Origin and nature of spermatophoric mass of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus

In the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus) the spermatophoric mass consists of a highly convoluted tube, containing the sperm mass and a gelatinous matrix. The spermatophoric components have their origin in the proximal vas deferens and the completed spermatophoric mass is stored within the distal dilated part of the vas deferens. In the proximal vas deferens the inner glandular epithelial cells give rise to leaf-like typhlosoles which gradually diminish in size and finally disappear in the distal vas deferens. The secretions originating from the typhlosole form the outer gelatinous matrix of the spermatophoric mass. Histochemical observations reveal that the wall of the spermatophore tube consists of neutral mucopolysaccharide, whereas the sperm mass and the gelatinous matrix are rich in acidic mucopolysaccharides. Both polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to separate the acidic mucopolysaccharide (AMPS) complexed with the proteins and the simple proteins. In addition, AMPS have been isolated following the method of Rahemtulla and Lovtrup (1974) and used for electrophoresis. In both the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and agarose gel electrophoresis, the extracted acid mucopolysaccharides give only a single fraction which, in comparison with the standard acid mucopolysaccharides, corresponds to chondroitin sulphate. The functional significance of the chondroitin sulphate and neutral mucopolysaccharides in the spermatophoric components of P. homarus is discussed in relation to their functional role in spermatophore hardening and protection of the delicate spermatozoa during their prolonged storage on the sternum of the female.     

Comparative analysis of two tobacco surveillance questionnaires used in NHANES: accuracy of self-reported smoking status

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) uses two tobacco use surveillance questionnaires. One is administered during an at-home interview (HI) and the other, during an examination session at a mobile examination center (MEC). NHANES data for the years 1999–2012 were used to evaluate the consistency of responses to tobacco surveillance questions in HI and MEC interview. In addition, accuracy of self-reported smoking status was evaluated. Of those who reported to be daily cigarette smokers during HI, 18.7% reported to be either some-day smokers or nonsmokers during MEC interview. Of those who reported to be some-day cigarette smokers during HI, 22.1% reported to be daily smokers and 17.5% reported to be nonsmokers. Also, 4.1% of those who reported to be nonsmokers during HI reported to be either daily or some-day smokers during MEC interview. Using serum cotinine measurements taken during MEC interview, 27.1% were found to be smokers and 72.9% were found to be nonsmokers. In general, a moderate to high agreement, as measured by the κ statistic, was found between the self-reported responses to tobacco use questions during the home and MEC interviews as well as between smoking statuses based on self-reported and serum cotinine measurements.     

Impact of exposure to secondhand smoke on the levels of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons among the US children and adolescents

The impact of secondhand smoke (SHS) on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites among the US children and adolescents was evaluated. The data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2003–2008 were analyzed by regression models. SHS at home for children was associated with statistically significantly higher unadjusted levels of 2-hydroxynapthalane, 2-, 3-, and 9-hydroxyfluorene, 1-, 2-, and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene. Also, SHS at home for adolescents was associated with statistically significantly higher unadjusted levels of 2- and 9-hydroxyfluorene, 2- and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene. Further, SHS exposure at home was associated with (1) higher adjusted levels of 9-hydroxyfluorene for 6–12 years old (p < 0.01) and (2) lower adjusted levels of 1-hydroxynaphthalene for 12–19 years old (p < 0.01).     

Behaviour of pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen in peanut field soil: effects on soil biological and biochemical activities

A field experiment was conducted to study the dissipation kinetics of herbicides pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen in black soil of peanut field at half recommended rate (HRE), recommended rate and double recommended rate as well as to assess their effects on soil microbial parameters and enzymatic activities. In addition, their role in the transformations and availability of some plant nutrients like nitrogen transformation (through ammonification and nitrification processes) and availability of phosphorous were also studied. Incorporation of these herbicides was found to stimulate the activity of soil microbial biomass carbon, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysing activity, alkaline phosphatase and ammonification rates, while dehydrogenase activity, acid phosphatase, nitrification rate and available phosphorous was adversely affected. However, urease remains almost unchanged except for little stimulation at later stages. Dissipation of pendimethalin and oxy?uorfen followed first-order reaction kinetics with half-life (T_1/2) of 13.7–20.1 and 21.5–27.4 days, respectively. Residues of both herbicides persisted up to 60 days in the soil at all the doses except 45 days for pendimethalin at HRE.     

Bioremediation of industrial waste through mushroom cultivation

Handmade paper and cardboard industries are involved in processing of cellulosic and ligno-cellulosic substances for making paper by hand or simple machinery. In the present study solid sludge and effluent of both cardboard and handmade paper industries was collected for developing a mushroom cultivation technique to achieve zero waste discharges. Findings of present research work reveals that when 50% paper industries waste is used by mixing with 50% (w/w) wheat straw, significant increase (96.38%) in biological efficiency over control of wheat straw was observed. Further, cultivated basidiocarps showed normal morphology of stipe and pileus. Cross section of lamellae did not show any abnormality in the attachment of basidiospores, hymenal trama and basidium. No toxicity was found when fruiting bodies were tested chemically.     

Assessment of urban air pollution and it's probable health impact

The present study deals with the quantitative effect of vehicular emission on ambient air quality during May 2006 in urban area of Lucknow city. In this study SPM, RSPM, SO2, NOx and 7 trace metals associated with RSPM were estimated at 10 representative locations in urban area and one village area for control. Beside this, air quality index (AQI), health effects of different metals and mortality were assessed. The 24 hr average concentration of SPM, RSPM, SO2 and NOx was found to be 382.3, 171.5, 24.3 and 33.8 microg m(-3) respectively in urban area and these concentrations were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher by 94.8, 134.8, 107.4 and 129.6% than control site respectively The 24 hr mean of SPM and RSPM at each location of urban area were found to be higher than prescribed limit of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) except SPM for industrial area. The 24 hr mean concentration of metals associated with RSPM was found to be higher than the control site by 52.3, 271.8, 408.9, 75.81, 62.7, 487.54 and 189.5% for Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn and Cr respectively. The inter correlation of metals Pb with Mn, Fe and Cr; Zn with Ni and Cr; Ni with Cr; Mn with Fe and Cu with Cr showed significant positive relation either at p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 level. Metals Pb, Mn and Cr (p < 0.01) and Cu (p < 0.05) showed significant positive correlation with RSPM. These results indicate that ambient air quality in the urban area is affected adversely due to emission and accumulation of SPM, RSPM, SO2, NOx and trace metals. These pollutants may pose detrimental effect on human health, as exposure of these are associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, neurological impairments, increased risk of preterm birth and even mortality and morbidity.     

Dynamics of global oil prices,exchange rate and precious metal prices in India

This study examines cointegration and Granger causality among global oil prices, precious metal (Gold, Platinum and Silver) prices and Indian Rupee–US Dollar exchange rate using daily data spanning from 2nd January 2009 to 30th December 2011. ARDL bounds tests indicate that the series are cointegrated. Toda–Yamamoto version of Granger causality has been employed to establish the causation amongst the variables. The study also examines generalized error variance decomposition of variables due to various shocks in the system. Such information provides insight into the transmission links between the global oil market and the Indian precious metals and foreign exchange market. These have the potential for significant impact in further research, portfolio management and central bank policy design.     

Effect of marble dust on plants around Vishwakarma Industrial Area (VKIA) in Jaipur, India

The paper describes the effect of marble dust on plants in and around Vishwakarma Industrial Area (VKIA) Jaipur, Rajasthan (India). Trees species growing in and around VKIA area were selected and various morphological characteristics were studied such as leaf area dry weight ratio (LADWR), Dust retaining capacity (DRC) and Chlorophyll content. In the study the effects of marble dust on selected tree species was observed. LADWR was recorded maximunm 217.90 cm2 g(-1) dry wt. in Polyalthia longifolia in VKIA and minimum 98.74 cm2 g(-1) dry wt. in Ficus religiosa in Nindar whereas The DRC was observed maximum 178.51 mg cm(-2) in Azadirachta indica in VKIA as well as minimum recorded 66.41 mg cm(-2) in Thevetie pervvianain in Vidyadher Nagar. However the Total Chlorophyll Content was also determined and it was found maximum in Bougainvillea i.e. 2.949 mg g(-1) (fresh wt.) in VKIA whereas minimum for Nindar i.e. 0.784 mg g(-1) (fresh wt.) in Ficus religiosa.