Search

As the understanding of natural gas hydrates as a vast potential resource deepens, their importance as a future clean energy source becomes increasingly evident. However, natural gas hydrates trend towards secondary generation during extraction and transportation, leading to safety issues such as pipeline blockages. Consequently, developing new and efficient natural gas hydrate inhibitors has become a focal point in hydrate research. Kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) offer an effective solution by disrupting the nucleation and growth processes of hydrates without altering their thermodynamic equilibrium conditions. This paper systematically reviews the latest research progress and development trends in KHIs for natural gas hydrates, covering their development history, classification, and inhibition mechanisms. It particularly focuses on the chemical properties, inhibition effects, and mechanisms of polymer inhibitors such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap). Studies indicate that these polymer inhibitors provide an economical and efficient solution due to their low dosage and environmental friendliness. Additionally, this paper explores the environmental impact and biodegradability of these inhibitors, offering guidance for future research, including the development, optimization, and environmental assessment of new inhibitors. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing research, this work aims to provide a theoretical foundation and technical reference for the commercial development of natural gas hydrates, promoting their safe and efficient use as a clean energy resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycarboxylate superplasticizers BMC-L and BMC-S were utilized as modifiers in the formulation of novel cement-based grouting materials. Indoor tests were conducted on 32 groups of cement slurries, varying by water–cement ratio (0.5:1 and 0.6:1) and modifier content (0, 2‰, 4‰, 6‰, 8‰, 10‰, 12‰, and 14‰), to test their density, funnel viscosity, water separation rate, and stone rate. Four groups of slurry modified with BMC-L were selected as the preferred slurry, and the apparent viscosity test, uniaxial, and triaxial compression test of the slurry stone body were conducted. The study investigated the influence of BMC-L on various properties of the slurry, including its apparent viscosity, uniaxial compressive strength, stress–strain relationships, shear strength parameters, and elastic modulus. Ultimately, the pore structure and phase composition of the slurry stone body were detected by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and the impact of BMC-L on slurry performance was examined from a microstructural perspective. Results indicate that the two polycarboxylate superplasticizers exert minimal influence on the density and water separation rate of the slurry. Within the effective incorporation range of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer, increasing the dosage correlates with a decrease in both the stone rate and viscosity of the slurry. BMC-L significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the slurry stone body by promoting more complete cement hydration and reducing porosity. The uniaxial compressive strength of slurry stone body with a 6 ‰ BMC-L dosage reached 29.7 MPa after 7 days and 38.5 MPa after 28 days of curing, representing increases of 118.4% and 64%, respectively, compared to masonry with 0 BMC-L dosage. The shear strength parameters and elastic modulus of the slurry stone body also showed corresponding increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides an overview on micromirror arrays based on different material systems such as dielectrics, element silicon, compound semiconductors, metals, and novel 2D materials. The goal is to work out the particular strength of each material system to enable optimum performance for various applications. In particular, this review is intended to draw attention to the fact that MEMS micro-mirrors can be successful in many other material systems besides silicon. In particular, the review is intended to draw attention to two material systems that have so far been used less for MEMS micromirror arrays, that have been less researched, and of which fewer applications have been reported to date: metallic heterostructures and 2D materials. However, the main focus is on metallic MEMS micromirror arrays on glass substrates for applications like personalized light steering in buildings via active windows, energy management, active laser safety goggles, interference microscopy, and endoscopy. Finally, the different micromirror arrays are compared with respect to fabrication challenges, switching speed, number of mirrors, mirror dimensions, array sizes, miniaturization potential for individual mirrors, reliability, lifetime, and hinge methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The yak is the primary income source for millions of people in remote areas of western China and other parts of Asia, providing a basic subsistence commodity for herdsmen. Yaks depend on natural grazing, but the grass trace elements may be insufficient for the yaks' requirements. Our prior research demonstrated that the levels and sources of copper, manganese, and iodine could influence in vitro rumen fermentation for yaks. The aim of this study was to optimize yak feeding standards by examining the impact of diets containing different levels of copper, manganese, and iodine on yak growth. Results showed that diets containing 15.00 mg/kg of copper, 50.00 mg/kg of manganese, and 0.50 mg/kg of iodine had the most positive effect on the growth of growing yaks. Our study will facilitate yak diet formulation design and promote yaks' industry development. Copper, manganese, and iodine are part of a yak's required trace elements. However, knowledge about their dietary requirements is scarce. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate rumen fermentation, blood parameters, and growth performance and screen out the optimum levels of trace elements in yaks' diet. Here, 18 three-year-old castrated yaks were randomly divided into four groups, which fed with diets containing basal (CON: 4.40, 33.82, and 0 mg/kg) and low-level (LL: 10.00, 40.00, and 0.30 mg/kg), middle-level (ML: 15.00, 50.00, and 0.50 mg/kg), and high-level (HL: 20.00, 60.00, and 0.70 mg/kg) copper, manganese, and iodine for 30 days. With the increase in trace elements, yaks' daily weight gain (DWG), rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen, microbial protein (MCP), and volatile fatty acids levels and serum triglycerides and urea nitrogen levels showed firstly increasing and then decreasing trends and reached the highest values in ML, and serum ceruloplasmin and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities showed continuously increasing trends. Yaks' DWG, rumen MCP, butyrate, and valerate levels and serum triglycerides, urea nitrogen, ceruloplasmin, and T-SOD levels in ML were significantly higher than CON. Therefore, the recommended levels of copper, manganese, and iodine in growing yaks' diet are 15.00, 50.00, and 0.50 mg/kg (ML), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The yak is a unique species found on the Tibetan plateau, adapted to the high-altitude, low-oxygen environment, providing meat, milk, and other resources to local herders, and is an indispensable means of production and livelihood for herders on the Tibetan plateau and a major source of economic income for Tibetan herders. A change in diet leads to indigestion and anorexia during the acclimatization phase, which can lead to changes in dry matter intake and daily weight gain in the early part of the housing period. The rumen microbiota will be reshaped. Ruminal fluid transplantation can reshape the rumen microbiota of the recipient animals, which can rapidly restore the microbiota to a new homeostasis. Considering the special characteristics of yaks on the Tibetan plateau, the dynamic seasonal changes in pasture and the trend of changing from natural grazing to confinement farming, this study focused on the changes in rumen flora due to dietary changes and the improvement of rumen fluid transplantation on the remodeling of yak flora and production performance when yak breeding patterns were changed. A relatively stable microbial ecological balance system in the rumen plays an important role in rumen environment stability and ruminant health maintenance. No studies have reported how rumen fluid transplantation (RFT) affects the composition of rumen microorganisms and yak growth performance. In this experiment, we transplanted fresh rumen fluid adapted to house-feeding yaks to yaks transitioned from natural pastures to house-feeding periods to investigate the effects of rumen fluid transplantation on rumen microbial community regulation and production performance. Twenty yaks were randomly divided into the control group (CON; n = 10) and the rumen fluid transplantation group (RT; n = 10). Ten yaks that had been adapted to stall fattening feed in one month were selected as the rumen fluid donor group to provide fresh rumen fluid. Ruminal fluid transplantation trials were conducted on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th. Overall, 1 L of ruminal fluid was transplanted to each yak in the RT and CON group. The formal trial then began with both groups fed the same diet. After this, growth performance was measured, rumen fluid was collected, and rumen microbial composition was compared using 16s rRNA sequencing data. The results showed that rumen fluid transplantation had no significant effect on yak total weight gain or daily weight gain (p > 0.05), and feed efficiency was higher in the RT group than in the CON group at 3 months (treatment × month: p < 0.01). Ruminal fluid transplantation significantly affected rumen alpha diversity (p < 0.05). Up to day 60, the RT group had significantly higher OTU numbers, Shannon diversity, and Simpson homogeneity than the CON group. Principal coordinate analysis showed that the rumen microbiota differed significantly on days 4 and 7 (p < 0.05). Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes were the most abundant phyla in the rumen. The relative abundances of Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes were lower in the RT group than in the CON group, with a decrease observed in Bacteroidota in the RT group on days 7 and 28 after rumen fluid transplantation (p = 0.013), while Proteobacteria showed a decreasing trend in the CON group and an increasing trend in RT; however, this was only at day 4 (p = 0.019). The relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly higher in the RT group than in the CON group on days 4, 7, and 28 (p = 0.001). Prevotella and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were the predominant genera. In conclusion, our findings suggest that rumen fluid transplantation improves yak growth performance and rumen microbial reshaping. The findings of this study provide new insights into yak microbial community transplantation and a reference for improving feed efficiency in the yak industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a widely used material in underground engineering, clay–cement slurry grouting is known for its initial poor anti-seepage and filtration capacity, the low strength of the resulting stone body, and its tendency towards brittle failure. To explore efficient and environmentally friendly grouting materials, industrial-grade graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated into a clay–cement slurry to create a new type of slurry called a GO composite. These GO composites were then utilized to reinforce fractured formations. Uniaxial compression tests, shear strength tests, permeability tests, and electron microscopy scans were conducted to investigate the strength, permeability, and microscopic features of the GO composite-reinforced fractured formations. Furthermore, the optimization effect and application prospects of graphene oxide on clay–cement slurry materials were evaluated. The experimental results demonstrated that the modified slurry effectively improved the compressive strength (increased by 7.2% to 32.5%) and shear strength (increased by 28.6% to 105.3%) of consolidated fractured gravel. By conducting orthogonal experiments with range analysis, variance analysis, and multiple regression analysis, it was shown that there was a strong correlation between the consolidated body and three factors influencing the permeability coefficient. Among these factors, the OPC content had the most significant impact on the permeability coefficient, followed by the GO content. Graphene oxide was found to promote cement hydration reactions, guide the growth of hydration products on the surface of graphene oxide nanosheets, optimize the pore structure in grouting materials, and reduce microcracks between the slurry and the fractured gravel interface. Electron microscopy characterization and fractal analysis revealed that the addition of graphene oxide effectively reduced the degree of microdamage during the sample's failure process. This ensured the integrity of the sample during the unstable failure process, enhanced the material's toughness, and improved its ability to resist loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a widely used material in underground engineering, clay-cement slurry grouting is characterized by poor initial anti-seepage and filtration capacity, low strength of the resulting stone body, and a tendency to brittle failure. In this study, a novel type of clay-cement slurry was developed by adding of graphene oxide (GO) as a modifier to ordinary clay-cement slurry. The rheological properties of the improved slurry were studied through laboratory tests, and the effects of varying amounts of GO on the slurry's viscosity, stability, plastic strength, and stone body mechanical properties were analyzed. The results indicated that the viscosity of clay-cement slurry increases by a maximum of 163% with 0.05% GO, resulting in a decrease in the slurry's fluidity. The stability and plastic strength of GO-modified clay-cement slurry were significantly enhanced, with the plastic strength increasing by a 5.62 time with 0.03% GO and a 7.11 time with 0.05% GO at the same curing time. The stone body of the slurry exhibited increased uniaxial compressive strength and shear strength, with maximum increases of 23.94% and 25.27% with 0.05% GO, respectively, indicating a significant optimization effect on the slurry's durability. The micro-mechanism for the effect of GO on the properties of slurry was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a diffraction of X-rays (XRD) test. Moreover, a growth model of the stone body of GO-modified clay-cement slurry was proposed. The results showed that after the GO-modified clay-cement slurry was solidified, a clay-cement agglomerate space skeleton with GO monolayer as the core was formed inside the stone body, and with an increase in GO content from 0.03% to 0.05%, the number of clay particles increased. The clay particles filled the skeleton to form a slurry system architecture, which is the primary reason for the superior performance of GO-modified clay-cement slurry when compared with traditional clay-cement slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the 2020 global cancer data released by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) International, gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, with yearly increasing incidence and the second-highest fatality rate in malignancies. Despite the contemporary ambiguous molecular mechanisms in GC pathogenesis, numerous in-depth studies have demonstrated that zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are essential for the development and progression of GC. ZFPs are a class of transcription factors with finger-like domains that bind to Zn2+ extensively and participate in gene replication, cell differentiation and tumor development. In this review, we briefly outline the roles, molecular mechanisms and the latest advances in ZFPs in GC, including eight principal aspects, such as cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis, inflammation and immune infiltration, apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA methylation, cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug resistance. Intriguingly, the myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) possesses reversely dual roles in GC by promoting tumor proliferation or impeding cancer progression via apoptosis. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism of ZFPs on GC progression will pave the solid way for screening the potentially effective diagnostic indicators, prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in various biological processes, and they are considered to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of intestinal diseases. However, the role and expression of lncRNAs in intestinal damage during weaning stress remain unknown. Herein, we investigated the expression profiles of jejunal tissue from weaning piglets at 4 and 7 d after weaning (groups W4 and W7, respectively) and from suckling piglets on the same days (groups S4 and S7, respectively). Genome-wide analysis of lncRNAs was also performed using RNA sequencing technology. A total of 1809 annotated lncRNAs and 1612 novel lncRNAs were obtained from the jejunum of piglets. In W4 vs. S4, a total of 331 lncRNAs showed significant differential expression, and a total of 163 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) was identified in W7 vs. S7. Biological analysis indicated that DElncRNAs were involved in intestinal diseases, inflammation, and immune functions, and were mainly enriched in the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, inflammatory bowel disease, T cell receptor signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway and intestinal immune network for IgA production. Moreover, we found that lnc_000884 and target gene KLF5 were significantly upregulated in the intestine of weaning piglets. The overexpression of lnc_000884 also significantly promoted the proliferation and depressed apoptosis of IPEC-J2 cells. This result suggested that lnc_000884 may contribute to repairing intestinal damage. Our study identified the characterization and expression profile of lncRNAs in the small intestine of weaning piglets and provided new insights into the molecular regulation of intestinal damage during weaning stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For different metals and varying geometries, this paper presents simulations of electrostatically actuated MEMS cantilevers regarding their influence on pull-in voltage and actuation speed. Three-dimensional electromechanical modeling including many non-linearities has been performed to study some static but mainly dynamic features. The results show that the involved parameters have different influences on the actuation speed and pull-in voltage: lower length, higher thickness as well as lower density and higher Young's modulus of material diminish the actuation time, while longer length, smaller thickness, and smaller Young's modulus reduce the actuation voltages. Shorter actuation times and smaller actuation voltages cannot be obtained and optimized simultaneously. Different metals such as Au, Ag, Cu, Ti, Ni, Al, W, Cr, Ta, and Mo as well as artificial metals are studied and compared. In this study, Al is found to be the best material for achieving shorter actuation times and smaller actuation voltages. The design rules of MEMS cantilevers are derived considering the large variety of studied parameters. Many involved non-linearities are discussed in detail influencing the MEMS dynamics. Finally, the actuation times are related to the existing experimental actuation times of optical MEMS shutters and MEMS cantilevers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different source forages fed to preweaning yak calves on growth performance, pancreatic morphology, and functional development. In the experiment, we performed three different sets of experimental treatments by feeding tests, collected pancreatic tissues and recorded their organ indices at the end of the experiment, collected pancreatic tissue samples to observe morphological structures by tissue sectioning, determined the activity of main digestive enzymes and hormone levels in the pancreas by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and obtained metabolic pathways and their small-molecule differential metabolites by nontargeted metabolomics techniques. The endocrine and exocrine divisions of the pancreas, which functions as a metabolic organ, are involved in the control of glucose and the organism's digestive metabolism. We discovered that feeding preweaning yak calves a combination of oat hay and alfalfa hay was better for the morphological and functional development of the pancreas than feeding either hay alone. This is essential for the early development of the pancreas in yak calves and serves as a critical resource for their healthy growth and scientific feeding. In this study, we used a combination of animal nutrition and nontargeted metabolomics to investigate the effects of feeding different sources forages rations on the morphology and function of the pancreas in preweaning yak calves, providing theoretical guidance and important references for the healthy and high-quality rearing of yak calves. At 45 days old, 21 yak calf males were divided into OP, AP, and AOP groups, with seven animals in each group, which were fed with oat hay, alfalfa hay, and mixed oat and alfalfa hay, respectively. Five calves from each group were selected randomly to slaughter after a pretest period of 21 days and the official period of 120 days, when the average daily feed intake reached 1 kg. During the test, the growth and pancreas weight of yak calves were recorded, and the morphology and function of the pancreas tissues were determined using tissue sectioning methods, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests, and nontargeted metabolomics strategies. The results showed that the body weight and pancreatic organ index of yak calves in the AOP group were significantly higher than those of the AP and OP groups. Compared to the AP and OP groups, the AOP group had considerably lower ratios of the area of the pancreatic endocrine component and overall percentage of that section of the organ, and the AOP group increased pancreatic amylase activity and a higher concentration of growth inhibitor. The AP group had significantly higher levels of the differential metabolites L-ascorbic acid, spermidine, spermine, and dopaquinone in the glutathione, β-alanine, and tyrosine metabolic pathways than the OP group. The AOP group had significantly lower levels of the differential metabolites spermine and phenylacetylglycine in the glutathione and phenylalanine metabolic pathways than the AP group. In summary, compared to feeding oat or alfalfa hay alone, combined feeding oat hay and alfalfa hay is more beneficial to promote the morphological and functional development of the pancreas in preweaning yak calves, so as to enhance the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the diet and maintain the positive regulation of blood glucose levels. This provides an important basis for the optimized forage supply of healthy and high-quality rearing in preweaning yak calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper (Cu) is essential for the health of livestock, however, the optimal source and level of dietary Cu for yaks are uncertain. To fill this important gap, we designed an in vitro study to examine the effects of three Cu sources, namely Cu methionine (Met-Cu), Cu chloride (CuCl2) and tribasic Cu chloride (TBCC), at five levels, namely 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/kg DM (includes Cu in substrate), on rumen fermentation in yaks. In vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and amylase activity were greater (p < 0.05) with added Met-Cu than the other two Cu sources, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), microbial protein (MCP) and propionate contents were greater with Met-Cu and CuCl2 than with TBCC. Total gas production and lipase activity were greater with Met-Cu and TBCC than CuCl2 (p < 0.05), which meant that the metabolizable energy yield was greater in the two former Cu sources than the latter, but CH4 production did not differ (p = 0.92) among Cu sources. IVDMD and lipase activity were greatest (p < 0.05) at 15 mg Cu/kg DM in the substrate and MCP, isobutyrate, butyrate and isovalerate contents, and amylase and trypsin activities were greatest or second greatest at 10 and 15 mg Cu/kg DM. It was concluded that Met-Cu was the best source of Cu and 10 to 15 mg Cu/kg DM was the optimal level for yaks, at least under in vitro conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Over the past few decades, despite advances in colon cancer surgery, the pro-gnosis of late colon cancer patients with liver metastasis remains poor. Currently, its incidence ranks second in men and third in women. Fortunately, accumulating evidence has unraveled that zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) will shed light on the treatment of colon cancer. As the largest transcription family in the human genome, ZFPs are a class of transcription factors that can bind Zn2+, self-fold to form "finger" domains and regulate the expression of target genes. In this article, we elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms of ZFPs that are well-suited to orchestrate pathophysiological changes in colon cancer development, which may lay a credible foundation for further precision oncology. According to the global cancer burden data for 2020 issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), colorectal cancer has risen to be the third-most frequent cancer globally after breast and lung cancer. Despite advances in surgical treatment and chemoradiotherapy for colon cancer, individuals with extensive liver metastases still have depressing prognoses. Numerous studies suggest ZFPs are crucial to the development of colon cancer. The ZFP family is encoded by more than 2% of the human genome sequence and is the largest transcriptional family, all with finger-like structural domains that could combine with Zn2+. In this review, we summarize the functions, molecular mechanisms and recent advances of ZFPs in colon cancer. We also discuss how these proteins control the development and progression of colon cancer by regulating cell proliferation, EMT, invasion and metastasis, inflammation, apoptosis, the cell cycle, drug resistance, cancer stem cells and DNA methylation. Additionally, several investigations have demonstrated that Myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) has dual functions in colon cancer, which may both promote cancer proliferation and inhibit cancer progression through apoptosis. Generally, a comprehensive understanding of the action mechanisms of ZFPs in colon cancer will not only shed light on the discovery of new diagnostic and prognosis indicators but will also facilitate the design of novel targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to investigate the nutritional intake deficiency on rearing yak calves. We investigated supplemental concentrate feeding effects on the morphological and functional development of the pancreas in early weaned yak calves. In the study, we determined the apparent digestibility of nutrients by digestion trail, the morphological development of the pancreas in yak calves by tissue sectioning, the activity of main digestive enzymes and hormone levels by ELISA kits, and the content of major small molecule metabolites in the pancreas by non-targeted metabolomics techniques. The morphological and functional development of the pancreas and its small molecule metabolites are mainly presented in graphical form, which had positive regulatory effects on the development of the pancreas in early weaned yak calves. In summary, we found that supplemental concentrate feeding was crucial for the high-quality growth and development of early weaned yak calves and had a positive influence on the intrinsic relationship between the overall development level and physiological functions of the pancreas, which could provide an important reference for scientific rearing of early weaned yak calves. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplemental concentrate feeding on the pancreatic development of yak calves. Twenty one-month-old yak calves with healthy body condition and similar body weight were selected as experimental animals and randomly divided into two groups, five replicates in each group. The control group yak calves were fed milk replacer and alfalfa hay, the experimental group yak calves were fed milk replacer, alfalfa hay and concentrate. The pre-feeding period of this experiment was thirty days, the trial period was one hundred days. At the end of feeding trail, five yak calves from each group were selected and slaughtered and the pancreas tissues of yak calves were collected and determined. The results showed that: (1) Dry matter and body weight of yak calves in the test group were significantly higher than those of the control group. (2) The apparent nutrient digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, calcium and phosphorus in the test group of yak calves was significantly higher than that of the control group, while the apparent nutrient digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in the test group was significantly lower than that of the control group. (3) Pancreatic weight, organ index, total ratio of exocrine part area and total ratio of endocrine area of yak calves in the test group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the ratio of exocrine area was significantly lower in the test group than that of the control group. (4) The activities of the main pancreatic digestive enzymes: pancreatic amylase, pancreatic lipase, pancreatic protease and chymotrypsin were significantly higher in the test group than those of the control group, as were the hormonal contents of glucagon, insulin and pancreatic polypeptide. (5) The main differential metabolites of the pancreas in the test group were significantly higher than those of the control group, such as D-proline, hypoxanthine, acetylcysteine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, piperidinic acid, ellagic acid, nicotinamide, tropolone, D-serine, ribulose-5-phosphate, (+/-)5(6)-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid(EET), 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, L-phenylalanine, creatinine, tetrahydrocorticosterone, pyridoxamine, xanthine, 5-oxoproline, asparagine, DL-tryptophan, in-dole-3-acrylic acid, thymine, trehalose, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids(FAHFA) (18:1/20:3), fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids(FAHFA) (18:2/20:4), adrenic acid and xanthosine. In conclusion, supplemental concentrate feeding promoted the good development of morphological and functional properties of the pancreas in early weaned yak calves to improve the digestion and absorption of feed nutrients, so as to enhance the growth and development quality of early weaned yak calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Yaks are important for the economy and livelihood of local herders in the Tibetan Plateau and are their primary source of income. Traditionally, the production performance of ruminants is generally improved by increasing the proportion of concentrate feed in the diet. To the best of our knowledge, the optimal proportion of concentrate feed is limited in actual production and research of yak. This study fed three diets with different dietary forage-to-concentrate ratios (50:50, 65:35, and 80:20) to 36 male yaks (Bos grunniens). The changes in the distribution of fecal microorganisms were studied by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. We found that the dietary forage-to-concentrate ratio significantly impacted yak fecal microorganisms. As such, these studies help us understand the fecal microbiota of yaks, further provide more complete information on the requirements of yak diets in terms of concentrate-to-forage ratio and improve yak growth performance, and provide a theoretical basis for accurate housing of yaks. (1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary concentrate to roughage ratios on growth performance and fecal microbiota composition of yaks by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. (2) Methods: In the present study, three diets with different dietary forage-to-concentrate ratios (50:50, 65:35, and 80:20) were fed to 36 housed male yaks. (3) Results: The result shows that Final BW, TWG, and ADG were higher in the C65 group than in the C50 and C80 groups, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). DMI in the C65 group was significantly higher than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The DMI/ADG of the C65 group was lower than that of the other two groups, but the difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes were the most abundant in the C65 group, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was lower in the C65 group than in the other two groups. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005, Romboutsia, and Christensenellaceae_R-7 were higher in the C56 group than in the C50 and C80 groups. The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20 and Rikenellaceaewas_RC9_gut is lower in the C65 group, but the difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). At KEGG level 2, the relative abundance of lipid metabolism and energy metabolism were lowest in the C50 group, and both showed higher relative abundance in the C65 group. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the structure of fecal microbiota was affected by different concentrate-to-forage ratios. We found that feeding diets with a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 65:35 improved yaks' growth and energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are a type of cancer originating in the mucosal epithelium of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx, the sixth most common cancer in the world. However, there is no effective treatment for HNSCCs. More than 90% of HNSCCs overexpress epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). Although small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies have been developed to target EGFRs, few EGFR-targeted therapeutics are approved for clinical use. Ferroptosis is a new kind of programmed death induced by the iron catalyzed excessive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. A growing body of evidence suggests that ferroptosis plays a pivotal role in inhibiting the tumor process. However, whether and how ferroptosis-inducers (FINs) play roles in hindering HNSCCs are unclear. In this study, we analyzed the sensitivity of different HNSCCs to ferroptosis-inducers. We found that only tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells, but not nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, actively respond to ferroptosis-inducers. The different sensitivities of HNSCC cells to ferroptosis induction may be attributed to the expression of KRAS and ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) since a high level of FTH1 is associated with the poor prognostic survival of HNSCCs, but knocked down FTH1 can promote HNSCC cell death. Excitingly, the ferroptosis-inducer RSL3 plays a synthetic role with EGFR monoclonal antibody Cetuximab to inhibit the survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (CNE-2), which are insensitive to both ferroptosis induction and EGFR inhibition due to a high level of FTH1 and a low level of EGFR, respectively. Our findings prove that FTH1 plays a vital role in ferroptosis resistance in HNSCCs and also provide clues to target HNSCCs resistant to ferroptosis induction and/or EGFR inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the blood metabolic profiles of grazing yaks during the cold season to reveal their physiological status and seek the nutrients needed to be supplemented. Six castrated yaks (3 years old) with 166.8 kg (standard deviation = 5.3) of liveweight grazed in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau were used as experimental animals without supplementary feeding. Blood samples of each animal were collected in October and December 2015, and March 2016 for the analysis of serum biochemicals and metabolome. Results showed serum indices involved in protein metabolism in grazing yaks showed greater differences during the cold season than the metabolisms of energy or minerals. Cold stress in December had minor effects on the serum metabolic profiles of yaks compared with those in October. Yaks in October and December shared seven differential serum metabolites and enrichments of the "arachidonic acid metabolism" and "glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism" pathways compared with those in March caused by the shortage of feeds. Summarily, the nutrient deficiency would be influential on the physiological status of grazing yaks during the cold season, especially on the protein metabolism, which could be improved by supplementary feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lick block (LB) is a solidified mixture of molasses, urea, minerals, filler, coagulant and binder that is supplemented to livestock mainly in relatively extensive rearing systems. It provides nutrients, such as soluble sugars, proteins, minerals and vitamins to balance dietary intake and can improve rumen fermentation and facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients. These supplements improve livestock production, reproduction and carcass quality. In addition, LB can partially replace concentrate, serve as a delivery vehicle for additives such as enzymes and drugs and mediate the distribution of grazing livestock. This paper classifies and analyzes representative research; discusses the types, ingredients and current status of the utilization of LB; and systematically reviews the processing technology, quality assessment, influencing factors of intake, action mechanism and application. This review can provide a basis for the development, popularization and application of novel LB products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Yaks are an important for the economy and livelihood of local herders in the Tibetan Plateau and are their main source of income. They are mainly fed on natural pastures, especially during the warm season. Information on the effects of concentrate supplementation on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and bacterial community composition of grazing yaks during the warm season is limited. Our study showed that concentrate supplementation increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Succiniclasticum, Prevotellaceae_UCG_003, Prevotellaceae_UCG_005, and Ruminococcus_1. Supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) and serum concentrations of glucose (GLU), total protein (TP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Furthermore, the concentrations of ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N), microbial protein (MCP), and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) increased in the supplement group. We concluded that supplementary feed improved ruminal fermentation, and altered the bacterial community composition in yaks during the warm season, thereby improving growth performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of concentrate supplementation on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, rumen fermentation, and bacterial community composition of grazing yaks during the warm season. Eight male yaks (body weight, 123.96 ± 7.43 kg; 3-years) were randomly allocated to two treatments groups: grazing (n = 4, GY) and concentrate supplement group (n = 4, GYS). Concentrate supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05). Glucose (GLU), total protein (TP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) serum concentrations were significantly higher in the GYS group than in the GY group (p < 0.05). Ammonia-N, MCP: microbial protein, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations were significantly higher in the GYS group than in the GY group (p < 0.01), whereas the pH and acetate: propionate values were significantly decreased (p < 0.01). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rumen fluid was significantly higher in the GYS group than in the GY group (p < 0.01). At the genus level, the relative abundances of Succiniclasticum, Prevotellaceae_UCG_003, Prevotellaceae_UCG_005, and Ruminococcus_1 were significantly greater in the GY group than in the GYS group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, concentrate supplementation improved yaks' growth potential during the warm season, improved ruminal fermentation, and altered core bacteria abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue fracture of a drillstring could cause drilling disturbances and some negative impacts (e.g., economic loss) will be brought when restoring the drillstring to functionality. In order to evaluate the effects of the fatigue damage of the drillstring during drilling, a new apparatus, which could monitor the load level in real-time, was built to perform the four-point bending fatigue test on 35CrMo steel, a typical material of drillstrings. Such an apparatus is based on metal magnetic memory (MMM) technology and can acquire the tangential and normal components of MMM signals. Based on the analysis of the change of surface morphology and MMM signals, it was concluded that the variation of MMM signals could be divided into four stages, which are used to accurately describe the fatigue damage process of the drillstring. Additionally, the MMM signal characteristics are introduced to especially evaluate the fatigue damage of the drillstring, including crack initiation. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results demonstrated that morphologies of fatigue fracture were related to the variation of MMM signals. Linear fitting results indicated that fatigue crack length had a good linear relationship with the characteristics, so it is feasible to monitor fatigue damage and predict the residual life of a drillstring by using MMM technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, has excellent potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic strategy in different types of tumors, especially in RAS-mutated ones. However, the function of ferroptosis for inhibiting neuroblastoma, a common child malignant tumor with minimal treatment, is unclear. This study investigated the anti-cancer function of ferroptosis inducer Erastin or RSL3 in neuroblastoma N2A cells. Our results show that Erastin or RSL3 induces ROS level and cell death and, therefore, reduces the viability of RAS-proficient N2A cells. Importantly, inhibitors to ferroptosis, but not apoptosis, ameliorate the high ROS level and viability defect in Erastin- or RSL3-treated cells. In addition, our data also show that N2A cells are much more sensitive to ferroptosis inducers than primary mouse cortical neural stem cells (NSCs) or neurons. Moreover, a higher level of ROS and PARylation is evidenced in N2A, but not NSCs. Mechanically, ferritin heavy chain 1 (Fth), the ferroxidase function to oxidate redox-active Fe2+ to redox-inactive Fe3+, is likely responsible for the hypersensitivity of N2A to ferroptosis induction since its expression is lower in N2A compared to NSCs; ectopic expression of Fth reduces ROS levels and cell death, and induces expression of GPX4 and cell viability in N2A cells. Most importantly, neuroblastoma cell lines express a significantly low level of Fth than almost all other types of cancer cell lines. All these data suggest that Erastin or RSL3 induce ferroptosis cell death in neuroblastoma N2A cells, but not normal neural cells, regardless of RAS mutations, due to inadequate FTH. This study, therefore, provides new evidence that ferroptosis could be a promising therapeutic target for neuroblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: It is well documented that a hypoxic environment at high altitudes decreased the fertility of female domestic animals because of embryonic or fetal losses, intrauterine growth restriction, and birth weight reduction. However, little study has been performed on for the effects of hypoxia on bovine ovary function. In this study, we found that the hypoxia plays an important role in regulating follicular survival and genes expression. Hypoxia limits the growth of bovine follicles cultured in vitro through inhibition of ERα, which could provide useful information for future studies relating to reproduction of cattle. Female animals living in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have lower ovulation rates because of the hypoxic environment, however, the mechanism of hypoxia on animal follicles is unclear. In this study, the effects of hypoxia on bovine follicles were investigated using an in vitro follicular culture system. The results show that there was a significant decrease in follicular diameter from day 3 to day 6 in both hypoxia and hypoxia with estrogen (E2) and fulvestrant (ICI 182780) (hypoxia + E2 + ICI) groups, when compared with a normoxia group (p < 0.05). We also observed significant downregulation of ERα and FSHR, while upregulation of LHCGR expression in the hypoxia group and hypoxia + E2 + ICI groups compared to the normoxia group (p < 0.05). The expression of IGF1 gene was significantly downregulated in hypoxia + E2 + ICI group when compared to the hypoxia + E2 group (p < 0.05). The expression of HIF1A, ADAMTS1, VEGFA, and EDN2 were upregulated in both hypoxia and hypoxia + E2 + ICI groups in comparison to normoxia group (p < 0.05). Under hypoxic conditions, the addition of E2 resulted in a decrease of HIF1A protein but an increase of ERα protein in cultured bovine follicles (p < 0.05). In summary, hypoxia limits the growth of bovine follicle cultured in vitro through inhibition of ERα. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Arachidonic acid (AA) is one of the polyunsaturated fatty acids that presents in a very high proportion in the mammalian follicular fluid. However, the mechanism of its effects on bovine ovarian granulosa cells is not clear. In the present study, we found that arachidonic acid plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation, lipid accumulation and steroidogenesis of granulosa cells. In this sense, arachidonic acid can directly affect the functionality of granulosa cells and therefore follicular development and ovulation, which could provide useful information for future studies relating to increasing fecundity of bovine. In the present study, AA was used to challenge bovine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro and the related parameters of cellular and molecular biology were measured. The results indicated that lower doses of AA increased survival of bovine granulosa cells whereas higher doses of AA suppressed survival. While lower doses of AA induced accumulation of lipid droplet in granulosa cells, the higher dose of AA inhibited lipid accumulation, and AA increased abundance of FABP3, CD36 and SLC27A1 mRNA. Higher doses of AA decreased the secretion of E2 and increased the secretion of P4 accompanied by down-regulation of the mRNA abundance of CYP19A1, FSHR, HSD3B1 and STAR in granulosa cells. The signaling pathways employed by AA in the stimulation of genes expression included both ERK1/2 and Akt. Together, AA specifically affects physiological features, gene expression levels and steroid hormone secretion, and thus altering the functionality of granulosa cells of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When nanoparticle conductive ink is used for printing interconnects, cracks and pores are common defects that deteriorate the electrical conductivity of the printed circuits. Influences of the ink solvent, the solid fraction of the ink, the pre-printing treatment and the sintering parameters on the interconnect morphology and conductivity were investigated. It was found that the impacts of all these factors coupled with each other throughout the whole procedure, from the pre-printing to the post-printing processes, and led to a structure inheritance effect. An optimum process route was developed for producing crack-free interconnects by a single-run direct-writing approach using home-made nano-copper ink. A weak gel was promoted in the ink before printing in the presence of long-chain polymers and bridging molecules by mechanical agitation. The fully developed gel network prevented the phase separation during ink extrusion and crack formations during drying. With the reducing agents in the ink and slow evaporation of the ink solvent, compact packing and neck joining of copper nanoparticles were obtained after a two-step sintering process. The crack-free interconnects successfully produced have a surface roughness smaller than 1.5 μm and the square resistances as low as 0.01 Ω/□. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To monitor fatigue crack initiation and propagation, and to judge the fatigue damage status of ferromagnetic material, fatigue bending tests of four-point single edge notch bend (SENB4) specimens were carried out. Metal magnetic memory signals were measured during the whole fatigue process. The results showed that the fatigue process could be divided into four stages by observing the morphology of the fracture surface. With the increase of fatigue loading cycles, the tangential component of the magnetic field (Hx) and the normal component of the magnetic field (Hy) increased. At the notch Hx presented a "trough" shape and had a maximum value at the midpoint, while Hy at the notch rotated clockwise around the midpoint. Compared with the tangential characteristic parameters, the variation of normal characteristic parameters (i.e., maximum gradient value of Hy (Ky-max) and the variation range of Hy at the notch (∆Hyn), with the fatigue loading cycles are more similar to the variation of fatigue crack length with loading cycles), both Ky-max and ∆Hyn had a good linear relationship with fatigue crack length. Plastic deformation accumulated on both sides of the fatigue crack, and metal magnetic memory (MMM) signals measured from the specimens were able to indicate the location of the fatigue crack and the variation of the fatigue crack length. Furthermore, the distribution of magnetic signals was analyzed according to the theories of stress magnetization and magnetic flux leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When nanoparticle conductive ink is used for printing interconnects, cracks and pores are common defects that deteriorate the electrical conductivity of the printed circuits. Influences of the ink solvent, the solid fraction of the ink, the pre-printing treatment and the sintering parameters on the interconnect morphology and conductivity were investigated. It was found that the impacts of all these factors coupled with each other throughout the whole procedure, from the pre-printing to the post-printing processes, and led to a structure inheritance effect. An optimum process route was developed for producing crack-free interconnects by a single-run direct-writing approach using home-made nano-copper ink. A weak gel was promoted in the ink before printing in the presence of long-chain polymers and bridging molecules by mechanical agitation. The fully developed gel network prevented the phase separation during ink extrusion and crack formations during drying. With the reducing agents in the ink and slow evaporation of the ink solvent, compact packing and neck joining of copper nanoparticles were obtained after a two-step sintering process. The crack-free interconnects successfully produced have a surface roughness smaller than 1.5 μm and the square resistances as low as 0.01 Ω/□.