bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the position of Diomocoris, Micromimetus and Taylorilygus in the Lygus-complex based on molecular data and first records of Diomocoris and Micromimetus from Australia, including four new species (Insecta : Hemiptera : Miridae : Mirinae)
Authors: Namyatova Anna A. , Schwartz Michael D. , Cassis Gerasimos
Published: January 2021

The Lygus-complex is one of the most taxonomically challenging groups of Miridae (Heteroptera), and its Australian fauna is poorly studied. Here we examine the Australian taxa of the Lygus-complex using morphological and molecular methods. After a detailed morphological study of the material collected throughout Australia, Taylorilygus nebulosus is transferred to Diomocoris, with the genus recorded for the first time in this country. Taylorilygus apicalis, also widely distributed in Australia, is redescribed on the basis of Australian material. The genus Micromimetus is recorded for the first time in Australia, with M. celiae, sp. nov., M. hannahae, sp. nov., M. nikolai, sp. nov. and M. shofneri, sp. nov. described as new to science. Micromimetus pictipes is redescribed and its distributional range is increased. The monophyly of the Lygus-complex and relationships within this group were tested using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA markers. The Lygus-complex has been found to be non-monophyletic. Phylogeny confirmed the monophyly of Micromimetus, and it has shown that Taylorilygus apicalis is closer to Micromimetus species than to Diomocoris nebulosus. This study is the initial step in understanding the Lygus-complex phylogeny; analyses with more taxa, more genes and morphology are needed to reveal the interrelationships within this group, and sister-group relationships of Australian taxa.
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7393D96B-2BBA-438D-A134-D372EFE7FB9E
Using linguistic atlases to explore syntactic issues
Authors: Massanell i Messalles Mar
Published: January 2021

Traditional linguistic atlases are not designed
to collect data about syntactic variation. Nonetheless, it is
possible to obtain from them information about particular syntactic
issues, as I exemplify with the Atles Lingüístic del Domini
Català. This atlas offers evidence of the survival of
the perfect auxiliary ésser ‘to be’ in some current
Catalan varieties in the face of general replacement by
haver ‘to have’. These examples are discussed
in the context of the changes that Catalan has undergone since the
Middle Ages. We see that the residual presence of
ésser varies from region to region and reflects
different processes. However, in order to be precise it will be
necessary to undertake a further data collection specifically
focused on auxiliary selection.
On the role of prosody in wh-in-situ
Authors: Duguine Maia , Irurtzun Aritz
Published: January 2021

A growing number of works propose a direct role
of PF in the generation of wh-in-situ. Relying
mainly on data from Basque, we critically evaluate two such
proposals (Richards,
2010; Mathieu,
2016) and argue that they face a range of empirical and
conceptual shortcomings. We contrast these with the more
“syntactocentric” proposal of Cheng & Rooryck (2000) for French, based on an
intonational Q-morpheme that surfaces as a final rise in polar and
wh-in-situ questions. We report the outcome of
a production experiment providing evidence that the final rises of
polar and wh-in-situ questions in Navarro-Labourdin
Basque do not differ substantially, thus suggesting that Cheng & Rooryck’s
(2000) proposal may be extended to this variety
cohabiting with French.
Harnessing large-scale biodiversity data to infer the current distribution ofVanilla planifolia(Orchidaceae)
Authors: Ellestad Paige , Forest Félix , Serpe Marcelo , Novak Stephen J , Buerki Sven
Published: January 2021

Although vanilla is one of the most popular flavours in the world, there is still uncertainty concerning the native distribution of the species that produces it, Vanilla planifolia. To circumscribe the native geographical extent of this economically important species more precisely, we propose a new landscape-based approach to incorporate information from open-source databases and validate occurrences. In this approach, we include metrics to account for habitat suitability and population sustainability in terms of the biotic (co-occurrence of pollinators and dispersers) and abiotic (habitat quality) factors limiting plant distributions. To further validate occurrences within the resulting distribution, we compare the presence of morphologically similar wild relatives, assess the heterogeneity of ecological niches and verify the correct identification of herbarium specimens. Results from this approach suggest that V. planifolia has a larger geographical distribution than previously recognized; we hypothesize that populations naturally dispersed from Mesoamerica and became established in South America (with a south-eastern limit in Brazil). The recognition of an improved estimate of the distribution of this species will increase the accuracy of predictive models, promote further species circumscription, improve the efficacy of conservation strategies, and help to ensure the sustainability of a valuable, sought-after spice.
TETRASOMIC SEGREGATION FOR MULTIPLE ALLELES IN ALFALFA
Authors: Quiros Carlos F
Published: January 2021

Evidence of tetrasomic inheritance in alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. and M. falcata L., for multiple codominant alleles at three isozymic loci is reported in this study. The locus Prx-1 governing anodal peroxidase and the loci Lap-1 and Lap-2 governing anodal leucine-aminopeptidase were studied by starch gel electrophoresis in seedling root tissue or seeds. The progenies from several di-, tri- or tetra-allelic plants belong to the species M. sativa and M. falcata and their hybrids were studied for the segregation of the three genes. In all cases, tetrasomic inheritance of chromosomal-type segregation was observed. In another progeny resulting from the crossing of two plants involving four different alleles at locus Lap-2, tetrasomic segregation with the possible occurrence of double reduction was observed. This study presents direct evidence of autotetraploidy and the existence of tetra-allelic loci in alfalfa. It also supports the concept that the species M. sativa and M. falcata are genetically close enough to be considered biotypes of a common species.
TWO DISTINCT PANCREATIC AMYLASE GENES ARE ACTIVE IN YBR MICE
Authors: Strahler John R , Meisler Miriam
Published: January 2021

The genetic determinants of pancreatic amylase expression in YBR mice differ in two respects from those of other inbred strains. First, there are two nonallelic amylase isozymes present in YBR pancreas, while most mouse strains express a single pancreatic amylase protein. In addition, the in vivo rate of total pancreatic amylase synthesis is 50% of that in other strains. Both these traits are determined by genetic sites in the region of the Amy-2 locus on mouse chromosome 3. To determine the molecular basis for the presence of two isozymes in this strain, we have compared portions of their amino acid sequences. Two differences between isozymes A1 and B1 were identified among the 77 residues compared. This result demonstrates that two distinct amylase genes are expressed in YBR pancreas.
Q BAND CHROMOSOMAL POLYMORPHISMS IN LAKE TROUT (SALVELINUS NAMAYCUSH)
Authors: Phillips Ruth B , Zajicek Kerry D
Published: January 2021

Q banding of chromosome preparations from lake trout revealed the presence of heteromorphic quinacrine bright bands on several chromosomes. All of the metacentric chromosome pairs can be distinguished on the basis of number, position and intensity of the quinacrine bright bands and chromosome size. These bands appear to represent heterochromatin, since they are darkly staining with the C band technique. Since all of the fish examined had consistent heteromorphisms at several of the quinacrine bright bands, these chromosome markers should be useful in genetic comparisons between different trout stocks and populations.
GENETIC FINE STRUCTURE OF THE Y CHROMOSOME OF DROSOPHILA HYDEI
Authors: Hackstein Johannes H P , Leoncini Orilio , Beck Heinz , Peelen Gijsbert , Hennig Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

A genetic map of the Y chromosome of Drosophila hydei has been constructed from deletion/complementation experiments, with the aid of male sterile mutants of the Y chromosome. A central conclusion of our experiments is that not more than a single complementation group can be detected in each of the lampbrush loop forming sites. Additional complementation groups, functionally independent of lampbrush loops, reside between these loci. Six complementation groups have been defined by several methods of mapping. An additional ten complementation groups are indicated, but their exact definition requires further investigation. The "synthetic sterility" of mutations in these ten loci contributes to the difficulty in unequivocally establishing their individual boundaries. Mapping problems also arise from the instability of certain mutants.
NATURAL SELECTION AND FITNESS ENTROPY IN A DENSITY-REGULATED POPULATION
Authors: Desharnais R A , Costantino R F
Published: January 2021

The entropy H(po,p*) of a population with the initial allele frequency po given the equilibrium polymorphic frequency p* has been proposed as a measure of natural selection. In the present paper, we have extended this concept to include a particular aspect of density-dependent selection. We compared size trajectory of a population initially at genetic equilibrium, N(t), with the size trajectories of populations not initially at p*,N(t), but which do eventually converge to a common equilibrium allele frequency and equilibrium density, N*. The following experimentally testable hyopthesis was established. The total area defined by the difference between the trajectories of N(t) and N(t) as they converge to N* is directly proportional to the fitness entropy when population size is transformed using the density-dependent fitness value. Two properties of this relationship were noted. First, it is independent of the magnitude of natural selection and, secondly, it does not depend upon the initial population density as long as the equilibrium and nonequilibrium populations have the same initial numbers. This hypothesis was evaluated with experimental data on the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum.
RE-INTERPRETATION OF GENETIC VARIATION IN SIMOCEPHALUS (CLADOCERA, DAPHNIIDAE)
Authors: Hann B J , Hebert P D N
Published: January 2021

Populations of several co-existing species of Simocephalus were examined electrophoretically at 11 enzyme loci. The prevailing pattern was one of extensive allelic substitution between species and low levels of polymorphism (0-10%) within species. Genetic identity values between species were very low (10-50%). These results concur with those for other cyclic parthenogens, but are in sharp contrast to previous interpretation of data derived from populations of Simocephalus from the same sites.
SPORE KILLER POLYMORPHISM IN FUSARIUM MONILIFORME
Authors: Kathariou Sophia , Spieth Philip T
Published: January 2021

A Spore killer trait, which exhibits genetic and cytological properties analogous to those previously found in Neurospora, exists in natural populations of the fungal plant pathogen Fusarium moniliforme. The genogeography of the polymorphism in F. moniliforme differs from the situation in Neurospora intermedia. It is more akin to the situation in N. sitophila, although more extreme with respect to the prevalence of killer alleles: more than 80% of tested isolates of F. moniliforme carry the killer allele. Nevertheless, sensitive alleles are widely distributed and have been found in California, Italy, Greece and Central America.
CHROMOSOME INTERACTIONS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. I. VIABILITY STUDIES
Authors: Seager Robert D , Ayala Francisco J
Published: January 2021

The nature of fitness interactions is an important, yet unsolved, question in population genetics. We compare the egg-to-adult viability of individuals homozygous for either a second or a third chromosome with the viability of individuals homozygous for both chromosomes simultaneously. On the average, the viability of the two-chromosome homozygotes is somewhat greater than expected assuming that the fitnesses of the single-chromosome homozygotes interact in a multiplicative fashion. This result differs from previous observations that indicate either no significant deviations from the expectation or lower-than-expected average fitnesses for the double homozygotes.
MALE COURTSHIP IN DROSOPHILA: THE CONDITIONED RESPONSE TO IMMATURE MALES AND ITS GENETIC CONTROL
Authors: Gailey Donald A , Jackson F Rob , Siegel Richard W
Published: January 2021

Experimentally naive male Drosophila melanogaster respond to sexually immature males with intense courtship. However, this response decreases markedly in a short period of time, and "experienced" males then avoid further courtship with immature males for 4 hr. This subsequent inhibition of the courtship response is specific to immature males; the response to virgin females remains intact. This experience-dependent modification in courtship behavior is designated as "conditioned courtship." Seven mutant strains isolated for their inability to express avoidance conditioning (on criteria independent of courtship) were all found to be mutant with respect to expression of conditioned courtship. The potential application of this phenomenon to mosaic analysis of these mutations is posed. Other results indicate that immature males constitutively release a chemical signal that is sufficient for the expression of conditioned courtship. The interpretation of conditioned courtship as a component of fitness is discussed.
DIETARY EFFECTS ON FITNESS COMPONENTS AT THE PGM-1 LOCUS OF TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM
Authors: Riddle Russel A , Iverson Victoria , Dawson Peter S
Published: January 2021

The pattern of genetic differentiation among experimental populations of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum suggested the hypothesis that relative fitness of three genotypes at the PGM-1 locus (or other linked loci) depends directly on diet. This hypothesis was tested by measuring several fitness components (developmental time, survival, fecundity, rate of egg cannibalism) on groups of individuals differing at the PGM-1 locus that were reared on three types of flour (wheat, corn and a mixture of wheat, corn, barley and rye). Flour type had large effects on all traits except larval survival to 3 weeks of age. Relative fitnesses of the three genotypes differed significantly for fecundity. Diet was found to significantly influence the relative developmental times of the three genotypes.
GENES CONTROLLING MATING-TYPE SPECIFICITY IN PARAMECIUM CAUDATUM: THREE LOCI REVEALED BY INTERSYNGENIC CROSSES
Authors: Tsukii Yuuji , Hiwatashi Koichi
Published: January 2021

In mating interactions in Paramecium caudatum, initial mating agglutination is strictly mating-type specific, but subsequent conjugating pair formation is not mating-type specific. Using this nonspecificity of pair formation, intersyngenic (intersibling species) pairs were induced by mixing four mating types of two different syngens. To distinguish intersyngenic pairs from intrasyngenic ones, the behavioral marker CNR (Takahashi 1979) was mainly used. Clones of intersyngenic hybrids showed high fertility and thus made feasible a genetic analysis of syngenic specificity of mating type. The syngenic specificities of E (even) mating types were found to be controlled by co-dominant multiple alleles at the Mt locus, and those of O (odd) mating types by interactions of co-dominant multiple alleles at two loci, MA and MB. Clones of heterozygotes express dual mating types. Mt is epistatic to MA and MB, and thus O mating types can be expressed only in the recessive homozygote (mt/mt) at the Mt locus. In addition, at least one allele each at the MA and MB loci must have a common syngen specificity for the expression of O types. Thus, when MA is homozygous for one syngen and MB is homozygous for another syngen, no mating type is expressed.
HYBRID DYSGENESIS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER: FACTORS AFFECTING CHROMOSOMAL CONTAMINATION IN THE P-M SYSTEM
Authors: Kidwell Margaret G
Published: January 2021

The two interacting components of the P-M system of hybrid dysgenesis are chromosomally associated elements called P factors and a susceptible cytoplasmic state referred to as M cytotype. Previous experiments have indicated that P factors are a family of multiple-copy transposable genetic elements dispersed throughout the genome of P strains but absent in long-established M strains.—Evidence is presented that the sterility and male recombination-inducing potential of P elements may be acquired by X chromosomes, derived from M strains, through nonhomologous association with P strain autosomes, a process referred to as "chromosomal contamination." The frequencies of chromosomal contamination of X chromosomes by P strain autosomes were highly variable and depended on a number of factors. M cytotype (as opposed to P cytotype) was essential for high frequencies of P factor contamination. There were large differences in contamination potential among individual female families, and a weak negative correlation existed between family size and contamination frequency. Chromosomal contamination in the P-M system was shown to be independent of that in the I-R system.—Frequency distributions suggested that the relationship between sterility production and P factor insertion is complex. The majority of P element transpositions, identified by in situ hybridization in one X chromosome, were not associated with gonadal sterility. However, high sterility potential was found to be associated with the presence of at least one P element inserted into the X chromosome. This potential was lost at a rate of about one-sixth per generation in M cytotype but was stabilized in P cytotype. Various hypotheses concerning the relationship between transposition and chromosomal contamination are discussed.
THE GENETICS OF A SMALL AUTOSOMAL REGION OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER CONTAINING THE STRUCTURAL GENE FOR ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE. VI. INDUCED REVERTANTS OF SCUTOID
Authors: Ashburner M , Detwiler C , Tsubota S , Woodruff R C
Published: January 2021

Twenty-six induced revertants of Scutoid (Sco), a dominant mutation of Drosophila melanogaster, have been characterized genetically. Sco is an unusual mutation, involving two small reciprocal transpositions within the region 35A4 to 35C5 of chromosome arm 2L. One of these transpositions juxtaposes the noc and l(2)br28 loci. We suggested previously that the Sco phenotype results from the "fusion" of noc and l(2)br28. In support of this idea we now show that 23 of 26 revertants of Sco are noc  -, indeed the majority are either chromosome aberrations broken between noc and l(2)br28 or deletions of these loci from the mutant chromosome. However, some revertants of Sco are rather more complex, and their properties suggest an interaction between the pu-noc and l(2)br28-l(2)br37 regions of chromosome arm 2L and also demonstrate the genetic complexity of the el-noc region.
VARIANCE AND COVARIANCE OF HOMOZYGOSITY IN A STRUCTURED POPULATION
Authors: Golding G B , Strobeck C
Published: January 2021

The variance of homozygosity for a K-allele model with n partially isolated subpopulations is derived numerically using identity coefficients. The variance of homozygosity within a subpopulation is shown to depend strongly upon the migration rates between subpopulations but is not strongly influenced by the number of alleles possible at a locus. The variance of homozygosity within a subpopulation, given the value of expected homozygosity, is approximately equal to the value of the variance of homozygosity given by Stewart's formula for a single population. If the population is presumed to be panmictic, but is actually subdivided, and the gametes are sampled at random from the total population, the apparent variance of homozygosity depends on the number of alleles possible. With small migration rates and K large, the apparent variance of homozygosity is much smaller than in a single population with the same expected homozygosity. However, when K is small, the variance of homozygosity is approximately given by Stewart's formula. The transient behavior of the variance of homozygosity shows that a large number of generations may be required to approach equilibrium values.
FUNCTIONAL EFFECTS OF PGI ALLOZYMES IN ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: Dykhuizen Daniel E , Hartl Daniel L
Published: January 2021

Five alleles representing three electromorphs of phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) have been transferred from natural isolates of E. coli into the genetic background of E. coli K12 and examined for their effect on growth rate in chemostats limited for glucose or fructose. With glucose limitation, all alleles are selectively neutral or nearly neutral within the limit of resolution of the technique, whether the genetic background is nonmutant or whether it contains a deletion of the locus of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the enzyme that provides an alternative metabolic pathway for the substrate of PGI. With fructose limitation, one of the naturally occurring alleles has a small but reproducible detrimental effect on growth rate. A kinetic difference in this detrimental allozyme, apparently relating to an inhibition constant, has been observed in some, but not all, lots of substrate, and a similar difference has also been noted in one of the rare electromorphs that could not be transferred into E. coli K12. These results support a model of genetic variation in which the alleles are neutral or nearly neutral in the prevailing environment but have a potential for selection that can be expressed under the appropriate conditions of environment or genetic background. This hypothesis is discussed in the context of allozyme polymorphisms observed in other organisms.
THE RESPONSE OF ENZYME POLYMORPHISMS TO DEVELOPMENTAL RATE SELECTION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
Authors: Cavener Douglas R
Published: January 2021

Two strains of Drosophila melanogaster derived from different geographical localities were subjected to selection for fast and slow developmental rate. Four enzyme polymorphisms were monitored for their response to such selection. Significant changes in allele frequencies were effected for the αGpdh and 6Pgd polymorphisms under fast developmental rate selection. The strain from Rhode Island exhibited a correlated change in body weight during developmental rate selection, whereas the Georgia strain did not.
VIRILITY DEFICIENCY AND THE SEX-RATIO TRAIT IN DROSOPHILA PSEUDOOBSCURA. II. MULTIPLE MATING AND OVERALL VIRILITY SELECTION
Authors: Wu Chung-I
Published: January 2021

Previous studies on fitness components of Drosophila have shown the over-whelming importance of virility selection. In this study, virility selection is further partitioned into two components—one with respect to virgin females and the other with respect to nonvirgin females. The relative importance of the two components to the overall virility selection depends on the remating tendency of females which is investigated here. A theoretical model is then proposed to estimate virility selection under the condition of frequent female remating. The model is tested experimentally. When this model is applied to the Sex-Ratio system of D. pseudoobscura, Sex-Ratio males are found to suffer substantial virility reduction. The significance of this finding to the Sex-Ratio problem is discussed.
GENETIC MAPPING OF IS200 COPIES IN SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIM STRAIN LT2
Authors: Lam Stephen , Roth John R
Published: January 2021

The wild-type Salmonella typhimurium strain LT2 contains six copies of the insertion sequence element IS200 which is unique to Salmonella. We have determined the chromosomal locations of all six copies of IS200 in strain LT2. This was done by mapping the positions of Tn10 elements inserted near each copy of IS200. Such Tn10 insertions were detected by Southern hybridization as IS200-containing restriction fragments with altered electrophoretic mobility. The copies are located at quite evenly spaced sites in the chromosome. Some are found in regions with many known genes; others are in regions with few known functions. There is no indication of a possible function for IS200. The method described here should be applicable to the mapping of IS elements in general.
HYPOMORPHIC LETHAL MUTATIONS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF LETHAL COMPLEMENTATION STUDIES IN DROSOPHILA
Authors: Nash David , Janca Frank C
Published: January 2021

In a small region of the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster, we have found that a third of the mutations that appear to act as lethals in segmental haploids are viable in homozygous mutant individuals. These viable mutations fall into four complementation groups. The most reasonable explanation of these mutations is that they are a subset of functionally hypomorphic alleles of essential genes: hypomorphic mutations with activity levels above a threshold required for survival, but below twice that level, should behave in this manner. We refer to these mutations as "haplo-specific lethal mutations." In studies of autosomal lethals, haplo-specific lethal mutations can be included in lethal complementation tests without being identified as such. Accidental inclusion of disguised haplo-specific lethals in autosomal complementation tests will generate spurious examples of interallelic complementation.
An Open-Label, Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study to Assess Nicotine Pharmacokinetics and Subjective Effects of the JUUL System with Three Nicotine Concentrations Relative to Combustible Cigarettes in Adult Smokers
Authors: Goldenson Nicholas I , Fearon Ian M , Buchhalter August R , Henningfield Jack E
Published: January 2021

Introduction

This randomized, open-label, crossover clinical study evaluated nicotine pharmacokinetics (PK) and subjective effects of the JUUL System (JS; Juul Labs, Inc.) with three nicotine concentrations compared to the usual brand (UB) cigarettes in 24 adult smokers.

Methods

At five study visits, subjects used either the JS in 59 mg/mL, JS 18 mg/mL (two visits), and JS 9 mg/mL (all tobacco-flavored) or smoked their UB cigarette first during a controlled puffing sequence (CPS) and then ad libitum (5 min) use sessions. Blood samples were taken at specified timepoints for 60 min in each session. The modified Product Evaluation Scale assessed subjective effects 30-min post-use in the CPS session.

Results

Maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax-BL), total nicotine exposure (AUC0-60-BL), and rate of plasma nicotine rise were significantly lower for all JS products compared to subjects' UB cigarette in CPS and ad libitum use sessions. In both use sessions these PK parameters were significantly higher for JS 59 mg/mL compared to 18 and 9 mg/mL. Subjective measures of cigarette craving relief and “Enough Nicotine” for JS 59 mg/mL did not differ significantly from UB cigarettes, but JS 18 and 9 mg/mL were rated significantly lower than JS 59 mg/mL and UB cigarettes.

Conclusions

Nicotine exposure and subjective relief were directly related to JS nicotine concentration: higher nicotine concentrations gave rise to significantly greater plasma nicotine levels and relief from craving. Heavier and more dependent smokers may require the greater nicotine delivery of JS 59 mg/mL to successfully transition away from cigarettes.

Implications

It has been suggested that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and other alternative nicotine delivery products that more closely mimic the nicotine pharmacokinetics (PK) of cigarettes may facilitate smokers transitioning away from cigarettes. We examined nicotine PK and subjective effects of JUUL System (JS) ENDS with three nicotine concentrations (59, 18 and 9 mg/mL) compared to combustible cigarettes. Nicotine delivery from JS ENDS was nicotine concentration dependent, with higher nicotine concentrations giving rise to higher nicotine exposure. These findings suggest that heavier and more dependent smokers may require ENDS with nicotine concentrations greater than 20 mg/mL to successfully transition away from cigarettes.
Proton density polarization of the doubly magic 40Ca core in 48Ca and EoS parameters
Authors: Zenihiro Juzo , Uesaka Tomohiro , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Yoshida Satoshi
Published: January 2021

The proton density polarization in ${\rm ^{48}Ca}$ by the eight neutrons added on the ${\rm ^{40}Ca}$ core is discussed. We adopt the proton density distributions determined by electron scattering and the neutron density distributions determined by proton elastic scattering in ${\rm ^{40}Ca}$ and ${\rm ^{48}Ca}$. As a measure of the proton density polarization effect due to the neutrons, a ratio $R$ of the peak values of the neutron density difference $\Delta\rho_{n,{\rm peak}}$ between ${\rm ^{48}Ca}$ and ${\rm ^{40}Ca}$ to the proton one $\Delta\rho_{p,{\rm peak}}$ is introduced and compared with the Hartree–Fock and Hartree calculations by non-relativistic and relativistic energy density functionals (EDFs), respectively. The value $R$ shows clear correlations with the symmetry energy parameters $J$ and $L$, but not with the isoscalar incompressibility $K_\infty$. The experimental value $R$ can be reproduced by theoretical calculations using the EDFs with $L=25$–50 MeV.
Cardiotoxic Potential of Hydroxychloroquine, Chloroquine and Azithromycin in Adult Human Primary Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jordaan Pierre , Dumotier Bérengère , Traebert Martin , Miller Paul E , Ghetti Andre , Urban Laszlo , Abi-Gerges Najah
Published: January 2021

Substantial efforts have been recently committed to develop coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) medications, and Hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with Azithromycin has been promoted as a repurposed treatment. Although these drugs may increase cardiac toxicity risk, cardiomyocyte mechanisms underlying this risk remain poorly understood in humans. Therefore, we evaluated the proarrhythmia risk and inotropic effects of these drugs in the cardiomyocyte contractility-based model of the human heart. We found Hydroxychloroquine to have a low proarrhythmia risk, whereas Chloroquine and Azithromycin were associated with high risk. Hydroxychloroquine proarrhythmia risk changed to high with low level of K+, whereas high level of Mg2+ protected against proarrhythmic effect of high Hydroxychloroquine concentrations. Moreover, therapeutic concentration of Hydroxychloroquine caused no enhancement of elevated temperature-induced proarrhythmia. Polytherapy of Hydroxychloroquine plus Azithromycin and sequential application of these drugs were also found to influence proarrhythmia risk categorization. Hydroxychloroquine proarrhythmia risk changed to high when combined with Azithromycin at therapeutic concentration. However, Hydroxychloroquine at therapeutic concentration impacted the cardiac safety profile of Azithromycin and its proarrhythmia risk only at concentrations above therapeutic level. We also report that Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine, but not Azithromycin, decreased contractility while exhibiting multi-ion channel block features, and Hydroxychloroquine’s contractility effect was abolished by Azithromycin. Thus, this study has the potential to inform clinical studies evaluating repurposed therapies, including those in the COVID-19 context. Additionally, it demonstrates the translational value of the human cardiomyocyte contractility-based model as a key early discovery path to inform decisions on novel therapies for COVID-19, malaria, and inflammatory diseases.
Medications for gout and its comorbidities: mutual benefits?
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Choi Hyon K. , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

To review recent literature with relevance to the management of multimorbid patients with gout, i.e., gout medication repurposed for comorbidities and vice versa.

Recent findings

Adding to the previous success of interleukin-1 inhibition, two trials on low-dose colchicine's role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) demonstrated potential benefits in patients with or without gout. In Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial, a composite CVD endpoint was reduced by 23% among patients who had experienced a recent myocardial infarction. In Low-Dose Colchicine 2, the composite CVD endpoint was reduced 31% among those with stable coronary artery disease. Use of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) for renal protection in patients without gout produced null results. Allopurinol did not benefit the glomerular filtration rate in two trials (Controlled trial of slowing of Kidney Disease progression From the Inhibition of Xanthine oxidase and Preventing Early Renal Function Loss) among patients with chronic kidney disease (with or without hyperuricemia, but not gout). SGLT-2 inhibitors, a medication recommended for patients with diabetes and CVD, diabetic kidney disease, or heart failure, demonstrated a protective effect against gout flares in a secondary trial analysis and a large observational study.

The role of colchicine may expand beyond gout flare prevention to patients with existing CVD. The renal benefit of ULT among patients with gout remains unclear. SGLT-2 inhibitors may benefit diabetic patients who have gout as a comorbidity.
Prevalence, incidence and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in adult coeliac patients
Authors: Schiepatti Annalisa , Alimenti Eleonora , Maimaris Stiliano , Nicolardi Maria Luisa , Manzella La Barbera Francesca , Baiardi Paola , Biagi Federico
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Data on SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) in adult coeliac disease (CD) are lacking. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical features of COVID-19 in adult coeliac patients regularly followed-up at our centre since January 2015.

Methods

Data about general health status and clinical features of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were prospectively collected over the phone. Data about CD were retrospectively collected from clinical notes. Prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 were compared between the coeliac cohort and the figures in the general population of Lombardy, Northern Italy between 20 February to 5 June 2020 provided by the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) and the Lombardy regional government.

Results

Nine out of 324 patients contracted COVID-19, thus resulting in a prevalence of 2.78% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–4.58] and an incidence rate of 8.15/1000 person-month (95% CI 4.24–15.66). Prevalence of COVID-19 ascertained by means of nasal swab was 1.79% (95% CI 0.22–3.35) and the incidence rate 5.26/1000 person-month (95% CI 2.19–12.63), without difference from the general population. Clinical type of CD, age, sex, duration and adherence to a gluten-free diet, and mucosal healing did not differ between coeliac patients with and without COVID-19. None of the 9 patients with COVID-19 required hospitalization.

Conclusion

Patients with CD do not seem to carry an increased risk of COVID-19 compared to the general population and their disease course is mild.
Population Differentiation ofRhodobacteraceaeAlong Coral Compartments
Authors: Luo Danli , Wang Xiaojun , Feng Xiaoyuan , Tian Mengdan , Wang Sishuo , Tang Sen-Lin , Ang Put , Yan Aixin , Luo Haiwei
Published: January 2021

Coral mucus, tissue and skeleton harbor compositionally different microbiota, but how these coral compartments shape the microbial evolution remains unexplored. Here, we focused on theRhodobacteraceae, which represents a significant but variable proportion (5-50%) of the coral microbiota. We sequenced 234 genomes constituting two divergent populations inhabiting a prevalent coral speciesPlatygyra acuta. One population diverged into two clades colonizing the mucus and skeleton respectively. We reconstructed the ancestral gene changing events that potentially drove the split, and found that the affected genes matched well with the distinct physicochemical features of the mucus and skeleton. Specifically, the mucus clade acquired functions involved in the utilization of coral osmolytes abundant in the mucus (e.g., methylamines, DMSP, taurine and L-proline), whereas the skeleton clade uniquely harbored traits that may promote adaptation to the low-energy and diurnally anoxic skeleton (e.g., sulfur oxidation and swimming motility). These between-clade genetic differences were largely supported by physiological assays. Expanded analyses by including relatives isolated from various marine environments suggest that the mucus and skeleton clades may have diversified in non-coral habitats, but they also consolidated a key role of distinct coral compartments in diversifying many of the above-mentioned traits. The second population varied only at a few dozen nucleotide sites across the whole genomes, and the Slatkin-Maddison test supported that dispersal limitation between coral compartments is another key mechanism driving microbial population differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that different coral compartments represent ecologically distinct and microgeographically separate habitats that drive the evolution of the coral microbiota.
“Roles for ELMOD2 and Rootletin in Ciliogenesis”
Authors: Turn Rachel E. , Linnert Joshua , Gigante Eduardo D. , Wolfrum Uwe , Caspary Tamara , Kahn Richard A.
Published: January 2021

ELMOD2 is a GTPase activating protein (GAP) with uniquely broad specificity for ARF family GTPases. We previously showed that it acts with ARL2 in mitochondrial fusion and microtubule stability and with ARF6 during cytokinesis. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts deleted for ELMOD2 also displayed changes in cilia related processes including increased ciliation, multiciliation, ciliary morphology, ciliary signaling, centrin accumulation inside cilia, and loss of rootlets at centrosomes with loss of centrosome cohesion. Increasing ARL2 activity or overexpressing Rootletin reversed these defects, revealing close functional links between the three proteins. This was further supported by the findings that deletion of Rootletin yielded similar phenotypes, which were rescued upon increasing ARL2 activity but not ELMOD2 overexpression. Thus, we propose that ARL2, ELMOD2, and Rootletin all act in a common pathway that suppresses spurious ciliation and maintains centrosome cohesion. Screening a number of markers of steps in the ciliation pathway support a model in which ELMOD2, Rootletin, and ARL2 act downstream of TTBK2 and upstream of CP110 to prevent spurious release of CP110 and to regulate ciliary vesicle docking. These data thus provide evidence supporting roles for ELMOD2, Rootletin, and ARL2 in the regulation of ciliary licensing.
Profitability analysis of rice production: a microeconomic perspective from northern Ghana
Authors: Zakaria Abraham , Azumah Shaibu Baanni , Dagunga Gilbert , Appiah-Twumasi Mark
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to estimate the profitability of rice production for irrigated and rain-fed farmers; determine the factors that influence farmers' decision to participate in irrigation and the impact of irrigation on rice farmers' profitability in northern Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cross-sectional data collected from 543 rice farmers in northern Ghana, the study employed both non-parametric (cost benefit analysis) and parametric (endogenous switching regression) approaches to analyse the data.

Findings

The empirical results reveal a significant difference between the profits of irrigated (GHS 2442.30) and rain-fed farmers (GHS 576.20), as well as the cost-benefit ratios between irrigators (2.53) and rain-fed farmers (1.37). Also, participation in irrigation was found to be influenced by relatively small farm size and off-farm income; while profitability was influenced by membership in a farmer-based organization, access to agricultural extension services and perception of decreasing rainfall intensity. Irrigation also had a positive significant net impact on profitability of rice production.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide justification for development partners and the government of Ghana through the “one-village-one-dam” policy, to invest in irrigation in northern Ghana in order to improve household welfare as well as build resilience for sustainable production systems.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to provide a robust analysis of the difference in profits of rain-fed and irrigated rice farmers while estimating the determinants of Ghanaian farmers' choice of either of the regimes within a bias-corrected framework.
Influence of high-performance work systems on intrapreneurial behavior
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Khan Mohammad Saud , Raza Ali , Shahzad Imran Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In the past, a plethora of studies has investigated the organizational and individual outcomes of high-performance work systems (HPWS). However, less is known about the mechanism through which HPWS impacts employees’ behavior, particularly intrapreneurial behavior (IB). Drawing on the social exchange theory, this study aims to fill this gap by investigating the mediation effect of perceived organizational support (POS) on HPWS-IB linkages.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected with the help of structured questionnaires from employees working in service industries such as banking and insurance.

Findings

HPWS was conceptualized as a higher-order measurement model that includes four lower-order dimensions, namely, information sharing, decision-making participation, job security, training and development. Partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Results showed a positive and significant effect of HPWS on IB. Moreover, POS significantly mediated the HPWS-IB link.

Originality/value

Despite an increasing number of studies on the role of human resource management (HRM) practices in enhancing innovation and creativity, there has not been enough research on how HPWS affects IB at the individual level in the presence of POS. Thus, this research is the first of its kind to investigate the mediating role of POS in HPWS-IB linkages in the Malaysian context.
Understanding multiple reading attitude profiles of Chinese adolescents and how they relate to reading outcomes
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng
Published: January 2021

Background

While many researchers studying reading motivation and attitudes have taken a variable‐centred approach, few have employed a person‐centred analysis to examine profiles of reading attitudes and how they relate to reading outcomes.

Methods

As a person‐centred approach, cluster analysis was used to examine the multiple reading attitude profiles of 499 seventh‐grade to ninth‐grade Chinese adolescents. The effects of each attitude profile on reading outcomes, which include strategy use and language arts grades, were tested using a multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results

Cluster analysis identified four profiles: engaged digital readers (positive attitudes towards both academic and recreational reading in digital medium), avid readers (positive attitudes towards all dimensions), engaged print readers (positive attitudes towards both academic and recreational reading in print medium) and recreational digital‐only readers (relatively average attitudes towards recreational digital reading but substantially lower attitudes towards the other three dimensions). Avid readers outperformed all other profiles regarding strategy use but were equally successful with engaged print readers in terms of language arts. Recreational digital‐only readers scored the lowest in both reading outcomes.

Conclusions

Chinese adolescents have multiple reading attitude profiles distinct in nature and in their relation to reading outcomes.
Impacts of agricultural price support policy on price variability and welfare: Evidence from China's soybean market
Authors: Wang Wenting , Wei Longbao
Published: January 2021

China is a predominant soybean importer; thus, its domestic soybean policies have a large impact on world soybean market dynamics. We develop the first aggregate structural econometric model of China's soybean market and link it to the rest of the world (ROW), which allows us to analyze the impacts of China's soybean price support policy that ran from 2008 to 2013. We investigate the impacts of China's policy on the variability of their domestic and world soybean prices, and adopt a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the effects on distributional and aggregate welfare. Our results indicate: (a) after China's soybean price support policy, price transmission elasticity decreases, China's domestic price variability decreases, and world price variability increases; (b) China's producer surplus increases, consumer surplus decreases and the net welfare change in their domestic market is negative; and (c) although soybean exporting countries in the ROW experience significant welfare gains, the world net welfare change is negative.
Pilot drug and therapeutic committee programme in Sierra Leone: A descriptive mixed method study
Authors: Kabba John Alimamy , Koroma Mark Momoh , James Peter Bai , Kitchen Chenai , Xu Sen , Chang Jie , Saeed Amna , Malik Usman Rashid , Jiang Minghuan , Fang Yu
Published: January 2021

Aims

Irrational medicine use is a global crisis, but incidences are proportionately higher in low‐ and middle‐income countries such as Sierra Leone. This study explores the structure, functions and challenges of drug and therapeutics committees (DTCs), an intervention towards irrational medicine use recently piloted in Sierra Leone.

Methods

A 2‐phase mixed‐method study design was used in this study. Firstly, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted on all pharmacists who have worked for at least 1 year in DTC‐piloted hospitals, using an online questionnaire to assess DTCs’ structure, indicators and challenges. In phase 2, all eligible pharmacists were invited for a semistructured online interview using the WhatsApp messaging application to get deeper insights into the key issues that emerged from the survey; however, only 5 of the 7 consented to participate. MS Excel 2019 and NVivo version 12 were respectively used for data management and analysis.

Results

A total of 6 survey responses and 5 interviews were included in the analysis. Participants are pharmacists from the 7 hospitals in Sierra Leone where DTC was piloted. Most DTCs are comprised of a minimum of 10 members consisting of both medical and hospital administrative staff. The main functions of DTCs are ensuring rational medicines use, monitoring and reporting adverse drug reactions. All 7 hospitals with established pilot DTCs have different subcommittees operating at varying functionality levels, ranging from effective to nonfunctional. The main challenges in DTC functions and maintenance are funding (n = 6), DTC decision implementation (n = 4), and unmotivated members (n = 4). Strategies suggested to improve DTCs at public hospitals and nationwide include resource allocation, monitoring and evaluating DTC functions and its members' capacity building.

Conclusion

DTCs present a compelling opportunity towards achieving rational medicines use at the hospital level in Sierra Leone. Nonetheless, the lack of funding and operational resources are significant limitations that must be noted by policymakers before expanding DTC programmes to other hospitals in Sierra Leone.