Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innovative Growth Accounting

Recent work highlights a falling entry rate of new firms and a rising market share of large firms in the United States. To understand how these changing firm demographics have affected growth, we decompose productivity growth into the firms doing the innovating. We trace how much each firm innovates by the rate at which it opens and closes plants, the market share of those plants, and how fast its surviving plants grow. Using data on all nonfarm businesses from 1982–2013, we find that new and young firms (ages 0 to 5 years) account for almost one-half of growth – three times their share of employment. Large established firms contribute only one-tenth of growth despite representing one-fourth of employment. Older firms do explain most of the speedup and slowdown during the middle of our sample. Finally, most growth takes the form of incumbents improving their own products, as opposed to creative destruction or new varieties.
SELECTION FOR PERMETHRIN RESISTANCE IN THE PREDATORY MITE AMBLYSEIUS FALLACIS

In selections of two greenhouse populations of the predatory mite, Amblyseius fallacis, a 64‐fold increase in resistance to permethrin was achieved after about 12 permethrin applications. The initial populations were established by mixing a variety of laboratory colonies, and adding a few individuals from recently collected field colonies. One population was treated alternately with azinphosmethyl and permethrin; it developed permethrin resistance more slowly than did the population receiving only permethrin treatments. A third population, established from the laboratory colony with the highest initial resistance level, showed little increase in resistance. After selection all three populations showed reasonable survivorship in the greenhouse on plants sprayed at recommended field rates of permethrin. All three populations also maintained resistance to azinphosmethyl, whether or not they received selection with this compound. These permethrin‐resistant predatory mites may provide biological control of pest mites on crops where synthetic pyrethroids are used to control other pests.
Detection, Enumeration, and RAPD Analysis of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates in Fish Derived fromRetail Outlets in WesternMassachusetts

Fish were sampled over a 24-month period from two major supermarket retail outlets in Hadley, Massachusetts, USA, designated A and B, for the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes and numbers of the organism present per 100 g of tissue. Fifteen species of fish were represented. Seventy-four samples out of a total of 320 were confirmed by PCR as yielding L. monocytogenes. From retail source A, a total of 171 samples yielded 59 (34.5%) that were positive for the presence of L. monocytogenes. In contrast, from retail source B, a total of 149 samples yielded 15 (10.0%) that were positive. Only six samples (3.5%) from retail source A had MPN counts of L. monocytogenes in the range of 100 to 1,000 per 1,000 g. Only two samples (1.3%) from retail source B had counts of L. monocytogenes from 100 to 1,000 per 100 g. A total of 221 strains of L. monocytogenes were derived from the MPN cultures, 164 from retail source A, and 57 from retail source B. All 221 strains were subjected to RAPD analysis using three random primers. Primer LMPB1 yielded 21 RAPD profiles, primer LMPB4 yielded 19 profiles, and primer HLWL74 yielded 26 profiles. A total of 55 composite profiles were identified by combining the profiles derived from the three primers. Source A yielded 50 composite RAPD profiles, whereas source B yielded only ten composite profiles. In addition, 27 of the 55 composite profiles were derived from individual isolates and RAPD types 11 and 18 included 49 and 27 isolates respectively. Fish from retail source A clearly harbored far more RAPD types than did source B. The results clearly indicated that two major retail sources in close geographic proximity can vary considerably with respect to the incidence and numbers of L. monocytogenes present on the fish tissue. It was not possible to determine whether the processors furnishing fish to retail outlet A or the supermarket itself was responsible for the notably higher incidence and numbers of L. monocytogenes on fish from retail source A compared to fish from retail source B.
Cross-Cancer Genome-Wide Association Study of Endometrial Cancer and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Identifies Genetic Risk Regions Associated with Risk of Both Cancers

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests a relationship between endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. Independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer have identified 16 and 27 risk regions, respectively, four of which overlap between the two cancers. We aimed to identify joint endometrial and ovarian cancer risk loci by performing a meta-analysis of GWAS summary statistics from these two cancers. Methods: Using LDScore regression, we explored the genetic correlation between endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. To identify loci associated with the risk of both cancers, we implemented a pipeline of statistical genetic analyses (i.e., inverse-variance meta-analysis, colocalization, and M-values) and performed analyses stratified by subtype. Candidate target genes were then prioritized using functional genomic data. Results: Genetic correlation analysis revealed significant genetic correlation between the two cancers (rG = 0.43, P = 2.66 × 10−5). We found seven loci associated with risk for both cancers (PBonferroni < 2.4 × 10−9). In addition, four novel subgenome-wide regions at 7p22.2, 7q22.1, 9p12, and 11q13.3 were identified (P < 5 × 10−7). Promoter-associated HiChIP chromatin loops from immortalized endometrium and ovarian cell lines and expression quantitative trait loci data highlighted candidate target genes for further investigation. Conclusions: Using cross-cancer GWAS meta-analysis, we have identified several joint endometrial and ovarian cancer risk loci and candidate target genes for future functional analysis. Impact: Our research highlights the shared genetic relationship between endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. Further studies in larger sample sets are required to confirm our findings.
Root cluster formation and citrate exudation of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) as related to phosphorus availability

: A split-root system was used to investigate whether the external or internal P concentration controls root cluster formation and citrate exudation in white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) grown under controlled conditions. In spite of low P concentrations in the shoots and roots of the -P plant, its dry weight was not reduced compared with the +P plant. Supplying external P (0.25 mmol/L) to one root half resulted in an increase in P concentration not only in the shoot, but also in the P-deprived root half, indicating P cycling within the plants. Omitting P from both split-root pots stimulated root cluster formation in both root halves, whereas P supply to one root half stimulated root cluster formation at the beginning of the treatment. Neither P supply to just one root half continuously nor resupply of P to one root half after 19 d of P starvation inhibited root cluster formation on the P-deprived side, although the concentration of P in this root half and shoot increased markedly. The results indicate that root cluster formation in L. albus is controlled by both shoot and root P concentrations. The rates of citrate exudation by both root halves with P deficiency were higher than those of the one root half supplied with P only. In the treatment with one root half supplied with P, the rates of citrate exudation by either the P-supplied or -deprived root halves were almost the same, regardless of P concentration in the roots. The results suggest that internal P concentration controls root cluster formation and citrate exudation in white lupin, but these processes may be regulated by different mechanisms. ( Managing editor: Ping HE)
The occurrence of hopanoid lipids in Bradyrhizobium bacteria

Lipid extraction procedures followed by GLC and GLC-MS analysis were used to investigate the triterpenoid content in Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium bacteria. Unlike the tested strains of Rhizobium bacteria, a range of triterpenoids e.g., squalene and different classes of hopanoid derivatives were detected in bacteria from all Bradyrhizobium strains investigated (different strains from Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii as well as Bradyrhizobium sp.). Furthermore, related compounds were identified from some hopanoid lipids (e.g., diplopterol) that carried an additional methyl group in their molecular structure. The hopanoid content was high in some strains and accounted for more than 40% of the total lipid fraction (e.g., in strains Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 and USDA 31), while other strains contained only about a tenth of that amount (e.g., Bradyrhizobium japonicum ATCC 10324 and Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus) ATCC 10319).
Fermentation Kinetics of Different Sugars by Apple Wine Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A non-linear kinetic model to predict the consumption of different sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) as a substrate, during an apple wine yeast fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CCTCC M201022 is proposed. This model was used to predict sugar utilization by this yeast beginning at various initial sugar concentrations. After observation of the experimental data, a model based on the logistic equation of yeast growth, growth-associated production of ethanol with a lag time, and consumption of sugars for biomass formation and maintenance, was developed. After experimental model fitting, kinetic parameters in the model were estimated. The experimental verification of the model was performed using flask-scale fermentations, and the model obtained predicted the fermentation performance effectively, using different sugars as the substrate set at various initial sugar concentrations. Based on estimated kinetic parameters and the characteristics of sugar utilization, the yeast examined appeared to be glucophilic. The effects of different sugars with various initial concentrations on the fermentation performance by this yeast were investigated, and some applications of kinetic parameters are discussed.
Effects of ginger root (Zingiber officinale) on egg yolk cholesterol, antioxidant status and performance of laying hens

To investigate the effect of ginger root powder on egg production, cholesterol, antioxidant and hen performance, 100 30-week-old laying hens (Hy-Line W36) were equally and randomly assigned to four diets for 8 weeks. The diets included a control diet (0.0% ginger) and diets with 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75% ginger root powder. Although, the egg weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not (P<0.05) influenced by ginger root supplementation, the egg production was higher and cholesterol lower (P<0.05) in birds fed diet with 0.5 or 0.75% ginger root compared to control birds. Ginger powder concentrations of 0.5 or 0.75% g (P<0.05) increased activities of glutathione peroxidase but reduced malondialdehyde content in the plasma. It is concluded that the use of 0.5% ginger root in diet may positively increase egg production and lower egg cholesterol without any adverse effect on egg weight and feed conversion ratio.
The Alzheimer’s disease protective P522R variant of PLCG2, consistently enhances stimulus-dependent PLCγ2 activation, depleting substrate and altering cell function

Recent genome-wide association studies of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have identified variants implicating immune pathways in disease development. A rare coding variant of PLCG2, which encodes PLCγ2, shows a significant protective effect for AD (rs72824905, P522R, P=5.38×10−10, Odds Ratio = 0.68). Molecular dynamic modelling of the PLCγ2-R522 variant, situated within the auto-inhibitory domain of PLCγ2, suggests a structural change to the protein. Through CRISPR-engineering we have generated novel PLCG2-R522 harbouring human induced pluripotent cell lines (hiPSC) and a mouse knockin model, neither of which exhibits alterations in endogenous PLCG2 expression. Mouse microglia and macrophages and hiPSC-derived microglia-like cells with the R522 mutation, all demonstrate a consistent non-redundant hyperfunctionality in the context of normal expression of other PLC isoforms. This signalling alteration manifests as enhanced cellular Ca2+ store release (∼20-40% increase) in response to physiologically-relevant stimuli (e.g. Fc receptor ligation and Aβ oligomers). This hyperfunctionality resulted in increased PIP2 depletion in the cells with the PLCγ2-R522 variant after exposure to stimuli and reduced basal detection of PIP2 levels in vivo. These PLCγ2-R522 associated abnormalities resulted in impairments to phagocytosis (fungal and bacterial particles) and enhanced endocytosis (Aβ oligomers and dextran). PLCγ2 sits downstream of disease relevant pathways, such as TREM2 and CSF1R and alterations in its activity, direct impacts cell function, which in the context of the inherent drugability of enzymes such as PLCγ2, raise the prospect of manipulation of PLCγ2 as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Impact of feed-borne mycotoxins on avian cell-mediated and humoral immune responses

Mycotoxins of economic importance in poultry production are mainly produced by Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium fungi. The important mycotoxins in poultry production are aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, zearalenone and fumonisins. Mycotoxins exert their immunotoxic effects through various mechanisms which are manifested as reduced response of the immune system. Mycotoxin-induced immunosuppression in poultry may be manifested as decreased antibody production to antigens (e.g. sheep red blood cells) and impaired delayed hypersensitivity response (e.g. dinitrochlorobenzene), reduction in systemic bacterial clearance (e.g. Salmonella, Brucella, Listeria and Escherichia), lymphocyte proliferation (response to mitogens), macrophage phagocytotic ability, and alterations in CD4+/CD8+ ratio, immune organ weights (spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius), and histological changes (lymphocyte depletion, degeneration and necrosis). Mycotoxins, especially fumonisin B1 have been shown to down regulate proinf.
Developing Co-creation-driven Innovation: the role of Customer Experience Orientation and Organizational Agility

: This paper explores the concept of the ‘co-creation-driven innovation’ as part of the service dominant (S-D) logic concept in the digital ICT industry. The platform service becomes critical in order to collaborate and innovate based on organizational agility and customer experience. Co-creation-driven innovation is considered as part of the service dominant development, where a dynamic organization model and customer experience feedback are required in the shaping of business model innovations within the digital ecosystem. The study was performed with a sample size of 175 respondents representing Indonesian telecommunication firms. Smart PLS was used as the statistical tool for analyses. Findings demonstrate that customer experience orientation and organizational agility has a direct impact on digital co-creation and business model innovation. Simultaneous testing of hypotheses shows that customer experience orientation has an indirect influence on business model innovation through co-creation strategy. However, organizational agility does not have any indirect impacts. The study has some limitations in terms of the time period and sample size, therefore suggestions for future studies are included in the paper
Broad-sense heritabilities, genetic correlations, and selection indices for sugarcane borer resistance and their relation to yield loss

The sugarcane borer [Diatraea saccharalis (Frabricius)] causes significant damage to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), rendering cultivar resistance important. Researchers assess borer-induced damage using up to five different measures: percentage bored internodes, percentage exited internodes, pupation success, moth production, and a damage rating. The inheritance of the different damage measures and the best approach to integrate the different variables into a simplified damage-resistance assessment has not been well studied. Furthermore, the relationships of the damage traits to sugar production have not been comparatively assessed. We planted a replicated, two-location test of 28 clones typical of the selection stage screened for borer resistance in the Louisiana sugarcane breeding programs. We recorded the five measures together with sucrose production and its components. Using appropriate variance components, the heritability, expected response to selection, and genetic correlations among the traits were used to construct selection indices of all combinations of the five damage traits studied. We used the regression coefficients of the damage traits on sucrose production as economic weights. The indices indicated that percentage bored internodes was the most effective single trait to reduce sugarcane borer damage. If data collection costs were considered, then the subjectively assessed damage rating was the most expeditions of the traits examined. High correlation values among several of the traits lead to the observation that inclusion of more than the bored internode, exited internodes, and the damage rating in an index were unnecessary.
Food selection by beavers in relation to inducible defenses of Populus tremuloides.

Stands of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) previously cut by beavers (Castor canadensis) consist mainly of root sprouts exhibiting juvenile morphological characteristics. Feeding experiments showed that beavers avoided these sprouts when normal sprouts and branches were present, and an unidentified compound which has not previously been reported in the Salicaceae appears to be responsible for the deterrence of beaver feeding. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that several compounds in aspen bark which act as feeding deterrents to other herbivores were not responsible for beaver deterrence. These compounds were found in higher concentrations in normal aspen sprouts and branches than in juvenile-form sprouts. Since juvenile-form sprouts are clones of mature aspen and arise after beaver cutting occurs, we suggest that quaking aspen is plastic in its defensive chemistry, allocating its resources among various secondary metabolites in response to beaver cutting.
The Price of Everything, the Value of Nothing

Several years ago I participated in a Welsh Government seminar that discussed emerging environmental valuation techniques. During the course of the seminar we learned about the latest techniques of determining the economic value of different fragments of nature. Based, in part, on a 'willingness to pay' approach to environmental valuation, we learned some interesting, and disturbing , things. We discovered, for example, the economic value of an otter! If my memory serves me correctly this stood somewhere between £30 and £50. We also learned that attributing economic value to nature is an increasingly important way of protecting nature. For evidence of this process you need look no further than The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity programme (or TEEB as it is better known) and its attempts to provide a global balance sheet for the value of nature (see Spash, 2011). Precisely how we should value the environment is, of course, a founding concern of this journal. The contemporary penchant for developing economic benchmarks against which to assess nature does, however, leave many envi-ronmentalists feeling somewhat queasy. It is commonly acknowledged that being able to place the environment on the spreadsheets of governments and business is a hard-nosed way of ensuring that nature is not seen as a costless externality. However, a common feeling is that attributing economic value to the things of nature fundamentally demeans a natural world that was pre-economic and will one day probably be post-economic. These expressed concerns raise interesting questions about the relative advantages and disadvantages of establishing recognised systems of value that can be applied to the natural world. It is important, for example, to consider who gets to determine value systems; what happens to valuations of the environment during significant forms of economic fluctuation; and what are the long-term implications of the marketisation of nature. In his 1890 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde famously wrote, 'Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. ' It seems to me that this quote could have been written specifically with certain branches of environmental valuation in mind. It serves as a reminder that we should not concede too much power, too quickly, to narrowly conceived systems of economic valuation of the environment. I sense, after all, that it was not just the price of the otter that seemed some how wrong to me, but the very practice of pricing it. My …
Serological and Lysotypical Variability of Xanthomonas albilineans (Ashby) Dowson, Causal Agent of Sugarcane Leaf Scald Disease

The serological and lysotypical properties of 28 strains of X. albilineans originating from different geographic zones were analysed. Using the indirect immunofluorescence technique with 3 anti X. albilineans immunsera, the existence of three serovars was shown. The isolation of lytic bacteriophages from the soil enabled us to classify the bacterial strains into 6 lysovars. A correspondance between serovars and lysovars was revealed. These results show a variability of the X. albilineans species, and enable an analysis of the structure of its populations to be proposed, especially that of Tropical Africa.
Diurnal Changes in Photosynthesis in Sugarcane Leaves: I. Carbon dioxide exchange rate, photosynthetic enzyme activities and metabolite levels relating to the C4 pathway and the Calvin cycle

Abstract Diurnal changes in carbon dioxide exchange rate (CER), stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthetic enzyme activities and metabolite levels relating to the C4 pathway and the Calvin cycle in sugarcane (Saccharum sp. cv. NiF4) leaves were characterized during a natural 24 h day-night cycle. The activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPcase), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), pyruvate, P1 dikinase (PPDK), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and chloroplast fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) all exhibited distinct diurnal changes. The levels of C4 metabolites, malate, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and pyruvate, showed large diurnal fluctuations, but the oxaloacetate levels were extremely low and exhibited no significant changes in the day-night cycle. Diurnal changes in CER and gs paralleled the changes in radiation of sunlight. The results in this study suggest that at midday when CER is in steady-state and saturated by full sunlight, CER is limited by PPDK activity ; under lower radiation of sunlight, i.e., before CER is saturated in the morning and during the period when CER is decreasing in the afternoon, CER is possibly limited by PEPcase activity or gs.