Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determining embedding dimension for phase-space reconstruction using a geometrical construction.

We examine the issue of determining an acceptable minimum embedding dimension by looking at the behavior of near neighbors under changes in the embedding dimension from d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d+1. When the number of nearest neighbors arising through projection is zero in dimension ${\mathit{d}}_{\mathit{E}}$, the attractor has been unfolded in this dimension. The precise determination of ${\mathit{d}}_{\mathit{E}}$ is clouded by ``noise,'' and we examine the manner in which noise changes the determination of ${\mathit{d}}_{\mathit{E}}$. Our criterion also indicates the error one makes by choosing an embedding dimension smaller than ${\mathit{d}}_{\mathit{E}}$. This knowledge may be useful in the practical analysis of observed time series.
Complement Activation Plays a Key Role in Antibody-Induced Infusion Toxicity in Monkeys and Rats

Infusion reactions are a major side effect of the administration of therapeutic Abs and are the result of a complex immune reaction. In this study, we report that substitutions of Fc amino acids in the anti-HLA-DR Ab HD8 reduce its ability to induce infusion reactions in rats and monkeys. We first showed that i.v. administration of IgG1- and IgG2-subclass HD8 Abs induces severe infusion reactions in monkeys. These Abs express strong complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and in vivo depletion of complement in rats by pretreatment with cobra venom factor abrogated the lethal infusion reactions generated by HD8-IgG1. Thus, the infusion reactions appear to be largely driven by the complement system. To reduce the CDC function of HD8-IgG1, its Fc region was modified by two amino acid substitutions at Pro331Ser and Lys322Ala. The modified Ab was incapable of expressing CDC in vitro and did not induce severe infusion reactions in rats and monkeys, even at extremely high doses. The modified Ab retained its Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity function as well as its antitumor activity in a tumor-bearing mouse model. In summary, complement appears to drive infusion reactions, and modifications that eliminate the CDC activity of an Ab also reduce its ability to induce infusion reactions.
Childhood Injuries: The Community Approach to Prevention

CENTURY ago, it was not uncommon for several children in a single family to die before reaching their i A third birthday. Many children died because of waterand milkbome pathogens, many others of diseases preventable by immunization such as diphtheria and per9&sese5 tussis. These diseases were not man-made, but they could be prevented by man, and indeed they are now rare in the industrialized countries of the modem world. In their stead, injuries are now preeminent as a cause of death and disability in children. Unlike childhood diseases, the overwhelming majority of injuries are caused by man-made hazards-hazards that can be eliminated, reduced, or changed in ways that will reduce childhood injuries. Today it is feasible to prevent many serious injuries, using community approaches that would automatically protect large numbers of children (1-3). Yet 12,000 children less than fifteen years old will be killed this year in the U.S. alone. In the 0-4 age group, more than 5,ooo will die, thousands more will be permanently disabled, and 6 million injuried less seriously. This paper discusses childhood injuries that are caused by man-made products and environments. It excludes a most important category, namely, injuries related to motor-vehicles (4-6), but the basic principles of injury control are equally relevant on and off the highway (3). In either instance, the term injury control is a good one because it emphasizes that our goal is controlling or preventing injuries and reducing their sequelae, not controlling people. Children will still be inquisitive, imaginative, and daring long after we have taken successful steps to keep them from dying because of these traits.
Advanced oxidation of hypophosphite and phosphite using a UV/H2O2 process

The oxidation of hypophosphite and phosphite in an aqueous solution by an ultraviolet (UV)/H2O2 process was studied in this work. The reactions were performed in a lab-scale batch photoreactor. The effect of different parameters such as H2O2 dosage, H2O2 feeding mode and the initial pH of the solution on the oxidation efficiency of the process was investigated. The results indicated that the UV/H2O2 process could effectively oxidize hypophosphite and phosphite in both synthesized and real wastewater. However, neither H2O2 nor UV alone was able to appreciably oxidize the hypophosphite or phosphite. The best way of feeding H2O2 was found to be ‘continuous feeding’, which maximized the reaction rate. It was also found that the process presented a wide range of applicable initial pH (5–11). When treating real rinse-wastewater, which was obtained from the electroless nickel plating industry, both hypophosphite and phosphite were completely oxidized within 60 min, and by extending by another 30 min, over 90% of the chemical oxygen demand removal was obtained. Without any additional catalyst, the UV/H2O2 process can oxidize hypophosphite and phosphite to easily removable phosphate. It is really a powerful and environmentally friendly treatment method for the wastewater containing hypophosphite and phosphite.
Budget transparency in Croatian counties, cities and municipalities (November 2017 - March 2018)

The overall average level of budget transparency in Croatian counties, cities and municipalities, measured by the number of budget documents published on their respective official websites, stands at 3.52 (out of a possible 5). The number of budget documents published has grown year by year in all types of local government units, averaging 4.9 in counties, 4 in cities and 3.3 in municipalities in this research cycle. For the first time, there are no cities without at least one budget document published, or municipalities without an official website. However, despite the improvements in average results achieved, differences among individual local units, notably municipalities, are still huge. A large number of cities and the bulk of municipalities will have to intensify their efforts to comply with their legal obligations and recommendations of the Ministry of Finance in this respect. While the publishing of budget documents does not in itself guarantee absolute transparency, it should still be prescribed and encouraged, because it is the first step towards achieving higher transparency levels necessary for citizens' participation in the budget process. More detailed results for all counties, cities and municipalities are given later in the text and are available on an interactive map and in an Excel table format.
Exploring the Components of Cost on Construction Projects

This study examines the components of construction projects and whether there are construction resources that are the key project constituents. The rationale for the study stems from the unexplained assumptions regarding the primary components responsible for increases in construction costs in South Africa, as South Africa lacks a national building cost database. The study adopts a qualitative research approach that employs a case studies of six new and six refurbished projects in obtaining the necessary data for use in answering the study objectives. The study found that the primary cost constituents of construction projects are materials and sub-contracted work, accounting for 63.69% and 74.6% of the value of renovation and new construction work respectively and on the average, the major materials by value are reinforcement, cement and filling, while Electrical Installation is the primary sub-contracting item by value. Based on these findings, the study concludes that the future levels of construction work can be predicted knowing levels of specialist sub-contractor costs and building material costs. The study recommends that the sub-contractor and material inputs into construction projects are carefully managed, both on the projects and the construction industry, to limit construction cost increases and cost overruns on projects. The study contributes to the literature on resource planning and control in construction. Keywords: Cement, Construction Cost, Electrical Installation, Reinforcement, Specialist Sub-contractor.
An official European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society research statement: interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features

Many patients with an idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) have clinical features that suggest an underlying autoimmune process but do not meet established criteria for a connective tissue disease (CTD). Researchers have proposed differing criteria and terms to describe these patients, and lack of consensus over nomenclature and classification limits the ability to conduct prospective studies of a uniform cohort. The “European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society Task Force on Undifferentiated Forms of Connective Tissue Disease-associated Interstitial Lung Disease” was formed to create consensus regarding the nomenclature and classification criteria for patients with IIP and features of autoimmunity. The task force proposes the term “interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features” (IPAF) and offers classification criteria organised around the presence of a combination of features from three domains: a clinical domain consisting of specific extra-thoracic features, a serologic domain consisting of specific autoantibodies, and a morphologic domain consisting of specific chest imaging, histopathologic or pulmonary physiologic features. A designation of IPAF should be used to identify individuals with IIP and features suggestive of, but not definitive for, a CTD. With IPAF, a sound platform has been provided from which to launch the requisite future research investigations of a more uniform cohort. ERS/ATS task force provides nomenclature and classification criteria for patients with IIP and autoimmune features http://ow.ly/O7qao
Hierarchical genetic structure and gene flow in three sympatric species of Amazonian rodents

The population genetic structure of three species of Amazonian rodents (Oligoryzomys microtis, Oryzomys capito, and Mesomys hispidus) is examined for mtDNA sequence haplotypes of the cytochrome b gene by hierarchical analysis of variance and gene flow estimates based on fixation indices (NST) and coalescence methods. Species samples are from the same localities along 1000 km of the Rio Jurua in western Amazonian Brazil, but each species differs in important life history traits such as population size and reproductive rate. Average haplotype differentiation, hierarchical haplotype apportionment, and gene flow estimates are contrasted in discussing the current and past population structure. Two species exhibit isolation by distance patterns wherein gene flow is largely limited to geographically adjacent localities. Mesomys exhibits this pattern throughout its range along the river. More than 75% of haplotype variation is apportioned among localities and regions, and estimates of Nm for pair‐wise comparisons are nearly always less than 1. Oligoryzomys shows weak isolation by distance, but only over the largest geographical distances. Nm values for this species are nearly always above 1 and most (about 80%) of haplotype variation is contained within local populations. In contrast, Oryzomys exhibits no genetic structure throughout its entire distribution; Nm values average 17 and nearly 90% of the total haplotype variance is contained within local populations. Although gene flow estimates are high, the pattern of Nm as a function of geographical distance suggests that this species experienced a more recent invasion of the region and is still in genetic disequilibrium under its current demographic conditions.
Re‐evaluation and functional classification of non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms of the human ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCG2

Impacts of genetic polymorphisms of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter BCRP/MXR1/ABCP (ABCG2) on drug response have been implicated; however, the hitherto reported data involve some inconsistencies. To re‐evaluate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of ABCG2 in vitro, we created a total of seven variant cDNAs (V12M, Q141K, F208S, S248P, F431L, S441N and F489L) by site‐directed mutagenesis and stably expressed each of them in Flp‐In‐293 cells using the Flp recombinase system. Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization mapping analysis revealed that one single copy of ABCG2 cDNA was incorporated into the telomeric region of chromosome 12p. It was proven that mRNAs of those integrated ABCG2 variants were expressed evenly in Flp‐In‐293 cells. However, the protein expression levels varied among those variants. In particular, expression of the F208S and S441N variants was markedly low, suggesting the instability of these variant proteins. Drug resistance profiles of Flp‐In‐293 cells expressing two major SNP variants (V12M and Q141K) toward the drug SN‐38 demonstrated that the IC50 value (drug concentrations producing a 50% reduction of cell growth) for Q141K was approximately 50% of that for wild type. The contributions of the minor SNP variants (F208S, S248P, F431L, S441N and F489L) to drug resistance toward SN‐38, mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, daunorubicin or etoposide were significantly lower than wild type. Based on our functional validation, the above‐mentioned non‐synonymous polymorphisms as well as acquired mutants (R482G and R482T) of ABCG2 were classified into four groups. Furthermore, new camptothecin analogs synthesized by our research group had potent effects in circumventing ABCG2‐mediated drug resistance without any influence from major non‐synonymous polymorphisms. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 231–239)
Too Many Men?: Sex Ratios and Women's Partnering Behavior in China

The relative numbers of women and men are changing dramatically in China, but the consequences of these imbalanced sex ratios have received little empirical attention. We merge data from the Chinese Health and Family Life Survey with community-level data from Chinese censuses to examine the relationship between cohort- and community-specific sex ratios and women's partnering behavior. Consistent with demographic-opportunity theory and sociocultural theory, we find that high sex ratios (indicating more men relative to women) are associated with an increased likelihood that women marry before age 25. However, high sex ratios are also associated with an increased likelihood that women engage in premarital and extramarital sexual relationships and have more than one sexual partner, findings consistent with demographic-opportunity theory but inconsistent with sociocultural theory.
Can Quantitative Sensory Testing Predict the Outcome of Epidural Steroid Injections in Sciatica? A Preliminary Study

Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) is a psycho-physiological test used to identify dysfunction of individual nerve fiber types. In the present study, we investigated whether selective nerve fiber dysfunction, as assessed by QST, correlates with the effectiveness of epidural steroid injections (ESI) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Twenty patients with unilateral painful sciatica caused by disc herniation participated in this open study. Before ESI, quantitative thermal and mechanical sensory testing was conducted at the most painful dermatome and the contralateral dermatome. The primary outcome measure used was the self-recording of pain intensity twice daily with a 0–10 numerical pain scale (NPS). Secondary efficacy measures included the Short Form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the straight leg raising test, and the lumbar range of motion. A significant difference in all types of sensory thresholds between the affected and the contralateral dermatomes was detected at baseline. All outcome measures improved subsequent to the ESI. A significant positive correlation was found between the increase in cold sensation thresholds of the affected dermatome (A&dgr;-fiber dysfunction) and the improvement in NPS. The increase in touch and vibration thresholds (A&bgr;-fiber dysfunction) was found to be inversely correlated with the improvement in NPS. No correlation was found between heat sensation thresholds (C fibers) and any of the outcome measures. These results suggest that QST has the potential to be an important tool in the selection of the appropriate treatment (e.g., ESI versus surgery) for patients with sciatica and may assist in identifying the mechanisms of pain generation in these patients.
Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum of the Eyelid

Purpose: To describe 6 patients with syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid and to review the literature regarding this rare eyelid tumor. Methods: Clinicopathologic series of 6 cases, diagnosed at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary from 1990 to 2006. The PubMed database was searched for reported cases of syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid (keywords: syringocystadenoma, eyelid, apocrine, eccrine). Results: Fourteen patients (6 from the current case series and 8 previously reported) with syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid were identified. Patient age ranged from 8 to 82 years (mean, 44.6 years). Most cases had a preoperative diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma or cyst. Histopathologic evaluation of excised lesions revealed proliferation of duct-like channels in the dermis. These channels were lined by nonkeratinizing epithelium and communicated with the epidermis. Papillary structures with plasma cell-rich stromal infiltrate protruded in the cystic invaginations. Nine lesions (64%) were associated with apocrine, eccrine, or sebaceous tumors or malformations. None of the lesions was associated with a malignant neoplasm. One lesion recurred after incomplete excision. None of the completely excised lesions recurred. Conclusions: Syringocystadenoma papilliferum can rarely affect eyelid skin. This lesion is frequently clinically misdiagnosed as basal cell carcinoma or cyst. Although syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the eyelid can be associated with other benign lesions, no malignant transformation or association with malignant neoplasms has been reported. The evidence suggests that this tumor should be managed with conservative complete excision.
Factors Other Than Climate Change, Main Drivers of 2014/15 Water Shortage in Southeast Brazil

Introduction. The southeast region of Brazil (SEB, defined as the area between 15°–25°S and 40°–48°W; Fig. 9.1a) experienced remarkably dry conditions from January 2014 to February 2015, comprising the 14-month period that includes two rainy seasons investigated here. This region includes Sao Paulo, Brazil ś most populated city, which suffered impacts due to water shortages, and the watersheds and reservoirs feeding the city’s water supply system. The wet season occurs during austral summer and the dry season during austral winter. The South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) is the main mechanism responsible for the region’s austral summer rainfall. During summer 2014, there was a complete absence of SACZ episodes (Coelho et al. 2015). Previous major droughts occurred in the region in 1953/54, 1962/63, 1970/71, and 2001. While droughts have very complex criteria, these were all characterized by large rainfall deficits while the effect of the SACZ needs further investigation. The 1953/54 rainfall deficit prompted construction of the largest water supply system (Cantareira) used for Sao Paulo (Porto et al. 2014). The 2014/15 drought had major impacts in Sao Paulo due partly to a four-fold population increase since 1960 (Fig. 9.1b). Although new water supply systems were constructed after Cantareira, it is still by far the largest in terms of capacity and number of people supplied (until early 2015) and hence is used as an indicator of the impacts of the SEB drought on water supply. In January 2015, Cantareira, which used to supply 8.8 million people in Sao Paulo, sank to a water volume of just 5% of capacity (Fig. 9.1c), and currently supplies just 5.3 million people. Other systems (Guarapiranga and Alto Tiete) started to supply the excess population, those previously supplied by Cantareira, after the water crisis was established. In this analysis, we investigate potential changes in the hydrometeorological hazard, defined by accumulated precipitation and the difference between precipitation and evaporation (P − E) in the SEB region. The true impact, however, is due to a combination of a physical event with vulnerability and exposure, in this case on millions of people in the affected area (Field et al. 2012). The current drought reflects increasing trends in exposure. Sao Paulo’s population grew by 20% in the past 20 years. Water use has increased at an even faster rate over the same period (Fig. 9.1b). Vulnerability of water supply systems remains high. Recognizing that water governance is key to reducing vulnerability, Southeast Brazil experienced profound water shortages in 2014/15. Anthropogenic climate change is not found to be a major influence on the hazard, whereas increasing population and water consumption increased vulnerability.
The neuropathology of hereditary optic atrophy (Leber's disease); the first complete anatomic study.

JOmr KwrTrxmc, M.D, and HuxA D. BAST, M.D. From tke Laboratory Division and te Eye Cinic, conteAre Hospital, New York, N.Y. For more than 85 years since Leber's paper in i871,1 several thousand cases of the disease termed hereditary optic atrophy (Leber's disease) have been reported in the medical literature, but not a single complete examinti of the central nervous system in such a case has been descnbed. In 1930, Rehsteiner,2 utilizing modern histologic techniques, examined the retina and optic nerves procured from one patient at necropsy. He noted destructive changes in the ganglion cel layer of the retina and irregular demyelination of the optic nerves without round cell infiltration The demyelination was most striking in the papillomacular bundle, but was not confined to this region. Several postulations regarding the pathogenesis of this disease have been advanced. Brief mention only is made of the hypotheses of pituitary gland disorder,3'4 chronic archnoiditis about the optic nerves,5 toxic retrobulbar neuritis due to neighboring infection, and primary neuronal degeneration localized in the retina and optic nerve. Much has been written concerning certain neurologic disorders which occur concomtantly with Leber's disease. Leber himself noted that minor neurologic manifestations, such as headaches, vertigo, and epileptiform attac occurred among members of the families of some of his patients. He descrnbed these people as constituting a neuropathic type, and thought that they were prone to develop disease. Some of the more commonly described assodated disorders were epilepsy,7'8 hysteria, mental impairment, nystagmus, hand tremors,10 absent knee or ankle reflexes, aching pains, slight loss of sphincter control, signs of pyramidal tract disease, ataa, and sensory disturbance.l In addition, it should be remarked that optic atrophy has frequently been reported in patients with Marie's and Friedreich's ataxia. It should also be noted that one patient with Leber's disease had clubfoot similar to that seen in Friedreich's ataxia. This apparently had been inherited from the mother.13 It is not the purpose of this paper to discuss the diniral aspects of