Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finance, Governance and Inclusive Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of credit access in modulating governance for gender-inclusive education in 42 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with data spanning the period 2004–2014. Design/methodology/approach The generalized method of moments is used as empirical strategy. Findings The following findings are established: First, credit access modulates government effectiveness and the rule of law to induce positive net effects on inclusive “primary and secondary education. ” Second, credit access also moderates political stability and the rule of law for overall net positive effects on inclusive secondary education. Third, credit access complements government effectiveness to engender an overall positive impact on inclusive tertiary education. Originality/value Policy implications are discussed with emphasis on sustainable development goals.
Autophagy and stress granules: the merging of two pathways in Parkinson's disease

Autophagy is compromised in Parkinson’s disease (PD) with a number of PDassociated genetic mutations leading to its dysregulation. Leucine-rich repeat kinase (LRRK2) mutations, causative of PD, aberrantly enhance autophagy. Our lab elucidated a LRRK2 gene regulatory network identifying transcripts showing coordinated expression level changes associated with PD. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) was found to be an important interactor with LRRK2, regulating many of the same transcripts. The majority of these transcripts associate with autophagy and the lysosomal complex. I hypothesized that LRRK2 interacts with HDAC6 to regulate autophagy. Silencing of HDAC6 in SH-SY5Y normalized the autophagosomal size altered by expression of PD-linked LRRK2 mutants. This work identified a key role for HDAC6 in mediating the autophagic dysfunction induced by the mutant LRRK2. In addition to autophagy, stress granule (SG) formation has emerged as a compelling mechanism in the pathogenesis of PD. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), vi such as T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1), are major component of SGs. I observed TIA-1 translocating from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in PD cortex without forming SGs. Hu antigen D (HuD) also showed changes, with the RBP more present in the cytoplasm than the nucleus in PD with no SGs observed. These preliminary studies lead to the hypothesis that low levels of SGs result from an inhibition by alpha-synuclein (αsyn), or hyperactive autophagy. For that purpose, brain tissues from a mouse model of PD (A53T-αsyn transgenic mouse) were examined by immunohistochemistry. There was no difference in TIA-1 expression in control and A53T-αsyn expressing mouse brains, or SG formation in primary neurons after treatment with recombinant A53T fibrils. To determine whether the lack of SGs in PD brain was due to activation of autophagy, BE-M17 cells were treated with rapamycin, an autophagy activator, which decreased SGs by 50%. Overexpression of TIA-1 in BE-M17 cells under arsenite treatment also increased autophagosomal size by 50%, indicating co-regulation of SGs and autophagy. My work indicates that the pathophysiology of PD is associated with a loss of SGs due to elevated activity of autophagy, presumably due to PD-linked LRRK2 mutations. This co-regulatory network may be a potential therapeutic target of PD.
Genetic Diversity and Biocontrol Potential of Rhizospheric Microbes Isolated from Tomato and Maize

Sixteen potential microbial agents consisting of seven bacterial isolates and nine Trichoderma isolates were used in study. Among studied 16 microbial culture isolates Bsp 3/aM, 2apa, Mys 21/a, Has1/c, T2, M5, M29 and M21 showed antagonism against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides and these isolates were positive for root colonization in maize seedlings. Rhizobacterial and Trichoderma sp. diversity was analyzed using sequence and molecular marker based analysis, which failed to group isolates based on antagonism, region of origin and root colonization. Interestingly, in ITS and ISSR diversity analysis two Trichoderma isolates T8 and M5 showed low diversity indicating them to be closely related isolates. The study highlighted use of diverse microbial agents showing antagonism and root colonizing potential which can be used in future for field applications and Screening microbial agents with molecular markers will prevent use of closely related isolates and enhance use of diverse and distinct isolates in biocontrol research.
MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF CONSTITUTIVE IL-1α GENE EXPRESSION IN HUMAN MELANOMA CELLS: AUTHOCRINE STIMULATION THROUGH NF-κB ACTIVATION BY ENDOGENOUS IL-1α☆

Constitutive production of/and acquired resistance to anti-proliferative cytokines are implicated in pathogenesis and progression of human melanoma cells. Human melanoma cells A375-C6 are sensitive to interleukin 1 (IL-1) anti-proliferative effect and do not produce IL-1. After long period of culture we have obtained cells which acquired resistance to IL-1. The resistant cells exhibited constitutive production of IL-1α. To analyse the mechanisms that lead to the expression of IL-1α in the cells, we transfected of the resistant clone A375-R8 with CAT (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) expression plasmids linked to a 5'-flanking deletion mutants of the human IL-1α gene. Two nucleotide regions (--103 to --70 bp) and (--70 to --47 bp) from the start of the first exon appeared to contain a positive regulatory element(s) while the one --421 to --103 bp contained a negative regulatory element(s). The --103 to --70 bp region contained the consensus NF(-k)B (nuclear factor-kB) binding motif. (Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that NF-kB is activated in A375-R8 cells. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) decreased the level of IL-1α mRNA and production of IL-1α. IL-1Ra also inhibited the localization of p65 in the nuclei and CAT activity in transfectants with the plasmids containing NF-kB binding motif. These results indicate that endogenous IL-1α stimulates the gene expression and production of IL-1α in an autocrine manner through activation of NF-kB.
Forty years of vegetation change in former coppice‐with‐standards woodlands as a result of management change and N deposition

Question Did vegetation of former coppice-with-standards woodlands that were in conversion towards high forest for about 100 years change over the last 41 years (1970–2011)? What were the main drivers of vegetation change? Location Dransfeld Plateau, Central Germany. Methods Repetition of 85 historical semi-permanent vegetation plots located in 13 forest patches on limestone soil. Differences in species composition and plant functional types between historical and recent plots were analysed using a block multi-response permutation procedure (bMRPP), non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (NMDS), indicator species analysis (ISA), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results We found significant changes in all vegetation layers. In the tree layer, Fagus sylvatica and Hedera helix had increased while Quercus robur and Carpinus betulus had decreased. In the understory, tree regeneration had strongly increased. In the herbaceous layer, species richness had decreased from 30 to 24 species per 100 m², and the abundance of plant functional types had changed: the proportions of geophytes and therophytes had increased, while the proportion of hemicryptophytes had decreased. Spring-green species (i.e. species active mainly before tree foliation) had increased while summer-green species had decreased. In addition, the estimated mean specific leaf area of herbaceous species had increased. The proportion of closed-forest species had slightly increased while the proportion of species of forest edges and clearings had decreased. NMDS ordination separated the herbaceous layers from 1970 and 2011 along the second axis, which correlated with the indicator values for continentality (decrease over time) and N (increase over time). Conclusions Although the stands still shared many characteristics of coppice-with-standards woodlands, the vegetation had clearly shifted towards that of darker and more nutrient-rich forest. This indicates both a marked legacy of historic coppice management and a strong influence of recent high forest management as well as N deposition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Are benthic cyanobacteria indicators of nutrient enrichment? Relationships between cyanobacterial abundance and environmental factors on the reef flats of Guam

While benthic, filamentous cyanobacteria can be common on coral reefs, the factors influencing their distribution are poorly understood. Cyanobacterial blooms, like macroalgal blooms, may result from a combination of coastal eutrophication and reduced herbivory. Because benthic cyanobacteria are unpalatable to generalist herbivores, there may be little top-down control of cyanobacterial abundance. Since bottom-up factors may exert more influence on cyanobacterial populations, we hypothesized that high cyanobacterial abundance may be an indicator of high nutrient availability. In addition, cyanobacteria may compete with macroalgae for light and nutrients. Thus, we also hypothesized that cyanobacterial abundance may be negatively associated with macroalgal abundance. Since many strains of cyanobacteria wash ashore during periods of high wave action, we hypothesized that cyanobacterial abundance is negatively associated with wave height. We monitored cyanobacterial abundance, macroalgal abundance, nitrogen availability, phosphorus availability, salinity, and water temperature at nine reef flat locations around Guam. Average wave height for eastern and western shores, rainfall, minutes of sunshine, and wind speed were also monitored. Stepwise regression was used to determine which variable or combination of variables best explained variation in cyanobacterial abundance. Although nutrient availability was not significantly associated with cyanobacterial abundance, a positive association with macroalgal abundance explained 11.5% of the observed variation in total cyanobacterial abundance. At one site, negative relationships with macroalgal abundance and wave height explained 79.4% of the observed variation in the abundance ofthe cyanobacterium Oscillatoria margaritifera. Variation in cyanobacterial abundance can be best explained by examining individual strains of cyanobacteria, rather than by treating all cyanobacteria as a single ecological unit. Physical disturbance can be a more important influence on cyanobacterial abundance and distribution than either nutrient availability or interactions with macroalgae.
Efficacy of Chemiluminescence Immunoassays on VCA-IgA and EBNA1-IgA Antibodies of Epstein-Barr Virus in Diagnosing Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background: IgA antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) capsid antigen (VCA) and nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) have been proposed to facilitate the diagnosis and early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in high-incidence regions. However, while new methodologies and new platforms for the detection of VCA-IgA and EBNA1-IgA have become available, proper interassay simultaneous comparisons have not been carried out. The study was to compare the performance of the chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for VCA-IgA and EBNA1-IgA antibodies, and to evaluate the levels of EBV antibodies in healthy population from different areas of China. Methods: CLIA and ELISA for VCA-IgA and EBNA1-IgA were performed in NPC and healthy populations from high-incidence areas of NPC in South China (N=555), medium-incidence areas of NPC in Central China (N=318) and low-incidence areas of NPC in North China (N=379), and the results were compared and analyzed. Results: (1) The highest sensitivity in total, early and advanced NPC were 91.5% (CLIA for VCA-IgA), 86.4% (CLIA and ELISA-2 for EBNA1-IgA) and 93.6% (CLIA for VCA-IgA). However, the specificity of EBV-IgA measured by CLIA was relatively lower than ELISA. The top three seromarkers with the largest AUC was CLIA for VCA-IgA (AUC: 0.929, 95% CI: 0.905-0.953), ELISA-2 for EBNA1-IgA (AUC: 0.922, 95% CI: 0.896-0.947) and CLIA for EBNA1-IgA (AUC:0.919, 95% CI: 0.893-0.945), respectively. The positive and negative coincidence rates of the two EBNA1-IgA kits were 69.5% and 91.9%, respectively. However, the coincidence rates of VCA-IgA were relatively low. CLIA kits had good repeatability between different laboratories. (2) The positive rates of EBV-IgA antibodies were relatively high in high-incidence areas of NPC (P < 0.017), while there was no significant difference in the antibody positive rates between medium-incidence areas and low-incidence areas of NPC (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The performance of EBV-IgA antibodies measured by CLIA has good repeatability, higher sensitivity and similar specificity. The higher EBV-IgA positive rate in healthy subjects by CLIA raises concern about its suitability for NPC-risk screening and requires further analysis.
BASKING BEHAVIOR AS A MEASURE OF REPRODUCTIVE COST AND ENERGY ALLOCATION IN THE PAINTED TURTLE, CHRYSEMYS PICTA

Basking behavior of 27 male and 86 female adult painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) in Algonquin Park, Ontario was observed from 12 June-3 August 1994 and from 8 May-27 July 1995. We compared the frequency and duration of basking by individually marked male and female turtles. Based on the assumption that spring basking by turtles increases the catabolic release of energy by increasing metabolic rate, we predicted that females would bask more frequently and, or, longer than males prior to nesting to support egg development and during nesting to enhance aerobic activity. Females basked more frequently and longer than males from the end of May through June (nesting season). However, there was no difference in basking duration or frequency between the sexes either early in May or following nesting, and intrasexual differences in basking behavior had no detectable relationship to either the date of oviposition or whether females laid one or two clutches of eggs. Therefore, a correlation between basking behavior and egg development remained unsupported, but females may bask more during oviposition to raise body temperature and enhance aerobiosis.
Hemato-biochemical and electrolyte alterations in a flock of goats affected with peste des petits ruminants

A flock having 24 goats with the history of dullness, depression, anorexia, diarrhea, shivering, nasal discharge and matting of eyelids came in the Veterinary Clinical Complex of CVAS, Navania, Vallabhnagar, Udaipur for treatment. Clinical examination revealed high fever (104F 106F), increased respiratory rate, tachycardia, oculo-nasal discharge, dyspnoea, coughing, sneezing, non-haemorrhagic diarrhea, rough hair coat, halitosis, severe dehydration and emaciation. In one goat there was presence of corneal opacity (Unilateral) which is also an additional sign of PPR. Superficial lymph nodes were also palpable. Because of diarrhea the hind quarters were soiled with feces. Feces were checked for parasitic ova but result was negative. Diagnosis of PPR was done based on clinical signs and symptoms. Blood samples of the affected goats were collected and were examined for hemato-biochemical and electrolytes. All the values of hematological parameters such as Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC and Lymphocytes were decreased except Neutrophils which was increased. The biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ALKP, BUN, Creatinine and Bilirubin were increased whereas Albumin, Glucose and TP were decreased. The serum electrolytes were analysed among which Sodium and Chloride were increased whereas Potassium was decreased.
Seasonal variation in CREB expression in the hippocampal formation of first-year migratory songbirds: Implications for the role of memory during migration

ABSTRACT Information is key to successful migration. Yet, how much information is learned and stored over the course of migration relative to other phases of the annual cycle is still unknown. We assessed seasonal variation in long-term memory formation indirectly by measuring the expression of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in hippocampal samples collected from migratory songbirds, Veery (Catharus fuscescens) and Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) at different life-history events (fall stopover, spring stopover, breeding season) during their first year of life. Consistent with our prediction, CREB expression was low during autumn (first) migration relative to levels in conspecifics during the first breeding season. These results suggest that young migratory birds may store relatively little spatial information during migration, particularly until they reach their wintering area and their global navigational map is more fully developed.
The Florida Master Gardener Program: History, Use, and Trends

Extension’s goals be understood and managed properly. In making the decision to establish a Master Gardener Program, not only must the time and effort necessary to begin and maintain the program be considered but, more importantly, how the volunteer service from the program will be utilized. Master Gardeners form a network of highly qualified and concerned people who are capable of implementing a wide range of activities useful to the communi The Florida Master Gardener program volunteered more than 730,865 service hours to the Florida Cooperative Extension Service from 1991 through 1996, valued as a net in-kind donation of $4,615,395. Started in 1979, this program has grown consistently, affecting Floridians in all walks of life. Agents in 47 counties devoted an average of 29% of their time to capitalize on this volunteer knowledge and expertise. An overview of Florida's Master Gardener program provides a synopsis of the many components that make this volunteer program a success including past trends and current areas of review to prepare the program for the next millennium. The Florida Master Gardener Program: History, Use, and Trends
Endohelminths of Gila conspersa (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) from the Aguanaval River Basin, state of Zacatecas, Central Mexico

Abstract The endohelminth community of the Mayrán carp, Gila conspersa, collected in the Aguanaval river basin, Central Mexico, was described at the infracommunity and component community levels. Helminth fauna consisted of the species Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Rhabdochona canadensis, and a Spiroxys species. Among them, the introduced tapeworm species B. acheilognathi was the most frequent and abundant species while remaining taxa were rare and found at low mean abundance values.
Reproductive behavior of the hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus (Bosc, 1802)

The precopulatory behavior patterns of the common intertidal hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus are described. Males precopulatory movements involve rotation of the female with the ambulatory legs and tapping lightly with one or both chelipeds in the aperture of the female's shell. Bouts of these courtship patterns alternate with period of guarding in which the female is held by the male's ambulatory legs with her shell aperture against the substrate. Females that copulated were not soft from a recent moult and brought out a new batch of eggs in less than an hour following copulation. Male-male competition for access to females was intense. The results of experiments demonstrated that courted females give off a pheromone that stimulates male reproductive activity. Males occupying the sinistrally-spiralled shells of Busycon contratrium (Conrad, 1840) were at a distinct disadvantage in obtaining matings.
Douglas-fir genotypic response to seed stratification

Douglas-fir responses to stratification duration were studied using wind-pollinated seeds from 15 seed-orchard clones. Germinative parameters (germination capacity, peak value, germination value, and germination rate and speed) were evaluated in response to four stratification periods (0, 3, 5, and 7 weeks). Significant differences among germinative parameters were observed indicating that the five-week stratification period represents the most appropriate treatment in minimizing variation caused by genetic differences. The results indicate that the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules, which focus only on germination capacity, do not provide an adequate expression of seedlot dormancy, and since the rules are aimed at bulked seedlots, genetic differences, which can be large in heterogenous forest tree seeds, are hidden. The results also demonstrate that extended stratification not only reduces the time in which seedlings become established, but also reduces seedling-emergence variation among parental lines.
Effects of Selected Seed Treatment on Germination Rates of Five Range Plants

Effects of various treatments on germination rates were determined for Lebmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmunniuna Nees), ‘Cochise’ lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees X Eragrostis tricophoru Coss & Dur), Boer lovegrass (Erugrostis curvulu var. conferta Nees), blue panicgrass (Panicurn untidotule Retz.) and four-wing saltbush (A triplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. ) seeds. Rates were approximations of time to 50% germination, and seed treatments included applications of potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, gibberellic acid, and heat desiccation. Germination rates could be increased, but treatment effects were not uniform between seed lots within a species or among species. Desiccation at 70” C for 24 hours was particularly effective in increasing germination rates of Boer and Lehmann lovegrass seeds. Increased rates of germination of certain species might aid in establishment of range seedings made under limited moisture conditions of the Southwest. A relatively high rate of germination is believed to be a key characteristic of various plants adapted for seeding semiarid environments, promoting germination during ephemeral moisture periods (Jordan 1981). Germination rates have not been relevant or of major concern in most germination research and generally not considered as a measure of seed quality for semiarid seedings. Consequently, quantitative data are scarce, and standard proce
Substrate heterogeneity influences the trait composition of stream insect communities: an experimental in situ study

Local distribution of stream insects is influenced by abiotic factors, such as substrate heterogeneity and amount of organic matter. We evaluated the influence of substrate heterogeneity on the functional structure and diversity of stream macroinvertebrate communities based on 4 traits: feeding habits, body size, body shape, and attachment to substrate. Heterogeneous substrate supported communities with higher functional diversity and richness than did homogeneous substrate. In addition, communities on heterogeneous substrate had more predators, shredders, filterer–collectors, and organisms with a large body size than did homogeneous substrate. In contrast, communities on homogeneous substrate had predominantly small organisms, case-builders, and scrapers. Our results suggest that in natural habitats, substrate heterogeneity selects specific combinations of traits especially related to size and feeding habit, which have strong implications for stream ecosystem functioning. As a result, one may anticipate that homogenization of stream bottom substrate associated with human activities should result in a reduction or loss of important functions linked, e.g., to the processing of organic matter, which should greatly affect the stream ecosystem.
A DIURNAL ACTIVITY RHYTHM IN PLETHODON CINEREUS AND ITS MODIFICATION BY AN INFLUENCE HAVING A LUNAR FREQUENCY

1. The salamander, Plethodon cinereus, shows a diurnal rhythm of locomotor activity, both in alternating 12-hour periods of light and darkness, and in continuous darkness.2. The diurnal rhythm is strongly modified by a depressive influence that is apparently associated with the time of lunar zenith.3. The activity of the animal at any given time is a function of the diurnal and lunar influences operative at that time.4. The significance of the rhythm to the animal in nature is discussed.