Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing British and American Economic and Industrial Performance 1860-1993: A Time Series Perspective

Abstract This paper considers the persistence of British and American economic and industrial leadership, using the time series properties of productivity series to assess the existence, pace, and timing of convergence. We report evidence in favor of segmented convergence processes for GDP per capita and real wages. In contrast, the industrial output per worker gap between the two economies appears nonstationary, and divergent during the century after 1870. The evolution of distinct industrial systems precludes an important role for industrial technology transfer in GDP per capita convergence. Cointegration-based causality tests and calibration methods are used to argue that the levels of and returns from higher education underpin the disparities in British and American economic and industrial performance during the 20th century.
Advanced Care Directives: Overcoming the Obstacles.

BACKGROUND Advanced care directives (ACDs) and end-of-life discussions are important and typically difficult to initiate because of the sensitive nature of the topic and competing clinical priorities. Resident physicians need to have these conversations but often do not in their continuity clinics. OBJECTIVE We implemented a program to (1) increase physician opportunity to discuss end-of-life wishes with their patients, and (2) improve residents' confidence in leading discussions regarding ACDs. INTERVENTION A total of 95 residents in an academic outpatient internal medicine resident continuity clinic participated in a formalized curriculum (didactic sessions, simulations, and academic detailing). Clinic workflow alterations prompted the staff to question if patients had an ACD or living will, and then cued residents to discuss these issues with the patients if they did not. RESULTS Of the 77% of patients who were asked about ACDs, 74% had no ACD but were interested in discussing this topic. After our intervention, 65% (62 of 95) of our residents reported having at least 1 outpatient discussion with their patients. Residents reported increased confidence directing and discussing advanced care planning with older patients and conducting a family meeting (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS By delivering a formalized curriculum and creating a clinical environment that supports such discussions, resident physicians had more ACD discussions with their patients and reported increased confidence. When provided information and opportunity, patients consistently expressed interest in talking with their physician about their advanced care wishes.
Surrendering Information through the Looking Glass: Transparency, Trust, and Protection

Trust and transparency influence consumer information exchanges, yet the understanding of how they shape marketing and public policy relating to privacy and security issues is not current with the digital and informational age. People face increasing complexity in online exchanges of information and lack the time, attention, and wherewithal to understand how to protect themselves. Society's reliance on technology results in individuals engaging in continuous partial attention and behaving as cognitive misers. The author explains the concept of surrendering to technology and presents a sharing–surrendering information matrix to address this phenomenon. The matrix clarifies the difference between surrendering versus sharing information online, leading to the proposition that current efforts to protect privacy and security, such as enhancing trust and transparency, lack legitimacy and will not be effective in the digital age. Surrendering information is a long-term societal and ethical issue for marketers and policy makers, requiring improvement(s) in verification mechanisms and increased educational efforts aimed at enhancing consumers’ attention.
Government Spending and the Real Exchange Rate: a Cross - Country Perspective

In this paper we study, from an empirical point of view, the determinants of the real exchange rate (RER). Relative to the vast previous literature on this topic we aim to distinguish the impact of two important components of government expenditure—public investment and transfers—on the RER, which has usually been neglected. Using panel cointegration techniques, we assess the relevance of those variables in the determination of the RER for a wide set of countries from 1980 to 2009. Our results suggest that changes in either government transfers or public investment have an impact on the RER in emerging economies. On one hand, transfers tend to appreciate the RER because they induce an increase in the relative demand for nontraded goods. On the other, an increase in public investment generates an RER depreciation. This result can be explained by the fact that, in this case, there is an increase in the relative productivity in the nontraded sector of the economy. We also study the effect of countries’ net external assets position on the RER and find that it differs markedly between developed and developing countries: this variable has a significant effect only in the case of developing economies.
Applicability of the FDA assay to determine the viability of marine phytoplankton under different environmental conditions

Knowing which fraction of a phytoplankton population is viable would often be helpful in answering ecological or physiological questions. However, viability stains (1) often do not function properly, especially with diatoms, (2) are rarely used, and (3) frequently appear to give ambiguous results. Here, we investigate the performance of the FDA viability assay in detail and test its applic- ability for investigating 2 ecologically important questions. The functioning of the assay was tested for several diatom species, as well as for Emiliania huxleyi (coccolithophorid) and Phaeocycstis globosa (Prymnesiophyceae). Additionally, changes in the viability of Thalassiosira weissflogii (diatom) — (1) due to aggregation and (2) during a prolonged stationary phase induced by nutrient limitation — were explored. Whereas the method generated solid results with some species, includ- ing T. weissflogii, it was less trustworthy or even totally ineffective with others. Ambiguous defini- tions of viability and cell death, as well as temporary changes in the strength of the fluorescence sig- nal, complicate the interpretation of viability measurements. However, exiting ecological results can be attained with this method. Experiments with T. weissflogii suggested that the vast majority of cells, rather than individual survivors remained viable for over a month in an illuminated, nutrient-devoid environment. Aggregation significantly prolonged the viability of T. weissflogii cells compared to non-aggregated cells kept under otherwise identical conditions.
RF MEMS Reconfigurable Two-Band Antenna

The design methodology, analysis, and characterization of a radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS)-based reconfigurable antenna operating in the United States Public Safety bands are presented. It has two modes of operation with central frequencies of 718 and 4960 MHz, providing a high reconfigurable frequency ratio of <formula formulatype="inline"> <tex Notation="TeX">$\sim {7}$</tex></formula>. This antenna is electrically small with lateral dimensions being <formula formulatype="inline"><tex Notation="TeX">$\sim \lambda/10 \times \lambda/10$</tex></formula> at 718 MHz. The reconfigurability between the modes is achieved by a single RF MEMS switch, which enables changing the length of the current flow path, thereby the resonance frequency is changed. The measurement results for impedance and radiation characteristics of the fabricated antenna prototype agree well with the simulations. The measured bandwidths of the antenna are 2.6% and 7.6% at 718 and 4960 MHz, respectively.
The effect of acupressure with massage on fatigue and depression in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Fatigue and depressive mood are the most significant symptoms experienced by patients with end-stage renal disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of acupressure with massage in fatigue and depression in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving hemodialysis treatment. The study applied an experimental pretest and posttest design. Sixty-two hemodialysis patients participated in the study. Data were collected from two hemodialysis clinics in major hospitals in southern Taiwan. Following consent to the study, subjects were randomly assigned to an acupressure group or a control group. Patients in the acupressure group received acupoint massage for 12 minutes per day, three days per week, for four weeks. Subjects in the control group only received routine unit care. The measures included the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale, and Beck ' s Depression Inventory. Descriptive statistics, chi 2 tests, t-test and analyses of covariance were used for data analysis. The results indicate that subjects experienced a moderate level of fatigue. Nearly 65 % of hemodialysis patients had a depressed mood. ANCOVA results indicated that fatigue (F((1.54)) = 9.05, p =. 004) and depression (F((1.54)) = 4.20, p =. 045) among patients in the acupressure group showed significantly greater improvement than patients in the control group. The findings of this study provide an interventional model for nurses taking care of ESRD patients.
White matter hyperintensities as a predictor of neuropsychological deficits post-stroke

Objectives: Cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are a recognised risk factor for post-stroke dementia. Their specific relations to cognitive impairment are still not well known. The purpose of this study was to explore how the severity and location of WMHs predict neuropsychological test performance in the context of other brain lesions in elderly stroke patients. Methods: In the Helsinki Stroke Aging Memory Study, 323 patients, aged from 55 to 85 years, completed a detailed neuropsychological test battery and MRI 3 months after an ischaemic stroke. The demographic and MRI predictors of cognition were studied with sequential linear regression analyses. Results: After age, education and total infarct volume were controlled for, the overall degree of WMHs predicted poor performance in tests of mental speed, executive functions, memory, and visuospatial functions, but not in those of short term memory storage or verbal conceptualisation. However, the contribution of separate white matter regions was relatively low. Only the lesions along the bodies of lateral ventricles were independently associated with speed and executive measures. Additionally, general cortical atrophy clearly predicted a wide range of cognitive deficits while infarct volume had less relevance. Further analyses revealed that executive functions act as a strong mediator between the relationship of WMHs to memory and visuospatial functions. Conclusions: The degree of WMHs is independently related to post-stroke cognitive decline. The most affected cognitive domains seem to be executive functions and speed of mental processing, which may lead to secondary deficits of memory and visuospatial functions.
Narcissism is a bad sign: CEO signature size, investment, and performance

Using the size of CEO signatures in SEC filings to measure individual narcissism, we find that CEO narcissism is associated with several negative firm outcomes. We first validate signature size as a measure of narcissism but not overconfidence using two laboratory studies, and also find that our measure is correlated with employee perceptions of CEO narcissism used in prior research. We then use CEO signatures to study the relation between CEO narcissism and the firm’s investment policies and performance. CEO narcissism is associated with overinvestment, particularly in R&D and M&A expenditures (but not in capital expenditures). Firms led by narcissistic CEOs experience lower financial productivity in the form of profitability and operating cash flows. Despite this negative performance, narcissistic CEOs enjoy higher absolute and relative compensation. Our results are robust to several alternative specifications, including controlling for a popular options-based overconfidence measure used in prior research.
A global perspective on the use of derivatives for corporate risk management decisions

Notes the “spectacular” growth of derivatives over the last 20 years and reviews previous research on the risk management policies and practices of corporations. Reports a survey of leading, non‐financial Canadian firms and compares it with previous studies. Shows the differences between respondents using/not using derivatives, the proportions of different types of treasury organization, the importance attached to treasury benchmarking and the integration of risk management policy with strategic plans. Finds that Canada uses derivatives more than Europe or the USA; that most Canadian and European treasuries operate as cost or service centres but are not benchmarked; that although most Canadian and European companies have written risk management policies, these are not integrated with financial/operating plans; that US risk managers are more likely to take positions reflecting their market views; and that in all the countries covered derivative users are larger than non‐users. Believes that most risk management programmes “remain in an introductory stage”.
The overvaluing of expertise in discussion partner choice

Since the introduction of economic theory to political science, theorists have argued that discussion could serve as an effective information shortcut if individuals communicate with experts who have similar preferences. Previous experimental and survey studies have found mixed results for the efficacy of social communication, but they have not observed the process of discussion partner selection which is so central to the previous models. This paper presents the results of a group-based experiment that allows for discussion partner selection. We fail to find aggregate enlightenment through social communication: lesser informed subjects are helped by social communication, but better informed subjects are harmed. This result is caused in part because subjects are too willing to seek out more expert discussion partners who have different ex ante preferences.
Lipopolysaccharide O-Chain Core Region Required for Cellular Cohesion and Compaction of In Vitro and Root Biofilms Developed by Rhizobium leguminosarum

ABSTRACT The formation of biofilms is an important survival strategy allowing rhizobia to live on soil particles and plant roots. Within the microcolonies of the biofilm developed by Rhizobium leguminosarum, rhizobial cells interact tightly through lateral and polar connections, forming organized and compact cell aggregates. These microcolonies are embedded in a biofilm matrix, whose main component is the acidic exopolysaccharide (EPS). Our work shows that the O-chain core region of the R. leguminosarum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (which stretches out of the cell surface) strongly influences bacterial adhesive properties and cell-cell cohesion. Mutants defective in the O chain or O-chain core moiety developed premature microcolonies in which lateral bacterial contacts were greatly reduced. Furthermore, cell-cell interactions within the microcolonies of the LPS mutants were mediated mostly through their poles, resulting in a biofilm with an altered three-dimensional structure and increased thickness. In addition, on the root epidermis and on root hairs, O-antigen core-defective strains showed altered biofilm patterns with the typical microcolony compaction impaired. Taken together, these results indicate that the surface-exposed moiety of the LPS is crucial for proper cell-to-cell interactions and for the formation of robust biofilms on different surfaces.
Is Nordic Private Equity Different?

Most research on private equity is based on American theory, tested on American empirical data. Nevertheless, the private equity concept has gained a solid foothold in the Nordic region, especially in Sweden. This article analyzes whether American-biased assumptions prevail in the Nordic countries or if there might be other reasons for the concept to work so well there. The conclusion is that major cultural, economic, and political differences between the U.S. and the Nordic countries make it difficult to apply American theories and empirical findings to the Nordic region.
Importance of diet in protection against oxidative damage.

OBJECTIVES In humans, epidemiological evidence suggests that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables can substantially enhance the protection against many common types of cancer. METHODS & RESULTS A molecular epidemiological study in 3 Slovak factories producing asbestos, glass fibres and rockwool was conducted. Altogether 388 subjects (239 exposed, 148 controls) were investigated. Food frequency questionnaire was used to ascertain nutrient intake and compared to plasma levels of selected micronutrients, as well as to markers of oxidative stress (MDA, oxidative DNA damage and DNA repair) and antioxidant protection. We found a negative correlation between MDA concentrations and consumption of fruits (p=0.05) and vegetables (p=0.05) in all control subjects. Intake of fruits (p=0.05), vegetables (p=0.01), milk (p=0.01) and cereals (p=0.05) inversely correlated with oxidative DNA damage (net FPG) in all subjects investigated. There was a negative correlation between the intake of fruits (p=0.05) and vegetables (p=0.01) in all exposed subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that well balanced food consumption with higher fruits and vegetables intake has a protective effect against oxidative damage.
Associations between leisure‐time physical activity and health‐related quality of life among adolescent and adult survivors of childhood cancers

Objective: Survivors of childhood cancer are at an increased risk for reduced quality of life (QOL), yet few studies have explored factors associated with improving health‐related QOL (HRQOL) in this population. We thus explored the relationship between physical activity (PA) and HRQOL among survivors of childhood cancer.
How Do Culturally-Derived Values Affect Teachers Perception Of The Value Of On-Line ELT Courses: The Case Of Hong Kong

This paper describes the program characteristics of the on-line courses, analyses how culturally-derived values influence teachers’ conception of their roles in the learning situation, and aims at describing the classroom pedagogical implication in terms of the future role of teachers in order to make the most out of the on-line courses that the School offers for students.
99mTc-Duramycin SPECT Imaging of Early Tumor Response to Targeted Therapy: A Comparison with 18F-FDG PET

Molecular imaging of cell death may provide a detailed readout of the cellular response to novel therapies and prognostic information on tumor treatment efficacy, assisting in the design of individualized therapy. We compared the predictive power of cell death imaging using 99mTc-duramycin with the current gold standard 18F-FDG for treatment response evaluation after targeted therapy. Methods: Early therapy response evaluation was assessed by 99mTc-duramycin SPECT and 18F-FDG PET imaging in treatment-sensitive COLO205 and treatment-resistant HT29 human colorectal cancer xenografts 24 h after a single dose of conatumumab or IgG1 control. The specificity of 99mTc-duramycin for apoptosis was assessed using 99mTc-linear duramycin control radiotracer. Radiotracer uptake was validated ex vivo by γ-counting and autoradiography and compared with cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) activation and DNA fragmentation (TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling [TUNEL]). Data were analyzed with the Student t test and Pearson correlation. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Results: COLO205 tumor uptake of 99mTc-duramycin was increased 7-fold from baseline in conatumumab- versus IgG1-treated control mice (P < 0.001), in good correlation with histologic analysis of apoptosis (CC3, r = 0.842, and TUNEL, r = 0.894; P < 0.001). No response was detected in HT29 tumors. No change in 99mTc-linear duramycin uptake could be detected in COLO205 tumors after treatment, indicating specificity of the 99mTc-duramycin tumor signal. 18F-FDG uptake was not significantly increased from baseline in conatumumab- versus IgG1-treated COLO205 and HT29 tumor–bearing mice (P = 0.104 and 0.779, respectively) and did not correlate with immunohistochemical evidence of apoptosis. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that 99mTc-duramycin specifically accumulates in apoptotic tumors in which 18F-FDG was not able to differentiate responding from nonresponding tumors early after treatment. 99mTc-duramycin holds promise as a noninvasive imaging radiotracer for early treatment evaluation in the clinic.
Organizational Memory: From Expectations Memory to Procedural Memory

Organizational memory is not just the stock of knowledge about how to do things, but also of expectations of organizational members vis-a-vis each other and the organization as a whole. The central argument of this paper is that this second type of organizational memory –organizational expectations memory– is a necessary precondition for successfully creating and maintaining organizational procedural memory, which is at the basis of organizational performance. If members of organizations have fewer expectations of being rewarded beyond what is stipulated in formal contracts, these individuals are less likely to risk investing in collective tacit and firm-specific knowledge resources and more likely to focus on building individual and mobile knowledge resources that have value outside the boundaries of the organization. A case study of latent organizations in the Dutch film industry is presented to support the central argument and suggests further avenues of research, in particular concerning the effects of labour mobility on organizational expectations memory.
The Effects of Education on the Duration of Unemployment

ABSTRACT This paper studies the relationship between the level of education and the probability of re-employment. Using a search theoretical model, it is shown that on the lowest levels additional education increases the probability of re-employment, but on the highest levels the relationship turns negative. Finnish microeconomic data on unemployed workers show that unemployed people who have 13–14 years of education have the highest re-employment probability.
Market Efficiency and the Returns to Technical Analysis

Can technical analysis be used to forecast price changes in fianncial markets> Until 1992, that question was answered with a resounding "no." This paper presents additional empirical evidence that simple technical rules do possess statistically different forecast power. However, the returns do not appear large enough to outweigh the trading costs involved.