Divergence time estimates of mammals from molecular clocks and fossils: Relevance of new fossil finds from India

This paper presents a brief review of recent advances in the classification of mammals at higher levels using fossils and molecular clocks. It also discusses latest fossil discoveries from the Cretaceous — Eocene (66–55 m.y.) rocks of India and their relevance to our current understanding of placental mammal origins and diversifications.     

Response of lentil to VA Mycorrhizal inoculation and plant available P levels of unsterile soils

Summary Responses of lentil in unsterile soils at low, medium and high levels of plant available soil P toGlomus fasciculatum inoculation were evaluated. It was observed that growth, dry matter accumulation, nodulation, and nitrogen fixation were considerably improved in VAM inoculated plants over uninoculated control at low and medium levels of plant available soil P.     

Morphological diversity of leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudoprotophyllum</Emphasis> (Platanaceae) from the Turonian-Coniacian of the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk

Fossil plants of the Chingandzha flora were studied from volcanogenic sediments of the Chingandzha and Rond formations on the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. It was concluded that all platanaceous leaves earlier described in this flora as different taxa belong to one highly variable species, Pseudoprotophyllum cordatum Samyl. emend. Shczepetov et Golovneva.     

Does vinblastine add to the potency of alpha interferon in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma?

The combination of alpha interferon and vinblastine has been reported to yield a response rate of 30-40% in previously untreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. This combination was given to nine patients with advanced metastatic renal carcinoma after they failed or relapsed on alpha-interferon alone, to attempt to evaluate the role of vinblastine in this combination. Neither complete nor partial response was observed. Two patients had disease stabilization for two and seven months. Our preliminary results suggest that vinblastine did not add to the efficacy of interferon in this group of patients.