Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between C‐reactive protein gene +1059 G/C polymorphism and the risk of coronary heart disease: a meta‐analysis

Background C‐reactive protein (CRP) gene +1059 G/C polymorphism has been reported to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, but the results remain inconclusive. This meta‐analysis was therefore conducted to clarify these controversies. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case control studies on the association between CRP gene +1059 G/C polymorphism and CHD risk. All the related studies were further strictly selected according to the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis was performed with STATA 10.1 (StataCorp, USA). The association was assessed by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI); both Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess the publication bias. Results This meta‐analysis on a total of 13 studies comprising 6316 CHD cases and 4467 controls showed no significant association between CRP gene +1059 G/C polymorphism and CHD risk in the overall study (for C/C+C/G vs. G/G: OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.81‐1.25, P=0.96; for C/C vs. C/G+G/G: OR=1.17, 95% CI=0.77‐1.77, P=0.47; for C/C vs. G/G: OR=1.17, 95% CI=0.77‐1.77, P=0.47; for C allele vs. G allele: OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.81‐1.24, P=0.96). However, in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the results showed significant association between CRP gene +1059 G/C polymorphism and CHD risk among Caucasians (for C/C vs. G/G: OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.13‐5.72, P=0.02; C/C vs. C/G+G/G: OR=2.45, 95% CI=1.09‐5.51, P=0.03), but not among Asians and Africans (P >0.05). Conclusion CRP gene +1059 G/C polymorphism may be associated with increased CHD risk among Caucasians and more evidences need to validate the conclusion.
The erosive potential of 1% citric acid supplemented by different minerals: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE The objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different minerals in combination with 1% citric acid on dental erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety enamel samples were randomly allocated to nine groups (G1: pure 1% citric acid solution [control]; G2: with 1 mM Ca; G3: with 0.047 mM F; G4: with 1 mM Fe; G5: with 1 mM P; G6: with 1 mM Ca and 0.047 mM F; G7: with 1 mM Ca and 1 mM P; G8: with 1 mM Fe and 0.047 mM F; G9: with 1 mM Ca, 1 mM P, 0.047 mM F and 1.0 mM Fe). The samples were subjected to six pH cycles, each consisting of immersion in pure or modified 1% citric acid (1 min) followed by storage in artificial saliva (59 min). Enamel wear was assessed using profilometry. RESULTS Data were analysed using analysis of variance and Tukey test (P < 0.05). Enamel loss (mean + or - SD) amounted to between 0.87 + or - 0.30 and 1.74 + or - 0.74 microm but did not significantly differ among the groups. CONCLUSIONS The modification of 1% citric acid with different minerals did not have a protective effect on enamel erosion.
Development of a Brief Version of the Personality Inventory IPIPRevised: Control of the Acquiescence Response Bias

In recent years, brief measures of the five personality factors have been developed; however, the practical gain of time provided by the brief versions may imply weaker psychometric properties of the instruments. To maintain adequate psychometric properties in the construction of brief scales, theoretical and empirical criteria should be used in the selection of items, and response biases such as acquiescence (AC) should be minimized. The term AC refers to people’s tendency to agree with positive statements, regardless of their content. The main purpose of the present study is to develop a brief public http://www.dx. doi.org/10.14718/ACP.2019. 22.1. 12 * Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi-CONICET), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba 5000, Argentina. Tel. /Fax: +54-351-4334104. marcoscup@gmail.com Recibido, julio 4/2017; Concepto de evaluación, noviembre 17/2017; Aceptado, enero 31/2018
5‐S‐cysteinyldopamine neurotoxicity: Influence on the expression of α‐synuclein and ERp57 in cellular and animal models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder whose etiology is still unclear in spite of extensive investigations. It has been hypothesized that 5‐S‐cysteinyldopamine (CysDA), a catechol‐thioether metabolite of dopamine (DA), could be an endogenous parkinsonian neurotoxin. To gain further insight into its role in the neurodegenerative process, both CD1 mice and SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were treated with CysDA, and the data were compared with those obtained by the use of 6‐hydroxydopamine, a well‐known parkinsonian mimetic. Intrastriatal injection of CysDA in CD1 mice caused a long‐lasting depletion of DA, providing evidence of in vivo neurotoxicity of CysDA. Both in mice and in SH‐SY5Y cells, CysDA treatment induced extensive oxidative stress, as evidenced by protein carbonylation and glutathione depletion, and affected the expression of two proteins, α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) and ERp57, whose levels are modulated by oxidative insult. Real‐time PCR experiments support these findings, indicating an upregulation of both ERp57 and α‐Syn expression. α‐Syn aggregation was also found to be modulated by CysDA treatment. The present work provides a solid background sustaining the hypothesis that CysDA is involved in parkinsonian neurodegeneration by inducing extensive oxidative stress and protein aggregation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RESAMPLING TECHNIQUES: JACKKNIFE AND BOOTSTRAP

Resampling techniques are computer intensive techniques which involve drawing multiple new samples called resamples from the data sample at hand. To investigate and estimate various properties of any original estimator used for estimating a population parameter of interest, certain estimators of interest are calculated from each of the resamples. These resampling based estimators are then analyzed to estimate the properties of the original estimator. Use of resampling techniques is warranted in situations where determination of properties of estimators is not straightforward such as in cases where there are violations of distributional assumptions, small sample sizes etc. Moreover, the classical approach has been mostly developed for random samples; however for nonrandom samples, resampling techniques are sometimes more suitable. They are also used in situations where expressions for properties of complex estimators are mathematically intractable. There are various resampling techniques available in the literature. In this talk, the widely applied resampling methods viz., Jackknife and Bootstrap are discussed. The method of applying Jackknife for reducing bias and for estimating the variance is discussed along with examples. Under Bootstrap, the Bootstrap method, the methodology for calculating percentile confidence intervals and selection of Bootstrap samples are discussed. Lastly, application of resampling procedures in the context of regression analysis is discussed.
Multi-segment trunk kinematics during a loaded lifting task for elderly and young subjects

The trunk is frequently modelled as one fixed segment ignoring possible multi-segmental contributions during manual handling. This study compared segmental trunk motion in a young and older population during a lifting task. Twelve elderly and 19 young subjects repeatedly lifted a 5 kg box from bench to shelf under two stance conditions. Displacement and angular trunk segment kinematics were recorded with an electromagnetic tracker system and then analysed. The elderly subjects displayed significantly increased pelvic and trunk displacement and significantly reduced pelvic and lower thorax (T10–L1) range of motion in both stance conditions. Upper thorax (C7–T10) motion was at times greater than lumbar motion and opposite to the lower segments and was related to the task while the lower segments contributed to both equilibrium and task requirements. Decreased segmental trunk angular kinematics may contribute to increased displacement kinematics and place the elderly at increased risk of injury and falling. The pelvis, lumbar spine, low thorax (T10–L1), upper thorax (C7–10) contributed uniquely and synchronously to trunk (C7–S2) mechanics during a lifting task. Reduced angular kinematics of the pelvis and low thorax contributed to increased displacement kinematics and hence increased the risk of falling in the elderly compared to the young. Investigations of trunk mechanics should include multi-segment analysis.
Molecular Analysis of Plasmodium ovale Variants Thin

mal RNA (SSUrRNA) gene and partial sequences of three other loci were obtained from three variant-type and three classic-type Plasmodium ovale isolates from Southeast Asia and compared with GenBank-available data. Three different SSUrRNA sequences (Pov 1–3) were found in each variant-type isolate, and two different SSUrRNA sequences (Poc 1–2) in each classic-type isolate. Pov 1–3 were closer to sequences previously found in the Cameroon and MAL/MAI isolates, whereas Poc 1–2 were closer to sequences previously found in two clones of the Nigerian I/CDC strain. The 3' half of Pov 1–3 was identical to the partial sequence of the SSUrRNA gene from the London School (LS) strain. Results support grouping P. ovale into two groups, the classic type (including the Nigerian I/CDC strain) and the variant type (Cameroon, MAL/MAI, and LS isolates).
Acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces discomfort associated with barostat-induced rectal distension: a randomized-controlled study.

AIM To explore the effectiveness of acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Acu-TENS), a non-invasive modality in reduction of rectal discomfort during barostat-induced rectal distension. METHODS Forty healthy subjects were randomized to receive 45 min of either Acu-TENS or placebo-TENS (no electrical output) over acupuncture points Hegu (large-intestine 4), Neiguan (pericardium 6) and Zusanli (stomach 36). A balloon catheter attached to a dual-drive barostat machine was then inserted into the subjects' rectum. A step-wise (4 mmHg) increase in balloon pressure was induced until maximal tolerable or 48 mmHg. Visual analogue scale and a 5-point subjective discomfort scale (no perception, first perception of distension, urge to defecate, discomfort/pain and extreme pain) were used to assess rectal discomfort at each distension pressure. Blood beta-endorphin levels were measured before, immediately after intervention, at 24 mmHg and at maximal tolerable distension pressure. RESULTS There was no difference in the demographic data and baseline plasma beta-endorphin levels between the two groups. Perception threshold levels were higher in the Acu-TENS group when compared to the placebo group, but the difference reached statistical significance only at the sensations "urge to defecate" and "pain". The distension pressures recorded at the "urge to defecate" sensation for the Acu-TENS and placebo-TENS groups were 28.0 ± 4.5 mmHg and 24.6 ± 5.7 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.043); and the pressures recorded for the "pain" sensation for these two groups were 36.0 ± 4.2 mmHg and 30.5 ± 4.3 mmHg respectively (P = 0.002). Compared to the placebo group, a higher number of participants in the Acu-TENS group tolerated higher distension pressures (> 40 mmHg) (65% in Acu-TENS vs 25% in placebo, P = 0.02). The plasma beta-endorphin levels of the Acu-TENS group were significantly higher than that of the placebo group at barostat inflation pressure of 24 mmHg (1.31 ± 0.40 ng/mL vs 1.04 ± 0.43 ng/mL, P = 0.044) and at maximal inflation pressure (1.46 ± 0.53 ng/mL vs 0.95 ± 0.38 ng/mL, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION Acu-TENS reduced rectal discomfort during barostat-induced rectal distension and concurrently associated with a rise in beta-endorphin level.
Reliability Study of Split Gate Silicon Nanocrystal Flash EEPROM

In this paper, we present a measurement based on biased data retention to determine the direction of charge loss. Top oxide and bottom oxide thickness can be optimized to meet long term reliability goal. A split gate nanocrystal nonvolatile memory with large program window, while demonstrating excellent data retention and program disturb characteristics is also presented.
Nonlinear photothermal modulated optical reflectance and photocurrent phenomena in crystalline semiconductors: II. Experimental

Experimental photothermal modulated optical reflectance (PMOR) and photocurrent (PC) data from silicon and germanium samples have been obtained at high laser pump beam intensities and correlated with a theoretical model of nonlinear carrier recombination. In principle, the PMOR signal consists of both thermal and Drude (free-carrier) components; nonlinear recombination influences it through its direct effect on the modulated carrier density, and its indirect effect on the modulated sample temperature. All of the five samples discussed in this work showed evidence of nonlinear carrier recombination in their PC and PMOR behaviour. Although few of the PMOR data were indicative of a dominant Drude component, the effect of nonlinear recombination upon the carrier density was quite apparent in the PC data which were obtained to correlate with the PMOR data. The experimental results clearly indicate that the PMOR effect is sensitive to nonlinear recombination, albeit not to as large a degree as the transverse photocurrent.
Serpentine Soils

Serpentine soils are weathered products of a range of ultramafic rocks composed of ferromagnesian silicates. Serpentine more accurately refers to a group of minerals, including antigorite, chrysotile, and lizardite, in hydrothermally altered ultramafic rocks. Common ultramafic rock types include peridotites (dunite, wehrlite, harzburgite, lherzolite) and the secondary alteration products formed by their hydration within the Earth’s crust, including serpentinite, the primary source of serpentine soil. Serpentine soils are generally deficient in plant essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur; have a calcium-tomagnesium (Ca:Mg) molar ratio of less than 1; and have elevated levels of heavy metals such as nickel, cobalt, and chromium. Although physical features of serpentine soils can vary considerably from site to site and within a site, serpentine soils are often found in open, steep landscapes with substrates that are generally shallow and rocky, often with a reduced capacity for moisture retention. Due to the intense selective pressure generated by such stressful edaphic conditions, serpentine soils promote speciation and the evolution of serpentine endemism, contributing to unique biotas worldwide, including floras with high rates of endemism and species with disjunct distributions. The biota of serpentine soils has contributed greatly to the development of ecological and evolutionary theory, as well as to the study of the genetics of adaptation and speciation. Plants growing on serpentine soils also provide genetic material for phytoremediation and phytomining operations. Habitats with serpentine soils are undergoing drastic changes due to ever-expanding development, deforestation, mining for heavy metals and asbestos, exotic-species invasions, climate change, and atmospheric deposition of previously limiting nutrients such as nitrogen. Such changes can have drastic impacts on serpentine floras and affect bacteria, fungi, and fauna associated with serpentine plants and soils. Habitats with serpentine soils provide ample opportunities for conservationand restoration-oriented research directed at finding ways to better manage these biodiversity hotspots.
VARIABLES CHARACTERIZING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADOLESCENT GAMBLERS : A DISCRIMINANT FUNCTION ANALYSIS

Objective: The study examined the effects of attachment attitudes, social support, and psychological and behavioral problems on pathological gambling among adolescents. Method: A total of 268 male adolescents from 15 to 17 years of age (M = 16.23, SD = .39) completed self-report measures on gambling behaviors, attachment styles, social support, and internalizing and externalizing problems. Results and Conclusions: At-risk and pathological gamblers reported lower level of social support and higher level of fearful attachment and internalizing problems than non-problematic gamblers. Results from a discriminant function analysis, in which two discriminant functions emerged, were consistent with contemporary perspectives on personality functioning: in fact, it resulted that the difference between non-gamblers and at-risk gamblers was better explained by a function named “self-in-relation”, which included internalizing problems, fearful attachment, lack of security and low perceived support, whereas the difference between at-risk gamblers and pathological gamblers was better explained by a function named “self-definition”, which included externalizing problems and preoccupied attachment. Therefore, findings of this study suggest that more severe gambling behaviors in adolescence are associated with needs for selfdefinition. This can have important implications for the assessment and treatment of adolescent gamblers.
Partial characterization of the potentially bioactive protein fraction of Solanum marginatum L. f

EnglishRESUMEN Solanum marginatum L. f. (Solanaceae) se usa en la medicina tradicional mexicana para tratar enfermedades infecciosas y cancer, aunque carece de validacion cientifica. En consecuencia, se propuso un estudio de las actividades enzimaticas, antioxidantes, antibacterianas y toxicas de una fraccion proteica de S. marginatum L. f. previamente caracterizada. Para esto, se obtuvo un extracto de proteina de las hojas de S. marginatum L. f. y la fraccion de proteina se separo por FPLC. El contenido de proteina se cuantifico por el metodo del acido bicinconinico (BCA) y la actividad enzimatica medida por el metodo de Kunitz. Posteriormente, las subfracciones de proteinas se identificaron mediante SDS-PAGE. Ademas, se determino la capacidad de capturar radicales mediante los metodos DPPH y ABTS. El efecto toxico se evaluo con el ensayo de A. salina mientras que la viabilidad celular en celulas mononucleares de sangre periferica (PBMC) se analizo mediante el metodo MTT. El aislamiento de PF-FPLC se llevo a cabo a tr = 2.13 min, ademas, se separaron e identificaron siete subfracciones con pesos moleculares que variaban de 18-112 kDa, mientras que las condiciones optimas de actividad enzimatica eran 37oC, pH 7 y 120 min. Los metodos ABTS y DPPH mostraron un porcentaje de captura de radicales de 20 y 62% respectivamente. Las proteinas PF-FPLC no mostraron toxicidad en A. salina. Sin embargo, el PF-FPLC mostro un bajo efecto antimicrobiano (inhibicion ≤ 35%) y disminuye la viabilidad de las PBMC. EnglishABSTRACT Solanum marginatum L. f. (Solanaceae) is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat infectious diseases and cancer, although lacks of the scientific validation. Consequently, we proposed a study of the enzymatic, antioxidant, antibacterial and toxic activities of an S. marginatum L. f. protein fraction previously characterized. For this, a protein extract from leaves of S. marginatum L. f. obtained and the protein fraction separated by FPLC. The protein content was quantified by the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method and the enzymatic activity measured by the Kunitz method. Subsequently, protein subfractions were identified by SDS-PAGE. Additionally, the ability to capture radicals by the DPPH and ABTS methods was determined. The toxic effect was assessed with the A. salina test while cell viability in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) tested by MTT method. Isolation of PF-FPLC was carried out at tr = 2.13 min, further, separated and identified seven subfractions with molecular weights ranging from 18-112 kDa, while the optimal conditions of enzymatic activity were 37°C, pH 7 and 120 min. The ABTS and DPPH methods showed a radical capture percentage of 20 and 62% respectively. The PF-FPLC proteins showed no toxicity in A. salina. However, the PF-FPLC showed a low antimicrobial effect (inhibition ≤ 35%), and decreases PBMC viability.
Intelligent Caching at the Mobile Edge Network

Caching popular contents at edge nodes (base stations) becomes a promising solution to improve the user’s quality of services, as well as to reduce the network traffic. However, to i) correctly predict future popularity of contents, and ii) to efficiently store popular contents are challenging issues. So, in this paper, we proposed learning based caching scheme which is two folds: i) predict the future popularity score of contents using deep learning, and ii) cache the popular video with proactive caching. Then, we develop and train the prediction scheme using Tensorflow libraries, and test the performance of caching scheme with python based simulator. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms existing algorithms in terms of content hit probability, access delay and etc.
Localization of estrogen receptor β‐immunoreactivity in astrocytes of the adult rat brain

Estrogen receptors are direct regulators of transcription that function by binding to specific DNA sequences in promoters of target genes. The two cloned forms of estrogen receptors, α and β, are expressed in the central nervous system by different neuronal populations. Astrocytes in vitro are also reported to express estrogen receptor α; however, this expression has not been confirmed in the rat brain in vivo. The apparent absence of estrogen receptors in glia in vivo contrasts with the well‐known effects of this hormone on astrocytes of different brain areas, including the hippocampal formation. In this study, the expression of estrogen receptors in the hippocampal formation of adult male rats has been assessed by confocal microscopy. Estrogen receptor α‐immunoreactivity was localized in neuronal nuclei in the pyramidal cell layer of CA1‐CA3 fields. Estrogen receptor β‐immunoreactivity was observed in the perikarya, apical dendrites, and cell nuclei of pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA2. Furthermore, estrogen receptor β‐immunoreactive glia were observed in CA1, CA2, CA3, and in the hilus of the dentate gyrus of male and female rats. Estrogen receptor β‐immunoreactivity was localized in glial processes and perikarya and, in some cases, in glial cell nuclei. Double immunocytochemical labeling of estrogen receptor β and the specific astroglial marker glial fibrillary acidic protein revealed that estrogen receptor β‐immunoreactive glial cells were astrocytes. Estrogen receptor α was not co‐localized with glial fibrillary acidic protein. The presence of estrogen receptor β in astrocytes of adult male and female rats demonstrates a possible mechanism by which estrogen can directly modulate gene expression in these cells. GLIA 26:260–267, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.