Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STAR FORMATION ON SUBKILOPARSEC SCALE TRIGGERED BY NON-LINEAR PROCESSES IN NEARBY SPIRAL GALAXIES

We report a super-linear correlation for the star formation law based on new CO(J = 1–0) data from the CARMA and NOBEYAMA Nearby-galaxies (CANON) CO survey. The sample includes 10 nearby spiral galaxies, in which structures at sub-kpc scales are spatially resolved. Combined with the star formation rate surface density traced by Hα and 24 μm images, CO(J = 1–0) data provide a super-linear slope of N = 1.3. The slope becomes even steeper (N = 1.8) when the diffuse stellar and dust background emission is subtracted from the Hα and 24 μm images. In contrast to the recent results with CO(J = 2–1) that found a constant star formation efficiency (SFE) in many spiral galaxies, these results suggest that the SFE is not independent of environment, but increases with molecular gas surface density. We suggest that the excitation of CO(J = 2–1) is likely enhanced in the regions with higher star formation and does not linearly trace the molecular gas mass. In addition, the diffuse emission contaminates the SFE measurement most in regions where the star formation rate is law. These two effects can flatten the power-law correlation and produce the apparent linear slope. The super-linear slope from the CO(J = 1–0) analysis indicates that star formation is enhanced by non-linear processes in regions of high gas density, e.g., gravitational collapse and cloud–cloud collisions.
Ultrasound Imaging for Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is challenging to assess even with recent advancements in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasound (US) imaging has previously been less utilized in TBI compared to conventional imaging because of limited resolution in the intracranial space. However, there have been substantial improvements in contrast‐enhanced US and development of novel techniques such as intravascular US. Also, continued research provides further insight into cerebrovascular parameters from transcranial Doppler imaging. These advancements in US imaging provides the community of TBI imaging researchers and clinicians new opportunities in clinically monitoring and understanding the pathologic mechanisms of TBI.
Effects of azlocillin in combination with clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and N-formimidoyl thienamycin against beta-lactamase-producing, carbenicillin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

We investigated the effects of the combination of azlocillin with the beta-lactamase inhibitors clavulanic acid and sulbactam and with N-formimidoyl thienamycin against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with R-factor-mediated carbenicillin resistance. The 10 strains tested (1 R-, 9 R+) were isogenic, except for the presence of individual plasmids determining each of nine plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases found in P. aeruginosa. We utilized a checkerboard technique for testing antibiotic combinations. Low concentrations of clavulanic acid produced synergy with azlocillin against the strains producing the TEM-1, TEM-2, PSE-1, PSE-3, and PSE-4 beta-lactamases; for the strains producing the OXA-1, OXA-2, OXA-3, and PSE-2 beta-lactamases, such synergy was not found. With sulbactam, synergy was demonstrated in all strains except that producing PSE-2 beta-lactamase; for several strains, however, the concentration of sulbactam required to produce synergy was substantially higher than that for clavulanic acid. N-Formimidoyl thienamycin was highly active as a single agent against all of the strains, regardless of beta-lactamase production. The combination of N-formimidoyl thienamycin and azlocillin produced synergy against only two of the strains tested.
Mild traumatic brain injury in U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq.

To the Editor: We wish to express a number of concerns about the methods used in the study of mild traumatic brain injury by Hoge et al. (Jan. 31 issue). 1 We learned through firsthand experi­ ence in the combat zone that immediately after a concussion, the soldier’s reported account is most accurate during the initial 24 hours after the blast incident.2 We therefore would be con­ cerned about recall bias introduced 3 to 4 months after a return from deployment. In addition, unlike perforation of the tympan­ ic membrane, a transient neurologic event (e.g., a “split­second” loss of consciousness) after a blast incident is not a sentinel finding of direct­ blast overpressure.2 Rather, it is a combination of at least three biodynamic variables: bodily displacement, direct­blast overpressure (involving intrinsic neural­tissue strains), and cardiopulmo­ nary insufficiency.3-5 The adverse effects of cardiopulmonary­ induced transient neurologic events (e.g., vasode­ pressor presyncope) are neither necessarily per­ manent nor cumulative, as a result of biologic restorative processes. Thus, we are concerned that the assessment methods used do not properly reflect the dimen­ sions of mild traumatic brain injury. Further­ more, we believe that the diagnosis of mild trau­ matic brain injury can be made only over time.
Foveal cone photopigment distribution: small alterations associated with macular pigment distribution.

PURPOSE To map the photopigment distribution of central foveal cones in healthy adult subjects before potential onset of age-related macular degeneration. To compare alterations in cone photopigment distribution to those of macular pigment and examine those loci for subretinal changes. METHODS Eleven healthy subjects (age range, 31-59 years) underwent reflectometry with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The difference in cone photopigment density in the fovea was mapped for the long-wavelength- and middle-wavelength-sensitive cones, using 594-nm light. Macular pigment was mapped with 488-nm and 514-nm light. Subretinal changes were investigated with infrared imaging (830-860 nm). RESULTS Most subjects had small alterations in the regularity of their foveal cone photopigment distribution. Alterations were spatially related to macular pigment alterations but not to the presence of subretinal defects. Subjects were classified into three groups according to the type of alterations in the regularity of pigment distributions: central peak of photopigment and macular pigment, small foveal alterations, and broad distribution with missing central peak of photopigment or macular pigment. The resultant groups differed significantly in age, 43, 46, and 59 years, for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Small alterations in the distributions of foveal cone photopigment or macular pigment were found that varied among the subjects. Larger alterations in older subjects may indicate changes in foveal architecture with age, including potential vulnerability of central cones before the onset of clinically significant changes in the retinal pigment epithelium.
Urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentration associates with obesity and insulin resistance.

CONTEXT Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the world's highest-volume chemicals in use today. Previous studies have suggested BPA disturbs body weight regulation and promotes obesity and insulin resistance. But epidemiological data in humans were limited. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine whether BPA associates with obesity and insulin resistance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study included 3390 adults aged 40 yr or older, in Songnan Community, Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Questionnaire, clinical and biochemical measurements, and urinary BPA concentration were determined. Generalized overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) of 24 to less than 28 kg/m(2) and obesity was defined as BMI of 28 kg/m(2) or higher. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference at least 90 cm for men and at least 85 cm for women. Insulin resistance was defined as the index of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance higher than 2.50. RESULTS The participants in the highest quartile of BPA had the highest prevalence of generalized obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15-1.97], abdominal obesity (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.03-1.60), and insulin resistance (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.06-1.77). In participants with BMI under 24 kg/m(2), compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of BPA increased the prevalence of insulin resistance by 94% (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.20-3.14), but this association was not observed in those with BMI of 24 kg/m(2) or higher. CONCLUSIONS BPA was positively associated with generalized obesity, abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults.
A nanoparticule-based ferromagnetic dielectric Fe/Co composite for RF integrated inductors

A new ferromagnetic dielectric material formed from insulated Fe/Co nanoparticles is presented. This material is characterised using an original technique based on a silicon micromachined suspended CPW. Then, a spiral integrated RF inductor is designed which implements this material. Measurements demonstrate an up to 80% increase in the inductance value until 2 GHz, while the quality factor is improved until 1 GHz. These results confirm the high potentialities of this material for RF passive applications. Finally, because its dielectric nature, this material appears compatible with low cost microelectronic process.
Model predictive control for variable speed limit in freeway work zone

A new model for variable speed limit in freeway work zone was presented. Model predictive control was applied to optimizing variable speed limit in freeway work zone. The classic macroscopic traffic model METANET was a little modified for simulating the traffic in the work zone, considering the effect of speed limit. One new optimization model for solving the optimal variable speed was proposed, which is a real-time nonlinear controlling model. In the optimization model, the objective function considers efficiency and safety by minimizing the total time spent (TTS) and the speed variation. To solve this optimization model, discretization for time horizon was conducted firstly; on every control time step, SQP algorithm was applied to solve the nonlinear programming in the next; the optimization results were integer conversion for the real speed limit displayed. One example was conducted to prove the efficiency of the proposed model. And some valuable conclusion was obtained.
Examining weight suppression as a predictor of eating disorder symptom trajectories in anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE Research in individuals with bulimia nervosa has highlighted the clinical significance of weight suppression (WS), defined as the difference between one's highest and current weight. More recently, studies have suggested that WS also may play a role in symptom maintenance and weight gain during treatment in anorexia nervosa (AN) and that the influence of WS on AN outcomes may depend on an individual's body mass index (BMI). However, no study has investigated whether WS or the interaction between WS and BMI is associated with the longer-term course of eating pathology following treatment discharge in patients with AN. METHOD The current study examined a sample of females with AN (N = 180) who completed interviews and self-report questionnaires at discharge from intensive treatment and at 3, 6, and 12-months after discharge. Latent growth curve models tested whether WS, BMI, or the WS by BMI interaction significantly predicted the trajectory of eating disorder symptoms (i.e., Eating Disorder Examination global score, BMI, frequency of loss of control eating, frequency of purging) over the year following discharge. RESULTS WS at discharge predicted change in BMI, and the interaction between WS and BMI predicted growth in eating disorder severity and purging frequency over time. Neither WS nor its interaction with BMI predicted growth in loss of control eating frequency. DISCUSSION Results provide further support for the clinical significance of WS in AN symptom maintenance, but suggest that the influence of WS likely depends on an individual's BMI as well as the outcome being measured. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:753-763).
Manipulation of synaptic sign and strength with divalent cations in the vertebrate retina: pushing the limits of tonic, chemical neurotransmission

At the first synaptic level of the vertebrate retina, photoreceptor light responses are transmitted to second order neurones through a chemical synapse based on a tonic release of neurotransmitter modulated by graded changes of presynaptic potential. The possibility that such synapses could work through a Ca2+‐independent process had been proposed by previous authors, based on the persistence of transmission process in low Ca2+ media containing Co2+ or Ni2+ ions. Recently, we were able to explain these results within the framework of the classical calcium‐hypothesis of synaptic transmission by taking into account the modifications of presynaptic surface potential brought about by changes of divalent cation concentrations. Here we report data showing how a surface‐charge hypothesis could account for several apparently paradoxical effects of divalent cation manipulations such as: the enhancement of neurotransmitter release induced by low Ca2+ media; the transmission "unblocking" effect of Zn2+, Co2+ and Ni2+; and the reversal of transmission polarity induced by application of low Ca2+ media containing Cd2+ or Mg2+ ions.
Presurgical intravenous parecoxib sodium and follow‐up oral valdecoxib for pain management after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery reduces opioid requirements and opioid‐related adverse effects

Background: Opioids are associated with numerous adverse effects. It is unclear if reduced postoperative opioid consumption lowers the incidence and severity of opioid‐related adverse effects. This analysis – from a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind trial – tested if the reduction of opioid consumption among patients who received intravenous preoperative parecoxib 40 mg, followed by oral valdecoxib 40 mg qd postoperatively, in Days 1–4 after outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery, reduced opioid‐related symptoms.
Excitability of the single fibre nerve‐muscle complex

THE relation between the intensity of an electrical stimulus and the minimum duration for which it must be applied in order to be effective has been studied by numerous observers who have used many different kinds of muscle and various nerve-muscle preparations. The present work deals with this relationship between duration and strength of an electrical stimulus in the single fibre nerve-muscle complex. The preparation which has been used for this purpose is the retrolingual membrane in the tongue of the frog, R. pipiens. Data have been obtained from indirect stimulation of nerve fibres lying in the membrane as well as from direct stimulation of both normal and curarized muscle fibres. It has often been possible to make all these measurements while observing throughout the response of one and the same muscle fibre. In this respect work with the retrolingual preparation has a great advantage over the single fibre measurements of Jinnaka and Azuma [1922] and of Watts [1924], using the whole sartorius muscle, stimulated by a pore electrode.
Intake of radioactive materials as assessed by the duplicate diet method in Fukushima

A large quantity of radioactive materials was released from Reactor-II of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F-1 NPP). People living in the area affected by the release are concerned about internal exposures from the daily intakes of contaminated foodstuffs. In order to assess whether the people should be concerned, Co-op Fukushima (Consumer Co-operative in Fukushima Prefecture) conducted a broad survey of radiocaesium in daily meals for which local inhabitants voluntarily provided a set of duplicate meals. Analyses by the duplicate diet method were conducted from November 2011 to March 2012 and from June 2012 to September 2012, each covering 100 families throughout the prefecture. Among the 200 meals thus analysed, 12 were found to have 134Cs and/or 137Cs concentrations exceeding 1 Bq kg−1. Even with the largest radiocaesium value in our survey, daily consumption of such meals throughout a year gave an annual committed effective dose that did not exceed 0.1 mSv.
Pathological changes in the brains of rabbits experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis after albendazole treatment: histopathological and magnetic resonance imaging studies.

OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of albendazole on rabbits infected with larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis by histopathological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. METHODS Male rabbits were infected with 400 A. cantonensis larvae and treated with albendazole (5 mg/kg/day) for 2-14 days on day 5, 10, 15 or 20 post-infection. RESULTS Although there were pathological changes in the brains, MRI revealed unremarkable findings in the untreated group. However, the treated rabbits exhibited eosinophilic meningitis, choroid plexus inflammation, meningeal congestion, encephalitis, perivascular cuffing and meningitis, and were also found to have abnormal signal intensities on brain MR images in the 20 day post-infection treated group. CONCLUSIONS Pathological changes in the brains of the treated rabbits are more severe than those without albendazole treatment, suggesting that the drug may not be very suitable for the treatment of cerebral angiostrongyliasis.
The serotonergic puzzle-box of anxiety

That brain serotonin controls the intensity of anxiety is certain (Charney et al., 1990; Marsden, 1989; Nutt and George, 1990; Taylor, 1990). What seems unclear, however, is whether it serves more to intensify or diminish anxiety, and whether it participates in certain forms of anxiety more than others. The multiplicity of serotonergic receptors has complicated the analysis substantially (e.g. Glennon, 1990) and Deakin and Graeff provide a compelling and scholarly overview of the possible role of serotonin in anxiety. I agree with two of their three major points [(i) that serotonin dampens arousal of the periventricular fear/flight system and (ii) that diminished serotonin transmission, especially through defective 5-HT1A functions in the hippocampus, modulates helpless-
BP2EP - Adaptation of Brazilian Portuguese texts to European Portuguese

This paper describes a method to efﬁ-ciently leverage Brazilian Portuguese resources as European Portuguese resources. Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese are two Portuguese varieties very close and usually mutually intelligible, but with several known differences, which are studied in this work. Based on this study, we derived a rule based system to translate Brazilian Portuguese resources. Some resources were enriched with multiword units retrieved semi-automatically from phrase tables created using statistical machine translation tools. Our experiments suggest that applying our translation step improves the translation quality be-tween English and Portuguese, relatively to the same process using the same resources.
Antioxidant activities of extracts and flavonoid compounds from Oxytropis falcate Bunge

The antioxidant properties of the various extracts and flavonoids prepared from Oxytropis falcate Bunge were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryldydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay. In the chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts, the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 2.05 mg mL−1). Furthermore, rhamnocitrin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone and 2′,4′, β-trihydroxy-dihydrochalcone were purified from chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts. The radical-scavenging activities of the five compounds were also measured and the results showed that kaempferol (IC50 = 0.11 mg mL−1), rhamnetin (IC50 = 0.14 mg mL−1) and rhamnocitrin (IC50 = 0.15 mg mL−1) exhibited considerable antioxidant activities, but the antioxidant activities of the two dihydrochalcones were very weak. Although these flavonoids are known, this is the first report of antioxidant activity in this plant.
12-Month Post-Operative Results for Older Children Using Sequential Bilateral Implants

Within a long-term project investigating the perceptual benefits of bilateral implants, six children aged 5 to 15 yr received a second implant. Parent reports of functional performance were collected, and localization and spondee discrimination in noise was assessed. Outcomes varied from no benefit to significant benefit, although no improvement in localization was demonstrated. A major proportion of the benefit was likely due to headshadow effect. Success did not correlate with hearing aid use, age, time between implants, or second implant experience.
Long-term sequential changes in exercise capacity and chronotropic responsiveness after cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND Peak exercise capacity improves early after orthotopic cardiac transplantation. However, the physiological response to exercise remains abnormal, with a reduced rate of heart rate (HR) rise and reductions in peak exercise HR and the increment in HR from rest to peak exercise. This chronotropic incompetence is due in large part to cardiac denervation. If reinnervation occurs after transplantation, it might result in an improvement in both chronotropic responsiveness and maximal exercise capacity. We therefore hypothesized that the chronotropic response to exercise and maximal exercise capacity would improve with time after transplantation. METHODS AND RESULTS Peak symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise tests performed in 57 clinically stable cardiac transplant recipients (mean age, 45 +/- 2 years) serially for up to 5 years after transplantation and in 33 control subjects without heart disease were analyzed retrospectively. Pretransplantation exercise tests were also performed in 41 patients an average of 4.7 +/- 0.6 months before transplantation. At 1 year after transplantation, peak oxygen consumption was 16.6 +/- 0.9 mL.kg-1.min-1, reflecting a 43% increase versus pretransplantation. Nevertheless, compared with control subjects, maximal exercise capacity and the HR response to exercise were subnormal in transplant recipients. There were no further increases in peak exercise capacity, peak exercise HR, or the peak increment in HR with exercise up to 5 years after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS One year after cardiac transplantation, peak exercise capacity and chronotropic responsiveness are subnormal. There is no further improvement in peak exercise capacity or chronotropic responsiveness as late as 5 years after transplantation. These data indicate that with regard to chronotropic responsiveness, functionally significant cardiac reinnervation does not occur between the first and fifth years after transplantation.