Photochemical delivery of nitric oxide.

There remains considerable interest in developing methods for the targeted delivery of nitric oxide and other small molecule bioregulators such as carbon monoxide to physiological targets. One such strategy is to use a "caged" NO that is "uncaged" by excitation with light. Such photochemical methods convey certain key advantages such as the ability to control the timing, location and dosage of delivery, but also have some important disadvantages, such as the relatively poor penetration of the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths often necessary for the uncaging process. Presented here is an overview of ongoing studies in the author's laboratory exploring new photochemical NO precursors including those with nanomaterial antennas designed to enhance the effectiveness of these precursors with longer excitation wavelengths

Minnesota Agriculture in the New Millenium

Minnesota is by any standard one of the leading agricultural places in the United States, both in terms of farm production and as a headquarters for some of the largest agrifood and agronomic enterprises in the world. Several factors are likely to affect the future of Minnesota agriculture in the 21st century. First, the state is likely to remain a center of agribusiness activity, and is emerging as a leader in the development of new technologies based in genomics and renewable fuels. Second, Minnesota agriculture will remain highly dependent on global markets, and thus has a major stake in world trade. Third, domestic farm and fiscal policies will determine the extent to which the state continues to receive federal payments to farmers, who also depend on the overall health of the economy. Finally, the rising cost of fossil-fuel based energy has major implications for Minnesota farmers costs for fuel, fertilizer and transport. Together, these four factors describe an environment that will challenge Minnesota agriculture in the years to come.Agricultural and Food Policy,

AN ASSESSMENT OF U.S. AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND LINKAGES TO TRADE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Agricultural and Food Policy,

HOW TO PAY FOR AGRICULTURAL INCOME SUPPORTS

This paper examines the impact of deficit reductions on agricultural price support spending, and proposes several policy innovations designed to remove agricultural programs from the entitlement category. First, agricultural program costs are analyzed in relation to deficit reduction requirements resulting from recent legislation. Second, price support and food stamp programs are proposed as a separate budget category to be financed through an excise tax on retail food sales. Third, the incidence of this tax on consumers is considered, and compensation for lower income groups is proposed via expanded eligibility for the food stamp program. A final section presents some conclusions for policy.Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance,

ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF WIDER COMPENSATION FOR "TAKINGS." OR, WHAT IF AGRICULTURAL POLICIES RULED THE WORLD?

Agricultural and Food Policy,

International Public Goods, Export Subsidies, and the Harmonization of Environmental Regulations

Environmental Economics and Policy, International Relations/Trade,