A novel tungsten carbide (WC)-reinforced nickel (Ni)-based laser cladding layer was prepared through an in-situ synthesis process. The mechanism of the effect of scanning rates and laser power on the microstructures, wear and corrosion resistance of in-situ synthesized WC-reinforced Ni-based cladding layer were analyzed. The results revealed that the optimal in-situ synthesized WC laser cladding process entailed a scan rate of 3 mm/s and a laser power of 3000 W. The generation of WC phase has a significant strengthening effect on the cladding layer, which exhibits outstanding hardness (1261HV0.2). There is no clear linear relationship between scanning rate and abrasion resistance, and the coating abrasion resistance increased with increasing laser power. Furthermore, increasing the laser power improves the corrosion resistance of the cladding layer, while the scanning speed has a minimal effect on corrosion resistance. WCreinforced reinforced Nibased Ni based insitu in situ microstructures analyzed mms mm s 300 W 1261HV0.2. 1261HV02 HV 1261HV0.2 . 1261HV0 2 (1261HV0.2) Furthermore 30 1261HV0. 1261HV (1261HV0.2 (1261HV0. (1261HV0 (1261HV

This article puts forward love, care, and reverence for all people and our nonhuman kin as the center of posthumanist education. Opening our spiritual eye and building intimate relationships with nature and with all elements of the universe is envisioned as part of a schooling or post-schooling experience; our body, heart and spirit, along with our mind, is an essential part of learning. The article describes the experiences of students taking a graduate level course focusing on global climate change and education at a university in the United States. We use the course as an example to explore what posthumanist education entails. In this qualitative study, students taking the course, along with the faculty designing and teaching the course, describe the course curriculum and pedagogies and reflect on the course's impact on them. Data sources include the syllabus, students' reflection papers, nature contact journals, final projects, art works, and group conversations. Although situated in North America, the article is rich with international perspectives as student authors came from six different countries. The article posits that posthumanist education must be eco-centric and love-based, engaging students' whole being to feel for and love Mother Nature.

RESUMO Infecção com o vírus Hepatite E (HEV) é uma importante questão de saúde pública global. Infecções HEV são reconhecidas como doença zoológica. Acredita-se que suínos são o principal reservatório de HEV. Recentemente iaques, vacas, e gado amarelo foram reportados como novos reservatórios do HEV. Porém, não se sabe se outras espécies de gado e búfalo são sensíveis a infecção HEV. Para investigar a prevalência de infecção HEV em búfalos, foram realizados prova de imunoabsorção enzimática e polimerização em cadeia inversa ancorada em transcrição. Apenas um búfalo foi positivo para o anticorpo anti-HEV IgM (1/106, 0,94%), e nenhum foi positivo para o anticorpo anti-HEV IgG. Para nossa surpresa cinco (5/106, 4,72%) e três amostras de leite (3/40, 7,50%) de búfalos foram positivos para HEV RNA. Todas as estirpes de HEV isoladas de búfalos pertencem ao genótipo 4. Resultados indicam que búfalos podem ser um reservatório de HEV.

ABSTRACT Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an important global public health issue. HEV infections are recognized as a zoonotic disease. Swine are believed to be the main reservoir of HEV. Recently, yaks, cows, and yellow cattle have been reported as new reservoirs of HEV. However, whether other species of cattle and buffaloes are sensitive to HEV infection is unknown. To investigate the prevalence of HEV infection in buffaloes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) were performed. Only one buffalo was positive to anti-HEV IgM antibody (1/106, 0.94%), and none were positive for anti-HEV IgG antibody. To our surprise, five serum (5/106, 4.72%) and three milk samples (3/40, 7.50%) from buffaloes were positive to HEV RNA. All strains of HEV isolated from buffaloes belong to genotype 4. Results indicate that buffaloes may be a new reservoir of HEV.

Abstract The formation and characteristics of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) under different operational conditions in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR), designed to treat Mustard tuber wastewater (MTW, characterized as saline wastewater), had been investigated in this study. Morphology and structure during granulation were determined using a microscope with a digital camera and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Granules formed in the reactors could be classified as zoogloea granules with a clear boundary outline and filamentous granules with mycelia bestrewing boundary. Zoogloea granules, cultivated in reactor R1 and R2, was with higher density than filamentous granules, cultivated in reactor R3, and consequently had a higher settling velocity. Results showed that divalent metal ions such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ with phosphate in inflow could transform into precipitates, serving as crystal nucleus and carriers for granulation. Moreover, appropriate organic loading, hydrodynamic shear and salt-stress selection can induce moderate growth of filamentous bacteria to act as granulation backbone and consequently granulation process under salt stress was a result together with crystal nucleus, filamentous bacteria, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which could be affected by salinity-shifting strategies and dosage of aluminum salt coagulant.

Participants in the pig production industry focus on feed and feed additives to improve growth performance and meat quality of pigs. Consequently, the Rural Development Administration of the Republic of Korea produced a new paternal line to improve economic traits in pigs. However, there is an absence of information on pig traits with regard to season and sex, and a comparison between the new paternal line and past paternal lines. Therefore, the authors conducted this study to investigate the influence of season of birth, sex and paternal line on growth performance and carcass traits in pigs. A total of 2888 piglets ((Landrace χ Yorkshire) χ Darby Duroc (DD) or Chookjin Duroc (CD)) with an average age of three weeks were tested for 22 weeks during the four season of the year (spring 608 piglets, summer 404 piglets, autumn 576 piglets and winter 1300 piglets). The bodyweights (BW) of individual pig were recorded, and feed consumption was recorded at weeks 2, 12 and 22, to determine growth performance. At reaching market weight, backfat thickness was determined at the last rib area. Meat was graded according to the criteria of the slaughterhouse. There were no significant differences in growth performance and carcass traits between sexes. The CD line crossbred pig had a significant higher BW at 16 weeks, and higher carcass trait values at 22 weeks than the DD line. During weeks 8 to 16 the CD line crossbred pigs showed a tendency of an increased average daily gain (ADG) and gain : feed (G : F) ratio compared with the DD line. Furthermore, pigs born in spring had significant lower ADG, average daily feed intake (ADFI) and carcass trait values than born in the other seasons. In conclusion, the new paternal line (Chookjin Duroc) improved growth performance and carcass traits compare with the DD line.

RESUMO: Estresses abióticos e baixo acúmulo de biomassa são as principais restrições para se atingir o potencial de rendimento de Leymus chinensis. Foi conduzido um experimento para melhorar a biomassa e a correlação de atributos de acúmulo de biomassa com pigmentos fotossintéticos, substâncias osmóticas e antioxidantes sob aplicação foliar de diferentes fitorreguladores. O experimento foi conduzido em Xilinguole, Mongólia Interior, China, usando um delineamento em blocos completamente casualizados com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de água (controle); BA5 = aplicação de BA (6-benzilaminopurina) a 5 mg L-1; BA25 = aplicação de BA a 25 mg L-1; BA50 = aplicação de BA a 50 mg L-1; BR0,02 = aplicação de BR (brassinosteroide) a 0,02 mg L-1; BR0,2 = aplicação de BR a 0,2 mg L-1; BR2 = aplicação de BR a 2 mg L-1; AG10 = aplicação de AG (ácido giberélico) a 10 mg L-1; AG50 = aplicação de AG a 50 mg L-1; e AG100 = aplicação de AG a 100 mg L-1. A aplicação de todos os fitorreguladores melhorou significativamente a biomassa, os ajustes osmóticos, os pigmentos fotossintéticos e as atividades antioxidantes, em comparação com o controle. No entanto, os resultados mais promissores foram encontrados com a aplicação de BR a 0,2 mg L-1. As maiores atividades de clorofila a/b, glutationa e ascorbato peroxidase foram registradas com 25 mg L-1 BA. Em conclusão, 25 mg L-1 BA, 0,2 mg L-1 BR e 10 mg L-1 AG apresentaram resultados mais promissores que os de outras concentrações para os atributos avaliados.

ABSTRACT: Abiotic stresses and poor biomass accumulation are chief constraints to accomplish potential yield in Leymus chinensis. An experiment was conducted to improve biomass and correlation of biomass accumulating attributes with photosynthetic pigments, osmotic substances and antioxidants under foliar application of different plant growth substances. The experiment was conducted at inner Mongolia Xilinguole, China, using a Randomized Complete Block Design and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of water (control); BA5 = application of BA (6-benzylaminopurine) at 5 mg L-1; BA25 = application of BA at 25 mg L-1; BA50 = application of BA at 50 mg L-1; BR0.02 = application of BR (brassinosteroid) at 0.02 g L-1; BR0.2 = application of BR at 0.2 mg L 1; BR2 = application of BR at 2 mg L-1; GA10 = application of GA (gibberellic acid) at 10 mg L-1; GA50 = application of GA at 50 mg L-1 and GA100 = application of GA at 100 mg L-1. Application of all plant growth substances significantly improved biomass, osmotic adjustments, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant activities compared to control. However, the most promising results were found with 0.2 mg L-1 BR. The highest chlorophyll a/b, glutathione and ascorbate peroxidase activities were recorded with 25 mg L-1 BA. Conclusively, 25 mg L-1 BA, 0.2 mg L-1 BR and 10 mg L-1 GA exhibited more promising results than other concentrations for the evaluated attributes.

RESUMO: Os reguladores de crescimento das plantas são um imenso grupo de substâncias que têm a capacidade de alterar o padrão de crescimento das plantas e podem ser utilizadas para melhorar o crescimento e a produtividade das plantas. Foi realizado um estudo nas pastagens de Xilin Gol, na Mongólia Interior (China), para determinar o crescimento e a produção de biomassa de Stipa krylovii em resposta à aplicação exógena de diferentes reguladores de crescimento em várias concentrações, a saber: ácido naftaleno acético (NAA), 6-benzilaminopurina (6-BA), brassinosteroide (BR), nitrofenolato de sódio (SNP) e forchlorfenuron, e ácido giberélico (GA3). A aplicação de reguladores de crescimento aumentou de forma significativa o crescimento e a produção de biomassa de S. krylovii. Houve melhora na altura do eixo vegetativo pela aplicação de 100 mg L-1 de GA3, ao passo que a altura do eixo reprodutivo foi aumentada nas concentrações de 25 mg L-1 de 6-BA, 100 mg L-1 de SNP + 5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron e 50 mg L-1 de SNP + 2,5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron, em comparação com a testemunha. Houve aumento da biomassa fresca com a aplicação de 0,02 mg L-1 de BR, 10 mg L-1 de SNP + 0,5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron e 50 mg L-1 de SNP + 2,5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron. A aplicação de 5 mg L-1 de 6-BA e 50 mg L-1 de SNP + 2,5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron mostrou-se mais benéfica no aumento da biomassa seca de S. krylovii, em comparação com a testemunha. Em conclusão, a aplicação exógena de diferentes reguladores de crescimento melhorou o crescimento e produção de biomassa de S. krylovii. Além disso, a aplicação de SNP + forchlorfenuron e 6-BA foi mais eficaz.

ABSTRACT: Plant growth regulators are an immense group of substances that have the ability to alter growth pattern of plants and can be used for improving plant growth and productivity. A study was conducted in the Xilin Gol grassland of Inner Mongolia, China, to ascertain the growth and biomass production of Stipa krylovii in response to exogenous application of different growth regulators at various concentrations viz. naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), brassinosteroid (BR), sodium nitrophenolate (SNP) and forchlorfenuron, and gibberellic acid (GA3). Application of growth regulators significantly enhanced the growth and biomass production of S. krylovii. The height of vegetative shoot was enhanced mostly by the application of 100 mg L-1 GA3, while, height of reproductive shoot was increased by 25 mg L-1 6-BA, 100 mg L-1 SNP + 5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron and 50 mg L-1 SNP + 2.5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron as compared to control. Fresh biomass was enhanced by the application of 0.02 mg L-1 BR, 10 mg L-1 SNP + 0.5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron and 50 mg L-1 SNP + 2.5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron. Application of 5 mg L-1 6-BA and 50 mg L-1 SNP + 2.5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron proved to be more beneficial in improving dry biomass of S. krylovii, as compared to control. In conclusion, exogenous application of different growth regulators improved growth and biomass production of S. krylovii. Furthermore, application of SNP + forchlorfenuron and 6-BA was more effective.

The study investigated the effects of various levels of isoflavone aglycone-enriched fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on the redox status, serum hormones and milk quality of ewes from late pregnancy to early lactation. Twenty Chongming White ewes were chosen and divided into four treatment groups (n = 5): basal diet without FSBM (CON); basal diet with 2% (FSBM2); 4% (FSBM4); and 6% FSBM (FSBM6) replacing equal amounts of soybean meal (SBM). At parturition, maternal serum, the placenta and colostrum were collected. At day 21 of lactation, maternal serum and milk were collected. Results showed that, compared with CON, feeding ewes with FSBM6 reduced the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentration in the placenta. At parturition and day 21 of lactation, the serum SOD activity and T-AOC concentration in FSBM4 and FSBM6 were higher than those in CON. Furthermore, the concentration of serum 8-iso prostaglandin (8-ISO-PGF2a) was markedly lower in FSBM6 than in CON. Serum prolactin (PRL), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations were increased in FSBM4 and FSBM6 compared with CON. PRL concentration was increased in FSBM2. FSBM4 increased the levels of fat, protein, lactose, IgA, IgG and IgM in colostrum and milk. In conclusion, feeding ewes with FSBM from late pregnancy to early lactation seemed to increase maternal and placental anti-oxidative capacity, and improve serum hormones and milk quality. Considered overall, the level of 4% supplementation is recommended.

We aimed to study the renal injury and hypertension induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and the protective effects mediated by angiotensin 1-7 [Ang(1-7)]. We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 180-200 g) to normoxia control, CIH, Ang(1-7)-treated normoxia, and Ang(1-7)-treated CIH groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored at the start and end of each week. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded. CTGF and TGF-β were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Tissue parameters of oxidative stress were also determined. In addition, renal levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitrotyrosine, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and ELISA. TUNEL assay results and cleaved caspase 3 and 12 were also determined. Ang(1-7) induced a reduction in SBP together with a restoration of RSNA in the rat model of CIH. Ang(1-7) treatment also suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species, reduced renal tissue inflammation, ameliorated mesangial expansion, and decreased renal fibrosis. Thus, Ang(1-7) treatment exerted renoprotective effects on CIH-induced renal injury and was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Ang(1-7) might therefore represent a promising therapy for obstructive sleep apnea-related hypertension and renal injury.

Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), particularly in infants and children below 4 years of age. Shikonin is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial activities derived from the roots of the Chinese medicinal herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon. This study aimed to examine the antiviral activity of PMM-034, a shikonin ester derivative, against EV71 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. Cytotoxicity of PMM-034 on RD cells was determined using WST-1 assay. Dose- and time-dependent effects of PMM-034 on EV71 replication in RD cells were determined using plaque reduction assay. mRNA expression levels of EV71/VP1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were determined by real-time RT-PCR, and EV71/VP1 and phospho-p65 protein expressions were determined by western blot analysis. PMM-034 exhibited only weak cytotoxicity against RD cells. However, PMM-034 exhibited significant antiviral activity against EV71 in RD cells with 50% inhibitory concentration of 2.31 μg/mL. The VP1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in cells treated with PMM-034. Furthermore, relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α significantly decreased in the cells treated with PMM-034, while the phospho-p65 protein expression was also significantly lower in the treated cells. These results indicated that PMM-034 suppressed the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RD cells, exhibiting antiviral activity against EV71, as evidenced by the reduced VP1 mRNA and protein levels in PMM-034-treated cells. Thus, PMM-034 is a promising candidate for further development as an EV71 inhibitor.

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissues and can lead to metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the effects of angiotensin1–7 [Ang-(1–7)] on lung injury in rats induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (180–200 g) to normoxia control (NC), CIH-untreated (uCIH), Ang-(1–7)-treated normoxia control (N-A), and Ang-(1–7)-treated CIH (CIH-A) groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in lung tissues, and expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) and Nox subunits (p22phox, and p47phox) was determined by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Pulmonary pathological changes were more evident in the uCIH group than in the other groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemical staining showed that inflammatory factor concentrations in serum and lung tissues in the uCIH group were significantly higher than those in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of inflammatory factors was significantly higher in the CIH-A group than in the NC and N-A groups, but was lower than in the uCIH group (P<0.01). Oxidative stress was markedly higher in the uCIH group than in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of Nox4 and its subunits was also increased in the uCIH group. These changes were attenuated upon Ang-(1–7) treatment. In summary, treatment with Ang-(1-7) reversed signs of CIH-induced lung injury via inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features, management, and prognosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis in non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. METHOD: 24 cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis with accurate pathological diagnosis were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: 15 male patients and nine female patients were diagnosed at the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from November 1999 to November 2011. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 44.2 ± 11.3 years (range: 24 to 65 years). Among these patients, 13 had other comorbidities. 15 were symptomatic and the other nine were asymptomatic. The most common presenting symptoms were cough, chest tightness, expectoration, and fever. None had concurrent cryptococcal meningitis. The most frequent radiologic abnormalities on chest computed tomography (CT) scans were solitary or multiple pulmonary nodules, and masses or consolidations, and most lesions were located in the lower lobes. All patients had biopsies for the accurate diagnosis. Among the 24 patients, nine patients underwent surgical resections (eight had pneumonectomy via thoracotomy and one had a pneumonectomy via thoracoscopy). Five of the patients who underwent surgery also received antifungal drug therapy (fluconazole) for one to three months after the surgery. The other 15 only received antifungal drug therapy (fluconazole or voriconazole) for three to six months (five patients are still on therapy). The follow-up observation of 19 patients who had already finished their treatments lasted from two to 11 years, and there was no relapse, dissemination, or death in any of these patients. CONCLUSION: Non-AIDS patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis have a good prognosis with appropriate management.

A direct measurement of nn-scattering by colliding free neutrons has never been performed. Indirect measurements continue to provide inconsistent results, leaving the issue of charge symmetry in the nuclear force unresolved. At present the Russian pulsed reactor YAGUAR is the best neutron source for such a measurement. A neutron moderator is installed in the central through channel and the scattered neutrons are detected at a distance of 12 m from the reactor. An instantaneous value of 1.1 × 10(18)/cm²s was obtained for the thermal neutron flux density. The experiment will be performed by the DIANNA Collaboration as ISTC project No. 2286.