ID: 55776
Title: Performance of the tsunami forecast system for the Indian Ocean
Author: T Srinivasa Kumar, Shailesh Nayak, Patanjali Kumar, R B S Yadav, Ajay Kumar, M V Sunanda, E Uma Devi and S S C Shenoi
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No1, 10 January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Bottom pressure recorders, Indian Tsunami Early Warning System, tidal stations, tsunami modelling and bulletins
Abstract: The Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS) at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad, is responsible for issuing tsunami bulletins in India. The tsunami centre operates on a 24 x 7 basis and monitors seismological stations, bottom pressure recorders and tidal stations throughout the Indian Ocean to evaluate potentially tsunamigenic earthquakes and disseminating tsunami bulletins. The end-to-end capabilities of this warning system have been well proven during all the tsunamigenic earthquakes that occurred since September 2007. Comparison of the earthquake parameters estimated by ITEWS with other international seismological agencies suggests that the system is performing well and has achieved the target set up by the Inter-governmental Oceanographic Commission.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55775
Title: Investigation of biodegradable and biocompatible castor oil poly (mannitol-citric-sebacate) polyester as a drug carrier
Author: P S Sathiskumar, Sunita Chopra and Giridhar Madras
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No1, 10 January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Biodegradable, biocompatibility, castor oil polyesters, drug-delivery
Abstract: Castor oil-based poly (mannitol-citric sebacate) was synthesized by simple,catalyst-free melt condensation process using monomers having potential to be metabolized in vivo. The polymer was characterized using various techniques and the tensile and hydration properties of the polymers were also determined. The biocompatibility of the polymer was tested using human foreskin fibroblasts cells. The in vitro degradation studies show that the time for complete degradation of the polymer was more than 21 days. The usage of castor oil polyester as a drug carrier was analysed by doping the polymer with 5-fluorouracil model drug and release rate was studied by varying the percentage loading of drugs and the pH of the PBS solution medium. The cumulative drug-release profiles exhibited a biphasic release with an initial burst release and cumulative 100% release within 42 h. To understand the role of the polymer as a drug carrier in the release behaviour, drug-release studies were conducted with another drug, isoniazid. The release behaviour of isoniazid drug from the same polymer matrix followed an nth order kinetic model and 100% cumulative release was achieved after 12 days. The variation in the release behaviour for two model drugs from the same polymer matrix suggests a strong interaction between the polymer and the drug molecule.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55774
Title: Trend analysis of rainfall and temperature data for India
Author: Sharad K Jain and Vijay Kumar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No1, 10 January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Climate change, rainfall, trend, river basin, seasonal analysis, temperature data
Abstract: This article aims to review studies pertaining to trends in rainfall, rainy days and temperature over India. Sen ' s non-parameteric estimator of slope has been frequently used to estimate the magnitude of trend, whose statistical significance was assessed by the Mann-Kendall test. Spatial units for trend analysis vary from station data to sub-division to sub-basin/river basins. There are differences in the results of the various studies. There are differences in the results of the various studies, and a clear and consistent picture of rainfall trend has not emerged. Although the different units (sub-basins or sub-divisions) may have a non-zero slope value, few values are statistically significant. In a study on basin-wise trend analysis, 15 basins had decreasing tend in annual rainfall; only one basin showed significant decreasing trend at 95% confidence level. Among six basins showing increasing trend, oen basin showed significant positive trend. Most of the basins had the same direction of trend in rainfall and rainy days at the annual and seasonal scale.
Regarding trends in temperature, the mean maximum temperature series showed a rising trend at most of the stations; it showed a falling trend at some stations. The mean minimum temperature showed a rising as well as a falling trend. At most of the stations in the south, central and western parts of India a rising trend was found. Some stations located in the north and northeastern Idnia showed a falling trend in annual mean temperature. Most of the data used in trend analysis pertained to the stations located in urban areas and these areas are sort of heat islands. This article also highlights the need of a network of baseline stations for climatic studies.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55773
Title: A simple technique to estimate linear body measurements of elephants
Author: S Wijeyamohan, V Sivakumar, Bruce Read, Dennis Schmitt, S Krishnakumar, Charles Santiapillai
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No1, 10 January 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: 55772
Title: Five-armed body fossil from the Ediacaran Jodhpur Sandstone, Marwar Supergroup, Western Rajasthan, India: a possible precursor of phylum Echinodermata
Author: S Kumar, D K Srivastava, S Ahmad
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No1, 10 January 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: 55771
Title: Anomalous concentration of REE-Th-U in microclinite-pyroxenite-albitite in Ajmer and Nagaur districts, Rajasthan
Author: A Muthamilselvan, P K Panchal, A V Jeyagopal, L K Nanda, P B Maithani
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2012
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 102, No1, 10 January 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: 55770
Title: Statistics for everyone
Author: Anil Gore, Sharayu Paranjpe and Madhav Kulkarni
Editor: None
Year: 2009
Publisher: SIPF Academy, First Edition, 5 September 2009
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Statistics for everyone
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 215 & Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55769
Title: The lost river-on the trail of the Sarasvati
Author: None
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 12, 25 December 2010
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: 55768
Title: Reproductive ecology of Cycas beddomei Dyer (Cycadaceae), an endemic and critically endangered species of southern Eastern Ghats
Author: A J Solomon Raju and K Henry Jonathan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 12, 25 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Alphitobius sp, anemophily, Cycas beddomei, leaf phenology, seed infestation
Abstract: Cycas beddomei is an endemic and critically endangered, tropical, dry deciduous, dioecious gymnosperm confined to India. Coning and leaf flushing events occur during April-June. The plant is typically anemophilous and it is highly effective for optimal seed set. In both the sexes, during maturation process the cone show weak thermogenesis and emit mild foetid odour, which apparently do not have nay significant role in pollination. Alphitobius beetles use male cones for feeding and breeding during which they get coated with pollen. These beetles in search of other male cones visit female cones by mistake and effect pollination. The female cones offer only warmth to the beetles during night. The beetles diapause on male plants or in the soil until the next coning season. Leaf flushing episode occurs immediately after the maturation of cones in both sexes, to gain the lost energy and also to supply photosynthate for the growing seeds in female plants. The squirrels, Funambulus palmarum and Ratufa indica act as seed dispersal agents. A beetle species uses the seeds for breeding and causes seed infestation to a great extent. The adults that emerge from the seeds diapause in the soil until the next seed season to repeat the next breeding cycle. The study suggests that the restricted participation of plants in the annual coning event, restricted seed dispersal, seed infestation and other factors relating to natural regeneration contribute to the endemic and endangered status of the plant.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55767
Title: A study on the micro-environment, litter accumulation on forest floor and available nutrients in the soils of broadleaved, mixed pione and pine forests at two distinct altitudes in Meghalaya, North East India
Author: B P Mishra
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 12, 25 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Available nutrients, litter accumulation, micro-environment, Northeast India, nutrient status
Abstract: The present study deals with the micro-environment, litter accumulation and status of available nutrients in the major forest types (broadleaved, mixed pine and pine forests) at two distinct altitudes in Meghalaya, North East India. The representative forest stands were selected at two markedly distinct altitudes at Umroi (ranging from 1100 to 1200 m asl) and Upper Shillong (ranging from 1900 to 2000 m asl). The findings depict that the temperature (ambient and soil) was markedly high at Umroi, and greater values were recorded during pre-monsoon season in all the cases. Relative humidity was high in Upper Shillong, and values decreased from broadleaved to pine forest at both altitudes. Light interception was decreased from broad-leaved to pine forest and higher values were recorded in the representative forests at Upper Shillong. Litter accumulation on the forest floor decreased from broadleaved to pine forest, and higher values were obtianed at Upper Shillong, with a maximum in the broadleaved forest during pre-monsoon season. Soil moisture was higher in the topsoil than sub-soil, and values decreased from broadleaved to pine forest. The forest stands at Upper Shillong showed markedly high values and lower values were recorded during pre-monsoon season. Soil pH was acidic in nature. Organic carbon, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and available phosphorus were high in the topsoil, with some exceptions in the case of available phosphorus due to leaching, irrespective of seasonal variation. The concentration of these nutrients decreased from broad-leaved to pine forest and higher values were obtained for post-monsoon season in the respective forest type. Peak values were recorded at Upper Shillong during post-monsoon season. From the findings it has been concluded that forest-floor characteristics, micro-environment and nutrients status are highly linked with the nature of vegetation and altitude. It was also observed that polyculture helped soil fertility in terms of available nutrients. The results on C:N ratio depict that pine forests (monoculture) at both the altitudes are nutrient-poor.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55766
Title: Sediment stratification and bathymetric survey using sediment echo sounder in reservoirs and shallow marine areas
Author: Girish Gopinath
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 12, 25 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Bathymetry, reservoir desiltation, sediment echo sounder, sediment stratification
Abstract: The sediment echo sounder plays a pivotal role in assessing bathymetry as well as in the stratification of sediments in reservoirs and shallow marine areas. Reservoirs of India are facing reduction in capacity due to siltation process and this can be best quantified using the sediment echo sounder. The importance of this instrument is that it can establish water depths and identify significant sub-seabed reflectors and shallow stratigraphic units. The sediment echo sounder has also proved accurate and expeditious for reservoir desillation studies as well as in shallow marine areas for developmental activities.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55765
Title: Variability of aerosol optical depth and recent recessional in Dokriani Glacier, Bhagirathi Valley, Garhwal Himalaya
Author: Sanat Kumar Das, D P Dobhal and N Juyal
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 12, 25 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Aerosol optical depth, climate variability, glacier, Himalayas, recession, satellite
Abstract: Temporal changes in aerosol optical depth (AOD) during 2001-2008 obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on-board Terra satellite and the glacier recession data of Dokriani glacier in the Bhagirathi valley show a reasonable correlation (R2 = 0.86). An increase in AOD was observed after 2005, which coincides with the accelerated recession of the Dokriani glacier. We hypothesize that increased AOD over the Himalayan region led to enhanced aerosol heating, which contributed to the recent observed recessional trend of the glacier. This suggests that AOD can be used to obtain the spatial and the temporal changes in microclimatic conditions in the inaccessible glaciated terrain of the Himalayas.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55764
Title: Long-term effects of early maternal separation and isolation stress on adulthood behaviour of female rats
Author: Dayalan Sampath, S Vaishnavi, R Durgalakshmi, Bindu M Kutty and T Rao Laxmi
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 12, 25 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: anxiety, locomotor activity, maternal separation, stress, passive avoidance
Abstract: The present study demonstrates the long-term effect of early maternal separation (EMS) and isolation stress on the adult emotionality behaviour of female rats. The maternal separation (MS) of rat pups constituted both separation and isolation from the littermates for three days from post-natal days 5-7 (stress hyporesponsive period, MS(SHRP) and 16-18 (post-stress hyporesponsive period, MS (PSHRP); 6 h/day) respectively. SHRP is characterized by reduced capactiy to secrete stress hormone under stressful situations, which is postulated to be essential for the normal development of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. A control group consisted of rat pups never handled or separated from the mother. At postnatal day 61, the rats were exposed to a light/dark test, exploratory activity in a novel environment and passive avoidance test. Both control and MS (PSHRP) groups did not differ in the latency to enter into the dark compartment, number of transitions between light and dark compartments and total motor activities in the preferred dark chamber. However, MS(SHRP) rats exhibited increased activity in the dark chamber in the light/dark test. When exposed to a novel environment, MS(PSHRP) groups exhibited significant decrease in the freezing response when compared to both control and MS (SHRP) groups. Furthermore, following exposure to a passive avoidance test, both MS groups showed decreased latency to enter into the preferred chamber with reduced locomotor activity in the dark compartment, indicating stress-induced decreased attention as a consequence of EMS stress.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55763
Title: Seed physiological aspects of pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), a threatened medicinal herb: response to storage, cold stratification, light and gibberellic acid
Author: Shashi Sharma and Rajender Kumar Sharma
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 12, 25 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: After-ripening, catalase, Inula racemosa, photoblasticity, seed dormancy
Abstract: The seeds of Inula racemosa Hook. f. (Asteraceae), an economically and medicinally important threatened plant from northwest Himalaya, exhibited deep dormancy at harvest. Cold- stratification and gibberellic acid treatments effectively alleviated seed dormancy. Due to the storage of seeds in dry state (after - ripening), the dormancy level gradually declined; complete loss of dormancy was evident within 12 months of storage. Data indicate a clear requirement of light for seed germination in this species, as there was no germination in the dark and under green light. The viability loss coincided with diminished catalase activity, although lipid peroxidation status of the seeds remained generally unchanged, pointing to a possible role of oxidative stress in the observed changes. Periodic monitoring of seed vaibility in terms of 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride reduction abiltiy during five years of storage revealed a gradual viability loss.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55762
Title: The potential of satellite gravity and gravity gradiometry in deciphering structural setting of the Himalayan Collision Zone
Author: V M Tiwari, B Singh, K Arora and S Kumar
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 12, 25 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Gravity and gradiometry, GRACE, GOCE, Himalaya, isostasy
Abstract: During the last decade, three dedicated satellite gravity missions (CHAMP, GRACE and GOCE) have greatly improved the knowledge of the static and dynamic gravity field of the Earth. Bouguer gravity anomalies (BGA) derived from global gravity models (e.g.EGM2008), which consist of GRACE satellite observations and terrestrial gravity data, are analysed to demonstrate through selected application, their potential use in studying large scale geological features of the Himalaya, where little or no terrestrial data are available. A constrained 3D lithospheric density model over a part of the Eastern Himalayan region is constructed from modelling of BGA and utilized to calculate forward responses of selected gravity gradient (GG) tensors, highlighting certain aspects of the structural features of the Himalayan Collision Zone (HCZ). In addition, GG are also computed directly from BGA by Fourier transformation to study the additional information content they may provide. This exercise may demonstrate the extra advantages of modelling gravity gradiometry measurements, which is of high contemporary relevance in view of the fact that satellite gravity gradient data from the ongoing GOCE mission will be available shortly. We find that structural features like Main Boundary Thrust, Main Central Thrust are sharply reflected in GG and combined interpretation of BGA and GG can better resolve the locations and possibly the depth extent of the density anomalies. BGA is also utilized to constrain crustal thickness variation and used along with topography to estimate variation of effective elastic thickness across the Eastern Himalayan region.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None