cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An overview of the literature on barriers to the diffusion of renewable energy sources in agriculture

Abstract This paper discusses the current status of the literature on barriers to the diffusion of renewable energy sources at an international level. A barrier may be defined as any ‘negative factor’ that relates to the marketing and utilization of a technology or source and hampers its widespread use; these may be economic and commercial, operative, social or institutional factors. The literature reviewed here has been selected from international databases and from other Italian sources. This paper is mainly concerned with renewable energy sources in general, solar energy, biomass conversion for energy production (thermochemical and biochemical processes) and wind power for electricity generation. The evaluation carried out has demonstrated the importance of economic barriers in terms of competitiveness with conventional energy sources. Operative barriers are also relevant. Consequently, easy-to-run, automatic and simple plants are to be preferred when a renewable energy source is introduced at the farm or village level. In addition, there is a need to intensify research in the field in order to develop suitable renewable energy plants and to overcome the barriers which still exist.
Update in the Management of Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease, comprised of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Up to 40 % of patients with inflammatory bowel disease can develop inflammation in other organ systems of the body. These extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) can affect the musculoskeletal, ocular, mucocutaneous, and hepatobiliary systems. Symptoms related to EIM can result in impaired quality of life, and complications of EIM can lead to disfigurement, functional deficits, and even life-threatening organ dysfunction. Some EIM parallel the activity of IBD, and respond to treatment of the underlying disease. Others, however, follow an independent course and require targeted treatment.
Quantum algorithms for colored Jones polynomials

We review the q-deformed spin networks and apply these methods to produce unitary representations of the braid groups that are dense in the unitary groups. The simplest case of these models is the Fibonacci model, itself universal for quantum computation. We formulate these braid group representations in a form suitable for computation and algebraic work and apply them to quantum algorithms for the computation of colored Jones polynomials and the Witten-Reshetikhin-Turaev Invariants.
Activation of brainstem catecholaminergic neurons by conditioned and unconditioned aversive stimuli as revealed by c-Fos immunoreactivity

Abstract In an attempt to define areas of the brain that respond to stressors and influence immune function, we have previously identified stress-induced, c-Fos-immunoreactive areas of the diencephalon. We found that c-Fos was strongly expressed in cells of the paraventricular nuclei (some of which contain corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and other hypothalamic areas directly associated with autonomic function. To further characterize the presumptive pathways mediating stress-induced immune alterations, including the assessment of brainstem catecholaminergic neuron involvement, the induction of c-Fos immunoreactivity was examined in the brainstems of rats exposed to conditioned and unconditioned, immunomodulating stimuli. In response to electric footshock (the unconditioned stimulus (US)), c-Fos immunoreactivity was strongly induced in the noradrenergic neurons of the locus ceruleus (A6), the nucleus of the solitary tract (A2/C2), the ventral lateral medulla (A1/C1), A5, and A7, as well as in unidentified neurons of the dorsal and ventral subdivisions of the periqueductal gray (PAG), and in the serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe nuclei. Conditioned animals re-exposed to the conditioned stimulus showed c-Fos induction in these same areas but to a lesser degree. Control animals exposed only to the conditioning stimulus (CS) (electronic tone) in the absence of the US, expressed very little, if any, c-Fos activity in the above loci except for a small degree of baseline expression in the PAG. These results further confirm the role of autonomic and endocrine pathways as mediators of the stress response and will help to more fully characterize the pathways of stress-induced immune alteration.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus After α-Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus After α-Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Early-Life Adversity and Choice of the Social Work Profession

Abstract Social work students have reported comparatively high incidences of adverse early-life experiences, yet little is known about the extent of these experiences among professional social workers or how they may affect the choice of social work. This study addresses many of the shortcomings of previous studies, with respondents drawn from a national random sample of social workers and a comparison group made up of college-educated professional persons outside of social work. The findings reveal that the social work sample was not characterized by greater early-life adversity than that found among professional persons generally. Possible interpretations include an association between early-life adversity and shorter stays in the profession, and cohort differences in occupational choice influences.
Thrust augmentor inlet optimization

A zonal computational method is developed to optimize inlet shape and primary nozzle location for twodimensional thrust augmenting ejectors. An inviscid zone comprising the irrotational flow about the device is patched together with a viscous zone containing the turbulent mixing flow. The inviscid region is computed by a higher order panel method, while an integral method is used for the description of the viscous part. A nonlinear, constrained optimization study is undertaken for the design of the inlet region. In this study, boundary layer separation on the walls of the inlet is taken into account through the use of a penalty function. Two nondimensional groups, a thrust based Reynolds number, and the ratio formed by the freestream velocity and a characteristic velocity of the jet, are found to be important parameters in the design of an optimal inlet.
Non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas of stage III extent. Is total lymphoid irradiation appropriate treatment?

Many investigators have regarded Stage III lymphomas as a generalized form of disease and have accordingly recommended systemic treatment programs. Between 1961 and 1973, 68 patients with clinical or pathologic Stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were seen in the Division of Radiation Therapy at Stanford University Medical Center and were treated by high dose (3500 rads or more) total lymphoid radiation therapy only. Of the 17 patients who had a diffuse histologic pattern, the actuarial survival at 5 years was 39%, but only three patients have remained free of disease. In contrast, for the 51 patients who had a nodular histologic pattern, the actuarial survivals at 5 and 10 years were 75% and 65%, respectively. Corresponding relapse-free survivals for patients with nodular lymphomas were 43% and 33%, respectively. Of 28 patients who relapsed with nodular lymphomas, 18 (64%) had relapses confined to lymph nodes; six of these were extensions to previously unirradiated epitrochlear-brachial nodes. Seven of the 18 patients were treated only with further conventional external radiation therapy at the time of their relapses and remain free of disease for additional periods of 2 to 5 years. Hence, 30 of 51 (59%) patients with nodular lymphomas have thus far been controlled by high dose total lymphoid irradiation only. Over 90% of relapses among patients with nodular lymphomas were seen within the first 5 years. The data suggest that high dose conventional radiation therapy to incorporate not only the routine total lymphoid fields but also the epitrochlear, mesenteric, and Waldeyer's ring region has curative potential even in Stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, especially in the nodular group.
Vibrational spectra of uranium (IV) borohydride and uranium (IV) borodeuteride

Abstract The compositions of the equilibrium vapors above U(BH4)4 and U(BD4)4 at 23° were analyzed by mass spectrometry and only monomeric molecular ions, U(BH4-x)y+, were detected. Infrared spectra for the molecules were recorded in the frequency range 4000-200 cm−1 for vapors contained in a variable path (1–20m) cell at 23°, from inert gas, low temperature matrices and low temperature thin-films. The data collected in this study are correlated with previously recorded data from vapors of U(BH4)4 generated at 40–50°. Several spectral features pertinent to the eventual complete vibrational spectroscopic definition of U(BH4)4 and U(BD4)4 are discussed.
The effects of the number of neighbors in multihop wireless networks

Purpose – In multihop wireless networks, the number of neighbors has an important role in the network performance since links are dynamically formed between a node and its neighbors. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approach – The paper quantitatively studies the effects of the average number of neighbors in multihop wireless networks on the network connectivity, the number of hops needed to traverse a certain distance, which can be used to determine the hop diameter of a network, and the total energy consumed by packet transmission, which can be used to choose an optimum average number of neighbors that minimizes the energy consumption. This paper also presents an analysis of the energy consumption that can be applied to a wide range of access protocols and show the effect of a variety of factors.Findings – Results show that the minimum average number of neighbors to guarantee the overall network connectivity depends on the size of a network coverage. There is a sharp knee in ...
Pregibit: a family of binary choice models

The pregibit binary choice model is built on a distribution that allows symmetry or asymmetry and thick tails, thin tails, or no tails. Thus, the model is much more flexible than the traditional binary choice models: pregibit nests logit, approximately nests probit, loglog, cloglog, and gosset models and incorporates the linear probability model. Greater flexibility allows a more accurate estimation of the data-generating process, including asymmetric and thick/thin tails. We prove that the maximum likelihood estimator of the pregibit model is consistent and asymptotically normally distributed. A Monte Carlo analysis and two real-world examples show that probit and logit estimates may show misleading evidence in cases where a pregibit model is statistically preferred. One example concerns enrollment in post-secondary education in Belgium: The pregibit estimate of the enrollment gap between Belgian natives and foreign students is 50 % larger, and the type of high school (general, technical, catholic) is more influential. The second example examines the outcome of mortgage applications in the USA. Here, pregibit estimates assign a stronger role to variables that measure the financial strength of mortgage applicants and a weaker role to demographic characteristics including minority status. More importantly, the distribution of the disturbances proves to be seriously skewed: Pregibit indicates that even high-risk applicants (with a probit acceptance probability of nearly 0) have a positive probability of getting their mortgage application approved. Apparently, mortgage officers are more inclined to uncover reasons to make a mortgage deal than to send clients away empty-handed.
A ROBUST ALGORITHM FOR ELLIPSE-BASED DISCRETE ELEMENT MODELLING OF GRANULAR MATERIALS

Abstract With recent research indicating the importance of the rolling mechanism of deformation in granular systems consisting of perfectly round particles, it has become popular to use ellipse-shaped particles in the Discrete Element Method ( DEM ) numerical model. Inherent in this technique is the need for accurately computing ellipse to ellipse intersection, in order to properly detect contact formation and compute relative contact velocities. However, the commonly used algorithms for computing ellipse-ellipse intersection are generally poorly conditioned and can be inaccurate. An alternate method for computing ellipse-ellipse intersection is developed and presented which results in a well-conditioned, stable and accurate contact detection method. These modification are incorporated into the general DEM algorithm.
Worldwide legal requirements for obtaining corneas: 1990.

Cornea transplantation offers the hope of restoring useful vision to millions of individuals worldwide. Yet it is widely used only in certain countries. While a lack of the necessary economic and technical infrastructure is the primary reason in many countries, the legal and social systems pose a si
Mixed conducting ceramic membranes for gas separation and reaction

Abstract The development of dense ceramic membranes for separating and reacting various gaseous components has been under intense investigation during the past several years. Such applications include the separation of oxygen from air, the partial oxidation of methane and other hydrocarbons, and the separation of hydrogen from synthesis gas or other hydrogen-containing process streams. The US Department of Energy is currently sponsoring major efforts in the development of these membranes for advanced power and fuels production applications. This article provides an overview of the current programme. Particular emphasis is placed on the separation of oxygen from air.
OLDER ADULTS AS PEER COUNSELORS: CONSIDERATIONS IN COUNSELOR TRAINING WITH THE ELDERLY

The use of peer counselors with various populations has had a major impact on many areas of mental health service provision, including services to the elderly. Training older persons to serve as peer counselors requires specific attention to characteristics of older adult learners. This paper offers practical suggestions for the design and implementation of peer counseling programs for older adults. These suggestions include both general principles to serve as a guide in developing a program, such as selection of trainees, setting training goals, and providing follow‐up training and supervision, and specific recommendations on conducting effective training, including group size, number and length of sessions, educational format, and leadership qualities.
Congenital anomalies in the baboon (Papio spp.).

Background A comprehensive survey of the prevalence of congenital anomalies in baboons has not been previously reported. We report the congenital anomalies observed over a 26-year period in a large captive baboon colony. Methods A computer search was performed for all baboon congenital anomalies identified at necropsy and recorded on necropsy submissions. Results We identified 198 congenital anomalies in 166 baboons from 9972 necropsies (1.66% of total necropsies). The nervous, urogenital, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems were most commonly affected. The most common organs affected were the brain, bone, heart, testicle, kidney, penis, aorta, and skeletal muscle. The most frequent congenital anomalies were blindness, seizures, and hydrocephalus. Conclusions The baboon has an overall frequency of congenital anomalies similar to humans and other non-human primates. Although the most frequently affected systems are similar, congenital anomalies involving the digestive system appear to be less common in the baboon.
The power of the small

We review some of the ways clusters offer special kinds of insights both into properties of bulk matter and properties unique to small systems. We then survey some of the tantalizing open questions that lie ahead in cluster science.
Laparoscopic nephrectomy in xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: 7-year single-surgeon outcome.

Objective To evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN). Methods The medical and procedural records of patients with pathologically confirmed XGPN from February 2004 to December 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. During this period, 19 patients (mean age 37.5 years, range 14-77) underwent surgical management of XGPN. The records of the clinical history, mode of presentation, surgical management, hospital stay, and complications were analyzed. Results Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed successfully in 14 patients (73.2%); 5 patients required conversion to open surgery. Of these 5 patients, 3 electively underwent conversion to open surgery because of nonprogression of the procedure, and in 2 patients, conversion was performed on an emergency basis because of bleeding from hilar vessels in 1 patient and diaphragmatic injury in the other. The operative time was 284 minutes (range 181-340), with a mean estimated blood loss of 220 mL (range 90-500) and mean analgesic (tramadol) requirement of 150 mg (range 50-500). Clavien grade I complications occurred in 2 patients, grade II in 3, and grade IIIa in 1 patient. Two patients had grade IVb complications. One patient required a blood transfusion. The mean hospital stay duration and the return to routine activities was 4.4 days (range 2-37) and 21 days (range 12-66), respectively. Conclusion Laparoscopic nephrectomy, although challenging, can be performed safely in most patients with XGPN. A greater conversion rate and longer operative time should be expected, and early conversion to an open approach might be required in difficult cases owing to a failure to proceed.
Effect of early exclusive breastfeeding on morbidity among infants born to HIV-negative mothers in Zimbabwe

Background Early exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended by the World Health Organization, but EBF rates remain low throughout the world. For infants born to breastfeeding HIV-positive mothers, early EBF is associated with a lower risk of postnatal transmission than is feeding breast milk together with other liquids or foods. No studies conducted in Africa have reported any benefits of EBF for infants born to HIV-negative women. Objective The objective was to compare the rate of sick clinic visits by infants aged 43-182 d according to breastfeeding exclusivity [EBF, predominant breastfeeding (PBF), and mixed breastfeeding (MBF)]. Design We compared rates of all-cause clinic visits and clinic visits related to diarrhea and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among a cohort of 9207 infants of HIV-negative mothers during 2 age intervals: 43-91 and 92-182 d according to exclusivity of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding exclusivity was defined in 2 ways ("ever since birth" and "previous 7 d") and was assessed at 43 and 91 d. Results EBF between birth and 3 mo was significantly protective against diarrhea between 3 and 6 mo of age with the "ever since birth" definition [incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 8.83 (95% CI: 1.07, 65.53) and 8.76 (95% CI: 1.13, 68.09) for PBF and MBF, respectively] and with the "previous 7 d" definition [2.04 (95% CI: 1.11, 3.77) and 2.05 (95% CI: 1.13, 3.72) for PBF and MBF, respectively]. The adverse effect of MBF on LRTI visits was weaker, reaching borderline significance only by the "ever since birth" definition during the 43-91-d interval (IRR: 1.91; 95% CI: 0.99, 3.67). Conclusion Early EBF is associated with a significant reduction in sick clinic visits, especially those due to diarrhea.
Relaxin Receptors in the Human Female Anterior Cruciate Ligament

BackgroundNoncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries occur two to eight times more often in women than in men. Changes in ligament laxity and strength have been associated with female hormones such as relaxin.HypothesisRelaxin receptors are present within the female anterior cruciate ligament.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsRemnants of anterior cruciate ligament were harvested from five women and five men undergoing routine ligament reconstruction. Relaxin was biotinylated and analyzed for biologic activity with use of the mouse interpubic ligament bioassay. Immunohistochemical localization of relaxin receptors was performed with appropriate negative controls and competitive binding assays to determine receptor specificity and saturability.ResultsAnterior cruciate ligament sections from women but not from men showed uniform specific binding that was limited to synovial lining cells, stromal fibroblasts, and cells lining blood vessels. Specific binding was confirmed in the presence of a ...
Radiation Response of Mammalian Cells Grown in Culture: I. Repair of X-Ray Damage in Surviving Chinese Hamster Cells

The generally observed threshold type of response of the lethal effect of x rays on cultured mammaliam cells means that damage must be accumulated before a lethal response is prcduced. Surviving cells are, therefore, damaged cells. A study was undertaken, using two-cell lines of the Chinese hamster propagated in vitro, to determine whether or not sublethal damage is heritsble, as might be expected if lethal damage is primarily genic. Using 55-kv x rays, glass-attached cells, and colony formation as a criterion of survival, it was found that the cell lines studied displayed mean lethal doses close to those found with other mammalian cell lines (100 to 150 rads). In contrast to other mamlian cell lines, the extrapolation or "hitmess'' numbers observed were somewhat larger (5 to 10). Surviving cells rapidly repaired their sublethal damage, which appeared to be completed before their first postirradiation division. The system(s) responsible for recovery in surviving cells was not attenuated by repeated exposures. The results are discussed in connection with the question of the primary sites of action of x rays in mammalian cells and the relevance of cellular recovery to radiation therapy. (auth)
National Health Systems Throughout the World

This article provides essential tools for reforming the U.S. health system. It describes the component elements of health systems and discusses the U.S. entrepreneurial health system. Several welfare-oriented examples are presented from which U.S. policymakers might draw, Germany being one case. Also explained are comprehensive health systems such as Great Britain's. The article also notes that even some developing countries, such as Sri Lanka, have managed to provide near 100% of their populations with complete health services. One cannot help but ask, why not in the United States? The socialist model is reviewed, and some general trends are sketched out.
Structure and expression of the overlapping genes for the subunits of Bacillus sahtilis aspartokinase II

Aspartokmase II of Bacillus subtilis is composed of two nonidentical subunits, a and b, arranged in an x,O, structure The two subunits are encoded by in-phase overlapping genes, which constitute a single operon. The promoter overlaps an adjacent open reading frame and is followed by an extensive leader sequencc that appears to function as a transcription attenuator. The transcription terminator of the aspartokinase II operon is shared with a converging transcription unit. The translation initiation sites of the aspartokinase II a and B subunits were defined by sequence analysis and site-directed mutagenesis. The study of specific deletion, frame-shift, and missense mutations clearly demonstrated that the aspartokinase II subunits are translated independently from overlapping genes.
Optical Absorptions of New Blue-Light Emitting Oligoquinolines Bearing Pyrenyl and Triphenyl Endgroups Investigated with Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory.

The optical absorption spectra of a family of four n-type conjugated oligomers, oligoquinolines, which can be commercially used to develop high-performance light-emitting diodes for their many desirable properties, have been recently calculated from time-depedent density functional theory (TDDFT) within the adiabatic approximation for the dynamical exchange-correlation potential. In this work, we investigate the optical absorption of two new family members of the blue-light emitting oligoquinolines bearing pyrenyl and triphenyl endgroups in gas phase and chloroform (CHCl3) solution employing the adiabatic TDDFT. The ionization potentials and electron affinities of these two oligoquinoline molecules are also calculated with the ground-state DFT, from which the adiabatic dynamical exchange-correlation potential is constructed. We show that the calculated optical absorptions are in good agreement with experiments. The ionization potentials obtained with the DFT methods agree well with the experimental estima...
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Somatosensory Evoked Magnetic Fields

Identification and localization of the neuronal sources generating somatosensory evoked responses is of both clinical and scientific interest. Localization of hand sensorimotor cortex is clinically important for patients undergoing surgical treatment of partial epilepsy, brain neoplasms and vascular malformations to avoid neurologic deficit. Electrophysiological techniques are required to localize sensorimotor cortex, as intraoperative visual inspection due to anatomical landmarks can be inaccurate in up to 50% of the cases (Wood et al., 1988). Usually, cortical stimulations or intraoperative evoked responses are used, but these techniques are time consuming and can increase operation time considerably. Thus, the improvement of non-invasive electrophysiological techniques for localization of sensorimotor cortex is warranted. Evoked responses are of scientific interest because exact location, time activity and interaction of its neuronal sources is still somewhat controversial (Allison et al., 1980)
Managing information resources at the department level: an agency perspective

The authors contrast the role of department-level information resource management with information resource management at the individual, institutional and market levels. They argue that changes in the economics of computing, which have decreased the economies of scale and specialization previously found in mainframe computing facilities at the institution level, make it feasible to locate information-resource management closer to the tasks where that information is used, and have caused a focus on agency costs of residual efficiency losses, monitoring, and bonding to arise. Desirable reductions agency costs have thus been pursued through a growth of departmental-level information-resource management. >
Effect of delamination on axially-loaded laminated plates

A simple one-dimensional model has been deve- loped and analyzed for predicting delamination buckling loads. The model is employed to predict critical loads for delaminated wide columns with both simply supported and clamped ends. The ef- fects of delamination position, size and thick- ness on the critical loads are studied in detail for both sets of boundary conditions. The results reveal that for certain geometries the buckling load can serve as a measure of the load carrying capacity of the delaminated configuration. In other cases, the buckling l oad is very s mall and delamination growth is a strong possibility, de- pending on the toughness of the material.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of N-Substituted N'-Cyano-O -(triorganostannyl)isoureas

Twenty-five N-substituted N'-cyano-O-(triorgano- stannyl)isoureas were synthesized by the reaction of (triphenyl- stannyl)cyanamide or (trimethylstannyl)cyanamide with various organic isocyanates. The IR spectrum of each compound was obtained over the 4000–30 cm− 1 range, and some bands were assigned. Six compounds were tested for, and found to exhibit, antifungal activity. One of these compounds was also investigated for antibacterial activity and was observed to be inhibitory toward Gram-positive species.
NF-κB activation enhances cell death by antimitotic drugs in human prostate cancer cells

NF-κB is a transcription factor that promotes inhibition of apoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy. It is commonly believed that inhibition of NF-κB activity can increase sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, there is evidence that NF-κB activation can sensitize cells to apoptosis and that inhibition of NF-κB results in resistance to chemotherapy. In prostate cancer, it is not clear in the different cell types (androgen-dependent and castration-resistant) if activation or inhibition of NF-κB is required for stimulation of apoptosis by chemotherapy. Our data indicate that the response of prostate cancer (PC) cells to the antimitotic drugs docetaxel (Doc) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is dependent on the levels of NF-κB activity. In androgen-dependent LNCaP cells, Doc and 2ME2 treatment increased the low basal NF-κB activity, as determined by Western blot analysis of phospho-IκBα/p65, NF-κB promoter reporter assays, and p65 localization. Treatment of LNCaP cells with parthenolide, a pharmacologic inhibitor of NF-κB, or introduction of dominant-negative IκBα, or an shRNA specific for p65, a component of the NF-κB heterodimer, blocked apoptosis induced by Doc and 2ME2. In castration-resistant DU145 and PC3 cells, Doc and 2ME2 had little effect on the high basal NF-κB activity and addition of parthenolide did not enhance cell death. However, the combination of Doc or 2ME2 with betulinic acid (BA), a triterpenoid that activates NF-κB, stimulated apoptosis in LNCaP and non-apoptotic cell death in DU145 and PC3 cells. Increased sensitivity to cell death mediated by the Doc or 2ME2 + BA combination is likely due to increased NF-κB activity. Our data suggest that the combination of antimitotic drugs with NF-κB inhibitors will have antagonistic effects in a common type of PC cell typical of LNCaP. However, combination strategies utilizing antimitotic drugs with BA, an activator of NF-κB, will universally enhance cell death in PC cells, notably in the aggressive, castration-resistant variety that does not respond to conventional therapies.
Open-Economy Politics: The Political Economy of the World Coffee Trade. By Robert H. Bates. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1997. 221p. $59.00 cloth, $18.95 paper.

For three decades political scientists have attempted to show that markets reflect the political institutions and politics within which they function. Also, many scholars have traced states' foreign economic policies to their domestic politics. Open-Economy Politics pushes both these projects forward with an extended case study of the world coffee market. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, Robert Bates takes us chronologically through key shifts in policies of the chief coffee trading countries-Brazil, Colombia, and the United States-especially the formation, operation, and collapse of the International Coffee Organization from 1962 through 1982.
Sanctification of Parenting, Moral Socialization, and Young Children's Conscience Development.

Religion is important to most U.S. families, but is often overlooked in research on children’s development. This study examined parental religious beliefs about the sanctification of parenting, parental disciplinary strategies, and the development of young children’s conscience in a sample of 58 two-parent families with a preschool child. Fathers were more punitive and used less induction when disciplining their children than did mothers. Maternal and paternal reports of the sanctification of parenting were positively related to positive socialization/praise and the use of induction. When mothers and fathers in the family were both using induction, children had higher scores on moral conduct. Parents’ use of positive socialization combined with a belief in the sanctification of parenting predicted children’s conscience development.
siRNAs from miRNA sites mediate DNA methylation of target genes

Arabidopsis microRNA (miRNA) genes (MIR) give rise to 20- to 22-nt miRNAs that are generated predominantly by the type III endoribonuclease Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) but do not require any RNA-dependent RNA Polymerases (RDRs) or RNA Polymerase IV (Pol IV). Here, we identify a novel class of non-conserved MIR genes that give rise to two small RNA species, a 20- to 22-nt species and a 23- to 27-nt species, at the same site. Genetic analysis using small RNA pathway mutants reveals that the 20- to 22-nt small RNAs are typical miRNAs generated by DCL1 and are associated with Argonaute 1 (AGO1). In contrast, the accumulation of the 23- to 27-nt small RNAs from the miRNA-generating sites is dependent on DCL3, RDR2 and Pol IV, components of the typical heterochromatic small interfering RNA (hc-siRNA) pathway. We further demonstrate that these MIR-derived siRNAs associate with AGO4 and direct DNA methylation at some of their target loci in trans. In addition, we find that at the miRNA-generating sites, some conserved canonical MIR genes also produce siRNAs, which also induce DNA methylation at some of their target sites. Our systematic examination of published small RNA deep sequencing datasets of rice and moss suggests that this type of dual functional MIRs exist broadly in plants.
BIOLOGICAL OXIDANTS AS INTESTINAL SECRETAGOGUES

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with the release by granulocytes of a variety of oxidants. These oxidants include hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, superoxide radicals and nitrogen-containing compounds, such as N-chloramines and nitric oxide and its metabolites. In-vivo experiments and clinical observations suggest that some or all of these oxidants may be involved in the pathophysiology of the diarrhoea that is a hallmark symptom of IBD. In vitro, all of these oxidants stimulate to varying degrees small intestinal and/or colonic electrolyte secretion. This chapter will focus principally on the action of monochloramine (formed from hypochlorous acid and ammonia) and nitric oxide (NO). Evidence is presented to support the idea that these oxidants act through direct and indirect mechanisms in the mucosa to stimulate electrolyte secretion. This may contribute to the accumulation of fluid in the intestine of patients with IBD and contribute to diarrhoea. NO is intriguing because it may physiologically stimulate absorption yet, at higher concentrations, stimulate secretion (as in IBD) and be involved in the diarrhoeagenic action of several laxatives.
Differential Effects of Dexamethasone and Doxycycline on Inflammation and MMP Production in Murine Alkali-Burned Corneas Associated with Dry Eye

Alkali burns to the cornea are among the most devastating injuries to the eye. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) or doxycycline (Doxy) on protease activity and corneal complications in a combined model (CM) of alkali burn and dry eye. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to the CM for 2 or 5 days (D). Mice were topically treated either with Dex (0.1%), Dox (0.025%) or vehicle QID and observed daily for appearance of corneal perforation. Quantitative real time PCR was performed to measure expression of inflammation cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in whole cornea lysates. No perforations were observed in the Dex-treated corneas. All wounds in Doxy-treated corneas were closed 2D post-injury, and they had significantly lower corneal opacity scores at days 4 and 5 post-injury compared to BSS treatment. Dex-treated corneas had the lowest corneal opacity scores. Dex treatment significantly decreased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, MMPs -1, -9, -13, and TIMP-1 after 2 days but increased levels of MMP-8, while Doxy treatment significantly decreased IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-8, and -9, compared to vehicle. Decreased MMP-1, -9 and -13 immunoreactivity and gelatinolytic activity were seen in corneas treated with Doxy and Dex compared to vehicle. Increased neutrophil infiltration and myeloperoxidase activity was noted in the vehicle group compared to Dex 2 days post-injury. These findings demonstrate that early initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy is very efficacious in preserving corneal clarity and facilitating wound healing, while modulating MMP production and suppressing neutrophil infiltration.
New frontiers in fibrotic disease therapies: The focus of the Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Center for Fibrotic Diseases at Thomas Jefferson University

Fibrotic diseases constitute a world-wide major health problem, but research support remains inadequate in comparison to the need. Although considerable understanding of the pathogenesis of fibrotic reactions has been attained, no completely effective therapies exist. Although fibrotic disorders are diverse, it is universally appreciated that a particular cell type with unique characteristics, the myofibroblast, is responsible for replacement of functioning tissue with non-functional scar tissue. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the creation of myofibroblasts and their activities is central to the development of therapies. Critical signaling cascades, initiated primarily by TGF-β, but also involving other cytokines which stimulate pro-fibrotic reactions in the myofibroblast, offer potential therapeutic targets. However, because of the multiplicity and complex interactions of these signaling pathways, it is very unlikely that any single drug will be successful in modifying a major fibrotic disease. Therefore, we have chosen to examine the effectiveness of administration of several drug combinations in a mouse pneumoconiosis model. Such treatment proved to be effective. Because fibrotic diseases that tend to be chronic, are difficult to monitor, and are patient variable, implementation of clinical trials is difficult and expensive. Therefore, we have made efforts to identify and validate non-invasive biomarkers found in urine and blood. We describe the potential utility of five such markers: (i) the EDA form of fibronectin (Fn(EDA)), (ii) lysyl oxidase (LOX), (iii) lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LoxL2), (iv) connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCNII), and (v) the N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP).
Self-other resonance, its control and prosocial inclinations: Brain-behavior relationships.

Humans seem to place a positive reward value on prosocial behavior. Evidence suggests that this prosocial inclination is driven by our reflexive tendency to share in the observed sensations, emotions and behavior of others, or “self-other resonance”. In this study, we examine how neural correlates of self-other resonance relate to prosocial decision-making. Subjects performed two tasks while undergoing fMRI: observation of a human hand pierced by a needle, and observation and imitation of emotional facial expressions. Outside the scanner, subjects played the Dictator Game with players of low or high income (represented by neutral-expression headshots). Subjects’ offers in the Dictator Game were correlated with activity in neural systems associated with self-other resonance and anticorrelated with activity in systems implicated in the control of pain, affect, and imitation. Functional connectivity between areas involved in self-other resonance and top-down control was negatively correlated with subjects’ offers. This study suggests that the interaction between self-other resonance and top-down control processes are an important component of prosocial inclinations towards others, even when biological stimuli associated with self-other resonance are limited. These findings support a view of prosocial decision-making grounded in embodied cognition. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1544-1558, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lattice Disorder in Br, Cl, and F Implanted CdS — Optical Reflection Study

Optical reflection spectra (3.45 to 5.90 eV) are presented for CdS implanted with 40 keV Br, Cl, and F at fluences between 1 × 1014 and 1 × 1017 cm-2 and followed by isochronal anneals up to 500° C. Two reflection peaks located at 0.252 μm (E1:A) and 0.226 μm (E1:B) present in crystalline CdS decrease with increasing fluence. The ratio (E1:A/E1:B = r) of the two peaks is ion species dependent. The Fl and Cl implants increase r with fluence, whereas for Br implants r remains constant. For each species, the fractional change of reflectivity (ΔR/Ri) of E1:A increases linearly with log fluence for fluences less than 3 × 1015 cm-2. However, for fluences larger than 7 × 1015 cm-2, ΔR/Ri saturates for Br implants, but increases superlinearly for Cl and F implants. Comparison with similar channeling measurements (CM) indicates that ΔR/Ri provides a more sensitive measurement of disorder for low fluences. For fluences above saturation levels found in CM, the correlation ranges from good for Br and F implants to poor for Cl implants. In the latter case, comparison is complicated by errors introduced into the measurement of Peak E1:A caused by variations of r between samples implanted with equal fluences. By causing fluctuations in peak overlap, these variations of r also produce fluctuations in Peak E1:A, and suggest the use of only isolated peaks in reflection spectroscopic analyses of lattice disorder.
Design and Analysis of Electric Bikes for Local Commutes

In today’s society, those who do not take advantage of public transportation services typically drive personal vehicles to school, work, and other locations of interest. Due to the required amount of physical exertion, walking or riding a bike is often avoided. This is concerning given that a large percentage of carbon and hazardous emissions emanate from motor vehicles. This creates a need for an alternative means of travel for shorter commutes with electric bikes (e-bikes) one potential solution. They have zero tailpipe emissions and significantly lower overall emissions relative to motorized vehicles; however, their cost often prevents them from being readily marketable. In order to address this issue, two undergraduate capstone design teams have constructed e-bikes using recycled and donated parts over the past two years.In the first year, the runner from a pickup truck was scavenged from a junkyard and employed as the frame to provide for the greatest environmental benefit. However, this resulted in an odd bicycle shape because of limited material availability. As a result, the second years team decided to use a donated chrome moly tube as the frame while focusing on ergonomics and aesthetics. This second bike was designed so that a male rider of average height (5′10″ – 1.78 m) could complete commutes of several miles in relative comfort. Both e-bikes employ a direct drive motor (first year – front wheel; second year – back wheel) to provide assistance when needed, leaving the rider less fatigued. To promote further development in electric bike design, each team has made a considerable effort to record the design process with highlights presented in this effort. Furthermore, e-bike testing results are presented including center of mass calculations, braking distances, turning radii, and overall efficiencies quantified by the miles traveled using the same battery pack. This information will be used to compare the bikes against each other in order to illustrate bike attributes that are desired when an electric motor is employed.The result is an appealing, cost-effective, and efficient electrical bike that will greatly reduce traffic related emissions should it become widely implemented. Given the issues related to transportation at a university (e.g., available parking) including the reticence of students to traverse long distances across campus to attend classes, it is believed that this effort can serve as a model example to other universities who might see e-bikes as a potential solution to reducing congestion and improving student attendance.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Guatemalan Military and the Revolution of 1944

Revolution in Latin America has become a sufficiently frequent occurrence to be subject to stereotypes which can cause misinterpretation. All too often an uprising is discussed in general terms, without assiduous scrutiny of the particulars, resulting in unconscious assumptions based upon stereotyped notions regarding similar movements elsewhere. The result is that important factors can be overlooked, as general principles obscure the facts and the peculiarities of the local situation. The idea that social revolution involves a confrontation between civilian reformers and military dictators has become one of the standard bromides applied to such events.
Estrogenic action of some DDT analogues.

Summary1 DDT and 2,2′-bis-(p.methxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane possess no estrogenic activity in ovariectomized rats in total doses up to 45 mg. 2. 2,2′-bis-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane possesses seven tiems the estrogenic activity of its non-halogenated congener 2,2′-bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-ethane and this increase in potency may be related to field and steric effects exerted by the trichloromethyl group.
Molecular weight of encephalitogenic protein by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-acrylamide gels.

SummarySDS-acrylamide electrophoresis studies indicate that the molecular weight of the basic encephalitogenic protein isolated from chloroform-methanol-extracted bovine brain is 22, 166 ± 577 daltons.
General History in an Age of Party

While Thucydidean history suffered a lingering death in Bolingbroke’s hands, in the 1720s, ‘30s, and ‘40s, Englishmen wondered whether Livian history, too, might represent an unattainable ideal. The English party system continued to cripple histories of England, and the chance that an Englishman would write a neoclassical general history seemed ever more remote. During the second quarter of the eighteenth century the weakness in English historiography became even more acute, as prominent French men of letters such as Voltaire and Montesquieu called attention to it. Montesquieu explained it as an unexpected and unfortunate by-product of the liberty in the English constitution. Voltaire savored the irony that the best historian of England was a Frenchman, Paul Rapin de Thoyras.1 Indeed, because native Englishmen failed to supply a general history, foreigners stepped in to write it. In this period, besides Rapin,2 William Guthrie, a Scot, and James Ralph, an American, also tried to meet the demands for a satisfactory English history. The only native Englishmen to write general histories were the jacobite Thomas Carte and the Grub Street hack John Oldmixon. That such a motley, ill-suited collection of writers undertook to glorify the English past in the noblest prose genre seemed to suggest that something was very wrong indeed with that genre, with this political culture, or with both.
Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption of Self-Aligned Nanogap Structures

Plasmonic nanostructures are often used in surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy to probe surface assembled molecules or the dielectric environment surrounding the metallic nanostructures. Here we fabricate metallic nanogap structures using self-aligned techniques on an intrinsic silicon substrate and correlate resulting SEIRA spectra with the choice of metal nanostructure geometry. A motivation is to compare the enhancement from hybridization of bright plasmon modes with the effect of hybridization between bright and dark plasmon modes. These structures provide a gap size below 10 nm and support strong field enhancements. The structures demonstrate their sensitivity through the enhanced absorption signature of the Si–O stretch in the native silicon oxide layer of nanometer thickness beneath the metal. Simulations reveal this thin layer plays a critical role in determining the plasmon modes of the nanostructures. Numerical simulations of the optical properties are consistent with the o...
HIV Encephalopathy in Perinatally Acquired Disease

The incidence and clinical progression of HIV encephalopathy among 128 HIV-perinatally infected children were studied at multiple US centers by the Women and Infants Transmission Study Group.