Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suboptimal Control of Dividends under Exponential Utility

We consider an insurance company modelling its surplus process by a Brownian motion with drift. Our target is to maximise the expected exponential utility of discounted dividend payments, given that the dividend rates are bounded by some constant. The utility function destroys the linearity and the time homogeneity of the considered problem. The value function depends not only on the surplus, but also on time. Numerical considerations suggest that the optimal strategy, if it exists, is of a barrier type with a non-linear barrier. In the related article by granditz et al., it has been observed that standard numerical methods break down in certain parameter cases and no close form solution has been found. For these reasons, we offer a new method allowing to estimate the distance of an arbitrary smooth enough function to the value function. Applying this method, we investigate the goodness of the most obvious suboptimal strategies - payout on the maximal rate, and constant barrier strategies - by measuring the distance of its performance function to the value function.
A cell impedance sensor chip for cancer cells detection with single cell resolution

In this study, we present a new cell-based impedance sensor chip with integrated microfluidics for cancer cells detection with single cell resolution. To overcome the limitation of cell resolution posed by conventional approaches, a simple but effective cell-trapping method was proposed to position single cells on top of microelectrodes for sequential measurement. Impedance spectra change induced by single cells on microelectrode arrays was successfully recorded and modeled by using an electrical equivalent circuit. The preliminary measurement reveals a high sensitivity of sensor demonstrated by monitoring single cancer cells adhered on microelectrodes with different surface properties. The impedance magnitudes were also recorded to monitor the activities of single cell on microelectrode in real time. The proposed sensor chip has the potential for further detection and quantification of cancer cells from various tumor stages.
Metabolite Sorting of a Germplasm Collection Reveals the Hydroxylase3 Locus as a New Target for Maize Provitamin A Biofortification1[C][W][OA]

Vitamin A deficiency, a global health burden, can be alleviated through provitamin A carotenoid biofortification of major crop staples such as maize (Zea mays) and other grasses in the Poaceae. If regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis was better understood, enhancement could be controlled by limiting β-carotene hydroxylation to compounds with lower or no nonprovitamin A activity. Natural maize genetic diversity enabled identification of hydroxylation genes associated with reduced endosperm provitamin A content. A novel approach was used to capture the genetic and biochemical diversity of a large germplasm collection, representing 80% of maize genetic diversity, without having to sample the entire collection. Metabolite data sorting was applied to select a 10-line genetically diverse subset representing biochemical extremes for maize kernel carotenoids. Transcript profiling led to discovery of the Hydroxylase3 locus that coincidently mapped to a carotene quantitative trait locus, thereby prompting investigation of allelic variation in a broader collection. Three natural alleles in 51 maize lines explained 78% of variation and approximately 11-fold difference in β-carotene relative to β-cryptoxanthin and 36% of the variation and 4-fold difference in absolute levels of β-carotene. A simple PCR assay to track and identify Hydroxylase3 alleles will be valuable for predicting nutritional content in genetically diverse cultivars found worldwide.
Politics, economics and welfare : a comparative study of social expenditure in Australia and Canada

This study presents an analysis of the determinants of social expenditure in Australia and Canada within a comparative perspective. Its objectives are two-fold: first, to review and examine the key economic, social and political factors influencing outlays of public expenditure; second, to carry out an empirical evaluation of competing explanations of the link between party and policy. The core research problem of the study is a test of two models portraying the role and function of political parties and policy. One model termed the ’structural’, highlights the importance of socio-economic constituencies of parties in moulding party objectives; and the other, the ’strategic actor' model stresses the importance of strategic incentives in shaping policy objectives. The analysis of the association between political party structures and policy outputs is undertaken with reference to social expenditure, and permits an evaluation of these competing models in accounting for policy outcomes. Differences in party structure and organisation in Australia and Canada provide the basis for an empirical test of these two models within a ’similar systems' design. Methodologically a distinctive feature of the study is the use of a subset of quasi-experimental designs, the multiple-interrupted time-series design, to examine the differential impact of key political variables such as type of ’administration’ on policy outcomes. Initially, the economic determinants of expenditure are identified, paying heed to the effects of the international economic environment on policy. The latter are especially relevant in the economies of both countries as they are heavily dependent on the export of primary commodities. The political influences on expenditure outlays studied pertain to political administration and political competition. Both sets of influences are also subject to empirical examination. The major empirical findings of the study are three­ fold. First, it shows that international economic movements as reflected in expenditure changes are more apparent for Canada than Australia. This is largely because of key economic institutions such as the Arbitration system in Australia which served to insulate domestic income from the adverse effects of external forces. Expenditure was not needed to the same degree as in Canada to stabilise fluctuations in income. Secondly, the influence of ’administration’ on policy outcomes is evident in both countries. An explanation of this is offered in terms of a ’turnover model' of party functioning where the strategic incentives for parties in government are seen as the
Intrathecal Low‐Dose Bupivacaine Versus Lidocaine for In Vitro Fertilization Procedures

Background and Objectives: Recent controversy with the use of intrathecal lidocaine has prompted the search for suitable ambulatory surgery alternatives. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical utility of intrathecal low‐dose bupivacaine for outpatient transvaginal oocyte retrieval. Methods: Forty women enrolled and completed our prospective, randomized, double‐blinded study of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 3.75 mg (0.5 mL of 0.75%) with fentanyl 25 μg versus hyperbaric lidocaine 30 mg (2.0 mL of 1.5%) with fentanyl 25 μg. Onset and level of sensory and motor block; time to ambulation, urination, and discharge; and intra‐ and postoperative complications (hypotension, pruritus, nausea, emesis, postdural puncture headache, post spinal pain syndrome [PSPS]) were recorded. Data were evaluated using analysis of variance, chi‐squared, and Mann‐Whitney U tests, with P < . 05 considered significant. Results: In demographically similar groups, no differences were noted in times to onset and recovery of sensory and motor function, or complications; however, times to voiding and discharge were significantly longer in the bupivacaine group. Four and 2 patients in the bupivacaine and lidocaine groups, respectively, required intravenous analgesic supplementation. One patient in the lidocaine group experienced PSPS. Conclusions: Although prolongation to voiding and discharge was observed, intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 3.75 mg with fentanyl 25 μg is a viable anesthetic for oocyte retrieval.
Cyclical wage movements in emerging markets compared to developed economies: a general equilibrium comment

ABSTRACT I examine distinct cyclical properties of labor markets in emerging economies compared to developed ones from a general equilibrium perspective. The evidence in emerging economies shows that (1) wages are more volatile than income, while (2) employment is less volatile and (3) less pro-cyclical than in developed economies. I use a standard open-economy model to study the implications of wealth effects on labor market dynamics in both emerging and developed economies simultaneously. In contrast to the (partial equilibrium) results of the small open economy (SOE) model, I show that in general equilibrium, strong wealth effects on labor supply in emerging economies are necessary to rationalize the evidence. The model is also consistent with empirical regularities of exchange rate fluctuations, namely (1) excess volatility of real exchange rates, and (2) the negative co-movement between the real exchange rate and relative consumption.
Extensive Traffic Light Prediction under Real-World Conditions

Innovative driving assisting systems, such as Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA), efficient start-stop control or traffic light warning systems can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and traffic accidents. These systems necessitate reliable estimations on future traffic light signals on a large scale. However, due to dynamic adjustment of traffic lights' signal phasing and timing, the provision of such information on a certain quality level is a difficult task. This paper deals with the challenges of an extensive prediction of complete urban areas' traffic light networks. We introduce a real-time prediction algorithm and back-end implementation that is able to generate signaling predictions based on historical Signal Phase and Timing information (SPaT) for adaptive traffic lights of an entire urban area. Our approach is able to meet the requirement of dealing with high latency times for historical data and incomplete data sets. The proposed algorithm is able to provide predictions for 85% of the adaptive traffic lights with available historical SPaT in 65% of the time and thereby reaches an accuracy of 92% to 97%.
The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis supportive care needs assessment instrument: Development and psychometric evaluation

Abstract Objective The aim of the study is to develop an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis supportive care needs (ALSSCN) instrument based on Fitch's Supportive Care Needs Framework and to test its psychometric properties. Method This study consists of three parts: (1) item generation from the literature review and qualitative interview; (2) content validation; and (3) psychometric evaluation of the instrument. Participants who were diagnosed with ALS (n = 139) were recruited from two ALS clinics in Seoul, Korea, and Busan, Korea for the psychometric testing. Result The ALSSCN consisted of 37 items with seven domains: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, social, informational, and practical needs. The Cronbach's alpha of each domain ranged from 0.61 (social needs) to 0.90 (emotional needs). The intra-class correlation coefficient for test-retest was 0.89, indicating good test-retest reliability. The overall ALSSCN was significantly negatively correlated with the quality of life, which supported convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis of the ALSSCN supported a seven-factor model. Significance of results The ALSSCN has acceptable internal consistency, stability, and content and construct validity in a Korean ALS population. ALSSCN is a psychometrically sound measure and can be adopted by healthcare professionals, researchers, and administrators to comprehensively assess the perceived supportive care needs of patients with ALS.
Architecting large-scale SRAM arrays with monolithic 3D integration

In this paper, we architect large-scale SRAM arrays with monolithic 3D (M3D) integration technology. We introduce M3D-based SRAM arrays with three different ways of integration: M3D-R (vertical routing-only), M3D-VBL (vertical bitline), and M3D-VWL (vertical wordline). We also apply M3D-based SRAM arrays to last-level caches: tag arrays for eDRAM LLCs and data arrays for SRAM LLCs. The proposed LLCs with M3D-based SRAM arrays lead to better performance and lower energy by 0.02%∼1.7% and 49.1%∼79.1%, respectively, compared to that with TSV-based 3D SRAM arrays.
Metallosis with pseudotumour formation: Long-term complication following cementless total hip replacement in a dog

Summary Case description: A 10-year-old female Belgian Teruven dog was presented to our clinic for total hip revision following a diagnosis of implant (cup) failure with metallosis and abdominal pseudotumour formation. The patient had a cementless metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement performed nine years prior to presentation. Clinical findings: The clinical findings, including pseudotumour formation locally and at sites distant from the implant and pain associated with the joint replacement, were similar to those described in human patients with this condition. Histopathological, surgical, and radiographic findings additionally supported the diagnosis of metallosis and pseudotumour formation. Treatment and outcome: Distant site pseudo -tumours were surgically removed and the total hip replacement was explanted due to poor bone quality. The patient recovered uneventfully and has since resumed normal activity. Conclusion: In veterinary patients with metal-on-polyethylene total hip implants, cup failure leading to metallosis and pseudo-tumour formation should be considered as a potential cause of ipsilateral hindlimb lameness, intra-pelvic abdominal tumours, or a combination of both. These clinical findings may occur years after total hip replacement surgery.
Anticipating loss and other temporal stressors predict traumatic stress symptoms among partners of metastatic/recurrent breast cancer patients

This study examined pre‐ and post‐loss levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (intrusion and avoidance) in partners of metastatic/recurrent breast cancer patients, and the relationship of these symptoms to past, current, and anticipatory stressors. The results indicate that 34% (17/50) of the partners experienced clinically significant symptom levels prior to the patients' deaths. Prior to loss, partners' symptoms were positively associated with their current level of perceived stress and anticipated impact of the loss; whereas following loss, partners' symptoms were predicted by higher pre‐loss levels of symptoms, past family deaths, and anticipated impact of the loss. Limitations and treatment implications of the present research and directions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD4-Specific Transgenic Expression of Human Cyclin T1 Markedly Increases Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Production by CD4+ T Lymphocytes and Myeloid Cells in Mice Transgenic for a Provirus Encoding a Monocyte-Tropic HIV-1 Isolate

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-encoded Tat provides transcriptional activation critical for efficient HIV-1 replication by interacting with cyclin T1 and recruiting P-TEFb to efficiently elongate the nascent HIV transcript. Tat-mediated transcriptional activation in mice is precluded by species-specific structural differences that prevent Tat interaction with mouse cyclin T1 and severely compromise HIV-1 replication in mouse cells. We investigated whether transgenic mice expressing human cyclin T1 under the control of a murine CD4 promoter/enhancer cassette that directs gene expression to CD4+ T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages (hu-cycT1 mice) would display Tat responsiveness in their CD4-expressing mouse cells and selectively increase HIV-1 production in this cellular population, which is infected primarily in HIV-1-positive individuals. To this end, we crossed hu-cycT1 mice with JR-CSF transgenic mice carrying the full-length HIV-1JR-CSF provirus under the control of the endogenous HIV-1 long terminal repeat and demonstrated that human cyclin T1 expression is sufficient to support Tat-mediated transactivation in primary mouse CD4 T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages and increases in vitro and in vivo HIV-1 production by these stimulated cells. Increased HIV-1 production by CD4+ T lymphocytes was paralleled with their specific depletion in the peripheral blood of the JR-CSF/hu-cycT1 mice, which increased over time. In addition, increased HIV-1 transgene expression due to human cyclin T1 expression was associated with increased lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 production by JR-CSF mouse monocytes/macrophages in vitro. Therefore, the JR-CSF/hu-cycT1 mice should provide an improved mouse system for investigating the pathogenesis of various aspects of HIV-1-mediated disease and the efficacies of therapeutic interventions.
Perceived retailer innovativeness and brand equity: mediation of consumer engagement

ABSTRACT The relationship between customers and retailers is more complicated nowadays due to the sophisticated trends of the current service retail landscape and consumers’ high expectations. This study investigates how perceived retailer innovativeness (PRI) influences consumer engagement (CE) and brand loyalty. Based on the wheel of retailing theory and signaling theory, we empirically analyzed these relationships based on 723 customers who patronize service retailers. The empirical findings suggest that product innovativeness has the strongest impact on CE, followed by service innovativeness and experience innovativeness. However, only product and experience innovativeness influence brand equity. Further results imply that CE not only contributes directly to the brand building, but also significantly mediates the relationship between product innovativeness–brand equity, service innovativeness-brand equity, and experience innovativeness-brand equity. The research adds new insights to the retail innovativeness literature and provides managers with new ways to customize SME retail services.
Lasalocid and particle size of corn grain for dairy cows in early lactation. 1. Effect on performance, serum metabolites, and nutrient digestibility.

The effects were examined of corn grain particle size and the ionophore lasalocid on performance, blood parameters, and nutrient digestibility of early lactation cows. Smaller corn particle size was expected to result in faster rate of digestion and ruminal fermentation of starch. Eight multiparous and 4 primiparous cows in early lactation were fed diets (44% forage) with cracked or ground, dried shelled corn grain and with or without lasalocid (360.mg/d per cow). The experiment was a replicated (n = 3) 4 x 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods and a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Lasalocid tended to improve DMI. Lasalocid and ground corn decreased body condition loss and milk fat and increased milk protein. Ground corn tended to increase milk yield but had no effect on 4% FCM, lactose, and BW. For all cows, milk yield, 4% FCM, lactose, and BW were unaffected by lasalocid; however, subsequent analysis of individual squares revealed that milk yield of primiparous cows increased with lasalocid. Ground corn increased total tract starch digestibility and decreased NDF digestibility. Interactions between lasalocid and particle size of corn grain were observed only for change in serum insulin concentration before and after meals.
How Anxiety Leads to Suboptimal Decisions Under Risky Choice Situations

The current research proposes that situationally activated anxiety—whether incidental or integral—impairs decision making. In particular, we theorize that anxiety drives decisionmakers to more heavily emphasize subjective anecdotal information in their decision making, at the expense of more factual statistical information—a deleterious heuristic called the anecdotal bias. Four studies provide consistent support for this assertion. Studies 1A and 1B feature field experiments that demonstrate the role of incidental anxiety in enhancing the anecdotal bias in a choice context. Study 2 builds on these findings, manipulating individuals’ incidental anxiety and showing how this affects the anecdotal bias in the context of message evaluations. Study 2 also provides direct evidence that only high‐arousal negative emotions such as anxiety/worry enhance the anecdotal bias, not just any negative emotion (e.g., sadness). While the first three studies examine how incidental anxiety impacts choice, the last study demonstrates the effect of integral anxiety on decision making, manipulating anxiety by intensifying participants’ perceived risk. Our results show that—consistent with findings from our first three studies—the anecdotal bias is enhanced when anxiety is heightened by individuals’ perception of risk.
Appendiceal goblet cell carcinoids: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study

Goblet cell carcinoids are uncommon but distinctive tumours of the appendix. We have reviewed 11 cases diagnosed within the period 1976‐1990. The mean age at presentation was 58 years (range 24–76), with a female: male ratio of 8:3. At presentation, in seven patients tumour was confined to the appendix or mesoappendix (mean age 51) and in four there was extension beyond the appendix (mean age 69). Of the seven patients with localized tumour, six are alive and without clinical disease after a mean follow‐up period of 32 months and one died with recurrent tumour after 10 years. Of the four with more extensive disease, two died during follow‐up (at 23 months with probable liver metastases and at 16 months with intestinal obstruction) and two are alive, one with disease and one clinically disease‐free. Immunohistochemistry showed that all of the tumours stained positively for either neuron‐specific enolase, chromogranin A or protein gene product 9.5. No tumour stained with antiserum to serotonin or substance P and none showed glucagon‐like immunoreactivity, but four cases stained positively for pancreatic polypeptide, an unusual feature in midgut carcinoids.
Performance Enhanced Butt Coupling for Effective Interconnection Between Fiber and Silicon Nanowire

A performance enhanced butt coupling structure incorporating a vertically and laterally tapered SiON polymer core on silicon (Si) to tunnel and widen propagating optical modes of adiabatic taper is proposed. The proposed structure can effectively overcome the strong back reflections caused at the interface between fiber and Si nanowire to enable higher coupling efficiency. The placement of the SiON polymer core is chosen to restrict the passage of light through the bottom cladding to avoid unnecessary leakage. The performance of the structure is characterized for distinct features, including taping length, coupling efficiency, and coupling bandwidth for both single as well as cacaded configurations, compared with the state-of-the-art grating coupler. It is found that, with the right set of design specifications, butt couplers can outperform grating couplers in both coupling efficiency and bandwidth, although grating couplers are considered friendlier for wafer-level testing.