NONLINEAR PANEL ESTIMATION OF TIME-VARYING EFFECTS OF IMPORT QUOTAS

We develop a panel-based ICLS framework for estimating the export tax equivalent (ETE) of quotas where the ETEs vary over time. Working with a panel of bilateral data on textile and clothing trade, underlying bilateral tari?s, and the country-pair coverage of quotas under the WTOÕs Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC), we use this framework to examine the evolution of market access conditions in the textile and clothing sectors. Our estimating framework takes advantage of the panel nature of trade data when calculating export tax equivalents while allowing for inequality constraints on the quota premium estimates. We also implement quadrature methods for calculating conÞdence intervals for our regression-based NTB measures.NTB, ICLS, quadrature, quotas, ATC, MFA, MPEC, gravity model

Rags in the High Rent District: the Evolution of Quota Rents in Textiles and Clothing

We develop a mixed complementarity programming (MCP) based estimating framework for non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to examine the evolution of market access conditions in the textile and clothing sectors, working with a panel of bilateral trade data on textile and clothing trade, underlying bilateral tariffs, and the country-pair coverage of quotas under the WTO’s Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). Our estimating framework takes advantage of the panel nature of trade data when calculating export tax equivalents while allowing for inequality constraints on the quota premium estimates. We also introduce Gaussian quadrature for estimating goodness of fit for regression-based NTB measures based on residual fitting.NTB estimation, Gaussian Quadrature, import quotas, ATC, MFA

Trade Effects of Services Trade Liberalization in the EU

This paper gives a quantitative assessment of possible trade and welfare effects resulting from different trade liberalization scenarios within the EU. First, we econometrically estimate the existing services trade barriers in the EU (inside the EU and with respect to the third countries). Then we run simulations to estimate effects of the currently achieved liberalization of cross-border trade in services inside the EU, and of the elimination of the remaining trade barriers. The simulations are based on the GTAP model, a computable general equilibrium model. We use the GTAP database V7 (pre-release, benchmarked to 2004) and own estimates of protection in the services sector. Our findings point towards larger gains from more comprehensive cuts in trade barriers. We further observe a reinforcement of specialization patterns, with the new members intensifying their position as EuropeÕs manufacturing base and the old members specializing increasingly in services.trade restrictions, trade liberalization, computable general equilibrium modelling, services trade.

Drosophila as a model system to study nonautonomous mechanisms affecting tumour growth and cell death

The study of cancer has represented a central focus in medical research for over a century. The great complexity and constant evolution of the pathology require the use of multiple research model systems and interdisciplinary approaches. This is necessary in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding into the mechanisms driving disease initiation and progression, to aid the development of appropriate therapies. In recent decades, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and its associated powerful genetic tools have become a very attractive model system to study tumour-intrinsic and non-tumour-derived processes that mediate tumour development in vivo. In this review, we will summarize recent work on Drosophila as a model system to study cancer biology. We will focus on the interactions between tumours and their microenvironment, including extrinsic mechanisms affecting tumour growth and how tumours impact systemic host physiology

Trade Effects of Services Trade Liberalization in the EU

This paper gives a quantitative assessment of possible trade effects resulting from different trade liberalization scenarios within the EU. The simulations are based on the GTAP model, a computable general equilibrium model. We use the GTAP database and own estimates of protection in the service sector. We compare different scenarios, which differ in the extent of their liberalization (linear versus sector country and specific cuts in existing trade barriers, including all sectors versus only selected sectors). Our findings point towards larger gains from more comprehensive cuts (i.e. including all service sectors) and larger gains for the - up to date more restricted - new EU members.export of services, trade liberalization, computable general equilibrium modelling, services trade

TRADE THROUGH FDI: investing in services

The type of relationship between different modes of trading services across international borders is of great interest, not only for the academic literature but also for the formulation trade liberalization offers under the GATS. Even more than for trade in goods, it is thus important to know whether cross-border trade and trade through commercial presence abroad act as complements or substitutes in services. The most commonly used analytical tool in the empirical analysis of this question is the gravity model of trade. This paper offers a consistent theoretical foundation for the application of the gravity model to services and to commercial presence, using a composite demand model with offers testable hypothesis about the complementary or substitutive relationship between different modes of supply. It further links the results to policy variables like market regulations which may act directly or implicitly as barriers to trade. Our empirical test for the sample of OECD countries over the decade 1994- 2004 yields robust complementary effects in the short-run, which is reinforced in the long-run by an increased potential for cross-border imports based on previous FDI inflows. A detailed analysis by individual service sectors highlights business, communication and financial services as showing the largest potential for cross-border trade when market regulations are reduced and when commercial presence increases.FDI, imports, services, panel data, substitution and complementary effects

The Physics of Disk Winds, Jets,and X-ray Variability in GRS 1915+105

We present new insights about accretion and ejection physics based on joint RXTE/Chandra HETGS studies of rapid X-ray variability in GRS 1915+105. For the first time, with fast phase-resolved spectroscopy of the rho state, we are able to show that changes in the broadband X-ray spectrum (RXTE) on timescales of seconds are associated with measurable changes in absorption lines (Chandra HETGS) from the accretion disk wind. Additionally, we make a direct detection of material evaporating from the radiation-pressure-dominated inner disk. Our X-ray data thus reveal the black hole as it ejects a portion of the inner accretion flow and then drives a wind from the outer disk, all in a bizarre cycle that lasts fewer than 60 seconds but can repeat for weeks. We find that the accretion disk wind may be sufficiently massive to play an active role in GRS 1915+105, not only in quenching the jet on long timescales, but also in possibly producing or facilitating transitions between classes of X-ray variability.Comment: 3 pages, 1 Figure. Proceedings of IAU Symposium 275 (Jets at all Scales), Buenos Aires, 13-17.09.2010; eds. G. Romero, R. Sunyaev, T. Bellon

Trade through FDI: investing in services

The type of relationship between different modes of trading services internationally is of great interest, both for the academic literature and for liberalization policies under the GATS, because cross-border and commercial presence abroad might complement or substitute each other. This paper offers a consistent theoretical foundation for the application of the gravity model to services trade, using a composite demand model yielding testable hypothesis about that complementary or substitutive relationship and linking the results to market regulations as trade barriers. For the OECD countries over 1994-2004 a robust complementary effects in the short-run is found, reinforced in the long-run by an increased potential for cross-border imports bases on pervious FDI inflows, highlighting business, communication and financial services.Imports, services, panel data, substitution and complementary effects