Whole transcriptome analysis of RNA expression profiles reveals the potential regulating action of long noncoding RNA in lactating cows fed a high concentrate diet

Subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA)is a common metabolic disease in the dairy farming industry which is usually caused by an excessive amount of high concentrate diet.SARA not only threatens animal welfare but also leads to economic losses in the farming industry.The liver plays an important role in the distribution of nutritional substances and metabolism;however,a high concentrate diet can cause hepatic metabolic disorders and liver injury.Recently,noncoding RNA has been considered as a critical regulator of hepatic disease,however,its role in the bovine liver is limited.In this study,12 mid-lactating dairy cows were randomly assigned to a control(CON)group(40% concentrate of dry matter,n=6)and a SARA group(60% concentrate of dry matter,n=6).After 21 d of treatment,all cows were sacrificed,and liver tissue samples were collected.Three dairy cows were randomly selected from the CON and SARA groups respectively to perform whole transcriptome analysis.More than 20,000 messenger RNA(mRNA),10,000 long noncoding RNA(lncRNA),3,500 circular RNA(circRNA)and 1,000 micro RNA(miRNA)were identified.Furthermore,43 mRNA,121 lncRNA and 3 miRNA were differentially expressed,whereas no obvious differentially expressed circRNA were detected between the 2 groups.Gene Ontology(GO)annotation revealed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in oxidoreductase activity,stress,metabolism,the immune response,cell apoptosis,and cell proliferation.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis showed that the deferentially expressed genes were highly enriched in the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3) K-serine/threonine kinase(AKT)signaling pathway(P<0.05).According to KEGG pathway analysis,the differentially expressed lncRNA(DElncRNA)target genes were mainly related to proteasomes,peroxisomes,and the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathway(P<0.005).Further bioinformatics and integrative analyses revealed that the lncRNA were strongly correlated with mRNA;therefore,it is reasonable to speculate that lncRNA potentially play important roles in the liver dysfunction induced by SARA.Our study provides a valuable resource for future investigations on the mechanisms of SARA to facilitate an understanding of the importance of lncRNA,and offer functional RNA information.

Comparative proteomic analysis of the effects of high-concentrate diet on the hepatic metabolism and inflammatory response in lactating dairy goats

Background： To understand the impact of feeding a high-concentrate diet to mid-lactating goats for a long time on liver metabolism and inflammatory response, two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis（2-DE） and real-time PCR method were employed to detect proteins differentially expressed in liver and their m RNAs expression in goats fed high concentrate diet（HC） or low concentrate diet（LC）. Twelve lactating dairy goats were randomly assigned to either a HC diet group（65 % concentrate of dry matter; n = 6） or a LC diet group（35 % concentrate of dry matter; n = 6） for 10 wk.Results： Twenty differentially expressed spots（≥2.0-fold changes） in the hepatic tissues were excised and successfully identified using MALDI TOF/TOF. Of these, 8 proteins were up-regulated, while the rest 12 proteins were down-regulated in HC goats compared to LC. Differential expressed proteins including alpha enolase 1（ENO1）, glutamate dehydrogenase 1（GLUD1）, glutathione S-transferase A1（GSTA1）, ATP synthase subunit 5β（ATP5β）, superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn]（SOD1）, cytochrom c oxidase subunit Via（COX6A1） and heat shock protein 60（HSP60） were further verified by real-time PCR and/or western blot at m RNA or protein expression level. Consistent with the 2-DE results, a significant decrease of β-actin protein expression and SOD enzyme activity was observed in liver of HC goats（P 〈 0.05）, while ENO1 protein expression was significantly up-regulated in HC compared to LC goats（P 〈 0.05）. However, western blot analysis did not show a significant difference of hepatic HSP60 protein between HC and LC group, which did not match the decrease of HSP60 content detected by 2-DE analysis. Real-time PCR showed that glutathione S-transferase P1（GSTP1） and SOD1 m RNA expression was significantly decreased in liver of HC goats, while cytochrom c oxidase（COX3） and ATPase 8（ATP8） m RNAs expression were markedly increased compared to LC（P 〈 0.05）. Gene Ontology（GO） analysis revealed that HC diet resulted in altered expression of proteins related to catalytic and mitochondrial metabolism in the liver, and may increase the stress response with up-regulating the expression of differentiation 14（CD14） cluster and serum amyloid A（SAA） as well as C-reactive protein（CRP） in the liver.Conclusions： These results suggest that feeding high concentrate diet to lactating goats for 10 wk leads to the activation of the inflammatory response, and decreases the anti-oxidant capacity, and subsequently impairs the mitochondrial function in the liver.

Effect of mixed moderately thermophilic adaptation on leachability and mechanism of high arsenic gold concentrate in an airlift bioreactor

A refractory gold concentrate with 19% arsenic was treated by a mixed moderately thermophiles in an airlift bioreactor through an adaptation protocol. The moderately thermophiles could respond well to 20%(w/v) pulp density with less than 10% loss of productivity, and resist arsenic up to 15 g/L. There were a lot of jarosite, arsenolite and sulfur, but not scorodite and ferric arsenate in the bioleached residue. Jarosite passivation and lower sulfur-oxidizing activity of the cells due to the toxicity of the high concentrations of soluble arsenic and iron ions at low p H value should mainly response for the incomplete extraction at high pulp density. The initial bacterial community did not change in nature except for new found P aeruginosa ANSC, but sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms have been dominant microorganisms after a long time of adaptation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa originating from the gold concentrate should be closely relative to the metabolism of the organic matters contained in the refractory gold concentrate.

Optimal Dearsenification Parameters of Gold Sulfide Concentrate with a High As Content

The gold sulfide concentrate with a high As content in Liangshan District, Sichuan Province, China, is a potentially important resource. This paper describes experiments of dearsenification of gold concentrate in a weakly reduced atmosphere in a rotary pipe furnace. The results showed that the optimal parameters were a temperature range of 650-700℃, 15%-16% CO2 of gas and a reaction time of 30-40 min. The removal rate of arsenic and sulfur was over 95% and 25%-28%, respectively. With further oxidization and roasting, residue sulfur in the roasted materials was dropped to below 4%, and the cyanide leaching recovery of gold was over 92%.

Effects of Controlled Atmospheres with High_O_2 or High_CO_2 Concentrations on Postharvest Physiology and Storability of "Napoleon" Sweet Cherry

Sweet cherries ( Prunus avium L. cv. Napoleon) were stored in controlled atmospheres (CA) of high O(2) (70% O(2) + 0% CO(2)) or high CO(2) (5% O(2) + 10% CO(2)), in modified atmosphere package (MAP, (13% - 18%) O(2) + (2% -4%) CO(2)) and in air (control) at 1 degreesC to investigate the effects of different O(2) and CO(2) concentrations on physiological properties, quality and storability of the fruits during storage. The results indicated that compared with other treatments, CA with high O(2) concentration decreased fruit decay and ethanol content, but increased the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and stimulated browning. CA with high CO(2) concentration inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, reduced MDA content, maintained vitamin C content and firmness, decreased fruit decay and browning. Soluble solids contents (SSC) were not significantly affected by different atmosphere treatments. 'Napoleon' fruits stored in 5% O(2) + 10% CO(2) for as long as 80 d were of good quality, but only 40, 20 and 30 d stored in MAP, 70% O(2) + 0% CO(2) and air, re-spectively.

Negative effects of long-term feeding of high-grain diets to lactating goats on milk fat production and composition by regulating gene expression and DNA methylation in the mammary gland

Background： It is well known that feeding a high concentrate（HC） diet to lactating ruminants likely induces subacute ruminal acidosis（SARA） and leads to a decrease in milk fat production. However, the effects of feeding a HC diet for long periods on milk fatty acids composition and the mechanism behind the decline of milk fat still remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of feeding a HC diet to lactating dairy goats on milk fat yield and fatty acids composition with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying the milk fat depression. Seventeen mid-lactating dairy goats were randomly allocated to three groups. The control treatment was fed a low-concentrate diet（35% concentrate, n = 5, LC） and there were two high-concentrate treatments（65% concentrate, HC）, one fed a high concentrate diet for a long period（19 wks, n = 7, HL）; one fed a high concentrate diet for a short period of time（4 wk, n = 5, HS）. Milk fat production and fatty acids profiles were measured. In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying the changes in milk fat production and composition,the gene expression involved in lipid metabolism and DNA methylation in the mammary gland were also analyzed.Results： Milk production was increased by feeding the HC diet in the HS and HL groups compared with the LC diet（P 〈 0.01）, while the percentage of milk fat was lower in the HL（P 〈 0.05） but not in the HS group. The total amount of saturated fatty acids（SFA） in the milk was not changed by feeding the HC diet, whereas the levels of unsaturated fatty acids（UFA） and monounsaturated fatty acids（MUFA） were markedly decreased in the HL group compared with the LC group（P 〈 0.05）. Among these fatty acids, the concentrations of C15：0（P 〈 0.01）, C17：0（P 〈 0.01）, C17：1（P 〈 0.01）, C18：1 n-9 c（P 〈 0.05）, C18：3 n-3 r（P 〈 0.01） and C20：0（P 〈 0.01） were markedly lower in the HL group, and the concentrations of C20：0（P 〈 0.05） and C18：3 n-3 r（P 〈 0.01） were lower in the HS group compared with the LC group. However, the concentrations of C18：2 n-6 c（P 〈 0.05） and C20：4 n-6（P 〈 0.05） in the milk fat were higher in the HS group. Real-time PCR results showed that the m RNA expression of the genes involved in milk fat production in the mammary gland was generally decreased in the HL and HS groups compared with the LC group. Among these genes, ACSL1, ACSS1 ＆ 2, ACACA, FAS, SCD, FADS2, and SREBP1 were downregulated in the mammary gland of the HL group（P 〈 0.05）, and the expressions of ACSS2, ACACA, and FADS2 m RNA were markedly decreased in the HS goats compared with the LC group（P 〈 0.05）. In contrast to the gene expression, the level of DNA methylation in the promoter regions of the ACACA and SCD genes was increased in the HL group compared with the LC group（P 〈 0.05）. The levels of ACSL1 protein expression and FAS enzyme activity were also decreased in the mammary gland of the HL compared with the LC group（P 〈 0.05）.Conclusions： Long-term feeding of a HC diet to lactating goats induced milk fat depression and FAs profile shift with lower MUFAs but higher SFAs. A general down-regulation of the gene expression involved in the milk fat production and a higher DNA methylation in the mammary gland may contribute to the decrease in milk fat production in goats fed a HC diet for long time periods.

Homogeneous Acetylation of Cellulose at Relatively High Concentrations in an Ionic Liquid

At relatively high cellulose mass concentrations(8%,10%,and 12%),homogeneous acetylation of cellulose was carried out in an ionic liquid,1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(AmimCl).Without using any catalyst,cellulose acetates(CAs)with the degree of substitution(DS)in a range from 0.4 to 3.0 were synthesized in one-step.The effects of reaction time,temperature and molar ratio of acetic anhydride/anhydroglucose unit(AGU) in cellulose on DS value of CAs were investigated.The synthesized CAs were characterized by means of FT-IR, NMR,and solubility,mechanical and thermal tests.After the acetylation,the used ionic liquid AmimCl was easily recycled and reused.This study shows the potential of the homogeneous acetylation of cellulose at relatively high concentrations in ionic liquids in future industrial applications.

Stable interfaces constructed by concentrated ether electrolytes to render robust lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)are highly considered as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems.However,routine electrolytes cannot tolerate the high potential at cathodes and low potential at anodes simultaneously,leading to severe interfacial reactions.Herein,a highly concentrated electrolyte(HCE)region trapped in porous carbon coating layer is adopted to form a stable and highly conductive solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)on Li metal surface.The protected Li metal anode can potentially match the high-voltage cathode in ester electrolytes.Synergistically,this ingenious design promises high-voltage-resistant interfaces at cathodes and stable SEI with abundance of inorganic components at anodes simultaneously in high-voltage LMBs.The feasibility of this interface-regulation strategy is demonstrated in Li|LiFePO_(4) batteries,realizing a lifespan twice as long as the routine cells,with a huge capacity retention enhancement from 46.4%to 88.7%after 100 cycles.This contribution proof-ofconcepts the emerging principles on the formation and regulation of stable electrode/electrolyte interfaces in the cathode and anode simultaneously towards the next-generation high-energy-density batteries.

Particle characteristics and rheological constitutive relations of high concentration red mud

Red mud has relatively small solid particles （d50= 13.02 μm） and will flow in paste form under high pressure during pipeline transport. Red mud belongs to a two-phase flow of materials with high viscosity and a high concentration of non-sedimentation, homogeneous solid-liquids. It is difficult to test its rheological properties under atmospheric pressure. Measurements such as rotational viscometry can not reflect the real state of the material when it is flowing in a pipe. Tested rheological parameters are somewhat higher than the actual values. In our investigation, grain shape, distinctive modality and grain size distribution of red mud were tested. Based on the principle of tube measurement, rheological experiments on red mud at different concentrations were carried out by using our independently developed tube-type pressure theology test facility, and obtained constitutive equations. We conclude that red mud behaves as non-Newtonian pseudo-plastic fluid in pipe flows. Its consistency and power-law indices vary considerably with different concentrations.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS ON DIFFUSION CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH CONCENTRATION JETS IN ENVIRONMENTAL CURRENTS

By means of flow visualization and quantitative measurement, the diffusion pattern and concentration distribution characteristics of high concentration jets vertically discharged into shallow moving waterbody were experimentally investigated in water channel. The interactions between the high concentration jets and environmental flow conditions were analysed, and the formulae of impinging point coordinate and transverse spread angle are gained from data analysis. Experimental results indicate that the jets show complicated flow patterns and diffusion characteristics in near region, which are different from common submerged jets, and spread downstream in the manner of density currents.

Reduction of Cr(Ⅵ) with a relative high concentration using different kinds of zero-valent iron powders: Focusing on effect of carbon content and structure on reducibility

Reduction of Cr(VI)using zero-valent iron(ZVI)could not only decrease the amounts of chemicals used for reduction,but also decrease the discharge of sludge.In order to find a desirable ZVI material,reduction of Cr(VI)with a relative high concentration using different kinds of ZVI powders(mainly carbon differences)including reduced Fe,grey cast iron,pig iron,nodular pig iron was carried out.Parameters such as ZVI dosage,type and size affecting on Cr(VI)reduction were firstly examined and grey cast iron was selected as a preferable reducing material,followed by pig iron.Additionally,it was found that the parameters had significant influences on experimental kinetics.Then,morphology and composition of the sample before and after reaction were characterized by SEM,EPMA and XPS analyses to disclose carbon effect on the reducibility.In order to further interpret reaction mechanism,different reaction models were constructed.It was revealed that not only the carbon content could affect the Cr(VI)reduction,but also the carbon structure had an important effect on its reduction.

Calculation of H_2O-NH_3-CO_2 Vapor Liquid Equilibria at High Concentration Conditions

A vapor liquid equilibrium model and its related interactive energy parameters based on UNIQUAC model for the H2O-NH3-CO2 system without solid phase at the conditions of temperature from 30℃ to 90℃, pressure from 0.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa, and the maximum NH3 mass fraction up to 0.4 are provided. This model agrees with experimental data well (average relative error < 1%) and is useful for analysis of industrial urea production.

Preparation of High Concentration Polyaluminum Chloride with High Al_c Content by Membrane Distillation

A direct contact membrane distillation（DCMD）process was applied to prepare high concentration polyaluminum chloride（PACl）with high Alc content.The changes in total Al concentration（AlT）and Al species distribution were investigated.The results showed that AlT increased but the flux decreased with operating time during the DCMD process.The Alc content increased from 65%to 81%while the Alb content decreased from 34% to 18%,and the Ala content was almost 1%in the process.2.1 mol·L 1PACl with 81%Alc was successfully prepared by DCMD method.Thus the DCMD is an effective method for preparing high concentration PACl with high Alc content.

Influence of high concentration Zn^(2+) on floatability of sphalerite in acidic system

The influence of high concentration Zn^(2+) on the floatability of sphalerite in an acidic system was investigated via flotation experiments,zeta potential measurements,contact angle measurements,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The results indicated that Zn^(2+) was adsorbed on the sphalerite surface and a Zn-hydroxyl complex was formed at a pH of 4 and a Zn^(2+) concentration of 4×10^(-2) mol/L.The zeta potential increased and the contact angle decreased from 84.80°to 36.48°,strongly inhibiting the floatability of sphalerite.When S^(2−) or Cu^(2+) activator was used alone,sphalerite was not activated after Zn^(2+) was adsorbed,and its contact angle did not change significantly.However,by using a combination of S^(2−) and Cu^(2+) activators,its floatability was realized after Zn^(2+) adsorption.This result was attributed to the removal of the Zn-hydroxyl complex on the surface of sphalerite by S^(2-).After this removal,Cu^(2+) was adsorbed on the sphalerite surface to form a Cu_(2)S·S^(0) hydrophobic film.

Effects of High Concentration Glucose on the Expression of NF-κB,Bax and Cytochrome C and Apoptosis of Islet Cells in Mice

The roles of NF-kappaB （NF-κB） expression, Bax activity and cytochrome C （Cyt C） release, apoptosis of islet cells induced by high concentration glucose were explored in vitro. Pancreatic islet cells, which were isolated from Kunming mice, were cultured with different concentrations of glucose in DMEM, and divided into the following groups： G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6 groups, corresponding to the glucose concentrations of 5.6, 7.8, 11.1, 16.7, 22.5, and 27.6 mmol/L, respectively. After culture for 120 h, insulin secretion was evaluated by radioimmunoassay, and the NF-rd3 expression was detected by immunocytochemistry. Bax activity and Cyt C release were measured by immunofluorescence, and apoptosis was examined by Hoechst33342 assay. The results showed that in GI, G2 and G3 groups, insulin secretion was enhanced with the increase of glucose concentration, and the NF-κB expression was also increased （P〈0.05）, but Bax activity, Cyt C release and apoptosis rate showed no significant difference among them. However, in G4, G5, and G6 groups, apoptosis rate of islet cells, NF-rd3 expression, Bax activity, and Cyt C release were all significantly increased, and insulin secretion was impaired as compared with G1, G2, and G3 groups （P〈0.05）. It was concluded that the exposure of islet cells to high glucose could induce islet cells apoptosis as well as impaired insulin secretion. The NF-κB signaling pathway and mitochondria pathway in islet cells might play some roles in the progressive loss of islet cells in diabetes. The inhibition of the NF-κB expression could be an effective strategy for protecting pancreatic islet cells.

Behavior of SiO_2 in the leaching process of alumina clinker with high concentration

It is essential for alumina production by alkaline process to know the behavior of minerals containing Al and Si in basic solution,and the behavior of SiO2 in the process of clinker leaching is an important portion. To study the behavior of SiO2 in the process of high concentration clinker leaching,experiments were carried out in home-made reactors. The results indicate that factors,such as temperature,time,Al2O3 concentration,as well as SiO2 concentration,have profound impact on the SiO2 and Al2O3 concen-tration of pregnant liquor during the high concentration leaching. However,sodium carbonate and free caustic soda concentrations have no remarkable effect on it,thus they are the secondary factors compared with Al2O3 concentration. The concentration of SiO2 in the pregnant liquor could be reduced to a lower level when the major effect parameters of this process are controlled properly.

MXene-based symmetric supercapacitors with high voltage and high energy density

MXene-based aqueous symmetric supercapacitors(SSCs)are attractive due to their good rate performances and green nature.However,it remains a challenge to reach voltages much over 1.2 V,which significantly diminishes their energy density.Herein,we report on Mo_(1.33)CTz MXene-based SSCs possessing high voltages in a 19.5 M LiCl electrolyte.Benefiting from the vacancy-rich structure and high stable potential window of Mo_(1.33)CTz,the obtained SSCs deliver a maximum energy density of>38.2 mWh cm^(-3) at a power density of 196.6 mW cm^(-3) under an operating voltage of 1.4 V,along with excellent rate performance and impressive cycling stability.This highly concentrated LiCl electrolyte is also applicable to Ti_(3)C_(2)Tz,the most widely studied MXene,achieving a maximum energy density of>41.3 mWh cm^(-3) at a power density of 165.2 mW cm^(-3) with an operating voltage of 1.8 V.The drop in energy density with increasing power in the Ti_(3)C_(2)Tz cells was steeper than for the Mo-based cells.This work provides a roadmap to develop superior SSCs with high voltages and high energy densities.

Fatigue Behavior of High Speed Steel Roll Materials for Hot Rolling by Laser Impacting

The fatigue behavior of high speed steel （HSS） roll materials for hot rolling was researched under watercooling conditions by laser impacting. The microstructure of HSS sample and the morphologies of fatigue samples were observed by scanning electron microscope. The phase structure was detected by XRD. The morphology of situ oxide scale was observed by optical microscope, and the expansion coefficient was measured by TGA. The experiment results indicate that the cracks come into being at the carbide-matrix interface, but there are no cracks in the matrix after many times of laser impacting treatment, for the situ sample taken from the fractured roll surface, big carbides are more sensitive to the fatigue, and peel off prior to small ones. The relevant fatigue mechanisms are also discussed.

Isolation of a novel strain of Cyanobacterium sp.with good adaptation to extreme alkalinity and high polysaccharide yield

The use of high alkaline medium is a feasible way to provide carbon source and prevent biological contamination for the outdoor cultivation of alkaliphilic microalgae and cyanobacteria.A novel cyanobacterial strain was isolated from the open pond of a marine green alga(Picochlorum sp.SCSIO-45015,Sanya,Hainan)and identified as Cyanobacterium sp.SCSIO-45682.The effects of initial sodium bicarbonate(NaHCO_(3))concentrations on the growth and biochemical composition of Cyanobacterium sp.SCSIO-45682 were investigated.The results demonstrated that Cyanobacterium sp.SCSIO-45682 had good adaptation to 16.8-g/L NaHCO_(3)(the same concentration of NaHCO_(3) used in Zarrouk medium for Spirulina).Moreover,the yields of biomass,polysaccharide,chlorophyll a(chl a),and phycocyanin increased under high NaHCO_(3) concentrations.The maximum final biomass concentration of 2.5 g/L was observed at 8.4-g/L NaHCO_(3),while the highest intracellular total saccharide content of 49.2%of dry weight(DW)and exopolysaccharide(EPS)concentration of 93 mg/L were achieved at the NaHCO_(3) concentration of 16.8 g/L.The crude protein content declined under high NaHCO_(3) concentrations,which provide a possible explanation for the accumulation of polysaccharide.This study shows a good potential of alkaliphilic Cyanobacterium sp.SCSIO-45682 as a polysaccharide feedstock.

Spectrum-Splitting Diffractive Optical Element of High Concentration Factor and High Optical Efficiency for Three-Junction Photovoltaics

A spectrum-splitting and beam-concentrating （SSBC） diffractive optical element （DOE） for three-junction pho- tovoltaics （PV） system is designed and fabricated by five-circ/e micro-fabrication. The incident solar light is efficiently split into three sub-spectrum ranges and strongly concentrated on the focal plane, which can be di- rectly utilized by suitable spectrum-matching solar cells. The system concentration factor reaches 12x. Moreover, the designed wavelengths （450nm, 550nm and 65Onto） are spatially distributed on the focal plane, in good agree- ment with the theoretical results. The average optical effic/ency of all the cells over the three designed wavelengths is 60.07%. The SSBC DOE with a high concentration factor and a high optical efficiency provides a cost-effective approach to achieve higher PV conversion efficieneies.