Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On a new parametrization class of solvable diffusion models and transition probability kernels

We present in this paper a novel parametrization class of analytically tractable local volatility diffusion models used to price and hedge financial derivatives. A complete theoretical framework for computing the local volatility and the transition probability density is provided along with efficient model calibration for vanilla option prices, and reliable extrapolation procedures for producing the volatility function. Our approach is based on the spectral analysis of the pricing operator in the time invariant case, along with some specific properties of the class that we propose. In order to show the applicability of our model, numerical examples with market data are analyzed. Finally, some extensions of our parametrization class are discussed.
Proliferation of both somatic and germ cells is affected in the Drosophila mutants of raf proto‐oncogene.

The genomic and cDNA fragments of Drosophila melanogaster, homologous to human c‐raf‐1, were cloned. The nucleotide sequence predicted the primary structure of a polypeptide of 666 amino acid residues with a highly conserved Ser‐Thr kinase domain on its carboxy terminal half. Draf‐1 was mapped to the 2F region of the X chromosome. Two newly induced recessive lethals belonging to a complementation group in this region were identified to be defective in Draf‐1 by P element‐mediated rescue experiments. The mutants die at larval/pupal stages. The mutant larvae are apparently normal, but they harbor serious defects in the organs containing proliferating cells of both somatic and germ line origins. Maternal effects on embryogenesis indicated that Draf‐1 is also required in early larval development.
A Comparison of High-Content Screening versus Manual Analysis to Assay the Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Conditioned Medium on Neurite Outgrowth In Vitro

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote nerve growth and functional recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI) to varying levels. The authors have tested high-content screening to examine the effects of MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) on neurite outgrowth from the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and from explants of chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG). These analyses were compared to previously published methods that involved hand-tracing individual neurites. Both methods demonstrated that MSC-CM promoted neurite outgrowth. Each showed the proportion of SH-SY5Y cells with neurites increased by ~200% in MSC-CM within 48 h, and the number of neurites/SH-SY5Y cells was significantly increased in MSC-CM compared with control medium. For high-content screening, the analysis was performed within minutes, testing multiple samples of MSC-CM and in each case measuring >15,000 SH-SY5Y cells. In contrast, the manual measurement of neurite outgrowth from >200 SH-SY5Y cells in a single sample of MSC-CM took at least 1 h. High-content analysis provided additional measures of increased neurite branching in MSC-CM compared with control medium. MSC-CM was also found to stimulate neurite outgrowth in DRG explants using either method. The application of the high-content analysis was less well optimized for measuring neurite outgrowth from DRG explants than from SH-SY5Y cells.
Lotka's inverse square law of scientific productivity: Its methods and statistics

This brief communication analyzes the statistics and methods Lotka used to derive his inverse square law of scientific productivity from the standpoint of modern theory. It finds that he violated the norms of this theory by extremely truncating his data on the right. It also proves that Lotka himself played an important role in establishing the commonly used method of identifying power‐law behavior by the R2 fit to a regression line on a log‐log plot that modern theory considers unreliable by basing the derivation of his law on this very method.
Knowledge building

Successful research and teaching of discipline genres is based on collaboration among language and learning specialists with expertise in applied linguistics, and subject area specialists with expertise in the knowledge and communication practices of their disciplines. These interdisciplinary collaborations involve experts coming together around an area of shared interest in a community of practice (Lave & Wenger, 1991), where members are committed to building relationships to learn from each other, and in this process build new knowledge (Scardamalia & Bereiter, 2006). This paper aims to identify the kinds of knowledge building negotiations involving a team of discipline staff, academic literacy specialists, and e-learning specialists as they collaborate in the design of online learning materials to support students in writing the laboratory report genre in the discipline of physiology. The data consist of recordings of team members’ spoken interactions, with or without other artefacts, such as storyboards, over a period of nine months as the design for the website evolved. Initial discourse analysis of transcripts, based on the metafunctions from Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) (Halliday, 1985a), is used to identify phases where the emphasis is on the negotiation of ideational, or content meanings, enabled by interpersonal and textual meanings. A sample of these phases is then analysed in detail using exchange structure (Martin, 1992) to identify possible genres which build new knowledge and embody it in the online resources.
Owner-managers and firm performance during the asian and global financial crises: evidence from Korea

ABSTRACT We examine the performance of the Korean owner-managers during the 1997−1998 Asian financial crisis and the 2008−2009 global financial crisis to establish whether they overcome the unexpected exterior shocks better than employed managers. We find that the owner-managers record a significantly greater performance during the crises, and especially during the latter period. Moreover, our results suggest that such a tendency comes from the owner-managers’ superior investment decisions. Our paper thus highlights the role of owner-managers by studying their performance during the Korean economic crisis periods. (JEL G01, G32, G34)
Cardiovascular Consequences of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Exercise-mediated vasodilation in human obesity and metabolic syndrome : effect of acute ascorbic acid infusion

Limberg JK, Kellawan JM, Harrell JW, Johansson RE, Eldridge MW, Proctor LT, Sebranek JJ, Schrage WG. Exercisemediated vasodilation in human obesity and metabolic syndrome: effect of acute ascorbic acid infusion. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 307: H840–H847, 2014. First published July 18, 2014; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00312. 2014. —We tested the hypothesis that infusion of ascorbic acid (AA), a potent antioxidant, would alter vasodilator responses to exercise in human obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). Forearm blood flow (FBF, Doppler ultrasound) was measured in lean, obese, and MetSyn adults (n 39, 32 2 yr). A brachial artery catheter was inserted for blood pressure monitoring and local infusion of AA. FBF was measured during dynamic handgrip exercise (15% maximal effort) with and without AA infusion. To account for group differences in blood pressure and forearm size, and to assess vasodilation, forearm vascular conductance (FVC FBF/ mean arterial blood pressure/lean forearm mass) was calculated. We examined the time to achieve steady-state FVC (mean response time, MRT) and the rise in FVC from rest to steady-state exercise ( , exercise rest) before and during acute AA infusion. The MRT (P 0.26) and steady-state vasodilator responses to exercise ( FVC, P 0.31) were not different between groups. Intra-arterial infusion of AA resulted in a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (174 37%). AA infusion did not alter MRT or steady-state FVC in any group (P 0.90 and P 0.85, respectively). Interestingly, higher levels of C-reactive protein predicted longer MRT (r 0.52, P 0.01) and a greater reduction in MRT with AA infusion (r 0.43, P 0.02). We concluded that AA infusion during moderate-intensity, rhythmic forearm exercise does not alter the time course or magnitude of exercise-mediated vasodilation in groups of young lean, obese, or MetSyn adults. However, systemic inflammation may limit the MRT to exercise, which can be improved with AA.
Control Interactions in the Theory of Planned Behavior

Research with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) has typically treated attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) as independent predictors of intention (INT). However, theoretically, PBC moderates the effects of ATT and SN on intention. In three studies dealing with different behaviors (voting, reducing household waste, and energy consumption) we show that greater PBC tends to strengthen the relative importance of ATT in the prediction of intention, whereas it tends to weaken the relative importance of SN. The latter pattern was observed in relation to injunctive as well as descriptive subjective norms, and it may help explain the relatively weak relation between SN and INT frequently observed in TPB studies.
Severe allergic reactions to para‐phenylenediamine in children and adolescents: should the patch test concentration of PPD be changed?

Background: Semipermanent henna tattoos containing para‐phenylenediamine (PPD) are a well‐known cause of severe contact dermatitis, mainly in children. Another relevant exposure source to PPD are hair dyes, which are increasingly used by children and have also been reported to cause intense facial and scalp dermatitis. German patch test guidelines for children recommend that PPD should only be tested in patients who have had a henna tattoo, and then at a reduced concentration of PPD 0.5 % for 24 hours.
ApoE4 reduces glutamate receptor function and synaptic plasticity by selectively impairing ApoE receptor recycling

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype is a powerful genetic modifier of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ApoE4 isoform significantly reduces the mean age-of-onset of dementia through unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that ApoE4 selectively impairs synaptic plasticity and NMDA receptor phosphorylation by Reelin, a regulator of brain development and modulator of synaptic strength. ApoE4 reduces neuronal surface expression of Apoer2, a dual function receptor for ApoE and for Reelin, as well as NMDA and AMPA receptors by sequestration in intracellular compartments, thereby critically reducing the ability of Reelin to enhance synaptic glutamate receptor activity. As a result, the ability of Reelin to prevent LTP suppression by extracts from AD-afflicted human brains in hippocampal slices from knockin mice expressing the human ApoE4 isoform is severely impaired. These findings show an isoform-specific role of ApoE in the localization and intracellular trafficking of lipoprotein and glutamate receptors and thereby reveal an alternative mechanism by which ApoE4 may accelerate onset of dementia and neuronal degeneration by differentially impairing the maintenance of synaptic stability.
POLYBIUS' 'PREVIOUS LANDSLIDE': PROOF THAT HANNIBAL'S INVASION ROUTE CROSSED THE COL DE LA TRAVERSETTE

Both Polybius and Livy described a landslide/landslip that blocked the Punic Army’s exfiltration from a high col on the water divide in the Western Alps. The landslide, more aptly termed rockfall, has been a source of contention amongst classicists for centuries despite the fact that only two cols—Clapier and Traversette—exhibit rockfall debris on the lee side of the Alps. While the Clapier rockfall is too small and too young to have provided blockage, the Traversette debris is nearly as Polybius described it when he retraced the invasion route some 60 years after the event. His ‘two-tier’ description of the deposit, a doublet of younger and older rock rubble, including measurements of width and volume are close to modern measurements and prove that he knew, in advance, the route Hannibal had followed. It would take a practiced eye to correctly identify the stratigraphic complexity inherent in the Traversette Rockfall. Here we present weathering ratios, soil stratigraphic, mineral, chemical and microbiological evidence in support of Polybius’ observations as a considerable background database for future geoarchaeological exploration.
pho2, a Phosphate Overaccumulator, Is Caused by a Nonsense Mutation in a MicroRNA399 Target Gene1[W]

We recently demonstrated that microRNA399 (miR399) controls inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis by regulating the expression of UBC24 encoding a ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzyme in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Transgenic plants overexpressing miR399 accumulated excessive Pi in the shoots and displayed Pi toxic symptoms. In this study, we revealed that a previously identified Pi overaccumulator, pho2, is caused by a single nucleotide mutation resulting in early termination within the UBC24 gene. The level of full-length UBC24 mRNA was reduced and no UBC24 protein was detected in the pho2 mutant, whereas up-regulation of miR399 by Pi deficiency was not affected. Several characteristics of Pi toxicity in the pho2 mutant were similar to those in the miR399-overexpressing and UBC24 T-DNA knockout plants: both Pi uptake and translocation of Pi from roots to shoots increased and Pi remobilization within leaves was impaired. These phenotypes of the pho2 mutation could be rescued by introduction of a wild-type copy of UBC24. Kinetic analyses revealed that greater Pi uptake in the pho2 and miR399-overexpressing plants is due to increased Vmax. The transcript level of most PHT1 Pi transporter genes was not significantly altered, except PHT1;8 whose expression was enhanced in Pi-sufficient roots of pho2 and miR399-overexpressing compared with wild-type plants. In addition, changes in the expression of several organelle-specific Pi transporters were noticed, which may be associated with the redistribution of intracellular Pi under excess Pi. Furthermore, miR399 and UBC24 were colocalized in the vascular cylinder. This observation not only provides important insight into the interaction between miR399 and UBC24 mRNA, but also supports their systemic function in Pi translocation and remobilization.
Functional diversity of C2 domains of synaptotagmin family

Synaptotagmins I and II are inositol high polyphosphate series (inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4), inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate, and inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate) binding proteins, which are thought to be essential for Ca2+-regulated exocytosis of neurosecretory vesicles. In this study, we analyzed the inositol high polyphosphate series binding site in the C2B domain by site-directed mutagenesis and compared the IP4 binding properties of the C2B domains of multiple synaptotagmins (II-IV). The IP4 binding domain of synaptotagmin II is characterized by a cluster of highly conserved, positively charged amino acids (321 GKRLKKKKTTVKKK 324). Among these, three lysine residues, at positions 327, 328, and 332 in the middle of the C2B domain, which is not conserved in the C2A domain, were found to be essential for IP4 binding in synaptotagmin II. When these lysine residues were altered to glutamine, the IP4 binding ability was completely abolished. The primary structures of the IP4 binding sites are highly conserved among synaptotagmins I through IV. However, synaptotagmin III did not show significant binding ability, which may be due to steric hindrance by the C-terminal flanking region. These functional diversities of C2B domains suggest that not all synaptotagmins function as inositol high polyphosphate sensors at the synaptic vesicle.
Lumbar erector spinae oxygenation during prolonged contractions: implications for prolonged work

Owing to the recent interest in torso stabilization exercises together with many questions regarding the duration of prolonged isometric holds in occupational settings, the authors attempted to assess the level of back muscle oxygenation during prolonged isometric contractions. Specifically, this study recorded relative oxygen saturation of haemoglobin/myoglobin using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in the L3 erector mass during prolonged isometric contractions at intensities from 2 to 30% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). It was hypothesized that available oxygen to these muscles is severely compromised even at moderate levels of activation observed in occupational work. Eight volunteers without a history of lower back pain or injury participated in this study. The exercise task involved isometric contraction of the lower erector spinae at five different levels of each subject's maximal voluntary contraction: 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30% MVC, presented in random order. Subjects were placed in a sitting position, with a curved plastic plate secured horizontally to the pelvis to minimize movement at the hip joint. During extensor exertions, they were restrained with a harness that was attached at chest level to a load cell. Each isometric contraction was performed for 30 s followed by 1 min of rest. All levels of contraction demonstrated reduction in oxygen. Given the concern for motion artefact on the NIRS signal, sham trials were conducted where the subjects went through the procedure of attaching the pulling cable but no active pull was performed. These trials showed no change in the NIRS signal. At this time NIRS appears to be the only non-invasive instrumentation available to indicate total available muscle oxygen during low level, prolonged work. Although the specific tissue volume sampled by NIRS cannot be positively identified, it appears that tissue oxygenation in the lumbar extensor musculature is reduced as a function of contraction intensity, even at levels as low as 2% of MVC. These data have implications for prolonged work where postures requiring isometric contractions are sometimes held for hours, and where musculoskeletal illness has been linked to prolonged contraction levels above 2% MVC—these data suggest a possible biological pathway.
Frontotemporal hypoactivity during a reality monitoring paradigm is associated with delusions in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Introduction Impaired monitoring of internally generated information has been proposed to be one component in the development and maintenance of delusions. The present study investigated the neural correlates underlying the monitoring processes and whether they were associated with delusions. Methods Twenty healthy controls and 19 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were administrated a reality monitoring paradigm during functional magnetic resonance imaging. During encoding participants were instructed to associate a statement with either a presented (viewed condition) or an imagined picture (imagined condition). During the monitoring session in the scanner, participants were presented with old and new statements and their task was to identify whether a given statement was associated with the viewed condition, imagined condition, or if it was new. Results Patients showed significantly reduced accuracy in the imagined condition with performance negatively associated with degree of delusions. This was accompanied with reduced activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left hippocampus in the patient group. The severity of delusions was negatively correlated with the blood-oxygenation-level dependent response in the left hippocampus. Conclusions The results suggest that weakened monitoring is associated with delusions in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and that this may be mediated by a frontotemporal dysfunction.
Volatility Persistence and Asymmetry Under the Microscope: The Role of Information Demand for Gold and Oil

This study explores the relationship between Google search activity and the conditional volatility of oil and gold spot market returns. By aggregating the volume of queries related to the two commodity markets in the spirit of Da et al. (2015), we construct a weekly Searching Volume Index (SVI) for each market as proxy of households and investors information demand. We employ a rolling EGARCH framework to reveal how the significance of information demand has evolved through time. We find that higher information demand increases conditional volatility in gold and oil spot market returns. Information flows from Google SVIs reduce the proportion of the significant volatility asymmetry produced by negative shocks in both commodity markets. The latter is more profound in the gold market.
Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Biochemical, metabolic, and clinical implications

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Steatosis, the hallmark feature of NAFLD, occurs when the rate of hepatic fatty acid uptake from plasma and de novo fatty acid synthesis is greater than the rate of fatty acid oxidation and export (as triglyceride within very low‐density lipoprotein). Therefore, an excessive amount of intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) represents an imbalance between complex interactions of metabolic events. The presence of steatosis is associated with a constellation of adverse alterations in glucose, fatty acid, and lipoprotein metabolism. It is likely that abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism, in conjunction with adipose tissue, hepatic, and systemic inflammation, are key factors involved in the development of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and other cardiometabolic risk factors associated with NAFLD. However, it is not clear whether NAFLD causes metabolic dysfunction or whether metabolic dysfunction is responsible for IHTG accumulation, or possibly both. Understanding the precise factors involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of NAFLD will provide important insights into the mechanisms responsible for the cardiometabolic complications of obesity. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Nano-structured liquid crystal waveguides for optofluidic applications

We present light propagation in channel waveguides whose core consists of liquid crystals (LC) infiltrated in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) channels (LC:PDMS waveguides) for potential optofluidic reconfigurable microsystems. Modeling, fabrication process steps, and optical characterization are described. Despite the intrinsic optical anisotropy of LC molecules, which induce polarization dependent optical propagation, experimental results on LC:PDMS optical channels show polarization independent optical transmission. We show that this is due to the molecular orientation of LC molecules induced by the interface interaction of the elongated shape of rod-like LC molecules with PDMS surfaces. To get a better explication of this system we present a detailed investigation of the cell by means of the Monte Carlo simulations, which allow to reproduce not only polarized optical images but also the molecular organization and the ordering inside the LC system. LC:PDMS waveguides can be envisaged as part of flexible photonic circuits.
The status of pharmacotherapy for autism spectrum disorders

The use of pharmacologic agents as a component of treatment for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders is common and a substantial body of literature describing controlled and open-label clinical trials now exists to guide clinical practice. Empiric evidence of efficacy of risperidone, methylphenidate and some selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors for maladaptive behaviors commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders has increased substantially in recent years. Preliminary controlled trials of valproate, atomoxetine, α-2 adrenergic agonists and olanzapine are promising. In addition to traditional psychotropic medications, investigators have examined the potential role of a variety of agents with glutamatergic or cholinergic mechanisms, and the results warrant further investigation. Although psychotropic medications are effective in treating some important associated behaviors, evidence of significant impact on the core features of autism spectrum disorders is very limited.