The pineal gland as a model to elucidate the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents
- Authors: Welman, Alan David
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Pineal gland , Cythochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001610
- Description: An attempt was made to use the pineal gland as a model for the study of the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents. Two drugs were investigated, viz. alpha-methyldopa and ephedrine whose mode of action is not entirely clear. Organ cultures of pineal glands from rats treated chronically with alpha-methyldopa showed enhanced conversion of radioactive serotonin to melatonin (aMT) , as well as its precursor Nacetylserotonin (aHT). This treatment was also found to raise Nacetyltransferase (NAT) activity. These increases associated with alpha-methyldopa treatment were further enhanced by the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-receptor. A subsequent binding study, however, showed a decrease in beta-receptor binding with exposure to alpha-methyldopa, providing mitigating evidence against the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that a metabolite of alpha-methyldopa acts as an alpha 1 and beta-adrenergic agonist, resulting in greater melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) synthesis than by a beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. Combined treatment of pineals with alpha-methyldopa and an alphareceptor blocker, phentolamine, resulted in melatonin (aMT) , Nacetylserotonin (aHT) , and N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels which were lower than those obtained with alpha-methyldopa treatment alone, thus confirming the alpha-adrenergic activity of the metabolite of alpha-methyldopa. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured simultaneously in the organ culture experiments. Organ cultures of rat pineal glands treated with ephedrine showed raised levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT). Treatment with ephedrine also produced raised N-acetyltransferase activity. A further enhancement of these parameters was induced by norepinephrine, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Rats were treated with reserpine (a norepinephrine depleter) and the pineals exposed to ephedrine. Endogenous norepinephrine normally released by the action of ephedrine was thus absent, and under these conditions, levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) were reduced. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity was also reduced, but maintained levels pointing to substantial adrenergic activity of ephedrine as well as norepinephrine released by virtue of the drug's action. A subsequent binding study showed a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor binding with exposure to ephedrine and a further decrease in ephedrine treated pineals from reserpine treated rats, thus ruling out the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that both ephedrine and released norepinephrine have alpha- and beta-receptor activity. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured in the organ culture experiments. A 16-hour time profile of the production of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) with norepinephrine and ephedrine treatment provided useful information regarding the course of action of the two agents. A pineal cell-culture system was developed and exposed to ephedrine and norepinephrine. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels measured after exposure to these agents were raised, confirming the adrenergic activity of both in the model. Finally, an HPLC system coupled to a UV detector was used in an attempt to measure melatonin (aMT) extracted from pineal organ culture media. The results showed that melatonin could be measured by this method, however, a more sensitive detection system was recommended for future work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Welman, Alan David
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Pineal gland , Cythochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001610
- Description: An attempt was made to use the pineal gland as a model for the study of the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents. Two drugs were investigated, viz. alpha-methyldopa and ephedrine whose mode of action is not entirely clear. Organ cultures of pineal glands from rats treated chronically with alpha-methyldopa showed enhanced conversion of radioactive serotonin to melatonin (aMT) , as well as its precursor Nacetylserotonin (aHT). This treatment was also found to raise Nacetyltransferase (NAT) activity. These increases associated with alpha-methyldopa treatment were further enhanced by the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-receptor. A subsequent binding study, however, showed a decrease in beta-receptor binding with exposure to alpha-methyldopa, providing mitigating evidence against the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that a metabolite of alpha-methyldopa acts as an alpha 1 and beta-adrenergic agonist, resulting in greater melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) synthesis than by a beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. Combined treatment of pineals with alpha-methyldopa and an alphareceptor blocker, phentolamine, resulted in melatonin (aMT) , Nacetylserotonin (aHT) , and N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels which were lower than those obtained with alpha-methyldopa treatment alone, thus confirming the alpha-adrenergic activity of the metabolite of alpha-methyldopa. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured simultaneously in the organ culture experiments. Organ cultures of rat pineal glands treated with ephedrine showed raised levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT). Treatment with ephedrine also produced raised N-acetyltransferase activity. A further enhancement of these parameters was induced by norepinephrine, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Rats were treated with reserpine (a norepinephrine depleter) and the pineals exposed to ephedrine. Endogenous norepinephrine normally released by the action of ephedrine was thus absent, and under these conditions, levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) were reduced. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity was also reduced, but maintained levels pointing to substantial adrenergic activity of ephedrine as well as norepinephrine released by virtue of the drug's action. A subsequent binding study showed a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor binding with exposure to ephedrine and a further decrease in ephedrine treated pineals from reserpine treated rats, thus ruling out the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that both ephedrine and released norepinephrine have alpha- and beta-receptor activity. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured in the organ culture experiments. A 16-hour time profile of the production of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) with norepinephrine and ephedrine treatment provided useful information regarding the course of action of the two agents. A pineal cell-culture system was developed and exposed to ephedrine and norepinephrine. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels measured after exposure to these agents were raised, confirming the adrenergic activity of both in the model. Finally, an HPLC system coupled to a UV detector was used in an attempt to measure melatonin (aMT) extracted from pineal organ culture media. The results showed that melatonin could be measured by this method, however, a more sensitive detection system was recommended for future work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
The pineal gland as a model to elucidate the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents
- Authors: Welman, Alan David
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Pineal gland , Cythochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4279 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002005 , Pineal gland
- Description: An attempt was made to use the pineal gland as a model for the study of the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents. Two drugs were investigated, viz. alpha-methyldopa and ephedrine whose mode of action is not entirely clear. Organ cultures of pineal glands from rats treated chronically with alpha-methyldopa showed enhanced conversion of radioactive serotonin to melatonin (aMT) , as well as its precursor Nacetylserotonin (aHT). This treatment was also found to raise Nacetyltransferase (NAT) activity. These increases associated with alpha-methyldopa treatment were further enhanced by the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-receptor. A subsequent binding study, however, showed a decrease in beta-receptor binding with exposure to alpha-methyldopa, providing mitigating evidence against the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that a metabolite of alpha-methyldopa acts as an alpha 1 and beta-adrenergic agonist, resulting in greater melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) synthesis than by a beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. Combined treatment of pineals with alpha-methyldopa and an alphareceptor blocker, phentolamine, resulted in melatonin (aMT) , Nacetylserotonin (aHT) , and N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels which were lower than those obtained with alpha-methyldopa treatment alone, thus confirming the alpha-adrenergic activity of the metabolite of alpha-methyldopa. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured simultaneously in the organ culture experiments. Organ cultures of rat pineal glands treated with ephedrine showed raised levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT). Treatment with ephedrine also produced raised N-acetyltransferase activity. A further enhancement of these parameters was induced by norepinephrine, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Rats were treated with reserpine (a norepinephrine depleter) and the pineals exposed to ephedrine. Endogenous norepinephrine normally released by the action of ephedrine was thus absent, and under these conditions, levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) were reduced. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity was also reduced, but maintained levels pointing to substantial adrenergic activity of ephedrine as well as norepinephrine released by virtue of the drug's action. A subsequent binding study showed a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor binding with exposure to ephedrine and a further decrease in ephedrine treated pineals from reserpine treated rats, thus ruling out the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that both ephedrine and released norepinephrine have alpha- and beta-receptor activity. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured in the organ culture experiments. A 16-hour time profile of the production of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) with norepinephrine and ephedrine treatment provided useful information regarding the course of action of the two agents. A pineal cell-culture system was developed and exposed to ephedrine and norepinephrine. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels measured after exposure to these agents were raised, confirming the adrenergic activity of both in the model. Finally, an HPLC system coupled to a UV detector was used in an attempt to measure melatonin (aMT) extracted from pineal organ culture media. The results showed that melatonin could be measured by this method, however, a more sensitive detection system was recommended for future work
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Welman, Alan David
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Pineal gland , Cythochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4279 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002005 , Pineal gland
- Description: An attempt was made to use the pineal gland as a model for the study of the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents. Two drugs were investigated, viz. alpha-methyldopa and ephedrine whose mode of action is not entirely clear. Organ cultures of pineal glands from rats treated chronically with alpha-methyldopa showed enhanced conversion of radioactive serotonin to melatonin (aMT) , as well as its precursor Nacetylserotonin (aHT). This treatment was also found to raise Nacetyltransferase (NAT) activity. These increases associated with alpha-methyldopa treatment were further enhanced by the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-receptor. A subsequent binding study, however, showed a decrease in beta-receptor binding with exposure to alpha-methyldopa, providing mitigating evidence against the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that a metabolite of alpha-methyldopa acts as an alpha 1 and beta-adrenergic agonist, resulting in greater melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) synthesis than by a beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. Combined treatment of pineals with alpha-methyldopa and an alphareceptor blocker, phentolamine, resulted in melatonin (aMT) , Nacetylserotonin (aHT) , and N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels which were lower than those obtained with alpha-methyldopa treatment alone, thus confirming the alpha-adrenergic activity of the metabolite of alpha-methyldopa. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured simultaneously in the organ culture experiments. Organ cultures of rat pineal glands treated with ephedrine showed raised levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT). Treatment with ephedrine also produced raised N-acetyltransferase activity. A further enhancement of these parameters was induced by norepinephrine, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Rats were treated with reserpine (a norepinephrine depleter) and the pineals exposed to ephedrine. Endogenous norepinephrine normally released by the action of ephedrine was thus absent, and under these conditions, levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) were reduced. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity was also reduced, but maintained levels pointing to substantial adrenergic activity of ephedrine as well as norepinephrine released by virtue of the drug's action. A subsequent binding study showed a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor binding with exposure to ephedrine and a further decrease in ephedrine treated pineals from reserpine treated rats, thus ruling out the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that both ephedrine and released norepinephrine have alpha- and beta-receptor activity. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured in the organ culture experiments. A 16-hour time profile of the production of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) with norepinephrine and ephedrine treatment provided useful information regarding the course of action of the two agents. A pineal cell-culture system was developed and exposed to ephedrine and norepinephrine. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels measured after exposure to these agents were raised, confirming the adrenergic activity of both in the model. Finally, an HPLC system coupled to a UV detector was used in an attempt to measure melatonin (aMT) extracted from pineal organ culture media. The results showed that melatonin could be measured by this method, however, a more sensitive detection system was recommended for future work
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
The precambrian iron-formations in the Limpopo belt as represented by the magnetite quartzite deposits at Moonlight, Koedoesrand area, Northern Transvaal
- Authors: Badenhorst, Jaco Cornelis
- Date: 1991 , 2013-02-20
- Subjects: Iron ores -- Geology -- South Africa , Quartzite -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013309
- Description: This dissertation is based largely on data that was accumulated during the execution of an exploration program by Iscor Ltd in the Northern Transvaal. The program included geological mapping, geophysical surveys and drilling, on Precambrian iron-formations in the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt. The structure, stratigraphy, metamorphism, and economic importance of the magnetite quartzites and associated lithologies of the Moonlight prospect are discussed. The lithologies underlying the Moonlight prospect area consist of various pink- and grey-banded gneisses and pink granulite, together with a variety of metasedimentary supracrustal rock-types and concordant serpentinite bodies. The gneissic rock-types consist of chlorite-quartz-feldspar gneiss, chlorite-quartz-feldspar augen gneiss, hornblende-quartz-feldspar gneiss, biotite-quartz-feldspar gneiss, felsic and mafic granulite, and foliated amphibolite. The metasedimentary lithologies are represented by calc-silicates and marble, white quartz-feldspar granulite, magnetite quartzite, metaquartzite and garnet-bearing granulite and gneiss (metapelites). The concordant ultramafic bodies consist of serpentinite with lesser amphibolite, dunite, and chromitite. Intrusive pegmatites and diabase dykes are also present in the prospect area. Metamorphism reached granulite-facies, and more than one retrqgrade metamorphic event is recognized . Amphibolite-facies assemblages are present, but it is uncertain whether they represent another retrograde event . Polyphase deformation has produced intense and complex folding , resulting in irregular magnetite quartzite orebodies. The high metamorphic grades have resulted in medium- grained recrystallization of the magnetite-quartzites with a loss of prominent banding often associated with these rock-types . The magnetite quartzite occurs as three seperate but related ore zones, consisting of one or more ore-bands seperated by other lithologies. All three zones form poor outcrops and suboutcrops in a generally flat lying and sand covered area. · Although representing a low-grade iron ore (32% total Fe), the magnetite quartzite deposits at Moonlight are regarded as potentially viable due to the large opencast tonnages available at low stripping ratios, and the relatively cheap and easy beneficiation process needed to produce a magnetite concentrate with 69-70% total Fe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Badenhorst, Jaco Cornelis
- Date: 1991 , 2013-02-20
- Subjects: Iron ores -- Geology -- South Africa , Quartzite -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5064 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013309
- Description: This dissertation is based largely on data that was accumulated during the execution of an exploration program by Iscor Ltd in the Northern Transvaal. The program included geological mapping, geophysical surveys and drilling, on Precambrian iron-formations in the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt. The structure, stratigraphy, metamorphism, and economic importance of the magnetite quartzites and associated lithologies of the Moonlight prospect are discussed. The lithologies underlying the Moonlight prospect area consist of various pink- and grey-banded gneisses and pink granulite, together with a variety of metasedimentary supracrustal rock-types and concordant serpentinite bodies. The gneissic rock-types consist of chlorite-quartz-feldspar gneiss, chlorite-quartz-feldspar augen gneiss, hornblende-quartz-feldspar gneiss, biotite-quartz-feldspar gneiss, felsic and mafic granulite, and foliated amphibolite. The metasedimentary lithologies are represented by calc-silicates and marble, white quartz-feldspar granulite, magnetite quartzite, metaquartzite and garnet-bearing granulite and gneiss (metapelites). The concordant ultramafic bodies consist of serpentinite with lesser amphibolite, dunite, and chromitite. Intrusive pegmatites and diabase dykes are also present in the prospect area. Metamorphism reached granulite-facies, and more than one retrqgrade metamorphic event is recognized . Amphibolite-facies assemblages are present, but it is uncertain whether they represent another retrograde event . Polyphase deformation has produced intense and complex folding , resulting in irregular magnetite quartzite orebodies. The high metamorphic grades have resulted in medium- grained recrystallization of the magnetite-quartzites with a loss of prominent banding often associated with these rock-types . The magnetite quartzite occurs as three seperate but related ore zones, consisting of one or more ore-bands seperated by other lithologies. All three zones form poor outcrops and suboutcrops in a generally flat lying and sand covered area. · Although representing a low-grade iron ore (32% total Fe), the magnetite quartzite deposits at Moonlight are regarded as potentially viable due to the large opencast tonnages available at low stripping ratios, and the relatively cheap and easy beneficiation process needed to produce a magnetite concentrate with 69-70% total Fe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
The Springfontein prospect : a case study of a tertiary age epithermal hot spring deposit in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nichols, Richard Lionel
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Hot springs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012963
- Description: The Springfontein Prospect is a Tertiary aged epithermal Hot Spring deposit that was investigated for precious metal mineralisation. It is located some 14 kilometres due west of East London (Cape Province), within Beaufort Group sediments and Karoo dolerite. Prior to the work described in this case study, the location was known for it's abundant plant fossils and barite mineralisation. A gossan sample collected near the main barite vein returned 1,07 g/t Au and 26,6 g/t Ag. Remote sensing studies of the site revealed a set of north-south lineaments paralleling the barite vein system. Geophysical surveys confirmed this orientation and revealed an extensive alteration system underlying the prominent sinter terrace. A detailed soil geochemical survey returned elevated values in the classical epithermal gold mineralisation element suite (Rg, Tl, As, Bi, Sb, Te, Mo, Ba and Pb - Bonham, 1986). Trenching of geochemical anomalies revealed zones of intense argillic alteration and vein stockworks). Four percussion and three diamond drill holes intersected a 'feeder-fissure' system of veins, alteration and brecciation, but failed to repeat gold levels seen at surface. Mineralogical and petrographic studies of the cores determined temperatures of formation of important indicator minerals (e.g. adularia and zeolites). Litho-geochemical work revealed mercury (and thallium) to be most elevated in the feeder systems. Stratigraphic and paleontological observations determined that the Springfontein Tertiary deposit was clearly different to the other siliceous (silcrete) units that crop out in the Eastern Cape region. A number of distinguished visitors to the prospect, with epithermal deposit experience, confirmed that the characteristics and dimensions of the system is within those of mineralised deposits elsewhere. A brief review of current epithermal models are presented. The conceptual geological model for the Springfontein prospect evolved through the exploration programme. The final consensus is that it best fits Bonham's (1986) alkalic model and the Tertiary epithermal event was sustained by rifting associated with the break-up of Gondwanaland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Nichols, Richard Lionel
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Hot springs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012963
- Description: The Springfontein Prospect is a Tertiary aged epithermal Hot Spring deposit that was investigated for precious metal mineralisation. It is located some 14 kilometres due west of East London (Cape Province), within Beaufort Group sediments and Karoo dolerite. Prior to the work described in this case study, the location was known for it's abundant plant fossils and barite mineralisation. A gossan sample collected near the main barite vein returned 1,07 g/t Au and 26,6 g/t Ag. Remote sensing studies of the site revealed a set of north-south lineaments paralleling the barite vein system. Geophysical surveys confirmed this orientation and revealed an extensive alteration system underlying the prominent sinter terrace. A detailed soil geochemical survey returned elevated values in the classical epithermal gold mineralisation element suite (Rg, Tl, As, Bi, Sb, Te, Mo, Ba and Pb - Bonham, 1986). Trenching of geochemical anomalies revealed zones of intense argillic alteration and vein stockworks). Four percussion and three diamond drill holes intersected a 'feeder-fissure' system of veins, alteration and brecciation, but failed to repeat gold levels seen at surface. Mineralogical and petrographic studies of the cores determined temperatures of formation of important indicator minerals (e.g. adularia and zeolites). Litho-geochemical work revealed mercury (and thallium) to be most elevated in the feeder systems. Stratigraphic and paleontological observations determined that the Springfontein Tertiary deposit was clearly different to the other siliceous (silcrete) units that crop out in the Eastern Cape region. A number of distinguished visitors to the prospect, with epithermal deposit experience, confirmed that the characteristics and dimensions of the system is within those of mineralised deposits elsewhere. A brief review of current epithermal models are presented. The conceptual geological model for the Springfontein prospect evolved through the exploration programme. The final consensus is that it best fits Bonham's (1986) alkalic model and the Tertiary epithermal event was sustained by rifting associated with the break-up of Gondwanaland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
The synthesis of sound with application in a MIDI environment
- Authors: Kesterton, Anthony James
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Computer sound processing -- Research , Music -- Data processing -- Research , MIDI (Standard)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4678 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006701 , Computer sound processing -- Research , Music -- Data processing -- Research , MIDI (Standard)
- Description: The wide range of options for experimentation with the synthesis of sound are usually expensive, difficult to obtain, or limit the experimenter. The work described in this thesis shows how the IBM PC and software can be combined to provide a suitable platform for experimentation with different synthesis techniques. This platform is based on the PC, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and a musical instrument called a digital sampler. The fundamental concepts of sound are described, with reference to digital sound reproduction. A number of synthesis techniques are described. These are evaluated according to the criteria of generality, efficiency and control. The techniques discussed are additive synthesis, frequency modulation synthesis, subtractive synthesis, granular synthesis, resynthesis, wavetable synthesis, and sampling. Spiral synthesis, physical modelling, waveshaping and spectral interpolation are discussed briefly. The Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a standard method of connecting digital musical instruments together. It is the MIDI standard and equipment conforming to that standard that makes this implementation of synthesis techniques possible. As a demonstration of the PC platform, additive synthesis, frequency modulation synthesis, granular synthesis and spiral synthesis have been implemented in software. A PC equipped with a MIDI interface card is used to perform the synthesis. The MIDI protocol is used to transmit the resultant sound to a digital sampler. The INMOS transputer is used as an accelerator, as the calculation of a waveform using software is a computational intensive process. It is concluded that sound synthesis can be performed successfully using a PC and the appropriate software, and utilizing the facilities provided by a MIDI environment including a digital sampler.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Kesterton, Anthony James
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Computer sound processing -- Research , Music -- Data processing -- Research , MIDI (Standard)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4678 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006701 , Computer sound processing -- Research , Music -- Data processing -- Research , MIDI (Standard)
- Description: The wide range of options for experimentation with the synthesis of sound are usually expensive, difficult to obtain, or limit the experimenter. The work described in this thesis shows how the IBM PC and software can be combined to provide a suitable platform for experimentation with different synthesis techniques. This platform is based on the PC, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and a musical instrument called a digital sampler. The fundamental concepts of sound are described, with reference to digital sound reproduction. A number of synthesis techniques are described. These are evaluated according to the criteria of generality, efficiency and control. The techniques discussed are additive synthesis, frequency modulation synthesis, subtractive synthesis, granular synthesis, resynthesis, wavetable synthesis, and sampling. Spiral synthesis, physical modelling, waveshaping and spectral interpolation are discussed briefly. The Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a standard method of connecting digital musical instruments together. It is the MIDI standard and equipment conforming to that standard that makes this implementation of synthesis techniques possible. As a demonstration of the PC platform, additive synthesis, frequency modulation synthesis, granular synthesis and spiral synthesis have been implemented in software. A PC equipped with a MIDI interface card is used to perform the synthesis. The MIDI protocol is used to transmit the resultant sound to a digital sampler. The INMOS transputer is used as an accelerator, as the calculation of a waveform using software is a computational intensive process. It is concluded that sound synthesis can be performed successfully using a PC and the appropriate software, and utilizing the facilities provided by a MIDI environment including a digital sampler.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991