Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Prior Performance on the Choice Between Related and Unrelated Acquisitions: Implications for the Performance Consequences of Diversification Strategy

Whereas a majority of previous research in the diversification literature has focused on the performance consequences of diversification strategy, this paper examines the reverse relationship, that is, the effects of a firm’s prior performance on the choice between related and unrelated diversification. This paper empirically tests and confirms the view that there are systematic ex ante performance differences between firms diversifying into related businesses and firms diversifying into unrelated businesses. These findings imply that ex post performance differences between related and unrelated diversifiers, often reported in previous research, are largely attributable to these ex ante performance differences, not to diversification strategy per se.
PML Algorithm for Positron Emission Tomography Combined With Nonlocal Fuzzy Anisotropic Diffusion Filtering

Penalized iterative algorithm, which outperforms the maximum likelihood reconstruction by utilizing the image's prior, has became a standard reconstruction approach in PET (Positron Emission Tomography). Such an algorithm is usually called PML (Penalized Maximum likelihood) algorithm. However, this kind of method still suffers from noisy propagation and edge blurring. Recently, the MRP-like (Maximum Root Prior) reconstruction which combines with anisotropic diffusion filtering, taking PDEMedian (Partial Differential Equations Median) for example, was proposed for noise removing and it could obtain better results than traditional algorithms. However, due to the shortcoming of P-M diffusion model, step artifacts could still be observed in the reconstructed image. This work aims to improve the quality of PET images using a novel nonlocal fuzzy diffusion model. Compared to the PDEMedian method, the proposed approach can impose an effective edge-preserving and noise-removing diffusion model for PET image reconstruction. Experimental results showed that the proposed method is more effective in improving quality of reconstructed images comparing with other common methods.
Social representations and community attitudes towards spring breakers

Social representation theory has been adopted for explaining tourism impacts and local attitudes. However, its usefulness in segmenting local population in terms of their attitudes towards specific types of tourists has not been tested. This study identifies the attitudes of local people towards spring break, a North American young tourist phenomenon in the context of the Mexican beach resort of Acapulco. Although residents perceive an increase in alcohol consumption, drug use, noise and litter during the spring break season, they largely recognise economic benefits and are thus generally supportive for the phenomenon. Based on these attitudes, three clusters were identified: spring break supporters (identified by their high appreciation of spring break benefits), ambivalents (who are uncertain about both benefits and costs) and realistics (characterised by recognising both benefits and costs). The main contribution of this study lies in the confirmation of the usefulness of social representation theory in explaining residents’ attitudes towards a very specific type of tourists whose hedonist behaviours are a common characteristic.
Hysteresis in Unemployment Revisited: Evidence from Panel LM Unit Root Tests with Heterogeneous Structural Breaks

This paper applies the panel LM unit root tests with heterogeneous structural breaks in level by Im et al. (Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, 67 (2005), pp. 393–419) to re-examine the validity of hysteresis in the unemployment rates of 19 OECD countries. Our empirical findings are favourable to the stationarity of the unemployment rates, i.e., the unemployment hysteresis hypothesis is strongly rejected. Our results suggest that shocks to unemployment rates are temporary and soon converge when we control for breaks. A major policy implication of the study is that a fiscal or monetary stabilization policy would not have permanent effects on the unemployment rates of the 19 OECD countries.
Vitamin D – Role in Pregnancy and Early Childhood

Several studies in pregnant women and early childhood suggest that vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <50 nmol/l) is common in both population groups. Recent recommendations have therefore reviewed the literature regarding the role of vitamin D in pregnant women and in early childhood. The Institute of Medicine, in their most recent assessment in 2010, recommended 600 IU per day in pregnant and lactating women. In 2011, the US Endocrine Task Force on Vitamin D commented that 600 IU per day may not be sufficient to correct vitamin D deficiency in pregnant and lactating women. Their recommendation was 1,500–2,000 IU vitamin D per day in pregnant and lactating women with vitamin D deficiency. For infants, the recommendation from both societies is consistently 400 IU vitamin D per day, and also in children both societies recommend 600 IU vitamin D per day. This review will summarize the scientific basis that led to the most recent recommendations.
Architecture of respiratory syncytial virus revealed by electron cryotomography

Human respiratory syncytial virus is a human pathogen that causes severe infection of the respiratory tract. Current information about the structure of the virus and its interaction with host cells is limited. We carried out an electron cryotomographic characterization of cell culture-grown human respiratory syncytial virus to determine the architecture of the virion. The particles ranged from 100 nm to 1,000 nm in diameter and were spherical, filamentous, or a combination of the two. The filamentous morphology correlated with the presence of a cylindrical matrix protein layer linked to the inner leaflet of the viral envelope and with local ordering of the glycoprotein spikes. Recombinant viruses with only the fusion protein in their envelope showed that these glycoproteins were predominantly in the postfusion conformation, but some were also in the prefusion form. The ribonucleocapsids were left-handed, randomly oriented, and curved inside the virions. In filamentous particles, they were often adjacent to an intermediate layer of protein assigned to M2-1 (an envelope-associated protein known to mediate association of ribonucleocapsids with the matrix protein). Our results indicate important differences in structure between the Paramyxovirinae and Pneumovirinae subfamilies within the Paramyxoviridae, and provide fresh insights into host cell exit of a serious pathogen.
Government Expenditure And National Income: Causality Tests For Five South East Asian Countries

This study aims to determine the direction of causality between national income and government expenditures for Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Granger causality tests are used to investigate the causal links between the two variables. Times series data covering last four decades are used. Support for the hypothesis that causality runs from government expenditures to national income has been found only in the case of Philippines. There is no evidence for this hypothesis and its reverse for the other countries.
Joint purchasing decisions: a multivariate negative binomial approach

The analysis of household purchasing decisions for understanding consumption behaviour has received much attention recently, mainly because of the measurement error problems that appear when using expenditure data to approximate consumption. This paper discusses some empirical regularities of the household purchasing behaviour based on information about the number of purchases a household has declared having done during the survey period. The concern of this paper is two-fold. First, to show how to recover purchase frequency data from the Spanish Budget Survey (1990–1991). Second, to discuss some empirical regularities of the joint purchasing decisions based on multivariate negative binomial models.
When Popular Participation Won't Improve Service Provision: Primary Health Care in Uganda

Advocates of participatory approaches to service delivery see devolution as key to empowering people to take charge of their own affairs. Participation is portrayed as guaranteeing the delivery of services that are in line with user preferences. It is assumed that people are keen to participate in public affairs, that they possess the capacity to do so, and that all they need is opportunities. Using evidence from ethnographic research in Uganda, this article questions these views. It shows that, to succeed in the long term, devolution and participation must take place in the context of a strong state, able to ensure consistent regulation, and a well-informed public backed up by a participatory political culture.
Pharmacogenetics and Obstetric Anesthesia

Pharmacogenetics, the study of the variability in drug response due to genetic variability, was born in the mid-1950s with the first observations that genetic factors may affect the response to various pharmacologic agents. The first publication in this domain was within the field of anesthesiology, with Kalow’s report of prolonged postoperative muscle relaxation after the administration of succinylcholine, attributed to an inherited variation of drug metabolism involving the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase. Over this last decade, there has been an explosion of scientific publications in the field of pharmacogenetics. Undoubtedly, the knowledge and technology acquired from the Human Genome Project will continue to contribute to the prevention of genetically determined diseases, and hopefully will promote ‘‘targeted personalized medicine. ’’ The ultimate goal of pharmacogenetics research is to ‘‘help doctors tailor doses of medicines to a person’s unique genetic make-up’’ (http:// www.PharmGKb.org, the Pharmacogenetics Research Network). This paradigm shift should make medicines safer and more effective for everyone. This review aims to present some aspects of pharmacogenetics that may be relevant to obstetric anesthesiologists. In particular, genetic variability of adrenergic receptors (ARs), as targets for bronchial, uterine and vascular tone regulation, and several pain-related candidate genes will be presented. To understand how genetic variability can affect drug
Transthyretin knockouts are a new mouse model for increased neuropeptide Y

Transthyretin (TTR) has access to the brain and nerve through the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. To investigate TTR function in nervous system homeostasis, differential gene expression in wild‐type (WT) and TTR knockout (KO) mice was assessed. Peptidylglycine α‐amidating monooxygenase (PAM), the rate‐limiting enzyme in neuropeptide maturation, is overexpressed in the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) of TTR KOs that, consequently, display increased neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels. NPY acts on energy homeostasis by increasing white adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and decreasing thermogenesis; accordingly, we show increased LPL expression and activity in white adipose tissue, PNS, and CNS as well as decreased body temperature in TTR KOs. Associated to increased NPY levels, TTR KOs display increased carbohydrate consumption and preference. In neuronal cells, absence of TTR is related to increased PAM activity, NPY levels and LPL expression, reinforcing that TTR is involved in neuropeptide maturation and that increased NPY correlates with LPL overexpression in the nervous system. Furthermore, we provide molecular insights to the reduced depressive behavior of TTR KOs, as NPY is anti‐depressant. Our findings demonstrate that TTR KOs are a model for increased NPY and that TTR plays a role in nervous system physiology.
Environmental Offences: The Reality of Environmental Crime

Economic instruments, informational devices, voluntary agreements and command and control regulation are just some of the techniques modern states use to protect the environment. The last of these — command and control — is sometimes dismissed as an increasingly obsolete strategy. It is often alleged that environmental offences are not ‘real’ crimes. They are merely ‘quasi-criminal’ regulatory offences. This article rejects this view. It argues that environmental crime is a serious and growing problem. It examines fly-tipping in the United Kingdom and claims that environmental offenders often have very strong financial incentives to break the law. It claims that fines are currently too low and that serious consideration should be given to the increased use of civil and administrative penalties.
Circulating tumor cells: a useful predictor of treatment efficacy in metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE Five or more circulating tumor cells (CTCs) per 7.5 mL of blood predicts for poorer progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We conducted a prospective study to demonstrate that CTC results correlate strongly with radiographic disease progression at the time of and in advance of imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serial CTC levels were obtained in patients starting a new treatment regimen for progressive, radiographically measurable MBC. Peripheral blood was collected for CTC enumeration at baseline and at 3- to 4-week intervals. Clinical outcomes were based on radiographic studies performed in 9- to 12-week intervals. RESULTS Sixty-eight patients were evaluable for the CTC-imaging correlations, and 74 patients were evaluable for the PFS analysis. Median follow-up was 13.3 months. A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between CTC levels and radiographic disease progression in patients receiving chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. This correlation applied to CTC results obtained at the time of imaging (odds ratio [OR], 6.3), 3 to 5 weeks before imaging (OR, 3.1), and 7 to 9 weeks before imaging (OR, 4.9). Results from analyses stratified by type of therapy remained statistically significant. Shorter PFS was observed for patients with five or more CTCs at 3 to 5 weeks and at 7 to 9 weeks after the start of treatment. CONCLUSION We provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence of a strong correlation between CTC results and radiographic disease progression in patients receiving chemotherapy or endocrine therapy for MBC. These findings support the role of CTC enumeration as an adjunct to standard methods of monitoring disease status in MBC.
Division of Household and Paid Labour between Partners: Effects of Relative Wage Rates and Social Norms

Division of labor is a central problem in both sociology and economics. In this paper, the division of household and paid labor between partners is analyzed by using an integrated sociological and economic approach. Elements of role theory, exchange theory, and new home economics are combined within a rational choice framework. On the basis of a sample of Dutch couples, the authors find that both the wife's share in paid labor and her share in household labor are affected by the partner's relative wage rates as well as by the norms of the network of the household. Copyright 1994 by WWZ and Helbing & Lichtenhahn Verlag AG
Science parks in developing countries: the case of BIORIO in Brazil

Science parks provide an ideal interface between university and industry, not only for developed countries, but also for developing countries. The biotechnology pole of Rio de Janeiro, discussed after a survey of the main characteristics of science parks, demonstrates this case. In conclusion, ten main necessary conditions for the success of a science park are suggested. These include not only the proximity to research-oriented institutions, but also strong backing from dynamic government funding agencies and from a research-oriented private sector. Moreover, there is a need for a good manager who can unite these forces, articulate a long-term plan, and give expression to the science park as a legitimate solution to the economic tensions of university and private sector alike and present it as the gatekeeper for their interactions.
Nasopharyngeal Intubation in Robin Sequence: Technique and Management

Objective: To provide a detailed description of the nasopharyngeal intubation (NPI) technique and photographs, which should be helpful for those who may need to perform it for treating the airway obstruction in Robin sequence. Design: To describe and illustrate the NPI technique and the necessary considerations for its application. Setting: Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofacial of University of São Paulo, Brazil. Result: The NPI procedure involves the use of a whitish, Portex, number 3.0 or 3.5, silicone tube, introduced 8 cm deep into the infant's nostril and fixed with Micropore tape. The tube is to be removed at least twice a day for proper hygiene (with running water, detergent, and swabs) and should be changed every 7 days. This procedure is taught to the children's parents or caretakers by the nurse during hospitalization. Conclusion: The technique is so simple that it can be performed by the parents themselves, allowing continuation of the treatment at home.
Insights into Protein Compressibility from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Isothermal compressibility based on molecular dynamics simulations in a normal temperature and pressure (NTP)−Gibbs ensemble is estimated for five solvated globular proteins (bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, trypsin, ribonuclease A, HEW lysozyme, and α-lactalbumin), as well as bulk water, using the TIP3P model. Protein intrinsic isothermal compressibilities were calculated from molecular total volume fluctuations and averages using the statistical definition of compressibility. A new and efficient method was developed for calculating protein total molecular volume based on an atomic van der Waals radius extension algorithm. The calculated isothermal compressibilities are in good agreement with experimental data (the correlation coefficient is 0.94). The main source of volume fluctuation is the free volume inside the protein, whereas variations in overlap of atomic van der Waals volume are less of a factor. Proteins with low packing density tend to have high compressibility, but packing density alone c.
Pay-Performance Sensitivity Before and After SOX

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact on pay-performance sensitivity of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We compare managers’ pay-performance sensitivity before and after 2001-2002, a period during which regulatory changes were initiated to increase scrutiny over managerial manipulation and improve financial reporting quality. Based on ExecuComp data from 1992 to 2005 (and excluding the years 2001 and 2002), our results show that pay-performance sensitivity using either market-based or accounting-based measures of performance increased significantly following these events. When we further decompose executive pay into its cash-based and equity-based components, we find evidence of an increase in the link between performance and executive compensation for five of six measures for each performance metric. The evidence presented here is consistent with an improvement in the perceived credibility of reported earnings and an increased reliance on earnings in compensation contracts, which in turn resulted in an increase in the link between executive compensation and shareholder wealth.
Safety and efficacy of the vibrating capsule, an innovative non‐pharmacological treatment modality for chronic constipation

Constipation is a common disorder. Because the prevalence is high and the satisfaction level with currently available treatment is low, there is an unmet need for innovative treatment. We assessed the safety and efficacy of the Vibrant Capsule, a non‐pharmacological device that is assumed to induce a normal peristaltic wave in the large intestine to alleviate constipation.
Mice Triallelic for the Ig Heavy Chain Locus: Implications for VHDJH Recombination1

VHDJH recombination has been extensively studied in mice carrying an Ig heavy chain rearranged transgene. In most models, inhibition of endogenous Ig rearrangement occurs, consistently with the feedback model of IgH recombination. Nonetheless, an incomplete IgH allelic exclusion is a recurrent observation in these animals. Furthermore, transgene expression in ontogeny is likely to start before somatic recombination, thus limiting the use of Ig-transgenic mice to access the dynamics of VHDJH recombination. As an alternative approach, we challenged the regulation of somatic recombination with the introduction of an extra IgH locus in germline configuration. This was achieved by reconstitution of RAG2−/− mice with fetal liver cells trisomic for chromosome 12 (Ts12). We found that all three alleles can recombine and that the ratio of Ig allotype-expressing B cells follows the allotypic ratio in trisomic cells. Although these cells are able to rearrange the three alleles, the levels of Ig phenotypic allelic exclusion are not altered when compared with euploid cells. Likewise, we find that most VDJ rearrangements of the silenced allele are unable to encode a functional μ-chain, indicating that the majority of these cells are also genetically excluded. These results provide additional support for the feedback model of allelic exclusion.
Financial Globalisation and Domestic Investment in Developing Countries: Evidence from Nigeria

Financial globalisation is hypothetically helpful to a country to the extent that capital inflows augment available domestic savings for investment purposes. This may be impossible where a globalised country finds itself experiencing more capital outflows than inflows. In this study, we identified the factors that determine the level or degree of financial globalisation of a country as the nominal exchange rate, the level of financial development as captured by the level of financial deepening of the financial system and trade. Using the Kaopen (Capital opening index) and average exchange rates measures of financial globalisation the paper found that, for Nigeria, the greater the level of financial globalisation, the more Nigeria experienced capital outflows. Export is particularly positively impactful on capital outflows. Capital outflows have depleted available domestic resources and impacted domestic investment negatively. The paper recommends the greater need for autonomous investment to crowd in other investments by implementing policies that encourage investment in the economy. This situation may not improve until there is a proactive and deliberate action from the government to improve investment, especially of infrastructure, in the economy. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013. v4n6p213