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CO2 utilization technologies can not only provide a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but may also enable renewable energy to be incorporated into important materials used in the society such as fuel and chemicals. Power to gas (PtG) technologies, especially Power to methane has been deemed as one of the promising pathways for the conversion of CO2 into valuable gaseous fuel. Many reports have reviewed the academic literature related to CO2 methanation. While the benefits of high temperature methanation for overall process efficiency are well understood, the potential for low-temperature methanation is less understood. In particular the opportunities that arise from coupling a low-temperature methanation process with low temperature hydrogen production technologies, such as PEM electrolysis, have received little attention. It is therefore considered valuable to provide a critical review of the state of the art of this technology at low temperature conditions for the interests of broader research community. In this paper we focus on the recent work around low temperature CO2 methanation including reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, catalyst materials including supports and promoters, and suitable reactor technologies. We discuss each of these critical aspects of the technology and identify key challenges and opportunities for low temperature CO2 methanation (methanation conducted at temperatures less than 300 °C). As part of this paper, we also present the results of an ASPEN Plus simulation study based on data available from the literature to highlight the potential energy efficiency gains of a low temperature methanation process.

In relation to available polysaccharides, oligosaccharides have a low molecular weight, less viscosity, and complete water solubility. These properties endow oligosaccharides with significant biological properties including the microbiota regulation ability. In this study, a homogeneous oligooctasaccharide, riclinoctaose, was biosynthesized from succinylglycan riclin by enzymatic degradation. Monosaccharide composition, Fourier-transform infrared, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry analysis indicated that riclinoctaose is an oligooctasaccharide consisting of one galactose and seven glucose residues, with a pyruvate group linked to the terminal glucose residue. The effects of dietary riclinoctaose on the gut microbiota of mice were evaluated. We found that the dietary riclinoctaose significantly altered intestinal microbiota with the increased growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus and decreased the abundance of pernicious bacteria such as Gammaproteobacteria. The level of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was significantly elevated in the riclinoctaose cecum. Our results suggested that riclinoctaose as a prebiotic may have a great potential application in functional foods.

The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis is regarded as a potential future source of food for humans due to its superior nutritional value compared with many conventional crops. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate nutritional and pigmentation effects of whole A. platensis, defatted A. platensis and its lipid extracts in diets for the yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Four percent whole A. platensis (AP4), 0.4% A. platensis lipid extracts (AL0.4), and 4% defatted A. platensis (AR4) were used as experimental diets, and a diet without any A. platensis was as the control diet (AP0). The AP4 and AL0.4 groups had no effects on the growth performance and feed utilization in yellow catfish; however, the AR4 group was significantly lower than the AP0 group in terms of specific growth rate and feed efficiency (P < 0.05). AP4 and AL0.4 groups significantly increased the body protein of fish (P < 0.05). The skin color was significantly improved in the AP4 and AL0.4 groups, as well as the fish skin and plasma lutein contents (P < 0.05). Correlations between skin color and the lutein contents in liver and muscles were weak, whereas the correlations between skin color and the lutein contents in skin and plasma were significant and strong. The results suggest that whole A. platensis and its lipid extracts can be functional additives to improve whole body protein and skin color of fish, while defatted A. platensis showed no advantage in yellow catfish diets.

Pb–Te–Li oxide glasses have been widely applied in front silver (Ag) paste metallization of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. In practical application, some other important glass compositions, such Bi2O3, SiO2, ZnO and so on, are often added into Pb–Te–Li oxide glasses to improve the quality of Ag/Si contact. In this paper, the significant effects of these glass compositions on the Ag/Si contact are demonstrated by discussing their influences on the formation of Ag colloids in the interface, the erosion of glass to Si, the glass phase conductivity, and the glass passivation performance at the contact interface. The results show that the addition of Bi2O3 or SiO2 into the glass may reduce the Ag/Si contact resistivity, because Bi2O3 can promote the formation of Ag colloid in the interface glass layer and increase the interface glass phase conductivity, and SiO2 can weaken the erosion ability of the glass to keep relatively high dopant concentration in the contacted Si surface. The addition of ZnO into the glass may aggravate the erosion to Si and decrease the glass phase conductivity. It is inferred that increasing Bi2O3 and SiO2 or reducing ZnO can improve the glass passivation performance at the contact interface. Through the application in Ag paste metallization, the important effects of the glass compositions on the electrical properties of solar cells are shown that Bi2O3 and SiO2 in the glasses are helpful to increase the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current, while ZnO is very useful for raising fill factor.

This study aims to explore the production and physicochemical properties of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced from soil isolate, Paenibacillus sp. ZX1905 in submerged culture. The highest EPS production of 15.67 g/L was achieved in a medium containing soluble starch, peptone and inorganic salts. The purified EPS exhibited excellent skin lubricating properties and was named lubcan. The chemical analysis reviewed that lubcan was an acidic heteropolysaccharide consisted of glucuronic acid, glucose, mannose, galactose, and rhamnose in a molar ratio of 2:3:1:2:2, and the average molecular mass was about 3.27 × 106 Da. NMR and methylation analysis revealed that lubcan backbone was composed of 1,4-α-Man, 1,4,6-α-Glc, 1,3-α-Gal, 1,3-β-Rha, and 1,3-β-Gal, together with the branches of 1,3-α-Glc, 1,3-α-Rha, two 1,4-α-GlcA, and terminal-α-Glc(4,6-pyr). The lubcan solution exhibited stability at pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0, temperature between 5 and 50 °C, and monovalent salts (0.2 M) and divalent salts (0.05 M) addition. The moisture absorption rates of lubcan were 16.98% and 40.41% under the conditions of 43% and 81% relative humidity, which were close to that of hyaluronic acid (17.28% and 41.20%, respectively). These properties make lubcan a good alternative to more expensive hyaluronic acid in the cosmetic industry.

Previous nutritional studies have shown that insulin regulation is different between DT and A strains of gibel carp. As leptin plays a pivotal role in the effects of insulin, we hypothesised that leptin regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism would differ between the two strains. To test our hypothesis, recombinant human leptin was injected into two strains. The results showed that leptin activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (AKT), AMP-activated protein kinase–acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signalling pathways in both strains. Hypoglycaemia induced by leptin might be due to higher glucose uptake by the liver and muscles together with enhanced glycolytic potential and reduced gluconeogenic potential. Decreased lipogenesis and up-regulated fatty acid oxidation were induced by leptin. In terms of genotype, the PI3K–AKT signalling pathway was more strongly activated by leptin in the muscle tissue of the A strain, as reflected by the heightened phosphorylation of AKT. Furthermore, glycogen content, glycolytic enzyme activity and gluconeogenic capability were higher in the A strain than the DT strain. Strain A had higher levels of fatty acid synthesis and lipolytic capacity in the liver than the DT strain, but the opposite was true in white muscle. Regarding leptin–genotype interactions, the DT strain displayed stronger regulation of glucose metabolism in the liver by leptin as compared with the A strain. Moreover, a more active JAK2–STAT signalling pathway accompanied by enhanced inhibition of fatty acid synthesis by leptin was observed in the DT strain. Overall, the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism by leptin differed between the two strains, as expected.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common infections in women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a water-soluble β-glucan salecan to protect against Candida albicans (C. albicans) vaginal infection. The model was reproduced with intravaginal inoculation of yeast blastoconidia in pseudoestrus mice. We found that mice that received salecan (0.5 mg per mouse) after infection had 85% fewer CFU than infected mice given saline. Compared with the C.albicans group, salecan reduced the migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in the vagina, decreased mRNA levels of cytokines IL23, IL22, IL17a, and IL17f, anti-candidal genes S100a8 and S100a9 and C.albicans pattern recognition receptor Dectin1. The analysis for vaginal microbial community composition at different taxa levels revealed that the bacterial flora composition in the vagina of the salecan-treated mice was similar to that of the uninfected mice, and distinguished from the infected mice. The vaginal lavages from the salecan treated group had more Enterococcus and its metabolite lactate. Our results suggest salecan might be a potential therapeutic agent for vaginal infection of C.albicans.

Overweight and obese men face numerous health problems, including type 2 diabetes, subfertility, and even infertility. However, few studies have focused on the effects of nutritional status and obesity-related regulatory signals on fertility deficiency. Our previous observations have shown that the elevation of plasma 5'-adenosine monophosphate (5'-AMP) and the accumulation of adenosine in liver and muscle of obese diabetic db/db mice are related to insulin resistance. Here, we found that adenosine accumulation in testis is a common marker of both genetic obesity and high-fat-diet induced obese mice. An messenger RNA sequencing analysis indicated that 78 upregulated genes and 155 downregulated genes in the testis of 5'-AMP-treated mice overlapped with the same genes in the testis of ob/ob mice, and these genes belonged to the clusters of steroid metabolic process and regulation of hormone levels, respectively. Serum testosterone was reduced in ob/ob and 5'-AMP-treated mice. Metabolomic analysis based on 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the testicular metabolic profiles of ob/ob mice were similar to those of 5'-AMP treated mice. Exogenous 5'-AMP inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin signal transduction and reduced the proliferating cell nuclear antigen expressions in testes. Our results suggest that the accumulation of adenosine causes metabolic disorders in testes and associates lower testosterone level in obese mice.

Hibernation is an example of extreme hypometabolic behavior. How mammals achieve such a state of suspended animation remains unclear. Here we show that several strains of type 2 diabetic mice spontaneously enter into hibernation-like suspended animation (HLSA) in cold temperatures. Nondiabetic mice injected with ATP mimic the severe hypothermia analogous to that observed in diabetic mice. We identified that uric acid, an ATP metabolite, is a key molecular in the entry of HLSA. Uric acid binds to the Na+ binding pocket of the Na+/H+ exchanger protein and inhibits its activity, acidifying the cytoplasm and triggering a drop in metabolic rate. The suppression of uric acid biosynthesis blocks the occurrence of HLSA, and hyperuricemic mice induced by treatment with an uricase inhibitor can spontaneously enter into HLSA similar to that observed in type 2 diabetic mice. In rats and dogs, injection of ATP induces a reversible state of HLSA similar to that seen in mice. However, ATP injection fails to induce HLSA in pigs due to the lack of their ability to accumulate uric acid. Our results raise the possibility that nonhibernating mammals could spontaneously undergo HLSA upon accumulation of ATP metabolite, uric acid.

The catalyzed direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from hydrogen and oxygen has the potential to become a lower cost and more environmentally friendly alternative to the commercially practi...

Plasma 5′-AMP (pAMP) is elevated in mouse models of type 2 diabetes. However, the metabolic regulatory role of adenine nucleotides in type 2 diabetes remains unclear. Adenine nucleotides and their metabolites in plasma and liver were examined by HPLC. 1H NMR-based metabolomics analysis was performed to explore the changes of metabolites in mouse models of type 2 diabetes. Na+/K+ ATPase and Na+/H+ exchanger activity were measured in response to adenine nucleotide metabolites. Human recombinant protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was used for enzyme kinetic assays. Protein binding assays were performed with microscale thermophoresis. The intracellular pH of hepatocyte AML12 cell lines was measured using the BCECF-AM method. We also analysed pAMP levels in participants with type 2 diabetes. Elevation of pAMP was a universal phenomenon in all mouse models of type 2 diabetes including db/db vs lean mice (13.9 ± 2.3 μmol/l vs 3.7 ± 0.9 μmol/l; p

Spirulina, Arthrospira platensis, contains high levels of protein and lutein. To evaluate nutritional, pigmentation, and antioxidation effects of A. platensis, a total of 900 juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) were divided into 18 tanks (3 tanks/treatment, 50 fish/tank) and fed a diet supplemented with A. platensis for 50 days. A. platensis was used in quantities of 0, 57.6, 115.1, 172.7, 230.3, and 287.9 g kg(-1) for experimental diets to replace fishmeal protein at levels of 0 (AP0), 20% (AP20), 40% (AP40), 60% (AP60), 80% (AP80), and 100% (AP100). Results revealed that substituting up to 80% of fishmeal by A. platensis biomass did not have a negative effect on fish growth, feed utilization, or apparent digestibility. However, significantly lower growth rates were observed when 100% of the fishmeal was substituted (P

A dicyano-methylene-4H-pyran (DCM)-based fluorescent probe DCPOP was designed for detecting lysozyme in urine sample. DCPOP showed obvious NIR emission (> 650 nm) avoiding the background fluorescence of urine (450 ˜ 600 nm). Compared to its mimic (DCPO), DCPOP has a big end-capped triphenyl phosphate (TPP) moiety, which induced good stability in several aqueous with different pH value. Furthermore, the end-capped TPP moiety showed weak interaction with lysozyme, which could modulate the emission signals of DCPOP. As a result, DCPOP could detect the lysozyme in both PBS buffer and real urine samples.

The reliability of crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic modules has a strong dependence on the silver (Ag) electrode solderability. To achieve desirable soldering, the reaction that occurs between Ag electrode and solder (Sn/Pb alloy) need to be comprehensively understood and elaborately controlled. In this article, the correlation of Ag electrode soldering states with intermetallic compound (Ag3Sn) growth was discussed. It was found that the reaction dynamics of Ag electrode and solder was closely associated with the glass frit in Ag paste. Here taken for exemplification were three kinds of V–B–Si oxide glass frit, which led to diverse soldering states for the Ag electrode, e.g. inveracious soldering, appropriate soldering and over-soldering, owing to their different affection on the Ag3Sn growth rate. The effect of glass frit on the Ag3Sn growth was addressed from the aspects of glass phase transition temperature, distribution of glass phase in electrode, and reaction between glass and solder. In addition, it was also demonstrated that the amount of glass frit added in Ag paste might impose significant affection on the solderability of the sintered electrode.

The present study was conducted to evaluate dietary inosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-IMP) on growth, immune genes expression and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS Ⅲ) (initial body weight: 7.48 g). Six diets were formulated containing exogenous 5'-IMP at three gradient levels (0, 0.1% and 0.2%) in the high dietary fishmeal group (15% fishmeal: D1, D2, D3) and in the high dietary soybean meal group (33% soybean meal: D4, D5, D6). Each diet was randomly allotted to triplicate tanks in a recirculating system. After the feeding trial, fish were exposed to Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. Hematological and immunological responses were analyzed before and after challenge. The results indicated that feeding rate in all 5'-IMP supplemented treatments (D2, D3, D5 and D6) and daily growth coefficient in D5 and D6 were reduced compared with those of respective control treatments (D1 and D4) without 5'-IMP addition (P 0.05). The cumulative survival rates were numerically improved by dietary 5'-IMP supplementation (P 0.05). Compared with the respective control treatment, in the high fishmeal group, plasma SOD and MPO were significantly elevated in D3 at the end of feeding trial (P 0.05), plasma SOD and lysozyme were significantly increased in D3 after bacterial challenge (P 0.05); in high soybean meal group, plasma lysozyme activity was significantly elevated in D5 post bacterial challenge (P 0.05). Most of the expression of immune related genes (intelectin, major histocompatibility complex class II β (MHC II β), Complement 3 (C3), Complement component C7-1 (ccC7), lysozyme C, Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), Tumor necrosis factor α1 (TNF-α1), Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and Interleukin 8 (IL-8)) in spleen, kidney and liver of the fish were significantly affected by supplementation of 5'-IMP at the end of feeding trial and post bacterial challenge. Additionally, adding 5'-IMP in high soybean meal diets exerted further effects of promoting immunity than counterparts in high fishmeal diets. Considering enhanced disease resistance, the immunopotentiation of 5'-IMP was manifested when the addition level was 0.1% in high soybean meal diets and 0.2% in high fishmeal diets.

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary carbohydrate on glucose metabolism in gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) as well to investigate if different clones had different responses to carbohydrate intake. Unselected Dongting strain (DT strain), selected gibel carp "CAS III" (A strain) and gibel carp "CAS V" (F strain) were fed with no corn starch diet (0C), 30% corn starch diet (30C) and 45% corn starch diet (45C) for 8 weeks. The results showed that selected F strain showed higher growth performance. F strain and A strain showed better control on postprandial glucose regulation by increasing plasma triglyceride, plasma cholesterol, liver and muscle glycogen contents and also enhancing glycolysis and restraining gluconeogenesis. DT strain had higher body lipid and lipid utilization. In conclusion, gibel carp could tolerate 45% dietary carbohydrate and F strain showed better growth by increasing glycolysis while decreasing glycogenesis.

As an important branch of heterocyclic compounds, coumarin and its derivatives with diverse potential biological activities have attracted wide attention and have been applied in medical-related fields. In this article, three cyclotriphosphazene derivatives bearing 4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin moieties with the numbers of 2, 4, and 6 were synthesized and characterized and their antitumor activities were investigated. All the new compounds were found to display antitumor activity in vitro against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and 4T1 cells) with the IC50 values in the range of 108.72–188.44 μM and 75.93–154.91 μM, respectively. In contrast, the coumarin monomer displayed the values of 4140 μM and 1640 μM (IC50). Our results suggested that the antitumor activity was significantly enhanced when coumarin was introduced onto the surface of cyclotriphosphazenes, thereby providing potent candidate molecules for pharmaceutical applications.

The synthesis of thiophene aldehydes from easily available cyclopropyl ethanol derivatives and potassium sulfide has been developed. This novel one-pot procedure achieves double C–S bond formation via the cleavage of C–C bonds. This transformation shows good functional group tolerance under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, DMSO acts as the solvent and mild oxidant simultaneously in this reaction.

This experiment investigated the effects of dietary starch on growth performance, feed utilization, glucose and lipid metabolism of non-transgenic and growth hormone (GH) transgenic juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Transgenic common carp (TG fish) and non-transgenic (NT fish) were fed diets with five starch levels (0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%). After 41 days, TG fish showed higher growth and feed utilization at low-starch diets, while similar growth, lower feeding rate (FR) and slightly higher feed efficiency (FE) was observed at high-starch diets. Lower plasma glucose level and hepatic glycogen content were observed in TG fish, which could be related to the higher glycolysis (high gene expression of hexokinase (hk), p < 0.01) and gluconeogenesis (high gene expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (fbpase), p < 0.01; glucose-6-phosphatase (g6pase), p < 0.01) of TG fish. Compared to NT fish, weakened fat synthesis (lower gene expression of fatty-acid synthase (fas), p

Accurately detect the residues of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) in food and environment is critical to our daily lives. In this study, we developed a novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor based on Au-Tb alloy nanospheres (NSs) for rapid and sensitive detection of OPs for the first time. Au-Tb alloy NSs that with good conductivity and biocompatibility were produced with a mild hydrothermal. Under optimal conditions, the AChE biosensor was obtained by a simple assembly process, with a big linear range (10-13-10-7M) and the limit of detection was 2.51 × 10-14M for the determination of methyl parathion. Moreover, the determination of methyl parathion with the prepared biosensor presented a high sensitivity, outstanding repeatability and superior stability compared with other reported biosensors. Through the determination of tap water and Yanming lake samples, it was proved that the modified biosensor with satisfactory recoveries (96.76%-108.6%), and are realizable in the determination of OPs in real samples.

Previous studies have shown that emodin (EMO) has a wide range of pharmacological activities, with the potential to protect against a variety of diseases. However, it is not clear whether EMO can alleviate impairment induced by acute hypoxia in gibel carp. Thus, an acute hypoxia experiment was conducted using gibel carp fed with EMO diets for eight weeks. The results showed that EMO decreased hypoxia signaling by down-regulating protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α). This also protected the liver from oxidative damage induced by acute hypoxia, as indicated by the upregulation of mRNA levels and antioxidant enzyme activity of genes related to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Moreover, EMO also inhibited endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the liver and hypothalamus induced by acute hypoxia. EMO enhanced autophagy and inhibited apoptosis in gibel carp by mediating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Overall, EMO could alleviate impairment in gibel carp induced by acute hypoxia via the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

Many fish species experience natural periods of starvation; however, mobilization of energy sources may vary. To elucidate the mechanism underlying energy utilization and metabolic adaptation to food deprivation in gibel carp (Carassis auratus gibelio var. CAS III), fish (initial body weight: 111.13 ± 0.65 g) were starved for 0 d, 1 d, 2 d, 7 d, and 21 d, respectively. After seven days of food deprivation, plasma glucose levels significantly decreased, whereas plasma free fatty acids levels significantly increased. Liver glycogen levels in the group starved for 7 d significantly decreased, whereas muscle glycogen levels decreased in the group starved for 21 d, suggesting that glycogen in the liver is first utilized to provide energy than glycogen in the muscle. The transcriptional levels of glucose transporter type 2 (GLUT2) in the liver were upregulated during starvation. No changes in the mRNA levels of glycolytic enzymes such as glucokinase (GK) and 6-phosphofructokinase (6PFK) were observed in the liver. Gluconeogenic potential increased with starvation, possibly for blood glucose homeostasis, as indicated by the enhanced mRNA levels of gluconeogenic enzymes, including glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). The observation of a decrease in liver triglycerides content and the enhanced expression of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) suggests the mobilization of lipid reserve in the liver. Enhanced fatty acid oxidation as indicated by the upregulated mRNA carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 isoform a (CPT1a) and acyl-CoA oxidase 3 (ACO3) levels in the liver suggests that fatty acids are catabolized to provide energy during starvation. Sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were downregulated during starvation in both liver and muscle, indicating suppressed lipogenesis.

Gas is adsorbed in the pores of coal matrix and during gas production gas is desorbed from the pore surface and diffuses through the matrix pore structure and flows in the fracture/cleat system to the production well or boreholes. However, coal is highly heterogeneous and anisotropic. How heterogeneity and anisotropy affect the gas storage and especially the diffusion behaviour is not well studied. In this work, a series of measurements were performed on three dry cubic coal samples cut from the same coal block from the Bowen Basin, Australia, using an adsorbing gas, methane. For each sample, gas adsorption experiments with gas flowing from three principal directions were performed. The diffusion data was fitted with a bidisperse diffusion model to obtain diffusion coefficient. The three samples, although from the same coal block, showed difference in adsorption amount and significant difference in effective diffusivity. It was found that the effective macropore diffusivity increased with gas pressure and effective micropore coefficient decreased with gas pressure. The effective diffusivity showed difference among samples and directions, demonstrating coal heterogeneity and anisotropy both have a significant impact on gas diffusion behaviour. However, no generalisation can be obtained with any single pore structure parameter, such as pore size or surface area, as it may be related to all pore and fracture structures at various scales.

Exploration in the Beetaloo Sub-basin in Australia's Northern Territory has indicated gas-saturated, quartz-rich source rocks that are gas mature and laterally continuous over large areas. In the Sub-basin shale targets have been identified within the Velkerri Formation and the Kyalla Formation. These shales are of Mesoproterozoic age and thus significantly older than any of the North American shale plays and most other shales currently under investigation for their gas production potential. In this work, we characterise two sets of drill cutting samples from the Beetaloo Sub-basin for their composition, pore structure, and CH4 adsorption capacity. The objective of this study is to assess the adsorption potential of these shales and investigate the properties controlling this. Measurements from other researchers are included in the analysis to determine to what degree commonly characterised properties such as bulk clay and total organic carbon (TOC) content control gas adsorption capacity on a larger scale and thus provide an indication of the range of adsorption behaviours that may be expected. The adsorption measurements are carried out at reservoir conditions - that is high pressures (up to 30 MPa) and high temperatures (up to 110 °C). The results show that the organic-rich (TOC: 3.7–6.2%) middle Velkerri shale samples have a significantly higher adsorption capacity (expressed by the Langmuir volume) than the clay-rich, organic-lean (TOC: 0.85–1.8%) lower Kyalla shale samples: 2.89–3.38 m3/t compared to 1.88–2.81 m3/t. This is in agreement with the higher average micropore volume of the middle Velkerri shale samples. Results of our analysis demonstrate that, depending on a shale's composition, different properties control gas adsorption in shale, though in the organic-rich middle Velkerri B shale samples the controlling paramters cannot be clearly determined. A positive correlation between TOC and CH4 adsorption capacity is observed, but only up to a TOC of 4.5%. Above this point the adsorption capacity appears to decrease again. The lack of a strictly positive correlation between TOC and adsorption capacity is likely caused by other parameters affecting sorption behaviour, in particular variations in organic matter type and thermal maturity. However, analysis of a global adsorption data set of marine shales of non-differentiated maturity nevertheless indicates that, on a larger scale, the TOC content can provide a reasonable first estimate of a shale's CH4 adsorption capacity. In the organic-lean lower Kyalla shale samples clay minerals control microporosity and CH4 adsorption. It is the high illite/muscovite content (30–40%) in particular that is indicated to be the main contributor to microporosity and gas adsorption capacity. Results from the analysis of the global shale adsorption data set are in agreement with these findings, showing that for organic-lean shales with a TOC

A fluorescent chemodosimeter (TPAII-2) for Hg2+ was designed with four sulphur atoms in its trigger based on a multisulphite strategy and a control sensor (TPAII-1) was synthesized according to the common design with the deprotection of dithiol. Compared to TPAII-1, TPAII-2 displayed optimizing selectivity towards Hg2+ over Ag+, one of the most interference species with strong sulphophile affinity. Further studies indicated the TPAII-2 still maintained the fast detection rate (

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the impacts of dietary leucine on growth, hepatopancreas and muscle protein content and relative expressions of protein synthesis-related genes in juvenile gibel carp (5.2 g). Triplicate tanks of fish (22 fish per tank) were fed with a low (0.82%), middle (1.90%) or high (2.99%) leucine diet to apparent satiation three times a day. The results showed that the weight gain (WG) and feed efficiency (FE) of the fish fed with the 1.90% leucine diet had the highest values compared to those of other two groups (p < .05). Dietary leucine significantly affected the protein and lipid contents of the hepatopancreas (p < .05), but not muscle or the whole body composition of the fish. The amino acid contents (Arginine, Leucine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Alanine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid and Proline) of the dorsal muscles of fish fed with a 1.90% leucine diet were significantly higher than those fed with a 0.82% leucine diet. Moreover, transcriptional levels of target genes of rapamycin (TOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LARS) in the hepatopancreas were significantly up-regulated (p < .05), but eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (4E-BP2) was significantly down-regulated (p < .05) with the increasing dietary leucine levels. However, dietary leucine had no effects on the gene expressions of 4E-BP2 and S6K1 in the muscle of gibel carp. The present results indicate that dietary leucine led to a marked tissue-specific response on protein content in the muscle and hepatopancreas of gibel carp that is related to the TOR signalling pathway.

A fluorescent probe 4-amino-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole NBD–NH2 for critical sensing hypochlorous (ClO−) has been developed in this paper. Probe NBD–NH2 exhibited excellent sensitivity and high selectivity toward detection of ClO− in CH3CH2OH/HEPES solution (1:4, v/v, 10 mM, pH 7.4), where the detection limit as low as 40 nM. The green fluorescence of NBD–NH2 was distinctly quenched by addition of ClO−. In addition, the new probe was also applied for bioimaging using HeLa cells and exist a critical detection of ClO− in living cells.

An 88-day experiment was conducted in a flowing system to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin C on growth, body composition, antioxidant and gonad development of on-growing gibel carp. Triplicate tanks of gibel carp (77.2 +/- 0.1g) were randomly fed with one of seven experimental diets containing l-ascorbic acid of 0, 101.1, 188.5, 313.1, 444.1, 582.1 and 747.0mg/kg, respectively. The results showed that specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency (FE) of fish were not affected by dietary l-ascorbic acid. Dietary l-ascorbic acid of 444.1mg/kg diet led to low levels (p

Thermal boron diffusion, which forms highly doped and shallow p-emitters on phosphor-doped silicon wafers, is one of the primary processes in commercial-scale production of n-type cells. Here, we report on the use of nontoxic and nonvolatile borosiloxane sols as the spin-on boron source. In comparison to the tribromide (BBr3) boron diffusion that is applied in the production of most commercial n-type cells, borosiloxane boron diffusion may have potential advantages in terms of cost, safety, operability, etc. The borosiloxane sols studied here were formed from a cross-linking reaction between boron acid and a mixture of two types of silicon alkoxides, methyltriethoxysilane (MTEOS) and dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDEOS). The MTEOS/DMDEOS ratio was found to be the key factor determining the synthetic period, net structure, thermal transformation property, and coating behavior of the borosiloxane sols. In combination with the spin-coating method, the performance of borosiloxane boron diffusion into phosphor-doped silicon wafers (1–3 Ω·cm) was systematically investigated by varying the borosiloxane composition (boron/silicon or MTEOS/DMDEOS ratio) and the diffusion process parameters (temperature, ambience, and period of individual sub-steps), and by relating them to the resulting sheet resistance and boron doping profile. The results show that under the diffusion conditions in conventional cell production lines, the formed p-emitters can have variable sheet resistance in the range of 35–582 Ω/□ and boron doping depth of 100–300 nm.

To exploit high-quality separators for lithium ion batteries, current research activities are mainly focused on the modification of microporous polyolefin membranes by coating them with inorganic particles to achieve comprehensive improvements in their thermal stability, electrochemical compatibility, and overcharge protection. Here, we report a separator made by coating boehmite (AlOOH) particles on microporous polyethylene (PE) membranes. Compared to the commercially applied coating materials, e.g., aluminum oxide (Al2O3), AlOOH allows for a substantial reduction in the coating thickness, while ensuring excellent thermal stability of the modified PE membrane. Our study shows that this is due to the formation of an interlocking interface structure that interconnects the PE membrane and AlOOH coating layer as soon as PE melts at about 140 °C, preventing the modified PE membrane from shrinking at subsequently elevated temperatures. The modified PE membrane exhibits suitable electrolyte wettability to facilitate ion transport through it. Thus, the lithium ion batteries employing it as a separator could attain substantially improved electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the AlOOH-coated PE separator was also found to provide an excellent overcharge protection.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different phospholipids (PL) and cholesterol (CH) levels on the growth, moulting and fatty acid composition of juvenile swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus. Six diets were designed to contain three PL levels (0, 10 and 20 g/kg) and two CH levels (2 and 8 g/kg). Juvenile swimming crabs (3.48 ± 0.02 g/crab) were reared for 8 weeks. The weight gain (WG) was significantly (p .05). The moulting frequency (MF), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed efficiency ratio (FCR) were not significantly (p > .05) affected by the dietary treatments. The serum total cholesterol (TCH) significantly (p > .05) increased with increasing dietary PL level. The C20:4n-6 and C20:5n-3 content of the whole body of crabs increased with the addition of PL to the diet containing 2 g/kg CH of diet. An interaction was observed between PL and CH on certain saturated and unsaturated fatty acid concentrations of body.

Separation of minor hydrocarbon components in natural gas is necessary prior to liquefaction to avoid operational (plugging of equipment) and product specification issues. While there have been many studies describing adsorption of gases on solid materials there have been relatively few focused on decreasing concentrations of light hydrocarbons in methane in non-equilibrium experimental configurations. In order to best understand the chemistry of competitive adsorption of saturated hydrocarbons for gas processing applications we investigated light hydrocarbon dynamic adsorption properties on 16 solid adsorbents of different structures and chemistries. The best adsorbents, as determined by adsorption capacity, were tested for their ability to separate higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from methane. It is found that for charged frameworks, the induced dipole moment between the adsorbent and adsorbate plays the most important role in adsorption capacity. For uncharged frameworks, pore size plays the critical role in adsorption: micropores are more effective than mesopores. For separation of mixtures of methane, ethane, propane and butane, the kinetics of adsorption must also be considered. Of the materials tested, a carbon derived from coal and activated with steam (carbon #5 (37771)), zeolite KX and zeolite 5A were the best in terms of adsorption and separation capability. These materials show promise for separating light hydrocarbons of similar chemical nature.

The design of pH-sensitive supramolecular drug delivery systems for efficient antineoplastic drug delivery remains a huge challenge. Herein, we describe the development of pH-responsive core–shell tecto dendrimers (CSTDs) formed using benzimidazole (BM)-modified generation 3 (G3) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers (G3.NHAc-BM) as a shell and β-cyclodextrin (CD)-modified G5 PAMAM dendrimers (G5.NHAc-CD) as a core. By virtue of the host–guest recognition and pH-responsiveness of BM/β-CD assembly, the pH-sensitive supramolecular CSTDs of G5.NHAc-CD/BM-G3.NHAc were formed and adopted to encapsulate the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) via hydrophobic interactions for pH-responsive drug delivery applications. The synthesis of dendrimer derivatives and the loading of the DOX were well characterized via different methods. We show that the encapsulated DOX can be released in a sustained manner with a rapid release speed under a slightly acidic pH condition (pH < 6), which is similar to acidic tumor microenvironment. The enhanced intracellular release of DOX and improved anticancer activity of the drug-loaded pH-responsive CSTDs were demonstrated and compared with the control CSTDs formed without pH-responsiveness through flow cytometry and viability assays of cancer cells. Furthermore, the pH-sensitive CSTDs also showed efficient drug penetration and growth inhibition of three-dimensional tumor spheroids owing to the faster DOX release in an acidic pH environment. The pH-sensitive G5.NHAc-CD/BM-G3.NHAc CSTDs may be employed as a valuable intelligent delivery system for various anticancer drugs.

Among the family of mycotoxins of deoxynivalenol (DON) detected in nature, high proportions of 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15ADON) co-occur with the prototype DON and increase the combined exposure and synergistic health risks. The current study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of 15ADON and compare them with those of DON. As the natural flavonoid compound quercetin (QUE) possesses antioxidant properties, we also aimed to determine the antioxidant effects of QUE on the tested mycotoxins. First, the global metabolomics approach was applied and showed that the metabolites produced from 15ADON or DON were almost identical, while QUE reversed the changes in the levels of key metabolites. Specifically, both DON and 15ADON activated the cell apoptosis pathway mediated by p38 and JNK, but inhibited the cell survival pathway mediated by ERK1/2 in GES-1 cells. Simultaneously, 15ADON induced FOXO3a nuclear translocation, similar to the results described for DON in our recent report. Furthermore, the addition of QUE appeared to counteract the detrimental effects of 15ADON and DON. We observed the effects of QUE treatment on mutant yeast strains with defects in their antioxidant system. More interestingly, QUE also substantially restored the increased ROS levels and the inhibited the growth rate following exposure to the mycotoxins DON and 15ADON. The data reported here support the hypothesis that QUE rescues the toxic effects of DON or 15ADON due to the similar mechanisms of DON and 15ADON toxicity.

Increased plasma free fatty acids (FFA) level plays a central role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Our previous studies have shown that plasma 5′-adenosine monophosphate (5′-AMP) elevates and acts as a potential upstream regulator of hyperglycemia in diabetic db/db mice. The relationship between FFA and plasma adenosine nucleotides in type 2 diabetes remains unclear. Here we found that plasma 5′-AMP level was also increased in diabetic mice induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (HFD-STZ), as observed in diabetic db/db mice. The metabolites of adenosine nucleotides in plasma were increased in obese mice compared to lean mice. An acute oil gavage to lean mice increased both FFA and plasma purine metabolites, accompanying with glucose intolerance. 5′-AMP administration resulted in an increase in dose-dependent purine metabolites and different levels of glucose intolerance. FFA induced a release of adenine nucleotides from cultural human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) prior to induction of their apoptosis. FFA also reduced red blood cells (RBCs) resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to hemolysis, thereby increasing plasma nucleotides. Our results suggest that plasma adenine nucleotides play an intermediary role in FFA-induced glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia in obese mice.

To test the hypothesis that effects of dietary carbohydrate and lipid concentrations on growth performance, feeding utilization, glucose and lipid metabolism in gibel carp A strain may be differ from F strain, these two strain of gibel carp were fed with one of three different isonitrogenous diets: HCLL (45% carbohydrate, 2% lipid), MCML (30% carbohydrate, 8% lipid), or LCHL (15% carbohydrate, 14% lipid). After 8 weeks, the HCLL-fed fish had the highest hepatosomatic index, hepatic crude lipid levels, and triglyceride levels and lipid retention efficiency. Enhanced lipogenesis and lipid uptake potential were observed in fish fed HCLL and MCML diets. Moreover, increases in glucose transport (glut2, P = 0.003) and glycolysis (gk, P = 0.012; 6pfk, P = 0.005) in livers of both strains were induced by the high-carbohydrate diet. Genotype-specific effect was identified on plasma lipid content. Plasma triglyceride levels were also greater in the F strain than in the A strain. Furthermore, the F strain had higher levels of fatty acid β-oxidation and glycolysis compared with the A strain. Nutrient retention was affected (P < 0.05) by the interaction between genotype and diet, implied dietary carbohydrate played a vital role in lipid accumulation in gibel carp. As dietary lipids increased, the F strain exhibited better feed utilization and a higher PRE than the A strain. However, the A strain had better growth performance. Overall, the F strain had better glucose uptake, glycolysis potential, and lipid utilization ability than the A strain.

A 56-day growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary yeast hydrolysate on the growth performance, antioxidation, immune response and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in largemouth bass. Four experimental diets were prepared with yeast hydrolysate levels of 0% (Y0), 1.5% (Y1.5), 3.0% (Y3.0) and 4.5% (Y4.5). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate 150-L tanks and each tank was stocked with 30 largemouth bass (initial body weight, IBW = 7.71 ± 0.02 g). A challenge test was carried out after the feeding trial by injecting A. hydrophila intraperitoneally for 4-day observation. The results showed that the FBW and WGR in Y1.5 group were significantly higher than those in Y0 group (P

Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) contains six easily modifiable sites which can be substituted with multi-functional groups to afford various derivatives for broad applications in diverse fields, such as materials science, chemical and biological sensing and imaging, and catalysis. Particularly, when organic dyes such as borondipyrromethene, triarylamine, subphthalocyanines, naphthalimide, fluorene, tetraarylpyrazole, and coumarin are used as substituents that connect to the cyclotriphosphazene core directly or indirectly, different fluorescent derivatives are formed which show characteristic optical features. This review summarizes the preparation and potential application of these derivatives as fluorescent dyes, and points out their future perspectives in various disciplines.

This study investigated the different adaptive metabolic strategies of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris Gunther) to a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD). Two dietary carbohydrate levels were formulated for grass carp (normal-carbohydrate diet [NCD]: 30%; HCD: 50%) and Chinese longsnout catfish (NCD: 8%; HCD: 20%). Based on transcriptome data, the top twenty KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that five pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism were enriched in grass carp that were fed an HCD, but were not in Chinese longsnout catfish. After 56 d, compared to the fish in the NCD group, grass carp fed an HCD exhibited significant increase in their whole-body lipid content and glucose-induced lipogenesis, including fatty acid synthase content and transcriptional levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, and carbohydrate response element-binding protein. Raised hepatic glycogen content was observed in both grass carp and Chinese longsnout catfish that were fed an HCD. The enhanced glycogen synthesis, including induced glycogen synthase activity and upregulation of mRNA levels of glycogen synthase and serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-beta catalytic subunit, led to accumulation of glycogen in grass carp. However, reduced glycogenolysis with downregulation of the transcriptional levels of phosphorylase kinase regulatory subunit alpha and glycogen phosphorylase caused accumulation of glycogen in Chinese longsnout catfish. In addition, significantly increased intestinal amylase activity and induced glycolysis of glucokinase and pyruvate kinase were observed in grass carp that were fed an HCD. The results indicated that grass carp responded effectively to an HCD by induction of glycolysis, glycogen accumulation and glucose-induced lipogenesis, while Chinese longsnout catfish did not.

In this work, electrodeposition, a simple, fast and convenient method, was used to prepare a superhydrophilic 3D tree-like silver (Ag) microstructure and a acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor was constructed based on 3D tree-like Ag. Several advantages were illustrated in this work as follows: the electrodeposition method provided uniform distribution and stable adhesion of the material at the electrode surface; the superhydrophilic property of the prepared material could increase the contact area between the electrode surface and the liquid (solid–liquid interphase); and the rough structure of the 3D tree-like Ag could provide a good microenvironment for the enzyme load. These features all greatly improved the sensitivity and stability of biosensors. Under the optimal conditions, the AChE/3D tree-like Ag/GCE biosensor obtained a high sensitivity of 0.056 μA mM−1, a wide linear range from 10-13 M to 10-7 M, and a low detection limit of 1.26 × 10-14 M (calculated for S/N = 3), which was much smaller than the maximum amount permitted by Chinese National Standards (20 μg/kg). The prepared biosensor also obtained excellent reproducibility and stability. Moreover, the feasibility of the prepared biosensor to detect omethoate in real samples has been confirmed with good recovery (97.2%-102.2%).

A 106-day growth trial was executed in a flow-through system to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin A on growth, hematological indices, digestive functions, body composition and lipid metabolism of on-growing gibel carp (69.39 +/- 0.08 g). Fish were randomly assigned to seven groups and fed with different diets containing 273, 1278, 1962, 3155, 4105, 4931 and 5751 IU vitamin A kg(-1), respectively. Specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency (FE) of gibel carpwere lower at 273 and 5751 IU kg(-1) vitamin A levels (P 0.05). Although the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid and energy were not influenced significantly (P > 0.05), high dietary vitamin A (5751 IU kg(-1)) decreased the activity of intestinal Na+ -K+ ATPase (P < 0.05). The plasma total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) was improved at the levels of 1962 and 3155 IU vitamin A kg(-1) (P < 0.05). Vitamin A deficiency increased the activities of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P < 0.05), and decreased the contents of whole body and liver crude lipid and the plasma cholesterol content (P < 0.05). Plasma cholesterol and vitamin A contents were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and then leveled off with the increasing of dietary vitamin A level. Broken-line regression between dietary vitamin A level and plasma cholesterol content or plasma vitamin A content indicated that the dietary vitamin A requirement of on-growing gibel carp was to be approximately 1716 IU kg(-1) and 2698 IU kg(-1), respectively. 2698 IU vitamin A kg(-1) diet is recommended for on-growing gibel carp in the present study. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Five semi-purified diets were formulated with varying crude protein (CP) level (ranging from 20.77 to 45.69%) to assess the dietary protein requirement of juvenile bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Each diet was given to triplicate groups (20 fish per group, 1.20 g per fish) for 10 weeks. In this study, the weight gain (WG) values showed a general increasing trend with increasing dietary CP level up to 40.23%, and then no further improvement of growth was observed with further increase in dietary CP level. In addition, feed efficiency (FE) also improved with increase in dietary CP level; the maximum value was observed in fish fed diet with 40.23% CP. Besides, fish fed diets with 20.77 and 28.16% CP had significant higher daily feed intake (DFI) and lower energy retention (ER), lipid retention (LR) and nitrogen retention (NR) values than other treatments (P Statement of Relevance The main aim of this study is to quantify the optimum amount of dietary protein for juvenile bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus). The research outcomes will develop formulated diets for L. macrochirus and will have good potential of being commercialized.

Cottonseed meal (CM) was used at up to 36.95% content in the diet (replacing 60% of dietary fish meal protein) without any negative eff ects on growth performance of pre-adult grass carp (initial body weight, 761 g) under outdoor conditions. A culture trial was conducted in net cages installed in a large concrete pond. Seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing a gradient of CM concentrations (0, 12.2%, 24.4%, 36.6%, 48.8%, 54.8%, and 61.0%) as replacement for dietary fish meal protein (0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 90%, and 100%) were formulated. Dietary non-resistant starch (from maize) was inverse to dietary CM. Growth performance and feed utilization of fish fed the diets containing CM replacing 0–40% fishmeal protein were not aff ected after the 6-week feeding trial. Accumulation of hepatopancreatic total gossypol in the hepatopancreas was significantly correlated with free gossypol content in the diets (HTG=88.6+1.5×DFG, R2=0.89, P

A 56-day growth experiment was conducted in net cages to investigate the dietary arginine requirement in two sizes of gibel carp using diets containing casein and precoated crystalline amino acids (CAA) as the main protein sources. Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic (310 g crude protein and 16.8 MJ gross energy kg(-1) dry matter) diets containing graded levels of arginine from 5.4 to 26.6 g kg(-1) dry matter were prepared. Triplicates of 30 fish (body weight 51.6 +/- 0.3 g) or 20 fish (body weight 147.8 +/- 0.5 g) were fed to apparent satiation with one of six experimental diets by hand four times a day. Specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency (FE) significantly increased with the increase of dietary arginine levels from 5.4 to 17.6 g kg(-1) (small fish) or from 5.4 to 13.0 g kg(-1) (big fish), and thereafter, kept constant. In the fish of two sizes, with increasing of dietary arginine level, whole body and dorsal muscle protein content first significantly increased, and then reached a plateau or slightly declined. Protein retention efficiency (PRE) showed the same trend with protein content in big fish, but not in small fish. Muscle arginine contents markedly increased with increasing dietary arginine level in two sizes of fish. Growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and nitro oxide (NO) concentrations in plasma, and NO synthase (T-NOS), arginase activities in liver were affected by dietary arginine levels, while plasma ammonia, urea concentration and hepatic alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities had no significant differences in the fish of two sizes. TOR, S6K1 and IGF-ImRNA in liver ormuscle of 5.4 g kg(-1) group significantly down-regulated, but no differences were found for 4E-BP2 mRNA levels in the fish of two sizes. Pituitary GH mRNA significantly up-regulated with increasing dietary arginine level in small fish, but not in big fish. For the fish of two sizes, significant differences were found in all indices mentioned above except for plasma urea, hepatic ALT and AST. Broken-line regression analysis of SGR demonstrated that dietary arginine requirement for gibel carp of these two sizes were 16.4 (small fish) and 12.9 g kg(-1) (big fish) of dry matter, corresponding to 53 and 42 g kg(-1) of dietary protein, respectively. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

As nanomaterials, carbon nano-fillers have manyfold benefits in concrete applications, and while of considerable research interest, their impacts on cement phases are still not fully understood. We applied multiple techniques, including mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetry, infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy to investigate in detail the effects of a pre-mixed carbon nanofiber admixture in mortars. The addition of carbon nanofibers was observed to: (i) alter pore structure to a lower total porosity with greater proportion of micropores, (ii) delay the hydration reaction of alite, (iii) shift hydration of alite towards the formation of portlandite and (iv) foster formation of calcium carbonate phases. The ensemble of results indicate that improved performance is unlikely to be due to formation of additional calcium silicate hydrates, as has been suggested in the literature, but instead is due to the combined effect of nano-fiber bridging and pore-filling by portlandite and calcium carbonates.

This study evaluated the effects of five isonitrogenous (405 g crude protein kg−1 diet) and isolipidic (85 g crude lipid kg−1 diet) diets containing 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 g kg−1 Arthrospira platensis on the growth performance, antioxidation and immune related-gene expression of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). A completely randomized experimental design was developed with five treatments and three replicates. Apparent healthy and similar size fish (n = 225, 20.87 ± 0.06 g) were randomly selected, batch weighed and stocked into fifteen 150 L fiber glass tanks at a density of 15 fish per tank. The experiment lasted for 56 days. After the growth trial, bacterial challenge test was conducted. The results showed that no obvious difference in feed intake and growth performance were found among groups (P > 0.05). After A. hydrophila challenge, supplementing 40 g kg-1 dietary A. platensis could obviously increase the level of plasma IgM, C3 and GPX (P

The effects of different linolenic acid (LNA)/linoleic acid (LA) on tissues fatty acid composition and steroid hormone secretion of the female yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were evaluated after an 8-week feeding trial. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic formulated diets were designed to contain different LNA/LA ratios of D0.27, D0.82, D1.71 and D2.63, respectively. The result showed that there were no significant effects on the weight gain (WG), gonadosomatic index (GSI), condition factor (CF) of yellow catfish among different diet treatments (P > 0.05). The relative fecundity was greatest in the D2.63 group (P