Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Top–Down Modulation from Inferior Frontal Junction to FEFs and Intraparietal Sulcus during Short-term Memory for Visual Features

Visual STM of simple features is achieved through interactions between retinotopic visual cortex and a set of frontal and parietal regions. In the present fMRI study, we investigated effective connectivity between central nodes in this network during the different task epochs of a modified delayed orientation discrimination task. Our univariate analyses demonstrate that the inferior frontal junction (IFJ) is preferentially involved in memory encoding, whereas activity in the putative FEFs and anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS) remains elevated throughout periods of memory maintenance. We have earlier reported, using the same task, that areas in visual cortex sustain information about task-relevant stimulus properties during delay intervals [Sneve, M. H. , Alnæs, D. , Endestad, T. , Greenlee, M. W. , & Magnussen, S. Visual short-term memory: Activity supporting encoding and maintenance in retinotopic visual cortex. Neuroimage, 63, 166–178, 2012]. To elucidate the temporal dynamics of the IFJ-FEF-aIPS-visual cortex network during memory operations, we estimated Granger causality effects between these regions with fMRI data representing memory encoding/maintenance as well as during memory retrieval. We also investigated a set of control conditions involving active processing of stimuli not associated with a memory task and passive viewing. In line with the developing understanding of IFJ as a region critical for control processes with a possible initiating role in visual STM operations, we observed influence from IFJ to FEF and aIPS during memory encoding. Furthermore, FEF predicted activity in a set of higher-order visual areas during memory retrieval, a finding consistent with its suggested role in top–down biasing of sensory cortex.
Emboli Observed with Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography Immediately after Tourniquet Release during Total Knee Arthroplasty with Cement*

The right atrium and the right ventricle of fifty-five patients were imaged with transesophageal echocardiography during fifty-nine total knee arthroplasties performed with cement and the use of general anesthesia. The patients ranged in age from thirty-two to eighty-three years (mean, 65.5 years). Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured with use of hemodynamic monitoring systems, such as pulse oximeters, pulmonary artery catheters, and radial artery catheters. In addition, a femoral vein catheter was inserted on the side of the operation in ten of the fifty-five patients. Showers of echogenic material traversing the right atrium, the right ventricle, and the pulmonary artery after the tourniquet was deflated were observed to various degrees in all patients and lasted three to fifteen minutes. The mean peak intensity occurred within thirty seconds (range, twenty-four to forty-five seconds) after the tourniquet was released. The mean mixed venous oxygen saturation (and standard error of the mean) decreased (from 83 ± 0.9 to 72 ± 1.5 per cent) and the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increased (from 20 ± 1.0 to 27 ± 1.0 millimeters of mercury [2.67 ± 0.13 to 3.60 ± 0.13 kilopascals]), compared with the values before the tourniquet was released, in all patients. The pulmonary vascular resistance index increased after release of the tourniquet (to a maximum of 328 ± 29 dyne·s·cm-5·m2; p = 0.00002) only in the patients who had echogenic material that was at least 0.5 centimeter in diameter. Clinical pulmonary embolism developed postoperatively in three patients; all three had had echogenic particles that were more than 0.5 centimeter in maximum diameter on imaging. Blood aspirated from one of the pulmonary artery catheters and from five of the ten femoral vein catheters demonstrated fresh venous thrombus. Histological evaluation of the aspirates failed to demonstrate fat, marrow, or particles of polymethylmethacrylate. Surgeons should consider acute pulmonary embolism as a diagnosis when evaluating a patient who has hemodynamic collapse during total knee arthroplasty performed with cement.
Potential sources of intra-population variation in the overwintering strategy of painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) hatchlings

Many temperate animals spend half their lives in a non-active, overwintering state, and multiple adaptations have evolved to enable winter survival. One notable vertebrate model is Chrysemys picta, whose hatchlings display dichotomous overwintering strategies: some hatchlings spend their first winter aquatically after nest emergence in the autumn, whereas others overwinter terrestrially within their natal nest with subsequent emergence in the spring. The occurrence of these strategies varies among populations and temporally within populations; however, factors that determine the strategy employed by a nest in nature are unknown. We examined potential factors that influence intra-population variation in the overwintering strategy of C. picta hatchlings over two winters in Algonquin Park, Ontario. We found that environmental factors may be a trigger for the hatchling overwintering strategy: autumn-emerging nests were sloped towards the water and were surrounded by a relatively higher percentage of bare ground compared with spring-emerging nests. Autumn-emerging hatchlings were also relatively smaller. Overwintering strategy was not associated with clutch oviposition sequence, or mammalian or avian predation attempts. Instead, autumn emergence from the nest was associated with the direct mortality threat of predation by sarcophagid fly larvae. Body condition and righting response, measured as proxies of hatchling fitness, did not differ between overwintering strategies. Costs and benefits of overwintering aquatically versus terrestrially in hatchling C. picta are largely unknown, and have the potential to affect population dynamics. Understanding winter survival has great implications for turtle ecology, thus we emphasize areas for future research on dichotomous overwintering strategies in temperate hatchling turtles.
Estradiol Enhances Recovery After Myocardial Infarction by Augmenting Incorporation of Bone Marrow–Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells Into Sites of Ischemia-Induced Neovascularization via Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase–Mediated Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9

Background— Recent data have indicated that estradiol can modulate the kinetics of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)–dependent mechanisms. We hypothesized that estradiol could augment the incorporation of bone marrow (BM)–derived EPCs into sites of ischemia-induced neovascularization, resulting in protection from ischemic injury. Methods and Results— Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery in ovariectomized mice receiving either 17β-estradiol or placebo. Estradiol induced significant increases in circulating EPCs 2 and 3 weeks after MI in estradiol-treated animals, and capillary density was significantly greater in estradiol-treated animals. Greater numbers of BM-derived EPCs were observed at ischemic sites in estradiol-treated animals than in placebo-treated animals 1 and 4 weeks after MI. In eNOS-null mice, the effect of estradiol on mobilization of EPCs was lost, as was the functional improvement in recovery from acute myocardial ischemia. A decrease was found in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in eNOS-null mice under basal and estradiol-stimulated conditions after MI, the mobilization of EPCs by estradiol was lost in MMP-9–null mice, and the functional benefit conferred by estradiol treatment after MI in wild-type mice was significantly attenuated. Conclusions— Estradiol preserves the integrity of ischemic tissue by augmenting the mobilization and incorporation of BM-derived EPCs into sites of neovascularization by eNOS-mediated augmentation of MMP-9 expression in the BM. Moreover, these data have broader implications with regard to our understanding of the role of EPCs in post-MI recovery and on the sex discrepancy in cardiac events.
REPORT RAPPORT

We set up a framework for the study of extensionality in the context of higher-order logic programming. For simply typed logic programs we propose a novel declarative semantics, consisting of a model class with a semi-computable initial model, and a notion of extensionality. We show that the initial model of a simply typed logic program, in case the program is extensional, collapses into a simple, set-theoretic representation. Given the undecidability of extensionality in general, we develop a decidable, syntactic criterion which is su(cid:14)cient for extensionality. Some typical examples of higher-order logic programs are shown to be extensional.
Dysglycemia and Dyslipidemia Models in Nonhuman Primates: Part I. Model of Naturally Occurring Diabetes

Insulin-resistant diabetes (Type 2 diabetes mellitus, T2DM) is one of the main comorbidities of obesity and is the most common form of diabetes. T2DM and obesity dynamically influence each other and often escalate patients’ other health issues. Cardiovascular, renal and other health consequences of obesity and diabetes have been studied for several decades. However, the underlying precise mechanisms and interactions of obesity and insulin-resistant diabetes have yet to be elucidated further. It has been recognized that sustained greater energy intake than expenditure is the main cause of obesity that can potentially lead to insulin resistance and diabetes due to excessive fat accumulation. To better understand the pathophysiology of human obesity and diabetes, nonhuman primate (NHP) models have been used for research to delineate molecular and cellular mechanisms because of the similarity of the metabolic diseases between NHP and humans. Also, NHP models have been well used for testing new novel therapies, which provides critical pre-clinic information for drug discovery. This article summarizes the data collected from a large scale of the naturally occurring diabetes monkeys housed in our facility. Manuscripts for other NHP models, such as diet-induced dyslipidemia and dysglycemia and streptozocin-induced diabetes, developed in our facility will follow lately.
Effects of Vitamins A and C on Performance , Immune Response and Haematology of Broilers Vaccinated Against Newcastle Disease

The effects of vitamins A and C on performance, immune response and haematology of broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease was evaluated with 200 3 weeks old broiler chicks. The birds were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatment groups namely; T1, T2, T3 and T4 with 25 birds per replicate and 50 birds in each group. During the starter and finisher phases, Diet T1 was fortified with 0.33mg of vitamin A per 25kg of feed, T2 was fortified per 25kg feed with 2.5g of vitamin C, while T3 was fortified with 0.33mg vitamin A + 2.5g vitamin C in 25kg feed while T4 served as the control (vitamin supplementation). The birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease virus using Newcastle disease vaccine B1 strain (I/O) at first week of life and LaSota at the 3 rd week in drinking water. Performance indices indicated significant (p<0.05) difference in final weight (FW), daily feed intake (DFI), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the treatments. FW, DF1, DWG and FCR ranged from 1170.00-1390g, 88.41-95.20g, 24.97-30.29g and 2.63-3.53, respectively. The effect of vitamins supplementation on the haematology of broilers showed that there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in the PCV, Hb, WBC, RBC, MCH, MCHC, and MCV of the different groups. The PCV ranged from 36.86-39.06%. The HI titres of the experimental birds were significantly (p<0.05) different and above normal protective titre at weeks 5, 6, 7 and 8. The carcass characteristics of birds fed the experimental diets indicated dressed weight from each treatment group was significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the treatments. All the other parameters namely; head, wing, drumstick, thigh, legs, neck, heart, gizzard and kidney were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the treatments. The observed results may indicate that the diets promoted uniform growth of these parts despite differences in dressed weight. In conclusion, vitamins supplementation of broiler diets did not improve performance, though, the combination of vitamins A and C improved FCR. More so, vitamin supplementation enhanced the immunity of ND Vaccinated birds when exposed to Newcastle disease.
Identification of SSR markers closely linked to the yellow seed coat color gene in heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)

ABSTRACT Research on the yellow-seeded variety of heading Chinese cabbage will aid in broadening its germplasm resources and lay a foundation for AA genome research in Brassica crops. Here, an F2 segregating population of 1575 individuals was constructed from two inbred lines (brown-seeded ‘92S105’ and yellow-seeded ‘91-125’). This population was used to identify the linkage molecular markers of the yellow seed coat trait using simple sequence repeat (SSR) techniques combined with a bulk segregant analysis (BSA). Of the 144 SSR primer pairs on the A01-A10 chromosomes from the Brassica database (http://brassicadb.org/brad/), two pairs located on the A06 chromosome showed polymorphic bands between the bulk DNA pools of eight brown-seeded and eight yellow-seeded F2 progeny. Based on the genome sequence, 454 SSR markers were designed to A06 to detect these polymorphic bands and were synthesized. Six SSR markers linked to the seed coat color gene were successfully selected for fine linkage genetic map construction, in which the two closest flanking markers, SSR449a and SSR317, mapped the Brsc-ye gene to a 40.2 kb region with distances of 0.07 and 0.06 cM, respectively. The molecular markers obtained in this report will assist in the marker-assisted selection and breeding of yellow-seeded lines in Brassica rapa L. and other close species. Summary: Genetic mapping of the yellow seed coat gene Brsc-ye to a 40.2 kb region of the Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) genome will allow marker-assisted selection and breeding of yellow-seeded lines.
Chaos, Criticality, and Strategic Thought

Abstract : A revolution of unprecedented scale is taking place that will transform strategic thought in ways yet unimagined. The bittersweet truth is that this has little to do with the "new world order" set to follow the end of the Cold War and the success of Desert Storm. The true revolution in progress is a scientific one, and its effects will change the pattern both of warfare and of strategic thought. Yet our attention is fixed on this year's international reshuffling. Absorbed by the transitory, we ignore the epochal. Scientific advances are pushing us beyond our reductionistic Newtonian concepts and into the exotica of chaos theory and self-organized criticality. These novel lines of scientific inquiry have emerged only in the past three decades; in brief, they postulate that structure and stability lie buried within apparently random, nonlinear processes. Since past scientific revolutions have so transformed conflict, it is essential for US strategists to understand the changes in progress. One reason why this is important is technological: new principles yield new classes of weapons, just as basic quantum theory and special relativity ushered in nuclear devices. A second and more fundamental motivation for understanding scientific change is the fact that our view of reality rests on scientific paradigms. The world appears to us as an intricate, disordered place, and we search for frameworks that will make sense of it all. These frameworks derive overwhelmingly from the physical sciences.
Spontaneous synaptic activity is required for the formation of functional GABAergic synapses in the developing rat hippocampus

Here we examine the role of the spontaneous synaptic activity generated by the developing rat hippocampus in the formation of functional γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) synapses. Intact hippocampal formations (IHFs) were dissected at birth and incubated for 1 day in control or tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐supplemented medium at 25°C. After the incubation, miniature GABAA‐mediated postsynaptic currents (mGABAA‐PSCs) were recorded in whole‐cell voltage‐clamped CA3 pyramidal neurones from IHF‐derived slices. After 1 day in vitro in control medium, the frequency of mGABAA‐PSCs was similar to that recorded in acute slices obtained 1 day after birth, but significantly higher than the frequency recorded from acute slices just after birth. These results suggest that the factors required in vivo for the formation of functional GABAergic synapses are preserved in the IHFs in vitro. The frequency increase was prevented when IHFs were incubated for 1 day with TTX. TTX treatment affected neither the morphology of CA3 pyramidal neurones nor cell viability. The TTX effects were reproduced when IHFs were incubated in the presence of glutamatergic or GABAergic ionotropic receptor antagonists or in high divalent cationic medium. The present results indicate that the spontaneous synaptic activity generated by the developing hippocampus is a key player in the formation of functional GABAergic synapses, possibly via network events requiring both glutamatergic and GABAergic receptors.
Harmonic leakage and image quality degradation in tissue harmonic imaging

Image quality degradation caused by harmonic leakage was studied for finite amplitude distortion-based harmonic imaging. Various sources of harmonic leakage, including transmit waveform, signal bandwidth, and system nonlinearity, were investigated using both simulations and hydrophone measurements. Effects of harmonic leakage in the presence of sound velocity inhomogeneities were also considered. Results indicated that sidelobe levels of the harmonic beam pattern were directly affected by harmonic leakage when the harmonic signal was obtained by filtering out the fundamental signal. Because sidelobe levels also increase with the bandwidth of the transmitted signal, a trade-off exists between axial resolution and contrast resolution. It is concluded that accurate control of the frequency content of the waveform prior to propagation is necessary to optimize imaging performance of tissue harmonic imaging. The filtering technique was also compared with the pulse inversion technique. It was shown that the pulse inversion technique effectively suppresses harmonic leakage at the cost of imaging frame rate and potential motion artifacts.
Scheduling techniques for hybrid circuit/packet networks

A range of new datacenter switch designs combine wireless or optical circuit technologies with electrical packet switching to deliver higher performance at lower cost than traditional packet-switched networks. These "hybrid" networks schedule large traffic demands via a high-rate circuits and remaining traffic with a lower-rate, traditional packet-switches. Achieving high utilization requires an efficient scheduling algorithm that can compute proper circuit configurations and balance traffic across the switches. Recent proposals, however, provide no such algorithm and rely on an omniscient oracle to compute optimal switch configurations. Finding the right balance of circuit and packet switch use is difficult: circuits must be reconfigured to serve different demands, incurring non-trivial switching delay, while the packet switch is bandwidth constrained. Adapting existing crossbar scheduling algorithms proves challenging with these constraints. In this paper, we formalize the hybrid switching problem, explore the design space of scheduling algorithms, and provide insight on using such algorithms in practice. We propose a heuristic-based algorithm, Solstice that provides a 2.9× increase in circuit utilization over traditional scheduling algorithms, while being within 14% of optimal, at scale.
True IOMMU Protection from DMA Attacks: When Copy is Faster than Zero Copy

Malicious I/O devices might compromise the OS using DMAs. The OS therefore utilizes the IOMMU to map and unmap every target buffer right before and after its DMA is processed, thereby restricting DMAs to their designated locations. This usage model, however, is not truly secure for two reasons: (1) it provides protection at page granularity only, whereas DMA buffers can reside on the same page as other data; and (2) it delays DMA buffer unmaps due to performance considerations, creating a vulnerability window in which devices can access in-use memory. We propose that OSes utilize the IOMMU differently, in a manner that eliminates these two flaws. Our new usage model restricts device access to a set of shadow DMA buffers that are never unmapped, and it copies DMAed data to/from these buffers, thus providing sub-page protection while eliminating the aforementioned vulnerability window. Our key insight is that the cost of interacting with, and synchronizing access to the slow IOMMU hardware---required for zero-copy protection against devices---make copying preferable to zero-copying. We implement our model in Linux and evaluate it with standard networking benchmarks utilizing a 40,Gb/s NIC. We demonstrate that despite being more secure than the safest preexisting usage model, our approach provides up to 5x higher throughput. Additionally, whereas it is inherently less scalable than an IOMMU-less (unprotected) system, our approach incurs only 0%--25% performance degradation in comparison.