Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Raman interrogation of the ferroelectric phase transition in polar metal LiOsO3

Significance Electric polarization due to polar structural distortion is a central characteristic of an ferroelectric (FE) material, which is normally unattainable in a metallic system because itinerant electrons screen the internal electric field. A possible exception for a polar metal is if the itinerant electrons are decoupled with FE distortion, as proposed by Anderson and Blount. Here, we reveal an unusual FE phase transition in recently discovered polar metal LiOsO3, different from the typical transition in insulating FEs, with dramatic temperature-dependent electron−phonon coupling. Our results provide a look at models for FE transitions with the interplay between FE dipoles and itinerant electrons, suggesting that an improvement of the Anderson and Blount model is needed. Ferroelectric (FE) distortions in a metallic material were believed to be experimentally inaccessible because itinerant electrons would screen the long-range Coulomb interactions that favor a polar structure. It has been suggested by Anderson and Blount [P. W. Anderson, E. I. Blount, Phys. Rev. Lett. 14, 217−219 (1965)] that a transition from paraelectric phase to FE phase is possible for a metal if, in the paraelectric phase, the electrons at the Fermi level are decoupled from the soft transverse optical phonons, which lead to ferroelectricity. Here, using Raman spectroscopy combined with magnetotransport measurements on a recently discovered FE metal LiOsO3, we demonstrate active interplay of itinerant electrons and the FE order: Itinerant electrons cause strong renormalization of the FE order parameter, leading to a more gradual transition in LiOsO3 than typical insulating FEs. In return, the FE order enhances the anisotropy of charge transport between parallel and perpendicular to the polarization direction. The temperature-dependent evolution of Raman active in-plane 3Eg phonon, which strongly couples to the polar-active out-of-the-plane A2u phonon mode in the high-temperature paraelectric state, exhibits a deviation in Raman shift from the expectation of the pseudospin−phonon model that is widely used to model many insulating FEs. The Curie−Weiss temperature (θ ≈ 97 K) obtained from the optical susceptibility is substantially lower than Ts, suggesting a strong suppression of FE fluctuations. Both line width and Fano line shape of 3Eg Raman mode exhibit a strong electron−phonon coupling in the high-temperature paraelectric phase, which disappears in the FE phase, challenging Anderson/Blount’s proposal for the formation of FE metals.
Oral Administration of β-Glucan and Lactobacillus plantarum Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-like Symptoms.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of mainly infants and children. Currently, the development of safe and effective treatments for AD is urgently required. The present study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of yeast-extracted β-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) LM1004 against AD-like symptoms. To purpose, β-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or L. plantarum LM1004 were orally administered to AD-induced animal models of rat (histamine-induced vasodilation) and mouse (pruritus and contact dermatitis) exhibiting different symptoms of AD. We then investigated the treatment effects on AD-like symptoms, gene expression of immune-related factors, and gut microbiomes. Oral administration of β-1,3/1,6-glucan (0.01g/kg initial body weight) and/or 2×1012 cells/g L. plantarum LM1004 (0.01g/kg initial body weight) to AD-induced animal models showed significantly reduced vasodilation in the rat model, and pruritus, edema, and serum histamine in the mouse models (p<0.05). Interestingly, β-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or L. plantarum LM1004 significantly decreased the mRNA levels of Th2 and Th17 cell transcription factors, while the transcription factors of Th1 and Treg cells, galactin-9, filaggrin increased, which are indicative of enhanced immunomodulation (p<0.05). Moreover, in rats with no AD induction, the same treatments significantly increased the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and the genus Bacteroides. Furthermore, bacterial taxa associated with butyrate production such as, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae at family, and Roseburia at genus level were increased in the treated groups. These findings suggest that the dietary supplementation of β-1,3/1,6-glucan and/or L. plantarum LM1004 has a great potential for treatment of AD as well as obesity in humans through mechanisms that might involve modulation of host immune systems and gut microbiota.
Genetic Prediction of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Calcium, and Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Relation to Development of Type 2 Diabetes: A Mendelian Randomization Study

OBJECTIVE We conducted a Mendelian randomization study to investigate the associations of genetically predicted serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25OHD), calcium (S-Ca), and parathyroid hormone (S-PTH) levels with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Seven, six, and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with S-25OHD, S-Ca, and S-PTH levels, respectively, were used as instrumental variables. Data on T2DM were available for 74,124 case subjects with T2DM and 824,006 control subjects. The inverse variance–weighted method was used for the primary analyses, and the weighted median and Mendelian randomization (MR)–Egger methods were used for supplementary analyses. RESULTS Genetically predicted S-25OHD but not S-Ca and S-PTH levels were associated with T2DM in the primary analyses. For 1 SD increment of S-25OHD levels, the odds ratio (OR) of T2DM was 0.94 (95% CI 0.88–0.99; P = 0.029) in an analysis based on all seven SNPs and 0.90 (95% CI 0.83–0.98; P = 0.011) in an analysis based on three SNPs within or near genes involved in vitamin D synthesis. Only the association based on the SNPs involved in vitamin D synthesis remained in the weighted median analysis, and no pleiotropy was detected (P = 0.153). Pleiotropy was detected in the analysis of S-Ca (P = 0.013). After correcting for this bias using MR-Egger regression, the OR of T2DM per 1 SD increment of S-Ca levels was 1.41 (95% CI 1.12–1.77; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Modest lifelong higher S-25OHD levels were associated with reduced odds of T2DM, but the association was only robust for SNPs in the vitamin D synthesis pathway. The possible role of S-Ca levels for T2DM development requires further research.
Unequal Associations between Educational Attainment and Occupational Stress across Racial and Ethnic Groups

Background: Although other mechanisms are also involved, at least one reason high educational attainment (EA) is associated with better health is lower employment stress in individuals with high EA. Minorities’ Diminished Returns, however, refer to the smaller protective health effects of EA for racial- and ethnic-minority individuals, particularly African Americans (AAs) and Hispanics, as compared to Whites. We are, however, not aware of many studies that have explored differential associations between EA and work-related stress across racial and ethnic groups. Aims: We aimed to compare racial and ethnic groups for the association between EA and occupational stress in a national sample of American adults. Methods: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS 2015), a cross-sectional survey, included 15,726 employed adults. Educational attainment was the independent variable. Occupational stress was the outcome. Race and ethnicity were the moderators. Age, gender, number of jobs, and years in the job were the covariates. Results: Overall, higher EA was associated with lower levels of occupational stress. Race and ethnicity both interacted with EA, suggesting that the association between high EA and reduced occupational stress is systemically smaller for AAs and Hispanics than it is for Whites. Conclusions: In the United States, race and ethnicity limit the health gains that follow EA. While EA helps individuals avoid environmental risk factors, such as occupational stress, this is more valid for non-Hispanic Whites than AAs and Hispanics. The result is additional physical and mental health risks in highly educated AAs and Hispanics. The results are important, given racial and ethnic minorities are the largest growing section of the US population. We should not assume that EA is similarly protective across all racial and ethnic groups. In this context, EA may increase, rather than reduce, health disparities.
Fabrication and Characterization of Modified Graphene Oxide/PAN Hybrid Nanofiber Membrane

In this study, a series of novel modified graphene oxide (MGO)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hybrid nanofiber membranes were fabricated by electrospinning a PAN solution containing up to 1.0 wt. % MGO. The GO was initially prepared by a time-saving improved Hummer’s method. Subsequently, the formation of GO was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), AFM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), and Raman spectroscopy. This study also prepared the modified GO with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (GP) by using a simple surface post-treatment method to improve its dispersion. Varying amounts of GP were incorporated into PAN nanofibers for the better properties of GP/PAN nanofibers, such as hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and so on. The resulting GP/PAN hybrid nanofiber membranes were characterized by SEM, FTIR, contact angle, and thermal and mechanical properties. These results showed that the hydrophilic and mechanical properties of GP/PAN hybrid nanofiber membranes were dramatically improved, i.e., 50% improvement for hydrophilicity and 3–4 times higher strength for mechanical property, which indicated the possibility for water treatment application. In addition, the notably improved thermal stability results showed that the hybrid nanofiber membranes could also be a potential candidate for the secondary battery separator.
Mapping Geospatial Processes Affecting the Environmental Fate of Agricultural Pesticides in Africa

The application of agricultural pesticides in Africa can have negative effects on human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to identify African environments that are vulnerable to the accumulation of pesticides by mapping geospatial processes affecting pesticide fate. The study modelled processes associated with the environmental fate of agricultural pesticides using publicly available geospatial datasets. Key geospatial processes affecting the environmental fate of agricultural pesticides were selected after a review of pesticide fate models and maps for leaching, surface runoff, sedimentation, soil storage and filtering capacity, and volatilization were created. The potential and limitations of these maps are discussed. We then compiled a database of studies that measured pesticide residues in Africa. The database contains 10,076 observations, but only a limited number of observations remained when a standard dataset for one compound was extracted for validation. Despite the need for more in-situ data on pesticide residues and application, this study provides a first spatial overview of key processes affecting pesticide fate that can be used to identify areas potentially vulnerable to pesticide accumulation.
Combination of Mechanical and Chemical Methods Improves Gene Delivery in Cell-based HIV Vaccines.

OBJECTIVE Novel vaccination approaches are required to control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The membrane proximal external region (MPER) of Env gp41 subunit and the V3/glycans of Env gp120 subunit were known as potential antigenic targets for anti-HIV-1 vaccines. In this study, we prepared the modified dendritic cells (DCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with HIV-1 MPER-V3 gene using mechanical and chemical approaches. METHODS At first, MPER-V3 fusion DNA delivery was optimized in dendritic cells (DCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using three mechanical (i.e., uniaxial cyclic stretch, equiaxial cyclic stretch and shear stress bioreactors), and two chemical (i.e., TurboFect or Lipofectamine) methods. Next, the modified DCs and MSCs with MPER-V3 antigen were compared to induce immune responses in vivo. RESULTS Our data showed that the combination of equiaxial cyclic stretch loading and lipofectamine twice with 48 h intervals increased the efficiency of transfection about 60.21 ± 1.05 % and 65.06 ± 0.09 % for MSCs and DCs, respectively. Moreover, DCs and MSCs transfected with MPER-V3 DNA in heterologous DC or MSC prime/ peptide boost immunizations induced high levels of IgG2a, IgG2b, IFN-γ and IL-10 directed toward Th1 responses as well as an increased level of Granzyme B. Indeed, the modified MSCs and DCs with MPER-V3 DNA could significantly enhance the MPER/V3-specific T-cell responses compared to MPER/V3 peptide immunization. CONCLUSIONS These findings showed that the modified MSC-based immunization could elicit effective immune responses against HIV antigen similar to the modified DC-based immunization.
The Paths to Negative and Positive Experiences of Informal Caregiving in Severe Mental Illness: A Study of Explanatory Models

The experience of caregiving in severe mental illness is a valuable concept for research and clinical practice as it can provide access to the idiosyncratic assessment of negative and positive dimensions of informal caregiving, thus allowing the design of interventions focused on reducing risk factors and promoting protective factors. This study was aimed at testing explanatory models of negative and positive experiences of caregiving considering the role of the caregiver’s perceptions of difficulties, satisfaction, and coping. A convenience sample of 159 informal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia was used in this study. Different variables were considered: (1) perception of difficulties (Caregiver’s Assessment of Difficulties Index); (2) perception of satisfaction (Caregiver’s Assessment of Satisfaction Index); (3) perception of coping (Caregiver’s Assessment of Managing Index); and (4) the experience of caregiving (Experience of Caregiving Inventory). Using structural equation modeling, the results revealed the following: (1) the perception of difficulties and of satisfaction coexist; (2) the negative experiences of caregiving are predominantly explained by the perception of difficulties and of coping with stress; and (3) the positive experiences of caregiving are mainly explained by the perception of sources of intrapersonal satisfaction, while the perception of coping does not have robust predictive value.
Blast concussion and posttraumatic stress as predictors of postcombat neuropsychological functioning in OEF/OIF/OND veterans.

OBJECTIVES Many combat veterans exhibit cognitive limitations of uncertain origin. In this study, we examined factors that predict cognitive functioning by considering effects of blast-related concussion (BRC), non-blast-related concussion (NBRC), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Analyses specifically tested whether (a) BRC and NBRC were distinct in their prediction of cognitive performance; (b) a dose-response relationship existed between recurrent concussion (BRC and NBRC) and cognitive impairment; and (c) PTSD symptoms mediated the relationship between BRC and cognitive performance. METHOD Two hundred eighty veterans with combat zone deployment histories completed semistructured clinical interviews to define BRC and NBRC histories, current and past mental health disorders, and dimensional ratings of PTSD symptomatology. Participants were also administered a number of neuropsychological measures to appraise cognitive functioning. RESULTS A structural equation model (SEM) suggested that BRC and NBRC were not distinct in their prediction of cognitive performance, and there was no evidence that recurrent concussion (blast or nonblast) was directly associated with cognitive performance. BRC was significantly associated with PTSD symptoms (r = .24), PTSD symptoms were significantly associated with cognitive performance in the SEM (r = -.27), and PTSD symptoms significantly mediated the link between BRC and cognitive performance (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that concussion history fails to directly contribute to cognitive performance, regardless of mechanism (blast or nonblast) and recurrence. BRC is nonetheless unique in its contribution to PTSD and PTSD-related cognitive deficits. Results support interventions specific to PTSD management in the interest of promoting neuropsychological functioning among war veterans. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Influence of probe pressure on the pulsatile diffuse correlation spectroscopy blood flow signal on the forearm and forehead regions

Abstract. In a pilot study of 11 healthy adults (24 to 39 years, all male), we characterize the influence of external probe pressure on optical diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) measurements of pulsatile blood flow obtained on the forearm and forehead. For external probe pressure control, a hand inflatable air balloon is inserted between the tissue and an elastic strap. The air balloon is sequentially inflated to achieve a wide range of external probe pressures between 20 and 250 mmHg on the forearm and forehead, which are measured with a flexible pressure sensor underneath the probe. At each probe pressure, the pulsatility index (PI) of arteriole blood flow on the forehead and forearm is measured with DCS (2.1-cm source-detector separation). We observe a strong correlation between probe pressure and PI on the forearm (R = 0.66, p < 0.001), but not on the forehead (R = − 0.11, p = 0.4). The forearm measurements demonstrate the sensitivity of the DCS PI to skeletal muscle tissue pressure, whereas the forehead measurements indicate that DCS PI measurements are not sensitive to scalp tissue pressure. Note, in contrast to pulsatility, the time-averaged DCS blood flow index on the forehead was significantly correlated with probe pressure (R = − 0.55, p < 0.001). This pilot data appears to support the initiation of more comprehensive clinical studies on DCS to detect trends in internal pressure in brain and skeletal muscle.
Leisure Participation Behavior and Psychological Well-Being of Elderly Adults: An Empirical Study of Tai Chi Chuan in China

Theoretical explanation concerning the psychological well-being of elderly adults as they participate in a particular leisure activity has been rare. Based on the theory of planned behavior and the technology acceptance model, this study sought to understand the Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) participation influence factors, process, and psychological well-being of Chinese people. A self-developed questionnaire was developed to test the hypotheses of this study. Applying structural equation models, a survey of 769 TCC participations were used to test the theoretical model. The results indicated that perceived usefulness significantly and positively affect respondent attitude, family members’ influences significantly and positively affect participants’ subjective norm, and resource facilitating conditions significantly and positively affect perceived behavioral control. Perceived behavioral control, attitude, and subjective norm significantly and positively affect TCC participants. The study lends support to the notion that leisure activity participation is vital for elderly adults and their well-being, and it develops a theoretical reference model for better understanding the leisure participation perceptual reasoning processes of elderly adults. Furthermore, the results offer important implications for health policy makers, clinical prevention, and interventions using participation behavior relationships to develop well-constructed leisure programs to attract and inspire participation and, hence, improve the psychological well-being of elderly adults.
Pazopanib-induced fatal heart failure in a patient with unresectable soft tissue sarcoma and review of literature

Introduction Pazopanib, an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is associated with improved outcomes in patients with unresectable or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. Pazopanib may cause cardiotoxicity such as heart failure. Case report A 50-year-old female patient with no cardiovascular risk factors other than the previous treatment with adriamycin had a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction of 60%. She was receiving pazopanib 800 mg once daily for advanced leiomyosarcoma of the presacral area. On the 60th day of treatment, she presented with fatigue, palpitation, and exertional dyspnea for several days. Echocardiography was performed, and left ventricular ejection fraction was measured as 25%. Pazopanib-induced heart failure was considered and all other possible preliminary diagnoses were excluded. Management and outcome Pazopanib was stopped immediately. Bisoprolol fumarate 5 mg orally once daily, spironolactone 100 mg orally once daily, furosemide 40 mg orally once daily, and ramipril 2.5 mg orally once daily were started. The patient’s symptoms partially improved. Second echocardiography was performed after 15 days, and left ventricular ejection fraction was measured as 35%. But, despite pazopanib was not resumed and cardiac support treatment was administered, she died four weeks after discontinuation of pazopanib due to heart failure. Discussion Pazopanib-induced heart failure may be fatal. Physicians and patients should be aware of the cardiotoxicity risk when managing the use of pazopanib in soft tissue sarcoma.
Exogenous Melatonin Delays Dark-Induced Grape Leaf Senescence by Regulation of Antioxidant System and Senescence Associated Genes (SAGs)

Leaf senescence is a developmentally programmed and degenerative process which comprises the last stage of the life cycle of leaves. In order to understand the melatonin effect on grapevine leaf senescence, the dark treatment on detached leaves of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Red Globe was performed to induce leaf senescence at short period of time. Then, a series of physiological and molecular changes in response to exogenous melatonin were measured. Results showed that 100 μM of melatonin treatment could significantly delay the dark induced leaf senescence, which is accompanied by the decreased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, melatonin treatment could increase the scavenging activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Simultaneously, ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents, the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) were significantly higher than control treatment in samples treated with melatonin. Furthermore, melatonin treatment showed to suppress the expression of leaf senescence-associated genes (SAGs). All these results demonstrated that melatonin could activate the antioxidant and Ascorbate-Glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle system and repress the expression of SAGs that lead to delay the dark induced grape leaf senescence.