Classification of Chinese vinegar varieties using electronic nose and fuzzy Foley-Sammon transformation.

Due to the difference of raw materials and brewing technology, the quality and flavours of vinegar are different. Different kinds of vinegar have different functions and effects. Therefore, it is important to classify the vinegar varieties correctly. This work presented a new fuzzy feature extraction algorithm, called fuzzy Foley-Sammon transformation (FFST), and designed the electronic nose (E-nose) system for classifying vinegar varieties successfully. Principal component analysis (PCA) and standard normal variate (SNV) were used as the data preprocessing algorithms for the E-nose system. FFST, Foley-Sammon transformation (FST) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to extract discriminant information from E-nose data, respectively. Then, K nearest neighbor (KNN) served as a classifier for the classification of vinegar varieties. The highest identification accuracy rate was 96.92% by using the FFST and KNN. Therefore, the E-nose system combined with the FFST was an effective method to identify Chinese vinegar varieties and this method has wide application prospects.

Assessing multi-risk characteristics of heat and cold stress for rice across the southern parts of China.

Rice (Oryza sativa) growth is always threatened by heat as well as cold stress, when it is exposed to natural environment. Heat growing degree hours (HGDH) and cold growing degree hours (CGDH1 and CGDH2) were firstly proposed to quantify heat and cold stress occurred during different growing stages. Information diffusion method was effectively used to fit the distribution and estimate probability of single stress at each station, with an advantage of no limitation in data series. In terms of single stress, highest probability was seen in HGDH, followed by CGDH1 and CGDH2. Seven copula functions, i.e., normal and t, Gumbel-Hougaard, Clayton, Frank, Joe, and Ali-Mikhail-Haq, were applied to fit the distribution of multi-stress with significant dependence, and simple calculation based on single stress was used to quantify the probability for multi-stress with independence. In these copulas, t was the most chosen one in the fitting of HGDH-CGDH1, HGDH-CGDH2, CGDH1-CGDH2, and HGDH-CGDH1-CGDH2, selected by the statistic of Akaike information criterion. Regarding bi-stress, higher joint probability was in HGDH-CGDH1, relative to HGDH-CGDH2 and CGDH1-CGDH2. As expected, the co-occurrence probability of tri-stress was lower than that of bi-stress in the magnitude and spatial extent, while joint probability of tri-stress was larger. Given the condition of occurrence of HGDH or CGDH1, the joint probability of HGDH-CGDH1 was higher than other pairs of bi-stress and tri-stress. It was special that higher joint probability of CGDH1-CGDH2 was detected under the condition of CGDH2 relative to CGDH1. Joint probability of tri-stress was lower under the condition of HGDH-CGDH1, in comparison with HGDH-CGDH2 and CGDH1-CGDH2. Hazards of single stress and multi-stress were expressed by the integration of intensity of stress index and corresponding probability. Most consistent conclusions agreed that central Fujian, Zhejiang, and northeastern Jiangxi were exposed to higher hazard, derived from not only single stress but also multi-stress. These results can be helpful in provision of information regarding prevention and adaptation strategies for rice cultivation as a response to extreme temperature stress.

Fluorometric determination of antioxidant capacity in human plasma by using upconversion nanoparticles and an inner filter effect mechanism.

The balance between free oxygen radicals and antioxidant defense systems is usually assessed by an antioxidant capacity assay. A rapid and sensitive antioxidant capacity assay is described here. It is making use of NaYF4:Yb/Er@NaYF4 core-shell upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4). In this strategy, added KMnO4 reduces the green (540 nm) emission of the UCNPs (under 980 nm photoexcitation) due to an inner filter effect. The antioxidants cysteine, ascorbic acid and glutathione (GSH) reduce the intense purple color of KMnO4 because it is reduced to Mn(II) ion. Hence, the green upconversion fluorescence is restored after the addition of antioxidants. Figures of merit for this assay (for the case of GSH) include a detection limit of 3.3 µM, a detection range that extends from 10 µM to 2.5 mM, and an assay time of a few seconds. The assay was applied to the evaluation of antioxidant capacity in human plasma samples spiked with GSH and gave satisfactory repeatability and specificity. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a fluorometric assay based on inner filter effect (IFE) between upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) for the determination of antioxidant capacity in human plasma.

A pilot study on differential expression of microRNAs in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and serum of sows in activity restricted crates or activity free pens.

Objective: Physical activity restriction in sows may lead to behavioral abnormalities and affective disorders. However, the psychophysiological state of these sows is still unclear. As miRNAs can be used as effective markers of psychopathy, the present study aimed to assess the difference in microRNA expression between the long-term activity restricted sows and activity free sows, thus contributing to the understanding of abnormal sow behaviors.. Methods: Four dry sows (sixth parity, Large × White genetic line) were selected from activity restricted crates (RC) or activity free pens (FP) separately. microRNAs in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) and serum were examined using RT-PCR, and the correlation between the miRNAs expressed in the vMPFC and serum was evaluated. Results: miR-134 (1.11 vs 0.84) and miR-1202 (1.09 vs 0.85) levels were higher in the vMPFC of the RC sows than in the FP sows (p < 0.01). Furthermore, miR-132 (1.27 vs 1.08) and miR-335 (1.03 vs 0.84) levels were also higher in the RC sows than in FP sows (p < 0.05); however, miR-135a, miR-135b, miR-16 and miR-124 levels were not different (p > 0.05). The relative expression of serum miR-1202 was higher in the RC sows than in the FP sows (1.04 vs 0.54) (p < 0.05). , and there was a strong correlation (R=0.757, p < 0.05) between vMPFC and Serum levels of miR-1202. However, no significant difference was observed in miR-16 levels in the serum of the RC sows and FP sows (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates that long-term activity restriction in sows likely results in autism or other complex psychopathies with depression-like behaviors. These observations may provide new insights for future studies on abnormal behavior in sows and contribute to research on human psychopathy.

Optical-magnetic bifunctional properties and mechanistic insights on upconversion of NaYF4:Yb,Ho,Tm@NaGdF4 with a tunable nanodumbbell morphology.

The energy-upconversion of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles with a core-shell structure can be utilized to enhance and tune optical properties and can generate multifunctionality in a single system. Herein, the core-shell nanoparticles NaYF4:Yb,Ho,Tm@NaGdF4 were prepared by thermally decomposing lanthanide acetylacetonate precursors. Through modifying the molar ratio of the core and shell, nanodumbbell-shaped particles with different sizes and morphologies were precisely synthesized. The formation mechanism and the heterogeneous epitaxial growth process of the nanodumbbell-shaped particles were studied. After coating the shell layer, upconversion luminescence intensities, spectral purity and fluorescence lifetimes were improved. Furthermore, the magnetic performance of the core-shell nanoparticles was characterized. The optical-magnetic bifunctional upconversion core-shell particles with programmable shape and multiple properties provide an ideal platform for the preparation of nanodumbbell-shaped particles and the promotion of upconversion materials for biomedical research.

Effect of straw enriched environment on behaviors of nursery piglets reared in the farrowing pens.

The aim of the present study was to study the effects of straw enriched environment on behaviors of nursery piglets reared in the farrowing pens. Fourteen litters (Large White x Landrace) weaned at 35 days of age were reared in the modified farrowing pens, flatdecks (F) or straw enriched pens (P), until 70 days of age. The behavior was observed from 7 to 10 weeks of age. Results showed that straw enriched pens significantly increased walking, total exploring and active behavior, reduced lying and exploring behavior direct to pen, but not that direct to penmates. Meanwhile, in wk8-wk10, the number of fighting piglets in P was significantly more than that in F. With increasing age, piglets exploring in total or direct to pen, and active piglets decreased gradually in F. In P, piglets exploring in total or that direct to straw decreased, and reached a trough in wk9, then rose up. Lying piglets in F increased with age while that in P increased only at 9 or 10 weeks of age. Walking piglets decreased significantly with age in both environments. The number of fighting piglets in F was a maximum in wk7 while it in P was fewer in wk7 or wk8. Furthermore, the activity of piglets in F was at peak during 08:00-10:00 hr and reached a trough during 11:00-13:00 hr. In P, refreshed straw kept piglets at a more active state during morning, shortened the activities trough at noon, and showed high activity in the afternoon. In conclusion, present straw enriched pen can prevent fighting, increase total exploring, reduce exploring direct to pen, and even affect the rhythm of behavior. It is applicable for improving welfare of nursery piglets.

Agricultural drought research knowledge graph reasoning by using VOSviewer.

Drought seriously affects agricultural systems and food security. While previous researchers have explored the causes, monitoring, and impacts of drought on agriculture, no systematic investigations into the development of agriculture drought (AD) and its relationships with related knowledge have been conducted. This study assessed existing publications, particularly those conducted between 2020 and 2023. Systematic analysis was carried out using VOSviewer software and the Web of Science (WoS) database. These findings reveal a rising trend in the literature, with a recent acceleration. A total of 7416 articles on AD were identified, with contributions from 6935 institutions across 166 countries. China leads with 1833 publications, followed by the USA with 1278. There are 457 journals publishing AD studies, with the top five being sustainability, frontiers in plant science, agricultural water management, water, and agronomy-basel. The most frequently used keywords reflecting the current significant research direction in the AD field include climate change, yield, variability, impact, growth, and adaptation. The study also highlights four research hotspots and four future research directions. This bibliometric analysis provides a novel guide for agricultural drought research.

Linearly Polarized Broadband Emission and Multiwavelength Lasing in Solution-Processed Quantum Dots.

A miniature laser with linear polarization is a long sought-after component of photonic integrated circuits. In particular, for multiwavelength polarization lasers, it supports simultaneous access to multiple, widely varying laser wavelengths in a small spatial region, which is of great significance for advancing applications such as optical computing, optical storage, and optical sensing. However, there is a trade-off between the size of small-scale lasers and laser performance, and multiwavelength co-gain of laser media and multicavity micromachining in the process of laser miniaturization remain as significant challenges. Herein, room-temperature linearly polarized multiwavelength lasers in the visible and near-infrared wavelength ranges are demonstrated, by fabricating random cavities scattered with silica in an Er-doped Cs2Ag0.4Na0.6In0.98Bi0.02Cl6 double-perovskite quantum dots gain membrane. By regulating the local symmetry and enabling effective energy transfer in nanocrystals, multiwavelength lasers with ultralow thresholds are achieved at room temperature. The maximum degree of polarization reaches 0.89. With their advantages in terms of miniaturization, ultralow power consumption, and adaptability for integration, these lasers offer a prospective light source for future photonic integrated circuits aimed at high-capacity optical applications.

Investigation of crystal field effects for the spectral broadening of Yb3+-doped Lu x Y2-x O3 sesquioxide crystals.

The investigation of crystal field effects is significant for elucidating the spectral characteristics of Yb3+-doped sesquioxide crystals for ultrafast laser generation. The narrow spectra of Yb3+-doped single sesquioxide crystals limit the generation of ultrafast lasers; in this study, the Y3+ ions were introduced into Lu2O3 single crystals by the employment of ion replacement to broaden the spectra. To analyze the spectral broadening, the responsible crystal field parameters (CFPs) were calculated. The conversion of the host dominant ion and the distortion of the ligand affected the values and signs of the CFPs, and further determined the energy level splitting and fluorescence spectra. A linear relationship expressed by the semi-empirical equations for Yb3+-doped sesquioxide crystals was produced, which could be used for high throughput spectral prediction. Opposite variations of high- and low-frequency vibrational energies and the influence of the electron-phonon coupling on the spectra were also achieved. The redshift from the crystal field and the blueshift from the electron-phonon coupling make the optimal spectral broadening appear when x = 1.19 in the Yb:Lu x Y2-x O3 crystals. The results of these analyses could provide some key clues for the development of Yb3+-doped crystals for the generation and amplification of ultrafast lasers.

Luminescence, energy transfer, colour modulation and up-conversion mechanisms of Yb3+, Tm3+ and Ho3+ co-doped Y6MoO12.

A series of novel up-conversion luminescent Yb3+/Ln3+ (Tm3+, Ho3+, Tm3+/Ho3+)-doped Y6MoO12 (YMO) nanocrystals were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The consistent spherical morphology of the nanocrystals with different doping ratios was found to be profiting from the homogenisation and rapid agglomeration of the composition in the gel state and calcining process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscope images were employed to confirm perfect crystallinity and uniform morphology. Photoluminescence spectra and decay curves were used to characterize the optical properties of the synthesized samples. The YMO:Yb3+/Ln3+ (Tm3+, Ho3+, Tm3+/Ho3+) nanocrystals were excited by near-infrared photons and emitted photons distributed in blue, green, and red bands with a wide colour gamut, and even white colour, by optimising the relative doping concentrations of the activator ions. The energy conversion mechanism in the up-conversion process was studied using power-dependent luminescence and is depicted in the energy level diagram. In addition, 70% of the luminescence intensity of YMO can be preserved after annealing at 700 °C, and the temperature sensing was tested in the range 298-498 K. These merits of multicolour emissions in the visible region and good stability endow the as-prepared nanocrystals with potential applications in the fields of optical data storage, encryption, sensing, and other multifunctional photonic technologies.

A dissolved oxygen sensor based on composite fluorinated xerogel doped with platinum porphyrin dye.

A new functional fluorinated material taking n-propyltrimethoxysilicane (n-propyl-TriMOS) and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilicane (TFP-TriMOS) as precursors was applied to construct a novel dissolved oxygen sensing film. The sensing film was fabricated by dip-coating the functional fluorinated material-doped [meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) porphyinato] platinum(II) (PtF(20) TPP) onto a glass slide. The oxygen sensing film exhibited a good linear relationship, fast response time, long stability and high sensitivity to dissolved oxygen. In the developed optical oxygen sensor, an LED and a photodiode were composed to construct a back-detection optical system not needing an optical fiber based on fluorescence intensity detection. The smart optical oxygen sensor based on the PtF(20) TPP fluorescence quenching possesses the advantages of portability and low cost and can be applied to the dissolved oxygen in situ monitoring in seawater.

Projection of key meteorological hazard factors in Xiongan new area of Hebei Province, China.

It is of great importance to explore the future spatiotemporal dynamics of key meteorological hazard factors in Xiongan New Area, an area of great strategic significance under construction in China. Based on 6.25 km high-resolution downscaling projection data under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, Mann-Kendall trend and linear trend were analyzed, and then stationary generalized extreme value (GEV) and time-varying GEV methods were determined to calculate the extremes of four key meteorological hazard factors with return periods of 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100 years during the projection period 1991-2050. Results show that extremes of annual maximum daily precipitation and annual maximum amount of consecutive precipitation under two climate scenarios will not increase too much. Extremes of annual maximum temperature will increase by above 1.5 °C under RCP4.5 scenario in most grids and above 1.9 °C under RCP8.5 scenario. Extremes of annual longest consecutive high-temperature days will increase by above 0.9d under RCP4.5 scenario and above 1.6d under RCP8.5 scenario. On the whole, the hazard of flood disaster will hardly show any change up to 2050, but there will be relatively higher flood hazard in Xiongxian county and its adjacent region. All regions in Xiongan New Area will face high hazard of high-temperature disaster.

Proteomics Analysis of Colostrum Samples from Sows Housed under Different Conditions.

This study investigated the proteomic characteristics of colostrum for sows housed under different conditions. Among 12 gilts, four were housed in a gestation-crate and farrowing-crate combined housing system (CC) as controls, four were housed in a gestation-pen and farrowing-pen combined housing system (PP), and four were housed in a gestation-pen and farrowing-crate combined housing system (PC). Differentially expressed proteins in the colostrum (PP versus CC, and PC versus CC) were screened by proteomics technology, and bioinformatics analysis was then performed. Results showed that 93 proteins were differentially expressed in PP versus CC, and that 126 proteins were differentially expressed in PC versus CC. The differentially expressed proteins in the PP versus CC comparison were mainly enriched in interleukin (IL)-17, transforming growth factor-ß, and nuclear factor-κ B signaling pathways, and in metabolic pathways, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome, and carbon metabolism. In contrast, differentially expressed proteins in the PC versus CC comparison were enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway, cholesterol metabolism, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway. In conclusion, the housing environment appeared to affect the colostrum composition of sows by acting on their immune system and metabolic processes, particularly fat metabolism.

Demonstration of a White Laser with V2 C MXene-Based Quantum Dots.

Multicolor photoluminescence over the full visible color spectrum is critical in many modern science and techniques, such as full-color lighting, displays, biological and chemical monitoring, multiband communication, etc., but the ultimate white lasing especially on the nanoscale is still a challenge due to its exacting requirements in the balance of the gain and optical feedback at different wavelengths. Recently, 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes) have emerged, with some superior chemical, physical, and environmental properties distinguishing them from traditional 2D materials. Here, a white laser with V2 C MXene quantum dots (MQDs) is originally demonstrated by constructing a broadband nonlinear random scattering system with enhanced gain. The excitation-dependent photoluminescence of V2 C MQDs is enhanced by passivation and characterized, and their localized nonlinear random scattering is realized by the generation of excitation-power-dependent solvent bubbles. With the optimized excitation, the blue, green, yellow, and red light is amplified and simultaneously lased. This work not only provides a kind of promising material for white lasers, but also a design strategy of novel photonics for further applications.

Graphene's cousin: the present and future of graphane.

The so-called graphane is a fully hydrogenated form of graphene. Because it is fully hydrogenated, graphane is expected to have a wide bandgap and is theoretically an electrical insulator. The transition from graphene to graphane is that of an electrical conductor, to a semiconductor, and ultimately to an electrical insulator. This unique characteristic of graphane has recently gained both academic and industrial interest. Towards the end of developing novel applications of this important class of nanoscale material, computational modeling work has been carried out by a number of theoreticians to predict the structures and electronic properties of graphane. At the same time, experimental evidence has emerged to support the proposed structure of graphane. This review article covers the important aspects of graphane including its theoretically predicted structures, properties, fabrication methods, as well as its potential applications.

[Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of balance acupuncture on experimental scapulohumeral periarthritis in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate therapeutic effects of balance acupuncture on scapulohumeral periarthritis (SP)and the mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group (group B), a model group (group M) and a balance acupuncture group (group BA) with 10 rabbits in each group. SP model was established by using persistent mechanical strain and ice compress. Balance acupuncture at "Jiantong" point was applied in the animals in group BA, but not in the rabbits of the other two groups. Joint movement and pathological changes in tissues around the affected shoulder joint were observed, and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in plasma and the affected surrounding tissues, and DNA contents in tendon of supraspinatus muscle were measured. RESULTS: The content of plasma 5-HT in group BA [(18.16 +/- 4.44) ng/mL] was significantly lower than that in group M [(23.28 +/- 5.89) ng/mL] (P < 0.05), but without obvious difference in IL-1beta content between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with group M, the contents of IL-1beta, 5-HT in affected surrounding tissues, and DNA expression in tendon of supraspinatus muscle were significantly lowered to va rious extent in group BA (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Balance acupuncture can effectively improve local and systemic pathological situation induced by SP by way of reducing pain-producing factors, inflammatory factors and DNA expression to alleviate local organization and adhesions in rabbits with experimental SP.