Effects of Adding Super Dose Phytase to the Phosphorus-deficient Diets of Young Pigs on Growth Performance, Bone Quality, Minerals and Amino Acids Digestibilities

Zeng, Z.K.,Wang, D.,Piao, X.S.,Li, P.F.,Zhang, H.Y.,Shi, C.X.,Yu, S.K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.2

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of feeding an Escherichia coli (E. coli) derived phytase to pigs fed P deficient, corn-soybean meal diets. In Exp. 1, one hundred and twenty crossbred piglets ($9.53{\pm}0.84$ kg) were allocated to one of five treatments which consisted of four low P diets (0.61% Ca, 0.46% total P and 0.24% non-phytate P) supplemented with 0, 500, 1,000, or 20,000 FTU/kg E. coli phytase as well as a positive control formulated to be adequate in all nutrients (0.77% Ca, 0.62% total P and 0.42% non-phytate P). The treatments were applied to six pens with four pigs per pen for 28 days. In Exp. 2, ten crossbred pigs ($19.66{\pm}1.16$ kg) fitted with ileal T-cannula were used in a nutrient balance study. The pigs were assigned to treatments similar to those used in Exp. 1 in a doubly replicated $5{\pm}4$ incomplete Latin square design (5 diets with 4 periods). Each period consisted of a 5-d adjustment period followed by a 3-d total collection of feces and urine and then a 2-d collection of ileal digesta. Supplementation with phytase linearly increased (p<0.05) weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, bone breaking strength and fat-free dry and ash bone weight. There were linear increases (p<0.01) in the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of DM, GE, CP, Ca, total P, inositol hexaphosphate ($IP_6$) and some AA with increasing dose of E. coli phytase. Pigs fed 20,000 FTU/kg had a greater (p<0.05) AID of IP6 (80% vs 59% or 64%, respectively) than pigs fed diets with 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg phytase. There were linear increases (p<0.05) in the total tract digestibility of Ca, total P, Na, K, Mg, and Zn as well as in the retention of Mg and Zn with increased phytase dose. The retention and utilization of Cu, and the total tract digestibility of CP and Cu quadratic increased (p<0.05) with increased phytase dose. In conclusion, supplementation of 500 FTU of phytase/kg and above effectively hydrolyzed phytate in low-P corn-soybean diets for pigs. In addition, a super dose of phytase (20,000 FTU/kg) hydrolyzed most of the IP6 and consequently further improved mineral use, protein utilization and performance.

Embryo Survival on Day 25 of Generation in the Gilt is Not Affected by Exogenous Progesterone but is Correlated with Levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA in the Uterus

Yu, Z.,Gordon, J.R.,Kirkwood, R.N.,Thacker, P.A. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 1999 Animal Bioscience Vol.12 No.6

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of administration of exogenous progesterone early in gestation on uterine levels of IGF-I mRNA and on embryo survival at day 25 of gestation in the pig. Forty-one prepubertal gilts were induced into oestrus with PG600 and artificially inseminated at their subsequent naturally occurring oestrus. Gilts were then randomly assigned to one of three groups. Gilts in the two treatment groups were injected intramuscularly with 50 mg of progesterone either from day 2 to 14 (N=14) or from day 4 to 14 (N=15) after breeding while those in the control group (N=12) were given corn oil (0.5 ml) from day 2 to 14. Between days 25 and 28 of gestation, gilts were slaughtered and reproductive tracts were recovered. Endometrial tissue (1 g) was collected and analysed for IGF-I mRNA levels using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Progesterone treatment, starting either on day 2 or 4 after breeding, neither significantly increased embryo survival rate by day 25 of gestation nor altered IGF-I mRNA levels in uterine tissue. However, across all samples, the IGF-I mRNA level in the uterus was highly correlated with embryo survival rate (r=0.8193, p<0.01), supporting the involvement of IGF-I in the regulation of porcine embryo development.

Genetic Status of ESR Locus and Other Unidentified Genes As sociated with Litter Size in Chinese Indigenous Tongcheng Pig Breed after a Long Time Selection

Zhu, M.J.,Yu, M.,Liu, B.,Zhu, Z.Z.,Xiong, T.A.,Fan, B.,Xu, S.P.,Du, Y.Q.,Peng, Z.Z.,Li, K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2004 Animal Bioscience Vol.17 No.5

The Tongcheng pig breed is a famous Chinese indigenous breed. The Ministry of Agriculture of China has filed it as 1 of 19 national key conservation breeds selected from more than 100 Chinese indigenous pig breeds in 2000. In order to improve the reproductive performance, it has been intensively selected to increase the litter size for about 10 years. The population randomly sampled from conservation nucleus of eight families in the Tongcheng pigs was genotyped for identification of their estrogen receptor locus polymorphisms with the PCR-RFLPs method. Only AB heterozygotes and BB homozygotes were detected, and $X^2$ test demonstrated that the locus was in disequilibrium at a significant level (p<0.05). In the present paper, the litter sizes in different parities were regarded as different traits. Holistic status of other unspecific and unidentified genes was estimated by using the statistical methods. Coefficients of kurtosis and skewness showed that the litter size still presented segregating characteristic in the 2nd, 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th parities. Analysis of homogeneity of variance between families confirmed the results for the 5th, 7th and 8th parities. The heritability of litter size for the 1st to 10th parities was estimated with paternal half-sib model and individual estimated breeding values (EBVs) were evaluated by a single trait animal model as well. We found that the averages of EBVs for litter size in each parity did not differ significantly between genotypes, despite the significant difference for original phenotype records in the 3rd, 4th and 5th parities (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The results may be explained by the deduction that the polymorphisms of ESR locus are no longer the important genetic base of litter size variation when the frequency of allele B accumulated in the experience of selection procedure, and further conferring that there exist special genes associated with litter size in the recent Tongcheng pigs population can be made.

Atomic and electronic structure of a copper/graphene interface as prepared and 1.5 years after

Boukhvalov, D.W.,Bazylewski, P.F.,Kukharenko, A.I.,Zhidkov, I.S.,Ponosov, Yu. S.,Kurmaev, E.Z.,Cholakh, S.O.,Lee, Y.H.,Chang, G.S. Elsevier 2017 APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE - Vol.426 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We report the results of X-ray spectroscopy and Raman measurements of as-prepared graphene on a high quality copper surface and the same materials after 1.5 years under different conditions (ambient and low humidity). The obtained results were compared with density functional theory calculations of the formation energies and electronic structures of various structural defects in graphene/Cu interfaces. For evaluation of the stability of the carbon cover, we propose a two-step model. The first step is oxidation of the graphene, and the second is perforation of graphene with the removal of carbon atoms as part of the carbon dioxide molecule. Results of the modeling and experimental measurements provide evidence that graphene grown on high-quality copper substrate becomes robust and stable in time (1.5 years). However, the stability of this interface depends on the quality of the graphene and the number of native defects in the graphene and substrate. The effect of the presence of a metallic substrate with defects on the stability and electronic structure of graphene is also discussed</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Proposed model of step by step perforation of graphene on metals during process of oxidation. </LI> <LI> Modeling and measurements demonstrate important role of substrate quality for protective properties of graphene. </LI> <LI> Effect of imperfectness of carbon sheet and substrate to electronic structure of graphene are shown. </LI> <LI> Key conditions for long-term anti-corrosion protection are discussed. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Effects of trans-Resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum on Bone Loss Using the Ovariectomized Rat Model

Z.P. Liu,W.X. Li,B. Yu,J. Huang,J. Sun,J.S. Huo,C.X. Liu 한국식품영양과학회 2005 Journal of medicinal food Vol.8 No.1

trans-Resveratrol (resveratrol) has been shown in several studies to significantly modulate biomarkers of bone metabolism. But, there is no direct evidence supporting its inhibitory effect towards bone loss. In the present study, effects of resveratrol on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone calcium content (BCC) were examined in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: SHAM group (sham-operated), OVX group (OVX control), OVX ALD group (OVX and treated with 1.0 mg/kg of body weight of alendronate sodium), and OVX RES group (OVX and treated with 0.7 mg/kg of body weight of resveratrol). Tested materials were given by gavage for 12 weeks after ovariectomy. Results showed that rats in the OVX, OVX ALD, and OVX RES groups had significantly higher body weights and feed efficiency than those in the SHAM group (P .01). The OVX group had significantly lower femoral epiphysis BMD than the SHAM group, and epiphysis BMD in the OVX ALD and OVX RES groups was significantly greater than that in the OVX group (P .05). However, the femoral midpoint BMD was not significantly different among the four groups. Additionally, animals in the OVX group had significantly lower BCC compared with the SHAM group, while the BCC of the OVX ALD and OVX RES groups was significantly higher than that of the OVX group (P .05). These results indicated that resveratrol could increase epiphysis BMD and inhibit the decrease of femur BCC in OVX rats, suggesting that it could play a role in protecting against bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency.

Nonlinear dynamics of shear flows and plasma rotation in a simple laboratory plasma system

Tynan, G R,Diamond, P H,Holland, C,Muller, S H,Xu, M,Yan, Z,Yu, J Published jointly by The Institute of Physics and 2009 Plasma physics and controlled fusion Vol.51 No.12

<P>Nonlinear turbulent-shear flow interactions are directly measured in a cylindrical helicon plasma device and found to lead to the development of an azimuthally symmetric radially sheared azimuthal flow by the action of a turbulent Reynolds stress which transfers kinetic energy into the large-scale shear flow. Radially resolved measurements of the nonlinear kinetic energy transfer show that the flow is driven at the plasma boundary; temporally resolved flow measurements show a penetration of the resulting azimuthal flow into the central plasma region. The results provide an initial qualitatively test of theoretical predictions, and suggest how similar studies might be carried out in confinement devices.</P>

Evolution of asexual and sexual reproduction in the aspergilli

Ojeda-Ló,pez, M.,Chen, W.,Eagle, C.E.,Gutié,rrez, G.,Jia, W.L.,Swilaiman, S.S.,Huang, Z.,Park, H.-S.,Yu, J.-H.,Cá,novas, D.,Dyer, P.S. CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre 2018 Studies in mycology Vol.91 No.-

<P><I>Aspergillus nidulans</I> has long-been used as a model organism to gain insights into the genetic basis of asexual and sexual developmental processes both in other members of the genus <I>Aspergillus</I>, and filamentous fungi in general. Paradigms have been established concerning the regulatory mechanisms of conidial development. However, recent studies have shown considerable genome divergence in the fungal kingdom, questioning the general applicability of findings from <I>Aspergillus</I>, and certain longstanding evolutionary theories have been questioned. The phylogenetic distribution of key regulatory elements of asexual reproduction in <I>A. nidulans</I> was investigated in a broad taxonomic range of fungi. This revealed that some proteins were well conserved in the <I>Pezizomycotina</I> (<I>e.g.</I> AbaA, FlbA, FluG, NsdD, MedA, and some velvet proteins), suggesting similar developmental roles. However, other elements (<I>e.g.</I> BrlA) had a more restricted distribution solely in the <I>Eurotiomycetes</I>, and it appears that the genetic control of sporulation seems to be more complex in the aspergilli than in some other taxonomic groups of the <I>Pezizomycotina</I>. The evolution of the velvet protein family is discussed based on the history of expansion and contraction events in the early divergent fungi. Heterologous expression of the <I>A. nidulans abaA</I> gene in <I>Monascus ruber</I> failed to induce development of complete conidiophores as seen in the aspergilli, but did result in increased conidial production. The absence of many components of the asexual developmental pathway from members of the <I>Saccharomycotina</I> supports the hypothesis that differences in the complexity of their spore formation is due in part to the increased diversity of the sporulation machinery evident in the <I>Pezizomycotina</I>. Investigations were also made into the evolution of sex and sexuality in the aspergilli. <I>MAT</I> loci were identified from the heterothallic <I>Aspergillus</I> (<I>Emericella</I>) <I>heterothallicus</I> and <I>Aspergillus</I> (<I>Neosartorya</I>) <I>fennelliae</I> and the homothallic <I>Aspergillus pseudoglaucus</I> (=<I>Eurotium repens</I>). A consistent architecture of the <I>MAT</I> locus was seen in these and other heterothallic aspergilli whereas much variation was seen in the arrangement of <I>MAT</I> loci in homothallic aspergilli. This suggested that it is most likely that the common ancestor of the aspergilli exhibited a heterothallic breeding system. Finally, the supposed prevalence of asexuality in the aspergilli was examined. Investigations were made using <I>A. clavatus</I> as a representative ‘asexual’ species. It was possible to induce a sexual cycle in <I>A. clavatus</I> given the correct <I>MAT1-1</I> and <I>MAT1-2</I> partners and environmental conditions, with recombination confirmed utilising molecular markers. This indicated that sexual reproduction might be possible in many supposedly asexual aspergilli and beyond, providing general insights into the nature of asexuality in fungi.</P>

STARTING SLIDING MODE VARIABLE STRUCTURE THAT COORDINATES THE CONTROL AND REAL-TIME OPTIMIZATION OF DRY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSIONS

Z.-G. ZHAO,J.-L. JIANG,Z.-P. YU,T. ZHANG 한국자동차공학회 2013 International journal of automotive technology Vol.14 No.6

This paper researches the coordination of control between an engine and clutch at the system level to adequately reflect a driver’s intention and improve the starting performance of a vehicle equipped with a dry dual clutch transmission (DCT). Four-degree-of-freedom (DOF) starting dynamic equations are established for a dry DCT with a single intermediate shaft, and a two-DOF model of the sliding friction process and a single-DOF in-gear model of stable operation are obtained after simplifying these equations. Taking advantage of predictive control and a genetic algorithm, target tracing curves of the engine’s speed and the vehicle’s velocity are optimally specified online, and the starting sliding mode variable structure (SMVS) coordinating control strategy is designed to track these curves. The starting performance of a prototype car equipped with a dry DCT is simulated under different starting cases on the MATLAB/Simulink software platform. The simulation results show that the designed SMVS coordinating controller not only embodies driver intention and effectively improves the dry DCT car’s starting performance but is also highly robust when subjected to variations in the vehicle parameters.

INFLUENCE OF RAIL PRESSURE ON A TWO-STAGE TURBOCHARGED HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL ENGINE UNDER TRANSIENT OPERATION

Z. C. LIU,K. B. YU,J. TIAN,Y. Q. HAN,S. L. QI,P. K. TENG 한국자동차공학회 2017 International journal of automotive technology Vol.18 No.1

The demand for continually improving the transient performance of diesel engines requires higher rail pressure and more efficient turbocharger. Before the test, a two-stage turbocharger with a turbine by-pass valve (TBV) had been matched reasonably with the base engine. In order to reduce smoke emission under the typical 5-second transient process of constant speed and increasing torque, the influence of rail pressure on combustion, emissions and performance characteristics was experimentally investigated. The results showed that the two-stage turbocharger was helpful in improving transient performance. Moreover, the full-stage rail pressure (FSRP) strategies (increasing rail pressure during the whole transient process) could reduce smoke emission when the TBV was closed. However, smoke deteriorated once TBV opening got larger. Then the sectional-stage rail pressure (SSRP) strategies (increasing rail pressure from a pre-set load to 100 % load) were presented under small TBV opening to improve in-cylinder thermal condition. Hence, the air-fuel mixing process was improved at medium and large loads. Then the maximum decline of smoke opacity peak was 56.3 %, which happened under 10 % TBV opening. In addition, fuel consumption of FSRP strategies got worse under larger TBV opening. However, this deterioration situation could be effectively restrained by the utilization of SSRP strategies.

Characterization of TRPC2, an Essential Genetic Component of VNS Chemoreception, Provides Insights into the Evolution of Pheromonal Olfaction in Secondary-Adapted Marine Mammals

Yu, L.,Jin, W.,Wang, J. x.,Zhang, X.,Chen, M. m.,Zhu, Z. h.,Lee, H.,Lee, M.,Zhang, Y. p. Oxford University Press 2010 Molecular biology and evolution Vol.27 No.7