The porcine zygotic genome activation occurs along with global epigenetic remolding at the 4-cell stage. The histone acetylation, regulating DNA transcription, replication and so on, requires adequate acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA produced by translocated pyruvate dehydrogenase in the nucleus of mammalian cells has been reported, which is commonly considered locating in the mitochondria. To find out whether the nuclear pyruvate dehydrogenase regulating the histone acetylation by controlling generation of acetyl-CoA, a multiple sgRNAs-CRISPR/Cas9 targeting strategy was employed to generate a pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha1 (Pdha1) knockout (KO) parthenogenetic embryo model. Results showed that the targeting efficiency of Pdha1 reached more than 90%. Hence, this model was used in the subsequent experiments. Furthermore, a translocation of Pdha1 during zygotic genome activation was found by immunofluorescent staining and was significantly inhibited by Pdha1 KO. Meanwhile, the 8-cell stage embryo rate significantly decreased after 72 h (24.19% vs 12.53%, control vs Pdha1 KO), indicating a 4-cell arrest. In addition, the nuclear histone acetylation level significantly decreased when Pdha1 was KO. To determine whether the zygotic genome transcription was affected, the qPCR was performed and showed that the mRNA level of Eif1A, Acly, Sqle and Pdha1 all dropped significantly in the Pdha1 KO group compared to the control. In conclusion, the translocated Pdha1 generates acetyl-CoA for histone acetylation inside the nucleus of porcine embryos, which promotes the zygotic genome activation of porcine embryos.

26 wild accessions and 2 cultivars of whip grass (Hemarthria compress a (L. f.) R. Br.), which collected in the fields of Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU), were used to study on their ploidy level and reproductive characteristics. The results showed that there were 4 tetraploids (14.3%), H028, H029, H052, H053, chromosome numbers were 2n=4x=36, and 24 hexaploids (85.7%), 2n=6x=54. There was no significant correlation between geographical distribution and ploidy level in this research. From 2006 to 2008, hexaploids set few seeds, but all of the tetraploids set some seeds more or less. H052 had the highest seed set (11.22%). The tetraploids had potential for seed production, especially H052, it should be possible to obtain hybrids by cross-pollination in the future.

The efficiency of port operations is an important indicator of port development. Moreover, there is excess handling capacity in Chinese ports, which results in a slower speed of development. Under the detrimental environment of the international shipping market, it is necessary to improve the operation efficiency of ports for long-term development. This paper provides an assessment of the competitiveness of Chinese seaport companies using the Boston Consulting Group’s matrix, and efficiency measurements using a data envelopment analysis and the Malmquist method. This analysis showed that highly efficient companies reformed their development strategies, which should be a solution considered by less efficient companies, such as Shenzhen Yan Tian Port Holdings Co., Ltd.. Although, having high throughput should be reformed in the investment structure. This research will assist port companies in gaining effective operating experience, and governments in establishing strategic planning to enhance the efficiency of port development.