Physical Parameters Research Articles

The effect of functional exercise program on physical functioning in older adults aged 60 years or more: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the impact of functional exercise training on physical functioning parameters in older adults 60 years and older. MethodDatabases including PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. ResultsSixteen articles were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that functional training significantly improved Barthel index (p = 0.01), gait speed (p = 0.002), gait cadence (p = 0.0002), Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.0003), Timed Up and Go test (TUG; p = 0.02), step length (p < 0.0001), Five Chair Stand (p < 0.0001) and physical activity questionnaire for the older adults score (p < 0.00001). However, hand grip strength remained unchanged. DiscussionThese findings underscore the significance of incorporating functional exercises in interventions for healthy aging and maintaining independence among older individuals. Further investigation is needed to explore long-term effects and optimal implementation strategies for functional exercise regimens in this populations.

Data-driven computation of adjoint sensitivities without adjoint solvers: An application to thermoacoustics

Adjoint methods have been the pillar of gradient-based optimization for decades. They enable the accurate computation of a gradient (sensitivity) of a quantity of interest with respect to all system parameters in one calculation. When the gradient is embedded in an optimization routine, the quantity of interest can be optimized for the system to have the desired behavior. Adjoint methods, however, require the system's governing equations and their Jacobian. In this paper, we propose a computational strategy to infer the adjoint sensitivities from data when the governing equations might be unknown (or partly unknown), and noise might be present. The key component of this strategy is an echo state network, which learns the dynamics of nonlinear regimes with varying parameters, and it evolves dynamically via a hidden state. Although the framework does not make assumptions on the dynamical system, we focus on thermoacoustics, which are governed by nonlinear and time-delayed systems. First, we show that a parameter-aware echo state network (ESN) infers the parametrized dynamics. Second, we derive the adjoint of the ESN to compute two types of sensitivity: (i) parameter sensitivity, which is the gradient of a time-averaged cost functional with respect to physical or design parameters of the system, and (ii) initial condition sensitivity, which is the gradient of a cost functional of the final state with respect to the initial condition. Third, we propose the thermoacoustic echo state network (T-ESN), which embeds the physical knowledge in the network architecture for improved generalization. Fourth, we apply the framework to a variety of nonlinear thermoacoustic regimes of a prototypical system. We show that the T-ESN accurately infers the correct adjoint sensitivities of the acoustic energy with respect to the flame parameters and initial conditions. The results are robust to noisy data, from periodic, through quasiperiodic, to chaotic regimes. The inferred adjoint sensitivities are employed to suppress an instability via steepest descent. We show that a single network predicts the nonlinear bifurcations on unseen scenarios, which allows it to converge to the minimum of the acoustic energy. This work opens new possibilities for gradient-based data-driven design optimization. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Bloch classification surface for three-band systems

Abstract Topologically protected states can be found in physical systems, that show singularities in some energy contour diagram. These singularities can be characterized by winding numbers, defined on a classification surface, which maps physical state parameters. We have found a classification surface, which applies for three-band hamiltonian systems in the same way than standard Bloch surface does for two-band ones. This generalized Bloch surface is universal in the sense that it classifies almost all three-band systems, which we have exhaustively studied, finding specific classification surfaces, applying for each one.&amp;#xD;

Development of Technology for the Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Cerium Oxide Under Production Conditions with the Best Regenerative Activity and Biocompatibility for Further Creation of Wound-Healing Agents

Background/Objectives: The issue of effective wound healing remains highly relevant. The objective of the study is to develop an optimal method for the synthesis of nanosized cerium oxide powder obtained via the thermal decomposition of cerium carbonate precipitated from aqueous nitrate solution for the technical creation of new drugs in production conditions; the select modification of synthesis under different conditions based on the evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics of the obtained material and its biological activity, and an evaluation of the broad-spectrum effect on cells involved in the regeneration of skin structure as well as antimicrobial properties. Methods: Several modes of the industrial synthesis of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) were carried out. The synthesis stages and the chemical and physical parameters of the obtained NPs were described using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The cell cultures of human fibroblasts and keratinocytes were cultured with different concentrations of different nanoceria variations, and the cytotoxicity and the metabolic and proliferative activity were investigated. An MTT test and cell counting were performed. The antimicrobial activity of CeO2 variations at a concentration of 0.1–0.0001 M against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied. Results: The purity of the synthesized nanoceria powders in all the batches was &gt;99.99%. According to TEM data, the size of the NPs varied from 1 nm to 70 nm under different conditions and methodologies. The most optimal technology for the synthesis of the nanoceria with the maximum biological effect was selected. A method for obtaining the most bioactive NPs of optimal size (up to 10 nm) was proposed. The repeatability of the results of the proposed method of nanoceria synthesis in terms of particle size was confirmed. It was proven that the more structural defects on the surface of the CeO2 crystal lattice, the higher the efficiency of the NPs due to oxygen vacancies. The strain provided the best redox activity and antioxidant properties of the nanoceria, which was demonstrated by better regenerative potential on various cell lines. The beneficial effect of synthesized nanoceria on the proliferative and metabolic activity of the cell lines involved in skin regeneration (human fibroblasts, human keratinocytes) was demonstrated. The antimicrobial effect of synthesized nanoceria on the culture of the most-resistant-to-modern-antibiotics microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa was confirmed. The optimal concentrations of the nanoceria to achieve the maximum biological effect were determined (10−3 M). Conclusions: It was possible to develop a method for the industrial synthesis of nanoceria, which can be used to produce drugs and medical devices containing CeO2 NPs.

Solutions to SIR/SEIR epidemic models with exponential series: Numerical and non numerical approaches

This study revisits the mathematical SIR/SEIR epidemic models, aiming to introduce novel exponential-type series solutions. Beyond standard non-dimensionalization, we implement a successful rescaling technique that reduces the parameter count in classical epidemiology. Consequently, solutions for the SIR model are determined solely by the basic reproduction number and initial infected fractions. Similarly, the SEIR model requires only the transmission-to-recovery ratio and initial exposed fractions. We present both numerical and non numerical solutions, alongside elucidating the limitations on the existence of exponential-type series solutions. Our analysis reveals that these solutions are valid under two key conditions: endemic situations and early epidemic stages, where the basic reproduction number is close to one. We graphically illustrate the range of physical parameters guaranteeing the existence of non numerical exponential series solutions. However, for epidemic/pandemic outbreaks with significantly higher reproduction numbers, achieving complete convergence of the exponential series across the entire physical domain becomes impossible. In such cases, we divide the exponential series solution into two zones: from initial time to peak time and from peak time to the final epidemic time. For the first zone, where convergence is slow, we successfully employ Padé approximants to accelerate the convergence of the series. This accelerated solution is then smoothly joined to the second zone solution once the peak time is identified within the first region. The presented non numerical solutions are envisioned to serve as valuable benchmarks for testing and enhancing other numerical approaches used to solve epidemic models and their variants.

Entropy generation in radiative motion of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid in the presence of gyrotactic microorganisms and activation energy

In this work, entropy generation is optimized through the application of the second law of thermodynamics. The slip mechanisms, Brownian diffusions, and thermophoresis are elaborated using the tangent hyperbolic nanomaterial model. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluid is taken into consideration. To characterize the impact of activation energy, a unique model involving the binary chemical reaction is deployed. The effects of mixed convection that is nonlinear in nature, bioconvection, and Joule effect are all taken into consideration. The key partial differential equations (PDEs) are reduced into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by utilizing appropriate similarity transformations and then solved numerically with the help of a built-in ‘bvp4c’ technique of MATLAB software. Varied flow parameters’ impacts on the nanoparticle volume concentration, entropy number, microorganism concentration, temperature, and velocity fields are analyzed using graphs. Various flow variables are taken into consideration to calculate the total rate of entropy generation. The obtained results show that concentration irreversibility, Joule effect irreversibility, viscous dissipation, and heat irreversibility all influence the entropy. The numerical outcomes were observed by fixing the physical parameters as 0.1&lt;α&lt;4.0, 0.1&lt;M&lt;1.2, 0.1&lt;Nr&lt;2.2, 0.1&lt;Le&lt;2.2, 0.1&lt;Nb&lt;0.4, 0.1&lt;Nt&lt;1.0, 2.0&lt;⁡Pr⁡&lt;5.0, and 0.1&lt;Lb&lt;2.0, as well as their impact on the momentum, thermal, concentration, and microorganism density profiles. From results, an increasing estimate of the variable representing chemical reaction indicates a decline in the concentration. The higher the chemical reaction variable, Hartmann number, and Weissenberg number, the higher the entropy number, while the Bejan number has a contrary behavior. Subsequently, all the outcomes are plotted in graphs and discussed in detail, when subjected to the involving physical quantities.

Relationship between different muscle mass indices and physical performance measures in Turkish older adults

BackgroundSarcopenia, characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle, is assessed using appendicular skeletal muscle mass indices (ASMI). Various international groups propose different ASMI thresholds for assessing sarcopenia. However, the optimal ASMI that correlates best with physical performance measures in older Turkish adults remains unexplored. This study aims to determine which ASMI is most closely associated with physical performance measures, particularly low handgrip strength (dynapenia), in Turkish older adults.MethodsThe study included 326 individuals aged 60 and above. Comprehensive geriatric assessments were conducted on all participants, along with anthropometric evaluations and body composition analyses. ASMI was calculated by adjusting height squared, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Physical performance was assessed through handgrip strength, gait speed, and the chair stand test.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 74 ± 5.77 years, with 59.8% being women and 37.5% having dynapenia. Height-squared adjusted ASMI was not significantly associated with gait speed or the chair stand test. Weight-adjusted ASMI correlated with handgrip strength and gait speed but not with the chair stand test. Both height and weight-adjusted ASMI did not differ significantly between participants with and without dynapenia (p > 0.05). BMI-adjusted ASMI significantly correlated with all physical performance parameters (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in multivariate regression analysis, BMI-adjusted ASMI (OR = 0.028, 95% CI = 0.01–0.31, p = 0.006) was independently associated with dynapenia.ConclusionThe study indicates that ASMI adjusted for BMI shows stronger correlations with all physical performance parameters and is independently associated with dynapenia. Utilizing ASMI adjusted for BMI may improve sarcopenia diagnosis in Turkish older adults.

A Large Model-Derived Algorithm for Complex Organoids with Internal Morphogenesis and Digital Marker Derivation.

Automated segmentation and evaluation algorithms have been demonstrated to enhance the simplicity and translational utility of organoid technology. However, there is a pressing need for the development of complex organoids that possess epithelium environmental elements, dense regional cell aggregation, and intraorganoid morphologies. Nevertheless, there has been limited progress, including both the construction of data sets and the development of algorithms, in the use of user-friendly microscopy to address such complex organoids. In this study, a data set of bright-field and living cell fluorescence images in paired forms and with temporal variance was constructed using droplet-engineered lung organoids. Additionally, a large model-based algorithm was developed. Both the organoid contours and intraorganoid morphologies were included in the data set, and their physical parameters were included and screened to form multiplex digital markers for organoid evaluation. The algorithm has been demonstrated to outperform existing methods and is therefore suitable for the evaluation of complex organoids. It is expected that the algorithm will facilitate the successful demonstration of AI in organoid evaluation and decision-making regarding their status.

DEVELOPMENT OF SEISMIC METHODS FOR MONITORING THE GEOMECHANICAL CONDITION OF THE SAYANO-SHUSHENSKAYA HPP

Records obtained at seismological stations contain information not only about earthquakes, explosions, but also from various other sources of seismic waves. The sources of such waves can be various buildings and structures that vibrate with their own frequencies. Seismologists can understand the registered wave field, identify the waves from these sources and characterize them. It is possible to implement seismic methods of remote control over changes in the technical condition of various objects. Contemporary hydraulic structures were built a long time ago and aging processes in them lead to destruction of materials and formation of cracks, so these objects require continuous monitoring of their condition. The aim of this work is to investigate the possibility of determining the occurrence of cracks in the body of the dam of the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power plant by analyzing its natural frequencies depending on the filling and drawdown of the reservoir. For this purpose, we placed a seismic station several kilometers away from the object of study. With the help of this station, as well as with the help of the seismological data obtained at the seismic station “Cheremushki”, located 4.5 km from the HPP, for 20 years, works were carried out to study the possibility of determining the natural frequencies of the dam with high accuracy when they change in time. The possibility of controlling the physical parameters of structures and operation of various units of the HPP for a long period of time was demonstrated. Examples of determination of frequencies of high- and low-quality signals are considered.

Spatial downscaling of SMAP soil moisture to high resolution using machine learning over China’s Loess Plateau

Soil moisture (SM) is a critical physical parameter in land surface processes that affects the atmospheric and hydrological cycles. Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission produces high-quality global SM data, but its low spatial resolution limits the applications at a regional or local scale. In this study, we developed a novel method to select optimal factors from 34 candidate downscaling factors for each month using three machine learning methods (Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF)) to produce monthly time series SM products at a spatial resolution of 1 km for the entire Loess Plateau in China from 2015 to 2023. 11 in-situ SM measurements distributed in Loess Plateau and precipitation data were used to evaluate the downscaling performances of the three machine learning approaches. The results show that the spatial trends of the three downscaled SM were essentially the same as the SMAP SM, with similar spatial patterns, and all three downscaled SM can provide more spatial information and texture features than SMAP SM. Among the three types of downscaled SM, the RF downscaled SM reached the highest R (0.654) and the smallest unbiased Root Mean Square Error (ubRMSE) (0.044 m3m−3), better than the BPNN and SVM downscaled SM, and most closely matched the in-situ measurements. The dynamics of SM were successfully captured by RF downscaled SM, which exhibited strong temporal consistency with the in-situ SM and responded well to precipitation events, with significant increases in SM values in the month of high precipitation and subsequent months. In conclusion, the RF model has the best downscaling effect and it can be used to provide high spatial resolution SM data for applications at a regional or local scale across the Loess Plateau.

The ameliorating effects of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells on blue light-induced rat retinal injury via modulation of TLR4 signaling, apoptosis, and glial cell activity.

Blue light (BL)-induced retinal injury has become a very common problem due to over exposure to blue light-emitting sources. This study aimed to investigate the possible ameliorating impact of stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFCs) on BL-induced retinal injury. Forty male albino rats were randomly allocated into four groups. The control group rats were kept in 12-h light/12-h dark. Rats of SVFC-control as the control group, but rats were intravenously injected once by SVFCs. Rats of both the BL-group and BL-SVFC group were exposed to BL for 2 weeks; then rats of the BL-SVFC group were intravenously injected once by SVFCs. Following the BL exposure, rats were kept for 8 weeks. Physical and physiological studies were performed; then retinal tissues were collected for biochemical and histological studies. The BL-group showed physical and physiological changes indicating affection of the visual function. Biochemical marker assessment showed a significant increase in MDA, TLR4 and MYD88 tissue levels with a significant decrease in TAC levels. Histological and ultrastructural assessment showed disruption of the normal histological architecture with retinal pigment epithelium, photoreceptors, and ganglion cell deterioration. A significant increase in NF-κB, caspase-3, and GFAP immunoreactivity was also detected. BL-SVFC group showed a significant improvement in physical, physiological, and biochemical parameters. Retinal tissues revealed amelioration of retinal structural and ultrastructural deterioration and a significant decrease in NF-κB and caspase-3 immunoreactivity with a significant increase in GFAP immunoreaction. This study concluded that SVFCs could ameliorate the BL-induced retinal injury through TLR-4/MYD-88/NF-κB signaling inhibition, regenerative, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Presacral glomangioma: a rare localization of glomus tumors: case report

Introduction and importance: Deep located glomangiomas are rarely reported. Because of their scarcity, treatment strategie is hard to establish. Herein, we report the first case to our knowledge of presacral glomangioma. Case presentation: A 34-year-old female patient, with no previous medical history, consulted for 2-month-old pelvic abdominal pain, vomiting and delayed menstruation. Her physical and biological parameters were with no abnormalities. MRI of the pelvis demonstrated a 14 cm mixed heterogeneous pre-sacral lesion pushing the rectum anteriorly. She was operated on via a laparoscopic approach. Division of Douglas’ pouch and pelvic peritoneum laterally to the bladder showcased a cystic lesion of 13×8 cm occupying the pelvis while deviating the rectum anteriorly. Its content was aspirated and left membrane was extracted in a sac. The postoperative course was uneventful. Discussion: Presacral masses are hard to treat because of their large heterogeneity. Surgical resection should be tempted to retrieve the definitive histological diagnosis and relieve the patient. However, the surgical route is controversial as each approach has its advantages. Thus, the surgical route should take into consideration the lesion’s size, height and surrounding contacts, the patient’s functional state and surgeon’s expertise. Conclusion: Presacral glomangiomas carries low malignant pattern but should be resected to offer histological diagnosis. The surgical route remains at the surgeon’s decision, with the main objective to totally resect the encountered lesion without causing functional and sexual complications or harm to surrounding viscera.

The Influence of Thermophysical Parameters on Thermal Runaway Characteristics for Pouch-Type Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract The thermal variation during the temperature rise process of batteries is closely related to multiple physical parameters. Establishing a direct relationship between these parameters and thermal runaway (TR) features under abusive conditions is challenging using theoretical equations due to complex electrochemical and thermal coupling. In this paper, a high-temperature thermal runaway model of pouch-type lithium-ion battery is established through electrical-thermal coupled approach, demonstrating a good agreement between the simulation and experimental results. The results reveal distinct trends in thermal parameters of the early temperature rise, trigger time for TR and peak temperature during TR process, for varying convective heat transfer coefficient, cell specific heat capacity, cell density and cell thermal conductivity. Across various convective heat transfer coefficients, the rates of temperature increase, moments of TR, and peak temperatures within a battery emerge as the cumulative outcomes of competing processes of the intricate exothermic secondary reactions within the battery, and the heat transfer with the surroundings. Batteries with lower heat capacity exhibit reduced thermal inertia and heightened sensitivity to temperature changes. Alterations in the thermal capacity of a battery wield a profoundly significant impact upon the moment of thermal runaway within the battery. Enhancing the thermal conductivity yields limited improvements in heat dissipation during thermal runaway primarily due to the relatively small geometrical scale of the battery. Results of this paper can provide valuable insights for size optimization design, thermal management system optimization design, thermal runaway safety warning and prevention of Lithium-ion batteries.

Effect of carbon on microstructure and mechanical properties of TiZrNb0.5V0.5 lightweight refractory high entropy alloy

The single-phase body-centered cubic TiZrNb0.5V0.5 lightweight refractory high entropy alloy exhibits good plasticity but poor strength. Therefore, C is added to this alloy to enhance its strength and improve its mechanical properties in this paper. The influence of varying C content on the microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical behavior of TiZrNb0.5V0.5C x RHEAs is investigated in detail. The results indicate that C addition leads to the dissolution of alloying dendrites and induces the formation of the FCC – MC carbides phase. The carbide volume fraction increases in proportion to the carbon content, thereby enhancing the alloy's yield strength and hardness. The yield strength increases by 36%, while the hardness increases by 39%. The physical parameters of the alloy are analyzed, which reveals that the introduction of C increases the alloy's electronegativity and atomic radius difference, thus promoting the formation of carbides.

Statistical Comparison between Pores and Sunspots during the Time Interval 2010–2023

To reveal the physical properties of pores and sunspots varying with solar cycle, we carried out a statistical comparison among pores, transitional sunspots, and mature sunspots using Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager from 2010 April to 2023 July. The OTSU method and region-growing algorithm were combined to detect umbrae of 11,876 sunspots covering solar cycles 24 and 25. The relationships between umbral area, continuum intensity (I), line-of-sight (LOS) magnetic field strength (B los), and line-of-sight velocity (V los) of umbrae were investigated in detail. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) The steepness between the total magnetic flux and total area of transitional sunspots appears to be flattened in each phase of the observed solar cycles, and does not have a significant variation over the solar cycle. (2) For three groups of sunspots, the umbral physical parameters’ means and their correlations show only minor variations with the solar cycle, which are in error ranges. (3) As the mean umbral LOS magnetic field strength increases, the correlation of the umbral I–B los increases. The flattening of transitional sunspots in total area–total magnetic flux scatter is related to the evolution of sunspots itself, and may not correspond to the solar cycle. The umbral physical parameters and their correlations do not exhibit a discernible regularity over the solar cycle. Our analysis results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic processes of sunspot magnetic fields and give a new perspective on revealing the physical features of vertical magnetic flux tubes.

On the solutions of the Lane-Emden model via non-dyadic wavelet scheme to unravel astrophysical phenomena

The research focuses on exploring the characteristics of the Lane Emden equation, which is a second-order ordinary differential equation that has its roots in astrophysics. To approximate this equation, a technique that employs non-dyadic Haar wavelets in conjunction with quasi-linearization is utilized. By utilizing non-dyadic wavelets, the ordinary differential equation can be simplified into a system of algebraic equations. Error estimates are provided to assess the accuracy of the produced data. A comparison between the existing solutions and the numerical results obtained using the suggested approach is performed to showcase its efficiency and advantages. The non-dyadic Haar wavelet approach is found to be a rich structure for numerous solutions that span a wide range of physical parameter.

A Comprehensive Geophysical Exploration of Sedimentary Exhalative Deposits: An Example from the Huaniushan Lead–Zinc–Silver Polymetallic Deposit in Gansu, China

The Huaniushan lead–zinc–silver deposit is a hydrothermal sedimentary exhalative deposit (SEDEX), and the mining area has complex geological conditions, with the main tectonic structure being the Huaheitan–Shuangfengshan Fault (F3), which controls the distribution of strata and magmatic rocks. Since the discovery of the Huaniushan lead–zinc–silver deposit, diverse interpretations of its genesis and metallogeny have been proposed, making it challenging to establish a definitive geological explanation. Moreover, using a single geophysical exploration method relies on limited rock physical parameters, making it difficult to effectively characterize underground structures. The combined use of multiple geophysical methods can effectively integrate the geophysical characteristics of different rock physical parameters, reducing the multiplicity and uncertainty of the inverse interpretation of geophysical data. The comprehensive interpretation of three-dimensional inversion based on various geophysical data, the construction of geological–geophysical models on geological grounds, the establishment of hidden ore exploration and positioning, and the rapid evaluation of geophysical technological systems are the current research trends in mineral exploration. In light of this, in this study, we conducted research on the three-dimensional inversion interpretation of gravity and magnetoelectric exploration data of the Huaniushan sedimentary exhalative lead–zinc–silver polymetallic deposit and constructed a three-dimensional geological–geophysical model of the study area based on the obtained three-dimensional physical structure of the underground density, magnetization intensity, resistivity, and polarizability of the study area, in combination with related geological and drilling hole data. Finally, we comprehensively interpreted the favorable mineralization sites in the study area.

Performance Analysis of Disc Mill Type FFC-15 Grinder for Making Charcoal Husk Flour

This study is motivated by the great potential of rice husk as a waste material that has not yet been optimally utilized. The focus of this research is to evaluate the performance of the FFC-15 disc mill machine in producing flour from rice husk charcoal at three different moisture contents. The variations in the moisture content of rice husk charcoal studied were 10%, 15%, and 20%, with the goal of determining the optimal conditions in the production process of rice husk charcoal flour. The methodology used is experimental with repeated testing to produce data on machine capacity, electrical power consumption, flour yield, flour quality (moisture content, ash content, and mineral content), and the physical parameters of the charcoal. The results show that moisture content significantly affects the milling efficiency and quality of the flour produced, with optimal conditions achieved at a moisture content of 10%. Adjusting the moisture content before the milling process can enhance the operational efficiency of the machine and the quality of the final product. These findings are expected to provide benefits for follow-up by a group or industry that wants to optimize the utilization of rice husk charcoal. Keywords: Disc mill FFC-15, Flour quality, Husk charcoal, Milling efficiency, Moisture content.

Transcriptome analysis reveals regulatory mechanism of postharvest softening in kiwiberry

BackgroundKiwiberry is an emerging edible fruit with market potential owing to its advantages of small size, thin and hairless skin, and sweet taste. However, kiwiberry is highly susceptible to softening after harvest, which poses a challenge for storage and transport. To reveal the underlying cause of kiwiberry softening, it is essential to investigate the characteristics of postharvest fruit and the molecular mechanisms that affect changes in fruit firmness.ResultsMorphological observations and analysis of physical parameters showed that the skin of kiwiberry did not change markedly from the 1st to the 7th day after harvest, while the colour of the inner pericarp gradually turned yellow. By the 9th day of room temperature storage, the kiwiberries began to rot. The hardness decreased rapidly from the 1st to the 5th day postharvest, reaching the low level on the 5th day. The starch and pectin contents of kiwiberry showed a downward trend with increasing storage time. Transcriptome sequencing and weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified 29 key genes associated with the changes in the hardness of kiwiberry after harvest. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these 29 genes are mainly involved in pectin metabolism, starch synthesis, starch decomposition, and starch metabolism. In addition, three transcription factors, AGL31, HAT14, and ALC, were identified to be strongly positively correlated with the 29 genes that affect the hardness changes of kiwiberry after harvest, and 28 of the 29 key genes were predicted to be regulated by HAT14.ConclusionsThese results reveal the changes in morphological characteristics and physiological indicators during the postharvest ripening and softening of kiwiberry stored under room temperature conditions. Transcriptome analysis identified 29 key genes and three transcription factors that affect the firmness changes of postharvest kiwiberry. The results of this study thus provide insight into the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of kiwiberry softening during storage to improve the postharvest quality.

Unified analytical theory of nonlinear optical diffraction by nonlinear gratings

When a pump laser shines upon a periodically poled lithium niobate (LN) thin plate nonlinear grating, second-harmonic generation (SHG) and its nonlinear diffraction occurs, with the nonlinear Raman–Nath diffraction (NRND), nonlinear Bragg diffraction (NBD), and nonlinear Cerenkov radiation (NCR) being several prominent examples. In this work we build and present a unified analytical theory to solve SHG for the NRND, NCR, and NBD processes from LN domains, domain walls, and defects. We find that the critical physical entity that governs the nonlinear diffraction is the effective nonlinear coefficient for each Fourier wave component. The analytical theory has a great generality and applicability scope. It allows us to retrieve and analyze everything about the dependence of SHG nonlinear diffraction on a series of physical and geometrical parameters such as the pump laser intensity, polarization, incidence polar and azimuthal angles, the LN thin plate thickness and its crystalline orientation, LN domain size and pitch, domain wall thickness and crystalline configuration, defect size and crystalline configuration, and the SHG diffraction beam angle and polarization. The analytical theory also enables us to analyze deeply the similarities and differences of the three nonlinear diffraction processes NRND, NCR, and NBD, build a smooth and broad connection bridge among these three processes, and construct a unified physical picture to understand, describe, and exploit these three processes of seemingly big difference. Besides, the analytical theory can be applicable to handle nonlinear diffraction by domains, domain walls, and defects in other more complicated 2D and 3D nonlinear gratings made from LN and other nonlinear crystals. Finally, the analytical theory can help to build a bridge connecting the extrinsic SHG nonlinear diffraction properties with the intrinsic domain poling and inversion material and physical properties of LN and other nonlinear crystals and explore novel nonlinear optical devices and technologies.