Small Tail Research Articles

Effects of tributyrin supplementation on in vitro culture fermentation and methanogenesis and in vivo dietary nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus losses in Small Tail ewes

Butyric acid and its salt have been used as feed additives to improve feed efficiency, nutrient degradability and animal growth. In this study, an in vitro trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of tributyrin (TB) supplementation on fermentation, enzyme activity and gas production at dosages of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg dry matter (DM) basis in substrate, which was incubated for 36 h. In addition, an in vivo trial with the same concentrations of TB in diet as in vitro trial was conducted to assess the influence of TB addition on utilization of dietary nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. Forty-five adult Small Tail ewes were randomly assigned to 5 treatments of 9 ewes each by initial body weight (55 ± 5 kg, mean ± SD). The in vivo trial lasted 18 days, and ewes had free access to water and the ration mixed with TB. The results showed that TB decreased in vitro molar proportion of acetate (P < 0.001), but increased propionate (P = 0.004), butyrate (P < 0.001) and valerate (P < 0.001). Tributyrin improved in vitro fermentation efficiency (P = 0.003) and enhanced activity of xylanase (P = 0.008), carboxymethyl cellulase (P = 0.062) and avicelase (P = 0.006). Tributyrin increased the in vitro apparent degradability of DM (P = 0.002), crude protein (P < 0.001), neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.001) and acid detergent fiber (P = 0.056). Tributyrin increased in vitro methanogenesis (P < 0.001), but decreased carbon dioxide production (P < 0.001). Besides, TB supplementation improved in vivo utilization of dietary nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. The results indicated that TB addition had positive effects on not only in vitro fermentation but also in vivo dietary nutrient utilization, despite having an enhancing effect on methanogenesis.

Sach-Gaurav:World’s First Cloned Buffalo Born In The Field At An Indian Dairy Farm

Recently, the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes has produced world’s first cloned buffalo in the field, named Sach-Gaurav, on 22 December 2017. In addition to being the world’s first cloned buffalo born in the field, this is also India’s first cloned calf of Assamese buffalo; earlier only Murrah breed of buffaloes was cloned. A small tail tissue of Assamese buffalo was airlifted from the College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati (which is 2000 km away from our cloning laboratory) to establish the cultures of donor cells. This proves that distant and remote animals can be cloned. A singlet method of embryo reconstruction has been used, with one recipient oocyte instead of two (a standard Indian version of animal cloning method). It is a step towards simplification of animal cloning technique, and this approach can reduce the mitochondrial heteroplasmy in cloned calves. Ovaries of Murrah buffalo were used as a source of recipient oocytes, indicating that oocytes from one breed of buffaloes can reprogramme donor cells of other breeds. Also, the Murrah buffalo can serve as a surrogate mother for other buffalo breeds.

Role of dendritic cells in lipopolysaccharide induced cardiac dysfunction in mice

To observe the role of dendritic cells (DC) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial dysfunction in mice. Eighty wild type male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups, according to random number table method: sham group, DC inhibitors in control group (VAG539-sham group), LPS sepsis model group (LPS group) and DC inhibitors pretreatment group (VAG539-LPS group), 20 in each group. The cardiac dysfunction model of sepsis mice was established by LPS intraperitoneal injection; the sham group was injected with the same dose of normal saline. VAG539-sham group and VAG539-LPS group were injected with the DC inhibitor VAG539 (30 mg/kg, twice per day, for 2 days) before injection with normal saline or LPS, respectively. Ten mice in each group were used to observe the 14-day survival rate. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the remaining 10 mice was measured through the small animal tail artery cannula; the cardiac function [including the heart rate (HR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and short axial shortening rate (FS)] were evaluated by small animal echocardiography; the aggregation and maturation of myocardial DC were detected by flow cytometry; and serum inflammatory factors [including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-12, IL-6)] were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with sham group, the 14-day cumulative survival rate in LPS group was significantly reduced, while HR, MAP, LVEF and FS were significantly decreased, and the number of DC in myocardial tissues was significantly increased, and the levels of serum inflammatory factors were increased significantly. The 14-day cumulative survival rate in VAG539-LPS group was significantly higher than that in the LPS group (55% vs. 15%, P < 0.05). Compared with LPS group, after pretreatment by VAG539, the HR, MAP, LVEF and FS were significantly increased [HR (bpm): 610±25 vs. 556±28, MAP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 68±6 vs. 42±2, LVEF: 0.48±0.02 vs. 0.30±0.03, FS: (34±3)% vs. (14±2)%, P < 0.05]; the number of DC in myocardial tissue was significantly decreased from 6.5% to 3.7%; the level of serum inflammatory factors were significantly decreased [TNF-α (ng/L): 192.00±25.45 vs. 291.34±23.12, IL-12 (ng/L): 58.44±12.37 vs. 78.43±11.24, IL-6 (ng/L): 46.97±8.12 vs. 149.12±15.45, all P < 0.05]. Sepsis can cause cardiac dysfunction, and it can play an important role by inhibiting the DC cell function of myocardium and reducing the expression of inflammatory factors.

Effects of tributyrin supplementation on ruminal microbial protein yield, fermentation characteristics and nutrients degradability in adult Small Tail ewes.

Two trials were conducted to assess the effects of tributyrin (TB) supplementation on ruminal microbial protein yield and fermentation characteristics in adult sheep. In an invitro trial, substrate was made to offer TB at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8g/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis and incubated for 48hr. In an invivo trial, 45 adult ewes were randomly assigned by initial body weight (55±5kg) to five treatments of nine animals over an 18-day period. Total mixed ration was made to offer TB to ewes at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8g/kg on a DM basis. The invitro trial showed that TB enhanced apparent degradation of DM (p=.009), crude protein (p<.001), neutral detergent fiber (p=.007) and acid detergent fiber (p=.010) and increased methanogenesis (p<.001), respectively. The invivo trial showed that TB decreased DM intake (p<.001) and enhanced rumen microbial N synthesis (p<.001), respectively. Both invitro and invivo trials showed that TB increased total volatile fatty acid concentration and enhanced fibrolytic enzyme activity. The results indicated that TB might exert positive effects on microbial protein yield and fermentation in the rumen.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the HIRA Gene Affect Litter Size in Small Tail Han Sheep.

Simple SummaryLitter size is one of the most important reproductive traits in sheep. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), g.71874104G>A and g.71833755T>C, in the Histone Cell Cycle Regulator (HIRA) gene, were identified by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and may be correlated with litter size in sheep. The two SNPs were genotyped and expression patterns of HIRA was determined in sheep breeds with different fecundity and in groups of Small Tail Han sheep producing large or small litters. Association analysis indicated that both SNPs were significantly correlated with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep. Furthermore, high levels of HIRA expression may have a negative effect on litter size in Small Tail Han sheep.Maintenance of appropriate levels of fecundity is critical for efficient sheep production. Opportunities to increase sheep litter size include identifying single gene mutations with major effects on ovulation rate and litter size. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 89 Chinese domestic sheep from nine different geographical locations and ten Australian sheep were analyzed to detect new polymorphisms affecting litter size. Comparative genomic analysis of sheep with contrasting litter size detected a novel set of candidate genes. Two SNPs, g.71874104G>A and g.71833755T>C, were genotyped in 760 Small Tail Han sheep and analyzed for association with litter size. The two SNPs were significantly associated with litter size, being in strong linkage disequilibrium in the region 71.80–71.87 Mb. This haplotype block contains one gene that may affect litter size, Histone Cell Cycle Regulator (HIRA). HIRA mRNA levels in sheep with different lambing ability were significantly higher in ovaries of Small Tail Han sheep (high fecundity) than in Sunite sheep (low fecundity). Moreover, the expression levels of HIRA in eight tissues of uniparous Small Tail Han sheep were significantly higher than in multiparous Small Tail Han sheep (p < 0.05). HIRA SNPs significantly affect litter size in sheep and are useful as genetic markers for litter size.

Expression of selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPx5) in the epididymis of Small Tail Han sheep.

ObjectiveSelenium-independent glutathione peroxidase (GPx5) is specifically expressed in the mammalian epididymis and plays an important role in protecting sperm from reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation damage. This study investigates GPx5 expression in the epididymis of Small Tail Han sheep.MethodsGPx5 expression was studied in three age groups: lamb (2 to 3 months), young (8 to 10 months), and adult (18 to 24 months). The epididymis of each age group divided into caput, corpus and cauda, respectively. Analysis the expression quantity of GPx5 in epididymis and testis by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Finally, GPx5 protein locating in the epididymis by immunohistochemical.ResultsThe results demonstrate that in the lamb group, the GPx5 mRNA, but not protein, can be detected. GPx5 mRNA and expressed protein were detected in both the young and adult groups. Moreover, both the mRNA and protein levels of GPx5 were significantly higher in the young group than in other two groups. When the different segments of epididymis were investigated, GPx5 mRNA was expressed in each segment of epididymis regardless of age. Additionally, the mRNA level in the caput was significantly higher than that in corpus and cauda within same age group. The GPx5 protein was in the epithelial cells’ cytoplasm. However, GPx5 mRNA and protein were not detected in the testis.ConclusionThese results suggest that GPx5 is mainly expressed in the epididymis of Small Tail Han sheep, and that the expression level of GPx5 is associated with age. Additionally, GPx5 was primarily expressed in the epithelial cells of the caput. Taken together, these studies indicate that GPx5 is expressed in the epididymis in all age grades.

Effects of tributyrin supplementation on short-chain fatty acid concentration, fibrolytic enzyme activity, nutrient digestibility and methanogenesis in adult Small Tail ewes

AbstractIn vivo and in vitro trials were conducted to assess the effects of tributyrin (TB) supplementation on short-chain fatty acid (SFCA) concentrations, fibrolytic enzyme activity, nutrient digestibility and methanogenesis in adult sheep. Nine 12-month-old ruminally cannulated Small Tail ewes (initial body weight 55 ± 5.0 kg) without pregnancy were used for the in vitro trial. In vitro substrate made to offer TB at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis was incubated by ruminal microbes for 72 h at 39°C. Forty-five adult Small Tail ewes used for the in vivo trial were randomly assigned to five treatments with nine animals each for an 18-d period according to body weight (55 ± 5.0 kg). Total mixed ration fed to ewes was also used to offer TB at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg on a DM basis. The in vitro trial showed that TB supplementation linearly increased apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre, and enhanced gas production and methane emissions. The in vivo trial showed that TB supplementation decreased DM intake, but enhanced ruminal fermentation efficiency. Both in vitro and in vivo trials showed that TB supplementation enhanced total SFCA concentrations and carboxymethyl cellulase activity. The results indicate that TB supplementation might exert advantage effects on rumen microbial metabolism, despite having an enhancing effect on methanogenesis.

The activity and dynamical evolution of quasi-hilda asteroid (457175) 2008 GO98

The quasi-Hilda asteroid (457175) 2008 GO98 was found in a previous study as a good candidate to show cometary activity since it seems to come from the Centaurs region. The object was observed in the post-perihelion arc of its orbit during several runs between September 2016 and June 2017 with the 2.15m telescope at Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO) in San Juan, Argentina. The images obtained were analyzed and the object was observed active with a small coma that grew in size and brightness as the object moved away from the perihelion of the orbit, while in June 2017 it also showed a small tail. In order to get an estimation of the diameter of the nucleus the coma contribution has been calculated and subtracted to find values of 15.5±4.0km and 20.1±5.4km for albedos of pR=0.13 and pR=0.069, respectively. To understand the recent dynamical evolution of (457175) 2008 GO98, the orbit of the object and those of 100 clones were numerically integrated backward and forward in time for 30000yr. The dynamical evolution confirms that this object is a recent incomer from the outer region of the solar system but it will return to this region in a short period of time indicating that its present dynamical state is rather transient.

Metabolic Effects of FecB Gene on Follicular Fluid and Ovarian Vein Serum in Sheep (Ovis aries).

The FecB gene has been discovered as an important gene in sheep for its high relationship with the ovulation rate, but its regulatory mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were adopted to detect the metabolic effects of FecB gene in follicular fluid (FF) and ovarian vein serum (OVS) in Small Tail Han (STH) sheep. ANOVA and random forest statistical methods were employed for the identification of important metabolic pathways and biomarkers. Changes in amino acid metabolism, redox environment, and energy metabolism were observed in FF from the three FecB genotype STH ewes. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) showed that metabolic effects of FecB gene are more pronounced in FF than in OVS. Therefore, the difference of the metabolic profile in FF is also affected by the FecB genotypes. In Spearman correlation analysis, key metabolites (e.g., glucose 6-phosphate, glucose 1-phosphate, aspartate, asparagine, glutathione oxidized (GSSG), cysteine-glutathione disulfide, γ-glutamylglutamine, and 2-hydrosybutyrate) in ovine FF samples showed a significant correlation with the ovulation rate. Our findings will help to explain the metabolic mechanism of high prolificacy ewes and benefit fertility identification.

A Genome Comparison of T7-like Podoviruses That Infect Caulobacter crescentus.

Bacteriophages remain an understudied component of bacterial communities. Therefore, our laboratory has initiated an effort to isolate large numbers of bacteriophages that infect Caulobacter crescentus to provide an estimate of the diversity of bacteriophages that infect this common environmental bacterium. The majority of the new isolates are phicbkviruses, a genus of giant viruses that appear to be Caulobacter specific. However, we have also isolated several Podoviruses with icosahedral heads and small tails. One of these Podoviruses, designated Lullwater, is similar to two previously isolated Caulobacter phages, Cd1 and Percy. All three have genomes that are approximately 45kb and contain approximately 30 genes. The gene order is conserved among the three genomes with one of the genes coding for a DNA polymerase that has homology to the family of T7 DNA polymerases. Phylogenetic trees based on either the DNA polymerase or the RNA polymerase amino acid sequences suggests that the three phages represent a new branch of the T7virus tree. Based on these similarities, we concluded that Cd1, Lullwater, and Percy comprise a new group in the T7virus genus.

Effects of adding mannan oligosaccharides on digestibility and metabolism of nutrients, ruminal fermentation parameters, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of sheep.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of adding mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) on the following parameters in sheep: digestibility and retention rate of nutrients, ruminal fermentation, immunity, and antioxidant capacity. Twelve healthy crossbred wethers (Suffolk ♂ × Small tail Han-yang ♀) with external ruminal fistula and similar body weights (28.04 ± 2.07 kg) were fed individually four treatments, three repeats of each treatment. The wethers diets were supplemental MOS at 0%, 1.2%, 1.6%, and 2.0%·kg-1 of basal diet (as fed basis). The experiment lasted 17 d, including 10 d of acclimation and 7 d of formal experimentation. The results showed that MOS did not influence the apparent digestibility and retention rate of nutrients, ruminal fermentation, and immunity or concentration of serum nitric oxide and activity of serum nitric oxide synthase (P ≥ 0.07). However, the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber at MOS supplementation rates of 1.6% and 2.0% both tended to be greater than the control group (P ≤ 0.103). There was also moderate evidence that MOS might increase the nitrogen retention rate (P = 0.082). MOS increased the antioxidant ability of sheep (P ≤ 0.018), especially at a dose of 1.6%: an increase in activity of total superoxide dismutase (P = 0.007), glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.018) and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.001), and a decrease in concentration of malondialdehyde (P < 0.001) were found. The results indicated that in sheep MOS improved fiber digestion, N retention and some antioxidant abilities, but these effects may be too small to improve health and performance.

Genetic effects of PRNP gene insertion/deletion (indel) on phenotypic traits in sheep

ABSTRACTPrion protein (PRNP) gene is well known for affecting mammal transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), and is also reported to regulate phenotypic traits (e.g. growth traits) in healthy ruminants. To identify the insertion/deletion (indel) variations of the PRNP gene and evaluate their effects on growth traits, 768 healthy individuals from five sheep breeds located in China and Mongolia were identified and analyzed. Herein, four novel indel polymorphisms, namely, Intron-1-insertion-7bp (I1-7bp), Intron-2-insertion-15bp (I2-15bp), Intron-2-insertion-19bp (I2-19bp), and 3′ UTR-insertion-7bp (3′ UTR-7bp), were found in the sheep PRNP gene. In five analyzed breeds, the minor allelic frequencies (MAF) of the above indels were in the range of 0.008 to 0.986 (I1-7bp), 0.113 to 0.336 (I2-15bp), 0.281 to 0.510 (I2-19bp), and 0.040 to 0.238 (3′ UTR-7bp). Additionally, there were 15 haplotypes and the haplotype ‘II2-15bp-D3’UTR-7bp-DI2-19bp-DI1-7bp’ had the highest frequency, which varied from 0.464 to 0.629 in five breeds. Moreover, association analysis revealed that all novel indel polymorphisms were significantly associated with 13 different growth traits (P < 0.05). Particularly, the influences of I2-15bp on chest width (P = 0.001) in Small Tail Han sheep (ewe), 3′ UTR-7bp on chest circumference (P = 0.003) in Hu sheep, and I2-19bp on tail length (P = 0.001) in Tong sheep, were highly significant (P < 0.01). These findings may be a further step toward the detection of indel-based typing within and across sheep breeds, and of promising target loci for accelerating the progress of marker-assisted selection in sheep breeding.

An Integrated Analysis of miRNAs and Methylated Genes Encoding mRNAs and lncRNAs in Sheep Breeds with Different Fecundity.

In our previous study, we investigated the regulatory relationship between lncRNAs, miRNA, and mRNAs in an effort to shed light onto the regulatory mechanisms involved in sheep fecundity. As an extension of this study, here, we aimed to identify potential regulators of sheep fecundity using a genome-wide analysis of miRNAs and the methylated genes encoding mRNAs and lncRNAs in the ovaries of Dorset sheep (low fecundity) and Small Tail Han ewes (high fecundity) with the genotype BB (Han BB) and the genotype ++ (Han ++) by performing RNA-Seq and MeDIP-Seq analyses. Methylated coding-non-coding gene co-expression networks for Han and Dorset sheep were constructed using the methylated genes encoding the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs identified in this study. In the Han BB vs. Dorset comparison, the lncRNAs TTC26 and MYH15 had the largest degree. Similarly, the lncRNA NYAP1 had the largest degree in the Han ++ vs. Dorset comparison. None of the methylated genes encoding lncRNAs were co-expressed with the methylated genes encoding mRNAs in the Han BB vs. Han ++ comparison. The methylated genes encoding lncRNAs identified here may play a vital regulatory role in sheep breeding. Our results suggest that miRNAs might play a key role in sheep prolificacy by regulating target genes related to thyroid hormone synthesis, and methylated genes encoding lncRNAs associated with tight junctions might contribute to the high breeding rate in Han sheep. These findings may contribute to a deeper understanding of sheep prolificacy.

Molecular cloning and epigenetic change detection of Kiss1 during seasonal reproduction in Chinese indigenous sheep.

Like most seasonal domesticated species, sheep are short-day breeders, which means that the reproduction axis is activated by short days. The annual photoperiodic cycle affects the amount of daylength information that is transmitted to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by regulating pulsatile secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin, which is encoded by Kiss1, plays a major role in reproductive seasonality. Based on results from our previous Solexa sequencing data obtained from Tan (T) and Small Tail Han (STH) sheep during anoestrus and the breeding season, full-length mRNA information for ovine Kiss1 was obtained; 894bp in T sheep and 1145bp in STH sheep. Both encode 135 amino acids. Additionally, T and STH sheep have different transcription start sites of Kiss1. Kiss1 expression during oestrus was significantly higher than that during dioestrus, both in T and STH sheep (P<0.01). We also found a strong relationship between Kiss1 mRNA levels and histone H3 acetylation status in the 5' promoter region of ovine Kiss1. These data indicated that epigenetic modification occurs during reproduction in sheep, and this is the first report that histone H3 deacetylation occurs in the hypothalamus of seasonal sheep breeders during the transition from dioestrus to oestrus.

A comparison of transcriptomic patterns measured in the skin of Chinese fine and coarse wool sheep breeds

We characterised wool traits, and skin gene expression profiles of fine wool Super Merino (SM) and coarse wool Small Tail Han (STH) sheep. SM sheep had a significantly higher total density of wool follicles, heavier fleeces, finer fibre diameter, and increased crimp frequency, staple length and wool grease (lanolin) production. We found 435 genes were expressed at significantly different levels in the skin of the two breeds (127 genes more highly in SM and 308 genes more highly in STH sheep). Classification of the genes more highly expressed in SM sheep revealed numerous lipid metabolic genes as well as genes encoding keratins, keratin-associated proteins, and wool follicle stem cell markers. In contrast, mammalian epidermal development complex genes and other genes associated with skin cornification and muscle function were more highly expressed in STH sheep. Genes identified in this study may be further evaluated for inclusion in breeding programs, or as targets for therapeutic or genetic interventions, aimed at altering wool quality or yield. Expression of the lipid metabolic genes in the skin of sheep may be used as a novel trait with the potential to alter the content or properties of lanolin or the fleece.

Global Alfvén eigenmodes in the H-1 heliac

Recent upgrades in H-1 power supplies have enabled the operation of the H-1 experiment at higher heating powers than previously attainable. A heating power scan in mixed hydrogen/helium plasmas reveals a change in mode activity with increasing heating power. At low power ( kW) modes with beta-induced Alfvén eigenmode frequency scaling are observed. At higher power modes consistent with an analysis of nonconventional global Alfvén eigenmodes (GAEs) are observed, the subject of this work. We have computed the mode continuum, and identified GAE structures using the ideal MHD solver CKA and the gyrokinetic code EUTERPE. An analytic model for ICRH-heated minority ions is used to estimate the fast ion temperature from the hydrogen species. Linear growth rate scans using a local flux surface stability calculation, LGRO, are performed. These studies demonstrate drive from the radial spatial gradient of circulating particles whose speed is significantly less than the Alfvén speed, and are resonant with the mode through harmonics of the Fourier decomposition of the strongly shaped heliac magnetic field. They reveal drive is possible with a small hot energetic tail of the hydrogen species, for which . Local linear growth rate scans are also complemented with global calculations from CKA and EUTERPE. These qualitatively confirm the findings from the LGRO study, and show that the inclusion of finite Larmor radius effects can reduce the growth rate by a factor of up to ten, and increases the marginal stability fast ion temperature by a factor of two. Finally, a study of damping of the global mode with the thermal plasma is conducted, computing continuum damping , and the damping arising from finite Larmor radius and parallel electric fields (via resistivity). We find that continuum damping is of order 0.1% for the configuration studied. A similar calculation in the cylindrical plasma model produces a frequency 35% higher and a damping 30% of the three-dimensional result: this confirms the importance of strong magnetic shaping to the frequency and damping. The inclusion of resistivity lifts the damping to . Such large damping is consistent with experimental observations that in absence of drive the mode decays rapidly (∼0.1 ms).

Histological analysis and identification of spermatogenesis-related genes in 2-, 6-, and 12-month-old sheep testes.

Testis development and spermatogenesis are vital factors that influence male animal fertility. In order to identify spermatogenesis-related genes and further provide a theory basis for finding biomarkers related to male sheep fertility, 2-, 6-, and 12-month-old Small Tail Han Sheep testes were selected to investigate the dynamic changes of sheep testis development. Hematoxylin-eosin routine staining and RNA-Seq technique were used to perform histological and transcriptome analysis for these testes. The results showed that 630, 102, and 322 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in 2- vs 6-month-old, 6- vs 12-month-old, and 2- vs 12-month-old testes, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis showed the following: DEGs in 2- vs 6-month-old testes were mainly related to the GO terms of sexual maturation and the pathways of multiple metabolism and biosynthesis; in 6- vs 12-month-old testes, most of the GO terms that DEGs involved in were related to metabolism and translation processes; the most significantly enriched pathway is the ribosome pathway. The union of DEGs in 2- vs 6-month-old, 6- vs 12-month-old, and 2- vs 12-month-old testes was categorized into eight profiles by series cluster. Subsequently, the eight profiles were classified into four model profiles and four co-expression networks were constructed based on the DEGs in these model profiles. Finally, 29 key regulatory genes related to spermatogenesis were identified in the four co-expression networks. The expression of 13 DEGs (CA3, APOH, MYOC, CATSPER4, SYT6, SERPINA10, DAZL, ADIPOR2, RAB13, CEP41, SPAG4, ODF1, and FRG1) was validated by RT-PCR.

Free Carrier Radiative Recombination and Photon Recycling in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cell Materials

Abstract Organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites are currently a most attractive class of materials since they have emerged as a solar cell material that realizes both high efficiency and simple low-cost fabrication. The power conversion efficiencies of perovskite solar cells now exceed 22%, which is comparable to that of commercially available CIGS and CdTe thin film solar cells. The key to further improvement is understanding the physical origin of the high efficiency of the perovskite solar cells, and a tremendous effort to come closer to this target has been made through numerous experiments. In this review article, we discuss the optoelectronic properties of perovskite CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I and Br) solar cell materials. Special attention is given to the free carrier recombination and photon recycling (the re-absorption of photons emitted by radiative recombination of photocarriers) processes in CH3NH3PbX3 single crystals, because a deep understanding of these processes is crucial for improving the solar cell performance. Lead halide perovskites show unique optical properties, e.g., extremely high quantum efficiency of luminescence, small Urbach tail in the absorption spectra, and long lifetime of photocarriers, which all suggest a low density of defects in the crystals. Because of these features, photon recycling efficiently occurs and dominates the optical processes of thick crystals.

Incident neutron spectra on the first wall and their application to energetic ion diagnostics in beam-injected deuterium–tritium tokamak plasmas

A diagnostic method for small non-Maxwellian tails in fuel-ion velocity distribution functions is proposed; this method uses the anisotropy of neutron emissions, and it is based on the numerical analysis of the incident fast neutron spectrum on the first wall of a fusion device. Neutron energy spectra are investigated for each incident position along the first wall and each angle of incidence assuming an ITER-like deuterium–tritium plasma; it is heated by tangential-neutral-beam injection. Evaluating the incident neutron spectra at all wall positions and angles of incidence enables the selective measurement of non-Gaussian components in the neutron emission spectrum for energetic ion diagnostics; in addition, the optimal detector position and orientation can be determined. At the optimal detector position and orientation, the ratio of non-Gaussian components to the Gaussian peak can be two orders of magnitude greater than the ratio in the neutron emission spectrum. This result can improve the accuracy of energetic ion diagnostics in plasmas when small, anisotropic non-Maxwellian tails are formed in fuel ion velocity distribution functions. We focus on the non-Gaussian components greater than 14 MeV, where the effect of the background noise (i.e., slowing-down neutrons by scattering throughout the machine structure) can be ignored.

Compassionate approaches for the conservation and protection of fire salamanders

The Near Eastern fire salamander, Salamandra infraimmaculata, is considered an endangered species in Israel and is near-threatened regionally. For 25 years, our laboratory has sought ethical sampling methods to protect individuals and populations of Salamandra. To “mark” individuals for estimating dispersal and population size, we use non-invasive individual-specific markings from photographs of larvae and adults. We demonstrated through mesocosm experiments (which are less mortality-driven than in nature) that exotic Gambusia affinis have extreme negative mortality effects on Salamandra larvae. From a compassionate conservation aspect, G. affinis should not be killed and placed in habitats where amphibians are not in danger and mosquitoes can be controlled. We identified breeding-site characteristics demonstrating that permanent breeding sites support larger adult populations than temporary breeding sites. For population genetics studies, we take minimal sized tail tips from adults (which have no adverse effects) for microsatellite data. For gene expression studies, rather than sacrifice entire bodies, we demonstrated that by taking only small larval tail tips, we could follow gene expression. We additionally demonstrated that tail tip removal does not affect survival, time to or size at metamorphosis. We documented high road kill rates at a specific breeding site. To prevent potential disease spread, we sterilize boots and sampling gear. We use results for implementing or recommending conservation of individuals and populations – e.g., identifying: movement corridors for breeding site dispersal; roadkill hotspots for under-road tunnels; suitable habitat for pool construction for more effective conservation; utilizing population genetics for recommending management units; information on demography and genetic diversity to identify hotspots for conservation; removal of Gambusia for amphibian protection.