Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in the Voltage-Controlled Magnetic Anisotropy Effect and the Challenges Faced in Developing Voltage-Torque MRAM

The electron spin degree of freedom can provide the functionality of “nonvolatility” in electronic devices. For example, magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) is expected as an ideal nonvolatile working memory, with high speed response, high write endurance, and good compatibility with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technologies. However, a challenging technical issue is to reduce the operating power. With the present technology, an electrical current is required to control the direction and dynamics of the spin. This consumes high energy when compared with electric-field controlled devices, such as those that are used in the semiconductor industry. A novel approach to overcome this problem is to use the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect, which draws attention to the development of a new type of MRAM that is controlled by voltage (voltage-torque MRAM). This paper reviews recent progress in experimental demonstrations of the VCMA effect. First, we present an overview of the early experimental observations of the VCMA effect in all-solid state devices, and follow this with an introduction of the concept of the voltage-induced dynamic switching technique. Subsequently, we describe recent progress in understanding of physical origin of the VCMA effect. Finally, new materials research to realize a highly-efficient VCMA effect and the verification of reliable voltage-induced dynamic switching with a low write error rate are introduced, followed by a discussion of the technical challenges that will be encountered in the future development of voltage-torque MRAM.
Comparison of muscle activation and kinematics during free-weight back squats with different loads

Although several studies have examined the effects of performing resistance training with different percentages of one-repetition maximum (1-RM), little is known of the neuromuscular effects and kinematics of lifting low to heavy loads with maximal movement velocity. The aim of this study is to compare muscle activation and kinematics in free-weight back squats with different loads. Thirteen resistance-training males (aged 24.2 ± 2.0 years, body mass 81.5 ± 9.1 kg, height 1.78 ± 0.06 m) with 6 ± 3 years of resistance-training experience conducted squats with 30%–100% of 1-RM. Barbell kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus were measured in the upward phase of each load. With increasing loads, the barbell velocity decreased, the upward phase duration increased, and the peak velocity occurred later. The muscle activation in all muscles increased with increasing loads but was not linear. In general, similar muscle activation in the prime movers was observed for loads between 40% and 60% of 1-RM and between 70% and 90% of 1-RM, with 100% of 1-RM being superior to the other loads when the loads were lifted at maximal intended velocity. However, the timing of maximal muscle activations was not affected by the different loadings for the quadriceps, but the timing was sequential and independent of loading (rectus femoris before vastus medial before vastus lateral). Maximal activation in the gluteus and semitendinosus increased with increasing loads. This means that for muscle activation, maximal lifting velocity may compensate for increased loads, which may allow resistance-trained athletes and individuals in rehabilitation to avoid heavy loads but still get the same muscle activation.
Relationship Between Cardiovascular Disease Morbidity, Risk Factors, and Stress in a Law Enforcement Cohort

It is unclear to what extent law enforcement officers (LEOs) experience increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD; defined as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, angina, or stroke) and, if so, whether perceived stress affects this relationship. First, self-reported CVD risk factors among currently employed male LEOs from 9 states (n = 2818) were compared to CVD risk factors among similarly-aged males with similar incomes in the same states (n = 8046). Second, CVD prevalence was compared among LEOs (n = 1791) and similarly-aged males with similar incomes (n = 2575) from four of these states. Finally, among the LEOs only, the possible effect of perceived stress on the relationship between CVD prevalence and CVD risk factors was assessed. LEOs reported higher prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, tobacco use, and elevated body mass index. CVD prevalence did not differ significantly between the LEO group and the general population (2.3% ± 15% versus 3.1% ± 17%;P = 0.095). In the LEO-only group, the best predictors of CVD were: time in the profession (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.03–1.11), perceived stress (OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.00–1.10), and hypertension (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.18–0.62). In the LEO-only group, perceived stress was associated with CVD (P = 0.008), and three CVD risk factors were significantly affected by perceived stress: cholesterol, hypertension, and physical activity. Perceived stress was affected by duration of time in the profession (P = 0.004), independent of an age effect (P = 0.353). Among susceptible officers, perceived stress may contribute to CVD directly and through potentiating several CVD risk factors.
DISCORDANCE FOR RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA IN TWO MONOZYGOTIC TWIN PAIRS

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases with progressive degeneration of the retina. The condition can be inherited as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked trait. Methods: We report on two female twin pairs. One twin of each pair is affected with RP, the other twin is unaffected, both clinically and functionally.Molecular analysis in both twins included zygosity determination, arrayed primer extension chip analysis for autosomal recessive and dominant RP, sequencing of the entire RPGR gene, and analysis of X-chromosome inactivation status. Results: Both unrelated twin pairs were genetically identical. Of the potential pathogenetic mechanisms, skewed X-inactivation was excluded on leukocytes. Autosomal recessive RP and autosomal dominant RP arrayed primer extension chip analysis result was completely normal, excluding known mutations in known genes as the cause of disease in the affected twins. Sequencing excluded mutations in RPGR. A postzygotic recessive or dominant genetic mutation of an RP gene is not impossible. A postfertilization error as a potential cause of uniparental isodisomy is unlikely albeit not entirely impossible. Conclusion: The authors report on the second and third unrelated identical twin pair discordant for RP. The exact cause of the condition and the explanation of the clinical discordance remain elusive.
Evaluation of anti-nuclear antibodies and kidney pathology in Lewis rats following exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos

Abstract The prevalence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and self-reported systemic autoimmune diseases were increased in residents of Libby, MT, as was the incidence of ANA in Lewis rats exposed to Libby amphibole (LA) asbestos. However, rats induced to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) did not develop autoantibodies associated with RA, nor was RA exacerbated by LA exposure, suggesting that increased ANA expression might be related to some other autoimmune process. Libby residents self-reported increased numbers of physician-diagnosed cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thus, the goal of this study was to determine if the increased incidence of ANA in Lewis rats exposed to LA is related to the development of SLE-like disease. Female Lewis rats were intratracheally instilled bi-weekly for 13 weeks with total doses of 0.15, 0.5, 1.5, or 5.0 mg of LA or 0.5 or 1.5 mg of a positive control fiber, amosite. ANA incidence was significantly increased in all asbestos dose groups, although no dose response was observed. The occurrence of proteinuria was increased in LA 0.5, LA 5.0, and amosite 0.5 dose groups; however, the microscopic appearance of the kidneys was normal, no binding of autoimmune complexes to glomerular surfaces was observed, and antibodies to double-stranded DNA were not elevated. Therefore, an increased prevalence of ANA in rats exposed to asbestos does not appear to correlate with disease markers typically observed in SLE. Analysis of ANA specificity for extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) determined that 98% of ENA+ samples were specific for the Jo-1 antigen. Autoantibodies to Jo-1 have been reported in patients with interstitial lung disease, suggesting that autoantibodies to Jo-1 may be a biomarker for asbestos-related pulmonary disease.
The effect of stepchildren on childbearing intentions and births

This article reports on a study of the effect of stepchildren (children from previous unions) on coupleś fertility intentions and childbearing behavior using longitudinal data from the National Survey of Families and Households. The results indicated that stepchildren negatively affect childbearing intentions and childbearing risks. Intentions to have a child are weakened by onés own previous biological children and the previous biological children of onés current spouse or partner. This effect varies by the parenting configuration of the couple and gender of the respondent. Among couples with stepchildren, intentions remain high until each partner has had a biological child. Unlike women, men’s previous biological children do not affect their intentions of having a child. Stepchildren exert a weak negative effect on coupleś childbearing risks, and this effect is mediated by the coupleś childbearing intentions. The findings suggest that stepchildren should be incorporated into future models of fertility.
Effect of Melatonin on Cryopreserved Sperm of Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes).

BACKGROUND Semen cryopreservation is a technique widely used in commercial and conservation fish farms. However, the success of the technique will depend on the diluent and cryoprotectant solutions added to the semen prior to the freezing procedure. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of different doses of melatonin on motility, morphology and fertilization capacity of cryopreserved semen of Prochilodus lineatus. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen was diluted in cryoprotectant solution with added melatonin, resulting in three treatments. A Control Solution (DMSO8% + BTS5%), was compared with T1, T2 and T3 treatments: BTS (5%) + DMSO (8%) plus concentrations of 1, 2 and 3 mM of melatonin, respectively. The diluted semen was frozen in a cylinder of vapour nitrogen and stored at -190°C. The straws were thawed in a water bath at 40°C for 12 s for analysis of sperm motility and morphology, and for evaluation of fertilization rate. The data were submitted to ANOVA, and the means were compared by the Tukey test. RESULTS There was no statistical difference (P>0.05) between the progressive motility rates and the velocities of the cryopreserved semen in the different treatments. The total motility rate was higher (P <0.05) in the groups T1 and T2 when compared to T3, but did not differ from control. All treatments had similar values of total anomalies after thawing and did not differ in fertilization capacity (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The addition of melatonin on the cryoprotectant solution did not promote changes on motility, morphology and fertilization capacity of cryopreserved semen of Prochilodus lineatus.
An Emotion Recognition System for Mobile Applications

Emotion-aware mobile applications have been increasing due to their smart features and user acceptability. To realize such an application, an emotion recognition system should be in real time and highly accurate. As a mobile device has limited processing power, the algorithm in the emotion recognition system should be implemented using less computation. In this paper, we propose an emotion recognition with high performance for mobile applications. In the proposed system, facial video is captured by an embedded camera of a smart phone. Some representative frames are extracted from the video, and a face detection module is applied to extract the face regions in the frames. The Bandlet transform is realized on the face regions, and the resultant subband is divided into non-overlapping blocks. Local binary patterns’ histograms are calculated for each block, and then are concatenated over all the blocks. The Kruskal–Wallis feature selection is applied to select the most dominant bins of the concatenated histograms. The dominant bins are then fed into a Gaussian mixture model-based classifier to classify the emotion. Experimental results show that the proposed system achieves high recognition accuracy in a reasonable time.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing colorectal surgery within an institutional enhanced recovery after surgery protocol: comparison of two prophylactic antiemetic regimens

Background Enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) provide optimal perioperative care for surgical patients. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common after colorectal surgery (CRS). We aim to compare the efficacy of aprepitant to a cost-effective alternative, perphenazine, as components of triple antiemetic prophylaxis in ERP patients. Methods Patients who underwent ERP CRS at a single institution from July 2015 to July 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Only subjects who received aprepitant (Group 1) or perphenazine (Group 2) preoperatively for PONV prophylaxis were included. Patient characteristics, simplified Apfel PONV scores, perioperative medications, and PONV incidence were compared between the groups. PONV was defined as the need for rescue antiemetics on postoperative days (POD) 0–5. Results Five hundred ninety-seven patients underwent CRS of which 498 met the inclusion criteria. Two hundred thirty-one (46.4%) received aprepitant and 267 (53.6%) received perphenazine. The incidence of early PONV (POD 0–1) was comparable between the two groups: 44.2% in Group 1 and 44.6% in Group 2 (P = 0.926). Late PONV (POD 2–5) occurred less often in Group 1 than Group 2, respectively (35.9% vs. 45.7%, P = 0.027). After matching the groups for preoperative, procedural, and anesthesia characteristics (164 pairs), no difference in early or late PONV could be demonstrated between the groups. Conclusions The incidence of PONV remains high despite most patients receiving three prophylactic antiemetic medications. Perphenazine can be considered a cost-effective alternative to oral aprepitant for prophylaxis of PONV in patients undergoing CRS within an ERP.
Rapid Morphological and Cytoskeletal Response to Microgravity in Human Primary Macrophages

The FLUMIAS (Fluorescence-Microscopic Analyses System for Life-Cell-Imaging in Space) confocal laser spinning disk fluorescence microscope represents a new imaging capability for live cell imaging experiments on suborbital ballistic rocket missions. During the second pioneer mission of this microscope system on the TEXUS-54 suborbital rocket flight, we developed and performed a live imaging experiment with primary human macrophages. We simultaneously imaged four different cellular structures (nucleus, cytoplasm, lysosomes, actin cytoskeleton) by using four different live cell dyes (Nuclear Violet, Calcein, LysoBrite, SiR-actin) and laser wavelengths (405, 488, 561, and 642 nm), and investigated the cellular morphology in microgravity (10−4 to 10−5 g) over a period of about six minutes compared to 1 g controls. For live imaging of the cytoskeleton during spaceflight, we combined confocal laser microscopy with the SiR-actin probe, a fluorogenic silicon-rhodamine (SiR) conjugated jasplakinolide probe that binds to F-actin and displays minimal toxicity. We determined changes in 3D cell volume and surface, nuclear volume and in the actin cytoskeleton, which responded rapidly to the microgravity environment with a significant reduction of SiR-actin fluorescence after 4–19 s microgravity, and adapted subsequently until 126–151 s microgravity. We conclude that microgravity induces geometric cellular changes and rapid response and adaptation of the potential gravity-transducing cytoskeleton in primary human macrophages.
Exposure to Stigma Elicits Negative Affect and Alcohol Craving Among Young Adult Sexual Minority Heavy Drinkers.

BACKGROUND Sexual orientation disparities in alcohol use disorder (AUD) are thought to be explained by stigma specific to sexual minorities. Despite the importance of negative affect and craving in addiction, research has yet to test the effects of stigma on affect and alcohol craving among sexual minorities. This laboratory study examined the effects of 3 novel mood inductions (stigma, general unpleasant, and neutral) on affect and alcohol craving among heavy-drinking sexual minority young adults. We also paired these mood inductions with an established alcohol cue reactivity paradigm to explore the effects of stigma on cue-elicited craving. METHODS Sexual minority participants (N = 20; 55% female), aged 18 to 27 years (M = 21.80, standard deviation = 2.65), were recruited from the community. Participants completed 3 mood induction and cue reactivity trials counterbalanced over 3 visits on different days: stigma, general unpleasant, and neutral mood inductions. A structured interview assessed criteria for DSM-5 AUD, and self-report measures assessed lifetime adverse experiences. RESULTS Most participants met criteria for past-year AUD (75%). Exposure to stigma produced more negative affect and greater alcohol craving than the neutral and general unpleasant mood induction conditions. The general unpleasant mood induction did not predict greater alcohol craving than the neutral mood induction. Stigma enhanced alcohol cue reactivity effects, as measured with a single-item craving measure, compared to the general unpleasant mood condition, and this effect remained significant while controlling for covariates. CONCLUSIONS Findings are the first to demonstrate how stigma uniquely predicts negative affect and alcohol craving among sexual minorities. This study suggests that being exposed to stigma, specifically heterosexism, elicits negative mood and alcohol craving among sexual minority young adults who are heavy drinkers.
The Triple Amino Acid Substitution TAP-IVS in the EPSPS Gene Confers High Glyphosate Resistance to the Superweed Amaranthus hybridus

The introduction of glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops revolutionized weed management; however, the improper use of this technology has selected for a wide range of weeds resistant to glyphosate, referred to as superweeds. We characterized the high glyphosate resistance level of an Amaranthus hybridus population (GRH)—a superweed collected in a GR-soybean field from Cordoba, Argentina—as well as the resistance mechanisms that govern it in comparison to a susceptible population (GSH). The GRH population was 100.6 times more resistant than the GSH population. Reduced absorption and metabolism of glyphosate, as well as gene duplication of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) or its overexpression did not contribute to this resistance. However, GSH plants translocated at least 10% more 14C-glyphosate to the rest of the plant and roots than GRH plants at 9 h after treatment. In addition, a novel triple amino acid substitution from TAP (wild type, GSH) to IVS (triple mutant, GRH) was identified in the EPSPS gene of the GRH. The nucleotide substitutions consisted of ATA102, GTC103 and TCA106 instead of ACA102, GCG103, and CCA106, respectively. The hydrogen bond distances between Gly-101 and Arg-105 positions increased from 2.89 Å (wild type) to 2.93 Å (triple-mutant) according to the EPSPS structural modeling. These results support that the high level of glyphosate resistance of the GRH A. hybridus population was mainly governed by the triple mutation TAP-IVS found of the EPSPS target site, but the impaired translocation of herbicide also contributed in this resistance.
Healthy lifestyle characteristics among adults in the United States, 2000.

BACKGROUND Many public health recommendations and clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles. Recent epidemiologic studies demonstrate that following a healthy lifestyle has substantial health benefits. The objectives of this study were to report on the prevalence of healthy lifestyle characteristics (HLCs) and to generate a single indicator of a healthy lifestyle. METHODS National data for the year 2000 were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which consists of annual, statewide, random digit-dialed household telephone surveys. We defined the following 4 HLCs: nonsmoking, healthy weight (body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters] of 18.5-25.0), consuming 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day, and regular physical activity (> or =30 minutes for > or =5 times per week). The 4 HLCs were summed to create a healthy lifestyle index (range, 0-4), and the pattern of following all 4 HLCs was defined as a single healthy lifestyle indicator. We report prevalences of each HLC and the indicator by major demographic subgroups. RESULTS By using data from more than 153 000 adults, the prevalence (95% confidence interval) of the individual HLCs was as follows: nonsmoking, 76.0% (75.6%-76.4%); healthy weight, 40.1% (39.7%-40.5%); 5 fruits and vegetables per day, 23.3% (22.9%-23.7%); and regular physical activity, 22.2% (21.8%-22.6%). The overall prevalence of the healthy lifestyle indicator (ie, having all 4 HLCs) was only 3.0% (95% confidence interval, 2.8%-3.2%), with little variation among subgroups (range, 0.8%-5.7%). CONCLUSION These data illustrate that a healthy lifestyle-defined as a combination of 4 HLCs-was undertaken by very few adults in the United States, and that no subgroup followed this combination to a level remotely consistent with clinical or public health recommendations.
KLHL3 single-nucleotide polymorphism is associated with essential hypertension in Chinese Han population

Abstract Hypertension, including secondary and essential hypertension (EH) variants, is a multifactorial disease, affecting more than one billion people worldwide. Secondary hypertension results from mutations in the putative gene KLHL3 (Kelch-like protein 3); however, it has not been reported whether the KLHL3 gene polymorphisms are associated with EH. Here, we investigated the association between KLHL3 (rs2301708 and rs7444370) polymorphisms and EH in the Chinese Han population. This case–control study included 522 subjects—260 patients with EH and 262 normotensive controls matched for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and levels of Na+, K+, and Cl−. The distribution of functional rs2301708 and rs7444370 polymorphisms within the KLHL3 gene was assessed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction-fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). There was no significant difference in allelic and genotypic frequencies of KLHL3 rs2301708 between the EH and normotensive groups; however, the rs7444370 T allele and CT genotype in females was significantly associated with a protective effect against EH (P = .001, P = .002; P = .019, P = .052), and the haplotype CT of rs2301708 and rs7444370 among females in the EH group was less than in the normotensive group (P = .000; P = .007). The KLHL3 rs7444370 variant could be a protective factor in the pathogenesis of females’ EH.