Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stargazin Modulates Native AMPA Receptor Functional Properties by Two Distinct Mechanisms

AMPA receptors play a central role in basal excitatory synaptic transmission as well as synaptic maturation and plasticity. The transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein (TARP) stargazin (γ2) serves multiple roles in trafficking and stabilizing synaptic AMPA receptors and may be incorporated as an auxiliary subunit. We wanted to determine whether stargazin altered channel function of neuronal AMPA receptors. Transfection of cultured hippocampal neurons with stargazin produced two distinct effects on AMPA receptor functional properties: a sixfold reduction in glutamate-evoked desensitization and a twofold increase in the relative size of responses to the partial agonist kainate. Kinetic and dose-response analyses suggest that the effect of stargazin on glutamate desensitization results from an allosteric interaction that destabilizes the desensitized state of the receptor and that potentiation of kainate responses reflects increased efficacy rather than a change in affinity. These functional effects were also observed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with various heteromeric and homomeric AMPA receptors, with distinct subunit-dependent effects on glutamate desensitization, kainate efficacy, and trafficking. Two regions of stargazin mediate its functional effects: the C-terminal intracellular domain seems to be more important for effects on glutamate-evoked desensitization and receptor trafficking, whereas the first extracellular domain makes a larger contribution to effects on kainate efficacy. These data indicate that TARPs are involved both in trafficking and direct modulation of channel function and, as auxiliary subunits of neuronal AMPA receptors, must be considered in the functional heterogeneity of neuronal AMPA receptors.
Olanzapine: review of safety 2008.

BACKGROUND Olanzapine is a second-generation antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar mania and associated agitation. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety profile of olanzapine, including its propensity to be associated with weight gain, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemias. METHODS Review of English-language reports located through PubMed and information available on regulatory agency websites. RESULTS/CONCLUSION The use of olanzapine can pose a therapeutic dilemma in that on one hand, a number of large scale studies have found effectiveness advantages for olanzapine in comparison to other first-line second-generation medications. On the other hand, olanzapine is associated with substantial weight gain and the development of dyslipidemia. Regarding other important safety concerns, olanzapine has a favorable profile in terms of extra-pyramidal side effects and is also relatively prolactin-sparing. The effectiveness benefits may outweigh the risks, particularly in patients with low baseline risk for metabolic syndrome but monitoring for untoward metabolic effects crucial. Switch-or-stay and other intervention decisions need to be made early before substantial weight gain has occurred.
UANM: a platform for experimenting with available bandwidth estimation tools

In the field of network monitoring and measurement, the efficiency and accuracy of the adopted tools is strongly dependent on (i) structural and dynamic characteristics of the network scenario under measure and (ii) on manual fine tuning of the involved parameters. This is, for example, the case of the end-to-end available bandwidth estimation, in which the constraints of the measurement stage vary according to the use of the final results. In this work we present UANM (Unified Architecture for Network Measurement), a novel measurement infrastructure for an automatic management of measurement stages, tailored to the end-to-end available bandwidth estimation tools. We describe in details its architecture, illustrating the features we introduced to mitigate the problems affecting available bandwidth estimation in heterogeneous scenarios. Moreover, to provide evidences of UANM benefits, we present an experimental validation in three selected scenarios deployed over a real network testbed: (i) we show how UANM is able to alleviate the interferences among concurrent measures; (ii) we quantify the overhead introduced by the use of UANM; (iii) we illustrate how UANM is capable to provide more accurate results thanks to the knowledge of the network environment.
Does the size of hurricane eye matter with its intensity?

The effect of the size of hurricane eye on hurricane intensity is studied based on the storm‐scale kinetic energy balance within a hurricane. The study indicates that the potential intensity that a hurricane can achieve under given thermodynamic environmental conditions can be highly sensitive to the size of the hurricane eye depending on the scale of the hurricane circulation and its thermodynamic efficiency defined as the effectiveness of converting surface entropy input into kinetic energy. The result shows that a hurricane of a smaller eye tends to develop into a stronger hurricane. This is because within a hurricane, the surface kinetic energy dissipation is more radially confined to the hurricane eyewall of high wind speeds than the kinetic energy generation corresponding to the surface entropy flux mainly due to their differential dependences on the surface velocity. With a smaller eye, the area of high winds on which the dissipation relies more heavily than the surface entropy flux is smaller, implying the entire energy balance has to be achieved with a higher value of maximum surface wind. Sensitivity study on the surface exchange coefficients under high wind speeds where uncertainty exists suggests that the intensity dependence on the size of hurricane eye is not very sensitive to the uncertainty‐related changes in the coefficients.
Nurse Empowerment, Job‐Related Satisfaction, and Organizational Commitment

Developing nursing care and the new technologies involved also require nurses to learn continuously and update their expertise. Attention has also been paid to the attractiveness of the profession—its ability to attract young people and retain nurses currently working in the profession. The concept of empowerment has been widely adopted in nursing research and in development of nursing care, education, and management. In the literature it has generally been considered in the context of organizations' functioning and personnel management methods. In the psychological theory, used in this study, empowerment is seen as a process of personal growth and development. The qualities, values, and endeavours inherent in the individual as well as environmental factors are key factors here. The purpose of this article is to describe the results of a quantitative study (n = 416) dealing with nurse empowerment and to identify the background factors significant for its realization. Consistent with numerous previous studies, job satisfaction and organizational commitment were found to be crucial elements of nurse empowerment, too.
Chemerin and Adiponectin Contribute Reciprocally to Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are considered chronic inflammatory states. Chemerin, a novel adipokine, may play an important role in linking MetS and inflammation. We investigated the association of chemerin with inflammatory markers and with characteristics of MetS in apparently healthy overweight and obese adults. We studied 92 adults; 59 men and 33 women whose average body mass index (BMI) was 28.15±5.08 kg/m2. Anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance indices, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), adiponectin, and chemerin were measured. Controlling for age, gender, and BMI, serum chemerin level was positively correlated with body fat and serum triglyceride, and negatively correlated with adiponectin and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL- C), and was not correlated with altered hsCRP or PTX3 levels. Among the low, moderate and high chemerin groups, high chemerin individuals are more likely to have lower HDL-C. Conversely, individuals in the low adiponectin group are more likely to have lower HDL-C and show more MetS phenotypic traits than moderate and high adiponectin subjects. To determine the relationships of chemerin and adiponectin to MetS and its components, participants were stratified into four groups based on their chemerin and adiponectin levels (high chemerin/high adiponectin, high chemerin/low adiponectin, low chemerin/high adiponectin, or low chemerin/low adiponectin). Participants who were in the high chemerin/low adiponectin group more likely to have dyslipidemia and MetS (OR: 5.79, 95% CI:1.00–33.70) compared to the other three group. Our findings suggest that chemerin and adiponectin may reciprocally participate in the development of MetS.
Risk factors for GI adverse events in a phase III randomized trial of bevacizumab in first-line therapy of advanced ovarian cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.

PURPOSE To evaluate risk factors for GI adverse events (AEs) within a phase III trial of bevacizumab in first-line ovarian cancer therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Women with previously untreated advanced disease after surgery were randomly allocated to six cycles of platinum-taxane chemotherapy plus placebo cycles (C)2 to C22 (R1); chemotherapy plus bevacizumab C2 to C6 plus placebo C7 to C22 (R2); or chemotherapy plus bevacizumab C2 to C22 (R3). Patients were evaluated for history or on-study development of potential risk factors for GI AEs defined as grade ≥ 2 perforation, fistula, necrosis, or hemorrhage. RESULTS Of 1,873 patients enrolled, 1,759 (94%) were evaluable, and 2.8% (50 of 1,759) experienced a GI AE: 10 of 587 (1.7%, R1), 20 of 587 (3.4%, R2), and 20 of 585 (3.4%, R3). Univariable analyses indicated that previous treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; P = .005) and small bowel resection (SBR; P = .032) or large bowel resection (LBR; P = .012) at primary surgery were significantly associated with a GI AE. The multivariable estimated relative odds of a GI AE were 13.4 (95% CI, 3.44 to 52.3; P < .001) for IBD; 2.05 (95% CI, 1.09 to 3.88; P = .026) for LBR; 1.95 (95% CI, 0.894 to 4.25; P = .093) for SBR; and 2.15 for bevacizumab exposure (aggregated 95% CI, 1.05 to 4.40; P = .036). CONCLUSION History of treatment for IBD, and bowel resection at primary surgery, increase the odds of GI AEs in patients receiving first-line platinum-taxane chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer. After accounting for these risk factors, concurrent bevacizumab doubles the odds of a GI AE, but is not appreciably increased by continuation beyond chemotherapy.
A Time Series Analysis Method for Assessing Engineering Design Processes Using a CAD Tool

: This paper proposes a novel computational approach based on time series analysis to assess engineering design processes using a CAD tool. To collect research data without disrupting a design learning process, design actions and artifacts are continuously logged as time series by the CAD tool behind the scenes while students are working on a design challenge. These fine-grained data can be used to reconstruct and analyze the entire design process of a student with extremely high resolution. Results of a pilot study in a high school engineering class, in which students solved a solar urban design challenge, suggest that these data can be used to measure the level of student engagement, reveal the gender differences in design behaviors, and distinguish the iterative and non-iterative cycles in a design process. From the perspective of engineering education, this paper contributes to the emerging fields of educational data mining and learning analytics that aim to expand evidence approaches for learning in a digital world.
The Small-Maturity Smile for Exponential Lévy Models

We derive a small-time expansion for out-of-the-money call options under an exponential Levy model, using the small-time expansion for the distribution function given in Figueroa-Lopez & Houdre (2009), combined with a change of num\'eraire via the Esscher transform. In particular, we quantify find that the effect of a non-zero volatility $\sigma$ of the Gaussian component of the driving L\'{e}vy process is to increase the call price by $1/2\sigma^2 t^2 e^{k}\nu(k)(1+o(1))$ as $t \to 0$, where $\nu$ is the L\'evy density. Using the small-time expansion for call options, we then derive a small-time expansion for the implied volatility, which sharpens the first order estimate given in Tankov (2010). Our numerical results show that the second order approximation can significantly outperform the first order approximation. Our results are also extended to a class of time-changed L\'evy models. We also consider a small-time, small log-moneyness regime for the CGMY model, and apply this approach to the small-time pricing of at-the-money call options.
The Fear Survey Schedule for Children-Revised: Normative Developmental Data in Italy

The aim of the study was to explore children's fear content. Using the Italian Fear Survey Schedule for Children, an Italian-language version of Ollendick's Fear Survey Schedule for Children–Revised (1983), the study assessed the reliability of the survey and reported intensity, prevalence, and content of fears in children aged six to 10 years, using this questionnaire. 1,845 school children (931 girls, 914 boys; M age = 8.3 yr., SD = 1.4) were asked to complete the survey, indicating what they thought were their fears, and the intensity of those fears. Sex and age differences were also examined. Girls endorsed significantly higher fearfulness than did boys. Few age differences were found, with seven-year-olds appearing more fearful than 10- to 11-year-old children. Results were interpreted in relation to developmental changes. Cross-national comparisons were discussed.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Risk‐Reducing Mastectomy

Risk‐reducing mastectomy (RRM) confers 90–95% decreased risk of breast cancer, and may reduce mortality, especially in high‐risk groups such as BRCA carriers. Risk of occult disease in RRM specimen is ~5%. This demands axillary staging: sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is no longer possible, axillary clearance confers significant risks and may prove negative. Contemporaneous SLN biopsy allows axillary staging with minimal further dissection. Women undergoing RRM and SLN biopsy between June 2005 and July 2010 were reviewed retrospectively from our prospectively maintained database of 1,522 SLN procedures in 1,498 patients. SLN(s) localized using routine tracer methods. SLNs and mastectomy specimens underwent routine histologic examination. Eighty‐three RRMs with SLN biopsy were performed in 71 patients (12 bilateral). Indications for RRM: contralateral invasive (55), in situ (5) disease, BRCA 1/2 mutation (12), and strong family history (10). Mean number of SLNs: 1.35. Occult disease was detected in four cases (4.8%), with one case of occult invasive lobular carcinoma (1.2%). Remaining occult disease was lobular in situ neoplasia (LISN). SLNs were negative in all cases. Our findings are comparable to those in the literature: 4.8% rate of occult disease overall, 1.2% invasive. The significant risk with SLN biopsy is lymphoedema, quoted around 7%. We have had no reports of symptomatic lymphoedema in patients undergoing RRM and SLN biopsy. We propose that SLN at the time of mastectomy requires only limited further dissection, and confers minimal risk compared with secondary axillary surgery.
Performance analysis of micro unmanned airborne communication relays for cellular networks

This paper analyses the potential of utilising small unmanned-aerial-vehicles (SUAV) as wireless relays for assisting cellular network performance. Whilst high altitude wireless relays have been investigated over the past 2 decades, the new class of low cost SUAVs offers new possibilities for addressing local traffic imbalances and providing emergency coverage. We present field-test results from an SUAV test-bed in both urban and rural environments. The results show that trough-to-peak throughput improvements can be achieved for users in poor coverage zones. Furthermore, the paper reinforces the experimental study with large-scale network analysis using both stochastic geometry and multi-cell simulation results.
Rapid diagnosis of LaCrosse encephalitis: detection of specific immunoglobulin M in cerebrospinal fluid

An immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody capture enzyme immunoassay (MAC-EIA) was developed for the rapid and early diagnosis of LaCrosse (LAC) virus infections. The MAC-EIA was a sensitive and specific technique for the detection of IgM antibodies to LAC virus in cerebrospinal fluid specimens and in acute-phase serum specimens. In a retrospective study, cerebrospinal fluid and acute-phase serum paired samples from 108 patients were tested by the MAC-EIA and by an IgM immunofluorescence assay. The results were compared with the original diagnosis, which was made by using a variety of classical serological tests including serum neutralization, hemagglutination inhibition, and complement fixation. Thirty patients were confirmed as having LAC virus infections; of these, 30 (100%) were diagnosed as positive by serum MAC-EIA, and 27 (90%) were positive by cerebrospinal fluid MAC-EIA. The MAC-EIA was more sensitive than the IgM immunofluorescence assay. Two patients who were not previously confirmed as positive cases were diagnosed as having LAC virus infections by the MAC-EIA. One patient who was subsequently diagnosed as having a Jamestown Canyon virus infection and two patients who were previously infected with Jamestown Canyon virus were not falsely identified as having LAC virus infections by the MAC-EIA.
An Efficient Ascending-Bid Auction for Multiple Objects

When bidders exhibit multi-unit demands, standard auction methods generally yield inefficient outcomes. This article proposes a new ascending-bid auction for homogeneous goods, such as Treasury bills or telecommunications spectrum. The auctioneer announces a price and bidders respond with quantities. Items are awarded at the current price whenever they are "clinched," and the price is incremented until the market clears. With private values, this (dynamic) auction yields the same outcome as the (sealed-bid) Vickrey auction, but has advantages of simplicity and privacy preservation. With interdependent values, this auction may retain efficiency, whereas the Vickrey auction suffers from a generalized Winner's Curse.
APOE Gene Variation’s Impact on Cardiovascular Health: A Case-Control Study

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common medical condition characterized by impaired functioning of the venous system in the lower extremities. It leads to various symptoms, including varicose veins, leg edema, and skin pigmentation. It is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors affect the development of CVI. The APOE gene is of particular interest in this context, as it plays a role in lipid metabolism and inflammation. The ε4 allele (rs429358) has been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, while the ε2 allele (rs7412) has shown a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease but a strong association with cardiovascular inflammation. This research aimed to investigate the presence of APOE gene variants in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency disease and validate the relationship between this gene and cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed the expression of APOE gene variants in varicose vein tissue samples from patients and a normal vein in the control group. The results indicated no significant expression of the ε4 allele in either group. However, there was a significant decrease in the expression of the ε2 allele in the patient group. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between the two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vein tissue. The lower expression of the ε2 allele in patients suggests a potentially reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in these individuals. Consequently, there appears to be a weaker association between the expression of the APOE gene ε2 allele and cardiovascular diseases.
Atherothrombosis and Plaque Heterology: Different Location or a Unique Disease?

Formation of unstable plaques frequently results in atherothrombosis, the major cause for ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial disease. Patients who have symptomatic thrombosis in one vascular bed are at increased risk of disease in other beds. However, the development of the disease in carotid, coronary and peripheral arteries may have different pathophysiology suggesting that more complex treatment protocols may have to be designed to reduce plaque development at different locations. In this review we describe the known risk factors, compare the developmental features of coronary and carotid plaque development and determine their association with end-point ischaemic events. Differences are also seen in the genetic contribution to plaque development as well as in the deregulation of gene and protein expression and cellular signal transduction activity of active cells in regions susceptible to thrombosis. Differences between carotid and coronary artery plaque development might help to explain the differences in anatomopathological appearance and risk of rupture.
Response to Comment on the reports of over-estimation of ASCVD risk using the 2013 AHA/ACC risk equation.

We appreciate the comments of Muntner et al1 regarding our concern2 that the new atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk equation3 appears to overestimate risk in the 5 external validation cohorts examined to date (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis [MESA], REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke [REGARDS], Women’s Health Study [WHS], Physicians’ Health Study [PHS], and Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study [WHI-OS]). We concur that understanding how these validation cohorts differ from those used to derive the new risk equation is important to achieving confidence in the equation. First, the authors explain that the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study contributing to model development used active surveillance to enhance the identification of study outcomes, a technique not used in the REGARDS and MESA studies. Although this is a possible explanation for underascertainment in the REGARDS and MESA studies, it is unlikely to have occurred to the same extent in the WHS and PHS cohorts. These are composed of health professionals, who would be more likely to recognize outcomes and report them correctly. In addition, the follow-up response for both of these studies was excellent; morbidity follow-up was 97% and 98% complete in the WHS and PHS, respectively. The follow-up questionnaire response for the WHI-OS was also excellent, with reported recent participation rates of 95% among survivors at study closeout in 2005 and 98% for those in the WHI Extension Study.4 Although it is conceivable that there may be more underascertainment in the WHI, as the authors noted, this would explain only part of the …