Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid loss of genetic variation in a founding population of Primula elatior (Primulaceae) after colonization.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Land-use changes and associated extinction/colonization dynamics can have a large impact on population genetic diversity of plant species. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic diversity in a founding population of the self-incompatible forest herb Primula elatior and to elucidate the processes that affect genetic diversity shortly after colonization. METHODS AFLP markers were used to analyse genetic diversity across three age classes and spatial genetic structure within a founding population of P. elatior in a recently established stand in central Belgium. Parentage analyses were used to assess the amount of gene flow from outside the population and to investigate the contribution of mother plants to future generations. RESULTS The genetic diversity of second and third generation plants was significantly reduced compared with that of first generation plants. Significant spatial genetic structure was observed. Parentage analyses showed that < 20 % of the youngest individuals originated from parents outside the study population and that > 50 % of first and second generation plants did not contribute to seedling recruitment. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a small effective population size and genetic drift can lead to rapid decline of genetic diversity of offspring in founding populations shortly after colonization. This multigenerational study also highlights that considerable amounts of gene flow seem to be required to counterbalance genetic drift and to sustain high levels of genetic diversity after colonization in recently established stands.
Geographic Variation of the Physiological Response to Overwintering in the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

We compared the physiological responses of latitudinal pairings of painted turtles submerged in normoxic and anoxic water at 3°C: western painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) from Wisconsin (WI) versus southern painted turtles (Chrysemys picta dorsalis) from Louisiana (LA), Arkansas (AR), and Alabama (AL), and eastern painted turtles (Chrysemys picta picta) from Connecticut (CT) versus C. p. picta from Georgia (GA). Turtles in normoxic water accumulated lactate, with C. p. bellii accumulating less than (20 mmol/L) the other groups (44–47 mmol/L), but with relatively minor acid‐base and ionic disturbances. Chrysemys picta bellii had the lowest rate of lactate accumulation over the first 50 d in anoxic water (1.8 mmol/d vs. 2.1 for AR C. p. dorsalis, 2.4 mmol/d for GA C. p. picta, and 2.5 mmol/d for CT C. p. picta after 50 d and 2.6 mmol/d for AL C. p. dorsalis after 46 d). Northern turtles in both groups survive longer in anoxia than their southern counterparts. The diminished viability in C. p. dorsalis versus C. p. bellii can be partially explained by an increased rate of lactate accumulation and a decreased buffering capacity, but for the CT and GA C. p. picta comparison, only buffering capacity differences are seen to influence survivability.
Psychometric properties of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE To describe the psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a brief measure of the prosocial behavior and psychopathology of 3-16-year-olds that can be completed by parents, teachers, or youths. METHOD A nationwide epidemiological sample of 10,438 British 5-15-year-olds obtained SDQs from 96% of parents, 70% of teachers, and 91% of 11-15-year-olds. Blind to the SDQ findings, all subjects were also assigned DSM-IVdiagnoses based on a clinical review of detailed interview measures. RESULTS The predicted five-factor structure (emotional, conduct, hyperactivity-inattention, peer, prosocial) was confirmed. Internalizing and externalizing scales were relatively "uncontaminated" by one another. Reliability was generally satisfactory, whether judged by internal consistency (mean Cronbach a: .73), cross-informant correlation (mean: 0.34), or retest stability after 4 to 6 months (mean: 0.62). SDQ scores above the 90th percentile predicted a substantially raised probability of independently diagnosed psychiatric disorders (mean odds ratio: 15.7 for parent scales, 15.2 for teacher scales, 6.2 for youth scales). CONCLUSION The reliability and validity of the SDQ make it a useful brief measure of the adjustment and psychopathology of children and adolescents.
Comparison of Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Transhiatal Esophagectomy with or without Chemotherapy

Background/Aim: To compare the quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) with or without chemotherapy, who were admitted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh and enrolled in the study, from July 2004 to October 2005. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients of esophageal carcinoma by purposive sampling were randomized into two groups i.e., patients undergoing THE after chemotherapy and patients undergoing THE without chemotherapy. Two QOL questionnaires, one generic i.e., EORTC-QLQ C-30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) and other esophageal cancer-specific i.e., EORTC OES-18 were utilized to assess the QOL. Result: Physical functional scales were better in patients, who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The role and social aspects of functional scales deteriorated after completion of treatment in both groups. This was primarily due to the effect of surgery. However, they were better from an emotional and cognitive point of value after surgery and radiotherapy. Fourteen out of 30 patients experienced vomiting and diarrhea due to radiotherapy. Conclusion: THE in esophageal carcinoma improves global health scales and majority of symptom scales in all patients. QOL improvement in general was better in patients who were administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy along with surgery.
Genetic Dissection of the Functions of the Melanocortin-3 Receptor, a Seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled Receptor, Suggests Roles for Central and Peripheral Receptors in Energy Homeostasis*

Background: Conditional gene targeting methods were used to investigate the role of melanocortin-3 receptors (MC3Rs). Results: MC3Rs expressed in the brain are not sufficient to defend against diet-induced obesity but can improve metabolic homeostasis. Conclusion: The role of MC3Rs in energy homeostasis involves central and peripheral actions. Significance: This is the first evidence suggesting a role for central and peripheral MC3Rs in energy homeostasis. The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) gene is pleiotropic, influencing body composition, natriuresis, immune function, and entrainment of circadian rhythms to nutrient intake. MC3Rs are expressed in hypothalamic and limbic regions of the brain and in peripheral tissues. To investigate the roles of central MC3Rs, we inserted a “lox-stop-lox” (LoxTB) 5′ of the translation initiation codon of the mouse Mc3r gene and reactivated transcription using neuron-specific Cre transgenic mice. As predicted based on earlier observations of Mc3r knock-out mice, Mc3rTB/TB mice displayed reduced lean mass, increased fat mass, and accelerated diet-induced obesity. Surprisingly, rescuing Mc3r expression in the nervous system using the Nestin-Cre transgene only partially rescued obesity in chow-fed conditions and had no impact on the accelerated diet-induced obesity phenotype. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a critical node in the neural networks regulating feeding-related behaviors and metabolic homeostasis, exhibits dense Mc3r expression relative to other brain regions. To target VMH MC3R expression, we used the steroidogenic factor-1 Cre transgenic mouse. Although restoring VMH MC3R signaling also had a modest impact on obesity, marked improvements in metabolic homeostasis were observed. VMH MC3R signaling was not sufficient to rescue the lean mass phenotype or the regulation of behaviors anticipating food anticipation. These results suggest that actions of MC3Rs impacting on energy homeostasis involve both central and peripheral sites of action. The impact of central MC3Rs on behavior and metabolism involves divergent pathways; VMH MC3R signaling improves metabolic homeostasis but does not significantly impact on the expression of behaviors anticipating nutrient availability.
Assessment of implementation modalities of the anchor borrowers’ programme in Nigeria

To avoid the moribund path of most of the earlier implemented agricultural-based development projects and programmes, this article reviewed the implementation modalities of the Anchor Borrowers’ programme while making useful suggestions for effective and sustainable results-based implementation. The article relied on content analyses and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats strategic planning tool to reach its conclusion. While noting the strength of the programme, there is doubt as to the conduct of project appraisal; implementation arrangements are unclear, while overlaps exist in the roles of stakeholders. Thus, the study affirms that political pressure should never be made to becloud sound project preparation, while sustaining awareness for increased programme participation to avoid exclusion and confusion. It is also imperative to put in place a credible results-based framework and modalities for the conduct of baseline and subsequent performance assessment structure for the purposes of learning and accountability to Nigerians. Keywords: Anchor borrowers’ programme, results, performance assessment, learning, accountability, Central Bank of Nigeria
RESPONSE TO NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL HETEROGENEITY: MATERNAL EFFECTS AND SELECTION ON LIFE‐HISTORY CHARACTERS AND PLASTICITIES IN MIMULUS GUTTATUS

Recent studies in plant populations have found that environmental heterogeneity and phenotypic selection vary at local spatial scales. In this study, I ask if there is evolutionary change in response to environmental heterogeneity and, if so, whether the response occurs for characters or character plasticities. I used vegetative clones of Mimulus guttatus to create replicate populations of 75 genotypes. These populations were planted into the natural habitat where they differed in mean growth, flowering phenology, and life span. This phenotypic variation was used to define selective environments. There was variation in fitness (flower production) among genotypes across all planting sites and in genotype response to the selective environment. Offspring from each site were grown in the greenhouse in two water treatments. Because each population initially had the same genetic composition, variation in the progeny between selective environments reveals either evolutionary change in response to environmental heterogeneity or environmental maternal effects. Plants from experimental sites that flowered earlier, had shorter life spans and were less productive, produced offspring that had more flowers, on average, and were less plastic in vegetative allocation than offspring of longer‐lived plants from high‐productivity areas. However, environmental maternal effects masked phenotypic differences in flower production. Therefore, although there was evidence of genetic differentiation in both life‐history characters and their plasticities in response to small‐scale environmental heterogeneity, environmental maternal effects may slow evolutionary change. Response to local‐scale selective regimes suggests that environmental heterogeneity and local variation in phenotypic selection may act to maintain genetic variation.
Board Governance and Corporate Performance

We examine the link between the monitoring capacity of the board and corporate performance of UK listed firms. We also investigate how firms use the flexibility offered by the voluntary governance regime to make governance choices. We find a strong positive association between the board governance index we construct and firm operating performance. Our results imply that adherence to the board-related recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance Code strengthens the board's monitoring capacity, potentially helping mitigate agency problems, but that investors do not value it correspondingly. Moreover, in contrast to prior UK findings suggesting efficient adoption of Code recommendations, we find that firms at times use the Code flexibility opportunistically, aiming to decrease the monitoring capacity of the board, which is followed by subsequent underperformance. This finding questions the effectiveness of the voluntary approach to governance regulation followed in the UK as in many countries around the world. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Attenuation of Ischemic Inflammatory Response in Mouse Brain Using an Adenoviral Vector to Induce Overexpression of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist

It has been demonstrated that administration of an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1ra) reduces ischemic brain injury; however, the detrimental mechanism initiated by interleukin-1 (IL-1) in ischemic brain injury is unclear. In this study, we used mice that were transfected to overexpress human IL-1ra to elucidate the role of IL-1 in the activation of the inflammatory response after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and immunohistostaining were used as a marker of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) infiltration. Adenoviral vector (1 × 109 particles) was administered by injection into the right lateral ventricle in mice. Five days later, MCAO was performed on the mice using a suture technique. Permanent MCAO was achieved for 24 hours in the Ad.RSV IL-1ra-transfected, Ad.RSV lacZ-transfected, and saline (control) mice. Myeloperoxidase activity was quantified in each region and localization of MPO was determined by immunohistochemistry. After 2 hours of MCAO, the surface cerebral blood flow was reduced to 13.5% ± 3.4%, 10.75% ± 2.6%, and 10.9% ± 2.6% of baseline in the ischemic hemisphere in Ad.RSV IL-1ra-transfected, Ad.RSV-lacZ-transfected, and saline-treated mice, respectively. The MPO activity in the ischemic hemisphere in the Ad.RSV lacZ group was similar to that in the saline control group (cortex: 0.40 ± 0.22 versus 0.33 ± 0.11; basal ganglia: 0.46 ± 0.23 versus 0.49 ± 0.17; P > 0.05); however, it was significantly reduced in the Ad.RSV IL-1ra group (cortex: 0.18 ± 0.07; basal ganglia: 0.26 ± 0.15; P < 0.05). Myeloperoxidase immunohistochemistry showed that the massive accumulation of MPO-positive cells in the ischemic cortex, striatum, and corpus callosum regions was greatly attenuated in Ad.RSV IL-1ra-transfected mice. Our results indicate that Ad.RSV IL-1ra-transfected mice provide a useful tool to study the mechanism of action of IL-1. The MPO activity assay and immunostaining after 24 hours of focal ischemia were significantly reduced in IL-1ra gene-transfected mice, suggesting that IL-1 may play an important role in the activation of inflammatory cells during focal cerebral ischemia.
Dispersion of Nanoparticles in Different Media Importantly Determines the Composition of Their Protein Corona

Protein corona of nanoparticles (NPs), which forms when these particles come in to contact with protein-containing fluids, is considered as an overlooked factor in nanomedicine. Through numerous studies it has been becoming increasingly evident that it importantly dictates the interaction of NPs with their surroundings. Several factors that determine the compositions of NPs protein corona have been identified in recent years, but one has remained largely ignored—the composition of media used for dispersion of NPs. Here, we determined the effect of dispersion media on the composition of protein corona of polyacrylic acid-coated cobalt ferrite NPs (PAA NPs) and silica NPs. Our results confirmed some of the basic premises such as NPs type-dependent specificity of the protein corona. But more importantly, we demonstrated the effect of the dispersion media on the protein corona composition. The differences between constituents of the media used for dispersion of NPs, such as divalent ions and macromolecules were responsible for the differences in protein corona composition formed in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Our results suggest that the protein corona composition is a complex function of the constituents present in the media used for dispersion of NPs. Regardless of the dispersion media and FBS concentration, majority of proteins from either PAA NPs or silica NPs coronas were involved in the process of transport and hemostasis. Interestingly, corona of silica NPs contained three complement system related proteins: complement factor H, complement C3 and complement C4 while PAA NPs bound only one immune system related protein, α-2-glycoprotein. Importantly, relative abundance of complement C3 protein in corona of silica NPs was increased when NPs were dispersed in NaCl, which further implies the relevance of dispersion media used to prepare NPs.
Two Bioluminescent Diptera: The North American Orfelia fultoni and the Australian Arachnocampa flava. Similar Niche, Different Bioluminescence Systems ¶

Orfelia fultoni is the only bioluminescent dipteran (Mycetophilidae) found in North America. Its larvae live on stream banks in the Appalachian Mountains. Like their Australasian relative Arachnocampa spp. , they build sticky webs to which their bioluminescence attracts flying prey. They bear two translucent lanterns at the extremities of the body, histologically distinct from the single caudal lantern of Arachnocampa spp. , and emit the bluest bioluminescence recorded for luminescent insects (λmax= 460 nm versus 484 nm from Arachnocampa). A preliminary characterization of these two bioluminescent systems indicates that they are markedly different. In Orfelia a luciferin–luciferase reaction was demonstrated by mixing a hot extract prepared with dithiothreitol (DTT) under argon with a crude cold extract. Bioluminescence is not activated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but is strongly stimulated by DTT and ascorbic acid. Using gel filtration, we isolated a luciferase fraction of ∼140 kDa and an additional high molecular weight fraction (possibly a luciferin‐binding protein) that activated bioluminescence in the presence of luciferase and DTT. The Arachnocampa luciferin–luciferase system involves a 36 kDa luciferase and a luciferin soluble in ethyl acetate under acidic conditions; the bioluminescence is activated by ATP but not by DTT. The present findings indicate that the bioluminescence of O. fultoni constitutes a novel bioluminescent system unrelated to that of Arachnocampa.
Beijing’s institutional-balancing strategies: rationales, implementation and efficacy

ABSTRACT China has in recent years been actively engaged in multilateral diplomacy. From the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the One Belt, One Road initiative, Beijing is pursuing strategies and promoting norms that are viewed as concerted efforts by China to challenge some of the key institutional arrangements of the existing international order. This article seeks to discuss these contentious issues and assess the rationales, approaches and implications of Chinese diplomacy in initiating and promoting what can be considered as institutional-balancing strategies. The author suggests that the rationales behind these Chinese strategies have as much to do with Beijing’s shifting priorities and the need to address them as with reflecting a degree of dissatisfaction with existing multilateral institutions. And there are more marked differences in Chinese motivations and modalities in security arenas than in economic areas. However, it would be overstating Beijing’s intentions and capabilities if these China-sponsored initiatives are viewed as direct challenges to the existing international and regional orders.
Determinants of Capital Structure: Differences Between Northern and Southern Europe

The Capital Structure issue has been a matter of debate since Modigliani and Miller (1958). Theories and empirical studies regarding this topic abound, but there is still not a consensus on the determinants of the choice between equity and debt. The aim of this study is to contribute to this research area and to see whether there are differences, or not, on the determinants of capital structure between two groups of companies: companies from northern European countries and southern European countries. The recent financial and sovereign debt crisis divided Europe into two regions. One region composed by safe countries, in the north, and another represented by the countries under austerity measures, in the south. This would lead to higher difficulties in accessing debt funds by companies from south of Europe countries and to differences in the way those companies are financed. The results showed that the significant variables in one country are not necessarily significant in others. Besides, it was found that there are differences in the determinants of capital structure between northern and southern European companies, mainly regarding firms’ size and profitability, assets’ tangibility and non-debt tax shield.
Activation of Interferon-Inducible Genes in Mice by Poly rI:rC or Alloantigens

Summary We have examined the effects of synthetic dsRNA (poly rI:rC) treatment or of immunization with irradiated allogeneic cells on the expression in vivo of several interferon (IFN)-inducible genes. For this purpose, DBA/2 mice were injected i.p. once with poly rI:rC, or once and then again 3 weeks later, with irradiated C3H/He spleen cells and the effect of these treatments on the levels of the following mRNAs was determined: 202, 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5A synthetase), class I and class II major histocompatibility antigens, and (3-actin. After poly rI:rC treatment, the levels of the 202 and 2-5A synthetase mRNAs in the spleen and in the bone marrow peaked between 12 and 24 h and decreased thereafter. The class I mRNA levels started to increase at 12 h, peaked at 24 h, and declined thereafter. No increase in class II mRNA expression was observed after poly rI:rC injection, whereas p-actin levels remained unchanged. Pretreatment of DBA/2 mice with sheep anti-murine IFN-α/p antibodies before poly rI:rC injection strongly diminished the induction of 202 mRNA, indicating that IFN-a/p mediated this induction. When irradiated C3H/He spleen cells were injected into DBA/2 mice, the class I and class II mRNAs in the spleen, but not in the bone marrow, started to increase at 12 h, peaked between 48 and 96 h, and decreased thereafter. No increase in the levels of 202 and 2-5A synthetase mRNAs was detected, whereas p-actin levels remained unchanged. Pretreatment of DBA/2 mice with rat monoclonal anti-murine IFN-7 antibodies before allogeneic cell injection significantly decreased class II mRNA levels in the spleen, suggesting the involvement of IFN-7 in this induction. The above studies conducted in vivo (a) reveal differences in the tissue and gene specificity of gene activation between dsRNA and allogeneic cells and (b) indicate that gene activation by dsRNA is mediated at least in part by IFN-α/β, whereas gene activation by allogeneic cells is mediated at least in part by IFN-γ