003508   Hossain M;Othman S (Forestry and Wood Technology, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh) : Degradation rate of leaf litter of Bruguiera parviflora of mangrove forest of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. Indian J For 2005, 28(2), 144-9.

Two exposure methods, leaf litter on string and leaf litter in bag, were used for leaf litter loss due to feeding plus mechanical breakdown and microbial degradation, during dry and wet months respectively. Leaves in bags exhibited 48<37> and 60<37> of dry weight 1oss at l20 and 30 days during dry and wet months respectively. Comparatively a higher degradation rate occurred in the initial period of dry and wet months followed by lower rates thereafter. Comparatively a lower rate of leaf litter loss due to feeding plus mechanical breakdown was observed during the initial 5 days of dry and wet months. Relatively higher percentage of leaf litter loss (52.61<37> to 69.33<37>) was attributed to feeding plus mechanical breakdown by crabs while the microbial degradation ranged from 30.67<37> to 47.39<37>. The rate of microbial degradation found to be affected by dry and wet months but not the litter loss due to feeding plus mechanical breakdown by crabs.

5 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

003507   Haunshi S;Sharma D (Genome Mapping Laboratory, Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122) : Estimation of parental genome proportion in reciprocally produced backcross chicken populations using RAPD markers. Indian J Poult Sci 2004, 39(3), 219-23.

Two types of backcross (BC₁) populations were developed under marker assisted introgression program for naked neck gene. Type A population was produced by crossing naked neck F₁ (progenies of naked neck broiler sire and White leghorn dams) males with recipient WLH females, while reciprocal mating produced type B population. Naked neck grand sire and 76 BC₁ progenies (37 of type A and 39 of type B progenies) were genotyped with ten RAPD markers. The mean parental genome proportion of grand sire in BC₁ progenies estimated in terms of average band sharing proportion between them was 0.826<145>0.0115 and 0.887<145>0.0117 respectively in type A and type B populations. The mean genetic distance between grand sire and BC₁ progenies in type A and type B populations was 0.196<145> 0.019 and 0.123<145>0.013 respectively. The mean within population genetic similarity, estimated from band frequency respectively in type A and type B populations were 0.731<145>0.085 and 0.821 <145> 0.056. The genetic similarity as well as genetic distance between type A and type B populations was 0.961 <145>0.031 and 0.045<145>0.037, respectively.

5 tables, 24 ref

003506   Haghparast R;Singh S S;Prabhu K V;Sharma J B (Dryland Agric Res Inst, , Sararod Station, P.O. Box 67145-1164, Kermanshah, Iran) : Genetics of leaf rust (Puccinia recondita) resistance in a synthetic hexaploid wheat syn. 419. Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2004, 64(3), 231-2.

^ssc2 tables, 7 ref

003505   Eswaran R;Pramod P (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, , P O, Coimbator-641 108, Email: salimali@vsnl.com) : Diversity, emergence and activity pattern of Butterflies in Anaikatty hills. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2004, 30(4), 377-84.

The abundance and activity pattern of butterflies were studied in the dry deciduous thorny forest of Anaikatty hills, Western Ghats. The objectives were to investigate the diversity, community structure and emergence pattern of butterflies and the environmental factors that govern them. The modified Pollard walk method was followed to survey the butterflies. The butterfly activity peaks in and around noon hours of a day and the diurnal activity distribution is unimodal. Pieridae is the most abundant and Nymphalidae is the most diverse family present in the study area. The relatively more abundant Capparidaceae and Caesalpinaceae plants justifies that the larval food availability determine the nature of butterfly population. Monthly mean temperature, humidity and light intensity did not correlate with butterfly populations, the wind speed showed a significant negative correlation and the rainfall of preceding months correlated with butterfly abundance and diversity positively.

11 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

003504   Deepamol K;Vijayan D;Manjula R;Mohan S;Valsa A K (Microbiology Dep, Sree Sankara Coll, Kalady) : Antibacterial activity of Eugenia jambolana. Aryavaidyan 2004, 18(2), 75-9.

Eugenia jambolana is used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhoea, pharyngitis and ring worm infection. The extracts of leaves and seeds were tested for the antibacterial activity against six clinically important bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus, Salmonella typhi and S. paratyphi A. By disc diffusion method, the acetone extract was found to be effective than water and chloroform extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of seeds and leaves of the plants were found to be lower for S. aureus than E. coli. The study justifies the use of E. jambolana to treat infectious diseases.

1 table, 21 ref

003503   Chatterjee A;Ashutosh Kumar;Chugh J; Srivastava S;Bhavesh N S;Hosur R V (Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Mumbai-400 005) : NMR of unfolded proteins. J chem Sci 2005, 117(1), 3-21.

In the post-genomic era, as more and more genome sequences are becoming known and hectic efforts are underway to decode the information content in them, it is becoming increasingly evident that flexibility in proteins plays a crucial role in many of the biological functions. Many proteins have intrinsic disorder either wholly or in specific regions. It appears that this disorder may be important for regulatory functions of the proteins, on the one hand, and may help in directing the folding process to reach the compact native state, on the other. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has over the last two decades emerged as the sole, most powerful technique to help characterize these disordered protein systems. In this review, author has first discussed the significance of disorder in proteins and then describe the recent developments in NMR methods for their characterization. A brief description of the results obtained on several disordered proteins is presented at the end.

^iia8 illus, 1 table, 106 ref

003502   Chakravarthy C N;Krishnappa M;Thippeswamy B (Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, IISC, Bangalore-560 012) : Isolation and characterization of Xanthomonas axonopodis PV. cyamopsidis in cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub]. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 197-200.

Xanthomonas is a genus of phytopathogenic bacteria that attack a variety of hosts with economic importance-including beans, citrus, rice, grape and cotton. Cluster bean is a drought tolerant legume, grown for vegetable and seed purpose. The crop is affected by bacterial blight by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. cyamapsidis is a serious diseases in Karnataka. Survey was made in the major cluster bean growing districts, during kharif-2002 and 2003 to record the incidence of the bacterial blight disease in the field condition. During field survey infected leaf, stem, and sixty-four seed samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for the isolation of pathogen. Out of sixty-four seed samples, thirty-eight samples yielded the bacterial pathogen with an incidence of 01-90 per cent. On the basis of diseases symptoms, morphological, cultural, bio-chemical characters and hypersensitive reaction. The isolated pathogen is confirmed as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. cyamopsidis.

2 tables, 14 ref

003501   Bhat A I;Sarma Y R;Sreenivasulu P;Pant R P (Division of Crop Protection, Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut-673 012, Email: ishwarabhat@iisr.org) : Occurrence and identification of a Cucumber mosaic virus isolate infecting Indian long pepper (Piper longum). J med aromatic Pl Sci 2004, 26(2), 279-84.

A virus causing mosaic mottling in Indian long pepper (Piper longum L.) was isolated and identified as an isolate of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) on the basis of biological, physico-chemical and serological properties. The virus isolate was easily sap transmissible to Chenopodium album, Nicotiana benthamiana, N. glutinosa, N. tabacum cv. White Burley, Physalis floridana indicator hosts and a few other cultivated plant species including black pepper. The virus was purified from tobacco and negatively stained purified preparations contained isometric particles of about 28 nm in diameter. The molecular weight of the viral coat protein subunits was found to be 25.6 kDa. The leaf extract from diseased Piper longum leaves and purified preparations showed positive reaction with polyclonal antiserum of CMV both in direct antigen coated enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA) and electro-blot immunoassay (EBIA). Particle morphology, antigenic relationships and molecular weight of coat protein suggest that the virus associated with Indian long pepper is an isolate of CMV.

5 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

003500   Bais P S;Singh S P;Singh N;Srivastava A K; Singh P (Department of Biochemistry, M L B Medical College, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh) : Does the zinc defecient diet alter the lipid concentration in rats. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 333-6.

Reports evaluation of the lipid profile in serum, liver, and testis of rats fed marginal and severe zinc deficient diets. Three groups of rats were treated for 8 weeks with normal diet, marginally zinc deficient diet and severely zinc deficient diet. Lipid concentrations were measured in serum, liver, and testis of these groups. The concentrations of serum lipids were not significantly altered between marginally zinc deficient diet treated and control rates. However, in rats treated with severely zinc deficient diet, the concentrations of serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and phospholipids were significantly increased (P<60>0.01) and (P<60>0.001), whereas the concentration of triacylglycerol was significantly decreased (P<60>0.01). However, lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was non significantly different from controls. The concentrations of liver total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and phospholipids were significantly decrease (P<60>0.001) in rats treated with severely zinc deficient diet. The testicular concentration of total cholesterol was increased but this increase was non-significantly different from controls, whereas the testicular concentration of triacylglycerol and phospholipids were significantly decreased (P<60>0.001) in rats treated with severely zinc deficient diet. These results suggest that a marginally zinc deficient diet does not play a significant role in altering rat lipid concentrations. However, the changes in serum lipid concentrations could be related to those changes in tissue lipid concentrations.

3 tables, 14 ref

003499   Ashok Kumar D;Prasad M V V (Pharmacognosy Dep, Dr.H.L.T. Coll of Pharmacy, Kengal, Channapatna-571 502) : Anti microbial activity of triphalacurnam. Aryavaidyan 2004, 18(2), 109-11.

The Ethnaolic and aqueous extracts of the Triphala churnam consisting of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis were tested for antimicrobial activities against common pathogens viz. Staphylococcus aureus. Klebsiella sp, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Scherichia coli and Candida albicans. Significant antimicrobial activity of the 90<37> ethanolic and aqueous extract was found in the study.

2 tables, 7 ref

003498   Adebiyia A O;Adebiyi A P;Owoseni T R (Pure and Applied Biology Department, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P M B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, Email: ayobayomitale@yahoo.com ) : Nutritional composition of hydrolyzed Pennisetum americanum starch. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 179-84.

Crude amylase was extracted from the culture medium of Rhizopus oligosporus grown on potato dextrose broth for 7 days at room temperature. Enzymic hydrolysis of Pennisetum americanum starch was carried out by adding 4 mL of the starch slurry in a water bath at 72<144>C for 2 hr. A percentage increase of 15.6<37> and 1.66<37> for protein and carbohydrate respectively of the hydrolyzed millet starch over the unhydrolyzed one were recorded. The increase in Vitamins B₁, B₂ and B₃ of the hydrolyzed starch are 1.89<37>, 2.90<37> and 1.77<37> respectively over the unhydrolyzed one. There was a percentage increase of 23.11<37> for the Fe present in the hydrolyzed millet starch over the unhydrolyzed sample. Chromatographic analysis of the hydrolyzed millet starch shows that it contains 8.54<37> sucrose, 1.64 <37> lactose, 4.36<37> maltose, 1.41<37> glucose and 1.01<37> galactose. The quantitative analysis of the amino acids revealed that there was an increase of 3.9<37>, 5.4<37>, 2.05<37>, 4.75<37>, 2.42<37>, 1.66<37> and 1.14<37> for lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, histidine, isoleucine, tryptophan and threonine respectively for the hydrolyzed starch over the unhydrolyzed millet starch.

4 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

003497   Adebiyi A O;Oloke J K;Adebiyi A P (Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, Email: ayobayomitale@yahoo.com) : Nutritional composition of rice starch hydrolyzed with amylase extracted from Trichoderma viride. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(2), 185-9.

Partially purified amylase recovered from the broth culture of T. viride has an enzyme activity of 63.99 U/mL with protein content of 3.13 mg/mL. The Thin layer chromatography of the rice starch hydrolyzed with the amylase of T. viride shows that it contains 1.85<37> sucrose, 4.73<37> fructose and 0.76<37> stachyose. The amino acid profile of the hydrolyzed rice starch revealed that methionine, lysine, histidine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine and tryptophan were present in the sample in different percentages. Proximate analysis result shows an increase in the crude protein value (80.12<37>) of the hydrolyzed rice starch over the unhydrolyzed sample. The mineral analysis of the hydrolyzed rice starch shows the percentage increase of 33<37>, 1.6<37> and 14<37> for K, Mg and Mn respectively over the unhydrolyzed rice starch.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

002481   Yadav Y P;Singh A P;Kunj V;Akhtar M H;Roy G P;Singh C (Dep of Anim Reproduction Gynaecology and obstetrics, Bihar Vet Coll, Patna-14) : Study on incidence of anoestrus and blood biochemical constituents in non cyclic and cyclic crossbred cows. Indian J Anim Reprod 2004, 4(2), 116-19.

Incidence of anoestrus in crossbred cows (263) having reproductive disorder was studied during different seasons brought to the outdoor clinic of Gynaecology department of Bihar Veterinary College, Patna. The data showed the non-significant effect of season and month on anoestrus condition in cows. Overall percentage of anoestrus cows was found to be 30.42%. The highest incidence (47.62%) was recorded in March and lowest (14.28%) in May. During the study 10 normal cycling and 30 anoestrus cows were selected randomly for study of biochemical profile blood glucose and serum alkaline phosphatase from the blood sample collected on 0, 15th and 30th day. The observation revealed that significant difference (P<60>0.05) was found in serum calcium, serum inorganic, phosphorus, total serum protein and blood glucose level between cycling and non-cycling crossbred cows. Alkaline phosphatase level did not differ significantly between cyclic and non cycling animals. The incidence of anoestrus cows was observed to be major factors responsible for infertility in cows and it was independent of the effects of season and months.

2 tables, 35 ref

002480   Vasantha S;Venkataramana S;Gururaja Rao P N (Sugarcane Breed Inst, , Coimbatore-641 007, Email: vasanthavedantham@yahoo.com) : IAA content in relation to tillering behaviour in sugarcane genotypes. J Pl Biol 2004, 31(1), 69-72.

Sugarcane varieties (Co 8371, Co 86011, Co 86032, Co 86249, Co 87025 and Co 87044) differing in tillering ability showed significant difference in endogenous IAA levels. The main shoot as well as different tiller groups showed differences, with main shoot recording lower IAA content. IAA oxidase activity was high in profuse tillering varieties, while shy tillering varieties showed lower activity. Interception of photosynthetically active radiation and photosynthetic rate showed variation among the genotypes, but did not show any relationship with tillering potential. Leaf area index showed significant difference among the genotypes however, total biomass did not vary significantly.

^ssc3 tables, 11 ref

002479   Vasantha Kumari B;Pillai P G;Mathew P M (Dept of Bot, Sree Ayyappa Coll for Women, Chungankadai, Kanyakumari District) : Effect of consanguinity on fertility, mortality and morbidity in five communities of Kanyakumari district. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)(1), 31-4.

Effects of consanguinity on couple fertility, offspring mortality and morbidity are assessed in 5 communities of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. The mean fertility rate was only marginally higher in consanguineous families, while prenatal, postnatal and total mortality and morbidity were significantly in excess. Analysis of the effects by degree of inbreeding showed positive association with closeness of the relationship of the spouses. The need for administering proper genetic counseling measures in the most backward and illiterate communities against the practice of close-kin alliances is emphasized.

1 table, 15 ref

002478   Usha S S;Vijayavalli B;Mathew P M; Vijayaraghava Kumar (Dep of Bot, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : Phenotypic and genotypic correlations and heritability of certain quantitative characters in Aster laevis. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)(1), 71-3.

Study on genetic parameters in respect of nine quantitative characters were estimated for 7 accessions of Aster laevis in Kerala. Mean values of all the characters except anther showed significant variation. Only marginal difference was observed for the values of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation except anther and style, which is suggestive of less influence of environment on these characters. This is further supported by their high heritability values. Genotypic correlation cofficient are higher in most pairs of characters suggesting the influence of genotype on these characters, with the environment having little role to play in this regard.

^ssc 6 ref

002477   Tripathi J;Zia-Ul-Hasan (Dep of Biotechnology, St Mary Coll, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) : Gene action for yield and its components in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2004, 2(2), 159-60.

Study of gene action for yield and components in 6x6 hald diallel cross. The F₁ indicate non-additive genetic variance for all the characters, eight characters exhibited over dominance recessive alleles were predominant for branches/plant and capsules/plant. The distribution of genes with positive and negative effects were symmetrical to nearly symmetrical for 1000 seed weight, days to maturity, branches/plant, capsules on main stem, capsules/plant and yield/plant.

1 table, 4 ref

002476   Tippannavar C M;Kulkarni J H;Reddy T K R (Dep of Agric Microbiology, Univ of Agric Sci, Dharwad-580 005) : Studies on movement of antibiotic resistant markers A. chroococcum in plant system of T. aestivum genotypes. Agric Sci Dig 2005, 25(1), 62-4.

The studies on the movement of antibiotic resistant marker in plant system of T. durum L. and T. aestivum varied from 60 to 100 per cent in different plant parts of aseptically seedlings of various cultivars or wheat. The percentage occurrence of antibiotic resistant marker analysed at 35th and 75th was maximum in T. aestivum like DWR-137 and MACS-1967 respectively, whereas among the T. durum cultivars NI-5439 and DWR-39 showed maximum percentage of antibiotic resistant marker at 35th and 75th respectively.

2 tables, 7 ref

002475   Sobhakumari V P (Crop Improvement Div, Sugarcane Breed Inst, Coimbatore-641 007) : Chromosome numbers of some noble sugarcane clones. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)(1), 25-9.

Chromosome number determined for 80 clones of noble sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) available in the world germplasm collection through root tip mitosis. Different cytotypes were identified from the same area of collection. Typical (2n=80) and atypical forms were observed. Majority had 2n=80 chromosomes or its aneuploids. In atypical forms the chromosome number ranged from 2n=90-148. The cytogentic characterization through chromosomal count of S. officinarum clones could be of considerable value in the sugarcane varietal improvement programmes.

6 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

002474   Sinha M P;Sinha A K;Prasad R L (Dep of Gynaecology, Ranchi Vet Coll Birsa Agric Univ, Kanke, Ranchi) : Effect of glutathione on leakage of various enzymes from buck semen during freezing. Indian J Anim Reprod 2004, 4(2), 113-15.

Semen samples from 12 bucks were extended in Tris dilutor with 2 and 5 mM of glutathione. The activities of acrosome, hyaluronidase, AKP, AST, ALT and LDH were assayed in equilibrated and frozen-thawed semen samples. Significantly (P<60>0.01) higher intracellular activity of acrosin was recorded in semen samples extended with 5 mM of glutathione. Effect of glutathione on acrosin activity was significant at both the pre and post-freeze stage. Addition of 5 mM glutathione also decreased significantly the release of hyaluronidase, AKP, AST, ALT and LDH enzymes from the sperm cell in the medium.

1 table, 20 ref

002473   Singla R;Khan M N (Dep of Microbiology, Govt M V M Coll, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Antimicrobial activity of Lantana camara root and stem extracts against Staphylococcus aureus. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2004, 2(2), 123-6.

Attempt has been made to experimentally test the anti-microbial efficacy of a common wild plant. Lantana camara against Staphylococcus aureus. Both root and stem extracts were tested separately using different solvents for the extraction of active soluble principles. The highest ZOI in the extract of root was found to be 25 mm under 200 mg/ml concentration of acetone followed by 23 mm under 100 mg/ml concentration of the same solvent. All the concentrations of the root with ethyl acetate extract were found to be least effective. The anti-microbral efficacy of the chloroform extract was next to that of acetone extract. The acetone extract of stem (200 mg/ml) was found to be highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, which gave ZOI of 24 mm, followed by 20 mm under 100 mg/ml concentration of the same solvent and that of 100 mg/ml of benzene extract. The most ineffective extract was that of petroleum ether in which only a very small zone (8 mm) of inhibition was recorded for 50 mg/ml whereas both 100 and 200 mg/ml concentrations proved ineffective. In rest of the solvents both root and stem extracts exhibited varying degree of inhibitory activity.

5 tables, 10 ref

002472   Singh R B (Dep of Zool Sch of Life Sci, Dr B R Ambedkar Univ, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002) : Periodate oxidation studies of water soluble polysaccharide from Agathis australis gum. Indian J appl pure Biol 2005, 20(1), 105-6.

Periodate oxidation studies of water soluble Agathis australis polysaccharide is the most important reaction in the structural determination of gum polysaccharides. It was done by using sodium metaperiodate as oxidant and results showed the consumption of 6.052 moles of periodate and liberation of 1.246 moles of formic acid per equivalent of gum.

6 ref

002471   Singh D K;Singh S;Srivastava M (Dep of Chem, Harcourt Butler Technological Inst, Kanpur-208 002, Email: dhruvks123@rediffmail.com) : Chromatography of aromatic amines on thin layers of zinc ferrocyanide silica gel G with hybrid CTAB-alcohol water mobile phase. J Indian Chem Soc 2005, 82(3), 250-3.

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of twenty aromatic amines on zinc ferrocyanide-silica gel G with CTAB or Brij 35-alcohol-water mobile phases has been studied. The effect of surfactant (CTAB) concentration below and above its critical micellar concentration on the rate of migration of amines (R_F value) was examined. On the basis of differential rate of migration (R_F value) some analytically important separations of aromatic amines were achieved. The method has also been applied for separation and semiquantitative determination of aromatic amines.

2 tables, 5 ref

002470   Shetty N J;Ghosh C (Cent for Appl Genet, Bangalore Univ, Jnanabharathi Campus, Bangalore-560 056, Email: njshetty_200@yahoo.com) : Grey larvae an allele of the greenish black larvae in the malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi Liston. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)(1), 35-40.

A new mutant grey (gy) larva has been isolated and genetically analysed in Anopheles stephensi Liston. The genetic studies revealed that the gene gy is autosomal recessive and monogenic trait with full penetrance and uniform expression in both the sexes. The gene gy appears to be allelic with the gene greenish black (gbl) with intermediate expression in the heterozygous condition. The above said mutants are excellent markers and can be used extensively in conducting basic and applied genetic research in the above said species. The mutant genes gy and gbl are reported for the first time in An. stephensi.

2 tables, 13 ref

002469   Sheth M;Gurudasani R;Mudbidri R (Dep of Fd and Nutri Fac of Home Sci, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Identification of hazards in street foods of Vadodara, India. Indian J Nutr Diet 2005, 42(6), 266-78.

9 tables, 28 ref

002468   Saeeduzzafar;Aijaz A (Dep of Clin Psychology, Aligarh Muslium Univ, Aligarh) : Prejudice: a threat to national integration. J Personality clin Stud 2004, 20(1-2), 101-6.

An attempt was made to analyze the cause of prejudice - a social cancer that has taken numerous innocent lives and has damaged national and private properties. Review of important studies was made with special emphasis on the personality correlated of prejudice, revealed certaininteresting facts about the development of prejudice. Present paper, though theoretical has identified certain personality variables such as anxiety, authoritarian child-rearing practices, religiosity self disclosure, adjustment, feelings of security-insecurity and locus of control, which play significant role in the development of prejudiced attitudes. Such negative attitude once developed, pose a serious threat to national integration. Hence to maintain communal harmony and to preserve national integration it is the need of the hour to devise certainways and means to control the development of prejudice.

29 ref

002467   Sabrina M;Michele G;Marcantonio B (Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Universita di Venezia, DD 2137 30123 enezia, Italy) : Triethyllead: new evidences supporting the uncoupling mechanism in rat liver mitochondria. Ecol Envir Conserv 2005, 11(1), 17-20.

In the paper new evidence is given to support the hypothesis that the triehtyllead compound (TEL) is an uncoupler of the oxidative phosphorylation. By means of an Arrhenius plot, it has been demonstrated that the transport kinetic of the TEL compound in mitochondria behaves in a manner which is similar to that obtained using classical uncouplers. The break point at 17°C observed in the Arrhenius plot is interpreted as due to a phase change in the lipidic bilayer, since the TEL compound, like uncouplers and mobile carriers, is sensitive to the phospholipidic phase change. Therefore, it can confirm previous hypothesis that, as TEL is an uncoupler it, like uncouplers, crosses the biological membranes by means of an electrophoretic mechanism. An understanding of this behaviour is essential to explain the neurotoxicity of TEL compound.

2 illus, 18 ref

002466   Ruhela S;Khare A K (Dep of Zool, Meerut Coll, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) : Haematological alteration due to Procamallanus infection in fish Clarias batrachus. J appl Zool Res 2005, 16(1), 89-90.

Haematological studies in Clarias batrachus carrying parasitic infection of Procamallanus showed that TEC and Hb values decreased both the intervals of post infection. TLC and MCV values increased after 30 and 60 days of post infection. PCV value decreased after 30 days except 60 days of post infection, this value was observed to be increase. MCH and MCHC value increased after 30 days of post infection. Hypohaemoglobinaemia followed by a fall in total erythrocyte count and haemoglobin contents at all the time intervals, indicated anemic state of fishes. The infected fish showed restlessness, perhaps reflecting inefficient respiration, highly significant increase in TLC count in infected fishes. MCV, MCH and MCHC exhibited similar kind of changes under stress condition.

1 table, 3 ref

002465   Ranju Kumari;Harsh Kumar;Shahi V K (Dep of Genet, Rajendra Agric Univ, Pusa, Samastipur-848 125, Email: vkshashi2004@yahoo.com) : In vitro multiple shoot production in sugarcane genotypes. J Pl Biol 2004, 31(1), 65-8.

Shoot tips of improved sugarcane genotypes BO91, BO110, BO120 and BO128 were pretreated in a mixture solution of ascorbic acid, citric acid, bavistin and streptomycin, surface sterilized and inoculated aseptically on MS basal medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of NAA and BAP. Out of the 15 different media combinations of NAA-BAP interaction, the establishment of explant and growth of existing shoot was better in media with lower concentration of phytohormones particularly the BAP. Multiple shoots were formed from the swelled basal nodal region of the explant on media with either equal or higher concentration of cytokinin. Roots were differentiated on the in vitro developed shoots on a medium with 2.0 mg l^-1 NAA and 0.1 mg 1^-1 BAP. The plantlets were acclimatized and transferred to the field. A micropropagation protocol was developed.

^ssc

002464   Ramaiha N et al (NO, Nationala Inst of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004) : The September 2004 stench off the southern malabar coast - A consequence of holococcolithophore bloom. Curr Sci 2005, 88(4), 551-4.

4 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

002463   Prerna Kumar;Nathawat S S (Dep of Psychology, Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur) : Emotional health of women research students. J Personality clin Stud 2004, 20(1-2), 95-100.

The study was designed to investigate the magnitude of emotional ill-health in female science doctoral research students. A corollary to this was to compare emotionally healthy and unhealthy students on different emotional and cognitive measures. The sample consisted of 132 female doctoral research students of science faculty. Their mental or emotional health was screened with the help of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Data analysis revealed that 28% research students were recognized as emotionally disturbed in comparison to 72% who were emotionally healthy. Emotionally healthy and unhealthy students were compared on different emotional and cognitive measures. Emotionally healthy or stable research students scored significantly higher on the measure of purpose in life and lesser on hopelessness as compared to their counterparts who were emotional unhealthy. Furthermore, emotionally unhealthy research students were found to have more dysfunctional attitudes than the healthy ones. Roles of emotional disturbance and cognitive dysfunction have been pointed out as determinants of emotional ill-health in research students. Research students are emotionally burdened and need to be liberated from such factors so that they can actualize their potentialities.

2 tables, 31 ref

002462   Padma P R;Anitha R (Dep of Biochem and Biotechnology, Avinashilingam Deemed Univ, Coimbatore-641 043) : Effect of heat on the antioxidant status of selected green leafy vegetables. Indian J Nutr Diet 2005, 42(6), 248-57.

12 illus, 27 ref

002461   Oyetayo V O (Dep of Microbiology, Fedl Univ of Technol, P M B-704, Akure, Nigeria) : Selection of Lactobacillus fermentum OVL as potential probiotic agent. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2004, 2(2), 103-6.

Lactobacillus fermentum strain OVL isolated from Kunnu, a locally fermented beverage produced from sorghum, was assessed as a probiotic organism. In vitro antagonistic property of the organism shows that it can effectively inhibit the growth of some indicator bacteria. The strain was examined for resistance to antimicrobial agents and low pH. The probiotic strain, OVL was administered by orogastric dosing to albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Faecal samples of rats were collected before, during, and after consumption. Lactobacilli and E. coli counts were determined in the faeces. The study reveals that L. fermentum OVL increased the faecal lactobacilli counts and reduced the E. coli counts in the faeces of rats in groups MDL and PDL that were dosed with the strain. Lactobacillus fermentum strain OVL may be considered to be a potential probiotic for animals and eventually for man.

5 tables, 17 ref

002460   Najeema Beevi P A;Nair G M (Dep of Bot, Government Coll for Women, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581) : Somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in Catharanthus roseus. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)(1), 19-23.

Propagation of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Apocynaceae) through somatic embryogenesis from leaf derived callus has been studied. Various concentrations of 2, 4-D (1-3 mg/l) in combination with KIN (0.1-1 mg/l) on MS basal medium induced embryogenic callus. The best response for callus induction and embryoid development was obtained in a medium containing 2 mg/1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/l KIN. The embryoids when transferred to a medium containing reduced concentration of 2,4-D (0.5 mg/l) and KIN (0.1 mg/l) with 2% sucrose showed maturation. Germination of embryoids was observed on MS basal medium with 2% sucrose. Plantlets transferred to sterile vermiculite for hardening and subsequently to garden soil: sand (3:1) recorded 92% survival.

7 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

002459   Mishra A;Pandey U (Sch of Biochem Engng Insitute of Technol, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi) : Effects of agriculturally important microorganisms on growth of medicinal plant Mentha piperita L. Indian J appl pure Biol 2005, 20(1), 19-22.

In view of the fast utilization of agrochemicals with their escalating cost, application of agriculturally important microorganisms was compared with the well documented FYM and urea on Mentha piperita L. It was found that microbial inoculants alone were comparable to the consortium of conventional manure. Chlorophyll content, total leaf area, leaf production rate, specific leaf area, leaf area duration and leaf weight ratio were considerably increased in the presence of biofertilizers. Leaves are the wellknown source of volatile oil in pharmaceutical industries.

1 table, 14 ref

002458   Mehrotra S;Umashanker;Majumdar A C;Paliwal O P;Agarwal S K (Div of Anim Reproduction, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122) : Effect of certain indigenous medicinal plants on follicular development and steroidogenesis in rats. Indian J Anim Reprod 2004, 4(2), 83-6.

50% ethanolic plant extracts of Murraya koenigii (curry leaf plant) and Urtica dioica (Bichchu grass) were given P.O. in doses of 100, 300 and 1000 mg.kg^-1 during diestrus to estrus in six groups (n=6) of 12-15 week aged female rats against a control group based on LD₅₀ studies. Rats were sacrificed during estrus, based on vaginal smear technique and dissected out to remove both the ovaries. Total number of large surface follicles were counted and ovaries were processed for histological and histochemical studies using standard procedures, to determine embedced follicular population and expression of steroidogenic enzymes i.e, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G₆ PD) and 3 β-hydroxy-Δ⁵-steroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD), respectively. Results indicated significantly higher number of large surface and embeded follicles in Murraya 1000 mg kg^-1 treated group of rats with relatively higher expression of G₆PD and 3βHSD as compared to control and other groups.

13 ref

002457   Mall M;Behal K K (Fac of Advd Stud in Life Sci, Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaj Univ, Kanpur) : Studies on the effect of flyash mixed sewage sludge on growth performance of Vicia faba and Cicer arietinum. Indian J appl pure Biol 2005, 20(1), 5-12.

Pot experiments were carried out to explore the use and feasibility of the industrial waste flyash and sewage sludge and its effect on Vicia faba and Cicer arietinum plant. The present study was undertaken to select the suitable ratio on which the flyash and sewage sludge was applicable to agricultural land. For this experiment flyash was amended at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 100% w/w with sewage sludge and then the ash-sludge mixtures were incubated with a soil at 1:1 (v/v). Addition of 20% ash-sludge mixture shows a positive response on the plants in terms of root and shoot length, root nodules, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, fresh and dry weight of plants and uptake of micronutrients (Fe. Mn, Zn, Cu) by the plants after 45 DAS.

8 tables, 22 ref

002456   Luu T T T;Sasidharan R;Chinnappa C C (Dep of Biol Sci, Univ of Calgary, Calgary Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4) : TDZ-glutathione induced shoot regeneration in Wrassica oleracea var. capitata : analysis of somaclonal variation using RAPD. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)(1), 1-10.

Brassica oleracea var capitata shoots were regenerated from hypocotyls induced by different combinations of TDZ-glutathione (oxidized and reduced forms) in the culture media. These were then analysed for somaclonal variation. RAPD was used as a technique to assess the genetic stability in the samples receiving different treatments as compared to an untreated control and normal and abnormal shoots. A phenogram constructed using the RAPDistance program showed high concentrations of TDZ to be detrimental to shoot quality whether alone or in combination with reduced glutathione. Oxidized glutathione could on the other hand improve shoot quality, for shoots treated with a high TDZ concentration. From these results we conclude a treatment resulting in maximum genetic stability under cultured conditions for the best quality and quantity of shoots.

2 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

002455   Lakshmi V V N S J;Jamil K;Venkaiah K;Bharathi D;Satya Kumar D V R (Biol Div, Indian Inst of Chem Technol, Hyderabad) : Differential susceptibility of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. races to white muscardine disease caused by Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. Entomon 2005, 30(1), 13-18.

The susceptibility of various silkworm races viz., mutivoltine Pure Mysore, APM₁ and APS₈ were screened for resistance to entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. Freshly moulted fifth instar larvae of all races were inoculated with various aliquots of the fungal spore suspension (101 to 109 cone, of spore/ml). The LC₅₀ values and other parameters showed that bivoltine race, APS₈ was most susceptible to Beauveria bassiana compared to the other races.

3 tables, 17 ref

002454   Khokhar C P;Rohitash (Dep of Psychology, Gurukul Kangari Univ, Haridwar, Uttranchal) : Sex difference on personality, suicide ideation and psychopathology among adolescents. J Personality clin Stud 2004, 20(1-2), 165-9.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people. Aim of the present investigation is to know the differences between male and female adolescents on depression, hopelessness, neuroticism, Psychoticism, extroversion and stressful life events. The sample consists of 400 secondary school students (200 male and 200 female) from towns of Haryana. The age range was from 15 to 18 years (mean 16.5 years). Study reveals that female adolescents have scored significantly higher on the measures of suicidal ideation, neuroticism, stressful life events and anxious depression, whereas male adolescents scored significant higher on the measure of psychopathic deviation.

1 table, 15 ref

002453   Khanna P;Sharma O P;Tripathi N K (H No 79 Sector 3 Lane 1 Nanak Nagar Jammu-180 004, , , Email: pragyajmu2002@yahoo.co.in) : Genotoxic effect of cadmium chloride on polytene chromosome of Chironomus plumosus from B (Chironomidae : Diptera). J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)(1), 47-55.

The genotoxic effect of cadmium chloride on the structural and functional organization of the polytene chromosomes of Chironomus plumosus Form B larvae was examined for two successive generations. In chromosomes I, II, III & IV significant differences of chromosome aberrations were found between exposed and control larvae. No specimen with standard polytene chromosomes was found in the material treated with different concentrations of cadmium chloride. The results of the investigation suggest that exposure to cadmium enhances the activity of chironomid genome and the resulting changes in the polytene chromosomes provide a subtle indicator of environmental stress.

8 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

002452   Khan S S;Khan M N;Siddiqui S (Dep of Microbiology, Saifia Coll of Sci & Educ, Bhopal-462 001) : Effect of distillery effluents on vesicular arbuscular mycelium (VAM) infection in Glycine max. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2004, 2(2), 147-9.

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different distillery effluents; raw-spent wash (RSW), biomethanated spent wash (BSW), recommended NPK+FYM (farm yard manure) and control (no fertilizers and effluent) on vesicular arbuscular mycelium (VAM). The study revealed that NPK+FYM showed highest VAM infection followed by 5 ha cm BSW, 10 ha cm RSW and lowest in control.

1 table, 10 ref

002451   Khan M N (Dep of Microbiology, Saifia Coll of Sci & Educ, Bhopal-462 001) : Antimicrobial activity of Allium sativum (Garlic) extracts against Staphylococcus aureus. Indian J appl pure Biol 2005, 20(1), 131-3.

Various extracts of the cloves of garlic (Allium sativum) were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. In all the cases, the extracts exercised their antimicrobial activity but to varying extent. The ethanolic extract (10⁵) was found to be highly effective with a zone of inhibition of 27 mm followed by Petroleum ether, Benzene chloroform and aqueous extracts with 25, 23, 21 and 20 mm diameter of zone of inhibition respectively. However, the aqueous extract was least effective compared to the extracts prepared in different organic solvents.

1 table, 8 ref

002450   Kavyashree R;Gayatri M C;Revanasiddaiah H M (Pl Biotechnology Unit Annexe-Department of Bot, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056) : Somaclonal variations for some morphological and biochemical traits in mulberry variety-S₅₄ - through callus phase. J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)(1), 41-6.

Two types of somaclonal variants such as SVl-thick stem with broad serrated leaves (13) and SV2-thick stem with small serrated leaves (9) were isolated after screening 284 axenic plants of the VI generation (first generation following in vitro phase) derived through callus phase of in vitro stem explant based on the morphological and biochemical traits. The somaclones showing significant values for the metric traits in the VI generation were developed into clones by their multiplication through stem cuttings and evaluated again in the V2-V4 generations (second, third and fourth generation following the in vitro phase). The somaclones selected were found to be breeding true for all the traits in successive (V2-V4) generations suggesting their distinct genetic fidelity over the donor.

1 table, 30 ref

002449   Jain V;Gupta K (Dep of Biochem, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Interactive effect of phosphorus and irrigation on biochemical constituents of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds. Ecol Envir Conserv 2005, 11(1), 157-60.

Irrigation and phosphorus resulted in differential response on biochemical composition of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seeds. Fenugreek cv Pusa Early Bunching (PEB) with 16 treatments (split plot design) with four levels of irrigation and fertilization was raised under natural conditions. Seeds were evaluated for protein, fatty acid profile, mineral and structural carbohydrates, Protein content ranged from 20.73 to 24.76% and the highest protein content was observed at irrigation ratio of 0.41 W/CPE and 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 level. Oil content ranged from 7.95 to 10.70 percent. At 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 and higher levels of irrigation, oil contents increased while protein content declined. Unsaturated fatty acids viz. linoleic and linolenic acids were found to be the major fatty acids of fenugreek ranging between 40.21 -50.34 percent and 19.49-27.50 percent respectively at varying levels of phosphorus and irrigation. Total unsaturated fatty acids ranged between 83.02 to 87.70% (relative) and had maximum value at highest level of irrigation (IW/CPE of 1.0). Variation was also noticed in the mineral composition of fenugreek grown under different conditions. Copper contents were maximum at highest level of irrigation (IW/CPE=1.0) while potassium was highest in the crop grown at phosphorus level of 40-60 kg. The amount of Na., Fe, Zn and Mn was also differently affected by these treatments.

4 tables, 7 ref

002448   Jain S (Dep of Biochem, People's Dent Acad, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Bacteriocidal study of mixed ligand complexes of pyrazine carboxamide and isonicotinic acid hydrazide. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2004, 2(2), 143-6.

Pyrazine carboxamide and isonicotinic acid hydrazide are commonly known as Pyrazinamide (PZA) and Isoniazide (INH) respectively. They are antitubercular drugs effective against Mycobacterum tuberculosis of human type resistant, but is ineffective against the bonine and typical forms of tubercle bacilli. The drug shows antituberculosis activity in vitro at an acidic pH and is effective only against tubercle bacilli within macrophages. It is observed that when Pyrazinamide administered alone was almost as effective as isoniazid for the first two months but when both the drugs were given together, the effect was appreciably greater than with either drug alone. Further, it was compared with the effect of mixed ligand complexes of Pyrazinamide. Isoniazid and metals, the antitubercular study revealed an effective increase in potency of INH and PZA when chelated with Mn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Ca²⁺.

2 tables, 15 ref

002447   Iyanar K;Ravikesavan R;Subramanian A; Thangaraj K;vindhiya Varman P (Dep of Cott Cent for Pl Breed and Genet, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Studies on combing ability status in relation to heterosis in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(1), 317-22.

The estimates of combining ability variance showed higher values of GCA variances than SCA variances for kapas yield, lint weight, number of bolls, seed index and boll weight indicated pedominance of additive gene action in control of these characters. The hybrids H 45 x H 57 and H 43 x H 52 ranked first for kapas yield and recorded high per se performance for most of the characters later the next best hybrid is H 43 x H 56. In general, H 45 x H 57 recorded significant sca effect for most of the economic characters and there by it has relative importance in the breeding programme.

4 tables, 12 ref

002446   Hasnain N;Sharma P (Dep of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) : Marital adjustment among dual and single career women and their husbands. J Personality clin Stud 2004, 20(1-2), 153-6.

The study was undertaken to find out marital adjustment among dual and single career women and their husbands. 80 participants (30-45 Years) were selected on purposive basis. Among them 20 were dual career women, their husbands; 20 single career women and their husbands. Marital Adjustment Questionnaire by Kumar and Rohtagi was administered to measure the marital adjustment of participants t-test was used which revealed non-significant difference between mean martial adjustment scores of dual career women and their husbands; and single career women and their husbands.

4 tables, 13 ref

002445   Gupta S C (All India Coordinated Res Project on Chickpea, RAK Coll of Agric, Sehore-466 001) : Response of pigeonpea to potassium and biofertilizers inoculation. Indian J appl pure Biol 2005, 20(1), 87-90.

Field experiment conducted on the response of pigeonpea to potassium and biofertilizers application indicates significant increase in the nodule number and nodule dry weight to the tune of 2.5 to 4.0 folds and 2.0 to 3.6 folds respectively in the treatments receiving Rhizobium inoculation as against control i.e. 20 kgN + 50 kg P₂O₅/ ha (6 nodules/ plant and 14 mg nodule dry weight/plant) with maximum increase in 20 kg N+50 kg P₂O₅ + 20 kg K₂O/ ha +Rhizobium + PSB inoculation (24 nodules/plant and 51 mg nodule dry weight/plant). Further Rhizobium and PSB alone and dual inoculation with Rhizobium +PSB at 20 kg N + 50 kg P₂O₅/ha nutrient level could increase the grain yield of pigeonpea by 16.8, 11.1 and 25.3% respectively over control i.e. 20 kg N + 50 kg P₂O₅/ha alone (14 10 q/ha). Highest yield increase of 36% and net profit of Rs. 6011/ha over control was recorded under the treatment 20 kg N+50 kg P₂O₅ + 20 kg K₂O/ha +Rhizobium +PSB inoculation which indicates the necessity of use of potassium and dual inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB in pigeonpea cultivation in Madhya Pradesh.

1 table, 9 ref

002444   Gupta S B;Tamrakar D K;Tedia K;Singh A K (Dep of Soil Sci, Indira Gandhi Agric Univ, Raipur-492 006) : Relative efficacy of different microbes for composting of paddy crop residue. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(1), 13-17.

A set of experiments was conducted to study the effect of different microbes on degradation of paddy straw. For this purpose Bacillus polymyxa, Azospirillum spp, Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus awamori fungal local isolate Nos. OM-5, OM-11A and OM-70 were inoculated with chopped paddy straw. Cowdung was mixed for increasing decomposition process. Further decreasing in dry biomass and pH were recorded at three stages of incubation (0-30, 31-60 and 61-90 days after inoculation). The results revealed that rate of decomposition of paddy straw was faster under unsterilized conditions than sterilised conditions. Among the seven microbial isolates studied under unsterilized conditions, highest per cent loss in dry weight at 90 days after inoculation(DAI) was recorded in case of Trichoderma viride (61.49) followed by fungal isolate OM-11A (58.14), Bacillus polymyxa (57.58), fungal isolates OM-5 (56-64), OM-70 (56.44), Aspergillus awamori(55.78) and Azospirillum spp. (54.12). Under sterilised conditions, performance of Trichoderma viride (48.28) was also recorded best followed by Azospirillum spp. (46.01), fungal isolates OM-70 (43.80), OM-5(43.05), OM-11A (41.30), Aspergillus awamori (40.94) and Bacillus polymyxa (39.01).

2 tables, 10 ref