002443   Gupta R K;Kesari A N;Watal G;Murthy P S; Chandra R;Maithal K;Tandon V (Dr B R Ambedkar Cent for Biomed Res, Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007) : Hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Annona squamosa (L.) in experimental animal. Curr Sci 2005, 88(8), 1244-54.

Natural remedies from medicinal plants are considered to be effective and safe alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus. Aim was to demonstrate the hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity of the water extract of Annona squamosa (custard apple) in diabetic animals with a view to explore its use for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in humans. Hot-water extract of the leaves of A. squamosa was prepared by boiling fresh and air-dried leaves (25°C for 5 days) with water (20 ml/g) for 2 h and was tried by oral route in alloxan (80 mg/kg bw)-induced diabetic rabbits and streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg bw)-induced diabetic rats. The hot-water extract of leaves of A. squamosa at a dose 350 mg/kg bw reduced the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level slightly by 6.5% within 1 h and the peak blood glucose at 1 h during glucose tolerance test (GTT) was reduced by 15% in normal healthy rats. The same dose of water extract showed antidiabetic activity in two species of animals, namely rabbits and rats with induced diabetes. In the case of alloxan-induced diabetes in rabbits, a significant (P <60>0.001) reduction in FBG by 24.4% and improvement in glucose tolerance as indicated by 36.8 and 40.5% fall in blood glucose at 1 h and 2 h during GTT was observed. In STZ diabetic rats also, there was 16.5% decrease in FBG, 24 and 67% reduction in blood glucose at 1 h and 2 h during GTT. After ten days of treatment of a group of STZ diabetic rats with 350 mg/kg bw of the water extract, there was 75.5% fall in FBG level and no sugar in fasting urine was observed. Treatment of al loxan-induced severely diabetic rabbits for 15 days with a dose of 350 mg/kg bw of extract reduced FBG by 48.7% and sugar in urine was reduced by 75%. It brought about fall in the levels of total cholesterol by 41.3% with increase of 29.14% in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and 70% fall in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, including 25% decrease in triglyceride (TG) levels. After 15 days of treatment, glycosylated haemoglobin level (HbAlc) was reduced by 30%, with a 10.8% increase of total haemoglobin. Extract enhanced the serum insulin level by 27.6% in diabetic animals during GTT and insulin release by 38.1% from isolated pancreatic islets. Water extract increases uptake of glucose in psoas muscles by 57% in the presence of insulin and inhibits glucose absorption by 18.1% through the isolated intestinal segments. Water extract inhibits the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase in isolated rat microsomes. No mortality was found up to 15 times the effective dose. The study reveals that A. squamosa has both hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity. It seems to act by enhancing insulin level from pancreatic islets, increased utilization of glucose in muscle and inhibited the glucose output from liver. It reverses the abnormal lipid profile seen in diabetic animals. Its margin of safety is high. Extract obtained from leaves of A. squamosa is useful in maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

2 illus, 6 tables, 42 ref

002442   Gupta M;Suman L N (Dep of clinical Psychology, NIMHANS, Bangalore) : Hopefulness, extroversion and subjective well being in college lecturers. J Personality clin Stud 2004, 20(1-2), 181-6.

Aim of the study was to examine the relationships between Hopefulness, Extroversion/Neuroticism and Subjective Weil-Being. The General Health Questionnaire was used as a screening tool to select a sample of 80 college lecturers. Data was obtained using the Hunter Opinions and Personal Expectations Scale (HOPES), Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) and Subjective Well-being Inventory. Data was analysed using chi-square test, correlation and t test. Results revealed that Hopefulness was positively correlated with Subjective Well-Being while Neuroticism was negatively correlated with both Hopefulness and Subjective Weil-Being. Extroversion was not significantly related to either Hopefulness or Subjective Well-Being. No significant differences were found in Subjective Well-Being as a result of age or gender differences.

4 tables, 30 ref

002441   Dixit S;Kamlesh Kumar;Chauhan Y S (Dep of Genet and Pl Breed, N D Univ of Agric and Technol, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229) : Heterosis in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss). Agric Sci Dig 2005, 25(1), 19-22.

Heterosis was estimated in Indian mustard for 12 quantitative characters. The experimental material consisted sixty F₁'s derived in a line x tester mating fashion (4 lines + 15 tester ) and one standard variety 'Kranti' as control. The five crosses RLM 198A YRT-3 (104.40%) followed by PCMS 106A x Jatai rai (98.12%), RLM 198A x Jatai rai (81.13%), Pusa Bold A siifolia' x JMM 1628 (73.28%) and PCMS 106A x RK 8401 (63:19%) showing heterobeltiosis for seed yield with significant and positive sea effects. Desirable heterobelnosis for oil content was exhibited by three crosses RLM 198A x RH 8819 (6.91%) followed by Pusa Bold A 'siifolia' x JMM 1628 (4.49%) and RLM 198A x BIOYSR (3.21%) and two crosses Pusa Bold A 'siifolia' x JMM 1628 (3.76%) arid Pusa Bold A 'siifolia' x Local mustard (3.66%) were expressed significant and positive standard heterosis and sca effects.

4 tables, 8 ref

002440   Dicto J;Manjula S (Pl Molec Biol Lab, Rajiv Gandhi Cent for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram-695 014) : Identification of elicitor-induced PR5 gene homologue in Piper colubrinum link by suppression subtractive hybridization. Curr Sci 2005, 88(4), 624-7.

Piper colubrinum Link., the exotic wild Piper shows high degree of resistance to fungal pathogens and is a potential source of resistance genes. APCR-based suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify P. colubrinum genes that are differentially expressed in response to the signalling molecule, salicylic acid (SA). A subtracted library of SA-induced genes was synthesized and one of the clones showed sequence homology to osmotin, a member of class-V group of pathogenesis-related (PR) gene family. The 315 bp gene fragment was used to probe total RNA prepared from untreated and SA-treated leaf tissues. Osmotin fragment cloned from the subtracted library was also used to probe RNA from ethylene-treated leaf tissues. Northern blot analysis revealed that osmotin is dominantly expressed in SA/ethylene-treated tissue. This indicates that SSH can be used to identify and clone PR genes in P. colubrinum.

5 illus, 11 ref

002439   Dewani P P;Jhala A S;Mathur G K;Shinde V V; Jyoti T (Dep of Dairy and Fd Technol, CDFST MPUAT, Udaipur-313 001) : Micro-encapsulation of micro-organisms. Indian J appl pure Biol 2005, 20(1), 139-43.

^iia2 tables, 14 ref

002438   Dangar T K;Behera K S (Div of soil Sci & Microbiology, CRRI, Cuttack-753 006) : Virulence of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis var. morrisoni, tolworthi, thompsoni, and kurstaki of dipel, biolep and halt against rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis guenee. J appl Zool Res 2005, 16(1), 75-8.

LC₅₀ of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) var. morrisoni, thompsoni and tolworthi isolates was (3.82-4.62) x 10⁴ spore-crystal/ml and that of Bt var. kurstaki isolates of dipel, halt and biolep was (0.20-0.39)x 10³ spore-crystal/ml against rice leaffolder (LF) (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) larvae in the laboratory. Kurstaki isolates were about 10-20 times more active than indigenous Bt. In nutrient broth, Bt var. morrisoni produced fairly uniform single polymorphic or irregular crystal/cell but tolworthi and thompsoni produced 1 or 2 bipyramida crystal(s)/cell of variable sizes. Bt var. kurstaki isolates of dipel and biolep produced 1-3 and 1-6 bipyramidal and irregular crystal(s)/cell, respectively but that of halt produced 1-2 bipyramidal crystal(s)/cell of variable sizes. No Correlation between spore-crystal ratio and virulence of Bt could be established. Under controlled conditions, the Bt formulations biolep and halt killed about 50% and 78-82% larvae @ 0.75 and 1.00 kg/ha, respectively but chlorpyriphos @ 0.50 kg a.i./ha effected about 100% mortality. In the field, the Bt formulations killed about 88% larvae @ 1.0 kg/ha (0.2% w/v) which was comparable to 73-100% mortality caused by cartap & monocrotophos (@ 0.5 kg a.i./ha) & imidachloprid (@ 0.1 kg a.i./ha). Gross benefit for application of Bt formulations was comparatively more than chemical insecticides but net profit was significantly lower than chlorpyrophos + cypermethrin & monocrotophos. Results show Bt can substitute to insecticides for LF control.

5 tables, 6 ref

002437   Bindu J;Wall R;Howard J J;Sanders A;Warnes M L (Cent Inst of Fish Technol, , Cochin) : Potential for control of the oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala in South west India using insecticide treated targets. Entomon 2005, 30(1), 19-29.

A control trial was carried out at a fish processing site, Puthyiappa, near Calicut in south-west India against Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricus) (Dipteria: Calliphoridae) using cloth targets, which had been dipped in 7.5% deltamethrin suspension. The population at a second fish processing site, Vellayil, 6 km south of Puthyiappa, was also monitored during this period. Treatment resulted in a significant local reduction in C. megacephala population, but this effect was relatively limited in space and degree. The reasons for the apparently limited efficacy and the potential for use of such technology for C. megacephala control are discussed.

4 illus, 31 ref

002436   Bhat T A;Khan A H;Sahba Parveen (Cytogenetics and Mutation Breed Laboratory Dep of Bot, A M U, Aligarh-202 002) : Effect of gamma rays on certain biological parameters of broad bean (Vicia faba L.). Indian J appl pure Biol 2005, 20(1), 135-7.

The induction of biological damage in terms of immediate effects on seed germination, pollen fertility, seedling height and seedling survival was envisaged by treating the seeds of two broad bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties i.e. minor and major with (10kR, 20kR, 30kR and 40kR) doses of gamma rays. In general seed germination, pollen fertility and seedling survival decreased with increasing doses of gamma rays. However increase in seedling height was noticed at 10kR of gamma rays but showed decrease at 20kR, 30kR and 40 kR. For all the three M₁ biological parameters under study, var. minor was found to be more sensitive than var. major to various doses of gamma rays.

1 table, 6 ref

002435   Awasthi S K;Pandey S;Dwivedi P (Inst of Life Sci, CSJM Univ, Kanpur-208 024) : Biochemical and cellular changes in nasal lavages after intranasal instillation of endotoxin. Indian J appl pure Biol 2005, 20(1), 115-18.

In order to study the inflammatory response in the nasal cavity and the role of neutrophils in that response, authors instilled 500 μg of endotoxin into the nasal cavities of rats. The rats were killed immediately after instillation, or at 0.5, 1, 3, 6 or 24 h after instillation and the nasal cavities lavaged. A neutrophil response which peaked at 6h was detected in the lavage fluids. The nasal exudate neutrophils had phagocytic ability and H₂O₂ production rates similar to those of peripheral blood neutrophils. At 6 h after endotoxin instillation, nasal lavage fluids contained elevated levels of leukotriene B₄, thromboxane B₂, prostagland in E₂, β-glucuronidase, and alkaline phosphatase. These results suggest that neutrophils may be important in the defence of the nasal mucosal surface and that nasal lavage is a useful means of studying nasal mucosal inflammatory responses.

2 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

002434   Akintokun A K;Popoola T O S (Dep of Microbiology, Univ Agric, Abeokuta, Nigeria, Email: topsiepop@yahoo.com) : Effect of different carbohydrates on growth and production of polysaccharidase by Lasiodiplodia theobromae Pat. isolated from rotten cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) roots. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(1), 7-11.

Growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae isolated from rotten cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) roots in storage was grown on media supplemented with extracts from Cassava, Yam, Sweet Potato, Cocoyam and Irish Potato. All the formulated growth media supported luxuriant mycelia growth of the fungus. The best growth was observed on Cocoyam Dextrose Broth medium with the least growth recorded on media supplemented with extract from Yam tubers. Cellulase, amylase, polygalacturonase and pectin esterase enzyme activities were detected in filtrate obtained from the broth. The significance of these enzymes in post harvest spoilage of cassava caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae are discussed.

2 illus, 24 ref

002433   Ahmad A;Gul S;Bano M (Dep of Psychology, Univ of Peshawar, Peshawar, NWFP, Pakistan) : Relationship of student's achievement motivation with gender, religion (Pakistani Muslims and Christians) and their problems. J Personality clin Stud 2004, 20(1-2), 55-62.

The present study was designed to explore students' achievement motivation from the aspects of gender, religion and their problems. The sample consisted of 100 students, of class 9th and 10th including 50 Muslim and 50 Christian students of whom 25 were male and 25 were female in both the religious groups, ranging in age from 13-18 years. All the subjects were randomly selected from seven English medium schools of Peshawar. Majority of he Muslim subjects belonged to middle class, while majority of Christian subjects belonged to low socio-economic class. Ring toss experiment, Achievement Oriented Attitude Scale and Problem Checklist were administrated on all subjects for identifying their need achievement, achievement oriented attitudes and problems. Hypothesis that achievement motivation is a function of religion is verified, but rejected for gender as the achievement level was higher for male subjects.

3 tables, 17 ref

001272   Zebrowski J J;Baranowski R (Fac of Phys, Warsaw Univ of Technol, ul Koszykowa 75, Warszawa, Poland, Email: zebra@if.pw.edu.pl) : Observations and modeling of deterministic properties of human heart rate variability. Pramana J Phys 2005, 64(4), 543-52.

Simple models show that in Type-I intermittency a characteristic U-shaped probability distribution is obtained for the laminar phase length. The laminar phase length distribution characteristic for Type-I intermittency may be obtained in human heart rate variability data for some cases of pathology. The heart and its regulatory systems are presumed to be both noisy and non-stationary. Although the effect of additive noise on the laminar phase distribution in Type-I intermittency is well-known, the effect of neither multiplicative noise nor non-stationarity have been studied. Authors has discussed the properties of two classes of models of Type-I intermittency: (a) the control parameter of the logistic map is changed dichotomously from a value within the intermittency range to just below the bifurcation point and back; (b) the control parameter is changed randomly within the same parameter range as in the model class (a). Authors shown that the properties of both models are different from those obtained for Type-I intermittency in the presence of additive noise. The two models help to explain some of the features seen in the intermittency in human heart rate variability.

6 illus, 18 ref

001271   Zahara Begum;Kannaiyan S (Dep of Agric Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agric Univ, Coimbatore-641 005, Email: zatasa@yahoo.com) : Occurrence of N₂-fixing microorganisms in the roots of sweet potato (Ipomea batatus L.). Pl Archs 2005, 5(1), 169-71.

Free-living nitrogen fixing bacteria, such as Azospirillum and Azotobacter were isolated from the roots of sweet potato in nitrogen free medium. Besides nitrogen fixing bacteria, phosphate solubilising bacteria have also been isolated from the sweet potato roots.

12 ref

001270   Verma S S;Sharma Y K;Anand S (Dep of Biostatistics, Def Inst of Physiol and Allied Sci, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110 054) : Body height and weight as predictors of chest circumference in healthy indian males of 16-21 years of age. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2004, 39(1), 85-9.

Body height and weight were found to contribute significantly in linear regression equations established to estimate lean body weight, body density and leg muscle volume from anthropometric measurements. These two measurements were also found to contribute significantly in linear regression equations established to estimate the body measurements including chest circumference at sea level and high altitude locations. To ascertain whether body weight and height could also be significant predictors of chest circumference of healthy young males in different states of India, the anthropometric data on these three body measurements (viz. chest circumference, height and weight) were collected on 1,00,293 young healthy Indian males aged 16-21 years of 18 states of India using standard anthropometric techniques. Separate multiple linear regression equations for predicting chest circumference were constructed for 18 states of India using height and weight as predictors because these multiple linear regression equations differed significantly from each other.

3 tables, 21 ref

001269   Verma S;Gupta P;Bhardwaj R (Dep of Biosci, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla-171 005) : Genotoxicity of lead nitrate in somatic and germ cells of rat (Rattus rattus). J Cytol Genet 2004, 5(2), 149-52.

Chromosomal damage in somatic and germ cells of rat induced by a heavy metal compound, lead nitrate has been investigated. Different doses tested were 0.5, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 μg/ kg body wt. Both clastogenic and physiological types of chromosomal aberrations were found in both types of cells. There was also an adverse effect on spermatogenesis as was evident from small size of sperms and sperm head abnormalities. Lead nitrate was also found to be a mitoinhibitor.

10 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

001268   Vasantha Kumari B;Pillai P G;Mathew P M (Dep of Bot, Sree Ayyappa Coll for Women, Chungankadai, Kanyakumari District) : The patterns and frequencies of consanguinity in 15 communicaties of Kanyakumari district. J Cytol Genet 2004, 5(2), 139-42.

Consanguinity study was carried out in 15 communities of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. The most common pattern of related marriages in all of them was the one between first cousins, followed by second cousin, first cousin once removed, uncle-niece and double first cousin in the order of incidence. The frequencies of close-kin alliances ranged from 8.49% (Nair) to 57.21 % (Vetan) recognizable under 3 rate classes (<60>20%, 20-40%,<62> 40%). The mean Fs ranged from 0.00116 to 0.03923. Distribution of the inbreeding rates showed a gradient associated with the level of socio-economic and literacy status. The low rate in the Nadar community is suggested to be due to the religious impact and higher literacy level attained from Christian affiliation and association.

1 table, 15 ref

001267   Talwar I;Pande H (NO, , House No. 1104, Sector 34-C, Chandigarh-160 022) : Age at menopause among the Khatri female of Chandigarh. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2004, 39(1), 91-5.

The study was conducted on a cross-sectional sample of 201 Khatri females of Chandigarh in order to estimate their age at menopause and its relationship with various factors. Median age at menopause as computed by status quo method was 49.5 ± 1.38 years, while mean age at menopause calculated by retrospective method was found to be 49.9 ± 1.68 years. Results indicate no difference in the computed age at menopause using either status quo or retrospective methods of study in a group under study which had experienced this phenomenon recently, hence recollection was of greater accuracy. No significant relationship was detected between the age at menopause and parity, occupation and food habits. However, a slightly later age at menopause was observed in women having early menarche.

3 tables, 31 ref

001266   Syiem M B (Dep of Biochem, North East Hill Univ, Permanent Campus, Mawlai, Shillong-793 022, Email: mayashreesyiem@yahoo.co.in) : Entrapped cyanobacteria: implications for biotechnology. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 209-15.

Immobilized cyanobacteria behaved like spores under adverse conditions. Air dried immobilized cyanobacteria stored under open conditions of light, temperature, air and dust of all seasons retained the ability to regenerate active colonies at least for three years. Upon restoration to liquid media, these regenerated cyanobacterial colonies showed growth and nitrogen fixation comparable to their free-living counterparts by second generation. Air-drying shrinked the gel beads to the size of the mustard seeds and hence, a large amount of such beads could be stored in a small space. This opens up the possibility of convenient storage and transportation of desirable cyanobacterial strains for various purposes including using them as inoculum in crop fields and in poor quality soil to increase the fixed nitrogen content.

7 illus, 32 ref

001265   Suma K P (Bot Dep, S.N.M. Coll, Maliankara-683 516) : Diversity of mangroves in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(3), 421-5.

Investigation was carried out on mangrove distribution and diversity of Ernakulam district to study the status of mangrove vegetation. In Ernakulam the mangrove islands are increasingly threatened by the population pressure. In the investigation, the distribution and diversity of the mangrove vegetation were studied for 3 years from 2000 onwards. In order to study the distribution pattern of mangrove species, quadrat analysis was done at all the study sites. Diversity index was calculated using Shannon-Wiener function. In the study, 10 species of true mangroves, 4 species of semi-mangroves and 6 species of mangrove associated plants were identified. Mangroves now found in Ernakulam have not so far attained their full growth as degrading factors always disturbed their proliferations. Arrested successions were seen in Pattanam, Moothakunnam and Kumbalam. The study revealed that mangroves of Ernakulam district are under threat. So an urgent need of action plan for the conservation of mangroves of Ernakulam is required.

2 tables, 13 ref

001264   Sujatha K;Mahalakshmi a;Shenbagarathai R (Post Grad Dep of Zool and Res Cent, Lady Doak Coll, Madurai-625 005, Email: shenbagarathai@yahoo.co.in) : A study on accumulation of PHB in native Pseudomonas isolates LDC-5 and LDC-25. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 216-21.

Poly (β-hydroxyalkanoates, (PHAs) are natural polyesters produced by a variety of bacteria. They are represented most commonly by poly (β- hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), an intracellular storage biodegradable polymer material. The production costs of PHB are quite high compared with those of synthetic non-degradable plastics, hence search for potential strains with high PHB accumulating ability. Hundreds of indigenous bacterial strains were screened for the accumulation of PHB by Nile red, fluorescence microscopy (Nile blue A) and PCR. Three degenerate primers were used as PCR primers to detect PHA synthase genes. Among the tested isolates, 35 strains yielded a specific amplicon of 496 bp and 406 bp in colony PCR and seminested PCR, respectively. Among the 35 short chain length positive strains, only 2 isolates yielded a specific amplicon of 540 bp PCR product in medium chain length PCR, representing partial coding sequences of phaCl/phaC2 genes. The mcl-PCR positive Pseudomonas indigenous isolates (LDC-5 and LDC-25) could be potential candidates for bioplastic production.

3 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

001263   Steven Vogel (Dep of Biol, Duke Univ, Durham, NC 27708-0338, USA, Email: svogel@duke.edu) : Living in a physical world II. The bio-ballistics of small projectiles. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(2), 167-75.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

001262   Sreedhara T;Hussain Khan C G;Udachanchi S (Dep of Anthrop, Karnatak Univ, Dharwad) : HIV/AIDS in India: some observations. J Indian Anthrop Soc 2004, 39(1), 77-84.

The study is based on clinical observations and also from the data collected through districts of Karnataka state. An attempt is made to view the problem of HIV/AIDS holistically-in anthropological perspective. HIV/AIDS, as a most dreaded disease of present century, is considered to be a major health threats which posed great challenges to both medical and social sectors. In the absence of an effective treatment at present, 'prevention' is said to be only best available solution. Though this disease is prevalent everywhere, in Indian context it assumes special significance due to high vulnerability of people and wider socio-cultural. economic, and demographic implications. In spite of enormous efforts by both governmental and non-governmental agencies this problem is still expanding. Added to these, several prevailing misconceptions, notions and ignorance are resulting in discrimination, ostracisms and stigma of HIV/AIDS patients and are aggravating the problem further. Such attitudes deprive HIV/AIDS victims from the access to natural rights like basic care, treatment, and support. Stigma existing in health-care setting influences counseling and testing initiatives, prevention, treatment, care and support Issues. This stigmatic situation in Indian health-care setting has resulted in the mushrooming growth of quacks and fake 'AIDS clinics' which are luring victims promising easy and magical cure. The exploitative role of quacks is a matter that entails grave legal and medical concerns.

2 tables, 9 ref

001261   Sinha A (Natn Inst of Advd Stud, Indian Inst of Sci Campus, Bangalore-560 012, Email: asinha@nias.iisc.ernet.in) : Not in their genes: phenotypic flexibility, behavioural traditions and cultural evolution in wild bonnet macaques. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(1), 51-64.

Phenotypic flexibility, or the within-genotype, context-dependent, variation in behaviour expressed by single reproductively mature individuals during their lifetimes, often impart a selective advantage to organisms and profoundly influence their survival and reproduction. Another phenomenon apparently not under direct genetic control is behavioural inheritance whereby higher animals are able to acquire information from the behaviour of others by social learning, and, through their own modified behaviour, transmit such information between individuals and across generations. Behavioural information transfer of this nature thus represents another form of inheritance that operates in many animals in tandem with the more basic genetic system. Examines the impact that phenotypic flexibility, behavioural inheritance and socially transmitted cultural traditions may have in shaping the structure and dynamics of a primate society - that of the bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata), a primate species endemic to peninsular India. Three principal issues are considered: the role of phenotypic flexibility in shaping social behaviour, the occurrence of individual behavioural traits leading to the establishment of social traditions, and the appearance of cultural evolution amidst such social traditions. Although more prolonged observations are required, these initial findings suggest that phenotypic plasticity, behavioural inheritance and cultural traditions may be much more widespread among primates than have previously been assumed but may have escaped attention due to a preoccupation with genetic inheritance in zoological thinking.

2 tables, 108 ref

001260   Sharma S;Tandon V R;Mahajan A (PG Gynaec & Obstetrics Dep, Government Med Coll, Jammu (J&K)) : Phytoestrogens - natural SERMs. JK Sci 2005, 7(3), 122-3.

ref 17

001259   Seth N;Yadav J S (Zool Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) in peripheral blood of occupational exposed goldsmiths. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(3), 463-5.

Venous blood samples of 90 individuals including 45 exposed workers and 45 matched controls were cultured by short-term lymphocyte method. In order to assess the genotoxic risk of nitric oxides at workplace, sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) in 25 cells per person were calculated. Tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking as confounding factors of genotoxicity were taken into consideration. There was significant increase in SCE frequency in exposed persons (10.56) as compared to controls (7.02). Nitric oxides, thus, found to be genotoxic.

2 tables, 12 ref

001258   Selvin J;Huxley A J;Lipton A P (Mar Biotechnology Lab, Cent Mar Fish Res Inst, Vizhinjam-695 521, Email: selvinj@rediffmail.com) : Pathogenicity, antibiogram and biochemical characteristics of luminescent Vibrio harveyi, associated with `black shell disease' of Penaeus monodon. Fish Technol 2005, 42(2), 191-6.

Bacterial isolation was made from shrimps Penaeus monodon showing characteristic external symptoms of 'black shell disease' from shrimp farms located in southeast coast of India. The isolates were screened on TCBS agar plates and O/129 for the selective isolation of Vibrio sp. Based on the morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics, the isolate (RJM5) was characterized as luminescent Vibrio harveyi. Antibiogram of V. harveyi indicated that it was highly sensitive to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and streptomycin. The pathogenicity studies confirmed that the isolate (V. harveyi) was moderately virulent.

3 tables, 25 ref

001257   Sangappa;Mahesh S S;Somashekar R (Dep of Stud in Phys, Univ of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: rs@physics.uni-mysore.ac.in) : Crystal structure of raw pure Mysore silk fibre based on (Ala-Gly)₂-ser-gly peptide sequence using linked-atom-least-squares method. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(2), 259-68.

Carries out crystal structure analysis of raw pure Mysore silk fibers belonging to Bombyx mori on the basis of model parameters of Marsh et al using Linked-Atom-Least-Squares technique. The intensity of all the reflections were computed employing CCP13 software. Observes that the molecular modification is essentially same as β-pleated structure with antipolar-antiparallel arrangements formed by hydrogen bonds. The essential differences observed in the structure are highlighted and discussed.

6 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

001256   Ramteke P W;Joseph B;Kuddus M (Dep of Biotechnology, Allahabad Agric Inst - Deemed Univ, Allahabad-211 007, Email: pwramteke@yahoo.com) : Extracellular lipases from anaerobic microorganisms of Antarctic. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 293-4.

Anaerobic microorganisms of Antarctic were investigated for production of extracellular lipases. Of 137 anaerobic strains studied, 49 (35.7%) strains showed lipolytic activity. Amongst the strains studied, 64 were psychrophiles (29 strict, 35 facultative) and 73 psychrotrophs (31 strict, 42 facultative). Of lipase producing psychrophiles, 9 (31.0%) were strict and 11 (31.4%) facultative anaerobes, whereas amongst lipase producing psychrotrophs, 13 (41.9%) were strict and 16 (38.0%) facultative anaerobes.

1 table, 14 ref

001255   Poonkothai M;Hemaiswarya S;Kavitha D; Vallikkannu K (Deaprtment of Biochem and Biotechnology, Avinashilingam Deemed Univ, Coimbatore-641 043) : Antibacterial activity of Gymneama sylvestre, Couroupita guianensis and Withania somnifera. Pl Archs 2005, 5(1), 93-6.

The floras of Indian medicinal plants are potent source of bioactive principles. Antibacterial activity were found to be active against all microorganism tested and the maximum activity was noted against Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

001254   Pawar V A;Deshmukh A M (P.G. Microbiology Dep, Y.C. Coll of Sci, Vidyanagar, Karad-415 124) : Isolation and characterization of salt tolerant Azotobacter from normal and saline soils. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(3), 473-6.

Twenty soil samples, nine from normal soils and 11 from saline soils, were studied for isolation and characterization of Azotobacter. Out of the total 20 isolates of Azotobacter, obtained from various soils, nine were possessing amylase activity, while 11 gelatinase activity. Ten isolates showed growth with 3% salt while 6 isolates with 5% at salt concentration. Only one isolate showed both, amylase and gelatinase activities, with 5% salt tolerance yet having good nitrogen fixing activity. This salt tolerant isolates can be exploited as a biofertilizer in saline soils.

2 tables, 8 ref

001253   Patnaik P R (Inst of Microbial Technol, , Sector 39-A, Chandigarh-160 036, Email: pratap@imtech.res.in) : Process analysis in disturbed environment during oscillatory metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 201-8.

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibits sustained oscillations under noise-free controlled conditions in continuous cultures. The regular periodicity of the oscillations and synchrony between different metabolic variables may be described by mathematical models and model-based control. Large bioreactors, however, are prone to disturbances or noise in the feed stream, which may alter the oscillatory behaviour. This aspect has been investigated. Time-dependent Gaussian noise was applied to the substrate feed rate, and it was seen through simulations that while periodicity in the cell mass concentration was lost, other variables were less severely affected. A corollary observation was that the earlier synchrony among different variables, some intra-cellular and some extra-cellular, remained neither complete nor constant, indicating that intra-cellular processes are affected by external disturbances. Thus, deterministic models and control policies based on them may not be suitable in realistic industrial conditions, where intelligent heuristic approaches are more appropriate.

6 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

001252   Newman S A (Dep of Cell Biol and Anat, Basic Sci Building, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA) : The pre-mendelian, pre-darwinian world: shifting relations between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in early multicellular evolution. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(1), 75-85.

The reliable dependence of many features of contemporary organisms on changes in gene content and activity is tide to the processes of Mendelian inheritance and Darwinian evolution. With regard to morphological characters, however. Mendelian inheritance is the exception rather than the rule, and neo-Darwinian medianisms in any case do not account for the origination (as opposed to the inherited variation) of such characters. It is proposed therefore, that multicellular organisms passed through a pre-Mendelian, pre-Darwinian phase, whereby cells, genes and gene products constituted complex systems with context-dependent, self-organizing morphogenetic capabilities. An example is provided of a plausible 'core' mechanism for the development of the vertebrate limb that is both inherently pattern forming and morphogenetically plastic. It is suggested that most complex multi-cellular structures originated from such systems. The notion that genes are privileged determinants of bological characters can only be sustained by neglecting questions of evolutionary origination and developmental mechanisms.

3 illus, 72 ref

001251   Mahak Singh (Dep of Genet and Pl Breed, C.S. Azad Univ of Agricutlture and Technol, Kanpur-208 002) : Genetic analysis for gene action in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) czern and coss). Pl Archs 2005, 5(1), 77-80.

Diallel analysis and nature of gene action were estimated in Indian mustard for ten quantitative characters. The variance due to F₁'s were significant for all the characters, and F₂'s variance were significant for all the characters except number of primary branches and 1000-seed weight. The Analysis of variances were significant for all the characters except 1000-seed weight and oil content in parents vs F₁'s and number of primary branches, number of siliquae on main raceme and 1000-seed weight in parents vs F₂'s. If was also observed that variance due to parents were also significant for all the characters except seed yield per plant and 1000-seed weight. The diallel analysts revealed over dominance for all ten characters. The estimation of genetic components D, H₁ and H₂ were significant for all characters except days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches and 1000-seed weight in D genetic component The F and h² genetic component were significant for sex characters out of ten characters namely days to maturity, plant height, no. of secondary branches, length of main raceme, seed yield and 1000-seed weight Degree of dominance [(H₁/D )^1/2] were high for number of primary branches (5.67) and 1000-seed weight (5.45) followed by days to 50% flowering.

2 tables, 7 ref

001250   Kulpmann M (NO, , Hypo Vereinsbank, Arabellastrasse 12, D-81925 Munich, Germany, Email: mathias.kuelpmann@hvb.de) : The economics of biotechnology. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(2), 151-4.

3 ref

001249   Kukreja V;Bera M B (Dep of Fd Technol, Sant Longowal Cent Inst of Engng and Technol, Longowal-148 106, Email: vandanakukreja@rediffmail.com) : Lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2488: Partial purification, characterization and calcium dependent thermostability. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 222-6.

Psuedomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2488 produced lipase on Rhodamine B agar plates containing olive oil. Extra-cellular lipase activity was analyzed spectrophotometrically using Tween-20 as well as olive oil as substrate. The semipurified enzyme, precipitated by 30% saturated ammonium sulphate, showed 20.79 fold increase in specific activity (U/mg) and reduction in carbohydrate content to 1.7% as compared to the crude enzyme. The enzyme hydrolyzed Tween-20 and -40 better than Tween-60 and -80. Lipase has been found to be thermostable with maximum activity at 55-60°C but marked decrease was observed above this temperature. Ca²⁺ seemed to play an important role in the thermostability as 97% of enzyme activity was retained after 2 hr incubation at 65°C and 1 hr incubation at 70°C in presence of 10 mM CaCl₂. However, thermostability of the enzyme was decreased considerably in presence of 5 mM EDTA, confirming the enzyme to be a metalloprotein. Lipase has been found to be stable in presence of 30% acetone, methanol and ethanol. While, the enzyme activity was decreased by 30-50% in presence of n propanol, 2 propanol, n methyl propanol, isooctane and hexane. Further, 30% butanol resulted in <126>65% decrease in the enzyme activity. Lipase has been found to be stable in presence of nonionic detergents, whereas anionic detergent, SDS completely inactivated the enzyme.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

001248   Keller E F (NO, , E-51-171, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA 02139, USA, Email: efkeller@mit.edu) : The century beyond the gene. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(1), 3-10.

10 ref

001247   Kannan V;Vanitha V (Cent for Advd Stud in Bot, Univ of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, Email: kannanavo@yahoo.co.in) : Influence of assay medium on degradation of malathion by Serratia marcescens. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 277-83.

Serratia marcescens isolated from degraded cattle bone was able to grow on high concentrations of malathion, a non-systemic wide spectrum organophosphorus pesticide. The test organism tested under three different assay conditions very effectively catalyzed the breakdown of malathion. Degradation potential of the test organism was high in nutrient broth than in mineral salts medium and distilled water. Decline in the pH during growth on malathion and assay period indicated the formation of acidic intermediates.

7 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

001246   Kalz l;Kalz Fuller B;Hegde S;Schwanitz G (Inst for Hum Genet, , Bonn, Germany) : Polymorphisms of Q-band heterochromatin: qualitative and quantitative analyses of features in 3 ethnic groups (Europeans, Indians, and Turks). Int J Hum Genet 2005, 5(2), 153-63.

Focusing predominantly on fluorescence polymorphisms i(5) after QEQ-banding and some CBG-banding in lymphocyte cultures, the comparison of polymorphisms of constitutive heterochromatin in the chromosomes 1,3,4,9,13,14,15,16, 21,22, and Y of central Europeans with those of Indians and Turks showed insignificant differences in the sizes vs and m but significant differences in the size s with the highest number in the Indian group. Differences in fluorescence i(5) proved to be statistically highly significant among the 3 groups as well as differences in the duplication of the satellite stalk (p12) of the acrocentric chromosomes. The number of fluorescence i(5) per case was highest in the Indian and lowest in the Turkish group. The comparison of polymorphisms revealed the least number of differences to exist between Europeans and Indians, followed by Europeans and Turks, with Turks and Indians having the highest number of significant differences.

4 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

001245   Kaas J H (Dep of Psychology, Vanderbilt Univ, 301 Wilson Hall, 111, 21st Ave, S, Nashville, TN 37240, USA, Email: jon.h.kaas@vanderbilt.edu) : From mice to men: the evolution of the large, complex human brain. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(2), 155-65.

6 illus, 46 ref

001244   Jaya Madhuri R;Rangaswamy V (Microbiology Dep, T.J.P.S. Clollege, Pattabhipuram-522 006) : Influence of organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides on enzymatic activities of amylase, cellulase and invertase in two agricultural soils. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(3), 385-93.

Enzyme activities of amylase, cellulase and invertase at 1, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 kg/ha levels of chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, methyl parathion, phorate and methornyl in two agricultural soils of groundnut (Arachis hypogae L.) crop were evaluated under laboratory conditions. The enzymes amylase and invertse showed increase in activities up to 5 kg/ha in black and red soils at 10 days incubation, and further with the substrates, starch and sucrose, for 24 and 72h and 24 and 48h, respectively. At 7.5 kg/ha, enzyme activities were neither inhibited nor stimulated, and are equal to that of control values. Whereas, formation of glucose from the added starch and sucrose was significantly reduced at the higher concentration of 10 kg/ha at respective conditions. On the contrary, cellulase activity was promoted upto 7.5 kg/ha and innocuous effect was observed with 10 kg/ha of insecticide treatment in the two soil samples incubated with the substrate, carboxy methyl cellulose for 24h at 10 days. However, significant stimulation was noticed at 2.5 kg/ha of insecticide concentration in amylase and invertase and at 5 kg/ha in cellulase activities, at the corresponding conditions. This pronounced enhancement in the rate of amylase and invertase activities reached maximum at 20-day incubation period with 72h and 48h substrate incubations rather than 24h, and declined at later intervals. Similar trend was noticed with cullulase activity at 24h substrate incubation.

7 tables, 33 ref

001243   Jamil K;Prabhavathy Das (Dep of Genet, Bhagwan Mahavir Med Res Cent, Mahavir Marg, AC Guards, Hyderabad-500 004, Email: kaiser_jamil@yahoo.co.in) : Stem cells : the revolution in current medicine. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 173-85.

Biological science is being bombarded with problems of HIV, cancers, thousands of genetic disorders, obesity, diabetes, microbial infections, biological warfare, SARS and degenerative organ diseases of the lung, liver, kidney and heart. A big question today is the promise of stem cells. Will stem cells one day be good enough to save the sinking Noah's Ark of human health? This review attempts to give an overview of stem cells and the scientific factors revolving around it.

^iia6 illus, 5 tables, 64 ref

001242   Gupta K K;Singh T (Dep of Agric Bot, Kisan P.G. Coll, Simbhaoli, Ghaziabad-245 207) : Genetic divergence in french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Pl Archs 2005, 5(1), 189-92.

Investigation was carried out on thirteen genotypes of French bean to study the genetic divergence by Mahalanobis D² statistic to formulate a suitable breeding programme for the yield improvement Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for- all the characters. By using D² statistics and Tocher's method thirteen genotypes were grouped into four dusters. The clustering pattern in relation to geographic origin of the genotypes was found to the inconclusive. Pant Anupam was the most divergent genotype, which is expected to produce heterotic hybrids and thus would produce wide specturm of variation in the segregating generations.

1 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

001241   Gilbert S F (Dep of Biol, Swarthmore Coll, 500 college avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081 USA, Email: sgilberl@Swarthmore.edu) : Mechanisms for the environmental regulation of gene expression: ecological aspects of animal development. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(1), 65-74.

The environment can play a significant role in the production of phenotypes. However, the developmental mechanisms by which the environmental agents effect normal development are just becoming known. At least three paths have been found through which the environment can modify gene activity. The first is the neuroen-docrine route. Here, the nervous system monitors the environment and transfers signals to the endocrine system. The endocrine hormones can then alter gene expression. The second route involves environmental factors that change the methylation pattern of genes, thereby altering their transcriptional capabilities. The third route involves the direct induction of gene expression in the host by microbial symbionts. The normal regulation of phenotype production by the environment should be considered a normal component of development and developmental biology.

3 illus, 65 ref

001240   Ghaskadbi S S;Shetye L;Chiplonkar S;Ghaskadbi S (Dep of Zool, Univ of Pune, Pune-411 007, Email: ghaskadbi@vsnl.net) : Ultraviolet irradiation initiates ectopic foot formation in regenerating hydra and promotes budding. J Biosci, Bangalore 2005, 30(2), 177-82.

Studied the effects of ultraviolet-C (UVC) and Ultraviolet-B (UVB) on growth and pattern formation in Pelmatohydra oligactis. UVC brings about a significant increase in budding in intact hydra while UVB does not exhibit such an effect. Excessive budding could be a response for survival at wavelengths that damage biological tissues. If the head or base piece of a bisected hydra is irradiated and recombined with the unirradiated missing part, regeneration proceeds normally indicating that exposure of a body part with either an intact head or foot to UVC does not influence pattern formation. Most significantly, in the middle piece, but not in the head or the base piece of a trisected hydra, UVC leads to initiation of ectopic feet formation in almost one third of the cases. Thus, UV irradiation interferes with pattern formation in regenerating hydra, possibly by changing positional values, and promotes budding in intact hydra. This is the first report on induction of ectopic feet formation by UV in regenerating hydra and opens up the possibility of using UV irradiation as a tool to understand pattern formation in the enigmatic hydra.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

001239   Farkade V D;Pandit A B (Chem Engng Div, Inst of Chem Technol Univ of Mumbai, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Email: abp@udct.org) : Translocation of cytoplasmic β-galactosidase across the inner membranes of Kluyveromyces lactis. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 232-40.

The translocation behaviour of cytoplasmic β-galactosidase to periplasmic space and through the outside cell wall across the inner membranes of Kluyveromyces lactis has been investigated to optimize the cell disruption process by ultrasonication for the production and separation of intracellular target biomolecule i.e. β-galactosidase. The translocation of β-galactosidase in the cells was judged by a concept of location factor (LF), which allows the location of the enzymes to be judged within the cell and has been determined using the relative rates of the enzyme and protein during the cell disruption process. The temperature was found to be useful external stimuli for the translocation of target enzyme (LF could be increased to one or more). The LF values were maximum when cells were subjected to heat stress between 45-50°C for a specified time. The enzyme activity was also found to decrease with an increase in the temperature. Maximum enzyme activity was found to be at 45°C of the heat treatment process for translocation. The kinetics of translocation of the target enzyme across the inner membrane has been reported on the basis of the variation in the location LF.

6 illus, 33 ref

001238   Dhaked R K;Alam S I;Singh L (Biotechnology Div, Def Res and Dev Establ, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002, Email: lst2397@rediffmail.com) : Characterization of β-galactosidase from an Antarctic Bacillus spp. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 227-31.

Antarctica is the coldest continent on the earth and harbours a variety of microorganisms. One of the bacterial isolates from cyanobacterial mats of Schirmacher Oasis, characterized as Bacillus sp. grew at 5-35°C with an optima at 25°C, and produced intracellular cold active β-galactosidase. The maximum activity was recorded at pH 6.8 and 40°C during late stationaiy phase. At 5°C, the enzyme retained 39.7% activity and at 60°C, became completely inactive within 15 min. The enzyme activity was stimulated by metal ions but was inhibited by ethylene diamine tetra acid. Non-denaturing polyacylamide separation followed by in situ hydrolysis of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-galactopyanoside, suggested the presence of isozymes. These properties of β-glactosidase, indicate its potential use in removal of lactose from the milk for lactose intolerant people.

6 illus, 17 ref

001237   Dey N;Biswas S;Ray Chaudhuri T;Dey S R;De M; Ghose T K (Dep of Bot, Bose Inst, 93/1 A P C Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: aroma@bosemain.boseinst.ac.in) : RAPD-based genetic diversity analysis of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa.L). Pl Cell Biotechnol molec Biol 2005, 6(3-4), 133-42.

Genetic diversity of a total 38 aromatic rice lines and two non-aromatic controls were assessed using the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA technique. Based on their history of collection and pedigree, the rice genotypes were grouped as traditional Basmati (TB), evolved Basmati (EB), exotic aromatic (EA), indigenous aromatic (IA) and non-aromatic (NA) checks. Five RAPD primers, previously used in rice, amplified a total of 44 DNA bands from the set of 40 rice lines ranging from 500bp to 3.5kb in size. Of the 44 DNA bands 41 were polymorphic. Polymorphism information content (PIC) value of each RAPD primer was computed. Similarity coefficients were calculated from the polymorphism between all pairs of the rice lines and a dendrogram obtained using the unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method. The analysis indicate that: (1) there is considerable amount of genetic diversity within the genotypes assessed; (2) with a singular exception, the Basmati genotypes are confined to two clusters; (3) a core group of eight TB genotypes show the least amount of variation while rest of the lines, including the other TB, are more variable; (4) the five RAPD primer-generated polymorphism clearly identified each of the 40 rice genotypes distinctively.

2 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

001236   Dabhole M P;Joishy K N (Dep of Microbiology, K J Somaiya Coll of Sci Univ of Mumbai, Mumbai-400 077, Email: drknjoishy@yahoo.co.in) : Production and effect of killer toxin by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia kluyveri on sensitive yeasts and fungal pathogens. Indian J Biotechnol 2005, 4(2), 290-2.

Killer yeasts from flowers of Indian medicinal plants were isolated and the effect of their killer toxin was determined on sensitive yeast cells as well as fungal pathogens. The toxin of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia kluyveri inhibited Dekkera anomala accumulating methylene blue cells on Yeast Extract Peptone Dextrose agar (pH 4.2) at 21°C. There was no inhibition of growth or competition between the yeast cells in the mixed population of S. cerevisiae isolated from Acalypha indica. S. cerevisiae and P. kluyveri were found to tolerate 50% and 40% glucose, while D. anomala tolerated 40% glucose. Both S. cerevisiae and P. kluyveri did not inhibit the growth of Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Fusarium spp.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

001235   Chandrakala B N;Shetty N J (Cent for Appl Genet, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056) : Genetic studies of DDT resistance in the malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi liston. J Cytol Genet 2004, 5(2), 185-90.

A diagnostic dose of 3.0 ppm of DDT was used against the third instar larvae of An. stephensi to establish homozygous resistant and susceptible strain by selective inbreeding for 19 and 5 generations respectively. Genetic crosses were carried out between homozygous resistant, susceptible, F₁ hybrid (R x S), backcrosses and F₂ generations. The log-dosage-probit lines were constructed for each of the crosses and degree of dominance was calculated. The data on the genetic basis of DDT resistance clearly showed that the gene ddr is intermediate and autosomal. The said gene is an excellent marker and could be extensively used to conduct basic and applied research for synthesis of transgenic strain in the genetic control program of An. stephensi.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

001234   Breuer J;Sinha S (The Inst of Math Sci, , CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: sitabhra@imsc.res.in ) : Death, dynamics and disorder: terminating reentry in excitable media by dynamically-induced inhomogeneities. Pramana J Phys 2005, 64(4), 553-62.

Formation of feedback loops of excitation waves (reentrant circuit) around non-conducting ventricular scar tissue is a common cause of cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, often leading to death. This is typically treated by rapid stimulation from an implantable device (ICD). However, the mechanisms of reentry termination success and, more importantly, failure, are poorly understood. To study such mechanisms, we simulated pacing termination of reentry in a model of cardiac tissue having significant restitution and dispersion properties. Results show that rapid pacing dynamically generates conduction inhomogeneities in the reentrant circuit, leading 10 successful pacing termination of tachycardia. The study suggests that more effective pacing algorithms can be designed by raking into account the role of such dynamical inhomogeneities.

6 illus, 17 ref