Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased CD69 Expression on Peripheral Eosinophils from Patients with Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome

Background: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is an uncommon, non-IgE-mediated food allergy. We recently described a significant increase in fecal eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) after ingestion of the causative food. However, little is known about the activation status of circulating eosinophils in patients with an acute FPIES reaction. Methods: Surface CD69 expression was assessed by flow cytometry on peripheral eosinophils from 5 patients with FPIES before and after ingestion of the causative food. Fecal EDN was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: No eosinophil activation was observed before ingestion; however, a significant increase in CD69 expression on eosinophils after an acute FIPES reaction was demonstrated in all of the patients. There was no significant change in absolute eosinophil counts in the peripheral blood. The levels of fecal EDN increased on the day after ingestion of the causative food in all patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that circulating eosinophils as well as eosinophils in the intestinal mucosal tissue are activated in acute FPIES reactions and might be associated with systemic immune events in FPIES.
Branes on group manifolds, gluon condensates, and twisted K-theory

In this work we study the dynamics of branes on group manifolds G deep in the stringy regime. After giving a brief overview of the various branes that can be constructed within the boundary conformal field theory approach, we analyze in detail the condensation processes that occur on stacks of such branes. At large volume our discussion is based on certain effective gauge theories on non-commutative ‘fuzzy’ spaces. Using the ‘absorption of the boundary spin’-principle which was formulated by Affleck and Ludwig in their work on the Kondo model, we extrapolate the brane dynamics into the stringy regime. For supersymmetric theories, the resulting condensation processes turn out to be consistent with the existence of certain conserved charges taking values in some non-trivial discrete abelian groups. We obtain strong constraints on these charge groups for G = SU(N). The results may be compared with a recent proposal of Bouwknegt and Mathai according to which charge groups on curved spaces X (with a non-vanishing NSNS 3-form field strength H) are given by the twisted K-groups K ∗ H (X).
Further investigation of the association between rs7341475 and rs17746501 and schizophrenia

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) with small sample size have had limited statistical power in identifying schizophrenia susceptibility genes. This is exemplified by the fact that one of the most convincing associations was detected only after meta‐analyses of three different GWAS. Here we used meta‐analysis to study the association of two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7341475 and rs17746501) previously indicated to be associated with schizophrenia by a GWAS of Ashkenazi Jews (AJ). In the initial report, rs7341475 was associated only in women, while rs17746501 was associated in both men and women. We collected genotyping results of samples published in four GWAS for the two SNPs, additional to results from AJ. We used the Mantel–Haenszel method to combine the data of the different samples. For both SNPs, the results of the meta‐analysis of all samples, including the initial report, did not reach a genome‐wide significance level. However, the association between rs7341475 and schizophrenia in women, after excluding the data from AJ, was significant (P = 9.0 × 10−3), with a calculated odds ratio (OR) of 1.11, much smaller than the original result. Association between rs17746501 and schizophrenia was significant in four of the new samples, showing evidence for heterogeneity and very small effect when tested across all samples (P = 0.016, OR = 1.06). These findings suggest that the two SNPs might have a small effect on schizophrenia risk and suggest that meta‐analyses of very large samples are needed to adequately study the contribution of common variants to schizophrenia susceptibility. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurogenesis within the juvenile zebra finch telencephalic ventricular zone: A map of proliferative activity

Localized regions of increased cellular proliferation within the ventricular zone (VZ) of juvenile male songbirds may contain progenitor cells that give rise to song‐control neurons and, thereby, contribute to the construction of brain areas important for song learning. The purpose of this study was to examine levels of cell division throughout the telencephalic VZ of juvenile birds. A single pulse of [3H]thymidine was administered to 30‐day male and female zebra finches, and the birds were killed 2 hours later. The VZ was divided into segments throughout the entire anterior–posterior and dorsal–ventral neuraxes, and levels of thymidine labeling were measured within each subdivision. By subdividing the VZ into segments, we were able to construct a “map” of proliferation throughout the telencephalic VZ, thereby allowing us to compare levels of mitotic activity within corresponding locations of the VZ between males and females. Our map revealed two major findings: (1) proliferation in both juvenile males and females was spatially differentiated throughout the VZ, suggesting that mitotic activity is differentially regulated across the neuraxis; (2) sex differences in proliferation were present in 30‐day‐old birds, but were highly restricted. The most robust sexual dimorphism occurred within the ventral aspect of the VZ at rostral levels of the song‐control nucleus Area X, with males demonstrating an increased number of dividing cells compared with females. This result raises the possibility that Area X neurons in males are derived from committed progenitors within the adjacent VZ in close proximity to this nucleus. J. Comp. Neurol. 481:70–83, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bonobos Protect and Console Friends and Kin

Post-conflict third-party affiliation has been reported to have different functional meanings, one of them being consolation. Here, we tested the main hypotheses that have been put forth to explain the presence of this phenomenon at a functional level in the bonobo: Self-Protection Hypothesis, Victim-Protection Hypothesis, Relationship-Repair or Substitute for Reconciliation Hypothesis, and Consolation Hypothesis. By analyzing the data collected over 10 years, we investigated what factors affected the distribution of both spontaneous third party affiliation (initiated by the bystander) and solicited third party affiliation (initiated by the victim). We considered factors related to the individual features (sex, rank, age) of victim and bystander, their relationship quality (kinship, affiliation), and the effect that third party affiliation had on the victim (such as protection against further attacks and anxiety reduction). Both spontaneous and solicited third party affiliation reduced the probability of further aggression by group members on the victim (Victim-Protection Hypothesis supported). Yet, only spontaneous affiliation reduced victim anxiety (measured via self-scratching), thus suggesting that the spontaneous gesture – more than the protection itself – works in calming the distressed subject. The victim may perceive the motivational autonomy of the bystander, who does not require an invitation to provide post-conflict affiliative contact. Moreover, spontaneous - but not solicited - third party affiliation was affected by the bond between consoler and victim, being the relationship between consoler and aggressor irrelevant to the phenomenon distribution (Consolation Hypothesis supported). Spontaneous affiliation followed the empathic gradient described for humans, being mostly offered to kin, then friends, then acquaintances. Overall, our findings do not only indicate the consolatory function of spontaneous third-party affiliation but they also suggest that consolation in the bonobo may be an empathy-based phenomenon.
Bi-criteria evaluation of the MIKE SHE model for a forested watershed on the South Carolina coastal plain

Abstract. This paper presents a new reconstruction of the 20th century global hydrography using fully coupled water balance and transport model in a flexible modeling framework. The modeling framework allows a high level of configurability both in terms of input forcings and model structure. Spatial and temporal trends in hydrological cycle components are assessed under "pre-industrial" conditions (without modern-day human activities) and contemporary conditions (incorporating the effects of irrigation and reservoir operations). The two sets of simulations allow the isolation of the trends arising from variations in the climate input driver alone and from human interventions. The sensitivity of the results to variations in input data was tested by using three global gridded datasets of precipitation. Our findings confirm that the expansion of irrigation and the construction of reservoirs has significantly and gradually impacted hydrological components in individual river basins. Variations in the volume of water entering the oceans annually, however, are governed primarily by variations in the climate signal alone with human activities playing a minor role. Globally, we do not find a significant trend in the terrestrial discharge over the last century. The largest impact of human intervention on the hydrological cycle arises from the operation of reservoirs that drastically changes the seasonal pattern of horizontal water transport in the river system and thereby directly and indirectly affects a number of processes such as ability to decompose organic matter or the cycling of nutrients in the river system.
Numerical modeling of self‐channeling granular flows and of their levee‐channel deposits

When not laterally confined in valleys, pyroclastic flows create their own channel along the slope by selecting a given flowing width. Furthermore, the lobe-shaped deposits display a very specific morphology with high parallel lateral levees. A numerical model based on Saint Venant equations and the empirical variable friction coefficient proposed by Pouliquen and Forterre (2002) is used to simulate unconfined granular flow over an inclined plane with a constant supply. Numerical simulations successfully reproduce the self-channeling of the granular lobe and the levee-channel morphology in the deposits without having to take into account mixture concepts or polydispersity. Numerical simulations suggest that the quasi-static shoulders bordering the flow are created behind the front of the granular material by the rotation of the velocity field due to the balance between gravity, the two-dimensional pressure gradient, and friction. For a simplified hydrostatic model, competition between the decreasing friction coefficient and increasing surface gradient as the thickness decreases seems to play a key role in the dynamics of unconfined flows. The description of the other disregarded components of the stress tensor would be expected to change the balance of forces. The front's shape appears to be constant during propagation. The width of the flowing channel and the velocity of the material within it are almost steady and uniform. Numerical results suggest that measurement of the width and thickness of the central channel morphology in deposits in the field provides an estimate of the velocity and thickness during emplacement.
Clinical Interventions in Aging Dovepress Fractures in the Elderly: When Is Hip Replacement a Necessity?

As the world's population ages, hip fractures pose a significant health care problem. Hip fractures in the elderly are associated with impaired mobility, and increased morbidity and mortality. Associated conditions, such as osteoporosis, medical comorbidity, and dementia, pose a significant concern and determine optimal treatment. One-year mortality rates currently range from 14% to 36%, and care for these patients represents a major global economic burden. The incidence of hip fractures is bimodal in its distribution. Young adult hip fractures are the result of high energy trauma, and the larger peak seen in the elderly population is secondary to low-energy injuries. The predilection for the site of fracture at the neck of femur falls into two major subgroups. Pertrochanteric fractures occur when the injury is extracapsular and the blood supply to the head of femur is unaffected. The management of this group involves internal fixation through a sliding hip screw device or intramedullary fixation device, both of which have good results. The other group of patients who sustain an intracapsular fracture at the femoral neck are at increased risk of nonunion and osteonecrosis. Recent papers in the literature have shown better functional outcomes with a primary hip replacement over other treatment modalities. This article reviews the current literature and indications for a primary total hip replacement in these patients.
Evidence to support peripheral and central IL-6 signaling targets to treat depression

To the Editor: We thank the authors for their insightful comments on our review paper which addressed the use of investigational drugs targeting interleukin (IL)-6 as potential treatments for depression [1]. In this letter, the authors argue that involvement of central IL-6 in the pathogenesis of depression is unlikely and instead, identify peripheral IL-6 alterations as the main causative factor. In response to this, we would like to make the following points: First, although some studies have yielded inconclusive results concerning the involvement of central IL-6 in depression [2], others have documented positive findings. As noted in our review, depressed patients appear to have significantly higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of IL-6 compared to controls, and even have greater IL-6 in CSF than serum [3]. Elevated levels of CSF IL-6 have also been found among suicidal patients [4]. These findings receive further support from pre-clinical models demonstrating over-expression of IL-6 protein in the cortex of chronically stressed rats, in addition to changes in depressive-like behaviors in mice subsequent to central administration of recombinant IL-6 [5]. Second, conclusions on the involvement of peripheral IL-6 are also mixed. Despite multiple studies citing elevated circulating levels of IL-6 in depression [6-9], some report non-significant results [10,11]. It is also critical to consider that, while these associations may be genuine, serologic methodology is sensitive to contamination by numerous patient confounds (e.g., exercise, sleep) which can alter cytokine expression in the periphery [12]. Third, peripheral IL-6 expression should not be viewed as completely distinct from expression within the brain, as peripheral and central cytokine systems are interconnected. Peripheral cytokines can infiltrate the central nervous system through multiple humoral or neural pathways to yield direct or indirect (via release of secondary inflammatory mediators) effects on the brain [13,14]. Finally, although IL-6 antagonists have utility in treating peripheral inflammation, further evidence suggests they may have central effects. Our review included preliminary work using animal models that documented the ability of sgp130Fc, a selective inhibitor of the IL-6 inflammatory signaling pathway, to reduce central IL-6 protein levels and improve depressive-like indices in mice. Although the evidence supporting the inclusion of central IL-6 in the pathogenesis of depression is limited, in our opinion, it is premature to rule-out its involvement for certain. We concur with the authors that further research is needed to clarify the role of IL-6 signaling in the treatment of depression, but within both peripheral and central cytokine systems.
Processability and mechanical performance of hybrid composites based on poly(ether sulfone) modified with a glass fiber–reinforced liquid crystalline polymer

Hybrid composites, based on poly(ether sulfone) (PES) and glass fiber–reinforced copolyester liquid crystalline polymer (gLCP) up to 40% gLCP, were obtained by injection molding: these polymers were immiscible. Despite its higher viscosity, the gLCP acted as a processing aid for PES. The Young's modulus of the composites increased linearly with gLCP content, attributed to the opposing effects of increasing skin thickness and decreasing orientation of the fibrillated LCP in the skin. The break properties decreased with increasing gLCP content, mainly because of the lack of adhesion between the phases. The notched impact strength increased substantially on addition of 10% gLCP, suggesting that the dispersed rigid particles changed the fracture behavior of PES. The composite with 10% gLCP appeared to be the most attractive because it showed an increase in stiffness of 18%, 6.5-fold impact strength, and a tensile strength similar to that of PES. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 854–860, 2004
TASK-3 Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channels Enable Sustained High-Frequency Firing in Cerebellar Granule Neurons

The ability of neurons, such as cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs), to fire action potentials (APs) at high frequencies during sustained depolarization is usually explained in relation to the functional properties of voltage-gated ion channels. Two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels are considered to simply hyperpolarize the resting membrane potential (RMP) by increasing the potassium permeability of the membrane. However, we find that CGNs lacking the TASK-3 type K2P channel exhibit marked accommodation of action potential firing. The accommodation phenotype was not associated with any change in the functional properties of the underlying voltage-gated sodium channels, nor could it be explained by the more depolarized RMP that resulted from TASK-3 channel deletion. A functional rescue, involving the introduction of a nonlinear leak conductance with a dynamic current clamp, was able to restore wild-type firing properties to adult TASK-3 knock-out CGNs. Thus, in addition to the accepted role of TASK-3 channels in limiting neuronal excitability, by increasing the resting potassium conductance TASK-3 channels also increase excitability by supporting high-frequency firing once AP threshold is reached.
Cerebrospinal Fluid and Arterial Lactate, Pyruvate and Acid‐Base Balance in Patients With Intracranial Hemorrhages

Lactate and pyruvate concentrations and acid-base balance in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and arterial blood were determined in patients with intracranial hemorrhages (28 subarachnoid hemorrhages and 15 intracerebral hemorrhages). A greater increase in CSF lactate and lactate-pyruvate ratio (L/P ratio) was observed in patients with impairment of consciousness, focal neurological deficits, poor prognosis, or CSF pressures higher than 300 mm H2O. A combination of CSF lactate greater than 2.5 mM per liter, L/P ratio above 20, bicarbonate less than 20.4 mEq per liter, pH below 7.276, or arterial PCO2 below 31.5 mm Hg seems to indicate a poor prognosis from intracranial hemorrhage. The mechanism of hyperventilation in acute cerebrovascular diseases and of CSF pH regulation in acid-base disturbances was also discussed.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE IN HIGH-HAZARD INDUSTRIES: PROBLEM INVESTIGATION AS OFF-LINE REFLECTIVE PRACTICE

Learning from experience, the cyclical interplay of thinking and doing, is increasingly important as organizations struggle to cope with rapidly changing environments and more complex and interdependent sets of knowledge. This paper confronts two central issues for organizational learning: (1) how is local learning (by individuals or small groups) integrated into collective learning by organizations? and (2) what are the differences between learning practices that focus on control, elimination of surprises, and single-loop incremental ? fixing? of problems with those that focus on deep or radical learning, double-loop challenging of assumptions, and discovery of new opportunities? We articulate these relationships through an analysis of particular learning practices in highhazard organizations, specifically, problem investigation teams that examine the most serious and troubling events and trends in nuclear power plants and chemical plants. We first distinguish a controlling orientation from a rethinking orientation, and illustrate learning practices with three case studies from the nuclear power and chemical industries and a questionnaire study of three nuclear power plants. We then extend our framework to create a four-stage model of organizational learning: (1) local learning by decentralized individuals and work groups, (2) constrained learning in a context of compliance with rules, (3) open learning prompted by acknowledgement of doubt and desire to learn, and (4) deep learning based on skillful inquiry and systemic mental models. These four stages contrast whether learning is primarily single-loop or double-loop, i.e., whether the organization can surface and challenge the assumptions and mental models underlying behavior, and whether learning is relatively improvised or structured. We conclude with a discussion of the stages, levels of learning (team, organizational, and individual), and the role of action, thinking, and emotion in organizational learning.
Detecting gene clusters under evolutionary constraint in a large number of genomes

MOTIVATION Spatial clusters of genes conserved across multiple genomes provide important clues to gene functions and evolution of genome organization. Existing methods of identifying these clusters often made restrictive assumptions, such as exact conservation of gene order, and relied on heuristic algorithms. RESULTS We developed a very efficient algorithm based on a 'gene teams' model that allows genes in the clusters to appear in different orders. This allows us to detect conserved gene clusters under flexible evolutionary constraints in a large number of genomes. Our statistical evaluation incorporates the evolutionary relationship among genomes, a key aspect that has been missing in most previous studies. We conducted a large-scale analysis of 133 bacterial genomes. Our results confirm that our approach is an effective way of uncovering functionally related genes. The comparison with known operons and the analysis of the structural properties of our predicted clusters suggest that operons are an important source of constraint, but there are also other forces that determine evolution of gene order and arrangement. Using our method, we predicted functions of many poorly characterized genes in bacterial. The combined algorithmic and statistical methods we present here provide a rigorous framework for systematically studying evolutionary constraints of genomic contexts. AVAILABILITY The software, data and the full results of this article are available online at http://www.ews. uiuc.edu/~xuling/mcmusec.