Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incessant Ovulation, Mucin 1 Immunity, and Risk for Ovarian Cancer

Background: Risk for ovarian cancer correlates directly with “ovulatory years or cycles” estimated from time not pregnant, breast-feeding, or using oral contraceptives. Recently, we reported that several factors known to reduce ovarian cancer risk may operate by inducing antibodies against mucin 1 (MUC1), a glycoprotein overexpressed in ovarian cancer. Conversely, other events might increase risk by interfering with the development of protective immunity. In this study, we examined whether the total number of ovulatory cycles decreases the likelihood of anti-MUC1 antibodies and provides an immune basis for the association between “incessant ovulation” and ovarian cancer risk. Methods: From 1998 to 2003, we enrolled 668 epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 721 controls residing in eastern Massachusetts or New Hampshire, collected information on menstrual and reproductive events, and obtained blood samples from controls to measure anti-MUC1 antibodies. Using logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios to evaluate the influence of reproductive factors, including the estimated lifetime number of ovulatory cycles on ovarian cancer risk and on the presence of MUC1 antibodies in controls. Results: Overall, we observed that early age at first birth, cycle lengths ≥30 days, and oral contraceptive use increased the likelihood of having anti-MUC1 antibodies. Estimated ovulatory cycles were correlated positively with ovarian cancer risk and inversely with the presence of anti-MUC1 antibodies among controls ages 46 to 60 years. Conclusions: These data suggest that suppression of MUC1-specific immunity should be considered as an additional explanation for the observation that ovarian cancer risk increases with the lifetime number of ovulatory cycles. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(1):30–5)
Interactions between Diet and Exposure to Secondhand Smoke on the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity: Results from NHANES, 2007–2010

Background: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) may increase risk for obesity, but few studies have investigated the joint effects of exposure to SHS and diet. Objectives: We examined the interaction of exposure to SHS and diet on the prevalence of obesity among 6- to 19-year-olds who participated in the 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods: We characterized exposure using a novel biomarker [4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL)], an established biomarker (cotinine), and self-report. Multinomial logistic regression models examined the association of SHS exposure on the prevalence of overweight and obesity as separate outcomes (compared with normal/underweight). Interaction by diet was assessed by introducing interaction terms (with SHS) of the individual nutrients [dietary fiber, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamin C, and vitamin E] into separate models. Results: Approximately half of the children had NNAL and cotinine levels above the limit of detection, indicating exposure to SHS. Interaction results suggest that the prevalence of obesity among children with both high exposure to SHS and low levels of certain nutrients (dietary fiber, DHA, or EPA) is greater than would be expected due to the effects of the individual exposures alone. Little or no evidence suggesting more or less than additive or multiplicative interaction was observed for vitamin C or vitamin E. The association between SHS and obesity did not appear to be modified by dietary vitamin C or vitamin E. Conclusions: Childhood obesity prevention strategies aimed at reducing SHS exposures and improving diets may exceed the expected benefits based on targeting either risk factor alone. Citation: Moore BF, Clark ML, Bachand A, Reynolds SJ, Nelson TL, Peel JL. 2016. Interactions between diet and exposure to secondhand smoke on the prevalence of childhood obesity: results from NHANES, 2007–2010. Environ Health Perspect 124:1316–1322; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1510138
Natural thymocytotoxic autoantibody and reactive antigen in New Zealand black and other mice.

Naturally occurring thymocytotoxic autoantibody (NTA) was detected by cytotoxic test in the sera of very young New Zealand Black mice (within 1 month after birth); the incidence was 100% at 3 months of age. Some mice from other strains also had NTA, but at an older age and with lower incidence and antibody titer. NTA had optimal activity at 4 degrees C but was also strongly reactive at 37 degrees C. It was cytotoxic for thymocytes of all strains of mice tested. Whereas only thymocytes were highly sensitive to NTA, the reactive antigen was demonstrated by absorption test in the thymus, lymph node, spleen, and brain of adult mice. It could be demonstrated only in the thymus of newborn mice.The distribution of NTA-reactive antigen suggests the presence of an antigen distinct from any so far described on the cell surface of mouse thymocytes. Gel filtration of NZB mouse serum suggests that NTA is an IgM. Mouse thymocytes sensitized with NTA in vitro became highly susceptible to phagocytosis by syngeneic macrophages.
Parents' and pupils' causal attributions for difficult classroom behaviour.

BACKGROUND Studies of causal attributions for difficult pupil behaviour in schools have tended to focus on the perspectives of teachers. AIMS The present study examines the causal attributions made by parents for difficult behaviour in classrooms. It reveals the structure of these attributions and serves as a direct comparison to a previous study of pupils' attributions (Miller, Ferguson, & Byrne, 2000) and, more indirectly, with the teacher studies. SAMPLE The participants were 144 parents (106 mothers and 38 fathers) whose children all attended the same inner city school. METHOD A questionnaire was constructed following three initial small group interviews with parents to identify the wide range of factors they viewed as potential causes of difficult classroom behaviour. This was then administered to all the parents of children attending the same inner-city primary school. RESULTS Factor analysis indicated that parents' attributions for misbehaviour were best represented by three factors: (1) 'fairness of teachers' actions', (2) 'pupil vulnerability to peer influences and adverse family circumstances', and (3) 'differentiation of classroom demands and expectations'. While there were no differences between parents in terms of gender or ethnicity, they did see the first two factors as more significant contributors to pupil misbehaviour than the third. CONCLUSION There is both agreement and conflict between parents' attributions and those made by pupils and by teachers. The implementation of policy initiatives, such as home-school agreements and Pastoral Support Programmes, risk exacerbating tensions and difficulties if these differences in attributions are not acknowledged and acted upon.
Quantitative discrimination of hepatic reticuloendothelial clearance and phagocytic killing

An in vivo assay to quantify simultaneously two important components of hepatic reticuloendothelial system (RES) function—clearance and phagocytic killing—was developed in the rat. Intravenously injected E. coli labeled with Na51Cr and 5‐[123I]‐iodo‐2′‐deoxyuridine were cleared rapidly from the blood primarily by the liver. While hepatic 51Cr levels remained stable for 24 h following inoculation and provided a reliable measurement of clearance, hepatic 125I decreased over time. Hepatic 125I, calculated by sampling whole liver homogenates, accurately reflects the number of viable bacteria recovered from quantitative cultures of the same homogenates, thus validating this assay as a measure of bacteria killing. Pre‐treatment of rats with substances previously shown to affect RES function (gadolinium, zymosan, and sheep erythrocytes) were found to selectively modulate clearance and/or killing. The correlation between hepatic isotope levels and viable hepatic bacteria, the gold standard for assessing the capacity of the liver to remove organisms from the blood and kill them, was preserved under conditions of up‐ and down‐regulation of RES function. The ability to quantitatively discriminate two distinct components of the hepatic RES should provide a useful tool for future investigations of altered RES function. J. Leukoc. Biol. 55: 248–252; 1994.
Quality of Life of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease and Chronic Stable Angina

The Coronary Artery Disease in gENeral practiCE (CADENCE) study examined chronic stable angina (CSA). This further analysis examined atherosclerotic risk factors, symptomatic status, clinical management, and quality of life in patients with CSA with and without peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The CADENCE study involved 207 Australian general practitioners (GPs) recruiting 10 to 15 consecutively presenting patients with CSA (n = 2031). General practitioners completed a 2-page case report form, detailing demographic data, cardiovascular status, risk factors, and GP perception of control. Patients completed the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Patients with coexisting CSA and PAD (17%) were more likely to be older and had more comorbidities than patients with CSA without coexisting PAD. Patients with peripheral arterial disease had a longer history of heart disease and were more likely to experience angina on a weekly basis. Patients with peripheral arterial disease had poorer quality-of-life indices.
Experimental Disc Herniation: Evaluation of the Natural Course

Study Design. Changes in L7 nerve root conduction velocity and changes in appearance on magnetic resonance study of the L6‐L7 intervertebral disc in the dog were assessed for 2‐6 months after an experimental disc herniation was performed. Objectives. To assess the time‐related changes of nerve conduction velocity and magnetic resonance changes of the invertebral discs. Summary of Background Data. It is known that nucleus pulposus may induce nerve root morphologic and functional changes when applied epidurally. However, it is not known whether such changes are reversible. Methods. The spinal canal was opened by laminotomy of the upper part of the L7 lamina and the lower part of the L6 lamina on the left side. The L7 nerve root was gently retracted (sham) or the disc was punctured and injected with saline to produce herniation of the nucleus pulposus during the retraction time (herniation). After 1 day to 2 months, nerve root conduction velocity was determined by local electrical stimulation. Six dogs had the herniation or the sham procedure, and the L6‐L7 disc was studied by magnetic resonance imaging at various times up to 6 months after the procedure. Results. Decrease in nerve conduction velocity reached a maximum after 7 days and recovered to baseline level fully within 2 months. Although there was a clear reduction‐recovery pattern, the difference in conduction velocity compared with that of the sham group was statistically significant after only 7 days. Disc degeneration started in the herniated discs within 7 days after the herniation procedure. However, none of the experimentally induced disc herniations were visualized by magnetic resonance imaging 7 days after the procedure. In no case was there subsequent nerve root compression. In one case, disc protrusion was visible 6 months after the herniation procedure. Conclusions. The results demonstrate for the first time that nucleus pulposus‐induced nerve root injury reverses in 2 months and that it may be present without simultaneous nerve root compression, as confirmed by findings in magnetic resonance imaging. The previously described nucleus pulposus‐induced nerve root changes may therefore be of clinical importance, and experimental studies of these mechanisms will probably be relevant for expanded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanism behind sciatica that is caused by disc herniation.
Processing Speed Delays Contribute to Executive Function Deficits in Individuals with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum

Abstract Corpus callosum malformation and dysfunction are increasingly recognized causes of cognitive and behavioral disability. Individuals with agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC) offer unique insights regarding the cognitive skills that depend specifically upon callosal connectivity. We examined the impact of AgCC on cognitive inhibition, flexibility, and processing speed using the Color-Word Interference Test (CWIT) and Trail Making Test (TMT) from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. We compared 36 individuals with AgCC and IQs within the normal range to 56 matched controls. The AgCC cohort was impaired on timed measures of inhibition and flexibility; however, group differences on CWIT Inhibition, CWIT Inhibition/Switching and TMT Number-Letter Switching appear to be largely explained by slow performance in basic operations such as color naming and letter sequencing. On CWIT Inhibition/Switching, the AgCC group was found to commit significantly more errors which suggests that slow performance is not secondary to a cautious strategy. Therefore, while individuals with agenesis of the corpus callosum show real deficits on tasks of executive function, this impairment appears to be primarily a consequence of slow cognitive processing. Additional studies are needed to investigate the impact of AgCC on other aspects of higher order cortical function. (JINS, 2012, 18, 521–529)
Metabolomics Reveals Phospholipids as Important Nutrient Sources during Salmonella Growth in Bile In Vitro and In Vivo

ABSTRACT During the colonization of hosts, bacterial pathogens are presented with many challenges that must be overcome for colonization to occur successfully. This requires the bacterial sensing of the surroundings and adaptation to the conditions encountered. One of the major impediments to the pathogen colonization of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract is the antibacterial action of bile. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium has specific mechanisms involved in resistance to bile. Additionally, Salmonella can successfully multiply in bile, using it as a source of nutrients. This accomplishment is highly relevant to pathogenesis, as Salmonella colonizes the gallbladder of hosts, where it can be carried asymptomatically and promote further host spread and transmission. To gain insights into the mechanisms used by Salmonella to grow in bile, we studied the changes elicited by Salmonella in the chemical composition of bile during growth in vitro and in vivo through a metabolomics approach. Our data suggest that phospholipids are an important source of carbon and energy for Salmonella during growth in the laboratory as well as during gallbladder infections of mice. Further studies in this area will generate a better understanding of how Salmonella exploits this generally hostile environment for its own benefit.
Dampening General Equilibrium: From Micro to Macro

We argue that standard modeling practices often overstate the potency of general-equilibrium (GE) mechanisms. We formalize the notion that GE adjustment is weak, or that it takes time, by modifying an elementary Walrasian economy in two alternative manners. In one, we replace Rational Expectations Equilibrium with solution concepts that mimic Tâtonnement or Cobweb dynamics, Level-k Thinking, Reflective Equilibrium, and certain kinds of cognitive discounting. In the other, we maintain rational expectations but remove common knowledge of aggregate shocks and accommodate higher-order uncertainty. This permits us, not only to illustrate the broader plausibility of the notion that the GE adjustment may be weak or slow, but also to illustrate the sense in which our preferred approach—the one based on lack of common knowledge—can be seen as a disciplined substitute to certain kinds of bounded rationality. We finally discuss possible applications, including how our results may help reduce the gap between the macroeconomic effects of interest and the micro or local effects estimated in a growing empirical literature.
Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in non-pulmonary diseases

Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) represents the only exhaled biomarker that has reached clinical practice even in primary care settings, due to the non-invasiveness of its assessment and ease of repeat measurements, even in patients with severe airflow obstruction. While FENO has been suggested as a readily determined biomarker that can aid in the diagnosis and management of asthma, its potential role in pathophysiology of non-pulmonary diseases is less clear and therefore remains to be established. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the current literature investigating the use of FENO in the diagnosis and management of non-pulmonary diseases.
Genes involved in immunity to the lantibiotic nisin produced by Lactococcus lactis 6F3

The lantibiotic nisin is produced by several strains of Lactococcus lactis. The complete gene cluster for nisin biosynthesis in L. lactis 6F3 comprises 15 kb of DNA. As described previously, the structural gene nisA is followed by the genes nisB, nisT, nisC, nisI, nisP, nisR, and nisK. Further analysis revealed three additional open reading frames, nisF, nisE, and nisG, adjacent to nisK. Approximately 1 kb downstream of the nisG gene, three open reading frames in the opposite orientation have been identified. One of the reading frames, sacR, belongs to the sucrose operon, indicating that all genes belonging to the nisin gene cluster of L. lactis 6F3 have now been identified. Proteins NisF and NisE show strong homology to members of the family of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and nisG encodes a hydrophobic protein which might act similarly to the immunity proteins described for several colicins. Gene disruption mutants carrying mutations in the genes nisF, nisE, and nisG were still able to produce nisin. However, in comparison with the wild-type strain, these mutants were more sensitive to nisin. This indicates that besides nisI the newly identified genes are also involved in immunity to nisin. The NisF-NisE ABC transporter is homologous to an ABC transporter of Bacillus subtilis and the MbcF-MbcE transporter of Escherichia coli, which are involved in immunity to subtilin and microcin B17, respectively.
Inhibition of glycine transporter‐1 reduces cue‐induced nicotine‐seeking, but does not promote extinction of conditioned nicotine cue responding in the rat

Pharmacological stimulation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDAr) could enhance the outcome of cue‐exposure therapy for smoking cessation. NMDAr stimulation can be achieved by increasing pharmacologically the synaptic levels of glycine, a necessary co‐agonist. Here, we evaluate the effects of SSR504734, a selective inhibitor of glycine type I transporter (GlyT1) in an extinction‐reinstatement procedure inducing robust and lasting nicotine‐seeking behavior in rats. Male Wistar rats were trained to associate discriminative stimuli (SDs) with the availability of nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/65 μL/2 second/infusion) or sucrose (45‐mg pellet) versus non‐reward in two‐lever operant cages. Reinforced response was followed by cue signaling 20‐second time‐out (CSs). Once the training criterion was met, rats underwent extinction of lever presses, in the absence of reinforcers, SDs and CSs. Re‐exposure to nicotine or sucrose SD+/CS+, but not non‐reward SD−/CS−, revived responding at the previously reinforced lever. Acute pre‐treatment with SSR504734 (10 mg/kg i.p.) reduced nicotine‐seeking but not sucrose‐seeking behavior without influencing rats' locomotor activity. Sub‐chronic treatment (10 mg/kg i.p. for 5 days) during daily exposure to SD+/CS+ reduced nicotine‐seeking; however, this effect was transient, with return to SD+/CS+ responding at 72 hours. Full recovery to SD+/CS+ responding was observed after 1 month suggesting that SSR504734 sub‐acute treatment did not engage the long‐term plasticity mechanisms probably involved in nicotine‐seeking. In conclusion, GlyT1‐inhibitors might offer a therapeutic opportunity for acute cue‐controlled nicotine‐seeking, but the lack of persistent effects of the sub‐chronic treatment associated with nicotine cues exposure suggests that short‐term administration of GlyT1‐inhibitor SSR504734 is not sufficient to promote extinction of nicotine‐cue conditioned responding.
NUS at the HOO 2012 Shared Task

This paper describes the submission of the National University of Singapore (NUS) to the HOO 2012 shared task. Our system uses a pipeline of confidence-weighted linear classifiers to correct determiner and preposition errors. Our system achieves the highest correction F1 score on the official test set among all 14 participating teams, based on gold-standard edits both before and after revision.
Intracellular Uncoating of Type 5 Adenovirus Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Highly purified, 32P-labeled type 5 adenovirus was employed to study “uncoating” of viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)—defined as the development of sensitivity to deoxyribonuclease. Viral infectivity and radioactivity adsorbed to KB cells at the same rate, and significant amounts of 32P did not elute from cells throughout the eclipse period. Kinetic studies of viral penetration, eclipse of infectivity, and uncoating of viral DNA indicated that the three events were closely related temporally, that the rates of each were similar, and that they were completed within 60 to 90 min after infection. Viral penetration, eclipse, and uncoating proceeded normally under conditions which blocked protein synthesis, but they did not occur at 0 to 4 C. Neither viral DNA nor viral protein was degraded to acid-soluble material during the eclipse period. The nature of adenovirus DNA was studied after it was converted intracellularly from deoxyribonuclease-resistant to deoxyribonuclease-susceptible. Intact virions centrifuged in sucrose gradients had a sedimentation coefficient of approximately 800, and viral DNA sedimented as a particle of about 30S. Infection of KB cells with purified 32P-labeled virus yielded deoxyribonuclease-susceptible viral nucleic acid which was in particles with sedimentation coefficients of 350 to 450S, i.e., greater than 10 times faster than DNA obtained from purified virions which had been disrupted by exposure to pH 10.5. When the DNA from disrupted virions was mixed with cell lysates, its sedimentation characteristics were essentially unchanged by the presence of cellular material.