ID: 54007
Title: Effect of pH on the production of cellulase by the fungus Trametes sp on different substrates
Author: C. Karthikeyan
Editor: Prof Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 27, No 1 & 2, August & September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology-An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Trametes sp, cellulase, sugarcane bagasse, Wheat bran, Rice bran
Abstract: Cellulase production by Trametes sp. in submerged state fermentation was studied using sugarcane begasse, wheat bran and rice bran as substrates by Czapek-Dox modified medium at the pH 6.0. After incubation, pH of fermented wheat bran was found to be increasing (6.0-7.8) , decreasing in the case of rice bran (6.0-5.8) and sugarcane bagasse. Trametes sp. on using wheat bran and rice bran as carbon source showed maximum cellulase activity on fifth day at the pH of 7.5, but grown on sugarcane bagasse it showed higher cellulase activity on fourth day (0.033 IU/ml) and specific activity was also the highest on seventh day (0.0828 IU/mg of protein). Rice bran showed cellulase activity on the seventh day (0.0723 IU/ml) and specific activity (0.63 IU/mg of protein). This study shows that sugarcane bagase and rice bran were better producers of cellulase on the fourth and seventh day of incubation.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54006
Title: Predatory potenial of the selected spiders
Author: C. Sreekumari
Editor: Prof Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 27, No 1 & 2, August & September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology-An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Spiders, Predatory potential, Experimental plant pots
Abstract: The present study was carried out in five species of spiders namely Argiope pulchella, Argiope catenulata, Cyrtophora cicatrosa, Hersilia savigyni and Hippasa pisaurina collected in and around area from different paddy fields of Kuzhithurai, Arumani, Painkulam and Thirparappu area in Kanya Kumari District. Among the five species of A. pulchella and A. catenulata were found more predominate. Predatory potential was very high in the paddy field spider (A. pulchella & A. catenulata). The result of the experiment gave an appreciation about biological control of the paddy field spider A. pulchella and A. catenulata.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54005
Title: Antibacterial activity of Strychnos nux-vomica leaf extracts
Author: K Sridhara Vishnu Sithan and M. Kamaraj
Editor: Prof Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 27, No 1 & 2, August & September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology-An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Strychnos nux-vomica, Antibacterial activity, Leaf extracts
Abstract: Strychnos nux-vomica called Yetti, Kancirai is used ethano medicinally by Indians and now widely used in alternative systems of medicines for various serious ailments. In vitro studies were carried out to determine the antibacterial activity of leaf extract of S. nux-vomica. Extracts were obtained with ethanol and methanol by Soxhlet apparatus. The extracts exploited against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In disc diffusion method the micro organisms like B. cereus, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa responded well in the methanol extract. The diameter of the zone inhibition formed is less in ethanol extract.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54004
Title: Effect of growth regulators and chemicals on seed quality of upland rice
Author: GPB Revanasiddappa, S. Channakeshava, M B Ashok and Asifulla
Editor: Prof Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 27, No 1 & 2, August & September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology-An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Growth regulators, Rice, Seed quality, chemicals
Abstract: A study conducted on the effects of growth regulator (GA3, cytokinin and ethrel and salicylic acid) chemicals (KNO3 and CaCl2) on seed quality of upland rice at Agricultural Research Station Mugad, during Kharif season, involving presowing treatment of seeds with GA3 (50, 100 and 150 ppm), cytokinin (10 and 25 ppm), Ethrel (50 ppm), KNO3 (1%) CaCl3 (2%) for 12 hours and foliar spray of GA3 (100 ppm at panicle initiation and salicylic acid (25 ppm) at tillering stage., mud coating , water soaking and a control. The investigation revealed that pre-soaking seed treatment either with cytokinin 25 ppm (78.66) or GA3 150 ppm or mud coating of paddy seeds resulted in significantly higher field emergence. The lowest was recorded in control (42.27). The germination rate index was higher with cytokinin (35.0 and 32.0) and mud coating (31.2 & 37.48) compared to other treatments both under laboratory and field conditions, respectively. Significantly higher seedling vigour index was recorded in Cytokinin 25 ppm (1856 & 1495), GA3150ppm (2127 & 1484) and mud coating treatments (1512 & 1408) under laboratory and field conditions respectively.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54003
Title: Effect of physico chemical factors on growth of Rhizobium species and influence on Vigna mungo
Author: S. Ahmed John and S. Vimala Gandhi
Editor: Prof Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 27, No 1 & 2, August & September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology-An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Rhizobium, Vigna mungo, Salt concentration, pH, Temperatue
Abstract: Rhizobium produces root nodules and is subjected to changes in the soil environmental conditions. The root nodule bacterium Rhizobium was isolated from Vigna mungo had been classified into two genera (VRS 1, VRS 2). The experiment was conducted to find out effects of physico chemical factors such as NaCl, pH and temperature. In first week, both Rhizobium isolates were found to tolerate high salt concentration of upto 0.2 M NaCl. However, the population count was (30-31.6 x 104 cfu/ml) at lower concentrations of 0.00625-0.0125 M and low growth (7.4-23.1 x 104 cfu/ml) at higher salt concentrations of 0.025-0.2M. The optimal pH and temperature range for the growth of Rhizobium species was pH 6 and 7 and temperature at 350C, while lower or higher pH and temperature levels recorded as lower population counts. In second week, both isolates growth rate were increased. Carbon sources and antibiotics were tested for VRS 1 and VRS 2, utilized glucose, galactose, lactose, sucrose, xylose and fructose and resistant to Ampicillin, Penicillin, Vancomycin, Cefazolin and Bacitracin. The amount of protein and DNA for VRS 1 isolates 90.6 mg/ml of protein and 25.2 mg/ml of DNA was estimated. VRS 1 inoculated Vigna mungo showed increased rate of nodule number, nodule weight, plant shoot and root, height, length and width of leaves. To improve the yield of Vigna mungo, Rhizobium sp enhances the growth of the plant and also associated with it.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54002
Title: Antimicrobial activity of Mentha piperita on Aeromonas hydrophila
Author: A Lakshmi Bhavani and P. Thiyagarajan
Editor: Prof Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 27, No 1 & 2, August & September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology-An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Mentha piperita, Antimicrobial activity, Aeromonas hydrophila
Abstract: Antimicrobial activity of the leaf extracts of a medicinally important plant Mentha piperita was assessed using the agar well diffusion method agianst Aeromonas hydrophila which is the most common bacterium in fresh water habitats causing the septicemia infections in fish. Plant extracts made out of solvents like Ethyl Acetate, Chloroform, Ethanol and Petroleum Ether was used. The results clearly indicated the presence of antimicrobial substances in Mentha piperita is effective against the fish pathogen. The antibacterial activity was assessed by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition for the respective extract. It is also evident from the results obtained that the most of the essential oils get separated very well with the solvent ethyl acetate and it has the capacity of extracting maximum amount of substance from the plant and proved the best by showing a maximum zone of inhibition in diameter (25 mm). It has been proved that peppermint leaf extracts have antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative organisms.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54001
Title: Isolation and characterization of chromium resistant Bacillus sp from Tannery effluents
Author: D. Ramakrishnan, J. Ronald and S. Shanmugavel
Editor: Prof Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 27, No 1 & 2, August & September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology-An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Tannery effluent, Chromium, Bacillus, Cr6+ tolerance, Antibiotics
Abstract: Several Bacillus strains tolerant to chromium (25 ?g/ml) were isolated from tannery effluent sediments. Isolates were further checked for tolerance to different concentrations of Chromium (Cr6+), viz 25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 ?g/ml. Only 4 isolates were found showing prominent growth at a concentration of 250 ?g/ml of Cr6+. The promising isolates were identified as Bacillus coagulans, B alvei, B.badius and B. Steaothermophilus. The tannery effluent contained 3.34 mg/l total chromium and other compounds like sulphide (2.07 mg/l) and Phenolic compound (32.13 mg/l). The chromium resistant isolates were tested for their antibiotic sensitivity to different antibiotics (Chloramphenical, Vancomycin, Nalidixic acid, Tetracycline, Bacitracin & Polymyxin B). Among Bacillus species B. streaothermophilus was sensitive to all selected antibiotics and B. coagulans, B. alvei and B. badius were resistant to Tetracycline, Polymyxin B. and Nalidixic acid.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54000
Title: Effect of acute exposure of cadmium on the liver, kidney and ovaries of mice
Author: R. Jegathambigai, S. Bogiswariy, K Premala and P Kumar
Editor: Prof Dr. S. Palanichamy
Year: 2010
Publisher: Palani Paramount Publications, Vol 27, No 1 & 2, August & September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Ecobiology-An International Journal for Scientific Research on Environmental Biology, Toxicology and Inter Relations
Keywords: Cadmium, liver, kidney, ovaries, mice
Abstract: Occupational and environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure can result in nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, skeletal damage and several types of cancers. The study determined the effect of oral administration of cadmium chloride in mice by examining the morphological changes in the liver, kidney and ovaries. Tissue concentrations of Cd were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Histologically, the kidneys of the treated group indicated the presence of cuboidal epithelial cells with disrupted epithelial cell lining. The liver of the treated groups indicated the presence of abnormal hepatocytes with undefined cell lining, enlarged nuclei and vacuolated hepatocytes. The ovaries of the treated groups showed degeneration of oocyte follicles and multi oocyte follicles were also encountered. The levels of cadmium in the liver and tissues were found to be significantly (p<0.05 & p<0.001) higher in the treated groups than control. Hence, acute exposure of cadmium chloride may be toxic and is associated with various patholgical conditions such as hepatic and renal dysfunction and cancers.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53999
Title: Differential volatile emission from sweet potato plant: mechanism of resistance in sweet potato for weevil Cylas formicarius (Fab.)
Author: Rajaskhara Rao Korada, S.K.Naskar, A.R.Prasad, A.L.Prasuna and K.N.Jyothi
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 11, 10 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Cylas formicarius, electroantennogram, genotypes, headspace volatiles, sweet potato
Abstract: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) plays a significant role as host plant, in the olfactory-directed behaviour of weevil Cylas formicarius (Fab). C. formicarius infestation pattern of sweet potato genotypes, viz.Goutam, Sourin, Gouri and CIP-6 showed that CIP-6 was the most susceptible. Electroantennogram studies with C. formicarius revealed that the electrophysiological response of female antenna to the volatile extracts of aerial plant parts and roots was higher than the male antenna. In olfactometer studies, the headspace volatiles of genotype CIP-6 attracted more number of female C. formicarius weevils than volatiles of Gouri, Goutam and Sourin. Variation in the preference of sweet potato genotypes to C. formicarius is attributed to differential emission of volatiles from the aerial parts and roots. This mechanism is helpful in the identification of resistant sweet potato genotypes to pests based on the volatiles they release, and the process of selection of such genotypes can be called ' volatile assisted selection ' .
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53998
Title: Light gaseous hydrocarbon anomalies in the near-surface soils of Sagar district, Vindhyan Basin, India
Author: M. Veena Prasanna, M.A.Rasheed, T. Madhavi, G. Kalpana, D.J. Patil and A.M.Dayal
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 11, 10 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Adsorbed hydrocarbons, geochemical prospecting, seepage, thermogenic origin
Abstract: Seepage of natural gas was reported from some bore wells located in a few agricultural fields in Piparia, Bhutoli and Rahatgarh areas, Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh, India. Geochemical prospecting survey has been carried out in Sagar District to study the seepage of natural gas associated with adsorbed soil gas anomalies in order to establish an upward migration of hydrocarbons from the subsurface reservior. In the present study, adsorbed light gaseous hydrocarbon analyses show the presence of moderate to low concentrations of methane (C1) 1 to 104 ppb, ethane (C2) 1 to 14 ppb, propane (C3) 1 to 10, i-butane (iC4) 1 to 9 ppb and n-butane (nC4) 1 to 8 ppb in the soil samples. The isotopic composition of methane ranges between -29.9% and -52.2% (PeeDee Belemnite), suggesting that these gases are of thermogenic origin. Adsorbed soil gas and carbon isotope studies show good regional evaluation of hydrocarbon potential.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53997
Title: Variations in low-latitude middle atmospheric thermal structure during the 15 January 2010 solar eclipse
Author: A. Taori, S. Sathishkumar and S. Gurubaran
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 11, 10 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Inversion layers, middle atmosphere, solar eclipse, thermal structure
Abstract: The altitude profiles of middle atmospheric temperatures are examined to study the effects of the solar eclipse on 15 January 2010 as it passed through the Indian longitudes. It was found that thermal structures exhibited strong inversion layers on the eclipse day, with large temperature deviations around 45, 50, 60, 75, 82 and 92 km altitudes compared to normal days. Fourier analysis revealed no significant changes in the gravity wave characteristics; however, the amplitudes of the observed waves were significantly higher (~two times) compared to the normal days.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53996
Title: Temporal changes to the abundance and community structure of migratory waterbirds in Santragachhi Lake, West Bengal, and their relationship with water hyacinth cover
Author: T.N.Khan
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 11, 10 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Community structure, habitat deterioration, migratory waterbirds, wetland attributes
Abstract: A study carried out during 1998-2009 showed that migratory waterbirds of Santragachhi wetland, in the vicnity of Kolkata, have declined by more than 55% over a 12-year period, and three important species have abandoned the wetland. These changes were associated with the reduction of the surface water area due to proliferation of water hyacinth. The waterbird abundance and community composition corresponded significantly with the water hyacinth cover of the wetland.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53995
Title: Entropy-based approach for estimation of natural recharge in Kodaganar River basin, Tamil Nadu, India
Author: N.C.Mondal and V.P.Singh
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 11, 10 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Entropy, natural recharge, rainfall, unconfined aquifers, water table
Abstract: An entropy-based approach has been developed for estimation of natural recharge in Kodaganar River basin, Tamil Nadu, southern India. Wells were located in a weathered aquifer which exhibits spatial variability in natural recharge. To determine the fractional amount of rainfall (called natural recharge), marginal entropy and transinformation of rainfall and depth to the water table at selected wells were calculated. Then a ratio of transinformation to marginal entropy of rainfall was used as a measure for assessing natural recharge. The mean natural recharge values at 28 wells distributed over the study area were computed. The average recharge rate was about 62.95 mm/yr or 14.48% of local average seasonal rainfall. The calculated annual input of rainfall to groundwater reserves was about 0.11 x 109 m3/yr.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53994
Title: Seismological constraints for the 1905 Kangra earthquake and associated hazard in northwest India
Author: H.N.Srivastava, Mithila Verma and B.K.Bansal
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 11, 10 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Hazards, Kangra earthquake, secondary meizoseismal area, seismological constraints
Abstract: The Kangra earthquake of 1905 occurred when seismological instrumentation with low-gain optical recording seismograph were sparsely located. However, attempts are being made in recent times not only to refine the epicentral data, but even to postulate new earthquakes to explain the secondary meizoseismal area near Dehradun. Careful re-examination and analysis of data reveal that the interpretation given is somewhat misleading as the data provided fit better with a large deeper aftershock of the Kangra earthquake which occurred within a few minutes of the main shock. The meizoseismal area near Dehradun was indeed a site-response effect similar to that during other earthquakes like the Bihar Nepal 1934, Bhuj 2001 and Mexico 1985. Causes for the generation of such meizoseismal areas about 100-500 km away from the epicentre are discussed. It has been highlighted that for earthquake hazard assessment and disaster management, the role of secondary meizoseismal areas should not be ignored.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53993
Title: Patent laws and research exemption imperatives-do scientists have enough freedom to operate?
Author: K. Suresh Kumar, Aruna and Shikha Tejswi
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 99, No 11, 10 December 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Bolar provision, freedom, patent laws, research exemption
Abstract: The genesis and evolution of patent regime could largely be attributed to the felt need of providing sustained stimulus to the human mind to pursue intellectual and creative endeavours. A researcher ' s freedom on carrying out research on a patented invention, however, has certain limitations according to the patent laws. Experiments which do not have any commercial intent are usually exempt from the ambit of patent infringement. However, some courts of law differ from the defendants on viewing what is purely experimental and what is not. On the contrary, experiments that have some commercial connotation would attract infringement action by the patentee. A few patent litigations involving research and development carried out on drug molecules have resulted in the birth of ' Bolar provision ' and its evolution. However, there are other court cases which have dwelled upon the nature of an experimental activity, the initial objectives of the invention, the purpose of preclinical studies carried out, and the likes. This article is an attempt to examine the current provisions concerning research exemption in the patent acts in Europe, India and the US, and a few critical court decisions on the subject matter, in order to gain some insights on the freedom of a researcher to conduct research and developmental studies on patented inventions.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None