bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade Creation and Trade Diversion in the North American Free Trade Agreement: The Case of the Agricultural Sector
Authors: Susanto Dwi , Rosson C. Parr , Adcock Flynn J.
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the effect of the U.S.-Mexico trade agreement under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The results suggest that U.S. agricultural imports from Mexico have been responsive to tariff rate reductions applied to Mexican products. A one percentage point decrease in tariff rates is associated with an increase in U.S. agricultural imports from Mexico by 5.31% in the first 6 years of NAFTA and by 2.62% in the last 6 years of NAFTA. U.S. imports from Mexico have also been attributable to the pre-NAFTA tariff rates. Overall, the results indicate that the U.S-Mexico trade agreement under NAFTA has been trade creating rather than trade diverting.
Working Farm Participation and Acreage Enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program
Authors: Lambert Dayton M. , Sullivan Patrick , Claassen Roger
Published: July 2016

Among Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants, there is a distinction between farm households using the program to ease out of farming and those using the program to augment production receipts. We find evidence that factors other than crop or livestock revenue and environmental factors are associated with program participation and acreage enrollment among farmers who continue agricultural production. Program payments and farm size are positively associated with the amount of land enrolled in the CRP, and characteristics of participants in land retirement and working-lands CRP components are similar.
Does Close Count? School Proximity, School Quality, and Residential Property Values
Authors: Owusu-Edusei Kwame , Espey Molly , Lin Huiyan
Published: July 2016

This study jointly estimates the impact of school quality and school proximity on residential property values in Greenville, South Carolina. While quality is found to be capitalized into residential property values, the degree of capitalization depends on school level and proximity to each school for which the house is zoned for attendance. In general, there is positive value associated with closer proximity to schools of all levels, and negative value associated with a significantly longer than average distance to schools. In terms of quality rankings, excellence at the elementary and high school levels has the strongest impact on property values.
Distance Education in Agricultural Economics: Perceptions of Department Heads
Authors: Jensen Kim , English Burton , Clark Christopher
Published: July 2016

Heads of agricultural economics and agribusiness departments across the United States are surveyed to develop an inventory of distance education (DE) offerings by their departments. Perceived challenges, strategies for use, and future plans for DE are assessed. While the majority of the responding departments offer DE, the department heads believed that faculty time costs to develop/deliver DE are high relative to traditional delivery and that both strategic plans for implementing DE and financial incentives for faculty to adopt DE are lacking. The department heads did, however, have positive views about the technological ability of students to use distance courses.
Using Distance Education in Graduate Programs
Authors: Featherstone Allen M. , Brummett Lynnette M.
Published: July 2016

There has been much hype around online education creating a revolution in education. Studies analyzing the use of distance education at the graduate level have been limited. This article uses Kansas State University's Master of Agribusiness program as a case study. Educational theory related to a distance environment is studied. Development and technology issues related to the Master of Agribusiness program are presented followed by survey information from students. Appropriate administrative and management practices that govern a program are essential to the success of the program.
Determining Returns to Storage: Does Data Aggregation Matter?
Authors: Klumpp Joni M. , Brorsen B. Wade , Anderson Kim B.
Published: July 2016

Aggregate data are commonly used to determine returns to storage. However, recent studies have shown that aggregating data may lead to underestimated returns. This article compares aggregate and elevator data from Oklahoma to determine if aggregate data underestimate returns. We find no difference between the mean returns estimated with aggregate data and the mean returns estimated with transaction level data from grain elevators in Oklahoma.
Location Preference for Risk-Averse Dutch Dairy Farmers Immigrating to the United States
Authors: Richardson James W. , Herbst Brian , Duncan Anthony , den Besten Mark , van Hoven Peter
Published: July 2016

Increased environmental regulations and a milk quota that restricts growth have increased the interest in immigration to the United States by Dutch dairy farmers. A risk-based economic analysis of 23 representative U.S. dairy farms versus a representative Dutch farm shows that risk-averse Dutch dairy farmers would prefer to liquidate their dairy farms and invest in a large dairy in Idaho or north Texas. The risk ranking suggested that continuing to farm in the Netherlands rather than immigrating to the United States is preferred over only two of the 23 U.S. representative farms analyzed.
Production Efficiency and Diversification in Mexican Coffee-Producing Districts
Authors: Vedenov Dmitry , Houston Jack , Cardenas Gabriela
Published: July 2016

Coffee production system is analyzed for 24 municipios (districts) in Veracruz, Mexico, from 1997 to 2002. A stochastic frontier approach is used to estimate an input distance function and to evaluate production efficiency. Results show the production process to be stable over time despite global price fluctuations. Production of staple crop (corn) with either coffee or other cash crops results in increased efficiency as a result of the economies of complementarity, while production of coffee with other cash crops leads to lower efficiency. Factors contributing to higher efficiency included higher population density, road availability, and higher altitude, typically associated with production of higher-quality coffee.
Farm-Level Risk Management Using Irrigation and Weather Derivatives
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Mullen Jeffrey D. , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: July 2016

An agronomic crop growth model—the Decision Support System for Agro-Technology Transfer—and a constant relative risk aversion utility function are used to examine corn irrigation strategies in Mitchell County, Georgia. Precipitation contracts are designed to help farmers manage risk. Three conclusions originate from the findings. First, the optimal irrigation strategy can greatly increase producers' certainty-equivalent revenue. Second, changes in water pricing policy would have a limited impact on the amount of water used. And third, across levels of risk preference, the precipitation contracts are not effective in increasing certainty-equivalent revenue or reducing cumulative water use.
An International Comparison of the Effects of Government Agricultural Support on Food Budget Shares
Authors: Miller J. Corey , Coble Keith H.
Published: July 2016

This study evaluates econometrically the effect of government support to agriculture on a measure of the affordability of food in 10 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The panel model we construct specifically utilizes two values calculated by the OECD: Producer Support Estimates as a percentage of gross farm receipts and the Consumer Nominal Protection Coefficient. These two variables represent transfers from taxpayers to agricultural producers through government programs and transfers from consumers to government through protectionist measures, respectively. By using dummy variables, we find implications for groups of countries on the basis of their relative levels of support and protection.
Market Power in Poultry Production Contracting? Evidence from a Farm Survey
Authors: MacDonald James M. , Key Nigel
Published: July 2016

The exercise of market power by broiler processing firms (integrators) is plausible because local markets for growers are concentrated and because growers face hold-up risks arising from substantial investments in specific assets set against limited integrator purchase commitments. This article explores the links between local integrator concentration and grower compensation under production contracts using data from the 2006 broiler version of the USDA's Agricultural Resource Management Survey. Results of this study, which account for characteristics of the operation and specific features of the production contract, suggest that greater integrator concentration results in a small but economically meaningful reduction in grower compensation.
Selecting Delivery Methods for Outreach Education Programs
Authors: Carter Bryson R. , Batte Marvin T.
Published: July 2016

Farmer perceptions of extension program delivery methods and an analysis of the relationships of method and farmer characteristics to evaluation scores are presented. Evaluation scores tend to increase with written, interactive and variable-scheduled methods and methods where users determine the agenda. Evaluations tend to be lower for high user cost and “high-tech” methods. Substantial similarity of results exists across groups of farmers differing by age, education levels, farm size and farm type. There are differences, however, in absolute valuation of the method characteristics across the groups.
Technological Change in Meat and Poultry-Packing and Processing
Authors: Lambert David K.
Published: July 2016

Nonparametric procedures are used to compare technological change in SIC 2011, meatpacking, and SIC 2015, poultry slaughter and processing. There has been a greater increase in total factor productivity in poultry than in the red meats. Evidence also suggests recent differences in the bias of this technological change, with production changes being labor using in poultry and biased towards greater efficiency in the use of live animal inputs in meatpacking.
New Regulations Governing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Require New Solutions: Discussion
Authors: Fleming Ronald A. , Thomas Michael H.
Published: July 2016

This paper discusses the three invited papers presented in the session titled “New Regulations Require New Solutions: Federal Provisions Governing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations” (i.e., CAFOs). These papers provide an excellent review of current state and federal laws and an excellent summary of what has been and is currently being done with respect to CAFO regulation. The papers present three different policy approaches: i) alternative performance standards, ii) location-specific regulation, and iii) insurance-based underwriting of CAFO discharges. Each approach has its drawbacks; however, blending these suggested policies into current regulation would result in efficiency gains.
Buyback Programs for Overcapitalized Fisheries: Approaches, Experiences, and Impacts for Southeast Fisheries: Discussion
Authors: Thunberg Eric M.
Published: July 2016

Both of the papers presented in this session deal with various aspects of buyback programs for fisheries. Each paper highlights the need to rationalize capacity output in fisheries in which property rights are poorly specified. However, neither paper places buyback programs into a consistent framework in which the distinction between capacity reduction and capacity utilization is clearly recognized. This distinction is important in order to elicit the most appropriate policy response (particularly with respect to buybacks) to degraded fishery resources.
Commodity Models and Their Contribution to Congressional Policymaking: Reflections from the 2002 Farm Bill and Beyond: Discussion
Authors: Jagger Craig
Published: July 2016

The organizers of this session asked me to do two things: to place policy modeling into the context of both general congressional policymaking and that of the 2002 Farm Bill and to comment on the three papers of the session.

Commodity models provide results that are useful for congressional decision making. Expected impacts of proposed policies on supply, demand, prices, and income are of interest to members of Congress. But decisions by policymakers depend on a variety of factors beyond model results, including professional backgrounds and perspectives, personal experiences, familiarity with proposed and alternative policies, views of key constituents, and ideologies. Many policy changes are incremental. So while model results are important to the policymaking process, they rarely are the key determinant as to why one proposed policy trumps another.
Risk-Adjusted Comparison of Conservation Reserve Program Payments Versus Production Payments for a Corn-Soybean Farmer
Authors: Ibendahl Gregory
Published: July 2016

Conservation reserve program (CRP) payments amount to several billion dollars annually. Payments are allocated to both remove land from production and to help farmers pay for conservation improvements. However, research examining whether farmers increase their utility with CRPs is limited. This paper uses simulation analysis and certainty equivalents to compare farming income to payments under the CRP. Farming income is a combination of crop production and government payments as specified in the 2002 Farm Bill. This analysis focuses on farms in three different counties in Kentucky. Results indicate that CRPs are good choices for many farmers.
An Evaluation of U.S. Hog Producer Preferences Toward Autonomy
Authors: Gillespie Jeffrey M. , Davis Christopher G. , Rahelizatovo Noro C.
Published: July 2016

Hog farmers' preferences for autonomy are assessed through the use of eight questions dealing with their preferences for general decision making and with respect to specific management actions. Farmers generally preferred to make a higher percentage of the decisions about their operations, especially older producers and those who operated farrowing units. Farmers who placed lower values on autonomy finished hogs, were nearing retirement, valued social relationships with other farmers more highly, had higher off-farm income, or were larger farmers.
Rates of Return in the Farm and Nonfarm Sectors: How Do They Compare?
Authors: Erickson Kenneth W. , Moss Charles B. , Mishra Ashok K.
Published: July 2016

This study examines the return on agricultural assets relative to nonfinancial corporate assets in the general economy using aggregate Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Our results indicate that the rate of return on nonfarm assets dominates the rate of return on agricultural assets. The average rate of return on nonfarm assets is higher than the average rate of return on farm assets, and the variance of the rate of return on nonfarm assets is lower than the variance of the rate of return on farm assets. Furthermore, the rate of return on agricultural assets only exceeds the rate of return in the nonfarm sector in 1992.
Willingness to Pay for Genetically Modified Oil, Cornflakes, and Salmon: Evidence from a U.S. Telephone Survey
Authors: Kaneko Naoya , Chern Wen S.
Published: July 2016

This paper reports results from a U.S. national telephone survey on genetically modified foods (vegetable oil, cornflakes, and salmon). The survey featured a contingent valuation in which respondents chose between the GM and non-GM alternatives with an option of indifference. The binomial and multinomial logit models yielded estimated willingness to pay (WTP) to avoid the GM alternatives. Respondents were willing to pay 20.9%, 14.8%, 28.4%, and 29.7% of the base prices to avoid GM vegetable oil, GM cornflakes, GM-fed salmon, and GM salmon, respectively. The inclusion of indifference option could increase the sample size and moderate the mean WTP.
Processor Willingness to Adopt a Crawfish Peeling Machine: An Application
of Technology Adoption under Uncertainty
Authors: Gillespie Jeffrey , Lewis Darius
Published: July 2016

Crawfish processors' ex ante adoption rates
of three hypothetical crawfish peeling machines are assessed using a
polychotomous-choice elicitation format. Adoption rates would likely range
from 23% to 70%, depending upon which machine was offered and whether it was
purchased or leased. Processors most likely to adopt are determined using
ordered probit analysis. Likely adopters would be larger, more diversified
processors with greater resources and longer planning horizons.
Economies of Scale in the Floriculture Industry
Authors: Schumacher Sara K. , Marsh Thomas L.
Published: July 2016

This study investigated the cost structure of the floriculture industry in the United States. Economies of scale and input elasticities were estimated with a normalized quadratic cost function. Results suggest that economies of scale exist in the floriculture industry. As producers become large and more automated, they have a cost advantage relative to smaller producers who are producing the same output product mix. The existence of economies of scale suggests that average grower size can increase in the future as growers increase in size to take advantage of cost efficiencies.
Landlord Satisfaction with Arkansas Agricultural Land Agreements
Authors: Rainey Ronald L. , Dixon Bruce L. , Parschy Lucas D. , Ahrendsen Bruce L. , Bierlen Ralph W.
Published: July 2016

Landlord satisfaction levels with agricultural land-leasing agreements are examined with a 1998 sample of Arkansas landowners. Ordered probit models are estimated identifying which factors significantly affect satisfaction levels. Results indicate that the type of lease is not a significant determinant of landlord satisfaction levels. Proportion of landlord's income from leasing, tenant educational background, social capital variables, presence of irrigation equipment, and perceptions about the FAIR Act were found to significantly affect lease satisfaction in at least one of the three satisfaction models estimated. A comparison with an earlier study of Arkansas tenants indicates landlords have generally higher satisfaction levels.
Profit and Variance Analysis of Cotton Production Technologies and Rotation Crops in Georgia
Authors: Flanders Archie , White Fred C. , Shurley W. Don , Brown Steve M.
Published: July 2016

Genetically modified cotton varieties have the potential for increasing returns and/or decreasing labor requirements. A nonlinear optimization model is applied to a whole farm analysis for evaluating cotton production technologies. This model maximizes farm utility, composed of expected returns and their variability, at various risk aversion levels in order to evaluate cotton production technologies. Results show that while conventional cotton maximizes utility in a risk-neutral situation, transgenic cotton varieties entered into the optimal solution as higher levels of risk aversion were considered.
The Potential For High-Value Agricultural Products Under The North American Free Trade Agreement: The Case of Beef in Mexico and Canada
Authors: Onianwa Okwudili O.
Published: July 2016

The prospects for U.S. beef products in the advent of a North American Free Trade Agreement were examined using a system-wide approach to import allocation. Results indicate that increases in the standard of living in Mexico and Canada would stimulate increased importation of processed and unprocessed beef products. Bulk beef product in both countries had expenditure elasticities greater than one, while semi-processed and highly processed beef products had expenditure elasticities of less than one.
Trade and the Political Economy of Agricultural Policy: The Case of the United States Peanut Program
Authors: Nayga Rodolfo M. , Borges Robert B.
Published: July 2016

NAFTA and GATT will dramatically alter regulations protecting U.S. peanut markets and will allow foreign producers considerable access to domestic market. Traditionally, the political economy surrounding peanut policy has been favorable to domestic producers. Rising peanut butter imports, decreasing domestic demand, and possibly the inadvertent effects of domestic policy, ironically implemented to protect domestic producers, have contributed to significant increases in Treasury costs. These increased Treasury costs have dramatically changed the political climate surrounding the peanut program. In this light, the effects of GATT appear manageable; NAFTA may ultimately require major policy reform. Possible alternatives are presented.
The Economic Impacts of a Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak: A Regional Analysis
Authors: Pendell Dustin L. , Leatherman John , Schroeder Ted C. , Alward Gregory S.
Published: July 2016

Contagious animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are often referred to as economic diseases because of the magnitude of economic harm they can cause to producers and to local communities. This study demonstrates the local economic impact of a FMD outbreak in southwest Kansas. The expected economic impact of the disease hinges heavily on where the incidence of the disease occurs. Disease surveillance, management strategies, mitigation investment, and overall diligence clearly need to be much greater in concentrated cattle feeding and processing areas at large feeding operations in the region.
Invasive Species and Delaying the Inevitable: Results from a Pilot Valuation Experiment
Authors: Mcintosh Christopher R. , Shogren Jason F. , Finnoff David C.
Published: July 2016

Herein we explore the economic value of delaying inevitable environmental damage due to aquatic invasive species, which is a problem especially relevant to tropic and subtropical regions. We developed an analytical framework and tested it using a stated preference survey. The results suggest that delaying the impacts can be valuable. Other tests reveal characteristics of the willingness-to-pay estimates that are consistent with economic theory.
Present Concepts on the Genetics of Congenital Deficiencies of Color Vision
Authors: François J. , Bie S. De , Verriest G. , Matton M. Th.
Published: July 2016

The different varieties of congenital dyschromatopsias are inherited following different modes. The dyschromatopsias of the protan and deutan type, as well as the atypical achromatopsia (blue mono-cone monochromacy), are sex-linked recessive, the tritanopia probably autosomal dominant and the typical achromatopsia surely autosomal recessive. The mode of transmission of the tritanomalia is still dubious.

Concerning the localisation of the genes on the X chromosome, the bilocular theory for the deutan and protan genes is accepted at the present time. These genes form a cluster with the genes of hemophilia A and G6PD deficiency. It is possible that this cluster is situated on the short arm of the X chromosome or on the long arm near the centromeric region. The exact situation will be known very soon, when the interpretation of the results of the cellular hybridisation, which are still discordant, will be well established.
An Appraisal of Genetic Studies on Leprosy
Authors: Beiguelman Bernardo
Published: July 2016

The present paper reviews the research lines which have been explored to evaluate to what extent genetic factors are intervening on the mechanism of resistance and susceptibility to leprosy.

It presents a critical discussion of the investigations on the familial association of leprosy, familial association of leprosy types, intrafamilial contagion of leprosy, concordance of leprosy in twinpairs, racial differences on leprosy prevalence and lepromatous rate, pedigree studies, association of leprosy to genetic markers, Australia antigen, and dermatoglyphic patterns. Space was also allotted to review family and twin-pair studies on the Mitsuda reaction, as well as to the investigation on the in vitro behaviour of blood macrophages against killed M. leprae.

Some areas in which further research on leprosy and genetics may be considered as prioritary are outlined with some detail.
Identical Twins Discordant for Congenital Spinal Anomalies
Authors: François J. , Leuven M. Th. Matton-Van , Vercauteren M. , Vandenbulcke-Donck D. , De Bie S.
Published: July 2016

A twin pair, discordant for congenital spinal cervical anomalies, is described. Zygosity chances are calculated on the basis of initial dizygosity chance, sex likeness, red cell antigens, serum types, red cell enzymes, and dermatoglyphic data. The chance for monozygosity adds up to 0.9992. Literature data on cervical anomalies in twins are reviewed.

It is concluded that, although the inheritance of spinal anomalies, such as hemivertebra, is still an open question, this twin pair supports the present trend of ideas that most of these anomalies are caused by peripheral, nongenetic factors.
New Studies on the Heritability of Anthropometric Characteristics as Ascertained From Twins
Authors: Rocha F.J. Da , Salzano F.M. , Peña Heloisa F. , Callegari Sidia M.
Published: July 2016

Sixteen anthropometric measurements were performed on each of 48 MZ and 51 DZ adult twin pairs. The largest amount of diversity between MZ and DZ was observed in relation to stature which was in average about three-and-a half times more different in the latter. Forehead and nasal height were also three times more variable among DZ twins, while head and nasal breadth, morphological face height, and lip thickness were twice as variable. The heritability estimates and F ratios yielded significant values in both sexes for twelve traits. The exceptions were mandibular and minimum frontal breadth, calf and chest circumference. The largest heritabilities were observed for stature, head breadth and lip thickness. Correlation matrices were obtained for all measurements; those showing significantly positive coefficients, however, did not show similar heritability values.
Chronology of the Gene
Authors: Gedda L. , Brenci G.
Published: July 2016

The switching of genes from the silent to the operating condition following a rigorous temporal sequence may be called “chronology of the gene”. The succession of times and its biocybernetic mechanism are peculiar to each species, but the duration of information exhibits wide intraspecific variations between populations, families, and individuals. The highly isochronic behavior of MZ twins is proof of the existence of an individual temporal constitution.

Our previous studies have proved that the duration of each information is a property of the corresponding genotype, depending on its potential time of activity (chronon), which depends in its turn on the same genotype's energy of stability (ergon).

In terms of molecular genetics, the stability against mutation of each gene, governing its Ergon/Chronon (E/G) system, is a function of three factors:

(1) Code degeneracy, i.e., the different stability of synonyms coding for the same information through different ratios of GC and AT bases, the former being the more stable.
Étude Génétique du Mode de Croisement des Bras
Authors: Leguebe André , Martinez-Fuentes Antonio
Published: July 2016

In order to test if arm folding is a hereditary trait, 319 couples of parents and their 897 children have been examined. The distribution of the two phenotypes, D and G, is different from a O.5-0.5 distribution. No influence of sex nor age is observed. The matings are random and the mean number of children per family is the same for each type of mating.

The analysis of family data does not prove the hypothesis of a hereditary transmission of the trait, and important discrepancies are noted between observed values and those expected for genetic mechanisms with two alleles, D and G, of an autosomic or sex-linked gene.
Strukturelle Chromosomenaberrationen in den Lymphozyten gesunder Probanden unter dem Einfluss verschiedener Kulturbedingungen
Authors: Meist Hannes
Published: July 2016

The frequency of structural chromosomal aberrations has been examined in peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures from 18 normal individuals. A mean rate of aberrations was observed of 7.38%, and a mean breakage/metaphase index of 0.036. Individual values ranged, for the aberration index, from 4% to 15%; and, for the breakage/metaphase index, from 0.00 to 0.08. Only gaps and breakage were observed. The translocation cross and chromatid-ring observed derive from a series of experiments on homologous plasma cultures. As for the influence of different cultural environments, it has been observed that the rate of spontaneous aberrations behaved independently from the age of the blood sample, from the addition of penicillin in the culture, and from the concentration of phytohemoagglutinin. Using veal's fetal serum, the rate of aberrations failed to show any variation, even with a time of culture prolonged up to 96 hours; while, using homologous plasma, the time of culture having been prolonged, structural aberrations have shown a considerable increase. The study of the mitotic index in the different cultural conditions has indicated the possibility of favoring the growth of leucocyte cultures.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Twins
Authors: Myrianthopoulos Ntinos C. , Churchill John A. , Baszynski Alice J.
Published: July 2016

Respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 77 of 1,130 liveborn twins (1: 15) and appears to be more frequent than in singletons. This increase cannot be entirely accounted for by the higher prematurity rate of twins over singletons. In 46 twin pairs with at least one affected, there was a significantly higher concordance rate among MZ than DZ pairs, suggesting that genetic factors are of some etiologic importance in this disease.
The Red Cell Acid Phosphatase Polymorphism in Sweden: Gene Frequencies and Application to Disputed Paternity
Authors: Broman P. , Grundin R. , Lins P. E.
Published: July 2016

Red cell acid phosphatase phenotypes were determined in 517 unrelated persons from Sweden (317 men, 200 women). The observed gene frequencies were pA = 0.372; pB = 0.558; pC = 0.070.

Experiences in 101 cases of disputed paternity with 167 men involved are reported. On grounds of red cell acid phosphatase phenotypes, ig men (in 18 cases) could be excluded.

In all 112 mother-child combinations studied the distributions of phenotypes were in agreement with the genetical hypothesis suggested by Hopkinson et al (1963).
Pseudo-Pseudo Male Hermaphroditism with Auto-Gonosomic Mosaic
Authors: Gedda L. , Torrioli-Riggio G. , Porto G. Del , Silvani L.
Published: July 2016

A case of apparent pseudo-hermaphroditism is described, which seems to represent a new kind of genital pathology. The phenotypic (genital ambiguity) and genotypic (mosaicism of both autosomes and gonosomes) alterations are interpreted as the result of a series of clonal errors of mitosis in the ontogenetic development of a Xy zygote, due to mutant genes for the control of mitosis.
Human Genetics Studies in Areas of High Natural Radiation: I. Methodology
Authors: Freire-Maia Ademar
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the investigations in the field of the effect of natural radiations on human populations, and discusses a number of problems inherent to retrospective genetic studies of human populations living under high levels of natural radiation. The solutions to face, at least partly, such problems are presented and discussed with special reference to the Brazilian “Projeta Espírito Santo” (PES).

In summary, the main PES subjects presented and discussed are as follows:

1) The data, including about 7000 couples and 40000 pregnancy terminations, have been fully collected and are presently under analysis. They were gathered from January to October 1961 by a team of specially-trained female interviewers employing a standard questionnaire, making home visitations, and being directly supervised by the present author;

2) The reporting has been practically consistent both within and between populations throughout the whole field work. Biased contribution both from the interviewers and the informants was probably negligible. The collection of the data was not subject to any subjective factor related to problems of radiation effect.

3) The interviewers came from the same socio-economic level from which the majority of the people interviewed belong. They were rather familiar with the region and had a perfect understanding of the culture of the people.

4) A checking survey was performed to estimate the reliability of the data, with good results.

5) No propaganda or publicity has been made preceding or during the field work. This reduced the probability that people and the field work team knew o our interest in radiation problems.

6) Although efforts were made to have good descriptions of the abnormalities, and good information on the causes of deaths, unfortunately accurate diagnosis was not possible.

7) Cultural and religious practices probably do not affect differently reproduction in the radioactive and control areas, and socio-economic conditions seem to be roughly similar.

8) It is difficult to know the cumulative radiation dose to the parents of the individuals analyzed (an attempt regarding this point will be made when the data are analyzed). The mean individuals living in the control, intermediate and radioactive areas are probably subject to minimal gonad-doses of about 2, 3, and 7 r in a 30-year period, respectively.

9) No attempt was made to study the influence of radiation on the rate of mutation at specific loci, but an analysis will be made of the genetic characteristics of the populations assumed to be conditioned or influenced by mutations at many loci.

10) As has been duly pointed out in this paper, the “Projeto Espírito Santo” (PES) was not specifically planned to demonstrate, with conclusive results, the genetic effect of natural radiation. Although some positive result is possible, it is highly improbable.
The World Distribution of Transferrin Variants and some Unsolved Problems
Authors: Kirk R. L.
Published: July 2016

Nineteen variants of the iron-binding protein, transferrin, have been described in human serum. The world literature on the distribution of these variants in human populations is surveyed in comprehensive tables and attention is drawn to some of the outstanding deficiencies in our present knowledge of this distribution. It is pointed out that transferrin variants are important markers in anthropological studies.
Fertility and Multiple Births
Authors: Gedda L. , Brenci G.
Published: July 2016

The study of Italian Vital Statistics, from 1957 to 1966, reveals various classes of fertility (sterility, infertility, mean fertility, hyperfertility) and the curve of fertility in the woman's biological time. The study of lying-in women in Obstetrics Departments also yields data revealing an interaction between class and moment of fertility. The study of the Mendel Institute's twin file finally yields data stressing the existence of a relation between hyperfertility and multiple births. Endocrine fertility may thus be considered as genetically conditioned, and multiple births as an epiphenomenon of the hyperfertile class.
Studies on Twins: II. Typhoid favours Cotwins
Authors: Goswami H. K.
Published: July 2016

The fact that controls as are maintained in most biological experiments, could even be studied ebulliently in human population, by observing a MZ pair, a member of which is exposed to a certain anomaly and the other acts as control, becomes more vivid and recommended from the present studies. For, they can be directly related to human health and welfare.

Permanent changes due to typhoid incidence in physical, mental and anthropometric traits of a member of MZ twin pair may be suggestive of some “beneficial interaction of typhoid bacillus with certain intricate mechanisms like RNA and protein synthesis, as has been envisaged earlier.
The Inheritance of Red Hair
Authors: Rife David C.
Published: July 2016

1. The proportions of red haired offspring within families in which one or both parents are red haired are too high to support the hypothesis that red hair is inherited as a simple recessive trait.

2. Family data and gene frequency analysis give strong support to the hypothesis that red pigment in human hair is dominant to its absence, and is hypostatic to brown and black.
Familiäre D/E-Translokation
Authors: Meyer-Robisch M. , Schwanitz G.
Published: July 2016

Analysis of the chromosomes of the proposita, who died at 10 weeks of age, revealed a D/E translocation. The child showed the following abnormalities: hypertelorism; high palate; low set, malformed ears; left paresis of facial nerve; micrognathia; hemimelia with radius aplasia on the left side; open foramen ovale; open ductus botalli; ventricel septum defect; pelvic kidney left; hypotonia of the musculature; shortened thigh-adductors; and a dorsal flexion of the first toe on both sides.

The chromosome complement of the father included both reciprocals of a translocation between a D- and E-chromosome. The chromosome number of both father and child was 2n=46.
Studio Citogenetico di 140 Pazienti affetti da Sindrome di Down
Authors: Ricci N. , Ventimiglia B. , Dallapiccola B.
Published: July 2016

The Authors report the results of a cytogenetical investigation on a group of 140 Down's syndrome patients: nine of them had a translocation (D/G or G/G) and four a mosaic (trisomy 21-22/apparently normal); a mongol girl had 48 chromosomes due to the presence of a small centric chromosome and 21-22 trisomy. All other patients had a regular 21-22 trisomy. Some additional morphological anomalies are described, but interpreted as being expression of the normal human karyotype's variability.
Gemelli MZ con Mongolismo Concordante
Authors: Rasore-Quartino Alberto
Published: July 2016

A case of mongoloid MZ twins is described. The study is completed by chromosome analysis, showing the presence of trisomy 21.
Studies on Twins I. Typhoid Favours Cotwins
Authors: Goswami H. K.
Published: July 2016

The experimental cotwin control method by means of 34 MZ pairs, of which only one cotwin of each pair suffered from typhoid disease, offered excellent opportunities to study the after effects of typhoid incidence on the anthropometric, mental and physical traits of individuals. Comparison among 56 MZ pairs reveals that typhoid brings out certain significant changes in these traits.

Increase of intelligence has already been shown, due to increased quantity of RNA. Whether or not typhoid incidence after a period of approximately 7 months influences the rapid synthesis of RNA would be a good field of biochemical investigation of immunogenetical interest.
Taste Sensitivity to Phenylthiocarbamide among three Mongoloid Populations of the Indian Border
Authors: Sharma J. C.
Published: July 2016

Taste threshold for phenylthiocarbamide were studied among 242 Tibetans, 125 Spitians and 314 Lahaulis, the three Mongoloid populations of the Indo-Tibetan border. No statistically significant sex differences have been observed in the frequency of tasters and non-tasters in the present study. The frequency of non-tasters among Spitians (12.00%) and Lahaulis 12.73%) is strikingly similar and slightly higher than among Tibetans (10.74%). Statistically the difference in the three populations is non-significant (χ2 = 0.95, df = 2, p>0.05). In spite of the considerable Hindu admixture with a high frequency of non-taster gene, Spitians and Lahaulis have maintained a rather low frequency of non-tasters. This is true of populations all along the cis-Himalayan region, where similar Mongoloid and Hindu admixture has taken place. Besides the main Mongoloid element the proto-Australoid racial strain in the region may also be considered responsible for lowering the frequency of non-tasters.
A Study of the Distribution of Mid-Digital Hair among Newars of Nepal
Authors: Bhasin M. K.
Published: July 2016

Data on the middle-phalangeal hair among the different groups of Newars of Nepal Valley are presented.

Sexual differences for this trait are non-significant in Groups 1, 2 and 4.

The inter-group differences of Groups 1, 2 and 4 give non-significant results, suggesting a similarity for this trait among these groups in Newars.

The variability ranges between 22.1 to 100% in males, and 26.4 to 100% in females, in the frequencies of mid-phalangeal hair absence, among various populations.

The Mongoloid population is found to be in the range of 44.9 to 98.10%, with regard to the absence of this trait.

The Newars, as a total group, show frequencies of 75.43% in males, 76.63% in females and 76.04% in both sexes, combined, with respect to the absence of this trait.

The Newars fall nearer to the tribal groups of Assam (Khasi, Lushai and Mikir) and Japanese as far as this character is concerned.
On the Concepts of Chronon and Chronaxy and their Implications in Neoplasia
Authors: Bartalos M.
Published: July 2016

The concepts of Chronon and Chronaxy of Gedda are discussed in the light of recent biochemical-genetic knowledge. It is proposed that the term «positive chronaxy» and «negative chronaxy» be employed to designate the period during which a gene is in active and inactive state, respectively. Other terms proposed are «recurrent positive chronaxy», «recurrent negative chronaxy» and « uncoordinated chronaxy». It is pointed out that the different chronaxy states of genes may be subject to modification by certain agents. If a given agent is able to change a gene from a negative chronaxy state into positive chronaxy state, the gene toward this agent behaves as being in a «conditionally negative chronaxy state». In the same sense, we can speak also of a «conditionally positive chronaxy state» of a gene. It is proposed that mutations facilitating malignant transformation of cells can, theoretically, occur in both the active and inactive segments of the DNA. If active segments of the DNA are affected, i.e. those in positive chronaxy state, the effects of such mutations would be expressed immediately. If, however, genes in negative chronaxy state have similar mutations, their effect would be expressed only if these genes become activated by some agents, either physiological or unphysiological. Malignancies facilitated by hormonal inbalance may represent instances or mutated gene activation by physiological agents while tumors caused by carginogenic substances with a structure resembling steroid hormones could be examples of gene activation by unphysiological agents.
Fingerprints in twin
Authors: Parisi P. , Bacco M. Di , Gedda L. , Naddeo A.
Published: July 2016

The fingerprints of 15 MZ and 15 DZ female twin pairs have been studied for methodological purposes. Zygosity has been ascertained both on account of similarity criteria (polysymptomatic method, etc.) and of concordance ones (blood groups). The data have been analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The complexity of the qualitative analysis has required an apposite methodology and the use of a 1620 IBM computer.

Similarities — at the qualitative level — and concordances — at the quantitative one — appear to be significantly different respectively in MZ and DZ twin pairs.

No conclusions are drawn from the present results. The final work, based on 100 twin pairs (cf. Tab. 1.1) will possibly allow better understanding of some topics rapidly dealt with in this mainly methodological note.
A Short Note on the Birth Order, Parental Age and the Incidence of Oral Clefts
Authors: Bardhan A.
Published: July 2016

A study of 6375 births from the records of two hospitals of Delhi reveals that the incidence of oral clefts is more or less constant in both males and females. Evidence indicates that plural births are more associated with the harelip, cleft palate and cleft lip, than single births. In the same way, there is a positive association between oral clefts and higher age groups of parents. For this fact it can be mentioned that the incidence of oral clefts is lower in lower birth ranks and higher in higher birth ranks, which is again indirectly influenced by the higher age group of parents.
Down's Syndrome and Maternal Inbreeding
Authors: Matsunaga Ei
Published: July 2016

In order to test the possible effect of maternal inbreeding upon non-disjunction, ancestors of 104 children with Down's syndrome born to younger mothers were identified on the basis of official records. Among them, 6 had related parents, while 10 of the fathers and 12 of the mothers had also such parents. The relationship comprises first-cousins, first-cousins once removed, and second cousins. It was concluded that recessive genes are unlikely to be involved in the aetiology of non-disjunction of the 21st autosome, at least in younger mothers.
Cherubism in a Brazilian Kindred
Authors: Salzano F. M. , Ebling H.
Published: July 2016

A description is made of a Brazilian family of white ancestry in which five individuals presented the fibrous dysplasia of the jaws known as cherubism. The information obtained involves seven generations in a total of 75 individuals. 23 of these were examined by the authors and a report about a deceased person was confirmed by photograph. The affection in this family is probably conditioned by an autosomal dominant gene with variable expressivity.
Hereditary deficiency in pseudo-cholineslerase and apnoea from succinylcholine
Authors: Sansone G. , Rasore-Quartino A.
Published: July 2016

After a brief introduction on the genetic aspects of serum Cholinesterase, the Authors describe two familial cases of subjects homozygous for the atypical gene of Cholinesterase, who had severe apnoea following anesthesia.
Inheritance of Dermatoglyphic Formulae: I. Ulnar loops in complete or partial symmetrical formulae
Authors: Lázaro C. , Kolski R. , Olaizola L. , Scvortzoff E.
Published: July 2016

The results are presented of a study of ulnar loops in complete or partial symmetrical formulae, in all possible combinations, in a sample of 200 families taken at random in the population of Montevideo.

Some partial formulae not only appear in a significantly higher proportion when both parents have them, and in a smaller amount when they lack them, but also seem to be inherited in a higher degree than the theoretical expectancy of the combined chances of the patterns they are made up of.

The authors' conclusions is that there seems to be a basic influence of factors determining the inheritance of independent patterns, plus a second one, resulting from the meeting of some patterns to give a more remarkable genetic effect for the inheritance of partial formulae.
Study of a pair of DZ twins — the one affected by mongoloidism and trisomy-21, and the other normal with transitory chimerism of 21-trisomic cells
Authors: Massimo L. , Gemme G. , Vianello M. G. , Verri B.
Published: July 2016

Two DZ monoplacental twins are reported, one affected by mongolism and the other normal. Chromosome examination in the former indicated trisomy 21, while the latter presented a mosaicism consisting, at the age of 13 days, in 70% normal and 30% 21-trisomic cells; at the age of 5 months, in 95% normal and 5% trisomic cells; while, at the age of one year, all the cells appeared to be normal.

The possibility of mosaicism, and, according to clinical and hematological findings, that of feto-fetal blood transfusion are excluded.

The hypothesis is suggested of a progressive loss of the reproductive capacity of « chimaera » of abnormal lymphocytes.
Somiglianze tra le Figure Papillari dei Padri e dei Figli
Authors: Di Bacco M.
Published: July 2016

The author's purpose is to establish if there exists a propensity between fathers and sons about the papillar figures which are on the apical palanx of the fingers of the hand.

He has examined a sample of 31 families, each of them composed of a father and a number of sons, which generally varied from group to group, one to four, for a total of 76 sons.

After having carefully considered the possible statistical techniques to be employed in the research, the author has concluded that the most satisfactory method is a test directly ensuing from the mathching theory.

The application of the test revealed that for the two middle fingers, the index and the left annular, such a propensity between fathers and sons can be certainly estimated as existing; as to the right annular, the conclusion is doubtful; for the remaining fingers, the propensity is not admissible.