bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applied IrO2 Buffer Layer as a Great Promoter on Ti-Doping V2O5 Electrode to Enhance Electrochromic Device Properties
Authors: Ko Tien-Fu , Chen Po-Wen , Li Kuan-Ming , Young Hong-Tsu
Published: July 2022

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) are a promising material for smart windows that are capable of transmittance variation. However, ECDs are still too expensive to achieve a wide market reach. Reducing fabrication cost remains a challenge. In this study, we inserted an IrO2 buffer layer on Ti-doped V2O5 (Ti:V2O5) as a counter electrode using various Ar/O2 gas flow ratios (1/2, 1/2.5, 1/3 and 1/3.5) in the fabrication process. The buffered-ECD resulted in a larger cyclic voltammetry (CV) area and the best surface average roughness (Ra = 3.91 nm) to promote electrochromic performance. It was fabricated using the low-cost, fast deposition process of vacuum cathodic arc plasma (CAP). This study investigates the influence of the IrO2 buffer/Ti:V2O5 electrode on ECD electrochemical and optical properties, in terms of color efficiency (CE) and cycle durability. The buffered ECD (glass/ITO/WO3/liquid electrolyte/IrO2 buffer/Ti:V2O5/ITO/glass) demonstrated excellent optical transmittance modulation; ∆T = 57% (from Tbleaching (67%) to Tcoloring (10%)) at 633 nm, which was higher than without the buffer (ITO/WO3/liquid electrolyte/Ti:V2O5/ITO) (∆T = 36%). In addition, by means of an IrO2 buffer, the ECD exhibited high coloration efficiency of 96.1 cm2/mC and good durability, which decayed by only 2% after 1000 cycles.
Effects of Annealing and Thickness of Co60Fe20Yb20 Nanofilms on Their Structure, Magnetic Properties, Electrical Efficiency, and Nanomechanical Characteristics
Authors: Liu Wen-Jen , Chang Yung-Huang , Chen Yuan-Tsung , Chiu Po-Chun , Guo Jian-Cheng , Lin Shih-Hung , Chi Po-Wei
Published: July 2022

X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that metal oxide peaks appear at 2θ = 47.7°, 54.5°, and 56.3°, corresponding to Yb2O3 (440), Co2O3 (422), and Co2O3 (511). It was found that oxide formation plays an important role in magnetic, electrical, and surface energy. For magnetic and electrical measurements, the highest alternating current magnetic susceptibility (χac) and the lowest resistivity (×10−2 Ω·cm) were 0.213 and 0.42, respectively, and at 50 nm, it annealed at 300 °C due to weak oxide formation. For mechanical measurement, the highest value of hardness was 15.93 GPa at 200 °C in a 50 nm thick film. When the thickness increased from 10 to 50 nm, the hardness and Young’s modulus of the Co60Fe20Yb20 film also showed a saturation trend. After annealing at 300 °C, Co60Fe20Yb20 films of 40 nm thickness showed the highest surface energy. Higher surface energy indicated stronger adhesion, allowing for the formation of multilayer thin films. The optimal condition was found to be 50 nm with annealing at 300 °C due to high χac, strong adhesion, high nano-mechanical properties, and low resistivity.
Development of Piezoresistive Sensors Based on Graphene Nanoplatelets Screen-Printed on Woven and Knitted Fabrics: Optimisation of Active Layer Formulation and Transversal/Longitudinal Textile Direction
Authors: Arruda Luisa M. , Moreira Inês P. , Sanivada Usha Kiran , Carvalho Helder , Fangueiro Raul
Published: July 2022

Although the force/pressure applied onto a textile substrate through a uniaxial compression is constant and independent of the yarn direction, it should be noted that such mechanical action causes a geometric change in the substrate, which can be identified by the reduction in its lateral thickness. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the fabric orientation on both knitted and woven pressure sensors, in order to generate knowledge for a better design process during textile piezoresistive sensor development. For this purpose, these distinct textile structures were doped with different concentrations of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), using the screen-printing technique. The chemical and physical properties of these screen-printed fabrics were analysed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Ground State Diffuse Reflectance and Raman Spectroscopy. Samples were subjected to tests determining linear electrical surface resistance and piezoresistive behaviour. In the results, a higher presence of conductive material was found in woven structures. For the doped samples, the electrical resistance varied between 105 Ω and 101 Ω, for the GNPs’ percentage increase. The lowest resistance value was observed for the woven fabric with 15% GNPs (3.67 ± 8.17 × 101 Ω). The samples showed different electrical behaviour according to the fabric orientation. Overall, greater sensitivity in the longitudinal direction and a lower coefficient of variation CV% of the measurement was identified in the transversal direction, coursewise for knitted and weftwise for woven fabrics. The woven fabric doped with 5% GNPs assembled in the weftwise direction was shown to be the most indicated for a piezoresistive sensor, due to its most uniform response and most accurate measure of mechanical stress.
Electrospun PA66/Graphene Fiber Films and Application on Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Wu Qiupeng , Yu Zhiheng , Huang Fengli , Gu Jinmei
Published: July 2022

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are considered to be the most promising energy supply equipment for wearable devices, due to their excellent portability and good mechanical properties. Nevertheless, low power generation efficiency, high fabrication difficulty, and poor wearability hinder their application in the wearable field. In this work, PA66/graphene fiber films with 0, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 2.5 wt% graphene and PVDF films were prepared by electrospinning. Meanwhile, TENGs were prepared with PA66/graphene fiber films, PVDF films and plain weave conductive cloth, which were used as the positive friction layer, negative friction layer and the flexible substrate, respectively. The results demonstrated that TENGs prepared by PA66/graphene fiber films with 2 wt% grapheme showed the best performance, and that the maximum open circuit voltage and short circuit current of TENGs could reach 180 V and 7.8 μA, respectively, and that the power density was 2.67 W/m2 when the external load was 113 MΩ. This is why the PA66/graphene film produced a more subtle secondary network with the addition of graphene, used as a charge capture site to increase its surface charge. Additionally, all the layered structures of TENGs were composed of breathable electrospun films and plain conductive cloth, with water vapor transmittance (WVT) of 9.6 Kgm−2d−1, reflecting excellent wearing comfort. The study showed that TENGs, based on all electrospinning, have great potential in the field of wearable energy supply devices.
Mechanical and Acoustic Properties of Alloys Used for Musical Instruments
Authors: Stanciu Mariana Domnica , Cosnita Mihaela , Cretu Constantin Nicolae , Teodorescu Horatiu Draghicescu , Trandafir Mihai
Published: July 2022

Music should be integrated into our daily activities due to its great effects on human holistic health, through its characteristics of melody, rhythm and harmony. Music orchestras use different instruments, with strings, bow, percussion, wind, keyboards, etc. Musical triangles, although not so well known by the general public, are appreciated for their crystalline and percussive sound. Even if it is a seemingly simple instrument being made of a bent metal bar, the problem of the dynamics of the musical triangle is complex. The novelty of the paper consists in the ways of investigating the elastic and dynamic properties of the two types of materials used for musical triangles. Thus, to determine the mechanical properties, samples of material from the two types of triangles were obtained and tested by the tensile test. The validation of the results was carried out by means of another method, based on the modal analysis of a ternary system; by applying the intrinsic transfer matrix, the difference between the obtained values was less than 5%. As the two materials behaved differently at rupture, one having a ductile character and the other brittle, the morphology of the fracture surface and the elementary chemical composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis by X-ray spectroscopy with dispersion energy (EDX). The results were further transferred to the finite element modal analysis in order to obtain the frequency spectrum and vibration modes of the musical triangles. The modal analysis indicated that the first eigenfrequency differs by about 5.17% from one material to another. The first mode of vibration takes place in the plane of the triangle (transverse mode), at a frequency of 156 Hz and the second mode at 162 Hz, which occurs due to vibrations of the free sides of the triangle outside the plane, called the torsion mode. The highest dominant frequency of 1876 Hz and the sound speed of 5089 m/s were recorded for the aluminum sample with the ductile fracture in comparison with the dominant frequency of 1637 Hz and the sound speed of 4889 m/s in the case of the stainless steel sample, characterized by brittle fracture.
Flexural Strength Prediction of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zheng Dong , Wu Rongxing , Sufian Muhammad , Kahla Nabil Ben , Atig Miniar , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Accouche Oussama , Azab Marc
Published: July 2022

Research has focused on creating new methodologies such as supervised machine learning algorithms that can easily calculate the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete. This research aims to forecast the flexural strength (FS) of steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) using computational approaches essential for quick and cost-effective analysis. For this purpose, the SFRC flexural data were collected from literature reviews to create a database. Three ensembled models, i.e., Gradient Boosting (GB), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) of machine learning techniques, were considered to predict the 28-day flexural strength of steel fiber-reinforced concrete. The efficiency of each method was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R2), statistical evaluation, and k-fold cross-validation. A sensitivity approach was also used to analyze the impact of factors on predicting results. The analysis showed that the GB and RF models performed well, and the XGB approach was in the acceptable range. Gradient Boosting showed the highest precision with an R2 of 0.96, compared to Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), which had R2 values of 0.94 and 0.86, respectively. Moreover, statistical and k-fold cross-validation studies confirmed that Gradient Boosting was the best performer, followed by Random Forest (RF), based on reduced error levels. The Extreme Gradient Boosting model performance was satisfactory. These ensemble machine learning algorithms can benefit the construction sector by providing fast and better analysis of material properties, especially for fiber-reinforced concrete.
Comparison of Sb2O3 and Sb2O3/SiO2 Double Stacked pH Sensing Membrane Applied in Electrolyte-Insulator-Semiconductor Structure
Authors: Kao Chyuan-Haur , Chen Kuan-Lin , Wu Hui-Ru , Cheng Yu-Chin , Chen Cheng-Shan , Chen Shih-Ming , Lee Ming-Ling , Chen Hsiang
Published: July 2022

In this study, electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) capacitors with Sb2O3/SiO2 double stacked sensing membranes were fabricated with pH sensing capability. The results indicate that Sb2O3/SiO2 double stacked membranes with appropriate annealing had better material quality and sensing performance than Sb2O3 membranes did. To investigate the influence of double stack and annealing, multiple material characterizations and sensing measurements on membranes including of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted. These analyses indicate that double stack could enhance crystallization and grainization, which reinforced the surface sites on the membrane. Therefore, the sensing capability could be enhanced, Sb2O3/SiO2-based with appropriate annealing show promises for future industrial ion sensing devices.
Cooling-Rate Effect on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al0.5CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Xiong Ke , Huang Lin , Wang Xiaofeng , Yu Lin , Feng Wei
Published: July 2022

Al0.5CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) was prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using Al0.5CoCrFeNi gas atomized powder and was treated with different cooling rates (furnace cooling, air cooling, water quenching). The phase composition, microstructure, tensile properties, Vickers hardness, compactness, and fracture morphology of the alloy were systematically studied. The results show that the cooling rate can change the phase composition and phase shape of Al0.5CoCrFeNi HEA from BCC + FCC phase to BCC + FCC + B2 phase, and the BCC phase coarsens. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the heat-treated Al0.5CoCrFeNi HEA decreased with increasing cooling rate, but elongation and Vickers hardness increased with increasing cooling rate. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the furnace cooling (FC) samples reached the maximum value of 985.2 MPa and 524.1 MPa, respectively. The elongation and hardness of the water quenching (WQ) samples reached a maximum value of 43.1% and 547.3 HV, respectively, and the compactness of the alloy is higher than 98.8%. Therefore, the properties of Al0.5CoCrFeNi HEAs can be greatly improved by treatment with different cooling rates.
Investigation of the Reaction Kinetics of a Sinter-Reduction Process in the Thermal Reserve Zone of a Blast Furnace Using a Modified Sectioning Method
Authors: Zhu Li , Zhan Wenlong , Su Yubo , Liu Yi , Wu Keng
Published: July 2022

With the development of large-scale and high-performing blast furnaces, it is necessary to extensively study the reaction characteristics and related kinetic parameters of sinters in their heat reserve area. Under reducing atmosphere conditions, the reduction of iron oxide in sinter is closely related to the gasification reaction of coke. Based on a simulation experiment, the transition point from chemical reactions to diffusion and the related kinetic parameters were determined through a sectioning method. The results showed that increasing the proportion of low-grade coke increased the chemical-reaction rate, but it slightly decreased the mass-transfer and diffusion rates. An increase in the coke particle size increased the chemical-reaction, mass-transfer, and diffusion rates. However, an increase in the CO2 volume fraction in gas reduced the chemical-reaction, diffusion, and mass-transfer rates. The mixing ratio of coke and sinters increased the chemical-reaction rate, but it decreased the mass-transfer and diffusion rates. The rate constant of the chemical reactions in the early stage was three orders of magnitude higher than that of the diffusion and mass-transfer coefficients, and the fitting degree was obviously better than that of the molecular diffusion in the later stage. Based on the thermodynamics of irreversible processes, the interference of the chemical reactions with the diffusion and mass transfer in the near-equilibrium region was tentatively established, the method of controlling coke diffusion and mass transfer in the later reaction stage was given and related kinetic parameters were corrected, and further improvement of the modified sectioning method was completed.
Lipid Parameters and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 in Healthy Lebanese Adults
Authors: Gannagé-Yared Marie-Hélène , Naous Elie , Al Achkar Anis , Issa Wadih , Sleilaty Ghassan , Barakett-Hamade Vanda , Abifadel Marianne
Published: July 2022

Background: High levels of non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), and Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) as well as low levels of HDL-C are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and high Lp(a) in the Lebanese population and to study the relationship of these variables with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and PCSK9. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of healthy volunteers aged 18 to 65. Blood samples were drawn from volunteers for total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, TG, PCSK9, and Lp(a) measurements. Non-HDL-C was calculated by subtracting HDL-C from TC. Results: In total, 303 volunteer subjects with an average age of 38.9 years were included in the study. Respectively, 44%, 29.8%, and 44% of men had high non-HDL-C and TG with low HDL-C versus 23.5%, 8%, and 37% in women. Non-HDL-C and TG were significantly higher in men than in women, while the reverse was observed for HDL-C (p < 0.0001 for the three comparisons). Non-HDL-C and TG were significantly correlated with age and BMI (p< 0.0001 for all correlations), while HDL-C was inversely correlated with BMI (p < 0.0001) but not with age. Abnormal Lp(a) levels (≥75 nmol/L) were found in 19.1% of the population, predominantly in women (24.1% versus 13.4% in men, p = 0.004). The median PCSK9 and its interquartile was 300 (254–382) ng/L with no gender difference (p = 0.18). None of the following factors: gender, age, BMI, non-HDL-C, HDL-C, or TG, were independently associated with Lp(a), while PCSK9 was significantly correlated with age, non-HDL-C, and TG in both men and women and inversely correlated with HDL-C in men. Dyslipidemia is very common in the Lebanese population and is associated with age, high BMI, and male sex. Lp(a) is higher in women without any correlation with the lipid profile, whereas PCSK9 is associated with non-HDL-C and TG. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of Lp(a) and PCSK9 in predicting CVD in healthy populations.
Comparative Analysis of Binary Similarity Measures for Compound Identification in Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics
Authors: Kim Seongho , Kato Ikuko , Zhang Xiang
Published: July 2022

Compound identification is a critical step in untargeted metabolomics. Its most important procedure is to calculate the similarity between experimental mass spectra and either predicted mass spectra or mass spectra in a mass spectral library. Unlike the continuous similarity measures, there is no study to assess the performance of binary similarity measures in compound identification, even though the well-known Jaccard similarity measure has been widely used without proper evaluation. The objective of this study is thus to evaluate the performance of binary similarity measures for compound identification in untargeted metabolomics. Fifteen binary similarity measures, including the well-known Jaccard, Dice, Sokal–Sneath, Cosine, and Simpson measures, were selected to assess their performance in compound identification. using both electron ionization (EI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra. Our theoretical evaluations show that the accuracy of the compound identification was exactly the same between the Jaccard, Dice, 3W-Jaccard, Sokal–Sneath, and Kulczynski measures, between the Cosine and Hellinger measures, and between the McConnaughey and Driver–Kroeber measures, which were practically confirmed using mass spectra libraries. From the mass spectrum-based evaluation, we observed that the best performing similarity measures were the McConnaughey and Driver–Kroeber measures for EI mass spectra and the Cosine and Hellinger measures for ESI mass spectra. The most robust similarity measure was the Fager–McGowan measure, the second-best performing similarity measure in both EI and ESI mass spectra.
Application of the Response Surface Methodology to Optimise the Leaching Process and Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Discard and Run of Mine Coal
Authors: Hamza Harrar , Eterigho-Ikelegbe Orevaoghene , Jibril Abdulsalam , Bada Samson Oluwaseyi
Published: July 2022

The supply shortage of rare earth elements (REEs) for use in numerous high-tech applications has become an incentive for the prospecting of REEs from coal and coal discard. In this study, an optimised leaching process for the recovery of REEs from coal using the Design Expert (DOE) is reported. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effect and to determine the optimal leaching parameters for the two non-calcined coal samples. An optimised REE leaching recovery of 18.95% and 41.35% was obtained for the non-calcined Run-of-Mine (ROM) coal and discard coal, respectively. This optimised recovery was obtained as the HCl concentration increased from 0.5 M to 2 M, leaching temperature increased from 30 °C to 50 °C, whilst the solid:liquid ratio decreased from 40 g/L to 10 g/L. Statistical analysis indicated that the leaching parameters studied were important and controlled the REE leaching recovery model. Optimisation results also indicate that the calcined coals at 700 °C have the highest leaching recovery of 94.73% (ROM) and 98.17% (discard), respectively. Calcination also increased the concentration of REEs in the ROM sample from 225 ppm to 347 ppm and discarded the sample from 245 ppm to 363 ppm at 700 °C. Given the effect of the lixiviants investigated, the leaching efficiency of HClO4 for REE recovery was significantly lower than HCl and HNO3 under optimal leaching conditions. The discard coal used in this study had a significantly higher potential for REE recovery than ROM coal because it had a higher REE abundance and greater recovery.
Electrodeposited Magnetic Nanowires with Radial Modulation of Composition
Authors: Fernández-González Claudia , Guedeja-Marrón Alejandra , Rodilla Beatriz L. , Arché-Nuñez Ana , Corcuera Rubén , Lucas Irene , González María Teresa , Varela Maria , de la Presa Patricia , Aballe Lucía , Pérez Lucas , Ruiz-Gómez Sandra
Published: July 2022

In the last few years, magnetic nanowires have gained attention due to their potential implementation as building blocks in spintronics applications and, in particular, in domain-wall- based devices. In these devices, the control of the magnetic properties is a must. Cylindrical magnetic nanowires can be synthesized rather easily by electrodeposition and the control of their magnetic properties can be achieved by modulating the composition of the nanowire along the axial direction. In this work, we report the possibility of introducing changes in the composition along the radial direction, increasing the degrees of freedom to harness the magnetization. In particular, we report the synthesis, using template-assisted deposition, of FeNi (or Co) magnetic nanowires, coated with a Au/Co (Au/FeNi) bilayer. The diameter of the nanowire as well as the thickness of both layers can be tuned at will. In addition to a detailed structural characterization, we report a preliminary study on the magnetic properties, establishing the role of each layer in the global collective behavior of the system.
One-Year Self-Reported Appetite Is Similar in Adolescents with Obesity Who Do or Do Not Undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Singhal Vibha , Nimmala Supritha , Karzar Nazanin Hazhir , Bredella Miriam A. , Misra Madhusmita
Published: July 2022

Background: With the growing prevalence of severe obesity in adolescents, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a type of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS), is increasingly being performed at a younger age. Data regarding changes in homeostatic and hedonic appetite following SG are conflicting in adults, with some studies showing no change and others showing a decrease in appetite. Data evaluating the effect of SG on appetite during adolescence, when appetite is more plastic, are currently lacking. Objective: To evaluate appetite changes one year after SG in adolescents with obesity vs. in non-surgical controls (NS). Methods: Thirty-nine subjects 13–21 years old with severe obesity were followed for a year; 19 underwent SG, and 20 were followed without surgery. Subjects had fasting blood tests for appetite-regulating hormones and completed a visual analog scale for appetite assessment (VAS). Results: The SG group had a decrease in body mass index (BMI) at one-year (baseline: 48.2 ± 1.7 kg/m2; one-year follow-up: 42.6 ± 1.0 kg/m2 (p ≤ 0.0001)). No within- or between-group differences were noted in the one-year change in appetite in the SG and NS groups. After SG, fasting ghrelin decreased (p ≤ 0.0001); however, no changes were noted in peptide YY (PYY) levels. Changes in one homeostatic appetite measure following SG were inversely associated with changes in fasting PYY (r = −0.583, p = 0.011). Appetite changes were not associated with weight loss or final BMI. Conclusions: There were no changes in appetite measures one-year after SG from pre-surgery levels in adolescents with obesity, and appetite changes were not associated with changes in BMI. It is important to evaluate the impact of long-term appetite changes, if any, on weight loss after SG.
Early Childhood Diet in Relation to Toddler Nighttime Sleep Duration Trajectories
Authors: Jansen Erica C. , Zhao Wentong , Jones Andrew D. , Marshall Teresa A. , Neiswanger Katherine , Shaffer John R. , McNeil Daniel W. , Marazita Mary L. , Foxman Betsy
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether dietary habits at age 2 associate with sleep duration trajectories through age 5 in children from north and central Appalachia. A total of 559 children from the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia (COHRA) cohort 2 were followed via caregiver phone interviews up to six times between ages 2 and 5. Exposures included data from the year 2 interview: sleep habits, household and demographic characteristics, meal patterns and consumption frequencies of fruits, vegetables, water, juice, milk, and soda. Sleep duration trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory models from ages 2 to 5. Three distinct nightly sleep duration trajectories were identified: short, increasing duration (4.5% of the study population); steady, 9 h of sleep (37.3%); and longer, slightly decreasing sleep duration (58.2%). Using multinomial logistic models that accounted for confounders, children with consistent meal patterns (i.e., meals and snacks at same time every day) and with higher fruit and vegetable consumption were more likely to follow the longer duration sleep trajectory compared to the steady sleep trajectory. In contrast, children who drank milk more frequently at age 2 were less likely to be in the longer duration sleep trajectory than the steady sleep trajectory.
Vitamin D and the Ability to Produce 1,25(OH)2D Are Critical for Protection from Viral Infection of the Lungs
Authors: Arora Juhi , Patel Devanshi R. , Nicol McKayla J. , Field Cassandra J. , Restori Katherine H. , Wang Jinpeng , Froelich Nicole E. , Katkere Bhuvana , Terwilliger Josey A. , Weaver Veronika , Luley Erin , Kelly Kathleen , Kirimanjeswara Girish S. , Sutton Troy C. , Cantorna Margherita T.
Published: July 2022

Vitamin D supplementation is linked to improved outcomes from respiratory virus infection, and the COVID-19 pandemic renewed interest in understanding the potential role of vitamin D in protecting the lung from viral infections. Therefore, we evaluated the role of vitamin D using animal models of pandemic H1N1 influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In mice, dietary-induced vitamin D deficiency resulted in lung inflammation that was present prior to infection. Vitamin D sufficient (D+) and deficient (D−) wildtype (WT) and D+ and D− Cyp27B1 (Cyp) knockout (KO, cannot produce 1,25(OH)2D) mice were infected with pandemic H1N1. D− WT, D+ Cyp KO, and D− Cyp KO mice all exhibited significantly reduced survival compared to D+ WT mice. Importantly, survival was not the result of reduced viral replication, as influenza M gene expression in the lungs was similar for all animals. Based on these findings, additional experiments were performed using the mouse and hamster models of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In these studies, high dose vitamin D supplementation reduced lung inflammation in mice but not hamsters. A trend to faster weight recovery was observed in 1,25(OH)2D treated mice that survived SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was no effect of vitamin D on SARS-CoV-2 N gene expression in the lung of either mice or hamsters. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency enhanced disease severity, while vitamin D sufficiency/supplementation reduced inflammation following infections with H1N1 influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Association of Vitamin D Prescribing and Clinical Outcomes in Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Fairfield Kathleen M. , Murray Kimberly A. , Anzalone A. Jerrod , Beasley William , Khodaverdi Maryam , Hodder Sally L. , Harper Jeremy , Santangelo Susan , Rosen Clifford J. ,   on behalf of the N3C Consortium
Published: July 2022

It is unclear whether vitamin D benefits inpatients with COVID-19. Objective: To examine the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes. Design: Cohort study. Setting: National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) database. Patients: 158,835 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and a sub-cohort with severe disease (n = 81,381) hospitalized between 1 January 2020 and 31 July 2021. Methods: We identified vitamin D prescribing using codes for vitamin D and its derivatives. We created a sub-cohort defined as having severe disease as those who required mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), had hospitalization >5 days, or hospitalization ending in death or hospice. Using logistic regression, we adjusted for age, sex, race, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and urban/rural residence, time period, and study site. Outcomes of interest were death or transfer to hospice, longer length of stay, and mechanical ventilation/ECMO. Results: Patients treated with vitamin D were older, had more comorbidities, and higher BMI compared with patients who did not receive vitamin D. Vitamin D treatment was associated with an increased odds of death or referral for hospice (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.10: 95% CI 1.05–1.14), hospital stay >5 days (AOR 1.78: 95% CI 1.74–1.83), and increased odds of mechanical ventilation/ECMO (AOR 1.49: 95% CI 1.44–1.55). In the sub-cohort of severe COVID-19, vitamin D decreased the odds of death or hospice (AOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.94), but increased the odds of hospital stay longer >5 days (AOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.87–2.21) and mechanical ventilation/ECMO (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.12–1.21). Limitations: Our findings could reflect more aggressive treatment due to higher severity. Conclusion: Vitamin D treatment was associated with greater odds of extended hospitalization, mechanical ventilation/ECMO, and death or hospice referral.
Vitamin D and Visceral Obesity in Humans: What Should Clinicians Know?
Authors: Shantavasinkul Prapimporn Chattranukulchai , Nimitphong Hataikarn
Published: July 2022

The extraskeletal effect of vitamin D on adipose tissue biology and modulation in human obesity is of great interest and has been extensively investigated. Current evidence from preclinical and clinical studies in human adipose tissue suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D are evident and consistent, whereas the effects of vitamin D on adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis, and energy metabolism and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on adipokine levels are inconclusive. Interventional studies related to medical and surgical weight loss in humans have shown small or no improvement in vitamin D status. Additionally, the benefit of vitamin D supplementation for the reduction in visceral adipose tissue has only been demonstrated in a few studies. Overall, the findings on the relationship between vitamin D and visceral adipose tissue in humans are still inconclusive. Further studies are required to confirm the beneficial effects of vitamin D on ameliorating adipose tissue dysfunction.
Anti-Allergic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Leaf in RBL-2H3 Cells and Cedar Pollinosis Model Mice
Authors: Kitamura Yurika , Nishi Kosuke , Ishida Momoko , Nishimoto Sogo , Sugahara Takuya
Published: July 2022

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is classified in the Apiaceae family and used as an herb. Coriander leaf has been reported to possess various health functions. Here, we report the anti-allergic effect of aqueous coriander leaf extract (ACLE). ACLE with 1.0 mg/mL or higher concentration significantly inhibited degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner with no cytotoxicity. ACLE suppressed the increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in response to antigen-specific stimulation. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that ACLE significantly downregulates phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and tends to downregulate phosphorylation of Syk kinase in the signaling pathways activated by antigen-mediated stimulation. Oral administration of ACLE did not alter the sneezing frequency of pollinosis model mice stimulated with cedar pollen, but significantly reduced the serum IgE level. Our data show anti-allergic effects of coriander leaf in both cultured cells and pollinosis mice. These results suggest that coriander leaf has the potential to be a functional foodstuff with anti-allergy effects.
Insight into Genetic Characteristics of Identified SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Egypt from March 2020 to May 2021
Authors: Roshdy Wael H. , Kandeil Ahmed , El-Shesheny Rabeh , Khalifa Mohamed K. , Al-Karmalawy Ahmed A. , Showky Shymaa , Naguib Amel , Elguindy Nancy , Fahim Manal , Abu Elsood Hanaa , El Taweel Ahmed , Salamony Azza , Mohsen Amira , Kayali Ghazi , Ali Mohamed A. , Kandeel Amr
Published: July 2022

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in Egypt in February 2020. Data about the prevalence rates of the SARS-CoV-2 lineages are relatively scarce. To understand the genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt during several waves of the pandemic, we analyzed sequences of 1256 Egyptian SARS-CoV-2 full genomes from March 2020 to May 2021. From one wave to the next, dominant strains have been observed to be replaced by other dominant strains. We detected an emerging lineage of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt that shares mutations with the variant of concern (VOC). The neutralizing capacity of sera collected from cases infected with C.36.3 against dominant strains detected in Egypt showed a higher cross reactivity of sera with C.36.3 compared to other strains. Using in silico tools, mutations in the spike of SARS-CoV-2 induced a difference in binding affinity to the viral receptor. The C.36 lineage is the most dominant SARS-CoV-2 lineage in Egypt, and the heterotrophic antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants is asymmetric. These results highlight the value of genetic and antigenic analyses of circulating strains in regions where published sequences are limited.
Molecular Confirmation of Taenia crassiceps Cysticercosis in a Captive Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) in Poland
Authors: Samorek-Pieróg Małgorzata , Karamon Jacek , Brzana Adam , Sobieraj Lesław , Włodarczyk Mariusz , Sroka Jacek , Bełcik Aneta , Korpysa-Dzirba Weronika , Cencek Tomasz
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Taenia crassiceps is a cosmopolitan tapeworm endemic to the northern hemisphere with an indirect lifecycle. Its definitive hosts are carnivores, and its intermediate hosts are rodents and rabbits. Nonhuman primates in zoos appear to be highly susceptible to T. crassiceps cysticercosis. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence and the molecular characterization of T. crassiceps cysts isolated from a captive ring-tailed lemur. (2) Methods: Surgery revealed multifocal, transparent saccules containing several thin-walled tapeworm cysticerci. In some of the metacestodes, single or multiple exogenous buds from daughter cysticerci were spotted. A molecular analysis was performed to confirm our morphological examinations, using two protocols to obtain the partial nad1 and cox1 genes of the Taenia sp. (3) Results: On the basis of morphological features and molecular analysis, the cysticerci were identified as T. crassiceps metacestodes, and products taken from the PCRs were sequenced. With respect to interpreting the sequencing results of the obtained amplicons, we compared them with data in the GenBank database, proving that, in this case, the causative agent was indeed T. crassiceps. (4) Conclusions: The received data can be used to supplement descriptions of this species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of cysticercosis caused by T. crassiceps in a nonhuman primate in Poland.
Micromolding of Amphotericin-B-Loaded Methoxyethylene–Maleic Anhydride Copolymer Microneedles
Authors: Azizi Machekposhti Sina , Nguyen Alexander K. , Vanderwal Lyndsi , Stafslien Shane , Narayan Roger J.
Published: July 2022

Biocompatible and biodegradable materials have been used for fabricating polymeric microneedles to deliver therapeutic drug molecules through the skin. Microneedles have advantages over other drug delivery methods, such as low manufacturing cost, controlled drug release, and the reduction or absence of pain. The study examined the delivery of amphotericin B, an antifungal agent, using microneedles that were fabricated using a micromolding technique. The microneedle matrix was made from GantrezTM AN-119 BF, a benzene-free methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer. The GantrezTM AN-119 BF was mixed with water; after water evaporation, the polymer exhibited sufficient strength for microneedle fabrication. Molds cured at room temperature remained sharp and straight. SEM images showed straight and sharp needle tips; a confocal microscope was used to determine the height and tip diameter for the microneedles. Nanoindentation was used to obtain the hardness and Young’s modulus values of the polymer. Load–displacement testing was used to assess the failure force of the needles under compressive loading. These two mechanical tests confirmed the mechanical properties of the needles. In vitro studies validated the presence of amphotericin B in the needles and the antifungal properties of the needles. Amphotericin B GantrezTM microneedles fabricated in this study showed appropriate characteristics for clinical translation in terms of mechanical properties, sharpness, and antifungal properties.
Allelochemicals from the Rhizosphere Soil of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Their Interactions with the Soilborne Pathogens
Authors: Xin Aiyi , Jin Hui , Yang Xiaoyan , Guan Jinfeng , Hui Heping , Liu Haoyue , Cui Zengtuan , Dun Zhiheng , Qin Bo
Published: July 2022

To reveal the allelopathic effects of potato, seven compounds were isolated from the rhizosphere soil: 7-methoxycoumarin (1), palmitic acid (2), caffeic acid (3), chlorogenic acid (4), quercetin dehydrate (5), quercitrin (6), and rutin (7). Bioassays showed that compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6 had inhibitory effects on the growth of L. sativa and tissue culture seedlings of potato. The existence of the allelochemicals was confirmed by HPLC, and their contents were quantified with a total concentration of 9.02 μg/g in the rhizosphere soil of replanted potato. Approaches on the interactions of the allelochemicals and pathogens of potato including A. solani, B. cinerea, F. solani, F. oxysporum, C. coccodes, and V. dahlia revealed that compound 1 had inhibitory effects but compounds 2–4 promoted the colony growth of the pathogens. These findings demonstrated that the autotoxic allelopathy and enhancement of the pathogens caused by the accumulation of the allelochemicals in the continuously cropped soil should be one of the main reasons for the replant problems of potato.
Efficient In Vitro Sterilization and Propagation from Stem Segment Explants of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I.M. Johnst, a Multipurpose Woody Plant
Authors: Gu Min , Li Youli , Jiang Huier , Zhang Shihu , Que Qingmin , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhou Wei
Published: July 2022

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I.M. Johnst is a multipurpose woody plant. In this study, an in vitro efficient propagation system of stem segment explants derived from field-grown C. aconitifolius plants was established for the first time. The sterilization effect, axillary bud initiation, and proliferation efficiency of stem segments were evaluated. The results showed that the sterilization time of 0.1% mercuric chloride, the concentration of Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM), the pretreatment method, and the sampling season had significant effects on the sterilization of stem segments (p < 0.05). The type of medium and plant growth regulators (PGRs) affected the initiation of axillary buds, and the proliferation efficiency was significantly affected by PGRs. The results showed that the best sterilization method for stem segment explants was as follows: a pretreatment by rinsing with running water for 120 min, soaking in 75% ethanol for 50 s, soaking in 0.1% mercuric chloride for 10 min, and medium supplemented with 3 mL/L PPM. When inoculated on the medium in spring, the contamination rate was as low as 25.56%. The optimal initiation medium for axillary buds in stem segments was half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (6-BA). The induction rate was as high as 93.33%, and the mean length of axillary buds was 2.47 cm. The optimal proliferation medium was 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.2 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The induction rate was up to 80.00%, the total proliferation coefficient was 4.56, and the net proliferation coefficient was 5.69. The 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L 6-BA and 1.5 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was most conducive to the elongation of the adventitious shoot, and the adventitious shoot of approximately 1 cm reached 1.93 cm after culturing for 14 days. The best medium for adventitious shoot rooting was 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), the highest rooting rate was 82.00%, and the survival rate of transplanting was over 90%.
OsWRKY114 Negatively Regulates Drought Tolerance by Restricting Stomatal Closure in Rice
Authors: Song Giha , Son Seungmin , Lee Kyong Sil , Park Yeo Jin , Suh Eun Jung , Lee Soo In , Park Sang Ryeol
Published: July 2022

The WRKY family of transcription factors plays a pivotal role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress. The WRKY Group III transcription factor OsWRKY114 is a positive regulator of innate immunity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae; however, its role in abiotic stress responses is largely unknown. In this study, we showed that the abundant OsWRKY114 transcripts present in transgenic rice plants are reduced under drought conditions. The overexpression of OsWRKY114 significantly increased drought sensitivity in rice, which resulted in a lower survival rate after drought stress. Moreover, we showed that stomatal closure, which is a strategy to save water under drought, is restricted in OsWRKY114-overexpressing plants compared with wild-type plants. The expression levels of PYR/PYL/RCAR genes, such as OsPYL2 and OsPYL10 that confer drought tolerance through stomatal closure, were also markedly lower in the OsWRKY114-overexpressing plants. Taken together, these results suggest that OsWRKY114 negatively regulates plant tolerance to drought stress via inhibition of stomatal closure, which would otherwise prevent water loss in rice.
Flooding and Soil Properties Control Plant Intra- and Interspecific Interactions in Salt Marshes
Authors: Pellegrini Elisa , Incerti Guido , Pedersen Ole , Moro Natasha , Foscari Alessandro , Casolo Valentino , Contin Marco , Boscutti Francesco
Published: July 2022

The stress gradient hypothesis (SGH) states that plant-plant interactions shift from competition to facilitation in increasing stress conditions. In salt marshes, edaphic properties can weaken the application of the SGH by amplifying the intensity of flooding and controlling plant zonation. We identified facilitative and competitive interactions along flooding gradients and tested the role of edaphic properties in exacerbating stress and shaping plant-plant interactions. Morphological traits of two target halophytes (Limonium narbonense and Sarcocornia fruticosa), flooding intensity, soil texture and soil organic C were recorded. The relative plant fitness index was assessed for the two species based on the relative growth in plurispecific rather than monospecific plant communities. Plant fitness increased with increasing stress supporting the SGH. L. narbonense showed larger fitness in plurispecific stands whereas S. fruticosa performed better in conspecific stands. Significant intra- or interspecific interactions were observed along the stress gradient defined by the combination of flooding and clay content in soil. When considering the limited soil organic C as stressor, soil properties were more important than flooding in defining plant-plant interactions. We highlight the need for future improvements of the SGH approach by including edaphic stressors in the model and their possible interactions with the main abiotic drivers of zonation.
Deep Learning Diagnostics of Gray Leaf Spot in Maize under Mixed Disease Field Conditions
Authors: Craze Hamish A. , Pillay Nelishia , Joubert Fourie , Berger Dave K.
Published: July 2022

Maize yields worldwide are limited by foliar diseases that could be fungal, oomycete, bacterial, or viral in origin. Correct disease identification is critical for farmers to apply the correct control measures, such as fungicide sprays. Deep learning has the potential for automated disease classification from images of leaf symptoms. We aimed to develop a classifier to identify gray leaf spot (GLS) disease of maize in field images where mixed diseases were present (18,656 images after augmentation). In this study, we compare deep learning models trained on mixed disease field images with and without background subtraction. Performance was compared with models trained on PlantVillage images with single diseases and uniform backgrounds. First, we developed a modified VGG16 network referred to as “GLS_net” to perform binary classification of GLS, which achieved a 73.4% accuracy. Second, we used MaskRCNN to dynamically segment leaves from backgrounds in combination with GLS_net to identify GLS, resulting in a 72.6% accuracy. Models trained on PlantVillage images were 94.1% accurate at GLS classification with the PlantVillage testing set but performed poorly with the field image dataset (55.1% accuracy). In contrast, the GLS_net model was 78% accurate on the PlantVillage testing set. We conclude that deep learning models trained with realistic mixed disease field data obtain superior degrees of generalizability and external validity when compared to models trained using idealized datasets.