009621   Ung C Y;Teoh T C (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Malaya Univ, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email: ttchong@um.edu.my) : Evolutionary strata of DARPP-32 tail implicates hierarchical functional expansion in higher vertebrates. J Biosci, Bangalore 2014, 39(3), 493-504.

DARPP-32 (dopamine and adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa), which belongs to PPP1R1 gene family, is known to act as an important integrator in dopamine-mediated neurotransmission via the inhibition of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). Besides its neuronal roles, this protein also behaves as a key player in pathological and pharmacological aspects. Use of bioinformatics and phylogenetics approaches to further characterize the molecular features of DARPP-32 can guide future works. Predicted phosphorylation sites on DARPP-32 show conservation across vertebrates. Phylogenetics analysis indicates evolutionary strata of phosphorylation site acquisition at the C-terminus, suggesting functional expansion of DARPP-32, where more diverse signalling cues may involve in regulating DARPP-32 in inhibiting PP1 activity. Moreover, both phylogenetics and synteny analyses suggest de novo origination of PPP1R1 gene family via chromosomal rearrangement and exonization.

6 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

009620   Tomar P;Sinha H (Biological Sciences Dep, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai-400 005, Email: hsinha@tifr.res.in) : Conservation of PHO pathway in ascomycetes and the role of Pho84. J Biosci, Bangalore 2014, 39(3), 525-36.

In budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the phosphate signalling and response pathway, known as PHO pathway, monitors phosphate cytoplasraic levels by controlling genes involved in scavenging, uptake and utilization of phosphate. Recent attempts to understand the phosphate starvation response in other ascomycetes have suggested the existence of both common and novel components of the budding yeast PHO pathway in these ascomycetes. In this review, we discuss the components of PHO pathway, their roles in maintaining phosphate homeostasis in yeast and their conservation across ascomycstes. The role of high-affinity transporter, Pho84, in sensing and signalling of phosphate has also been discussed.

^iia3 illus, 1 table, 64 ref

009619   Singh Soni A;Soni V S (NO, Univ College Dhilwana (Barnala), India, and Vidwan Sing Soni, is an independent Researcher belonging to 444/1, Urban Estate, Patiala-147 002, Email: vidwansoni@gmail.com) : Stone-age persisted innorthwestern sub-himalayas up to mid-holocene times: evidence found in India. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 71-95.

Although lithic assemblages from NW sub-Himalayas are usually known in the form of 'early Soan' or 'late Soan' industries, enough evidence is still needed to authenticate them on the basis of chronology as well as properly defined typology. Invariably meager and some times selective surface collections made without any stratigraphic or datable context are the main foundations accepted till date to define various Soanian stages. However, a new scenario is now likely to emerge because of our discovery of numerous rich-assemblage stone-age sites occurring very close to the present day sources of water and large lithic spreads found on the surfaces dated to mid-Holocene times. These lithic assemblages contain not only many hitherto unreported tool-types but also a good number of artefacts showing unmistakable traits of early as well as late Soan. Many earlier reported lithic assemblages recovered from the tops of Alluvial fan surfaces in the sub-Himalayas, which were assigned to late Soan of mid to late-Pleistocene in literature, are in fact younger than 16ka BP and also contain large-size early Soanian pebble-tools in good numbers. A flake-rich lithic assemblage found in a buried state shows a mixture of edge-ground specimens and potsherds with the Soanian-like tools. The deposit of CaCO₃ seen on artefacts in the deeper portion of the trial trench is usually caused by a creep wash thereby meaning that the assemblage had suffered an arid phase which is known to have occurred during mid-Holocene. The new assemblages found by us also contain Harappan type ceramics and along with this, the discovery of pitted cobbles, Hoabinhian elements, and edge-ground stone tools akin to the mid- Holocene sites of some other places in the world, requires rethinking about the known views on the stages of sub-Himalayan Stone Age.

23 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

009618   Singh M K;Tiasunep (NO, , Delhi Univ, Email: mksinghanthro@rediffmail.com) : A cumulative case for 'full humanness' of Homo neanderthalensis. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 39-46.

Ever since the discovery of the first fossil of Homo neanderthalensis, and with subsequent discoveries about Homo neanderthalensis, different views on the cognition of Homo neanderthalensis were considered. In present intellectual climate. Homo neanderthalensis is generally regarded as 'human but not fully human'. Different scholars have speculated or inferred differences in the cognitive abilities and behavior of Homo neanderthalensis and modern Homo sapiens. New knowledge of Homo neanderthalensis in recent literature gives adequate evidence to challenge such a view of Homo neanderthalensis. Thus the alleged differences in the cognitive ability of Homo neanderthalensis and Modern Homo sapiens are listed out and critically analyzed, and by using the cognitive ability of modern Homo sapiens as reference for being 'fully human' or 'modern behavior', as generally understood, a cumulative case is made for the full humanness of Homo neanderthalensis.

39 ref

009617   Singh M K (Anthropology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: mksinghanthro@rediffmail.com) : Human evolution. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 163-72.

Human evolution is one of an imperative constituent of Anthropology. A lot of human fossils have been found during the past one decade. The earliest is Sahelanthropus tchadensis and recent is Homo floresiensis. But all these evidence could not clear the picture of what should be status of Homo sapiens sapiens as well as dispersal of Genus Homo. In this paper I have tried to summarize all the Pleistocene human fossil evidences of Africa, Europe and Asia.

^iia54 ref

009616   Singh B P (Science and Technology Dep, National Council of Science and Technology Communication, New Delhi-110 016, Email: bpratap@nic.in) : Science communication in India: policy framework. J scient Temp 2014, 2(1-2), 141-51.

Science and technology in modem India cannot be discussed without referring to the discourse that is rooted in the debate initiated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1964). The science and technology policy documents that followed and articulated the vision of India, were Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR-1958), Technology Policy Statement (TPS-1983), Science and Technology Policy (STP-2003) and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STI-2013). These documents envisioned, articulated and codified aspirations, objectives and strategies to mark the role of science and technology in the nation building. The notion of 'scientific-temper', as proposed through the Indian constitution, has to be fostered relentlessly to keep the social ethos in sync with modern scientific knowledge. The policy frame-work of science and technology in India, enunciated from time to time has continuously empowered the stakeholders to intensify science popularisation.

14 ref

009615   Sheikh F A;Makhdoomi M I;Ali G;Nehvi F A;Lone A A;Zaffar G;Iqbal A M (Plant Breeding & Genetics Dep, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar-190 025, Email: asifquresh@gmail.com) : Genetic variability in saffron (Croccus sativus L.) clones. Med Pl 2014, 6(3), 185-8.

The present investigation was carried out at saffron research station pampore, SKUAST-Kashmir during 2010. Fifty clones were planted in a randomized bock design with three replications. Observations were recorded on 10 randomly selected and tagged competitive plants for 11 morphological, physiological, floral and corm traits viz, plant height (cm), number of radical leaves per plant, stomatal frequency, stomatal size (microns), chlorophyll content (%), number of flowers per corm, fresh pistil weight per corm (mg), pistil length (cm), stigma length (cm), number of daughter corms/ mother corm and average weight of daughter corms per mother corm (g). Genotypic differences were highly significant for all the tested traits. Components of variability indicated that a wide range of variability existed for number of flowers per corm (0.80-1.96), fresh pistil weight corm^{-1 (29.00-65.46), pistil length (4.05-5.83), plant height (23.20-35.60), stomatal frequency (11.20-16.40), stomatal size (microns) (21.03-51.18), number of daughter corms/ mother corm(3.46-9.30), average weight of daughter corms per mother corm (g) (3.04-10.60) and number of radical leaves per plant (15.40-26.60). Per se performance of genotypes under evaluation revealed a gross fresh pistil weight of 46.36mg corm-1 from 1.26 flowers corm-1 resulting in 3 kg laccha ha-1 with planting density of 5 lakh corms ha-1 showing an increase of 26% over state average. Estimates of phenotypic variance were higher than the corresponding estimates of genotypic variance, thereby revealing influence of environment in the expression of the traits studied. High values of heritability were recorded for all the traits.}

2 tables, 19 ref

009614   Sharma N K;Choudhary R C;Kumar M (Agricultural Dep, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, FBS&H, Rajendra Agricultural Univ, Pusa, Samastipur-84812, Bihar, Email: nkbiotech@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of phytohormones on in vitro regeneration of Ocimum basilicum L.. Med Pl 2014, 6(3), 163-8.

The effect of phytohormones including 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (KN), IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) has been evaluated for in vitro shoot regeneration of Ocimum basilicum L. The highest callus induction (94.44%) was recorded on MS medium containing 2, 4-D (2 mg/1). When nodal segments were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.5-2.0 mg/1), KN (0.5-2.0 mg/1) as sole and with combination of BAP (0.5 mg/1) and IAA (0.10-1.00 mg/1), multiple shoot proliferation was initiated. The maximum number of shoots (7.74±0.25), with average length 4.92±0.06 cm, was recorded with MS medium containing BAP (1.0 mg/1) as sole. Repeated subculture of in vitro proliferated shoots yielded 25-30 shoots from a single nodal segment explant after 4-5 months. Developed single shoots were transferred for rooting to 1/2 MS medium containing IBA (1.0 mg/1) for best rooting (92.50%) of each shoot (3.75±0.08). The in vitro raised plantlets were successfully established in garden soil, farm yard manure and sand (1:1:1) with 85% survival rate.

1 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

009613   Shahsavar F;Jafarzadeh M;Azargoon A;Hedayati M;Asadifar B (Immunology Dep, Lorestan Univ of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Email: mehrzadjafarzadeh@yahoo.com) : Small ubiquitin-like modifier 4 M55V polymorphism is not associated with diabetic nephropathy in Iranian type 2 diabetes patients. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(2), 179-82.

Patient group consisted of 50 Iranian type 2 diabetes patients with nephropathy, and the control group consisted of 50 Iranian type 2 diabetes patients without nephropathy. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method for the M55V. The frequency of SUMO4 AA, AG, and GG genotypes were 23%, 18%, and 9% in the patient group and 10%, 22%, and 18% in the control group, There was no significant difference in frequency of SUMO4 genotypes in patients compared to controls. These findings indicate that SUMO4 M55V polymorphism is not associated with diabetic nephropathy in Iranian type 2 diabetes patients.

22 ref

009612   Selvakumar V (Epigraphy and Archaeology Dep, Tamil Univ, Thanjavur-613 010, Email: selvakumarodi@gmail.com) : Prehistoric sites in north-central Tamil Nadu, South India. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 47-60.

North-Central part of Tamil Nadu has not been intensively surveyed for prehistoric sites, and the studies in this region have focused only on the archaeological remains of the Iron Age or historical period. Archaeological explorations in 2011 by the author in the eastern portion of north-central part of Tamil Nadu (between N. Lat. 11° 30' to 12° 10' and E. Long 78° to 79° 50') brought to light 13 prehistoric sites. This paper presents a brief account on the nature of the sites and artefacts, and their affiliation and geological contexts.

6 illus, 8 tables, 24 ref

009611   Saxena A (NO, ERI Univ, Plot No. 10 Institutional Area Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110 070, Email: asaxena87@gmail.com) : Understanding scientific temperament and assessing its social relevance. J scient Temp 2014, 2(1-2), 121-40.

Most people have wrongly understood scientific temperament. Though efforts have been made for long to inculcate scientific temper and rational thinking among the lay-public, it has largely been an unsuccessful attempt. One of the major factors may be the tendency of society to submit to every belief and viewpoint of our ancestors, without ever testing its feasibility or its relevance in the changing times. Educating the young can have a positive effect on development of scientific temper in the society. Students should be encouraged to reason and argue with their teachers, mentors, and elders in a healthy manner and should employ a do-it-yourself approach in analyzing situations and solving problems. They should also be encouraged to read the ancient texts in order to critically analyze them and accept or decline the claims that they make based on one's rational thinking.

21 ref

009610   Sarma M (Anthropology Dep, Dibrugarh Univ, Dibrugarh-786 004, Email: maitreyee.sharma@rediffmail.com) : Measuring opportunity for natural selection: adaptation among two linguistically cognate tribes inhabiting two eco-situations of North-East India. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(2), 159-64.

Study aims to measure the adaptation process of these two cognate tribes inhabiting two different ecologies at present: Hills and plains by calculating the index of selection intensity by Crow's and Johnston and Kensinger's formulae. The reproductive histories of 77 Mishing mothers of completed fertility inhabiting a flood affected village of Assam and 74 Minyong mothers inhabiting a hilly village of Arunachal Pradesh are selected. The Minyongs show higher average fertility than the Mishings. The proportion of embryonic death is higher, and child death is lower among the Mishings (0.1661; 0.1623) than the Minyongs (0.1319; 0.2238). The index of selection due to mortality component is contributing more toward the total index of selection in both the tribes. The contribution of mortality component is sizeable to the total selection like many other tribes of North-East India. Higher proportion of embryonic deaths among the Mishings infers that the causes are mostly biological whereas, the higher proportion of child deaths among the Minyongs infers that the causes are mostly socio-cultural.

3 tables, 21 ref

009609   Sarathambal C;Ilamurugu K;Arun S;Srimathi Priya L (Agricultural Microbiology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: saratha6@gmail.com) : Screening of diazotrophic bacterial communities from wild rice (Oryza india) and cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and their plant growth promoting activities. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 63-8.

A study was undertaken to screen the free living, culturable diazotrophic bacteria from wild rice (Oryza indica) and cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and their plant growth promoting activities. Out of forty eight diazotrophic isolates, thirty eight isolates recorded positive growth in Nfree medium which were further analyzed for total nitrogen and ammonia. Based on total nitrogen and ammonia production, twenty eight diazotrophic isolates were selected for nitrogenase activity. The highest nitrogenase activity was exhibited by isolate GDR16 (4134±56.6 nm of ethylene mg^{-1 protein-1 hr). For PGPR activity 11 isolates from O.indica and 9 isolates from O.sativa with elite nitrogenase activity were selected for PGPR as well as mineral solubilization studies. Out of these 20 diazotrophic isolates, 11 isolates showed IAA production. The maximum amount of IAA was produced by CBE1 (35.5 ±1.14μg ml-1). The highest amount of GA was produced by GDR13 (21.7±0.19 μg ml-1), followed by GDR 7 which produced 18.4±0.23 μg ml-1. The maximum siderophore production was recorded with CBE1 (43.94 ±0.64μg mg-1 dry weight of cell of catechol type). With respect to mineral solubilization, 17 were able to solubilze the insoluble phosphorus and 7 were able to solubilze the zinc. The results of the present study showed the diazotrophic bacteria associated to both wild and cultivated rice and it having variety of plant growth promoting substances in considerable amounts apart from diazotrophy.}

4 tables, 26 ref

009608   Raza G (NO, , ) : Revisiting scientific policy resolution debate. J scient Temp 2014, 2(1-2), 5-9.

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009607   Rai V;Yadav U;Pradeep Kumar;Yadav S K (Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Biotechnology Dep, VBS Purvanchal Univ, Jaunpur-222 001, Email: raivandana@rediffmail.com) : Analysis of methionine synthase reductase polymorphism (A66G) in Indian muslim population. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(2), 183-7.

Total 56 subjects were analyzed for MTRR A66G polymorphism. A66G mutation analysis was carried out according to the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method of Wilson et al. [1] amplification with MTRR specific primers followed by amplicon digestion with NdeI enzyme was used for the identification of different MTRR genotypes in subjects. The AA genotype was found in 5 subjects, AG in 23 subjects, and GG genotype in 28 subjects. Genotype frequencies of AA, AG, and GG were 0.089, 0.41, and 0.5 respectively. The allele frequency of A allele was found to be 0.298 and G allele was 0.705. It is evident from the present study that the percentage of homozygous genotype GG and frequency of G allele is high in the target Muslim population.

1 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

009606   Pattnaik N M (NO, , 'Srujanika', 101 Saraswati Kunja Near Jagamara Bazar, PO: Khandagiri Bhubaneswar-751 030, Email: nikhil.pattnaik@gmail.com) : Science for the odia public. J scient Temp 2014, 2(1-2), 86-120.

Writings on science subjects, directed at the public have been a regular feature of modern Odia literature which began taking shape during the 1850's. This article attempts to document such writings between 1850 and 1950 and to present an overview of their number, content and authors. A search through the available printed material, mostly periodicals, of this time interval yielded 765 articles which were contributed by about 100 different authors. The articles showed wide variance with respect to their length, content and style. The writings were distributed among various periodicals (672 articles), collected works (35), and two works of reference (58). The combined length of the 765 articles is about 6,00,000 words and these were supplemented with numerous illustrations and several tables. An illustrative list of 80 selected articles is given with this article along with brief summaries of their contents with a view to helping the readers appreciate their diversity. Tables giving the distribution of the articles according to the time period of publication and according to their length are included. Tabulation of authors and the number of articles written by each has been made to identify the more prolific authors.

1 table, 19 ref

009605   Pattnaik B K (NO, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Nagarbhavi, Dr V K R V Rao Road, Bangalore-560 072, Email: pattnaik@isec.ac.in) : Communicating science in India through people's science movements (PSMs). J scient Temp 2014, 2(1-2), 33-85.

It hardly needs emphasis that People's Science Movements (PSMs) in India have been very unique and such movements are not seen elsewhere although science popularization/science communication movements were seen in USA, Europe and Australia. Since, PSM as social phenomena have caught our academic fascination, we first tried to characterise the phenomenon and second, tried to locate such phenomena in their historically context, tracing their socio-historical roots. Lastly, through extensive studies of six cases of various types of PSMs (e.g., Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Delhi Science Forum, Jana Vignana Vedika, Paschim Banga Vigyan Manch, Odisha Bigyan Prachar Samiti, and Marathi Vidyan Parishad) we have tried to analyse them from the view point of a social movement perspective, such as the Resource Mobilization Theory.

19 ref

009604   Mundhofir F E P;et al (Human Genetics Div, Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine Diponegoro Univ, Semarang, Indonesia, Email: sultana@indosat.net.id) : Subtelomeric chromosomal rearrangements in a large cohort of unexplained intellectually disabled individuals in Indonesia: a clinical and molecular study. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(2), 171-8.

Aims is to study the prevalence of subtelomeric rearrangements in the Indonesian ID population. Authors tested 436 subjects with unexplained ID using multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) using the specific designed sets of probes to detect human subtelomeric chromosomal imbalances (SALSA P070 and P036D). If necessary, abnormal findings were confirmed by other MLPA probe kits, fluorescent in situ hybridization or Single Nucleotide Polymorphism array. A subtelomeric aberration was identified in 3.7% of patients (16/436). Details on subtelomeric aberrations and confirmation analyses are discussed. This is the first study describing the presence of subtelomeric rearrangements in individuals with ID in Indonesia. Furthermore, it shows that also in Indonesia such abnormalities are a prime cause of ID and that in developing countries with limited diagnostic services such as Indonesia, it is important and feasible to uncover the genetic etiology in a significant number of cases with ID.

2 tables, 34 ref

009603   Morange M (NO, Centre Cavailles, Republique des Savoirs USR 3608, Ecole Normale Superieure, 29 rue d'Ulm, 75230 Pais Cedex 05, France, Email: morange@biologie.ens.fr) : Complex history of the selective model of antibody formation. J Biosci, Bangalore 2014, 39(3), 347-50.

33 ref

009602   Modi R;Patil P;Kothiwale V A;Kamate M (Internal Medicine Dep, KLE Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka, Email: ranjan_modi@hotmail.com) : Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome. J Scient Soc 2014, 41(3), 195-6.

Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome is a rare dysmorphic syndrome. There are over 100 individuals reported in the literature. It is estimated that there are perhaps 200-300 individuals world-wide. The diagnosis can be suspected by constellation of cutaneous, cardiac and facial features. Recognition of this syndrome is important in view of the future risk of malignancy and for genetic counseling. Hereby we report a case of 3O-year-old female who presented with history of desquamation of skin since birth and history of a congenital heart disease detected during the first pregnancy. Intelligence quotient assessment revealed mild mental retardation two-dimensional echo revealed septum secundum atrial septal defect. The diagnosis was made by the presence of the cardiac, cutaneous and neurological condition.

^ccr4 illus, 2 ref

009601   Manish Kumar (NO, Lung Development and Remodelling Dep, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Email: manishmrdg@gmail.com) : India bioscience. Curr Sci 2013, 104(11), 1469-9.

1 table, 4 ref

009600   Mahanta P;Ahmed H A;Bhattacharyya D K;Ghosh A (Computer Science and Engineering Dep, Tezpur Univ, Napaam-784 028, Email: priyakshi@tezu.ernet.in) : FUMET: a fuzzy network module extraction technique for gene expression data. J Biosci, Bangalore 2014, 39(3), 351-64.

Construction of co-expression network and extraction of network modules have been an appealing area of bioinfor-matics research. This article presents a co-expression network construction and a biologically relevant network module extraction technique based on fuzzy set theoretic approach. The technique is able to handle both positive and negative correlations among genes. The constructed network for some benchmark gene expression datasets have been validated using topological internal and external measures. The effectiveness of network module extraction technique has been established in terms of well-known p-value, Q-value and topological statistics.

21 tables, 22 ref

009599   Lei R;Feng Z;Xiaoyan G (Scientific Literacy Research Div, China Research Institute for Science Popularization, Beijing, China, Email: dupolin@sina.com) : Construction and analysis of the index of the construction capacity of civic science literacy in China. J scient Temp 2014, 2(3-4), 183-92.

The Construction of Chinese Civic Scientific Literacy (CCSL) was the outcome of the promotion and implementation of the Outline of National Scientific Literacy. It was significant to evaluate the development of CCSL in each area. In this paper, relevant statistical data of civic scientific literacy were abstracted from the Statistics of Science and Technology Popularization in China to construct the Index of the Construction of Chinese Civic Scientific Literacy (1CCCSL). Through the measurement analysis of the ICCCSL, the status of CCSL in each area was clearly reflected and a theoretical guideline was provided for the fair development of CCSL.

3 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

009598   Lai W F;Siu P M (Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Oral Biology Dep, College of Dentistry, Yonsei Univ, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Email: rori0610@graduate.hku.hk) : MicroRNAs as regulators of cutaneous wound healing. J Biosci, Bangalore 2014, 39(3), 519-24.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and have displayed important roles in areas spanning from embryonic development to skin physiology. Despite this, till now little is known about the significance of miRNAs in cutaneous wound healing. In this mini-review, authors discuss the existing evidence on the roles of miRNAs in physiological processes relevant to cutaneous wound healing, followed by a highlight of the prospects and challenges of future development of miRNA-based wound therapies. With existing technologies of nucleic acid transfer and miRNA modulation, it is anticipated that once the roles of miRNAs in wound healing have been clarified, there will be a vast new vista of opportunities brought up for development of miRNA-targeted therapies for wound care.

63 ref

009597   Komtangi M C;Yondo J;Pone J W;Tane P;Mbida M (Animal Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Univ of Dschang. Republic of Cameroon, Email: mckomtangi@yahoo.com) : In vitro anthelmintic activity of Vepris louisii gilbert extracts on developmental stages of Heligmosomoides bakeri (nematoda: heligmosomoidae). Med Pl 2014, 6(3), 174-80.

Vepris louisii Gilbert, used by indigenous farmers to treat helminth infections in livestock, was screened in vitro for anthelmintic activity using free living stages of laboratory mouse hookworm, Heligmosomoides bakeri. Aqueous and organic (rnethanol/dichloromethane) extracts were used for egg hatch assay, while only organic extract was used for larval mortality assay. Significant effects have been observed on three (eggs, L₁ and L₂ larvae) of the four stages tested, with the organic extract being more effective than aqueous for egg hatch assay. Effects were dose dependent for egg hatch, and both dose and time dependent for larval mortality. The infective stage was the least susceptible. Albendazole, was not significantly different (p<62>0.05) from plant extract at the highest tested concentration (5000 μg/ml) on all larval stages. Vepris louisii showed promising anthelmintic properties.

3 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

009596   Khan M S (NO, , WWF India, 172 B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi-110 003, Email: shahnawaz.khan.aligarh@gmail.com) : Indus river dolphin: the survivor of river beas, Punjab, India. Curr Sci 2013, 104(11), 1464-5.

^ssc1 illus, 9 ref

009595   Kennedy K A R (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Dep, Corson Hall, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA, Email: kak10@cornell.edu) : Were neanderthals present in prehistoric India?. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 173-83.

Among Late Pleistocene hominins are those taxonomically classified as Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis or anatomically archaic Homo sapiens). Given their wide geographical distribution in Europe and Western Asia from ca. 210,000 to 32,000 years ago, some palaeoanthropologists surmise that Neanderthals had migrated to South Asia. This hypothesis is based upon the similarities of the discovery of certain stone tools found in India and Pakistan ascribed to the Mousterian lithic tradition to the West and North of the Indian subcontinent. The author evaluates this issue from three major points of evidence.

4 illus, 55 ref

009594   Jonnalagadda M;Nagare T;Chitale A;Ozarkar S (Anthropology Dep, Pune Univ, Pune) : Population affinities of select tribal populations of Maharashtra: a study using dental morphology. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 97-112.

Anthropological hypothesis suggests that agricultural tribal communities of Maharashtra such as Bhil, Pawara, Warli, Kokana, Mahadeo Koli and Thakar, among a few others, are smaller fissioned units of a larger tribal group and are extant representatives of people from Chalcolithic cultures of Maharashtra. Using dental morphological traits this study attempts to resolve the phenetic affinities of select tribal populations of Maharashtra; and understand nature of their phenetic affinities with archaeological populations from the Indian subcontinent, within the context of these anthropological hypotheses. Dental plaster casts were collected from four tribal communities viz. Bhil, Pawara, Kokana and Warli and were scored for fifteen non-metric dental traits using Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS). Secondary data from four extant and nine archaeological populations was used in order to resolve the phenetic affinities of these populations. Mean Measure of Divergence (MMD) statistics was computed to understand phenetic distances between the four tribal and secondary populations. Visual representation of MMD values was obtained through Multi-Dimensional Scaling Analysis.

2 illus, 3 tables, 59 ref

009593   Italia K;Jijina F;Merchant R;Swaminathan S; Nadkarni A;Gupta M;Ghosh K;Colah R (NO, National Institute of Immunohematology, Vileparle (W), Mumbai, Email: colahrb@gmail.com) : Comparison of In-vitro and in-vivo response to fetal hemoglobin production and γ-mRNA expression by hydroxyurea in hemoglobinopathies. Indian J Hum Genet 2013, 19(2), 251-8.

Total of 24-patients with different Hemoglobinopathies were given hydroxyurea and their response was studied in-vivo and in-vitro on mononuclear cells collected from them simultaneously. A total of 57.7% of patients (responders) showed no further crisis or transfusion requirements after hydroxyurea therapy with a mean increase in fetal cells (F-cells) of 63.8 ± 59.1% and ?-mRNA expression of 205.5 ± 120.8%. In-vitro results also showed a mean increase in F-cells of 27.2 ± 24.7% and ?-mRNA expression of 119.6% ± 65.4% among the treated cells. Nearly 19.0% of the partial-responders reduced their transfusion requirements by 50% with a mean increase in F-cells of 61.2 ± 25.0% and 28.4 ± 25.3% and ?-mRNA-expression of 21.0% ± 1.4% and 80.0% ± 14.1% in-vivo and in-vitro respectively. The non-responders (15.3%) showed no change in their clinical status and there was no significant increase in F-cells levels and ?-mRNA expression in-vivo or in-vitro. Thus, this method may help to predict the in-vivo response to hydroxyurea therapy; however, a much larger study is required.

2 tables, 15 ref

009592   Imam G;Khan A A (Zoology P.G. Dep, M.G. College, Gaya-823 001) : Limnological studies in a seasonal pond of Nawada district. Proc Zool Soc India 2014, 13(2), 11-14.

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the magnitude of physico-chemical and biological parameters of water in a seasonal pond (namely Harischandra Pond) with a view to assess its suitability for fish culture. The seasonal variations (for 8 months from July 2012 - February 2013) in water temperature, transparency, pH, DO₂, free CO₂. carbonate, bicarbonate, total alkalinity, chloride, calcium and plankton abbundance etc. have been studied in this pond.

1 table, 8 ref

009591   Huiliang Z (NO, China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP), 86 Xueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China, Email: leanne2005@sina.com) : Evolution of science popularization policy in China. J scient Temp 2014, 2(3-4), 193-202.

The government has considered science popularization as an issue of great importance since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Many policies and regulations on science popularization were promulgated in the past 60 years, which had major influence upon various sectors of the society. In this chapter, based on about 1000 policy literatures in relation to science popularization, all the papers would be sorted using certain criteria and 100 most valuable would be selected. Secondly, to understand culture in the policy domain better, the paper will further focus on the background and aim of policy making, the underpinning ideology, as well as the efficacy. This study will reflect on historical evolution of policy and what the policy drive has produced.

193-202

009590   Honglin L (NO, China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP), 86 Xueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China, Email: lihonglin@cast.org.cn) : 'Four S': the gist of science communication in modern China. J scient Temp 2014, 2(3-4), 242-53.

In modem China, the objectives of science communication and popularization can be classified into four broad categories: popularizing scientific knowledge, establishing scientific thought, advocating scientific method and promoting scientific spirit. Some refer to these as 'Four S', for short. The 'Four S' (scientific knowledge, scientific method, scientific thought, scientific spirit) embodies the characteristics of contemporary Chinese science communication and popularization, which also largely stems from the context of science entering into and spreading throughout China since the late 19th century. At the same time, the 'Four S' encounters a few challenges in the ever-changing environment. It is argued that scientific thought and scientific spirit will determine the direction of science communication and popularization in the future, and thus also regulate the relationship between science and society in China.

25 ref

009589   Haricharan S;Achyuthan H (National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Email: smriti.haricharan@gmail.com) : Post depositional processes and the appearance of iron age-early histrorical burials at siruthavoor. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 143-62.

This study looks at one particular Iron age-Early historical "megalithic" burial site namely Siruthavoor, in Tamilnadu, using geochemical analysis of the sediments both from the burials and from the geological context. The objective of the study was to understand the process of construction of burials as well as identify any post depositional changes which have occurred. While a lot of work has been carried out on classification of these burials using their surface and at times sub surface features, this work argues that understanding the effect of post depositional changes is important and that sediment analysis is one of the options. Siruthavoor is an ideal case study since it has over 500 burials, and the burial types vary from dolmen, dolmen with circle, cairn circle, cist, cist with circle to urn burials. The site has also been excavated by the ASI, Chennai circle in collaboration with Department of Geology, Anna University, Chennai. A field survey and documentation of all the burials at this site has also been carried out by the author.

9 illus, 25 tables, 7 ref

009588   Guleri S;Saxena S;Bhandari B S (Botany and Microbiology Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Email: gulerisaurabh26@gmail.com) : Seasonal variation in the diversity of soil microfungi of some grazinglands of Doon valley of Uttarakhand Himalaya. J mycopathol Res 2013, 51(2), 213-23.

Soil is a dynamic living in which the biological activity is mostly regulated by microorganisms. Besides others, soil fungi play an important role as major decomposers in the soil ecosystem. Many soil fungi are biological control agents for plant pathogens and insect pests. In Uttarakhand Himalaya there has been a very little research regarding microfungi in general and soil micro-fungi in particular. Therefore, the present communication attempts at providing information on the composition, dominance and diversity of soil microfungi in some grazinglands of Doon Valley of Uttarakhand Himalaya. Four grazinglands viz., Chakrata (CHK), Lakhamandal (LKH), Sahiya (SAH) and Bhadraj (BHD) were selected to isolate the soil fungal diversity. Each grazingland was repeatedly surveyed seasonwise to collect soil samples to observe the impact of seasons on richness and diversity of soil microfungi. In addition, soil from different depths viz., 0 cm (surface soil), 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm, 15-20 cm, and 20-25 cm were also analysed to explore the distribution of these fungi at different depths. A total of 34 species belonging to 16 genera were isolated from grazingland soils. During the investigation, Deuteromycetes dominated the soil mycoflora with 9 genera and 24 species. Ascomycetes and Zygomycetes both were represented by 3 genera and 5 species. Oomycetes was monotypic with one genus. Highest number of species were recorded during winter season followed by rainy season. Surface soils were generally rich in mycoflora as compared t6 deeper profiles. Some species were recorded throughout the year, some appeared only after distinct seasonal interruption while others were season specific. Alternaria alternata and Mucor sp. encountered most commonly in all seasons and soils indicating the wider ecological amplitude of these species. Shannon-Wiever index of species diversity ranged from 1.96 to 2.54 for CHK, 1.97 to 2.76 for LKH, 2.12 to 2.74 for BHD and 1.94 to 2.69 for SAH grazinglands. Simpson's index of diversity for soil mycoflora also showed the identical trend i.e. BHD?LKH<62>SAH<62>CHK. Highest similarity (98.4%) was observed between CHK and LKH and lowest (93.7%) between CHK and BHD.

1 illus, 4 tables, 52 ref

009587   Ghosh Samaddar S (NO, National Institute of Technology Sikkim, Ravangla Campus, South Sikkim, Sikkim-737 139, Email: shefalika99@yahoo.com) : History and prospect of forensic science education. Sci Cult 2014, 80(5-6), 128-37.

4 illus, 46 ref

009586   Dan W (NO, China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP), 86 Xueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District, Beijing-100 081, Email: 151778994@qq.com) : Important role of popular science activities for emergency in response to focal events in China. J scient Temp 2014, 2(3-4), 234-41.

In recent years, sporadic events that attracted public attention have occurred in China. Public opinion formed in the aftermath of such occurrences cannot be controlled due to proliferation of media. It is also difficult to ensure the accuracy of the content that is communicated during the period that follows a phenomenon of high potential-public-interest. It is important for the managers of science popularization to devise strategies for such emergent situations. The contents of this paper are divided into two parts. The first deals with introduction of popular science activities that need to be taken up during emergent situations and the second analyses the role and impact of such activities.

1 table, 4 ref

009585   Costa A (Anthropology Dep, Indiana Univ, Bloomington, U.S.A.) : Were there Indian neanderthals? on the probable affinities of the South Asian middle to late pleistocene paleodeme. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 13-38.

This paper addresses the long standing question about the possible extension of Neanderthal occupation during their widespread geographic presence in Europe and west-central Asia, A broad comparison is made between the only pre-modern hominin fossil from South Asia (Narmada cranium) and other contemporaneous fossils from regions west and east of it. However, the considerable morphological overlap across Asia during the Middle and early Upper Pleistocene, coupled with incomplete fossil records, un-diagnostic fossils and the lack of absolute dates, make it impossible to hypothesize about the biological affinities of pre-modern populations in South Asia. Likewise, Middle Paleolithic stone tool technology is also not adequate or reliable enough to link it with Neanderthals as it could have also been produced by other species. In short, only definitive fossil evidence can confirm their Pleistocene presence in South Asia. It is possible that if Neanderthals were present in South Asia, they may have occupied only the rugged mountainous zones in the north of the subcontinent.

4 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

009584   Chauhan P R;Sathe V;Saleem S (Anthropology Dep, Indiana Univ, USA) : Short note on prehistoric reinvestigations at durkadi, Central India. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 185-93.

This paper presents new data from fieldwork at the well-known Paleolithic site of Durkadi near Maheshwar in the central Narmada Basin. This site is best known for being interpreted by J. Armand in the 1970s, as a 'pebble-tool' site preserving evidence of an Oldowan-to-Acheulean transition. Since then, Durkadi has been cited often as such, along with Mahadeo Piparia, also in the Narmada Basin. However, the evidence at these Paleolithic occurrences is equivocal in various ways (i.e. context, chronology, quantity) and convincing scientific evidence for the Oldowan is currently lacking from the entire Subcontinent of India. Our preliminary research at Durkadi has revealed several previously unknown aspects: (i) the site of Durkadi is not Oldowan and stratigraphically preserves only 'Middle Paleolithic', Upper Paleolithic and microlithic elements; (ii) preliminary OSL dating (still in progress) suggests ages much younger than the Middle Pleistocene; (iii) there are 'lithic specimens' on the surface of the site which are probably not archaeological, and (iv) all strata represent various cut-and-fill episodes of the local fluvial system and fluvial sorting of stone clasts and artifacts appears highly probable. Other stratified evidence recovered from the excavation includes an ostrich eggshell fragment, shell specimens, and some unique geological features.

^ssc8 illus, 12 ref

009583   Chatterjee M;Bhattacharya S;Karak K;Dsastidar S G (Microbiology Dep, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata) : Effects of different methods of decontamination for successful cultivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Indian J med Res 2013, 138(4), 541-8.

Hence in the present study different method of decontamination were tested to evaluate their independent efficacies for culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A total of 359 samples (241 sputum, 59 urine, 50 endometrium biopsy, 9 pus samples) from clinically suspected cases of tuberculosis were subjected to four different methods of decontamination followed by inoculation in Lowenstein-Jensen medium (LJM), and bilayered medium (BLM) and Kirchner's liquid medium (KLM) to determine the influence of differential decontamination processes. Sputum scanty and positive specimens were graded and each sample was subjected to decontamination by four different techniques. Treatment of specimens with 4 per cent NaOH yielded minimum recovery of pure cultures, while use of 2 per cent NaOH produced higher number of contaminants compared to other methods of decontamination. Addition of N-acetyl L-cystein (NALC) coupled with 2 per cent NaOH to the samples for decontamination provided fairly reasonable recovery, but the highest number of M. tuberculosis cultures could be obtained when the specimens were treated with tri-sodium phosphate and benzalkonium (TSPB). Among the sputum positive cases recovery of growth of M. tuberculosis was higher with greater number of bacilli present in the specimens. Regarding the influence of culture media, BLM produced not only rapid growth, but reasonably higher rate of isolation of M tuberculosis. Although use of TSPB was found to be an efficient method of decontamination for successful isolation of M. tuberculosis from contaminated samples, both NALC+ 2 per cent NaOH and TSPB also showed significant recovery of M tuberculosis cultures in BLM that can facilitate early diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

4 tables, 23 ref

009582   Bhattacharya D K (Anthropology Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007) : Viewing palaeolithic metamorphosis in Indian prehistory. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 61-9.

Archaeology in India can no longer remain involved in discovering and describing antiquities only. The paper discusses the issues of the origin and dispersal of early hominids in India specially viewed within the contexts of archaeology which hardly shows any break in the continuity of tool types In this context it is also important that we pay more attention to the issue of change. The paper discusses the various factors that can or does bring about changes in the tool kit.

17 ref

009581   Bhattacharya D K (NO, , Anthropology Dep, Delhi Univ) : Kosambi's archaeology revisited. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 1-11.

Hard core archaeologists in India have not been able to appreciate the contribution of D.D Kosambi neither during his life time nor after his death. This paper attempts to discuss the various approaches that developed in archaeology in the west and now Indian scholars would rather follow them than the insight shown by Kosambi to understand the past of India. A great scholar who has been forgotten in Indian prehistory needs to be re-visited for understanding past of a country like India which is so different.

27 ref

009580   Benachinmardi K K;Padmavathy M;Malini J; Naveneeth B V (Microbiology Dep, Employees' State Insurance Corporation Medical College of PGIMSR, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru-560 010, Email: drkeertilaxmikb@gmail.com) : Prevalence of non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli and their in vitro susceptibility pattern at a tertiary care teaching hospital. J Scient Soc 2014, 41(3), 162-6.

Aerobic non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) once considered as contaminants now associated with life-threatening infections and emerging as multi drug resistant nosocomial pathogens. Isolation and identification of NFGNB in all the clinical samples and to determine antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolated NFGNB. This study has been conducted in the Department of Microbiology at a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 2 months from September to October 2013. NFGNB were isolated and identified from clinical specimens by standard procedure and antibiotic sensitivity test was performed. NFGNB isolation rate in the present study was 3.58%. Male to female ratio was 2.125. Pus was the most common specimen (21%) followed by tracheal aspirate (17%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common isolate (60%) followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (22%) and Acinetobacter Iwoffii (12%). P. aeruginosa has shown good sensitivity to amikacin (83.3%), imipenem (80%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (73.3%) whereas A. baumannii showed multidrug resistance. It is necessary to identify NFGNB and to monitor their susceptibility pattern to guide the clinician for better care and management of patients. NFGNB are now emerging as organisms of nosocomial infections. Hence, antibiotic sensitivity testing and infection control measures are needed to prevent the emergence and spread of multi drug resistant NFGNB in health care settings.

5 tables, 23 ref

009579   Bednarik R G (NO, International Federation of Rock Art Organizations (IFRAO), P.O. Box 216, Caulfield South, VIC 3162, Australia, Email: ifrao@hotmail.com) : Lower palaeolithic rock art of India and its global context. Indian J phys Anthrop Hum Genet 2013, 32(1), 113-42.

Extremely early rock art reported from two central Indian sites raises the question of how this evidence relates to that of the rest of the Old World. In exploring this issue, the currently known Lower Palaeolithic palaeoart is briefly reviewed, including beads and pendants, petroglyphs, pigment utilization, proto-figurines, engravings and manuports. This analysis suggests that, although the proposed age of the early Indian petroglyphs and other material is perhaps somewhat greater than that of comparable finds in Africa or Europe, it is not unrealistic. In particular the discovery of very similar material in southern Africa provides considerable support for the most ancient Indian finds of palaeoart, particularly as there is great consistency between three continents in the nature and composition of such material. The article also reviews India's Lower Palaeolithic technology and chronology, so as to provide a context within which the subcontinent's earliest art-like evidence can be situated.

8 illus, 160 ref

009578   Abrol D (Centre for Studies in Science Policy, School of Social Science, JNU, New Delhi-110 067, Email: dineshabrol@gmail.com) : Mobilizing for democratization of science in India: learning from the PSM experience. J scient Temp 2014, 2(1-2), 10-32.

In this paper the author describes the many layered meanings of science popularization programmes being undertaken by the peoples' science movements (PSMs) in India with the aim to democratize the conduct and governance of modem science and technology over the period of last two and half decades. The author argues that the vast people's network built over several decades serves diverse needs from popularization of science, to critiquing science policies and state sponsored environmentally unfriendly projects, to broadening access to literacy, education, health and self-help programmes for sustainable livelihoods. The author argues that the PSMs and their leaders are well aware that public engagement with the formation of 'scientific counter publics' takes roots in India in competition with the ideologies of neo-liberalism, cultural nationalism and neo-traditionalism. The author argues that the challenge facing the PSMs revolves around the dilemmas of building peoples' coalition to deal with the challenge of mobilization for the democratization of governance of S&T in India.

17 ref

008661   Velsamy G;Manoharan N;Ganesan S (Marine Science Dep, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620 024, Tamilnadu, Email: velsamy85@gmail.com) : Monthly variations of physico-chemical parameters in (SIPCOT) Uppanar estuary, Cuddalore, South East Coast of India. Envir Ecol 2013, 31(2c), 1121-7.

The physico-chemical parameters such as atmospheric temperature, water temperature, pH, salinity. total solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and silicate were studied from the two stations (SIPCOT) of Uppanar estuary. Cuddalore coast from January-June 2012. The results showed that atmospheric temperature varied from 30.0 to 35.0°C (32.66±1.86°C) and 31.0 to 36.0°C (34±2.09°C); surface water temperature varied from 29.0 to 35.0°C (31.66±2.16°C) and 28.0 to 33.0°C 130.16±1.72°C); pH showed variation from 7.43 to .01 (7.75±0.22) and 7.50 to 8.06 (7.83±0.24); salinity value for 17.0 to 31.0 ppt (27 .0±5.09 ppt) and 20.0 to 36.0ppt (30.5±5.57 ppt); total solids varied for 2436 to 5255mg/l (3998.16±1028.38mg/l); and 2192 to 4856 mg/l (3297.0±934.33 mg/l); total dissolved solids varied from 2148 to 4817 mg/l (3287.16±1091.25 mg/l) and 1780 to 4225 mg/l (2689.50±911.99 mg/l); dissolved oxygen concentrations, 2.1 to 3.5 mg/l (2.75±0.38mg/l) and 2.4 to 5.1 mg/l (3.61±0.85 mg/l) was recorded; nitrite, 8.25 to 14.2 mg/l (1 0.03±1.54 mg/l) and 9.55 to 15.50mg/l (11.55± 1.82 mg/l) was recorded; nitrite, 0.99 to l.77 mg/1 (1.21±0.21 mg/l) and 1.10 to 1.91 mg/l (1.66±0.29 mg/l); phosphate, 0.30 to 0.58 mg/l 46±0.09mg/l); and 0.36 to 0.69 mg/l (0.53±0.12 mg/ I) silicate values were recorded 45 to 51 mg/l (48.66±2.58 mg/l) and 51 to 57 mg/l (53.5±2.88 mg/l) was respectively.

17 ref, 10 illus

008660   Tahamtan Y;Pourbakhsh A (Microbiology Dep, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Shiraz 71955-367, Iran, Email: yahyatahamtan@yahoo.com) : Frequency, persistence of Stx2 gene in E. coli O157 isolated from cattle by nested PCR in south part of Iran. Vet Practnr 2013, 14(2), 406-8.

The purpose of this study was epidemiological survey on the occurrence of verocytotoxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 in healthy cattle in south of Iran. During a period from December 2009 to June 2010, 154 slaughtered cattle at Shiraz slaughter houses, were randomly selected and examined by pre enrichment, conventional plating and stx2 gene detection by PCR and Nested PCR technique. The reaction of the isolates with anti-O157 antisera was also analyzed. Samples were taken by sterile cotton swabs from surfaces of neck, shoulder and abdomen. E. coli O157:H7 was found in 24 (15.78%) of 154 cattle. Seventeen (11.03%) of them gave positive reaction with anti-0:157. Finally verotoxigenic E. coli O157: H7 was detected in 15 of 154 samples (9.74%) by PCR and Nested PCR. The bacteria were isolated from 13 (9.35%) of 139 male and 2 (13.3%) of 15 female cattle and from 12 (10.52%) of 114 cattle two or below two years old and 3 (7.5%) of 40 cattle over two years old.

2 illus, 4 tables, 31 ref

008659   Sharma Y (Zoology Dep, H.N.B. Govt. P.G. College, Naini, Allahabad-211 008) : Comparison of physico-chemical parameters and phytoplankton species diversity of two perennial ponds of Gyanpur, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Bhadohi. Biochem Cell Archs 2013, 13(1), 125-32.

Investigations were carried out on the diversity of phytoplankton in relation to physico-chemical parameters with respect to pollution status of two perennial ponds of Gyanpur area of Sant Ravidas Nagar, Bhadohi, U.P. Fifty species were identified belonging to chlorophyceae, bacillariophyceae, cyanophyceae and euglenophyceae. High value of physico-chemical parameters and low phytoplankton diversity were recorded in the Bawan begha pond, whereas low value of physico-chemical parameters and high phytoplankton diversity were recorded in Ghopaila pond. Class chlorophyceae qualitatively and quantitatively dominated in both the habitat. When compared to other taxa, present study revealed that phytoplankton species richness (Rl and R2) was comparatively higher (Rl:5.43±0.53; R2: 3.00 ±0.27) in Ghopaila pond. The species diversity was high (H: 3.08±0.37;N1:14.05±0.63; N2:12.55±0.94) in Ghopaila pond as compared to Bawan Begha pond (H:2.25±0.15; N': 12.59±0.80; N2:8.54±0.61). Anabaena aequalis, Nitzschia bilobata, Navicula membranacca, Scenedesmus annatus, Pediastrum leonensis, Frustulia rhomboides, Microcystis aeruginosa, Oscillatoria anaustra, Closterium, acerosum species dominated in Bawan begha pond and Spirogyra maxima, Zygnema caeruteum and Fragilaria dominated in Ghopaila pond. Abundance of such specific taxa (e.g. Closterium acerosum, C. dianae, C. lineatum, Anabaena aequalis, Oscillatoria angusta and Navicula membranacea in the Bawan begha pond and (e.g. Merismopedia glauca and Fragilaria oceanica) in the Ghopaila pond suggests that these taxa can be considered as pollution indicators. Phytoplankton species diversity and physico chemical parameter profiles indicate the Bawan begha to be meso-eutrophic whereas the Ghopaila pond is oligo-eutrophic.

5 tables, 54 ref

008658   Rathode J L;Phal S (Marine Biology Dep, Karnataka Univ, PG Centre, Kodibagh, Karwar, Karnataka) : Studies on some of the trace metals present in different oyster species of Karwar waters India. Pollut Res 2013, 32(1), 131-4.

The present study deals with the evaluation of Fe and Mn in Crassostrea cucculata and Crassostera madrasensis important edible oysters of the region from July to December 2010. During the recent past enough quantity of iron and manganese was exported from this region and there are rumors that large quantity of these metals are spilled in the near shore water during transport. So an attempt was made to find out the bioaccumulation status of these metals in above said oysters. For the present study two sites are selected they are Kodibagh and Baithkol. Here the concentration of Mn and Fe in the oysters is comparatively higher (547.297ppm) in Crassostrea cucculata in September at Baithkol area compared to Crassostrea madrasensis (13.513 ppm ) at Kodibagh, followed by (146.396 ppm) in October in Crassostrea cucculata compared to Crassostrea madrasensis (139.63ppm) and (103.60ppm) in November in Crassostrea cucculata compared to Crassostrea madrasensis (15.765 ppm). From the above data it was concluded that oysters stored very high concentration of metals, followed by sediment and water samples, in all the three components observed values were higher than permissible limits of BIS.

8 illus, 1 ref

008657   Rakgase M;Norris D (NO, Univ of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa) : Factors that influence choice of drought coping strategies in Limpopo province, South Africa. J hum Ecol 2014, 47(2), 111-16.

Strategies for effectively managing risks and adapting to climate change involve adjustments to current activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the socio-economic profile of farmers and their choice of drought-coping strategies. Multinominal logistic regression analysis was used. Descriptive statistics showed low level of education and literacy among the farmers with three-quarters of the farmers being male. Most farmers had access to extension services, which is a positive finding. Results of the multinominal regression analysis on the link between farmers' socio-economic profiles and drought coping strategies showed that farm type and literacy level influenced the choice of drought-coping strategies. Improvement in literacy levels through extension or informal education should be prioritised to increase knowledge in drought-preparedness and mitigation. Particular attention should be paid to SLAG and communal land farmers.

2 tables, 22 ref

008656   Patchimatla A;Kankanala S R;Bandaru S S; Kulindaivelu U;Jupally V R;Eggadi V (Pharmacology Dep, Vaagdevi College of Pharmacy, Hanamkonda, Email: eggadivenkey@gmail.com) : Investigation of lipid profile and occular oxidative stress of Chloroxylon swietenia on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats. Int J Green Pharm 2014, 8(2), 90-8.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, characterised by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. This investigation was designed to study the antidiabetic effect of Ethanolic extract of Chloroxylon swietenia (EECS) in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-induced type-II diabetes in rats. The extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg was given to the overnight-fasted Wistar albino rats for 14 days and the antidiabetic, lipid profile and ocular oxidative stress in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats were evaluated. The parameters studied were blood glucose, lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)], serum enzymes such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), complete blood picture (RBC, haemoglobin, WBC), insulin and liver glycogen levels. The result of test drug was compared with diabetic control. Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) was selected as standard hypoglycaemic drug. Results were expressed as Mean ± SD. Dunnet's and one-way ANOVA test was used to compare the mean values of test groups and diabetic control. Administration of EECS prior to glucose overload resulted significant attenuation in blood sugar level at 60 and 120 min in comparison to glucose control group. The antidiabetic activity of EECS showed significant (P <60> 0.001) reduction in blood glucose level at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg dose levels at 14 th day. EECS with (250 and 500 mg/kg) also decreased in serum SGOT, SGPT, TG, TC, VLDL-C, LDL-C, WBC and TBARS, in diabetic-induced rats. In addition EECS at (250 and 500 mg/kg) increased liver glycogen, insulin, complete blood picture RBC, haemoglobin, ocular oxidative enzymes CAT, GSH and body weight when compared with diabetic control. The results obtained from the present study revealed the potential anti-diabetic activity of Ethanolic extract of Chloroxylon swietenia.

1 illus, 8 tables, 36 ref