820 research outputs found
Duel Personality (Yu-Gi-Oh)
No full textGidget BoeDuel Personality, 2024Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters & Yu-Gi-Oh Season 0 Digital artVariable dimensions (2602 x 3000 px)Collection of the artistRating: General AudiencesTags: yugioh, yu-gi-oh, ygo, season 0, Joey Wheeler, Jonouchi Katsuya, Yugi Muto, Yami Yugi, duel monstersCreator\u27s notes: Digital art of Joey Wheeler and Yugi Muto walking together - but something about Yugi\u27s shadow is a little suspicious..
Inhibition of HIF-1 alpha by PX-478 enhances the anti-tumor effect of gemcitabine by inducing immunogenic cell death in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
No full textThis is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Functional Identification of Px-fringe and Px-engrailed Genes under Heat Stress in Chlorpyrifos-Resistant and -Susceptible Plutela xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
No full textIn our previous research, the fitness cost of resistance of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella found in insecticide-resistant DBM (Rc-DBM) under heat stress was based on heavier damage to wing veins when compared to insecticide-susceptible DBM (Sm-DBM). To investigate the molecular mechanism of the damage to the veins between Rc- and Sm-DBM, the full-length sequences of two related genes involved in the development of wing veins, fringe (Px-fng) and engrailed (Px-en) of DBM were cloned, and the mRNA expressions of both Px-fng and Px-en were studied. The Px-fng and Px-en cDNA contained 1038 bp and 1152 bp of open reading frames (ORFs), respectively, which encoded a putative protein comprising 345 and 383 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 39.59 kDa and 42.69 kDa. Significantly down regulated expressions of Px-fng and Px-en under heat stress were found in pupae and adults of Rc-DBM compared to Sm-DBM, and a result of higher damage to wing veins in Rc-DBM under heat stress. Based on RNAi experiments, significant inhibitions on expressions of Px-fng and Px-en in both Sm-DBM and Rc-DBM were found when the pupae were infected by dsFng or dsEn. Corresponding to these, infections of dsFng or dsEn resulted in significant decrease of eclosion rate and increase malformation rate of DBM. Our results suggest that the higher damage of wing veins in DBM might be related to the heavier inhibitions of Px-fng and Px-en expression, and the Px-fng and Px-en are involved in the development of wings and veins
The Multiplicity of Nontrivial Solutions for a New px-Kirchhoff-Type Elliptic Problem
No full textIn the paper, we study the existence of weak solutions for a class of new nonlocal problems involving a px-Laplacian operator. By using Ekeland’s variational principle and mountain pass theorem, we prove that the new px-Kirchhoff problem has at least two nontrivial weak solutions
Fluvastatin prevents the development of arthritis in env-pX rats via up-regulation of Rho GTPase-activating protein 12
No full textThe pleiotropic effects of statins, including an antiarthritic potential, have been noted. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of statins on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and clarify how statins affect its pathogenesis. Fluvastatin (500 μg/kg/day) or vehicle was given per os to env-pX rats, which carry the human T-cell leukemia virus type I env-pX gene and spontaneously develop destructive arthritis mimicking RA, for 30 days. Blood sampling and ultrasonography (US) of the ankle joints were conducted on days 0, 10, 20, and 30. On day 30, all rats were euthanized, and the ankle joints were subjected to histological analysis. To clarify how fluvastatin affects the pathogenesis of RA, comprehensive serum exosomal microRNA (miRNA) analysis was performed. Gene expression in the primary culture of synovial fibroblasts derived from arthritic rat and human and non-arthritic rat periarticular tissues was determined quantitatively by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As a result, the development of arthritis in env-pX rats was significantly suppressed by fluvastatin, which was evident from the viewpoints of serology, US imaging, and histology. Comprehensive serum exosomal miRNA analysis suggested that the expression of Rho GTPase-activating protein 12 (Arhgap12) was decreased in arthritic env-pX rats but increased with the administration of fluvastatin. Corresponding results were obtained by quantitative RT- PCR using primary culture of synovial fibroblasts. The collective findings suggest that fluvastatin prevents the development of arthritis in env-pX rats via the up-regulation of ARHGAP12. This study suggests that ARHGAP12 can be a possible therapeutic target of RA
The therapeutic potential of PX-478 in a murine model of pelvic organ prolapse
No full textBackground Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), characterised by the downward displacement of pelvic organs, is a prevalent disorder that affects adult women. This study explored the therapeutic potential of PX-478, a selective hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) inhibitor, in a murine POP model.Methods A murine POP model was established through ovariectomy, mimicking oestrogen deprivation. Fifteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to control, POP, and PX-478 groups. PX-478, targeting HIF-1α, was administered intravaginally. The analysis of fibroblasts, macrophage and inflammation was performed through Masson staining, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Collagen distribution was assessed using Sirius Red staining. Expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) were determined through immunohistochemistry and western blot. Fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry.Results PX-478 treatment significantly reduced vaginal length, indicating a therapeutic effect on POP severity. Masson staining revealed reduced fibrotic changes and collagen disruption in PX-478-treated mice. Immunofluorescence showed increased fibroblast markers (Vimentin, α-SMA) and collagen fibres by PX-478. Sirius Red staining indicated PX-478 mitigated damage to Type I and Type III collagen fibres. PX-478 significantly reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression while increased TIMP-1. In macrophages, PX-478 decreased M1 and M2 markers (CD80, CD206) and IL-18 secretion. Fibroblasts exhibited increased proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and altered MMP/TIMP expression under PX-478 influence.Conclusion PX-478 demonstrates a therapeutic potential in the mice POP model. It reduces vaginal length, attenuates fibrosis, and modulates collagen synthesis. Its immunomodulation is evident through reduced M1 and M2 macrophages and suppressed IL-18 secretion
Valuation of PX Index Options with NGARCH Volatility and Time Dependent Expected Risk Free Rate
No full textHlavním cílem této práce je navrhnout způsob prvotního ocenění opcí na index PX. Práce uvolňuje původní předpoklady Black-Scholesovy formule o konstantní krátkodobé úrokové míře a o konstantní volatilitě. Namísto toho se předpokládá, že krátkodobá bezriziková úroková sazba následuje za předpokladu platnosti hypotézy očekávání očekávanou trajektorii úrokových sazeb a volatilita logaritmických výnosů indexu PX se řídí NGARCH-mean procesem. Výsledné ocenění vede k zpětně dopočteným tvarům imlikované volatility, které jsou v souladu s tvary implikované volatility, které můžeme běžně pozorovat na rozvinutých trzích.The main purpose of this thesis is to propose the valuation method of PX index options. PX index consists of blue chip stocks traded on Prague Stock Exchange. There are traded a few futures contracts on PX index on Prague Stock Exchange. However, the options on PX index are traded neither on Prague Stock Exchange nor on the OTC market. It is reasonable to think that it is only question of time when the trading of these options will emerge and thus, it is highly relevant subject of research to propose the method for valuation of these options. The traditional Merton's approach for valuation of equity index options assumes constant volatility and constant risk free rate. This results in serious mispricing which can be easily seen when we compare market prices and Merton formula derived prices. Instead, this thesis releases the assumptions of constant risk free rate and constant volatility. Firstly, it is assumed that that the risk free rate is time dependent function based on current market expectations and secondly it is assumed that the volatility of underlying asset follows NGARCH-mean process. For the purpose of former, the validity of pure expectation theory assumption is made. This enables to employ the instantaneous forward rate curve estimation procedure. For the purpose of the latter, the locally risk-neutral valuation relationship is applied. The assumption of NGARCH-mean process is essential in an effort to capture usually observed patterns of volatility (volatility skews) whereas the assumption of time dependent risk free rate still moves the valuation option model closer to the reality. The author derives the expected path of risk free rate and estimates the parameters of NGARCH process. Subsequently, the empirical martingale Monte Carlo simulation is used to price the PX options with different moneyness and with different times to maturity. It is shown that this proposed model results in volatility pattern which is usually observed on developed markets and the author's results are in line with similar empirical studies testing the GARCH Option Pricing Theory. The author concludes that proposed valuation method superiors original Merton's model and thus is more appropriate for primary valuation of PX options
Valuation of PX Index Options with NGARCH Volatility and Time Dependent Expected Risk Free Rate
No full textHlavním cílem této práce je navrhnout způsob prvotního ocenění opcí na index PX. Práce uvolňuje původní předpoklady Black-Scholesovy formule o konstantní krátkodobé úrokové míře a o konstantní volatilitě. Namísto toho se předpokládá, že krátkodobá bezriziková úroková sazba následuje za předpokladu platnosti hypotézy očekávání očekávanou trajektorii úrokových sazeb a volatilita logaritmických výnosů indexu PX se řídí NGARCH-mean procesem. Výsledné ocenění vede k zpětně dopočteným tvarům imlikované volatility, které jsou v souladu s tvary implikované volatility, které můžeme běžně pozorovat na rozvinutých trzích.The main purpose of this thesis is to propose the valuation method of PX index options. PX index consists of blue chip stocks traded on Prague Stock Exchange. There are traded a few futures contracts on PX index on Prague Stock Exchange. However, the options on PX index are traded neither on Prague Stock Exchange nor on the OTC market. It is reasonable to think that it is only question of time when the trading of these options will emerge and thus, it is highly relevant subject of research to propose the method for valuation of these options. The traditional Merton's approach for valuation of equity index options assumes constant volatility and constant risk free rate. This results in serious mispricing which can be easily seen when we compare market prices and Merton formula derived prices. Instead, this thesis releases the assumptions of constant risk free rate and constant volatility. Firstly, it is assumed that that the risk free rate is time dependent function based on current market expectations and secondly it is assumed that the volatility of underlying asset follows NGARCH-mean process. For the purpose of former, the validity of pure expectation theory assumption is made. This enables to employ the instantaneous forward rate curve estimation procedure. For the purpose of the latter, the locally risk-neutral valuation relationship is applied. The assumption of NGARCH-mean process is essential in an effort to capture usually observed patterns of volatility (volatility skews) whereas the assumption of time dependent risk free rate still moves the valuation option model closer to the reality. The author derives the expected path of risk free rate and estimates the parameters of NGARCH process. Subsequently, the empirical martingale Monte Carlo simulation is used to price the PX options with different moneyness and with different times to maturity. It is shown that this proposed model results in volatility pattern which is usually observed on developed markets and the author's results are in line with similar empirical studies testing the GARCH Option Pricing Theory. The author concludes that proposed valuation method superiors original Merton's model and thus is more appropriate for primary valuation of PX options
Valuation of PX Index Options with NGARCH Volatility and Time Dependent Expected Risk Free Rate
No full textThe main purpose of this thesis is to propose the valuation method of PX index options. PX index consists of blue chip stocks traded on Prague Stock Exchange. There are traded a few futures contracts on PX index on Prague Stock Exchange. However, the options on PX index are traded neither on Prague Stock Exchange nor on the OTC market. It is reasonable to think that it is only question of time when the trading of these options will emerge and thus, it is highly relevant subject of research to propose the method for valuation of these options. The traditional Merton's approach for valuation of equity index options assumes constant volatility and constant risk free rate. This results in serious mispricing which can be easily seen when we compare market prices and Merton formula derived prices. Instead, this thesis releases the assumptions of constant risk free rate and constant volatility. Firstly, it is assumed that that the risk free rate is time dependent function based on current market expectations and secondly it is assumed that the volatility of underlying asset follows NGARCH-mean process. For the purpose of former, the validity of pure expectation theory assumption is made. This enables to employ the instantaneous forward rate curve estimation procedure. For the purpose of the latter, the locally risk-neutral valuation relationship is applied. The assumption of NGARCH-mean process is essential in an effort to capture usually observed patterns of volatility (volatility skews) whereas the assumption of time dependent risk free rate still moves the valuation option model closer to the reality. The author derives the expected path of risk free rate and estimates the parameters of NGARCH process. Subsequently, the empirical martingale Monte Carlo simulation is used to price the PX options with different moneyness and with different times to maturity. It is shown that this proposed model results in volatility pattern which is usually observed on developed markets and the author's results are in line with similar empirical studies testing the GARCH Option Pricing Theory. The author concludes that proposed valuation method superiors original Merton's model and thus is more appropriate for primary valuation of PX options
Internet Dissent and Governance Challenges in China －Case Studies of the Wenzhou Train Accident and Dalian “PX” Protests
No full text中國的網路科技發展迅速，並逐步成為公民社會發聲的平台。這線上（online）的平台使中國網民（Netizen）在經濟鬆綁、政治嚴密的後極權中國，得以運用資訊互動，展現其知情權與監督權的追求，或走出虛擬空間，串聯成實際的集體街頭行動。網路輿論異議以及街頭遊行示威；網民力量的崛起，在中國各大社會事件中扮演的不僅止於觸媒，更是直接參與其中的要角，這道力量對中國政府治理已然構成新一波的挑戰。
本文以2011年溫州動車事故及大連PX項目抗爭兩起事件作為研究個案，為彰顯中國公民透過有別於傳統主流的網際網路載具，參與公眾事件的爭辯、衝擊和影響傳統中國的治理機制。資料來源主要為天涯社區論壇相關的網民原始文本，藉由質性分析軟體Nvivo的開放式編碼來分析論壇文章中的議題與回帖，並同時針對文章作者作地區、性別以及年齡的人口結構統計。研究發現中國政府在面對網路抗爭，顯現「因事制宜」的兩手策略；對於官員行為惹議的討論上相對寬鬆，另一手卻對街頭行動的討論嚴密管控。網路抗爭所帶來的挑戰，不單反應在政府危機處理的速度上，更直接問責政府官員。此外，本研究泰半的研究文章皆能看到網民對中國政府權力與權威的戲謔與調侃；中國的網民現象有逢官必反、遇富必仇的特性，而這些特性程度上意味著中國官與民的疏離與隔閡。最後，從官員層級與問責報告的指標上觀察，呈現中國政府愈加重視網路異議，愈長時間及愈廣範圍的網民輿論可解讀為社會抗爭的規模，因此網路異議與中國的網民現象在後極權時代下將會是公民抗爭的重要途徑與新興趨勢。Rapidly -developing Internet technologies have become the platform for Chinese citizens to voice dissent. In the economically-liberalized but politically-unreformed environment of post-totalitarian China, online platforms allow the Netizen to seek his or her right to know and supervise, and even to engage in street protests. Internet dissent and protest, the power of China’s Netizen, empowers internet users to play a role not only as a catalyst for major social developments in China, but also as a direct participant in these developments. This power has highlighted the growing challenges to governance in China.
Through case studies of the Wenzhou Train Accident and Dalian “PX” plant incident that took place in 2011, this study explores the politics of rising civil engagement in public affairs in China through wider utilization of the Internet. The data source for both case studies are internet posts related to the Wenzhou Train Accident and Dalian “PX” plant incident in the Tianya(天涯社區) online forum. A set of indicators is developed and the qualitative analysis software Nvivo is employed to code the content of the online forum. The coding results are also cross-examined for several characteristics of the participants.
This study finds that China’s government employs a two-pronged strategy in dealing with internet dissent, allowing looser control of criticism of state officials while exerting strict control over collective action. The challenge of Internet activism has pushed China’s authorities to increase the speed of crisis management and improve government accountability. Moreover, in the posts related to these cases, Netizen mock and satire authority. The characteristic features of China Netizen are opposition to officials and hatred of the rich. These features imply a wide distance between officials and citizens. Finally, based on observation of promotion and accountability reports for Chinese officials, this study concludes that China takes internet dissent seriously because the long-term and wide-ranging discussions of the Netizen demonstrate the scale of social unrest. Thus, Internet dissent and the Netizen will be the vehicle for citizens’ movements in post-totalitarian China
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