Expression Analysis of the Mx Gene and Its Genome Structure in Chickens

Yin, C.G.,Du, L.X.,Li, S.G.,Zhao, G.P.,Zhang, J.,Wei, C.H.,Xu, L.Y.,Liu, T.,Li, H.B. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.7

Among the known interferon-induced antiviral mechanisms, the Mx pathway is one of the most powerful pathways. The Mx protein has direct antiviral activity and inhibits a wide range of viruses by blocking an early stage of the viral replication cycle. Cloning, characterization, and expression of Mx in vivo and in vitro have been conducted. The chicken Mx gene spans 21 kb and is made up of 14 exons and 13 introns, of which the promoter region was analyzed. The real-time PCR results showed that Mx expression was increased in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) after 12- and 24-h induction with polyI: C. Induction of Mx expression by poly I: C in vivo revealed tissue-specific patterns among the chicken tissues tested. A trace expression of Mx was detected in healthy chicken liver tissues from adult chickens without inducement; the expression levels in the liver, heart, and gizzard were higher than in the muscle and kidney. This is the first report to demonstrate the expression of a glutathione-S-transferase-tagged-Mx fusion protein of 75 KDa, as well as the biological activity tested by SDS-PAGE and western blotting.

BCL2 antagonist of cell death kinases, phosphatases, and ovarian cancer sensitivity to cisplatin

Nisha Bansal,Douglas C. Marchion,Elona Bicaku,Yin Xiong,Ning Chen,Xiaomang B. Stickles,Entidhar Al Sawah,Robert M. Wenham,Sachin M. Apte,Jesus Gonzalez-Bosquet,Patricia L. Judson,Ardeshir Hakam,Johnat 대한부인종양학회 2012 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.23 No.1

Objective: The BCL2 family proteins are critical mediators of cellular apoptosis and, as such, have been implicated as determinants of cancer cell chemo-sensitivity. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the phosphorylation status of the BCL2 antagonist of cell death (BAD) protein may influence ovarian cancer (OVCA) cell sensitivity to cisplatin. Here, we sought to evaluate how kinase and phosphatase components of the BAD apoptosis pathway influence OVCA chemo-sensitivity. Methods: Protein levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) were measured by immunofluorescence in a series of 64 primary advanced-stage serous OVCA patient samples. In parallel, levels of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), AKT, and PP2C were quantified by Western blot analysis in paired mother/daughter platinum-sensitive/resistant OVCA cell lines (A2008/C13, A2780S/A2780CP, Chi/ChiR). BAD pathway kinase CDK1 was depleted using siRNA transfection, and the influence on BAD phosphorylation and cisplatin-induced apoptosis was evaluated. Results: OVCA patient samples that demonstrated complete responses to primary platinum-based therapy demonstrated 4-fold higher CDK1 (p<0.0001) and 2-fold lower PP2C (p=0.14) protein levels than samples that demonstrated incomplete responses. Protein levels of PP2C were lower in the platinum-resistant versus that shown in the platinum-sensitive OVCA cell line sub-clones. Levels of PKA were higher in all platinum-resistant than in platinum-sensitive OVCA cell line sub-clones. Selective siRNA depletion of CDK1 increased sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis (p<0.002). Conclusion: BAD pathway kinases and phosphatases, including CDK1 and PP2C, are associated with OVCA sensitivity to platinum and may represent therapeutic opportunities to enhance cytotoxic efficacy. Objective: The BCL2 family proteins are critical mediators of cellular apoptosis and, as such, have been implicated as determinants of cancer cell chemo-sensitivity. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the phosphorylation status of the BCL2 antagonist of cell death (BAD) protein may influence ovarian cancer (OVCA) cell sensitivity to cisplatin. Here, we sought to evaluate how kinase and phosphatase components of the BAD apoptosis pathway influence OVCA chemo-sensitivity. Methods: Protein levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) were measured by immunofluorescence in a series of 64 primary advanced-stage serous OVCA patient samples. In parallel, levels of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), AKT, and PP2C were quantified by Western blot analysis in paired mother/daughter platinum-sensitive/resistant OVCA cell lines (A2008/C13, A2780S/A2780CP, Chi/ChiR). BAD pathway kinase CDK1 was depleted using siRNA transfection, and the influence on BAD phosphorylation and cisplatin-induced apoptosis was evaluated. Results: OVCA patient samples that demonstrated complete responses to primary platinum-based therapy demonstrated 4-fold higher CDK1 (p<0.0001) and 2-fold lower PP2C (p=0.14) protein levels than samples that demonstrated incomplete responses. Protein levels of PP2C were lower in the platinum-resistant versus that shown in the platinum-sensitive OVCA cell line sub-clones. Levels of PKA were higher in all platinum-resistant than in platinum-sensitive OVCA cell line sub-clones. Selective siRNA depletion of CDK1 increased sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis (p<0.002). Conclusion: BAD pathway kinases and phosphatases, including CDK1 and PP2C, are associated with OVCA sensitivity to platinum and may represent therapeutic opportunities to enhance cytotoxic efficacy.

POWERTRAIN DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT RESEARCH OF A PARALLEL HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE

C.-L. Wang,C.-L. YIN,T. ZHANG,L. ZHU 한국자동차공학회 2009 International journal of automotive technology Vol.10 No.5

The powertrain of an ultra-capacitor-based parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) was developed. Innovations, such as the engine management system, floating ISG (Integrated Starter and Generator), electronic-controlled double-clutch system and dual-driven air conditioning system were realized. Hybrid control strategies to improve the fuel economy and reduce emissions were analyzed briefly. In order to ensure the vehicle emission performance, the engine management system calibration was performed. The vehicle emission test was also conducted, showing that the vehicle emission satisfied the EURO III standard and has great potential for improvement. The hybrid start test was introduced in detail. We realized the hybrid function and start parameter optimization of the engine and ISG. The powertrain of an ultra-capacitor-based parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) was developed. Innovations, such as the engine management system, floating ISG (Integrated Starter and Generator), electronic-controlled double-clutch system and dual-driven air conditioning system were realized. Hybrid control strategies to improve the fuel economy and reduce emissions were analyzed briefly. In order to ensure the vehicle emission performance, the engine management system calibration was performed. The vehicle emission test was also conducted, showing that the vehicle emission satisfied the EURO III standard and has great potential for improvement. The hybrid start test was introduced in detail. We realized the hybrid function and start parameter optimization of the engine and ISG.

Role of rare earth ions in the magnetic, magnetocaloric and magnetoelectric properties of RCrO3 (R = Dy, Nd, Tb, Er) crystals

Yin, L. H.,Yang, J.,Tong, P.,Luo, X.,Park, C. B.,Shin, K. W.,Song, W. H.,Dai, J. M.,Kim, K. H.,Zhu, X. B. Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Journal of Materials Chemistry C Vol.4 No.47

<P>We report a systematic study on the magnetic, magnetocaloric (MC), specific heat and magnetoelectric (ME) properties of the single crystals of rare-earth orthochromites, RCrO3 (R = Dy, Nd, Er, Tb). Interesting stair-like metamagnetic transitions were observed for the first time in TbCrO3 crystals. Intrinsic large anisotropy in the magnetic and ME properties were also revealed in all of the RCrO3 crystals. The reorientation/ordering of the rare earth R3+ spins was observed to be accompanied with large MC, rotating MC and ME effects. These behaviors are found be closely related to the R-R and R-Cr interactions in these chromites. In particular, the ME effect can be ascribed to the spin phonon coupling. All these results suggest the essential and unique role of 4f electrons of rare earth ions in these chromites.</P>

Influence of Sr substitution on thermoelectric properties of La1−xSrxFeO3 ceramics

H.C. Wang,C.L. Wang,J.L. Zhang,W.B. Su,J. Liu,M.L. Zhao,N. Yin,Y.G. Lv,L.M. Mei 한국물리학회 2010 Current Applied Physics Vol.10 No.3

Perovskite La1-xSrxFeO3 (0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) ceramics have been synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction technique. Their electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity have been measured. It has been found that the increase of Sr content reduces significantly both the electrical resistivity and the Seebeck coefficient, but slightly increases the high-temperature thermal conductivity. An adiabatic hopping conduction mechanism of small polaron is suggested from the analysis of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity. Seebeck coefficients decrease with increasing temperature,and saturate at temperature above 573 K. The saturated value of Seebeck coefficient decreases with increasing of Sr contents, from 200 μV/K for x = 0.10 to 100 μV/K for x = 0.20. All samples exhibit lower thermal conductivity with values around 2.6 W/m K. The highest dimensionless figure of merit is 0.031at temperature 973 K in La0.88Sr0.12FeO3.

Enhanced ferroelectric, piezoelectric and dielectric properties of (1-x)CaBi2Nb2O9-xBaZr0.2Ti0.8O3 high-temperature piezoelectric composite ceramics

Pan C.B.,Zhao G.C.,Li S.M.,Shu M.F.,Wu J.,Wang J.M.Z.,Yin L.H.,Song W.H.,Zhu X.B,Yang J.,Sun Y.P. 한국물리학회 2022 Current Applied Physics Vol.34 No.-

Among Aurivillius layer-structured materials, CaBi2Nb2O9 is a best potential candidate for ultrahigh-temperature applications because of its highest Curie temperature of about 940 ◦C. In this paper, (1-x)CaBi2Nb2O9- xBaZr0.2Ti0.8O3 composite ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state sintering method. The dielectric results show that the introduction of BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3 not only increases the permittivity of the material, but also reduces its dielectric loss. The optimum electrical properties were obtained in the x = 0.01 sample with piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 15.1 pC/N and high ferroelectric remnant polarization (Pr) of 9.9 μC/cm2. Furthermore, the composite samples show good thermal depoling performance, the d33 of the x = 0.01 sample is 13.8 pC/N, which is about 91% of the initial value after depoling at 800 ◦C. Therefore, (1-x)CaBi2Nb2O9- xBaZr0.2Ti0.8O3 is one of the candidates for high temperature piezoelectric materials.

Optical properties and radiative forcing of urban aerosols in Nanjing, China

B.L. Zhuang,T.J. Wang,S. Li,R. Talbot,H.T. Mao,X.Q. Yang,C.B. Fu,C.Q. Yin,J.L. Zhu,J. Tian,X.Y. Zhang,H.Z. Che 한국대기환경학회 2013 한국대기환경학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2013 No.8

Intramuscular Administration of Zinc Metallothionein to Preslaughter Stressed Pigs Improves Anti-oxidative Status and Pork Quality

Li, L.L.,Hou, Z.P.,Yin, Y.L.,Liu, Y.H.,Hou, D.X.,Zhang, B.,Wu, G.Y.,Kim, S.W.,Fan, M.Z.,Yang, C.B.,Kong, X.F.,Tang, Z.R.,Peng, H.Z.,Deng, D.,Deng, Z.Y.,Xie, M.Y.,Xiong, H.,Kang, P.,Wang, S.X. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2007 Animal Bioscience Vol.20 No.5

This study was conducted to determine the effects of exogenous zinc-metallothionein (Zn-MT) on anti-oxidative function and pork quality. After feeding a corn-soybean meal-based diet for two weeks, 48 pigs ($Duroc{\times}Landrace{\times}Chinese\;Black Pig$) were assigned randomly to four groups. Pigs in Group 1 were maintained under non-stress conditions, whereas pigs in Groups 2, 3 and 4 were aggressively handled for 25 min to produce stress. Pigs in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 received intramuscular administration of saline (control group; CON), 0 (negative control group; NCON), 0.8 (low dose group; LOW), and 1.6 (high dose group; HIGH) mg rabbit liver Zn-MT per kg body weight, respectively. Pigs were slaughtered at 3 and 6 h post-injection. Zn-MT treatment increased (p<0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PX) while decreasing the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. These responses were greater (p<0.05) at 6 h than at 3 h post Zn-MT injection. Zn-MT treatment increased (p<0.05) hepatic SOD mRNA levels in a time and dose-dependent manner and decreased (p<0.05) serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase activities (indicators of tissue integrity). Zn-MT administration decreased (p<0.05) lactate concentration and increased (p<0.05) pH and water-holding capacity in the longissimus thorasis meat. Collectively, our results indicate that intramuscular administration of Zn-MT to pre-slaughter stressed pigs improved tissue anti-oxidative ability and meat quality.

Some Factors Affecting Freezing of Boar Semen in 5 ml Maxi-straws

Dai, J.J.,Wu, C.F.,Zhang, Defu,Yin, F.Z.,Zhang, T.Y.,Liu, D.,Wu, H.L.,Li, L.L.,Yang, S.T.,Wang, L. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2009 Animal Bioscience Vol.22 No.4

A series of experiments were conducted to determine the suitable freezing and thawing temperatures for the freezing of boar semen in 5 ml maxi-straws. The ultrastructure, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination (AI) of frozen-thawed semen were also be evaluated. The 5 cm freezing height gave the best results not only in post-thaw motility rate (54.00%), but also in normal acrosome morphology rate (NAR) (80.23%). There was no significant difference in the post-thaw motility between different thawing temperatures and corresponding thawing times (p>0.05); the group of $52^{\circ}C$ and 25 s gave the highest motility rate (45.00%). As a whole, not only from the motility but also the NAR, thawing at $42^{\circ}C$ was better than the other two treatments. In the freezing packages, 5 ml maxi-straw gave a little lower mobility (40%), viability rate (49.58%), plasma membrane integrity rate (53.91%) and NAR (52.65%) than the 0.25 ml straw, but there was no significant difference between the two straw volumes (p>0.05). The IVF capacity of frozen-thawed semen in this experiment was similar to fresh semen. From ultrastructure observation, the main damage to boar spermatozoa after freezing was seen in the acrosome, such as swelling and formation of vesicles. After AI in recipient Shanghai White sows, frozen-thawed semen from 5 ml maxi-straws and pellets produced 72.2% and 80% conception rate and 7.8 and 8 litter sizes, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the 5 ml maxi-straw and the pellet (p>0.05).

Feeding a diet containing resistant potato starch influences gastrointestinal tract traits and growth performance of weaned pigs

Heo, J. M.,Agyekum, A. K.,Yin, Y. L.,Rideout, T. C.,Nyachoti, C. M. American Society of Animal Science 2014 Journal of Animal Science Vol.92 No.9

<P>The aim was to evaluate the effects of feeding resistant potato starch (RPS) as a natural source of resistant starch to weaned pigs for 28 d immediately after weaning. Sixty piglets (Yorkshire–Landrace × Duroc) weaned at 21 ± 2 d (1:1 male:female) with an initial BW of 7.2 ± 0.78 kg were assigned in a completely randomized design to 1 of 5 dietary treatments to give 6 observations per treatment and 2 pigs per pen. Dietary treatments consisted of a negative control corn–soybean meal–wheat–wheat middlings–based diet (NC; no antimicrobial agents added) or the NC supplemented with RPS either as powder or in capsules and each included at 0.5 or 1.0% as a top-dressing on each day. Diets were formulated to meet 1998 NRC specifications. Pigs were offered the experimental diets on an ad libitum basis for 28 d and water was available at all times. The ADG, ADFI, and G:F were determined weekly. Fecal score was determined daily for 14 d after weaning. At the conclusion of study, 1 pig from each pen was randomly selected and euthanized (<I>n</I> = 6 per treatment) to determine visceral organ weight, digesta pH, VFA, and ammonia N (NH<SUB>3</SUB>–N) concentrations. Resistant potato starch supplementation improved (<I>P</I> < 0.001) fecal score, and pigs offered 1.0% RPS had more solid feces (<I>P</I> < 0.05) than those offered 0.5% RPS during the first 14 d after weaning, independent of the form of RPS. Resistant potato starch supplementation decreased (<I>P</I> < 0.05) ileal and cecal digesta pH regardless of the levels of RPS or mode of delivery. The total VFA concentrations in cecal digesta were greater (<I>P</I> < 0.05) but the molar proportion of branched-chain fatty acids were lower (<I>P</I> < 0.05) for pigs fed the RPS-containing diets compared with those fed the NC, irrespective of the RPS levels or the form of RPS. However, there were no differences (<I>P</I> > 0.10) in visceral organ weights, growth performance, and digestibilities of DM, CP, Ca, and P among treatments. The results of this experiment indicate that supplementing a weaner pig diet with at least 0.5% RPS independent of mode of delivery has the potential to enhance outcomes characteristic of a functional gut in weaned pigs without adverse effects on growth.</P>