Heterogeneity in Expectations, Risk Tolerance, and Household Stock Shares: The Attenuation Puzzle.

This paper jointly estimates the relationship between stock share and expectations and risk preferences. The survey allows individual-level, quantitative estimates of risk tolerance and of the perceived mean and variance of stock returns. These estimates have economically and statistically significant association for the distribution of stock shares with relative magnitudes in proportion with the predictions of theories.

Using retirement planning software to assess Americans' preparedness for retirement: an update.

This article is an update of a previous analysis of retirement planning software. In this updated analysis, the author uses data from the 1995 Survey of Consumer Finances along with statistical analysis of retirement software to examine whether consumers who follow the software retirement saving parameters are saving enough for retirement.

Gasless endoscopic anterior lumbar interbody fusion utilizing the B. E.R.G. approach.

Background: Several authors have reported success using a gas-mediated transperitoneal approach for lumbar interbody fusion. However, this approach has not been shown to reliably and predictably address segments above L4-5.

Methods: The B.

Minimally invasive 360 degrees instrumented lumbar fusion.

A retrospective preliminary study was undertaken of combined minimally invasive instrumented lumbar fusion utilizing the BERG (balloon-assisted endoscopic retroperitoneal gasless) approach anteriorly, and a posterior small-incision approach with translaminar screw fixation and posterolateral fusion. The study aimed to quantify the clinical and radiological results using this combined technique. The traditional minimally invasive approach to the anterior lumbar spine involves gas insufflation and provides reliable access only to L5-S1 and in some cases L4-5.

Management of metastatic tumors to the spine using simple plate fixation.

Frequency of metastasis to the spine in the population of patients suffering from malignant disease is a significant clinical problem, as these patients present with intractable pain and neurologic impairment. The sequelae of metastatic tumors to the spinal column significantly decrease the quality of the patient's life. With the advent of modern chemotherapeutic regimens in metastatic disease, patients with metastatic tumors are living longer and more productive lives.