Effects of dietary supplemental stachyose on caecal skatole concentration, hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450, CYP) mRNA expressions and enzymatic activities in broilers were evaluated. Arbor Acre ...commercial mixed male and female chicks were assigned randomly into six treatments. The positive control (PC) diet was based on maize-soyabean meal, and the negative control (NC) diet was based on maize-non-soyabean meal. The NC diet was then supplemented with 4, 5, 6 and 7 g/kg stachyose to create experimental diets, named S-4, S-5, S-6 and S-7, respectively. Each diet was fed to six replicates of ten birds from days 1 to 49. On day 49, the caecal skatole concentrations in the PC, S-4, S-5, S-6 and S-7 groups were lower than those in the NC group by 42·28, 23·68, 46·09, 15·31 and 45·14 % (P < 0·01), respectively. The lowest pH value was observed in the S-5 group (P < 0·05). The stachyose-fed groups of broilers had higher caecal acetate and propionate levels compared with control groups, and propionate levels in the S-6 and S-7 groups were higher than those in the S-4 and S-5 groups (P < 0·001). The highest CYP3A4 expression was found in the S-7 group (P < 0·05), but this was not different from PC, S-4, S-5 and S-6 treatments. There was no significant difference in CYP450 (1A2, 2D6 and 3A4) enzymatic activities among the groups (P > 0·05). In conclusion, caecal skatole levels can be influenced by dietary stachyose levels, and 5 g/kg of stachyose in the diet was suggested.
China is currently vigorously implementing the “energy conservation and emission reduction” and “dual carbon” strategies. As the most resource-advantaged light metal material in China, Magnesium (Mg) ...alloy is progressively expanding its application in automobile, rail transportation, aerospace, medical, and electronic products. Chongqing University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, and Australian National University have conducted extensive research on the preparation, properties, and processes of Mg alloys. In the past 20 years, the proportion of Mg alloy in the automotive industry has gradually expanded, whereas currently the design and development of Mg alloy parts for automobiles has rarely been reported. Thus, the application models and typical parts cases of Mg alloy are summarized mainly from the four systems of the whole vehicle (body system, chassis system, powertrain system, interior, and exterior system). Subsequently, two actual original equipment manufacturers (OEM) cases are used to introduce the development logic of reliable die-cast Mg alloy, including forward design, formability analysis, process design analysis, structural redesign, manufacturing, and testing, aiming to share the methods, processes, and focus of attention of automotive OEMs for developing Mg alloy parts to enhance the confidence and motivation of applying Mg alloy in automotive field. Eventually, the multiple challenges faced by Mg alloy materials are sorted out and how to face these challenges are discussed. National policies and regulations, environmental protection and energy saving, and consumer demand will continue to promote the application of Mg.
A hydroxyapatite-biochar nanocomposite (HAP-BC) was successfully fabricated and its physicochemical properties characterized. The analyses showed that HAP nanoparticles were successfully loaded on ...the biochar surface. The adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) by HAP-BC was systematically studied in single and ternary metal systems. The results demonstrated that pH affects the adsorption of heavy metals onto HAP-BC. Regarding the adsorption kinetics, the pseudo-second-order model showed the best fit for all three heavy metal ions on HAP-BC. In both single and ternary metal ion systems, the adsorption isotherm of Pb(II) by HAP-BC followed Langmuir model, while those of Cu(II) and Zn(II) fitted well with Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity for each tested metal by HAP-BC was higher than that of pristine rice straw biochar (especially for Pb(II)) or those of other reported adsorbents. Therefore, HAP-BC could explore as a new material for future application in heavy metal removal.
A novel hydroxyapatite-biochar nanocomposite was synthesized and used for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) removal in solutions. Display omitted
•A novel hydroxyapatite-biochar nanocomposite (HAP-BC) was synthesized.•The HAP-BC was tested for the adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II).•The HAP-BC showed enhanced sorption of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II).•The adsorbed HAP-BC can be effectively regenerated by using HCl solution.•The HAP-BC can be used to remove heavy metals from wastewater.
Understanding strong metal‐support interactions is crucially important for developing atom‐efficient transition metal heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, we performed a density functional theory study ...of highly dispersed Pt on CeO2(110). Various surface models are compared in terms of thermodynamic stability, electronic properties and energy diagrams for CO oxidation. Pt prefers square‐planar oxygen coordination in all models with a +2 state. The structures with a single Pt atom exhibit a low CO oxidation activity. A higher activity is predicted by replacement of a surface Ce by two Pt atoms. The high activity of this highly stable structure stems from the coordinative unsaturation of one of the Pt atoms and the presence of a neighboring two‐fold O atom. The CO oxidation occurs via a Mars‐van Krevelen mechanism. A compared to single‐atom catalysts based on Pt in interaction with CeO2(111) emphasizes the strong dependence of catalytic activity on the ceria surface termination.
Single‐atom catalysis: A high activity of low‐temperature CO oxidation is predicted by replacement of a surface Ce of CeO2(110) by two Pt atoms, and the compared to single‐atom catalysts based on Pt in interaction with CeO2(111) emphasizes the strong dependence of catalytic activity on the ceria surface termination.
2D materials with intriguing properties have been widely used in optoelectronics. However, electronic devices suffered from structural damage due to the ultrathin materials and uncontrolled defects ...at interfaces upon metallization, which hindered the development of reliable devices. Here, a damage‐free Au/h‐BN/Au memristor is reported using a clean, water‐assisted metal transfer approach by physically assembling Au electrodes onto the layered h‐BN which minimized the structural damage and undesired interfacial defects. The memristors demonstrate significantly improved performance with the coexistence of nonpolar and threshold switching as well as tunable current levels by controlling the compliance current, compared with devices with evaporated contacts. The devices integrated into an array show suppressed sneak path current and can work as both logic gates and latches to implement logic operations allowing in‐memory computing. Cross‐sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis validates the feasibility of this nondestructive metal integration approach, the crucial role of high‐quality atomically sharp interface in resistive switching, and a direct observation of percolation path. The underlying mechanism of boron vacancies‐assisted transport is further supported experimentally by conductive atomic force microscopy free from process‐induced damage, and theoretically by ab initio simulations.
A damage‐free Au/h‐BN/Au memristor fabricated using a metal transfer approach is demonstrated. Au electrodes are physically assembled onto layered h‐BN with minimized damage and interfacial defects. The Au/h‐BN/Au memristors demonstrate superior performance with the coexistence of nonpolar and threshold switching and can further implement logic functions. Cross‐sectional STEM validates the feasibility of this nondestructive approach, the crucial role of sharp interface, and a direct observation of percolation path.
Postoperative adhesion formation often ruins the quality of life or is an obstacle to illnesses with curative operation such as cancer. Previously we demonstrated that interferon-γ-promoted fibrin ...deposition drove postoperative adhesion formation. However, its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We found that myofibroblasts of the adhesion predominantly expressed signature molecules of mesothelial cells that line the serosa. Microarray analysis revealed IL-6 as a key underlying player, supported by elevated IL-6 levels in the peritoneal fluid of post-laparotomy human subjects. Injured serosa of cecum-cauterized mice also exhibited induction of Il6, which was followed by Tnf, concomitant with rapid accumulation of neutrophils, substantial population of which expressed TGF-β1, a master regulator of fibrosis. Besides, neutrophil-ablated mice showed reduction in induction of the adhesion, suggesting that TGF-β1
neutrophils triggered the adhesion. Human neutrophils expressed TGFB1 in response to TNF-α and TNF in response to IL-6. Moreover, anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody abrogated neutrophil recruitment and adhesion formation. Thus, IL-6 signaling represents a potential target for the prevention of postoperative adhesions.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been considered to be an efficient platform for monitoring critical infrastructures spanning over geographical areas. UAVs have also demonstrated ...exceptional feasibility when collecting data due to the wide wireless sensor networks in which they operate. Based on environmental information such as prohibited airspace, geo-locational conditions, flight risk, and sensor deployment statistics, we developed an optimal flight path planning mechanism by using multi-objective bio-inspired algorithms. In this paper, we first acquire data sensing points from the entire sensor field, in which UAV communicates with sensors to obtain sensor data, then we determine the best flight path between neighboring acquisition points. Using the proposed joint genetic algorithm and ant colony optimization from possible UAV flight paths, an optimal one is selected in accordance with sensing, energy, time, and risk utilities. The simulation results show that our method can obtain dynamic environmental adaptivity and high utility in various practical situations.
Lignin depolymerization into aromatic monomers with high yields and selectivity is essential for the economic feasibility of biorefinery. However, the relationship between lignin structure and its ...reactivity for upgradeability is still poorly understood, in large part owing to the difficulty in quantitative characterization of lignin structural properties. To overcome these shortcomings, advanced NMR technologies 2D HSQC (heteronuclear single quantum coherence) and 31P were used to accurately quantify lignin functionalities. Diverse lignin samples prepared from Eucalyptus grandis with varying β‐O‐4 linkages were subjected to Pd/C‐catalyzed hydrogenolysis for efficient C−O bond cleavage to achieve theoretical monomer yields. Strong correlations were observed between the yield of monomeric aromatic compounds and the structural features of lignin, including the contents of β‐O‐4 linkages and phenolic hydroxyl groups. Notably, a combined yield of up to 44.1 wt % was obtained from β‐aryl ether rich in native lignin, whereas much lower yields were obtained from technical lignins low in β‐aryl ether content. This work quantitatively demonstrates that the lignin reactivity for acquiring aromatic monomer yields varies depending on the lignin fractionation processes.
Forecasting lignin reactivity: Diverse lignin samples with varying β‐O‐4 linkages are subjected to Pd/C‐catalyzed hydrogenolysis for efficient C−O bond cleavage to achieve theoretical monomer yields. Strong correlations are observed between the yield of phenolic monomers and the contents of β‐O‐4 linkages as well as phenolic hydroxyl groups. This provides a new vision to forecast lignin reactivity towards predicting catalytic depolymerization monomer yields.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to its high rate of recurrence, in part because of cancer stem cell (CSC)-dependent "field ...cancerization". Recently, we identified that the oncogene v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neuroblastoma derived homolog (MYCN) marked CSC-like subpopulations in heterogeneous HCC and served as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker for HCC. In this study, we explored the molecular basis of upregulated MYCN gene expression in HCC cells. Liquid chromatograph time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabolome analysis demonstrated that the content of unsaturated fatty acids was increased in MYCN high expression (MYCN
) CSC-like HCC cells. Inhibition of lipid desaturation using either the chemical inhibitor or siRNA/shRNA against stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) suppressed cell proliferation as well as MYCN gene expression in MYCN
HCC cells, grown as both monolayer and spheres. Further mechanistic study using RNA-seq based transcriptome analysis revealed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress related signaling networks such as endocannabinoid cancer inhibition pathway were under the control of SCD1 in MYCN
HCC cells. Furthermore, the expression of ER stress-inducible transcription suppressor cyclic AMP-dependent transcription factor (ATF3) was downregulated in MYCN
CSC-like HCC cells and CSC-rich spheroids, which was upregulated by inhibition of lipid desaturation or treatment with acyclic retinoid (ACR). Lipid profiling using NMR spectroscopy revealed that the ACR dramatically reduced the content of unsaturated fatty acids in HCC cells. The chemical inducer of ER stress inhibited MYCN gene expression, while the chemical inhibitor of ER stress or knockdown of ATF3 gene expression partially rescued the suppression of MYCN gene expression by ACR in MYCN
HCC cells. These data suggested that lipid desaturation-mediated ER stress signaling regulates MYCN gene expression in HCC cells and serves as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of HCC.
Effect of chemical and organic fertilization on soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation in a newly cultivated farmland YANG Rong, SU Yong-zhong, WANG Tao, YANG Qin (1Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, P.R.China 2Suzhou Chien-Shiung Institute of Technology, Suzhou 215411, P.R.China)
Journal of Integrative Agriculture,
03/2016, Letnik:
15, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Increased food demand from the rapidly growing human population has caused intensive land transition from desert to farmland in arid regions of northwest China. In this developing ecosystem, the ...optimized fertilization strategies are becoming an urgent need for sustainable crop productivity, efficient resources use, together with the delivery of ecosystems services including soil carbon（C） and nitrogen（N） accumulation. Through a 7-year field experiment with 9 fertilization treatments in a newly cultivated farmland, we tested whether different fertilizations had significant influences on soil C and N accumulation in this developing ecosystem, and also investigated possible mechanisms for this influence. The results showed that applying organic manure in cultivated farmland significantly increased the soil C and N accumulation rates; this influence was greater when it was combined with chemical fertilizer, accumulating 2.01 t C and 0.11 t N ha~（–1） yr~（–1） in the most successful fertilization treatment. These high rates of C and N accumulation were found associated with increased input of C and N, although the relationship between the N accumulation rate and N input was not significant. The improved soil physical properties was observed under only organic manure and integrated fertilization treatments, and the significant relationship between soil C or N and soil physical properties were also found in this study. The results suggest that in newly cultivated farmland, long term organic manure and integrated fertilization can yield significant benefits for soil C and N accumulation, and deliver additional influence on physical properties.
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