Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Running head : NEURAL DYNAMICS OF MEMORY ENCODING 1 Age-Related Changes in the Neural Dynamics of Memory Encoding Processes

We examined oscillatory power in electroencephalographic recordings obtained while younger (18-30 years) and older (60+ years) adults studied lists of words for later recall. Power changed in a highly consistent way from word-to-word across the study period. Above 14 Hz, there were virtually no age differences in these neural gradients. But gradients below 14 Hz reliably discriminated between age groups. Older adults with the best memory performance showed the largest departures from the younger adult pattern of neural activity. These results suggest that age differences in the dynamics of neural activity across an encoding period reflect changes in cognitive processing that may compensate for age-related decline. NEURAL DYNAMICS OF MEMORY ENCODING 3 Age-Related Changes in the Neural Dynamics of Memory Encoding Processes Memory impairments are among the most common complaints of older adults [1]. Much effort has been devoted to identifying the neurocognitive causes of age related memory decline [2, 3]. But one potential source of age differences has received little attention: the ability to sustain encoding processes across series of events or items that unfold over time [4]. For example, the people you meet during a job interview, the grocery list your spouse dictates over the phone, or which of your medications you have already taken today. Researchers have studied this aspect of memory using the free recall task, in which participants study a list of sequentially presented items (e.g., words) and then recall the items in any order. The nature of the encoding processes participants engage changes from item-to-item as the list is studied [5]. These dynamics unfold in the brain without any obvious behavioral correlates—they can only be inferred from which items are subsequently remembered and forgotten. Perhaps for this reason, most cognitive aging theories are silent about the contribution of encoding dynamics to memory impairments [6, 3, 7, 8]. But any process that changes across encoding should leave its signature in neural activity. Here we examine neural recordings taken while participants study lists and test for age differences in gradients of neural activity across the encoding period.
On the maximum number of edges in a c4-free subgraph of qn

For the maximum number f(n) of edges in a C4-free subgraph of the n-dimensional cube-graph Qn we prove f(n) ≥ 1/2(n +√n)2n−1 for n = 4r, and f(n) ≥ 1/2(n +0.9√n)2n−1 for all n ≥ 9. This disproves one version of a conjecture of P. Erdos. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Single Amino Acid Substitution in IIIf Subfamily of Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor AtMYC1 Leads to Trichome and Root Hair Patterning Defects by Abolishing Its Interaction with Partner Proteins in Arabidopsis*

Background: IIIf subfamily of bHLH members GL3/EGL3 involved in epidermal cell fate determination through interacting with MYBs/TTG1. Results: A substitution of R173H in the AtMYC1 homolog of GL3/EGL3 abolished its function in trichome and non-hair cell fate control. Conclusion: The functionally conserved Arg residue in AtMYC1/GL3/EGL3 was crucial for protein interaction and proper biological function. Significance: A novel critical and functionally conserved site in IIIf bHLH proteins was identified. Plant trichomes and root hairs are powerful models for the study of cell fate determination. In Arabidopsis thaliana, trichome and root hair initiation requires a combination of three groups of proteins, including the WD40 repeat protein TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (TTG1), R2R3 repeat MYB protein GLABRA1 (GL1), or WEREWOLF (WER) and the IIIf subfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein GLABRA3 (GL3) or ENHANCER OF GLABRA3 (EGL3). The bHLH component acts as a docking site for TTG1 and MYB proteins. Here, we isolated a mutant showing defects in trichome and root hair patterning that carried a point mutation (R173H) in AtMYC1 that encodes the fourth member of IIIf bHLH family protein. Genetic analysis revealed partial redundant yet distinct function between AtMYC1 and GL3/EGL3. GLABRA2 (GL2), an important transcription factor involved in trichome and root hair control, was down-regulated in Atmyc1 plants, suggesting the requirement of AtMYC1 for appropriate GL2 transcription. Like its homologs, AtMYC1 formed a complex with TTG1 and MYB proteins but did not dimerized. In addition, the interaction of AtMYC1 with MYB proteins and TTG1 was abrogated by the R173H substitution in Atmyc1-1. We found that this amino acid (Arg) is conserved in the AtMYC1 homologs GL3/EGL3 and that it is essential for their interaction with MYB proteins and for their proper functions. Our findings indicate that AtMYC1 is an important regulator of trichome and root hair initiation, and they reveal a novel amino acid necessary for protein-protein interactions and gene function in IIIf subfamily bHLH transcription factors.
Perinatal Administration of a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Induces Impairments in Reproductive Function and Follicular Dynamics in Female Rat Offspring

Introduction: Up to 10% of pregnant women take antidepressants, of which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed. Using a rodent model, we investigated the reproductive impacts of perinatal SSRI treatment on reproductive cyclicity and function in female offspring. Methods: Virgin Wistar rats were given oral vehicle (n = 10) or fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLX, 10 mg/kg/d; n = 11) from 2 weeks prior to mating until weaning. Pubertal onset and reproductive cyclicity in offspring were assessed. Blood and ovarian tissues were collected for measures of reproductive function. Results: Perinatal FLX tends to induce irregular reproductive cycles in adult offspring, which most commonly manifest as a prolonged estrus phase (FLX 34% vs control [CON] 10%) relative to CON offspring. The FLX offspring tended to have longer cycles (P = .052), had more secondary follicles (P = .0067), more total follicles (P = .0310), and increased apoptotic ovarian cells (P < .001). Prenatally exposed FLX offspring demonstrated elevated ovarian messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of ERβ (P = .008), Cry1 (P = .043), and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (P = .024), independent of stage of cycle. Ovarian mRNA levels of brain and muscle Arnt-like protein 1 (P = .046) and Pet-1 (P = .021) were increased in FLX offspring a manner that was reproductive cycle stage dependent. Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the postnatal effects of maternal perinatal exposure to FLX on adult offspring reproduction. We show that genes that regulate serotonin signaling and action in the ovary are altered in prenatally FLX-exposed offspring, which when coupled with increased expression of components of the core Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput (CLOCK) gene regulatory loop may suggest an interaction between serotonergic signaling and clock gene signaling pathways leading to the altered reproductive phenotype.
Pilocarpine Gel for the Treatment of Demodicosis—A Case Series

Background. Excessive numbers of the mite, Demodex folliculorum, in the eyelash follicles cause itching and is referred to as demodicosis. We evaluated 4% pilocarpine gel as a treatment for this condition. Methods. An advertisement was placed in a retirement home newsletter, requesting persons with ocular discomfort. Respondents were examined for Demodex and persons with abundant mites were invited to participate. One eye was treated with pilocarpine gel; the other eye was untreated. The relative abundance of mites was evaluated at baseline, after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment. Subjects kept a daily log of symptoms. Results. Eleven of 22 persons with ocular itching had abundant Demodex. Mites were reduced significantly by the treatment (p=0.017). The amount of mite reduction was closely correlated with the extent to which itching was alleviated (r=0.811, p=0.008). Conclusion. Abundant Demodex is an important cause of ocular itching in older persons. Mites can be reduced with pilocarpine gel and itching alleviated.
The Purα/Purβ Single‐Strand DNA‐Binding Proteins Attenuate Smooth‐Muscle Actin Gene Transactivation in Myofibroblasts

Expression of smooth muscle alpha‐actin (SMαA) is essential for myofibroblast‐mediated wound contraction following tissue injury. The Pur α/β and YB‐1 transcriptional repressors govern the DNA‐binding activity of serum response factor (SRF) and phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3) transcriptional activators during induction of SMαA gene expression in human pulmonary myofibroblasts. In quiescent fibroblasts, Pur α exhibited a novel function in enhancing stability of pre‐existing SRF complexes with SMαA core promoter DNA, whereas Pur β was more effective in disrupting SRF‐DNA interaction. Pur proteins were less efficient competitors of pre‐existing, core‐promoter complexes containing both SRF and pSmad3 in nuclear extracts from TGFβ1‐activated myofibroblasts. TGFβ1 signaling dissociated a SRF/Pur protein complex with concurrent formation of a transient pSmad3/MRTF‐A/Pur β complex during early phase myofibroblast differentiation. Pur β was replaced by Pur α in the pSmad3/MRTF‐A complex in mature myofibroblasts. Combining all three repressors potently inhibited SRF and pSmad3 binding to promoter DNA in quiescent fibroblasts and TGFβ1‐activated myofibroblasts, respectively. The results point to dynamic interplay between transcriptional activators and repressors in regulating SMαA gene output during myofibroblast differentiation. Therapeutic targeting of nucleoprotein complexes regulating the SMαA promoter may prevent excessive myofibroblast accumulation associated with chronic cardiopulmonary fibrosis and dysfunctional tissue remodeling. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1256–1271, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Absolute Cerebral Blood Flow and Blood Volume Measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Bolus Tracking: Comparison with Positron Emission Tomography Values

The authors determined cerebral blood flow (CBF) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of contrast agent bolus passage and compared the results with those obtained by O-15 labeled water (H215O) and positron emission tomography (PET). Six pigs were examined by MRI and PET under normo- and hypercapnic conditions. After dose normalization and introduction of an empirical constant ΦGd, absolute regional CBF was calculated from MRI. The spatial resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio of CBF measurements by MRI were better than by the H215O-PET protocol. Magnetic resonance imaging cerebral blood volume (CBV) estimates obtained using this normalization constant correlated well with values obtained by O-15 labeled carbonmonooxide (C15O) PET. However, PET CBV values were approximately 2.5 times larger than absolute MRI CBV values, supporting the hypothesized sensitivity of MRI to small vessels.
Bumblebee vulnerability and conservation world-wide

We review evidence from around the world for bumblebee declines and review management to mitigate threats. We find that there is evidence that some bumblebee species are declining in Europe, North America, and Asia. People believe that land-use changes may be having a negative effect through reductions in food plants in many parts of the world, but that other factors such as pathogens may be having a stronger effect for a few species in some regions (especially for Bombus s. str. in North America). Evidence so far is that greater susceptibility to land-use change is associated world-wide with small climatic ranges, range edges, and late-starting colony-development cycles. More evidence is needed on the roles of pollen specialization, nest sites, hibernation sites, and pesticides. It is still too early to assess the success of schemes aimed at improving forage in agricultural and conservation areas. However, schemes aimed at raising public awareness have been very successful. Until proven safe, we recommend that live bumblebees should not be moved across continents or oceans for commercial pollination.ZusammenfassungWir geben eine weltweite Übersicht für Hummeln über den Rückgang der Vorkommenshäufigkeit oder der Verbreitungsgebiete bestimmter Arten, über den Zeitverlauf dieser Änderungen, über Gefährdungsfaktoren und Charakteristika der besonders gefährdungsanfälligen Arten und über die weltweit daher am meisten gefährdeten Arten, sowie über Maßnahmen zur Abschwächung der Gefährdung. Hiernach finden wir Belege, dass einige Hummelarten in Europa (Abb. 1, 2), Nordamerika und Asien auf dem Rückgang sind. Es wird allgemein angenommen, dass die Verminderung des Futterpflanzenangebots durch die Änderungen in der Landnutzung in vielen Teilen der Welt einen negativen Einfluss ausübt, allerdings könnten andere Faktoren wie Pathogene bei einigen Arten in einigen Regionen (insbesondere bei Bombus s. str. in Nordamerika) einen stärkeren und kurzfristiger wirksamen Effekt haben. Die bisherigen Anhaltspunkte weisen darauf hin, dass die weltweit anfälligsten Arten tendentiell in spezialisierten klimatischen Bereichen und nahe an den Grenzen dieser Bereiche vorkommen und spät beginnende aber lange Kolonieentwicklungszyklen haben. Zur Rolle von Pollenspezialisierung, Nistplätzen, Überwinterungsplätzen und Pestiziden werden noch mehr Angaben benötigt. Aus der derzeitig verfügbaren begrenzten Information aus neueren Sammlungen um die Welt erstellen wir eine vorläufige Einschätzung, welche Arten wahrscheinlich am stärksten gefährdet sind (Tab. I) und wo diese vorkommen (Abb. 4). Es ist noch zu früh, um den Erfolg von Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung des Futterangebots in landwirtschaftlichen oder Erhaltungsgebieten zu beurteilen. Allerdings waren Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung sehr erfolgreich.
Self‐poisoning among four immigrant groups

ABSTRACT— Rates of deliberate self‐poisoning in four immigrant groups, Asian, West Indian, Irish and Scottish were compared with those of English‐born residents in an inner‐city area of Birmingham. For both Asian and West Indian groups males and older females were underrepresented but young females had rates similar to the English group. Irish females and Scottish of both sexes were overrepresented. The rates of self‐poisoning for all four immigrant groups considerably exceeded those of their country of origin, the difference being most marked among young Asian females. Explanations for these findings are examined.
Comparison of the topology and growth rules of motoneuronal dendrites

The complexity, shape, and branching modes of the dendrites of spinal motoneurons were compared in cat, rat, and frog using topological analysis and growth models. The complexity of motoneuronal dendrites, measured as the mean number of terminal segments, varied significantly among samples and was related to contractile properties of innervated motor units. Despite this variation, all mature motoneurons having a mean number of terminal segments per dendrite greater than ten (up to 24. 3) exhibited a narrow range of values of coefficients describing the symmetry of tree shapes (0.42–0.47). This implies low variability in the topological shape of motoneuronal dendrites of different animals. This similarity of tree shapes proved to be a result of the similarity of growth rules. The growth of the dendrites could be described to a first approximation by a two‐parameter (Q and S) model called the QS model and by a multitype Markovian model. The estimation of parameters of the QS model, in which parameter Q is related to the probability of branching of intermediate segments, revealed that Q was equal or close to 0, implying that branching of dendrites is restricted to terminal segments. The estimates of the parameter S, which describes whether the probability of branching increases (S < 0) or decreases (S > 0) exponentially with segment order, were positive. This was in agreement with the results of estimation of probabilities of branching provided by the Markovian model, which showed that the branching probabilities decreased with segment order in an exponential manner in most of the neurons studied.
Impact of [18F]‐2‐Fluorodeoxyglucose–Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography on Previously Untreated Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Objectives: The role of fused modality [18F]‐2‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in diagnosing and accurately staging patients with primary, metastatic, and recurrent head and neck (HN) cancer is evolving, and the clinical implications need to be further defined. A few retrospective studies have been performed, but adequate sample sizes are lacking because the number of HN cancer patients is relatively small. This study evaluates the positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET/CT in previously untreated HN cancer patients at a single tertiary care institution. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of this new technology in the management of previously untreated HN cancer patients.
Hardware implementation of the binary method for exponentiation in GF(2/sup m/)

Exponentiation in finite or Galois fields, GF(2/sup m/), is a basic operation for several algorithms in areas such as cryptography, error-correlation codes and digital signal processing. Nevertheless the involved calculations are very time consuming, especially when they are performed by software. Due to performance and security reasons, it is often more convenient to implement cryptographic algorithms by hardware. In order to overcome the well-known drawback of little or inexistent flexibility associated to traditional application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) solutions, we propose an architecture using field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). A cheap but still flexible modular exponentiation can be implemented using these devices. We provide the VHDL description of an architecture for exponentiation in GF(2/sup m/) based in the square-and-multiply method, called binary method, using two multipliers in parallel previously developed by ourselves. Our structure, compared with other designs reported earlier, introduces an important saving in hardware resources.
A simple method for the parameter identification of the Jiles-Atherton model using only symmetric hysteresis loops

This manuscript describes the identification process of the parameters of the Jiles-Atherton-model (JAM) which can be used to characterize the magnetic behavior of electrical steel sheets. A simple semi-analytic parameter identification process using only a small set of symmetrical hysteresis loops is proposed, which requires low computational effort in contrast to the intensive numerical optimization algorithms which are normally used to gain the JAM parameters. Finally some aspects concerning the representation of minor loops will be discussed.
Was Mechanization De-Skilling? The Origins of Task-Biased Technical Change

Did nineteenth century technology reduce demand for skilled workers in contrast to modern technology? I obtain direct evidence on human capital investments and the returns to skill by using micro-data on individual weavers and an engineering production function. Weavers learned substantially on the job. While mechanization eliminated some tasks and the associated skills, it increased returns to skill on the remaining tasks. Technical change was task-biased, much as with computer technology. As more tasks were automated, weavers’ human capital increased substantially. Although technology increased the demand for skill like today, weavers’ wages eventually increased and inequality decreased, contrary to current trends.
Effects of a 24-hour fast on cigarette smoking in humans.

The effects of 24 hours of food deprivation on cigarette consumption, smoke exposure and mood were studied in seven research volunteers. A within-subjects design was used in which subjects smoked low-yield (0.1 mg nicotine) and high-yield (0.7-1.1 mg nicotine) cigarettes in both a fed and a fasting state. Each of the four experimental conditions--FED/LOW-YIELD, FED/HIGH-YIELD, FAST/LOW-YIELD, FAST/HIGH-YIELD--was enacted twice according to a randomized block design. Cigarette consumption was measured during the 24-h period before experimental sessions. The session included a 60-min smoking period, in which number of puffs per cigarette, number of cigarettes smoked, carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and mood were assessed. Although cigarette consumption during the 24 h prior to sessions did not vary as a function of feeding condition, CO levels at the end of this 24-h time period were slightly, but significantly, higher in the FAST condition (mean CO level: 30.3 ppm) than in the FED condition (mean CO level: 28.1 ppm). During the laboratory session, amount of smoking and CO exposure were similar across feeding conditions. Interactions between feeding condition and dose were obtained on several mood measures that reflected sedation and arousal: in the high-yield condition, subjects were more sedated after fasting, whereas in the low-yield condition, they reported being less sedated after fasting. We conclude that fasting does not alter cigarette consumption but may increase smoke exposure during ad libitum smoking, perhaps via a change in some aspect of smoking behaviour not measured in the present study (e.g. puff volume).
Resonating Plasmonic Particles to Achieve Power Transmission Enhancement Through Subwavelength Apertures

In this letter, we propose a resonant approach to achieve enhanced power transmission through electrically small apertures in the near-infrared. The enhancement is obtained by exciting a magnetic resonance in a pair of plasmonic pillars, placed on a screen with a drilled subwavelength hole. The localized resonance allows us to enhance the equivalent magnetic dipole moment of the aperture, hence increasing the transmitted power. The proposed setup may find interesting applications in high-capacity memories, ultradiffractive imaging systems, high-resolution spatial filters, and high-precision lithography.
The Role of Values and Experience in Determining Social Workers' Attitudes Toward Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

ABSTRACT This article reports results of a study examining the impact of personal and professional values and experience on 122 hospital social workers' attitudes toward euthanasia and assisted suicide. Respect for self-determination was rated as the most important consideration in end-of-life issues. Predictors of social workers' agreement that euthanasia should be legal were: self-determination, religious beliefs, educational level (BSW/MSW), and for assisted suicide were: religious beliefs, belief in the potential for abuse, educational level and participation in ethics training. The findings underscore the need for social workers' awareness of how an interplay of personal and professional factors in potentially explosive ethical issues may influence practice in health care settings.