Chemical Vapor Deposition of NbS₂ from a Chloride Source with H₂ Flow: Orientation Control of Ultrathin Crystals Directly Grown on SiO₂/Si Substrate and Charge Density Wave Transition

This article reports the growth and characterization of <i>c</i>-axis-oriented NbS₂ thin films on SiO₂/Si substrate by ambient pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using a generic metal chloride source. We found that NbS₂ nanosheets can be grown directly on the SiO₂/Si substrate with the aid of hydrogen gas mixed in the carrier gas. Detailed examination of the growth parameters was made possible using a separate-flow CVD apparatus. It appears that the major cause of the misorientation is the off-stoichiometry with surplus Nb. The quality of the films was evaluated by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy as well as resistivity measurements at low temperatures. They showed a resistivity minimum at the same temperature of the charge density wave (CDW) transition for a bulk single crystal of 3R-NbS₂

Folate Biofortification in Hydroponically Cultivated Spinach by the Addition of Phenylalanine

Folate is an important vitamin mainly ingested from vegetables, and folate deficiency causes various health problems. Recently, several studies demonstrated folate biofortification in plants or food crops by metabolic engineering through genetic modifications. However, the production and sales of genetically modified foods are under strict regulation. Here, we developed a new approach to achieve folate biofortification in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) without genetic modification. We hydroponically cultivated spinach with the addition of three candidate compounds expected to fortify folate. As a result of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis, we found that the addition of phenylalanine increased the folate content up to 2.0-fold (306 μg in 100 g of fresh spinach), representing 76.5% of the recommended daily allowance for adults. By measuring the intermediates of folate biosynthesis, we revealed that phenylalanine activated folate biosynthesis in spinach by increasing the levels of pteridine and <i>p</i>-aminobenzoic acid. Our approach is a promising and practical approach to cultivate nutrient-enriched vegetables

Pathogen detection between asthma inpatients (exacerbation) and stable outpatients (%).

<p>*p < 0.05 by Pearson’s χ² test</p><p>†p < 0.05, by multiple logistic regression analysis.</p><p>Pathogen detection between asthma inpatients (exacerbation) and stable outpatients (%).</p

Patients’ characteristics by pathogen detection (n = 48).

<p>Post ACQ and FeNO levels were measured one month after asthma exacerbation.</p><p>*p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test</p><p>†p < 0.05, multiple logistic regression analysis.</p><p>Patients’ characteristics by pathogen detection (n = 48).</p

Pathogens detected.

<p>Pathogens detected.</p

Pathogen detection from asthma exacerbation patients after a common cold.

<p>Pathogen detection from asthma exacerbation patients after a common cold.</p