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Farmers in northwestern and central India have been exploring to sow their wheat much earlier (October) than normal (November) to sustain productivity by escaping terminal heat stress and to utilize the available soil moisture after the harvesting of rice crop. However, current popular varieties are poorly adapted to early sowing due to the exposure of juvenile plants to the warmer temperatures in the month of October and early November. Therefore, a study was undertaken to identify wheat genotypes suited to October sowing under warmer temperatures in India. A diverse collection of 3322 bread wheat varieties and elite lines was prepared in CIMMYT, Mexico, and planted in the 3rd week of October during the crop season 2012–2013 in six locations (Ludhiana, Karnal, New Delhi, Indore, Pune and Dharwad) spread over northwestern plains zone (NWPZ) and central and Peninsular zone (CZ and PZ, designated as CPZ) of India. Agronomic traits data from the seedling stage to maturity were recorded. Results indicated substantial diversity for yield and yield-associated traits, with some lines showing indications of higher yields under October sowing. Based on agronomic performance and disease resistance, the top 48 lines (and two local checks) were identified and planted in the next crop season (2013–2014) in a replicated trial in all six locations under October sowing (third week). High yielding lines that could tolerate higher temperature in October sowing were identified for both zones, however, performance for grain yield was more promising in the NWPZ. Hence, a new trial of 30 lines was planted only in NWPZ under October sowing. Lines showing significantly superior yield over the best check and the most popular cultivars in the zone were identified. The study suggested that agronomically superior wheat varieties with early heat tolerance can be obtained that can provide yield up to 8 t/ha by planting in the third to fourth week of October.

Recent advances in antifouling (AF) paints in general prevent fouling in about 95% of the vessel's immersed surface. However the remaining area which amounts to 5% or less of the total area does get fouled. Although this level of fouling has marginal impact on the routine performance of the vessel it is a predominant vector for the transmigration of invasive species which is now a serious environmental concern. Virtually all ocean going vessels are coated with antifouling paints predominant among them are “Self polishing coatings”. CFD analysis conducted on various types of vessels have indicated that there are certain “hotspots” where the polishing rates are exceedingly high and would polish the AF paints at a much faster rate and ultimately result in the failure of the AF coating. A possible solution to this issue is to first identify these hotspots and suitable paint schemes/formulations are to be applied in such areas. An experimental procedure utilizing a “drum-test” apparatus can be used to compute the coating thicknesses based on wall shear stresses. Such painting schemes would prevent the premature failure of the AF coating in general and significantly reduce the risk of transmigration of invasive species in particular.

Highlights • Genetic differences in 30 wheat cultivars in flag-leaf photosynthesis rate were correlated with differences in grain yield under high N conditions. • Post-anthesis flag-leaf photosynthesis rate was positively associated with pre-anthesis N uptake under high N conditions. • Genetic differences in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index during late grain filling were associated with differences in grain yield under high N and low N conditions. • Cultivar grain protein deviation was associated with post-anthesis N uptake under N limitation., Nitrogen (N) fertilizer represents a significant cost for the grower and may also have environmental impacts through nitrate leaching and N2O (a greenhouse gas) emissions associated with denitrification. The objectives of this study were to quantify the genetic variability in N partitioning and N remobilization in Indian spring wheat cultivars and identify traits for improved grain yield and grain protein content for application in breeding N-efficient cultivars. Twenty-eight bread wheat cultivars and two durum wheat cultivars were tested in field experiments in two years in Maharashtra, India. Growth analysis was conducted at anthesis and harvest to assess above-ground dry matter (DM) and dry matter and N partitioning. Flag-leaf photosynthesis rate (Amax), flag-leaf senescence rate and canopy normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were also assessed. Significant N × genotype level interaction was observed for grain yield and N-use efficiency. There was a positive linear association between post-anthesis flag-leaf Amax and grain yield amongst the 30 genotypes under high N (HN) conditions. Flag-leaf Amax was positively associated with N uptake at anthesis (AGNA). Under both HN and low N (LN) conditions, higher N uptake at anthesis was associated with delayed onset of flag-leaf senescence and higher grain yield. Under N limitation, there was a genetic negative correlation between grain yield and grain protein concentration. Deviation from this negative relationship (grain protein deviation or GPD) was related to genotypic differences in post-anthesis N uptake. It is concluded that N uptake at anthesis was an important determinant of flag-leaf photosynthesis rate and grain yield under high N conditions; while post-anthesis N uptake was an important determinant of GPD of wheat grown under low to moderate N conditions in India.

Drought stress is the major environmental constraint contributing to grain yield instability of wheat. In the present study, the recombinant inbred line population derived from DBW43/HI1500 cross was characterized for various morpho-physiological traits as well as grain yield stability analysis under moisture stress. The population was evaluated for grain yield under three different moisture stress environments viz., restricted irrigation, rainfed and late sown rainfed during the cropping season of year 2013–2014. Based on principal component analysis, the first five components explained over 60.40% of genetic variation. Grain yield per plot showed significant correlation with biomass and physiological traits viz., NDVI3, NDVI4, NDVI5, CT1, CT2 and CT3. The combined analysis of variance on grain yield data showed that mean squares of environments, genotypes and GEI were highly significant (p

A study was carried out with an aim to isolate and characterize Trichoderma isolates from sugarcane agro-ecosystem and to assess their potential to produce inhibitory secondary metabolites against Colletotrichum falcatum causing red rot of sugarcane. Ten isolates of Trichoderma were isolated from sugarcane rhizosphere soil samples, purified and characterized for their morphological characters and growth at different temperatures. Considerable variation was observed in growth rates and colony characters among the ten isolates. All isolates were screened in vitro for production of volatile and non-volatile metabolites inhibitory to C. falcatum using sealed Petri plate and culture filtrate screening methods, respectively. Non-volatile metabolites produced by Trichoderma were found more effective than volatile compounds in inhibiting C. falcatum growth with culture filtrates of eight out of the ten isolates exhibiting significant reduction in C. falcatum growth over control. Moreover, the level of inhibition accorded was higher by culture filtrates of the Trichoderma isolates as compared to volatile metabolites. Maximum inhibition of 51.5 % in colony area was recorded with culture filtrate of isolate STr-15 while in case of volatile metabolites highest inhibition observed was only 14.7 % (isolate STr-23). The study indicates that non-volatile metabolites produced by Trichoderma sp. have the potential to effectively inhibit C. falcatum and need to be explored further for red rot management.

A durum wheat recombinant inbred line population developed from PDW 233 × Bhalegaon 4 cross was analyzed in five environments to understand the genetic network responsible for test weight (TW), thousand kernel weight (TKW), grain yield (YLD), spike length (SL), spikelets per spike (SPS), kernels per spike (KER) and kernel weight per spike (KWS). Genotype, environment and their interactions were main sources of variance for all the traits. TW and TKW were influenced by 11 main effect QTL and 6 digenic epistatic interactions detected on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 4B and 7A. Grain yield was influenced by three epistatic interactions and five main effect QTL, of which two on chromosome 2A were most consistent. A major QTL for spike length was observed on chromosome 3B. QTL for spike characters were distributed over 9 chromosomes. All the traits showed significant influence of digenic epistasis (QQ) and, to a certain extent, QTL × environment interactions (QQE). Therefore, while breeding for complex traits like kernel characters and grain yield components, these interactions should also be considered important. The consistent QTL on chromosome 2A between the marker interval Xgwm71.2–Xubc835.4 with pleiotropic effect on TW and TKW, may be utilized in early generation selection to improve TW and TKW and thereby the milling potential of the durum wheat.

Wheat yields globally will depend increasingly on good management to conserve rainfall and new varieties that use water efficiently for grain production. Here we propose an approach for developing new varieties to make better use of deep stored water. We focus on water-limited wheat production in the summer-dominant rainfall regions of India and Australia, but the approach is generally applicable to other environments and root-based constraints. Use of stored deep water is valuable because it is more predictable than variable in-season rainfall and can be measured prior to sowing. Further, this moisture is converted into grain with twice the efficiently of in-season rainfall since it is taken up later in crop growth during the grain-filling period when the roots reach deeper layers. We propose that wheat varieties with a deeper root system, a redistribution of branch root density from the surface to depth, and with greater radial hydraulic conductivity at depth would have higher yields in rainfed systems where crops rely on deep water for grain fill. Developing selection systems for mature root system traits is challenging as there are limited high-throughput phenotyping methods for roots in the field, and there is a risk that traits selected in the lab on young plants will not translate into mature root system traits in the field. We give an example of a breeding programme that combines laboratory and field phenotyping with proof of concept evaluation of the trait at the beginning of the selection programme. This would greatly enhance confidence in a high-throughput laboratory or field screen, and avoid investment in screens without yield value. This approach requires careful selection of field sites and years that allow expression of deep roots and increased yield. It also requires careful selection and crossing of germplasm to allow comparison of root expression among genotypes that are similar for other traits, especially flowering time and disease and toxicity resistances. Such a programme with field and laboratory evaluation at the outset will speed up delivery of varieties with improved root systems for higher yield.

Emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccon Schrank) is still largely cultivated in India, and highly appreciated for the preparation of traditional dishes. Moreover, its nutritional characteristics could justify a development of its cultivation. The perspective of genetic improvement however requires a good knowledge of the genetic diversity existing within the eco-geographic group of Indian emmer wheats. A set of 48 emmer wheat accessions from India including 28 from a local collection and 20 Indian accessions obtained from CIMMYT, Mexico, was assessed for genetic variability using 47 microsatellite (SSR) markers, distributed over all the 14 chromosomes. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 9, with an average of 3.87 alleles per locus. A total of 201 alleles were detected at 52 loci with average polymorphic information content of 0.35 per locus and a mean resolving power of 1. The pair-wise similarity coefficients calculated from binary data matrix based on presence or absence of alleles varied from 0.15 to 0.98, but was greater than 0.5 for most accessions, indicating a high level of similarity. A cluster analysis based on the similarity matrix identified nine distinct accessions and three clusters. All the recently developed commercial varieties were distinctly different from the clusters. Based on the analysis, it appears that Indian emmer wheats are not very diverse. Consequently, there is a need to increase the diversity within the Indian emmer wheat eco-geographic group, by introducing diversity from other eco-geographic groups, or even from other wheat species.

Ten dicoccum wheats were analyzed for their physico-biochemical and milling properties to evaluate the pasta making potential. Dicoccums showed higher protein content and mixograph midline peak values compared to durum variety MACS2846. Mixographic properties of dicoccums were poor compared to durums, due to lower functional visco elastic gluten content. Dicoccums were poorer in milling properties compared to durums, due to lower test weight and thousand-grain weight. Among dicoccums, DDK 1025 showed high micro SDS sedimentation volume and strong mixographic properties, but values were still lesser compared to durum MACS 2846. HMW glutenin subunits in recently developed/released dicoccums were similar to durum parents and were different from the older dicoccums. LMW glutenin subunits, however, were similar to dicoccum parents, except in DDK 1025 which showed LMW glutenin subunits similar to durum wheat. To breed high quality dicoccum wheat for pasta products, breeders should select superior glutenin subunits composition, along with better mixograph properties, keeping morpho-botanical characteristics of dicoccum wheat.

Cyto-morphology and chromosome number worked out for 60 accessions belonging to genera and species of the family Vitaceae show marked variations in their chromosome numbers. Grape cultivars and Vitis species have 2n = 38, while in wild types like Ampelopsis, Ampelocissus and Parthenocissus 2n = 40 and 80 were encountered. Chromosome numbers of Cissus, Cayratia and Tetrastigma have variations from 2n = 22 to 120. These genera have been reclassified based on chromosome numbers like Cissus 2n = 24, 48, Cayratia 2n = 40, 80, 60 and 120, and Tetrastigma to be 2n = 22, 44, 26, 52. Some of the species of family are polyploid in nature. In Leea species, diploid chromosome observed was to be 2n = 24 and 48. Based on morphological characters, Leea is treated into separate family Leeaceae, while it shows close affinities with genus Cissus in respect of chromosomes number. The morphological characters of genotypes studied for plant habit and habitat, leaves, flowers, berry and seed characters show marked variations within genera. Flowers of grape cultivars, Vitis, Ampelopsis and Ampelocissus have pentamerous symmetry with panicle type of inflorescence, but others support tetramerous flowers with umbel type inflorescence. Fruits are succulent berries, white, red or black in colour, ellipsoidal or oblate or globose in shape. Seeds are with pyriform, furrowed and ellipsoidal shape, black colour and 0 to 4 in numbers. Basic chromosome number of family Vitaceae is \( {x} \) = 6. It may change to x = 5 by fusion of two homologous chromosomes or \( \) = 7 due to addition or multiplication or doubling of one or two chromosomes. Combinations of these have been stable in nature. Evolution of family Vitaceae based on basic chromosome numbers shows marked differentiation among various genera.

The aim of the present study was to develop a protocol for in vitro propagation of a grape rootstock, deGrasset, characterized by high tolerance to drought and salinity. Four medium compositions, MS, MS with 1/2 nitrates (MS-1), B5 and WPM, were tested for shoot growth from nodal explants and MS-1 medium produced significantly higher rate of shoot proliferation. MS-1 medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP was found to be optimum for culture establishment. The first subculturing on the same medium resulted in the production of 4–6, mostly short, hyperhydrated shoots per explant. For subsequent subcultures, a reduced concentration of BAP (1.0 mg/L) was used to prevent hyperhydricity, and that resulted in distinct individual shoot elongation. Three plant growth regulators, BAP, ZEA and TDZ, were tested for further shoot proliferation and BAP at 1.0 mg/L added to MS-1 medium displayed the highest proliferation rate (4.75 new explants per explant inoculated, in 6 weeks). For in vitro rooting of shoots, IAA at 0.2 mg/L was found to be optimum to produce highest response (84%) and an average number of 2.03 roots per shoot whereas use of IBA or NAA resulted in rooting with high frequency of callus formation. The acclimatized plantlets were established in soil under net house conditions with 87% success.

Cultivated emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccon Schrank, a tetraploid species with hulled grain, has been largely cultivated during seven millennia in the Middle-East, Central and West Asia, and Europe. It has been largely replaced by hulless species and is now a minor crop, with the exception of some countries like India, Ethiopia and Yemen, where its grain is used for preparing traditional foods. Nutritional qualities and specific taste and flavor of emmer wheat products have led to a recent development of the cultivation in some European countries. Emmer wheat also possesses valuable traits of resistance to pests and diseases and tolerance to abiotic stresses and is increasingly used as a reservoir of useful genes in wheat breeding. In the present article, a review concerning taxonomy, diversity and history of cultivation of emmer wheat is reported. Grain characteristics and valuable agronomic traits are described. Some successful examples of emmer wheat utilization for the development of durum or bread wheat cultivars are examined, and the perspectives in using emmer wheat as health food and for the development of new breeding germplasm are discussed.

Drought is the main factor affecting crop grain yield. Increasing grain yield under drought and crop water use efficiency (WUE) is essential for enhancing world crop production and food availability. The objective of this study, carried out in India on 20 durum wheat cultivars, under three water regimes (full irrigation, limited irrigation and residual soil moisture) and during two seasons, was to investigate the potential use of plant traits (particularly carbon isotope discrimination, Δ, and ash content, ma) to predict grain yield and WUE in wheat. WUE components were estimated using a soil water balance model (Budget) allowing comparison of environments in data scarce situations. A highly significant correlation was noted between grain yield and grain Δ across water regimes. However, the associations between grain yield, Δ and ma were found to depend highly on the water regime and environmental conditions. The association between grain yield and grain Δ was significant under full irrigation in season 1 and under residual soil moisture in season 2. Significant positive correlations were noted in both seasons between grain yield and leaf Δ under residual soil moisture and between grain yield and leaf ash content at anthesis under limited irrigation. A significant correlation was found across environments between grain and leaf Δ and T, the quantity of water transpired during the growth cycle, as estimated by the soil water balance model. T also significantly correlated to grain and leaf ma. Variation in WUE across environments was driven more by runoff, drainage and soil evaporation than by harvest index and transpiration. The associations between WUE and transpiration, runoff and Δ were negative but not significant. WUE was significantly correlated with leaf and grain ma at maturity. The study indicates that Δ and ma can be used as indirect selection criteria for grain yield and suggests that ma is a good predictor of transpiration, grain yield and WUE across environments. The use of mechanistic models that allows differentiating between cultivars should permit in a next future to analyze the relationships between WUE, Δ and ma across cultivars and evaluate the possibility to use these traits as predictors of WUE in wheat breeding programs.

Sixty patients with symptomatic duodenal ulcer were randomized to receive either omeprazole (20 mg each morning) or famotidine (40 mg at night time) for 2-4 weeks in a double-blind parallel group clinical trial. Healing rates were higher with omeprazole in comparison with famotidine after 2 weeks (77% vs. 40%, P0.001) and 4 weeks (93% vs. 80%, P = 0.2) of treatment. Assessment of daily diary cards completed by all patients revealed that omeprazole rapidly relieved ulcer-related day pain and nocturnal pain in comparison to famotidine. Treatment with omeprazole for 2 weeks was also associated with lower cumulative antacid intake (P0.05) and reduced absenteeism from work. Helicobacter pylori infection was present in all patients and remained unaffected by treatment with either of the drugs. None of the drugs produced any significant adverse effects. During 6 months follow-up of all the patients after ulcer healing (without maintenance therapy), ulcer relapse was seen in 40% of omeprazole- and 37% of famotidine-treated patients (P0.1). The duration of ulcer-free period following initial healing of ulcer was also similar in both the groups (median time: 22 weeks for omeprazole, 21 weeks for famotidine). We conclude that omeprazole is superior to famotidine in rapidly healing duodenal ulcers and achieving more rapid pain relief, but does not influence subsequent ulcer relapse.

Many rainfed wheat production systems are reliant on stored soil water for some or all of their water inputs. Selection and breeding for root traits could result in a yield benefit; however, breeding for root traits has traditionally been avoided due to the difficulty of phenotyping mature root systems, limited understanding of root system development and function, and the strong influence of environmental conditions on the phenotype of the mature root system. This paper outlines an international field selection program for beneficial root traits at maturity using soil coring in India and Australia. In the rainfed areas of India, wheat is sown at the end of the monsoon into hot soils with a quickly receding soil water profile; in season water inputs are minimal. We hypothesised that wheat selected and bred for high yield under these conditions would have deep, vigorous root systems, allowing them to access and utilise the stored soil water at depth around anthesis and grain-filling when surface layers were dry. The Indian trials resulted in 49 lines being sent to Australia for phenotyping. These lines were ranked against 41 high yielding Australian lines. Variation was observed for deep root traits e.g. in eastern Australia in 2012, maximum depth ranged from 118.8 to 146.3 cm. There was significant variation for root traits between sites and years, however, several Indian genotypes were identified that consistently ranked highly across sites and years for deep rooting traits.

International audience; Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) and ash content (ma) have been proposed as indirect selection criteria for grain yield in wheat. The associations between Δ, ma and grain yield were found, however, to depend highly on the environmental conditions, the organ sampled and the time of sampling. In this study, carried out in the warm conditions of the Peninsular Zone of India, the relationship between Δ, ma and yield was studied in 30 bread and durum wheat cultivars under residual soil moisture stress (RSMS), post-anthesis water stress (PAWS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. Both Δ and ma were analysed in young seedlings (four-leaf stage), leaves at anthesis and grain at maturity. Ash content was also evaluated in leaves at booting stage and maturity. Grain Δ was lower under PAWS and RSMS than under WW, while seedling and leaf Δ did not significantly differ among water regimes. Grain yield was positively correlated to grain Δ under PAWS and negatively correlated to grain ma under RSMS. A significant positive correlation was noted under RSMS and WW treatments between maLm and grain yield. Ash content in leaf at maturity consequently appears to be a useful indirect selection criterion in environments where Δ does not show any correlation with yield. The results highlight the potential of Δ and ma as indirect selection criteria for wheat yield in the conditions of the Peninsular Zone of India

Since the 1970’s Tributyl tin based antifouling (AF) paints were widely used to control fouling on ships hulls. These coatings offered up to 5 years of foul-free hulls and were the most effective antifouling paints ever produced. However, due to serious environmental effects, these paints have been banned since 2008 and have been replaced by copper based antifouling paints with some success. However, the extensive use of copper based antifouling paints has led to the accumulation of copper and its compounds in the marine environment particularly in the vicinity of ports and harbors and is beginning to pose a serious environmental problem. Restrictions on the use of copper based AF paints have been initiated by many western countries and it is expected that these restrictions would only grow in the years to come. In addition, these coatings are usually incorporated with “booster biocides” such as Diuron, Irgarol, Seanine, etc to improve their efficacy. The booster biocides also significantly contribute to the existing environmental concerns. The search is therefore on for a “benign AF product” that affects target organisms only and exhibits low persistence in the aquatic environment. A few natural produces fill in to these requirements. In the Indian context, Neem and Karanjin exhibit biocidal properties which could be tapped as effective AF agents. This paper reviews the various natural products that show promise as AF agents and explores the possibility of incorporating these products in AF paint formulation.

This paper discusses the science of natural gas, its composition and ways to determine and coherently express its physical and chemical properties. Pricing of natural gas is shown with regard to weight and energy. A 60 Ton harbor tug employing either a set of constant rpm engines for CPP operation, or a set of variable rpm engines for FPP operation, with a standard load profile is made the basis for discussion. Advantage of evaluating thermal efficiency of gas engines relative to the higher heating value of natural gas, as against its lower heating value is explained. A compendium of storage options and the resulting endurance with the use of natural gas forms such as liquified gas (LNG), compressed gas (CNG) and adsorbed gas (ANG) is presented. Steps to ascertain fuel consumption of the gas engines operated according to the load profile and an approach to evaluate and relate the quantities of LNG, CNG and ANG is shown. Fuel costs and emissions from the tug operation using natural gas as fuel are evaluated per month and compared with diesel and residual fuels. Green House Gas emissions as a summation of emission constituents from the natural gas fuelled tug operation is detailed, and its need emphasized. The concepts of useful work done, emission efficiency parameter and energy efficiency parameter, which may be helpful in the design of harbor tugs and similar service vessels are proposed. The emission efficiency parameter is evaluated and analyzed for the 60 ton harbor tug.

Wheat (Triticum spp) is one of the first domesticated food crops. It represents the first source of calories (after rice) and an important source of proteins in developing countries. As a result of the Green Revolution, wheat yield sharply increased due to the use of improved varieties, irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers. The rate of increase in world wheat production, however, slowed after 1980, except in China, India, and Pakistan. Being adapted to a wide range of moisture conditions, wheat is grown on more land area worldwide than any other crop, including in drought prone areas. In these marginal rain-fed environments where at least 60 m ha of wheat is grown, amount and distribution of rainfall are the predominant factors influencing yield variability. Intensive work has been carried out in the area of drought adaptation over the last decades. Breeding strategies for drought tolerance improvement include: definition of the target environment, choice and characterization of the testing environment, water stress management and characterization, and use of phenotyping traits with high heritability. The use of integrative traits, facilitated by the development and application of new technologies (thermal imaging, spectral reflectance, stable isotopes) is facilitating high throughput phenotyping and indirect selection, consequently favoring yield improvement in drought prone environments.

(1990). Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Studies in Cold Fusion. Fusion Technology: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 32-94.

We present a conceptual modeling framework for analyzing and modeling solutions to different Internet Traffic Engineering (ITE) problems involving measurement, characterization, and control of network or inter-network traffic. The framework bases itself on the concept of "Clusters" which can, in fact, be used to model many other network problems. Our effort is targeted towards a large- scale initiative for designing a Unified Modeling Language (UML) Profile for conceptual modeling of typical next- generation network problems. In this paper we present UML-based framework to support modeling ITE problems. The modeling framework extends UML 1.5 and is contributes towards an initiative by the authors to create a robust UML Profile for ITE (PoITE). The contribution of the work is to provide the area of ITE with basic concepts and structure for designing UML models for solving ITE problems. In brief, the area of ITE encompasses issues pertaining to the performance evaluation and performance optimization of operational IP networks. Traffic Engineering (9,10), as such, focuses on the application of technology and scientific principles to the measurement, characterization, modeling, and control of network or inter-network traffic (3). ITE is a complex area of networking that takes into account many aspects and scenarios corresponding to different environments. However, in this paper, we consider an abstraction that avoids many finer details of ITE, and instead, focuses on providing a generic framework that can support modeling ITE problems. This document is based on: • RFC3272 (Principles of Internet Traffic Engineering) (3), and

A prospective case controlled study was conducted to evaluate the value of real time ultrasound in establishing the diagnosis and the etiology of portal hypertension. Patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care centre were included. There were 324 consecutive patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis (n = 229), non cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF: n = 64) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO: n = 31). During this period, 146 patients with dyspepsia, 35 with splenomegaly and 32 with ascites due to varied causes served as negative and positive controls. Real time ultrasonography using a 3.5 MHz linear array scanner was performed in a fasting state in all subjects. Portal and splenic vein diameter greater than 10 mm, splenomegaly, hepatic and splenic hilar collaterals were suggestive of portal hypertension. Non visualization of the portal vein which was replaced by a cavernoma had a diagnostic accuracy of 98% in EHPVO. Splenic infarcts and absence of ascites were features of non cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPF and EHPVO). Sonography had an overall diagnostic accuracy of 80%. A stepwise logistic regression with multivariate analysis using discriminate function showed that collaterals at the hepatic and splenic hilum, hepatomegaly, ascites and splenic infarcts were independent markers to differentiate cirrhotic from noncirrhotic causes of portal hypertension. The discriminate equation generated had a mismatch of 9.8%. Correlations between the sonographic signs demonstrated that the variceal grade correlated positively with the presence of splenic hilar collaterals and the liver size inversely correlated with presence of ascites. It was concluded that real time ultrasonography is an accurate method to establish the presence and etiology of portal hypertension.

We studied the risk of post-transfusion hepatitis (PTH) in recipients of blood collected from voluntary donors screened for HBsAg. Two hundred and fifty patients without any previous history of liver disease or transfusion were followed up for 12 months subsequent to cardiac surgery. Thirty-five of them had closed-heart surgery without receiving transfusion and served as controls. The remaining 215 patients received single-point transfusions (mean 4 +/- 2.4 units). None of the controls and 15 (6.9%) blood recipients developed PTH. Three (20%) patients had hepatitis-B-virus-induced hepatitis while the remainder (80%) had non A, non B (NANB) hepatitis. The number of units of blood transfused and surrogate markers for development of PTH (donor alanine aminotransferase, anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibody) were not associated with the occurrence of PTH (p greater than 0.05). Nine (60%) of the 15 patients developing PTH were asymptomatic. All the patients recovered from the PTH, except one who died of fulminant hepatitis. At the end of 1 year of follow-up, none of the patients had evidence of chronic hepatitis. Only three (25%) of the patients with NANB-PTH developed anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody during the follow-up. We conclude that the incidence of PTH in India is similar to other parts of the world and NANB virus was the major cause of the PTH. The absence of chronicity and lack of seroconversion to anti-HCV antibody in the majority of the patients after 1 year of follow-up may suggest the possibility of a NANB virus other than HCV as the major cause of PTH in India.

High incidence of alpha thalassaemias (estimated from detection of Hb Bart's from cord blood), Hb constant spring (CS) and high A2 beta thalassaemia trait (estimated from normal adult subjects) were detected in 12.6, 15 and 8 per cent people of coastal Orissa (with less than 5% tribal population) respectively. Quantitation of Hb Bart's suggest that the alpha thalassaemia could be any of the genotypes such as, -alpha/alpha alpha, -alpha/-alpha, --/alpha alpha and alpha alpha/alpha alpha cs. Both heterozygotes and homozygotes for Hb CS were identified.

The (n,2n) cross sections of 85Rb, 107Ag and 181Ta leading to 21 min activity of 84mRb, 24 min activity of 106Ag and 8.1 h activity of 180Ta were measured at a neutron energy of 14.6 MeV. Well-type NaI (Tl) crystals were used for measurement of activities by detecting X-rays, annihilation photons, and gamma rays. 63Cu(n,2n)62Cu and 121Sb(n,2n)120Sb reactions were used for the measurement of neutron flux. The values of the cross sections obtained are 814+or-42, 705+or-32 and 900+or-47 mb respectively.

Vinyl acetate/(VAc)-butyl acrylate/(BuA) copolymer latex films of various copolymer compositions were investigated for their morphological properties by electron microscopy techniques, and for their mechanical properties by dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile strength measurements. Batch copolymer latex films showed domains of PBuA dispersed in PVAc matrix; the domain sizes were increased with increased BuA content. Semicontinuous latex films were homogeneous in composition. Glass transition temperatures Tg determined from DMS and DSC indicated the presence of two, low and high, transition temperatures for batch latex films. The two temperatures approached the individual homopolymers, with increased PBuA content up to 51 mol %. Semicontinuous latex films showed only one single Tg. Tensile properties of the batch copolymer films showed a higher ultimate tensile strength, higher Young's modulus, and lower percent elongation to break compared to semicontinuous latex films. These differences were found to reflect the effect of mode of monomer addition during the emulsion copolymerization process on the particle morphology, and confirmed earlier data on bulk, colloidal, and surface properties of the same copolymer latexes.

Primary laryngeal amyloidosis is a rare clinical entity. A clinicopathological study done in 14 cases and the observations are reported herewith. Relevant literature on the subject has been reviewed.

14-MeV neutron activation has been used for the determination of F, Al, Si, P, K, Mn, Mo and W in minerals and steel. Most of these elements have been estimated simultaneously through gamma-ray spectrometry. The evaluation of the effects of interferences is discussed and the sensitivities are given. The main features of the neutron generator fabricated in this Centre and used in this work are briefly described.

High strength materials have gained prominence in the fields of aero-structures, space missiles, ship-building, pressure vessels etc. However, high strength materials are often characterised by low values of crack resistance or fracture toughness. Knowledge of stress intensity factor (SIF) is essential to predict their fracture toughness. SIF values can be obtained both theoretically and experimentally. Theoretical methods include analytical techniques as well as the finite element method (FEM). The former is used for simpler geometries and the latter for complicated geometries of engineering structures. The SIF as a function of crack size in an aluminium alloy 2024-T3 (Al-4·5% Cu, 1·5% Mg, 0·6% Mn) sheet was determined by a computer method. These values were obtained directly from the stresses as well as indirectly from strain energy release rateG andJ integral. The results agree well with the normalised values obtained from an ASTM formula. The size and shape of the plastic zone at the crack tip have been determined as a function of nominal stress for a fixed crack length. The plastic zone has the form of two ellipsoids with their maximum spreads oriented around 69° to the crack axis.

Melanomas are mostly pigmented tumour, having very often malignant course and poor prognosis, developed in the functioning melanoblast cells rarely occur in nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and oral cavity, appear to have some genetic predisposition and multiple primary lesions, lymphatic and vascular metastasis to regional gland and distant regions. These tumours in Head and Neck appear as bulky black or brown lobular masses with occasional cauliflower like ulcers having recurrent epistaxis or blood stained discharge from nose or oropharynx. The diagnosis is usually delayed because of indefinite symptoms. The best chances of cure are possible with a combination of radical surgery. Electrodissection and Irradiation. Block dissection may sometimes be postponed for future unless there is suspicion of existing nodal metastasis. In surgically hopeless cases Radiotherapy and chemotherapy offer the best hope for some palleation, separately or in combination.

Existing leterature on the subject has been discussed. The clinical features of the case have been described. The reappearance of tumour after successful operation on opposite side has been brought to light as a new feature of the case. The massive mass of tumour and extensions have been discussed. Attempts have been made to explain the cause of reappearance of the tumour. An elaborate technique of operation alongwith difficulty experienced in anaesthesia have been explained.

Carcinoma of middle ear and mastoid is a notoriously lethal disease because of its rarity and therefore difficult diagnosis, its rapid extensions to vital intracranial structures and yet remaining asymptomatic, its arduous surgery and inadequate irradiation in dense petro-mastold bone. The reported attempts for the extirpation of this tumour by combined intra and extra cranial approach involves high mortality. In our country the majority of the patients come for treatment when the tumour has already advanced and extended and with the general condition of the patients not suitable for such major eradicative surgery, we have to remain contented with conservative type of surgery and irradiation. In G. M. and Associated Hospitals, Lucknow, during last 7 years,. 17 cases were observed and Dr. S. C. MS. D.L 0. lecturer Dr. M. L. Bhatia MS. D. L.O Professor & Head of Department of Otolaryngology, Lucknow Medical College, Luckhow, Read at twentieth annual conference of the 'association of Otolaryngologists of India, 9-11 May 1968 held at Calcutta. Received for publication on 11-5-68. treated for carcinoma of mastoid and middle ear with conservative excision followed by radiotherapy. The result in terms of palliation have been quite satisfactory and are considered worth reporting.

A calculation has been made according to the theory of Bauer and Pinkerton to explain the experimental findings on variation of ultrasonic absorption coefficient with concentration of organic liquids like C 6 H 6 , CCl 4 , CH 3 I, C 6 H 5 Cl, C 6 H 5 NO 2 and C 2 H 5 I with their α/ f 2 values (α-amplitude absorption coefficient and f -frequency) ranging from 900×10 -17 c.g.s to 40×10 -17 c.g.s in binary mixtures of CS 2 . The disagreement between the calculated and experimental results that the theories of Pinkerton and Bauer are not working well for most of the mixtures containing CS 2 even though their components are nonassociative and noninteracting.

1. A case of chondroma of larynx arising from epiglottis is reported which was treated by conservative enucleation and preservation of functioning larynx. 2. Problems and management of supraglottic stenosis are presented. 3. Literature is reviewed.

Massive traumatic anorectal and perianal hemorrhage postoperatively is rare. Six cases of massive bleeding, four postoperative and two traumatic, have been discussed. None of these patients had a systemic bleeding disorder. The bleeding may be external, internal, or both. It is treated by immediate restoration of blood volume and by stopping the bleeding by ligature or by packing with hypochlorite-soaked gauze (Eusol) and local cooling.