Effect of Different GA3 Concentration and Frequency on Growth, Flowering and Yield in Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella Foug.) Cv. Lorenziana

The present experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Instructional Farm, Department of Horticulture, J.A.U., Junagadh during the winter 2004-05. The experiment comprised of ten treatments, viz., three concentrations of GA3 (50, 150, 250 ppm) at three frequencies (single, double and triple spray at 30, 45 and 60 days from transplanting) and control. Each treatment was replicated thrice in randomized block design. Of the different treatments, GA3 250 ppm single spray recorded maximum plant height and plant spread. Number of branches per plant was highest under double spray of GA3 at 50 ppm. Longest flowering duration, maximum flower diameter and maximum shelf-life were observed with single spray of 250 ppm GA3. It also registered maximum number and weight of flowers per plant besides highest flower yield

Performance of Banana Cultivars in Gujarat

Field experiments were conducted for three years to assess the performance and select the cultivar ideally suited to Saurashtra region in Gujarat. The cultivars evaluated were Basrai, Harichal, Robusta, Gros Michel, Gandevi Selection and Lacatan. Of these, Gandevi Selection proved superior, with regard to growth parameters, yield characters and its attributes. It also yielded the highest benefit cost ratio

Characterization of a Drosophila Alzheimer's Disease Model: Pharmacological Rescue of Cognitive Defects

Transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have made significant contributions to our understanding of AD pathogenesis, and are useful tools in the development of potential therapeutics. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, provides a genetically tractable, powerful system to study the biochemical, genetic, environmental, and behavioral aspects of complex human diseases, including AD. In an effort to model AD, we over-expressed human APP and BACE genes in the Drosophila central nervous system. Biochemical, neuroanatomical, and behavioral analyses indicate that these flies exhibit aspects of clinical AD neuropathology and symptomology. These include the generation of Aβ40 and Aβ42, the presence of amyloid aggregates, dramatic neuroanatomical changes, defects in motor reflex behavior, and defects in memory. In addition, these flies exhibit external morphological abnormalities. Treatment with a γ-secretase inhibitor suppressed these phenotypes. Further, all of these phenotypes are present within the first few days of adult fly life. Taken together these data demonstrate that this transgenic AD model can serve as a powerful tool for the identification of AD therapeutic interventions

Not Available

Not AvailableNineteen bidi tobacco genotypes (cytoplasmic male sterility based) along with MRGTH 1 were used for investigation. The hybrid genotypes were evaluated in randomize block design with three replication and 90 x 75 cm spacing in three consecutive year (201314 to 2015-16) at Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The result of pooled analysis revealed that mean square of G X E interaction was significant for cured leaf yield, indicating the differential response of genotypes to environments. The genotypes BTH 331, BTH 336, BTH 338, BTH 339 and BTH 342 exhibited high mean performance (x), non significant regression coefficient (bi) and minimum deviation from regression (S2di) indicated these hybrids were stable and adapted to all environment for cured leaf yield, whereas, genotypes BTH315, BTH 332, BTH 333 and MRGTH 1 were favorable to better environment for cured leaf yield due to its significant high responsiveness (b>1) and non significant deviation from regression. Genotypes BTH 328, BTH 329, BTH 337 and BTH 341 were unstable to changing environment because of significant deviation from regression with low mean yield performanceNot Availabl

SPARCS and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity testing in normal controls and patients with cataract

PubMedID: 28106888PurposeTo determine the ability of the newly developed internet-based Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity (SPARCS) test to assess contrast sensitivity centrally and peripherally in cataract subjects and controls, in comparison with the Pelli-Robson (PR) test.MethodsIn this prospective cross-sectional study, cataract subjects and age-matched normal controls were evaluated using the SPARCS and PR tests. Contrast sensitivity testing was performed in each eye twice in a standardized testing environment in randomized order. SPARCS scores were obtained for central, right upper (RUQ), right lower (RLQ), left upper (LUQ), and left lower quadrants (LLQ). PR scores were obtained for central contrast sensitivity. PR and SPARCS scores in cataract subjects were compared with controls. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland Altman analysis were used to determine test-retest reliability and correlation.ResultsA total of 162 eyes from 84 subjects were analyzed: 43 eyes from 23 cataract subjects, and 119 eyes from 61 controls. The mean scores for SPARCS centrally were 13.4 and 14.5 in the cataract and control groups, respectively (P=0.001). PR mean scores were 1.31 and 1.45 in cataract and control groups, respectively (P<0.001). ICC values for test-retest reliability for cataract subjects were 0.75 for PR and 0.61 for the SPARCS total. There was acceptable agreement between the ability of PR and SPARCS to detect the effect of cataract on central contrast sensitivity.ConclusionsBoth SPARCS and PR demonstrate a significant influence of cataract on contrast sensitivity. SPARCS offers the advantage of determining contrast sensitivity peripherally and centrally, without being influenced by literacy. © 2017 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All rights reserved