Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transfer of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae and the Pasteurella haemolytica-Like Organism Causing Porcine Necrotic Pleuropneumonia to the Genus Actinobacillus (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae comb. nov.) on the Basis of Phenotypic and Deoxyribonucleic Acid Relatedness

The Pasteurella-like organism of porcine necrotizing pleuropneumonia described by Bertschinger and Seifert in 1978 was shown to be phenotypically similar to the V factor-requiring strains hitherto classified as Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae (Matthews and Pattison 1961) Shope 1964. Deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization experiments in which the optical method was used yielded 91% binding of the genomes of the type and reference strains of these two taxa, thus indicating that they belong to the same species. The levels of deoxyribonucleic acid binding between these strains and the type strain of Haemophilus influenzae indicated no measurable relatedness. Therefore, these organisms do not belong to the genus Haemophilus sensu stricto. On the other hand, they are closely related to Actinobacillus lignieresii, as determined by both phenotypic characteristics and deoxyribonucleic acid base sequence relatedness (72 to 75% binding). To take into account the different host ranges of these organisms, we propose to classify them as a species distinct from, but closely related to, A. lignieresii, under the new combination Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. The emended species A. pleuropneumoniae is composed of V factor-requiring and V factor-independent biovars. The type strain (strain Shope 4047 [= CCM 5869 = ATCC 27088]) requires V factor; the V factor-independent biovar is represented by strain Bertschinger 2008/76 (= Frederiksen P 597 = HIM 677-3/4).
Causality between Export and Economic Growth: The Empirical Evidence from Shanghai

The export-led growth hypothesis is tested using monthly time series data for Shanghai (one of the major exporting provinces in China) using the Granger no-causality procedure developed by Toda and Yamamoto (1995) in a vector autoregresion (VAR) model. Three distinct features in this paper stand out: first, the study of the export-led growth hypothesis using the case of Shanghai is the first attempt. Second, the paper follows Riezman, Whiteman and Summers (1996) to test the hypothesis while controlling for the growth of imports to avoid a spurious causality result; and finally, the use of the methodology by Toda and Yamamoto is expected to improve the standard F-statistics in the causality test process. The research finds a one-way Granger causality running from GDP to exports.
How Did the General Purpose Technology ‘Electricity’ Contribute to the Second Industrial Revolution (I): The Power Engines

The concept of the General Purpose Technology (GPT) of the late 1990s is a culmination of many evolutionary views in innovation-thinking. By definition the GPT considers the technical, social, and economic effects of meta-technologies like steam-technology and electric technology. This paper uses Schumpeter’s concept of ‘cluster on innovations’ to create insight in the nature of these GPT’s. Three case studies are presented: ‘The invention of the Steam Engine’, ‘The invention of the Electromotive Engine’ and ‘The invention of Electric Light’. For the GPT-Steam and the GPT-Electricity, the power technologies, we found that these inventions—better ‘clusters of innovations’—were the core elements in the technical contributions to both Industrial Revolutions. It were the innovations in applications of electricity—like in electric light and electric appliances—that made ‘electricity’ contribute so greatly to the Second Industrial Revolution.
Circadian rhythms of demand‐feeding and locomotor activity in rainbow trout

Under free-running conditions, most rainbow trout displayed circadian feeding rhythms, although the expression of circadian rhythmicity depended on the experimental condition: 16·7% of fish under constant dim light (LL dim), 66·1% under a 45 :45 min light-dark cycle (LD pulses), and 83·8% under constant light (LL). Under LD pulses, the period length of the free-running rhythms for feeding was significantly shorter (21·9 ± 0·7 h, n=8) than under LL (26·2 ± 0·3 h, n=10). Period length for locomotor activity under LL was 25·8 ± 0·6 h (n=4). Under LD conditions, the daily demand-feeding profile was always confined to the light phase and chiefly composed of two main episodes, directly after lights on (light elicited) and in anticipation to lights off (endogenous). Contrasting to feeding, the diel locomotor activity profile varied remarkably: a diurnal activity pattern at the bottom, while a clearly nocturnal pattern at the surface. These results contribute to a better understanding of feeding and locomotor rhythms of rainbow trout, providing evidence for the existence of a biological clock involved in their circadian control. This finding contrasts with the previously recorded lack of an endogenous oscillator in the pineal organ driving the rhythmic secretion of melatonin, which suggests different locations from the pineal for the circadian pacemakers in this species.
Effects of timing of activation and aging of bovine oocytes fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on cleavage and subsequent embryonic development in vitro

In cattle, activation treatment after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is required to improve cleavage and development rates. The objectives of this study were to evaluate 1) the effect of timing of ethanol activation after ICSI on cleavage and subsequent development (experiment 1), and 2) the effect of aging of bovine oocytes fertilized by ICSI followed by ethanol activation treatment (experiment 2). In experiment 1, cleavage rates were significantly higher in the groups receiving activation treatment 2 or 4 h after ICSI (64% or 70%) than that in the non-activation group (41%). The blastocyst rate was also significantly higher in the group receiving activation treatment 4 h after ICSI (19%). In experiment 2, cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly higher in 22 to 26 h matured sperm-injected oocytes than those in non-activation groups. On the other hand, cleavage rates in 28 and 30 h matured sperm-injected oocytes were similar regardless of activation treatment and were not different from those in 22 to 26 h matured bovine oocytes activated with ethanol. However, despite activation treatment blastocyst rates in the 30 h matured oocytes were significantly lower than those in 22 to 28 h matured oocytes activated with ethanol. These results indicate that the timing of activation treatment and the age of bovine oocytes affect the cleavage and subsequent development following ICSI.
A Counterfactual Analysis of the Argentinian Monetary Transformation in 2002

A hard peg restored economic stability in Argentina during the nineties but made it also vulnerable to real shocks in so far as the economy was highly dollarised. A devaluation in 1998 in Brasil, its main partner, damaged the Argentinian competitiveness and resulted in a fall in export demand. There was a need for a real adjustment but removing the peg would have implied large balance sheet effects and raised serious financial issues. This paper endeavours to learn a lesson about the aftermath of hard peg regime from the Argentinian experience. It is based on a dynamic macroeconomic model to assess the impact of three scenarios, already suggested in the literature. Two hypothetical, a ‡floating regime and dollarisation and one which was actually implemented in 2002, the pesi…cation of the whole economy. The simulations suggest that pesi…cation was the only scenario with unambiguous expansionary effects.
Inbreeding Depression and Biased Paternity after Mixed‐Pollination in Vaccinium myrtillus L. (Ericaceae)

We conducted a greenhouse study on Vaccinium myrtillus (a perennial species with a mixed mating system) to compare the fertility parameters following self‐, cross‐, and mixed‐pollinations. Using an isozyme polymorphism, we also determined the proportion of selfed offspring in progenies obtained after mixed‐pollinations. A high level of early inbreeding depression was observed ( \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $$\delta =0.67$$ \end{document} ), and a bias in the genetic representation of self and outcross markers in progenies from mixed‐pollinations was detected. Offspring from mixed‐pollinations were sired mainly (84.1%) by cross‐pollen. The proportion of selfed offspring was correlated with the inbreeding depression estimates. However, those proportions were higher than the proportions expected on the basis of the individual inbreeding depression estimates. This might be explained by selective abortion of selfed embryos rather than prezygotic selection against self‐pollen tubes.
Educational Production

The literature on class size yields a number of findings. First, class size effects are difficult to find except when using data where class size variations are truly exogenous. Second, Catholic schools have large classes and better performance. Third, to the extent that class size matters, it is more important for disadvantaged children. Special education classes are smaller than advanced placement classes. Fourth, when many children have joined a class recently, the joiners and their classmates do worse. The theory presented below reconciles all of these facts by recognizing that classroom teaching is a public good where congestion effects are potentially important. Because the optimal class size is larger for behaved-students, the observed relation of educational output to class size is small or even positive. However, increasing class size to ranges away from equilibrium levels will adversely affect educational output. The theory argues for a particular non-linear relation of educational output to class size and is consistent with observed variations in class size by grade level, student and teacher characteristics. Class sizes are more significant in small classes than large ones. There is a special function that maps the substitution of discipline for class size, which may explain why Catholic schools, with large classes, out-perform public schools. The same technology also implies that class size effects are larger for problem children than for well-behaved children. Private schools, which charge a positive price and compete with free public schools, attract better students. This selection may help explain why Catholic schools out-perform public schools even though expulsion rates are lower in Catholic schools than in public ones. Teachers may prefer smaller class size than students or parents either because wages do not reflect working conditions fully or because teachers as a group can raise the demand for their services by lowering class size. The theory provides a measurable and operational way to define school quality that can be tested empirically. Finally, because public schools that operate in a centralized environment do not capture the returns to their successes, public school incentives differ from those of private schools.
On the Effects of Relative Performance Feedback in a Risk Elicitation Task: Evidence From a Lab Experiment

This paper experimentally investigates the influence of different non-payoff-relevant feedback regimes on motivation, competitiveness and risk-taking behaviors in a risk elicitation task. We explore four feedback regimes: private feedback, full ranking feedback, top-5 ranking feedback, and non-ranking feedback based on the median performance of peers. We found that providing relative performance feedback increases risk-taking behavior, especially when using a top-5 ranking. Feedback regimes that provide a user with rank-based feedback have adverse effects on the users' attitudes as they increase competitiveness while failing to increase intrinsic motivation and performance motivation. In contrast, non-ranking feedback like the median feedback increases intrinsic motivation and does not influence competitiveness and risk-taking. Across all treatment groups, introducing relative performance feedback rules out the importance of a monetary compensation. From a management perspective, these results suggest that in situations where high risk decisions are problematic, non-ranking feedback should be preferred over rank-based feedback regimes.
Mating Systems and Reproductive Success in Hermaphroditic Bay Scallop, Argopecten irradians irradians (Lamarck 1819), Inferred by Microsatellite-based Parentage Analysis

In this study, we used microsatellite-based parentage analysis to assess the mating system of a mass spawning bay scallop, Argopecten irradians irradians. Parental assignment was performed on 237 offspring and 14 candidate parents. Overall, 95% of all offspring were unambiguously allocated to their putative parents based on information from six highly polymorphic loci. Offspring from both the self-fertilization and cross-fertilization style were observed, the large variation of self-fertilization rate among individuals displays a mixed mode of mating. The high variances in reproductive success resulted in a decline in effective breeding numbers (Nb/N = 0.71). The self-fertilization rate was 32.89% for this mass spawning and the coefficient of inbreeding was estimated at around 16.5% per generation. When selfed larvae were removed, the relationship between relatedness and individual reproductive success was proved insignificant between half-sibings and unrelated, which suggest that selection pressures other than avoidance of inbreeding may be responsible for the evolution and maintenance of the self-compatible mating system of A. i. irradians. These results lend insight to A. i. irradians cultivation in present China and provide a genetic basis for the development of more effective spawning techniques.
1141174724 Complement activation induces dysregulation of angiogenic factors and causes fetal loss

Complement is an important effector in pregnancy loss in the antiphospholipid syndrome. We now test the hypothesis that complement activation is a necessary intermediary event in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage in DBA/2‐mated female CBA/J mice (CBAxDBA), a well‐studied model of autoantibody‐independent pregnancy failure. Blockade of C3 activation with Crry‐Ig completely rescued pregnancies in CBAxDBA mice (Crry‐Ig vs untreated 8.5 ± 6.3% fetal resorptions vs 28.0 ± 7.2%, P < 0.01). Inhibition of C5 cleavage with anti‐C5 mAb and blockade of C5a receptors with a peptide antagonist also prevented pregnancy loss (8.6 ± 4.4% and 8.0 ± 5.9% resorptions, respectively, P < 0.01 versus control). Inhibition of the alternative pathway resulted in pregnancy outcomes similar to controls (8.4 ± 6.6% versus 9.2 ± 3.2% resorptions). In CBAxDBA matings, we observed elevated plasma levels of soluble VEGF receptor‐1 (sVEGFR‐1; a potent anti‐angiogenic molecule), increased placental inflammatory infiltrates and defective development of placenta. Our complement inhibitory strategies blocked the increase in sVEGFR‐1, prevented functional deficiency of VEGF and rescued pregnancies. We confirmed the importance of complement as a proximal effector in in vitro studies; monocytes stimulated with C5a released sVEGFR‐1 which sequesters VEGF required for normal placental development. Our data indicate that complement activation leads to recruitment of inflammatory cells and production of inhibitors of angiogenesis (sVEGFR‐1) which cause placental dysfunction and fetal injury. These studies identify key innate immune effectors that mediate poor pregnancy outcomes and provide novel and important targets for prevention of recurrent pregnancy loss in patients.
Shopping in Malaysia: A Study of International Tourists’ Experience and Expectation

The globalisation of tourism as a major activity has produced increasing demands for new tourist experiences, including the growing importance of shopping. As part of this trend, tourists have a strong interest in enjoying shopping, particularly for luxury items in major retail complexes or purpose-built shopping malls. Increasingly, this link between tourism and retailing is becoming important as a competitive advantage in the international competition of different global tourism destinations. However, few detailed studies have been directed at such experiences as part of the global tourism experience. This qualitative study sought to explore shopping experiences among international tourists in Malaysian shopping malls. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with international tourists visiting several states in Malaysia. The international tourists were interviewed using a mall intercept survey in major shopping complexes in around Malaysia. They were asked to describe their shopping experiences as well as their expectations of visiting the mall. Their experiences and expectations provide a perspective on how international tourists perceive the nature of such shopping experiences. The data were analysed using content analysis. The findings disclose the item suggested for quantitative analysis relating to the shopping experiences of international tourists. This study can be beneficial for mall retailers wishing to capitalize on the international tourist market.
Assessment of the ecological state of the Kiev Reservoir by the bioindication method

The ecological state of the Kiev Reservoir affected by intensive contamination as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station in 1986 was assessed in terms of the species-indicators of epiphytic algae occurring in the fouling of higher aquatic plants. It has been found that inhabitants of slowly flowing and moderately warm waters, alkaliphiles, indifferent organisms in relation to water salinity, nitrogen-autotrophic taxa tolerating elevated concentrations of organically bound nitrogen, β-mesosaprobionts and eurysaprobes (in relation to organic contamination) and eutraphentic organisms (indicators of the trophic state) prevailed in phytoepiphyton of the Kiev Reservoir. As a result of comparison of the original results with literature data obtained prior to the accident, it has been found that over a span of about 30 years (from the 1970s–1980s to 2010–2013), the taxonomic structure of phytoepiphyton remained almost unchanged. At the same time, the intensity of eutrophication, alkalization, and thermofication processes increased.
Effects of Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab and Bt spray on Spodoptera littoralis

Various studies have been conducted to assess the damage caused by secondary lepidopteran pests to transgenic Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab. However, to date little is known on the effects of transgenic maize on Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a polyphagous herbivore which is considered a pest in Mediterranean maize growing areas. Here we present results on the effects of Bt maize (Bt‐11) and Bt spray (Dipel) on the various life stage parameters of this herbivore. We further assess the expression of Cry1Ab in different leaves and leaf parts in maize at a given plant growth stage, and determine whether the feeding damage of 3rd instar S. littoralis is influenced by Bt toxin expression. Contrary to previous literature reporting that S. littoralis is not sensitive to Bt Cry1Ab toxin, our results show that insects fed on either transgenic or Bt sprayed plants were negatively affected. Young S. littoralis larvae (1st and 2nd instars) were found to be the most sensitive to the Bt toxin. This was represented by a higher mortality and a slower developmental time of larvae maintained on transgenic or sprayed plants when compared to insects maintained on control plants. Moreover, Bt maize had a stronger and prolonged detrimental effect on insects when compared to Bt spray in maize. This was revealed by the fact that insects maintained on transgenic plants from 3rd instar to pupation took longer to reach adult emergence compared to insects that were maintained on sprayed plants. This was likely due to the continuous exposure of insects to the toxin when kept on transgenic maize. ELISA results showed a variation in the amount of Bt toxin among different leaf sections in transgenic maize at a given plant growth stage. These differences in Bt toxin were primarily found in the youngest leaf of growing plants. Although the lowest amounts of Bt toxin were detected in the growing leaf section of young leaves, this difference did not appear to influence the feeding behavior of 3rd instar S. littoralis.
Competition and the Exchange of Grooming Among Female Samango Monkeys (Cercopithecus Mitis Erythrarchus)

Current socioecological models argue that multi-female primate groups engaging in co-operative, between-group resource competition (BGC), should have egalitarian social relations that promote cohesion among group members, while those that experience strong within-group competition (WGC) should exhibit nepotistic and despotic social behaviour (van Schaik, 1989; Sterck et al. , 1997). Here we investigate the idea that very slight WGC can have strong effects on social relationships, even in 'egalitarian' populations, and that individual responses to ecological conditions may vary among group members. We estimated the intensity of both BGC and WGC and used the Biological Markets model to examine their effects on female dominance and grooming distributions for a group of samango monkeys ( Cercopithecus mitis erythrarchus ) in a high-density, territorial population. We found high levels of territorial activity consistent with female resource defence, low levels of within-group aggression and only slight effects of contest competition on diet. Individual grooming bouts were reciprocal, with no effects of rank, demonstrating that grooming was not exchanged for feeding tolerance. However, in contrast to other C. mitis populations, female samangos maintained a consistent, linear dominance hierarchy that was reflected in the overall patterns of association and grooming, with high-ranking females receiving more grooming, and lower-ranking females were less likely to take part in territorial activity. Our results support the prediction of the current socioecological model that WGC effects on female relationships will always be greater than the cohesive effects of BGC (Wrangham, 1980; Cheney, 1992), and show that a simple 'egalitarian' description of C. mitis female relationships is insufficient.