Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Optimization of the Thermoelectric and Mechanical Properties of Large-Size Homogeneous Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 Bulk Samples via Carrier Engineering for Efficient Energy Harvesting.

Manufacturing an economically viable, efficient commercial thermoelectric (TE) module is essential for power generation and refrigeration. However, mediocre TE properties, lack of good mechanical stability of the material, and significant difficulties involved in the manufacturing of large-scale powder as well as bulk samples hinder the potential applications of the modules. Herein, an economically feasible single-step water atomization (WA) is employed to synthesize BST powder (2 kg) by Cu doping within a short time and consolidated into large-scale bulk samples (500 g) for the first time with a diameter of 50 mm and a thickness of about 40 mm using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The incorporation of Cu into BST greatly boosts the carrier concentration, leading to a significant increase in electrical conductivity, and inhibits the bipolar thermal conductivity by 73%. Synchronously, the lattice contribution (κL) is greatly reduced by the effective scattering of phonons by comprising fine-grain boundaries and point defects. Therefore, the peak ZT is shifted to the mid-temperature range and obtained a maximum of ∼1.31 at 425 K and a ZTave of 1.24 from 300 to 500 K for the BSTCu0.05 sample, which are considerably greater than those of the bare BST sample. Moreover, the maximum compressive mechanical strength of large-size samples manufactured by the WA-SPS process is measured as 102 MPa, which is significantly higher than commercial zone melting samples. The thermoelectric module assembled with WA-SPS-synthesized BSTCu0.05 and commercial n-type BTS material manifests an outstanding cooling performance (-19.4 °C), and a maximum output power of 6.91 W is generated at ΔT ∼ 200 K. These results prove that the BSTCux samples are eminently suitable for the fabrication of industrial thermoelectric modules.
Using Next-generation Sequencing to Identify Novel Exosomal miRNAs as Biomarkers for Significant Hepatic Fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to determine the role of serum exosomal miRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers for distinguishing no-or-mild fibrosis from significant fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS Next-generation sequencing was used to identify fibrosis-related serum exosomal miRNAs in 9 CHB patients. The candidate exosomal miRNAs were further validated by qRT-PCR in 282 CHB patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to assess the diagnostic performance of exosomal miRNAs and other non-invasive models. RESULTS Seventy-two miRNAs were differentially expressed in serum exosomes between patients with no-or-mild fibrosis and significant fibrosis. The expression of serum exosomal miR-92a-3p and miR-146a-5p progressively increased with the aggravation of liver fibrosis in the validation cohort. Multivariate analysis identified miR-92a-3p (P<0.001), miR-146a-5p (P<0.001), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (P=0.012) as independent predictors for significant fibrosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of exosomal miR-92a-3p (AUROC=0.88) was significantly higher than that of APRI (aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index) (AUROC=0.72, P<0.001), FIB-4 (AUROC=0.71, P<0.001), and LSM (AUROC=0.80, P=0.022) for identifying significant fibrosis. Similarly, the AUROC of exosomal miR-146a-5p (AUROC=0.82) was also significantly better than that of APRI (AUROC=0.72, P=0.009), FIB-4 (AUROC=0.71, P=0.002), and comparable to LSM (AUROC=0.80, P=0.551) for discriminating significant fibrosis. CONCLUSION Serum exosomal miR-92a-3p and miR-146a-5p are superior to APRI, FIB-4, and LSM for diagnosing significant fibrosis in CHB patients and offer a promising non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy.
MEG Oscillatory Slowing in Cognitive Impairment is Associated with the Presence of Subjective Cognitive Decline

The mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease are not yet fully described, and changes in the electrophysiology of patients across the continuum of the disease could help to understand them. In this work, we study the power spectral distribution of a set of 129 individuals from the Connectomics of Brian Aging and Dementia project. From this sample, we acquired task-free data, with eyes closed, and estimated the power spectral distribution in source space. We compared the spectral profiles of three groups of individuals: 70 healthy controls, 27 patients with amnestic MCI, and 32 individuals showing cognitive impairment without subjective complaints (IWOC). The results showed a slowing of the brain activity in the aMCI patients, when compared to both the healthy controls and the IWOC individuals. These differences appeared both as a decrease in power for high frequency oscillations and an increase in power in alpha oscillations. The slowing of the spectrum was significant mainly in parietal and medial frontal areas. We were able to validate the slowing of the brain activity in individuals with aMCI, appearing in our sample in areas related to the default mode network. However, this pattern did not appear in the IWOC individuals, suggesting that their condition is not part of the AD continuum. This work raises interesting questions about this group of individuals, and the underlying brain mechanisms behind their cognitive impairment.
Clusterin as a serum biomarker candidate contributes to the lung fibroblasts activation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Background: Fibrosis in the peripheral airways contributes to airflow limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the key proteins involved in its development are still poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between smoker patients with and without COPD and elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved by investigating the effects of the identified biomarker candidate on lung fibroblasts. Methods: The potential DEPs were identified by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomic analysis. The messenger RNA and protein levels of clusterin (CLU) in COPD patients and 12% cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-treated human bronchial epithelial cells were determined at the indicated time points. Furthermore, an in vitro COPD model was established via the administration of 8% CSE to normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) at indicated time points. The effects of CSE treatment and CLU silencing on proliferation and activation of lung fibroblasts were analyzed. Results: A total of 144 DEPs were identified between COPD patients and normal smokers. The iTRAQ-based proteomics and bioinformatics analyses identified CLU as a serum biomarker candidate. We also discovered that CLU levels were significantly increased (P < 0.0001) in Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease II, III, and IV patients and correlated (P < 0.0001) with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (R = −0.7705), residual volume (RV) (R = 0.6281), RV/total lung capacity (R = 0.5454), and computerized tomography emphysema (R = 0.7878). Similarly, CLU levels were significantly increased in CSE-treated cells at indicated time points (P < 0.0001). The CSE treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation, promoted the inflammatory response, differentiation of NHLFs, and collagen matrix deposition, and induced the apoptosis of NHLFs; however, these effects were partially reversed by CLU silencing. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CLU may play significant roles during airway fibrosis in COPD by regulating lung fibroblast activation.
The effects of lycopene supplementation on insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Lycopene has been posited to regulate insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the effects of lycopene on circulating IGF‐1 and insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in adults. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published from inception until March 2020. A total of 11 studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Eleven studies examined the effect of lycopene supplementation on IGF‐1, one of which reported a significant reduction. Moreover, three, four, and ten studies were found for IGFBP‐1, IGFBP‐2, and IGFBP‐3, respectively; where one study found a significant increase in these proteins. In conclusion, no consistent modifying effect of lycopene supplementation on IGF‐1 and IGFBPs levels are evident in the literature. More research is needed to explore the effect of lycopene on IGF‐1 system.
The relationship between neurocognitive performance and HRV parameters in nurses and non‐healthcare participants

Nurses represent the largest sector of the healthcare workforce, and it is established that they are faced with ongoing physical and mental demands that leave many continuously stressed. In turn, this chronic stress may affect cardiac autonomic activity, which can be non‐invasively evaluated using heart rate variability (HRV). The association between neurocognitive parameters during acute stress situations and HRV has not been previously explored in nurses compared to non‐nurses and such, our study aimed to assess these differences. Neurocognitive data were obtained using the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Cognistat psychometric questionnaires. ECG‐derived HRV parameters were acquired during the Trier Social Stress Test. Between‐group differences were found in domain‐specific cognitive performance for the similarities (p = .03), and judgment (p = .002) domains and in the following HRV parameters: SDNNbaseline, (p = .004), LFpreparation (p = .002), SDNNpreparation (p = .002), HFpreparation (p = .02), and TPpreparation (p = .003). Negative correlations were found between HF power and domain‐specific cognitive performance in nurses. In contrast, both negative and positive correlations were found between HRV and domain‐specific cognitive performance in the non‐nurse group. The current findings highlight the prospective use of autonomic HRV markers in relation to cognitive performance while building a relationship between autonomic dysfunction and cognition.
Assessing the predictive capabilities of design heuristics and coarse‐grain simulation toward understanding and optimizing site‐specific covalent immobilization of β‐lactamase

For industrial applications, covalent immobilization of enzymes provides minimum leakage, recoverability, reusability, and high stability. Yet, the suitability of a given site on the enzyme for immobilization remains a trial‐and‐error procedure. Here, we investigate the reliability of design heuristics and a coarse‐grain molecular simulation in predicting the optimum sites for covalent immobilization of TEM‐1 β‐lactamase. We utilized Escherichia coli‐lysate‐based cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) to produce variants containing a site‐specific incorporated unnatural amino acid with a unique moiety to facilitate site directed covalent immobilization. To constrain the number of potential immobilization sites, we investigated the predictive capability of several design heuristics. The suitability of immobilization sites was determined by analyzing expression yields, specific activity, immobilization efficiency, and stability of variants. These experimental findings are compared with coarse‐grain simulation of TEM‐1 domain stability and thermal stability and analyzed for a priori predictive capabilities. This work demonstrates that the design heuristics successfully identify a subset of locations for experimental validation. Specifically, the nucleotide following amber stop codon and domain stability correlate well with the expression yield and specific activity of the variants, respectively. Our approach highlights the advantages of combining coarse‐grain simulation and high‐throughput experimentation using CFPS to identify optimal enzyme immobilization sites.
The “Equal-Opportunity Jerk” Defense: Rudeness Can Obfuscate Gender Bias

To address sexism, people must first recognize it. In this research, we identified a barrier that makes sexism hard to recognize: rudeness toward men. We found that observers judge a sexist perpetrator as less sexist if he is rude toward men. This occurs because rudeness toward men creates the illusion of gender blindness. We documented this phenomenon in five preregistered studies consisting of online adult participants and adult students from professional schools (total N = 4,663). These attributions are problematic because sexism and rudeness are not mutually exclusive. Men who hold sexist beliefs about women can be—and often are—rude toward other men. These attributions also discourage observers from holding perpetrators accountable for gender bias. Thus, rudeness toward men gives sexist perpetrators plausible deniability. It protects them and prevents the first perceptual step necessary to address sexism.
Resistance training effectiveness on body composition and body weight outcomes in individuals with overweight and obesity across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

To systematically review and analyze the effects of resistance‐based exercise programs on body composition, regional adiposity, and body weight in individuals with overweight/obesity across the lifespan. Using PRISMA guidelines, randomized controlled trials were searched in nine electronic databases up to December 2020. Meta‐analyses were performed using random‐effects model. One‐hundred sixteen articles describing 114 trials (n = 4184 participants) were included. Interventions involving resistance training and caloric restriction were the most effective for reducing body fat percentage (ES = −3.8%, 95% CI: −4.7 to −2.9%, p < 0.001) and whole‐body fat mass (ES = −5.3 kg, 95% CI: −7.2 to −3.5 kg, p < 0.001) compared with groups without intervention. Significant results were also observed following combined resistance and aerobic exercise (ES = −2.3% and −1.4 kg, p < 0.001) and resistance training alone (ES = −1.6% and −1.0 kg, p < 0.001) compared with no training controls. Resistance training alone was the most effective for increasing lean mass compared with no training controls (ES = 0.8 kg, 95% CI: 0.6 to 1.0 kg, p < 0.001), whereas lean mass was maintained following interventions involving resistance training and caloric restriction (ES = ~ − 0.3 kg, p = 0.550–0.727). Results were consistently observed across age and sex groups (p = 0.001–0.011). Reductions in regional adiposity and body weight measures were also observed following combined resistance and aerobic exercise and programs including caloric restriction (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that resistance‐based exercise programs are effective and should be considered within any multicomponent therapy program when caloric restriction is utilized in individuals with overweight or obesity.
Media Coverage of Senior and Celebrity Suicides and Its Effects on Copycat Suicides among Seniors

ABSTRACT This study examined whether suicide rates in the elderly population are associated with media coverage of senior or celebrity suicides. Analyzing data from 2012 to 2015, we found that seniors were likely to be more influenced by media coverage of senior suicides than by celebrity suicides. Furthermore, the effects of media coverage of senior suicides were more significant when the reported reason was either health (mental or physical problems) or financial issues, such as poverty than other reasons.
Factors affecting tele-shopping behaviour of customers in Himachal Pradesh

Modern method of selling represents an opportunity for companies to diversify sale promotional activities in their business and expand their markets. Among all direct methods of purchase, teleshopping has been experiencing a great development in recent years. Therefore television media has become a very vital tool for trade all over the world. The outstanding increase in broadcast of such kind of television programmes/advertisements increases the possibility of development of this method of purchase. In addition to it, this channel of commerce could generate lot of employment opportunities in India. So this paper identifies the key factors that influence customers intention regarding tele-shopping in Himachal Pradesh. Data was collected from a sample of 160 respondents through a well structured questionnaire. The data was collected by asking open ended and close ended questions in 5-point likert scale. For analysing and interpreting data in the present study, basic statistical tools and factor analysis was used with the help of SPSS 16.0 version. The findings of the study depicts four factors i.e., Convenience Factor, Reliability factor, Risk Factor and Economic factor which influence tele-shopping behaviour of customers.
In the Face of Opportunities: Facial Structures of Scientists Shape Expectations of STEM Environments

Impressions of role leaders provide information about anticipated opportunities in a role, and these perceptions can influence attitudes about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways. Specifically, the facial structures of role leaders influenced perceived affordances of working with that person, such as the availability of communal and agentic opportunities (e.g., mentorship; achievement). STEM faculty with trustworthy (relative to dominant) faces were seen as valuing communal goals (Studies 1–3), and in turn, perceived as affording both communal and agentic opportunities in their research groups (Studies 2–3b). These heightened goal opportunities aligned with perceptions that trustworthy-faced advisors would enact more group-supportive behaviors (Study 2). Consequently, students anticipated fairer treatment and reported greater interest in labs directed by trustworthy- than dominant-faced leaders (Studies 3a–4a), even when images were accompanied by explicit information about leaders’ collaborative behavior (Study 4b). The faces of leaders can thus function as the “face” of that role and the surrounding culture.
Poly(ε-L-lysine) and poly(L-diaminopropionic acid) co-produced from spent mushroom substrate fermentation: potential use as food preservatives

ABSTRACT Poly(ε-L-lysine) and poly(L-diaminopropionic acid) are valuable homopoly (amino acids) with antimicrobial properties and mainly produced in submerged fermentation. In this study, we investigated their co-production using waste biomass and spent mushroom substrate in solid-state fermentation. Simultaneous production of poly(L-diaminopropionic acid) and poly(ε-L-lysine) was achieved in a single fermentation process using pearl oyster mushroom residues as substrate, with the supplement of glycerol and corn steep liquor. After optimization of the fermentation parameters, the maximum yield of poly(ε-L-lysine) and poly(L-diaminopropionic acid) reached 51.4 mg/g substrate and 25.4 mg/g substrate, respectively. The optimal fermentation conditions were 70% initial moisture content, pH of 6.5, 30°C and an inoculum size of 14%. Furthermore, the fermentation time was reduced from 8 days to 6 days using repeated-batch solid-state fermentation. Finally, the antimicrobial effects of poly(L-diaminopropionic acid) and poly(ε-L-lysine) were evaluated in freshly pressed grape juice, which indicated tremendous potential of this mixture in its use as biological preservative. Graphical Abstract
A novel natural PPARγ agonist, Gypenoside LXXV, ameliorates cognitive deficits by enhancing brain glucose uptake via the activation of Akt/GLUT4 signaling in db/db mice

Targeting the PPARγ might be a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetes‐associated cognitive decline (DACD). In this study, Gypenoside LXXV (GP‐75), a dammarane‐type triterpene compound isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, was found to be a novel PPARγ agonist using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay system. However, whether GP‐75 has protective effects against DACD remains unknown. Interestingly, intragastric administration of GP‐75 (40 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks significantly attenuated the cognitive deficit in db/db mice. GP‐75 treatment significantly improved the glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism, and suppressed neuroinflammation. Notably, GP‐75 treatment dramatically increased the uptake of glucose by the brain, as detected by 18F‐FDG PET. Incubation of primary cortical neurons with GP‐75 significantly increased 2‐deoxyglucose uptake. In addition, GP‐75 treatment markedly increased the p‐Akt (Ser 473)/total Akt levels and the expression levels of PPARγ and GLUT4, while decreasing the levels of p‐IRS‐1 (Ser 616)/total IRS‐1. Importantly, all of these protective effects mediated by GP‐75 were abolished by cotreatment with the PPARγ antagonist, GW9662. However, GP‐75‐mediated PPARγ upregulation was not affected by coincubation with the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor, LY294002. Collectively, GP‐75 might be a novel PPARγ agonist that ameliorates cognitive deficit by enhancing brain glucose uptake via the activation of Akt/GLUT4 signaling in db/db mice.
Influence of prepartum nutrition on cow performance and subsequent calf performance, glucose tolerance, carcass characteristics, efficiency, and gene expression

Fall-calving, mature Angus and Simmental × Angus cows (n = 251 total) and their progeny were used to evaluate the effects of late gestation dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) supplementation on cow performance, and progeny growth and carcass characteristics. Cows were blocked by breed and allotted to 12 pastures. Pastures were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments within breed block: offered 2.1 kg DM DDGS·cow ·d (CP = 23%, fat = 7%; SUP, n = 6 pastures) daily or offered no supplement (CON, n = 6 pastures) 69 ± 9 d before expected calving date. Cows remained on treatments until calving. Once weekly, cows that had calved were removed from treatment pastures and moved to new pastures where treatments were comingled without further supplementation. Cows calving more than 30d after expected calving date were removed from study. Cow BW and BCS were recorded at the beginning of the supplementation period, after calving, and at breeding. Calf BW was taken at birth and earlyweaning (82 ± 14 d of age). Milk production was determined via the weigh-suckle-weigh technique at 82 ± 14 d postpartum. After weaning, 71 steer progeny were transitioned to a common feedlot diet with individual feed intake monitored using GrowSafe. Steers were slaughtered at a commercial facility 47 ± 4 d after a minimum 12 rib fat thickness (backfat) estimation of 0.6 cm, in such a way that cattle were shipped in 3 groups. Forage availability was not different between treatments (P = 0.69). Cows offered SUP gained more BW (P < 0.01) and