Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dielectric spectroscopy of concentrated cosmetic W/O‐emulsions: possibilities to distinguish product changes caused by coalescence, sedimentation and variation of ingredients

A quick result whether a newly developed cosmetic water‐in‐oil (W/O)‐emulsion shows constant sensory behavior (stable) or whether it changes its behavior over time (instable) is an important aspect in cosmetic research. In order to observe changes as quickly as possible, analytic methods are used. An established method is rheology, a sensitive method that gives direct information on sensory aspects. Additional information concerning the kind of instability allows a more focused improvement of formulation in the case of instabilities. In order to gain this information, an additional analytic method with a more ingredient specific focus is needed. In this article, the possibilities of using dielectric spectroscopy in order to get additional information are discussed. For concentrated W/O‐emulsions a dependence of emulsion behavior from volume median droplet diameter dv50 is visible by both methods: rheology and dielectric spectroscopy. A variation of droplet size distribution at constant volume median droplet diameter dv50 does not change the results for the examined emulsions. Quantitative information about mean droplet size is possible with calibration. Because of their different physical forci, rheology and dielectric spectroscopy complement each other in high‐sensitive detection of coalescence. In contrast to the mechanical properties of W/O‐emulsion, dielectric spectroscopy gives additional information concerning some reasons of change in emulsion structure. Mechanism like sedimentation and coalescence can be distinguished and the phase where changes take place (oil phase or water phase) can be located. The latter is possible by a new parameter – the correlation between maximum of dielectric loss ɛ′′(fR) and the relaxation frequency fR. Their correlation can be described by a simple power law. By coupling rheology and dielectric spectroscopy, an improvement in fast emulsion development and production control may be achieved without losing the advantage of a quick and easy measurement procedure.
[Association of single nucleotide polymorphism in human SCN7A gene with essential hypertension in Chinese].

OBJECTIVE To identify the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the regulatory and coding regions of human SCN7A (sodium channel, voltage-gated, type VII, alpha polypeptide) gene and to investigate the association of some of these SNPs with essential hypertension (EH) in Chinese. METHODS The promoter region, exons, as well as part of the introns of SCN7A gene were sequenced by a fluorescent labeling automatic sequencing method to identify and characterize the SNPs in Chinese population. SNP genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP or direct DNA sequencing in unrelated EH patients and normotensive controls from a Chinese Han population residing in Shanghai area. Case-control studies on seven SNPs were first carried out in 96 patients and 96 normotensive controls. The positive finding was further verified in an extended study containing 288 patients and 288 controls. RESULTS Thirty-two SNPs were identified through a 13,132 bp sequencing of SCN7A gene. Among them, seven were in regulatory region, ten in coding regions, one in 3'UTR and fourteen in introns. Thirty SNPs were novel SNPs, and a cSNP in exon 18 (SNP021) was associated with hypertension. CONCLUSION The SNP021 in the gene SCN7A is associated with essential hypertension of Chinese Han population in Shanghai and the role of SCN7A gene in hypertension deserves to be further analyzed.
A Functional Genomics Analysis of the B56 Isoforms of Drosophila Protein Phosphatase 2A*S

Members of the B56 family of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunits play crucial roles in Drosophila cell survival. Distinct functions of two B56 subunits were investigated using a combination of RNA interference, DNA microarrays, and proteomics. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the B56-1 subunit (PP2A-B′) but not the catalytic (mts) or B56-2 subunit (wdb) of PP2A resulted in increased expression of the apoptotic inducers reaper and sickle. Co-knockdown of B56-1 with reaper, but not with sickle, reduced the apoptosis caused by depletion of the B56 subunits. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry identified proteins modified in cells depleted of PP2A subunits. These included generation of caspase-dependent cleavage products, increases in protein abundance, and covalent modifications. Results suggested that up-regulation of the ribosome-associated protein stubarista can serve as a sensitive marker of apoptosis. Up-regulation of transcripts for multiple glutathione transferases and other proteins suggested that loss of PP2A affected pathways involved in the response to oxidative stress. Knockdown of PP2A elevated basal JNK activity and substantially decreased activation of ERK in response to oxidative stress. The results reveal that the B56-containing isoform of PP2A functions within multiple signaling pathways, including those that regulate expression of reaper and the response to oxidative stress, thus promoting cell survival in Drosophila.
Statistical Models of Claim Distributions in Fire Insurance

Summary The authors have studied the combined data on claims in fire insurance of dwelling houses reported 1958-1969 by Swedish fire insurance companies The claims were cleared of deductibles and adjusted according to a suitable index Only losses above the largest deductible (in real value) applied during the observation period were included. The material contains four different classes according to the fire resistibillty of the building construction For international comparisons, the pure classes B1 (“stone” dwellings) and B4 (wooden houses) are of interest The distribution of the claims could be well approximated by the log-normal distribution in B1and by the Pareto distribution in B4 An equally good or better fit was obtained by assuming the original loss, reported or not, being distributed according to these distributions and applying the distributions, conditioned by the loss being larger than the deductible in both cases the distribution parameters are functions of the insurance amount in such a way, that the mean value of the loss is described as a power of this amount. The authors refrain from any theoretical arguments for the general applicability of the distributions used They observe, however, the good approximation by wellknown parametric distributions which facilitates many actuarial taks, such as the determination of first loss premiums, deductible premium factors, excess-of-loss premiums etc The agreement between model and reality make these functions fit for use in the models underlying the general risk theory and in the more comprehensive models of the non-life insurance business.
Aberrances in Autonomic Cardiovascular Regulation in Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Their Relevance for Clinical Pain Reports

Objective: To investigate autonomic cardiovascular regulation in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods: In 35 patients and 29 healthy controls, electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, and finger continuous blood pressure measurements were conducted. Assessed parameters comprised blood pressure, R-R interval (RRI), heart rate variability, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), stroke volume, and left ventricular ejection time (LVET). To evaluate cardiovascular autonomic reactivity to mental stress, parameters were obtained at rest and during an arithmetic task. As an estimate of clinical pain severity, participants completed the McGill Pain Inventory. Results: Patients exhibited lower power in all heart rate variability frequency bands (p < .05), lower BRS (7.13 ± 3.45 versus 10.73 ± 5.72 ms/mmHg), as well as reduced stroke volume, LVET, and RRI (p < .05). Stress-induced modulations were less pronounced in BRS, LVET, blood pressure, and RRI (all p < .05). Across the whole sample and in both subgroups, BRS (r = −.40) and blood pressure (r = −.39) correlated negatively with pain severity. Conclusions: The data suggest that autonomic cardiovascular regulation in FMS is impaired in terms of reduced sympathetic and parasympathetic influences, as well as baroreflex malfunctioning. Furthermore, autonomic cardiovascular adjustment to acute stress is blunted. The inverse association between BRS and pain severity reflects the well-documented pain inhibition through the baroreceptor system. On account of this and the reduced baroreflex function in FMS, one may assume deficient ascending pain inhibition arising from the cardiovascular system, which may contribute to hyperalgesia that is characteristic of the disorder. FMS = fibromyalgia syndrome; HRV = heart rate variability; HF = high frequency; LF = low frequency; ICG = impedance cardiography; SV = stroke volume; TPR = total peripheral resistance; BRS = baroreflex sensitivity; SBP = systolic blood pressure; RRI = RR interval; ECG = electrocardiography; DBP = diastolic blood pressure; LVET = left ventricular ejection time; CO = cardiac output; DV = end-diastolic volume; CI = contractility index; SPD = spectral power density.
Isolation, purification, and characterization of fragment B, the NH2-terminal half of the heavy chain of tetanus toxin

Fragment B, the N-terminal half of the heavy chain, an important domain of the tetanus neurotoxin molecule, was isolated for the first time. Tetanus toxin (composed of three domains, A, B, and C) was prepared from culture filtrates. Fragment A-B, derived from the toxin treated mildly with papain, was used for the isolation of fragment B. Fragment A-B obtained was dissociated into fragments A and B by reduction with 100 mM dithiothreitol and treatment with 2 M urea. Fragment B was separated from fragment A by ion-exchange column chromatography on a Mono Q column equilibrated with 20 mM Tris hydrochloride buffer (pH 7.6), containing 1 mM dithiothreitol and 2 M urea, in a fast-protein liquid chromatography system by elution with a linear gradient of 0 to 0.5 M NaCl. Fragment B was obtained in two forms having molecular weights of 48,000 +/- 2,000, which were indistinguishable by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis or antigenic specificity, but distinguishable on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis without sodium dodecyl sulfate and on isoelectric focusing (pI 6.7 and 7.3). The recovery of fragment B was 50 to 72% of that of fragment A-B on a molar basis. Purified fragment B was not toxic to mice on intravenous or intramuscular injection at doses of up to 100 micrograms, but was found to form channels (ca. 2.3 pS) in a lipid bilayer membrane by a patch clamp technique. The role of domain B of the tetanus toxin molecule in the mechanism of action of the toxin is discussed.
Incidence of keratitis of varying severity among contact lens wearers

Aim: To determine the incidence of non-severe keratitis (NSK) and severe keratitis (SK) among wearers of current generation contact lenses. Methods: A 12 month, prospective, hospital based epidemiological study was conducted by examining all contact lens wearers presenting with a corneal infiltrate/ulcer to a hospital centre in Manchester. A clinical severity matrix was used to differentiate between NSK and SK, based on the severity of signs and symptoms. The size of the hospital catchment population and the wearing modalities (daily wear (DW) or extended wear (EW)) and lens types being used were estimated from relevant demographic and market data. Results: During the survey period, 80 and 38 patients presented with NSK and SK, respectively. The annual incidences (cases per 10 000 wearers) for each wearing modality and lens type were: DW rigid—NSK 5.7, SK 2.9; DW hydrogel daily disposable—NSK 9.1, SK 4.9; DW hydrogel (excluding daily disposable)—NSK 14.1, SK 6.4; DW silicone hydrogel—NSK 55.9, SK 0.0; EW rigid—NSK 0.0, SK 0.0; EW hydrogel—NSK 48.2, SK 96.4; EW silicone hydrogel—NSK 98.8, SK 19.8. The difference in SK between EW hydrogel and EW silicone hydrogel was significant (p = 0.04). Conclusions: A clinical severity matrix has considerable utility in assessing contact lens related keratitis. There is a significantly higher incidence of SK in wearers who sleep in contact lenses compared with those who only use lenses during the waking hours. Those who choose to sleep in lenses should be advised to wear silicone hydrogel lenses, which carry a five times decreased risk of SK for extended wear compared with hydrogel lenses.
Endoscopic perforation rates at a Canadian university teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND Despite advances in training, operative techniques and endoscopic technology, upper and lower endoscopic procedures continue to have potential for intestinal perforation. Perforation rates provided to patients at the time of consent have frequently been derived from historical cohorts and survey datasets. OBJECTIVE This study examined the perforation rates of upper and lower endoscopic procedures at a major Canadian tertiary care centre. METHODS Inpatient and outpatient gastroscopies and colonoscopies performed during a three year period were evaluated. Endoscopies with perforations occurring within 14 days of procedure were retrospectively isolated using the International Classification of Diseases - 9th Revision code descriptions, then retrieved and hand searched to confirm a procedure-related perforation. Data were extracted to identify risk factors and patient outcomes. RESULTS A total of 21,217 endoscopies (13,792 gastroscopies and 7425 colonoscopies) were reviewed. Of these, 359 were identified, isolated and hand searched for confirmation of a perforation event. Eighteen were found to have an endoscopy-associated perforation. Ten perforations occurred with colonoscopy (0.13%) (incidence, 1.3/1000 procedures), resulting in one death (0.013%) (incidence, 0.13/1000 procedures). Eight perforations occurred with gastroscopy (0.06%) (incidence, 0.6/1000 procedures), resulting in zero mortality. Of colonoscopy procedures the rate of perforation with diagnostic colonoscopy was 0.13% (incidence, 1.3/1000 procedures) and with therapeutic colonoscopy was 0.14% (incidence, 1.4/1000 procedures). Of gastroscopy procedures the rate with therapeutic gastroscopy was 0.15% (incidence, 1.5/1000 procedures). No perforations occurred with diagnostic gastroscopy. CONCLUSION Gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures, especially those with therapeutic maneuvers, continue to carry morbidity and mortality risks associated with perforation.
Very Low Birth Weight Infants (<1501 g) at Double Risk

This study examines the outcome at ages 2 and 3 years of very-low-birth-weight infants (N = 105) at double risk. Double risk was defined with reference to Fagan's model of intelligence. According to this model, cognitive-processing ability and culturally provided information produce knowledge. The Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence was used to assess processing ability, whereas parental socioeconomic status (SES) was used as an indicator of available information. Knowledge was measured by means of well-known psychometric tests of young children's abilities. Children at double risk were consistently delayed with respect to knowledge of intellectual skills and language as compared with children who were not at double risk. The data suggest that the assessment of processing ability and parental SES may provide a better foundation for detecting developmental delay than does a medical main-effect model. J Dev Behav Pediatr 15:7-13, 1994
Dermatologists’ Views and Opinions about Photo(chemo)therapy and Conventional Systemic Psoriasis Therapies: Results from a Belgian Survey

Background: Experts’ opinions about old and new psoriasis therapies are well documented. Objectives: To document the views and opinions of a large, diverse group of dermatologists about psoriasis treatment. Participants/Methods: A survey was conducted among Belgian dermatologists. In addition to demographic and professional characteristics, the questionnaire assessed the self-rated level of experience, frequency of use, preference and considerations regarding UVB, PUVA, methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporin (CsA) and acitretin. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate predictors of these dermatologist-based outcomes. Results: Of the 628 contacted dermatologists, 310 responded (response rate of 49.3%). The dermatologists were significantly more experienced with photo(chemo)therapy than with systemic agents (p ≤ 0.02); about half reported none or little experience with MTX and CsA. Also, photo(chemo)therapies were significantly more frequently used than systemic drugs (p ≤ 0.01). In the last year, almost 40% had not used and less than 10% had used MTX or CsA more than 10 times. Despite the limitations of PUVA, it was preferred to UVB, followed by acitretin (± phototherapy), and MTX and CsA were considered final options by most dermatologists. After adjusting for confounding variables, age, years in practice, seeing and treating more patients, residency programme and/or access to UV therapy were significantly associated with limited experience, regular use and/or preference of studied therapies. Conclusion: Either a substantial proportion of the dermatologists does not need or wish to use conventional systemic psoriasis therapies or they may need better and more uniform training during and after their residency. This may improve patient care and patient selection for other treatments.
An Evaluation of Army Wellness Center Clients’ Health-Related Outcomes

Purpose: To examine whether Army community members participating in a best-practice based workplace health promotion program (WHPP) experience goal-moderated improvements in health-related outcomes. Design: Pretest/posttest outcome evaluation examining an autonomously participating client cohort over 1 year. Setting: Army Wellness Center facilities on 19 Army installations. Participants: Army community members sample (N = 5703), mostly Active Duty Soldiers (64%). Intervention: Assessment of health risks with feedback, health assessments, health education classes, and health coaching sessions conducted by health educators at a recommended frequency of once a month for 3 to 12 months. Measures: Initial and follow-up outcome assessments of body mass index (BMI), body fat, cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, and perceived stress. Analysis: Mixed model linear regression testing for goal-moderated improvements in outcomes. Results: Clients experienced significant improvements in body fat (−2% change), perceived stress (−6% to −12% change), cardiorespiratory fitness (+6% change), and blood pressure (−1% change) regardless of health-related goal. Only clients with a weight loss goal experienced BMI improvement (−1% change). Follow-up outcome assessment rates ranged from 44% (N = 2509) for BMI to 6% (N = 342) for perceived stress. Conclusion: Army Wellness Center clients with at least 1 follow-up outcome assessment experienced improvements in military readiness correlates and chronic disease risk factors. Evaluation design and follow-up-related limitations notwithstanding results suggest that best practices in WHPPs can effectively serve a globally distributed military force.
Recency of immigration, substance use, and sexual behavior among Massachusetts adolescents.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the relationships between recency of immigration, substance use, and sexual behavior. METHODS Surveys were conducted with 2635 Massachusetts 8th and 10th graders that allowed comparisons of health behaviors and risk and protective factors among students living in the United States "always," more than 6 years, or 6 years or less. RESULTS Compared with lifetime residents, immigrant youths (particularly those living in the United States 6 years or less) reported lower lifetime and recent alcohol and marijuana use (P < .001); sexual intercourse rates were similar across groups. However, recent immigrants were most likely to report peer pressures to engage in, and less parental support to avoid, risk behaviors (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS A window of opportunity exists to provide primary prevention programs in schools to immigrant youths that may reduce adolescent health risk behaviors.
Estimation of aboveground net primary productivity in secondary tropical dry forests using the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) model

Although tropical dry forests (TDFs) cover roughly 42% of all tropical ecosystems, extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation pose important limitations for their conservation and restoration worldwide. In order to develop conservation policies for this endangered ecosystem, it is necessary to quantify their provision of ecosystems services such as carbon sequestration and primary production. In this paper we explore the potential of the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) for estimating aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) in a secondary TDF located at the Santa Rosa National Park (SRNP), Costa Rica. We calculated ANPP using the CASA model (ANPPCASA) in three successional stages (early, intermediate, and late). Each stage has a stand age of 21 years, 32 years, and 50+ years, respectively, estimated as the age since land abandonment. Our results showed that the ANPPCASA for early, intermediate, and late successional stages were 3.22 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, 8.90 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, and 7.59 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, respectively, which are comparable with rates of carbon uptake in other TDFs. Our results indicate that key variables that influence ANPP in our dry forest site were stand age and precipitation seasonality. Incident photosynthetically active radiation and temperature were not dominant in the ANPPCASA. The results of this study highlight the potential of the use of remote sensing techniques and the importance of incorporating successional stage in accurate regional TDF ANPP estimation.
Categorical Anarchy in the U.K.? The British Media's Classification of Bitcoin and the Limits of Categorization

Bitcoin, introduced in 2009, is a complex entity whose evolving design and purpose are constantly redefined in a decentralized fashion. This makes bitcoin difficult to categorize, and indeed since 2009 bitcoin has been associated with 112 different labels in the British media alone (e.g., “private money”, “asset”, “commodity”) — most of which fail to adequately describe bitcoin. Contrary to expectations, the introduction of new labels meant to encapsulate bitcoin’s unique attributes is rare. By analyzing labels in 674 articles published in the U.K. between 2009 and 2015, we shed new light on the relationship between labeling and categorization, and explain the ongoing confusion faced by the media and their audiences when it comes to bitcoin. In particular, we identify classification inconsistencies at three levels (within clusters of labels, between labels and categories, and between label attributes), which hamper categorization based on attribute similarity, audience goals, and causal models (respectively). We contend that four contextual elements nurture this categorical anarchy: radical innovation, decentralization, nonintersection of knowledge domains, and absence of a superordinate category. We discuss implications for theory on categorization and innovation, and we conclude this paper with a call for more research on the socioeconomic revolution heralded by bitcoin and the blockchain.