Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IS MANDEVILLA (APOCYNACEAE, MESECHITEAE) MONOPHYLETIC? EVIDENCE FROM FIVE PLASTID DNA LOCI AND MORPHOLOGY1

Abstract In order to test the monophyly of Mandevilla Lindl. , the largest genus in tribe Mesechiteae (Apocynaceae, Apocynoideae), and its affinities to other genera in the tribe, maximum parsimony analysis was conducted on a data set comprising DNA sequences from five plastid loci (rpl16, rps16, and trnK introns; trnSGCU-trnGUUC intergenic spacer; and matK gene), as well as morphological data for 65 taxa of Mesechiteae (48, Mandevilla) and nine taxa from other tribes of the subfamily. Mandevilla, as circumscribed by Pichon, was found to be monophyletic, whereas Woodson's circumscription proved to be polyphyletic. Thus defined, Mandevilla forms a strongly supported clade that can be divided into six clades of species groups. Most of the infrageneric taxa of Mandevilla proposed by Woodson and Pichon are polyphyletic. Many of the diagnostic characters previously used to define taxonomic groups are shown to have arisen multiple times, rendering them unsuitable for classificatory purposes. The similar growth form and tubular flowers of Macrosiphonia Müll. Arg. and Telosiphonia (Woodson) Henr. , two geographically disjunct segregates, represent the most extreme case of parallel evolution within Mandevilla, with their striking similarities most likely correlated to colonization of open, dry habitats and pollination by hawkmoths.
Atriplex Nummularia (Old Man Saltbush) : A Potential Forage Crop for Arid Regions of Botswana

Atriplex nummularia (Old man saltbush) is widely planted on salt affected land to provide a vegetative cover, which can be used as fodder reserve. Such plantations are also perceived as having the capacity to use saline groundwater and hence affect the extent of shallow water tables. Atriplex spp. contains high concentrations of nitrogen (N) in winter as compared to summer when it has high concentrations of sodium. The sum of soluble protein-N, amino acid-N, nucleic acid-N and nitrate-N is about half of the total nitrogen. The remainder includes non-soluble protein-N and other N associated with cell membranes and walls. Phosphorus is known to uniformly distribute among pools of inorganic-P, phytate-P, nucleic acid-P and other (residual) fractions. This paper reviews the potentials of A. nummularia as a forage for arid areas of Botswana with saline ground water.
Carnivory in the common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius: implications for the ecology and epidemiology of anthrax in African landscapes

1. The common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius (‘hippo’) is a keystone species whose foraging activities and behaviour have profound effects on the structure and dynamics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within its habitat. 2. Although hippos are typically regarded as obligate herbivores and short-grass grazing specialists, field studies have demonstrated that hippos are facultative carnivores that consume flesh and intestinal tissues from the carcasses of other animals. Carnivory by hippos is not an aberrant behaviour restricted to particular individuals in certain localities, but a behaviour pattern that occurs within populations distributed in most of the hippo’s current range in eastern and southern Africa. Carnivory is frequently associated with communal feeding involving multiple individuals or entire social groups of hippos. 3. The observed tendency of hippos to feed on carcasses, including those of other hippos, has important implications for the ecology and epidemiology of anthrax and other ungulate-associated zoonotic diseases in African landscapes. Scavenging and carnivory by hippos may explain why the spatiotemporal patterns and dynamics of anthrax mortality among hippos often differ markedly from those of other anthrax-susceptible herbivores within the same habitats, and why levels of hippo mortality from anthrax may be orders of magnitude higher than those of other anthrax-susceptible ungulate populations within the same localities. 4. Recognition of the role of carnivory as a key factor in modulating the dynamics of mass anthrax outbreaks in hippos can provide a basis for improved understanding and management of the effects of anthrax outbreaks in hippo and human populations.
Survival percentage, photosynthetic abilities and growth characters of two indica rice (Oryza sativa L. spp. indica) cultivars in response to iso-osmotic stress

The aim of this study was to investigate pigment degradation, chlorophyll fluorescence diminution, photosynthetic ability and growth reduction in two rice cultivars, in response to either iso-osmotic salt stress or water-deficit stress. Seedlings of rice cultivars RD6 and KDML105 were photo-autotrophically grown in MS media and subsequently exposed to ‐0.23 (control), ‐0.40 or ‐0.67 MPa iso-osmotic NaCl (salt stress) or mannitol (water-deficit stress) for 14 days. The survival percentage of the two rice cultivars reduced dramatically when subjected to ‐0.67 MPa NaCl treatment. Chlorophyll a (Chla), chlorophyll b (Chlb), total carotenoids (Cx+c), maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and photon yield of PSII (ΦPSII) in the stressed seedlings were significantly lower when compared to seedlings in the control group (without mannitol or NaCl), leading to low net-photosynthetic rate (Pn) and growth reduction. In addition, the growth characters of plantlets in the salt stress conditions were more sharply reduced, and the physiological changes greater than those in water-deficit stress conditions. On the other hand, non-photochemical quenching in the leaves of stressed plantlets increased significantly, especially in response to iso-osmotic salt stress. In the present study, overall growth performance and physiological characters of KDML105 grown under iso-osmotic stress were better than those of RD6. Additional key words: net-photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic pigments, salt stress, water deficit.
An Assessment of the Relationship between Capital Investments and Financial Performance of Selected SMEs in the Upper East Region of Ghana

The relationship between capital investment and firms' financial performance has for some time been an important concern to many stakeholders in the business environment. This paper aims to study the effect of capital investments on financial performance from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) perspective. The study adopted a panel research design with a balanced data of 36 SMEs from the clientele list of three Accounting Firms in the Upper East region of Ghana. The study covered a period of five (5) years, from 2013-2017. The results were analysed using a fixed effect regression model. Capital investment was measured by the ratio of non-current assets to total assets while the financial performance was measured by the return on assets of the firms. The study revealed that the SMEs annual earnings have showed an upward trend over the study period with an average financial performance of 17.64 per cent. However, the average capital investment ratio was 32.04 per cent over the five-year period with a general downward trend in capital investments in the investment period. The study further established that capital investment as a sole variable has an adverse effect on SMEs financial performance. However, with firm-level variables (such as firm size and liquidity) and macro-economic variables (such as interest rate, exchange rate, and inflation rate) as control variables, the study established a significant and a positive effect of capital investments on financial performance. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations for owners and managers of SMEs have been developed.
Flower and Fruit Biology in Southern Spanish Mediterranean Shrublands

Flower and fruit biology was studied in a coastal, southern Spanish scrub community composed of 30 plant taxa. Data on breeding systems; rewards offered to vectors; flower, fruit, and seed sizes; and fruiting intensities are reported. Most taxa in the community have insect-pollinated, hermaphroditic flowers that are largely unspecialized in morphology. Dioecious species are relatively well represented (27% of the total), as are vertebrate-dispersed species (43%). Bagging experiments demonstrated that pollinators were required for maximum fruit production, but the existence of incompatibility systems was not tested. When the relationship between fruiting intensity and the ability to perform vegetative regeneration was investigated, it was found that sprouting taxa had, on average, lower fruit production than those that were unable to sprout. Low fruit production is discussed in relation to reproductive allocation trade-offs. Mediterranean-type vegetation has been the subject of research for investigators who wish to emphasize convergence phenomena in geographically distant areas with similar environmental factors (Specht, 1969; Mooney & Dunn, 1970; Cody & Mooney, 1978). Also, a great emphasis has been put upon plant development and the adaptive features of plants in this highly seasonal climate (Mooney & Parsons, 1973; Mooney et al., 1974; Kummerov, 1983). Comparatively little is known, however, about other characteristics in the biology of mediterranean species, such as their reproductive biology. The paucity of information is particularly noticeable with respect to plants living in the Mediterranean region itself (but see C. M. Herrera, 1981, 1984; Jordano,
Age Related Macular Degeneration: a Complex Pathology

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe irreversible central vision loss and blindness in individuals of over 65 years of age in the developed countries. There are two types of AMD, the ‘‘dry’’ and ‘‘wet’’ forms. Both genetic and non-genetic (environmental) factors are considered for the onset of AMD. The etiology and pathogenesis of AMD are not well understood and remain a major challenge to understand. This review discusses recent advancement in genetics and genomics, and the molecular pathways involved in AMD pathogenesis.
Therapeutic potential of HERS spheroids in tooth regeneration

Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) plays indispensable roles in tooth root development, including controlling the shape and number of roots, dentin formation, and helping generate the cementum. Based on these characteristics, HERS cell is a potential seed cell type for tooth-related tissue regeneration. However, the application is severely limited by a lack of appropriate culture methods and small cell numbers. Methods: Here, we constructed a 3D culture method to expand functional HERS cells into spheroids, and investigated characteristics and application of dental tissue regeneration of these spheroids. HERS spheroids and HERS cells (2D monolayer culture) were compared in terms of biological characteristics (such as proliferation, self-renewal capacity, and stemness) in vitro and functions (including differentiation potential and inductive ability of dentin formation) both in vitro and in vivo. Further, transcriptome analysis was utilized to reveal the molecular mechanisms of their obvious differences. Results: HERS spheroids showed obvious superiority in biological characteristics and functions compared to 2D monolayers of HERS cells in vitro. In vivo, HERS spheroids generated more mineralized tissue; when combined with dental papilla cells (DPCs), HERS spheroids contributed to dentin-like tissue formation. Moreover, the generation and expansion of HERS spheroids rely to some degree on the HIF-1 pathway. Conclusion: HERS spheroid generation is beneficial for functional HERS cell expansion and can provide a useful cell source for further tooth regeneration and mechanistic research. Notably, HIF-1 pathway plays a critical role in HERS spheroid formation and function.
Influence of the proportion of (−) α‐pinene in pheromone bait on Ips typographus (Col., Scolytidae) catch in pheromone trap barriers and in single traps

Abstract: Further possibilities of increasing catch efficiency of Ips typographus L. in pheromone trap barriers with two different levels of release of (4S)‐cis‐verbenol (cV) and in single traps were tested. Pheromone mixtures containing cV, 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol (MB) and 0, 1, 10, 35, 60 and 90% (−) α‐pinene were prepared. Basically, MB was successively replaced by (−) α‐pinene in the mixtures. Tests were performed on the edge of a spruce forest when outbreaks of I. typographus occurred. The substitution of MB with (−) α‐pinene had different effects in different types of pheromone trap barriers and in single traps. It is not possible to increase the attractiveness of the bait having a higher percentage of cV by supplementing a certain percentage of MB with (−) α‐pinene. The catch of I. typographus decreased with an increase in the percentage of (−) α‐pinene in the bait. It is possible to increase the attractiveness of the bait having a lower percentage of cV by supplementing certain percentages of MB with (−) α‐pinene. A slight synergistic effect of (−) α‐pinene with MB/cV mixture is visible in this type of bait. In the case of single traps, supplementing MB with (−) α‐pinene possibly causes a slight synergistic effect. An increase in the percentage of (−) α‐pinene increases the percentage of males in the catch.
Identification of a Tumor Microenvironment-relevant Gene set-based Prognostic Signature and Related Therapy Targets in Gastric Cancer

Rationale: The prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients is poor, and there is limited therapeutic efficacy due to genetic heterogeneity and difficulty in early-stage screening. Here, we developed and validated an individualized gene set-based prognostic signature for gastric cancer (GPSGC) and further explored survival-related regulatory mechanisms as well as therapeutic targets in GC. Methods: By implementing machine learning, a prognostic model was established based on gastric cancer gene expression datasets from 1699 patients from five independent cohorts with reported full clinical annotations. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment, including stromal and immune subcomponents, cell types, panimmune gene sets, and immunomodulatory genes, was carried out in 834 GC patients from three independent cohorts to explore regulatory survival mechanisms and therapeutic targets related to the GPSGC. To prove the stability and reliability of the GPSGC model and therapeutic targets, multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry was conducted with tissue microarrays representing 186 GC patients. Based on multivariate Cox analysis, a nomogram that integrated the GPSGC and other clinical risk factors was constructed with two training cohorts and was verified by two validation cohorts. Results: Through machine learning, we obtained an optimal risk assessment model, the GPSGC, which showed higher accuracy in predicting survival than individual prognostic factors. The impact of the GPSGC score on poor survival of GC patients was probably correlated with the remodeling of stromal components in the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, TGFβ and angiogenesis-related gene sets were significantly associated with the GPSGC risk score and poor outcome. Immunomodulatory gene analysis combined with experimental verification further revealed that TGFβ1 and VEGFB may be developed as potential therapeutic targets of GC patients with poor prognosis according to the GPSGC. Furthermore, we developed a nomogram based on the GPSGC and other clinical variables to predict the 3-year and 5-year overall survival for GC patients, which showed improved prognostic accuracy than clinical characteristics only. Conclusion: As a tumor microenvironment-relevant gene set-based prognostic signature, the GPSGC model provides an effective approach to evaluate GC patient survival outcomes and may prolong overall survival by enabling the selection of individualized targeted therapy.
Human disturbance is a major determinant of wildlife distribution in Himalayan midhill landscapes of Nepal

Forest landscapes in the midhills of western Nepal are not adequately conserved within a protected area network. The species and ecosystems in these human‐dominated landscapes are highly endangered. Understanding the effects of human activities on wildlife is therefore important for devising an appropriate conservation strategy in this region. Here, we show, using data on spatial structure of three endangered mountain ungulates, that presence of these species is determined by the level of human disturbance and habitat requirements. We show that species preferring flat areas covered by dense forest are exposed to more intensive human disturbances, and even an adaptation to rugged areas does not imply less human disturbance. Abundance of all species studied declined with the number of villages in the vicinity and increased with distance to nearest village. Therefore, increasing human population may contribute to a decrease of wildlife population in the region. To prevent this, community forestry program enabling local people to protect forest near villages and land‐use strategy aimed at reducing further encroachment of forest in higher altitudes should be immediately launched in the region.
Cognitive Benefits of English as Second Language: A Meta-Analysis

Although early research on bilingualism warned it as detrimental to cognitive development, several subsequent studies reported on the positive cognitive consequences of bilingualism. Such studies included participants from children to adults from diverse language and cultural contexts. In many of those studies English is found to be mentioned as second language. To bring out a clear understanding about the cognitive benefits for second language English learners, a meta-analysis was carried on 32 studies involving 4161 participants. Data from the studies were extracted and analyzed using Hedge’s ‘g’ as a standardized metric of effect size for group comparisons. Results indicate that bilingualism with English as second language, irrespective of the first language and participant’s age / grade status, is positively associated with several cognitive outcomes. Cognitive skills found to have a progressive growth among the bilinguals from early to later grades are attentional control, working memory, metalinguistic awareness, and problem solving. However, evidence is not obtained about progressive growth in metacognitive skills and in symbolic representation and divergent thinking. Finally, the overall results point to the facts that bilingualism strongly influences attentional control, metalinguistic awareness, symbolic representation and divergent thinking and but has minimal influence on metacognitive and problem solving skills.
SEASONAL CYCLE OF TESTICULAR MATURATION AND INTERSTITIAL CELL ACTIVITY IN THE HILL-STREAM TELEOST, PUNTIUS DUKAI (DAY)

The testes of Punt ius dukai consist of seminiferous lobules and stroma. The anterior three-fourth part of the testis is fertile whereas the hindmost region is histologically sterile. The testes show discontinuous spermatogenic cycle, and pass through the successive stages of growth, maturation, activation, depletion and rest during annual cycle. The stroma contains interestitial cells which undergo histological and histochemical changes in association with the spermatogenic cycle. These cells show sign of hyperactivity when meiosis and spermiogenesis occur in the testicular lobules.
Chemical composition and coagulating properties of renneted milks from cows during early lactation

Summary The detailed composition, pH, and the properties of rennet clotting, coagulum development and syneresis at pH 6·4 were estimated in milks from 4 Friesian cows during the first 9 weeks of lactation. The concentrations of casein, fat, citrate, Ca, Mg, Pi and Na decreased significantly during early lactation whilst the pH and concentration of lactose increased. Levels of whey protein and K and the casein:fat ratio were unaltered. Considerable variation occurred in the relative proportions of α-, β- and κ-casein. These changes in composition were associated with decreasing coagulum strength and an increased rate of whey drainage although rennet clotting time (RCT) did not follow a significant trend. RCT was positively related to levels of Na and whey protein but negatively correlated with Pi, K and lactose. There were significant positive correlations between coagulum strength and casein, fat, non-protein nitrogen, Pi, Ca, Mg and citrate. The correlation with α-casein was stronger than that with β- or κ-casein. Syneresis time was positively related to fat, Ca and coagulum strength, but negatively related to the concentration of lactose.
Infestation and injury levels of stem borers in relation to yield potential of grain sorghum

The infestation patterns of the stem borer species Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and the effect on plant yield, tiller number, plant height, peduncle length and internal damage were determined under conditions of differential nitrogen fertilization and soil moisture. Planting date had a significant effect on the Infestation pressure and selective oviposition was observed between the different categories of irrigation and fertilization. Irrigated plants suffered higher yield losses than dry-land plants. Fertilizer application led to an increase in the number of tillers per main stem but no compensatory growth resulted from borer attack, irrespective of infestation pressure. Borer damage significantly influenced plant height and peduncle length. Under severe infestation pressure, dry-land plants suffered a higher degree of internal plant damage. These results stress the importance of differential economic thresholds for stem borer control in plantings of different yield potential.
Foliar aggressiveness of Northern Ireland isolates of Phytophthora infestans on detached leaflets of three potato cultivars

The aggressiveness of 20 Northern Ireland single-lesion isolates of Phytophthora infestans was compared following their inoculation onto detached leaflets of three potato cultivars chosen on the basis of their differing levels of race-nonspecific resistance to late blight: Bintje (highly susceptible); Cara (moderately resistant); and Stirling (more resistant). Five isolates from outside Northern Ireland were included for comparative purposes: two from the Republic of Ireland; two from the USA (representing the US-1 and US-8 clonal lineages); and one from Mexico. To control the variation between tests, a balanced incomplete block design was used, as opposed to either a complete block design or the method of inclusion of standard isolates, where such variation would have increased the error. Highly significant variation for disease parameters, including latent period, infection frequency, area under the lesion expansion curve (AULEC) and sporulation capacity, was found between isolates. These differences were much more marked on the cultivars exhibiting higher levels of race-nonspecific resistance. There was a significant interaction between isolate and cultivar for all parameters assessed and, overall, no one isolate was the most aggressive across all three potato cultivars. However, a group comprising seven of the 20 Northern Ireland isolates was consistently found to exhibit the highest levels of aggression towards all three cultivars for each of the disease parameters. These results demonstrate that significant variation for foliar aggressiveness exists within the Northern Ireland population of P. infestans, and indicate the importance of selecting appropriately aggressive isolates for evaluation of host resistance to late blight within breeding programmes.