Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Literal Decomposition for LUT-Oriented Asynchronous Dual-Rail Logic Synthesis

In the case of the reconfigurable module, the popular logic function implementation is based on the look-up-table (LUT) structure. Once a Boolean network of single-rail n-variable node functions is transformed into a dual-rail one, each variable is represented as two literals: x and its inversion x′ and implemented using two separate signals. As a result, (2n + 1)-input LUTs are required for mapping node functions. To reduce the capacity of required LUTs, the literal decomposition method is proposed. It is applied to implement a dual-rail node function using k-input LUTs, n < k < (2n + 1). The literal decomposition over the chosen variable is based on creating two clusters where one of the clusters contains minterms with the literal x of the chosen variable, the other one contains minterms with the literal x′. Functions created based on each cluster minterms depend on less literals number than the original one. The procedure is repeated until the required number of literals is reached. The literal decomposition is used as a post processing of the conventional decomposition procedure. Depending on the logic architecture, different implementations are considered and discussed. The implementation complexity (in terms of LUTs number) for different values n, k is given.
Regulation of intracellular Na+ in health and disease: pathophysiological mechanisms and implications for treatment

Transmembrane sodium (Na+) fluxes and intracellular sodium homeostasis are central players in the physiology of the cardiac myocyte, since they are crucial for both cell excitability and for the regulation of the intracellular calcium concentration. Furthermore, Na+ fluxes across the membrane of mitochondria affect the concentration of protons and calcium in the matrix, regulating mitochondrial function. In this review we first analyze the main molecular determinants of sodium fluxes across the sarcolemma and the mitochondrial membrane and describe their role in the physiology of the healthy myocyte. In particular we focus on the interplay between intracellular Ca2+ and Na+. A large part of the review is dedicated to discuss the changes of Na+ fluxes and intracellular Na+ concentration([Na+]i) occurring in cardiac disease; we specifically focus on heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where increased intracellular [Na+]i is an established determinant of myocardial dysfunction. We review experimental evidence attributing the increase of [Na+]i to either decreased Na+ efflux (e.g. via the Na+/K+ pump) or increased Na+ influx into the myocyte (e.g. via Na+ channels). In particular, we focus on the role of the “late sodium current” (INaL), a sustained component of the fast Na+ current of cardiac myocytes, which is abnormally enhanced in cardiac diseases and contributes to both electrical and contractile dysfunction. We analyze the pathophysiological role of INaL enhancement in heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the consequences of its pharmacological modulation, highlighting the clinical implications. The central role of Na+ fluxes and intracellular Na+ physiology and pathophysiology of cardiac myocytes has been highlighted by a large number of recent works. The possibility of modulating Na+ inward fluxes and [Na+]i with specific INaL inhibitors, such as ranolazine, has made Na+a novel suitable target for cardiac therapy, potentially capable of addressing arrhythmogenesis and diastolic dysfunction in severe conditions such as heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The contractor game: a theoretical and experimental analysis

We introduce the contractor game , related to the ultimatum game (UG). The proposer makes an offer , and simultaneously sends a cheap talk message , indicating (possibly falsely) the amount of the offer. The responder observes the message with certainty and the offer with probability p before accepting or rejecting the offer. We theoretically examine versions with p = 0 and p = 0.5 along with the UG, played by some standard economic agents and others who are averse to inequity, lies and lying. The equilibria yield intuitive predictions, which are supported by our experimental results. Offers are higher when they might be seen by the responder. Messages over–state offers, but less so when the offer might be seen. Responders are more likely to accept an unseen offer if it might have been seen. When offers are seen, responders reward truthful messages, rather than punishing lies, compared to when no message is sent.
Effects of NMDA and GABA-A Receptor Antagonism on Auditory Steady-State Synchronization in Awake Behaving Rats

Background: The auditory steady-state response, which measures the ability of neural ensembles to entrain to rhythmic auditory stimuli, has been used in human electroencephalogram studies to assess sensory processing and electrical oscillatory deficits. Patients with schizophrenia show a deficit in auditory steady-state response at 40 Hz, and therefore this may be a useful biomarker to study this disorder. Methods: We used auditory steady-state response recordings from the primary auditory cortex, hippocampus, and vertex electroencephalogram sites in awake behaving rats to determine whether pharmacological impairment of excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmission mimics auditory steady-state response abnormalities in schizophrenia. Results: We found the most robust response to auditory stimuli in the primary auditory cortex, in line with previous studies suggesting this region is the primary generator of the auditory steady-state response in humans. Acute MK-801 (0.1mg/kg i.p.) increased primary auditory cortex intertrial coherence during auditory steady-state response at 20 and 40 Hz. Chronic MK-801 (21-day exposure at this daily dose) had no significant effect on 40-Hz auditory steady-state response. Furthermore, we found no effect of acute or chronic picrotoxin (a GABA-A antagonist) on intertrial coherence. Conclusions: Our data indicate that acute N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonism increases synchronous activity in the primary auditory cortex in a frequency-specific manner, supporting the widely held view that acute N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonism augments gamma oscillations. Thus, rodent auditory steady-state response could be a valuable method to study the cortical ability to support synchronous activity at specific frequencies.
Indiana Teachers' Perspectives on Testing Accommodations for Limited English Proficient Students Taking the Graduation Qualifying Exam.

This qualitative case study examines teachers’ perspectives on testing accommodations for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students taking Indiana’s Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE). The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) states that the purpose of testing accommodations is to “level the playing field” between LEP students and their non-LEP peers. If the IDOE intends a “level playing field” to be a situation of equity in testing, several years of recent test scores show that accommodations have failed to assist LEP students to achieve on par with their peers in both English/Language Arts and Mathematics. The 14 teachers from Grant High School in Midfield, Indiana, who participated in this study, shared in individual interviews about how and whether testing accommodations can provide the solution for closing the performance gap between LEP and non-LEP students. Teachers discussed their experiences using testing accommodations both in the classroom and during GQE testing. They also shared their perspectives on the statewide testing system and offered suggestions on how to improve the testing situation, specifically for LEP students. Teachers were cautiously supportive of the practice of using testing accommodations, and were against implementing a high-stakes test with enough importance to determine whether students qualify for graduation. Most interviewees perceived testing accommodations as a “necessary evil,” a tool that helps LEP students, but not the panacea for creating equity in testing for LEP learners. Teachers' internal struggles to balance mandates from the State while, at the same time, preserving unique teaching practices came forth in these interviews. This conflict came to light when teachers discussed how they must adhere to IDOE practices, such as offering testing accommodations, even though they perceived accommodations as inadequate to significantly raise test scores.
Ultrastructural colocalization of tyrosinated and detyrosinated alpha- tubulin in interphase and mitotic cells

Immunofluorescence with specific peptide antibodies has previously established that tyrosinated (Tyr) and detyrosinated (Glu) tubulin, the two species generated by posttranslational modification of the COOH- terminus of alpha-tubulin, are present in distinct, but overlapping, subsets of microtubules in cultured cells (Gundersen, G. G., M. H. Kalnoski, and J. C. Bulinski, 1984, Cell, 38:779-789). Similar results were observed by light microscopic immunogold staining in the two cell types used in this study, CV1 and PtK2 cells: most microtubules were stained with the Tyr antibody, whereas only a few were stained with the Glu antibody. We have examined immunogold-stained preparations by electron microscopy to extend these results. In general, electron microscopic localization confirmed results obtained at the light microscopic level: the majority of the microtubules in CV1 and PtK2 cells were nearly continuously labeled with the Tyr antibody, whereas only a few were heavily labeled with the Glu antibody. However, in contrast to the light microscopic staining, we found that all microtubules of interphase and mitotic CV1 and PtK2 cells contained detectable Tyr and Glu immunoreactivity at the electron microscopic level. No specific localization of either species was observed in microtubules near particular organelles (e.g., mitochondria or intermediate filaments). Quantification of the relative levels of Glu and Tyr immunoreactivity in individual interphase and metaphase microtubules showed that all classes of spindle microtubules (i.e., kinetochore, polar, and astral) contained nearly the same level of Glu immunoreactivity; this level of Glu immunoreactivity was lower than that found in all interphase microtubules. Most interphase microtubules had low levels of Glu immunoreactivity, whereas a few had relatively high levels; the latter corresponded to morphologically sinuous microtubules. Quantification of the relative levels of Tyr and Glu immunoreactivity in segments along individual microtubules suggested that the level of Tyr (or Glu) tubulin in a given microtubule was uniform along its length. Understanding how microtubules with different levels of Tyr and Glu tubulin arise will be important for understanding the role of tyrosination/detyrosination in microtubule function. Additionally, the coexistence of microtubules with different levels of the two species may have important implications for microtubule dynamics in vivo.
Dielectrophoretic sorting of lipid-containing microorganisms using high frequency electric fields produced by conducting post arrays

This paper describes a dielectrophoretic cell sorter containing arrays of conducting microposts. This sorter will be used to identify high-lipid-content organisms, which have commercial value for oil production and other applications. Cell sorting based on dielectrophoresis (DEP) typically utilizes planar electrodes, limiting throughput. Here, we present a rapid electroplating method that can produce an array of 15 μm tall posts in roughly ten minutes. Using this device, we were able to distinguish between two phenotypes of Yarrowia lipolytica, a lipid-containing yeast. In future work, we will use flow cytometry to confirm the lipid content of the sorted cell populations.
Exploiting group structure in MAC protocol design for multichannel ad hoc Cognitive Radio Networks

The design of an efficient Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for multichannel ad hoc Cognitive Radio Networks is an important problem and has been the topic of extensive recent research. In this paper, we present the design and performance evaluation of a protocol, Group MAC (GMAC), which is customized for a situation that commonly arises in ad hoc networks: the network consists of multiple groups of nodes such that a large fraction of the traffic of each node needs to be sent to other nodes of its own group. Some examples are: (a) units (e.g., platoons) in a military ad hoc network, (b) divisions in an emergency or disaster relief network, (c) departments in a corporate or university network. Our protocol requires each secondary node to have only one narrowband transceiver, does not rely on a control channel and incorporates a novel technique for dynamically balancing the traffic load of secondary nodes across the set of free channels. We analyze the stability region of the protocol using a queuing theoretic framework. Our extensive simulations show that a large fraction of the bandwidth unoccupied by primary users is utilized by the GMAC protocol for data transmissions.
Chronic cannabis use and the brain: a neurophysiological investigation into the effects on human memory and attention

This thesis consists of a literature review followed by four empirical chapters examining the relationship between the chronic use of cannabis and cognitive and brain electrophysiological functioning. In Chapter 2 recent literature is reviewed linking chronic cannabis use with, primarily, memory dysfunction. Deficits in verbal memory processes were noted in particular. It was hypothesised that poorer neural efficiency and use of compensatory mechanisms were associated with chronic cannabis use. Additionally, brain imaging measures sensitive to the often subtle alterations associated with cannabis use, such as the use of psychophysiological recording techniques, were indicated as a likely area of viable future research. Chapter 3 follows with a brief review of the existing psychophysiological literature on the acute and chronic effects of cannabis. From the, quite limited, available literature it was identified that acute and chronic cannabis use are each associated with alterations in both early sensory registration and later cognitive processing-related event-related brain potentials (ERPs). In the empirical studies, Chapter 4 examines chronic cannabis use effects as they relate to a task of verbal memory performance among 24 cannabis users and 24 matched healthy controls. Poorer delayed free recall was present following a list learning task with alterations noted in the amplitude of ERP components related to memory encoding and consolidation, specifically the subsequent memory effect N4 and late positive component. It is argued that chronic cannabis use disrupted the optimal functioning of neural mechanisms related to verbal memory performance and that novel, albeit less efficient, neural pathways are required by cannabis users to perform verbal memory tasks, albeit to a poorer degree than controls. An additional relationship with a longer history of use among cannabis users being related to improved memory performance was observed. This effect was observed though within the context of overall poorer performance within the cannabis-using group relative to controls. It is hypothesised that this reflects neuroadaptive processes related to the brains of longer-term users attempting to develop optimal neural pathways, during the presence of disruption by continued cannabis use. In practical terms this means a longer history of use is related to a recovery of functioning and/or more efficient neural pathways in comparison to a shorter history of use.
The Impact of Exploiting Instruction-Level Parallelism on Shared-Memory Multiprocessors

Current microprocessors incorporate techniques to aggressively exploit instruction-level parallelism (ILP). This paper evaluates the impact of such processors on the performance of shared-memory multiprocessors, both without and with the latency-hiding optimization of software prefetching. Our results show that, while ILP techniques substantially reduce CPU time in multiprocessors, they are less effective in removing memory stall time. Consequently, despite the inherent latency tolerance features of ILP processors, we find memory system performance to be a larger bottleneck and parallel efficiencies to be generally poorer in ILP-based multiprocessors than in previous generation multiprocessors. The main reasons for these deficiencies are insufficient opportunities in the applications to overlap multiple load misses and increased contention for resources in the system. We also find that software prefetching does not change the memory bound nature of most of our applications on our ILP multiprocessor, mainly due to a large number of late prefetches and resource contention. Our results suggest the need for additional latency hiding or reducing techniques for ILP systems, such as software clustering of load misses and producer-initiated communication.
Can Multiple Lifestyle Behaviours Be Improved in People with Familial Hypercholesterolemia? Results of a Parallel Randomised Controlled Trial

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of an individualised tailored lifestyle intervention on physical activity, dietary intake, smoking and compliance to statin therapy in people with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). Methods Adults with FH (n = 340) were randomly assigned to a usual care control group or an intervention group. The intervention consisted of web-based tailored lifestyle advice and face-to-face counselling. Physical activity, fat, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking and compliance to statin therapy were self-reported at baseline and after 12 months. Regression analyses were conducted to examine between-group differences. Intervention reach, dose and fidelity were assessed. Results In both groups, non-significant improvements in all lifestyle behaviours were found. Post-hoc analyses showed a significant decrease in saturated fat intake among women in the intervention group (β = −1.03; CI −1.98/−0.03). In the intervention group, 95% received a log on account, of which 49% logged on and completed one module. Nearly all participants received face-to-face counselling and on average, 4.2 telephone booster calls. Intervention fidelity was low. Conclusions Individually tailored feedback is not superior to no intervention regarding changes in multiple lifestyle behaviours in people with FH. A higher received dose of computer-tailored interventions should be achieved by uplifting the website and reducing the burden of screening questionnaires. Counsellor training should be more extensive. Trial Registration Dutch Trial Register NTR1899
Computationally designed high specificity inhibitors delineate the roles of BCL2 family proteins in cancer

Many cancers overexpress one or more of the six human pro-survival BCL2 family proteins to evade apoptosis. To determine which BCL2 protein or proteins block apoptosis in different cancers, we computationally designed three-helix bundle protein inhibitors specific for each BCL2 pro-survival protein. Following in vitro optimization, each inhibitor binds its target with high picomolar to low nanomolar affinity and at least 300-fold specificity. Expression of the designed inhibitors in human cancer cell lines revealed unique dependencies on BCL2 proteins for survival which could not be inferred from other BCL2 profiling methods. Our results show that designed inhibitors can be generated for each member of a closely-knit protein family to probe the importance of specific protein-protein interactions in complex biological processes. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.20352. 001
Fundamental Limits of Training-Based Multiuser MIMO Systems

In this paper, we endeavour to seek a fundamental understanding of the potentials and limitations of training-based multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. In a multiuser MIMO system, users are geographically separated. So, the near-far effect plays an indispensable role in channel fading. The existing optimal training design for conventional MIMO does not take the near-far effect into account, and thus is not applicable to a multiuser MIMO system. In this work, we use the majorization theory as a basic tool to study the tradeoff between the channel estimation quality and the information throughput. We establish tight upper and lower bounds of the throughput, and prove that the derived lower bound is asymptotically optimal for throughput maximization at high signal-to-noise ratio. Our analysis shows that the optimal training sequences for throughput maximization in a multiuser MIMO system are in general not orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, due to the near-far effect, the optimal training design for throughput maximization is to deactivate a portion of users with the weakest channels in transmission. These observations shed light on the practical design of training-based multiuser MIMO systems.
Stress tensor for massive fields on flat spaces of spatial topology

We calculate the expectation values of the energy–momentum tensor, Tμν, for massive scalar and spinor fields, in the Minkowski-like vacuum states on the two flat spaces which are quotients of Minkowski space under the discrete isometries (t, x, y, z) ↦ (t, x, y, z + 2a) and (t, x, y, z) ↦ (t, − x, − y, z + a). The results on the first space confirm the literature. The results on the second space are new. We note some qualitative differences between the massless and massive fields in the limits of large a and large x2 + y2.
Antibiotic use and population ecology: How you can reduce your “resistance footprint”

An 8-year-old child presents with a 4-day history of a nonproductive cough and a temperature of 38°C. Her chest is clear, except for some wheezing. She has no tachypnea or tachycardia. The child's father is deeply concerned. What would be the harm of prescribing antibiotics for acute bronchitis?
Better price-performance ratios for generalized birthday attacks

Fix i and k with k = 2 i − 1 . This paper presents a generalized-birthday attack that uses a machine of size 2 2 B/ (2 i +1) for time 2 B/ (2 i +1) to ﬁnd ( m 1 , . . . , m k ) such that f 1 ( m 1 ) + · · · + f k ( m k ) mod 2 B = 0. The exponents 2 / (2 i + 1) and 1 / (2 i + 1) are smaller than the exponents for Wagner’s original generalized-birthday attack. The improved attack also allows a linear tradeoﬀ between time and success probability, and an i th-power tradeoﬀ between machine size and success probability.
Macrophage delivery of therapeutic nanozymes in a murine model of Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease is a common progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with profound nigrostriatal degeneration. Regrettably, no therapies are currently available that can attenuate disease progression. To this end, we developed a cell-based nanoformulation delivery system using the antioxidant enzyme catalase to attenuate neuroinflammatory processes linked to neuronal death. METHODS Nanoformulated catalase was obtained by coupling catalase to a synthetic polyelectrolyte of opposite charge, leading to the formation of a polyion complex micelle. The nanozyme was loaded into bone marrow macrophages and its transport to the substantia nigra pars compacta was evaluated in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-intoxicated mice. RESULTS Therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow macrophages loaded with nanozyme was confirmed by twofold reductions in microgliosis as measured by CD11b expression. A twofold increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing dopaminergic neurons was detected in nanozyme-treated compared with untreated MPTP-intoxicated mice. Neuronal survival was confirmed by magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Bone marrow macrophage-loaded catalase showed sustained release of the enzyme in plasma. CONCLUSION These data support the importance of macrophage-based nanozyme carriage for Parkinson's disease therapies.