Replica analysis of Franz-Parisi potential for sparse systems

We propose a method for calculating the Franz-Parisi potential for spin glass models on sparse random graphs using the replica method under the replica symmetric ansatz. The resulting self-consistent equations have the solution with the characteristic structure of multi-body overlaps, and the self-consistent equations under this solution are equivalent to the one-step replica symmetry breaking (1RSB) cavity equation with Parisi parameter $x=1$. This method is useful for the evaluation of transition temperatures of the $p$-spin model on regular random graphs under a uniform magnetic field.Comment: 21 pages, 3 figure

Policy Commitment and Market Expectations: Lessons Learned from Survey Based Evidence under Japan's Quantitative Easing Policy

The Bank of Japan conducted its quantitative easing policy ( QEP) from 2001 to 2006, with the policy commitment to maintaining its QEP until the CPI inflation rate became stably zero or higher. We evaluate its effects by using individual survey data on inflation expectations as well as interest rate expectations. Our analysis reveals a kinked relationship between interest rate expectations and inflation rate expectations at around the zero percent threshold level of inflation expectations, in tune with this policy commitment. In addition, we evaluate the effects of the policy commitment on market expectations for the future path of short-term interest rates after the termination of the QEP. We find that, even when inflation expectations exceeded the threshold, interest rate expectations responded only gradually to inflation rate expectations.Commitment policy, policy duration effect, unconventional monetary policy, zero lower bound

3-O-Acyl-epicatechins Increase Glucose Uptake Activity and GLUT4 Translocation through Activation of PI3K Signaling in Skeletal Muscle Cells

Tea catechins promote glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. In this study, we investigated whether the addition of an acyl group to the C-3 position of catechins to generate 3-O-acyl-catechins promoted glucose uptake in L6 myotubes. 3-O-Myristoyl-(-)-epicatechin (EC-C14) and 3-O-palmitoyl-(-)-epicatechin (EC-C16) promoted glucose uptake and translocation of glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 in the cells. The effect of 3-O-acyl-(-)-epicatechins was stronger than that of (-)-epicatechin (EC), whereas neither 3-O-myristoyl-(+)-catechin (C-C14) nor 3-O-palmitoyl-(+)catechin (C-C16) promoted glucose uptake or GLUT4 translocation as well as (+)-catechin (C). We further investigated an affinity of catechins and 3-O-acyl-catechins to the lipid bilayer membrane by using surface plasma resonance analysis. Maximum binding amounts of EC-C16 and C-C16 to the lipid bilayer clearly increased compared with that of (-)-EC and (+)-C, respectively. We also examined the mechanism of GLUT4 translocation and found EC-C14 and EC-C16 induced the phosphorylation of PI3K, but did not affect phosphorylation of Akt or IR. In conclusion, the addition of an acyl group to the C-3 position of (-)-EC increases its affinity for the lipid bilayer membrane and promotes GLUT4 translocation through PI3K-dependent pathways in L6 myotubes

Hyper-realistic face masks : a new challenge in person identification

We often identify people using face images. This is true in occupational settings such as passport control as well as in everyday social environments. Mapping between images and identities assumes that facial appearance is stable within certain bounds. For example, a person's apparent age, gender and ethnicity change slowly, if at all. It also assumes that deliberate changes beyond these bounds (i.e., disguises) would be easy to spot. Hyper-realistic face masks overturn these assumptions by allowing the wearer to look like an entirely different person. If unnoticed, these masks break the link between facial appearance and personal identity, with clear implications for applied face recognition. However, to date, no one has assessed the realism of these masks, or specified conditions under which they may be accepted as real faces. Herein, we examined incidental detection of unexpected but attended hyper-realistic masks in both photographic and live presentations. Experiment 1 (UK; n = 60) revealed no evidence for overt detection of hyper-realistic masks among real face photos, and little evidence of covert detection. Experiment 2 (Japan; n = 60) extended these findings to different masks, mask-wearers and participant pools. In Experiment 3 (UK and Japan; n = 407), passers-by failed to notice that a live confederate was wearing a hyper-realistic mask and showed limited evidence of covert detection, even at close viewing distance (5 vs. 20 m). Across all of these studies, viewers accepted hyper-realistic masks as real faces. Specific countermeasures will be required if detection rates are to be improved

SIRT1 negatively regulates the expression of Prl2C3,a senescence-associated protein

SIRT1 is a mammalian homologue of yeast longevity protein Sir2. SIRT1 deacetylates transcription factors, cofactors, and histones in an NAD+-dependent manner, and promotes cell survival, anti-oxidative function, and DNA repair. Although some studies have indicated that SIRT1 is involved in longevity, the function of SIRT1 for preventing aging and senescence is still unclear. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we found that SIRT1 expression decreased by aging and IRT1 reciprocally regulated the expression level of Prl2C3, one of the prolactin-like peptides. In young MEFs, purified Prl2C3 inhibited the growth and increased the number of senescence-associated β galactosidase-positive cells with enlarged and flattened shapes. Moreover, immunostaining of human skin sections showed the expression of Prl2C3 in the basal cells of the epidermis. These results indicate that SIRT1 negatively regulates a senescence-associated protein rl2C3

Open monitoring meditation reduces the involvement of brain regions related to memory function

洞察瞑想時に自伝的記憶関連脳領域間の結合性が低下することを発見 --今この瞬間に生じている経験にありのままに気づくことの神経基盤--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2018-07-05.Mindfulness meditation consists of focused attention meditation (FAM) and open monitoring meditation (OMM), both of which reduce activation of the default mode network (DMN) and mind-wandering. Although it is known that FAM requires intentional focused attention, the mechanisms of OMM remain largely unknown. To investigate this, we examined striatal functional connectivity in 17 experienced meditators (mean total practice hours = 920.6) during pre-resting, meditation, and post-resting states comparing OMM with FAM, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Both FAM and OMM reduced functional connectivity between the striatum and posterior cingulate cortex, which is a core hub region of the DMN. Furthermore, OMM reduced functional connectivity of the ventral striatum with both the visual cortex related to intentional focused attention in the attentional network and retrosplenial cortex related to memory function in the DMN. In contrast, FAM increased functional connectivity in these regions. Our findings suggest that OMM reduces intentional focused attention and increases detachment from autobiographical memory. This detachment may play an important role in non-judgmental and non-reactive attitude during OMM. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the contribution of OMM to well-being and happiness