rates of gene flow between males residing in the all-male band and each of the 4 breeding bands.Our results indicate that the movement of bachelor males across the landscape,along with their association with several different breeding bands,appears to provide a mechanism for promoting gene flows and maintaining genetic diversity that may counteract the otherwise isolating effects of habitat fragmentation.
文摘Water chemistry changes when it flows through different pathways.This study aims to characterize the differences of water(including rainwater,overland flow,soil water,groundwater,and stream water)chemistry of five kinds of water in Obagbile Catchment in Southwest Nigeria,determine the changes in water chemistry that occur as the water moves from one pathway to another,and identify the factors responsible for the water chemistry changes.To do these,we collected 50 water samples from 10 heavy storms that received equal to or more than 10 mm of rain within an hour to test the changes of water chemical properties across various pathways in this study.The results show that overland flow had the highest p H and electrical conductivity(EC)and rainwater had the lowest values of the two parameters.Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),Cl^(ˉ),and HCOO^(ˉ) were found to have their highest concentrations in stream water;meanwhile,NO_(3)^(–),NH_(4)^(+),and SO_(4)^(2–) were found to have almost the same low concentrations in all the water samples.K+was only dominant in stream water;while dissolved organic carbon(DOC)was lowest in rainwater,same in overland flow,soil water,and groundwater samples,and highest in stream flow.Principal component analysis(PCA)showed that for all the water samples from different pathways,two factors mainly accounted for the total variances.The two factors were related to the crustal and anthropogenic sources in rainwater,suggesting that the high loadings of major cations(e.g.,Ca^(2+) and Mg^(2+)) in rainwater samples are soil-derived.The PCA for the overland flow and soil water showed strong correlations among pH,EC,and the concentrations of Na^(+),Mg^(2+),HCOO^(-),and CH_(3)COO^(-),while the high loadings of all the parameters and the strong correlations among each other were evident in the stream water.In conclusion,the chemical constituents found in water are also the components of pathways through which the water flows.The major factors responsible for the change in the chemical properties of water in Obagbile Catchment are weathering and anthropogenic activities.
文摘In the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Seismic Bridge Design Provisions,ductile diaphragms are identified as Permissible Earthquake-Resisting Elements（EREs）,designed to help resist seismic loads applied in the transverse direction of bridges.When adding longitudinal ductile diaphragms,a bidirectional ductile diaphragm system is created that can address seismic excitations acting along both the bridge’s longitudinal and transverse axes.This paper investigates bidirectional ductile diaphragms with Buckling Restrained Braces（BRBs）in straight multi-span bridge with simply supported floating spans.The flexibility of the substructures in the transverse and longitudinal direction of the bridge is considered.Design procedures for the bidirectional ductile diaphragms are first proposed.An analytical model of the example bridge with bidirectional ductile diaphragms,designed based on the proposed methodology,is then built in SAP2000.Pushover and nonlinear time history analyses are performed on the bridge model,and corresponding results are presented.The effect of changing the longitudinal stiffness of the bidirectional ductile diaphragms in the end spans connecting to the abutment is also investigated,in order to better understand the impact on the bridge’s dynamic performance.
基金support provided by Co-mision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica(CONICYT),through FONDECYT project 1110 798:“Determinacion de indicadores geograficoambien-tales y de riesgo natural en el paisaje de La Araucania y Los Rios:Herramientas de soporte decisional para la planificacion y gestion territorial en sistemas costeros”.
文摘Coastal zones are very dynamic and fragile environments, constituting a landscape ever more heterogeneous, fragmented and with increasing levels of complexity due to the changing relationship between man and nature. Integrated coastal zone management therefore requires detailed knowledge of the system and its components, based—to a large extent—on technical and scientific information. However, the information generated must be in line with the political requirements necessary for decision-making and planning. Thus the use of indicators to give a simplified view of the many components of the territory, and at the same time to provide important information about patterns or trends, becomes a tool of the utmost importance. These indicators can be understood as measurable characteristics of the environment, which facilitate comprehension of the processes occurring at different scales and serve as a reference to inform the population and support decision-making. The aim of the present note is to demonstrate briefly the need to develop geographical-environmental and natural risk indicators to facilitate comprehension of the dynamic of spatial and temporal landscape patterns, particularly in coastal environments. This approach offers an historical summary of the natural, socio-economic and political processes which currently make up the territory, and which without doubt will continue to influence it in the future. At the same time, it is proposed that information should be integrated on the basis of this framework with a view to generating spatial decision support systems in a context of planning and integrated management of the coastal zones of Chile.
文摘Beta diversity is the change in species composition among areas in a geographic region. The proportion of species shared between two areas often decreases when the distance separating them increases, leading to an increase in beta diversity. This study compares beta diversity among four classes of terrestrial vertebrates （mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians） at both regional （biogeographic realm） and global extents, using the same sets of faunal sample units for all four groups in each comparison. Beta diversity is lower for the two endothermic taxa （birds and mammals） than for the two ectothermic taxa （reptiles and amphibians） in all six biogeographic realms examined. When the four taxa in the six biogeographic realms are combined, beta diversity at the species rank is higher than that of the genus rank by a factor of 1.24, and is higher than that of the family rank by a factor of 1.85. The ratio of beta diversity at the genus rank to that at the family rank is 1.50. Beta diversity is slightly higher for ecoregions of 5000-99,999 km^2 than for ecoregions of 100,000-5,000,000 km^2.
文摘Microbially induced calcite precipitation(MICP)is a recently developed technique for microbiological ground improvement that has been applied for mitigating various geotechnical challenges.However,the major challenges,such as calcite precipitation uniformity,presence of different bacteria,cementation solution optimization for cost reduction,and implementation under non-sterile and uncontrolled field environment are still not fully explored and require detailed investigation before field application.This study aims to address these challenges of MICP to improve the geotechnical properties of sandy soils.Several series of experiments were conducted using poorly graded Narmada River(India)sand,which were subjected to various biotreatment schemes and tested for unconfined compressive strength(UCS),split tensile strength(STS),ultrasonic pulse velocity(UPV),hydraulic conductivity(after 6 d,12 d,and 18 d of treatment),and calcite content.The microstructure of sand was examined through a scanning electron microscope(SEM).Initially,the sand was individually augmented with two non-pathogenic bacterial strains,i.e.Sporosarcina(S.)pasteurii and Bacillus(B.)sphaericus.The stopped-flow injection method was adopted to provide cementation solutions at three different durations(treatment cycle)of 12 h,24 h,and 48 h and three different pore volumes(PVs)of 1,0.75,and 0.5.The pore volume here refers to the porosity which is expressed as a ratio,i.e.a porosity of 50%was used as 0.5.The results showed rock-like behaviors of biocemented sand with the UCS,STS,and UPV enhancement up to 2333 kPa,437 kPa,and 2670 m/s,respectively.The hydraulic conductivity reduction of 96.6%was achieved by 12%of calcite formation after 18 d of treatment using Sporosarcina pasteurii,12-h treatment cycle,and one pore volume of cementation media in each cycle.Overall,a 24-h treatment cycle and 0.5-pore volume cementation solution were found to be the optimal treatment which was effective and economical to achieve heavily cemented,rock-type biocemented sand using both bacteria.
基金Funding was provided by Evonik Nutrition&Care GmbH(Hanau-Wolfgang,Germany).
文摘Background:Recent studies underscored that divergence in residual feed intake(RFI)in mature beef and dairy cattle is associated with changes in ruminal microbiome and metabolome profiles which may contribute,at least in part,to better feed efficiency.Because the rumen in neonatal calves during the preweaning period is underdeveloped until close to weaning,they rely on hindgut microbial fermentation to breakdown undigested diet components.This leads to production of key metabolites such as volatile fatty acids(VFA),amino acids,and vitamins that could potentially be absorbed in the hind-gut and help drive growth and development.Whether RFI divergence in neonatal calves is associated with changes in hindgut microbial communities and metabolites is largely unknown.Therefore,the objective of the current study was to determine differences in hindgut microbiome and metabolome in neonatal Holstein heifer calves retrospectively-grouped based on feed efficiency as mostefficient(M-eff)or least-efficient(L-eff)calves using RFI divergence during the preweaning period.Methods:Twenty-six Holstein heifer calves received 3.8 L of first-milking colostrum from their respective dams within 6 h after birth.Calves were housed in individual outdoor hutches bedded with straw,fed twice daily with a milk replacer,and had ad libitum access to a starter grain mix from birth to weaning at 42 d of age.Calves were classified into M-eff[n=13;RFI coefficient=−5.72±0.94 kg DMI(milk replacer+starter grain)/d]and L-eff[n=13;RFI coefficient=5.61±0.94 kg DMI(milk replacer+starter grain)/d]based on a linear regression model including the combined starter grain mix and milk replacer DMI,average daily gain(ADG),and metabolic body weight(MBW).A deep sterile rectal swab exposed only to the rectum was collected immediately at birth before colostrum feeding(i.e.,d 0),and fecal samples at d 14,28,and 42(prior to weaning)for microbiome and untargeted metabolome analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS.Microbiome data were analyzed with the QIIME 2 platform and metabolome data with the MetaboAnalyst 4.0 pipeline.Results:No differences(P>0.05)in body measurements including body weight(BW),body length(BL),hip height(HH),hip width(HW),and wither height(WH)were detected between M-eff and L-eff calves at birth and during preweaning.Although milk replacer intake did not differ between groups,compared with L-eff,M-eff heifers had lower starter intake(P<0.01)between d 18 to 42 of age,whereas no differences(P>0.05)for ADG,cumulative BWG,or body measurements were observed between RFI groups during the preweaning period.Microbiome and metabolome profiles through the first 42 d of age indicated greater hindgut capacity for the production of energy-generating substrates(butyrate and propionate)and essential nutrients(vitamins and amino acids)in heifers with greater estimated feed efficiency.Conclusion:Despite consuming approximately 54.6%less solid feed(cumulative intake,10.90 vs.19.98±1.66 kg)from birth to weaning,the microbiome-metabolome changes in the hindgut of most-efficient heifers might have helped them maintain the same level of growth as the least-efficient heifers.
文摘Background:Maternal nutrition during gestation affects fetal development,which has long-term programming effects on offspring postnatal growth performance.With a critical role in protein and lipid metabolism,essential fatty acids can influence the development of muscle and adipose tissue.The experiment investigated the effects of late gestation supplements(77 d prepartum),either rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids(CON;155 g/cow/d EnerGII)or polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA;80 g/cow/d Strata and 80 g/cow/d Prequel),on cow performance and subsequent calf growth performance as well as mRNA expression in longissimus muscle(LM)and subcutaneous adipose tissue at birth and weaning.Results:There was no difference(P≥0.34)in cow body weight(BW)or body condition score from presupplementation through weaning.Relative concentrations of C18:3n-3 and C20:4n-6 decreased(P≤0.05)to a greater extent from mid-supplementation to calving for PUFA compared with CON cows.Cow plasma C20:0,C20:5n-3,and C22:6n-3 were increased(P≤0.01)in PUFA during supplementation period.At birth,PUFA steers had greater(P=0.01)plasma C20:5n-3.No differences(P≥0.33)were detected in steer birth BW or dam milk production,however,CON steers tended(P=0.06)to have greater pre-weaning average daily gain and had greater(P=0.05)weaning BW compared with PUFA.For mRNA expression in steers:MYH7 and C/EBPβin LM increased(P≤0.04)to a greater extent from birth to weaning for PUFA compared with CON;MYF5 in LM and C/EBPβin adipose tissue tended(P≤0.08)to decrease more from birth to weaning for CON compared with PUFA;SCD in PUFA adipose tissue tended(P=0.08)to decrease to a greater extent from birth to weaning than CON.In addition,maternal PUFA supplementation tended(P=0.08)to decrease MYOG mRNA expression in LM and decreased(P=0.02)ZFP423 in adipose tissue during the pre-weaning stage.Conclusions:Late gestation PUFA supplementation decreased pre-weaning growth performance of the subsequent steer progeny compared with CON supplementation,which could have been a result of downregulated mRNA expression of myogenic genes during pre-weaning period.
基金Supported in part by research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30300298the National Natural Science Foundation of China's Joint Research Fund for Overseas Chinese Young Scholars,No.30228026
文摘AIM： TO inhibit the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in colon cancer cell line by RNA interference （RNAi）.METHODS： Followed the service of E-RNAi, we designed and constructed two kinds of shRNA expression vectors aiming at the VEGF gene, then transfected them into colon cancer HT29 cells by lipofectamineTM 2000. The level of VEGF mRNA was investigated by RT-PCR and Northern blotting. The protein expression of VEGF was observed by immunofluoresence staining and Western blotting.RESULTS： We got two kinds of VEGF specific shRNA expression vectors which could efficiently inhibit the expression of VEGF in HT29 cells. RT-PCR, Northern blotting, immunofluoresence staining and Western blotting showed that inhibition rate for VEGF expression was up to 42%, 89%, 73% and 82%, respectively.CONCLUSION： The expression of VEGF can be inhibited by RNA interference in HT29 cells.
基金supported by NSF STC Water CAMPWS (Award CTS-0120978)the U.S.EPA STAR Grant R834867funded in part by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency's STAR program
文摘Disinfection by-products occur widely as the unintended effect of water disinfection and are associated with toxicity and adverse human health effects. Yet the molecular mechanisms of their toxicity are not well understood. To investigate the molecular basis of hyperploidy induction by monohaloacetonitriles, the interaction of monohaloacetonitriles with topoisomerase Ⅱ in Chinese hamster ovary cells was examined. We showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of DNA decatenation activity of topoisomerase under acellular conditions while in vitro monohaloacetonitrile treatment expressed mixed results. The working hypothesis, that topoisomerase Ⅱ is a molecular target of monohaloacetonitriles, was only partially supported.Nevertheless, this research serves as a starting point toward molecular mechanisms of toxic action of monohaloacetonitriles.
