018616   Sinha E;Nath S (Dep of Anthrop, Univ of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, Email: snath@du.ac.in) : Reconstruction of stature through upper limb measurements among Kurma females of Andhra Pradesh. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 65-7.

Attempt has been made in the study to formulate Multiplication Factors for reconstruction of stature of kurma females of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 200 females ranging in age from 18 to 45 years were measured for radical length ulnar, tibial and femur besides stature, using standard measurement techniques. Analysis of data reveals that the Kurma females are on an average 150 cm tall and fall in medium height category. They have relatively short forearms as well as the lower legs. The multiplication factors formulated as the proportion between the concerned bone length has the smallest multiplication factor. The analysis further reveals that the percentage error in predicted stature is least with ulnar length followed by radial length where as the tibial length reveals the maximum percentage error in predicted stature. The final conclusion of the study is that ulnar length among Kurma females would provide the most reliable estimate of stature.

3 tables, 6 ref

018615   Singh W M;Singh N I (NO, Inst of Bioresources and Sustainable Dev, GOI, Takyelpat, Imphal) : Indoor aeromycoflora of a rice mill in Bishnupur, Manipur. Indian J Aerobiol 2005, 18(2), 75-81.

Monitoring of indoor air of a rice mill for airborne fungi at Lamangdong, Bishnupur district. Manipur was undertaken during the period from October, 1996 to September, 1998 using two stage Anderson Air Sampler. Altogether 44 fungal types belonging to Phycomycotina (11.37%) and Deuteromycotina (88.63%) were identified out of 12725 cfu/m² of the air. Important fungal typesidentified were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, A. glaucus, Penicillium claviforme, P. lapidosum, P. notatum, P. lanosum, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium monoliforme, F. oxysporum, Helminthosporium oryzae, Trichoderma sp. Mucorsp., Rhizopus sp., etc. The highest percent of the fungal types was represented by Aspergillus glaucus (2.79%) in the first year and Aspergillus flavus (2.70%) in the second year. The lowest percent concentration was recorded by Cladosporium geniculata (1.01%) and Fusarium sp. (1.02%) in the first and second year of invesigation, respectively.

2 illus, 4 table, 13 ref

018614   Sharma R;Deval R;Priyadarshi V;Gauh S N;Singh A B (NO, Inst of Genomics and Integrative Biol, Delhi) : Indoor survey of fungi in the homes of asthmatic allergic. Indian J Aerobiol 2005, 18(2), 69-74.

Indoor fungi are potential sensitizers in early childhood and their qualitative and quantitative prevalence is important for diagnois and environmental management of asthma. To investigate types and centration of predominantfungal types in the homes of asthmatic/allergic children in Delhi survey of airborne fungi was done. Survey was performed using Andersen volumetric air sampler for one year. A high viable mold concentration was observed in the homes of asthmatic children in Delhi. The predominant airborne fungal types observed were Aspergillus niger, A.flavus, A.fumigatus, A.nidulans, Alternaria spp., Cladosporiumspp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp. and Curvularia spp. etc. The highest fungal concentration was observed in the month of January while the lowest in june in indoors. Allergy to mold, one of risk factors for the development of asthma/allergy in children has provided the basis for clinical correlation with allergic symptoms in these patients.

2 illus, 2 table, 16 ref

018613   Saxena N;Gavie M A (Dep of Zool, Sch of life Sci Dr. B R Ambedkar Univ, Agra U.P.) : Evaluation of amino acids in the live of Rattus norvegicus after mercury chloride intoxication. Bionotes 2005, 7(4), 126.

6 ref

018612   Sarkar S K (Dep of Statist, Univ of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Email: sarojeu@yahoo.com) : Influence of sex preference on demand for a child and its impact on contraceptive use in Bangladesh. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 21-8.

In order to study the pattern of contraceptive use of eligible women who did not demand any more children in Bangladesh, it seems that women's demand for a child remain latent and reflects it on practice of contraception. It is also clearly linked to the number of living sons among her surviving children. In a society experiencing fertility transition, sex preference is going to emerge as a major constraint for the family palnning program . In order to quantify the effect of sex preference on contraceprtive use the methods proposed by Arnold and Chand et.al. are used. In the light of these findings it appears that further increase in the contraceptive prevalence rates in the country may become increasingly more difficult unless there is a decline inthe hidden demand for male children.

3 table, 38 ref

018611   Saket;Abhay R;Purushothaman C S;Kaushal V K (NO, , ) : Bacterial population in Mumbai coastal waters. J Aquatic Biol 2005, 20(2), 5-8.

Study was conducted with the objectives to isolate and identify the bacterial population in the water and sediment of the coastal waters of Mumbai. Surface water, bottom water and sediment samples were collected off Mahim (latitude: 19°02' to 19° 13' N and longitude 72°40' to 72°49'E). Samples were collected from six stations spread over a distance of 5 km. The bacterial populations ranged between 7.60 x 10⁴ and 2.96 x 10⁵ in surface water; 3.30 x 10,⁴ and 2.84 x 10⁶ in bottom water, and between 2.38 x 10⁵ and 7.89 x 10⁵ in sediment. The highest number of bacteria occurred during pre-monsoon as the ecosystem was rich in nutrients during the period due to loading from the terrestrial environment; Mahim Creek forms one of the major outlets of domestic sewage and industrial effluents into the sea. The bacteria belonged to the genera Vibrio and Pseudomonas. Vibrio sp. were found to dominate in water as well as sediment. The presence of large number of Gram-negative bacteria in the coastal waters of Mumbai and that too in the area where regular fishing activities take place is a matter of concern. The finding indicates the urgency of detailed investigations on these aspects, especially with reference to pathogenic organisms.

1 illus, 7 tables, 6 ref

018610   Sahani R (An S.I. North East Regional Cent, , Mawblei, Madarrting, Block-B, Shillong-793 024, Email: rameshrksahani@rediffmail.com) : Seasonal variation in nutritional status of the Jarawas. J Anthrop Surv India 2004, 53(1), 99-117.

Two of the four tribal groups living in the Andaman group of islands, the Great Andamanese and the Onges, came in contact with outsiders long back. While the Jarawas came in contact in recent times, contact with outsiders changed the food habit to different degrees. The Jarawas started consuming non-traditional food items, mostly coconut and banana from 1974 onwards. More recently the Jarawas have started going to the neighbouring settler villages. The reasons responsible for such visits have continuously been argued, but the most popularly held view among the administrators and neighbouring settlers was scarcity of food items in the Jarawas habitat. To assess availbility/scarecity of food, as well as to see the seasonal variation in nutritional status a study was designed and conducted through one year in six different phases. Anthropometric measurements and indices related to nutritional assessment varied during different phases, but the differences were not significant. Though thinness category i.e., chronic energy deficiency is observed, but it is not due to resource crunch. When Jarawas was forced to live sedentary live with changing diet pattern for few days, it shows drastic increase of body weight. Considering the overall leanness of the Jarawas especially males and the physical activity level, the cut of value for assessing under nutrition can be consider lower for the Jarawas, and if so, the findings suggests that there is no food scarcity among the Jarawas during..

6 tables, 37 ref

018609   Rane G M;Gandhe R V (Post Grad Res Cent Dep of Bot, M.J. Coll, Jalgaon, Maharashtra) : Air and dust mycoflora of a library at Jalgaon. Indian J Aerobiol 2005, 18(2), 95-101.

Mycoflora of library dust was studied with reference to deterioration of books. Total of 15 genera and 35 species were isolated by Exposure Plate and Direct Inoculation Method in the morning and evening. Amongst the different isolated genera. Aspergillus with its 13 species was found dominant. The frequeny of occurrence of cellulose degrading species was remarkably more in the morning than in the evening. Deuteromycotina members were very common and showed their luxuriant growth in the dust of the stored books.

^ssc3 table, 1 table, 15 ref

018608   Ramachandra Murty B (Biochem Dep, PSG Coll of Arts and Sci, Coimbatore-641 014, Email: bram12@rediffmail.com) : Biochemistry of human senescence. Resonance 2006, 11(2), 17-26.

2 illus, 10 ref

018607   Rajendaran R;John Prabakaran J;Ramakrishnan D (Dep of Microbiol, Vivekanandha Coll of Arts & Sci for Women, Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode 637 205) : Response of rhizobium to some heavy metals. J Ecobiol 2005, 17(6), 589-91.

Isolation of symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacterium Rhizohium sp. from peanut was done from farm fields of Namakkal District inorder to determine the effects of selected heavy metals on growth and survival of Rhizobium sp. the results showed that Rhizobium sp. was able to tolerate higher concentrations of Zn and Ni (500 μMol/ml). Low concentration of Zn (25 μMol / ml) stimulated the growth, while Ni and Pb was inhibitory at lower concentration (25 μMol/ml).

^ssc1 table, 6 ref

018606   Priya Ranganath;Manjunath K Y;Balasubramanyam V (Dep of Anatomy, , Bangalore, Email: sjmcanat@satyam.net.in) : Variations of the talar articular facets of the calcaneus in South Indians. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 69-71.

Patterns of the talar articular facets were examined on the dorsal surface of seventy-one (36 left and 37 right) dry calcanei of unknown sex. Type-I talar facets were found to be predominant (67.6%) followed by Type-II and Type-III. No cases of Type-IV were found in the present series. Incidence of talar facet types inthe study resembles other previous studies of talar facets in the Indian calcanei.

2 tables, 11 ref

018605   Prabhat;Navaneet; (Microbiol Dep, Gurukul Kangri Univ, Hardwar-249 404) : Antimicrobial activity of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Linn.). Natn Acad Sci Lett 2005, 28(11-12), 379-81.

Achyranthes aspera (Linn.) extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacterial strains of Gram positive Streptococcus mutans, S. salivarius, S. sanguis, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus acidophillus, Bacillus subtilis and Gram negative E. coli. The methanolic extract shows the maximum activity against S. salivarius and the petroleum ether extract shows the minimum activity against E. coli. The use of extracts of A. aspera as a potential antibacteiral activity and treatment of dental plaque has been suggested.

^ssc1 table, 9 ref

018604   Paul J A J;Karmegam N;Daniel T (Dep of Biol, Gandhigram Rur Inst Deemed Univ, Gandhigram- 624 302) : Effect of worm population on biomass of Eudrilus eugeniae in municipal solid waste and the status of microorganisms. J Ecobiol 2005, 17(6), 567-70.

Using municipal solid waste and cow dung (1:1) mixture, worm biomass, number of young worms produced and percentage decomposition were studied with different numbers (0,25, 50, 75 & 100) of earthworm population of Eudrilus eugeniae. Colony forming units of microorganisms (Bacteria, fungi & actinomycetes) were also enumerated in the worm-unworked and vermicast. The results showed 2, 1.8, 1.5 and 1.4 fold increase in the worm biomass and 6, 4, 3.2, 3.1 and 3.0 fold increase in the worm numbers in the treatments with 25, 50, 75 and 100 worms, respectively. The microbial count in the worm worked substrate was 152.67x10⁶, 35.46x10⁴ and 96.86x10⁴ for bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes, respectively and these were one fold higher than the microbial count in the worm-unworked substances.

2 tables, 11 ref

018603   pai I K;Berde V (Dep of Zool, Goa Univ, Taleigao Plateau, Goa - 403 206) : Comparative studies on limnology of freshwater bodies located in coastal and high altitude of Goa and Maharashtra. J Aquatic Biol 2005, 20(2), 95-100.

Comparative study on limnology of freshwater bodies located at Panhalgarh, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra and a freshwater body located in Goa, was made for physical, chemical and biological parameters with special reference to zooplankton diversity along with their seasonal variations. The results indicate that there are distinct differences in dynamics of these water bodies. It is reported that there are 31 species of rotifers and 17 species of cladocerans in the freshwater body in Kolhapur district, whereas, there are 29 species of rotifers and 21 cladocerans in the Goa waterbody. There is a significant variation occurring in limnological parameters in both the water bodies. This forms the first report on the planktonic forms in this area.

2 illus, 15 ref

018602   Murugan M;Siva Kumar K;Thangaradjou T;Kannan L (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai- 608 502) : Antibiotic producing marine actinomycetes of Tamil Nadu coast with special reference to their identification. J Aquatic Biol 2005, 20(2), 223-7.

In India, research works on marine actinomycetes are limited when compared to the terrestial environment. It is therefore necessary to review the present status of actinomycetes research towards understanding the marine actinomycetes especially Streptomyces, so as to lay out a sketch for future programmes. When compared with China and Japan, literature on marine actinomycetes available in India is less. So it is the right time to carry out an informative review work on marine actinomycetes of India. Attempt is a preliminary one to assemble background information for future workers on the taxonomy, distribution and economical value of the marine actinomycetes, expecially Streptomyces, in the Tamil Nadu coast of india. A total 44 species of Streptomycetes has been included, with the information on their general characters and utilization of carbon and nitrogen sources which are very important characters for their identification.

^iia2 tables, 6 ref

018601   Mukherjee S (NO, , West Bengal, 20B Abdul Hamid Street, Kolkata-700 069) : Ecology and prevalence of major diseases in Meghalaya. J Anthrop Surv India 2004, 53(1), 137-65.

In the present day conception, human health is considered as a multidimensional aspect involving varios geographical, biological, and cultural attributes. Meghalaya, a major state in northesatern India, holds a large number of disease environments owing to its anthropological and geographical diversity. The geo-medically important diseases mainly of communicable nature dominantly prevail over the state. The emerging pattern of the prevalence of those diseases reasonably synchronizes with the physico-cultural characteristics of the state. Due to low health care coverage, malnutrition and lack of health awareness the traditional rural people like the Garo, Khasi and the Jaintia tribes are being constantly exposed to many health hazards. The study is an attempt to have a better understanding of those diseases and their occurrences among the rural people of Meghalaya within the two compact co-ordinates of environment and health.

2 illus, 16 tables, 12 ref

018600   Mansour F A;A A Abdel Hameed (Bot Dep Fac of Sci, Mansoura Univ Natn Res Cent, Dokki, Giza, Egypt) : Airborne pollen at Giza district, Egypt. Indian J Aerobiol 2005, 18(2), 82-7.

Airborne pollen was collected with a Burkard spore trap in Giza, Egypt from January 2003 to December 2003. The sum of the annual total of the daily counts of pollen was 2337.2 pollen/m³ belonging to 23 taxa. Two taxa were gymnosperms (Cupressaceae and Pinaceae) and 21 were anglosperm. The sum of monthly pollen records fluctuated between 36.7 to 483 pollen. The highest pollen count was recorded in spring (1218 pollen) wheras the lowest one was found in winter (168.4 pollen). Significant differences (p<60>0.05) were found between pollen counts recorded inspring and autumn, spring and winter and winter and autumn. Amaranthaceae, Brasicaceae, Fabaceae, Casuarinaceae, Myrtaceae, Plantaginaceae, Poaceae, Pinaceae and Cyperaceae were found to be the most dominant pollen taxa in the atmosphere of Giza district. A significant correlation (p<60>0.05) was found between pollen counts and temperature.

1 illus, 3 table, 31 ref

018599   Majumder P P;Balasusbramanian D (NO, Indian Statistical Inst, Kolkata-700 108, Email: ppm@isical.ac.in) : Our footprints on the sands of time. Resonance 2006, 11(1), 32-50.

2 illus, 6 boxes, 13 ref

018598   Majumdar M (BA-174 Salt Lake Cy Kolkata-700 064, , ) : On the metre of modern Bengali songs: a linguistic analysis. J Anthrop Surv India 2004, 53(1), 127-36.

Paper attempts to analayze the Modern Bengali Songs as metrical texts. It explains the Bengali metre and its different styles, along with their illustrations, as observed in Modern Bengali Songs. Moreover, the Parametrical phenomena have also been discussed, as noticed in the data. The correlation between the verse-metre-style and the corresponding song-metre-style have also been dealt with. Thus attempts to draw a linguistic analysis of Modern Bengali Songs, from the metrical point of view.

6 ref

018597   Mahmood S K;Anthony Johnson A M (Bot Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Comparative modelling of recombinant human replication factor C having DNA-dependent ATPase activity. Bull envir Sci 2004, 22(1), 23-7.

The elongation of primed DNA templates by DNA polymerase delta and DNA polymerase epsilon requires the accessory proteins proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and replication factor C (FRC). RFC, also named activator 1, is a protein complex consisting of five distinct subunits of 140, 40, 38, 37, and 36 kD. This gene encodes the 36 kD subunit. This subunit can interact with the C-terminal region of PCNA. It forms a core complex with the 38 and 40 kDa subunits. The core complex sesses DNA-dependent ATPase activity, which was found to be stimulated by PCNA in an in vitro system. Replication Factor C from Human database were screened and selected as putative protein. Emphasis was made to build the 3 D structure of proteins for Replication factor from the Homo sapiens. The residue sequence of 340 aa selected from Swiss Prot database and aligned in PDB-Blast. It had <62> 50% identity of other aligned 3 D structures. Later subjected to secondary servers followed by fold recognition servers. Template 1 iqpa of 327 aa residue length was selected from 3 D PSSM and in clustal W format submitted to modeller. Loops were built in SPDBV with the help of Rama Chandra plot. Protein loop energy minimized by SYBYL 6.7 software. Finally 3 D structure of putative protein of Replication factor C was obtained. At present, the main application of the database is to improve homology modeling in the program MODELLER by satisfacation of spatial restraints.

34 ref

018596   Lakshmi Kalpana V;Satyanarayana M (Dep of Hum Genet, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam 530 003, Email: kalpanaveerathu@yahoo.com) : Chromosomal disorders in recurrent spontaneous aborters. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 47-50.

Chromosomal abnormality is a major cause of fetal loss and extensive surveys have shown that some 20-30% abortuses are aneuploids. The aneuploidies in the form of mosaics arises due to meiotic nondisjunction or mitotic nondisjunction occur in the early zygote. To find out the presence of the aneuploidy, chromosomal analysis was performed in a series of thirty five women with repeated spontaneous abortions and also in their husbands. Out of seventy individuals, one women of age twenty nine years with a history of four Spontaneous abortions was detected tobe a chromosomal mosaic 45, X/46, XX/47, XXX and with corresponding sex chromatin picture found to be negative/positive/double positive (-ve/+ve/++ve). She had normal phenotype and Spontaneous abortions occured in the third/fourth months of pregnancy. Her husband was normal with 46,XY chromosomal complement.

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

018595   Khan A K;Ansari N T;Hashmi S;Saleemuddin Q (Dep of Zool, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad - 431 004) : Extraction, purification and characterization of cellulase enzyme complex from Trichoderma T5. J Aquatic Biol 2005, 20(2), 129-32.

Cellulase Enzyme complex was extracted from Trichoderma T5. The enzyme was purified using column chromatography. The effect of different parameters on the activity of enzyme was determined, it was found that the enzyme had optimum temperature of 30°C, the optimum pH was 5.5, the optimum substrate concentration was found to be 2.0% W/V of carboxy methyl cellulose also it was found that time of incubation influences the enzyme activity it was found that the optimum time of incubation was 96 hours after which the activity decreased. Thus the cellulase enzyme complex was extracted from Trichoderma T5 and further purified by column chromatography and it proves to be efficient method of purification of enzyme complex and the activity of enzyme is effected by different parameters.

4 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

018594   Kadam D D;Mali R P;Kadam M S;Ambore N E (Dep of Zool, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded - 431 602) : Ecology of Bhategaon dam, district Parbhani, Maharashtra. J Aquatic Biol 2005, 20(2), 101-4.

Study deals with a lake situated at village Bhategaon Dist. Parbhani, at about 32 kms away from Nanded, Maharashtra. It is a natural lake with well protected catchment of surrounding hills. The lake water is used for domestic as well as irrigation purpose. The data showed that the pond is productive and harbours rich biodiversity of planktonic and zoobenthic flora and fauna.

1 table, 14 ref

018593   Jadhav A R;Deshmukh A M (Dep of Microbiol, K E Society's Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Islampur - 415 409) : Keratinolytic activity of Streptomyces fradiae isolated from Rankala lake water, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. J Aquatic Biol 2005, 20(2), 1-4.

Nine keratinolytic actinomycetes were isolated from Rankala and Kalamba Lake water of Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Among them Rankala lake water isolate, Streptomyces fradiae, showed maximum keratinolytic activity towards human hair substrate. Thus, it was used for optimization of incubation time for human hair degradation under static and shaking conditions. The degradation of human hair was assessed by determining protein released (μg/ml), weight loss (%) and by observing microscopic changes. The maximum net protein released into the medium from human hair under shaking and in static condition was 98.3 and 62.7 μg/ml respectively in 14 days. The maximum weight loss under shaking and in static condition was 68.2 and 46.7 percent respectively in 14 days. In shaking condition, the hair strands were turned to power like mass in 12 days and in static condition in 14 days. It was found that complete degradation of human hair by Streptomyces fradiae requires 16-18 days under static condition and 14-16 days under shaking conditions.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

018592   Islam Md. R;Alf M K (Dep of Popul Sci and Hum Resour Dev, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi 6205, Email: rafique_pops@yahoo.com) : Modeling of age specific fertility rates of Bangladesh. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 9-19.

Purpose of the study is to build mathematical models of age specific fertility rates (ASFRs) of Bangladesh. For this, the secondary data of ASFRs at different years of bangladesh have been taken from Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh. It is observed that ASFRs, forward cumulative ASFRs and backward cumulative ASFRs follow polynomial models. Model validation technique, cross-validity prediction power (CVPP), ρ²_cv, has been applied to these mathematical models to check the validity of the models. It is seen that all the parameters ofthe fitted mathematical models are highly significant. It is found that all the models of are more than 73% stable explaining more than 95% variation. It is also seen that the modelof forward cumulative ASFRs is more than 99% stable explaining more than 99% variation while the model of backward cumulative ASFRs.is more than 96% stable explaining more than 99% variation.

13 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

018591   Hossain Md. G (Dep of Statist, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi 6205, Email: hossain95@yahoo.com) : Association in age at menarche with physical growth, family income and number of sibling of schoolgirls in Bangladesh. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 41-6.

Study is to find out the association of age at menarche with physical growth (height and weight), family income and number of sibling of schoolgirls in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional samples (n= 450) were collected from several schools in two regions of Bangladesh i.e. Southwestern part (Jhenidah district) and Northern part (Nilphamari and Panchagar districts). The subjects (age range of 11-14 years) were all of Bandladeshi birth and were classified; post-menarche an dpre-menarche for the same age. it was observed that the girls who are living in Southwestern part reached menarche earlier than girls in Northern part of Bangladesh. Also, Southwestern girls were taller, heavier and they had better economical condition than their Northern counterparts. Further, height, weight and family income of urban girls werefound to be significantly higher than their rural counterparts. Physical growth, family income and number of sibling were not different between Muslim and Hindu girls. Multiple regression coefficients exhibited that age at menarche is negatively associated with height, family income and number of sibling. The data used in the present study suggested that physical growth and socio-economic condition of adolescent girls might be an indicator to understand menarcheal age.

5 tables, 35 ref

018590   Harashawaradjana (Anthrop Surv of India North-West Regional Cent, , 192/1, Kaulagarh Road, Dehra Dun-248 195) : Growth and development with special reference to facial asymmetry among normal males. J Anthrop Surv India 2004, 53(1), 21-54.

Earlier studies showed an apparent asymmetrics in the morphology of children and adult (Schultz Van Dusen). The studies indicate the relationship between asymmetry and different types of stresses, heat, cold, nutrition, handedeness and different outoenic characters (Wolanski, Byers). Most of the earlier studies discuss the effects of various types of stress and anomalies in various body parts. To overcome this problem the anthropometry and three dimensional computer imaging by modern sophisticated instruments were carried out. The study had been conducted among the normal healthy Jain males in age ranging from 6 to 18 years. Major emphasis of this report is the study of growth with special reference to facial asymmetry. Present sample size is 661 and collected from Delhi by the author himself. Result reveals that asymmetry is significant in all the age groups. These significant observations might be due to the effect of growth on various anthropometric measurements. The study on facial asymmetry could help us to understand the growth pattern.

2 illus, 6 tables, 36 ref

018589   Hahiya P;Singh A B (Dep of Biosci M.D. Univ Rohtak & Aerobiology Lab, Inst of Genomics and Integrative Biol, Delhi) : Scope and relevance of genetically modified plants. Indian J Aerobiol 2005, 18(2), 88-94.

Transgenic plants developed through genetically modified methods are used for a variety of applications such as improvement of crop yield, diseases and pests resistance varieties, quality of food products, synthesis of pharmaceuticals and vaccines. However, numerous concerns have been raised regarding the health risk and safety aspects of the plants and humans. The potenital impact of transgenic plants on the environment and ecological conditions are still not very clear. The merit of GM crops over traditionally breeding methods have been discussed. However, one of the major concern is the possibility of gene flow to close relatives of the plant. Many other concerns like potential for allegic reactions to food products and possible introduction of toxic compounds and antibiotic resistance in the transformation process have been raised. A thorough health and ecological risk assessment for introducing GM crops is highly recommended as per the guidelines of different regulatory authorities and is adhered to.

27 ref

018588   Dhevagi P;Shibu M A (Dep of Envir Sci, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Coimbatore-641 029, Email: devagihfr@yahoo.com) : Isolation and characterization Salmonella typhi specific bacteriophages. J theor expl Biol 2005, 1(4), 173-9.

Among the new preventive and therapeutical strategies, the treatment of patients with bacteriophages has attracted increased attention (Lorch, 1999). Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and showed much promise to use these as therapeutic agents as an alternative to antibiotics. Bacteriophages specific to salmonella typhi have been demonstrated in albino mice under invitro condition. S. typhi was isolated from phage enriched sewage sample. Test animals were injected with pathogen to assess MLD (Minimal Lethal Dose) of Salmonella typhi and were found to be 0.1 mL. Phages specific to S. typhi were injected to mice after injecting with the pathogen. Results showed that mice treated with lower concentration of lysate showed the symptoms of lethargy. As the phage dose increased from 0.1 mL to 1mL PFU complete recovery of the animal same as control was observed. This protection could be attributed to the marked reduction in pathogen load in response to the presence of phage. Sequencing entire microbial genomes and to determine the molecular basis of pathogencity with open new avenues for treating infectious diseases.

2 illus, 4 table, 24 ref

018587   Deshmukh M B (NO, , SAI-KRUPA 10, Gopal Nagar, Badnera Road, Amravati 444 606) : Trehalase activity in the post embryonic development of the housefly on synthetic diet. J Ecobiol 2006, 18(1), 51-5.

Musca domestica nebulo, F. were reared on a synthetic diet under asepectic conditions. Trehalase activity has been studied in various larval and pupal stages. Trehalase activity was significantly low during larval development. During pupal stage trehalase activity was increased by about 60% during 24 hour, then slightly decreased after 48 hour; while in the last 72 hour pupal stage, it was again significantly increased (80% over larval stage). Trehalase activity followed a peculiar "U" shaped curve during pupal development, which is characteristic of the insect metamorphosis. The results indicate that trehalase has a role during the post-embryonic development of M. domestica and activity increased during maturation process.

21 ref

018586   Deka K;Bardoloi T;Kalita D (Anim Genet and Breed Dep, Coll of Vet Sci Assam Agric Univ, Khanapara, Guwahati-781 022) : Genetic and phenotypic correlations among pre- and post-weaning growth traits in pigs of Assam. Indian vet J 2006, 83(2), 171-4.

Data pertaining to 1318 (621 half-bred and 697 graded i.e. crosses of Hampshire and Indigenous) piglets born to 128 dams mated to 70 sires were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients among body weights during post-weaning growth were found to be positive and comparatively high with low standard errors both in half bred and graded pigs, indicating direct response to any selection experiments for maturity and at slaughter age. The phenotypic correlation coefficients of body weightg at 8th and 16th week with 24th and 32nd week of age could be utilized as an important basis of selection for mature animals in any swine development programme.

2 tables, 8 ref

018585   Das S R (Anthrop Surv of India, , 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 016) : Inequality as a context of cultural identity: a case of the todas of Nilgiri. J Anthrop Surv India 2004, 53(1), 59-76.

Equality of mankind through ideologically admitted in many societies, in reality does not exist. It has been observed that even among tribal societies, elements of inequality may tend to form a hierarchical situation among the people. Paper attempts to describe various aspects of inequality embedded in the social ethos and structures of the Toda society, which form component and context of cultural identity of the pepople.

9 ref

018584   Dakshayani B;Gandadhar M R (NO, Univ of mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore- 570 006, Email: gangadharmr@yahoo.com) : ABO and Rh blood groups among the Hakkipikkis of Karnataka. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 29-31.

Reports the distribution of ABO blood group system among the Hakkipikki population. In the ABO blood group system O group was the most prevalent type followed by B group. The incidenc of Rh(D) negative type is lowest, which is in agreement with the majority of the other tribal populations of south India.

4 tables, 9 ref

018583   Brahamchari A K;Mazumder A;Kataria M (Div of Biochem, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar, Barielly - 243 122) : In vitro effect of mimosine on certain enzymes in goat liver slice system. Indian J vet Res 2005, 14(2), 35-39.

The extent and mode of cellular injury to goat hepatic cells induced by chemically pure mimosine, a non-protein toxic amino acid had been studied in terms of the toxicants effects on some selective enzymatic parameters in an in vitro model. Tissue slices were incubated with varying dose levels (0.1-10mM) of mimosine in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle medium (pH - 7.4) at 37°C for 3,6 and 9 hrs. Tissue viability over the entire duration of experiment wasassayed by mitochondrial viability test. Mimosine induced leakage of intracellular enzymes like dehydrogenase and catalase. Activity of glutathione-S-transferase increased whereas activities of alanine amino transferase, asparatate amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase decreased at all dose levels of mimosine. Theresult of the present study were suggestive of toxic damage to goat liver cells by mimosine in vitro.

1 table, 17 ref

018582   Bhattacharya S;Shivaprakash M K (Dep of Agric Microbiol, , GKVK Campus U A S Bangalore, Bangalore 560 065) : Evaluation of nitrate and nitrate reductase activities in three selected species of Spirulina. J Ecobiol 2006, 18(1), 57-61.

Nitrate and nitrite reductase activities were evaluated in three selected species of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis, S. laxissima and S. lonar) grown under similar conditions. There was differential response in the enzyme activities. S. platensis showed the greatest nitrate (0.5 μ moles NO₂-h^-1) and nitrite reductase (1.27 μ NO₂-h_-1) activities, but the specific activity per unit protein was seen to be the maximum in S.lonar (0.03 μ moles NO₂-h<^)-1 mg protein^-1 for nitrate reductase and 0.028 μ moles NO₂-h^-1mg protein<6>-1 for nitrite reductase). This showed the difference in nitrogen assimilation ability in the selected species of Spirulina grown under similar conditions.

2 table, 15 ref

018581   Basu T;Chowdhury D;Dutta Chaudhury S S;Sarkar B N (Anthoropological Surv of India, , 27, Jawahalal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 016) : Human skeleton remains from the Clive's house mound, Dum Dum, Kolkata. J Anthrop Surv India 2004, 53(1), 91-7.

This is a preliminary report based on human skeletal remains excavated from the Dum Dum mound, Clive House in a joint venture with the Archaeological Survey of India, Kolkata. The paper deals with the nature and extent of skeletal materials along with the identification of sex, age and also estimation of the stature of the skeletal findings.

2 tables, 3 ref

018580   Banerjee M;Athparia R P (Anthrop Surv of India, , 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 016) : Emergent ethnic crisis : a study of Naga--Kuki conflict in Manipur. J Anthrop Surv India 2004, 53(1), 77-90.

Whenever an anthropological study is made of a whole society or of some smaller social group, it emphasizes the great complexity arises from human nature itself, with varied organic and personality needs. But the customs of each society exaggerate and complicate this complexity. Differences in age, sex, parentage, residence and so on are to be handled somewhow. But customary forms for the developing relations of kinship, for establishing friendship, for compelling the-observance through ritual men. One might expect that a small community could reside together on an isolated area with a fairly simple social organization. In fact, such a community is always elaborately divided and cross-divided by customary allegiances; and the elaboration is aggrevated by what is most specially a production of man in society, his religion and his ritual. In this regard, Elliot mentions that "both class and region, by dividing the inhabitants of a country into two different kinds of groups, lead to a conflict favourable to creativeness and progress. And... these are only of an indefinite number of conflicts and jealousies which should be profitable to society.

14 ref

018579   Balgir R S (NO, , , Email: balgirrs@yahoo.co.in) : Serogenetic and health care profile of Kutia Kondh: A primitive tribe of Phulbani district, Orissa. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 73-7.

Declining or diminishing primitive tribes of Ineia have special importance from health and survival point of view. The health scenario of primitive tribes of Orissa is a kaleidoscopic mosaic of both communicable and non communicable diseases rampantly prevalent in backward, neglectd and remotely inhabited niches. Kutia Kondh primitive tribe of kandhamala district in Orissa is one of such hunting and food gathering communities who still thrive for their survival and livelihood. This study has been carried out among the most vulnerable Ashram School children aged 6-14 years in Belghar area of Tumudi Bandh Block of kandhamala district of Orissa pertaining to prevalence of hemoglobinopathies, G-6-PD deficiency, ABO and Rhesus blood groups and health status of Kutia kondh primitive community. The frequency of beta-thalassemia trait (10.8%) was the highest so far reported from a tribal community in Orissa. For the first time, two unrelated cases of bombay (Oh) phenotype were detected in Kutia Kondh primitive tribe from Belghar area of Phulbani district in Orissa. It has been observed that due to small size, practice of consanguity and territorial endogamy, the different subgroups of Kondh tribe in Orissa are emerging as independent isolates in their respective locality.

1 tables, 24 ref

018578   Anand S (WWF-India Tamil Nadu St Office, , TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai- 600 018) : Effect of desilting of Veeranam lake (District Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu on fisheries and bird diversity. Bionotes 2005, 7(4), 124-5.

1 ref

018577   Alam S;Butt M S;Iqbal Z (Appl Economics Res Cent, university of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Email: aerc@cyber.net.pk) : Fertility regulation behavior in Pakistan: Demand for chidren, supply of children and cost of fertility regulation. South Asian Anthrop 2006, 6(1), 33-40.

Study has analysed empirically the rationale of `new approach' of family planning, through explaining the current, past and future intended use of deliberate fertility regulations by Pakistani fecund married women. For this a modified version of the Easterlin and crimmin's model-formulated b Ahmed (1987) was utilized and estimated through logit regression. The result indicates the desired demand for children emerged as main driving force in explaining deliberate use of fertility regulation by married Pakistani women. As for variables related to the potential supply of children, it is found that extended birth intervals and duration of breast-feeding and higher rate of infant and child mortality reduce the probability of use of deliberate fertility regulation for all types of user. Among the socio-economic variables, education of the mother as well as of her spouse is significant corresponding to the current and past users but surpassingly insignificant in the case of would beusers. It is interesting to note that respondent's work status does not significantly influence the family planning behavior. The main policy implication which emerged from this study is that those families which do not have preconceived notion about their desired family size and have information to use but never used any contraception should be the `target-group' of `ne approach' of family planning, in the country. Present analysis also supports the view that policies, which promote breast-feeding practices, extended formal education of women and reduced infant and child mortality rate would rduce the need for direct investment for family planning in the country.

37 ref

018576   Abbas A;Abbas S (NO, Inst of Phys, Bhubaneswar - 751 005) : Did dark matter made dinosaurs extinct?. Bionotes 2005, 7(1), 7-8.

017642   Vora S R;Pillai M M (Zool Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Effect of D-galactose on brain and heart of mice. Indian J Gerontol 2005, 19(1), 11-16.

Adult (5 to 8 months) male mice were injected with 5% D-galactose 0.5ml subcutaneously for 57 days. The brain regions-cerebral cortex, hipppocampus, corpora quadrigemain, cerebellum and heart regions, auricle and ventricle of these mice along with control (0.9% saline 0.5ml) were used for the measurement of TBA reacting product in the form of MDA and fluoresacence. The level of TBA reacting substance was increased significantly in D-galactose injected mice in all the brain and heart regions. The fluorescence levels in all the regions of brain and heart were also significantly increased in D-galactose treated mice as compared to the normal ones.

2 tables, 21 ref

017641   Vidya T N C;Sukumar R (Cent for Ecological Sci, Indiana Inst of Sci, Bangalore-560 012, Email: rsuku@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Social and reproductive behaviour in elephants. Curr Sci 2005, 89(7), 1200-7.

Social and reproductive behaviour of elephants have been studied. While the social organization of the African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) has been intensively studied, that of the African forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) are poorly understood. Noninavasive molecular methods are useful in combination with behavioural data in understanding social organization and dispersal strategies. The ecological determinants of social organization, and the importance of matriarchal leadership to social groups, and relative importance of different forms of communication under various ecological conditions remain interesting topics that await investigation. Reproductive behaviour also has been examined in detail only in the African savannah elephant, although rigorous chemical analyses continue to be carried out using captive elephants of both species. Improved laboratory techniques may enable future work on reproductive signalling in free-ranging elephants, allowing for comprehensive studies of male-male interactions and mate choice by females.

89 ref

017640   Verma K K (HIG - 1/327 Housing Bd Colony Borsi Durg - 491 001, , ) : Arrival and dispersal of the modern man (Homo sapiens) in the Indian sub-continent. Bionotes 2006, 8(1), 6-7.

^iia1 illus, 8 ref

017639   Sudarsana J (Microbiol Med Coll Dep, , Kozhikode, Kerala) : Sparganosis. J Acad clin Microbiol 2005, 7(2), 82-6.

Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by the plerocercoid larva (sparganum) of Spirometra genus. an elongated flat worm removed during surgery from a subcutaneous facial swelling of a 48-year-old woman was identified as Sparganum. The patient had complete recovery. As spargana are long lived, they can produce complications when they migrate to vital organs. the case is published to create awareness, as this infection is not previously reported in Kerala.

^ccr1 illus, 15 ref

017638   Srivastava S;Singh P;Bhagat R;Tripathi V N (Genet Dep, Univ of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: Srivastava_sheela@yahoo.com) : Application of bacterial biomass as a potential metal indicator. Curr Sci 2005, 89(7), 1248-51.

Bioindicators are biological systems which can be used to indicate the presence of certain elements. The basis of indication are the changes that occur either in their metabolism or in phenotype of the organisms due to the uptake and accumulation of these elements. The threat of environmental pollution due to enhanced availability of both essential and toxic metals is a matter of great concern. Application of any remedial measure requires proper assessment of the contaminated sample. A multimetal-resistant organism, Pseudomonas stutzeri RS34, was used to indicate the presence of Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺ in solution as well as in an industrial effluent. Metal resistance mechanism in this organism is based on biosorption and strain RS34 showed preferential adsorption for Cu²⁺. This accumulation imparted green colour to the biomass in a concentration-dependent manner (2.0 ppm and higher concentration). The colour is seen even in bimetal or multimetal conditions, where Co²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Mn²⁺ were present along with Cu²⁺ and is also observed in an effluent. Co²⁺ could also be detected by the biomass acquiring a characteristic pink colour. It is thus proposed that strain RS34 can be employed as bioindicator of certain metals simply based on appearance of colour. This method is not only economical, but also quick and easy to operate.

2 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

017637   Samson A O (Psychology Dep, Obafemi Awolowo Univ, Ille-lfe, Nigeria) : The influence of university education on successful ageing in a Nigerian sample. Indian J Gerontol 2005, 19(1), 37-96.

Study was designed to assess the impact of university education on successful ageing in Nigeria. The rationale for the objective was based on our literature search that revealed education as one of the correlates of successful ageing in the Western part of the world. It is considered reasonable to ascertain the influence of sthis factor in our effort at ascertain the influence of this factor in out effort at developing a reliable and valid theory of happiness at old age in Nigeria. A total of six hundred (600) older persons from osun, Ondo and Oyo states participated in this study. The subjects included two hundred and eighty siz (286) males and three hundred and fourteen (314) females. Their ages ranged from sixty (60) to one hundred (100) years with a mean age of 65.40 and standard deviation of 5.83. The major data gethering instrument employed in the study was the "Successful Aging Scale" (SAS) developed by the author. One way ANOVA reveals that there was a main effect of the level of education on the subjects total scores on the SAS (F {4.595} = 8.430, P <60> 0.001)

2 tables, 35 ref

017636   Radhakrishna S (NO, , , Email: sindhu@nias.iisc.ernet.in) : Midnight's children? : solitary primates and gregarious chiropterans. Curr Sci 2005, 89(7), 1208-13.

Some primate species exhibit a solitary social organization. Among several ecological and biological parameters that have been forwarded as correlates of a solitary lifestyle, a nocturnal activity cycle is considered an important determinant. However, several species of megachiropterans, a mammalian group that is completely nocturnal, live in large multimale-multifemale groups. A comparative review of primate and megachiropteran behavioural adaptations shows that megachiropteran behavioural adaptations shows that megachiropterans social strucrtures may reveal important pointers to the adaptive bases of a solitary social life.

49 ref

017635   Quader S (Zool Dep, Univ of Camb, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK, Email: sq210@cam.ac.uk) : Mate choice and its implications for conservation and management. Curr Sci 2005, 89(7), 1220-9.

Potential contribution of behavioural principles to conservation in not widely appreciated despite a recent burst of interest in the interface between the two disciplines. Many aspects of behaviour, including social interactions, foraging, habita selection, imprinting, and antipredator strategies, are relevant to the propagation and preservation of species. Focus has been placedon what known about how individuals choose mates, a subject in which tremendous advances have been made in the past two decades. Discuss ion on how current understanding of patterns and cause of mate preferences can address conservation problems has been made. By viewing the behaviour of individuals as being adapted to their circumstances, robust predictions can be made about the consequences of environmental change. For example, changes to natural habitats alter the mating decisions of individuals, and thus the genetics and demography of poupulations: this has clear conservation implications. Further, individuals are expected to make mate choice decisions that maximize their reproductive success, and this insight can be used while planning captive breeding strategies. In addition, knowledge of the development of mating preferences and of the mechanisms of mating decisions allows one to influence mating behaviour to meet conservation goals. Managers would benefit by considering the ways in which mate choice behaviour might help or hinder their conservation interventions.

1 illus, 126 ref

017634   Paul J;John M;Mallini J;Varghese G (Pushpagiri Inst of Med Sci, , Thiruvalla, Kerala) : Comparative study of two concentration methods for acid fast bacilli. J Acad clin Microbiol 2005, 7(2), 69-71.

A total of 110 specimens (sputum and gastric lavage) were studied using direct smear, Petroff's concentration method and a simplified concentration technique (Solty's floatation method). Smears were stained by both Ziehl-Neelsen method and Auramine-phenol stain. The floatation technique yielded a higher percentage (14.5% by ZN Staining and 19.1% by Auramine-phenol staining) compared to Petroff's method (13.6% and 16.4% respectively) while direct smear was positive only in 11.8% and 15.5% respectively.

1 table, 7 ref