ID: 55192
Title: Monoecy and entomophily in Cardiospermum canescens Wall. (Sapindaceae), a medicinally valuable herbaceous vine
Author: A J Solomon Raju, K Venkata Ramana, N Govinda Rao, P Varalakshmi
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 5, 10 September 2011
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: 55191
Title: Role of histamine receptors in the pigmentary responses of the wall lizard, Hemidactylus flaviviridis
Author: Jaya Peter, Keisham V Meitei, Ayesha S Ali and Sharique A Ali
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 2, 25 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Hemidactylus flaviviridis, histaminergic receptors, pigmentation, skin melanophores
Abstract: Effects of histamine per se along with its specific agronists and antagonists were studied on the skin melanophores of Hemidactylus flaviviridis to study the role of histamine receptors in pigmentation. Histamine and 2 - methyl histamine induced powerful melanin aggregation effects, leading to paling of the skin through stimulation of H1 receptors. On the other hand, 4-methyl histamine, a specific H2 receptor antagonist caused melanin dispersion via activation of H2 receptors, making the skin appear dark. It is concluded that histaminergic compounds have a considerable role in chromatic physiology of lower vertebrates, possibly as a neurotransmitter substance in melanin dysfunctions such as hyper and hypo pigmentation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55190
Title: Sexual reproduction in Odontella regia (Schultze) Simonsen 1974 (Bacillariophyta)
Author: S Hedge, D D Narale and A C Anil
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 2, 25 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Depauperating mitosis, diatom, Odontella regia, sexual reproduction, spermatogenesis
Abstract: We report here on the sequence of spermatogenesis and sperm cell count of Odontella regia (Schultze) Simonsen from Indian waters. The sequence of events in the spermatogenesis producing 16 spermatogonia following four differentiating (depauperating) mitosis to produce 64 sperms per cell and dehiscene is reported. Fertilization, auxosporulation and size restoration in O. regia are also shown.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55189
Title: Natural versus artificial cold-stratification: which one allows better estimates of soil seed banks in a forest ecosystem?
Author: Sandrine Godefroid, Shyam S Phartyal and Nico Koedam
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 2, 25 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cold-stratification, forest ecosystem, seedling emergence, soil seed banks
Abstract: Seedling emergence techniques provide an estimate of viable seeds in the soil seed bank based on germination of seeds under favourable germination conditions. The present contribution is aimed at studying whether artificial stratification in a cold chamber is capable of revealing more viable seeds in soil samples compared with natural cold-stratification in the soil through a winter period in order to estimate density and composition of soi seed bank in temperate forest ecosystem. A total of 384 soil samples were collected in December and June from permanently marked plots in a forest ecosystem from central Belgium. December samples were artificially stratified (AS) by undergoing a cold-moist stratification, before laying them in the green-house. June samples were put in a greenohouse for direct germination of seeds which were naturally stratified (NS). Emerging seedlings were identified and counted during 12 months. A total of 6960 seedlings emerged in the AS samples and 14, 928 seedlings in the NS samples, corresponding to 2719 and 5831 seeds/m2 respectively. A total of 27 species emerged from the AS samples and 19 species from the NS samples. Based on our data in a forest ecosystem with temperate humid climate on loessic materials, artificial stratification allowed the emergence of a larger number of species from the soil seed bank, but natural stratification improved estimates of the seed bank density. We therefore recommend the use of both methods to optimize the estimation of both species number and density in soil seed banks.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55188
Title: Microbial activity and diversity in the late Pleistocene palaeosols of alluvial Mahi River basin, Gujarat, Western India
Author: Gangavarapu Subrahmanyam, G Archana and L S Chamyal
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 2, 25 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Palaeosol, metabolic quotient, microbial activity and diversity, specific enzymatic quotient
Abstract: The present study was aimed at establishing microbial activity and diversity in two palaeosols (P1 and P2) intercalated within the late Quaternary continental sequences of Mahi River basin, western India. The two palaeosols have been dated back to ~45 and 30 ka. High microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration, microbial quotient, metabolic quotient and dehydrogenase activity revealed that the organic matter decomposition and carbon flow to the atmosphere were much higher in P1. Soil in situ enzymes, specific enzymatic quotients and specific enzyme indices revealed that P1 has been more productive than P2. The order of biogeochemical cycling in P1 was N>PC, whereas P2 showed N>P>C. 16S rRNA gene profiling using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis indicated greater heterotrophic bacterial diversity and higher carrying capacity of P1 compared to P2. The contrasting microbial activities and diversity in these palaeosols point to different environments during palaeosol formation, and are in general agreement with the climatic inferences drawn earlier.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55187
Title: Link between break/active phases of summer monsoon over India and China
Author: N V Panchawagh and S S Vaidya
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 2, 25 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Break/active phase, interseasonal/interannual variability, lows and depressions, summer monsoon rainfall
Abstract: An attempt has been made to examine the relationship between break/active phases of the Indian summer monsoon and rainfall activity over China. Twelve cases of active and fifteen cases of break phases during the INdian summer monsoon have been examined. Rainfall data over China from ' Asian Precipitation - Highly - Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation of the Water Resources ' have been used for this study. The amount and areal coverage of rainfall over China were examined during break/active phases of the Indian summer monsoon. It was found that during initiation of break phase in the Indian summer monsoon, rainfall amount and its areal coverage increased over China. The onset of its decrease marked the beginning of the end of the break phase. Exactly opposite trend was obserbed during the active monsoon phases. This study provides some clue about the end of the break or active phase, although it does not give any signal of initiation of break or active phase in monsoon.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55186
Title: The selection of a sugar for transport and storage of carbon in plants
Author: Ramesh Maheshwari and Karuppanan Veluthambi
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 2, 25 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Abiotic stress, cell wall, cellulose, cuscuta, genetic engineering, trehalose
Abstract: Sugars perform two vital functions in plants: as compatible solutes protecting the cell against osmotic stress and as mobile source of immediate and long term energy requirement for growth and development. The two sugars that occur commonly in nature are sucrose and trehalose. Sucrose comprises one glucose and one fructose molecule: trehalose comprises two glucose molecules. Trehalose occurs in significant amounts in insects and fungi which greatly outnumber the plants. Surprisingly, in plants trehalose has been found in barely detectable amounts, if at all, raising the question ' why did nature select sucrose instead of trehalose as the mobile energy source and as storage sugar for the plants? ' Modelling revealed that when attached to the ribbon-shaped beta- 1,4 glucan a trehalose molecule is shaped like a hook. This suggests that the beta - 1,4 glucan chains with attached trehalose will fail to align to form inter-chain hydrogen bonds and coalesce into a cellulose microfibril, as a result of which in trehalose-accumulating plant cells, the cell wall will tend to become leaky. Thus in plants an evolutionary selection was made in favour of sucrose as the mobile energy source. Genetic engineering of plant cells for combating abiotic stresses through microbial trehalose-producing genes is fraught with risk of damage to plant cell walls.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55185
Title: Rapid, cost-effective and high resolution assessment of climate-related vulnerability of rural communities of Sikkim Himalaya, India
Author: S Tambe, M L Arrawatia, N T Bhutia and B Swaroop
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 2, 25 July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Adaptive capacity, climate change, rural communities, vulnerability assessment
Abstract: With impacts of climate change becoming increasingly visible locally, identification of areas vulnerable to climate change risks is emerging as an urgent policy need. The present study responds to this requirement by identifying the most vulnerable villages using a rapid, cost-effective and high-resolution methodology. We provide a preliminary, village - level, climate-related vulnerability assessment of the rural communities in Sikkim, India. We found that climate change impacts have resulted in a reduction in the temporal spread of rainfall and an increase in the intensity with a marked decline in winter rain. We show that the subtropical villages (less than 1000m), especially in the drought-prone zones are more vulnerable due to an increased outbreak of pests, diseases and weeds. Spring water sources are drying up and preservation of seeds during the warm winter is becoming risky. A high variation was found in the sensitivity and adaptive capacity due to the diverse developmental profile of the villages. Hence while climate change adaptation- related developmental interventiaons need to have a diverse sectoral profile, they must geographically target areas with specific interventions. We expect that this study will provide a scientific basis for designing climate change adaptation policy and programmes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55184
Title: Biomass to fuel : the uncertain path
Author: V T Yadugiri
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 101, No 2, 25 July 2011
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: 55183
Title: Study on index properties of diesel contaminated soil with surfactants
Author: P Vasudeva Rao, K Sivaramakrishna, R K Srivastava, R P Tiwari, B Sudhakararao and P V V Satyanarayana
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2011
Publisher: EM International, Vol 30 (2), 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Land contamination, diesel, remediation, grain size distribution, surfactant, Atterberg ' s limits and specific gravity
Abstract: An experimental study was performed to evaluate the geotechnical properties of diesel contaminated soils in the laboratory for identification and classification. In this study locally available soil in Allahabad, U P (India) has been collected for experimental work. Sodiumlauryl sulphate and liquid organic cleaner were used as a surfactants in remediation of diesel contaminated soils. Various physical and engineering properties of virgin, contaminated and decontaminated soil samples are observed. The soil was contaminated with different percentages of diesel ie., 20 mL/kg, 40 mL/kg and 60 mL/kg by weight of dried soil, to simulate the effect of contaminant on the virgin soil. The decreasing trend in specific gravity and increasing trend in Liquid limit has been obserbed on contamination with diesel as compared to the virgin soil. In order to decontaminate the diesel contaminated soil by soil washing technique, 4 g/kg soil SDS and 4 ml LOC in one litre of water has been used separately. After decontamination it was observed that, specific gravity increases and liquid limit of soil decrease and the value of the geotechnical properties were found near to the properties of virgin soil. To compare the results an alternative method of Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out on laboratory virgin, contaminated and decontaminated soil samples. These results show that maximum contaminants were removed by surfactants at optimum dose.
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55182
Title: Use of Nickel oxide as semiconductor in photocatalytic bleaching of Orange G
Author: Nitin Chaturvedi, Sunayana Sharma, M K Sharma and R K Chaturvedi
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2011
Publisher: EM International, Vol 30 (2), 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Orange G, Nickel oxide, Photocatalytic degradation
Abstract: The bleaching of orange G dye was carried out in the presence of semiconductor NiO. Visible light was used as the source of energy. Rate of photodegradation was followed spectrophotometerically. The effect of variouis parameters like pH, dye concentration, amount of semiconductor, light intensity etc. on the rate of reaction was observed. A tentative mechanism of the reaction has been proposed.
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55181
Title: Lime slurry trench technique, to control, cracks on industrial flooring - eco friendly approach
Author: Y S Prabhakar, M Potha Raju and K Manjulavani
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2011
Publisher: EM International, Vol 30 (2), 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Flooring cracks
Abstract: This article presents a detailed study conducted, to establish the reasons and to diagnose the cause of severe cracks on the Industrial Flooring initially in the length directions and spreading in the lateral direction of the newly constructed. Industrial shed in the premises of A P Fibers Ltd, Jeegiram, Salur, Andhra Pradesh, as part of research problem under "Industry Institute Interaction" and to suggest methods for remediation and precautions to be taken for prevention of such cracks originated from geo-domain due to behavioral aspects of subsoils. A most suitable remediation method is to be suggested, need to be eco friendly, economic and must be consistent with site conditions. Least chemical influence on ground water, if harmful chemical admixtures are to be used, may pollute ground water. This was potable and polatable used for drinking also.
It was reported that flooring cracks were observed during the installation of power looms in the new shed constructed under expansion project. A site visit was made and the data was collected on site conditions, crack pattern. Detailed field observations were made and the data was collected on site conditions, crack pattern. Detailed field observations were made and trial pits were dug up to 3.5 m below EGL around the industrial shed, at the corners and middle of industrial shed Necessary UD- soil samples were collected at site and laboratory tests were conducted. Based on the data, the reasons for cracking are interpreted and remedial measures and preventive measures were recommended. During the process of the implementation of recommendations, the propagation of cracks on the floor was freqeuncy monitored for assessing the effectiveness of techniques.
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55180
Title: Water quality index of surface water in rural area around Angul-Talcher industrial zone, Orissa
Author: P C Dash, J R Dash and H K Patra
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2011
Publisher: EM International, Vol 30 (2), 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Surface water, quality rating, water quality index
Abstract: In this paper we assess the overall quality of pond waters used for irrigation and bathing purpose in rural area around Angul - Talcher Industrial Zone, Orissa on the basis of Water Quality Index (WQI). The quality ratings of eleven water quality parameters were estimated in the period from July 2001 to June 2003 on the basis of which water quality indices (WQI) for all the sampling stations were determined. Three sampling stations were found severely polluted (WQI > 100) and two excessively polluted (80 < WQI < 100) and hence were unfit for irrigation and bathing in the rainy season. In other seasons five sampling points were found in the ' moderately polluted ' ( 50 < WQI < 80) and two in ' good ' (WQI < 50) class and hence were fit for irrigation only. However no water source was fond fit for bathing purpose thoughout the study period for poor bacteriological quality which warrants appropriate preventive measures to be taken in order to bring down the coliform count and BOD level within permissible limit.
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55179
Title: Short term effect of chromium and an antidote on the immune response of rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus)
Author: D Mubeen Sultana, and Nausheen Dawood
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2011
Publisher: EM International, Vol 30 (2), 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Chromium (III), Chromium (VI),
Abstract: Chromium, though a nonessential element in our diet has been found to possess carcinogenic effects. Since Cr (VI) is considered more toxic than the naturally occurring Cr(III), potassium chromate was chosen for this study. The short term immunological effects of injecting postassium chromate, human A antigen and trinity root extract both singly and in different combinations in rabbits (Oryctolague cunniculus) were studied and compared with normal controls. Heamagglutination profiles, Total WBC counts and Differential WBC counts were found to fluctuate in all groups of animals. The study also proves the immune boosting action of trinity roots.
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55178
Title: Drinking water quality assessment in Anar city, Kerman, Iran
Author: A R Syadi, M H Sayadi and Z Shabani
Editor: Dr R K Trivedy
Year: 2011
Publisher: EM International, Vol 30 (2), 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Pollution Research
Keywords: Drinking water, Sodium Absorption Ratio, Anar city
Abstract: The paper plans to assess the drinking water quality based on sodium absorption ratio in Anar city, Iran with at least 35000 populations using the water for drinking purpose. The present study it has been demonstrated that the sodium absorption ratio values varied from 54.78 to 61.16 in the spring and summer seasons respectively. Therefore this kind of drinking water could be categorized in very poor quality water hence strongly suggests that this water is not suitable for drinking purpose.
Location: 232
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None