Smaller Coefficient Of Variation Research Articles

The use of accelerometers to improve estimation of the thermic effect of food in whole room calorimetry studies.

We tested whether spontaneous physical activity (SPA) from accelerometers could be used in a whole-room calorimeter to estimate thermic effect of food (TEF). Eleven healthy participants (63% female; age: 27 ± 4 years; body mass index: 22.8 ± 2.6 kg/m2) completed two 23-hour visits in randomized order: one 'fed' with meals provided and one 'fasted' with no food. SPA was measured by ActivPAL and Actigraph accelerometers. Measured TEF was calculated as the difference in total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) between fed and fasted visits and compared to three methods of estimating TEF: 1) SPA-adjusted TEF (adjTEF)-difference in TDEE without SPA between visits, 2) Wakeful TEF-difference in energy expenditure obtained from linear regression and basal metabolic rate during waking hours, 3) 24h TEF-increase in TDEE above SPA and sleeping metabolic rate. Measured TEF was 9.4 ± 4.5% of TDEE. adjTEF (difference in estimated versus measured TEF: activPAL: -0.3 ± 3.3%; Actigraph: -1.8 ± 8.0%) and wakeful TEF (activPAL: -0.9 ± 6.1%; Actigraph: -2.8 ± 7.6%) derived from both accelerometers did not differ from measured TEF (all p>0.05). ActivPAL-derived 24h TEF overestimated TEF (6.8 ± 5.4%, p=0.002), while Actigraph-derived 24h TEF was not significantly different (4.3 ± 9.4%, p=0.156). TEF estimations using activPAL tended to show better individual-level agreement (i.e., smaller coefficients of variation). Both accelerometers can be used to estimate TEF in a whole-room calorimeter; wakeful TEF using activPAL is the most viable option given strong group-level accuracy and reasonable individual agreement.

Comparative study and validation of a new analytical method for hydraulic modelling of bidirectional low temperature networks

Bidirectional Low Temperature Networks (BLTNs) are an innovative technology of district heating and cooling systems. Because of their intrinsic feature of supplying simultaneous heating and cooling either directly from an energy source/sink or through distributed heat pumps and chillers, circulation pumps installed at each building extract water from the network and a distinct pressure cone is subsequently created. Variations in the amount (and direction) of the extracted water call for accurate hydraulic design and analysis to ensure safe and adequate network operation. This paper proposes a new analytical solution method for fast hydraulic modelling of BLTNs. The analytical method was compared against three numerical solution methods and validated using different current and future operating scenarios of a real-world bidirectional network. In all modelled cases, the calculated mass flows and pressure drops using the new analytical method yielded very small Normalised Mean Bias Error (NMBE) and Coefficient of Variation of the Root Mean Square Error (CV(RMSE)), suggesting excellent agreement between the analytical and numerical solution methods. The new analytical method offers better performance over its numerical counterparts due to its explicit nature, ease of implementation, and quick modelling time.

Extremely Monodispersed Micrometer-Scale Spherical Particle Synthesis of Ag Inside a Microdroplet Vaporizing in Plasma.

Spherical Ag particles have received considerable attention because of their unique properties as well as their applications in various fields. In the present study, the synthesis of micrometer-scale spherical Ag particles with an extremely narrow size distribution is demonstrated using a simple capacitively coupled atmospheric-pressure plasma reactor with an inkjet head. Droplets of a Ag nitrate aqueous solution are ejected from the inkjet head to synthesize Ag particles. The gaseous temperature in the reactor is adjusted such that Ag can be melted with a negligibly small vapor pressure. These particles exhibit a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The mean diameter of the particles is 0.91 ± 0.013 μm with a small coefficient of variation of 1.5%, the smallest value ever reported for Ag particles of less than 1 μm. The grain sizes of the particles are larger than 100 nm, as expected from the broadening of the X-ray diffraction peaks. The excellent monodispersity of the particles synthesized by this method may expand the applications with micrometer-scale spheres such as ball spacer, microsized ball bearing, and inks for printed electronics.

Intersession reliability of lower limb muscle strength assessments in adults with obesity eligible for bariatric surgery.

The aim of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability in lower limb muscle strength and rate of torque development (RTD) using isokinetic dynamometry in adults with obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 . Thirty-two adults with a BMI of 43.8 ± 6.6 kg/m2 eligible for bariatric surgery were enroled in the study. Isokinetic and isometric knee extensor (KE) and flexor (KF) strength were assessed in an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex 4) during three test sessions separated by 3-7 days. There were no statistical differences in peak KE and KF torque for any test modalities between sessions. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was 0.91-0.94 between sessions 1 and 2 and 0.94-0.97 between sessions 2 and 3. Standard error of measurement (SEM%) and coefficient of variation (CV) ranged across test sessions from 4.3% to 7.3%. KE RTD showed high test-retest reliability following familiarization, with ICC, CVand SEM% values ranging from 0.84 to 0.90, 13.3%-20.3%and 14.6%-24.9%, respectively. Maximal lower limb muscle strength measured by isokinetic dynamometry showed excellent test-retest reliability manifested by small measurement errors and low CV. Reliability was slightly improved by including a familiarization session. KE RTD but not KF RTD demonstrated high test-retest reliability following familiarization. The present data indicate that isokinetic dynamometry can be used to detect even small changes in lower limb muscle strength in adults with obesity.

Novel Reproduction Toxicity Test Method for Hyalella azteca Using Sexually Mature Amphipods Provides More Robust Data Than Standard Methods in Exposures to Imidacloprid.

Hyalella azteca is an epibenthic crustacean used in ecotoxicology, but there are challenges associated with standard methods using reproduction as an endpoint. A novel, 28-day reproduction toxicity test method for H. azteca was created to address these issues by initiating tests with sexually mature amphipods to eliminate the confounding effects of growth, using a sex ratio of seven females to three males to reduce reproductive variability, and conducting tests in water-only conditions to make recovery of juveniles easier and expand testing capabilities to water-soluble compounds. In the present study, we evaluated the 28-day novel method by comparing it with the 42-day standard test method in duplicate and parallel water-only, static-renewal exposures to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid (0.5-8 µg/L). Both methods showed similar effects on survival, with survival approaching 50% in the highest test concentration (8 µg/L). However, the 42-day median effect concentrations (EC50s) for growth were more sensitive in the standard method (1.5-3.2 µg/L) compared with the 28-day EC50s generated by the novel method (>8 µg/L). Reproduction endpoints (juveniles/female) produced similar EC50s between methods, but the data were less variable in novel tests (smaller coefficients of variation); therefore, fewer replicates would be required to detect effects on reproduction compared with the standard method. In addition, novel tests generated 28 days of reproduction data compared with 14 days using standard tests and allowed survival and growth of sexes to be assessed independently. Thus, the novel method shows promise to improve the use of reproduction as an endpoint in water-only toxicity tests with H. azteca. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:723-735. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Validation of a novel clinical tool for monitoring distal limb stiffness.

To validate a novel technique to measure limb stiffness in a clinical setting. Three horses and three ponies owned by the Royal Veterinary College. Limb stiffness indices for both forelimbs were first derived using the gold standard of kinematic analysis. Using the same animals, limb stiffness indices were then calculated using portable floor scales to record weight and an electrogoniometer to record changes in metacarpophalangeal joint angle. The two techniques were then assessed for correlation and repeatability. The repeatability of limb stiffness measurement using the novel clinical tool was considered to be good based on a small coefficient of variation (5.70%). The correlation of limb stiffness as derived by both methods was high (r = 0.78, p < 0.01). Limb stiffness was positively correlated with the mass of the subject (r = 0.85, p < 0.01), with heavier horses having greater limb stiffness. This study has compared a novel method to measure distal forelimb stiffness non-invasively in a clinical setting to kinematic analysis in six equids. It has demonstrated that limb stiffness increases in a linear fashion with body mass consistent with the role of forelimbs providing energy storage. Because in vivo limb stiffness has been shown previously to alter with injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon, it is hypothesized that this technique will offer a practical technique for the clinician to assess limb stiffness in clinical cases. Further study will be necessary to determine its clinical usefulness in such cases.

Perbandingan Hasil Pemeriksaan Protein Urine Metode Carik Celup, Asam Asetat 6%, dan Asam Sulfosalisilat 20% Menggunakan Aturan Westgard

Proteinuria is caused by kidney damage. Qualitative examination of urine protein can be carried out using the dip strip method, 6% acetic acid and 20% sulfosalicylic acid. The aim of this research is to determine the accuracy and precision of urine protein examination using the dip strip method, 6% acetic acid and 20% sulfosalicylic acid. The research was experimental with repeated measurements of levels carried out visually and gave positive results of 1, 2, 3 and 4. The research was carried out in January 2022 using a research sample of 20 proteinuria positive patients at RSJD Dr. Amino Gondohutomo. The results of this research are that all methods meet the 12S rules where there is 1 control that is more than ± 2SD (still in the ± 3SD area), categorized as a warning/warning of method malfunction (needs more careful analysis). The best method is dip strip because it has the lowest Coefficient of Variation (KV) value, namely 0.497%. The method can still be used for patient care. The coefficient of variation obtained was dye liquid 0.497%, 6% acetic acid 0.654%, and 20% sulfosalicylic acid 0.630%. The smaller the KV value (%) the more thorough the system/method. The conclusion that can be drawn from this research is that the dip strip is a method that has the best accuracy and precision compared to the 6% acetic acid and 20% sulfosalicylic acid methods because it has the smallest coefficient of variation (KV%) value, namely 0.497% and meets the 12S rules. Researchers recommend always ensuring that the research location has the required samples with adequate volume, urine protein examination can be carried out using the dip strip method, researchers can then carry out urine protein examination regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the three qualitative methods

Study on the Design and Experiment of Trichogramma Ball Delivery System Based on Agricultural Drone

Trichogramma-based biological control technology is of great significance to the development of green agriculture. Agricultural drones have the advantages of low-altitude and high-speed operations and have been well applied and widely recognized in the field of Trichogramma delivery. Drone-based Trichogramma ball delivery not only utilizes the efficiency and flexibility of drones but also enables remote precision control. However, existing delivery devices are relatively rudimentary, leading to reliability and precision issues. It is necessary to develop an efficient and accurate drone delivery device to improve the effect of drone delivery of Trichogramma. In this study, a device consisting of a rotary storage mechanism and a rotating hammer-type delivery mechanism was developed. The delivery port of the delivery device should be set in the airflow outlet area 50 cm below the drone’s body. The storage mechanism is equipped with eight storage tube units with a diameter of Φ38 mm, capable of delivering a total of 56 balls in a single mission. The reliable delivery speed ranges from 2 to 6 m/s, with the remote position of the lever serving as the optimal starting position. The release test results showed that 3 m/s flight speed and 4 m/s delivery speed resulted in a small coefficient of variation for the delivery deviation (29%), making it the best operating parameter set. The performance of the developed UAV-based Trichogramma delivery device meets the requirements of field delivery when the appropriate operating parameters are optimized. This study provides reference for further optimization and design of this delivery device prototype.

Uncertainty propagation in discrete element models using PDEM

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) for the analysis of cohesive granular materials, such as concrete, requires the use of contact interaction models with several parameters. Despite the existence of a number of approaches to estimate these parameters, uncertainty in their values is inevitable. This uncertainty propagates across the system, giving rise to uncertainty in the measured response. It is important to estimate this uncertainty and to check and control dispersion in the results in order to improve the predictive ability of the DEM model. This usually requires running a very large number of simulations to effectively sample the space of random parameters and thereby obtain the probability density function (PDF) of the response. Such an approach is not feasible for DEM-based simulations on account of the inordinate computational cost. The present paper provides an alternate approach based on the Probability Density Evolution Method (PDEM). PDEM, which requires fewer sampling points, is employed for the fast and efficient generation of the PDF. The approach is demonstrated through a DEM model developed for the slump test, widely used to determine the workability of fresh concrete. The simulation results are analysed using PDEM, enabling the PDF of the measured response to be determined from the results of a limited number of trials. Moreover, the dispersion in the DEM results is found to be low, with a relatively small coefficient of variation, thereby attesting to the predictive ability of the DEM model.

Multivariate optimization of pyrolysis process parameters for biochar production

Poultry litter is an abundant agricultural waste that poses a health risk when improperly disposed. To mitigate this problem, poultry litter can be used as fuel in combustion. The objective is to develop models that can optimize pyrolysis parameters for improved biochar quality and yield. Prior, the poultry litter is demineralized to reduce inorganic elements. RSM–CCD method developed models and optimized temperature, particle size, and reaction time to determine the outputs (biochar yield, higher heating value, H/C ratio, and energy yield). The developed models were significant with a p–value &lt; 0.05. Maximum biochar yield (59.49%) was obtained at optimum pyrolysis parameters of 300 °C, 2.47mm, and 15 min. Maximum higher heating value (22.2MJKg–1) and energy yield (70.00%) were obtained at 300 °C, 4.04mm, and 15 min. Low H/C ratio was 0.03 at 550 °C, 1.17mm, and 15 min. ANOVA analysis verified the validity and degree of fitness of the developed models. Low standard deviation (&lt; 7.00), small coefficient of variation (&lt; 14.00%), high R2 (&gt; 0.80), low difference of Adjusted R2 and Predicted R2 (&lt; 0.20) and high adequate precision (&gt; 4.00) verified the model’s adequacy for good precision. Models’ desirability function was satisfactory (&gt; 4) with a 5.00% deviation from experimental values.

A Reliable Method for Determining the Degree of Orientation of Fibrous Foods Using Laser Transmission and Computer Vision.

The degree of organised alignment of fibre structures, referred to as the degree of orientation, significantly influences the textural properties and consumer acceptance of fibrous foods. To develop a new method to quantitatively characterise the fibre structure of such foods, a laser transmission imaging system is constructed to capture the laser beam spot on a sample, and the resulting image undergoes a series of image processing steps that use computer vision to translate the light and dark variations of the original images into distinct ellipses. The results show that the degree of orientation can be reasonably calculated from the ellipse obtained by fitting the outermost isopixel points. To validate the reliability of the newly developed method, we determine the degree of orientation of typical fibrous foods (extruded beef jerky, pork jerky, chicken jerky, and duck jerky). The ranking of the measured orientation agrees with the results of pseudocolour maps and micrographs, confirming the ability of the method to distinguish different fibrous foods. Furthermore, the relatively small coefficients of variation and the strong positive correlation between the degree of organisation and the degree of orientation confirm the reliability of this newly developed method.

Quantifying the Workability of Cold In-Place Recycling in the Laboratory

Abstract The Dongre Workability Test (DWT) is a method for determining an asphalt pavement’s relative workability based on stress–strain relationships during compaction in a Superpave gyratory compactor. Although the DWT has seen favorable results with warm-mix and hot-mix asphalt, there has been limited attempts to apply it to cold-mix asphalt (CMA), and those limited attempts did not provide conclusive results. This research re-examined the curves developed during the DWT data collection in order to better quantify the workability of CMA, specifically, cold in-place recycling (CIR). Phase one consisted of defining ten possible metrics from the stress–strain curve and applying them to samples with three different curing conditions. From these preliminary results, the five metrics that showed the greatest differences between curing conditions with small relative coefficients of variation were chosen for continued evaluation. In phase two, these five metrics were applied to three different asphalt emulsions at four different curing conditions (temperature-minutes: 10C-30, 10C-120, 60C-30, and 60C-120). Two metrics based on different areas under the stress–strain curve yielded the most logical and consistent results, with higher values indicating a more workable mixture. Samples cured for 30 minutes at either 10°C or 60°C showed the most noticeable distinction between workability of each asphalt emulsion. Moving forward, it is recommended these metrics be applied to additional asphalt emulsions, reclaimed asphalt pavement sources and gradations, and curing conditions to determine if the DWT method can be modified for application to CIR mixtures.

Sensitivity of maize genotypes to ethephon across different climatic zones

Ethephon is plant growth regulator widely used to control maize lodging at the early stage of jointing. However, the function and efficacy of ethephon due to differences of cultivars and maize growing areas remains elusive, necessitating the evaluation of each cultivar’s sensitivities prior to the application of ethylene. In this study, we collected ten maize cultivars from the largest planted area in China and cultivated in three typical growing areas to evaluate their sensitivity to ethephon. The results showed that ethephon reduced maize plant height, ear height, length of base internode, and generally increased the crushing strength of maize base internode. These traits may enhance maize lodging resistance by reducing the center of gravity of the plant structure. The effect of ethephon varied across growing areas, and cultivars within the same region exhibited distinct sensitivity levels to ethephon. The crushing strength of the eighth internode in maize exhibits a wide range of change and small coefficient of variation. Hence, this index's change range could be utilized to assess the sensitivity of maize cultivars to ethephon in various regions. In addition to agronomic traits, we detected shifts in transcriptional levels related to the signaling pathways of phytohormones, particularly ethylene and gibberellin. These changes reveal the association between transcriptional signaling levels of key factors and the sensitivity to ethylene in ten maize cultivars. The results contribute to our understanding of the lodging resistance in different maize cultivars and evaluation the sensitivity of maize cultivar to ethephon in different growing areas, with implications for comparable pedo-climatic conditions elsewhere.

A phospho-deficient α3 glycine receptor mutation alters synaptic glycine and GABA release in mouse spinal dorsal horn neurons.

Glycine receptors (GlyRs), together with GABAA receptors, mediate postsynaptic inhibition in most spinal cord and hindbrain neurons. In several CNS regions, GlyRs are also expressed in presynaptic terminals. Here, we analysed the effects of a phospho-deficient mutation (S346A) in GlyR α3 subunits on inhibitory synaptic transmission in superficial spinal dorsal horn neurons, where this subunit is abundantly expressed. Unexpectedly, we found that not only were the amplitudes of evoked glycinergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) significantly larger in GlyRα3(S346A) mice than in mice expressing wild-type α3GlyRs (GlyRα3(WT) mice), but so were those of GABAergic IPSCs. Decreased frequencies of spontaneously occurring glycinergic and GABAergic miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) with no accompanying change in mIPSC amplitudes suggested a change in presynaptic transmitter release. Paired-pulse experiments on glycinergic IPSCs revealed an increased paired-pulse ratio and a smaller coefficient of variation in GlyRα3(S346A) mice, which together indicate a reduction in transmitter release probability and an increase in the number of releasable vesicles. Paired-pulse ratios of GABAergic IPSCs recorded in the presence of strychnine were not different between genotypes, while the coefficient of variation was smaller in GlyRα3(S346A) mice, demonstrating that the decrease in release probability was readily reversible by GlyR blockade, while the difference in the size of the pool of releasable vesicles remained. Taken together, our results suggest that presynaptic α3 GlyRs regulate synaptic glycine and GABA release in superficial dorsal horn neurons, and that this effect is potentially regulated by their phosphorylation status. KEY POINTS: A serine-to-alanine point mutation was introduced into the glycine receptor α3 subunit of mice. This point mutation renders α3 glycine receptors resistant to protein kinase A mediated phosphorylation but has otherwise only small effects on receptor function. Patch-clamp recordings from neurons in mouse spinal cord slices revealed an unexpected increase in the amplitudes of both glycinergic and GABAergic evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). Miniature IPSCs, paired-pulse ratios and synaptic variation analyses indicate a change in synaptic glycine and GABA release. The results strongly suggest that α3 subunit-containing glycine receptors are expressed on presynaptic terminals of inhibitory dorsal horn neurons where they regulate transmitter release.

Features of productivity formation of different maturity terms perennial cereal grasses between mowings depending on the fertilizing system

Purpose. To establish productivity indicators and terms of mowing perennial grasses of different maturity terms depending on fertilizer, Methods. Field, laboratory, mathematical and statistical. Results. The research results of productivity indicators of different maturity terms perennial grasses depending on the fertilization system between the mowings and the peculiarities of the growth of dry biomass during formation of the first mowing on the sod-podzolic soil of the Carpathian region, conducted during 2011-2013, are presented. Conclusions. Productivity of various types of perennial grasses on nitrogen-free backgrounds in the 1st mowing varied between 1.22-1.67 t/ha of dry mass, in the 2nd – 1.06-1.40, and in the 3rd – in in the range of 0.79-1.01 t/ha of dry mass. The most productive in the 1st mowing were Bromus inermis and Phleum pretense L., in the 2nd – Dactylis glomerata, Festuca orientals (Hack.), and Lolium perenne. The most uniform distribution of the dry mass yield in the mowings with the smallest coefficient of variation (6-12%) was characteristic of the Dactylis glomerata, and the least uniform with the largest coefficient (29-35%) – of the Phleum pretense L. Nitrogen had the greatest effect on the productivity of cereal grass stands. With the application of P60K60, productivity increased by 3-23% compared to the variant without fertilizers, and with the application of N90P60K60 – by 1.8-1.9 times. The highest indicators of daily increase in dry mass (75-206 kg/ha), leaf surface area (30.3-43.1 thousand m2/ha) and net productivity of photosynthesis (1.16-4.78 g/m2 per day) in the 1st mowing fell on the period of tuberization-the beginning of the earing of cereal grasses. The growth of productivity of dry biomass, leaf surface area and net productivity of photosynthesis occurs before the flowering phase of grasses.

Surface Modification of Cyclic-Olefin-Copolymer (COC)-Based Microchannels for the Large-Scale Industrial Production of Droplet Microfluidic Devices.

The copolymers of cycloolefin (COC), a type of thermoplastic material, have been widely used for the large-scale industrial fabrication of droplet microfluidic devices, which is often performed using hot-embossing or injection-molding techniques. The generation of droplets and the uniformity of droplet sizes are significantly affected by the surface wettability of COC during fabrication and the pressure stability of the employed fluid pump during operation. In order to alleviate the effects of undesirable surface wettability and pressure variation on the generation of droplets in COC-based devices, a simple surface modification procedure was applied to hydrophobically modify the surfaces of COC-based microchannels for large-scale industrial production. The surface modification procedure consisted of an oxygen plasma treatment of the polymer surface followed by a solution-phase reaction in fluorocarbon solvent. The experimental results demonstrate that following the proposed surface modification, the COC droplet microfluidic devices could stably generate microvolume water droplets with a small coefficient of variation, even if the pressure of the dispersed phase (water) fluctuated. The durability test results regarding the modified surfaces show that the hydrophobicity of the modified COC surfaces could be sustained for up to four months, deteriorating with time thereafter. Our study can provide a potential solution useful in and guidance for the large-scale industrial production of droplet microfluidic devices for various applications, including polymerase chain reaction and single-cell analysis.

1312-P: Relationship between Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy and Seasonal Fluctuation of Estimated GFR

Introduction: The seasonal fluctuation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients remains unknown. The present study is first to examine seasonal fluctuation of eGFR and its relationship to the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods: This retrospective study initially analyzed data on 21,307 T2DM patients with hypertension (HT). Seasonal fluctuation of eGFR were evaluated using the intrapersonal coefficient of variation (CV) of 20 or more serial measurements of body weight, Blood pressure and HbA1c during a 5-year period from 2014-2018. The primary objective was to determine if there is seasonal fluctuation of eGFR or not. Secondary objective is to examine the relationship between progression of DN and seasonal fluctuation of eGFR. DN was assessed by eGFR and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) changes. Results: The figure shows the changes of eGFR monthly averages. eGFR is significantly lower in summer each year (vs winter, P&amp;lt;0.001). Classified into two groups based on median CV of eGFR, eGFR decrease was obvious in the group with large CV of eGFR (vs group with small CV, P&amp;lt;0.001). In addition, UAE increase was also obvious in the group with large CV of eGFR (vs group with small CV, P&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that eGFR is fluctuated by season in T2DM patients with HT. The seasonal fluctuation of eGFR was associated with the progression of DN. Disclosure M.Yuki: None. T.Yamazaki: None. K.Miyashita: None. M.Sakamoto: None.

Phenotypic Diversity Analysis in Elaeagnus angustifolia Populations in Gansu Province, China

As a highly resistant urban ornamental plant, Elaeagnus angustifolia L. is often used in dry land, saline-alkali land shelter forest, and landscape horticulture. It is the main windbreak and sand-fixing tree species in Gansu Province, China. The special geographical and climatic environment makes the distribution and growth of E. angustifolia in Gansu Province show different degrees of difference. In order to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of E. angustifolia in different populations and its variation patterns under different geographical and climatic conditions, 35 phenotypic traits (trunk, branch, leaf, and flower related traits) of 90 plants from 10 populations in Gansu Province were measured and analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) E. angustifolia has rich phenotypic variation. The variation is greater among populations. The traits with the largest and smallest coefficients of variation were “under-branch height” and “flower diameter”, respectively. The variation in the Qilihe population was the largest, and the variation in the Ganzhou population was the smallest. The diversity of flowers and leaves is relatively higher. (2) Correlation analysis showed that most of traits were closely related. Leaf traits showed a gradient variation law dominated by altitude and precipitation. Flower traits were affected by the synergistic effects of various geographical and climatic factors. (3) The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the primary traits affecting the phenotypic diversity of E. angustifolia were leaf size and branch length among the related traits of trunk, branch, leaf, and flower. (4) Cluster analysis showed that 90 E. angustifolia plants were clustered into four clusters that were not completely clustered according to geographical distance and may be randomly affected by genotypic or environmental factors. These results will lay a foundation for further analysis of the genetic mechanism of phenotypic traits of E. angustifolia and also provide a reference for the collection, preservation, and variety improvement of E. angustifolia germplasm resources.

Inter-device concordance of Veggie Meter-A reflection spectroscopy to measure skin carotenoids.

The Veggie Meter® (VM) is a refraction spectrometer that detects skin carotenoids. We tested the variability of the two modes (single-scan and averaging modes) of four VMs of three different versions (VM-1, 2, 3, 4) with 92 healthy volunteers. Both the modes exhibited a high intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC); however, the averaging mode had a significantly lower coefficient of variance than the single-scan mode. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a systematic error between VM-1 and other three VMs. The actual errors between the VM-1 and the other three VMs in the averaging mode were 7.4%, 10.4%, and 11.8% of the median of VM scores, but the errors could be reduced to 2.8%, 6.3%, and 7.0% by compensating VM scores using the regression equations. Averaging mode had higher accuracy than single-scan mode. The reliability of the VMs was validated by the small coefficient of variation and high ICC. The error was improved using linear regression compensation.

Experimental Research on the Cold-Forming Effect of Cold-Formed Thick-Walled Steel

To study the cold-forming effect on the yield strength distribution of cold-formed thick-walled steel, material tensile tests and axial compression tests were conducted on steel-lipped channels. To undertake the material tensile tests, five types of cold-formed lipped channel sections with varied thicknesses and nominal yield strengths were selected. The material test samples were taken from the web, flange, curled edge, and corner of the lipped channel sections, respectively. Next, a corresponding distribution model for the yield strength of cold-formed thick-walled lipped channel sections was developed. Following this, axial compression tests of five short columns with the same section as the coupon tests were conducted to further investigate the cold-forming effect. Finally, the results from the short column tests, the results based on the proposed yield strength distribution model, and the results calculated for related codes in various countries were compared. These revealed that the yield strength distribution, bearing capacity, and ductility were considerably influenced by the cold-forming effect and mainly depended on the width-to-thickness ratio (h/t) of the plate involved. When h/t was less than 34, the curve slowly decreased after reaching the peak load and had good ductility. Conversely, when h/t was greater than 71, local buckling had an obvious influence on the bearing capacity of the specimen, and the column ductility was poor. Overall, the results based on the Chinese code GB 50018-2002 were closest to the experimental values with the smallest variation coefficient, and therefore this code has the best applicability.