Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Altered hypothalamic response to food in smokers.

BACKGROUND Smoking cessation is often followed by weight gain. Eating behaviors and weight change have been linked to the brain response to food, but it is unknown whether smoking influences this response. OBJECTIVE We determined the influence of smoking status (smokers compared with nonsmokers) on the brain response to food in regions associated with weight changes in nonsmokers. DESIGN In study 1, we used functional MRI (fMRI) to identify regions of the brain associated with weight change in nonsmokers. BMI and the brain response to a milk shake, which is a palatable and energy-dense food, were measured in a group of 27 nonsmokers (5 men). Sixteen subjects (3 men) returned 1 y later for BMI reassessment. The change in BMI was regressed against the brain response to isolate regions associated with weight change. In study 2, to determine whether smokers showed altered responses in regions associated with weight change, we assessed the brain response to a milk shake in 11 smokers. The brain response to a milk shake compared with a tasteless control solution was assessed in 11 smokers (5 men) in comparison with a group of age-, sex- and body weight-matched nonsmokers selected from the pool of nonsmokers who participated in study 1. RESULTS The response in the midbrain, hypothalamus, thalamus, and ventral striatum was positively associated with weight change at the 1-y follow-up in 16 nonsmokers. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers had a greater response to milk shakes in the hypothalamus. CONCLUSION Smokers display an altered brain response to food in the hypothalamus, which is an area associated with long-term weight change in nonsmokers.
Corporate Growth, Age and Ownership Structure: Empirical Evidence in Spanish Firms

The objective of this work is to analyse firm mobility among the different sectors of the Spanish economy according to a statistical classification of economic activities at the 1-digit level. Some of the stylised facts that we find are: an inverse relation between firm growth and age; an increase in new entrants’ average relative size in terms of sales compared to established firms among the different industries and cohorts; the importance of the firm's initial size in entrepreneurial activity; the favourable impact of the economy on firm growth; and a positive relation between non-concentration in the ownership structure and greater mobility. In this context, an efficient corporate governance system may prove as a significant policy tool for the investment and growth prospective of the Spanish economy. The regulatory framework of the Spaniard capital market has been coordinate with the EU standards. The challenge is now mostly for the firms to adopt the appropriate corporate governance structures, in order to achieve real convergence, in terms of productivity and competitiveness, with other developed economies.
Three essays on hedge fund fee structure, return smoothing and gross performance

THREE ESSAYS ON HEDGE FUND FEE STRUCTURE, RETURN SMOOTHING AND GROSS PERFORMANCE SEPTEMBER 2011 SHUANG FENG B.Econ., PEKING UNIVERSITY M.Soc. Sci., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Professor Mila Getmansky Sherman Hedge funds feature special compensation structure compared to traditional investments. Previous studies mainly focus on the provisions and incentive structure of hedge fund contract, such as 2/20, hurdle rates, and high-water mark. The first essay develops an algorithm to empirically estimate the monthly fees, fund flows and gross asset values of individual hedge funds. We find that management fee is a major component in the dollar amount of hedge fund total fees, and fund flow is more important in determining the change in fund size compared to net returns, especially when fund is shrinking in size. We also find that best paid hedge funds concentrate in the largest hedge fund quintile. Large funds tend to perform better, earn more, and rely less on management fee for their managers’ compensation. Further, we find that fund flow is an important determinant of hedge fund managerial incentives. Together
Issue Costs and Common Stock Offerings

Prior research of common stock offerings reaches different conclusions concerning the impact of issue costs on stock value. We identify factors that can best explain the different findings - most prominent are the issue costs measure and the listing. We investigate 323 common stock offerings and find that $61 of every $100 fall in stock value can be attributed to issue costs. The respective dollar amounts for the samples of OTC, AMEX, and NYSE firms are $72, $69, and $38. These findings suggest that the collective impact of the negative wealth effects from managerial signaling may be less important than generally assumed.
Inventory model involving lead time and setup cost as decision variables

Abstract Almost all inventory models assume that lead time is prescribed, regardless of whether it is deterministic or probabilistic, and thus is not subject to control. However, in many practical situations, lead time and setup cost can be reduced at added costs. This article combines the concept of capital investment allocated to reducing lead time and setup cost. This article explores the problem of a continuously reviewed inventory model, in which lead time, setup cost and order quantity are decision variables with permitted shortages. The correct total expected annual cost is derived, and a solution procedure is presented to determine the optimal order quantity, lead time and setup cost. Finally, to illustrate the solution procedure, numerical examples are provided.
CD45RA and CD45RO isoforms in infected malnourished and infected well‐nourished children

The aim of this study was to determine if the distribution in vivo of CD4+CD45RA+/CD45RO− (naive), CD4+CD45RA+/CD45RO+ (Ddull) and CD4+CD45RO+ (memory) lymphocytes differs in malnourished infected and well‐nourished infected children. The expression of CD45RA (naive) and CD45RO (memory) antigens on CD4+ lymphocytes was analysed by flow cytometry in a prospectively followed cohort of 15 malnourished infected, 12 well‐nourished infected and 10 well‐nourished uninfected children. Malnourished infected children showed higher fractions of Ddull cells (11·4 ± 0·7%) and lower fractions of memory cells (20·3 ± 1·7%) than the well‐nourished infected group (8·8 ± 0·8 and 28·1 ± 1·8%, respectively). Well‐nourished infected children showed increased percentages of memory cells, an expected response to infection. Impairment of the transition switch to the CD45 isoforms in malnourished children may explain these findings, and may be one of the mechanisms involved in immunodeficiency in these children.
Declared investment plans and IPO firm value

Trueman (1986) argues that an entrepreneur might signal the quality of his information about a firm's investment projects by disclosing the extent to which external capital raised is to be applied to capital expenditure. This article argues that, via Trueman's theory, a higher level of disclosed capital expenditure at the IPO is associated with higher firm values. The results confirm the anticipated significant positive relationship between firm value and the extent to which funds raised at the IPO are applied to investment.
Group Projects as a Method of Promoting Student Scientific Communication and Collaboration in a Public Health Microbiology Course

Communication of scientific and medical information and collaborative work are important skills for students pursuing careers in health professions and other biomedical sciences. In addition, group work and active learning can increase student engagement and analytical skills. Students in our public health microbiology class were required to work in instructor-assigned groups to research a human pathogen and associated disease, and to create a presentation appropriate for their classmates. Objectives of the project included building students' abilities to research and critically assess relevant scientific and medical information, increasing their scientific communication skills, and improving group collaboration skills. Another goal was for students to be the class "expert" on their chosen pathogen. Group projects were presented orally to the class, and in written formats as either posters or pamphlets. A peer evaluation was utilized to allow students the opportunity to evaluate their group's effectiveness. Students were surveyed after the projects for self-evaluation of content knowledge and confidence in scientific communication and research skills. Many students expressed enthusiasm for the project, and 96% and 65% of students reported increases in content knowledge and communication skills, respectively. We conclude that group projects are an effective means of delivering content while increasing students' confidence in science communication skills.
Microcomputed tomographic and histologic analysis of animal experimental degree II furcation defects treated with porous titanium granules or deproteinized bovine bone.

BACKGROUND Titanium is an interesting material for osseous reconstruction given its thrombogenic properties. The aim of this study is to compare the potential of porous titanium granules (PTGs) with sham and deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in the reconstructive treatment of surgically created buccal, degree II furcation defects in mini-pigs. METHODS Buccal degree II furcation defects were surgically created in maxillary premolar teeth in adult, female, mini-pigs and filled with PTG or DBBM or were left empty (sham). After 6 weeks of healing, pigs were euthanized. Teeth with defects were excised en bloc and analyzed by microcomputed tomography (microCT) and histology. RESULTS The histologic analysis showed significantly more vertical bone formation in both PTG and sham groups compared to DBBM-treated defects (P <0.01). The microCT analysis showed significantly more bucco-palatal bone formation in furcations treated with PTG compared to the DBBM and sham (P <0.05). Bucco-palatal cylindrical microCT cores demonstrated a median defect fill of 96.8% for PTG-implanted defects, which was significantly greater than sham (72.2%) and DBBM (62.0%) (P <0.001) treatments. Significantly more regenerated periodontal ligament was seen for sham than DBBM-treated defects (P <0.05). Root resorption lacunae were small and infrequent and did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study in mini-pigs suggest that PTG may integrate well in alveolar bone and supports osseous regrowth in degree II furcation defects. Moreover, PTG seems safe to use in close proximity to root surfaces. Clinical studies will be necessary to further explore these experimental animal findings.
Academic entrepreneurship in South East Asia: an exploratory study of spin-offs in biotechnology from Hong Kong universities

University research with associated spin-offs is at the heart of knowledge generation in the biotechnology industry. However, only a few studies have so far dealt with biotechnology university spin-offs in Hong Kong (HK), a latecomer in this industry. The purpose of this research is to gather information about the history and innovative status of biotechnology university spin-off companies in HK in order to understand the dynamics of this phenomenon better. This study arrived at several important conclusions about biotechnology spin-off firms in Hong Kong; specifically that the firms are relatively small in size and young, were mostly formed by university staff, and created with joint effort. In addition, these firms developed commercial products and services, are aware of intellectual property protection, are motivated to create spin-offs in order to apply knowledge to practical applications and utilize market opportunities. However, the firms also face challenges, such as difficulties in accurately estimating the market demand for their products, and technical problems in the development and production of their products. Furthermore, difficulties with financing are also an important inhibitor to success.
Mapping the network of global science: comparing international co-authorships from 1990 to 2000

Science and technology has been shown to result from dynamic interactions occurring at many levels and across various sectors. This study maps and analyses the network operating at the global level. Using the Science Citation Index (CD-Rom version) for 1990 and 2000, the networks created by international co-authorships are revealed. We analyse the observed linkages at the global level and on regional bases. The architecture of the network is further explored using statistical methods and factor analysis to reveal intense relationships as well as the core members of a global network. Findings show that, in the ten years between 1990 and 2000, the global network has expanded to include more nations, but the structure of this network has become more pronounced. Regional networks show emerging hubs. However, in some cases, the regions have been disconnected from the global level. A core set of advanced industrial nations has expanded from six in 1990 to eight in 2000. Factor analysis suggests that various large countries compete with each other for partners in the global network.
On the interpretation and disaggregation of GINI coefficients

Problems of inequality related to the disaggregation of Gini coefficients are examined. Measures of inequality can be decomposed so that in a grouped population, total inequality depends on inequality within and between groups. No such decomposition is available for the Gini coefficient, yet its direct relationship to the Lorenz curve has resulted in persistent attempts to derive a disaggregation that can be used in empirical work. The Gini coefficient can be interpreted in terms of the average expected gain from having the option of receiving the income of some other random individual. Variation within the components of the expression for the Gini coefficient contributes to overall inequality. The decomposition of the Gini coefficient further identifies the inequality within a population and may have particular relevance to studies of migration and discrimination. If migration includes movement from one income group to another or a change in educational status, the migration can be viewed in terms of expected gains for those individuals who are migrating. These expected gains for individuals can then be considered in terms of a statistical game framework. Statistical data are included. 12 references.
Hunger in the Summer

This study examines the effects of summertime meals provided by the National School Lunch and Summer Food Service programs on households’ food insecurity. The authors use seasonal differences in the survey schedule of the Current Population Survey Food Security supplement to overcome self-selection bias. From 1995 to 2001, the survey alternated between spring and summer. Seasonal differences—higher prevalence of food insecurity in the summer—were greater for households with school-age children than for other households. Among households with school-age children, seasonal differences were greater in states providing small numbers of Summer Food Service Program meals and summertime school lunches than in other states.
A Comparative Study of Two Different Schemes to Dopant Segregation at NiSi/Si and PtSi/Si Interfaces for Schottky Barrier Height Lowering

An experimental study is presented to compare two different schemes used to incorporate a high concentration of dopants at the silicide/silicon interface for NiSi and PtSi, i.e., dopant segregation, with the purpose of lowering the Schottky barrier height (SBH) of the contact systems. Specifically, the interfacial dopant is introduced either through silicidation-induced dopant segregation (SIDS) or by silicide as diffusion source (SADS). For the latter, a postimplantation drive-in anneal is needed. For both silicide systems, the dopant segregation gives rise to a predominant effect, leading to an effective SBH that is independent of the original SBHs of PtSi and NiSi, which differs by 0.2 eV. Scheme SIDS is relatively simple in processing, but the silicidation process is dopant-dependent, leading to local variations of silicide formation. Scheme SADS addresses the adverse effect of dopant on silicidation by separating silicidation from dopant incorporation.
The Balanced Scorecard: Judgmental Effects of Performance Measures Linked to Strategy

The balanced scorecard provides a framework for selecting multiple performance measures that supplement traditional financial measures with operating measures of customer satisfaction, internal processes, and learning and growth activities. An essential aspect of the balanced scorecard lies in its articulation of the linkage between performance measures and business strategy. This study conducts an experiment to assess how individuals' evaluations of the performance of business unit managers depend on strategically linked performance measures of a balanced scorecard. Statistical test results indicate that performance evaluations are influenced by strategically linked measures more than non‐linked measures only when evaluators are provided detailed information about business unit strategies. The results also confirm Lipe and Salterio's (2000) finding that evaluators rely more on common measures than on unique measures. Evaluators rely more on strategically linked measures than on common measures when they .
Segmenting the Urban and Rural Populations of Southern Alberta for Improved Understanding of Policy Preferences for Water Reallocation

Agriculture competes for access to water with other sectors and the environment; policymakers are being challenged to balance these competing demands. In the face of limited supplies, water reallocation among users is frequently advanced as a solution. However, this option is politically charged, and implementation success is strongly influenced by stakeholders’ values. This research identifies the water-related values of urban and rural residents in southern Alberta, Canada, and determines how their values influence the acceptability of water reallocation policies. Cluster analysis revealed three discrete clusters of respondents among rural and urban residents not involved in irrigation: pro-environmental, utilitarian, and undecided. Differences and similarities among the three clusters are explored, revealing widespread opinions on water transfers between sectors and the conditions under which they should take place.
Dynamic Effects in Senegal of the Regional Trade Agreement Among Uemoa Countries

In an international setting characterized by a proliferation of regional trade agreements, seven countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) have created a customs union. The reform raises concerns in some countries, like Senegal, where government is dependent on tariff revenues. The author builds an intertemporal general equilibrium model to analyze the dynamic effects of the reform. Simulation results highlight the desirability for Senegal to pursue regional economic integration along with an outward-looking strategy. The reform is welfare-improving and expansionary with some sectoral diversity. In the long run, government and foreign debts increase.
Taking stock: global imbalances. Where do we stand and where are we aiming to?

For two and a half decades the US has accumulated large current account deficits, mainly financed (though to different extents at different times) by the savings of the sluggish European and Japanese economies, of the fast-growing Asian countries and of the oil-producing nations. This peculiar situation represents what has been called the global imbalances phenomenon. This work reviews and analyses several contrasting contributions on a series of issues regarding global imbalances, namely their nature, their underlying forces, their past evolution and their expected developments. This work also contributes to the literature in that it distinguishes and clarifies the issues of sustainability and vulnerability of global imbalances. In addition, this work tackles the relationship between global imbalances and the recent reforms and stance of the IMF, the link between global imbalances and international reserve accumulation, the implications of global imbalances on economic theory and modelling, and the compatibility of global imbalances with two alternative and stylized representations of the current international monetary system.
Eastern Europe's international trade

Part 1 Introduction and summary: background the volume and direction of trade the Europe agreements the composition of exports conclusion. Part 2 Eastern Europe's potential trade: the gravity model - the implications of the gravity model, the theory of the gravity model the data the application of the gravity model - the estimates, East European trade, alternative estimates, the implications for the west. Part 3 The Europe agreements - with a little help from our friends: title III - free movement of goods - coverage, antidumping and safeguard, rules of orign, CEEC liberalization, the implications title IV - workers, establishment and services TITLE V - payments, competition and the approximation of laws TITLE VI - economic co-operation TITLE VIII - financial co-operation. Part 4 Quantifying the effects of the Europe agreements - three case studies: the simulation model - markets and suppliers, the model, calibration, simulating trade liberalization iron and steel - EC trade policy on iron and steel, the model, liberalizing imports from Eastern Europe, changing demand, a steel cartel clothing - EC trade policy on clothing, modelling trade policy, liberalization footwear - the structure of the model, the data, liberalizing imports from the CEECs. Part 5 Eastern Europe's comparative advantage - the role of human capital: the stock of human capital Eastern European schooling - the Hungarian and Polish education systems, school science scores and skill levels, comparative advantage, Hungary and Poland secondary education and economic development. Part 6 Export potential - a case-study of clothing: the survey production - the pattern of production, employment and production conditions, financial standing, cost structure and productivity export performance - the export share in 1989, the growth of exports, successful exporters, trade barriers. Part 7 Appendices: the gravity model and China the elasticity of demand.
Democratic Choice and Taxation

This work examines tax policies and tax systems as they arise from democratic choices, set against the background of a market economy. Professors Hettich and Winer find that democratic institutions yield complex tax systems with features that follow a varied but predictable pattern. In developing their analysis, the authors use formal modelling of voting behavior, emphasizing recent advances in the theory of probabilistic voting. This book differs from the available tax literature by relating fiscal choices directly to voting and by examining tax systems in democratic countries from a variety of perspectives. While the authors primarily focus on explaining observed features of tax systems, they also devote considerable space to the discussion of the welfare and efficiency effects of taxation in the presence of collective choice, and to a review of other models and of the related literature. In addition, they use computational general equilibrium analysis and statistical research on national and state governments in the US and Canada to link theory to empirical data.