Characteristics of isolated lactic acid bacteria and their effects on the silage quality

Siran Wang,Xianjun Yuan,Zhihao Dong,Junfeng Li,Gang Guo,Yunfeng Bai,Junyu Zhang,Tao Shao 아세아·태평양축산학회 2017 Animal Bioscience Vol.30 No.6

Objective: Four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from common vetch, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass on the Tibetan Plateau were characterized, and their effects on the fermentation quality of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage were studied. Methods: The four isolated strains and one commercial inoculant (G, Lactobacillus plantarum MTD-1) were evaluated using the acid production ability test, morphological observation, Gram staining, physiological, biochemical and acid tolerance tests. The five LAB strains were added to Italian ryegrass for ensiling at three different temperatures (10°C, 15°C, and 25°C). Results: All isolated strains (LCG3, LTG7, I5, and LI3) could grow at 5°C to 20°C, pH 3.0 to 8.0 and NaCl (3.0%, 6.5%). Strains LCG3, LTG7, I5, and LI3 were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus paraplantarum, and Lactobacillus casei by sequencing 16S rDNA, respectively. All LAB inoculants significantly (p<0.05) increased lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid to acetic acid, and reduced pH and ammonia nitrogen/ total nitrogen (AN/TN) compared with uninoculated silages at various temperatures (10°C, 15°C, and 25°C). Compared to the commercial inoculant G, I5, and LI3 showed similar effects on improving the silage quality of Italian ryegrass at 10°C and 15°C, indicated by similar pH, LA content and AN/TN. Conclusion: All inoculants could improve the silage fermentation quality at various temperatures (10°C, 15°C, and 25°C). At the temperature of 10°C and 15°C, strain I5 and LI3 had similar effects with the commercial inoculant G on improving the silage quality of Italian ryegrass.

Two New Species of Placolecis (Lichenized Ascomycota) from China

( An Cheng Yin ),( Xin Yu Wang ),( Dong Liu ),( Yan Yun Zhang ),( Mei Xia Yang ),( Li Juan Li ),( Li Song Wang ) 한국균학회 2019 Mycobiology Vol.47 No.4

Two new species of the lichen genus Placolecis are discovered in China, namely P. kunmingensis An. C. Yin & Li S. Wang and P. sublaevis An. C. Yin & Li S. Wang. The new combination P. loekoesiana (S.Y. Kondr., Farkas, J.J. Woo & Hur) An. C. Yin is proposed. Placolecis kunmingensis is characterized by having simple, spherical or ellipsoid, hyaline spores, and pear-shaped pycnidia; while P. sublaevis can be distinguished by its thallus forming larger aggregations with slightly flattened lobes at the thallus margin, and urn-shaped pycnidia. Descriptions, a phylogenetic tree and a key are provided for all the known Placolecis species in China.

Preparation of lithium-doped NaV6O15 thin film cathodes with high cycling performance in SIBs

Xu Hai-Yan,Ruan Jun Hai,Liu Fang Lin,Li Dong-Cai,Zhang Feng-Jun,Wang Ai-Guo,Sun Dao-Sheng,오원춘 한국세라믹학회 2022 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.59 No.3

Lithium ions-doped NaV6O15 thin films have been prepared using a simple low temperature liquid phase deposition method and subsequent annealing process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning elec- tron microscopy (SEM), and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to study the structural and physicochemical characteristics of the NaV6O15 film. The films were grown on the FTO conductive glass and used directly as an electrode of sodium ion batteries. The prepared lithium ions-doped NaV6O15 thin film electrodes showed an excellent cycling stability and discharge capacity, which may be attributed to the stability of the Li+ embedded into the gap between the V–O layers to maintain the structure and its stable β-phase structure transformed after the first cycle. The cycling stability greatly improved with increasing annealing temperature, while the discharge capacity decreased. The capacities of the film electrodes annealed at 400 °C and 450 °C maintained above 97% after 100 cycles. The lithium-doped NaV6O15 underwent a phase transition dur- ing the first charge/discharge cycle. The new transformed phase has perfect crystal structure stability undergoing insertion and deinsertion of Na+. Therefore, the lithium-doped NaV6O15 thin film possesses good cycling stability and is expected to be a promising thin film cathode for sodium-ion batteries.

Scalable joint segmentation and registration framework for infant brain images

Dong, Pei,Wang, Li,Lin, Weili,Shen, Dinggang,Wu, Guorong Elsevier 2017 Neurocomputing Vol.229 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The first year of life is the most dynamic and perhaps the most critical phase of postnatal brain development. The ability to accurately measure structure changes is critical in early brain development study, which highly relies on the performances of image segmentation and registration techniques. However, either infant image segmentation or registration, if deployed independently, encounters much more challenges than segmentation/registration of adult brains due to dynamic appearance change with rapid brain development. In fact, image segmentation and registration of infant images can assists each other to overcome the above challenges by using the growth trajectories (i.e., temporal correspondences) learned from a large set of training subjects with complete longitudinal data. Specifically, a one-year-old image with ground-truth tissue segmentation can be first set as the reference domain. Then, to register the infant image of a new subject at earlier age, we can estimate its tissue probability maps, i.e., with sparse patch-based multi-atlas label fusion technique, where only the training images at the respective age are considered as atlases since they have similar image appearance. Next, these probability maps can be fused as a good initialization to guide the level set segmentation. Thus, image registration between the new infant image and the reference image is free of difficulty of appearance changes, by establishing correspondences upon the reasonably segmented images. Importantly, the segmentation of new infant image can be further enhanced by propagating the much more reliable label fusion heuristics at the reference domain to the corresponding location of the new infant image via the learned growth trajectories, which brings image segmentation and registration to assist each other. It is worth noting that our joint segmentation and registration framework is also flexible to handle the registration of any two infant images even with significant age gap in the first year of life, by linking their joint segmentation and registration through the reference domain. Thus, our proposed joint segmentation and registration method is scalable to various registration tasks in early brain development studies. Promising segmentation and registration results have been achieved for infant brain MR images aged from 2-week-old to 1-year-old, indicating the applicability of our method in early brain development study.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> We developed an efficient approach to deal with the tissue segmentation and registration for the infant brain MR images. </LI> <LI> Our proposed framework is scalable to various registration tasks in early brain development studies. </LI> <LI> Promising results have been achieved for infant brain MR images aged from 2-week-old to 1-year-old. </LI> <LI> The proposed technique can be very useful for many ongoing early brain development studies. </LI> </UL> </P>

Effects of Ga-doping on the microstructure and magnetic properties of MnBi alloys

Yang, Yang,Kim, Jong-Woo,Si, Ping-Zhan,Qian, Hui-Dong,Shin, Yongho,Wang, Xinyou,Park, Jihoon,Li, Oi Lun,Wu, Qiong,Ge, Hongliang,Choi, Chul-Jin Elsevier 2018 JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS Vol.769 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The low temperature phase Mn<SUB>55</SUB>Bi<SUB>45-<I>x</I> </SUB>Ga<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB> (<I>x</I> = 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10) alloys were prepared by induction melting process with subsequent low temperature annealing. The effects of Ga-doping on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of the alloys were systematically studied. The room temperature coercivities of Mn<SUB>55</SUB>Bi<SUB>45-<I>x</I> </SUB>Ga<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB> after ball milling increased from 1.43 T for <I>x</I> = 0 to 1.66 T for <I>x</I> = 5, while the saturation magnetization decreased from 60.7 Am<SUP>2</SUP>/kg (<I>x</I> = 0) to 45.1 Am<SUP>2</SUP>/kg (<I>x</I> = 5). The maximum energy product (<I>BH</I>)<SUB>max</SUB> of Mn<SUB>55</SUB>Bi<SUB>44</SUB>Ga powders reached 7.87 MGOe. The Curie temperature of the Mn<SUB>55</SUB>Bi<SUB>45-<I>x</I> </SUB>Ga<SUB> <I>x</I> </SUB> alloys increased from 633 K to 658 K with increasing Ga concentration in the range of 0 ≤ <I>x</I> ≤ 5.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Effects of doping Ga on the microstructural and magnetic properties of MnBi alloy. </LI> <LI> The MnBi-Ga powders are achieved by surfactant assisted high energy ball milling. </LI> <LI> The maximum energy produce (<I>BH</I>)<SUB>max</SUB> shows 7.87 MGOe for Mn<SUB>55</SUB>Bi<SUB>44</SUB>Ga sample. </LI> <LI> The coercivity of Mn<SUB>55</SUB>Bi<SUB>40</SUB>Ga<SUB>5</SUB> after ball milling reached 1.66 T at room temperature. </LI> <LI> The elevated curie temperature (<I>T</I> <SUB>c</SUB>) by doping Ga makes it a possible candidate for high temperature applications. </LI> </UL> </P>

Cosmological Constraints from the Redshift Dependence of the Alcock-Paczynski Effect: Dynamical Dark Energy

Li, Xiao-Dong,Sabiu, Cristiano G.,Park, Changbom,Wang, Yuting,Zhao, Gong-bo,Park, Hyunbae,Shafieloo, Arman,Kim, Juhan,Hong, Sungwook E. American Astronomical Society 2018 The Astrophysical journal Vol.856 No.2

<P>We perform an anisotropic clustering analysis of 1,133,326 galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-III) Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 12 covering the redshift range 0.15 < z < 0.69. The geometrical distortions of the galaxy positions, caused by incorrect assumptions in the cosmological model, are captured in the anisotropic two-point correlation function on scales of 6-40 h(-1) Mpc. The redshift evolution of this anisotropic clustering is used to place constraints on the cosmological parameters. We improve the methodology of Li et al. to enable efficient exploration of high-dimensional cosmological parameter spaces, and apply it to the Chevallier-Polarski-Linder parameterization of dark energy, w = w(0) + w(a)z/(1 + z). In combination with data on the cosmic microwave background, baryon acoustic oscillations, Type Ia supernovae, and H-0 from Cepheids, we obtain Omega(m) = 0.301 +/- 0.008, w(0) = -1.042 +/- 0.067, and w(a) = -0.07 +/- 0.29 (68.3% CL). Adding our new Alcock-Paczynski measurements to the aforementioned results reduces the error bars by similar to 30%-40% and improves the dark-energy figure of merit by a factor of similar to 2. We check the robustness of the results using realistic mock galaxy catalogs.</P>

Combined Administration of the Mixture of Honokiol and Magnolol and Ginger Oil Evokes Antidepressant-like Synergism in Rats

Li-Qin Qiang,Ling-Dong Kong,Cai-Ping Wang,Fu-Meng Wang,Ying Pan,Li-Tao Yi,Xian Zhang 대한약학회 2009 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.32 No.9

Magnolia bark combined with ginger rhizome is a common drug pair in traditional Chinese prescriptions for the treatment of depression. In the present study, we examined antidepressant-like effects of the mixture of honokiol and magnolol (HMM) from magnolia bark and essential oil from ginger rhizome (OGR) alone and in combination in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) of rats. Behavioral (sucrose intake, immobility time of forced swimming test) and biochemical parameters [serotonin (5-HT) in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, gastric mucosa cholecystokinin (CCK) and serum gastrin (GAS) levels] were simultaneously examined in the CUMS rats. 20 mg/kg HMM alone, but not OGR, significantly increased sucrose intake and reduced immobility time in the CUMS rats. Moreover, 20 mg/kg HMM and 14 mg/kg OGR in combination exhibited significant synergistic effects on sucrose intake increase and immobility time reduction in the CUMS rats. HMM elevated 5-HT levels in various brain regions, and OGR reduced gastric mucosa CCK and serum GAS levels in the CUMS rats. These results suggested that the synergistic antidepressant-like effects of compatibility of HMM with OGR might be mediated simultaneously by regulation of the serotonergic and gastroenteric system functions. These findings also provided a pharmacological basis for the clinical application of this drug pair of magnolia bark and ginger rhizome in traditional Chinese medicine.

Choline supplementation improves the lipid metabolism of intrauterine-growth-restricted pigs

Li, Wei,Li, Bo,Lv, Jiaqi,Dong, Li,Zhang, Lili,Wang, Tian Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.5

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary choline supplementation on hepatic lipid metabolism and gene expression in finishing pigs with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Methods: Using a $2{\times}2$ factorial design, eight normal birth weight (NBW) and eight IUGR weaned pigs were fed either a basal diet (NBW pigs fed a basal diet, NC; IUGR pigs fed a basal diet, IC) or a diet supplemented with two times more choline than the basal diet (NBW pigs fed a high-choline diet, NH; IUGR pigs fed a high-choline diet, IH) until 200 d of age. Results: The results showed that the IUGR pigs had reduced body weight compared with the NBW pigs (p<0.05 from birth to d 120; p = 0.07 from d 120 to 200). Increased (p<0.05) free fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride levels were observed in the IUGR pigs compared with the NBW pigs. Choline supplementation decreased (p<0.05) the levels of FFAs and triglycerides in the serum of the pigs. The activities of malate dehydrogenase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were both increased (p<0.05) in the livers of the IUGR pigs. Choline supplementation decreased (p<0.05) malate dehydrogenase activity in the liver of the pigs. Gene expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) was higher (p<0.05) in the IC group than in the other groups, and choline supplementation decreased (p<0.05) FAS and acetyl-CoA carboxylase ${\alpha}$ expression in the livers of the IUGR pigs. The expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A) was lower (p<0.05) in the IC group than in the other groups, and choline supplementation increased (p<0.05) the expression of CPT1A in the liver of the IUGR pigs and decreased (p<0.01) the expression of hormone-sensitive lipase in both types of pigs. The gene expression of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) was higher (p<0.05) in the IC group than in the other groups, and choline supplementation significantly reduced (p<0.05) PEMT expression in the liver of the IUGR pigs. Conclusion: In conclusion, the lipid metabolism was abnormal in IUGR pigs, but the IUGR pigs consuming twice the normal level of choline had improved circulating lipid parameters, which could be related to the decreased activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-generating enzymes or the altered expressions of lipid metabolism-related genes.

Preparation of porous cordierite ceramic with acid-leached coal gangue

Wang Xu-Dong,Xu Hai-Yan,Zhang Feng-Jun,Li Dong-Cai,Wang Ai-Guo,Sun Dao-Sheng,오원춘 한국세라믹학회 2020 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.57 No.4

The eff ect of impurities in coal gangue on the sintering and properties (porosity and compressive strength) of porous cordierite ceramics has been investigated by adjusting the amount of impurities by controlling the acid–gangue ratio during acid leaching. The sintering behavior and microstructure of the porous ceramics have been characterized via X-ray diff ractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The eff ects of both the acid–gangue ratio and sintering temperature on the porosity and compressive strength have been also investigated. The results indicated that both porosity and compressive strength of the porous cordierite ceramics prepared using acid-leached coal gangue were evidently improved. The content of the impurities in coal gangue was adjusted via acid leaching by controlling the acid–gangue ratio. The appropriate content of impurities in coal gangue facilitated the sintering process and improved the porosity and compressive strength of the obtained porous cordierite ceramics.

Hepatitis B Virus DNA Negativity Acts as a Favorable Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Li, Xing,Zhong, Xiang,Chen, Zhan-Hong,Xing, Yan-Fang,Wu, Dong-Hao,Chen, Jie,Ma, Xiao-Kun,Lin, Qu,Wen, Jing-Yun,Wei, Li,Wang, Tian-Tian,Ruan, Dan-Yun,Lin, Ze-Xiao,Wu, Xiang-Yuan,Dong, Min Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: This retrospective study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of prophylactic agents in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving TACE and compare the difference between lamivudine and entecavir. Materials and Methods: A consecutive series of 203 HBV-related HCC patients receiving TACE were analyzed including 91 patients given prophylactic agents. Virologic events, defined as an increase in serum HBV DNA level to more than 1 log10 IU/ml higher than the nadir level, hepatitis flares due to HBV reactivation and progression free survival (PFS) were the main endpoints. Results: Some 48 (69.6%) reached virologic response. Prophylaxis significantly reduced virologic events (8.8% vs 58.0%, p=0.000) and hepatitis flares (1.1% vs 13.4%, p=0.001). Patients presenting undetectable HBV DNA levels displayed a significantly improved PFS as compared to those who never achieved undetectable HBV DNA. Prophylaxis and e-antigen positivity were the only significant variables associated with virologic events. In addition, prophylaxis was the only independent protective factor for hepatitis flares. Liver cirrhosis, more cycles of TACE, HBV DNA negativity, a lower Cancer of the Liver Italian Program score, non-metastasis and no hepatitis flares were protective factors for PFS. Prophylactic lamivudine demonstrated similar efficacy as entecavir. Conclusions: Prophylactic agents are efficacious for prevention of HBV reactivation in HCC patients receiving TACE. Achievement of undetectable HBV DNA levels displayed a significant capability in improving PFS. Moreover, persistent tumor residual lesions, positive HBV DNA and hepatitis B flares might be causes of tumor progression in these patients.