Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aging-Related Gene Expression in Hippocampus Proper Compared with Dentate Gyrus Is Selectively Associated with Metabolic Syndrome Variables in Rhesus Monkeys

Age-dependent metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a well established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but it also confers major risk for impaired cognition in normal aging or Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about the specific pathways mediating MetS–brain interactions. Here, we performed the first studies quantitatively linking MetS variables to aging changes in brain genome-wide expression and mitochondrial function. In six young adult and six aging female rhesus monkeys, we analyzed gene expression in two major hippocampal subdivisions critical for memory/cognitive function [hippocampus proper, or cornu ammonis (CA), and dentate gyrus (DG)]. Genes that changed with aging [aging-related genes (ARGs)] were identified in each region. Serum variables reflecting insulin resistance and dyslipidemia were used to construct a quantitative MetS index (MSI). This MSI increased with age and correlated negatively with hippocampal mitochondrial function (state III oxidation). More than 2000 ARGs were identified in CA and/or DG, in approximately equal numbers, but substantially more ARGs in CA than in DG were correlated selectively with the MSI. Pathways represented by MSI-correlated ARGs were determined from the Gene Ontology Database and literature. In particular, upregulated CA ARGs representing glucocorticoid receptor (GR), chromatin assembly/histone acetyltransferase, and inflammatory/immune pathways were closely associated with the MSI. These results suggest a novel model in which MetS is associated with upregulation of hippocampal GR-dependent transcription and epigenetic coactivators, contributing to decreased mitochondrial function and brain energetic dysregulation. In turn, these MSI-associated neuroenergetic changes may promote inflammation, neuronal vulnerability, and risk of cognitive impairment/AD.
Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation to the prefrontal or parietal cortex does not impair metacognitive visual awareness

Neuroimaging studies commonly associate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and posterior parietal cortex with conscious perception. However, such studies only investigate correlation, rather than causation. In addition, many studies conflate objective performance with subjective awareness. In an influential recent paper, Rounis and colleagues addressed these issues by showing that theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (tbs-TMS) applied to the DLPFC impaired metacognitive (subjective) awareness for a perceptual task, while objective performance was kept constant. We attempted to replicate this finding, with minor modifications, including an active tbs-TMS control site. Using a between-subjects design for both DLPFC and posterior parietal cortices, we found no evidence of a tbs-TMS-induced metacognitive impairment. In a second experiment, we devised a highly rigorous within-subjects tbs-TMS design for DLPFC, but again failed to find any evidence of metacognitive impairment. One crucial difference between our results and the Rounis study is our strict exclusion of data deemed unsuitable for a signal detection theory analysis. Indeed, when we included this unstable data, a significant, though invalid, metacognitive impairment was found. These results cast doubt on previous findings relating metacognitive awareness to DLPFC, and inform the current debate concerning whether or not prefrontal regions are preferentially implicated in conscious perception.
The Fluctuating Intergalactic Radiation Field at Redshifts z = 2.3-2.9 from He II and H I Absorption toward HE 2347–4342

We provide an in-depth analysis of the He II and H I absorption in the intergalactic medium (IGM) at redshifts z = 2.3-2.9 toward HE 2347-4342, using spectra from the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer and the Ultraviolet-Visual Echelle Spectrograph on the Very Large Telescope. Following up on our earlier study, we focus here on two major topics: (1) small-scale variability (Δz ≈ 10-3) in the ratio η = N(He )/N(H ) and (2) an observed correlation of high-η absorbers (soft radiation fields) with voids in the (H I) Lyα distribution. These effects may reflect fluctuations in the ionizing sources on scales of 1 Mpc, together with radiative transfer through a filamentary IGM whose opacity variations control the penetration of 1-5 ryd radiation over 30-40 Mpc distances. Given the photon statistics and backgrounds, we can measure optical depths over the ranges 0.1 < τ < 2.3 and 0.02 < τ < 3.9 and reliably determine values of η ≈ 4τ/τ over the range 0.1-460. Values η = 20-200 are consistent with models of photoionization by quasars with observed spectral indices αs = 0-3. Values η > 200 may require additional contributions from starburst galaxies, heavily filtered quasar radiation, or density variations. Regions with η < 30 may indicate the presence of local hard sources. We find that η is higher in "void" regions, where H I is weak or undetected and ~80% of the path length has η > 100. These voids may be ionized by local soft sources (dwarf starbursts) or by QSO radiation softened by escape from the active galactic nucleus cores or transfer through the "cosmic web. " The apparent differences in ionizing spectra may help to explain the 1.45 Gyr lag between the reionization epochs of H I (z ~ 6.2 ± 0.2) and He II (z ~ 2.8 ± 0.2).
Direct numerical simulations of hypersonic boundary-layer transition for a flared cone: fundamental breakdown

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) were carried out to investigate the laminar–turbulent transition for a flared cone at Mach 6 at zero angle of attack. The cone geometry of the flared cone experiments in the Boeing/AFOSR Mach 6 Quiet Tunnel (BAM6QT) at Purdue University was used for the simulations. In the linear regime, the largest integrated spatial growth rates ( $N$ -factors) for the primary instability were obtained for a frequency of approximately $f=300~\text{kHz}$ . Low grid-resolution simulations were carried out in order to identify the azimuthal wavenumber that led to the strongest growth rates with respect to the secondary instability for a fundamental and subharmonic resonance scenario. It was found that for the BAM6QT conditions the fundamental resonance is much stronger compared to the subharmonic resonance. Subsequently, for the case which led to the strongest fundamental resonance onset, detailed investigations were carried out using high-resolution DNS. The simulation results exhibit streamwise streaks of very high skin friction and of high heat transfer at the cone surface. Streamwise ‘hot’ streaks on the flared cone surface were also observed in the experiments carried out at the BAM6QT facility using temperature sensitive paint. The presented findings provide strong evidence that the fundamental breakdown is a dominant and viable path to transition for the BAM6QT conditions.
A novel CMOS 1-bit 8T full adder cell

The 1-bit full adder is a very important component in the design of application specific integrated circuits. Demands for the low power VLSI have been pushing the development of design methodologies aggressively to reduce the power consumption drastically. In most of the digital systems adder lies in the critical path that affects the overall speed of the system. So enhancing the performance of the 1-bit full adder cell is the main design aspect. The present study proposes a novel CMOS 1-bit full adder cell with least MOS transistor count that reduces the serious problem of threshold loss. It considerably increases the speed and also proves best for high frequency applications. Result shows 45% improvement in threshold loss problem and considerable reduction in power consumption over the other types of adders with comparable performance. The simulation has been carried out on Tanner EDA tool on BSIM3v3 90nm and 130nm technologies.
Modulation of Reflex Function by Endogenous Angiotensins in Older Transgenic Rats With Low Glial Angiotensinogen

Age-related impairments in baroreflex sensitivity in Sprague-Dawley rats are associated with low solitary tract nucleus content of angiotensin-(1-7). However, transgenic rats with low-brain angiotensinogen resulting from glial overexpression of an antisense oligonucleotide to angiotensinogen (ASrAOGEN) are spared age-related declines in cardiovascular function characteristic of Sprague-Dawley rats. We examine whether cardiovascular and reflex actions of angiotensin-(1-7) persist in the solitary tract nucleus of older (16 to 22 months) ASrAOGEN rats. Baroreflex sensitivity for control of heart rate and chemosensitive vagal afferent activation in response to phenylbiguanide were measured before and after bilateral microinjection of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist candesartan and angiotensin-(1-7) receptor antagonist (D-Ala7)-angiotensin-(1-7) in urethane/chloralose-anesthetized rats. In older anesthetized ASrAOGEN rats, candesartan had no effect, whereas (D-Ala7)-angiotensin-(1-7) significantly reduced baroreflex sensitivity (1.80±0.43 versus 0.50±0.17 ms/mm Hg). Phenylbiguanide responses were attenuated by injection of candesartan (−79±6 versus −55±12 mm Hg and −277±12 versus −156±27 bpm; P<0.05). In addition, resting blood pressure was reduced by injection of candesartan or (D-Ala7)-angiotensin-(1-7). Within the solitary tract nucleus of older ASrAOGEN rats, it appears that glial angiotensinogen is the main source of angiotensin II attenuation of baroreflex sensitivity; endogenous angiotensin-(1-7) from nonglial sources enhances baroreflex sensitivity; nonglial sources of angiotensin II contribute to chemosensitive vagal afferent activation; and receptors for both peptides modulate resting arterial pressure under anesthesia. These results suggest a novel mechanism for the preservation of baroreflex sensitivity during aging.
One Hundred Years of Oil Income and the Iranian Economy: A Curse or a Blessing?

This paper examines the impact of oil revenues on the Iranian economy over the past hundred years, spanning the period 1908-2010. It is shown that although oil has been produced in Iran over a very long period, its importance in the Iranian economy was relatively small up until the early 1960s. It is argued that oil income has been both a blessing and a curse. Oil revenues when managed appropriately are a blessing, but their volatility (which in Iran is much higher than oil price volatility) can have adverse effects on real output, through excessively high and persistent levels of inflation. Lack of appropriate institutions and policy mechanisms which act as shock absorbers in the face of high levels of oil revenue volatility have also become a drag on real output. In order to promote growth, policies should be devised to control inflation; to serve as shock absorbers negating the adverse effects of oil revenue volatility; to reduce rent seeking activities; and to prevent excessive dependence of government finances on oil income.
Dendrimers Target the Ischemic Lesion in Rodent and Primate Models of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Introduction Polyamidoamine dendrimer nanoparticles (~ 4 nanometers) are inert polymers that can be linked to biologically active compounds. These dendrimers selectively target and accumulate in inflammatory cells upon systemic administration. Dendrimer-linked compounds enable sustained release of therapeutic compounds directly at the site of damage. The purpose of this study was to determine if dendrimers can be used to target the optic nerve (ON) ischemic lesion in our rodent and nonhuman primate models of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a disease affecting >10,000 individuals in the US annually, and for which there currently is no effective treatment. Methods NAION was induced in male Long-Evans rats (rNAION) and in one adult male rhesus monkey (pNAION) using previously described procedures. Dendrimers were covalently linked to near-infrared cyanine-5 fluorescent dye (D-Cy5) and injected both intravitreally and systemically (in the rats) or just systemically (in the monkey) to evaluate D-Cy5 tissue accumulation in the eye and optic nerve following induction of NAION. Results Following NAION induction, Cy-5 dendrimers selectively accumulated in astrocytes and circulating macrophages. Systemic dendrimer administration provided the best penetration of the ON lesion site when injected shortly after induction. Systemic administration 1 day post-induction in the pNAION model gave localization similar to that seen in the rats. Conclusions Dendrimers selectively target the ischemic ON lesion after induction of both rNAION and pNAION. Systemic nanoparticle-linked therapeutics thus may provide a powerful, targeted and safe approach to NAION treatment by providing sustained and focused treatment of the cells directly affected by ischemia.
Some fundamental coding theoretic limits of unequal error protection

This paper investigates asymptotic (in blocklength) tradeoffs between rate and minimum distance, for codes that provide unequal error protection (UEP). Two notions of UEP are analyzed: bit-wise, where a subset of bits is special and needs more protection, and message-wise, where a subset of the message-set is special. Both notions are analyzed for two cases: binary, and large-alphabet. In message-wise UEP for the binary channel alphabet, it turns out that the special messages and ordinary messages can simultaneously achieve the Gilbert-Varshamov bound at their respective rates. Similar “successive refinement” of the Singleton bound is shown to hold for large non-binary alphabets. We also analyze the situation when there is only one special message. In bit-wise UEP, it is shown that when the ordinary bits are achieving the Singleton bound, even a single special bit cannot achieve any larger distance. For the binary case, an upper bound is provided on the protection of the single special bit. These coding theoretic limits in terms of Hamming distances are close analogues of the information theoretic limits [1], [2] in terms of error exponents.
Inducing Illusory Ownership of a Virtual Body

We discuss three experiments that investigate how virtual limbs and bodies can come to feel like real limbs and bodies. The first experiment shows that an illusion of ownership of a virtual arm appearing to project out of a person's shoulder can be produced by tactile stimulation on a person's hidden real hand and synchronous stimulation on the seen virtual hand. The second shows that the illusion can be produced by synchronous movement of the person's hidden real hand and a virtual hand. The third shows that a weaker form of the illusion can be produced when a brain–computer interface is employed to move the virtual hand by means of motor imagery without any tactile stimulation. We discuss related studies that indicate that the ownership illusion may be generated for an entire body. This has important implications for the scientific understanding of body ownership and several practical applications.
When Things Go From Bad to Worse: The Impact of Relative Contextual Extremity on Benjamin Montgomery’s Positive Leadership and Psychological Capital

Drawing from positive organizational behavior, psychological capital has been shown to be a beneficial resource allowing leaders to remain positive and future-oriented. While having hope, optimism, confidence, and resilience are particularly effective in periods of great risk and uncertainty, extreme environments likely affect leaders’ psychological capital, as evidenced by changes to these comprising factors. Answering several recent calls for historical and narrative-based approaches to leadership in extreme events, we use content analysis and historiometrics in the case of Benjamin Montgomery, the first African American plantation owner in the post–Civil War U.S. South, who faced a sequence of extreme events after purchasing the plantation on which he was formerly a slave. We triangulate our examination through the letters Montgomery penned to his former owner Joseph Davis—the older brother of Confederacy President Jefferson Davis, records on the focal actors, and historical documents from the period. We then reconstruct and examine the relative contextual severity and its impact on Montgomery’s psychological capital across a 6-year period directly following the Civil War (1865-1870). We find that while unfamiliar extreme episodes erode leader psychological capital, those resources are restored when such periods are overcome and experience is gained. We also reconsider psychological capital as a profile multidimensional construct and show underlying pairs of dimensions, which we label as overt positivity (optimism and resilience) and realistic positivity (hope and confidence), trend similarly yet remain distinct from the other pair. The implications of these findings and future directions are then discussed.
MRI correlates of cognitive decline in CADASIL

Background: Cognitive decline is one of the clinical hallmarks of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), a cerebrovascular disease caused by NOTCH3 mutations. In this 7-year follow-up study, we aimed to determine whether there are associations between the different radiologic hallmarks in CADASIL and decline in specific cognitive domains. Methods: Twenty-five NOTCH3 mutation carriers and 13 controls had standardized neuropsychological testing and MRI examinations at baseline and after a follow-up of 7 years. To identify longitudinal associations between MRI abnormalities and cognitive decline, correlation analysis was used. Results: At follow-up, mutation carriers showed a decline in global cognitive function (CAMCOG, p < 0.01) and in the cognitive domains language, memory, and executive function, compared to controls. Cognitive decline, especially executive dysfunction, was associated with increase in lacunar infarcts, microbleeds, and ventricular volume. In contrast, WMHs and brain atrophy were not associated with cognitive decline. Conclusion: Increase in lacunar infarcts, microbleeds, and ventricular volume, but not white matter lesions or atrophy, are associated with cognitive decline in the process of CADASIL in younger-aged, mildly affected patients with CADASIL.
SIGNAL ANALYSIS SOFTWARE FOR TEACHING DISCOURSE INTONATION

In the last fifteen years, there have been major paradigm shifts in both general and applied linguistics toward acknowledging intonation as an indispensable component of language and communication. In addition, the hardware and software for conducting acoustic phonetic signal analysis have recently become more accessible. The main goal of this paper is thus to integrate the two seemingly disparate subfields of linguistics, acoustic phonetics, and discourse intonation, and to suggest a new framework for facilitating and studying the acquisition of suprasegmental phonology. The purpose of this article is threefold: (1) to review previous research on the acquisition of suprasegmentals by L2 learners and the potential of computer-based instructional materials for improving intonation; (2) to briefly describe and critique some of the software previously available for this purpose; and (3) to suggest criteria for the conceptualization of multimedia software and concomitant research on the teaching of discourse-based phonology and intonation. In looking toward the future, this article will focus on providing learners with discourse-level language input and with specific feedback regarding acoustic features of the intonation patterns they produce. Finally, the article urges that software be designed to include both research tools and tools to facilitate, record, and analyze the intonation produced in real interactions between speakers.
Ultrasonic nebulization platforms for pulmonary drug delivery

Importance of the field: Since the 1950s, ultrasonic nebulizers have played an important role in pulmonary drug delivery. As the process in which aerosol droplets are generated is independent and does not require breath-actuation, ultrasonic nebulizers, in principle, offer the potential for instantaneously fine-tuning the dose administered to the specific requirements of a patient, taking into account the patient’s breathing pattern, physiological profile and disease state. Nevertheless, owing to the difficulties and limitations associated with conventional designs and technologies, ultrasonic nebulizers have never been widely adopted, and have in recent years been in a state of decline. Areas covered in this review: An overview is provided on the advances in new miniature ultrasonic nebulization platforms in which large increases in lung dose efficiency have been reported. What the reader will gain: In addition to a discussion of the underlying mechanisms governing ultrasonic nebulization, in which there appears to be widely differing views, the advantages and shortcomings of conventional ultrasonic nebulization technology are reviewed and advanced state-of-the-art technologies that have been developed recently are discussed. Take home message: Recent advances in ultrasonic nebulization technology demonstrate significant potential for the development of smart, portable inhalation therapy platforms for the future. Nevertheless, there remain considerable challenges that need to be addressed before such personalized delivery systems can be realized. These have to be addressed across the spectrum from fundamental physics through to in vivo device testing and dealing with the relevant regulatory framework.
Comparison of Experimental Protocols of Physical Exercise for mdx Mice and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the gene coding for dystrophin and leads to muscle degeneration, wheelchair dependence and death by cardiac or respiratory failure. Physical exercise has been proposed as a palliative therapy for DMD to maintain muscle strength and prevent contractures for as long as possible. However, its practice remains controversial because the benefits of training may be counteracted by muscle overuse and damage. The effects of physical exercise have been investigated in muscles of dystrophin-deficient mdx mice and in patients with DMD. However, a lack of uniformity among protocols limits comparability between studies and translatability of results from animals to humans. In the present review, we summarize and discuss published protocols used to investigate the effects of physical exercise on mdx mice and DMD patients, with the objectives of improving comparability between studies and identifying future research directions.