Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Results on the Effects of Tax Policy on the International Location of Investment

We study the effects of tax laws on foreign direct investment (FDI) and direct investment abroad (DIA), distinguishing in each case between investment financed by retained earnings and investment financed by transfers from abroad. We find that tax policy, through its effect on the rate-of-return available in the U.S., has an important effect on the international location of investment. FDI in the U.S. is very sensitive to after-tax rates-of-return available here. U.S. direct investment abroad is also affected, although to a lesser extent. We use these estimates to examine the effects of the 1981-82 tax changes on the international location of investment. We estimate that the tax changes lowered annual DIA by $0.5 billion to $1.0 billion (2% to 4% of its 1980 value), and raised annual FDI by $2 billion to $4 billion (11% of 20% of its 1980 value). We also discuss the welfare effects of tax policy toward international investment. Our results suggest that the tax effects on the international location of investment are important. Tax policies, such as ACRS andthe ITC, which raise the after tax rate-of-return on new investment without losing revenue from previous investment, not only stimulate domestic fixed investment, but also attract additional investment from abroad. The additional investment supplements the domestic investment impact on productivity and raises corporate tax revenue. However, our results should be taken as preliminary estimates, not as definitive statements about the long-run impacts of tax policy.
Effect of frame score on performance and carcass characteristics of steers finished in the feedlot or backgrounded for various time on pasture and finished in the feedlot.

A two-year data of three-year study integrating pasture and drylot feeding systems was used to examine effect of frame score on performance and carcass characteristics of steers. Each year, 84 fall-born and 28 spring-born calves of similar genotypes were used. Fall-born and spring-born calves were started on test in May and October, respectively. Treatments were: 1) fall-born calves directly into feedlot; 2 and 3) fall-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of July; 4 and 5) fall-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of October; 6 and 7) spring-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of October. Frame scores were determined by taking steers’ age and live weight into consideration. Cattle that grazed the same duration on pasture were regarded as the same treatment regardless of whether they received an ionophore or not. In the feedlot, steers were provided an 82 % concentrate diet containing whole-shelled corn, ground alfalfa hay, and a protein, vitamin and mineral supplement containing ionophore and molasses. Pens of cattle were harvested at approximately 522 kg. Cattle having a higher frame score at the entry to pasture and grazed until July and October tended to have higher and lower daily gain on pasture than those having lower frame score, respectively (P>0.05). Fall-born and spring-born cattle grazed until October, which had higher frame scores at the entry to pasture tended to have higher daily gain in the feedlot showing a compensatory growth. In the feedlot, within each treatment cattle having higher frame score tended to have higher daily gain (P>0.05) and had higher dry matter intake (P<0.05). Cattle spending longer time in the feedlot have better carcass quality and higher yield grades. Results showed that cattle with higher frame scores had higher growth potentials in the feedlot and if the grazing season is extended then daily gain of cattle having higher frame score decreases.
Morphometric Study of Cervical Vertebrae C3-C7 in a Population from Northeastern Mexico

Las mediciones de los elementos vertebrales son importantes para la instrumentacion de columna cervical. Se han reportado variaciones etnicas en estas medidas y en la actualidad no existen estudios morfometricos en la poblacion mexicana. Se realizo un estudio morfometrico en 150 vertebras cervicales (C3-C7) para determinar las medidas de los cuerpos, pediculos, laminas, procesos espinosos y articulares superiores e inferiores. No se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en las medidas tomadas entre ambos lados. Las dimensiones de los cuerpos vertebrales se incrementan en niveles mas bajos. Los pediculos de la vertebra C3 son mayores en todas sus dimensiones. La mayor altura de las laminas se observo en C7 y la mayor longitud transversal en C5. Las dimensiones del cuerpo, procesos espinosos y laminas se incrementan de C3-C7, mientras las dimensiones de los pediculos, altura de procesos articulares superiores e inferiores disminuyen en los niveles cervicales mas bajos.
Role of Domain II, Loop 2 Residues of Bacillus thuringiensis CryIAb δ-Endotoxin in Reversible and Irreversible Binding to Manduca sexta and Heliothis virescens(*)

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to examine the role of domain II, loop 2 residues, 368RRPFNIGI375, of Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein CryIAb. Alanine substitution of residues 368RRP370, called B4, abolished potency toward Manduca sexta and Heliothis virescens, and the loss of toxicity was correlated directly to substantially reduced binding affinity to brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) prepared from the target insect midguts. These results indicated that these positive charges might be essential to orient the toxin to midgut receptor molecule(s). The role of residue Phe371 of CryIAb toxin to M. sexta was investigated by substituting a series of residues at this position. Irreversible binding and toxicity were affected significantly by hydrophilic, aliphatic, and smaller side-chain residues such as Cys, Val, Leu, and Ser but not by Tyr or Trp. A hydrophobic aromatic side-chain residue at position 371 was therefore essential for irreversible binding of CryIAb toxin in M. sexta. The role of residues 370PFNIGI375 of CryIAb toxin on H. virescens was also examined. Mutants D2 (deletion of residues 370-375), G374A (alanine substitution of Gly374), and I375A had reduced toxicity to H. virescens. In contrast to our findings with M. sexta, the reduction in toxicity of these mutants was correlated directly with loss of initial binding to H. virescens BBMV, indicating that these residues perform functionally distinct roles in binding and toxicity to different insects. In ligand blots, CryIAb recognized a major 210-kDa peptide in M. sexta BBMV and a 170-kDa peptide in H. virescens BBMV.
Super-High-Dose Methylprednisolone Does Not Improve Efficacy or Induce Glucocorticoid Resistance in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis

Objective: To investigate whether a super-high dose (SHD) of methylprednisolone (MP) improves its efficacy or induces glucocorticoid (GC) resistance, and to explore the potential mechanisms of GC resistance in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods: The therapeutic effects of SHD and low-dose MP were evaluated in EAE by analyzing clinical scores, pathological changes and cytokine production. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to investigate the expression of GC receptor (GR) isoforms and splicing factor SRp30c. Results: Both MP doses had similar therapeutic effects. The ratio of GRα to GRβ was positively correlated with clinical score changes. However, there was no difference in the GRα/GRβ ratio between SHD and low-dose MP groups. SRp30c mRNA was correlated with GRβ expression. Conclusion: This study indicates that the GRα/GRβ ratio is associated with GC sensitivity, and SRp30c may play an important role in promoting alternative splicing of GR pre-mRNA to generate GRβ in EAE rats. Compared with low-dose MP, SHD MP does not improve efficacy or induce GC resistance.
Current extinction rates of reptiles and amphibians

Significance It is hard to know how many species have gone extinct so far because it is difficult to prove that something not seen recently is really gone forever. This paper uses a new, highly conservative statistical method to infer the number of extinct amphibian and reptile species across the world. Frogs are of particular concern because an invasive fungus has recently caused many populations to collapse. The data are lists of specimens in museum collections. The method provides sensible results when the data are randomized or artificial extinctions are imposed. It suggests that about 200 frog extinctions have occurred and hundreds more will be lost over the next century, so we are on pace to create a mass extinction. There is broad concern that a mass extinction of amphibians and reptiles is now underway. Here I apply an extremely conservative Bayesian method to estimate the number of recent amphibian and squamate extinctions in nine important tropical and subtropical regions. The data stem from a combination of museum collection databases and published site surveys. The method computes an extinction probability for each species by considering its sighting frequency and last sighting date. It infers hardly any extinction when collection dates are randomized and it provides underestimates when artificial extinction events are imposed. The method also appears to be insensitive to trends in sampling; therefore, the counts it provides are absolute minimums. Extinctions or severe population crashes have accumulated steadily since the 1970s and 1980s, and at least 3.1% of frog species have already disappeared. Based on these data and this conservative method, the best estimate of the global grand total is roughly 200 extinctions. Consistent with previous results, frog losses are heavy in Latin America, which has been greatly affected by the pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Extinction rates are now four orders-of-magnitude higher than background, and at least another 6.9% of all frog species may be lost within the next century, even if there is no acceleration in the growth of environmental threats.
No plastic bag campaign day in Malaysia and the policy implication

The weekly No Plastic Bag Campaign Day comprises of an added charge of MYR 0.20 (USD 0.06) per plastic bag in supermarkets and grocery stores. The objective is to reduce plastic bag consumption and save the environment. However, the campaign has provoked a range of reactions from the public including consumers, policy makers, environmentalists and the plastic industry. Considering consumers as the major conse- quence, this paper evaluates the impact of the campaign on consumer awareness, knowl- edge, attitude and behavior and discusses and explores the various implications of the policy. The study gathers a questionnaire survey from 262 households in the State of Johor and employs a semi-structured interview with the relevant stakeholders. A descriptive statistical analysis as well as T test and correlations analysis has been performed using the Statistical Software for Social Science. The T test analysis explains the complex rela- tionship between attitude and behavior. Consumers are more supportive of the plastic bag ban in the supermarkets but not its extension to other types of public markets. The study records the consumers' behavior-changing process in the three types of anti-consumer behavior, listed as (1) fully anti-consumption (67 %), (2) partial anti-consumption (33 %) and (3) no anti-consumption this last group comprising of those who resent and dissatisfy of the No Plastic Bag Campaign. The first type of fully anti-consumption behavior reveals the potential of reusable shopping bag practice to be implemented coupled with the edu- cational Bring Your Own Shopping Bag campaign. The plastic bag levy in Malaysia can be seen as part of the government effort to create a sustainable consumption society; however, it needs a support from the regulatory or legislative framework that will provide clear guidelines and mechanisms for consumers, the retailers, supermarkets and the plastic industry. The implications of plastic bag usage for garbage bin liners as part of the basic
A conserved region within the Bordetella pertussis autotransporter BrkA is necessary for folding of its passenger domain

Autotransporter secretion represents a unique mechanism that Gram‐negative bacteria employ to deliver proteins to their cell surface. BrkA is a Bordetella pertussis autotransporter protein that mediates serum resistance and contributes to adherence of the bacterium to host cells. BrkA is a 103 kDa protein that is cleaved to form a 73 kDa α‐domain and a 30 kDa β domain. The α domain, also referred to as the passenger domain, is responsible for the effector functions of the protein, whereas the β domain serves as a transporter. In an effort to characterize BrkA secretion, we have shown that BrkA has a 42 amino acid signal peptide for transit across the cytoplasmic membrane, and a translocation unit made up of a short linker region fused to the β‐domain to ferry the passenger domain to the bacterial surface through a channel formed by the β‐domain. In this report, we provide genetic, biochemical and structural evidence demonstrating that a region within the BrkA passenger (Glu601–Ala692) is necessary for folding the passenger. This region is not required for surface display in the outer membrane protease OmpT‐deficient Escherichia coli strain UT5600. However, a BrkA mutant protein bearing a deletion in this region is susceptible to digestion when expressed in E. coli strains expressing OmpT suggesting that the region is required to maintain a stable structure. The instability of the deletion mutant can be rescued by surface expressing Glu601–Ala692in trans suggesting that this region is acting as an intramolecular chaperone to effect folding of the passenger concurrent with or following translocation across the outer membrane.
Online social network member attitude toward online advertising formats

The predicted growth of advertising in online social networks and the cluttered online advertising environment dictates that the advertising industry be concerned about how online social network members view online advertising formats. The question this research seeks to answer is what are the attitudes of online social network members toward online advertising formats in their online social networks? The findings indicate that the leader board, blogs, video, brand page, and brand channel formats are perceived to have the most positive attributes. Pop-ups, expandable and floating ads were perceived to have the most negative attributes. The findings also introduce a new attribute that influences attitude, placement. The research presents several implications for advertisers and identifies areas for future research.
Measuring patient experience.

Aim This paper examines the complex issues of measuring the patient experience and evaluating the quality of health care. It discusses the use of surveys, patient stories and narrative methods of data collection in an attempt to define quality and how it should be measured. Background A recent Department of Health (DH) document insists that patients will be at the heart of decision making in the NHS by having greater control in informing strategic commissioning decisions (DH 2010c). The government aims to improve patient experience, enabling patients to rate services according to the quality of care they receive. This will be carried out using information generated by patients. Review methods This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using surveys in gathering patient satisfaction data. It considers the value of surveys in measuring quality of care and appraises their usefulness in strengthening patients' collective voice. Discussion The paper investigates the use of another source of feedback - it examines the design of qualitative data collection methods as a means of gaining feedback from service users in encouraging providers of health care to be more responsive to their needs. Too often, patients are expected to fit the services, rather than services meeting the patients' needs. Conclusion The most effective way of exploring and representing the patient's experience is by using a mixed-method approach. In other words, an integrated approach with the use of surveys and more narrative methods, such as patient stories, will effectively define quality and how it should be measured, ensuring that the focus is always on what matters most to patients.
Digenetic Trematodes from the Domestic Fowl in Ghana

1. Two new species (Postharmostomum ntowi and Eptsthmium ghanense) and one previously described species (Episthmium africanum) of digenetic trematodes are recorded from the domestic fowl in Ghana. 2. A key has been provided for identification of all the species of Postharmostomum occurring in chickens. 3. Episthmium africanum is recorded for the first time from the domestic fowl.
Scoring of Hand Eczema: Good Reliability of the Hand Eczema Extent Score (HEES)

There is good agreement between dermatological staff and patients using the Hand Eczema Extent Score (HEES). The aim of this study was to assess inter-and intra-observer reliability of the HEES in dermatologists and intra-observer reliability of the HEES in patients with hand eczema. Six dermatologists assessed 18 patients twice. Only the hands of the patients were visible to the assessors. Patients performed a self-assessment twice. Inter-and intra-observer reliability was tested with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The mean HEES score for all dermatologists’ assessments was 21.0 (range 3.6–46.3). The corresponding mean scores for all patients’ own assessments were 24.9 (range 4.0–54.0). Inter-observer reliability in the dermatologists’ observations ICC classification was very good, median value 0.82 (range 0.56–0.92). The overall intra-observer reliability for the 6 der-matologists’ ICC classification was very good (range 0.88–0.94). Intra-observer reliability in the patients’ 2 self-assessments ICC classification was very good (ICC 0.95). In conclusion, HEES is a reliable tool for both dermatologists and patients to grade the extent of hand eczema.
Use of a genetic algorithm to improve predictions of alternate bar dynamics

Alternate bars may form in sandy beds of straight rivers and channels. These bars are characterized by the alternation of crests, all moving downstream at a speed of several meters per day. The aim of this paper is to predict the dynamics of alternate bars. To that end, we tested predictions of measured alternate bars in flume experiments, as derived from an amplitude evolution model. Weakly nonlinear stability analysis underlies this amplitude evolution model, so that it applies to situations in which the width‐to‐depth ratio is close to the critical ratio, above which alternate bars occur. The experiments have a width‐to‐depth ratio far above the critical value, well outside the range of formal validity of the model. While wavelengths and heights of the alternate bars are still well predicted, we found that the migration rate is not: the amplitude evolution model produces an underestimation of close to a factor of two. Therefore we took a slightly different approach. We tested the predictive capability for this amplitude evolution model by using a genetic algorithm to tune the model to bathymetric data. After tuning, the model is indeed able to predict the migration rate of the bars over periods that exceed the tuning period by far. Limits to the prediction time, i.e., failure of this method, could not be derived for the data sets used in this work.
Assessment of the Radiotriolein Test in Steatorrhoea

From a wider viewpoint, there is the interesting possibility that artificial feeding in the first few weeks of life may influence the liability to a number of diseases which occur in adult life. The ideal way to determine this would be to carry out a prospective study, but it is self-evident that the results would not be available for some decades. In the meantime the simple type of inquiry employed in the present study may be worthy of application to conditions other than ulcerative colitis.
Information Technology, Organisational Change and Productivity

We examine the relationships between productivity growth, IT investment and organisational change (DO) using UK firm data. Consistent with the small number of other micro studies we find (a) IT appears to have high returns in a growth accounting sense when DO is omitted; when DO is included the IT returns are greatly reduced, (b) IT and DO interact in their effect on productivity growth, (c) non-IT investment and DO do not interact in their effect on productivity growth. Some new findings are (a) DO is affected by competition; (b) US-owned firms are much more likely to introduce DO relative to foreign owned firms who are more likely still relative to UK firms; (c) our predicted measured TFP growth slowdown for firms who are not doing DO and/or are in the early stages of IT investment compare well with the macro numbers documenting a UK measured TFP growth slowdown.
On the stimulation of fish chemoreceptors by dilute solutions of polyelectrolytes.

1. Stimulatory effects of various organic compounds upon the carp chemoreceptors, responsive specifically to dilute electrolyte solution, were studied by recording the electrical responses from the palatine nerve supplying the palatal chemoreceptors.2. The palatal chemoreceptors were stimulated by dilute solutions of disodium 5'-inosinate, dipotassium α-D-glucose-1-phosphate, tetramethylammonium chloride, choline chloride, sodium glutamate, disodium-lead ethylenediamineteraacetate, Congo red, Ponceau PR, Naphthol yellow, Amaranth, Direct sky blue, sodium alginate and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.3. In general, the higher the valency of the anion, the greater the maximum of the response-concentration curve. Some exceptions were observed. Intensity of the distilled water effect (a wash response produced by distilled water) appeared to decrease as the size of the anion increased.4. An electrolyte having no net charge (glycine) and a non-electrolyte (glucose) appeared to have nothing to do with this specific receptor system.5. Several anionic surface active agents were studied. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, dodecylpyridinium chloride, sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate and sodium dodecyl sulfate elicited positive responses; but these compounds were occasionally injurious to the palatal chemoreceptors and therefore it was difficult to say whether or not these salts stimulated the specific recepter system.