Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amplified Decoupling in the Global Economy: The Case of Bilateral Investment Treaties

Developing countries adopt global policies in their quest for economic development. Studies show that such policies are decoupled from their intended effects, or that over time, they become more effective. But what if the opposite happens and policies, which were initially efficacious, become increasingly decoupled with time? We recognize this phenomenon as amplified decoupling. Combining historical and quantitative analysis, we examine a case of bilateral investment treaties (BITs), established to protect and promote foreign direct investment (FDI). The influence of BITs on FDI is significant in the early periods but becomes weaker over time. Historical analysis reveals the unexpected role of (post)communist countries in using BITs for geopolitical purposes and highlight the impact of international organizations which broker treaty signing among pairs of developing countries engaged in economic diplomacy. We suggest that amplified decoupling can result because of institutional multivalence, whereby practical actors reframe and repurpose policies toward uses that were originally unintended.
Far-infrared characteristics of NaCl and alkali halide

The optical and dielectric properties of NaCl and alkali halide are studied by Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) technique from 0.3 THz to 1.4 THz. The absorption spectral features of measured samples are discussed based on their characteristic and common features. Further, the measured complex refractive index and dielectric functions of NaCl are well fitted by a standard Lorentz model. Theoretical calculations indicate that characteristic phonon resonance of NaCl is dominated by the transverse optical phonon mode at 5.10 THz.
Synthesis of Hollow Polymer Nanocapsules Exploiting Gold Nanoparticles as Sacrificial Templates

This paper describes a new approach for the synthesis of hollow functional polymer nanocapsules, which exploits gold nanoparticles as sacrificial templates. Two different functional diblock polymers have been coassembled on the gold nanoparticles prior to gold removal. The block polymers (made by RAFT polymerization) consisted of a biocompatible polymer segment, either (poly(oligoethylene glycol) acrylate, P(OEG-A), or poly(hydroxylpropylacrylamide), P(HPMA) and a cross-linkable segment comprised of an alternating copolymer of styrene (Sty) and maleic anhydride (MA), (Sty-alt-MA). The block copolymers were assembled onto the GNP surfaces using a grafting “onto” methodology exploiting the high affinity of the RAFT end-groups for the gold surface. The anhydride group was utilized to cross-link the polymer layer. Finally, the gold cores were removed using aqua regia without affecting the integrity of the polymers chains or the nanocapsules. All reaction and assembly steps were characterized by employing a ra.
Einfluss kolostraler Antikörper auf die postvakzinale Immunantwort bei neonatalen Kälbern

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, herauszufinden, wie effizient Impfungen junger Kalber sind und in welchem Masse maternale Antikorper die Immunantwort von Kalbern reduzieren. Bei fruhen Impfungen des Kalbes kommen sich der passive Schutz und die aktive Immunisierung oft in die Quere. Im Versuch wurden 20 Kuhpaare und deren Kalber beobachtet. Jeweils eine Kuh eines Versuchspaares wurde vor dem Geburtstermin mit einem Placebo geimpft (Gruppe A), die andere mit dem Impfstoff Leucogen® (Gruppe B). Die Kalber wurden alle mit Kolostrum ihrer Mutter getrankt und erhielten am 10. Lebenstag Leucogen® parenteral verabreicht. Blutproben wurden im Labor mittels Elisa auf FeLV-Antikorper untersucht. 30% der geimpften Kuhe zeigten eine Serokonversion. Dreizehn dieser zwanzig Tiere gaben Antikorper an ihre Kalber weiter. Elf Kalber aus B konvertierten nicht, im Gegensatz zu vier Kalbern aus A. Die passive Immunisierung beeinflusst also die Impfreaktion des Neonaten. Alle serokonvertierenden Kalber wiesen anfangs eine tiefe Antikorper-Konzentration auf. A- Kalber zeigten im Mittel eine starkere Impfreaktion als B-Kalber. Zudem zeigten Kalber der Gruppe B, mit anfanglich tiefem, passivem Antikorper-Niveau, eine starkere Serokonversion im Vergleich zu den Kalbern aus derselben Gruppe mit anfanglich hoheren Antikorper- Konzentrationen. In zwei Dritteln der Falle, in denen keine maternalen Antikorper vorlagen, fuhrte die fruhe Impfung zu einer angemessenen Reaktion beim Kalb. Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of vaccination on young calves and to see in which manner the maternal antibodies reduce the immunological response in calves. At an early stage of life the passive protection and the active vaccination often interfere with each other. Twenty matched-pairs of cows and their offsprings were studied. Of each pair, one cow received a placebo before term (group A) and the other was vaccinated with Leucogen® (group B). All calves received colostrum from their respective mother. Ten days after birth all calves were vaccinated with Leucogen®. Blood samples from the cows and calves were taken. An ELISA test was done to define the FeLV antibody concentration. 30 % of the B- cows showed a seroconversion. Thirteen out of twenty vaccinated cows passed the antibodies onto their calves. Eleven calves of group B did not convert, and four calves of group A. Mother’s vaccination has therefore a direct influence on the calf’s reaction to its own vaccination. All seroconverted calves had low antibody concentration before their vaccination. An average of calves of group A showed a higher reaction to vaccination than the calves of group B. Further, calves of group B with a low passiv antibody level in the beginning showed a higher seroconversion as compared to calves with higher antibody concentration of the same group. The study proves that two thirds of the calves without maternal antibodies reacted adequately to the vaccination.
Electrochromism of Mg-Ni hydride switchable mirrors

Switchable mirrors have so far been made of rare-earth and rare-earth-magnesium based metal-hydrides. In this investigation we study Mg-Ni-hydrides, which have been shown by Richardson et al. to exhibit switchable properties similar to those of the rare-earth hydrides. Cyclic voltammetry on MgzNiHx samples with 0.8 less than z less than 3.7 shows that addition of one Mg atom per Mg2Ni gives the best ab/desorption kinetics for hydrogen. X- ray diffraction reveals a structural change as hydrogen is absorbed. The metal-insulator transition is confirmed with simultaneous resistivity measurements. A pressure- composition isotherm of Mg2NiHx is also determined electrochemically. Optical spectrometry during gas loading gives an optical band gap of 1.6 eV for Mg2NiH4. This gap increases with increasing Mg content in a way similar to that of the Mg-doped rare-earth hydrides.
TRPV1 (vanilloid receptor, capsaicin receptor) agonists and antagonists

The vanilloid receptors (TRPVs) are a family of cation channels expressed both in neural and non-neural cells, which act as sensors for a variety of physical (heat, osmolarity) and ionic (increase of acidity, depletion of calcium stores) stimuli. As a druggable integrator of noxious signals and the target of the hot dietary alkaloid capsaicin, TRPV1 (vanilloid receptor 1, capsaicin receptor) has so far overshadowed the other vanilloid receptors. Ligand gating of TRPV1 is provided by a heterogeneous group of compounds named vanilloids, of which two prototypes (Nacylphenolamines and homovanillates) have been extensively investigated. Inhibition of vanilloid activity underlies the therapeutic application of vanilloids in a variety of diseases, such as chronic pain, bladder disorders and cough, and can be achieved by desensitisation or by antagonism. Both strategies have been pursued, resulting in the discovery of some promising compounds which have entered clinical trials.
Benzimidazole Fungicides: Mechanism of Action and Biological Impact

The wide application of benzimidazoles in agriculture and veterinary medi­ cine as fungicides and anthelminthic drugs, and their experimental use in cancer chemotherapy, has led to intensive research to elucidate their mode of action in detail. These studies show that bioactive benzimidazoles are specific inhibitors of microtubule assembly that act by binding to their heterodimeric subunit, the tubulin molecule. Most of the original literature on antifungal benzimidazoles has already been discussed in a number of reviews (4, 10, 1 3, 14, 19, 52). This chapter, therefore, does not give an extensive review of the complete literature but rather discusses those experiments that made essential contributions to the development of the research area. Much of our knowledge stems from research in fungal cell biology and molecular genetics that uses benzimidazoles as tools to study tubulin structure and the organization and function of microtubules. Rapid progress is being made in the latter areas, which ultimately will lead to a complete characterization of the benzimidazole binding site at the tubulin molecule and its role in microtubule assembly.
Effect of Opposing Tangential Primary Air Jets on the Flue Gas Velocity Deviation for Large-Scale Tangentially Fired Boilers

An experimental and numerical study on the effect of opposing tangential primary air jets with different biased angles on aerodynamic fields in the furnace and the flue gas velocity deviation in the horizontal flue gas pass was carried out in a tangentially fired boiler model of a 600 MW unit. The results show that the flow fields in the left and right sides of the upper furnace are obviously different and the gas velocity deviation in the horizontal flue gas pass is large for the original tangentially fired system. However, the actual tangential circle diameter in the furnace, the residual swirl intensity at the furnace exit, and the flue gas velocity deviation in the horizontal flue gas pass will be reduced when the appropriate opposing tangential angle of primary air jets is adopted in a new tangential firing system. The appropriate opposing tangential angle of primary air jets is 10−15° relative to the original primary air jets, and the ratio of opposing tangential momentum flux moment to tangential m.
Functionalization of Titanium Surfaces via Controlled Living Radical Polymerization: From Antibacterial Surface to Surface for Osteoblast Adhesion

Controlled surface graft polymerizations allowed a wide range of functionalities, from antibacterial effects to cell adhesion properties, to be imparted on titanium surfaces. A trichlorosilane coupling agent, containing an atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator, was first immobilized on the oxidized titanium (Ti−OH) surface to cater for the surface-initiated ATRP of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The pendant hydroxyl end groups of the grafted HEMA chains were subsequently converted into carboxyl or amine groups to allow the coupling of gentamicin, penicillin, or collagen via the carbodiimide chemistry. The functionalized Ti surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and assayed for antibacterial activities or cell adhesion properties. The covalently immobilized antibiotics retain the antibacterial properties, as indicated by a significant reduction in the viability of contacting Staphylococcus aureus. The collagen-immobilized surfaces, on the other hand, promote fi.
Current perspectives on the terrestrial carbon cycle

Over the last 5 or so years, there have been significant advances in the understanding of the current role of the terrestrial biosphere in the global carbon cycle, especially in terms of how pools and fluxes are affected by variations in climate (including interannual variability as well as longer-term climate change), increases in atmospheric CO 2 concentrations and changed rates of atmospheric nitrogen deposition. At the same time, significant advances have been made in terms of both direct measurement of ecosystem productivity and in an understanding of the key underlying mechanisms modulating carbon fluxes from terrestrial systems. A brief synopsis of these advances is the subject of this paper. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1999. 00016.x
Intramolecular transfer of high energy in cellulose

The intramolecular transfer of high energy in purified cotton cellulose has been demonstrated to occur over distances several times greater than the length of the b axis of a cellobiose unit. The electron spin resonance spectra of fibrous benzoylated cotton cellulose have shown that the concentrations of free radicals initiated in the cellulosic molecule by γ-radiation from Co60 are decreased by the presence of substituted benzoyl groups spaced at least as far apart as 70–80 A. The retention of the breaking strength of fibrous cotton cellulose on exposure to γ-radiation is increased by substitution of benzoyl groups on the cellulose molecule. The substitution of benzoyl groups, spaced at least as far apart as 10–20 A. , results in about 80% retention of the initial strength of the fibrous cellulose at dosages as high as 1.3 × 1021 e.v. /g. cellulose, as compared with about 20% retention of the initial strength of unsubstituted cellulose at the same dosage. Based on the breaking strengths of the irradiated fibrous celluloses, at a dosage of 1.3 × 1021 e.v. /g. cellulose, the average calculated distances between molecular cleavages are increased from about 500 A. for unsubstituted cellulose to about 3000 A. for benzoylated cellulose (degree of substitution 2.0). These energy transfer effects in cellulose of high molecular weight indicate that polymeric carbohydrates can be radioprotected.
Aerobic Biotransformation of N-Nitrosodimethylamine and N-Nitrodimethylamine by Benzene-, Butane-, Methane-, Propane-, and Toluene-Fed Cultures

ABSTRACT N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is an emerging contaminant of concern. N-nitrodimethylamine (DMNA) is a structural analog to NDMA. NDMA and DMNA have been found in drinking water, groundwater, and other media and are of concern due their toxicity. The authors evaluated biotransformation of NDMA and DMNA by cultures enriched from contaminated groundwater growing on benzene, butane, methane, propane, or toluene. Maximum specific growth rates of enriched cultures on butane (μmax = 1.1 h−1) and propane (μmax = 0.65 h−1) were 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than those presented in the literature. Growth rates of mixed cultures grown on benzene (μmax = 1.3 h−1), methane (μmax = 0.09 h−1), and toluene (μmax = 0.99 h−1) in these studies were similar to those presented in the literature. NDMA biotransformation rates for methane oxidizers (υmax = 1.4 ng min−1 mg−1) and toluene oxidizers (υmax = 2.3 ng min−1 mg−1) were comparable to those presented in the literature, whereas the biotransformation rate for propane oxidizers (υmax = 0.37 ng min−1 mg−1) was lower. NDMA biotransformation rates for benzene oxidizers (υmax = 1.02 ng min−1 mg−1) and butane oxidizers (υmax = 1.2 ng min−1 mg−1) were comparable to those reported for other primary substrates. These studies showed that DMNA biotransformation rates for benzene (υmax = 0.79 ng min−1 mg−1), butane (υmax = 1.0 ng min−1 mg−1), methane (υmax = 2.1 ng min−1 mg−1), propane (υmax = 1.46 ng min−1 mg−1), and toluene (υmax = 0.52 ng min−1 mg−1) oxidizers were all comparable. These studies highlight potential bioremediation methods for NDMA and DMNA in contaminated groundwater.
Evolution of vinyl chloride conversion below critical micelle concentration: A response surface analysis

Utilizing response surface methodology, the conversion of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) was monitored when the polymerization temperature, the type of surfactant, and the weight ratio of water‐to‐monomer (W/M) were taken as the emulsion polymerization variables. Because the homogeneous nucleation was found to be the dominant mechanism in VCM emulsion polymerization, irrespective of the surfactant concentration, the whole experiments have been carried out below critical micelle concentration of the used surfactants. Among all the studied variables, the polymerization temperature appeared as the most effective parameter; moreover, its interactive effect with W/M caused different trends in the alteration of final conversion being observed. Also, depending on the reaction temperature, the VCM conversion would be affected by the type of the surfactant used. Contrarily, simultaneous change in the type of surfactant and W/M revealed an insignificant effect on the evolution of VCM conversion. The optimization of final conversion of VCM was also accessible through contour plots of response surface methodology. It is worth noting that, taking a conventional approach into consideration, the alteration of VCM conversion seemed to be a monotonic function of temperature. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL. , 21:157–165, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of migrating poly(ethylene terephthalate) oligomers in corn oil

Methode d'analyse du bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate et de ses oligomeres dans l'huile de mais. Ces composes polymerises sont utilises dans le conditionnement. Dosage par chromatographie HPLC. Etude de la migration des oligomeres dans les aliments soumis a differents modes de conditionnement et a un chauffage au four traditionnel et a micro-ondes
A polarizable model for water using distributed charge sites

An algorithm is proposed for treating many‐body polarization effects that is suitable for molecular dynamics simulations of polar fluids. As an application of the procedure we have augmented an existing point charge model for water. Using reasonable parameters, the characteristic water structure and liquid binding energy can be reproduced. The resulting effective dipole moment of a water molecule in water is found to be 2.85 D.
New flavones from Artocarpus communis Forst.

Three new prenylflavones, KB-1 (1), KB-2 (2) and KB-3(3) have been isolated from Indonesian Artocarpus communis FORST. The structures of these flavones were determine by analyses of their 1H-and 13C-NMR spectra including HMBC technique. All these compounds exhibited strong cytotoxic activities against leukemia cells (L-1210) in tissue culture
The 2p absorption spectra of 3d transition metal compounds in tetrahedral and octahedral symmetry

The authors present the 2p (L2,3) absorption spectra of first-row transition metal ions in tetrahedral and octahedral crystal field symmetry. These have been calculated using a localized description for the 3dn to 2p53dn+1 excitation including electrostatic and spin-orbit interactions. The spectra are significantly different from those already presented where the 3d spin-orbit interaction was neglected. The spectral shape provides a valence- and symmetry-selective probe. Whereas it changes gradually with the crystal field, abrupt changes in the spectra are indicative of high-spin to low-spin transitions. These spin transitions are accompanied by a strong decrease in the 2p branching ratio. The calculated spectra provide a basis for the use of L2,3 absorption spectroscopy in materials science and biological science. The limitations of these calculations and the use of configuration interaction are discussed.
Imaging of individual polymers undergoing flow in a bed of small spheres

Flexible DNA molecules are imaged by fluorescence microscopy while undergoing convection through micron-sized pores of a packed sphere bed. To circumvent the high pressures of a closed channel design, an open channel microfluidic device is selected such that sphere wicking drives convection. Image analysis yields the average level of chain stretching and the average DNA migration rate as a function of Deborah number De for ratios of sphere diameter to coil radius of gyration of order 1 to 10. Visualizations also reveal the transient localized conformations and trajectories of individual molecules, which can migrate only by traversing coil-sized pore constrictions. Two De (flow) transitions are noted: the first, at De ∼ 0.3, leads to limited chain stretching, while the second, at De ∼ 1, leads to gross chain stretching via a mechanism of entanglement about sphere contact points. Entangled chains adopt elongated “U”- and “J”-shaped conformations, which are relaxed by “pulley-like” sliding over entanglement .
Graphene-based structural adhesive to enhance adhesion performance

This paper proposes the design of a new graphene nano-modified formulation to enhance the mechanical performance of structural adhesives. Well-characterized graphene platelets, produced through an effective approach for bulk production and morphology control, were embedded at different contents inside an epoxy adhesive based on tetraglycidylmethylene dianiline (TGMDA). The adhesive formulations were used to manufacture bonded joints, according to ASTM 2095, to analyze the effect of graphene platelets on the tensile strength of the joints. The effect of incorporating graphene in the adherents was also considered. Epoxy adhesives filled with graphene at a concentration of 1 wt% significantly enhanced the mechanical behavior of the bonded joints. Only in the case of unfilled adherents, the inclusion of 4 wt% graphene did not have a significant effect on the mechanical performance. This is likely due to the agglomeration of nanofillers causing heterogeneity in large domains at the interface between adherents and adhesives. The effect of graphene incorporation in the adherents, acting on the chemical compatibility between adhesives and adherent surfaces, led to a considerable increase in tensile strength in comparison with the corresponding joints with unfilled adherents. This beneficial effect is most probably due to the cumulative effects of intermolecular interactions between the graphene platelets and resin networks.
Contrary effects of the water radiolysis product H2O2 upon th dissolution of nuclear fuel in natural ground water and deionized water

Summary Radiolysis of water is a phenomenon which alters the prevailing conditions in the nearfield of a final geological repository for high-level nuclear waste (HLW), because the nominally anoxic conditions in the repository may change due to the production of oxidants close to the solid-liquid interface of the fuel, caused by the alpha radiolysis of water. The influence of water chemistry and oxidant concentration in the liquid phase was tested by experiments which simulate chemical radiolysis effects. Leaching experiments with solutions of de-ionized water (DI) and natural groundwater (GW) containing the water radiolysis product H2O2 in various concentrations were performed contacting pellets of depleted UO2 as a solid phase. After the experiment, U concentration was measured and the solid surfaces was examined with scanning electron microscopy and electron-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Uranium concentrations showed an unexpected behaviour; at low H2O2 concentrations in solution, U concentrations were highest. U concentrations in the groundwater leachates were always lower than in pure water. The SEM-EDX examination showed the presence of different alteration phases on the sample. The sample surfaces treated in pure water showed optically a yellow discolouration and were covered with a thick layer of oxidation products. In the case of the treatment in groundwater, the samples remained black, and no dense layer was formed. Instead, crystals of octahedral shape were found on the surface, while the matrix grain structure remained intact. All alteration phases were found to contain only U (and possibly O, H, and C also). A reaction mechanism is proposed for the oxidation reactions taking place under the various conditions. Comparisons with natural analogues and previous work are made, and geochemical solubility limits of possible newly formed substances are examined. The results suggest that different polymorphs of uranium(IV) oxyhydroxides (para-, meta-schoepite, hemihydrate) and of uranium(VI) peroxide (Studtite, meta-studtite) have formed, and that in the case of the samples treated with groundwater, a scavenging mechanism, possibly controlled by an ion present in groundwater, leads to the deactivation of H2O2 in the solution.