bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical migration and taxonomic entity of Korean endemic shrubLespedeza maritima(Fabaceae) based on microsatellite loci
Authors: Jin Dong-Pil , Park Jong-Soo , Choi Byoung-Hee
Published: February 2021

Various plant species are endemic to the Korean Peninsula, but their evolutionary divergence and establishment are poorly understood. One of these, Lespedeza maritima, has been proposed as either a hybrid (L. cyrtobotrya × L. maximowiczii) or a synonym of L. thunbergii. A distinct taxon, L. uekii, has been proposed for inland populations. We investigated genetic diversity and structure in L. maritima and related taxa to resolve this. Genotypes of L. maritima (n = 244, including L. uekii) were determined using 12 microsatellite loci, then compared with those of related species. Genetic diversity within L. maritima was estimated, and Bayesian clustering analysis was used to represent its genetic structure and that of related taxa. Its distribution during the last glacial maximum (LGM) was predicted using ecological niche modelling (ENM). Neighbour-joining (NJ) analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were used to investigate relationships among species. Bayesian tree based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (nrITS) was also reconstructed to show relationships and divergence time among species. Morphological features were examined using flower characteristics. In result, expected heterozygosity (HE) and allelic richness (AR) within L. maritima were higher in southern than northern populations. Bayesian clustering analysis largely assigned populations to two clusters (K = 2) (south vs. north). The ENM showed that L. maritima occurred around the East China Sea and Korean Strait land bridge during the LGM. Compared with other Lespedeza species, L. maritima was assigned to an independent cluster (K = 2–5), supported by the NJ, PCoA, Bayesian tree and morphological examination results. Lespedeza maritima and L. uekii were clustered to one clade on Bayesian tree. Given results, current L. maritima populations derive from post-LGM colonization away from southern refugia. The type L. uekii, which grows inland, is thought synonym of L. maritima. In addition, L. maritima is considered a distinct species, compared with related taxa.
Failure and progression to total hip arthroplasty among the treatments for femoral head osteonecrosis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola , Baroncini Alice , Eschweiler Jörg , Tingart Markus , Betsch Marcel
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) often leads to secondary osteoarthritis and total hip arthroplasty.

Source of data

Recent published literatures.

Areas of agreement

There has been increasing focus on the early intervention in ONFH patients to preserve the native hip articulation, reduce pain and improve function.

Areas of controversy

Efficacy of surgical strategies for ONFH is debated. Several clinical studies showed controversial results, and the best treatment has not yet been clarified.

Growing points

To provide an overview over current treatment options for ONFH compares their failure rates and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) rates.

Areas timely for developing research

Core decompression (CD) augmented with autologous bone grafting plus the implantation of bone marrow concentrate can decrease the rate of failure and progression to THA rates compared to CD alone.
Understanding consciousness
Authors: Graziano Michael S A
Published: February 2021

The word consciousness has different meanings to different people. Michael Graziano argues that the three major perspectives on consciousness – the spiritual, the hard problem, and the self-model – represent a progression in our understanding, with only the self-model framework able to account for subjective experience.
A step forward in understanding the role of sleep and its link to neurodegeneration
Authors: Stefani Ambra , Högl Birgit
Published: February 2021

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Sleep deprivation impairs molecular clearance from the human brain’ by Eide et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa443).
Impaired cerebral microcirculation in isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder
Authors: Eskildsen Simon F , Iranzo Alex , Stokholm Morten G , Stær Kristian , Østergaard Karen , Serradell Mónica , Otto Marit , Svendsen Kristina B , Garrido Alicia , Vilas Dolores , Borghammer Per , Santamaria Joan , Møller Arne , Gaig Carles , Brooks David J , Tolosa Eduardo , Østergaard Leif , Pavese Nicola
Published: February 2021

During the prodromal period of Parkinson’s disease and other α-synucleinopathy-related parkinsonisms, neurodegeneration is thought to progressively affect deep brain nuclei, such as the locus coeruleus, caudal raphe nucleus, substantia nigra, and the forebrain nucleus basalis of Meynert. Besides their involvement in the regulation of mood, sleep, behaviour, and memory functions, these nuclei also innervate parenchymal arterioles and capillaries throughout the cortex, possibly to ensure that oxygen supplies are adjusted according to the needs of neural activity. The aim of this study was to examine whether patients with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder, a parasomnia considered to be a prodromal phenotype of α-synucleinopathies, reveal microvascular flow disturbances consistent with disrupted central blood flow control. We applied dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI to characterize the microscopic distribution of cerebral blood flow in the cortex of 20 polysomnographic-confirmed patients with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder (17 males, age range: 54–77 years) and 25 healthy matched controls (25 males, age range: 58–76 years). Patients and controls were cognitively tested by Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini Mental State Examination. Results revealed profound hypoperfusion and microvascular flow disturbances throughout the cortex in patients compared to controls. In patients, the microvascular flow disturbances were seen in cortical areas associated with language comprehension, visual processing and recognition and were associated with impaired cognitive performance. We conclude that cortical blood flow abnormalities, possibly related to impaired neurogenic control, are present in patients with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder and associated with cognitive dysfunction. We hypothesize that pharmacological restoration of perivascular neurotransmitter levels could help maintain cognitive function in patients with this prodromal phenotype of parkinsonism.
A novel recovery strategy based on link prediction and hyperbolic geometry of complex networks
Authors: Moshiri Mahdi , Safaei Farshad , Samei Zeynab
Published: February 2021

Recovery of complex networks is an important issue that has been extensively used in various fields. Much work has been done to measure and improve the stability of complex networks during attacks. Recently, many studies have focused on the network recovery strategies after attack. In many real cases, link retrieval and recovery of critical infrastructures such as transmission network and telecommunications infrastructures are of particular importance and should be prioritized. For example, when a flood disrupts optical fibre communications in transmission networks and paralyzes the network, link retrieval corresponds to the recovery of fibre communications, so that the transmission network communication capacity can be restored at the earliest possible time. So, predicting the appropriate reserved links in a way that the network can be recovered at the lowest cost and fastest time after attacks or interruptions will be critical in a disaster. In this article, different kinds of attack strategies are provided and some retrieval strategies based on link prediction methods are proposed to recover the network after failure and attack. Beside that, a new link prediction method based on the hyperbolic geometry of the complex network is proposed to discover redundant links. The numerical simulations reveal its superiority than other common and recent link prediction-based methods used for network recovery, especially in the case of attacks based on edge betweenness strategy.
The effects of cardiac stretch on atrial fibroblasts: analysis of the evidence and potential role in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Li Xixiao , Garcia-Elias Anna , Benito Begoña , Nattel Stanley
Published: February 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important clinical problem. Chronic pressure/volume overload of the atria promotes AF, particularly via enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation manifested as tissue fibrosis. Loading of cardiac cells causes cell stretch that is generally considered to promote fibrosis by directly activating fibroblasts, the key cell type responsible for ECM production. The primary purpose of this article is to review the evidence regarding direct effects of stretch on cardiac fibroblasts, specifically: (i) the similarities and differences among studies in observed effects of stretch on cardiac fibroblast function; (ii) the signalling pathways implicated; and (iii) the factors that affect stretch-related phenotypes. Our review summarizes the most important findings and limitations in this area and gives an overview of clinical data and animal models related to cardiac stretch, with particular emphasis on the atria. We suggest that the evidence regarding direct fibroblast activation by stretch is weak and inconsistent, in part because of variability among studies in key experimental conditions that govern the results. Further work is needed to clarify whether, in fact, stretch induces direct activation of cardiac fibroblasts and if so, to elucidate the determining factors to ensure reproducible results. If mechanical load on fibroblasts proves not to be clearly profibrotic by direct actions, other mechanisms like paracrine influences, the effects of systemic mediators and/or the direct consequences of myocardial injury or death, might account for the link between cardiac stretch and fibrosis. Clarity in this area is needed to improve our understanding of AF pathophysiology and assist in therapeutic development.
Effects of chronic kidney disease and declining renal function on coronary atherosclerotic plaque progression: a PARADIGM substudy
Authors: Huang Alex L. , Leipsic Jonathon A. , Zekry Sagit Ben , Sellers Stephanie , Ahmadi Amir A. , Blanke Philipp , Hadamitzky Martin , Kim Yong-Jin , Conte Edoardo , Andreini Daniele , Pontone Gianluca , Budoff Matthew J. , Gottlieb Ilan , Lee Byoung Kwon , Chun Eun Ju , Cademartiri Filippo , Maffei Erica , Marques Hugo , Shin Sanghoon , Choi Jung Hyun , Virmani Renu , Samady Habib , Stone Peter H. , Berman Daniel S. , Narula Jagat , Shaw Leslee J. , Bax Jeroen J. , Chang Hyuk-Jae
Published: February 2021

Aims 

To investigate the change in atherosclerotic plaque volume in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and declining renal function, using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods and results

In total, 891 participants with analysable serial CCTA and available glomerular filtration rate (GFR, derived using Cockcroft–Gault formulae) at baseline (CCTA 1) and follow-up (CCTA 2) were included. CKD was defined as GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Declining renal function was defined as ≥10% drop in GFR from the baseline. Quantitative assessment of plaque volume and composition were performed on both scans. There were 203 participants with CKD and 688 without CKD. CKD was associated with higher baseline total plaque volume, but similar plaque progression, measured by crude (57.5 ± 3.4 vs. 65.9 ± 7.7 mm3/year, P = 0.28) or annualized (17.3 ± 1.0 vs. 19.9 ± 2.0 mm3/year, P = 0.25) change in total plaque volume. There were 709 participants with stable GFR and 182 with declining GFR. Declining renal function was independently associated with plaque progression, with higher crude (54.1 ± 3.2 vs. 80.2 ± 9.0 mm3/year, P < 0.01) or annualized (16.4 ± 0.9 vs. 23.9 ± 2.6 mm3/year, P < 0.01) increase in total plaque volume. In CKD, plaque progression was driven by calcified plaques whereas in patients with declining renal function, it was driven by non-calcified plaques.

Conclusion

Decline in renal function was associated with more rapid plaque progression, whereas the presence of CKD was not.
ESL students’ reverse linguistic stereotyping of English teachers
Authors: Ghanem Romy , Kang Okim
Published: February 2021

Reverse linguistic stereotyping (RLS) has been shown to affect students’ attitudes towards non-native teachers as well as their performance and retention of information. This study investigates ESL students’ preconceived ideas about non-native English teachers. Seventy-one students enrolled in an intensive English programme at a southwestern university in the United States listened to two speech samples produced by an advanced non-native speaker. Using a matched guise technique, students were led to believe that there were two speakers: a Caucasian teacher and an East Asian one. Students showed proclivity to RLS as measured by their speech evaluations, their comprehension scores, and their teaching competence ratings. These findings help better understand learners’ perceptions of language proficiency and teaching competence of a non-native teacher in the context of globalization.
Protective effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors across the cardiorenal continuum: two faces of the same coin
Authors: Fontes-Carvalho Ricardo , Santos-Ferreira Diogo , Raz Itamar , Marx Nikolaus , Ruschitzka Frank , Cosentino Francesco
Published: February 2021

The cardiovascular and renal systems are closely interconnected in health and disease. Disorders affecting one of these systems frequently involve the other. Both diseases progress through a continuous chain of events, defined as the ‘cardiorenal continuum’, which is initiated by risk factors that lead to subclinical disease, clinical events, and ultimately to heart failure and end-stage kidney disease. Previous studies have shown that interventions anywhere along this chain of events can interrupt the pathophysiological cascade and provide cardiovascular and/or kidney ‘protection’. More recently, clinical trials with SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown a significant reduction in cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. Evidence from EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS Program, DECLARE-TIMI 58, VERTIS-CV, CREDENCE, and more recently DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced, and DAPA-CKD show that the beneficial effects of SGLT2i are observed across all stages of the cardiorenal continuum, ranging from patients with diabetes and multiple risk factors to those with established cardiovascular disease and even independently of diabetes status. This review provides a critical appraisal of the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i, demonstrating that this is a novel way to disrupt the chain of pathological events in the cardiorenal continuum and prevent cardiovascular and kidney disease in patients with and without diabetes.
Analysis of the Yarrowia
lipolytica proteome reveals subtle variations in expression levels between lipogenic and non-lipogenic conditions
Authors: Sestric Ryan , Spicer Vic , V. Krokhin Oleg , Sparling Richard , B. Levin David
Published: February 2021

Oleaginous yeasts have the ability to store greater than 20% of their mass as neutral lipids, in the form of triacylglycerides. The ATP citrate lyase is thought to play a key role in triacylglyceride synthesis, but the relationship between expression levels of this and other related enzymes is not well understood in the role of total lipid accumulation conferring the oleaginous phenotype. We conducted comparative proteomic analyses with the oleaginous yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica, grown in either nitrogen-sufficient rich media or nitrogen-limited minimal media. Total proteins extracted from cells collected during logarithmic and late stationary growth phases were analyzed by 1D liquid chromatography, followed by mass spectroscopy. The ATP citrate lyase enzyme was expressed at similar concentrations in both conditions, in both logarithmic and stationary phase, but many upstream and downstream enzymes showed drastically different expression levels. In non-lipogenic conditions, several pyruvate enzymes were expressed at higher concentration. These enzymes, especially the pyruvate decarboxylase and pyruvate dehydrogenase, may be regulating carbon flux away from central metabolism and reducing the amount of citrate being produced in the mitochondria. While crucial for the oleaginous phenotype, the constitutively expressed ATP citrate lyase appears to cleave citrate in response to carbon flux upstream from other enzymes creating the oleaginous phenotype.
Restoration thinning reduces bush encroachment on freehold farmlands in north-central Namibia
Authors: Nghikembua Matti T , Marker Laurie L , Brewer Bruce , Leinonen Arvo , Mehtätalo Lauri , Appiah Mark , Pappinen Ari
Published: February 2021

Bush encroachment affects ~45 million ha of Namibia and, without appropriate restoration measures, it negatively affects rangeland productivity and biodiversity. Thinning is a common method to counteract bush encroachment. The thinning strategy applied in north-central Namibia was assessed to examine how effective it has been in reducing bush encroachment. Trees/shrubs were selectively thinned manually, targeting all height classes, except individuals with stem diameters ≥18 cm. We investigated the effects on the vegetation and soil properties using surveys on three freehold farms (in 2016 and 2017) in bush-encroached and previously thinned habitats. Our results revealed significant differences in the mean total nitrogen (TN) content between the treatments; thinned areas had higher TN content which would be beneficial for fast-growing grasses. In the thinned plots, the occurrence probability of red umbrella thorn (Vachellia reficiens Warwa) was significantly reduced, indicating that it was the most harvested species; and umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis (Burch.) Brenan spp. heteracantha) was increased, indicating that it favoured reduced densities of dominant species. Natural regeneration was rapid; the tree/shrub abundance in the 0–1-m height class in the thinned area surpassed those in the non-thinned by 34 per cent, ~7.2 years since thinning. Thinning significantly reduced tree/shrub abundances of the 1–3- and >3-m height classes, which was still evident 7.2 years since thinning. Based upon the generalized linear mixed-effects model, tree/shrub counts between treatments may equalize in ~14 and 15 years for the 1–3- and >3-m height classes, respectively. Thinning was effective in reducing tree/shrub abundances and can be used to restore wildlife habitat on the Namibian farmland: however, post-thinning management is required to maintain an open savannah vegetation structure as the 0–1-m height class cohort will eventually grow into mature trees/shrubs.
Typologies of Dementia Caregiver Support Networks: A Pilot Study
Authors: Friedman Esther M , Kennedy David P
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives

There are nearly 18 million family caregivers in the United States assisting an older adult in need of help. Identifying the caregivers in greatest need of support requires an understanding of the current social support networks available to family caregivers and whether specific groups of caregivers are at risk of having an insufficient support network.

Research Design and Methods

We collected personal network data from a nationally representative sample of 66 family caregivers to persons with dementia (PWDs) in the United States aged 18 and older, including information on network members’ support to the caregiver and help to the care recipient.

Results

We found four common caregiving network types: large networks with many helpers; large networks primarily supporting caregivers; small, dense networks supporting both caregivers and care recipient; and small networks providing little help to either caregiver or care recipient. Gender, income, and geographic proximity of caregiver to the care recipient were significantly associated with caregiver network type.

Discussion and Implications

This study suggests that there are different types of care and support networks available to caregivers to PWDs, and that the size and structure of networks vary considerably among demographic groups. As the population ages, a better understanding of the supports available to caregivers will be crucial for ensuring that caregivers are adequately supported, and caregiving needs of families are met.
The dual aversion of Chile’s constitution-making process
Authors: Verdugo Sergio , Prieto Marcela
Published: February 2021

Chile initiated a constitution-making process in late 2019, after the major political parties signed an agreement to respond to the massive demonstrations that took over the streets in October of 2019. Dominant trends in Chile and Latin America’s constitutional thought typically examine this type of process through the lenses of the constituent power or transformative constitutionalism. The authors of this essay offer a different view. They argue that Chile’s constitution-making process, as designed by the multiparty agreement, manifests a double aversion: to avoid the Bolivarian way of constitution-making—including its associated constituent power narrative—and to put an end to the institutional and symbolic legacy of the Pinochet regime. In attempting to stay clear of these two negative models, the authors argue that the rules of the constitution-making process have adopted the main features of the post-sovereign model of constitution-making.
Hyponatremia Following Antipsychotic Treatment: In Silico Pharmacodynamics Analysis of Spontaneous Reports From the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System Database and an Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Mazhar Faizan , Battini Vera , Pozzi Marco , Invernizzi Elena , Mosini Giulia , Gringeri Michele , Capuano Annalisa , Scavone Cristina , Radice Sonia , Clementi Emilio , Carnovale Carla
Published: February 2021

Background

Hyponatremia associated with antipsychotic drugs is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction; the underlying pharmacological mechanism has not yet been explained.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between pharmacological targets of antipsychotic drugs and the occurrence of hyponatremia by conducting a nested case-control study using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associations between antipsychotics receptor occupancy and hyponatremia. We also performed a systematic review of clinical studies on this association.

Results

Of 139 816 reports involving at least 1 antipsychotic, 1.1% reported hyponatremia. Olanzapine was the most frequently suspected drug (27%). A signiﬁcant positive association was found between dopamine D3, D4, and hyponatremia, while adrenergic α 1, serotonin 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2A receptor occupancies were negatively associated. A multivariable stepwise regression model showed that dopamine D3 (adj. odds ratio = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.09–1.34; P < .05) predicted the risk for hyponatremia (P < .05), while serotonin 5-HT2A occupancy (Adj. odds ratio = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.68–0.90; P < .01) exhibited a protective effect against hyponatremia. Among the 11 studies included in the systematic review, incidence rates of hyponatremia diverged between 0.003% and 86%, whereas the odds of developing hyponatremia from effect studies ranged between 0.83 and 3.47.

Conclusions

Antipsychotic drugs having a combined modest occupancy for D3 and 5-HT2A receptors and higher levels of D3 receptor occupancy correspond to different degrees of risk for hyponatremia. Based on the few, relatively large-scale available studies, atypical antipsychotics have a more attenuated risk proﬁle for hyponatremia.
IS26cannot move alone
Authors: Harmer Christopher J , Hall Ruth M
Published: February 2021

Background

IS26 plays a major role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance determinants in Gram-negative bacteria.

Objectives

To determine whether insertion sequence IS26 is able to move alone (simple transposition) or if it exclusively forms cointegrates.

Methods

A two-step PCR using outward-facing primers was used to search for circular IS26 molecules. Gibson assembly was used to clone a synthetic IS26 containing a catA1 chloramphenicol resistance gene downstream of the tnp26 transposase gene into pUC19. IS activity in a recA−Escherichia coli containing the non-conjugative pUC19-derived IS26::catA1 construct and the conjugative plasmid R388 was detected using a standard mating-out assay. Transconjugants were screened for resistance.

Results

Circular IS26 molecules that would form with a copy-out route were not detected by PCR. The synthetic IS26::catA1 construct formed CmRTpR transconjugants (where CmR and TpR stand for chloramphenicol resistant and trimethoprim resistant, respectively), representing an R388 derivative carrying the catA1 gene at a frequency of 5.6 × 10−7 CmRTpR transconjugants per TpR transconjugant, which is comparable to the copy-in activity of the unaltered IS26. To test for simple transposition of IS26::catA1 (without the plasmid backbone), 1200 CmRTpR colonies were screened and all were resistant to ampicillin, indicating that the pUC19 backbone was present. Hence, IS26::catA1 had only formed cointegrates.

Conclusions

IS26 is unable to move alone and cointegrates are the exclusive end products of the reactions mediated by the IS26 transposase Tnp26. Consequently, when describing the formation of complex resistance regions, simple ‘transposition’ of a single IS26 should not be invoked.
Simultaneous Determination of 5- and 6-APB in Blood, Other Body Fluids, Hair and Various Tissues by HPLC--MS-MS
Authors: Hofmann Vanessa , Sundermann Tom Richard , Landmann Aysche , Rechtsteiner Stefanie , Schmitt Georg , Bartel Marc
Published: February 2021

5-(2-Aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB) and 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB) are benzofuran analogues of amphetamine and belong to the category of new psychoactive substances. Despite already published fatal 5- and 6-APB intoxication after consumption of both substances in most cases, no sensitive method for the simultaneous detection and quantification of these new psychoactive compounds in human blood samples has yet been developed. Therefore, an easy and fast sample preparation and specific high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry methods for the determination of both substances in blood were established and validated. In a fatal intoxication in 2017 at the Institute of Forensic and Traffic Medicine in Heidelberg, Germany, concentrations of 850 (5-APB) and 300 ng/mL (6-APB) were determined in peripheral blood. Besides, other body fluids (central blood, urine and bile), hair and various tissues were examined to verify the presence of both compounds and to gain first insights into their distribution. In this publication, we show a method for the simultaneous determination of 5- and 6-APB in human samples by a chromatographic method and to investigate their distribution in the human body.
Structural catalog of core Atg proteins opens new era of autophagy research
Authors: Matoba Kazuaki , Noda Nobuo N
Published: February 2021

Autophagy, which is an evolutionarily conserved intracellular degradation system, involves de novo generation of autophagosomes that sequester and deliver diverse cytoplasmic materials to the lysosome for degradation. Autophagosome formation is mediated by approximately 20 core autophagy-related (Atg) proteins, which collaborate to mediate complicated membrane dynamics during autophagy. To elucidate the molecular functions of these Atg proteins in autophagosome formation, many researchers have tried to determine the structures of Atg proteins by using various structural biological methods. Although not sufficient, the basic structural catalog of all core Atg proteins was established. In this review article, we summarize structural biological studies of core Atg proteins, with an emphasis on recently unveiled structures, and describe the mechanistic breakthroughs in autophagy research that have derived from new structural information.
The Influence of Interdependence in Networked Publics Spheres: How Community-Level Interactions Affect the Evolution of Topics in Online Discourse
Authors: Yang Aimei , Choi Ian Myoungsu , Abeliuk Andrés , Saffer Adam
Published: February 2021

Investigations of networked public spheres often examine the structures of online platforms by studying users’ interactions. These works suggest that users’ interactions can lead to cyberbalkanization when interlocutors form homophilous communities that typically have few connections to others with opposing ideologies. Yet, rather than assuming communities are isolated, this study examines community-level interactions to reveal how communities in online discourses are more interdependent than previously theorized. Specifically, we examine how such interactions influence the evolution of topics overtime in source and target communities. Our analysis found that (a) the size of a source community (the community that initiates interactions) and a target community (the community that receives interactions), (b) the stability of the source community, and (c) the volume of mentions from a source community to a target community predicts the level of influence one community has on another’s discussion topics. We argue this has significant theoretical and practical implications.

Lay Summary

Political discussions online, especially those in the United States, seem to range between harmonious discussions of likeminded people and heated debates that end with few, if any, who have changed their minds. Researchers have often examined these balkanized/polarized situations by studying online communities as isolated echo chambers of opinion. Our study focuses on the interactions between online communities who have different worldviews. We examine communities engaged in the global refugee crisis. We consider how the inter-community interactions influence the agenda of the respective communities. Our longitudinal analysis on the one hand confirms previous studies, namely that intra-community interactions indeed resemble echo chambers. On the other hand, we also find that there is interdependence in the inter-community discussion topics, albeit some communities had greater influence on other communities’ discussion topics. For example, larger, more stable communities command more influence.
Navigating Sexual Racism in the Sexual Field: Compensation for and Disavowal of Marginality by Racial Minority Grindr Users in Singapore
Authors: Ang Ming Wei , Tan Justin Ching Keng , Lou Chen
Published: February 2021

This study investigates racialized sexual desires of Grindr users in Singapore, a multiracial East Asian society. We found that users are continually pigeonholed into racial categories tethered to stereotypes, hierarchizing users such that the Chinese majority are considered more desirable. Users employ race labels to communicate racial membership, circumnavigating Grindr’s preset ethnic categories. Users also creatively appropriate interface affordances to enforce racialized preferences; this includes a preoccupation with verifying racial identities, especially through photos. Racial minorities strategically respond to sexual racism by negotiating for Chinese majority membership, emphasizing the cosmopolitan self over the ethnic self, and/or reframing the situation to disavow victimhood. This research counterbalances the ethnocentric focus of existing sexual racism literature on white-centric contexts by applying sexual fields theory to multiracial East Asia, yielding meaningful theoretical contributions. We also foreground the importance of considering internal dispositions of feelings and attitudes as situated resistance against sexual racism on Grindr.

Lay summary

This article explores how sexual desires of Singaporean users on Grindr (a gay dating app) are socially conditioned to include racial preferences, which in turn constitutes sexual racism. This research is important as it examines the complexities of sexual racism within a multiracial and postcolonial East Asian context, balancing the existing scholarly focus on sexual racism in Western societies. Our interviews with Grindr users in Singapore revealed that users tend to slot themselves (and others) into racial categories that appear fixed and linked to racial stereotypes. This allows a pecking order to emerge, such that the racial majority (Singaporean Chinese users) are generally seen as most desirable. Race is therefore one important dimension of the interactions on Grindr. If racial identity is not immediately obvious on app profiles, users often seek to find out the racial identities of other potential partners by, for example, requesting photos to make guesses about their race. We also studied the responses of racial minorities to sexual racism. These strategies include trying to present a Chinese or Chinese-mixed racial identity, emphasizing an identity that is globalized rather than ethnic, and reframing their situation to disavow their victimhood.
Insecticide Resistance Monitoring of the Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) Populations in China
Authors: Wang Jing , Zheng Xiaobin , Yuan Jiangjiang , Wang Shuaiyu , Xu Baoyun , Wang Shaoli , Zhang Youjun , Wu Qingjun
Published: February 2021

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., is a worldwide crop pest that is difficult to control because of its ability to develop resistance to many insecticides. To provide a reference for resistance management of P. xylostella in China, the present study used a leaf-dip bioassay to monitor the resistance of P. xylostella to nine insecticides in eight regions of China. The results showed that P. xylostella had developed a high level of resistance to beta-cypermethrin (resistance ratio [RR] > 112), and moderate (RR < 40) to high levels of resistance to indoxacarb, abamectin, and chlorfluazuron. For chlorantraniliprole, RRs > 100 were found in Midu (Yunnan Province) and Jinghai (Tianjin). In most regions, the resistance to spinetoram and chlorfenapyr and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was low. No resistance was detected to diafenthiuron. Overall, P. xylostella resistance to insecticides was higher in Midu than in other regions. The data in this study should help guide the selection of insecticides for management of P. xylostella in China.
Sex Ratios in a Warming World: Thermal Effects on Sex-Biased Survival, Sex Determination, and Sex Reversal
Authors: Edmands Suzanne
Published: February 2021

Rising global temperatures threaten to disrupt population sex ratios, which can in turn cause mate shortages, reduce population growth and adaptive potential, and increase extinction risk, particularly when ratios are male biased. Sex ratio distortion can then have cascading effects across other species and even ecosystems. Our understanding of the problem is limited by how often studies measure temperature effects in both sexes. To address this, the current review surveyed 194 published studies of heat tolerance, finding that the majority did not even mention the sex of the individuals used, with <10% reporting results for males and females separately. Although the data are incomplete, this review assessed phylogenetic patterns of thermally induced sex ratio bias for 3 different mechanisms: sex-biased heat tolerance, temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), and temperature-induced sex reversal. For sex-biased heat tolerance, documented examples span a large taxonomic range including arthropods, chordates, protists, and plants. Here, superior heat tolerance is more common in females than males, but the direction of tolerance appears to be phylogenetically fluid, perhaps due to the large number of contributing factors. For TSD, well-documented examples are limited to reptiles, where high temperature usually favors females, and fishes, where high temperature consistently favors males. For temperature-induced sex reversal, unambiguous cases are again limited to vertebrates, and high temperature usually favors males in fishes and amphibians, with mixed effects in reptiles. There is urgent need for further work on the full taxonomic extent of temperature-induced sex ratio distortion, including joint effects of the multiple contributing mechanisms.
On the utility of the category of ‘Hinduism’ in Thailand
Authors: McGovern Nathan
Published: February 2021

Although earlier scholarship on Southeast Asia focused on the legacy of Hinduism in that region, the recent turn away from models of syncretism and toward explaining Buddhism in terms of the ‘Pali imaginaire’ has led to a sharp de-emphasis of ‘Hinduism’ as a valid category for understanding religion in Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia such as Thailand. In this article, I argue that ‘Hinduism’ still has a utility for the study of religion in Thailand as long as it is used correctly—that is, not to label something as ‘non-Buddhist’. I argue that we must study Theravāda Buddhism and the Pali imaginaire as embedded in a broader world context that includes Hinduism within it. In particular, certain historical continuities between the Sanskrit Cosmopolis that once reigned over Southern Asia and the Pali Cosmpolis that formed in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia after the former's collapse have resulted in a space for Hinduism to have ongoing agency within Pali Buddhism.
Hibernation behavior of a federally threatened ground squirrel: climate change and habitat selection implications
Authors: Goldberg Amanda R , Conway Courtney J
Published: February 2021

Hibernation is an adaptation to survive periods of stress, from food limitation or harsh thermal conditions. A key question in contemporary ecology is whether rare, range-restricted species can change their behavior in response to climate change (i.e., through behavioral plasticity). The northern Idaho ground squirrel, Urocitellus brunneus (A. H. Howell, 1928), is a federally threatened species that hibernates for approximately 8 months per year within the bounds of its small range in central Idaho, USA. Changes in temperature, snow accumulation, and summer precipitation, all brought about as a result of climate change, may reduce survival or fecundity of northern Idaho ground squirrels if they cannot adapt to these climate changes. Hibernating species can respond to climate-change-induced thermal challenges in two ways: change their hibernation physiology and behavior (i.e., emergence date or number of torpor bouts) or alter their environment (i.e., change hibernacula depth or location). We explored a suite of intrinsic and extrinsic factors to document the extent to which they influenced hibernation behavior of northern Idaho ground squirrels. Emergence date was positively associated with snowpack and negatively associated with mean winter temperature. Mean minimum skin temperature was negatively associated with canopy closure and slope of a squirrel’s hibernaculum. Duration of the heterothermal period, number of euthermic bouts, and total time spent euthermic were positively associated with body mass. Immergence date and duration of the longest torpor bout were negatively associated with body mass. Warmer temperatures and less snow accumulation in the winter—caused by climate change—likely will cause altered emergence dates. Our results suggest that any future climate-induced changes in snowfall, ambient temperature, food availability, or habitat likely will impact survival of this rare ground squirrel, because such changes will cause changes in hibernation behavior, percent mass loss during hibernation, and duration of the active season when small mammals are more susceptible to predation.
A New Genus and Species of Chiggers (Trombidiformes: Leeuwenhoekiidae) From Peru
Authors: Bassini-Silva Ricardo , Huang-Bastos Matheus , OConnor Barry M , Klimov Pavel , Welbourn Cal , Ochoa Ron , Barros-Battesti Darci Moraes , de Castro Jacinavicius Fernando
Published: February 2021

South American chiggers have historically been poorly studied, and this has continued into present times. Of the 33 genera in the family Leeuwenhoekiidae Womersley, only Odontacarus Ewing and Sasacarus Brennan & Jones have been reported in Peru. Here, we describe a new genus, Peruacarus n. gen., and a new species, Peruacarus anthurium n. sp., parasitizing Koford’s grass mouse, Akodon kofordi Myers & Patton, in Peru.
The Antitrust Case Against the Apple App Store
Authors: Geradin Damien , Katsifis Dimitrios
Published: February 2021

The Apple App Store is the only channel through which app developers may distribute their apps on iOS. First launched in 2008, the App Store has evolved into a highly profitable marketplace, with overall consumer spend exceeding $50 billion in 2019. However, concerns are being increasingly expressed on both sides of the Atlantic that various practices of Apple with regard to the App Store may breach competition law. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether this is indeed the case and, if so, how these concerns can be addressed. With these aims in mind, the paper first introduces the reader to the app ecosystem and the Apple App Store, with a focus on Apple’s in-app payment policies and the 30 percent commission charged for in-app purchases. After engaging critically with the distinction between apps selling “digital” and apps selling “physical” goods or services, we consider such distinction is unclear, artificial, and unprincipled.

The paper then critically reviews several practices of Apple that appear to be at odds with competition law and in particular Article 102 TFEU. We first analyze the issue of market definition and dominance with regard to the App Store. We find that Apple is a monopolist in the market for app distribution on iOS, as it is not subject to any meaningful competitive constraint from alternative distribution channels, such as Android app stores. The result is that Apple is the gateway through which app developers have to go to reach the valuable audience of iOS users. This bottleneck position affords Apple the power to engage in several prima facie anticompetitive practices. A first concern is that Apple may exploit app developers by charging excessive fees for the services it provides and by imposing unfair trading conditions. Second, based on four case studies, the paper illustrates how Apple may use its control of the App Store or iOS to engage in exclusionary behavior to the detriment of rival apps. These practices should be investigated by competition authorities, as they are likely to result in considerable consumer harm, be it in the form of higher app prices, worse user experience or reduced consumer choice. The paper finally proposes a combination of concrete remedies that would address the competition concerns identified.
Stability of freeze-dried products subjected to microcomputed tomography radiation doses
Authors: Wenzel Tim , Sack Achim , Müller Patrick , Poeschel Thorsten , Schuldt-Lieb Sonja , Gieseler Henning
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Microcomputed tomography (µCT) is a powerful analytical tool for non-invasive structural analysis. The stability of drug substances and formulations subjected to X-ray radiation may be a concern in the industry. This study examines the effect of X-ray radiation on the stability of freeze-dried pharmaceuticals. The investigation is a proof of concept study for the safety of µCT X-ray radiation doses during the non-destructive investigation of freeze-dried products.

Methods

Different formulations of clotrimazole, insulin and l-lactate dehydrogenase were freeze-dried and the products exposed to a defined dose of radiation by µCT. Conservative freeze-drying conditions were used. Irradiated and normal samples were analysed for their stability directly after freeze-drying and after stability testing.

Key findings

The stability of model compounds was well maintained during freeze-drying. Some degradation of all compounds occurred during accelerated stability testing. The results showed no differences between the irradiated and normal state directly after freeze-drying and accelerated stability testing.

Conclusions

No evidence of a detrimental effect of 100 Gy X-ray exposure on a model small molecule, peptide and protein compound was found while useful structural information could be obtained. Consequently, the technology may be useful as a non-destructive tool for product inspections if the formulation proves stable.
Are Refugees Really Welcome? Understanding Northern Ireland Attitudes Towards Syrian Refugees
Authors: Lippard Cameron D , McNamee Catherine B
Published: February 2021

In 2018, Northern Ireland (NI) government officials, journalists, and preliminary research declared that NI citizens had provided a ‘welcoming society’ to Syrian refugees settling in local communities across the country. However, this claim starkly contrasted with other reports of growing violence towards foreign-born groups, particularly Muslims, which lead to NI being identified as the ‘Race Hate Capital of Europe.’ Using the 2015 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT), we problematize and empirically-test these initial conclusions about NI attitudes towards Syrian refugees by testing four prominent social theories. We first examine whether economic self-interest and social exposure (i.e., contact hypothesis) predict NI attitudes towards Syrian refugees. We also recognize NI's unique conflictual ethnic history by testing whether cultural marginality and ethnic competition theories further explain attitudes. The findings suggest that multiple theories explain NI citizen views towards Syrians. Results provide partial support for economic self-interests and direct and preferential social exposure as predictors. However, when considering racism and sectarianism measures, the results require a nuanced understanding of the context of NI people’s attitudes. We found that identity politics related to NI's citizens' religious and nationalist identity encouraged racist and sectarian disapproval of Syrian refugee resettlement. These findings provide a promising avenue of study in understanding how ethno-identities shape attitudes towards Syrian refugees and other foreign-born groups living in NI. However, we contend more granular research will be needed to highlight these nuances.
Resolving a QTL complex for height, heading, and grain yield on chromosome 3A in bread wheat
Authors: Martinez Alba Farre , Lister Clare , Freeman Sue , Ma Jun , Berry Simon , Wingen Luzie , Griffiths Simon
Published: February 2021

Crop height (Ht), heading date (Hd), and grain yield (GY) are inter-related in wheat. Independent manipulation of each is important for adaptation and performance. Validated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for all three co-locate on chromosome 3A in the Avalon×Cadenza population, with increased Ht, Hd, and GY contributed by Cadenza. We asked if these are linked or pleiotropic effects using recombinant lines, and showed that Ht and Hd effects are independent. The Chinese Spring equivalent to the newly defined Ht interval contained a gene cluster involved in cell wall growth and displaying high levels of differential transcript expression. The Hd locus is larger and rearranged compared with the reference genome, but FT2 (Flowering Locus T2) is of particular interest. The Hd effect acted independently of photoperiod and vernalization, but did exhibit seasonal genotype×environment interaction. Recombinants were phenotyped for GY in replicated field experiments. GY was most associated with Cadenza alleles for later Hd, supporting physiological studies using the same lines proposing that ‘late’ alleles at this locus increase spike fertility and grain number (GN). The work has uncoupled height from heading and yield, and shown that one of very few validated GY QTLs in wheat is probably mediated by phenological variation.