Incorporating empirical knowledge into data-driven variable selection for quantitative analysis of coal ash content by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS)has become a widely used atomic spectroscopic technique for rapid coal analysis.However,the vast amount of spectral information in LIBS contains signal uncertainty,which can affect its quantification performance.In this work,we propose a hybrid variable selection method to improve the performance of LIBS quantification.Important variables are first identified using Pearson's correlation coefficient,mutual information,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)and random forest,and then filtered and combined with empirical variables related to fingerprint elements of coal ash content.Subsequently,these variables are fed into a partial least squares regression(PLSR).Additionally,in some models,certain variables unrelated to ash content are removed manually to study the impact of variable deselection on model performance.The proposed hybrid strategy was tested on three LIBS datasets for quantitative analysis of coal ash content and compared with the corresponding data-driven baseline method.It is significantly better than the variable selection only method based on empirical knowledge and in most cases outperforms the baseline method.The results showed that on all three datasets the hybrid strategy for variable selection combining empirical knowledge and data-driven algorithms achieved the lowest root mean square error of prediction(RMSEP)values of 1.605,3.478 and 1.647,respectively,which were significantly lower than those obtained from multiple linear regression using only 12 empirical variables,which are 1.959,3.718 and 2.181,respectively.The LASSO-PLSR model with empirical support and 20 selected variables exhibited a significantly improved performance after variable deselection,with RMSEP values dropping from 1.635,3.962 and 1.647 to 1.483,3.086 and 1.567,respectively.Such results demonstrate that using empirical knowledge as a support for datadriven variable selection can be a viable approach to improve the accuracy and reliability of LIBS quantification.

Longitudinal dependence of the forecast accuracy of the ionospheric total electron content in the equatorial zone

The longitudinal dependence of the behavior of ionospheric parameters has been the subject of a number of works where significant variations are discovered.This also applies to the prediction of the ionospheric total electron content(TEC),which neural network methods have recently been widely used.However,the results are mainly presented for a limited set of meridians.This paper examines the longitudinal dependence of the TEC forecast accuracy in the equatorial zone.In this case,the methods are used that provided the best accuracy on three meridians:European(30°E),Southeastern(110°E)and American(75°W).Results for the stations considered are analyzed as a function of longitude using the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Global Ionosphere Map(JPL GIM)for 2015.These results are for 2 h ahead and 24 h ahead forecast.It was found that in this case,based on the metric values,three groups of architectures can be distinguished.The first group included long short-term memory(LSTM),gated recurrent unit(GRU),and temporal convolutional networks(TCN)models as a part of unidirectional deep learning models;the second group is based on the recurrent models from the first group,which were supplemented with a bidirectional algorithm,increasing the TEC forecasting accuracy by 2-3 times.The third group,which includes the bidirectional TCN architecture(BiTCN),provided the highest accuracy.For this architecture,according to data obtained for 9 equatorial stations,practical independence of the TEC prediction accuracy from longitude was observed under the following metrics(Mean Absolute Error MAE,Root Mean Square Error RMSE,Mean Absolute Percentage Error MAPE):MAE(2 h)is 0.2 TECU approximately;MAE(24 h)is 0.4 TECU approximately;RMSE(2 h)is less than 0.5 TECU except Niue station(RMSE(2 h)is 1 TECU approximately);RMSE(24 h)is in the range of 1.0-1.7 TECU;MAPE(2 h)<1%except Darwin station,MAPE(24 h)<2%.This result was confirmed by data from additional 5 stations that formed latitudinal chains in the equatorial part of the three meridians.The complete correspondence of the observational and predicted TEC values is illustrated using several stations for disturbed conditions on December 19-22,2015,which included the strongest magnetic storm in the second half of the year(min Dst=-155 nT).

Adjusting the amylose content of semi-glutinous japonica rice by genome editing of uORF6 in the Wx gene

Amylose content,the key determinant of rice eating and cooking quality,is regulated primarily by the Waxy(Wx)gene.We adjusted the amylose content and transparency of semi-glutinous japonica rice carrying the Wxmp allele by genome editing of upstream open reading frame 6(uORF6)of Wx.

TLC Identification of Yao Medicine Pileostegia tomentellal and Extraction Technology and Content Determination of Umbelliferone

[Objectives]To establish a TLC and content determination method of Pileostegia tomentellal,with umbelliferone as the indicator component.[Methods]TLC identification was performed by silica gel G thin layer plate with n-hexane-ethyl acetate(4:3)as the developing agent,and the plate was examined by UV lamp(365 nm).The umbelliferone content was determined by HPLC:Inertsil ODS-3 C 18 column(4.60 mm×250 mm,5μm);mobile phase acetonitrile-0.2%phosphoric acid gradient elution;detection wavelength 320 nm,flow rate 1.0 mL/min,column temperature 30℃,injection volume 10μL.[Results]The chromatogram of P.tomentellal showed the same color spot in the same position as that of reference medicinal material,and the spot was clear with good specificity.Umbelliferone showed a good linear relationship when the injection volume was 2.63-131.27μg/mL(R^(2)=0.9997).The average recovery of umbelliferone in the low,middle and high adding groups of P.tomentellal was 99.57%and the RSD was 2.15%.[Conclusions]The method can effectively identify Yao medicine P.tomentellal and accurately determine the content of umbelliferone in medicinal materials,which will provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of medicinal resources of Yao medicine P.tomentellal.

Optimization of Extraction Process for Total Flavonoids from Penthorum chinense Pursh and Comparison of Their Contents from Different Parts

[Objectives]This study was conducted to optimize the extraction process of total flavonoids from Penthorum chinense Pursh and compare their contents from different parts.[Methods]Single factor and orthogonal experiments were designed to optimize the extraction process of total flavonoids from P.chinense Pursh with the volume fraction of ethanol,the ratio of material to liquid,heating reflux extraction time and extraction times as factors,and the content of total flavonoids as the index.A verification test was carried out.The optimized extraction process was adopted to compare the contents of total flavonoids from different parts of P.chinense Pursh.[Results]The best extraction process was extracting the powder of P.chinense Pursh for 2.0 h with 20 times of 55%ethanol by reflux twice.Under this condition,the contents of total flavonoids were 3.63%,8.90%,11.28%,and 4.36%from stems,leaves,flowers and whole grass of P.chinense Pursh,respectively.[Conclusions]The process is reasonable,feasible and stable,and can effectively extract total flavonoids from P.chinense Pursh.The contents of total flavonoids from different parts of P.chinense Pursh were quite different,and the value was higher in the leaves and flowers,so the proportions of leaves and flowers should be paid attention to in the industrial processing of P.chinense Pursh.

Surface and Content Validity of the Mentoring Function Scale for Novice Nurses

This study aimed to examine the surface and content validity of the Mentoring Function Scale for Novice Nurses, used to assess the mentoring of entry-level nurses, and to refine the scale items. In Study 1, six nurse education researchers, selected using convenience sampling, with five or more years of nursing experience and experience teaching novice nurses, were invited to an expert meeting in July 2015. A group interview was conducted that lasted approximately 120 minutes. Study 2 examined the content validity index. Between September and November 2015, we distributed a self-administered questionnaire survey to 11 participants selected by convenience sampling. The participants included five nurse education researchers with a minimum of five years of nursing experience and experience teaching novice nurses, as well as six clinical nurses with a master’s degree or higher. Finally, 81 questionnaire items were retained from the initial 125 items. The 81-item Mentoring Function Scale for Novice Nurses had higher content validity than the original scale. To further increase the scale’s applicability, future studies should assess its reliability, construct validity, and criterion-related validity.

Exploration of the efficacy and mechanism of treating head wind disease with the combination change of ginger volatile oil and gingerol by using content-weighted network pharmacology technology

Background:Exploring the efficacy,potential components,and mechanism of the combination of ginger essential oil and gingerols in the treatment of head wind disease based on network pharmacology technology with content weight.Methods:The experimental groups were divided into:0:10,1:4,1:2,1:1,2:1,4:1,10:0.The relative content(Ri)of the chemical constituents of ginger's volatile oil was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS).Additionally,the physicochemical and biological property parameters(LogP,MDCK,PPB,MW)of the components were considered.To assess the quantitative effect of the components,a grading score was performed,and the quantitative effect index(Ki)was calculated.Subsequently,the target effect index(Ti)was calculated by combining the component-target matching score(Fit score).Using these calculations,the target effect score A was determined under the influence of multiple components targeting different targets.Key targets with A≥1000 were identified.To predict the targets related to head wind disease,the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database(https://ctdbase.org/),Gene Cards(https://www.genecards.org/),and Disgenet database(https://www.disgenet.org/)were utilized.The key targets,obtained from different proportions of ginger's volatile oil and gingerol,were intersected with the predicted targets.This facilitated network pharmacological analysis and verification of the efficacy.Results:The content of volatile oil in ginger demonstrated an impact on key targets associated with the volatile oil group.Each specific combination of volatile oil consistently activated distinct pathways,with variations stemming from changes in content.Experimental testing revealed that different combinations of ginger's volatile oil and gingerol effectively alleviated migraine symptoms in rats.Conclusion:Through the application of content-weighted network pharmacology technology and pharmacodynamic verification,it was determined that altering the ratio between ginger's volatile oil and gingerol leads to variations in potential targets and pathways,consequently impacting its efficacy.

Research on the Innovation in the Model of Cultivating Sci-Tech Translation Talents in Universities of Science and Engineering from the Perspective of Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content

New technologies represented by ChatGPT have transformed traditional translation work modes and brought unprecedented changes to translation teaching.Based on the development of artificial intelligence-generated content(AIGC)technology,this article analyzes the challenges it brings to sci-tech translation research in the new era,reshapes the value goals of the“ideological and political guidance+technological empowerment”model of cultivating sci-tech translation talents,proposes tentative approaches about the innovation in the model of sci-tech translation talents in universities of science and engineering,and strengthens the talents’translation competence,language proficiency,and interdisciplinary ability,aiming to provide new perspectives and thoughts for the development of translation research in the AIGC era.

Determination of total flavonoids content in buckwheat and inhibition of α-amylase activity

Diabetes is one of the most difficult chronic diseases to cure in the world,which seriously affects people’s health and quality of life.Flavonoids in buckwheat can regulate blood glucose levels by inhibitingα-amylase activity.Therefore,sweet buckwheat produced in Inner Mongolia was used as the research object,and buckwheat fl avonoids were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted extraction method.Total fl avonoids content was determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.With acarbose as the positive control,the inhibition test ofα-amylase was carried out by DNS colorimetry to study the inhibition behavior of fl avonoids onα-amylase activity.The results showed that the extraction process of flavonoids was stable and reliable,and the established method for the determination of flavonoids was simple,accurate and reproducible.The total flavonoids content of buckwheat samples was 2.706 mg/g,buckwheat total fl avonoids extraction solution had an inhibitory eff ect onα-amylase,and its median inhibition concentration(IC_(50))was 38.53 mg/mL.The results of this experiment provide a technical reference for the development and utilization of fl avonoids in Inner Mongolia sweet buckwheat,and provide a theoretical reference for the development and application of flavonoid-rich hypoglycemic food.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Analysis and Total Phenol Content of Proso Millet and Barnyard Millet

Whole grains of proso and barnyard millets were sequentially extracted using different solvents(hexane,chloroform,ethyl acetate,and methanol).Phytochemical analysis was performed qualitatively,and the total phenolic content in the extracts of proso and barnyard millets was quantified.Alkaloids and cardiac glycosides were identified in all solvent extracts of both millets.Anthraquinone and glycosides yielded negative results in all solvent extracts of both millets.Among all the solvent extracts,methanol extracts of proso and barnyard millets showed the presence of major compounds such as flavonoids,terpenoids,amino acids,tannins,and phenolics compounds.The maximum amount of phenols was found in methanolic extracts of proso and barnyard millets(0.669±0.003 and 0.625±0.003),followed by the chloroform extract of proso and barnyard millets(0.284±0.002 and 0.257±0.003).The minimum amount of phenolics was found in the acetone extract of proso and barnyard millets.The methanol extract of both millets showed the presence of major compounds with high phenolic content.

Correlation Analysis of SPAD Value with Chlorophyll Content and Economic Yield Traits of Brassica napus L.

[Objective] The aim was to compare differences of SPAD value, chloro- phyll content, agronomic characters, economic characters and yield traits to analyze correlation of SPAD value with other indices and establish regression functions. [Method] Based on 34 Brassica napus L. varieties, SPAD value, chlorophyll content, agronomic characters, economic characters and yield traits were measured and re- gression functions were established according to correlations. [Result] SPAD value, chlorophyll content, agronomic and economic characters and yield traits all achieved significant level in differences among 34 varieties. Specifically, SPAD value was of extremely significant correlation with chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid, and the correlation from high to low was chl-b〉chl-z〉chl-a〉chl-x. SPAD value was of significantly positive correlation with total pod number per plant, plant height, seed number per pod, yield per plant and harvest yield, and of insignificant correlation with branch point height, effective branch number, pod density of main stem, and pod length. [Conclusion] It is simple and rapid to predict chlorophyll con- tent, economic characters and yields of Brassica napus L. with SPAD value and re- gression functions.

Effects of High-intensity Pulsed Electric Field on Amino Acid Content in Large-leaf Pu'er Tea Variety

[Objective] This study aimed to test the effects of high-intensity pulsed electric field on the amino acid content in Pu’er tea leaves. [Method] The amino acid contents of fermented and unfermented the leaves of large-leaf Pu’er tea variety produced in Yunnan Mengku, were measured before and after the treatment with high-intensity pulsed electric field （HPEF）. [Result] The difference of amino acid contents was notable between fermented and unfermented tea leaves produced in the same year. The amino acid content of unfermented tea leaves was larger than that in fermented tea leaves. The amino acid content in tea leaves decreased over time during storage. HPEF treatment under al the conditions improved the amino acid content in tea leaves. [Conclusion] This experiment provides theoretical foundation for the application of HPEF in processing of Pu’er tea leaves.

Comparison of Protein Content among Non-diapause Pupae,Diapause Pupae and Eclosion-adult from Diapause Pupae of Papilio memnon

[ Objective] The experiment aimed to explore the diapause mechanism of Papilio memnon L. further. [ Method] The colorimetry method was used to detect protein content of non-diapause pupae, diapause pupae and eclosion-adult from diapause pupae at different developmental stages. [Result] It was showed that the protein content of non-diapause pupae was from 111.768 to 115.030 7 mg/g and the change of protein content during whole pupal stage, while diapause pupae were from 81.218 to 131.623 7 mg/g and the change of protein content was not big from last ten-day period of October to last ten-day pariod of November, however, the content increased from the last ten-day period of November. The protein content of emerging adult was 296.969 3 mg/g. [Conclusion] The change of protein content was related to Papilio memnon at different development stage.

Comparison of Nucleic Acid Content among Non-diapause Pupae, Diapause Pupae and Eclosion-adult from Diapause Pupae of Papilio memnon

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide basis for deeply understanding the diapause mechanism of Papilio memnon L. [Method] RNA and DNA content of non-diapause pupae, diapause pupae and eclosion-adult from diapause pupae at different development stages were detected by the colorimetry. [Result] RNA content of non-diapause pupae was 4.614 0-7.946 3 μg/mg, while diapause pupae was 4.326 0-5.885 3 μg/mg and eclosion-adult from diapause pupae was 20.779 3 μg/mg at initial stage. DNA content of non-diapause pupae was 0.448 7-0.535 0 μg/mg, while diapause pupae was 0.452 0-0.828 3 μg/mg and eclosion-adult from diapause pupae was 1.727 0 μg/mg at initial stage. [Conclusion] The nucleic acid content and change is related to the development stage.

Effects of Sb content on structure and laser reflection performance of ATO nanomaterials

Antimony tin oxide （ATO） nano-particles doped with different Sb contents were prepared by co-precipitation method, using SnCl4·5H2O and SbCl3 as main raw materials. Microstructure, morphology and reflectivity curves were characterized by XRD, FESEM, UV-visible spectroscopy and laser, and the effects of Sb content on crystalline microstructure, crystal size and reflectivity curves of the ATO nano-particles were investigated systematically. The results show that the ATO nano-particles prepared by co-precipitation method have tetragonal rutile structure, with particle size distribution range of several decade nanometer. With the increase of Sb content, the grain size of ATO decreases, and the unit cell volume increases. Compared with the SnO2 particles without Sb, the 1.06 μm laser reflection of ATO nano-particles doped with Sb is obviously lower. With the increase of Sb content, the reflection increases first, then decreases;when the Sb content is 20%, 1.06μm laser reflection of ATO nano-particles is below 0.02%, and the laser reflection performance is the best.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Contents in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Peristrophe roxburghiana Collected from Northwest of Guangxi

Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate the product quality and safety of Peristrophe roxburghiana_ col ected from different places in Hechi City, northwest of Gunagxi, so as to provide basic data for further development and uti-lization of the characteristic plant resource P. roxburghiana. [Method] Contents of 9 kinds of heavy metals including Cd, Mn, Pb, Zn and Cu in the herb were deter-mined by the method of wet digestion-flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry, respectively. [Results] Heavy metal contents of Cd, Mn, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Hg and Se were 1.62-17.25, 8.93-142.53, 4.37-18.43, 103.7-242.81, 2.55-5.35, 85.40-146.30, 0.07-0.54, 0.00-0.08 and 0.00-0.47 mg/kg, respectively. According to the national food safety standards and Green Trade Standards of lmporting ＆amp; Exporting Medicinal plants ＆amp; Preparations, the heavy metal contents of the P. roxburghiana_samples col ected from different coun-ties in Hechi City exceeded standards or at the critical values. Among which, Cd, Pb and Zn contents of the samples are seriously higher than the standards. [Con-clusion] Therefore, the impact of soil heavy metal pol ution on the safety of edible plants in the northwest of Guangxi should be highly concerned.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza on the Content of Nitrogen and Nitrogenous Matter in Amur Corktree Seedlings

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza on the content of nitrogen and nitrogenous matter in amur corktree（Phellodendron amurense Rupr.）seedlings. [Method] The annual seedlings of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. were inoculated with four arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi in a pot experiment to study the influences of arbuscular mycorrhiza on the content of nitrogen and nitrogenous matter in Phellodendron amurense Rupr. [Result] After inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi, the Phellodendron amurense Rupr. seedlings developed arbuscular mycorrhiza, leading to an enhancement of photosynthetic capacity. The leaf nitrogen content of those inoculated with Glomus mosseae increased to 1.28- 1.60 times as compared with the control. The chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a/b ratio were also raised, with an increase over 25% of chlorophyll a content. In addition, IAA content in plants increased to 1.65-2.41 times; and nitrate reductase activity was also enhanced, as well as soluble protein content, 1.67-2.49 times as high as the control, which improved the nitrogen metabolic ability, and promoted the plant growth, as well as the secondary metabolic ability. [Conclusion] This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of arbuscular mycorrhiza on Phellodendron amurense Rupr.

Preliminary Identification of Red Pigment and Positive Correlation between the Contents of Red Pigment and Total Saponins of Panax notoginseng Fruits

[Objective] This study aimed to identify red pigment of Panax notoginseng fruits and explore the correlation between pigment content and total saponins of the fruits. [Method] The red pigment of Panax notoginseng fruits was preliminarily identi- fied with specific color reactions and UV-vis spectra, and the contents of the pigment and total saponins were determined via spectrophotometry. [Result] The red hues of the fruits were contributed by anthocyanins and/or the anthocyanidins. The contents of anthocyanins and total saponins of the fruits both decreased along with thinning of the red hues. The content difference of the anthocyanins in fruits with different red hues reached extremely significant level, but that of total saponins just reached significant level. [Conclusion] The red pigment of P. notoginseng fruits is anthocyanins which are of extremely significant positive correlation with total saponins in contents.

Determination Content of the Magnolol from Magnolia officinalia Leaves by HPLC

[Objective] This study aimed to extract magnolol from wild Magnolia offici- nalia leaves by ultrasonic-assisted extraction. [Method] Magnolol was qualitatively id- entified by coloration method and thin layer chromatography, and magnolol content in Magnolia officinalia leaves was measured by high performance liquid chromatog- raphy （HPLC）. The HPLC was conducted with C18 as the stationary phase while different mobile phases were selected. The measurement wavelength, flow velocity and sample size adopted in the HPLC were 294 nm, 1 ml/min and 20 μl, respec- tively. [Result] Magnolol content in Magnolia officinalia leaves was 0.75%. When methyl alcohol and water with a volume ratio of 78：22 was used as the mobile phase, the retention time of magnolol was 4.528 min and the separation effect was good. In addition, it was easy to operate with good reproducibility and sensitivity. [Conclusion] This method is suitable for the measurement of magnolol content in Maonolia officinalia leaves.

Responses of Photosynthetic Pigment, Phenol and Total Saponin Contents of Panax notoginseng to Supplemental UV-B under Field Conditions

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the content changes and their correlations of the photosynthetic pigment,phenols,including total phenols,total flavonoids and anthocyanins,and total saponins of the one-year-old P.notoginseng plants under supplemental UV-B stress in fields.[Method] The one-year-old plants were irradiated by UV-B in field for 1 min per day,and the plants under the UV-B lamp were regarded as a circle center,achieving an annular leaf-sampling.The photosynthetic pigment,phenols and total saponins of the leaves were determined spectrophotometrically.[Result] With the increase of sampling radius,the supplemental UV-B intensity decreased significantly,the contents of chlorophyll （Chl） a,Chl b,Chl （a＋b）,carotenoid （Car） and total photosynthetic pigment （Chl＋Car） of the leaves increased extremely significantly,the Chl a/b and total phenol content （TPC） decreased extremely significantly,but the Chl （a＋b）/Car changes were not significant.The contents of total flavonoids,anthocyanins and saponins all increased due to the increasing of UV-B,displaying dose effects.The UV-B intensity was positively correlated with the Chl a/b,and negatively with the Chl a,Chl b,Chl （a＋ b）,Car and （Chl＋Car） contents; and the two of TPC,total flavonoid content （TFC）,total anthocyanin content （TAC） and total saponin content （TSC） were positively correlated,all reaching extremely significant level.The UV-B intensity was positively and significantly correlated with the total flavonoid content （TFC）,negatively and significantly with the Chl （a＋b）/Car,and positively and insignificantly with the TPC,TAC and TSC.[Conclusion] For one-year-old plants of P.notoginseng,UV-B can decrease the contents of the Chl a,Chl b,Chl （a＋b）,Car and （Chl＋Car） and increase the Chl a/b and TPC,and,furthermore,induce the increases of the TFC,TAC and TSC in a dose-dependent manner.However,UV-B can hardly change the Chl （a＋b）/Car.The supplemental UV-B of well-suited dose might be one of the effective measures to improve the TSC of P.notoginseng.