WTI crude oil option implied VaR and CVaR: An empirical application

Using option market data we derive naturally forward‐looking, nonparametric and model‐free risk estimates, three desired characteristics hardly obtainable using historical returns. The option‐implied measures are only based on the first derivative of the option price with respect to the strike price, bypassing the difficult task of estimating the tail of the return distribution. We estimate and backtest the 1%, 2.5%, and 5% WTI crude oil futures option‐implied value at risk and conditional value at risk for the turbulent years 2011–2016 and for both tails of the distribution. Compared with risk estimations based on the filtered historical simulation methodology, our results show that the option‐implied risk metrics are valid alternatives to the statistically based historical models.     

Mutations in genes encoding melanosomal proteins cause pigmentary glaucoma in DBA/2J mice.

Pigmentary glaucoma is a significant cause of human blindness. Abnormally liberated iris pigment and cell debris enter the ocular drainage structures, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma. DBA/2J (D2) mice develop a form of pigmentary glaucoma involving iris pigment dispersion (IPD) and iris stromal atrophy (ISA). Using high-resolution mapping techniques, sequencing and functional genetic tests, we show that IPD and ISA result from mutations in related genes encoding melanosomal proteins. IPD is caused by a premature stop codon mutation in the Gpnmb (GpnmbR150X) gene, as proved by the occurrence of IPD only in D2 mice that are homozygous with respect to GpnmbR150X; otherwise, similar D2 mice that are not homozygous for GpnmbR150X do not develop IPD. ISA is caused by the recessive Tyrp1b mutant allele and rescued by the transgenic introduction of wildtype Tyrp1. We hypothesize that IPD and ISA alter melanosomes, allowing toxic intermediates of pigment production to leak from melanosomes, causing iris disease and subsequent pigmentary glaucoma. This is supported by the rescue of IPD and ISA in D2 eyes with substantially decreased pigment production. These data indicate that pigment production and mutant melanosomal protein genes may contribute to human pigmentary glaucoma. The fact that hypopigmentation profoundly alleviates the D2 disease indicates that therapeutic strategies designed to decrease pigment production may be beneficial in human pigmentary glaucoma.     

Cell proliferation in mouse kidney by isoproterenol and the relationship with the thyroid function

Resumen En el presente trabajo se estudia el efecto del hipotiroidismo sobre la sintesis de DNA y proliferación celular renal estimuladas por isoproterenol. Se observa que la hormona tiroidea actúa como intermediario de las catecolaminas en el proceso de multiplicación celular. Se sugiere que la hormona tiroidea modula el efecto de catecolaminas aumentando la sensibilidad en el receptor. El aumento de la concentración de cAMP podría estar involucrado en este proceso.

---

---

This work was supported by a grant from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Rep. Argentina.     

Antarctic seal serum proteins, glycoproteins and lipoproteins

Résumé On a étudié les variations qualitatives et quantitatives des protéines sériques, lipoprotéines et glycoprotéines des phoques antarctiques, et on a trouvé que seulement les lipoprotéines et les lipides totales sont augmentées par rapport à celles des autres mammifères.     

Surface modification of blue TiO_2 with silane coupling agent for NOx abatement

The role of hydroxyl-functionalization of reduced TiO₂(Blue TiO₂) for the photocatalytic oxidation of toxic NOx was systematically explored in the present study. A hydrogenation technique was used to reduce the rutile phase in P25 TiO₂ giving rise to a Magneli phase. Then, the process was followed by the surface functionalization of the Blue TiO₂ with Trimethoxy(Propyl) Silane(TPS). The fabricated nanoparticles were structurally characterized,and photo...