Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Commitment problems in emerging democracies. The case of religious parties.

Democracy opens the political process to actors who are opposed to it. When powerful religious parties are set to win critical elections in emerging democracies, the future of new and fragile secular and liberal democratic institutions is put in question.l These parties either intend to impose theocratic authoritarian institutions or are willing to forego their objectives and subject themselves to democratic control. In the first case the outcome is certain: democratization fails, either through the full implementation of the religious party's program or through preemptive or reactive military action by its opponents. In the second case the outcome is uncertain: democratization may fail, but it may also succeed. This article explores the second case.
Comparing the practices of USA tennis against a global model for integrated development of mass participation and high performance sport

This study analyzes the current state of tennis in the USA against a model for developing elite sport in integration with mass participation. A questionnaire was constructed to examine the following elements of the model: talent identification and development; advanced athlete support; training centers; competition systems; educational, scientific/medical, philosophical, and promotional support; partnerships with supporting agencies; and balanced and integrated funding and structures of mass and elite sport. The 54 statements reflecting desired practices were validated by 12 international experts and rated online by 107 US tennis coaches. Semi-structured discussions with eight administrators were also conducted. Suggested advancements for US tennis included collaboration of overlapping national governing organizations to advance and standardize personnel education, medicine, science, competitions, and facilities. Highly qualified coaches at all participation levels are recommended, to use evidence-based methods for lifelong athlete development. Affordable mass participation, local training, and competition conditions are also recommended to be created at clubs and schools.
The Effects of School District Spending Priorities on Length of Stay in Teaching

This paper shows that teachers work for less time in districts that spend more for central administration or for nonteachers involved in classroom instruction, that female teachers stay longer when local teacher salaries increase relative to salaries available in other local employment, and males stay longer when teachers are paid more across the state. The research is based on a new longitudinal dataset providing information on the career histories of 9,756 Washington teachers. The empirical work uses a generalized variant of a transition probability model and conducts simulations to explore the influence of important policy variables.
A Bistatic Point Target Reference Spectrum for General Bistatic SAR Processing

A bistatic point target reference spectrum (BPTRS) based on Loffeld's bistatic formula (LBF) is derived in this letter. For LBF, the same contributions of the transmitter and receiver to the total azimuth modulation are assumed. This assumption results in the failure of LBF in the extreme configuration (i.e., spaceborne/airborne configuration). For general bistatic configurations, the azimuth modulations are unequal for the transmitter and receiver due to the different slant ranges and velocities. Therefore, the azimuth time-bandwidth products (TBPs) from the transmitter and receiver are different; in some cases (e.g., spaceborne/airborne case), one of them might be very small, which might even result in a serious error of the principle of stationary phase. This letter uses TBP to weight the azimuth phase modulation contributions of the transmitter and receiver to the common azimuth spectrum to approximately obtain the point of stationary phase of the total azimuth phase history. Simulations show that the proposed BPTRS can work well for spaceborne/airborne configurations.
Severity and pattern of peri-implantitis-associated bone loss.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to describe the severity and pattern of peri-implantitis-associated bone loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS Intra-oral radiographs from 182 subjects were analysed. Bone-level measurements were performed in 419 implants with a history of bone loss. All radiographs obtained in the interval from the 1-year follow-up to the end-point examination (5-23 years) were analysed. The amount of bone loss that occurred from 1 year after prosthesis insertion was assessed and the pattern of bone loss was evaluated. RESULTS The average bone loss after the first year of function was 1.68 mm and 32% of the implants demonstrated bone loss > or =2 mm. The multilevel model revealed that the bone loss showed a non-linear pattern and that the rate of bone loss increased over time. The model also revealed that the pattern of peri-implantitis associated bone loss was similar within the same subject. CONCLUSION It is suggested that peri-implantitis-associated bone loss varies between subjects and is, in most cases, characterized by a non-linear progression, with the rate of loss increasing over time.
Mutations in epilepsy and intellectual disability genes in patients with features of Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome and neurodevelopmental disorders with features overlapping this syndrome frequently remain unexplained in patients without clinically identified MECP2 mutations. We recruited a cohort of 11 patients with features of Rett syndrome and negative initial clinical testing for mutations in MECP2. We analyzed their phenotypes to determine whether patients met formal criteria for Rett syndrome, reviewed repeat clinical genetic testing, and performed exome sequencing of the probands. Using 2010 diagnostic criteria, three patients had classical Rett syndrome, including two for whom repeat MECP2 gene testing had identified mutations. In a patient with neonatal onset epilepsy with atypical Rett syndrome, we identified a frameshift deletion in STXBP1. Among seven patients with features of Rett syndrome not fulfilling formal diagnostic criteria, four had suspected pathogenic mutations, one each in MECP2, FOXG1, SCN8A, and IQSEC2. MECP2 mutations are highly correlated with classical Rett syndrome. Genes associated with atypical Rett syndrome, epilepsy, or intellectual disability should be considered in patients with features overlapping with Rett syndrome and negative MECP2 testing. While most of the identified mutations were apparently de novo, the SCN8A variant was inherited from an unaffected parent mosaic for the mutation, which is important to note for counseling regarding recurrence risks. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 in primary biliary cirrhosis: Relationship with disease stage, immune activity and cholestasis

Intercellular adhesion molecule—1, strongly expressed on the interlobular and proliferating bile ducts in primary biliary cirrhosis, is important in the migration and adhesion of inflammatory cells from the circulation to these structures. A soluble form has been found to be elevated in serum in primary biliary cirrhosis. Our aim was to check on the role of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule—1 in primary biliary cirrhosis with particular reference to its specificity by comparison with other disease control groups and to assess its relationship with stage of disease activity, circulating lymphocyte activation and cholestasis. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule—1 (enzymelinked immunosorbent assay) and liver biochemistry were measured in 41 patients with primary biliary cir rhosis, 9 with primary sclerosing cholangitis, 12 with alcoholic liver disease and 17 healthy controls. In subgroups of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, lymphocyte activation and hepatic bile acid uptake and excretory rates were determined. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule—1 was significantly higher in all three disease groups. Levels in primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis were similar and significantly higher than alcoholic liver disease. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule—1 expression was greater in late primary biliary cirrhosis than early disease and correlated with histological progression. Correlations were also found with alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase and conjugated bilirubin. A trend toward an inverse correlation with hepatic excretory rate was found, but no correlation was detected with circulating lymphocyte interleukin‐2 receptor expression. We conclude that serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule—1 is markedly elevated in immune liver diseases characterized by chronic cholestasis. In primary biliary cirrhosis, it is a marker of stage of disease activity and cholestasis. Measurements of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule—1 may be useful in monitoring disease progression and in assessing the effects of therapy. (Hepatology 1994;20:882–888).
Left-Handed Small Impedance Transformers and Their Application to Arbitrary Phase Differentiated Lumped Baluns for Impedance Transforming

Based on the concept that a left-handed transmission line section has a negative electrical length, two pi -type lumped-element circuits are presented as equivalent circuits, and it is newly suggested that a low-pass filter type can be its lumped-equivalent circuit under a certain condition. Applying the negative electrical length concept to Smith chart, LHCCTs (left-handed constant conductance impedance transformers) are derived and two are validated by measurements, adding 180deg right-handed transmission lines to LHCCTs. The LHCCTs can be used for building lumped-element baluns, which can be used for both impedance transforming and arbitrary phase difference between two outputs. To verify the balun performances, a balun for a 40 Omega-50 Omega impedance transforming and 120deg difference between two ouputs is designed and simulated. The simulation results show perfect input matching, perfect power division and perfect phase difference 120deg, which are quite different from the conventional baluns having only 180deg phase difference between two outputs.
Isolation and Characterization of the Gene (CLS1) Encoding Cardiolipin Synthase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae *

In eukaryotic cells, cardiolipin (CL) synthase catalyzes the final step in the synthesis of CL from phosphatidylglycerol and CDP-diacylglycerol. CL and its synthesis are localized predominantly to the mitochondrial inner membrane, and CL is generally thought to be an essential component of many mitochondrial processes. By using homology searches for genes potentially encoding phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes, we have cloned the gene (CLS1) encoding CL synthase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overexpression of the CLS1 gene under its endogenous promoter or the inducible GAL1 promoter in yeast and expression of CLS1 in baculovirus-infected insect cells resulted in elevated CL synthase activity. Disruption of theCLS1 gene in a haploid yeast strain resulted in the loss of CL synthase activity, no detectable CL, a 5-fold elevation in phosphatidylglycerol levels, and lack of staining of mitochondria by a dye with high affinity for CL. Thecls1::TRP1 null mutant grew on both fermentable and non-fermentable carbon sources but more poorly on the latter. The level and activity of cytochrome c oxidase was normal, and a dye whose accumulation is dependent on membrane proton electrochemical potential effectively stained the mitochondria. These results definitively identify the gene encoding the CL synthase of yeast.
A General Approach for Quantifying the Benefit of Distributed Power Electronics for Fine Grained MPPT in Photovoltaic Applications Using 3-D Modeling

This paper deals with photovoltaic power installations in urban environments. A general simulation method is developed to quantify the total energy yield for photovoltaic (PV) installation sites exploiting different levels of Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (DMPPT) granularity. The process includes 3-D modeling, shading evaluation of the installation site, and irradiance calculations on the PV surfaces on an hourly basis throughout the year. Three leading microconverter topologies are analyzed and the cost/performance tradeoff is discussed for panel-level DMPPT. The energy yield evaluation technique is confirmed by means of several miniature PV acquisition units for frequent irradiance and temperature measurements in the installation site. The yearly energy yield benefit is shown to be highly dependent on the relative shading in the three installation sites. It is found that the energy yield benefit easily outweighs the power electronics costs in two of the three installations for panel-level DMPPT. The analysis method can be used by PV installers and system designers for accurate energy yield prediction, as well as power electronics engineers who need to bound the cost of their design based on the net energy benefit of the installed PV system.
Time course of contrast enhancement patterns after Gd‐BOPTA in correlation to myocardial infarction and viability: A feasibility study

Our objective was to analyze contrast enhancement patterns (CEP) and their time course after myocardial infarction (MI) following injection of Gd‐BOPTA in correlation with recovery of regional function. Seven patients with subacute MI (18 ± nine days) were examined before, as well as three and six (n = six) months after, revascularization of the infarct‐related artery. Regional wall motion abnormalities were assessed by cine‐MRI, and repetitive images of one representative slice were acquired up to 45 minutes after 0.05 mmol/kg Gd‐BOPTA using a T1‐w TSE‐sequence. Two patients showed mid‐wall/subendocardial, one patient subendocardial enhancement of MI associated with mechanical improvement after revascularization. Three patients without improvement revealed a mid‐wall hypoenhanced zone within the first five minutes after injection, which was unchanged at follow‐up. One patient with partial functional improvement showed transmural enhancement and a mid‐wall hypoenhanced zone in adjacent areas. With this feasibility study, we concluded that mid‐wall and/or subendocardial enhancement after Gd‐BOPTA was associated with viable myocardium, whereas detection of microvascular obstruction correlating with scar formation is suggested by mid‐wall hypoenhancement within the first five minutes after injection. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:789–794. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Role of Fiscal Rules in Determining Fiscal Performance

Kennedy, Robbins and Delorme examine the importance of fiscal rules in determining budgetary outcomes. After briefly reviewing the rationale for rules, the paper compares the rules introduced in several countries at the national and subnational levels. It notes that while several countries have introduced restrictions on deficit, debt, tax and expenditure levels, some countries have focused their efforts on increasing transparency and accountability in the conduct of fiscal policy. Kennedy, Robbins and Delorme also evaluate the evidence about the impact of rules in terms of budgetary consolidation in the 1990s. The evidence indicates that both countries with rules and countries without rules implemented successful fiscal adjustments. From this, the authors conclude that rules may be helpful in achieving fiscal consolidation and may even be necessary in certain countries, but they are clearly not necessary in all countries. They also find that empirical studies of fiscal rules generally support this conclusion. However, determining the conditions under which fiscal rules are indeed necessary to ensure fiscal discipline remains an area for further research.
Lactose and Sulfide Reactions of an Aberrant Salmonella Strain

Previously, we reported (Bulmash and Fulton, J. Bacteriol. 88:1813, 1964) that the acid products formed from the fermentation of sucrose by certain citrobacter-like strains appeared to be responsible for masking the iron sulfide indicator in Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Agar, but not in Kligler medium. Subsequently, a Salmonella strain came to our attention in which the sulfide reaction was apparently masked bv products of lactose fermentation. Its identity was questioned, because it was hydrogen sulfide-negative and it fermented lactose. The record showed that this strain was S. tennessee isolated from a fecal specimen by the Illinois State Laboratory. To purify the supposedly contaminated strain, it was plated on MacConkey Agar. A large number of red colonies and a few white colonies were present. The white colony strain (W) and the red (R) proved to be serologically identical. When theW strain was cultivated in 0.5% lactose Purple Broth Base, it developed into a mixture of red and white colonies in 1 day, and the tube became acid by the second day. The W strain was stable for as long as 8 days in Brain Heart Infusion. The R strain fermented lactose promptly. An 8-day-old R culture in Brain Heart lnfusion yielded a few white colonies on MacConkey Agar. The acquisition of the power of fermenting lactose by the white strain in lactose broth recalls the "B. coli mutabile" of Massini (Arch. Hyg. Bakteriol. 61:250, 1907). The development of W colonies in old cultures of the R strain suggests a reversal of the "mutant" effect. Both strains were lysed by Salmonella OI phage and appeared to be identical biochemically, except for the fermentation of lactose and the production of hydrogen sulfide. The W strain was hydrogen sulfide-positive in both Kligler and TSI media; the R strain was negative in both of these media. Lead acetate strips were placed in the tops of Kligler and TSI tubes which had been inoculated with the R strain. Hydrogen sulfide was produced. When Kligler medium was prepared without carbohydrates, both strains gave strong positive reactions. It appears that products of fermentable carbohydrates are able to mask the iron sulfide indicator. In modern diagnostic work, emphasis has been placed on testing for several biochemical characteristics in a single tube of medium. The results of this report suggest that there may be merit in determining one characteristic at a time.
Hyperglycaemic conditions hamper keratinocyte locomotion via sequential inhibition of distinct pathways: new insights on poor wound closure in patients with diabetes

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by impaired insulin signalling, elevated plasma glucose, and predisposition towards complications involving several organs. A major complication of DM is impairment of wound healing. In the re‐epithelialization process during wound healing, migration of keratinocytes is a crucial step. Our previous report demonstrated that keratinocytes cultured in hyperglycaemic media showed decreased cell mobility.
Erectile dysfunction in the cardiac patient: how common and should we treat?

PURPOSE Risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, lipid abnormality) are also risk factors for coronary artery disease. However, most cardiologists do not routinely ask about ED and patients often are reluctant or embarrassed to discuss it. We determined how common ED was in a group of patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS We administered the validated Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) 5-item questionnaire, based on the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire, to 76 men with chronic stable coronary artery disease during routine outpatient cardiology visits. Most of these men had not previously discussed ED with their cardiologist. RESULTS The mean patient age was 64 years (range 40 to 82). The questionnaire took about 5 minutes to complete. Of the patients 47% were on beta blockers, 92% statins, 28% diuretics. SHIM score was 21 or less in 53 men (70%), which is indicative of ED. Of the patients 75% had some difficulty achieving erections (question 2) and 67% had some difficulty maintaining an erection after penetration (question 3). The questionnaire reflected successful sildenafil treatment in 4 patients (SHIM scores 23 to 25). If these 4 men are included as having had ED then 57 of 76 (75%) had ED or recent history of ED. CONCLUSIONS ED is extremely common in men with chronic coronary artery disease (affecting approximately 75%) yet most cardiologists do not ask about it. The SHIM is a useful, quick and inexpensive tool for discussion and diagnosis of ED in this population. Although it is well established that cardiovascular risk factors are associated with erectile dysfunction, once it is present there is mixed information on whether treating the risk factors will treat the ED. Problems appear to be that lifestyle modification in midlife may simply be too late to effect a change, and some antihypertensive and lipid lowering drugs may actually exacerbate ED. Oral therapy for ED, namely the PDE5 inhibitors, is effective and safe in most cardiac and hypertensive patients. Organic nitrates such as nitroglycerin remain a contraindication to the concomitant use of these drugs. Guidelines for treatment of ED in the cardiac patient issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and Princeton Guidelines may be useful in the approach to the cardiac patient with ED.
Integrating Retirement Models

This paper advances the specification and estimation of models of retirement and saving in two earner families. The complications introduced by the interaction of retirement decisions by husbands and wives have led researchers to adopt a number of simplifications to increase the feasibility of estimating family retirement models. Our model relaxes these restrictions. It includes the extended choice set created when each spouse makes an independent retirement decision. It also includes the full range of complexity found in dynamic-stochastic models of retirement decision making, so far analyzed only in the context of single earner households. Retirement outcomes include full retirement, partial retirement and full-time work. Reverse flows from states of lesser to greater work are also included. The preference structure incorporates heterogeneity in time preference, varying taste parameters for full-time and part-time work, and the possibility of changes in preferences after retirement. The opportunity set reflects the full range of nonlinearities created by pensions and Social Security. Financial returns are stochastic. Exogenous shocks such as layoffs are also included. Estimation is based on data from the Health and Retirement Study. The solution method is based on backward induction. We show that this method is superior to a method based on a Nash equilibrium, providing plausible behavioral predictions when Nash equilibrium criteria fall silent. In contrast to some recent studies, the findings suggest the flow of wives into the labor force in the last few decades has probably reduced the amount of husbands' work. The model also provides plausible responses to various policies. For example, we find that any effort to promote opportunities for partial retirement as a means to increase overall work is likely to be unsuccessful as any induced decline in full retirements is offset by a decrease in full-time work.
'Currents and eddies': Indian-Middle East migration processes

Migration begets migration in a constant flow of currents and eddies with people moving in to fill the niches vacated by emigrants thus blurring boundaries and spaces. This paper explores the nested complexities of the migration processes between India and the Middle East, and within India, from the regional perspective of Kerala. It assesses the claim that migration flows do not yield to a particular framing, highlighting the necessity of rethinking existing theoretical notions in terms of dependency and development and locating the migrants in multiple domains across spaces, regions and social locales as well as the practical implications thereof. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.