Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spitzer Identity, Wiener-Hopf Factorization and Pricing of Discretely Monitored Exotic Options

The Wiener-Hopf factorization of a complex function arises in a variety of fields in applied mathematics such as probability, finance, insurance, queuing theory, radio engineering and fluid mechanics. The factorization fully characterizes the distribution of functionals of a random walk or a Levy process, such as the maximum, the minimum and hitting times. Here we propose a constructive procedure for the computation of the Wiener-Hopf factors, valid for both single and double barriers, based on the combined use of the Hilbert and the z-transform. The numerical implementation can be simply performed via the fast Fourier transform and the Euler summation. Given that the information in the Wiener-Hopf factors is strictly related to the distributions of the first passage times, as a concrete application in mathematical finance we consider the pricing of discretely monitored exotic options, such as lookback and barrier options, when the underlying price evolves according to an exponential Levy process. We show that the computational cost of our procedure is independent of the number of monitoring dates and the error decays exponentially with the number of grid points.
A specialized face-processing network consistent with the representational geometry of monkey face patches

Ample evidence suggests that face processing in human and non-human primates is performed differently compared with other objects. Converging reports, both physiologically and psychophysically, indicate that faces are processed in specialized neural networks in the brain -i.e. face patches in monkeys and the fusiform face area (FFA) in humans. We are all expert face-processing agents, and able to identify very subtle differences within the category of faces, despite substantial visual and featural similarities. Identification is performed rapidly and accurately after viewing a whole face, while significantly drops if some of the face configurations (e.g. inversion, misalignment) are manipulated or if partial views of faces are shown due to occlusion. This refers to a hotly-debated, yet highly-supported concept, known as holistic face processing. We built a hierarchical computational model of face-processing based on evidence from recent neuronal and behavioural studies on faces processing in primates. Representational geometries of the last three layers of the model have characteristics similar to those observed in monkey face patches (posterior, middle and anterior patches). Furthermore, several face-processing-related phenomena reported in the literature automatically emerge as properties of this model. The representations are evolved through several computational layers, using biologically plausible learning rules. The model satisfies face inversion effect, composite face effect, other race effect, view and identity selectivity, and canonical face views. To our knowledge, no models have so far been proposed with this performance and agreement with biological data.
Molecular Basis for Interactions of the DnaK Chaperone with Substrates

Abstract Hsp70 chaperones assist a large variety of protein folding processes in the cell by transient association with short peptide segments of proteins. The substrate binding and release cycle is driven by the switching between the low affinity ATP bound state and the high affinity ADP bound state of Hsp70. Considerable progress has been made recently by the identification of in vivo substrates for the Escherichia coli homolog, DnaK, and the molecular mechanisms which govern the DnaK-substrate interactions. Here we review the processes that generate DnaK substrates in vivo and the properties of these substrates, and we describe insights gained from structural and kinetic analysis of DnaK-substrate interaction.
Modelos cognitivos de la depresión: una síntesis y nueva propuesta basada en 30 años de investigación

Cognitive approaches have been very fruitful for the understanding of depression. Cognitive models have inspired current evidence-based treatments of depression while providing useful frameworks to understand the causes of this disorder. However, empirical research in the last years has improved the explanatory power of these models substantially. In this paper we review a number of recent developments of well-established elements of the cognitive models as well as new concepts and variables which have just been incorporated in these models. Thus, we describe conceptual and empirical advancements on the role of negative schemata, attributions, self-esteem, attributional style or memory processes. Furthermore, we also describe new research on the role that processes Correspondencia: Carmelo Vázquez, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223 Madrid. E-mail: cvazquez@psi.ucm. es 140 VÁZQUEZ, HERVÁS, HERNANGÓMEZ Y ROMERO like a ruminative style of processing or thought suppression mechanisms may have in the onset and maintenance of depression. Finally, based in these new developments, we present a comprehensive model of depression which expands older well-known cognitive models.
Computer and internet use among urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes

Previous studies have identified a “digital divide” between African Americans and whites, with African Americans having substantially lower rates of Internet use. However, use of the Internet to access health information has not been sufficiently evaluated in this population. Therefore, we conducted a telephone survey to determine the prevalence of computer and Internet use among 457 African American adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants were 78% female, with a mean age of 57±11 years, and about one-third had a yearly income ≦$7,500. Forty percent of the participants reported having a computer at home and 46% reported knowing how to use a computer. Most participants (58%) reported that they had, at some point, used a computer, and of those, 40% reported that they used the computer to find health information. In a stratified analysis, participants with lower education levels (<high school) were less likely to have a computer; older participants, men, and individuals with lower education levels were less likely to know how to use a computer and to use it to search for health information (all P<.05). Nonetheless, of the participants who did not know how to use a computer, 66% reported that they would be willing to learn. In addition, 82% reported that they had friends or family in the neighborhood who would let them use a computer. Furthermore, 89% of participants reported that they would use a computer program to manage their diabetes if it were offered free of charge. These data show promise for the willingness of this under-served population to use computers and access health information using the Internet. New programs are needed to explore Internet-based interventions to improve self-management and diabetes care among African Americans.
In vivo bone lead measurement in suburban teenagers.

OBJECTIVE Bone represents a biologically active long-term storage site for lead, and bone lead data on teenagers are limited. Therefore, this study was designed to identify the distribution of bone lead in a teenage population and to explore the environmental and demographic factors associated with bone lead concentrations in young, nonoccupationally exposed subjects. DESIGN A cross-sectional study of bone lead levels in high school students. PARTICIPANTS A total of 168 students at a suburban Boston high school. Subjects (90 boys, 78 girls) ranged in age from 13.5 to 19 years and included 40% nonwhite minorities. Of the 168 subjects, 45 lived in homes constructed before 1960. None of the participants reported a history of lead poisoning. OUTCOME MEASURES Tibial bone lead concentrations were measured in vivo for 60 minutes using K x-ray fluorescence. Lead exposure information was obtained by self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS Point estimates of bone lead levels ranged from -7.15 to 14.23 microg lead/g bone mineral (microg/g), (mean, 4.0 microg/g; standard deviation, 4.4 microg/g). The reported measurement uncertainties accompanying each of the point estimates ranged from 2.56 to 9.01 microg/g (mean, 3.9 microg/g; standard deviation, 1.0 microg/g). Bone lead levels were not associated with the demographic factors of age, sex, or race. Additionally, current home conditions (housing age, traffic level) were not predictive of bone lead levels, even though these factors were predictive of in-home lead concentrations. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that although bone lead levels are measurable in this age group, the common predictors of blood and bone lead concentrations are not explanatory for bone lead levels.
Red Ginseng Marc Oil Inhibits iNOS and COX-2 via NFκB and p38 Pathways in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of red ginseng marc oil (RMO) in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. RMO was prepared by a supercritical CO2 extraction of waste product generated after hot water extraction of red ginseng. RMO significantly inhibited the production of oxidative stress molecules such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Levels of inflammatory targets including prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were also reduced after the treatment with RMO. In addition, RMO diminished the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 at both mRNA and protein levels. Blockade of nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) was also observed after the treatment of RMO. Furthermore, RMO decreased the phosphorylations of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and its upstream kinases including MAPK kinases 3/6 (MKK3/6) and TAK 1 (TGF-β activated kinase 1). Gas chromatographic analysis on RMO revealed that RMO contained about 10% phytosterols including sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of RMO. Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of RMO in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages could be associated with the inhibition of NFκB transcriptional activity, possibly via blocking the p38 MAPK pathway.
Synergistic Interactions between HDAC and Sirtuin Inhibitors in Human Leukemia Cells

Aberrant histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity is frequent in human leukemias. However, while classical, NAD+-independent HDACs are an established therapeutic target, the relevance of NAD+-dependent HDACs (sirtuins) in leukemia treatment remains unclear. Here, we assessed the antileukemic activity of sirtuin inhibitors and of the NAD+-lowering drug FK866, alone and in combination with traditional HDAC inhibitors. Primary leukemia cells, leukemia cell lines, healthy leukocytes and hematopoietic progenitors were treated with sirtuin inhibitors (sirtinol, cambinol, EX527) and with FK866, with or without addition of the HDAC inhibitors valproic acid, sodium butyrate, and vorinostat. Cell death was quantified by propidium iodide cell staining and subsequent flow-cytometry. Apoptosis induction was monitored by cell staining with FITC-Annexin-V/propidium iodide or with TMRE followed by flow-cytometric analysis, and by measuring caspase3/7 activity. Intracellular Bax was detected by flow-cytometry and western blotting. Cellular NAD+ levels were measured by enzymatic cycling assays. Bax was overexpressed by retroviral transduction. Bax and SIRT1 were silenced by RNA-interference. Sirtuin inhibitors and FK866 synergistically enhanced HDAC inhibitor activity in leukemia cells, but not in healthy leukocytes and hematopoietic progenitors. In leukemia cells, HDAC inhibitors were found to induce upregulation of Bax, a pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family-member whose translocation to mitochondria is normally prevented by SIRT1. As a result, leukemia cells become sensitized to sirtuin inhibitor-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, NAD+-independent HDACs and sirtuins cooperate in leukemia cells to avoid apoptosis. Combining sirtuin with HDAC inhibitors results in synergistic antileukemic activity that could be therapeutically exploited.
Exploring the Perception of Influencers Vs. Traditional Celebrities: Are Social Media Stars a New Type of Endorser?

The growing popularity of social media networks enables individuals to acquire large audiences of up to several million people on these platforms. Companies are starting to recognize this potential especially for young target groups, and to hire these so-called 'influencers' as endorsers in social media; these individual influences sometimes even take the place of traditional celebrities in corporate advertising. The question arises whether there is a difference in perception between these two types of endorsers and if so, which moderators influence these perceptions. In this study we explore consumers' general perception of social media influencers compared to traditional celebrities. We conduct an online survey with 590 respondents who were asked to rate 14 influencers and traditional celebrities in pairwise comparisons regarding their similarity. We apply multidimensional scaling (MDS) and find substantial differences in perceptions between the two groups. Additionally, we apply property fitting with evaluations regarding six different characteristics determining endorser effectiveness. While in total traditional celebrities are evaluated more favorably, this difference diminishes for high levels of familiarity and even reverses for perceived trustworthiness and similarity to oneself. The results indicate that marketers should carefully distinguish between influencers and traditional celebrities for endorsements, as systematic differences in perceptions between the groups are likely to have an impact on endorser effectiveness. Further research is needed to investigate which moderators (e.g. advertising type, product category) influence the perception and subsequently the endorsement effectiveness of the two types of endorsers.
Perceptions of Community Integration in an Ethnically Diverse Sample

Objective:To investigate the meaning of community integration in an ethnically diverse sample. Design:Prospective study using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. Setting:County level I trauma center. Participants:Fifty-eight blacks, 57 Hispanics, and 52 whites with traumatic brain injury living in the community 6 months postinjury. Main Measures:Open-ended interview questions and a questionnaire assessing perceived importance of community integration activities. Results:Resulting themes indicated that feeling part of the community was related to type and quality of community relationships, perceived safety and security, active involvement, feeling included and respected, and familiarity with the community. Themes regarding barriers included the following: environmental and social barriers; injury-related cognitive and physical changes; dissimilarities to others; relocation; and financial issues. Blacks and Hispanics placed more emphasis on domestic activities than did whites. Conclusions and Implications:Feeling integrated into the community relates to aspects of the environment as much as to involvement in specific activities. Environmental barriers can be just as important as injury-related changes. Different racial/ethnic groups place different value on participation activities. The results emphasize the importance of assessing subjective aspects of community integration, individualizing rehabilitation goals, and intervening in the environment to facilitate participation.
Platelets and Smooth Muscle Cells Affecting the Differentiation of Monocytes

Background Atherosclerosis is characterised by the formation of plaques. Monocytes play a pivotal role in plaque development as they differentiate into foam cells, a component of the lipid core whilst smooth muscle cells (SMC) are the principal cell identified in the cap. Recently, the ability of monocytes to differentiate into a myriad of other cell types has been reported. In lieu of these findings the ability of monocytes to differentiate into SMCs/smooth muscle (SM)-like cells was investigated. Method and Results Human monocytes were co-cultured with platelets or human coronary aortic SMCs and then analysed to assess their differentiation into SMCs/SM-like cells. The differentiated cells expressed a number of SMC markers and genes as determined by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). CD array analysis identified marker expression profiles that discriminated them from monocytes, macrophages and foam cells as well as the expression of markers which overlapped with fibroblast and mesenchymal cells. Electron microscopy studies identified microfilaments and increased amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum indicative of the SM- like cells, fibroblasts. Conclusions In the appropriate environmental conditions, monocytes can differentiate into SM-like cells potentially contributing to cap formation and plaque stability. Thus, monocytes may play a dual role in the development of plaque formation and ultimately atherosclerosis.
Sialic Acid-Containing Glycans as Cellular Receptors for Ocular Human Adenoviruses: Implications for Tropism and Treatment

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are the most common cause of ocular infections. Species B human adenovirus type 3 (HAdV-B3) causes pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF), whereas HAdV-D8, -D37, and -D64 cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Recently, HAdV-D53, -D54, and -D56 emerged as new EKC-causing agents. HAdV-E4 is associated with both PCF and EKC. We have previously demonstrated that HAdV-D37 uses sialic acid (SA)-containing glycans as cellular receptors on human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells, and the virus interaction with SA is mediated by the knob domain of the viral fiber protein. Here, by means of cell-based assays and using neuraminidase (a SA-cleaving enzyme), we investigated whether ocular HAdVs other than HAdV-D37 also use SA-containing glycans as receptors on HCE cells. We found that HAdV-E4 and -D56 infect HCE cells independent of SAs, whereas HAdV-D53 and -D64 use SAs as cellular receptors. HAdV-D8 and -D54 fiber knobs also bound to cell-surface SAs. Surprisingly, HCE cells were found resistant to HAdV-B3 infection. We also demonstrated that the SA-based molecule i.e., ME0462, designed to bind to SA-binding sites on the HAdV-D37 fiber knob, efficiently prevents binding and infection of several EKC-causing HAdVs. Surface plasmon resonance analysis confirmed a direct interaction between ME0462 and fiber knobs. Altogether, we demonstrate that SA-containing glycans serve as receptors for multiple EKC-causing HAdVs, and, that SA-based compound function as a broad-spectrum antiviral against known and emerging EKC-causing HAdVs.
Q fever, spotted fever group, and typhus group rickettsioses among hospitalized febrile patients in northern Tanzania.

BACKGROUND The importance of Q fever, spotted fever group rickettsiosis (SFGR), and typhus group rickettsiosis (TGR) as causes of febrile illness in sub-Saharan Africa is unknown; the putative role of Q fever as a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection is unclear. METHODS We identified febrile inpatients in Moshi, Tanzania, from September 2007 through August 2008 and collected acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples. A ≥4-fold increase in immunoglobulin (Ig) G immunfluorescence assay (IFA) titer to Coxiella burnetii phase II antigen defined acute Q fever. A ≥4-fold increase in IgG IFA titer to Rickettsia conorii or Rickettsia typhi antigen defined SFGR and TGR, respectively. RESULTS Among 870 patients, 483 (55.5%) were tested for acute Q fever, and 450 (51.7%) were tested for acute SFGR and TGR. Results suggested acute Q fever in 24 (5.0%) patients and SFGR and TGR in 36 (8.0%) and 2 (0.5%) patients, respectively. Acute Q fever was associated with hepato- or splenomegaly (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; P = .028), anemia (OR, 3.0; P = .009), leukopenia (OR, 3.9; P = .013), jaundice (OR, 7.1; P = .007), and onset during the dry season (OR, 2.7; P = .021). HIV infection was not associated with acute Q fever (OR, 1.7; P = .231). Acute SFGR was associated with leukopenia (OR, 4.1; P = .003) and with evidence of other zoonoses (OR, 2.2; P = .045). CONCLUSIONS Despite being common causes of febrile illness in northern Tanzania, Q fever and SFGR are not diagnosed or managed with targeted antimicrobials. C. burnetii does not appear to be an HIV-associated co-infection.
The Effect of Staff Training on the Level of Engagement with Individuals with Developmental Disabilities within Two Day-Habilitation Settings

This study examined the effects of a staff-training intervention on the use of engagement procedures by direct-care staff who worked with adults with developmental disabilities. The intervention consisted of a mini-workshop, observation and feedback to staff members, on-the-job coaching of staff members, and a lottery incentive program. The intervention was implemented within two different types of day programs. In both types of day programs, the intervention increased the use of engagement procedures by staff members and produced both an increase in the clients’ engagement and a reduction in the clients’ inappropriate
Meaningless statements

Increasingly, discrete mathematics is influenced by connections with other fields. We give one example of a broad topic in the field of discrete mathematics that comes from the social sciences, and in particular from the theory of measurement that has been developed to put measurement, especially in the social sciences, on a firm mathematical foundation. The key concept is that of meaningful statement, a statement whose truth or falsity remains unchanged after admissible transformations of scales of measurement. We apply this concept to combinatorial optimization, graph coloring, scheduling, linear programming, 0-1 optimization, and multiperson games. 1. The Future of Discrete Mathematics Increasingly, discrete mathematics is influenced by connections with other fields. In the mathematical sciences, it is influenced by connection with probability, geometry, algebra, analysis, topology, number theory, . Outside the mathematical sciences, it is influenced by connection with biology, chemistry, physics, manufacturing, engineering, . In this paper, I will give one example of a broad topic in the field of discrete mathematics that comes from the social sciences, but has been developed not only by economists and psychologists, but also by philosophers of science, physicists, logicians, and, of course, mathematicians. It is motivated by the theory of measurement that has been developed to put measurement, especially in the social sciences, on a firm mathematical foundation. In this paper, I will give a brief overview of measurement theory and define a central concept of the theory, that of a meaningful statement. I will then apply the theory of meaningfulness to discrete mathematics in various ways. In particular, I will ask whether or not statements in combinatorial optimization, that a specific solution is optimal, are meaningful. I will talk about the meaningfulness of conclusions about the generalization of graph coloring called T -coloring. I will give a variety of examples of meaningful and meaningless conclusions about scheduling problems. This will lead to the question of when a greedy solution to an optimization problem is a meaningful optimal solution. I will talk in general about 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 90.30; Secondary 05C, 05.55, 90C, 90.50, 90.70, 90.99, 92G. The author thanks the U.S. National Science Foundation for its support under grants SBR9709134 and INT96-05174 to Rutgers University. c ©0000 American Mathematical Society 1052-1798/00 $1.00 + $. 25 per page