Relationships among companies of militia in the colony of New York in 1760 estimated by an analysis of their surnames

Abstract

Surname, analysis, a technique to estimate genetic relatedness, is applied here to differences within and between eight militia companies (N=782) mustered for New York Colony in 1760. Universal service laws of the time imply that militias are unbiased community samples. Colonial American populations are of interest due to their heterogeneous migrant origins, balanced by effects of large kin groups. The surname of each militiaman was checked for identity to that of all others within and between the eight companies. Assuming surnames derive from common ancestry, fractions of name identity index relatedness. Within‐company relatedness is high, below only that found in genetic isolates, probably due to enlistments together of kinsmen. Between‐company relatedness is the lowest yet recorded, apparently because of the diverse origins of these populations.     

Microsatellite‐based analysis of genetic structure and gene flow of Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in China

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, is a serious agricultural pest in China. Seasonal and roundtrip migration has recently led to sudden, localized outbreaks and crop losses. To evaluate genetic differentiation between populations in eastern and western China and elucidate gene flow, the genetic structure of 20 natural populations from nine provinces was examined using seven microsatellite markers. The results indicated high genetic diversity. However, little to moderate (0 < F_ST < 0.15) genetic differentiation was detected, and there was no correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance. Bayesian clustering analysis identified three groups whereas discriminant analysis of principal components identified ten clusters that were considered as two clear‐cut clusters and one admixed group. Gene flow occurred frequently in most population pairs, and an asymmetrical migration rate was detected in several pairwise population comparisons. The bottleneck test showed that few populations had experienced recent bottlenecks. Correspondingly, large‐scale and long‐distance migration of M. separata has caused low genetic differentiation and frequent gene exchange. Our findings are important for studying genetic evolution and help to improve predictions of M. separata outbreaks in China.     

Factors affecting breeding distribution of Storm-petrels Hydrobates pelagicus in Orkney and Shetland

Capsule The main factors are past and present human activities, especially the introduction of rats to islands.

Aims To assess factors that influence breeding distribution and abundance of Storm-petrel.

Methods We used a database for 142 islands in Shetland and Orkney. Breeding status of Storm-petrel was related to data for each island on introduced and indigenous predators, other human-related features, and aspects of island geography.

Results Although 92% of the total land area of the archipelagos comprised islands with rats present, Storm-petrel colonies were almost totally restricted to rat-free islands. They also occurred more frequently on islands with cliffs, far from neighbouring islands with humans, and on islands with a low rate of human visits. Colony size was smaller on the smallest occupied islands. Breeding numbers of Great Skuas Stercorarius skua, Great Black-backed Gulls Larus marinus, and Storm-petrels all correlated, as each increased with island size.

Conclusions The presence or absence of rats is the single most important influence on Storm-petrel breeding distribution in Orkney and Shetland. However, geographical and human-related effects, such as the presence of cliffs or the occurrence of human visits, also appear to influence the distribution of Storm-petrels, whereas avian predators appear to have had little effect until now.     

Migration of the Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius breeding in South Sweden tracked by geolocators

Capsule Little Ringed Plovers breeding in South Sweden migrate towards the southeast in the autumn, via the Middle East, to winter in Saharan and sub-Saharan locations or in India, while the spring migration is more directly towards the north.

Aims To study the migration routes and wintering area of Little Ringed Plovers (Charadrius dubius) breeding in South Sweden, and to investigate the migration strategy and speed for this little studied shorebird.

Methods We use light-level geolocators to track the year-round movements of Little Ringed Plovers breeding in South Sweden.

Results Autumn migration proceeded towards the southeast, in three birds via lengthy stopovers in the Middle East, followed by movements towards the west and southwest to final winter destinations in Africa, while one male made a long stopover in northwestern Iran before migrating to India. The birds wintering in Africa probably stayed at freshwater locations in the Sahara or just south or north of the Sahara. Spring migration was more directly back to the breeding area. Overall migration speeds were similar during autumn and spring migration at about 189 and 209?km/day, respectively. The migration was carried out mainly as many short flights between stopovers. In particular, autumn migration was longer than the direct distance between breeding and wintering sites.

Conclusions This study shows that the geolocator method can successfully be used with relatively small (40?g) shorebirds. We found that a local population of Little Ringed Plover may have widely differing wintering sites (low connectivity), from sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian subcontinent. The migration strategy of the Little Ringed Plover, with multiple short flights, deviates from that of many other long-distance migrating shorebirds that, instead, make one or a few long flights.     

Studies on Halimeda IV. An endogenous rhythm of chloroplast migration in the siphonous green alga,H. distorta 1

Abstract

Halimeda has been found particularly suitable for studies of long‐distance chloroplast migration by virtue of its coenocytic structure and calcium carbonate skeleton. A circadian rhythm of chloroplast migration in Halimeda distorta was monitored by videography of segment surface pigmentation. In normal 12 h light/12 h dark treatments synchronised with dawn and dusk, the segments were green all day, began to become pale immediately the light was turned off, and then remained almost white for most of the night until beginning to re‐green a few hours before dawn. As a result of that, they were already quite green by the time the light was turned on. In continuous darkness a similar cycle, albeit with reducing amplitude and a period of about 23 hours, was maintained for at least 7 days. However, this cycle differed significantly from the normal one in that the segments did not remain green after the light was not switched on at dawn, but rather began to pale immediately thereafter. Conversely, in continuous light the segments did not become pale at any time. Thus, the rhythmical re‐emergence of the chloroplasts before dawn and their subsequent withdrawal appears to be controlled by an endogenous rhythm which is independent of light. However, light does completely, but reversibly, inhibit the chloroplast withdrawal component of the cycle. This behaviour of the chloroplasts in Halimeda is very similar to that in the related alga, Caulerpa, but it is quite different from that in another extensively Studied but unrelated siphonous green alga, Acetabularia, in which the circadian rhythm of chloroplast migration is maintained in continuous light.     

LncRNA-H19 activates CDC42/PAK1 pathway to promote cell proliferation,migration and invasion by targeting miR-15b in hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related death. This study aims to explore the role and underlying mechanism of H19 in HCC.MethodsqRT-PCR detected miR-15b-5p and H19 expression, as well as the mRNA level of EMT-associated genes. Western blotting detected protein level of EMT-associated genes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) examined CDC42 in HCC tissues. Dual luciferase reporter assay verified the regulatory mechanism among H19, miR-15b and CDC42. Colony formation, wound healing assay, transwell, flow cytometry measured proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, respectively.ResultsH19 and CDC42 were up-regulated while miR-15b was down-regulated in HCC cells and tissues. miR-15b interacted with H19 and CDC42 3′-UTR. H19 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased apoptosis, which was rescued by miR-15b inhibitor. H19 knockdown suppressed CDC42/PAK1 pathway and EMT progress.ConclusionH19 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells via targeting miR-15b/CDC42/PAK1 axis.     

Synthesis and characterisation of (Z)-styrylbenzene derivatives as potential selective anticancer agents

To identify anticancer agents with high potency and low toxicity, a series of (Z)-styrylbenzene derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for anticancer activities using a panel of nine cancer cell lines and two noncancerous cell lines. Most derivatives exhibited significant anti-proliferative activities against five cancer cell lines, including MGC-803 and BEL-7402. (Z)-3-(p-Tolyl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile (6h) showed a strong inhibitory effect on MGC-803 cells (IC₅₀?50?50 value of 6h in L-02 cells was 10,000-fold higher than in MGC-803 cells. Compound 6h inhibited proliferation of BEL-7402 cells by arresting at the G2/M phase through up-regulation of cyclin B1 expression, down-regulation of cyclin A and D1 expression, and induction of apoptosis. In addition, 6h inhibited the migration of BEL-7402 cells and the formation of cell colonies.     

Haloperidol,but not olanzapine,may affect expression of PER1 and CRY1 genes in human glioblastoma cell line

Background: There is barely any evidence of antipsychotic drugs affecting the molecular clockwork in human, yet it is suggested that clock genes are associated with dopaminergic transmission, i.e. the main target of this therapeutics. We decided to verify if haloperidol and olanzapine affect expression of CLOCK, BMAL1, PER1 and CRY1 in a human central nervous system cell line model. Methods: U-87MG human glioblastoma cell line was used as an experimental model. The cells were incubated with or without haloperidol and olanzapine in the concentration of 5 and 20 μM for 24 h. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction with the ΔC_T analysis was used to examine the effect of haloperidol and olanzapine on the mRNA expression of the genes. Results: At 5 μM, haloperidol decreased expression of CRY1 almost 20-fold. There was nearly a 1.5-fold increase in expression of PER1. Considering the 20 μM haloperidol concentration and both olanzapine concentrations, no other statistically significant effect was observed. Conclusions: At certain concentration, haloperidol seems to affect expression of particular clock genes in a human central nervous system cell line model, yet mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains elusive.     

The role of western Mediterranean islands in the evolutionary diversification of the spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata,a long‐distance migratory passerine species

We investigated the evolutionary history of the spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata, a long distance migratory passerine having a widespread range, using mitochondrial markers and nuclear introns. Our mitochondrial results reveal the existence of one insular lineage restricted to the western Mediterranean islands (Balearics, Corsica, Sardinia) and possibly to the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy that diverged from the mainland lineages around 1 Mya. Mitochondrial genetic distance between insular and mainland lineages is around 3.5%. Limited levels of shared nuclear alleles among insular and mainland populations further support the genetic distinctiveness of insular spotted flycatchers with respect to their mainland counterparts. Moreover, lack of mitochondrial haplotypes sharing between Balearic birds (M. s. balearica) and Corso‐Sardinian birds (M. s. tyrrhenica) suggest the absence of recent matrilineal gene flow between these two insular subspecies. Accordingly, we suggest that insular spotted flycatchers could be treated as one polytypic species (Muscicapa tyrrhenica) that differs from M. striata in morphology, migration, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and comprises two subspecies (the nominate and M. t. balearica) that diverged recently phenotypically and in mitochondrial DNA and but still share the same nuclear alleles. This study provides an interesting case‐study illustrating the crucial role of western Mediterranean islands in the evolution of a passerine showing high dispersal capabilities. Our genetic results highlight the role of glacial refugia of these islands that allowed initial allopatric divergence of insular populations. We hypothesize that differences in migratory and breeding phenology may prevent any current gene flow between insular and mainland populations of the spotted flycatcher that temporarily share the same insular habitats during the spring migration.     

Lignans from the stems and leaves of Brandisia hancei and their effects on VEGF-induced vascular permeability and migration of HRECs and DLAV formation in zebrafish

In our continuing search for novel antiangiogenic agents, a new lignan glycoside, (7R,8R)-1-(4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-{2-methoxy-4-[1-(E)-propene-3-ol]-phenoxyl}-propane-1,3-diol (1), along with three known lignans (2–4), were isolated from the 80% EtOH extract of Brandisia hancei stems and leaves. These isolates (1–4) were subjected to an in vitro bioassay to evaluate their effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced vascular permeability and migration of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). Of the compounds tested, compound 1 resulted in the greatest reduction in VEGF-induced vascular permeability by about 31.5% at 10 μM compared to the VEGF-treated control. In the migration assay, compounds 1 and 2 significantly decreased VEGF-induced HREC migration. Furthermore, zebrafish embryos treated with compounds 1 and 2 showed mild reductions of dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessel (DLAV) formation.     

Synopsis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mickelia</Emphasis>, a newly recognized genus of bolbitidoid ferns (Dryopteridaceae)

Our recent molecular phylogenetic study revealed a previously unrecognized clade of six species that is sister to Elaphoglossum. Within this clade, four species are currently classified in Bolbitis, one in Lomagramma, and one in Acrostichum. For this clade, we propose the name Mickelia, with M. nicotianifolia as the type species. We also make new combinations for the species in our phylogenetic study shown to belong to Mickelia (M. bernoullii, M. guianensis, M. hemiotis, M. nicotianifolia, M. oligarchica, and M. scandens) and two other species believed to belong to the clade based on morphology (M. lindigii, M. pergamentacea). A new hybrid and two new species are also described (M. ×atrans, M. furcata, and M. pradoi). In total, Mickelia consists of ten species and one hybrid. It is entirely neotropical. We provide a key to the genera of bolbitidoid ferns and a synopsis of Mickelia that gives for each species a complete synonymy, geographical distribution, comparative discussion, and illustration.     

Evidence for the presence of two sympatric species of mice (genus Mus L.) in southern France based on biochemical genetics

Populations of mice established outdoors as well as indoors have been investigated at 24 loci using starch gel electrophoresis. Two reproductively isolated groups are recognized, one of which is referable to a house mouse subspecies, Mus musculus brevirostris, and the other to a different species, Mus spretus, contrary to the view of Schwarz and Schwarz that only one species of Mus is present in the Mediterranean Basin. The genetic distance between these two groups is larger than between any pair of investigated subspecies of M. musculus. M. m. brevirostris is biochemically almost indistinguishable from M. m. domesticus. On the other hand, M. spretus exhibits several allelic variants unknown or at most very infrequent in M. musculus, as for instance at the lactate dehydrogenase B-chain locus.This work was supported by research grants from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (E.R.A. No. 261) and the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes.     

Metformin facilitates the proliferation,migration, and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro

Periodontitis is one of the main causes of tooth loss and has been confirmed as the sixth complication of diabetes. Metformin promotes the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are the best candidate stem cells for periodontal tissue regeneration. Herein, we aimed to identify the effects of metformin on the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in vitro. PDLSCs were isolated by limiting dilution, and their characteristics were assessed by colony formation assay and flow cytometry. Cell counting and migration assays were used to investigate the effects of metformin on proliferation and migration. The osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLSCs was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red S staining. Gene and protein levels of osteogenesis‐related markers were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. Metformin treatment at 10 μM did not affect PDLSC proliferation, while at 50 and 100 μM, metformin time‐dependently enhanced PDLSC proliferation and significantly increased cell numbers after 5 and 7 days of stimulation (P < 0.05). In addition, 50 μM metformin exhibited a maximal effect on migration, ALP activity, and mineral deposition (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 50 μM metformin significantly upregulated the gene expression levels of ALP, BSP, OPN, OCN, and Runx2 and the protein expression of ALP and Runx2 (P < 0.05). In summary, our study confirms that metformin facilitates the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in vitro and could be used as a new strategy for periodontal tissue regeneration.     

Correlations between Isonymy Parameters

Several parameters of genetic and anthropological interest are commonly estimated in the analysis of the surnames' distribution in human populations. Among these parameters, the most important for population structure is unbiased Isonymy, equivalent to 4 times the value of F_st, the random component of inbreeding in a group. Fisher's α estimates the wealth of surnames in a group, and Karlin-McGregorv is considered proportional to migration rates. Recently, other parameters like Entropy and Redundance of the surname's distribution were introduced in the analysis and estimated. In the present work, the parameters obtained through isonymy analysis of 759,500 telephone users in 379 Communes of Sicily are correlated with variables such as sample size, population size and density, and number of surnames in the Commune. In Sicily, the parameters or their logarithm are Gammadistributed. It is observed that the number of surnames is strongly correlated with most parameters or with their logarithm, and that it is in turn strongly correlated with sample size.     

Design,synthesis and biological evaluation of novel L-isoserine tripeptide derivatives as aminopeptidase N inhibitors

Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) is one of the essential proteins for tumour invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis as it is over-expressed on the surface of different tumour cells. Based on our previous work that L-isoserine dipeptide derivatives were potent APN inhibitors, we designed and synthesized L-isoserine tripeptide derivatives as APN inhibitors. Among these compounds, one compound 16l (IC₅₀?=?2.51?±?0.2 µM) showed similar inhibitory effect compared with control compound Bestatin (IC₅₀?=?6.25?±?0.4 µM) and it could be used as novel lead compound for the APN inhibitors development as anticancer agents in the future.     

Independent evolution of migration on the South American landscape in a long-distance temperate-tropical migratory bird, Swainson's flycatcher (Myiarchus swainsoni)

Aim To understand the evolution of long‐distance temperate–tropical migration in a South American bird, Swainson's flycatcher (Myiarchus swainsoni). Methods A total of 842 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA genes ATPase 8 and 6 were sequenced from forty‐nine individuals of the M. swainsoni complex from most of its range. Analyses measured the phylogenetic signal in the data, and tools of population genetics, phylogeography and phylogeny were used to interpret the evolution of the bird and its migration on the South American landscape. Results Migratory populations in the M. swainsoni complex are not each other's closest relatives. The migratory subspecies M. s. swainsoni, which breeds in south‐eastern South America, is not closely related to the rest of the complex. The remaining migratory populations of the subspecies M. s. ferocior and two intergrade populations are extremely closely related to non‐migratory populations with which they form a well‐supported clade despite substantial morphological differentiation from each other. Within this clade of migrants and non‐migrants, net divergence across 4000 km of lowland South America is zero and most diversity is distributed among individuals not populations. Mismatch analyses and significant values of Tajima's D and Fu's Fs suggest the clade has undergone a very recent range expansion. Migration and the shifts of breeding distribution that accompanied its evolution evolved twice within what has recently been considered the polytypic species M. swainsoni. Furthermore, these shifts of range probably occurred at very different times as parts of different southward ‘pulses’ of humid, Amazonian taxa. Main conclusions Evolution of temperate‐tropical migration in the M. swainsoni complex has been spatio‐temporally layered on the South American landscape. The analysis cautions that the historical biogeography underlying a single present‐day migration system need not have been driven by a single set of environmental factors operating at one time. We suggest directions for further study of ecology and demography in zones of apparent contact between various migratory and non‐migratory populations.     

Surnames in Bolivia: A study of the population of Bolivia through isonymy

In Bolivia, the Hispanic dual surname system is used. To describe the isonymic structure of Bolivia, the surname distribution of 12,139,448 persons registered in the 2006 census data was studied in 9 districts and 112 provinces of the nation, for a total of 23,244,064 surnames. The number of different surnames found was 174,922. Matrices of isonymic distances between the administrative units (districts and provinces) were constructed and tested for correlation with geographic distance. In the 112 provinces, isonymic distances were correlated with geographic distance (r = 0.545 ± 0.011 for Euclidean, 0.501 ± 0.012 for Nei's, and 0.556 ± 0.010 for Lasker's distance). The multiple regression of the surname effective number (α), equivalent to the allele effective number in a genetic system, was nonsignificant on latitude and longitude; however, it was highly significant and negative on altitude (r = ?0.72). Because the Andes extend from north to south in west‐central Bolivia, random inbreeding was lowest in the eastern districts, and highest in mountainous western Bolivia. Average α for the provinces was 122 ± 2; for the districts, it was 216 ± 29, and for the whole of Bolivia it was 213. The geographical distribution of α in the provinces is compatible with the settlement of subsequent groups of migrants moving from east and north toward the center and south of Bolivia. The relative frequency of indigenous surnames is correlated positively with altitude. This suggests that the country was populated by recent low‐density demic diffusion over a low‐density indigenous population. This may have been a common phenomenon in the immigration to tropical South America. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Kuru: An appraisal of five years of investigation

Abstract

Socioeconomic determinants of fertility and mortality were estimated by regression analysis for 29 low‐migration SMSA's located in the eastern part of the U. S. A low‐migration sample was chosen to maximize length of life history within the regions. Independent variables included per cent nonwhite, gross and net migration, population, density, medical care, welfare, per cent Catholic, education, income, and labor force participation. Density was measured by an index based on the census inventory of urban land. Mortality results include effects of migration on older nonwhite life expectancy, an inverse effect of density on life expectancy for older whites, specific income and educational effects on older life expectancies, different causative factors for e(50) and e(1,50), lack of influence of medical care (except for the nonwhite male), and significant infant mortality multiple correlations only for the nonwhite female. For nonwhite fertility, the inverse influences of per cent nonwhite and net migration 1960–70 were of greatest importance. White fertility showed a negative relationship with medical care and a positive one with nonwhite male e(0).     

Resource allocation in the red ant Myrmica ruginodis– an interplay of genetics and ecology

Worker‐queen conflicts over reproductive allocation (colony maintenance vs. reproduction) and sex allocation (females vs. males) were examined in two populations of the facultatively polygynous ant Myrmica ruginodis. Plasticity of social organization in the form of two co‐existing social types (microgyna and macrogyna) has a profound effect on reproductive allocation. Workers control sex allocation by biasing sex ratios towards their own interest, but local resource competition (LRC) because of restricted dispersal of microgyna females resulted in male bias in one study population. Colony sex ratios were split and followed the predictions of the split sex ratio theory: single queen colonies with higher relatedness asymmetry (RA) produced more females than multiple queen colonies with lower RA. Single and multiple queen colonies showed similar patterns in most aspects of their reproduction, and reproductive allocation could not be explained by the hypothesis tested. This suggests that reproductive allocation conflict is of minor importance in M. ruginodis.     

Contributions à la réorganisation systématique des Peritelini ouest-paléarctiques. IX. Révision du genre Meira Jacquelin du Val 1852 (Coleoptera : Curculionidae : Entiminae)

The genus Meira Jacquelin du Val 1852 is revised, four lectotypes and a neotype are designated, a new synonymy is proposed and four new species from France – one from Alpes-Maritimes (Meira alpina n. sp.), two from Var (M. echinoides n. sp. and M. teloniensis n. sp.), one from Vaucluse (M. germanni n. sp.) and one from Italy, from Abruzzo (M. osellai n. sp.) are described,. Synonyms, bibliographic and ecological data are provided. Whole-body photos of the types of the old species and of the four new species, drawings of systematically important characters, keys and distribution maps are also presented.