Effect of plant geometry on rabi and kharif onion production

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant geometry on production of onion bulbs during rabi 2008–09 and kharif–2009. Eight week old seedlings of variety Agrifound Light Red in Rabi and seven week old seedlings of variety Agrifound Dark Red in kharif were transplanted in raised beds during the last week of December in rabi and August in kharif in different geometry i.e. S1- Normal planting 15 cm × 10 cm whole bed, straight row, S2-Zig zag planting 2 rows 30 cm × 10 cm whole bed, S3- Straight strip planting 10 cm × 10 cm (one strip 4 rows between strip 30 cm), S4-Zig zag strip planting 20 cm × 10 cm (one strip 4 rows between strip 30 cm) and S5-Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm. Rabi data revealed that significantly higher equatorial bulb diameter (5.61 cm), polar diameter (3.93 cm), bulb size index (22.07 cm2), and 20 bulb weight (1.38 kg) were noted in S5 and was at par with S4 (5.59 cm), (3.90 cm), (21.87 cm2) and (1.33 kg), respectively. Treatment S5 showed highest total soluble solids (12%) and dry matter content (14%). Significantly highest gross yield (305 q ha-1) and marketable yield (291 q ha-1) were noted in S5 and was at par with S4 (302 q ha-1) and (205 q ha-1), respectively. In kharif, highest plant height (61.00 cm) was observed for S5-Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm) which was, however, at par with S1-Normal planting 15 cm × 10 cm whole bed, straight row, and S4-Zig zag strip planting 20 cm × 10 cm (one strip 4 rows between strip 30 cm). The highest equatorial bulb diameter (5.42 cm), polar diameter (4.12 cm), 20 bulbs weight (1.18 kg) and bulb size index (22.28 cm2) were noted in S5- Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm). The minimum thrips incidence (58 %) and number of thrips per plant (3) were noted in S5- Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm). Highest and significant gross yield (226 q ha-1) and marketable yield (207 q ha-1) were noted in S5. It is concluded from the experiment that S5-Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm) gave better results over other geometry in rabi as well as in kharif. &nbsp

SFRP-mediated Wnt sequestration as a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease

The extracellular ligand, Wnt, and its receptors are involved in sign al transduction and play an important role in axis formation and neural development. In neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), a decrease of the intracellular Wnt effector, ß-catenin, has been linked to amyloid-ß-peptide-induced neurotoxicity. Despite this knowledge, targeting Wnt inhibitors as potential biomarkers has not been explored, and harnessing Wnt activators as therapeutic candidates remains largely not investigated. A wide acting family of Wnt mediators, secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs), has not been probed so far as molecular indicators of disease occurrence and progression of Alzheimer's. Unlike the effect of the Dickkopf (DKK) family of Wnt antagonists on AD, the sFRP molecules have a more pleiotropic impact on the Wnt signaling cascade and probably have a far-reaching involvement in neurodegeneration. The role of sFRPs has been poorly described in AD, and in this review, we analyze the present status of the role of sFRPs on neurodegeneration, their likely involvement, and potential implications in treatment modalities of AD. This information would provide valuable clues for the development of potential therapeutic targets for aberrant neurodegenerative disorders

Correlation and path coefficient studies in garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Correlation and path coefficient analysis were studied in 32 promising germplasm lines of garlic (Allium sativum) at Karnal (Haryana). Marketable yield was positively and significantly correlated with leaves plant-1, bulb diameter, bulb size index, weight of 20 bulbs and cloves bulb-1 at genotypic and phenotypic levels and negatively correlated with weight of 50 cloves at both levels. Gross yield was positively and significantly correlated with plant height, neck thickness and negatively correlated with clove diameter and clove size index at genotypic and phenotypic levels, indicating that selection based on these traits will help in increasing the yield. At genotypic level, traits such as leaves plant-1, clove diameter, cloves bulb-1 and weight of 50 cloves showed a positive direct effect on yield. Clove diameter had maximum positive direct effect (0.744) followed by weight of 50 cloves (0.547), cloves bulb-1 (0.313) and leaves plant-1 (0.288). The highest negative direct effect was noted for clove size index (-0.874), followed by neck thickness (-0.341), weight of 20 bulbs (-0.264) and plant height (-0.057). The estimates of direct and indirect effect on yield were more pronounced in genotypic path than phenotypic path coefficient. The study thus indicated that weight of 20 bulbs, bulb size index, weight of 50 cloves and cloves bulb-1 produced higher positive direct effect on yield and should be given emphasis during selection for improvement of garlic. &nbsp

Quantitative model for inferring dynamic regulation of the tumour suppressor gene p53

Background: The availability of various "omics" datasets creates a prospect of performing the study of genome-wide genetic regulatory networks. However, one of the major challenges of using mathematical models to infer genetic regulation from microarray datasets is the lack of information for protein concentrations and activities. Most of the previous researches were based on an assumption that the mRNA levels of a gene are consistent with its protein activities, though it is not always the case. Therefore, a more sophisticated modelling framework together with the corresponding inference methods is needed to accurately estimate genetic regulation from "omics" datasets. Results: This work developed a novel approach, which is based on a nonlinear mathematical model, to infer genetic regulation from microarray gene expression data. By using the p53 network as a test system, we used the nonlinear model to estimate the activities of transcription factor (TF) p53 from the expression levels of its target genes, and to identify the activation/inhibition status of p53 to its target genes. The predicted top 317 putative p53 target genes were supported by DNA sequence analysis. A comparison between our prediction and the other published predictions of p53 targets suggests that most of putative p53 targets may share a common depleted or enriched sequence signal on their upstream non-coding region. Conclusions: The proposed quantitative model can not only be used to infer the regulatory relationship between TF and its down-stream genes, but also be applied to estimate the protein activities of TF from the expression levels of its target genes

Conditioned Medium Reconditions Hippocampal Neurons against Kainic Acid Induced Excitotoxicity: An In Vitro

Stem cell therapy is gaining attention as a promising treatment option for neurodegenerative diseases. The functional efficacy of grafted cells is a matter of debate and the recent consensus is that the cellular and functional recoveries might be due to “by-stander” effects of grafted cells. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of conditioned medium (CM) derived from human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells in a kainic acid (KA) induced hippocampal degeneration model system in in vitro condition. Hippocampal cell line was exposed to KA (200 µM) for 24 hrs (lesion group) whereas, in the treatment group, hippocampal cell line was exposed to KA in combination with HEK-CM (KA + HEK-CM). We observed that KA exposure to cells resulted in significant neuronal loss. Interestingly, HEK-CM cotreatment completely attenuated the excitotoxic effects of KA. In HEK-CM cotreatment group, the cell viability was ~85–95% as opposed to 47% in KA alone group. Further investigation demonstrated that treatment with HEK-CM stimulated the endogenous cell survival factors like brain derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2, revealing the possible mechanism of neuroprotection. Our results suggest that HEK-CM protects hippocampal neurons against excitotoxicity by stimulating the host’s endogenous cell survival mechanisms

Islet-Like Cell Aggregates Generated from Human Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells Ameliorate Experimental Diabetes in Mice

BACKGROUND: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is caused by auto immune destruction of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. Currently available treatments include transplantation of isolated islets from donor pancreas to the patient. However, this method is limited by inadequate means of immuno-suppression to prevent islet rejection and importantly, limited supply of islets for transplantation. Autologous adult stem cells are now considered for cell replacement therapy in diabetes as it has the potential to generate neo-islets which are genetically part of the treated individual. Adopting methods of islet encapsulation in immuno-isolatory devices would eliminate the need for immuno-suppressants. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present study we explore the potential of human adipose tissue derived adult stem cells (h-ASCs) to differentiate into functional islet like cell aggregates (ICAs). Our stage specific differentiation protocol permit the conversion of mesodermic h-ASCs to definitive endoderm (Hnf3β, TCF2 and Sox17) and to PDX1, Ngn3, NeuroD, Pax4 positive pancreatic endoderm which further matures in vitro to secrete insulin. These ICAs are shown to produce human C-peptide in a glucose dependent manner exhibiting in-vitro functionality. Transplantation of mature ICAs, packed in immuno-isolatory biocompatible capsules to STZ induced diabetic mice restored near normoglycemia within 3-4 weeks. The detection of human C-peptide, 1155±165 pM in blood serum of experimental mice demonstrate the efficacy of our differentiation approach. CONCLUSIONS: h-ASC is an ideal population of personal stem cells for cell replacement therapy, given that they are abundant, easily available and autologous in origin. Our findings present evidence that h-ASCs could be induced to differentiate into physiologically competent functional islet like cell aggregates, which may provide as a source of alternative islets for cell replacement therapy in type 1 diabetes

Insights from Ayurveda for translational stem cell research

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine has given great emphasis to the promotion of health. Ayurveda therapies are based on restoration of body balance and nourishment of dhatus or tissues. Rasayana concept of Ayurveda explains tissue regeneration and cell renewal. The drugs and therapies explained as rasayana provide research opportunities for biology of regeneration. Specific rasayana stimulate and nourish respective dhatus. Interpretation of this description offers clues for specific differentiation of stem cells with appropriate extract. The preliminary experiments on Medhya drugs suggest neuronal stem cells differentiation. Authors highlight the potential of Ayurveda and its possible contributions in regenerative medicine. Authors propose a protocol based on integrative approach derived from Ayurveda concepts and current understanding of regenerative medicine. The advanced understanding about adult and embryonic stem cells along with concepts of regeneration in Ayurveda has immense potential in the development of regenerative medicine

AUTOMATIC QUESTION PAPER GENERATION USING MACHINE LEARNING APPROACH

In any educational course curriculum, the courses are defined with learning objectives. Teachers conduct assessments to know if students have achieved certain learning objectives or not. Teachers generate variety of question papers as per the universities’ assessment requirements. It is very challenging for the teachers to make question paper with varied questions and which meet learning objective of the course. There are no standardized methods to ensure quality of question paper. Hence there arises a need to have a system which will automatically generate the question paper from teacher entered specificationwithin few seconds. Researchers recommend different sets of tags such as cognitive level, difficulty level, type of question, etc. The existing tool are rigid and support very basic or limited tags. The proposed system will automatically generate a question paper from semantically tagged question repository