Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Specific frequency bands of amplitude low‐frequency oscillation encodes personality

The biological model of extraversion and neuroticism identified by Eysenck has stimulated increasing interest in uncovering neurobiological substrate of the two fundamental dimensions. Here we aim to explore brain disturbances underlying extraversion and neuroticism in 87 healthy individuals using fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (LFF) on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Two different frequency bands, Slow‐5 (0.01–0.027 Hz) exhibiting higher power and involving larger brain regions, and Slow‐4 (0.027–0.073 Hz) exhibiting less power and emerging locally, were analyzed. Our results showed a positive correlation between LFF amplitude at Slow‐5 and extraversion in medial prefrontal cortex and precuneus, important portions of the default mode network, thus suggesting a link between default network activity and personality traits. LFF amplitude at Slow‐5 was correlated positively with neuroticism in right posterior portion of the frontal lobe, further validating neuroticism with frontal lateralization. In addition, LFF amplitude at Slow‐4 was negatively associated with extraversion and neuroticism in left hippocampus (HIP) and bilateral superior temporal cortex (STC) respectively, supporting the hypothesized (inverse) relationship between extraversion and resting arousal, also implying neural circuit underlying emotional process influencing on personality. Overall, these findings suggest the important relationships, between personality and LFF amplitude dynamic, depend on specific frequency bands. Hum Brain Mapp 35:331–339, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Receding Tide of Medical Malpractice Litigation: Part 2—Effect of Damage Caps

We study the effect of damage caps adopted in the 1990s and 2000s on medical malpractice claim rates and payouts. Prior studies found some evidence that caps reduce payout/claim, but mixed and weak evidence on whether caps reduce paid claim rates and payout per physician. However, most prior studies do not allow for the gradual phase-in of damage caps, which usually apply only to lawsuits filed after the reform’s effective date, or only to injuries after the effective date. Once we allow for phase-in, we find strong evidence that damage caps reduce both claim rates and payout per claim, with a large combined impact on payout per physician. The drop in claim rates is concentrated in claims with larger payouts – the ones that would be most affected by a damages cap. Stricter caps have larger effects. Some prior studies also find a large impact of tort reforms other than damage caps. Once we allow for phase-in, we find that these other reforms have no significant impact on either claim rates or payout per claim.A companion article, The Receding Medical Malpractice Part 1: National Trends, is available at http://ssrn.com/abstract=2109679.
Portfolio diversification: a factor analysis approach

One of the main purposes of modern portfolio theory is to deal with the merit of international diversification, which is closely linked to the issue of co-movement and interdependence between stock markets. The globalization of equity markets and the increasing growth potential of the emerging Asian markets in the recent years have attracted significant attention in their co-movements. This study aims to investigate the potential of diversifying into US and Asia Pacific markets in the perspective of a Singaporean investor. A factor analysis is first used to screen out certain stock markets before the portfolio is computed. In view of the recent Asian financial crisis in mid-1997, the study is also extended to include international diversification choices after the Asian crisis to provide a more comprehensive study for Singaporean investors. The idea of this research can be repeated from a different perspective such as the US point of view.
The temperature dependence of isometric contractions of single, intact fibres dissected from a mouse foot muscle.

1. Isometric tension responses to electrical stimulation have been studied at 7.5 37.5 degrees C in single, intact fibres of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle of the mouse. A large number of reproducible tetani could be obtained at temperatures less than or equal to 35 degrees C. 2. The tetanic force per cross‐sectional area generated at 25.0 degrees C was 375 +/‐ 56 kPa (mean +/‐ S.D., n = 16). 3. The curve relating maximum tetanic tension to temperature exhibited a transition between a level of almost unaltered force (25.0‐32.5 degrees C) and a marked force decline (less than or equal to 20.0 degrees C). At temperatures higher than 35.0 degrees C force production was markedly depressed and this reduction was in some cases irreversible. 4. Twitch tension showed less regular dependence on temperature; it was reduced less than tetanic tension at low temperatures. Thus, the twitch/tetanus tension ratio was higher at low temperatures. 5. The times for twitch contraction and for twitch half‐relaxation (i) ranged from 7 to 14 ms and from 6 to 15 ms at 35.0 degrees C and (ii) exhibited Q10 values of 3.2 +/‐ 0.4 and 4.0 +/‐ 0.6, respectively. 6. It is concluded that it is possible to use intact, single fibres dissected from mammalian skeletal muscle in physiological studies. Our results are close to previous results obtained from mammalian muscles except that the tetanic tension per cross‐sectional area was found to be higher than commonly reported.
The power of intangibles in high-profitability firms

The paper identifies which intangible management features distinguish high-profitability firms. Based on the resource-based theory of the firm, we argue that high-profitability firms focus on the management of intangible resources linked to human, structural, and relational factors. We test two groups of 246 and 250 companies, in two different periods. Results confirm that high-profitability firms are strongly focused on their management of intangibles, and especially on factors that tend to strengthen employees productivity, innovation activities, and business relationships.
Evaluating the Role of the Social Economy in Tackling Rural Transport Problems: Some Case Study Evidence from Rural England

To evaluate the current role of the social economy and how it might be harnessed to supplement public and private sector provision, this article takes the issue of transport provision and examines it in the context of rural England. First, the nature of the rural transport problem in this nation is outlined. Second, the current usage of the social economy to tackle rural transport problems is evaluated by drawing upon case study evidence collected during 350 household interviews and 10 focus groups conducted during late 2000 in five contrasting localities in rural England. This reveals that although the social economy is widely used by rural populations to tackle their transport problems, such provision is not only precarious but has an uneven impact in that a significant minority of households who are excluded from using a private car and public transport are also unable to draw upon the social economy as a solution to their transport problems. Finally, the policy implications of these findings are explored.
The accuracy of IPO earnings forecasts in Thailand and their relationships with stock market valuation

Abstract In order to help reduce information asymmetry between managers and prospective investors, IPO prospectuses in Thailand are required to publish managers' forecasts of the forthcoming year's earnings. This type of direct disclosure is especially important in a developing economy such as Thailand where financial intermediaries and information vendors are relatively sparse, and where investors are rarely professionals. Our results demonstrate that managers' earnings forecasts are much more accurate than extrapolations of historical earnings. We show that forecast accuracy is related to underpricing, and it has a directional, but not statistical, association with one-year stock returns and one-year wealth relatives.
Intrathecal sufentanil or fentanyl as adjuvants to low dose bupivacaine in endoscopic urological procedures

Context: Opioids are being increasingly used these days as adjuvants to local anesthetics in spinal anesthesia. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of adding sufentanil or fentanyl to low dose bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for endoscopic urological procedures. Settings and Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 elective endoscopic urological surgery patients, 40-80 years old, received spinal anesthesia with 7.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (Group A) or by adding sufentanil 10 g (Group B) or fentanyl 25 g (Group C) to 5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%. These groups were compared in terms of the quality of spinal anesthesia as well as analgesia. Results: The onset of sensory and motor blockade was significantly rapid in Group A as compared with Groups B and C. The maximum upper level of sensory block was higher in Group A patients than Groups B and C patients. Quality of analgesia was significantly better and prolonged in sufentanil group as compared with other two groups. Motor block was more intense and prolonged in Group A as compared with Groups B and C patients. Request for post-operative analgesic was significantly delayed in Group B patients. Conclusions: Spinal anesthesia for endoscopic urological procedures in elderly patients using low dose bupivacaine (5 mg) combined with 10 μg sufentanil is associated with a lower incidence of hemodynamic instability, better quality and prolonged duration as compared to that by adding 25 μg fentanyl.
Cervical neurapraxia in elite athletes: evaluation and surgical treatment. Report of five cases.

OBJECT Neurapraxia, transient posttraumatic paralysis of the motor and/or sensory tracts in the spinal cord, may be a career-ending event in an athlete. Management, rehabilitation, and return-to-play decisions remain controversial. METHODS Five elite football players were evaluated after experiencing episodes of neurapraxia. All patients experienced bilateral paresthesias--three in all four extremities and two in the upper extremities--lasting a few minutes to more than 24 hours. Transient motor deficits occurred in two individuals but caused no permanent sequelae. Neuroimaging confirmed the presence of herniated discs, focal cord compression, and no parenchymal changes in all cases. All patients underwent anterior cervical microdiscectomy and fusion, and cervical plates were placed in four. After aggressive rehabilitation and confirmation of fusion ranging from 9 weeks to 8 months postoperatively, the players were allowed to return to active play. Two of the players developed recurrent career-ending disc herniations, one above and the other below the fusion level. One player required repeated spinal cord decompression. CONCLUSIONS Neurologically intact athletes with focal cord compression due to a single-level herniated disc may safely return to football after undergoing decompressive surgery and confirmation of fusion. It appears, however, that there may be an increased chance of repeated herniation above or below a fused level.
Asset Recognition And Probabilistic Judgments

With the issuing of Statement of Accounting Concepts 4 on the definition and recognition of elements of financial statements, research into the possible ramifications of the application of recognition criteria in that statement is timely. Using 60 experienced Australian auditors as subjects, this study provides information on the numerical equivalents of uncertainty expressions such as “beyond any reasonable doubt” and “virtually certain” (as per the asset-recognition criteria of AASB 1020), and “probable” (as per Statement of Accounting Concepts 4). In addition, it compares the decisions made by auditors under the criteria included in AASB 1020 and SAC 4. The results indicate that the regognition criteria in AASB 1020 are a higher test of stringency for the recognition of assets than those adopted in the new SAC 4.
The implications of research on accounting conservatism for accounting standard setting

This paper provides a commentary on the academic literature on accounting conservatism with a view to highlighting the insights of that literature that are potentially useful for accounting standard setters. We begin by introducing the basic concepts of conservatism focusing on the distinction between conditional and unconditional conservatism. We then briefly discuss the objectives of financial reporting and the economics of information, paying particular attention to the role of stewardship in the Conceptual Framework, and the economic concepts of adverse selection and moral hazard. The two middle sections of the paper provide overviews of, respectively, the theoretical and empirical literatures on accounting conservatism. Having summarised the theoretical and empirical literatures, we then try to synthesis the implications of the literature for standard setters, paying particular attention to understanding the costs and benefits of conservatism, implications for the Conceptual Framework, highlighting the particular demands of public debt markets for conservatism, and explaining how accounting standards might be adapted to allow some degree of flexibility in conservative accounting choice. The final section discusses the limitations of the academic literature from the practical point of view of standard setters, and highlights areas for new research that may be of more direct value for policy-making.
United States Demand for Food and Nutrition in the Twentieth Century

The relationships between diet and health are once again the center of debate over farm and food policy. Targeted food aid programsFood Stamps, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and the Women, Infants, and Children Program-can create incentives for food purchases and consumption that are not consistent with those created by programs to support farm prices and incomes-marketing orders, target prices and deficiency payments, the sugar program, and farm price supports. The result could be that food aid recipients spend more on food but are presented with incentives to eat unhealthy diets due to policy induced price distortions. Understanding the economic forces behind food and nutrient con-
Repeated administrations of interleukin (IL)-12 are associated with persistently elevated plasma levels of IL-10 and declining IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 responses.

PURPOSE Repeated administrations of recombinant human interleukin-12 (rHuIL-12) to cancer patients are characterized by a reduction of side effects during treatment. Induction of IFN-gamma, considered a key mediator of antitumor effects of IL-12, is known to decline on repeated administrations. We studied whether other immunological effects of rHuIL-12 are tapered in the course of treatment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In a Phase I study of 26 patients with advanced renal cell cancer, rHuIL-12 was administered s.c. on day 1, followed by 7 days rest and six injections administered over a 2-week time period. Plasma concentrations of various cytokines were monitored, as well as absolute counts of circulating leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets. RESULTS The first injection of IL-12 was accompanied by rapid, transient, and dose-dependent increments of plasma levels IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, but not IL-4, as well as rapid, transient, and dose-dependent reductions of lymphocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil counts. The major lymphocyte subsets, i.e., CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, followed this pattern. On repeated rHuIL-12 injections, IL-10 concentrations increased further, whereas the transient increments of IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations, as well as the fluctuations of the leukocyte subset counts, were tapered. Dose escalation of IL-12 within clinically tolerable margins did not reduce the decline of these immunological effects. CONCLUSIONS Induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and associated fluctuations in leukocyte subset counts decrease on repeated administrations of rHuIL-12. The steady increment of IL-10 plasma levels may mediate the observed down-regulation of clinical and immunological effects.
The use of clinical prediction formulas in the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To prospectively study the utility of four clinical prediction models for either predicting the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > or = 10/hour), or prioritizing patients for a split-night protocol (AHI(3)20/hour). DESIGN All patients presenting for OSA evaluation completed a research questionnaire that included questions from previously developed clinical prediction models. The probability of sleep apnea for each patient for each model was calculated based upon the equation used in the model. Based upon two cutoffs of apnea-hypopnea index, 10 and 20, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were calculated. For the cutoffs AHI > or =10 and > or =20, receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and the areas under the curves calculated. Comparisons of demographic information and symptom response were compared between patients with and without OSA, and men vs. women. SETTING Urban, accredited sleep disorders center. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS All patients referred for evaluation of OSA who underwent polysomnography. INTERVENTIONS N/A. RESULTS 370 patients (191 men, 179 women) completed the study. 248 of the 370 (67%) patients had an AHI(3)10; 180 of the 370 (49%) had an AHI> or =20. For AHI > or =10, the sensitivities ranged from 76 to 96%, specificities from 13%-54%, positive predictive values from 69%-77% using the probability cutoff of the original investigators; the areas under the curve from 0.669 to 0.736. For AHI(3)20, the areas under the ROC curves ranged from 0.700 to 0.757; using cutoffs to maximized specificity, the sensitivities ranged from 33%-39%, specificities from 87%-93%, and positive predictive values from 72%-85%. All the models performed better for men. CONCLUSIONS The clinical prediction models tested are not be sufficiently accurate to discriminate between patients with or without OSA but could be useful in prioritizing patients for split-night polysomnography.
Long-Term Interest Rates, Wealth and Consumption

This paper examines the sensitivity of the level of consumption to interest rates in a standard partial equilibrium theoretical framework with no uncertainty. Using a multi-period framework, the consumption function is derived and interest rate effects are decomposed into substitution, income and wealth effects. Drawing on parallels with the finance literature, the paper illustrates two key implications of the theory that are not typically emphasised in the economics literature. First, it shows that wealth effects mean that consumption is much more likely to be negatively related to interest rates than the simple two-period textbook model might suggest. Second, it demonstrates that long-term interest rates are more important than short-term rates - the sensitivity of consumption to interest rate changes depends crucially on how long these are expected to persist. Numerical calibrations provide an indication of the sensitivity of the results to key parameters.
Gene deployment for tooth replacement in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): a developmental model for evolution of the osteichthyan dentition

SUMMARY Repeated tooth initiation occurs often in nonmammalian vertebrates (polyphyodontism), recurrently linked with tooth shedding and in a definite order of succession. Regulation of this process has not been genetically defined and it is unclear if the mechanisms for constant generation of replacement teeth (secondary dentition) are similar to those used to generate the primary dentition. We have therefore examined the expression pattern of a sub‐set of genes, implicated in tooth initiation in mouse, in relation to replacement tooth production in an osteichthyan fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Two epithelial genes pitx2, shh and one mesenchymal bmp4 were analyzed at selected stages of development for O. mykiss. pitx2 expression is upregulated in the basal outer dental epithelium (ODE) of the predecessor tooth and before cell enlargement, on the postero‐lingual side only. This coincides with the site for replacement tooth production identifying a region responsible for further tooth generation. This corresponds with the expression of pitx2 at focal spots in the basal oral epithelium during initial (first generation) tooth formation but is now sub‐epithelial in position and associated with the dental epithelium of each predecessor tooth. Co‐incidental expression of bmp4 and aggregation of the mesenchymal cells identifies the epithelial–mesenchymal interactions and marks initiation of the dental papilla. These together suggest a role in tooth site regulation by pitx2 together with bmp4. Conversely, the expression of shh is confined to the inner dental epithelium during the initiation of the first teeth and is lacking from the ODE in the predecessor teeth, at sites identified as those for replacement tooth initiation. Importantly, these genes expressed during replacement tooth initiation can be used as markers for the sites of “set‐aside cells,” the committed odontogenic cells both epithelial and mesenchymal, which together can give rise to further generations of teeth. This information may show how initial pattern formation is translated into secondary tooth replacement patterns, as a general mechanism for patterning the vertebrate dentition. Replacement of the marginal sets of teeth serves as a basis for discussion of the evolutionary significance, as these dentate bones (dentary, premaxilla, maxilla) form the restricted arcades of oral teeth in many crown‐group gnathostomes, including members of the tetrapod stem group.
Co-Determination and Working Time Accounts in the German Finance Industry

This article examines the workings of co-determination in the German finance industry through two case studies examining the introduction of working time accounts. It is shown that the accounts posed important new challenges for employees and works councillors that represented variants of long-existing negotiations around working time issues. The problems were clear and similar in both cases, giving rise to complaints to councillors, though not to managers. Councillors' responses differed in the two companies. In one, they successfully re-negotiated the agreement under which the accounts had been introduced. In the other, they did not succeed in doing so. The differences between the two representative bodies are analysed to reflect on a theory of employee representative influence.
Context-Dependent Models of Residential Satisfaction

Residential satisfaction by housing type was examined in Cork, Ireland for a sample of 381 females disaggregated into four housing subgroups. These groups differ significantly in their levels of satisfaction, in their perception and evaluation of several neighbourhood attributes, and in their personal characteristics. A regression model of satisfaction for the entire sample explains about 39% of the variation, but this conceals the intergroup differences. Separate regressions for the four groups explain an average of 51% of the variance in residential satisfaction. Residents of public housing and older, street-type housing differ significantly both from each other and from persons living in privately-built homes and speculative estates.