Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food Production during the Transition to Capitalism: A Comparative Political Economy of Russia and China

The principal analytical objective of this dissertation is the assessment of changes in the political economy of food production during the transition from socialism to capitalism in Russia and China. The dissertation is equally interested in the consequences of this transition for human welfare resulting from changes in the availability of food. As a conditio sine qua non for human survival, food serves as an objective yardstick for human welfare. By studying changes in the political economy of food production it is therefore possible to draw general inferences regarding the welfare implications of the transition to capitalism in Russia and China. This dissertation uses a combination of classical political economy and comparative institutional analysis: The three empirical chapters show how changes in state objectives result in the formulation of economic policies that in turn shape the organization of food production — with momentous consequences for the Russian and Chinese people. Both countries achieved a significant increase in the output and variety of food, yet new problems concerning the availability, quality, and safety of food products have resulted from the introduction of markets. These problems are not externalities, but rather constitute a necessary consequence of the establishment of a market economy in which profit-oriented actors engage in competitive exchange without regard for human welfare. As a result, both countries are compelled to balance their desire for economic growth with the provision of sufficient and adequate food to their populations. An in-depth comparison of the development trajectories of two agro-industrial sectors (wheat and pig production) moreover reveals a convergence in government policy and economic institutions, indicating that Russia and China no longer represent alternative transi-
The Dialectical Self-Concept: Contradiction, Change, and Holism in East Asian Cultures

Naïve dialecticism refers to a set of East Asian lay beliefs characterized by tolerance for contradiction, the expectation of change, and cognitive holism. In five studies, the authors examined the cognitive mechanisms that give rise to global self-concept inconsistency among dialectical cultures. Contradictory self-knowledge was more readily available (Study 1) and simultaneously accessible (Study 2) among East Asians (Japanese and Chinese) than among Euro-Americans. East Asians also exhibited greater change and holism in the spontaneous self-concept (Study 1) and inconsistency in their implicit self-beliefs (Study 3). Cultural differences in self-concept inconsistency were obtained when controlling for alternative explanatory variables, including self-criticism (Study 4) and self-concept certainty (Studies 2 and 3) and were fully mediated by a direct measure of dialecticism (Study 5). Naïve dialecticism provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding these cultural differences and the contradictory, changeable, and holistic nature of the East Asian self-concept.
The ‘other half’ of the public debt–economic growth relationship: a note on Reinhart and Rogoff

Reinhart/Rogoff (2010) and Reinhart et al. (2012) document a negative relationship between public debt and economic growth. However, by classifying the observations of their data set into public debt categories and identifying public debt overhang episodes, they focus only on â€˜one halfâ€™ of the public debtâ€“economic growth relationship: the growth-reducing effects of high public debt. This note classifies the observations of their data set into economic growth categories and identifies low-growth episodes. In so doing, it presents the â€˜other halfâ€™ of the public debtâ€“economic growth relationship: the debt-increasing effects of low growth. It is argued that the presentation of â€˜both halvesâ€™ is essential for a more fruitful research agenda and policy debate.
Parvovirus vectors: use and optimisation in cancer gene therapy

With the increasing incidence and mortality of cancer worldwide, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy is one such approach and preliminary data are promising. Viral and nonviral vector systems for gene delivery are available, but most of the current systems suffer from disadvantages such as low transfection efficiencies, in vivo instability, targeting problems, mutagenic potential and immunogenicity. Viruses of the Parvoviridae family, which are characterised by their oncotropism, oncosuppression, long-term gene expression and human apathogenicity, potentially offer advantages as viral vectors. This article evaluates their usefulness in gene therapy strategies for cancer.
Amyloid Precursor Protein Enhances Nav1.6 Sodium Channel Cell Surface Expression*

Background: Loss-of-function amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Nav1.6 transgenic mice share similar phenotypes. Results: APP interacts with Nav1.6 and enhances its cell surface expression through a Go-coupled JNK pathway. Conclusion: APP regulates Nav1.6 function, likely through a Go-coupled JNK pathway. Significance: This finding advances the current understanding of APP functions and has implications for novel therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is commonly associated with Alzheimer disease, but its physiological function remains unknown. Nav1.6 is a key determinant of neuronal excitability in vivo. Because mouse models of gain of function and loss of function of APP and Nav1.6 share some similar phenotypes, we hypothesized that APP might be a candidate molecule for sodium channel modulation. Here we report that APP colocalized and interacted with Nav1.6 in mouse cortical neurons. Knocking down APP decreased Nav1.6 sodium channel currents and cell surface expression. APP-induced increases in Nav1.6 cell surface expression were Go protein-dependent, enhanced by a constitutively active Go protein mutant, and blocked by a dominant negative Go protein mutant. APP also regulated JNK activity in a Go protein-dependent manner. JNK inhibition attenuated increases in cell surface expression of Nav1.6 sodium channels induced by overexpression of APP. JNK, in turn, phosphorylated APP. Nav1.6 sodium channel surface expression was increased by T668E and decreased by T668A, mutations of APP695 mimicking and preventing Thr-668 phosphorylation, respectively. Phosphorylation of APP695 at Thr-668 enhanced its interaction with Nav1.6. Therefore, we show that APP enhances Nav1.6 sodium channel cell surface expression through a Go-coupled JNK pathway.
Inefficiencies from Financial Liberalization in the Absence of Well-Functioning Equity Markets

SINCE THE SEMINAL WORKS BY MCKINNON (1973) AND SHAW (1973), there has been active research into the working of financially repressed economies and the beneficial effects of Elnancial liberalization (see Fry 1982 for a survey of literature). They claim that liberalization of the Elnancial sector from interest rate ceilings and other restrictions facilitates economic development and growth because higher interest rates lead to both increased savings and greater efficiency of capital allocation. Today, the idea that financial activity should not be repressed has become the new orthodoxy in academia as well as in the major international institutions that provide policy guidelines for developing countries. The Elnancial liberalization argument, however, is incomplete. The literature on Emancial liberalization has emphasized eliminating interest-rate ceilings and fostering free competition among banks. It has largely overlooked the possibility that endogenous constraints in the credit market, such as imperfect information, could be signiElcant barriers to efElcient credit allocation even when banks are freed from interest rate ceilings. Nor has the literature dealt with market structure, e.g., the oligopolistic and cartelized banking systems found in most LOCs. The literature has emphasized the role of the banking sector, which is correctly perceived as the only organized capital market in most developing countries. It has neglected the potential
Replication Timing Properties within the Mouse Distal Chromosome 7 Imprinting Cluster

Genomic imprinting is characterized by allele-specific expression of genes within chromosomal domains. Here we show, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, that the large chromosomal domain of the mouse distal chromosome 7 imprinting cluster, approximately 1 Mb in length between p57Kip2 and H19 genes, replicates asynchronously between the two alleles during S-phase. At the telomeric side of this domain, we found a transition from asynchronous replication at the imprinted p57Kip2 gene to synchronous replication at the Nap2 gene. Two-color FISH suggested that the paternal allele of this whole domain replicates earlier than its maternal allele. Treatment of the cells with a histone deacetylase inhibitor abolished this allele-specific feature accompanied with accelerated replication of the later-replicating allele at a domain level. Allele-specific asynchronous replication was observed even in ES cells. These results suggest that this imprinting cluster consists of a large replication domain which is already found at the early stage in development.
The British Ministry of Transport's Study of the Portbury Dock Proposal, 1966: A Reappraisal of the Spatial Analysis

This paper provides a critical appraisal of the use by the British Ministry of Transport of a spatial interaction model to assess the viability of the first proposal by the Port of Bristol Authority for the development of a new dock at Portbury. It is argued that the Ministry's use of the model was simplistic, and it is shown that, had more intelligent and imaginative use of the model been made, the model forecasts would have suggested that Portbury was a marginally viable, rather than a hopelessly nonviable, project. Notwithstanding this finding, arguments are produced to suggest that the government decision to reject Portbury in 1966 was sensible, even though it was based on a partially flawed analysis.
Coping and quality of life in one hundred and thirty five subjects with multiple sclerosis

Introduction and objective The aim of this study was to compare coping strategies and quality of life (QoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS), as they relate to the course of the disease (relapsing-remitting (RR), secondary progressive (SP), primary progressive (PP)), while taking depression and anxiety into account. Methods A total of 135 MS subjects were seen for a semi-structured interview in order to collect socio-demographic and clinical information, after which there was an assessment of their mental and cognitive states (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Depressive Mood Scale (EHD), Hamilton Anxiety (HAMA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB)). All subjects then completed three self-report questionnaires; two about coping strategies (Ways of Coping Checklist (WCC), Coping with Health, Injuries and Problems Scale (CHIP)) and one about QoL (SEP59). Results The mental health (depression and anxiety) and the psychological and social dimensions of QoL were relatively unaffected. However, after controlling for age and disability, the disease course had a strong effect on both mental health and QoL, with the poorest condition for SPMS and the best condition for PPMS. The SPMS patients tend to use emotional coping strategies extensively, while the PPMS patients use more instrumental strategies. Discussion Our study clearly demonstrated that psychological and social well-being were substantially affected by the disease course. These results encourage us to develop interventions focused on coping strategies and which are better adapted to individual patients. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 393- 401. http://msj.sagepub. com
An Electrolytic Capacitor-less Bi-Directional EV On-Board Charger Using Harmonic Modulation Technique

This paper suggests a new electrolytic capacitor-less bi-directional on-board charger for electric vehicle. It has a cascade structure of constant frequency resonant converter for electrical isolation and DCM buck/boost converter for charging/discharging control and input harmonic regulation. Harmonic modulation technique is also proposed to obtain a high power factor and structure change method has been adopted to cope with a wide line voltage condition. Harmonic regulation and charging/discharging control can be accomplished with very simple control algorithm so that high performance controller is not required. Its feasibility has been verified with a 3-kW prototype.
Partially Binding Platforms: Campaign Promises Vis�?à�?Vis Cost of Betrayal

This paper examines the effects of campaign platforms in a political competition when campaign platforms are partially binding such that a candidate who implements a policy different from his/her platform must pay a cost of betrayal, which increases with the size of the discrepancy. I also analyze endogenous decisions by citizens to run for election. First, partially binding platforms can show an asymmetric electoral outcome and predict who wins. A candidate who is more moderate and less policy motivated, and whose cost of betrayal is higher than that of the opponent with the same degree of betrayal wins. Second, even though a candidate knows that he/she will lose, he/she enters the race to induce the opponent to approach the loser's ideal policy.
Imaging , Diagnosis , Prognosis Exploratory Clinical Trial of ( 4 S )-4-( 3-[ 18 F ] fl uoropropyl )-L-glutamate for Imaging xC Transporter Using Positron Emission Tomography in Patients with Non – Small Cell Lung or Breast Cancer

Purpose: (4S)-4-(3-[F]fluoropropyl)-L-glutamate (BAY 94-9392, alias [F]FSPG) is a new tracer to image xC transporter activity with positron emission tomography (PET). We aimed to explore the tumor detection rate of [F]FSPG in patients relative to 2-[F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose ([F]FDG). The correlation of [F]FSPG uptake with immunohistochemical expression of xC transporter and CD44, which stabilizes the xCT subunit of system xC , was also analyzed. ExperimentalDesign:Patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, n1⁄4 10) or breast cancer (n1⁄4 5) who had a positive [F]FDG uptake were included in this exploratory study. PET images were acquired following injection of approximately 300MBq [F]FSPG. Immunohistochemistrywas done using xCTand CD44-specific antibody. Results: [F]FSPG PET showed high uptake in the kidney and pancreas with rapid blood clearance. [F]FSPG identified all 10 NSCLC and three of the five breast cancer lesions that were confirmed by pathology. [F]FSPG detected 59 of 67 (88%) [F]FDG lesions in NSCLC, and 30 of 73 (41%) in breast cancer. Seven lesions were additionally detected only on [F]FSPG in NSCLC. The tumor-to-blood pool standardized uptake value (SUV) ratio was not significantly different from that of [F]FDG in NSCLC; however, in breast cancer, it was significantly lower (P < 0.05). The maximum SUV of [F]FSPG correlated significantly with the intensity of immunohistochemical staining of xC transporter and CD44 (P < 0.01). Conclusions: [F]FSPG seems to be a promising tracer with a relatively high cancer detection rate in patients with NSCLC. [F]FSPG PETmay assess xC transporter activity in patients with cancer.Clin Cancer Res; 18(19); 5427–37. 2012 AACR.
Acidic Hydrolysis as a Mechanism for the Cleavage of the Glu298 → Asp Variant of Human Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase*

The 894G→T polymorphism within exon 7 of the human endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) gene codes for glutamate or aspartate, respectively, at residue 298 and has been associated with several diseases of cardiovascular origin. A recent report indicates that Asp298-eNOS (E298D) is cleaved intracellularly to 100- and 35-kDa fragments, suggesting a mechanism for reduced endothelial function. Here we have documented the precise cleavage site of the E298D variant as a unique aspartyl-prolyl (Asp298–Pro299) bond not seen in wild-type eNOS (Glu298). We show that E298D-eNOS, as isolated from cells and in vitro, is susceptible to acidic hydrolysis, and the 100-kDa fragment can be generated ex vivo by increasing temperature at low pH. Importantly, cleavage of E298D was eliminated using a sample buffer system designed to limit acidic hydrolysis of Asp–Pro bonds. These results argue against intracellular processing of E298D-eNOS and suggest that previously described fragmentation of E298D could be a product of sample preparation. We also found that eNOS turnover, NO production, and the susceptibility to cellular stress were not different in cells expressing WTversus E298D-eNOS. Finally, enzyme activities were identical for the respective recombinant enzymes. Thus, intracellular cleavage mechanisms are unlikely to account for associations between the exon 7 polymorphism and cardiovascular diseases.
On the Method of Images for Systems of Closely Spaced Conducting Spheres

In this paper, a new formalism is developed to generate the image of a multipole expansion of arbitrary order in a conducting sphere. A method of images based on this formalism is subsequently combined with the method of moments to solve boundary value problems for systems of closely spaced conducting spheres. The effectiveness of the new hybrid method is demonstrated through several numerical examples.
A new method for estimating subject‐specific muscle–tendon parameters of the knee joint actuators: a simulation study

A new method for the estimation of subject‐specific muscle–tendon parameters of the knee actuators based on dynamometry experiments is presented. The algorithm aims at estimating the tendon slack length and the optimal muscle fiber length by minimizing the difference between experimentally reproduced and model‐based joint moments. The key innovative features are as follows: (i) the inclusion of a priori physiological knowledge to define a physiologically feasible set, the hot start for the optimization, and constraints for the optimization and (ii) the introduction of a new (affine) transformation of the muscle–tendon parameters, which greatly improves the numerical condition of the optimization.
Issues associated with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare diagnostic criteria for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides: Reclassification of patients in the prospective cohort study of Remission Induction Therapy in Japanese patients with ANCA-associated vasculitides ac

1 Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan, 2 Center for Rheumatology, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital, Okayama, Japan, 3 Department of Pharmacovigilance and Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, 4 Department of the Control for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, and 5 First Department of Internal Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
The Human Capital Value of OOP

If object-oriented programmers are more productive than other programmers, they should be paid more, assuming that wages are determined based on the value of a worker’s marginal productivity. The human capital model is used to assess the current salary premiums of programmers who know object-oriented programming (OOP). While the human capital model employed quantifies this premium, it also controls for the effects of different amounts of technical experience and different levels of education (highest attained degree) that the programmers possess. Using two samples, the incremental value of OOP skills is shown to be about the same over the two different time periods (2000/2001 and 2003).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and endurance during running in male long-distance runners.

CONTEXT The effect of ibuprofen on pain tolerance during exercise is controversial, and its effects on endurance performance have been poorly investigated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of prophylactic administration of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen on the time until the self-report of fatigue (tlim) in runners with exercise-induced muscle damage. DESIGN Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING Laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Twenty healthy male long-distance runners (age = 18.8 ± 0.4 years, maximal oxygen consumption = 55.5 ± 5.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). INTERVENTION(S) Participants were assigned to 2 groups (ibuprofen group = 10, placebo group = 10) to perform tlim trials (speed corresponded to their previously determined secondventilatory thresholds) 48 hours before and 48 hours after the induction of a lower limb muscle-damage protocol (isokinetic dynamometry). One hour before the second tlim trial, the ibuprofen group received 1.2 g ibuprofen, and the placebo group received lactose orally. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Time until self-reported fatigue, heart rate, respiratory quotient, oxygen consumption, and perceived exertion were recorded during each tlim test. RESULTS Both groups reported increases in muscle pain in the knee extensors and flexors 48 hours after the muscle-damage protocol. We observed a reduction in the endurance performance of both groups (P < .01) but no difference between groups (P = .55). CONCLUSIONS Ibuprofen did not reduce the effect of muscle damage and pain on performance. Prophylactic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs did not have an ergogenic effect on running performance after exercise-induced muscle damage in male long-distance runners.
The 5'-flanking sequences of the human growth hormone gene contain a cell-specific control element.

The 5'-flanking sequences of the human growth hormone (hGH) gene contain a cell-specific control element. Hybrid genes containing truncated 5'-flanking DNA fragments from the hGH gene fused to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (cat) gene were examined using transient transfection of rat anterior pituitary (GC) and nonpituitary cell lines (HeLa, Rat 2, and KB); preferential expression of these gene hybrids was only observed in GC cells. Deletions through the 5'-flanking sequences of the hGH gene revealed that the region containing nucleotides -230 to -180 is required for efficient cat gene expression in GC cells. This region of DNA is highly homologous to a region of the rGH gene that contains a tissue-specific control element. A hybrid gene containing the tissue-specific control element, but lacking the proximal promoter elements, of the hGH gene upstream from the promoter of the thymidine kinase gene (TKp) from herpes simplex virus ligated to the cat gene produced more CAT activity than the TKp.cat gene in GC cells but not in HeLa cells. These data suggest that the tissue-specific control element located in the 5'-region of the hGH gene can act in the presence of a heterologous promoter and is specific for expression in pituitary cells.