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【Objective】 Irrigation methods modulate soil water and root-induced activity thereby influencing gas emissions from soil. In this paper, we analyze the effects of different irrigation methods on greenhouse gas emissions from farmland and the associated underlying mechanisms. 【Method】 The analysis was based on meta-analysis. Experimental results published in journals included in CNKI and Web of Science were used in the analysis. A total of 37 papers with 176 datasets were analyzed to assess the variation in greenhouse gas emissions with irrigation methods, as well as the underlying mechanisms. 【Result】 Compared to drip irrigation, flood irrigation, furrow irrigation and subsurface drip irrigation did not show significant difference in CO2 emissions, while sprinkler irrigation significantly increased CO2 emissions (p

Simple Summary: This study focused on 50 Hu sheep from Gansu to analyze the genetic diversity and kinship relationships within the population and to construct family pedigrees. Candidate genes related to growth development and high reproductive performance in Hu sheep were identified. These findings provide a reference for future Hu sheep breeding, genetic evaluation, and population utilization. This research is designed to examine the genetic diversity and kinship among Hu sheep, as well as to discover genes associated with crucial economic traits. A selection of 50 unrelated adult male Hu sheep underwent genotyping with the SNP50K BeadChip. Seven indicators of genetic diversity were assessed based on high-quality SNP data: effective population size (Ne), polymorphic information content (PIC), polymorphic marker ratio (PN), expected heterozygosity (He), observed heterozygosity (Ho), effective number of alleles, and minor allele frequency (MAF). Plink software was employed to compute the IBS genetic distance matrix and detect runs of homozygosity (ROHs), while the G matrix and principal component analysis were performed using GCTA software. Selective sweep analysis was carried out using ROH, Pi, and Tajima's D methodologies. This study identified a total of 64,734 SNPs, of which 56,522 SNPs remained for downstream analysis after quality control. The population displayed relatively high genetic diversity. The 50 Hu sheep were ultimately grouped into 12 distinct families, with families 6, 8, and 10 having the highest numbers of individuals, each consisting of 6 sheep. Furthermore, a total of 294 ROHs were detected, with the majority having lengths between 1 and 5 Mb, and the inbreeding coefficient FROH was 0.01. In addition, 41, 440, and 994 candidate genes were identified by ROH, Pi, and Tajima's D methods, respectively, with 3 genes overlapping (BMPR1B, KCNIP4, and FAM13A). These results offer valuable insights for future Hu sheep breeding, genetic assessment, and population management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB) serves as an important cytokine for cell growth and development. Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries), a unique local breed in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, have poor reproductive physiological characteristics, including long developmental cycles, late sexual maturity, and low fecundity, yet the mechanisms behind remain elusive. Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation are highly dynamic and multifactorial developmental processes occur in the male testis and epididymis, respectively, and thus are crucial for maintaining male reproductive function and species continuity. Despite the importance of PDGFB, its role in maintaining the development and function of the testes and epididymides in sheep remains obscure. Herein, we report, for the first time, the cloning and molecular characterization of Tibetan sheep PDGFB. Meanwhile, we investigated the gene expression pattern and subcellular localization of PDGFB in developmental testes and epididymides in Tibetan sheep. The results revealed that the Tibetan sheep PDGFB gene has a high degree of evolutionary conservation and suggested that it participates in the development and function of testicular and epididymal red blood cells, Leydig cells as well as epididymal principal cells and ciliated epithelial cells, thus contributing to the spermatogenesis and sperm maturation of Tibetan sheep. Platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB), as an important cellular growth factor, is widely involved in the regulation of cellular events such as cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Although important, the expression characteristics and biological functions in the mammalian reproductive system remain poorly understood. In this study, the PDGFB gene of Tibetan sheep was cloned by RT-PCR, and its molecular characteristics were analyzed. Subsequently, the expression of the PDGFB gene in the testes and epididymides (caput, corpus, and cauda) of Tibetan sheep at different developmental stages (3 months, 1 year, and 3 years) was examined by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. A bioinformatic analysis of the cloned sequences revealed that the CDS region of the Tibetan sheep PDGFB gene is 726 bp in length and encodes 241 amino acids with high homology to other mammals, particularly goats and antelopes. With the increase in age, PDGFB expression showed an overall trend of first decreasing and then increasing in the testis and epididymis tissues of Tibetan sheep, and the PDGFB mRNA expression at 3 months of age was extremely significantly higher than that at 1 and 3 years of age (p < 0.05). The PDGFB protein is mainly distributed in testicular red blood cells and Leydig cells in Tibetan sheep at all stages of development, as well as red blood cells in the blood vessel, principal cells, and the pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelial cells of each epididymal duct epithelium. In addition, PDGFB protein expression was also detected in the spermatocytes of the 3-month-old group, spermatids of the 1-year-old group, spermatozoa and interstitial cells of the 3-year-old group, and loose connective tissue in the epididymal duct space in each developmental period. The above results suggest that the PDGFB gene, as an evolutionarily conserved gene, may play multiple roles in the development and functional maintenance of testicular cells (such as red blood cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells) and epididymal cells (such as red blood cells, principal cells, and ciliated epithelial cells) during testicular and epididymal development, which lays a foundation for the further exploration of the mechanisms by which the PDGFB gene influences spermatogenesis in Tibetan sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Longnan goat (LN) is a local breed discovered during the third census of China's livestock and poultry genetic resources. In order to thoroughly comprehend the population traits, this research examined a total of 70 animals from three different goat populations, namely the LN goat, Nanjiang Brown goat (NJ), and Boer goat (Boer). Specific‐Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing was employed to analyze genetic diversity, population structure, and selective sweep patterns. Additionally, individual DNA fingerprints were generated to provide detailed genetic profiles for each subject. A total of 643,868 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, with a majority located in intergenic and intronic regions. Genetic diversity analysis uncovered lower diversity within the LN population compared to the other two populations. The analysis of population structure unveiled significant genetic distance between LN and both NJ and Boer populations, with distinct clustering patterns observed. Moreover, genetic differentiation coefficients (FST) of 0.1019 and 0.0854 were determined between LN and Boer, as well as LN and NJ, respectively, indicating substantial genetic differentiation. Selective sweep analysis, combining FST and π ratio, identified several genes associated with growth and development, reproduction, hair color, and immunity that may serve as valuable candidates for marker‐assisted breeding. Furthermore, identification of 47,541 runs of homozygosity (ROHs) revealed non‐uniform distribution across chromosomes, with the highest frequency on chromosome 1 and the lowest on chromosome 27. Correlations between different inbreeding coefficients varied, with the highest observed between FHOM and FGRM, and the lowest between FROH >1.5Mb and FROH <500kb. A total of 46 candidate genes were annotated within high‐frequency ROH islands, primarily associated with biological processes such as reproduction, growth and development, and immunity. Finally, a DNA fingerprint, consisting of 371 highly polymorphic SNPs, was generated and presented in the form of a two‐dimensional code for convenient access. Based on the population structure analysis, LN goats have been found to have a distant genetic distance and a higher degree of differentiation from both the Boer and NJ populations. Evaluation of genetic diversity parameters and ROH analysis indicates that the LN population exhibits lower genetic diversity and shows signs of inbreeding. Our findings offer theoretical support for the identification of genetic resources within this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yak has strong adaptability to plateau hypoxia environment. However, the endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are important regulators in blood oxygen transportation. Yak testes: newborn (3 days), young (1 years), adult (4 years) and old (9 years) were collected for microscopic analyses using haematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, as well as Western blot to compare the expression of ET‐1 and eNOS. Furthermore, the levels of ET‐1 mRNA and eNOS mRNA was detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The results showed that ET‐1 mRNA and eNOS mRNA in old yaks were higher than other developmental stages (p <.01). And the levels of ET‐1 and eNOS protein increased with age. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that ET‐1 and eNOS were mainly localized in gonocytes and spermatogenic membrane of newborn yaks. These two factors were expressed in both Leydig cells of young yaks and endothelial cells of adult yaks. In old yaks, ET‐1 was mainly expressed in Sertoli cells, while eNOS was obviously positive in capillaries and Leydig cells. Therefore, the positive results of ET‐1 and eNOS in gonocyte and spermatogenic basement were closely related to the development of testes. The expression of Leydig and Sertoli cells indicated that they played an important role in testes function. The expression in endothelial cells or interstitial capillaries, suggesting that they are involved in the regulation of microcirculation in yak testes. This study could provide clues for further revealing the regulation of yak testicular blood vessels in alpine cold and hypoxic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MTNR1A and MTNR1B, two high-affinity MT membrane receptors found in mammals, mediate the activity of MT on the HPGA to regulate animal reproduction. Nevertheless, the expression patterns and function of the MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes in the HPTA of seasonal estrus sheep and perennial estrus sheep have not been elucidated. We studied the expression of MTNR1A and MTNR1B in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) of Tibetan sheep at different reproductive stages using histochemistry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELSIA), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot (WB), and analyzed the relationship between their expression and reproductive hormone receptors. We also compared relevant characteristics between seasonal Tibetan sheep and non-seasonal Small Tail Han sheep in the same pastoral area. The results showed that MTNR1A and MTNR1B were expressed in all tissues of the Tibetan sheep HPTA, and both were co-expressed in the cytoplasm of epididymis basal and halo cells located at common sites of the epididymis basement membrane, forming an immune barrier. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that not only MTNR1A but also N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), hydroxyindole-oxygen- methyltransferase (HIOMT), androgen receptor (AR), and estrogen receptor α (ERα) mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in the testis and epididymis of Tibetan sheep during the breeding season, whereas no clear upregulation of these genes was observed in the tissues of Small Tail Han sheep. MTNR1A and MTNR1B are important regulators of the HPTA in sheep. MTNR1A mediates seasonal estrus regulation in Tibetan sheep. Both MTNR1A and MTNR1B may play important roles in formation of the blood-epididymal barrier. The results of this study should help advance research on the mechanism of reproductive regulation of the HPTA in male animals and provide reference data for improving the reproductive rate of seasonal breeding animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-temperature high-pressure helium compressor is one of the key components in a hypersonic air-breath engine cycle. Its aerodynamic performance is the basis of engine cycle design and control. The low-temperature and high-pressure conditions make it difficult in a laboratory environment to conduct a compressor performance experiment, thus constraining the engine cycle design. An alternative method is to test the compressor with other gas at a reference operation condition and then calculate the helium compressor performance according to the test results using transformation laws. This paper investigates the transformation method based on the dynamic similarity principle and derives transformation equations. CFD simulations performed on the compressors validate the equations. Eventually, the study analyzes the alternative experimental cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the distribution and expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2) in yak testes. The testes of healthy yaks at different ages: newborn [3 days], young [1 year], adult [4 years], and old [9 years] were collected for microscopic analyses using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, as well as western blot to compare the expression of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2. Furthermore, the levels of MMP‐2mRNA and TIMP‐2mRNA was detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated that MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 were mainly located in gonocytes of newborn, Sertoli cells of young, spermatozoa of adult and Leydig cells of old. The protein levels of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 exhibited a downward from newborn to adult, but increased again in old yaks. The analysis of qPCR showed that MMP‐2 was higher in young compared with newborn or adult(**p <.01), but a lower expression was detected in adult compared with old yak testicular tissues (*p <.05). Compared with adults, TIMP‐2 was significantly higher in newborn and young yaks (**p <.01), and slightly higher in old yaks (*p <.05). Hence, The location of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 in gonocytes were associated with the development of newborn yak testes. The expression of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 in Sertoli cells at young and adult yaks suggested that they provided a clue for the regulation of spermatogenesis. The positive labeling of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 in Leydig cells in old yaks suggested that both may be involved in the interstitial metabolism of the testes during this period. This study revealed the possible role of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 in testicular functionality of yaks at different ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report a reverse transcription-free, label-free and enzyme-free colorimetric method for RNA nucleic acid fragments detection. The method can conveniently determine the presence of dual gene targets and distinguish single nucleotide polymorphism by visual observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a remarkably strong oxidant, and its vapour ([H2O2]g) has further advantages, such as a low cost and good light transmission. However, there has been very little research on its removal through gas-phase advanced oxidation (GPAO). In the present study, the photochemical oxidation of a gas that contains a series of benzene derivatives using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and [H2O2]g was investigated in a transparent bag made of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). UV and [H2O2]g barely reduced the pollutant within 5 h when used alone, and the reactant was also stable. When the pollutant concentration was high (248 to 756 mg/m3) and the residence time was short (3 s) compared with related studies on the removal of benzene, toluene and xylene, the apparent removal rate by UV/[H2O2]g/(powder active carbon, PAC) was higher than when other methods (UV/[H2O2]g, UV/[H2O2]g/TiO2 and UV/[H2O2]g/ZnO), were used. However, it was found that the mineralization by UV/[H2O2]g significantly decreased, which in turn decreased the conductivity after the reaction. Increasing the pollutant concentration and the pH of the H2O2 had a negative effect on the treatment, but the UV radiation had a positive effect at powers of up to 40 W. In addition, the characteristic absorbance of three benzene derivatives showed that the key structure of the pollutant molecules was damaged during GPAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-cycle stability and high-energy density are big challenges for developing high-performance hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) electrode materials. In this work, molybdenum-doped Co3O4 nanosheets arrays on nickel foam (noted as MoxCo1.5−xO/NF) are successfully prepared via facile one-step electrodeposition followed by annealing for hybrid supercapacitors. The experimental and calculated results indicate that the band gap modification and conductivity enhancement of MoxCo1.5−xO lead to excellent capacitive performance due to the doping of Mo into Co3O4. The as-prepared Mo0.25Co1.25/NF electrode demonstrates a high specific capacity of 128.2 mAh g−1 (923 F g−1) at 1 A g−1 (60% higher than the undoped Co3O4) and superior cycle stability with 95.2% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles at 10 A g−1. The assembled HSC delivers high-energy density of 64.3 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 794.1 W kg−1 and with 87.7% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles. This work can present a new strategy to fabricate the three-dimensional high-performance integrated electrode materials by a facile electrodeposition for heteroatom-doped transition metal oxide for high-performance supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB), a carbon-free-energy material, has attracted enormous attention not only as the hydrogen storage source but also as the anodic fuel for direct AB fuel cells (DABFCs). The rational design of electrocatalysts for AB oxidation reaction (ABOR) is the key to improve the electrochemical performance of DABFCs. Herein, copper-doped nickel metaphosphates (Cu–Ni(PO3)2) with modulated electronic structure and abundant lattice defects through tuning dopant ratios are synthesized and applied towards ABOR for the first time. The optimal Cu–Ni(PO3)2 catalyst shows excellent electrocatalytic performance with an onset potential of −0.282 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE) which is superior to the published noble-metal and other transition metal electrocatalysts. And the density functional theory (DFT) computations verified that the active sites in the Cu–Ni(PO3)2 towards ABOR are the dopant Cu ions, the optimized Ni ions, and the induced lattice distortions, which indicates that the doping of Cu ions can indeed improve the electrocatalytic activity of the host catalyst Ni(PO3)2. This work provides a new candidate for the electrocatalyst of ABOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin (CAR) is an inflammatory marker that has been demonstrated to be a simple and reliable prognostic factor in several solid tumours and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). However, no studies have investigated the prognostic value of the CAR in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Objectives and Methods: We retrospectively analysed 212 newly diagnosed non-M3 AML patients. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method, the optimal cut-off value for CAR was determined. We investigated the correlations of the pretreatment CAR levels with clinical characteristics, treatment response of induction chemotherapy, overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). We also assessed the prognostic value of the CAR compared with other inflammation-based prognostic parameters by the area under the curve (AUC). Results: According to the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off value of CAR was 1.015. CAR was associated with age, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, albumin levels, ferritin levels, bone marrow blast percentage, French-American-British (FAB) classification, immunophenotype and 2017 European Leukemia Net (2017 ELN) risk stratification. Importantly, we found that high CAR was a powerful indicator of a lower complete remission (CR) rate (p< 0.001), worse OS (p< 0.001) and worse EFS (p< 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that a high CAR was associated with shorter OS and EFS in patients with intermediate risk stratification or those aged ≤ 65 years or those without haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the multivariate analysis, the CAR was an independent prognostic factor for OS and EFS. Furthermore, the predictive value of CAR for OS is superior to that of CRP, albumin and GPS in de novo AML patients aged ≤ 65 years old. Conclusion: CAR is a simple and effective prognostic marker in patients with AML. It could be an additional prognostic factor that help further precise the current risk stratification of non-M3 AML, particularly for patients in intermediate risk stratification and those aged ≤ 65 years and those who did not undergo HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]