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CONTENTS YEAR 2009
Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 23, No. 3, 2009; 369-376
Tribal to Global: Can Humankind Make the Transition in Time? John Cairns, Jr. Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA Abstract : Earth is changing rapidly to a hostile, alien planet. Humankind is using natural resources over 30% faster than Earth can regenerate them, and 215,000 more individuals are added to the global population every day. Species are being driven to extinction at a rate unprecedented in human history, and, yet, no real sense of urgency has emerged. Plans are made to take remedial measures by 2025 or 2050 or some other future date, as if no climate, food, energy, or population crises exist. Still, the outdated mind set and inappropriate use of resources continue. Sequestered carbon in fossil fuel safely underground is brought to the surface and burned, increasing global greenhouse gas emissions. These activities are suicidal and are not the path to achieving a global system favorable to human occupancy for many generations. Key words : Carrying capacity, Ecolate perspective, Global food shortage, Exponential population growth, Assimilative capacity, Civilization collapse.
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John Cairns, Jr. Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA Abstract : The spelling of the words “eco-logy” and “eco-nomics” in the title is intended to emphasize that both words originated from the Greek word oikos, which means household, house, or family. Despite their common origin, never have two disciplines diverged so dramatically. Economic growth, aided by economic globalization, has markedly diminished natural capital, from which all other forms of capital are derived. Economic growth (without protecting the biospheric life support system) seems to be the primary goal of human society. In reality, the human economy is a subset of the biospheric life support system, which regenerates the resources that are the raw materials of the economic system. Yet political leaders continually state that the biospheric life support system cannot be protected if the possibility of doing so would adversely affect economic growth. However, growth of material goods and population cannot continue indefinitely without severe consequences. At present, many ecologists delay discussing biotic impoverishments with economists, fearing that such candor will “turn them off.” The contextual framework of economists and ecologists is far from congruent, although the survival of human society, and even of the human species, depends on it. Key words : Economic growth, Biotic impoverishment, Natural capital, Life support system, Carrying capacity, Limits to growth.
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Determination of Radon and Radium Content of Drinking Water Supplies of Kelardasht-Kalenov Region in Iran Alireza Binesh1, Ali Asghar Mowlavi2*, Amrolah Shahbahrami3 and Reza Izadi Najafabadi4 1 Physics Department, Payam Nour University of Fariman, Fariman, Iran. 2 Physics Department, Tarbiat Moallem University of Sabzevar, PO Box 397, Sabzevar, Iran. 3 Physics Department, Islamic Azad University of Chalus, Chalus, Iran. 4 Physics Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Abstract : The 222Rn radioisotope with 3.8 days decay half-life is produced from 238U natural series and the 220Rn radioisotope with 55 sec decay half-life from 232Th natural series. Radon can enter to the body via respiring, drinking and eating. Alpha and other radiation which are emitted by radon and its daughters increase the absorbed dose in respiratory and digestion systems. Nearly 50% of annually radiation dose absorption of human is due to radon which is one of the main cancers cause at respiratory and digestion systems. In this work, radon and radium concentration in the 8 springs, flume and rivers water sources of Kelardasht-Kalenov region have been measured with PRASSI system. Kelardasht is a city in the north of Iran between the Elburz Mountains and the Caspian Sea. The results show 6 samples have radon concentration gather than 10 Bq/l, also 2 samples have high radium concentration. So, for improvement of the social health level, it would be better to use the low radon level water supplies, and reduce the radon in the drinkable water before using by people. Key words : Radon concentration in water; Radium concentration in water; PRASSI system; Kelardasht-Kalenov region
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Jai Singh, R.K.Tripathi and P. K. Singh Department of Mathematics, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002 (U.P.); India Abstract : An analysis is carried out to study the flow and heat transfer characteristics in an electrically conducting fluid near a vertical stretching surface in porous media with constant suction and variable permeability. An approximate numerical solution for the flow problem has been obtained by solving the governing equation by using numerical technique. The velocity, temperature and concentration distribution with the different values of chemical reaction parameters and different values of permeability parameter have also been obtained. An analysis of the results obtained shows that the flow field is influenced appreciably by the chemical reaction and variable permeability. Key words : Chemical reaction, Constant suction, Viscous incompressible fluid, Porous medium.
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Konstantin Lazarev Department of Medical Biology, Tatiana Sataieva, Buttoo Yogeshwaree, Georgiyevski Memorial Crimean State Medical University, Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine. Abstract : When identifying effects of the ethyl alcohol and “Enoant”on the tissues of a single kidney,(left after a one-sided nephrectomy), it was found that introduction of an agent such as ethyl alcohol interferes with the enzyme activity associated with internal respiration, both acute and chronic alcohol intoxication. The administration of Enoant to the experimental animals accelerated the speed and level of the compensatory hypertrophy of the kidney during the time of experiment. Key words : Kidney, Nephrectomy, Compensative processes, 40% Ethyl Alcohol, “Enoant”.
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Designing the Fuel and C.I. Engine: Fundamental Considerations Rajesh Kumar Pandey*1, A. Rehman1, R.M. Sarviya1, Savita Dixit2 ¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, M.A.N.I.T., Bhopal (M.P.); India. 2 Department of Applied Chemistry Engineering, M.A.N.I.T., Bhopal (M.P.); India. Abstract : The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. However, Emissions of nitrogen dioxides are either slightly reduced or slightly increased depending on the duty cycle and testing methods. The use of biodiesel decreases the solid carbon fraction of particulate matter (since the oxygen in biodiesel enables more complete combustion to CO2), eliminates the sulphur fraction (as there is no sulphur in the fuel), while the soluble or hydrogen fraction stays the same or is increased. Therefore, biodiesel works well with new technologies such as oxidation catalysts.Biodiesel produces approximately 80% less carbon dioxide and almost 100% less sulphur dioxide compared to conventional diesel. Biodiesel emissions are nontoxic. Biodiesel gives a distinct emission benefit almost for all regulated and non-regulated pollutants when compared to conventional diesel fuel but emissions of NOx appear to increase from biodiesel. NOx increases with the increase in concentration of biodiesel in the mixture of biodiesel and petroleum diesel. This increase in NOx emissions may be neutralized by the efficient use of NOx control technologies, which fits better with almost nil sulphur biodiesel then conventional diesel containing sulphur. It may also be noted that emission of NOx also varies with the different family of feedstocks for biodiesel. Moreover, the problem of increased NOx emission can be effectively tackled by retarding the fuel injection timing. Key words : Exhaust emissions, Diesel, combustion, Oxygenated fuels and Thermal efficiency.
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Handwriting Recognition with Tangent Features of English Characters using RBF in Feed Forward MLP V.S. Dhaka*1, Mukta Rao2, Sumeet Gill3 and M.P. Singh4 1 Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, Janakpuri, New Delhi; India 2 Interglobe Technologies Limited, Gurgaon (Haryana); India 3 Department of Computer Engineering, Goverment Polytechnic College, Sonipat (Haryana); India 4 Department of Comp Science, ICIS, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra (UP); India Abstract : In this paper we propose a system for classification problem of handwritten text. The system is composed of preprocessing module, supervised learning module and recognition module on a very broad level. The preprocessing module digitizes the documents and extracts features (tangent values) for each character. The radial basis function network is used in the learning and recognition modules. The objective is to analyze and improve the performance of Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) using RBF transfer functions over Logarithmic Sigmoid Function. The results of 35 experiments indicate that the Feed Forward MLP performs accurately and exhaustively with RBF. With the change in weight update mechanism and feature-drawn preprocessing module, the proposed system is competent with good recognition show. Key words : Character Recognition, Image Processing, Feature Extraction, Radial Basis Function.
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The End of the Car Culture and the Reemergence of Public Transportation John Cairns, Jr. Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA Abstract : The United States, which has been the poster child for car culture, has been warned of the unparalleled prospect of trillion-dollar deficits for years to come. Most state governments face severe reduction in tax monies, which will mean fewer funds for road and bridge repair, as well as reductions in other services. Personal debt is very high and home values have declined sharply, reducing the “nest egg” of many families for retirement. In addition, the stock market decline has had deleterious effects on retirement funds. The car culture was built on cheap fuel, financing of car purchases, and a convenient national system of mostly free roads connecting nearly all parts of the United States. Personal transportation with cars has been the norm. Petroleum prices are down dramatically at the end of 2008, but people are driving less to pay off personal debt or because they have lost their jobs. Electric cars seemed promising until problems with coal-generated electricity became more generally known. In short, the car culture has passed a tipping point and alternative public transportation is not adequate for probable future needs. One characteristic of passing a tipping point is that return to the pre-tipping point conditions is very unlikely. Key words : Car culture, Public transportation, Climate change, Financial crisis, Coal problems, Personal/ financial debt.
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Antioxidant Activity, Phenol and Flavonoid Contents of Indonesian Propolis Syamsudin Faculty of Pharmacy, Pancasila University, Jl. Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, Indonesia. Abstract : In present study, was carried out a systematic record of the relative antioxidant activity in Indonesian propolis from different regions of Java. The total phenol varied from 136,2 10,1 to 203,7 9,8 mg g-1 in the extracts. Flavones and flavonols were determined using aluminium chloride and expressed as quercetine equivalent while flavanones were determined using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and expressed as naringenin. Contents of flavones and flavonols were similar for most samples and ranged from 1,7% - 7,3%. The content of flavanones in propolis samples from 1,2% -5,9%. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical scavenging effect of the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically. IC50 of the extracts and the standard compounds quercetine was 8,44, 130,35, 19,27, 91,03 and 2,58 μg ml-1. Key words : Antioxidant, Total phenolic, Flavonoids, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine, Propolis.
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P.K. Singh* and U.C. Singh Centre of Remote Sensing & GIS, School of Studies in Earth Science, Jiwaji University, Gwalior (M.P.); India. Abstract : To evaluate the hydrogeological conditions of Morar Watershed, district Gwalior, M.P., various hydrogeomorphological units of the terrain have been delineated with the help of hydrogeological and geomorphological parameters using satellite ( IRS – ID LISS- III) digital data. These data have been used to prepare geological, lineament and geomorphological maps of the area. The hydrogeomorphological units identified from the satellite data include structural hills, residual hills, denudational hills, pediment, pediplain, buried pediplain, valley fills and alluvial plains. Amongst these units, the alluvial plains of the investigated area possess good to excellent groundwater potential. Key words : Remote Sensing, Hydrogeomorphology, GIS, Groundwater Potential.
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A Search for Alternatives to Control Phytopathogenic Fungi Curvularia lunata Varaprasad Bobbarala* and K. Chandrasekhar Naidu Department of Botany, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam (A.P.); India. Abstract : The fungi toxic effect of various medicinal plants belonging to different families was evaluated for antifungal activity in vitro on plant pathogenic fungi Curvularia lunata. The hexane, chloroform and methanolic crude extractives of different parts of thirty medicinal plants were screened for antifungal activity by well diffusion method. Only methanolic extracts exhibited appreciable inhibition on C. lunata. Of the various plant extracts, the methanolic extracts of Bridelia montana and Scoparia dulcis showed the highest antifungal activity against C. lunata and recorded minimum inhibitory concentration below 50 mg/ml. The overall results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of the crude extracts from medicinal plants in the treatment of fungal diseases caused by C. lunata. Key words : Antifungal activity; Medicinal plants; Curvularia lunata; Well diffusion method.
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Nibha Gupta*1 and Anima Vastrakar2 1 Microbiology Laboratory, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar – 751 015 (Orissa); India. 2 M. Sc. Project Trainee, Department of Biotechnology, G. G. University, Bilaspur (CG); India. Abstract : We evaluated the effect on iron ore leaching by different fungi in 14 nutrient media for three different durations of incubation. We found that of all the cultures tested, Penicillium sp. strain 7 leached the greatest amount of iron (11.80 µg /ml/g) when growing in Czapek Dox medium. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus sp. strain 2 were able to leach iron (>2.0µg ml-1g-1) in seven different media whereas Penicillium piscarium was able to leach significant amounts of iron in only five different media. The effect of varying the duration of incubation on iron mobilization by leaching was clearly illustrated with Aspergillus sp. strain 3 and with Penicillium sp. strains 9 and 17, the activity of strain 17 being greatest among all the cultures we tested. Key words : Bioleaching, Fungi , Iron, Mine, Mineral solubilization.
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Anita Singh1, Namita Singh*2, Narsi R. Bishnoi1 1 Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar-125001 (Haryana); India. 2 Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar-125001 (Haryana), India. Abstract : To investigate the production of cellulases through solid state fermentation from Aspergillus heteromorphous, by using wheat straw as substrate. Optimization of saccharification conditions like pH, temperature and time were studied. Highest reducing sugar was released on 5th day at 5 pH and 300 C temperature. When A. heteromorphous was grown on wheat straw in solid state fermentation after 5 days enzyme activity was obtained as 5.6 IU/g and 110 IU/g in terms of filter paper activity and endoglucanase activity respectively. The higher enzyme activities produced by Aspergillus heteromorphous is a significant advantage for saccharification of wheat straw. Key words : Aspergillus heteromorphous, Solid State Fermentation, Saccharification, Wheat straw, Cellulase
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Quantitative Study on the Zooplankton of the River Yamuna in District Mathura (U.P.) Manish Kumar Sharma* and R. Kushwah Department of Zoology, Major S.D. Singh P.G. College, Mohammadabad, Ferrukhabad (U.P.); India. Abstract : Present study is an attempt to investigate the number of zoopanktons in the river Yamuna. Zooplanktons are the consumers of the phytoplankton, as four major groups, protozoa, rotifera, nematoda and crustacea represent them. The zooplanktons were collected at five stations from river Yamuna at Mathura. At station ‘A’ the minimum number of zooplankton recorded was 38.9 / lit. in December 2004 and maximum 486.9/ lit. in June 2005. At station ‘B’ the minimum number of zooplankton was 35.0 / lit in Dec. 2005 and maximum 469.7 / lit. in Jun 2004. Where as in station ‘C’ the minimum number of zooplankton was 19.6/ lit. in Dec. 2004 and maximum 428.4/lit. in Jun 2006. At station ‘D’ the minimum number of zooplankton was 18.7 /lit. in Dec. 2005 and maximum 254.5 / lit. in June 2004. While station ‘E’ the minimum number of zooplankton was 33.4/lit. in Dec.2004 and maximum 300.3 / lit. in June 2006. Key words : Zooplankton, River Yamuna Mathura, pollution
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Line X Tester Analysis for Yield and its Components in Temperate Hill Rice Asif B. Shikari*, A.G. Rather, M.A. Ganai, Gul Zafar and Rouf Ahmed Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir Rice Research and Regional Station Khudwani-192102; India. Abstract : LxT analysis was performed on 30 F1’s along with 10 lines and 3 testers. The traits grain yield and grains per panicle manifested additive genetic control while effective tillers per plant and 1000-seed weight recorded high dominance component. SKAU-105 and SKAU-338 recorded significant positive gca for effective tillers, panicle length and grain yield per hectare. These two genotypes besides SKAU-382 exhibited high yield heterosis in maximum number of crosses. Key words : Line X Tester, Temperate Hill Rice, SKAU-105, SKAU-338.
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In vitro Antibacterial Screening of Selected Medicinal Plant Extracts Against Oral Pathogens P. Koteswara Rao*1, Anjana Mathew2, K. Deepti Lavanya3, Y. Madhavi1 and T. Raghava Rao1 1 Department of Biochemistry, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003 (A.P.); India. 2 Department of Pharmacutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003 (A.P.); India. 3 Department of Botany, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530003 (A.P.); India. Abstract : Fifteen medicinal plants, namely Mucuna pruriens, Pistacia chinansis,Ficus benjamina, Coffea Arabica, Myrica nagi,Moringa olifera, Mimusops elengi, Terminalia bellirica, Trachyspermum roxburghianum, Lawsonia inermis, Curcuma longa, Ocimum sanctum, Cuminum cyminum, Clitoria ternate and Glycyrrhiza glabra were screened for potential antibacterial activity against medicinally important bacterial strains which are present in dental plaques namely Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mitis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial activity was determined by agar well diffusion method. Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus were the most resistant strains, while the most susceptible bacterial strains were Lactobacillus fermemtum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Moringa olifera and Mimusops elengi were showed strong activity against all the tested bacterial strains. Hence these plants can be used to discover bioactive natural products, which reduce the oral bacteria and thus serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals that address unmet therapeutic needs in oral medicine. Key words : Antibacterial activity, Plant methanolic extracts, Dental caries, Agar cup diffusion bioassay, Oral medicine.
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Genetic Divergence Studies In High Altitude Temperate Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Rouf Mir, Asif B. Shikari*, Samuel G. Singh1 and G.A. Parray Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Rice Research and Regional Station, Khudwani-192102 (J&K); India. 1 Department of Botany, St. John's College, Agra-282002 (U.P.); India. Abstract : D2 analysis is warranted to measure genetic distance which presently was performed with geographically diverse materials of local and exotic temperate rice. No correlation was found between geographical origin and genetic divergence. 75 genotypes got grouped into 11 clusters. Cluster VI, IX and X among themselves showed greater genetic separation. Though Cluster II and Cluster I had more strength which would help in achieving high genetic gain. As such the variability was evident for grain yield and major attributes. Key words : Climate disasters, Resource wars,
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 23, No. 3, 2009; 491-495
Anthelmintic Activity of Anogeissus Latifolia Bark and Leaf Extracts K.M.M. Parvathi1, C. K. Ramesh*2, V. Krishna3 and M. Paramesha2 1 Department of Biotechnology, S.R.N.M. National College of Applied Sciences, Shivamogga (Karnataka); India. 2 Department of P.G. Studies in Biotechnology, Sahyadri Science College (Autonomous), Kuvempu University, Shivamogga-577203 (Karnataka); India. 3 Department of P.G. Studies in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Shivamogga (D.) (Karnataka); India. Abstract : Present study reports the anthelmintic activity of various extracts viz, petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol obtained from the bark and leaf of Anogeissus latifolia against earthworms, Pheritima posthuma. Five concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/ml) of each extracts were studied in a bioassay, which involved the determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worm. All the extracts exhibited moderate to significant anthelmintic activity. Comparing all extracts, chloroform bark and petroleum ether leaf extracts showed potent anthelmintic activity. Results were compared with the reference drug albendazole. Key words : Anthelmintic, Anogeissus latifolia
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 23, No. 3, 2009; 497-502 Antihyperglycemic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Carthamus tinctorius L., Annigere-2 M. Paramesha1, C.K. Ramesh1*, V. Krishna2, K.M.M. Parvathi1 and I.J. Kuppast3 1 Department of P.G. studies in Biotechnology, Sahyadri Science College (Autonomous), Kuvempu University, Shivamogga-577203 (Karnataka); India. 2 Department of P.G. studies in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Shivamogga (D.) (Karnataka); India. 3 Department of Pharmacology, National College of Pharmacy, Shivamogga (Karnataka); India. Abstract : In the present study, investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of Carthamus tinctorius L. Annigere-2 leaves extract on Streptozotocin (SZT) induced hyperglycemic albino rats of Wistar strain. The methanolic extract of safflower leaves was extracted using soxhlet extractor. The experiment was carried out using five groups of albino rats. Among them group I comprised normal rats and remaining four groups were diabetic induced where in II, served as diabetic control (untreated), group III was treated with standard drug (glibenclamide) while groups IV and V were treated with two different doses of extract viz. 20mg/kg body wt and 30mg/kg body wt. The results of present study revealed that, the plant leaves extract of safflower possess potent antidiabetic activity by exhibiting effectiveness for the parameters studied (antihyperglycemic and body weight). It showed that oral administration of methanolic extract of safflower at two different doses produced significant (P<0.01) decrease in blood glucose on 5th hour and 7th hour onwards for 30mg/kg and 20mg/kg respectively. Further, the body weight in the test extract treated animals showed the recovery in the body weight. Key words : Anti diabetic activity, Carthamus tinctorius L; Methanolic Extract.
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Bioactivity of Psoralea corylifolia l. Seeds against Selected Plant and Clinical Pathogens Varaprasad Bobbarala, V. Varahala, G. Srinivasa Rao, D. Bindu Madhuri For U Biosciences, A/4A, Park Lane Residency, East Point Colony, Visakhapatnam-530017 (A.P.); India. Abstract : Current research has been made to carry out screening for the preliminary antibacterial and antifungal activities of organic solvent extracts of P. corylifolia L. In this study, hexane, chloroform and methanolic extracts from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L. (Leguminosae) were tested for antimicrobial activity against 21 strains of different host pathogenic microbial species by agar well diffusion method. From the results, P. corylifolia was found antimicrobial against fungi, Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria. Maximal antibacterial activity was seen against Pencillium expansum and Lactobacillus acidophilus with methanolic extract. Presence of tannins, saponins, flavanoides, phenolic compounds, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates indicates that Psoralea corylifolia L.is one of the potential medicinal plant for therapeutic use. Key words : Psoralea corylifolia, antimicrobial activity, methanol extract, well diffusion.
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Biochemical and Molecular Aspects of DNA in Raw and Ripen Fruit and Vegetables Ujjwala Krothapalli, Lakshmi Sai Bharani Nuthi and Vemuri Praveen Kumar* Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah College of Engineering, Vaddeswaram, Guntur District-522502 (A.P.); India. Abstract : Vegetables, fruits, plant and animal products contain DNA in various amounts. DNA, the carrier of genetic information, the recipes or blueprints of an organism, is made up of four different chemical units. These can be digested and used just like any other nutrient in our food. Usually DNA is degraded during cooking, but even if DNA is eaten uncooked, like in the case of apples, a tomato, or a salad, the DNA is degraded rapidly in our stomach. Eating DNA should not be a concern: even mother’s milk contains high amounts of DNA, because newborns have a higher need for them. Studies were carried out to give us an idea of the amount of DNA we eat and some of its physical properties. Key words : Climate disasters, Resource wars, Food shortages, Sovereignty, Overconsumption, Greenhouse gas emissions, Environmental mitigation.
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Bioaccumulation of Cadmium in Selected Tissues of Oreochromis mossambicus Exposed to Sublethal Concentrations of Cadmium Chloride M. Saiyad Musthafa*1, S. Shajithanoop3, A. Paneerselvam2, A. Sadiq Bukhari1 1 Environmental Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli-620020 (Tamilnadu); India. 2 Water Chemistry Laboratory, Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai (Tamilnadu); India. 3 Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore-641046 (Tamilnadu); India. Abstract : The pattern of accumulation of cadmium and its affinity to selected tissues - gills, kidneys, liver, skin and muscle of Oreochromis mossambicus exposed to sublethal concentrations (9 ppm) of cadmium chloride was investigated. These tissues showed significant variations in the patterns of accumulation of cadmium. The rate of accumulation varies from tissue to tissue as well as at various exposure periods. The mean rate of accumulation after 60 days of exposure was in the order gills > kidneys > liver > skin > muscle. The difference in the rate of accumulation may be attributed to the proximity of the tissues to the toxicant medium, physiological state of the tissues and presence of ligands in the tissues having an affinity to cadmium. Key words : Bioaccumulation, Cadmium chloride toxicity, Oreochromis mossambicus.
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Endosulfan induced Bioaccumulation and Histopathological Alterations in the Gills of Channa punctatus followed by Subsequent Recovery Garima Harit and Neera Srivastava Fish Biology Lab., Centre for Advanced Studies, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004 (Raj.); India. Abstract : Freshwater fish, Channa punctatus were exposed to three sub-lethal concentrations of endosulfan (0.006ppm, 0.01ppm & 0.02ppm) for 15 days. Bioaccumulation of endosulfan by the gills and its histological changes were studied at the intervals of 5, 10 &15 days. A statistically significant increase was noted in endosulfan concentration in treated groups; simultaneously, severe histopathological changes were also observed in the gills. Both bioaccumulation & histopathological changes were dose & duration dependent. Post exposure recovery was noted after transferring the surviving fish to normal tap water for another fortnight. Elimination of endosulfan was very slow & concentrations of endosulfan remained significantly high till the end of the recovery period. Mild recovery was observed in histopathological changes. Key words : Channa punctatus, Endosulfan, Gills, Histopathology, Bioaccumulation, Recovery.
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Effect of Gonadotrophins on Oogonial Proliferation and Oogenesis in the Domestic Pigeon, Columba livia. V.D. Hegde Department of Zoology, Karnatak university, Dharwad-580003 (Karnataka); India. Abstract : Effect of Gonadotraphon FSH (1 IU/day/D.Water/4 injections) and Gonadotraphon LH (1 IU/day/D. Water/4 injections) on the oogonial proliferation and oogenesis was studied in 12 day old embryo of the domestic pigeon Columba livia. The number of different germ cells (oogonia and oocytes) in gonadotraphon- LH treated group was similar to that in the final control.The number of oogonia, preleptotene and leptotene oocytes and the total number of germ cells in the ovaries of gonadotatphon -FSH treated embryos was significantly more when compared to that in final control and gonadotraphon –LH treated group. Key words : Gonadotrophins, Oogonia, Oocytes, Columba livia
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Bioconversion of Mandelonitrile to Mandelic acid using Microbes-Alcaligenes faecalis ATCC 8750 and Acinetobacter Sp. Annika A. Durve1, Anuradha C. Pandey1, Manish S. Pathak1 and Madhuri Sharon2* 1 Department of Biotechnology, Birla College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Kalyan-421304 (Maharashtra); India. 2 MONAD Nanotech Pvt. Ltd, Adishankaracharya Marg, Powai, Mumbai-400076 (Maharashtra); India. Abstract : Bioconversion of Mandelonitrile to R- Mandelic acid, an alpha hydroxy acetic acid, using microorganisms is reported here. Chemical process of conversion of Mandelonitrile yields both R- and S- enantiomers of Mandelic acid. The objective was to convert it to only R- enantiomers. It is known that Nitrilases are capable of synthesizing only R-enantiomers and some microorganisms have been reported to be rich source of Nitrilases. Based on the screening results of microorganisms, Alcaligenes faecalis ATCC 8750 and Acinetobacter Sp containing Nitrilases were used for this purpose. The conversion was maximum with Alcaligenes faecalis ATCC 8750 (NCIM- 2262) at 280C. The preliminary results indicated microorganisms can be used for conversion of Mandelonitrile to Mandelic acid; though lot of optimization and various parameters need to be studied further to make it a commercially viable proposition. Key words : Mandelic Acid, Mandelonitrile, Nitrilase, Alcaligenes faecalis and Acinetobacter Sp.
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Quantitative Estimation of Some Enzymes in Insect induced Leaf Galls of Salvadora persica L. Swati Joshi, Suman Lata Sharma and U. Kant Plant Pathology, Tissue Culture and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302055 (Rajasthan); India. Abstract : This paper reports the quantitative estimation of some enzymes in insect induced leaf galls of Salvadora persica. The parameters assayed were poly phenol oxidase, peroxidase, α-amylase and invertase activity compared to normal tissues. Galls showed significantly higher amounts of polyphenol oxidase peroxidase, alpha-amylase and invertase enzyme activity. Key words : Salvadora persica, Polyphenol oxidase, Peroxidase, Alpha-amylase, Invertase Enzymes.
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Study of Juveniles and Adult Narmada Mahseer (Tor tor) for their Food &Feeding Habits Praveen Tamot* and Ankush Saxena Department of Zoology, Government Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya (MVM), Bhopal (MP); India. Abstract : Studies on food & feeding habits of fish in fish culture are of great importance for understanding the growth, migration, reproduction, seasonal variation in body condition, conservation and proper utilization of available food niche in aquatic ecosystem etc.The aim of present investigation is to provide a detailed insight into the food & feeding habits of Tor tor a native fish of Narmada river , which is threatened due to man-caused deterioration of environment and over fishing .In the present study food and feeding habits of Tor tor at juveniles and adult stages were assessed .On the basis of gut content examination in juveniles, 61.6%,insects 15.2% mollusks, 6.4% macrovegetation, 3.1% algae & 13.7% miscellaneous were observed. In adult, gut content consists of 45.6% macro vegetation, 16.8% algae 10.5% mollusks, 9.5% insects & 17.6% miscellaneous which includes sand mud and other debris material. On the basis of present findings, juvenile fish, which is carnivorous by habit, mainly feeds on insect larvae and nymphs, copepods, rotifers, protozoan’s, cladocerans, unicellular & filamentous algae and adult specimens indicate herbivorous nature and also are carnivorous to a lesser degree. As adult mahseer feeds extensively on submerged /rooted vegetation and algae in natural habitat, therefore it is highly useful for biological control of weeds. Key words : Mahseer, Food & Feeding.
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The Levels of Total Protein and Protein Fractions in The Serum of Rabbits Infected with Eimeria Species Asiya-Magray*1, A.R.Khan1 and Shakeel Ahmad Mir2 1 Post-graduate Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006 (Kashmir); India. 2 Head Department of Statistics, FAO Wadoora Sopore Abstract : The total protein levels in rabbits infected with Eimeria species together with the alterations in the different protein fractions over a period of 30 days were studied. It was observed that from the 16th day of infection onwards a progressive increase took place in total proteins. The electrophoretic study of serum samples revealed an increase in α and β globulin fractions in infected rabbits as compared to healthy subjects. There was also presence of β2 and γ globulin fractions. These protein alterations induce an important modification in the albumin /globulin ratio which decreases considerably. Thus, a combination of clinico-pathological and serological methods can provide a better diagnosis of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits. Key words : Coccidiosis, Eimeria, Kashmir, Rabbit, Serum, Total protein.
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Anti-Filarial Activity of Some Valuable Indian Medicinal Plants C.T. Kumarappan*1, S. Senthil1, S. Karpagam Kumara Sundari2, A. Jaswanth2 1 Department of Pharmacology, The Erode College of Pharmacy, Erode (Tamilnadu); India. 2 Department of Pharmacology, The Periyar College of Pharmaceutical Science, Thiruchirappalli (Tamilnadu); India. Abstract : Lymphatic filarsis continues to be major health problem. The lack of on filaricidal drug possess a challenge to filariasis elimination, hence its essential to develop an effective antifilarial drug which could either kill or permentally sterlize the adult worm. Alcoholic extracts of A. paniculata, G. superba, and H. javaica were tested in vitro for the potential antifilarial activity against whole warm preparation of Setaria cervi on the whole warm, the response was characterized by initial increase in tone, rate and amplitude of contractions followed by reversible paralysis and the inhibition was concentration related. Among four plants (100 µg/ml) ethanolic extract of tubers of G.superba demonstrated strongest activity against whole warm preparation followed by complete cessation of movements. These finds provide a new leads for development of filaricidal drug from natural products. Key words : Climate disasters, Resource wars, Food shortages, Sovereignty, Overconsumption, Greenhouse gas emissions, Environmental mitigation.
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Pedosphere Food chain and Position of Spiders (Araneae): A case study of Mine spoils of Kathara Coalmine Area (Jharkhand) B.K. Sinha*, Amita Hembrom and Madhusudan Mahto Department of Zoology, S.S.M. College, Ranchi University, Ranchi (Jharkhand); India. Abstract : Two hundred ninety six spiders were collected from four reclaimed overburden dumps (OBDs) of different ages of plantation from the Kathara coalmine area of Jharkhand. Collected spiders were classified to eleven different species belonging to eight families of the order araneae. Out of the total collected arthropods from the pedosphere the spiders’ population constituted 2.89 percent, Shannon-Weaver function ranged from 2.25 to 2.72. The highest similarity index (83 per cent) was observed between the new (five years old OBD) and the old plantation OBD (50 years old) sites. There was a positive correlation between the community diversity index and the araneae diversity index. As spiders are important ecological components and are present in every nook and corner of the mine spoil their habit and function were observed in the field. They buffer between the two ecosystems viz. above ground ecosystem and below ground ecosystem, facilitating the biogeochemical cycle while carving out their niches in the OBDs. Spiders are most diversified group of arthropods after, hymenoptera, coleoptera and orthoptera in the OBDs and like Darwin finches of Galapagos Islands they can colonize and survive in adverse environmental conditions and facilitate the process of succession in the OBD. A food chain worked out for the OBD has been proposed in which the spiders have been placed as top consumer of the OBD pedosphere ecosystem. Key words : Spiders, arthropods, mine spoils, pedosphere, food chain, succession
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Angiogenesis in Granulation Tissue of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Wound Ghulam Mohammad*1, Vivek Vaibhav2, Haushila P. Pandey1,3, Abdulghani A. Msalati3, and Kamlakar Tripathi4 1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.); India. 2 Department of Anaesthiology, Faculty of Medicine, Santosh University, Ghaziabad (U.P.); India. 3 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Fateh University, Tripoli, Libya. 4 Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005 (U.P.); India. Abstract : Impaired wound healing is a common phenomenon in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Wound healing is a complex pathophysiological process involving interplay of several cellular and biochemical processes. This highly complex phenomenon includes the interaction of inflammation, re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation and collagen deposition while in diabetes the homeostasis of this over lapping process is disturbed Therefore we have investigated the effects of the diabetes on wound healing with special reference to angiogenesis in T2DM patients. Our data shows down regulation of VEGF, increase Cycloorygenase-2 inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and decrease in hydroxylproline content and in impaired wound of diabetic patient . This study has demonstrated, for the first time, that effect of Diabetes on wound healing and scar formation. Key words : T2DM, Wound healing, Angiogenesis, NO, PGHS, Collagen.
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Contextual Disparities in Pro-life Positions John Cairns, Jr. Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA Abstract : Human thought processes are contextual, so humans assimilate new information and ideas best when they can be associated with familiar contexts. Human population size and Earth’s carrying capacity for humans are rarely discussed, although much information is available on the Internet. On the few occasions when discussions do occur, they are usually in a religious/ideological context. A major component of these discussions, as related to humans, is the right of a woman to determine events in her body. The pro-life position is that, from the moment of conception, the individual has the right to life. In the United States, heated discussions continue on abortion, individual choice vs federally mandated restrictions, and “rights” of medical providers to refuse to provide birth control information (or even discuss it) if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. However, absent from all these arguments is how the daily increase of 215,000 people (births minus deaths) will be fed and provided with potable water, medical care, and adequate housing on a finite planet. With continued exponential human population growth, the number of people living in misery will increase significantly. The usual response to this evidence is that someone (usually a deity) or something (usually technology) will provide the needed resources. However, with nearly half the planet’s population living at barely adequate subsistence levels, this response is clearly inadequate. Key words : Pro-life, Carrying capacity, Global heating, Exponential growth, Food production.
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Some Consequences of the Inability to Halt Global Climate Change John Cairns, Jr. Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA Abstract : What kind of a world does humankind want? If it is one that closely resembles the one we have it is essential to avoid the consequences of “business as usual.” The biological diversity now present constitutes the biospheric life support system that has maintained conditions favorable to the genus Homo for approximately two million years. The precise location of both ecological and societal tipping points is not discernable until they have been passed. In short, the consequences, once tipping pints have been passed, are not reversible in time frames of interest to humans. Taking precautions to avoid passing tipping points and thus avoiding the consequences that might well make the planet less habitable for humans seems prudent. All the consequences are interrelated and there are usually interactions between them, which means coping with the problems at a system level. When a tipping point is passed, some consequences are predictable; others are not. However, the consequences already seen are dangerous to humankind, and the dangers lurking beyond the next global, climatic tipping point are likely to be catastrophic. Key words : Financial crisis, Tipping points, Ecological debt, Ignorance, Life support system, Extinction.
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Evaluation of Physicochemical Character and Pasting Behaviour of Phaseolus acontifolius Jacq. Starch A.V. Singh1, L.K. Nath1, M. Guha2 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University (Assam); India. 2 Grain Science and Technology, CFTRI, Mysore (Karnataka); India. Abstract : Starch from Moth bean (Phaseolus acontifolius Jacq) was isolated, and some of the important characteristic determined. The yield of starch was 38.8% w/w of a whole raw seed basis. The shape of the starch granule was oval to round shaped, with granules 9-59 µm in diameter. Scanning electron micrograph revealed the presence of smooth surfaces.TGA thermogram value revealed that moth bean starch possesses high onset of degradation as compared to potato starch. The gelatinization temperature range was 72-78-820C .The X-ray diffraction pattern was of the ‘C’ type and the intensity of X-ray was much stronger than in tuber starches. The Relative viscoamylograph examination of the starch paste showed high paste viscosity as compared to Potato starch. Key words : Moth bean starch, SEM, XRD Pattern, TGA, DSC, RVA analysis.
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Effect of Orexin Infusion into Third Ventricle on the GnRH and LH Secretions in the Prepubertal Rat Fed Restricted H. Khazali* College of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran Abstract : The goal of this study was to determine whether orexin affects GnRH and LH secretions in the prepubertal rats fed normal or restricted diets. Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Animals in groups 1 and 2 were fed normal and animals in groups 3 and 4 were fed restricted diet for 10 days. After 10 days, animals in groups 1 and 3 received infusions of 1 ug orexin and groups 2 and 4 received infusions of 2 ug orexin into their third ventricle. Blood samples were collected from jugular veins before the first infusion of orexin until the last orexin infusion. Restricted diet and infusions of 1 and 2 ug orexin significantly (P<0.01) decreased the mean plasma concentrations and pulse amplitudes of GnRH and LH. Infusion of 1 and 2 ug orexin did not change the secretions of GnRH and LH of the animals fed normal diet. Infusions of 1 and 2 g, orexin significantly (p<0.01) decreased the glucose levels of the animals fed restricted but not in normal diet fed animals. Additionally, plasma glucose levels of the restricted fed animals in groups 3 and 4 were significantly (p<0.01) lower than those of the animals fed normal diet. The results of this experiment indicated that orexin may negatively affect the GnRH and LH in the prepubertal rats with negative energy balance, but not in those with the positive energy balance. Key words : Orexin, GnRH, LH, rat
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Analysis of Genetic Diversity on Jackfruit using H-15 RAPD Marker Deivasigamani. B*1, E. Maheswaran2, K.M. Alagappan1 and S. Kumaran1 1 Centre for Advanced Studies in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai - 608502 (Tamil Nadu); India. 2 Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Sivakasi - 626124 (Tamil Nadu); India. Abstract : Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus lam.) is an important indigenous fruit crop grown in arid and semiarid parts of India. The taxonomy and nomenclature of same species of the Artocarpus heterophyllus are quite similar but due to environmental origin and distribution it various with genetic diversity. RAPD analysis was carried out to assess the authentic identification of three wild varieties (FH 11, FH 1 and NC 3) and two tissue cultured varieties (TCJ 5 and TCJ 2) of Artocarpus heterophyllus with primer H15 (AATGGCGCAG). Results stated that totally, 31 bands were obtained by using PCR reaction from five varieties of jackfruit leaves. So, approximately 6.2 bands were got from a single Varity. 18 bands (58.06%) were monomorphic, 10 bands (32.25%) were monomorphic and unique to all varieties, other 3 bands (9.6%) were polymorphic. in five Varieties of Jackfruits. The present investigation reported here gave an idea of analysis of genetic diversity in different varieties of “Artocarpus heterophyllus”.
Key words : Jack fruit, Genetic variation, RAPD, Polymorphic.
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Studies on Soil Status in and Around "Satpura Thermal Power Station" Sarni (M.P.) Sanhita De*1, D.D. Mishra2, A.Bajpai3, Neelam Verma 1 Sarojini Naidu Govt. Girls' Post Graduate (Autonomous) College, Bhopal (M.P.); India 2 Govt. College Udaipura, Dist-Raisen (M.P.); India 3 Chitransh A.D.P.G. College, Bhopal (M.P.); India Abstract : On one side of the coin Thermal Power Stations are a gift to the society at the same time other side is that it causes environmental pollution. Soil pollution is one of the severe problems caused due to Thermal Power Stations. Soil is the naturally occurring, unconsolidated or loose covering on the earth’s surface. Soil is made up of broken rock particles that have been altered by chemical and environmental conditions. Soil pollution is defined as the build-up in soils of persistent toxic compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials, or disease causing agents, which have adverse effects on plant growth and animal health. In the present study, an attempt has been made to assess the soil quality of the surrounding area of ‘Satpura Thermal Power Station’, Sarni. Frequent incidences of damage to agricultural crops and domestic livestock due to industrial pollution in the study area entrusted to undertake the present work. Seasonal samples were collected from different sites during the year 2006 in pre, during and post monsoon periods. During the period under study seasonal variations in physico –chemical parameters viz pH, Moisture content, Bulk Density, Chloride was assessed as per the standard methods. Colour of soil was black in contrast to normal grey colour. Acidic pH, low moisture content in samples indicates that soil is polluted and has obvious adverse effects on human health. Key words : Soil Quality, Industrial pollution, Contaminants, Human health, Urbanization
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Performance Assessment of Electric Power Utilities in India Seema Saxena1, Tripta Thakur2 1 University Institute of Technology, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidhyalaya , Bhopal (M.P.); India. 2 M.A.N.I.T., Bhopal (M.P.); India. Abstract : With the establishment of Regulatory Commissions and compulsory unbundling of all the state Electricity boards there is an urgent need for rigorous and in-depth study of performance of distribution utilities in India. Such an analysis would offer valuable lessons to ensure that the new structure being adopted is better than the regulatory and legislative framework designed a few decades back. It would also help understand better the issues likely to be faced by regulators and consumers in future. Performance measurement would be of particular interest to the regulators in the open market regimes. Efficiency measurement can form the core for introduction of the incentive based regulatory regimes and in promoting yardstick competition amongst a number of utilities. , Also it makes possible to identify the areas where there is potential to improve performance within a utility. Key words : Reform, Performance, Efficiency, Distribution, Utilities, and Benchmarking.
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Tannary Effluent Effect on Biochemical Parameters of Fresh Water Teleost, Cirrhinus mrigala (HAM.) S. Afaq* and K.S. Rana Environmental Research Lab., Agra College, Agra (U.P.) Abstract : The current investigation was carried out to check out effect of leather dyes on fresh water fishes Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.). The blood electrolytes (Cl‑) shows decreasing trend after exposure to Bismarck brown and Acid leather brown at different time intervals (24 hrs, 48 hrs, 96 hrs and 1 week) and at all three concentrations (0.6-0.8 mg/l for Bismarck brown and 8-10 mg/l for acid leather brown ). However, the effect was more in Acid leather brown exposure. The toxic effect of dyes on gastrointestinal tract can impair the metabolism of electrolytes. The effect is due to disturbance in electrolyte equilibrium and dysproteinemia (vide infra). The dysproteinemia affects the electrolyte concentration by decreasing the amount of water per volume of serum, hence decreased osmolarity. The ALP activity is also responsible for electrolyte disbalance. The observed hyponatremia might be due to decreased ability of the kidney to excrete water, occur through gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract due to renal tubular disorders significant decrease in chloride ions may be due to toxic effect of dyes on gastrointestinal tract, CNS or may be due to renal failure. Key words : Biochemical parameters, Dyes, Electrolytes, Cirrhinus mrigala.
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Bio-ecological Studies of Oecophylla smaragdina: Effect of Factor-Temperature R.S. Rathor* and Sunil Jain Department of Zoology, Agra College, Agra-282002 (U.P.); India. Abstract : The bio-ecological studies on red ants Oecophylla smaragdina Fabr. was carried out at Agra, situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the Western Uttar Pradesh. Agra lies within the subtropical belt (Lat. 27.15° N Long. 78.0° E) and its climate is characterized by extremes of temperature and humidity. Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors for the animal life. Temperature affects activity, foraging, nest building, choice of nesting sites, direction of movement, reproduction, caste determination and many other aspects of the life of ants. Key words : Oecophylla smaragdina, Foraging, Nest building, Brood-tending, Myrmecophiles, Territorial behaviour.
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Effect of Stilbite on Fish Muscle Protein Meeta Mishra1 and Subodh Kumar Jain*2 1 Department of Biotechnology Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar–470003 (M.P.); India. 2 Department of Zooology Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar–470003 (M.P.); India. Abstract : Zeolites are naturally occurring alumino-silicates of alkali and alkaline earth metals, having water molecule within their structural frame work. They have been used in an array of applications in various animals to improve body weight, feed efficiency, reduced incidence and severity of diarrhoea, improve egg shell thickness, increase fat, protein and calcium content of cow milk etc. In the present investigation, role of natural zeolite stilbite on fish muscle protein contents studied. The experimental fish Heteropneustes fossilis, an important food fish collected locally and acclimatized prior to experimentation. Stilbite samples collected locally washed and crushed to powder form before use. The exposure period was 180 days. After an interval of 30 days, fish muscle was removed and processed for protein isolation. Protein samples were analysed by SDS-PAGE. The protein bands thus obtained were compared with control, the band of interest which show increase, was close to 43 kd. The analysis indicates that protein content increase significantly under the influence of stilbite. Key words : Zeolite, Stilbite, Muscle protein, SDS-PAGE.
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