Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patent Protection, Strategic FDI and Location Choices: Empirical Evidence from French Subsidiaries’ Location Choices in Emerging Economies

Abstract This article studies the location choices of French firms in 17 developing countries. Detailed attention is paid to the role of the patent rights in the host country. On the one hand, the reduction in competition that follows greater patent protection can attract foreign subsidiaries. On the other hand, foreign direct investment (FDI) can have the ‘strategic’ purpose of deterring local competitors. In that case, FDI and patent protection are substitutes and a greater enforcement of patent rights may reduce the strategic incentives to invest in a country, especially if the markets are large enough. Our regressions indicate that on average, patent rights exert only a negligible influence on the location choices of French firms. However, if the market potential of the host countries is sufficiently large or if their expenditures on R&D are sufficiently small, a greater effectiveness of patents decreases the probability of location.
Static cold storage preservation of ischemically damaged kidneys. A comparison between IGL‐1 and UW solution

Especially in damaged organs, adequate organ preservation is critically important to maintain viability. Institut Georges Lopez‐1 (IGL‐1) is a new preservation solution, with an extracellular sodium/potassium ratio and polyethylene glycol as a colloid. The influence of warm and cold ischemia was evaluated in a rat Lewis–Lewis transplant model with a follow up of 14 days. Eight groups of donation after cardiac death donor kidneys were studied with warm ischemia of 0 and 15 min followed by 0‐ or 24‐h cold storage (CS) preservation in IGL‐1 or UW‐CSS. Blood was collected daily during the first week and at day 14. Recipients were placed in metabolic cages at day 4 and 14 after transplantation allowing urine collection and adequate measurement of glomerular filtration rate. Focussing on inflammation, reactive oxygen species production, proximal tubule damage, proteinuria, histology, and renal function after transplantation we could not show any relevant difference between IGL‐1 and UW‐CSS. Furthermore, the combination of 15‐min warm ischemia and by 24‐h cold ischemia did not result in life sustaining kidney function after transplantation, irrespective of the used solution. In the present experiment, static CS preservation of ischemically damaged rat kidneys in either IGL‐1 or UW‐CSS rendered equal results after transplantation.
Exposure of adolescents and young adults to alcohol advertising in Brazil

With the objective of examining adolescents' and young adults' exposure to alcohol advertising in Brazil as well as the relationship between exposure and heavy alcohol consumption, 3007 subjects were selected through a multistage cluster sample procedure from households in 143 municipalities in all Brazilian states and interviewed between November 2005 and April 2006. Data presented here come from a subsample of 1091 interviews with adolescents (661 with 14–17 years old) and young adults (430 with 18–25 years old), and were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, alcohol advertising exposure and exposure to prevention messages. The authors observed that 61% of the sample reported exposure to alcohol advertising in different media, from ‘almost every day’ to ‘more than once a day’ in the previous month. 12% reported seeing an alcohol prevention message. Participating in alcohol promotions in pubs, restaurants or the internet was reported by 10.7% of the adolescents and was significantly associated with patterns of high intensity drinking. Adolescents were as exposed as, and sometimes more, than young adults, leading the authors to conclude that youngsters were heavily exposed to alcohol marketing messages. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fusiform Gyrus Laterality in Writing Systems with Different Mapping Principles: An Artificial Orthography Training Study

Abstract Writing systems vary in many ways, making it difficult to account for cross-linguistic neural differences. For example, orthographic processing of Chinese characters activates the mid-fusiform gyri (mFG) bilaterally, whereas the processing of English words predominantly activates the left mFG. Because Chinese and English vary in visual processing (holistic vs. analytical) and linguistic mapping principle (morphosyllabic vs. alphabetic), either factor could account for mFG laterality differences. We used artificial orthographies representing English to investigate the effect of mapping principle on mFG lateralization. The fMRI data were compared for two groups that acquired foundational proficiency: one for an alphabetic and one for an alphasyllabic artificial orthography. Greater bilateral mFG activation was observed in the alphasyllabic versus alphabetic group. The degree of bilaterality correlated with reading fluency for the learned orthography in the alphasyllabic but not alphabetic group. The results suggest that writing systems with a syllable-based mapping principle recruit bilateral mFG to support orthographic processing. Implications for individuals with left mFG dysfunction will be discussed.
Error exponents for sparse communication

Communication over a discrete memoryless channel is addressed when codewords are transmitted in certain time intervals of arbitrary locations, at other times the channel outputs pure noise. The receiver has to locate and decode the codewords. Exponential error bounds are derived, jointly achievable via a semi-universal or universal decoder. Implications are discussed for the familiar model of communication under strong asynchronism when in exponentially long time only one codeword is transmitted.
The relevance to firm valuation of research and development expenditure in the Australian health-care industry

The health-care industry requires large expenditure on research and development (R&D), with many projects undergoing long development cycles, usually with uncertain outcomes. Extant research has mainly concentrated on the health-care industry in the United States, where R&D costs are expensed as incurred. Previous Australian research has found mixed results in relation to R&D expenditure and changes in share price. This study investigates whether R&D expenditure reported in the health-care industry since the introduction of IAS 38 is significantly associated with share price. Results of the study show that expensed R&D is value-relevant, while a comparison of the pre and post-IAS 38 periods (including pre-global financial crisis (GFC) and GFC periods) shows a statistically significant improvement in the explanatory power of the regression model post-IAS 38, suggesting that R&D expenditure reported under the new standard IAS 38 is more useful for decision-making by investors compared with reporting under AASB 1011.
Income differentials and corporate performance

Purpose – This paper seeks to make the case for new research into the perceived fairness and impact of executive pay.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature regarding executive compensation and corporate performance and examines the evidence that a more egalitarian approach to pay could be justified in terms of long‐term shareholder value.Findings – There would appear to be no evidence to suggest that the growing gap between the pay of executives and that of the average employee generates long‐term enterprise value, and it may even be detrimental to firms, if not the liberal capitalist consensus on which the corporate licence to operate is based.Research limitations/implications – The paper outlines a new approach to tracking income differentials with corporate performance through the development of a corporate Gini coefficient “league table”. Social implications – The proposed research is expected to point towards better practice in executive remuneration, and support the growing mo.
Experiences in Performing Posterior Calvarial Distraction.

The use of posterior calvarial distraction (PCD) for the management of craniosynostosis is well recognized. The advantages of using this technique include increased cranial volume, decreased intracranial pressure, relief of posterior fossa crowding, improved cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation at the cranio-cervical junction with cessation, and possible resolution of syrinx.The authors retrospectively review their first 50 patients who have undergone PCD under the senior author's care in our unit.The demographics, diagnoses, intraoperative approach with techniques in distractor placement and outcomes of each patient were obtained through an electronic craniofacial database and written patient records. Analysis of complication rates (bleeding, distraction problems, CSF leaks, and infection) was included.A total of 31 boys and 19 girls underwent the procedure between October 2006 and September 2015 with a median age was 17.7 months (range 4 months to 19 years). Of those 50 children, 34 of the cohort were proven to be syndromic by genetic testing.The median length of inpatient stay was 9.4 days (range 3-43 days). Average distraction distance was 24 mm.Complications including CSF leaks, bleeding, distractor problems, and severe complications (recorded in 3 patients) are discussed. Our overall complication rate was 50%. Favorable outcomes included resolution of Chiari, syrinx, and raised intracranial pressure in the majority of patients where distraction was successful.The authors recommend that PCD should be considered the primary treatment for increasing calvarial volume. The authors discuss our experiences and technical innovations over the past decade.
Optimization of a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay for the fast and simultaneous prediction of human intestinal absorption and plasma protein binding of drug candidates: application to dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide derivatives.

Parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) has been successfully applied by pharmaceutical industries as high-throughput technique capable of screening compounds for passive oral absorption. Herein, the possible applicability of this assay to predict simultaneously biodistribution parameters such as plasma protein binding (PPB) and apparent volume of distribution (VD) was investigated for the first time. Apparent permeability (P(app) ) of 18 reference drugs was determined by nine PAMPA conditions and compared with the corresponding intestinal absorption fraction (Fa), PPB, and VD in humans. In all the models, P(app) was not correlated with VD; however, it was correlated with Fa and PPB. In these cases, the best correlations (r ≥ 0.8953) were found when using a membrane of 2% of l-α-phosphatidylcholine, at pH 6.5/7.4 for donor/acceptor compartments. Under these conditions, good correlation with traditional PAMPA (r = 0.9633) and Caco-2 models (r = 0.9246) were also achieved. This method correctly predicted compounds' permeability and was robust enough to distinguish compounds with high Fa (P(app) ≥ 1.1 × 10(-6) cm/s) and PPB (P(app) ≥ 1.0 × 10(-5) cm/s), with no false positives or negatives recorded. In addition, ultrafiltration method was used to determine the PPB of 10 tested derivatives of dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide, which were also assessed through the new PAMPA model developed herein, and equal classifications were achieved.
Tax Exporting and the Business Share of Sales Tax Levies

In 2010, state and local sales taxes on non‐labor input purchases made by businesses constituted 42 percent of state and local sales tax revenue, on average. Taxing firms could enable state and local governments to export portions of their tax burdens. The average tax rates that subnational governments choose to levy on business purchases are potentially influenced by the exportability of those taxes as well as on the exportability of alternative taxes. If a state's capacity to export the burdens of alternative taxes is limited, then governments may rely more heavily on business sales taxes. This study examines the relationship between tax exporting and the average sales tax rate that state and local governments choose to levy on business purchases using state‐level panel data from 2003 to 2010. I find that the average sales tax rate is largely determined by a state's ability to export taxes to national taxpayers through the deductibility provisions provided by the federal tax code. The offset provided to firms by the deductibility of state and local business taxes is positively related to the average sales tax rate on business purchases. The deductibility offset available to households that itemize places downward pressure on average sales tax rates. The results suggest that federal tax policies that increase the deductibility offset for firms or reduce the offset for itemizers could prompt subnational governments to increase sales tax levies on business purchases which would increase business tax deductions at the federal level and offset revenue gains from federal tax reform.
Using RPE to Regulate Exercise Intensity during a 20-Week Training Program for Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study

Feelings of effort sense quantified via the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale have been validated for regulating exercise intensity. Most studies validating RPE for exercise prescription have used young, male subjects and only a few exercise sessions. As part of a larger study we examined the accuracy of RPE for regulating exercise intensity in a group of postmenopausal women. Six women (70.0 ± 7.1 yr.) were given a maximal graded exercise test. Target RPEs equivalent to 40%, 50% and 60% VO2 max were developed from this test using standard techniques. These RPEs were used to regulate intensity during a 20-wk. training program. During the initial 5 wk. of training target intensity was increased from 40% to 60% VO2 max and exercise duration from 15 to 30 min. Accuracy of exercise intensity regulation was determined by comparing the heart rate during exercise to a target heart rate equivalent to the desired %VO2 max. At Week 2 of training (target 40% VO2 max) the mean intensity produced did not differ from target. During Weeks 4 (target 50% VO2 max), 6 and 10 of training (target 60% VO2 max) the mean exercise intensity was below target. At Week 20 the mean intensity produced was not different from target. This suggests that elderly women can accurately use RPE to regulate exercise intensity, but at intensities above 40% VO2 max an acclimation period is needed.
Flagellin Promotes Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88-Dependent Development of Th2-Type Response1

Activation of dendritic cells (DC) by microbial products via Toll-like receptors (TLR) is instrumental in the induction of immunity. In particular, TLR signaling plays a major role in the instruction of Th1 responses. The development of Th2 responses has been proposed to be independent of the adapter molecule myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) involved in signal transduction by TLRs. In this study we show that flagellin, the bacterial stimulus for TLR5, drives MyD88-dependent Th2-type immunity in mice. Flagellin promotes the secretion of IL-4 and IL-13 by Ag-specific CD4+ T cells as well as IgG1 responses. The Th2-biased responses are associated with the maturation of DCs, which are shown to express TLR5. Flagellin-mediated DC activation requires MyD88 and induces NF-κB-dependent transcription and the production of low levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, the flagellin-specific response is characterized by the lack of secretion of the Th1-promoting cytokine IL-12 p70. In conclusion, this study suggests that flagellin and, more generally, TLR ligands can control Th2 responses in a MyD88-dependent manner.
The Effects of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) and Commercial Rooibos and Green Tea Supplements on Epididymal Sperm in Oxidative Stress‐induced Rats

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in many physiological functions of mammalian sperm. Numerous endogenous antioxidants belonging to both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic groups can remove excess ROS and prevent oxidative stress (OS). This study compares the modulation of OS by rooibos, Chinese green tea and commercial rooibos and green tea supplements in rat sperm. Male Wistar rats (n = 60) were supplemented with fermented rooibos, ‘green’ rooibos, Chinese green tea, rooibos supplement, green tea supplement or water for 10 weeks while OS was induced during the last 2 weeks. Sperm count and motility were significantly higher for rats consuming fermented rooibos and ‘green’ rooibos when compared with the other groups. Catalase activity was significantly higher in the sperm of rats consuming fermented rooibos, ‘green’ rooibos and both the rooibos and green tea supplements. Superoxide dismutase concentration in the sperm of rats supplemented with fermented rooibos, ‘green’ rooibos and green tea was higher. Sperm glutathione levels of rats consuming the fermented and ‘green’ rooibos were also significantly higher. Rooibos fermented and ‘green’ rooibos showed a tendency to lower the levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation when compared with the control group. In conclusion, both rooibos extracts could offer a measure of protection against induced oxidative damage by increasing the antioxidant defence mechanisms and thereby improving the sperm quality and function. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of β-galactosidase production by response surface methodology.

â-galactosidase production is carried out using lactose or lactose rich substrates like whey. Tamarind seed powder has not been reported as a substrate for production of this enzyme before. In this study, statistical optimization of medium components for production of â-galactosidase, using tamarind seed powder, by Aspergillus terreus was attempted. Screening for the effects of eleven medium components on enzyme activity was carried out by Plackett-Burman design which showed that NH4(SO4)2, lactose and MgSO4 has significant (p<0.001) positive influence and pH, yeast extract, maltose and NaNO3 has significant negative influence. Optimal levels of positively influencing parameters were determined by ridge analysis and was found to be 2.97, 2.88 and 2.67 g/L of NH4(SO4)2, lactose and MgSO4 respectively. In the optimized medium, enzyme activity increased 2.8 folds in comparison with basal medium. Improved activity, being achieved by the use of a cheaper substrate, could reduce the cost of production of the enzyme.
Fast fully 3-D image reconstruction in PET using planograms

We present a method of performing fast and accurate three-dimensional (3-D) backprojection using only Fourier transform operations for line-integral data acquired by planar detector arrays in positron emission tomography. This approach is a 3-D extension of the two-dimensional (2-D) linogram technique of Edholm. By using a special choice of parameters to index a line of response (LOR) for a pair of planar detectors, rather than the conventional parameters used to index a LOR for a circular tomograph, all the LORs passing through a point in the field of view (FOV) lie on a 2-D plane in the four-dimensional (4-D) data space. Thus, backprojection of all the LORs passing through a point in the FOV corresponds to integration of a 2-D plane through the 4-D "planogram. " The key step is that the integration along a set of parallel 2-D planes through the planogram, that is, backprojection of a plane of points, can be replaced by a 2-D section through the origin of the 4-D Fourier transform of the data. Backprojection can be performed as a sequence of Fourier transform operations, for faster implementation. In addition, we derive the central-section theorem for planogram format data, and also derive a reconstruction filter for both backprojection-filtering and filtered-backprojection reconstruction algorithms. With software-based Fourier transform calculations we provide preliminary comparisons of planogram backprojection to standard 3-D backprojection and demonstrate a reduction in computation time by a factor of approximately 15.
The What, When, Whether Model of Intentional Action

The question of how we can intentionally control our behavior has an enduring fascination for philosophers, psychologists, and neurologists. Brain imaging techniques such as functional MRI have recently provided new insights into the functional and brain mechanisms involved in intentional action. However, the literature is rather contradictory and does not reveal a consistent picture of the functional neuroanatomy of intentional action. Here the authors argue that this confusion arises partly because intentional action has been treated as a unitary concept within neuroscience, even though experimental studies may focus on any of a number of different aspects of intentional action. To provide a heuristic framework for the investigation of intentional action, the authors propose a model that distinguishes three major components: a component related to the decision about which action to execute (what component), a component that is related to the decision about when to execute an action (when component), and finally the decision about whether to execute an action or not (whether component). Based on this distinction, the authors review some key findings on intentional action and provide neuroscientific evidence for the What, When, Whether (WWW) model of intentional action. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(4):319–325, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408317417
The slippery slope: prediction of successful weight maintenance in anorexia nervosa

Background Previous research has found that many patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are unable to maintain normal weight after weight restoration. The objective of this study was to identify variables that predicted successful weight maintenance among weight-restored AN patients. Method Ninety-three patients with AN treated at two sites (Toronto and New York) through in-patient or partial hospitalization achieved a minimally normal weight and were then randomly assigned to receive fluoxetine or placebo along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for 1 year. Clinical, demographic and psychometric variables were assessed after weight restoration prior to randomization and putative predictors of successful weight maintenance at 6 and 12 months were examined. Results The most powerful predictors of weight maintenance at 6 and 12 months following weight restoration were pre-randomization body mass index (BMI) and the rate of weight loss in the first 28 days following randomization. Higher BMI and lower rate of weight loss were associated with greater likelihood of maintaining a normal BMI at 6 and 12 months. An additional predictor of weight maintenance was site; patients in Toronto fared better than those in New York. Conclusions This study found that the best predictors of weight maintenance in weight-restored AN patients over 6 and 12 months were the level of weight restoration at the conclusion of acute treatment and the avoidance of weight loss immediately following intensive treatment. These results suggest that outcome might be improved by achieving a higher BMI during structured treatment programs and on preventing weight loss immediately following discharge from such programs.
The impact of financial liberalization on bank efficiency: evidence from Latin America and Asia

This article investigates the impact of financial liberalization on bank efficiency, using data for a sample of over 4000 bank-year observations from ten emerging economies for the period 1991–2000. We use Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to calculate bank efficiency at the individual bank level. Bank efficiency measures are then aggregated at the country level to investigate the relationship between financial liberalization and bank efficiency, using a panel least square fixed-effects model. Overall, we find strong support for the positive impact of financial liberalization programmes on bank efficiency.