Essays on subjective expectations and stated preferences

This dissertation's unifying theme is the study of subjective data, with particular emphasis on subjective expectations. Eliciting expectations of survey respondents has become a frequent practice in economics over the last decade. This thesis presents studies of such data, analyzing expectations of future income, behavior of participants in an economic experiment, reform of the Dutch pension system, and perceived survival probabilities at older ages. Some chapters focus on the study of expectations per se, analyzing, for instance, who are the individuals reporting higher probabilities that a given outcome will realize, or discussing the rationality of these expectations. Several chapters discuss important econometric issues in the analysis of subjective expectations, proposing ways to estimate models including this information or discussing the importance of heterogeneity in expectations to identify key preference parameters in an economic model. The last chapter discusses an approach to estimate a life-cycle model without having to elicit detailed expectations by relying on stated preferences, another type of subjective data.

Essays on subjective expectations and stated preferences.

This dissertation's unifying theme is the study of subjective data, with particular emphasis on subjective expectations. Eliciting expectations of survey respondents has become a frequent practice in economics over the last decade. This thesis presents studies of such data, analyzing expectations of future income, behavior of participants in an economic experiment, reform of the Dutch pension system, and perceived survival probabilities at older ages. Some chapters focus on the study of expectations per se, analyzing, for instance, who are the individuals reporting higher probabilities that a given outcome will realize, or discussing the rationality of these expectations. Several chapters discuss important econometric issues in the analysis of subjective expectations, proposing ways to estimate models including this information or discussing the importance of heterogeneity in expectations to identify key preference parameters in an economic model. The last chapter discusses an approach to estimate a life-cycle model without having to elicit detailed expectations by relying on stated preferences, another type of subjective data.

IL-4Rα Blockade by Dupilumab Decreases Staphylococcus aureus Colonization and Increases Microbial Diversity in Atopic Dermatitis.

Dupilumab is a fully human antibody to interleukin-4 receptor α that improves the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). To determine the effects of dupilumab on Staphylococcus aureus colonization and microbial diversity on the skin, bacterial DNA was analyzed from swabs collected from lesional and nonlesional skin in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 54 patients with moderate to severe AD randomized (1:1) and treated with either dupilumab (200 mg weekly) or placebo for 16 weeks. Microbial diversity and relative abundance of Staphylococcus were assessed by DNA sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA, and absolute S. aureus abundance was measured by quantitative PCR. Before treatment, lesional skin had lower microbial diversity and higher overall abundance of S. aureus than nonlesional skin. During dupilumab treatment, microbial diversity increased and the abundance of S. aureus decreased. Pronounced changes were seen in nonlesional and lesional skin. Decreased S. aureus abundance during dupilumab treatment correlated with clinical improvement of AD and biomarkers of type 2 immunity. We conclude that clinical improvement of AD that is mediated by interleukin-4 receptor α inhibition and the subsequent suppression of type 2 inflammation is correlated with increased microbial diversity and reduced abundance of S. aureus

Centerscope

Centerscope, formerly Scope, was published by the Boston University Medical Center "to communicate the concern of the Medical Center for the development and maintenance of improved health care in contemporary society.

Substantial Dose-response Relationship with Clinical Outcome for Lung Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) Delivered via Online Image Guidance

Purpose: To examine potential tumor dose-response relationships with various non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) SBRT fractionation regimens delivered with online CT-based image guidance. American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 52nd Annual Meeting October 31 - November 4, San Diego, C

Genotypic determinants of fluoroquinolone and macrolide resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Background:High rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae hinder effective treatment, but molecular AMR diagnostics may help address the challenge. This study aimed to appraise the literature for resistance-associated genotypic markers linked to fluoroquinolones and macrolides, to identify and review their use in diagnostics. Methods: Medline and EMBASE databases were searched and data pooled to evaluate associations between genotype and phenotypic resistance. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) cut-offs were ≤ 0.06 mg L-1 for non-resistance to ciprofloxacin and ≤ 0.5 mg L-1 for non-resistance to azithromycin. Results: Diagnostic accuracy estimates were limited by data availability and reporting. It was found that: 1) S91 and D95 mutations in the GyrA protein independently predicted ciprofloxacin resistance and, used together, gave 98.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 98.0-99.0%) sensitivity and 91.4% (95%CI 88.6-93.7%) specificity; 2) the number of 23S rRNA gene alleles with C2611T or A2059G mutations was highly correlated with azithromycin resistance, with mutation in any allele giving a sensitivity and specificity of 66.1% (95%CI 62.1-70.0%) and 98.9% (95%CI 97.5-99.5%) respectively. Estimated negative (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) for a 23S rRNA diagnostic were 98.6% (95%CI 96.8-99.4%) and 71.5% (95%CI 68.0-74.8%) respectively; 3) mutation at amino acid position G45 in the MtrR protein independently predicted azithromycin resistance; however, when combined with 23S rRNA, did not improve the PPV or NPV. Conclusions: Viable candidates for markers of resistance detection for incorporation into diagnostics were demonstrated. Such tests may enhance antibiotic stewardship and treatment options

Chemical control of cereal leaf diseases

1 online resource (PDF, 2 pages)This archival publication may not reflect current scientific knowledge or recommendations. Current information available from the University of Minnesota Extension: https://www.extension.umn.edu

Letter from Camille L. Bissonnette to Charlotte Michaud

Handwritten letter from Camille L. Bissonnette to Charlotte Michaud. Also included: Envelope front and envelope back.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/michaud-1970-1973/1004/thumbnail.jp

Verticillium Wilt of Potatoes

AG-FS-1160 Revised 198