Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Delayed feedback control of synchronous activity in a cortical neural network

Many neurological diseases are suggested to be caused by pathologically strong synchronization of neurons in cerebral cortex. A large-scale cortical network consisted of one-dimensional two-layer array of excitatory pyramidal neurons and inhibitory interneurons, is constructed based on the map-based neuron model. When the coupling strength between neurons exceeds a critical value, the cortical network exhibits synchronous activity, manifesting a large-amplitude oscillatory mean field activity. Suppression of such synchronized behavior of the cortical network using linear delayed feedback control is investigated. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that effective synchronization suppression can be realized as soon as the delayed feedback signal is administered.
Cutting Edge: Impaired Transitional B Cell Production and Selection in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse1

Developing B cells undergo selection at multiple checkpoints to eliminate autoreactive clones. We analyzed B cell kinetics in the NOD mouse to establish whether these checkpoints are intact. Our results show that although bone marrow production is normal in NOD mice, transitional (TR) B cell production collapses at 3 wk of age, reflecting a lack of successful immature B cell migration to the periphery. This yields delayed establishment of the follicular pool and a lack of selection at the TR checkpoint, such that virtually all immature B cells that exit the bone marrow mature without further selection. These findings suggest that compromised TR B cell generation in NOD mice yields relaxed TR selection, affording autoreactive specificities access to mature pools.
Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup X ST-5799 (ST-22 complex) in Turkey: A unique pediatric case

ABSTRACT Although outbreaks of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X occured in a couple of African countries, a limited number of serogroup X meningococcal cases were reported in America and Europe as well as Turkey. Additionally, serogroup X is still not represented in current conjugated meningococcal vaccines. Here, we describe the first pediatric case with meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X ST-5799 (ST-22 complex) that formed a distinct lineage.
Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Gastrointestinal Tract of Fresh Water Fishes in Abuja, Nigeria

Bacteria of fish are closely associated with one another of particular interest do those inhabit the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). These microorganisms enter the intestinal tract of fish around the time of first feeding, and the microorganism becomes established to cause infection in different organs of the fish (Bauer et al., 1996; Ben Khemis et al., 2003; Bergey, 1992; Birkbeck et al., 2002). Microbial composition can be affected by bacterial load and composition of the ambient water as well as diet (Ben Khemis et al., 2003; Cheesbrough, 2005). Other factors such as the development of the digestive tract and temperature can also alter the intestinal microbiology. It is believed that intestinal microorganisms established during the larval stage will develop into a persistent flora in Bacterial microflora of fishes is part of a complex ecosystem responsible for a variety of diseases in fish and man. A survey was conducted to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms from the gastrointestinal tract of 220 fishes belonging to two specie Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus species. A total of 5 bacterial species were identified and their prevalences were: Escherichia coli 16 (36.60%), Proteus vulgaris 10 (22.70%) Salmonella typhi 4 (9.09%), Staphylococcus aureus 8 (18.80%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis 6 (13.63%). Antibiotic susceptibility by differential standardized disc method showed high incidence of resistance to cotrimoxazole, streptomycin and tetracycline as well as a low resistance to ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin and pefloxacin by the isolated organisms. Statistical analysis showed that there was significant positive association between the prevalence of isolates and their susceptibility to the various antibiotics (X 2 =72.12; p<0.05 and p=0.00). This findings dissipated array of microbial isolates and the sensitivity and resistant patterns of the isolates to a variety of antimicrobial agents. The difference in the sensitivity of the isolates to a variety of antibiotics as observed in this study could be attributed to strain or specie differences, and also the usage, misuse or abuse of these drugs coupled with prolonged antibiotic therapy which has favored the emergence of resistant strains. There is need for rational approach in monitoring of microorganisms and their sensitivities to control these diseases in the human population. K e y w o r d s
Reamed intramedullary femoral nailing after induction of an "ARDS-like" state in sheep: effect on clinically applicable markers of pulmonary function.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS At present, the optimal treatment for appropriately resuscitated, multiply injured patients includes fixation of long bone fractures within twenty-four hours of injury. This management approach has been shown to decrease the incidence of pulmonary complications, multiple organ failure, and death. Some investigators have hypothesized that acute reamed intramedullary nailing of the femur (RIMNF) may result in pulmonary dysfunction as a result of the pulmonary fat embolization generated during this procedure. Patients with concomitant thoracic trauma may be at particular risk for this potentially severe complication. In an attempt to determine whether RIMNF can be safely carried out regardless of the severity of a pulmonary injury, we monitored the pulmonary effects of RIMNF in sheep in which an acute respiratory disorder (ARDS)-like state had been induced. Our hypothesis was that, if the pulmonary fat embolization that occurs as a result of RIMNF has a clinically significant effect, it would be detectable in an animal model in which a severe lung injury had been induced prior to the start of RIMNF. STUDY DESIGN This was an acute experimental procedure performed on yearling sheep. METHODS Reamed intramedullary nailing of the femur was performed in two groups of instrumented sheep. The first group had no pulmonary injuries. The second group had an ARDS-like state induced by intravenous infusion of perilla ketone prior to RIMNF. Perilla ketone increases pulmonary microvascular permeability without changing filling pressures and is used to induce a model of human ARDS. Hemodynamic and oximetric parameters were measured or calculated, as was pulmonary dynamic compliance during the experiment. RESULTS Infusion of perilla ketone caused a significant pulmonary injury. RIMNF caused no additional significant effect on intrapulmonary shunt, mixed venous oxygen saturation, or dynamic compliance, which are clinically used to assess the severity of pulmonary dysfunction in injured patients. CONCLUSIONS The fat embolization that occurs during RIMNF in an appropriately resuscitated sheep has no clinically significant effect on pulmonary function, even in the setting of a severe pulmonary dysfunction.
An Anti-IL-12p40 Antibody Down-Regulates Type 1 Cytokines, Chemokines, and IL-12/IL-23 in Psoriasis1

Psoriasis is characterized by activation of T cells with a type 1 cytokine profile. IL-12 and IL-23 produced by APCs are essential for inducing Th1 effector cells. Promising clinical results of administration of an Ab specific for the p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23 (anti-IL-12p40) have been reported recently. This study evaluated histological changes and mRNA expression of relevant cytokines and chemokines in psoriatic skin lesions following a single administration of anti-IL-12p40, using immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. Expression levels of type 1 cytokine (IFN-γ) and chemokines (IL-8, IFN-γ-inducible protein-10, and MCP-1) were significantly reduced at 2 wk posttreatment. The rapid decrease of these expression levels preceded clinical response and histologic changes. Interestingly, the level of an anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, was also significantly reduced. Significant reductions in TNF-α levels and infiltrating T cells were observed in high responders (improvement in clinical score, ≥75% at 16 wk), but not in low responders. Of importance, the levels of APC cytokines, IL-12p40 and IL-23p19, were significantly decreased in both responder populations, with larger decreases in high responders. In addition, baseline levels of TNF-α significantly correlated with the clinical improvement at 16 wk, suggesting that these levels may predict therapeutic responsiveness to anti-IL-12p40. Thus, in a human Th1-mediated disease, blockade of APC cytokines by anti-IL-12p40 down-regulates expression of type 1 cytokines and chemokines that are downstream of IL-12/IL-23, and also IL-12/IL-23 themselves, with a pattern indicative of coordinated deactivation of APCs and Th1 cells.
Cellulolytic and keratinophilic fungi recorded on birds.

An analysis has been made of the fungi recorded on feathers removed from living birds and incubated in moist chambers. Penicillium spp. and Oidiodendron spp. were the most widespread and the most frequently observed fungi, while Chrysosporium spp. and Arthroderma curreyi, although frequently recorded, were not as widespread. In general there were some differences between the fungi present on birds with different feeding habits, while there was a marked association between A. curreyi and Turdus spp. , and between Chrysosporium spp. and Procellaria puffinus.
IL-23 Provides a Limited Mechanism of Resistance to Acute Toxoplasmosis in the Absence of IL-121

IL-23 and IL-12 are heterodimeric cytokines which share the p40 subunit, but which have unique second subunits, IL-23p19 and IL-12p35. Since p40 is required for the development of the Th1 type response necessary for resistance to Toxoplasma gondii, studies were performed to assess the role of IL-23 in resistance to this pathogen. Increased levels of IL-23 were detected in mice infected with T. gondii and in vitro stimulation of dendritic cells with this pathogen resulted in increased levels of mRNA for this cytokine. To address the role of IL-23 in resistance to T. gondii, mice lacking the p40 subunit (common to IL-12 and IL-23) and mice that lack IL-12 p35 (specific for IL-12) were infected and their responses were compared. These studies revealed that p40−/− mice rapidly succumbed to toxoplasmosis, while p35−/− mice displayed enhanced resistance though they eventually succumbed to this infection. In addition, the administration of IL-23 to p40−/− mice infected with T. gondii resulted in a decreased parasite burden and enhanced resistance. However, the enhanced resistance of p35−/− mice or p40−/− mice treated with IL-23 was not associated with increased production of IFN-γ. When IL-23p19−/− mice were infected with T. gondii these mice developed normal T cell responses and controlled parasite replication to the same extent as wild-type mice. Together, these studies indicate that IL-12, not IL-23, plays a dominant role in resistance to toxoplasmosis but, in the absence of IL-12, IL-23 can provide a limited mechanism of resistance to this infection.
A Contemporary Review of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Popliteal artery aneurysms account for 85% of all peripheral aneurysms and are frequently associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Up to 75% of all popliteal artery aneurysms are discovered in symptomatic patients who present with arterial insufficiency, leg swelling, or pain. Popliteal artery aneurysms can be diagnosed with duplex ultrasonography. Aneurysm repair should be considered for all symptomatic patients with rest pain or limb-threatening symptoms. Asymptomatic aneurysms larger than 2 cm should also be treated to prevent the development of limb-threatening ischemia and assure better surgical bypass graft patency and longer freedom from amputation. Conventional aneurysm repair consists of either opening the aneurysm sac and interposing a bypass graft or aneurysm ligation combined with bypass grafting. If the aneurysm sac is left intact, side branch perfusion may persist and the aneurysm may continue to enlarge and can rupture. Endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair has not demonstrated clinical equipoise to standard surgery but may be advantageous in select high-risk patients.
Ontogenetic changes in seminal fluid gene expression and the protein composition of cricket seminal fluid

The ejaculates of most internally fertilizing species consists of both sperm and seminal fluid proteins. Seminal fluid proteins have been studied largely in relation to their post‐mating effects on female reproductive physiology, and predominantly in genomically well‐characterized species. Seminal fluids can also play important roles in sperm maturation and performance. In the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus the viability of ejaculated sperm increases as males age, as does their competitive fertilization success. Here, using quantitative proteomics and quantitative real‐time PCR, we document ontogenetic changes in seminal fluid protein abundance and in seminal fluid gene expression. We identified at least nine proteins that changed in abundance in the seminal fluid of crickets as they aged. Gene expression was quantified for five seminal fluid protein genes, and in four of these gene expression changed as males aged. These ontogenetic changes were associated with a general increase in the size of the male accessory glands. Several of the seminal fluid proteins that we have identified are novel, and some have BLAST matches to proteins implicated in sperm function. Our data suggest that age related changes in competitive fertilization success may be dependent on seminal fluid chemistry.
Conflict in a digital place

This paper discusses the issue of conflict over the Internet. It focuses on situations where disagreements between users connect with specific choices in the design of a digital infrastructure, and it argues that engagement in design activities can be used as a tool to analyse and probe such issues. It presents an ethnographic study of VOCI, a community of students based in Syria that witnessed a major conflict between its core members during the early 2010s. This conflict evolved around issues of control and governance, and eventually translated into a shared concern of how access and ownership of digital places are configured. This article introduces the design of Modus, a platform for shared proprietary rights over the Internet, as an alternative way to manage digital ownership.
Sp1 and krüppel‐like factor family of transcription factors in cell growth regulation and cancer

The Sp/KLF family contains at least twenty identified members which include Sp1‐4 and numerous krüppel‐like factors. Members of the family bind with varying affinities to sequences designated as ‘Sp1 sites’ (e.g., GC‐boxes, CACCC‐boxes, and basic transcription elements). Family members have different transcriptional properties and can modulate each other's activity by a variety of mechanisms. Since cells can express multiple family members, Sp/KLF factors are likely to make up a transcriptional network through which gene expression can be fine‐tuned. ‘Sp1 site’‐dependent transcription can be growth‐regulated, and the activity, expression, and/or post‐translational modification of multiple family members is altered with cell growth. Furthermore, Sp/KLF factors are involved in many growth‐related signal transduction pathways and their overexpression can have positive or negative effects on proliferation. In addition to growth control, Sp/KLF factors have been implicated in apoptosis and angiogenesis; thus, the family is involved in several aspects of tumorigenesis. Consistent with a role in cancer, Sp/KLF factors interact with oncogenes and tumor suppressors, they can be oncogenic themselves, and altered expression of family members has been detected in tumors. Effects of changes in Sp/KLF factors are context‐dependent and can appear contradictory. Since these factors act within a network, this diversity of effects may arise from differences in the expression profile of family members in various cells. Thus, it is likely that the properties of the overall network of Sp/KLF factors play a determining role in regulation of cell growth and tumor progression. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of light/dark‐ and dark‐rearing on synaptic morphology in the superior colliculus and visual cortex of the postnatal and adult rat

Serveral synaptic parameters, previously shown to undergo alterations with changes in the internal and external environment, were examined in the visual system of light/dark‐ and dark‐reared postnatal and adult rats. Animals were raised in either 14hr light/10 hr dark (Lt/Dk) or in total darkness (Dk). The specific synaptic parameters in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus (SC), visual cortex (laminae II/III and IV) (VC), and, as contro, the auditory cortex (laminae II/III and IV) (AC), examined during the postnatal period (i.e., postnatal days 7,14,21, and 28) and in the adult (i.e., day 56) included:(1) mean number of synapses, (2) mean synaptic length, (3) percentages of perforated postsynaptic densities, (4) percentages of asymmetric and symmetric synapses, (5) percentages of dendritic, spinous, anmd somatic synapses, and (6) percentages of synapses with positive, negative, or no curvature. Developmental patterns in rats rearded in normal lighting conditions were noted. Specifically, in the SC and VC of Lt/Dk animals, the number of synapses increased up to postnatal day in the mean number of synapses increased; no significant changes in the mean number of synapses between PND =28 and 56 were detected in any of the areas examined. Changes in synaptic length in the SC and VC were not observed during postnatal development or in the adult in any of the aforementioned brain areas. Low percentages of postsynaptic densities (PSDs) were found at all time points and in all brain areas during the postnatal period. Increases in perforated PSDs were seen at PND = 56 compared to PND = 28 in the VC. In the VC and AC, there was decrease in symmetric synapses with age. Asymmetric synapses were prevalent in all brain areas at PND = 28 AND 56. dendritic synapses predominated in the SC, while spinous synapses were the preponderant type in the VC and AC during postnatal development and in the adult, A decrease in the percentage of spinous synapses in the SC was observed at PND = 56 vs. PND = 28. A decrease in the percentage of negatively curved synapses with age and a trend toward a concomitant increase in the percentage of positively curved synapses were seen in all brain areas during development and in the adult. Quantitative analyses of the SC and VC tissues examined from all postnatal animals demonstrated no significant differences between Lt/Dk and Dk animals in all the synaptic parameters measured. On the other hand, similar analyses of adult synapses in the SC and VC showed a significantly smaller mean number of synapses in rats dark‐reared to adulthood as compared to those raised in normal lighting conditions. Dark‐rearing had no effect on synaptic number at any time point in the auditory cortex, indicating that this is a specific light effect. Therefore, the effects of visual deprivation on synaptic numbers occur during early adulthood and not during postnatal development.
Parents' reports of "tricks of the trade" for managing childhood chronic illness.

PURPOSE To examine how parents respond to and manage the challenges of childhood chronic illness. DESIGN Qualitative, comparative, secondary analysis. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-eight families (55 mothers, 44 fathers) with a school-age child (6-15 years old) with a chronic illness. RESULTS Three approaches to illness management were identified: strict adherence, flexible adherence, and selective adherence. These approaches varied in the extent to which parents developed and relied on target management behaviors that concurred with or deviated from the treatment plan prescribed by healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS The three management approaches contribute to understanding the processes associated with differing interactions between healthcare professionals and parents when a child has a chronic illness.
Formation of Spherical, Reconstituted High Density Lipoproteins Containing Both Apolipoproteins A-I and A-II Is Mediated by Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase*

Previous studies have provided detailed information on the formation of spherical high density lipoproteins (HDL) containing apolipoprotein (apo) A-I but no apoA-II (A-I HDL) by an lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT)-mediated process. In this study we have investigated the formation of spherical HDL containing both apoA-I and apoA-II (A-I/A-II HDL). Incubations were carried out containing discoidal A-I reconstituted HDL (rHDL), discoidal A-II rHDL, and low density lipoproteins in the absence or presence of LCAT. After the incubation, the rHDL were reisolated and subjected to immunoaffinity chromatography to determine whether A-I/A-II rHDL were formed. In the absence of LCAT, the majority of the rHDL remained as either A-I rHDL or A-II rHDL, with only a small amount of A-I/A-II rHDL present. By contrast, when LCAT was present, a substantial proportion of the reisolated rHDL were A-I/A-II rHDL. The identity of the particles was confirmed using apoA-I rocket electrophoresis. The formation of the A-I/A-II rHDL was influenced by the relative concentrations of the precursor discoidal A-I and A-II rHDL. The A-I/A-II rHDL included several populations of HDL-sized particles; the predominant population having a Stokes' diameter of 9.9 nm. The particles were spherical in shape and had an electrophoretic mobility slightly slower than that of the α-migrating HDL in human plasma. The apoA-I:apoA-II molar ratio of the A-I/A-II rHDL was 0.7:1. Their major lipid constituents were phospholipids, unesterified cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters. The results presented are consistent with LCAT promoting fusion of the A-I rHDL and A-II rHDL to form spherical A-I/A-II rHDL. We suggest that this process may be an important source of A-I/A-II HDL in human plasma.
Raft association and lipid droplet targeting of flotillins are independent of caveolin

Abstract Lipid rafts are liquid ordered platforms that dynamically compartmentalize membranes. Caveolins and flotillins constitute a group of proteins that are enriched in these domains. Caveolin-1 has been shown to be an essential component of caveolae. Flotillins were also discovered as an integral component of caveolae and have since been suggested to interact with caveolins. However, flotillins are also expressed in non-caveolae-containing cells such as lymphocytes and neuronal cells. Hence, a discrepancy exists in the literature regarding the caveolin dependence of flotillin expression and their subcellular localization. To address this controversy, we used mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from caveolin-1 knockout (Cav-1-/-) and wild-type mice to study flotillin expression and localization. Here we show that both membrane association and lipid raft partitioning of flotillins are not perturbed in Cav-1-/- MEFs, whereas membrane targeting and raft partitioning of caveolin-2, another caveolin family protein, is severely impaired. Moreover, we demonstrate that flotillin-1, but not flotillin-2, associates with lipid droplets upon oleic acid treatment and that this association is completely independent of caveolin. Taken together, our results show that flotillins are localized in lipid rafts independent of caveolin-1 and that translocation of flotillin-1 to lipid droplets is a caveolin-independent process.