Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Direct-Writing Approach for Fabrication of CNT/Paper-Based Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors for Airflow Sensing

Airflow sensor is a crucial component for monitoring environmental airflow conditions in many engineering fields, especially in the field of aerospace engineering. However, conventional airflow sensors have been suffering from issues such as complexity and bulk in structures, high cost in fabrication and maintenance, and low stability and durability. In this work, we developed a facile direct-writing method for fabricating a low-cost piezoresistive element aiming at high-performance airflow sensing, in which a commercial pen was utilized to drop solutions of single-walled carbon nanotubes onto tissue paper to form a piezoresistive sensing element. The encapsulated piezoresistive element was tested for electromechanical properties under two loading modes: one loading mode is the so-called pressure mode in which the piezoresistive element is pressed by a normal pressure, and another mode is the so-called bending mode in which the piezoresistive element is bended as a cantilever beam. Unlike many other developed airflow sensors among which the sensing elements are normally employed as cantilever beams for facing winds, we designed a fin structure to be incorporated with the piezoresistive element for airflow sensing; the main function of the fin is to face winds instead of the piezoresistive element, and subsequently transfer and enlarge the airflow pressure to the piezoresistive element for the normal pressure loading mode. With this design, the piezoresistive element can also be protected by avoiding experiencing large strains and direct contact with external airflows so that the stability and durability of the sensor can be maintained. Moreover, we experimentally found that the performance parameters of the airflow sensor could be effectively tuned by varying the size of the fin structure. When the fin sizes of the airflow sensors were 20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm, the detection limits and sensitivities of the fabricated airflow sensors were measured as 8.2 m/s, 6.2 m/s, 3.2 m/s, 0.0121 (m/s)−2, 0.01657 (m/s)−2, and 0.02264 (m/s)−2, respectively. Therefore, the design of the fin structure could pave an easy way for adjusting the sensor performance without changing the sensor itself toward different application scenarios.
COVID‐19‐related coagulopathy: A review of pathophysiology and pharmaceutical management

December 2019 will never be forgotten in the history of medicine when an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, China sooner or later prompted the World Health Organization to issue a public health warning emergency. This is not the first nor will it be the last time that a member of β‐coronaviruses (CoVs) is waging a full‐scale war against human health. Notwithstanding the fact that pneumonia is the primary symptom of the novel coronavirus (2019nCoV; designated as SARS‐CoV‐2), the emergence of severe disease mainly due to the injury of nonpulmonary organs at the shadow of coagulopathy leaves no choice, in some cases, rather than a dreadful death. Multiple casual factors such as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet and complement activation, renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system derangement, and hypoxemia play a major role in the pathogenesis of coagulopathy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Due to the undeniable role of coagulation dysfunction in the initiation of several complications, assessment of coagulation parameters and the platelet count would be beneficial in early diagnosis and also timely prediction of disease severity. Although low‐molecular‐weight heparin is considered as the first‐line of treatment in COVID‐19‐associated coagulopathy, several possible therapeutic options have also been proposed for better management of the disease. In conclusion, this review would help us to gain insight into the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and laboratory findings associated with COVID‐19 coagulopathy and would summarize management strategies to alleviate coagulopathy‐related complications.
Religiosity, Perceived Effects of Pornography Use on Personal Sex Life, and Moral Incongruence: Insights from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

ABSTRACT Although online pornography use appears to be a mainstream activity, there is little information, particularly outside of the USA, about how consumers perceive its impact on their sexuality. Considering increasing concerns about pornography use, this lack of evidence has sociocultural and clinical ramifications – especially because the recently proposed Moral Incongruence model (MI) suggests that some individuals may see their pornography use as problematic independently of the frequency of use. Using data from 4,177 adults from the 2018–2019 national probability-based German Health and Sexuality Survey, we explored self-perceived impact of pornography use on personal sex life and the role of MI. Most participants (61.7%) reported no impact of pornography. Women were characterized by significantly higher odds of reporting positive relative to no impact, while men had higher odds of reporting mixed/negative compared to no impact. Participants in both the positive and the mixed impact group reported a significantly higher frequency of pornography use than participants in the no impact group. In line with the MI model, we observed a significant relationship between participants’ religious upbringing and self-perceived negative (relative to mixed) impact of pornography use. Social relevance and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
Bio-Insecticide of Thymus vulgaris and Ocimum basilicum Extract from Cell Suspensions and Their Inhibitory Effect against Serine, Cysteine, and Metalloproteinases of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)

Simple Summary Most thyme and basil species are characterized by a great chemical diversity. Uses have been developed through centuries in foods, as a source of essential oil, flavors, and antioxidants. The main aim of this study was to produce volatile metabolites using cell suspensions of Thymus vulgaris and Ocimum basilicum from the Al-Ahsa area in the sub-continental region. We surveyed the antifeedant activity of extracted volatile metabolites and the inhibition of extracts against total proteolytic enzyme activity from the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver), (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Thymus vulgaris was the most active extract, characterized not only by feeding inhibition but also by a growing deterrence on R. ferrugineus larvae. The O. basilicum extract also showed a lower range of biological activity; nevertheless, there was potent insecticidal activity. The high insecticidal activity of the T. vulgaris extract could be attributed to the high diversity of its volatile constituents. One of the merits of the current approach is that the outcomes are applicable and have the environmental goal of producing ecofriendly biopesticides. Abstract The current study was designed to investigate the insecticide role of volatile constituents produced from cell suspensions of T. vulgaris and O. basilicum against R. ferrugineus. Constituents were extracted from cell suspension after 40 days. Growth kinetics were measured with an inoculation of Verticillium dahliae and identified by GC-MS. Total volatile phenolic constituents were measured. Insecticidal activity against R. ferrugineus (adult) and proteolytic enzyme activity in larvae were assessed. GC-MS showed that the T. vulgaris extract has higher amounts of thymol, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, β-caryophyllene, and linalool in comparison to the O. basilicum extract, which is rich in estragole, β-terpineol, (E)-β-ocimene, 1,8-cineole, germacrene D, and eugenol. The T. vulgaris extract showed an LC50 of 1032 µg/mL, followed by O. basilicum with an LC50 of 1246 µg/mL. The IC50 values against the total proteases were 110.8 and 119.4 µg/mL for T. vulgaris and O. basilicum, respectively. The IC50 for the trypsin-like serine proteinase assessment was 81.6 and 91 µg/mL for T. vulgaris and O. basilicum, respectively. Cysteine, chymotrypsin, and metalloproteinase assessment showed an IC50 above 5000 µg/mL for both extracts. The study is proposed as a potential approach to use T. vulgaris and O. basilicum extract as a bio-insecticide against R. ferrugineus using an accessible and efficient cell suspension technique.
Structure and Expression Analysis of Sucrose Phosphate Synthase, Sucrose Synthase and Invertase Gene Families in Solanum lycopersicum

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SUS) and invertase (INV) are all encoded by multigene families. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a comprehensive analysis of structure characteristics of these family genes is still lacking, and the functions of individual isoforms of these families are mostly unclear under stress. Here, the structure characteristics of the three families in tomato were analyzed; moreover, as a first step toward understanding the functions of isoforms of these proteins under stress, the tissue expression pattern and stress response of these genes were also investigated. The results showed that four SPS genes, six SUS genes and nineteen INV genes were identified in tomato. The subfamily differentiation of SlSPS and SlSUS might have completed before the split of monocotyledons and dicotyledons. The conserved motifs were mostly consistent within each protein family/subfamily. These genes demonstrated differential expressions among family members and tissues, and in response to polyethylene glycerol, NaCl, H2O2, abscisic acid or salicylic acid treatment. Our results suggest that each isoform of these families may have different functions in different tissues and under environmental stimuli. SlSPS1, SlSPS3, SlSUS1, SlSUS3, SlSUS4, SlINVAN5 and SlINVAN7 demonstrated consistent expression responses and may be the major genes responding to exogenous stimuli.
Intestinal Parasites and Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Multi-Unowned-Cat Environments: The Impact of Housing Conditions

Simple Summary Multi-unowned-cat environments can be highly stressful for cats, and infectious and parasite diseases spread quickly and are difficult to prevent. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) in cat feces collected from different multi-cat environments and assess the effect of housing conditions on intestinal parasites and FCM levels in order to develop more efficient control strategies. Cat fecal samples from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies were analyzed with coprological methods to detect intestinal parasite patency and determine FCM. Helminth infection was mainly detected in free-roaming cats. In confined cats, protozoa infections were more likely detected in shelter cats than in cattery cats. Exposure to dogs was associated with parasite infection and cats highly exposed to dogs with visual contact and audible barking showed higher intestinal protozoa prevalence than cats that were not exposed to dogs. FCM levels were correlated with enclosure size and protozoa infection. Reducing stress by improving housing in terms of enclosure size and avoiding exposure to dogs may have an impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoa. Abstract Housing conditions were assessed in different unowned multi-cat management models in order to evaluate their impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels. Fresh stool fecal samples were collected from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies for coprological analyses in order to detect intestinal parasite patency and fecal cortisol metabolites. A questionnaire provided information about the facilities, management and housing conditions of cats, including information about dog exposure, enclosure size, environment enrichment and changes to group composition. Overall, intestinal parasite infection was detected in 58.2% of fecal samples collected. The occurrence of intestinal parasites detected in free-roaming cats was 82.2%, mainly due to helminth infection. The parasite infection rate was 57.3% in rescue shelters and 34.6% in catteries. In confined cats, protozoa infection was more likely detected in rescue shelters than in catteries (RR = 2.02 (1.30–3.14), p = 0.0012). Although the FCM values were very variable between cats, the enclosure size and parasite infection were correlated with the average FCM. A small enclosure size was correlated with high fecal cortisol metabolites (p = 0.016). Protozoa-positive samples showed higher FCM levels than negative samples (p = 0.0150). High dog exposure was statistically associated with protozoa infection (p = 0.0006). The results indicated that improving housing, especially in terms of floor space and avoiding dog exposure, reduces stress and can thus be applied to make control strategies in multi-unowned-cat environments more efficient, especially when cats are confined.
Impact of Fly Ashes from Combustion in Fluidized Bed Boilers and Siliceous Fly Ashes on Durability of Mortars Exposed to Seawater and Carbonation Process

This article presents test results of aggressive environment impact, i.e., seawater, acid solutions and carbonation, on the durability of cement–ash mortars. Tests were conducted on CEM I 42.5R-based mortars containing 35 to 70% by mass of FBC fly ash from brown and black coal combustion in a homogeneous form and mixtures of 35% by mass of siliceous fly ashes (CFA) and 35% by mass of FBC fly ash. It was demonstrated that in normal conditions (20 °C), FBC ashes showed higher pozzolanic activity than CFA, except when their curing temperature was increased to 50 °C. FBC ashes increased mortars’ water demands, which led to an accelerated carbonation process. In an environment of Cl- ions, cement–ash mortars showed more Ca2+ ions leached and no expansive linear and mass changes, which, with their increased strength, might be an argument in favour for their future use in construction of coastal structures resistant to seawater. FBC ash content may be increased to 35% by mass, maintaining mortars’ resistance to seawater, acid rain and carbonation. A favourable solution turned out to be a FBC and CFA mixed addition to cement of 35% by mass each, in contrast to mortars containing 70% of FBC fly ash in homogeneous form.
Distribution and Severity of Placental Lesions Caused by the Chlamydia abortus 1B Vaccine Strain in Vaccinated Ewes

Chlamydia abortus infects livestock species worldwide and is the cause of enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE). In Europe, control of the disease is achieved using a live vaccine based on C. abortus 1B strain. Although the vaccine has been useful for controlling disease outbreaks, abortion events due to the vaccine have been reported. Recently, placental pathology resulting from a vaccine type strain (vt) infection has been reported and shown to be similar to that resulting from a natural wild-type (wt) infection. The aim of this study was to extend these observations by comparing the distribution and severity of the lesions, the composition of the predominating cell infiltrate, the amount of bacteria present and the role of the blood supply in infection. A novel system for grading the histological and pathological features present was developed and the resulting multi-parameter data were statistically transformed for exploration and visualisation through a tailored principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate the difference between them. The analysis provided no evidence of meaningful differences between vt and wt strains in terms of the measured pathological parameters. The study also contributes a novel methodology for analysing the progression of infection in the placenta for other abortifacient pathogens.
The relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia: a genetically informed perspective.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS While epidemiologic studies support a role for heavy, high-potency cannabis use on first episode psychosis, genetic models of causation suggest reverse causal effects of schizophrenia on cannabis use liability. We estimated the genetic relationship between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) and tested whether liability for CUD is causally associated with increased liability to SCZ while adjusting for tobacco smoking. DESIGN This study used summary statistics from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We used genomic structural equation modeling, latent causal variable analysis, and multivariable Mendelian Randomization to examine genetic relationships between CUD, cannabis ever-use, ever-smoked regularly, nicotine dependence, and SCZ, and to test for a causal relationship between liability to CUD and liability to SCZ. SETTING GWAS were published previously as part of international consortia. PARTICIPANTS Sample sizes of the GWAS summary statistics used in this study ranged from 161,405 to 357,806 individuals of European ancestry. MEASUREMENTS Genome-wide summary statistics for genetic associations with CUD and SCZ were the primary measurements, while summary statistics for cannabis ever-use, ever-smoked regularly, and nicotine dependence were included as additional variables in the genomic structural equation models and the multivariable Mendelian Randomization analyses. FINDINGS Genetic liability to CUD was significantly associated with SCZ (beta = 0.29, 95% CI = [0.11, 0.46], p = 0.001), even when accounting for cannabis ever-use, ever-smoked tobacco regularly, and nicotine dependence as simultaneous predictors. We found mixed evidence of a causal relationship, with the latent causal variable analysis finding no evidence of causality (genetic causality proportion = -0.08, 95% CI = [-0.40, 0.23], p = 0.87) but the multivariable Mendelian Randomization analyses suggesting a significant, risk-increasing effect of CUD on liability to SCZ (beta = 0.10, 95% CI = [0.02, 0.18], p = 0.02), accounting for the additional risk factors (cannabis ever-use, ever-smoked tobacco regularly, and nicotine dependence). CONCLUSIONS Genetic liability for cannabis use disorder appears to be robustly associated with schizophrenia, above and beyond tobacco smoking and cannabis ever-use, with mixed evidence to support a causal relationship between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia.
Identification of Novel Toxin Genes from the Stinging Nettle Caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799): Insights into the Evolution of Lepidoptera Toxins

Simple Summary Many caterpillar species can produce toxins that cause harmful reactions to humans, varying from mild irritation to death. Currently, there is very limited knowledge about caterpillar toxin diversity, because only a few species have been investigated. We used the transcriptome technique to identify candidate toxin genes from the nettle caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). It is a common pest of oil palm, coconut, and mango in South and South-East Asia, which can cause severe pain and allergic responses to those in contact with them. We reported 168 candidate toxin genes. Most of them are members of the toxin genes families commonly recruited in animal venoms such as serine protease and serine protease inhibitors. However, we identified 21 novel genes encoding knottin-like peptides expressed at a high level in the transcriptome. Their predicted 3D structures are similar to neurotoxins in scorpion and tarantula. Our study suggests that P. lepida venom contains diverse toxin proteins that potentially cause allergic reactions and pain. This study sheds light on the hidden diversity of toxin proteins in caterpillar lineage, which could be future fruitful new drug sources. Abstract Many animal species can produce venom for defense, predation, and competition. The venom usually contains diverse peptide and protein toxins, including neurotoxins, proteolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors, and allergens. Some drugs for cancer, neurological disorders, and analgesics were developed based on animal toxin structures and functions. Several caterpillar species possess venoms that cause varying effects on humans both locally and systemically. However, toxins from only a few species have been investigated, limiting the full understanding of the Lepidoptera toxin diversity and evolution. We used the RNA-seq technique to identify toxin genes from the stinging nettle caterpillar, Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). We constructed a transcriptome from caterpillar urticating hairs and reported 34,968 unique transcripts. Using our toxin gene annotation pipeline, we identified 168 candidate toxin genes, including protease inhibitors, proteolytic enzymes, and allergens. The 21 P. lepida novel Knottin-like peptides, which do not show sequence similarity to any known peptide, have predicted 3D structures similar to tarantula, scorpion, and cone snail neurotoxins. We highlighted the importance of convergent evolution in the Lepidoptera toxin evolution and the possible mechanisms. This study opens a new path to understanding the hidden diversity of Lepidoptera toxins, which could be a fruitful source for developing new drugs.
Characteristics of Passive Solute Transport across Primary Rat Alveolar Epithelial Cell Monolayers

Primary rat alveolar epithelial cell monolayers (RAECM) were grown without (type I cell-like phenotype, RAECM-I) or with (type II cell-like phenotype, RAECM-II) keratinocyte growth factor to assess passive transport of 11 hydrophilic solutes. We estimated apparent permeability (Papp) in the absence/presence of calcium chelator EGTA to determine the effects of perturbing tight junctions on “equivalent” pores. Papp across RAECM-I and -II in the absence of EGTA are similar and decrease as solute size increases. We modeled Papp of the hydrophilic solutes across RAECM-I/-II as taking place via heterogeneous populations of equivalent pores comprised of small (0.41/0.32 nm radius) and large (9.88/11.56 nm radius) pores, respectively. Total equivalent pore area is dominated by small equivalent pores (99.92–99.97%). The number of small and large equivalent pores in RAECM-I was 8.55 and 1.29 times greater, respectively, than those in RAECM-II. With EGTA, the large pore radius in RAECM-I/-II increased by 1.58/4.34 times and the small equivalent pore radius increased by 1.84/1.90 times, respectively. These results indicate that passive diffusion of hydrophilic solutes across an alveolar epithelium occurs via small and large equivalent pores, reflecting interactions of transmembrane proteins expressed in intercellular tight junctions of alveolar epithelial cells.
Kinetics study of oil extraction from Citrus auranticum L. by solvent-free microwave extraction

Citrus and its oil are of high economic and medicinal value because of their multiple uses, such as in the food industry, cosmetics and folk medicine. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of solvent-free microwave extraction for the extraction of essential oils from Citrus auranticum L. peels. Specifically, this study verifies the kinetics based on second-order model and mechanism of solvent-free microwave extraction of Citrus auranticum L. peels. Solvent-free microwave extraction is used to extract essential oils from Citrus auranticum L. peels. The initial extraction rate, the extraction capacity and the second-order extraction rate constant were calculated using the model. Using a three-step experimental design of the kinetics of oil extraction from Citrus auranticum L. peels by solvent-free microwave extraction, this study showed that the extraction process was based on the second-order extraction model. The initial extraction rate (h), the extraction capacity (CS), the second-order extraction rate constant (k), and coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.7483 g L-1 min-1, 0.7291 g L-1, 1.4075 L g-1 min-1 and 0.9992, respectively.