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INTRODUCTION: Recurrent pregnancy losses (RPLs) are seen in up to 15–20% of all clinically recognized pregnancies, 1–2% of women in general population. Repeated losses are seen in 5–10% of women. The prevalence of chromosomal rearrangements is 6.65% in couples with repeated pregnancy losses. Two to 4% of RPL are associated with parental balanced reciprocal and Robertsonian translocations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, and in total, 204 couples with RPL enrolled in the study. RESULTS: In total, 4490 couples presented to the obstetric clinic, of which 204 (4.5%) couples had repeated pregnancy losses. Cytogenetic analysis was done in 198 couples. Out of total 198 patients, 14 patients (7.1%) had cytogenetic alterations. Most common aberrations observed were structural rearrangements, of which reciprocal translocations were more common. In our study cohort, all the couples had maternal age of ≤ 35 years and all the alterations were seen either in mother or in both parents. DISCUSSION: Our study highlights that cytogenetic alterations not only are common in first trimester miscarriages, but are an important event in miscarriages presenting at later period of gestation and in young mothers as well.

The snow cover is greatly diverse in distribution due to landscape, slope, duration, wind, etc. However, the snow build-up and spatial patterns play an important role in the hydrological cycle. These characteristics can be determined through a number of weather station which widely represents the entire glacier and hilly region of Leh-Ladakh to support understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of snow cover. Remotely sensed data overcome these natural and other anthropogenic limitations that hinder data collection. Snow and ice cover has a distinct spectral reflectance from the land surfaces, therefore, shortwave infrared (SWIR-1) bands were used to discriminate these. Snow was extracted by applying Normalized Difference Snow Index and Normalized Difference Snow Thermal Index. In this study, snow and ice of different classes like fresh snow, dirty snow, and blue ice from the optical images were interpreted and Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2 images were used to extract both spatial and temporal aspects. Temporal changes of snow and ice in the year of 2015–2017 shows a decline in snow cover area. The accuracy assessment of supervised classification using maximum likelihood and support vector machine accuracy with the Sentinel-2 optical image was compared and it was 94.40%. The landsat-8 image depicted 80.88% accuracy of snow and ice.

Substantial genetic diversity exists in the natural populations of desert teak which needs to be conserved in-situ as well as ex-situ to ensure sustainable utilization and survival of this endangered tree. Tecomella undulata (Sm) Seem (family bignoniaceae) is a medicinally important agroforestry tree yielding quality timber commercially known as desert teak. This slow growing tree found in hot arid regions of western Rajasthan is used to treat various ailments and disorders. This monotypic genus with three colour morphotypes is also used for phytoremediation of soils, biosorptive removal of inorganic salts, synthesis of silver nanoparticles, rehabilitation of lignite mine backfills and as bio-fertilizer. This multifaceted tree is heading towards extinction due to over exploitation, unscientific management and negligible plantation efforts. No initiatives have been undertaken to conserve, domesticate or genetically improve this pharmacologically important timber tree. An attempt was made to analyze the genetic variability existing in western Rajasthan, the natural hub of this species, using RAPD, ISSR and rDNA markers for the first time. The RAPD markers (69.05%) detected polymorphism more efficiently compared to ISSR (61.76%) among the 119 samples belonging to 22 populations. Likewise, average number of amplicons, polymorphic amplicons and polymorphism information content (PIC) were more for RAPD (11.25, 7.95 and 0.52, respectively) than for ISSR (10.4, 6.45 and 0.40) markers. The percent variability within and between populations varied among ISSR (64 and 36%, respectively) and RAPD (71 and 29%) markers. A positive correlation coefficient (r) of 0.402 was observed between RAPD and ISSR markers. The UPGMA dendrogram separated the samples into 13 (RAPD) and 11(ISSR) clusters with one out group each. At places, associations based on corolla colour, climatic, and geographical proximity were also recorded at subgroup levels. The single distinct amplicon (~ 650 bp) of 5.8S gene region showed a uniform nucleotide length of 163 bp for the conserved 5.8S rDNA region while length variations were for observed in ITS-1 (223 to 226) and ITS-2 (238 to 242) regions. The phylogram delineated the 23 samples into 5 major clusters. Sufficient genetic variability recorded vide this study was conserved (8.5 kg winged seed from 317 trees) under long-term storage facility to ensure availability for futuristic breeding and improvement programs.

The article made an inventory of typical frost heave features in the cold arid region of the Leh-Ladakh region. The study found variations in morphology and patterns and also identified degraded forms of heaves. Such features were correlated with pasture degradation in the region.

Cluster bean is an important legume crop of the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. In the present study, 140 germplasm lines of cluster bean were evaluated for agronomic and yield traits. Wide variation was observed among agronomic and yield-related traits among the accessions, making selection possible for different characters. High heritability (< 85%) coupled with high genetic advance (< 30%) was observed for yield per plant (TY), pods per cluster (PDSCL), and clusters on main branch (CLMN). Pod length (PDLT) and total pods per plant (TDP) explained 30% and 72% of variability in seed number per pod (SDN) and TY, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed significant variation among the characters with the first four principal components explaining about 70.8% of the total variation. Projecting the germplasm accession onto the first two principal components revealed two groups: (i) accessions showing high PDSCL, TPD, and TY and (ii) accessions having high SDN. Among the 140 germplasm lines evaluated, IC-421815 (TY - 31.5 g plant-1; TPD - 139.8; and PDSCL - 6.6) and IC-370563 (31.2 g plant-1, 134.0 and 7.4) were the best performing lines compared to the checks. The information presented in this manuscript would be used for cluster bean breeding.

Three promising genotypes (CAZRI 75, CAZRI 2178 and CAZRI 2221) of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) were evaluated for maximization of seed production by imposing different cutting management practices, i.e. uncut (control), single cut at 30 and 45 days of sowing/regeneration and at 50 % flowering during 2010–2013 under arid conditions of Thar desert. Maximum pure seed yield (PSY) of 67.6 kg/ha was produced by CAZRI 2221 in 2011, 53.5 kg/ha in 2012 and 72.0 kg/ha in 2013 with average of 64.4 kg/ha, which was 131.7 and 32.2 % higher than CAZRI 75 and CAZRI 2178, respectively. Highest PSYs were obtained from uncut crop in all the years, and average over the last 3 years showed that the PSY (86.3 kg/ha) from uncut treatment was 117.4, 283.6 and 119.0 % higher than the crops cut at 30 and 45 days and 50 % flowering, respectively. Average over the last 3 years of crop growth also showed that plant height, number of fertile tillers/meter row length, spike length, 1,000-seed weight, seeds/spike, seed weight/spike and dry matter yield were maximum with no cutting. Reduced dry matter yield was recorded in the years 2012 and 2013 when cuttings were imposed. The findings of the investigation showed that CAZRI 2221 was the best seed yielder and higher seed yields were obtained from the uncut treatment.

Genetic variation and relationships among 37 cultivars of Ziziphus mauritiana (Lamk.) native of India were analyzed using start codon targeted (SCoT), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) markers. High level of polymorphism among SCoT (61.6%) and ISSR (61%) primers with higher PIC values ranging from 63.1 to 90.4% of SCoT and 47.3 to 88.8% of ISSR primers was recorded. SCoT and ISSR dendrograms revealed similarity coefficients ranging from 0.80 to 0.92 and 0.79 to 0.96, respectively, and clearly delineated all the cultivars of Z. mauritiana into well-supported distinct clusters. Greater Gst signifies higher amount of differentiation observed over multiple loci among seven Z. mauritiana populations. On the other hand, higher gene flow demonstrating a very high migration rate between Z. mauritiana populations indicated higher rates of transfer of alleles or genes from one population to another. The genetic diversity of population 1 (Rajasthan) was the richest among all the seven populations. The largest genetic distance was measured between Maharashtra and West Bengal and the least between Rajasthan and Punjab cultivars. Most of the genetic diversity exists within population rather than among populations. Substantial variation in the ITS-1 region signifies its phylogenetic utility specifically in assessing genetic diversity in Z. mauritiana. The clustering patterns using three molecular marker systems vis-a-vis place of origin exhibited no consistency in grouping of Z. mauritiana cultivars as cultivars from the same place of origin were genetically cataloged into different SCoT, ISSR, and ITS phylogram clusters indicating wide genetic diversity and distribution across agro-climatic zones validating the robustness of marker systems tested.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the students’ opinion of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, regarding the use of social networking sites (SNSs)/tools by library and their expectation from the library through SNSs. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted using a well-designed questionnaire circulated among 200 students studying in JNU for the academic session 2011-2012. Findings – The study explores that most of the students are in favor of using the SNS/tools by the libraries and they expect the services should be provided to them by libraries through SNS/tools as well. Research limitations/implications – The study geographical area was confined to the students of the JNU, New Delhi, regarding their opinion on use of SNS/tools by the library. Originality/value – The paper highlights the student opinion regarding the use of SNS by library and further explores the expectations of students from library through SNS/tool.

Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. (family Bignoniaceae) is an economically and pharmaceutically important small tree of arid regions of India, Pakistan and Arabia. It is well known as ‘Desert teak’ or ‘Marwar teak’ being the main source of timber amongst the tree species of desert region of Rajasthan, India. T. undulata has occupied a reputed position of having valuable medicinal properties in both folk and classical streams of indigenous medicinal systems. Plant is well-known for its wide range of therapeutic activities like hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-termite, immunomodulatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, etc. Rohitakarishta, an ayurvedic drug obtained from T. undulata, is the classical compound which is being prescribed in liver and spleen diseases, oedema and anaemia. This well accepted agroforestry tree of the arid regions is heading towards extinction due to its increasing demand in timber and pharmacological industries coupled with negligible conservation efforts. This species has now been designated as “threatened” in Rajasthan, India. Susceptibility to many pathogens and pests is one of the major problems and detrimental factor in successful establishment and growth of this tree. Conventionally, it is propagated through seeds; however, natural regeneration of plants is poor due to air dispersal of seeds to remote areas, extreme environmental conditions during seed dispersal, improper harvest and storage of seeds, and short seed viability. The tree is very slow growing and suitable vegetative propagation methods are not available for its rapid multiplication. Alternatively, attempts have been made to propagate this tree through in vitro approaches; however, it also has many limitations including difficulties in culture establishment, slow growth, low rooting rates as well as field establishment rates. Moreover, little information is available regarding genetic diversity in this species using morphological and molecular markers. Efforts to undertake breeding programs for improvement of T. undulata have not been initiated yet. Some literature is available regarding cytology, role in agroforestry and silviculture, association with vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza and application of biotechnological tools in T. undulata, however, an exponential increase in research publications on identification of bioactive constituents and verification of pharmacological effects has been recorded in the recent past. In this communication, we emphasize the research progress made in T. undulata on various aspects and suggest some future directions of research.

Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) in different Solanum species including eggplant have been studied. PPOs have been implicated in undesirable enzymatic browning of eggplant fruit and also in plant defense. The main objective of this study was to identify and accelerate the further functional characterization of additional eggplant PPOs that are involved in food biochemistry and defense-related functions. Eggplant PPOs identified earlier were used in "Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST)" search against expressed sequence tag and nucleotide databases. We have identified seven additional sequences which were almost complete in length. The sequences of the PPOs were aligned and their phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships established. The sequences are quite diverse, broadly falling into two major clusters; three PPOs form a separate branch/minor cluster. The thirteen sequences had conserved copper A binding sites but copper B binding sites differed considerably in two new PPO sequences (AFJ79642 and ACR61398). A third conserved 'Histidine-rich' region has been identified at the 'C' terminus of the eggplant PPOs. In addition, all the seven new PPOs exhibited at least one glycosylated sequon in the mature PPO sequence. Identification of additional PPO genes will further help in functional and biological characterization of these PPOs.

This paper deals with marketing of Library and Information Sciences products and services of the select economics libraries in Delhi. Marketing, nowadays, is becoming imperative to be applied as it helps a lot to not only overcome the problem of underutilisation of library resources but also help in organisation and management of libraries in much more efficient and effective manner. The paper is a research effort which is being conducted to critically assess the application of marketing philosophy, techniques, and methods adopted by the libraries under study.DOI: 10.14429/djlit.36.3.9794

PurposeThis paper focuses on the use of UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium Resources by research scholars and faculty members of University of Delhi in History and Political Science. The main aim is to determine the needs of research scholars and faculty members of University of Delhi in the discipline of history and political science and to find out how far their information needs are fulfilled by the information resources available through UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium. The paper attempts to define this consortium, its objectives, scope, e‐resources subscribed and the government initiative to provide current information in various disciplines for research and teaching excellence.Design/methodology/approachTo study the information usage pattern and needs of the respective users a survey was conducted among faculty and research scholars. The population included in the study comprised 105 respondents from both departments and of that, eight are faculty and 97 are research scholars.FindingsThe study tangibly explains the genesis, e‐resources facilities and usage of e‐resources available through UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium (a University Grants Commission of India sponsored consortium) to provide e‐resources and current information in various disciplines. The UGC‐Infonet Digital Library Consortium is the most important consortium providing access to a large array of e‐resources to all academic universities and colleges in India and thus facilitates the prompt access and efficient and effective usage of e‐resources for teaching and research activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the study is confined to faculty members and research scholars of the Department of History and Political Science of the University of Delhi respectively, regarding the use of e‐journals provided by UGC‐INFONET Digital Library Consortium.Originality/valueThe paper reflects the users' awareness regarding the consortium resources available in the respective fields, information about important databases and e‐journals, search techniques, recurring usage for information and knowledge, help and support in research output and teaching activities, benefits accrued such as saving of time, effort and the problems faced.

Cluster bean is an annual drought hardy legume crop mainly cultivated in arid regions receiving scanty (150–400 mm) and erratic rainfall during crop growth period. For the enhancement of genetic diversity in this locally adapted crop, three genotypes HG-2-20 (hispid branched), CAZG15-6 (branched glabrous) and CAZG 15-3 (single stem, hispid and regular bearing) were irradiated with gamma rays (100–1600 gray) with 100 gray intervals. The mutation rate increased with increasing dose up to 300 gray, there after gradually reduced indicating decline in rate of recovery of mutations with respect to increasing M1 damage. At higher dose of 800 gray, mutation efficiency drastically reduced with reduced survival and high level of pollen sterility in M1 generation. Beyond 800 Gy dose all the seedlings died within a few days (15 d) of germination. Based on mutation efficiency and effectiveness a gamma radiation dose between wide ranges (200–700 Gy) was found appropriate for inducing variability. The mutagenesis has generated, a good amount of diversity for economically and agronomically important traits.

Wood specific gravity (WSG) is an important parameter in allometric equations for accurate estimation of C-sequestration and other functional properties of a tree. However, WSG of many tree species especially of arid and semi-arid regions is poorly reported. Further, identifying indirect methods for determination of stem WSG from branches may be rapid and relatively easy. The present study determined WSG of stem and branches of 21 tree species in the hot semi-arid region of Western India. Three individual trees from each species were randomly selected and sampled for determination of WSG of stem, primary and secondary branch. WSG varied significantly among the species (F = 42.83, P primary branch > secondary branch in most species. WSG of stem and branches showed linear relationship and branches were found a good predictor of stem WSG (R 2 > 0.83).

Sesbania sesban and S. grandiflora were studied for their physiological characters under different light intensities (100, 75, 50 and 25 %) in a natural environment for 4 months. Rate of photosynthesis (PN) and stomatal conductance (CS) significantly decreased with decreasing light intensities and with intensity reduced to half the full sun light under high shading i.e. at 25 % light intensity, whereas the intercellular CO 2 concentration increased with decreasing light intensities in both the species. The reduction in PN was more in S. grandiflora than S. sesban. S. sesban maintained higher carboxylation efficiency under shade condition as compared to S. grandiflora. Rate of transpiration and water use efficiency (PN/TR) decreased while leaf diffusion resistance increased significantly with decreasing light intensities. Total chlorophyll content was maximal under 50 % light intensity in both plant species. Accumulation of chl b increased but chl a decreases under low light intensities. The higher accumulation of chl b in S. sesban under shade predicted its shade adaptability. The total protein content and NRA reduced under low light intensities. The overall rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, carboxylation efficiency and water-use efficiency were higher in S. sesban as compared to S. grandiflora, indicating its better adaptability under shade condition and that it may be suitable to grow under stress in agroforestry systems in semi-arid tropics.

Activities of enzymes catalase, peroxidase, and level of total soluble proteins were studied in two genotypes (JHO 884, JHO 888) of oat (Avena sativa L.) subjected to water stress for 1, 3, and 4 days by withholding water in a pot culture experiment. No change was observed in the level of total soluble proteins at early stage but it increased significantly at higher magnitude of water stress. Increase in catalase activity was noticed in JHO 884 whereas reverse trend was observed in JHO 888 at highest level of stress. The JHO 884 genotype showed increase in peroxidase activity from the first day of water stress. Results suggest that the efficiency level of antioxidant system is found different in these two genotypes.

Various fatty acids were fed to the yeast Dipodascopsis uninucleata UOFS Y 128, and the extracted samples were analyzed for the accumulation of 3-hydroxy metabolites with the help of electron impact gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fatty acids containing of 5Z,8Z-diene system (5Z,8Z,11Z-eicosatrienoic, 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic, and 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z-eicosapentaenoic acids) yielded the corresponding 3-hydroxy-all-Z-eicosapolyenoic acids. Moreover, linoleic acid (9Z,12Z-octadecadienoic acid) and 11Z,14Z,17Z-eicosatrienoic acid were converted to the 3-hydorxylated metabolites of shorter chain length, e,g., 3-hydroxy-5Z,8Z-tetradecadienoic acid and 3-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,11Z-tetradecatrienoic acid, respectively. In contrast, no accumulation of a 3-hydroxy metabolite was observed with oleic acid (9Z-octadecenoic acid), linolelaidic acid (9E,12E-octadecadienoic acid), gamma-linolenic acid (6Z,9Z,12Z-octadecatrienoic acid), and eicosanoic acid as substrate. These findings pinpoint that the 3-hydroxylation of a fatty acid in Dipodascopsis uninucleata requires a 5Z,8Z-diene system either directly or following initial incomplete beta-oxidation. Following analysis of the enantiomer composition, the arachidonic acid metabolite was identified as 3R-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid, which rules out a normal beta-oxidation as biosynthetic route to this new class of oxylipins.

Fodder sorghum (M.P. Chari) was grown at varying populations to examine its influence on light interception, leaf area index and biomass production. DMY, CGR and IPAR depending on LAI reached maximum at LAI 5 of 150 000 plants ha -1 stand and thus yielded higher biomass. Therefore, physiological potential of fodder sorghum crop was found to be maximum at a population density of 150 000 plants ha -1 . Further increases in population developed mutual shading and adversely affected the crop growth rate and dry matter accumulation. Significant linear relationships of dry matter yield with IPAR, plant population densities, LAI and CGR clearly indicate the interdependence of these characters.

Effect of Sowing Dates, Plant Density, Seed Treatment and Fertilizers on Performance and Quality Seed Production in Mungbean [Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek] Variation in agro-ecological conditions due to climate change encourages modern research approaches to optimise the time for sowing, plant density and use of seed treatment and fertilizers to maximise the seed yield of Mungbean. It may vary from variety to variety and season to season. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in mungbean (var. SML 668) comprising three dates of sowing (July 15, August 1 and 16), two plant geometry (25 x 10 cm) and (30 x 10 cm) and six combinations of seed treatments and fertilizers, control (No fertilizer application), recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as basal dose (12.5 kg/ha N and 40 kg/ha P2 O5 ), seed inoculation with Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), seed inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB + RDF as basal dose, seed inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB + 50 % more RDF as basal dose and seed inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB + RDF as basal dose + Borax spray (100 ppm) at flower initiation during Kharif 2013 and 2014 at CAZRI, Jodhpur. Studies revealed that delayed sowing in August reduced seed yield and affected yield attributes (plant height, pods/plant, seeds/pod, seed yield/plant and 1000-seed weight). Early sowing (15th July), wider spacing (30 x 10 cm) and recommended dose of fertilizer + seed treatment with Rhizobium and PSB + Borax spray (100 ppm) at flower initiation enhanced the seed yield and yield attributes in mungbean..

The growth, biomass production and photosynthesis of Cenchrus ciliaris was studied under the canopies of 17 yr old Acacia tortilis trees in semi arid tropical environment. On an average the full grown canopy of A. tortilis at the spacing of 4 x 4 m allowed 55% of total Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) which in turn increased Relative Humidity (RH) and reduced under canopy temperature to -1.75 degrees C over the open air temperature. C. ciliaris attained higher height under the shade of A. tortilis. The tiller production and leaf area index decreased marginally under the shade of tree canopies as compared to the open grown grasses. C. ciliaris accumulated higher chlorophyll a and b under the shade of tree canopies indicating its shade adaptation potential. The assimilatory functions such as rate of photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic water use efficiency (PN/TR) and carboxylation efficiency (PN/CINT) decreased under the tree canopies due to low availability of PAR. The total biomass production in term of fresh and dry weight decreased under the tree canopies. On average of 2 yr C. ciliaris had produced 12.78 t ha(-1) green and 3.72 -t ha(-1) dry biomass under the tree canopies of A. tortilis. The dry matter yield reduced to 38% under the tree canopies over the open grown grasses. The A. tortilis + C. ciliaris maintained higher soil moisture, organic carbon content and available N P K for sustainable biomass production for the longer period. The higher accumulation of crude protein, starch, sugar and nitrogen in leaves and stem of C. ciliaris indicates that this grass species also maintained its quality under A. tortilis based silvopastoral system. The photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation are closely associated with available PAR indicating that for sustainable production of this grass species in the silvopasture systems for longer period about 55% or more PAR is required.

Seven species of genus Avena viz., Avena sativa, Avena strigosa, Avena brevis, Avena vaviloviana, Avena abyssinica, Avena marocana and Avena sterilis were used to study the impact of drought stress on lipid peroxidation and other antioxidant enzymes. Maximum increase in the catalase activity was recorded in A. vaviloviana (129.97%) followed by A. sativa (122.82%) and A. brevis (83.38%) at vegetative stage; however at flowering stage the maximum increase was reported in A. sativa (25.62%) followed by A. sterilis (20.46%) and A. brevis (18.53%). At vegetative stage drought, maximum increase in peroxidase activity was recorded in A. sativa (122.82%) followed by A. brevis (83.38%) and A. sterilis (49.78%). Flowering stage drought, showed maximum increase in A. Sativa (27.09%) followed by A. marocana (23.50%) and A. sterilis (20.46%). A. sativa and A. sterilis showed stress tolerance at both the stages by accumulating higher percentage of peroxidase followed by A. brevis at vegetative and A. marocana at flowering stage. Level of lipid peroxidation in terms of Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased in the leaves when plants were subjected to moisture stress. The rate of increase in lipid peroxidation occurs irrespective of stage however; maximum increase was recorded in A. strigosa at both the stages. Avena species which showed high level of MDA content, indicates more lipid peroxidation and more membrane permeability and are comparatively more susceptible for water stress than those which produce less Malondialdehyde (MDA) content at higher magnitude of water stress such species have better capability for moisture stress tolerance.

A new system for analysis of Bundle of HIS and Late Potentials has been developed using the wavelet approach. The objective of the present research work is to develop a real-time system which does not rely on averaged data and has the capability to detect beat to beat variations in the cardiac micro-volt signals from the body surface recordings. Multiresolution wavelet analysis gives better time and frequency resolution of the signal and its implementation on DSP hardware makes the system real time. The clinical applicability of the system developed is currently being investigated with initial success on pre clinical data.

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is metabolized by beta-oxidation, omega-oxidation and the 12-hydroxyeicosanoid dehydrogenase/delta 10-reductase pathway. We have investigated the effects of metabolites formed by the latter pathway on calcium mobilization and migration in human neutrophils and have compared their potencies with those of other LTB4 derivatives. 12-Oxo-LTB4 and 10,11-dihydro-LTB4 were 60 to 100 times less potent than LTB4 in stimulating neutrophils, whereas 10,11-dihydro-12-oxo-LTB4 and 10,11-dihydro-12-epi-LTB4 exhibited still lower potencies. The 6-trans isomers of 12-oxo-LTB4 and 10,11-dihydro-12-oxo-LTB4 were much less potent than the 6-cis compounds. The EC50 values for biologically and chemically (6-cis) synthesized 12-oxo-LTB4 were similar, indicating that the 6,7-double bond is retained in the cis configuration in the biologically formed compound. Methylation of LTB4 markedly reduced its effect on cytosolic calcium levels, whereas addition of a 3-hydroxyl group had a much more modest effect. Modifications of the omega end of the molecule also resulted in lower potencies for calcium mobilization. Nearly all of the compounds tested desensitized neutrophils to LTB4-induced calcium mobilization, which suggests that their effects were mediated by receptors for the latter compound. However, modifications in the carboxyl end of the molecule had smaller effects on desensitization than on calcium mobilization, whereas the reverse was true for modifications in the omega end of the molecule. This suggests that the structural requirements for agonist-induced desensitization to LTB4 may differ to some extent from the requirements for calcium mobilization.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), cytochrome P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid, have attracted attention because of their effects on stimulus-response coupling in endocrine, renal, and vascular cells. To investigate a possible role for EETs in ovarian physiology, we conducted a series of experiments using human luteinized granulosa cells. Granulosa cell microsomes produce EETs, which are identified by their comigration with known standards using reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. EET synthesis by granulosa cells is NADPH dependent and inhibited by ketoconazole, suggesting an enzymatic mechanism of production. Intact granulosa cells synthesize EETs from exogenous arachidonic acid, and EET production is increased by hCG stimulation of the cells. To investigate whether EETs have a role in ovarian steroidogenesis, they were added to cultures of granulosa cells. Varying concentrations of 14,15-EET differentially affected estradiol secretion; 0.001-0.05 microM stimulated estradiol production, whereas 14,15-EET concentrations of 10-50 microM inhibited estradiol production. hCG-stimulated estradiol secretion was also inhibited by 10-50 microM 14,15-EET. In contrast, progesterone secretion was not affected by any concentration of 14,15-EET tested. The cellular concentration of cAMP was not affected by the addition of EETs. These findings suggest that hCG stimulates granulosa cell production of EETs via an NADPH-supported, cytochrome P-450-dependent enzymatic mechanism. EETs may have an important autocrine or paracrine role in regulating ovarian granulosa cell estrogen synthesis.

A high affinity binding site for 14(R),15(S)-EET, one of the major cytochrome P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) in blood vessels, liver, kidney and urine of patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, has been identified in a membrane preparation from guinea pig mononuclear (GPM) cells. Using a radioligand assay, binding of 14(R),15(S)-[3H]EET to its receptor site was saturable, specific and reversible. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding studies yielded a dissociation constant (Kd) of 5.7 x 10(-9) M, and maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) of 2.4 pmol/mg membrane protein. The specificity of the binding site was determined by competition studies. 14(S),15(R)-EET and 8,9-EET had a Ki of 6.3 and 8.8 nM, respectively, followed by 12(R)-HETE and LTD4. 12(S)-HETE and 5,6-EET were even less effective as a competitive inhibitor of radioligand and binding with Ki values from 2 to 20 microM. Receptor antagonists for TxA2, LTB4, LTD4 and PAF failed to displace 14(R),15(S)-[3H]EET from its binding site on GPM cell membranes. The results correlate well with the reported biological functions of 14,15-EET. In view of its potent biological activities, 14,15-EET may exert its cellular function through the binding and activation of its stereo-specific cell surface binding sites or receptor.

Twelve varieties of Oat (Avena sativa L.) were screened for relative drought tolerance based on the magnitude of chlorophyll stability index (CSI), relative water content (RWC) and free proline accumulation. IGFR1-2670, IGFRI-3021, IGFRI-2688 and IGO-8 showed a lower magnitude of CSI under stress condition in comparison to other tested varieties whereas the values of RWC and tree proline accumulation were higher. Based on the observations of this study it is concluded that, of the varieties tested, IGFRI-2670, 3021 2688 and IGO-8 are relatively more drought tolerant than the other genotypes tested. A close agreement was also noticed amongst the trends of CSI and proline accumulation, and per cent reduction in yield in rainfed over irrigated conditions.

(1S,2S,3R,4R,5R,8S,10R,12S)-4-Hydroxy-2,3:15,16-diepoxycleroda-13( 16),14- dieno-17,12:18,1-biscarbolactone, C20H22O7, Mr = 374, m.p. = 509-511 K, orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 9.191 (2), b = 13.8230 (6), c = 26.956 (2) A, V = 3424.50 A3, Z = 8, Dx = 1.450, Dm (by flotation) = 1.446 g cm-3, lambda (Cu K alpha) = 1.5418 A, mu = 8.20 cm-1, F(000) = 1584, T = 295 K, R = 0.0464, wR = 0.0579 for 3437 observed reflections. The asymmetric unit contains two molecules. The structure resembles that of a similar compound [Swaminathan, Sinha, Bhatt & Sabata (1988). Acta Cryst. C44, 1421-1424] with atom H(15) replacing the tertiary hydroxyl group at C(8). Atoms H(4) and H(15) are alpha- and beta-oriented respectively at sites C(12) and C(8). The terpene ring A is locked into a boat conformation by the C(1)-C(4) lactone bridge. The hydroxyl at C(4) is involved in hydrogen bonding.

(1S,4R,5R,8S,10R,12S)-4-Hydroxy-15,16-epoxycleroda-2,12(16),14- trieno-17,12: 18,1-biscarbolactone, C20H22O6, Mr = 358.2, m.p. = 453-454 K, orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 7.3869 (6), b = 11.986 (1), c = 19.896 (2) A, V = 1761.65 A3, Z = 4, Dx = 1.351, Dm(by flotation) = 1.349 g cm-3, lambda(Cu K alpha) = 1.5418 A, mu = 8.36 cm-1, F(000) = 760, T = 295 K, R = 0.0432 for 1662 observed reflections. Two terpene rings, two delta-lactones, two methyl groups, a tertiary hydroxyl group and a beta-substituted furan ring are present in the structure. The H atoms at C(12) and C(8) are alpha- and beta-oriented. The terpene ring A is locked into a boat conformation by the C(1)-C(4) lactone bridge. The furan ring is attached equatorially at atom C(12). The hydroxyl group is involved in intramolecular hydrogen bonding.

(1S,4R,5R,8S, IOR,12S)-4-Hydroxy-15,16-epoxycleroda-2,13 (16), 14-trieno- 17,12:18,1-biscarbolactone,C20H2206, Mr = 358.2, m.p. = 453-454 K,orthorhombic, P212121, a = 7.3869 (6), b = 11.986 (1),c=19.896(2) A, V=1761.65A 3, Z=4, D x=1.351, Din(by flotation)= 1.349gem -3, 2(CuKa)=1.5418 A, /l = 8.36 cm -1, F(000) = 760, T= 295 K,R = 0.0432 for 1662 observed reflections. Two terpenerings, two ~-lactones, two methyl groups, a tertiary hydroxyl group and a fl-substituted furan ring are present in the structure. The H atoms at C(12) and C(8) are a- and fl-oriented. The terpene ring A is locked into a boat conformation by the C(1)-C(4) lactone bridge. The furan ring is attached equatoriaUy at atom C(12). The hydroxyl group is involved in intramolecular hydrogen bonding.

(1S,2S,3R,4R,5R,8S,10R,12S)-4-Hydroxy-2,3:15,16-diepoxycleroda-13( 16),14- dieno-17,12:18,1-biscarbolactone, C20H22O7, Mr = 374, m.p. = 509-511 K, orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 9.191 (2), b = 13.8230 (6), c = 26.956 (2) A, V = 3424.50 A3, Z = 8, Dx = 1.450, Dm (by flotation) = 1.446 g cm-3, lambda (Cu K alpha) = 1.5418 A, mu = 8.20 cm-1, F(000) = 1584, T = 295 K, R = 0.0464, wR = 0.0579 for 3437 observed reflections. The asymmetric unit contains two molecules. The structure resembles that of a similar compound [Swaminathan, Sinha, Bhatt & Sabata (1988). Acta Cryst. C44, 1421-1424] with atom H(15) replacing the tertiary hydroxyl group at C(8). Atoms H(4) and H(15) are alpha- and beta-oriented respectively at sites C(12) and C(8). The terpene ring A is locked into a boat conformation by the C(1)-C(4) lactone bridge. The hydroxyl at C(4) is involved in hydrogen bonding.