RESUMO Porcos tibetanos são caracterizados por diferenças fenotípicas significativas em relação aos porcos de planície. Nosso estudo anterior demonstrou que os genes CRYAB e CTGF eram expressos diferentemente nos tecidos do coração entre os porcos tibetanos (raça das terras altas) e Yorkshire (raça das terras baixas), indicando que eles poderiam participar da adaptação à hipoxia. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) e CTGF (fator de crescimento do tecido conjuntivo) também foram relatados como estando associados ao desenvolvimento pulmonar. Entretanto, os padrões de expressão do CRYAB e CTGF nos tecidos pulmonares em diferentes altitudes e sua caracterização genética não são bem compreendidos. Neste estudo, o qRT-PCR e a mancha ocidental de tecido pulmonar revelou níveis de expressão de CRYAB mais elevados em porcos tibetanos e Yorkshire de altitude e média altitude do que em seus pares de planície. Com um aumento na altitude, o nível de expressão do CTGF aumentou nos porcos tibetanos, enquanto diminuiu nos porcos Yorkshire. Além disso, foram identificados dois novos polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo na região flanqueadora de CRYAB (g.39644482C>T e g.39644132T>C) e CTGF (g.31671748A>G e g.31671773T>G). O polimorfismo pode contribuir parcialmente com as diferenças nos níveis de expressão entre grupos a uma mesma altitude. Estas descobertas proporcionam novos conhecimentos sobre as adaptações de hipoxia a alta altitude dos porcos tibetanos.

ABSTRACT Tibetan pigs are characterized by significant phenotypic differences relative to lowland pigs. Our previous study demonstrated that the genes CRYAB and CTGF were differentially expressed in heart tissues between Tibetan (highland breed) and Yorkshire (lowland breed) pigs, indicating that they might participate in hypoxia adaptation. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) have also been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the expression patterns of CRYAB and CTGF in lung tissues at different altitudes and their genetic characterization are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot of lung tissue revealed higher CRYAB expression levels in highland and middle-highland Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs than in their lowland counterparts. With an increase in altitude, the expression level of CTGF increased in Tibetan pigs, whereas it decreased in Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, two novel single-nucleotide polymorphism were identified in the 5′ flanking region of CRYAB (g.39644482C>T and g.39644132T>C) and CTGF (g.31671748A>G and g.31671773T>G). The polymorphism may partially contribute to the differences in expression levels between groups at the same altitude. These findings provide novel insights into the high-altitude hypoxia adaptations of Tibetan pigs.

To reduce the frequency of mining incidents and improve safety and production efficiency, it is important to develop technology for the autonomous positioning and navigation of mining equipment, without the assistance of satellite navigation signals. In this study we review the current technological environment for positioning and navigation underground and present several integrated navigation strategies. Existing underground positioning and navigation technology is described, and the performances of different methods based on this technology analysed and compared. The combination types and positioning effects of underground positioning and navigation strategies are discussed. Recent research directions for filtering methods and positioning estimation algorithms for underground positioning and navigation are reviewed. Finally, we summarize the future direction of underground positioning and navigation technology and related algorithms.

ABSTRACT This study assessed whether the net energy (NE) system is beneficial for determining the efficiency of feed utilization in Chinese Yellow Chickens. A total of 5,600 male Chinese Yellow Chickens were assigned to eight dietary treatments (ten replicate pens per treatment and 70 chickens per pen) of differing apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and NE values. A highly significant linear correlation between dietary energy and feed conversion ratios (FCR) was observed (p<0.01). The linear regression equation between metabolizable energy (ME) and FCR was: AME=−1435.5×F/G+6278.2, where R²=0.8272. The linear regression equation between NE and FCR was NE=−1350.1×F/G+5340.9, and R²=0.9551. The R² of FCR (0.9551) for diets formulated using NE values was higher than the R² of FCR (0.8272) for diets prepared on the basis of the ME system. We conclude that the NE system is more accurate than the AME system for determining the energy requirements of Chinese Yellow Chickens.

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) on skull exposure wounds in rabbits and to investigate the underlying mechanism of the process. Full-thickness excisional circular wounds 2×2 cm with or without periosteum involvement were created in 88 New Zealand white rabbits (mean body weight: 3.0±0.65 kg). Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: periosteum-intact wounds treated with traditional dressing (p+control), periosteum-intact wounds treated with VSD (p+VSD), periosteum-lacking wounds treated with traditional dressing (p–control) and periosteum-lacking wounds treated with VSD (p–VSD). The wounds treated with traditional dressing were covered with Vaseline gauze, while VSD treatment was accompanied with continuous –120 mmHg pressure. Finally, wound tissues were harvested for analysis of hydroxyproline content and histologic detection. VSD hastened the wound healing process significantly (P<0.05) compared to the corresponding control groups. VSD alleviated the inflammation reaction, accelerated re-epithelialization and facilitated the organization of collagen fibers into neat rows. During the wound healing process, the hydroxyproline content increased overtime [i.e., postoperative days (POD) 7, POD 10 and POD 15] in all four groups, and it peaked in the p+VSD group. VSD also promoted angiogenesis via increasing number and quality of collagen. We concluded that VSD can promote healing in bone-exposed wounds via increasing hydroxyproline content and vessel density, reducing inflammatory responses and generating ordered collagen arrangement.

This work evaluated the effects of inoculation time of Oenococcus oeni on the kinetics of fermentation and chemical constituents of durian wine produced using a non-Saccharomyces yeast, Torulaspora delbrueckii. The growth of T. delbrueckii in mixed-culture fermentations was significantly adversely affected by the presence of O. oeni, and the growth of malolactic bacteria was also affected by the metabolism of yeast during fermentation. The level of ethanol produced in simultaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation (SIM, 6.93%, v/v) was comparable to that in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae EC-1118 control (6.75%, v/v); both levels were relatively higher than that in the T. delbrueckii Biodiva control (6.39%, v/v) and the other two sequential fermentations (oenococci inoculated after four and seven days of alcoholic fermentation, SEQ 4th, 6.34% and SEQ 7th, 6.33% v/v respectively). The final concentrations of organic acids and esters in the mixed-culture wines were correlated with the inoculation time of O. oeni. SIM produced relatively higher levels of ethyl esters (ethyl esters of hexanoate, octanoate, decanoate and lactate) and acetate esters (ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate) than those in SEQ 4th, SEQ 7th and the Biodiva control. This suggests that SIM would contribute fruity aroma properties to and modulate the mouthfeel of durian wine. The production of 3-(ethylthio)-1-propanol could compensate for the weak onion-like odour caused by the decrease in initial volatile sulphur compounds. Overall, this research suggests that SIM treatment is an effective way to produce durian wine with higher ester production.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor 5-year survival rate of 5%. Biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer are urgently needed. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) is elevated in the tissues and plasma of patients with PDAC. However, no studies systemically report prognostic significance of plasma TGF-β1 levels in PDAC. In the present study, we assessed the prognostic significance of serum TGF-β levels in patients with PDAC. TGF-β levels were determined in serum from 146 PDAC patients, and 58 patients with benign pancreatic conditions. Regression models were used to correlate TGF-β levels to gender, age, stage, class, and metastasis. Survival analyses were performed using multivariate Cox models. Serum levels of TGF-β1 distinguished PDAC from benign pancreatic conditions (P<0.001) and healthy control subjects (P<0.001). Serum levels of TGF-β also distinguished tumor stage (P=0.002) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.001). High serum levels of TGF-β1 were significantly correlated with reduced patient survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that TGF-β1, lymph node metastasis and tumor stage were independent factors for PDAC survival. Our results indicate that serum TGF-β1 may be used as a potential prognostic marker for PDAC.

The effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a nitric oxide donor), salicylic acid (SA), and their combination on some physiological parameters of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings grown under saline conditions were studied. 100 mM NaCl resulted in a decrease in , and induced an increase in the level of electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, O2.- , H2O2 and proline contents.0.1 mM SNP decreased Na+ and Cl- accumulation as well as the lipid peroxidation level and O2.- accumulation in leaves, which contributed to alleviate oxidative stress in cotton leaves. 0.1 mM SA alleviated the oxidative stress by increasing K+ and Mg2+ absorption and osmotic regulators accumulation, and decreasing the H2O2 content. However, the protective action of NO and SA (especially 0.05 mM SNP and 0.05 mM SA) against salt-induced oxidative damage was more efficient than the separate effects of SA and SNP.We observed that the accumulation of osmotic regulators was apparently accelerated by 0.05 mM SNP and 0.05 mM SA. As well, it was observed that they had synergistic effects in antioxidant system and ion absorption. Thus, the combination of SNP and SA can be a new indicator of a protective mechanism to lower lipid peroxidation, improve ion absorption, activate the metabolic of osmotic-regulated substances and facilitate membrane transport to detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS).

In the present investigation, the role of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a donor of NO) in inducing salinity tolerance (100 mM NaCl) in cotton was studied. Salt stress reduced the values of photosynthetic attributes and total chlorophyll content and inhibited the activities of nitrate reductase. Furthermore, salt stress also induced oxidative stress as indicated by the elevated levels of lipid peroxidation compared to CK. The application of SNP at 1.00 mM promoted the growth and restrained superoxide anions (O2.-) generation rate. And activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were enhanced by SNP treatment. On the other hand, an increase in the K+ content, antioxidant enzyme activities, along with a decrease in the Na+/K+ ratio, the contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in the NaCl-stressed seedlings subjected to the low level (0.1 mM) SNP. These results indicated that the application of moderate SNP can be used to protect plants growth and induce its antioxidant defense system under salt stress.

Using a potted experiment, we studied the effect of slow-release nitric oxide (NO) on the physiological characteristics of cotton seedlings subjected to salt stress (585 mg/kg NaCl). Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, an NO donor, 2.62 mg) was applied either directly to the soil, via slow release methods (slow-release bags, slow-release capsules, or slow-release particles), or via foliar application. NaCl decreased plant weight and chlorophyll content and increased electrolyte leakage and the contents of proline, ascorbic acid (ASA), and Na. NaCl also induced oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and ROS production. Foliar spray of SNP (0.09 mM) enhanced plant growth, promoted ion absorption and transport, and increased enzyme activity. Slow-released NO increased the levels of chlorophyll, ASA, and proline; promoted the uptake of K, Ca and Mg; and decreased Na. Moreover, increases in SOD and CAT activity were demonstrated to counter oxidative stress. However, different methods of SNP application have different effects on salt-tolerance. Foliar application was optimal. Slow-release NO, especially slow-release particles, was better able to alleviate NaCl toxicity compared with direct application of NO to the soil.

A formação e o crescimento de compostos intermetálicos na interface entre quatro ligas de soldagem branda, Sn-3.5Ag, Sn-0.7Cu, Sn-3.2Ag-0.8Cu e Sn-9Zn e substratos revestidos com Cobre foram estudados. Testes de envelhecimento térmico de 20, 100, 200, 500 horas a 70, 100 e 150 ºC, foram realizados. Como esperado, os resultados indicam que a formação da camada de intermetálicos é um processo controlado por difusão. No entanto, a migração e dissolução de Cu na solda foi observado, especialmente em baixas temperaturas. A espessura da camada de compostos intermetálicos aumentou com o aumento da temperatura e do tempo de envelhecimento. A liga de Sn-3.5Ag apresentou o menor crescimento de intermetálicos e a Sn-9Zn o mais elevado, comparado com as outras ligas. Os resultados também mostram diferenças morfológicas entre as interfaces Cu/Cu3Sn, Cu3Sn/Cu6Sn5 e Cu6Sn5.

The formation and growth of intermetallic compounds at the interface between four solder alloys, Sn-3.5Ag, Sn-0.7Cu, Sn-3.2Ag0.8Cu and Sn-9Zn, and Cu-plated substrates have been studied. Thermal aging tests for 20, 100, 200, 500 hours at 70, 100 and 150 ºC were carried out. As expected, results indicate that the formation of the intermetallic layer is a diffusion-controlled process. Nevertheless, migration and dissolution of Cu into the solder was observed, especially at lower temperatures. The thickness of the layer of intermetallic compound increased with increasing aging temperature and time. The Sn-3.5Ag alloy showed the smallest intermetallic growth and the Sn-9Zn alloy the highest, compared to the other alloys. The results also show definite morphological differences between the Cu/Cu3Sn, the Cu3Sn/Cu6Sn5 and the Cu6Sn5/solder-matrix interfaces.

Distribution behavior of ketoprofen enantiomers was examined in a two-phase system containing R, R-di-tartarates or S, S-di-tartarates. The influences of different alkyl chain of R, R-di-tartarates or S, S-di-tartarates, concentrations of R, R-di-tartarate, organic solvent and content of methanol on partition coefficient and separation factor were investigated, respectively. The experimental results show that R, R-di-tartarates studied all form more stable diastereomeric complexes with ketoprofen S-enantiomer than with R-enantiomer. The partition coefficients and enantioselectivity generally increase with the addition of length of alkyl chain of alcohol. The concentration of chiral selector and methanol also have bigger influences on enantioselectivity.

The application of flux cored arc welding (FCAW) has increased in manufacturing and fabrication. Even though FCAW is well known for its good capability in producing quality welds, few reports have been published on the cause of the relatively high diffusible hydrogen content in the weld metal and its relation with the ingredients used in the wire production and with the welding parameters (mainly welding current). This paper describes experiments where data obtained from weld metal diffusible hydrogen analysis, metal droplet collection, and high-speed recording of metal droplet transfer were used to evaluate the effect of welding current on diffusible hydrogen content in the weld metal. The results from gas chromatography analysis showed that weld metal hydrogen content indeed increased with welding current. A polynomial regressional analysis concluded that hydrogen increase with current was better described by a linear function with proportional constant of approximately 0.7 or 70%. Different from the GMA welding transfer behavior, statistical analysis showed only a small increase in metal droplet size with increasing current. The metal transfer mode remained in the globular range for currents between 100 and 150 A. The most surprising findings were with the high-speed cinematography recording. Observing the high speed movies, it was possible to see that at low current, "unmelted" flux sporadically touched the weld pool but at higher current, the flux remained touching the weld pool during the whole time of droplet formation and transfer. It is believed that since the flux has ingredients that contain hydrogen, hydrogen passes through the arc undisturbed, going to the weld bead intact and increasing the hydrogen content in the weld metal. Another important observation is regarding to droplet size. Droplet size increased with increasing current because forces from decomposed gases from the flux could sustain the droplets, retarding their transfer and allowing them to grow.