Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Past and Recent Salted Fish and Preserved Food Intakes Are Weakly Associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Risk in Adults in Southern China.

BACKGROUND Chinese-style salted fish intake in early life is considered an established risk factor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, results for adult intakes of salted fish and preserved foods are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to ascertain the relations of Chinese-style hard and soft salted fish and preserved food intakes with NPC risk. METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control study in southern China with 2554 NPC cases identified through a rapid case ascertainment system and 2648 healthy controls, frequency-matched on age, sex, and area. Subjects (aged 20-74 y) were interviewed via a food-frequency questionnaire, including information on portion size. Data were also collected on alcohol consumption and potential confounders. Food intake was grouped into 3-5 energy-adjusted intake levels during adulthood (10 y prior) and adolescence (16-18 y). For childhood (at age 10 y), intake frequency of selected food items was collected. Multivariate-adjusted ORs with 95% CIs were estimated via logistic regression. RESULTS We found no association between NPC and intake of hard Chinese-style salted fish during adulthood, and an increased risk at the highest level of intake during adolescence (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.39). In contrast, we found a decreased risk for the middle intake level of soft salted fish during adulthood (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.81) and adolescence (OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.85). Preserved foods showed contrasting risk profiles, e.g., the highest adult intake level of salted egg (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.87) and fermented black beans (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.80). Associations with NPC were weaker than previously reported, e.g., for weekly childhood intake of salted fish (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.97). CONCLUSIONS Hard and soft salted fish have different risk profiles. Salted fish and other preserved foods were at most weak risk factors for NPC in all periods and may play a smaller role in NPC occurrence than previously thought.
Home energy efficiency and radon: An observational study

Abstract Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide behind smoking. Changing the energy characteristics of a dwelling can influence both its thermal and ventilative properties, which can affect indoor air quality. This study uses radon measurements made in 470 689 UK homes between 1980 and 2015, linked to dwelling information contained within the Home Energy Efficiency Database (HEED). The linked dataset, the largest of its kind, was used to analyze the association of housing and energy performance characteristics with indoor radon concentrations in the UK. The findings show that energy efficiency measures that increase the airtightness of properties are observed to have an adverse association with indoor radon levels. Homes with double glazing installed had radon measurements with a significantly higher geometric mean, 67% (95% CI: 44, 89) greater than those without a recorded fabric retrofit. Those with loft insulation (47%, 95% CI: 26, 69) and wall insulation (32%, 95% CI: 11, 53) were also found to have higher radon readings. Improving the energy performance of the UK's housing stock is vital in meeting carbon emission reduction targets. However, compromising indoor air quality must be avoided through careful assessment and implementation practices.
The Tautomerase Active Site of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Is a Potential Target for Discovery of Novel Anti-inflammatory Agents*

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an immunoregulatory protein that is a potential therapeutic target for a number of inflammatory diseases. Evidence exists that an unexpected catalytic active site of MIF may have a biological function. To gain further insight into the role of the catalytic active site, a series of mutational, structural, and biological activity studies were performed. The insertion of an alanine between Pro-1 and Met-2 (PAM) abolishes a non-physiological catalytic activity, and this mutant is defective in the in vitro glucocorticoid counter-regulatory activity of MIF. The crystal structure of MIF complexed to (S,R)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazole acetic acid methyl ester (ISO-1), an inhibitor of MIFd-dopachrome tautomerase activity, reveals that ISO-1 binds to the same position of the active site asp-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, a substrate of MIF. ISO-1 inhibits several MIF biological activities, further establishing a role for the catalytic active site of MIF.
The unconventional philosophy of science of behavior analysis.

In a nutshell, my problem with Staddon's essay is that it endorses an implicit philosophy of science that is not behavior analytic and that makes no reference to how analysis in terms of verbal behavior may bear upon scientific practice and the generation of technical vocabularies. The essay is couched in terms of explanations and theories and models and fundamental knowledge, but does not say how these terms bear on the behavior analyst's behavior when the behavior analyst explains or theorizes or models or knows. But first, a rhetorical matter: I was puzzled by Staddon's account of "behavioristic correctness" in the "insistence on particular terms" (Staddon, p. 442). He uses the term consequential from an editorial of mine as an example, when that word is hardly part of the mainstream behavioral vocabulary, in that many other behavior-analytic writers would have used reinforcing in its place. My shift to the term consequences was a move toward a more colloquial usage, chosen in large part because it does not prejudge behavioral effect and because it is not technical (it is in most standard dictionaries). If Staddon thinks that saying that a response has consequences means something more than the response has some environmental effect, he should say what he thinks that something more is. And if he wishes to speak of "behavioristic correctness," he should document the phenomenon more carefully. I have prepared some behavior-analytic glossaries, but have routinely qualified them with statements such as the following: "A set of definitions must be treated as a preliminary guide to the basic classifications and concepts in the relevant literature rather than as an inflexible set of rules" (Catania, 1992, p. 362). Perhaps behavior analysts are not as homogeneous a group as Staddon seems to think.
Effect of nucleolin on adriamycin resistance via the regulation of B‐cell lymphoma 2 expression in Burkitt's lymphoma cells

Nucleolin (NCL, C23) is an important nucleocytoplasmic multifunctional protein. Due to its multifaceted profile and high expression in cancer, NCL is considered to be a marker of drug resistance associated with chemotherapy. However, the biochemical mechanisms in which NCL suppresses drug sensitivity in several cancers have yet to be fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the effect of NCL on drug sensitivity and its potential mechanism in CA46 Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells. CA46 BL cells were transfected with lentiviruses carrying the NCL gene (CA46‐NCL‐overexpression, CA46‐NCL‐OE), or shRNA sequences that target the endogenous NCL gene (CA46‐NCL‐knockdown, CA46‐NCL‐KD). Adriamycin (ADM) IC50 levels for CA46‐NCL‐overexpressed (OE), CA46‐NCL‐OE control (OEC), CA46‐NCL‐knockdown (KD), and CA46‐NCL‐KD control (KDC) cells were 0.68 ± 0.06 μg/ml, 0.68 ± 0.06 μg/ml, 0.68 ± 0.06 μg/ml, and 0.30 ± 0.04 μg/ml, respectively. Apoptosis rates were significantly increased following NCL KD, whereas the opposite effect was noted in OE cells. A significant reduction of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) mRNA and protein levels in KD cells was observed, while OE cells displayed the opposite effect. The stability of Bcl‐2 mRNA was influenced by NCL levels, the half‐life of which was extended after NCL‐OE, whereas it was reduced in KD cells. Finally, results of RNA‐immunoprecipitation assays indicated that NCL could bind to Bcl‐2 mRNA in CA46 cells. Taken together, these results suggested that NCL could mediate Bcl‐2 expression and stability, and thus enhance ADM resistance in CA46 BL cells.
Validation of fluorescent microsphere technique for measurement of organ perfusion with simplified sample processing method abbreviated title : sedimentation technique for fluorescent microspheres

A disadvantage of non-radioactive microsphere techniques is that the processing of samples is time consuming and complex. We developed and validated a simplified processing method for the fluorescent microsphere (FM) technique. In 7 anesthetized dogs with coronary artery stenosis up to 6 different FM and 5 different radioactively labeled microspheres (RM) were injected, 2 FM and 2 RM labels being injected simultaneously to enable inter and intra-method comparison. After gamma counting samples of blood, myocardium (n=168) and other organs (n=59) were digested in test tubes using ethanolic KOH 2N (60°C, 48 hour), microspheres were sedimentated by centrifugation and dye was extracted in the same tube followed by fluorescence measurement. Using this processing method recovery of FM was nearly 100%. Good correlations for interand intra-method comparisons were found, r was 0.985±0.01 (mean±s.d.), the lower inter-method correlation for blue microspheres (r=0.958) indicate that the use of this label is less desirable. Also RM and FM endo/epicardial blood flow ratios correlated well (r=0.974). Using this one vessel centrifugal sedimentation method and at least 5 fluorescently labeled microspheres, blood flow can be reliably measured in various organs, including ischemic myocardium. Index Terms coronary blood flow myocardial ischemia radioactive microspheres tissue digestion microsphere isolation organ perfusion
Heterogeneity in granular corneal dystrophy: Identification of three causative mutations in the TGFBI (BIGH3) gene—Lessons for corneal amyloidogenesis

Six autosomal dominant corneal dystrophies are caussed by mutations in the TGFBI (BIGH3) gene on chromosome 5q31: three types of lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD), including type I and type IIIA, granular, Avellino (ACD), and Reis‐Bucklers. Initially an exact genotype‐phenotype correlation was reported. We report three families, with differing clinical features, all presenting with “granular” corneal dystrophy. We analysed the TGFBI gene by SSCP analysis and direct sequencing in order to further assess the genotype‐phenotype correlation. We describe three separate mutations in TGFBI: one novel, one initially described as causing ACD, and one previously described. The novel mutation, R124S, is at the identical position to the mutation causing LCD type I (CDL1). We review the clinical and histological phenotypes of the corneal dystrophies and hypothesize that the ability of a mutation to cause amyloid deposition depends on the location and nature of the mutation. In addition, we suggest that the classification of the granular corneal dystrophies be revised according to mutation type and that ACD should not be classified as a distinct morphological entity. Hum Mutat 14:126–132, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of membrane association and kinase activity of Cdk5–p35 by phosphorylation of p35

Although protein kinase Cdk5–p35 is important in many aspects of the development and function of the central nervous system, relatively little is known about its regulation. In the present study, we examined the relationship between the association of this kinase with membranes and its activity in perinatal and adult rat brains. Cdk5–p35 in perinatal brain exhibited higher activity than that found in adult tissue. Gel filtration chromatography revealed that a portion of Cdk5–p35 from fetal brain occurred as a soluble complex, whereas Cdk5–p35 in adult brain occurred predominantly as a membrane‐bound complex. Furthermore, soluble Cdk5–p35 in perinatal brain displayed elevated kinase activity, whereas membrane‐bound Cdk5–p35 was highly active only in the presence of detergent. This more active soluble form of Cdk5–p35 correlated to a form in which p35 was phosphorylated, whereas the less active membrane‐bound form of Cdk5 correlated to the dephosphorylated form of p35, as evidenced by a downward shift in electrophoretic mobility. Cdk5 activity and transition from soluble to membrane‐associated compartments could be modulated by conditions that affected the phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of p35. For example, dephosphorylation of p35 in brain extracts was suppressed by selective inhibition of protein phosphatase‐1. Together, these results suggest that the kinase activity of Cdk5–p35 is regulated through its association with membranes, which in turn is under the control of Cdk5‐dependent phosphorylation and protein phosphatase‐1–dependent dephosphorylation of p35. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organizational Justice

This chapter frames the development of the justice literature around three literature-level trends: differentiation, cognition, and exogeneity. The differentiation trend has impacted how justice is conceptualized, with additional justice dimensions being further segmented into different sources. The cognition trend has created a rational, calculative theme to the most visible justice theories. The exogeneity trend has resulted in justice occupying the independent variable position in most empirical studies. Taken together, these trends have resulted in a vibrant and active literature. However, I will argue that the next phase of the literature’s evolution will benefit from a relaxation—or even reversal—of these trends. Path-breaking contributions may be more likely to result from the aggregation of justice concepts, a focus on affect, and the identification of predictors of justice.
Gender differences in eating disorder symptoms in young adults.

OBJECTIVE The major goal of this study was to identify problematic eating behaviors and attitudes in young men and compare them with those of young women. METHOD A community sample of young adults (n = 1,056) completed a questionnaire that contained the Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Body Dissatisfaction subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory, as well as probes for inappropriate compensatory behaviors, excessive exercise, and episodes of binge eating. RESULTS A five-factor structure fit both male and female samples. Women had substantially elevated scores on all of the factors except excessive exercise, for which men had significantly higher scores. The absolute proportion of men and women wanting or having sought treatment was very low. However, at comparable levels of problematic eating behaviors, women were more likely to have sought treatment than men. DISCUSSION The questionnaire used in this study encompasses symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders symptoms, which should prove useful in future research.
Use of confocal scanning laser microscopy to measure the concentrations of aerial and penetrative hyphae during growth of Rhizopus oligosporus on a solid surface

In order to develop a method for use in investigations of spatial biomass distribution in solid‐state fermentation systems, confocal scanning laser microscopy was used to determine the concentrations of aerial and penetrative biomass against height and depth above and below the substrate surface, during growth of Rhizopus oligosporus on potato dextrose agar. Penetrative hyphae had penetrated to a depth of 0.445 cm by 64 h and showed rhizoid morphology, in which the maximum biomass concentration, of 4.45 mg dry wt cm−3, occurred at a depth of 0.075 cm. For aerial biomass the maximum density of 39.54 mg dry wt −3 occurred at the substrate surface. For both aerial and penetrative biomass, there were two distinct regions in which the biomass concentration decayed exponentially with distance from the surface. For aerial biomass, the first exponential decay region was up to 0.1 cm height. The second region above the height of 0.1 cm corresponded to that in which sporangiophores dominated. This work lays the foundation for deeper studies into what controls the growth of fungal hyphae above and below the surfaces of solid substrates. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 84: 71–77, 2003.
Innovation intermediaries: a process view on open innovation coordination

The paper reports an action study of seven innovation projects with collaborative partnerships in inter-organisational networks that are facilitated by innovation intermediaries. It contributes to open innovation literature the understanding of innovation processes as nested processes of co-creation on the one side and economic exchange on the other side. While innovation project management and (online) market places are well researched as distinct strategic positions, our observations suggest a third strategic position for innovation intermediaries as process coordinators with strategic innovation capabilities. The paper identifies matchmaking and innovation process design, management of collaborative projects, project valuation and portfolio management as three such strategic capabilities and identifies directions for future research on this emerging phenomenon.
Long-Term Potentiation in Hilar Circuitry Modulates Gating by the Dentate Gyrus

The dentate gyrus serves as a gateway to the hippocampus, filtering and processing sensory inputs as an animal explores its environment. The hilus occupies a strategic position within the dentate gyrus from which it can play a pivotal role in these functions. Inputs from dentate granule cells converge on the hilus, and excitatory hilar mossy cells redistribute these signals back to granule cells to transform a pattern of cortical input into a new pattern of output to the hippocampal CA3 region. Using voltage-sensitive dye to image electrical activity in rat hippocampal slices, we explored how long-term potentiation (LTP) of different excitatory synapses modifies the flow of information. Theta burst stimulation of the perforant path potentiated responses throughout the molecular layer, but left responses in the CA3 region unchanged. By contrast, theta burst stimulation of the granule cell layer potentiated responses throughout the molecular layer, as well as in the CA3 region. Theta burst stimulation of the granule cell layer potentiated CA3 responses not only to granule cell layer stimulation but also to perforant path stimulation. Potentiation of responses in the CA3 region reflected NMDA receptor-dependent LTP of upstream synapses between granule cells and mossy cells, with no detectable contribution from NMDA receptor-independent LTP of local CA3 mossy fiber synapses. Potentiation of transmission to the CA3 region required LTP in both granule cell→mossy cell and mossy cell→granule cell synapses. This bidirectional plasticity enables hilar circuitry to regulate the flow of information through the dentate gyrus and on to the hippocampus.
Assessing the Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Breast Cancer Mortality in the United States

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among women aged 40–55 in the United States and currently affects more than one in ten women worldwide. It is also one of the most diagnosed cancers in women both in wealthy and poor countries. Fortunately, the mortality rate from breast cancer has decreased in recent years due to increased emphasis on early detection and more effective treatments in White population. Although the mortality rates have declined in some ethnic populations, the overall cancer incidence among African American and Hispanic populations has continued to grow. The goal of the present review article was to highlight similarities and differences in breast cancer morbidity and mortality rates primarily among African American women compared to White women in the United States. To reach our goal, we conducted a search of articles in journals with a primary focus on minority health, and authors who had published articles on racial/ethnic disparity related to breast cancer patients. A systematic search of original research was conducted using MEDLINE, PUBMED and Google Scholar databases. We found that racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer may be attributed to a large number of clinical and non-clinical risk factors including lack of medical coverage, barriers to early detection and screening, more advanced stage of disease at diagnosis among minorities, and unequal access to improvements in cancer treatment. Many African American women have frequent unknown or unstaged breast cancers than White women. These risk factors may explain the differences in breast cancer treatment and survival rate between African American women and White women. New strategies and approaches are needed to promote breast cancer prevention, improve survival rate, reduce breast cancer mortality, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of racial/ethnic minorities.
Selective chemotherapy of noncycling cells in an in vitro tumor model.

Summary The electron-affinic drug, metronidazole, preferentially killed noncycling cells in multicellular spheroids as determined using histology-autoradiography and colony-formation methods. This and other similar chemicals may be cytotoxic to the noncycling cells, due to their specific metabolic state and local environmental conditions, and should be useful in combination with cell cycle-specific agents in chemotherapy.
Retinal Waves Modulate an Intraretinal Circuit of Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells

Before the maturation of rod and cone photoreceptors, the developing retina relies on light detection by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) to drive early light-dependent behaviors. ipRGCs are output neurons of the retina; however, they also form functional microcircuits within the retina itself. Whether ipRGC microcircuits exist during development and whether they influence early light detection remain unknown. Here, we investigate the neural circuit that underlies the ipRGC-driven light response in developing mice. We use a combination of calcium imaging, tracer coupling, and electrophysiology experiments to show that ipRGCs form extensive gap junction networks that strongly contribute to the overall light response of the developing retina. Interestingly, we found that gap junction coupling was modulated by spontaneous retinal waves, such that acute blockade of waves dramatically increased the extent of coupling and hence increased the number of light-responsive neurons. Moreover, using an optical sensor, we found that this wave-dependent modulation of coupling is driven by dopamine that is phasically released by retinal waves. Our results demonstrate that ipRGCs form gap junction microcircuits during development that are modulated by retinal waves; these circuits determine the extent of the light response and thus potentially impact the processing of early visual information and light-dependent developmental functions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Light-dependent functions in early development are mediated by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Here we show that ipRGCs form an extensive gap junction network with other retinal neurons, including other ipRGCs, which shapes the retina's overall light response. Blocking cholinergic retinal waves, which are the primary source of neural activity before maturation of photoreceptors, increased the extent of ipRGC gap junction networks, thus increasing the number of light-responsive cells. We determined that this modulation of ipRGC gap junction networks occurs via dopamine released by waves. These results demonstrate that retinal waves mediate dopaminergic modulation of gap junction networks to regulate pre-vision light responses.