Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Promotion Model by Randomizing Price in Electronic Commerce

In this paper, we present a framework to study promotion strategy for an on-line retailer by incorporating some new features in electronic commerce. For example, information asymmetry about products' prices doesn't exist across Internet users, due to easy access to price information and very low searching cost. Consumer's reneging behavior is also considered. Online consumers may wait for up to a certain period of time to get their interested products at a lower price. Under e-commerce environment, online retailers can offer promotion more frequently and intelligently. Specifically, we model online retailer's price variation as a Markov process and derive the optimal price and profit for the retailer. Comparative statistics and numerical examples are provided to illustrate the impact of consumer's reservation price and promotion pattern on retailer's profit.
Replacement of lipopolysaccharide with free lipid A molecules in Escherichia coli mutants lacking all core sugars.

Escherichia coli mutants deficient in 2-keto-3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid (Kdo) biosynthesis are conditionally lethal, but their phenotypes are bypassed by certain suppressor mutations or by overexpression of MsbA, the inner membrane flippase for core-lipid A. These strains grow on broth with the tetraacylated precursor lipid IV(A) replacing lipopolysaccharide [Meredith, T. C. , et al. (2006) ACS Chem. Biol. 1, 33-42]. Deletion of kdtA, which encodes the Kdo transferase, is possible under these conditions. We now show that lipid IV(A) reaches the outer surface of the outer membrane in these strains, as judged by its accessibility to the lipase PagL. On the assumption that MsbA is optimized to transport penta- or hexaacylated lipid A, we overexpressed the lauroyl- or the myristoyltransferase of lipid A biosynthesis, encoded by lpxL and lpxM, respectively, and demonstrated that kdtA deletion mutants were also viable in this setting. Although E. coli LpxL is stimulated by the presence of the Kdo disaccharide in its acceptor substrate, LpxL does slowly acylate lipid IV(A). Overexpression of LpxL from a plasmid suppressed the lethality of kdtA deletions on nutrient broth at 30 or 37 degrees C without the need for MsbA overproduction. These strains accumulated penta- and hexaacylated free lipid A containing a secondary laurate chain or a laurate and a myristate chain, respectively. Deletion of kdtA in strains overexpressing LpxM accumulated pentaacylated lipid A with a secondary myristate moiety. None of the strains lacking kdtA grew in the presence of bile salts at any temperature or on nutrient broth at 42 degrees C. Our findings show that the main function of Kdo is to provide the right substrates for the acyltransferases LpxL and LpxM, resulting in the synthesis of penta- and hexaacylated lipid A, which is optimal for the MsbA flippase.
Predictors of delayed and no-reflow as recognized with Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] flow grade following Primary Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty

Background: Initial percutaneous coronary interference (PCI) is still connected by a noticeable incidence of suboptimal coronary flow thrombolysis in infarction of myocardial (TIMI). The predictors of slow and no-reflow in cases that supported initial PCI in our institute was searched for and the relationship of these parameters with major adverse cardiovascular effects (MACE) was assessed. Material and Method: 397 patients with AMI displaying in 24 hours of the sign opening were retrospectively enrolled and underwent primary PCI between March 2006 and March 2012. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data were retrieved from our institutional databank. The baseline and post-PCI flow of blood in the revascularized artery was ranked based on the TIMI grading method. The follow-up visits were performed after one, six and twelve month from hospitalization. All the mortalities and complications were recorded within this period for evaluate the MACE. Results: The frequency of diabetes mellitus and renal failure were importantly larger in cases with a TIMI flow of 0-1 (p=0.03 & p=.01, respectively). Similarly, level of serum creatine were importantly larger in cases with a TIMI flow of 0-1. The predictors for TIMI flow included that utilize of Adenosin or Integrilin, diabetes mellitus, POIT, long tubular lesion, and injury at LAD territory. The incidence of MACE was significantly higher in patients with a TIMI flow of 0-1 (P=0.001) and the survival in this subgroup was significantly poorer (Hazard ratio=4.96; P<0.001). Conclusion: A low TIMI flow is accompanied by a poorer survival and a higher MACE and is influenced by some clinical and vascular characteristics.
Transforming Growth Factor-&bgr;1 Inhibits Macrophage Cholesteryl Ester Accumulation Induced by Native and Oxidized VLDL Remnants

Transforming growth factor &bgr;1 (TGF-&bgr;1) is secreted by various cells, including macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. TGF-&bgr;1 is present in atherosclerotic lesions, but its role in regulating macrophage foam cell formation is not understood. Hypertriglyceridemic very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) remnants (VLDL-REMs) in their native or oxidized form will induce cholesteryl ester (CE) and triglyceride (TG) accumulation in macrophages. Therefore, we examined whether TGF-&bgr;1 can modulate the macrophage uptake of native or oxidized VLDL-REMs (oxVLDL-REMs). Incubation of J774A.1 macrophages with VLDL-REMs and oxVLDL-REMs compared with control cells increased cellular CE (13- and 21-fold, respectively) and TG mass (21-and 18-fold, respectively). Preincubation with TGF-&bgr;1 before incubation with VLDL-REMs or oxVLDL-REMs significantly decreased CE (73% and 54%, respectively) and TG mass (42% and 41%, respectively). TGF-&bgr;1 inhibited the activity and expression of 2 key components needed for VLDL-REM uptake: lipoprotein lipase and low density lipoprotein receptor. TGF-&bgr;1 inhibited CE mass induced by oxVLDL-REMs in part by decreasing the expression of scavenger receptor type AI/II and CD36. Furthermore, TGF-&bgr;1 enhanced cholesterol efflux through upregulation of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. Thus, TGF-&bgr;1 inhibits macrophage foam cell formation induced by VLDL-REMs or oxVLDL-REMs, which suggests an antiatherogenic role for this cytokine.
Distribution of phosphate‐activated glutaminase in the human cerebral cortex

Phosphate‐activated glutaminase (PAG), which catalyses conversion of glutamine to glutamate, is a potential marker for glutamatergic, and possibly GABA, neurons in the central nervous system. A polyclonal antibody, raised in rabbits against rat brain PAG, was applied to postmortem human brain tissue to reveal the distribution of PAG in the cerebral cortex. PAG immunoreactivity was observed in pyramidal and non‐pyramidal neurons but not in glial cells. In the neocortex, large to medium‐sized pyramidal neurons in layers III and V were stained most intensely, while the majority of smaller pyramidal cells were labeled either lightly or moderately. Such modified pyramids as the giant Betz cells, the large pyramidal cells of Meynert, and the solitary cells of Ramón y Cajal were also stained intensely. Fusiform cells in layer VI showed moderate to intense labeling. A number of cortical non‐pyramidal neurons of various sizes stained moderately to intensely. These included large basket cells which were identified by their characteristic morphology and size in primary cortical areas. Pyramidal cells in the hippocampal formation as well as basket cells of the stratum oriens stained moderately to intensely. Since pyramidal cells are believed to be glutamatergic and large basket cells GABAergic, these results suggest that PAG plays a role in generating not only transmitter glutamate, but also GABA precursor glutamate.
Assessing orally bioavailable commercial silver nanoparticle product on human cytochrome P450 enzyme activity

Abstract Nanotechnology produces a wide range of medicinal compounds, including nanoparticulate silver, which are increasingly introduced in various forms for consumer use. As with all medicinal compounds, potential drug interactions are an important consideration for ingested silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticulate silver–drug interactions may be mediated through induced oxidative stress in liver tissue where the majority of systemically bioavailable silver nanoparticles is found. To investigate whether an orally ingested commercially available colloidal silver nanoproduct produces pharmacokinetic interference on select cytochrome P450 enzymes, a prospective, single-blind, controlled in vivo human study using simultaneous administration of standardized probes for P450 enzyme classes CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 was conducted. Oral ingestion of a commercial colloidal silver nanoproduct produces detectable silver in human serum after 14 days of dosing. This silver, however, elicits no demonstrable clinically significant changes in metabolic, hematologic, urinary, physical findings or cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition or induction activity. Given their increasingly broad, diverse human exposures, future characterization of human cytochrome P450 enzyme activity for other systemically bioavailable nanotechnology products are warranted.
Psychologic factors and psychiatric disease in hyperemesis gravidarum: a follow-up study of 69 vomiters and 66 controls.

1. This report is based upon a systematic, clinical study of a group of consecutive women discharged from the hospital with the diagnosis of uncomplicated hyperemesis gravidarum compared to a group of consecutive controls selected by taking the next admission to the hospital of a normal, full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy in the same ward or private status. 2. The study involved a personal clinical interview with each woman 2 to 4 years after discharge from the hospital: 84% of the original sample were found and interviewed; 94% of the women who remained within 250 miles of the hospital were found and interviewed. We thus studied 69 vomiters and 66 controls. 3. The interviews were clinical in their orientation and covered the following areas: medical and psychiatric symptoms, past illnesses, operations, hospitalizations, socioeconomic status, pregnancies, nursing, contraception, marital and sexual adjustment, relations with mothers and mothers-in-law, and personal psychologic adjustment. Each area was sys.
Mistreatment and Self-Reported Emotional Symptoms: Results From the National Elder Mistreatment Study

Many community-residing older adults in the United States report past year mistreatment; however, little is known about mental health correlates of abuse. This study investigated whether a recent history of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse is associated with self-reported emotional symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) among a representative sample of older adults. Results demonstrated that each abuse type increased likelihood of reporting emotional symptoms; when other known correlates were controlled, only emotional abuse remained a significant predictor. Additional study of mistreatment-related correlates of depression and anxiety is needed, with a focus on the often overlooked category of emotional mistreatment.
Association of a Homozygous Nonsense Mutation in the ABCA4 (ABCR) Gene with Cone-Rod Dystrophy Phenotype in an Italian Family

Genetic variation in the ABCA4 (ABCR) gene has been associated with several distinct retinal phenotypes, including Stargardt disease/fundus flavimaculatus (STGD/FFM), cone-rod dystrophy (CRD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration. The current model of genotype/phenotype association suggests that patients harboring deleterious mutations in both ABCR alleles would develop RP-like retinal pathology. Here we describe ABCA4-associated phenotypes, including a proband with a homozygous nonsense mutation in a family from Southern Italy. The proband had been originally diagnosed with STGD. Ophthalmologic examination included kinetic perimetry, electrophysiological studies and fluorescein angiography. DNA of the affected individual and family members was analyzed for variants in all 50 exons of the ABCA4 gene by screening on the ABCR400 microarray. A homozygous nonsense mutation 2971G>T (G991X) was detected in a patient initially diagnosed with STGD based on funduscopic evidence, including bull’s eye depigmentation of the fovea and flecks at the posterior pole extending to the mid-peripheral retina. Since this novel nucleotide substitution results in a truncated, nonfunctional, ABCA4 protein, the patient was examined in-depth for the severity of the disease phenotype. Indeed, subsequent electrophysiological studies determined severely reduced cone amplitude as compared to the rod amplitude, suggesting the diagnosis of CRD. ABCR400 microarray is an efficient tool for determining causal genetic variation, including new mutations. A homozygous protein-truncating mutation in ABCA4 can cause a phenotype ranging from STGD to CRD as diagnosed at an early stage of the disease. Only a combination of comprehensive genotype/phenotype correlation studies will determine the proper diagnosis and prognosis of ABCA4-associated pathology.
Utility and safety of rituximab in pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory CNS disease

Objective: To assess the utility and safety of rituximab in pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory disorders of the CNS. Methods: Multicenter retrospective study. Results: A total of 144 children and adolescents (median age 8 years, range 0.7–17; 103 female) with NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis (n = 39), opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (n = 32), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (n = 20), neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 18), and other neuroinflammatory disorders (n = 35) were studied. Rituximab was given after a median duration of disease of 0.5 years (range 0.05–9.5 years). Infusion adverse events were recorded in 18/144 (12.5%), including grade 4 (anaphylaxis) in 3. Eleven patients (7.6%) had an infectious adverse event (AE), including 2 with grade 5 (death) and 2 with grade 4 (disabling) infectious AE (median follow-up of 1.65 years [range 0.1–8.5]). No patients developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. A definite, probable, or possible benefit was reported in 125 of 144 (87%) patients. A total of 17.4% of patients had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at rituximab initiation, compared to 73.9% at outcome. The change in mRS 0–2 was greater in patients given rituximab early in their disease course compared to those treated later. Conclusion: While limited by the retrospective nature of this analysis, our data support an off-label use of rituximab, although the significant risk of infectious complications suggests rituximab should be restricted to disorders with significant morbidity and mortality. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that in pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory CNS disorders, rituximab improves neurologic outcomes with a 7.6% risk of adverse infections.
Tactile Awareness in Children and Adults during the Production of Isolated Syllables of English

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether tactile feedback is developmental in nature. 90 subjects were placed into three groups of 30 individuals each (M ages: 6.8, 10.7, and 18.8 yr.). All subjects passed a speech, language, and hearing screening. The procedure involved asking subjects to imitate the production of a syllable, then describe where the tongue was located during thar production. Following this request, subjects answered multiple-choice questions regarding (a) tongue height (high to low), (b) tongue position (front to back), (c) contact with teeth, and (d) contact with other structures within the oral cavity. Seven English phonemes (t, k, sh, r, l, and voiceless ∼lh) were presented in a consonant vowel (CV) syllable with the neutral schwa vowel. Subjects were aided by a line drawing of the oral cavity. A significant correlation was found between age and total test score. Significant differences were also found among groups on all phonemes with the exception of r and s. All subjects could describe tongue Location during the production of isolated syllables. Adults performed the task best, and young children had the most difficulty, indicating that tactile awareness may be maturational. These findings parallel those of McDonald and Aungst who in 1967 found thar idenufication of oral forms improved with age through midadolescence.
Immunoglobulins in the bronchial washings of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A, and M (IgG, IgA, and IgM) were measured by radial immunodiffusion in the serum and bronchial washings of 6 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 6 control subjects, and 22 patients with various bronchopulmonary disorders. Most bronchial washings contained detectable amounts of IgG and IgA but not IgM. One patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease lacked IgA in bronchial washings, serum, and parotid saliva and had unusually high concentrations of IgG and IgM in bronchial washings. Bronchial washings from a second patient lacked detectable IgG and contained IgA. Average concentrations of IgG and IgA were similar in bronchial washings from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and control subjects. Examination of 34 paired samples of bronchial washings and serum revealed that the average ratio of the concentration of IgA or IgG to the concentration of albumin was significantly greater in bronchial washings than in serum. It was con.
Power dissipation in division

A few classes of algorithms to implement division in hardware have been used over the years: division by digit-recurrence, by reciprocal approximation by iterative methods and by polynomial approximation. Due to the differences in the algorithms, a comparison among their implementation in terms of performance and precision is sometimes hard to make. In this work, we use power dissipation and energy consumption as metrics to compare among those different classes of algorithms. There are no previous works in the literature presenting such a comparison.
Software Vulnerability Analysis and Discovery Using Machine-Learning and Data-Mining Techniques

Software security vulnerabilities are one of the critical issues in the realm of computer security. Due to their potential high severity impacts, many different approaches have been proposed in the past decades to mitigate the damages of software vulnerabilities. Machine-learning and data-mining techniques are also among the many approaches to address this issue. In this article, we provide an extensive review of the many different works in the field of software vulnerability analysis and discovery that utilize machine-learning and data-mining techniques. We review different categories of works in this domain, discuss both advantages and shortcomings, and point out challenges and some uncharted territories in the field.
The clinical effectiveness of CBT-based guided self-help interventions for anxiety and depressive disorders: a systematic review

Background Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)-based guided self-help (GSH) has been suggested to be an effective intervention for mild to moderate anxiety and depression, yet the evidence seems inconclusive, with some studies reporting that GSH is effective and others finding that GSH is ineffective. GSH differs in important respects from other levels of self-help, yet the literature regarding exclusively guided self-help interventions for anxiety and depression has not been reviewed systematically. Method A literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining CBT-based GSH interventions for anxiety and depressive disorders was conducted. Multiple electronic databases were searched; several journals spanning key disciplines were hand-searched; reference lists of included review articles were scanned and relevant first authors were contacted. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicated the effectiveness of GSH at post-treatment, although GSH was found to have limited effectiveness at follow-up or among more clinically representative samples. Studies that reported greater effectiveness of GSH tended to be of lower methodological quality and generally involved participants who were self-selected rather than recruited through clinical referrals. Conclusions Although there is support for the effectiveness of CBT-based GSH among media-recruited individuals, the finding that the reviewed RCTs had limited effectiveness within routine clinical practice demonstrates that the evidence is not conclusive. Further rigorous evidence based on clinical populations that examines longer-term outcomes is required before CBT-based GSH interventions can be deemed effective for adults accessing primary care services for treatment of anxiety and depression.
A randomized crossover trial to study the effect of personalized, one-to-one interaction using Montessori-based activities on agitation, affect, and engagement in nursing home residents with Dementia

ABSTRACT Background: Increasingly more attention has been paid to non-pharmacological interventions as treatment of agitated behaviors that accompany dementia. The aim of the current study is to test if personalized one-to-one interaction activities based on Montessori principles will improve agitation, affect, and engagement more than a relevant control condition. Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover trial in nine residential facilities in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia (n = 44). Personalized one-to-one activities that were delivered using Montessori principles were compared with a non-personalized activity to control for the non-specific benefits of one-to-one interaction. Participants were observed 30 minutes before, during, and after the sessions. The presence or absence of a selected physically non-aggressive behavior was noted in every minute, together with the predominant type of affect and engagement. Results: Behavior counts fell considerably during both the Montessori and control sessions relative to beforehand. During Montessori activities, the amount of time spend actively engaged was double compared to during the control condition and participants displayed more positive affect and interest as well. Participants with no fluency in English (all from non-English speaking backgrounds) showed a significantly larger reduction in agitation during the Montessori than control sessions. Conclusion: Our results show that even non-personalized social contact can assist in settling agitated residents. Tailoring activities to residents’ needs and capabilities elicit more positive interactions and are especially suitable for people who have lost fluency in the language spoken predominantly in their residential facility. Future studies could explore implementation by family members and volunteers to avoid demands on facilities’ resources. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry – ACTRN12609000564257.