Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strong mixture effects among four species in fertilized agricultural grassland led to persistent and consistent transgressive overyielding

Summary 1 Increasing plant species richness often increases biomass production in nutrient-poor semi-natural grasslands. If such positive diversity–productivity effects also apply to nutrient-rich agricultural grasslands, mixtures could improve resource-use efficiency in the vast area used for forage production. We therefore quantified the diversity–productivity effects in nutrient-rich agricultural grasslands using four-species grass–legume mixtures. 2 The sown overall density and species proportions of Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium pratense and Trifolium repens were varied in a 3-year field experiment to investigate the effects of species richness (1, 2, 4 species) and species proportion (0, 3, 10, 25, 40, 50, 70, 90, 100% sowing proportion) on productivity under a nitrogen fertilization of 50, 150 or 450 kg N ha−1 year−1. 3 The four-species mixtures reached up to twice the yield of the average of the four species’ monocultures (overyielding up to 106%), predominantly due to combining grass and legume species. Mixtures were up to 57% more productive than the most productive monoculture (transgressive overyielding). Both these diversity–productivity effects appeared across a broad range of species proportions and persisted at the two lower levels of N fertilization for 3 years. 4 Mixtures fertilized with 50 kg N ha−1 year−1 produced yields comparable to grass monocultures fertilized with 450 kg N ha−1 year−1, if the legume proportion was about 50 to 70%. Diversity–productivity effects were reduced at the highest level of N fertilization, where they virtually disappeared in the third year. Increased N fertilization also accelerated the observed general trend towards D. glomerata dominated and legume-poor swards. 5 Synthesis and applications. Diversity–productivity effects led to consistent transgressive overyielding in intensively managed grasslands, suggesting a highly increased resource-use efficiency in mixtures. Performance better than monocultures can be achieved with grass–legume mixtures that have a low number of species, across a wide range of species proportions and in nutrient-rich conditions. Processes such as niche complementarity and positive interspecific interactions leading to diversity effects proved to be highly relevant and widely applicable for intensive forage production. Such diversity–productivity effects could allow reduced inputs of N fertilizer without loss of productivity in different grassland production systems.
Influence de la compétition et de la disponibilité en eau sur l'importance de l'aubier du douglas

dans l’aubier ; les plus fréquentes ont une largeur supérieure à 0,5 mm dans le sens radial et se trouvent dans le bois initial. Il est difficile d’expliquer leur présence par des facteurs climatiques simples, mais une liaison négative très significative a été mise en évidence entre la fréquence de ces zones sèches et la densité minimale annuelle du bois.
Introducing ECB-Base: The Blueprint of the New ECB Semi-Structural Model for the Euro Area

This paper presents the blueprint of a new ECB multi-country model. The version documented in the following pages is estimated on euro area data. As a prelude to the country models, this version is meant to enhance the understanding of the main model mechanisms, enlarge the suite of area wide tools, and provide a tool for a top down approach between euro area and country modelling. The model converges to a well-defined steady state and its properties are in line with macroeconomic theory and standard empirical benchmarks. The design is aligned to its role as workhorse model in the context of the forecasting and policy simulation exercises at the ECB.
Lack of Evidence of Pathogenetic Role of Epstein-Barr Virus in Thymic Lymphoid Hyperplasia and Thymomas in the Chinese Population of Hong Kong

A previous study from Hong Kong by McGuire et al. reported frequent demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA by Southern blot analysis in thymoma, thymic lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, and thymic lymphoid hyperplasia. This provoca tive finding, however, could not be confirmed by studies in the Western populations using the Southern blot technique and/or polymerase chain reaction to detect EBV- DNA or in situ hybridization to detect EBV encoded RNA (EBER), raising the possibility that the association with EBV may be restricted to Asians. This study was performed to clarify this issue by using a highly sensitive localization technique for EBER on a larger series from the Asian population of Hong Kong. Paraffin sections obtained from 10 cases of thymic lymphoid hyperplasia, 42 noninvasive thymomas (including one case previously reported to be EBV positive), 11 invasive thymomas, and 9 thymic carcinomas (including 5 cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma) were studied. EBER signal was not detected in the epithelial cells in any of the cases except for two cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma. In two thymomas, a few small lympho cytes (<0.1%) were EBER positive. Failure to detect EBER was not an artifact due to RNA denaturation, because preserved mRNA could be demonstrated by oligo-dT labelling in 56 of the 72 cases. Thus, the results of this study on Hong Kong Chinese are in keeping with those reported in Caucasians, and more recently in Japanese and Taiwan Chinese, in that there is no association of EBV with thymic lymphoid hyperpla sia or thymoma, and that EBV may be demonstrated in a proportion of thymic lymph oepithelioma-like carcinomas. The positive results previously reported cannot be ex plained, because the occasional EBV-carrying lymphocytes detected in rare cases of thymoma should be insufficient to give a positive EBV result by Southern blot tech nique. Int J Surg Pathol 2(1):17-22, 1994
Light and the Bioenergetics of a Symbiotic Coral

Colonies of coral Stylophora pistillata growing at high light can obtain all the reduced carbon needed for animal respiration from photosynthesis by symbiotic zooxanthellae. In contrast, colonies in shaded reef areas must acquired 60% of their reduced carbon heterotrophically. More than 90% of the carbon fixed by zooxanthellae is translocated to the animal host in both light regimes, but very little is assimilated, apparently because the translocated products are deficient in nitrogen. Thus, the coral's overall growth efficiency is similar to that of aquatic herbivores that forage actively. 29 references, 2 figures, 1 table.
Disagreement Under Almost Common Knowledge of Rationality

Two agents sincerely exchange their best guesses about the state of the world infinitely many times. When each agent places a small positive probability on the event that her opponent is of some finite level of reasoning and initial disagreement is large enough (that is, private signals are strong and different), permanent and large disagreement is possible even for infinitely sophisticated agents.
The Effect of Polyphosphates and Sodium Chloride on Cooking Yields and Oxidative Stability of Chicken

Abstract PRODUCTION of precooked chicken is increasing in the poultry industry. Two important problems encountered with this product are reduced cooking yield and a decline in organoleptic quality during frozen storage as described by Hanson et al. (1959), Thomson (1964) and Tims and Watts (1958). The use of certain salts as additives has been suggested by some workers to offer possible advantages in improving cooking yields and oxidative stability of meat. Bendall (1954) and Swift and Ellis (1956) reported a decrease in cooking loss of ground and minced meats on incorporation of solutions of sodium chloride or phosphate or combinations of these salts prior to cooking. Wierbicki et al. (1957a, b) found sodium chloride to enhance the water-holding capacity of meat. With meats heated at temperatures ranging from 50°–70°C. , sodium chloride treatment increased retention of potassium and magnesium ions. This relationship may be useful in application of other ions. The…
20β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase of the Japanese Eel Ovary: Its Cellular Localization and Changes in the Enzymatic Activity during Sexual Maturation

Abstract In many species of teleost, 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20β-HSD) is a key steroidogenic enzyme in the production of the oocyte maturation-inducing steroid (MIS), 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one. In this study, 20β-HSD in the ovary of the Japanese eel was biochemically characterized using a cell-free system. 20β-HSD activity was located mainly in the membrane-bound fractions of the mitochondria and microsome, with lower levels detected in the cytosolic fraction. The enzymatic activity of membrane-bound 20β-HSD was strikingly enhanced by treatment of eels with gonadotropin-rich salmon pituitary homogenate. The activity of eel ovarian mitochondrial 20β-HSD in the presence of different solubilizing detergents was then assessed. Mitochondrial fractions solubilized by sodium deoxycholate and octhylthioglucoside retained approximately 30% of 20β-HSD activity when compared to those of nontreated mitochondria. These results suggest that Japanese eel ovarian 20β-HSD is composed of membrane-bound and soluble activities, and that the membrane-bound component is stimulated by gonadotropin.
Comparison of different methods of glucose oxidase immobilization

Glucose oxidase was immobilized by covalent bond to two basic types of sorbents—glycidylmethacrylate copolymers and bead cellulose. These two types of carries were chemically modified, if needed, by the employing various procedures and subsequently used in the immobilization of native and oxidized glucose oxidase. The samples thus obtained were compared with those of immobilized glucose oxidase bound onto some common carriers. Samples which possessed not only a high absolute activity but also adequate mechanical and flow properties were characterized in greater detail with respect to the immobilization efficiency and kinetic properties of bound glucose oxidase.
Mimicking the Cellular Environment: Effects of Elastic Nanopatterned Substrates on Integrin-Mediated Cellular Interactions

An artificial substrate system, according to the biophysical and biochemical properties of the extracellular matrix in connective tissues, has been developed. The Young's moduli EY of poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEG-DA) based hydrogel substrates span more than four orders of magnitude between 0,6kPa and 6MPa. Since PEG-DA substrates are protein repellent, they were decorated by extended gold nanoparticle arrays, manufactured by block copolymer micellar nanolithography. To provide bioactivity in terms of cell adhesion c(RGDfK) peptide, which is specific for αVβ3 integrins, was immobilized on the nanoparticles. The interparticle spacing and, hence, spacing of integrin binding sites ΔL could be precisely tuned, independently of the substrate rigidity between 20nm and 160nm.This system was used to investigate the behavior of fibroblasts as a function of changes within two-dimensional parameters space ΔL;EY). To this end, cell spreading area and cell-substrate interaction forces were determined by phase contrast microscopy and single cell force spectroscopy (SCFS), respectively.First, the effect of variation of ligand spacing on cellular behavior was investigated on hard substrates (EY>100kPa). We could demonstrate a strong increase in detachment force and spreading area on substrates featuring low ligand spacing. Than, substrate compliance was tuned whereas the ligand spacing was kept at approximately 50nm. This reveals a significant decrease in spreading area and detachment force on soft substrates (EY<8kPa). Additionally, both environmental parameters were varied simultaneously. Results from these experiments were determined as a function of hydrogel stiffness and integrin ligand distance. They revealed two tactile set points, thresholds in cellular sensing behavior, at EY=8kPa and ΔL=70nm, after 6, 12, and 24 hours of adhesion. Moreover, according to the hierarchical phase model in cellular behavior, elasticity was identified to be the dominant parameter in cellular sensing processes.
Weed control in conventional and herbicide tolerant winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) grown in rotations with winter cereals in the UK

Two winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cultivars, tolerant to glyphosate and glufosinate, were compared with a conventional cultivar at three sites over 4 years, in 3-year crop rotations in the UK. The winter oilseed rape was grown in Years 1 and 4, with winter cereals, which received uniform herbicide treatments, in the intervening years. The second winter oilseed rape treatments were applied to randomised sub-plots of the original plots. Weed densities were recorded in autumn and spring and weed biomass was measured in summer. At most sites, there was only one application of glufosinate or glyphosate, whereas two products were often used on the conventional variety. The timing of glyphosate and glufosinate application was, on average, 34 days later than that of the conventional broad-leaved weed control treatments. Overall weed control, across all sites and years, was not statistically different between the conventional, glyphosate and glufosinate treatments. However, glyphosate achieved higher control of individual weed species more frequently than the other treatments. Glufosinate and the conventional treatments were similar in performance. The treatments in Year 1 sometimes affected weed populations in the subsequent cereal crops and, in rare instances, those in the rape in Year 4. Carry-over effects were small after most treatments. In general, weed survival was greater in the oilseed rape crops, irrespective of the treatment, than it was in the intervening cereal crops.
Corporate Governance and Corporate Governance Index: A Study on Toyota Company Recall Scandal

Companies involved in the scandal within the company or person acting on behalf of the company alleged or actual wrongdoing. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting Toyota's corporate governance index during the Toyota recall scandal. The analysis of Toyota's financial statements from 2007 to 2011 was carried out and analyzed by research. The findings and analysis indicate that Toyota's corporate governance index is primarily influenced by Tobin's Q and release rate. The study also shows that Toyota should take the lead in putting business ethics and customer safety first, rather than cost savings, seeking more benefits and more market share. In addition, Toyota should still do corporate governance to produce high-quality products so that the company can return to normal levels and get rid of the scandal.
Dorsal body pigmentation and sexual dimorphism in the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum)

Marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) have individually variable dorsal pigmentation patterns. But it is unclear whether or not dorsal pigmentation is associated with variables such as body size and sex. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the body size variables and sex are important predictors of the coverage of dorsal body white pigmentation in adult marbled salamanders. We evaluate the degree of sexual dimorphism in several body traits, including the dorsal body white pigmentation, using univariate and multivariate methods, and analyze the sex-related difference in pigmentation asymmetry. The General Linear Model (GLM) predicts a significant main effect of sex and a significant interaction between sex and dorsal body area (DBA), influencing the coverage of dorsal body white pigmentation. The interaction effect is greater in males than in females. We show significant sex-related differences in body size and shape. Eight morphometric traits reveal female-biased sexual size dimorphism, while males display a greater coverage of dorsal white pigmentation than females. Prominent female characteristics, compared to males, include a significantly heavier and longer body with a wider trunk, head, neck, shoulder and waist. These sex-specific differences suggest selection for a larger body size in females because of increased maternal reproductive success associated with larger body size. Additionally, females display greater pigmentation asymmetry than males, suggesting a significant sex-related disparity in asymmetric pigmentation. Potential ecological and developmental implications of the observed dimorphism are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating an association of dorsal white pigmentation with dorsal body area and sex, including a significantly disproportionate pigmentation asymmetry between sexes, in adult marbled salamanders.
Exchange Rate Variability and the Slowdown in Growth of International Trade

In this paper we attempt to answer the question of why the growth rate of international trade among the industrial countries declined by more than half since the inception of floating exchange rates. In trying to answer this question we separate the effects of exchange rate volatility from other shocks which occurred since 1973, in particular changes in oil prices and changes in the trade regimes. In addition, contrary to most existing papers, we concentrate on the effects of exchange rate variability which occur with lags longer than a few months or quarters.
Modification of Fatty Acids in Milk by Feeding Calcium‐Protected High Oleic Sunflower Oil

Calcium soaps of high oleic sunflower oil (HOS-Ca) were prepared, using alkaline hydrolysis and calcium precipitation, and freeze-dried. Cows' diets were prepared to provide 0, 0.85 kg or 1.7 kg HOS-Ca/day. Fatty acids and cholesterol were determined by gas chromatography. Sensory evaluations of milk from cows fed 0 and 1.7 kg HOS-Ca/day were conducted using triangle tests. The 18 :1ω9 concentration in milk from cows fed the 1.7 kg HOS-Ca diet increased from 22.9 to 35.2% compared to the control (p<0.05). Concentration of total medium-chain saturates (C12-C16) decreased from 40.7 to 31.4% (p<0.05). Feeding HOS-Ca resulted in increases of monoene fatty acids and lower medium-chain saturated fatty acids but no change in milk flavor.
Examining the Efficiency of Commercial Banks in Lebanon: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach

This study evaluates the key performance indicators of the banking sector in postwar Lebanon, in an attempt to assess the efficiency of the sector in producing the conventional outputs. Efficiency examines the performance of a Decision Making Unit (DMU) i.e., bank, company, organization etc. by comparing with other DMUs. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a common tool for benchmarking efficiency in recent literature. This study examines the impact of bank efficiency in Lebanon applying the DEA method. This study shows Malmquist DEA methods to panel data to calculate total factor productivity (TFP) change; technological change; technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change to measure the efficiency of Lebanese commercial Banks. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a common research method in recent literature. Total 14 commercial banks overing a period from 2009 to 2013 were examined. The findings of this study shows the efficiency of commercial banking system of Lebanon is inefficient. The findings also indicate that the selected banks have become less efficient over the period of study.
Inequality, Taxation, and Sovereign Default Risk

Income inequality and worker migration significantly affect sovereign default risk. Governments often impose progressive taxes to reduce inequality, which redistribute income but discourage labor supply and induce emigration. Reduced labor supply and a smaller high-income workforce erode the current and future tax base, reducing government’s ability to repay debt. I develop a sovereign default model with endogenous nonlinear taxation and heterogeneous labor to quantify this effect. In the model, the government chooses the optimal combination of taxation and debt, considering its impact on workers’ labor and migration decisions. Income inequality accounts for one-fifth of the average US state government spread. (JEL D31, F34, H21, H23, H74, J61, R23)
CCAR-Consistent Yield Curve Stress Testing: From Nelson-Siegel to Machine Learning

Following the financial crisis of 2008, the regulators established a stress testing framework known as comprehensive capital analysis and review (CCAR). The regulatory stress scenarios are macroeconomic and do not define stress values for all the relevant risk factors. In particular, only three Treasury rates are captured in these scenarios - 3-month, 5-year, and 10-year ones. Banks that are subject to CCAR, need to complement CCAR scenarios by defining stress values for the missing risk factors. The Treasury rates corresponding to different nodes are highly correlated. Hence, the changes in the three Treasury rates defined in the regulatory scenarios should somehow impact the other rates. In this paper, we will focus on the CCAR-consistent Treasury yield curve stress testing. We will consider three modeling approaches that would allow one to "build" the stressed curves under CCAR scenarios. We will start with the Nelson-Siegel (NS) approach, a well know yield curve smoothing technique. We will show how to convert the changes in the three Treasury rates to the changes in the NS parameters in order to "build" a stressed curve. We will then review a more common approach, namely, principal component analysis (PCA). PCA approach fits scenario generation problem better because it explicitly takes into consideration correlation between historical changes in rates corresponding to different nodes. In the case of PCA, we will demonstrate how to convert the changes in the three Treasury rates to the changes in the principal components. Finally, we will review the artificial neural network (ANN) approach, a well known machine learning technique. This approach will allow us to directly link the changes in the three Treasury rates to the changes in the other rates. The performance of these approaches will be assessed via back-testing.
Ecological Cultivation of Greenhouse Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in Limited Beds Fertilized with Locally Produced Mulches: Effects on Growth and Yield

ABSTRACT Fertilization of ecological cultivating systems for producing greenhouse tomatoes with locally produced mulches was studied from 1993 to 1995. The tomato plants were cultivated in limited growth beds filled with nutrient-poor substrate, consisting of farmyard manure (FYM) compost, straw and soil subsequently mixed with peat and gypsum. Mulches of freshly cut grass or clover or a mixture of the two were placed on the surface of the substrate to assess their value as fertilizer. Fruit yield, fruit quality, plant length and NPK-content of mulch materials and bed water were regularly measured. Comparisons made on four occasions during each growing season showed that the mulches containing clover produced significantly higher yield than the grass mulch and this treatment also had the best utilization of P and K. Nitrogen utilization was highest in beds fertilized with grass mulch, even though the yield was lower. Combined mulch of grass and clover produced intermediate yield and had good utilization o.