Effect of soil burial depth and wetting on mortality of diapausing larvae and patterns of post-diapause adult emergence of sorghum midge, Stenodiplosis sorghicola (Coquillett) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

In south-eastern Queensland, Australia, sorghum planted in early spring usually escapes sorghum midge, Stenodiplosis sorghicola, attack. Experiments were conducted to better understand the role of winter diapause in the population dynamics of this pest. Emergence patterns of adult midge from diapausing larvae on the soil surface and at various depths were investigated during spring to autumn of 1987/88–1989/90. From 1987/88 to 1989/90, 89%, 65% and 98% of adult emergence, respectively, occurred during November and December. Adult emergence from larvae diapausing on the soil surface was severely reduced due to high mortality attributed to surface soil temperatures in excess of 40°C, with much of this mortality occurring between mid-September and mid-October. Emergence of adults from the soil surface was considerably delayed in the 1988/89 season compared with larvae buried at 5 or 10 cm which had similar emergence patterns for all three seasons. In 1989/90, when a 1-cm-deep treatment was included, there was a 392% increase in adult emergence from this treatment compared with deeper treatments. Some diapausing larvae on the surface did not emerge at the end of summer in only 1 year (1989/90), when 28.0% of the larvae on the surface remained in diapause, whereas only 0.8% of the buried larvae remained in diapause. We conclude that the pattern of emergence explains why spring plantings of sorghum in south-eastern Queensland usually escape sorghum midge attack.

A Front end Switched Rectifier DC Source for Neutral Point Balancing of A NPC Three-Level Inverter for The Full Modulation Range

A switched DC voltage three level NPC is proposed in this paper to eliminate capacitor balancing problems in conventional three-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) inverter. The proposed configuration requires only one DC link with a voltage V-dc/2, where V-dc is the DC link voltage in a onventional NPC inverter. To get rated DC link voltage (V-dc), the voltage source is alternately onnected in parallel to one of the two series capacitors using two switches and two diodes with device voltage rating of V-dc/2. The frequency at which the voltage source is switched is independent and will not affect the operation of NPC inverter. The switched voltage source in this configuration balances the capacitors automatically. The proposed configuration can also be used as a conventional two level inverter in lower modulation range, thereby increases the reliability of the drive system. A space vector based PWM scheme is used to verify this proposed topology.

Estrogen modulation of retinol-binding protein in immature chicks: Comparison with riboflavin carrier protein

The kinetics of estrogen (E) modulation of retinol-binding protein (RBP) production in the liver of immature chicks were compared with those governing de novo induction of riboflavin carrier protein (RCP) in the same tissue. A single dose of E markedly enhanced the plasma levels of RBP without any detectable lag period to reach peak value by 24 h and this was followed by a decline to attain the baseline by 4 days. There was no amplification of the response during secondary stimulation unlike the case with RCP induction. With multiple E administration, the 4-fold increased plasma RBP concentrations were sustained at a steady state during both primary and secondary stimulations, whereas concomitant RCP concentration progressively increased with each hormone administration and this response was further amplified during secondary stimulation. Unlike RCP induction, enhanced RBP accumulation was not strictly E dose dependent although a minimal threshold level of the steroid was required to elicit measurable response. Progesterone (P) could neither modulate nor substitute for E in enhancing plasma levels of either of the 2 proteins while the anti-estrogens, en- and zuclomifene citrate severely suppressed the production of both the proteins. RCP induction was completely inhibited by both α-amanitin and cycloheximide for prolonged periods while E-stimulated RBP production was affected only partially by α-amanitin. Likewise, cycloheximide inhibition of RBP accumulation followed a pattern similar to that of hepatic general protein synthesis.

Ontogenetic depth partitioning by juvenile freshwater sawfish (Pristis microdon: Pristidae) in a riverine environment

The freshwater sawfish (Pristis microdon) is a critically endangered elasmobranch. Ontogenetic changes in the habitat use of juvenile P. microdon were studied using acoustic tracking in the Fitzroy River, Western Australia. Habitat partitioning was significant between 0+ (2007 year class) and larger 1+ (2006 year class) P. microdon. Smaller 0+ fish generally occupied shallower water (<0.6 m) compared with 1+ individuals, which mainly occurred in depths >0.6 m. Significant differences in hourly depth use were also revealed. The depth that 1+ P. microdon occupied was significantly influenced by lunar phase with these animals utilising a shallower and narrower depth range during the full moon compared with the new moon. This was not observed in 0+ individuals. Habitat partitioning was likely to be related to predator avoidance, foraging behaviours, and temperature and/or light regimes. The occurrence of 1+ P. microdon in deeper water may also result from a need for greater depths in which to manoeuvre. The present study demonstrates the utility of acoustic telemetry in monitoring P. microdon in a riverine environment. These results demonstrate the need to consider the habitat requirements of different P. microdon cohorts in the strategic planning of natural resources and will aid in the development of management strategies for this species.

A biomechanical investigation of fusionless growth modulation implants for spinal scoliosis treatment

This thesis studied a new minimally invasive implant for scoliosis correction that aims to correct the deformity without fusing the spine, thereby allowing movement and growth in the spine following surgery. The effect of two different vertebral body implant (staple) designs on the stiffness of the spine, using calf spines as an in vitro model, was studied. The results showed that the implants decreased spinal stiffness, with associated potential damage to the growth plates due to the staple tips. There were no significant differences in stiffness between the two staple designs tested.

Estrogen Induction Of Biotin-Binding Protein In Immature Chicks - Kinetics, Hormonal Specificity And Modulation

Employing a specific radioimmunoassay for quantification, the kinetics of estrogen-induced elevation in the plasma concentration of biotin-binding protein (BBP) in immature male chicks was investigated. A single injection of the steroid hormone enhanced the plasma BBP content several-fold at 6 h, reaching peak levels around 48 h and declining thereafter. A 2-fold amplification of the response was evident during secondary stimulation with the hormone. The magnitude of the response was hormonal dose-dependent while the initial lag phase and the time of peak protein accumulation were unaltered within the hormonal doses tested. The circulatory half-life of the specific protein in normal and estrogenized birds was 10 h. Hyperthyroidism markedly decreased the hormonal response while the opposite effect was seen during hypothyroidism. The antiestrogens E- and Z-clomiphene citrate effectively blocked the protein induction whereas progesterone, either alone or in combination with estrogen, was ineffective in modulating the induction. Cycloheximide administration drastically inhibited the inductive response. The above observations clearly suggest that the genes corresponding to the two isofunctional proteins of chicken egg, viz. BBP and avidin, are differentially regulated.

The mechanisms of human renal epithelial cell modulation of autologous dendritic cell phenotype and function

Proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTEC) of the kidney line the proximal tubule downstream of the glomerulus and play a major role in the re-absorption of small molecular weight proteins that may pass through the glomerular filtration process. In the perturbed disease state PTEC also contribute to the inflammatory disease process via both positive and negative mechanisms via the production of inflammatory cytokines which chemo-attract leukocytes and the subsequent down-modulation of these cells to prevent uncontrolled inflammatory responses. It is well established that dendritic cells are responsible for the initiation and direction of adaptive immune responses. Both resident and infiltrating dendritic cells are localised within the tubulointerstitium of the renal cortex, in close apposition to PTEC, in inflammatory disease states. We previously demonstrated that inflammatory PTEC are able to modulate autologous human dendritic cell phenotype and functional responses. Here we extend these findings to characterise the mechanisms of this PTEC immune-modulation using primary human PTEC and autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) as the model system. We demonstrate that PTEC express three inhibitory molecules: (i) cell surface PD-L1 that induces MoDC expression of PD-L1; (ii) intracellular IDO that maintains the expression of MoDC CD14, drives the expression of CD80, PD-L1 and IL-10 by MoDC and inhibits T cell stimulatory capacity; and (iii) soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) that inhibits HLA-DR and induces IL-10 expression by MoDC. Collectively the results demonstrate that primary human PTEC are able to modulate autologous DC phenotype and function via multiple complex pathways. Further dissection of these pathways is essential to target therapeutic strategies in the treatment of inflammatory kidney disorders.

Graphene with patterned fluorination: Morphology modulation and implications

Recent years have witnessed a large volume of works on the modification of graphene; however, an understanding of the associated morphology or mechanical properties changes is still lacking, which is vital for its engineering implementation. By taking the C4F fluorination as an example, we find that the morphology of both graphene sheet (GS) and graphene nanoribbon (GNR) can be effectively tailored by fluorination patterning via molecular dynamics simulations. The fluorine atom produces out-of-plane forces which trigger several intriguing morphology changes to monolayer graphene, including zigzag, folded, ruffle, nanoscroll, and chain structures. Notably, for multilayer GNR, the delamination and climbing phenomena of the surface layer are observed. Further studies show that the fluorination pattern can also be utilized to modulate the mechanical properties of graphene, e.g., about 40% increase of the effective yield strain is observed for the examined GNR with fluorination patterns. This study not only demonstrates the significant impacts on the morphology of graphene from fluorination but also suggests an effective avenue to tailor the morphology and thus mechanical properties of GS and GNR.

Estrogen modulation of riboflavin carrier protein in the bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata)

Circulatory concentrations of riboflavin carrier protein (RCP) were quantitated in bonnet macaques by employing a heterologous radioimmunoassay involving 125I-labelled chicken RCP and its antiserum. The levels of monkey RCP in the serum seem to be governed by the estrogenic status of the animals. An increase in concentration of serum estradiol in the adult females during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy could be correlated with enhanced serum RCP levels. Estadiol-17β administered to both immature female and male monkeys, specifically brought about elevated levels of RCP with a slower time course of response in males than in females. These results could be a reflection of a more rapid decline of both circulatory estrogen and RCP concentrations in male serum. Repeated administration of estradiol-17β to male animals led to prolonged elevated levels of RCP following estrogen administration. Thus, it would appear that the evolutionary conservation of RCPs from the aves to the primates encompasses not only their physicochemical similarities but also extends to the estrogenic modulation of their elaboration.

Modulation of arginine decarboxylase activity in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) cotyledons in short-term organ culture

Among the various amines administered to excisedCucumis sativus cotyledons in short-term organ culture, agmatine (AGM) inhibited arginine decarboxylase (ADC) activity to around 50%, and putrescine was the most potent entity in this regard. Homoarginine (HARG) dramatically stimulated (3- to 4-fold) the enzyme activity. Both AGM inhibition and HARG stimulation of ADC were transient, the maximum response being elicited at 12 h of culture. Mixing experiments ruled out involvement of a macromolecular effector in the observed modulation of ADC. HARG-stimulated ADC activity was completely abolished by cycloheximide, whereas AGM-mediated inhibition was unaffected. Half-life of the enzyme did not alter on treatment with either HARG or AGM. The observed alterations in ADC activity are accompanied by change in Km of the enzyme. HARG-stimulated ADC activity is additive to that induced by benzyladenine (BA) whereas in presence of KCl, HARG failed to enhance ADC activity, thus demonstrating the overriding influence of K+ on amine metabolism.

Hormonal induction of riboflavin carrier protein in the chicken oviduct and liver: a comparison of kinetics and modulation

Estrogen (E) induction of riboflavin carrier protein (RCP) in the chicken oviduct and liver was investigated to compare and contrast the kinetics, hormonal specificity and modulation of its elaboration in the 2 steroid-responsive tissues. During primary stimulation, continued daily E administration to immature female chicks elicited, after an initial lag, rapid growth and RCP content of the oviduct; neither progesterone (P) nor testosterone (T) could substitute for E in this respect. Furthermore, P given along with E curtailed tissue growth and its RCP content, whereas E + T had a synergistic effect on tissue growth only. During secondary stimulation, E administration steeply enhanced both tissue weight and RCP content without any lag. Interestingly, P (but not T) could substitute for E in augmenting magnum RCP concentration to a comparable extent while a concomitant effect on tissue growth was less marked. In contrast, hepatic induction of RCP was absolutely E-specific during both primary and secondary stimulations. Secondary stimulation with either E or P of E-primed birds enhanced the rates of RCP synthesis in the oviduct relative to that of total protein, whereas in the liver only E was effective in this regard. The absolute rate of E-induced RCP synthesis in both the steroid-stimulated tissues was significantly higher than that of general protein elaboration.

Dietary modulation of β-catenin signalling in an experimental model of colon cancer

Colorectal cancer is among the major cancers and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Western societies. Its occurrence is strongly affected by environmental factors such as diet. Thus, for preventative strategies it is vitally important to understand the mechanisms that stimulate adenoma growth and development towards accelerated malignancy or, in contrast, attenuate them to remain in quiescence for periods as long as decades. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether diet is able to modulate β-catenin signalling related to the promotion or prevention of intestinal tumourigenesis in an animal model of colon cancer, the Min/+ mouse. A series of dietary experiments with Min/+ mice were performed where fructo-oligosaccharide inulin was used for tumour promotion and four berries, bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) and white currant (Ribes x pallidum), were used for tumour prevention. The adenomas (Apc-/-) and surrounding normal-appearing mucosa (Apc+/-) were investigated separately due to their mutational and functional differences. Tumour promotive and preventive diets had opposite effects on β-catenin signalling in the adenomas that was related to the different adenoma growth effects of dietary inulin and berries. The levels of nuclear β-catenin and cyclin D1 combined with size of the adenomas in the treatment groups suggests that diets induced differences in the cancerous process. Adenomas progressing to malignant carcinomas are most likely found in the sub-groups having the highest levels of β-catenin. On the other hand, adenomas staying quiescent for a long period of time are most probably found in the cloudberry or white currant diet groups. The levels of membranous E-cadherin and β-catenin increased as the adenomas in the inulin diet group grew, which could be a result of the overall increase in the protein levels of the cell. Therefore, the increasing levels of membranous β-catenin in Min/+ mice adenomas would be undesirable, due to the simultaneous increase in oncogenic nuclear β-catenin. We propose that the decreased amount of membranous β-catenin in benign adenomas of berry groups also means a decrease in the nuclear pool of β-catenin. Tumour promotion, but not the tumour prevention, influenced β-catenin signalling already in the normal appearing mucosa. Inulin-induced tumour promotion was related to β-catenin signalling in Min/+ mice, and in WT mice changes were also visible. The preventative effects of berries in the initiation phase were not mediated by β-catenin signalling. Our results suggest that, in addition to the number, size, and growth rate of adenomatous polyps, the signalling pattern of the adenomas should be considered when evaluating preventative dietary strategies.

Modulation of succinate dehydrogenase in response to environmental stress conditions of hypobaria and hypoxia

1. 1. An increase in the oxidation of succinate by hepatic mitochondria in rats exposed to hypoxia (O2-N2; 1:9, v/v) or hypobaria (0.5 atm) was observed which appears to be due to modification of the activity of the rate-limiting succinate dehydrogenase [succinate: (acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.3.99.1].

Phase accumulated carrier pulse width modulation

An alternative approach to digital PWM generation uses an accumulator rather than a counter to generate the carrier. This offers several advantages. The resolution and gain of the pulse width modulator remain constant regardless of the module clock frequency and PWM output frequency. The PWM resolution also becomes fixed at the register width. Even at high PWM frequencies, the resolution remains high when averaged over a number of PWM cycles. An inherent dithering of the PWM waveform introduced over successive cycles blurs the switching spectra without distorting the modulating waveform. The technique also lends itself to easily generating several phase shifted PWM waveforms suitable for multilevel converter modulation. Several example waveforms generated using both simulation and FPGA hardware are presented.