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Fat deposition in pigs is not only closely related to pig production efficiency and pork quality but also an ideal model for human obesity. Transcriptome sequencing is widely used to study fat deposition. However, due to small sample sizes, high false positive rates, and poor consistency of results from different studies, new strategies are urgently needed. Machine learning, a new analysis method, can effectively fit complex data and accurately identify samples and genes. In this study, 36 samples of adipose tissue, muscle tissue, and liver tissue were collected from Songliao black pigs and Landrace pigs, and the mRNA of all the samples was sequenced. In addition, we collected transcriptome data for 64 samples in the GEO database from four different sources. After standardization and imputation of missing values in the data set comprising 100 samples, traditional differential expression analysis was carried out, and different numbers of expressed genes were selected as features for the training model of eight machine learning methods. In the 1000 replications of fourfold cross validation with 100 samples, AdaBoost performed best, with an average prediction accuracy greater than 93% and the highest mean area under the curve in predicting the high- and low-fat content groups among the eight ML methods. According to their performance-based ranks inferred by AdaBoost, 12 genes related to fat deposition were identified; among them

China has a long history of pig breeding and a number of local breeds. The Songliao Black pig, bred in China in 2009, shows high variation in backfat thickness and therefore is well-suited to fat deposition research. Fat deposition is a complex trait, and the underlying regulatory factors are not fully characterized. In this study, the molecular basis of fat deposition traits was evaluated by comparisons between three individuals with extremely high-backfat thickness and three with extremely low-backfat thickness selected from 53 gilts. Subcutaneous adipose tissues of the back were collected for strand-specific library RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and small RNA-seq. We identified 13 184 mRNAs, 2046 long non-coding (lnc)RNAs, and 494 micro (mi)RNAs by high-throughput sequencing. Furthermore, we detected 150 differentially expressed mRNAs, 66 differentially expressed lncRNAs, and eight differentially expressed miRNAs. A functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes are involved in multiple fat metabolism-related pathways, including positive regulation of fat cell differentiation, and fat digestion and absorption. We used various algorithms (miRanda, TargetScan, and RNAhybrid) to predict targeting relationships and constructed a competing endogenous RNA network containing seven lncRNAs, three miRNAs, and six mRNAs. All these genes were differentially expressed between the extremely high and low backfat thickness groups or enriched in pathways related to fat metabolism. Our results provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs and their target genes influence backfat deposition in pigs. Furthermore, our newly constructed competing endogenous RNA (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) network provides a basis for further exploration of fat deposition traits and non-coding RNA functions.

Adipose is an important body tissue in pigs, and fatty traits are critical in pig production. The function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in fat deposition and metabolism has been found in previous studies. In this study, we collected the adipose tissue of six Landrace pigs with contrast backfat thickness (nhigh = 3, nlow = 3), after which we performed strand-specific RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) based on pooling and biological replicate methods. Biological replicate and pooling RNA-seq revealed 1870 and 1618 lncRNAs, respectively. Using edgeR, we determined that 1512 genes and 220 lncRNAs, 2240 genes and 127 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in biological replicate and pooling RNA-seq, respectively. After target gene prediction, we found that ACSL3 was cis-targeted by lncRNA TCONS-00052400 and could activate the conversion of long-chain fatty acids. In addition, lncRNA TCONS_00041740 cis-regulated gene ACACB regulated the rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid oxidation. Since these genes have necessary functions in fat metabolism, the results imply that the lncRNAs detected in our study may affect backfat deposition in swine through regulation of their target genes. Our study explored the regulation of lncRNA and their target genes in porcine backfat deposition and provided new insights for further investigation of the biological functions of lncRNA.

The body shape of a pig is the most direct production index, which can fully reflect the pig’s growth status and is closely related to important economic traits. In this study, a genome-wide association study on seven body size traits, the body length (BL), height (BH), chest circumference (CC), abdominal circumference (AC), cannon bone circumference (CBC), rump width (RW), and chest width (CW), were conducted in Yorkshire pigs. Illumina Porcine 80K SNP chips were used to genotype 589 of 5,572 Yorkshire pigs with body size records, and then the chip data was imputed to sequencing data. After quality control of imputed sequencing data, 784,267 SNPs were obtained, and the averaged linkage disequilibrium (r2) was 0.191. We used the single-trait model and the two-trait model to conduct single-step genome wide association study (ssGWAS) on seven body size traits; a total of 198 significant SNPS were finally identified according to the P-value and the contribution to the genetic variance of individual SNP. 11 candidate genes (CDH13, SIL1, CDC14A, TMRPSS15, TRAPPC9, CTNND2, KDM6B, CHD3, MUC13, MAPK4, and HMGA1) were found to be associated with body size traits in pigs; KDM6B and CHD3 jointly affect AC and CC, and MUC13 jointly affect RW and CW. These genes are involved in the regulation of bone growth and development as well as the absorption of nutrients and are associated with obesity. HMGA1 is proposed as a strong candidate gene for body size traits because of its important function and high consistency with other studies regarding the regulation of body size traits. Our results could provide valuable information for pig breeding based on molecular breeding.

Cornlike ordered N-doped carbon coated hollow Fe3O4 (OH-Fe3O4@NC) composites are prepared through a facile strategy. The unique structure is composed of hundreds of N-doped carbon coated hollow Fe3O4 nanospheres. Successive carbon shell and hollow structure address the irreversibility issue of Fe3O4-based electrodes. Owing to the unique cornlike ordered structure, the as-prepared OH-Fe3O4@NC composites exhibit appealing electrochemical performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It delivers a high reversible capacity of 1316 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 50 cycles and a remarkable rate performance (725, 551 and 361 mA h g−1 at 1, 4, and 10 A g−1, respectively). Our results demonstrate that the OH-Fe3O4@NC composites are the promising anode materials with high capacity for next generation LIBs.

G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), predicted to be a novel oestrogen receptor, has been linked to the development and progression of breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its functions remain elusive. Here, we show that the protein levels of GPER1 are negatively associated with those of ERα and that higher expression of GPER1 correlated with a better clinical outcome in oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients. Activation of GPER1 decreases ERα protein levels, which subsequently suppresses ERα-mediated transcription and target gene expression but does not affect its mRNA expression in ER + breast cancer cells. A mechanistic study revealed that GPER1 mediates ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome-dependent degradation of ERα via upregulation of the Cullin3-based E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP), and depletion of SPOP abrogates GPER1-induced ERα ubiquitination and degradation. Functionally, GPER1 activation inhibits 17β-oestradiol (E2)-induced ER + breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumour growth in vivo. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which GPER1 negatively modulates the ERα signalling pathway via promoting its ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation, which may contribute to its inhibition of breast cancer progression.

Structures or materials with both high reflectivity in ultraviolet-visible-near infrared region (UV–Vis–NIR) and high emissivity in middle infrared region (MIR) can achieve radiative cooling. In this paper, a new crystal Mg11(HPO3)8(OH)6 was synthesized by hydrothermal method. Measurement results show that this crystal presents a reflectivity of 88.04% in 0.2–2.5 µm region and an emissivity of 87.57% in 2.5–25 µm region, suggesting that this material could reflect most of the solar light radiation, and in addition dissipate heat to the surroundings and outer space. The cell parameters and structure simulation diagram were obtained from the result of the Rietveld refinement. The properties and mechanisms were discussed based on X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy and electron microscopy results. The cooling test under strong sunshine showed that the temperatures in space below Mg11(HPO3)8(OH)6 coating were 2–4 °C lower than those below the coatings based on commercial solar heat reflection materials as TiO2 and CaCO3, and 6–8 °C lower than that below Al-foil, suggesting the potential application of the new crystal in radiative cooling.

Na-containing bilayer vanadium oxides offer outstanding storage capabilities for lithium and sodium batteries, but a multistep process for chemical pre-intercalation of Na-ion exposes a limitation for the application. Herein, we propose a facile one-pot hydrothermal approach to synthesize well crystallized bilayer NaxV2O5·nH2O with ketjen black as conductive dense-network. As a cathode in sodium-ion batteries, the resultant NaxV2O5·nH2O/ketjen black nanocomposite exhibits a high specific capacity of 239 mA h g-1 at a current density of 20 mA g−1 as well as an enhanced rate performance at high current rates up to 640 mA g−1. Ex situ XRD and XPS analysis are conducted to demonstrate the high specific capacity and investigate the changes in structure. Moreover, it is noticeable that two pronounced voltage plateaus reflect the high electrochemical activity of V4+/V5+, contributing to a remarkable energy density of 597 Wh kg−1, which is one of the highest records for cathode of sodium-ion batteries ever reported.

A new sodium ferrous orthophosphate Na x Fe4(PO4)3 (1.1 ≤ x ≤ 1.2) with P21/n symmetry has been successfully synthesized via a solid-state reaction for the first time. The structure consists of FeO5 pyramids, FeO6 octahedron, and PO4 tetrahedra which form large six-sided tunnels along $$ \vec{b} $$ direction and three- or four-sided tunnels running along $$ \vec{a} $$ direction. When evaluated as the anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, the first discharge and charge capacities of 553 and 264 mAh g−1 for Na1.1Fe4(PO4)3/C and 583 and 315 mAh g−1 for Na1.2Fe4(PO4)3/C, respectively, can be obtained at 10 mA g−1 current density. Compared to the Na1.1Fe4(PO4)3/C, Na1.2Fe4(PO4)3/C exhibits a better cycling performance, where the charge capacity of about 100 mAh g−1 can still be maintained after 15 cycles. The electrode kinetics are investigated further by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

The main strategy for preventing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is vaccination. However, current commercial porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines have limited effectiveness and may even cause infections in pigs. The identification of stable molecular markers associated with immune responses to PRRSV vaccination in pigs provides a new approach for PRRS prevention. DNA methylation, the most stable epigenetic molecular marker related to PRRSV vaccination, has not been investigated. In the current research, we used whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to investigate DNA methylation in pregnant sows that received PRRSV vaccination and their piglets with high and low PRRSV-specific antibody levels. By performing methylation data analysis and basing on our previous transcriptomic studies, we identified several differentially methylated genes (DMGs) that are involved in the pathways of inflammatory and immune responses. Among the DMGs, ISG15, MX1, SERPINE1, GNG11 and IFIT3 were common hub genes in the two generations. MX1 and GNG11 were located in quantitative trait loci related with PRRSV antibody titer and PRRSV susceptibility, respectively. These results suggest that PRRSV vaccination in sows induces DNA methylation changes in genes and DNA methylation changes occur through intergenerational transmission. The novel DNA methylation markers and target genes observed in our study provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of immune responses to PRRSV vaccination across two pig generations.

High-quality single crystalline gadolinium hexaboride (GdB6) nanowires have been successfully prepared at very low temperatures of 200–240 °C by a high pressure solid state (HPSS) method in an autoclave with a new chemical reaction route, where Gd, H3BO3, Mg and I2 were used as raw materials. The crystal structure, morphology, valence, magnetic and optical absorption properties were investigated using XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, XPS, SQUID magnetometry and optical measurements. HRTEM images and SAED patterns reveal that the GdB6 nanowires are single crystalline with a preferred growth direction along [001]. The XPS spectrum suggests that the valence of Gd ion in GdB6 is trivalent. The effective magnetic momentum per Gd3+ in GdB6 is about 6.26 μB. The optical properties exhibit weak absorption in the visible light range, but relatively strong absorbance in the NIR and UV range. Low work function and high NIR absorption can make GdB6 nanowires a potential solar radiation shielding material for solar cells or other NIR blocking applications.

A series of Fe-doped Na2Mn3-xFex(P2O7)2 (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0) compounds have been successfully prepared by using sol-gel method. Rietveld refinement results indicate that single phase Na2Mn3-xFex(P2O7)2 with triclinic structure can be obtained within 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 although no Na2Fe3(P2O7)2 existing under our experimental conditions, and the cell parameters (including a, b, c and V) are decreasing with the increasing of x. Our results reveal that Na2Mn3(P2O7)2 exhibits an electrochemical activity in the voltage range of 1.5 V–4.5 V vs. Na+/Na when using as the cathode material for SIBs although it gives a limited rate capability and poor capacity retention. However, the electrochemical performance of Fe-doped Na2Mn3-xFex(P2O7)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) can be improved significantly where cycle performance and rate capability can be improved significantly than that of the pristine one. Sodium ion diffusion coefficient can be increased by about two orders of magnitude with the Fe-doping content higher than x = 0.5.

A new alluaudite-type Na2VFe2(PO4)3 with carbon composite has been prepared for the first time via a simple sol-gel method using citric acid as an assistant agent and carbon source. The crystal structure and morphology of Na2VFe2(PO4)3/C composite are well characterized by X-ray diffraction, scan electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The experimental results show that a three-dimensional [VFe2(PO3)3]2− framework in this alluaudite structure provides two types of tunnels to enable the sodium-ion transporting which contributes to the electrochemical performance. When evaluated as a cathode for sodium-ion batteries, Na2VFe2(PO4)3/C composite delivers the first specific charge capacity of 66.7 mAh g−1 and discharge capacity of 65.8 mAh g−1 at 5 mA g−1 current density. After 100 cycles, the charge capacity (~52.2 mAh g−1at 5 mA g−1) shows a good capacity retention (~78%) compared to the first cycle. Cyclic voltammetric profiles confirm the activated multi-electron reactions including the Fe2+/Fe3+, V2+/V3+, and V3+/V4+ redox couples. Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient of sodium-ion (D Na +) in this structure is also calculated based on the result of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

A Co9S8/C nanocomposite is prepared using a solid-state reaction followed by a facile mechanical ball-milling treatment, with sucrose as the carbon source. The phases, morphologies, and detailed structures of the Co9S8/C nanocomposite are well-characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. When evaluated as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries, the Co9S8/C nanocomposite electrode displays a reversible capacity of ∼567 mA h g–1 in the initial cycle and maintains a reversible capacity of ∼320 mA h g–1 after 30 cycles, indicating a larger capacity and a stable cycling performance. For comparison, the electrochemical performances of Co9S8 and Co9S8/C samples synthesized using the solid-state reaction are also displayed. The ex situ XRD and transmission electron microscopy tests demonstrate that Co9S8 undergoes a conversion-type sodium storage mechanism.

Due to the limited resources of lithium source and their high price, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) cannot meet the demands of future large-scale energy storage. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with advantages of the abundant sodium resources and low cost, are one of the most promising alternatives to LIBs. Here, we firstly synthesize a new manganese-based polyanionic compound (Na3Mn2P3O11) through a simple sol-gel method. The resolved crystal structure indicates that single-phase Na3Mn2P3O11 compound belongs to the orthorhombic structure. When tested as for cathodes, it displays a poor electrochemical performance with a potential window of 1.8–4.3 V (versus Na/Na+), caused by the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn3+ generated during charging process. In this context, a series of Fe-doped Na3Mn2-xFexP3O11 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) are prepared to improve the electrochemical performance. Results indicate that Fe substitution of Mn in Na2Mn2-xFexP3O11 structure can not only enhance the electrochemical performance, but also increase conductivity and achieve fast reaction kinetics. Noticeably, when iron-doped amount is 0.4, Na3Mn1.6Fe0.4P3O11 exhibits the best cycling (62.7 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C over 100 cycles) and rate performance (19.7 mA h g−1 at 5 C).

Combining ecological niche modeling with phylogeography has become a popular approach to understand how historical climate changes have created and maintained population structure. However, methodological choices in geographic extents and environmental layer sets employed in modeling may affect results and interpretations profoundly. Here, we infer range-wide phylogeographic structure and model ecological niches of Cyanoderma ruficeps, and compare results to previous studies that examined this species across mainland China and Taiwan only. Use of dense taxon sampling of closely related species as outgroups question C. ruficeps monophyly. Furthermore, previously unsampled C. ruficeps populations from central Vietnam were closely related to disjunct western populations (Nepal, Tibet, Myanmar, Yunnan), rather than to geographically proximate populations in northern Vietnam and eastern China. Phylogeographic structure is more complex than previously appreciated; niche model projections to Last Glacial Maximum climate scenarios identified larger areas of suitable conditions than previous studies, but potential distributional limits differed markedly between climate models employed and were dependent upon interpretation of non-analogous historical climate scenarios. Previously identified population expansion across central China may result from colonization from refugial distributions during the Last Interglacial, rather than the Last Glacial Maximum, as previously understood.

The carbon-coated α-Na2MoO4 nanoplate sample was fabricated via a facile sol–gel method involving the subsequent annealing under a reducing atmosphere to decompose the organic carbon source. X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that single-phase α-Na2MoO4 can be obtained even under the presence of carbon and reducing atmosphere. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the carbon-coated α-Na2MoO4 nanoplate electrode displays a discharge and recharge capacity of 806 mAh g−1 and 409 mAh g−1 respectively in the first cycle, while a reversible discharge–charge capacity of 350 mAh g−1 can be retained after 30 cycles at 30 mAh g−1. A capacity of ∼320 mAh g−1 at 30 mAh g−1 can still recover after 50 cycles even following the discharge/charge process with the high current density of 480 mAh g−1. Meanwhile, carbon-free and carbon-coated α-Na2MoO4 powders fabricated via a solid state reaction were also prepared for comparison. Furthermore, the structure change of α-Na2MoO4 and its Li storage mechanism upon lithiation and delithiation process are studied by ex-situ XRD and TEM in below.

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We report the development of 15 single-copy anonymous nuclear loci for the babbler bird Grey-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippe morrisonia) and 11 for Rufous-capped Babbler (Stachyridopsis ruficeps). 66 potential loci were tested in A. morrisonia and 65 potential loci were tested in S. ruficeps. Sequences of the 26 loci revealed a high frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms. An average of 39 and 24 SNPs per kilobase were identified (total of 12,063 bp and 12,296 bp sequenced per individual) respectively. Cross-species amplification was achieved using screening conditions as for all loci in three species (Spizixos semitorques,Parus major and Cyanopica cyana). The markers documented here provide a useful resource for ecology, evolution and conservation research of passerine birds.

Contents The present study was performed to investigate the numerical distribution of mast cells (MCs) in the uteri of pregnant Meishan pigs to explore the functions of MCs in pig pregnancy. The uterine samples from pregnant (on days 15, 26 and 50 of gestation) pigs were obtained respectively and stained with toluidine blue. The results were as follows: MCs were constitutively located in the uterus of the Meishan pig, with the distribution varying with gestational stages. On days 15 and 26 of gestation, MCs were mainly distributed around the blood vessels and uterine glands within the endometrium. On day 50 of gestation, MCs were mostly distributed in the myometrium. These results indicated that uterine MCs possibly have versatile functions in pig pregnancy.

Diagnosis of sphenoid sinus disease is very difficult because the location of sinus is deep and hidden within the skull and the symptoms of sphenoiditis are nonspecific. However, thanks to new technologies in imaging (CT and MRI) and nasal endoscopy, the literature on sphenoid sinus fungus ball have been published more. But all of the SSFB which have been reported are isolated or unilateral. We reported one rare case of bilateral sphenoid sinus fungus balls. This patient was treated in our department. Headache was the only symptom in this case. The patient was treated by sphenoidotomy via endoscopic approach and removal both of the lesions. No recurrence was found after 6-months follow-up.

Now the motors used in pump jacks are usually three-phase induction motors. To meet the requirement for high starting torque, large capacity motors are used. However, since the normal output is only 20-30% of rated power, the efficiency and power factor are low. To overcome this problem, permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) of high efficiency and high starting torque is developed in this paper to replace induction motor used in pump jacks. Measures to improve the efficiency, starting torque and to broaden economic operation range for PMSMs are studied, and the corresponding design guideline is proposed. The effects of ambient temperature on performances of PMSM are studied to ensure the performance of PMSM. Being based on the above, PMSM series products used in pump jack are developed. Experimental results show that the PMSMs developed in this paper can replace induction motors that are two power grades higher than it.

An area of endemism (AOE) is a complex expression of the ecological and evolutionary history of a species. Here we aim to address the principal drivers of avian diversification in shaping patterns of endemism in China by integrating genetic, ecological, and distributional data on the Red-headed Tree Babbler (Stachyridopsis ruficeps), which is distributed across the eastern Himalayas and south China. We sequenced two mtDNA markers from 182 individuals representing all three of the primary AOEs in China. Phylogenetic inferences were used to reconstruct intraspecific phylogenetic relationships. Divergence time and population demography were estimated to gain insight into the evolutionary history of the species. We used Ecological niche modeling to predict species' distributions during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and in the present. Finally, we also used two quantitative tests, an identity test and background test to assess the similarity of ecological niche preferences between adjacent lineages. We found five primary reciprocally monophyletic clades, typically separated approximately 0.2-2.27 MYA, of which three were deeply isolated endemic lineages located in the three AOEs. All phylogroups were detected to have undergone population expansion during the past 0.3 MY. Niche models showed discontinuous habitats, and there were three barriers of less suitable habitat during the LGM and in modern times. Ecoclimatic niches may diverge significantly even over recent timescales, as each phylogroup had a unique distribution, and unique niche characteristics. Vicariant events associated with geographical and ecological barriers, glacial refuges and ecological differentiation may be the main drivers forming the pattern of endemism in China.