Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound guidance decreases complications and improves the cost of care among patients undergoing thoracentesis and paracentesis.

Ultrasound guidance enables visualization of the needle insertion site for thoracentesis and paracentesis. The improved accuracy of needle placement using ultrasound may reduce risk of complications and their costs associated with these procedures. Using claims data from the Premier Perspective hospital database from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2008, we conducted an observational cohort study examining the effect of ultrasound guidance on risk of pneumothorax among patients undergoing thoracentesis and on risk of bleeding complications after paracentesis. Patients at elevated risk of these outcomes for reasons beyond the procedure of interest were excluded. Adjusted risk of events was assessed using multivariate logistic regression controlling for patient and hospitalization characteristics. Hospitalization cost and length of stay (LOS) were estimated using multivariate ordinary least squares regression of log-transformed values. We analyzed 61,261 thoracentesis and 69,859 paracentesis patient records. Approximately 45% of these procedures were ultrasound guided. Pneumothorax occurred in 2.7% (n = 1,670) of patients undergoing thoracentesis. Of patients undergoing paracentesis, 0.8% (n = 565) experienced bleeding complications. After adjustment, ultrasound guidance reduced the risk of pneumothorax after thoracentesis by 19% (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.74-0.90) and by 68% for bleeding complications after paracentesis (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.25-0.41). Pneumothorax increased the total cost of hospitalization by $2,801 (P < .001) and LOS by 1.5 days (P < .001). Bleeding complications increased cost by $19,066 (P < .0001) and LOS by 4.3 days (P < .0001). The data indicate that ultrasound guidance is associated with decreased risk of pneumothorax with thoracentesis and of bleeding complications with paracentesis. These complications resulted in measurable increases in hospitalization costs and LOS.
The Propensity to Consume Permanent Income in India

It is generally agreed that the marginal propensity to consume obtained from cross-section data pertaining to a single year may be seriously underestimated.1 To the extent that we need such estimates for the purpose of planning economic development, their accuracy becomes of crucial importance. Mayer has shown for developed societies, over a wide spectrum of dates and countries, that a permanent-income-type problem does exist; that is, the strict permanent-income theory is wrong in asserting that the marginal propensity to consume is equal to the average propensity, but it is right in suggesting that the marginal propensity to consume permanent income is greater than the marginal propensity to consume measured income, though even for permanent income the marginal propensity is less than the average propensity.2 It is the purpose of this paper to (1) extend these considerations to developing countries by looking at the available data on India,3 and (2) evaluate the effect of these considerations on the estimates of the marginal propensity to consume. The formulation suggested in the following sections has been applied to data collected by the National Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi. These include: (1) the Delhi Survey, 1959; (2) the Urban Income and Saving Survey, 1960; (3) the All-India Rural Household Survey, 1962; and (4) the All-India Consumer Survey, 1964.4
Low density lipoprotein in neonates with high cord serum cholesterol levels

Differences in cord serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) composition between male and female neonates with normal or high (≥ 100 mg/dl or ≥ 2.59 mmol/1) serum cholesterol levels were studied in 548 full‐term newborn infants of the Toledo Study (Spain), where the absence of known perinatal factors that would alter lipid levels in cord blood was confirmed. The percentage of females with a high serum total cholesterol (TC) level was higher (p < 0.02) than that of males. ANOVA two‐way analysis shows significant interaction of gender and cholesterol level upon LDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol/Apoprotein (Apo) B ratio. However, Apo B was higher in those neonates, both male and female, with high cholesterol levels. The LDL fraction carried about 55% of TC in females with high TC levels (HF), whereas it transported just 40% in males with high TC levels (HM). LDL appeared more enriched in cholesterol than in Apo B in HF than in HM (p < 0.01). An increased level of small LDL particles should be associated with the higher triglyceride level found amongst HM. Results in LDL composition suggest that metabolic gender‐related differences in infants with normal or high TC are presented at birth.
Understanding Effective Higher Education Programs in Prisons: Considerations from the Incarcerated Individuals Program in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Workplace and Community Transition Youth Offender Program (YOP), recently renamed the Incarcerated Individuals Program (IPP), has proven to be effective in terms of its growth and expansion, the support of education directors across the correctional facilities, university collaboration, student evaluations, and a low recidivism rate. This article, drawn from a multiyear evaluation, explores what has contributed to that effectiveness. There are six major contributing factors:
Mumps outbreak in Bulgaria, 2007: a preliminary report.

There is an ongoing mumps outbreak in Bulgaria, with a total of 997 cases notified between 1 January and 18 March 2007. This number includes laboratory-confirmed and probable epidemiologically-linked clinical cases in line with the EU case definition and case classification that have been adopted for mumps surveillance purposes in Bulgaria since 2005.
Organizational Structure and Earnings Management

In this study, we identify a fundamental attribute of the organizational structure of the firm—the intensity of interdivisional transaction relatedness and complementarity—which contributes to earnings management. We draw from the theoretical economics literature that demonstrates that intrafirm collusion is more likely in hierarchical and complex organizational structure. We posit that intrafirm collusion toward a common organizational goal is more prevalent in highly related organizational structure because the economic welfare of economic agents is highly interdependent. Consistent with our hypothesis, we find that earnings management is positively associated with organizational relatedness. We also find that, for firms with high organizational relatedness, those with a high proportion of outside directors and high institutional equity ownership have less pronounced earnings management. Collectively, our result suggests an interaction between corporate governance structure and organizational relatedness in affecting earnings quality.
Predictors of in-hospital mortality after an acute ischaemic stroke

Background and Objectives: Currently there is limited information on the mortality after an acute stroke in hospitalised patients in the region. The objective of the study was to determine the type, time after onset and predictors of mortality after stroke. Methods: This was a prospective study of consecutive patients with acute stroke who were admitted to Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia from June 2000 to January 2001. A single observer, using pre-defined diagnostic criteria recorded the information of interest. Results: Two hundred and eighteen patients with acute stroke were enrolled in the study; 163 (74.8%) ischaemic and 55 (25.2%) haemorrhagic. The mean length of stay was 7.5 days (range=1 to 35 days). The case fatality rate for ischaemic stroke was 11.7% and for haemorrhagic stroke, 27.3%. Death occurred after a mean of 8.0 days after admission for ischaemic stroke and 3.8 days for haemorrhagic stroke. The independent risk factors for mortality for ischaemic stroke were middle cerebral artery infarct (OR 12.1; 95% CI 3.25 to 45.0), atrial fibrillation (OR 9.77; 95% CI 1.78 to 53.7), diabetes mellitus (OR 4.88; 95% CI 1.25 to 19.1), Barthel index less than 5/20 (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 16.5), and Glasgow Coma Scale less than 9 (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.01 to 14.6). Conclusions: The in-hospital mortality rate of stroke in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia was similar to other studies. Middle cerebral artery infarct, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, very severe disability, and poor Glasgow Coma Scale had higher risk of mortality for acute ischaemic stroke. of stroke and the pathological distribution of vascular lesions between Asians and Caucasian patients, such as higher proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage, lacunar infarct, intracranial disease versus extracranial diseases, among Asians. 5-7 This study aims to determine the risk factors for in-patient mortality for ischaemic stroke among a cohort of Malaysian patients. METHODS
A novel approach for multistage inference fuzzy control

This paper presents a methodology to the design of a multistage inference fuzzy controller in which the consequence in an inference stage is passed to the next stage as fact, and so forth. A new general method which is based on a performance index of the control system is used to generate fuzzy rule bases for the multistage inference. This proposed method can reduce the design cycle time. In order to reduce the computation time, a method for precomputing the match-degrees of fuzzy values is adopted. Thus, the number of operations that must be carried out at execution time can be significantly reduced. The new method has been applied to two applications, a two-trailer-and-truck system and a three-trailer-and-truck system. The simulation studies showed that the proposed method is feasible.
Combining Qualitative Methods in Practice: A Contextualized Account of the Evolution of Consumer Studies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss within a corporate context the advantages and limitations of combining different qualitative methods (namely consumers’ introspection and observation) to grasp consumer experiences. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reflexively examines the evolution of a research process through which a team of researchers and a company tried to understand how the online consumer experience unfolds. The paper discusses the research process, the problems addressed and the way results were shared and acted upon within the company. Findings – The findings show how the search for and implementation of the combination of observation and introspection is rooted in the kinds of organizational change processes that allow companies to appropriate new methodological approaches and modify the conduct of their service innovation processes. Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on a single research project, analysed only retrospectively and reflexively. As to it.
Mental Health, Frequency of Healthcare Visits, and Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background:Research regarding the association between mental health and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has produced mixed results. Variations may be explained by methodology, including whether potential confounders such as frequency of healthcare visits are considered. Objective:We examined the association between mental health and CRC screening, before and after controlling for demographics, comorbidities, and outpatient visit frequency. Design:Observational study based on a retrospective cohort. Subjects:A total of 855 veterans receiving care at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Measures:Medical record data were used to assess CRC screening rates and mental health status (number of diagnoses and the presence of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance, or psychotic disorders). Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between mental health diagnoses and CRC screening, before and after controlling for covariates. Results:Bivariate analyses suggested that CRC screening rates were higher for patients with a history of one or more mental health diagnoses (57% vs. 47%, P < 0.01). However, adjusting for timing of mental health diagnosis and outpatient visit frequency resulted in significant negative associations between CRC screening and all measures of mental health except posttraumatic stress disorder. Conclusions:Estimates of the association between mental health and CRC screening that do not adjust for outpatient visit frequency may be misleading. Veterans with mental health diagnoses were significantly less likely to be screened for CRC than their counterparts with no mental health diagnoses and an equal number of outpatient visits.
The Contribution of Human Capital Formation to Post-War Economic Growth in Ireland

Following an account of the perceptions among Irish policy-makers since the second world war of the contribution of education to economic development, this paper examines the performance of the Irish economy in the framework of a model of exogenous growth incorporating human capital formation. It is shown that when account is taken of the low level of income at the start of the period and the relatively high rate of human and physical capital accumulation, the Irish growth rate has been relatively low. Possible explanations for this poor performance are explored. Neither the structure of education nor low rates of return to additional years of schooling appear to explain it, but there is evidence that the quality of physical investment has been poor. In addition, high and selective emigration in certain periods may have deprived the country of some of the returns to the increased investment in education undertaken in recent decades.
Real Exchange Rate, Productivity and Labor Market Rigidities

We extend the classic Balassa-Samuelson model to an environment with search unemployment. We show that the classic Balassa-Samuelson model with the assumption of full employment emerges as a special case of our more generalized model. In our generalized model, the degree of labor market rigidities affects the strength of the structural relationship between real exchange rate and sectoral productivity and in some circumstances, the standard Balassa-Samuelson effect may not hold. Empirical evidence supports our theory: controlling for the difference in labor market rigidities across countries provides a better fit in estimating the Balassa-Samuelson effect.
Relationship between low magnesium status and TRPM 6 expression in the kidney and large intestine

Rondón LJ, Groenestege WM, Rayssiguier Y, Mazur A. Relationship between low magnesium status and TRPM6 expression in the kidney and large intestine. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 294: R2001–R2007, 2008. First published April 2, 2008; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00153. 2007. —The body maintains Mg homeostasis by renal and intestinal (re)absorption. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate transepithelial Mg transport are largely unknown. Transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6) was recently identified and shown to function in active epithelial Mg transport in intestine and kidney. To define the relationship between Mg status and TRPM6 expression, we used two models of hypomagnesemia: 1) C57BL/6J mice fed a mildly or severely Mg -deficient diet, and 2) mice selected for either low (MgL) or high (MgH) erythrocyte and plasma Mg status. In addition, the mice were subjected to a severely Mg -deficient diet. Our results show that C57BL/6J mice fed a severely Mg -deficient diet developed hypomagnesemia and hypomagnesuria and showed increased TRPM6 expression in kidney and intestine. When fed a Mg -adequate diet, MgL mice presented hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesuria, and lower kidney and intestinal TRPM6 expression, compared with MgH mice. A severely Mg -deficient diet led to hypomagnesemia and hypomagnesuria in both strains. Furthermore, this diet induced kidney TRPM6 expression in MgL mice, but not in MgH mice. In conclusion, as shown in C57BL/6J mice, dietary Mg -restriction results in increased Mg (re)absorption, which is correlated with increased TRPM6 expression. In MgL and MgH mice, the inherited Mg status is linked to different TRPM6 expression. The MgL and MgH mice respond differently to a low-Mg diet with regard to TRPM6 expression in the kidney, consistent with genetic factors contributing to the regulation of cellular Mg levels. Further studies of these mice strains could improve our understanding of the genetics of Mg homeostasis.
The European Union's Increasing Role in Foreign Policy Counterterrorism

Since 9/11, the role of the European Union (EU) in counter-terrorism has expanded rapidly. Most of the developments were internally derived and would affect only EU Member States and countries on the EU’s periphery. However, over the past few years, the EU has become increasingly involved in counter-terrorism outside its borders. Although it still has a long way to progress before being recognised as a counter-terrorism actor of note, the EU has demonstrated a commitment to include counter-terrorism related initiatives into its foreign policies. Analyses of the EU’s foreign policy counter-terrorism have focused on narrow definitions of foreign policy. It is necessary to distinguish between the external dimension of counter-terrorism and foreign policy counter-terrorism, and there is a need to combine these in order to better understand the EU as a counter-terrorism actor. Foreign policy and counter-terrorism therefore need to be broadly defined in order to take account of the full array of EU counter-terrorism initiatives. Through the EU’s efforts to counter terrorist financing, the EU’s role in Afghanistan, the EU-US relationship, and the Commission-based Instrument for Stability (IfS) it will be shown that the EU has made considerable progress towards creating a multi-faceted counter-terrorism policy in the nine years since 9/11.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, hypoxia inducible factor 1α, and carbonic anhydrase IX in human tumours

Aims: To measure vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) mRNA in a large, diverse cohort of tumours and to investigate whether VEGF-A expression is associated with markers of hypoxia, including hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9). Methods: The expression of VEGF-A and CA9 was assessed in 5067 fresh frozen human tissue samples and 238 cell lines by DNA microarray analysis. In addition, tissue microarrays were constructed from 388 malignancies to investigate the expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1α by in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: VEGF-A was significantly upregulated in primary malignancies of the breast, cervix, colon and rectum, oesophagus, head and neck, kidney, ovary, skin, urinary system, and white blood cells by DNA microarray analysis. However, VEGF-A expression only correlated with CA9 expression in renal tissues. In the tissue microarrays, HIF-1α positive cores showed a significant increase in VEGF-A expression in lung, ovary, soft tissue, and thyroid malignancies. Conclusions: The expression of VEGF-A is upregulated in a large proportion of human malignancies, and may be associated with markers of hypoxia. VEGF-A expression can be induced in the absence of hypoxia and hypoxia does not always provoke VEGF-A upregulation in tumours.
Industry restructuring in transition after the arrival of multinationals: a general equilibrium analysis with firm-type costs differences

The arrival of multinationals (MNEs) in transition economies brings about a process of restructuring across their different industries. This process is illustrated by data on the rapid entry of MNEs into the motor vehicles sector of the Czech Republic, which occurred before the recent crisis. This article analyses the behaviour and interactions of two types of companies: national firms and MNEs, which operate in all sectors of the economy. We aim to understand the performance of each type by conducting a detailed analysis of firms' costs and how they are affected by the arrival of MNEs. A computable general equilibrium model is used to calibrate the contrasting cost structures of both national firms and MNEs across the different sectors (based on real data from the OECD and the Czech National Bank). Thus a general equilibrium perspective is used to provide quantitative estimates of the evolution of factor costs (i.e. the cost of labour and capital), intermediate costs (i.e. the cost of both imported and domestic products used for further processing in production), production and prices for both types of firms. Interestingly, we obtain evidence on different patterns of adjustment related to firms' ownership (i.e. between national firms and MNEs). In addition, our methodology allows us to assess the impact on GDP and welfare resulting from the process of industry restructuring at the microeconomic level.
The impact of the law on industrial disputes in the 1980s

This paper evaluates evidence from information provided by trade unions and employers' association in 1990-91 on the influence of the law on industrial disputes in the 1980s. A detailed analysis of four sectors - education, other public services, printing and publishing, engineering and construction- leads to the conclusion that while the law was an important factor in some disputes in the 1980s, government claims concerning the beneficial impact of the labour legislation of 1980-1990 are too simplistic. In the 1980s the law in general became a more important factor in industrial disputes, developing a trend which emerged in the 1960s and developed in the 1970s. But the influence of the law varied considerably between different sources. Of the legislative changes in the 1980s, only the requirement for unions to hold ballots before calling on their members to take industrial action had a significant overall impact and the effects of this change were diverse and complex. A combination of legislative and judicial development of employers' rights to withhold pay from and dismiss workers taking industrial action was as important a general influence on actual practice as the other legislative changes in this period.
Do ethnicity and sex matter in pay? analyses of 8 ethnic groups in the Dutch labour market

Using the CBS-micro survey, ethnic and gender wage differentials in the Netherlands are examined between native Dutch labourers and 7 ethnic minority groups that are highly differentiated in their human capital endowment and immigration history. Estimations indicate that wage discrimination occurs mainly on the basis of their ethnic background rather than gender. Moroccans suffer the largest wage gap due to discrimination. This result is likely an indication of employer’s response on the deteroriating image of Moroccans in the Netherlands in recent years. Also, Eastern-European and non-European workers that are composed by more refugees and other recent immigrants are disfavoured, so are Caribbean and Indonesian men. Immigrants from the EU-countries rarely face wage discrimination.