Estimation of continuous-time interest rate models: a nonparametric approach

This paper presents a general, nonlinear model for term structure interest rate. The approach is the same of Stanton (1997) but it has been extended to a multifactor model. The novel aspect is that rather than choosing the functional specification of the model, the process is generated from the data using approximation methods for multifactor continuous-time Markov processes. In applying this technique to the short and long end of the term structure for a general two-factor diffusion process for interest rates is possible to find some interesting nonlinearity in the interest rate data that are not considered in almost all parametric specifications of term structure interest rate model of the financial literature.continuous-time models, nonparametric estimation, multi-factor interest rate model

Nonparametric estimation of diffusion process: a closer look

A Monte Carlo simulation is performed to investigate the finite sample properties of a nonparametric estimator, based on discretely sampled observations of continuous-time Ito diffusion process. Chapman and Pearson (2000) studies finite-sample properties of the nonparametric estimator of Aýt-Sahalia (1996) and Stanton (1997) and they find that nonlinearity of the short rate drift is not a robust stylized fact but it’s an artifacts of the estimation procedure. This paper examine the finite sample properties of a different nonparametric estimator within the Stanton (1997)’s framework.ewp-mac/050417

Generation and characterization of genetically encoded fluorescent probes to visualize mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites.

openEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) physically contacts mitochondria via its specialized subdomain called mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) at sites of mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs). Interaction between these organelles at the MERCs plays essential roles in lipid and calcium transfer and ultimately in the homeostasis of the two individual organelles. Since the width of the MERCs could be as narrow as 10 nm, which is below the diffraction limit, a handful of probes have been developed to evaluate MERCs formation and dynamics. However, the current probes are dim, or artificially induce tethering, or require complicated imaging procedures that are not compatible with the common imaging setups available to most of the labs. To circumvent these problems, we are developing “STACCATO”, a new generation of probes to visualize MERCs that are based on split Fluorescence-Activating and absorption-Shifting Tag (FAST). STACCATO capitalizes on the reversible nature of split FAST complementation so the probe itself does not work as an artificial tether. In this Thesis we report the generation of a STACCATO probe for MERCs and its initial characterization and we show that STACCATO can report areas of proximity between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum.Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) physically contacts mitochondria via its specialized subdomain called mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) at sites of mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs). Interaction between these organelles at the MERCs plays essential roles in lipid and calcium transfer and ultimately in the homeostasis of the two individual organelles. Since the width of the MERCs could be as narrow as 10 nm, which is below the diffraction limit, a handful of probes have been developed to evaluate MERCs formation and dynamics. However, the current probes are dim, or artificially induce tethering, or require complicated imaging procedures that are not compatible with the common imaging setups available to most of the labs. To circumvent these problems, we are developing “STACCATO”, a new generation of probes to visualize MERCs that are based on split Fluorescence-Activating and absorption-Shifting Tag (FAST). STACCATO capitalizes on the reversible nature of split FAST complementation so the probe itself does not work as an artificial tether. In this Thesis we report the generation of a STACCATO probe for MERCs and its initial characterization and we show that STACCATO can report areas of proximity between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum

The Link Among Neurological Diseases: Extracellular Vesicles as a Possible Brain Injury Footprint

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), referred as membranous vesicles released into body fluids from all cell types, represent a novel model to explain some aspects of the inter-cellular cross talk. It has been demonstrated that the EVs modify the phenotype of target cells, acting through a large spectrum of mechanisms. In the central nervous system, the EVs are responsible of the wide range of physiological processes required for normal brain function and neuronal support, such as immune signaling, cellular proliferation, differentiation, and senescence. Growing evidences link the EV functions to the pathogenic machinery of the neurological diseases, contributing to the disease progression and spreading. Extracellular vesicles are involved in the brain injury by multimodal ways; they propagate inflammation across the blood brain barrier (BBB), mediate neuroprotection and modulate regenerative processes. For these reasons, extracellular vesicles represent a promising biomarker in neurological disorders as well as an interesting starting point for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Herein, we review the role of the EVs in the pathogenesis of neurological disease, discussing their potential clinical applications

Transient shift of diacylglycerol and inositol lipids induced by interferon in Daudi cells Evidence for a different pattern between nuclei and intact cells

AbstractThe effect of human recombinant DNA interferon-α type A on inositol lipid and diacylglycerol metabolism was investigated in Daudi lymphoma whole cells and isolated nuclei. In isolated nuclei after 90 min of interferon treatment an enhanced rate of PIP2 phosphorylation and an increase of DAG mass were observed. In whole cells, after 1 min of interferon treatment, there was a rapid and transient shift of DAG mass apparently not related to inositol lipid modifications, thus indicating the presence in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of inositol lipid fractions with different metabolic features in response to interferon-α

Training Program at Medical School of Chieti, Italy

We describe the changes in medical training program offered at the G. D’Annunzio University Medical School in Chieti-Pescara, Italy, which took place over the last decade. The new curriculum differs from the previous one in several important aspects, including limited number of students admitted to school depending on the estimated needs for physicians, obligatory class attendance, student attendance in preclinical laboratories, formative credits as a measure of student activity, and elective subjects. Furthermore, all medical graduates are allowed to take the State exam to obtain the license to practice, which was not the case previously. As a result of these major changes, a higher number of students graduates in due time. The changes made in the medical education curriculum in Italy have enabled Italian medical graduates to work in European Community Hospitals, because their medical degree is recognized in other EU countries. The main motif that drives the Medical School in Chieti-Pescara is the achievement of high quality in medical education and biomedical research by creating as strong a relationship between education and research as possible

A method for monitoring vascular access function during hemodialysis

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Revista Cambalache, un atropello a la razón

La tesis de grado consistió en la realización y producción de una revista cultural multitemática. El contenido aborda varios temas de la cotidianeidad social y mediática, novedades de las artes en general, así como también acepciones de la cultura urbana. Cada número cuenta con producciones propias en formato de entrevistas, notas informativas, de opinión, secciones con participaciones de especialistas, crónicas, gráficos de humor, agenda de espectáculos culturales, lanzamientos, etc. La revista en su totalidad fue realizada por el staff de tesistas. Quienes no solo se encargaron de la tarea periodística y editorial, sino que también de otras actividades como las de fotografiar, diagramar, ilustrar y diseñar. Es así como el producto final contó con una fuerte propuesta en imágenes fotográficas en las secciones de entrevistas, así como también ilustraciones, collages o fotomontajes en las notas de opinión, informativas y crónicas. En todos los formatos de contenido, tanto el diseño de fondo como la tipografía, los colores, los elementos de titulación y el encolumnado, se caracterizaron según el perfil de cada entrevistado y de los factores que construyen la temática que se aborda en dicho texto. Cambalache se concibe dentro de las publicaciones de periodicidad mensual, cuya distribución comercial será en la Ciudad de La Plata y alrededores.Facultad de Periodismo y Comunicación Socia