Construction and evaluation of a liver cancer risk prediction model based on machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, and its early detection and treatment are crucial for enhancing patient survival rates and quality of life. However, the early symptoms of liver cancer are often not obvious, resulting in a late-stage diagnosis in many patients, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment. Developing a highly targeted, widely applicable, and practical risk prediction model for liver cancer is crucial for enhancing the early diagnosis and long-term survival rates among affected individuals. AIM: To develop a liver cancer risk prediction model by employing machine learning techniques, and subsequently assess its performance. METHODS: In this study, a total of 550 patients were enrolled, with 190 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 195 cirrhosis patients serving as the training cohort, and 83 HCC and 82 cirrhosis patients forming the validation cohort. Logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models were developed in the training cohort. Model performance was assessed in the validation cohort. Additionally, this study conducted a comparative evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy between the ASAP model and the model developed in this study using receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to determine the optimal predictive model for assessing liver cancer risk. RESULTS: Six variables including age, white blood cell, red blood cell, platelet counts, alpha-fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II levels were used to develop LR, SVM, RF, and LASSO regression models. The RF model exhibited superior discrimination, and the area under curve of the training and validation sets was 0.969 and 0.858, respectively. These values significantly surpassed those of the LR (0.850 and 0.827), SVM (0.860 and 0.803), LASSO regression (0.845 and 0.831), and ASAP (0.866 and 0.813) models. Furthermore, calibration and DCA indicated that the RF model exhibited robust calibration and clinical validity. CONCLUSION: The RF model demonstrated excellent prediction capabilities for HCC and can facilitate early diagnosis of HCC in clinical practice.

Study on visualization of impact damage characteristics of honey peaches based on finite element method.

The study of visualization of impact damage of fruit under different thicknesses of buffer materials can provide more efficient transportation and packaging solutions, and thus the economic losses caused by fruit damage can be reduced. Pearl cotton (EPE) is commonly used as a buffer material in the market, and the impact damage behavior of honey peaches under different thicknesses of EPE buffer material was studied by using the finite element method. Firstly, the damage area, maximum contact force and damage volume during the collision of honey peaches with EPE materials of different thicknesses (2, 4, and 6 mm) were obtained by the single pendulum device, and then the Modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of peach flesh were obtained by compression test. Finally, the finite element model of honey peach was built and the collision simulations were performed. The results of the study showed that the values of mechanical parameters of honey peach decreased with the increase of the thickness of the buffer material. When the collision angle was below 60°, the honey peaches were not damaged in the collision with the EPE material with a thickness of 4 mm or more. By comparing the tested values with the simulated values, it was found that the errors of the damage area, damage volume and maximum contact force were less than 19.71%, 26.82%, and 25.88%, respectively. The study not only proves the possibility of the finite element method in the quantitative prediction of honey peaches damage but also provides rational support for the packaging design of honey peaches.

Regulation in protein hydrophobicity via whey protein-zein self-assembly for improving the techno-functional properties of protein.

This work aims to verify the feasibility of improving protein function by regulating its hydrophobicity and reveal the relationship between structure and function. Whey protein (WP) and zein were the source of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polypeptide chains to prepare complex proteins (CPs) with much different structure and function. The results showed that the water- and oil-holding capacities, emulsifying properties and gel properties of CPs can be significantly improved via changing WP-zein ratio. All these can be attributed to the changes in protein hydrophobicity, which not only regulated the binding strength of protein to water and oil, but also modified their molecular structure (surface characteristics, availability of free thiols, α-helix, ß-sheet, random coil and the formation of disulfide bonds). Notably, optimal protein hydrophobicity varies greatly among different functional properties. Overall, the techno-functional properties of protein can be improved via tuning its hydrophobicity, which may provide novel sights in protein modification.

Quantitative impact damage of apple based on hyperspectral imaging combined with mechanical parameters and size correction.

In order to solve the problem of decreasing the accuracy of quantitative prediction of damage of fruits resulting in the size difference of fruits, the spectral correction method based on the size difference of fruits was adopted. To provide richer theoretical knowledge for the quality detection of fruits and the design of damage reduction programs in reality. First, the undamaged spectra of the group of apples with better performance of the model were selected as the reference spectra by analyzing and comparing the modeling results of the prediction models of mechanical parameters with the single fruit diameter groups. The spectral correction coefficient was calculated with the formulas, and the damage spectra of three groups of apples were size-corrected by this coefficient to build the mechanical parameter models. Finally, the corrected spectra were screened for characteristic wavelengths by competitive adaptive reweighting and uninformative variable elimination algorithms. The results of study showed that the correlation coefficients of the prediction set of the models were improved by 2.1%-13% and the root mean square errors were reduced by 16%-51% with the spectrally corrected models compared with the precorrection models. Therefore, the size correction method can be used to eliminate the effect of size difference on the mechanical parameter models to improve the applicability of the quantitative damage prediction models, and it can provide the theoretical guidance to design the loss-reducing protective measures and the agricultural mechanized operation process.

A Review of Five Existing Hornet-Tracking Methods.

Hornet is a general term for insects of the genus Vespa (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Hornets are predatory insects distributed worldwide. They often appear at apiaries in groups to prey on honey bees, and cause incalculable losses in the honey bee industry. In the face of hornet intrusion, tracking a homing hornet to find its nest is the most efficient way to discover and eliminate the hornets around an apiary. Here, five hornet-tracking methods (hornet tag tracking, triangulation, thermal imaging technology, harmonic radar, and radio telemetry) are reviewed. The advantages, disadvantages and feasibility of each method are discussed to improve the strategies for tracking hornets. Therefore, this review provides ideas for the development of hornet-tracking technology and for improving honey bee protection.

Summary Measure of Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Related Factors Based on the Chinese Version of the Core Healthy Days Measures: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The core Healthy Days measures were used to track the population-level health status in the China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance; however, they were not easily combined to create a summary of the overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL), limiting this indicator's use. Objective: This study aims to develop a summary score based on the Chinese version of the core Healthy Days measures (HRQOL-5) and apply it to estimate HRQOL and its determinants in a Chinese population. Methods: From November 2018 to May 2019, a multistage stratified cluster survey was conducted to examine population health status and behavioral risk factors among the resident population older than 15 years in Weifang City, Shandong Province, China. Both exploratory factor analyses and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to reveal the underlying latent construct of HRQOL-5 and then to quantify the overall HRQOL by calculating its summary score. Tobit regression models were finally carried out to identify the influencing factors of the summary score. Results: A total of 26,269 participants (male: n=13,571, 51.7%; mean age 55.9, SD 14.9 years) were included in this study. A total of 71% (n=18,663) of respondents reported that they had excellent or very good general health. One summary factor was extracted to capture overall HRQOL using exploratory factor analysis. The confirmatory factor analysis further confirmed this one-factor model (Tucker-Lewis index, comparative fit index, and goodness-of-fit index >0.90; root mean square error of approximation 0.02). Multivariate Tobit regression analysis showed that age (ß=-0.06), educational attainments (primary school: ß=0.72; junior middle school: ß=1.46; senior middle school or more: ß=2.58), average income (≥¥30,000 [US $4200]: ß=0.69), physical activity (ß=0.75), alcohol use (ß=0.46), self-reported disease (ß=-6.36), and self-reported injury (ß=-5.00) were the major influencing factors on the summary score of the HRQOL-5. Conclusions: This study constructs a summary score from the HRQOL-5, providing a comprehensive representation of population-level HRQOL. Differences in summary scores of different subpopulations may help set priorities for health planning in China to improve population HRQOL.

Pyramid-Shaped Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Underwater Drag Reduction.

Superhydrophobic surfaces hold immense potential in underwater drag reduction. However, as the Reynolds number increases, the drag reduction rate decreases, and it may even lead to a drag increase. The reason lies in the collapse of the air mattress. To address this issue, this paper develops a pyramid-shaped robust superhydrophobic surface with wedged microgrooves, which exhibits a high gas fraction when immersed underwater and good ability to achieve complete spreading and recovery of the air mattress through air replenishment in the case of collapse of the air mattress. Pressure drop tests in a water tunnel confirm that with continuous air injection, the drag reduction reaches 64.8% in laminar flow conditions, substantially greater than 38.4% in the case without air injection, and can achieve 50.8% drag reduction in turbulent flow. This result highlights the potential applications of superhydrophobic surfaces with air mattress recovery for drag reduction.

Medical narrative ability and humanistic care ability of Chinese clinical nurses: The mediating role of empathy ability.

AIMS: To investigate the relationship between medical narrative ability and humanistic care ability among Chinese clinical nurses, examining the potential mediating role of empathy. BACKGROUND: In the context of the bio-psychosocial medical model and humanistic nursing care, understanding the core competencies of medical narrative ability, empathy and humanistic care in nursing is crucial. This study explored the mediating role of empathy between medical narrative ability and humanistic care ability. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design, involving 741 nurses from Wuxi People's Hospital. It assessed nurses' demographic characteristics, medical narrative ability, empathy, and humanistic care ability using an online questionnaire from December 2022 to February 2023. Pearson correlation analysis evaluated variable correlations, and PROCESS v3.3 model 4 was utilised for mediation analysis. The STROBE statement was chosen as the EQUATOR checklist. RESULTS: A positive correlation was found between nurses' medical narrative ability, humanistic care ability and empathy. Empathy partially mediated the relationship between medical narrative ability and humanistic care ability. CONCLUSION: Nurses' medical narrative ability directly and indirectly (via empathy) influences their humanistic care ability. Enhancing nurses' narrative and empathic skills can improve humanistic care, nursing quality and nurse-patient relationships. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Managers should prioritise programmes to improve nurses' storytelling and empathy skills to enhance humanistic care, improving nursing quality and patient relationships. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study involves clinical nurses as participants and does not involve patients. This study collected data from clinical nurses using an online questionnaire platform in China. The questionnaire consisted of four sections, including demographic information and scales such as Narrative Competence Scale, Caring Ability Inventory and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professional. Clear instructions were given to participants on how to complete each scale, and measures were taken to prevent missing or duplicate responses.

Molecular regulation of rapeseed protein for improving its techno-functional properties.

To improve the techno-functional properties of rapeseed protein (RP), this work tried to regulate the molecular structure of RP via inducing the co-assembly of RP with zein and whey protein (WP). The results showed that WP and zein mainly regulate the folding process of RP through hydrophobic and disulfide bonds, thereby altering the structural conformation and forming stable complex RP (CRP). WP addition not only increased the number of surface charges and hydrophilicity of proteins, but also decreased their sizes, improved the water solubility, as well as the availability of active groups. These changes significantly increased the foaming capacity (from 60 % to 147 %) and in vitro gastric digestion rate (from 10 % to 60 %) of CRP. Besides, WP also contributed to the formation of gels and the regulation of their textural profiles. Comparatively, zein improved the hydrophobicity of CRP and balanced degree of intermolecular forces, which effectively increased the emulsifying activity index of CRP from 22 m2/g to 90 m2/g. Zein decreased the hardness, springiness and water-holding capacity of gel, but increased its gumminess and chewiness. Overall, both WP and zein effectively changed the structural conformation of RP, and improved its techno-functional properties, which provides an effective strategy to modify protein.

Association between systemic immune-inflammation index and sarcopenic obesity in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study and mediation analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the known association between chronic inflammation and reduced muscle mass, there is a gap in research regarding the association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and sarcopenic obesity (SO). This study aims to assess the relationship between SII and SO in middle-aged and elderly adults and the mediating role of triglyceride-glucose index (TyG). METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 2,719 participants aged 45-90 years who underwent health check-ups. SO was evaluated by combining sarcopenia [assessed by handgrip strength and appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI)] with obesity (determined by body fat percentage). Association between SII and SO, sarcopenia, and obesity in middle-aged and elderly individuals was examined using multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup analysis. Bidirectional mediation analysis was conducted to determine the direct and indirect effects through SII and TyG. RESULTS: The study included 2,719 participants, of which 228 had SO (8.4%). SO prevalence increased as the SII quartiles rose (Pfor trend <0.001). SII (per SD increase) had a significantly positive association with SO in both middle-aged individuals (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.43 ~ 1.99) and older adults (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.68 ~ 3.77). The relationship between SII and SO was found to be non-linear (Pnonlinear<0.05). In addition, SII showed a strong negative relationship with both handgrip strength and ASMI across all participants. In subgroup analysis, SII was still shown to significantly increase the risk of SO in all subgroups by gender, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia. TyG was found to mediate 21.36%, 11.78%, and 9.94% of the associations between SII and SO, sarcopenia, and obesity, respectively. SII had no mediation effect on the association between TyG and SO, sarcopenia, and obesity (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of SII were associated with an increased risk of SO in middle-aged and elderly adults, especially in the elderly population, and elevated TyG levels played a role in this relationship.

Dispersal limitation and environmental filtering effects: The taxonomic and functional beta diversity of ground beetles along the altitudinal gradient in Chinese warm-temperature forests.

Beta diversity patterns along environmental gradients and underlying mechanisms constitute key research inquiries in biogeography. However, ecological processes often also influence the functional traits of biological communities, making the assessment of functional ß-diversity crucial. Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are one of the most species-rich groups in the insect community, displaying strong habitat specificity and morphological differences. In this study, we explored the patterns of taxonomic and functional beta diversity in ground beetle communities along the altitudinal gradient of warm-temperature forests. By partitioning beta diversity into turnover and nestedness components, we evaluated their relationship with spatial distance. Our findings indicate a decline in species and functional trait similarity with increasing elevation and geographic distance. Further analysis attributed both types of beta diversity in carabids to a combination of dispersal limitation and environmental filtering, with elevation and geographic distance emerging as significant factors. Interestingly, forest-type variations were found to have no impact on the beta diversity of these communities. Our study reveals the impact of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation on both taxonomic and functional beta-diversity, shedding light on carabid community assembly in localized warm-temperature forest areas in eastern China.

Understanding the mechanism for sodium tripolyphosphate in improving the physicochemical properties of low-moisture extrusion textured protein from rapeseed protein and soybean protein blends.

Our previous experiments found that rapeseed protein (RP) has applicability in low-moisture textured proteins. The amount of RP added is limited to <20 %, but the addition of 20 % RP still brings some negative effects. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of 20%RP textured protein, this experiment added different proportions of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) to improve the quality of the product, and studied the physical-chemical properties and molecular structure changes of the product to explore the possible modification mechanism. The STPP not only improved the expansion characteristics of extrudates, but also increased the brightness of the extrudates, the rehydration rate. In addition, STPP increased the specific mechanical energy during extrusion, decreased the material mass flow rate. Furthermore, STPP decreased the starch digestibility, increased the content of slow-digesting starch and resistant starch. STPP increased the degree of denaturation of extrudate proteins, the proportion of ß-sheets in the secondary structure of proteins, as well as the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The gelatinization degradation degree of starch molecules also decreased with the addition of STPP. STPP also increased the protein-starch interactions and enhanced the thermal stability of the extrudate. All these indicate that STPP can improve the physical-chemical properties of extrudate.

The first mitogenomic phylogenetic framework of Dorcus sensu lato (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), with an emphasis on generic taxonomy in Eastern Asia.

BACKGROUND: Dorcus stag beetles in broad sense are one of the most diverse group in Lucanidae and important saproxylic insects playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling and forest biomonitoring. However, the dazzling morphological differentiations have caused numerous systematic confusion within the big genus, especially the puzzlingly generic taxonomy. So far, there is lack of molecular phylogenetic study to address the chaotic situation. In this study, we undertook mitochondrial genome sequencing of 42 representative species including 18 newly-sequenced ones from Eastern Asia and reconstructed the phylogenetic framework of stag beetles in Dorcus sensu lato for the first time. RESULTS: The mitogenome datasets of Dorcus species have indicated the variable mitogenomic lengths ranged from 15,785 to 19,813 bp. Each mitogenome contained 13 PCGs, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, and a control region, and all PCGs were under strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1). Notably, we have identified the presence of a substantial intergenic spacer (IGS) between the trnAser (UCN) and NAD1 genes, with varying lengths ranging from 129 bp (in D. hansi) to 158 bp (in D. tityus). The mitogenomic phylogenetic analysis of 42 species showed that Eastern Asia Dorcus was monophyletic, and divided into eight clades with significant genetic distance. Four of them, Clade VIII, VII, VI and I are clustered by the representative species of Serrognathus Motschulsky, Kirchnerius Schenk, Falcicornis Séguy and Dorcus s.s. respectively, which supported their fully generic positions as the previous morphological study presented. The topology also showed the remaining clades were distinctly separated from the species of Dorcus sensu lato, which implied that each of them might demonstrate independent generic status. The Linnaeus nomenclatures were suggested as Eurydorcus Didier stat. res., Eurytrachellelus Didier stat. res., Hemisodorcus Thomson stat. res. and Velutinodorcus Maes stat. res. For Clade V, IV, III and II respectively. CONCLUSION: This study recognized the monophyly of Dorcus stag beetles and provided a framework for the molecular phylogeny of this group for the first time. The newly generated mitogenomic data serves as a valuable resource for future investigations on lucanid beetles. The generic relationship would facilitate the systematics of Dorcus stag beetles and thus be useful for exploring their evolutionary, ecological, and conservation aspects.

Investigation of Fungal Community Structure in the Gut of the Stag Beetle Dorcus hopei (Coleoptera; Lucanidae): Comparisons Among Developmental Stages.

Stag beetles, recognized as common saproxylic insects, are valued for their vibrant coloration and distinctive morphology. These beetles play a crucial ecological role in decomposition and nutrient cycling, serving as a vital functional component in ecosystem functioning. Although previous studies have confirmed that stag beetles are predominantly fungivores, the fluctuations in their intestinal fungal communities at different developmental stages remain poorly understood. In the current study, high-throughput sequencing was employed to investigate the dynamic changes within intestinal fungal communities at various developmental stages in the stag beetle Dorcus hopei. Results showed that microbial diversity was higher during the larval stage than during the pupal and adult stages. Furthermore, significant differences were identified in the composition of the intestinal fungal communities across the larval, pupal, and adult stages, suggesting that developmental transitions may be crucial factors contributing to variations in fungal community composition and diversity. Dominant genera included Candida, Scheffersomyces, Phaeoacremonium, and Trichosporon. Functional predictions indicated a greater diversity and relative abundance of endosymbiotic fungi in the larval gut, suggesting a potential dependency of larvae on beneficial gut fungi for nutrient acquisition. Additionally, the application of abundance-based ß-null deviation and niche width analyses revealed that the adult gut exerted a stronger selection pressure on its fungal community, favoring certain taxa. This selection process culminates in a more robust co-occurrence network of fungal communities within the adult gut, thereby enhancing their adaptability to environmental fluctuations. This study advances our understanding of the intestinal fungal community structure in stag beetles, providing a crucial theoretical foundation for the development of saproxylic beetle resources, biomass energy utilization, plastic degradation strategies, and beetle conservation efforts.

Improving the properties of whey protein isolate-zein nanogels with novel acidifiers: Re-dispersity, stability and quercetin bioavailability.

Low bioavailability of quercetin (Que) reduces its preclinical and clinical benefits. In order to improve Que bioavailability, a novel whey protein isolate (WPI)-zein nanogel was prepared by pH-driven self-assembly and heat-induced gelatinization. The results showed that hydrochloric acid can be substituted by both acetic acid and citric acid during the pH-driven process. After encapsulation, the bioavailability of Que in nanogels (composed of 70 % WPI) induced by different acidifiers increased to 19.89 % (citric acid), 21.65 % (hydrochloric acid) and 24.34 % (acetic acid), respectively. Comparatively, nanogels induced by acetic acid showed higher stability (pH and storage stability), re-dispersibility (75.62 %), Que bioavailability (24.34 %), and antioxidant capacity (36.78 % for DPPH scavenging rates). s improved performance of nanogels. In mechanism, acetic acid significantly balanced different intermolecular forces by weakening "acid-induced denaturation" effect. Moreover, the faster binding of Que and protein as well as higher protein molecular flexibility and randomness (higher ratio of random coil) was also observed in nanogels induced by acetic acid. All of these changes contributed to improve nanogels performances. Overall, WPI-zein nanogels induced by acetic acid might be a safe, efficiency and stable delivery system to improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic active ingredients.

The safety and tolerability of a one strength dose-escalation scheme for subcutaneous immunotherapy with a native house dust mite extract in Chinese children: A multicenter, randomized, open label clinical trial.

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is still the only treatment that may affect the natural cause of allergic disease. This study is to investigate whether an accelerated up-dosing scheme for subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) using a native house dust mite (HDM) allergen extract is as safe as the standard 3-strengths dose-escalation scheme in children with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma in China. Methods: In this multicenter, open label, randomized controlled trial, the children aged 5-14 years were randomized 1:1 either to One Strength group or the Standard group. The dose escalation scheme for patients in the One Strength group included 6 injections of strength 3, whereas the Standard group comprised 14 injections using strength 1, 2, and 3. All treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded and analyzed. The 5-point Likert scale was used to assess tolerability (ChiCTR2100050311). Results: Overall, 101 children were included in the Safety Set (One Strength group: 50 vs. Standard group: 51). A total of 26 TEAEs were reported for 15 children. TEAEs related to AIT occurred in 10 % of the children in the One Strength group and 11.8 % of the Standard group. The number of systemic adverse reactions was comparable in both groups (One Strength: 5 vs. Standard: 4). No serious TEAEs was recorded for either group. 90.0 % of patients in the One Strength group reached the maintenance dose without an interventional dose adjustment due to adverse events, compared to 78.4 % in the Standard group. All patients who completed the dose-escalation phase reached the recommended maintenance dose of 1.0 ml of strength 3.Investigators and patients rated the tolerability of the One Strength regimen slightly better than the Standard scheme. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that the accelerated One Strength dose-escalation scheme is comparable in safety and tolerability to the Standard regimen. However, due to the preliminary nature and small sample size, further research with larger sample sizes and robust study designs is necessary for confirmation.

The first chromosome-level genome of the stag beetle Dorcus hopei Saunders, 1854 (Coleoptera: Lucanidae).

Stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) represent a significant saproxylic assemblage in forest ecosystems and are noted for their enlarged mandibles and male polymorphism. Despite their relevance as ideal models for the study of exaggerated mandibles that aid in attracting mates, the regulatory mechanisms associated with these traits remain understudied, and restricted by the lack of high-quality reference genomes for stag beetles. To address this limitation, we successfully assembled the first chromosome-level genome of a representative species Dorcus hopei. The genome was 496.58 Mb in length, with a scaffold N50 size of 54.61 Mb, BUSCO values of 99.8%, and 96.8% of scaffolds anchored to nine pairs of chromosomes. We identified 285.27 Mb (57.45%) of repeat sequences and annotated 11,231 protein-coding genes. This genome will be a valuable resource for further understanding the evolution and ecology of stag beetles, and provides a basis for studying the mechanisms of exaggerated mandibles through comparative analysis.

Rapid and Visual Detection of Volatile Amines Based on Their Gas-Solid Reaction with Tetrachloro-p-Benzoquinone.

The detection of volatile amines is necessary due to the serious toxicity hazards they pose to human skin, respiratory systems, and nervous systems. However, traditional amines detection methods require bulky equipment, high costs, and complex measurements. Herein, we report a new simple, rapid, convenient, and visual method for the detection of volatile amines based on the gas-solid reactions of tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (TCBQ) and volatile amines. The gas-solid reactions of TCBQ with a variety of volatile amines showed a visually distinct color in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, TCBQ can be easily fabricated into simple and flexible rapid test strips for detecting and distinguishing n-propylamine from other volatile amines, including ethylamine, n-butyamine, n-pentamine, n-butyamine and dimethylamine, in less than 3 s without any equipment assistance.

[Spatio-temporal variations of vegetation cover in semi-arid regions and its response to climate change: A case study of Xilin Gol, Inner Mongolia, China]. / åŠå¹²æ—±åŒºæ¤è¢«è¦†ç›–æ—¶ç©ºå˜åŒ–ç‰¹å¾åŠå ¶å¯¹æ°”å€™å˜åŒ–çš„å“åº”: 以锡林郭勒盟为例.

The quantitative analysis of spatio-temporal variations of vegetation cover and its correlation with climate are of great significance for understanding of ecological environment, ecological civilization construction, and sustainable development in semi-arid areas. We investigated the spatio-temporal variations of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and its response to climate change during 2000-2020 in Xilin Gol, Inner Mongolia, by using trend analysis, regression analysis and partial correlation analysis based on the data of MODIS-NDVI, tempe-rature, precipitation, digital elevation model. The results showed that vegetation cover in Xilin Gol had been increased from 2000 to 2020, which generally included three phases, i.e., stable fluctuation, rapid growth, and steady growth. The mean NDVI showed a zonal increasing distribution from southwest to northeast, and had a strong correlation with elevation and population density in Xilin Gol region. The high values of NDVI were mainly in the east, with a significant increasing trend, and the low values were in the southwest, with a local degradation. The sensitivity of vegetation cover to climate change showed spatial and temporal variations. The spatial variation of vegetation was more sensitive to temperature and the interannual variation was sensitive to annual precipitation. In summary, vegetation cover improved overall in Xilin Gol, but there was degradation in some areas. We should formulate differentiated and precise vegetation restoration and ecological environmental protection policies.

[Develop the rural ecology in the New Era]. / 发展新时代的乡村生态学.

Rural ecology is a comprehensive field of study that takes the rural social-ecological-economic systems as the objective object and emphasizes spatial carrier governance. The development of rural ecology in the New Era embodies and implements comprehensively the core concepts of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Cha-racteristics for a New Era, including harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, rural revitalization, green development, and the comprehensive construction of a socialist modernized nation. Under the goal of Chinese-style modernization, rural ecology exhibits characteristics distinct from the past, such as the integration of research objects, the intersectionality of basic theories, the computational feature of technical methods, and the orientation of exporting outcomes. To provide disciplinary support for modernization-oriented science to meet the new demands of country's rural development, effectively narrating the story of sustainable rural development in China and providing fundamental guarantees for the safety of rural systems, a number of issues such as paradigm innovation in research, improvement of data quality, and integration of comprehensive technologies, should be fully considered.