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SF6 is a greenhouse gas. Finding an alternative gas for SF6 has become an urgent problem in the switch field. In order to explore the feasibility of replacing SF6 gas with dry air directly, CO2 and C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas, based on the KYN28‐12 medium voltage switchgear, the finite element method was used to solve the three‐dimensional coupled multi‐physics of the switchgear in this paper. From the angle of the temperature field and flow field, the temperature rise characteristics under different operation conditions were analyzed. The results showed that the temperature field and flow field distribution under the four gases were similar. Among them, the temperature rise of SF6 gas was the smallest, followed by the C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas, CO2 and dry air. The flow rate of SF6 gas was the lowest, about 0.11 m/s. The flow velocities of other gases were relatively close. When the switchgear was filled with the same gas, as the inflation pressure increased, the temperature rise of the switchgear decreased and the gas flow rate also dropped to a certain extent. The temperature field and flow field of the switchgear under the C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas at 0.2 Mpa were similar to those under the 0.1 Mpa SF6 gas. Under the C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas, the contact failure of the plum contact made the temperature rise of the switchgear increase overall. The maximum temperature rise point transferred to the contact failure. The temperature rise further rose with the increase of the contact failure degree. The gas flow rate also greatly increased with the failure degree elevated. From the perspective of temperature rise, the C4F7N/CO2 mixed gas has the possibility of being applied in the electrical equipment under the premise of meeting the insulation conditions. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) and its water‐ and fat‐soluble extracts on the quality of fermented mutton sausages. Sausages were produced with mutton and fat. Four treatments: CO, without Allium mongolicum Regel and its extracts, used as control; AMR with Allium mongolicum Regel; AWE with water‐soluble extract of Allium mongolicum Regel; and AFE with liposoluble extract from Allium mongolicum Regel, were produced and analyzed for pH, water activity (aw), free amino acids, fatty acids, and volatiles were, respectively, in fermented mutton sausages during processing (0, 2, 5, and 7 days). The results showed that the pH values of the liposoluble extract from Allium mongolicum Regel (AFE), respectively, are lower than that of sample CO at the end of fermentation and ripening. The aw in all group of sausages significantly dropped to 0.88 at the end of ripening (Day 7). Adding Allium mongolicum Regel and its water‐soluble extract can improve the serine (SER) content of fermented mutton sausage. The contents of five essential amino acids (EAA) were added when adding Allium mongolicum Regel and its fat‐soluble extract. The total fatty acid (TFA) in the treatments increased during drying and ripening. The addition of Allium mongolicum Regel and its extract can increase the content of volatile flavor substances such as 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone, 3‐methylbutyraldehyde, hexanal, octanal, and nonanal at the later stage of maturity, so as to improve the flavor substances in fermented mutton sausage. Water‐soluble extract of Allium mongolicum Regel (AWE) and AFE treatments had more intense flavor at the end of ripening (Day 7). The flavor of fermented mutton sausage can be improved by adding Allium mongolicum Regel and its extracts into fermented mutton sausage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas insulated metal enclosed switchgear (GIS) has been widely used in the world because of its compact structure and adaption to the environment. However, due to frequent operation and other reasons, GIS disconnector is prone to mechanical failure with poor contact, leading to abnormal vibration signals. In this paper, a GIS disconnector contact fault simulation platform is built to collect vibration signals in three states: normal contact, moderate poor contact and severe poor contact of disconnector contact. The Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) method is used to decompose the vibration signals, and the IMF decomposition signals are screened by Kurtosis criterion (a numerical statistic method). Finally, the vibration signal features of GIS under different conditions are obtained by reconstructing the screening signals. The results indicate that, under the normal contact, the frequency of GIS vibration signal mainly presents the distribution of 100 Hz and its integer multiple frequency component, when there is a contact defect, the high frequency component in the vibration signal spectrum increases significantly, and the tripling frequency component is present, and the amplitude of component will increase with the severity of the fault. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical reference for on‐line monitoring of GIS disconnecting switch contact fault. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum circuit breaker is a kind of power equipment widely used in the power system. It is developing toward the direction of high voltage and high current. How to design the contact to maximize the interrupting capacity of the contact system has been conducted by scholars. In this paper, the magnetic field simulation model of contact system is established, the magnetic field distribution characteristics of vacuum interrupters are studied, and the distribution characteristics of the magnetic field in the half cycle of the cup‐shaped axial magnetic field contact system are simulated and analyzed. On this basis, by changing the contact structure parameters, the effects of the number of slots in the cup, the slot angle, the center hole of the contacts, and the length of the slots on the distribution of the axial magnetic field were obtained. The results show that grooving the contact can reduce the eddy current, but it has a limited effect on reducing residual magnetic field. The increase of slot angle of contact cup can effectively reduce the residual axial magnetic field at the zero current moment and the axial magnetic field intensity at the peak current moment. Based on the above research results, a new embedded axial magnetic contact system with 12 slots embedded magnetic ring and reverse contact cup is designed. The embedded magnetic ring and reverse spiral slot increase the axial magnetic field at the peak current moment and reduce the residual axial magnetic field at the zero current moment. Finally, the characteristics of the magnetic field have been improved significantly compared with the magnetic field of traditional cup‐shaped axial magnetic field contact. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Angiosperm reproductive development is a complex event that includes floral organ development, male and female gametophyte formation and interaction between the male and female reproductive organs for successful fertilization. Previous studies have revealed the redundant function of ATP binding cassette subfamily G (ABCG) transporters ABCG1 and ABCG16 in pollen development, but whether they are involved in other reproductive processes is unknown. Here we show that ABCG1 and ABCG16 were not only expressed in anthers and stamen filaments but also enriched in pistil tissues, including the stigma, style, transmitting tract and ovule. We further demonstrated that pistil‐expressed ABCG1 and ABCG16 promoted rapid pollen tube growth through their effects on auxin distribution and auxin flow in the pistil. Moreover, disrupted auxin homeostasis in stamen filaments was associated with defective filament elongation. Our work reveals the key functions of ABCG1 and ABCG16 in reproductive development and provides clues for identifying ABCG1 and ABCG16 substrates in Arabidopsis. Significance Statement: Our analyses indicate that pistil‐expressed ABCG1 and ABCG16 promote pollen tube growth, and we demonstrate that the retarded pollen tube growth in abcg1 abcg16 double mutant pistils was associated with reduced auxin distribution and auxin flow. Critically, the pollen tube growth defect observed in abcg1 abcg16 pistils was partially rescued by application of exogenous auxin. These findings also provide clues that may help identify ABCG1 and ABCG16 substrates in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, jerky samples were prepared from seasoned beef with and without the addition of starter culture. They were then dried or fried and analyzed to identify the quality parameters and volatile flavor compounds. Samples (starter and control) were divided into drying (inoculated‐drying, I‐D; noninoculated‐drying, N‐D) and frying (inoculated‐frying, I‐F; noninoculated‐frying, N‐F) groups. Water activity (aw), lightness (L*), and redness (a*) values were significantly affected (p <.001) by the postcooking procedures (drying or frying). Hardness, chewiness, and resilience were significantly lower in the dried groups than in the fried groups (p <.05). The formation of volatile compounds was affected by cooking treatment, with the highest levels observed in the I‐F group. After frying, the most abundant flavor compounds in the I‐D and N‐D groups were terpenes and sulfur‐containing compounds, followed by aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and alcohols. The most common compounds among all groups were acetoin, D‐limonene, anethole, styrene, and tetramethylpyrazine. Overall, the jerky in the I‐F group had the best color and tenderness scores among all groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation with different mixed starter culture combinations on microbial counts, physico‐chemical properties, and proteolytic and lipolytic properties of dry fermented mutton sausages during fermentation and ripening. Four different batches of mutton sausages were manufactured: CO batch, no starter cultures, used as control; LB batch with Lactobacillus sakei; LS batch with L. sakei + Staphylococcus xylosus; and LSS batch with L. sakei + S. xylosus + Staphylococcus carnosus. The results showed that adding starter culture caused Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus to become dominant bacteria and reduced the Enterobacteriaceae count in the inoculated sausages. The mixed starter cultures (LS & LSS) accelerated acidification and reduced water activity and lipid oxidation. Statistical analysis revealed that the use of mixed starter cultures, especially the combination L. sakei + S. xylosus + S. carnosus, contributed to proteolysis and lipolysis, increasing total free amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The above results demonstrate that the use of mixed starter cultures contributes to improving the composition of free amino acids and free fatty acids as well as the hygienic quality of dry fermented mutton sausages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering plants display a remarkable diversity in inflorescence architecture, and pedicel length is one of the key contributors to this diversity. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the receptor-like kinase ERECTA ( ER) mediated signaling pathway plays important roles in regulating inflorescence architecture by promoting cell proliferation. However, the regulating mechanism remains elusive in the pedicel., Genetic interactions between ERECTA signaling and the chromatin remodeling complex SWR1 in the control of inflorescence architecture were studied. Comparative transcriptome analysis was applied to identify downstream components. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and nucleosome occupancy was further investigated., The results indicated that the chromatin remodeler SWR1 coordinates with ERECTA signaling in regulating inflorescence architecture by activating the expression of PRE1 family genes and promoting pedicel elongation. It was found that SWR1 is required for the incorporation of the H2A.Z histone variant into nucleosomes of the whole PRE1 gene family and the ERECTA controlled expression of PRE1 gene family through regulating nucleosome dynamics., We propose that utilization of a chromatin remodeling complex to regulate gene expression is a common theme in developmental control across kingdoms. These findings shed light on the mechanisms through which chromatin remodelers orchestrate complex transcriptional regulation of gene expression in coordination with a developmental cue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megasporogenesis is essential for female fertility, and requires the accomplishment of meiosis and the formation of functional megaspores. The inaccessibility and low abundance of female meiocytes make it particularly difficult to elucidate the molecular basis underlying megasporogenesis. We used high-throughput tag-sequencing analysis to identify genes expressed in female meiocytes ( FMs) by comparing gene expression profiles from wild-type ovules undergoing megasporogenesis with those from the spl mutant ovules, which lack megasporogenesis. A total of 862 genes were identified as FMs, with levels that are consistently reduced in spl ovules in two biological replicates. Fluorescence-assisted cell sorting followed by RNA-seq analysis of DMC1: GFP-labeled female meiocytes confirmed that 90% of the FMs are indeed detected in the female meiocyte protoplast profiling. We performed reverse genetic analysis of 120 candidate genes and identified four FM genes with a function in female meiosis progression in Arabidopsis. We further revealed that KLU, a putative cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, is involved in chromosome pairing during female meiosis, most likely by affecting the normal expression pattern of DMC1 in ovules during female meiosis. Our studies provide valuable information for functional genomic analyses of plant germline development as well as insights into meiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the molten steel contains high carbon and alloy elements, the continuous casting bloom is prone to internal defects. Soft reduction is an effectively means of improvement and is widely utilized in the continuous casting process. Herein, the generation mechanism of the central cracks in alloy steel ZKG223 is analyzed in detail; that is, the tensile stress is generated by the accelerated solidification and shrinkage in the core of the bloom at the end of solidification, which acts on the dendrites and causes central cracks. In order to reduce the shrinkage stress during the solidification of the bloom, the reasonable reduction parameters of the bloom are determined by establishing a soft reduction model, and the industrial test is carried out. Through the implementation of well‐designed soft reduction, the central cracks in the bloom are significantly bridged, and the secondary dendrite spacing in the center of the bloom is shortened from 315 to 230 μm. The maximum positive and negative carbon segregation indices in the cross section of the bloom are changed from 1.039 and 0.957 to 1.020 and 0.977, respectively, which greatly improve the uniformity of element distribution and the internal quality of the bloom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface cracking problem in medium carbon sulfur‐containing steel is gradually emerging in continuous casting production. Therefore, this article investigates the effect of sulfur content on the surface cracks of medium carbon steel. In addition to macroscopic cracks, network cracks are visible on the surface of medium carbon sulfur‐containing bloom. 3D confocal laser scanning microscopy and industrial computed tomography are used to characterize the 3D realistic morphology of the network and macroscopic cracks. Thermodynamic calculations and hot ductility tests' results exhibit the higher precipitation of MnS in the sulfur‐containing steel, resulting in the second brittle zone of steel. The microstructure near the cracks revealed a high correlation between cracks and a high proportion of proeutectoid ferrite near the surface of the medium carbon sulfur‐containing bloom. In addition, the sulfur‐containing steel has 0.05% more linear shrinkage than the low‐sulfur steel during the transformation from austenite to ferrite, which increases its crack sensitivity. As a result, this article clarifies the effect of sulfur on the surface crack of medium carbon bloom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapping weight is an important parameter in converter blowing process, wherein precisely predicting the quantity of steel required in an alloy baking converter can effectively guide the requirement of alloy ingredients. In practical production, the main approach is empirical estimation, despite its low accuracy. Employing a general neural network model for prediction requires to gather the converter blowing parameters and endpoint temperature measurement sampling parameters as the model inputs. However, this data cannot be obtained until the blowing process reaches its endpoint, rendering it impractical for alloy batching that requires advance preparation for baking. In this study, a principal component analysis–whale optimization algorithm–backpropagation algorithm (PCA–WOA–BP) neural network tapping prediction model is developed using raw material parameters available before alloy baking as input. This model is integrated into the intelligent alloy reduction model of a factory. The model achieves a regression coefficient R2 of 0.823, with 98.53% of furnaces having a prediction error of less than 2 t. The tapping weight of 20 consecutive heats in actual production is predicted; the error range is less than 80% within 1 t, and the converter tapping weight is predicted accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable sensors have garnered considerable attention due to their flexibility and lightweight characteristics in the realm of healthcare applications. However, developing robust wearable sensors with facile fabrication and good conformity remains a challenge. In this study, a conductive graphene nanoplate‐carbon nanotube (GC) ink is synthesized for multi jet fusion (MJF) printing. The layer‐by‐layer fabrication process of MJF not only improves the mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of the printed GC sensor but also bolsters its robustness and sensitivity. The direction of sensor bending significantly impacts the relative resistance changes, allowing for precise investigations of joint motions in the human body, such as those of the fingers, wrists, elbows, necks, and knees. Furthermore, the data of resistance changes collected by the GC sensor are utilized to train a support vector machine with a 95.83% accuracy rate for predicting human motions. Due to its stable humidity sensitivity, the sensor also demonstrates excellent performance in monitoring human breath and predicting breath modes (normal, fast, and deep breath), thereby expanding its potential applications in healthcare. This work opens up new avenues for using MJF‐printed wearable sensors for a variety of healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biogenic amines (BAs), water activity, pH, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), and nitrite were, respectively, tested in dry fermented sausage with starter cultures (37x‐6 Lactobacillus plantarum, x3‐3b L. plantarum, 30x‐11 Staphylococcuspentosans, and 37x‐8 S. pentosans), during storage of room temperature (20°C) and refrigeration storage (4°C). Tryptamine (TRM), 2‐phenylethylamine (PHE), putrescine (PUT), cadaverine (CAD), histamine (HIM), and tyramine (TYM) contents of all samples were increased storage at 20°C, and the content of TRM, PUT, CAD, and HIM of all samples storage at 20°C was higher than that storage at 4°C after 42 days. The content of BA with 37x‐6, x3‐3b, and 37x‐8 was obviously decreased at 4°C storage. The storage temperature has a significant effect on BA content (p <.05) for TYM and other BAs tested. Finally, x3‐3b, 37x‐6, and 37x‐8 should be used to produce fermented sausages on the basis of the concentration of BAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dispersibility of fillers determines their effect on the mechanical properties and anisotropy of the 3D‐printed polymeric composites. Nanoscale fillers have the tendency to aggregate, resulting in the deterioration of part performance. An in situ filler addition method using the newly developed dual‐functional toughness agents (TAs) is proposed in this work for the homogeneous dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in elastomer composites printed via multi jet fusion. The CNTs added in the TAs serve as an infrared absorbing colorant for selective powder fusion, as well as the strengthening and toughening fillers. The printability of the TA is theoretically deduced based on the measured physical properties, which are subsequently verified experimentally. The printing parameters and agent formulation are optimized to maximize the mechanical performance of the printed parts. The printed elastomer parts show significant improvement in strength and toughness for all printing orientations and alleviation of the mechanical anisotropy originating from the layer‐wise fabrication manner. This in situ filler addition method using tailorable TAs is applicable for fabricating parts with site‐specific mechanical properties and is promising in assisting the scalable manufacturing of 3D‐printed elastomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabric‐based materials have demonstrated promise for high‐performance wearable applications but are currently restricted by their deficient mechanical properties. Here, this work leverages the design freedom offered by additive manufacturing and a novel interlocking pattern to for the first time fabricate a dual‐faced chain mail structure consisting of 3D re‐entrant unit cells. The flexible structured fabric demonstrates high specific energy absorption and specific strength of up to 1530 J kg−1 and 5900 Nm kg−1, respectively, together with an excellent recovery ratio of ≈80%, thereby overcoming the strength–recoverability trade‐off. The designed dual‐faced structured fabric compares favorably against a wide range of materials proposed for wearable applications, attributed to the synergetic strengthening of the energy‐absorbing re‐entrant unit cells and their unique topological interlocking. This work advocates the combined design of energy‐absorbing unit cells and their interlocking to extend the application prospects of fabric‐based materials to shape‐adaptive protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross coupling of dihaloarenes (I) with silylacetylenes (II) proceeds smoothly under modified Sonogashira conditions to chemoselectively afford bis(acetylenyl)arenes (III) in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linseed as a common oil crop that has been implicated in regulating the meat quality of animals. The aim of this investigation was to establish the effects of dietary linseed supplementation on carcass traits, meat quality, muscle fiber characteristics, volatile compounds and antioxidant capacity of sheep. Twenty‐four Sunit sheep were distributed into 2 groups with different diet: control (CO) fed a standard diet and linseed (LS, 8% of extruded linseed). The results showed that linseed not only increased M. longissimus thoracis (LT) increased the loin‐eye area but also decreased pH24h, L* and shear force. Meanwhile, linseed increased mRNA expression of MyHCI and MyHCIIx and decreased in cross‐sectional area (CSA) and muscle fiber diameter. In addition, linseed altered the composition of meat volatile flavor compounds, such as Z‐10‐Pentadecen‐1‐ol, pentanal, 2‐Octenal, (E)‐, decanal, butane, and 2‐heptanone. Moreover, linseed increased total antioxidative capacity (T‐AOC) activity, the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and catalase (CAT), decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Overall, the results suggest that linseed is an effective feed additive in improving meat quality and flavor. The underlying mechanisms for its effectiveness may be partly due to a change in muscle fiber characteristics and antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of probiotics on growth performance, meat quality, muscle fiber characteristics, volatile compounds, and antioxidant capacity in lambs. A total of 24 Sunit lambs were randomly allocated into two groups, each consisting of three replicates of four lambs. Throughout the experiment period, the lambs were fed with based diet (CON) and 10 g probiotics/d supplemented diet (PRO). Compared with the CON group, the number of lactic acid bacteria in fecal samples of PRO group was significantly increased (p <.05) and the coliforms were significantly decreased (p <.05). Dietary probiotics supplementation decreased pH24h, L*, and shear force (p <.05). The muscle fibers were switched from type IIB to type I, with a decrease in the mean cross‐sectional area (CSA) (p <.05) of longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle. Also, probiotics altered the composition of meat volatile flavor compounds, such as nonanal, undecanal, 1‐pentanol, 1‐hexanol, and 2,3‐octanedione. In addition, probiotics increased the total antioxidative capacity (T‐AOC) and catalase (CAT) activity of LT muscle, while it decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p <.05). Overall, these results indicated that probiotics could be used as an effective feed additive by improving meat tenderness and flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on muscle metabolism, fatty acid composition, carcass traits, and meat quality characteristics of Mongolian sheep. Fourteen Mongolian sheep were randomly divided into two groups (7 sheep in each) and placed in two adjacent livestock pens. One group of sheep was kept in the pen (Control [C] group) and the other group of sheep (Training [T] group) were driven away in a field to walk twice a day. The results showed a reduction in pH measured 45 min post mortem, L*, a*, and b* value, intramuscular fat, and carcass length, and an increase in the ultimate pH value and shear force in the meat of T group in comparison with that of C group (p <.050). Also, exercise training moderately affected the fatty acid composition of LT muscle. Compared with C group, the concentrations of myristoleic acid (C14:1) and stearic acid (C18:0) were increased (p <.050), while the concentrations of C20:3 n‐6, neurolic acid (C24:1), and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were decreased in T group (p <.050). Transcriptome analysis highlighted 621 genes differentially expressed in two groups, including 385 were up‐regulated (e.g., GLUT4 and PGC‐1α) and 236 were down‐regulated (e.g., PLIN1 and ACSL3) in T with respect to C group. Besides, considering these genes, a number of enrichment pathways related to muscle metabolic processes, involving carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidation reduction process, and muscle tissue development, were highlighted. In conclusion, these results contributed to a better understanding of the possible biological and molecular processes underlying the effects of exercise training on muscle metabolism and meat quality in Mongolian sheep, and provide useful information for contributing to understand the phenotypic and functional differences in meat quality of sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of the activator of AMPK and high glucose on the differentiation of mouse SMSCs, primary SMSCs were isolated from mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle and grown to near confluence (80%). Postconfluent cells were cultured in a growth medium with different inductors: AICAR, glucose, and AICAR mixed with glucose. The specific protein expressions of SMSCs, myoblasts, adipocytes, and brown adipocytes were analyzed on days 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10. The results showed treatment with AICAR in SMSCs markedly activated AMPK phosphorylation (p <.05) and increased protein expression of Pax7 and MyoD (p <.05), high concentrations of intracellular glucose upregulated UCP‐1 protein expression and enhanced lipid accumulation (p <.05), the cowork of AICAR and glucose affected a decrease on MyoD, PPARg, and UCP‐1 expression (p <.05) and an increase on Pax7. The present study indicated that the certain energy supplements influence the direction of SMSC differentiation which may contribution on the structure of muscle and meat quality, sequentially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) provides a rich source of polysaccharides that can act as powerful antioxidants, but their potential as feed ingredients in the lamb industry still rarely exploited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary astragalus membranaceus supplementation on oxidative stability of goat muscles. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from two groups of Cashmere goat (basal diet, C group; basal diet supplemented with 1% astragalus membranaceus root, AM group) were evaluated for lipid oxidation, myoglobin oxidation, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that color parameters in Cashmere goat of two feeding conditions were no significant difference (p >.05). In AM group, myoglobin (Mb) content was higher than C, while metmyoglobin (MMb) (p <.05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p <.01) were lower. Additionally astragalus membranaceus supplementation had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p <.001). In whole, the AM group goats presented a relatively higher antioxidant capacity than C. Especially, RSA and CUPRAC values of AM group goats had significantly higher than C (p <.05). Consequently, the AM group goats ingested abundant astragalus membranaceus, which enhanced the antioxidant capacity. Thus, it can eliminate free radicals and effectively inhibit oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of two feeding regimens on meat quality, myosin heavy chain (MyHC) types, and key factors regulating muscle fiber type (AMP‐activated protein kinase [AMPK] and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐coactivator‐1α [PGC‐1α]) in the biceps femoris muscle of Mongolia sheep were investigated. A total of 20 Mongolia sheep were weaning for 90 days and divided into two groups (pasture group (P) and confinement group (C)) at 10.36 ± 0.35 kg of weaning weight. After weaning, sheep were pasture fed or confinement fed for 9 months. The results showed that live weights, carcass weight, intramuscular fat (IMF), and Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) in P group were significantly lower (p <.05) than that in C group. Compared with P group, color evaluations with respect to L* and b* values were significantly higher (p <.05) in C group. Expression of the MyHC I gene in the P group was significantly higher, while MyHC IIa and MyHC IIb genes expression was significantly lower (p <.05) than that in C group. Also, AMPK activity and expression of AMPKα2 and PGC‐1α genes were significantly higher (p <.05) in P group compared with C group. The present study indicated that muscle fiber composition was one of the key differences leading to the differences of meat quality in different feeding regimens. AMPK, particularly AMPKα2, and PGC‐1α were considered to be two key factors regulating muscle fiber types in Mongolia sheep. The results support that AMPK activity and the expression of AMPKα2 and PGC‐1α genes may affect the composition of muscle fibers; thus, AMPK activity and the expression of AMPKα2 and PGC‐1α genes had an effect on meat quality by changed composition of muscle fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In female mammals, the size of the initially established primordial follicle (PF) pool within the ovaries determines the reproductive lifespan of females. Interestingly, the establishment of the PF pool is accompanied by a remarkable programmed oocyte loss for unclear reasons. Although apoptosis and autophagy are involved in the process of oocyte loss, the underlying mechanisms require substantial study. Here, we identify a new role of lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) in controlling the fate of oocytes in perinatal mice through regulating the level of autophagy. Our results show that the relatively higher level of LSD1 in fetal ovaries sharply reduces from 18.5 postcoitus (dpc). Meanwhile, the level of autophagy increases while oocytes are initiating programmed death. Specific disruption of LSD1 resulted in significantly increased autophagy and obviously decreased oocyte number compared with the control. Conversely, the oocyte number is remarkably increased by the overexpression of Lsd1 in ovaries. We further demonstrated that LSD1 exerts its role by regulating the transcription of p62 and affecting autophagy level through its H3K4me2 demethylase activity. Finally, in physiological conditions, a decrease in LSD1 level leads to an increased level of autophagy in the oocyte when a large number of oocytes are being lost. Collectively, LSD1 may be one of indispensible epigenetic molecules who protects oocytes against preterm death through repressing the autophagy level in a time‐specific manner. And epigenetic modulation contributes to programmed oocyte death by regulating autophagy in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This meta‐analysis was aimed to investigate the association between −572G/C interleukin (IL)‐6 gene polymorphism and occurrence risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Springer and Google Scholar up to November 2018. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by Revman 5.3. Results: A total of six case‐control studies were included in this meta‐analysis. In the allele model (G vs C), homozygous gene model (GG vs CC), recessive gene model (GG vs GC + CC), and dominant gene model (GG + GC vs CC), the pooled estimate indicated there was significant association between −572G/C IL‐6 gene polymorphism and risk of RA. However, no significant statistical results were found in meta‐analyses of heterozygote gene models. Conclusions: The −572G/C IL‐6 gene polymorphism is associated with the risk of RA. The GG genotype may be the main contributor in increasing susceptibility to RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of feeding regimens (pasture vs. mixed diet) on meat quality, fatty acids, volatile compounds, and antioxidant properties in lamb meat. In total, 24 lambs were allotted into two feeding regimens at 10.23 kg live weight. Lambs were fed on pasture grass (PG group, n = 12) or mixed diet (M group, n = 12). Longissimusthoracis (LT) muscle samples from the M group had a higher intramuscular fat (IMF) (p < 0.05), pH45minvalue (p < 0.01), and ash (p < 0.05) than the PG group. In contrast, the shear force (p < 0.05), L*(p < 0.05), and b* (p < 0.001) in M group were lower than in PG group. Analyses indicated that PG group contained higher linolenic acid (C18:3n3) and docosatrienoic acid (C22:3n6) (p < 0.05) than the M group. Major volatile compounds in the muscles included hexanal, heptanal, nonanal, octanal, 1‐pentanol, 1‐hexanol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, and 2,3‐octanedione. The levels of hexanal, nonanal, and 2,3‐octanedione were significantly lower in PG lamb muscle (p < 0.01). In contrast, 1‐pentanol and 1‐hexanol levels were higher in M lamb muscle (p < 0.01). Muscle from PG lamb exhibited higher catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity (p < 0.05). PG muscle also contained a higher radical‐scavenging ability (RSA; p < 0.001) and cupric‐reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC; p < 0.05). Overall, the improved antioxidant status in PG muscle inhibited lipid peroxidation (aldehydes and ketones), thereby improving the meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SIX1 and SIX4 genes play critical roles in kidney development. We evaluated the effect of these genes on pig kidney development by generating SIX1−/− and SIX1−/−/SIX4−/− pig foetuses using CRISPR/Cas9 and somatic cell nuclear transfer. We obtained 3 SIX1−/− foetuses and 16 SIX1−/−/SIX4−/− foetuses at different developmental stages. The SIX1−/− foetuses showed a migration block of the left kidney and a smaller size for both kidneys. The ureteric bud failed to form the normal branching and collecting system. Abnormal expressions of kidney development‐related genes (downregulation of PAX2, PAX8, and BMP4 and upregulation of EYA1 and SALL1) were also observed in SIX1−/− foetal kidneys and confirmed in vitro in porcine kidney epithelial cells (PK15) following SIX1 gene deletion. The SIX1−/−/SIX4−/− foetuses exhibited more severe phenotypes, with most foetuses showing retarded development at early stages of gestation. The kidney developed only to the initial stage of metanephros formation. These results demonstrated that SIX1 and SIX4 are key genes for porcine metanephros development. The creation of kidney‐deficient porcine foetuses provides a platform for generating human kidneys inside pigs using blastocyst complementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibition on cisplatin (DDP)‐resistant gastric cancer (GC) cells. Methods: The transcriptional level of PLK1 was measured by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expressions of PLK1 and its downstream mediators as well as autophagy‐related protein LC3 I/LC3 II were detected by western blot. An 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine immunofluorescent staining were conducted to evaluate the cell viability and replication activity separately. Flow cytometry was carried out to determine the cell cycle status. The GFP‐LC3 vector contributed toward tracking the formation and aggregation of autophagosomes. Results: Drug‐resistant SGC‐7901/DDP cells showed insignificant changes in all phases after DDP treatment, including DNA replication, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, whereas DDP could significantly improve the autophagy level of SGC‐7901/DDP as well as PLK1expression. By downregulating the expression of PLK1, both BI2536 andsi‐PLK1 enhanced SGC‐7901/DDP sensitivity to DDP, suppressing the proliferation and autophagy as well as improving the apoptosis rate. PLK1 inhibition also resulted in the repression of cell division regulators CDC25C and cyclin B1. Conclusion: Together, our experimental results illustrated that the DDP resistance of GC cells might be associated with the aberrant overexpression of PLK1. PLK1 inhibition, including si‐PLK1 and BI2536 treatment, could restore the chemosensitivity of drug‐resistant SGC‐7901/DDP cells and enhance the efficacy of DDP, revealing the potential value of PLK1 inhibition in GC chemotherapy. This study aims to investigate the effect of polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibition on cisplatin (DDP)‐resistant gastric cancer (GC) cells. Together, our experimental results illustrated that the DDP resistance of GC cells might be associated with the aberrant overexpression of PLK1. PLK1 inhibition, including si‐PLK1 and BI2536 treatment, could restore the chemosensitivity of drug‐resistant SGC‐7901/DDP cells and enhance the efficacy of DDP, revealing the potential value of PLK1 inhibition in GC chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The accumulation of anthocyanins in response to specific developmental cues or environmental conditions plays a vital role in plant development and protection against stresses. Extensive research has examined the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes at the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels, but the role of chromatin in this regulation remains unknown.Chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analyses were performed. Genetic interactions between trimethylation of lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me3) and the chromatin remodeling complex SWR1 in the control of anthocyanin biosynthesis were further studied.In this study, we provide evidence that a conserved histone H2 variant, H2A.Z, negatively regulates anthocyanin accumulation through deposition at a set of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and consequently represses their expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our data indicate that the accumulation of anthocyanin in H2A.Z deposition‐deficient mutants is associated with increased H3K4me3, which is required for promotion of the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. We further provide evidence that H3K4me3 in anthocyanin biosynthetic genes is negatively associated with the presence of H2A.Z.Our results reveal an antagonistic relationship between H2A.Z and H3K4me3 in the regulation of the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, adding another layer of regulation to anthocyanin biosynthesis genes and highlighting the role of chromatin in gene regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mammalian ovaries, the primordial follicle pool determines the reproductive capability over the lifetime of a female. The primordial follicle is composed of two cell members, namely the oocyte and the pre-granulosa cells that encircle the oocyte. However, it is unclear what factors are involved in the reorganization of the two distinct cells into one functional unit. This study was performed to address this issue. Firstly, in an in vitro reconstruction system, dispersed ovarian cells from murine fetal ovaries at 19.0 days post coitum (dpc) reassembled into follicle-like structures, independent of the physical distance between the cells, implying that either oocytes or ovarian somatic cells (OSCs) were motile. We then carried out a series of transwell assay experiments, and determined that it was in fact 19.0 dpc OSCs (as opposed to oocytes), which exhibited a significant chemotactic response to both fetal bovine serum and oocytes themselves. We observed that S100A8, a multi-functional chemokine, may participate in the process as it is mainly expressed in oocytes within the cysts/plasmodia. S100A8 significantly promoted the number of migrating OSCs by 2.5 times in vitro, of which 66.9% were FOXL2 protein-positive cells, implying that the majority of motile OSCs were pre-granulosa cells. In addition, an S100A8-specific antibody inhibited the formation of follicle-like reconstruction cell mass in vitro. And, the primordial follicle formation was reduced when S100a8-specific siRNA was applied onto in vitro cultured 17.5 dpc ovary. Therefore, S100A8 could be a chemokine of oocyte origin, which attracts OSCs to form the primordial follicles. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2998-3008, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]