Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Democracy and Quality of Life in Asian Societies

Abstract This article examines whether democracy affects quality of life. Scholars have conducted surveys to investigate whether democracy is likely to lead to good quality of life. There are two contested views to the relationship: some suggest that democracy has a positive causal effect on quality of life, whereas others contend that democracy does not play such a role. Previous findings are supported by cross-national statistical analysis with aggregated survey data. However, aggregated survey data may cause ecological fallacy. Also, in order to ascertain the extant research, it would be beneficial to test the hypothesis by incorporating both individual- and country-level variables. Therefore, this paper applied hierarchical modeling to investigate the regularity. Both individual-level perception of democracy and country-level political regime data were incorporated in our empirical model. Our findings suggest that individual-level satisfaction with democracy has positive causal effect on one's quality of life, whereas the country-level characteristic of the political regime has no effect.
Pricing and hedging in the VIX derivative market

In course of the analysis, we take advantage of extended market evidence in the model estimation and a more complex design to assess the model pricing and hedging performance. The pursuit of more empirically relevant frameworks pays-off is a more precise pricing. However, instead of developing model’s parametric structure, pricing improvements may also be acquired by combining the available market information. Complementary to pricing, a hedging performance assessment, the outcomes do not improve much when the underlying dynamic is extended by additional empirically sound factors. It seems to imply the belief that the simpler model does not necessarily mean the worse model.
The Effects of Media Interpretation for Citizen Evaluations of Politicians' Messages

Although politicians prefer to communicate directly with the public, political sound bites in the nightly news are shrinking and primetime presidential press conferences are becoming increasingly uncommon. Instead, people primarily receive the messages of politicians as interpreted by journalists. What are the consequences of this interpretation for how citizens evaluate political messages? This article compares how people evaluate mediated political accounts and those delivered by politicians directly. Using a set of experiments, this article considers whether the power of politicians to inform and persuade people is limited or enhanced through the interpretation of journalists. This article finds that although people respond similarly to message content, whether from the politicians or from the media, evaluations of the message source and political processes are improved when politicians communicate directly with the public.
Are we curing more older adults with acute myeloid leukemia with allogeneic transplantation in CR1?

Purpose of reviewDespite the fact that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most common in older adults aged at least 60 years, curative therapy remains elusive in this population. Here we examine the data for predicting which patients are candidates for ‘curative therapy’, available therapeutic options, and the utilization of reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation in first remission. Recent findingsIncorporation of geriatric assessment tools to assess patient frailty, in addition to evaluation of comorbid conditions, improves patient selection for intense therapy. The majority of patients eligible for and treated with induction chemotherapy achieve complete remission, and overall survival in the older AML population is superior after allogeneic stem cell transplant. However, population-based studies continue to demonstrate the undertreatment or lack of treatment of older AML patients. SummaryNew patient assessment tools, ability to offer more successful outcomes after induction chemotherapy, and improved survival after allogeneic transplantation has not yet translated to increased ‘curative’ treatment on a population level of older AML patients. It is critical that the tools and therapies available be put into practice while older patient enrollment in well designed therapeutic clinical trials which include the option of allogeneic transplantation is increased.
Diagnostic value of 8.5 T magnetic resonance spectroscopy of benign and malignant skin lesion biopsies

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 8.5 T ex vivo was used to investigate skin lesions for metabolic signatures to predict malignancy or indicate malignant potential. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed on biopsy tissue obtained from 63 skin lesions and five melanoma metastases from 55 patients. Samples were grouped and compared according to five clinically significant distinctions: melanoma (n=38) or nonmelanoma (n=30), primary melanoma (n=33) or secondary melanoma (involved nodes and distant metastases, n=5), primary melanoma (n=33) or nevi (n=8), malignant (n=46) or nonmalignant (n=22), and melanocytic (n=46) or nonmelanocytic (n=22). In all comparisons, the average magnetic resonance spectrum of each class lay within 1 standard deviation of the average spectrum of the other class. There was a higher average choline metabolite signal intensity in melanoma-containing biopsies compared with nonmelanoma biopsies. Discriminant analysis based on the intensity of the choline resonance alone achieved 69% accuracy in separation of melanoma and nonmelanoma tissue. Inclusion of other metabolite resonances in the analysis did not increase discrimination accuracy. Tissue heterogeneity in conventionally collected full thickness skin biopsies and possible biochemical variance within individual tissue types limit classification accuracy using the methods and magnetic field strength that were earlier reported to provide accurate discrimination in other cancer types.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Proteinuria in Diabetic Nephropathy

One of the earliest clinically detectable abnormalities in diabetic nephropathy is microalbuminuria that eventually progresses to proteinuria. The degree of proteinuria correlates with the progression of glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In the glomerulus, a typical podocytopathy develops that participates in the initiation of glomerulosclerosis and the accelerated plasma protein leakage across the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) into Bowman’s space. Downstream into the tubular compartment, the proteinuria induces proinflammatory and profibrogenetic injury in tubular cells which can facilitate the development of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. It has long been held that hemodynamic changes and the loss of negatively charged proteoglycans in the GBM are important mediators of proteinuria. More recently, biopsy studies in humans with diabetic kidney disease have provided strong evidence that podocytes are injured very early in the course of nephropathy. This podocytopathy – which is characterized by decreased podocyte number and/or density, GBM thickening and altered matrix composition, and foot process effacement – correlates closely with the development and progression of albuminuria. Components of the diabetic milieu (high glucose, accumulation of glycated proteins, high intrarenal angiotensin II (ANG II), and hypertension-induced mechanical stress) result in activation of cytokine systems, the most important of which are transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). ANG II-stimulated podocyte-derived VEGF, through a novel autocrine signaling loop, appears to be a major cause of nephrin downregulation and the development of proteinuria. Nephrin is an important protein of the slit diaphragm with anti-apoptotic signaling properties. TGF-β1 causes podocyte apoptosis and an increase in extracellular matrix deposition. As a consequence, the denuded GBM adheres to Bowman’s capsule initiating the development of glomerulosclerosis. Good control of hyperglycemia and hypertension and maximal inhibition of ANG II are essential steps in preventing the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy.
Technological Capability and FDI in Asia: Firm-level Relationships among Japanese Manufacturers*

The present paper reexamines the relationship between technological capabilities and FDI decisions at the firm level. The data cover 118 300 Japanese firms in all manufacturing industries. The R&D of Japanese firms has a noticeably weaker relationship with FDI in Asia than with FDI in industrial countries. This finding is confirmed to be robust even when alternative estimation techniques are used and when R&D expenditure data are replaced by patent data. The estimation results also reveal non-negligible fixed entry costs for FDI, a finding consistent with the observation that only approximately 2 percent of the firms invest abroad. Copyright 2005 East Asian Economic Association.
Sedation procedures in MR imaging: safety, effectiveness, and nursing effect on examinations.

PURPOSE To measure the safety and effectiveness of conscious sedation in order to assess utilization and the effect on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A database of conscious sedation records for MR imaging at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md, from 1991 to 1998 was searched. Safety data according to medication and procedure duration for each nurse were tabulated for 6,093 patient records. Data were analyzed by using quality control statistical measures to determine time utilization and effectiveness. Break-even costs for the procedure were determined. RESULTS Of 6,093 patients scheduled for examination, 4,761 patients (78.1%) received conscious sedation by the MR conscious sedation service. Complications were observed in 20 of the 4,761 patients (0.42%). No deaths occurred. The most common complication was oxygen desaturation (n = 8). Diagnostic and complete MR examinations were performed in 4,453 of the 4,761 patients (93.5%). The mean time to sedate the patient (+/- SD) was 23.6 minutes +/- 15.2 for specialized MR sedation nurses and 26.8 minutes +/- 20.1 for general radiology nurses (P: <.001). For inpatient nurses from the inpatient hospital units, the sedation time was considerably longer (47.3 minutes +/- 36.6, P: <.001) and more variable. Break-even costs were 37% ($11 vs $8 for MR room time) more for general radiology nurses than for specialized MR sedation nurses performing the procedure. CONCLUSION Conscious sedation is safe and has a high effectiveness rate. A highly specialized nursing staff reduces procedure variability and cost.
Examining Gender Differences in Environmental Concern Across Four Levels of the Swedish Polity

While numerous studies find modest, consistent gender differences in environmental concern within the general publics of North American and European countries, such a pattern has not been studied much among elected officials. The results from the few studies of elected officials are inconsistent. We test if women report stronger environmental concern than men across four levels of the Swedish polity, utilizing three datasets: a representative sample of the general public, a survey of all representatives in municipal-level and county-level councils, and a survey of the members of the Swedish Parliament. Results from our multivariate ordered logistic regression models reveal a consistent pattern across the lower three levels. Women report greater environmental concern than men in the general public, in municipal councils, and in regionally elected assemblies. In the Swedish Parliament, we find no significant gender difference on environmental concern, as the effect of gender is largely explained by political orientation. Aksel Sundstrom The Quality of Government Institute Department of Political Science University of Gothenburg aksel.sundstrom@pol.gu. se Aaron M. McCright Lyman Briggs College, Department of Sociology, and Environmental Science and Policy Program, Michigan State University mccright@msu.edu
Youth Master Plans as Potential Roadmaps to Creating Child- and Youth-friendly Cities

Abstract Communities across the globe are focusing on the needs of young people and their families in an effort to create child- and youth-friendly cities. In an attempt to become more child and youth friendly, over 40 communities in the United States have developed youth master plans (YMPs), as of 2009; however, our understanding of these plans is limited. To broaden this understanding, this research employed a multiple-methods approach, including an online questionnaire, plan analysis and semi-structured interviews with key community informants. Findings show that YMPs often focus on collaboration among community entities and youth participation, yet include only general normative statements regarding the physical environment. Furthermore, urban planners do not typically take the lead in development of YMPs, and, in some cases, are not involved at all. To inform and improve future YMPs, this paper recommends greater focus on the physical environment, particularly in relation to safety, access to nature and sustainable transportation.
Staging of High-Risk Endometrial Cancer With PET/CT and Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PET/CT and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in staging high-risk endometrial cancer patients (G2 and deep myometrial invasion, G3, serous clear cell carcinoma or carcinosarcoma) in early clinical stage. Patients and Methods From January 2006 to December 2012, high-risk early-stage endometrial cancer patients performing PET/CT scan followed by surgery (systematic pelvic ± aortic lymphadenectomy) were included. From December 2010, SLN mapping with 99mTc-albumin nanocolloid and blue dye cervical injection was included in our clinical practice and additionally performed. Histological findings were used as the reference standard. Results Ninety-three patients were included, of which 22 of 93 had both PET/CT and SLN biopsy. The median number of dissected lymph nodes (LNs) was 28. Nineteen women (20.4%) had pelvic LN metastases; 14 were correctly identified by PET/CT. Among 5 false-negative cases, 3 occurred after the introduction of SLN mapping due to detection of micrometastases by ultrastaging. On overall patient-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET/CT for pelvic LN metastases were 73.7%, 98.7%, 93.6%, 93.3%, 93.6%, respectively. Conclusions PET/CT demonstrated moderate sensitivity and high specificity in detecting pelvic LN metastases; its high positive predictive value (93.3%) is useful to refer patients to appropriate debulking surgery. Sentinel LN mapping and histological ultrastaging increased the identification of metastases (incidence, 18.3%-27.3%) not detectable by PET/CT because of its spatial resolution. The combination of both modalities is promising for nodal staging purpose.
About the cost of portfolio financing in Black-Scholes call option valuation

The theory of Black and Scholes is the basis for all contemporary financial option valuation methods. The theory is based on a portfolio consisting of stocks and options on that stock. The composition of the portfolio is renewed after a short time interval. The Black-Scholes method for valuing European call options ignores the cost of portfolio renewal. This study demonstrates that ignoring this cost may lead to an error. The relative error can be very large, especially in the case of out-of-the-money options, where the drift of the price process of the underlying asset substantially deviates from a risk-free drift.
Strategic Management Concepts for Antitrust: Cooperation, Stakeholders and Sustainability

Now that the rule of reason has largely over taken per se rules of antitrust law in the United States, antitrust enforcement generally requires evaluation of a wide variety of evidence to determine the challenged conduct's effect on competition. This article provides an overview of three concepts commonly taught in MBA-level strategic management courses to evaluate much of the same evidence for purposes of determining the firm's competitive strategy: cooperative strategies, stakeholder management, and sustainable business practices. Unlike the neoclassical microeconomic view of competition commonly used in modern antitrust analysis, strategic management teaches students to view competitors not only as rivals, but also as stakeholders with whom their firms may need to cooperate. While the application of these concepts to specific antitrust issues requires further analysis, these concepts provide a basis for supplementing the understanding of business competition under the rule of reason.
Do home gardens improve the nutrition of rural pre-schoolers in Lesotho?

In this study, the contribution of household gardens to the nutritional status of pre-schoolers in Lesotho was investigated. The anthropometric status of children under five years of age was measured in five randomly selected villages in five districts of Lesotho during November and December 1999. In each district, the nutritional status of an average of 538 children was assessed. Production from household gardens was investigated to determine whether households had access to vegetables throughout the year. Despite a significant association between the presence of home gardens and lower incidences of wasting and underweight, the nutritional status of children in households with or without home gardens in sampled areas is poor. Some 49 per cent of children from households with food gardens were stunted, 29 per cent were underweight, and 24 per cent showed wasting. Many households do not produce enough vegetables rich in vitamin A to meet both their consumption and nutritional needs. Recommendations include intensified production of a wider mix of crops that include starchy crops, vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit trees to ensure a significant impact on children's nutritional status.
THE DYNAMICS OF MARKUPS AND INVENTORIES IN RETAILING FIRMS

This paper is concerned with the interaction between price and inventory decisions in retailing firms and its implications for the dynamics of markups and the existence of sales promotions. We consider a model where a monopolistically competitive retailer decides price and inventories, and assumes lump-sum costs when placing orders or changing nominal prices. In this model, the existence of stockout probabilities and fixed ordering costs generate a cyclical price behaviour characterized by long periods without nominal price changes and short periods with very low prices (i.e. sales promotions). We estimate this model using a unique longitudinal dataset with information about retail and wholesale prices, inventories, orders, and sales for several brands in a supermarket chain. Based on the estimated model we perform several counterfactual experiments that show the important role that inventories and fixed ordering costs play in the dynamics of retail prices and the frequency of sales promotions in this dataset.
Bioavailability enhancement of baclofen by gastroretentive floating formulation: statistical optimization, in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies

Objectives: The study was aimed to improve bioavailability of baclofen by developing gastroretentive floating drug delivery system (GFDDS). Methods: Preliminary optimization was done to select various release retardants to obtain minimum floating lag time, maximum floating duration and sustained release. Optimization by 32 factorial design was done using Polyox WSR 303 (X1) and HPMC K4M (X2) as independent variables and cumulative percentage drug released at 6 h (Q6h) as dependent variable. Results: Optimized formulation showed floating lag time of 4–5 s, floated for more than 12 h and released the drug in sustained manner. In vitro release followed zero ordered kinetics and when fitted to Korsemeyer Peppas model, indicated drug release by combination of diffusion as well as chain relaxation. In vivo floatability study confirmed floatation for more than 6 h. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits showed Cmax of 189.96 ± 13.04 ng/mL and Tmax of 4 ± 0.35 h for GFDDS. The difference for AUC(0–T) and AUC(0–∞) between the test and reference formulation was statistically significant (p > 0.05). AUC(0–T) and AUC(0–∞) for GFDDS was 2.34 and 2.43 times greater than the marketed formulation respectively. Conclusion: GFDDS provided prolonged gastric residence and showed significant increase in bi oavailability of baclofen.
Plans, performance information and accountability: the case of Best Value

The current UK government emphasizes the importance of mechanisms of accountability that involve the planning and public reporting of performance. One example of this is the Best Value performance plan. However, there has been little evaluation of the quality of the information provided in this type of document. This paper draws on literature on stakeholding and user needs to identify the data required for accountability. It then assesses whether the plans produced by Best Value pilot authorities in Wales provide appropriate information. The analysis shows that very few of the plans contained the relevant material. Interviews in the pilot authorities highlighted two key reasons for the poor level of data: a lack of performance indicators prior to Best Value and limited staff expertise in performance measurement. The evidence suggests that documents such as performance plans currently make little contribution to the accountability of public organizations.
Effects of non-ideal current sensing on subharmonic oscillation boundary in DC-DC switching converters under CMC

This paper discusses the influences of non-ideal current sensor on the stability and subharmonic oscillation boundaries in current mode controlled switching converters. First, a general-purpose simplified model is built applicable to any switching converter working in continuous conduction mode. Then, a steady-state asymptotic Fourier-series-based method is applied to obtain a boundary condition in the frequency domain and expressed in terms of the system state-space matrices. Using the Poisson sum formulae, this condition is transformed into the time-domain. The approach is applied to dc-dc switching converters with current mode control (CMC) taking into account finite current sensor bandwidth. Design-oriented equations describing the occurrence of subharmonic oscillations are derived for any single-switch dc-dc converter. These equations are expressed explicitly in terms of operating converter parameters and duty cycle making them directly applicable for design purposes. Some problems with influence of the limited bandwitdh of the current sensor on the ramp compensator design and system dynamics are discussed, along with some proposed solutions.