Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pricing and hedging strategy for options with default and liquidity risk

This study applies fuzzy set theory to the vulnerable Black-Scholes (1973) or Merton (1973) formula. Expectations of heterogeneity mean option prices are expected to be imprecise, thus making it natural to consider fuzziness to handle this. This article presents a fuzzy approach to value Black-Scholes options subject to non-identical rationality and correlated credit risk. Although no analytical solution is available, this study employs a fuzzy approach to derive an approximate analytical expression for the upper and lower bounds of the European fuzzy vulnerable option price. Furthermore, the Greeks and hedging strategy of the proposed model are also provided in this article.
Free fatty acid receptor 2 and nutrient sensing: a proposed role for fibre, fermentable carbohydrates and short-chain fatty acids in appetite regulation

The way in which the composition of the diet may affect appetite, food intake and body weight is now receiving considerable attention in a bid to halt the global year-on-year rise in obesity prevalence. Epidemiological evidence suggests that populations who follow a fibre-rich, traditional diet are likely to have a lower body weight and improved metabolic parameters than their Western-diet counterparts. The colonic effects of fibre, and more specifically the SCFA that the fermentation process produces, may play a role in maintaining energy homeostasis via their action on the G-coupled protein receptor free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2; formerly GPR43). In the present review, we summarise the evidence for and against the role of FFA2 in energy homeostasis circuits and the possible ways that these could be exploited therapeutically. We also propose that the decline in fibre content of the diet since the Industrial Revolution, particularly fermentable fractions, may have resulted in the FFA2-mediated circuits being under-utilised and hence play a role in the current obesity epidemic.
On the minimal synchronism needed for distributed consensus

Reaching agreement is a primitive of distributed computing. While this poses no problem in an ideal, failure-free environment, it imposes certain constraints on the capabilities of an actual system: a system is viable only if it permits the existence of consensus protocols tolerant to some number of failures. Fischer, Lynch and Paterson [FLP] have shown that in a completely asynchronous model, even one failure cannot be tolerated. In this paper we extend their work, identifying several critical system parameters, including various synchronicity conditions, and examine how varying these affects the number of faults which can be tolerated. Our proofs expose general heuristic principles that explain why consensus is possible in certain models but not possible in others.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Risk Factors to Potential Targets

Triple-negative breast cancer has recently been recognized as an important subgroup of breast cancer with a distinct outcome and therapeutic approach when compared with other subgroups of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer comprises primarily, but not exclusively, a molecularly distinct subtype of breast cancer, the basal-like subtype. We do not yet have an assay to identify basal-like breast cancer in clinical samples, so triple-negative breast cancer has become a commonly used proxy for this subtype. The molecular biology and pathophysiology of triple-negative breast cancer are not completely understood, but understanding is improving rapidly with the advent of sophisticated molecular biology platforms. Moreover, the established risk factors of breast cancer as a whole may not apply to this unique subgroup of patients. Finally, because triple-negative breast cancer is defined by the absence of a target, there are currently limitations to using a tailored therapeutic approach, leaving conventional cytotoxic therapies as the mainstay. Active preclinical and clinical research programs focus on defining the clinical behavior, delineating the risk factors, and more completely understanding the molecular biology of triple-negative breast cancer to improve prevention, optimize conventional agents, and unveil novel therapeutic targets. This CCR focus article will review the current state of the art on triple-negative breast cancer.
Applying a Theory of Change Approach to the Evaluation of Comprehensive Community Initiatives: Progress, Prospects, and Problems

Since its birth in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the field of comprehensive community initiatives (CCIs) has been struggling to find evaluation strategies and methodologies that correspond well to the goals and designs of the initiatives themselves. Up to this point, CCIs have had three general options to follow: (1) retreat to process documentation of the initiatives and greatly reduce expectations about obtaining credible evidence of their impacts; (2) try to "force fit" the initiatives themselves into the procrustean bed of existing and accepted evaluation methods in order to estimate their impacts; and (3) put off evaluating CCIs until the initiatives are more "mature" and "ready" to be evaluated using existing strategies.
A multispectral and polarization-selective surface-plasmon resonant midinfrared detector

We demonstrate a multispectral polarization sensitive midinfrared dots-in-a-well photodetector utilizing surface-plasmonic resonant elements, with tailorable frequency response and polarization selectivity. The resonant responsivity of the surface-plasmon detector shows an enhancement of up to five times that of an unpatterned control detector. As the plasmonic resonator involves only surface patterning of the top metal contact, this method is independent of light-absorbing material and can easily be integrated with current focal plane array processing for imaging applications.
Molecular Determinants of Substrate/Inhibitor Binding to the Human and Rabbit Renal Organic Cation Transporters hOCT2 and rbOCT2

Organic cation transporters are important for the elimination of many drugs and toxins from the body. In the present study, substrate-transporter interactions were investigated in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with either the human or rabbit orthologs of the principal organic cation transporter in the kidney, OCT2. IC50 values, ranging from 0.04 μM to >3 mM, for inhibition of [14C]tetraethylammonium transport were determined for more than 30 structurally diverse compounds. Although the two OCT orthologs displayed similar IC50 values for some of these compounds, the majority varied by as much as 20-fold. Marked differences in substrate affinity were also noted when comparing hOCT2 to the closely related homolog hOCT1. These data suggest the molecular determinants of substrate binding differ markedly among both homologous and orthologous OCT transporters. The software package Cerius2 (Accelrys, San Diego, CA) was used to generate a descriptor-based, two-dimensional, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) to produce a model relating the affinity of hOCT2 to particular physicochemical features of substrate/inhibitor molecules (r2 = 0.81). Comparative molecular field analysis (Tripos, St. Louis, MO) was used to generate three-dimensional QSARs describing the structural basis of substrate binding to hOCT2 and rbOCT2 (q2 = 0.60 and 0.53, respectively, and each with r2 = 0.97). The quality of the models was assessed by their ability to successfully predict the inhibition of a set of test compounds. The current models enabled prediction of OCT2 affinity and may prove useful in the prediction of unwanted drug interactions at the level of the renal secretory process.
Evolution of hepatitis B virus polymerase gene mutations in hepatitis B e Antigen–negative patients receiving lamivudine therapy

Lamivudine has been shown to be effective in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B, but its long‐term efficacy and the rate of resistant mutations in patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B is less clear. Twenty‐nine patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B, who have received lamivudine for at least 1 year were studied to determine the antiviral response, the rate and pattern of lamivudine‐resistant mutations, and the effect of lamivudine‐resistant mutations on HBeAg status. The mean duration of treatment was 21 ± 7 months. Before treatment, core promoter variant was detected in 16 (55%) patients and precore stop codon variant in 18 (62%) patients. Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was detected by solution hybridization assay in 62%, 4%, and 24% and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in 100%, 31%, and 40% at months 0, 6, and 24, respectively. The cumulative rates of detection of lamivudine‐resistant mutations after 1 and 2 years of treatment were 10% and 56%, respectively. In addition to the duration of treatment, core promoter mutation was associated with the selection of lamivudine‐resistant mutants. Three patients with lamivudine‐resistant mutations had reversion of the precore stop codon mutation; in 2 patients this was accompanied by the reappearance of HBeAg. We found that lamivudine‐resistant mutants were detected at similar rates in patients with HBeAg‐negative as in patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B. Additional changes in other parts of the HBV genome may restore the replication fitness of lamivudine‐resistant mutants.
Exhaled Breath Condensate: Technical and Diagnostic Aspects

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 30-year progress of research on exhaled breath condensate in a disease-based approach. Methods. We searched PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: exhaled breath condensate (EBC), biomarkers, pH, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), smoking, COPD, lung cancer, NSCLC, mechanical ventilation, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung diseases, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and drugs. Results. We found 12600 related articles in total in Google Scholar, 1807 in ScienceDirect, and 1081 in PubMed/Medline, published from 1980 to October 2014. 228 original investigation and review articles were eligible. Conclusions. There is rapidly increasing number of innovative articles, covering all the areas of modern respiratory medicine and expanding EBC potential clinical applications to other fields of internal medicine. However, the majority of published papers represent the results of small-scale studies and thus current knowledge must be further evaluated in large cohorts. In regard to the potential clinical use of EBC-analysis, several limitations must be pointed out, including poor reproducibility of biomarkers and absence of large surveys towards determination of reference-normal values. In conclusion, contemporary EBC-analysis is an intriguing achievement, but still in early stage when it comes to its application in clinical practice.
A simplified recombinant PSO

Simplified forms of the particle swarm algorithm are very beneficial in contributing to understanding how a particle swarm optimization (PSO) swarm functions. One of these forms, PSO with discrete recombination, is extended and analyzed, demonstrating not just improvements in performance relative to a standard PSO algorithm, but also significantly different behavior, namely, a reduction in bursting patterns due to the removal of stochastic components from the update equations.
Modeling Option and Strategy Choices with Connectionist Networks: Towards an Integrative Model of Automatic and Deliberate Decision Making

We claim that understanding human decisions requires that both automatic and deliberate processes be considered. First, we sketch the qualitative differences between two hypothetical processing systems, an automatic and a deliberate system. Second, we show the potential that connectionism offers for modeling processes of decision making and discuss some empirical evidence. Specifically, we posit that the integration of information and the application of a selection rule are governed by the automatic system. The deliberate system is assumed to be responsible for information search, inferences and the modification of the network that the automatic processes act on. Third, we critically evaluate the multiple-strategy approach to decision making. We introduce the basic assumption of an integrative approach stating that individuals apply an all-purpose rule for decisions but use different strategies for information search. Fourth, we develop a connectionist framework that explains the interaction between automatic and deliberate processes and is able to account for choices both at the option and at the strategy level.
Swallowing function and medical diagnoses in infants suspected of Dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE There has been an increase in infant swallowing disorders as a result of improved survival for infants born prematurely or with life-threatening medical disorders. These infants often have multiple health issues and an increased risk of respiratory complications. However, there is little understanding of the biomechanics of infant swallowing disorders. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine 1) the percentage of dysphagic infants who experience laryngeal penetration, aspiration, or nasopharyngeal backflow; 2) reasons for laryngeal penetration/aspiration; 3) whether infants with laryngeal penetration/aspiration clear their airway; and 4) the relationship between swallowing disorders and medical diagnoses. METHODS Patients included 43 infants who were referred for videofluoroscopic swallowing studies in a university-affiliated pediatric medical center. Medical charts were reviewed. The videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were recorded on videotape, and each swallow was analyzed for laryngeal penetration, aspiration, nasopharyngeal backflow, cough, airway clearance, and reason for penetration/aspiration. Statistics included chi2 for nonparametric data and measures of central tendency for numeric/timing data. RESULTS More than half of the infants experienced laryngeal penetration, aspiration, or nasopharyngeal backflow; however, the first occurrence of these events was after multiple swallows. Only 3 infants experienced laryngeal penetration and aspiration on the first swallow and all 3 had an absent pharyngeal response. Premature infants experienced significantly more nasopharyngeal backflow. Material in the pyriform sinuses before pharyngeal swallowing was associated with penetration/aspiration. In episodes of laryngeal penetration, all patients were able to clear their airway during the swallow without a cough. Almost all infants (8 of 9) who aspirated did not cough or clear their airway. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that most infants suspected of dysphagia showed overt abnormalities: laryngeal penetration, aspiration, and/or nasopharyngeal backflow on the videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Most of these infants did not demonstrate abnormalities in the first few swallows but displayed deterioration in swallowing function as they continued to feed. Thus, radiographic assessments in infants must examine multiple swallows. The high incidence of silent aspiration demonstrates the necessity of a videofluoroscopic assessment to evaluate swallowing function in these infants.
LUMBAR LORDOSIS : A STUDY OF ANGLE VALUES AND OF VERTEBRAL BODIES AND INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS ROLE

1 Post-graduation student of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Rehabilitation, Ribeirão Preto Medical College USP. 2 Resident Doctor, Hospital das Clínicas, Ribeirão Preto Medical College – USP. 3 Associate Professor, Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical College USP. 4 Associate Professor, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Locomotive Apparatus Rehabilitation, Ribeirão Preto Medical College USP. INTRODUCTION The vertebral spine presents regional curves on sagittal plane designed to absorb impact, reduce its longitudinal stiffness, and intensify muscular function (1). Values of sagittal curves measurements on spine present great variability in normal individuals, with a wide variation range for those, within normality limits. That great measurements variation must be considered as physiological, indicative, but not normative (2). Lumbar lordosis has long been studied, and its curvature is associated with various factors, such as thoracic curvature, age, gender, pelvic bend, among others. Studies have been conducted intending to measure lumbar and spinal segments curvatures. The participation of vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs on lumbar lordosis formation has not been considered. The objective of this study was to measure lumbar curvature, and vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs angles in normal individuals, aiming to observe lumbar lordosis values and also the role of vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs in its composition, also considering a potential age and gender bias.
Osmotic barrier properties of the rat peritoneal membrane.

In this study the osmotic barrier characteristics of the rat peritoneal membrane were investigated. Fluid movements between the peritoneal cavity and the blood were measured following instillation of isotonic saline (control) and hypertonic solutions of NaCl, glucose, sucrose, raffinose and myoglobin (test solutions). Moreover, 5 and 8% albumin in NaCl were investigated. Osmotic transients were assessed using a simple volume recovery technique. Peritoneal osmotic conductances (i.e. products of peritoneal hydraulic conductances [LpS] and solute reflection coefficients [sigma]) were calculated from the differences in the rates of peritoneal fluid loss and in osmotic pressures between test solutions and the isotonic saline control solution. The osmotic conductance to glucose was estimated to be 1.63 microliters min-1 mmHg-1 m-2 and that for albumin to be 59.6 microliters min-1 mmHg-1 m-2. Assuming an albumin sigma of 0.9, the sigma of glucose was estimated to be 0.025, in accordance with previous measurements for the cat peritoneal membrane. The osmotic conductances assessed here were compatible with an 'overall' peritoneal equivalent small pore radius of 47-48 A, but could also be fitted to a three-pore model of peritoneal permselectivity, including a transcellular (ultra-small pore) pathway and a large pore pathway. The great discrepancy between peritoneal sigma for small solutes and that for albumin obtained in this study indicates that small solute reflection coefficients are close to zero while that for albumin is not far from unity. Furthermore, the peritoneal hydraulic conductance (ultrafiltration coefficient) is large enough to allow for a substantial absorption of fluid directly into the plasma when the crystalloid osmotic pressures in blood and peritoneal dialysate are in equilibrium.
Comparing Satellite and Surface Observations of Cloud Patterns in Synoptic-Scale Circulation Systems

Abstract The propagation characteristics and spatial distributions of cloud cover associated with synoptic-scale circulation systems are studied using both satellite data processed by the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and surface observations taken at weather stations or ships of opportunity. These two independent datasets produce comparable climatological patterns of the preferred direction and speed of the cloud movements. Such “propagation vectors” based on the ISCCP products depict cloud motions at a higher altitude than that of the corresponding movements deduced from surface synoptic reports. By application of a similar composite procedure to the ISCCP and surface datasets, a detailed comparison is made between the satellite and surface observations of the organization of various cloud types in midlatitude cyclones. The relationships of these cloud patterns with the concurrent atmospheric circulation are illustrated by superposing the composites of wind and geopotential h.
Lumbopelvic lordosis and pelvic balance on repeated standing lateral radiographs of adult volunteers and untreated patients with constant low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN Twenty volunteers and 20 patients with no prior spine surgery had two standing lateral radiographs taken, on the average, 66 months apart and 2 weeks apart, respectively. OBJECTIVES To first determine the reliability of the measurement techniques used, and then the longitudinal variation between radiographs for the sagittal spinopelvic alignments measured in two stable populations, the one manifesting no back symptoms (volunteers) and the other showing no changes in symptoms (patients). Pelvic morphology also was assessed quantitatively, and significant correlations for the measurements were studied. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There are no published studies on longitudinal variation for measurements of sagittal spinal alignments in asymptomatic control subjects or untreated patients with stable back problems. It may be helpful to know not only how much variation in alignments can be expected between radiographs of the same individual, but also which measurements and measurement techniques offer the greatest clinical reliability and application. METHODS Each patient in this study reported mechanical type low back pain that was constant in location and character as well as clinically consistent with symptomatic degenerative lumbar disc disease. Each patient and volunteer had 36-inch-long lateral radiographs taken of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, which included the pelvis. After intervening periods of 1 to 4 weeks (patients) and 5 to 6 years (volunteers), a second radiograph was taken for comparison. Two observers made 24 different measurements on the radiographs including determinations for lumbopelvic lordosis, pelvic balance, and pelvic morphology using the pelvic radius technique. Reliabilities, longitudinal variations, and correlations for the measurements were compared. RESULTS The most reliable measurements were for pelvic morphology, pelvic balance, and regional lumbopelvic lordosis by the pelvic radius technique. Pelvic morphology was the most constant measurement between individual radiographs. Pelvic morphology and total lumbosacral lordosis were dependent measurements that were complementary in determining total lumbopelvic lordosis. Lumbopelvic lordosis and pelvic balance also had strong correlation, whereas lumbosacral lordosis and pelvic balance were independent measurements. CONCLUSIONS The pelvic radius technique is recommended for evaluating lordosis to the pelvis because this approach provided not only good measurement reliability on standing radiographs for lumbopelvic lordosis, but also determination of pelvic balance over the hips and the option to assess pelvic morphology quantitatively. Lumbopelvic lordosis and pelvic balance were strongly correlative. This finding, along with higher reliability and lower longitudinal variation on repeated radiographs, indicated greater clinical application for these specific measurements.