ID: 62260
Title: Is gamma irradiation as a secondary sterilization procedure required for decellularized xenogenic tissue material?
Author: S. Guhathakurta, V.Balasubramanian, B.V.R.Tata and S.Ponraju.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (3) 337-344 (2016)
Subject: Is gamma irradiation as a secondary sterilization procedure required for decellularized xenogenic tissue material?
Keywords: Bovine pericardium, decellularized xenograft, gamma irradiation, thrombogenicity.
Abstract: Biological tissues for clinical use typically require gamma irradiation to achieve targeted sterility assurance level (SAL).Gamma radiation produces deleterious changes to physical and surface properties of tissues. In this study, we evaluate the requirement of gamma irradiation as a secondary sterilization procedure by comparing it with non-irradiated chemically treated xenograft tissues. Sixty four bovine pericardia (BP) were decellularized and subjected to nonconventional (glutaraldehyde free) cross-linking. Xenograft samples were screened for bacterial and fungal contaminations both at pre-and post-processing stages, after cross-linking and preservation. Microbial evaluations performed revealed that the xenografts were rendered ' microbe free ' by subjecting to a new multistage decellularization technique and cross-linking. Five of these cross-linked tissues were subjected to gamma irradiation as recommended by IAEC and were tested for surface and mechanical properties to understand the ultrastructure, surface and bulk properties. Surface tension and thrombogenicity parameters were also evaluated. Gamma-irradiated specimen showed reduced physical and mechanical properties of these xenogenic tissues significantly along with biological property. Validation an analysis led us to conclude that this microbe-free decellularization method and subsequent processing for xenogenic tissues is a viable alternative for clinical usage without the deleterious secondary sterilization using gamma irradiation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Roberto, S.B., Use of radiation in biomaterials science.Nucl.Inst.Meth.B, 2001, 191 (1-4), 752-757. Hafeez, Y.M.et al., Effect of freeze-drying and gamma irradiation on biomechanical properties of bovine pericardium. Cell Tissue Bank, 2005, 6, 85-89.
Literature cited 2: Lobo, G.A., Tissue banking in India: Gamma-irradiated allografts. Cell Tissue Bank, 2003, 4, 203-211. Sterilization of health care products-Radiation -Part 2: Establishing the sterilization dose, ISO 11137-2:2013.


ID: 62259
Title: Conversion of biomass-generated syngas into next-generation liquid transport fuels through microbial intervention: potential and current status
Author: Dipti Verma, Ashish Singla, Banwari Lal and Priyangshu M.Sarma
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (3) 329-336 (2016)
Subject: Conversion of biomass-generated syngas into next-generation liquid transport fuels through microbial intervention
Keywords: Biomass, microbial interventions, synthesis gas, transport fuels.
Abstract: The production of biofuels from synthesis gas that utilizes a wide variety of biomass is an emerging concept, particularly with the focus on biomass-based economy. Biomass is converted to synthesis gas via gasification, which involves partial oxidation of the biomass at high temperature. This route of ethanol or liquid biofuel production has the advantage of utilizing the entire biomass, including the lignin content. Though the technology is yet to be established, there is a major breakthrough in understanding the microbial route of synthesis gas conversion. Acetogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium aceticum, Acetobacteriaum woodii, Clostridium carboxidivoransan Clostridium autoethanogenum have already been reported to play a role in the conversion of synthesis gas to ethanol and acetic acid. Poor mass transfer properties of the gaseous substrates and low ethanol yield from these biocatalysts are the major challenges, preventing the commercialization of synthesis gas fermentation technology. This article reviews the existing literature on biomass-derived synthesis gas fermentation and its bioconversion into next-generation liquid transport fuels. However, advantages of microbial process over conventional methods and the role of different microorganisms and pathways used have also been described. The article also outlines the challenges and future research directions regarding up scaling and commercialization of synthesis gas fermentation technology.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Singh, A., Pant, D. and Oslen, S.I., Key issues to consider in microalgae based biodiesel production. Energy Edu.Sci.Technol.Part A, 2012, 29, 563-576. Joshua, D.M., The use of syngas derived biomass and waste products to produce ethanol and hydrogen. Basic Biotechnol.ejournal, 2007.
Literature cited 2: Nguyen, T.L.T., Gheewala, S.H.and Garivait, S., Energy balance and GHG abatement cost of cassava utilization for fuel ethanol in Thailand. Energy Policy, 2007, 35, 4585-4596. Schubert, C., Can biofuels finally take center stage? Nat.Biotechnol., 2007, 24, 777-784.


ID: 62258
Title: Role of soil physical properties in soil health management and crop productivity in rainfed systems-II. Management technologies and crop productivity.
Author: A.K. Indoria, K.L.Sharma, K.Sammi Reddy and Ch.Srinivasa Rao.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (3) 320-328 (2016)
Subject: Role of soil physical properties in soil health management and crop productivity
Keywords: Crop productivity, management technologies, rainfed agriculture, soil physical properties.
Abstract: In this article we review how different management technologies like integrated nutrient management, tillage practices, mulching, addition of clay, surface compaction, conservation tillage, use of polymers, etc. can favourably modify the soil physical properties like bulk density, porosity, aeration, soil moisture, soil aggregation, water retention and transmission properties, an soil processes like evaporation, infiltration, run-off and soil loss for better crop growth and yield. We suggest that if appropriate soil management technologies are adopted in rainfed areas for improvement of soil physical health, the productivity of rainfed crops can be significantly improved.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Misra, A.N., Seedling emergence and growth under crust.J.Environ.Biol. 1995, 16, 113-117. Phogat, V.K.and Dahiya, S.S.Alleviating soil physical constraints for sustainable crop production through tillage, soil amendment and crop residue management. In 12th International Soil Conservation Organisation Conference, Beijing, 2002.
Literature cited 2: Oswal, M.C., Characterizing physical environment of rainfed lands and their management for sustainable production.J.Agric.Phys, 2001, 1, 71-75. Painuli, D.K. and Yadav, R.P., Tillage requirements of Indian soils. In 50 Years of Natural Resource Management Research (eds Singh, G.B. and Sharma, B.R.), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, 1988, pp.245-262.


ID: 62257
Title: Agricultural biotechnology and crop productivity: macro-level evidences on contribution of Bt cotton in India.
Author: Shivendra Kumar Srivastava and Deepthi Kolady
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (3) 311-319 (2016)
Subject: Agricultural biotechnology and crop productivity
Keywords: Agricultural biotechnology, Bt cotton, genetic modification, macro-level productivity.
Abstract: While farm-level empirical studies demonstrate the contribution of Bt technology in increasing crop productivity, there are still questions about its contribution to long-term growth in productivity at the macro-level. Our study examines major technological and seed policy breakthroughs relevant for the cotton crop, and reviews their impact on overall performance of the cotton sector an agricultural biotechnology industry in India. Using state-level panel data on cotton production from all the major cotton-producing zones, we provide empirical evidences on structural change in the cotton yield since the introduction of Bt technology and its impact on long-term growth in productivity at the national level.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: James, C., Global status of commercialized biotech/GM crops: 2013.ISAAA (International Service for Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications) Brief No.46, Ithaca, New York, 2013. Pray, C., Ma, D., Huang, J. and Qiao, F, Impact of Bt cotton in China.WorldDev. 2001, 29 (5), 813-825.
Literature cited 2: Qaim, M., The economics of genetically modified crops. Annu. Rev. Resour. Econ., 2009, 1, 665-693. Subramanian, A. and Qaim, M., The impact of Bt cotton on poor households in rural India. J. Dev. Stud., 2010, 46 (2), 295-311.


ID: 62256
Title: Application of DInSAR technique for post-earthquake land deformation mapping of Eastern Nepal.
Author: Shweta Sharma, Y.S.Rao, Ajai, A.K.Mathur.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (3) 302-304 (2016)
Subject: Application of DInSAR technique for post-earthquake land deformation mapping of Eastern Nepal.
Keywords: Application, DInSAR, technique, post-earthquake land, deformation, mapping, Eastern Nepal.
Abstract: The 25 April 2015 earthquake (also known as Gorkha earthquake) occurred at 11: 56 NST, with a magnitude of 7.8 in Gorkha district in Nepal with hypocentre at a depth of approximately 15 km. The earthquake was followed by continued after shocks with second major earthquake of magnitude 7.3 in Nepal on 12 May 2015 at 12:50 pm. The epicentre of the first earthquake was at 28.147?N an 84.708?E.The epicentre of the second one was near the Chinese border between Kathmandu and Mt. Everest at the location 27.837?N and 86.077?E and on the border of Dolakha and Sindhupal chowk districts of Nepal.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Mitra, S., Paul, H., Ajay Kumar, Singh, S.K., Dey, S. and Powali, D., Curr. Sci., 2015, 108 (10), 1938-1943. Gabriel, A.K., Goldstein, R.M. and Zebker, H.A., J.Geophys.Res. 1989, 94 (B7), 9183-9191.
Literature cited 2: Hanssen, R.F., Data Interpretation and Error Analysis, Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, 2001. https://sentinel.esa.int/web/sentinel/user-guides/sentinel-1-sar (last accessed on 21 May 2015).


ID: 62255
Title: In situ occurrence of Vertebraria roots in the Raniganj formation of Singrauli Coalfield and its palaeocological significance.
Author: Kamal Jeet Singh, Anju Saxena, Shreerup Goswami.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (3) 299-301 (2016)
Subject: In situ occurrence of Vertebraria roots in the Raniganj formation of Singrauli Coalfield and its palaeocological significance.
Keywords: In situ, Occurrence of Vertebraria roots, Raniganj, Formation, Singrauli Coalfield, Palaeocological, Significance
Abstract: The present study records exceptionally well preserved in situ Vertebraria Royle axes (rooting structure of glossopterid plants) and the horizontally preserved Glossopteris leaves from the Raniganj Formation of Singrauli Coalfield (M.P.), Son-Mahanadi Basin. The form genus Vertebraria has wide distribution from lowest Permian Talchir Formation in all the peninsular Gondwana basins of India. It is characterized as an elongate, branched or unbranched axis with two or more longitudinal series of rectangular areas.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Schopf, J.M., Am.Geophys.Union Antarct.Res.Ser., 1965, 6, 217-228. Schopf, J.M., AmJ.Sci. 1975, 271, 522-543.
Literature cited 2: Schopf, J.M., Am.Geophys.Union Antarct.Res.Ser., 1982, 36, 37-62. Gould, R.E., In Gondwana Geology (ed.Campbell, K.S.W), Australian National University Press, Canberra, 1975, pp.109-115.


ID: 62254
Title: Modern pollen rain in Kedarnath: implications for past vegetation and climate.
Author: Ratan kar, Ruchika Bajpai, Kriti Mishra
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (3) 296-298 (2016)
Subject: Modern pollen rain in Kedarnath
Keywords: Modern Pollen Rain, Kedarnath, Implications, Past Vegetation, Climate
Abstract: Palynology, the study of pollen and spores, is widely recognized as an indispensable tool for climatic reconstructions; especially for the Quaternary Period (~2.6million years).This is so because pollen and spores recovered from sediments deposited during this period can be easily related to different living plant groups, and therefore reflect the environmental and climatic conditions prevalent then. Moreover, pollen-spores are produced in abundance, and due to their minute size and chemically resistant nature, are readily preserved in the sedimentary records. Even a small amount of sediment can yield a wide variety of pollen-spores and can provide an optimal representation of vegetation growing in a particular region during a particular point of time.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Ranhotra, P.S. and Kar, R., Curr.Sci, 2011, 100, 641-647. Bradley, R.S., Quaternary Palaeoclimatology: Methods of Palaeocliamte Reconstruction, George Allen and Unwin Publishers Ltd, London, 1985, p.291.
Literature cited 2: Wright Jr, H.E., Rev Palaeobot.Palynol., 1967, 2, 321-330. Birks, H.J.B. and Birks, H.H., Quaternary Palaeoecol. 1980, 28.


ID: 62253
Title: Algal Biotechnology and Environment.
Author: Dinabandhu Sahoo and B.D.Kaushik Reviewed by G.A.Ravishankar.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (2) 261-262 (2016)
Subject: Algal Biotechnology and Environment.
Keywords: Algal Biotechnology, Environment
Abstract: Algal biotechnology for food, feed, speciality chemicals, fuels and wastewater treatment, and ecological considerations is receiving attention worldwide. There has been a great deal of research in India on basic and applied algology encompassing algal taxonomy, habitat colonizational studies, biotechnological and environmental applications. This has been possible with the support to academics and also S &T activities by various universities, governmental institutions and industrial houses. This book provides a blend of assorted studies in the above-mentioned areas of R &D carried out mainly in India in recent times.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None


ID: 62252
Title: Effect of nectar reabosorption on plant nectar investment in Cerasus cerasoides
Author: Kun Dong, Yan Dong, Rui Su, Jingli Zhang, Zhuo Qing, Xiaochen Yang, Xiaoxiao Ren, Yingbin Ma and Shaoyu He.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (2) 251-256 (2016)
Subject: Effect of nectar reabosorption on plant nectar investment in Cerasus cerasoides
Keywords: Cerasus cerasoides, floral morphology, flowering progress, nectar reabsorption
Abstract: Flowering progress, floral morphology and nectar characteristics of Cerasoides were investigated from November 2011 to January 2012 in Kunming, Yunnan, China. We found that nectar removal had a positive effect on nectar production. The phenomenon of nectar reabsorption in C.cerasoides occurred at the end of the floral lifespan, on the tenth day after anthesis when allowing for nectar accumulation. A flower reabsorbs nectar when it has not been foraged, with the reabsorbed sugar content accounting for about 34 % of the maximum sugar content. Therefore, nectar reabsorption can only reclaim a part of the energy allocated for nectar production.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Schaefer, H.M., Schaefer, V. and Douglas, J.L., How plant-animal interactions signal new insights in communication. Trends Ecol. Evol., 2004, 19, 577-584. Chen, G., Zhang, R.R, Dong, K., Gong., W.C. and Ma, Y.P., Scented nectar of Mucuna sempervirens and its ecological function. Biodivers. Sci., 2012, 20, 360-367 (in Chinese)
Literature cited 2: Adler, L.S., The ecological significance of toxic nectar. Oikos, 2000, 91, 409-420. Stpixzynska, M., Nepi, M.and Zych, M., Secretion and composition of nectar and the structure of perigonal nectarines in Fritilaria meleagris L. (Liliaceae).Plant Syst. Evol., 2012, 298, 997-1013.


ID: 62251
Title: An efficient method for digital imaging of ancient stone inscriptions.
Author: G.Bhuvaneswari and V.Subbiah Bharathi
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (2) 245-250 (2016)
Subject: An efficient method for digital imaging of ancient stone inscriptions.
Keywords: Ancient stone inscriptions, image processing, shadow photometric stereo method, thinning algorithm.
Abstract: Ancient stone inscription is one of the most important primary sources to know about our ancient world such as age, art, politics, religion, medicine, etc. Image acquisition is the first stage foe digitizing and preserving the stone inscriptions for further reference. The traditional method of wet paper squeezes is still being used, that will be digitized and preserved for recognition. In this communication, we propose a new image acquisition method called shadow photometric stereo method for upgrading the image for recognition. The efficiency of the proposed acquisition method has been proved in image thinning process. Improving the thinning quality of the characters facilities better feature extraction for character recognition. An experiment has been performed on two stone inscriptions that were in different places, i.e. outside the laboratory. Analyses were performed in terms of performance measures such as hamming distance and peak signal-to-noise ratio. Comparisons with the best available results are given to illustrate the best possible technique that can be used as powerful image acquisition method.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu; http://www.tnarch.gov.in/epi.htm. Mara, H., Hering, J.and Kromker, S., GPU based optical character transcription for ancient inscription recognition. In Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multi-media, Vienna, Austria, 2009, pp.154-159; doi:101109/VSMM.2009.29.
Literature cited 2: Digital photography tutorials; http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm Rajakumar, S.and Subbiah Bharathi, V., 7th Century ancient Tamil character recognition from temple wall inscriptions. Indian J. Comput. Sci. Eng, 2012, 3 (5), 673-677.


ID: 62250
Title: Soil information system: web-based solution for agricultural land-use planning.
Author: Tapas Bhattacharyya, S.P.Wani, P.Chandran, P.Tiwary, D.K. Pal, K.L. Sahrawat and M.Velayutham.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (2) 241-244 (2016)
Subject: Soil information system: web-based solution for agricultural land-use planning.
Keywords: Agriculture, information technology, land-use planning, soils.
Abstract: The soil-forming factors, especially climate, vegetation and topography, act on a range of rock formations and parent materials leading to the development of different kinds of soils. Through concerted efforts, soil datasets generated earlier are used to develop maps and soil information systems at different scales. Progress in basic and fundamental research on the formation of Indian soils as related to climate, relief, organisms, parent materials and time has helped in developing the soil information system.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Bhattacharyya, T., Pedology: the grammar of soil science, the 32nd Prof. J.N. Mukherjee-ISSS Foundation Lecture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, 2014. Chandran, P. et al., Development of SOTER database for major food growing regions of India for resource planning.Curr.Sci, 2014, 107 (9), 1420-1430.
Literature cited 2: Bhattacharyya, T., Sarkar, D., Sehgal, J.L., Velayutham, M., Gajbhiye, K.S., Nagar, A.P. and Nimkhedkar, S.S., Soil taxonomic database of India and the States (1: 250, 000 scale), NBSSLUP Publ. 143, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur, 2009, p.266. Bhattacharyya, T. et al., Soils of India: their historical perspective, classification and recent advances in knowledge: a review.Curr.Sci., 2013, 104, 1308-1323.


ID: 62249
Title: Reprdocuctive biology of Elaeocarpus blascoi Weibel, an endemic and endangered tree species and Palni Hills, Western Ghats, India.
Author: R.Ramasubbu and D.Felix Irudhyaraj
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (2) 234-240 (2016)
Subject: Reprdocuctive biology of Elaeocarpus blascoi Weibel,
Keywords: Elaeocarpus blascoi, endemic species, reproductive biology, shola forest.
Abstract: Elaeocarpus bascoi Weibel is a lesser known enedemic tree species growing in the Vattakanal shola forest of Palni Hills, Western Ghats, India. A study on reproductive biology of the species was conducted in the natural habitat to study its phenology, floral biology, pollen biology, fruit set and seed germination. Flowers are bisexual, anther dehisces 2-3 hours after anthesis and stigma becomes receptive on the day of anthesis and extends up to 6 days. Breeding experiments confirmed that the species permits autogamy and geitonogamy. Six different pollinators were observed during peak flowering period and Apis dorsata (honey bee) was found to be an effective pollinator and it takes 55 ? 15 sec flower. Percentage of fruit set observed in the natural habitat was 78 and seed germination rate was found to be less than 5 in the natural habitat. Tests showed that more than 70 % of seeds lost their viability after a year and most of the seeds were infested with Fusarium sp., Lasiodiplodia sp. and Penicillium sp. further, the natural habitat of the species is altered by commercial plantations, tourism and urbanization in the Palni Hills, which leads to their reduction.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Khan, M.L., Bhuyan, P and Tirupathi, R.S., Regeneration of Rudraksh (Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb) - a threatened tree species: germination strategies.Int.J.Ecol.Environ.Sci. 2003, 29, 255-260. Irudhyaraj, D.F.and Ramasubbu, R., Elaeocarpus aristatus (Elaeocarpaceae): new from southern India.Tabrobanica, 2015, 7 (2), 103-104.
Literature cited 2: Murthi, S.K., Elaeocarpaceae.In Flora of India (eds Sharma, BD.and Sanjappa, M.), Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta, 1993, vol.3, p.529. Bhuyan, P., Khan, M.L. and Tripathi, R.S., Regeneration status and population structure of Rudraksh (Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb) in relation to cultural disturbances in tropical wet evergreen forest of Arunachal Pradesh.Curr.Sci, 2002, 83, 1391-1394.


ID: 62248
Title: Variation in phytotoxic activity of Tinospora tubercuata extracts as influenced by solvent type and chemical profile.
Author: Farzad Aslani, Abdul Shukor Juraimi, Muhammad Saiful Ahmad-Hamdani, Farahnaz Sadat Golestan Hashemi, Md Amirul Alam, Dzolkhifli Omar, Md.Kamal Uddin and Md.Abdul Hakim.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (2) 228-234 (2016)
Subject: Variation in phytotoxic activity of Tinospora tubercuata extracts as influenced by solvent type and chemical profile.
Keywords: Allelopathy, cluster analysis, phytotoxic components, Tinospora tuberculata.
Abstract: A study was conducted t o evaluate the role of secondary metabolites on the allelopathic activity of methanol and water extracts obtained from aerial parts of Tinospora tuberculata on seed germination and the radical and hypocotyls lengths of barnyardgrass. The higher suppressive effects were observed on germination and seedling growth of barnyardgrass, when the methanol extracts of Tinospora tuberculata stem or leaf were applied in comparison to the water extracts. Ultra-fast liquid chromatography analysis confirmed that methanol extracts and leaf extracts contained higher number an amount of chemical compounds than did those of the water extracts and stem extracts respectively. Moreover, the concentrations of 11 identified compounds of the extracts and an equimolar mixture of the chemicals required for 50 % growth inhibition on barnyardgrass germination, radical and hypocotyle were determined. Trans-cinnamic acid and benzoic acid had the highest allelopathic activity, while chlorogenic acid an orientin had the lowest on the basis of the rank values. Benzoic acid was found in the highest concentration in the methanol leaf extract, while this compound was orientin for stem extracts. These results suggest that these compounds may be involved in the allelopathy activity of Tinospora tuberculata depending on their number, concentration, combination and inhibitory activity. Tinospora tuberculata could be a potential source of natural inhibitor compounds employable for eco-friendly agriculture.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Zeng, R.S., Allelopathy-the solution is indirect.J.Chem.Ecol. 2014, 40, 515-516. Del Fabbro, C., Gusewell, S.and Prati, D., Allelopathic effects of three plant invaders on germination of native species: a field study.Biol.Invas, 2014, 16, 1035-1042.
Literature cited 2: Chauh, T.S., Norhfizah, M.Z. and Ismail, S., Phytotoxic effects of the extracts and compounds isolated from Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) on Chinese Sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis) germination and seedling growth in aerobic rice systems. Weed Sci., 2014, 62, 457-467. Nebo, L.et al., Phytotoxicity of alkaloids, coumarins and flavonoids isolated from 11 species belonging to the Rutaceae and Meliaceae families.Phytochem.Lett. 2014, 8, 226-232.


ID: 62247
Title: Remote sensing and GIS-based suitability modeling of medicinal plant (Taxus baccata Linn.) in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Author: Gibji Nimasow, Oyi Dai Nimasow, Jawan Singh Rawat, Gendan Tsering and Takom Litin.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (2) 219-227 (2016)
Subject: Remote sensing and GIS-based suitability modeling of medicinal plant (Taxus baccata Linn.) in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, suitability modeling, taxol, Taxus baccata.
Abstract: Taxus baccata is a valuable plant for taxol extraction used in preparation of anti-cancer drugs, Kaposi ' s sarcoma and over 20 such other indications. It is a slow-growing evergreen tree found in the altitudinal range 1500-3000 m. Around 2-3 million kg of biomass is harvested annually, whereas the sustainable rate of harvesting is estimated to be 0.6 million kg.year. Linear transect recorded 118 Taxus plants, out of which 99 were live and 19 were dead. The importance value index was calculated for Taxus baccata and five associated pants. Tsuga martensiana recorded the highest with 78.32 and Taxus baccata lowest with 34.22 out of 300.The MaxEnt and SMCE models were used for suitability modeling of Taxus. The occurrence points and environmental layers-current global climate, altitude, slope and aspect were used for the MaxEnt. The results show 5.31 % of the area under highly suitable and 80.14 % not suitable. For SMCE, the digital elevation model from USGS website, LISS 3, IRS-P6 (Resourcesat), row/path 110/052 (25 November 2011), the annual average rainfall, temperature and humidity were used. The results show 61.66 % of the area under highly suitable and suitable and only 2.8 % under not suitable category. The MaxEnt results are specific and target-oriented, whereas the SMCE results appear more generalized. The region is potential area for occurrence of Taxus baccata in natural stand as well as suitable area for regeneration.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Phillips, L.D., Dwyer, D.B. and Dabur Research foundation, Sustainable harvesting of Himalayan yews. In Medicinal plant Trade in Europe: Conservation and Supply, Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Conservation and Supply, Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Trade in Europe, 22-23 June 1998, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom, TRAFFIC Europe, WWF-Belgium. Brussels, Belgium, 1999, pp.147-154. Saqib, Z., Malik, R.N. and Husain, S.Z., Modeling potential distribution of Taxus wallichiana in Palas Valley, Pakistan.Pak.J.Bot. 2006, 38 (3), 539-542.
Literature cited 2: Shukla, G.P., Rao K.and Haridasan, K., Taxus baccata in Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal For. News, 1994, 12 (1), 1-7. Beniwal, B.S. and Haridasan, K., Natural distribution and status of regeneration of gymnosperms in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian For., 1992, 118, 96-101.


ID: 62246
Title: Long-term performance assessment of nuclear waste and natural glasses in the geological repository: a geochemical modeling.
Author: Nishi Rani, J.P. Shrivastava and R.K.Bajpai
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (2) 214-219 (2016)
Subject: Long-term performance assessment of nuclear waste and natural glasses in the geological repository: a geochemical modeling.
Keywords: Geochemical modeling, geological repository, natural glass, nuclear waste.
Abstract: Nuclear waste loaded and natural (analogue) glasses were studied to understand neo-formed mineral species, formed in equilibrium with the physico-chemical conditions existing in the geological repository. To predict alteration-phases, dissolution equations for average vitrification system (AVS), barium borosiicate (BBS) and obsidian glasses were calculated, considering glass composition, pressure, temperature and pH conditions. Progress of reaction plotted against saturation index indicates saturation with solid phases-chamosite, chalcedony and Ca-beidellite in obsidian; greenalite and fayalite in AVS; and coffinite in BBS glass. Activities and molalities of aqueous species together with the number of moles of each mineral species produced and degenerated during the progress of the reaction (as a function of time) are discussed here.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Srinivasan, M. and Dingankar, M.V., Long-lived fission reactor waste problem: fact or fiction? Waste Manage, 1992, 12, 313-322. Dingankar, M.V., Kalyanasundaram, V.and Srinivasan, M.A., Reassessment of long-lived actinide waste hazard potential from Th-223U-fueled reactors. Waste Manage, 1992, 12, 359-372.
Literature cited 2: Hench, L.L., Clark, D.E., and Campbell, J., High level waste immobilization forms nuclear and chemical. Waste Manage, 1984, 5,149-173. Shrivastava, J.P., Bajpai, R.K. and Rani, N., A review on corrosion mechanism in borosilicate nuclear waste glass for long-term performances assessments in geological repository.J.Geol.Soc.India, 2008, 72, 238-244.