Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A continuous topological change during phase transitions in amphiphile/water systems.

Amphiphiles are molecules such as surfactants or lipids that have a polar head group (hydrophilic) attached to nonpolar hydrophobic alkyl chains. Because of this characteristic they self-assemble in water and give rise to a wide range of phases with different structures and properties. Aqueous dispersions of amphiphiles are present in every aspect of day-to-day life-e.g., forming biological cell membranes, stabilizing emulsified food, or being used as soap. Time-resolved x-ray diffraction has been used to study the hexadecylhexa(oxyethylene glycol) ether (C16EO6)/water system, which shows an intermediate phase whose structure depends on the thermal path between lamellar and hexagonal structures. Heating the hexagonal phase from room temperature leads to a lamellar phase via an Ia3d cubic structure. Cooling from the lamellar phase initially leads epitaxially to an intermediate Rm before the hexagonal phase is reached. Both cubic and Rm phases are formed by very similar rod units, but the overall structures differ because of their spatial distribution and they both bridge morphologically the hexagonal and lamellar phases. The Ia3d does so on heating, whereas the Rm does on cooling. The structural path during the phase transitions is determined by topological similarities between the forming phase and the one from which it originates. Although the estimated curvature energies for these two phases are similar, on cooling, kinetics and topology are initial factors determining the path for the phase transitions, whereas on heating energy is the dominant factor.
Classification of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ( IVDD ) using

Spine is the most essential part of human body. Vertebrae and intervertebral discs are important parts of Spine. The Inter vertebral disc (IVD) is a complex and load bearing structure. IVD undergoes a process of change with age and leads to failures. This paper presents a novel model to detect IVD failures using Magnetic Resonance (MR) images. The proposed method makes use of Vertebrae Statistics description Algorithm (VESTAL) to create a template by extracting features from several MR images contains healthy IVDs. The proposed method measures IVD and vertebrae features like intensity, anterior width, posterior width and center length of IVD. A template is created by VESTAL algorithm by extracting feature from 220 healthy IVD images in this work. The proposed method is implemented on 45 case studies where IVD failure have taken place. Proposed method detected the failure region and classified the IVDwith
Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) may modulate the timing of anagen entry in mouse hair follicles

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of cell proliferation and survival. There is limited evidence that mTOR influences hair follicles (HFs), which undergo cycles of quiescence (telogen), growth (anagen) and regression (catagen). We sought to investigate whether mTOR, in particular mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), regulates the hair growth cycle by employing biochemical, immunohistochemical and functional approaches in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that quantitative analysis of mTORC1 kinase activity shows phase‐dependent changes, and phosphorylated mTOR at S2448 (p‐mTOR) was localized in certain sites of HFs in a phase‐dependent manner. These results were indicative of mTOR's role in hair growth initiation. Finally, in a pharmacological challenge in vivo using the specific mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, hair cycle initiation was delayed, suggesting a functional relevance of mTORC1 in anagen entry. Based on our findings, we propose that mTORC1 may participate in hair cycle regulation, namely the timing of anagen initiation.
Mortality and cardiovascular morbidity among long‐term endurance male cross country skiers followed for 28–30 years

Longevity and reduced mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity compared with the general population are described among former athletes in a few studies only. The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of mortality and CVD morbidity after 30 years follow‐up in long‐term cross country skiers. The study was based on three different age groups of 122 long‐term long‐endurance cross country skiers participating in studies in 1976 and 1981. A total of 78/85 skiers completed the 28–30 year follow‐up, while 37 were dead. Causes of deaths through 2006 were ascertained using the National Death Register. Morbidity or mortality data were available in 115 subjects. Total deaths were 31% compared with 40% in the general male population (P=0.04). Exercise electrocardiographic ST‐depression in 1981 was associated with the later appearance of coronary heart disease (HR 2.90; P=0.033). Body mass index and average systolic blood pressure from 1976 to 1981 were predictors of later appearance of CVD (HR 1.23; P=0.034 and HR 1.03; P=0.048, respectively). Long‐term aerobic exercise appears to be associated with reduced all‐cause mortality.
Regulation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Cl− Channel by Its R Domain*

Since the sequence of the CFTR Cl channel was discovered, the function of its R domain has been puzzling. CFTR is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family, and it contains the features characteristic of this family: two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) and two membrane-spanning domains (MSDs) (1). Yet in addition, CFTR also contains the R domain, a unique sequence not found in other ABC transporters or any other proteins. The R domain serves as the major physiologic regulator of the CFTR Cl channel (2, 3). Upon elevation of cAMP levels, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylates the R domain allowing ATP to open and close the channel. Yet how phosphorylation activates the channel is not well understood. Some models propose that the R domain prevents the channel from opening and that phosphorylation relieves this inhibition. Other models suggest that phosphorylation of the R domain stimulates activity. Here we briefly review current knowledge that may help explain the function of this interesting domain.
Wavelets in elimination of distortions in the recorded violin sound

The topic of the article is a continuation of the works about violin sound recognition. This paper shows how to achieve higher quality of recorded sound, which is closer to human's subjective perception, using signal processing and algorithms, which consider using violin playing techniques and behavior of the violinist. The filter, which provides the best result as well as perception and data analysis spectrum is a one-shot filter based on wavelet transform, with experimentally designated universal wavelet form for each technique. The work also delivers such information as safety and optimization way of processing audio parameters in the production code.
Pharmacokinetics of R(-) and S(+) carprofen after administration of racemic carprofen in donkeys and horses.

OBJECTIVE To compare plasma disposition of the R(-) and S(+) enantiomers of carprofen after IV administration of a bolus dose to donkeys and horses. ANIMALS 5 clinically normal donkeys and 3 clinically normal horses. PROCEDURE Blood samples were collected from all animals at time 0 (before) and at 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 minutes and 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 24, 28, 32, and 48 hours after IV administration of a bolus of carprofen (0.7 mg/kg). Plasma was analyzed in triplicate via high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the concentrations of the carprofen enantiomers. A plasma concentrationtime curve for each donkey and horse was analyzed separately to estimate noncompartmental pharmacokinetic variables. RESULTS In donkeys and horses, the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) was greater for the R(-) carprofen enantiomer than it was for the S(+) carprofen enantiomer. For the R(-) carprofen enantiomer, the AUC and mean residence time (MRT) were significantly less and total body clearance (CIT) was significantly greater in horses, compared with donkeys. For the S(+) carprofen enantiomer, AUC and MRT were significantly less and CIT and apparent volume of distribution at steady state were significantly greater in horses, compared with donkeys. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results have suggested that the dosing intervals for carprofen that are used in horses may not be appropriate for use in donkeys.
Consensus panel recommendations for chronic and acute wound dressings.

OBJECTIVE To seek a consensus on recommendations that would help health professionals choose appropriate wound dressings in daily practice, since a systematic review found only limited evidence to support reported indications for modern wound dressings. PARTICIPANTS A steering committee selected a panel of 27 experts with no declared conflicts of interest from lists of nursing staff and physicians (specialists or general practitioners) with long-standing experience of wound care. The lists were put forward by 15 French learned societies. EVIDENCE The panelists received a recent systematic review of the literature, a classification of indications established by a working group, and definitions for the dressings. CONSENSUS PROCESS The steering committee designed questionnaires on chronic wounds and on acute wounds including burns for each of the 2 panels. The consensus method was derived from the nominal group technique adapted by RAND/UCLA. Panelists rated the relevance of each possible dressing-indication combination on the basis of the published evidence and their own experience. After the first round of rating, they met to discuss results and propose recommendations before taking part in a second round of rating. The working group peer reviewed the final recommendations. CONCLUSIONS A strong consensus was reached for use of the following combinations: for chronic wounds, (1) debridement stage, hydrogels; (2) granulation stage, foam and low-adherence dressings; and (3) epithelialization stage, hydrocolloid and low-adherence dressings; and for the epithelialization stage of acute wounds, low-adherence dressings. For specific situations, the following dressings were favored: for fragile skin, low-adherence dressings; for hemorrhagic wounds, alginates; and for malodorous wounds, activated charcoal.
The distributive impact of new welfare policies in the context of old welfare institution: A multilevel analysis of income inequality across OECD countries

This thesis provides a quantitative investigation into the effect of new social policy instruments on income inequality. Income inequality has increased over recent decades in the developed world, and existing studies have shown that a high level of income inequality is related to many social problems such as low levels of social trust or high crime rates. The welfare state, which had played an important role in relieving poverty and income inequality, is now under pressure for reformation due to economic and sociological changes. Many new policy instruments have been introduced in the process of welfare reform, and this thesis focuses particularly on private pensions and an active labour market policy. Existing studies have examined the distributive outcome of these policy instruments but they have shown inconsistent results. In addition, the existing literature suffers from limitations, particularly in the failure to consider the interaction between new policy instruments and the pre-existing institutional design of the welfare state. The contribution of this study is to examine how new policy instruments affect income inequality by considering the interaction between new policy instruments and the institutional design of the traditional welfare state. Data are measured at country-level and consist of nineteen OECD countries between 1980 and 2010 (for the case of private pension), and twenty-one OECD countries between 1985 and 2010 (for the case of active labour market policy). The analysis is conducted mainly by multi-level analysis. Multi-level analysis can estimate the effect of time-invariant variables without unrealistic assumptions. The results suggest that an increase in private pensions (excluding mandatory private pension) is related to a decrease in income inequality among the elderly but that the impact is different according to the institutional design of the public pension system. An increase in private pensions is related to an increase in income inequality when the public pension has a low level of coverage and a high level of earnings-relatedness. In the case of an active labour market policy, the results suggest that an increase in spending on active labour market policy is related to a decrease in income inequality, but this relation goes in the opposite direction when the unemployment benefit is based on a targeted or flat-rate system. This thesis suggests that there is no trade-off between new policy instruments and the traditional welfare state if the traditional welfare state is well-designed.
Association of Central Versus Brachial Blood Pressure With Target-Organ Damage: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Accumulating evidence suggests that central blood pressure (BP) may reflect the hemodynamic stress on target organs more accurately than brachial BP. A systematic review assessing the relationship of central versus brachial BP with preclinical target-organ damage was performed. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional data showed that central compared with brachial systolic BP was more closely associated with (1) left ventricular mass index (12 studies, n=6431; weighted age [SD], 49.9 [13.1] years; 51% hypertensives): pooled correlation coefficients r=0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.23–0.37 versus r=0.26; 95% CI, 0.19–0.33, respectively; P<0.01 for difference; (2) carotid intima-media thickness (7 studies, n=6136; weighted age, 55.6 [13.2] years; 48% hypertensives): r=0.27; 95% CI, 0.19–0.34 versus r=0.23; 95% CI, 0.16–0.30, respectively; P<0.01 for difference; (3) pulse-wave velocity (14 studies, n=3699; weighted age, 53.9 [13.3] years; 53% hypertensives): r=0.42; 95% CI, 0.37–0.47 versus r=0.39; 95% CI, 0.33–0.45, respectively; P<0.01 for difference. Four studies assessing urine albumin excretion (n=3718; weighted age, 56.4 [5] years; 69% hypertensives) reported similar correlations (P=not significant) with central (r=0.22; 95% CI, 0.14–0.29) and brachial systolic BP (r=0.22; 95% CI, 0.12–0.32). Similar findings were observed for central compared with brachial pulse pressure in terms of relationship with target-organ damage. Metaregression analyses did not reveal any significant effect of age. In conclusion, central compared with brachial BP seems to be more strongly associated with most of the investigated indices of preclinical organ damage.
Preparation and in vivo evaluation of a novel gel-based wound dressing using arginine–alginate surface-modified chitosan nanofibers

The development of an effective wound dressing with the ability to induce skin wound healing is a great challenge in medicine. Nanofibers are highly attractive for wound dressing preparation due to their properties such as hemostasis induction, good absorption of wound exudates, and facilitation of cell growth. Chitosan nanofibers have attracted great attention for application in wound dressings due to their accelerating effects on wound healing. In this study, arginine surface-modified chitosan nanofibers were successfully prepared by attachment of arginine molecules on the surface of chitosan nanofibers using sodium alginate through electrostatic interaction. The effect of pH on the amount of attached arginine was evaluated at three different pH values; 5, 6, and 7. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential of chitosan nanofibers before and after surface modification suggested the occurrence of the attachment of arginine to chitosan nanofibers. Scanning electron microscope images showed the nanofibrous structure of arginine surface-modified chitosan nanofibers with an average diameter ranging from 100 nm to 150 nm. The release of arginine from arginine surface-modified chitosan nanofibers gel showed a sustained release manner. The suitable viscosity and spreadability of arginine surface-modified chitosan nanofibers gel verified its easy application at the wound site. Arginine surface-modified chitosan nanofibers gel significantly improved the wound healing process including wound closure when tested in vivo using rat model. Additionally, histological examination and immunohistochemical studies showed the significant enhancement of the re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis in the skin of the animal group treated with arginine surface-modified chitosan nanofibers gel compared with the other control groups. These results suggested that arginine surface-modified chitosan nanofibers gel could be introduced as an effective wound dressing.
Should Scientists Communicate Uncertainty to the Public in Health Controversies? The Case of Endocrine Disrupters’ Effects on Male Fertility

Uncertain knowledge must be communicated to the public, as environmental problems can potentially reach many people. Uncertainty communication is assumed by some to increase public trust in science and policy-makers, by others to produce public panic. We have used focus groups for getting insights about this assumption and more generally about peoples' attitudes following uncertainty communication, for the controversy on the effects of endocrine disrupters (EDs) on human male fertility.
Biased sampling of methane release from northern lakes: A problem for extrapolation

Methane emissions from lakes are widely thought to be highly irregular and difficult to quantify with anything other than numerous distributed measurement stations and long‐term sampling campaigns. In spite of this, a large majority of the study sites north of 50°N have been measured over surprisingly short time periods of only one to a few days. Using long‐term data from three intensively studied small subarctic lakes, we recommend that measurements of diffusive methane flux and ebullition should be made over at least 11 and 39 days scattered throughout the ice‐free season using depth‐stratified sampling at 3 and 11 or more locations, respectively. We further show that low temporal and spatial resolutions are unlikely to cause overestimates. Therefore, we argue that most sites measured previously are likely underestimated in terms of emission potential. Avoiding these biases seen in much of the contemporary data is crucial to further constrain large‐scale methane emissions from northern lakes and ponds.
Political Trust and Public Satisfaction: A Logistic Regression Analysis Based on 1113 Samples

As an indispensable part of government performance evaluation, the public plays an important role in the legitimacy of the Chinese government. Based on the 1113 samples of “Deliberative Democracy and Election Survey (2010, 2013 and 2014)”, this paper studies the relationship between different levels of political trust and public satisfaction. Through descriptive statistics it was found that more than half of the public on the work of the government expressed satisfaction with the government level, and the degree of trust is gradually increasing. Logistic regression model found that political trust and public satisfaction have a significantly positive correlation, and this correlation strength in different levels of government is different. In addition, gender, political landscape and public satisfaction also have a significant correlation.
Measuring the Environmental Footprint of Leather Processing Technologies

The selection of materials and manufacturing processes often determines most of the environmental impact that a product will have during its life cycle. In directing consumption toward products with the least impact on the environment, measuring and comparing material alternatives with site‐specific data is a fundamental prerequisite. Within the apparel and footwear industry, some famous brands have recently been basing their advertising on the claim that vegetable‐tanned leather is more environmentally friendly than chromium‐tanned leather. However, there is a lack of scientific research assessing and comparing vegetable‐ and chromium‐tanned leather in a wider context than the toxicity of chromium. To fill this gap, this study measured and compared the carbon, water, and energy footprint of vegetable and chromium leather processing technology and intermediate processing stages in 12 selected tanneries in seven different countries worldwide. Each tannery proved to be very individual, and therefore attempting to perform this type of analysis without simply producing meaningless generalities is a challenge for companies, researchers, and regulators. The variability in results demonstrates that secondary data for the tanning phase should be utilized with caution in a decision‐making context. The use of primary data would be advisable for life cycle assessment studies of leather goods. No significant differences were found in the footprint of vegetable and chromium leather processes, but these are only indicative findings and need confirmation in further studies. An important area needing investigation is then how a fair comparison can be made between renewable natural materials and nonrenewable materials used in both leather‐processing technologies.
Processed and ultra-processed foods are associated with lower-quality nutrient profiles in children from Colombia

Abstract Objective To determine if processed and ultra-processed foods consumed by children in Colombia are associated with lower-quality nutrition profiles than less processed foods. Design We obtained information on sociodemographic and anthropometric variables and dietary information through dietary records and 24 h recalls from a convenience sample of the Bogotá School Children Cohort. Foods were classified into three categories: (i) unprocessed and minimally processed foods, (ii) processed culinary ingredients and (iii) processed and ultra-processed foods. We also examined the combination of unprocessed foods and processed culinary ingredients. Setting Representative sample of children from low- to middle-income families in Bogotá, Colombia. Subjects Children aged 5–12 years in 2011 Bogotá School Children Cohort. Results We found that processed and ultra-processed foods are of lower dietary quality in general. Nutrients that were lower in processed and ultra-processed foods following adjustment for total energy intake included: n-3 PUFA, vitamins A, B12, C and E, Ca and Zn. Nutrients that were higher in energy-adjusted processed and ultra-processed foods compared with unprocessed foods included: Na, sugar and trans-fatty acids, although we also found that some healthy nutrients, including folate and Fe, were higher in processed and ultra-processed foods compared with unprocessed and minimally processed foods. Conclusions Processed and ultra-processed foods generally have unhealthy nutrition profiles. Our findings suggest the categorization of foods based on processing characteristics is promising for understanding the influence of food processing on children’s dietary quality. More studies accounting for the type and degree of food processing are needed.