Search

Performance of nuclear threat detection systems based on gamma-ray spectrometry often strongly depends on the ability to identify the part of measured signal that can be attributed to background radiation. We have successfully applied a method based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to obtain a compact null-space model of background spectra using PCA projection residuals to derive a source detection score. We have shown the method's utility in a threat detection system using mobile spectrometers in urban scenes (Tandon et al 2012). While it is commonly assumed that measured photon counts follow a Poisson process, standard PCA makes a Gaussian assumption about the data distribution, which may be a poor approximation when photon counts are low. This paper studies whether and in what conditions PCA with a Poisson-based loss function (Poisson PCA) can outperform standard Gaussian PCA in modeling background radiation to enable more sensitive and specific nuclear threat detection.

Studies to identify effective kairomones, their optimum doses and appropriate application techniques with a view to increase the parasitizing efficiency of T. chilonis were conducted during 2005-06 in the laboratory. Fresh hexane extract of Corcyra cephalonica (1%)+hexacosane (0.3%) and C. cephalonica scale extract (1%)+nonacosane (0.3%) were the most attractive and recorded the highest egg parasitization (77.25% in both) when applied in impregnated rubber septa. The second effective kairomone was C. cephalonica scale extract (1%)+pentacosane (0.3%). Kairomone impregnated septa as dispensers proved better over paper strips. No significant difference in parasitizing efficiency was recorded between ochre and orange septa kairomone dispensers.

Hexane wash of gallery and body of Opisina arenosella Walker elicited positive response from the parasitoids namely Goniozus nephantidis (Muesebeck), Brachymeria nephantidis Gahan and Elasmus nephantidis Rohwer, in terms of more number of parasitoids entering the kairomone arm than hexane arm in 'Y' tube olfactometer. Although, numerically, the gallery wash elicited higher response than larval body wash of the host O. arenosella to G. nephantidis, statistically, the treatments were on par. Chemical analysis of kairomonal substances using GCMS revealed the presence of 13-tetradecenal and myristic acid in the gallery wash, in addition to dodecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, heptadecane, eicosane and tricosane. Larval wash showed terpenoids like alpha-terpinene and alpha humulene.

Behavioural and electrophysiologieal responses of adult Chrysoperla carnea (Stephnes) were studied in laboratory conditions (27±2°C and RH 70%). The females of C. Carnea in thc ovipositional period were exposed to acid hydrolysed L-tryptophan using hydrochloric acid, oxidizcd L-tryptophan using hydrogen peroxide and quick amino acid oxidizers. The response of C. Carnea females to both hydrolysed and oxidized L-tryptophan was greater at higher concentratiun (0,66%) than lower concentration (0.33%). The orientational response studies have shown that more Humber of adults was attracted to the acid hydrolyzed L-tryptophan than oxidized L-tryptophan. Ovipositional studics indicated that acid hydrolyzed L-tryptophann recorded higher oviposition, followed by oxidized L-tryptophan using quick oxidizers. The role of the quick oxidizers in fast breakdown of L-tryptophan and subsequcnt ovipositional attraction was studied by exposing C. Carnea to 2 or 3-day-old acid hydrolyzed and oxidized L-tryptophan. Higher oviposition was recorded in the 3-day-old formulation compared to 2-day-old acid hydrolyzed and oxidized L-tryptophan. The ultimate breakdown product of L-tryptophan, which was responsible for the attraction of L-tryptophan, was considered to be indole acctaldehyde. The attraction of C. Carnea to indole acetaldehyde was also studied at 10. 20 mM. There was Significantly more oviposition on the fiIter paper discs treated with IOmM indole acetaldehyde. Thc prospects of lIsing these products as attractants are discussed.

Behavioural and electrophysiologieal responses of adult Chrysoperla carnea (Stephnes) were studied in laboratory conditions (27±2°C and RH 70%). The females of C. Carnea in thc ovipositional period were exposed to acid hydrolysed L-tryptophan using hydrochloric acid, oxidizcd L-tryptophan using hydrogen peroxide and quick amino acid oxidizers. The response of C. Carnea females to both hydrolysed and oxidized L-tryptophan was greater at higher concentratiun (0,66%) than lower concentration (0.33%). The orientational response studies have shown that more Humber of adults was attracted to the acid hydrolyzed L-tryptophan than oxidized L-tryptophan. Ovipositional studics indicated that acid hydrolyzed L-tryptophann recorded higher oviposition, followed by oxidized L-tryptophan using quick oxidizers. The role of the quick oxidizers in fast breakdown of L-tryptophan and subsequcnt ovipositional attraction was studied by exposing C. Carnea to 2 or 3-day-old acid hydrolyzed and oxidized L-tryptophan. Higher oviposition was recorded in the 3-day-old formulation compared to 2-day-old acid hydrolyzed and oxidized L-tryptophan. The ultimate breakdown product of L-tryptophan, which was responsible for the attraction of L-tryptophan, was considered to be indole acctaldehyde. The attraction of C. Carnea to indole acetaldehyde was also studied at 10. 20 mM. There was Significantly more oviposition on the fiIter paper discs treated with IOmM indole acetaldehyde. Thc prospects of lIsing these products as attractants are discussed.

Hexane wash of gallery and body of Opisina arenosella Walker elicited positive response from the parasitoids namely Goniozus nephantidis (Muesebeck), Brachymeria nephantidis Gahan and Elasmus nephantidis Rohwer, in terms of more number of parasitoids entering the kairomone arm than hexane arm in 'Y' tube olfactometer. Although, numerically, the gallery wash elicited higher response than larval body wash of the host O. arenosella to G. nephantidis, statistically, the treatments were on par. Chemical analysis of kairomonal substances using GCMS revealed the presence of 13-tetradecenal and myristic acid in the gallery wash, in addition to dodecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, heptadecane, eicosane and tricosane. Larval wash showed terpenoids like alpha-terpinene and alpha humulene.

Studies to identify effective kairomones, their optimum doses and appropriate application techniques with a view to increase the parasitizing efficiency of T. chilonis were conducted during 2005-06 in the laboratory. Fresh hexane extract of Corcyra cephalonica (1%)+hexacosane (0.3%) and C. cephalonica scale extract (1%)+nonacosane (0.3%) were the most attractive and recorded the highest egg parasitization (77.25% in both) when applied in impregnated rubber septa. The second effective kairomone was C. cephalonica scale extract (1%)+pentacosane (0.3%). Kairomone impregnated septa as dispensers proved better over paper strips. No significant difference in parasitizing efficiency was recorded between ochre and orange septa kairomone dispensers.

Poly (β-L-malic acid) (PMLA) is a biodegradable polymer and it has various important applications in the biomedical field. In the present work the structural and spectral characteristics of PMLA have been studied by methods of infrared, Raman spectroscopy and quantum chemistry. Electrostatic potential surface, optimized geometry, harmonic vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities and activities of Raman scattering were calculated by density functional theory (DFT) using oligomeric approach employing B3LYP with complete relaxation in the potential energy surface using 6-311++G (d, p) basis set. Based on results, we have discussed the correlation between the vibrational modes and the structure of the PMLA. A complete analysis of the experimental infrared and Raman spectra has been reported on the basis of wavenumber of the vibrational bands and potential energy distribution. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies shows that charge transfer occur within the molecule. The calculated infrared and the Raman spectra of the polymer based on DFT calculations show reasonable agreement with the experimental results., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

Two experiments were conducted on the effect of sunflower genotypes (21 nos.) on the parasitization efficiency of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii on Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) under screen house conditions at Project Directorate of Biological Control (lCAR), Bangalore, Karnataka during 1999-2000. Pooled analysis of the data generated under these experinIents revealed significant difference in per cent parasitism of H. armigera eggs by T. chilonis on these genotypes. Highest parasitism was observed on sunflower hybrid MSFH 17 (53.50%) among all the genotypes evaluated. Second best performance was on variety Morden (42.50%), followed by RHA-274 (41.00%) and hybrid KBSH 1 (38.00%). However, statistically all these were on par. Least parasitism was recorded on hybrid BSH-I (8.00%), followed by variety 6D·l (9.50%) and accession no. 109 (12.50%). Strangely, both parent lines of this hybrid, namely, CMS 234A and RHA 274, recorded much higher parasitism. All other genotypes recorded low to moderate parasitism ranging from 16.00 to 34.50 per cent. The sunflower genotypes (hybrids, cultivars, inbred lines), which are found T. chilonis friendly, are also agronomically acceptable. Among them, two are important national high yielding (seed and oil) hybrids (MSFH 17 and KBSH 1).

Two experiments were conducted on the effect of sunflower genotypes (21 nos.) on the parasitization efficiency of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii on Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) under screen house conditions at Project Directorate of Biological Control (lCAR), Bangalore, Karnataka during 1999-2000. Pooled analysis of the data generated under these experinIents revealed significant difference in per cent parasitism of H. armigera eggs by T. chilonis on these genotypes. Highest parasitism was observed on sunflower hybrid MSFH 17 (53.50%) among all the genotypes evaluated. Second best performance was on variety Morden (42.50%), followed by RHA-274 (41.00%) and hybrid KBSH 1 (38.00%). However, statistically all these were on par. Least parasitism was recorded on hybrid BSH-I (8.00%), followed by variety 6D·l (9.50%) and accession no. 109 (12.50%). Strangely, both parent lines of this hybrid, namely, CMS 234A and RHA 274, recorded much higher parasitism. All other genotypes recorded low to moderate parasitism ranging from 16.00 to 34.50 per cent. The sunflower genotypes (hybrids, cultivars, inbred lines), which are found T. chilonis friendly, are also agronomically acceptable. Among them, two are important national high yielding (seed and oil) hybrids (MSFH 17 and KBSH 1).

Adults and larvae of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) utilize different kairomones for oviposition, prey selection and acceptance. The larval kairomones containing scale extracts fortified with tricosane along with the eggs of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) as the supplementary diet, and the adult kairomone, acid hydrolyzcd L-tryptophan were studied to increase the predatory activity of the C. carnea in cotton ecosystem at three locations during 2002-2004. Controls were maintained with the two releases of C. carnea and without any treatment. In all the locations, the number of eggs, larvae, pupae or adult C. carnea was more than the treated control and control. The number of aphids, jassids, and the incidence of bollworm were significantly less in kairomone treated plots, compared to other plots. However, no difference was observed in the activity of coccinellids predators. The scope for utilizing the kairomones as reinforcing agents for C. carnea is discussed.

Evaluation of 15 tomato genotypes (Varieties/hybrids) for their influence on the parasitization efficiency of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii on Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) eggs under screen house condition revealed significant differences in terms of per cent parasitization. Least parasitization was recorded on Arka Abha (20%) and highest on Arka Ahuti (50%), followed by Anand-1 (46.66%). Olfactory response of T. chilonis to tomato fruit volatiles did not show significant differences. However, leaf volatiles showed significant differences in their attraction to T. chilonis. The fruit volatiles identified from different genotypes comprised 16 compounds, which include alkane hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and other metabolites. It revealed great fruit volatile diversity in terms of number of compounds (qualitative) and their proportions (quantitative). Maximum compounds were identified from variety Ramya and Pusa Ruby (12 each). The major compound present in the fruit volatiles was Linalool-L and its proportionate concentration varied from 1.79 (Pusa Ruby) to 91.12 per cent (Arka Abha). This was followed by heptadecane (present in all the genotypes) and the proportionate concentration varied from 2.89 (A. Saurabh) to 62.9 per cent varalakshmi. The leaf volatile profiles of the genotypes evaluated include 19 compounds. Except genotype varalakshmi in which a-pinene constituted 69.69 per cent of total volatiles, in all other genotypes heptadecane was the main compound and the concentration varied from 21.72 (in Ramya) to 60.75 per cent (in A. Abha). Some of the compounds identified α-phellandrene, a-pinene, trans-caryophyllene, (Z)-α-farnesenc, trans-α-ocimene and selinene are known for their synomonal activity.

Adults and larvae of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) utilize different kairomones for oviposition, prey selection and acceptance. The larval kairomones containing scale extracts fortified with tricosane along with the eggs of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) as the supplementary diet, and the adult kairomone, acid hydrolyzcd L-tryptophan were studied to increase the predatory activity of the C. carnea in cotton ecosystem at three locations during 2002-2004. Controls were maintained with the two releases of C. carnea and without any treatment. In all the locations, the number of eggs, larvae, pupae or adult C. carnea was more than the treated control and control. The number of aphids, jassids, and the incidence of bollworm were significantly less in kairomone treated plots, compared to other plots. However, no difference was observed in the activity of coccinellids predators. The scope for utilizing the kairomones as reinforcing agents for C. carnea is discussed.

Evaluation of 15 tomato genotypes (Varieties/hybrids) for their influence on the parasitization efficiency of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii on Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) eggs under screen house condition revealed significant differences in terms of per cent parasitization. Least parasitization was recorded on Arka Abha (20%) and highest on Arka Ahuti (50%), followed by Anand-1 (46.66%). Olfactory response of T. chilonis to tomato fruit volatiles did not show significant differences. However, leaf volatiles showed significant differences in their attraction to T. chilonis. The fruit volatiles identified from different genotypes comprised 16 compounds, which include alkane hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and other metabolites. It revealed great fruit volatile diversity in terms of number of compounds (qualitative) and their proportions (quantitative). Maximum compounds were identified from variety Ramya and Pusa Ruby (12 each). The major compound present in the fruit volatiles was Linalool-L and its proportionate concentration varied from 1.79 (Pusa Ruby) to 91.12 per cent (Arka Abha). This was followed by heptadecane (present in all the genotypes) and the proportionate concentration varied from 2.89 (A. Saurabh) to 62.9 per cent varalakshmi. The leaf volatile profiles of the genotypes evaluated include 19 compounds. Except genotype varalakshmi in which a-pinene constituted 69.69 per cent of total volatiles, in all other genotypes heptadecane was the main compound and the concentration varied from 21.72 (in Ramya) to 60.75 per cent (in A. Abha). Some of the compounds identified α-phellandrene, a-pinene, trans-caryophyllene, (Z)-α-farnesenc, trans-α-ocimene and selinene are known for their synomonal activity.

Trichogramma chilonis Ishii is an effective egg parasitoid for the management of several lepidopterous borer pests. With a view to improve its efficiency further, study was conducted on the influence of strain variability and kairomonal substances on its parasitization under multiple-choice assay using an 8-arm olfactometer. The results revealed that irrespective of treatment with kairomonal substances, highest mean parasitization of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) eggs (21.5%) was done by strain collected from the sugarcane borers (Strain IS). Least mean parasitization was observed in eggs exposed to Strain 22. Among the five kairomonal substances tested, hexacosane (0.1%) induced highest mean egg parasitization, The interaction between T. chilonis strains and kairomones indicated that the combination of Strain 15 and hcxacosane (0.1%) was most effective and registered highest egg parasitization (36.6%), followed by the combination of Strain 15 and tricosanc (0.1%). The scope of selecting and utilizing the behaviorally responsive strains in combination with their effective kairomones for field release is discussed.

Trichogramma chilonis Ishii is an effective egg parasitoid for the management of several lepidopterous borer pests. With a view to improve its efficiency further, study was conducted on the influence of strain variability and kairomonal substances on its parasitization under multiple-choice assay using an 8-arm olfactometer. The results revealed that irrespective of treatment with kairomonal substances, highest mean parasitization of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) eggs (21.5%) was done by strain collected from the sugarcane borers (Strain IS). Least mean parasitization was observed in eggs exposed to Strain 22. Among the five kairomonal substances tested, hexacosane (0.1%) induced highest mean egg parasitization, The interaction between T. chilonis strains and kairomones indicated that the combination of Strain 15 and hcxacosane (0.1%) was most effective and registered highest egg parasitization (36.6%), followed by the combination of Strain 15 and tricosanc (0.1%). The scope of selecting and utilizing the behaviorally responsive strains in combination with their effective kairomones for field release is discussed.

Experiments were done on electro-physiological and olfactometeric responses of Helicoverpa armigera (Hiibner) and its egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii to leaf and floral volatiles of Tagetes erecta Linnaeus and Solanum viarum Dunal. H. armigera female moths exhibited highest mean absolute net electrophysiological response (−0,462mv) to floral volatiles of T. erecta followed by volatiles from leaves (−0.395mv), In case of olfactometric responses, T. chilonis showed maximum net response to hexane extract of T. erecta flower bud (47.5%), followed by floral and leaf volatiles. However, statistically all these cues were on par. The volatile compounds identified from leaves and flowers of T. erecta, and leaves of 5. viarum were 16, 17 and 21 in number, respectively. The compounds found common in both the trap crops were: 1, 2, benzenedicarboxylic acid, cis-a-bisabolene, eicosane, hexacosane, heptacosane, pentacosane, tetradecane and nonadecane. Among the floral volatiles, piperitenone was in the highest proportion (25.5%), followed by piperitone (5.39%), limonene (4.83%), trans- b-ocimene (3.35%), cis-epoxy-ocimene (4.83%), myrcene (1.13%) and BHT-aldehyde (0.34%). Studies revealed that both the trap crops -T. erecta and S.viarum are Trichogramma friendly.

Experiments were done on electro-physiological and olfactometeric responses of Helicoverpa armigera (Hiibner) and its egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii to leaf and floral volatiles of Tagetes erecta Linnaeus and Solanum viarum Dunal. H. armigera female moths exhibited highest mean absolute net electrophysiological response (−0,462mv) to floral volatiles of T. erecta followed by volatiles from leaves (−0.395mv), In case of olfactometric responses, T. chilonis showed maximum net response to hexane extract of T. erecta flower bud (47.5%), followed by floral and leaf volatiles. However, statistically all these cues were on par. The volatile compounds identified from leaves and flowers of T. erecta, and leaves of 5. viarum were 16, 17 and 21 in number, respectively. The compounds found common in both the trap crops were: 1, 2, benzenedicarboxylic acid, cis-a-bisabolene, eicosane, hexacosane, heptacosane, pentacosane, tetradecane and nonadecane. Among the floral volatiles, piperitenone was in the highest proportion (25.5%), followed by piperitone (5.39%), limonene (4.83%), trans- b-ocimene (3.35%), cis-epoxy-ocimene (4.83%), myrcene (1.13%) and BHT-aldehyde (0.34%). Studies revealed that both the trap crops -T. erecta and S.viarum are Trichogramma friendly.

Networks of GABAergic interneurons are of utmost importance in generating and promoting synchronous activity and are involved in producing coherent oscillations. These neurons are characterized by their fast-spiking rate and by the expression of the Ca2+-binding protein parvalbumin (PV). Alteration of their inhibitory activity has been proposed as a major mechanism leading to epileptic seizures and thus the role of PV in maintaining the stability of neuronal networks was assessed in knockout (PV−/−) mice. Pentylenetetrazole induced generalized tonic–clonic seizures in all genotypes, but the severity of seizures was significantly greater in PV−/− than in PV+/+ animals. Extracellular single-unit activity recorded from over 1000 neurons in vivo in the temporal cortex revealed an increase of units firing regularly and a decrease of cells firing in bursts. In the hippocampus, PV deficiency facilitated the GABAAergic current reversal induced by high-frequency stimulation, a mechanism implied in the generation of epileptic activity. We postulate that PV plays a key role in the regulation of local inhibitory effects exerted by GABAergic interneurons on pyramidal neurons. Through an increase in inhibition, the absence of PV facilitates synchronous activity in the cortex and facilitates hypersynchrony through the depolarizing action of GABA in the hippocampus.

Field life tables of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) were constructed for 6 generations from summer 1994 to rabi (winter) 1995 in Bangalore on fodder maize. Positive trend indices were obtained in the 2nd , 3rd and 4th generations, which corresponded to late summer to kharif (monsoon) seasons and negative trend indices in the 1st, 5th and 6th generations corresponding to late kharif (late monsoon) to rabi seasons. Positive trend indices signified greater pest activity during those generations. Maximum contribution to real generation mortality was in egg stage in all the generations as ks of egg period were invariably closer to generation K in each season. Key mortality factor analysis revealed direct density dependence in egg stage with egg parasitoids having highly significant regression coefficient. Mortality due to unknown causes in younger larvae exhibited inverse density dependence. During larval stage, hatching failure, and in pupal stage all mortality factors exhibited delayed density dependence. The result provided rational ecological basis for developing biocontrol - based programme for suppression of C. partellus on fodder maize.

Field life tables of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) were constructed for 6 generations from summer 1994 to rabi (winter) 1995 in Bangalore on fodder maize. Positive trend indices were obtained in the 2nd , 3rd and 4th generations, which corresponded to late summer to kharif (monsoon) seasons and negative trend indices in the 1st, 5th and 6th generations corresponding to late kharif (late monsoon) to rabi seasons. Positive trend indices signified greater pest activity during those generations. Maximum contribution to real generation mortality was in egg stage in all the generations as ks of egg period were invariably closer to generation K in each season. Key mortality factor analysis revealed direct density dependence in egg stage with egg parasitoids having highly significant regression coefficient. Mortality due to unknown causes in younger larvae exhibited inverse density dependence. During larval stage, hatching failure, and in pupal stage all mortality factors exhibited delayed density dependence. The result provided rational ecological basis for developing biocontrol - based programme for suppression of C. partellus on fodder maize.

Acute subdural haematoma is a well-entrenched nosological entity implying subdural collection of blood following acute head injury. Pathologically, it is usually associated with or, for that matter, secondary to cerebral contusion and laceration. Based on cumulated experience, clinical and pathological studies it is proposed that, for too long the neurosurgeons have put emphasis on the clot rather than the totality of the pathological anatomy and that they have focused their therapeutic strategy on removal of the accumulated blood, unmindful of the associated parenchymatous lesion. Not surprisingly, such attempts have been associated with a very high mortality. On the basis of nearly four decades of personal experience and critical review of the literature, evidence has been provided that to reduce the mortality associated with this condition, it is necessary to evolve a strategy, not only to evacuate the blood but comprehensively deal with the associated parenchymatous lesions and the cascade of secondary insult to the underlying brain.

Two hundred patients with supratentorial glioma; astrocytoma (pilocytic, fibrillary, gemistocytic) 82, mixed glioma (oligoastrocytoma) 46, oligodendroglioma 8, malignant (anaplastic) astrocytoma 33 and glioblastoma multiforme 31, surgically treated for the tumours and followed up for one to sixteen years, were retrospectively analysed for the incidence of pre and postoperative epileptic seizures. 122 patients (61%) had seizures preoperatively. 62 (50.8%) of them had at least one or more seizures during follow up. Seizures were persistent in 22 patients. Doubtful, or one or two minor seizures occurred in 19 cases. Six patients in this group had seizure only at the time of CT confirmed recurrence, after a seizure free interval of one to nine years. Amongst 78 patients who did not have seizures preoperatively, 24 (30.6%) developed seizures during the postoperative follow up period. Recurrent attacks were reported only by 5 patients while 15 patients had seizure(s) only at the time of recurrence of tumour. Two patients had a few seizures in the early postoperative period and none thereafter, while doubtful seizures were reported by two patients.

Recognising the huge burden of neurological and psychiatric disorders and prompted by the potentials of new techniques of molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics and imaging to study these, the 1990s were declared the ′decade of the brain′. This stimulated global scientific efforts to understand the human brain in health and disease. This review summarises some of the major research achievements during the decade. While it is impossible to provide a comprehensive summary of the voluminous data that has been generated, it was decided to provide a bird′s eye view of the recent advances in the fields of developmental neurobiology, neurogenetics, neurochemistry and imaging of the brain, which have direct relevance for the clinicians.

Chrysoperta carnea (Stephens) is considered as an important predator against Helicoverpa armigera (Hii bner) and other sucking pests. The behavioural response of adult of C. carnea to the volatiles of plants infested by H. armigera was studied under laboratory conditions through electroantennogram and olfactometer. The adults showed good electroantennogram response to volatiles from flowers and bolls of cotton infested by H. armigera. Highest response was noticed to tbe infested bolls than flowers and leaves. In zone resident period studies, the adults spent distinctively more time in the zone 6 (nearest to source) when infested bolls were tested. In dual choice methods, significantly more number of adults reached the synomone arm than the control arm, when infested eotton bolls were tested. The response to infested leaves was very poor.

Chrysoperta carnea (Stephens) is considered as an important predator against Helicoverpa armigera (Hii bner) and other sucking pests. The behavioural response of adult of C. carnea to the volatiles of plants infested by H. armigera was studied under laboratory conditions through electroantennogram and olfactometer. The adults showed good electroantennogram response to volatiles from flowers and bolls of cotton infested by H. armigera. Highest response was noticed to tbe infested bolls than flowers and leaves. In zone resident period studies, the adults spent distinctively more time in the zone 6 (nearest to source) when infested bolls were tested. In dual choice methods, significantly more number of adults reached the synomone arm than the control arm, when infested eotton bolls were tested. The response to infested leaves was very poor.

Networks of GABAergic interneurons are of utmost importance in generating and promoting synchronous activity and are involved in producing coherent oscillations. These neurons are characterized by their fast-spiking rate and by the expression of the Ca2+-binding protein parvalbumin (PV). Alteration of their inhibitory activity has been proposed as a major mechanism leading to epileptic seizures and thus the role of PV in maintaining the stability of neuronal networks was assessed in knockout (PV−/−) mice. Pentylenetetrazole induced generalized tonic–clonic seizures in all genotypes, but the severity of seizures was significantly greater in PV−/− than in PV+/+ animals. Extracellular single-unit activity recorded from over 1000 neurons in vivo in the temporal cortex revealed an increase of units firing regularly and a decrease of cells firing in bursts. In the hippocampus, PV deficiency facilitated the GABAAergic current reversal induced by high-frequency stimulation, a mechanism implied in the generation of epileptic activity. We postulate that PV plays a key role in the regulation of local inhibitory effects exerted by GABAergic interneurons on pyramidal neurons. Through an increase in inhibition, the absence of PV facilitates synchronous activity in the cortex and facilitates hypersynchrony through the depolarizing action of GABA in the hippocampus.