Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Does the Level of Household Savings Affect Preference for Immediate Annuities?

With the decline of defined benefit (DB) pension plans, there has been some renewed interest in providing other annuity income options to American workers, but demand for annuities has remained low in the United States. To develop future annuity income solutions, it is important to understand the public’s preferences for such products. This paper uses a unique experiment in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to assess the effect of savings on the preference for immediate annuities (which begin paying out a regular stream of income as soon as they are purchased). Regression results show that people at the bottom- and top-ends of the savings distribution (those with the least and most assets) are more likely to buy annuities than people in the middle of the savings distribution. Also, savings has a large positive effect on preference for annuities only for those in the highest savings category. Possible explanations for such behavior follow. People at the bottom of the savings distribution are very likely to run out of money in retirement and thus are inclined to select annuities. People at the top end of the savings distribution expect longer lifespans and can afford annuities even after leaving a financial legacy for their heirs. People in the middle generally face more uncertainty about their retirement adequacy and so they are more likely to hold on to their savings for precautionary purposes and perhaps also for some hope of leaving a financial legacy for their heirs. The results also show clear preference for annuitizing smaller shares of assets or partial annuitization. When compared to their current financial situation, only 16.5 percent of retirees (ages 65 and above) preferred full annuitization compared to 43.0 percent who preferred a one-quarter annuitization. A large majority (70.2 percent) of the current Social Security recipient households receive at least three-quarters of their income in annuities from Social Security, employer-provided pensions, and other annuity contracts. The fact that most retirees are already highly annuitized might help explain the lack of demand for additional annuity income.
Quality and Safety in a Complex World: Why Systems Science Matters to Otolaryngologists

Almost all modern medical care is delivered in the setting of many overlapping systems. Each system may consist of multiple providers and in most cases electronic and mechanical components. Even “simple” outpatient care is delivered by teams of providers, administrators, and devices. Critically ill inpatients are cared for in extraordinarily complex systems with hundreds of human and non‐human elements. The science of complex systems has exploded in recent decades, and there is a large body of knowledge about how such systems function effectively or ineffectively. Many principles of systems science are simple to understand and apply, but few Otolaryngologists are well educated about them. A basic knowledge of systems science will greatly improve the Otolaryngologist's ability to function in complex health care systems and to provide the best care for his or her patients.
Computer Simulation of Graphene Cleaning of Copper with Ar Clusters Irradiation

The process of graphene cleaning of copper film by bombarding of Ar13 clusters is investigated by the method of molecular dynamics. The kinetic energies of clusters are 5, 10, 20 end 30 eV and incident angles are θ = 90°, 75°, 60°, 45° and 0°. It is obtained that the cluster energy should be in the interval 20–30 eV for effective graphene cleaning. There is no cleaning effect at vertical incident (θ = 0°) of Ar13 clusters. Besides, graphene edges are significantly destroyed at such way of bombarding. The bombarding at 45° incident angle is the most effective at moderate amount of deposited copper. The bombarding at 90° gives an excellent result when a big amount of Cu is deposited on graphene. In this case the graphene edges are not damaged.
The clinical decision analysis using decision tree

The clinical decision analysis (CDA) has used to overcome complexity and uncertainty in medical problems. The CDA is a tool allowing decision-makers to apply evidence-based medicine to make objective clinical decisions when faced with complex situations. The usefulness and limitation including six steps in conducting CDA were reviewed. The application of CDA results should be done under shared decision with patients’ value.
A 1 GHz CMOS RF Front-End IC with Wide Dynamic Range

A 1 GHz Low Noise Amplifier and Mixer combination has been integrated in a standard 1¿m CMOS process. The circuit is matched to 50¿ at the input, and drives a 50¿ load. Overall conversion gain is 22 dB, noise figure is 3.5 dB, and the IIP3 of the combination is +12 dBm. The fully balanced circuit drains 8 mA from 3V.
The use of piecewise linear spline function on dose-response meta-analysis.

Does-response meta-analysis is widely used in observational-based meta-analysis since proposed by Greenland et al . (1-4). The method works well in most of the situation, especially for the nonlinear trend approximating. Our argument is the linear slope insert within the function: by setting the parameters of quadratic and cubic term as zero. Linear relationship usually acts as main analysis when non-linear trend is non-significant or as additional analysis when non-linear trend is significant. Actually, only part of the linear slopes fit well (5). For J-shaped, U-shaped, S-shaped, and V-shaped curves, the linear slope fit bad since these slopes differ across pieces. We introduce a piecewise linear spline function that may be a solution for this issue (5,6). We assume log relative risks (LogRR) as dependent variable and exposure (X) as independent variable. Then a piecewise linear regression can be established as X against LogRR, with K indicates the cut points (knots) of the slopes.
Remote Monitoring System of ECG and Human Body Temperature Signals

The paper presents a remote monitoring system for electrocardiographic and temperature signals. The system consists of a hardware module for acquisition, a Bluetooth transmission module and finally a displaying module (PC or mobile devices). Information is sent via IP (GPRS or WiFi) to a database server containing clinical data, which can be accessed through a web application. The system was assessed by testing different patients with the support of a medical doctor, obtaining a positive performance.
Proteomic analysis of the brain in Alzheimer’s disease: Molecular phenotype of a complex disease process

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder accounting for about 50% of all dementias, yet its pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. In order to provide a more complete picture of pathogenesis in AD, we analysed six human brain regions for alterations in their proteomes. Quantitative proteome analysis was used to compare signals corresponding to individual proteins between post mortem brain tissues from persons with AD, and those from age‐matched nondemented control (NC) tissues. In severely injured brain regions, 76 proteins were differentially expressed in AD hippocampus compared with NC, 62 proteins were differentially expressed in temporal cortex, and 39 proteins were differentially expressed in entorhinal cortex. Significant differences were also present in relatively spared regions. Thus, 34 proteins were differentially expressed in AD cerebellum compared with NC, 125 proteins were differentially expressed in cingulate gyrus, and 75 proteins were differentially expressed in sensorimotor cortex. The identity of 37 of these proteins was determined, and the possible relevance of changes in key pathogenic pathways analysed. These studies provide a unique snapshot illustrating the complexity of interrelated disease mechanisms at work in a complex, multifactorial disease, and show that comparative proteome analysis is a method with the power to develop important new insights into pathogenic mechanisms in the dementias.
Identifying codes and domination in the product of graphs

An identifying code in a graph is a dominating set that also has the property that the closed neighborhood of each vertex in the graph has a distinct intersection with the set. The minimum cardinality of an identifying code in a graph G is denoted γ(G). We consider identifying codes of the direct product Kn × Km. In particular, we answer a question of Klavžar and show the exact value of γ(Kn×Km). It was recently shown by Gravier, Moncel and Semri that for the Cartesian product of two same-sized cliques γ(Kn Kn) = b 3n 2 c. Letting m ≥ n ≥ 2 be any integers, we show that γ(Kn Km) = max{2m − n,m + bn/2c}. Furthermore, we improve upon the bounds for γ(G Km) and explore the specific case when G is the Cartesian product of multiple cliques. Given two disjoint copies of a graph G, denoted G and G, and a permutation π of V (G), the permutation graph πG is constructed by joining u ∈ V (G) to π(u) ∈ V (G) for all u ∈ V (G). The graph G is said to be a universal fixer if the domination number of πG is equal to the domination number of G for all π of V (G). In 1999 it was conjectured that the only universal fixers are the edgeless graphs. We prove the conjecture.
A Simple Method for Bracketing Absolute Divergence Times on Molecular Phylogenies Using Multiple Fossil Calibration Points

A central challenge facing the temporal calibration of molecular phylogenies is finding a quantitative method for estimating maximum age constraints on lineage divergence times. Here, I provide such a method. This method requires an ultrametric tree generated without reference to the fossil record. Exploiting the fact that the relative branch lengths on the ultrametric tree are proportional to time, this method identifies the lineage with the greatest proportion of its true temporal range covered by the fossil record. The oldest fossil of this calibration lineage is used as the minimum age constraint. The maximum age constraint is obtained by adding a confidence interval onto the end point of the calibration lineage, thus making it possible to bracket the true divergence times of all lineages on the tree. The approach can also identify fossils that have been grossly misdated or misassigned to the phylogeny. The method assumes that the relative branch lengths on the ultrametric tree are accurate and that fossilization is random. The effect of violations of these assumptions is assessed. This method is simple to use and is illustrated with a reanalysis of Near et al.’s turtle data.
An evaluation of Error Level Analysis in image forensics

The advancement in digital image tampering has encouraged studies in the image forensics fields. The image tampering can be found over various image formats such as Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). JPEG is the most common format that supported by devices and applications. Therefore, researchers have been studying the implementation of JPEG algorithm in the image forensics. In this paper, the Error Level Analysis (ELA) technique was evaluated with different types of image tampering, including JPEG compression, image splicing, copy-move and image retouching. From the experiment, the ELA showed reliability with JPEG compression, image splicing and image retouching forgery.
Geriatric Patient Outcomes and Costs in Three Settings: Nursing Home, Foster Family, and Own Home

Forty‐nine matched triads of geriatric patients were compared after three months in their respective placement settings: nursing homes, geriatric foster homes, and own homes with supportive services. Compared to similarly disabled patients in nursing homes, patients in the two community settings made greater improvements in selfcare skills and mobility, expressed greater well‐being, had similar types and amounts of morbidity, and entailed lower costs. The results support the expansion of home and community‐based services as alternatives to institutional care for a substantial number of geriatric patients.
Early motherhood and subsequent life outcomes.

BACKGROUND Early motherhood has been linked with a number of adverse outcomes, including mental health difficulties and barriers to completing educational qualifications and workforce participation. The present study examined the extent to which these linkages could be explained by the influence of social, family, and background factors that were associated with early motherhood. METHODS Data were gathered as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand children. Information was obtained on: (a) the history of pregnancy and parenthood for female participants over the period 15-21 years; (b) measures of DSM-IV mental disorders and suicidal behaviour over the interval 21-25 years; (c) measures of educational achievement over the interval 21-25 years; (d) measures of welfare dependence, workforce participation, and income over the interval 21-25 years; and (e) childhood, family and related confounding factors. RESULTS Early motherhood was associated with higher levels of mental health disorders, lower levels of educational achievement, higher levels of welfare dependence, lower levels of workforce participation, and lower income. Control for confounding factors reduced the associations between early motherhood and later mental health disorders to statistical non-significance. However, the associations between early motherhood and later educational achievement and economic circumstances persisted after control for potentially confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that early motherhood puts young women at risk for educational underachievement and poorer economic circumstances. The linkages between early motherhood and later mental health difficulties can largely be accounted for by childhood, family, and related circumstances that occurred prior to parenthood.
High dose vitamin K3 infusion in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and Aim: The survival of patients with unresectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein thrombosis is dismal. Current therapeutic options have limited efficacy. Vitamin K has been shown to have antitumor effect on HCC cells both in cell lines and patients with advanced HCC. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of high dose vitamin K3 in the treatment of advanced HCC with portal vein thrombosis.
A survey of research into broker identity and limit order book

This survey summarizes and analyzes theoretical, empirical and experimental research that addresses limit order book transparency in securities markets. We conclude that changes in market design that alter transparency have far reaching but complex impacts on market quality, market efficiency and price discovery. We suggest that future research into the impact of transparency choices in market design should take a more holistic approach in which several aspects of market quality are considered, results are verified across different market segments impacted unequally, and, ideally, matching securities in other markets are used as controls. We consider what policy recommendations can be made based on current evidence and suggest what more research needs to be done.
Frequency study of ultra wide band signal energy attenuation during propagation in biological tissue

The aim of this work is to determine the frequency of an UWB (Ultra Wind Band) wave at which the wave can cross the biological tissue with limited losses and deformation. The biological tissue which is characterized by its thickness, its relative dielectric constant and its conductivity, is a sample of fat, localized at a distance of the antenna source which guarantees the inexistence of the attenuation at the amplitude of the electromagnetic fields in the air region. To calculate the attenuation of the wave in the biological tissue, we must simulate their propagation by solving Maxwell's equation in these environments. Several methods have been used such as Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Finite Differences Time Domain (FDTD) method. The source is a simple Gaussian pulse plane and uniform which normally tackles the surface of the samples.
Comparative Virulence of Phase I and II Coxiella burnetii in Immunodeficient Mice

Abstract: Coxiella burnetii has two phase variants: highly virulent phase I and avirulent phase II. To examine the differences between the two phase variants in interaction with host response to infection, we performed experimental infection in immunodeficient mice. Experimental C. burnetii phase I infection in SCID mice suggested that innate immunity cannot control replication of the bacteria and that acquired immunity is essential for mice to survive infection. In this study, we used SCID and SCIDbg mice to determine whether phase II bacterial infection can be controlled in vivo.
Entomologic and Serologic Evidence of Zoonotic Transmission of Babesia microti, Eastern Switzerland

We evaluated human risk for infection with Babesia microti at a site in eastern Switzerland where several B. microti–infected nymphal Ixodes ricinus ticks had been found. DNA from pooled nymphal ticks amplified by polymerase chain reaction was highly homologous to published B. microti sequences. More ticks carried babesial infection in the lower portion of the rectangular 0.7-ha grid than in the upper (11% vs. 0.8%). In addition, we measured seroprevalence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies against B. microti antigen in nearby residents. Serum from 1.5% of the 396 human residents of the region reacted to B. microti antigen (>1:64), as determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IgG). These observations constitute the first report demonstrating B. microti in a human-biting vector, associated with evidence of human exposure to this agent in a European site.
Trial of family and friend support for weight loss in African American adults.

BACKGROUND Family and friend participation may provide culturally salient social support for weight loss in African American adults. METHODS SHARE (Supporting Healthy Activity and eating Right Everyday) was a 2-year trial of a culturally specific weight loss program. African American women and men who enrolled alone (individual stratum, 63 index participants) or together with 1 or 2 family members or friends (family stratum, 130 index participants) were randomized, within strata, to high or low social support treatments; 90% were female. RESULTS At 6 months, the family index participants lost approximately 5 to 6 kg; the individual index participants lost approximately 3 to 4 kg. The mean weight change was not different in high vs low social support in either stratum and generally not when high or low support treatments were compared across strata. The overall intention-to-treat mean weight change at 24 months was -2.4 kg (95% confidence interval, -3.3 kg to -1.5 kg). The family index participant weight loss was greater among the participants whose partners attended more personally tailored counseling sessions at 6 months in the high-support group and at 6, 12, and 24 months in the low-support group (all P < .05). Also, in the 6-month intention-to-treat analysis, the percentage of weight loss of the family index participants was greater if partners lost at least 5% vs less than 5% of their baseline weight (respectively, -6.1% vs -2.9% [P = .004], high support; and -6.1% vs -3.1% [P = .01], low support). CONCLUSIONS Being assigned to participate with family members, friends, or other group members had no effect on weight change. Enrolling with others was associated with greater weight loss only when partners participated more and lost more weight. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00146081.
A voltage‐clamp study of the effect of two lidocaine derivatives on the time course of end‐plate currents.

1. Voltage‐clamped end‐plate currents (e.p.c.s) have been studied in the glycerol‐treated Rana pipiens sartorius nerve‐muscle preparations in normal Ringer solution and in the presence of QX‐222 and QX‐314. 2. Both QX‐222 and QX‐314, the trimethyl and triethyl analogues, respectively, of lidocaine, greatly modify end‐plate current kinetics. The altered e.p.c.s still show a true reversal potential, which is essentially the same as the reversal potential before drug treatment. The time course of the altered end‐plate currents varies with both membrane potential and drug concentration. 3. In the presence of 0‐1‐1‐0 mM QX‐222, end‐plate currents decay as the sum of three exponentials: I(t) =I1(0)e‐k1t+I2(0)e‐k2t+I3(0)e‐k3t, where the subscipts 1, 2 and 3 refer to the rapidly, intermediately, and slowly decaying components, respectively. Both the amplitudes, Ij(0), and the decay rates, kj, depend upon membrane potential. 4. Hyperpolarization increases the relative size of the first and third components, i.e. I1(0) and I3(0) increase relative to I2(0). Depolarization increases the relative size of the second component. 5. Hyperpolarization causes a decrease in the decay rates k2 and k3 and causes a slight increase in the decay rate k1. Dependence of the three decay rates on membrane potential is well described by: kj=bjeajv. 6. The Q10 of each of the kj is about 3. 7. Raising QX‐222 concentration, at any given membrane potential, augments I1(0) and I3(0) at the expense of I2(0). Raising concentration increases k1 and decreases k3; their voltage‐dependence is little affected. 8. At all QX‐222 concentrations tested the decay rate k2 is nearly the same as the decay rate of a normal e.p.c. recorded at an equivalent holding potential from the same fibre before drug exposure. 9. End‐plate currents in the presence of 0‐1 mM‐QX‐314 show a "major" or rapidly decaying phase and a very small, slowly decaying phase or "tail", but no intermediate component. Only the major component is discernible for end‐plate currents in 0‐5 mM‐QX‐314. 10. Voltage‐ and concentration‐dependence of the decay rate of the major component in QX‐314 is similar to k1 and QX‐222. Voltage‐dependence of the tails decay rate appears to be similar to k3. It is hypothesized that the second component in QX‐222 represents currents of unaltered or normal conductance kinetics, and that the first and third components in QX‐222, as well as the major component and tail in QX‐314, represent current of "QX‐altered conductance kinetics".
Chromosome Abnormalities and Yq Microdeletions in Infertile Italian Couples Referred for Assisted Reproductive Technique

This study analyses the prevalence of karyotype aberrations and Yq microdeletions in infertile couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Before undergoing ICSI, each partner of 470 infertile couples was screened for karyotype aberrations by QFQ-banding technique on peripheral blood lymphocytes; male partners were also screened for Yq microdeletions. In 2.55% of the couples karyotype aberrations were found including numerical and structural alterations of autosomes and sex chromosomes. The female group had a high prevalence of low-level sex chromosome mosaicism (1.28%) and 5 cases of structural autosomal abnormalities (1.06%). The male group had 7 structural abnormalities of the autosomes (1.49%), 2 supernumerary marker chromosomes (0.42%), one case of low level gonosomal mosaicism (0.21%), and 2 cases of Y chromosome inversion (0.42%). Eight cases of Yq microdeletions (1.70%) were also found. Screening for genetic factors, chromosomal abnormalities and Yq microdeletions is indicated for couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques due to the higher prevalence of these factors in infertile couples compared to the population as a whole although different chromosome aberrations have been reported elsewhere.