020062   Gupta R P;Saxena M (Earth Sciences Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee-247 667) : GIS-based rockfall modelling. Himalayan Geol 2004, 25(1), 51-7.

Rockfalls are a great menace in regions like the Himalayas causing widespread damage and loss every year. In this study, an area in the Asiganga valley a tributary of the Bhagirathi river, has been taken for rockfall modelling and hazard zonation. The region is marked by highly rugged terrain. Field investigations show numerous sites of rockfalls in the valley. The topographic map (Survey of India, 1:50,000) has been used for generating a digital elevation model (DEM). The IRS-LISS II data, rectified for atmosphrric scattering, has been registered over the topographic map and classified to give landuse/land cover unit, from which coefficient of friction map has been derived. The rockfall modelling has been carried out starting with the assumption that the rockfall may initiate from slopes steeper than 60° were extracted from the DEM to give the rockfall source and coefficient of friction maps. It is found that there is a good correspondence between the source map and the run-out distance map. Scope of further refinement of the method by incorporating geological parameters like structure, orientation of discontinuities, etc. at each location is discussed. It is hoped that the study would stimulate research is this direction for disaster mitigation.

7 illus, 6 ref

020061   Gupta I (NEERI Zonal Laboratory, , Mumbai-400018) : Trends in air quality of national capital territory of Delhi. Indian J envir Hlth 2003, 45(3), 169-182.

A set of time-series analysis methods viz. regression on deseasonalized data, seasonal regression with weighted least squares technique is suggested to identify the trend in mean monthly ambint air quality data and applied to the case of national capital territory of Delhi . The analysis reveals that out of 9 monitored sites NO₂ and SO₂ increased at 6 sites and SPM level increased at 4 sites. Sapatial interpolation using diverse distance square technique was carried out to plot the ambient air quality contours for the year 1990 and 1994 to explain the changes in regional ambient air quality characterstics over the four years.

10 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

020060   Ghosh G (AMSE Wing,, Geological Survey of India, Bangalore-560078) : Aeromagnetic signatures of pre-aravalli bhilwara supergroup rocks in Aguch-malpura-Jaipur block Rajasthan. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(5), 483-93.

The aeromagnetic signatures of Agucha-Malpura-Jaipur block, Rajasthan, have been interpreted in terms of lithology and associated grade of regional metamorphism for the pre-Aravalli Bhilwara Supergroup (BSG) assemblade. High grade metamorphic terrains of the BSG rocks are dominantly identified by several elongated block showing moderate to strong linear, continouous, high frequency magnetic contour patterns with preferential NE-SW orientation.The magnetic respone also suggests that the high-grade BSG litho-unit consists of a heterogeneous assemblage of alternating acidic and basic members, substantially more basic in overall composition. The magenetite-bearing basic litho-assemblades, which occupy much of the high-grade terrain, show consitently high apparent susceptibility constent and normal remanent magnetization. These zones are characterized by numerous sub-parallel brittle/ductile shear zones. Low amplitude moderate frequency complex magnetic anomalies, oriented in variable directions, are observed over greeenstone-lower amphibolite facies rocks of the BSG. This metamorphic assembalde is essentially acidic in composition and deficient in magnetic minerals. Four zones have been identified over low to moderate-grade metamorphic terrain which require critical examination in the light of ore-environment and mineralisation potential.

4 illus, 1 tables 31 ref

020059   Dubey A K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Structural evolution of the Himalaya: field studies, experimental models, and implications for seismicity. Himalayan Geol 2004, 25(1), 33-50.

A series of listric faults have played a crucial role in the structural evolution of the Himalaya. These faults were formed as listric normal faluts during pre-Himalayan tensional regime in the region and later reactivated as listric thrust faults during the compressional phase of the Himalayan orogeny. The evidence for reactivation were obtained from structural, stratigraphic, magnetic, and geochemical studies. The structural features in the region have developed as a result of shear strain in the vicinity of the thrusts and buckle shortening away from the thrusts. The results have implications for total displacement along the major Himalayan thrusts, development of superposed folds, and seismicity in the region.

14 illus, 67 ref

020058   Dhindsa S S;Bheel P;Musturia Y (Public Health and Engng Dep Lab, , Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur-302 015) : Hydrochemical study of groundwater quality variation in Tonk district, Rajasthan. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2004, 8(1), 129-36.

A considerable groundwater quality variation has been observed in the location of the study points in Tonk District. The study reveals that the overall groundwater quality in the district had deteriorated. The deterioration in the water quality may be due to over exploitation of ground water, depletion in groundwater level and comparatively less recharge of groundwater in the lat for-five consective famines, in the district.

5 tables, 3 ref

020057   Dhana Raju R (Kavalipuram-534222, , ) : Dentist's micro-drill: a low cost, time-saving, effective tool to obtain pure mineral-separates (power) from rocks ores and minerals. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(5), 563-5.

^sscillus, tables ref

020056   Devaraju J;Janrdhan A S (Dep of Geology, Univ of Mysore, Manasgangotri, Mysore-570006) : Metamorphic history of staurolite-kyanite-garnet-cordierite-bearing pelites of mangalore-mercara linement,South India. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(5), 555-61.

Sargur Supracrustals from the Coorg granulite block comprise st ^<42>-grt-sil-ky-crd-bio assemblages. Staurolite from this associaton in rich in ZnO content up to 3.7%. Late bluish kyanite mantling garnet exposed around Jalsoor, Siddapura and Mercara localities situated along the Mangalore-Mercara lineament suggests that the Coorg granulite block had a long middle to deep crustal residence. Development of cordierite around garnet with flibrolite repoted from this zone took plance at a later stage. Estimation of P.T. vary from 550°C-750°C and 4.5-8.6 kbars.

^ssc6 illus, 2 tables 23 ref

020055   Das S (C/oDwaipayan Das,104, Koramangal Industrial Estate, 5th Block, Bangalo, , ) : Coatal aquifers and seawater ingress in India. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(5), 567-8.

illus, tables ref

020054   Das P K;Borah R (Geological Sci Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Geochemistry and environmental evaluation of the bharalu river sediments. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2004, 8(1), 103-06.

The chemical characteristics and their probable impact on the environment have been studied in the Bharalu river sediments. The chemical forms of some major oxides and trace elements have been determined from the bed sediments. From the stuty, minor spatial variation has been observed from upstream to downstream. This is due to anthropogenic incorporation of elements of the basin. This is due to increased loading of industrial effluents and domestic wastes. So, sediment characteristics played a significant role in defining the chemical forms of the elements present in the sediments.

2 tables, 10 ref

020053   Ballukrava P N (Dep of Applied Geology, Univ of Madras, Chennai-600025) : Water balance studies in the overexploited Rasipuram area Tamil Nadu. J Geol Soc India 2004, 63(5), 507-14.

Crop water requirement and rainfall recharge factor were used to estimate the recharge and discharge in the over-expolited terrain near Rasipuram. The water balance study shows that the level of groundwater utilization is well over 100%, reaching as high as 225%. The spatial pattern of groundwater utilization shows good correspondence and dynamic groundwater level pattern in the area. A comparison of the two indicates the possibility of the presently existing groundwater trough enlarging and moving eastwards in the future, if the present day pattern of ground water abstraction continues.

4 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

019129   Vinu Chandran R;Solanki H U;Dwivedi R M;Nayak S;Jeyaram A;Adiga S (Regional Remote Sensing Serivce Centre, (ISRO), Kharagpur-721302) : Studies on the drift of ocean colour features using satallite-derived sea surface wind for updating fishing zone. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 122-8.

Ocean colour feature like of chlorphyll fronts are widely used for the prediction of Potential Fishery Zones (PFZs). These mesoscale feature are dynamic since ocean surface is always in motion. They tend to drift because of surface advective movements. An attempt has been made to understand the relationship between wind speed and drift of ocean colour features, which can be used to update the location of PFZ mesoscale features. Ocean colour images from IRS-P4 Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) were atmospherically corrected and Ocean Chlorophyll-2 bio-optical algorithm was applied to derive the sea surface chlorophyll. QuikSCAT (NASA) scatterometer wind data was obtained from the global 25 km² gridded dataset. A mathematical relationship between wind speed and drift was derived. The relation was validated on a second set of time series images. Results show that the relation can be used for updating the location of PFZ features in the notheast Arabian Sea for upto 96 hr within an error of 12%.

5 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

019128   Varshney A;Mathew M K (National Centre for Biological Sciences, , Bangalore-560065) : Architecture of a membrane protein: The voltage-gated K<. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 166-74.

The vast array of neuronal action potentional waveforms can be ascribed, in large part, to the sculpting of their failing phases by potassium channels. These membrane proteins play several other roles in cell physiology such as the regulation of heartbeat and of insulin release from pancreatic cells as well as auditory signal processing in the cochlea. The functional channel is a tretramer with either six or two transmembrane segments per monomer. Selectivity filters, voltage sensors and gating elements have been mapped to residues within the transmembrane region. Cytoplasmic residues, which are accessible targes for signal transduction cascades and provide attractive means of regulation of channel activity, are now seen to be capable of modulating various aspects of channel function. Attention has been to assed on basic channel properties: activation, inactivation and ionic selectivty. These physiological parameters in the light of recent X-ray crystal structures of bacterial Kv channels, and a body of work combining mutagensis with electrophysiology and spectroscopy have been discussed.

4 illus, tables, 75 ref

019127   Uma Shakar;Thakur N K;Reddi S I (National Geophysical Research Institute, , Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500007.) : Estimation of geothermal gradients and heat flow from Bottom Simulating Reflector along the Kerala-Konkan basin of Western Continental Margin of India. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 250-53.

Temperature at the Bottom Simulating Reflector (BSR) can be estimated from the pressure-temperature relation of the gas-hydrate stability phase curve. The geothermal gradient and hence the heat flow could be deduced if the searloor temperature and thermal conductivity of sediments are known. A sismic line of the Keral-Kokan basin of Western Continental Margin of India, where BSR is identified on a seismic section. The seabottom temperature was used from the oceanographic data avilable from the region, Geothermal gradients, and heat flow were estimated from the position of BSR using the phase relation system of gas hydrate and thermal conductivity of the sediments. The estimated geothermal gradient and heat flow in the area around this line are 34.88° C/km and 69.76 m W/m² respectively.

4 illus, tables, 23 ref

019126   Swamy M J (School of Chemistry, Univ of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500046) : Interaction of bovine seminal plasma proteins with model membranes sperm plasma. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 203-11.

PDC-109 is the major protein of the brovine seminal plasma, which binds to the plasma membrane of supermatozoa upon ejaculation and plays a critical role in priming the sperm cells for fertilization to take place. Experimental studies from the last 15 years have shown that the cell-surface receptor for PDC-109 is a chloine phospholipid and shed light on the molecular details of the interaction of this protein with model membrances cotaining phosphatidylcholine. PDC-109 contains two fibronectin type 2 domains and each domain binds one ligand molecule. Single crystal X-ray, diffraction studies have shown that the specific binding of the soluble head group moiety of the choline phospholipids, phosphorylcholine, with PDC-109 is mediated by a cation-π interaction of the quaternary ammonium group wiht the indole side chain of a core tryptophan residue. The binding is further stabilized by hydrogen bonds of the phosphate group with the side chains of different amino acid dresidues on with the main chan amide groups of several residues. Spinlable ESR studies have shown that although PDC-109 does not bind to membrances lacking a choline-containing lipid, it does exhibit some, albeit weaker, interation with other phospholipids such as phosphaidylglycerol and phosphatidylserine as well as cholesterol Surface plasmon resonance studies on the mechanism of interaction with phosphatidylcholine membranes has shown that the tight binding of PDC-109 charcterized by a very slow dissociation process. Analysis of the activation parameters obtained from the SPR studies,indicated that binding of PDC-109 to phosphatidylchline membrances is favoured by a strong entropic contribution, whereas negative entropic contribution is primarily responsible for the rather weak interaction of this protein with phosphatidic acid and phosphatidyl-glycerol These observations are discussed in the light of the role of PDC-109 in cholesterol efflux from sperm plasma membrances, which is necessary event before capacitation, and subsequently fertilization, can take place.

3 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

019125   Subudhi C R;Mohanty S N;Sethy P K;Paul A K (Dryland Agricultural Project, Orissa Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Phulbani-762001) : Rainfall analysis at Chakapada block of Kandhamal Orissa. Envir Ecol 2004, 22(1), 269-71.

The rainfall data for 22 years (1975-96) were analyzed. The average annual rainfall at Chakapada is 1,317.3 mm. Further 74.9% of annual rainfall is received from June to September. Frequency analysis for maximum annual rainfall data was done by using Weibull technique. Expected maximum annual daily total rainfall for different return periods was incorporated. Frequency analysis for monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall was carried out the values at 70% probability level was estimated. The kharif received 749.4 mm rainfall June, Junly, August and September received 116.7, 169, 212.8 and 150 mm rainfall respectively.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

019124   Subudhi C R;Mohanty S N;Paul A K;Sethi P K (Dryland Agricultural Project, Orissa Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Phulbani-762001) : Rainfall characterstics at Tikabali block of Kandhamal Orissa. Envir Ecol 2004, 22(1), 255-7.

The rainfall data for twenty six years (1975-2000) were analyzed. The average annual rainfall at Tikabali is 1,424.4 mm. Further about 72% of annual rainfalls received from June to September. Frequency analysis for maximum annual rainfall data was done by using weibull technique. Expected maximum annual daily total rainfall for different return periods was incorporated. Frequency analysis for monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall was carried out and values at 70% probability level was estimated. The kharif received 806.11 mm rainfall; June, July, August and September received 123.1, 184.6, 232.3 and 166.9 mm rainfall respectively. Selection of crop varieties with growing period of four months from June to September is advisable for Tikahali block.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

019123   Srinivasan R;Kumar D;Megha Singh (Biomedical Engineering Division, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai-600036) : Optical characterization and imaging of biological tissues. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 218-27.

The biological tissues exhibit their distinct optical characterstics. Their point-to point compostional variation could either be determined by the optical parameters or reconstruction of the reflectance or tomographic images. The optical parameters, absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of goat tissues and human post-mastectomy breast specimen are determined by matching of their reflectance profile, as measured by multi-probe laster reflectometer, with that obtained by Monte Carlo simulation of optical scattering. The images thus obtined shows point-to-point variation is tissue composition. By multi-slice tomographic system the size and shape of the inclusions of different optical properties in a plantom made of goat fat are determined. By these procedures the structural variation in healthy and diseased tissues are determined and their relevance to early detection of tumour in tissues is discussed.

9 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

019122   Srinivas K;Revichandran C;Mohamed Asharaf T T;Thottam T J;Maheswaran P A;Murukesh N (National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Cochin-682014) : Sea level and currents in the upper reaches in the Cochin estuarine system. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 155-63.

Data on seal level, currents, salinity and water temperature collected in the upper reaches of the Cochin estuarine system (South west coast of India) during October 2000 have been analysed to understand their variability. The tides near to the mouth of the Cochin estuarine system were found to be of a mixed, predominantly semi-diurnal from during the month. The non-tidal sea level at the same location, showed an overall drop of nearly 9 cm during the period. Spectral analysis of the non-tidal sea level revealed the presence of 4 and 21 day period wave phenomena. The study showed that the sea level as well as currents are dominated by tidal signals (diurnal and semi-diurnal bands) even in the upper reaches. However, the amplitudes were seen to decrease with increasing distance from the mouth of the estuarine system. Conspicuous dominance of the shallow water components was noticed in the currents as compared to the sea level. The data on salinity showed tidal signatures whereas that on the water temperature showd strong solar forcing.

7 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

019121   Sircar A (Jubilant Enpro Limited, Oil and Gas Division, 1A, Sector, Sector-16A, Institutional Area, Noida 201301) : Hydrocarbon production from fractured basement formations. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 147-51.

The occurrence of naturally fractured basement reservoirs has been known within the hydrocarbon industry for many years. Generally regarded as non-productive, they have failed to draw the attention of the explorationist. Often passed over as `of no economic potential', their investigation by exploratory driling has been left to chance. Yet, they are commonly distributed in various petroliferous regions throughout the world. An attempt has been made to understand hydrocarbon production in basement formations along with some examples.

18 ref

019120   Seneviratne K A C N;Wijesundara D S A (Royal Botanic Gardens, , Peradeniya, Sri Lanka) : New African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha, H. Wendl.) induced by colchicine. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 138-40.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

019119   Sarkar S;Kanungo D P;Cauhan P K S (Central Building Research Institute, , Roorkee 247667) : Landslide disaster of 24 September 2003 in Uttarkashi. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 134-7.

A landslide disaster occurred in Uttarkashi 24 Sepptember 2003 which has affected a part of the town. The paper highlights the probable causes of the slide, degree of instability in the Varunavat hill and risk assessment. Accroding to an earlier assessment some instability was persisting in the Varunavat Parvat which triggered the slide after a heavy rainfall. The earliers landslide scars and cracks present prior to the slide contributed to the instability in the hill. The potential zone of risk in the foothill had been assessed and suggestions were made to administrative authorities to minimize loss of life and property.

5 illus, 2 ref

019118   Rawate T;Mavinkurve S (Dep of Microbiology, Goa Univ, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403206) : Factors influencing polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulation in marine bacteria. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 181-6.

Six bacterial isolates from marine ecosystem accumlating <62> I g polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) per liter culture both were characterized and indentified. Various physicochemical parameters such as time, aeration, pH, carbon and nitrogen content, carbon substrates and organic nitrogen sources were optimized for PHA production by these selected cultures. The PHA yield from cultures on optimization ranged between 1.4 gl^-1 to 3.9^-1 culture broth.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

019117   Rath J;Adhikary S P (P G Dep of Biotechnol, Utkal Univ, Bhubaneswar-751004) : Effect of alkali treatment on the yield and quality of agar from red alga Gracilaria verrucosa (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales) occurring at different gradient of Chilika lake. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 202-5.

Gracilaria verrucosa was collected at salinity gradient of 4.2 to 28 ppt in the Chilika lake was used for agar extraction, Agar yield of 27-30% with gen strength 165 to 180 g/cm² was obtained form the alga occurrinhg at two different locatons of Southern sector of the lake showing salinity 6.5 to 8.0 ppt. NaOH pre-treatment strongly influenced the agar characteristics. Alkali pre-treatment of Gracilaria verrucosa yielded agar with increased gel strength but the yield was lowered. With 10% alkali pre-treatment the sulphate content of agar was reduced together with increase in 3,6, anhydro galactose content and the gel strength. Using Gracilaria verrucosa from salinity ranges 6.5 to 8.0 ppt of Chilika lake and extraction with 10% alkali, good quality of agar with gel strength 265 to 275 g/cm² and moderate yield of 25 to 26% was obtained suggesting its potential fro commercial exploitatoin.

^ssc1 table, 18 ref

019116   Raghavan T M;Furtado I (Microbiology Dep, Goa University, Goa-403 206) : Occurrence of extermely halophilic Archaea in sediments from the continental shelf of west coast of India. Curr Sci 2004, 86(8), 1065-7.

^ssc2 illus, tables, 15 ref

019115   Pradhan Y;Rajawat A S;Nayak S (Marine and Water Resources Group, Space Applications-380015, ) : Application of IRS-P4 OCM data to study the impact of tidal propagation on sediment dynamics in the Gulf of Kachchh. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 129-37.

Observations with respect to suspended sediment dispersal pattern at various stages of the tide cycles using the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-P4) Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) data have been report exploiting the high temporal resolution of two days and specific narrow spectral channels suitable to retrieve suspended sediment concentration. The shelf region of the Gulf, west of its mouth, plays a key role in sediment dispersal pattern within the Gulf of Kachchh as it evidenced by different linear shaped, clockwise and anticlockwise circulation patterns. The suspended sediments are transported as a V-shaped front into the Gulf during flooding conditions and as linear plums fanning out of the Gulf during ebb conditions. Sediments are being trasported into the Gulf along the northern shore from the Indus delta during flooring phase, whereas the souther shore gets sediments from the southern parts of the mouth. The study of sediment dispersal pattern led to dividing the Gulf of Kachchh into six zones, having characteristic sediment dispersal patterns. The information is useful for maintaining the approach chennels of ports in addition to understanding dispersal of pollutants such as oil slicks under tidal influence.

7 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

019114   Patil P R;Chaudhari D N;Kinage M S (School of Environmental & Earth Science, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon 425001) : Water quality status of Padamalaya lake, Erondal at Jalgaon district, Maharashtra State. Envir Ecol 2004, 22(1), 65-8.

The physico-chemical characteristics of the Padamalyaya lake water, Erondal at Jalgaon district were studied from January-March 2003. Data were collected four sample stations to evaluate the water quality for human consumption and irrigation. The lake has experienced deeline water quality and is unsafe for human comsumption but this water quality is found to be good for irrigation.

2 tables, 9 ref

019113   Nayak L;Behra D P (P.G Dep of Marine Sci, Berhampur Univ, Berhampur -760007) : Seasonal variation of some physiochemical parameters of the Chilika lagoon (east coast of India) after opening the new mouth, near Sipakuda. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 206-8.

Some physicochemical parameters [temperature, transparency, pH, sailinity, dissolved oxyten (DO) and nutrients, nitrate, phosphate and silicate] were studied during February 2001 to January 2002 at five locations in Chilika lagoon. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of the new mouth opened at Sipakuda in order to facilitate water exhange between the lagoon and the sea. High values of temperature 35.3°C and salinity about 32 ppt were notices near the mouth during the hot and dry premonsoon and postmonsoon periods respectively. The overall average salinity ranged from 0.32-32.0 ppt recorded atr the northern sector (kalupadaghat) and near the mounth. The maximum secchi disc value was 0.91 m only. Dissolved oxygen content and pH ranged from 3.9 to 13.9 ml/l and 6.4 to 9.8 respectively. The nutrient contents showed distinct seasonal and spatial variation. Higher phosphate value than the nitrate is a notewrothy features during the present study peroid, which could be due to the addition of phosphate through the land drainage. Visible changes have been noticed in spatio-temporal variations of physico-chemical parameters as a results of the opening of new mouth.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

019112   Nayak B K;Acharya B C;Panda U C;Nayak B B; Acharya S K (Mineralogy and Metallography, Dep Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar-751013) : Variatoin of water quality in Chilika lake, Orissa. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 164-9.

The water quality parameters such as pH, salinity, DO, BOD, PP, nutrients (NH₃-N, NO₂-N, NO₃-N, PO₄-P, total P), and chlorophyll a,b and c, were studied for the entire Chilika lake from 1998 to 2001 covering a maximum of 23 sampling stations. The pH of water was alkaline throughout the lake and both pH and salinity varied widely. Higher pH with low salinity zones reflected distegration of submerged weeds. Correlation analysis support the increase of pH, high photosynthetic activity, high nutrient as well as phosphate depletion due to phytoplankton utilization in the fresh water zone. The opening of a new mouth during the study period helped subsequently to bring rise to salinity throughout the lake region, flush out sediment load from lake, disintegrate weeds, increase biodiversity etc., which would ultimately ehance the fish, prawan, and crab catch.

4 illus, tables, 11 ref

019111   Nageswara Rao;Desapati T;Subrahmanyam A V; Deshmukh R D;Viswanthan G;Sinha R M (Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research Begumpet, , Hyderabad-500016) : Natural gas at shallow depth in the placer sands of Amalapuram coast, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 144-6.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

019110   Medhi D;Ahmed M (Dep of Geography, Goalpara College, Goalpara-783101) : Encroachment of forests land in Goalpara district, Assam. Envir Ecol 2004, 22(1), 43-7.

Due to considerable growth of population there has been an increasing pressure of people on the limited forest land. Apart from this, the illegal migrants are also encroaching upon the forest land, especially the reserved forest areas; besides some forest land along the states border are under the occupation of the neighboring states. Encroachment was influencing on the depletion of original vegetation giving rise to thriving habitat sites with thick growth of house sites. Within 25 years (1970-1995), the total forest land of 563.47 hectares have been encroached by 1004 numbers of house holders of different communities namely, general schedule caste, schedule tribe, extra labors and any other communities in Goalpara district. The results of encroachment were found to be significantly altered on forest land in Goalpara district.

1 table, 10 ref

019109   Mathur A;Sethi A;Jogini V;Bhargava Y;Tembe B L;Lala A K (Biomembrane Research Lab, Dep of Chemistry and school of Bioscineces a, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076) : Energetics of insertion of soluble proteins into membrane. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 181-9.

A number of soluble proteins that insert into membranes show a characteristic hairpin bent heilix-helix pair, which is presumed to paly an important role in insertion into the lipid membrane. However, little is know about the energetics of membrane insertion of such proteins, it is predicted that the spontaneous insertion of hydrophobic helical proteins into lipid bilayers is mainly dirven by a hydrophobic free-energy and interaction of polar and charged side chains of protein with the solvent. With a consideration of hairpin bent α helix as an `elliptical frustrum' it has been demostrated that insertin of such bent α-helices into the lipid bilayers is an outcome of various free energies like solvation, lipid perturbation, protein immobilization in lipid and packing energy. Different physical origins and different magnitudes of various free energies satisfy this model for insertion into the membrances.

7 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

019108   Manjappa S;Basavarajappa B E;Desai G P; Hotanahalli S S; (Environmental Science and Technologu Study Centre, Bapuji Institute of Enginering and Technology, Davanagere - 577 004) : Nitrate and fluoride levels in ground waters of davanagere taluka in karnataka. Indian J envir Hlth 2003, 45(2), 155-60.

The quality of ground water supplied in Davanagere Taluk, situated in central part of Karnataka has been investigated with respect to pH, dissolved solids, chlorides, nitrates and fluorides. The levels of pH, dissolved solids and chlorides were found within the safe limits as prescribed by BIS, for more than 95% of the samples. Out of the 61 different borewell samples analysed, selected from different areas of Davanagere Taluk, 26% of the samples are found to contain fluorides less than 0.50 PPM (lower safe limit prescribed by BIS) and 11.5% of the samples are found to contain more than 1.5 PPM of fluorides (higher safe limit prescribed by BIS). Further, it was also found during study that, 16.00% of the borewell samples analyzed, were found to contain more than 100,00 PPM of nitrates (measured as NO3 mg/L, safe limit prescribed by BIS). the values of fluorides and nitrates observed in different samples were in the range of 0.19 - 2.06 PPM 0.08 - 308 PPM, respectively.

3 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

019107   Mahapatro T R;Padhy (P.G. Dep of Marine Science, Berhampur Univ, Berhampur-760007) : Behaviour of fluride in Rushikulya estuary, Bay of Bengal. J envir Res 2001, 11(2), 141-144.

1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

019106   Latha M R;Indirani R;Francis H J (Dep of Soil Science & Agriculture Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641003) : Studies on ground water quality of Comibatore district of Tamil Nadu. J envir Res 2001, 11(2), 89-91.

2 tables, 2 ref

019105   Khaladkar P M;Mahajan P N;Narkhedkhar S G; Nair S (Indian Inst of Tropical Meteorology, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan,Pune -411008) : Oceansat-1 derived met-ocean parameters during various stages of monsoon depression of June 1999, along Orissa coastline, east coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 113-21.

After the launch of Oceainsat-1 (IRS-P4) on May 26, 1999, weather scientits got the opportunity to study some of the meteorological and oceanographic (met-ocean) parameters associated with the weather systems formed over the oceanic regions around India, even under cloudy conditions. Oceansat-1 carries multifrequency scanning microwave radiometer (MSMR) which has acapability to provide information of certain parameters viz. sea surface wind speeds (SSW),sea surface temperature (SST), integrated water vapour (TWV) and cloud liquid water content (CLW). A monsoon depression was formed over the Bay of Bengal on 17 June 1999 causing widespred rainfall over Orissa coast and the adjoining regions. Oceansat-1 derived met-ocean parameters were stkudied during various stages of this depression. The maximum values of these parameters durng the life cycle of the depression over the Bay of Bangal were SST0 :30°-31°C, SSW : 16-18 m/s, IWV : 70 g/cm², CLW : 90-100 mg/cm². It was observed that SSW, IWV and CLW show high values one to three days before the formation of the depression. High values, shape and steep gradients of the met-ocean parameters give prior indication of formation/intensification of the weather system and its probable location. SST reduced by about 1°-2° after the passage of the low pressure system over the region.

6 illus, tables, 15 ref

019104   Karthigeyan K;Sumathi R;Jayanthi J;Diwakar P G;Lakra G S (Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Circle, Port Blair 744 102) : Limnochairs flava (L.) buchenau (alismataceae)- a little know and trublesome weed in Andaman Islands. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 140-1.

^ssc2 illus, tables, 5 ref

019103   Kailasam M;Sivakami S (Cen Inst of Brackishwater Aquaculture, , No. 75, Santhome High Road Puram, Chennai 600 028) : Effect of thermal effluent discharge on benthic fauna off tuticorin bay South east coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 194-201.

Benthic fauna of Tuticorin bay in relation to thermal effluent dishcarge was studied for a period of two years (March 1990 to Apri 1922). Station I situtated closer to thermal effluent discharging site was characterized by high water temperature (surface mean 38.92°C, low dissolved oxygen (surface mean 3.79±0.29 ml/l) and high percentage of stand (mean and 87.96%, mean silt 7.57%, mean clay 4.87%) with the record of only three benthic species mainly dominated by Cerithedia fluviatilis. Occasional record of Prionopsio sp. and Nassa pulla was also noticed at st. I. Higher water temperature recorded at st. I had resulted elimination of other benthic species with survival of fewer organism. Station IV, situated far away from thermal effluent discharging site had better water quality parameters of temperature (surface mean 30.84°C), dissolved oxygen (surface mean 4.08 ml/I) and imporoved sediment particle size composition (mean sand 76.27% mean silt 16.11%, mean clay 7.68%) with the record of 23 benthic species. Station I was recorded with the lowest benthic populatoin density (480-1084 no/m²) and species diversity (0.0.44) while other stations showed the highest faunal density (2327-3452 no/m² at st. VI) and species diversity (2.12-2.54 at st.V). Temperature showed significant negative correlatoin with species diversity (1%), benthos density (5%) and benthos biomass (1%) at st. I, while in other stations, temperature was positively correlation with species diversity, benthos identiy and benthic biomass but statistically insignificant. Thermal effuent increased the temperature of receiving waters and thereby affected the benthic population of Tuticorin bay.

4 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

019102   Joshi P K;Das K K;Jamwal and Hemlata A K (Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (NRSA), , Dehra Dun-248001 (Uttranchal)) : Analysing land cover dynamics vis-A vis tropography in Huinyal watershed (Garhwal himalayas) using Geospatial tools. Indian J For 2004, 27(1), 1-10.

One of the basic requirements for sustainable mangement is building up of information on the natural resoruces and process of utilisation. In the western Himalayan eco region it is highly required due to total dependency on these resources for fuel/fodder collection. The results is significant land cover dynamics and fragmentation of forest and natural hazards. These forest resources have until recently dominated in the mountain but are today decreasing due to forest and natural hazards. These forest resource have until recently dominated in the mountains but are today decreasing due to forest invasion-which in turn changes human land use practices. The present paer focuses on land cover dynamics vis-a-vis topography in Huinyal watershed situated in Garhwal Himalays. This study contributes examples from mountainous regions where humna activities have re-shaped the ecosystem. The geospatial tool has been used to analyse the land cover dynamics along the topography. The results significantly report the cover dynamics is dependent on the aspect due to sum illumination. The altitude and slope is no more a barrier for resource extraction and the human activity zone is shifting towards higher altitudes and slopes. The changes are along the road and settlements.

5 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

019101   Joshi K;Chavan P;Warude D;Patwardhan B (Bioprspecting Laboratory, Interdisciplinary School of Health Science, Univ of Pune, Pune 411007) : Molecular markers in herbal drug technology. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 159-63.

Herbal drug technology is used for converting botanical materials into medicines, where standardization and quality control with proper integration of modern scientific techniques and traditional knoweldge is important. The use of chromatographic techniques and marker compounds to standardize botanical preparation has limitations because of their variable sources and chemical complexity. DNA-based molecular markers have untility in the fields like taxonomy, physiology embryology, genetics, etc. DNA- based techniques have been widely used for authentication of plant species of medical importance. Pharmacognosy mainly addresses quality-related issued using routine botanical and organoleptic parameters of crude drugs, and chemoprofiling assisted characterization with chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The new pharmacognosy includes all the aspects of drug development an ddiscovery, where biotechnology-driven applications play an important role. Current focus on chemotype-driven fingerprinting and related tehniques requireds integration with genotype-drive molecular techniques so that an optimal characterization of botanical materials is possible. A brief acount of various DNA-based technogies that are useful in genotyping and quick indentification of botanicals with suitable examples has been provided.

103 ref

019100   Islam M L;Alam M J;Rheman S;Ahmed S U;Mazid M A (Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Brackishwater Station, Khulna 9280, Bangladesh) : Water quality, nutrient dynamics and sediment profile in shrimp farms of the Sundarband mangrove forest Bangledesh. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 170-6.

Investigation was carried out to obseved the sediment-water characterstics and nutrient budget of traditonal shrimp farms during January-December 2000. Most of the water quality parameters between inlet and outlet of shrimp farms were similar, but transparency,turbidity, total suspended solid (TSS), phytoplankton and zooplankton concentration and primary productivity were significantly (p<60>0.05) different within inlet and outlet. Pollution indicator parameter, chemical oxygen demand (COD) was more or less similar between these two points indicating less or no chance of coastal eutrophication from shrimp farm effluent. Nutrient balance due to water exchange showed that about 44.15 kg of nitrogen (N)/ha/culture cycle and 27.25 kg of phosphorus (P)/ha/culture) cycle were being deposited into the bottom sediment. Most of the sediment parameters between mangrove and shrimp farms were similar, except calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and sulphur (S). Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Organic matter (OM) contents were low in the sediment sample indicating the sediment status poor and needs improvement throgh proper fertilization.

1 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

019099   Iqbal S A;Alam M;Ibrahim M;Farooqui S (Dep of Chemistry, Saifia College of Science and Education, , Bhopal-462001) : Physico-chemical studies of halaliriver reservoir with special reference to water quality. Oriental J Chem 2002, 18(1), 151-54.

Physico-chemical studies regarding the water quality assessment of Halali Reservoir water was conducted during the month of November 2000. Water samples were collected from four sampling stations and the parameters like temperature, pH turbidity, specific conductivity, chloride and sulphate ion concentration, phosphate and fluoride ion concentration, total alkalinity, hardnewss, dissolved oxygen, B.O.D. and C.O.D. were measured. The values of these parameters are indicated in Table 3 which shows that water quality is totally unit for drinking purpose but is more suitable for fish culture because Halali reservoir received a lot of domestic sewage, industrial effluents and effluents from the slaughter house and Bhopal Glue Factory etc. through the Patra Nullah, due to which water quality is full of proteins and phosphates etc. which is suitable for fish culture.

1 illus, 3 tables, 5 ref

019098   Harkantra S N;Rodrigues N R (Biological Oceanography Division, Natonal Institute of Ocenography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004) : Environment influences on the species diversity, biomass and population density of soft bottom macrofauna in the estuarine system of Goa, West coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 187-193.

A total of 58 species were recorded belonging to polychaetes, molluses, crustaceans and other minor groups in order of species abundance. eighteen species are new to the local fauna that were not reported earlier. The maximum meand species diversity index (Shannon-Wiener), total biomass (wet) and total population density recorde were 2.3 (ZI), 6.7 g/m² (MI) and 703 no./m² (M2) respectively. Significantly higher species diversity was observed at high salinity, fine sand and high sedimentary biochemical parmeters of total organic carbon (TOC), total organic nitrogen (TON) and carbon of biopolymeric fraction (C-BPF) sites. Medium grain size sites supported significant high biomass whereas population density showed no significant differences among the sites. The best multiple linear regression model revealed that all the 13 parameters studied were significant influencing parameters on species diversity, biomass and population density with exception of temperature. Among these salinity and TON were the main significant parameters. The combination of significant influencing environmental parameters % variatoin and Mallows' Cp values varied from sites to biotic parameters. The explained 32-77% of the total variance. The regression model derived from this data helps in detection of these biotic parameters the detection of pollution-induced effect.

1 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

019097   Hareesh Kumar P V;Sanilkumar K V (Naval Physical & oceanographic Lab, , Kochi-682021) : Long perod waves in the coastal regions of North Indian Ocean. Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 150-54.

The sea surface height (SSH) anomaly derived from TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter was used to study the characteristics of long period waves in the coastal belt of north Indian Ocean. Wavelet analysis at typical locations revealed that the most dominant signals were in the bands of intra-seasonal oscillation (ISO), i.e. 30-60 days, 3-4 months, semi-annual and annual. Among them the annual signal contained maximum energy at all the locations. But, inside the Andaman Sea, and off the Gulf of Aden, the ISO compoent is of nearly equal magnitude as that of annual. In the regions of large SSH variability, low frequency components (more than 3 months) dominated, whereas they contained less energy in the region of minimum SSH variability. Hovmullor diagrams revealed larger inter-and intra-annual variability in the SSH fields. In general, along the eastern boundary of the ocean, high sea level was observed during April-June and October-December in association with equatorial Kelvin waves. Another notable observation was the formation of high SSH in the western Indian Ocean during February-May and August-October. Among them, the former one propagated nothward while latter one was found stationary. The Markan coast was found as the region of meeting place of two waves, one from the western Indian Ocean and the other from the eastern Bay. The results can be utilized to enhance the understanding of various coastal process controlled by long period waves, viz. upwellingk, sinking, circulation and meso-scale features.

4 illus, 15 ref

019096   Federici L;Walas F;Luisi B (Dep of Biochemistry, Univ of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB 21 GA, UK) : The strucutre and mechanism of the TolC outer membrane transport protein. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 190-6.

Gram-negative bacteria have evolved specilized multicomponent systems that transport molecules from the cytoplasm to the extracellular environment in energy-dependent processes. Central to one of these systems is the TolC outer membrane proteins. TolC of Escherichia coli is a very versatile channel that can interact with a wide range of inner membrane, energy-driven pumps to export compounds ranging from small antibiotic molecules to large toxic proteins. Thus TolC and its associated partner proteins confer invasive virulence and drug resistance to Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. However TolC is also a source of vulnerability, as it is a conduit for the uptake of bactericidal proteins know as colicins. Recental the crystal structures have been repoted of TolC and its inner-membrane partner protein AcrB, a Proton antiporter. the mechanisms of colicin uptake via TolC have also been extensively studied and the structures of some of the implicated protein components have been determined Current understanding of the structure and function relationship in TolC-mediated transport systems have been discussed.

5 illus, 35 ref

019095   Desai R S;Krishnamurthy N K;Mavinkurve S; Bhosle S (Dep of Microbiology, Goa Univ, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403206) : Alkaliphiles in estuarine mangrove regions of Goa, (central west coast of India). Indian J Mar Sci 2004, 33(2), 177-80.

Obligate alkaliphilic bacteria (28 strains) were isolated from various estuarine ecosystems of Goa. Most of these stains were found to be Gram positive, motile rods, capable of growth in aerobic conditions upto pH 12, exhibting optimum growth at pH 10.5. Isolates exhibited high buffering capacity confirming their alkaliphilic nature. Significantly high difference was noted in teh buffering capacities of the alkaliphiles and the neutrophile indicating their ability to maintain their internal pH. The obligage alkaliphile A52 exhibited highest cytoplasmic buffering capacity of 8,500 nanomoles OH ions/pH unit/mg protein.The isolates also showed amylase (39%), protease (50%) activity under alkaline conditions. The study depicts that such alkalphilic bacteria also pay an important role in the mineralization of organic matter under high pH conditions in natural ecosystems.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

019094   Chattopadhyay A;Raghuramna H (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, , Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500007) : Application of fluorescence spectroscopy to membrane protein structure and dynamics. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 175-80.

In spite of the functional importance of membrane proteins, information on their structure and organization is lacking due to the paucity of crystal structures. In the absence of a detailed crystallographic database, approaches based on fluorescence spectroscopy have proved useful in elucidating and organization, topology and orientation of membrane proteins. Application of various approaches based of fluorescence spectroscopy to explore the organization and dynamics of membrane proteins and peptides. Some of the important approaches include analysis of depth of penetration of membrane proteins and peptides utilizing fluorescence quenching, site directed fluorescence labeling and the wavelength-selctive fluorescence approach have been focussed.

1 illus, 90 ref

019093   Bhattacharya S N;Karnath R V;Dattatrayam R S; Sohoni P S (Dep of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Instiute of Technology, Kharagpur-721302) : Earthquake sequence in and around bhavnagar, Saurastra, wester India during August-December 2000 and associated tectonic features. Curr Sci 2004, 86(8), 1165-70.

An earthquate sequence started in Bhavnagar in eastern Saurashtra on 9 August 2000. Temporary field observatories were established immediately and 132 earthquates of M (magnitude) 0.5-3.8 were recorded from 9 August 2000 to 15 December 2000. Among these, five earthquates were of M±3, with maximum magnitude of 3.8. The damages were disproportionately high considering the magnitudes of the events. This may be partly explained as due to presence of loose alluvium/poorly consolidated alluvium. Locations of 43 events were obtained from the data collected by the filed observatories. The events were confined to an area of 6 km X 4 km, which is located in and around the southeaster part of Bhavnagar town and had focal depths ranging between 1 and 4 km. This earthquate sequence exhibits a doublet pattern (a pair of mainshock - aftershock sequences) with two mainshocks occurring on 10 Augst 2000 (M: 3.6) and 12 September 2000 (M:3.8). Successive occurrence of mainshock-aftershock sequences is also known as earthquake swarm of the second kind. Past seismicity of the region shows that the eastern part of Saurashtra is more active than the western part. According to historical records, an earthquate of magnitude 7 occurred near Bhavnagar in February 1705. Earthquate swarm activity also occurred in and around Paliyad (60km north of Bhavnagar) during July-August 1938 for about two months, with ofur earthquates of M%5 and maximum magnitude of 6.0. The north-south trending western margin Cambay basin fault passes close to the Bhavnagar area. Further, the east-west trending Shihor fault has offset the western margin Cambay fault near Bhavnagar. The earthquate activity in this area appears to be associated with these two fault systems.

5 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

019092   Basu J (Dep of Chemistry, Bose Institute, 31/7, Acharaya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata-700009) : Protein palmitoylation and dynamic modulation of protein function. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 212.

The function of palmitoylatoin will depend on the protein that is being considered. Palmitoylation increases the hydrophobicity of proteins and contributes to their membrane association. Progress has been made in the understanding of protein S-palmitoylation as one of a reportoire of dynamic post-translational protein modification that can control protein trafficking, localization partitioning into domains, protein-protein interactions and functions. Some light has also been shed on the enzymology of palmitoylatin. However, much needs to be learnt about the sequence motifs specific of enzymatic and non-enzymatic palmitoylation and on the battery of proteins that are likely to mediate enzymatic palmitoylation-depalmitoylation cycles. With the development of knoweldge, inhibitors of palmitoylation may find use as drugs in the foresseable future. Some of the recent advances in understanding of the mechanisms and function of protein S-palmitoylation have been discussed.

2 illus, 77 ref

019091   Banavar J R;Maritan A (Dep of Physics, 104, The Pennsylvani State Univ, Univ Park PA 16802 USA) : Exemplars of proteins. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 152-8.

A unified framework for understanding proteins is presented, which provides links between the fields of protein scinece, polymer physics and the physics of liquid crystals.

^iia5 illus 53 ref

019090   Arockiasamy A;Kumar P D;Sundara Baalaji N; Rukmini M R;Krishnaswamy S (Dep of Genetics Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai 625021) : Folding and structural stability of OmpC from Salmonella typhi: role of LPS and environment. Curr Sci 2004, 87(2), 197-202.

Outer membrane porins of Gram-negative bacteria are very stable and in general resistant to complete denaturation by heat and other denaturants. Folding and stability of the homotrimeric beta barrel outer membrane protein OmpC, and major cell surface antigen from human pathogen Salmonella typhi is examined here suing circular dichroism, gel electrophoresis and monoclonal antiboides. The results obtained with the vaccine strain Ty21a (native OmpC), recombinant OmpC (rOmpC) expressed in E. coli and the refolded OMpC (rfOMpC) from cytoplasmic inclusion bodies that differ in the amount of bound LPS (Liopolysacharide), shed light on the role of LPS and detergents on the refolding and stability of OmpC. From these studies it is suggested that the stability of S.typhi OmpC is modulated by the amount and type of LPS association.

3 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref