013338   Nagarajan D;Sivasankaramoorthy S;Venkatesan A (Botany Dep, Division of Plant Physiology, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002, ) : Salinity tolerance on growth and organic content of Arthrocnemum indicum Moq. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 245-8.

The work was made on the effect of different concentrations of NaCl ranging from 0-500 mM NaCl on growth and organic content of Arthrocnemum indicum. The growth morphology such as shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight increased upto 300 mM NaCl and thereafter which was reduced. The amino, sugar and starch content decreased upto optimum level and thereafter its gradually increased. The highest accumulation of protein and chlorophyll content increased with optimum level of 300 mM NaCl, beyond this level both content drastically reduced. The proline content increased with increasing concentration upto extreme level of 500 mM.

2 tables, 31 ref

013337   Muthuramu S;Jabaraj S;Nadarajan N;Gunasekaran M;Gnanasekaran M (Plant breeding and Genetics Dep, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104) : In vitro selection for drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 215-8.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) in different concentrations is commonly used as osmoticum to reduce the water potential and create osmotic stress in the culture medium. Hence the investigation was framed to select superior variants from eight parents (NPT 107, PMK 3, MDU 5, ASD 16, Vellaichithiraikar, Mattaikar, Nootripathu and Norungan) and their 28 hybrids by studying the fresh weight of callus, callus morphology and proline accumulation in the presence of osmoticum. The genotypes ASD 16, Mattaikar, Norungan, NPT 107/MDU 5, NPT 107/ASD 16, NPT 107/Nootripathu, PMK 3/ASD 16, PMK 3/Vellaichithiraikar, PMK 3/Mattaikar, PMK 3/Nootripathu and MDU 5/Norungan exhibited earlier callus induction and higher callusing frequency irrespective of the media concentrations used. Combining callus morphology, callus weight and proline accumulation under media containing PEG for selecting tolerance genotypes, Mattaikar and Norungan in parents and NPT 107 /MDU 5, NPT 107/ASD 16, NPT 107/Nootipathu and PMK 3 /Norungan in hybrids could be adjudged as the most tolerant among the genotypes studied.

1 tables, 13 ref

013336   Mishra K N (Botany Dep, T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur-222 002, Email: rediffmail.com) : Aeromycological investigation of different localities of Jaunpur city (U.P.), India. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 317-20.

An attempt has been made to study the variation in fungal air composition at six sites i.e.(l) T. D. College campus (TDCC site 1) (2) Line Bazar Highway (LBHW site II) (3) Polytechnique Chauraha Highway (PC H W site III) (4) Fruit and Vegetable market of Olandganj (FVMO site IV) (5) Station Road near Sadar Hospital (SRSH, sites V) (6) Azamgarh Road Sipah Market (ARSM, site VI) situated in different localities of Jaunpur city were investigated in relation to seasonal variation in pollution pressure. Air born fungi were trapped over Rotorod set at varying height for the period of one year (July 2005-June 2006) using gravity slides and Martin's Medium pertidish culture method of fungal isolation. Variation in urban pollution pressure with seasonal variability were well marked. Aspergillns (13 species) and Alternaria (8 species) were dominant fungi A. granulosus, A. sulphurous and A. okarakil were some interesting fungi with health and microbiological implications. The prevailing ambient atmosphere of Jaunpur was observed to harbour Alternaria alternata, Bispora species, Cladosporium herbarum, Curvularia lunata, Helminthosporium sativum, Nigrospora spherica, Cercospora species and several other unidentified spores. Extramural air-borne fungal spores forming bioaerosols were trapped from 6 different localities of Jaunpur at 1.8 m height at 11.00 am with the help of Rotorod air sampler designed and fabricated by Mishra and Sinha (1984). Fungal spores were trapped on the two arms of Rotorod adhered with 1,6mm x 25cm glycerine coated sterilized cellotape stripes at the 30 day interval from July 2005 to June 2006.

2 tables, 24 ref

013335   Mishra Jaya;Mishra K N (Botany Dep, T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur-272 002) : Effect of different strains of rhizobium on nitrogan fixation and other growth characteristics of two leguminous species. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 307-10.

Pot culture experiment was conducted to examine the effect of Rhizobia (Cowpea miscellany CP) and native strains isolated from the nodules of two plant species namely Phaseolus aconitifolia (Moth bean) and Alysicarpus monilifer (Juhighas). Number of leaves, dry weight, legha'emoglobin content of nodules, rhizobiai cell count/g soil, AM root colonization, and N and P content in soil were recorded during the growth period of plants. The Rhizobia cowpea miscellany (exotic) were found to be better than native strains in increasing plant growth and biomass yield of both the species. Also the number of rhizosphere micro flora in soil were maximized by CP strains in both the legume plants.

3 tables, 26 ref

013334   Mateen A;Ali S K;Janardhan K (NO, Shadan Institute of P.G. Studies, 6-2-977, Khairtabad, Hyderabad-500 004) : Biodegration of melachite green by a Klebsiella species and malachite green effects on seed germination. J Aquatic Biol 2007, 22(1), 217-19.

Malachite green[ MG] a trimethyl phenyl dye administered as fungicide in aquatic culture facilities, is a potential carcinogenic and induces DNA damage . MG degrading klebsiella sp, is reported from textile industry effluents and effects of MG studied on seed germination.

7 ref

013333   Mahorkar V K;Meena H R;Jadhao B J;Panchbhai D M;Dod V N;Peshttiwar P D (Horticulture College, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola(M.S)) : Effect of micronutients and humic acid on growth and leaf yield of fenugreek. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 303-06.

An experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications during Rabi season of 2003-2004 at University Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. In the investigation zinc, iron and humic acid spray were tried at the concentrations of 0.5%, 0.5% and 0.5% respectively, as individual and in different concentrations. The various treatment sprays were applied twicely during the investigation i.e. Ist spray at 15 DAS and 2nd spray at 25 DAS. The treatment Zn 0.5% + Fe 0.5% + humic acid 0.05% exhibited maximum value of all vegetative parameters i.e. plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant and leaf area per plant as well as green leaf yield per plot and per hectare. Growth and the yield attributes exhibited lowest values.

5 tables, 6 ref

013332   Jayanthi G;Anbazhakan S;Ramamoorthi R;Sundar R (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai (Tamil Nadu), Email: jayanthi_tu@yahoo.co.in) : Antifungal activity Solanum surattense and Solanum melongena var. Insanum seeds. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 343-4.

Ethanol extracts from the seeds of Solanum surattense and Solanum melongena var. insanum were tested against fungi namely Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. coniducus, A. flavus, Mucor indicus and Candida albicans at 25, 50 and 75 mg/1ml concentrations by using well diffusion assay method, Both the species showed significant and concentration dependent activity against the tested organisms. Therapeutic value of the seeds of these plants is suggested and discussed.

1 table, 13 ref

013331   Hemaiswarya S;Raja R;Anbazhagan C (Biotechnology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai-600 036, Email: iswarya_hema@yahoo.co.in) : Antimicrobial and antitumor properties of the leaves of Ficus religiosa. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 279-82.

The aqueous, methanol and chloroform extracts of the leaves of Ficus religiosa were critically evaluated for their antibacterial and antitumor activities. These extracts showed an elevated level of antibacterial activity and a reduced antifungal activity. The most sensitive organisms S. typhi, P. vulgaris, S. typhimurium and E. coli were inhibited even at lowest concentrations of the chloroform extracts. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were found to be less active. The antitumor activity conducted by crown gall potato disc assay proved that all the three extracts are efficient in reducing the tumors formed.

3 tables, 23 ref

013330   Govindarajan M;Jebanesan A;Reetha D; Pushpanathan T (Zoology and Microbiology Dep, Biology Vector Div, Faculty of Agricultu, Annamalai Univ,, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Email: drjeban@rediffmail.com) : Mosquito larvidal effect of extracellular metabolites of fungi against malarial vector Anopheles stephensi Liston [Diptera: Culicidae]. Pl Archs 2008, 8(1), 295-6.

The investigation was carried out to find out the extracellular metabolites of 240 fungi isolated from different soils of the natural and man-made habitats and screened for their larvicidal activity against Anopheles Stephensi. On the preliminary screening of the 240 fungal isolates, 95 fungi showed positive larvicidal activity against A. stephensi. Further on screening the extracellular metabolites of 95 isolates, four isolates of Aspergillus (F91, F42, F52, F27), two isolates of Penicillium (Fl89, F28) and one isolate of each Trichoderma (F102), Fusarium (F65) and Paecilomyces (F74) were found to be active against mosquito larvae and the LC₅₀ values of the metabolites ranged from 11.59-48.67ppm. Among them, an isolate of Aspergillus (F91) exerted a very low LC₅₀ value of 11,59 ppm.

1 tables, 11 ref

013329   Ebrahimi N;Bilgili D (Statistics Div, Northern Illinois Univ, DeKalb, IL-60115, Email: nader@math.niu.edu) : A new method of testing for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and ordering populations. J Genet 2007, 86(1), 1-7.

The assumption of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) among alleles in a nonevolving population is of fundamental importance in genetic studies. Deviation from HWE in a population usually indicates inbreeding, stratification and sometimes problems in genotyping. In populations of affected indiciduals, these deviations can also provide evidence for association. Introduces a measure based on the Kullback-Leibler discrimination inormation function that quantifies the deviation from HWE in a population Uses this measure to ordedr populations. Proposes a test for HWE based on an estimate of this maesure. The test is a statistically consistent test of the null hypothesis for all alternatives and is very easy to implement. he proposed test statistic is compaed wit an earlier, widely used, test. Finally, the use of the proposed new test is shown in an illustrative example.

3 tables, 5 ref

013328   Du J;Wang X;Zhang M;Tian D;Yang Y H (State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Biology Dep, Nanjing Univ, Nanjing-210 093, Email: changzi75@hotmail.com) : Unique nucleotide polymorphism of ankyrin gene cluster in Arabidopsis. J Genet 2007, 86(1), 27-35.

The ankyrin (ANK) gene cluster is a part of a multigene family encoding ANK transmembrane proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, and plays an important role in protein-protein interactions and in signal pathways. In contrast to other regions of a genome, the ANK gene cluster exhibits an extremely high level of DNA polymorphism in an <126>5-kb region, without apparent decay. Phylogenetic analysis detects two clear, deeply differentiated haplotypes (dimorphism). The divergence between haplotypes of accession CoI-0 and Ler-0 (Hap-C and Hap-L) is estimated to be 10.7%, approximately equal to the 10.5% average divergence between A. thaliana and A. lyrala. Sequence comparisons for the ANK gene cluster homologues in Col-0 indicate that the members evolve independently, and that the similarity among paralogues is lower than between alleles. Very little intralocus recombination or gene conversion is detected in ANK regions. All these characteristics of the ANK gene cluster are consistent with a tandem gene duplication and birth-and-death process. The possible mechanisms for and implications of this elevated nucleotide variation are also discussed, including the suggestion of balancing selection.

3 illus, 4 tables, 50 ref

013327   De Setta N;Costa A P P;Lopes F R;Van Sluys M A;Carareto C M A (Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil, Email: carareto@ibilce.unesp.br) : Transposon display supports transpositional activity of P elements in species of the Saltans group of Drosophila. J Genet 2007, 86(1), 37-43.

Mobilization of two P element subfamilies (canonical and O-type) from Drosoplula .sturtevanti and D. sultans was evaluated for copy number and transposition activity using the transposon display (TD) technique. Pairwise distances between strains regarding the insertion polymorphism profile were estimated. Amplification of the P element based on copy number estimates was highly variable among the strains (D. sturtevanti, canonical 20.11, O-type 9.00; D. saltans, canonical 16.4, O-type 12.60 insertions, on average). The larger values obtained by TD compared to our previous data by Southern blotting support the higher sensitivity of TD over Southern analysis for estimating transposable element copy numbers. The higher numbers of the canonical P element and the greater divergence in its distribution within (he genome of D. stunevanti (24.8%) compared to the O-type (16.7%). as well as the greater divergence in the distribution of the canonical P element, between the D. slurtevanli (24.8%) and the D. saltans (18.3%) strains, suggest that the canonical element occupies more sites within the D. stunevanti genome, most probably due to recent transposition activity. These data corroborate the hypothesis that the O-type is the oldest subfamily of P elements in the .saltans group and suggest that the canonical P element is or has been transpositionally active until more recently in D. slurtevanli.

1 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

013326   Ahuja S L;Dhayal L S (NO, Central Institute for Cotton Research, Regional Station, Sirsa, Haryana-125 055, Email: slahuja2002@yahoo.com) : Comparative characteristics and gene action in three petal-spotted mutants of Gossypium hirsutum. J Genet 2007, 86(1), 81-4.

2 tables, 9 ref

012383   Viruthagiri T;Sasikumar E (Technology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of recycled paper sludge for ethanol production. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 587-90.

In recent years, growing attention has been devoted to the conversion of biomass into fuel ethanol, considered the cleanest liquid fuel and an alternative to fossil fuels. Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) process with Trichoderma viride and thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus var. marxianus were used to convert cellulose fibers of Recycled Paper Sludge (RPS) samples to ethanol. The effect of temperature on glucose fermentation using thermotolerant yeast was studied. Further the effect of substrate concentration, initial pH, and temperature on ethanol production from RPS were examined by conducting batch experiments using Trichoderma viride and thermotolerant yeast. At standard SSF conditions, a maximum yield of about 16.5 g/L of ethanol was obtained from 50 g/L of dry RPS, after 144 h of fermentation.

3 illus, 14 ref

012382   Vijaya Saradhi S ;Devala Rao G ;Bhargav P S K;Ramana B;Manikanta K R;Pavan Kumar G (Biotechnology Dep, Koneru Lakshmi College of Engineering, Vaddeswaram-522 502) : Spectrophotometric method for the determination of atorvastatin caalcium in pharmaceutical formulations. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 821-2.

Simple, sensitive and reproducible spectrophotometric method is developed for the determination of Atorvastatin calcium in bulk and in pharmaceutical formulations. This Method is based on the reaction of Atorvastatin calcium with Fe (III) of ferric chloride and Cone, hydrochloric acid to produce a yellow orange colored chromogen (λmax at 400 nm). Results of analysis were validated statistically and by recovery studies. This method is successfully employed for the determination of Atorvastatin calcium in various pharmaceutical preparations.

2 tables, 9 ref

012381   Renganayagi S;Padmalatha C;Singh A R;Sasi Shekhar M (Advanced Zoology and Biotecnology Dep, Rani Anna Goverment College, Triunelveli, Tamilnadu) : Molecular approach to define racial differences in Etroplus maculatus (BLOCH). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 581-5.

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was applied to find out whether any genetical difference occur in the fish species Etroplus maculatus endemic to selected localities in Tamilnadu, Etroplus maculatus collected from fresh water resources in Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Madurai, and Karur were subjected to RAPD and RFLP analysis. Although Etroplus maculatus was collected from widely isolated habitats no marked genotypic variation was observed.

3 illus, 29 ref

012380   Renganayagi S;Padmalatha C;Ranjith Singh A; Sasi Shekhar M (Advanced zoology and Biotechnology Dep, Rani Anna Government College(W), Tirunelveli,Tamil Nadu) : Antimicrobial activity of fish extracts of Etroplus maculatus (Bloch). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 727-30.

The antibacterial activity of the fish extract the flesh of Etroplus maculatus was tested against Aeromonas hydrophila, Klebshiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes. Streptococcus pyrogens, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sensitivity of the fish extract were compared with standard antibiotic, penicillin. Antimicrobial potential in the flesh of Etroplus maculatus high lights the nutraceutical role and also confirm the ethnozoological practice of indigenous fisherman.

2 illus, 6 ref

012379   Ravi Kumar A;Subburathinam K M;Prabakar G (Biotechnology Dep, J J College of Arts and Science, Pudukkotti-622 404) : Evaluation of diuretic activity of selected plants of the family caesalpiniaceae. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 599-602.

Methanolic extracts of three species of plants belong to the family Caesalpiniaceae were evaluated for its diuretic potentials in albino rats. The parameters studied to evaluate the diuretic potentials are total urine volume, concentration of electrolytes such as sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺) and chloride (Cl). A diuretic activity of 1.55, 1.86, 2.33 and 1.88 was observed in frusemide, P. pterocarpum, C. racemosa and B. purpurea respectively. Good diuretic activity was evident till the fifth hour when rats were orally administrated with these plant extracts. The diuretic activity of the three plant extracts were compared with that of the standard drug frusemide at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. Maximum diuresis was observed in C. racemosa at the first hour of study indicated its rapid onset of diuretic action.

3 tables, 17 ref

012378   Lin J;Zhou X;Gao S;Liu X;Wu W;Sun X;Tang K (State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Pl, Fudan Univ, Shanghai-200 433, Email: kxtang@yahoo.com) : cDNA cloning and expression analysis of a mannose binding lectin from Pinellia pedatisecta. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(2), 241-9.

Pinellia pedatisecta agglutinin (PPA) is a very basic protein that accumulates in the tuber of P. pedatisecta. PPA is a hetero-tetramer protein of 40 kDa, composed of two polypeptide chains A (about 12 kDa) and two polypeptides chains B (about 12 kDa). The full-length cDNA of PPA was cloned from P. pedatisecta using SMART RACE-PCR technology; it was 1146 bp and contained a 771 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a lectin precursor of 256 amino acid residues with a 24 amino acid signal peptide. The PPA precursor contained 3 mannose-binding sites (QXDXNXVXY) and two conserved domains of 43% identity, PPA-DOM, (polypeptides A) and PPA-DOM₂ (polypeptides B). PPA shared varying identities, ranging from 40% to 85%, with mannose-binding lectins from other species of plant families such as Araceae, Alliaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae and Bromeliaceae. Southern blot analysis indicated that ppa belonged to a multi-copy gene family. Expression pattern analysis revealed that ppa expressed in most tested tissues, with high expression being found in spadix, spathe and tuber. Cloning of the ppa gene not only provides a basis for further investigation of its structure, expression and regulatory mechanism, but also enables us to test its potential role in controlling pests and fungal diseases by transferring the gene into plants in the future.

1 table, 4 illus, 35 ref

012377   Krishnamoorthy R;Syed Mohamed H E;Shahul Hameed M M;Shahul Hameed P (Biotechnology Dep, Pavender Bharathidasan College, Trichy 24, India) : Polonium-210 Distribution and internal radiation dose to the fisherman due to consumption of in koraiyar river food, Tirucchirappali-India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 489-92.

Deals with internal radiation dose of ²¹⁰Po through the consumption of river food from the Koraiyar river. The concentration of ²¹⁰Po was determined in selected species of river organisms.²¹⁰Po activity in crab muscle and exoskeleton was 43.92 Bq/Kg and 11.34 Bq/Kg respectively. The ²¹⁰Po activity in fishes ranged from 45.29 to 8.87 Bq/Kg in muscle and 25.09 to 4.76 Bq/Kg in bone. Concentration factor of ²¹⁰Po in edible portion of fish from river water worked out to be 1.3 x 10³ to 6.0 x 10⁴. Radiation dose to the public has been evaluated on the basic of dietary intake of fish from the Koraiyar river varied from 6.39 to 54.35 γSv/y. The Crab Barytelphusa jacguemonti was observed that the dose transferred was 21.1 γSv/y. The dose to the individual member of public was calculated ²¹⁰Po for the public by consumption of fishes are appreciable and are ranged from 6.39 to 54.35 uSv/y and higher ²¹⁰Po dose is expected via consumption of Clarias batrachus was (54.35 μSv/y). The fish C. batrachus showed higher activity, it is a bottom feeder along with food also happed to take small quantity of mud into their gut.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

012376   Choragudi S F;Settaluri V S (Biotechnology Dep, Koneru Lakshmaiah College of Engineering, Vaddeswaram, Guntur Dist) : Spectrophotometric methods for the determination of a cephalosporin antibiotic in pharmaceutical formulations. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 725-7.

Simple, sensitive and reproducible visible spectrophotometric method is developed for the determination of Cefixime in pharmaceutical formulations. The Method is based on the formation of colored species on binding of Cefixime with Ferric chloride in 0.7 % HCI to produce a Yellowish green colored solution (λ_max at 430 nm). Results of analysis were validated statistically and by recovery studies. This method is successfully employed for the determination of Cefixime in various pharmaceutical preparations.

2 tables, 14 ref

012375   Chaudhary L;Tewari S K (Genetics and Plant Breeding (Agroforestry Project) Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Genetic diversity in poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) clones. J Ecofriendly Agric 2006, 1(2), 126-9.

In tree breeding, a quantitative assessment of genetic diversity will permit the tree breeder to select diverse parents to make wide crosses for creating genetic diversity for rapid progress in breeding programme. Based on genetic divergence fifty poplar clones were grouped into fifteen different clusters. The maximum inter-cluster distance was obtained between cluster XIV and XV followed by cluster IX and XV. Characters viz.; length of leaf blade, leaf fall duration, tree height, volume over the bark and length of leaf petiole contributed significantly towards divergence. The pattern of distribution of these clones in various clusters indicated that considerable amount of genetic divergence was present among these clones.

4 tables, 6 ref

012374   Anoop N;Murugiah V;Satheeshkumar P K;Gupta A K (Plant Biotechnology Dep, School of Biotechnology, Maduraj Kamraj Univ, Madurai-625 021) : Transgenic Indica Rice Expressing codon - modified cryiac gene confer resistantce against yellow stem borer larvce (Scirpophaga incertulas). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 753-8.

Codon-modified cryl Ac gene was introduced in indica rice cv IR-50 by particle bombardment. Transgene integration was confirmed by Southern analysis and its expression by Northern and Western analysis. In T₂ generation, the level of cryl Ac protein accumulated varied between 0.017% to 0.03 % of total soluble protein in leaves and 0.012 to 0.023 % total soluble proteins in stem. Whole plant insect bioassay using L2 larvae of Yellow stem borer performed revealed an insect mortality of 80% in plants at their booting stage, while 100% mortality was observed with plants at their tillering stage.

2 tables, 31 ref

012373   Ahmed A I (Chemical and Biological Engineering-Molecular Biotechnology Dep, Technology Chalmers Univ, 405 30 Goteborg, Sweden, Email: ashraf.ahmad@molbiotech.chalmers.se) : BOXTO as a real-time thermal cycling reporter dye. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(2), 229-39.

Unsymmetrical cyanine dyes BOXTO (4-[6-(benzoxazoIe-2-yI-(3-methyl-)-2,3-dihydro-(benzo-l,3-thiazole)-2 -methylidene)]-l-methyl-quinolinium chloride) and its positive divalent derivative BOXTO-PRO (4-[(3-methyl-6-(benzoxazole-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-(benzo-l,3-thiazole)-2- methylidene)]-l-(3-trimethylammonium-propyl)-quinolinium dibromide) were studied as real-time PCR reporting fluorescent dyes and compared to SYBR GREEN I (SG) (2-[N-(3-dimethylaminopropyI)-N-propylamino]-4-[2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-( benzo-l,3-thiazol-2-yI)-methylidene]-l-phenyI-quinolinium). Unmodified BOXTO showed no inhibitory effects on real-time PCR, while BOXTO-PRO showed complete inhibition. Sufficient fluorescent signal was acquired when 0.5-1.0 μM BOXTO was used with RotorGene and iCycler platforms. Statistical analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the efficiency and dynamic range of BOXTO and SG. BOXTO stock solution (1.5 mM) was stable at -20°C for more than one year and 40 μM BOXTO solution was more stable than 5x SG when both were stored at 4°C for 45 days.

4 tables, 6 illus, 15 ref

011202   Suganya D S;Pradeep S;Jayapriya J;Subramanian S (Biotechnology Dep, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: jayapriyachem@sify.com) : Bio-softening of mature coconut husk for facile coir recovery. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(2), 164-6.

Bio-softening of the mature coconut husk using Basidiomyceteous fungi was attempted to recover the soft and whiter fibers. The process was faster and more efficient in degrading lignin and toxic phenolics. Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus eryngii and Ceriporiopsis subvermispora were found to degrade lignin efficiently without any appreciable loss of cellulose, yielding good quality fiber ideal for dyeing.

^ssc3 tables, 12 ref

011201   Suganya D S;Pradeep S;Jayapriya J;Subramanian S (Biotechnol Dep, PSG Coll of Technol, Coimbatore-6451 004, Email: jayapriyachem@sify.com) : Biobleaching in coir for value addition. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 263-5.

Biobleaching of coir using fungi belonging to Basidiomycetes was attempted to recover whiter fibers. The process was faster and more efficient in degrading lignin and toxic phenolics.Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Pleurotus eryngii were found to efficiently degrade lignin without loss of appreciable amount of cellulose. Synergistic action of these fungi could yield good quality fiber ideal for dyeing.

2 tables, 9 ref

011200   Rathika R;Alagesaboopathi C (Biotechnol Dep, Pee Gee Coll of Arts and Sci, Periyanahalli, Dharmapuri-635 205) : Biosurfactant mediated oil degradation of Bacillus subtilis. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 369-72.

Biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis a glycolipid (surfactin) which has a character of enhancing the reactions of degradation. To determine the activity of the biosurfactant, the degradation of light motor oil was carried out in the absence as well as in the presence of the surfactin (T1 and T2). The organism was isolated from oil spilled soils and used for the production of biosurfactant. The extracted surfactin was added to medium used for degradation. The concentration of components were analyzed at regular fine intervals (0th, 30th, 60th day) on 60th day the concentration had reduced more in the treatment with biosurfactant (81.77%) than in the treatment without biosurfactant (98.42%) in comparison with control (98.48%). The degradation was found to be enhanced in the presence of biosurfactants than in its absence.

1 table, 15 ref

011199   Dhal B;Thatoi H N (Post-Graduate Biotechnol Dep, North Orissa Univ, Baripada-757 003) : Isolation and characterization of bacterial strains occuring in baula chromite mine soils of Orissa: potential for biotechnological applications. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 359-64.

Study was conducted in Post-Graduate Department of Biotechnology, North Orissa University, Orissa with a view to isolate and characterize the bacterial rnicroflora present in the chromite mine area soil. In total, six soil samples were collected from different locations such as mining site, old overburden dumps and its adjacent areas of Boula-Nuasahi chromite mine of Orissa during June-2005. Isolation of the bacterial strains was done by dilution plate technique continued by three tier screening processes such as morphological studies, microscopic studies and biochemical characterization. The identification of strains was done with help of Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. In total six species of bacterial strains viz., two species of Micrococcus, one species of Stomatococcus, Pseudomonas, Planococcus, and Enterobacter each were identified from collected soil samples. Physiological responses were also studied for these strains in different pH and antibiotic conditions. These strains will be further screened for their role in bioremediation of heavy metals from polluted environment and bio-leaching of minerals form ores.

1 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

011198   Biradar M S;Krishnaraj P U;Kuruvinashetti M S (Biotechnology Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: mangalabth@yahoomail.com) : Cloning of cryIA(c) gene from native Bacillus thuringiensis. Crop Res 2007, 34(1-3), 268-71.

Insect-pests are a major cause of damage to the world's commercially important agricultural crops. Among the biological control agents, the most successful has been Bacillus thuringiensis. Experiments were carried out to clone cryIA(c) full length and truncated toxic fragment from efficient B. thuringiensis isolate D-1. A full length gene of 3.5 kb and truncated gene of 2.0 kb was PCR amplified. The amplicons were cloned in the PCR cloning vector. The BLAST search for sequence showed 98% homology to BT cryIA(c) gene and 98% homology to Bt cryI BNS3 and B. thuringiensis mRNA for delta-endotoxin.

2 illus, 14 ref

011197   Biradar M S;Krishnaraj P U;Kuruvinashetti M S (Biotechnology Dep, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Email: mangalabth@yahoomail.com) : Characterization of cryI gene profile in native Bacillus thuringiensis isolates. Crop Res 2007, 34(1-3), 263-7.

Bacillus thuringiensis, a gram-positive bacterium, is most widely used in microbial control of insect-pests on agricultural crops. The crystal protein produced by bacterium is toxic to different orders of insects like lepidoptera, coleoptera and diptera. Experiments were carried out to characterize cryl gene profile in native isolates. Isolates were tested for presence of cryIA(c), cryIA(b) and cryIA(a). The strains positive for cryI class of gene were su bjected to bioassay on Helicoverpa armigera. Crude toxin of isolate P-l in a leaf-dip bioassay resulted in 92% mortality of neonate H. armigera larvae in 72 h followed by D-l, PP-IO, 81-3 and PP-ll with 88, 80, 60 and 64%, respectively. The isolates varied widely in terms of cry gene content and their effectiveness.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

011196   Arasappan R;Tangaraj T (PG and Research Zool Dep, Kongunadu Arts and Sci Coll, G.N. Mills Post, Coimbatore-641 029) : Effect of plant extracts against the growth and development of the human filarial mosoquito, culex quinquefasciatus say. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 309-12.

Extract of the plants, Acalypha indica, Andrographis alata, Samanea saman, Strychnos nux-vomica and Synadenium grandi extracted through Petroleum ether (PE) and Ethyl acetate (EA) were used to test the effect on the developmental stages of the mosquito, Culex quinquefascialus. The fractions obtained through the silica gel were tested on the first instar larvae. Among the plants tested, Andrographis alata and Samanea saman showed effect on the development of C. quinquefascialus. The LC 50 values of these plants ranged from 0.0197 mg/ml to 20.87 mg/mL. During the treatment of the extracts malformations in the developmental stages were noticed. I instar larval stages was found more susceptible than the other stages such as egg, IV instar and pupa.

3 tables, 23 ref

010268   Yadav M C;Challen M P;Singh S K;Elliott T J (Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Research Centre for Mushroom, Solan-173 213, Email: mcyadav@yahoo.com) : DNA analysis reveals genomic homogeneity and single nucleotide polymorphism in 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene spacer region among commercial cultivars of the button mushroom Agaricus bisporus in India. Curr Sci 2007, 93(10), 1383-9.

Molecular variation was studied among 22 white pilous cultivars of Agaricux bisporus using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers and by sequence analysis of 5.8S rRNA gene along with ITS regions. Twenty-Tour primers amplified 1.75 RAPD markers, of which 53.7% were polymorphic. Genetic similarity index varied from 0.64 to 0.99, with an average of 0.81. The varieties exhibited 92.7% genetic similarity, while the hybrids showed 84.3% similarity amongst them. Both, the UPGMA dendrogram and PCO plot grouped all the varieties into a single cluster, while the hybrids formed a separate cluster exhibiting DNA polymor-c. phism. The length of ITSI, 5.8S rRNA gene and ITS2 was 290, 154 and 208 bases respectively, in all the genotypes of A. bisporus studied. Two single nueleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 522 and 563 nu-cleotide positions in the ITS2 region which distinguished different strains within the species have been reported. This study demonstrates that the RAPD markers are useful and robust tools for identification of hybrids in the germ plasm and for detection of intraspecific molecular 4-variation in the white button mushroom cultivars. Identification of SNPs in the ITS2 region of the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene which could differentiate cultivars of A. bisporus was also reported.

5 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

010267   Venkat Reddy P (Biotechnology Dep, Vaagdevi College of Engineering, Bollikunta, Warangal-506 005) : Karyotypes of pouched amphistomes. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2007, 27(3), 325-9.

Karyotypes of the three amphistomes, Gastrothylax crumenifer (Creplin, 1847) Poirier, 1883, Fischoederius cobboldi (Poirier, 1883) Stiles and Goldberger, 1910 and Fischoederius elongates (Poirier, 1883) Stiles and Goldberger, 1910 from ruminants were studied using the squashandflame drying techniques. Except F. elongates (2n = 16) other two species demonstrate 2n = 18 chromosomes. Meiotic configurations were also studied to substantiate chromosome numbers. The results are discussed in terms of evolutionary relationship of morphologically well defined amphistomes.

4 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

010266   Sen S (Biotechnology and Biochemistry Dep, Burdwan Institute of Management and Computer Science, Hatudewan, Burdwan-713 101) : Molecular paradigm of diseas of conformation alternations in proteins : prions and related diseases. Sci Cult 2007, 73(7-8), 213-19.

In mammalian system conformationally altered proteins are the causative agents of number of critical diseases. These diseases are classically known as prion related diseases. Importantly, mechanisms of such altered protein generation is poorly understood, even though, these diseases are the major problems of today's clinical world. Conformational alterations of proteins happen because of innumerable reasons. Knowledge on therapeutic aspects of these diseases is limited and is yet to find out suitable clues in combating them. However, jaiany interesting findings have been generated that show hopes to encounter with these diseases.

2 illus, 3 tables, 65 ref

010265   Sandhu P S;Singh H (Computer Science & Engineering Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana-141 006, Email: parvsandhu@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluating quality of Biotechnology - specific software components. Agric biol Res 2007, 23(2), 106-10.

Today most of the problems in Biotechnology field are computation intensive and role of computer software, in that field, is increasing at an exponential rate. The software can be developed from scratch or we can make use of already developed software components, which can enhance the productivity and quality. On Internet a large collection of software code is being offered by open-access repositories but, how one can identify a relevant and good quality code with mininum effort? Authors tried to extract the features and formed Feature-Vector (FV) of the F different sub-domains of Biotechnojogy domain using Semi (Discrete Matrix Decomposition (SDD) technique of Latent Semantic Analysis. Those FVs can be used for finding the relevancy or usefulness of a potential reusable software code with a domain. The structural- attributes of a software can be estimated with help of software metrics and quality of the software is inferred using Neuro-fuxzy Inference engine taking these metric values as input. The results of the study are onvincing enough to recommend the system for evaluating the quality of Biotechnology based software.

5 illus, 15 ref

010264   Ray K;Bisht N C;Pental D;Burma P K (Genetics Dep, Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, Delhi South Campus Univ, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: pburma@hotmail.com) : Development of barnase/barstar transgenics for hybrid seed production in Indian oilseed mustard (Brassica juncea L. czern & coss) using a mutant acetolactate synthase gene conferring resistance to imidazolinone-based herbicide 'pursuit'. Curr Sci 2007, 93(10), 1390-6.

The use of herbicide-based field selection marker is an integral component in the development of hybrid seeds based on transgenic approach using barnase and barstar genes. It is an added advantage if the same marker can also be used efficiently as an in vitro selection marker. Developmenl of male sterile transgenic lines and their restorers in Brassica juncea using the barnase-barstar system in conjunction with a selection marker gene ALS<^>dm conferring resistance to the imidazolinone, imazethapyr, the active ingredient of the herbicide 'Pursuit'. Were repeoted this herbicide is commercially available at low costs in India. It therefore provides a viable alternative to phosphinothricin/glufosinate herbicides used in the first-generation hybrids developed using the the ALS<^>dm gene we have developed stable male sterile barnase lines and homozygous barstar lines showing proper restoration, in appropriate combiners Yaruna and EHII. Use of 'Pursuit' in field selections of male sterile lines in a segregating population was also demonstrated.