Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UNVEILING THE SECRETS OF METALLICITY AND MASSIVE STAR FORMATION USING DLAS ALONG GAMMA-RAY BURSTS

We present the largest, publicly available sample of damped Lyα systems (DLAs) along the lines of sight of Swift-discovered gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in order to investigate the environmental properties of long GRB hosts in the z = 1.8–6 redshift range. Compared with the most recent quasar DLA sample (QSO-DLA), our analysis shows that GRB-DLAs probe a more metal-enriched environment at z ≳ 3 ? > , up to [ X / H ] ∼ − 0.5 ? > . In the z = 2–3 redshift range, despite the large number of lower limits, there are hints that the two populations may be more similar (only at a 90% significance level) than at higher redshifts. Also, at high-z, the GRB-DLA average metallicity seems to decline at a lower rate than the QSO-DLAs: GRB-DLA hosts may be polluted with metals at least as far as ∼ 2 ? > kpc from the GRB explosion site, probably due to previous star formation episodes and/or supernova explosions. This shallow metallicity trend, now extended up to z ∼ 5 ? > , confirms previous results that GRB hosts are star-forming and have, on average, higher metallicities than the general QSO-DLA population. Finally, our host metallicity measurements are broadly consistent with the predictions derived from the hypothesis of two channels of GRB progenitors, one of which is mildly affected by a metallicity bias, although more data are needed to constrain the models at z ≳ 4 ? > .
Genetics of parathyroid tumours

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), due to parathyroid tumours, may occur as part of a complex syndrome or as an isolated (nonsyndromic) disorder, and both forms can occur as familial (i.e. hereditary) or nonfamilial (i.e. sporadic) disease. Syndromic PHPT includes multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 1 to 4 (MEN1 to MEN4) and the hyperparathyroidism‐jaw tumour (HPT‐JT) syndrome. Syndromic and hereditary PHPT are often associated with multiple parathyroid tumours, in contrast to sporadic PHPT, in which single parathyroid adenomas are more common. In addition, parathyroid carcinomas may occur in ~15% of patients with the HPT‐JT syndrome. MEN1 is caused by abnormalities of the MEN1 gene which encodes a tumour suppressor; MEN2 and MEN3 are due to mutations of the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto‐oncogene, which encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor; MEN4 is due to mutations of a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (CDNK1B); and HPT‐JT is due to mutations of cell division cycle 73 (CDC73), which encodes parafibromin. Nonsyndromic PHPT, which may be hereditary and referred to as familial isolated hyperparathyroidism, may also be due to MEN1, CDC73 or calcium‐sensing receptor (CASR) mutations. In addition, ~10% of patients presenting below the age of 45 years with nonsyndromic, sporadic PHPT may have MEN1, CDC73 or CASR mutations, and overall more than 10% of patients with PHPT will have a mutation in one of 11 genes. Genetic testing is available and of value in the clinical setting, as it helps in making the correct diagnosis and planning the management of these complex disorders associated with parathyroid tumours.
The role of estrogens in catamenial exacerbation of epilepsy

NEARLY a century ago, Cowers’ suspected a relationship between epilepsy and menstruation. Since then, several investigators have confirmed this observation and agreed that an exacerbation of epileptic seizures occurs primarily just before or at the time of menstruation. *4 During the last decade, however, some controversy has appeared in the literature on this subject. Among various investigators challenging a relationship between seizures and menstrual cycle, Almquistu was the first to support his conclusions with a statistic survey. Although demonstrating a definite rhythmicity in the occurrence of epileptic seizures, he maintained that menstrual phenomena are not involved. More recently, however, Laidlawe found unequivocal evidence of catamenial epilepsy in a twenty-five-year follow-up study of the occurrence of more than 33,000 seizures in 50 epileptic women. Most investigators in the literature maintain that fits exacerbate shortly before or during menstruation in about 50% of epileptic women. In these women, seizures often begin or preexisting attacks recur or become worse at the menarche. The menopause, as might be expected, seems to have a significant, depressant effect on incidence of seizures,3 while ovariectomy has been reported to relieve human epileptic fits3v7 and diminish epileptic discharges in animal^. ^ There has been considerable difference of opinion regarding the pathogenesis of the catamenial exacerbation of epileptic seizures. The more important theories and ob-
Intestinal cytomegalovirus disease in immunocompromised patients may be ruled out by search for cytomegalovirus DNA in stool samples

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR from stool specimens was adopted as a diagnostic tool for patients with suspected CMV colitis. After being established, the method was evaluated in 17 AIDS patients and 19 other immunocompromised patients by comparison of PCR results with clinical, histological, and microbiological or virological data. CMV PCR was positive in 4 symptomatic patients with proven CMV colitis and negative in 15 of 16 patients without characteristic histopathology. Neither CMV immunoglobulin G seropositivity nor intestinal symptoms alone were significantly associated with positive PCR results, but severe active systemic CMV infection may lead to a positive PCR. Absence of CMV DNA in stool samples may prove useful in ruling out CMV related colitis.
More on Confidence Intervals for Partially Identified Parameters

This paper extends Imbens and Manski's (2004) analysis of confidence intervals for interval identified parameters. For their final result, Imbens and Manski implicitly assume superefficient estimation of a nuisance parameter. This appears to have gone unnoticed before, and it limits the result's applicability. I re-analyze the problem both with assumptions that merely weaken the superefficiency condition and with assumptions that remove it altogether. Imbens and Manski's confidence region is found to be valid under weaker assumptions than theirs, yet superefficiency is required. I also provide a different confidence interval that is valid under superefficiency but can be adapted to the general case, in which case it embeds a specification test for nonemptiness of the identified set. A methodological contribution is to notice that the difficulty of inference comes from a boundary problem regarding a nuisance parameter, clarifying the connection to other work on partial identification.
Predictability of the recent slowdown and subsequent recovery of large‐scale surface warming using statistical methods

The temporary slowdown in large‐scale surface warming during the early 2000s has been attributed to both external and internal sources of climate variability. Using semiempirical estimates of the internal low‐frequency variability component in Northern Hemisphere, Atlantic, and Pacific surface temperatures in concert with statistical hindcast experiments, we investigate whether the slowdown and its recent recovery were predictable. We conclude that the internal variability of the North Pacific, which played a critical role in the slowdown, does not appear to have been predictable using statistical forecast methods. An additional minor contribution from the North Atlantic, by contrast, appears to exhibit some predictability. While our analyses focus on combining semiempirical estimates of internal climatic variability with statistical hindcast experiments, possible implications for initialized model predictions are also discussed.
Screening of cerebrovascular diseases in Stroke Prevention Centres in Latvia ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Background: To improve stroke prevention, the observation of patients suspected on having cerebrovascular disease (CVD) or stroke risk factors has been carried out in Stroke Prevention Centres (SPC) in Riga. The analysis of the incidence of CVD, correlations of clinical symptoms with diagnostic findings and risk factors was performed. Methods: 1102 outpatients aged 7-89 years (65% female, 35 % male) underwent color-coded duplex sonography of precerebral and cerebral blood vessels (CCDS), had checked brachial blood pressure and blood test. Vascular pathology detected by CCDS was confirmed by CT angiography. Some of patients underwent X-ray, EEG, CT scan or MRI examination. Results: Isolated dyslipidemia was the reason for observation in 2% of cases only, although 56% of surveyed had registered high level of cholesterol at the moment of observation or in the past. Patients with arterial hypertension (14% of all) had atherosclerotic lesions in arteries in 42% of cases. From 22% of patients with vertiginous syndromes and tinnitus CVD was proved in 5% of cases. Vascular pathology in cases of headache (18% of all) was found in only 11%. Silent atherosclerotic process in pre-cerebral arteries was suspected in 15% of patients but proved in 27% of all surveyed. Conclusion: The underestimation of dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension as a stroke risk factors and the mismatch of diagnoses in patients with unspecified vestibular disorders and headache was found. The prevalence of detected silent carotid stenoses from all suspected proved the efficacy of US vascular screening in prevention, detection and follow-up of CVD.
Periodontal treatment needs and workforce requirements: comparisons between the normative and sociodental approaches using different skill mix models.

OBJECTIVES Assessment of dental treatment needs has predominantly been based on the normative approach, despite its numerous limitations. The sociodental approach is a more rational method of needs assessment as it incorporates broader concepts of health and needs and behavioural propensity. This study compares estimates of periodontal dental treatment needs and workforce requirements for different skill mixes using normative and sociodental approaches among a sample of adults in Malaysia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out on 732 Malaysian adults aged 30-54 years. Subjects' normative and sociodental needs for periodontal treatment were assessed using WHO criteria, an oral health-related quality of life measure (the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances index), and behavioural propensity measures for toothbrushing and smoking behaviour. The proportion of subjects requiring periodontal treatment and the numbers of dentists and dental therapists required to treat them using the normative and sociodental approach were compared using different skill mix models. RESULTS The estimates of need for periodontal treatment using the sociodental approach were 90% lower than the respective estimates using the normative need method. Overall, 14.43 dentists would be required per 100 000 people using the normative approach compared to 2.32 for the sociodental approach. When skill mix models were used, the number of dentists required decreased by almost 70% when more periodontal procedures were delegated to dental therapists. CONCLUSIONS Using the sociodental approach resulted in much lower estimates of dental need and workforce requirements for periodontal treatment than using the normative method. Using dental therapists markedly reduced the numbers of dentists needed for periodontal treatment.
Obsessive‐compulsive neurosis in relation to parental child‐rearing patterns amongst the Greek, Italian, and Anglo‐Australian subjects

Obsessive‐compulsive neurosis was found to be manifest within a relatively normal (students) population. Obsessional subjects obtained from a clinical sample were compared with those obtained from normal students population on symptom, trait, resistance and interference scales of the Modified Leyton Obsessional Inventory with no significant differences in scores found. Obsessional subjects across three different ethnic/cultural backgrounds (Greeks, Italians and Anglo‐Australians) consistently rated their parents as more rejecting and overprotecting and less emotionally warm in their child‐rearing practices when compared with normal control subjects. The significant differences found between the obsessionals and the normal control subjects are considered as strongly indicative of the psychopathological conditions of the obsessionals found in a normal population and a differentiating factor between the two groups. Two sub‐classes of obsessive‐compulsive subjects were distinguished and compared in relation to their perceived parental rearing characteristics. But no significant differences were found. Thus, the notion that compulsive checkers as opposed to compulsive cleaners emerge from two different parental rearing patterns was not sustained in this instance.
Controlling an electromyography-based power-assist device for the wrist using electroencephalography cortical currents

Graphical Abstract A power-assist device controlled with brain activity would offer improved quality of life for people with motor impairments. Such a device requires extracting the necessary information from brain activity, and if possible, in a non-invasive manner. Here, we reconstructed muscle activity for wrist flexion and extension from electroencephalography (EEG) cortical current source (CCS) signals as well as standard EEG sensor signals. We then used the reconstructed muscle activity to control an electromyography (EMG)-based power assist device. We evaluated performance by comparing equilibrium point, stiffness, and torque estimated from EEG with those calculated from EMG. We found that EEG-CCS signals provided higher estimation accuracy than EEG sensor signals. Moreover, we performed offline control of the EMG-based device using reconstructed muscle activity signals. Our results suggest that muscle activity can be reconstructed from EEG-CCS signals with sufficient accuracy to control an EMG-based power-assist device. We demonstrate that brain–machine interfaces can be used to control EMG-based power-assist devices, mutually broadening their applicability in rehabilitation.
In Vitro Secretion Deficits are Common Among Human Coagulation Factor XIII Subunit B Missense Mutants: Correlations with Patient Phenotypes and Molecular Models

Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) proenzyme circulates in plasma as a heterotetramer composed of two each of A and B subunits. Upon activation, the B subunits dissociate from the A subunit dimer, which gains transglutaminase activity to cross‐link preformed fibrin clots increasing mechanical strength and resistance to degradation. The B subunits are thought to possess a carrier/protective function before FXIII activation. Mutations in either A or B subunits are associated with pathological patient phenotypes characterized by mild to severe bleeding. In vitro expression of FXIII B subunit (FXIIIB) missense variants in HEK293T cells revealed impaired secretion for all seven variants studied. To investigate the likely molecular environments of the missense residues, we created molecular models of individual FXIIIB Sushi domains using phylogenetically similar complement factor H Sushi domain structural templates. Assessment of the local molecular environments for the models suggested surface or buried positions for each mutant residue and possible pathological mechanisms. The in vitro expression system and in silico analytical methods and models we developed can be used to further investigate the molecular basis of FXIIIB mutation pathologies.
Control Performance With Three Translational Degrees of Freedom

For multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) systems, it is important to determine how accurately operators can control each DOF and what influence perceptual, information processing, and psychomotor components have on performance. Sixteen right-handed male students participated in 2 experiments: 1 involving positioning and 1 involving tracking with 3 translational DOFs. To separate perceptual and psychomotor effects, we used 2 control-display mappings that differed in the coupling of vertical and depth dimensions to the up-down and fore-aft control axes. We observed information processing effects in the positioning task: Initial error correction on the vertical dimension lagged in time behind the horizontal dimension. The depth dimension error correction lagged behind both, which was ascribed to the poorer perceptual information. We observed this perceptual effect also in the tracking experiment: Tracking error along the depth dimension was 3.8 times larger than along the other dimensions. Motor effects were also present, with tracking errors along the up-down axis of the hand controller being 1.1 times larger than along the fore-aft axis. These results indicate that all 3 components contribute to control performance. Actual applications of this research include interface design for remote control and virtual reality.
First Report on a Hyperepidemic Clone of KPC-3-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Israel Genetically Related to a Strain Causing Outbreaks in the United States

ABSTRACT A highly epidemic carbapenem-resistant clone of KPC-3-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae emerged in Israel in 2006, causing a nationwide outbreak. This clone was genetically related to outbreak strains from the United States isolated in 2000 but differed in KPC-carrying plasmids. The threat of the global spread of hyperepidemic, extensively drug-resistant bacterial strains should be recognized and confronted.
Lipocalin-2 is involved in emotional behaviors and cognitive function

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), an iron-related protein well described to participate in the innate immune response, has been shown to modulate spine morphology and to regulate neuronal excitability. In accordance, LCN2-null mice are reported to have stress-induced anxiety. Here we show that, under standard housing conditions, LCN2-null mice display anxious and depressive-like behaviors, as well as cognitive impairment in spatial learning tasks. These behavioral alterations were associated with a hyperactivation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and with an altered brain cytoarchitecture in the hippocampus. More specifically, we found that the granular and pyramidal neurons of the ventral hippocampus, a region described to be associated with emotion, were hypertrophic, while neurons from the dorsal hippocampus, a region implicated in memory and cognition, were atrophic. In addition, LCN2-null mice presented synaptic impairment in hippocampal long-term potentiation. Whether the LCN2 effects are mediated through modulation of the level of corticosteroids or through a novel mechanism, the present observations bring further into light this immune-related protein as a player in the fine-tuning of behavior and of synaptic activity.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in children: Results and short‐term complications

Aim: The introduction of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy represented an important evolution in urinary tract lithiasis management. The aim of this study is to describe the results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for the treatment of urinary tract lithiasis in children, focusing on the index of elimination of the calculi and the complications occurring during the procedure and during the following three months.
Integrated River and Coastal Hydrodynamic Flood Risk Mapping of the LaHave River Estuary and Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is located 20 km inland from the mouth of the LaHave River estuary on the Atlantic Coast of Canada. Bridgewater is at risk of flooding due to the combined effects of river runoff and a storm surge on top of high tide. Projected increases in sea-level and possible increased river runoff with climate change increase the risk of future flooding. A set of river and ocean water level simulations were carried out to determine the risk of flooding to Bridgewater today and in the future under climate change. The hydrodynamic simulation developed incorporates return periods of a time series of river discharge measurements for the LaHave watershed, ocean water dynamics at the mouth of the river under normal tidal conditions and with two levels of storm surge, near shore and river bathymetry, as well as high precision topographic lidar derived ground elevations and survey grade GPS. The study was supported by data from two tide gauge sensors, and qualitative evidence provided by the community such as historical flood levels and photographs. Results show that areas upstream of the town are vulnerable to large discharge events of the LaHave River. The downtown waterfront and infrastructure are not susceptible to fluvial flooding, but is vulnerable to sea-level rise and storm surge flooding.
Long-term effects of temporal lobectomy on intelligence

Objective: To characterize the long-term effects of anterior temporal resection on intelligence. Methods: Twenty-eight left temporal lobectomy (LTL) and 43 right temporal lobectomy (RTL) patients were followed at standard time points for at least 6 years after surgery. Results: The average gain 6 years after operation was 3.6 Verbal IQ (VIQ) points and 10.3 Performance IQ (PIQ) points in LTL patients and 2.9 VIQ points and 7.7 PIQ points in RTL patients. A seizure-free outcome did not influence the increase in IQ, nor was the extent of resection related to IQ scores at the 6-year follow-up. Patients with exclusively mesial temporal sclerosis did not perform as well as patients with other pathologies, both before and after surgery. Major predictors of improved performance at 6 years were initial higher level of performance and lower age at surgery. Much of the observed improvement may be related to retest effects. Conclusions: The effects of epilepsy surgery on intelligence in the long term are limited. The largest gain in VIQ is seen from 2 to 6 years after surgery.
Studies on the inhibitory effect of combined chemical preservatives on Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The minimal concentrations (Gm./L.) of formic, salicylic, benzoic, o - and p -chlorobenzoic acids, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl esters of p -hydroxybenzoic acid, and sorbic acid required to inhibit the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were determined. Combinations of any two of these chemicals were also tested for the same action. Salicylic acid with any of the other chemicals proved to have a potentizing effect. Other combinations had either an additive effect or even a lesser effect than their components used singly.
Demonstration of a wide-band image rejection microwave downconverter

A photonic image-rejection downconverter capable of down-converting radio-frequency (RF) signals over a range of 5-18 GHz into an IF band 2.1 GHz wide (3.3-5.4 GHz) is presented. RF signals received by the system are first up-converted into the passband of a 21.3-23.4-GHz filter, and then optically down-converted to 3.3-5.4 GHz. The system exhibited better than 60 dB of image rejection over its entire bandwidth and spurious signals resulting from harmonic mixing products were more than 25 dB below the downconverted signal.