Enter records

ID: 61240
Title: Studies on emission potentiality of nitrous oxide from wheat field under changed climate.
Author: G.Saha, S.Karmakar, B.Kar, R.Bhattacharya and G.Singh
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 768-774 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Emission potentiality, nitrous oxide, soil environment, wheat yield.
Abstract: Emission of nitrous oxide (N2O) from wheat field under various management practices was measured over two years. The experimental design consisted of two winter wheat (Triticum austivum L) varieties with three nutritional treatments and two dates of sowing. The results revealed that soil moisture and soil temperature at different depths are the key parameters influencing N2O emission. A positive increase of N20 flux was noticed with increasing soil moisture along with decreasing soil temperature at specific wheat phenophases. Maximum N2O was emitted at the flowering stage. Individual factors, viz. nutrient, date of sowing and variety, and an interactive combination of these factors significantly influenced N2O emission rates. It was also found that there was no significant association between wheat grain yield and seasonal N2O flux.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Smith, K.A., Ball, T., Conen, FG, Dobbie, K.E., Massheder, J.and Rey, A., Exchange of greenhouse gases between soil and atmosphere: interactions of soil physical factors and biological processes.Eur.J.Soil Sci., 2003, 54, 779-791. Ruser, R., Flessa, H., Russow, R., Buuegger, G.S.F. and Munch, J.C., Emission of N2O, N2 and CO2 from soil fertilized with nitrate: effect of compaction, soil moisture and rewetting. Soil Biol.Biochem, 2006, 38, 263-274.
Literature cited 2: Huang, Y., Zou, J., Zheng, X., Wang, Y., and Xu, X., Nitrous oxide emissions as influenced by amendment of plant residues with different C: N ratios. Soil Biol.Biochem, 2004, 36, 973-981. Chen, S., Huang, Y. and Zou, J., Relationship between nitrous oxide emission and winter wheat production.Biol.Fertil.Soils, 2008, 44, 985-989.

ID: 61239
Title: Influence of canopy architecture on stemflow in agroforestry trees in Western Himalayas.
Author: Akram Ahmed, J.M.S.Tomar, Harsh Mehta, N.M.Alam and O.P.Chaturvedi.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 759-764 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Canopy architecture, interception loss, rainfall, stemflow, throughfall.
Abstract: Rainfall event on a tree can be portioned into through fall, interception loss and stemflow. In this study, stemflow was measured for 39 rainfall events in 5-year-old plantations of 3 trees each, belonging to Morus alba and Grewia optiva in Dehradun, India. Diameter of selected Morus and Grewia trees varies from 7 to 9.3 and 8.12 t o10 cm respectively, where as height varies from 4 to 4.5 and 5.5 to 6.5 m respectively. The minimum and maximum rainfall events recorded during the study period were 1.01 and 121.70 mm per day respectively. When the rainfall magnitude was less than or equal to 50 mm and more than 50 mm, stemflow volume from Morus was approximately, compared to Grewia. Maximum stemflow volume recorded for Morus and Grewia was 48, 065 and 30, 633 ml with respect to rainfall magnitude of 109.58 and 121.70 mm respectively. The generation of higher stemflow volume in case of Morus is due to concave orientation of branches and leaves. Results showed that a significant amount of nutrients leached from Grewia and Morus through stemflow process.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Ahmedi, M.T., Attarod, P., Marvi, R.M.M., RTahmani, R.and FathiJ., Portioning rainfall into throughfall, stemfow, and interception loss in an oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forest during the growing season. Turk.J.Agric.For, 2009, 33, 557-568. Carlyle-Moses, D.E.and Price, A.G., Growing-season stemflow production within a deciduous forest of southern Ontario.Hydrol.Process, 2003, 20, 3651-3663.
Literature cited 2: Bryant, M.L., Bhat, S.and Jacobs, J.M., Measurements and modeling of throughfall variability for five forest communities in the southeastern U.S.J.Hydrol., 2005, 312, 95-108. Crockford, R.H.and Richardson, D.P., Partioning of rainfall into throughfall, stemflow and interception: effect of forest type, ground cover and climate.Hydrol.Process, 2000, 14, 2903-2920.

ID: 61238
Title: Tidal analysis and prediction for the Gangra location, Hooghly estuary in the Bay of Bengal.
Author: Linta Rose, Prasad K.Bhaskaran and Selvin P.Kani
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 745-758 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Estuary, numerical models, tide prediction and analysis, water-level elevation.
Abstract: The Hooghly estuary located in the head Bay of Bengal region is a part of the highly dynamic deltaic environment. Tidal variations are pre-dominant in this estuary, and tides propagate considerable distance through a complex network of various riverine systems, inlets, bays and creeks having vital implications on water mass exchange, reworking of deltaic sediments and the mixing process. The Hooghly River houses two major ports of national importance, viz. Kolkata Dock system and Haldia Dock Complex. Tidal forcing is primarily semi-diurnal in nature and with the presence of complex riverine morphology, the tidal characteristics are substantially modified causing various tidal constituents of compound tides. The present study performs location-specific tidal analysis and prediction utilizing one-hourly tide data with SLPR2 harmonic tidal analysis tool for Gangra situated upstream of the Hooghly River. In a geomorphologic perspective, the water-level elevation at Gangra results from natural tidal flow, as well as refracted effects from cross-flow due to presence of two natural island barriers, namely sagar Island situated southward off Gangra and Nayachara in the east. The Hooghly channel comprises of complex bathymetric features and tidal analysis at Gangra reveals the presence of Msf (luni-solar synodic fortnightly) tidal constituent. Very few locations in India have reported on the existence of the Msf tides, and Gangra is one among them. This study also performs a comprehensive validation between the computed monthly tidal prediction from SLPR2 and measured water level at Gangra. The skill level of prediction exhibits a good match. This study also investigates the influence of atmospheric effects on sea-level pressure variations and the resultant water-level elevation from extreme weather events such as depressions and severe cyclonic storms that occurred during 2013.The study signifies the importance of tidal analysis and prediction for operational needs.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Chen, J.L., Shum, C.K., Wilson, C.R., Chambers, D.P. and Tapley, B.D., Seasonal sea level change from TOPEX/Poseidon observation and thermal contribution.J.Geodesy, 2000, 73(2), 638-647. Douglas, B.C., Sea level change in the era of the recording tide gauge. In Sea Level Rise (eds Douglas, B.C., Kearney, M.S. and Leatherman, S.P.), International Geophysical Series, Academic Press, 2001, vol.75, pp.37-64.
Literature cited 2: Thain, R.H., Priestley, A.D. and Davidson, M.A., The formation of a tidal intrusion front at the mouth of a macrotidal, partially mixed estuary: a field study of the Dart estuary, UK.Estuarine Coastal shelf Sci., 2004, 61, 161-172. Verghese, B.G. and Iyer, R.R., Harnessing the Eastern Himalayan Rivers: Regional Cooperation in South Asia, Konark Publishers Pvt Ltd, Delhi, 1993.

ID: 61237
Title: Spatio-temporal dynamics of surface melting over Antarctica using OSCAT and QuikSCAT scatterometer data (2001-2014)
Author: Rajashree V.Bothale, P.V.N.Rao, C.B.S.Dutt, V.K.Dadhwal and Devesh Maurya.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 733-744 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Ice shelves, scatterometer data, spatio-temporal dynamics, snowmelt.
Abstract: In this article, spatio-temporal dynamics of snowmelt in Antarctica from2001 to 2014 using OSCAT and QuikSCAT scatterometer data is presented. Melting over Antarctic ice sheet can influence shelf dynamics and stability. Here, we have utilized the sensitivity of scatterometer data to detect the presence of liquid water in the snow caused due to melt conditions. After analysing decadal data, a spatial and temporal variation in the average backscatter coefficient was observed over the shelf areas. An adaptive threshold based classification using austral winter mean and standard deviation of HH polarization is used which takes into account the spatial and temporal variability in backscatter from snow/ice. Significant spatiotemporal variability in melt area, duration and melt index was observed. Around 9.5 % of the continent experienced melt over the study period. Larsen C and George VI shelves had maximum melt duration. The high correlation between melt duration obtained from satellite data and the positive degree day validates the efficacy of the melt algorithm used in the analysis and sensitivity of OSCAT data in detecting presence of water due to melt. There is seasonal and spatial variation in melt onset. Based on MI, 2004-05 was the warmest summer over the continent with 2011-12 being the coldest summer. Consistent and intensive melting was observed over Amery, Larsen C, George VI, Lazarev and Fimbul shelves. Melting of sporadic nature was observed over Ronne-Filchner, Ross and Riiser-Larsen shelves. The East Antarctic shelves experienced large melt during the study period. This article presents the suitability of OSCAT in melt identification and status of melt over the continent.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Wen, J.,WAang, Y., Wang, W., Jezek, K.C., Liu, H.and Allison, I., Basal melting and freezing under the Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica, J.Glaciol, 2010, 56, 195. Scambos, T. et al., Ice shelf disintegration by plate bending and hydro-fracture: satellite observations and model results of the 2008 Wilkins ice shelf break-ups. Earth Planet.Sci.Lett, 2009, 280, 51-60.
Literature cited 2: Trusel, L.D, Frey, K.E. and Das, S.B., Antarctic surface melting dynamics: enhanced perspective from radar scatterometer data.J.Geophys, 2012, 117, F02023; doi: 10.1029/2011JF002126. Kunz, L.B.and Long, D., Melt detection in Antarctic ice-shelves using scatterometers and microwave radiometers.IEEE Trans, Geosci.Remote Sensing, 2006, 44, 2461-2469

ID: 61236
Title: ARIES, Nainital: a strategically important location for climate change studies in the Central Gangetic Himalayan region.
Author: Ram Sagar, U.C.Dumka, Manish Naja, Narendra Singh and D.V.Phanikumar
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 703-715 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Aerosols, air pollution, climate change, trace gases, wind profiler.
Abstract: ARIES, acronym for Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, located in the Central Gangetic Himalayan (CGH) region is emerging as one of the unique sites for climate change studies. The long-term, in situ, precise measurements of aerosols and trace gases obtained from this region provide valuable inputs for climate studies. Atmospheric scientists from ARIES are actively involved in near-surface measurements for meteorology, aerosols and trace gases as well as vertical profiling. The Institute is also providing the observational infrastructure and research support to three major projects of the Indian Space Research Organization, Geosphere Biosphere Programme, which basically deals with the measurement of aerosols, trace gases and boundary-layer experiments. The upcoming stratosphere-troposphere radar and high-power micro-pulse lidar observational facilities will be utilized for the continuous vertical profiling of winds, aerosol and cloud properties at a very fine resolution in time and space. Apart from this, atmospheric scientists of ARIES also have active national and international research collaborations. The important results obtained from these research activities are highlighted and upcoming major observational facilities in the field of atmospheric sciences are discussed. They clearly demonstrate the importance of the unique geographical location of ARIES for climate change studies in the CGH region. These measurements and routine meteorological observations provide the necessary atmospheric corrections to the astrophysical observations taken using optical telescopes located at the site.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Ramachandran, R., An Institute reborn. Frontline, 2004, 21, 30-32. Sagar, R., Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences: reincarnation of a 50 year old State Observatory of Nainital.Bull.Astron.Soc.India, 2006, 34, 37-64.
Literature cited 2: Sagar, R., Naja, M., Maheswar, G.and Srivastava, A.K., Science at high-altitude sites of ARIES-astrophysics and atmospheric sciences.Proc.Indian Natl.Sci.Acad, 2014, 80 (4), 759-790; doi:10.16943/ptinsa/2014/v80i4/55165. Ganguly, D., Rasch, P.J., Wang, H.and Yoon, J.H., Climate response of the South Asian monsoon system to anthropogenic aerosols.J.Geophys.Res.,2012, 117, D13209; doi:10.1029/2012JD017598.

ID: 61235
Title: Karnataka State Women ' s University to be an energy-surplus campus by harnessing renewable energies.
Author: Lenin Babu Kamepalli
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 699-702 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Bio-diesel, photovoltaic plant, renewable energies, university campus.
Abstract: Assurance of quality energy is the most important input for development. Though India is the fifth largest producer of electricity globally, it remains a power-deficit state. It is poorly endowed with traditional fuel resources such as hydrocarbons, but blessed reasonably with renewable energy sources. Every step in harnessing them will make India self-sufficient. An attempt is made in this article to illustrate the initiatives of Karnataka State Women ' s University to reduce load on national grid.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Central Electricity Authority, Load Generation Balance Report 2014-15, Ministry of Power, Government of India, 2014. ADB, Asian Development Outlook: Economic trends and prospects in developing Asia, Routes for Asia ' s Trades, Asian Development Bank, 2006.
Literature cited 2: TERI Energy Data Directory & Yearbook, 2011-12. Chandel, M., Agrawal, G.D. and Mathur, A., Techno-economic analysis of solar parabolic trough type energy system for garment zone of Jaipur city.Renew.Sustain.Energy Rev., 2013, 17, 104-109.

ID: 61234
Title: The existential crisis in Indian Brachystelma (Apocynaceae).
Author: P.Venu, K.Prasad
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 680-682 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Existential crisis, Indian Brachystelma (Apocynaceae)
Abstract: We intend to express through this correspondence the concerns on the existence and very survival of members of Brachystelma (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae). The genus was described by Robert Brown in 1822 based on Meerburgh ' s Stapelia tuberose from the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. It shares commonalities with Ceropegia L. (erect/twining leafy herbs with terete stems) than with Frerea Dalzell (pendulous, succulent leafy herbs with terete stems) or Caralluma R.Br. (leafless herbs with fleshy four-angled stems) of the same tribe Ceropegieae.Brachystelma has distinctive features from others with slender stems (stout in Cerpegias, an stout and fleshy in Frerea), corollas being rotate (tubular in Ceropegias) and the lobes relatively narrow (compared to Ceropegias).The genus ranks second in the tribe Ceropegieae and is represented by about 160 species distributed chiefly in sub-Saharan Africa, India ,Sri Lanka, southeast Asia and northern Australia.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: The Plant List, version 1, published online, 2010; http://www.theplantlist.org/(accessed on 10 April 2013). Meve, U., In Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Asclepiadaceae (eds Albers, F. and Meve, U.), Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2002, pp.20-46.
Literature cited 2: Hooker, J.D. (ed), Flora of British India, vol4, L.Reeve & Co, London, 1883, pp.64-66. Gamble, J.S., In Flora of the Presidency of Madras, Vol.2, Adlard & Son, London, 1921, pp.850-852.

ID: 61233
Title: Clean development mechanism-an opportunity to mitigate carbon footprint from the energy sector of India
Author: K.Ranganathan and Manish Kumar Goyal
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 672-679 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: None
Abstract: Clean development mechanism (CDM) was included in the Kyoto protocol to support sustainable development in developing countries through technology transfer from developed countries along with the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. More than 1000 projects which were registered under CDM from India in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change have been reviewed. Through a CDM project, India as a developing country has enhanced the development of renewable energy projects with financial support through the sale of carbon credit. This note discusses the status and progress of CDM in India; the main finding is that CDM has significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the Indian energy sector.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Dagoumas, A.S., Papagiannis, G.K. and Dokopoulos, P.S., Energy Policy, 2006, 34 (1), 26-39. Bilis, R., Energy Sustain.Dev. 2006, 10 (4), 74-87.
Literature cited 2: Winkelman, A.G.and Moore, M.R., Energy Policy, 2011, 39 (3), 1132-1143. Schneider, M., Hendrichs, H.and Hoffmann, V.H., Energy Policy, 2010, 38 (1), 277-287.

ID: 61232
Title: Seismogenic active fault zone between 2005 Kashmir and 1905 Kangra earthquake meizoseismal regions and earthquake hazard in eastern Kashmir seismic gap.
Author: V.C.Thakur and R.Jayangondaperumal
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 610-617 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Active fault, earthquake hazard, seismic gap, slip deficit.
Abstract: The 2005 Kashmir earthquake of magnitude Mw 7.6 produced 75 km surface rupture showing 3-7 m vertical offset. The surfaces rupture nearly coinciding with the bedrock geology-defined Balakot-Bagh Fault (BBF) indicates reactivation of the adult. The BBF extends SE with right-step to the Reasi Thrust in Jammu region. Further extension of the Reasi Thrust has been mapped with different nomenclature to the 1905 Kangra earthquake meizoseismal region, suggesting linkage between the earthquake and the active fault. There is no historical record of a large magnitude Mw >7 event for the last ~1000 years in the eastern segment of the Kashmir seismic gap, may imply ~12 m slip deficit in the region.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Thakur, V.C., Active tectonics of the Himalaya.J.Geol.Soc.India, 2008, 66, 227-258. Kumahara, Y. and Nakata, T., Active faults in the epicentral area of the 2005 Pakistan earthquake. Hiroshima University Research Center for Regional Geography, Special Publication No.41.Hiroshima, 2006, p.54.
Literature cited 2: Keneda, H.et al., Surface rupture of the 2005 Kashmir, Pakistan, earthquake and its active tectonics.Bull.Seismol.Soc.Am., 2008, 98, 521-557. Sapkota, S.N., Bollinger, L.,Klinger, L., Tapponnier, P., Gudemer, Y.and Tewari, D.,Primary surface ruptures of the great Himalayan earthquakes in 1934 and 1255.Nature Geosci., 2013, 6, 71-76.

ID: 61231
Title: in vitro embryo production in buffalo: effects of culture system on pre-implantation development and gene expression pattern.
Author: Sadeesh E.M.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 603-607 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Buffalo, culture media, embryo, gene expression, in vitro production.
Abstract: Expression profile of developmentally important genes can be used to optimize the in vitro culture system to produce superior quality buffalo embryos. In nearly all the studies on in vitro embryo production of buffaloes, the presumptive zygotes are subjected to an in vitro culture system which involves use of TCM-199 or simple media like Charles rosenkrans and synthetic oviductal fluid with or without serum; however, these media do not fully mimic the in vivo conditions. The inhibitory or stimulatory effects of culture conditions on the expression of candidate genes involved in buffalo embryo development, quality and stress response will help identify the post-fertilization culture environment effects on in vitro development characteristics of embryo. Further, identification of genes whose expression profiles are frequently abnormal in in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryo derived from different culture systems will help provide markers for the diagnosis of IVF embryo viability prior to embryo transfer, and thus negate the time and money-consuming transfer of non-viable embryos to recipient animals. The studies reported here explore the possibility of establishing a suitable culture system which provides greater in vitro-development of embryos in buffalo.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Khurana, N.K. and Niemann, H., Effects of oocyte quality, oxygen tension, embryo density, cumulus cells and energy substrates on cleavage and morula/blastocyst formation of bovine embryos. Theriogenology, 2000, 54, 741-756. Takahashi, M., Keicho, K., Takahashi, H., Ogawa, H., Schultz, R.M.and Okano, A., Effect of oxidative stress on development and DNA damage in in vitro cultured bovine embryos by comet assay.Theriogenology, 2000, 54, 741-756.
Literature cited 2: Lonergan, P.,Rizos, D., Gutierrez-Adan, A., Moreira, P.M., Pintado, B.and Dela, F.J., Temporal divergence in the pattern of messenger RNA expression in bovine embryos cultured from the zygote to blastocyst stage in vitro or in vivo.Biol.Reprod., 2003, 69, 1424-1431. Viuff, D., Greve, T., Avery B., Hyttel, P., Brockhoff, P.B. and Thomsen, P., Chromosome aberrations in vitro produced bovine embryos at days 2-5 post-insemination.Biol.Reprod., 2000, 64, 1143-1148.

ID: 61230
Title: M-score: a context-specific score to assess scientific productivity with OEVGSI grading
Author: Madhu S.Nair.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 596-600 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Bibliometrics, mock h-index, M-score, scientometrics.
Abstract: In this communication, a new context-specific score, named M-score is being proposed. This score is able to complement the mock h-index (hm-index) and at the same time overcome some limitations of other popular indices such as h-index,g-index, etc. The proposed M-score is computed not only on the basis of an individual ' s performance in scientific productivity, but also on the basis of the performance of other individuals in the field. This means that the M-score of an individual is an indicator towards his/her research performance relative to others in the field. Finally, based on the M-score of an individual, his/her research contributions are graded using the OEVGSI (Outstanding, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Sufficient and Insufficient) grading system. The significance of context-specific M-score has been proved with the help of a sample dataset taken from Google Scholar.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Hirsch, J.E., An index to quantify an individual ' s scientific research output.Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA, 2005, 102 (46), 16569-16572. Prathap, G., Is there a place for a mock h- index.Scientometrics, 2006, 69 (1), 131-152.
Literature cited 2: Ramasesha, S.and Sen, D., Misuse of scientometry for individual assessment.Curr.Sci, 2011, 100 (4), 446. Egghe, L., Theory and practise of the g-index.Scientometrics, 2006, 69 (1), 131-152.

ID: 61229
Title: Ketan D.Rathod and Vasant Natarajan
Author: Kamaljit Ray, S.C. Bhan and B.K.Bandopadhyay.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 592-595 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Magnetometry, oscillatory fields, precession frequency, ytterbium atoms.
Abstract: We use the Ramsey separated oscillatory fields technique in a 400? C thermal beam of ytterbium (Yb) atoms to measure the Larmor precession frequency (and hence the magnetic field) with high precision. For the experiment, we use the strongly allowed 1S0?1P1transition at 399 nm, an choose the odd isotope 171Yb with nuclear spin I= ?, so that the ground state has only two magnetic sublevels mF = ? ?.With a magnetic field of 22.2 G and a separation of about 400 mm between the oscillatory fields, the central Ramsey fringe is at 16.64 kHz and has a width of 350 Hz. The technique can be readily adapted to a cold atomic beam, which is expected to give more than an order-of-magnitude improvement in precision. The signal-to-noise ratio is comparable to other techniques of magnometry; therefore it should be useful for all kinds of precision measurements such as searching for a permanent electric dipole moment in atoms.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Schuh, B., Kanorsky, S.I., Weis, A. and Hansch, T.W., Observation of Ramsey fringes in nonlinear Faraday rotation.Opt.Commun, 1993, 100, 451-455. Natarajan, V., Proposed search for an electric-dipole moment using laser-cooled 171Yb atoms.Eur.Phys.J.D, 2005, 32, 33-38.
Literature cited 2: Ramsey, N.F., A molecular beam resonance method with separated oscillating fields .Phys.Rev, 1950, 78, 695. Ravishankar, H., Chanu, S.R. and Natarajan, V., Chopped nonlinear magneto-optic rotation: a technique for precision measurements.Europhys.Lett, 2011, 94, 53002.

ID: 61228
Title: The catastrophe over Jammu and Kashmir in September 2014: a meteorological observational analysis.
Author: Kamaljit Ray, S.C. Bhan and B.K.Bandopadhyay.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 580-591 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Accumulated rainfall, low pressure area, observational analysis, rainstorm.
Abstract: An observational analysis of the catastrophic rain-storm during 4-6 September 2014 over Jammu and Kashmir (J & K) presented in this study shows that the event was unprecedented in terms of the 24, 48 and 72 h accumulated rainfall. The 24 h accumulated rainfall exceeded the previously determined one-day severe rainstorm limits of 20 cm for a number of stations on 5 and 6 September 2014.Weekly cumulative rainfall (4-10 September 2014) exceeded the average rainfall of the entire monsoon season (June-September) in 6 out 18 districts of the state. A number of stations recorded all-time highest 24, 48 and 72 h accumulated rainfall during the week. Analysis of short-duration intensity of rainfall shows that the heaviest rain-rate (35 mm/h) was recorded over Kawa (Udhampur district). The rain-rate remained less than 20 mm/h at other stations. As Kawa is on the windward side of the Pir Panjal Range, orography seems to have played a significant role. The analysis of synoptic conditions leading to unprecedented rainfall shows that the rains were caused by the interaction of the westward moving monsoon low pressure area cross central and northwest India and a east-ward moving deep trough in the mid-tropospheric westerlies. The additional low pressure areas that formed over Saurashtra and Kutch on 3 September 2014 and over head Bay of Bengal on 5 September 2014, ensured the vigour of the event was maintained through strong wind and moisture flux in J & K. NWP models could capture heavy rains over J&K only in day 1 forecast.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Gadgil, S., The Indian monsoon and its variability.Annu.Rev.Earth Planet.Sci, 2003, 31, 429-467. Pant G.B. and Kolli, R.K, Characteristics features of South Asian summer monsoon. In Climate of South Asia, John Wiley, 1997, p. 17.
Literature cited 2: Dhar, O.N. and Nandargi, S., On some characteristics of severe rainstorms of India.Theor.Appl.Climatol, 1995, 50, 205-212. Nandargi, S.S. and Dhar, O.N., Extreme rainstorm events over the Northwest Himalayas during 1875-2010.J.Hydrometeorol., 2012; doi: 10.1175/JHM-D-12-08.1, 1383-1388.

ID: 61227
Title: Ethnoentomological values of Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius)
Author: V.V.Vidhu and D.A.Evans
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 572-579 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, ethnoentomological values, medicated oils, Oecophylla smaragdina.
Abstract: Adult worker ants and brood of Oecophylla smaragdina are a delicacy in the food of tribal groups residing in the forests of Wayanadu and Kasaragod districts of Kerala, India. These tribes use the crushed body of worker ants to make a sauce which is sour. Adult worker ants possess high formic acid (FA) content in their abdominal poison gland reservoir. Oecophylla brood has no traces of FA, but possesses all the essential amino acids, especially tryptophan, leucine, threonine, methionine and lysine in high concentration. Brood also has high carbohydrate content and very low lipid content. Carbohydrate, protein and lipid exist in a ratio 5: 2.5:1 on wet weight basis. Brood is a rich source of retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin, which are present at several times higher concentration than that of the egg of domestic fowl. Among various minerals tested, Na, P, Ca and Mg were present in very high concentration. The tribes made medicated oil using hot extraction of crushed worker ants to treat inflammation of joints and skin infections. Whole-body aqueous extract of worker ants has been shown to have significant antioxidant and anti-arthritic properties. Abdominal gland secretion showed anti-microbial activity against six bacterial and two fungal strains. GC-MS analysis of abdominal glands (Dufour ' s gland and poison gland) revealed the presence of 39 chemical compounds.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Way, M.J. and Khoo, K.C., Role of ants in pest management.Annu.Rev.Entomol, 1992, 37, 479. Soumya Misra, S. and Rehman, H., Disposal of endosulfan begins. Down to Earth, 1-15 July 2012, p. 14.
Literature cited 2: Manjanaik, C. and Chakravarthy, A.K, Sustainable management practices for tea mosquito bug Helopeltis antonii on cashew. Karnataka J.Agric.Sci., 2013, 26, 54-57. De Foliart, G.R., The human use of insects as a food resource: a bibliographic account in progress; www.foodinsects.com (22 August 2008).

ID: 61226
Title: Andaman accretionary prism: a probable locale for different mineral deposit types.
Author: Saju Verghese, A.C.Dinesh, M.Karthikeyan, G.Drishya and N.M.Shareef
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2015
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 109 (3) 529-535 (2015)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Accretionary prism, fluid migration, hydrothermal conduits, mineral deposits.
Abstract: Crustal growth and stabilization in the Andaman accretionary prism (AAP) occur via accretion of allochthnous crust, fragments of oceanic plateaus, and dismembered juvenile arc and ophiolite sequences. Multiple sutures developed in the AAP, as evidenced from multibeam, magnetic and seismic studies, are envisaged as the first-order structures that determine its distinct metallogenic signature. Furthermore, development of Andaman Back Arc Spreading Centre (ABSC) is attributed to a change from compression to more transgression stress regime as the AAP evolves. This stress regime change generates the first-order conduits for episodes of extensive metalliferous fluid flow via the pathways created by significant lateral displacements along the terrane-bounding multiple sutures. Hence, like many other accretionary orogens, complex association between subduction of the Indian plate and associated accretion, deformation, crustal thickening and melting, metamorphism, burial and exhumation may result in a wide variety of magma types, metal source regions and hydrothermal conduits. In conclusion, the expected deposit types in the AAP are volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, sea-floor massive sulphide deposits, rare earth elements and yittrium deposits and podiform chormite deposits.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building.
Literature cited 1: Kerrich, R., Goldfarb, R.J. and Richards, j., Metallogenic provinces in an evolving geodynamic framework. In Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Volume (eds Hedenquist, J.W. et al.), Society of Economic Geologists, Colorado, USA, 2005, pp.1097-1136. Bierlein, F.P., Groves, D.I. and Cawood, P.A., Metallogeny of accretionary orogens, the connection between lithospheric processes and merta endowment. Ore Geol.Rev, 2009, 36, 282-292.
Literature cited 2: Goldfarb, R.J., Groves, D.I. and Gardoll, S., Orogenic gold and geologic time: a global synthesis. Ore Geol.Rev, 2001, 18, 1-75. Solomon, M. and Groves, D.I., The Geology and Origin of Australia ' s Mineral Deposits: Oxford Monographs in Geology and Geophysics, 24, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1994, p.1002.