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Abstract From 2007 onwards, Indian policy planning follows the broad vision of achieving inclusive growth. All sectors of national development align their policy objectives towards this overall vision. Urban policy is one such crucial policy sector oversees by the Ministry of urban development. This paper analyses the urban policy and investigates its impact in achieving inclusive urban growth in India. The traditional methodology of analysing urban policy by utility or output has its own limitations. It only considers summary variables of policy (utility or benefits) but not the situational variation on ground. Further, it cannot quantify the precise time of the change in opportunities or ability occurred over time. So it cannot inform the moment when a policy achieves its objectives. The research employs human capability instead of utility to overcome the present limitations. The analysis methodology is adapted from Professor Amartya Sen's capability approach. Capability approach emphasises a shift in policy analysis from direct assistance to expansion of opportunities and eliminate circumstantial imperfection in governance. The approach aims towards empowering urban citizen, and advancement towards the direction of more self-reliance society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated fracture detection is an essential part of a computer-aided tele-medicine system. In this paper, we have proposed a unified technique for the detection and evaluation of orthopaedic fractures in long-bone digital X-ray image. We have also developed a software tool that can be conveniently used by paramedics or specialist doctors. The proposed tool first segments the bone region of an input digital X-ray image from its surrounding flesh region and then generates the bone-contour using an adaptive thresholding approach. Next, it performs unsupervised correction of bone-contour discontinuities that might have been generated because of segmentation errors, and finally detects the presence of fracture in the bone. Moreover, the method can also localize the line-of-break for easy visualization of the fracture, identify its orientation, and assess the extent of damage in the bone. Several concepts from digital geometry such as relaxed straightness and concavity index are utilized to correct contour imperfections, and to detect fracture locations and type. Experiments on a database of several long-bone digital X-ray images show satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mutations in PINK1 have been identified in familial and sporadic cases of early onset Parkinson''s disease (PD). To determine the contribution of PINK1 variants in Indian PD patients, the gene was screened in 250 patients and 205 ethnically matched controls by polymerase chain reaction, single-stranded conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing. Two potentially pathogenic variants (Arg246Gln & Arg276Gln) were detected in the heterozygous state in 5 patients; none of the patients carried homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations. In addition, 13 other variants were identified, including a known polymorphism (Ala340Thr), a few synonymous or intronic changes, none of which are likely to be pathogenic. Unlike the Chinese population, the Ala340Thr variant did not show any association with PD in Indian population. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from dbSNP were genotyped in 531 normal, healthy individuals representing different ethnic groups of India. Most of the SNP markers were observed to be highly heterozygous among Indians, which could be used for segregation analysis of PINK1 alleles in familial PD cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Parkinson''s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affects at least 1% of the population over the age of 50. However, very little information is available regarding the molecular basis of PD among Indians. Since the largest number of mutations have been detected in the Parkin gene among all known PD loci, we aim to use Parkin as the candidate gene to assess its role in PD-related pathogenesis in Indian patients. A total of 138 PD patients, with the mean age of onset being 47±14 (age range, 5–77 years), and 100 controls were recruited for the study from eastern India. Parkin mutations were detected by amplification of exons of the gene along with the flanking splice junctions by polymerase chain reaction, single-stranded conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing. A total of 18 nucleotide variants including six novel changes were detected. These include five missense mutations (Gln34Arg, Arg42Cys, Arg42His, Tyr143Cys and Arg334Cys) detected in eight patients in heterozygous condition and a homozygous deletion encompassing exons 3 and 4 in two sibs affected with PD. Clinical features of the Parkin mutants were compared. Among eastern Indian PD patients, mutation in Parkin was identified in 7.24% cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Screening of selected Parkinsonism associated GBA mutations was done among Neurodegenerative disease patients from eastern India. • GBA mutations are more frequent in PDD than controls, PD and other forms of Parkinsonism. • More frequent positive family history and impaired recent memory was observed among p.Leu444Pro carriers than non-carriers. • For PD related subgroup analysis, GBA carriers were younger at onset with higher UPDRS score, advanced H&Y stage & positive family h/o PD. • p.Leu444Pro of GBA plays a limited role in PD among Indians. GBA mutations have been reported in PD, PDD and DLB - but not associated with cognitive impairment for example in PSP, AD or MSA. However, frequencies of GBA mutations are ethnicity dependent. The present study aims to identify commonly reported GBA mutations (mostly from Asia), among eastern Indian patients with neurodegenerative disorders. The patient cohort consisting of 198 classical PD cases, 136 PD cases with cognitive impairment, 184 cases with Parkinson Plus syndrome, 46 AD and 241 unrelated controls, from eastern India. Subjects were analyzed for IVS2 + 1A > G, p.Arg120Trp, p.His255Gln, p.Arg257Gln, p.Glu326Lys, p.Asn370Ser, p.Asp409His, p.Leu444Pro, & RecNciI by PCR-RFLP techniques and confirmed by Sanger sequencing method. We have identified only p.Leu444Pro variant among nine cases; three PDD, one DLB, two PD, two PSP and one AD patients in heterozygous condition. The highest frequency for p.Leu444Pro variant was found among PDD subgroup (3.95 %, P = 0.0134). An overall significant overrepresentation of positive family history (P = 0.000049), impaired recent memory (P = 0.0123) was observed among p.Leu444Pro carriers. Further, subgroup analysis for PD, PD-MCI and PDD, revealed statistically significant higher frequency of early age at onset (P = 0.0455), positive family history (P = 0.0025), higher UPDRS III score (off state) (P = 0.006), advanced H&Y stage (P = 0.045) and anxious behaviour (P = 0.0124) among p.Leu444Pro positive patients. The p.Leu444Pro mutation of GBA was found in patients with PD, PDD, DLB, PSP and AD. An Overall higher frequency of positive family history and impaired recent memory are significantly associated with for p.Leu444Pro carriers from eastern India. Our study also ascertains contribution of p.Leu444Pro to an earlier onset of PD, PD-MCI and PDD, higher UPDRS III score (off state) against positive family history background. Furthermore, taking into consideration other Indian studies, we can conclude that p.Leu444Pro mutation plays a limited role in PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We evaluated the effects of SA (foliar spray and seed priming material) on grape tomato under drought stress. • Foliar application of SA at 150 mg L–1 resulted in similar yields between 75% and 100% FC. • Maximum fruit yield was obtained at 100 mg L–1 SA priming dose along with 100% FC. • Grape tomato yielded more with foliar spray of SA than did with SA seed priming. • SA at 150 mg L–1 as a foliar spray and at 100 mg L–1 as a seed priming material could be recommended. Drought, an acute abiotic stress, limits growth and yields of crops including tomato. Salicylic acid (SA) has been widely used as an abiotic stress mitigating agent in various crops. Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of SA applied as a foliar spray and as a seed priming material on growth, yield, and fruit quality of grape tomato under drought stress. In the first experiment, SA was applied as a foliar spray in five doses (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L–1) under three soil moisture regimes (50 %, 75 %, and 100 % field capacity [FC]). In the second experiment, doses of SA and soil moisture regimes were the same as first experiment, except that SA was applied as a seed priming material. Data on growth, fruit yield, and quality of grape tomato were collected. The results revealed that severe moisture deficit of 50 % FC adversely affected growth and fruit yield of grape tomato by 94 % in experiment 1 (foliar application of SA) and by 95 % in experiment 2 (seed priming of SA) compared with 100 % FC, while fruit quality parameters (fruit pH, total soluble solids, and color index) improved with reducing soil moisture regime. Exogenous application of SA at 150 mg L–1 as a foliar spray enhanced fruit yield by 41 % and at 100 mg L–1 as a seed priming material resulted in 33 % increase in fruit yield compared with the control. However, there was no effect of SA supplementation at severe moisture deficit of 50 % FC regardless of experiments and doses. Foliar application of SA at 150 mg L–1 resulted in statistically similar yields between moderate soil moisture level of 75 % FC and sufficient soil moisture level of 100 % FC, whereas in case of seed priming treatment, maximum fruit yield was obtained at 100 mg L–1 SA dose in combination with 100 % FC. Grape tomato yielded more with foliar application of SA (113.1 g plant–1 fruit yield at 150 mg L–1) than did with SA seed priming (87.8 g plant–1 fruit yield at 100 mg L–1). Exogenous application of SA at 150 mg L–1 as a foliar spray and at 100 mg L–1 as a seed priming material could be recommended when grape tomato is grown under moderate to sufficient soil moisture availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and has a complex etiology. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3′-untranslated region of Fibroblast growth factor 20 ( FGF 20 ) have been reported to be associated with PD; however, the results are controversial. Although FGF20 enhances the survival of dopaminergic neurons, it may also result in PD susceptibility by altering alpha-synuclein expression. Materials and methods To identify and characterize genetic risk variants in FGF 20 in Eastern Indian PD patients, 2 SNPs of FGF 20 (rs1721100 and rs2720208) were genotyped in 336 PD cases and 313 ethnically matched controls by PCR-RFLP. Results We observed statistically significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs1721100 between PD cases and controls but not for rs12720208. Haplotype G-C showed a significant protective effect against PD. A functional assay revealed that the risk allele C at rs1721100 has little or no effect on relative luciferase activity from a reporter construct in the presence of mi R -3189-3p, whereas allele G results in significant dose-dependent reduction. Conclusion Our results suggest that FGF 20 is a susceptibility gene for PD in Eastern Indians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought has been identified as a major threat restricting crop production worldwide. Silicon (Si), a beneficial element, has a proven role in enhancing plant tolerance against various biological and environmental stresses, especially drought. Two polyhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of seed priming and soil application of Si on growth, fruit yield, quality, and water productivity of grape tomato (Solanum Lycopersicon L. var. cerasiform) under drought stress. In the first experiment, Si in the form of monosilicic acid (MSA [H 4 SiO 4 ]) was applied as a seed priming material in five doses (0, 0.063, 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mM) under three soil moisture regimes (50%, 75%, and 100% field capacity [FC]). The second experiment consisted of five MSA doses applied as soil incorporation (0, 75, 150, 300, and 600 kg ha–1) under the same soil moisture regimes used in the first experiment. The results revealed that fruit yield and irrigation water productivity were severely affected by soil moisture deficit at 50% FC, while fruit quality was better at this soil moisture level. Fruit yield was reduced by 95% at 0 mM MSA priming dose at 50% FC compared with fruit yield at 0.25 mM MSA priming dose at 100% FC in the first experiment. In the second experiment, soil incorporation of MSA at 300 kg ha–1 in combination with 100% FC maximized fruit yield, which was reduced by 96% at 0 kg ha–1 MSA dose in combination with 50% FC. Exogenous application of MSA at 0.25 mM as a seed priming material and 300 kg ha–1 as soil incorporation (60 kg ha–1 soluble Si) also resulted in better fruit yield and irrigation water productivity at 75% FC. Priming seeds of grape tomato with MSA at 0.25 mM or soil incorporating with 300 kg ha–1 could be recommended to enhance fruit yield of grape tomato grown under soil moisture regime fluctuating between sufficient (100% FC) and moderate soil moisture availability (75% FC). • We evaluated the effect of seed priming and soil application of Si on grape tomato under drought stress. • MSA was not effective at 50% FC regardless of application methods or doses. • MSA at 0.25 mM as a seed priming material maximized fruit yield and IWP at 75% and 100% FC. • MSA at 300 kg ha–1 applied as soil incorporation maximized fruit yield and IWP at 75% and 100% FC. • Priming seed of grape tomato with MSA at 0.25 mM or soil incorporating with 300 kg ha–1 is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A linear time algorithm is given to find relative orthogonal convex hull. • The algorithm is combinatorial in nature. • The algorithm is useful for image processing algorithms and shape analysis of digital objects. A linear time combinatorial algorithm to construct the relative orthogonal convex hull of the inner isothetic cover of a digital object (hole-free) with respect to its outer isothetic cover is presented in this paper. The algorithm first constructs the inner and the outer isothetic covers of the digital object which is the input to the algorithm and then constructs the relative orthogonal convex hull from the inner isothetic cover and the outer isothetic cover. The algorithm can also be used to construct the relative orthogonal convex hull of one orthogonal polygon with respect to another orthogonal polygon which encloses the first polygon entirely where the input will be two orthogonal polygons one containing the other instead of the digital object. The proposed algorithm first finds the concavities of the inner polygon and checks for intruded concavities of the outer polygon. A combinatorial technique is used to obtain the relative orthogonal convex hull. The efficiency and the correctness of the algorithm are verified as it is tested on various types of digital objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DBH SNP rs129882 demonstrated significant association with East Indian PD patients. • Potential molecular basis for the association was supported by reporter gene assay. • Plasma DBH activity did not correlate with PD, maybe due to small sample size. • Replicative study using larger cohorts is likely to shed more light. • Haplotypes for 3 SNPs of DBH demonstrate variable risk/protection for PD. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the debilitating movement disorder, distinguished by dopaminergic and norepinephrinergic neurodegeneration. Apart from candidate gene mutations, several modifier loci have been reported to be associated with the disease manifestation. The Dopamine β-Hydroxylase (DBH) maintains cellular dopamine content and regulates dopamine turn over in neurons. Genetic polymorphisms of DBH are associated with PD and are found to alter plasma DBH activity in patients compared to healthy controls. Therefore, DBH activity in plasma could be a potential and easily detectable biomarkers for alteration of dopaminergic neuronal function in PD. Plasma DBH activity has been assessed among PD cases and age-matched controls to identify correlation with PD. To elucidate the role of DBH polymorphisms in Eastern Indian PD patients, three SNPs (rs1611115, rs1108580 and rs129882) were selected and screened by PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing analysis. The T-allele of rs129882 was more prevalent among patients than controls posing risk (p -value = 0.02, OR = 1.404, 95% CI = 1.047–1.883) towards PD. The dual-Luciferase assay in SHSY5Y cell line revealed that the T-allele of rs129882 increases Luciferase signal (p = 0.0269). However, the rs1611115 and rs1108580 did not show association with PD; plasma DBH activity was not significantly different between patients and controls (p -value > 0.05). Haplotypes constructed with three SNPs showed that the CAT haplotype to pose risk, TAC haplotype to provide protection against early disease onset and CGT being protective against non-motor symptoms. These data suggest that DBH might influence the susceptibility of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]