A model of the term structure of interest rates based on L\'evy fields

An extension of the Heath--Jarrow--Morton model for the development of instantaneous forward interest rates with deterministic coefficients and Gaussian as well as L\'evy field noise terms is given. In the special case where the L\'evy field is absent, one recovers a model discussed by D.P.~Kennedy

Evolutionary computation and Wright's equation

AbstractIn this paper, Wright's equation formulated in 1931 is proven and applied to evolutionary computation. Wright's equation shows that evolution is doing gradient ascent in a landscape defined by the average fitness of the population. The average fitness W is defined in terms of marginal gene frequencies pi. Wright's equation is only approximately valid in population genetics, but it exactly describes the behavior of our univariate marginal distribution algorithm (UMDA). We apply Wright's equation to a specific fitness function defined by Wright. Furthermore we introduce mutation into Wright's equation and UMDA. We show that mutation moves the stable attractors from the boundary into the interior. We compare Wright's equation with the diversified replicator equation. We show that a fast version of Wright's equation gives very good results for optimizing a class of binary fitness functions

Therapy modalities to reduce lymphoedema in female breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of compression bandages, sleeves, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and active exercise on the reduction of breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL). A systematic literature search up to the year January 2016 was performed in CINAHL, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO), PEDro and PubMed. Inclusion criteria were (1) RCTs, (2) reported adequate statistics for meta-analysis, (3) English or German language. Exclusion criteria were (1) effects of drugs, hormonal, radiation and surgical procedures, (2) studies with children, (3) non-breast cancers, lower extremity oedema, (4) impact on fatigue only, diets or sexually transmitted diseases, (5) cost-analysis only and (6) non-carcinogenic syndromes or (7) prevention of breast cancer. After scoring the methodological quality of the selected studies, data concerning volume reduction of the oedema swelling were extracted. Thirty-two studies were included in this systematic review. Nine studies were selected for the RCT-based studies and 19 studies were included in the pre-post studies-based random-effects meta-analyses. All conclusions should be taken with precautions because of the insufficient quality of the selected papers. Exercise seems beneficial in reducing oedema volume in BCRL. IPC seems beneficial in helping to reduce the oedema volume in the acute phase of treatment. Compression sleeves do not aid in the volume reduction in the acute phase; however, they do prevent additional swelling. KEYWORDS: Axillary dissection or breast cancer; Lymphoedema; Mastectomy; Wome

Electroencephalographic predictors of neuropathic pain in subacute spinal cord injury

It is widely believed that cortical changes are a consequence of long standing neuropathic pain (NP). In this paper we demonstrate that NP in people with subacute spinal cord injury (SCI) has characteristic electroencephalographic (EEG) markers which precede the onset of pain. EEG was recorded in a relaxed state and during motor imagination tasks in 10 able bodied participants and 31 subacute SCI participants (11 with NP, 10 without NP and 10 who developed pain within 6 months of EEG recording). All 20 SCI participants initially without NP were tested for mechanically induced allodynia but only one person, who later developed pain, reported an unpleasant sensation. The EEG reactivity to opening eyes was reduced in the alpha band and absent in the theta and beta bands in participants who later developed pain, and it was reduced in participants who already had pain. Alpha band power was reduced at BA7 in both the relaxed state and during motor imagination in participants who either had or later developed pain compared to participants without pain. All SCI groups had reduced dominant alpha frequency and beta band power at BA7. Electroencephalographic reactivity to eyes opening, and reduced spontaneous and induced alpha activity over the parietal cortex were predictors of future NP as well as markers of existing NP. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT02178917 Perspectives: We demonstrate that brain activity in subacute SCI contains both early markers and predictors of NP, which may manifest before sensory discomfort. These markers and predictors may complement known sensory phenotypes of NP. They may exist in other patient groups suffering from NP of central origin

Menthol cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence

Since tobacco use is driven by dependence on nicotine, the primary addictive substance in tobacco, much research has focused on nicotine dependence. Less well understood, however, is the role that menthol plays in nicotine dependence. This review seeks to examine what role, if any, menthol plays in nicotine addiction in adults and youth. Based on research examining several indicators of heaviness of nicotine addiction, including time to first cigarette upon waking, night waking to smoke, as well as some other indications of dependence, it is suggested that menthol cigarette smokers are more heavily dependent on nicotine. Although other indicators of nicotine dependence, including number of cigarettes per day and the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence, failed to consistently differentiate menthol and non-menthol smokers, these indicators are thought to be less robust than time to first cigarette. Therefore, though limited, the existing literature suggests that menthol smokers may be more dependence on nicotine