Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Risk-Sharing under Dual Asymmetry of both Information and Market Power : A Unifying Approach ∗

The impact of information distribution on optimal risk-sharing between different parties has been an important field of research over the past 30 years. In the literature of insurance, however, the focus has remained essentially on one configuration: insurers (the principal) propose a contract to insured (the agent), but are unable to observe perfectly the risk of their insured who can. This asymmetry of information is the source of the well-known adverse selection effect that leads higher risk individuals to buy full or near-full insurance, while lower risk buy less complete coverage, if they buy at all. While the prediction seems to hold in some markets, there is growing empirical evidence it does not in a number of others (advantageous selection or no selection at all). This paper proposes a model of risk-sharing between two risk-averse agents that expands the traditional approach by studying 4 different cases. It comprises two possible allocations of information (the insured knows the risk better, or the insurer knows the risk better) and of market power (the principal is the insurer, or the insured). We show that when the insurer is the principal and is less informed, we have the traditional adverse selection effect: high risks are optimally covered, low risks are not. When the insurer is the principal but knows more about the risk than the insured (reversed asymmetric information), the result is reversed: high risks are not optimally covered, but low risks are. These results are mirrored when the market power is reversed (i.e., the insured is the principal, not the insurer). Many economic situations are specific cases of our setting. JEL Classification: G22; D81; D82 ∗We wish to thank Francis Bloch, Claude Henry, Howard Kunreuther, Pierre Picard, Jean-Charles Rochet and Bernard Sinclair-Desgagne for their suggestions on earlier versions of this paper. †IDEP-GREQAM, Université de la Méditerranée (Marseille, France). Email: henriet@univ-aix.fr. ‡The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (USA) Email: erwannmk@wharton.upenn. edu
Assessment of Measurement of Prothrombin Time using Different manufactured Prothrombin Reagents Used in Khartoum State Laboratories

Introduction: This study has been done during the period from March to July 2012 which-was carried out in the central laboratories building of Al-Zaiem Al-Azhari University and Khartoum Teaching Hospital. The study aimed to evaluate the measurement, accuracy and precision of the common PT reagents coming from different companies (TEclot, futura System, Stago and Fortress) used in Khartoum state laboratories. Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive comparative study done in (twenty-nine) patients under oral anticoagulant therapy taken from Sudan Heart Center Hospital for comparing if there are difference of results between the four companies, using Quick and Owren manual method. In addition to human control sera which obtained from Technoclot Company for evaluating their quality in accuracy and precision according to reference result, using automated (sysemx ca-500) Results: This study showed that PT reagents have different result for the same patient’s samples either in control sera the reading showed statistical difference of the PT result between all the companies except between Stago company and TEclot company which there are no significant difference. Furthermore calculation of the INR patient’s Abdel Rahim Mahmoud Muddathir, Mouhanad Ahmed Abakar Adams, Omer Mohamed Ahmed MohamedAssessment of Measurement of Prothrombin Time using Different manufactured Prothrombin Reagents Used in Khartoum State Laboratories EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH Vol. III, Issue 7 / October 2015 7838 results showed there are significant difference between all companies expect TEclot Company and fortress In addition our Results showed the most accurate company is Fortress (INR=1), and the other companies gave acceptable results according to reference Value (0.91 1.09) expect futura System Company which have significant difference to control value (1.16) Discussion: This study showed there are statistical difference between PT reagents manufacture d by different companies which apparently agreed with previous studies of Nancy Grove study, Kristine Rotzoll study The University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory. Also we found that there was the average of accuracy and precision differ between all companies.
Life-history traits predict perennial species response to fire in a desert ecosystem

The Mojave Desert of North America has become fire-prone in recent decades due to invasive annual grasses that fuel wildfires following years of high rainfall. Perennial species are poorly adapted to fire in this system, and post-fire shifts in species composition have been substantial but variable across community types. To generalize across a range of conditions, we investigated whether simple life-history traits could predict how species responded to fire. Further, we classified species into plant functional types (PFTs) based on combinations of life-history traits and evaluated whether these groups exhibited a consistent fire-response. Six life-history traits varied significantly between burned and unburned areas in short (up to 4 years) or long-term (up to 52 years) post-fire datasets, including growth form, lifespan, seed size, seed dispersal, height, and leaf longevity. Forbs and grasses consistently increased in abundance after fire, while cacti were reduced and woody species exhibited a variable response. Woody species were classified into three PFTs based on combinations of life-history traits. Species in Group 1 increased in abundance after fire and were characterized by short lifespans, small, wind-dispersed seeds, low height, and deciduous leaves. Species in Group 2 were reduced by fire and distinguished from Group 1 by longer lifespans and evergreen leaves. Group 3 species, which also decreased after fire, were characterized by long lifespans, large non-wind dispersed seeds, and taller heights. Our results show that PFTs based on life-history traits can reliably predict the responses of most species to fire in the Mojave Desert. Dominant, long-lived species of this region possess a combination of traits limiting their ability to recover, presenting a clear example of how a novel disturbance regime may shift selective environmental pressures to favor alternative life-history strategies.
Astrometry with the Hubble Space Telescope: A Parallax of the Fundamental Distance Calibrator δ Cephei

We present an absolute parallax and relative proper motion for the fundamental distance scale calibrator δ Cep. We obtain these with astrometric data from FGS 3, a white-light interferometer on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Utilizing spectrophotometric estimates of the absolute parallaxes of our astrometric reference stars and constraining δ Cep and reference star HD 213307 to belong to the same association (Cep OB6), we find πabs = 3.66 ± 0.15 mas. The larger than typical astrometric residuals for the nearby astrometric reference star HD 213307 are found to satisfy Keplerian motion with P = 1.07 ± 0.02 yr, a perturbation and period that could be due to an F0 V companion ∼7 mas distant from and ∼4 mag fainter than the primary. Spectral classifications and VRIJHKT2M and DDO51 photometry of the astrometric reference frame surrounding δ Cep indicate that field extinction is high and variable along this line of sight. However the extinction suffered by the reference star nearest (in angular separation and distance) to δ Cep, HD 213307, is lower and nearly the same as for δ Cep. Correcting for color differences, we find ⟨AV⟩ = 0.23 ± 0.03 for δ Cep and hence an absolute magnitude MV = -3.47 ± 0.10. Adopting an average V magnitude, ⟨V⟩ = 15.03 ± 0.03, for Cepheids with log P = 0.73 in the large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) from Udalski et al., we find a V-band distance modulus for the LMC, m - M = 18.50 ± 0.13, or 18.58 ± 0.15, where the latter value results from a highly uncertain metallicity correction. These agree with our previous RR Lyr HST parallax-based determination of the distance modulus of the LMC.
The impact of task on the usage of web browser navigation mechanisms

In this paper, we explore how factors such as task and individual differences influence the usage of different web browser navigation mechanisms (e.g., clicked links, bookmarks, auto-complete). We conducted a field study of 21 participants and logged detailed web browser usage. Participants were asked to categorize their web usage according to the following schema: Fact Finding, Information Gathering, Browsing, and Transactions. Using this data, we have identified three factors that play a role in the use of navigation mechanisms: task session, task type, and individual differences. These findings have implications for the future design of new and improved web navigation mechanisms.
Structural decomposition analyses: the differences between applying the semi-closed and the open input–output model

The open and the semi-closed input–output model are widely used in impact analysis but usually yield considerably different outcomes. This paper examines whether such differences also exist in structural decomposition analyses. The empirical part considers the decomposition of the growth in gross output and in labor compensation, for China (1997–2007) and for a set of 35 other countries. Our main findings are twofold. First, for gross output growth, both models yield very similar results for the factors they have in common. Therefore, if only the contribution of these common factors is of interest, it does not matter whether the semi-closed or the open input–output model is used. Second, for the analysis of labor compensation growth, both models may yield significantly different results for the labor compensation coefficients. Therefore, if the contribution of changes in labor compensation coefficients is of interest, the semi-closed model is recommended to be used.
Counterfeit detection using paper PUF and mobile cameras

This work studies the paper authentication problem by exploiting optical features through mobile imaging devices to characterize the unique, physically unclonable properties of paper surface. Prior work showing high matching accuracy either used a consumer-level scanner for estimating a projected normal vector field of the surface of the paper as the feature for authentication, or used an industrial camera with controlled lighting to obtain an appearance image of the surface as the feature. In comparison, past explorations based on mobile cameras were very limited and have not had substantial success in obtaining consistent appearance images due to the uncontrolled nature of the ambient light. We show in this work that images captured by mobile cameras can be directly used for authentication by exploiting the camera flashlight to create a semi-controlled lighting condition. We have proposed new algorithms to demonstrate that the microscopic normal vector field of paper surface can be estimated by using multiple camera-captured images of different viewpoints. Our findings can relax the restricted imaging setups to enable paper authentication under a more casual, ubiquitous setting of a mobile imaging device, which may facilitate duplicate detection of paper documents and merchandise packaging.
Waiting for hip revision surgery: the impact on patient disability.

OBJECTIVE Increased wait times for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are a concern nationally and provincially. Additionally, the number of patients requiring revision of their initial TJA is increasing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wait times and impact of waiting for revision TJA. METHODS We followed 127 revision hip arthroplasty patients (mean age 68 y) prospectively while they waited for surgery. We collected Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (pain, stiffness and physical function) data at the decision for surgery and at 6-month intervals until surgery. RESULTS The mean wait time for surgery was 123.8 days (mean wait times for individual surgeons ranged from 7 to 213 d). Of the patients, 106 waited < 6 months, 12 waited 6-12 months and 9 waited > 12 months. Wait times evaluated up to 6 months, 6-12 months or > 12 months demonstrated significant increases in pain (F = 7.12, p = 0.01), with a mean change of 2.6 points when patients waited > 6 months. Physical disability increased (F = 4.61, p = 0.01), with a mean change of 5.1 points when the wait time was 6-12 months and 8.8 points when the wait time was > 12 months. CONCLUSION Waiting > 6 months for revision hip arthroplasty resulted in significant increases in pain and physical disability.
A large Rab GTPase encoded by CRACR2A is a component of subsynaptic vesicles that transmit T cell activation signals

Recruitment of intracellular vesicles containing the large GTPase CRACR2A to the immunological synapse mediates T cell receptor signaling. Recruiting vesicles to activate T cells T cell activation by antigens involves the formation of a complex, highly dynamic, yet organized signaling complex at the site of the T cell receptors (TCRs). Srikanth et al. found that the lymphocyte-specific large guanosine triphosphatase of the Rab family CRACR2A-a associated with vesicles near the Golgi in unstimulated mouse and human CD4+ T cells. Upon TCR activation, these vesicles moved to the immunological synapse (the contact region between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell). The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 at the TCR complex recruited CRACR2A-a to the complex. Without CRACR2A-a, T cell activation was compromised because of defective calcium and kinase signaling. More than 60 members of the Rab family of guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) exist in the human genome. Rab GTPases are small proteins that are primarily involved in the formation, trafficking, and fusion of vesicles. We showed that CRACR2A (Ca2+ release–activated Ca2+ channel regulator 2A) encodes a lymphocyte-specific large Rab GTPase that contains multiple functional domains, including EF-hand motifs, a proline-rich domain (PRD), and a Rab GTPase domain with an unconventional prenylation site. Through experiments involving gene silencing in cells and knockout mice, we demonstrated a role for CRACR2A in the activation of the Ca2+ and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathways in response to T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. Vesicles containing this Rab GTPase translocated from near the Golgi to the immunological synapse formed between a T cell and a cognate antigen-presenting cell to activate these signaling pathways. The interaction between the PRD of CRACR2A and the guanidine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 was required for the accumulation of these vesicles at the immunological synapse. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GTP binding and prenylation of CRACR2A were associated with its localization near the Golgi and its stability. Our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized function of a large Rab GTPase and vesicles near the Golgi in TCR signaling. Other GTPases with similar domain architectures may have similar functions in T cells.
A study of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in risk groups in the city of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil

Monitoring the extent of and trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a priority of the Brazilian National Tuberculosis Control Programme. The current study aimed to estimate the incidence of MDR-TB, describe the profile of TB drug resistance in risk groups and examine whether screening for MDR-TB adhered to the recommended guidelines. A descriptive study that examined diagnosed cases of pulmonary TB was conducted in the city of Santos, Brazil, between 2000-2004. Of the 2,176 pulmonary TB cases studied, 671 (30.8%) met the criteria for drug sensitivity testing and, of these cases, 31.7% (213/671) were tested. Among the tested cases, 9.4% were resistant to one anti-TB drug and 15% were MDR. MDR was observed in 11.6% of 86 new TB cases and 17.3% of 127 previously treated cases. The average annual incidence of MDR-TB was 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants-years. The extent of known MDR-TB in the city of Santos is high, though likely to be underestimated. Our study therefore indicates an inadequate adherence to the guidelines for MDR-TB screening and suggests the necessity of alterna-tive strategies of MDR-TB surveillance.
Impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in uraemia.

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) have a substantially increased risk of cardiovascular death, the proposed mechanisms being arrhythmias (left ventricular hypertrophy) and accelerated atherosclerosis. The vascular endothelium protects against the development of atherosclerosis principally by releasing vasoactive substances such as nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. In CRF there is accumulation of endogenous inhibitors of NO synthesis. In this present study we assessed endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with advanced uraemia. METHODS Sixteen uraemic patients (pre-dialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis) and 18 controls were studied. Forearm plethysmography was used to measure forearm blood flow and the changes induced by carbachol (endothelium-dependent vasodilator) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; endothelium-independent vasodilator). The order of drugs infused was randomized between subjects. Dose response curves were constructed for each agent and area under the curve (AUC) calculated (arbitrary units). RESULTS Overall, vasodilatation to SNP and carbachol was similar between uraemic patients and controls. However, it became apparent that there was a marked order effect for the drugs infused, such that infusion of SNP as the first agent blunted the subsequent response to carbachol. When only those patients and controls who received carbachol followed by SNP were studied (10 in each group), the response to carbachol in uraemic patients was attenuated compared to controls: AUC (median(range)) for uraemic patients 529.0 (150.9-834.7) compared to AUC for controls 703.9 (583.5-1576.6); P=0. 028. Vasodilatation to SNP was, however, similar between groups: AUC for uraemic patients 1475.0 (857.8-4717.1) compared to AUC for controls 1328.1 (216.6-3311.4); P=0.545. CONCLUSIONS This study has demonstrated a marked drug order effect not previously described for forearm plethysmography. When the order effect was taken into account, this study demonstrated reduced vasodilatation to carbachol in uraemic patients with a preserved response to SNP. This pattern indicates impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in uraemic patients, a defect that may predispose this group to accelerated atherosclerosis.
Changes in Children’s Reports of Symptom Occurrence and Severity During a Course of Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy

The purposes of this study in children who underwent a cycle of myelosuppressive chemotherapy were to describe changes in symptom occurrence and severity during the chemotherapy cycle. Patients (N = 66) 10 to 18 years of age completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for 10- to 18-year-olds (MSAS 10-18) at the start of a chemotherapy cycle (T1) and weekly for the next 2 weeks (T2 and T3). More than 30% of children reported 10 or more symptoms at all 3 time points. Symptom occurrence trajectories were tested with multilevel logistic regression. In all, 6 symptoms (ie, fatigue, sadness, irritability, worrying, weight loss, sweating) showed a decreasing linear trend. Significant quadratic patterns of change were found for feeling drowsy, nausea, and vomiting. Changes in symptom severity over time were evaluated with multilevel negative binomial regression. No significant differences over time were found in any of the symptom severity scores on the MSAS. Children experienced a high number of symptoms at the initiation of a chemotherapy cycle that persisted over the subsequent 2 weeks.
Where the boys are- teenagers, masculinity and a sense of place

Recent research on the social and gendered geographies of children and young people is filled with new insights into the social and cultural conditions under which their presence in urban space is moderated and their identity constructed. This study seeks to contribute to this research area, by exploring the ways in which teenage boys acquire and maintain a particularly gendered sense of place. The paper demonstrates that this sense of place is regulated by the support structures of all male schooling, by patriarchal family structures, and through the marshalling of the boundaries of heterosexuality amongst the boy's peer group. The paper concludes that due consideration of these issues needs to be evaluated if the experience of teenagers in urban space is to be effectively understood by social geographers.
Sequence motifs and free energies of selected natural and non-natural nucleosome positioning DNA sequences.

Our laboratories recently completed SELEX experiments to isolate DNA sequences that most-strongly favor or disfavor nucleosome formation and positioning, from the entire mouse genome or from even more diverse pools of chemically synthetic random sequence DNA. Here we directly compare these selected natural and non-natural sequences. We find that the strongest natural positioning sequences have affinities for histone binding and nucleosome formation that are sixfold or more lower than those possessed by many of the selected non-natural sequences. We conclude that even the highest-affinity sequence regions of eukaryotic genomes are not evolved for the highest affinity or nucleosome positioning power. Fourier transform calculations on the selected natural sequences reveal a special significance for nucleosome positioning of a motif consisting of approximately 10 bp periodic placement of TA dinucleotide steps. Contributions to histone binding and nucleosome formation from periodic TA steps are more significant than those from other periodic steps such as AA (=TT), CC (=GG) and more important than those from the other YR steps (CA (=TG) and CG), which are reported to have greater conformational flexibility in protein-DNA complexes even than TA. We report the development of improved procedures for measuring the free energies of even stronger positioning sequences that may be isolated in the future, and show that when the favorable free energy of histone-DNA interactions becomes sufficiently large, measurements based on the widely used exchange method become unreliable.
Anatomical Relationship of Lingual Nerve to the Region of Mandibular Third Molar

ABSTRACT Objectives This study evaluated the relationship of the lingual nerve with the adjacent anatomical structures of the mandibular third molar region, influencing the dentist to be aware of the variability of these relationships. Material and Methods Samples of 24 human corpse half-heads were selected and divided according with the presence or absence of the mandibular third molars. The lingual nerve (LN) was explored, showing its run from the oblique line until its crossing with the submandibular gland duct. The measurements along the LN and the adjacent anatomical structures were taken at the retromolar, molar and sublingual region with the use of a digital caliper. Results The distance from the LN and the third molar socket, which represents the horizontal distance of the lingual plate to the nerve, on average, was 4.4 mm (SD 2.4 mm). The distance from the LN and the lingual alveolar rim, which represents the vertical relationship between the nerve and the lingual alveolar rim of the third molar socket, on average, was 16.8 mm (SD 5.7 mm). The LN has a varied topography that leaves it very vulnerable during any procedure executed in this region. Conclusions Unless adequate protection of the lingual nerve is acquired by following an adequate surgical technique, the lingual nerve will always be vulnerable to damage during surgical intervention or manipulation in this region.