ID: 56152
Title: Benzene-induced histopathological changes and germ cell population dynamics in testes of Sprague Dawley rats
Author: R K Singh, F W Bansode
Editor: Dr. R C Dalela
Year: 2011
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 32, No 6, November 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Spermatogenesis, population dynamics, Leydig cell, histology, benzene
Abstract: Benzene has been considered as an occupational hematotoxin and leukemogen. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of oral administration of benzene on reproductive organs and testicular spermatogenesis in rats. Adult rats were divided into three weight matched groups (Gr. I-III) containing 6 each. Gr. I rats received vehicle only and served as control. Rats in Gr. II and III were fed orally with 0.5 and 1 ml Kg-1 dose of benzene for 14 and 9 days, respectively and autopsy was done on 15th and 10th day. Food and water intake and gross behavioral changes were recorded daily during the entire treatment. Results showed no significant change in reproductive organ weights viz. testis, epididymis and ventral prostate in benzene-treated (0.5 or 1 ml kg-1) rats than that in controls. But, caused a significant decrease (p<0.005) in weights of seminal vesicles in rats treated with both 0.5 and 1ml kg-1 doses compared to control. In contrast, at higher dose ( 1ml kg-1) of benzene, significant (p<0.001) decline in body weight and 100% mortality was observed on day 10 of autopsy. In treated rats, testicular cytotoxicity was marked by multinucleated giant cells formation, cytoplasmic vacuolization, pyknosis of nuclei, chromatolysis, desquamation and dissolution of germ cells in tubular lumen. The quantitative analysis of spermatogenesis showed a significant (p<0.001) decrease in number of A-spermatogonia (in 1 ml kg-1 dose only), primary spermatocytes (non-pachytene and pachytene) and spermatids (round and elongated) in treated as compared to control rats. The diameters of testicular tubules and Leydig cells nuclei were also significantly (p<0.001) reduced in treated rats. A steady loss in food and water intake recorded and signs of ill health were observed in treated (0.5 or 1 ml kg-1) rats. Results of the study indicated antitesticular / antispermatogenic effects of benzene at 0.5 and 1 ml kg_1 dose in rats.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56151
Title: Scenedesmus as a potential source of biodiesel among selected microalgae
Author: Pandian Prabakaran and A David Ravindran
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Biodiesel, fatty acid, growth analysis, lipid content, microalgae
Abstract: Energy security has become a national issue and several attempts are being made to seek viable alternatives in the form of renewable energy to meet the futuristic needs. Biofuel production from microalgae is considered as an effective strategy in this endeavour. Seven microalgae, viz. Chlorella, Haematococcus, Ulothrix, Chlorococcum, Scenedesmus, Rivularia and Scytonema were selected from 16 isolated cultures from six freshwater bodies. Ulothrix sp. reached a high growth rate of 0.42 + 0.01 g/l and low lipid content of 5.56 + 0.81% on the 15th day of incubation. Under similar conditions, Scenedesmus sp. reached a growth rate of 0.38 + 0.01 and recorded a lipid content of 27.4 + 0.75% . Algal oil samples were analysed by thin layer chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The fatty acid composition aws detected by gas chromatography. Scenedesmus sp. showed the highest amount of oleic acid (11.77 mg g-1dry wt). The results suggest that Scenedesmus sp. is useful for producign biodiesel, based on its high lipid and oleic acid contents.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56150
Title: Emergence of a wetland with the potential for an avian abode of global significance in South Bengal, India
Author: Anirban Sinha, Prantik Hazra and T N Khan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Diversity estimates, habitat expansion, population trends, waterbird abundance, wetland
Abstract: We studied the waterbird diversity and abundance in a newly constructed wetland in South Bengal for 14 years right from its establishment. Soon after its construction, the wetland began to attract a rich diversity of waterbirds and with the passage of time has proved its potentially to achieve the status of a wetland of international importance. Since 2005, it continues to support Greylag Goose at populations exceeding 1%threshold, and from 2007 onwards harbours Ruddy Shelduck at populations exceeding 1% threshold. Since the populations of majority of the important species have been increasing it is expected to achieve the status of a Ramsar Wetland soon, provided we keep the wetland undisturbed and allow it to follow its own course by implementing monitoring programmes on a long-term basis.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56149
Title: Role of subducting component and sub-arc mantle in arc petrogenesis: Andaman volcanic arc
Author: Dwijesh Ray, S Rajan and Rasik Ravindra
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Arc lavas, petrogenesis, subduction component, trace element ratio
Abstract: Geochemical proxies, especially the trace element ratios of arc lavas from Barren and Narcondam Islands of the Andaman-Nicobar Islands group, display dissimlar characteristics. Narcondam lavas (mostly andesitic) are typically characterized by high Ba/La, Ba/Nb and Th/Nd ratios, reflective of the imprint of substantial subduction component in the sediment fluid and melt. On the other hand, Barren lavas (mostly basaltic) show relatively high Ba/Th ratios, indicative of fluid-induced subduction component, mainly signature-inducing fluid component, derived from altered ocean crust.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56148
Title: Effect of seed abortion and seed storage on germination and seedling growthin Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk. (Thymelaceaceae)
Author: Uma Shankar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Aquilaria malaccensis, germination, seed abortion and storage, seedling growth
Abstract: The fruit of Aquilaria malaccensis is a bilocular dehiscent capsule, with each locule harbouring a single seed. If this species aborts a developing seed within a fruit, does the remaining seed benefit in terms of enhanced seed weight, and do heavier seeds confer germination and growth advantages over lighter seeds? As seeds mature in the middle of the rainy season when moisture is abundant in the soil, does desication in the storage of seeds reduce germination success? To test these predictions, 821 fruits were examined, including two-thirds fruits that were one-seeded and one-third fruits two-seeded. Fresh seeds varied nearly fivefold in weight, from 28.8 to 134.8 mg. However, the mean seed weight did not vary significantly between the seeds from one- and two-seeded fruits. On storage at room temperature (28 + 20C), the seeds lost 40+ 1.2% moisture by the 5th day and 55 + 1.5% by the 14th day. Yet, the difference in mean seed weight was not significant between the seeds from one-and two-seeded fruits. Germination percentage of fresh seeds increased with increase in seed weight: seeds<40 mg failed to germinate, those between 40 and 80 mg resulted in 10.5% germination and those >80 mg germinated vigorously (54.8%). This trend was steady when seeds stored for 5 and 14 days were sown. Germination percentage of all seeds declined drastically with storage time: from 31 for seeds without storage to 25 for 5 days of storage and only 1% for 14 days of storage. Germination was epigeous and it was completed within 40 days from sowing. Time to germination was lesser for heavier than lighter seeds. Survival of seedlings and their growth from heavier seeds was significantly greater than those from lighter seeds. The study shows that the aborting of one of the two seeds does not enhance the weight of the remaining seed. Yet greater seed weight (> 80 mg) is advantageous for better germiantion and seedling growth in A. malaccensis.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56147
Title: Diversity and conservation of selected biota of the Megamalai landscape, Western Ghats, India
Author: S Bhupathy, G Srinivas, N Sathiskumar, M. Murugesan, S Babu, R Suganthasakthivel and P. Sivakumar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Biodiversity, highway mountains, protected areas, Western Ghats
Abstract: Data on the diversity of selected faunal groups of Megamalai landscape, southern Western Ghats, India, based on a field study from March 2006 to January 2009 and published information were collated and analysed. Greater species richness of tree species (157 species), amphibians (34), reptiles (87) , birds (211) and mammals (62) and endemicity in the area appear to be due to the availability of various vegetation types and greater elevational gradient (200 -1800 m msl). High proportion of endemic species with respect to sampled taxa was observed in wet zones (>800m). Annexing area with various vegetation types and elevation gradients to the recently declared Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is critical for biodiversity conservation in the region.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56146
Title: The tragedy of being a geologist
Author: K S Valdiya
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Geologists, geotechnics, groundwater, minerals, oil and gas, unsung toilers
Abstract: The geologists, who toil hard for finding minerals for scientific research and industrial development, sources of water for multifarious needs, make sustained efforts to make India self-sufficient in energy and help select appropriate sites for dams, power plants, alignments of roads and tunnels, suggesting ways of overcoming problems of stability and natural hazards, go ' unwept, un-honoured and unsung ' . Even the mainstream scientists have poor opinion of geologists as scientists and geology as a science. In the matters related to the wellness of the earth, the use of its bounties and assets, and the preservation of its environmental health, their opinions are not sought and their voices not heard by the powerful science councils, commissions and academies, and by the powers-that-be.
The domineering presence for decades of the sets of same persons with blinkers and biases in committees for awarding and rewarding individual endeavours is responsible for elbowing out or marginalization of those foot soldiers who work in the field for months on end- away from homes in harsh and often perilous terrains. Is it true that just because they have not spent or do not spend long hours in laboratories and tapped the internet data make them unworthy or recognition?
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56145
Title: Monitoring the alpine treeline shift in parts of the Indian Himalayas using remote sensing
Author: C P Singh, S Panigrapy, A Thapliyal, M M Kimothi, P Soni, J S Parihar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56144
Title: Riddle and ridicule of earthquake prediction
Author: Arun Bapat
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56143
Title: Visual aspects of reaching represented in primary motor cortex
Author: Krishna Prasad Miyapuram
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56142
Title: Medicinal rice varieties of India need urgent attention
Author: R B Mohanty, T Panda, B K Tripathy
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56141
Title: Aquilaria malaccensis Lam, a Red-listed and highly exploited tree species in the Assamese home garden
Author: P Saikia, M L Khan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56140
Title: Marine sponge an evolving science - the need for a comprehensive systematic inventory for peninsular India
Author: J Jerald Wilson, M R Kitto
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56139
Title: Foreshore facilities - home to corals
Author: Chandresh S. Dave, Ravi Dutt Kamboj
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56138
Title: Need for a centralized digital inventory on floral additions
Author: Sanjay Kr. Uniyal, Vikrant Jaryan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No 4, 25 February 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None