Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Two Polymorphisms on p21cip1 Function and Their Association with Alzheimer’s Disease in a Population of European Descent

With the exception of ApoE4, genome-wide association studies have failed to identify strong genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, despite strong evidence of heritability, suggesting that many low penetrance genes may be involved. Additionally, the nature of the identified genetic risk factors and their relation to disease pathology is also largely obscure. Previous studies have found that a cancer-associated variant of the cell cycle inhibitor gene p21cip1 is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this study was to confirm this association and to elucidate the effects of the variant on protein function and Alzheimer-type pathology. We examined the association of the p21cip1 variant with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease with dementia. The genotyping studies were performed on 719 participants of the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing, 225 participants of a Parkinson’s disease DNA bank, and 477 participants of the Human Random Control collection available from the European Collection of Cell Cultures. The post mortem studies were carried out on 190 participants. In the in-vitro study, human embryonic kidney cells were transfected with either the common or rare p21cip1 variant; and cytometry was used to assess cell cycle kinetics, p21cip1 protein expression and sub-cellular localisation. The variant was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease with dementia, relative to age matched controls. Furthermore, the variant was associated with an earlier age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and a more severe phenotype, with a primary influence on the accumulation of tangle pathology. In the in-vitro study, we found that the SNPs reduced the cell cycle inhibitory and anti-apoptotic activity of p21cip1. The results suggest that the cancer-associated variant of p21cip1 may contribute to the loss of cell cycle control in neurons that may lead to Alzheimer-type neurodegeneration.
Book Reviews : Educational Inequality - mapping race, class and gender

The authors skilfully draw together and compare data and findings on the relationship between attainment and race, class and gender. Evidence includes DfEE data, LEA submissions in application for EMAG (Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant) and the Youth Cohort Study of England and Wales. Data relates to the main minority ethnic groups Black Caribbean, Black African, Black other, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi. (Gypsy and Traveller children were covered by another project, and Chinese children excluded because of low numbers in each locality and a greater proportion educated outside the state sector.) Some data sources were necessarily incomplete, as even bids for EMAG funding have varied between authorities, and a third of those authorities bidding for these funds had not kept attainment data crossreferenced to ethnic group.
Comparison of D → K 0 S π and D → K 0 L π Decay Rates

We present measurements of D → K Sπ and D → K 0 Lπ branching fractions using 281 pb −1 of ψ(3770) data at the CLEO-c experiment. We find that B(D → K Sπ ) is larger than B(D → K Lπ ), with an asymmetry of R(D) = 0.108 ± 0.025 ± 0.024. For B(D → K Sπ ) and B(D → K Lπ ), we observe no measurable difference; the asymmetry is R(D) = 0.022±0.016±0.018. The D asymmetry is consistent with the value based on the U-spin prediction A(D → Kπ)/A(D → K̄π) = − tan θC , where θC is the Cabibbo angle.
Affective Coloring of Personality from Young Adulthood to Midlife

New Adjective Check List (ACL) scales (Gough, Bradley, and Bedeian) to measure Tellegen's dimensions of positive emotionality (PEM), negative emotionality (NEM), and constraint (CNS) were scoredfor a longitudinal sample of women and their male partners over 25 years. For women, data were available to show that convergent and discriminant relations with life data and selected personality traits across time supported the construct validity and usefulness of NEM, PEM, and, to a lesser extent, CNS. Rank order stability coefficients ranged from . 51 to . 65 and were similar to those obtained for other personality scales. In line with expectations, the women increased in PEM and CNS and decreased in NEM. Analyses of 21 couples studied at two times suggested that both men and women decreased in NEM and that women may have increased more than men in PEM. In these and all other couples, women tended to score higher on NEM than partners in young adulthood and higher on PEM than partners in mature middle age.
The Impact of Detention and Deportation on Latino Immigrant Children and Families: A Quantitative Exploration

Children of Latino immigrants, many of whom live in “mixed-status” families, are a rapidly growing group in the United States. It is widely accepted that their development is affected by multiple and complex factors, including those in their distal context (e.g., laws, institutions, policies). Despite the enormity of the deportation system and its vigorous implementation in recent years, little research has investigated how this particular component of the distal context affects Latino immigrant families. The present survey was designed to statistically explore the impact of detention/deportation on Latino immigrant parents and children (N = 132). Regression analyses indicated that (1) parents with higher levels of legal vulnerability report a greater impact of detention/ deportation on the family environment (parent emotional well-being, ability to provide financially, and relationships with their children) and children’s well-being (child’s emotional well-being and academic performance) and (2) parents’ legal vulnerability and the impact of detention/deportation on the family predict outcomes for children. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Invertebrate specific D1‐like dopamine receptor in control of salivary glands in the black‐legged tick Ixodes scapularis

The control of tick salivary secretion, which plays a crucial role in compromising the host immune system, involves complex neural mechanisms. Dopamine is known to be the most potent activator of salivary secretion, as a paracrine/autocrine factor. We describe the invertebrate‐specific D1‐like dopamine receptor (InvD1L), which is highly expressed in tick salivary glands. The InvD1L phylogenic clade was found only in invertebrates, suggesting that this receptor was lost in vertebrates during evolution. InvD1L expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐K1 cells was activated by dopamine with a median effective dose (EC50) of 1.34 μM. Immunohistochemistry using the antibody raised against InvD1L revealed two different types of immunoreactivities: basally located axon terminals that are colocalized with myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) and SIFamide neuropeptides, and longer axon‐like processes that are positive only for the InvD1L antibody and extended to the apical parts of the acini. Both structures were closely associated with the myoepithelial cell, as visualized by beta‐tubulin antibody, lining the acinar lumen in a web‐like fashion. Subcellular localizations of InvD1L in the salivary gland suggest that InvD1L modulates the neuronal activities including MIP/SIFamide varicosities, and leads the contraction of myoepithelial cells and/or of the acinar valve to control the efflux of the luminal content. Combining the previously described D1 receptor with its putative function for activating an influx of fluid through the epithelial cells of acini, we propose that complex control of the tick salivary glands is mediated through two different dopamine receptors, D1 and InvD1L, for different downstream responses of the acinar cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2038–2052, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy and Safety of Acotiamide for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. There are no treatments with established efficacy for this disorder so far. Aim. To systematically review the efficacy of acotiamide in the treatment of patients with FD. Methods. We searched main electronic databases through November 2013. RCTs evaluating the efficacy of acotiamide versus placebo in FD patients were included. Pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidential interval (CI) was calculated. Results. Six publications including seven RCTs were eligible for inclusion. The summary RR of overall improvement of FD symptoms in patients receiving acotiamide versus placebo was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.19–1.40, P < 0.00001; I 2 = 15%). Acotiamide improved the symptoms of patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.09–1.53, P = 0.003; I 2 = 0%), and the summary RR for patients with epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.76–1.11, P = 0.39; I 2 = 0%). Acotiamide showed a significantly beneficial effect on the elimination of some individual FD symptoms compared with placebo. Adverse events were not significantly different between acotiamide and placebo groups. Subgroup analyses suggested that acotiamide 100 mg three times daily (tid) showed consistent efficacy not only for the overall improvement but also for the elimination of some individual symptoms in FD patients. Conclusions. Acotiamide has the potential to improve the symptoms of patients with FD, particularly of patients with PDS, without major adverse effects. The dosage of acotiamide 100 mg tid might be the appropriate dose in the treatment of FD.
Assessment and Intervention for English Language Learners With Primary Language Impairment

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experiencing the exciting challenge of serving increasing numbers of English Language Learners (ELLs) in U.S. schools. When ELLs struggle in school, they may be overreferred for speech-language services. SLPs are routinely expected to differentiate a language difference based on cultural, linguistic, and environmental characteristics from an underlying primary language impairment (PLI). This tutorial is designed to guide researchers and practicing professionals in the selection of research-based best practices for assessment and intervention for ELLs with potential PLI.
Influence of mycophenolic acid and tacrolimus on homocysteine metabolism.

BACKGROUND The effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism is unknown. METHODS This in vitro study examined whether mycophenolic acid or tacrolimus influences the formation of Hcy as determined by measuring the total Hcy (tHcy) concentrations in supernatants of human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. Cells were incubated with and without vitamins (folate, vitamin B6 and B12) in the presence of low or high methionine concentrations at different mycophenolic acid (0, or 5, or 20 microg/mL) or tacrolimus (0, or 10, or 25 ng/mL) concentrations for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The concentration of tHcy in culture supernatants was measured by a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The effect of MMF on tHcy plasma levels was also examined in 454 kidney graft recipients. RESULTS Comparisons of tHcy levels in culture supernatants over time by four way ANOVA showed that methionine concentration (P < 0.00001), time (P < 0.00001), vitamins (P = 0.002728), and mycophenolic acid concentration (P = 0.000095) were all significant predictors of tHcy concentrations. This was due to significantly lower tHcy levels with using mycophenolic acid at a high concentration versus control at the 48- and 72-hour time points. By contrast, tacrolimus showed no effect in vitro. Among the kidney graft recipients, male patients on MMF therapy showed lower plasma tHcy concentrations as compared to those on azathioprine (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION Our study suggests a tHcy lowering effect of MMF in male transplant recipients, which improves the cardiovascular disease risk profile, whereas tacrolimus showed no effect.
Neuroactive conducting scaffolds: nerve growth factor conjugation on active ester-functionalized polypyrrole

Electrically conductive and biologically active scaffolds are desirable for enhancing adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of a number of cell types such as neurons. Hence, the incorporation of neuroactive molecules into electroconductive polymers via a specific and stable method is essential for neuronal tissue engineering applications. Traditional conjugation approaches dramatically impair conductivities and/or stabilities of the scaffolds and ligands. In this study, we developed copolymers (PPy-NSE) of N-hydroxyl succinimidyl ester pyrrole and regular pyrrole, which can be immobilized with nerve growth factor (NGF) without significantly hindering electroconductivity. The presence of active ester groups was confirmed using reflectance infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) from the copolymers prepared from different monomer compositions. We selected PPy-NSE50 (polymerized from a 50 : 50 monomer ratio of pyrrole : pyrrole-NSE) for further modification with NGF because this copolymer retains good conductivity (approx. 8 S cm−1) and presents active ester groups for NGF immobilization. We tethered NGF on the PPy-NSE50 surface, and found that PC12 cells extended neurites similarly to cells cultured in NGF-containing medium. XPS and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that NGF immobilized via the active ester on the PPy-NSE50 film was stable for up to 5 days in phosphate-buffered saline solution. Also, application of an external electrical potential to NGF-immobilized PPy films did not cause a significant release of NGF nor reduce their neurotrophic activity. This novel scaffold, providing electroconductive and neurotrophic activities, has potential for neural applications, such as tissue engineering scaffolds and biosensors.
Masculine (Instrumental) and Feminine (Expressive) Traits

A German version of Spence and Helmreich's Extended Personal Attributes Questionnaire (EPAQ), a measure of socially desirable and undesirable components of "Masculine" instrumentality and "feminine" expressivity, was administered to three samples in West Germany to determine whether its psychometric properties in that setting were similar to those found in samples in the United States. Factor analyses and scale intercorrelations conducted on the data from male and female high school and college students closely replicated the results reported for U.S. groups. Significant sex differences in the predicted direction were also found on all scales. The data thus support the conceptual model of masculine and feminine personality traits proposed by Spence and Helmreich as being useful for another country, West Germany, as well as the usefulness of the EPAQ as a measuring device. In addition, intracultural comparisons of the German samples were conducted to determine the relevance of the personality dimensions tapped by the EPAQ to vocational self-selection. Significant differences in theoretically reasonable directions were found be-ween high school and college students and samples of individuals enrolled in a social work training program and a training program for nursery school teachers.
Cardiovascular Diseases among Suiciders: A Population-Based Study in Northern Finland Population

Objective. Depression has been found to be an independent risk factor with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and also associated with increased mortality among these patients. Method. We used a comprehensive database of all suicides (n = 2, 283) committed in Northern Finland with information on all hospital-treated cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric disorders. Results. Coronary artery disease (CAD) had been present in 7.7% and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 11.6% of the suiciders. The likelihood of suicide for patients with hospital-treated CAD was estimated to be two-fold compared to the general population while likelihood for suicide was not elevated among those with other CVDs. Males with CAD and females with CAD or any CVD had been hospitalized significantly more often with depression compared to reference group. Conclusions. Suicidality among patients with cardiovascular diseases has been suggested to associate with depression. Psychiatric consultation is highly recommended in clinical practice for cardiac patients with depression or alcohol-related disorders.
Test Anxiety: A Multifaceted Study on the Perceptions of Teachers, Principals, Counselors, Students, and Parents

The passage of "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) legislation has led to an increased awareness of testing and assessment in public school systems and its impact. A cursory review of the academic literature and national news sources on the impact of standardized testing revealed a plethora of anecdotal cases of students experiencing illness, anxiety, and heightened levels of stress all attributed to the administration of these examinations. Furthermore, numerous studies have surveyed teachers regarding the impact of standardized tests, producing similar overviews that low performance on these examinations is correlated with increased levels of anxiety and stress. An element glaring by its omission is a formal study that surveys all stakeholders surrounding public school systems, including students, parents, teachers, principals, and counselors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the perceptions of standardized testing. Furthermore, a unique aspect of this study is the linking of student, parent, and teacher responses directly to student performance on a criterion-referenced state examination and a national norm-referenced examination. The results from these studies suggest that most of the "dangers" of standardized testing are overstated and misrepresented and that most students, parents, principals, and counselors value these tests and do not report increased levels of stress or anxiety. However, teachers as a group do present strong misgivings about standardized testing.
Webelievability: A Path Model Examining How Convenience and Reliance Predict Online Credibility

This study surveyed politically interested Internet users online during the 2000 campaign to examine whether they view Internet sources as credible and whether reliance on the Web, reliance on traditional sources, convenience of using the Web, or political and demographic variables predict credibility of online media. A greater percentage of respondents judged online media credible in 2000 than in the 1996 presidential campaign. Reliance on traditional media proved the best predictor of online credibility followed by political trust and convenience. On the other hand, reliance on the Web did not influence credibility of information found there.
Foundations of Program Evaluation: Theories of Practice

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION Social Program Evaluation Its History, Tasks and Theory Good Theory for Social Program Evaluation PART TWO: STAGE ONE THEORIES: BRINGING TRUTH TO SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING Michael S Scriven The Science of Valuing Donald T Campbell Methodologist of the Experimenting Society PART THREE: STAGE TWO THEORIES: GENERATING ALTERNATIVES EMPHASIZING USE AND PRAGMATISM Carol H Weiss Linking Evaluation to Policy Research Joseph S Wholey Evaluation for Program Improvement Robert E Stake Responsive Evaluation and Qualitative Methods PART FOUR: STAGE THREE THEORIES: TRYING TO INTEGRATE THE PAST Lee J Cronbach Functional Evaluation Design for a World of Political Accommodation Peter H Rossi Comprehensive, Tailored, Theory-Driven Evaluations - A Smorgasbord of Options PART FIVE: CONCLUSIONS Summary and Implications for Evaluation Theory and Practice
360-Degree Feedback to Leaders

This study examined the extent to which changes in leader behavior 1 year after a 360-degree feedback intervention related to changes in employee attitudes. Participants were 145 leaders and their subordinates, peers, and manager. The results indicated that improved subordinate ratings of the leader on consideration, performance orientation, and employee development related to increased subordinate engagement and satisfaction as well as reduced intentions to leave following 360-degree feedback to leaders. This study demonstrates that improved leader behavior following 360-degree feedback is related to improved employee attitudes.
The Construction of the Utrecht Early Mathematical Competence Scales

The purpose of the research presented was to construct the Utrecht Early Mathematical Competence Scales to assess the developmental level of early mathematical competence in children ages 4 to 7 years. Eight mathematically different domains were distinguished, and an initial pool of 120 items was developed. The items were administered to 823 boys and girls in the 4-to 7-year age groups. Results demonstrate that the generalized one-parameter logistic model could explain the responses to 80 items. Two scales (A and B) were derived, each consisting of 40 items. In this article, Form A is emphasized. To test for group differences, a 6 (half-year age groups) ´ 2 (gender) factorial analysis of variance was used. A one-way analysis of variance with grade as the independent variable was used to test for grade differences. Participants within each age and grade group differed considerably in developmental level of early mathematical competence.
Primitive survivors and neocortical evolution

We review the evidence for the concept of the "initial" or prototype brain. We outline four possible modes of brain evolution suggested by our new findings on the evolutionary status of the dolphin brain. The four modes involve various forms of deviation from and conformity to the hypothesized initial brain type. These include examples of conservative evolution, progressive evolution, and combinations of the two in which features of one or the other become dominant. The four types of neocortical organization in extant mammals may be the result of selective pressures on sensory/motor systems resulting in divergent patterns of brain phylogenesis. A modular "modification/multiplication" hypothesis is proposed as a mechanism of neocortical evolution in eutherians. Representative models of the initial ancestral group of mammals include not only extant basal Insectivora but also Chiroptera; we have found that dolphins and large whales have also retained many features of the archetypal or initial brain. This group evolved from the initial mammalian stock and returned to the aquatic environment some 50 million years ago. This unique experiment of nature shows the effects of radical changes in environment on brain-body adaptations and specializations. Although the dolphin brain has certain quantitative characteristics of the evolutionary changes seen in the higher terrestrial mammals, it has also retained many of the conservative structural features of the initial brain. Its neocortical organization is accordingly different, largely in a quantitative sense, from that of terrestrial models of the initial brain such as the hedgehog.
Insurance state and the number of doctor visits A latent class panel approach with German data

Deductibles in health insurance are often regarded as a means to contain health care costs when the behaviour of individuals exhibits moral hazard. However, in the absence of moral hazard, voluntarily chosen deductibles rather lead to adverse selection. I use a set of new variables in the German Socioeconomic Panel for the years 2002, 2004 and 2006 that measure individual health more accurately and include risk-attitudes towards health in order to detect the price-elasticity of demand for health care. A latent class approach that takes into account the panel structure reveals that the effect of deductibles on the number of doctor visits is negligible. Private add-on insurance, however, increases the number of doctor visits. JEL Classification: I11, I18