Haplotype data for 17 Y-STR loci in the population of Himachal Pradesh, India

We report here the data of Y chromosome haplotypes of 259 unrelated males from the population of Himachal Pradesh, India, using the Yfiler® multiplex kit. A total of 188 haplotypes were detected, out of which 148 were unique. Three samples showed bi-allelic pattern on locus DYS448. The observed genetic diversity and discrimination capacity were 0.996 and 0.73, respectively. In order to compare the genetic distance of the studied population with the published populations, multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot was constructed. The reported data is expected to be valuable for both forensic and population genetics.

Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of phosphomolybdic acid supported on hydrous zirconia

A series of ecofriendly solid acid catalyst was synthesized by phosphomolybdic acid impregnated on hydrous zirconia (ZPMA) by an incipient wetness impregnation technique. The support and the resulting catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, EPMA, BET surface area, acid sites, etc. These studies indicate that the phosphomolybdic acid keeps its Keggin-type structure unaltered up to 500 degrees C. Catalytic activities of the material were evaluated for the esterification of acetic acid reaction. The 12 wt% of phosphomolybdic acid supported on hydrous zirconia shows highest surface area, acid sites and gives about 86% conversion with 100% selectivity of n-butyl acetate.

Studies on manganese nodule leached residue 4. Physicochemical characterization and catalytic activity of acetic acid treated manganese nodule leached residue

The catalytic activity of water-washed manganese nodule leached residue (WMNLR) samples improved by treating with acetic acid. The effects of acetic acid treatment on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activity of manganese nodule leached residue have been studied. The surface area, surface oxygen, surface hydroxyl groups, surface acidity, electron donating properties, etc., increase gradually with acid treatment up to 0.5 M and thereafter show a decreasing trend. The rate constant of H2O2 decomposition, catalytic activity of CO oxidation, and esterification of acetic acid also show a similar trend to that of surface properties.

Studies on manganese-nodule leached residues

Physicochemical characterization of manganese-nodule leached residues was carried out by chemical analyses, XRD, TG-DTA, surface area measurement, and FTIR techniques. The material is very fine-grained (<75 microm), is cryptocrystalline to amorphous in nature, and contains mainly of delta-MnO(2), quartz (alpha-SiO(2)), and zeolite/feldspar minerals. Physically adsorbed sulfates in the leached residue are removed by repeated water washing and the washed sample shows an appreciable increase in surface area. This is indicated by the absence of 1387 and 1099 cm(-1) peaks in the IR spectrum of the washed sample. The adsorption behavior of the washed sample toward Ni(2+) was recorded as a function of time, pH, temperature, and concentrations of adsorbent and adsorbate.

Genetic Diversity at 15 Fluorescent-Labeled Short Tandem Repeat Loci in the Patel and Other Communities of Gujarat, India

Thirteen tetranucleotide and 2 pentanucleotide repeat units were analyzed in 120 unrelated individuals of Patel and other communities of Gujarat, India. Allele frequency data obtained from the analysis of 15 short tandem repeat markers of the population were found to be satisfying Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with marginal deviations. Departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed in Patel communities at locus vWA and for that of the other communities at locus D7S820 and at locus TPOX. The power of discrimination values on an average fall within the range of 0.718 and 0.870, with deviations at locus D3S1358 showing a value of 0.400 for Patels. The value ranged between 0.709 and 0.869, with slight variations among the studied alleles in the other group. Thus, the 15 markers selected for this study were found to be highly suitable in human identification and for providing information on genetic polymorphism of the population of Gujarat.

Ultrastructure and characteristics of eggshells of the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Gahirmatha, India

The structure of a chelonian eggshell is of prime importance for the developing embryo. It acts as a protective covering as well as mediator in the exchange of heat and water. The fresh eggshell of the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtle displays a variety of structural forms in their aragonite framework. Its netted substrate, loose texture and poorly organised crystallites favour the easy exchange of air and water during its development. The shell consists mostly of calcium in carbonate form and K, Mg, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Cd in traces. Ba and Sr in traces are also a feature of the thermal analysis graph. Phosphorous was not detected in the shell and its absence eliminates an earlier suggestion of it being a key factor in the development of aragonite crystals in the inorganic structure of marine turtle eggshells. Its combustion characteristics, which have not been previously reported, are recorded.