Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expatriate staffing in foreign subsidiaries of Japanese multinational corporations in the PRC and the United States

This study examines expatriate staffing in foreign wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures of Japanese firms located in the People's Republic of China and the United States. Expatriates are conceptualized as performing two primary functions. The first is a control function in which the expatriate works to align the operations of the subsidiary with that of the Japanese parent. The second function is a knowledge role. In this role, either the expatriate acts to transfer the Japanese parent's knowledge to the subsidiary or the expatriate is an agent for the acquisition of host-country knowledge. We tested for these two functions using subsidiary-level data on Japanese firms' operations in China and the US. Our results indicate that the control function was more prominent in joint ventures in China than in the US. The results also indicate that expatriates played a more significant knowledge-transfer function role in technology and marketing-intensive industries in China than in the US. A lack of MNC experience in China was found to be associated with limited use of expatriates. Finally, expatriate employment was negatively related to the number of subsidiaries of the parent company worldwide.
Correlation between annual volume of cystectomy, professional staffing, and outcomes

The association between high procedure volume and lower perioperative mortality is well established among cancer patients who undergo cystectomy. However, to the authors' knowledge, the association between volume and perioperative complications has not been studied to date and hospital characteristics contributing to the volume‐outcome correlation are unknown. In the current study, the authors studied these associations, emphasizing hospital factors that contribute to the volume‐outcome correlation.
A 44-year-old man with a parapneumonic effusion

A 44-year-old man presents to his local emergency department with a 10-day history of fever, night sweats, productive cough and right-sided pleuritic chest pain. He has a history of alcohol abuse. Two weeks prior, he was assessed in the same emergency department after he was found obtunded on a park
The pathophysiology of tumor necrosis factors.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) came to birth in a strange way. It made its entry into the world of biology and medicine when Lloyd Old discovered that the capacity to induce, in vivo and in vitro, the necrosis of some mouse tumors could be ascribed to a factor (rapidly identified as a protein) present in the blood after LPS injection ( 1 ) . Then, at what may appear as an unsurmountable biological distance but what geographically was a very close event (occurring in New York City virtually on the other side of the street), Anthony Cerami discovered that the intriguing state of cachexia associated with hypertriglyceridemia presented by rabbits chronically infected with Trypanosomia brucei results from the presence of a serum protein which he called "cachectin. " Purification of cachectin by A. Cerami and B. Beutler led them to realize that it is also an essential mediator in the state of shock induced by LPS injection in mice and is the same molecule as TNF (2, 3). It required little time for these three parents to recognize that their common child, with its so disparate talents, was unusually gifted. What they could not foresee was that, within a very few years, TNF would turn out to be a child prodigy, eliciting, because of its diverse effects, the publication of several papers per day. Somewhat ironically, it appears now that TNF rarely induces in vivo direct cytolysis of natural tumors (it can even be made by them), that it may not play a significant role in the cachexia most commonly observed in humans, that resulting from cancer, and that the critical role of TNF in shock is shared by other mediators, particularly interleukin 1 (ILl ), its frequent com-
Classifying Cerebral Palsy: Are We Nearly There?

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood in developed countries and encompasses a wide range of clinical phenotypes. Classification of CP according to movement disorder or topographical distribution is widely used. However, these classifications are not reliable nor do they accurately predict musculoskeletal pathology. More recently, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) has been introduced and its validity, reliability, and clinical utility have been confirmed. In 2005 it was suggested that children should be described and classified according to the GMFCS in all outcome studies involving children with CP, in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics (JPO). This study aimed to describe utilization of the GMFCS in 3 journals: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS Am), JPO, and Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology (DMCN), over a 7-year period (2005 to 2011), and any relationship to the journal’s impact factor. A secondary aim was to establish if differences in methodological quality existed between those studies utilizing GMFCS and those that did not. Methods: A targeted literature search of the 3 selected journals using the term “cerebral palsy” was conducted using the Medline database. Utilization of the GMFCS was assessed using report of these data in the methods or results section of the retrieved papers. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) was employed to evaluate the quality of papers published in JPO. Results: One hundred and fifty-four studies met the inclusion criteria and in 85 (68%) the GMFCS was used. Of these, 112 were published in JPO, of which 51 (46%) utilized the GMFCS, compared with 72% for JBJS Am, and 88% for DMCN. In the JPO, utilization of the GMFCS improved from 13% to 80%, over the 7-year study period. Conclusions: Utilization of the GMFCS has increased rapidly over the past 7 years in the JPO but there is room for further improvement. Level of Evidence: Not applicable.
Response of the EAA FRSC to the EFRAG/ANC/FRC Discussion Paper: Towards a Disclosure Framework for the Notes

We summarise the response of the EAA's FRSC to Towards a Disclosure Framework for the Notes, a Discussion Paper (DP) issued jointly by EFRAG, ANC and FRC. While supportive of much of the DP, and in particular of the underlying aim to place disclosures on a sounder conceptual foundation, we identify two broad themes for further development. The first concerns the DP's diagnosis of the problem, which is that the existing financial reporting is characterised by, on the one hand, disclosure overload and, on the other hand, an absence of a conceptual framework for organising and communicating disclosures. Our review of the literature suggests much greater support for the second of these two factors than for the first. The second broad theme is the purpose of the proposed DF, and the principles that are derived from this purpose. Here, we stress the need for the framework to better accommodate the context within which financial statement disclosures are used. In practice, this context is characterised by variation in information, incentives and enforcement, each of which has a considerable effect on the appropriate disclosure policy and practice in any given situation.
The Causality between R&D and Productivity in Manufacturing: An international disaggregate panel data study

This study analyses the causality between productivity and domestic and foreign R&D on the basis of panel data with respect to 22 manufacturing sectors in 14 OECD countries during the period 1972-94. A unit root analysis shows that the relation between the log of total factor productivity (TFP) and the logs of domestic and foreign R&D is cointegrated. Causality tests are performed on corresponding dynamic VAR and error correction augmented VAR models, estimated both on the total panel and on 22 sub-panels, sector by sector. Their results show that, although there are feedbacks, both on average and in a clear majority of sectors the causation runs mainly from the R&D variables to TFP rather than the other way round. This causation is, moreover, shown to be, in the first place, long-run in nature. It is concluded that, when considered in conjunction, these results suggest an essentially supply-type rather than demand-pull kind of interpretation of the cointegrating relation between TFP and R&D.
A Threshold Mechanism Governing Activation of the Developmental Regulatory Protein σF in Bacillus subtilis*

The RNA polymerase sigma factor σF is a developmental regulatory protein that is activated in a cell-specific manner following the formation of the polar septum during the process of spore formation in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Activation of σF depends on the membrane-bound phosphatase SpoIIE, which localizes to the septum, and on the formation of the polar septum itself. SpoIIE is responsible for dephosphorylating and thereby activating the phosphoprotein SpoIIAA, which, in turn, triggers the release of σF from the anti-σF factor SpoIIAB. Paradoxically, however, the presence of unphosphorylated SpoIIAA is insufficient to cause σF activation as SpoIIAA reaches substantial levels in mutants blocked in polar septation. We now describe mutants of SpoIIE, SpoIIAA, and SpoIIAB that break the dependence of σF activation on polar division. Analysis of these mutants indicates that unphosphorylated SpoIIAA must reach a threshold concentration in order to trigger the release of σF from SpoIIAB. Evidence is presented that this threshold is created by the action of SpoIIAB, which can form an alternative, long lived complex with SpoIIAA. We propose that formation of the SpoIIAA-SpoIIAB complex serves as a sink that traps SpoIIAA in an inactive state and that only when unphosphorylated SpoIIAA is in excess to the sink does activation of σF take place.
Dynamic Price Linkage and Volatility Structure between Carbon Markets

This paper investigates the dynamic price linkage and volatility structure between two leading carbon markets of EU allowance (EUA) and secondary certified emission reduction (sCER). We propose a correlation model between EUA and sCER price returns using the marginal abatement cost (MAC) curve and the emission reduction volume. The model reflects twohold market observations: financial players’ EUA-sCER swap transaction in carbon price boom periods and stronger energy price impacts on EUA prices than sCER prices. The model demonstrates that the volatilities are affected by the MAC curve shape and the emission reduction volume while the correlations are indifferent from the MAC curve shape and affected by the emission reduction behavior. The model also suggests that the EUA-sCER price correlations increase when the swap transaction increases or energy prices fall, translated into the opposite EUA price movements of EUA price rise or fall, respectively.
A Holistic Approach to the Predictive Power of Expected Volatility

The existing literature is highly dispersed regarding the relation between volatility and expected returns. We combine several volatility measures and empirical methods to give a holistic overview of this fundamental relation in finance. Results indicate that total and idiosyncratic volatility levels and volatility changes have predictive power in the cross-section of expected excess stock returns. Volatility levels are positively and volatility changes are negatively related to future stock returns. Exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH), and threshold GARCH (TGARCH) volatility measures have the greatest predictive power. Controlling for the short-term reversal effect and illiquidity does not help explain the predictive power of expected volatility.
Health status and its determinants in South Africa.

South Africa's apartheid policies have had direct and indirect effects on morbidity and death that will likely remain for decades. Since 1964, the economy has largely been deteriorating, while the population has grown at 2.8%/year, both of which have hampered economic development and health. South Africa needs to supply water, sanitation, and housing to 75% of the population. Rural development is needed to stem malnutrition, soil erosion, and overgrazing. Urban development design and planning must include health. Schooling needs to improve educators can emphasize school health education. Electricity and better lighting are needed to reduce chest diseases and paraffin poisoning and to improve literacy and learning. Labor migration has contributed to a high rate of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS in rural areas. In some cases, industry and the public sector have become partners to improve health. The alcohol industry sponsors drive safe campaigns. South Africans need to address inequalities in health status by race, region, and gender, and to follow a holistic development approach. Infant mortality is just 6.4/1000 for Whites, while it is 66.7/1000 for Blacks. It is 1.5 times lower in the best region than it is in the worst region. 2 of every 25 children die before their first birthday among Africans living in the poorest third of South Africa. 42% of Black men who live to 15 years die before their 60th birthday, while just 17.5% of like White women do. Black children less than 5 years old have an almost 9-fold excess in deaths over White children. The tuberculosis rate is among the highest in the world and is likely to increase as HIV/AIDS spreads. Many other preventable diseases occur among South Africans. 5-8% of the population suffer a disability. South Africa has the highest per capita violence mortality rate worldwide (59.2/100,000 vs. 9.6/100,000 in the US). South Africa is likely to face increases in lung cancer, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and malaria.
Cross-National Heterogeneity in Retail Spending

Economies worldwide vary greatly in terms of how much their consumers spend on various types of retail activities. The purpose of this article is to examine how the regulatory characteristics as well as the natures and strategies of businesses are related to retail spending. Random effect time-series cross-sectional (TSCS) models linear in parameters were employed for forty-eight economies using annual data for the 1999–2008 period. The results provided strong support that economic freedom, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow, and access and availability as measured by the density of retail stores positively affect retail spending. It was also found that tax and social security contributions as a proportion of the gross domestic product (GDP) is positively related to per capita grocery retail spending.
Explaining Changes in the Union Mark‐Up for Male Manual Workers in Great Britain, 1953–1983

Layard, Metcalf and Nickell have formed annual estimates of the union mark-up for unskilled males in the United Kingdom manufacturing sector over the period 1951-1983. We critically assess their estimates as an index of union power and propose a number of hypotheses that determine the union mark-up in both cyclical and secular contexts. We use their mark-up estimates to test these hypotheses. We find that the mark-up is anti-cyclical and is secularly influenced by the level of social security benefits. It tends to be higher under Conservative administrations and it varies directly with the density of union membership. It does not appear to depend on incomes policies.
Unique Sterol in the Ecology and Nutrition of Drosophila pachea

Drosophila pachea, which breeds only in the stems of senita cactus (Lophocereus schottii) throughout the Sonoran Desert, requires the cactus as a dietary supplement when reared on laboratory media. Δ7-Stigmasten-3β-ol, isolated from the cactus or synthesized, can replace the cactus in the diet of flies reared nonaseptically or axenically. Δ7-Cholesten-3β-ol and Δ5, 7-cholestadien-3β-ol could be substituted for the cactus sterol; Δ5, 7-stigmastadien-3β-ol produced infertile females. Cholesterol, 4α-methyl-Δ7-cholesten-3β3-ol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, ergosterol, and Δ7-ergosten- 3β-ol did not support larval growth.
Current Practice of State-of-the-Art Surgical Coronary Revascularization

Coronary artery bypass grafting remains one of the most commonly performed major surgeries, with well-established symptomatic and prognostic benefits in patients with multivessel and left main coronary artery disease. This review summarizes current indications, contemporary practice, and outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting. Despite an increasingly higher-risk profile of patients, outcomes have significantly improved over time, with significant reductions in operative mortality and perioperative complications. Five- and 10-year survival rates are ≈85% to 95% and 75%, respectively. A number of technical advances could further improve short- and long-term outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. Developments in off-pump and no-touch procedures; epiaortic scanning; conduit selection, including bilateral internal mammary artery and radial artery use; intraoperative graft assessment; minimally invasive procedures, including robotic-assisted surgery; and hybrid coronary revascularization are discussed.
LA CADENA PRODUCTIVA DE GANADO BOVINO EN EL SUR DEL ESTADO DE MÉXICO

In Mexico beef cattle production under double purpose systems is the main economic activity in rural areas. This activity has been developed for decades in the south of Mexico State, without any technical assistance. The productive chain of beef production has a weak links between the different bonds (producers, slaughter houses, traders etc.), which in general have been working independently. Organization between the bonds of the chain will increase the competitiveness of the system. Results of the study indicate that beef production chain in the south of Mexico State is a competitive and profitable, due to its low investment cost, but mainly because of its great flexibility, even though optimum productivity is not achieved. During 2008, sales utilities of calves were $ 8.80 per kg, which was higher than that obtained from the sales of steers ($ 5.60).
'THE TWO-SIDED FAMILY' : THE IMPACT OF THE FAMILY AND EVERYDAY LIFE ON WOMEN?S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN RURAL KARNATAKA

The purpose of this study has been to explore the impact of everyday life and the family on women's political participation in India. This has been done by analysing the political life stories of nine women who have all been elected to the local governance system, Panchayati Raj, in the South Indian state of Karnataka. The family often plays a dual role in relation to women's political participation by on the one hand controlling her activities and on the other hand providing her with support and advice that a politically inexperienced woman cannot afford to be without. The controlling role of the family is especially explicit in the notion of proxy where the husband does most of the political work on behalf of his wife. Even though they begin their political careers as proxies the women may still develop into more independent politicians. The experience of participating in Panchayat activities has opened up a whole new world for some women while others perceive it as a burden.
The Political Economy of Benefits and Costs: A Neoclassical Approach to Distributive Politics--Comment

The Weingast, Shepsle, and Johnsen (1981) article uses, in essence, two arguments about why we should expect inefficient projects to be selected by a representative assembly. One of these, information asymmetries, is orthodox, and I have no objection to what they say about it. Indeed it is possible that by a somewhat different treatment of this asymmetry they might achieve the same results as they do with their second cause. However, the second aspect of their article-and the one to which they devote most of their attention-contains an artificial asymmetry. They include the pecuniary externalities of government expenditures but do not include the pecuniary externalities of taxes. Since the pecuniary externalities of expenditures are dominantly positive in their mathematics, this leads to an inefficient overallocation of resources. If we consider the pecuniary externalities of the tax and assume also that they are, generally speaking, the opposite direction from the pecuniary externalities of the expenditure, their reasoning fails. Their analysis may be simplified by quoting one paragraph from their text:
Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes of Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives: There is a lack of consensus on the optimal repair technique and the definition of good outcomes in paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair. We reviewed long-term patient-reported outcomes of open and laparoscopic PEH repair to assist with our future surgical consent process. Methods: This was a retrospective case–control study including all patients with PEH repair performed from 2000 through 2012 at a single center without the use of mesh. We mailed questionnaires to patients to assess reoperation, symptom control, and satisfaction. Results: Chart review identified 217 patients who underwent PEH repair. Nineteen died during the follow-up period. Of the 106 returning the questionnaire, 87 underwent laparoscopic repair, and 19 had open repair, with follow-up of 6.6 (SD 3.9) years and 7.0 (SD 4.1) years, respectively. Reoperation rates were 9.9% and 5.3%, respectively (P = .720). Dysphagia, heartburn, and regurgitation improved in 95.4% of patients after laparoscopic repair and 89.5% after open repair (P = .318). Medication for symptom control was necessary in 54.0% of patients after laparoscopic repair and 26.3% after open repair (P = .029). In each group, 90% stated that they would still choose to have the operation (P = .713). Conclusions: Long-term patient-specific outcomes showed comparable, encouraging results between open and laparoscopic repair of PEH without mesh reinforcement. However, half of those undergoing laparoscopic repair required the use of medication for symptom control. This study adds to the literature describing long-term patient-specific outcomes and can be useful when counseling patients about PEH repair.