Estimation of Population Mean Using Exponential Type Imputation Technique for Missing Observations

Some imputation techniques are suggested for estimating the population mean when the data values are missing completely at random under a simple random sample without replacement scheme. Two classes of point estimators are proposed. The bias and mean squared error expressions of the proposed point estimators are derived up to first order of approximation. It has been shown that the proposed point estimators are more efficient than some existing point estimators due to Lee, Rancourt, and Sarndal (1994) and Singh and Horn (2000). Theoretical findings are supported by an empirical study based on five populations to show the superiority of the constructed estimators and methods of imputation over others

Genome wide expression analysis of CBS domain containing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh and Oryza sativa L. reveals their developmental and stress regulation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In <it>Arabidopsis thaliana </it>(L.) Heynh and <it>Oryza sativa </it>L., a large number of genes encode proteins of unknown functions, whose characterization still remains one of the major challenges. With an aim to characterize these unknown proteins having defined features (PDFs) in plants, we have chosen to work on proteins having a cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) domain. CBS domain as such has no defined function(s) but plays a regulatory role for many enzymes and thus helps in maintaining the intracellular redox balance. Its function as sensor of cellular energy has also been widely suggested.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our analysis has identified 34 CBS domain containing proteins (CDCPs) in <it>Arabidopsis </it>and 59 in <it>Oryza</it>. In most of these proteins, CBS domain coexists with other functional domain(s), which may indicate towards their probable functions. In order to investigate the role(s) of these CDCPs, we have carried out their detailed analysis in whole genomes of <it>Arabidopsis </it>and <it>Oryza</it>, including their classification, nomenclature, sequence analysis, domain analysis, chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships and their expression patterns using public databases (MPSS database and microarray data). We have found that the transcript levels of some members of this family are altered in response to various stresses such as salinity, drought, cold, high temperature, UV, wounding and genotoxic stress, in both root and shoot tissues. This data would be helpful in exploring the so far obscure functions of CBS domain and CBS domain-containing proteins in plant stress responses.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We have identified, classified and suggested the nomenclature of CDCPs in <it>Arabidopsis </it>and <it>Oryza</it>. A comprehensive analysis of expression patterns for CDCPs using the already existing transcriptome profiles and MPSS database reveals that a few CDCPs may have an important role in stress response/tolerance and development in plants, which needs to be validated further through functional genomics.</p

The Botany, Chemistry, Pharmacological and Therapeutic Application of Oxalis Corniculata Linn– A Review

Oxalis corniculata Linn. is an endangered and medicinally important plant indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its medicinal usage is reported in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the Chinese, British and the American pharmacopoeias and in different traditional system of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. The review reveals that wide ranges of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant like flavanoids, tannins, phytosterols, phenol, glycoseides, fatty acids, galacto-glycerolipid and volatile oil. The leaves contain flavonoids, iso vitexine and vitexine-2”- O- beta – D- glucopyrunoside. It is rich source of essential fatty acids like palmitic acid, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and stearic acids and it possesses important activities like Antioxidant, Anticancer, anthelmintic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Steroidogenic, Antimicrobial, Antiamoebic, Antifungal, Astringent, Depurative, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Cardio relaxan, stomachic and Styptic have also been reported. These repots are very encouraging and indicate that herb should be studied more expensively for its therapeutic benefits. This article briefly reviews the botany, pharmacology, biochemistry and therapeutic application of the plant. This is an attempt to compile and document information on different aspects of Oxalis corniculata and highlight the need for research and development. Keywords: Oxalis corniculata, Galacto-glycerolipid, Pharmacological activities, Antioxidant, Anticancer

Molecular and Functional Characterization of Bacopa monniera

Over the last 50 years, laboratories around the world analyzed the pharmacological effect of Bacopa monniera extract in different dimensions, especially as a nerve tonic and memory enhancer. Studies in animal model evidenced that Bacopa treatment can attenuate dementia and enhances memory. Further, they demonstrate that Bacopa primarily either acts via antioxidant mechanism (i.e., neuroprotection) or alters different neurotransmitters (serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), dopamine (DA), acetylcholine (ACh), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)) to execute the pharmacological effect. Among them, 5-HT has been shown to fine tune the neural plasticity, which is a substrate for memory formation. This review focuses on the studies which trace the effect of Bacopa treatment on serotonergic system and 5-HT mediated key molecular changes that are associated with memory formation