Decreased [ 3 H] YM-09151-2 binding to dopamine D2 receptors in the hypothalamus, brainstem and pancreatic islets of streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

In the present study dopamine was measured in the hypothalamus, brainstem, pancreatic islets and plasma, using HPLC. Dopamine D2 receptor changes in the hypothalamus, brainstem and pancreatic islets were studied using [3H] YM-09151-2 in streptozotocin-induced diabetic and insulintreated diabetic rats. There was a significant decrease in dopatnine content in the hypothalamus (P<0.001), brainstem (P<0.001), pancreatic islets (P<0.001) and plasma (P<0.00I) in diabetic rats when compared to control. Scatchard analysis of [3H] YM-09151-2 in the hypothalamus of diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in Bax (P<0.001) and Kd, showing an increased affinity of D2 receptors when compared to control. Insulin treatment did not completely reverse the changes that occurred during diabetes. There was a significant decrease in B,nax (P<0.01) with decreased affinity in the brainstem of diabetic rats. The islet membrane preparation of diabetic rats showed a significant decrease (P<0.001) in the binding of [3H] YM-09 151-2 with decreased Kd (P<0.001) compared to control. The increase in affinity of D2 receptors in hypothalamus and pancreatic islets and the decreased affinity in brainstem were confirmed by competition analysis. Thus our results suggest that the decreased dopamine D, receptor function in the hypothalamus, brainstem and pancreas affects insulin secretion in diabetic rats, which has immense clinical relevance to the management of diabetes.

Dynamics of Land Use in Recently Settled Forest Areas: a Case Study of Attappady , Kerala

The present study on the dynamics of land use in recently settled forest areas. In the course of events, tribals lost their land; the demographic structure of Attappady changed; the cropping pattern got diversified; traditional techniques of production were ruined; new crops and new techniques of cultivation came to stay; and the entire cost and return structure of production underwent radical change. Migration to Attappady is essentially a continuation of the Malabar migration process from Travancore, through, some people from Tamil Nadu also had migrated to this region earlier. The demographic structure, along with land structure, has changed in favour of the settlers within a short span of time. Lack of security of ownership has acted as a strong reason for wanton exploitation of land resources. The major influencing factors on crop choices among settlers were labour endowment, date of settlement and education. Attappady is an unique ecosystem in Kerala characterized by many interdependables. The latest hand of environmental degradation is a grave danger especially on sloppy terrains,which are under cultivation of tapioca and dry annual crops like groundnuts, cotton, grams etc. Soil erosion as a result of the unplanned cultivation of these crops has resulted in dramatic decline in soil fertility and hence low crop productivity. This calls for a watershed management approach for the sustainable development of the region. A progressive agrarian transformation is warranted to maintain the homegarden as a sustainable production system in ecological and socio-economic terms.

Thermal characterization of methylene blue intercalated montmorillonites by photoacoustic technique

Thermal diffusivity (TD) measurement on commercial K-10 and KSF montmorillonites was carried out by photoacoustic technique. The TD of the montmorillonites after methylene blue adsorption changed with the dye concentration. The repeatedly adsorbed samples showed a lesser TD than the single adsorbed samples. After methylene blue adsorption the acid leached K-10 samples showed well defined changes in TD when compared to the ordered KSF samples.

Water Quality Management–Application of Flocculants and Algicides

School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology

Studies on Methylene Blue Sensitized Poly(Vinyl Alcohol): Effect of Molecular Weight of the Polymer and Crosslinking Agents on its Holographic Properties

Dept.of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology,Cochin University of Science and Technology

Studies on gaussian effective potentials in some models

In classical field theory, the ordinary potential V is an energy density for that state in which the field assumes the value ¢. In quantum field theory, the effective potential is the expectation value of the energy density for which the expectation value of the field is ¢o. As a result, if V has several local minima, it is only the absolute minimum that corresponds to the true ground state of the theory. Perturbation theory remains to this day the main analytical tool in the study of Quantum Field Theory. However, since perturbation theory is unable to uncover the whole rich structure of Quantum Field Theory, it is desirable to have some method which, on one hand, must go beyond both perturbation theory and classical approximation in the points where these fail, and at that time, be sufficiently simple that analytical calculations could be performed in its framework During the last decade a nonperturbative variational method called Gaussian effective potential, has been discussed widely together with several applications. This concept was described as a means of formalizing our intuitive understanding of zero-point fluctuation effects in quantum mechanics in a way that carries over directly to field theory.

A Novel Planar Fractal Antenna with CPW-Feed for Multiband Applications

In this paper, a multiband antenna using a novel fractal design is presented. The antenna structure is formed by inscribing a hexagonal slot within a circle. This base structure is then scaled and arranged within the hexagon along its sides without touching the outer structure. The proposed CPW fed, low profile antenna offers good performance in the 1.65 – 2.59 GHz, 4.16 – 4.52 GHz and 5.54 – 6.42 GHz bands and is suitable for GSM 1800/1900, Bluetooth, IMT advanced systems and upper WLAN applications. The antenna has been fabricated on a substrate of height 1.6 mm and εr = 4.4 and simulation and experimental results are found to be in good agreement